Noob “Fanfic Writer”

29/She/Her, Please support #BRING VALKO BACK!!!, IN HIATUS

[diamonrot]

Masterlist

Love and Deepspace:

Rafayel:

The Sea God and his Prophet (Multi-Part, HIATUS) As the prophet of the God of Time, Orra, you were destined to live and die as his humble follower. Your preordained death ticked ever closer and you accepted your circumstances. However, what happens when your former childhood best friend and Lemuria's Sea God Rafayel must stay in your temple with you for 90 days? Does your relationship have a chance, or are you both destined for doom?

Part 1 / Part 2 / Part 3 / Part 4 / Part 5 / Part 6 / Part 7

Headcannons:

Rafayel’s Idol Survival Show Contestant Profile

One-Shot:

I'm Jealous of MC! (Rafayel's Version)

Coming Home: Part 1 Part 2

Zayne:

Headcannons:

Zayne’s Idol Survival Show Contestant Profile

One-Shot:

Goodbye

Glimpses of Grief

I’m jealous of MC! (Zayne's Version)

Awkward First Meeting (Zayne Version)

Xavier:

Headcannons:

Xavier’s Idol Survival Show Contestant Profile

One-Shot:

I'm Jealous of MC! (Xavier's Version)

Sylus:

Headcannons:

Sylus’s Idol Survival Show Contestant Profile

One-Shot:

I'm Jealous of MC! (Sylus' Version)

Caleb:

Headcannons:

Caleb’s Idol Survival Show Contestant Profile

One-Shot:

I'm Jealous of MC! (Caleb's Version Pt.1)/ Ending 1 / Ending 2

Who's that Guy?! (Caleb's Version)

Waiting

Caleb Reacting to you having a Tattoo Symbolizing Him

Valko:

One Shot:

I Don't Want to Say Good-Bye

---

General:

How would LADS Guys React when you Crash Out over a Gacha Game

Oh no! Evol shenanigans caused the LIs to become children!

Oh no! Evol Shenanigans turned you into a Kid! How do LIs react? (Pt. 1: Sylus & Zayne)

Oh no! Evol Shenanigans turned you into a Kid! How do LIs react? (Pt. 2: Caleb, Rafayel & Xavier)

Yandere!LADS AU:

Yandere LADS Pt. 1 (Sylus, Caleb, Zayne)

Yandere LADS Pt. 2 (Rafayel & Xavier)

How they Fell in Love with You Pt.1 (Sylus, Caleb & Zayne)

How they Fell in Love with You Pt.2 (Rafayel & Xavier)

If you have any writing requests, please leave it in the replies, and/or in my asks!

[diamonrot]

Hi All!

I’ll be straight up honest, not seeing Valko in the new update was soul crushing. I knew I shouldn’t have been too optimistic, but I just had so much hope. Also, what made it worst was seeing no response from Infold to the global fans while they made changes to the game without communicating with their fanbase (not even fixing the real issues with the game).

For me, Infold ignoring the outcry has been beyond insulting. I understand there may be things behind the scenes that we don’t know that is forcing their silence, but not even acknowledging our response is insane!

Day after day since Valko’s cancellation, it has been getting more clear to me that this company doesn’t care about their global fanbase. They would rather appease toxic racist players versus a majority of their global fanbase. I’m disgusted and incredibly disappointed. As things are now, I can no longer support this shit show of a game.

I refuse to play Love and Deepshit until they prove they truly care about us, their developers, characters and story. To me, that would be bringing Valko back.

Anyways, this means besides not playing Love and Deepspace, I’ll also be taking a step back and minimizing my involvement in the fandom, because seeing posts about Valko and what could have been is too painful.

Thank you everyone who supported my works and really gave me a sense of belonging in this fandom. I still hope the best for all of us!

[diamonrot]

Hello everyone,

Honestly, the news about Valko being cancelled has wrecked me. I've been in love with LADs for 2+ years. I played it every single day since it debuted, constantly grinded for resources, supported all events and releases, spent my well earned money on it, and spent hours creating art and fanfiction. Essentially, this game was my identity.

Still, I always knew the game had many flaws, one of them being their treatment of Global players, especially their POC hunters. However, I thought that push comes to shove, Infold would still respect their global fanbase, and the story and characters they crafted. Yesterday, I was proven completely wrong.

Instead of punishing the toxic and racist players, they punished the Global fanbase by getting rid of Valko, ignoring our mostly overwhelming excitement for his arrival. Additionally, they didn't only screw over Valko, they also screwed over their story, their characters, their fanbase and all the amazing creatives that developed him.

I am absolutely crushed and unless they backtrack, I no longer have any faith in Infold. That is why I decided, for now, to delete the game and no longer follow and support their social media presence. I am done, unless they are willing to take real accountability (which with their current actions, doesn't seem will ever be the case).

Now, this puts me in an awkward position with this blog and my art blog. Both were mainly focused on LADS and I still love the characters, but making works for them will be more difficult. I am still processing everything and I don't really know what to do now.

What do you guys think?

I'm thinking of doing the following options:

To keep writing/drawing the boys (including Valko) even if they end up a bit OOC.

Transition this blog to write more original works.

Keep my old blogs untouched, but move on to writing more original works to a new one.

Burn down Infold (JOKING)

Anyways, if you guys have any advice, let me know. For now, I will like to thank all 645 of you for supporting my works.

Also, support #Bring Back Valko if you can.

Below are links to two petitions you can sign:

Petition · Bring Valko Back! - United States · Change.org

Restore Valko as a Love Interest in Love and Deepspace

Stay safe everyone!

[diamonrot]

I Don't Want to Say Good-Bye 

You immediately noticed a shift in Valko's attitude. Usually, he was loud, playful, and grabbing you each second to cuddle and rub his head on you. However, tonight, he was more pensive, quieter, and distant. Currently, you couldn't see his wolf ears and tail, but you were sure they would have both been unmoving and downwards. 

"Are you alright Valko?" You asked, lying next to him on your shared bed. 

"Of course, Shorts. I'm just tired." He replied with his back turned to you. You gulped. His answer didn't satisfy you. You had been by his side through a lot of terrible things, from dealing with Ever, attacks on him and his clan, disagreements between the two of you and everything in between. However, unlike those other times, now he seemed to be building a wall between the both of you. 

"Okay, but-" You inched closer to him. "If you want to talk, I'm here for you. You know that right, Valko?" 

"Thanks Y/N." You crept closer and reached towards him to wrap your arms around his waist, but the instant he felt your touch, he pulled away, dodging you. "Sorry Y/N." He utters. "Not tonight, okay?"  

You only nodded your head before turning away from him. Your eyes getting misty.  

What was happening?  

Anxiety began to bubble, making it impossible to sleep. Your mind replayed every moment between the two of you. What could possibly be wrong? A few times during the night, you returned to your original position to study the man's broad back. Staring intently as though his muscles could answer all your concerns. Unfortunately, they revealed nothing. You continued to watch and his breathing seemed steady, but it didn't confirm whether he was actually sleeping or faking. You tried whispering his name, but there was never a response. So, either he was really out cold or ignoring you. 

After a few hours, your worries exhausted you, and you found your bedroom fading into pitch darkness. You had fallen asleep. Sadly, even in your dreams, there was no solace. In your nightmares, you and Valko stood side by side while being surrounded by ghoulish figures. They sneered, mocking both of you as they swiped their hideous claws in your direction. You were suffering a few cuts, but when your gaze returned to your partner, you realized he had taken the blunt of it. His body covered in long, bleeding lacerations. You reached for his hand, but he pulled it away from you.  

"I'm sorry. I have to do this on my own." Then, after a soft warmth, like a pair of lips pressing on your forehead bloomed and a blink, he had completely disappeared. Taking your enemies away with him. Abandoning you in an empty dark void. 

"Valko? VALKO!" 

You jumped up, breathing heavily and panicking. You quickly rotated to him, needed to see him, to ensure everything was alright, but instead of seeing his large form, all that was left was his imprint on his side of the bed. You leaped out of your bedroom and ran to the door, worried he had disappeared like in your dream. When you made it to your entrance, you were hit with the view of Valko's back again. He was facing the door with a small luggage in his hand. He was abandoning you. 

"What's going on, Valko? Why are you leaving? When are you coming back?" He gravely sighed.  

"I'm not coming back. I'm sorry, Y/N. I left a letter on the kitchen counter that explains everything. I need to leave now." 

"I know you aren't a coward, Valko. Say it to my face! If you don't love me then just say it!" He abruptly turned to you, you could see his golden eyes watering, as he bit his bottom lip. He was trying his hardest not to cry in front of you. 

"This isn't about you Y/N. You're perfect and I love you but-" 

"Then why are you leaving me then!" 

"Because everyone is right about me!" You froze, confused.  

"What do you mean everyone?" 

"Everyone around us! They all say the same thing, that I'm dangerous, that I will only hurt you in the end. I love you too much Y/N to risk that because if I ever hurt you." Valko paused; his breathing quivered before taking a deep breath and continuing.  "I wouldn't be able to live with myself." 

"But Valko, you leaving is already hurting me! I love you; don't you see that!" 

"Sometimes, love isn't enough." He turned his back on you once more, his large hand already at your door handle ready to go, but he froze when you began to shout more. 

"Fine, you can leave Valko, but I will never forget you or stop searching for you! I don't care if you push me away, or if I get hurt. You're the one I want!" You could hear the man who dwarfed you sniffling as his trembling hand rattled the doorknob. 

"Y/N, I know you can move on without me. There are other men practically waiting for me to exit to be with you. And I know in my heart that they will be significantly better for you than me-" 

"I don't care about the other men! All I want is you and I won't give you up. I don't care what anyone else says. If I have to fight for us, I will. So Please Valko, don't give up on us. Please." 

You held your breath, unsure if he would leave you forever. 

"I'm sorry Y/N." Tears began to cascade down your cheeks. You expected to hear the creak of your door, but instead Valko tackled you into a tight bear hug. You could feel his tears falling on the top of your hair as he nuzzled you. "You're right, I was a coward. But are you sure? Am I really worth all this trouble?" You pecked his neck and nuzzled his chest. 

"You are to me."

---

Thank you for reading! This was honestly my way of coping with the heartbreaking news of Valko being cancelled. If you enjoyed the one-shot and love Valko, please consider supporting #Bring Valko Back.

Below are links to two petitions you can sign:

Petition · Bring Valko Back! - United States · Change.org

Restore Valko as a Love Interest in Love and Deepspace

Take Care!

[diamonrot]

Caleb Reacting to you having a Tattoo Symbolizing Him 

When Caleb asked you to work out, you didn’t think you had much to be anxious about until you looked at yourself in the mirror. Staring at your reflection, it wasn’t your appearance you were worried about. Dressed in your matching sports bra and leggings, you knew you looked incredible. Your real concern was with your left rib, or the tattoo on your left rib. Covering the spot was Caleb’s name, with metal wrapped in vines, lotus flowers in the background and his "death" date right below all of it.  

When you originally got the tattoo, you weren’t ashamed of it. If anything, you were proud. To everyone else, it was a tattoo to commemorate your “brother” and your childhood best friend. To you, it was to remember a man who had been your rock, your home, and the one who was destined to always be by your side, but who’s fate was unjustly cut from yours. The tattoo was the only way your grief-stricken mind could think of to keep a part of him with you for the rest of your life. At the time, it was an appropriate expression of your love to a man you lost.  

However, now that Caleb has “returned from the dead” and you both were in this strange limbo, a new fear sunk in. What if this tattoo ruined everything you both built? Wouldn’t anyone be freaked out having their name printed on another person’s body? For many, this symbol of affection was too intense, especially with you both being “platonic”. You sighed before grabbing a loose white shirt. Maybe in the future you could show him, but for now, your focus was to not lose Caleb again. 

--- 

The moment you entered the gym, Caleb beamed like a puppy excited about his owner’s return. You swore you could see a tail wagging behind him.  

“Caleb hi!” 

As you skipped towards him, his shining violet eyes and large grin invited you closer, making your face heat up. As you approached the tall man, you tried to calm yourself down. Harshly reminding yourself that you were his best friend. His excitement from seeing you was normal and it didn't mean he felt the same as you.

“Pipsqueak.” He greeted before giving you a tight hug, then pulling you off too quickly and looking at you up and down. “You look great! Now, what do you want to do first?” A dorky smile grew on your face from his compliment. 

Why did he have to bombard you with all this? You just got here and you’re already out of breath and sweating! 

“I usually start with weights first, then cardio.” 

“Sounds great Pips! I’ll follow your lead.” 

--- 

The torture didn’t stop after you both started working out. If anything, it got worse. Machine after machine, you and Caleb would take turns. On each exercise equipment, you always started first with Caleb spotting you. With each rep, Caleb couldn’t keep his mouth shut. Through each one, he would spout out affirmations: 

“You’re doing amazing Y/N.” 

“Keep going like that!” 

“Fantastic form~” 

“You’re so strong!” 

The worst being: 

 “Good girl.” 

WHY???!!! 

You hated to admit it, but his words were starting to hit your core more than they should have. This was a terrible sign of two embarrassing truths: 1. You were repressed 2. Down bad for this man.  

So, after the first machine, when your turn ended, you were relieved. You thought when the roles switched, it would be a lot easier, but you were dead wrong. Caleb had always been fit and a looker, but since becoming colonel, his form had only gotten larger with his muscles being more defined. It was hard to ignore how amazing he appeared, especially as he flexed while lifting weights. Your mouth watered as you watched his sweat cascade against the edges of his toned body. His figure shined underneath the gym’s luminescent lights. He looked celestial. 

This is so unfair! 

He was too breathtaking and irresistible that shameful and thirsty intrusive thoughts started to invade your mind. You tried to shake them off, to stop them from crowding your head, but they kept creeping in. You chastised yourself more. You shouldn’t be thinking like this, not about your "brother"! 

After an hour of testing your self-control, you found the only way to stop the thoughts was to focus on anything, but the man in front of you. This meant, a majority of the workout, you were staring at the background. You knew you looked silly, especially not being able to look at your workout partner even as he spoke, but if you could get away with it, you would both make it out unscathed. Unfortunately, Caleb was observant as always. 

“Earth to Pips?” You shook out of your stupor and focused back on Caleb’s concerned amethyst eyes. “You seem out of it?” You reactively gulped. You couldn’t just admit that your infatuation with him was why you couldn’t focus, so you lied: 

“Sorry, didn’t have a lot of sleep last night.” Caleb lifted the barbell back onto the rest and sat up from the bench. 

“Pips, you should have told me. We could have pushed our workout to a different day.”  

“Are you kidding and miss hanging around you. Never!” You tried to laugh it off, but despite the smile on his face, you could see his eyes darting around you. You could tell he was doing what he always had, he was studying you, trying to find any sign of illness or hurt to save you from. After his observation, and seemingly having not found anything, he sighed and got up.  

“Well, we can still hang out, but you shouldn’t be pushing yourself if you aren’t feeling well. I’m all good with finishing our workout here.” You knew it was better overall if you agreed, but your stubbornness snuck in. You crossed your arms. 

“I’m fine Caleb, you don’t have to baby me. I can keep working out.” Caleb sized you up before copying your stance. 

“Uh-huh suure Pips. That’s why you're completely drenched in sweat.” You looked down at yourself and as he said, you were sweaty. You hadn’t realized how much until seeing your translucent white shirt. Your cheeks burned up. 

“Well, of course I would be sweaty, we’re working out! Doesn’t mean I can’t continue.” Your best friend rolled his eyes. 

“Pips, come on.” He poked your left side. “You couldn’t even shower properly. You still have dirt on your side". You gasped. 

“What are you talking about! I scrub my skin clean, there’s no-” Your gaze returned to your body, trying to find the “dirt” he was talking about, until your eyes landed on your now visible tattoo. 

Oh Oh! 

“Oh oops!” You squealed, jumping away from him while covering your tattoo with your hand. “Clumsy me!”  

“Here, lift up your shirt. I’ll wipe it off with a towel.” 

“No! I’m all good, I can do it!” Caleb’s brows scrunched. His gaze returned back to the tattoo’s spot. 

“No need to be shy Pips. Unless it's not dirt.” He squinted his eyes, staring more intensely at you. 

“No, it is! I’ll just go to the locker room, and we can go get dinner.” You turned to retreat, but Caleb grabbed your wrist. 

“Wait! Pips, is that a tattoo?!” 

“NOO!” Caleb smirked. 

“Pips, we aren’t kids. I’m not going to get mad because you got a tattoo. Though I do need to see it.” 

“No!” 

“No why?” 

“It’s just a small lame thing, just forget about it!” You tried to pull your arm away, but his grip was too firm. 

“Why are you so nervous to show me? Come on, I won’t laugh, a lot.” 

“Caleb come on!”  

“Why, is it embarrassing?” He paused for a moment before his eyes darkened. “You didn’t get a tattoo for a guy you like did you?” 

“No! Can you just drop it!” Caleb’s eyes widened, before raising his hand in defeat. 

“Okay, I won’t force you, but I want you to know, you don’t need to hide anything from me.” He let go of your wrist and patted your shoulder.  

“Maybe someday. For now, can we leave the gym? I really want to get out of these sweaty clothes.” 

“Sure, Pips.” 

--- 

After your awkward rejection, you both returned to your apartment in silence. 

“Grab a seat Y/N, I’ll prepare supper.” 

“Alright.” 

You sat at the dining table and watched Caleb prepare both your meals. As the man glided around your kitchen, he barely spoke. He seemed discouraged. You pressed your lips together and sighed. The man was taking your refusal harder than you thought. You didn’t want Caleb to think you didn’t trust him, but how would he react? After ruminating the pros and cons, you decided it was better to be honest and avoid your tattoo becoming a sore spot between the two of you. 

“Caleb?” The man turned to you. 

“Yes Pips?” 

“I’ll show you my tattoo.” His original cheer returned as he turned off the stove and approached you. “But you have to promise not to freak out!” 

“Why would I freak out? It’s not for another guy, is it?” You groaned. 

“I already told you no! It’s not for anyone else.” You lifted your shirt just enough to show the tattoo on your left rib. 

“Oh my god.” Caleb whispered as he focused on his own name inked onto your skin. “Did you tattoo my name on your rib?” You blushed and nodded. 

“Yes, but in my defense, I only got it when I thought you died!” 

“No defense is needed Pips. It’s sweet that you did this for me.” 

“Really? It doesn’t freak you out?”  

“Of course, not.” Caleb paused before quietly asking. “Can I touch it?” You swallowed the saliva in your mouth before nodding your head up and down. “Thank you.” Gingerly, he pressed his fingertips on your ribs, tracing his name. The feel of his touch made you shiver and inadvertently, a pleased sigh escaped from your lips. “It’s beautiful. Though, I’m curious. Why did you pick to put it on your ribs. Wasn’t it painful?” 

“It was, but it had to be there.” 

“Why?” You stared deeply into the man’s cosmos colored eyes. 

“I know this is going to sound cheesy, but I always felt connected to you. Like we came from the same source, the same flesh. So, I was inspired by the biblical story of Adam and Eve. Since you were like my Adam, of course I would commemorate you on the ribs that would have belonged to you.” 

“And why the metal, vines and lotus flowers?” Your lips curved up. His interest was a good sign. 

“The metal and vines are supposed to represent us. To show that despite our differences, we were always intertwined. Though, I wish I had a symbolic reason for the lotus flowers, but I just thought they were pretty.” 

“Wow Pips, I don’t know what to say.” 

“You don’t have to say anything. I just hope this doesn’t make things weird between us. That was the only reason I didn’t share it with you before. I know having your name on someone else’s body can be intense.” 

“Pips, nothing you do will ever be too intense for me.” He grabbed your hand and held it in his larger one as he continued. “In fact, now I feel bad. It isn’t fair that your name isn’t on me as well.” 

“You don’t have to do that, Caleb. Honestly, I’m not sure if I would have ever done it if you hadn’t “died”. Besides, what if someone comes into your life that’s more important than me. How would you explain your tattoo to them?” Caleb grimaced at the mention of another person. 

“Y/N, I promise you, there will never be anyone more important to me than you.” 

“Caleb, you can’t guarantee that. Anything can happen; I don’t want-”  

“There will never be anyone more important to me than you. That connection you feel, that’s how I feel too.” Caleb moved his hold from your hand to your wrist. “Please let me prove it to you.” As he begged, he guided your hand to his torso. “Where should I put your name Y/N?” He placed your hand on his right rib. “Being of the same source, shouldn’t we match? Or-” He placed your hand on his chest, where his heart lied. “Should I etch your name on top of my heart? I mean afterall-” Caleb put his hand on top of yours, your palm vibrating against the thrumming of his heart. You tried to breathe as he leaned down next to your ear, but you were left breathless. “It belongs to you, so shouldn’t it’s owner have her name on it.” 

“Wow, I think I would love that.” Caleb’s other hand rose, held your face and stroked your cheek. 

“I would love that too.” 

“Ooh! And can we also get matching tattoos as well! Maybe ring tattoos!” 

“Anything for you Pips.” 

Thank you for Reading! Who should I Write this Prompt for Next?

Sylus

Zayne

Rafayel

Xavier

NOO! I want my Yandere LADS first!!!

Can I Suggest Another Prompt??? (Message or Comment Below)

Voting ended onJun 25

[diamonrot]

Oh no! Evol Shenanigans turned you into a Kid! How do LIs react? (Pt. 2: Caleb, Rafayel & Xavier)

Caleb: 

Caleb’s subordinates stood bowed in front of him, staying still and quiet as their superior officer berated them. 

“I don’t know how you are all unable to find one single hunter. You are supposed to be my intelligence team. Yet you are telling me that this hunter is so elusive that a team of intelligence specialists are unable to track her down!” 

The group's leader stepped to the front, guarding his employees. 

“I apologize, Colonel. As you instructed, we have sifted through data from the Association, Ever, her devices and every security camera that might have caught her. However, no matter how much we look, there hasn’t been any trace of her since her last mission.” The leader bowed again, this time as low and reverently as he could. “I take full responsibility for my teams' failure and all I could do is apologize.” Caleb clicked his tongue. 

“I should get rid of all of you for your incompetence.” Low gasps can be heard from the group. “However, I have more pressing issues to deal with. Get out of sight now. I’ll think of proper punishment later.” Sullen, the group of subordinates, left the Colonel’s office, leaving Caleb to ruminate alone. 

Caleb sat back on his office chair, glaring at the ceiling. As dread loomed and tunneled itself into his skull, he couldn’t help, but question how this could have happened. He remembered the day you disappeared. It was ordinary. After he had spent the weekend blissfully at your place in Linkon, he unfortunately as always had to return to Skyhaven. So, early in the morning, before he left, he kissed your forehead goodbye at your doorstep.  

“Be safe Pips.” Was exactly what he said before leaving you behind. As a response, you followed your same script and scoffed. 

“I’ll be fine. My mission is routine anyway.” You assured him, with a toothy grin. He should have known better, but like a fool, he believed you. Now, his negligence cost him everything. You had been missing for a week. Nobody, not even the Association, your friends, your work partner, or your doctor knew where you were. He had used every resource he had, took days off to search for you in all your hiding spots and nothing. It was as though you vanished into thin air, and the longer you were gone, the more his sanity cracked. 

For the past week, he had been a mess. He could barely function, no matter how much he tried; he couldn’t sleep or eat properly. He was on the constant edge of despair. Is this how you felt when he “died”? Was this his punishment? Even now, he was restless. He tried to calm down, to think logically and take a few deep breaths, but it didn’t help. Instead, his heart was constantly crushed as your smiling face kept popping up in his head.  

He needed you, but you were nowhere to be seen and staring at the ceiling wasn’t helping. He leaned on his desk. His mind raced, trying to think of anything that could help. Suddenly, as his brain buzzed around, his monitor began to flash red, an emergency call. He groaned loudly, rubbing his temple before answering. It was from his private medical facility. 

“What?” He asked as he glared at the facility's director’s panicked face. 

“Sir, there’s been an unusual break-in, we need you to-.” 

“It’s none of my concern, as before, shoot all intruders.” 

“But sir we can’t.” 

“Why?” 

“It’s a child sir.” 

---  

As he entered the facility, the man he spoke to earlier met him and quickly bowed. 

“Sir Caleb, thank you for coming! I’ll escort you to the lab.” 

Caleb nodded in response as he marched inside. Meanwhile, the shorter director struggled to jog a bit ahead of him while continuing to speak to the impatient man. 

“Apologies, I wouldn’t have disturbed you sir, but the whole thing was so strange and-” 

“It’s fine, which lab is it?” 

“Lab 1.” Caleb turned sharply in the direction of the intrusion. How did a child find a way to break into a facility that he ensured was guarded in the dark. Frustratingly, the only reasonable explanation was that the child must have gotten help from the inside. Which means, whoever helped must be dealt with. 

The Colonel sighed at the prospect as he approached the lab. This was going to add work for him and in the worst time too, when he should be focused on finding you. Caleb was lamenting when suddenly his thoughts were interrupted by desperate and high-pitched screams echoing around him. The closer he was to the lab, the clearer they became. It was evidently a child’s voice, but it irked him. The voice sounded too familiar, and it was making his heart race. It was a voice from his childhood, one that he hadn’t heard in years. Yet, it shouldn’t have been possible. Once he made it to the entryway of the lab, instead of rushing inside, he looked into the room from a window. 

Lab 1 was a large white room with a healing pod right in the center. He had assigned that pod to be used to heal one of Ever’s guinea pigs. A young boy who was experimented with because of his unique evol, like himself and you when you were kids. However, unlike the two of you, the boy never escaped. Instead, after he was deemed useless, Caleb was ordered by Ever to dispose of the trash. Of course, Caleb refused. He faked his death and kept him in the healing pod to rehabilitate him. 

It should have been a simple recovery, but nothing ever was for him. He could see multiple scientists surrounding a disheveled little girl in a hospital gown. Yet, despite the researchers’ height and older age, they acted as though she was the hostage taker. None of them dared to approach. They were paralyzed as the child stood tall and held a pipe in her hand. Holding the weapon as though it was a sword, pointing it at the pod.  

“LET HIM GO NOW!” The girl screamed as tears streamed down her chubby cheeks. One of the doctors replied: 

“Miss, please we told you-” 

“NO, YOU’RE ALL LYING!” Her sobbing became more hysterical as her small frame shook. “GIVE ME BACK MY BROTHER! GIVE ME BACK MY CALEB!” Caleb’s heart immediately sank. He was right; it was you. His beloved that somehow turned back into a kid.  

“Miss, please-” 

“NO!” You yelled as you lifted the pipe towards the pod. “I WANT HIM BACK!” Before you could smash the machinery's glass, Caleb entered the room and froze you with his evol. Pining you down with a light amount of gravity. You tried to squirm around, but it was no use. You were trapped and your child-self didn’t like it at all. “LET ME GO!” Caleb shoved everyone out of the way until he was at the front. 

“Y/N.” You stilled at the mention of your name. Your wide eyes hurt his heart, and it wasn’t because of recognition; it was because they darkened with fear. 

“Please give him back.” You whimpered. Caleb sighed and approached you, trying to look as non-threatening as he could.  

“Y/N, it’s me. I’m your Caleb.” You narrowed your brows and curled your lips in disgust. 

“You’re lying. You’re a scary adult! You aren’t my Caleb; he’s in that pod!” Caleb sighed again. He knew you wouldn’t believe him, still; he knew how to get to you. 

He removed his coat and hat and discarded them on the ground. He knew that with the uniform on; you would only see a villain, the colonel. Then, to make you comfortable, he lowered himself to look directly into your eyes. 

“Y/N? Don’t you recognize me?" You looked him up and down skeptically. Though, despite still not trusting him, your expression softened. “Look at my hair, my eyes. I’m just older now.” For a second, you seemed to be lowering your defenses and showed a hint of recognition, but something spooked you. Whether it was doctor’s shifting eyes, the hiss from the pod, or something else, either way, it didn’t matter. Your glare returned. 

“You’re trying to trick me! But please! Please just let him go! You can take me instead, please.” Caleb’s eyes started to water. You were so innocent and self-sacrificial. All he wanted to do now was to protect you, but how could he when you didn’t trust him. He decreased the strength of his gravity, giving you the freedom to move a bit more. 

“I’m not trying to trick you, Y/N, but I’ll prove it to you.” He snapped his fingers at one of the doctors. “Open the pod and take the boy out.” A wobbly smile appeared on your face. You were grateful, thinking your tribulations were ending. 

“Thank you.” Caleb only nodded and released you from his evol’s grip. The moment you were free, you ran to the front of the pod as it opened.  

“CALEB!” You cried out, as steam exited from the pod. The body of an unconscious boy covered in wires, slowly descended out of the machine. Immediately, you ran to the boy, grabbing him and holding him in your arms before he fell to the ground. Tears fell on the boy’s cheeks as you cried, initially in relief, but as the fog disappeared and you looked closer at the child you were holding, you realized the painful truth. Looking at the frail blonde boy, you realized, he wasn’t your Caleb.  

Your body started to tremble again as you began to weep. “He isn’t my CALEB!!!” You wailed as you crumbled to the ground, still holding the stranger in your arms and staring at him. Hoping that he would somehow transfigure into your brother. “Where is Caleb? I WANT CALEB! I WANT MY BROTHER!” 

Slowly, your actual brother approached you. When he was in arm’s reach, he kneeled next to you again. He wanted to pull you into a hug as he always had when you cried, but he couldn’t risk hurting you further. 

“I know it’s hard to believe but-” You put the boy in your arms to the ground and turned to Caleb and tightly gripped his white dress shirt. 

“Mr. Please give him back!” You begged as you pulled his top and looked down at your knees. “Please please please give him back. I’ll go back to the lab. Just bring me back to him. I need Cay Cay.” Caleb couldn’t resist any longer. He pulled you into an embrace as his own tears fell on your torn hospital gown.  

“It’s me, Pipsqueak. I swear it’s me.” He removed you from his hold, putting you in front of him. “Please look at me, Y/N.” You looked up at him with watery eyes and as you did, a glimmer returned to your gaze. 

“How?” 

“I don’t know, but I’m here Y/N. Don’t you recognize me?” He knew you were starting to, but he still had to prove himself. 

“I’ll show you. Hold my hand Y/N, let’s resonate.”  

“Ok.” 

Your hand shook as you reached out to him. His lips curved up before delicately holding your hand in his much larger ones. It took a moment to resonate, but a light began to glow between your intertwined hands. Caleb sighed in relief. Despite everything, he hadn’t lost his connection to you. As you both resonated, gravity was lost in the room and everything, including you two, all the doctors, the boy and the equipment began to float in the air.  

While the doctors all panicked and squealed, you and Caleb floated blissfully. A large grin returned to your face. You felt his comforted Evol coursing in your body. It was him, your brother. You pushed your body closer to him, flying in the air and hugging his waist. 

“Caycay! It’s you!!!” He ruffled your hair as gravity slowly returned, and everyone returned gently to the ground. 

“Of course it’s me Y/N. I promised you before. I’ll never leave your side.” 

--- 

After the whole commotion, Caleb took you back to his home in Skyhaven. When you first entered, you were hesitant. Your eyes shifted around, as though expecting a doctor with a scalpel to pop out of the shadows. 

Caleb patted your back, then walked ahead of you and started turning on all the lights. He remembered as a child, you were so used to the blinding light of labs that being in the dark petrified you. 

“You don’t have to be nervous, Mei Mei. I promise you are safe here.” You pouted as you continued to look around. 

“I know that, but is this our house?”  

“Yes!” His answer was technically a lie, since you haven’t officially moved in yet, but you didn’t need to know that. Initially, he thought you would be excited; you both always wanted to stay together, but you kept a frown on your face. “What’s wrong Pips?” 

“It’s so dark and boring!” Caleb laughed, though he did feel a tinge of guilt. He knew you were right. His place in Skyhaven had always been barely decorated and dull. It’s not that he hated decorating, but he just never truly considered this his home. His home was always where you chose to reside, and since you never moved in, he didn’t feel a need to fully furnish the place. It was only a place for him to take care of his basic needs before returning to you. 

“I know I’m sorry, but there is a room that I think you would love. It’s specifically for you.” Your toothy grin returned. 

“Really! I have my own room?!” 

“Yep, and adult you is the one who decorated it. Would you like to see?” 

“Yes please!!!” You followed close behind him, stepping on the back of his foot multiple times, as he led you to your room, the one directly next to his.     “Alright Pips, here it is.” Caleb opened your door and your eyes immediately widened with awe. Caleb couldn’t help, but smirk. He knew he hit the jackpot. Afterall, he remembered when you designed your room. It did take a bit, since you hated putting work on him, but after you relented, you chose to recreate the room you always dreamed of as a kid. It first started with your walls. Both of you painted your room with your favorite colors then accentuated it with matching furniture. For your bed, the whole thing was covered in all the plushies you won together at the arcades. Lastly, Caleb also made sure to procure all your favorite things. In your shelves were all your favorite books and favorite characters’ collectible statues, and the piece de resistance, was your desk that homed your beloved gaming pc with two large monitors and LED lights that had all the video games you wanted downloaded.  

As you looked around, you started to jump excitedly. 

“Can I play with all this Caleb!!!”  

“Of course, Pipsqueak! All of this belongs to you.”  

“YAYY!!!” You jumped into Caleb’s arms and held him as tightly as you could. Caleb swayed with you in his arms. Sure, he missed adult you a lot, but being reunited with the girl he grew up with was magical and exciting. However, he still hoped it wouldn’t be permanent. 

“Alright Pips, enjoy yourself. I need to finish up some work!” 

“Okay!” 

--- 

A few hours passed and Caleb was not in a good mood. Currently, he was stuck in a virtual meeting, dealing with a pounding headache, forced to listen to multiple Farspace Fleet higher-ups droning on and on. He wanted to be anywhere else. In fact, if he could, he would have been in your room watching you play. That would have been 1000x more interesting than this meeting, which could have been an email. 

“Are you listening Colonel Caleb.” A large, middle age and bald man harshly reprimanded. Instead of flinching, Caleb started to massage his forehead. 

“I’ve been listening, Colonel Jakob, however, what you have to say is redundant. My team is already aware of the foreign objects spotted in the Deepspace Tunnels. We are currently investigating it. So, I don’t know why you had to hold this meeting on a topic we already know. Do you have further information to add or are you just trying to seem useful.” 

“How dare you speak to me in such a rude tone young man-” 

“Well, I’m just stating the obvious. Everyone in this meeting is thinking it, but I’m the only one willing to give you the feedback you need.” Caleb knew he was correct, but seeing several officers nod their heads in agreement helped prove his point. “Now answer my question, did you find further information or not.” 

“No.” The older man answered gravely. 

“Then this has been a complete waste of time! Don’t bother calling another meeting unless you have more information. We aren’t here to stroke your ego Jakob.” 

“Caleb I’ll get you for-” 

“Farewell.” He hung up the call and groaned loudly. He was sick of having to deal with these men’s constant ego trips. It was annoying. He sighed one more time before he was about to return to his reports, when he saw your little head peeking outside his door. 

“Y/N.” He called gently, but his soft tone didn’t stop you from flinching and running away. The moment you were out of sight, he looked down, ashamed. He hadn’t meant to scare you, but he understood your reaction. He wasn’t the Caleb you grew up with; he was the Colonel, the monster he needed to become to protect you both. He cradled his head in his hand while reading his reports. Though, he could barely focus, his mind was too preoccupied thinking of what he should do after all this to make you trust him again. 

A few minutes passed, when small familiar footsteps returned. 

“Cay Cay?” He lifted his eyes from his projection to you. 

“Y/N, I am so sor-” Before he could apologize, he noticed a mug and cookies in your hands. “You should have told me if you were hungry. I can make you a meal if you want.” 

“It’s not for me.” On your tippy toes, you clumsily placed the mug of what looked like black coffee and cookies on his desk. Drops of coffee and cookie crumbs scattered on his desk. 

“For me?” 

“Yeah.” You nodded shyly. “You looked upset. I wanted to cheer you up.” Caleb’s eyes felt misty as a small smile grew on his face. Relief washed over him; he didn’t scare you. 

“Aww, thank you Pips.” He reached towards you to ruffle your hair when his eyes caught pink patches on your shaking right hand. “Pips, did you burn yourself while making the coffee.” You pouted. 

“A little, but I didn’t feel a thing.” Caleb immediately got up from his desk and lifted you up. 

“Pips, that’s not good, you have to be careful. Now, we need to put your hand in cool water.” You nodded as he carried you to the bathroom and started running the water from the sink on your burned hand. You stayed silent for the most part, until you looked up at his worried face. 

“I’m sorry, Caleb. I wanted to make you happy, but I ruined it.” Caleb chuckled before squeezing your cheeks. You hissed. 

“Pips, you still made me very happy, but you have to tell me if you’re hurt.” You squinted your eyes as your pout deepened. 

“You never tell me when you get hurt.” Caleb shrugged. 

“Well, I’m your big brother. It’s my job to take care of you.” 

“But I want to take care of you too. I’m you sister, it’s my job too.” 

“Okay Pips, you’re right. So, I’ll tell you when I’m hurt, but you have to as well okay?” 

“Okay.” 

Caleb smiled and ruffled your hair.  

“Thank you Pips. Now, I’m going to put ointment and a band-aid on your hand, alright.” You shook your head. Caleb rummaged his shelves before picking up a tube of ointment and a box of kid band aids (which he luckily had since your adult-self insisted you needed the cartoon animals to “heal” better). “Okay, Pips, I need you to let me know if you ever feel uncomfortable.” You nodded before he proceeded to open the tube and lightly applied the cream on your burn. Once the product was on your skin, he looked at your face to see if there was any reaction, but when there was none. Satisfied, he turned to the box of band aids.  

“You are doing great Y/N. Now this is the most important part, are you ready?” You gazed at him seriously and focused. 

“Yes.” 

“Okay.” He lifted the bandage box to your view. “Which animal do you want?” Your serious face morphed, holding a smile and a giggle. 

“Cat please.” 

“Will do!” Caleb rummaged the bandages, until he found a purple band-aid with orange tabby cats sprinkled around. “Here you go Y/N, now give me your hand.” 

You gingerly lifted your hand towards him as he delicately applied the band-aid and for good luck, pressed a small quick kiss on it. 

“Great job Y/N. I’m proud of you.” 

--- 

Once Caleb realized you were comfortable with him, he decided to take a few days off and made sure to give your kid-self a memorable time. So, after dinner (where he served your favorite dishes), he sat you down on the couch.  

“Ok, Y/N. I need your help with a new mission. It’s called Operation F.U.N, would you be able to assist me?” 

“Yes sir!” You chanted as you gave him a playful salute. 

“Alright, here is your first task.” Caleb grabbed a crayon and piece of paper and laid them on the coffee table. “I need you to write down everything you ever wanted to do! Then, we’ll do them!” 

“Really?” 

“Of course! But think hard. I don’t know how long we’ll have, so put what you want to do the most on top!” 

“Will do!” 

Hastily, you grabbed the piece of paper and crayon and started to squiggle away. As you wrote, your tongue stuck out as you were focusing. As you moved the crayon around vigorously, Caleb had an intense urge to squeeze your adorable cheeks but refrained. He couldn’t distract you. 

After a few minutes, with a proud smirk, you showed him your list that was all written in purple crayon. 

“Here you go!” You declared. Caleb took your list and chuckled. Beside your list, you had drawn doodles of cats and stickmen that resembled the two of you. Caleb absolutely loved it, though some of your choices were surprising. Your list went the following: 

Arcade! 

Buffet! 

Jump off Plane! 

Guns! 

“This isn’t what I expected Y/N.” You were starting to frown, but Caleb immediately corrected himself. “I don’t mean that in a bad way, but there are a few notes I have. Unfortunately, we cannot parachute or shoot guns, unless it’s toy guns.” 

You started to whine. 

“Why?! You asked me what I wanted to do.” 

“I did, but we can’t do anything dangerous. I promise that when you’re older, you’ll get to try more daring activities, but not now. Besides that, we can do everything else, is that okay?” You were still annoyed and crossed your arms but nodded in agreement. 

“Fine.” 

--- 

For your list, since there were only two items you can do, Caleb decided to do both on the same day. After dressing you up in the most adorable, comfortable and kid sized street clothes he could have delivered to his home, you both went straight to the arcade. 

As you both walked into the building, he could immediately see you buzzing with excitement as you looked at the pastel-colored claw machines filled with different plushies. Caleb chuckled at your enthusiastic bounces as you stared at him exchanging his cash for gaming tokens. 

“Alright Y/N, I got the tokens! Now, lead the way!” 

 You nodded before, like a predator; you prowled the arcade’s halls. You observed each machine before you found your first target.  

“I want this one Caycay!” You shouted, pointing at two fuzzy apples, one red, the other green holding hands. 

“Alright, go for it!” Caleb handed you the gold token, and you giggled with glee. 

“Thank you!” You immediately inserted the token into the machine and began your hunt. Unfortunately, it was unsuccessful. You tried grabbing the pair of apples multiple times with the machine’s claw, but your prey kept slipping away. Each time, the plushie fell; you groaned, exasperated. The final time, the claw, seemingly regained its strength and finally carried the plushie all the way to the chute. You jumped, excited, but as the plushie fell, one of the apples got stuck on the side of the chute, trapping both just outside of the hole.  

You started to whimper, your eyes filling with frustrated tears.  

“Aww Pips.” Caleb pressed you closer to his side while patting your shoulder. “It’s alright.” He only planned to comfort you, but the moment you gazed back at him with large puppy eyes, both filled to the brim with tears, he knew he had to do something. “Pips, I’m going to help you, but only this one time, okay? And you have to keep it a secret.” Caleb whispered as he pressed his index finger to his lips. 

“I will!” You agreed, mimicking his gestures. 

“Alright.” Caleb looked around the hall, making sure no employees were around before using his evol to lift the plushie and drop it down the chute. The machine instantly chimed the victory song. Excitedly, you reached down to the prize hole, grabbed your new friend and held it close to your chest.  

“They are so cute, thank you Caleb!”  

“Of course, Pips! Now, we have a lot more tokens to go! Pick your next new friend.” 

“Yes sir!” 

After that, you and Caleb passed by multiple machines. At first, he would only use his evol when you really struggled, but seeing your excited face, he couldn’t resist helping you further. Soon, he devolved to just using his evol to get the plushie for you after the first failed attempt. He should have felt guilty since he was essentially a scammer, but your cheers and huge grateful eyes made it impossible. He really was a sucker for every version of you.  

So, machine after machine, you both passed them like a plague and each chimed and sounded signaling your victory. Every win, you bounced around excitedly while holding your new prize and putting them in your growing plastic bag. It was exhilarating; he could have stayed there winning you plushies forever, but as you both moved around the building, he noticed employees of the arcade starting to follow you both while glaring intently. The jig was up. While you played on one of the machines, Caleb leaned down next to you. 

“Pips.” He whispered. 

“Yes Cay Cay?” You whispered back. 

“I think they know we're cheating. We need to go.” You pouted as you stared at the cheetah plushie on the other side of the machine. 

“Can we just get this one? I really want it.” 

“Pips, don’t be greedy. We can get in big trouble, and you might lose all your plushies.” 

“Cay Cay? Please.” You pulled your large puppy eyes again, and the man was a goner. 

“Okay, last one.” He turned around and saw an employee standing right behind you both.  

“Yes sir.” You attempted to grab the cheetah with the claw, but as usual, the plushie evaded capture. “Cay, I need help.” You begged. Caleb sighed yet didn’t refuse. 

“Alright, I’ll use my evol, but you need to grab the prize right away alright.” 

“Ok.” You agreed. As before, you played again and the plushie started to fall from the claw’s grip. However, before it could hit the machine floor, Caleb used his evol to push the toy to land in the chute. The machine immediately began to flash and ring. As instructed, you grabbed the cheetah plushie as quickly as you could. 

“Okay, Y/N we gotta-” However, before Caleb could finish talking, a grim looking employee began to approach. 

“Excuse me sir-” 

“RUN!” Caleb shouted before grabbing your hand and rushing out of the building with you. Loud steps and shouts from employees followed close behind, but Caleb ignored them. A laugh vibrated from his chest as you both circled around the arcade, dodging your pursuers (minimum wage arcade employees).  

“Cay Cay, my legs hurt.” You whimpered as you struggled to catch up to his quick pace while holding your prize bag close to your chest. 

“I got you Pips.” With his evol, he floated you and your large bag of plushies off the ground, making you both fly beside him. In the air, you cheered and whooped. “Now, let’s make our escape Pips!”. With you next to him, Caleb traversed the arcade's maze, running past the colorful halls before making it out. Throughout the whole escape, his heart pounded. For that moment, he no longer felt like the monster, the colonel. He was the boy, the kid who grew up with you underneath the apple trees. 

He kept running, high on the thrill, but stopped once he was far enough and no longer in view of the scene of the crime. Secure, he returned you and your prizes to the ground. Immediately after your feet landed on the sidewalk, you hugged him. 

“THAT WAS AMAZING CAY CAY! LET’S DO THAT AGAIN!” Caleb hollered. 

“I would love to, but we might get arrested. Let’s call it a day for now.” 

“Okay, next time!” 

“Alright, now to the next item on your list. You wanted to eat at a buffet right? Did you have one in mind?” 

“White Lotus!” 

The moment the name of the restaurant escaped your lips, his brain froze. He was confused. You could have chosen any place, yet you chose a $15 Chinese buffet, tucked in the worst parts of downtown. The same restaurant that had multiple health violations. 

“Are you sure Pips? I can take you anywhere, even-” 

“NO! I want to go to the best buffet in the world.” Caleb sighed. He was sure you both were going to experience horrible food poisoning, but how could he say no to you. 

“Alright Pips.” 

--- 

After paying your entries to the unenthusiastic cashier that was around the same age as you were currently, you both sat at the nearest booth and dropped off your bags. 

“Alright Pips, grab your plate and grab whatever you want.” 

“Will do!” 

You both went your separate ways and got your own food. Caleb returned with a balanced plate of stir-fried beef and vegetables, and noodles. Meanwhile, you came back with an overflowing plate of sugary orange chicken wings, noodles and French fries. Seated across from you, he could practically hear your mouth water as you stared intently at your plate. 

“Thank you for the food!” You chanted before sloppily eating everything on your plate. Even refusing to use utensils, instead, scooping your food with your hands. Caleb giggled. Despite the “barbaric” sight of you shoveling food into your mouth with your hands and your food covered face, he found you endearing. This was you free and happy. He loved seeing you this way, but he still couldn’t wrap his head on why you would choose this place over any other. 

While you continued to eat, Caleb popped the question: 

“I’m curious Pips, why this place? You even knew the name of the restaurant at the top of your head.” You suddenly turned sullen as you looked down at your plate. You stayed quiet instead of immediately responding. This made him instantly regret his question. “Never mind Pips, I shouldn’t have asked. I’m sorry, I-” You looked up and interrupted him. 

“You don’t remember Cay Cay?” Stunned, the man shook his head. 

“Sorry Pips I-” You pouted as your eyes started to become misty. 

“You promised we would come here one day.” 

“I did?” 

“Yeah... I used to see the flyers on the table when-” You started to hunch over, folding into yourself as you held yourself tightly, although embracing for impact. “When the doctors would hurt me, they would have the flyers on the table next to them and talk about this place. I would stare at it, thinking of the tasty food we would eat when we got out. Made it hurt less.” Each word shattered Caleb’s heart. Your answer brought him back to his childhood, back to those cold labs. He remembered fighting against his restraints as he was trapped on a medical table, played with and tortured as the doctors stared indifferently, as though he wasn’t a child, but an inhuman specimen. He tried but couldn’t remember any restaurant; all he could recall was the adults’ cruelty and your presence being his only light in a harsh and dark world. “Cay Cay, are you okay?” 

Caleb snapped out of his stupor. 

“Sorry Pips, I was just thinking of our past and, I’m sorry, but I don’t remember this place.” You patted his hand on the table. 

“It’s okay Gege, but did we get out? Do we eat like this all the time.” Caleb gulped. He wished he could confidently say yes. Say that he saved both of you from Ever’s clutches, but it would be a lie. He knows, you especially were in danger. Ever still had their sights on you, and despite giving himself up to be their “pawn” that doesn’t mean they’ve given you up. They still greedily wanted you, but he was determined to destroy all who threatened your happiness. 

He reached across the table and squeezed your cheek. 

“Y/N. Even now, there are many dangers that lurk in the dark.” Your eyes widened. “But I promise as your Gege, I will always protect you and make sure you're happy. That includes eating like this.” A small smile returned to your face. 

“And I protect you too?” 

“Yes, and more. You give me purpose.” 

---  

Once you both finished your hearty meal, together, you returned home. Though the moment you entered his place, you were completely knocked out.  

Silly girl.  

He carried you to your bed and tucked you in. He was planning to leave, but glimpsing at your fragile form, made him remember, you were the most important person in his life. That’s why he chose to stay and watch. Watch as your breathing slowed and snores started to escape your lips; you were fast asleep. Observing you sleep was a task that he used to always do as a kid, ensuring you weren’t plagued by nightmares, or had lost you forever during the middle of the night. After an hour of watching and once he was sure you were knocked out, he started to close his own eyes while remaining seated on the loveseat next to you. He was about to lose consciousness when a flash of light and purple mist blinded him. 

After the mist settled and he rubbed his eyes, the child version of yourself was gone, instead your current self was seated on the bed. The children’s clothes you were wearing were ripped and stretched. 

“Caleb? Where are we? What happened?” Caleb laughed exhaustedly before hugging you tightly. 

“Nothing much, I was just forced to babysit kid you again.” 

“What?” Caleb then proceeded to explain everything to you. Everything from you being missing, to finding you and taking care of you. Though, unbeknownst to you, he left out some details such as his medical facility, or your memories of the lab. Afterall, though he wished he could be transparent with you, he had to prioritize your safety.  

“Wow, that must have been such a headache for you.” Caleb grabbed your shoulder and gently shook you.  

“Pips, taking care of you never has or will ever be a burden to me. It is the greatest privilege of my life.” As he whispered his declaration into your ear, he took your hand and placed a soft kiss on the back of it. His bold attention made your cheeks redden and your heart flutter. Then, flustering you further, he leaned his cheek on your hand, seeking your warmth and stared up into your large eyes. “Thank you for giving me this privilege Pips.” You tried to respond, but your tongue was tied and before you could, Caleb got up. “Now, your current clothes look uncomfortable. I’ll lend you some of mine, okay?” 

Caleb walked to the door, but you finally found your voice before he exited. 

“Wait, Caleb!” Right away, he turned back to you. 

“Yes Pips?” 

“I love you, Caleb. Every version of you.” Now, it was his turn to be flustered. He smiled dorkily as he returned the sentiment. 

“I love you too Y/N.” 

--- 

Epilogue: 

Since you were granted a few days off to recover, you both decided to go around and explore the city. Holding Caleb’s hand, you were in serene bliss, until you passed by an arcade. You were going to suggest going inside when your eyes lingered to a poster hanging outside its door. On the poster was a photo of a shaggy haired brunette with a little girl. 

"Caleb, why did this arcade post a banned poster with you plastered on it?” Caleb gripped your hand tighter and rushed you along. 

“Yeah, I may have robbed them of several plushies while you were kid you.” You stopped walking and pulled away your hand. 

“Caleb, that’s not right. We have to return what we stole.” 

“I know you’re right, but that would mean returning the apple couple, Beepa Cheetah-” 

“Wait, Beepa Cheetah?” 

“Yep, all the new plushies I put on your bed. They will all need to be returned.” Your mind ran down a list of all your new, adorable and soft plushies you will have to return and you shuddered. There were so many toys you would have to return! Before you could make up your mind, you saw an employee inside the arcade glaring at the two of you from the window. He recognized Caleb! You grabbed his hand again, and this time, you were the one rushing him away from the arcade. 

“Well, I have already infected them. Guess it’s too late to return them. Oh well, guess you will have to deal with the guilt alone. Okay let’s go get lunch!” 

Caleb snickered. 

“Sure Pipsqueak. Anything for you.” 

Rafayel: 

Rafayel wasn’t in a great mood. For hours, since the brink of dawn, he had been on the beach, looking for seashells to create new pigments, but none of them matched the color he needed. Even worse, he had been texting you, his beloved bodyguard throughout his whole trial, but no response. Hell, you didn’t even glance at his messages. He knew you had a mission today, but it should have been completed at this point. 

Rafayel groaned as he kicked another useless shell. 

“What a mean fishy. Leaving me all alone like this.” 

“That’s not nice to say!” He turned to the source of the squeaky, self-righteous voice. Close to him was a little, barefooted girl marching towards him. Her temper and tiny frame were oddly familiar; she reminded him of another young girl from his childhood, the same one that abandoned him and failed to keep her promise. 

Guess she never changes. 

 “Sorry little miss. You’re right, I shouldn’t have said that.” 

“Yep!” She answered with her arms crossed. “My big brother told me you shouldn’t be saying rude things behind people’s backs! Only mean people do that!” 

“Okay, I’ll tell what I said to her face when I see her next!” 

“NOOO! You are a meanie!” 

“Wow, that wasn’t nice to say. Who’s being mean now?” The girl covered her mouth with both her hands. 

“Oh Oh.” 

“That’s right, got you!” He joked as he pointed at her. “Now, you better run off before I tell your parents.” The girl frowned and looked down at her feet as she kicked the sand. 

“I don’t have parents.” Rafayel immediately cringed. 

Man, you really screwed up Rafayel. 

The mauve haired man kneeled in front of the kid, one knee on the sand. 

“I’m sorry kid.” He said as he ruffled her hair. “My parents aren’t around anymore either. But, you must have someone to return to, right?” He said as he looked at her clothes. She was wearing a white sundress, holding a pair of matching slippers. She didn’t look disheveled; someone must be taking care of her. 

“Yes, my grandma and brother, but I don’t want to go home! I got in trouble and they’re gonna be mad.” 

“I see. Is that why you’re on this beach? Trying to not get caught?” 

“You aren’t going to send me home, right?” 

Rafayel knew he should send the kid home, but perhaps her semblance to his love and meeting someone in a similar situation to himself, made it hard to say no. Did he have a paternal side he never discovered until now? Perhaps. 

“Well, you’ll have to before it gets dark, but maybe for now, why don’t you help me find shells? And,-” He started to sweeten the deal. “If you help me get enough, I’ll give a good word to your grandma. How does that sound?” The kid nodded excitedly. 

“Yes sir!”  

“By the way.” Rafayel started as he got up from the ground, wiping the sand from his knee. "What’s your name?” The little girl shook her head. 

“Grandma said I shouldn’t give my name to strangers. You can call me, Princess!” 

I’m sure your grandma would also be unhappy with you talking to a stranger. 

Rafayel sighed. 

What a weird kid. 

“Fine, I’ll call you Princess. However, so we aren’t strangers, I’ll give you my name. I'm Rafayel.” 

--- 

Rafayel and the girl both spent an hour underneath the hot sun, sifting through the beach sand for shells. At first, the girl was enthusiastic, but as exhaustion crawled in, her previous excitement slowly extinguished and was replaced with annoyance. After another shell didn’t meet Rafayel’s standards, the kid kicked the shell as hard as she could, launching it into the sea. 

“This is stupid! How much longer do we have to do this!” She groaned and pouted with her arms crossed. 

“Well, we were supposed to do it for more than an hour, but the sun is too hot. Are you hungry?” 

“YES!” 

--- 

Rafayel brought the girl to a restaurant near the beach, a seafood restaurant he frequented a lot with you. As they both sat on the restaurant’s patio, facing the beach waves, his mind couldn’t help, but return to you. 

Where are you Y/N? 

He texted you again, telling you about his new babysitting gig, but as the rest, you ignored the message. Did he do something wrong? Are you okay? 

“I want fish and chips!” Rafayel looked up from his phone, his attention back to the girl whose face was completely dwarfed by the restaurant’s large menu. Rafayel snickered before putting his phone on silent. 

“Sure, get anything you want.” A few minutes later, a dapper-looking waiter wearing a white dress shirt, black pants and a red apron approached. 

“Are you both ready to order.” 

“Of course.” Rafayel then ordered your requested fish and chips with apple juice and his raw oysters and seafood Alfredo linguine with a glass of you and Rafayel’s favorite white wine. 

“Amazing order as usual Sir. Rafayel. And where is the Mrs.? Will she be joining you today? I can get you an extra chair?” 

“No need.” He said as jokingly as he could, ignoring the pang in his chest. “I might be in the dog house tonight. So, she won’t be joining.” The man’s face blanched as he awkwardly responded: 

“Sorry to hear that Mr. Rafayel. I’ll get your order to you as soon as I can.” He then escaped as quickly as he could.  

“You have a wife?” The child in front of him asked, her head tilting to the side. 

“Almost. She isn’t just yet, but I plan to ask her soon.” 

“Is that why you were in a bad mood before? You made her mad?” Rafayel groaned. What is happening? Why is he about to vent a child who he randomly became a babysitter for? 

“It’s an adult matter. You have more important things to worry about, like the coloring page they gave you.” He said snarkily as he tapped on the uncolored picture of a dolphin. The girl glared. 

“Grandma always says I’m mature for my age.” 

That’s not a good thing kid. That’s what they used to say about me, and that typically means you got traumatized early and grew too fast. 

“Even so, my girlfriend and I are fine.” 

“Then why wasn’t she with you?” 

“She’s busy.” 

“Or mad?” Princess said with a smirk as she sipped her water. Rafayel rolled his eyes. This banter is way too familiar. 

“We’re fine, okay?” 

“Doesn’t sound like it.” 

“Now, who is being ru-” The chat was interrupted when the waiter returned with all the ordered food.  

“Orders up!” The waiter announced enthusiastically while placing all the dishes and drinks before leaving again. 

“WOW!” The girl exclaimed, her mouth watering as she looked at her meal. “Thank you, mister!” 

“Of course.” He answered as his attention turned to his fresh oysters. He grabbed one of the oyster shells, splashed a bit of lemon and hot sauce and slurped the delicacy. Rafayel sighed happily as the creamy and briny taste of the oyster, and the condiments filled his mouth. 

Delicious~ 

Rafayel’s gaze returned to the little girl, and he noticed her staring at him and his food curiously. 

“Have you tried an oyster before?” He asked. 

“No, can I?” Rafayel smirked. 

“Are you sure? Most kids hate oysters.” Princess began to pout again. 

“I’m mature! I’ll like it.” 

“Suit yourself.” Rafayel grabbed one of the oysters and scooped out the meat onto a spoon. “Do you want lemon or hot sauce. I usually recommend both.”  

“Both of course!” 

“Alright.” Rafayel splashed the meat with lemon juice and hot sauce before serving it to her. She grinned, took the spoon, and placed the oyster in her mouth. The moment the food touched her tongue, her excited face morphed into disgust. Rafayel snickered. “It’s delicious, isn’t it?” Princess nodded her head, but her pale visage and her puffed up cheeks showed the opposite. 

She hates it. 

After a few seconds of watching the young girl struggle to not throw up, Rafayel decided to spare her and spoke up. 

“Come on Princess, I know it’s still inside your cheeks. Just admit you hate it.” 

“No.” She answered in a muffled voice. Rafayel playfully rolled his eyes as he slurped down another oyster. 

“Come on! It’s fine to admit you hate it. A lot of adults hate it too.” 

“Fine.” She said defeatedly. “It’s gross.” 

“And that’s alright.” He grabbed a handful of napkins. “Now spit it out, or your food will get cold.” Immediately, the girl spat out the oyster onto the napkin on Rafayel’s hand. It was unpleasant watching the gooey shellfish fall out of her mouth, but the man did his best not to show it. He wrapped up the oyster in the napkins and put it to the side to be thrown later. 

“Ughh, I’m so sorry, Mr. Rafayel. Grandma said spitting out food, especially food from someone, is rude.” 

“Don’t worry about it, kid. It’s my treat and I wouldn’t want you to eat something you hate.” Princess smiled. 

“You’re really nice, Mister. If you want, I can tell your girlfriend how nice you are.” 

“Thanks Princess. I might need that.” 

--- 

After lunch, Rafayel and the girl walked on the beach. Rafayel stayed mainly on the edge, while the young girl preoccupied herself with chasing sea gulls near the sea. She giggled every time the seagulls flew away from the sand. 

“Did you see that!” She yelled as she chased the birds until they escaped. 

“Hey, be careful! I can hear them complaining about you. You don’t want to mess with them. They can be very vindictive.” The child sighed before staring back at the man. 

“Fine, I’ll stop, but what else am I supposed to do? I didn’t bring my bathing suit, so I can’t swim.” 

“We can pick more-” 

“No more seashells!” 

“Wow, picky. Okay, how about sandcastles?” The girl's eyes shined. 

“YES! I make the best castles!” 

“Alright, and-” Rafayel retrieved the jar of shells from his satchel. “We can use these seashells to decorate.” 

“But aren’t they for your paintings?” 

“Ehh.” The man shrugged. “The sea always provides more.” 

The girl smiled and plopped onto the sand. 

“I’m going to make the best you’ve ever seen mister.” Rafayel plopped next to her. 

“I believe you.” While the kid beside him started pulling together mountains of sand, Rafayel began sculpting a sea castle of his own. His mind returned to his former home as his fingers moved across the grit.  

--- 

An hour later, the girl stood up from the ground; her chest puffed up with pride.  

“Look at my masterpiece!” She pointed out what appeared to be a series of lumps that were supposed to resemble a castle covered in different colorful shells. 

“Amazing job Princess!”  

“I know! Now, what did you make?” 

“Well, it’s not as good as yours.” Rafayel revealed to her a small replica of his old homestead, the Sea God temple in Lemuria. The girl’s eyes widened. 

“Oh my God Mister! It’s beautiful!” 

“Thanks Princess! It’s where I used to live a long time ago.” 

“What, you are such a liar!” 

“No, it’s true.” Rafayel said as he poked the girl’s nose. Leaving a spot of sand on the tip of it. “I’m an immortal Sea God and a mermaid. I used to live in the mythical land known as Lemuria.” The girl furiously wiped the sand off her nose and stomped her foot. 

“Don’t tease me! I told you I’m mature!” Rafayel chuckled. 

“Sorry, you’re right, Princess. I was just kidding. But I really do like your castle. It’s abstract.” 

“Thank you.” They both smiled at each other, but as he looked at the girl, he noticed in the background. The sky was turning bright orange and pink. The sun was starting to set, and it was time for her to go home. Rafayel got up from the sand and extended his hand to her. 

“Princess, I really enjoyed my time with you, but it’s time for you to go back home. I'll walk you there. Make sure you get back safely.” She sighed again loudly before grabbing the man’s hand and standing up.  

“And you’ll talk to Grandma for me?” 

“Of course.” 

--- 

The young girl led the way with Rafayel walking right behind her, both on the sidewalk. He had rarely gone down this path in Linkon, but he had a weird feeling this wasn’t his first time here. He tried to recollect why he recognized this path, but his brain drew blank. 

“My house is close! I know I’m home when I see the row of apple trees.” She pointed excitedly at the trees while running next to them. “And, pass the hopscotch.” Princess skipped the painted boxes on the sidewalk with a large smile on her face. “And my house will be right her-” She suddenly paused. Her eyes wide and twisted by confusion. 

“What’s wrong?” Rafayel ran to her and looked at what her panicked eyes were staring at. There was no house. The only remains of the once house were ashes and debris.  

“What..?” The young girl whimpered. At that moment, Rafayel suddenly remembered why he recognized this path and why the girl seemed familiar. 

“Y/N?” You turned to him, shaking.  

“Where is my house? Where’s grandma and Caleb and- how do you know my name? What happened?!” You were trembling like a leaf. He tried to approach you, but you took a step back. Rafayel exhaled before kneeling in front of you again. 

“I don’t know what is happening? All I know is that I’m friends with you.” 

“That’s impossible!” You shouted as you broadened your stance, as though you were preparing to run. 

“Not the current you, the adult version of you. I don’t know how you’re here right now, but I’ll figure it out.” Despite him trying to comfort you, you still glared at him in disbelief. He knew he needed proof to relieve your skeptical mind. So, he took his phone from his pocket and scrolled his gallery until he found a picture of you two together as adults. “Look Y/N.” He turned his phone to you, showing a photo of you both on the beach, wearing swimsuits and making silly faces at the camera. “This is me with adult you. We’re close friends.” 

Your eyes lit up as your face softened again. 

“So, if the house isn’t here... Where are grandma and Caleb?” He momentarily froze, he couldn’t tell you the painful truth, that your only family was gone. Instead, he took a breath before answering: 

“There was a fire a few years back.” You paled and were about to interject before Rafayel stopped you and continued. “They are both safe, but they live in Skyhaven now.” 

“Why didn’t I go with them?” 

“Because you were an adult and wanted to live in Linkon.” 

“Can I talk to them?” Rafayel sighed. He really hoped your current state would be temporary, otherwise his lies would catch up quickly. 

“Sure, but we should go to a hospital to get you checked first.” You hunched your shoulders. 

“Do I have to? I just came from there and the doctor was scary! He was going to poke me with a needle!” 

“Wait, you were at the hospital? Why didn’t they contact me! I’m your emergency contact right?!” You only shrugged. Rafayel looked back at his silent phone and realized he had missed several calls and voicemails from Akso Hospital. 

Shit 

“Sorry, kiddo, but I need to bring you back to the hospital.” 

“But Mr. Rafayel!”  

“No butts!” Rafayel lifted you up on his shoulder. “Dr. Zayne is actually really sweet, unless we delay your return any longer. Now let’s go!” 

--- 

“As Y/N’s emergency contact and partner, I expected you to be more responsible. You’re lucky this all turned out okay.” Both you and Rafayel stood up straight with your heads bowed down as you were being scolded by your primary care provider.  

“I’m sorry Dr. Zayne, but to be fair, your hospital is the one who lost her.” The doctor groaned as he pinched the bridge of his nose. 

“That is a fair point, and I will be reprimanding my staff. However, please ensure that if your phone is on silent, you are checking your calls and messages consistently. Also-” The raven-haired man turned his attention to you, making you audibly gulp. “You have the excuse of being a child, but I hope you remember to never leave a hospital on your own during treatment. There are a lot of things that could have gone wrong, and you caused a lot of people to worry.” 

“I told you he’s scary.” You whispered to Rafayel, getting a snicker from him. 

“What did you say young lady?” You gasped before bowing your head again. 

“Sorry Doctor, I’ll never do that again.” Zayne groaned. 

“Though your apology was disingenuous, I’ll take it. Now, please lie down on the bed.” You nodded, moved to the hospital bed and laid there, staying still as a rock. Meanwhile, Rafayel moved to stand next to you. “Alright.” Zayne started as he walked to the door. “I’ll be right back. I need to inject you with an anti-evol solution. It should return you to your current age.” 

Rafayel stared at your face, and he could see your lips quivering. Yet despite your nerves, you tried to smile, to act unafraid.  

“Is it going to be painful?” You asked Dr. Zayne as you reached for your future partner’s hand. 

“No, it won’t be. You will only feel a pinch. Now if you’ll excuse me.” The doctor left the room, leaving you and Rafayel alone. 

“Mr. Rafayel.” The artist smiled down at you. 

“Yes cutie?” 

“I’m scared.” You whispered. 

“That’s ok. I’ll be here the whole time holding your hand.” You returned his smile with your own small one. 

“You know, you are really nice Mr. Rafayel. I’m happy I get to be your girlfriend soon!” Rafayel laughed. 

“Sorry, but not exactly soon. I give it another decade or more.” You made a quick pout before smiling again. 

“Okay, I’ll wait. And Rafayel?” 

“Yes?” 

“Thank you for the fun day.” 

“You’re welcome and I promise, when you’re older, we will have many more.” 

--- 

When Dr. Zayne injected you with the solution, you squeezed Rafayel’s hand until you morphed back to your current self. He enjoyed being finally reunited with the girl he played with as a kid, the one he first fell for and missed when she never returned to the beach. However, seeing you as you are now, the woman he built a new and happier life with, his heart warmed. His love had finally returned. 

“Raf?” You questioned, seemingly still sedated by the injection. 

“Hey cutie, welcome back.”  

Xavier: 

Xavier was completely surrounded by darkness as he heard a voice calling his name desperately. As he struggled to open his eyes, he recalled how he got here. He was running in front of you to block you from a wanderer’s blast, then everything went black. 

“Xavier??? XAVIER!” 

He gingerly opened his eyes to find a little girl above him. Her eyes were overflowing with tears, with some falling on his cheeks. As he looked at the girl, he instantly recognized her. The girl’s eyes, hair, complexion, it was the same girl he saved more than a decade ago. It was you, but younger. 

“You’re okay! Are you hurt?” You asked with a hint of fear in your voice. 

Initially, when Xavier tried to sit up, he was hit with a sharp pang of pain from his back. Still, he didn’t want to make you worry, so he ignored it and sat up. Though, as he lifted himself up, he noticed something peculiar. His body felt sore and tinier. He looked down at his own hands, and they were significantly smaller than before. Physically, he had become a kid again, yet his brain retained his age. 

“What happened?” He asked in a high-pitched voice. 

“I don’t know. We were fighting, then boom pow whoosh whoooosh! You were flying around then this monster came in hit us both with a beam!” You recounted as your arms waved in the air. Xavier giggled at your emotive explanation. Seems you weren’t spared like him. You had completely morphed into a kid. 

“Okay, we need to get medical help.” You pouted and stomped your foot. 

“NO! I don’t want to see a doctor! I want to go home Xavie!!!” 

“They need to check us; make sure we don’t have any injuries-” 

“But I’m fine! Look!” You rolled up your shirt and pants (that were now both too large for your frame) and as you said, you were fine. There wasn’t a single scratch, but Xavier knew better than to trust the surface. 

“Sometimes, injuries can be from the inside Y/N. We need to be careful and get us both checked.” 

“Fine!” Annoyed, you crossed your arms and refused to look at Xavier’s audacious face. In return, Xavier didn’t say a word about your attitude, only nodded, activated his hunter watch and called the association. 

“Hello!” Tara answered in a peppy voice. 

“Hi Tara, it’s Xavier.” Tara paused for a moment before speaking again. 

“Why does your voice sound so high pitched now?” Xavier sighed. 

“We were both hit by a wanderer, and it seems to have had an odd effect on us. We’re both kids now. Though, I’ve retained my cognitive function, but not Y/N-” 

“HEY!” You interjected. “I’m still smart!” 

“Okay, she’s smart, but still a kid and we need medical assistance. None of us are gravelly wounded, but some injury has been sustained.” You glared at him before he added in: “Mainly me.” 

“Alright! Help is on the way!” 

--- 

After you both were retrieved by the medical team and examined, they concluded that besides the two of you transforming into kids, there wasn’t anything else to be concerned about. Though they did initially suggest you both stay with a responsible adult. However, Xavier was adamant that he should be the one watching you. As your romantic and work partner, your well-being should be his responsibility. Luckily, after Xavier was able to prove he only changed physically and not mentally, he was allowed to bring you back to his place. 

The moment you entered Xavier’s apartment, you instantly ran to the kitchen and tried reaching the cupboard, but you were too short. A deep frown painted your face as you stared desperately at your partner. 

“Xavieee! I’m hungry!!! I want snacks!” 

“Okay Y/N, I’ll get you something.” Out of habit, Xavier reached up to the snacks on the shelves, but after extending his hand, he realized his arm barely passed the height of his kitchen counter. He remembered the fact that he had shrunk as well. 

“Oh, I forgot. Okay, I’ll just teleport there.” As he always did, he used his evol to teleport to the top of the kitchen counter, but his evol overshot and he ended up landing face first on his couch. "Oww” Was all Xavier could say with his face painfully squished in the pillows of the seat. It had been more than 200 years since he was this young. Though back then, his evol was a lot less restrained, stronger and unfortunately uncontrollable. It would take a few more years before he would finally master his evol.  

“Are you okay Xavier!” You cried as you ran to him. 

“Yeah, I just I can’t control my evol. Guess I’ll have to get to the snacks the hard way.” He declared while puffing his tiny chest. He got up from the couch and attempted to carry one of the bar stools, but it was too heavy. He tried multiple times to lift the chair up, but his arms couldn’t do it. You watched him with furrowed brows. You were clearly worried about him and seeing your concern, budded ugly feelings of embarrassment and shame in him. He hated seeing you like that. He was supposed to be your reliable protector, yet here he was disappointing you. 

“Are you alright Xavier?” You asked, leaning towards him. “I can help you?” They shouldn’t, but your words stung.  Xavier knew being upset now, especially after you were only trying to comfort him was childish. Yet, the shame he felt seemed to have doubled, hitting him like a harsh, relentless wave. His adult brain was telling him that none of this was a big deal, but inside, there was a weaker, younger version of himself hurting. Was he weak? Useless? He shook his head, as though trying to shove away the little voice in his head that was doubting himself. 

“I’m ok, I can do it myself.” This time, instead of lifting the chair, he pushed it, ignoring the floors' screeches. 

“No Xavier!” You shouted, standing in front of him, blocking him from moving further. “Grandma always said to never drag chairs around! It’ll scratch the floor!” 

“Don’t worry Y/N. I don’t care about scratches.” 

“Are you sure? Because we can-” 

“I said it’s okay!” You froze; it was rare to ever hear Xavier raise his voice at you, so it rocked your core. 

“Sorry Xavie, I didn’t mean to upset you-” The boy instantly noticed the mist in your eyes and his chest was hit with a harsh pang. His shame was doubling and swallowing him whole. He thought he retained his adult mind, but why were these immature insecurities getting to him. 

“No, I’m sorry Y/N. I shouldn’t have spoken to you that way. But I can take care of it okay?” You only responded by nodding your head and sitting on the couch. Sitting there quietly; your teary eyes narrowing down to the ground.  

I have to fix this. 

Xavier pushed the stool until it was against the counter, then as he planned, he grabbed all the snacks and placed them all on the kitchen counter, making them easier for the both of you to reach. 

“Did you want any of these snacks Y/N?” You didn’t look up, only shook your head. You refused to look at him or eat. He felt nauseous. He knows he truly messed up, and he had to do something. He looked down at the snacks and decided to make you a treat, an apology. From the shelf, he took a small plate and scoured the snacks on the counter, finding large white marshmallows, pretzel sticks, chocolate chips, and strawberry sauce in a squeeze bottle. 

Perfect! 

He grabbed three marshmallows and put them on the center of the plate, then inserted two pretzel sticks each on the top of the white fluffy candy to act as long ears. For his creations’ faces, he pressed into each marshmallow, two chocolate chips and used the sauce to make a curved mouth and whiskers. Lastly, as the final piece, with the same strawberry sauce, he wrote a small note on the plate: I’m sorry.  

Done! 

Xavier took a breath to dissuade his anxiety and walked towards you.  

“Y/N, I’m sorry. I have something for you.” You lifted your gaze to his azure one and you immediately gasped.  

“Those bunnies are for me?!” Xavier grinned and moved closer to your, standing right in front of you with the plate of snacks in his hand. 

“It is. It’s an apology for being rude earlier. Can you forgive me?” The pout on your face disappeared and a shy smile and giggle returned. 

“I will, if you let me help you, especially with cooking!” 

“Deal, and speaking of cooking, I bought ingredients for BBQ. We can cook that.” Your face paled at the mention of Xavier cooking. 

“Maybe we can handle it together.” 

--- 

Everything seemed to be going well after the not-great first day, but a few days later, Xavier noticed strange behaviors from you. Typically, you were energetic and constantly seeking attention. However, as he got up one morning, he instantly noticed a discrepancy. Every day, when he woke up from the couch, you would be in the living room waiting and then jumping around him excitedly when he woke up. 

Odd. 

He could have easily justified your absence as you wanting to sleep in, but worry started to crawl in. What if something was wrong? Did the wanderer attack have further effects on you? The questions swirled in his mind, and he wasn't able to stop worrying. He had to make sure you were okay. He walked to the bedroom and knocked on the shut door gently. 

“Y/N? Are you okay?” 

All he heard was a groan and a soft whisper he couldn’t understand. Xavier went cold. Right away, he opened the bedroom door and ran to your side.  

“Are you alright Y/N?” You were lying on the bed, covering your entire body with a blanket. All you did was grunt and weakly shook your head. “Why are you hiding Y/N? Can you please get out of the blankets so that I can check on you?” 

“No, you’ll get sick.” You whimpered.  

“Are you not feeling well?” You peeked out from the covers with a deep frown. Your complexion was pale and your eyes were watered. 

“I’ll be okay. You shouldn’t get close, Xavie. I don’t want you to get sick.” Xavier reached out to you, wanting to pat your shoulder, but you leaned away. The boy signed and pressed his lips together. 

“Y/N, didn’t we agree to help each other?” 

"Yeah, but-" 

"That agreement is included now. Now, please let me check you. I'm getting concerned." 

“Okay, you can go ahead.” You answered hoarsely. Your partner only responded with a nod and tenderly put his hand on your forehead. As his palm touched your skin, he could right away feel intense heat. You were burning up and probably having a fever. 

“Did you feel like this all night?” You pouted before guiltily nodding. 

“I didn’t want you to worry.” 

“Y/N, I want to worry about you. We’re partners and I want to be the one you go to when you need help.” 

“Sorry Xavie.” 

“It’s alright Y/N. Now, I want you to rest. I’ll bring you some breakfast.” 

“Okay, night Xavie.” 

“Rest well.” 

--- 

30 minutes later, after Xavier struggled to prepare food because of his smaller form, he softly knocked on the door again. 

“Y/N I’m coming in with food.”  

The moment the door creaked open, trembling, you sat up on the bed and were greeted by the view of Xavier carrying a platter of food. Your mouth started salivating.  

“What did you make me?” Xavier grinned, sat next to you and placed the platter on your lap. 

“Well, Ms. Y/N, I made you a bowl of ramen, a plate of sliced fruit cut in the shape of stars, and lastly a glass of the best orange juice in the grocery store.” You chuckled and grabbed the spoon that was pristinely wrapped in a napkin. As you lifted your utensil to eat, you shook with excitement, but your spoon’s dive into the ramen suddenly froze. 

“Xavie, did you make the soup?” Xavier laughed and ruffled your hair. 

“Y/N, I did, but it’s instant ramen. You’re safe.” You sighed in relief, dipped the spoon in the broth and attempted to put the food in your mouth, but your trembling hand made most of it fall back onto the bowl and platter. 

“Xavie, I need your help.” 

“I got you Y/N.” He took the spoon and started to feed you the broth while using the fork to give you some of the noodles. Then, when sauce fell on your face, he took the napkins and wiped it off. Each tender action made kid you shyly grin and blush. 

“You’re so nice to me, Xavie. You really are a prince.” Xavier looked warmly into your eyes. 

“Always for you Y/N.” 

A few minutes later, after you finished your soup, Xavier took one of the orange slices. 

“Alright, now open your mouth for your dessert!” 

 Xavier moved his arm like an airplane, bringing it closer to your mouth to feed you, but you shook your head vigorously. 

“Nooooo! I want ice cream for dessert Xavie.” 

“Sorry, my star. The ice cream might make you sicker.” 

“But Xavie-” 

“No.” You pouted angrily and crossed your arms. You refused to look at him and unfortunately, Xavier was weak. Seeing your grumpy face, he was hit with the urge to bring your smile back. He knew he shouldn’t be spoiling you, but saying no to you, especially with such an adorable baby face, was impossible. “But, if you behave and get better soon, I promise we’ll have a picnic at Linkon park.” Your eyes started to shine, and a smile slowly grew on your face. 

“Can we go on one of those swan boats too!” 

“If you get better and behave.” 

“Yes Xavie!” You grabbed the orange from his grip and stuffed it into your mouth, barely chewing it before swallowing and grabbing another piece. 

“Wait Y/N slow down, you might choke!” 

--- 

4 days later, you had mostly recovered and as he promised, you both went to Linkon park with a large picnic basket in both your hands. The instant you entered the verdant garden, your grin widened as you twirled around the multicolored flowers, basking in the warmth of the glowing sun in your flowing spring dress.  

“It’s so beautiful here, Xavie! Ohhhhh!” You stopped dancing around and pointed at a small hill shaded by a large oak tree and covered in golden marigolds. “Can we have our picnic over there?” 

“Of course, Y/N.” 

You both walked up the hill, then placed the large, checkered picnic blanket and basket at the top. Once everything was laid out, you flopped down onto the sheet.  

“I’m so excited to eat the sandwiches and lemonade we made!” Xavier chuckled at the memory of you both staying up late the night before, preparing today’s lunch. By early morning, you both made edible and surprisingly tasty turkey sandwiches and pink lemonade. Though, there was a price for your shared creations. The kitchen was left looking like a disaster zone; with condiments, pieces of meat, bread, sugar and lemon juice splattered around the kitchen. Still, your current excitement filled him with pride. 

“Me too.” He opened the basket, grabbed two wrapped sandwiches and two plastic bottles filled with lemonade, and handed one pair to you. After he handed you your food, he unwrapped his own sandwich and began to eat it, relishing the savory and creamy taste. It was a simple lunch, but it was perfect. 

You both sat there, contented and relaxed, enjoying the food, each other's company and the beauty and warmth of the park. Also, occasionally, while he ate, Xavier would watch you slowly nibbling your sandwich and taking sips of your drink. As a kid, you were the cutest little girl he’s ever met, though if he were honest, he missed adult you and being an adult alongside you. Still, he chose to enjoy this moment as much as he could. 

After you both finished eating, Xavier turned to you. 

“I’m going to tidy up our stuff. You can go ahead of me to explore. Just don’t go out of my sight, okay?” He thought the offer would make you sprint away, but instead you stomped your foot. 

“No, we can clean it later! We have to get a boat! They might run out!” 

“Y/N, it’ll only take me a min-” 

“Last one there is a rotten egg!” You jumped, turned away from him and quickly ran away, quickly shrinking from his sight. 

“Y/N wait!” Without his evol, Xavier wasn’t able to catch up to you as fast as before. He was able to run right behind you, but as much as he tried, you were out of reach. “Y/N stop!” As he continued to run at full speed, he hadn’t expected when he asked you to stop that you would freeze instantly. “WATCH OUT!” Unable to halt, Xavier crashed into you hard, pushing you both to the grass. On top of you, realizing what he had done, he scrambled off you and started to check you for any injuries. “I’m so sorry Y/N! Are you alright? I’m so-”  

You shoved his shoulder and laughed, seemingly amused by his bumbling. 

“I’m not delicate Xavie!” You got up from the ground and stretched around. “You are such a worry wart! Come on Xavie, relax! Grandma always said stress makes wrinkles!” 

“I can’t.” You pouted grumpily. 

“Why not?” Xavier sat up cross-legged. 

“Because Y/N, I’m the adult in this situation. I must keep a clear mind and keep both of us safe.” 

“But Xavieee!” You whined. “You aren’t an adult; you’re a kid too!” 

“But, mentally-” 

“Hey you said I was as smart as you!” 

“You are-” 

“Soooo no more adult Xavier, only kid Xavier! You’ve been in charge the whole time. It’s only fair if I take the lead! Unless you are a big mean liar!” 

The boy hesitated; He could hear the quieter and squeakier inner voice again.  

Please let me out. I wanna play! I never get to play. I always have to study or train. Let me out! 

“I can’t.” 

“Xavier, come on! Let's have fun, be kids with me! Please Xavie.” You leaned down and reached out your small hand. 

Xavier tried to resist the kid inside trying to crawl out, but something snapped. Whether it was your dramatic pouting, or his memory of being a kid, locked in either the library or training room, forced to mould himself into "the perfect heir" while he watched his peers playing games outside. Either way, his adult concerns and worries melted away and were replaced by childlike glee. 

“Okay!” He grabbed your hand and got up. “Buuut!” He lightly pushed you, making you plop to the ground again. “Last one to the lake is a rotten wanderer!” He sped away, sprinting to the lake. 

"No fair Xavier!" Despite your shouts, you giggled and smiled as you chased after the young prince.  

--- 

"I won I won!" Xavier shouted as he jumped up and down next to the clear blue lake. You playfully frowned and pushed his shoulder. 

"You only won because you cheated! As the leader, I demand a rematch." 

"Sorry Y/N, no rematch! Run faster next time." 

"Wow, you are such a meanie! You know, I'm just going to get a boat on my own. Or with another boy!" Your partner grabbed your arm and looked at you with large and blue puppy eyes. He didn't like that.

"Nooo you said you were going with me. I'm sorry Y/N, don't be mad." 

"Okay, I forgive you, if you admit I should have won." 

"Okay, you should have won." He declared dryly. "Can we get a boat now?" 

"Let's go!" 

The two of you went straight to the boat rental kiosk. Inside the booth was an elderly man. 

"Hello good sir!" You started. "I would like to rent a swan boat for two please." From your dress pocket, you grabbed a handful of change and on your tippytoes, you placed the money on the counter. Meanwhile, Xavier shyly stood at the back. 

"Do you both have an adult with you?" The gentleman asked. You and Xavier looked at each other and panicked, before Xavier spoke up quietly. 

"I'm an adult sir. I just look like a kid. I can show you my IDs." Xavier took his IDs from his adult self's wallet and showed them to the worker. He squinted his eyes and frowned. 

"I'm sorry, that man looks like you, but he is clearly older. Unfortunately, I can't rent you both a boat. Come back with one of your parents and I'll be happy to help you then." Xavier scowled until you got closer to him and whispered in his ear.  

"There's a boat right in front of us that's does not tied and near the shore. We can outrun him, just go in my signal." 

"Okay." He murmured and you stepped forward. 

"Alright, I understand. Thank you for your- NOW XAVIER RUN!" Xavier jumped a bit before grabbing your hand and dashing in the boat's direction. As the two of you ran, you could hear the old man scrambling and shouting for you both to stop, but his reaction was ignored. Off the lake's deck, you jumped in unison onto the swan boat and started to frantically paddle the boat, but it was barely moving and the old man was getting closer. "He's coming Xavier!" 

"I got this!" He hopped off into the water and with all his might, he pushed the boat and although it didn't get far, it was far enough to be out of reach of the old man.     “You did it Xavie! Now, get on!” Xavier chuckled and dragged his soaking body back onto the swan. Then, you both set off, circling around the lake, the boat dashing underneath the lake's fountains. Both of you getting further soaked while being greeted by reflected rainbows. The lake was filled with both your laughter and cheers. It was magical, until you both heard stern voices on the shore you departed from. The renter was talking with a pair of park security guards. “Oh oh, Xavie looks like we have to jump ship.” 

"Aye aye captain." Together, you stopped paddling and jumped off the boat, into the lake and swan to the other side, escaping your possible captors. 

"That was awesome!" You whooped as you ran into the garden's colorful daisy field. 

"We're awesome!" Xavier whooped back as he grabbed you and hugged you as hard as he could. 

"Stop it Xavie, you have cooties." You joked, pretending to try to run away from him, but conveniently staying in his embrace. 

"Oh yeah! Well-" Before Xavier could banter back, he lost his footing and fell, making you both tumble around the flowers. As you both laughed and rolled on the ground, both your limps and body began to elongate until the two kids tussling on the ground returned to being adults. Still, the laughing barely stopped, they only grew more quiet. 

"We're back to normal." Xavier noted with his lower voice while continuing to hold you. 

"We are, though is it crazy to say I'm going to miss being a kid with you." 

"Me too, but I did miss this too." Before you questioned him, he grabbed your chin and pressed his lips onto yours, moving them against you, begging for entry. And how could you say no. You held his face, opened your mouth to him as his tongue desperately seeked your own until they intertwined. You craved more of him, but were starting to feel dizzy from the lack of air. You pulled away from him to breathe. 

"You make a fantastic point my partner in crime. Though, we should probably go back to that poor man and pay for the boat's rental with a large tip." 

"I agree, but not today." Xavier stood up from the ground and lifted you up into his arms. "I love being your babysitter, but a week without adult you was too long. I need to make up for lost time. And, since you were so adorable, maybe we should start working on making a duplicate of yourself, all night." Your face became hot red. 

"You are so cheeky." You lightly punched his shoulder before wrapping your arms around his neck.  

Of course you wouldn't say no. 

I'm sorry this took me so long to make omfg! Hope it's still all good, thanks for reading!

Taglist: @thatonepunkkid, @ssetsuka (THANK YOU!)

Part 1 (Sylus & Zayne)

Who was your favourite???

Caleb

Rafayel

Xavier

Voting ended onJun 22

[diamonrot]

U need to be a published author GIRL WTF U R SO FKING TALNTEDDDDDDDDDDDDDD IM FREKING OUT

OMG!!! You are sweet! That is one of the nicest compliments I’ve ever gotten!

I hope you enjoy whatever fics come out next!!! And have an amazing junleb!!!

😘❤️❤️❤️

[diamonrot]

I adore your yandere lads fic so much... Is there any chance that perhaps you write something similar to that or continue it?

Thank you so much! I’m glad you enjoyed them!

Honestly, I always love yandere fics, so I always wanted to make more. I just haven’t come up with anything so far haha!

So, if I did make a yandere fic, would a continuation or new ideas be better??? 🤔

[diamonrot]

hiiiiii … Can you please add a “read more” to long posts like the one where you’re turned into a kid? It was great but when it’s on my dash multiple times it takes a long time to get past. Thank you 🤍

Hello!

I am so sorry! I thought Tumblr would automatically shorten the fics. That must have been so annoying to keep seeing :(!!!

Thanks for letting me know and reading! I'll update my posts to have the "read more" option. If anything, let me know!

[diamonrot]

after ur turning into child fics i kinda hope infold does an event where that actually happens, and we finally see animated versions of LIs as kids🙂 i mean if the deepspace tunnel can get us married, why not this too😋

I hope so too!!!!! Omg I would literally melt if we saw animated versions of Kid LIs 🥺! Though my poor wallet wouldn’t survive 😅.

[diamonrot]

Oh no! Evol Shenanigans turned you into a Kid! How do LIs react? (Pt. 1: Sylus & Zayne)

Sylus: 

The moment Sylus’ watch flashed red, he stood up from the meeting table. 

“I have more important matters to handle.” The tall white hair man waved to the twins. “My men will act as my proxy. Now, if you excuse me.” The other N109 zone leaders glared at him as he hastily left the room, but he didn’t care. You needed him. 

— 

Your distress signal led him to an abandoned building on the outskirts of the N109 zone. Sylus sighed. The area was known to be the base of a growing gang that was trying to get into the illegal protocore market. To Sylus, they were insignificant, but you going in alone was dangerous. He couldn’t understand why you didn’t call for his help earlier. Was your association putting you in harm's way again?  

He entered the building, his gun drawn, expecting a fight, but entering inside, it was quiet. The silence unnerved him. Where were you? He explored around, and his heart began to pound as further in; all he saw were unconscious bodies. He was hoping with every fiber of his body, this was your work, otherwise- 

“Kitten?” He called, but there was no answer. Where have you gone? He continued walking but paused when he heard the quick pattering of small steps behind him. He turned around, but nobody was in sight. He chuckled. Something mischievous and tiny was trying to sneak up on him, how cute. Perhaps, whatever it was, it would lead him to you. So, he did his best acting performance. Turned around, swaying, clueless, the perfect bait. Then as he predicted, he was attacked, but before anything could touch him, he gently held the perpetrator up with his energy evol. 

“Let me gooo!”  He turned around to the source of the high-pitched scream, and there in his grasp was a young girl squirming around. 

“Now, who do we have here?” Looking more closely, seeing the girl’s fiery glare, he knew immediately who this was. “Y/N?” You froze, your eyes and mouth agaped. 

“How do you know my name?” 

“I'm a friend of yours.” You pouted, crossed your arms, and rolled your eyes as you floated around. He couldn’t help but laugh. Even at a young age, you were so feisty. 

“Nu-uh, you're lying! You’re a bad man like the others!” 

“Why do you think I’m a bad man?” 

“You look scary!” Sylus' laugh rang louder before he delicately placed you on the ground. 

“Well, I’m scary, but not a bad man. At least not to you.” The moment you were back on land, your hand instantly grabbed your arm. That’s when he noticed your small body was covered with small scratches, the largest being the one on your arm. “Did the bad men give you those?” Your frown deepened. 

“Yeah, but I got them back!”  

“How?” Excitedly, you pulled out a black taser that covered your hand. 

“I went ZAP!” You cheered as you swung your arm and turned on the taser, demonstrating your attack on an imaginary enemy. Even as a kid, you were still so reckless. Yet, he couldn’t help being impressed. Your baby self was able to dispatch multiple grown men on her own. You really were a phenomenon.   

“Well.” Sylus said as he kneeled down to look at you face to face. “You did an amazing job, but we need to get you patched up.” He extended his hand to you, but you backed away, your hand tightly gripping the taser. 

“No! Grandma said not to go with strangers!” 

“But we aren’t.” He took out his phone and showed you the photo you took with him yesterday at the kitty cafe. After finally winning against him, you taunted him, taking a photo of you both, with the game board. On the screen, your tongue was out as you held up a peace sign. Meanwhile, the Onychinus Leader sat across from you, smirking. Your arrogance was delectable. “This is me with a grown up you.” Hesitantly, you approached his phone and squinted. 

“That’s me?” 

“Yes, we’re besties in the future.” You grinned dorkily. 

“I’m really pretty!” He extended his hand towards you again, but this time, you took it nervously. 

“You really are.” 

— 

After he called his men to “handle” the gang who dared lay a hand on you, he brought you back to his base. Right away, his focus was on fixing you up. He escorted you to his personal clinic room and summoned his best doctors to help you. Unfortunately, what he didn’t account for was the moment they approached you in their lab coats; you would start aggressively shaking and tearing up. Your eyes searched around the room until they fell on him as he stood in the back. Your eyes were pleading for his help. You were terrified and he messed up. He should have known from your past that this approach would scare you. Immediately, he stepped in, standing in front of you, acting as your protective barrier. 

“This isn’t going to work. You are all dismissed.” One of the doctors spoke up. 

“But Mr. Sylus-” 

“You all heard me. She’s terrified. Give me the supplies. I’ll do it.” 

Horrified by Sylus’ sternness, the doctor left their first aid kits and shuffled away. Once they were gone, he kneeled in front of you with the tools next to him. You stared at him warily. 

“I need to bandage your cuts. Are you okay if I touch you?” With a watery frown, you nodded. “Thank you Y/N.” After you agreed, he delicately washed your wounds and started bandaging you up. During the whole process, he constantly checked for any sign of discomfort. If you squirmed, hissed, or your frown deepened, he would stop and ask if you were alright. Each time, you put on a brave face and smiled wide while trying to hide your shivers and pain. You were a tough cookie. Sylus tried to complete the task as quickly as he could. It took a while, but once everything was done, he organized the medical supplies and put them away. 

“You did a great job Y/N. You’re brave.” You grinned. 

“Thanks, but now that we’re done, can I go home? I think Grandma and Caycay are waiting for me.” His heart sank. He had to be delicate. He couldn’t tell a child the tragic reality that both your grandmother and the Caleb you knew were gone. Besides, he knew the evol’s effect was temporary. So, he decided to spare your feelings by telling you a small white lie. 

“Grandma and Caleb are fixing up your house, preparing it for your return. It might take a bit, so you can stay here until then. Is that alright?” You stared at him with puppy eyes, looking intensely into his eyes, searching for answers before nodding. 

“Okay.” He couldn’t tell if you bought what he said, but for now, he will have to stick to that. 

— 

“What are we doing here?” Sylus smirked. He could tell you were trying to act mature, but your excitement of being inside a toy store was palpable. The bounce on your step, the smile growing on your face, you were too cute.

“Since you will be staying with me, you need to have as much fun as you can. So, I have a mission for you.” He bent down, looking at your eyes. You stood tall, striking a soldier pose and saluting. 

“What’s my mission Mr. Sylus?” Sylus chuckled. 

“I want you to look around this toy store and get everything you want.” You cocked your head. 

“Why?” 

“I told you. While you stay with me, you need to have as much fun as you can. Can you do this mission for me?” You nodded excitedly. 

“Yes sir!” You immediately sprinted, running aisle to aisle, grabbing everything your heart desired. Soon, the shopping cart he followed you with was almost completely filled with different plushies, toys, and gadgets. As you ran around, a wide smile shined on your face as your eyes twinkled. Watching your excitement was exhilarating. Though, he started to notice an interesting pattern with everything you chose. Most items were dragons or dragons themed items. Did this have something to do with him? The smirk on his face grew.  

For now, he pushed the thought in the back of his mind and filed it as a question to ask you when you returned, or maybe as a topic to tease you about later. Until then, he decided to enjoy his time with kid you and continued to watch your shopping spree. Towards the end, your last chosen aisle was the gaming section. Right away, your tiny hands grabbed the newest handheld gaming console while jumping excitedly. However, before you could add it into the cart, a woman with her own child gave Sylus’ baby the stink eye and stopped you. Approaching him, the woman spoke to you condescendingly while daring to touch his arm “seductively”. Sylus felt repulsed and sneered. 

“You shouldn’t be taking advantage of your handsome daddy. You don’t want to be spoiled, do you?” Instantly, your previous happiness dissipated, and your original wariness returned, to Sylus’ chagrin. It ticked him off, who does this woman think she is? His protective instincts jumped in with him. Like dust on his blazer, he brushed her hand off and glared. 

“My child can buy anything she wants. She doesn’t need anyone such as yourself to ruin her mood. Do not talk to me or especially my child again.” The woman froze, standing around with her jaw clenched like an idiot before retreating away. Meanwhile, you stayed still holding on to your game console. You looked up at Sylus with watery puppy eyes. 

“Are you sure it’s okay if we get this? I don’t want to be spoiled. I can put it back.” 

“Sweetie.” He took the box from your hands and put it in the cart with all your things. “I can buy you anything you can wish for. Just ask. In fact, if you want more than one, I can buy you more of them, all in different colors.” You giggled before holding his hand. His heart warmed. 

“I’m okay with one. Thank you Mr. Sylus.” Sylus squeezed your hand. 

“Anytime Y/N.” 

— 

After your shopping spree, life continued as normal for Sylus, except now he had you as a 24/7 companion. For every business meeting, anytime he worked in his office, or worked in other safe areas in his base, you would be right next to him. Many of his colleagues and clients stared at him dumbfounded, but he paid no mind. He loved having you next to him, especially when you were drawing and couldn’t resist interrupting him to show him another picture of a dragon. 

“Sylus look, it’s my friend Sysy!” You introduced, showing a crayon drawn, squiggly, black and red dragon. 

“Wow Y/N, he’s so cool.” 

“He is! He is my best friend!” 

“Do you know I’m a dragon as well?” You crossed your arms and grumpily pouted. 

“No, you’re not! You don’t have any horns, wings, or a tail! I’m not stupid.” You grumbled. 

“I am, I can prove it to you.” 

“If you’re lying… I want cookies for dinner later!” 

“Deal.” 

— 

After he had finished all his work, he took you to the roof. Under the night sky, he started: 

“You must promise not to tell anyone that I’m a dragon, alright? It must be our secret.” He said as he tapped his own lips with his index finger. 

“I promise.” Sylus grinned before revealing his draconic features. His black and scarlet wings and tail flowed with the wind while his obsidian horns stood tall on his scalp. Following his transformation, you stayed silent, your eyes and mouth wide enough to cover your whole face. For a moment, he was worried. Is this new form too scary for you? Before he could change back, you began smiling, jumping up and down. 

“Oh my God! You’re a DRAGON!!!!! I wanna fly please please please!” 

“Well-” He couldn’t say another word before you had already started pulling on his dress shirt. 

“Please Mr. Sylus PLEASE!” The man snickered. Of course he was going to say yes. He bent down. 

“Get on my shoulders.” You squealed with glee before jumping on his back, holding onto his broad back. 

“Hang tight.” Immediately, he jumped off the skyscraper and soared on the skies of the N109 zone. Passing building after building with you riding on his back. He couldn’t see your face, but hearing your excited whooping and giggles, he knew you were having the time of your life. 

“Can you go faster?!” You asked excitedly, Sylus chuckled.  

“How bold, but of course. Just make sure you are holding me tightly.”  

“I will!” With a smirk on his face, Sylus flapped his wings faster, accelerating his speed until the buildings and lights around you turned into blurs. Your giggles became more rambunctious the speedier he was. “Do a flip!” You hollered. 

“Alright.” Sylus twirled his body, gliding in a circle while you cheered, but during his maneuver, he could feel your tiny hands pawing at his shoulders. Your excitement switched to panic.  

“I’m slipping!” The man tried to remain still to allow you to regain your grip, but it was too late. You let go of him and began to plummet. “Mr. SYLUS!” 

“Hold on.” He dived after you as you flipped downwards. Before you could fall further, he activated his evol, holding you up in the air, until he finally reached you and grabbed you. In his arms, you shook violently. 

“Are you alright Kitten?” He asked as he brushed the hair on your face. He expected you to cry, to pull the same horrified look you did with the doctors before. Instead, despite your teary eyes, you had a dorky smile on your face, your eyes still shining brightly. 

“That was so fun! Can we keep flying?” Sylus squeezed your chubby cheek. 

“Another time Y/N. You should rest. It’s past your bedtime.” You frowned. You were opening your mouth to complain, but instead a loud yawn escaped. “See. Now, let me bring you back to base.” You nodded, snuggled closer to Sylus’ chest, and closed your eyes. You clearly had enough excitement for the night. The dragon smiled and gave your forehead a soft kiss before continuing his flight home. 

— 

“Mr. Sylus.” The Onychinus Leader looked up from the gun he was polishing to find you standing outside his office door. He had tucked you into the newly furnished kid’s bedroom after your night in the sky, but it seemed you were more restless than he thought. 

“What is it my dear?” He asked softly as you stood at the entrance, holding one of the dragons plushies you bought earlier. 

“I can’t sleep. I miss Grandma and Caycay.” He tucked his gun away and slowly walked to you.  

“I know Sweetie, I’m sorry. Did you want me to tuck you back in? Read you a bedtime story?” You shook your head vigorously. 

“Can you watch me while I sleep? I’m scared.” Sylus bent down and extended his hand to you. 

“Of course.” You grabbed his hand and he led you back to your bedroom. When you both entered the room, he turned on your night light and sat on the loveseat next to your bed.  

“I’ll be right here. Just close your eyes and count dragons.” You nodded your head and closed your eyes, but you kept moving around the sheets. “Can’t sleep?” With pleading eyes, you shook your head. 

“I'm having scary nightmares. Caycay used to hold my foot when I slept. Can you do that too?” 

“Of course.” Sylus got up from the loveseat and laid on the foot of your bed. Despite his large figure dwarfing the end of the bed, he did his best to be comfortable and held your small foot in his large hand. “Rest, I’ll be right here.” 

You nodded again before closing your eyes and finally snoring. Sylus sighed in relief and closed his own eyes. He didn’t typically sleep at night, but you had exhausted him, so soothed by the sound of your soft breaths, he fell asleep. 

— 

“Sylus… Sylus?” The man could feel someone trying to shake him awake. With his eyes closed, he realized he couldn’t feel your small foot in his hand anymore. He must have subconsciously let it go while he slept. 

“Sorry.” He murmured as he reached for your foot once more, but the instant he held it, he realized it was larger and more calloused than before. 

“Sylus, why are you holding my foot? Is this something new about you, that I should know?” He opened his eyes and saw that you were back to your current age. 

“A baby kit asked me to hold her foot while she was asleep. Of course, I obliged.” 

“Baby Kit? Wait, what are we doing in this kid’s room? The last thing I remember, I was trying to get information on a gang for the Association-” 

“Then you were turned into a child, incapacitated several gang members and I brought you back to base and babysat.” 

“Wow, well remembering Grandma’s stories, I must have been a handful.” 

“Actually, you were incredibly adorable, I enjoyed every second of it. In fact-” Sylus got up and picked you up, keeping you close to him in a bridal carry. “If you are interested.” He held your hand delicately and pressed his lips on them. “I would love to make a little girl just like you.” You smiled widely at him and laughed.  

“How can I say no?” 

Zayne: 

“Dr. Zayne~” Yvette called singsongy. The doctor groaned. She never called him in that tone unless she was up to something, very much like another mischievous woman he knew. 

“Yes Yvette.” 

“I got a call from the pediatric ward. Apparently, your daughter needs you.” 

“Daughter?” 

“Yes! I didn’t know you and Ms. Y/N have been busy.” 

“I don’t have a daughter. Hold on, what room is she in?” 

“They sent me her file. I’ll send it to you.” 

— 

As Dr. Zayne walked to the patient’s room, he reviewed her chart, sighed, and went inside. There, Dr. Luis, a pediatric doctor, was entertaining a young girl before turning to the other doctor. 

“Dr. Zayne, thank you for coming in. I saw this little lady had you as her emergency contact and I knew I had to call you right away.” Zayne looked at the child sitting on the bed. The girl turned back to him briefly before turning red and looking down. She was as shy as he remembered. “Your daughter has been an absolute sweetheart. She is so sweet and brave-” 

“She isn’t my daughter.” He answered stoically. “She’s, my girlfriend.” Dr. Luis immediately paled. 

“I’m sorry, she’s your what?” A pang of panic hit Zayne after realizing what he implicated about himself. He coughed before correcting: 

“Apologies, she’s my girlfriend, but not when she’s a child. I mean, she’s an adult woman currently, but it seems she must have been hit by an evol. I don’t date children.” His colleague laughed awkwardly before scratching the back of his head. 

“Please don’t scare me like that, Dr. Zayne. I almost contacted Child Services. Anyways, she should be discharged soon. We just need to complete a few more tests, someone to sign her papers, and a care plan for her. This plan needs to include who will be taking care of her while she’s in her current state.” 

“Of course. I will be able to sign her papers and take care of her. After all she is my girlfr- I mean responsibility.” 

“That’s great to hear. I’ll be right back with the forms.” Zayne nodded at the other doctor before Dr. Luis left. Zayne then returned his attention to you, who was sitting on the hospital bed, sitting up and distracting yourself by playing with your socks. “Hello, Y/N, my name is-” 

“Are you Zayne?” The doctor paused, surprised that you recognized him. 

“I am.” Your mouth turned O shaped before you returned your bashful gaze to your feet. 

“Why are you a grownup?” Zayne leaned down, to look at your face directly. 

“Actually, we’re both grownups, but you turned back into a kid.” 

“Oh.” You squeaked before avoiding his eyes. Zayne gulped. Your current day's warmth was nowhere to be found. Perhaps, this version of you was right after he accidentally hurt you as a kid. The you that was afraid of him, the you that still needed years apart from him to forgive him. 

He sat on your bed beside you. The moment he closed in, you instantly inched away. It hurt. He wanted to be the one to watch you, but maybe that’s not in your best interest. His mind ruminated. He could contact Caleb to watch you. He would hate sending you to him, especially considering everything the colonel has done to you and the danger he poses. Still, perhaps his familiarity would be more comforting. 

“Y/N, would you like me to call Caleb to watch you? He’s a grownup as well.” He had thought you would be excited by the mention of your “brother”, but your pout deepened, your eyes downcast. 

“You don’t want to watch me?” 

“I would love to, but wouldn’t you have more fun with your brother?” You shook your head and held the cuff of his lab coat. 

“I want to stay with Zayne.” His lips curved up. 

“Alright, I’ll take care of you.” 

— 

After the test results came up, it showed what he had guessed. You were hit with an evol and you would most likely be a child for around a week. So, to watch you, Zayne took a week off from work and set up a guest room for you. Decorating the room with all your favorite plushies, games and age-appropriate books. When your new space was ready, you wandered around inside, your eyes wide with astonishment.  

“This is all mine?” 

“Yes, but if you need anything else let me know okay.” 

“Really?” The moment he nodded, your grin widened, and you gave him a quick hug before turning your focus to the plushies around you. 

“Thank you.” 

“Of course, Y/N. I’m going to be in my office finishing my work. Just call me if you need me.” All you did was nod, already distracted by the snowman plushie you grabbed. 

The next few hours went with almost no hitch. He completed his reports while checking on you as often as he could. Each time he investigated your room, you were preoccupied either acting out adventures with your plushies, playing games on your handheld console, or reading one of your books. 

“Are you alright Y/N?” Each time, he would call and every time, at the sound of his voice, you would jump a bit, pink on your cheeks and ears.  

“I’m alright!” You said in a quivering voice. Afterwards, he would simply nod and return to his office. Seeing your fearful reaction, he felt guilty. Perhaps as the adult in this current situation, he should have been more assertive with sending you to Caleb. Still, despite his lingering shame, he couldn’t send you away now. Him pawning you off to someone else may hurt you more. Therefore, he was determined to find a way to make you more comfortable with him. Maybe he could start with supper. 

Once he completed all his tasks, he visited your room again. 

“Y/N?” As before you hopped before staring at him, flustered. 

“Yes?” 

“It’s almost time for supper. Would you like to help me make it?” You stood up from your bed, looking in his direction, but not his eyes. 

“Really, you want me to help? Grandma and Caycay never let me help cook.” 

“Of course. I could always use a helper.” A shy smile grew on your face. 

“Okay.” 

— 

That night, he decided since dumplings had always been your comfort food, that you would enjoy it for supper with steamed vegetables, and chocolate cookies for dessert. Through each part of preparing your meal, you remained beside him, filling the role of assistant. Every task he gave you, you put on a serious expression, completely focused and adorable. While you worked, he couldn’t help watching you. Everything you did was insanely cute. Either that was helping him, with your tiny hands, roll up the meat filling, folding the dumplings, or mixing the cookie dough. He was filled with pride; you were wonderful, and you worked so hard.  

When the meal was complete. All the items looked delectable (except the dumplings that you folded that looked more like lumps).  

“Great work Y/N.” He said as he raised his hand to you for a high five. You beamed at his praise and high fived him. It was a sweet moment that was later diminished when right after, you turned away from him. Zayne sighed. You were starting to trust him, but the rapport wasn’t fully there yet. “Let’s eat.” 

You sat down as the man prepared two plates of dumplings and steamed vegetables and placed them on both of your spots at the dining table. Once the food was set, both of you ate in silence. Everything was delicious, but lifting his eyes off his plate, he noticed you had eaten all your food, except the steamed broccoli. His doctor side came out. 

“Y/N.” You raised your head nervously as he pointed to your plate. “You must eat your vegetables. Otherwise, you won’t grow properly.” You frowned and crossed your arms. 

“That’s not fair, Zayne.” You then pointed back accusatorily at his own plate. “You didn’t eat any of your carrots.” The doctor laughed; he underestimated your astuteness. 

“You’re right Y/N. How about a compromise?” You placed your hands on the table. Your fingers interlocked although you were in a meeting, ready to negotiate. 

“Ok.” 

“How about we switch. I’ll eat your broccoli and you’ll eat my carrots. Does that work?” You quietly groaned before pushing your plate towards him. 

“Okay.” Zayne smiled and switched your plates. You groaned again, but still unhappily ate all his carrots. The man chuckled at your sullen reaction before holding his end of the bargain and eating your despised vegetables, ignoring the broccoli's bitter taste. A few minutes later, both of your plates were empty, and you stared at him expectedly. He knew you had a similar idea in mind. 

“Dessert?” You nodded excitedly. “Alright.” 

Zayne took the whole batch out of the oven. The cookie warmed up his palm as he handed it over to you in a napkin. You broadly smiled as your eyes shined, staring at the cookie that was almost as large as your face. 

“Thank you Zayne!” 

“Thank you for being my helper.” He reached down to ruffle your hair, but you immediately stepped out of his reach. His brow furrowed for a moment before retracting his hand, trying to hide his disappointment. “Sorry Y/N, I didn’t mean to scare you.” 

“You-” You tried to speak up, but sullenly froze before returning your gaze to the cookie in your hand. What was he doing wrong? 

— 

Repeatedly, he tried to bridge the gap between you, but even after a few days, you still seemed nervous around him. His heart shattered each time you flinched in his presence. He didn’t want any version of you to be afraid of him. He tried to be less intimidating, softer, more cheerful and emotive, but his attempts seemed to have the opposite effect. When he attempted to be more digestible to you, you seemed to take it badly. Acting even more anxiously around him. He couldn’t understand why. His only guess was maybe you could tell his behavior was the result of him overcompensating. Unfortunately, he was aware of his inability to be warm. Unlike men like Caleb who could put on a warm persona, even to those he has no interest in, he lacked this ability. 

He needed to find another tactic.  Maybe, if he brought in someone more naturally warm, you would feel more comfortable with him. Yes, this must be the solution. He made a call. 

— 

“Y/N, I want you to meet someone.” He expected you to jump with excitement for your best friend. Instead, you remained pouting, hiding behind his leg. 

“Hi Y/N. It’s me Tara, I’m your older you’s best friend." Tara greeted cheerfully, bending down to your level and waving. You were usually really polite, but this time you refused to respond. You only huffed and refused to acknowledge the woman. Did he make another wrong choice? 

“Y/N.” He said gently as he crouched towards you. “You are being very rude. She’s your best friend-” 

“No, she’s not." You whispered, irritated. “My best friends are Caycay and you.” 

She considers me as one of her best friends? 

A smile crept on his face, but as happy as your declaration made him, he still couldn’t enable this behavior. 

“Perhaps not kid you, but as an adult you love her. I’m sure you will like her too, but you must give her a chance.” 

“I don’t wanna.” You hissed as you stomped your foot. 

“Fine.” Zayne said coldly. “I won’t force you, but I am disappointed in you.” The moment the word disappointed left his mouth, your eyes instantly started to water. Your lips wobbling. 

“Why?” He put his hand on your shoulder. 

“Because you aren’t being polite. I’m not going to make you hang out with anyone you don’t want to, but especially since she’s being nice to you, you should at least respond.” You nodded with a pout and teary eyes then returned your attention to Tara. 

“I’m sorry.” You whispered to her as you wiped away your tears. “I didn’t want to be mean.” 

“Aww Sweetie.” Tara cooed as she knelt. “It’s alright, it happens. Thank you for apologizing to me.” After her response, you looked up at Zayne, waiting for his approval. He smiled down at you. 

“Good job Y/N. Now, we were planning to go to Magus’ Wonderful Park with Tara, but we can go home instead if you want?” The mention of the amusement park and the chance of missing out made you panic. 

“NO! I wanna go!” You whined while clenching your hands nervously. 

“Okay, we can go, but you have to be nice to Tara.” You didn’t seem happy with the woman’s inclusion, but you reluctantly agreed. 

— 

He had thought after you apologized, your bratty attitude would have ended, but it only worsened as the day progressed. Each time he spoke to Tara, or even looked in her direction, you would interject, seeking his attention. Even when Tara tried to feed you or give you anything, you would vehemently refuse until it was his hands giving it. Then, taking from him, instead of the scowl you flashed your friend, you would smile and accept, looking like a sweet baby angel. Zayne was confused. Throughout the whole week, you barely acted clingy, yet today, you suddenly changed. He couldn’t understand why.  

It was concerning, but it only got worse after you all passed the infamous “Wanderer Rush” rollercoaster. It was rumored to be one of the tallest and fastest roller coasters in the world. Every advertisement for the park had the ride shown off, with it standing tall with a beautiful blue sky as its backdrop. Unfortunately, this meant that little kids such as yourself clamored to go. Immediately, you pulled on the sleeve of his black dress shirt the moment you all passed the ride. 

“Zayne, can we go on the Wanderer Rush pleeeeeease!” The man sighed. There was no way you would be allowed. 

“I’m sorry Y/N, but you are still too small to go.” Your pout began to quiver. 

“I’m tall enough, please Zayne!” 

“Well-” Before he could continue, Tara jumped in, to your annoyance. 

“Well, we can maybe line up and see. The line isn’t too long right now, we could go and ask.” 

“YES, YES, YES CAN WE!” You shouted, pulling on his arm harder than before. Zayne sighed again. 

“Alright, but don’t get upset if they say no, okay Y/N.” 

“I WON’T!” 

The doctor knew you were lying. While you waited in line, you were bouncing up and down. Thrilled for your own turn as you watched multiple carts pass by. As you all marched closer to the end of the line, Zayne was sweating. Praying to any existing god for a miracle. Otherwise, he would be dealing with a very grumpy and sad child. 

At the end of the line, the teenager manning the ride approached the group. 

“Group for 3 please.” Tara asked sweetly, gesturing to all of you. The pimpled boy groaned as his eyes landed on you. 

“I don’t know what to tell you guys. I’m pretty sure she’s too short for the ride.” You instantly started to huff, as you stomped your feet. 

“I’m tall enough!” You whined. Zayne gazed at your furrowed brows and squinting eyes, knowing you were at the cusp of a tantrum. 

The park employee groaned louder.  

“Alright, we can check.” The reluctant teen brought you all to the height requirement display. “Please step in front of the board”. You proudly shook your head as you stepped up, your back to the board. As you stood, your body shook. You were clearly standing on tiptoes, but it didn’t matter. Even with another inch, you weren’t close to tall enough. There would need to be two of you to ride. The boy groaned once more, probably knowing the outcome, before revealing the horrible truth. 

“Sorry, you are too short.” Zayne stared at you intently, waiting for you to explode, but you were silent. You just stepped aside and started to tear up. Ignoring his own hesitation, he pulled you close to his side and began petting your hair. 

“It’s alright sweetie-” Before he could comfort you further, the employee butted in, pointing at him and Tara.  

“Do you guys want to go on the ride? You can leave the squirt here while you two go?” 

“That’s not-” Before anything else can come out of Zayne’s mouth, at the boys' words, you started to loudly weep. Your cries echoed around, making waiting passengers glare. Zayne’s mind completely blanked. How did they get here? 

You continued to cry, to the point it was too much for your dainty body. You fell on the ground and began waving your arms and legs around furiously. Yelling your head off until your face became completely red. 

“Ok.” Was all Zayne could muster before he picked you up and carried you on his shoulder. Though you were on him, your tantrum continued. You flailed around, hitting his chest, back and head while despairingly sobbing. Zayne turned to Tara. “You can go ahead on the ride, I’m going to calm Y/N, okay?” 

“Good luck.” Tara said with a concerned and apologetic look on her face. 

--- 

After walking out of the rollercoaster zone and into the park's picnic area, Zayne placed you on one of the seats of a picnic table and sat on the opposite side. At this point, your screams and tears turned to sniffles. Your face was no longer deep red but fading pink. You were calmer, but he had to maneuver carefully. If he pushed too much, your tantrum could return. He placed the tissue box and the kids’ water bottle he packed for you in front of your shaking form. However, you didn’t dare to even glance at them. Instead, you stared at the ground, ashamed. 

“Are you alright Y/N?” You shook your head. “I can’t help you if you don’t talk about it.” You sniffled again before muttering harshly as your eyes focused on the grass below your feet: 

“You lied.” 

“I lied?” 

“You don’t remember, do you?” Zayne stayed silent, unsure of what you could possibly be hinting at. 

“I’m not sure what you are talking about Y/N.” You crossed your arms and puffed out your cheeks, indignant.  

“You said you were going to marry me when we got older! But you’re with Tara!” You accused, as you wiped the tears slowly sliding out of your eyes. Your allegation struck Zayne’s core. He tried searching in his mind when he made this promise, but nothing popped to mind. This whole situation was ridiculous. He tried to hide and muffle his laugh, but his chuckles slipped out. This seemed to make you angrier as your face started turning back to red and your frown deepened. “It’s not funny, Zayne! You promised me before you moved away! You said you would marry me, but you forgot!!!” You started to whine as your tears started to fall more quickly.  

His guilt simmered back in. He had no recollection of this promise, but he did remember the last day he saw you before moving away as a child. You looked exactly as you did now. Your eyes were puffy and red as you silently wept outside his house. You had been knocking on his door, begging his parents to see him before he vanished. At that point, it had been a month since he accidentally hurt you with his evol and since then, his child self had been ignoring you. His young brain rationalized that it was better for you; you didn’t need him, and he wanted to protect you.  

However, despite his plans, his parents demanded he come down and say goodbye. He obeyed and came down ashamed. Ashamed of himself for hurting you then and this moment. When he finally faced you and your eyes landed on him, you immediately grabbed him and held him tightly, as though you were afraid that he would evaporate. He remembered standing there for a while with you in his arms, as he comforted you. He petted your hair and back as his heart pounded, and his face was red. At the time, he couldn’t hear a single thing because of his racing heart. Zayne wasn’t sure, but perhaps that was when you both made the promise. 

“Aww Sweetie.” He left his seat and sat right next to you, pulling you closer to his side while wrapping his arm around your shoulder. “I’m sorry, I don’t mean to laugh at your distress.” 

“Now, you’re the meanie.” 

“I know. I’m sorry, Y/N. But you’re right, I didn’t keep our promise, but I will.” Your eyes shifted up to him as you looked perplexed. He took out his phone and showed you a photo he had kept a secret from you for years. Your wet eyes widened as you looked at the picture of a diamond ring. The band of the ring was gold and shaped like a jasmine flower with a diamond at the center of flower and jade leaves along the sides. 

“Is that for Tara?” You asked with a cracked whimper. Zayne shook his head. 

“No. I’m with you now Y/N. I never loved anyone, but you and when you become an adult again, I’m going to ask you to marry me.” Your previous anguish disappeared. Instead, you were ecstatic, hopping out of your seat and jumping up and down. 

“Really!”  

“Really.” 

“Can I try the ring on when we return home?!” 

“Sorry Y/N, I can’t.” You frowned and attempted to persuade him with your puppy eyes, but it was the only thing he could be firm with you about. “We will have to leave a bit of a surprise for when you are older.” You muttered a disappointed fine before embracing him. Then, when you were comfortable in his arms, you weakly asked: 

“How long do I have to wait until I see you again?” The question made his own eyes start to sting, as he thought of your question and all the wasted time. He remembered the years before he met you again; he was controlled by his fear and resolved to stay away from you. He ignored his own longing and denied himself. He never reached out. He refused to see you, speak to you on the phone, or even write you letters as you originally wanted. He thought thinking of you and your happy life without him would satisfy his need. That was until he became your primary physician. Sadly, that arrangement only came to be because of your grandma’s specific request for it and not his own bravery. He almost lost out on all of this.

Even now, his fear was getting in the way of him enjoying being with the child version of yourself. He was so afraid of scaring kid you, or kid you hating him that he distanced himself and ignored the obvious. The obvious fact that your avoidance wasn’t because you were terrified him, it was because you had a crush on him. 

“It will take a while.” Zayne answered softly as he stroked your hair. “Your Zayne has a lot of growth to do before he could properly marry you. But it you are willing to wait, he will remain forever loyal to you and do anything in his power to make you the happiest woman possible. Is that okay?” You sighed before looking up at him. 

“I can wait.” Zayne grinned before placing a delicate kiss on your forehead. 

“Thank you Y/N. I’ll make it worth it.” 

--- 

After your talk, Tara returned to you both and your previous temper was gone. Thankfully, you all were able to enjoy the amusement park, until you all had to leave, making you and Zayne part ways with Tara. Then, exhausted by the busy day, you fell asleep in his car as he drove you both home. He grinned to himself the moment he parked as he was greeted with your sleeping form. You were adorable. 

"Good night Y/N." Zayne whispered as he delicately carried you from the car to your room, tucked you into your bed and went to his own room to retire for the night as well. 

--- 

“Zayne, time to wake up!” Zayne could barely open his eyes. Worn down by the previous day, his body ached to return to slumber, but he recognized that singsongy voice and the blur in front of him. He rubbed his eyes and retrieved his glasses. Once he had his glasses on; he was able to see you, and you were no longer the little tot he was watching. His girlfriend and future fiancée had returned.  

“You’re back.” He said longingly as he rose from his bed and embraced you. You squeaked in surprise, but after your initial shock, you held him back. 

“I don’t remember going anywhere.” 

“You did, sort of. You were hit by an evol and turned into a child. I had been watching you for the last week.” You snuggled closer to his chest. 

“Really? That explains why I wasn’t in bed with you and instead in very well decorated kids’ room.” 

“Only the best for you.” You grinned as you leaned into him, placing a soft kiss on his lips. He loved the child version of you, but he really did miss this. 

“Always the gentleman Zayne. Well, I made breakfast, are you coming?” Zayne laughed before sitting up from the bed. 

“I will, just let me freshen up first and I’ll meet you in the kitchen.” You saluted the seated man before turning your back and returning to the kitchen. 

“Alright, I’ll meet you there, Doctor.” Zayne’s lips curved up before he turned his eyes to the dresser next to his bed. He stood up and pulled open the dresser’s secret compartment. Inside the hidden drawer was the navy satin box that he kept hidden for years, the same one that held your custom diamond ring. Finally, after years of ruminating the perfect time, he took the box out of its hiding place. This time, he was determined not to let fear stop him from the one thing he has always wanted, you. 

Part 2 (Caleb, Rafayel & Xavier)

Who was your Favorite Daddy?

Sylus

Zayne

Voting ended onMay 17

[diamonrot]

Would you do a reverse scenario where we turn into a kid and they have to take care of us?

Honestly, I thought of this exact idea! I think this will be the next one I try. Though, I’m not sure how well I can write it, but I have a few ideas 🤔🤔🤔.

[diamonrot]

Oh no! Evol shenanigans caused the LIs to become children! 

Sylus:

When Sylus transformed back to a child, you had expected for him to be much like his adult self, confident, mischievous, a grin always on his face, but smaller. What you didn’t expect was a small boy, cowering from you, trying to hide his draconic horns and tail.

“Please, don’t hurt me.” He whimpered when you tried approaching him slowly. His pleading hit you straight in the heart. He was just a sad abandoned child.

“Don’t be afraid, Sylus.” His red eyes grew wide from the mention of his name. “In the future, I’m one of your friends, and as your friend, I promise to never hurt you.” You said gently, reaching out to him. Despite your promise, he turned away. He didn’t trust you and he chose to stay crouched in his corner. That was until you rolled over several gems and trinkets for his treasure hoard, placating him while you inched closer and closer. After a small hoard surrounded him, he finally allowed you to close in. 

“I’m here.” You whispered as you tenderly brought the boy to your lap and stroked his dishevelled white hair while he sniffled. “I’m here.”

Luckily, child Sylus had warmed up to you shortly after your first meeting, but he still kept his original shyness. When anyone else approached, including the twins (to their horror) he would hide behind you and hiss. It was adorable! He was your little baby boy for the whole week. Any task, whether grocery shopping, cleaning, making dinner, he refused to leave your side. Always demanding to be held by you, and if you couldn’t, he would hold your leg or hand. 

Besides letting him latch onto you, you decided this was a chance to give him the best childhood he could ever have with your main goal being to spoil him rotten. So, the moment he laid his eyes on and showed a slimmer interest in anything, you immediately bought it for him. Every toy, game, and outfit he wanted, you got. After each gift, his eyes would tear up with his lips wobbling as he softly thanked you. Watching the quiet joy was exhilarating, though you ended up going too far. Excited, you set up a kid’s room in one of the base’s many guest rooms that your new son gleefully explored.

You loved him so much, even when he would occasionally pull pranks (influenced by the twins). Unfortunately, child Sylus didn’t stay long. After a week, when adult Sylus finally returned, you were happy, sort of. However, you couldn’t lie to yourself, you missed your baby dragon flying around you 24/7. Unintentionally, you would look around for him, even in the kid’s room you set up. After several days, the loss became too much. You barged into Sylus’ office the moment his meeting was over.

“Kitten, I wasn’t expecting a visit from-” You dashed to him, grabbing the collar of his dark dress shirt as you dragged him away from his desk.

“No time for banter. You took away my baby, now you’re going to help me make one!” Sylus responded with a smirk:

“If that is what you wish for, Kitten.”

Zayne:

Baby Zayne was exactly the same as you remembered him to be back when you both were kids. He was an adorably chubby little kid, with a bowl haircut and thick glasses. He was quiet and shy, but when he was comfortable, he was curious, an endless stream of questions and an incredibly intelligent book worm that had a tendency to act like a smart aleck. 

Though, despite him being a know-it-all, your whole time with him was pleasant. Usually, he would hang around you quietly, observing you and sprinkling questions here and there. However, if you were ever tired of his endless questions, you could put on any child friendly documentary with a stack of books, and he would be amused for hours.

Though the real nightmare came with sugar. If you thought adult Zayne had a sweet tooth, baby Zayne was 1000% worse. The first night, you tucked him into bed after you read him a medical research article that he asked for and watched him fall asleep. Once you were sure he was sleeping, you knocked out as well on the couch next to your shared bed. It should have been a quiet and relaxed night, but as you were floating in dreamland, you were woken up by the sound of shattering glass. Panic crawled in every inch of your body. You looked at the bed and realized Zayne was missing.

“Zayne?!” You ran to the source of the noise, your kitchen and found baby Zayne lying on the ground, COVERED IN RED! “Zayne nooooo!” You ran to his side, shoving away the broken jam jar. The moment he heard you shout, Zaynie began to hysterically cry. “Where are you hurting baby?” He didn’t respond, only bumbling apologies, your own eyes starting to water. If only an adult Zayne was here! “It’s okay Zaynie, you aren’t in trouble, but where did you get hurt.”

“I didn’t get hurt.”

“What?” He covered his eyes as he sobbed.

“I didn’t get hurt! I broke your jam jar. I’m sorry Ms. Y/N!” When you looked more closely, you realized all the red on his body wasn’t blood, but spilled strawberry jam. Immediately, once relief washed over you, you couldn’t help, but giggle, making the baby’s frown deeper.

“Aww Zaynie.” You cuddled the crying boy, rubbing your cheek on his black hair and wiping away his tears. “I was just worried you got hurt. Next time, ask me ok.” With an adorable pout, he nodded. Since then, you made sure that all sweets were out of his reach, but you still let him indulge in desserts once in a while. Even making chocolate cookies with him and letting him lick the spoons.

It was peaceful when it was you and your little helper together. So, when adult Zayne returned, you couldn’t help, but rave about his baby self to him.

“You were so adorable, Zayne! You had the chubbiest cheeks, the most adorable face! I miss baby Zayne so much! I wish I had 100s of them.” Zayne’s face and the tips of his ears turned pink at the implication. He coughed before responding.

“Well, I can’t promise 100, but I wouldn’t mind having a kid with you.” You grinned. A child that would be half you and half Zayne. How could you say no!

Rafayel:

The moment baby Rafayel poofed in, it was a disaster. The whole day, you spent a majority of the time chasing after him. He refused to stay still, meaning you had to be vigilant. If you kept your eye off him for a second, he would be gone and you would find him on a precarious spot in his house about to get himself hurt, on the beach running after seagulls, or in the sea refusing to return to land until you “abandon him”.

It was exhausting. You could feel your soul slowly leaving your body. After dealing with him for a few hours, you decided your bodyguard pay wasn’t worth this. Besides, you weren’t Lemurian, how would you know how to properly care for a Lemurian child. With how rebellious and snarky baby Rafayel was, you thought he would be ecstatic when you told him he would be staying with his Aunt Talia, but…

“Nooooo! I don’t want to go stay with Aunt Talia! You said I could stay with you!” Rafayel screeched as he hung onto your arm. 

“Sweetie, you’re lemurian, it would be best to be with your own, your family-”

“Aren’t we family?!”

“Yes, but-”

“You promised!” Rafayel yelled as he jumped up and down. ”I don’t wanna, I wanna stay on land with you!”

“But Raffie-”

“Sorry, Y/N.” Talia’s laughter rang from your cellphone. “I don’t think Rafayel wants to be away from you. You might need to be the one who watches him.” You sighed before pinching your brow. You had hoped to pawn off the bratty lemurian, but it seems you were stuck.

“Okay, can you just let me know if there is anything special I need to know about a Lemurian child?”

“Sure, I’ll send you a pamphlet.”

“A pamphlet?”

Reading through the document Talia sent you, the only difference was having to let Rafayel swim in the sea at least an hour for exercise and soak in the bath for a few hours daily. It shouldn’t be hard, but baby Rafayel liked to push your buttons. You tried dipping Rafayel’s tiny body into the bath, but each time you tried putting him down, he would screech and extend his limbs out, making it impossible to put him in the bath.

“Raf-”

“Noooooo! I don’t wanna take a bath, I want to play!”

“Raf you need-”

“Noooo! I want to play! I WANT TO-”

“ENOUGH!” Rafayel immediately flinched. Seeing him scared filled you with shame, but you had to put your foot down. “You’ve been really mean to me, Rafayel. If you keep behaving this way, we won’t have time to play and worse, I’ll have to give you to Talia or Thomas.”

“Noooo I want to stay please.”

“Then be good, okay?”

“Ok”

After you put your foot down, he calmed down, no longer yelling, though he would still complain and pout. Luckily, he stopped causing trouble and stayed by your side the rest of your time together. After a few days, when both of you were used to your new routine, you started to enjoy having child Rafayel around. One day, after he had been acting exceptionally, you decided to have a Rafayel day. A day when you did everything he wanted, which included making sand castles on the beach, swimming together, eating seafood for every meal, and finger painting.

“Look at me Mam- I mean Y/N.” You laughed as he frowned at his mistake with fish painted on his cheeks.

“You look so cool, Raffie.” You grinned as you squeezed his pink cheeks.

I could get used to this. You were thinking, when you were hit with a puff of purple smoke. You coughed as the mysterious gas filled your lungs and covered your eyes.

What was that?

When your vision returned, your little baby was no longer in front of you. Instead was your boyfriend staring back at you.

“Why am I covered in paint?” As much as you loved baby Raffie, you were relieved to see your man again. You hugged him, ignoring the paint that now covered both of you.

“I am so happy you’re back! I missed you! You turned into a kid and I had to babysit you the whole time.” Rafayel laughed as you recounted your whole week.

“So, did seeing baby Rafayel convince you to repopulate Lemuria with me.” You blushed and shoved him lightly.

“Yeah no. I’ll need to think about it.”

“What do you mean you have to think about it?!”

“You were adorable, but very tiring. I don’t think I can handle another baby again.”

“But-” You both “argued” about it for another hour. Though if you were honest, you were mostly teasing him. I mean who could resist such an offer.

Caleb:

“Pipsqueak!” Your vision was blurred and all you could do was fumble around on your back, trying to lift yourself from the pavement. You could barely remember what happened. You tried to figure out how you ended up on the ground injured, but everything was hazy. All you could recall was fighting terrorist evolvers, when one of them shot a blast at you and- “PIPSQUEAK!”

Caleb took the hit for you.

CALEB!

Panicked, you hastily attempted to get up, but you went back down as you felt a sharp pain on your side.

“Don’t move Pips, you’re hurt.” Pips? 

That’s Caleb’s nickname for me, but why was the voice so high pitched? 

Your vision cleared and you were finally able to see your surroundings. The moment you could see, you gasped as you saw a familiar shaggy brown haired boy with purple eyes staring down at you. The boy you remembered growing up with during your childhood, but how is he here?!

“Caleb.” You groaned. The boy immediately grinned as he cradled your hand in his tiny own.

“Of course it’s me Mei Mei.”

“Why, why are you a kid again?” Caleb’s eyes widened from confusion.

“I don’t know. We were at the playground and I was watching you go down the slide and then I was brought here”.

“Wait, so if you don’t remember being an adult, how do you recognize me?” The little boy's smile widened.

“Because it’s you, Pips.”

You stayed there for around an hour with baby Caleb watching you, trying to cheer you up and comfort you until help finally arrived. A tall male paramedic went by your side, knelt down to patch you up with a charming smile on his face. 

“Don’t worry Miss, I’ll fix you up and bring you to the hospital. Was your son hurt as well?”

Peeking at the boy beside you, you could see Caleb’s face contorted with disgust.

“I’m not her son! I’m her husband!” The paramedic immediately looked at you shocked.

Oh my God.

“No, no, NO! I’m not a pedophile! I’m just babysitting him, right Caycay!” Your “brother” began to pout before disgruntledly agreeing. The man laughed, but quickly coughed after seeing the little boy’s enraged face and continued his aid.

—

“No!” Caleb yelled as he blocked you from the “threat”. Zayne sighed, his arms crossed as his brows furrowed.

“Caleb, I’m talking to Y/N. It’s her choice. She’s an adult and she’s hurt. I don’t think she will be able to take care of you-”

“She won’t have to! I will take care of her!”

“I wouldn’t suggest-”

“Zayne.” The whole situation reminded you so much of your childhood with Caleb and Zayne. Zayne, as he was now, was always more level headed and objective, while Caleb always prioritizes you even to his own detriment. You felt nostalgic watching their banter, but like those days, you had to play your role as mediator. “I appreciate your offer to have us stay with you, but my pain right now isn’t too bad. I think I’ll be fine watching him in my own place.” Exhausted, Zayne sighed again.

“Okay fine, but I’ll be checking up on both of you daily when I can.” You could tell by Caleb’s silence and stoicism, he was most likely annoyed by the doctor’s interference. Still, despite his bad mood, Caleb as before, held your hand. It made you smile. Caleb never changed. 

—

The moment you both arrived home, Caleb refused to let you lift a single finger, ignoring the fact that you were currently more than double his age. That’s how you found yourself lying in bed, covered in blankets and plushies with two glasses with water and apple juice on your bedside table that Caleb never allowed to be empty. 

“I’ll make dinner Mei Mei! What do you want to eat?” 

“Caleb, you shouldn’t be using the stove on your own. Let me cook instead, or at least let me watch-”

“No Mei Mei! You need to rest, I’ll cook! What do you want to eat?” You wanted to disagree more, but you knew Caleb’s stubbornness personally. You had tried multiple times, when you were kids to even now to push back when Caleb made a choice, but most of your attempts had been unsuccessful. 

“Okay Caleb, I want cereal.” Caleb pouted at your suggestion.

“That’s not a meal Pips, how are you going to grow-.” He paused. It appeared he had almost forgotten that you weren’t a kid or younger than him anymore. He coughed before continuing: “I mean, it’s not healthy. Don’t you trust me?” You placed your hand on his arm.

“Of course I do Caleb. Alright, can you make me grilled cheese.” He began to beam.

“Of course I can! I’ll make you soup too!”

—

Your rational brain yelled at you to get up and watch Caleb, but he had always been resourceful and your eyes were so heavy. So, distracted by the warmth of your blankets and softness from your plushies, you were knocked out until the smell of something burning filled your nostrils. 

There’s a fire!!!

You got up quickly, ignoring the searing pain on your side and ran to your kitchen. The moment you entered, your heart dropped, it was a disaster zone. Tomato soup somehow got on every surface including the ceiling and your favorite pan was covered in what you assumed was a completely burned grilled cheese and black smoke emitting from it.

“What?” Caleb turned to you, biting his lip and holding his tears. 

“I’m sorry Y/N. I’m so sorry.” His lips began to wobble. He was so ashamed, he couldn’t look at you. Instead he stared at the wall while trying to discreetly wipe his eyes. He was using every ounce of his strength to not cry, to be strong, to act as though he wasn’t a young kid. Sadly, at the end of the day, that was who he was now, a child pushing himself too far. You slowly approached, knelt down and hugged him. He instantly melted into your hold and leaned his head on your shoulder. You could feel the chill from his tears falling on your shirt.

“Caleb, there is nothing to be sorry about. I appreciate you doing the best you can to take care of me, but it’s okay if you need help.” 

“But Pipsqueak, I’m supposed to take care of you.”

“You have been!” You moved him to face him directly and wiped the tears on his chubby cheeks. “But, it’s alright if you can’t do everything for me. I’m an adult now. You and Grandma have taught me all the things I needed to be independent. You don’t have to do everything for me anymore.” You thought your claim of independence would help, but it seemed to push him further in despair. He returned to your arms and began to softly sob.

“You don’t need me anymore?” His voice was low and cracking as he cried. You held his small body closer to yours, stroking the back of his head.

“No Caleb, I am not saying that at all. I will always need you, but I just don’t need you to help me with every little thing. I know how to take care of myself now, but I want you around because you are important to me and I need you in my team.” Finally, he was able to look into your eyes again.

“Really?”

“Really. Now please help me clean up the kitchen and we can order take-out. Anything you want.”

“Okay.”

—

After an hour of cleaning together, the kitchen was spotless and Chinese take-out food was on the way. Waiting for the food, Caleb began exploring your apartment while you scrolled on your phone. After a few minutes, you noticed he had stopped and had his focus set on a picture frame on your shelf. A giddy smile stretched on his face as he held it in his hand. You couldn’t believe you never noticed how in love he was with you, even as a kid. 

You got up and walked behind him, looking at the picture he was enraptured with, one of your favorites as well. It was a picture of you and Caleb dancing together, wrapped in each other's arms, carefree and laughing. It was during a friend of yours’ wedding. The whole affair was romantic. You could still remember your heart racing as Caleb twirled you around and whispered in your ears, praising you, calling you beautiful, telling you how much he loved you and how excited he was to go back to the hotel room with you. The memory of the reception and the night together later still warmed your heart. Caleb turned around to you, stars shining in his eyes.

“Is this you and me? We’re together as adults?” You nodded.

“Yep that’s you. You become very tall, strong and handsome when you get older.” Caleb continued to grin and cheered.

“So, I did it! I finally married you!” Unintentionally you coughed, choking on your own spit.

“What?! No!” Caleb’s smile dropped. Seeing his discouraged face made you want to smack yourself in the head. You shouldn’t have reacted so negatively. You just panicked. Caleb was a constant in your life, but being lovers was new to you both. You knew the two of you were closer than most new couples. Unlike others, you and Caleb grew up closely together. Still, despite your deep connection, it didn’t stop you from being anxious of moving too fast. Also, your dangerous lives with Ever and the Farspace Fleet breathing down your necks, didn't help. Would the current Caleb even think of marriage? Would it be selfish of you to want it? 

“Am I not good to you?” The young kid asked as his grip tightened around the picture frame.

“What? No, you are amazing. I love you so much Caleb.”

“Then why aren’t we married? I was supposed to marry you after I became a pilot.”

Caleb never told me that!

Your anxiety peaked. You didn’t want to make baby Caleb sad. So, you blurted out:

“We will get married soon though! We’re engaged.” The child’s happy mood returned, though he did pout a bit.

“I was supposed to marry you earlier, but at least my dream will come true soon!” Caleb’s sincere smile put butterflies in your stomach. Maybe marriage was more of a possibility than you thought.

—

After an hour, the food arrived, you both ate in front of the tv, watched a movie and later fell asleep on the couch. It reminded you of the weekends you would spend with him as kids. With a smile, and baby Caleb in your arms, you returned to dreamland, until your back was crushed by the back of the couch and a voice whispered your name.

Groggily you opened your eyes and were awoken to adult Caleb in uniform.

“Welcome back Colonel.” You whispered back as you cuddled your face into his chest.

“What happened?”

“You were hit during a fight and turned into a kid. I babysat you the whole day.” Caleb sighed.

“I’m sorry for making you do all that and making us miss the date we planned for a month.” You shrugged, a carefree grin on your face.

“No need to apologize. I was happy to do it. It was nice seeing you as a kid again and seeing how crazy you were about me.” Caleb chuckled.

“Yeah, I was always really obvious except to a certain naive Pipsqueak.”

“Well, you could have told me years earlier.” Caleb chuckled again and ruffled your hair.

“I know!” You both stayed silent, holding each other, enraptured in the night’s calm and silence, but after a while Caleb spoke again. “So, after taking care of a baby me, did it make you think of us having kids?”

“Mhhhm.” After a moment of thinking, you answered sullenly: “I would love to have kids with you, but I can’t risk Ever getting their hands on them.” Caleb frowned and placed a melancholic kiss on your forehead. 

“I understand. I would one day want to have a child with you too, but I can’t imagine letting our kids experience what we did in those labs.”

“Right, but maybe we can talk about another step in our relationship?” Caleb smirked, his eyes playfully squinting with curiosity.

“What did you have in mind?”

“What do you think of marrying me? I mean I know I want to, but if it’s too fast or-” Caleb instantly jumped off the couch and your hold. “Caleb what are you doing? If I freaked you out?”

“No you could never freak me out. Damn it, I had it all planned and I wanted to do it right, but hopefully this is enough.” He kneeled on one knee in front of you. “Will you marry me?”

Answering was the easiest thing in the world.

“Yes!!!” 

Xavier:

A mission had gone wrong and now you found yourself surrounded by Evolvers working for Ever. 

“You better come with us willingly. Wouldn’t want to bruise that pretty face of yours.” One of the brutes taunted. Despite the dire situation, you remained stoic. You wouldn’t allow those assholes to see you weak. Besides, you came here with Xavier, your fiancée and hunter partner. Most likely he would come to the rescue. So, instead of complying, you pointed your duo guns at them.

“I’m not going down without a fight.”

“Fine, suit yourself.”

However, before they could attack, a flash of light blinded you. You smirked, a signature Xavier move. As usual, he was coming to your rescue and showing off. Once the light dimmed, all the men around you were knocked out, that didn’t shock you. What made you gasp was seeing a silver haired boy who uncannily resembled your partner standing in front of you, a sword in his hand.

“Are you alright Ms?” The young boy asked.

“I am, who are you?”

“Prince Xavier.”

Prince Xavier???!!!

—

You didn’t know what else to do, but to run to Jeremiah’s flower shop with Xavier in your arms. The moment you entered, Xavier’s best friend smiled.

“Well well, what brings you both-” He stopped in his tracks, seeing your partner's current state. “Why is Xavier a child?”

“I don’t know!” You yelled exasperated. “He was probably hit by an evol and turned into a kid. Though he keeps calling himself a prince.”

“It’s because he is” “Because I am”. Jeremiah and Xavier paused after answering at the same time. Jeremiah awkwardly laughed while Xavier stayed silent with a pout on his face.

“Anyways.” The florist continued. “In Philos, he was, but I think this is something he should tell you more when he’s older.” You groaned, Xavier and his never ending secrets.

“Well, it might be better if you take care of him. I will bring some of his things and-” Jeremiah shook his head.

“Nu-uh, I have plans. Besides, aren’t you his fiancée?”

“I am, but I never promised to raise him! Besides, I’m sure he would prefer his friend watching him versus a stranger.”

“1. I’m pretty sure this would be a part of the whole: “in sickness and health”. 2. You’re you, I’m 100% sure every version of him wants only you. 3. I met him when I was older than he is now. So, I’m as much of a stranger to him as you!” You groaned louder. You hated it when Jeremiah was right. You looked back at the child standing at your side, who seemed to be shining brighter than before.

“Xavier, it’s your choice. You can stay with me or-” Before you could finish your thought, Xavier answered excitedly.

“I'd rather stay with you!” Jeremiah smirked.

“It’s been decided.”

—

“And this is everything in our apartment. There are games, books and snacks. Let me know if you need anything else. ” As you showed him around, Xavier swayed around excitedly, taking in everything you showed him.

“So, I don’t need to study or train?” You giggled. Being a prince must have meant a lot of responsibilities.

“Exactly! Consider this your chance to have as much fun as you want.” Xavier grinned brightly, almost blinding you with his luminosity.

“That’s great! Also, are you really my fiancée in the future?” The question reminded you of the moment in the park, when the stars seemed to shine brighter than normal. You had a blanket laid out, with the plan to eat a charcuterie board and watch the stars with your boyfriend when Xavier kneeled and proposed. Of course you said:

“Yes I am.” Xavier grin widened.

“I should have known. You look like a Princess.” You giggled.

What a cutie.

—

A week had passed and Xavier was a well behaved kid, surprising for a child raised to be a prince. You thought he would be spoiled, but no. He was polite, cleaned after himself, helped you with chores (except cooking) and even went out of his way to be a gentleman to you. Multiple times, as he followed you around, he would pull up chairs for you, open the door for you, retrieve items you needed or carry bags. You asked him why he did all this, his only response:

“Because my mom told me I should be a gentleman. Especially to my future wife.”

If you could, you would have thanked his mom for raising her son so well, though Xavier did have his own quirks. Another thing you didn’t expect was how active he was. You had thought, as his current self, he would be sleepy most of the time and be a homebody, but that wasn’t the case. If you stopped watching kid Xavier for a moment, he would disappear in a flash and return a few minutes later. Usually bearing gifts for you. Most of the time, the gifts were flowers. It was sweet, but you told him constantly of the danger of leaving on his own. 

Unfortunately, like his adult self, your words didn’t stop him and he kept leaving without any warning. You tried to bear it, but one day, after 15 minutes of waiting, you realized unlike the other times, he wasn’t coming back. In a panic, you searched all of Linkon, called your friends for help and even the police. The whole day, you were on the edge of tears. You couldn’t believe you lost your partner who was turned into a child. After a few hours of torture, you got a call from the police station.

“We found your son.”

You dashed to the station and the moment you entered, you saw Xavier sitting next to a few officers. The moment you entered, his eyes widened, shocked by your tears. When you got closer, he lowered his head and dawned a frown and puppy eyes.

“I’m so sorry Y/N.” You only sighed in response and thanked the officers.

—

Xavier tried to speak with you, but you were too upset and remained silent for the rest of the night. You finally understood why Grandma and Caleb used to scold you when you snuck off. This whole thing was the most fearful you’ve ever been. You thought you lost him and maybe the reminder of his adult self’s disappearances didn’t help either. You made him food and let him do what he wanted in the living room while returning to your bedroom alone. You tried to distract yourself by scrolling on your phone, but nothing resolved your disappointment.

After an hour of doom scrolling, you heard a soft knock on your door, you didn’t want to respond. That was until you saw a paper slip in from the crack of your door. You picked up the note and on it was a childish drawing of a bunny with a talking bubble on the top left that read: I’m sorry.

He’s just a naive kid.

You opened your door and in front of your room was a teary Xavier.

“I should have told you where I was going. I’m sorry Y/N.” You leaned down and hugged the boy.

“Just never scare me like that again, promise.” Xavier quietly replied:

“I promise.” You hugged him tighter and lifted him off the ground. His tears fell on your shoulder. It was a sweet moment, until you smelled smoke. “Also I made you cookies too Y/N.”

Oh no.

—

Once you extinguished the fire and saved your apartment, you both grabbed snacks and had a game night. He played games on the tv while you watched. It was fun, but there was another surprise, despite apparently not being allowed to play video games, as most things except cooking, he was great at it. Xavier at any age was truly a marvel. As you watched Xavier’s character slashing multiple enemies at once, a thought came to mind. You never asked him where he went this morning, or the other times he disappeared.

“By the way Xavier, where did you go?” The boy didn’t remove his gaze from the screen, but you could tell he was embarrassed. His ears and cheeks turned pink.

Adorable!

“I looked at our photo album and I wanted to make a map to remember the places we went to. I need to make sure you fall for me again.” You ruffled the boy’s hair.

“You’re so silly Xavie. You could have told me! We could have visited those places together.” He paused his game and turned to you.

“Could we?”

“Yes, where do you want to go first?”

—

Like a bucket list, you both went to the spots on each photo. This included amusement parks, arcades, the park, and more. In each spot, you tried to let the kid have the fun he was apparently not allowed to. Though, it wasn’t only him enjoying the trips, you found yourself relishing each moment. Being around his kid self made you feel you understood your fiancée more. After you went to your last spot, the park where he proposed, his map was complete. Under the moonlight,  the boy thanked you and disappeared. In his place was the man you fell in love with. He was in a daze.

“My star, where are we?” 

“In Linkon Park, you reverted back to being a kid or Prince Xavier.”

“I see I have more I have to tell you.”

“You do, but I’m exhausted. I think all I want now is to sleep beside you.”

“Of course.”

—

The two of you returned home, but no sleep was had. Instead, you spent the night indulging in each other, leaving you both more exhausted than before. After your session was over, with nothing but a towel on, Xavier kissed your sweaty forehead.

“My love, I'm going to shower. Do you want to join me?” You hummed. A seemingly innocent request, but you knew better. Xavier was insatiable.

“If I join, I know we aren’t going to be showering. Just shower first, I’ll go after you.”

“Alright my princess, I’ll be right back.” He left you alone heading to your shared washroom and once he was out of view, you were going to try to sleep, but your eyes landed on both of your clothes on the floor. 

We’re so shameless. I should really tidy up.

Ignoring your soreness and the wobbling of your spent legs, you slowly picked up each article of clothing and carefully folded them. When you reached for Xavier’s pants, a piece of paper fell to the ground. You picked it up and immediately recognized it. It was the map you made with his younger self earlier. It shouldn’t have been surprising to see it in adult Xavier's possession, but what was shocking was the state of it. The map had yellowed and looked worn out, like the paper had been studied for years. You smiled and placed a delicate kiss on the sheet. You guessed Jeremiah was right. Every version of Xavier would always want you.

Who was your favorite baby?

Sylus

Zayne

Rafayel

Caleb

Xavier

Voting ended onApr 24

[diamonrot]

Coming Home Pt. 2 (In the Sea God’s Eyes)

Hello Everyone! Sorry, it's taken me so long to write this part. More life news: I got a permanent job yay! But, on the same day I got my job, my dog died. Soooooooo, had a lot to deal with haha! I did the best I could with this part, but @lyrisnightblood if I fudged your request too much, let me know!

He never expected to see you again. He got you killed and your absence was supposed to be his punishment. He was destined to live the rest of his immortal life without you. What he didn’t expect was your return, yet as you always did, you returned to him.

Tags: Minors DNI!!! Canon Divergent, Alternate Universe, Sea God!Rafayel x Sacrifice!Reader, Sea God!Rafayel x Doctor!Reader, Angst, Suicide, Suggestive, OOC Rafayel, Main Character Death.

Please leave feedback or suggestions in comments and/or replies!

Read Part 1 here!

Legend says that the town of Romirro’s shores is the home of an all-powerful Sea God. In the past, this small town was a large city, the capital of a no longer existing country. The Sea God protected the ancient city and in the God's kind gaze, the city prospered. However, the Romirrans made an unforgivable error. After dealing with decades of grueling war, the leaders of the city gifted him a bride. She was a beautiful human healer that was meant to be sacrificed. Unforeseeably, his bride betrayed him and escaped. Enraged, the God destroyed the city, drowning it in a consuming flood. Since then, a small town was reborn, bearing the same name of the forsaken city. The town’s people still clamored for the Sea God’s favor, but the God remained silent.

At least that’s how the legend went, and hearing it never failed to tick Rafayel off. He hated how the legend was written. The author wrote it in a way that took you out of the narrative. Taking away your agency, your noble sacrifice and turning you into a prop. Ignoring who you essentially were, a kind and brave woman. The same woman he loved dearly, his immaculate bride. 

He remembers the night he first met you. It was centuries ago. It was a freezing night. The winds blew the rain harshly, making him shiver as he rose up from the sea. He had no intention of entertaining the ceremonial drums and choirs he heard on the surface earlier that day, but he had a sneaking suspicion the humans were up to something, and he was unfortunately right. The moment the raucous silenced, he decided to take a peek. He swam up, out of the water and he was greeted with a pitiful sight. A beautiful young woman wearing a white dress, soaking wet and tied to the sacrificial pillar that stood on a marble island that floated in the sea, a bit away from the land’s shore. You were shaking, yet remained stoic and limp. Even when he swam to you, revealing his divine form. Showing you his tall painted body and luminescent tail, and long purple and pink hair.

“What are you doing here tied up?” He asked with a booming voice. He expected you to flinch, but instead you lowered your head defeatedly. 

“I am yours.” The Sea God cocked his head curiously, pressing his own hand on his chest.

“Mine? I don’t remember giving you such a title.” Despite you having been tied up, shivering, and now seeing an immortal being, it was only then you showed fear. 

“I hope what I said didn’t offend you. I know I don’t have any claim to you. I am a sacrifice. They wanted to give me as a gift to you.” You paused before adding hesitantly. “To do whatever you please.” Rafayel squinted his eyes angrily.

Who’s the idiot who thought I would want this? Do they believe I’m a monster?

“Anything? So you won’t fight if I decide to kill you, hurt you, or even.” He leaned down with his face in front of yours, his breath warming your face. “Eat you?” Your eyes briefly widened before facing back down.

“If that is what you wish.”

Disgusting humans.

He approached, swimming around you, examining you as though you were his prey. You gulped, but didn’t budge. You were resilient, he had to give you props for that. He would have been more impressed if he didn’t find your devotion disturbing and stupid. Finally, after “teasing you”, he swam to your back where your arms were tied. He then summoned his knife and cut the ropes, setting you free. You stumbled forward, almost falling into the water, but you were luckily able to regain your balance. He thought you would run away the moment he destroyed your chains, instead you stayed in the same spot, rubbing your bruised wrists. You didn’t seem pleased.

“What are you doing my lord?” He crossed his arms while bobbing in the water. 

“I am not looking for a sacrifice. Go home.” You stared at him disheartened. Your hurt expression oddly bothered him.

“Am I not to your preference?” Rafayel groaned.

“You are-” Sneakily, he looked you up and down. You were objectively gorgeous, but- He coughed. “You are satisfactory, but I do not seek a sacrifice, or a human bride. Now, I demand you to live a fulfilling life. Now go!” He waved you off, but you remained stubborn. You pouted, crossed your arms and glared at him.

“No.” 

What?

Your reaction puzzled him. He was granting you mercy, what did you mean no?! He cocked his head. “Excuse me?”

“I said no. If you don’t want me then what will it take for you to support us? We need you more than ever to win this war!” Rafayel rolled his eyes. Of course this had to do with the humans' self-imposed squabble.

“I don’t get involved in human affairs. My sole purpose is to protect this shore and all the creatures that inhabit it-”

“Then wouldn’t the citizens of Romirro count?” You asked as you intensely stared into the God's gem colored eyes, slowly crawling closer to him. He couldn’t believe your audacity to talk to him like this, like he was the one at fault.

“They would have, but your countrymen were selfish. They’ve attacked innocent nations to build up their own power. Now, those nations are fighting back. It’s retribution. Why should I interfere?” You went closer until you were directly facing the immortal merman while holding the pillar to not fall into the freezing seawater.

“Because not all those who are being punished are at fault. There are many innocent humans dying!”

“There is no such thing as innocent humans-”

“There are! Children, the elderly, humans just trying to live their lives. They pray to you! You have to at least try!” Your desperate cries hit Rafayel in the heart. For the first time, his inaction made him feel guilty, but he snuffed the feeling immediately. He knew better. Involving yourself with humans, especially as a Lemurian, never goes well.

“No.”

“But-” Before you could beg further, he sank back into the sea. He could hear your muffled shouts as he returned home. As he escaped, he couldn’t stop the lingering feeling of regret, but he reminded himself, humans were fickle. You were going to forget this experience, return home, and if you were smart, you would lie about him like the other humans do. Tell your brethren that he favored you, that he would support your conquest.

As you crept into his mind, he swam down to the coral reef that hid what remained of his home, Whale City. The city used to be an underwater paradise, but after the humans’ interventions, their multiple invasion attempts, their overfishing and pollution, his home was corrupted. The city was twisted into nothing more than ruins. The tall, pearl towers were cracked open, and overgrown parasitic sea life grew between the broken pieces, losing the city’s once glorious sheen. Rafayel was able to live in the peaceful city for the first few years of his immortal life, but like his parents, his city was taken for him, and he was forced to act as this cruel world’s last Sea God. 

“I’m home.” Rafayel chanted quietly as he entered his empty and decayed temple. Like a familiar friend, the ache of loneliness filled the empty space. Despite his “holy” presence, few Lemurians trusted him enough to choose to remain underwater. The rest moved to land, either to sell their mythical bodies, or disguise themselves as humans and live a mundane life to escape starvation and poverty. He sighed, passed his meaningless throne and swam to his personal chamber. Perhaps after he shut his eyes, he would forget your disgusted grimace and pitiful cries.

—

“This has been happening all week! A new item every single day!” the older lemurian woman complained as she pointed to multiple items floating around her store. Looking more carefully, the young Sea God could see various pieces of cattle meat, jewelry, gems, baskets, and other items, all with a large rock attached to them by a rope. 

Why would someone be doing this?

“You have to fix this my Lord! It’s starting to freak out my customers!” Rafayel groaned and pinched the bridge of his nose.

“Don’t worry Ma'am, I’ll-” As he spoke, he felt a heavy shift in the water. His eyes moved quickly to the source and saw there was another item descending and attached to a rock. This time, it was a knitted doll that had mauve and pink long hair, a violet tail, and shiny rocks for eyes. 

Wait, the doll, is it supposed to look like me? Is this a threat?

“I’ll fix this.” Rafayel promised as he shot up out of the water, following the path the doll came from. Once he felt the chill from the land’s breeze, he saw a familiar figure on the shore.

“You!” Originally kneeling on the sand, you suddenly started to shuffle around before bowing.

“My lord, did you like my gifts?”

“Gifts?” Rafayel asked as he swam closer to you. “So, it was you throwing all that trash in the water!” You frowned as he pointed at you accusatorily.

“It’s not trash! It’s the best offerings I had! Since, I didn’t suffice, I thought my offerings would convince you.” The man laughed exasperated then moaned as he pulled on his own face.

“Look, you need to stop this! I already said no.”

“But-”

“And all you are doing now is polluting my sea. Now, if you don’t want me to show you my wrath, I would suggest you stop immediately.”

“But-”

“No more, human! Cease this and go!” You examined him with your shoulders slumped and a deep scowl.

“Can you at least hear me-”

“No good-bye.” Again, he dove back into the water, abandoning you, ignoring your pleading. As he sank down, his body flowing with the rush of water, his mind wandered back to you. You were such a stubborn human. Why were you so persistent? Most of your kind would have already given up, yet not you. What do you possibly have to gain from his aid? Were you looking for honor? Power? Wealth?

Oh well, hopefully she will finally listen and stop.

—

Weeks Later…

After his chastisement, you and the shore remained quiet. You piqued his interest and Rafayel couldn’t deny that he felt a bit of disappointment with your silence, but overall, he was happy you moved on. Now, you both could focus on your own lives. Though, what he did notice was more whispers, prayers of gratitude to him from Romirran’s citizens. It was strange. In the last century, the humans’ belief in him had dwindled. Most reserved themselves to yearly festivals and rituals, it was rare humans would pray to him daily. However, now, he was hearing a harmony of platitudes humming constantly.

One day, after his head reverberated with endless gratitudes, he decided to investigate. He returned to the surface, and from a distance, he noticed a small crowd forming around the beach. 

What are the humans up to now?

Rafayel swam to an isolated part of the beach and got out from the waves. As he stood up, his mythical tail transformed into long and toned legs. He then conjured up a long cloak that covered him completely and joined the crowd. The moment he entered the group, he was suffocated. The people were rowdy, many begging for help and pushing to the front. Rafayel followed the movement of the crowd, stealthy gliding between patrons until he made it to the front. 

“I could help who’s next!” His heart skipped a beat as he heard your melodious voice. There you were, hair up, robe sleeves rolled up, standing next to a table covered with potions and medical equipment. You couldn’t seem to leave him alone. Before he could move forward, an older woman ran to her while crying out:

“Help me healer!” You smiled and began speaking to her softly. His curiosity peaked, but he couldn’t hear what you were saying. Your voice was too delicate and was easily overpowered by the noise surrounding you both. He had the urge to silence the other patrons, but he remained patient and in the end, he watched as you gently applied ointment on the woman’s arm and wrapped it in bandages. Your swift and elegant movements were mesmerizing, he couldn’t keep his eyes off you. 

“I can help who’s next!” Your cry snapped him out of the spell. 

Stop getting distracted by the human Rafayel! I need to find out what’s happening.

Out of your sight, behind his back and hidden by his cloak, he ran the sharp edge of his knife to his palm, leaving a stinging bleeding cut.

“Coming.” He answered intentionally, making his voice a pitch higher. He rushed to you, and was immediately submerged by your perfume. A tantalizing floral and sweet smell of lavender and hyacinths encompassed him. 

“What’s your name?” You asked softly, smiling at him adorably. Rafayel could feel his heart pounding in his ears. Unusually, his body shook. He couldn’t understand how you could have this effect on him, or why his throat was too dry to speak. After staying silent, you leaned in closer. “Are you alright?”

“Sorry, I-” Hesitantly, he revealed his hand from his cloak, showing his sliced hand. “My name is Rafayel and I cut my hand by mistake.”

“Aww” You cooed as you took his hand, holding it as though he was delicate. In response, his cheeks and the tips of his ears turned red. “You poor thing. Don’t worry, I’ll fix it.” You placed his hand on the table and began searching for something in your large pile of potions, until you landed on a purple slim bottle. “Got it!” You cheered as you grabbed the bottle and bandages and returned to his hand. “This.” You excitedly showed off the potion in your hand. “Is an elixir that will accelerate the healing process for your laceration and prevent infections. In a few hours, it should be fully healed. Till then, keep your hand bandaged. It should be all good after.” Rafayel nodded and stayed rigidly still as you opened the bottle. “Alright, just get ready, it will sting.”

After Rafayel took a breath, you poured the potion on his hand and he jerked. The moment the purple concoction touched his skin, his hand tingled then began to searingly burn. He hissed, but the pain quickly vanished and cool relief replaced it. 

“You did it! Now, I’ll wrap your hand.” Gently, you held his palm and thoughtfully wrapped up his wound. Your hands were so comfortably warm. “Alright, you are all done.” Right after, you let go. Rafayel frowned from the loss of your warmth.

“What do I owe you?” He asked as he reached in his pockets, ready to conjure up gold coins for payment. You smirked before answering.

“I want you to chant a prayer of gratitude to the Sea God.”

“Really? Why?”

“Well, it’s a long story, but I’m hoping if enough people pray to the Sea God, he would consider giving Romirro his blessing.” Rafayel huffed, seems he thought too highly of you. Annoyance bubbled.

“So, you are only doing this to use the Sea God?” You stared at him in disbelief. You looked away before returning your eyes to the God’s harsh gaze.

“I know it may seem that way, and maybe it’s true that it is a part of the reason. However, is it wrong what I am doing? I am still following his will. Healing those who belong to him.”

“Well, I don’t see anything besides humans here. Where are the sea creatures? The seagulls?” You chuckled, but realizing the man in front of you was serious, you stopped and straightened your back.

“I mean nobody besides humans has come for my help. If there are sea creatures or seagulls who need my help, bring them to me. I can’t promise I will be able to heal them, but I’ll try.”

This time, Rafayel laughed before turning his back on the healer.

“Well, prepare yourself Y/N. I’ll be back with one of my sea friends and I expect your help!” You made a small bow.

“Of course and I hope you will consider our pleas, my lord.” He turned back to you and smirked.

She’s clever. She already figured me out.

“You are clever for a human, but as I said before-”

“I know, you can’t interfere, but like you said, I’m clever. I’ll convince you somehow.”

—

A Month Later…

As the prayers ramped up, he could feel his resolve shaking. The chants of young children. Their voices, soft and innocent, babbling and pleading for his help to save their fathers and mothers on the front line. The cries of the elderly, hoarse and most no longer praying for themselves, but for their legacies. The pleas of the despondent, scared and vulnerable. All of it broke his heart, but what kept him up at night was your voice, but not because of pity, but because of something worse.

Initially, when you prayed, you were like the rest. Begging for his support and power, but now, it's changed. Instead, you would have one way conversations with him. Asking him how his day was, talking about your own, and asking him questions he couldn’t answer. In the beginning, it irritated him, having your voice chirping in his ear when he tried to sleep. Now, he found it soothing, lolling him to sleep. 

Though it had an unforeseeable consequence. 

“Rafayel~” He opened his eyes and found you sitting on the beach. Smiling at him adoringly, as though you were old friends, or perhaps something more. “How was your day?” You were breathtaking. Your lushish hair and skin shining in the moonlight. 

Rafayel sighed before flopping onto the sand.

“Busy as usual, just trying to rebuild my people’s home, while having to deal with your people constantly chattering in my head.” You laughed sweetly before lying next to him and leaning closer, looking down at him. You were close, too close. He gasped as he felt your hot breath on his skin.

“I’m sorry, I don’t mean to make things harder for you, but I know you can do this.” Rafayel groaned.

“Why, because I’m the all-powerful Sea God?”

“No, because you are you, and I happen to think you are pretty amazing.” Rafayel was left speechless. The day he was selected to be the Sea God, he lost his autonomy. Besides Talia and her family, everyone else saw him as a tool to achieve whatever they desired. He thought you were the exact same as the rest of them, but maybe you’re not, maybe-.

“Y/N.” He reached for you, wanting to feel your velvety cheek, no longer able to resist the urge to touch you and have you against him, but before his fingers could even graze you, he woke up.

“Ughhh.” He sat up and gripped his scalp. Why does he keep dreaming of you? He shouldn’t be feeling this way, longing for you. You both belonged to completely different worlds, only connected by your own persistence. You were unraveling him, creeping into his mind and heart. He needed to stop entertaining you. He needed to distance himself from you. You were going to be his undoing.

After that night, he decided to keep his distance. Unless he needed to, he refused to return to land. This had to be the solution. He hoped the distance would make you lose your grip on his heart, but his dreams, his desires never faded. They only warped more desperately, and despite staying away, you never stopped talking to him. Though your tone changed, you spoke to him more sullenly and hopelessly. Losing your typical cheerful cadence. It was painful, but he convinced himself that it had to be done. At least that was what he thought until he was woken up in the middle of the night.

“HELP!” “RAFAYEL!” The Sea God scrambled out of his bed the moment he heard two screams in his head. One was a high pitched screech and the other was deeper and more feminine. His heart trembled. Both of the voices were familiar and they painfully stinged his heart. The first belonged to a lemurian child, and the last one was yours.

No

—

“Hello?!” Panicked, he followed the traces of your prayers to a cavern that stood a few feet away from your makeshift clinic. The moment he entered the tunnel, a strong smell of iron emitted from the air.

Please no, not again.

“Y/N, where are you?!” No response, only silence. His whole body turned cold and numb.

What happened?

He ran further in as more and more evidence of a gruesome fight appeared. A trail of blood turned to red pools with bodies lying massacred around them.

Y/N…

Frantically, his eyes darted to each body, preparing to find your lifeless face, but none of the corpses were yours.

“Y/N!” His voice rang and he was going to continue running in when a response echoed back.

“We’re here.” His eyes teared up hearing your voice, though your voice was fragile, it was there, alive. As his pearl tears bounced off the ground, he dashed to the sound of your voice. As he closed in, he could see you kneeling on the ground, covered in blood, shaking and sobbing with a young lemurian boy he recognized hugging you. His fear, his panic was replaced with a hot rage that burned throughout his whole body. 

“What happened?” He asked authoritatively, standing directly in front of you. You stayed in the same position, your head down, bowing and unresponsive. His heart broke as his anger was fueled. He moved to kneel in front of you, but before he could, a lemurian boy with pink hair jumped in front of you.

“My lord please!” The boy stood tall, his short arms wide, blocking you from his grasp. “She’s a good human. She protected me from poachers.” Rafayel’s frown deepened.

“Is this true Y/N?” You nodded slowly.

“Okay.” He took a breath. His heart raged on, but for your sake he knew he had to calm down. The poachers will be dealt with later. For now, you were his focus. He ruffled the boy's hair. “Thank you Cain. Are you alright? Can you travel back home on your own safely?”

“Yes, but the human woman-”

“She will not be hurt by me. I’ll make sure to heal any of her injuries, but I need you to return home.” 

“Yes sir.” Cain bowed, gave you a forlorn hug while whispering something in your ear before running off. Once the boy was out of sight, Rafayel gently kneeled down and examined your body. During his examination, though you were covered head to toe in blood, he couldn’t spot any wounds. Did you fight off a group of poachers without a scratch? He wiped off the blood on your delicate face. “Are you alright Y/N?”

Your eyes lit up, losing its ghostly appearance the moment you looked at his face.

“Yes.” You spoke quietly. A pitiful smile shone on the Sea God’s face as he embraced you, patting and rubbing your back. In the start, your body stiffened, but slowly you melted into his touch, sobbing louder on his shoulder. 

You both held each other in a comforting silence, until your sobs died down. 

“Please tell me what happened Y/N.” He let go of your waist and returned his hold to your face as you sniffled before starting:

“I heard a commotion in this cave. The boy was screaming, calling for help. So, I went into the cave and saw these men trying to attack him. I told them to stop, but they wouldn’t because he’s a “lemurian” and they wanted his fish tail and scales. I kept screaming for them to leave the boy alone, but they ignored me. They were going to kill him! I couldn’t let them so I killed-” Your eyes began to water again.

“Protected him.” The man corrected. You bobbed your head hysterically.

“I did.” You sobbed as you wiped your eyes. “I didn’t want to kill them, but I had no choice I had-” He stared intensely into your eyes and stroked your hair.

“You don’t have to explain. I am grateful to you. You protected my own and I must repay you.”

“I don’t need anything, I don’t deserve-” 

“You do.” Rafayel cleaned up the rest of the blood off your face. “Time and time again, you’ve proven yourself. You’ve remained persistent and helped those in need, including my people. There is nobody who deserves my blessing more.” Your eyes filled up with tears again.

“Thank you. Thank you.” You murmured reverently and he smiled at your praise.

“You are welcome, my follower. Now, close your eyes. I will bestow you with my blessing.” 

“Of course.” You closed your eyes and ignored your nerves, staying as still as you could.

“I, Rafayel, the last Sea God selects you, Y/N as my acolyte, my closest and most loyal follower. Do you accept your new role as mine?”

“I do.”

“Then accept my gifts.” Feeling his thrumming heart, he leaned into you, and pressed his lips onto yours. You gasped and reactively, began to pull away, but he held your face firmly while making sure he wasn’t constraining you. “Do not be afraid. A kiss is how I grant you my strength, but we can stop if you no longer want this.”

“Okay.” You returned to him and looped your arms around his neck. “I want this.” Rafayel’s gaze searched your eyes for any doubt in your eyes, but seeing none, he looked back to your lips and moved. Placing his pink lips again to yours. His body blazed pleasurably, he craved more, but foremost, he wanted to respect you. In spite of his body desiring you, he denied himself and refused for the kiss to escalate. His lips remained slotted between yours and unmoving, feeling the flow of his power, travelling from within himself to the woman he was embracing. Tasting you was addicting, but the moment he felt too weak and all his power leaving, he let go of you, leaving you both breathless.

He could see your surprise as you examined your own body, more muscled and stronger than it’s ever been.

“What? What did you do to me, Rafayel?” The Sea God smirked, got up from the ground and wiped up the grime from his legs.

“As I have promised Y/N. I have granted you my power, to act as my retainer. You will act out my will. Do you understand?” You reached for his hand and placed the back of his hand on your forehead. 

“I understand.”

—

Many things changed years after he had made you his. Your clinic closed and you moved your heroism to the front line. Acting as Romirran’s Golden Warrior and the Sea God’s servant, you almost singlehandedly fought off the capital’s invaders while protecting and healing the vulnerable. Rafayel was proud of you, but he missed your company. Your prayers to him sang more quietly and direct. Missing its previous charm and intimacy. During your time fighting and away, painful thoughts kept circling in his head:

Did he make a mistake?

Were you using him?

Resentment and the fear of losing you continuously bubbled and tortured him, until you returned home as you always did. Your bond demands it.

“Rafayel!” The man glared at the woman standing a foot from him on the beach. She was decorated in golden armor with a matching trident by her side.

“Took you long enough.” He sulked as he turned away from you with his arms crossed, focussing again on the sea and sand below him. You groaned at his dramatics before sitting next to him.

“Believe me, after months of constant fighting, all I wanted was to return back home to you.” He stared at you, trying to see any sign of deception, but as always, there was none. He placed his hand on yours.

“I missed you.” You grinned triumphantly before resting your head on his.

“I missed you too.” You both stayed there, enjoying each other before you stood up, making Rafayel whimper. “Now that you finally admitted that you missed me, would you take me out for dinner?”

The Sea God laughed before following you and standing up as well.

“Why should I be taking you out for dinner? You’re my servant, you should be treating me.” You rolled your eyes.

“Puhlease! Believe me, I barely get paid anything, even being “Romirrans’ Golden Warrior” doesn’t get me any wealth.”

“I told you!~ Humans are ungrateful, you would have gained more by lying.” 

“Hey!” You weakly shoved him. “I’m human too!”

“You’ve only proven my point more! Nobody is more ungrateful than you. You barely pray or visit me anymore.” Rafayel tried to say it jokingly, but he could see your smile shrink.

“Rafayel, I’m sorry I didn’t mean-” The Sea God frowned before shrugging his shoulders. Why is he sabotaging this? It’s not your fault he needed you more than you needed him.

“I was just kidding Y/N. Now let me treat you to dinner.”

“Really?!” Rafayel smirked and turned away from you.

“Of course, now follow me.”

—

Sitting at a lemurian run tavern, you both sat at a table near the fireplace. His heart warmed as he watched you beaming and enthusiastically eating the feast in front of you.

“Do they not feed you in the army?” You stared at him startled. Your cheeks filled with food like a chipmunk before swallowing your food and answering:

“They do, but it never tastes as good as the food here!” You continued shovelling the food in your mouth, ignoring the Lemurian’s grin.

“I am happy to please. So, how is the war going?” You beamed.

“Well, I am proud to report that a peace negotiation is being worked on at this very moment. We’re hoping the fighting will end in the upcoming weeks.” Rafayel couldn’t stop his own smile from widening.

“Does this mean?” The man interlocked his hand in yours. “That you'll finally be returning home and staying?” You were excited at first, but you quickly switched. Your joy drained from your face.

“Of course, but Rafayel.” You removed your hand from his and crossed your hands together, laying them on the table. Your expression suddenly grim. “We need to talk about something.” You looked around the dining room before shifting closer to him and whispering: “I think your life is in danger. Listen, there are people who want you-” The Sea God placed his hand on top of your own, silencing you.

“I understand your concern, but not tonight. Let’s let this night be ours.” You frowned and your gaze left him. You stared at the table contemplative before sighing and returning back to him.

“Alright Rafayel. The night is ours.”

—

The moment you both entered the rented room, you were inseparable. Your arm was wrapped around his neck, his arms on your waist as you both indulged in each other. Your lips moving against his desperately, hungrily. Rafayel wanted to return your fervor, feeding the tension that had been building for the last few years between you, but doubt clouded his mind. Did you truly want him, or the power he could provide you? He hesitated and barely moved, but although he barely entertained you, you refused to give up. You were persistent as always. You bit his lip making him involuntarily moan and allowing you access. Controlled by your passion, you intertwined your tongue with his, exploring any depth you could. Your hand reaching inside his robe, grabbing and squeezing his chest.

The Sea God wanted to touch you too, beg you to take him, but the heat, the pleasure was too hot, too blinding. He pushed you away, trying to catch his breath.

“Stop.” He pleaded. Immediately you blanched. His heart shattered seeing the mortified look on your pale face. He wanted to return to your arm, correct his rejection, but he couldn’t. He had to be strong for you both. He wiped the saliva from his lips. “That should be enough to grant you the power you need. You can go.” Your eyes watered.

“I’m, I’m sorry I misunderstood. I thought you wanted this too.” You crossed your arms, unable to look at him. Rafayel sat on the bed and traced patterns on the sheets.

“I do want this, but maybe not for the same reason as you do.” Typically, you would have closed in and sat next to him, but you kept your distance.

“What reasons?”

“I’m a Lemurian Y/N. If all you want from me is power, or fun, then I can’t entertain this anymore. My people are built for love and devotion. We spend our whole lives looking for our other half and the moment we find them, we dedicate our entire body and souls to them. I need to know that after this war is over, after I am no longer useful to you, that you won’t throw me away. That you’ll stay with me and be as committed to me as I want to be with you. If you cannot, then I can keep giving you my blessing, but I entertain you anymore".

“Rafayel, I’m so sorry. I didn’t know you felt that way. I never meant-”

“Please, no more platitudes. I need an answer.” He turned to you, staring at you yearningly, desperate for your response. You took a breath and stood in front of him, your palm resting on his leaning cheek.

“I need you too, Rafayel. I don’t blame your doubts. Before, I only wanted your blessing, but now, all I want is you. I don’t care if after this war you stop giving me your power. I promise to continue to be devoted to you and love you. If you allow it.” Rafayel froze.

“You love me?” Your tears fell from your eyes, but not from pain, instead relieving bliss. With a watery grin, you pressed a chaste kiss on your beloved’s forehead.

“I love you.” Rafayel smirked.

“Well if that’s the case.” Rafayel grabbed your arm and pulled you on top of him.

“Did you want to continue where we left off?” You nodded excitedly and took him into your arms. Admiring and lovingly taking every inch of him for the rest of the night.

—

“Thirsty.” Rafayel moaned, exhausted and sweaty, sitting up after hours of falling into each other. You giggled as you pushed yourself up. Your blanket falling from your naked shoulders.

“I’ll get you a drink. I’ll be right back.” You stood up, put back your robe and walked to the entrance, but before you could exit, your room’s door opened in a loud bang. A group of men  entered, wearing armor marked in Romirro’s emblems with weapons gripped in their hands. In spite of the previous romantic haze, the Sea God sobered up. Seeing the largest man littered with scars stepping up to the front, his weapon pointed at you.

“Golden, where is the Sea God?” Protectively, you stood in front of your lover, your own weapon in your hands.

“I don’t know where he is. I told you, I would bring him to you when I can! It takes time to summon him.” The stranger glared skeptically, quickly moving his focus to Rafayel.

“Then who’s this boy lying in your bed?” You stepped closer to your rival, looking up and close to the man’s face.

“What? Does he have to be somebody? Can’t a woman enjoy her share of lovers as well? Or is that only something a man can enjoy?” The soldier looked at you in disgust.

“I don’t care what you do in your free time. The magistrates demand the body of the Sea God. You know what will happen if you don’t get us what we want.” Your visage turned dark and sullen, sending a chill down Rafayel's body. What was going on?

“I know, now get out!” You pointed your weapon to the door. “You all saw me fight on the battlefield. You know I can easily dispatch every single one of you”. Your opponent grumbled before shoving the crowd out of your room, leaving you alone with Rafayel. Your lover was too shocked to speak. Meanwhile, you dropped your trident to the ground, the clank of the weapon ringing in the air. You gripped your face and sighed loudly. It seemed you were too anxious to speak as well. Despite his own shock, Rafayel knew he had to take the lead.

“What did they mean Y/N? Are you going to try to kill me?” Panicked, you knelt in front of him.

“You know my heart, my mind. I would never hurt you.”

“Then why did they say you promised them my body? Because-” His eyes glowed faintly blue, but instantly, you placed your hands on his knees, dimming the threatening glow.

“I swear my love, I only said that to buy us time. They threatened to kill my whole bloodline if I didn’t murder you. That’s what I wanted to talk to you about. I need your help.”

“Why would they want to kill me?” You laid your head on his lap before continuing:

“According to an ancient text, if a Sea God’s chosen murders and devours their lord’s heart, they will gain their godhood. I told them it was ridiculous, but they didn’t believe me.” Your God stroked your hair tenderly.

“If it was true, would that be what you want? Godhood?” 

“Even if I could, I would never want that!” Your body began trembling, tears streaming from your eyes. “All I wanted was to help our city, but I was so stupid and naive. I should have never got you involved. I am so sorry my love. But there has to be a way to fix this right?” 

Rafayel could barely breathe. The new threat was suffocating. Things weren’t supposed to be this way. You both had finally confessed and the war was supposed to be over. Why did humans have to ruin everything? And, the worst part, the humans weren’t misinformed. If you did kill him, you would obtain his essence, which would turn you into a goddess. It’s how he ascended as well.  It's how he lost his mother.

You both remained silent, your weeping the only sound in the room. Rafayel tried to think of a solution, but nothing. You needed his power, and even if you both “faked” his death, your lack of ascension would be easily proven. There was only one solution. 

“I have to die.” The moment he said it, you looked back at him and panicked. Weakly, you cried: 

“No No No.” 

Despite your pleas, his mind couldn’t reject his new plan. During his long lifetime, he watched so many people he loved die. He thought during the dawn of his own death, like so many others, he would feel scared, upset, or angry. Instead, he felt a calm melancholy. He didn’t want to die, he wanted to spend as long as he could with you, but separation was inevitable. Though he had previously thought he would outlive you, was dying first so horrible?  He had been alive for centuries and if he was honest, he knew he lived long enough. If he could sacrifice his life and save you and those you loved, it would be worth it. Besides, perhaps as a Goddess, you would be able to achieve much more than he could, for Romirro and Lemuria. 

“No Rafayel.” You tightly gripped his hands. “I would never hurt you. What if we fake your death? Or, I’ll contact my family and we can run away? Or?”

“Enough Y/N. We can’t pretend, or run. They would quickly find out our lies and they’ll hurt you and your family. Plus, I can’t leave Lemurians without a guardian.”

“But Raf-”

“I’m tired Y/N. I’ve been living for too long and besides, I think the world would benefit from a more pure and kind Goddess.”

“But Raf no I-” The Sea God pressed a finger to your lips.

“Please, Y/N. Let me save you.” Your eyes darkened, but you agreed grimly.

“Alright.”

—

“Here is where we should do it.” Rafayel led you, holding your hand while wading through the sea. “When I die, I want to be in my home. I think this is a fair request.” You stared at him despondently.

“How are you so calm Rafayel? I’m going to kill you.” The man smiled and held your shoulders.

“You’ve proven to me over and over your worth. There is nobody who deserves my power more than you. Just promise to keep our people safe.” You shook your head in agreement and bowed in the flowing waves. “Thank you.” Rafayel summoned his blade and placed it into your hands. “Now, take what is yours.” You held his knife tightly.

“Can I have a final kiss?” The god giggled.

“Anything for you.” Rafayel pulled you in closer, swaying you back and forth before placing his soft lips on yours. Lingering as long as he could, before letting you go. “I love you Y/N.”

“I love you too.” Then the sickening sound of the slicing of skin rang in his ears. At first he wasn’t scared, until he realized he felt no pain. “And I’m sorry.” A thin line of red grew on your neck before a stream of blood fell to the sea.

“No No No NO NO NO Y/N what did you do??!!!” You grinned, red staining your teeth as you fell into the water. “NO!” He caught you before you sank, but you were already pale and fading fast. “Our bond… It cannot end this way! I won’t allow it!” You attempted to speak, but your words were garbled then silent. The light forever left your eyes, leaving Rafayel alone. Stunned, holding your limp body, Rafayel remained motionless, pearls falling continuously from his eyes.

How could you betray him? How could you leave him alone?!

—

Rafayel didn’t know how long he stayed on that shore, holding your lifeless body, crying and mourning. He barely remembered what happened after, only that after struggling, his aunt came for him and held him while her husband took his lovers’ corpse away. He then somehow returned to his temple without you. 

His aunt and his friends tried to help him move on, but the image of your limp corpse haunted him. He knew after your death, you would have wanted him to live his life and follow both your wills of protecting Romirrans and Lemurians, but he couldn’t. The day you died, all he could feel was numbing guilt. He locked himself away, away from Romirro, away from his people, and only came out when truly necessary. Even when a devastating flood washed the capital away, he refused to interfere. Perhaps comforted by the idea that the flood was karmic punishment. Though as a consequence of his inaction, in time, the pleas to him halted until he was completely forgotten. Only remembered by the surviving Lemurians.

He was resolved to be alone, to live in complete solitude forever mourning you. It was his punishment for failing you. What he didn’t expect was for you to return.

—

Centuries passed, and after grieving for so long and his aunt’s constant insistence, he decided to finally live again. He moved out of his ruined temple to the town that replaced the capital he hated. He also started a career as an artist while doing his best for his people and travelling the world. Slowly, he started to feel again, but he could no longer open himself up fully to anyone. Many had tried to approach him, especially romantically, but he refused each time. He had a chance for love, but he ruined it. Besides, how could he face you again if he did. So, he went through life quietly and solitary, but that changed on a seemingly regular night.

The sky was clear and the moon shined full. He stood on top of the cliff overlooking the sea. Spending the time as usual thinking of you as he watched the rising waves, when a car hastily parked next to him, nearly almost hitting his own. Rafayel rolled his eyes. Another rude human. He planned to drive away and go home, when he saw a sobbing young woman clumsily slamming her car door closed and stumbling to her bumper.

The Sea God felt a tinge of awkwardness. His mind fought between not wanting to interfere and a responsibility to help. You would have wanted him to assist, but- 

No, I should just leave them alone.

 He was taking out his car keys when he heard the poor girl’s sobs grow louder, with murmurs accompanying her cries. Rafayel sighed, before slowly approaching. He needed to step up.

“Hey, are you alright?” The girl shook her head as her face remained hidden, curling inwards as she sat on her rusty car’s bumper. He sat next to her and patted her back. “Would you like to talk about it? I know that helps me, sometimes.”

“You don’t have to. You don’t even know me.”

“Well, perhaps not, but maybe that will make it easier to share with me.” The woman’s sobs slowly stopped before she spoke again:

“Alright. I- I had a fight with my dad and I ran away from home.” The girl sat up and wiped away her tears. As she revealed her visage, Rafayel froze. The face he missed, longed for, painted over and over to remember was back and alive. 

How is this possible?

His aunt had told him stories of reincarnation, but he never allowed himself to hope until now. For a while he couldn’t breathe or speak. What could he possibly say to you:

Hey, I’m Rafayel. We knew each other centuries ago, in fact we were briefly lovers. Unfortunately, to save me, you sacrificed yourself. Now I’ve had to live centuries without you, I miss you and still love you. Would you forgive me and take me back?!

“Are you okay? If you’re uncomfortable-” Rafayel shook himself and got out of his stupor. 

“I’m sorry, I was just lost in thought. Please go on.” You nodded before continuing.

“I got into a fight with my dad today. Ever since my mom died, my dad’s obsession with the non-existing Sea God has gotten worse. Plus, he just either ignores me completely, or puts so much pressure on me. He wants me to stay in this stupid town and be a good little “priestess” for the Sea God. It’s ridiculous right?! So, I grabbed all my stuff and I’m planning on moving to Linkon. I’m going to become a doctor and forget this backwards place!”

It stung for Rafayel hearing you were completely faithless when it came to his divinity. It was previously your faith and loyalty to him that bonded you together, but now, you refused his existence. Maybe, it was better this way.

“Alright, so why are you still sitting here? Seems you had a great plan.”

“I know, I just… I just didn’t want things to end like this with my father. I love him despite everything and I’m just so lost! Was I wrong? Should I just go back home? I mean maybe I can find a way to fulfill my dream at home, while keeping my dad happy.”

He looked into your beautiful and vulnerable eyes. He knew if he played everything right, he could convince you to stay, and in time, he could get you back and convince you to love him again. Sure it would be a long run, but if you leave now, something in his heart tells him that he would lose you forever.

“I don’t think-” Before he could continue, he took a pause. He wanted you so bad, but having you in his life, would it be best for you? You died because of him. If he had remained firm and didn’t interfere in your life in the first place, you wouldn’t have died in that ocean. Perhaps he was the cursed one and it was more merciful for him to stay away. “I don’t think I have an answer for you. I don’t know you, but I have an inkling that you have a good heart. So, what does your heart say?”

Your gaze moved downwards and turned contemplative. Rafayel became misty eyed as he saw the fidgeting of your leg, the tapping of your index finger, the bite of your bottom lip, all signs you’ve always shown when you were deep in thought. It really was you.

“It hurts, but letting go of my dream won’t solve things with my father. My relationship with him has always been rough. I don’t think he would ever be proud of me. It’s better if I just go.”

Rafayel smiled bitterly. He was going to lose you again, but maybe in this lifetime, you would be happier. Even if that meant happier without him.

“Then, that’s the right choice.” The man patted you on the back and tried to give the sweetest grin he could. “And you will be an amazing doctor.” You smiled back dorkily and got up and stretched.

“I will be. Thanks, uh sorry what’s your name?” The Sea God followed your lead, got up from your car and scratched his neck.

“Sorry, I don’t really share my name with strangers. You know stranger danger.” You giggled, making Rafayel’s heart soar. You were happy. 

“That’s fair. Well, I guess I need to stop crying and continue driving. Thank you again for talking with me. I will definitely remember you.” Rafayel chuckled.

“You probably won’t, but it’s better that way.” You dorkily beamed at him for a final time before getting back in your car and driving away. Leaving him forever. He stayed on the cliff watching your car going further and further away until you were only a dot.

“Goodbye Y/N, please live happily for me.”

“Raf~ RAF!”

—

He opened his eyes, gasping for air, pearls rolling around his bed. He flinched when a warm hand touched his naked shoulder.

“Are you alright?” He turned to his source of comfort, you. Looking like a dream, you were lying on his bed in a lilac colored night dress with a concerned look on your face. Desperate to feel you, Rafayel grabbed your hand and kissed each of your fingers, making you redder after each press of his lips.

“Yeah, just a bad dream.”

“What did you dream about?” He let go of your hand, stroked your cheek then tucked a hair behind your ear. Making sure you were real.

“I dreamed of a world without it. It was miserable.” You pouted.

“It was just a dream. I’m here.” He stared intensely into your eyes.

“Do you promise to stay with me? What if I make your life worse?” You pinched his cheeks, getting a yelp from the Sea God next to you.

“We don’t have control of life. Things can get worse, but it wouldn’t be your fault. Still, I promise to stay with you. To weather any storm with you.”

“Okay” Rafayel answered sullenly before holding your face and planting a kiss on your lips, chaste and hesitant. You smiled at his tenderness and moved in closer, kissing him more hungrily.

“I need more Rafayel.” Rafayel smirked. He was happy to satisfy your needs. Afterall, when you returned to him, he made it his mission to ensure in this life and every life after, to give you anything you could ever want. Making you the happiest woman he could.

[diamonrot]

Waiting

This drabble is inspired by Tiktoks I kept seeing showing the messages and convos you have with the LIs (especially Caleb) when you don't play LADS for awhile. They make me want to cry, so why not try to make someone else cry instead!

Tags: Angst/no comfort, Not Self Aware!Caleb x Player!Reader, Player Abandonment.

Please leave feedback or suggestions in comments and/or replies!

He sat alone in the cafe waiting, always waiting. He couldn’t remember exactly how long it’s been since he has seen you, but it felt like it’s been an excruciatingly long time.

He blamed himself for your abandonment. He should have known he was losing you. Your disinterested stares. Your annoyed eye rolls when you spend time together. Your silence and then your disappearances. He was accustomed to seeing you everyday. Your visits became a part of his routine. The highlight of his day. His reprieve after working under the oppressive shadows of the fleet. Unfortunately, slowly you were showing up less and less. It started with not seeing you for a day or two, and it did bother him, but he chose to be patient. You were a successful hunter with your own life. Despite choosing to revolve his life around you, as a colonel, he understood that sometimes work gets in the way. He thought all of this would be a hill you’ll both pass, like all the obstacles you’ve both faced together before, but the distance only grew wider and wider. It started with not seeing you for days, then months, now, it’s been more than a year since he’s been in the presence of his beloved.

He missed you. Your adorable and shy smiles. How your cheeks and ears used to turn rosy when he teased you. Your loud chuckle when you laughed at his horrible dad jokes. Your pensive stares as you strategized your next steps on the claw machine.

He longs for you. He needs you. You were his shining light, his savior, his love, his reason for living. He can’t survive without you. He wants to tell you all of this. He wished he did now that you were gone. He tried messaging you, calling you, searching in all your hiding spots, but for the first time, he couldn’t find you. You have completely vanished.

The first few months, he tried to shrug his pain off and focussed on work. Anytime Gideon would ask, he would immediately shut him down. His subordinates, despite enduring his increased irritation and cruelty, were too afraid to say a word. 

Now, he could barely function. His body worked in autopilot with the chip navigating for him when he played the role of colonel, but when he returned back to being Caleb, when he was alone, he was a wreck. Every day, he sat in the cafe for hours, with the slimmer of hope that you’ll pop in like you used to. Drinking coffee that tasted too saccharine while reading his reports. Trying to ignore the burning resentment and all-encompassing despair. Trying to disregard his internal agony, but inevitability falling into a downward spiral from the endless questions in his mind:

What did he do wrong?

Why did you decide to leave and abandon him?

Is this revenge for when he disappeared? 

Are you okay? Are you hurt?

Did you finally realize how monstrous he was? Did he scare you away?

The questions knocked around his skull and all he could do was dig his nails into the sofa’s arms and plead for your return. Yet, no matter how much he begged, his questions remained unanswered. You're gone and have forsaken him.

[diamonrot]

Coming Home Pt.1

Hello Everyone! I wanted to post this request from @lyrisnightblood (Thank you again for the request!) earlier, but life happened and I got busy. Aka: studied for and did a job interview (didn't get it :( ) and kidney stones :D. Anyways, this is only part one. I wanted to post both parts at the same time, but since part 2 or the part that focusses on Rafayel's POV is taking too long, I decided to at least post part 1 that mainly focusses on the reader's POV. Hope you all enjoy, and sorry if it doesn't do the request justice.

You’ve always had a complicated relationship with your home town. You didn’t think you would ever return, but fate had other plans. Coming back home, you expected only business, not romance!

Tags: Canon Divergent, Alternate Universe, Sea God!Rafayel x Doctor!Reader, Mentor!Zayne x Reader (One-Sided Crush on Zayne’s end, sorry if Zayne is your bias), Gory Nightmare, Daddy Issues, Inaccuracies about Hospitals/Clinics, Fluff.

Please leave feedback or suggestions in comments and/or replies!

You looked out the car window and watched the shores you used to explore as a child. Despite the idyllic memories of the warm sun on your skin, the breathtaking blue waves, and your mother’s laughter ringing in the air, the sight didn’t fill you with heartwarming nostalgia. Instead, only bitterness lingered.

“Legend says that this shore is the home to a powerful Sea God.” You told your driver as your eyes remained fixated on the outside. “A long time ago, this God was the guardian of the ancient city known as Romirro. As the story goes, the city prospered because of their loyalty to him. However, the city made a fatal mistake. After dealing with a conflict with another nation, the Romirrans gifted him a human priestess to sacrifice, trying to appease their deity and get his aid for the ongoing war. Tragically, the human woman, his bride, betrayed him and escaped her destiny. Enraged, the God completely wiped the city away, drowning any trace of civilization in a large flood. Since then, with the God's forgiveness, a small town was able to blossom from the ruins, my “beloved” home town. To this day, the town does everything they can to try to re-earn their God’s favor, but as of now, they never regained the same favor Romirro once had, even if they adopted the same name.”

Your driver and mentor kept his hazel green eyes on the road as he asked:

“Interesting. How about you? Do you believe in the existence of the Sea God?” You groaned and rolled your eyes.

“Puhlease, it’s just a myth. There are no such things. I’m just telling you the story to warn you.”

“Warn me?” You grumbled as you leaned your cheek on the cool window glass.

“My people are very superstitious. Don’t be surprised if they expect you to behave a certain way, or refuse our help because we are “outsiders”.”

“I thought you were born in this town?” Your heart felt heavy. Although you were raised in the very town you were driving to, you knew nobody was waiting for you there. Anyone who loved you, or would have considered you a family or friend died. Now, nobody remembers you, besides the fact that at 18 years old, the moment you could, you abandoned your town and family.

“They don’t take too kindly to those who leave the Sea God’s gaze.”

—

After hours of driving, you finally returned home. The black BMW parked in the driveway of a wooden shack. The rusty house stood in front of a cliff that overlooked the vast dark and imposing ocean that mirrored the moon. This humble home used to be your family’s, and a sanctuary for those who wanted to worship the island’s deity. Unfortunately, after your last family member, your father’s died, the home has long been abandoned. You huffed as you exited the car.

“I’m sorry Doctor Zayne, I wish I could have given you better accommodations. My family home is uhhh humble.” The taller raven haired man softly laughed as he exited the driver’s seat.

“That’s alright Ms. L/N. We’re only here for a month. This place will suffice. Besides, it has a beautiful view.”

—

Once you both entered the dilapidated building, you sighed in relief. Luckily, the home, despite its crumbling exterior, was tidy when you entered. An acquaintance of your family was gracious enough to clean your home before your arrival after you pleaded for help.

“This is my casa.” You greeted as you did a dramatic twirl. “Let me show you where you will be staying while here, and all the wonderful amenities”. Gingerly, you showed your mentor around until you opened the master room, or his room and wished him a good night. The moment his door closed, you grabbed your own luggage and trudged it into your former bedroom. The door creaked as you entered.

The baby blue walls and white wooden furniture instantly caught your attention. Your eyes and mouth widened in shock. You looked around the room for any discrepancies, but there were none. Your school books, plushies, drawings and supplies were in their usual spots. It was familiar, uncanny. As though you had never left. You walked around your small room, your finger gliding on the top of your desk as the vivid memory of the last night you were here hit you. The pain in your throat and heart, your face and body heating up as you angrily packed your things while yelling at your father who was sitting silently in the living room. You remember horrendous and nasty words tumbling from your mouth, trying to make up for years of resentment from your father, always making you feel unworthy of his or his God’s love. After you departed, you had always thought your only living parent at the time would have erased your existence; morphed your childhood home into another altar for the Sea God he cherished so much. Instead, he kept you in his home. You took a breath as your eyes began to tear up. Guilt built up, but after he treated you harshly for years, should you still feel sorry. Still, you murmured a quiet sorry before undressing and preparing for bed.

—

It hurts

Agonizing pain rippled in your body as a knife stuck out from your chest. You had been stabbed by the man you loved.  

“No, I refuse to accept this betrayal!”. In front of you was a celestial merman, looking down at you with blue and rose eyes pooling with tears. As he wept, his long mauve and pink hair cascaded and dipped into the sea and his painted and fair body tremored from anguish. When the knife faded into light in the air, the man hastily grabbed you and held your dying body in his arms.

You always tried to speak, to ask your mysterious lover what was going on, but nothing came out. Instead, you could only hear your own voice, despite you not uttering a word, resigning yourself to death while your hand reached out and stroked his soft cheek. You were a spectator to your own death.

“Our bond… It cannot end this way! I won’t allow it!” The man whimpered as his previously held tears fell from his mournful eyes.

You could hear your voice wavering, promising to forever be with him as you tasted blood in your mouth.

Please stop this pain.

Then, as he held you, you slipped. Suddenly, you were let go into the freezing sea. Your body sinking to the bottom. You gasped from the sudden cold.

Please help.

You tried to scream, to reach for the merman once holding you, but the salt water filled your lungs and the man was too far. Then as bubbles rose to the top from your cries, your blood began to change the color of the water until all you could see was red. 

No-Please R- Save me.

You thought you were alone and about to drown, but then you heard rumbling surrounding you. Angry voices echoing:

“You killed us.” “Our deaths are your fault!” “You made the Sea God stray!” 

No, I didn’t!

Panicking more, you examined around you, and saw nothing but bloody water until you felt excruciating scratches on your limbs. You looked down at yourself, and you saw pale disembodied hands grabbing you, clawing, and ripping your skin, vengefully dragging you further into the water.

“HELP!”

—

You woke up screaming in your bed. Sweat covered you head to toe, you were shaking. Your eyes darted around your room, trying to find anything to ground yourself.

“Are you alright Ms. L/N?” You jumped as a voice boomed in your doorway. You quickly turned to the source of the noise only to feel immediate relief. Outside your doorway was your mentor in blue striped pjs, looking at you concerningly.

“I am so sorry Dr. Zayne. I just had a bad dream.” Assured, Dr. Zayne’s panic vanished. He smiled and slouched his tall figure against the molding on your door’s entrance.

“I am happy to hear you weren’t harmed. Still-” He started pensively. “It must have been a horrible nightmare. Do you want to talk about it?” You shook your head.

“I’m alright. I think I may need to get some fresh air.” You got up in your pajama shirt and shorts and headed out of your room, but the doctor stood in your way.

“It’s dangerous to go alone. I’ll accompany you.” You shook your head again.

“That won’t be necessary, though I appreciate the thought. Barely anyone goes in this area, and-” You stood tall and pumped up your chest. “I can take care of myself.” Dr. Zayne frowned before stepping out of the way.

“Alright, just don’t stay up too late. We’ll be heading to the clinic early tomorrow.”

“Will do Dr. Zayne. Hope you have a good night, and sorry about waking you up.”

“It’s alright, but remember you can talk to me about your nightmares if you ever want to.”

“Of course.”

—

You felt satisfying solace as the cool air hit your face, and the soothing sounds of the waves calmed your heart. If anyone asked, you would tell them you didn’t have an ounce of need to return back to your town. However, you had to admit, being back on your beach during the dead of night, alone, was gratifying. Barefoot, you walked on the beach relaxed, feeling the smooth white sand tickling your toes. 

Momentarily, you were calm, but as you gazed at the sea in front of you, you couldn’t help, but recall your recurring nightmare. You groaned. Back when you lived here, you used to experience the same nightmare often. When you were a little girl, you used to bawl in your bed because you had to experience the same horror almost every night. You tried to confide in your family, but your father told you to be grateful. “The Sea God was trying to speak with you.” More like torture you. Yet years after dealing with it, after you left, you only had the dream a few times and was able to sleep peacefully. Now, they’ve returned. Was it this place that had this effect on you?

You took a deep breath and tried to refocus on your breathing and the beautiful view, but your eyes suddenly landed on a figure in the distance. You stopped walking, involuntarily staring at a man around your age, alone, sitting on the sand. His own gaze on the water. You were frozen. Barely anyone comes here besides Sea God followers and they came rarely and only during the day. Did he get lost? 

Cautiously, you approached and shouted:

“Excuse me!” The man jumped and shuffled around the sand before glaring at you. 

Oops I scared him.

“Sorry!” You jogged until you were in front of him. “I didn’t mean to scare you. I just wanted to check, are you lost?” The man crossed his arms and pouted.

“No, are you?” You awkwardly laughed and were about to speak, but your tongue was tied when you saw the man more clearly under the moonlight. He looked exactly like your “lover” in your dream, except his hair was short and no longer had any pink.

What is happening?

Your silence made the man examine you weirdly.

“Hello?” His voice snapped you out of your stupor.

“Oh- Sorry it’s just you look familiar. Do you live in this town?” The man studied your face before deepening his pout and turning his glare back to the sea. 

“No, I just visit once in a while.” You squinted your eyes at him.

“Strange, I feel like I know you from somewhere, but anyways nothing wrong with a new acquaintance. I’m Y/N.” You bent down and outstretched your hand to shake his, but he didn’t meet your touch immediately. His eyes widened for a second, before returning pensive, although considering his options before taking your hand and carefully shaking your hand then dropping it right after.

“Rafayel. You are quite the social butterfly. Do you introduce yourself to every new person you meet?” You laughed before flopping down to the sand next to him. One of his eyebrows quirked up by your sudden invasion of his personal space.

“Honestly, I typically don’t, but it’s just so weird you are here.”

“Is it so strange for someone to want to find a place to relax, especially on such a gorgeous beach.” You shrugged your shoulders.

“I guess not, but it’s so far from town. Only believers of the Sea God come here to worship him. Is that why you are here?” Rafayel snickered.

“Nah, I don’t make a habit of worshipping deities. You?” It was oddly comforting meeting another non-believer in this town, maybe besides Dr. Zayne. It made you feel like you were less of an “outsider”.

“Same, I mean I was born in this town and raised to believe in the existence of a Sea God, but he’s never done anything good for me. So, I don’t think he deserves to be worshiped even if he does exist.” The man held his knees to his chest, and laid his head on them. He gazed down at the sand before returning his gaze to your eyes and offering a lazy smile.

“Harsh, but honest. I respect that. Though you probably shouldn’t say that to the people in town. Especially-” He pointed at your house. “To the old man in that house. Talk badly about the Sea God and you will have to deal with a loooong lecture.” You quietly chuckled.

“Not anymore, the old man in that house”. You coughed. “My father is dead.” His eyes and mouth opened wide, his hand closest to you twitched.

“I’m sorry I didn’t know.” You bit your lip and looked at the sea.

“It’s alright, it’s already been more than a year since he died. Besides our relationship was-”

“He spoke about you.”  You bit your lip harder. 

Of course he did.

“I know, he probably didn’t have many good things to say. We weren’t on the best terms before he died. ” Rafayel leaned his head towards you.

“He only said good things, unless you aren’t the daughter who became a doctor. The daughter who he repeatedly said he was extremely proud of.” You turned to him and shimmied closer to him. 

“He said he was proud of me? Proud of his blasphemous secular daughter who ran away from home?!” 

“Apparently.”

“He is such an a**hole.” Rafayel chortled, staring at you bewildered.

“I just told you that your father said he was proud of you, and your first reaction is to call him an a**hole.” You pointed at him.

“Okay I know it seems crazy, but you didn’t know him like I did. For my whole life, he never told me once that he was proud of me. He should have said it to me when he was alive, before he died. I just wish he-” You shut your mouth, mortified that you were about to trauma dump a man you literally just met. “Sorry, I know, sharing too much!” You couldn’t understand this sudden urge to share so much of yourself to a complete stranger. This wasn’t you. You weren’t the type to talk much about how you felt about anything, especially someone you barely knew. You weren’t a social butterfly, you were shy. Yet, you felt warm looking into this stranger’s alluring eyes. You were comfortable with him as though you knew him your whole life. It was bizarre, did it have something to do with your dream?

“So after hinting at some juicy gossip, you refuse to share now, rude.” You rolled your eyes, stood up and patted away the sand on your shorts and legs.

“Well, I guess you’ll have to see me again, maybe I’ll share more then. See you around Raf-”

“Wait-” He grabbed your hand before you could escape. “You invite me to see you again yet give me no time or place?” 

“Well, in the evenings, I would probably be back home or on this beach. Every other time, I’ll be working in the town clinic.”

“Then I’ll see you around Y/N.”

“See you Rafayel.”

—

A Few Days Later…

You yawned as you glared at the clinic door. It has been like this all week. Despite the clinic being opened for several hours a day, barely anyone came in.

“I thought this town was in need of doctors.” Zayne asked as he reviewed patient charts. You groaned and leaned on the corner of his desk.

“They do, but you know bigotry. They want doctors, but not “outsiders.”

“Well, guess there is nothing we can do. Can’t force people to come in, even if they did have appointments.”

You groaned before getting up from the desk.

“Well, we should at least get lunch. I’ll go out and buy from a restaurant nearby. Are you craving anything?”

“Hmm, perhaps food from the nearby bakery so we could get sweets.” 

“You and your sweets! I swear Dr. Zayne, you are going to get cavities or diabetes at this rate!”

Still, despite your complaint, you giggled and obediently left the clinic.

—

After you ordered the food from the cafe, you raced back to the clinic with a bag full of sandwiches, macaroons and custard filled Danishes. Looking at the sweets, you cringed mentally at the amount of sugar. You knew you shouldn’t enable your mentor’s horrible sugar addiction, but you owed him too much to deny him. Afterall, he was the only one willing to take a chance on you. 

A small smile appeared on your face as you remembered your shaking body presenting in front of the higher ups of Akso Hospital with your project proposal. You were 28 years old, a freshly licensed and practicing doctor. Your previous mentors advised you to keep your head down, be content working in Akso Hospital, but you had a bigger dream.

“So, I believe, with Akso’s sponsorship and support, we could go to rural clinics, and help them by providing them with more advanced technology, training, and support.”

You could see some of the gray haired men at the meeting table grimacing, you gulped.

“Imagine how many smaller communities we could help, the lives we’ll save-”

“It’s a waste of resources.” A grumpy man wearing a worn-out plaid blazer mockily interjected. “Akso is already funneling out money. Using more of our precious resources for a silly fantasy is ridiculous.” Your body turned cold as you watched several men nod in agreement.

Was this a mistake?

“It’s not-”

“I disagree.” You were about to answer back when a raven-haired man you immediately recognized as Akso’s Chief Cardiac Surgeon and Deputy Chief of Surgery stood up. “As doctors, we made a vow to dedicate our lives to ensuring everyone, no matter their background, receives proper care. Ms. L/N's proposal is noble.” The man in plaid glared perturbed.

“Perhaps Dr. Zayne, but the money-”

“Shouldn’t be an issue. The numbers show we are on track to endorse further projects. Besides, we can start off small, simply providing additional support to communities that need it. Then, if reception and results are positive, we can invest more.” The man opposed started to stutter, he was clearly frazzled, not expecting anyone to defend you.

“But-but we don’t know if it will work, or have the proper support.” Dr. Zayne’s eyes hardened, his arms crossed as he stood tall.

“Akso Hospital is renowned around the world for our innovation. Without risk, there would be no evolution. Your perspective is short sighted. Besides, Akso’s reputation can only improve from this endeavor. I am sure many people would be willing to support us in order to help others, it would open up the chance for fundraisers and donations.”

“But- data.” Feeling more confident you stepped up and slapped your folder in front of the man, shocking the table.

“I did research on hospitals that have done similar programs. All my collected data can be found in that folder and they’ve mostly been positive-” Embarrassed and desperate, your opposition stood up and wagged his finger in your face.

“Are we to trust this program to a woman who just got out of school? She doesn’t have the experience or the capability to delegate a program this complex!”

“Then-” Dr. Zayne stood in front of you, acting as a barrier. “I volunteer to take responsibility for Ms. L/N’s program if approved.” The man seeing Dr. Zayne wasn’t relenting, backed off and, ashamed, grumbled before sitting down.

“Do you truly believe in this endeavor Dr. Zayne?” One of the other amused executives asked.

“I do, especially with Ms. L/N in the helm. As an intern and now as one of our official staff members, she has shown to be resourceful, intelligent, and most importantly good hearted. Though we will need further planning, I believe this plan deserves a chance.”

You remembered your face hurting from smiling so widely as your idea was approved. It felt like a dream come true at the time. Unfortunately, the first attempt is not going as well as you wanted. 

You continued on your way, but as you walked the stone sidewalk, you heard a loud and pained meow. Instantly, you looked around hastily. The continued cries hit you in the heart. Nothing hurt you more than a poor, adorable, and vulnerable creature injured. You followed the cry until you found a small Siamese kitty limping, his left paw in the air, his whole body quivering. Your eyes began to tear up. You slowly approached, afraid your quick movement would scare the poor thing.

“Psp Psp Kitty.” The cat looked at you warily. Too weak to glare. “I’m going to help you, okay.” Surprisingly, the kitty didn’t fight you. The creature seemed to nod. You picked up the baby as delicately as you could, holding him close to you. “Don’t worry sweetie, I’ll help you!” 

Balancing the kitten and the food, you moved as quickly as you could to the clinic. As you ran, you could see passersbys side eyeing you as though you were crazy. Which to be fair, you probably did seem to be with how you freaked out and were now flailing around. Then, after what felt like forever, you finally made it to your building, though when you tried to open the door you failed multiple times since your hands were too full.

Oh no!

Desperate, you knocked repeatedly on the door with your elbow.

“Zayne! Zayne! Zayne!” After your excessive knocks, the clinic door hastily opened.

“What’s wrong Ms. L/N?” You raised the baby up to the doctor’s eye level.

“He needs help.”

—

“He tricked you.” You intently examined the kitty lying on the exam table. The white and brown fluff ball looked up at you with his sapphire eyes pleadingly.

“Then why is he staring at me while looking so sad! You should have heard his cries!” Your mentor tried to move the creature to examine him again with his gloved hands, but the cat harshly hissed and tried to swipe the doctor with his claws. Dr. Zayne sighed.

“Sorry Dr. L/N, could you hold him again.”

“Sure.” You pet the Siamese cat which the kitty accepted happily as he purred and leaned into your touch. “Cutie please hold still, Dr. Zayne needs to examine you.” The kitty frowned before lying on his back as you gently held him down.

“Thank you.” The doctor responded clinically as he pressed and moved the kitty around, checking the cat again before halting. “Well, I am not a veterinarian, but from what I observed, he doesn’t seem to be injured. Most likely, the cat was manipulating you for food.”

“No, he’s injured, I mean look.” The moment you pointed at the cat stood up and dramatically lifted his right paw with an adorable pout on his face.

He’s faking!

You gasped.

“That’s the wrong paw!” As though he understood, the cat switched paws.

“Nooo.” You grabbed the silly rascal and unable to resist your cute aggression, you pressed the kitty to your cheek and rubbed your face against him. “You are a liar! Luckily, an adorable liar.” The kitty meowed in protest, but quieted down when you placed a kiss on his forehead. “Alright, let’s get you some food!”

—

Hours Later…

After feeding and playing with the Siamese cat, you sat at your desk as the kitty napped on your lap, snoring.

“Well.” You whispered to Dr. Zayne who was finishing paperwork at his desk next to yours. "At least we finally got a patient.”

“Yes at least. Though unfortunately non-human patients cannot be counted in our data.” You sighed, but noticed the kitty’s ear twitching. 

“Shhh baby, go back to sleep.” You pet the kitty’s back soothingly before returning your attention to your mentor. “I know. I already warned the higher ups that this town wasn’t going to accept doctors who weren’t born, raised, stayed in this town, and are still faithful to the Sea God. Still, as usual, they didn’t take my words seriously, or maybe they just wanted to use our lack of “success” as an excuse to shut us down.” Dr. Zayne took his eyes off his paper and looked into yours.

“I know it’s frustrating, but we have 3 weeks left. We’ll do the best we can-” As Dr. Zayne spoke, the doorway’s bell rang. Reactively, you stood up, almost launched the kitty off you.

“Sorry kitty-” You placed a quick kiss on the kitty’s forehead and got up from your desk, with the cat in your arms. Despite your remorse for almost blasting off the poor creature, you were excited when you looked up and saw an elegant, mauve haired woman with fair skin, wearing a white spring dress. She was breathtaking, but her angelic appearance was familiar. She reminded you of the man you met on the beach. Was she related to Rafayel?  “Hi! How can we help you today?” The woman snickered at your eagerness.

“Actually, I came for the little guy you are holding.” Your gaze followed the woman’s finger that  went down and pointed at the kitty nuzzling you. He meowed in recognition of the woman in front of you. You frowned.

Noooooo!

“Are you sure you still want him?” You asked as you stroked the kitty’s head for a final time.

“As much of a pain in the butt he is, I do.” The cat hissed in response to her teasing. 

“Alright.” You answered sullenly as your frown grew. Your heart was broken, you wanted to keep him, but you didn’t have a choice. He deserved to be with his owner. You carefully handed back the cat. 

No adorable, sweet kitty for me I guess…

“Thanks for taking care of him.” The sweet woman said as she held her pet closely to her chest.

“It was an honor. If you ever need a babysitter, or a doctor, we are here for another 3 weeks!” The woman’s smile brightened. Her sparkling eyes looked you up and down, making you blush a bit from the lady’s attention.

“You seem really sweet. If I need help, I will definitely come back. Take care!” The beautiful woman waved and left the clinic, leaving you feeling disappointed. “I guess that’s it today. Maybe we should just head home once we finish our work.”

—

After an hour of tedious work at your desk, you and Dr. Zayne returned home. As you drove closer to your residence, a peculiar sight made you raise your head up in surprise.

Why is there a red Porsche parked in the driveway?

“Huh” Your driver said curiously as he parked next to the fancy car in front of your family home. You looked around, trying to find an answer to this mystery when your gaze landed on a violet haired man standing on your front porch. 

Rafayel?!

You hated to admit it, but you were really hoping to see the strange man again after your first meeting. You were a bit down when you didn’t hear from him earlier. Now, you couldn’t contain your excitement, you got out of the Mercedes and greeted him.

“Hey you!” Rafayel smiled and skipped down the stairs to meet you. 

“Hey cutie!” You reddened at the nickname. “Sorry I wasn’t able to see you earlier, but since you are free from work, I wanted to see if I could treat you to the best restaurant in town.”

“Oooh sounds fun! Let me get dressed-” You were about to run into your home to change, but guilt hit you the moment you saw Dr. Zayne, who was standing behind you stoically. “Oh I’m sorry, Dr. Zayne, would you like to join us?” The doctor’s eyes shifted from you to your companion, before focussing back on you.

“Thank you for the offer, but I will decline tonight. You two have fun.” You nodded happily before running into your house.

—

After seeing the magnificent woman in the clinic, it inspired you. You scoured your closet and found your favorite and cutest spring dress and hastily put it on. It was a pastel pink short dress patterned with white knitted flowers. You ran to the mirror, twirled around, and studied your appearance. Involuntarily, you sighed in disappointment. You felt inadequate, especially in comparison to the woman you saw earlier today. However, you took a breath and decided to not let it get to you. You were cute, accomplished and were going to have fun with the guy you strangely felt attached. You looked into your own mirrored eyes one more time.

“I got this.”

You exited your bedroom and found Rafayel leaning at the edge of your kitchen counter, with your roommate having seemingly retreated into his own room.

“Sorry for the wait, I’m ready.” His gaze lingered down to your dress before returning to your shy smile.

“You look amazing Y/N. Now, let’s go.”

—

In spite of Rafayel having told you he was bringing you to the best in town, you still didn’t expect him to bring you to the finest dining restaurant you have ever entered. Growing up in Romirro, the restaurant L’Ocean was renowned. Throughout the years, you remembered biking by seeing celebrities, the rich, and influential littering around the building. Since you were a kid, you never entertained the idea of even stepping foot near it, not even now as a doctor. So when you finally entered the luminescent building, it felt surreal. Inside, the dining area was dark, with round glass sphere chandeliers, and small lamps on the tables being the main sources of light. The walls were painted black with gorgeous white shells and pearls decorating them and the furniture was made of dark mahogany wood. The whole place screamed elegant privilege. It was intimidating.

“Are you just going to stand there?” Rafayel joked as you remained unmoving at the entrance.

“Sorry!” You followed him to the hostess booth, where an annoyed and rich looking couple stood complaining. As you both waited behind them, you could see the older couple examining you both, clearly feeling indignant with what they were seeing.

“Don’t bother trying to eat here.” The man said condescendingly to the two of you. “We’ve been waiting for a seat. They said there isn’t anything available until a few hours from now.” Nervous, you were going to offer to go somewhere else, but before you could say anything, Rafayel smirked and dismissed the arrogant man.

“We’ll see.” Then a hostess with pink hair, wearing a form fitting low cut white dress returned to her stand.

“Finally.” The older man sneered as his partner joined in glaring at the poor woman. “Have you spoken to your manager already! They should know who I am.” The hostess didn’t crack under the man’s cruel tone, she remained firm.

“I spoke with my manager and he confirmed what I have told you. You can make a reservation and come back in a few hours-”

“That’s bullshit! I want to speak with him now!” The woman’s visage darkened as her ruby eyes squinted.

“That is not possible, now I can make you a reservation, or you can leave.”

“I will not stand this! I am the richest man in this town, I own this town! If you don’t let me in now, I will make sure this restaurant fails. I’ll tell all my business partners-” As the man ranted, the worker sighed and rubbed her forehead, but her annoyed face lightened as she noticed you two standing there.

“Excuse me sir, I need to help another client.” The exasperated business man was going to yell more, but Rafayel effortlessly pushed the man aside.

“Hi Jena.” The woman smiled at your companion’s greeting.

“Hello Mr. Rafayel.” She respectfully bowed to the younger man. The scene left you breathless. How could a man who looked a few years younger than you get this amount of reverence in such a high standing establishment. Who is he? “It is always a pleasure to see you, and look! You finally brought a date with you!” The woman clapped happily which made Rafayel chuckle and scratch the back of his neck. 

“I finally did and I had to bring her to the best restaurant.” The woman giggled and shoved him jokingly.

“You are such a flatterer sir!”

As they chatted, you could see the ignored older man turning red. 

“Excuse me, I was still talking to-” The woman abruptly and menacingly scowled at the interrupter.

“Wait! I’ll handle you later.” She harshly spat out. Her anger silenced the rude man. All he could do in protest was huff and return to the waiting seat with his tail between his legs. The moment the customer sat back down, the hostess’ demeanor turned sweet again. “Sorry, you both had to see that. Mr. Rafayel, would you like your regular seat?”

“Actually, could I have one of the booths?” He looked at you and proudly smiled before returning his focus to the hostess.  “I want to make sure my guest is comfortable.” 

“Of course!”

She gestured to you both to follow and led the way inside the dining area. Rafayel walked beside the hostess while you trailed close behind.

“Is the nuisance before giving you trouble Jena?” Rafayel asked in a hush tone. “Do you need help handling him?”. The hostess laughed.

“I appreciate the offer sir, but you know I am fully capable of handling him.” She winked and elbowed him. “Besides-” The hostess looked at you briefly before looking back at Rafayel. “You should be focusing your attention on your gorgeous date. I hear she’s a talented doctor, you better not mess this up sir.” You blushed at her words.

“You know I’m a doctor?” You asked as she brought you to the booth at the very end of the restaurant, a very private space. 

“Of course I do. You have been the talk of the town since you’ve arrived.” 

“Wow, I had no idea people even knew about me or Dr. Zayne.”

Talk of the town, yet no patients?

“Well, we know mainly you-” She suddenly stopped and coughed. “Sorry, I’m taking too much of both of your time. Enjoy your meal with us. A waiter will be with you both in a moment with our menu.” She bowed again and left the table. After the hostess went back to her station, you continued to look around the restaurant. It was packed, with waiters and waitresses floating around serving tables full of rich looking guests. Though oddly, you noticed all the staff were wearing white and their hair were all different shades of purple, pink, and blue.

Was the colored hair and white clothes mandatory?

Then you heard a hum. Your eyes redirected to the source of the sound, which was the man sitting in front of you. He seemed amused watching you completely ignore him.

Ooops

“Sorry, I got distracted. I just never expected to come here. It’s so fancy and expensive.”

Oh by the Gods, the price. You are going to have to budget more after this. No fun spending this month!

“Well” Rafayel started as he leaned closer to you and grinned. “I did tell you I was bringing you to the best restaurant in town. Believe me Y/N, this place deserves all the fame it gets.” As he spoke, your gaze was drawn to his handsome attire. He was dashing in his navy blue blazer and matching dress pants and white dress shirt. He looked fantastic, but his outfit made you realize you might have come underdressed.

“Sorry, if I knew we were going somewhere this fancy, I should have worn something more appropriate.” (Though you knew you didn’t pack anything that would have matched the restaurant’s ambiance). 

“Don’t say that.” He said softly as he took your hand from across the table. “You look beautiful.” As his gem colored eyes stared at you warmly, you couldn’t help but be completely absorbed by him and his attention. He was captivating.

“Sorry to interrupt Mr. Rafayel.” A young waiter awkwardly greeted the two of you. Realizing someone was watching, you automatically let go of Rafayel’s hand and returned it to your lap. Rafayel sighed disappointedly before acknowledging the waiter.

“That’s alright Cain.” The man standing beside your table bowed.

“Of course sir. Would you both like the menu?” You were going to say yes, but your companion answered for you.

“That’s okay, I am treating Ms. Y/N. So, can you get us the Bread and Oil Board, the Tuna Carpaccio, the Flame Torched Salmon Sushi Press, the Lobster Mac and Cheese, and L’Ocean’s Seafood Tower. Oh and for drinks, can I have a bottle of my favorite Riesling as well please.” You were left shocked at the large order, and it seemed it wasn’t only you as Cain nervously jotted down the order on his tablet.

“Any- Anything else Mr. Rafayel.” The waiter stuttered. The mauve haired man snickered before answering.

“Maybe we’ll get dessert after, but we’ll see. Oh sorry, Y/N, did you want to look at the menu and add anything else.”

More?! Is he crazy?!

“No, I’m good. Thank you Cain.” Cain gave you a wobbly smile.

“Of course, as usual, we’ll bring everything at the same time.”

“Fantastic, thank you!” Rafayel waved goodbye to the waiter as the man left the table. Once the guy was out of earshot, you said feebly:

“Raf, I don’t think I can afford half of this food. I can try to pay part, but I have so many bills and I just bought a new video game-”

“Y/N.”  Rafayel squeezed your cheek, making you pause. “What are you talking about silly? You’re not paying. I invited you here, and like I said before, I’m treating you.” This is too weird! You barely know this man, now, he is willing to spend so much just to treat you. What fairytale, romantic comedy did you fall into?! “Why do you look so shocked?”

“I just- who are you?!” 

“What?” Rafayel asked as he tilted his head.

“I mean we just met, yet you are spending all this money on me? I’m not some celebrity or model you need to do so much to impress. I mean don’t get me wrong. I’m grateful, but you shouldn’t be spending this much on me. I don’t think I’m worth it.” You saw a flash of disheartenment before he bit his lip and perked back up.

“I’m not doing this to impress you, or that I feel obligated to you. I just want to.”

“Yes, but-”

“No buts. I just want you to enjoy this with me.” Your nerves disappeared.

“Fine, but I’m treating next time. Though it probably will not be in a place as extravagant as this.”

“It doesn’t have to be.”

After you felt more comfortable, you both started to chat more, specifically talking about each other's day. This chat is where you found out that Rafayel was an artist. In fact, that’s why he was here. Apparently, he had studios all around the world. Proudly, he declared his studio in Romirro as his favorite.

“Especially since I got to meet you here cutie.” You couldn’t help, but giggle like a school girl. He had a way with words. As you listened to him speak, you couldn’t help but grin the whole time. Somehow, he made everything sound either interesting or hilarious. You needed to know more about this eccentric man. You were about to interview him further when Cain returned with several waiters trailing him while holding multiple dishes. 

“Your food is here.” The waiter said as he placed several food items on your table. Immediately, you were hit with the alluring aroma of seafood. Each dish was artistically plated, but your mouth watered the most as you stared at the Seafood tower. The large tower itself was silver and three tiered and filled with ice and seafood. The bottom layer was covered in raw oysters, scallops and different sauces, the middle layer had steamed lobster, and different crabs, and lastly on the top tier were perfectly sliced sashimi. Your stomach rumbled and your mouth watered. You couldn’t believe your life. You were about to feast with a handsome and amazing man. What have you done to deserve this?

“Dig in.” Rafayel said hypnotically, his hand displaying all the food. You nodded and straight away grabbed a lobster tail from the tower. Jittery from excitement, you put it on your plate and poured melted butter on it. You were practically moaning as you took a bite. The savory, sweet, and briney flavors of the lobster danced in your mouth. A content smile crept in.

Omg this is the best thing I’ve ever put in my mouth. I’m in heaven!!!

You were going to dig in more, but you noticed the man across from you hadn’t touched a single item yet. He was just dorkily smiling, watching you. Typically, you would have been alarmed, but maybe your lens was too rosy to care.

“Rafayel! Don’t just watch me, eat!” Rafayel laughed before grabbing an oyster for himself.

—

The meal was immaculate. The best you’ve ever had in your life. Though by the end of the dinner, you both were left barely able to move and completely stuffed. 

“I can’t move” You whimpered. Rafayel could only groan in response.

For a while, you both sat slumped in the booth, just quietly enjoying each other’s company, until your waiter returned.

“Would you both be interested in dessert?”

You both groaned in pain, a clear no.

“No thank you, just the bill.” Rafayel said in a pained voice. Cain nodded, left, and returned with the bill shortly after. Once the waiter returned, Rafayel paid and reached out his arm to you. You gladly grabbed it and the both of you held each other up, got the leftovers packed, and went back into his red convertible. Rafayel held the door for you and you felt immediate relief as you sat on the leather chair.  

“That was wonderful! I miss the food already!” Rafayel chuckled.

“Well, you can have the rest of the leftovers, and I’ll take you there again next time.” You smiled widely at the implication. He wanted to see you again too.

“I would love that.” The hum of the engine rumbled around as Rafayel started the car. However, before leaving the parking lot, your date turned to you.

“So, it’s already late. I can take you home orrrr? We can take a ride around. What would you like to do?” Your heart pattered. There was a giddiness and warmth you never felt before. Your mature self told you, you should say no. You had work tomorrow morning, you should go home and sleep early, but-

“Sure!”

Rafayel smirked.

“Let’s go then!”

—

With the car roof folded in, Rafayel drove around the empty roads allowing for the fresh breeze to blast through the car. You couldn’t help laughing and whooping. You were exhilarated as you saw the town and sea shrink away. You felt liberated. After a half an hour drive, Rafayel parked on top of the cliff your house was below. You have been there several times, but the view, being able to see the seemingly never ending sea and beach, and the quiet town that encroached on them was breathtaking. Your date exited the car, and he confidently strided towards you, opened your door and offered his hand to you. You took his soft hand and he led you to the front of his car.

“Sit with me.” He invited as he sat on the hood of his vehicle and tapped to the space next to him. You joined him and looked up at the crescent moon and clear star filled sky that shined on you both. 

“I always love coming here. I used to come here anytime I got upset. Especially when I fought with my dad.” 

Why am I bringing up my dad again?! 

Despite chastising yourself, Rafayel didn’t seem to mind or mention your “Daddy Issues”.

“I can’t believe I never saw you here! I used to come here often when I visited Romirro.” 

“Really? What did you use to do here?”

“Probably the same as you. Watching the waves crash to the shore, listening to the soothing sound of each splash, and the comfort from nature’s consistency helped me to think and find inspiration.” You beamed at him before enjoying the view with him silently. As you both rested, you could feel him slowly crawl closer to you, until his arm was almost pressing against yours. Your heart was hammering. You’ve had relationships before, but all of them were mediocre and short-lived. This is the first time anyone has made you feel so infatuated. You gulped and decided to take a leap. Seeing his hand an inch from yours, you put your hand on top of his, and leaned your head on his shoulder. You heard a small gasp come out from his rosy lips, before he returned your touch, leaned his head on yours and squeezed your hand. Your heart relaxed as you felt his warmth, protecting you from the night’s cold air. For a moment, all your anxieties disappeared, you were at peace.

“I really like you Y/N.” Now, it was your turn to be surprised. You gaped at him, seeing his sapphire and rose eyes looking intensely at you, yearning for you. Internally, you shrieked, before answering him shakily.

“I like you too, Rafayel.”The man shined from your reciprocation. Hesitantly, he held your face, his gaze drawn to your pursing lips before returning to your eyes.

“Can I kiss you?" You nodded immediately. Rafayel giggled at your excitement and slowly bent towards you before capturing your lips; gently pressing his against yours. The previous warmth you felt now enraptured you completely. You were lost in it, in him. The kiss was quicker than you would have liked. He pulled away too quickly, but the kiss still left you breathless. As Rafayel attempted to catch his own breath, he said:

“Thank you for being here with me. I hope you will want to see me again too.”

“Of course, I would want you.”

—

“I told you, you should have stayed home this morning.” You yawned loudly as Dr. Zayne chastised you on the drive to the clinic.

“I can’t miss a day, especially since it was my fault for staying up late.” Dr. Zayne exhaled frustrated.

“You should be more careful about staying out late, especially with men you don’t know that well.” 

“I know! This was the first time I've ever done anything like that. I mean, I don’t know how to explain it. He just felt different. Like I trusted him right away. Have you ever felt that way?” Dr. Zayne briefly glanced at you, downcast before looking back at the road and answering:

“Yes, and I understand, but just be careful next time okay. At least let me know where you are going next time.” You bobbed your head in agreement.

“Of course I’ll-” You paused as Dr. Zayne’s car passed by the clinic. “What?!”

In front of your clinic was a line up. It was incomprehensible. Why were so many people waiting? Is it a mob?

When you and your mentor exited the car, you both rushed to the entrance, though Dr. Zayne was ahead of you.

“The doctors are here!” Someone in the line shouted, and soon after, the people who formed the line began to crowd around you. The raven-haired man immediately stood in front of you, putting you out of reach from the people surrounding you both.

“Are you all here seeking help from our clinic?”

“Yes.” A young pregnant woman chanted. “Your clinic, no, you both have received the blessing of the Sea God.” In all your years of living, you have never received such favor from the Sea God, even as the daughter of one of the town’s most devout.

“Blessing?” Dr. Zayne asked, clearly confused as well.

“Yes.” The woman said again. “All of us had a vision from the Sea God from our dreams. He declared you both righteous, that you both could help us with our ailments.” The collective delusion was concerning, but if it brought people to your door.

“That is wonderful news.” You started as you moved beside Dr. Zayne. “We will take care of you all to the best of our abilities. May we forever keep the Sea God’s favor.”

“The Sea God has spoken.” The crowd sang. You just smiled as sincerely as you could and opened the door. It was going to be a long day.

—

Several hours later…

After a hectic day and the clinic’s sign changed to closed, you and Dr. Zayne sat at your desk exhausted. You were glad to have gotten to actually help people as you always hoped for, but after not having done anything for the last few days, the increase of business was overwhelming.

“That was amazing.” You proclaimed proudly, your partner snickered back.

“You did a wonderful job Dr. L/N.”  You moved your head to look at him lazily.

“You too.” Then, the chime of the clinic rang.

“We’re closed-” You shut your mouth immediately when you saw your crush smirking at you, to the annoyance of your companion.

“Darn, I was hoping Dr. Y/N would be willing to make an exception for me.” You rolled your chair to him, too tired to stand up.

“I would, but I am way too worn out. It was such a busy day today.” 

“Oh I see, so now that you are one of the Sea God’s chosen, you are suddenly too important for me.” He playful sulked. You snickered sluggishly and sat up straight in your desk chair.

“I know, sorry, guess you will have to get medical care from somebody else.”

“Too bad, I was going to treat my favorite doctor, but-” 

“Well-” You interrupted. “I guess I can make an exception for my favorite artist.” Rafayel ruffled your hair, gazing at you tenderly, making your heart pound once again.

“Well, I hope you’ll always make an exception for me.”

And you knew in your heart, you always would.

Click to Read: Part 2

Hope you enjoyed reading! If you have any requests or feedback, please let me know!

[diamonrot]

Who's that Guy?! (Caleb's Version)

Hello Everyone! Since this prompt won, please enjoy Caleb's Version of Who's that Guy?!. I kinda feel bad because it's short. I would have made it longer, but I didn't know how! Let me know how you enjoy it! PS: we all hate Carter in my house!

How the LADS LIs react when they see you with another man. Jealousy ensues!

Tags: Minors DNI! Caleb x DAA Pilot/Non!MC/Ex-Girlfriend!Reader, Angst and Comfort, Misunderstanding, Stalking, Swearing, Jealousy, Carter (Short Appearance, Good!), Alternate Universe, Canon Divergent, Soft Yandere Caleb.

Please leave feedback or suggestions in comments and/or replies!

Unknown Number: This is who you decided to move on with? Really?

You froze as you looked at the text on your phone. 

What the h*ll?

For the last month, you felt the weight of intense eyes watching your every move. Many times the stalker would be in the corner of your eye and you almost caught him multiple times. Unfortunately, he was always out of reach. As a DAA Pilot, you were less terrified and more annoyed. You knew if you were given a chance, you could flash your assigned gun and scare him off, but he was always gone the moment you turned to him. 

Now it seems the creep found a way to text you. You straightened your back in your seat and scanned the cafe for a bit until you saw a man in black staring out the cafe’s window. It was your stalker!

“Are you alright?” Your gaze returned to the black haired man sitting across from you, and you grunted. The stalker really chose the best time to pop up. For the last hour, after your friends insisted you needed to move on from your deceased ex and pushed you into this blind date, you’ve been having a tedious time with a doctor. His name was Carter, and he was cute enough, but for the whole date so far, all he talked about was himself and his work with Ever. Initially, the conversation piqued your interest, especially the prospect of learning more about  the mysterious company, but after an hour of barely being able to talk, you found yourself trying to push back a yawn; Smiling as convincingly as you could, but knowing after this you would never contact this man again and will never accept any blind dates from your friends. That being said, despite the stalker being a b*stard, at least he gave you a good reason to ditch.

You stood up from the table.

“Sorry Carter, I need to go. My stalker is here and I have to kick his ass. Take care!” Before you could leave he grabbed your arm. You repressed the urge to glare. You had no rapport with him, why is he touching you?

“Wait, I enjoyed our date, can I see you again?” You sighed and shook your arm away from him.

“You’re uhhh okay, but I don’t think we would work out. Good luck with your work with Ever!” He grimaced back and nodded as you quickly dashed off. You exited the cafe and studied the crowd walking around you.

Where is he?

Your eyes hastily searched the crowd until they landed on the broad back of a tall man wearing a black bomber jacket and jogging pants. As you saw earlier, the person’s face was covered by a cap and face mask.

That has to be him.

“Hey!” You yelled, but the moment you approached him, he began to retreat. The man was a coward, not even daring to face you.

I’m not letting him get away again!

You followed quickly behind him, but he was as usual, out of reach. Multiple times, you stretched out your hand to grab him, but people were always in your way, blocking you. You called him over and over, even calling him a coward, a creep, but your shouting yielded no reaction. He continued walking away, indifferent, as though he hadn’t been torturing you for a month. After 15 minutes of this aggravating cat and mouse game, you could feel your victory coming as he ducked into an alley that you knew was a dead-end.

Finally got you a*shole!

You ran, chasing his shadow, expecting to see the man once you entered the alleyway, but there was nobody.

“Damnit.” You kicked a trash can in frustration. You couldn’t believe you lost him again! 

“Upset you missed your date?” The familiar voice painfully hit you in the chest.

It’s impossible?!

You turned around to see your stalker with his mask gone. Tears started to build up as you stared at the same face you fell in love with back, when you were a trainee. The same visage that haunted you day and night, making moving on impossible, until now. However, it seems he had cruelly decided to return when you started to.

“Caleb?” The man smiled as you recognized him, though you knew it was disingenuous. The smile didn’t reach his eyes.

The man crossed his arms and legs as he leaned on the alley’s wall, sneering.

“You still remember me Y/N? It looks like you were having no issue moving on.” His comment snapped you from your confusion and despair and flamed in your anger.  How could he say that? For a year, you were crippled with grief, dragging yourself day by day, surviving. This was the first time you ever “moved on”, and even then it wasn’t even your own choice. You immediately closed in.

“How dare you say that Caleb. You have no idea what I’ve been through! You made me believe you were dead for a year!”

“I didn’t have a choice, but you did and you decided to move on with such a goober!” You rolled your eyes.

 “So, after hiding away from me. Making me suffer thinking the man I loved died! After you stalked me like a creep for a month, you think you have the right to judge me and who I chose to date? Don’t give me that bull Caleb. I deserve-”

“Y/N.” His sneer disappeared and he became more contemplative. Still, his new calming demeanor didn’t snuff out your own anger.

“I deserve more respect than that! We were together for three years, why didn’t you tell me you were alive. I thought you died in the explosion.”    

“I needed to keep you safe.” He answered firmly.

“Really? Does MC know?” Caleb’s expression immediately blanched, and signalled to you, the unsurprising fact, she knew. 

For the three years you dated, MC was a sore point in your relationship. Despite your rage, it was never towards her. She was always kind to you, a little too nice, and that didn’t help the gap between you and your “ex”. In the beginning, you tried to not get in the way of their relationship as pseudo siblings, but the longer you were together, the more you realized they were overly codependent. Despite you both setting up dates, or spending time together, if MC called, or showed up, he would always prioritize her over you. There were many times during your relationship where in the middle of a date, he would ditch you to be with her because she was “vulnerable” and his older brother needed to be there for her. In fact, the last time you saw him, you asked him to spend time with you, but he had to be with MC. The day he spent with her instead was also the same day he was in the explosion.

“Yes she knows.” And just like that, as always, he put his sister above you again.

“Of course she does. You know Caleb, you are a humongous hypocrite!” You emphasized your hurt as you poked his firm chest. “You have the gall to essentially call me unfaithful, yet you’re the one who always put someone else above our relationship.”

“Y/N, she’s my-”

“I know you “just see her as a sister”! That’s the excuse you used for years! Yet the day you “died” you put her as your main priority, and even now! I had to suffer, thinking I lost you forever for a whole year, yet you couldn’t bear your darling sister being hurt and told her first. You know what Caleb, maybe you should have stayed gone.” Enraged, you started to stomp away. “Just go back to your sister, I’m done dealing with your BS-”

“Y/N Wait!” He grabbed your arm stiffly, as though afraid you would disappear. “I didn’t tell her first. She found me in Skyhaven with the Farspace Fleet.”

The Farspace Fleet?!

As part of the DAA, you are fully aware of the existence of the Farspace Fleet, their cruel treatment of their soldiers, and their overall domineering practices. What was Caleb doing with them?

“Was the Farspace Fleet keeping you imprisoned? How did MC find you?” He looked up in the air, away from you, before looking back at you with pained eyes.

“There’s too much to explain, but I swear, I didn’t tell her first. She found me. I honestly had no intention of revealing myself to either of you, but since MC found me-” You shrugged your shoulders and rolled your eyes. You tried to seem nonchalant, but you could feel your tears were close to escaping from your eyes.

“That you might as well, since your beloved sister knew. I was just a second thought.” Caleb’s eyes and mouth were agape. You could see his eyes watering because of desperation? You didn’t know, you could barely tell if you knew him anymore.

“Y/N.” He held onto both your shoulders as though you were his lifeline. "You weren’t a second thought. I love you. I always loved you, and I should have treated you better. You crossed your arms and looked up at him.

“Why didn’t you?”

“Honestly, I thought I in love with MC. I was certain I would end up with her, but you-” He lifted up his right hand to touch your face as he had done so many times before, but he hesitated and put his arms back to his side. “You changed everything. I fell for you, and I didn’t know how to act. MC was the only woman in my life before, and I didn’t know how to fit you in, while trying to stay a reliable brother. Maybe I was also scared that if I let you close in and neglected MC, that when you did finally realize you deserved better, I would be alone.” Your rage was diminishing, but there were still things you needed to know.

“So, you self-sabotaged instead of talking to me about all this.” The man smiled pitifully as tears fell from onto his freckled cheeks.

“Yes. I only realized all this the moment I almost “died”. During the explosion, before I lost consciousness , my last thought was you. I saw your face and all I could feel was regret. Regret of knowing that I would die without having properly loved you. I’m so sorry Y/N.” Caleb stepped closer to you, but reactively, you stepped back. Caleb’s violet eyes darkened.

“If you regretted all of this, why didn’t you come to me right away? Why did you stalk me for a month?” Caleb took a deep breath, and exhaled softly.

“Like I mentioned earlier, I didn’t have any plans to see you, or MC again. My involvement with the Fleet makes me a threat to your lives and I’m not the same man as I was before. I thought staying away would spare you both, but like you, MC wasn’t happy with me for my decision. She’s actually the one who convinced me that you wouldn’t be happy as well, that I should speak to you. Unfortunately, I was too much of a coward to talk to you. I used the excuse of not wanting to butt into your life if you moved on. So, I just watched to see if you that was the case, and I planned to respect your new life if you did. But when I saw you with that man.” The man’s fist tightened. “I just got so angry. I couldn’t believe you would settle for such a loser. He kept talking about himself. It was infuriating to watch, you deserve so much more and- ” Caleb’s nose began to scrunch as his eyes narrowed and his brows furrowed. Yet, when he noticed your concerned look at his anger, he took another breath and shifted his face to turn softer. “I shouldn’t have been so petty, but I couldn’t help it. It was disrespectful of me and I’m sorry.”

After he was done talking, you were unsure on what to do. Your pride and your brain told you not to trust him. They whispered he was lying, a Farspace Fleet plant, or he would abandon you again for MC. However, despite your rational mind fighting you, your heart couldn’t resist. Caleb surprised, jumped when you hastily hugged the taller man and held him as close and tightly as you could. Your head leaning on his shoulder with tears falling on his jacket. Caleb sighed in relief, returned your hold and kissed the side of your head.

“I'll forgive you this time, but promise me Caleb. Promise me you will never disappear like that again.” Caleb smiled against your head and held you closer to him.

“I promise Y/N. I promise.”

Thank you for Reading! Did you want to see more? If so, which LI?

Yes - Xavier x Hunter!Reader

Yes - Sylus x Flower Seller/Ex-Backtracker!Reader

Yes - Zayne x Baker!Reader

Yes - Rafayel x Siren!/Lemurian Spy!Reader

No - Please work on something else (Leave Suggestions in Ask, or Replies!)

Can you make Caleb's longer? :(

Voting ended onFeb 7