Realistic or Modern Amulet: The Parallel Arc

[Trivet]

Chester placed the laptop on the side a topic he finally was interested in talking about “Things are going great for me and Kasp, well I hope anyways, he’s smart, he’s funny, he’s adorable when he gets all flustered and he’s just everything.” He said gushed while holding kasper close to him in his arms, kissing his forehead.

Lila hesitated as she saw Chester holding Kasper and kiss his forehead a small part of her saying “that should be me!” But she diverted her attention to Naala.

“I’m not gonna tell you what he said, just going to let you fester over the thought of potentially what he’s told me.” He said smirking.
“I can imagine you have, it’s fine we will move on.
As naala took a jab at Chester he tried his best to hide Into Kasper as gently as he could.
“Hey no fair, I’m older than you so I still get the authority here!” He chuckled.

Lila nodded “of course who else, awww I’m glad I could get it back just in time for us to become official.”
“I just needed that special someone to bring it out. I will choose Naala.co for everything I ever need!” Lila looked confused as she was then picked up bridal style. She giggled holding onto Naala as they both made out.

“Well I didn’t particularly want to deal with a missing child but there you go here we are.”
Jamie argued not as loud as before though.

Selena looked over and sighed “I’m sorry I’m just in a lot of pain. My child is missing and your telling me Jamie may not be going back forgive me for yelling but I’m scared.” She said laying back down.
Lila ran to check on Naala “hey love you doing okay?” She asked holding Naala’s hand. “Selena needs to be in a hospital I think she’s gonna have to get checked out.” Lila said.

Jamie was ready to go flat out on Eula but was held back by Chester. “Good thing she tipped us off!” Jamie scoffed.

Chester looked over “just tell us where they are and no one has to get hurt. She’s only 2 please don’t you have compassion?”

Chester laughed “you know of not who I am, who says I’m not royalty in rags? Who says your not messing with something more? Now I do t care what YOU would do I only care about my lovers choices and what HE wants! Capeesh?” He stated looking her in the eye.

“Like you said it goes against what you believe and quite frankly I think kasp and I could t care and don’t seek your approval or choose to go down the path you did. May not have wanted to be one, tough you are one. So you should start acting like it. Or better yet just let him come back to me. You didn’t have to hunt him down if you wanted nothing to do with him.” He questioned in his statement.

Chester tensed “you will not kill him as long as I’m here! I keep my promises!” He smirked.
“You throw the term MOTHER round as you please you either want him or don’t and you clearly don’t so shut your trap and stop putting my lovers name in your mouth okay, he dropped all of this for a reason and a pretty damn good one if you ask me toxic, disgusting hurtful. No wonder he never mentioned you, your boy did better without you. Let me guess he was getting success and attention when you weren’t? He was in a relationship when you can’t be loved by no one WELL FREAKING CRY ME A RIVER EULA!”


“You disgust me, the way you treat your family is disgusting, look you have more than one child we saw it on the tapestry tree!” Jamie stated and Chester looked over “say what now?” Jamie retreated “it’s best to talk about that later he was marked out.” Chester sighed “oh…”

“You can’t force him to do anything and your not killing him on my watch!” He said about to charge at her.
“She’s not your freaking grandchild, it’s not Kasper’s child SHES MY FREAKING DAUGHTER YOUR CRAZY WOMAN!” Jamie screamed.

“Kasper is one of the greatest human beings I’ve met and you will never take that away and yeah your right there is no one of that name because he dropped it to get away from the likes of you and your tainted claws of venom.”

“For the last freaking time SHES MY CHILD SHE LOOKS NOTHING LIKE HIM!” He screamed once again. Loosing his cool with every word Eula said.

Chester and Jamie noticed Eula turn back “Opal, my girl!” Jamie said proud but terrified. As they followed Eula upstairs.
As they followed Eula turned sharply gun in hand pointed at Chester.
He raised his hands terrified but looked calm on the outside. “Go ahead pull it your right they are what do you want a medal?.” He taunted.

Opal held tight to Kasper the whole way he made his way to get the knife and did everything Kasper asked after all she still had her mouth covered. She knew something was gonna happen as she felt Kasper’s hands cover her eyes that were already shut.
Chester and Jamie ran over Jamie grabbed Opal and Chester picked Kasper up bridal style. And they ran starting to make their way out, the house was a maze. They made it out to a different hospital and got Kasper all checked over back to square one before the ordeal and Chester laying next to him. And Opal the other side holding onto Kasper’s hand and her teddy Kasper while Jamie was outside on the phone with not good news.

 

[Atarashii]

"well it seems you are quite fond of him." she said giving a nod. "he sure is lucky for having a boyfriend like you." she said poking him in the head. Naala looked over to lila as she could read her mind and gave a reassuring smile but was worried herself. what if during their whole time, lila would be thinking of kasper and that she should be with him instead. she brushed the thoughts away and looked back at chester. "Your bluffing arent you?! he didnt tell you anything." she scoffed. "well im not going to lose any sleep on what he told you. he told you nothing." she said confidently. "your just trying to freak me out." she scoffed. crossing her arms staring at chester. "aww you trying to hide behind your boyfriend? well this is our fight, you can run but you cant hide." she smirked. "no you dont. if you have the authority.." She mocked, putting authority in air quotations. "why are you being a wuss and hiding behind your boyfriend hm?" she said hands on her hips.

"its fine. dont worry about it. people get yelled at all the time for different reasons. glad i got yelled at on a topic that isnt about me being annoying." she stopped herself from saying more and looked away. "sorry, forget what i said. i know it hurts. He will come back, i know he will with opal." she said trying to soothe selena's nerves. "its fine. dont apologize about it. just take a deep breath."
"im fine." she said looking away. "it seems so. i dont think my brother will be pleased, with all of this happening at once on his plate. but how are we going to break it to her, hey. you need to be in the hospital."

"two is just a number." she said, her nail scratching against the wood. "if i had compassion, i wouldnt be here. i would be dead. life isnt about forgiving and forgetting. being all soft and daisies." she hissed. "i would know your name from the scriptures if you were royalty in rags. The tree's speak nothing of you. You are nothing more then dirt under my shoe. I am the head of the ragnvindr clan. I would know who i am talking to. Your lover? he wont be your lover any longer once im through with him. He wont listen to you anyway. Mother knows best." she said looking down at chester. "he knows what happens if he disobeys me."
"who said your going to get to that point? ikari wont run off with you. after i got him back, he wont turn so easily. Not after what happened with his brother. believe me, he got what he deserved. And why do you speak of him with that name? I gave him the name ikari. He is ikari. He will always be ikari."
"I hunted him down because it was time he came back to his real home. and not that junk he has been living in. He wont ever come back to you, dream about it."
"To bad, ill kill him and you cant do anything about it. suck it up." she said, "your promises are just words in the air. you cant make them come true."
"Because i am his mother." she scoffed when she was told to shut up. "quiet! you are in no place to speak! HE IS NOT YOUR LOVER, HE NEVER WILL BE SO SHUT YOUR TRAP THINKING I WILL ALLOW THIS!" she screamed. "hah. if i was doing this because i was jealous, i wouldnt be wasting my time keeping him alive. I dont care if im not loved, i dont need love to survive. And i sure wont, not in a million years."
"Hah. He is still alive, a bit tied up though." she smirked. "lovely ikari doesnt think his brother is still alive. He is. kept him in my basement to keep him quiet from telling ikari the truth. served him well but enough about him. he is dead to me."
"Your daughter? not a difference to be seen. She will serve to be the daughter i always wanted and nothing will change that."

Benji opened the door to the guest house. he had gone out to get more packs of cigars. He had also dropped his father off at a local senior centere. He looked around, stuffing a few boxes in his pockets as he made his way to the estate. Eula's body was gone somehow. He knocked on the door, no answer. He opened the door with a key eula had given him and looked around. "jeezus this place is a mess" he muttered. "MA'AM?" he called out. no answer. He looked around and sighed. "well. guess she out. i need my paycheck though." he moved across to the kitchen when he noticed a room in the corner. He pulled his mask up and tilted his cap down. "Hm. hope the missus doesnt mind me snooping." he opened the door and took out his cigar lighter. Moving it around the room till he saw a shadow reflect. He walked over to the body. shining the fire over it, seeing ezra tied up. He blinked and bent down. Keeping the fire away. Brushing the hair out of ezra's face he nodded. "he looks cute. wonder why he tied up like a dog." he put the lighter away and hauled him up. "he looks pretty dead to me but.." he leaned ezra closer to his chest. "nah still alive." he closed the door with his leg and moved through the hallways. stopping at the family tree tapestry. Eyes moving down till he spotted him. "ah. Looks even cuter close up." he closed the door to the estate with his key and brought ezra back to his house. he laid ezra on the couch and started cutting the ropes away with his swiss army knife. "if the missus really wanted him to be wiped away from memory, she could of put more effort into knotting these ropes." he wrapped ezra in a blanket and got some food ready. sat on the couch with him and read a book. When ezra awoke, his view was benji's face and his eye catching eyebags. he looked over, "you awake? have some food. your looking pretty hungry." he said motioning to some foods on a plate in front of him. "names benji, picked you up from the basement when i was going to the missus for my paycheck. Your ezra right? i saw you on that huge 'ol family tree tapestry."

 

[Trivet]

“Awww, thanks naal, didn’t think you could be so soft, with your constant ‘tough guy’ act!” He laughed then nodded looking back at Kasper while he was sleeping, though he must have been in a lot of pain he seemed at peace for the time being.
Chester laughed “maybe he did, maybe he didn’t… you’ll never know and I know you’ll loose sleep over it, because you’ll be itching to know if he had and if so what he said.”

“I can hide into Kasp if I want too, besides it’s not really hiding I’m just resting like I should be!” He smirked. “Because I don’t play childish games..” he said poking his tongue out at Naala and cuddled back into Kasper. “Besides do you go using that tone of voice on me. Or I’ll tell Jamie!” He said in a childish way.

Selena tilted her head along with Lila “who says your annoying?” Lila asked. “Selena sighed your never annoying Naala, there is just a lot going on, thank you for helping me, I’m just gonna try and get some sleep now.” She said pulling the blanket up and closing her eyes.

“I’m glad your okay love…” Lila said kissing Naala. “I think we should let her rest for now and when they are all safe get her to a hospital otherwise if we disturb her she may get worse more so. Let’s not out our eggs all in one basket.” She said holding Naala at the waist.

“Compassion is actually what gets you further in life, I don’t know what sad childhood you had but wouldn’t you have rather not seen your children go through the same fate! Instead it’s just twisted you into being a bitter old hag!” Chester exclaimed.

“Right because members of this family didn’t change their names at all right? Maybe their appearance? You know to not be associated with this toxic forsaken family. You know nothing of me and my heritage so pipe down before yup trip over something your not suppose to be messing with.”
Chester laughed and scoffed at the ‘Mother Knows Best’ comment “ yeah right he listen to you, don’t make me laugh it hurts..” he mocked “mother doesn’t know best, actually mother knows nothing compared to the rest. Look at you your a mess.”

“See that’s where your wrong you can try to scare him with made up fabled horror stories but they are exactly that stories. He’s not 5 he’s 20 he’s not gonna fall for some little tale your try and say to yourself over and over so you can sleep at night. And no that’s not his name IKari went down with the house and all the deranged memories that are suffocating inside. Kasper rained and shine brighter than his alter. I speak of them as two as they are one of a half of who he is and if you can’t stand to see him smile then I can’t stand to see you walk another two steps in this direction… so this ends let us take them now. I won’t ask again” Chester forced, Jamie a little nervous of the strength displayed by Chester form the guy who was timid of Lawrence to this knight in shining armor for Kasper, the change to him was yet frighting but comforting.

“That ‘Junk’ he’s been living in is his home, is more of a home than this would ever be, that home he made is fit for a king more than this place is call a dungeon! Face it Eula you lost your so and for using him you lost the right to ever calm him your son again, so long as I’m around I’ll make sure you never lay a hand I him and if you do you’d wish you didn’t!”
“Oh Eula you seem to underestimate just who you are dealing with, Pity, I’ve been kicked around long enough and there is no way im gonna let someone like you do it to me or KASPER!”
So I’ll say it again so we don’t have to play this the hard way WHERE IS KASPER AND OPAL!”
Chester yelled!
“Ha, allow this hunny I’m already his, and that ain’t gonna change and sorry I ain’t begging on my knees for your approval I don’t need it, so maybe you should try again wanna pull another card in that useless deck of yours?” He said folding his arms smirking.
“Thanks, noted once we’ve got you out the picture we will be sure to secure his brother from the grips of your grubby hands.”

Jamie flustered “SHES MY CHILD HOW MANY FREAKING TIMES DO I HAVE TO SAY THIS.”

As they got to the hospital and we’re waiting for Kasper to wake up Jamie came in looked as wise as he went out “one saved the other needs to come into hospital so I’m gonna get Selena and bring her in, can you keep an eye on ops for me.” He said trying not to cry. “Sure no problem please let me know the latest and I’m sorry.”
Jamie waved him off not really wanting to talk.
“Kaspy, you wakeys?” Opal said slowly trying to wake Kasper.

Ezra was passed out in the office area hes hopped this far from the basement when he heard Ikari was alive he couldn’t believe it. He’d got so far but hit his head as he tripped on something in the office leaving him unconscious on the floor.

Ezra opened his eyes, he felt warmth of a blanket and heard a voice, he shot up looking directly a benji, his eyes standing out the bags looked so tired he looked so tired, this poor guys ezra thought forgetting about his own troubles for just a moment.

Ezra gasped as his spoke his voice a little raspy as he hadn’t spoken in quite a while “th-thank You!”
He said grabbing the plate but placing it down, he was weak. So he leant forward and picked up the fork in an oddly posh way.
“Benji? Hmmm, nice to meet your acquaintance, benji, yes I am Ezra. Surprised you were able to see who I was, it was Believed my image was burnt out as if I did not exist.” He said shaking as he took a sip of water which became downing water slightly coughing at the end where he drank too much too fast.

“Excuse me, but did you say pay check? Yes, that was the envelope I hit my head in before passing out… if you get it or got it… sorry for the blood stains.” He said seeming embarrassed.
“So Benji thank you for being me back to your house, I appreciate that, lovely home, your father he was the gardener no?” He asked going back into the food again. Leaning over the chair a little too far and falling to the floor… “Drat…” he said as he got back up shaking struggling, as benji helped him back up. He fell back into him before landing on the couch, he smiled a bit looking into benji’s eyes. The flustered and moved away faster than he fell. His mothers words looking over him “YOU CAN NEVER LIKE BOYS.” As he was reminded of the near arranged marriage he had with a girl ‘Miya’.

 

[Atarashii]

"excuse me?" she laughed. "sorry if you didnt get the memo, im older than him so i can do...just about whatever. You hold no power over me." she said overly confident. "Ill go using that tone on you anytime of day. and you cant do nothing." she mocked, poking him lightly in the chest, above the wounds.

Naala backed away. rubbing the back of her neck. "forget it. i said nothing." she snapped. "just. sorry. nobody said it. alright." she said quickly. "sleep can help and im sure with everything its tiring you a lot. goodnight."
"im fine. thank you though." she said. sighing heavily. "you should head to sleep, im going to go outside for a moment. alright? we will talk about it in the morning." she gave lila a kiss and a goodnight before heading out. Walking a few blocks away to a park. sitting in the bench as she took a pack of smokes out. She took one long look at one and sighed. "wish i didnt feel like using these everytime i feel like crap." she muttered. "better then getting drunk on alcohol i suppose.."

Eula didnt seem bothered by this and sighed. "you young folk think life goes like flowers and daisies. to bad it doesnt." she walked over to the other side of the stairs. "did ikari ever told you, his ears used to be pointed like an elf?" she took a painting off the wall. "eyes with slit pupils and long hair that reached to his back...." she turned the painting around so chester could have a good view, of chopped off ears. two pairs of them. "ikari's.." she said pointing to the right, "and his dear brother's." she put the painting back up and it seemed the ears were now gone from viewing. "i cut them off. and replaced them with normal human ears. wonderful how medical technologies have advanced. So i may be a bitter old hag. but at least im a smart one. such as making sure that they will never know who they came from." she turned back to chester and leaned on the banister. Her smile showing her true form as pointed ears could now be seen behind her hair. "we still exist. even after the great purge. Even after the amulet holders thought they wiped us all out, we are still here."

"tch tch. mess, toxic. Oh its getting old now." her teeth turned razor sharp as her pupils slowly became slit like. her white skin turning grey. "you trampled were mere mortals shouldn't trample in. your on thin ice." she moved her hand over the banister. "the clan of the amulet holders was wiped out so im frankly aware, you are nothing. Elves are above all now, we are on the top of the chain and it wont be long till your lovely ikari will kill you! its elves instinct. He is just waiting till the time is right. Elves feed off validation and pride, if he kills you, he will earn both. and no elf can resist the feeling of being accepted and praised." she smirked. "he never told you from the look on your face? shame. he is lying to you every step of the way. A relationship built on lies wont do you any good, just harm." the seeds falling from her hand onto chesters head, its his choice if he chooses to let them grow. "think about it, an elf as a partner. what a plot changer.."

"you may say that, but even then. the blood of us runs deep in him. He is ikari, he is one of us. He will always be one of us. And you wont stop me from making him know his true self." she yelled back. "face it. No one can change the fact, not even someone like you that he is an elf. He is meant to kill." she looked over at a huge photo showing benji,eula,kasper and ezra. Though all their faces besides eula was crossed out. "just like i killed his father. He should be proud, his father was no better than me."
"You wont ask again? good. I wont be giving them to you. They are my prey to feast upon. They are mine to take control of and you wont stop me."

"HIS HOME IS WHERE HE WAS BORN. WHERE HE GREW UP. HIS HOME WILL NEVER CHANGE HIS PATH, HIS PATH LIES WITH US. HIS PATH LIES WITH ME!" she screamed. grabbing a dagger and throwing it. Missing chester and jamie by a inch. "DARN THAT RAT. YOU MESSED HIS HEAD UP!" she turned and banged at the wall in outrage. "HE WAS MINE! MY CHILD! AND YOU!" she pointed her finger that now had a claw. "YOU MESSED HIS HEAD UP! MAKING HIM BELIEVE FOOLISH HUMAN LIES! HE LIES WITH THE CLAN OF ELVES, NEVER TO WED A STUPID PUNY HUMAN LIKE YOU!"

Kasper didnt stir. Both arms wrapped up, blood peeking out from the arm that got shot. Hours passed, kasper opened his eyes. Looking up blankly at the ceiling. It was night time. was anyone here? did anyone stay with him?" he tried to look but his body was sore and in pain so he just laid there. hoping someone, if anyone would notice he was awake and tell him. tell him he was ok. tell him opal and his chester was ok. Pain shot up through his body yet it felt dazed. perhaps the medication was kicking in heavily since he is awake.

"no worries bro. You look pretty knocked up, eat what you want." he said waving over to the table. "no need to be posh. just eat." he said taking the plate from him, took the fork and sat in front of ezra, spooning food into him. "eh. I had a hunch you were that guy. Your brother seemed to still be alive. Seeing no x mark over him." he said still camly spooning food to ezra as if it was a daily thing. Benji put the food down and patted ezra's back. "chill. dont want you to choke, three minutes after meeting you."
"well...yes?" he said taking the plate back up. "oh its fine. and hit your head? you must have been passed out long enough for someone to come down, tie you up and leave. Though i must say, did i crappy job at attempting to tie you up." he took the letter and opened it, not to see money but medication. "thanks." he said putting it on the table next to him. "no worries bro. didnt want to leave you to rot. the missus was always a rude person." he kept feeding ezra but stopped when ezra fell onto him. Benji held ezra in a awkward position, ezra sitting on him as benji was leaning against the table and his legs were on the couch. "ah." he said holding ezra effortlessly bridal style to get himself up first. he laid him back down on the couch and resumed feeding ezra as if nothing happened. "you good bro? your looking red."

 

[Trivet]

“He may be older, but I’m older than you so I hold more power than you missy!” Chester said booping Naala on the nose.
“Ooooh who rattled your cage!” Chester teased.

Selena looked at Naala “Naal I’m sorry please I hope your not upset?” She said and Lila watched Naala as she claimed she was alright and nodded when she said she was gonna get some air. “Okay love..” she said holding her hand to her cheek where Naala just kissed her as she waved goodnight to Selena and headed to sleep on the couch.

Chester scoffed “we’ll we certainly know how to look on the bright side of things… compared to you Ms. Doom and gloom over there..”
as Eula showed the ears Jamie turned to throw up on the floor seeing two ears like that turned his stomach in summersaults.
Chester disgusted but was able to compose himself. Elf? Kasper was an Elf? They still existed? Well if he was one it didn’t matter in his eyes love knew no boundaries.
Chester listened to Eula talk and was just making him more and more peeved. “You disgust me Eula, your messed up, you need help from all the things you say, I mean have you even heard what comes out of your mouth? Do you see how delusional and ludicrous it all is, cutting ears, why did you even do that I thought someone like you would want to keep them as elves, why take it away if you’d want it back how it was?”
Chester looked down “so it was true not all the elves got wiped out but all the stories about them being evil cold blooded killers…she’s not helping that case…but Kaspy… he does?” He said confused unsure of what to think right now.


“Your wrong the elves were wiped out only a few remain the amulet holders may be gone but it doesn’t change the truth and save it Eula your mind games don’t work on me he won’t turn on me he loves me just because you can’t accept it doesn’t mean you can mess with my head.”
He screamed at her.
“He doesn’t need to kill for that he already has it form me and he knows that, he’s not one to kill I know him, I know him.” He repeated and Jamie looked to him “do you bro? We’re in this mess because of him technically and you told me what he did to Lila I think he’s capable…” Jamie said straightening himself from throwing up.

Chester tried to not show doubt infront of Eula it would only fuel whatever she’s planning of course it was plausible, he’s seen the extent of what Kasper can do, but he wouldn’t do it to him, he couldn’t…right?.
“You make me sick killing his father, he may not have been great but still it’s wrong to act upon your own selfish needs.” Chester scoffed.

Jamie was about to charge when Chester grabbed him once again “not yet!”
“But she’s taunting bro let me at her… she’s got my baby let me go!” Jamie struggled as he tried to break free from Chester’s grasp.
“No we can make it worse by acting irrationally now follow my lead.”

“No his path lies with me, he can chose whether to keep it that way or change it in time but for now he’s with me, changed. Done.”
Chester and Jamie both moved swiftly as the dagger came flying between them.
“Sheesh that was close.. imma need a holiday when this is done.” Jamie stated catching his breath.
“So what if I did, I wasn’t the first one to change his path that was Lila, the first human he was with for 4 years. Oh that’s right thanks for reminding me. If I wanna ask him to marry me I will and I’ll let him decide his path and fate” he smirked.

As time passed Opal had fallen asleep next to Kasper as well as Chester. Both either side of Kasper with little space between. Opal was first to wake up and noticed Kasper awake “KASPY!!!” She yelled and hugged him gently. Then Chester stirred “I’m awake I was awake the whole time, how you doing sleeping beauty, you feeling okay?” He said brushing the hair behind Kasper’s ear and looking at the fair stitch marks that could still be seen, he brushed his finger across them and moved his hand swiftly away. “Your okay kaspy, your in the hospital now and resting up doctor says in a few days you’ll be feeling bright as rain.” He smiled kissing Kasper on the forehead.
“Kaspy is it true that your an elfy?” Opal said and Chester grabbed her quickly. “You can’t ask that Opal he’s still sleepy and recovering.” Chester flustered.
“But she said and I wanna know if it’s true!” She said.
“Not now Opal.” Chester said sternly.


“Thank you, thank you so very much.” He said as he looked over at the food, it was the most he had seen in a while.
Ezra seemed embarrassed about being fed, but accepted it soon after when he tasted the food it was exquisite. It tasted real? Not rice and broccoli he has been eating for years. “Oh yes the tapestry? The family heirloom of a tree. Yes mother stated she was going to pick him up for a location, it’s how I ended up finding out all these years later.” He said eating another spoonful.

Ezra calmed down after nearly choking and chuckled slightly “sorry, guess one must be parched.”

“Ohhh, I was already tied up, I hopped my way to that room and tripped and hit my head and was left there. That’s how it happened, sorry it’s a mess. Yes she didn’t do it too tight but tight enough I couldn’t undo it myself.”

Ezra blushed slightly “oh you didn’t, how thoughtful of you? She is more than rude but let’s not dwell on that as this is a shall we say happy moment?” He said knowing he sounded ridiculous he had no other way to talk he was as lucky as Ikari to get out of this royal mess.

As Ezra fell in Benji he panicked trying to also get up but failed until Benji picked him up bridal style and placed him down on the couch.
“Oh I’m okay, hmm yes I believe I am. Erm, have you perhaps got any garments I may borrow? I don’t think I have any on my pocket and I do believe being covered in blood will not help your… your erm? This thing we’re sitting on” he said trying to change subject. Trying to play it cool, he could feel the blushing. He wasn’t his type far from it but the Way he took took care of him, the way his touch blushed his cheeks. He’s, he’s something.

 

[Atarashii]

"if i was upset i wouldn't be here right now. I told you it was fine." she turned around sharply. "its fine. dont need to apologize. I'm going to take a walk." she said. "goodnight. Ill see you both in the morning." After she left, hours passed. Around midnight did she come back, opening the door and walked over to the couch, moving lila's hair out of her face and gave her a small peck as she took off her shoes and got into the couch with her.

Eula laughed. "is that it? is that all you can muster to say to me? truth be told, i thought you would be harsher. seems i was wrong." she said, her hand dancing across the banister. "im saying it, of course i know what i'm saying. i know very clearly, everything im saying is for a reason."
"Listen, i cut them so they would be hidden from the world. They wouldn't be chastised, bullied and ridiculed because they weren't human. Besides, he hid it well. you never suspected anything till i told you no? What im saying, i cut their ears so they could reap the benefits of being normal. Being a human, but everything must come to an end. They must learn who they are. they were swaddled up for so long like a baby. now they must face the fire."
"Of course, humans are so full of themself. never doing more than they have to Good thing for us, we can carry our blood for more generations to come."
"We wouldn't be here, as soon as the first elf came in contact with a human, we were seen as lesser beings. hunted and killed because we were different. Of course we had to become killers and keep that appearance up, or we would have been wiped out years ago!"
"The truth will always be there. we are lesser beings. we mean nothing to humans, it isn't mind games. facts. Kasper needs to be brought back up from the human ways and prove his worth! And...are you sure about that?" she grinned. "what's your proof your love is greater than his instinct to kill. What can you show to him to stop him from killing you in your sleep. Love prevails..what a lie..." she murmured. "love fails when we need it. What your born to do always wins."
"is that so? You say that but watch as your head will be in kasper's hand when he crawls back from the dump he lives in. and look, even your friend doubts his self restraint. such a predictable trait. When someone is fueled to the max for someone they care about and that someone is in danger, they turn on each other. How disappointing." eula seemed to notice the slight doubt and smirked. "i say i do a might fine job twisting your mind. You say it won't happen but tell me, how can you of all people. keep those thoughts at bay? every time you head to sleep. you might worry, if you will wake up tomorrow no? Intrusive thoughts are annoying, but can be of use when used correctly. My point is, how can you be sure someone you love. wont turn against you with a knife to your throat?"
"i married him because i needed offspring to carry my legacy. Shame his curse transferred to ikari." she scoffed. "well. i can't wait to be seeing your head on my doorstep." she smirked. "he won't stay with you for any longer..."

Kasper winced as opal yelled in his ear. "hello opal, i'm sorry for last night." he said wincing as he tried to sit upright. "you don't have to lie. sleep gets the best of us, don't worry about it love." he said giving a smile as he turned back to opal. "i wasn't asleep for that long!....fine. i'm doing ok. A bit worried for selena and jamie. Where are they exactly?" he questioned. "I'm aware. few days? euhg. that doesnt sound fun." he sighed. "opal, you seem like your going to burst. do you have a question?" he stopped when he heard the words. face dropping, eyes going wide. he reached up to his ears quickly. Feeling around till he found the scar's on both side. Memories flooding back to his head. Screaming and loud sounds drowned out what chester was saying to opal. "i..." he started looking at the other side of the wall. He looked and closed his eyes again. Trying to dig out something deep from his memory. He looked back at opal, his pupils now distinctively slits. "i was. i was an elf. She lied about a few things. Don't believe everything she says but i guess that was right to a point." he said patting her head. still covering his ears with one hand. His nails seemed sharper now, a bit claw like.

"no worries." benji said camly "eat up, made this really all for you." He said. "i just eat a sandwich or whatever i have the motivation to make so this was a stretch for me but i hope you like it."
"Its quite a staple piece in the house, first thing you see everytime you walk in. Interesting, so you didn't know you had a brother till a bit ago?" he said taking yogurt that was on the table. And opened it, eating a spoonful and looked back at ezra. "oh, did you want some?"
"Well that explains the bruise on your forehead." he said putting a cold compress on it. "good you didn't scratch it or anything, that would be a whole other rabbit hole i would have to go down. Don't worry about it."
"Well i mean. what else could i do you get? a living human trapped in the basement." he said patting ezra's head. "ya sure." he said turning back to the food. "sure sure. let me go get something." he got up and left the room. coming back with a shirt and pants. "here. might be a bit big for you, and your sitting on my couch but eh. i can change the sheets later. you can change yourself right? bathroom is over there. Though if its cramped you can change in my room."

 

[Trivet]

Selena looked at Naala and shrugged “I’m sorry still but I need to rest now.”
Lila looked sadly as naala went off Into the night she was used to being the first one In the bed alone. She closed her eyes and lightly slept.
As Naala returned she felt Naala peck her on the cheek, she didn’t stir but when Naala cuddled on the couch next to her Lila turned and hugged into her. “Missed you, hope your okay?”

“I could be but what’s the use it’s not like you’d listen? Probably have something up your sleeve to say otherwise?” He scoffed.
“Is that reason to make you look stupid?” Jamie argued.
“Way too antagonise bro!” Chester sighed.
“What you can and I can’t?” He folded his arms looking down.

“How considerate of you? Probably the only thing right you did. So what if he hid them well, even if he did not it doesn’t matter to me it’s what’s true to their heart that counts.”
Chester stood there confused “so you want them to face the fire and all that stuff right? But yet you want him back to control him, back and forth? Will you at least make your mind up on what you want?”
Chester shook his head tired of her stories he just wanted to get Kasper and get out. “Okay, I get it you were treated unfairly, trying to get justice in a cruel world… what’s your point that one can’t bend the rules and love a human as it is a choice no? You act like your the queen but your no different than I elves, humans what’s the differences? We’re not back in that time anymore you have to move on and let Kasper decide his own future.”

“Well he hasn’t done it so far and I 100%. Believe he wouldn’t do it. He wouldn’t hurt anyone unless there is reason. And right now I see no reason call me naive and you won’t want to hear this… I love your son inside and out and I adore him he’s my everything and nothing your little fables and kind games can change about that.” He said fighting back staring at Eula.

“There are reasons He’s saying that and they are not to do with Kasper stop switching it to think your gaining the upper hand, it’s not working even if that was so, and his intention was to kill it doesn’t matter least I’d know in all my heart I loved him the best I could and gave him all I had.” He said even Jamie felt a smile come across his face as he patted Chester’s back “that was sweet man!”

“You can’t really know if he would kill or not, there is always that chance, the thoughts will always be there but you know what it’s one I’m willing to take because like I’ve said repeatedly now I LOVE KASPER, so I trust him 100%. And if it happens we’ll what can I do?” He shrugged.

“Oh we will see about that, you’ve got him all wrong and I’ll love to see your face when he proves you wrong and oh what is it Mwah standing beside him when you do? Please… I’ll be there like a shot.”

Opal hugged into Kasper “sorry I didn’t mean to be so loud, just happy your awake. No I’m sorry. I wanted to come sooner but she trapped me” she said hugging Kasper.
“It does but you’ve been in my arms the whole time. So you wouldn’t have to look far too find me.” He smiled brushing Kasper’s hair from his face.
“You was asleep for hours I had two naps since!” She giggled.
Chester sighed “sis is in hospital Lawrence got her pretty bad, Jamie has gone to be beside her though for was best to leave Opal here didn’t want her seeing her mum in that state you know?.”
“Hey kasp, it’s okay I’ll be here every second I’m not leaving your side.” He said kissing Kasper and Opal waving it off. But bursting to ask her question.

Opal looked fear in her eyes and she crawled round crying into Chester the once little girl who was admiring Kasper was terrified of him. “Please don’t eat me, please don’t eat me. I’ll be good I swear, I’ll do anything please don’t eat me mr Ikari.” She said and Chester looked down then back to kasper. “I know 90% of what she said negative wise is wrong but she also said you had a brother and Jamie saw a brother linked into he tree to you but I guess whatever she told Opal has scared her.” He said holding her.
“Hey he’s still the same kaspy, and don’t call him IKari unless you ask he may not want to go by that name, I know your far Too young for all this baby girl. See look it’s still kaspy.” He said raising her hand to touch Kasper’s face. “You promise you won’t eat me?” She asked wiping her tears.

“Wow, your hospitality is on point Benji I thank you for accommodating me so well.” He smiled.
“Oh well you didn’t have to go the extra mile for me, though it really was tasty and I appreciate you helping me. Truth be told I haven’t stood up or been out of some sort of rope wrapped around me in a while. So everything I’m shaky at. You don’t need this trouble in your life. I’m sure you got other things to focus on?”

“Yes the wall of everyone she hates is quite a centre piece, I know I had a brother as I’m older I was there when he was born we were super close, used to spend a lot of time in the gardens with the the pants, it’s what we used to bond over a lot. That and drawing. But I was told he had passed and had apparently been a single child ever since. We’ll ever since today. I needed to see him. I wanted to make sure she was okay that the condition he had didn’t ruin him too bad, I hoped he’d find love and by the sounds of it he did and that’s what she got angry about. It was with a guy. She’s fully against that. Hence I had an arranged marriage but lucky the girl I was with said “I didn’t fulfill her enough” so her family ended it thanks goodness I didn’t know how to tell her I wasn’t attracted to her, girls just don’t appeal to me.” He said fumbling around trying to get comfortable.
Ezra flustered for a moment *does he mean share or will he get my own.. why has the decision been made so hard.* “sure” he said accepting the offer again a good he was pretty alien to.

“Oh yes I quite agree, thank you!” He said placing his hand on Benji’s where the ice pack was to add some pressure to his hurting head.”
His hands were soft to the touch and surprisingly warm and his touch so gentle.

“Story of my life, who said coming from a royal family was a breeze am I right?”
He said eyes beaming at the food still.
“Thank you Benji means a lot.” He said holding the clothes about the try and stand up “I can do it, I got it.” Trying to act less of the weakling he had become but landed straight on the floor “dang flabbit. I’ll just crawl and try to change, it’s fine.” He made a tired smile and in all honestly he couldn’t do it himself he could barely stand let alone change himself. He felt bad though he didn’t want to be a burden to anyone.
“I’ll just change here if you don’t mind seems like too much of a struggle right now. Each day I gotta keep moving.” He said sitting back in the chair.

After the getting change ordeal was finished Ezra looked over to Benji “thank you again I’m gonna try and sleep now goodnight.” He said smiling as he drifted off to sleep.
During the night ezra was moving, breathing no rapidly. Whining in a sense and tears started to stream his face. He was having a night terror.

As he awoke he pulled Benji in close holding his arm breathing rapidly and deeply crying into his arms. “I’m sorry, I’m so sorry..” was all he said.

 

[Atarashii]

Naala didnt respond for a few moments. "i told you im fine. Im going to go sleep on the floor if something if you keep asking me." she said, head into the couch pillows. "just go to sleep. goodnight love."

"true heart? sounds like some cringy love story." she scoffed. "I want him to come back home like a good son he is, i want him to become an elf, and bring honour to the family." she chuckled. "I hope im direct enough so your little pea brain can comprehend what i want for my son."
"Its a disgusting affair. Im sure your aware of that! You arent good enough, you arent enough at all. So pack your bags and leave my son forever! I dont want to see you at all, i dont want to let my eyes gaze upon you. Get away from my son and leave!"
"Queen is a strong word." she said leaning against the banister staring at him. "im tired of this small talk. its getting shallow and boring."
Eula looked down at chester with annoyance. "are you sure about that? you of all people should know what could happen. considering your history but i wont dwell on it further...Hurt anyone else unless there is a reason? the reason being because he is an elf. Suck it up. You are only running away from the problem that will happen sometime in the future."
"Stupid little beast he has become." she said, gripping onto the banister. The sound of her claws scratching it echoed loudly. "If i cant change it, someone else will change your future with him. Mark my words, he wont be yours forever."

"so you would throw your life away for a being like him? you are more pathetic then i thought you would be. carelessly throwing your life in the trash when he does kill you, you will welcome him with open arms?" she looked at chester then at jamie. "if he wont kill you, then his body will kill him soon enough. If he chooses to stray from the path of god, he might as well turn the other way to hell." she scowled. "i knew it was a good idea to tell his brother he was dead, i dont want another pesky rat like him ruining my plans!"

"well im happy your alive, dont worry. hope last night didnt cause you a fright." he said hugging opal. "well im looking at you right now." kasper chuckled. "oh..i was asleep that long?" he questioned rubbing the back of his head. "ouch. i hope she gets better, send her my regards." he said giving a nod to chester. "i get that. though i dont think i look better." he said. "well thank you." kasper said giving a tired smile. "least i wont be alone in this stupid bed."

Kasper backed away when opal cried to chester. Eyes wide in fear and disgust of himself. He grabbed for something on the nightside, a face mask. he struggled to put it on and covered his face after he did. Not looking at opal. He hated how he looked. he hated being an elf. He thought he wouldnt see himself wearing a fask mask again. but here he is. "i wont. i wont. i wont eat you opal. I wont." he whispered. Looking at opal. Reaching back up to hide his pointed ears only to realize they were gone. He shoved his hands under his blanket and looked down. "i know. im aware. i know i have a brother. i dont know were he is. i dont know if he is alive. Im sorry. Im sorry. I wont do it again. i cant help he." he tensed up when opal touched his face. Hearing his old name being spoken with fear from opal, killed him just a little bit on the inside. He didnt want to hide who he was, but how could he do that if people saw him as a monster. Who was he anymore? an elf posing as a human. Or just some human who got the short end of the stick. Now knowing who he real was, his identity clashed with each other. Was he an elf? or a human? and if he was an elf, would he hide it?
"i promise. i promise." he begged. He didnt want to lose another person, just because he is a monster.

"bro. dont worry about it. Just chill." he said, not seeming to be used to getting complimented. "hey, if you want it. just ask. Oh is that so? i can help you get changed then." he said finishing the yogurt. "must suck. but what can i say, i just sit in the dark working on books i illustrate for. bet i have scoliosis at this point with my posture." Benji waved him off. "dont worry about it. i got nothing else to do, the book can wait." he said. "my deadline is in a few weeks. I have the time to spare for you."
"So the missus hates everyone? honestly saw that coming a mile away. plants? Not for me but drawing i can do. Gotta do it for a living you get?" he said taking some noodles into his bowl. "so she lied? Well i can see her doing that." he took some chopsticks and started eating the noodles at a quick pace. His sharper teeth could be seen when he was eating. "he ran off with a dude? bet anyone is better then her at that point." he said through a mouthful of noodles. "oh. arranged marriages? couldnt be me. no one would even look at me in a way as partner worthy you know?"
"so your gay?" he asked pointing a chopstick at ezra. "cool dude. Glad you got out of that mess." he said finishing his noodles. "so you got anyone in mind? your pretty cute so you wouldnt have trouble finding someone." he said camly. "sorry if it sounds weird but you are seen as socially acceptable, appearance wise. So people like you get snatched up pretty quickly."

"cool cool. Ill go get em, stay right there." he came back and plopped the clothes on ezra's lap. "sorry i aint fancy like you. not like i can even afford it but they are comfortable."
"You arent faring well. sit back down." he said "you aint crawling. ill change you, its fine." he said taking ezra's shirt off in a quick motion. "well least your doing something but dont push yourself alright." He put the shirt on ezra and took his pants off, replacing those with ease. "There you go, hope they are to your liking."
"alright goodnight." benji got up, grabbed his computer and sat next to the couch on the ground, putting headphones on as he worked. When he heard ezra getting a nightmare, he turned his stuff off and moved it out of the way and looked at ezra. Not sure what to do but surprised when ezra grabbed onto him. He awkwardly got up and sat with ezra in the couch. Patting his back. Not knowing what to do with night terrors. He held onto ezra, staring at ezra and brushed his hair out of his face. "bro, you good?" he asked softly.

 

[Trivet]

“No,no,no,no!!!” Lila said as she held onto Naala tightly not letting her move. “I want you here with me please” she said holding Naala closer to her with each word.
Lila sighed her arm around Naala holding her “get some rest my Naala.” She laid there playing with Naala’s hair until she fell asleep herself.

“Honestly don’t think anyone can bring the family honour with you being in charge…” Chester scoffed. “So he’s an Elf you want to try and use him to get what you want because you finally realised the value of your son… yet you just said you don’t know if he’s alive or not still… so I guess to the judge and jury, point one says your a liar and knowing Kasper, after Lila lied…
I have a pretty strong idea that he wouldn’t want to be in a family of liars. He as a child was probably happy as Ikari until your ruined the name and felt like he had to change it and disconnect because you know who wants to be associated with you?…. No one..”

Chester chuckled “you know, you are right I probably aren’t good enough for your son, he deserves the world and everything else in it but I can’t give him all the treasure, royalties and everything like he deserves and his heritage shares. But here’s the thing, you don’t know your son well enough he doesn’t want the best, he doesn’t want royalty, he doesn’t want to be pampered he wants real, true and simple. He gives the world with the most simplistic things he does. I can’t give him much and yeah he could find some Prince Charming or princess of your taste somewhere out there. But I vowed the moment I told your son I loved him I’d give him every ounce of love I had and would be there for him no matter what. So to answer your statements NO I will not leave your son, NO I will not be packing my bags and YES you will be gazing your eyes on me because soon I want to Marry your son and sorry I’m not going to seek your approval I don’t need that the only approval I care about is Kasper’s.” He said confidently and loud enough so that the whole place could hear even Kasper. Jamie was tearing up in the corner the passion and love Chester showed for Kasper made him just wanna run to Selena and tell her how much he loved her.

“You know I was beginning to feel the same thing least we can agree on something… now tell me where they are!” Chester scoffed.

“Then so be it, if I becomes it, I wasn’t afraid now and your fable stories aren’t going to change it I’m not running from Kasper, just because you want me too. He’s a elf not all elf’s kill? Doesn’t make him a monster he’s a mix of the two he has two ways of thinking and counter thinking so I guess your wanting him to be an elf could backfire with the fact you allowed him to be like a human, cruel and twisted fate for you it would seem.” He chuckled.

“Would really love to see what you have planned to try and break this… but unfortunately I don’t have time for your silly games I have a boyfriend to save.” He said as he headed to the stairs towards Eula.

“That’s something I came to terms with when I chose, him I knew from day one something wasn’t right and as time goes on I know it’s not long yes it breaks my heart but I wanna make the time he has left the best he can and none of you not anyone can stop me from doing that. If he kills before we’ll what can I do as I said before I won’t be around so it wouldn’t matter. So let me make it clear. You can say what you want, you can say anything but when it comes to love you can’t say anything at all. So get it into your skull
Eula…. Kasper sorry IKari has his own mind and chooses his own path… you have no say in any of it.” He said coldly staring her down.

“Well you told us about his brother, so we will be sure to change that can’t have the “set path” without any cracks now right?” He said smirking.

Opal hugged Kasper “I mean it scare me a little bit did you see what I did I came and found you I was brave for 2337447 seconds and I was asking like I was in the fridge but I did it to save my favourite kaspy in the world!” She smiled at him with her cheeky smile that lit up the room.
“It’s like you slept for daysss I got sleepy waiting from you to stop sleeping that’s how much sleepy you got kaspy!!” She said holding teddy kaspy as she held onto Kasper.
Chester nodded “will do Jamie will be back in a while so we can see the status then with Selena.”
Chester sighed “I wish you knew how beautiful inside and out you are. Honestly.” He said as he kissed Kasper.

She looked over “but she said if you turned into a elfy you would eat me…” she said wiping the falling tears. Chester sighed “ops kaspy may be an elfy but not all left’s are bad, look the woman who took you is a bad lady, she took you from mummy and daddy it makes her a bad person and we don’t listen to bad people.
Kaspy isn’t going to eat you. He’s not like that. He hasn’t so far since he’s met you had he? And he still had elfy inside him?” She nodded seemingly a lot more calmer after Chester’s words. “Did you know he was an elfy.” She asked.
Chester nodded “only recently.” She titled her head “yet you still hugged him and Kissy him?”
Chester laughed “of course Opy, he’s still kaspy or even Ikari either way you see him he’s not bad. Look” he said hugging into Kasper. “See.”
“We will go back and look for him I promise, she talked as if he were still alive like she was shielding him from you and he from you?.”

Opal touched his face and noticed how tense Kasper became she climbed over and sat on his lap. She looked up at him her eyes dried from the tears she reached up and took the face mask off Kasper. And hugged into him. “I’m sorry kaspy, she just put words in my mind and I believed them when I shouldn’t have. Please don’t hate me.your still the best kaspy. I didn’t mean to upset you.” She said gently hugging into Kasper. Chester placed his arms around both of them and held them to him. “We’re all gonna be okay, no hiding, you both mean the world to me.”

Ezra retreated into himself for a moment “just ask?” He questioned as if it was a alien thing to do. “Oh, I Erm, okay?….thank you?” Ezra stuttered. This hot guy he just met…just offered. He paused in thought and looked at the state he was in truth be told anyone with a heart would have said it, doesn’t mean he likes him. Ezra sighed “will I ever be loved” he said it so low that it would come across as a sort of mumble than words.

Ezra listened to Benji as he spoke “you illustrate books? In the dark? That’s a talent I hadn’t near heard of before, you must be the unique
Kind that has a eye for detail In your own way.” He smiled thinking he was actually holding a proper conversation to realise that Benji didn’t mean it like that, he sighed.
“scoliosis? That sounds terrible, though I must say it doesn’t seem to look it from my perspective? Then again I’m not doctor.”
He said twiddling his thumbs looking down watching.
“Oh well I don’t mean to impose? But if you insist I would like that very much.”
Ezra looked at Benji, gazing into his eyes as he spoke “yes she hated everyone except herself. She was willing to kill everyone on her path, until she found that Ikari more so than I had more to offer than she first believed, knowing he was in a time limit of who knows what she realised later on that he had something she needs. What that is I don’t know, might just be him as a whole. She’s twisted like that.” Ezra looked up thinking about the times he had with Ikari “plants indeed, he used to be fascinated with them, claimed one day he would build a house dedicated to them,
I hope he has! Drawing was something he didn’t really tell anyone off mostly Drew in the sand with a dagger of some sort, eventually when I was able to get to the creative room did I bring him crayons and paper and such.mother believed drawing was for the week, she just wanted us to pray and attend events that made her look good? I have here, I keep it in my pocket. This.” He pulled out a tiny folded piece of paper he handed to Benji. As he unfolded it I unveiled a picture drawn by Ikari. “It’s the only thing left I have of him besides the memories she forced me to keep to torture me.” He said looking saddened at the picture.

Ezra nodded “indeed it is, I’m glad he got away but at first before she told me he wasn't alive I was worried sick about him especially with his condition. He’d say sometimes I was overbearing l, I worried too much but he’s my little brother it’s my duty to swear to protect him. But I hope he’s happy with this guy, I’m happy for him. If he were to wish to see me again, I’d love to meet his boyfriend. I think a brothers stamp of approval will be needed” he chuckled. His smiled gleaming as he laughed. The sense of relief and happiness to know his brother was alive gleamed along his face.

“Arranged unfortunately, wait why do you say this? You shouldn’t think that way of yourself your more than what you think, of course your partner worthy? I mean I would 100% say your boyfriend worthy. Your kind, your sweet, so caring, your food is amazing, I mean you work hard? Though you look tired which I’d say get some beauty sleep, but all in all I don’t see anyone saying no to someone like you.” He smiled placing his hand on Benji’s.

“Oh, errm, yes? I am. I hope it doesn’t make you feel uncomfortable. Mother always said being like that was never a good thing. But you love who you love right?” He asked looking down shyly. “I’m not as confident how to approach it as some others might be. Yes me too I got to meet you!” He said smiling.

“Anyone in mind? I mean I guess you could say yes? But probably not. Truth is I wouldn’t even know how to start, how to put it forward, I’ve never had the chance? I’d just blurt it out but not everyone or every guy is going to like guys back?
Wait…. Did you just say I’m pretty…Cute?” Ezra questioned turning reed blushing uncontrollably. “Socially acceptable appearance wise? Hardly when I can barely carry myself right now. I appreciate your words but I don’t think I’d be snapped up, no one wants to deal with this. But for you you’d definitely be snapped up in a heartbeat, you have everything, perhaps except adequate sleep but im sure that could be arranged in time.” He chuckled.
“I mean look at you cuteness overload here and makes me feel lucky I get to spend time with yourself. Great conversation, great food. Great heart, easy on the eyes. I guess being tied up made it all worth this fate happening.” He said fluffing a pillow up as he leaned back.

“Thank you, your ever so kind.”
He smiled watching him walk off the feelings sitting hovering around he couldn’t help but smile when Benji was around. The question was did he like him back? He called him cute yes but they doesn’t always mean anything could just be being the nice souls he is. Ezra was brought back to reality from his thoughts as the clothes were placed on his lap. “Oh thank you! Oh fancy? It doesn’t have to be fancy these look lovely thank you, it would be nice to feel normal for once and not have to wear these dreaded outfits. I dream the day I can wear some jeans.they are perfect thank you I’m sure they are comfy they look it.” He laughed looking excited to wear them like a kid in a sweet shop.

Ezra sighed as he tried to get back up and with Benji’s help he made it in the couch. As Benji started to help ezra get changed Ezra was just getting redder by the second. His breathing more rapid and trying to hide it was near on impossible by now.
“Thank you, wow they really are comfy guess I better sleep now goodnight Benji.” He said quickly turning hiding his face into the couch hiding the blushing that just would not stop.

As Ezra woke up from the nightmare he realised he was holding onto Benji and Benji was brushing the hair out of Ezra’s face so many mixed feelings, so many feelings. He was feeling overwhelmed. He didn’t know what to do and his natural instinct was to wrap his arms around Benji and hug into him.
A few moments had passed and Ezra realised “shoot I’m sorry, I just, I didn’t mean to hug you, I just, oh it was errrm, just something she out in me makes the night terrors worse, I just wanted to feel
Safe and
You
Were you know… there I felt safe in your arms.”’he said looking down and brushing his arm. Like a child that has just been scolded. He knew he’d messed things up by assuming. He didn’t know what pace this all moved at but he was certainly worried now he’d made Benji uncomfortable.

 

[Atarashii]

"finally. your getting some common sense." eula smirked. "you were never good enough for my son to begin with. so just forget about it!" she hissed. "your a nobody. You can't do nothing to make me think your worthy of my son."
"I don't know my son?" she scoffed. "i am his mother, of course i know what he wants." she stepped back, losing her cool and edge now. "He is of royal blood. He can't live among the slums, he should be treated as such! He definitely could, and if this..thing is all he can muster then i will go find a wife for him, just like i did for his brother." she scratched the wall, the sound of her claws connecting with the wall made a ear splitting screech. "That isnt enough to please me." she took a dagger and threw it. stabbing a photo of kasper's face that was on the other side of the wall, the photo next to kasper's was ezra's which face had a huge X over it. "not in my family. NOT IN MY FAMILY YOU WON'T WED TOGETHER. I'LL MAKE SURE OF IT!" she screamed. "You won't have to seek my approval for something that won't happen! You're getting under my skin. It would have been better if i didn't leave him to my husband. then i wouldn't be in this mess!"

"maybe, but all elves in the end are meant to kill. that's what we are meant to do." She tapped her head. "its what we did to survive. and it wont stop with him. A mix of two? he lost his mind if he thinks that. he is pure elfling and that is the only way i will accept it! he isn't human, he never will be! His mind is one, not two. He is one whole being. He will never get anywhere with that thinking! I NEVER WANTED HIM TO BE A HUMAN! I WAS DOING IT FOR THE REMNANTS OF THIS FAMILY! MY HUSBAND LET HIM BE FREE!" She backed away, holding a dagger. "get away!" she screamed. Dropping the dagger for a spear that was hanging on the wall. "So you will open his killing of you with open arms? you are someone i must admit but in its our genes. Its in yours as well. I'm sure you know what i mean."

"i'm sorry you had to go through that." kasper said holding opal. "ill try my best to make sure you don't go through it again. I know you did, i'm proud of you for getting me." kasper said giving opal a shake of appreciation. "wow that long? that's about...27 days? I don't doubt you but i think you got your math wrong. Im glad im your favourite kasper. Do you know any other kaspers?"
"I slept for that long? Sorry must have been really knocked out." he said rubbing the back of his head. "alright." he said nodding at chester. "thanks love." kasper said kissing chester back.

"so you believe her?" he asked, voice shaky. "even through everything. you believe her?" he stopped going silent. "really..? i..guess i shouldn't be surprised." he said leaning back, his teeth now sharpened fully. "she never liked us. together at least. so she kept up seperate. hope he is doing well, were ever he is now." he said staring blankly at the ceiling.
"its fine." he said, voice hesitant and eyes closed. "don't apologize. your a kid, you shouldn't have to worry about this. I don't hate you opal, it was just a misunderstanding alright?" he said though he wasn't hugging opal. Hands stuck to his side as if he was scared to take his hands from under the blankets.

"oh no, i have a light but the room is mainly dark." he reached over and took some papers off the mantel. "here are some panels. i usually don't show anyone but hey, what are you going to do?" he handed them to ezra. They were hand inked and drawn panels for a manga he is writing. Nicely detailed, he was more into creepy/horror/weirdcore style then fantasy/realistic. "just some panels i'm working on currently. i need to send them to my editor before i make it official." he explained. "i guess so. Most people strive for realistic fiction style. As if it was actual human beings but i go the other route but i gained a following for doing an artstyle i particularly enjoy so it's a win win. I also work making backgrounds for other books."
"Well that's a narcissistic person if i ever met one." he said drinking some water from a bottle. "time limit eh? that must be anxiety inducing for him."
"Is that so? hm. Makes me wonder if I promised myself as a kid to do anything noteworthy. Guess become an manga artist and a writer. And look where i am." Benji peered down at the paper and gave a nod, "he shows promise. But it looks like to me, plants took more of his attention, probably draws here and there."
"your smiling, you must care about him a lot." benji pointed out. "I seen my fair share of papers and rants of both of you from the missus when i was working." he scratched his head. "i smoke. Im half elf. Course no one likes me. Elves got that killer reputation and people don't want to date someone who smokes." he chuckled after he saw ezra's face. "i know your elf as well. My parents got into some deep water with the missus so i got dragged into it when i grew up so your ugly history is my history at this point with how heavy i got involved with it. I have pointy ears,the slit eyes and two sharp teeth. Bigger hands but i can't turn my skin grey or have claws. I have some blood but not as strong as a pure blood such as you. Elves are known as lesser beings, no one knows besides you and my dad. I know people suspect it but they got no proof and i ain't here telling them the answer."
"thanks bro, but that's not what people see me as. They take one look at me and run away, screaming im some monster. They judge me before they get to know me. That's why i don't go out often, and if i do. Its a face mask,glasses and hat for me. Doesn't bother me, sure i didn't ask for this but who does you get? I don't like going outside so win win. Plus when it comes to author/contributor events, i just don't go. No one knows my face and i plan to keep it that way. Worked this much and have a chance for it to get ruined because i'm part elf."
"Man, i'm gay as well. Dont give a damn about your sexuality." he said taking another sip of water. "ah makes sense. But even then, hope you find someone. Life is to mundane and short to waste away alone. Course their are some people aren't into romantic relationships but even then, they deserve just the same. Find friends to die alongside with."
"I ain't talking alien am I? Yes i said your cute. Got a problem with that?" he questioned. "rags or riches, your fine. You looked cute when i brought you out, cute now. Doesn't change a bit you get? Bet there would be someone who is willing to carry you on their back. You just gotta find the right person."
"And look at me, 28 years and i havent even dated once. Love that for me." he said giving a chuckle. "perhaps but it's become a habit to just push sleeping off. Besides i feel like the eyebags became my signature look. Can't get rid of them now. Cuteness? i look like a rats nest when i look in the mirror." he said nudging ezra in the arm. "Well isn't that romantic." he chuckled. "guess being tied up can have its benefits. Ill be in my office working." he said getting up and cleaning up. "night."

"well you better like 'em. Fancy are not, high quality materials right there." he said. "you looked stuffed and uncomfortable, i could never wear those. Sweatpants and sweatshirts all day everyday for me."
"That's a dream? well can't say anything since we are in different spectrums but i can get you some in the morning." he said looking at ezra. "you good bro? your red as a tomato." he said, seeming to be oblivious to why ezra was red. "i can go turn the heat down. Don't want you getting a fever in my house." he said checking ezra's forehead out. "night and no worries man." he said leaving and turning the lights off. Benji just stared blankly at the space ezra used to be and shrugged. Getting up and stretching. "you were having a night terror. You get those often?" he asked camly, sitting on the couch. "Don't worry bro. Nightmares are hard to get through alone." he rubbed his eyes and looked at the clock. *6:00AM* "morning eh? well since we are up you want breakfast or somethin'?" he asked as if what both of them were doing was a daily occurence. "well shoot. didn't think my arms had that feel but don't feel bad. It's just a hug." he said walking over to the kitchen. "so whaddya want? cereal? I don't want you to be mopey the whole day. come on and choose." he said waving ezra over.

 

[Trivet]

“I already had common sense, just not this kind your used to where everyone says your right?” He sighed rolling his eyes at the same time “I wasn’t asking your opinions on whether you think I’m worthy for your son or not we don’t care we’re happy together and that’s all there is to it. Your thought don’t he matter are… shall we say unnecessary.” He said folding his arms.

“Oh really, last time I checked you had no clue and caught him captive and we’re forcing him to be a part of something he didn’t wanna! So mother doesn’t know best
Mother knows hardly anything at all by the sounds of it when it comes to her son.” He mocked intentionally.
“Actually you know what mother of the year award goes to Eula for making arranged marriages for her sons claiming that’s what they want, best mother, oh my gosh!” He mocked smirking though as her claws scratched against the wall making a horrible high pitched squeak sound Chester stopped and stared back at her.
“I’m marrying your son and you can’t stop me the only one who can is kaspy by saying no. It’ll happen sooner than you want.”

“Haha. Good finally! I guess you could say it was my intention, nope maybe you shouldn’t but I’m glad you did otherwise we wouldn’t be together forever!” He smiled at the thought of being with Kasper forever.

Chester nodded “Uh-huh and where did you get this information from a book, things are different back then elves were killing to survive and now they don’t need to they can blend in and live happy with others undetected if they wish. So what’s the use to kill.

He turned away “well you don’t know him so, I guess you’ll have to agree to disagree? No?
Honestly you live in the dark ages from the way you speak so why don’t I clear it up. He has two different ways of thinking as do you except yours is more good cop or bad cop? His is human or elf. Same soup different gravy.” He shrugged.
“Well that sounds like a you problem no one else’s. But on the other side it allowed him to be free so I’m thankful you didn’t get your way.” He said walking towards her as she pulled a spear telling him to get away.

“I’m unsure if I know what you mean, but sure if it came down to it. You act shocked. I FREAKING LOVE YOUR SON ITS NO SURPRISE THAT I WOULDN'T WORRY ABOUT IT he raised his voice.

Opal smiled sadly though. “It was tough I don’t blame you I was scared for you.” She said nodding “I know you’ll try your bestest. Love you kaspy!” She said holding onto him. Opal too his hand and shook it “ thank you I’m proud of you too” she smiled her cheeky smile.

“Errrm well maybe. I over calcumalated a small amount.” She giggled.
“Nope just the one and he’s the Bestest kaspy in the world.” She smiled holding her arms out as wide as she could.
“Hey it’s okay don’t sweat it take all the rest you need. Welcome!” He said holding Kasper close as they kissed.


Opal was shocked “errm no I didn’t it’s why I asked but she said the sharp teeth were
To eat me. I’ve upset you haven’t I, oh no kaspy I’m sorry your still the bestie kaspy.
“Hopefully you will find out soon love take time to process this whole he’s alive thing.
“But kaspy I upset you and I’m sorry” she said looking at his face and sighed.
Jamie came strolling in and sat on the chair for a few moments. “Today has been exhausting, how you doing kasp?” He asked as Opal ran to him “daddy!” She called out and hugged him and he held her. “Okay on that note imma head home to bed and get Opal looked after by sis or something. And then we’re heading to the hospital to see sel.” Chester nodded as they waved and headed off he turned to Chester. And looked into his eyes “so………I erm. I” he stuttered looking at Kasper as an elf was a stunning view elfy or not Chester couldn’t deny Kasper looked hot and then blushing proved it.
He wrapped his arm around Kasper and kissed him. So talk to me, about everything that’s on your mind. Imma listen.” He said Freddy for listening to Kasper talk if he answered to them and spoke about it. “You know your elfy doesn’t make a difference to me still makes you super dang cute!” He said brushing the hair away from Kasper’s face. Then leading his hands down to
Kasper’s and holding them, finger intertwined.

Ezra took the paper and looked over them “ these are fascinating.” He chucked “exactly what can I do.” He listens tk every detail as Benji describes his work it interested him a lot he loved wildlife:”

“So not only do you write and draw for your own books but others. How amazing I can see look at this perfection, thank you for sharing it with me
I won’t tell as sole I promise.” He smiled.

“You betcha and yeah the time limit is bad but if he’s still about 20 years is still great compared to what they said originally.” He sighted.

“Seems like you followed your stars and that’s wonderful I’m happy to heard you found something you enjoy day in day out”
“Perhaps plants did grab his attention more than drawing as I could tell from homework she set so I guess your right.” He shrugged “as long as he’s happy it’s all that matters and he’s my birthed a care about him a lot.” He smiled.

Ezra flinched “oh really? Sorry you got dragged I to it.”
Ezra sighed “so everyone has a first bad habit. Doesn’t mean you can’t be loved and you can’t help being half elf, it’s who you are”
“Well erm I’m sure that’s not true I fancy I could probably name one right now..” he said looking to opposite way.

“That’s grand! Yes I’m an elf just had ears reconstructed no biggie. But yeah I can see it’s nice to meet another who is kinda like me you know.? Yeah well I appreciate you for trusting me to tell me, honestly it’s opened some avenues to say the least?” He said “let them keep guessing they don’t need to know.” He said smiling.

“You are!” He almost blurted out “ I mean it’s nice to meet another who is also attracted to men, thanks for being understanding I hope you get the same thank you for your words, you know you asked if I had my eye Set On someone I do and knowing what I do now helps out a lot.”
“Yes it’s just about ones happiness I. The end you are correct!”

Ezra flustered over his words “no your speaking perfectly fine. I’m just not used to being called cute. I do have a problem with it… if I can’t call you it back that is” Ezra smiled a kind of cheeky smile that lit the room up.

Ezra still gushing over Benji saying he’s cute then and cute now and then ending to with someone’s gotta be willing to hold you on their back!” He smiled slight laugher “like you?” He smiled “you practically done all that so you wanna sign up?” He laughed. But had hidden truth. Behind his words. “Would he…. Please.”

“Well that won’t do, I say shall we arrange a date so you can experience it, can’t have you missing out now can we and your hospitality has been exceptional I couldn’t fault it in the slightest.”
“Signature look I can see that but everyone once in a while do get some decent sleep? No?” He said questioning.
Ezra waved him off “no, no you don’t far from it I like the whole “tired bed head vibe” the kinda scruffy hair do is actually pretty hot on a guy believe it or not, being dressed like a royally stuck up person is not a look, but wearing these I think I can pass with these lovely garments you lenses me. They are super comfy” he said looking down at them.
“Romantic? How so?” He said flustered *does he know I like him…It’s way too soon isn’t it, but I want to tell him. Holding it in, he turned and went to sleep.

“Haha you betcha They are super uncomfortable and that’s the lightest what I had to wear on events was worse. Sweat pants and a t shirt are comfortable for sure I feel like I’m on cloud 9 with them on. Thanks for helping charge me, bet you didn’t think when you came to get the envelope that
You’d bring home me and have to change me in the first few hours of fully knowing me.” He laughed nervously.

“Honestly just to dress cool for a change is a dream, when your wearing royal like old fashioned kind of clothing kinda makes you wanna wear all that cool stuff everyone wears.” He smiled. “Oh. You have some, I’d love to try them on!” He said beaming at the idea.

“Errrm. Nooo, no reason. It’s we yeah just warm in here that’s all. No fever just the duvet is a big one I’m not used to it And I’m not used to being around hot people who make me fluster.” He said fanning himself.

As Ezra jumped back after the night terror awoke him, he sighed “yeah fairly often recently thanks to her more often than not” “oh that time already I should be getting up now, breakfast sounds good thank you.” He said slowly making his way up.

“Yes but I don’t want to over step the mark and get Too comfortable. I don’t want you feeling uncomfortable. You know it is just a hug one that helped very much and your arms are fine.” He said moving over to hug back into Benji. “Thank you?!”

Ezra stood up and immediately knew he would like to try a cereal
From having porridge 24/7 he was ready to try something new. Though he was still weak he was feeling more easy on his feet, though he “tripped forward towards Benji” grabbing him around the waist “oh I’m sorry, guess I’m still in east on my feet, if you can keep holding me upright I’ll get the creak I chose down and make it.” He smiled
They were both now close to each other hips touching.. sides touching etc. oh how Ezra wanted to kiss him. “I wanna tell you a
Secret as you t showed me your work. My real name is Rishon Ezra is just the nickname I prefer. And well I can’t thank you enough for everything and I hope you’ll take me up on the offer of the date.” He said picking up the creak and made it as he sat down to enjoy his breakfast.

 

[Atarashii]

"well they aren't." he said looking down at opal. "i just got them from my parents. that's it. They won't touch you in anyway shape or form, i promise."
"oh no no. please don't apologize." kasper whispered. "its fine its fine. i was just overreacting, hey hey. it's not your fault, im sorry. im sorry." kasper when trying to please someone would have a habit to repeat what he was saying, such as right now. "i..hope so. he will find someone else as well. So he won't be alone as well. if he still is out there. And please no no. Don't think like that, its fine. its fine. You didn't upset me. I'm sorry for making it seem like that. please don't be sad. It's all on me don't feel bad."

Kasper looked over and grabbed for his mask, eyes wide. "fine. its fine. Its fine. How are you? sorry for dragging you into this mess. Is selena ok? sorry again." he said stumbling over his words. "alright. give selena my regards." he said waving jamie and opal goodbye. After the door was closed, he looked over to chester. "what now, spill." he said. When he noticed chester got red, he covered his face. "please don't. I'm not going to stay like this forever so savour it when you can see it. I can tell what your thinking judging from your tomato face." kasper chuckled. He took his mask off and kissed chester and sighed. "it's fine. you don't have to listen to me. Thank you though but i'm fine." Though when chester pressed further he sighed. "tired. I don't think my mum is gone, elves are resistant to some attacks humans would die from so i think she isn't gone forever. Just back into hiding. I hope my brother is alive and i want to meet him. Also dig somethings from my past, when i go back to the house again. But that's for later." Kasper looked at chester and gave a smile. "i..was hoping for that. and stop calling me cute all the time." kasper rolled his eyes. As their hands intertwined he looked at chester again. "i..wanted to say thanks. for the things you said to my mother about us. Even though i don't have enough time, i'm glad you're willing to be with me during the final stages. Thanks ches. for everyone." he said hugging chester.

Naala opened the door and looked at opal then jamie. "i'm stuck with babysitting duty? alright fineee" she groaned "come here youuuuu. Come to aunty nalla!" She said scooping opal up. "she will be good with us, lila is still sleeping. Hope selena is alright. Bye bro." she said patting his shoulder. After he left she closed the door and played with opal till lila woke up, then while lila entertained opal naala made lunch.

"thanks, it's nothing really. Most people don't enjoy the art style or the black and white but I think it's something that should be enjoyed more but people have their tastes." He said shrugging. "it's far from perfection, i see a lot of flaws in it as it hasn't been finalized but thank you. I have published some books so far, a series that i finished and i do have a couple of books from other creators with my work in them if you wanna check 'em out sometime. These panels are for a new stand alone book idea i was thinking of."
"twenty years? and your..." he stopped to do the math. "twenty seven. Not bad considering his condition has a lifespan of thirteen years."
"Man, its fine. I got through it and i'm still alive and kicking. didn't kill me...yet. Joshing with ya." he said picking something up from the counter. Rubbing the back of his neck. "i mean. Lost my childhood to it. Didn't go to schools like everyone else did. Didn't grow up with loving parents and friends. But even then, It's in the past. Nothing you need to feel bad about it because in reality, you can't do much now. You get?" he said turning to ezra. "I mean, i'm a heavy smoker so that just turns people down further. It just helps me cope with stuff since im alone 24/7 what else can i do? i don't drink. if i do it's like one bottle. Self restrictive enough to not go down that path." he said dumping something in the trash. "who I am, people think i chose this life. Imagine what they would be thinking if they were in a elf's shoes. And really? what's their name?" he prodded at ezra before dropping it just as soon as he spoke. "I could tell, the scars are hidden well. The missus must've paid big to get that good of a surgeon. I personally wouldn't want that for me but knowing her, you didn't get much of a choice in the matter no?"

"Guess so, different for everyone. I know a good person as soon as i see 'em." he looked over at ezra and tilted his head. "thanks bro but we ain't some rare type of people. But i can see where your coming from." he agreed. "no worries man. Sometimes that's all we need in life. Someone who gets where you're coming from. And is that so? Don't mean to pry but who is the lucky lad?" benji asked, bending over the couch so his head rest on the back of the couch looking at ezra. Benji looked over to the wall. "is that so? Well do you mind it? what's the problem?" he asked. "mean..." he said rubbing the back of his neck. 'if you want to call me cute, go for it. I guess same with you i don't get called it a lot." he said nonchalant. *cute..* He thought when he saw ezra's smile. But brushed the thoughts away. Less than 24 hours, no way in hell would both of them catch feelings that quick. Right?

"I don't know man. You seem to be the person you would rather have someone else less depressed and emo looking than me picking you up." he said giving a shrug and leaned back on over the couch. "but I mean, i'll sign up i guess. No harm in doing so you get?"
"Hey you don't have to go that far. Besides i'm not a big fan of the whole blind date gig. So i'll pass. And sure..I guess. I don't know. Just hard for me to sleep. I take medication but it doesn't help. So i just kind of screw it you know? why bother with something that won't ever work for me. I do get sleep here and there but it's quite less than the recommended. So i'm glad i got the part of elves were sleep is less needed to function than humans."
"Is that so? well thanks." he said giving a grin. "I didn't think i pulled it off well but i don't have motivation to do anything else so bed head it is. More like messy hair then bed head since i don't sleep for long. And I know right? i could never wear anything else but those type of clothes."
"You know, you saying that being tied up made this fate happening. Calling me cute. The whole package you get." he said getting off from leaning against the couch. Towering over ezra. Elves are fairly tall but even if he didn't have elf blood, his human height would be slightly higher than ezra so that mixed with the natural height advantage elves get made him quite tall. "No worries. And well. After things that happened before today, guess i got used to being put into random scenarios out of the blue it just doesnt suprise me. Besides you couldn't change yourself."

"no reason?" he said tilting his head. "i'll turn the temperature down. Big duvet? i can swap it out for a smaller one if you wish." he said leaving to change the temperature and get a different and smaller duvet. "this one small enough?" he said holding it in his hands with ease. "hot people who make you fluster eh? And here i was thinking you were hot. Your just red because i'm around is that right?" he said giving a grin. "thanks for the compliment but really, is the duvet to big?"
"not surprising i must say. Though I'm not as reactive as you are when it comes to nightmares. Not that they last long because i don't sleep long enough for them to make a impact. Though if i do manage to sleep for a good amount of time, they will be back. i guess its my reasoning for just sleeping less because i can't without the nightmares stomping all over me you get?"
"Well thanks for asking." he said ruffling ezra's hair. "but i'm fine. Don't worry about me."
Benji grabbed ezra's arm so he wouldn't fall and helped him back on his feet. "Chill. Get your feet to the ground, you can hold onto my waist." He said putting ezra's hands on his waist. "Not a secret to me at least." he said camly taking some bowls out while also making sure ezra had a steady hold on his waist. "you would be surprised how much i already know about you and your family. Sorry if i made it sound stalkerish but when your boss is the missus herself, she doesn't know when to keep her mouth shut so she spills just about everything. She does this in front of people not family related." he tilted his head. "I called you ezra because the marks on the tapestry and well. Better call the person something they might go by then a name that holds trauma."
"Oh so you were the one asking me on a date?" he said looking down at ezra. "sure though. But like..an actual date?" he questioned pouring out the cereal and helped ezra onto a stool. He stayed standing in front of ezra eating his cereal. "hope you like it, if not i can go get you a different type."

 

[Trivet]

Opal looked down. “I believe you kaspy, thank you” she said shyly playing with the bottom of her dress.
“But you seem sad and I didn’t wanna make you sad or Overmeract. I’m sorry.” She said holding Kasper’s arm. Chester looked over and notice that Kasper was repeating himself, he did that before, when he was with him. Though he shrugged it off.
“I’m sure he has, he’s probably with someone right now, but I will go back and check for you!”
Chester said.
“Oh no kaspy, no kaspy it’s me she said things and daddy taught me not to believe strangers, but I did and maybe I’ll be put on the naughty step for not listening. I’m sorry kaspy, your still the best kaspy in the world! Promise!” She said hugging into him.

Jamie raised his eyebrows “errrm? I’m not contagious you know?” He said motioning towards the face mask. “ glad your feeling better, she’s not doing so great, she has had a bit of head trauma and they wanna keep an eye on her. She’s also finding it hard to see a little so she may need glasses but she’s resting so that’s the main thing.” Jamie scoffed. “Why you apologising, not like you called for this to happen? Besides Lawrence was the one who did this to Sel, with Opal, your mother was delusional in thinking Opal was yours. Now lm not saying anything bad so don’t take it like that but the fact she doesn’t look like you? I don’t know how she assumed such a thing you know. Think I’m gonna need a drink…” he said closing his eyes then seeing Opal “of apple juice… long tall glass of apple juice.” He said trying to justify what he really meant. “Anyways stop apologizing and rest up okay.” He smiled holding Opal who was waving towards Chester and Kasper as they both left.

“What? The 2 times I’ve blushed I’m the one who should be like looking away and such, oh don’t worry I’ll savour it, I do every second I’m with you anyways.” He said trying to brush away the redness. “Sorry I’ll try to calm it but it’s uncontrollable you know?” He said hugging into Kasper.
Chester laughed “I know I don’t HAVE to listen to you I WANT too!” He said smiling slightly. “I feared as much, she doesn’t seem like the type to be easy to go down. I’m sure he is alive we will find him, you know you don’t have to do this alone, I’ll be by your side if you wish. Wait what do you mean go back there? You can’t! She will take you in and we will have to go through all that again. Kasp, think about it?.” Chester said concerned he knew from that moment his words wouldn’t get through to Kasper if he wanted to find out he was going to with or without Chester.
He sighed. “Let’s work on one thing at a time before we even get anywhere your getting better first and that’s final.” He said folding his arms closing his eyes and leaning back in the bed.

“Sorry I know I can be overbearing with my words and the consistent calling you cute. But you are. But if you wish I will stop and just keep to myself and keep it for… special occasions.” He said holding Kasper’s hands.

Chester smiled softly “it’s okay, I’d say it all over again if I had too. I wanna be here for you every step of the way. Love you Kaspy.” He said holding Kasper in his arms, brushing his fingers through his hair and sending them both back off to sleep.

Jamie looked stunned at Naala’s comment “I rarely ask you to babysit heck I think this is the first time? Please I just need some rest that’s all.” He said slumping against the door frame,
. “Opal looked at Naala and smiled “yaaaaay! Aunty Naa! Look I’ve even got teddy kaspy with me!” She smiled hugging into it.
“Thanks I owe ya one see ya Soon!” He waved her off. Opal had fun playing with Naala until it was lunch when Lila took over and they talked and played till lunch was ready! “Samiches my favorite” she said clapping her hands together running up to Naala.

“Well for sure it’s different I grant you that but doesn’t mean it shouldn’t be enjoyed more people need to be open to these sorts of styles and genres, I find them quite compelling myself.” He nodded “ perfection is in the eye of the beholder is it not? They may not seem it yet or be it to you but in my eyes they are, my drawing and writing skills are as good as a chalk stick person on the pavement.” He chuckled. “You have some finalised work and others you worked on, I would be honoured if you were to show me at some point, I’d love to read what you wrote, I can imagine it’s quite the adventure you take the reader on?” He said quite excitedly.

“Yes, yes! I quite agree, he was remarkable like that always defying the odds that Ikari.” Ezra placed his hand on Benji’s as he spoke about his childhood, something he could relate too. “I understand, more than you know. I was home schooled by a tutor, mother bought in, had to learn royal protocol and such. Loving parents out the window also, didn’t do well you were punished in solitary confinement for however long until she remembered you was down there, I’m glad Ikari didn’t have to deal with that, Father took Ikari with him, I’m sure they both split and that’s how he got free. But I also didn’t have friends,‘it’s why I will apologie on my behalf now for the way I speak if it’s not too plain as I speak most of the time with heavy handed words, I may not dress simple but I will try my best as I’d really like you to stay in my life lol you would like that is?”


“Well they shouldn’t turn you down for that? I mean of course it’s not a pleasant habit but if it helps you cope? Then so be it. It doesn’t change your personality? Or the fact that your cute. So don’t listen to others your perfect the way you are!” He smiled.
“Yeah they don’t understand what it’s like or how difficult it can be.” He said himself not hiding any elf features from Benji the only thing missing was his pointy ears.
“We didn’t unfortunately I didn’t mind the whole being an elf, it’s all I’ve ever known and kinda thought the pointy ears were cute. But I digress, we didn’t get a choice torture is just in her nature.” He sighed.

“Oh good? I hope you see the good in me, perhaps?” He tilted his head also “but we are there’s not that many Elves or half Elves anymore so you could say we are rare, I know you are for sure!” He said brushing his hand down Benji’s back and sitting there casually like nothing just happened.

“The lucky lad?” He asked confused “oh the gentleman in question? Well he’s erm, close shall we say, someone I’d like to get to know a lot better.” He smiled leaning his head back so it was close to Benji.
“The problem is it flustered me and causes me to blush in a state off attraction. Not something Im sure that you want to see repeatedly happening.” He said trying to wipe it away still. Like it wouldn’t help.
He giggled a little “well Then Benji I want you to know that I find you cute!” He smiled. His dark brown eyes gazing towards benji, they weren’t pure brown had flecks of blue that sparkled under the dim light. Unique.

“ and how would you know my type Mr Benji? Hmmm?” He said looking at benji folding his arms. “I don’t lie, I find it hard too.” He said closing his eyes still Looking away.
“Most excellent it gives me a warm feeling knowing you said yes!” He smiled.

“Oh who said it’s a blind date? I mean can wear blindfolds if you wish but how would you see what your eating?” He laughed. “My interpretation of a date is just spending time getting to know one and other nothing fancy just food and talking perhaps some music.”
He smiled softly.
“Ahh yes a perk of being an Elf lack of sleep isn’t much of an option, least 4 Hours is enough for us”
Ezra laughed his smile shining through “yes I see, sorry messy not bed head.” He said reaching to touch Benji’s hair “soft too!” As his hand gently played with random follicles of hair. Until he realized he was blushing and stopped abruptly after.

“Yes I did say that?” He questioned as Benji came closer towering over him his breathing got more rapid. What was this he was feeling why did he want to, he couldn’t resist. But he did as he closed his eyes tight until Benji pulled away he breathed deeply. “Oh so your used to random scenarios and things just happening like that, sorry if I added to that.” He said swirling his finger around on the couch drawing pictures.

“Oh yes it’s fine honestly don’t worry about it, you don’t have to change it for me, please I insist” he said finding he got himself into a situation to cover his feelings that were rising for Benji.

“Yes that’s perfect thank you.” He said taking the duvet and hiding into it to compose himself and shot up “errrm, well yes, yes it is..” he said blushing just a bit more as Benji smiled st that comment.
“OKAY NO ITS NOT BIG BUT FRANKLY BEING AROUND YOU IS MAKING ME FLUSTERED BECAUSE I ATTRACTED TO YOU OKAY!” He said blurting it out and then resuming to hide into the duvet.

He muffled through the duvet “I’m glad you don’t have them as bad this is just horrible, maybe it’s a good idea not to sleep as much, I can’t imagine anyone else going through this”
He said almost scared to come out of the duvet to look at benji after confessing that he was attracted to him.
Ezra came out though when benji ruffled his hair “I’ll worry about you though still.” He said quietly.

Ezra grabbed hold of Benji’s waist and tried his hardest to steady himself. “Thank you,’wait you knew?” He said holding on as if for dear life.
“By all accounts it makes sense for sure,
I’m sorry you had to endure it, it’s probably a tale of woe 24/7 no?” He said trying to also help benji while holding on. Being this close he felt safe. Warm and protected he didn’t want to let go.
“Well thank you airship has no bad stigma to me just not everyone wants to be associated with the family. Least this way I can be accepted as me not as the family name.” He sighed.
“Of course who do you think it was asking? Yes a real date, I’d like to get to know you better!” He said smiling, “besides you seem to know a lot about me and let’s face it you helped me change. I think it’s only fair I get a chance to know more about you don’t you think?” He joked.

“Honestly it’s perfect thank you but I think there is one thing that would top it off just nicely, some of that juice would be amazing.”
He said as waiting for the glass to be placed down, he accidently knocked his spoon to the ground as Benji picked it up and replaced that one as he passed the soon Ezra grabbed benji’s arm pulled him close and kissed him. Smiled while brushing his face and returned to eating the cereal like nothing happened. “So what’s the plan for today?” He said turning to Benji.

 

[Atarashii]

"sorry sorry sorry." kasper said. "It's become a habit, has been a habit if my elf features are more prominent to wear a face mask. I didn't mean to offend." He said "Ah. I hope she gets better soon. I'll send her my regards when I can leave." he said giving a nod. "sorry. it's just a habit to apologize. Can't help it." he said giving a nervous look at the bed. "I know. She...is a bit off the walls. Opal looks more like you, i'm sorry my mother dragged you into this. She might went delusional when she saw opal. Saying as she is delusional just about everyday.. You rest up as well, you need it." he said yet showed signs of apprehensiveness with how jamie changed what he was saying quickly.

Kasper gave a small chuckle. "i guess so...Sorry it's just everything all at once and you know. It sucks. Thanks for being here though. Uncomfortable? am i making you uncomfortable? sorry." he whispered. "Well i just don't want to pile my problems onto you and well. You have yours to deal with so.."
"Nope, just like every other villain in the story, she is still out there. I just know it..And i hope so as well. But even then, won't know it till you know it?"
"I know. i'm aware but i feel like this is something..i shouldn't drag other people into. I have to go back, if my guesses are correct, she has something of mine and i can find info were my brother is. She won't be at the house, she isn't like that." Kasper looked back at chester and nodded. "course. and don't worry about it. It's fine, call me cute all you want." he said giving a smile. "Love you to ches." he said hugging kasper as they both drifted off to sleep.

"bro. Chill. I was joking, perfectly fine babysitting her, go get some rest." she said patting his shoulder. "teddy kaspy? you named the teddy kaspy?" she asked looking at the bear. "Bye, have fun but make sure to rest!"
"Im aware, so what do you want on your sandwich?" she asked bending down to opals height.

"I suppose from the view of a reader it can be." he said walking out of the room and came back with a book. "Nightmare hollows, 1 of 3. About someone who sees things they shouldn't be seeing. take a leaf through." he said handing it to ezra. Benji looked down at his hand which ezra was holding. *Why is he holding my hand?* he thought but didn't say anything. "Don't worry about how you speak. It's the least of my worries." he said looking away. "I mean either way, dress how you like." he said giving a shrug. "sure i guess? not quite sure on what you mean. I'm in your life now no?" he said being oblivious to the true meaning of what ezra said. "they do, And well. I don't say anything 'bout it because i mean. makes sense. People like what's on the outside then the inside. So it explains why i'm not on the top of the list of dateable as they put it." *Cute? again? hm...maybe there is more than meets the eye..* "Thank you for that but that doesn't change what other people want but i don't really listen to what people say in the first place so i shouldn't be rambling about this." He said scratching the back of his head. "ah so this is what you look like." benji said taking a look at ezra's eyes. "hm, didn't suspect anything different. Just the ears but not like you asked for it to happen." He looked away "see good in you? i mean would anyone not see good in you? True. the purge wiped most of the population out so we are spread across the earth here and there."
Benji looked over. "is there a reason your being quite touchy with me? the placement of the hands and then the brushing of my back? could be just me but i don't see anything appealing of my back."

"well ya, i'm a curious one myself so." he said shoving his hands in his pockets. "close? like you in a close, already made relationship or close as in, you are physically close? State of attraction? Normal for regular people so not surprising." He looked back down at ezra and shrugged. "i mean it's not like you can help it. If it's more than just because they are attractive then shoot it. Tell 'em. The worse answer you can get is no. Or the friendzone, that sucks as well."
"You? no no. I meant as in getting in a date with someone you never met, that kind of blind date. I guess that sounds lovely but who would the person be?" he said giving a shrug. "your eyes are nice by the way. A simple brown with flecks of blue, pretty unique if you ask me."

Benji pulled back when ezra confessed. Face straight. "i...uh..." he said drawing a blank. "well i mean..thanks? i guess i picked up the hints with you turning red and touching me." he said nervously. "well i mean it depends but what i mean is that i hope you get help that you need for 'em would suck if for the rest of your life you get them."
"Thanks ezra but i'm fine. I'm good. I don't need you to worry over me, you got your things you need to worry over." he said giving a smile. Face still pale, showing no signs of blushing but he seemed warmer? like he is more comfortable with ezra after the confession?

"yes i did." he said camly helping ezra back on his feet. "Nah bro, don't worry about it. It's all in the past no? the missus doesn't have much on me now. Im gucci you get?" he said camly helping ezra to his seat. "well even if you didn't have the blood or the name. your still you. Your still the same ezra. Nothing going to change."
"Well..I don't know." he said awkwardly. Avoiding the question. "helped you change? i mean. You couldn't so i did, ain't nothing out of the ordinary or am i just weird."
"I'll go get some then." he took a cup from the cabinet and filled it with some juice. he slid it over to ezra and stopped to pick up the spoon though was surprised when ezra grabbed his arm and pulled him over to kiss him. He stood there baffled before closing his eyes and kissing ezra back. When ezra acted like nothing happened he coughed in his fist awkwardly. "I'm not sure. Maybe just work on my panels. I bet you're itching to go find your brother no?" he said taking his bowl and sitting across of ezra. Not looking at ezra and rather his cereal. *he kissed me. I kissed him. oh my god what's happening. Did i just make out with the missus son?! God i'm going to be in so much trouble with the missus if she finds out.* he thought, his straight face not leaving but his mind is a warzone.

 

[Trivet]

“No offending whatsoever, you do you bro!” Jamie said brushing his arm as if getting dirt off.
“No worries I’ll give her the message, it’s fine you need to rest anyways!” He said half smiling but looking tired as anything.
“It’s okay I understand I have a habit of doing the same when I have an episode of anger just come out. I apologied to Chester 50 times in the space of 40 minutes before because.” Jamie said looking at Chester who nodded “it’s true”.

“Yeah she has my eyes apparently, my temperament and her mothers looks, hence why she is adorable?”’he smiled holding her close.
“Yeah she was a bit from cuckoo land that’s for sure. But honestly can’t say much as same here. Kinda makes you wonder aye? Well it’s understandable ops hasn’t stopped talking about her favourite Uncle Kaspy. And telling me that she named her bear after you.” He smiled. As Opal waved as Kasper hoping she hadn’t upset him but could see in her wave she was getting sleepy.


“I can see it’s been overwhelming for you, it’s okay take it easy one step at a time yeah?” He said Holding Kasper “uncomfortable, never. I couldn’t be happier, well I mean if you were feeling better then I’d be feeling much happier but you know what I mean. No sorry needed. I love you just the way you are.” Chester tilted his head “hmmm true however since we’re together I believe the saying is my problems are yours and yours are mine no?”
Chester listened and nodded nestling his face into Kasper’s hair and just sighing deeply “I’m sure it will and if she’s back so be it, I ain’t afraid to her how much I love her adorable son.”
“Kaspy my love I was dragged in the moment she took two people who mean the world to me, I’m not letting you go alone. I’m coming with you no questions.
“Yeha that makes sense hopefully we can whip in get the stuff you need get the info and backout again. I’m sure if your brother is about he’s doing the same?” Chester let Kasper lay in his arms as he laid back getting more comfy “only if you don’t mind. Love”.

“Cool sorry over tired you know!” He said waving to Opal and looked back at naala.
Opal nodded “yup after best uncle Kaspy!” She said hugging the bear.
“Will do, thanks!” He waved before driving off.
“Ooohhh I want a tunaaaa samich!” She said excitedly but yawing at the same time as she tried jumping up to see what Naala was doing with her sandwich.

“See now you understand.” He said with a slight curiosity to his face he watched as Benji came back handing him the book. “Woah This is awesome. Thank you for sharing it with me.” He said looking at the book his eyes gleaming as she started flicking through the pages pointing out certain parts.
“Thank you I just hope you don’t find it annoying or anything I’d hate to have you annoyed. Oh thank you, but I haven’t been able to dress how I wanted in my life I wouldn’t know where to begin.” He said looking down.

“Errm” Ezra stumbled over the words to say next year it was true but wasn’t what he meant “ah of course how silly of me!” He said looking around the rom.
“As much as that is true decent people will look at the inside and out not just one or the other, you are in that database you just can’t see it, self doubt glooms you but someone like me can see there is more to you than meets those eye bags of yours!” He chuckled.

“Yes.. we’ll as much as I can be anyways.” He shrugged “yes it wasn’t my choice but I have lived with this change, but I hope you don’t mind I’ll be staying in my true form as I’m more comfortable that way.” He said watching Benji intently to make sure he was okay with his form.

“Thank you, same for you, not all us elected are bad!” He smiled nudging Benji.
“Oh I’m sorry. Errm well I… I’m not sure it just felt natural to do these things? Do they make you uncomfortable? I can stop?” He said sort of flustered he had done wrong desperately hoping he hadn’t.

Ezra facepalmed at the point Benji was not getting. “Nevermind, it just seems too complicated to talk about maybe my subtle points aren’t clear enough my mistake I’m still getting used to being able to talk again.”

“I suppose your right but not yet I don’t think he will understand my feelings unless I made certain there is a chance he feels the same.” He’d hope anyways.

“Oh I see my mistake sorry for getting the facts not straight. Please forgive me. Oh really you think so, actually come to think about it no one as really seen them outside before. Thank you. I get told the sparkle like diamonds when I smile.”
He said closing his eyes feeling like something was a brewing.


Ezra rolled his eyes “out of all the hints they are the ones you took?” He sighed ms
“Yeah I just want someone beside me to help chase them away you know? Oh don’t be silly I’m gonna worry about you because i care for you!” He smiled reaching out for Benji’s hand “always!” He said following with a gleaming smile once more.

“Well that’s good I’m glad she doesn’t, her grip is cruel and painful sometimes deep and scaring I don’t want anyone to go through that, it’s awful.” He said getting back on his feet thanks to Benji.

“Yeah I guess just that I am from the family and have that name and sometimes it haunts me sometimes I’m thriving in it. It’s strange who knows how messes up I am from her.”
He said looking down but holding onto Benji’s waist.

“Hey you coulda left me in what I was wearing but you didn’t do it still counts? I suppose to the outsider it’s pretty strange to dress a stranger, then again are you really a stranger if you were connected to our family?” He questioned to the open as if the universe would give an answer.

“Thanks I’m parched!” He said drinking some of the juice. After they kissed Ezra moved in swiftly but remembering every second of it giving him the warm fuzzies. He looked to Benji. “That would be a splendid idea, but I was rather hoping you’d join me in finding my brother, I’m still unstable and I’d need assistance and if I can get some money out then I can help you with a studio on the back of your place or in that room there or something?” He said trying to explain best he could. “But I understand if you don’t want to come it’s not your business.” He said looking down finishing his cereal. “So about the kiss…
Was it too, much? Did I make you feel uncomfortable. Want me gone… anything say something Benji’s he said as he watched Benji’s reaction not flinch “wow he really is a natural at this.”
So whaddaya say shall we go? He questioned. As they arrived at the building ezra headed to his mothers personal office and started rummaging through papers and fairy recently we have “Ikari’s folder” holding all the information she had in him and his latest endeavours causing her to go after him, then she had a file on “Chester?” Who was this Chester he was all scribbled out and marking and who knows what. Then a file on “Opal” Ikari’s child… Ezra looked at Benji “wait my brother has a child?”

 

[Atarashii]

"thanks love but i don't want to rest for long." he said looking down, the elf features slowly fading away. "I'm aware but i'll be ready soon. it's just a matter of time." he said giving a nod. "fine...but that means if i don't want you to work because of your unhealthy relationship with work, you have to listen. Alright? and i don't want to hear any buts" Kasper patted chesters head as he leaned back into the bed. "adorable? your really full of words." kasper chuckled. "fine...but please. I don't want you to get hurt in the process of something i wanted to do. alright?"
"I hope so as well, we can go sometime later this week." he said holding chester. "don't mind at all..."

A few days later, kasper is ready to go home. He didn't bring much so he was out quickly. They drove home in chesters car, busy chatting. Kasper walked in front of chester holding the key, the house was dark yet the plants seemed in good shape from the outside. He opened the door and flicked the lights up. Seeing everything he took a step back. Not noticing chester had ran up to get in position. "chester?" he asked. "what's all of this?"

"No problemo. I did the backgrounds and wrote some of the characters and storylines." he said pointing a few out and answered the questions. "Nah bro. It's all cool beanz. I enjoy having someone around after being alone for so long. Alone is nice but sometimes it can be overwhelming."
"Did i say something wrong?" he questioned. "you look rather disappointed. Did you mean something else?"
"Oh it's fine. Makes sense." he said staring back at ezra, not blinking. "you trying to intimidate me or something bro? your looking at me so intently."

"it is, you can't stop nature. It's fine. No need to fret over it." he said tilting his head. Rubbing his eyes. "sorry if i made it sound that way but i'm gucci with whatever. Your turning red? you sure i didn't do anything wrong?" he prodded. "you just facepalmed. I did do something wrong? well spill." he said crossing his arms. "whaddya i do now?" he asked before dropping it quickly. "something tells me you won't tell me. Subtle points? are you trying to hint at something or someone? No no it's fine. i'm in the wrong for not..getting it?" he said awkwardly. "don't understand? I mean feels like a lot of people don't understand some time. A bit clueless you can say. Well good luck to you."

"well they aren't wrong. they are like diamonds." he said giving a small smile before turning away. "out of all the hints? Just tell me. I'm no good with people dancing around the topic and not being straightforward." he crossed his arms and gave a scoff. "Rather tell me now then later. Don't want to be to late no?"
"beside you as in..when you sleep? like someone gotta be there? well i guess i can see it." he said staring blankly at the ceiling. "well it's not gone. Completely. But gone enough i can say that with confidence but watch her come back and whip me into the i'm a goner mindset again." he groaned. "joys of joys. But who would leave some rando in the basement? A bit too cruel for me but i guess different for everyone."
"Well sure. Makes sense." he said picking at his skin. He looked up then away. "that will be a story for another time." was all he said.

"I can tell. Drink up." he said after sliding the drink to ezra. "Uh..Sure? not like i have anything to put on the table, helping wise. Something to get me out the house. Normally i would be working the whole day. Ah so you need an escort to keep you from crumbling, sure i can do the job." he said scratching the back of his head. "No need to compensate me. I'm fine, not in this for a reward at the end. Keep the money to yourself." he said looking at ezra. "oh no no. my office is plenty. I don't need anymore rooms."
"Oh that?" he looked up at the ceiling. "guess you could say i was thinking that was going to happen. Played dumb because i wasn't fully sure that was what you meant. Didn't want to overstep you get? It was fine. No you did not and no i don't want you gone." he replied nonchalant. "sure lemme just get my hat and mask. I can't hide my features unlike you." He grabbed the spare key and his hat and mask. "alright let's go."

Benji unlocked the door and followed ezra to the office. Benji took the folder and flipped it open. "no he doesn't" he took the folders without ezra realizing it. He took chester's photo out. "this, this is kasper's boyfriend." with a simple flick of the wrist the photo turned into opal. "this is chester's sister's daughter. The missus got the info messed up." He put the papers back with ease and in a blink of an eye, had another folder open. "kasper's address. Looks like his dream came true." he said handing a photo of the house to ezra. He shuffled the papers back, making sure they were in the same order. "the missus is really particular with how things are organized." he put them back and managed to get a folder that was stuck under a pile without making them all topple over. "I used to work as a magician so i picked up all the sleight of hand tricks. Particularly useful when it comes to the missus and her organizing style."

An hour later, benji drove ezra over to the house and helped ezra to the door. He stood awkwardly at the side. His height could closely reach the top of the door frame. "why is every door so short." he said to ezra while waiting for either chester or kasper to open the door. He is still wearing his hat and mask, covering most of his face. You had to look closely to see the slits. Also his height gave it away easily.

 

[Trivet]

Well, you rest for as long as you need too.” He smiled then looked over to his laptop that sat on the side wanting to grab it but knowing Kasper was awake he wouldn’t allow him too considering he too wasn’t doing great, he wounds were still open he hadn’t seen a doctor. His main concern was getting kaspy to hospital and Jamie and Opal home safe.

Chester looked saddened at Kasper when he gave him the “no work when I say” line. “I don’t have an unhealthy relationship with work? I just work as much as I need to,to get things done so it doesn’t get on top of me.” He said folding his arms looking away eyes gazing at the laptop… until Kasper patted him on the head then he looked back at Kasper and half smiled “hey your elfyness….. elfness is going down.”

“Well you said I couldn’t say cute or hot so we’re going with adorable now!” Chester chuckled also.
“I won’t, even if I do, You can just turn around and say I told you so, with a kiss though none of that harsh pointy Finger stuff, I’m sensitive.” He said looking rather cute as he pouted brushing his hand along the duvet making patterns.
Chester hugged into Kasper Letting out a deep exhale of breath. He wasn’t doing great but he was happy holding Kasper in his arms.

The day Kasper was coming home had arrived and just the day before Chester made it back to Kasper’s to get it all ready for the arrival, a little bit extra added Along the way, he did some shopping for food so they hadn’t needed to go out when he got back.
“Ready to go?” He said grabbing Kasper’s stuff and leading him out the hospital, into the car and finally back to the comfort of his home.

Chester grabbed the bag out the car placing it over his back with a nervous sigh as he knew what he had to do with Kasper opening the door and the explaining of why the place looked like it did.
As Kasper opened the door, stood back and then questioned Chester as Kasper turned around Chester wasn’t there and was now in the doorway, he grabbed Kasper’s hands and smiled “I have a question for you Kasper, I know you have a time limit and nothing pains me more than me being too late and never getting to ask you this question” he knelt down on one knee, holding a ring, it was black with tiny little spikes to fit in with Kasper’s esthetic look, showing he’d put a lot of time and effort into finding the peridot one for Kasper. “Kasper, my love could you see us together for all time, would you like to have someone love and care for you through whatever, I don’t care if your part elf, I don’t care that you have a history all I care about is the here and now and seeing you smile the way you do makes me feel like the luckiest guy in the whole world so Would you kasp, my everything like to marry me?” He said holding the ring out to him and inside holding back tears Of nerves, excitement, love and a huge ton of mixed feelings on if the timing was right.

“This is fascinating stuff, you really are talented Benji.” He smiled looking over the pages. “Cool Beans? What’s so cool about beans?” Ezra asked looking at Benji blinking intently confused by this use of phrase.

“Of course, I understand perfectly on that subject, myself included. It’s nice to have a conversation with another, as being alone with your thoughts is not very counterproductive if I do say myself.” He nodded.

“No, no I’m sorry, no forgive my poor use of communication, I am not how you say…Disappointed just annoyed at my lack of skills to socialize on such meaningful topics, forgive me I’m not one to convey feeling as well as others or humans for that fact. In all honestly I’ve never been show a sign of love and to show how one feels I guess I hide it to avoid rejection as it were. But I’m sorry I did not mean to make it feel like I was disappointed in you, I could never be.”
“Intimidate oh my, I’m sorry, I’m sorry I’m going about this all the wrong way, please I’m sorry do not take it as intimidation that’s far from what I want, argh,’if only I could just come out and say it this would be so much easier.” He said getting frustrated with himself.

“Gucci? Your Gucci? Is that your original name?” Ezra questioned again when getting explained a second time what these Modern phrases meant he recoiled into himself hiding into the duvet. “I’m so stupid, not knowing this is how people speak and how I speak is not how everyone speaks…” he said thwomping his head into the duvet.

Ezra heard yet again that Benji thought he did something wrong, making Ezra even more flustered. “No, no, no ,no please I beg of you with all my might do not think this. You did mo wrong doing in my eyes. It’s me and my stupid way on how I speak making things worse, if only I could talk normal then you may understand what I’m trying to say, by please I implore you, reconsider your thoughts on my being disappointed in something your doing the redness only means I’m feeling things that make me happy, so like it brings me great comfort with somethings you say and do. Making me smile, that sort of thing? I makes me feel… shall I say Gucci?” He giggled. Leaning his head now on Benji’s shoulder about to reach his hand onto Benji’s, second guessed it and then did it. He placed his hands with Benji’s looking down at their hands. “Body language can speak more than words sometimes.” He said.
When Benji offered good luck to him he giggled “thank you, I’m really going to need it, he’s a tough one to break hints too. But I hope he’s slowly getting the hint if I keep on trying.”


Ezra giggeld just a little “you know a tale once said that these eyes of mine only glisten like diamonds for those who are a treasure themselves. They don’t shine for just anyone.” He looked down. “I’m sorry I’m no good at straight forward talking, I get scared of the rejection being so sudden. But I’ll try for you at least. You are cute, I like you and I enjoy the time we speaks together, I’d like to do it more, if you would like the same, please may I take you on the date I spoke of nothing fancy just food and drink and talking maybe under a candlelight? I heard there is a lake that lets lanterns off ice dreamed of seeing, I can’t think of anyone else I’d rather go with.” He smiled. “How did I do? Was that straight forward or do you need more or rather me just say out loud “I would like to be with you, in a relationship? Take your pick!” He said smiling.

“Well they don’t have to be per say? But it helps,
Well I mean I would imagine because I’ve never actually had anyone try it, so I wouldn’t 100% know for sure if it would work, but I can’t see why not as if your with someone you care about it could only be good right?”
“No Benji, I won’t let that happen to you, not while I’m around.” He said placing his hand on Benji’s.

“She’s twisted and delusional, she tried to force us to be what she wants, mould her into what she wants and couldn’t be. Trust me I’m probably damaged in more ways I can imagine. Some Random person? Oh no she put me in solitary confinement quite often, especially when she invited men to the house and wanted another heir to take mine and Ikari’s place. Though she can’t erase the powers that would be given to me Should anything happen to her. I hold a lot more cards. That’s why she kept me captive as long as she did.” He said nodding “yes I guess it is.”

“Thank you, most kind. That would be splendid, Yes,Yes my weak self still needs to get used to movement I’ll need to hold onto your arm most of the time to walk, but least I can walk now?” He said smiling. “My aim is to get you out the house once in a while, work is fine but too much alone time and working non stop causes burnout to the third degree. I cannot see you go through this, so yes come with and once we are done tomorrow perhaps in the evening head to the lake? Perhaps we can make a picnic? You may even get inspiration for a location for your book here the lake as beautiful as it is, is suppose to have an eerie story to it.” He said eating the cereal.
“Fine monetary Values are pointless anyways m, perhaps a companion for life might suit your interests?” He said looking at Benji, blinking his blue diamond flecks in his eyes shining brighter as they looked into Benji’s eyes.

Ezra rolled his eyes “of course you did, my 900,000 subtle hints gave you no indication, no?” He giggled “I’m glad you don’t want me gone, I really don’t want to leave, I guess now is the time to be simplistic and honest. I, I really like you Benji, more than a friend. More than just a companion, I have feelings for you, Being around you just lightens my day, makes me happy. Yes your looks and your personality make my heart flutter while your in the room. That kiss.” He stopped. “I hope I haven’t gone too far.” He said looking down.

“Perfect, let’s go!” He said getting up and heading out with Benji.
“Oh it is? Cute, they seem cute together, nice matching whoever did that. But how can he have a child with a guy? Usually it’s adoption?no?” He said turning to look at Benji holding his arm to keep him steady still. “Oh Chester’s sister’s daughter, makes sense don’t know how she got that one confused?” He said rolling his eyes.

Ezra took the photo and smiled “Kasper? Hmmm, yes he always wanted to be called Kasper. I’m glad he did, that house is gorgeous. He did so well, I’m so proud of him, wish I could have said the same about me, look at me?” He said tears of happiness for Kasper fell down his cheek.

“A magician, so you have all kinds of magic tricks up your sleeve, interesting. Glad you know about the organizing I would have just left it.”
He laughed.

As an hour later approached and they arrived at Kasper’s house Ezra was in awe it was more beautiful in person. With Benji’s help he made it to the front door and knocked. “I don’t know maybes it’s just because your so tall?” He chuckled. Nervously waiting for the door to open.

Chester opened the door “Hey can I help you?” He said calmly raising an eyebrow.
“Good afternoon, Chester I am Ezra, or Rishon, and this is Benji, I have come to speak and reunite with my brother Ikari or better as you might know him Kasper. I know this is his house and I’d finally like to reunite with him after so long.” He smiled softly hoping Chester would let them in.

Chester let them come in “this way, he’s in here.” He showed them to where Kasper was and Chester looked at Kasper “kasp, you have a visitor, I’ll let you two have a moment and I’ll grab drinks. Benji come with?” He said walking to the kitchen with Benji,

“Ikari, sorry Kasper is that really you?” He said tears welling in his eyes.

 

[Atarashii]

"I know but what about you?" kasper asked. "your wounds still need some doctor attention, stop worrying about me. You won't be worrying about me for long if you die. And i won't let you die so we are going to get you into a hospital bed soon enough. Those wounds aren't looking so good."
"But even if your sick you still say you need to work. you need to know when it's your time to take a break. alright? I just don't want you having burnout or overworking. I know you don't want to be overwhelmed but..take a break or two every once in a while."
Kasper looked at chester. "what? did you like me being in elf form?" before sighing. "fine but i only went back so i wouldn't hurt you with my claws."

"oh i mean you saying those are fine." kasper said patting chester's head. "told you thats why, i don't want to cut you with my claws." kasper said giving a glance. "aww now your adorable." he said giving a grin before looking back down. "you. need to go find a doctor. i don't want you in anymore pain so as soon as i get home, i'm going to make sure i land you in a hospital for those wounds."

"yes i am." kasper took the bags and got into the passenger's seat. "love. What's with everything all set up?" he asked. turning around not seeing chester then turned back. Kasper took his other hand and covered his mouth. Eyes getting shiny. "Yes. Yes i will marry you." tears started to fall as they both kissed. Kasper looked at chester with a smile as chester put the ring on his finger. "its lovely. thank you." Tears falling as he reached out and pulled the black thorn ring. "i wanted to give this to my loved one. My real loved one." he put it on chesters ring. "hope you like it.." he said hugging chester

"it's a saying. like i'm saying its cool." Benji explained. "i just added the beanz part for the extra pizazz. Sorry for confusing you." he said waving his hands in front of ezra. "poor use? your talking perfectly fine." he said a bit nervously. "meaningful..so it is something big. Well not everyone is good at conveying feelings so your not alone. I guess i'm just not good getting the hints. Sign of love..so your trying to tell someone you love 'em?" he asked tilting his head. "well rejection will happen in life. can't be a smooth ride down a river of butter. Bound to be some chunks here and there." he shrugged. "well thanks..i guess? Oh no no. don't feel bad about it. Im sorry." he said trying to calm ezra down. "it's fine. even if you did mean it. I would get what point your trying to get across either way. Come out? aren't you already out..? Ohhh you mean coming out to the person you like right?"

"No no. Gucci is a play on good." he explained. "sorry for talking like this. just how i do. My name is not gucci and hopefully will never be gucci." he said giving a small chuckle. "hey hey." he said bending down. "no your not stupid, This is not how people speak. it's how i speak since i doubt people these days say gucci or whatever. Your fine. How i speak is not how everyone else speaks." he repeated. "It's the same thing. we both speak differently than the norm. you're not alone." he said patting ezra's head. "you good bro? Beg? bro i'm not asking you to beg. Hey calm down." he said nervously. "Chill." he said. "No. No. Your not stupid. Alright? your words are fine. how you speak is fine. I'm just dumb for not getting it. Your talking is fine, don't change it if you don't wanna. Ezra? calm down. It's fine." He said not sure what to do. "I'm glad i can help you in some way. Guess it makes sense." he said. Benji tensed his hand when ezra touched it. Skin was cold yet soft. "Ah..guess it does? like the analogy of actions speak louder than words?" he frowned as he thought deeply then shrugged the thought off.

"a treasure themself? so like they only glisten for people you care about? sure i can believe that." he said. "guess i'm one of them? but i mean. I met you less than 24 hours ago. How do i have that much importance that your eyes glisten when you look at me?" he said motioning to himself. "oh it's fine. Don't worry 'bout it. Some people would rather dance around the topic but if they ain't getting it, better to just tell 'em. Rejection is going to be there, no matter what but sometimes, you gotta move on. If they don't feel the same or don't give you the time of day, well you won't either. Don't sugarcoat it nor try to push it. No is a no."
"Thanks for the compliment but we just friends right or..?" he asked. "well i enjoy the same with you but what's that gotta do with this? Do more..well if we know each other better then we will..no? Sure you can take me on a date, ain't saying no to that." he took a sip of water. "food and drink is fine. candlelight is questionable since i look hella ugly with light in my face. Oh right i know that like. Quite popular so it's hard to just get you and your person of choice." he leaned his head back to finish the cup. "well thanks? didn't think i held that much importance to ya. You did fine i guess. just tell them that." he said thinking ezra was just rehearsing what he was going to say. "hey don't ask me. your saying this to the person you want to date right? second one would be a bit much straight off the bat. I say two but that's just my opinion." He looked over to ezra's face and gave a chuckle. "joshing with ya bro. both are fine. I knew all along what you wanted but i didn't want to poke the lion so i just kept it to myself." he said savouring ezra's face.

"right..you sure about that? I'm good at getting myself in near death situations. i wouldn't bet too highly on that."
"Sure sure. come on bro." he said grabbing ezra's arm and putting it on his. "try not to shred my sleeves with the claws." he said helping ezra onto his feet. "burnout smurnout. It's fine. Not like i give a damn about the rest of my life anyway. If i waste away so be it. Sure sure. sounds fun." he said finishing his cereal. "I guess?" he said. "why you staring at me? you trying to hint at 'somethin?"

"Guess they did now looking at it." he said camly. "I can tell. less than 24 hours in that dump and your already falling for someone. who would of guessed." he said messing with ezra's hair. "well that's cute..and sappy. thanks ez." he said giving a smile. "nah you gucci. Sealed the deal you get?"
"I mean. It's possible with magic but adoption is the way to go. Guess the missus still thought he was with his obsessive ex." he said flicking his wrist and handing him lila's profile. "took a read up on her, she crazy. Be glad he ain't with her butt anymore."
"she the missus. Whaddya expect?" he said opening a soda can and took a sip. "mean. your still alive." he said camly wiping the tears away. "that shoulda count for 'somethin no?"
"can't leave it. or else it would be the end of me so it's a habit."

"well i can't help it. tall human genes with naturally tall elf genes. makes me look like a freaking skyscraper to some people." he said shoving his hands in his pockets.

Kasper was sitting on the couch, bandaging his legs. looking up and saw ezra. He got up in a instant. Eyes wide. "Ezra?" he asked. Walking over to ezra and giving him a hug. "your alive!" he said looking back. "you havent changed. You got away from the witch then? Wow." he said hugging him tightly. "it's me. Still alive."

Benji slightly bent under the door and had to swerve to avoid the lights or the top of his head would touch them. "hey. Chester right?" he said standing next to chester as he watched the brothers reunite. "probably just me but the roof feels like it's caving in. so. what you making?" he asked.

 

[Trivet]

Chester chuckled “I’m fine kaspy, it’s nothing compared to what you had. I’m always gonna worry about you, you know why because I love you that’s why!” He smiled. “I’ll get some bandages on the way home I don’t need a hospital bed, just as long as I’ve got you near me I’ll feeling better already.” He smirked.
“That’s because I work from a laptop, I can work in bed if I wanted like unless I’m really bad it normally gives me something to do you know, plus my team will miss me, that reminds me Chris wanted to talk to me about something, he’s been off since I started working at yours? Also he got upset the other day as I normally have lunch with the team but obviously haven’t as I’m with you and want to spend time you know?”he looked down. “I worry about my team they are good people. Hard working you know” he said looking down, grabbing Kasper’s hands playing with his claws “but I take in everything that your saying and I will try can’t have you worrying about me now.”
Chester smiled brushing his hands through Kasper’s hair and also playing with Kasper’s claws once again “I don’t mind how you come either way your still beautiful to me. Of don’t worry about the claws they are fine.” He smiled seeing kapser come back to his normal less elfy self.

“So I can keep saying them just not over using them.” He said brushing his hand up Kasper’s body. “Awww you can’t cut me with the claws, don’t worry. Thanks love.” He said kissing Kasper. He shook his head “Kaspy I’m fine I’ll be okay just need some sleep that’s all. And I’ll be good as new.” He smiled still brushing his hand up to Kasper’s cheek.

Chester smiled helping Kasper into the car.
Chester smiled as he looked at Kasper as he was down on one knee, hearing him say yes he started to cry along with Kasper who was also crying “thank you kaspy I love you so much l” he said picking kapser up gently and swirling him around kissing him holding him close. Wiping his tears away before Kasper pulled out a ring also! Chester cried a lot at Kasper places the ring on his finger. “I’m the luckiest guy in the world here tonight.” He said wiping his happy tears looking down at the ring “I absolutely love it, it’s everything I dreamed of and more! Thank you.” He said pulling kapser close for another kiss.
Chester picked Kasper up bridal style and carried him on the couch where they had their moment together before a knock at the door came.


“Oh I understand sorry I’m not up to date with any slang and such, I’d be punished for using it you know! Cool beans, had a ring to it. So I could say oh that’s cool beanz? Did I use it right?”
“Thank you for saying that I will try to speak less poshly where I can, yes meaningful I guess yes I am trying to tell someone but I don’t know how to say it so it doesn’t make them feel uncomfortable you know.” He sighed.
“Yea but it’s different being a elf, Benj, if we don’t have validation, we tend to force our way to seek it and we’ll we will kill for validation. That’s why I’m worried you know? I don’t wanna hurt no one for a simple no. Guess why it was best I was in solidarity confinement all those times” he said worriedly hoping he hadn’t scared Benji.

Ezra flustered he felt the overwhelming feeling of upset come across his face as he hid in the duvet “no it’s all on me, It’s all on me and my stupid brain not being able to comprehend things clearer. I’m sorry, I’m really sorry.” He said looking up only a small glacé as Benji mentioned his last comment “coming out? As I’m saying I’m gay, we’ll yeah I mentioned to you earlier I was? But I can’t come out of the duvet. He said leaning closer to Benji but still hiding. “He’s of course I meant that what did you think I meant?” He said raising his eyebrow etching closer to Benji. Eyes
Gazing into his.

“Oh how silly of me, im sorry forgive me I didn’t mean to think it was your name im sorry I love Benji it’s a lovely name honestly. Is it short for Benjamin?” He asked changing subject from him practically feeling like he insulted Benji and stupid for not understanding things well.

Ezra started to go into a sort of panic of worry and spiral of self doubt.
“No, no it’s me I’m stupid fully, my heads just having a moment please excuse me. So as eleven self doubt runs high it’s why we seek validation and scramble to find redemption when it’s needed For us to feel…well validated.”
“I repeat myself often when I’m nervous or scared and I just well… no please don’t think your dumb far from it one of the smartest people I know. It’s okay shall we move on.?” He said coming out from hiding in the duvet.
He sighed “I guess to some degree it’s a good thing we speak differently no?
“Yes you did In kore ways than none! And yes that analogy is correct and is fitting very well don’t you agree?” He asked slight smirk on his face then it soften to a concerned look “hey why so sad?” He said placing his hand on his shoulder.

“Yes that would be correct! Hmmm, let’s see, you took care of me. You let me come into your home, your cute, funny and not to mention attractively cute. Why wouldn’t they be glistening. At you.” He said smiling as he dreamily gazed at Benji.

“Right, yes for sure? Rejection is a part of it, I understand that no sugar coating just say it.” He repeated.
“Oh errm, sure if that’s what you’d Want and prefer, I mean I was kind of hoping for….erm, more, perhaps…. I don’t know… boyfriends?” He questioned and flustered turning a bit red as he said it.
Ezra was getting flustered he thought he was telling Benji that he loved him and how he responded wasn’t giving that indication at all did he turn cold towards his show of affection. “Oh yes the date wound be lovely im glad I’ll get to take you out!” He smiled nervously.
“Oh no I’m sure you’ll look beautiful under the light of a candle you look stunning in any light.
“Well of course you do haven’t you been listening I’ve been telling you how much you mean to me, 24/ hours or not I want you in my life.” He said getting a little frustrated in a cute flustered way.

“Really number two? This is hard work…” he said looking and seeing Benji chuckle his face dropped. “You freaking knew this whole time? Seeing me get flustered and yet still played along. You’re something you know that Benji!” Ezra said getting up to head over to Benji but still unsteady fell onto Benji, in his arms looking up at him gazing into his eyes once more l, he pulled him in for a second kiss, wrapping his arms around Benji he looked up at him brushing the hair out of his face “thanks for catching not only me but my heart, my knight in shining armor.” He said brushing Benji’s hair away from his face, brushing his thumbs against Benji’s eye bags. His soft gentle touch a comfort.

“I’m sure, it’s fine, I’ve been in one for as long as I can remember! I was always too adventurous. I’m good with a bow and arrow though I’m never allowed to use one.” He shrugged.
“I will bet on it!” He smirked as he grabbed Benji’s arm holding his hand as they headed out. “I’ll make sure to be extra gentle.” He smiled.
“Well you should I think we will have some fun Memories to make together I know I now have something worth living for.” He said pecking Benji on the cheek.
Ezra rolled his eyes “not everything I do is a subtl hint you know! Can’t I just admire you from a distance?” He said still looking at Benji

“I mean isn’t that how true love works? You fall for someone doesn’t matter how or when it just happens?” He questioned enjoying the ruffling in his hair from Benji. “I’m Gucci and sealing the deal, you mean you would like to be my boyfriend? As much as I for you?” His eyes lit up at the thought.
“Perhaps I mean by reading this she sounds obsessive as well ewww.” The ‘Ewww’ being the first non posh thing to naturally come from ezra as he spoke.

“Yes I’m glad he’s not with her she seems totally insane? Honestly I can’t l.” He threw the folder to the table seeing Benji tidy it quickly he turned to him “sorry for that natural jerk reaction. Apologies.”
He nodded “yeah I guess that means it does, you gonna share that soda?” He asked changing the subject completely.
Ezra placed his hand on Benji’s “she won’t hurt you I won’t let her, she will have to go through me first and I won’t go without a fight you can could on that!” He said smiling.

“Well you kinda do look like a skyscraper, but my skyscraper. I like the tallness” he said hugging into Benji.

Ezra looked over at Kasper eyes wide also and tears started to fall done his cheek as he opened his arms as Kasper came over and hugged him, he wrapped his arms around him gently and tightly. “I am, I have been, but I’m here now, I could say the same for you.”
“Changed, I say you expected me to have changed. Never it’s me. I’m sorry it’s just seeing you all grown up, 20 years of age” he said hand to Kasper’s face. “I’m so proud of you, for getting out however it happened and you living your life, look at what you did, your dream project come to life. And… what a golly moment… is that… that a ring? Okay forgive me but please I beg of you please appease me that it’s not with that Lila girl and it’s with the lovely gentleman that showed us in.” He pleaded. “The witch? Oh mother. Errm, hysterical story actually, Benji who came in, he was our gardeners son, he worked for mother family connections etc, etc. but he saved me I was in the solidarity confinement I got out hit my head in the office she had and he saved me and took me back to his place.” He said looking back see Benji and smiled. “Please fill me in on what I have missed, missing watching you grow up has been one of the biggest regrets of my life. So please let’s catch up.” He said sitting down next to Kasper. “Tell me how you got swept off your feet. Life everything I want to know everything.” He smiled using Kasper as assistance to sit down.

“Chester’s my name don’t wear it out!” He said pouring drinks for them both and for Kasper and Ezra. He ran them through to them and a plate of biscuits and came back. “That’s just your tallness from being part elf… also not much just a lunch for now I guessing all of us.” He said pulling his laptop open “so what do you do for a living Benji right? Don’t mind me just have to check emails at work I’m a manager at a big car company you see and I just gots a check in, then sort dinner and yeah I can do both so tell me about yourself, how do you know ezra, etc.”
He said handing Benji a drink and then throwing in the middle a bowel of chips.

 

[Atarashii]

"no. Even if it isn't as bad, it still needs attention. No wound is to big or too small." he said patting chester's head. "don't think that it's less than mine. It's still a wound no less." he said crossing his arms. "I love you as well. that's why i want you to get the help you need." he said giving a concerned look. He rolled his eyes but seeing chester wouldn't be pushed further he relented. "fine. But you will be taking it easy for the rest of the day. I am perfectly capable of helping myself." He gave a laugh, "I hope so...Anyway. gives you something to do? alright i'll believe you for that but still. Off? why would he care." He relaxed his shoulders and shrugged. "forget what i said. For now at least. We been through some rough times. Take it easy and relax alright?" He gave a soft smile and nod. "I'm aware. Thanks for being so chill about this. sorry thought it would be a hit in the gut. glad it isn't for you at least." he said giving chester a hug.

"Well..I mean..." he said getting flustered because of chester's touch. "use them whenever. forget what i said." he said covering his face. Twitching under chester's touch. "Doesn't mean the chance just doesn't exist anymore. Some sleep? you will need more than sleep but i'll lie down low. for now. But i don't want this getting worst." he said lightly poking chester's chest.

"I love you as well." he said trying to dry his tears. He held onto chester, tears falling down his face. He kissed chester still holding him tightly. "Aren't we both the luckiest." he said giving a chuckle. Drying the tears. "I'm glad to hear that. Thank you love." he said kissing chester again. "thank you again. So much. Don't know where i would be without you." he held onto chester as they had their moment on the couch.

"well you won't be punished using it for here." he gave a shrug and took some gum out his pocket, motioning the pack to ezra. "You want some?" he asked. "With a Z both pronunciation and spelling it. It's fine. A new thing you learned today I guess. Oh is that so? What you trying to tell 'em? How long have you known them? It helps seeing how direct or indirect you should be."
"Validation. Right." he said staring off into space. "Killing them right? I can see why your worried. A person i knew was executed for killing someone in hopes to get validation from their family. Family was horrified. They were a family of elves, guess they thought that they had taught their children not to kill. Stupid of them to kill the poor kid. Pretty sure the family neglected the child so shame on them. They should have seen it coming. I still, when i remember hit the road to go to that kid's grave because you know. Their death was unjust you get? Anyway sorry for going down the rabbit hole with that. But what i mean, your fine. your a elf, it's your nature. Not really mine as i guess i rolled to not get that gene. But hey, kill me i wouldn't give a damn. You do you bro. You find yourself among the tree's. It's not your fault. Just who you are."

"hey. Hey." benji said taking ezra out from under the duvet. "don't cry. I'm sorry for making you feel like this. Your not stupid, you never were." he said hugging ezra. He patted his back lightly. "To bad, just pulled ya out like a cat getting pulled out the bag. So you are technically out of the duvet. And well..Not sure. To be quite frank but i'll get it sometime or another. Probably in the most inconvenient time as well."
Benji stayed silent. "ezra. Calm down. Your not stupid. I'll tell you a million times if i have to. Stop saying sorry for things you shouldn't be sorry about." he looked at ezra in the eyes. "no my name is not short for benjamin. Thanks, i like to feel its unique. but i know someone who shares the same name and that person makes me wanna throw up."

"ezra." he said, squeezing ezra's cheeks together so he couldn't speak. "I told you. You are not stupid. You are not dumb. You aren't dumb for not understanding what i'm saying alright. I understand what your trying to say, with the self doubt and such, trust me i have my own but the point is. I don't want you saying that, your just going to make it worse. You have self worth. You are worth something and you mean something to people alright? I want to make sure that gets in your smart brain." he said tapping ezra's head. he let go of ezra's face. "Nice to know, i think i got the memo of how that works."
"Oh no no. Just thinking." he said brushing ezra's hand of his shoulder though his eyes seemed in some place far away. "Oh." he said giving a laugh. "i didn't think i looked that way to you. thank you ezra for that." he said ruffling ezra's hair. "Boyfriends eh? you wan't more then one? you into that poly stuff? like being romantically invested with more than one person?"
"So where would the date be? the lake or somewhere else?" he questioned, flexing his fingers and the slight cracks could be heard. "well thanks but i look more like some rat with the light bouncing off my eye bags." he shrugged. "but i guess i look different to other people depending on their view of me. Im aware of what your trying to say, I just haven't been giving you the reactions you want." he said poking him in the cheek with a grin. "your cute when your frustrated" he tilted his head back.

"Bingo." he said giving a thumbs up. "Hey. I thought it would be funny, plus i wasn't sure so i mean. Look at where we turned out." he leaned back in his chair. "I call that a win, my acting skills were always a 10/10 and this really proves it. I'm aware that but look, you still love me." he said, his finger under ezra's chin lifting ezra's face up to his. He grinned and let go. Benji grabbed ezra so he didn't fall flat on his face and shook his head. "how about we say, YOUR something. Falling like a damsel in distress." he chuckled. Benji held ezra's waist as they kissed again. He sighed. "doubt i deserve that title." he closed his eyes, ezra's hands felt nice. It had been a while since he had closed his eyes for so long so it felt like he was on cloud nine.

"well we can change that. Kasper is known for his woodworking, he can make you one i'm sure of it. if not, i'll find some other way."
"I hope so as well. Glad i managed to get you outta that part of life." he looked up at the estate and sighed. "sure you can do that. Nothing stopping you from admiring from afar."

"I suppose so." as they walked to the office he opened a pack of cigars. Taking a quick puff. Taking a deep breath in, not without coughing a couple of times. He hit his chest and sighed. "Sure. I wouldn't mind that." he said giving a smile to ezra. "You look like a kid in a candy store with that look." He flicked open another folder and he didn't show it but in one quick motion, the folder was tucked in a pocket. "it's fine. Don't worry about it." he looked over the folders and slightly moved them or changed their direction. "alright. I think that's good." without looking at ezra he handed it to him. "ah. No no. Wrong colour order." he shifted the papers again. "Right. I'll leave it up to you but i mean. Won't be the end of the world." he said leaning against the bookshelf. "can we dip now?"

Kasper held ezra and sighed. "I'm glad your in one piece. Mother hasn't torn you apart yet it seems. Quite exhilarated to see that. It's fine. 20 years go a long way." he said giving a smile. "Proud of you for staying alive. Hopefully you're living yours, is the guy you came with your friend?" he questioned. "I know right? took a while, and i'm still adding but it's my pride and joy, Besides my fiance. Chester." he said motioning to chester at the kitchen. "Yes it is! i just got engaged today, like an hour before you guys came!" He stopped and looked at him. "did you go through mothers files? how would you know she existed? no it isn't with her, chester but still."
"Oh, so that's how you met him? I will i will. calm down." kasper said. "It's fine. you weren't given a choice. Don't feel bad about it alright?" kasper helped ezra sit down and chatted with him throughout the rest of the day.

"I'm aware." benji said looking at his phone, scrolling to find some music to listen to. "Hm. Whatcha making then?" he asked. "I work as a author and artist for manga, specifically writing characters and drawing the backgrounds for books that are not mine. Sometimes i make a character but rarely since my style is quite different from who i usually work with so i would be a clash of art styles. I have created my own books, some standalones have gotton awards. Currently working on a new book idea and a collab i was pulled into." he said. "Hm. Makes sense, those jobs sound taxing and a bit stale In my opinion." he took the drink and took a sip. "I guess. I just found him knocked out in the missus's basement and brought him to my house so it escalated from there i suppose." he pulled his mask down to drink but pulled it back up quickly.

 

[Trivet]

“I know, I know. But I’m more worried about you than me” he said smiling at Kasper as he patted his head.
“You make it so hard to resist you know that right? For me to just turn a blind eye to your words. I can’t fine, fine you win. How can I say no to those eyes.” He said grabbing Kasper’s chin pulling him closer as he kissed him.

“Fine. I know you can but not like this. Honestly I know just want to make things easier for you, you know” Chester looked around and then down again “I’m not sure, it’s why I think I need to talk to him though… actually maybe I don’t.” He said looking at his phone 43 messages from him. “Sheesh, oh…… oh I see the issue…” he sighed showing Kasper the messages of Chris saying that he’s struggling to work without Chester around, he made him something, something of the everyday good mornings and evenings and good nights that he sent, no response from chester though all message from his strictly professional as he is. One message hit one the latest ones “sally in the office told me you like guys. Well I was hoping if that's the case may we could errr go for food sometime chatty up you know I miss you x “ then followed by “just heard from your boss that apparently your in hospital with some guy, hope it’s your brother that you didn’t know about you can’t tell me you’ve found someone else, you said you had no one else?? I got a fake plant the other day thought you’d be impressed. Why aren’t you responding me?”
But the last one “YOUR IN FREAKING HOSPITAL BABY TELL ME WHERRE YOU ARE IMMA COME SIT BESIDE YOU. - wait minus the baby I didn’t mean please don’t let it get me in trouble I need this job to be closer to you..”

Chester sighed. “That’s apparently why he’s off clearly I’m a terrible manager. Maybe it is best if I take a few days let him cool off at least.” He said laying his head against Kasper’s cozying into his hair.
“I will do thanks love, oh no I love you however you come elfy, not elfy makes no difference to me, still love ya to pieces, heck I’m wearing your clothes all the time and I’m constantly looking at someone who is adorable what’s there to be hit in the gut about.”

“Sleep sounds good, feel like I could sleep for hours. Also yeah exactly and errrm…Kaspy? Why you twitching? With every touch?? Shoot does it hurt I’m sssssooooooo sorry” he said pulling his hands away. Good timing too as Lila walked through the door with Opal.

“arghhhh why is traffic so busyyy and so annoying? Hey kaspy how you doing,” she came over the the side of the bed pulling the chair closer to Kasper’s side . Opal went to Chester and climbed up “UNCLE KASPY!!!” She said hugging him. “Thanks I feel loved….” Chester said.
“Hi uncle chessy, so Kaspy look what I made “she drew a picture of her Chester and Kasper all as elves.” See we can all be elfy’s and had to draw a picture of my favourite uncles!” She smiled hugging teddy kaspy. “Even teddy kaspy helped!” She said sitting on Kasper’s lap.
Chester looked over to see Lila he felt something wasn’t right, something was gonna happen.

“Opal give me that bear and sit with Chester.” She said lifting Opal off Kasper and onto Chester “he doesn’t need you all over him he’s hurt you need to be more careful and I’ll look after the bear . So kaspy, how you doing?” She said as Opal started to cry. “Can I have the bear?” Chester asked “ she passed the bear throwing it at him Causing Chester to raise an eyebrow. “Maybe you should go calm her down, I’ll look after kaspy.”
She said besides I’m wearing a new outfit I got whaddaya think?” She said
Twirling wearing short shorts and a Crop top. “Thought you might approve?” She said winking at Kasper in attempt to flirt. Chester didn’t react the way she wanted him too, he wasn’t phased he trusted Kasper and knew that his loved lay with him. “I’m just gonna call Jamie to come
Get Ops then I’ll be back okay?” He said heading out the room to call Jamie.

Lila watched Chester leave the room and she jumped on the bed beside Kasper and hugged into him. “I’ve missed you, though I love Naala I really do, there’s just something about you that keeps pulling me back. But I just wondered if you could tell me what it might be? As I want to move on with Naala?” She sighed I just thought if I hugged you if it was something I’d feel something you know but sorry I don’t. But the other part of me doesn’t want to let you go but I know It’s not love? If you get me?? Like I wanna know why seeing Chester all over you makes me upset but I don’t love you in that way but the thought of being held in your arms feels me comfort?? It’s confusing. I don’t understand it. It’s actually why I’m here I wanted to just come here to move on from you like we discussed. But wanted to go through these feelings to see if you could help me move on? If you wouldn’t mind?” She said laying next to him swirling the duvet.
As She was slowly leaning in closer she looked into his eyes and brushed the hair away from his face, for thst one small moment her presence her demeanor, he soft gaze and sparkling starry eyes felt like the Lila that truly loved him and that he loved back, the one who made the fish tank with him, food together all those times, water the plants with him. That Lila hovered over for that one small moment mixed feelings rose. As she began to cry in his arms. The real Lila inside then one he knew and loved was there for that moment crying into him.

The offer of gum was refused by Ezra as he waved Benji off. “Thank you but no thank you. I guess thank you for understand. I guess I have there is always room for growth” he chuckled to himself in a cute little way. “Oh well not long, hours actually. I erm, don’t think they get the hints I portray though…” he said sadly.
Ezra sighed “curse of the elf as they say, yes it
Is a tragic thing to happen especially to a young child.”
Ezra seemed shocked at the comment “kill you? Never I couldn’t no please don’t think this of me I’m not a killer.” He said worrying.


Ezra leaned back into Benji finding comfort in his arms. “I’m sorry the self doubt creeps in and I can’t do anything about it.” Thiugh he chuckled as he pulled Ezra out of the duvet “cat out the bag? So now I’m a cat.” He said folding his arms.

“Oh sorry Benji, I like it unique and beautiful like it’s owner.” He said leaning still
Into Benji. “Yes I think I do also…” he said coldly.

“Okay, okay I’m sorry!” He said frantically. “I’m trying honestly I am. Thank you for your words and by people I hope you mean you, that’s the one I’m more focused on knowing about.” He smiled.

“You do in more ways than none. NOOO! Just the one for me thanks, I do not wish to go down that road one will suit me just fine, especially if the one before me isn’t taken I’d like to fill that role for them.” He said smiling shly.
“Hmmm, the lake and perhaps another location of your choice. Oh Pish Posh Benji your beautiful eye bags and all, don’t you ever think otherwise anyone would be happy to have you.” Then Benji admitting he knew was just not giving the reaction and Ezra’s face dropped. “I’m so disappointed you would play me like so, thank you for saying I’m cute when I’m flustered but it’s not fun being flustered trying to tell someone you love them is hard enough without you playing along…. Your lucky you be cute.” He said looking away “well can’t deny your skills there had me fooled and flustered. Yes I guess so, though after that I may reconsider my feelings…” he said jokingly turning away until Benji pulled his chin up to face him causing the butterflies to come rushing.
Ezra rolled his eyes “least I gave you a nice name…” he said holding onto Benji.
As they kissed once again Ezra saviuring the moment he’d never felt like that it was the best feeling in the world for him, he knew there was other things to do but he just wanted to be in Benji’s arms. “You do deserve the title more than you know you saved me in more ways I can count.”

Ezra nodded at Kasper “still maybe barely but I’m still here ONE PIECE might be a stretch I’m still immobile from being tied up and left on the ground for the past 6 months. So legs are like that fancy wobbly stuff that filled with sugar? ” he chuckled.
“Proud, I scraped by but your ika-Kasper.. I’m most certainly proud of how you turned out, jealous how you got the handsome gene but I digress. I had only shall I say since last night? Before it was horrible. Truth be told it’s the first time I’ve been outside in a while. Everything is so vast, oh Benji, well he’s in the who they say dog house for playing along on my feelings but I hope that he will want to be something more than just friends we shared a moment just this morning but shall take it steady it’s still new.” He smiled.
“Pride and joy a dream, I’d love to see the explosions you add to this fine establishment, it’s how Benji taught me “cool beans with a Z at the end Of course to give it that fine pizzaz!” He smiled.
“Fiancé Chester? My, my seeing how much you’ve grown and blossomed, thst smile gleaming from your face as you look to him warms my heart and soul. I’m happy for you both, oh only earlier well that’s amazing congratulations to you both I look forward to getting to know the one who snapped my baby brother up.”

Ezra laughed “of course I know about the fact you was with her 4 years, how crazy she is and how I’m so glad your not with her or otherwise I’d have to make an Intervention.” He chuckled.
Ezra nodded “I’ll try but it’s hard you know big brother responsibilities you know.”.

“ going to make some carbonara pasta, with breadsticks and a salad to start With, lovely homemade vinaigrette I make. If that sounds okay?” He asked.

“Nice, sounds fascinating? So what’s your kind of style? I’m sure if it’s unique it’s best to keep to your own books for that if others start
To take credit it’s where it gets annoying, but if you have a spare copy send it over will love to read. Awards nice! Gotta be a good read. Nice one seems you do alright no?” He said motioning towards Benji.
“Oh yeah I totally understand and sure I’m stale!” He joked.
“Huh? Well after meeting her face to face in my not surprised, if you work for her be careful she hates the fact one son is gay, don’t let her ruin your lives too. It’s not worth it. I’m glad they are reunited though. You fancy helping me with the setting the table?” Chester asked.

 

[Atarashii]

Kasper leaned into chester, peering into his phone. "43 messages from him? what on earth does he want from you." his eyes glazed over the messages. "oh. It seems like he likes you." he face didn't change but his tone changed quite a bit. "well how are you going to respond? He doesn't seem to get the memo. I guess you haven't told anyone yet? You aren't a bad manager but he needs to cool down. But on the other hand, if you lay off not answering to him, bet he is going to be a bit more forceful with the attempts to woo you. Not like they really worked in the first place.."
"Still love you as well." kasper said giving a smile. "thanks love for the words.."
Kasper covered his reddening face. "it's because of were and how your touching me. It's making me turn red. No your not hurting me."

Kasper looked at lila with wary. "hello lila. why have you come?" he asked taking opal. "hey opal, why don't you give uncle chester a hug no? i'm not the only person in the world." he chuckled. "is that so?" he said taking the photo. "wow, i can really see you as a artist in the future. It's super good, thank you opal." he said patting her head. "teddy kasper? well i'll give him my thanks."

Kasper looked at lila with annoyance. "can you please treat opal decently." he scowled. Getting up from the couch and away from lila. "Can you cut it out? i am perfectly fine and i don't need you babying me. The bear will be with opal thank you very much." he hissed. "I was doing great before you came here." kasper muttered some words under his breath. "You look like trash. go flaunt that to naala. shouldn't you be with her?" he raised his eyebrow moving away from lila over to chester. "I approve you leaving my house. alright bye ches." he said.
"Get. Off. Me." he said pushing her off. "I haven't missed you one bit. Your with naala for god's sake. act like it." he said walking to the kitchen. "Find it yourself. I'm sick of your stupid advances. I moved on, i don't want you. Get a life lila."
"YOU SHOULD OF MOVED ON WITH HER IN THE FIRST PLACE! STOP HANGING ONTO ME, IT'S NOT GOING TO WORK!" he yelled. "Well glad nothing happened. Don't freaking touch me ever again. It's not love. it's you being a weak pathetic human being that can't do crap without me. Find who you are and get your stupid peanut sized brain out the gutter."
"No i don't get you. And i won't ever. Good. I'll make sure to rub it in your face." he gave a smirk. "Cool. I don't care. Nothing is going to change how i think about you. which is nothing."
"Nope. Don't even think about it. I take back what i said, i don't want nothing to do with you. I'm not helping you move on. Find some other person to throw your pathetic body at. I would mind in fact, mind a lot to the point i will throw you out of my house if you don't get moving."
Kasper slapped her hand away. Making sure his claws were extended so he had ripped some skin. "get. away. I don't want to make or keep any memories of you anymore. I don't care that the lila i once loved is still there. Your now dead to me and i'm going to keep it that way. Get off me stupid crybaby." he said not even giving a damn about lila. "Get out, i won't repeat again. I don't want to see your face. Go cry to naala for all i care."

Benji shrugged. "But if you do, no harm done. Just wanted to let you know." he said looking at ezra then back to the wall. "I know your not a killer. But who's to say i won't kill you?" he asked pinning ezra to the wall, looking at him directly before letting go. "course your a cat, cat got your tongue?" he questioned. Benji chuckled and patted ezra on the head. "I'm aware. Just joshing with ya. I ain't taken. Never have been taken so sure, that roll is empty and ready to be filled by you."
"Right...so why am I still single?" he prodded ezra. "disappointed eh? i'm so sadddd." he said sarcasticly. "You are, i ain't lying on that. but hey, at least i'm not those people who just play with your feelings no? they are the worst. Seeee. I can do something for once. Is that so? well i mean. I'll find someone else because i'm just so great i can find anyone." he said poking ezra in the cheek.

"uh..custard?" kasper guessed, keeping ezra upright. "ouch..that must hurt. Sorry i wasn't there for you. Thanks. Took a while but here i am. Nah your also handsome." kasper said patting ezra's head. "I mean you pulled someone so that must mean something no? Oh wow. It's been that long? we need to go out for a day trip to explore the area with ya. Were you staying? Doghouse? did he do something wrong?" he questioned looking over to benji who wasn't paying attention. "very tall, even for elf standards. Is he a mix or human?"
"YOU KISSED?" he asked shaking ezra. "WOW. WOW. Less than 24 hours and you already kissed someone?? I mean congrats. If you guys kissed i'm sure you're destined for something greater with him."
"I see he taught you some slang? i personally never say it but i have heard of other say that." he gave a nod. "oh stop. it's nothing big. Thank you though, I'll be waiting to see a marriage invite for you two as well." he said nudging ezra. "well we might over dinner. "

"uh...." benji said scratching his head. "what's...carbonara. is that bacon and creamy cheese?" he asked looking at the pasta. "i don't really eat fancy stuff..more just cup 'o noodles for me. Sounds fine though."
"I guess more weirdcore/unnatural? I like black and white with ink pens then colour so shading is quite important." he said opening a sketchbook so chester can see some random doodles. "Well i haven't really had many collabs. And those i had have been great so no worries. Sure I will. I suppose i do. Well not you, the job itself is stale In my opinion."
"I'm aware but it seemed she was taken care of for the time being." he said looking over at chester. "sure that is fine."

 

[Trivet]

Chester sighed “seems like it, I don’t know why though, maybe use me to get a promotion perhaps? Seems like something he would do to be honest.” He shrugged.
“I’ll just respond professionally, like I’m still his manager and I can’t make it any more awkward than it already is. I haven’t told them as in announcing it, if that’s what you mean? Sally saw me on a call and she saw how happy I was compared to the previous weeks then saw my location changed and hounded me with questions. She’s sweet but very nosey.” He said wrapping his arm around Kasper.
“His attempts to woo me are feeble, they do not work and could never work, even if I wasn’t with you. He’s not my type, to put it in perspective he’s basically like Lila?” He said knowing Kasper knows what he meant.

“Your welcome Kaspy, your welcome.” Chester said as he pulled Kasper in and kissed him on the forehead. Before nestling his head into Kasper’s hair once again.

Chester snickered quietly”oh really? Interesting….I’m glad I didn’t hurt you, would have been really upset if I had.” He said puppy dog eyes at Kasper.

Lila scoffed at Kasper’s remark “I came to check if you were doing okay? Like I heard about what happened. Is that not allowed now?” She huffed.
“Okayyyy!” Opal said climbing onto Chester from Kasper. “True HOWEVERRR, your the only Uncle Kaspy in the world!” She smiled her cheeky smile.
“Thank ou, Uncle Kaspy I hope it goes on your refigermerator in the centre so you can always see it and make you smile.” She said holding the arm of the teddy waving it and making a voice “no problem”. “He likes you uncle kaspy.” She smiled.

“Decently? She’s not my child. Don’t think I’d have the patience for one now anyways. That’s not the point I didn’t do anything bad?” She scoffed almost at his words.

“Kasper have you seen the state your in? You need someone to look after you! Look at you, your a mess” she said brushing his hair around to tidy it up more. “Yeah sure whatever it’s only a dumb bear?…. Hey? What’s that suppose to mean? The whole we can be friends now I guess you didn’t mean it right? Like I went off and found love like you wanted me to and get you still hate me and would probably rather me not exist correct?” She said folding her arms pouting.”

Lila looked genuinely hurt by the comment and looked like she was going to cry at that statement. “But… naala had some errands to run and Opal wanted to see you so I brought her.” She said.
“I think you look like a princess” Opal said to Lila. “Trash is something not nice uncle kaspy, we need to be kind to others and and always compliment and be happy and love one and other.” She gave a thumbs up to Lila “you look super pretty, I like your top and your hair.” Chester smiled at Opal but sighed looking at Kasper if only she knew.

Chester took Opal and went to call Jamie in the from garden while he also was talking to Opal about all the plants on the front of the house.
“So we can’t miss each other as friends now? What’s gotten into you. I am with Naala I don’t need to be gushing every second about her in front of you.”
She looked down twirling her fingers together “I just wanted to ask for a friend. Your the only one I have well I guess on your eyes had.” She said rubbing her foot against her leg.
“I’m not hanging onto you, not anymore… that’s what I’m telling you I wanted your help to..never mind. What’s the point she fell to her knees crying “what’s the point anymore, I honestly don’t see the point anymore I be Naala is only with me just because im easy. No one really likes me or anything maybe I’d be better if I was just alone. Or gone forever? Like you said I’m trash, what is wrong with me. She said rubbing her arm “I’m just nothing, I thought, I, I.”’she stopped words not being able to finish as Kasper said more. Everything he called her pierced her.
Then he pushed her away catching her with his claws hurting her once again. She walked out the house and saw Chester and Opal.
“Oh Lila what happened please don’t cry” she said running over to Lila hugging her. Chester motioned her to sit down and he sat beside her. “ he hates me, he hates me so much and now I feel like nothing. I just wanted to know how I could move on from him.” She said crying into her hands “uncle Chester we have to help Lila.” Chester looked over at the house and sighed. “Look Lila, he wants you to be happy with Naala, he’s happy with his life how it is and I’m sure he doesn’t mean the harsh things he says. He’s just hurt that’s all. You have to understand being cheated on isn’t the most pleasant”

He patted Lila on the back “go be happy with Naala, she seems smitten about you and I see the same when you look at her. You’ll see Kasper at parties and events and such im sure as you know relations and stuff.” He smiled. Jamie will be here in a sec to get Opal you head home with him and go see naal I’m sure she will be happy to come back home from her errands to be in your arms.”.

“Thanks benj” Ezra flustered turning red and breathing getting faster and Benji pinned him. He didn’t know what to feel, he was so close. But he looked away from him quickly before he pulled away.
“Erm I know you wouldn’t because your nice too much! Your caring and sweet and kind”
“Cat caught my tongue, perhaps, your play on words and you being so close you could say are making me feel like that.” He said placing his hand on Benji’s chest.

“Good because all your perfect acting has just prolonged me from doing this..” he said as he puled Benji’s shirt and him closer and kissed him passionately.
“Because the right one for you just hadn’t come along yet! Until perhaps now.” He smiled.
Ezra grabbed onto Benji’s arm “no, no don’t go find someone else yes you ar amazing and handsome and everything but please don’t I love you!” He said sad eyes the crystals in his eyes dimming as he seems saddened.

“Perhaps? I think but it does not matter!” “It doesn’t hurt per se? But it is very annoying just simply walking over for basic things is difficult but Benji bless him has been carrying me, assisting me and such he even cooked me dinner.” He smiled as he said that.
“Don’t be sorry there isn’t anything to be sorry about, honestly thank you for your compliments.”
“Yes it does mean something, yes I’m afraid that long. Perhaps that would be a splendid idea.” He smiled “I’m staying with Benji I believe for now, I’ll have to ask him still if this arrangement is okay.” He nodded to Kasper.
“Oh not like in proper trouble on a jokey way, when I said subtle hints I liked him he acted like he didn’t understand the hints and then said in the end that he knew the hints all along.” Ezra said slightly laughing about the whole thing.
“He’s both part human and part elf, he’s tall and handsome and has my heart!” He smiled then felt slightly embarrassed he was gushing over Benji in front of his baby brother.
“Thank you, thank you, yes. I instigated it o just felt it was right you know? He gives me butterflies and I feel I’m on cloud 9 every time he’s around so I didn’t want to miss the chance you know? Why too soon do you think?” He asked unsure he didn’t know how relationships work and such.
“You think so? What about you and this Chester? Tell me how did this blossom? Your both engaged too? There is so much to tell.” He said excitedly holding Kasper the same.
“Ahaha, yes he did indeed, not that I can really use it but I don’t want to keep speaking like a posh one all the time you know!?” He said looking down as if he were embarrassed how he spoke.

“Oh now come on Kasper, that’s far too quick it’s been less than 5 hours since we declared out lot love, perhaps in the near future though.”
“We can have dinner with you? That would mean the world to me thank you. I’m sure Benji won’t mind.” He said looking over.

“Sort of its a delicate cream sauce, bacon. Chicken with maybe some fresh basil, I bought some from the grocery store. Here take a spoonful of the cream sauce.” He said scooping some up and passing the spoon to Benji. Chester grabbed out a spray bottle filled with water and started spraying some of the plants in the kitchen including the fresh Basil. “Cup o noodles, I’m not one to judge but that can’t be good for your insides, you need some fresh veggies, some oats and all that.” He said from the way he looked Benji could tell he was some sort of gym fanatic.

“Oh nice, I read manga especially that kind, I think it’s a unique take and let’s face it some manga can be pretty dark. I can imagine the texture to come out of that very satisfying. No doubt. Do you have any images of your work?” He said typing an email then stirring lunch and spraying a plant. He held his stomach where the wound was and gritted his teeth.
He saw Benji hand over his sketch book he pushed the laptop aside and flicked through “this is some high end stuff you got here your super talented here Benji!” He said admiring the work. Leaning over the counter.
“Ahhh that’s good then least if it’s what you want that’s what matters! Yeah I know what you mean. I get that it’s not everyone’s cup of tea.” He shrugged.
“Yeah thankfully for now, let’s go and have some lunch now then. “Kaspy, Ezra, lunch is served.” He said as him and Benji made the table and Chester pulled the chair for Benji and went over to hell ezra to his seat.

 

[Atarashii]

"Perhaps, I don't know how he acts so i can't say for sure but would he go to that lengths just to get a promotion? guess i shouldn't say much since i have never worked in this type of work line. Freelance all the way for me."
"Sorry. I was rash about that." Kasper gave a nod. "i can see that. Was just wondering. Haha I can bet." He gave a scowl. "Ah. That explains a lot. He seemed pushy and a pick me in the texts."
"love, you really like my hair don't you? i always see you sniffing it or playing with it. Now resting your head in it as if it was a pillow. Is my hair that fluffy?" he asked chuckling. "Oh stop. Don't think about using that to your advantage." kasper rolled his eyes. "I know, Be glad you didn't but it wouldn't be the end of the world if you did." he said patting his head.

"Why? You clearly didn't have to. I have chester, Chester has me. That's all I need. I don't need you getting back up into my grill." he scowled. "Well If i wanted help, i would have asked you. i need alone time with my fiance so it would be nice if you didn't come at all." He said watching lila's face. "yes, we got engaged. Deal with it."
"aww thanks opal. Appreciate that." he said ruffling her hair. It will, I'll make sure of it when i get up to go to the kitchen. Thank you kaspy." he said to bear. Feeling a bit odd calling a bear his name but he brushed the thought away.
"So? she is a child. treat her like one, She is a freaking human being. Don't invalidate her. Your kid or not. Well, I think i'll be great with kids considering i'm handling two right now." he said motioning to the fact he thinks lila is acting like a child. "Yes you did. And i think you should own up to it."

"No. Nope. Not hearing it." he said putting his finger to her mouth. "I don't want to hear another word come out of that landfill. I am not a mess thank you very much and i would be doing so much better if you weren't here." He seethed. "Don't touch me." he slapped her hand away. "don't freaking touch my hair."
"Dumb bear? get out. I don't want to hear anymore you have to say. it is not a dumb bear, you are one dumb person thinking it is!" he yelled. "Nope. I take it back after seeing you show up again. Cool, so you could get off my case. I'm tired of you trying to crawl your way back to me. And at this point, yes. It's tiring. And i just don't want to deal with you. Ever again."

"Oh wow. Cry me a river." he snarled. "I don't care. So? is that any reason to try and get with me? no it isn't. Your at this point cheating with your attitude. I'll be calling up naala on this. She was foolish to give you a stupid second chance. Seeing how you act." Kasper said nothing to opal. Tightening his fist. "sorry." he said to opal. making sure to lila he was saying sorry to opal and not lila.
"Nope. I don't care if you cry like a waterfall. I'm done hearing what trash you have to say now. I'm not going to pity you anymore like you did last time. What's gotton into me? Wow. Yes. Wonderful thing to say to someone who won't hesitate to snap your spine like a toothpick." he threatened. "SO?! DOESN'T MEAN YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO TRY AND FLIRT WITH ME!" he yelled. "Ya. Get that right, I'm not your friend anymore. And i won't ever will be."

Kasper backed away from lila. Not saying a word. Face dark and still. "So do you love naala? your just saying that your easy so naala took you. do you not think she loves you?" he questioned. "So her love holds no value over you. All those times she stayed with you, told you she loved you. Meant nothing. Well...that's something. Maybe you should tell naala you don't love her like she loves you if your going to cry to me about this. You are trash, Your manipulative. Toxic. A pick me. That's what's wrong with you."

"aww, flustered to the point you can't even look at me?" he snickered. Letting go of ezra. "Thanks ez." he said ruffling ezra's hair. "See. I'm a natural at this." he gave a grin. "A natural at making you flustered eh?" he said taking ezra's hand that was on his chest and bring it up to his mouth to kiss it. Savouring ezra's shocked reaction. "why you looking like that ez? cat got your tongue?"

"prolonged you from what-?" he asked though was quickly interrupted when he was pulled forward into a passionate kiss. He kissed back with just as much force making it quite a passionate make out session. "Well maybe the one for me has, stumbled across into my arms."
"Bro chill, I won't. Whats got you in a pickle jar?" he asked tilting his head noticing the dimming of the eyes. "i'm aware that you love me, you made it clear enough. We just made out for like 5 minutes."

"is that so? then he for sure is a keeper." he said looking over at benji. "Well glad he helps you for that. Would be a pain to do that alone. Well if it doesn't work you, you can crash here till you get back on your feet." he said patting ezra's shoulder. "Ohh so he led you on? sneaky he is. Must have been a shocker for you."
"A mix? i have never seen one, guess now i have. Actually surprising since pure blood elves are naturally tall, he is half but is taller than both of us. Must have also got the taller gene with humans. I can see the vague eye slits and the sharper nails and bigger hands." he said looking closer at benji. "Well you seem smitten over him, How is he..personality wise. Quiet? extroverted? give me the deets."
"Oh no it's fine." he said waving ezra off. "i got with chester like less than 24 hours i broke it with lila. Don't worry about it, if you knew he was the right person, then go for it."
"Well, We met at the cafe and...." kasper said recaping the events leading up to his and chester's first kiss. "and that's about it. Oh don't worry about how you speak. So? doesn't mean it won't happen anytime soon." he said nudging ezra. "of course. So all of us can get to know each other better. And catch up."

"Is that so? i never got the luxury of having food like this. More of whatever i could afford i would eat, leading me to eat anything. So it's almost impossible to find something i won't eat. Well I guess what i mean is that i didn't have food like this." he said looking down at the dish. Benji took the spoon and nodded a thanks. Pulled his mask down and tasted the soup. "creamy...hm. Not bad but not something i would necessarily enjoy." Benji looked blankly at chester. "I can tell from how your telling me i need to eat healthy, your someone who works out regularly at the gym. Well when you were living with little wage, you gotta pick what to eat. So wasn't the healthiest but kept me alive so i mean. Who am I to be picky." he gave a shrug and moved on.

Benji nodded. "Something to add some spice to the selection people can choose from. A genre i personally enjoy so why not write some myself. I do, i have online portfolios on my website i had to make as it was mandatory for my publisher. I also post my work on a social account."
"Thank you, try my best to make something decent. At least everyday, no matter what."

Benji sat with ezra, facing chester while kasper sat with chester facing ezra. Benji had his hands under the table while still wearing his face mask and hat. Benji didn't start eating till after everyone else did. He was also the first to finish despite starting after everyone else. He wiped his mouth and cleaned his plate to sit back down quickly. "sorry. It's a habit. I grew up with the, if you didn't eat fast enough you didn't eat at all. So i apologize for my quickness in eating. The food was good, thank you chester." he said camly though under the table his leg was shaking his was fidgeting with his fingers.

 

[Trivet]

“I’m afraid he just might, people do crazy things for money you know?” He said shrugging with a deep exhaled sigh.
Chester smiled. “Not all of us are as talented as you to be able to do that Kaspy, some of us need the doing someone else’s job they deal with the money you know?” He said nudging Kasper.
“No don’t be l, you wasn’t rash at all, ash away or say away I don’t mind.” Chester placed his phone on the side and wrapped his arms around Kasper. “He is, no doubt about it, he’s been on my team 4 years though I just think why now for all this now you know? I mean yes they all helped me through with the whole Lawrence thing but I don’t know. What’s there to like about me anyways. I’m just a useless nobody.” He said leaning his head into Kasper’s hair. Chester nestled into it more “it really is super fluffy and just I don’t know it feels nice against my cheeks.” He chuckled a little embarrassed thst Kasper pointed it out. Didn’t think he made it that obvious. “It feels safe and like home, call me crazy but that’s the truth, it’s like my safe place.” He said then recoiling thinking of how strange that sounded so stopped doing it. “I’ll stop it’s fine.” He said rubbing his arm like he did something wrong.

“I know, I won’t and I’d be beside myself if I’d hurt you, I don’t think I could even cope.” He said exhaling pain could be seen across his face from his wounds but tried to hide it best he could.

“I.. I, everyone still needs friends Kasper? Besides yes you may have che… what if I just wanted to be a concerned friend?” She fired back.
“F,f,f…fiancé? Kasper you only decided to be Interested in him less than a week ago and now your engaged? That isn’t love?? You can’t be serious.” She said words sounding harsh but upset In a “that should be me” way was showing more than her attempt at backhanding comments to Kasper. “You’ve never loved anyone in your life, so why does Chester make any difference? Because he wooed you being shirtless, please.” She scoffed folding her arms picking up courage to fight back. She wanted Kasper as a friend but not like this. She looked at Chester’s finger and saw the ring that Kasper gave her on his finger and blew a fuse “THAT IS MY RING YOUR GIVING A SECOND HAND RING FROM SOMEONE YOU WANTED TO MARRY AND PICKED OUT JUST FOR ME AND GIVEN IT TO HIM WOW YOU SEEM TO LOVE CHESTER DONT YOU CANT EVEN FIND A RING UNIQUE TO HIM YOU GAVE HIM MINE BRILLIANT? Classic Kasper doesn’t love or want to get to know the person he claims to love…”

Opal smiled as Kasper took the picture and said he’d place it on the fridge and ruffled her hair “heyyyy don’t mess the hair, princesses don’t have messed up hair uncle Kaspy. Oh and teddy kaspy says your welcome.” She smiled hugging into Chester’s arms asking him about Cookie as the yelling increased and Chester took her outside as he called Jamie and FaceTimed Selena.

“I never invalidated her Kasper Sheesh your acting all big and mighty you see the way you treat treated me? Great example from all the cuts and scars you physically left me with and the way you don’t talk me alll the time. Even when I’m freaking telling you to your face that I don’t love you honestly I sometimes now feel repulsed that I did, your a freaking monster.” She lashed back.

“It’s a freaking plushie Kasper it doesn’t have feelings, you know what I’ll allow that because you know what I was dumb to have ever laid eyes on someone like you. What was I thinking… oh wait I wasn’t… you used me as much as I used you, the fact I came here telling you I was over you but was just having slight difficulty and just wanted to clear the air speaking to you you take it that I want you what so you can hit me again? Use me as your personal pin cushion? Use me just so you can just not be alone, please Naala showed me everything there is to life and i really wan to spend the rest of my life with her. I was doing this for her so I could give her my all my only thing in the way was the bad omen I had with you I wanted to patch it up so we could be civil care for each other as friends and that be it but I wanted to see if that was what you wanted that was it. I don’t love you I guess I never did I just fooled myself like the dumb trash I am in your words.” She said turning facing the other way.
“Fine tell Naala, you can tell her why I came here after all I just told you the reason I was here to bring Opal to see you and was here to clear things up and move passed this feeling I had that would then allow me to fully love Naala no strings attached. Go on ring her tell her! Please I applaud you Kasper ring her…” she said shoving the phone at him.
Opal nodded at Kasper “thank you kaspy.” She said.

“Like I said before just do it… if you want me gone that much then do it, stop threatening it and not following through if I shouldn’t be saying what I have to the scary you…like it matters anymore… I love naala with all my heart and I cousins imagine life without her, but I feel there is no Point me being here. So do it if that is what you wish and I know deep down you wish you could.” She said her word sort of sinister.

“Flirt with you? Please it’s only flirting if it works which if you see it as that then I guess yes it must be but I wasn’t just was feeling confident in my own skin thanks to Naala” she gushed back. Every time she mentioned Naala’s name a new thing happened that kapser never saw, it was a smitten look, one she never had with Kasper.

“Or maybe you should look at it this way instead of twisting to make it feel like I’m manipulating her, how about this. Perhaps your actions made me insecure, the fact I’m getting far more attention of her than I ever did from you, maybe I don’t know how to respond as I never had it, maybe it’s my first time falling head over heels with someone since you and I wanted to just know in my head it’s really real? You know as well as I do the school I went to the girls there what they did? Maybe I just feel I’m too damn lucky to have fallen into her arms to make me feel alive again. You ever think about that huh? Or you too obsessed with thinking that everyone wants you?” She argued.

“Yes that flustered now would you stop I’d like to come back to my normal elf skin now!” He demanded refusing to look at Benji until he stopped making him flustered.
“You are indeed, apparently so, according to my skin anyhow.” He said as he watched Benji take his hand and bring it close to his mouth and kissed it. “I, I…” Ezra fumbled for words, blushing intensifying. “I erm, believe it has….” He said.
As they engaged in a passionate kiss ezra looked Benji in the eyes diamonds glistening brighter than he’d ever seen “perhaps, or maybe I was just saved by the Angel who swept me off my feet, essentially quite literally!” He giggled.
“I know, I know and it was one of the best things that's happened in my life, I just worry and hope I can be all that you want and need. All that you deserve and more. I don’t want to become clingy but the world looks so Bleek if I’m not beside you. So forgive me if I come to clingy just a small gentle reminder, I’m still learning even though it’s embarrassing to say you knew as I’m 27.” He sighed laying his head on Benji’s chest playing with his tee.

Ezra nodded looking at Benji his eyes gleaming “I sure hope he is. Oh well thank you I do appreciate it. I hope maybe if you don’t mind tonight we could stay, I feel it would do Benji some good to be in a different surrounding, he seems to spend a lot of time on his own at home and I think it’ll do us all good to make friends and have some social outing.” He smiled placing his hand on Kasper’s.
“He did, he played the part very well had me believed that he didn’t know, but I’ll spare you the details of what happened after” he smirked knowing Kasper probably got the gist of what happened.

“Yes he is unusually tall, but honestly it’s nice not for him in short places I can imagine but yes I believe as much, he is stunning for a half elf, yes his claws are much sharper and had the cheek to tell me not to rip his shirt when he helped me walk here.” He shook his head smiling barely taking his gaze from Benji. “He’s funny, smart, talented he’s caring beyond words, he’s got his own way he talks, his clothes sense… I couldn’t grow into, well I’m wearing but you know, introvert I believe he keeps himself to himself a lot, he doesn’t even what people seeing that he’s the one who illustrates the manga he produces.” He said.

Ezra looked shocked “that quickly? Wasn’t you with her like 4 years or something? That’s quick considering. But from what I’ve heard she was a piece of work so I understand and well what can I say look at you, you blush slightly every time you talk about him. Yes well you never really know but he’s someone I want to take that chance with for sure!” Ezra said smiling at Kasper.

“Is that so? What a lovely romance that blossomed I’m absolutely over the moon for you both, he gets the big brother seal of approval, I’m just so happy for you, I believe he will take good care of you I mean look while your here talking with me he’s cooking, watering the plants, talking to Benji and seems like working too, he’s doing all that because he loves you. I can see that from when he answered the door he’s protective of you. It makes me happy knowing your in safe hands and that I don’t have to make sure your okay because you are and now we can finally be brothers the way bothers are meant to be!” Ezra smirked “so official brother duty number one I need to find stuff out from Chester and tell him embarrassing stories from when you were a wee little one. And ask all them you know questions that make you beg me to stop embarrassing you.” He smirked.
“Thank you I’ll try and yes dinner and a catch up would be grand. Thank you Kasper.”

“I guess, the food market prices have risen alarmingly fast it makes it nye on impossible to eat better I’ll grant you that. But honestly food is like the most amazing thing. Sometimes it’s a good thing to be able to the food banks and such, check of places are giving free meals or cheap meals from restaurants and such, least it would be better than instant noodles 24/7. “Thanks, not something you would necessarily enjoy? Okay fair enough carbonara isn’t for everyone… however I make a mean handmade pizza! Part Italian so a lot of my meals are based with pasta.” He smiled stirring the food and then finishing the email he was working on.
“Ahaha, you could say that, too bad I can advise nutritionally but when it comes to healthy work habits…Nada!” He laughed rubbing the back of his head. “Yeah I get that I was living on my own also, had an abusive boyfriend and I was working as a checkout clerk and having to pay for him and myself to live in this apartment we had in the city. I had to grow my own food at allotments and such and he would be out life of a celebrity eating out fine dining and such while I was basically eating home grown veg, vegan lifestyle I suppose until I could finally afford food properly like so we’re talking 6 months ago?” He shrugged plating the food.

“Amazing I have to say it’s nice to hear of someone who knows about manga and actually can have in depth conversations about the details the story and such. Nice I’ll give ya a follow when I log in next time, your a cool kid Benji.” Chester said smiling.

Ezra placed his hand on Benji’s “hey it’s okay, we all have our habits your not alone. Glad you enjoyed it though, yes thank you Chester.” Ezra said as he placed his hand on Benji’s leg to try and stop him shaking. “It’s okay.” He whispered as he resumed eating.
Chester nodded “no probablemo, anytime. It’s nice to finally meet the face to the name, glad to have you here, you both here. To new friends and reunited family!” Chester said raising a glass.

After dinner there was a knock at the door jamie was there “sorry to trouble you like this can you take Opal, Selena isn’t doing great and she needs an operation apparently Lawrence made an appearance and did something I need to be with her but want Opal safe and I know you want to be for Selena but I want you to both keep ops safe. Please I’m sorry I have to ask and tell Kasper I’m sorry too?” Chester waved him off “it’s fine keep us updated she will be okay she’s a fighter.” Jamie walked off and Chester closed the door as Opal came running in and ran straight to Kasper”UNCLE KASPYYYY” she said jumping on his lap as he sat on the chair. Chester explained about Selena and went to the kitchen to have a moment to himself and make drinks for everyone.