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Darius watched Hunter in the kitchen, anxiously shifting around in his chair. Hunter’s visit to the human realm taught him lots of stuff—including how to make these things called pancakes! Darius could tell Hunter was doing this to honour his bird, he felt bad. Hunter’s determination was wonderful to watch though, his every move being extremely delicate. Darius watched him flip the pancake and listened to the sizzling sound. The scent was wonderful, it smelled so warm and comfy… Like home. Darius was so happy Hunter was living with him now, he really felt like a dad to Hunter—of course he would never admit it though. He noticed Hunter walking over towards him, a big smile drawn across his face.
“A stack of flapjacks coming right up!” Hunter said with a smile, setting down the plate.
“Luz said this is seer-up and it goes onto them. It’s super sweet!” Hunter announced, showing Darius a small jug of some sort of clear-brown sticky looking liquid. Hunter set it down on the table and grabbed his fork.
“Ready to try them? I promise they’re good!”
Hunter asked, motioning at the plate in front of Darius.
Darius hesitantly cut a piece off and dipped it in the syrup. He brought the piece up to his mouth and ate it. It was…
“Wow!” Darius shouted, pure excitement in his voice.
“This taste it… It’s indescribable! I-I can’t believe it… It’s absolutely delectable!” Darius said, quickly stuffing more in his mouth. Hunter giggled at him and took a bite of his own. Darius, who was stuffing face, noticed Hunter’s sad look across his face as he chewed.
“I know you miss him…” Darius started, putting his hand on Hunters shoulder.
“Flapjacks for Flapjack, right?” Darius asked, holding up a piece of pancake.
“Right.” Hunter said, doing a cheers motion with his own piece of pancake. Darius ate more, almost crying with how delicious the pancakes were. He decided this would be his new favourite food. He watched Hunter finish his food, the sad gleam still in his eyes. Darius collected their plates and went to wash them as Hunter went back to his room.
Darius felt bad about the Flapjack incident. He wished he could’ve helped Hunter. Darius walked over to Hunter’s room and knocked on the door.
“B-busy.” Hunter responded, clearly attempting to hide the sadness in his voice.
“I uh, I’m coming in, that okay?” Darius said. No response. Darius opened the door to Hunter sitting on the windowsill, looking out at the sun-setting sky.
“Hmm.” Hunter grunted, not turning his head from the window.
“You uh, you okay?” Darius asked, looking at Hunter. Hunter wiped his eyes.
“Fine, why?” Hunter replied bleakly.
“You’re such a bad liar.” Darius said, giving a small laugh before walking up to Hunter.
“I know you miss him, I do too.” Darius said comfortingly.
“No you don’t, and I don’t need your pity.” Hunter said, shoving Darius away from him.
“Alright alright, maybe I don’t understand your connection with him, but I do understand what its like to lose someone you’re close to. You know I was close with the past Golden Guard, and when he… Ya know… It broke me. It hurt so bad and I—just know I’m gonna be here for you, kay? And remember, Flapjack’s still in there.” He said, poking Hunters chest. Hunter let out a small sigh and a slight smile with it.
“Thanks Darius.” He said, turning to hug him.
“Anytime Little Prince.” Darius said, hugging him back.
A star out the window shined brighter than all the others. Darius knew what that was and what it meant. He hugged Hunter tighter, making a promise to himself to never let go.