Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

 Thin lime-tinted sunlight shone on his hand.

It felt like bliss.

Sweet, relieving bliss. And he could not be happier. Despite his head aching, pounding spikes of pain into his head. He felt… happy! 

He looked at his hand and the way the lights and shadows wrapped around it, it felt unearthly, inhumane, not that he was completely humane. He could feel every nerve going through his body. He didn’t feel humane. Did he want to feel humane?

He Twisted his arm to fully take in what was happening, the light was mesmerizing that made him feel like he was in love. It was warm and relaxing, mixed in with the cool breeze that blew his hair over his face slightly. It left a leftover-cool feeling on his face when it occasionally stopped. 

He lifted his right hand, now being able to see how fucked up it was compared to the other. It trembled and ached way more than the other, as if it were having a seizure. Blood stains and cuts, and nasty burns covered the arm. That was sure to get infected though he thought. Mostly dried blood with bits of dirt and grime and some vibrant splotches of red. It was sure to leave a scar though. There wasn’t exactly anything he could do about it at the moment. He hissed at the spikes of pain it caused with each twitch. He needed medical care badly, but all he could do was think that he was here, and that he was alive. He couldn’t remember what had happened, it all seemed to blur into a single colour that faded from his mental vision. Red.

He grabbed the hand to try and hold it in place as he glanced up for the first time. It hurt his eyes, the sky was too bright and made him light headed, he blinked rapidly and eventually was able to sort of see where he was. 

Where was he?  

Everything looked so lively, but at the same time it looked dead and discarded, like finding a perfectly good lunch inside a trash can. But it was horrific in such a beautiful way. Plants scaled crumbled buildings, crawling its way into huge and small cracks in the road. Light bounced off the leaves making it hard to look at. But he wanted to look at it.

The air smelt fresh and clean, like the roots of Mother Nature recently took a

bath. 

He looked around, the tree canopies looked as tall as the clouds were, was that normal? 

He couldn’t remember the last time he saw a tree, yet they looked so familiar. Something felt off though. The more he looked at everything the confused he was. Why couldn’t he remember something that felt so obvious in front of him. Everything looked right but wrong. 

He let go of his hand and gently placed it on the ground next to him. “Ouw-ah.” He groaned. His hand still stung like crazy. Pain etched up into his shoulder which spread towards his collar bone. He really needed help. 

He wasn’t going to get anywhere if he kept sitting down though, he thought. He needs to at least go somewhere. But where? Where would he go? He blinked a few more times before putting his weight on his left hand and attempting to stand up. His vision blurred, cleared but blurred again with the sudden up movement. He fell back on to the ground, erasing all the progress he had. 

A cutting-warm feeling arose in his throat, a vile feeling that made him want to pull out his throat. Unknown liquid filled his mouth, no time to keep to process anything as it spewed out of it his mouth violently onto the dirt ground. Leaving a puddle that stained Mother Nature. “Eughhh.. a—” more liquid came up but not enough to cause him to throw up. The uncomfortable feeling lingered in his throat and mouth, it tasted like sharp glass. He didn’t like that. He really didn’t like that.

His arms shook, he felt so weak, like he was made out of stuffing for a doll. No limbs, nerves, brain, eyes and soul. He shuddered. He did not like that. He wiped his mouth, it hurt his hand but he didn’t exactly have a choice. Probably getting dirt and blood all over his face, he didn’t care though. His mind felt as light as a balloon, slowly floating away from him as he suffered. Hunched over and shaking.

He regained most of his vision, but not most of his mind. Just enough to process the mess in front of him. It didn’t look like vomit, it looked quite the opposite, clear and smooth, well, not exactly smooth but as smooth as liquid can get. And there were no chunks of anything to be seen.

It looked like water. Had he thrown up water? 

That’s… just… equally as disgusting. 

He sat there for a few more minutes, taking a needed break, “I may as well try this again,” he looked around him, spotting a wall behind him “and I may as well use the wall this time..!” he stated to himself. 

He took a few breaths before leaning backwards towards the wall, placing both hands this time no matter how much it hurt him. He needed to get up. 

He didn’t know what for, it was more of a want, but a want could turn into a need at any moment. 

He pushed back against the wall in a downward motion, pushing his body up. His feet were as grounded as they possibly could be, his boots dug into the ground leaving a slight path behind them. He took a small break with each push, arms and legs felt like both ice and fire. It burned in both ways, not good ways. But definitely ways. Hurtful ways.

Ways that harmed him in such simple ways. 

Eventually, he was able to pull himself up in a standing position. It felt much nicer that he was standing up, but he still didn’t feel good. His legs felt like they were held together by poorly sewn stitches. It was still better than what he just did. He focused on the ground below him, how every dirt particle sat there, how every leaf had fallen to its place, which leaves would crunch beneath his foot and which would not. 

He sighed, his breath ended up being more shaky than he wanted. With how much his legs hurt, he could barely keep himself up still without having to use all of his force to keep him up.

He slowly turned to face the wall, using it as a guide. The reflective light made it difficult to look at so he averted his gaze to the ground and gently moved his hands as well as making sure to take small steps. Each step sent fiery sharp pain through his legs to his torso. “Ahg.” He grunted, closing his eyes and fighting the urge to just drop down to the ground and let the crows take him. Every step made him slightly dizzy. Why was he like this?

Blood stained parts of the wall in a trail. And his throat still burned vaguely. Leaves rustled and crunched beneath his boots, creating some sort of a distraction noise for him. The more he focused on it the more it helped him keep his mind off of the pain.

He kept walking to the right, right hand, left hand, right foot, left foot. Repeat. 

He shifted his right hand over and almost fell toward, head first into the wall. There was no more wall left. Shit. What was he going to do… he looked up and around for the first time in quite awhile. The bright yellow sunlight was turning into a vibrant orange. Well shit again he thought, it’s almost night time and there was nothing to lean on. Within reaching distance that is. 

There was a tree close enough, and if he could walk properly, without having to stumble or fall he would be able to get there easily. But he can’t. Maybe if his legs just didn’t ache so much, and you know, his right arm wasn’t the epitome of war. 

He didn’t really want to be at a tree for the night though… he scanned the area a bit more. Maybe he could go into one of the crumbled buildings? It would probably offer a lot more security, he concluded. Less of a chance to be eaten by wolves, unless the wolves also went into the building. But what other choice did he have?

He stood there for a few moments. Pondering about what he could about his current situation. What his next action could be. 

…

An idea struck him! Maybe he could crawl over to the tree and then maybe find something to help him over to the building? It was definitely an idea worth trying!

He straightened his posture, which cracked his back very loud; it had sounded like someone broke a twig in half. “Whoah, wow that was uhh. Wow.” He was astonished at the sound his own back made. “Ow.” He refocused his attention on the tree. Right, he had to get to that. Taking a small step out with his right foot, making sure to be very careful. He did NOT want to hurt himself again, or repeat that revolting incident. Eugh. Gross.

Looking at the tree, he finally got to appreciate the scenery again. Notice the nature and loneliness of it all. He took a deep breath, which seemed to be the loudest thing he could hear. Huh. Now that he thought about it, everything seemed so… quiet..

The tree leaves rustled in the soft breeze and a few birds chirped here and there, but overall, it was quiet. It was quite relaxing, calming. He felt comforted by the small sounds like a candle being lit in freezing temperatures.

He slowly crouched to the floor, placing one knee on the ground and then the other before using his left hand to hold himself level, still on the wall. He shuffled forward, letting go of the wall and practically crawling over to the tree, without his other hand of course. 

The dirt was more than just dirt, it was tiny rocks, some were sharp and some weren’t, and some just stuck to his hand because of how minuscule they were (they were still pretty painful, like needles!). The leaves weren’t just crunchy but a decent amount were sharp. They left tiny cuts in his hand. 

Great. More (probably going to get infected) cuts. Surely he was going to have to die soon? He could barely use his hand arm, he has more cuts than probably the amount of years he’s lived!

Wait. How old am I ? He thought.

… 

He paused. Who even am I? What even happened to my arm? Where is my family? Do I have a family? Are they dead? What happened? Where am I? What is my name? When was his birthday? The questions wouldn’t stop, his mind couldn’t stop conjuring questions. He didn’t know anything about himself, he doesn’t ev-

A strident snap startled him out of madness. “AH—oh, oh my goodness!” a tree branch had fallen off the tree and landed in front of him, barely missing him. He reached out to touch the branch, was it real? He held a grip onto it lightly, it was real. A relieving sigh left his mouth, “Ph-ew. I thou-” he felt something touch his hand, it felt different and it was NOT the branch, “AH—” his hands shot up in the air. What the hell was that?! He could still feel the section of his burnt hand that was touched, it still felt like it was there, lingering. He couldn’t remember what the texture was like, he could only remember the feeling it gave him. 

He looked around the branch, sitting right next to it was a fairly small but plump white and grey short haired cat. He blinked, shocked at what he was seeing right now “What..? A… cat? Where even- what?” He looked around, wondering why there was just a cat here. He was confused, there are no possible places where the cat could’ve come from, it didn’t look like there was anyone living around here. It was crumbled buildings and trees for what looked like miles, he was in the middle of nowhere. 

The cat stood up and started to approach him more, he didn’t know what to do. What was he supposed to do? “Hello?” He nervously asked, the cat just stared at him and plopped down onto her side right in front of his knees. “Oh! Awh, okay that’s really cute!” His voice reached about an octave higher than his normal tone. She extended one of her paws onto his knee, pushing at it as she stretched. Her face scrunched up, and she arched her back and straightened her tail. making her look like the shape of a bean. He smiled, petting the cat a bit as she purred! The cat purred! This was all too much for him.

He would’ve exploded from the cuteness of this cat if he could. “Ahwhauahwh!” He reached down to pet her head, she was so soft! He couldn’t believe how smooth and soft her hair was for it being so short. He cooed at her like she was a newborn, “I have to take you with me!” He enthusiastically suggested, the smile on his face grew wider and wider.

He looked at the cat endearingly, “What were the chances I would get to meet you?” He gently grabbed the cat, who melted into his arms like jelly and lifted her into his lap where she curled up into a ball. She was fairly light, lighter than he expected at least. And she was so compliant with him, which confused him since aren’t cats supposed to be hesitant with new people? Unless this just happened to be a really friendly cat.

Maybe he won’t suffer all that much now, he had a cat with him, and that’s about the best thing he could ask for.

The sky was getting darker, making the forest in the distance seem even thicker than it probably was. Uh Oh he thought, he still had to make it to that building, although he wouldn’t have minded staying here where he was with his newly found cat in his lap, he would probably get eaten by wolves. And he did not want that. “Hey cat,” the cat immediately looked at him, “hey, we’ve got to go to that building over there,” he pointed to the building and the cat meowed in response, “or we’ll-” the cat jumped off his lap and started walking “- die.”. Huh, he thought, she listens really well.

But she didn’t walk towards where the building was, she walked and stopped by the branch and turned to look at him. “Meow.” 

“I know cat, it’s a branch,” she nudged the branch with her paw “I really don’t know what you want me to do with a branch.” The sass was like a powerful aura that he could just feel , why did she have to act so above him? She was literally smaller than him! He could crush her with that very branch, but he couldn’t do that, doing that would just automatically kill him emotionally and mentally. He didn’t have the heart to do such a cruel thing.

The cat sat down and stared at him. He laughed confused, “I don’t know what you want me to do!” She blinked at him, rather tiredly. “Do you want me to pick up this stick? I really don't know what you want me to do with this.” That seemed to get a reaction out of her, she didn’t look like she was done with his shit as much! Ah, that’s probably what she wants me to do, he realized. He grabbed the stick and held onto it tight. “Wait ohhhh, oh my gods!” he felt like an idiot , “you want me to use this to help me get around?” The cat up, meowed excitedly and walked around him, pressing her head against his sides. 

This cat is really smart, he was astonished at how well she could articulate what she wanted and communicate without even speaking. He rested the back of his forearm on the tree trunk whilst still holding the branch and leaned up upon it. Standing up attempt #3 of the day, hopefully getting around would be easier with this. “Welp cat, I’m wishing you know what you’re doing!” Scar said to the cat, he needed a name for her. He couldn’t just keep calling the cat ‘cat’, it felt disrespectful considering how much she has helped him. 

He made his way up and now was leaning his back against the tree. Everything was now a lot darker, which made his stomach do little jumps. He didn’t like the time limit until night, what if he didn’t make it to the building? He didn’t want to think about it.

The temperature was noticeably dropping, shit, that was also something he had to worry about. 

Cold breeze ran against his skin, feeling like violence and yet, a friendly warning. He didn’t have much time, but he had to make the most of it. Using the stick as some kind of cane he was able to put most of his weight on it. With how thick the branch was, walking was slightly easier, it was still painful and all but at least it’s better than acquiring cuts and struggling to get around with the one hand he could use. 

He looked down at the cat, who was happily walking by his side, with a smile he thanked the cat, “Thank you! I uh, I really need to name you, calling you ‘cat’ all the time feels rude and all…” he studied the cat, she was pretty small and round, like a little bean! Ahw, just adorable. 

He thought hard about earlier, how she melted like jelly into his lap. Jelly… THAT’S IT! He knew what he wanted to name the cat! “Hey,” the cat looked at him again, and once again he noticed how attentive she was, “can I call you jellie?” 

She seemed to like that name, going by one of his legs and rubbing her head against it whilst she purred. He could feel his heart being crushed. “Ahwhwhwhuahwhyahh! I’m glad you like the name.” 

With a lot of slow walking later, he reached the building finally! It was now getting towards the end of sunset, and the sun was just barely visible, the light was really the only trace of the sun he could see. Violet vanilla skies with orange blood juice spilled over the sky with immense colour. Clouds were dusty grey, but rose pink the closer to where the sun set. 

The building was a deep shade of grey, plastered with ivy and vines of other plants that took over the building. There was no clear entrance, as most of the sides of the place was covered in rubble and rocks, though there was one definite window that seemed like he could possibly get through. it was fairly small compared to the size of an actual door and kind of high up which worried him. He didn’t know what the inside looked like, it could be deeper for all he knew. There could be wolves inside habituating the place already. Thinking about it made his stomach upset, he didn’t want to die, he went through all that trouble with getting here in the first place, he couldn’t die yet!

Jellie hopped up onto the sill, distracting him from his unwanted thoughts. “Meow!” She sounded like she was reassuring him. She leapt down to the other side, he gasped, is she alright?! He couldn’t hear her land, oh gods, did fall into a hole?! Maybe the landing was just muffled out by his thoughts? Did she just die?! His lips trembled as he felt his legs start to shake, he couldn’t move even though he wanted to move so badly. He couldn’t lose Jellie, not this short into having her. He felt like he’s known her for his whole life. Why was this happening? Where was Jellie? He knew where she was, but that didn’t satisfy him enough! Where was she!? He needed Jellie!

His vision was blurry again, but not for the same reason, tears clouded his eyes and a few slipped out and slid off his cheeks. “Jellie…!” He desperately cried out “Are you still there?” He got nothing, the first time she hasn’t responded to him at all. He sniffed, ugh, he wiped his eyes as much as he could with his shoulder. He hates crying. It’s never a happy thing and that upsets him more.

Out of his vision he saw a white-grey blob. Hope filled him, “Jellie?” The blob replied back with a loud meow, “JELLIE!” In a switch of emotions and pure joy, he rushed over as fast as he could to Jellie and hugged her. He was sobbing once again, but this time he didn’t mind, because these were his happy tears. 

He looked at her, his vision had mostly cleared. Although, he could see that she was covered in a fair amount of dust. He didn’t care, he got his cat back! He hugged her so tight he forgot about his arm, the joy numbed out the pain for a bit, but it quickly returned. “AhghH- I forgot about that…” he let go of Jellie and made sure his arm was okay. It still looked as nasty as ever, so he guessed nothing changed much. 

Now, to get over the sill. He deliberately looked at what was left of the window. Ah. There was still glass that remained. It lined the edges of the window, where the full pane was placed, except for a small patch on the bottom that was just big enough for Jellie to sit comfortably. He looked at her for maybe some words of advice, but she stared at him with the same blank and unknowing look on her face that read, “Sorry sir, I can’t help you with this one.”. 

Maybe he could get rid of some of the leftover glass, just enough for him to get over at least. 

“Alright Jellie, I’m going to need you to come down over here.” He advised, and she jumped down next to him. She looked at him with a judging look, he groaned “Oh come on Jellie, it’s not that bad of an idea…” It probably was. He put his weight onto the wall and picked up the heavy branch. He could barely lift it up, but if he could get it on the sill and push through the glass, his plan might work. If it didn’t work, well, he was just going to have to suffer once again. 

With lots of trial and error he eventually got enough glass to break off that he wouldn’t injure himself too much. It wasn’t the result he was expecting but it was a good enough result for him. “See Jellie, I did well!” He said to the cat who was currently laying down on her side, ‘I guess she knew it would take awhile’ he assumed. 

He pushed the stick over the sill, it wasn’t going to be any help outside of where he was going to be. He tried grabbing the ledge and putting one leg over it, doing so he almost fell, nearly cutting his leg on some glass. “Ooh, oh, that is not a good idea, uhm, let’s try this again! What if I..” he leaned over the ledge so his upper torso was inside the building. “Now if I…” he mumbled to himself as he slowly slid forward, if he just could reach the floor he could slide himself in. 

His arm touched the cold stone floor, it was smooth but had the slightest bit of roughness to it. Like dirt almost, just less soft, and not hidden with sharp leaves that are ready to destroy your life. 

Eventually he got in without many mishaps, just accidentally hitting his legs on hard stone that caused tremendous pain for a while. He sat up and moved the stick so it leaned up against where the window was. Jellie jumped in right after and landed once again in his lap.

He tilted his head back and sighed. He could finally rest. He was close by the window, not directly next to it, but close enough he could feel the breeze slip through it. It was also his only source of light. The sky has turned to a dark, deep, blue, revealing that it was truly nighttime. He moved his good hand over slightly and touched something, “Oh?” He picked it up, it was a big, green-luscious leaf. 

He looked over, “Oh!” There was a pile of leaves right next to him! They looked the same as the one he picked up. Did Jellie do this? He was amused, oh how he did not deserve a cat like this. Is that why she was gone for a bit? This is why she didn’t respond! With a dramatic gasp he cooed at the cat “Jellieeee, thank you so much!” he picked up the cat in his arms and cuddled her. He laid down on top of the leaves and he could already feel himself tune out of the world. Jellie purred as she laid on his chest, creating a relaxing rhythm. He took a deep breath and closed his eyes for the night.

—————————————————————————————————————

Grian was wandering through the woods, he swore he saw the thief go this way. He hadn’t really explored this area of the forest much, so it was just a matter of hopefully going in the right direction. Nighttime was approaching too quickly for his liking, and he didn’t exactly bring his best weapons with him, just his axe. That’ll do for now. Hopefully he doesn’t run into any complications with too many mobs. 

He did warn Mumbo that he wouldn’t return once he found the creature that stole some of his potatoes. It wasn’t that big of a deal, but he needed to get out and explore more anyway. If he was out all night, or may e even for a week, Mumbo couldn’t blame him for not returning the night of. 

He climbed over a thick tree root, wow, this part of the woods seem more dense than the other parts, he silently noticed. He didn’t want to make too much noise just in case if any mobs already had spawned somewhere where he couldn’t see. 

If he used his thoughts as a distraction, maybe time will go faster. It’s a stupid thought, but it works most of the time. 

He groaned quietly, ‘these woods seemed to go on foreverrrrrrrrrrr’ Grian complained to himself. He wasn’t about to go start talking to a tree. There wasn’t much light to see everything and to find maybe a little cave he could light up. He did bring torches right? He quickly checked his bag out of panic.

…

He did, he sighed, relieving the bit of stress he had. He did not want to trap himself in a hole in the dark for the whole night. Not again, that was just absolute misery and boredom last time. 

He remembers it quite well, he was just wandering about, like he was now, but he was gathering sticks and logs for a fire. He was just starting to make a place to live with Mumbo and they needed light, and so he offered to go off and find what they needed. He lost track of time and then found himself in a little hole for what felt like an eternity. He had scared Mumbo a whole lot the day after, he didn’t know what had happened to him. 

He promised to tell him where he was before he left the house from then on. 

It looks as though his plan worked! The woods were beginning to decrease in thickness, and hopefully he was in the right area, he should be around a clearing? 

Yes. Yes he was. 

He pushed past trees and ran in the clearing, stumbling a bit after the last root. He looked around, maybe the thief was hiding around here! He hoped so, otherwise he would just have to stay here the entire night, he decided he was not going to turn back and walk alllllllll the way back through the dense forest and darkness at nighttime!

He heard something from a distance, his wings flared up slightly out of instinct as he scanned his surroundings again. 

Then he saw it.

He saw the thief! With a.. person? A person. A person  who was probably the owner of the cat that stole the damn potato from his best friend! He quickly hid behind a tree, not wanting to be spotted. He peered from the tree and saw the person just standing out the window? They weren't standing completely, it was more like they were leaning against the wall and a very big tree branch. Why did they have a tree branch?

Then the cat jumped through the window and left the guy looking like they were not having a good time after the cat disappeared. They were like that for a while, Grian heard what sounded like sobs but he wasn’t sure if that’s exactly what he heard. He frowned, as much as his cat was a thief, he did feel bad for the man. It was more of a curiosity than anything to wonder why the person was crying. 

“JELLIE!” Grian jolted from the loud shout. The man? Woman? Had shouted loud enough to cause ringing to his ears. He wasn't sure, he looked like a girl from far away but sounded like a guy. Eh, he couldn’t care, the scream pierced his ears either way as he covered them. His wings shot up in the air, fluffed out, a few feathers flew onto the ground. That scared him good. Not many things could scare Grian as badly as that did. Though, the person did look happier than he did a few seconds ago. 

Grian still felt stuck in place even after he knew there wasn’t any threat. 

The person attempted to get through the window by picking up the branch (which they were having immense trouble with) and stabbing it at the window? Another loud sound occurred, it was as deafening though, it was the sound of glass breaking. “Ohhhhh.” Grian whispered to himself. He knew what the person was doing. It was actually pretty smart. He watched immensely seeing the guy’s plan play out. 

The thief just laid there the entire time. Which was pretty funny to Grian. 

Now the person had to get through the window sill. ‘That’s gonna be pretty entertaining’, Grian thought.

He watched the guy do his first attempt, which was way better than his second attempt. Grian wondered why he didn’t just stick with what he originally was doing.

Seeing the man half in and out the window was just purely baffling to Grian. 

‘He looks like a complete idiot !’ Grian thought. He snickered at how stupid he looked. Good thing he has his cat to keep him from dying or something. It seemed like it had more brain cells than the man himself.

He tried being quiet with his laughter, but apparently he was loud enough that the cat, who was supposedly named ‘Jellie’ lifted its head up to stare at him. He wanted to shut up and stop laughing at something so stupid, but that ended up making him laugh even more. 

The cat's eyes laid like daggers on him. It was scary, but also really funny. He was so caught up with laughing he didn’t notice that the guy made it through the window and the cat got up and went after him. 

He walked out of his hiding spot. He didn’t see the potato anywhere with the cat. Did the person even know? Surely they must have, the cat seems pretty loyal for it to even steal a potato. It was just so dire. Especially for a cat.

He walked over the plain, the grass left vague footprints and then slowly disappeared behind him. It was quite peaceful at night, but dangerous. He grabbed some torches from his bag and started lighting up the area. Hopefully the person was a heavy sleeper or just does not notice. It would be very awkward if they saw him, they’d probably assume he was a creep. 

He finished placing the torches, a guarantee for now that he won’t be attacked and approached the window. The potato was probably there. Why was he even going to these lengths for a potato? It’s a fucking potato, a singular tat. One potato. They had plenty more! He just came to terms with his stupid decision but he was way too far into this to undo anything. 

He looked through the window, “AH-hmmm” Grian screamed and fell to the ground, remembering he couldn’t scream and covered his mouth. Second time he’s been startled today! Jellie had jumped onto the sill towards him. He put a hand on his chest, heart racing. He did not like being scared. He took excessive breaths and tried calming down. Jellie leapt off the ledge and waltzed over to Grian. Grian was starting to think that Jellie was the owner instead of the guy at this point. The cat seemed so demanding and radiated confidence. Then she walked back in front of him and to his left and tapped on something. 

A potato. 

Oh.

What? Grian was now so confused. Why was the potato there and not where the guy and cat was? He didn’t have time to question a cat, but it felt like it was very much needed. “So…” Grian pointed to the potato, “Why is this here? And not there?” Now pointing to the window. The cat meowed and nudged his knee and then jumped back onto the ledge. 

“Hmm, you want me to follow you don’t you?” Grian got a meow of response. “Welp, lead the way, your majesty.” Grian got up, did a little bow which pleased Jellie a ton and made his way to peer into the window again. It was too dark to see anything, although he saw a faint silhouette in the moonlight. Grian could kind of see the face and upper torso of silhouette, scars painted the face in a beautiful pattern that looked like a stream and left him starstruck. Long brown hair covered the head and parts of the chest, it was messy in a stunning way. “Wow..” had he found Pandora’s box?

He felt breathless. Wait. Why was he here again?

Jellie meowed annoyingly at him, oh yeah, she needed him to do something. Grian jumped over the sill and placed a torch in style, the room lit up fairly decently and he could now see the person. And oh my, they were even prettier in light. 

He could clearly see what they looked like now. Their outfit looked dashingly formal, and he felt underdressed compared to this guy. They wore an emerald-green vest with white sleeves and what looked like the same emerald-green coloured dress or darker green pants and brown boots. 

He studied the guy's face again, it looked pretty masculine but he still wasn’t sure if this person was a guy or a girl up close either. It confused him. They still looked like an ethereal being in the lighting.

He thought the person's voice earlier, maybe they were a guy? He’ll stick with that for now. Until tomorrow morning. He really looks like a girl though, or maybe he was just too awestruck to notice. 

Grian looked at Jellie again, “So, now what?” This time Jellie didn’t reply, but just walked over to one of the guys' sides.

A pit swelled up in his stomach when he saw his arm, it looked nasty, and so did his clothes. What happened to him? They looked incredibly burnt, almost like someone took a lighter and lit his clothes on fire. The sight made him almost nauseous, especially his arm, even if it wasn’t the worst thing he’s seen, it was still an unpleasant surprise.

He felt pretty bad now for laughing at him earlier. Awuh, that was such a dick move! No wonder Jellie looked at him with such mean eyes when he laughed. He deserved all the hatred from her, even more from the guy, but she was still willing to let him help her owner. He slammed his hand into his face, agh, he was so stupid.

He couldn’t leave this guy alone now.

Chapter Text

Grian didn’t know what to do. Why did he feel the need to stick around with him? He already lit the area around them up so why couldn’t he just leave it at that? His job was done, he had found Mumbo’s potato. So why couldn’t he leave?

Maybe it had to do with the fact that the man sleeping in front of him looked like he was half on his way to his grave. Well, he wouldn’t have a grave, if he died in his sleep he’d be left on these piles of leaves with his cat. Grian would make him a grave. Poor cat, Grian couldn’t imagine the cat being so lonely if its owner died. 

Maybe that’s why he sat there in dim light watching over a man who hadn’t even talked to. He wanted to save the guy. 

He needed to save this guy. 

He couldn’t save the guy in the dark now, but once he’s woken up, and doesn’t freak out Grian hoped, he could get this guy the proper medical help he needed and set him on his way. Yeah. He could do that. 

… How was he going to explain this to Mumbo? He put his head in the palms of his hands, “Oh yeah, I just found this really beautiful guy and he’s staying at our place until he’s healed! I hope you don’t mind of course!” He rambled to himself. Mumbo wouldn’t like that. He and Mumbo haven’t even seen another person in the same room with them since they met! He hadn’t even met his sister, at least he knew he had a sister. He just hasn’t met her yet.

Mumbo hadn’t met the stranger either, but he was aware of his sister's existence. Grian had no way of telling Mumbo anything that's happening right now. He looked up and breathed deeply, stretching out his wings in the process. He was just going to have to hope that Mumbo doesn’t mind for the time being.

He landed his gaze on the stranger again, ‘You better be grateful for all the effort I’m putting into keeping you safe. And I don’t even know you.’ He spoke in his head. Jellie rested sound asleep on the guys chest, one hand on her back as she purred softly. It was a steady rhythm that drowned out all his worries of tomorrow. 

He was sure Jellie was enough comfort, but just in case… Grian took off his cloak and placed it on top of the guy like a blanket, making sure not to cover Jellie’s face. ‘There!’ Grian smiled to himself. Now he was extra protected. It probably didn’t do much but now that he was content with himself, he could get some rest maybe. He couldn’t pull an all-nighter and expect to get this guy back to his place with no sleep.

His eye lids felt like cement being layered over his eyes, hardening and becoming heavier and heavier until they closed and fell into sleep to the sound of Jellie’s rhythmic purrs.

“Goodnight stranger…” Grian whispered out.

—————————————————————————————————————-

He hadn’t slept better. Sunlight glazed his face and woke him up. He held his hand over his face so he could see better. Jellie rested on his chest, fast asleep. He softly smiled at her, he was so grateful for her (and her help)! Rested on top of Jellie and he was a red blanket? He lifted it up, no, it was a cloak. He doesn’t remember wearing a red cloak?

What?

This wasn’t his clothing? What? He didn’t wear red right? 

This was his first time actually looking at what he was wearing for the first time. He wore mostly green, a green vest to be exact and a brown corset. Underneath the vest were white sleeves with brown capsulating the sleeve at the end. He wore a dress over his dark green pants, the dress was the same colour as the vest. 

So why was he-OH! He shot up quickly, scaring Jellie off of him. He saw someone sitting in the corner, he appeared to be sleeping. He could faintly see him through the sunlight but he had vibrant coloured wings of red, yellow, and blue, tinges of green were seen too, they shone like crystals. They were gorgeous. He was left in awe.

Did he die? Was this a dream? He never saw someone with wings before! Nonetheless, ones so beautiful…

A fallen feather on the ground near him caught his attention, he reached out to touch it. It was big, about the size of his forearm and bright yellow. Yellow like the sun. He twirled it around in his fingers, it seemed to glow in the light. He liked how that looked. “Whoah….” He breathed out. ‘Amazing.’ Was all he could think. The pain in his hand was forgotten for a split second, he could feel it sting again, but once again, he didn’t really care. At least he knew he wasn’t dreaming.

He laid down again and stared at the ceiling. He didn’t know what to do. Does he wake up the stranger? Or does he wait for him to wake up by himself? He placed the feather down beside him and felt himself sink into the stone ground. Maybe he could sleep some more, it did seem pretty early. 

— — — — —

“You’re going to have to cooperate here, misses!” He heard someone say.

A meow replied back. Jellie? He frowned, who was Jellie talking to- oh. OH. OHHH. OH NO. 

He scrambled up in a sitting position and pointed at the man. 

“YOU!” He yelled loudly.

The man jumped and yelled, startled by the sudden voice yelling at him. His wings opened up, and gods, they were beautiful, but he couldn’t admire them right now. 

“AHH-Oh! Oh. Oh, you’re awake.” The man was frozen in place, but slightly relaxed when he saw it was him. Strange.

“You can’t just scare a guy like that!” He protested. The man was holding his cat by the window, looking ready to leave. Then he added “And steal his cat!”. He still was pointing at the man, scared if he were to stop it would unfreeze him from his place, even though the man was completely capable of leaving as he spoke. 

“I’m not stealing your cat!” The guy growled, his wings flared out a bit. As if they weren’t already spread out enough. They covered the entire view of the window. 

He glared at him, and he glared back. “How do I know you’re not lying?” He asked. 

“I can tell you I’m not lying because I was trying to get back this potato from your little thief of a cat that stole it from my friend!” He spat out, words felt like knives as he held out the potato in front of him, shoving it in his face. Making sure he would definitely see it, and dropped it on him. He failed miserably to catch 

A Potato? Where did that come from?

“I don’t think my friend will miss one potato, seems like you need it more than I do..” his gaze averted his eyes, but there was something so sincere about that comment, almost soft. He gently let Jellie to the ground, and she wandered around the area. But chose to lay down between the two.

The guy sat down right in front of him and picked up the potato, he tossed it in the air a few times, and caught it each time. Impressive, he could not do that.

“Let me properly introduce myself, I,” he fidgeted with the potato, and still didn’t make eye contact with him, looking like a completely different person than two seconds ago, “am Grian.”

“Grain?”

“No.”

 “Okay… Greyon?”

“Close, but no.”

“Grion?”

“No, but try it with an ‘an’ sound instead of an ‘on’ sound.”

“Grian?”

“Yes!” Grian smiled.

For the first time, he could properly see the guy. He had golden hair and dark eyes that now stared at him and felt like they saw his deepest secrets. Secrets he wouldn’t even know he had. They were tinted of a light blue, which he didn’t know was possible, genetics? They swirled like pools of shadow, but looked like solid obsidian. 

Face feathers lined his face under his eyes and cheeks to where his ears would be. Connecting to mini wings that replaced his ears. Does he even have ears? How did he hear? Maybe his ears were behind the feathers? Who knows. Grian obviously did, but that’d be a rude question to ask.

They sat in silence for a couple of seconds, he expected Grian to continue the conversation but he guessed not.

“Also,” he said. It caught Grian’s attention, “Yeah…?” Grian prodded. 

“I was awake before you.” He abruptly stated.

Grian looked at him confused, “What does that have to do with anything?” 

“Your wings are beautiful.”

“What?” Grian was baffled. And then he held up the feather he found that he placed beside him. “Look! They’re gorgeous!”

Grian blushed and snatched the feather back. “Hey what was that for?!” He exclaimed, it was just a fallen feather, it wasn’t like he was going to use it to fly or anything.

“I don’t even know who you are or what your name is!” Grian’s voice went high. “And that was irrelevant to my question!”

“… But thank you.” Grian bashfully whispered, he looked as if he got sunburnt. Badly. 

“On the page of introductions, what’s your name?” Grian asked. Gosh, what was his name? 

“Uhhhhhhh…” he dragged out as much as he could. ‘Think, think, think! What is your name?” He crossed his arms, forgetting about his arm, touching the scar. “Ouch!” He hissed in pain.

“You alright?” Grian asked, with as much pain in his voice, like he could feel it too.

“Oh, yeah. I’m alright.” He tried to brush it off.

“So….” Grian brought his attention back to the conversation.

“Oh.” He thought some more, feverly touching his arm to make sure he didn’t make the scar worse. That’s it! His name was—“Scar!” He exclaimed. “That’s my name!” He blurted out quickly right after.

“Really?” Grian raised an eyebrow.

“Yep! You can’t have a good time without (a) Scar!” Scar made a finger gun at him. Why did he do that? Augh, that was not even funny.

“Is that your full name?” Grian questioned further, breathing out a wheeze. How ironic would that be, but Scar(?) liked that idea. It was pretty funny to him.

“Why yes it is! Ding ding! You sir, you are correct.” Grian looked at him with open eyes. “Actually?” His voice felt as thin as paper to his ears. Scar nodded at him “Yes!” 

Grian laughed ecstatically, looking like he won everything he wanted. He punched his  arms into the air as he cheered. 

“I actually can’t believe that!” Grian’s eyes shone like stones. “You're not lying right?”

“No!” Scar shook his head. He would never, especially not to ruin the moment.

“Ohh, that might actually be the funniest thing I’ve ever heard.” Grian stated, but quickly added, “No offense!” 

“None taken!” Scar smiled, happy that they were at least getting along.

“Wait.” Scar started, trying to get what happened out of the way, “Why are you here? I know you stumbled upon me because of Jellie, but why did you stay?”

Grian looked at him. Trying to find an answer, he knew, but did he really want to tell him? So instead opted for an easier response, “Wasn’t that the first thing on your mind? Since you know, you kind of yelled at me?”

It wasn’t actually, not at that moment, or really-wow. He didn’t question his mysterious appearance at all actually- he realized. 

“Sorry about that by the way. But it wasn’t actually! I wouldn’t mind an explanation though.” He replied thoughtfully. 

Grian laughed nervously and took a deep breath, “So.” Scar was already laughing, he could tell it would be a ridiculous story, “Shut up!” Grian pestered at him, and continued, “I was outside of my home, checking on the crops while my friend was sleeping and I saw, well, I saw your cat take one of his potatoes!” He started laughing lightly, which made Scar laugh more.

“And, she ran, the little thief ran off with an entire potato! And for some stupid fucking reason, I ran after her.” Grian shrugged, both of their laughter died down, “That’s about it, on how I got here, although, I did see your sad attempts at getting through this window. I kind of wanted to ask about what was going on there.” He pointed back to the window. 

Scar gasped, offended. “They were not sad attempts! The first was, but not the second! At least I got through the window!” He recalled the trouble he had yesterday, and felt a shiver go down his spine. “Eugh”, he did not want to think about it.

“What was that?”

“What?”

“Why did you make that sound?” Grian wondered. 

“Oh! Oh, I really don’t want to talk about it.” He moved his hand up and down as if to brush off the conversation, “I had tons of trouble getting around yesterday.” He grimaced at the memories. 

“Oh. Do you still have trouble?” Grian interrogated.

He stared at the branch that sat by the window, “I don’t know, but probably.” He shrugged. It’s not like he can do much about it. 

It was interesting how they went from laughing to silence in matters of seconds. The mood felt like mud on clean floors. Not a big deal, but no one wants to clean it up. 

“Scar?”

His head snapped back to Grian, giving him his full undivided attention. That caught his attention. Hearing his name for the first time felt euphoric. 

“Yea?” Scar immediately responded back.

“Do you want me to help you?” Grian offered.

“With what?” Scar was confused. What did he need help with?

“Get around?” He hesitated, “Go back to my place so I can help you with that.” Grian carefully lifted up Scar’s injured hand. He was so cautious, and gentle, it flattered him, really. He felt warmth rush to his face, when unable to move with the sudden touch. His hands were warm, like light.

“I-“ Scar stammered, “that would be nice! Yeah!” Grian snickered, “ but please do, seriously, this arm is a nightmare !” Scar complained. 

As much Scar wanted to go and receive help, most of him just wanted to stay here and talk with Grian all day and let Jellie. He was nice company, as weird as his appearance was, he didn’t think badly about it.

“We should probably start heading over now then.” Grian suggested. He was right, who knows how long it would take them to reach his place. It could take hours or days, Scar wouldn’t know. But Grian would.

“Yeah.” Scar agreed. He reached out his arms so Grian could help him up. Luckily Scar had the branch, so Grian wouldn’t have to put up with him struggling so much, he concluded. There weren’t many walls in the woods after all.

Grian got up and brushed off any dirt or leaves that might’ve stuck to him. He accepted his offer and clasped his hands onto his, Grian pulled more on his left arm until he was on his feet. It made his heart flutter. A man he barely knew was so articulate and careful to  him, just to make sure he didn’t hurt him. 

Scar was practically hugging him to stay up right. Clinging onto his bright red jumper. He felt bad, but he would feel even more bad if he just fell on the spot. Grian guided him to the window, slowly, patiently. Step by step, breath by shaky breath. 

He could feel Grian’s breath on his neck. It was shockingly cold, breath was usually warm. Right? 

They made it to the window. “Thank you.” Scar nodded his head. Grian nodded back and just handed him the branch to lean on. He quickly grabbed something off the floor, it was his cloak. He placed the cloak over Scar’s shoulders and buttoned the two buttons on the top, “Here, it’s still a bit chilly out.” Scar blushed, he didn't know why he had to do that. He knew the reason why he did that, Grian just told him. It was morning and it’s cold out, simple. But he needs warmth too.

It felt too kind, he barely knew the guy, and yet he already feels so safe around him. There was this aura of protection that Scar felt, he wondered if Grian felt it too?

Scar opened his mouth to ask, but he got interrupted by Grian’s instructions, “Scar.” His mouth closed immediately, paying full attention to what he had to say again. “Grab onto the window sill,” Scar listened and let go of one of Grian’s hands, “be careful, there’s glass. I don’t want to bandage more injuries than necessary.” He kept that in mind and grabbed the ledge, leaning forward on it to support him. 

Grian had grabbed the branch and held it out to Scar. “Take this.” Grian asked, and Scar quickly maneuvered his grasp to the branch. “Is it alright if we let Jellie go out first? Or do you want her to go last and you just get out right now?”

Scar thought about it for a moment, he understood that he couldn’t go with her at the same time. “Last.” Replied Scar. It’s what she did when he got in, so it’s what she’ll do when she goes out.

Grian clapped his hands together. “Alright!” He faced Scar fully and placed his left hand on the upper left side of his torso and one on the ledge, helping to anchor him so he wouldn’t fall over.

Scar rested into Grian’s touch, which is probably the opposite of what he wants him to do. Scar just wants to savor every moment, after all, he’s only getting medical help from him and then he’s on his way. 

To what life? He didn’t know he would have to figure it out by himself one day. That day can wait. A long time.

He leaned onto the stick as Grian helped lift one of hif legs over. Doing it successfully after a couple tries (his leg almost getting caught in glass once again, he really needed to pay more attention). 

Grian then went and somehow got through to the other side of the window too, while keeping his hand on Scar. Helping him once again but pulling him towards him instead of away. Grian held onto Scar with both hands, basically hugging him again as Scar fought with the window to get the stick through the other side. 

“You got this, try moving it that way?” Grian suggested.

“That’s not going to work.” Scar said. “Oh.” Grian replied back. 

Eventually the branch got through. Scar took a big breath, that was quite aggravating for him, he looked at Grian for the step step, and they both forgot how close they were. 

Grian turned his head away too quickly, it would’ve broken a normal person's neck. 

They silently agreed to not mention that. Grian tried getting Scar’s burnt arm over his shoulders, trying to be as gentle as he could. As he always did. 

Either the sun was being extra hot this morning or Scar was blushing.

…

“So how’d you get that branch?” Grain suddenly spoke, was he trying to clear the awkward air that now blanketed them? Scar Hoped so. He didn’t think he could handle his face heating up to uncomfortable temperatures again.

“I—” he bagan, where did that branch come from actually? He traced back his memories to when he found Jellie, right after that branch dropped in front of him. “I think Jellie managed to get it down for me.” He said through thin wheezes. 

“Wait what?” Grian looked at him dumbfounded. “A branch this big, brought down by a cat that looks like she could fit in a bowl?!” “Yes.” “Wow. She’s a wonder.”

She surely was. Scar agreed. “Jellie!” He called out, “You can come over here now!” Jellie jumped over and landed right next to him. “Good girl Jellie!” Scar cooed the cat. He was going to definitely spoil her with his love. “Scar, she’s not a dog.” Grian corrected him, “I know!” Scar replied happily.

He looked around, the grass still looked the same, and so did the tree. Everything looked nice in the early morning light. Though, there were now torches that scattered a big chunk of the area. Those were not there before, he knew that. 

“Whoah, did you do this?” Scar wanted to know.

“Yep.” Grian said, popping the ‘p” sound. 

“Why?” Scar was curious. 

“To light up the area and make sure no mobs attack you. Or me.” Grain simply responded. Grian didn’t question his absence questions anymore Scar noticed,

Mobs? What were those? Scar pondered. He’d have to ask later, he just wanted to get to his destination!

“Well, lead the way, Grian!” Scar tried bowing as much as he could with his position, tightening his grip onto Grian’s shoulder. 

He would be lying if he didn’t say he was only slightly scared. 

But

He trusted Grian. It sounded so foolish, but it was true. 

He trusted this man with his life, which was about to be out the test as they entered the forest.

Chapter Text

Grian never thought he would be doing what he was doing. He’d done some pretty weird shit in his past, crazy shit, concerning shit, traumatizing shit. Most of the shit he wanted to forget. You can’t pick and choose. A lesson he learned a long time ago. 

He couldn’t stand thinking about any of it right now. He needed to take himself away from his mind, which gave him an excuse to look at Scar again, this wonder of a guy he found. He didn’t know if it was a good thing or not. This time though, he was able to observe him in the warm morning light instead of in a dimly lit crumbled building. He still looked incredibly beautiful. 

It scared him.

Scar’s gaze was concentrated onto the ground, his eyebrows scrunched in a way that spelt ‘focus’, and his eyes were still the same emerald green, the same colour as the bright leaves that grow in spring. They squinted slightly, following the rest of his expression. 

Scar moved the branch to where he was going to step, and Grian would move there too and guide Scar along. Jellie compliantly trailed behind them. 

They adapt to this pattern as they walk through the forest. Luckily they came across no mobs, Grian didn´t know how he would defend Scar if they did come across any mobs. 

One foot in front of the other. That's how they'll get to Grian´s place. Where was Scar going to rest though? The pace was only meant for Grian and Mumbo, they never had anyone over. Until today. 

Occasionally they would come across a thick tree root, where they would have to adjust their pattern. It wasn’t difficult, for Grian at least. He didn’t know how tedious this was for Scar, he hoped it was about as easy as it was for him. 

He glanced down to his fancy outfit, it looked torn in places, smeared with ashes too. He quickly glanced at the hand that rested just over his shoulder. One question on his mind.

“Soo..” he didn’t want to stall, “May I ask what you did to your arm?” Grian asked Scar, trying to keep it cool. Scar’s mouth slightly opened, but Scar’s expression stayed the same. Like he was avoiding the question. 

‘Got it.’ Grian noted. 

He didn’t want to press the question too far, in case it broke Scar. He didn’t want that at the moment. It’s not like he needed to know anyway, it would just be a nice thing to make sure how Scar is doing mentally? That burn does look like it hurts a lot, how excruciating it would be to experience getting it in the first place.

— — — — — — — —

Gods. Grian contemplated whether to try and attempt to see Pearl after he gets Scar situated with bandages and stuff, and find somewhere to rest. Though, he doesn't know how well Mumbo would deal with a stranger just casually living in his home. Maybe they will get along? Grian hoped for the best to come. 

He didn’t want to bring Scar to Pearl’s for obvious reasons, it would be too dangerous and risky. He didn’t know how well Pearl would deal with it. It would be way worse than just letting him stay with him. He wouldn’t even know where to begin with talking to her in the first place. 

Pearl would obviously be able to protect him, that would be useful for her to know once he’s let Scar back on his own. So she doesn’t kill him. It’s a miracle that she wasn’t patrolling the forest when he found him, Grian realized.

But he could protect Scar perfectly fine! He didn’t need Pearl to watch over him. That would be rude. He didn’t need Pearl’s help. He could take care of Scar without her. He should pay her a visit though, he hadn’t seen her in a few months

Grian looked towards Scar again, studying his injuries further, as well as the scar he already has. It painted his face like spilled ink over a map. The scar stretched over his right side of his face, a bit went over the nose and above his eyes but mainly just the right side. It went along his ears too, his very pointed ears that looked like—

Wait. 

Was Scar an elf?

He looked at Scar again, fully. The outfit made a lot more sense, but what happened? The Elven Kingdom was an orderly place. Unless Scar was an outcast and escaped the kingdom somehow, Grian had realized he knew nothing about Scar. 

He was either saving this man, or making a great mistake. Maybe both. Maybe he was saving himself by saving Scar. Grian thought about this more, he wasn’t supposed to be doing this if he’s from the Elven Kingdom.

The Elven Kingdom would go and search for him, and kill him probably. Grian felt his heart palpitate faster, his chest did the same. They quickened in pace, faster than Grian’s thought or movements. They were running a race where the finish line wasn’t even a line. It was most likely all for nothing. 

Scar didn’t strike him as someone who would be chastised. At least this far into meeting him.

Grian shouldn’t be worried, he could defend himself easily, he could defend Scar too! But the fear he feels that someone is about to jump out at him before he could react, scared him, a bit too much. Grian wasn’t prepared if that happened. 

He didn’t know what he'd do, he’d probably die. Scar would too.

He was probably overreacting, he hadn’t even asked the question yet, but he could feel the words swell through his throat and out his mouth, like vomit.

“Are you an elf?!”

—————————————————————————————————————-

“Soo.. May I ask what you did to your arm?” Grian asked Scar.

Scar didn’t know how to answer Grian’s question. So he didn’t. It killed him, but he couldn’t remember what had happened to it. It felt fuzzy and unknowing, like he could see it right in front of him but it felt so far away. He didn’t want to lie to Grian. He felt an ache in his chest, he felt bad for not knowing. 

He assumed he got it from fire because of the scorch marks on his clothes. 

Without anything being said, he stayed silent the entire time. Letting his body take over his mind. He didn’t pay attention to where he was going, Grian would save him if he fell. He knew he would.

He was going to help him, then let him on his way. Simple. He could get through this. 

Even when Grian stopped and asked out of nowhere: “You’re an elf?!”

He still stayed silent.

He didn’t know, Was he? 

He couldn’t see himself, it’s not like he had a mirror on stand by. His body felt like mush and he wanted to go and lay down and take the longest nap ever.

Scar just wished he could remember. Then he could tell Grian for sure.

But he doesn’t.

— — — —

Scar didn’t know how long they had been walking in silence, or just in general. But the woods started to seem like they actually lead into a clearing. There weren’t as many thick roots as before and there was a lot more grass, it looked a little more alive too. 

Scar could feel his body give out more and more, his joints felt like they were on fire. His knees had the worst of it, like thorns were growing out of his legs and sprouted into roses. Each thorn that grew felt like they were cutting his nerves and tendons. He gritted his teeth, he didn’t care how he looked. He couldn’t rest, surely they were almost there. 

His spine ached and ached, holding up his weight in an upright position for any longer would lead into a collapse of his body. Like a building, he would crumble. He would decay back into the ground and be relieved. 

But he didn’t want to fall. He wanted to so badly, but Grian was holding him, and he didn’t need to cause a problem for him. He was just in too much pain to do anything else. He couldn’t even speak, it’s as if his body went into autopilot and he couldn’t connect the wires between the brain and body.

He let his vision focus on the world around him again. He still saw the trees, their thick, brown trunk and deep green leaves. They were pretty trees, but he had stared at them too much for too long, he couldn’t stand to look at them. But just beyond the next couple of rows of trees, he could see the sky, he couldn’t believe it. They were almost there! 

Scar smiled, forgetting he had to keep walking and his knees locked in a bit. “Ahg!” Scar groaned. “Are you alright!?” Grian’s body language tensed up, and squeezed the back of his shirt. “Yeah. I’m al— ah!” He tried giving an answer but his joints felt like hell, like rusted hinges on a door. It hurts to straighten back up. 

“Come on, go slowly. We’re almost there!” Grian tried smiling his best, but Scar could still see the panic behind his eyes. “I’m trying!” Scar managed to bark out. Grian let loose of his grip and hesitated to speak. Shit. “I’m sorry, I- I just want to lay down.” Scar apologized. 

“I understand.” Grian said. Did he really? Scar debated. They were almost there, Scar assumed. Scar managed to get himself back to slightly walking, determination and the promise of being able to rest was the only thing that kept him going at a fast-ish pace. “Dude, slow down, you’re going to hurt yourself!” Grian exclaimed. 

“Don’t care.” Scar simply replied as he continued to trudge into the clearing. Gods, was it nice to see the world uncovered again. The grass somehow felt softer against his boots, and he could properly feel the breeze now, it blew gently, only slightly moving the hair out of his face. 

He sighed, he felt a bit more peaceful knowing that he didn’t have to walk over more thick roots. He slowed down, only a bit so he didn’t completely collapse. 

He looked up at the sky, which seemed to move with him as he walked. It bounced up and down with each limp. The sky was cool, it was filled with pinks, purples and blues. It looked stunning, and the opposite of Grian’s feathers, which under the sunset light looked like magic crystals. He was now staring at his wings, they looked so soft, like the fabric of his cloak. Though the sunlight faded off of his wings, he still looked gorgeous. It took everything to not drop everything and cover himself with those wings, even if the thought had stuck around with him until Grian put him to a stop.

Huh? Oh.

Scar missed the big ass building right in front of him. No wonder he couldn’t feel the sun on his face, he was standing in shadow. Scar hung his head down, and let out a laugh. 

Grian looked at him puzzled. “Did you not notice the entire building right in front of you?”

“No!” Scar laughed out, and they laughed together. 

—————————————————————————————————————-

“It looks like a boot.” Scar breathed out from laughter.

“What?” Grian was shocked. No one had ever made that comment to him ever.

“Your house,” Scar said and then repeated, “it looks like a boot.” He pointed to the outline of the house. 

Oh my- it did look like a boot! How had Grian never noticed it before? He laughed again, but louder, making sharp sounds that sounded almost like slithers of a snake’s. 

Grian led the way for Scar down a dirt path, it was a lot smoother than the grass, or getting over roots. So hopefully, this was just easy enough for Scar to get across than what they had encountered. 

They finally made it to the door, which was made out of spruce, it was easy to find and a nice colour overall. Grian could hear Scar’s exhausted sigh. “I know.” Grian didn't need to hear words to understand that. He knocked on the door, his hand was shaking a bit. They waited a bit.

A pit grew in his stomach, Mumbo should be answering pretty soon. He tapped his foot on the ground repeatedly, a habit of his. He heard foot steps running around and perked his head up. He saw Scar looked nervous out of the corner of his eye so he tightened his grip on him.

The door swung open aggressively, and Mumbo shouted “You said you were going to only take five minutes Grian!” Grian gritted his teeth. Ah, that’s right. “Sorry…?” He didn’t feel that sorry, he felt bad, but he would’ve felt worse if he left Scar by himself.

“Wait who’s that?” Mumbo had closed the door enough to cover a bit of himself in defense. He looked at Grian again, who took a deep breath and said “This is Scar, and I found him and he needs our help.” Mumbo looked at him, amused by his answer. 

Mumbo fully looked at Scar, his face turned into an expression of fear and (even more) confusion as he noticed the burn on his arm. “Woah! What happened to you? If I may ask. Are you alright?” He let go of the handle, leaving the door ajar. Almost going to hold the arm, before remembering that it’d probably hurt a lot. 

Scar looked at Grian for help? Advice? Grian didn’t know what Scar wanted. Grian nodded his head as if to say “You can answer, I’m not your mum. I'm not answering for you.”.

Mumbo butted in, saving Scar. “Never mind that, uh, come in I guess. If Grian brought you here, it’s not like I can say no huh.” Mumbo said awkwardly and smiled. Grian could feel the aura radiate off of him. And off of Scar too, heck, he probably was even awkward right now. (He knew he was.)

Their shoes clacked on the wooden floor boards as they entered. The place has always felt like home to Grian, ever since they found it years ago. It had a warm feeling to it, white walls on top of deep slate, dark oak support beams ran across the ceiling and down the walls too. There was a row of orange-tinted windows near the ceiling, spilling light inside. 

Grian loved to lay down on the floor for a bit at this time of day and bask in the sun. The other windows were big, but each view outside looked different, in one was the dark oak forest, and in another was the plains that covered miles and miles.

“Hey Mumbo?”

“Yeah?” Mumbo rose an eyebrow to the question,

“Can you go and set up my area upstairs so that it is comfortable for Scar?” Requested Grian. Grian just knew his face was dusted with light pink. A nest was a sacred thing to birds. Why was he so easy to give it up, at least he wasn’t sharing the nest. It was just for the night, he thought.

Mumbo furrowed his brows, “Isn’t that your nesting area?” Asked Mumbo.

It was, “I mean, yeah, but it’s only until we can find a suitable place for Scar. I can just sleep on the floor or something.” Grian tried to brush it off.

“No!” Both Scar and Mumbo said in unison. 

Grian laughed at them and then stated, “It's not like we have a sofa? Do we?”

“No we don’t.” Mumbo confirmed, “but that doesn’t mean you get to sleep on the cold floor!” 

“Yeah!” Agreed Scar.

“Listen,” Grian stopped and made sure that Scar was leaning against the wall by the staircase, “we can sort this out later. I need to bandage this arm and any other injuries this guy has.” He held the end of Scar's arm that was still over his shoulder out to Mumbo.

“Okay… but we are talking later for sure.” Mumbo sternly said.

Then out of nowhere, a loud meow broke the thin tension, Mumbo and Grian jumped in the air. Grian had forgotten about Jellie, he rested a hand on his chest, his heart rate had spiked up and was still going. 

“Jellie!” Scar called out joyfully, at least he had his cat. Jellie walked around Scar’s legs, rubbing her head along his lower calf.

“And there’s a cat!?” Mumbo exclaimed which made the other two laugh. Grian had a feeling they were all going to get along well enough. 

“Yes! This is the cat that stole your potato!” He said through laughs. 

“Actually?!” Mumbo sounded astonished. 

“Yeah! Jellie is a wonder.” Scar said. 

“Well, as long as she doesn’t steal anything else, she can stay.” Mumbo said.

Grian countered, “I don’t think it’d be your decision, I think Jellie would kick you out personally.” He crossed his arms, Jellie was pretty sassy, enough to at least kick Mumbo out of his own home. Oh he’d love to watch that happen.

“You two talk while I go find a medkit—and after I sit Scar down over here.” Grian pulled out a chair by the table for Scar to sit. Scar used to getting moved around now latched himself onto Grian as they inched to the chair. Scar had left the stick against the wall, it stood out compared to the rest of everything. 

Mumbo stood there not knowing what to do. He looked at them, then the ceiling, the chair, he looked at everything really. Grian leaned down to set Scar on the chair, he had one hand on the side of the chair and his other arm dangled over Grian’s shoulder still before drifting off of it. Grian stood up fully and turned around to the kitchen to search.

He started to look through a good amount of the cabinets and drawers, ones that he knew would have various junk inside of it. (Various “junk” collected by him, himself).He and Mumbo rarely ever needed the first aid kit, they didn’t get injured a lot, the most dangerous injury needed a wash and a band aid. At most they needed multiple band aids, but usually that was about it.

He couldn’t seem to find the one with what he needed, and it frustrated him, he was handling the doors more aggressive, slamming the doors now. He didn’t care if it made a lot of noise or that it wasn’t good for anyone or anything there at that moment. 

“Where the hell is it, I swear to-” Grian paused mid sentence, he covered his mouth and an air bubble formed in his throat. He swore he would never say that, they’d find him if he did. He closed the door gently, taking a step back and breathed. Grian closed his eyes, maybe I’d he tried enough, just this once, he could use his powers to at least trigger a memory. 

He took his hand away from his mouth and clenched it to his side. From seeing nothing to a slight purple, he thought of the aid kit. He started seeing visions of places in his house, the dining table, where Scar currently was talking to Mumbo. He seemed very happy about the conversation, that’s good. His nest, maybe he hid it there? 

The bathroom—? Ah. There it was, right next to the sink, the first aid kit he needed. The bright red called out to him as some sort of mocking. Damn, Grian should’ve thought of that sooner. It would make sense that it’s in the bathroom, duh.

Grian opened his eyes, seeing purple in places he shouldn't be, it faded rather quickly. He rubbed his eyes as he walked out to head to the bathroom, hoping to get rid of the faint purple tint that was left. He was passing Mumbo and Scar along the way. He thinks he heard someone ask him a question? But he wasn't sure. It could just be the sounds bouncing off surfaces and echoing in his ears.

Maybe he should´ve stopped to ask if anyone talked to him? He was already halfway up the staircase, oh gosh, getting Scar up here is going to take awhile. But he couldn't just go back down and ask, his body was already in motion and set on the bathroom, on the first aid kit. It´d also be embarrassing, he wasn't in the mood for people laughing at him, or being told no.

He shouldn't have done that. He should've just looked for the damn thing instead of using his powers. He felt tiny little knocks against his skull, he knew it would only get worse, and this was not the time. He made it up the last step and stumbled past the hallway to the bathroom door.

He used the door to avoid falling over, or having his legs crumble beneath him. It wasn’t the most reliable source of stability he knew. But at least the door wasn’t opened, or he would’ve fallen straight into the ground. He did not need any injuries.

He hastily grabbed the first aid kit off the counter, it hit the wall and door before he could control it. It was heavier than he expected. “Shit.” He leaned his back against the wall and held the kit with both hands, analyzing it to make sure he didn’t accidentally break any of it. He couldn’t see any damage made, good. 

He blinked a couple of times, the purple was gone and he didn’t feel so bad anymore. It was strange how quick it would come and go when he used his powers. He wondered what would happen if he used them for too long? Nothing good he assumed.

He walked at a fast pace, he forgot he had a Scar to attend to. Both meanings are literal. 

Grian was downstairs in no time, placing the aid kit on the table, Scar jumped a bit. Grian heard the chair scratch the floor. “Sorry!” Grian apologized. “It's alright! You just startled me.” Scar said. 

“So, what did you guys talk about?” Grian was honest. He did really want to know, as nosy as it might’ve been, he wanted to know. He opened up the first aid kit, splayed inside were rolls of bandages, band aids, adhesive tape, and other random stuff he’s never had to learn the use for.

“Well, we talked about Jellie!” Mumbo cheerfully replied and Scar was nodding his head like crazy while petting said subject. She was sitting contently on his lap, purring quietly, Grian barely heard her clearly. It was a calming sound, he wanted to fall asleep to that sound, die even. But he’s got to continue what he’s doing before all of that. 

“And what about Jellie?” Grian asked further. “How amazing she is, and I promised to not let her steal anymore crops from Mumbo.” Scar stated.

“Again?” 

“Yeah.”

Scar seemed much more relaxed and happier that he was sitting down. It made Grian happy, seeing Scar happy right now, and not how he was less than 10 minutes ago. He looked like a completely different person. 

“Shoot!” Grian ran into the kitchen. He pulled out a pot from the cabinet beneath the sink and turned on the cold water. He ran his hand under it until he felt like he couldn’t feel it anymore. He filled the pot with the cold water and turned the tap off at about halfway. He grabbed a few rags too.

He carefully took steps back into the dining room, placing the pot right next to Scar. “Give me your arm.” Grian demanded. “Why?” Scar asked as he held his arm out for Grian. “We have to cool the burn down, and clean as much as we can. Or else it’s gonna be way harder to deal with. Then we’re going to have to bandage the arm and use neosporin for the bandages.” 

“What’s neospirin? Neospirit?” Scar asked again.

“Oil that won’t make the bandage stick to the wound.”

“Oh”

“Yeah.”

Grian put Scar's arm into the pot. “Oh! That’s cold!” Scar flinched at the touch of the water. “That’s the point.” Grian informed Scar. He wasn’t giving him cold water for nothing.

He let Scar’s arm sit there while got everything he needed out of the first aid kit: bandages, neosporin, tape, he couldn’t think of anything else. He didn’t have gauze, but cotton balls wouldn’t be any better. Eugh, the thought of the cotton getting into Scar’s skin made him shudder. “You alright?” Mumbo asked.

“Yeah.” Grian assured him. He dug around the first aid kit again, maybe they did have gauze? Most of the contents that were inside were now outside of the first aid kit and buried beneath all of it, was the gauze. Wow. Everything was just hidden in plain sight today wasn’t it.

He took Scar’s arm out of the pot and dried it with one of the rags. He pressed gently on his skin, trying to make it less painful for him. Scar hissed at the pain and looked away, Grian could relate to that in a way. Avoiding looking at the wound might help tolerate the pain he assumed. He wished he could look away too.

The water in the pot looked sickly, the water turned a musky brown and he could see dirt particles. Ew. Grian imagined how uncomfortable it must've been to have all of that on his arm. 

He put his full attention back on Scar’s arm, parts of Scar’s clothing were inside the burn wound, so Grian had to carefully take out what he could. It made him almost nauseous to the point of passing out, the sound of some of the skin and clothing being ripped out made him sick. 

Scar’s yelps when he was doing this didn’t help either, it made it worse. Even though he knew he couldn’t control his own reaction to the pain, it made him feel more sick than he needed to be.

Once the wound was dry he was finally done with cleaning as much as he could. Grian grabbed the Neosporin and started spreading the oil on Scar’s wound. That didn’t feel nice either, but luckily he was done rather quickly. The oil felt yucky on his skin, too slippery and greasy. It almost felt like the oils when he would preen his wings. 

He then grabbed the gauze and applied it to Scar’s arm, wrapping it around the wound until he reached his knuckles. 

He used a bit of the tape to seal the gauze, not too much because he was going to be changing the gauze and bandages a lot. “Can you hand me the bandages?” Grian asked Mumbo, he nodded and gave the bandages to him. “Isn’t this the bandage though?” Scar curiously asked. 

“No. This is gauze, it’s like an under layer, that’s the best I can describe it. The bandage keeps everything in place, and from the gauze potentially falling apart.” Grian explained to Scar. “Ohhhhh, I think I understand.” Scar continued to pet Jellie with his free hand. Jellie was sniffing the aid kit, getting an opinion on it. 

She didn’t look particularly happy that Grian was bandaging one of Scar’s hands. A hand that she could be pet with.

He was finally done with bounding the arm in a bandage, sealing the end off with tape. Grian exhaled, he didn’t take many deep breaths during that. He lightly tapped Scar’s arm, “We’re done!” 

Scar made a little “woo” sound of cheer. Raising his arms up in the air. “Wow, it’s really in place!” Scar noticed. “Yep, I’d be concerned if it wasn’t.” Grian kept an eye on Scar’s bandage, it seemed to hold up fine. He smiled, though he could feel Mumbo’s eyes watch him as he watched Scar’s joy.

He didn’t care.

— — — —

They had accomplished getting Scar upstairs, and Grian ended up with a bruise on his hand (which still hurts!) while getting Scar up the final steps. Scar lost grip on the wall and accidentally fell into Grian’s right hand and squashed it between the wall and his back.

Once they got upstairs, they all took a moment to take a moment for themselves. Scar being pressed up against the wall. Grian realized his hand was tangled in Scar’s hair when he moved his hand. He didn’t want to make a fuss about it, but he soon realized that his hand was stuck. He would have to make a fuss about it.

“Hey Scar?” Grian asked nervously, “Yeah?” Scar answered.

“How about I brush your hair tomorrow?” Said Grian as he tried waving his hand in view of Scar, who just laughed.

“It’s not funny! My hand is stuck!” Grian yelled.

“It’s like we’re bonded now!” Scar claimed, he faced his head to Grian and smiled.

Grian blushed. Maybe Scar doesn’t know the implications of those words. Yeah.

He brushed it off. It was nothing. He still blushed though.

He looked at Mumbo, who was also laughing, “Mumbo help me! You spoon!” Grian screeched. Mumbo rushed to the bathroom, the room was filled with laughter, it was making Grian laugh at the whole situation too. Mumbo came back with a hairbrush in his hand. He was still trying to get his hand out of the puzzle that was Scar’s hair. They could wash it tomorrow. Mumbo handed the brush to Grian and he tried removing the knots that held his hand hostage.

The sound of the brush in Scar’s hair was barely any sound compared to their loud laughs and chatter. Grian felt oddly happy, like being around Scar and Mumbo somehow fixed his life. He was living in the moment, without any care.

Grian did feel bad for putting 

But he got his hand out of his hair at least.

He let Mumbo help lead Scar to Grian’s room, although Mumbo wasn’t as strong as Grian is, he’s strong enough. Grian entered his bedroom, immediately feeling like collapsing onto his nest. His room was scattered with miscellaneous objects, feathers (that he never bothered cleaning), shiny things (that made up 90% of the miscellaneous objects) that hung on the windows, walls, and everywhere.

He had books on the floor, which he picked up or kicked as he walked through. Most of them were unfinished, he didn’t know the ending to most of them, but he didn’t really care. 

He liked to imagine his own endings anyway.

His nest was in the corner by the window on the floor. It consisted of clothes, some sticks and logs, blankets, anything he could find really. He was always adding more to it. He once had a cookie hidden, and ants infested his nest so he couldn’t sleep in it for about a week and got sad. He felt so miserable then he refused to even be in his room, which is stupid now thinking about it. But it felt a lot more drastic then.

He put the book in a little pile by his closet and went over to straighten out some of the clothes in his nest, they were all clothes he didn’t fit in, didn’t wear that much, or ever cared for. Blankets were mainly the base of the nest, but also a cover if his wings didn’t supply enough warmth around him. Which they usually did, not that much in winter though. 

It was rolling around the time of year again, where they could finally harvest Mumbo’s potatoes properly, Grian thought about this as he worked more. The idea of a warm baked potato sounded really good to him. It made his so match all fuzzy from the mere thought of the taste.

He stepped back from the nest and rested his hands on his hips. It looked pretty good to him, it’s good enough for Scar to stay the night. Maybe the nest was big enough that Grian could sleep on the outer edges, he knew Mumbo wouldn’t dare let him sleep on the floor. Technically he wouldn’t be on the ground then. 

It’s not like he and Scar would be sharing the nest then. That’s just a breach of privacy, Grian didn’t even invite Mumbo into his flock until 2 years into their friendship.

“Nest is ready!” Grian called out.

“That’s fast!” Mumbo responded as he slowly entered the room with Scar. He forgot how tall they were compared to him, would Scar even fit in the nest? He didn’t want to force Scar in an uncomfortable position, that’s rude. 

“Well yeah, I’m a fast bird. Also I didn’t know how long you’d take, sooooo.” Grian truthly said.

Grian took a hold of Scar from Mumbo and proceeded to set Scar down in the nest carefully. Laying him down was a bit harder than sitting him down, he doesn’t care. As long as Scar isn’t injured more. Grian’s wings were fluffed up a bit from how close they were, he could feel Scar’s breath on his neck again. Just as warm as it was before. 

He resisted the urge to just drop Scar then and leave the room, he couldn’t do these things around his nest or his brain will go feral bird mode.

It’s his nest, he’s the boss of it after all. He gets to choose how things go around there.

He got Scar on his back, he looked comfy there, he walked back to his closet to grab a few blankets, he always kept extra.

“Comfy?” He asked.

“Very,” Scar confirmed, his voice got deeper, like he’s truly been relaxed now, it tickled his brain, “it’s so soft and nice…” he continued saying positive things about the nest, making Grian feel somewhat proud of himself. He didn’t know why. His wings were stoically positioned whenever Scar complimented the nest. He didn’t know why either, it was another mystery.

He wanted to join in on the comfiness of the nest too! He felt a bit jealous, scratch that, he envied Scar right now. He wanted to be in that nest. Be piled up in the blankets he just placed over Scar.

He looked so blissful, he couldn’t be mad, Scar deserved this. 

“I’m going to make food, so that’ll be up here shortly.” Grian let Scar know with a slight sigh. 

“I thought it was my turn-” Mumbo whispered and Grian elbowed him. “Shush.”

They exited the room, as Grian did so, he could see Scar slightly peek out from the blankets, looking at him while he pet Jellie who was laying on his chest purring loudly now. Grian didn’t mind him staring at him for some reason. It felt different.

Scar was different.

— — — —

Grian just finished making dinner, cooked chicken. He didn’t feel extravagant today, but hey, they had food now. He made three plates, knowing damn well he wasn’t going to be here to his portion. 

Mumbo entered the kitchen, he could sense him lean on the doorway, like a parent or something. It was a bit nerve racking for Grian. How well he knew Mumbo, this wasn’t a positive thing.

“Hey Mumbo….” Grian tried starting the conversation off light. He only heard Mumbo sigh and turn Grian around from finishing up the plates.

He pulled him over away from the counter and out of the kitchen. “Scar is lovely and all, but we haven’t seen anyone in years! Why all of a sudden?” Mumbo’s eyes were slanted down, and he looked angry, disappointed? He couldn’t tell, it didn’t look good though. It was something very abrupt to say though. It hit him like a dart.

Grian opened his mouth and started to say something, “Well—”

“I understand you couldn’t leave him there, but maybe don’t promise that you’ll be back in five minutes and show up a day later!” Mumbo moved his hands to his face, covering any expression he had and left it up for Grian’s interpretations. 

“Okay..” Grian held his head down, he felt like crying. Mumbo never talked to him like this seriously often, but when he did, it hurt. It hurt a lot. Grian’s wings closed from the raised voice of Mumbo.

His vision went cloudy and he tried keeping his eyes open, maybe the tears would disintegrate if he just never blinked. They would evaporate, Grian knew this wouldn’t work, it never had. All he could do was keep his composure.

“I’m sorry for yelling! I was worried…” Mumbo dragged his hands down his face, looking at Grian directly in the eyes. He didn’t like being watched like that. It made him deeply uncomfortable. He turned his head to the right, he couldn’t look at him when he stared him down. His soul always felt exposed.

Grian never had the guts to tell Mumbo about his discomfort, it would be deemed as inhumane. He was after all. Grian barely considered himself human anymore, not like was completely since the day he was born. He had wings and everything, that’s not even the right species!

Without a word, Grian went in for a hug, it was fast and out of nowhere. Even Grian himself didn’t have time to process his own action. He wrapped his wings around Mumbo’s back, which caught Mumbo by surprise, Grian wasn’t really a touchy person. Especially not with his wings. 

Mumbo didn’t say anything, but returned the gesture and hugged him back. The comfort felt nice to Grian, like a blanket of reassurance. They stood in silence. He didn’t want to think about anything anymore. 

He just wanted to eat and go to bed, the food he made looked awfully appetizing. But he can’t even do that. He needs to pay Pearl a visit.

“Hey Mumbo?” Words slipped out from Grian’s mouth.

“Yes, Grian?”

“Can you take a plate up to Scar for me?” Grian thought about what to say next, “I need to go get more logs and stuff, I noticed we were almost out, plus I think I should add more to my nest.” His voice was muffled as he was still hugging Mumbo. It was a bit high pitched, and on the verge of sounding raspy. Like scraping a fork along a plate.

“Oh.” Mumbo’s voice was soft, and sounded a bit sad, “When will you be back?” He asked.

“I don't know. Depends.” Grian went with their new agreement. He wasn’t lying, he didn’t know how long it would take to talk to his sister. She was pretty unpredictable.

“Well ok, just be back before noon tomorrow? Or around that time.” Mumbo requested. 

“I promise.” Hopefully Grian could keep this promise. 

He let go of Mumbo and grabbed his cloak off the table and put it on. Maybe he shouldn’t be wearing such bright colours at night. Eh, he’s not going to do anything about it anyway, so why bother?

He waved goodbye to Mumbo and looked around the house one more time. Something on the bookshelf caught his attention, it was a book he never got to read fully, and probably never will finish. It was a pretty thin book, he couldn’t get the motivation to ever finish it, but maybe, Scar would like it? He was going to be inside for a long time after all. 

“Hey…” 

“Hm?”

Grian grabbed the book off the shelf and turned to Mumbo, holding it out. The title was facing towards Grian. “Landscaping Your Mind” it read. An interesting title for sure, but maybe interesting enough for Scar.

“Can you give this to Scar, I think he would enjoy it?” Grian offered.

“That sounded more like a question than a request, but yes, I’ll give it to him.” Mumbo complied, and grabbed the book. He continued to walk up the stairs with two plates. 

How does he do it? If Grian were to do that, the world would combust from how bad he would be at it. And he would have a few less plates.

— — — —

Grian walked out the door, closing it behind him. The wind blew in his face, it made his eyes watery. He pulled up the neck of his cloak over his nose and the hood over his head. That was better.

He looked behind him as he walked, the lights called to him to stay, but he walked anyway. Ignoring it all. He was in the forest now, trees replacing the sky, and he wanted to keep his promise. 

He’d be back. 

Chapter Text

Grian straightened his wings and took a deep breath, shaking out his hands a bit too. “I got this..” he whispered to himself, “It’s just Pearl, your sister,” he paused. “Why am I so nervous?!” He questioned himself, looking at his hands that won’t do the damn action. Knocking on Pearl’s door shouldn’t be so scary!

They’ve met plenty of times before, like last week where they just chatted for a couple of hours. 

He just didn’t know how to bring up today’s topic, which was yesterday. That’s probably why.

And what happened yesterday? Scar happened.

How does he bring up Scar? About how he is an elf and everything, Pearl would go ballistic.

He knocked on the door, his arm had basically shot out from its spot by his side and attacked the door. It was light, but it was something, if he didn’t do it now he never would. She could sense his presence there most likely anyway.

Grian could hear her unlock her obsessive amount of locks, ironic for someone who loves breaking into places. Takes one to know one I guess, thought Grian.

“Hey Pearl…?” He greeted her. His wings were closed tight, a dead give away.

“What did you do?” Pearl’s tone of voice was plain as she looked at him with a deadface. Her eyes looked like the most deadliest part of the ocean, not someone to mess with.

She already knew, he could tell she knew, at this point he hoped she did. She opened the door fully, shoving him inside quickly and locking the door. “It doesn’t sound good. Or you’re just being over dramatic.” Pearl guessed.

She wasn’t totally wrong? He was being a tad bit overly dramatic, but something bad seems too much for this situation. Grian sat down at the table nearby roughly. He didn’t have enough energy for manners. Plus, it was his sister, it’s not like she’d give two shits about what he did.

Actually, she would. She would murder him if he did something idiotic. In this case, he was roast chicken, just like the ones he cooked earlier.

“I don’t know what I did.” Grian genuinely said. It was the truth.

“How do you not know what you did?” He confused Pearl.

He did know what he did, that was a see-through lie. Grian just… doesn’t know the consequences of his doing. “I mean, I know what I did. I just don’t know why?!”

“Well what happened?” Pearl asked, joining him at the table.

“You’re gonna laugh at me.” Grian slumped down in his chair. He felt a bit of a blush form from embarrassment.

“You wouldn’t be here if you knew what to expect.” Pearl stated. It was true, he did expect this.

He sighed. And looked at Pearl properly.

She was wearing her usual outfit, He wondered if she would ever wear something different. Probably not, he concluded. She loves her outfit. Just like he loves his outfit, and his red jumper.

Grian sighed, making it as long as he possibly could while he adjusted his posture. “I don’t even know where- it’s just really complicated. Uhm. Well…” he fidgeted with his hands, and his face feathers went to cover his eyes. He didn’t really want to look at anything, everything, it was all too distracting.

“Go on.” Pearl etched him on. 

Grian looked away and mumbled, “I, I found someone?”

He peaked out from behind his feathers, he could see Pearl’s smirk and raised eyebrow. That wasn’t the reaction he had thought she would have— OH!

“No! Not in that way Pearl! I literally mean I found someone! Like psychically finding someone!” Grian corrected Pearl. His wings puffed up and he moved his hands in front of him as if to erase her from existence (which would not work).

“Then why are you acting like this!?” Pearl loudly questioned. 

That was a good question actually, why was he so tense and awkward about it? It could do with the fact that the image of Scar resting peacefully in his nest was (ironically) nested in the back of his mind. 

“I don’t know Pearl!” Said shouted back, with just as much question and anger.

“Could you at least tell me about them?” Pearl asked him, she suddenly switched up her tone of voice, going for a softer approach. He could answer that. 

Grian copied Pearl’s mannerisms and answered in a similar tone. “Well, his name is Scar, and he’s got a cat named Jellie! She’s very adorable, but a little thief! She stole one of Mumbo’s potatoes! Can you believe that?” Grian ranted on. Pearl lightly laughed at what he assumed was her thinking of a cat waltzing away with a potato. 

Crazy to think they were just shouting a few seconds ago.

“She actually led me to Scar in the first place. Jellie is ridiculously smart for a cat.” Grian added. “Oh?” Pearl looked a bit astonished, arms crossed, “You think she did that on purpose?”

“Probably,” Grian shrugged, “anyway, when I found him, I saw he had this really bad burn on his arm. And by really bad, I mean really bad. So… I brought him back to our place and now he’s resting with his arm bandaged by yours truly.”

“Oh, well, where is he staying for now?” She was asking a lot of questions. It was Pearl, his older sister, of course she would want to know everything.

Grian mumbled out something that Pearl couldn’t hear. “What? You’re looking away from me, can’t hear that well when you do that.” Shit, that was right. Pearl couldn’t hear much out of her left ear.

“He’s resting in my nest… For the night!” He said a bit louder and held his hand out in a stopping stance. He did not want her thinking that they shared his nest.

“Just for the night?” Pearl asked for confirmation.

“Well yeah? He’s not staying there forever is he?” Grian confirmed for her.

Pearl just shrugged. A simple action that said so much. Her face held a grin that looked like it would break her face if she truly let herself express what she wanted to feel. Grian could sense she’s holding a lot back. 

Grian relaxed a bit, letting his shoulders drop from the tense position he didn’t realize they were in a few seconds ago.

“How do you know you can trust him?” Pearl changed the mood, he should’ve guessed she would change the mood as soon as he let his guard down, which made Grian slightly tense back up. He couldn’t even rest around his own sister.

“I can feel it.” Grian responded. He sounded dry, like there was not much to say about that, but he could feel it. He felt it in his chest, like a compass was dropped upon his heart and he followed it in the direction it wanted to go.

“How so?” Is Pearl going to ever stop with the interrogations? No, he knew this deep down.

Grian puffed up his chest and looked Pearl in the eyes. It killed him, he felt like the room around him disappeared. Turning his surroundings to black void. He looked into her deadly-blue eyes, all he could see were her eyes and her brown bangs that layer over them faintly.

“I couldn’t leave. When I found him, if I walked away, he would’ve died. And I would’ve too, from guilt.” Grian directly told her. He let go of the breath he held to prepare himself.

He felt like he had just spilt his drink all over the table, but there was still somehow so much of it left.

He hadn’t looked at Pearl enough to notice her in such detail, the bags below her eyes had grown, they had darkened in colour and almost blended in with the colour of her own face feathers. She looked like she was in constant discomfort too. 

Pearl was sitting in a weird position where she was actually sitting straight for once, very concise and somewhat presentable. It confused Grian, and gave him another reason to pay attention to her. Usually Pearl took advantage of being comfortable over modest, even when they were younger.

Even her grey wings were pretty tight to her back.

“Enough about me, what about you Pearl? How have you been?” He asked her, kindly. He gave her the face of ‘I don’t want to talk about this right now’.

It seemed to catch her off guard, her eyes widened. She looked around, more specifically upstairs. Odd. “I’ve been doing fine as always!” She signed a few words while speaking, a habit she usually does when she clearly wants to state something. 

Pearl clasped her hands together, “Nothing has changed much since last week! Nothing at all…” her eyes kept drifting to the wooden staircase, it was oddly dark beyond the last steps he could. Pearl loves to keep the place lit up. Why was everything so odd today?

Grian was curious; he wanted to know why it was dark upstairs.

“Hey, could I use your bathroom before I go?” He lied, he hated lying, why did he lie? He got up assuming the answer would be yes and started towards the steps.

Pearl stood up and hissed “No!— I mean, I have to fix the toilet, it-uh, it broke…” she was arched over the table and her eyes looked panicked before calming down when he stopped. “Sorry.” She said it with no remorse.

Pearl stood up straight and coughed a little into her fist. It was awkward, Grian was still standing in place, he hadn’t moved a muscle at all. He was just weirded out about how everyone was acting lately. 

They stared at each other, waiting for the other to say something to break the sickening silence. “Is that all you came here for?” Pearl looked at the ground, she sounded genuine, almost sad, but not. He couldn’t tell.

“Yeah..” Grian felt a bit guilty, he did only come to let her know about Scar, “Just, if you see a tall dude with brown hair and clothes, don’t kill him. Please?” He was asking for a promise, he was on a roll today after all. 

“I won’t.” Pearl promised Grian. He smiled warmly and went to give Pearl a hug. That seemed to help seal promises like sealing a letter. It made him feel comfortable, Pearl groaned out of pain when he squeezed her, “Sorry.” He apologized. He didn’t really feel sorry. “It’s alright.” She hugged him back, moments like this were nice for them both. 

Grian wrapped his wings around Pearl, the same way he did to Mumbo earlier. Repeating the process. “I’m tired, I’ve got to go back, Pearl.” Grian mumbled. “You want me to walk with you?” She offered. “No. It’s too risky, you know Mumbo doesn’t even know I have a sister.” 

“I know, I just want to keep you safe.” Pearl said. It was endearing to hear, a nice reminder that she did care for him.

They separated and Grian headed for the door, giving Pearl a last smile, saying a thank you, then signing goodbye and goodnight to Pearl as he left. He could feel Pearl’s smile from outside. It kept him warm on the way back.

—————————————————————————————————————-

Scar felt tired. He felt hurt as well, the bandages felt weird on his arm and it still aches with all the pressure on it. He hoped it would die out. His back also felt like it was in a lot of pain, like something was bound to it and he wanted to rip it off. 

His eyes drooped, but they still held open. It annoyed Scar. He wanted to close his eyes and subject himself to wonderous slumber. But his body won’t let him, his hurt and aches. He wanted comfort.

— — — —

Scar thought he was staring at the ceiling for an eternity. He watched as it changed colours to a golden yellow-orange, to a soothing light blue. The lights were off for some reason, there weren’t any candles lit. So he was alone in the dark. With his thoughts. By himself. 

Jellie’s purrs were the only thing he could hear other than the occasional clanking of pots and pans from downstairs. He wondered what Grian was making. He doesn’t know how well Grian can cook, but he has a feeling that it’s going to be really good.

Scar couldn’t tell how much time was passing by. He could only tell each couple of seconds by the duration of Jellie’s purrs. It felt blissful, like yesterday.

After a while, he heard a knock on the door, and without waiting for an answer said “I’m coming in!”

It was Mumbo.

“Hey, I brought up the food, Grian went out to get logs.” He placed a plate right by the nest, close enough for Scar to reach, if he had a proper working right arm that is. If only he had the strength to get up, that would be lovely, it was daunting. That plate of food simply only seemed to mock him. It stared at him, with no eyes.

“Oh! And he asked me to give you this, he had a feeling you would like it.” He put a book right next to Scar’s arm. The one that works, and he’d love to pick it up too if he wasn’t already petting Jellie.

“Thanks.” Scar said weakly. 

Mumbo sat down next to him and started eating his food. It was a bit awkward, since he could hear Mumbo eating and talking to him, and then not pick up on the clue that Scar was just not mentally there. 

His mind felt blank, and his body was like heavy rocks in the ocean. Being submerged deeper in waves as he slowly felt himself finally close his eyes. He would feel bad if he were awake.

He could hear the tone of Mumbo asking a question, and out of instinct he just slightly nodded, and drifted into unconsciousness.

—————————————————————————————————————-

Grian hastily opened the door, it was his own home, he could open doors how he wanted to. Sure it is loud, but at least they know someone hadn’t broken into their home. He was just relieved a ton. He’s happy he got (most of) everything he wanted to say off his chest. 

He always liked how the lighting looked when it was nighttime in his house. Moonlight reflects in patterns from the glass and can make anyone hypnotized. It’s a small detail but does tremendous things to his brain. It was just all so shiny!

He yawned, passing the kitchen, and dining table (and his food). He was heading upstairs and focused on the pattern of his steps. He just wanted to crash down and sleep. Today was tiring and his muscles were sore from all the movements he’s been doing. From carrying Scar basically the whole day.

He almost passed by Mumbo’s room too. But… he just processed hearing a loud sound. It startled him and sounded like metal and wood. “AH.” Grian jumped and flared out his wings in a defensive position. 

He lowered his wings slightly as he noticed through Mumbo’s doorway that it was just Mumbo and a pile of wooden planks that (presumably) had fallen out of his arms. He looked at the man in question and he appeared to be covered in soot? Ash? Something a lot like coal.

“What.” Grian didn’t question Mumbo and his weird shit, but it was a question, but not a needy one. What was he doing? There were metal poles bent and arranged in many different pieces for reasons he didn’t know why.

“Oh Grian! Thanks for your return, I need help with something.” It was said as more of a demand than a call for help. “Oh, sure?” Grian entered the room and sat down next where there were parts scattered everywhere. What is Mumbo asking him of?

He handed him a blueprint, though it was sketchy and some of the pencil marks were smudged, he saw the design for a wheelchair. It was very rough, but it got the idea through, just not the reason. He squinted at the drawing, his tired brain not clicking the information together. Grian grabbed it and tried to study it further.

Mumbo seemed to notice his confusion and explained to him, “It’s for Scar!” He smiled brightly, looking very passionate about his project. Scar… he thought about the man how tired he looked all day. Grian smiled too, this would make Scar’s life while healing a lot easier, and the thought of that was why he smiled. The wheelchair would help him a lot!

“How can I help?” Grian asked, they were both smiling now like dorks. Idiots for a good cause, even if Scar was only staying here until he was healed enough, they may as well enjoy his company as much as they can. Yet deep down, Grian didn’t want to let Scar go.

“Well, I need these metal bits in this pile put together like I have in my design. These will attach to that…” Mumbo rambled on while pointing to various piles, Grian didn’t understand any of it but he nodded along. He could put stuff together and that’s all he thinks he needs to know

And so Grian and Mumbo were occupied by building Scar’s wheelchair, not something Grian thought he would ever do. Grian putting the metal poles together, they fitted in slots and already had holes for screws. No wonder Mumbo looked like he was made of ash, he was playing with fire while he was away!

“Hey, where’d you get these poles?” Grian asked Mumbo, still concentrating very hard on piecing everything together.

“The attic! Remember when we found those weird old wagons when we found this place?” Mumbo answered, and he supplied his mind with a new thought. Huh. He hadn’t thought about that in years. It made him smile more. “Yeah… I do!” 

It was a peaceful memory, when he and Mumbo found their home, it had a lot of work needing to be done on it. Cobwebs filled the place, with ugly spiders as well. Mumbo claimed most of them were friendly until one of them jumped on him and Grian laughed while he suffered.

There were wagons outside, which seemed to be in old shape, but still usable. And with both of their dumb young minds they ran it down the hill with both of them inside. Stupid. The thing broke and they were both injured (thus the birth of the first aid kid), but they still had fun! Both of them still laughed through injuries and tears from being hurt.

Grian had learned something that day, he learned that he knew Mumbo was going to be his best friend. And he hasn’t regretted it so far. His mind aimlessly was putting the metal poles together now, while he looked at the feather that rested on a piece of string around Mumbo’s neck. His brain was now filled with more happy memories, making his tiring day all worth it.

Eventually, Grian had run out of metal poles to put together and waited for Mumbo to tell him what to do next. He wanted to be a part of this as much as Mumbo wanted to.

“Now, we assemble!” Mumbo picked up one side of the wheel chair and Grian matched him. Mumbo grabbed one of the wooden planks and laid it over in the middle between the two sides, creating a seat. He let go of the plank and grabbed a nail and hammer, “We have cushions right?” Mumbo abruptly asked, but it took a second for Grian to process the answer. “Yes, we do.” 

“Okay good.” Mumbo continued his work while Grian sat there watching him hammer a nail through the wood and metal pipe. It was loud, and hopefully it didn’t wake up Scar. He didn’t question Mumbo’s question. He’s too tired for anymore shit.

Grian could feel himself doze off, his head nodding off every few seconds. He almost fell into the chair before Mumbo tapped him on the shoulder, “You know, I can do the rest myself, you look tired, so go to bed.” The last part scared Grian awake(ish), he sounded like a parent scolding his child.

“Yes sir…” he tried saying sarcastically, but ended up sounding like he was about to fall off a cliff with how all over the place his voice sounded, proving Mumbo’s point. He was too tired. He solemnly got up and trudged out of Mumbo’s room to his own. 

Grian yawned, again and again, he was yawning so much, his eyes were watering and he couldn’t really see where he was going, he felt where he was through the walls and remembrance of the layout.

He was able to tell once he got into his room, it felt more condensed and dark. Grian’s body basically collapsed into the bed, he gave an ‘ooahwf’ sound as he his nest.

He couldn’t tell if Scar was asleep or awake, he didn’t care, if he didn’t see it, he didn't pay attention to it.

Grian’s body sunk into the nest, back and wings facing Scar, and body positioned like he was just murdered. He immediately lost consciousness and at that point he didn’t care if he lay next to Scar or not. It’s his nest, he can do what he wants.

Chapter Text

Pearl closed the door as she watched Grian fade out of view. Bright red mixing in with the midnight darkness. This past week has been pretty spontaneous, she thought.

She closed the door and locked all of the locks again. She liked the security that they brought her, it made her feel safer than she knew she was. Even though Pearl knew that no one would ever dare break into her home of all houses. Putting up all those locks made her feel more human, more subjectable to be vulnerable, and she wanted it that way. 

She finished and walked towards the stairs, on the way grabbing a candelabra and a lighter off of the table that she was just sitting at. She didn't expect her brother to visit again so soon. It was strange, they both knew it too, and only for him to tell her something she can't even get mad at, because… she was doing the exact same thing. She may be protective, but she has morals and standards. 

Pearl wasn't going to be a hypocrite, even if Grian didn't know about her little secret. He was smart enough to sense something was up, which might´ve given her away. Shit , she realized. Oh, she was so dumb, she definitely gave herself away. He definitely knew her secret.

They aren't so different after all. 

She walked up the stairs, light illuminating the walls and everything around her. Pearl had panicked when Grian came to visit, rushing to turn as many obvious lights off as she could. Using her speed to her advantage, being crossed with a barking owl had some of its perks. Not that many though.

Her footsteps echoed through the hallway. There wasn't much in her home, she didn´t hoard, unlike her brother. Gosh, him just describing his room gave her nausea. Pearl stopped in front of the door and looked at it before she entered her room. It made a long creaking sound, Pearl hates that sound, it made her ears hurt a bit, and she doesn't like that.

She quickly closed the door behind her to avoid hearing that sound again for too long. She grabbed a roll of bandages and sat down in front of her guest. 

Gem.

She greeted Gem with a hello and she responded back, "Hi Pearl, are you going to replace the bandages?” she said with a soft smile. Gem was too kind, it might´ve not been her first impression of her, but over the past few days, her assumptions have changed.

“Yes I am. Can you lift up your leg, please?” She asked her, and Gem complied, lifting up her right leg for Pearl to unbandage.

Gem rested in a makeshift nest Pearl had made her, it was built comfortably right beside hers. It was made out of blankets and clothes Pearl never used or wore. Considering she's perfectly fine with the outfit she has already, they make good for an extra needed nest.

Pearl thought it was helpful for when Grian would come over and stay the night sometimes. Especially years ago when he was still getting used to Mumbo’s company.

“Sorry about that, I hadn't expected my brother to visit so soon. I thought I had at least a couple of weeks before he came over again.” Pearl apologized and went on, “I don´t know how much you´ve heard of that conversation, but I do apologize for the sudden interruption.” 

Before Grian had come to visit, she and Gem were talking about their favourite colours, Pearl found out she was quite fond of green. Pearl didn´t know what her favourite colour was, it used to be purple, but she hates that now. 

“Oh, it's fine, I didn't hear much anyway if you were concerned about that.” Gem said, but her gaze shifted downwards as she watched Pearl start to unbandage her leg, “I did hear that your brother had found someone? I´m wondering if you could tell the name of that person?”

Pearl hesitated for a moment, could she really tell Gem about what her brother told her? He trusted her, but there was a chance she could find out more about Scar if Gem knew him.

“Well, my brother told me about someone named ‘Scar’. Do you know him?” Pearl’s voice felt a bit on edge when she spoke, she didn’t want to seem too eager.

Gem’s eyes lit up as she smiled, gaining hope, she looked a bit younger when she did that. “When I’m all healed,” Gem began to offer, “May I visit Scar?” she sounded so happy, Scar must be a good person then, by Gem’s judgment.

Pearl smiled from how happy Gem looked, “Yes, yes we can.” The air of relief lingered in the air around Gem, although Pearl sat in dense air and had one question on her mind.

“Can I trust him?” She blurted out, she would never have been able to rest if she didn’t know the answer.

Gem looked at her contently, with such kind eyes and a smile. Pearl already knew the answer now, but Gem just confirmed it anyway with words. “Yes, yes you can.” She repeated the similar wording she used, and Pearl could feel the delight radiate off the both of them.

They sat in happy silence, there really wasn't much left to talk about, but there really didn't need to be. As Pearl continued to undo the bandages on Gem´s legs, she now could see the scars that had formed in the meantime. They still looked nasty, but luckily, they weren't that bad, Pearl was quick to treat Gem´s legs. She still had to unbandage the other leg, which was her left hind leg (it didn't burn as bad as her other leg thankfully) and see how that one was doing. Hopefully better.

Pearl´s hands worked on their own as her mind went back to the day she first saw the burns, and Gem. 

– – – –

Pearl was wandering through the forest as the sun was setting, she just caught some fish from a nearby river. As she carried them in a bag strapped to her side she thought ´These´ll last the week for sure, hopefully´. 

Finding food wasn't difficult, she was glad to take anything she could eat, finishing it before it goes bad though, that was a whole different problem. She often had to throw out bad food, or give it to Grian to use as compost for his friend's garden. 

She couldn't wait until the potatoes were harvested and could add variety to her meals. Pearl tried gardening a long time ago, but it never worked out and she always got so mad about it. Fortunately for Pearl, she had a brother, a brother that was just so kind to sneak food for her when she needed it.

She paid him back with various trinkets and findings (preferably she aimed for shiny stuff) she had found throughout her day, and as much as it killed her, the thought of her brother´s room becoming even more cluttered, she knew it was for the better. 

Pearl walked over thick tree roots into a nice clearing, she enjoyed this clearing and conveniently where it was. The tree canopies didn´t crowd or hog all of the sunlight, so there was a nice grassy patch with flowers that smelled amazing. Butterflies and other critters loved to come and go there too. 

She could hear her footsteps press down against the grass blades and leaves, they crunched and rustled beneath her. Although… she wasn´t the only one. Pearl could hear more footsteps, and it sounded like it was two people? She couldn't tell, and whoever they were, their steps were uneven. 

The steps became louder, they sounded closer together, like hooves of a horse or a moose. Pearl hadn't moved since she stopped to listen. She regained her common sense and quickly hid behind a tree, trying not to make too much noise. Thank goodness she left her dogs at home. Most of her dogs would've gone right after the strangers, after sensing Pearl´s change in mood.

The steps kept getting closer until they stopped in the clearing, right next to the tree Pearl hid against. She held in her breath slightly, only taking small ones to try and not be spotted, she doesn’t know how good of hearing the stranger(s) have. 

Then, the stranger spoke, “Oh wow, this place,” they breathed out, “I think I could rest here maybe?” The voice sounded quite feminine and Pearl could hear her trying to possibly sit down and rest. But the attempts had seemed to fail, and the stranger resorted through unclear and impulsive emotions.

“Ahghh!” She hissed, and Pearl decided she was alone, otherwise she would’ve heard more movement and voices, or someone helping her. Pearl felt bad. She never liked hearing anybody in pain like that, much less when they were also angry.

Soon she heard the clanking of metal, like pots being thrown. “Gods!” she mumbled out aggressively, her tone of voice changing pretty quickly. Pearl tensed up at the sudden aggression, but then she heard a sigh of relief when the sound of metal stopped and that made her relax a tad bit. 

“It’s so nice to get that all off…” the stranger spoked, relieved. 

Pearl took a tiny peek out from behind the tree, her back still pretty much glued to it. The sound of the stranger being hurt got her extremely curious. How was she hurt? What was going on? 

She was kind of right? Although, the person wasn’t a horse. She looked like a deer more than a horse, with white spots sprinkling her body. She could only see the back of her head, but she had orange curly hair and brown ears, also dotted with spots. Her antlers looked like mini daggers spitting out in all different directions.

Her outfit was filled mostly with neutral tones, except for a green shirt that was layered over a white blouse with sleeves that stopped just before her forearm. She had what looked like brown overalls over all of it too. It matched well with her hair. 

Pearl looked around some more, and she saw what looked like armor was scattered around the clearing, some broke at contact with a tree probably. Pearl frowned, that could be dangerous for some of the animals around, especially if one of her dogs came across with a small piece of metal and ate it. A lot of her wolves weren’t the smartest…

Gosh, Pearl couldn’t even judge the stranger, as she related to that anger. A bit too much she realized. And she couldn’t stand to see such despair. Her heart felt like it was being melted in stomach acid, being pulled down if she didn’t move or do anything.

With a sudden burst of confidence and genuine care, she stepped out from behind the tree and attempted to talk to the stranger, “Uh- Hello? I saw yo—” Pearl couldn’t process what had happened next.

She was standing up, and then she was on the ground, back against the tree, struggling to breath. She clasped her hand on her chest and gasped for air. Her rib cage hurt so much, what had happened?

She looked up in front of her, seeing nothing clear and only in blurred specks. The stranger was now turned around, and looking down at her? Was she going to kill her? Gods… what happened?

The stranger said something that Pearl couldn’t make out. “Oh m—gos— I’m….—orry!” She held her hands out at Pearl, was she going to punch her?

Pearl coughed a bit, and gasped for air again. Her voice hitched out of pain and she held her chest more tightly. Why couldn’t she breathe still?! Pearl’s chest rose up and down rapidly, trying to take in as much air as possible. Her wings twitched.

Pearl sat there for a while, and the strangers stood there too, waiting for Pearl to be somewhat okay. 

Her hand was still resting on her chest as she felt it reach a steady pace, still pretty painful, but that was mostly in her back where she was hit into a tree. Hopefully she didn’t break any bones, specifically the ones in her rib cage.

She put one arm on the ground, trying to get herself up as she moved the hand off her chest to her head. It pounded for a while as she sat up, taking in the new position.

“Are you alright?” Pearl was able to hear the stranger as well as she could now, even if her hearing did echo a bit. She never was able to hear well out of her left ear most of her life. She didn’t like to think as to why, the memory makes her sick.

“Mm… yeah?” Pearl groaned. Her vision was slowly going back in focus. Two separate views turning into one. She was now looking at the stranger, who just stood perfectly in front of the sun, blocking it from burning her eyes. She looked ethereal, it stunned Pearl for a moment.

White spots that looked like freckles dotted her face over her actual freckles. They looked unreal, she looked unreal. Pearl almost brought her hand up to the stranger as an attempt to touch the unusual looking freckles, but she stopped herself.

Instead, the woman held out her hand to Pearl, a silent offering to help her. Pearl compliantly grabbed her hand as she was lifted up very quickly with immense strength, like she weighed nothing. Whoah. It made her head spin and she could feel her stomach go a bit queasy.

“Sorry about that again,” the woman awkwardly laughed. Gods, she was strong, Pearl thought and noted to not get on her bad side. 

She over the strangers shoulder, seeing the scraps of metal that she assumed was armor. Her eyes furrowed. “Did you used to be a knight?” Pearl asked.

“Yeah… wait, how do you know I “used” to be a knight?” 

Why was a knight out in the woods? Pearl could’ve sworn there weren’t any kingdoms nearby, yet, she didn’t exactly explore that far beyond her territory.

Pearl extended her arm out to all the thrown bits of armor.

“Ah.” The woman realized. “Again, I’m really sorry for that, er, whole thing when I kicked you into that tree. I’m Gem by the way! I think it’d be very rude if I didn’t introduce myself now after that.” She tried to gently shake Pearl’s hand, but still being rough, not on purpose she thinks though.

“It’s fine,” Pearl brushed off, “I’m Pearl!” Mimicking the cheery tone that Gem used. She was still holding onto Pearl’s hand, and it looked partially out of support and partially out of forgetfulness.

Pearl noticed as she looked at their hands that her clothes looked burnt and that one of her legs looked severely injured. Like a burn. Gem hadn’t put any weight on it, letting it hang in the air, which looked awfully painful to Pearl as she grimaced at the sight of it. 

“Oh man, are you alright?” Pearl asked Gem sincerely, still looking at the leg. Gem was about to say something but Pearl added, not noticing she interrupted Gem.

“That burn looks awful ”

“I know.” Gem stated. Pearl couldn’t tell if she was angry or happy. It was a weird mix of tone that Pearl just decided was pain. 

“Why don’t I take you back to my place? Get you bandaged up and such, how does that sound?” Pearl offered.

Gem thought about it for a while, humming and staring into space as she thought about it. “I’d like that a lot.” Gem contently said, accepting Pearl’s kind offer. Pearl let go of Gem’s hand, and Gem’s eyes widened as she realized she forgot she was holding her hand and blushed out embarrassment. 

“Well lucky for you, I just caught some fish in the river nearby!” Pearl said 

“Oooh!”

— — — —

It was actually quite a nice day, Pearl remembered. The sun was nice and warm, and Pearl had made a new friend! At least she thinks that. Pearl was scared that Gem would leave without any second thought once she was healed.

Even though Pearl knew that it wouldn’t happen, Gem had even confirmed it when they got home that day and Pearl started wrapping the bandages. Walking home was a bit difficult with Gem’s injuries, but they managed well enough to get back pretty quickly.

Pearl questioned what had happened to her, why she had thrown off her armor and was away from her kingdom, her duties.

She had been reluctant to share why she quit, and it was revealed that it was not a choice she wanted to make. Gem hadn't since exactly further explained that, a few bits and pieces, but nothing too much she could string together what had truly happened. But, Pearl respected her boundaries.

Pearl continued to unwrap, and she was almost done! She needed to go grab a wet cloth to apply some water on it, which looked pretty dry to her.

She looked around a bit as she unwrapped the last bits of the bandage. She saw that Tilly had fallen asleep right next to Gem, which Pearl thought was adorable, and quite odd for her. Tilly usually only slept or kept close to Pearl, but as she just saw, she warmed up nicely to Gem. Pearl’s other dogs fell asleep around other places in the room, a few also near Gem, but not as close as Tilly was.

It made Pearl smile, it was actually quite cute, and she could feel a bit of her soul heal. It warmed her heart.

—————————————————————————————————————-

Grian’s body felt like a bag of rocks, immovable and heavy. His chest rose up and down steadily as he slowly became more aware of his consciousness. And gosh, he did not want to wake up, he wanted to stay asleep and actually get his needed rest. The sun shone on his eyelids, making the nothingness he saw red.

He heard the morning birds chirp with exciting trills and calls that made him want to reply so badly. To say, “I’m awake too!”

But he felt so comfortable lying down. Although, he couldn’t help but feel a weight over his wings and side. It kept him there even more, it kept him lying down instead of starting his day. Grian layed there, thinking whether he was having a sleep paralysis episode. It felt oddly like one, and he hated those so much, but continued to analyze the feeling, and then he recognized the feeling, he realized it was an arm… why? Whose arm—?

Scar’s.

It was Scar’s, Grian came to realize, his eyes shot open and he attempted to sit up. He stopped halfway through, remembering one of his arms was injured and he should be careful in case it was that arm. Blush grew across his cheeks, heating up his face at such an early time. Couldn’t it wait until he was fully awake? Grian thought to himself. He tucked up his wings close to his back, trying not to disturb Scar’s rest. 

Grian still faced away from him, he felt crossed. He wanted to star at him forever until the end of time, but yet, he couldn’t force himself too. The fear that Scar might be watching him do so, grew.

How had he let himself lie right next to Scar? Wasn’t he supposed to sleep on the edge of the nest, like he had planned?

Grian was stuck frozen through his recollection of tired thoughts and memories, sorting out the fuzzy moments when he came from Pearls. Then he remembered how he had collapsed into his nest right next to Scar. That just made him blush more, how even his tired mind had completely given up on trying to avoid Scar.

He covered his mouth with his hand a bit, it was embarrassing, and maybe an attempt to cover up the blush he only knew about. He turned around slightly, feeling like a rusted door.

He had turned just enough to see Scar out of the corner of his eye, he looked so peaceful. With Jellie resting on his stomach and one hand on his chest, his injured arm was the one that extended over Grian’s side. He was thankful he didn’t move so quickly, it would’ve hurt the man. Grian moved Scar’s arm, that was limp on his legs as it had slipped off his side when he sat up, over to his side.

Grian watched as Scar breathed at a steady pattern, taking a deep breath every once in a while. The sound was hypnotic to Grian, almost as effective as Jellie’s purrs. His eyes were bound willingly together without conflict, not as if they were trying to hold each other in a fight to not see. They were calm, and eloquent. His face Scars looked so abstract every time Grian looked upon them. He wanted to trace every outline of Scar’s scars until he knew them by heart, not by sight. 

He ended up staring at Scar for so long, his vision began to melt into puddles. Puddles that only captured Scar until he was ineligible for his eyes. Grian snapped from his trance when there was a sudden movement, Jellie had stretched her arms out and woken up. 

She opened her eyes and stared directly into Grian’s eyes, sending a little chill down his spine. Scary, like she knew exactly what he was just doing. She stood up on Scar chest and walked over to Grian. 

He raised his arms up slightly in surprise as she climbed into his lap, meowing loudly. Grian could tell she wanted pets and attention. It gave him more reasons to be stuck in the nest.

He let her head, gliding his hand over the soft smooth fur of Jellie. It was calming, mixed in with the beautiful sound of birds chirping and the sunlight resting on his face, giving him comfortable warmth while still feeling somewhat cold because of the overall temperature. Jellie purred louder with each pet, sounding like she was falling asleep again, and he didn’t mind that.

He was glad to stay here for a bit longer.

— — — —

Grian could’ve sworn he fell asleep sitting up, his wings were now relaxed behind him, and he had no memory of one minute ago. Compared to if he woke up from a dream to now, it felt the same. He couldn’t tell the difference at all.

He opened his eyes again, the sun shining in his eyes, shining them a good amount. He looked to his left to avoid looking at the window, and looked at Scar again. Scar’s eyes were twitching, like he was about to wake up. Shit shit shit , what would he think of Grian just sitting there next to him? He could’ve gotten up a long time ago, and there was no use to pretending like he just woke up. Would Scar think of him as weird? 

Does Scar even know what a nest means?

No. 

He did not, Grian reassured himself, he thought about this before. Even though he was the one to offer Scar to stay in his nest and himself sleep on the floor (a deep part of him is grateful that he didn’t have to).

Scar’s eyes opened, not fully, but slightly. They looked drowsy and tired. Like he hadn’t gotten enough sleep, that made Grian feel a bit bad, he himself felt like he got more rest than usual, and woke up feeling better than he usually did.

Had Grian ruin Scar’s sleep? His wings dropped a bit, now feeling guilty. But Scar just turned his head to face Grian and looked at him with tired eyes. He smiled slightly, though it looked strained, “Why hello there!” Scar attempted to say enthusiastically. He ended up sounding like he was about to die.

“Hello to you too, Scar.” Grian replied a bit blandly. He wished he could’ve put more emotion into it so he added something on, “How did you sleep?” He asked, intrigued to know how he truly slept. If he screwed it up or not.

“My back hurts…” Was all Scar said, horsley. 

“Oh? Do you know why?” This was good, so far there were no questions as to why Grian was still in the nest, while obviously being awake. He hoped it stayed that way. 

“No…?” Scar said truthfully, it was said as if he were questioning himself and Grian at once.

“Do you want me to check your back to see if you have any possible burns on it? Maybe that’s why it hurts.” Grian proposed, his voice got higher and faster towards the end after what he realized he was offering. The blush returned back to his face, the thought of Scar being shirtless made Grian feel weird. 

“Sure… but it feels different than a burn.” Scar observed, and Grian mostly trusted his word, after all, he was the one with the burn in the first place. Though, Grian wouldn’t know what else could be hurting Scar’s back. 

“Alright, we’ll, you’re going to have to sit up if you want me to check.” Grian instructed.

“But sitting up is hard.” Scar pouted a bit, the sadness visible in his voice. 

Grian sighed and laughed a bit, it was like he was taking care of a toddler, “I’m gonna help you sit up.”

Scar grumbled and Grian took that as an “okay”. He put his hand behind Scar’s neck to help lift him up from there.

“Your hand is cold.” Scar said.

“Hm.” Grian hummed in response as he got his other hand behind Scar’s back and started to push him up into a sitting position. He now had to get Scar’s shirt off, and it looked like there’s just more steps to doing that itself. He had to untie Scar’s corset, take off the green vest he had over his white long sleeve, and then take that off too.

Grian sighed out of frustration, “What is it?” Scar asked him, and sounded a bit sad too. Grian felt bad, as he thought he was the cause for the sadness in his voice.

“I’ve just… never undid a corset before…” Grian admitted, blush covering more of his cheeks, more out of embarrassment. It couldn’t be that hard, Grian tried to convince himself, maybe it was like untying a shoe? Yeah, he’ll go with that.

“I’ll try my best though.” Grian assured Scar, and Scar said nothing. He was probably too tired and too much in pain. Scar hung his head back, and would be looking towards Grian or the ceiling if he opened his eyes.

Grian undid the strings, pulling them out of the holes of the corset as gently as he could, not to make Scar’s pain even worse. He would twitch and wince when Grian pulled on the strings too hard, and every time he apologized.

Soon, Grian was done untying the corset and was slowly taking it off Scar, and he could see two line-like bumps on Scar’s back, strange. They were under the green vest and white shirt but they were so pronounced. He ran his hand over one of them, forgetting that it could hurt Scar, and that didn’t feel like a burn at all.

Grian didn’t think that’s what a burn looks like, or felt like, and if it was a burn, it didn’t go through his clothes either. Like how the burn on his arm did.

So what would it be?

…

Wait. 

Did Scar have wings?  

And did Scar just not know that? Grian theorized. How would Scar not even know about his own wings?

“Scar..?” Scar hummed to his name being called, “Lift your arms up.” Grian ordered, his arms shook as Scar’s did when he did exactly what Grian said. He swallowed, Grian didn’t know much about other places, but he did know of a small percentage of the elven kingdom with wings.

And if Grian was correct, his thoughts from yesterday would prove even more that Scar was an outcast there. He took off the vest a bit more hastily, he wanted answers, he needed them.

“Ow..” Scar mumbled.

“Sorry..” Grian said rushed.

Grian put his arms around Scar, unbuttoning the white shirt from behind him. He didn’t care what Scar looked like shirtless anymore, and he didn’t care if he was even shirtless at all.

Grian pulled the shirt up his back and off of his arms, casting it aside in the nest with the rest of his upper ware, revealing medium, shiny, sharp, blue, wings that looked like glaciers. 

Grian gasped softly and held his breath, his own wings froze as he gently touched the wings on Scar’s back to make sure they were real. They looked hypnotic to him, was this what Scar meant when he said his wings were gorgeous? Although, Scar’s wings scared Grian, as well as mesmerized him.

At the same time, Scar sighed in relief, his back sinking into a bad posture from the release of the corset and his wings being bound to his back. He wasn’t even aware of the wings yet, he just took in the moment. Scar looked so blissful compared to Grian.

Grian couldn’t believe he was right… he didn’t want to be right. His theory scared him, it scared him so much, and it terrified him more that he was even right. The hairs on his arms and neck stood up, and so did the feathers that lined his back to his tail, sending chills everywhere.

Scar was a vex.

Chapter Text

Grian still felt frozen, every breath he exhaled suddenly felt icy. Maybe from a defensive standpoint, maybe from shock. Either way, he didn’t know much about vexes, and he probably shouldn’t judge, he thought. Scar seems nice enough to not rip his face off (and eat it, but he didn’t dare think about that). Scar hasn’t taken any action to him yet, but maybe that’s because he’s been tired and hurt.

It still confused him, Scar seemed to miss certain vex traits. He didn’t have horns on his head, like the pictures he had seen. Grian just couldn’t put the dots together, he had wings, but was so far, nice and kind, Scar didn’t feel like the guy to be mean, and eat Grian. Unless he was luring him in like prey, but why would he purposely injure himself? 

“Is something wrong, Grian?” Scar innocently said. He turned his head around to look at the avian, who stared at him back, blankly.

“…” 

“What?” Scar started to frown as he studied his facial expression, now realizing something was off, he turned a bit more to Grian, trying his best to face him. Grian’s grasp fell from Scar’s wings as he moved.

“Scar…” Grian squeaked out, forcing his vocal cords to at least say something. “Are you a vex?” He finished, making it a whisper instead of straining his voice to do something it won’t.

Scar looked at him confused, “What’s that?” 

Holy shit, Grian couldn’t even say anything to that. He just pointed to the wings on Scar’s back and Scar looked to what Grian was referencing and he gaped his mouth as he stared at the crystallized, bright blue bat-like wings that rested on his back. 

“I have wings!?” He exclaimed, staring at them mesmerized and then looking back to Grian.

“You didn’t even know?!” Grian shouted, confirming Grian’s thought from a few minutes ago, that Scar didn’t even remember he had wings. He knew that Scar was a bit oblivious, it didn’t take long, he only might’ve assumed that from how out of it he’s been the past day, but, wow. Scar has fully taken on the title.

“No!” Scar shouted back, the awed expression still plastered on his face like a child discovering fire for the first time. 

Grian laughed at Scar’s discovery 

His emotions quickly changed, as it just dawned on Grian that Scar didn’t know what a vex was, and he didn’t know he had wings either. Did… did Scar even remember anything? Does Scar even know his own name? Or was that a lie?

Grian went into spirals of thoughts and questions, puzzled on whether the Scar he knows is the true Scar he is.

Scar extended the wings to stretch them out and more relief was visible on his face. That would make sense because who knows how long they’d been bound to his back before Grian found him. Thinking about it made Grian’s own wings start to ache, the pain he must’ve endured, Grian empathized with. So he copied Scar’s movement and extended his own wings too. 

Could Scar fly with those? He wondered, completely dropping the theory of Scar being a threat. They looked too smal compared to him to do so… maybe the wing growth was stunted. It’s not the first time he’s met someone with wings who can’t fly.

Pearl has wings, but they’re also a bit too small for her to fly with, plus, she’s got human legs. Which was unusual for bird hybrids, she had a shorter tail too, that “gifted” her not great balance.

Maybe Scar just had vex traits and not necessarily the blood thirsty, hungry mind a vex has? Or maybe he’s been wrong about vexes his whole life… 

Grian payed attention to Scar again, who stretched his arms in the air, which cracked his back, leaving a very shocked Scar. That crack was loud. Grian covered his muffled laughs with his hand, “Don’t laugh at me!” Scar told him. 

“Has that ever happened to you before?” Grian asked him, with a playful smile.

“I don’t remember.” Scar quietly responded and Grian’s smile faltered.

“How much do you remember?” Grian now sat a bit more forward, wanting an answer. Scar sighed, his eyes stared into nothing less as he tried recalling his past.

“I—“ Scar swallowed and took another breath. He squinted his eyes and looked like he really was trying to remember. “I don’t remember—not anything, I remember how to speak and other stuff, stuff that’s around me… I just… can’t remember anything else…” 

Grian took the information in, processing the possible things Scar might have. He concluded it was amnesia? But what type….?

“Oh.” Grian said softly. “Wait a minute,” he held his hands out and touched Scar’s shoulders, blushing as his cold hands melted into them, “does that mean, you don’t remember…” he took one of his hands off of Scar’s shoulder and used it to point at Scar’s chest, “…who you are?”

Scar’s eyes were glossy and he just nodded. 

“Oh my gods…” Grian gasped. “You have amnesia, don’t you?” 

Scar looked at him with the same unknowing eyes, Grian noticed this and helped him out, “Amnesia is where you can’t remember something, it’s usually caused by a psychical or mental injury, there’s also different types, depending on what caused it.” He had a feeling this would be a common accurance.

“Ohhh.” Said Scar, now understanding. 

Grian let go of Scar’s shoulder and looked around the nest, they should probably get up now… his eyes kept wandering to Scar, and more specifically his exposed chest. He couldn’t stand to look at it, but he couldn’t look away, he didn’t know why. He had to pinch his own arm to look away from it. 

He then grabbed Scar’s white shirt and threw it at him, it hit his face he didn’t catch it. “Put your clothes back on.” He blushed more at how weird that would sound from a different standpoint.

“Hey!” Scar said, offended, as he began to put on the shirt, “ 

he pouted as he tried buttoning up the shirt. He struggled a lot, not being able to use his right hand, Scar grunted out of frustration.

“Here let me help you.” Grian offered, not waiting for an answer from Scar, he let his thoughts take control before he could think. He buttoned the shirt up, brushing the skin beneath it as he moved up the shirt, it felt smooth and scarred. Grian’s face was probably so red, they needed to get out of this nest before he went bird brained…

Once he was done buttoning his shirt, he scrambled out of that nest as fast he could before he let his mind wander. He could feel the heat radiate off of his red, he was probably beetroot red, did Scar even notice? A few feathers flew off of his wings as he got out. 

He now stood facing towards the nest and Scar sitting in it, looking slightly confused. Scar’s wings had gone back to a more rested position and he saw Scar’s wings had cut through the fabric of his shirt, creating two holes for them.

He also noticed that Scar hadn’t eaten, his food sat by the nest, he was probably starving, and now that he thought about it… do vexes eat regular meat? Who was he kidding? He probably did, Grian sighed at the stupid thought and walked over to the food. As he grabbed the plate to go hand it to Scar, he noticed on the other side of the nest, the book he gave Scar was lying face down, open, like it was holding its place. 

He put down the plate in front of Scar, still looking at the book, and also trying to avoid being in the nest as much as possible. “You forgot to eat…” Grian sounded upset, after all he did make the food, but he wasn’t thinking about how tired Scar was yesterday.

“Sorry…” Scar apologized, looking down, feeling a bit guilty for not eating. “I was tired.” He reasoned. 

“Oh yeah,” Grian remembered, “Sorry, well, do you want me to heat this up for you and then you can eat? I don’t think I’ve eaten either, that sounded a bit hypocritical.” He offered to make up his falsely accused statement. 

“Yes, please,” Scar said more happily, “also, what does ‘hyp-ocry-tal’ mean?” Scar asked curiously. “Hypocritical.” Grian corrected Scar. “It’s like a high standard for something, an example would be just now when I was concerned you didn’t eat, but I hadn’t eaten either.” He explained.

“You were concerned?” Scar said, sounding a bit surprised.

“What did you think I was?” Grian furrowed his brows, he was just concerned, and of course a bit hurt, but mostly concerned.

“I don’t know… mad? Angry?” The way Scar simply said it crushed Grian’s heart, it pierced through his rib cage.

“No no no no no!” He leaned over grabbing Scar’s hand and holding it up with both hands. “I wasn’t mad! I was just concerned that you hadn’t eaten all day yesterday, I don’t even know when the last time you ate was!” Grian reassured him, making sure he understood. 

Scar let out a tiny “Oh.” and Grian could see a slight blush line run across his face, it was faint but it was there. He quickly let go of Scar’s hand and returned back to where he was, sitting outside of the nest. 

His gaze went back to the book, and as Scar picked up his plate, picking up the fork trying to remember, forgetting that Grian said he would heat it up for him. “Have you read the book yet?” Grian asked him while he pointed to it. 

Scar looked over and told him, “I tried.” he sounded a bit frustrated. 

“You tried?” He questioned Scar without thinking. He was poking his food with his food, looking like he didn't know where to start, like he hadn't seen a meal like this before. He probably didn’t, or he just didn’t remember.

“I could only get to the beginning of the second paragraph before I gave up.” Scar stared at his plate, struggling to hold it and use his fork to pick up parts of the cut cooked chicken. 

“Oh.” Grian said he really thought Scar would enjoy the book, but he guessed not.

“I woke up in the middle of the night, and I really needed something to distract myself from the pain in my back. So I tried reading the book, but it was really hard too…” Scar added and trailed off at the end.

So maybe Scar hadn’t hated the book, Grian thought, “Do you want me to read it to you later? Before you go to bed again?” Grian offered.

Scar’s face lit up, “Really?” His eyes shone like the hope of a little kid’s.

“Really.” Grian confirmed, and lightly laughed. “But, you have to eat.” Grian gestured to the plate of food that still hasn’t been eaten yet. Scar tried stabbing at the chicken, but almost dropped the plate. 

“Do you want me to help you with that as well?” Grian proposed another offer. Scar sighed in defeat, his shoulders dropping and so did his wings. “Yeah.” Scar accepted Grian's help.

Grian needed to think more before he kept offering stuff for Scar, he reminded himself again. He was only slightly afraid one day he was going to accidentally offer his soul to him. 

He reached over and grabbed Scar’s plate and fork, cutting a piece and then hesitantly moving it towards Scar’s mouth. Scar, who looked a tad bit surprised that Grian’s offer of help was feeding him, himself.

He kindly accepted it, it was probably easier than anything else they could’ve done anyway. 

— — — — 

Grian was almost done finishing helping Scar eat. It surprisingly didn’t feel that awkward after a while, he got to know Scar a bit better through conversation. He was awfully charismatic, and while he didn’t learn much about Scar himself, he did get to know what his personality is like.

Scar went on about the dream he had last night, which he described as cold and harsh, as he walked through what he thought was an endless hallway, there were a bunch of doors that looked old and rickety, they were mud brown. 

There was also a huge fire chasing him from behind, and he couldn’t run. Scar described the fire as angry and punishing, something he knew he couldn’t escape. 

Grian pictured it in his mind, and became invested in Scar’s dream. Scar didn’t necessarily make eye contact with him, he was too busy looking at anything else to help describe his dream. Perfect for Grian as he stared into Scar’s emerald-green eyes without feeling pressured.

But then he told Grian he remembered when the dream suddenly changed to a warm one, he had stumbled upon a room with a red door, lined with pretty flowers on the rims. He didn’t know what the flowers were called, but he just thought they were stunning, and Grian made a mental note to show Scar the flower fields in the plains nearby.

Scar ran into the room, closing the door behind him, and was greeted with a flower field of the same flowers on the door. It was dark, except for a trail of light from torches that led him to nowhere, Scar’s voice sounding really disappointed. He woke up before he could find out what that place was. 

“I really want to know where the lights went!” Scar complained.

Suddenly, the door swung open as Grian was about to feed Scar another bite of the chicken, interrupting Scar’s complaints, and causing Grian to freeze in place, eyes shifted and locked on the door. Scar didn’t seem fazed by the intrusion at all, just calming looking at the door way,

Grian looked too, wanting to see who had opened the door when he clearly knew the answer.

It was Mumbo. He was standing there, tiredly rubbing his eyes, probably about to tell them ‘good morning’.

His wings instinctively covered himself out of embarrassment, ear wings covering as much of his face as they could, covering the blush, meanwhile Scar just smiled and waved to Mumbo.

“Hi Mumbo!” He said cheerfully. Mumbo waved to Scar and Grian, now just fully waking up. He yawned before speaking, “How long have you guys been up?” He asked them. 

Grian relaxed a bit more, realizing Mumbo wasn’t questioning why he was feeding Scar and decided to answer that question for him. “I was up at least an hour before Scar was, at most two hours.” Scar looked at him a bit more surprised that he was really up that early. “And we have been up for another hour or so.” He finished. 

“Oh.” Mumbo said, “I just woke up.” He shrugged, leaning on the doorway now to make sure he didn’t fall asleep again, but standing up. Which has happened before, it scared Grian a bunch. 

As he pointed behind him, to the smaller room across from Grian's, he suggested, “For today, I was thinking we set up that tiny room we have that’s full of junk, so that—.” He was interrupted by Grian. “It’s not junk!” Grian disagreed. 

“Yes it is!” Mumbo argued, “Tell me what’s so important in that room that has to stay there and not be moved to the actual storage closet?” 

“I don’t know? Maybe all the stuff I’ve found. That could end up being very useful!” Grian tried convincing him.

“How would a rock be useful?” Mumbo looked at him just flat out confused, he was kind of right, how would a rock be useful? 

He could probably throw some of them at Mumbo for acting like a spoon right now.

Mumbo sighed before saying, “How about you move your rocks and other trinkets somewhere out of that room, I’ll help at first, but I’m running out of time to finish harvesting potatoes.” Mumbo remembered.

Grian sighed annoyingly, he knew he’d have to eventually clean out that room, it doesn’t mean he dreaded it though. He put the plate and fork down next to Scar, he was going to put the plate back in his lap, but he noticed Jellie already took that spot, and then went to stand up. He walked over to Mumbo and whispered in his ear, “Should we show Scar what you made him?” 

Mumbo nodded, smiling a bit. Grian nodded and patted Mumbo’s shoulder.

“Oh yeah, and before you leave, and then I end up leaving and forgetting, I had a question.” 

Oh no. He froze, hand still on his shoulder as he was about to walk away.

“Why were you feeding Scar?” Mumbo solicited. Grian didn’t really want to answer that question, he didn’t at all, but he knew he had too.

“He had trouble feeding himself, and using his arm to pick up the fork and eat the food while also holding the plate…so I offered to help him…” he answered truthfully, lying would only make it worse, and he wouldn’t lie to Mumbo.

“Couldn’t you have just cut the pieces into smaller bits?” Mumbo questioned.

Grian stared at Mumbo before lowering his head as more blush grew on his face, heating up. Why didn’t he think of that, he realized. He buried his hands in his face.

Mumbo laughed, and Grian yelled at him, “It’s too early for this!” He turned back to Scar as he signed “Wait” before running out the room, not realizing he had use sign instead of spoken. 

He could hear Mumbo ask him what Scar was talking about before he had interrupted them, and Scar responded with, “Oh! It was a very interesting dream, let me tell you that! Come sit here, I was just about finished telling Grian all about it!” 

He walked into Mumbo’s room, out of earshot of Mumbo and Scar, and Ashe entered his room, he was kind of sad he didn’t get to kick open Mumbo’s door since he left it open.

It didn’t take him long to find the wheelchair, Mumbo had left it in the empty corner of his room.

It was pretty well put together, considering the materials they had, and the amount of time it took. Grian didn't know how much longer Mumbo started working on it after he left to go to bed, but the work he had done, seemed to do the wheelchair justice. 

He rolled the wheelchair back to his room, but left it outside of it and to the side, out of view from where Scar was sitting. Luckily, his back was already facing the door.

He peered in, Scar was gleefully still talking about his dream to Mumbo, and Grian waited for him to finish. Wanting him to at least have the satisfaction of finishing his story before the surprise.

“I never found out where the lights led me to!” Scar complained again.

“That’s really a shame, I was quite interested in the story myself!” Mumbo lightly laughed, it’s nice that they were having nice conversations together, Grian thought.

“Hey Scarrrr?” Grian sang out his name through a smile. Scar looked over to him, and replied back in the same way, “Yes, Griannn?” 

“We’ve got something to show you!” 

“Ooo, what is it?” Scar sang back. 

“Can you turn around for a second, buddy?” He asked, still with the same fun voice. He didn’t know why he was so excited, he knew he would be happy, but his wings were flapping and he couldn’t fully keep himself on the ground for more than five seconds. 

Scar turned around, he seemed to be doing better ever since he let his wings out. He looked a lot more fluid with his movements. Mumbo got up, wanting to know how Grian was planning on reviewing the wheelchair to Scar. He was glad he walked over to him, because…

“I want you to do it. Show him!” He nudged Mumbo behind him with his wing, to where the wheelchair was.

“Ah-oh, okay.” He was a bit shaken up with the sudden spotlight. Grian scurried back into the room and plopped down right next to Scar, looking at him with a grin. 

He stared at Grian, also with a grin on his face. “I’m scared, but I’m also really excited!” He said honestly, Jellie was sitting in lap now as he pet her. He noticed a strand of Scar’s hair that dangled in front of his face, it bothered Grian slightly so he moved it out of the way of Scar’s face as Mumbo turned around the corner with the wheelchair.

Scar’s breath hitched slightly as he saw what Mumbo had made.

“Tada!” Grian shook Scar’s shoulder and he winced. “Oh, sorry!” He apologized to him and he just gave a little nod. 

Scar looked over to Grian, then back to Mumbo, and then back to Grian.

“What’s that?” Scar curiously asked, he sounded the same as he did when he asked Grian what a vex was. 

Grian howled with laughter, and Mumbo laughed a bit too, but Grian was laughing for a reason Mumbo didn't even know of. “It’s a wheelchair, Scar!” 

Scar still looked at him confused, and frowned a bit at Grian, who was clung onto his arm to keep himself at least somewhat upright. He forgot that it was his bad arm.

“It’s going to help you get around easier.” Mumbo informed him. 

“Ohhhh.” 

— — — —

Getting Scar onto the wheelchair wasn’t as difficult as Grian thought it’d be. Seeing as he’s been Scar’s main sort of transport since he had met him, it was nothing compared to walking in the forest for hours. That was hell.

Scar now sat comfortably in the wheelchair, and as Mumbo instructed how to move in it, Grian sat down again and watched. He felt like a giddy child, sitting there. Jellie curled up next to him, meowing for pets from him and wanting attention.

Grian looked up from petting Jellie as he watched Scar start to get the hang of it, moving a bit forward. The look of amazement seemed glued onto his face as he moved forward, then moved a bit backwards and then forwards again.

Scar then stopped suddenly and almost flew forward off the chair with a frightened cream. “Scar no!” Grian yelled out to him as he got up and ran over to try and catch him. Grian almost flew to Scar, his wings propelled him forward, giving him a boost with his already fast running. He had almost curled his wings around Scar when he caught him, as if that would further protect him from the fall.

He caught Scar just as he was about to fully fall out of the seat. He let out a shaky sigh as Scar laughed awkwardly, hung tight around him like a hug. Just like the many times before when Grian helped secure Scar.

“Whoops!” Scar whispered shakily, an ‘on edge’ look was on his face, and Grian could feel him shake a bit as he clung onto Grian. His grip eased out as he breathed more, calming down, but he was still glued right onto Grian, not wanting to let him go. He could hear each breath Scar made, making him blush. Grian slowly pushed Scar back into the wheelchair seat, so he was comfortable again. Taking extra note of Scar’s breath pattern and how he sounded. Grian didn’t know why he did this.

“Maybe I should add a strap on there, so you don’t fly off like that again.” Mumbo queried. And both Scar and Grian replied with agreement, Grian could still feel his heart pounding in his chest, he could feel it in his throat a bit, preventing him from speaking.

“Sorry about that, I should’ve stopped more carefully.” Scar apologized again.

“You don’t have to Apologize, Scar.” Mumbo corrected him, beating Grian to saying that himself.

Grian, getting the courage to speak again, said “Yeah, it’s just a simple design flaw, a prototype! Trial and error, Mumbo can teach you more about that either later or tomorrow!”

“Ooh!” Scar’s interests were piqued. Grian took another mental note: Scar possibly liked architecture? He’d have to figure that out more.

Grian thought about what they could use as a strap for Scar’s wheelchair, and when he thought, he looked down to the floor. He then realized he was still wearing his cloak. He never took it off.

That’s it, he could use the cloak. Grian took it off, unbuttoning the two buttons on the top that kept the fabric around his shoulder, “See, we’ll do this instead.” he said, removing the cloak off his shoulders. “Lift up your arms?” And Scar obeyed Grian, as he tied the cloak the best he could around his waist and the back of the wheelchair, double knotting it and then standing back. He admired his work and great thinking.

“There, now you won’t fly off again.” Grian said triumphantly. Scar tried moving around again, attempting another stop, but still stopping too quickly, but this time he didn’t fall off, and Scar smiled at Grian. 

His smile said everything, he didn’t need to hear a “thank you” or anything like that. He knew.

“Can you stay here for a second? Me and Grian are going to go get boxes for storage, oh and be careful? We’ll be right back!” Mumbo told Scar and motioned for Grian to follow him out. Grian grumbled, remembering they were going to move his precious rocks and other findings that he didn’t deem *as* important as the stuff scattered around his room.

They walked down the stairs and Mumbo opened the door to their storage closet, grabbing a match box on a table by the door and lighting the candles on the walls. Grian started finding the empty boxes they needed, after all, Grian hoarded a lot of stuff in that room. Mumbo then began to help him gather boxes, both grabbing more than they probably needed, but who knows what amount they actually needed.

The boxes were there when they found the place, and it was still incredibly dusty. They had weird signatures on them that looked like a feather, and Grian didn’t know where it came from. He knew it was probably the signature of someone who made it, but from where?

Grian never explored that far beyond the forest or plains, he was happy staying where he was with Mumbo, and now Scar.

He grabbed a few more boxes, and as Grian was about to exit out, Mumbo then out of nowhere, pulled Grian to the side and put his hands on his shoulders. He almost dropped the empty boxes, which piled high on his arms.

“You didn’t tell me Scar was a vex?” Mumbo whispered, a bit uneasy.

“Well I just found out today! Plus, he didn’t even know he was one in the first place!” Grian whispered-yelled back to him, he was taken aback by the sudden questioning and harsh voice. The boxes blocked most of Mumbo’s face, including his eyes.

“How? How would he not know?” Mumbo asked him a bit louder, but still keeping it relatively a whisper.

“I don’t know! He’s got some type of amnesia or something?” Grian tried reasoning, his wings were spread out, not exactly keeping himself hidden if they wanted to have a private conversation. But it’s not like Scar could come down the stairs at the moment anyway. 

His wings almost had a mind of their own, but they were kind of like an extension to his emotions, an easy to read book with pictures. But compared to Grian himself, who was more of an old text, he was harder to read. So his wings were a dead give away.

They both stood in silence, it was rare that it ever happened, and Grian hated whenever it did happen. It was just like yesterday, the bitter exchange of words they shared. He was about to shut the argument down but then saw Mumbo’s facial expression changed, it looked paler than usual. “Don’t they usually come in pairs?” He realized. Grian readjusted his grip on the boxes as he thought about what Mumbo said.

Shit. 

The pit in his stomach came back like a storm. How could he forget?! Does that mean maybe Scar was left in the middle of nowhere for a reason? That there was another one out there, who might’ve left Scar alone, and came back to him being missing? Grian knew vexes were pretty hard to separate, it would take a worst case scenario to split a duo up.

So whatever happened to Scar, was worse than he originally thought. He pulled his wings at the thought, starting to piece together what may have happened to Scar. He already thought Scar’s dream was interesting, but maybe it had to do something with his arm?

“What if he’s luring us into a trap?” Mumbo let go of Grian’s shoulders and spread them out as much as he could in the confined space.

Scar would never lead him into a trap, Grian thought. Acting as if he didn’t have the same thoughts earlier. He could tell Scar didn’t have the heart to do such cruel things to him, or Mumbo. He could feel he was happy here, and Grian felt like it was almost fate.

“He’s not.” Grian concluded, trying to match the harsh tone Mumbo gave him. 

“How do you know for sure?”

“He would’ve killed me already?”

“That doesn’t tell us anything, we've barely known him.”

“Who found him?” Grian snapped, trying to push some sense into Mumbo. He knew why he was weary of Scar, not because he was a vex, but because it reminded him of something, something from many years ago. It was why Pearl never showed her face to Mumbo, why he never met her.

“…”

“I wouldn’t have brought him back if I had a feeling he would kill us. I’m pretty sure he’s incredibly grateful for us too! He wouldn’t kill someone who saved him and his life! I know that.”

“That’s why! How do you know? How would you know that!” Mumbo tried defying Grian’s claim about Scar, and Grian was not having it.

“Because he’s different! He’s not a normal vex, he doesn’t fit a lot of the descriptions I’ve read about…” he raised his voice up a bit, almost squawking. Mumbo was taken aback by the sudden aggression. “His personality doesn’t match either, and I know what you’re thinking about.” He set the boxes down on the ground and put his finger on Mumbo’s chest, pushing it into the fabric of his suit, and looking him in directly eyes. He needed Mumbo to know he was serious about this, “That wasn’t a vex in those woods all those years ago, and hell, it wasn’t even Scar if you’ve come to that conclusion!” 

Mumbo took a step back a bit, he looked almost scared of Grian, and that took Grian out of his own trance. He relaxed his muscles slightly, not even realizing he was tensed up. He felt bad, he felt bad for yelling at Mumbo,he felt bad for Scar and the reason the argument even happened. The pit in stomach was really testing his limits, to the point where he didn’t know if he needed to vomit or not.

“Look,” Grian started, “I’m sorry for yelling again.” He looked to the side and the ground. “I just didn’t like what you said about Scar…” he was being honest, that was why he was mad, and he still felt mad, he was breathing heavily, and his chest heaved with each breath. He didn’t get much air when he yelled, he moved his arm down beside him. “Scar’s staying, get used to it.” He firmly stated to Mumbo, and Mumbo looked a bit hurt. Even Grian could feel the weight of those last words. Grian picked up the boxes again and blew out the candle by the door. Leaving Mumbo to either follow him or not, he could reflect on his thoughts, and hopefully change his opinions about Scar.

Grian walked up stairs, his steps echoing around him, he didn’t like the small feeling of the stairway. He pulled his wings close to him, not wanting them to brush against the hard wall. 

Scar wheeled out towards Grian while he was setting the boxes outside of the room, Jellie following right behind him. He brushed off the dust that accumulated on his hands, he didn’t like how it felt. “Hey Grian!” Scar said, he sounded even happier than earlier. 

“Hey Scar!” Grian mimicked the emotion back. 

“So… I’m helping you clean up that room?” Scar looked like he was getting the hang of the wheelchair, seeming more confident with his movements. A part of him was still worried he would fall. 

“Mhm.” He confirmed for Scar.

“Just wait until you see what’s inside, I might have to clear out an area so you could even be in there!” Grian held out an arm to block Scar from getting closer to the door, he laughed at himself, he doesn’t really remember what the room looked like, or when the last time he saw it was. He knew it had to be recently, he remembered what last he threw in there, it was a stick. He meant to give it to one of Pearl’s dogs, which was ironically named “Stick”, hence the name. He thought it was funny. 

“Maybe back away a bit first?” He advised Scar, he didn’t want him to be crushed by rocks and his shinies. Scar obliged and scooted backwards, just so he was in the doorway of Grian’s room. 

Grian grabbed the door knob, not just opening it yet. He took a breath and held it as he turned the knob, opened the door and quickly backed away. He braced himself for stuff tumbling onto him, but after standing there, covering his face with his arms and his body with his wings, nothing happened. He opened one of his eyes, seeing what he was faced with now. 

Wow. He was stunned, this room was a lot cleaner than he thought. And by clean, he meant that the room wasn’t completely full to the brim. It was a rather thin layer of stuff, with occasional piles, mainly in the corners of the room.

Grian looked up from where he was, nothing had spilled out and then he looked behind him and realized he was so close to Scar. If he had moved back just a foot farther, he would’ve fallen onto him. Grian quickly took a step forward and made his way as far as he could into the room, stepping over stuff and picking up anything that might be hazardous for Jellie or Scar to roll over.

He picked up some stuff until he couldn’t carry anything anymore, placing the stuff in the top box of that pile. Scar watched him as he grabbed a different box and ventured back into the room. They were going to be there all day, weren’t they. 

Grian kicked and pushed stuff out of the way to form a path Scar could go through, and then motioned for Scar to come into the room. “Just throw whatever in boxes, it doesn’t matter that much, just try to keep the naturey stuff away from the shiny and not rock stuff. Also, if you see any of my feathers, put them into a separate box or give them to me.” Grian told Scar.

“Yes, Sir!” Scar confidently replied, making Grian chuckle a bit at the silliness of being called “Sir”. Scar wheeled himself in with his own box and started picking up some rocks, “Why do you even have this stuff anyway?” He asked him.

Grian put a shiny piece of metal he found in the box and then stopped to think, “I don’t know…” he came to the conclusion, “I just picked it up because I thought it was neat, and then I couldn’t get rid of it, I felt attached to it.” It felt like a curse, and he knew part of it had to do with him being an avian, it was in his blood. 

“Oh.”

“You saw what my room looks like, this shouldn't be as much of a surprise.” 

Jellie hopped up onto a nearby rock and layed down, basking in the sunlight from the window. Grian wished he could join her, the sunlight did look nice. He continued to collect the metals, crystals, and other trinkets he’s found over the past few years into his box until it was full. He maneuvered around Scar’s wheelchair, trying to get out so he could get another box. It was difficult to do without almost knocking Scar over, there wasn’t much room to go around the wheelchair. 

It was an awkward position, Scar in the middle of reaching to pick up one of the bigger rocks to put in his box and Grian trying to move around him with a full box of metals and shiny things. Grian put down his box beside him on the ground.

“Hey, Scar can yo—” Grian was about to ask him to move out of the room, but Jellie got up off her rock and walked over to Scar, but brushed past Grian’s leg which scared him and he almost tripped over her. But in trying to avoid tripping over Jellie, he tripped over himself instead and almost fell into Scar. He managed to catch the side bars of his wheelchair, where Scar’s arms would usually rest, and ended up being mere inches away from Scar’s face, leaning over him. 

The light from the window shone on Scar’s, making him look like some of the shiny crystals he hoarded. The bright light complimented the scars on his face and neck, making them more pronounced. His emerald green eyes, wide, but full. One of his eyes were fully in the light and the other eye was in Grian’s shadow. It was enchanting to look at, Scar looked enchanting. 

Grian’s legs were barely stable on the ground, talons basically cutting into the floorboards while he could feel his face heat up before being able to move or speak. Scar’s face was also a bright red, and his eyes sparactically looking at Grian’s face, was he studying it, like he had to Scar. Both of them were still shocked and frozen minutes after what was just happened. 

Grian’s wings were the first to move, they puffed up and so did his face feathers, he could’ve sworn he felt a feather or two fall, and he blinked for what felt like the first time in years. He moved his head back slightly, light now illuminating Scar’s face fully. He looked even better. What took them both fully out of being statues was Jellie hopping right on to Scar’s lap, causing the wheelchair to slightly push him away from Grian. 

“Oh! Hi Jellie!” Scar smiled, petting the cat all while blush still ran across his face, it didn’t look like it was going away even after being distracted. Grian moved his hands to the wall as he tried getting his talons unstuck from the ground, pulling his legs towards him in an attempt. 

“Let me help?” Scar offered, not wanting to sound too demanding. 

Grian thought about his offer, he was sure he could do it himself, it was his leg and talons after all. He continued to yank his leg from the ground, but got no luck. He exhaled from the amount of strength he used, he didn’t tried often, but he was already not having the best day ever.

“Sure, you can help, Scar.” Grian gave in, he couldn’t do this by himself. Scar reach over as far down as he could with Jellie on his lap and grabbed Grian’s leg. He pulled, but also getting nothing done.

“How did you get like this?!” Scar was marveled at how stubborn Grian’s leg was being, and how it was basically apart of the ground now. 

“Oh, I don’t know? Ask your cat maybe! I’m sure she’d give you a lovely answer.” Grian’s voice was sarcastic but loud in a numerous way, it made Scar laugh and he stopped pulling at Grian’s leg.

They didn’t notice Mumbo standing there before he asked, “What’s going on in here?” Mumbo was standing in the doorway analyzing what was happening and how little progress was made to the room.

“Jellie scared the absolute shit out of me and now I’m stuck.” Grian confessed, he sounded agitated. His leg was really getting on his nerves now.

“And I’m helping him unstuck!” Scar happily said as Grian, disgruntled, flapped his wings, trying to fly away as an attempt. It didn’t work. His wings were still puffed out from earlier, which didn’t help in the slightest.

“Augh!” Grian was extremely agitated now, he moved around like he was stuck in a cage, not caring for anything, he wanted out.

“Ah, well, I’ll leave these here. I’m going to go finally farm my potatoes now, bye!” Mumbo placed the boxes down and left the room, leaving the two alone again. Grian sighed defeated Ashe didn’t think he would ever get his leg unstuck, and he deserved for Mumbo to now help him. After yelling at him, he didn’t think he deserved.

Scar kept trying to get Grian’s talon out, but weren’t making any progress so far, and Grian kept flailing around, which wasn’t helping either of them. Not Scar’s help nor Grian’s emotions. 

“Can you try relaxing your leg maybe?” Scar suggested, and Grian grunted, a “bit” annoyed, “I don’t think I can relax when my talons are quite literally in the ground!” Grian protested to Scar.

Scar sighed, letting go of Grian’s leg. It felt uncomfortably cold now, even though it was already cold to begin with. He stopped moving and was breathing heavily again, but just slowly slumped onto the ground, his hands dragged against the wall, almost scraping them. He curled up into the ball he could and cried, he cried out of frustration, but he felt embarrassed since Scar was right there, watching him.

He couldn’t see how Scar looked at him, he couldn’t see how he probably judged his ugly cries, he just needed to let everything out. He didn’t care. He covered himself with his wings to hide himself away from the world.

He felt a hand touch one of his primary feathers a few minutes later. It was gentle, he didn’t feel a tug, or a yank, just pure checking in on him. He moved his wing up slightly and peered out above his arms, seeing Scar look at him with concerned eyes. 

“G…” Scar reached over to push Grian’s wing further up so he could see him better, and Grian let him. He blushed at the new nickname, maybe that’s why he let Scar touch his wing, maybe he absolutely charmed him, and maybe it caught him off guard (once again).

He could feel one of the salty tears drip down his cheek and onto the side of his mouth, he hated the taste of it. He sniffed, trying to sit up and get his shit together before he ended up bawling. 

It took him a while, but he could sit up fine, he curled his wings over himself like a blanket for support. He felt the warm hand of Scar touch his shoulder, Jellie meowed because he stopped petting her but he just shushed her before asking Grian, “Are you alright? Obviously you aren’t but-” Grian started to cry again, leaning his head to the side to rest on Scar’s hand. It was so comforting, Scar had no idea how reassuring he was for him. 

Usually, Mumbo would leave the room until he calmed down, and in many situations, he was glad he did. But, it was nice having someone around instead of leaving.  Even when Mumbo asked him that same question after, the feelings had passed and he was always back to a somewhat stable version of himself again. Scar on the other hand, knew that Grian was upset, he was watching it happen.

Scar looked at Grian, a bit startled at him crying again. “No, don’t cry! Did I make you cry?” Grian wanted to sob more at how Scar cared for him, he didn’t even know him that well, it’s been two days! Scar didn’t even know what he used to do, how he used to live life. It sickened him and he couldn’t bear to ever tell Scar in the future, Mumbo too. They would hate him.

Scar waited patiently for an answer and for Grian to calm down, he decided to stay silent and not answer Scar’s question, because it would hurt his feelings in the wrong way.

“I’m alright, and I think I’m done now… can we try again, I really don’t like being stuck like this?” Grian croaked out, his throat was dry from all the crying and Scar nodded, not noticing his need for water. He’d get it later, and for the next who knew how long, the only sound was of Grian’s other talons scraping on the floor and Jellie’s meows for attention. 

It took awhile, they got Grian’s talons out of the ground and he almost fell backwards into the pile of stuff, but Scar grabbed his arm before he could, pulling him upright. 

Grian smiled, feeling like a completely different person than before, “Thank you.” He was grateful for Scar’s help, he felt relieved, maybe this is how Scar felt when Grian helped to uncover his wings. He started to open his arms as if to hug him, but stopped himself.

“You’re welcome!” Scar charmingly said back to him, slightly bowing in a theatrical way. Grian laughed, just like when he’d been called “Sir” earlier.

They both were back to cleaning the room, and Grian found it very therapeutic after his whole… thing that just happened. Scar hummed to a nonexistent tune which supplied nice white noise for him. He even found himself humming along at certain points with Scar. 

After a while, they were almost done and Grian took a second to fully stand up and stretch his back and wings, finally having enough room to do so. 

“I’ve been meaning to ask,” he could barely hear Scar ask as he stretched.

“Yeah?” Grian asked as he felt his lower back crack, it felt nice. He extended his wings out now, doing that made them feel better. Since earlier, they defluffed and were now back to their smooth state.

“before you guys showed me the wheelchair… what did you do with your hands?” Now this confused Grian, he didn’t know what Scar was talking about. He stood up straight, now intrigued.

“What do you mean?” 

“You did something like this”, he demonstrated what Grian did earlier, almost replicating the wait sign “wait' '

Oh. It made sense now.

He used sign instead of speaking, didn't he? It wasn’t the first time it’s happened, he used it sometimes with Mumbo, not much because he knew he didn’t know it.

“I used a language called sign language, it’s like speaking, but with your hands and body.” Grian explained to Scar. 

“Why do you use it?” Scar questioned him further, actually seeming really interested in this. It made Grian happy, maybe if Pearl came around, met Mumbo after all of these years, she could teach Scar a bit. He didn’t feel qualified to actually teach Scar, so he held off on suggesting that he could teach him some, as tempting as it was.

“Oh, no particular reason…” he thought of a quick reason to avoid mentioning he had a sister. “It helps me be vocal when I can’t speak, that’s all!” He didn’t exactly lie, he does use sign sometimes to convey his emotions when he can’t stand his surroundings, when his mouth decides to shut off and his brain goes haywire. He used it because he couldn’t contain his excitement earlier, so in a way, he was telling the truth.

Just not the full truth.

Scar remarked that it was pretty cool, which made Grian feel fuzzy inside for some reason. They finished clearing the last piles, leaving only one pile left and that was the pile with all of Grian’s feathers. Which he carried back to his room in two trips, he’d deal with that later. He’ll probably sort them out from feathers he actually liked and ones he was going to use for compost. 

When Grian got back, Scar was riding in circles around the room. He looked like he was having a lot of fun, and he had to admit, it looked like a lot of fun. Although, he didn’t think he saw him not smile since he got the wheelchair. Unless he counted that moment, Grian still blushed thinking about it. 

— — — —

The rest of the day went as normal as it could've with the new changes, they all ate dinner upstairs again instead of at the dining table downstairs for Scar’s sake. All three of them had forgotten about lunch, while Scar and Mumbo had baked potatoes, Grian found himself eating dinner he made himself yesterday, realizing he never ate it and didn’t want it to go to waste.

Grian could tell that Mumbo was actually having a really fun time around Scar as they talked, dinner wasn’t quite so boring any more with Scar’s chatter filling up the room. Mumbo laughed at Scar’s funny remarks to whatever either of them had to say. It’s hard to believe that Scar hasn’t grown onto Mumbo in moments like these.

While they were finishing up, Grian nor Scar didn’t tell Mumbo about his meltdown earlier, it felt almost secretive, and Grian didn’t want to worry Mumbo about anything or have him ask about Grian’s mental well being. Which was perfectly fine! Having meltdowns was a normal thing for Grian, he’s always had them as far back as he could remember.

They finished eating and Mumbo went to his room to go to bed early, he was exhausted from farming potatoes all day. Grian couldn’t blame him, he would be too. He probably would’ve given up and taken more breaks than needed just because the task would’ve been too hard for him.

That left Scar and Grian alone to eat and both were entertained by talking about the various things Grian had hoarded over the years. Grian fed a bit of his chicken to Jellie as he realized she hadn't exactly had much food, so here he was, sharing food with a cat.

Grian after, laid down some blankets for Scar to use as a bed before he could properly make a better one, the makeshift bed works better than nothing. He thanked him and went to bed as well. He asked Grian if he could finally read the book to him, which he had completely forgot about.

Grian read the book right next to Scar, he still wanted to see the words even if he couldn’t read them as well. And for some reason, it felt right. All of this felt right, having Scar be around him felt peaceful. 

And when he finished the first few chapters, Grian looked over to Scar, who fell asleep on his shoulder. Grian was blushing as he carefully removed him off and moved away, and he wished he would’ve stayed with Scar. He tucked him into the covers as Jellie curled right next to him. He left the room, closing the door behind him and entering his own, finally going to bed now.

— — — —

While Grian (tried to) slept that night, he felt lonelier than usual. It was too quiet, too alone. He was laying on his stomach, trying to fall asleep, but it didn’t feel right. So he rolled over and sat up, his wings rustled in the quietness and closed his eyes. Purple encasing his vision, he then thought about Mumbo, realizing he hadn’t checked on him before going to bed and he felt bad for not doing so. And just like that, the image of Mumbo asleep peered into his mind. Grian frowned as he saw that Mumbo looked lonelier than he did, he slept with a frown on his face, the same one Grian wore now. He wanted to go give him a hug, after all he is his best friend. ‘I’ll do that tomorrow.’ He told himself in advance. The image of Mumbo faded out and everything faded into purple again. He’ll never stop hating that colour.

He thought about Scar, who was on his bed, fast asleep and curled up with Jellie. Grian felt sad for a reason he didn’t know why, it looked warm and comfortable, while his nest felt cold and empty. He yearned for that comfort, he always found comfort in his nest but it seemed like something was missing from it now. Though, sure it was creepy, using the powers he swore not to use again to look at his new found friend sleeping, but he felt better knowing Scar was at least sleeping alright. Maybe that was all the comfort he needed. 

Grian let the vision fade to black. He opened his eyes again, it wasn’t much of a better experience than him doing the same thing yesterday to find the aid kit. His eyes stung, but not that much, he was glad it didn’t. Although, his head spun, creating a bit of nausea for him. “Euuggh…” Grian groaned out, he didn’t feel like throwing up at the moment so he tried laying down, hoping the feeling would go away. 

The world seemed less lonely after he closed his eyes and felt himself sink into the base of the nest. 

Chapter Text

Grian didn’t know what time it was, he didn’t know if it was morning or night or day. But he did know something, he was awake, just, his body wasn’t. He couldn’t open his eyes either, move his hands, hear much, or really anything. He was alone with his thoughts as his only company. Grian hated whenever this happened. 

No matter how hard he tried, he couldn’t, but he couldn’t stop trying. He could move his eyes around even though they were glued shut, it didn’t make sense to him though, all he saw was darkness. Pure, taunting darkness. The only thing he could feel that moved was his heart beat, it felt heavy, just like his breathing. Like Jellie was sitting on his chest, but he knew that was impossible unless she could open doors, he knew he shut Scar’s door when he left. Grian tried taking deep breaths, but he only felt like he was sinking further into his nest, becoming a part of it. 

It was an isolating experience, not one he was suspecting tonight, or this morning? Whatever. He felt like he was stuck in a small but infinite room-like box, where he couldn’t see anything, but everything and everyone could see him. And to everyone else, he probably looked asleep, peaceful. He just wasn’t, he was awake, or at least trying to wake up. His body wouldn’t let him.

His heartbeat was the only connection he really had to his actual body, he later, slowly began to hear it. It thumped and thumped in an uneven pattern, like he was trying to gasp for air. The more he tried to breathe the more he felt like he couldn’t, even taking bigger breaths felt like he was taking in less air than before. With each breath, he sunk even further into the fabric of his nest, melting into it. He couldn’t feel his wings anymore, like they’ve been cut off. 

Grian started to panic, suddenly, he couldn’t hear or feel his own heartbeat. It was dead silent now. Had he died? Did Grian die!? Oh no, no no no no. He couldn’t die? How was that possible! Was he stabbed? Did Scar kill him? No. He couldn’t have, right?

Grian’s thoughts spiraled, not even considering thinking was a sign of him being alive. He thought for sure he had died. But as he was slowly starting to accept it, he heard his heartbeat return, it was faint. Even if it was small, a wave of relief came over him, sinking him even further into what felt like the ground now. 

It was a sign he was alive, and he couldn't be more grateful for that. In addition to hearing his heartbeat, he was now aware of his breathing, this is good, this was good, Grian thought. He was almost done with this hellish experience, weight was still heavy on his chest, it turned from what felt like a cat peacefully laying on his chest to what felt like an anvil being dropped on it.

It was suffocating, getting oxygen felt like being trapped in a box with the smallest holes. Like he was being shipped off to a mountain with rough climates. There was a positive side to it though, he was more aware of himself, he was almost awake. 

He knew it, it’s not like the first time it’s happened to him. But somehow, every time, it scares him. He took advantage of the moment and moved his eyes around from under his closed socket more. 

Then he didn’t know how or why it happened. It felt too fast but too slow to process it.

His eyes opened, and it was weird. For him to be able to see nothing, and then be greeted with freedom, to just see nothing again. His room was still dark and it’s like there was much to the ceiling.

He let out a shaky breath, the feeling on his chest slowly lifting off as he took more opening breaths. He raised one of his arms so that it hovered over his face, he looked at it the best he could. It didn’t look real, it looked fake. He couldn’t tell if it was real or not, so he turned it so he saw the back of his hand instead. Even moving it felt surreal. A common feeling after this happened, he didn’t know what to call it.

His breath struggled to remain normal, going from uneven high and low breaths to a somewhat even pattern, but then repeating it again. He tried resting both his hands on his chest where his heart was to feel the beat. It wasn’t the most help either, Grian sighed. That sigh sounded worse than his breathing, maybe if he sat up?

He noticed he was laying on his wings, which can be uncomfortable if done wrong. He almost pushed down on his wings while sitting up, forgetting they were right where his hands would go to lift himself up.

It was nauseating to sit up, his head spun a bit, and his throat was still extremely dry. He never got water, and swallowing felt painful, almost. But, the feeling of being small and lonely overpowered his thirst. He didn’t care as much about water as he did for feeling better. His wings curled around him, and he wanted to use his face feathers to cover his eyes but he didn’t want to not see again. Especially right after whatever that was. He never liked how it felt, he was always cold, but sweaty after it happened. Not in a sick way though. Once he debriefed from it, he felt fine. 

So he sat there and tried to get used to reality again. He sat there for a while, until he could see the sun slightly peak out over the horizon. It hadn’t risen enough to send a bunch of light to spill through the window, but it was enough to see things more clearly. Things such as the door, and himself. He looked at his hands again, they still didn’t look real, but at least they felt a bit more alive than they just were.

He grabbed his other hand, squeezing it and then turning it so it cracked his wrist. It was the loudest sound in the room, the birds weren’t awake. He also didn’t have a Jellie to pet while he waited for it to be an appropriate time to wake up and start his day. He thought back to last morning and how peaceful it was…

He wondered how Scar was doing. 

—————————————————————————————————————-

Scar was standing in a field of flowers. Just like he was yesterday, it seemed much calmer though, no running away from a sentient fire, no broken doors, and no fear. The door was closed and behind him, though he could hear the crackling of the fire, like it was waiting for him to go back to it.

He walked away from the door, not wanting to hear the fire. It made him anxious and all it made him want to do was run and find someone. He didn’t know who, or why. The thought about this person was fuzzy, but at his grasp, like he could just say who it was. But he couldn’t, he can’t remember. 

He didn’t know why he was back in his dream either, he didn’t mind it though. Maybe this time he could see where the torches led him to. Finding an answer he was sure he’d be able to find calmed him down. 

Something he noticed in this dream was that he could walk. He could do it perfectly fine too, but it felt unreal, like it was done on purpose. Scar knew something was helping him walk, it felt weird, but he feels like he’s done it before. He didn’t know why, it was probably something else he couldn’t remember. He just wished he knew.

Grass blades brushed against his ankles as he elegantly walked through the flowers, some he recognized from last time, and some that were now new. The flowers he recognized were the red, five petaled flowers and the purple ones that had many flowers on one stem. The purple ones looked more pointier than the reds, and had only four petals each flower. 

They were gorgeous, and Scar, forgetting he was in a dream, picked up a few along the way as he followed the same path. He picked them up and held them like a bouquet, almost like if he loved them enough, they would transfer to the real world. 

The ones he didn’t recognize were tall and stood out. It was hard to miss them, they were taller than him and had several yellow petals. The head of the flower that kept all of the seeds was huge. All of the flowers looked at him, no matter what direction he walked or faced, they would turn to him. It was creepy, like he was being watched. 

He picked up his pace, the new flowers were the only things that willingly moved. There was no wind in his dream, so everything looked still, and everything felt still to Scar. Everything was still. 

He felt like the only thing full of life, that everything else was a picture taken of time and he was walking through it, unknowing. Even the flower didn’t look alive with how it turned to Scar. After a while, they stopped, and it was so sudden. Like everything froze, it made him stop walking as looked around, feeling uneasy in his stomach now. 

Scar didn’t think that there was a specific meaning to this dream, but whatever was happening right now, he didn’t like, and he didn’t think it was good. The events didn’t hurt him, they were harmless, so why did he feel so threatened all of a sudden?

What did it mean?

— — — —

The path felt endless. Scar couldn’t feel himself that well in his dream, he didn’t feel tired, he felt like he could go on forever like a never ending goose chase. That would be pretty funny, at the end of all of this, there was a goose. Scar laughed to himself at the stupid thought. He couldn’t hear his own laughter though… It wasn't like a normal dream. 

He stopped walking so he could contain himself before he drove himself to madness from laughing over something so silly. He wiped his eyes from the funny tears and looked up with a sigh. Then he froze, there was one of the tall flowers right in front of him all of sudden. 

“Ah!” He backed away, scared, he could now hear himself, though it sounded faint even when it came from him. Was that there before? He looked around frantically, all the others were looking at him now too. It freaked him out, “What…?” He questioned it, he thought the dream was going to be calm again. Scar’s voice echoed whenever he spoke, and the louder he spoke, the quieter it sounded. 

The flower in front of him did nothing to him but look at him. It still freaked him out, he pushed past it, picking up his face even more until he was running. He wanted to be away from the ominous stares.

“Scar?” He heard someone say, it was faint and he couldn’t tell where it came from, it echoed all around him, and the more he ran though, the louder it got.

“Scarrrrr?” The voice sounded quiet and a bit guilty too. He chased after it, maybe he was close to the end? Maybe he was close to finding his answer? Out of nowhere, another flower appeared from the ground, scaring Scar again, causing him this time trip. The fall felt slow, and he could see all the details of the ground. But he didn’t see what happened after.

Scar opened his eyes and sat up with a start, he moved as if he was going to run. Wings were extended like he was about to take flight.

“Ah!” He heard Grian yell. 

“Ah!” Scar yelled back, they both moved away from each other. They didn’t get that far though.

What was Grian doing here?! “Hello there?!” Scar greeted Grian’s strange appearance. He didn’t expect for Grian to be right next to him! He was currently half laying on the ground with his wings fully extended, similar to how Scar’s was. 

Jellie meowed, sounding grumpy, it matched her face well, Scar thought. It grabbed his attention away from Grian’s still stunned face and he started to pet her, he could feel himself easily calm down. His breathing returning to a more normal pattern.

Grian on the other hand, looked like he just got shot. “Grian?” Scar sat up to use his other hand to wave his hand in front of his face. He blinked a few times before looking at Scar, “Sorry… I- that just scared me, really badly.” He rubbed his hand on the back of his neck, trying to avoid eye contact.

“Oh, you scared me too.” Scar confessed, even though it was quite already obvious. Grian did a small “hm” that would’ve been lost in the loud sounds of Jellies if he wasn’t paying attention.

“Why are you here though?” Scar finally asked, hoping to break the awkward situation into a more comfortable one. It was weird to see Grian was in his room at such an early time, was he trying to wake Scar up? 

Grian looked to the ground, now looking ashamed of himself, “I didn’t sleep well… I don’t know why I came to you—Sorry if I’m bothering yo-” he tried explaining but Scar wasn’t going to let Grian apologize, he ruffled Grian’s hair, “It’s fine!”. He was glad to have been woken up anyway, that dream was weird . As Scar moved his fingers between the strands of Grian’s hair, absolutely messing it up, he made an ‘O’ shape with his mouth as he noticed how soft Grian’s hair was. It soon turned into a smile when Grian started to melt into the touch, giving into how nice it probably felt. 

He couldn’t believe he only met this man a few days ago… every interaction feels like they’ve known each other for years.

Scar was getting used to petting Grian’s hair, and Grian acting like a cat while he did so. There was a sound that he thought was coming from Jellie, it sounded awfully like her but more high pitched. He looked down to Jellie and she didn’t appear to be making the sound…. He looked back to Grian, whose eyes were closed and he could feel the tiny vibration, but the loud sound of a purr emitted from him.

Scar’s hand froze and to Grian’s dissatisfaction, he grumbled a bit, grabbing Scar’s hand on top of his head. He wasn’t aware of what he was doing until Scar started to laugh at him.

“…What?” Grian asked, still not realizing, “Why’d you stop?” And then he knew, his face feathers immediately going to cover his face. 

“You can purr!?” Scar was astounded by the sound Grian made, he sounded almost just like Jellie!

“No, shut up!” Grian was quick to deny, blushing slightly as Scar ruffled his hair some more. He grabbed Scar's hand off his head and pushed it back to Scar’s chest.

“Then what was that?! Mister ‘No, shut up!’?” Scar half air quoting his response, since Grian had his other hand.

Grian blushed more, not wanting to admit anything. He covered his face with his face feathers and arms, letting go of Scar’s hand. Scar immediately went back to petting Grian’s head as he mumbled something that Scar couldn’t hear, and suddenly, he felt a bit of confidence overcome him.

“What was that?” He asked him slyly, leaning towards Grian. He didn’t know where the sudden attitude came from, but it was too late to stop now.

“I don’t purr!” He protested, Grian knew damn well he could purr.

He began to ruffle his hair again, and Grian softened into his touch again, purring even louder. “That's what I thought.” Scar teased with a seemingly innocent smile, and Grian sank even further into himself, basically becoming an embarrassed ball of bird.

Jellie started to get mad at him and meowed and rolled onto her back, trying to get Scar’s full attention away from Grian. Scar took his hand off of Grian’s head to pet his oh so attention-loving cat. 

“You’re such a baby!” He cooed to Jellie, petting her stomach. He looked at Grian who looked at Scar with a pout. He hadn’t seen Grian act this way ever, not since he met him. He reached his right hand out, which Grian gladly took, even if it was bandaged. He started to purr again as Scar tried his best to give attention to both Jellie and him, it was like taking care of two cats. Even though one was a bird, he still wasn’t over the fact he could purr.

“You guys sure sound the same, for someone who says he can’t purr.” Scar chuckled.

“I’m not a cat though, Scar!” Grian stopped again, looking a little offended. 

“Then don’t sound like one?” Scar suggested, he didn’t know what else to say. If Grian didn’t purr like a cat, maybe he wouldn’t have been compared to one. Grian stared at him, did he say something wrong? He was about to apologize for the rude comment but Grian just wheezed. 

Scar liked it when Grian laughed, he liked hearing the vocal hitches and shrieks. It was almost contagious and it made Scar happy for some reason. It made a funny feeling in his stomach for reasons he didn’t know why. His laugh brightened up the room a bunch, he almost looked like the sun to Scar. The vibrant colour of his shirt, the colour of his wings didn’t help. 

Grian calmed down and flopped onto his side with a sigh,his left arm covering his face.“This is so stupid!” Grian extended the arm in the air, chest heaving with laughter.

“Why?” Scar chuckled at Grian´s dramatic response.

“I don't actually know…it just kind of is?” He breathed out another sigh, the mood becoming a lot more peaceful and quieter. Scar could hear the birds chirping and singing outside now in the calm silence. He looked across his room, ignoring the dramatic bird that was sprawled in the centre of the floor. The metal of his wheelchair glistened a bit in the light, he liked the gift, it made him feel whole, warm, like he didn’t need layers of clothing to make him feel that way. He’s gotten used to the feeling of getting around with it, well, mostly. Other than that time where he fell out of the wheelchair and Grian caught him. That was pretty much his only mess up.

Scar closed his eyes to avoid the sunshine that shone in his eyes, and despite the sun giving him warmth, it only made him realise how cold he felt on his skin. He shivered and Grian looked over to him, “Are you cold?” he asked him, “Yeah.” Scar said to Grian, he wanted to say no, but the word came out of his mouth faster than he could process.

“I would give you my cloak, but… you’re currently using it to keep yourself stable on that thing.” He dismissively threw his arm over to the direction of the wheelchair, where Grian’s cloak hung lazily on it.

“I’m not using the chair now am I?” Scar pointed out, and Grian took that into consideration.

“That’s… a really good point. Do you want it, for now?”

Scar raised his eyebrow, as if to say ‘I just admitted to being cold, didn’t I?

“I’ll take that as a yes then.” Grian raised his arm in the air, holding them up a few seconds before sitting up and almost falling forwards onto his face. He caught himself before he could, looking a bit shaken up, “Well, we don’t talk about that.” He said to Scar, making him laugh. Maybe he understood Grian’s words now, this was pretty stupid, he didn’t know why it was funny to him.

Grian balanced himself, flexing out his tail feathers to help him not fall, and walked over to Scar’s wheelchair. He grabbed the coat and then threw it to Scar, landing perfectly on his lap, over Jellie, who got scared and started to get up and run, panicking. She ran and tumbled before bolting out of Scar’s room, leaving both him and Grian speechless.

Thumps of scared footsteps were heard, scrambling around before Jellie ran back into the room, almost into the corner before Grian rushed to grab her. Scar had tried to lunge for her before Grian got there first. His heart rate spiked up and he could’ve sworn he couldn’t feel his body be there for a moment, that scared him, really bad. Jellie could’ve gotten seriously hurt, with the speed she was going and the thickness of the wall, nothing good would come from it.

Scar layed there, arms stretched out to catch a moment from the now past. He blinked a few times as he saw Grian move, he was crouched a few feet away from him, his arms being just out of his reach. He sat down with no care for himself and took the cloak off of Jellie, sighing as he looked at her concerned. Her eyes were the biggest he’d ever seen them be, her pupils being dilated and sharp as knives.

Scar felt himself sigh before he could process that Jellie rushed over to him, an act of comfort? He thought as her soft fur brushed against the fabric of his sleeve, even if Scar had gotten to Jellie quick enough, what good could he do with his arm? He slowly lowered his arms, sitting up more now. Jellie now curled around his hurt arm that rested limply at his side, and had calmed him down. He felt his heartbeat go back to a relatively normal rhythm. He looked to Grian, who looked back at him and then looked at Jellie, smiling nervously.

“Well! That was something!” Grian remarked, making Scar chuckle once again, he just found Grian funny that’s all. He studied more of Grian’s body language, he was still tensed and his feathers were spread out, wings almost taking the entire room. Scar decided to respond with a thumbs up, getting more nervous behavior from Grian as a few feathers fell from a nervous laugh. Was that supposed to happen? Were Grian’s feathers supposed to fall out? He paid attention back to Grian, who still looked the same, he looked like he needed a Jellie to comfort him. Scar frowned, a bit sad that Grian was stressed out, he raised his other arm 

“You look stressed?”

“What does that have to do with anything?”

Scar nodded his head towards his arm and then back to Grian, “Everything, come here.” Grian sat there for a few more seconds, blinking slowly, possibly trying to process Scar’s request but eventually crawling a bit over to Scar, and once close enough to him, enclosed him into a side hug. Grian let out a surprised “Oh!” Before easing into Scar’s grip, eventually letting himself melt into Scar’s lap as he played with his hair some more. 

This time, Grian purred as loud as he wanted, not even really caring anymore, or if Scar were to tease him again. It must’ve felt nice, Scar observed. He did feel a bit jealous, he wanted his hair to be played with too. Scar's eyes drifted to Grian’s wings again, which now looked relaxed and rested comfortably against his back, slightly spread. His back was facing towards Scar, so his wings were basically pressed up against his torso, they felt soft and light, it was a nice feeling. Without thinking, he stopped petting Grian’s head and went to touch his wings, they looked so hypnotizing to him, it was hard to resist the bright colours.

His fingers grazed the upper bit of Grian’s back which caught his attention, rustling a bit to see what Scar was doing. He wasn’t paying attention to his expression or face at all as he lightly touched the feathers closest to Grian’s back. He was quick to move and fast to surprise Scar as he chirped, something else Scar didn’t know Grian could do, although it would make sense. He was a bird hybrid after all, it just… caught him by surprise. 

“Don’t touch those!” Grian practically screeched, hurting Scar’s ears, making them move violently back. He recoiled away from Scar, and rolled off his lap so he was on the ground in front of him. He swung his arms around his back, encasing his wings inside the area of his arms, so they were close to his back as much as possible, away from Scar. He sat up and looked at Scar with frantic eyes.

“Oh! Sorry!” Scar’s hand was still around Grian’s back so he moved his arm down to Grian’s waist instead, making sure he wasn’t anywhere close to touching Grian’s wings. He didn’t know why though, but he couldn’t be bothered to ask at the moment. Jellie’s attention was captured by his loud screech, her ears also bent back. He looked at her, she sat up, still curled around Scar’s arm, but more aware, Scar glanced back to Grian’s whose face was redder than his sweater. 

“Are you… okay? You look red, I don’t think that’s normal?” Scar tried comforting Grian, but he just removed Scar’s hand off of his waist and moved backwards some more, almost backing into the wall. Scar took that as a ‘do not touch! There’s a chance you might get bitten’ action and rested his hand on his knee instead of the soft fabric of Grian’s jumper as they stared at each other. 

Grian was the first to break his gaze away, looking slightly behind him to his wings, ignoring Scar’s question. Scar was fine with that, he wasn’t obligated to answer his question and he had a blaring thought in his mind, had he overstepped a huge boundary?

While he was zoning out, he noticed Grian looked back at him. He focused back to the real world and listened to what Grian had to say. “Do you want breakfast?” He said it quietly, but it said lots to Scar. He couldn’t help but feel like this was an apology, even though he should be more sorry.

Scar nodded his head and watched Grian get up, and as he watched him stroll away, humming a tune out the door and closing it behind him. It left him alone with nothing to do, so he observed the view out the window, looking upon grass fields and in the distance he swore he saw patches of red and purple. It was peaceful, and he had a feeling it was more peaceful than the supposed tragedy he went through,and  things he couldn’t remember. He wanted to eventually go beyond the “boot” he called it, everything looked more lively there. The green colour of the grass made him identify a feeling of calmness. He exhaled and looked down to the bandages on his arm, he still wished he would just know he got them.

He waited for, not that long surprisingly for Grian to bring back Scar the food, it wasn’t like he could go downstairs. He slammed open the door, and Scar jumped a bit in his wheelchair, “Ah!” He held his arms up, not in a very defensive way, but they moved towards him as if he were standing on the edge of a road and almost got trampled by a horse, moving himself out of the way so he wouldn’t get even slightly hurt.

“Oh… how many times are you going to scare me today?!” He asked. Scar held a hand to his chest, feeling his heartbeat. “As many times as I want too!” Grian happily replied, a bit too happy for someone who was just upset. Moods can change, he slightly shrugged.

Grian put one of the plates on the window sill, it was bread and something else he hadn’t seen before. “What’s that?” He asked, picking up the thin, yellow, cut, rectangles.

“That’s cheese, Scar. Have you not had cheese before?”

“Couldn’t tell you even if I remembered.”

“Oh yeah.”

Grian sat on the ground beside Scar’s wheelchair and started eating. “Does it taste good?” 

“Wouldn’t give it to you if it didn’t,” Grian reasoned and Scar hummed positively. “Besides, if you don’t like it, then you don’t have to eat it.” Grian added on, assuring Scar that he doesn’t have to force himself to eat it. Scar took a bite of the thinly cut slice of ‘cheese’, it tasted weird at first, but the longer it sat in his mouth, the more it grew on him. Scar sat pleasantly while he ate more, taking bites of the bread, it was nice and fluffy.

He couldn’t have pictured a better way this morning could’ve gone, he no longer felt cold.

—————————————————————————————————————-

Waking up was just lovely, Mumbo felt rather well rested despite the taunting urge to wake up in the middle of the night. He felt like someone was watching him, and it made him feel very unnerved and uncomfortable. But he also felt a bit safe, like it was checking up on him, like a midnight check up from a parent, he didn’t know what or why, afterall, it was just a feeling. No one was actually watching him, right?

He guessed he would never find an answer, like most things. He’ll never know why Grian brought Scar home, trusting him so much, even when he was revealed to be a vex of all things. Grian knew they were dangerous, but he still trusted Scar, he saw the look on his eyes. Filled with plentiful emotions, but he mostly saw the look of offense when Mumbo even slightly suggested anything bad about Scar. He knew he could trust Grian, he’s saved Mumbo’s life before, even risking his own that day, and Mumbo admired that. They didn’t exactly separate after Grian had helped Mumbo escape his home, it wasn’t like he was being watched after there anyway. His parents were probably delighted for him to be gone, but Mumbo couldn’t care less about them anymore. 

The place he grew up in, wasn’t the kindest. He used to live in an isolated village that just happened to be near where vexes were told to be living. He felt like he was living in constant fear after hearing that and those stories, he never went far from where he was supposed to. He could still remember hearing if he went too far from the village, he would be brutally killed, and eaten alive, no one wants that. So hearing about Scar’s secret, brought out a side of him he hated, a very judgemental side he had years to reflect on. It was the side of him that reminded him of the people he hated, which was practically everyone in that village, his old home, a place to forget. 

Mumbo sighed, letting himself feel the covers that were draped over him, feeling the cold blankets that he preferred. Maybe he was too quick to judge Scar, maybe not all vexes were like the stories he’s heard from. 

He’ll also never know what happened in that forest one day, many years back… he hated to think about it, it haunts his dreams sometimes, giving him cold blooded nightmares that he’s forced to go through. He’ll never know what he saw that day, but it was something he surely feared, something he thought that had haunted him. Mumbo didn’t know why , he thought he had seen a vex, and with a little bit of his brain power and quick thinking, he put the two most unrelated pieces together and formed a theory that what he saw that night was Scar. The figure was tall though, old enough to be an adult, it wouldn’t make sense though. Scar looked around their age, he couldn’t remain the same all those years back.

He felt the feather that hung from the string around his neck, it was soft compared to the texture of his dress shirt. Whoever had lived here before, seemed to be a proper person. When looking through everything for the first time with Grian, he found a box full of clothes, most of them were tattered except for a few dress shirts, a blazer, and nice pants (that were insanely dusty). Mumbo was more than glad to change out his clothes for the new ones.

“Those fit you way better by the way.” Grian complimented Mumbo. Every time Mumbo felt bad about himself occasionally, he would think back to those words and feel slightly better. It would remind him of how much he’s changed over the years. Mumbo didn’t know how he and Grian became friends, they just kind of did. He felt like he couldn’t leave him alone after he helped him escape, and Grian has clung close to him ever since, even when he leaves, he always comes back. He even gave him one of his feathers, which he doesn’t know what it means but surely it was important to him, so he kept it. 

He had to admit that it was a surprise that day, seeing a stranger appear from nowhere and quietly ask him where he was… and then become his best friend.

— — — —

Mumbo was returning home from school, a test in his hand that displayed a horrid grade on it. Mumbo sweat nervously, he was scared to see his parents' reactions to it, even if they didn’t care much about him, himself, not caring whether he died or not, they would value silly little numbers over his own life. It angered him, he clenched his fist around the paper tighter, wondering why he couldn’t have done better.

He was coming across the street he lived on, but turned into a nearby alley way to stall time. Mumbo preferred to have his life as long as he could have it, afraid of what his parents would do, or if they would even notice… with each step he kicked dust up into the air and then kicked the nearest trash can, watching it tip over and the lid fall off to reveal a mound of disgusting trash, food scraps and what not. But it wasn’t enough, he barely did anything to that trash can, all it did was fall over! He kicked it again and it went a decent way down the alleyway, crashing into one of the bigger dumpsters and making a loud ‘CLUNK!’ sound.

Then there was another loud sound. One that was not caused by him, Mumbo stepped back afraid and nervous again. Mumbo swallowed, feeling the saliva move down his throat. Whatever was there… better be harmless. Mumbo knew he couldn't defend himself well if he tried, sure he was tall but that was the only thing intimidating about him.

The sound he heard was of more metal, like someone had fallen onto something. It made him flinch every time, until it died down a bit. What was it? Still frozen, he theorized some possibilities, a really mad cat. …that was about it. Was he going to get kidnapped? He wouldn’t mind it at this point if it avoided confrontation with his parents.

All his fear fled away as soon as he heard the loud sounds turn into loud cries. Crying? This couldn’t be a cat… but who would be crying in a dumpster? Suddenly, he felt bad, he felt an urge to rush over and comfort whatever was crying.

He peered over the bin, gasping at what he was seeing. It was difficult to see what, or well, now he could see who it was. He was looking down upon a bird hybrid who was curled into the corner of the bin, face wet with tears. He felt himself let go of his test, letting it fall to the ground. “H-hello?” Mumbo tried calmly saying, as to not scare or give the illusion that he would hurt the hybrid. His voice turned out sounding almost just as scared as the bird was, very high pitched. He had a habit of doing that when he was nervous, his throat would close, leaving only the high octaves to be vocal.

— — — —

Since then, he helped Grian, who at the time needed help finding the forest so he could continue his travels. Even if he was scared of the forest, Mumbo helped him. If anything, it bought him time and he could just say he was helping a stray cat as an excuse if his parents asked. But as it turned out, Grian wanted to repay the favour, he spoke in bits of broken English, which Mumbo also helped him improve over the years. He never knew what language Grian spoke before, but that didn’t matter. Mumbo took it as an opportunity to run away, he left Grian by a tree that was well hidden from the outside.

He ran inside his home, but quietly so his parents didn’t know he was there and grabbed a few things, like his toothbrush, some soap, writing utensils, much more, and most importantly a bag to carry it all. He ran back to the forest, luckily no one in the village knew him that well, so they didn’t exactly question a young child at the age of 13 running down the roads. He got back to Grian and asked him to take him with him, which he obliged and since then, never really left each other’s sides.

Mumbo took a deep breath and stopped thinking about the past, stretched his arms in the air, and held his hands together but with palms facing up. He cracked his arms and sighed, he felt today was a good day.

He removed the covers off of him and walked out of his room to go to the bathroom, they were lucky to even have working plumbing with how old this place was. It was incredibly early as he passed by Grian’s room, the door closed, and he was glad he was at least sleeping at this hour, hopefully well too. He knows what’s to come within the next month for him.

He continued on his way to the bathroom and then headed downstairs to make himself breakfast, which he assumed by, quietly so he wouldn’t wake anyone up, looking through the cupboards, he already knew it was going to be bread. It was the only thing that seemed appetizing to him at the moment. Though he wasn’t bothered to toast it or anything, he was too tired for that.

He grabbed the bread and sat down, not really eating it as much as he should’ve been. He stared blankly out of the window, enjoying the presence of nature outside. A few birds were flying in the distance, little blobs that looked like they were dancing in the sky. Mumbo wondered what it was like to fly, how freeing it might be, or how the wind would caress his hair like a gentle blanket. Pouring cool air all over his face, seeing the clouds and sky, being unanchored from the ground. There were days that Mumbo envied Grian for his wings. He’s never seen him fly before, but he knew he was capable of doing so.

He’s wanted to ask Grian that for so long, but never around to doing so, it felt rude. Whenever he brought up anything about how being a bird hybrid works, such as his molting periods or preening, he looked embarrassed, like it was wrong. He hated that Grian would view himself that way. There’s nothing bad with being a hybrid of anything… 

Mumbo sighed, maybe he should give Scar a proper chance. 

It wouldn’t be fair if he didn’t. Vex or not, Scar genuinely seemed really nice.

— — — —

Mumbo stared at the window for a long time, it had to be for hours. He did debate on whether to go outside or not, but it looked too cold. He didn’t want to risk getting a cold, much less at this time of year. The thought of the cold made him shudder, bringing him back to his full senses instead of just zoning out.

He realized he could hear talking and voices from upstairs, guessing Scar and Grian were fully awake now. He took another bite of his bread, heading every sound it made in his mouth while he chewed. His chest ached, in an emotional way. Mumbo didn’t know why, maybe he was just tired. 

Grian did come downstairs for food for the both of them, but looked pretty tired still, eye bags were prominent on his face, not exactly complimenting the bright colours he displayed.

But as of now, he heard some loud noises get closer and closer as he then eventually saw Grian clumsily waltz downstairs with Scar’s wheelchair, and then rushing back upstairs to, which Mumbo assumed, go help Scar come downstairs too.

It took awhile but Mumbo just ate another bit of his bread as he watched Grian help Scar into his wheelchair. Mumbo should’ve probably helped, but he felt glued to his seat, just very… out of it at the moment. Once Scar was settled, he eyes Mumbo and waved at him.

Mumbo watched as Scar approached him, feeling an immense amount of delight upon seeing his gift being used. Scar stopped right next to him at the table and waved to him, "Why, hello there!” he chimed, a joyful smile spread across his face, like he was actually happy to see Mumbo. Mumbo finished chewing on the last of his bread and swallowed before saying something back.

"Hello!” Mumbo responded, voice sounding rusty, morning voice and all, it was the first time he’s in awhile this morning. He saw Jellied curled into a little ball on Scar’s lap again, she looked so peaceful and cared for, it made Mumbo smile slightly. He glanced back over to Grian whose arms were still spread out on the table, instead of burying his head in them, like a normal person. But then again, Grian wasn't exactly normal… at least by his standards. Mumbo considered Grian to be an odd fellow, ever since he laid eyes on the guy. Grian then abruptly moved his wings, almost hitting Scar, and lapped them around himself, like a cocoon. 

"May I ask?” Mumbo looked back to Scar to queried him, but Grian answered instead.

"No.” Grian grumbled, sounding vaguely muffled. 

"Can I ask?” Scar butted in, smiling, knowing what the answer would be.

"Scar–you were there! What do you mean?” Grian slightly lifted his head up off of the table with a confused look directed towards Scar.

"Oh? So I can ask Scar?” Mumbo’s realization caused Grian to look more lively. 

"Why yes you ca–” "No!” Grian halted Scar´s confirmation, reaching over to him and covering his mouth.

Mumbo laughed a bit, actually curious now, "Why not?”

“Because it’s embarrassing!” Grian admitted as a whisper. 

“Wait, which thing?” Scar mumbled barely clearly enough under Grian’s hand, catching Mumbo’s attention even more.

“What do you mean which thing?” Mumbo knew that Grian had done a lot of embarrassing things, such as that one time he sneezed so hard that he threw himself down the stairs. It hurt a lot, but gosh, that was funny.

“Well,” Scar elongated the ‘L’s in the word and Grian just gave up at that point, lowering his head back to the table again, groaning. He knew there was no way he could prevent this, “There’s the thing where he acts like a cat or the thing where he almost fell down the stairs?” 

“A cat? How so?” Mumbo laughed a bit, a bit baffled at the idea of Scar already knowing Grian’s habits, although Mumbo himself wasn’t even sure how Grian was acting like a cat. Grian moved his arms so his head was buried in them. “He purrs.” Scar simply stated, and Mumbo raised his eyebrows and looked over to Grian, who sat up and sank into his chair, burying his hands in his face once again. Mumbo laughed and Grian whacked him with one of his wings from across the table. The way Scar delivered the line was what made it funny, the purring was new news though, well, not that new. He thought he heard purring once, now he knows he wasn’t hallucinating.

Scar was funny, Mumbo could admire a sense of humor like that. He sighed and calmed himself down, dragging one of his hands against the side of his face, feeling the muscles that have made him smile so much recently, it was starting to almost hurt. “I won’t question further, it’s not the strangest or the most out of character thing I’ve seen him do.” 

He stood up and reached over to Grian, tapping the back of his head repeatedly to let him know it was okay.

“What kind of things?” Scar asked, flashing another lopsided smile. 

Mumbo was about to tell him the moment he was thinking of earlier, the sneezing incident, but Grian shifted the conversation.

“Well, I’m gonna go and do house chores, it’s my turn today after all !” Grian sounded rather sad, sadder than usual for doing house chores, it sounded genuine. Usually, he sounded more annoyed than actually sad. 

“I could take on some of those chores if you’d like?” Mumbo offered, maybe it’d make Grian feel better?

“No, no. It’s fine, I need to do more work anyway.” He declined. 

“Oh well, alright.” Mumbo did notice that Grian was 

“You should tell Scar about your plans or something.” Grian suggested, saying it so lightly, Mumbo would’ve almost missed it being Grian trying to get them to get along. He didn’t feel like paying attention to it though.

Mumbo felt his chest lift, he did completely forgot about his plans he had. It wasn’t like there was a time limit on any of them, he’d just rather get them done before being subjected to do all the chores for about a month. He hoped it might go better than it did last year, November is a hell of a month for Grian, bird things and all. He rather not interrupt any of that.

“I am planning stuff, that is true!” Mumbo was reminded of what he wanted to do today.

“Oooh? For what?” Scar questioned, piqued at what Mumbo could possibly be doing. 

“The garden!” Mumbo stated, not wanting to reveal all of it right then and there, Mumbo didn’t actually know if Scar would be interested in that stuff.

“Ohh, is it gonna be difficult?” 

“Mm, I don’t think so.” Mumbo smiled to Scar, maybe he can help him out, with as much as he could.

“Well then, I’ll see you two later.” Grian got up, leaving his chair askew instead of pushing it in which bothered him a tiny bit. He watched him walk up the stairs and then turned his attention back to Scar, who did the same. Mumbo reached out and tapped Scar’s shoulder, “I could tell you more about it if you’d like?” 

He could see Scar’s face light up and he wondered why he was ever mad about him. “Yes! Oh, that would be wonderful!” Scar enthusiastically responded, leaning forward eager to hear what Mumbo had to say, with eyes that wanted to know more. He wasn’t used to two way eye contact since Grian preferred to not make eye contact back to Mumbo. He’s noticed this over the years, they both didn’t know why.

Mumbo pushed his other thoughts to the side and focused on the present, focusing on telling Scar about a plan he had for the garden. “Well… I was thinking about adding a pond! A small one though, not much bigger than it needs to be.” Mumbo began and ranted to Scar as he followed him around to outside where he began planning the dimensions of it with a stick, drawing out a weird blob to make it seem at least a bit natural. The pond could fit Mumbo if he were to lay down, and he realized this could possibly be a nice cool off area during the hot summer days. It was just under a tree canopy’s shade, only a bit of the sunlight shining on where one edge of it would be.

He noticed that Scar looked fascinated the whole time, always asking more questions that Mumbo himself hadn’t even thought of, like where he would get the water from, he knew where, he just hadn't been over to the river often. It was Grian’s job to get the water as the river was pretty deep in the woods. Mumbo knew what he needed to use to remove the dirt, a shovel, which was in the back of the storage closet with the rest of the farming tools.

Mumbo thought about getting the shovel now and attempted to start but as he was about to get Scar’s opinion on everything, Grian yelled out the kitchen window, “I’ve made lunch!” Mumbo pushed everything he was about to say aside, lunch sounded good right now. Scar did a little cheer at the mention of lunch as well, basically speaking for Mumbo, and as he looked at Scar’s smile, he wondered if there’s anything this man was ever upset about. 

—————————————————————————————————————-

Meanwhile, high up on a cliff, someone was watching them, but more specifically, he was watching one person, Scar.

He kept his breathing low, despite feeling like he might explode from joy. He’s been searching through this forest forever, for him. Even coming across a river in one place and abandoned, broken, buildings in another, but there was no sign of Scar in any of these places. He could kind of hear the enthusiasm of his voice down the cliff, it was very faint though, it was a nice reassurance.

He was sitting on his knees by a bush, legs feeling like they were going limp, and peering over the top of it, using his hands to move some of the branches away from blocking his view. He finally found him, it took him days, and although he looked a bit different than before. He almost jolted forward off the cliff when he saw that Scar had his wings free and his hair was let all the way down, wild. He was only wearing his white button down, chest slightly exposed. Scar never had any manners, he’d always have to remind him to be decent to the public eyes. It was bad enough that they were vexes, they didn’t need more judgment. He was smiling too, why wasn't he worried? …What happened to him?

Scar was in a wheelchair, something he hadn’t seen Scar in since they were teenagers. It made him a bit nostalgic, for the lemon painted walls and warm fireplaces. He was a bit surprised too, how he would have gotten there. Unless someone forcefully moved him, and had found him…. Before he did. He shook his head, and didn’t want to think about the worse outcomes that could’ve taken place.

He expected Scar to be in way worse condition, at least he wasn’t left to die. Eyeing the bandage again, he thought, ‘Was Scar really being taken care of though?’. 

“I’ve made lunch!” He heard someone yell from below, and he could kind of put a face to the voice, the guy was poking his head out of a window to the other two, calling them inside. He kept his focus on Scar as he rolled back inside, meeting the guy who had now moved over to the door and ruffled his hair, the guy laughed and playfully moved Scar’s hand off of his head and said something. Colours of red, yellow, and blue painted wings he just noticed. They were pretty, but he felt an urge to protect Scar, even if he was the one making the action, he didn’t know these people. Hybrid or not, doesn’t matter.

His frown faltered, a desire rising in his chest, he needed Scar back, and away from whoever these people were. They probably don’t even want Scar as himself, they probably want him because he was a vex…they could do terrible things to Scar.

And he couldn’t let that happen to him.

Chapter Text

Scar felt calm, he inhaled the cold morning air as it infiltrated his lungs and felt every part of his body as if it were resting in waves of water from the ocean. He doesn’t think he’s ever seen the ocean before, if he did, he couldn’t remember. That was what hurt him the most, not the burns on his arm, or the scars he found out he had on his face, it was the emotional impact of not being able to remember his life hurt. Not to be able to remember how he even got hurt.

He slowly swayed his legs in the waist deep water, feeling the water slosh around, and enjoying it as much as he could since he couldn’t actually fully get into the pond. It’s been a week since Grian found him, treading into the month that Mumbo told him was November, he remembered that. It sounded familiar, like the colour orange (he wasn’t too particularly fond of the colour, but he associated it with the month nicely). He was told that he still had all his memories, but just that they were buried somewhere like treasure and he had lost the map. Did he really want to find the memories though? Were they really his treasures, or were they buried there for a reason. 

He could imagine feeling the sand when digging up these memories when time comes, it felt warm. Uncomfortably warm. But he continued to feel cold in the wind and water that was starting to make his legs feel numb. 

He felt like he was too calm though, everything looked so nice, a bit blurry, but nice. As he noticed every ripple in the water, his ears began to ring. It was white noise at first, but then it turned into harsh stabbing to his ear drums. He still felt the same calm feeling but his body acted out in distress, he covered his ears trying to stop the pain but it didn’t work. Was the calm feeling even a feeling at all? 

And then he wasn’t in front of the pond, he wasn’t outside, and he wasn’t even remotely close to uncovering his treasures. He was inside sitting on a sofa staring at the wall. He blinked a few times, confused. It all felt so real? Was it… not real?

“What…?” Scar muttered so quietly, it should’ve been a thought. He tilted his head down, noticing a thin but heavy blanket was draped on his shoulders and that it hugged him tight around the arms loosely. He blinked some more, feeling his vision focus out and in again as he looked back up to the wall. He could’ve sworn—what—huh? He knew he was at the pond, Mumbo completed it, he watched him do it. Why wasn’t he there anymore?

He felt wrapped an arm around Scar, admittingly, the touch scared him a bit, making him jump a little. He violently swung his head to where the touch was coming from, and almost ended up hitting someone in the head with his. Normally, when he was frightened he would be a deer in headlights, but for some reason this was different. He tried backing away, the touch around his back quickly moving away as he fell backwards on the couch.

“Ah!” Scar shrieked, covering his face with his arms, but then moving them away only to realize it was Grian who had placed his arm around his shoulders. Scar felt an immediate pit of guilt, he didn’t want to scare Grian. But as he looked at him, he saw  his shocked expression and noticed that Grian also backed away a bit. Scar reached forward a bit to comfort Grian, even though he was the one who had scared him. Scar still felt bad though… he did act irrationally.

Grian blinked at him with his empty looking eyes and Scar shook his shoulder slightly, trying to get him back. “Grian?” Scar’s voice cracked as he shook him a bit more again. His eyes looked like everything and nothing to Scar simultaneously, they were captivating and something about them drew him in. Maybe they were a trap, a trick, a lure. Maybe they were the reason why Scar cupped his unbandaged hand around Grian’s face without even noticing. 

“Grian?” He asked a last time, still unaware of his gift of affection. Scar continued to look into the swirls of obsidian and wondered if this was how he looked before he was disturbed. Then his eyes started to waver back and forth between something in his vision. Scar, out of relief, leaned in a bit closer to him, Grian was starting to worry him. It was clear he was breathing before, but the eye movements made him look more alive. 

“Grian!” Scar was joyous, for a second he thought time was frozen or he was stuck in another weird place like the pond. Without any sense of time or any sense of care left. Scar didn’t know why he got so excited, and he didn’t know why he immediately went to hug Grian, and he didn’t mind as Grian’s wings wrapped around him either.

Scar didn’t know why he did a lot of things. He didn’t care though! 

— — — —

Scar sat closer to Grian on the sofa as they talked normally now, they had released from the warm hug and back to cold stale air. Grian didn’t want to talk about what happened and brushed it off with just a “you just startled me that’s all!” But Scar wasn’t sure that being just a little bit started to involve freezing. It seemed more like survival to him. He had a feeling there was way more to it, something he should know when time comes. He’d wait patiently though.

Grian refocused the attention back to Scar, “What happened?”

“Can you specify?” Scar asked a bit too harshly, like he was hiding something he didn’t know about, “Please?” He added on a bit more nicely. 

Grian sighed. “You were just staring at the wall for—I don’t even know how long!” Scar lowered his head again, his breathing was a bit short and he felt the urge to mess with something, seeing as he couldn’t fidget with his hands. He reached over for the blanket that had fallen off of him but something stopped him. It was Jellie. Scar was surprised she was there, but not really, she seemed to just follow him everywhere. He let go of the blanket and returned his gaze back to Grian without any good answer to give him. 

“I thought I was at the pond…” Scar admitted and closed his eyes, he didn’t know why he felt the need to do that. But he felt a hand caress his hand and he untensed his shoulders, letting them droop and his back slouch into the cushiony surface of the sofa.

“Do you know why?” Grian questioned, Scar kept his eyes closed but he could still very clearly visualize Grian’s facial expression. So much for blocking out everything.

“No… no I don’t.” Scar told the truth. Scar grabbed Grian’s hand instead of just leaving it there to rest on top of his. Grian’s hand was warm, just like his hugs, he could feel his chest ache for more. 

“Do you… want to talk about it?” Grian’s attempt at comforting Scar, or getting information out of him sounded weary. Although, the thought of him at least trying gave him all the comfort he needed, it made him feel more calm and—tired… like he could just- 

Scar yawned instead of answering and slumped right into the arms of the poor bird boy, making it a forced hug as Scar passed out into a calm sleep. The softness of Grian’s sweater, and the slight touch of his primary feathers resting on his back ever so slightly, and the sound of his heartbeat didn’t help him stay awake.

—————————————————————————————————————-

Grian was confused. He was just trying to see if Scar was alright, seeing as he had watched him stare at a wall for the longest time. Now he is lying on the sofa with a sleeping vex in his arms, questioning how he got here in life. Scar basically collapsed into him, all he did was ask him a question and—boom! Suddenly he was asleep in his arms. 

Scar had cleverly trapped him there on the sofa, being unable to move away from him. He could easily do it too, but did he want to? No. No he did not, he was pretty content lying there. The sofa was comfortable, and Scar was like a weighted-heated blanket for him. There were long and now even pauses between each of Scar’s breaths, Grian tried matching it but he couldn’t hold his breath in for that long to be able to do that. He gave up and just accepted the moment as it was, he’s always been too quick to accept and too late to mourn. He knew he was going to be sad about not being in this moment anymore later.

He felt his own eye lids slowly close and open hazily a couple of times before shutting for a nice nap. Grian inhaled and exhaled one last time before losing consciousness.

— — — —

The rest of the afternoon was a lot more lively. After the long nap, which lasted until around noon, they both felt better. Grian almost forgot about when he was startled by Scar by making him startled. Scar had been so still, he didn’t expect such a sudden movement… It reminded him of someone he used to know, someone who he wished he never met.

Mumbo also had tried waking them up multiple times, he told them this after they had actually woken up. Scar was more surprised than he was, after all, Grian himself knew how he slept. They both slept like rocks apparently, and Grian sure had felt like one. 

Grian helped Scar back into his wheelchair, a seemingly normal routine between the two now. Mumbo was not phased by it at all anymore; he just simply talked while Scar was being propped down.

Mumbo wanted to show Scar some of his other plans for the garden outback, and Grian wanted to just enjoy himself for a bit. Molting season was getting awfully close and he felt stressed and worried about it already. Molting was an annoying process even though he knew it had to be done one way or another.

Grian thought about his sister, Pearl, and how in some ways she had it way worse than he ever did. Along with molting, sometimes her period would sync up. She was always more human than bird, one of the more unnatural things about her. Grian felt bad for his sister growing up, because of how everyone treated her, he felt happy now that they were both free from that sickening place.

Grian pondered about it some more and walked around the house, tidying a few things here and there to his liking. Once he decided he was done, he went outside, not far from where Mumbo and Scar were. He walked along a new path he and Mumbo had made for Scar so that it would be easier for him to get around on. It was a nice path, tiny yellow dandelions grew on the edges of the dirt and with it raining more, the grass was growing greener. Grian thought about the flower field again, maybe today was the day he brought Scar there. Considering he’s been stalling and with things getting in the way (‘things’ as in he hasn’t planned a day ahead of time). 

Grian came to a stop when he saw the pond, Scar did mention it earlier before the nap. He wondered what was so important about it for Scar to completely forget where he was and think he was here. Something drew him to it the more he thought about it. The pond looked nice and relaxing, maybe it was bird instincts, maybe it wasn’t. But that didn’t change the overwhelming urge to go into the pond, maybe for a little bath, Grian saw the appeal of it now. He marched over to the pond and sat on the edge, allowing his legs to drift in the cold water. His bones were hollow which allowed for him to be lighter in the air, although he never actually learnt how to fly. Who would be there to teach him? Pearl couldn’t fly, no one else gave a shit about him or his ability to fly, so he never learned. His legs floated higher than it would be of a normal person’s, again, he didn’t have normal legs either. 

He began to slowly inch farther into the pond, until he decided, screw it! And took his jumper off as well as the shabby white tank top underneath it and submerged himself into the pond fully, the splash not making a loud enough noise to attract the attention of Mumbo and Scar. He left his shorts on, but only if either of them came by or something. The water reached about up to the bottom of his rib cage, about where his elbows were. He took a deep breath and lowered himself fully into the water until he was almost sitting on the ground.

Grian didn’t have great lung capacity, so when he rushed to the surface again, he started coughing and splashed some of the water with his wings and tail feathers out onto the grass. It made the dirt a bit muddy. It was also an intoxicating feeling when choking on water, the dry but moist feeling it left in his throat made him feel hollow. Grian’s eyes were shut closed, luckily they were when he went under. He couldn’t imagine how hollow he would feel if he had opened his eyes underwater, he knew he could probably do it, it’s the same with being in the river or the bath. But… today did feel different.

Grian wet his hair again and shook it out like a dog would with its fur coat. He inhaled and sunk a bit when he exhaled, it was calming. He closed his eyes and sunk his wing under the water, creating a few ripples. He reached behind him, feeling where the dirt and grime was and began to do a similar process that he does for preening. It was almost the same, just with a few modifications, he was more dependent on the water than he was with his actual hands cleaning them. It was more soothing, like a bunch of gentle hands from Mother Nature, nurturing him like he was still a baby bird. At least he figured it out and was taught how to preen, natural instinct and with help from Pearl. 

He did kind of wish he had someone to help him preen his wings, Mumbo would do them from time to time, but it didn’t feel the same as what he desired for. When Mumbo preened his wings, it felt brotherly, it was friendly, and he only ever did the primary and secondary feathers anyway. 

He liked the feeling of being cared for though, don’t get him wrong, he was immensely grateful for Mumbo, even adding him to his flock. But, Grian felt like he needed something else. Something that was currently out of grasp, but obtainable. It taunted him, like the many things from his past. He’ll get it eventually, he always finds a way.

Right?

Grian sighed and pulled his wings out of the water and extended them, letting them shine all of their beauty. They’ve been through so much, so much so that Grian thought he’d lose them one day. Lost to a demise unworthy to him now. The stretch felt nice, but his wings felt a tad bit heavier with being (practically) soggy. Like wet bread, he didn’t like wet bread. He shook and flapped his wings, ridding them of as much water he could. 

He chirped a little from the happy feeling the clean wings gave him, his chest felt a lot lighter. Maybe this was all he needed.

Grian stopped flapping his wings and chirping as soon as heard a slight snicker, turning his head frantically around to find the source. He sloshed the water around as he turned and then saw both Mumbo and Scar, Mumbo leaning on an end of Scar’s wheelchair as they both muffled their laughs. 

“What’s so funny?!” Grian half chirped, sounding like a suffocated mouse. He 

“Out of all the things I expected to see,” Mumbo tried calming himself before finishing, “I didn’t expect to see this.” Gesturing over to Grian, and he gave him an offended look. Only Scar seemed to notice. Grian slightly blushed, now realizing he was essentially half naked in front of him. He didn’t know why that mattered now, or why that mattered when Scar was here. He didn’t care about being shirtless in front of Mumbo. He closed his wings from their extended position and wrapped them around himself, covering his exposed chest and torso. 

“Sorry for laughing! Just like Mumbo said, I didn’t expect this either, I thought you’d be wandering around the woods or something?” Scar had an expression that Grian couldn’t quite place, it was a new expression to him. It seemed genuine, and nice. Scar’s brows were dropped a bit and relaxed, like he was sad, but he was smiling, a silly smile. He looked both happy and sad yet his eyes said they yearned for something. Deep down, Grian knew he wanted it to be about him, but that thought hadn’t even surfaced the possibilities. So he continued to stare at Scar's face, catching himself adrift looking at his face scars once again. Gods, they were so gorgeous. Grian felt himself smile a bit, almost laughing along with the other two.

Scar seemed to glow in the sunlight whenever Grian was around, or anyone for that matter. He just radiated a certain type of happiness that Grian once thought was impossible. To him, he looked dangerously majestic, he still knew that Scar would be able to tear him up to shreds. He didn’t care about that anymore, he wouldn’t mind being torn up to shreds and eaten by Scar, it’d probably be deserved, to make such a happy soul do such a thing. Grian would deserve every bit of it.

Why was he so attached to him? It puzzled Grian, it wandered in the back of his mind like an impossible maze ever since he met him. How he got there was still a mystery, and how the odds were, it felt like one in a million. Scar was his emerald. 

“I am to be unexpected.” Grian shrugged and released the tension in his wings, giving up now. He can’t hide anything forever, after all, it wasn’t a big deal. They’re acting normal, so it must be something normal, Grian assumed. 

“Well, why don’t you guys join me?” Grian could see Mumbo about to reject so he quickly added, “You don’t have to fully get it or anything.” Grian offered them both with a smile. ‘The company is nice’, Grian wanted to add, but didn’t as he watched them both head over. Jellie hopped off Scar’s lap and curled up a few feet away from the pond, getting the message. “Can you help me?” Scar asked him, with a hint of shyness.

Grian smiled more warmly, and felt the warmth on his face too. “Of course!” Grian walked through the thick surface of water towards Scar as Scar himself started to undo his boots, and Grian assumed he’s only going to have his legs in the water. He lifted himself out of the pond, water still dripping off his hair and face feathers. He crouched down and wiped his hands and warms on his jumper and laid it out in a sunny patch of light, farther away than originally placed. He passed by Mumbo who made himself comfortable and was petting Jellie contentedly. 

Seeing him begin to be a lot happier with Scar and Jellie’s presence was warming. Like Grian himself was being accepted, for what, he didn’t know yet or at all. He focused himself back to Scar and helped him out of his wheelchair, planting him gently on a dry patch of grass right next to the pond. Scar’s arms were wrapped around his neck and his chin was placed perfectly on his shoulder, like it was made for it. Every time, Grian would get a slight flashback to when he almost fell himself right into Scar. The outcomes of that situation still haunted him, he could’ve kissed Scar, Grian realized a few days later. He blushed at the thought again, but still remained careful to Scar’s touch as he slowly let go of him. 

Scar dragged his arms from over Grian’s shoulders, to his forearms, and until he fully let go. Grian had a feeling Scar loved the touch just as much as Grian did. He nodded and Grian took that as his ‘Thank you’ to him and nodded back to say ‘you’re welcome’. Grian, instead of standing back up and jumping back into the pond to continue his little bird bath, sat next to Scar instead with a feeling of ease.

They sat in the shade, but he could still feel the faint sunlight on his face. He was about to get back into the pond and took a quick glance over to Scar who didn’t look as happy as he did before a few seconds ago, Grian frowned slightly. “What’s wrong?” He said to him while studying his face up close again. Grian could see Scar swallow his own saliva and anxiously look back at Grian with the same fuzzy eyes as earlier. Suddenly, he understood. “Is this what you saw earlier, Scar?” 

Scar’s widened, most likely surprised that he even got it right. “Y-yeah.” He confirmed back. His fuzzy eyes turned into a distanced look, like he was fading from reality. Grian tapped him on the shoulder with one of his wings and Scar blinked again, this time, Grian could see a bit of water on the water line of his eyes. He couldn’t tell if it was because he was going to cry, or from having his eyes open for so long.

Grian waited to see if Scar was truly in the same level of world he was to cup his left hand on his cheek, he could feel Scar’s warm skin on his cold hand. Scar leaned his head and closed his eyes. “Sorry.”

“For what?”

“… For being so difficult.” Scar said softly with weak confidence. He sounded so sure but like he didn’t want to believe it. Grian’s grab on Scar’s face loosened a little, shocked by Scar’s reason. 

“You’re not difficult! Why would you say that?” Grian denied him and went to cup his other cheek before stopping himself, afraid that he might hurt him. Grian heard a little hitch and felt unevenness to Scar’s breathing. Shit he thought, he sensed that Scar wanted to cry.

“I’m just your guest. Not your friend… you know it too, once I’m healed enough, you’ll send me off.” Scar closed his eyes tighter, trying to avoid the devastated face of Grian.

Oh… 

Grian saw tears swell up and start pouring out of Scar’s eyes, like soft rain turned into harsh storm. He panicked, he didn’t know what to do, he rarely ever had to comfort someone else, just himself. Grian just held Scar’s face as he watched and felt the salty tears touch and slide down his hand. Scar’s eyes looked like shiny gemstones, he was still beautiful when he cried, it hurt himself that he would think such a thing when he’s crying. Scar’s vex wings were drawn down out of view and he took a deep shaky breath that transformed into a choke and a decently loud cry. 

Grian’s wings drooped and slightly lapped his own wings around Scar, he didn’t know what to say. He just watched him.

Neither of them noticed Jellie or Mumbo approached, Grian was still fixed on Scar’s face. The longer he looked, the sadder he felt and he knew he couldn’t stand seeing him sad or feel like such a burden any longer. Grian gently pulled Scar into a hug, moving his hand to the back of his head, and making sure he didn’t crush his wings with his other hand. He knew how much it hurt.

Grian shushed Scar like how Pearl would do for him when he would randomly start crying. He petted Scar’s head in a steady pattern and felt his body melt into the touch. He cried louder as Grian comforted him, he knew that it would die down eventually. He knew really well how crying works, once it’s over, it’s like it never even happened. Scar’s breathing started to even out while he hugged him. Grian enjoyed the hug, but couldn’t feel selfish while doing so. Scar was crying and Grian just felt happy that Scar was hugging him, it wasn’t anything new. Of course he was concerned about him and why he was crying, but he can’t deny that he wasn’t slightly happy at the touch.

Grian whispered into his ear, “Are you alright now?” He could feel Scar nod his head on his shoulder and Jellie’s occasional tail flick to his stomach. She had made her way onto Scar’s lap, squeezing in between the hug to comfort her owner, rightfully so. 

Scar mumbled something, Grian lifted his face off his shoulder, now being mere inches apart and cupped his face again. He rubbed the tears off of Scar’s face, and he had the urge to do something that he couldn’t comprehend, something to do with his face? Instead, he pushed those feelings aside and focused on Scar’s upsetting state. 

“Do you…” he looked him in the eyes, which looked muddied and dull in reality, but still bright as ever to him. “Want to start from the beginning? Why do you feel this way?” Grian asked him with sincerity and Scar was the one to avoid eye contact this time. At least he understood him.

“I guess,” Scar’s voice was still quiet, small, trapped in a box, and Grian wanted him out. He let out a shaky breath and began, “I don’t know how to say it.” Scar admitted with sorrowing eyes and voice.

“You don’t have to know how to say it, just promise me you’ll know in your mind and heart that you’re not a burden to us. I’m the one who brought you here, and I’m afraid you’re gonna stay!” He pointed to his forehead and chest and then cupped the other cheek. “Okay?” Grian wanted verbal confirmation but Scar obliged with a heavy nod. It was good enough for him, him and his way too low standards (he thinks?).

Grian slowly let loose his hands from Scar’s face, leaving them to return to the cold earth beside him instead of the warm soul that sat so close to him, they were touching knees. The wind brushed through leaves and a few fled from the tree, one landing on Scar’s head and Mumbo picked it off and threw it aside. Mumbo had sat down next to them, seemingly unsure as to what to say, so he just rested his hand on Scar’s shoulder and gave him a reassuring nod. Scar smiled, it was a quivery smile, lopsided and unsteady, but it showed them both that he was indeed feeling a lot better.

Grian smiled for him, he liked it when Scar was happy. He ruffled a bit of Scar’s hair, a now running joke between the three of them and slid back into the pond. The sunlight was bouncing on the water like a siren’s call, not as tempting as Scar’s eyes. He much preferred the green than the blue-transparent water. He turned around and crossed his arms, laid them on the edge of the pond and rested his head sideways on them and then stared at Scar. He listened to whatever he or Mumbo had to say—and Jellie too. Jellie remained on Scar’s lap despite her hatred for water.

—————————————————————————————————————-

Pearl loved going on walks through the forest. With her dogs by her side, she really did feel fearless. It made up for all the defense she lacked genetically. Her dogs and pups reminded her a lot of herself, part of the reason why she tamed them. Though, they weren’t tamed to everyone, just her, and just like herself. They liked Grian, and Gem now. They’ve always liked Grian, as he was there since day one. He was her brother, if they didn't like him, they didn't like her.

She left the puppies back home with Gem to take care of them, the cliff sides were too dangerous for them right now. It scared her every time one of her dogs got near the edge, she didn’t need to lose a pup. 

Pearl pushed past thick and thin branches to hopefully find some dinner. Maybe some berries for Gem, she found out that Gem prefers not to eat a lot of meat, but was fine with it, and Pearl had found a new love for berries, she thanked her a lot for that.

She scrambled and looked through familiar bushes that haven’t died yet, hoping to maybe find something new and or interesting as her prey, like a small bird that hadn’t migrated yet. She stopped in her tracks, listening might work better, she thought. Pearl could only hear the light footsteps and sniffing of the dogs beside her. Tilly’s cold fur brushed against her bare leg. Shorts weren’t the best option for winter weather, but she didn’t feel like wearing her long cloak, it was too bright and red, a lot like the one she was wearing now. But at least she could toss it to the side if she really needed to, not like she would though. The cloak meant a lot to her, it may be a bright (literal) red flag, but it was her symbol for her escape, her freedom. Pearl felt Tilly move forward, away from Pearl. Did she have a scent on something? She waited and watched her as she quietly stalked something, then Tilly growled. 

Tilly never growled.

Pearl quickly took out the two sickles that were hung loose upon her sides. She never bothered getting a proper sheath for them since she would have to make it, and she didn’t have enough motivation or will to kill a cow just for only a tiny bit of its leather. She motioned her dogs behind her, if it was something dangerous, she’d rather have Tilly, the most experienced one, or herself to face it than her other dogs. She tilted her head to the right so her good ear was facing closer to whatever was there. Tilly continued to growl and Pearl inched closer to her dog, prepared to fight for her life if it came to it. That’s how she felt every “battle”. She put one of her sickles in her other hand and crouched to gently feel and hold the mandible of Tilly, trying to let her know that growling might attract attention to them. She petted the side of her face and began to move again so she was in front of Tilly.

She carefully held the other sickle back into her other hand and moved part of a bush so she could see beyond into a clearing. Pearl almost lunged forward, she expected something big, like a moose, but she was greeted with a mostly empty clearing, except for one thing…

There was someone. Someone she didn’t know. This mysterious stranger was standing behind a tree and Pearl clenched the sickles in her hands, she was going to treat them like scythes if she needed to, like she always does.

Pearl carefully peered over the cliff side to see what he was looking at. Her chest tightened as soon as she saw the sight of Grian’s place, she hadn’t seen it much, but she knew his home when she saw it. Then, she saw her brother in a pond? She didn’t see that before, so she came to the conclusion that it must’ve been dug out recently. Mumbo and another guy in a wheelchair, which she assumed was Scar, were laughing at him. Why? Grian looked embarrassed based on his body language but then relaxed shortly after, was he taking a bird bath? He looked shirtless, her eyesight was sharper than her hearing. She did notice bright, small, blue wings on his back. They looked shiny in the sunlight.

Pearl noticed that Grian seemed to be looking at Scar, she knew he couldn’t be looking at Mumbo. He would’ve never tensed up that much in the first place if it was him, those two were basically like brothers at this point, pointed out Pearl. She blinked and snapped her attention back to the guy in question, why was he looking at her brother?

“What the fuck are you doing?” Pearl grabbed whoever was sitting there by the back of presumably ‘his’ shirt and dragged him over and he hit a tree with his back, slowly sliding down the trunk. The mysterious guy winced and tried to catch his breath and let out a surprised-irritated gasp and Pearl could tell he was a guy. He had dark, black hair, with eyes closed from pain, he could see similar matched wings to Scar’s crystal blue ones on his back, except, his were much bigger wings than Scar’s. She wondered why, and what they were.

His voice was deep enough and the overall scent she smelt told her most of what she needed to know about him, and that he has not taken a shower in a week. The guy wore some sort of lab coat, or was it a trench coat? She couldn’t tell the difference and didn’t care either way. Although, it was strange.

She stomped her way over to the guy, sticking the edge of the sickle into the tree trunk and the handle on the other side, also touching the trunk. Trapping the guy by the neck, now he couldn’t move or escape without cutting his neck or risking leaving some of his blood on it.

“I said, what the fuck are you doing!? Spying on my brother, are you?” She growled at him, pushing the sharp edge deeper into the tree.

“What! No! Why would I do that? I was trying to find my brother, and we’ll, look, I found him!” He choked out and tried to gesture his arms over the cliff side but Pearl stopped him with a swipe of her other sickle which seemed to scare him. Wait. She let her grip loosen a bit, if Scar is this weird guy’s brother… Did that mean Gem also knew this guy? If he knew Scar, and Scar was his brother, Gem was bound to have known who he was at one point, right? Pearl swallowed to herself and continued to question.

“Who are you?” She pushed the sickle more further into the tree trunk, lessening the area between the guy’s neck and she could see him take in short-quick breaths.

“If I tell you? Will I live?” He whispered, knowing exactly what would happen if his neck dared to touch the sickle.

“Maybe.” Pearl considered, she might have to drag this guy back to hers and check in with Gem to see if she actually knew this guy. But, at the same time, she didn’t want to expose where she lived. If Scar knew him, and he told him, Scar could tell Mumbo and her cover would be blown. A cover of escapism.

It still didn’t change the fact that he looked like a creep just then.

“Alright…” he said, blinking instead of nodding his eyes and Pearl looked into them with her’s wide open. Maybe it’d scare him into telling her the truth. “Like I said, I’m Scar’s brother. That guy that seems to be in the pond, which I’m assuming is your brother, was not what I was focusing on. I promise I’m not a freak.”

‘Yeah, sure.’ Thought Pearl and tried so hard to not be verbally rude. Gem was trying to teach her what thoughts she should and shouldn’t say out loud, it felt a lot like being parented which, to be fairly honest? Felt nice. She didn’t exactly have parents herself growing up. 

“I promise.” He said, somehow feeling like he just read her mind. “I just want to talk to my brother, but I don’t know how or if he remembers me. So I’ve just been watching for the right moment, and making sure he’s safe.” 

“Why wouldn’t you assume he’s in good hands already?” Pearl felt offended, her brother was trustworthy, even if the guy didn’t know him, it still made her mad.

“Why would I trust complete strangers, just like you?” Pearl scoffed at the guy’s remark. “And if you’re anything like your brother, then I really need him back.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?” She squeaked at him, wings slightly spread.

“I smell unresolved issues.” The guy had a smug look on his face, was he trying to distract her? Oh hell no. She kicked one of the guy's shins and he winced.

“What are you? My therapist? Stop smelling my issues!” She jabbed, it wasn’t an offensive statement, but the mysterious person gasped and held a hand to his chest.

“I would be a great therapist—actually, no I wouldn’t. You’re right.” Pearl chuckled a little, loosening the grip on the sickle a bit and feeling something similar to victory. She closed her eyes for one second since they’d been open for so long, she loved being able to stare for big amounts at a time. But they had to rest from time to time.

“What’s your name?” She asked, finally getting to the point so she could ask Gem about him later. But to her surprise, she saw a faint cloud of light blue smoke where the guy was just and heard a really faint laugh of victory in the distance. 

What.

Did he-

What? No. The guy couldn’t have possibly escaped without scratching any of skin or losing any blood! Where did he go? How? Pearl was furious, she retightened her grip on the sickle, forcing it out of the tree and jabbed it with it. She tossed the other sickle down onto the ground and flapped her wings from the sheer frustration her body held. It could never contain any of it. “AHHGH!” Pearl yelled out, hopefully not loud enough to be heard from below. 

How did she let the guy get away? How? It still made zero sense to her, he was trapped! A mere inch rested between his neck and the curved bit of her sickle, and how did he manage to escape within seconds! Her breathing was aggressive and heavy, but started to calm down as she felt Tilly’s snout brush her hand.

She looked down, now feeling tired instead of angry, “It’s okay, Tilly. We can still tell Gem about him, or as much of him as we saw, right girl? Yes! Aw, you’re still so cute.” She crouched down and smothered Tilly with pets and hugs. Same with her other dogs too as they approached from the bushes. Pearl gave each and every one of them the love they deserved. They comforted her too, calmed her emotions down.

Maybe she did need therapy. But it wouldn’t be enough for the shit she would have to deal with.

She’ll find him one day, and she hoped the guy knew it too. 

He’ll be her prey for now.

No one gets away from the “demoness” after all.

Chapter Text

“Wow! It’s crazy how well I’ve healed in the past two weeks.” Gem observed, walking over to Pearl with only a slight limp now. She smiled at Pearl and sat down on the ground by the table, right next to Tilly and began to pet her.

Pearl did find it amazing that Gem is able to heal so quickly, she looked down at her cooing at Tilly and telling her that she’s such a good girl. She was also amazing with animals which Pearl could admire, honestly, it would be a problem in her household if Gem wasn’t.

“Mhm.” Pearl positively replied, “Although you do still need help getting up and down the stairs.”

“True, but at least it won’t be like that next week?” Gem’s voice sounded hopeful and her overall attitude made the tiredness she has, go away. “Hopefully!” Pearl wondered how Gem would act with her full range of movements, after all, she was a knight.

They sat in nice silence until Gem tried speaking, “You know—” she was cut off by the door bursting open and slamming against the wall, startling them both. Gem tried standing up quickly and defending them both from whatever was there, but failed to do so as the dogs got up and crowded the person at the door. They didn’t attack them but went to lick his hands and follow him as he paced back and forth. He then rushed over to Pearl with a panicked voice.

“Pearl! Pearl! Pearl! Pearl!” He screamed, and Pearl was able to quickly process that this person was not a stranger, but Grian. Her brother, who had interrupted Gem and Pearl’s lovely morning. It almost meant that Gem’s identity and whole being was exposed and he had caught Pearl red handed hiding someone away from him. Maybe she should’ve been honest about Gem as he was with Scar. He wasn’t even supposed to be here for another week or two!

“I don’t know what to do! I really don't, so that's why I came here to ask you.” He had grabbed her shoulders and shook them aggressively. She noticed his wings were twitching and two of his feathers were strewn on the floor by their feet. 

“Oh-ask me what?” Pearl tried speaking in a calm voice so that hopefully Grian would dial down his own tone to a much calmer one as well. He still had not noticed Gem, and in Pearl’s opinion was pretty hard to miss with the bright orange hair and deer body that made her significantly taller than normal people.

“Well-it’s, it’s—you know what time it is!” Grian squaked at her and she covered his mouth with one of her hands, muffling him from saying another word. She thought about what he said for a moment before realizing what he meant. She widened her eyes, “Oh shit… it uhm, oh it- it looks like you’ve already might’ve started yours?” Pearl’s voice was on the edge of being calm and high pitched as to try and not make her brother mentally explode from the news. 

Pearl let her hand back to rest on the table as she watched his mortified face take in what she said. “What.” It didn’t sound like a question, it sounded like a statement, almost a demand to know more or why she would know that. “You’ve a—you’ve left two on the ground, right there.” She pointed by his right root where they laid and he looked down with the same facial expression.

“Fuck.” Grian whisper-barked and it made Pearl laugh for the moment until he pointed out to Pearl, “Don’t laugh! You’re next!” He glared at her with serious intention, only making her feel slightly unsafe. She already knew her time would be soon, and that she couldn’t stop it so Pearl accepted it while she could. But, it did worry her that she had not had her period yet, and is most likely going to have it during molting. 

“Oh, I know. I know.” She recognized and pushed her worries down. “So what do you not know how to do?”

“I don’t know how to tell Scar!” He buried his head in his hands, looking a little more than embarrassed. She cocked her head to the side and held back a sly smile, deciding not to tease him about that. She had a feeling something was different about Scar to Grian, and she was really good at picking up these signs. After all, she was the one forced to watch her friends and classmates develop before she left everything behind.

“Oh? That you’re molting?” Pearl raised an eyebrow, she’d never seen her brother act this way. She could connect some similar situations like when he had to molt while Mumbo was around the first time, but he never acted to this great of an amount. Molting wasn’t a big deal, it was just a hassle to deal with.

“Yeah… it’s hard to explain. I don’t think Mumbo would be able to either, and I’d feel bad too. It’s my process, I should be the one taking control and letting him know how I’ll be, and—hello?” He stared at Gem With blank eyes, trying to now process the stranger. “Who’s that?”

Pearl glanced over to Gem who looked at Grian with the very same blank eyes, but with just a little more life. She figured neither of them are going to say anything too soon, it was an awkward situation.

She sighed, “Gem, this is my brother, Grian. The one you heard me talk to last week. Grian, this Gem, I found her hurt about over a week ago and decided to take her in as an attempt to heal her. She’s very nice, don’t worry.”

“How do you know?” Grian grilled Pearl, sounding awfully rude. She hit him on the head, not a proper hit, just one to knock a little bit of sense into him. “Ow..” Grian muttered, she’d apologize later.

“She knows Scar, Grian.” Pearl quickly stated, and it seemed to get his attention. She said that knowing that connecting God's existence to Scar would make rethink her intentions. It got his attention the times when she would use a broken piece of glass in the sun to distract him from conversations she deemed boring for the two of them (mostly her).

“You know Scar!” Grian shouted to Gem who closed her eyes and winced from the loud noise, but had a soft smile spread across her face. “Well I’ve only ever met one Scar in my life, so I’m assuming yes?” Gem cheerfully responded, Pearl could tell she was being careful with her words, either to still hide stuff or keep the happy mood that was now settling in the air.

“How do you know him?” Grian asked, seeming curious about Gem in a positive way. Like how he used to ask Pearl questions when she would come home from her old training or classes.

“I’ve known him since he was a little kid! I’m like his friend-aunt in a way?” Gem proudly proclaimed. Grian sat down in front of Gem, looking rather small compared to her. Though, his wings made up for the missing height.

“Ohhhh.” Grian said, forgetting that Gem was even a possible threat to him.

“I was just about to ask Pearl if I can go visit him, I think she was going to wait to check in with you, but you’re here now!” Gem’s awkward but hopeful and cheery voice rang through both of their ears. So that’s what Gem was alluding to earlier.

“If Pearl is alright with it I—wait. Pearl! Does that mean you’re actually ready to meet Mumbo?!” Grian exclaimed to her, she swore his eyes would be sparkling in pools of glitter if that was possible. He really did remind her of his younger (when he was) more blissful self.

Pearl sighed and nodded her head, blushing a little from embarrassment. She couldn’t believe it took this long to finally come to terms with seeing the guy who she scared shitless and apologize. “Yeah. I am.” Her chest only felt slightly lighter, and all she had to do was not be so stubborn and say yes, and this time, Grian didn’t even have to ask her. “Wooo!” Grian cheered, and Gem covered her ears. Not in a rude way, but a more consolidating way than that of a kindergarten teacher telling a kid the best news ever. It made Pearl happy, and impressed that they were able to get along so well in such a short time span.

“Who’s Mumbo?” Gem asked quietly, and Grian gleefully replied with, “My best friend! Don’t worry, he’s also really nice and has helped Scar a lot as well with healing.” He reassured her and Pearl saw Gem’s chest deflate a bit, probably from relief. 

Gem kept asking questions, “Ohh, how has he helped?” 

“Well he’s been helping more with cooking the food if I’m keeping Scar or Jellie company, helping Scar out with getting to places, or if I’m just overall busy cleaning the place.” He answered casually and Gem’s smile widened but the rest of her face had traces of concern.

“He needs Vex Magic, doesn’t he.” She mumbled to herself. “What?” Pearl asked, just barely catching half of what she said. The term vex only rings a slight bell. Gem looked back to Grian, “You know that Scar is a vex, right?”

“Oh yeah, I do, don’t worry. I trust him.” Gem sighed a little and Grian paused before saying, “I actually didn’t know he was a vex until his wings were revealed, he didn’t look anything like the references I’ve seen.” 

“Yeah…” her voice was solemn as she spoke, “Most people say that, Scar—he always has been like that. Cub, his brother, looks a lot more like images you’ve probably seen before. Scar on the other hand, his wings haven’t had a chance to grow properly and his diet was always off which contributed to that. He could go days or even weeks without something raw and alive and settled for more cooked and I guess human-like food. But if he needed something, he couldn’t restrain himself that well. I remember the first time he-” Gem was cut off by Grian.

“So there is another one!” He exclaimed, surprising the two with the comment.

“You had a theory?” Pearl questioned him. She wondered how far down the vex researching rabbit hole he went.

“I’ve done my research?” Grian did tend to go into random sorts of research. She remembered when he wanted to make light bulbs and ended up cutting himself on glass. Gem laughed at the boy’s marbled look, he himself looked surprised he was right too.

“At first I was dreading it, but if his brother is anything like Scar, I’ll be glad to meet him.” He smiled to Gem, and even though the back of Grian’s head was facing her, she could tell by Gem’s warm look that that's what he did.

“They are kind of similar, although Scar is more fun-playful and Cub is strategic-playful. And he’s a bit more serious about some things while Scar is more aloof.” She laughed a little and then continued, “Going back to what I was saying about Scar, vexes have a certain thing called “Vex Magic”, and that helps them enhance their powers. It’s usually created by themselves and typically in dust form. Although, if there’s enough, the dust can be crushed into liquid, like a potion.”

“What does it do?” Grian eagerly asked her.

“It basically makes them stronger or more powerful. It can either increase their desire for food or decrease it, mainly increasing since they usually use their powers for hunting. Since Scar seems to have a lack of his own magic, he doesn’t produce as much as other vexes do, Cub offers him some. It can do many things, for Scar, it helps him get around or walk.Cub at one point was very interested in learning everything and was able to learn how to teleport! Only short distances, but it was amazing regardless!” Gem’s eyes were lit up, she seemed to really care about them.

Wait.

Teleporting? She realized something.

Pearl held in a gasp, everything made so much more sense now. Why didn’t she piece the conversation together a tad bit sooner. She tapped the table in an attempt to get Gem to notice the sound and look at her. It worked as Gem stared into her eyes and Pearl nodded her head and tried making her look like she knew what she knew and that she’d tell her more later. After all, she didn’t think Gem would know any sign language, but she did attempt saying ‘I understand.’ But Gem nodded back to her, looking like she did understand which warmed her heart by surprise. It was a nice feeling, like she was seen, not through a fogged up mirror after a hot shower, but through a crystal clear lake that!s reflection shone like an exact mirror image of what was shown.

She had met Cub before, on the cliff side. Gods that was so annoying! She still couldn’t believe he got away like that. Pearl looked down and kept thinking to herself, it was him, wasn’t it.

“Anyway, if I may ask,” Gem averted from the conversation they just had, “how’s Scar been? Has he been causing any trouble?” The question was simple, but Pearl watched as a faint bit of blush appeared onto his face. “Oh, no! He’s actually been wonderful, he tries to help around the place as much as he can despite being injured still. He’s very considerate and kind!” Grian answered and Gem smiled at him, like she was expecting that answer. Or maybe she wanted insight on how Grian felt about Scar’s sudden appearance, Pearl thought to herself. 

“How’d you meet him?” She asked, but it took Grian so long to answer.

“When I saw him the first time or properly talked to him?” He finally came to a conclusion, yet he had responded with another question. The waiting did make sense to Pearl though.

“Both?” Gem said, better to have all the details than some Pearl guessed.

“Well,” Grian placed a finger on his cheek, as if to drill into his face for the hidden gems of answers. “When I first saw him, oh-I met his cat first actually! It’s a really funny story, she was stealing one of Mumbo’s potatoes! And then led me over to Scar who at the time looked like he was struggling really hard, he was using a stick, that was actually a branch to hold himself up to stand properly and walk.” Grian’s eyes were fixed, not on someone, but the story he was telling himself and appeared to look back on it fondly instead of distressed like how he’d told her previously. 

“He was in an area with abandoned buildings that I think have been there for awhile? I don’t know. But they had overgrown plants and broken walls, windows, etcétera. But besides that, Scar made his way through a window and I lit the area up with torches so nothing dangerous could reach him and peered through to see him passed out asleep.” Grian stopped to take a deep breath, having not paused to do so, and then continued relentlessly with the same amount of passion.

“I stayed there for the night and—I will admit, the morning conversation was pretty awkward. He thought I was stealing his cat! But I was just trying to get back the potato she stole, which luckily brought me over to him. Realizing that now, I think she meant to bring it to me.” He smiled softly at the last sentence and finished as much as he wanted to say.

“And then you brought him back to yours.” Gem pieced together. “Yep.” Grian replied. They smiled at each other, and Pearl thought she might’ve been dreaming for a moment. The world worked this meeting out too well for this to all be true. She rubbed her eyes and pinched herself to make sure she really wasn’t dreaming.

“I’m glad he’s okay.” Gem whispered to herself, and Pearl read her mouth as she spoke.

Grian’s wings twitched a bit as he pointed to Gem’s injuries on her leg. “You’re hurt.”

“Yes.” She confirmed.

“How did it happen? Did the same thing happen to Scar?” He asked her, and her gaze shifted to a melancholic one.

“I- don’t know if I’m ready to talk about it. But based on what had happened, yes. The same thing caused my injuries.” Her voice was squeaky but maintained a normal pace, impressive for talking about such a harsh topic for her. Pearl observed how she acted whenever it was brought up, Gem was always anxious and uneasy. Considering she had used to be a knight, she looked like she'd been forced to leave her job. But how? Pearl knew it had to include fire, hell, those are her injuries.

“That’s alright.” Grian compromised, Pearl guessed it wasn’t the most of his worries at the moment. After all, they had a mission. 

Grian stood up and both him and Pearl went to help Gem stand. Each grabbing a hand as they pulled her up gently, it was way easier than Pearl doing it by herself. Don’t get Pearl wrong! She was strong and everything, it was just helpful to have someone help her guide Gem up into a standing position. 

“Shall we get going?” Pearl questioned, wanting to make sure everyone was indeed ready. They both nodded their heads and Pearl dramatically bowed, letting Grian go first to lead the way. He rolled his eyes and left the building, Gem and Pearl following just behind him.

—————————————————————————————————————-

Gem tried keeping a steady pace. Though, it was beginning to be difficult with how fast Pearl’s brother seemed to walk, almost gliding through the forest like water. Pearl had to grab the back of Grian’s jumper in order to slow him down. She eventually got mad at him and in a mildly annoyed tone, asked him to slow. He shrugged, but glanced back to Gem, realizing why Pearl was angry at him. Grian made a little ‘o’ with his mouth and began to walk slower, matching Gem’s pace.

Gem smiled to herself, it wasn’t much, but it did feel sweet. She was able to grasp a bit of his personality, and it wasn’t really a wonder to how he got along with Scar. Scar can get along with almost everyone, he was the most extroverted one compared to Cub. Cub was a lot more shy and independent when he was younger. 

Gem’s smile faltered as she felt the need to say something, “Is there anything else I should know about Scar? Like, I don’t know- I feel like there is something else…” She tried keeping her voice timid and unpanicked. But she suddenly had the overwhelming feeling they were missing something. And she hoped she was wrong.

Grian stopped for a second, Pearl almost bumping into him and then continued walking. He was silent for a while, and Gem was about to ask again but to her surprise, Grian spoke. 

“He’s got amnesia.” He bluntly said, and Gem was too stunned to speak. “I mean—that’s what I think it is. It’s got to be like PTSD amnesia, it’s not anterograde, I know that. And I don’t think it would be anything else based on his injuries.” He concluded.

Gem felt sick, she felt like she was even though she knew she wasn’t. She didn’t know what to say to any of it. She wanted to say too much, she wanted to say everything she could at once. What would he remember? Would he even remember her? What would Scar think if a random stranger called him the closest thing to “son” she could. She wasn’t a biological parent of him or Cub, she took over for her friend who had died. Would Scar remember that too?

Gem held her stomach unknowingly, the memory of that death…. Was…. was…

She felt the same hand return to the same shoulder. Pearl. Gem squeezed her eyes shut and swallowed, refusing to hurl over something from the past. A past she’d never be able to change ever. Pearl lifted off her shoulder and embraced her in a hug instead, trying to comfort her. It did work, but it wouldn’t change or fix anything, but it was nice for the time being. She heard footsteps and they stopped right in front of her, bringing her into another warm hug. He hugged her tight.

“I’m sorry…” the voice was soft, but she could tell it was Grian’s. Air welled up in her throat, but she could spit out in broken words, “It’s not your fault.” Gem thought she might just cry now. Gem sighed shakily, trying to prevent herself from crying, she’d save that for when she actually sees Scar.

She never thought she would be comforted by two other people at once, it all reminded her too much of Scar and Cub. But, she had to remind herself that this was Grian and Pearl. Not her not-sons, she knew she could never replace their mum. Even if (more or so) Scar and (less of) Cub have called her ‘Mom’ and ‘Aunt’, she feels like she doesn’t deserve it.

A few minutes went by and Gem tried breaking away from the hug, disturbing the birds. In more silence, and occasional chirps, they worked their way to continuing on their way to Grian’s.

— — — —

Gem sensed a familiar presence nearby, and frantically looked around her surroundings. 

“You alright?” Pearl asked and placed a hand on her shoulder. Gem nodded and stepped over a tree root.

The feeling she felt, had felt like home, and she knew that feeling very well. She looked around with grace, trying not to look startled, and then gave subtle waves in all directions. She didn’t wave too big or exaggeratedly to attract Pearl or Grian’s attention, but enough to let what she knew was there that she knew he was there.

Pearl’s hand slid off her shoulder and returned back to her side as Gem maneuvered her way through bush brambles and muddy terrain. She missed stepping over the tree roots.

“sorry for being so slow…” Gem apologized and both Pearl and Grian turned their heads back to her, almost in unison. Grian was about to say something, but Pearl said what he was about to say for him. “You’re injured! Shhh, no apologies.” 

“But-” Pearl interrupted her by placing her pointer finger on Gem’s lips, shushing her.

“Nope! Let’s continue, are we almost there?” Pearl turned back to Grian who nodded.

“Yeah, just in front of these few trees.” He answered and Gem slumped her shoulders a bit knowing they were almost there. She thought it would be way farther than it actually was, she prepared for no reason at all. They made it through to a vast clearing of grass, a dirt path started just a bit over. Gem showed off her teeth with her smile, glad that there was better terrain for her to walk on. 

Gem was in awe at how pretty it looked, so so that she didn’t even see the building ahead of her. It looked awfully like a shoe.

“If you squint, it kind of looks like a shoe—no wait, it looks more like a boot if you look at it this way.” She tilted her a bit and was snapped out of her focus by Grian combusting out of laugher, falling to the ground and wheezing. 

Gem stood there, sharing an equally confused look with Pearl who shrugged at Grian’s response. “What’s so funny?” Pearl asked him since Gem wouldn’t.

“Scar said the same thing!” He said out of laughter, making them both laugh along too. It was sweet laughter, shared by an unexpected coincidence. And to think that if Scar never said that, they wouldn’t be laughing or this happy right now. She was sure to bring this up later.

They managed to calm down and continue to walk, the laughing supposedly had reset something in Grian’s brain as he was walking farther ahead again, though Pearl didn’t even appear mad at him anymore. She took this chance to talk to Gem instead.

“Earlier?” Pearl’s voice was small, but sounded rushed.

“Yeah?” Gem was now curious about what she had to say. Pearl was speaking in a tone Scar or Cub would when they were unsure about something. Usually emotionally.

“You uh, you knew what I was signing. How?” Her voice was slightly deeper than normal.

“It was a part of my training, when I used to be a knight…” she reminisced, that was back when she was stoked and happy about being able to protect other people. She did, but it all ended up being destroyed anyway. Sweet things layered with such a salty ending.

“Oh.” Pearl said, looking at the ground. Gem knew that she knew it was a tough topic for her.

“Mhm! Glad I still remember it though, I never used it often. Why do you use it?” Gem questioned her right back, trying to keep the conversation from ending awkwardly.

“Can’t hear well in this ear.” Pearl pointed to her left ear, which happened to be the side Gem wasn’t on.

“Oh.” Gem wanted to know more, if it’s always been like that, or if it was caused and how. She then realized how little she knew Pearl or her past, and it seemed to be reciprocated. Pearl knew nothing about Gem, nothing other than what she told her. Gem doesn’t plan to keep it that way forever though.

“Yeah.” Pearl replied, ending the conversation. At least it didn’t feel awkward. They walked a bit more in silence before reaching where Grian was, a couple yards away from the door.

Once they were close enough, Grian then rushed to the door, knocking on it loudly. Pearl seemed unfazed by the loud noise but Gem didn’t really like it,and it hurt her ears. He opened the door and with both arms on the door frame, leaned in to see if anyone was nearby inside. Grian took a few steps in, calling out the names of the people who lived there. “Mumbo? Scar? Can you guys come down here?” Grian turned around to Gem and Pearl, a finger to his mouth as to let them know to be quiet and he shut the door behind him.

Multiple footsteps were then heard and a pair got closer to Grian. 

“Yeah?” The voice wasn’t one of Scar’s, she would know. So she assumed it was the guy named Mumbo. She heard a sigh and then a few more footsteps, it was hard to tell who was walking or not, “This is gonna be really hard to explain. But, uh, do you, erm, you know that thing you saw, that’s uh, been scarring you for the past: a lot of years of your life?”

“Yeah?” The response was quiet.

“Well, er, I know what ‘it’ was.” Grian admitted.

“Really!” Mumbo looked both happy and scared, but also intrigued. It was a rare mix of emotions, and she’d seen that expression many times worn by both Cub and Scar when she would tell them their favourite fantasy stories. The memory made her smile, but also sad that she knew Scar was most likely not going to remember her.

“Yeah-just, please don’t be mad, this is something I tried revealing years ago. I never expected her to want to be hidden for so long.”

“Her? What do you mean by—” Grian opened the door and pulled Pearl forward by the arm, she stumbled and stuck her tongue out to Grian, but at least she was now inside.

“that..” Mumbo finished. From what Gem saw, Mumbo’s colour palette was mostly grey scale as he wore a suit and a bright red tie. His skin looked pretty pale but incredibly tan in certain areas, and he had slick black hair that looked a tad bit messy at the moment.

Grian elbowed Pearl to let her know she can start. “Hi. I uh, I’m sorry.” Pearl bowed down to Mumbo, the bow looked a tad bit forced, like she didn’t want to but felt obliged, and Gem wondered to herself how she was raised. She’ll bring it up another time. Pearl’s wings were practically nailed to her back, that must be uncomfortable. She looked up and finished her apology, “For scaring you… in those woods. I thought you wouldn’t want to see the person, or thing I’m assuming you assumed I was, ever….” Despite Pearl’s back facing her, she could see the guilt and sorrow that consumed her.

Mumbo mirrored the bow, only slightly, and fidgeted with his hands. Based on his reaction, it was understandable if Pearl’s one time appearance haunted him for years, and meeting that person properly for the first time would be jarring. They stared at each other, Mumbo looking into the presumably wide irises of Pearl. 

“How do you know her?” Mumbo queried, still staring at Pearl. They both had an unintended staring contest which will be funny to joke on about later, Gem kept that in mind. Grian hesitated before answering, clicking the detonator on a bomb. “She’s, erm, my sister.”

“She’s your What! ” Mumbo spoke fast, tensed up in place but stiffly taking a step back. Gem held in her breath, feeling the embarrassment telepathically that Grian and Pearl were experiencing in the moment. 

“Yeah….” Grian stretched out the word for way too long, making the situation more awkward than it actually needed to be. He was about to say something but body language tells he decided against it, this was probably enough information for this guy to digest anyway.

“But at leas-” Grian tried spreading some optimism, it wasn’t really a pessimistic conversation, but light in the conversation was optimal. “Who’s that? Why do you keep bringing people here, Grian! It’s been a week and we’ve met three—well two for you, but three people now!” The yelling sounded more comical than angry, and unwanted news. Then, someone else approached out of the kitchen. Gem didn’t even need to blink twice or think about who it would be. She knew.

“Oh! This is—” Gem would later feel bad for the poor Grian who just wanted to finish his sentences for once. Because as Gem interrupted him, she pushed Pearl and Grian out of the way with no remorse, Mumbo was lucky enough to be quick to move out of the way, and she ran as fast as she could with her injured legs. 

“Scar!” Gem cried out, her voice cracked but it was delightful and filled with raw happiness. She ran over clumsily to the boy, whose expression was not registered enough as Gem purposely fell in front of him to hug him messily. She had noticed in time that he was in a wheelchair so that she wouldn’t knock him over or hurt him in any way. She would never hurt Scar, no matter what happened to him. He meant too much to her, he was basically her son, just as much as Cub was.

She wrapped her arms around his back to tighten the hug. Feeling Scar’s warmth and realizing that he really was alive. It boiled up in her chest like her favourite tea that she would make every morning as they woke up to days they didn’t know would end so tragically. It was too much, and so like a kettle she let out her own cry, a cry that released all of her emotions and poured them out as tears onto the fabric of hers and Scar’s shirt. 

She sobbed into his arms, and he probably didn’t even remember her. He was probably confused, but even if he was, Scar hugged her back. It made her sob even more because he was still even willing to care for her with no memory. 

“Is Gem…” she barely heard Grian finish in the background. She didn’t care about being introduced at the moment, all she cared for right now was Scar being alive. And if her hunch was correct, Cub was too. Somewhere, she knew he was out there, keeping a watch on him. Gem slowly forced herself out of the hug as reassuring and comforting as it was. 

She sniffed, wiping her arm over her face to wipe the snot and tears away. “Uhg, Sorry about that.” She laughed while still crying, what a weird phenomenon, Gem thought. It wasn’t the first time she’d done that or seen that happen. Scar was usually the one to try and brush off injuries with laughter while he cried. Cub on the other hand would try to ignore it all together before finally breaking, she worried for him sometimes. Both of them, being a vex must be hard to deal with emotionally for them.

After all, being brutally ostracized in society was how she found Scar in the first place. It crushed her soul, it really did. But to be able to support and care for them was all the protecting she needed to do. Ever.

“You probably don’t even remember me.” She stated, and didn’t know why she added the ‘probably’. Gem knew that Scar doesn’t remember her, but grasping onto the little bit of hope of recognition would keep her from crumbling again. She watched through her blurry eyes and tear stained face as Scar hung his head low, also looking like he was about to cry, and if not already was. He shook his head slightly, letting her know that, no, he didn’t remember her. And it absolutely crushed her soul, and there was nothing she could do about it but wish that as time went by, he would remember.

“I’m sorry…” Scar breathed out innocently. “For not remembering who you are—but-” tears started to spill out of Gem’s eyes again and Scar rushed to clear them away with worry, like it was some sort of whack-a-mole game. “Don’t cry! Don’t cry!” He panicked, even though he himself was crying too.

“I know your name.” Scar admitted, shocking Gem to the point she couldn’t even say anything.

What .

“Your name is Gem. I don’t know… why.. I know that.” Scar sounded unsure, but Gem couldn’t help but smile, if her smile had a sound to it, it would be loud. Maybe Scar did remember her, even if it was only her name. It meant so much andreassured the living hell out of her.

“I want to remember who you are.” He tried to say firmly, but levels of wobbly tones were profoundly present in his voice. “But I- I can’t. I don’t know why!” Gem nodded as she cried a bit more, probably sounding like her little fawn self when she was younger. But instead of crying for her own mother, she yearned for the memories of her own little fawn. “It’s okay.” Gem tried comforting Scar who began to bawl into her arms.

“You-” Scar hiccuped, “feel so familiar to me, so comforting and I- don’t know why!” He cried more and Gem buried Scar’s head into her shoulder. “I want to remember. I want to so badly .” Gem shushed him and his cries died down a bit, feeling much more calm after a while of just being in the comfort of Gem’s arms.

As much as Gem hated the idea, she needed to ask him, “We can start over, for now.” Only adding the last bit after she realized she didn’t like the implication that starting over meant losing everything from before. “At least until you remember?” Gem asked Scar, who let out a tiny “okay”.

“Who are you?” He politely asked her, lifting his head up off her shoulder and looking her in the eyes. His leaf-green eyes were always one of the most catching features of Scar, they were so bright and stood out against his dark brown hair and they complimented his usual outfit. Scar’s outfit now, as she was looking at it, was just hit dark green pants and white button down with his corset. Casual.

“I’m Gem, and before you lost your memories I’m known to you as your-” She noticed that part of Scar’s sleeve was torn and ripped off just below his shoulder muscle. Right under the tears, there were bandages that lined the entire rest of his arm…

“Oh my god!” Gem gently lifted up Scar’s arm to examine it, and Scar winced at the touch. It was well bandaged and properly taken care of which surprised her. “How did this happen?” Gem knew damn well what had happened, but she didn’t think to connect two and two together at the moment. Before Scar was able to respond through his tears, she looked back and forth between Grian and Mumbo, “Did either of you do this? Not the injury! The uh-bandaging.”

Grian shyly raised his hand and Gem thought he should’ve been more confident. “This is a wonderful job! It reminds me of how my old friend used to do bandages…” Gem felt nostalgic of the first time she’d ever met Scar, of how poor and hopeless he looked. It was a fuzzy memory, one that smelt of a dying flower field. She looked at it positively though, new flowers would grow in that field of memories. And of how she found out he had a kind soul and was so positive in his situation at the time. It also made her miss her old friend, Stress, who did the bandages, and she was certain had died in that horrific incident… Gem was just glad Scar made it out alive.

She hugged Scar again, careful of his arm now, but still squeezing him tightly. She missed him, she really did.

— — — —

They hugged for what felt like forever, and Grian, Pearl, and Mumbo had supposedly moved their own conversation to a different room. Eventually, they had let go and started a simple conversation again.

“Sorry about that, and that I never finished answering your question.” Gem felt immense guilt, this was his first impression of her, and she had fucked it up already. “Like I said, I’m Gem, and before everything, I was your legal guardian and friend, though, you’ve called me ‘mom’ and ‘aunt’ a lot.” She looked at Scar’s reaction, who, is what she imagined she had looked like earlier, a complete stranger.

His eyebrows were furrowed and he seemed to have a loss for words. They then softened and widened within a split second, realizing how important she was to him. His mouth hung slightly open, and maybe if he had the words he would say something. But Gem was happy enough with silence.

Even if Scar never remembers her, at least he knows what she is to him. Someone who cares for him.

“What happened to us?” He asked her softly, still most likely comprehending the information she gave him. He lifted his own arm up and looked down to her own legs that were resting on the floor.

Gem was surprised that that was his first question. “Oh-h… That’s a bit hard to explain, but I can tell you as much as I can. Not everything I know, everything I’ve been telling you is a bit too much for you to process enough as it is. I don’t want you to spiral… okay?” 

“Okay.” Scar said.

Gem inhaled and exhaled, ready to explain, “There was this really bad fire that spread across the kingdom we lived in. And that fire was started by the people. They hated the ruler, they hated him so much that they set the entire place on fire. They called it a revolution, but ultimately burned the whole place down. And with most of them too. I don’t know how the place looks now, but I’m sure it doesn’t look good.”

“Why did they hate the ruler?” Scar asked her.

“He was a dick, that’s why.” Gem got a little light hearted laugh out of Scar. Good to know he still knows swear words. “He was incredibly unfair, even to the queen, even to his kids, even to the knights. He didn’t do anything for anyone else, not even the people he swore to protect.” She felt bitter thinking about it, but continued, “I don’t know why I wanted to be a knight, I knew he was full of shit, but I still wanted to help people. I still followed.”

“Do you regret it?” Scar asked her in a sadder tone of voice.

“No, not at all.” She smiled at him. Gem would’ve never met Scar if she didn’t ever become a knight, it wouldn’t have been the same.

— — — —

Gem enjoyed talking to Scar again, even without most of his memories, he acted the same as he always did. It made Gem almost forget about it.

“What’s that?” Scar pointed to a pocket on her overalls. Her overalls were specially made for her type years ago, and she has worn them almost everyday since. Hard to believe that everything that went into it, the work and thought, was now gone. The person who made them probably died. She reached for the pocket, pulling out a piece of paper that was only slightly burned on one edge.

Gem gasped once she realized what it was. She had completely forgotten about it, and it felt only right that Scar was the one to mention it himself. She unfolded the paper, revealing a messy drawn crayon drawing of herself with a tiny Scar. Gem felt more tears well up in her eyes again, her hands were shaky as she held the paper. Gods, she remembered the day that it was given to her. First day on the job (that’s what she counted it as, it wasn’t a job if she hadn’t saved someone yet), the images of kingdom walls, caravans and stands flashed in her mind. 

She hadn’t thought about any of it in years . And here it was, all rushing back to her. How did the drawing even survive, that itself marveled her. “Well, it’s a long story, but… you drew me this. The day I saved you.” She turned the paper around to show him, just like he had done that very day. 

She began the story, “I found you, all scarred and cut up on the face. You were bawling your eyes out and I calmed you down and took you to my friend, Stress, who helped fix you right up with amazing potions and bandaging skills!” She looked fondly at the memory, even if it was sad, the moral of it all made her happy. 

“Your friend, Grian, he’s your friend right?” Gem wanted a bit of confirmation as she only heard Grian’s point of view on Scar. Scar nodded and she could’ve sworn she saw a light blush on his cheeks. “He had bandaged your arm similarly to how she would do it and I couldn’t help but reminisce.” Gem lightly laughed, deep down she hoped that this would trigger at least some sort of remembrance of herself in Scar’s memory. “Then, when I was on duty, as a knight.” Scar looked at her with a bit of gleam in his eyes, the word ‘knight’ catching his attention. She smiled to herself, maybe that had rung a bell. “And you approached me with the rest of your family. Your brother, Cub, and mother, Cleo.”

“I have a brother? What is he like? Do you know where he is?” Scar bombarded Gem with questions and she made it her mission to answer all of them. “Cub is your twin, he’s a vex like you, and he’s really cool. You like him. And he might be around here.” 

“Oh!” Scar smiled, “Anything else about him?” He asked eagerly.

“Oh yeah, the day I found you first, your brother declared your mom’s method to handle her anger as the ‘punching bag thingy’.” Gem laughed to herself, remembering the little vex’s face when he said that, and Scar laughed a bit too. She was glad he also found it funny, it’s always nice to look back on stuff like this.

“What about my mom?” Scar’s smile when he asked about her snapped back to the bone crushing truth. She continued describing his family, as positive as she could, “Your mom, Cleo, was a wonderful person, she became my best friend after I saved you and-”

“Did she die?” Scar’s voice sounded weak, but not in a powerless-about-to-die way, but in the powerless-I’m-devastated way. Knowing he couldn’t change the outcome of the answer. Gem nodded her head, refusing to confirm it out loud. She was meant to fight, not battle with words. Although, she wondered if that’s where true battles started and ended.

“Oh…” Scar sadly stated, processing what he’s heard. It broke Gem’s heart even more every time she heard his voice like this. “How did… how did she die?” He sounded like he wanted to take back the question at first, but then restarted and proceeded with it.

“In her sleep.” Gem couldn’t psychically bring herself to say anymore. She couldn’t tell him how she truly died, and she left her answer in a white lie. Cleo did in fact, die in her sleep, but that wasn’t the only thing that had happened to her.

Scar lowered his head again but quickly looked back up at her, “So, you’re my mom?” Gem looked at his heartbroken eyes that looked glossy in the kitchen light. “Something like that.” Gem left it at that, she was like him and Cub’s mother, but she couldn’t fully bring herself to accept the role. She didn’t want to replace Cleo, even if she was… deceased.

She saw a faint smile on his lips form, and all she could think of was “why?”. 

“Well, I have you don’t I? And Cub too! If he shows up…” Scar remarked, trying to light up the situation. Gem really couldn’t blame Scar. It took him ages to heal in the slightest, and he’d have to go through it all again. She felt worried for the vex boy, maybe she can protect him this time. He won’t have to go through the same pain, she knows how to take care of him now. She’s not as inexperienced as when she first became their guardians.

Scar reached for the drawing in Gem’s hand, gently took it out and placed it back in her overall pocket, right next to her heart. He smiled and instead of crying, she smiled back. Feeling every cold crease on her face from the smile.

She was so glad to have Scar back. Hopefully Cub shows up, then everything would truly be alright. For Gem at least. Taking care of them wouldn’t be out of the norm, she could worry about getting food for Scar later, it’d been awhile since he ate something raw and alive. Cub had probably already found stuff for himself, he was independed like that.

For now, she’ll just enjoy the moment for once. Not planning ahead or hanging back. She’ll be grateful.

“You're almost home.” Gem whispered to herself.

Chapter Text

Scar sat on the sofa, leaning his left arm on the arm of it. He was sitting right next to Grian who was happily chatting with, who Scar just found out was his sister, Pearl. Grian looked incredibly happy, ecstatic even. He was sitting on the edge of the sofa (quite literally on the edge of his seat), laughing and excitedly talking to Pearl about the past few weeks, even chirping to her in the middle of speaking and then returning back to English as if nothing happened.

Scar on the other hand, didn’t know how to really feel about any of this. He didn’t know how to feel about meeting Gem. Scar sort of felt like he was in this trance, one between real life and a dream-like state. Where he could float around aimlessly and nothing could hurt him. But it all felt too real.

Currently, it is evening. But earlier, in the afternoon, he had met two new people unexpectedly, Pearl and Gem. Scar immediately felt a faint connection to Gem, the way she called his name and hugged him felt far too personal for her to not know him. Unless she was lying, but he doubted that, he could tell if someone was good to him or not. Scar didn’t know why he could do this. It was one of the reasons he let himself stay with Grian, or let him have a chance at healing him at all. He was glad he did. Yet again, he was very out of it at the time and was probably willing to do anything to stop himself from hurting so much.

“—And-oh wait! It’s getting pretty late… are you guys gonna stay here?” Grian looked at Mumbo, who gave a small nod, it looked more shy and awkward if anything, Scar noticed. He seemed to act weary around Pearl and just flat out awkward and shy around Gem. Which is normal for people that just met, Scar assumed.

“Can we?” Gem hesitantly asked, she sat on the floor since she couldn’t fit on the sofa (Scar would wonder how difficult it must be to have deer legs). “Of course!” Scar chimed in, he already picked up the clues they could, and he didn’t see why not. Hopefully if Scar didn’t answer, Grian or Mumbo would have. Grian then returned to his conversation with Pearl, leaving Scar to his thoughts, and letting himself encapsulate the moment.

He looked over to Grian, whose eyes looked incredibly tired. They looked more alive this morning, but Scar noticed that throughout the day, his eye bags had deepened. Which puzzled him. He shifted his gaze over to Grian’s wings, which were twitching at the moment and Scar could see Grian trying to hold in what he assumed might’ve been a shout or something. A cry possibly, maybe he would unfold a sad expression.

He noticed a feather being slightly ajar from the rest of his wings, it was basically almost fully off. A simple pluck, or even a slight tap would loosen it. What if that’s what was bothering Grian? Before Scar could think of other conclusions, he reached his hand over to Grian’s wings, gently taking the feather that had fallen out from his touch. For a split second, Scar could see Grian’s face relax.

Scar looked at the feather as he held it gently, afraid it might break in his grasp. It looked really desaturated and dull compared to the rest, but still pretty nonetheless. He let his hand run over the outside of Grian’s wing again, barely feeling them, but they did feel really greasy and he noticed some more discolored feathers. His wings twitched again and Scar could see another loose one.

“Uhh, Grian? You’re losing feathers.. is that normal ?” Scar anxiously asked him, not wanting to panic him if it was something serious. Grian’s attention snapped from listening to what Pearl was saying to him, he quickly turned, whacking Pearl a bit with his wings. Scar took a quick mental note to not get in the way of them.

Grian’s eyes were wide as he looked at the yellow feather that Scar held, then looked into Scar’s eyes. Suddenly, he felt uncomfortable, like the depths of the deepest ocean were staring right into his soul. Scar swallowed, scared of what Grian had to say. 

“Scar.” It was straightforward, and it sounded like Scar was in trouble. Scar’s hand was still on Grian’s wings, but he still had yet to notice. That stray feather was now really bugging him…

“Yes, Grian?” Scar tried to innocently bat his eyes at him.

“…” Grian closed his mouth, seeming like he didn’t know what to say. Scar pet Grian’s wing again, finding the other loose feather and plucking it like he did with the other. It didn’t take much effort to do either. 

Grian looked frozen, a slight blush trailed his face. Then he decided to look elsewhere and to Pearl, who gave Grian a similar but more understanding look. “Scar- erm, maybe you shouldn’t do that right now..” Pearl politely advised him and Scar took his hand away, now feeling embarrassed. Did he do something wrong?

“Why?” Scar asked her, wanting to know the reason.

“Well, I- the reason why is because he’s molting, Scar.” Pearl explained.

“What’s molting?” Scar didn’t know what it was, but he mentally pictured fire in his mind. Molting sounded like something that would be hot to touch. Like molting rocks… or something?

Grian sat quietly between the two, and Scar couldn’t help but see an even more tired look on his face. “Molting is what happens to birds, they get rid of old feathers for new ones.” Pearl continued to explain, very clearly, and Scar understood. It made sense to him, like trees losing their leaves every winter. But it did leave a clear misunderstanding that she didn’t explain: why couldn’t Scar help him?

“That doesn’t explain why I can’t help though, the feather was stuck! And it looked like it was annoying him..” Scar’s voice trailed off, he didn’t want to sound rude or ignorant about this.

“Scar-” Grian tried to chime in but Pearl finished for him. “Helping is reserved for partners and close members of the flock.” She didn’t say it in a hateful way, but it was said in a way that immediately shut everyone up. And for some reason, it drilled a hole in Scar’s chest, he didn’t like how everyone went silent and all eyes felt like they were on him. Pearl’s eyes were looking directly at him, and he swore he saw a little yellow tint in them.

Scar made an ‘o’ shape with his mouth and then gently placed the feathers back to where they belonged, on Grian’s lap. He could see why when he first met him, he panicked when he saw him with one of his feathers. Scar buried his face in his hands, some of the bandages on his hand scratched his face. But he didn’t care, he probably just overstepped Grian’s boundaries, he wasn’t allowed to touch Grian’s wings. But he did. And now he feels really bad about doing so…

“Sorry… I didn’t know.” Scar regretted ever letting his thoughts get the best of him. He shouldn’t have done that!

“Scar it’s alright! Really it is—Oh you don’t have to apolo-” Grian gave him a side hug and peeled Scar’s hands away from his face to reveal a very blushed and almost tearing up Scar behind them, “-gize… Scar…” Grian went back to hug him, and lightly laughed while saying, “It’s alright, you didn’t know!” Scar was hesitant to hug back, not wanting to mess with his wings by accident. Speaking of wings, his own were clinging tightly to his back, very tensed, like they had been when he was hiding them. He didn’t know why he was hiding them, he couldn’t remember…

“You were just trying to help,” Grian continued, “That feather was bothering me, so you did help me after all. Just if there’s a feather sticking out let me know, and I’ll take it out. Unless it’s somewhere I can’t reach, then you can just take it out, it’s really not a big deal.” Grian explained.

“But I’m not-” Scar was now confused, very confused. He was just that he wasn’t allowed to help, and now he was allowed, but only sometimes… huh?

“It’s fine though, you’re a friend! It’s okay for friends to help out… at least in my eyes?” Grian sounded unsure at the end but confident at the same time. Pearl looked at them with a perplexed expression, more or so to Grian and what he just said, she looked over to Gem who showed a faint trace of the same expression… Scar didn’t know why. Scar looked over to Grian, who wasn’t paying attention to them, but to him, and still waiting for him to say something back.

“Oh, okay.” Was all he could reasonably say, and he couldn’t just say something like “Yeah okay! Let me just do something that two seconds ago was said to be a very intimate thing! And that I shouldn’t do it because I am neither a part of your flock or your partner. I am just a friend (Scar hopes)!” 

Scar looked over to Gem, who hasn’t really said anything this whole time. She had just been listening to Pearl and Grian speak, much like Scar was. But right now, she was looking out the window peacefully and Scar couldn’t help but look too, and wow, the sky looked gorgeous. It was a mix between purples and pink and in the corner of the window, some shades of greens and blues were seen too.

“Whoah…” Scar was in awe at the sky. The clouds mimicked the colours of the sky, looking of lighter shades and tones of what he saw, but it pulled it all together perfectly. It made him want to capture the moment in time, he didn’t know how he would.

“It’s pretty right!” Gem exclaimed, happily looking over and seeing Scar’s lit up face. They both were sharing the same look about the sky. He never felt uncomfortable or a stranger to her, and maybe this was why. Scar knew her, he knew it too. He knew she was like a parent to him, she felt like one. He just can’t remember. But until he does, because he wants to remmeber, he wants to so bad, he’s going to appreciate that’s she even here and continue to appreciate the sky and her.

“Is it always this pretty?” Scar’s attention was still glued to mesmerizing landscape outside as he asked. He didn’t ask anyone in particular, but he was hoping Grian would be the one to respond. And how lucky he was when he did.

“Most of the time.” Grian responded and Scar softly smiled, he could get used to seeing the sky like that most of the time, and hearing Grian’s mellow voice. It made him feel kind of tired, and he wasn’t the only one. Grian yawned, muffling the yawn with his hand over his mouth. He felt Grian’s wings stretch out and one hit his right shoulder while he yawned, but he didn’t move. He didn’t want to move, the touch felt nice despite it being the one part he shouldn’t touch at the moment. Interfering with his wing, would get rid of the entire conversation they just had. Scar did not want to ruin it.

They all sat there in silence. Scar could feel himself absorb the moment, and he closed his eyes. Scar leaned back into the sofa and felt a weight on his right shoulder, it was both comforting to him but bothersome to his arm. He opened his right eye to see that Grian’s face was mushed against his shoulder, he appeared to be asleep.

Awe. Scar had to admit, it was cute, and shocking. He hadn’t expected a sleepy bird at the moment, but as he slowly processed that Grian was falling asleep on him, he began to blush. 

“Grian…?” Scar whispered. “…” No answer. “Helloooo? Grian?” Scar poked the top of Grian’s head multiple times until his eyes lazily opened, “Hm?” He hummed sleepily. “You were falling asleep.” Scar told him, and Grian pushed himself back up into a sitting position and tried to correct him.

“No I wasn’t.” Grian lied, “I was just… simply closing my eyes for a second, definitely not falling asleep.” He yawned and sank into the fabric of the sofa. He couldn’t blame him, the sofa was comfy regardless whether he was tired or not.

“Uh-huh.” Scar went along with it, not feeling the need to argue or banter with him right now. He was also feeling a bit tired himself.

“Well, I suppose we are all tired?” Gem asked. “I suppose…” Mumbo confirmed, muffling his own yawn while answering.

“Where are Gem and Pearl going to sleep?” Grian asked, looking around to him and Mumbo. “I don’t mind sharing a room with Pearl.” He added, gaining a nod and hug of approval from Pearl. She chirped out what Scar assumed was happiness, he assumed that Pearl was happy to be with Grian. Although, Scar did feel a bit weird about it, like he should be the one hugging Grian instead of Pearl. That’s unfair though, Pearl deserved to hug Grian as much as possible. She was his godsdamn sister, she had every right. So why did Scar feel this way? It wasn’t a strong feeling, but it sat at the bottom of his chest.

“I guess I can share with Scar, right? Are you okay with that?” Gem politely questioned Scar, who himself felt comforted by that. He turned his full attention to her instead of wallowing about not being able to hug Grian. Maybe she could tell him stories! Or wait! She could help him remember his past.

“Of course!” Scar cheered, feeling much better and somehow awake than he did two seconds ago.

Grian yawned again, stretched and then stood up in front of Scar. He knew exactly what was happening, Scar reached his arms out to the side, prepared for the hug-but-not-a-hug from Grian so he could be helped up the stairs. Thank goodness the sofa was close enough that it wouldn’t be too much of a struggle (Scar hoped). Grian always told him it was never a hassle, but he would always feel tiny dreads of guilt after. 

It happened so casually, they didn’t even think about explaining it. And they never did explain. Him and Grian let the others go up the stairs first, Mumbo deciding to stay behind them in case Scar slipped or fell down so he could catch him or at least try to.

—————————————————————————————————————-

Grian opened the door to his room and revealed the scattered, cluttered, messiness of it all. He looked over to Pearl, about to ask for her opinion, maybe she’d point out the pretty shine of the window. Grian always admired the shine as well, and he knew Pearl also liked shiny things. But instead, he was greeted with the repulsed expression on her face, and Grian himself deadpanned his own expression to her.

“Really?” He blankly questioned, feeling only slightly offended. Pearl was always a clean freak ever since they were little.

“…”

“Pearl-”

“Nope!”

“Pearl.”

“Nu-uh.”

“Pearl! My room isn’t that bad!” Grian argued with her. “Yes it is! I-eugrugh!” Pearl did what sounded like a mix between a hurl and a gag. “I’m sorry, Gri. I just don’t think I can stay in your room… it’s just—too scattered for my liking. You need to organize!”

“What do you mean! It’s fine! It’s comfortable and I’ve only tripped like once or twice while it’s like this!” He poorly reasoned.

“It’s a hazard!” She complained, sounding a tad bit aggressive when saying “Hazard”.

“It’s my room!” Grian argued back to her, his wings spread out slightly and then twitched from discomfort. Gods, he couldn’t stand arguing and dealing with his wings at the moment.

“I can’t stay in this…” Pearl breathed out dramatically, like she was about to faint.

Grian sighed loudly, he was too tired to deal with this bullshit. Then Scar, genius Scar, suggested an idea. “What if Pearl stayed in mine or Mumbo’s room?”

Scar looked over to Mumbo questionably, who shook his head and nervously glanced at Pearl, “I don’t think I’d be comfortable enough… sorry?” He sounded very apologetic and Pearl casually responded with, “Oh, it’s fine. I didn’t expect to share a room with you either way. I won’t take it to heart.”

Scar, behind them all, revealed the tiny room Scar had been sleeping in. It wasn’t perfect by all means, but Scar seemed to appreciate it. Grian wished Scar had a better room though, he deserved a much nicer one since it seems like he’d be staying for awhile . And Scar was just a generally nice person who deserved a nice room.

“Wouldn’t it be too crowded, if all three of us slept here though.” Gem pointed out, pointing to herself, Scar, and Pearl. 

Fuck. 

There would be too many people.

“Well I could just stay in Grian’s? Like I did the first time I was here.” Scar suggested, and Grian kind of wished he didn’t bring up the first night while his sister and his aunt-motherfigure person was here. Didn’t Scar show any embarrassment at having shared a nest? With him? Scar probably didn’t even know the significance of a nest (much less, SHARING it) now that he thought about it…

Pearl raised an eyebrow to him, even though she did indeed know about the first night when he found Scar. He told her himself! 

“First night?” Gem asked, now intrigued. 

“The room I sleep in now used to be for storage so I slept in Grian’s room the night I came here.” Scar shrugged it off like it was normally, and Grian could see Scar’s face deepen in a shade of pink despite his casual announcement.

“Oh?” Pearl looked at Grian, she always liked teasing him. His wings fluffed up and he turned his head away to hide his own blush from her. Not wanting to admit anything about that again to her out loud.

“Well then, that’s settled.” Gem clasped her hands together, picking up Jellie, who honestly, Grian forgot she was even there.

— — — —

Grian flopped down onto his stomach in his nest with a loud sigh. He covered himself with his wings, and was finally able to rest. Molting had absolutely taken all of his energy faster than he could process for, he just wanted to sleep. Scar was taken care of and sat right next to him, sitting, instead of laying down. Jellie was currently balled up in his lap again.

He lazily picked out another feather, not bothering to add it into the pile with all his other old feathers. Grian was dreading for when his face and head feathers would start to jolt, his face would be so itchy and brushing out the keratin from them would be such a pain. He faced his head to look at Scar instead of burying them in his arms and just sleeping, he wanted to distract himself from the antsy feeling on his back. 

He really wouldn’t have minded Scar to preen his wings right then and there… but he couldn’t. He couldn’t bring himself to ask, it was too embarrassing, but if Scar just did it, he wouldn’t tell him “no.”. Scar was blurry to Grian, he had been yawning so much, tears started forming in his eyes from it. He couldn’t see him that well, but he could surely feel Scar’s hand pet his head. It was a nice feeling, the repeating motions of Scar’s gentle touch messing with his hair was enough to put him to sleep, and Grian felt himself sink into unconsciousness. He didn’t even get to say goodnight.

— — — —

Grian felt more comfortable than he normally did when he slept. He felt like he was currently balancing between the line of waking up and falling asleep again, he didn’t really feel like waking up though. One of his wings were extended back and the other was wrapped around him and what felt like the most comfortable part of his nest he’s ever felt before. Although.. it did feel a bit too close.

His nest had felt like it had shrunk on him. Not on every side though, he felt like he was in a coffin shaped area instead of his usually round and circular nest. Had Grian deconstructed his own nest? ‘No.’ He thought in denial. How the hell would that even happen? It would be difficult to even do so while awake, it was so intricately made, Grian himself wouldn’t be able to undo it like untying a knot. 

And then he remembered that Scar was there last night… And, he was still here. Was that, the feeling of comfort and enclosure, Scar? The man he was supposedly clinging onto so tightly in his half sleep? That he was clinging onto in the deepest stages of sleep. Oh no. 

Oh no no no no.

He couldn’t be… surely not. Grian tried opening his eyes, but they wouldn’t budged open since they were pressed against the “side of his nest” that he was almost fully sure was Scar now. And that probably just confirmed it. Nests were reserved for flock and partners, just like how preening was. 

He couldn’t be cuddling Scar in his nest. He just couldn’t, he wasn’t allowed to. But gods, he felt so comfortable lying there, feeling Scar’s chest rise and fall, and faintly hearing his heartbeat. Grian thought about it, it doesn’t mean that he couldn’t cuddle with a friend. Perhaps he was just cold, it does get awfully cold at night. Yeah, that’s the perfect reason, Grian confirmed to himself.

He smiled into Scar’s warmth, Scar’s right arm was what Grian’s face was against, and he hoped he hadn’t hurt it. He let himself into the moment, finding that “loophole” made Grian feel at somewhat of peace and less guilty? Ashamed? Whatever he felt then. He tried lifting himself slightly, though his arms felt like they were still asleep, they were more heavy than he liked. But he managed to hang his left arm over the edge of the nest and his right arm over Scar, and he pulled himself closer to the man, wanting to absorb all the warmth he could.

His face was now closer to Scar’s chest instead of it being squished against his arm. He wrapped his wings around them both for the blankety feel, Jellie’s head peeked out from under a wing, she was scared at what happened. Jellie had slept on Scar’s tomado, and Grian lightly laughed at her reaction and then tried calling her over closer so he could pet her. 

She stood up, and walked over closer to Grian, plopping down the second she was in the desired spot. She started to purr, not quietly, but very loudly. Grian started to pet her head, cooing her for being so adorable, but so loud at times. Grian relaxed further into the nest, feeling like he was a part of it. Different from that time when he was asleep and couldn’t move. This time, Grian didn’t want to move. He didn’t at all.

He shot a quick glance to the sleeping Scar, using his left hand that was closer to Scar’s head to brush away some of the locks of hair the rested upon his face. He looked to be sound asleep, not seeming bothered by Grian using him as a big pillow.

Grian wondered what Scar was dreaming of.

— — — —

Grian was sitting at the kitchen table with Scar, enjoying breakfast. Neither of them mentioned anything about their sleep other than they slept well. He still didn’t ask about Scar’s dream. When Scar woke up, he seemed uneasy before realizing Grian was there, and then calming himself into the touch, cuddling Grian back like it was the most normal thing in the world.

And honestly, Grian missed it. 

Gem was the one making breakfast today, Grian tried to shut her offer down, saying that she didn’t need to make something. But she had insisted anyway, and Grian lost the unintentional argument. Gem made something simple, but Grian felt like a child being served toast by her. 

“Thank you!” He thanked her and began to munch on it.

“You’re welcome!” She hummed back, returning to the kitchen to start making more. Grian was able to admire Gem’s persistence, he figured out that she would not back down.

“Have you really not been in the forest since…?” Grian overheard Pearl say to Mumbo as they entered the dining room. He pushed his thoughts back for later and payed attention to the conversation that wasn’t his to listen to.

“No…” Mumbo admitted, he really hadn’t. Grian knew that.

“Well!” Pearl exclaimed, sounding slightly hysterical, “That’s gonna change, come on! Me and Gem were going to head back and we may as well show you around while we’re there.”

“But wouldn’t I have to walk back alone?” His voice sounded worried and Grian wanted to assure him it wouldn’t be that bad, but Pearl spoke his mind. Again. Gosh he really has to keep track of how many times this has been happening to him.

“Not if you don’t want to, me or Gem would be glad to walk you back.” Pearl offered and Grian could see Mumbo ease into the offer. “It does sound nice… and I haven’t really been able to explore the area, because, you know.” Mumbo awkwardly reminded her.

“Yeah… but the forest is really pretty when you forget about all of that! It’s not it’s best since it’s winter… but it still looks cool!” Pearl was trying to persuade him even though he was already set on going, Grian could already tell he wanted to leave his fears behind in the past. 

“When are we going?” Mumbo asked, to Pearl's surprise. 

“Now if you’d like?” She eagerly commented, looking to Grian to see if it was okay or not. “Sure, go ahead. We finished everything we needed to do already, so why not?” Grian was going to say yes whether there were things that needed to be done or not. Plus… it gave him more time to hang out with Scar. He always looked forward to talking to the guy. Scar made him feel a way that felt very fuzzy and happy, he could just melt into his touch for hours. It felt like a proper friendship to him, and he was just probably excited to have a friend! That’s all. 

Pearl made an almost squeal out of excitement and grabbed Mumbo by the arm, dragging him out the door, “Bye!” She said as Gem calmly followed them out. But then she stopped in the door and turned back to Scar, quickly walking back to him and giving Scar one last hug. She whispered something to him before letting go and waving to the both of them. She closed the door and then him and Scar were alone. 

“What did she say to you?” Grian couldn’t help but wonder.

“She said “Don’t get too hungry, I’ll see you soon, today or tomorrow, love you, bye!” And then left.” Scar quoted her. Sounding cheery and smiling at her words. But while Grian admired Scar’s smile like he always did, he did wonder for a slight second about what she said about the hunger thing before remembering that Scar is a vex.

He should probably be worried about that, and should probably actually do something about it. Hunt for maybe a small animal that could suffice him for a bit, at least long enough he doesn’t go on a rampage and tries to devour him. Grian came to a realization that that was a full possibility, and Scar wouldn’t do that by choice. It’d be out of instinct if anything.

“Huh.” He noted Gem’s sweet message to Scar, she really did give off auntie vibes. Or maybe it was just that she cared about Scar so much. Grian could feel the aura of comfort radiate off of Scar, if it was visible they would look like rays of sun. 

“She makes really good toast by the way.” Grian stated, he’s been wanting to mention that for awhile. He was never that happy to eat toast until then.

“I know, right!” Scar responded with just as much amazement. Grian liked seeing Scar happy like this. There were a few moments of silence before Scar proposed an idea, “Do you want to go to the pond and talk?”

“Sure! The weather seems nice right now.” Grian agreed, it wasn’t like he could say no. Plus, the weather was really nice, it was slightly cloudy but mostly sunny. It wouldn’t be a surprise if it rained later though.

Grian pushed back his chair from the table and got up, and Scar wheeled himself after him to the door. Grian held the door open for Scar, playfully bowing as a joke and Scar laughed, delighted at the kind gesture. Scar then playfully winked back as his fancy move, and flustered Grian ultimately. He turned his head to the side so Scar wouldn’t see his blush, something he’s been doing a lot recently.

Now Grian was following behind Scar to the pond. The pond was a peaceful place, it’s been filled with nice, and happy (as well as embarrassing moments motherless). They got near the pond, and tree. Despite there being no wind, Grian heard some rustle in the leaves of it, weird.

Grian ignored it and went to go help Scar out of his wheelchair and onto the ground so they could sit together. Scar sat crisscrossed at the edge, gliding his finger against the water. Grian sat down next to him, mirroring his position and they both sat quietly for a while, taking in the fresh air and drowning any tension that might’ve surfaced away.

— — — —

“What did you dream about?” Grian couldn’t help but ask. He swore he was starting to act like Pearl with how much he’s blurting out recently around Scar. It was like his mind had been unlocked, but just for him. 

“Same thing as always.” Scar jadedly sighed, lifting his now slightly pruned finger out of the area and dying it off on his shirt.

“Oh. The fire thing? With the uhm- the weird room, that actually isn’t a room but a flower field?” Grian tried remembering, he knew that Scar had talked to him about it before, in fact, it was technically their second morning together. A blooming friendship had truly begun and that was the day Grian started to see Scar’s personality shine.

“Yes! That one.” Scar snapped his fingers at 

“Wow. It’s been going, still?” Grian was amazed, the longest he’d ever have repeating dreams was only for a few days, at most three.

“Yeah… it’s just slightly different each time though.” Scar sounded curious but annoyed about it as well, it probably got boring for him, to relive the same dream over and over again.

“Each time? How so?” Grian queried.

“Well it’s been the only dream I’ve been having. One time, I think it might’ve been the worst time, these sunflowers appeared out of nowhere! And they all were pointing to me, like they were watching me! It was deeply uncomfortable.” ‘Not boring!’ Grian noted mentally.

“O-oh!” Grian stuttered, afraid that that might’ve been his fault. “What night did this happen?” He questioned further.

“Hmm, second night, I think? The day we cleaned out the room I sleep in now.” Scar answered. Grian suddenly felt like there was a thin sheet of glass between them, and Scar was unknowingly aware of the reason, while Grian knew exactly what had happened and why.

‘Well then’ Grian thought to himself, ‘That might’ve been my fault…’ He remembered using some of his learned abilities to check in on Scar that night. He couldn’t believe it’s been over a week since that, it feels like it happened just yesterday. Proves how fast time flies by!

“Huh, that’s weird.” Grian played dumb, not wanting to admit that the embarrassing incident (in Grian’s eyes) was caused by his need to be so damn clingy. Suddenly, and aggravatingly, his wings started to twitch and the oils on his feathers made them itchy to an unbearable amount again. 

“Ughhh.” Grian groaned in annoyance, hastily extending one of his wings to fish out some feathers. It appeared to be only one feather at the moment, although it was closer to his back than the other even though his feathers would molt by sections. Grian assumed that Scar was watching him to this and apologized on his behalf and interrupted the kind moment.

“Sorry, agh ! This just gets so annoying at times…” Grian grumbled out and didn’t get a response back. Perhaps Scar was preoccupied by something else, he did notice that he has a tendency of doing so. Grian hated the slick feeling of the oils between his feathers and groaned out of disgust at touching it.

“Uhm, Grian?” Scar said, but Grian focused himself on his wings for a minute, the feather was stuck deep in his wings and he had to push some of his feathers to the side to reach it. But it was incredibly difficult, every movement made him want to itch and rip his wings apart.

“Just a minute Scar.” Grian brushed him off and continued to pick through his wing.

“Grian. Uh- something is happening?” Scar’s voice sounded worrisome, Grian tried not to panic over that.

“Hold on! This feather is annoying me.” He continued to dismiss Scar’s callings as difficult and as it was, his wings needed the attention at the moment, otherwise he didn't think he could function.

“Grian!” Scar’s voice sounded a bit distant that time, odd volume for what sounded like a yell. Grian finally managed to carefully take out the greasy feather and throw it down beside him and rub the oils from it on his shorts.

“Yeah?” Grian turned his head to where Scar is… Or… Where Scar should have been . Grain had greeted with an empty scene, just nature surrounded him, no Scar in sight. The only physical trace left of him was his wheelchair. 

Scar was gone.

Gone.

“Scar?” Grian said lightly, it was a tone mixed between confusion and panic. Where was Scar? What- huh, what had happened to him? Was Grian dreaming? Surely Scar wasn’t gone, right? He then heard another yell in the distance, it sounded more like a scream. Grian didn’t even need to process the voice long enough that it was Scar.

“Scar!” Grian screamed back, he did it as if Scar could hear him. He wasn’t even in sight, but Grian could be loud if he wanted to. Body and voice, he was going to find him. He clenched his fist and angrily got up and started running in the direction of where he heard Scar’s voice. 

Chapter Text

“Uhm, Grian?” Scar said, but Grian had appeared to be focused on his wings. In front of Scar is a tiny creature, about the size of his forearm. It was blue, a more grey tone than the shade of blue of his wings. Its eyes were slanted and pure white, contrasting the colour of its scrawny body. Its wings appeared to look ripped and dusty, giving off an illusional effect.

“Just a minute Scar.” Grian brushed him off and continued to pick through his wing. The creature wasn’t just one creature anymore, suddenly, more appeared from above. Were they hidden in the tree? Scar didn’t have time to think about it as the creatures huddled around him like flies.

“Grian. Uh- something is happening?” Scar tried getting Grian’s attention, he was now starting to panic. What was happening? What was going to happen? The creatures grabbed on his arms and shoulders, they clung on tight and managed to pinch his skin.

“Ow!” He yelled at the touch but Grian didn't seem to notice. He didn’t even turn his head, not even a bit.

“Hold on! This feather is annoying me.” Grian continued to dismiss Scar’s. Scar tried reaching out for Grian but was pulled away by the tiny creatures and they started to drag him away from the pond, from Grian.

They continued to drag him away, so quickly in fact, that Scar had to scream to at least try and catch his attention. “Grian!” But after yelling, he was starting to be lifted up into the air, and Scar knew he was out of Grian’s sight.

“Oh gods…” Scar mumbled to himself, he had looked down to the ground. And the ground was now very far away from him now. That wasn’t supposed to happen. Scar was supposed to be on the ground, like a normal person, not flying in the air being carried by tiny devilish creatures.

“Scar!” He faintly heard in the distance. Scar’s face lit up, at least he knew that Grian knew he had disappeared. It wasn’t by choice though, he would very much prefer to stay on the ground. The more he looked at the ground, the more his stomach flipped. Not in a fuzzy way, like whenever he was close to or looked at Grian, but in a ‘I think I might die’ way. It felt as if his stomach was trying to crawl out of Scar’s throat and fling itself onto the ground.

All Scar could do was wait for there to be close enough ground for him to fall onto, and hopefully escape. Kind of hard to do when he couldn’t walk, or at least not that well. Scar scanned the area that he was currently above, it was the forest, a really thick part of it, and he could see a river in the distance. Maybe he could force himself to drop down into it if he passed over it? No. That would kill him, there’s a chance the river was incredibly shallow, and Scar would rather take his chances on living than dying. 

To his surprise he didn’t pass over the river, but went along it, the creatures seemed to be using it as a guide to their destination. Some time passed, and Scar was getting pretty bored. Despite being kidnapped and all, being in the sky and held up by his arms was getting exhausting and his arms were getting sore.

Though when Scar looked down again, he could see a desaturated red building in the distance. The paint was peeled off to reveal the wood underneath, and there were some holes in the roof. Was that where these things were taking him? He didn’t have much time to think about that before one of them let go of Scar, causing him to slightly dip to the ground. 

“Ah!” He cried, the sudden downward movement scared him, but he didn’t fall that far down. Whatever these little creatures were, made sure he hadn’t fallen or was in any sort of danger yet, although that made Scar more nervous of what’s to come.

Without warning, the little blue fellow that let go of him, pulled open one of the doors and the others carried him inside. Scar was then dropped not so gently onto the ground in the middle of the barn, it was a dimly lit area, and Scar had to squint his eyes to see much of anything. 

Then in the distance, he saw a shadowy figure. Scar felt the hairs on his skin stand up. He suddenly felt very cold, and his breath hitched slightly. What was that? Or rather, who was that?

The figure ran towards him and Scar could barely process how to act. He couldn’t get up and run away, or really fight in a sitting position, could he. 

“Ah!” Scar yelled, not knowing what else to do. The figure froze, just before reaching a fully lit area. They seemed taken aback by Scar’s yell, like it wasn’t what they expected him to do based on body language. Their footing was off and was held off, he could tell. Then, the stranger appeared from the shadows and stepped hesitatingly into the light. Scar held his breath, and he felt his wings move closer to a closed position on his back, tightly hanging onto it like they would fall.

Being scared was an understatement. Scar could feel his heart beating in his chest, it too wanted to run away. He was actually able to be this person now, and he was very intimating in a calm way to Scar. Something about this guy felt not-new to him. He wore a white trench coat over black clothing, along with mostly tidy, short black hair and thinly rimmed glasses.

The stranger was about to say something as he looked at Scar, and then Scar could see his eyes widen as he fixated on his bandaged arm. The guy rushed over to him, making Scar flinch and the guy grabbed his arm and promptly asked him with concern, “Have they hurt you?”

“What-” Scar tried responding and also tried to tug his arm away but the guy’s grip would not loosen. “Was this done by them or the fire?” What fire? Scar thought, still trying to piece any memory of this guy together. He still felt awfully familiar to Scar, and if he wasn’t so scared, he’d probably hug him.

Scar looked down to the arm that the guy held, it was now a gentle grasp. Which didn’t make sense to Scar at the moment, so he yanked his arm away, not answering the question and backed away the best he could.

“Scar.. why? What?” The guy’s voice sounded distraught. The guy tried moving closer to him but was stopped by a loud sound.

Suddenly, one of the barn doors opens and then immediately slams back shut in the matter of seconds. It created a loud sound that made Scar raise his arm up and then cover his ears. He could barely process what had entered the room, it happened too fast for his eyes and brain to take in at the moment. He didn’t even see the enraged Grian lunge at Cub, tackling him down until after it had happened.

Scar sat hopelessly on the ground and watched in horror as Grian tried pinning down the guy, but the guy fought back and threw Grian off of him with a thudding sound. “Oof!” Grian groaned as he landed on his back. Scar grimaced, that must’ve hurt his wings a lot.

Then the black haired guy quickly got up and kicked Grian’s side, making him yelp from the pain. Grian grabbed the area where he was kicked and tried rolling away but was stopped by the guy grabbing one of his arms and lifting him back into a poor standing position. Grian stumbled and stood weakly, not having much control over how he stood. The guy was about to punch Grian, and attempt to possibly knock him out, or maybe even kill him. But before he could, Scar yelled out “Stop!” As loud as he could, his voice sounded scratched and horse but it made both the guy and Grian freeze. Yelling was the only thing he could’ve done. It wasn't like he could just get up and run over to them and stop the fight. Grian took the opportunity to slip out of the guy’s grip and kick him in the stomach, making the guy recoil back and gasp. His glasses fell on the ground.

Grian started to bolt over to Scar, and Scar noticed more about Grian now, his hair was messed up and he could see traces of dirt, grime everywhere on him, and blood on his face. His wings were all dirty and they looked sharp, they were open and each feather looked like a dagger. His jumper was covered in dust and dirt, and Scar saw that Grian’s arms… did not look normal. They looked pitched black with hints of purple in the lighting, but Scar knew that Grian’s arms were never like that before. He would’ve noticed that about him, he’s looked at Grian long enough that he’s practically memorized every part of him. Well, every part of him that he’s seen.

A couple yards before Grian reached Scar, he was beaten to him by the stranger, who had grabbed Grian’s foot and made him fall to the ground again. He tried digging his fingers into the ground to stop the guy from pulling him back, but was unsuccessful as the stranger yanked him back farther away from Scar.

“Do not!” The guy aggressively yelled to Grian, making his wings spread from fear, and Scar could see two feathers fall from his wings.

“Do not do what!?!” Grian shrieked back, 

“Hurt Scar?!” The guy’s voice sounded confused but also insulting. Grian tried flapping away, but got nowhere. Then he tried rolling over so he could face the guy, and that worked as the guy’s arms twisted and they were now both of the ground. 

“Why would I hurt Scar?” Grian questioned back with the same demeanor, kicking the guy’s arms off him and standing up. He slightly stumbled backwards but caught himself before he could fall again.

The guy got up and looked like he was about to punch Grian but at the last minute, he kicked Grian in the stomach, sending him backwards into a wall. The impact made the walls slightly shake and dust arose from the ground, causing Scar to cough a bit.

“Grian!” Scar screeched as he watched Grian’s body slum down to the ground, chest heaving for air. His head had hit the wall too hard and Scar saw Grian’s eyes close. His hands started to shake and his fight or flight kicked in, he started to back away into the corner as much as he could. Even if he was already as pressed up against the wall as he could be, it didn’t stop him from trying to mold his body into the shape of the corner. 

He felt tears start forming in his eyes, scared he just witnessed his new friend’s death. He wanted to reverse time, he wanted to get out of whatever and wherever situation he was in. 

The guy turned away and walked over to Scar. Scar closed his eyes in fright.

“Are you okay Scar?” He heard the guy ask him. His voice now sounded soft and kind, a complete opposite to what he had sounded like earlier.

“Who are you?” Scar asked, looking the guy in the eyes while squinting. The guy froze, looking at Scar with hurt eyes and body language. He appeared to be too shocked at the question to give Scar an answer.

“And why do you keep calling me ‘Scar’?” Scar barked another question. He really didn’t know why this guy kept calling him ‘Scar’, he’d made that name up, Right?

“Scar—what are you talking about!? That’s your name! Did you hit your head?” The guy yelled back at him, still sounding hurt, and the word “name” rang over and over in Scar’s mind. Did Scar… actually name himself… his own name?! 

Scar started to laugh, it was quiet and small at first. Then it grew into what sounded like strained howls. 

“Why are you laughing? Are you crazy?!” The guy shook Scar’s shoulders and he laughed even more. “Tell me!” The guy begged Scar, sounding a bit hysterical himself. Scar calmed down slightly to open his eyes, not even minding how close the guy was to him. He peered over his shoulders and spotted Grian, who looked… better. He was awake at least, and not dead. That made him cry even more, and he felt hysteric. He was so happy Grian was alive, that those sad and fearful tears turned into ones of happiness. Grian rubbed his head and his arms looked relatively normal. Was he seeing things then? Scar could tell that Grian was trying not to smile. But as soon as they made eye contact, it was over.

They both bursted out in laughter, Grian’s laughter sounded like a cackle and the stranger’s head swung back to face him. “Why are you laughing now? Wait—who even are you?” The guy let go of Scar and stood up, walking over to him. Grian’s laughter did not die down at all, he just kept laughing. Though, he did take time between some laughs to cough. After all, he was kicked into a wall. The guy approached Grian closer, was he going to hurt him again?

The back of Scar’s mind was worried about that, but at the same time, he was too busy laughing and crying and full of emotion to take the situation seriously. He’d really named himself after his own name! This was hysterical to Scar, especially since he thought he forgot everything.

“Nevermind you,” The guy said to Grian and then he turned back to Scar. “Scar, you really don’t remember me?”

Scar shook his head ‘no’. He felt a deep weight in his heart, guilt. He felt like should know who this guy was. But he doesn’t feel exactly scared of him anymore, just confused. 

“Oh..” The guy sounded once more heart broken. Scar had just begun to calm himself from the uncontrollable laughter, and so was Grian, both still giggled every few seconds. He didn’t know why it was so funny, but he didn’t care.

“But seriously who-” Scar started to ask, but was interrupted by a loud ‘BANG’ at the barn door. This made Scar jump as much as he could while sitting and he saw Grian flinch and then grab his side right after. 

Another ‘BANG’ at the door, and it swung open, revealing Gem. She froze at the situation, not bothering to look away from the guy. 

“Cub…” she muttered, barely being audible for Scar to hear, but Grian heard her loud and clear. “Wait you’re Cub!?” He yelled out in a strained manner, still grabbing his side before taking a deep breath.

Then Pearl shoved Gem out of the way, not caring about any of her injuries. She scanned the room, anger forming in her eyes and then shock and back to anger when she saw the guy. “YOU!” She shrieked at the stranger. Wait. Did Pearl know him? As Scar was thinking, Pearl suddenly lunged at him. But was stopped by Gem, who with her quick reflexes, grabbed the back of her shirt, preventing her from mauling the guy’s face off. The stranger had a look of fear before calming down.

He turned to face Grian, “Is she always like this?”

“Only to people she doesn't like.” Grian started coughing and Mumbo rushed over to aid him. Scar then guided his attention back to the stranger.

“Oh. I mean I knew that, it just hurts.” The guy simply said, with a bit of hurt in his voice. But it didn’t sound like true hurt, not like how he had sounded earlier.

“Well obviously I don’t like you! I caught you spying on my brother!” Pearl protested, and was trying to get Gem to let go of her, but failed continuously. 

“Excuse me?!” Mumbo yelled out from across the barn.

“Wait-” Grian wheezed out another cough, “You were spying on us!?”

“Cub!” Gem yelled out to the guy, now hearing his name. Cub… wasn’t that.. the name.. Gem used for.. his supposed brother?

“I told you about this, right Gem?” Pearl growled out a question, only slightly making her voice gentle towards Gem at the moment.

“No??” Gem’s voice sounded like a whisper.

Cub waved his arms, “I wasn’t spying on your brother! I told you this on the cliff side, I was trying to find my brother and I found him!”

“Well go down to him and say “hi” like a normal person, maybe?” Pearl prettily suggested to Cub, and his open hands turned into fists. Gem gently pushed Pearl off to the side and grabbed Cub’s shoulders, making him avert his gaze away from Pearl and to her.

Gem without a word, pulled Cub into a hug.

“…” Cub went speechless as he hugged her back.

And as Gem held Cub in her arms, Pearl glared daggers at him, still upset about what had happened.

“He doesn’t remember me, Gem…” He sniffed, and then sounded just as heart broken as he did earlier. Scar could feel something shatter like a glass vase in his chest. He felt bad, an overwhelming sense of guilt, seeing the two people he once, at some point in his life, knew. 

“I know.” Gem tried comforting Cub, rubbing circles on his back as he silently cried in her arms.

“You know?” Cub said, breaking away only a tiny bit.

“I actually found out yesterday.” She responded, answering his question and explaining a possible other one he might’ve asked.

“Oh.” Cub’s voice sounded dull, and it didn’t better the heavy weight in Scar’s chest.  Scar felt like he was watching this moment through a glass one-way mirror before Cub looked at him and shattered it once again. He then reached out a hand to Scar, Scar hesitated and didn’t give Cub his hand, causing Cub’s already mulled expression to increase.

Scar quickly explained, “I can’t walk.” He covered his mouth, trying to suppress a smile, but failed. Scar found it ironic, though he did know that Cub was trying to help.

Cub gaped open his mouth, taking a second to say something back. “Right.” Cub decided on saying, and then reached down to pick up Scar but paused right before he could. 

“Oh yeah, this is probably weird for me to just pick you up.” Cub stated, standing fully back up and rubbing his hand on the back of his neck awkwardly. 

“Nah, it’s fine. I’m used to being picked up.” Scar stated, getting a look from Cub.

“Really?” Cub’s voice had a tint of hope, hope from Scar possibly remembering Cub.

Instead of saying what Cub wanted, Scar pointed over to Grian casually. “He usually picks me up.”

“Oh?” Cub looked curious as well as disappointed. “You can pick me up though, I do feel bad for him having to take me places sometimes…” Guilt oozed out of Scar’s voice, and Cub seemed to gloss over that and went to scoop up Scar.

Is everyone he knew strong as hell? Scar himself didn’t even know how strong he was yet, but he didn’t expect for, well, his now known brother, to be that strong. Cub then brought Scar over to Gem, and Gem bent down slightly so that Scar was sitting on the deer portion of her back. Scar felt himself nearly fall, but Pearl placed a hand on Scar’s back, helping keep himself level. Cub turned around and held his arms out backwards.

“It’s a piggy back.” Explained Gem. “Ohhh.” Scar understood now, it was probably easier being carried that way. Scar held onto Cub’s shoulders and was now picked up by Cub. It was oddly comfortable, it was easier, Scar decided. Although, the only uncomfortable-ish part was Cub’s wings in his face, but he moved them so that they were spread out to the side instead. 

Scar looked around, he saw Mumbo pull Grian up and Grian move away from Mumbo, claiming that he was fine and they walked over to them. Wow. That was oddly… quick. Scar was sure that he’d have broken ribs, but he guessed not. It was like he was immune to being injured, although he did show clear signs of being winded and hurt earlier. But not anymore… 

Strange. But Scar didn’t question it further, he was just glad that Grian was okay. Even if he did heal like he was some sort of unnatural being, and maybe it was just the avian part of him?

He sighed and turned out the rest of the world. Scar smiled, feeling at peace for the first time today. He relaxed and let himself be taken home.

—————————————————————————————————————-

Cub had only expected to find Scar and run away. What he hadn’t expected was to see the events that played out. Especially seeing Gem, gods, he thought she died. He was so glad she didn’t, knowing she was alive was the biggest relief ever. Cub knew she was strong, but that fire and riot was something else, something one was sure that even the strongest couldn’t and wouldn’t want to survive.

Gem was sitting on the floor, and Pearl, that girl he had encountered in the forest awhile back, was using the torso of her deer body as a pillow. She was curled into a ball-like position and asleep, snoring loudly. Gem didn’t seem to mind it though, she seemed pretty content about it, actually. 

Cub smiled, as long as she wasn’t irritated. He thought.

Everyone around him felt calm now, Grian and Scar took up the entire sofa, well other than him sitting at the edge with Scar. It was mainly just the bird-boy that claimed the area as his, and Scar’s apparently. He saw that Grian was hugging Scar on the sofa, and that he had lazily draped himself over him. One of his wings covered himself and the other covered Scar like a blanket. His face was buried into the fabric of his shirt, just below Scar’s chest. Scar had taken off his corset for the sake of being more comfortable. And while Grian appeared to be asleep, Cub knew he was not. His hold around Scar was too tight for him to be in the relaxed sleeping state.

He couldn’t help but observe the avian's actions… In the time that Cub has met him,  Grian seemed awfully affectionate and protective of Scar. It wasn’t a bad thing! Hell, he was grateful that he wasn’t trying to hurt Scar in the first place. It’s just that… with a mix of feelings, he had to observe him more, and decipher the bond that he had with Scar. They looked like they got along pretty well, Grian was even cuddling Scar right now. That’s pretty much exactly why Cub felt the way he did, he felt like there was something more to them. Something that they probably haven’t even realized themselves. 

He didn’t know much about birds, other than the few books he read on them back in school. But those books supplied all the knowledge he needed to know, and he still remembered most of it. Cub assumed that the similarities between birds and their avian counterparts wouldn’t be so different. The second he saw the bright red, blue, and yellows of Grian’s feather and knew he was a Scarlet Macaw avian. And Macaws tended to be protective of their partners and flock members, if he remembered correctly.

Cub was pretty sure Scar wasn’t a flock member with how much time they’ve known each other. Nor was he a partner, he doubted that it was like that. Yet. Possibly. 

Cub thought back to earlier, to when he fought Grian in the barn. How vicious and brutal he acted towards him, and it was all for Scar. He didn’t even know who Cub was until after the tussle, with the sudden appearance of Gem, Pearl, and Mumbo. And to be fair, Cub had no clue who Grian was until he saw him in that pond one day. 

He only knew it was the ‘crazy lady’s’ (the nickname he gave Pearl mentally then) brother. He was fascinated with how he got caught at the cliff, not even sensing anyone or anything nearby. Like she was a ghost, not even there, just watching like a predator to prey. She caught him with such force too, he thought he might’ve died for a split second. Cub reached a hand to his throat, thinking about the moment.

There were a lot of similarities between her and her brother, he noticed. Specifically the way they fight, both lunging at him and choosing violence over strategy. He wondered if they were just raised that way, or if it was just a common habit with them. After all, they were both avians, but Cub felt like there was something more to it. Something he just wasn’t understanding yet.

He traced his memories back to the barn, comparing Grian’s movements when he fought him.

Those arms… he swore they were a different colour. Yet again, it was dark in the barn and he could have been hallucinating. Yet he was so sure he saw the black and purple fade on his forearms. He recognized those from somewhere… and now he had his own suspicions about Grian. 

Faint memories from somewhere he didn’t even know where he got the information. Books? Stories? School? Something. He sighed, not wanting to think about it very much, he soaked himself in the cushions of the sofa, and looked around the room once again. He then layed eyes on Scar, his brother. He was also very glad he was alive, he didn’t know what he would do without him.

He thought he was going crazy on his search for him. Looking everywhere and then once he found him… relief. 

Though he expected Scar to be more chatty, telling him everything that has happened so far like he always would. But… Cub guessed that it was difficult to tell stories, if it was someone who couldn’t even remember their own.

He studied Scar’s wings, and how torn and burned they looked compared to his… They were always smaller and more fragile than Cub’s. But that still made him feel bad. Scar’s wings looked even worse than they did before. Scar was always hiding his wings and eventually that stunted their growth from being bound to his back for so long. This messed up his ability to produce vex magic since his wings played a huge deal in that. So ever since they were young teens, Cub had offered a little bit of his own vex magic to help Scar. No matter if it was him having issues getting around, learning tricks, etc. Cub himself always had dreams that he and Scar would be able to fly together.. but that never ended up happening.

He’d been meaning to help grow Scar’s wings for awhile, they had just started the process before the fire happened, and then well, the fire happened. Now here they are. The Vex Magic would be able to help with that, he just needed to apply some of it to his wings and convince him to eat it with some or most of his meals. But first, he had to get Scar to agree with it, and hopefully Gem would back him up on it. Maybe it might make Scar remember something? 

“Hey Scar?” Cub broke the nice silence in the room. He kind of wished he had kept it that way.

“Hm?” Scar responded, Cub was so lost in his thoughts he didn’t even notice that Scar’s attention was still locked on Grian. He was petting Grian’s hair and Cub could hear a faint sound of a purr from him. Was that really Grian? Was Jellie nearby or something? Cub looked around the room, before remembering that she was sitting on his lap. Ohhh. Cub mentally face palmed himself and then laughed a little as he began to pet Jellie, hearing her purr now. Wow. 

He waited for Scar to pay attention to him, but he seemed really fixated on Grian at the moment. Staring at him even though Grian couldn’t see him back. Cub tapped the side of his head repeatedly until Scar managed to break his gaze over from Grian to look at Cub, finally.

“I don’t know if Gem mentioned this to you, but, I wanna help you.” Cub saw Gem look up to them, curious at what Cub could be alluding to even though she probably already knows.

“How so?” Quietly asked him, he kept his voice low as if talking normally would disturb the avian in his arms.

“I can help you walk, and I can help heal your wings and arm.” Cub explained to Scar.

“Really!” Scar’s face lit up at the offer, knowing he wouldn’t have to reject it. “Wait- how are you going to do that?”

Cub then rubbed his hands together, and some blue flaky, sparkly-glittery, stuff appeared around and on his hands. Scar looked at it with a mesmerized look. “This,” Cub stated, capturing Scar’s attention even further through anticipation , “is Vex Magic.” 

“Ooooh.” Scar whispered out. “So that’s going to help me?”

“Yep.” Cub confirmed. 

“How does it-” Scar was interrupted by a sneeze from Grian. The sneeze made Grian jolt away from Scar and the sofa, causing him to fall on the ground. Scar panicked and reached out his arms a few seconds too late, missing being able to catch Grian just in time. Cub noticed that Gem’s reaction was that she had balled her hands into fist, much like she was about to fight. The fall scared them all, except for Pearl, who was still sound asleep and obnoxiously snoring.

“Oh my gods! Grian!” Scar yelled, bending over as much as he could without falling off the sofa himself to check on Grian. Grian layed facing away from the sofa on the ground, groaning in pain. It was the same side that he had hurt earlier. Gods, Cub winced, feeling the pain in his own side even though he wasn’t hurt. 

“I’m fine!” Grian said, voice strained once again.

“I don’t-” Scar was cut off by another one of Grian’s sneezes, this time, his wings jutted out and one whacked Scar in the face. “Ah!” He screamed, it was muffled slightly and then clear as he moved the wings away from his face. “Grian!” Scar exclaimed again, sounding playfully annoyed by the fact he was hit in the face.

“Sor-” Grian sneezed again, “I- I’m just gonna go.” Grian yelled out, sounding distressed. Before anyone could say anything against it, he stood up and aggressively tread out of the room, a few feathers flying off his wings as he left sight. A few moments went by, the sound of echoing footsteps fading before they came to a stop.

“Is Grian going to be okay?” Scar asked worriedly, leaning back into the sofa.

“I’m sure he’s fine.” Gem tried reassuring Scar. Cub didn’t like seeing the wobbly expression on his brother’s face so he told Scar, “I can go check up on him in a few minutes, if you want?” It seemed to work slightly as Scar’s shoulders relaxed. 

“Thank you.” Scar mumbled as he closed his eyes and titled his head back on the sofa.

—————————————————————————————————————-

Grian stormed out of the room, trying to stop sneezes from happening. He hurried over to Mumbo’s room, he always appreciated his company, and right now, Grian doesn’t feel like being alone. Mumbo was the perfect calm company.

Grian stopped himself from slamming open the door and opened it as controlled as he could, he’s done that enough times today. He didn’t need to do it again.

He sat on the floor right in front of the bed instead, which had plenty of room for him. He didn’t sit down gently either, he put full force and gravity into plopping down onto the floor, he still felt a bit emotional for reasons he really didn’t know why. 

“You know you can just sit on the bed? I don’t take up that much room.” Mumbo patted the area beside him.

“No, it’s fine.” Grian waved his hand up and down to dismiss the offer. 

“Are you okay? If I'm mistaken, you look.. sad.” Mumbo observed.

“I’m fine.” Grian mumbled, he didn’t feel sad, he felt… he didn’t know what he felt.

“I don’t think you are.” Mumbo said, now acting bold, he didn’t sound like he was going to put up with Grian’s sulking.

“Sorry, I’ll just go somewhere else and be miserable.” Grian hastily said under his breath. He himself was acting very petty now. The change in Mumbo’s tone sparked something that felt like anger and misunderstanding inside. He sat up, ready to leave the room and go to bed.

“No.” Mumbo ordered him.

“No?” Grian continued to stand up, disobeying the only thing Mumbo had asked him to do so far. He sighed and Grian felt the tension die down, “Just, sit back down, and tell me what’s wrong.”

Oh? Grian thought, maybe Mumbo wasn’t annoyed at him? It was hard to tell, maybe he wasn’t mad at him, but from his actions. Grian sat down on the cold-hardwood floor again. He kind of wished he’d taken that offer to sit on the bed earlier.

“Now what?” He was curious, what did Mumbo really want out of him. There could be lots of questions asked. Most he would rather not be asked.

“You tell me why you are upset.” Mumbo honestly asked him, taking Grian by surprise. Of all the questions in the world, this was the most obvious one, so why was Grian surprised?

“Oh.” Grian really thought about why he was acting like this, and came to a conclusion. “Well, I was in the living room, on the sofa, with the others.”

“Yeah, was it still the same after I left to go to my room?” Mumbo added to Grian’s statement.

“Pretty much.” Grian agreed. “And you were still clinging onto Scar?” Mumbo specified, and Grian turned his head away to hide his blush. Gods, why did his face do that?

“Yeah…” Grian didn’t want to admit to it, he should go and apologize to Scar for being so clingy… he probably hated him with how hateful his last words and movements were when he left the room.

“So what changed?” Mumbo smartly questioned, now Grian would really have to admit to the embarrassing reason.

“Cub told me to get off of Scar because he needed to talk to him and show him something, but he could’ve talked to him perfectly fine while I hugged him! Then Gem reasoned with Cub and I don’t why, but that made me feel defensive? Angry? I don’t even know why I was mad in the first place… I guess I just didn’t want to let Scar go?” Grian took a breath and then continued, not bothering to see Mumbo’s face as he explained, “And I think that was because-”

“You were jealous?” Mumbo lightly bantered, ruffling some of Grian’s hair. Grian swatted his hand off of him and denied with reason, “No, I wasn’t jealous! Cub has every right to be with his brother. I just… I don't want him to disappear like that again.” Grian’s voice felt bitter, and probably sounded just as.

“Oh.” Mumbo realized, tone changing to one that sounded a lot more empathic.

Grian’s voice quavered as he spoke again, “Do you know how scary it was to see him be there and scream your name multiple times! And still ignore him, and then when you finally look—! He’s… gone….” Grian hugged his knees closer to himself, wrapping his wings around him.

“I’m scared of losing him again.” He continued to admit how he felt to Mumbo, and he hoped that he wouldn’t make fun of him even though Grian knew Mumbo would never do that. 

Grian’s wings continued to twitch around them, occasionally with a big jolt that would scare Mumbo each time. “Grian…” Mumbo tried comforting him, placing one of his hands gently on his shoulder. This time, Grian didn’t bother to move it off of him.

“I didn’t realise—I’m sorry for teasing.” Mumbo apologized, and Grian could tell it was genuine. Mumbo was always genuine to him and it made him feel guilty for practically lying to him for all these years.

“It’s alright… you didn’t know.” Grian truthfully said back to him before sneezing again. He wiped his nose with his sleeve and then realized the traces of blue-sparkly powder left on it. It wasn’t much, but it made him sneeze again.

“Oh for fucks sake!” Grian grumbled, not so quietly as he began to aggressively take off his jumper.

“What?” Mumbo questioned.

“The fucking vex magic is on my jumper!” Grian yelled as he got up to tie the jumper around his waist. He had to wash it, but it was too late to do that unless he wanted to stay in the shivering cold.

“Can’t you dust it off?” Mumbo suggested, sounding a bit more quieter at the mentions of Vex Magic.

“No! I can’t!” He wasn’t lying, he had to wash it off in order to get rid of it.

“Why is it a problem?” He asked further, obviously Mumbo wouldn’t know much about it.

“I keep-” and like the “miracle” it was, Grian sneezed. “Augh, sneezing because of it!”

“Allergies?” 

“…Sure. Allergies.” He didn’t lie either, it was similar. It’s just that… Watcher magic and Vex magic didn’t clash so well… And he hated that he was still affected by things a regular Watcher would be affected by. He left for a fucking reason and it was still haunting him.

Grian sneezed again, feeling a little light headed now. “Augh, I’m sorry, I just can’t!” Grian exclaimed, getting up, stomping out of Mumbo’s room, just like he had entered it. He turned around and closed his door. He didn’t slam the door as he felt like it would’ve been too rude and Mumbo didn’t deserve that. He then turned to the direction of his room, stopped in the doorway to see that Cub was in the other doorway, the doorway of the room that Scar usually would be in. The room that he would sleep in, and wake up with absolutely tangled hair that Grian would have to comb through during breakfast.

Grian felt slightly unversed with the way he was looked upon by Cub. He felt tension, a burning question in the air.

“Hey Grian,” Cub started, Grian froze, too abruptly and saw Cub’s eyebrow raise at his tense body language.

“Yes?” Grian managed to somewhat say normally, definitely wasn’t perceived that way though. He didn’t know why he was intimidated by him, it could’ve been the sharp vex features of his teeth, wings, and eyes. Or it could’ve been merely the fact that he was Scar’s brother, and waited for approval of him as Scar’s friend. Maybe both. 

“Are you…” Cub began, causing a lump in Grian)s throat to rise. Was he going to guess he was a watcher? Was he going to kill him? What was— no. Calm down, he probably isn’t going to do any of that… it would be impossible for Cub to know unless he had a really keen eye. If he mentioned his arms earlier, he could always gaslight Cub into thinking it never happened. He really would prefer to not do that, but he really wouldn’t prefer that Cub know he used to be a watcher. Because if he knows that he was one, he knows that Pearl was one.

Shoot. Pearl. She could be a dead give away. Grian was pulled out of his thoughts as Cub finished his question. He looked back to Cub, noticing traces of blue on his shirt and some on his hands. Oh no. Grian hoped that he wouldn’t react to any of that in the conversation.

“…Okay? Scar’s worried and I told him I’d ask you so he could have some closure.” Grian’s eyes widened, that was just as complicated of an answer as the other possibilities he thought of. He felt his wings droop down to the ground, Scar’s worried… about him? Grian didn’t want to worry Scar. He was about to answer and apologize, “I’m-” but then he felt a sneeze coming on. Shit.

He sneezed, louder than he did previously, startling Cub; they both took a few steps back from each other. Grian hit the wall behind him, still holding his elbow to the bottom half of his face.

“Oh gosh, are you alright?!” He could hear actual concern in his voice now. When Grian opened his eyes, he couldn’t see normally, his vision was blurry and everything started to spin around him. Cub’s panicked voice was the last thing he heard before he felt himself tip over and hit the floor.

Chapter Text

||| 15 years ago - Elven Kingdom, school, exchange program playground |||

Grian sat in the field, picking at the grass blades in the ground as far away as he could be from the playground. He hid from the rest of his kindergarten class behind a tree. He didn’t want to be outside, he wanted to be inside, where he felt safe. He didn’t like the playground either, Grian thought it was one of the worst places. He couldn’t say the same for or to the rest of his class, they would surely judge him. Maybe Silly wouldn’t, but Sam sure would. The field was his best bet for not being included in games or picked on by Sam.

He watched his classmates giggle and scream out of delight on the structure, he wanted to envy them. But he really couldn’t, he didn’t care. He never wanted to be a part of this exchange program in the first place, why couldn’t they have just stayed back home. 

Him and his class, along with a few others, traveled all the way down from the north to the Elven Kingdom, in the south. They’d go to a school down here, because it “branched experiences”, but Grian thought that that was bullshit. The watchers weren’t very accepting of places that weren’t home, and Grian debated calling it home. It didn’t feel like home. But where else would home be? Pearl told him that the trip would be fine, but honestly, he missed her. He missed her more than he would admit. She was always there for him, and she wasn’t here, and that made Grian feel sad.

He peeked his head out from behind the tree again, looking at the school building in the distance. Shoot. It was way too far away to not be caught, someone would surely point him out. Why couldn’t he just go somewhere without being bothered. He didn’t mind some of his classmates, a few of them were nice to him, or didn’t even bother talking to him. Even if he was pointed out in a good manner, it still made him visible to the people he was trying to avoid in the first place.

Despite being five, Grian thought he already discovered what his life was going to be like, and he didn’t like the outcome. If he didn’t die during the dreaded right of passage in around nine years, then he surely wouldn't survive on his own after that. He couldn’t see himself with a future, at least not in his current circumstances.

So as he looked at all the people he knew within the high fences of the school, he knew that this was the only moment of peace he’d get before someone walked up to him and disturbed his time alone. Okami did offer for him to stay inside, but he really didn’t feel like being picked on for being “lame” or “boring”. Maybe later he could slip back inside the classroom and change his mind.

The building was connected to a regular school, though, they have a section just for the watchers who are brought here every year. Pearl told him about her time here, and it wasn’t great. Her highlight was Okami actually being nice to her and treating her like a normal person. Maybe that was why Okami was kind to him, but then again, Okami was kind to everyone. Or at least she tried to, she tried her best to manage the class. Grian could see her slightly break mentally every time she had to deal with Sam’s antics.

When that happened, he could fully sympathize with her. Seeing how difficult it was to handle a class, plus that idiot. He felt bad too, so he tried making her job easier by helping her after class with anything, usually it was just putting toys or other learning tools back where they were. Grian didn’t mind helping, he was glad to do it, and it also gave him something to do. Grian would put away the children’s books back in the bookshelf and organize them most of the time, it annoyed him how his classmates didn’t have the decent respect to put things back the way they were. But, it was calming at the same time, rearranging the books, colour organizing pens and markers. Okami would always thank him afterward and he would stay with her until it was mandatory time to head back to the dorm rooms they have.

The other kids, the regular, normal ones that go here, didn’t have dorms. It was just the watcher exchange students. Even their playground was mostly separated, except for a tiny break in the corner of the fence that no one noticed except for him. Every day he’s tempted to go through it, and meet the other kids. But, like many things in his life, there were setbacks/problems.

1. He would get in trouble and Okami would be disappointed in him.

1. He couldn’t exactly communicate with the other kids, they spoke different languages than him. The one he was learning, English, he barely knew it and it seemed to be the main language spoken on the other side of the fence. He didn’t find the language difficult, it’s… he didn’t know it that well.

1. Why would he want to?

Although, despite the language barriers, problems, and more, he did have somewhat of a friend from that side of the yard. Grian doesn’t know his name, and he can’t really understand him that much anyway. It didn’t stop the kid from talking to Grian, and it didn‘t stop Grian from listening to his voice. His voice was nice, it sounded charming and like he was reading an adventurous book. Though, the guy’s face was slightly blurred due to the blindfold he wore on his face. All watcher kids wore a blindfold before their right of passage, because that’s when they will earn their mask. If they survive that is.

The kid helped him find where his class was on the first day, he had lost track of the, after getting distracted by a butterfly resting on a flower. It looked so pretty, Grian couldn’t help but stop himself to look at it. But after forcing himself to look away, Grian realised he lost his class and started to panic, calling out various names of his classmates and teacher. Then the kid approached him with a helpful hand and guided him back to his class. He would be forever grateful.

The kid, from what he could tell, had short brown hair, much like dirt, but pretty dirt. He also had the most green eyes he’d ever seen. He didn’t know it was possible to have green eyes, he saw some people with green eyes before, but not like this kid’s. They were green , and looked a lot like the fresh blades of grass he was still picking out of the ground, destroying them and getting rid of everything the plant had worked for.

Grian shuffled over slightly, so that he was hidden again. But it appeared too late as his last glance at the play structure, someone had noticed him and was staring at him. The kid then ran over to him with a big smile on his face.

This kid was Taurtis, he was one of the people he tolerated in his class, and he was way different from the kid he met on the other side of the fence. But Taurtis had his flaws, like hanging out with Sam, who in case it wasn’t clear, he didn’t like all that much. The kid Grian met didn't appear to have any flaws, at least not to him.

Sam was too arrogant and mean, and Taurtis was blind to it most of the time, if not, all the time. Taurtis wasn’t bad himself, he was overall really nice to Grian. He just follows Sam like he’s the Secret Keeper, just very devoted to his friendship with him.

“I found Grian, he’s behind the tree!” Taurtis proclaimed loudly, too loud for Grian’s liking. This was probably the only time they were going to be allowed to yell and shout, considering that the watchers hated when they spoke loudly, and always advised they talk in whispers. Grian grumbled a sigh, knowing that whatever was about to happen, wasn’t going to be fun. It’s not that Taurtis was the problem, the problem was that he didn’t like Sam. Or Yuki. They were always somehow rude to him, and without even realising it.

“Oh!” Grian heard Sam shout, starting to run over to where him and Taurtis were. “That gives me an idea!” 

Oh Keeper. Grian put his face in his hands, Sam’s ‘ideas’ usually involve injuries in one way or another, and he wasn’t stoked to find out what his idea was this time. He just hoped it was his more harmless ideas and not like a death match. Grian wished he ran to the hole in the fence now.

He heard two pairs of footsteps stop right in front of him and Taurtis. No need to question that this was indeed Sam and Yuki. Yuki seemed to follow Sam everywhere, she tended to be very clingy to him and part of Grian wonders if she’s why Sam is like this. But, they were both crazy to him, in their own ways.

“Hi Sam.” He blankly said, awaiting the unwanted conversation.

“Hello, Gree-on!” Sam cheerfully said back, he always mispronounced his name and he knew it made Grian unhappy, yet he still continued to do this.

“Do you want to know the idea?” He asked everyone around him, and Grian responded dully. “Not reall- sure.” Grian switched his answer, deciding that he didn’t want to start an argument. 

“Since Grian was hiding, I thought we should play hide and seek! Get the whole class for it too!” Grian sighed, thank Keeper it was normal- “But!” Sam started to add on. ‘Oh no’ Grian thought, he celebrated too early. “It’s mixed with tag!” He finished and Grian felt his soul want to evaporate from his body. He knew what Sam’s idea of tag was. Sam pulled out a small knife from an inside pocket in his cloak, and that didn’t exactly look like a toy knife to Grian this. Grian then realised what it was, and he thought Okami confiscated that already. Grian saw Okami take it off of Sam’s hands, unless he had another one or stole it back, he shouldn’t have that.

“Oo! I like that idea!” Yuki exclaimed, clapping her hands together.

“Didn’t Okami take that away from you, Sam?” Grian asked, he was pretty sure she did.

“Pssshhhhh, no, well yeah, but I got it back? Why are you questioning me, Gree-on!?” Sam barked those words out at the end, making Grian sink further into himself. Sam put the knife back in his cloak. 

“Sorry, sorry!” Grian apologized and Sam quickly reached down and grabbed Grian’s arm. “Good, now let!s go tell the others about the game!” Sam dragged Grian as they ran over to the clumped group of kids on the play structure, Sam ran way too fast for Grian and struggled to keep up while being dragged along. 

“Run faster, Grian!” Urged Sam, sounding annoyed. Yuki laughed a little, agreeing with Sam.

“I’m trying! If you just let me go-” Grian tried protesting, making his words sound aggravated, 

“I’m not letting you go Gree-on!” Sam shouted, tightening the grip on his arm and speeding up slightly. Grian almost tripped on the bottom of his cloak as they came to a stop, treading over the wooden beam into the bark box. Sam then let go of Grian’s arm suddenly, causing him to fall over into the bark. His hands were pierced by the sharp corners of the flaky-thick wood. “Ow…” He grumbled, and wished he had calluses on his hands, maybe then the bark wouldn’t have hurt so much.

Grian got up and brushed his hands off on his cloak, praying that he didn’t get any splinters. He looked up, trying to spot where the others went, which wasn’t difficult. Sam was calling and pulling people over to a more barren area of the playground, already announcing his “genius” idea. Grian sprinted over to hear Sam explains the rules, not like he wanted to know them, but it was better to know them if he was getting involved in the first place.

“We don’t wanna play another one of your games, Sam.” Invader called out from the swings, the metal squeaking every couple of seconds over the silence. Dom was on the other swing, going much higher than Invader was and Grian bit his nails a bit, anxious that Dom would go way too high and fall due to gravity. Keeper, he did not want to imagine that.

“Nonsense! And I’m not listening to someone who likes me! Ew!” Sam said back to Invader, rolling his eyes. Taurtis echoed the “ew” and laughed with Sam, and Keeper, that made Grian want to gouge out Sam’s eyes, he hated that voice that he made. Invader scoffed and continued to swing while he spoke again. “Anyway, when someone gets found and then caught…” Sam stuck a hand in his cloak and Grian froze, Wait, is Sam going to actually use the knife? Sam finally pulled out the knife and everyone around them gasped.

“They’ll play dead!” 

“Are you actually going to stab us?” J exclaimed, sounding frightened with the presence of the knife in Sam’s hand.

“Well not if you play, if you don’t then it will be an actual game. For your life of course!” Yuki happily announced, sending concern looks through the class. Even Sam looked at her for a split second with shock on his face, but then he quickly took the threat as his own.

“Yeah!” Sam agreed. Keeper, they were going to be psychos when they grow up, Grian thought. He hoped he wouldn’t be paired in a fight with either of them for the right of passage.

“I’m not sure about this, Sam.” Sookie said anxiously, clinging onto Soul's arm and side. Soul was almost hiding behind her. At least Sookie had a mind, Grian thought. Sam looked at her and Sookie with astronomic levels of jealousy written on his face. Grian knew about his crush on Sookie from Taurtis, he was very bad at keeping secrets. Sam didn’t know about him knowing his little secret, so he kept his mouth quiet and his thoughts loud.

“Oh shut up, it will be fun, Sookie!” Sam claimed, and Grian glanced at Sookie, both sharing looks of doubt. 

“What if we get in trouble because of you?” Soul spoke of the possibility that they were all thinking somewhere in their little brains, and Grian felt the same way as Soul. He didn’t like being in trouble. 

“It’ll be fine! Okami-San and Rowan aren’t even here at the moment!” Sam brushed off Soul’s comment, “Well, where are they?” Ellen asked, and everyone turned their heads to look at Grian. They knew that he would know.

“Well, erm, I know Okami is busy eating lunch, and Rowan… I don’t know. He’s probably monitoring a different class.” Rowan’s excuse made sense, he was just a regular teacher here, not a watcher. But he was assigned to help train them for their time being here. A few ‘ohhs’ drifted in the group and Sam continued explaining. “I’ll go first, since I’m the genius that thought of this idea.”

“Yeah, the only thing you're a genius at.” Dom spat out, jumping off the swings and landing a few inches away from Sam. Sam pointed his knife to him, making back away slightly, though his expression did not falter. It was true, Sam wasn’t that genuis in general, he was technically failing, despite it being literal kindergarten. How does he do that? Although, his behavior was ignored and most of the time praised by other watcher adults, telling him that he’ll be one of their best fighters. 

It didn’t make sense how a kid at the age of five with poor behavior and attitude got more praise, love, and attention than Pearl. Well, they both do get attention, some better, some worse. It’s just—nobody ever called Sam a demon, and he sure acted like one. People call Pearl a Demoness and witch all the time, so why not Sam? Sam deserved these titles, not Pearl. Pearl was only called that because of impulsive, reckless, insultive, and fighting tendencies. Sam had those traits too, except she wasn’t a demon at heart. She actually cared about people, like Grian.

“What did you say? You know I could just stab you right now, right?” Sam threatened and Dom took another step back, making sure he was just out of reach from Sam if he were to stab him. Taurtis pulled Sam back, “Hey, hey, hey, hey! Whoah! Dom, you might just want to be quiet?” Taurtis said, trying to de-escalate the situation. No one wanted blood on their hands or see the blood at all. Sam getting in trouble, might get them all in trouble.

“He’s too scared to fight you, you know.” Mentioned Yuki, standing right next to Sam and went to grab the knife but Sam extended his arm in the air so Yuki couldn’t reach it. Yuki jumped and attempted to grab it then, but missed and pouted as she stood next to Sam. 

“I’m not scared!” Dom protested, and Grian covered his ears. If there was anyone that could yell louder than Sam right now, it was Dom. He balled his hands into fists and took a step forward.

“Gosh, you’re such a bully, Dom.” Sam rolled his eyes, and Grian slightly uncovered his ears, shocked that Sam wasn’t yelling his head off. “ I’m the bully?” Dom questioned, becoming the loud one and Sam smiled.

“Are those fighting words, Dom?” Sam teased, tightening his grip on the knife, making Grian retracted into himself as if he could become an atom.

“No, those aren’t fighting words!” Taurtis jumped in again, pushing Dom back a bit so that he was farther away from Sam. After all, Sam was the one with the knife. Sookie and Soul backed away, knowing that they could be the next targets if they stayed too close, but knowing if they moved too far they’d surely be targets then. Sam relaxed, and everyone stared at each other, not knowing what to do next. That was until Sam suddenly said, “We’re starting now! Everyone run and hide now!!”

“Wait, aren't you supposed to count first?” Invader exclaimed.

“No. My rules.” Sam barked and most people ran away quickly. They all screamed and then ran in multiple directions, and Grian hoped they were trying to find Rowan or Okami. Grian was frozen, he hadn’t processed that Sam had started the game, and if he knew he would’ve ran away so fast. Maybe he could’ve slipped through the fence.

But Grian stood there, helplessly clueless. Sam walked up to Taurtis and asked him a question, “Why haven’t you run yet? Wait… why haven’t any of you ran away from me yet?”

“We were supposed to run?” Taurtis said blankly, and Sam laughed. Well then, Grian and Taurtis were definitely sharing the same brain cell at that moment.

“I second that! Yuki surprisingly agreed with Taurtis, she doesn’t do that often. Sam annoyingly sighed and then looked at Grian, “I’m assuming you didn’t hear me either?” Grian shyly nodded and Sam sighed dramatically again and turned back to Taurtis.

“Well then, since you guys didn’t hear me… I get to do this!!!” Sam lunged at Taurtis and to what Grian saw, or at least he thought he saw, that Sam stabbed Taurtis. Grian gasped and attempted a scream but his throat wouldn’t let him. He backed away, finally gaining the courage to try and run. Then as Grian turned to run, Sam grabbed the collar of his shirt, stopping him from running away. 

Grian choked for a few seconds before Sam let go and Grian grabbed his neck right after, breathing heavily.

“Jeez, don’t worry. I didn’t stab him, I pricked it a tiny bit!” Sam waved the knife in front of Grian’s face and Grian scrambled backwards, trying to get away from the uncomfortably sharp edge, and then Grian fell down from tripping over his own foot. Grian felt the bark stab at the palms of his hands once again, this time, they felt like sharp rocks and a way to freedom. Nothing would be better at this moment than getting away from Sam. Sam then picked through Taurtis’s pocket, pulling out of bright red wrapper of something. The red contrasted the purple and black of all of their uniforms. The bag was bright red and there were words on it that Grian couldn’t read.

“What’s this? Wait… Did you eat the plastic ?” Sam questioned while sort of laughing. Taurtis’s only response was a laugh back. The packaging was empty, and Grian knew that. He had watched Taurtis find that yesterday and eat the entire thing, and wow was he just “blessed” with having seen Taurtis trying to eat the packaging and failing. 

“Oh nooo! Taurtis is dead now!” Sam jokingly went along with Taurtis’s act of playing dead, even though it was exactly what he wanted. “Who could ever replace him?” Sam dramatically placed the back of his hand on his forehead and then menacingly tilted his head to Grian.

“…What?” Grian whispered out, his whisper sounding like a shout. Sam just continued to stare at him, making Grian deeply uncomfortable. “What does Taurtis being “dead” have to do with me?” Grian questioned, using air quotes for the word “dead”. 

“Well, with Taurtis gone… we need a new Taurtis! And that’s gonna be you! Come on Taurtis, eat the package!” Sam said, sending chills down Grian’s back. What . 

“No! No! I’m not Taurtis! That’s Taurtis!” Grian pointed to the body on the ground, Tartis was on the ground, and laughing a little bit. Taurtis wasn’t the best at acting dead, but what scared Grian even more was Sam’s smile. He wasn’t going to let the idea go, was he.

Sam took a step towards Grian, and Grian panicked. “Okami, Oka-mph!” Grian tried shouting out, but was met with a slap to the face. It wasn’t really a slap, just something was shoved onto, it sure felt like a slap though. Sam took the packaging and smashed it against his face.

“Don’t you dare call her over, Taurtis!” Sam yelled at him, and Grian was able to move the plastic away from his face just enough to say something.

“I’m not-” Grian was interrupted by Sam shoving the plastic inside his mouth, trying to make him eat it. Grian’s eyes widened as he tried grabbing the plastic out of his mouth but was stopped by Sam kicking him in the shins. It caused him to back farther into the wall than he was before, squishing his wings flat on the wall. That hurt just as bad as his throat. His shins were sure to be bruised later, Sam had a hard kick.

“Come on, Taurtis! Eat the Toritos!” Sam shoved the plastic against his face even more, creating little scratch marks from the corners of the bag that still remained on his face. He did not want to eat the Toritos.

“Ow!” Grian yelped, muffled, he tried grabbing Sam’s arm and moving it away from him, but he wasn’t strong enough. The plastic scratched against the back of his throat, and he felt tears in his eyes.

“Aw you two are such good friends!” Squealed Yuki. Was she insane!? This was not friendship. What kind of friend forces their friend to eat plastic of all things? Grian tried kicking Sam away from him, but obviously it didn’t work well as it only made Sam more aggressive and angrier. Grian felt his vision go white for a few seconds, and felt incredibly nauseous and weak. 

Then, as Grian’s ears started ringing, he heard a voice that gave him hope.

“Oh my Keeper!” Okami yelled out, rushing over to them and moving Sam away from Grian hastily. Sam stumbled backwards, a shocked and furious look displayed on his face. Grian almost fell down, also stumbling backwards while clawing the plastic bag out of his throat, gasping for air once he finally got it out. Grian coughed several times and weeped even harder, and he ran over to Okami, almost tripping but luckily he didn’t, and then he hid behind her legs. One arm was hugged tight around her leg and the other to his throat, wanting the scratchy feeling to go away. He choked on his tears and felt dizzy again while he buried his face into the side of her leg, not even daring to look at Sam.

“Sam!” Okami exasperatedly shrieked at him. She placed a hand on Grian’s upper back, just below his neck to be mindful of his tiny, growing wings, and hugged him right to her. Okami continued to lecture and tell Sam while Grian continued to cry. Sam yelled back at Okami, claiming what he did was just out of fun and games. Eventually Okami’s and Sam’s argument died down and Okami had Grian let go of her. She crouched down to his level, “Are you okay, Grian?” Grian cried even more, happy that he was being called Grian again. He never felt more pleased with his own name before.

Grian nodded as he wiped the tears away from his face, but more just kept coming. They wouldn’t stop, and that frustrated Grian a lot, causing him to bawl even more. Okami stayed there, silently, with a gentle arm on his shoulder. She was way too kind to him. 

“… Let’s get you inside.” Okami picked Grian up, letting him rest his head on her shoulder. She then began to walk away, deflecting any questions asked by his classmates, saying she’d answer them later. Grian muffled his cries in Okami’s shoulder, feeling bad that he was getting his wet tears on the soft fabric of her shirt.

— — — —

Grian was placed down on the carpet, and Okami sat in front of him. She waited for him to calm down a bit, at least until he was ready to talk. “So, does your throat hurt?” She asked him, and Grian nodded, not wanting to speak because he knew it would hurt to speak back. Plus, he never really spoke anyway during class, this wasn’t out of the ordinary.

“Ok, how about you rest? You can take a nap if you want, play with blocks?” Okami listed a few other things, but Grian really didn’t know what he wanted to do. Grian shrugged and Okami replied, “Do you want to help me sort papers? The coloured paper bin got messed up during art time.” Grian nodded again, and he did know that the paper bin was an absolute mess, he had watched his classmates screw up the perfectly organized sheets and scatter them across the table and such.

“Ok, I just need to staple some stuff first.” Okami got up and turned to her desk, grabbing a few papers and stapling them together. Grian assumed those could be for tomorrow's lesson. Grian continued to sit on the carpet, rubbing his throat lightly. He then heard something click a few yards away, it was the door. Fear rose in Grian’s chest, oh no, what if it was Sam!??! 

But.. as the door opened, it wasn’t Sam behind it all. It was the kid he met on the first day. Oh. The kid looked at Grian for a few seconds and then swiftly ran over to him, sitting down next to him and then hugging him. The kid let go and realised that Grian was crying.

“Hello! Ywh rae you cyring?” The kid spoke in the language he didn’t know very well, and Grian felt a bit guilty for not understanding him just yet. But more importantly, he was still shocked to see him. He then, in that very moment, made it his goal to learn English really quickly so that he could speak to him. He wanted to talk to him so badly, but neither of them could understand each other. Grian only understood basic words such as ‘Hello!’ “Bye” “you” “your” “my” “mine” “I” “cat” and “dog”.

Grian wished he could wipe the sad look off his face, seeing it made Grian want to cry even more. “I swa taht you wrer ciryign adn I awnt ot kown ywh.” The kid spoke again, and Grian continued to look at him confused, not knowing what this kid was asking of him. Tears spilled down Grian’s face faster than he could process, the kid sounded concerned for him. He didn’t know why that made him cry more.

“Oh!” The kid exclaimed and tried wiping the tears off of Grian’s face. Then, he heard another voice behind him, Okami. She also sounded concerned and Scar said something else that he couldn’t understand, not because he doesn’t know the language, but because his cries seemed to muffle the sound of any voice.

Grian as he cried, realised that Okami knew the kid was here… and that she’d probably send him back to the other playground. Grian suddenly hugged the kid and then said to Okami, “Don’t send him back to his class!” His voice wavered towards the end.

Okami then caringly lowered her voice to a kind, but stern one. “Don’t worry, I’m not. Well at least for now, knowing the teacher, she’d probably let you guys hang out here for a while.” That made Grian feel a little more comfortable, although he didn’t loosen his hug on the kid. The kid felt warm. Okami then turned her attention to the kid.

“Wahts your nema, sewteie?” Okami asked, and Grian could tell she was trying to keep her composure. Although the look of panic was well written on her face. She had asked his friend this question, and he responded innocently with, “Srca! I’m hsi feirnd!” Scar smiled and hugged Grian back but from the side, and Grian assumed whatever Scar said was nice. Grian smiled at the hug, it felt so nice after what had just happened.

Okami then looked to Grian, knowing that he probably didn’t understand what was said. “His name is Scar, Grian.” She translated for him and Grian gasped in awe. He finally knew his name! And it sounded like ashes in the sun to him.

Scar . Huh, he liked that name.

“Do you kown hsi nmae, Scar?” Scar shook his head, breaking away from the hug and looking at Grian as Okami told Scar his name. “Hsi nmae is Gairn.” Grian titled his head sideways and one of his head feathers twitched, he kept hearing words pop up, and he was pretty sure ‘nmae’ was ‘name”. Maybe learning English won’t be as hard as Grian thought.

“Ywh ins’t Girna’s tlkaing?” Scar suddenly asked Okami.

“Gairn’s thaort hruts, he cna’t sapek.” Okami informed Scar.

“Oh,” the kid looked down to the ground and then almost immediately back up, “Taht’s okay thuohg!” Scar smiled again, Keeper, how can someone smile that much.

“How about you two play blocks for a little bit? Okay?” Okami told Grian and then she repeated her sentence in English to Scar. She then got up and soon came back with wooden blocks for the two of them. She placed the bin on the ground and told them that she’d go tell Scar’s teacher that he was there. When Grian looked at Scar, he could see that he looked sad that he’d possibly be sent to his class again. Grian would admit that he’d be sad too, he was enjoying Scar’s company. It felt like a warm drink by a fire. 

Grian looked at the array of blocks in the box, some of them were coloured and other were just plain wood. Scar reached into it and grabbed a few blocks, a red, yellow, and blue one. He then held them right next to his wings and smiled. 

“It lkoos jsut lkie your wnigs!” Scar observed and Grian didn’t even need to understand Scar to know what he was saying. Grian nodded and tried finding a green block that would match the shade of Scar’s eyes. But to his disappointment, the green blocks weren’t the same shade as his eyes, and if anything, they looked dull and desaturated compared to Scar’s. Grian sighed and gave up, opting for some plain wooden blocks to build. That’s what the blocks were for after all.

Grian didn’t know how long they’d been peacefully playing with blocks, but it was enough time to have built a tiny town with houses and something that was a forest in progress. Grian heard footsteps outside the door and assumed it was Okami and Scar’s teacher. Grian had seen Scar’s teacher across the yard, she had long blonde hair, and paired with goggles sometimes. She mostly wore a shipped shirt, that’s how it was easy for Grian to identify her. But the person or well, he should say people standing next to Okami, was an orange haired woman with a deep blue dress and a child wearing a white jacket with black hair. The lady held what Grian assumed was Scar’s backpack in one hand and the other kid she had with her in the other.

“Mom!” Scar yelled as he got up and ran to the orange-haired lady, hugging her tightly. Scar’s mum tried hugging back the best she could with her hands full, and smiled at seeing how excited he was to see her. Grian studied the lady again, and couldn’t help but notice her hair. Were those snakes in her hair, or loose strands? Grian questioned, not being able to confirm since she wasn’t close enough to see. The lady looked up and saw Grian and smiled at him and Grian shyly waved back, not knowing what to do. 

Okami then started talking to her, giving time for Scar to let go of his mum and put on his bag. He glanced back to Grian and to his mum, but then double taking another glance back to Grian before running up to him and giving him one last hug. The hug only caught Grian half off guard, and Grian hugged him back. It was nice to finally have a friend.

Scar let go of Grian and looked at him sadly, “Bye… See you Tomroowr?” Grian nodded and Scar walked back to his mum and they left. Scar had looked incredibly sad while doing so, and he passed on the same emotion to Grian. He felt sad that Scar was gone. He wanted to hang out with him some more…

Then the bell rang, a piercing sound for him, and making him cover his ears. The bell was supposed to be more muffled on the watchers side since their ears are more sensitive. But obviously they weren’t muffled enough. At least he knew the day was officially over, and he may as well start helping Okami sort the papers now.

But he couldn’t help but think about Scar and hoped that he was going to be his friend the whole year. 

He was going to miss him when he left.

| | | |||  END OF BACKSTORY BIT  ||| | | |

|||||back to present time|||||

Grian groaned as he opened his eyes and rubbed his head. He tried sitting up but was stopped by his own weight, sending him right back down into a cushioned floor. Wasn’t he just on the hardwood floor though? The last thing Grian remembered was talking with Cub and then falling? He didn’t really know, his head pounded. Was he sick? He couldn’t be… oh yeah. Vex Magic. That’s why Grian felt like this. Ugh, he felt his nose run a bit. It sure felt like he was sick though, but he wasn’t. Grian kept his eyes squinted as the light was a bit too much to handle in the moment. He titled his head into more soft fabric and saw that the cushiony feeling was just his nest.

“Oh! You’re awake!” Someone said while leaning over him, and partially blocking the light that shined in his eyes. “He’s awake guys!” The voice yelled again and Grian winced, not liking how loud it was. “Oh sorry.” The voice apologized and Grian opened his eyes slightly more to see who it was. It was Scar. 

Scar’s face uncomfortably close to his, and Grian was able to see almost every detail (that he could see) on Scar’s face. He noticed his scars, the way his eyes looked like portals for life, and how his face was structured. It was perfect…Wait what. Grian didn’t even have time to think about what he just thought of before being snapped back to reality by Scar’s voice.

“Hello? Grian?” Scar waved a hand in front of Grian’s face and he blinked back to him. He couldn’t bring himself to say anything. He was afraid he might say something like his thoughts. Oh gods, that would be embarrassing.

Cub then entered the room with Mumbo. Mumbo looked frantically at Grian while Cub stood behind him, appearing to be a bit anxious but trying to keep a stoic form. Scar moved out of the way with a slightly wobble and Cub and Mumbo now stood beside him. Then that’s when Grian noticed that Scar was standing. He was Standing.

“You’re… standing..?” Grian hazily said, confused, Scar wasn’t able to stand though… unless.., Ohhhh, Vex Magic? Perhaps.

“You’re standing.” He confirmed again, but mainly just to himself so he knew he wasn’t hallucinating. It hadn’t really set in until a few seconds later.

“You’re standing!” Grian exclaimed more excitedly, realising that Scar was actually standing! Then a wave of nausea swam over him, making his head spin. He cupped his hands in his face and Scar gently laid him down on the nest again. “Uegh,” Grian groaned and his nose felt itchy. Oh gods. Please no-

Grian sneezed and his wings flared out behind him, a few feathers fell beside him. Oh yeah, he was molting. He’d almost forgotten about that. Great. What a lovely thing to think about. At this point he was just so done with himself he might just let Scar preen his wings for all he cared- Wait. Again with those damn thoughts! Ahghhh, he had to stop thinking like that.

He couldn’t let Scar preen his wings, he couldn’t. That was just… not allowed. But gods, he wanted that so badly. He imagined how peaceful it would be to just have Scar’s hands run down the back of Grian’s wings. That would be bliss. “Stop stop stop stop” he told himself mentally. He really couldn't think about Scar in the form of a partner. He just couldn’t. Grian inhaled and exhaled, trying to get his mind back to conversation.

“Gosh. How long was I out for?” Grian mumbled to not anyone in particular. 

“A long time actually, about a day and a half.” Mumbo responded, using his casual-formal voice. Like he was some doctor who diagnosed him with a disease.

“WHAT I-” Grian exclaimed while sitting up and then throwing himself into a coughing fit. Mumbo patted his back roughly to help. 

“Agh—sorry.” Grian apologized, blinking a few times before looking back at Mumbo. “I’m sorry I was out for how long? ” 

“You were out for-” Mumbo began to repeat but Grian interrupted him, “I heard you.” 

“Oh.” Mumbo said.

“Yeah.” Grian said, not really knowing what to say to Mumbo.

“How’re you feeling?” He heard Cub say, and that was the first time he heard his voice since he passed out.

“Like shit.” Grian remarked, he wasn’t lying. It was true, he did feel like shit. His head hurt, chest ached, and he felt immensely weaker than yesterday. Maybe he just needed time today himself.

“That’s good to know, I didn’t expect you to feel any better with how you hit the floor.” Cub lightly laughed and so did Grian. “Sorry about that..” 

“Oh it’s fine, it’s not your fault.” Cub brushed it off, but he looked at Grian with questioning eyes as he looked at him. “You should probably get some rest anyway.”

“Yeah.” Grian agreed, he didn’t want to be left alone just yet despite having a painful headache the longer he stayed close to Scar and Cub. Scar smelt fresh or Vex Magic, he could easily smell it. Maybe since it was such a hazard for him. That’s possibly why Pearl was downstairs and not smothering him and being worried in his face.

“And if you’re wondering, Pearl and Gem are downstairs. Although they are about to leave, Pearl might want to see you. Just letting you know. She appears to be a bit down like you are. She has a terrifying sneeze by the way.” Cub informed him and Grian laughed at the last sentence, having heard Pearl’s sneeze, yeah, it was scary.

But Grian couldn’t shake the look that Cub gave him. Was Grian missing something? Cub started to head out of the door, Mumbo following shortly behind and giving an awkward goodbye.

“I hope you feel better!” Scar cheerfully said to Grian and waved goodbye. He felt a feeling of dejavú all of a sudden. He didn’t know why. But as everyone left the room, Grian looked down to his hands as he was about to wipe his face. Oh no. Oh no no no no no no. Fuck. 

The tips of his fingers were starting to blacken, with purple seeping at the end like dripping paint. This wasn’t good. It wasn’t good at all. The Vex Magic had a worse effect on him than he thought. He couldn’t be showing the watcher side of him, not with people here in the same house as him! He hopelessly tried calming down to try and make it disheartening, but couldn’t control it as he watched the rest of his hands turn into a colour resembling the night sky.

Grian’s wings puffed up out of panic and Grian’s heartbeat quickened. Oh no. Oh no. Oh no. Oh no. Was the only thing going in his mind other than him processing the interaction he just had. Scar was still lingering in the back of his mind, maybe he could help him de-stress. He thought about when Scar waved bye to him, and how he felt like he was somewhere else for a split second. Something about seeing Scar just now felt familiar. He couldn’t understand why. Grian burrowed his eyebrows slightly while trying to figure that out. He sighed and gave up, tossing himself onto his side.

What would Scar think about him being a watcher? Would he even know what a watcher is? Would he know how dangerous they are? What about Cub, he surely would. They both came from the Elven Kingdom after all, where the exchange program took place. That would mean Gem also knew what a watcher is. But he couldn’t ask any of them to confirm their knowledge, that would give him away. 

Wait…. Cub looked at him weird. What if.. oh no.. oh no. What if Cub had noticed his hands! That would be bad. That would be so bad…

Grian shook his head. Why was he so anxious about this!? He was just only a watcher… a watcher that ran away from the cult that was known to be highly dangerous, violent, and show no mercy. That’s why. He couldn't just admit to having been a part of that! That would risk too many things for him and Pearl. They could tell them that they ran away? But that still doesn’t change their DNA. Their blood will only spill an unnatural colour of purple. Not red. Not normal. Just dangerous.

He turned into the state that the watchers taught to bring violence with, then he would hurt people. He didn’t want to hurt people. He didn’t want to hurt his friends. He didn’t want to hurt anyone.

He didn’t want to hurt Scar.

Chapter Text

Grian hadn’t left his room for the past couple of days, and he didn’t know how many days it’d been either. He hadn’t exactly seen anyone either, sure people had entered his room to give him food so he wouldn’t starve, but he didn’t really say anything to them and kept his back turned on them. Hopefully they all assumed it was because he was molting, and not for any other reason.

Pearl came in to check on him before she left the day he woke up. Grian would admit that it was a very comforting moment, with Pearl hugging his side and telling him it would eventually go away and that he’d be fine. That they’d both be fine. It was easier for her to say than him, she didn’t have to be around the “problem”. But Scar wasn’t the problem, it was the Vex Magic. The Vex Magic really was messing with him for the first couple of days isolating himself, it was bad. The dark pools on his arms spread to his upper arms and he was so scared that it would eventually reach his face. But it didn’t.

It all receded, thankfully. The second day, it started to calm down and at that point was only halfway up his arms, just like the day Scar was ‘kidnapped’. Grian looked at his hands now, and compared to a few days ago they looked relatively normal. Minus the fact that they still had some prominent amounts of purple on his finger tips. He sighed annoyingly and closed his eyes, at least they had gotten better. He didn’t know why though. But he wasn’t complaining, it did him the huge favour of not needing to hide his arms for when he couldn’t bear being isolated anymore.

He wanted to see everyone again, and he didn’t want people to worry so much. The only reason Grian knows that they’d be worried for him was it not for Mumbo’s sad voice whenever he brought meals to him and gave him updates on how Scar was. Maybe Mumbo knew that he missed Scar, or that he’d gotten really attached. Grian did kind of wish that Mumbo would tell him about things other than Scar. Grian was quite curious how Mumbo was doing, what he was up to in the garden, and the rest of his other Mumbo-ey interests. 

Almost on cue, there was a knock on his door. Grian opened his eyes, still facing away from the door.

“Hm?” Grian mumbled, and the door opened. Mumbo’s peaked through the door. “Scar made breakfast.. Well Cub also helped but he did most of the work himself.” Mumbo held a plate in his hands and Grian couldn’t make out what it was just yet, but it smelt good . “He didn’t know if you wanted strawberries or blueberries with it so he gave you both.” Mumbo continued.

“Oh… tell him thank you.” Grian said, knowing he wouldn’t be around him to say it to himself. He blushed slightly, admiring the kind act to even make him something at all. 

“I’d rather have you tell him yourself.” Mumbo voice was bland, not sounding really like anything to him, and Grian wished he really could tell Scar that himself. He really wished. Nothing was stopping him, he could easily just get up and walk to Scar and tell him thank you and how grateful he is for the meal, but… something was stopping him. Something beyond comprehension to him.

“I know.” Grian responded. Mumbo had been trying to get Grian out of his room since yesterday after giving him a few days to himself. But perhaps this was the point of time where he was stretching it out farther than he needed. Silence filled the room before Mumbo decided to enter Grian's room, placing the plate right next to Grian’s nest. Grian curled in on himself to avoid being seen by Mumbo despite having almost nothing to hide.

It didn’t change the fact he still felt vulnerable. In a way where it felt like he was a little kid again, and being watched… he hated that feeling. He hated it so much. But he also didn’t really want Mumbo to leave, it was nice company. 

Mumbo got up and headed for the door with a hand on the knob and himself almost out the door. But then, he paused, and Grian noticed the sudden lack of noise. 

“Scar’s been teaching Cub how to properly manage Vex Magic if that information does you anything.” Mumbo stated, “Although he’s still getting the hang of the amount.” He added after. 

Ah. So that’s why he’s feeling better.

Grian turned his head to face the guy for the first time in days. Afraid that he was about to leave, and Grian didn’t want him to leave just yet. “What about you?” Grian quickly spat out, while sounding a bit hoarse.

“What?” Mumbo let go of the door knob and stepped back into the room.

“How are you?” Grian asked again, eager to know how his friend has been doing. Mumbo’s body language sunk in, much like the eye bags beneath the man’s eyes. Grian always wondered how he had such big eye bags despite getting the most sleep. 

“…If I’m going to be honest,” Mumbo paused for a second, “I missed you.” His voice sounded sad and Grian felt incredibly bad for ignoring him, especially since he was the one making sure that he was actually alive. Grian opened his mouth to say something but nothing would come out. What could he even say to that?

…

“I missed you too.” He admitted.

“Then why didn’t you come to see us?” Mumbo questioned, not mad, and Grian didn't assume he was. It sounded like a genuine question.

“I was.. scared. That’s it.” Grian’s voice wavered, a bit surprised at himself that he would even admit that. 

“Why would you be scared?” Mumbo’s voice quietened and he saw his posture sink into a more relaxed stance.

“I didn’t want to hurt you guys.” Grian’s voice shook, and he was beginning to see blurred bits of tears in the water lines of his eyes, waiting to pour out.

“…” Mumbo’s absence of voice sounded loud before he spoke. “Is it the Vex Magic that’s making you scared?” 

“…”

“Oh. It’s really that bad?” Mumbo realised and Grian solemnly nodded. “But why would you hurt us?”

“That’s too complicated of a question for me to answer.” Grian’s breath continued to waver and worsen with each word and he hoped that Mumbo knew to leave him alone for now. Mumbo, instead of saying anything, walked up to Grian and put a hand on the top of his head, and ruffled it slightly. “That’s okay, but at least come downstairs today, okay?” 

“Okay. I can do that.” Grian reaffirmed Mumbo and Mumbo turned to leave, but before he fully left the room he turned back to him and simply said, “Scar’s missed you, so just be prepared, letting you know.” Oh gosh, what was he in for? Grian didn’t think he’d be complaining though, he’s missed Scar as well. He’s missed everyone, even Cub. At this point, the tears went away and hadn’t pathetically spilled like waterfalls out of his eyes. He was grateful for that, but could he keep it that way?

He sure hoped he could.

Grian waited for the sound of Mumbo’s footsteps to fade out before he reached out and grabbed the plate of food. Pancakes. The food was pancakes… a food he hadn’t had in a long time… a food filled with such fond memories. He remembered when Pearl would cook and bake for the two of them, back when Grian wasn’t old enough to even be near the stove, and that pancakes were the first sweet she’d ever learned how to bake. 

Gosh, her first attempt was atrocious, but as time went by, it became both of their favourite fun things to make together. He closed his eyes and took a bite, and holy shitttttt it was good. He never knew that Scar knew how to bake. Then again, Mumbo did say that Cub helped him. Grian hummed from delight into another bite, he was sure to thank Scar for the meal. He also thought it was cute that he didn’t know if Grian preferred strawberries or blueberries, and just gave him some of both. There was really nothing cute about that, but it just seemed like a kind gesture. He really didn’t know why his stomach felt fuzzy and warm.

He continued to eat and before he knew it, he was done. He set the plate beside him, now left with nothing else to do. Maybe he should try and go out… maybe it was time. He couldn’t hide away forever after all. 

He got himself up and stretched. Sure he had gotten up like a few times during hiding away, but not enough times to be considered healthy. As soon as Grian stood up, his back cracked. It made a loud sound, one of the loudest he’d ever heard come from his back. Grian stood in shock for a little while, he didn’t expect that. He got a bit whoozy and lightheaded for a second, he waited for the feeling to go away before he cracked a few more bones. 

He also did a light preen-through through his wings just because he hadn’t done that today yet. He didn’t do a full preening session because he knew he could just do it later. He tossed the oily feathers on the ground and scratched his face, just lightly on the cheek. It felt a tad bit itchy and as he looked at his hands once again today, he saw little flakes of keratin left on his fingers. Auguhhhhh fuck!  The tiny feathers on his face and the face feathers that basically replaced his ears had started molting. He knew he felt an unbearable itchy feeling. Grian groaned out loud, annoyed now. Wow. He was actually in a mood to turn his pathetic lying around, around. And what was he greeted with? More molting. Just what he needed. 

Grian grumbled and didn’t bother to finish preening the little bits of pin feathers that needed preening. He marched out of his room, but instead of an empty hallway that he could stomp through, there was Cub that was walking down the hallway towards him. Grian skidded to a stop just before he could’ve bumped into Cub.

“Oh!” They both exclaimed at the same time. 

“I didn’t expect to see you out of your room?” Cub announced, and Grian could see a tiny bit of relief on his face. A sense of care.

“I thought it was time.” Grian stated. He really did.

“Ah.” Cub then finally got the chance to Grian fully, and Grian saw as Cub’s eyes widened a bit. Oh shit. Grian quickly hid his arms behind his back. “No, wait, what was that on your hands?”

“Nothing! There’s nothing on my hands, I don’t know what you mean!” Grian’s voice cracked and he tried to keep it in a sky playful matter than sound like he was hiding something. But that appeared to not work as Cub just raised an eyebrow. Gosh, do all older siblings have that ability to do the pressuring look of ‘I know you’re lying, just tell me’? Grian held his breath as he stared into Cub’s eyes before giving up and sighing.

He extended his arms out to Cub and Cub grabbed one of Grian’s hands, examining it. Grian felt himself feel hot and nervous. What if Cub found out he was a-

“Watcher.” Cub blatantly said. “You’re a watcher!” Cub exclaimed again but in a whisper and Grian felt his chest rise and throat close up. He looked at Cub with piercing eyes, piercing eyes of fear that is. Grian was scared, scared that Cub was going to kill him.

Grian’s breaths became shorter and shorter as the panic started to settle in. Oh no oh no oh no oh no oh no oh no oh no oh no oh no oh no oh no oh no oh no oh no oh no oh no oh no oh no oh no oh no oh no oh no oh no oh no oh no oh no oh no oh no oh no oh no oh no oh no oh no oh no oh no oh no oh no oh no oh no oh no oh no oh no oh no oh no oh no oh no oh no oh no oh no oh no oh no oh no oh no oh no oh no oh no oh no oh no oh no oh no oh no oh no oh no oh no oh no oh no oh no oh no oh no oh no oh no oh no oh no oh no oh no oh no oh no oh no oh no oh no oh no oh no oh no oh no oh no oh no oh no oh no oh no oh no oh no oh no oh no oh no oh no oh no oh no oh no oh no oh no oh no oh no oh no oh no oh no oh no oh no oh no oh no oh no oh no oh no oh no oh no oh no oh no oh no oh no oh no oh no oh no oh no oh no oh no oh no oh no oh no oh no oh no oh no oh no oh no oh no—

“Hey! Hey!” Cub let go of his hand and gently moved to place his hands on Grian’s shoulders. Grian tensed up and his breath quickened some more. “Calm down, please? I promise I’m not going to hurt you!” Cub whispered-yelled to him with concern. But the panic that had been dwelling in his body took action as he shoved Cub’s arms off of him and started to back away. 

“Listen to me!” Grian’s attention flicked back to what Cub had to say, “I’m. Not. Going. To. Hurt. You.” Cub paced out his wording so that it was clear, but that didn’t stop Grian from still not fully trusting him. 

“Would it help you if I told you I was once friend’s with a watcher when I was little?” Cub rambled. “Well Scar was more friend’s with him than I was, but the statement still stands. He kind of reminded me of you a little bit… the name must’ve been similar? Or something.”

Grian froze. “What?”

Cub then repeated, “I’m not going to hurt you,” Cub then waited as Grian took in a deep breath, he kind of had neglected his basic needs for a few minutes, “Hurting you would be the last thing I would do.” He informed Grian

“Oh.” Grian’s voice cracked and his throat still felt really tight. “You said you… knew a watcher?”

“Yeah..?” Cub answered.

“How?” Grian questioned, he was onto something.

“The exchange program.” Cub told him, and Grian nodded in understanding.

“Ohh…” Then, Grian realised something, “Wait. How old are you?”

“What?” Cub slightly laughed from out of pocket the question was but Grian persisted.

“How old are you?” Grian said firmly this time.

“20, why?” Cub revealed, and judging by the looks of Scar, Grian knew that either Cub and him were the same age or just off by a few years.

“Holy shit.” Grian’s eyes widened as he looked at Cub, noticing more features of his wings and faintly blue tinted bits on his skin. Trying to find something of familiarity. There was something there, but it wasn’t showing.

“What?”

“I’m also 20, meaning that we could’ve seen each other while I was in the program!” Grian slightly shook Cub’s shoulders, not too much, but enough to make a point.

“You’re right!” Cub realised as well, meeting Grian’s voice with just as much enthusiasm.

Grian then tried thinking back, he did slightly remember knowing someone from the actual school. He really wished the name of that kid had stuck to his memory like caramel. He knew he was important. He just didn’t know why..

“I probably didn’t see you though, I was a very reserved kid and I don’t really remember that much anyway.” Grian slumly told Cub, and Cub nodded his head.

“Yeah, me too. We could probably ask Gem though, she’s more likely to remember.” Cub suggested, and it didn’t sound like a bad idea. Grian did actually want to remember, maybe Pearl would even remember Grian rambling about his trip when he came back.

“True.” He agreed, if only he could remember. Gosh, he couldn’t imagine how Scar must feel… not really being able to remember much about himself or his past..

“Going back on track though,” Cub started, “Does that mean Pearl’s also a Watcher?” He finished. Grian swallowed, now they were returning back to that uncomfortable conversation. “We were Watchers. We ran away.” The name ‘Watchers’ felt like poison on his tongue. 

“Oh.” Cub seemed a bit shocked but then came to a more understanding look on his face. “I can understand why, but what was the final tipping point for leaving?” Cub asked calmly. 

“That is…” Grian thought back to Right of Passage, the screams and bloody mauls of faces that he used to know. “… Not something I want to talk about right now.”

“Okay.”  Cub simply shrugged and then ruffled the top of Grian’s hair a bit. Grian looked confused as to why he did that and he seemed to notice, “Scar told me that you like it when your hair is tampered with, so I thought it might help debrief the conversation we just had and calm you down a bit.” Grian blushed, Scar talks about him?

“Oh, did he tell you now?” Grian raised his eyebrow, hoping that would coax some more information out of Cub about Scar.

“Oh yeah, while I helped him make breakfast, he started talking a whole lot about you and telling me not to be overprotective or along those lines.” Cub smiled and waited for Grian’s response. 

“Aw.” Grian let out a slight purr and immediately blushed some more. He didn’t mean to purr, and no one was even petting his head! So why did he do that…? 

“He seems to really like you, he calls you his ‘bestfriend’ too.” Cub added and Grian’s feathers started to puff out a bit.

“Really?” Grian’s voice went a bit higher. He was considered Scar’s best friend?

“Yeah, but just don’t hurt him.” Cub’s voice suddenly got deeper and Grian felt more closed off than he did before. His feathers puffed out from fear and he felt one fall out.

“Why would I want to hurt him?” Grian rushed to say, but said it overall casually. Why would he want to hurt Scar?

“Good point.” Cub took that into consideration. He had seen Grian straight up protect Scar, maybe not from the right thing. But that was his first reaction.

— — — —

Grian was now walking in the living room, the smell of pancakes lingered in the air. The room was empty, as far as Grian could see. Maybe he should look in the kitchen? Or wait, Scar must be down here, considering he wasn’t upstairs.

“Sca-“ Grian began to call out and then saw a head turn and heard a gasp. And within the next few seconds, a green and brown blob came bolting towards him and tackled him to the ground in a hug. It was Scar. Scar had hugged Grian with such force that they both landed on the ground, with Scar’s head in the nape of his neck and his messy hair all over his face.

“-Auhffghhh!” Grian exhaled as he hit the ground. He surprisingly wasn’t winded and was able to slightly take in what was happening. Scar was hugging him. Scar missed him. He put two and two together and began to hug Scar back.

“I missed you!” Scar’s muffledly yelled into his neck and Grian laughed a bit. Gods… he missed Scar so much, he hadn’t realised how much until now. Scar refused to get up for a few minutes, that was until Grian coaxed him into getting up because his wings were starting to hurt from being pressed against the floor.

Scar looked up and partially sat up, just so that his face was now a couple of feet away from Grian’s. Grian felt his cheeks get warm and he tried distracting himself from Scar’s beautiful presence.

Wait. He hadn’t sneezed. Whoah. Scar was also walking? Had the Vex Magic died down.. oh yeah. Scar was taking the appropriate amount. Ah, Grian mentally cursed himself for forgetting so easily, one day, that’s gonna get him killed.

Scar was so pretty, it doesn't matter if his hair looks like it has a bundle of knots in it, he could brush those out later. He just looked pretty, and… and.. wait a fucking second, was Scar still on top of him?

Grian blushed and pushed Scar off of him not so gently. Scar fell back and gasped in shock and Grian yelled out “Sorry!” Immediately after, regretting his decisions. He reached his arms out and caught Scar before he hit his back and head on the floor. Grian sat Scar up, who still had wide eyes and looked frozen in time, and then dusted his hands off on Scar’s shoulders.

“Sorry… instincts?” He blamed it on instincts, it was better than admitting what actually went through his mind though.

“It’s alright.” Scar managed to say, still recovering from probably whiplash.

Grian studied Scar, seeing if anything was different or had changed about him. One thing stood out. Scar’s wings.

“Oh! Your wings are bigger too!” Grian verbally announced.

“Yeah! I might actually be able to fly soon.” Scar proclaimed and Grian made an ‘o’ shape with his mouth, “Ohhh, I would love to see that!”

“Yeah, we can even fly together!” Scar theorized and Grian furrowed his eyebrows.

“Scar-” He attempted to say, but was cut off by Scar’s rambling.

“And we can go as hi-”

“Scar!” Grian covered Scar’s mouth with his hand and waited a few seconds before taking it off and letting it rest on the side of Scar’s waist.

“What?”

“I er, I can’t fly. Sorry..” Grian apologized.

“Oh, that’s okay!” Scar’s face was now filled with disappointment and it made Grian’s stomach feel a feeling that was close to plummeting off the earth, “But why?”

“I was never taught.” Grian stated the truth, there really wasn’t. Who would’ve been there to teach him if he could?

“What about Pearl? She has wings.” Scar said and Grian shook his head. “Her wings are too small.”

“Oh.” 

“Yeahhh.”

“Well, we can still have fun!” Scar pointed out.

“How so?”

“Uhmmmm, I don’t know yet.” Scar laughed awkwardly towards the end and Grian closed his eyes to laugh a bit as well. They sat in a bit of silence before Scar amazingly tore up the quietness with his loud voice.

“Oh! And Cub’s going to teach me more recipes soon as well!” Scar’s smile widened and Grian smiled back, eager to know what

“Do you know what kind of recipes?” Grian questioned, flapping his wings slightly. He was again slightly remembered of the times when Pearl would come from school with a cook book in hand.

“Not yet… It’s gonna be a surprise!” Scar’s balled fists from excitement were released and he flicked his fingers outwards, creating an effect much like an explosion. Grian flinched back slightly, he wasn’t expecting that, and his wings puffed up behind him. But he continued to smile and tried brushing down the feathers. His wings were weird things, he couldn’t tell if they puffed up from being scared or being flustered.. he took it as the first option. Yeah. 

Why would he have been flustered? Well, it could’ve been the happy aura Scar had around him and that paired with the kind smile he always wore when he laid eyes on Grian. It made his stomach do some flips, flips he couldn’t understand.

“He’s gonna show me how to bake something tomorrow though, and I can’t wait!” Grian noticed when Scar spoke, that he used big gestures with his hands. He wondered if he could get Pearl to teach him some sign language, even though he knows it, it doesn’t feel right to teach him himself.

“Yeah?” Grian didn’t know what else to say, he just really wanted to hear Scsr speak to be honest.

“Oh, and when that happens, can you look after Jellie? I don’t want her paws to get in all the flour like they almost did today.” Scar asked and Grian nodded

“Of course! I love Jellie.” He smiled and began to get up, his legs slightly wobbling from not using them as much in a while.

“What do you want to do?” Scar questioned suddenly and Grian thought about it.

“Now?” Grian wanted to clarify.

“Now.” Scar confirmed as he pet Jellie who began to climb onto his lap. Gosh she was adorable.

Grian looked out the window, and over in the distance bits of purplish-pink and red colours stuck out, the flower field. Grian grinned, “Hm.. I actually had a plan for today..”

“Really?”

“Yes, I was thinking we could go to the flower field just over there.” Grian saw Scar's face light up and Grian knew that Scar would love that idea. After all, he had been meaning to take him there for a while.

“I knew I thought I saw flowers.” Scar stated triumphantly and picked Jellie off his lap and placed her on the ground, then telling her to go cuddle Mumbo or Cub. Jellie meowed back in annoyance but proceeded to walk away anyway.

Grian smiled at Scar, he admired how gentle he held Jellie and cared for her. He wanted to be cared like that someday.

— — — —

As Grian closed the door behind him, he didn’t bother to see if he locked the door or not. He was too busy looking at Scar, and how beautiful he looked under the evening rays of light. Grian’s breath was always taken away by Scar, it didn’t really matter what he did. At this point he could watch the man butter a piece of toast and be hooked on end for hours. He felt heat rise to his face, not from the sun shining in both of their faces, but from the look Scar gave Grian as he turned his head around to face him and smile. 

Gosh. Scar was just… stunning. 

Grian didn’t even try blocking out these thoughts, he accepted them fully in the moment knowing that he’d beat himself over these things later. Couldn’t he just admire his friend’s beauty? It was just admiration.. Right? Right? The way Scar’s smile faltered brought him back to reality and what they were doing, or well, supposed to be doing. 

“You okay?” Scar asked, and his voice sounded soft, just like the butter that Grian would swoon over watching put on the hypothetical piece of toast. 

“I’ve never been more okay.” Grian grinned back, maybe a bit too much for a friendly response. But, Grian didn’t care. He extended his hand out for Scar, and Scar looked a bit shocked. Grian began to pull his hand away, afraid that he might’ve done the wrong thing, or something weird. But Scar grabbed Grian’s hand and pulled it into his, and even pulled him slightly closer to him. Scar’s touch was gentle and kind, and it made Grian’s stomach turn into mush. But in a good way of course, like the taste of cookie dough. He didn’t deserve to hold Scar’s hand, but he was right in the moment. So he may as well enjoy it as it lasts.

Grian held Scar’s hand back, both of their fingers entangling eachother’s. Grian smiled warmly and began walking, he made sure to walk slowly at first. He didn't know Scar’s pace yet, or how well he could keep up. Grian did walk pretty fast, but that’s because he was just naturally lighter, pretty much hollow bones and all.

They walked along the newly made path that he and Mumbo had made when Scar was in the wheelchair. 

“Will you still need the wheelchair?” Grian asked, he was very curious. He didn’t really know how Vex Magic worked, and he didn’t really know how much Scar knew about it either.

“Probably.” Scar said, not any change of expression was shown on his face. Scar was still smiling and Grian couldn’t tell if it was the sunlight or Scar’s face, but he thought he once again saw blush on his face. 

“How long it lasts depends on how much I take. The more I take, the longer and more things I can do, the littler, the less. Simple.” Scar continued.

“How much have you taken so far?” Grian asked another question, surely Scar could answer this one.

“Enough so that I can walk.” Scar turned his head to face Grian’s and he smiled more. “So I can walk with you.” Scar added after and Grian felt his heart stop for a second. That was.. sweet. 

“Although I can’t run, so sadly, running in a flower field isn’t possible today.” Scar frowned and Grian stopped walking, they had just gotten off the path and were now standing on dry, golden grass. There were patches of green in the distance, but most of the grass was dead. 

Grian cupped his other hand on Scar cheek and firmly told him, “I can wait forever, however long it takes. Don’t pressure yourself, okay?”

“Okay..” Scar responded, still sounding vaguely sad. It did bother Grian that Scar wasn’t happy, but just like he said, he was willing to wait for however long to see Scar at his fullest. Maybe he didn’t say that exactly, but Grian liked to think it was implied. Grian let go of Scar’s face and continued walking, they both walked in silence until they reached a comfortable spot in a freshly grown patch of grass. 

Grian sat down and Scar sat beside him as they watched the sun begin to set. He couldn’t believe that it was almost dark. It really made him realise how much he had missed, he had missed three beautiful sunsets he could’ve spent with his friends… and he can’t go back and change the past to do that..

Grian looked at Scar, who was currently admiring the beautiful rays of sun that shone on the clouds. There was just something about Scar. Something that Grian has to place, and that could wait until later.

His thoughts were being disturbed from the itching feeling on his face he couldn’t no longer ignore, but he couldn’t feed into the temptations of letting Scar preen any of wings.. that just wouldn’t be right.

But.. the possible feeling of Scar’s hands gently caressing his face…

Fuck it. 

Grian took Scar’s hand and held it to his face so that it slightly cupped his jaw. Scar’s fingers barely grazed his face feathers and Grian moved Scar’s hand so that it touched the feathers on his face and on the side of his head. He was so close to just letting Scar preen his wings and feathers. He really wouldn’t mind the help, he really wouldn’t. But too bad that Grian was bad at expressing his thoughts through words.

“Oh!” Scar gasped slightly and then laughed at Grian’s reaction. Grian closed his eyes and continued to embrace the hold of Scar’s hand on his face. Scar started to brush the pin feathers on Grian’s face and Grian corrected Scar by showing him that he needed to pinch and rub off the keratin, not just brush it off. 

Scar seemed to pick up easily and started to do that with the rest of the pin feathers. Grian started to purr, not discreetly, but very openly. He didn’t care though, he and Scar were alone in a beautiful flower field, how could he not just enjoy the moment? 

This went on for a while until Grian then suddenly turned his back to Scar, and spread out his wings as a display for Scar to see. He flapped his wings so that they hit Scar a couple of times, he hoped he got the message that he needed them to be preened through. Scar said something that was muffled, but as soon as Grian felt Scar’s hands run down the outer edges of his wings, he started to purr. He just hoped, hoped, hoped, that Scar wouldn’t touch the tertiary feathers that are close to his back. Then, as Scar was putting down an old feather beside him, leaving Grian’s wings untouched, leaving him to realise what he had just let Scar do to him..

“Oh my gods.. I’m so sorry! I don’t know why I did that!?” Grian’s voice was squeaky high and cracked at the end slightly, but Scar’s expression didn’t change and neither did his lopsided smile. Scar laughed, “It’s alright, G.” 

Grian blushed at the new nickname, and then he blushed even more as Scar just kept continuing preening his wings. A trill left his throat, and at that point his brain was too mush and empty to even care at all. All he could hear was Scar’s occasional laughter paired with the nice feeling of his wings becoming clean again. He really needed this… 

Grian yawned and sunk his back into Scar front, using him as a makeshift bed, and eventually falling asleep.

— — — — 

“-rian! Grian!” Scar’s voice echoed softly in his ears before it was apparent that Scar was calling out his name.

“Huhuh—what?” Grian groggily mumbled, his voice was a decent bit deeper considering he had just woken up. Scar pushed him slowly off his lap and started to get up, “It’s about to rain!” 

Oh shit, Grian thought. That would not be good for either of them, they could get sick and Grian didn’t feel like dealing with wet feathers and hair. Especially Scar’s hair, his hair would be a nightmare to get wet right now. Grian scrambled to get up, almost slipping because of the slick grass but he caught himself. He steadied himself and grabbed Scar’s hand and started to run for it. It took Grian a few steps to remember that Scar couldn’t run and that he was practically dragging him around.

“Oh shit, sorry!” Grian apologized, stopping and letting Scar adjust to a fast walking pace.

“It’s fine!” Scar laughed lightly and held Grian’s hand tighter as they both tried rushing inside before it rained.

— — — —

Grian sat on the sofa in the living room right next to Scar, luckily they had made it inside just before it rained. As soon as they got inside, they collapsed on the sofa. It got noticeably dark outside, the sky being a dark indigo with hints of pink.

“I don’t think I can stand going back to my room again, I’m gonna sleep down here tonight.” Grian said while yawning.

“Oh, can I join you?” Scar said and Grian half choked on spit in the middle of his yawn.

“What?” Grian asked, he blinked a few times, having not believed what he said fully. He still wasn’t over the whole sharing a sleeping area thing.

“Can I join you? I don’t want you to be lonely..” Scar admitted, giving Grian eyes that resembled the ones of a cute animal.

“Oh.. erm,” Grian’s blush spread across his face, “Of course. Where are you going to sleep though? There’s only one sofa, and no, I’m not letting you pass out on the floor.” 

Scar rolled his eyes and smiled, “I wasn’t going to say the floor, you’d be the one to say that-” Grian scoffed, offended that Scar was 100% correct. 

“Hey! I’m right though.” Scar protested back and Grian giggled.

“You are, that’s why I scoffed. How dare you portray me accurately.” Grian satirely joked around and Scar started laughing. 

“Can I finish what I was saying?” Scar said, dragging his hands down his face.

“Yeah, go on.” Grian signed “go” and Scar proceeded to clear his throat and then talk, “I was going to say, I can just sleep on the couch with you. It’s not a big deal, we’ve shared a bed before.” Scar shrugged off the whole ‘sharing a sleeping place thing’ like it was nothing.

It was true though, they had shared a sleeping area together, multiple times. Who was Grian to complain though? He loved it, but he wouldn’t ever admit it. Ever. He’ll never get used to it, until he hopefully does. Grian’s wings puffed out again, gods! Why won’t they just stay down! It’s like they have a mind of their own… 

“Well we can make a fort?” Grian suggested and began to get up, already knowing Scar’s answer.

“Yes!” Scar’s voice rang happily in Grian’s ears, a sound he would and could listen to forever.

“I’ll be back with lots of blankets!” Grian quickly ran to the storage room, he left the door open so that he could get out easier with all the blankets he’d be carrying. Should he make a mini nest with them? But that would mean they’d both be sleeping on the floor, and that goes against the entire conversation they just had. Grian felt conflicted as he went through boxes, would Scar mind another nest? Surely he would… even though Grian has no evidence of that. 

Grian scoffed at himself for caring so much about it and silently rummaged through more boxes, tossing the empty and near empty ones in a corner so he wouldn’t accidentally go through again.

He opened a box that revealed a whole load of blankets, and he mentally congratulated himself on finding them as he sifted and picked out the ones he deemed as comfortable. That was until he paused, there was a torn blanket. “Oh well,” he thought, “I think I can still use this?” But then he started pinpointing out the ripped pieces so he could throw them to the side. He noticed a very particular piece, it looked very cleanly cut too.

Grian picked it up, it was a thin piece of a black fabric, and for a second he thought he was merely a baby again. Faint, fuzzy, blurry-tinted images and not-so-happy laughter that filled up what he could remember when he first got the thing. The blindfold. The blindfold that’s given to all watcher children at a young age, but Grian can’t remember what age exactly.

The blindfold was filled with nostalgic memories, not good ones, but nostalgic. But this wasn’t his blindfold. He burned that thing years ago, as a part of the Right of Passage. That still didn’t stop him from being reminded of it though, he wished he wasn’t reminded of it at all. He wanted to let go, but he couldn’t seem to physically let go of the fabric in his hands. So how was he supposed to let go all together?

A knock on the open door stopped him from spiraling, Grian turned his head to see who it was. It was Cub, again.

“Scar told me that you guys are having a sleepover down stairs in the living room?” Cub raised an eyebrow and smirked a bit, why does he get the feeling that him and Pearl would absolutely love talking about him and Scar if they ever got together for a chat? They probably would, but he couldn’t bring that up.

“A sleepover? What’s that?” Grian questioned, by the name, it seemed obvious. But he just wanted to make sure it’s what he actually thought it was.

“You don’t know—actually it makes sense, wait, Watchers didn’t have sleepovers?” Cub backtracked, Grian felt like he was not going to let this go. 

“If they did, I never got invited to one?” Grian awkwardly told the truth and he saw Cub’s eyebrows droop closer to his eyes. This told Grian that he said something wrong, or weird, or anything that didn’t cause the reaction Grian wanted. But then again, what reaction would Grian have wanted?

“That’s- that’s… sad. Well then, Scar is going to give you the best sleepover ever!” Cub patted the top of Grian’s head, and honestly. He wasn’t minding any of the friendly affection he had been receiving lately.

“I bet he will.” Grian sighed slightly at the end, he never finds himself not thinking about Scar at least over 10 times a day. 

“I wonder how old these blankets are.. they look ancient! How are they not all torn up?” Cub sounded astounded, even though it really wasn’t a mystery.

“That’s pretty funny, I was just trying to find blankets and found this.” Grian held up the piece of ripped fabric to show Cub, who just looked at it with a bit of confusion. “It reminded me of the blindfolds we—I mean the Watchers used to wear.” He explained.

“Huh, I guess I do kind of remember seeing something like that on them then.” Cub responded back, and smiled a bit. Perhaps he was remembering simpler times.

Grian smiled, he didn’t know why, but it felt nice to finally have someone to talk about this. Sure he could talk to Pearl about this, but it really isn’t nice to talk about their experience with her. But with Cub, Cub has only seen the exchange program, the more innocent time in the Watcher’s lives. Something more pure, something more soft and easy to look back on compared to the rough, jagged, sharp edges of anything beyond it.

“Yeah, also can you help me take these blankets to the living room?” Grian asked Cub, his voice slightly lowering towards the end.

“Of course.” Cub gladly replied and Grian handed him half the blankets from the box, and Grian himself kept the other half in his arms. They exited the storage closet and entered the living room again, and greeted Scar who was petting Jellie at his side. Scar smiled at them as they approached closer. Cub dumped the blankets on the sofa and Grian followed. 

Grian looked down at the piece of fabric that he still held for whatever reason and then went back to look at Scar, who was waving at him and Cub. Grian blinked and opened his eyes, but instead of the regular Scar and setting he was just looking at, there was a fuzzy, unseen background and what Grian assumed was a little version of Scar that was looking at him, waving. The version looked a lot younger, a lot more familiar.

The little Scar looked awfully like… 

…

…

…

Holy shit…

…

“WAIT—IT WAS YOU!” Grian screamed, not sure how to feel about this. But he was ecstatic that Scar, someone who he thought was a stranger, was someone he once knew. Someone who he wished that he remembered, and that could on both ends.

Grian sprinted over to Scar and tackled him to the ground much like what Scar had done to him earlier. Grian’s body shook slightly from the mixed amount of emotions as he hugged Scar, tightening his hold on the man, not wanting to let go.

“It was you…!” Grian said through the beginning of a tear stained face and a smile.

Chapter Text

“It was you…!” Scar heard Grian’s voice right next to his ear, and he would be lying if he didn’t feel a little chill down his spine. But the cold feeling on his back was overshadowed by his own confusion. What? What was him? 

Scar was too astounded to say or do anything but hug Grian back, the hug felt nice, but the emotions that came along with it didn’t. Scar couldn’t understand why Grian was now weeping in his arms, or why Cub looked at him with a warm smile and eyes that spoke much more than he could process. Scar opened his mouth to say something but as Cub put his pointer finger over his lips and whispered a silent ‘shhh’, Scar knew that this was meant to be a quiet moment.

Scar let his eyes go half lidded and comforted Grian in the hug while petting the back of his hair that was just at the top of his neck. He heard tiny purrs leave the avian as he did so, and it felt therapeutic to Scar. Scar didn’t know if comforting was the right thing to do, was comforting even the right word? Was Scar even comforting him from something?

Scar sighed and tried absorbing the hug while he could, even though it seemed like Grian wouldn’t let go any time soon. He still felt the need to cling onto the moment, as confusing as it was, he was starting to feel a heavy feeling in his chest. The same kind of feeling he had when he met Cub and Gem… the feeling like he was missing something. Like there was a piece of a puzzle that got lost under the rug, and Scar just needs to lift the rug to find it. It’s such a simple thing to do, but in this hypothetical situation, he hasn’t even thought about the rug. He’s focused on the missing piece. 

But he can’t do anything about the missing piece, but be stuck. So Scar figured he’d back away from the problem for now and focus on the moment he was in. Scar closed his eyes and just leaned into the hug, placing one of his hands above and the other below where Grian’s wings rested. He could feel Grian’s shaky breaths even out and relax. Grian then lifted his head, just enough so that Scar could feel his breathing on his neck. It sent shivers down his spine.

“I remember you, I just hadn’t remembered who you were..” Grian admitted what sounded like nonsense to Scar in a quiet whisper and then lowered his head further in the nape of Scar’s neck again. Grian rubbed his head against Scar’s neck until he deemed himself as comfortable. Scar a few seconds later felt Grian take a large breath and then exhale into smaller breaths, they were much like the ones he does when he falls asleep. 

What Grian said, confused him even more. What was he implying? “I remember you, I just hadn’t remembered who you were.” Rang inside of Scar’s head as Scar tried to figure out its meaning. 

Scar then felt Grian’s body go as limp as it could get over his, covering him like a blanket. This took Scar out of his thoughts, Grian was always able distract Scar from his thoughts. Grian’s wings were splayed and wrapped around Scar’s waist, they were the only thing stopping him from fully lying down on the floor. He would if he could, he just didn’t want to hurt Grian’s wings, or his own. Scar occasionally forgets he has wings, the fact is still so bizarre.

While Grian was gone.. which Scar would admit was one of the most boring, sad, and overall plain days of his life, Cub taught him some stuff. Cub told him about their species, vex, and how they worked. Apparently they needed raw meat to mostly survive, which surprised Scar at first, because as long as he stayed with Grian and Mumbo.. he hadn’t had any raw meat exactly. Surely he had meat, but it was never raw. It was always cooked. 

Early on, this made Scar scared, scared that he was running out of time until he would accidentally hurt one of his friends from the temptation of hunger. That he would lash out and hurt the ones closest to him, he didn’t want to hurt them.. But Cub reassured him that won’t happen if he eats raw meat often, and that he’d help Scar by going out and getting some. Scar asked how, and to be fair, that was a dumb question and even he realised it himself. But Cub answered like it was normal, and it probably was. The answer was quite obvious, Cub would go out and kill an animal and bring back part of it for Scar and him to feast on. 

Cub warned Mumbo about this beforehand, to make sure he wouldn't walk in the room or around outside and be scared. Mumbo seemed uncomfortable with it, Scar didn’t blame him though. Scar didn’t like the wet, fresh, pigmented blood on his hands that would dry by the time he’d finished. Just something about seeing blood on his hands, even if he didn’t cause the death itself, made Scar feel a pit in stomach. But he couldn’t resist the urge to eat the meat, he couldn’t resist the hunger, and that’s what scared him even more.

He got to see how desperate he could be first hand. He didn’t really even have any time to process it either. But then Cub told him that it was normal for Scar to go days, and even weeks without raw meat. Although, he did say he’d have to be careful about that because if he was hungry, if he got too hungry, it would be uncontrollable. Scar didn’t want to be uncontrollable. 

Compared to Cub, who needed something at least everyday to every few days, Scar seems abnormal when it came to Vex traits. His wings were smaller and he wasn’t able to produce as much or any magic as Cub did when he was teaching him (again). Cub used Vex Magic overtime to help Scar’s wings grow, considering the wings help create the magic in the first place. He did it so casually, it made Scar question him about it. Cub explained that he’s been doing this since they were little, and he was always happy to help him. As long as Scar was happy, he was sure to be. 

This was probably the moment when it had really settled that Cub was his brother. He didn’t really feel like it was something new to him though, like this was how it’s always been. And it mostly has been, he guessed. Though despite hanging out a lot more and trying to make things ‘normal’ again, Cub still refused to elaborate on certain stuff. Like the scar on his arm, Scar knew that Cub knew more than Gem did. Gem barely told him anything, but he didn’t pressure her to tell him, it seemed like she was having a difficult time talking about it.

That didn’t mean that Scar didn’t want to know, it just meant he was willing to wait, as hard as it was. It was like an unbearable itch, and he needed something to distract himself from it, luckily, there was always a distraction for him. Grian, something about him suddenly felt so much deeper and in depth, more to his understanding. Like a joke he could not get. It annoyed him, but Grian himself did quite the opposite. Scar felt way happier around Grian, he felt more real and alive. He’s forever grateful that he found him.

Well technically Jellie found Grian, and then brought Grian back unintentionally so that he found Scar. But Scar couldn’t help but wonder about the last things Grian had said to him before falling asleep.

“Why’s Grian like this?” Scar turned to look at Cub with solemn eyes. Scar held Grian’s sleeping body closer to him, he didn’t want to let go. As much as Grian’s words annoyed him, it wasn’t Grian’s fault that Scar didn’t know what he was talking about.

Cub looked at him, blinking a few times before asking, “What do you mean?” 

“Why is he confusing me with his words?” Scar watched as Cub sighed a bit. It sounded like relief a little, and Scar didn’t know how to feel about that.

“I don’t think that’s intentional, Scar. I'm pretty sure he’ll explain later, or soon. I’ll make sure that he explains to you when he’s ready. I don’t think he is right now.” Cub told Scar, not in a rude voice, which he appreciated, but Scar still felt a surge of emotions running through his chest.

Scar couldn’t help but feel a bit hurt, like there was this big joke and he just couldn’t understand it. 

“No one has told me anything though. I want to know what I’m missing..” Scar argued. “Why won’t anyone tell me anything!” Scar’s voice sounded desperate, exasperated, and on the verge of crying.

“Scar-” Cub tried to say but Scar cut him off, regrettably though.

“Can I be told at least one little thing about my past! Just one thing would be enough.. I don’t know who I’m supposed to be, I don’t know anything about myself but the stuff I’ve remembered for the past few weeks… I didn’t even know I was a Vex until Grian told me!” Scar was shouting now and he didn’t register Cub’s hand on his upper back until Cub yelled at him.

“Scar!” Cub’s yelling immediately stopped Scar, making him freeze mentally and physically. Cub’s voice was much louder than Scar’s at the moment, that’s what had caused him to shut up. It made him scared, his breath quickened as he stared deep into Cub’s eyes. Cub’s gaze softened and so did the hand on Scar’s back.

Scar went to brush hair out of his eyes but was met with something on his forehead.. Was that always there? Scar looked confusingly at Cub, who without a word, got up and left the room. Where was he going? Scar brushed his forehead with his hand again, and felt something else on the other side. Two things were jutting out of his forehead and he didn’t know what those were.

But Scar was less concerned about that as he was more concerned about Cub leaving him. He didn’t leave him alone, he left him with Grian, which he was fine with. But Scar would’ve liked a reason for his exit, it made a pit swell in Scar’s stomach. A feeling of nervousness. 

But as Scar was spiraling, he heard footsteps. Cub? Scar waited for a few seconds and then saw that the figure entering the room was indeed Cub. He had his hands behind his back and sat down next to Scar.

Cub then revealed the object in his hands. He turned the object around and Scar was met with a reflective surface that displayed a mirror image of himself. The two things on his forehead turned out to be horns.. those were definitely not there before. He had seen his reflection in the pond before, he never had horns. But then something caught his attention, his face wasn’t a normal colour, it was a musky, grey-blue and there was red patterned all over his face, more specifically in the center. The red looked like someone had peeled flesh right off his face..

As Scar looked at himself, shocked. He was horrified with the sight he was seeing, and that sight was himself..

He looked like a monster…

He looked terrifying, his eyes were a light green and the pupil was small. He didn’t even recognize himself. Then, angry and frustrated emotions started to fade away and so did the red and then blue on his face. The horns started to shrink until they were completely invisible and gone.

And then he looked normal again, he looked like Scar. But now he couldn’t shake away from the mental image in the back of his mind of himself. Had that really been him? Scar touched his face as he continued to stare in the mirror. Cub then tilted the mirror down so that Scar wouldn’t lose himself in it anymore. Scar looked up and into Cub’s eyes, Cub looked normal. Although now that Scar was paying more attention to his brother, he noticed similar Vex-like traits on him. Blue skin in certain places, the bigger wings, and Scar saw the tiniest horns on his forehead. How had that gone completely over his head?

“Why?” Scar couldn’t conjure up anything else to say. Why had Cub showed him what he looked like, why without a word or explanation, just, why?

“You needed to see it yourself.” Cub slightly shrugged, “You don’t have many casual Vex traits like I do.. but you do have ability to show them, usually not by choice though. It’s normal though, at least for you. You’re more elf than you are Vex, I think. That’s how I always thought.” Cub finished explaining and slightly shrugged towards the end and left Scar to think about it.

“Oh..” Scar quietly responded. Cub placed the mirror beside him, and now completely out of view from Scar. “Why did I look like that though.” Scar blatantly asked, his eyes felt heavy.

“Like what? A Vex?” Cub tried figuring out what Scar meant, but it seemed to make no sense to him.

“I looked scary, Cub. Is that how everyone sees me? Or us?” Scar felt like he was on the verge of tears again. He didn’t want to cry, and he didn’t want to look scary either. What he saw wasn’t him, or that’s at least what he wasn’t like..

“The people that really care for you won’t see you that way.” Cub tried running his hand through the back of Scar’s hair, but gave up quickly as Scar’s hair was too knotted and instead he placed it on his shoulder. Then Cub nodded his head to the avian that now curled up against Scar, snoring lightly. Grian’s snores sounded like tiny trills occasionally and Scar thought that that was adorable. Scar sighed, and realised that Cub was right. Grian would’ve discarded him already if he was scared of him. Mumbo probably would’ve from the start, he looked hesitant of Scar when he first came here, and part of him thinks that Mumbo hoped he didn’t notice. But he did, and he was glad that Mumbo has shown noticeable change with how he acts around Scar. He seems a lot more comfortable around him now than he did before.

“I’m glad that that is the truth.” Scar admitted, and now, he might just cry from the warm feeling of relief. Scar buried his face into Grian’s hair and closed his eyes. Scar felt the rise and fall of Grian’s chest and tried to follow, he was beginning to feel tired now.. That was until Cub tapped his shoulder.

“Hey, Scar?” Cub looked at him with a smile that said mischief, a complete change of expression to what he just had.

“What?” Scar sniffed and raised an eyebrow, intrigued as to what Cub was going to say.

“Tomorrow, the treats we’re gonna make are.. cookies!” Cub announced and Scar felt himself smile. Cub couldn’t resist telling Scar this, and it seemed to make Scar feel better.

“What kind of cookies?” Scar asked, curious to see if he could remember anything. He didn’t care what was remembered, anything would be progress.

Cub smiled and then revealed the name, “Elven kisses.” The name was unfamiliar, but maybe it should be for this moment.

Scars smile then wavered, realising how quick Cub had changed topics. “Why are you telling me this now?”

“You wanted to know more about your past, didn’t you?” Cub etched on, and Scar felt a bit of his chest rise.

“Yeah?” Scar responded, extending the questionable tone on the word.

“And Elven Kisses were a huge part of our childhood.” Cub smiled, although even if it was a smile, it had a heavy melancholic feel to it. Scar smiled at Cub back. “I may not be able to tell you much, and I don’t think me or Gem are ready to unpack everything yet.. But I can at least show you the little things.” Cub added onto his previous saying, and Scar understood.

“The little things.” Scar repeated, in the same tone as Cub.

— — — —

“You know, Elven Kisses have a lot of cultural importance.” Cub said to him as Scar was setting up something that looked vaguely like a nest. Scar had rested Grian against the edge of the sofa so that he wasn’t in the way until he finished. Though Cub did help because of Scar’s arm, it was hard to move an entire person (much less with a full set of wings) with just one arm. Scar wanted to make a nest, mostly for Grian’s sake, but he felt like Grian would be more eased into something he’s used to rather than just the sofa.

“Yeah?” Scar edged Cub on. 

“When people bake Elven Kisses they usually approach the person they like with one and if that person likes them back, they’ll say “May I have an Elven Kiss?” And then they’ll kiss. Though it's not always associated with romantic love, giving someone an Elven Kiss usually just means you like the person a lot, regardless if you love them as a friend, family member, or romantic partner.”

“That’s interesting.. Why are we making them then?” Scar asked, tilting his head slightly to the right. He was mostly glad that Elven Kisses weren’t just for romance, all the people he knew, he considered friends and family. Something in the back of his mind really wanted to give one to Grian though. He didn’t know why.

“For our friends.” Cub said, nodding his head down slightly before getting up. He hesitated slightly on saying ‘friends’. Scar didn’t question Cub’s reasoning though. “You should probably go to bed though.” Cub suggested.

“Wait, does that mean Gem and Pearl are visiting again?” Scar’s voice had an edge on hope and delight. He really wanted to see Gem again! There was just something so reassuring about her presence.

“Maybe.. Now go to bed!” Cub threw the last blanket over Scar’s face and he struggled to get it off of him. When he did, Cub laughed at Scar’s even more messed up hair. 

“You can’t just say something like that to a man and expect him to be able to sleep right after!” Scar argued lightheartedly and got a laugh from Cub.

“I know, I know. Also.. we have to get your hair sorted out, Scar.” Cub said through more laughter. Scar grumbled in annoyance.

“I was gonna ask Grian to do that but he’s asleep.” Scar complained. He guessed that he’d have to wait for tomorrow for that to happen.

“You could probably just put it up for time being, it’s too late to do anything fancy if it’s just going to get knotted again in the morning.”

“Yeah. If you find a hair tie, let me know.” Scar said as he mimicked putting up his hair in a ponytail, he should really think about doing more with his hair.

“You could just use this.” Cub reached over to right next to where Grian was and picked up something off the ground. It was a thin piece of ripped fabric that looked like it was from a blanket. It probably was. Cub handed it to Scar and he pocketed it and gave Cub a little “thank you”. 

Scar yawned and his vision got slightly blurry from tears that he didn’t even ask to be there. Scar wiped his eyes and yawned again, he was beginning to find it annoying. “Maybe I should go to bed..” Scar said in realisation. 

“You think?” Cub said back and Scar ‘sshhh’ed him. Although Scar did agree, he just didn’t feel like he was in the mood for playful arguing. Scar reached over to Grian, carefully dragging him over into the “nest” with the help of Cub.

“I would stay down here, but I’m actually looking forward to sleeping in a room by myself tonight.” Cub reasoned and Scar sighed.

“This wasn’t how I was planning the sleepover to go tonight.” Scar said, disappointed. He really was, but it could’ve gone worse. 

“Maybe tomorrow you can have another sleepover, that way you don’t have to necessarily clean up the blankets.” Cub told him, and Scar face perked up at the thought of a double sleepover. It sounded fun! Scar smiled.

“Yeah, that does sound nice.” Scar concluded and yawned again. Scar forced himself to stay awake though, he moved around, lying down with Grian pressed up against his front, still asleep. Grian looked so peaceful, a loose expression was worn and he had steady breathing. Scar felt somewhat honoured to see this, it wasn’t often he saw Grian relaxed like this. Usually Scar was the first one to fall asleep, but oh how tables turn.

“Goodnight, Cub.” Scar contently said and began to rest his eyes shut. 

“Night, Scar.” Cub said back, ruffled Scar’s head, and then heard him get up and his footsteps echo away in the distance. Scar waited a few minutes, letting his thoughts about the day and everything wallow in his mind.

“Goodnight, Grian…” Scar whispered and felt his mind and self drift away in unconsciousness.

— — — —

Scar opened his eyes, feeling the sting of sunlight of his eyes and the weight of his body beneath him. He closed his eyes again and tried covering them with his hand, but his good hand appeared to be underneath something, something heavy? It was definitely weighing Scar’s arm down, and he felt the tingly feeling of ‘pins and needles’ in his arm. Damn, it must’ve fallen asleep, Scar realised this as he opened his eyes again. 

His eyes were getting used to the sunlight, they didn’t hurt as much as they did a few seconds ago. Then he realised what was keeping Scar’s arm down. Oh right, Grian. Grian was still sound asleep and the last words he heard from him echoed in the back of his mind still. “It was you…!” Scar just couldn’t shake those words and their meaning out of his head.

Scar grumbled out a sigh, he wasn’t ready to think about any of that. He turned to lay on his back, staring at the ceiling with pointless thoughts running through his head like always. 

Then he remembered, oh shit, he actually was doing something today. He was going to bake Elven Kisses with Cub! Scar slowly started to move his arm from beneath Grian, he tried doing so carefully since he didn’t want to wake him up. Part of him didn’t want to leave his side, but most of him wanted to bake Elven Kisses with Cub. So he got himself up and shook his arm to try to wake it up more, he got little luck. With his arm slightly usable and himself fully waking up now, he started to stand.

Scar was still not used to being able to stand properly, it still shocked him. Considering that as far back as he can remember, which was a couple weeks ago, he wasn’t able to stand. Now he could, like he could (kind of) supposedly before losing his memories. 

Scar managed to stand himself up steadily, he took in the beautiful lighting that the morning sun displayed in the room. Scar breathed in and out, it felt peaceful, it Scar wanted to just lay back down and fully absorb it. But Scar had things to do and he didn’t want to waste any time by just standing around. But Scar stood and looked around while taking in the morning feeling, he noticed that Cub had taken away the mirror. It was no longer where he had placed it by the sofa.

He frowned, Cub probably took the mirror away so it wouldn’t cause problems. Problems that would end up making Scar insecure about himself, but he wasn’t… right? Scar knew how scary he looked, but what Cub said had really reassured him.

Scar then began to walk around, he passed the kitchen and with a glance and saw Cub in the room. He continued to walk towards the stairs, so that he could wake up Cub—wait. Scar just saw that Cub was in the kitchen. He backtracked his steps and peered through the doorway of the kitchen, making sure he wasn’t going crazy.

“Cub?” Scar said to the man.

“Yeah, Scar?” Cub responded and waved a little. Scar exhaled, good, he wasn’t hallucinating. Why would he be doing that in the first place though? Scar wondered, it really made no sense. Cub had just woken up before him and probably was just getting everything set up. Cub appeared to have seen Scar’s expression, “You looked comfy over there, I didn’t want to wake you up yet.” 

“Oh.” Scar said and walked fully into the kitchen to see what Cub was doing. Scar would admite, he was very comfortable there, way better than the “lonely” nights he spent sleeping in the small room with Cub as his company. That didn’t necessarily mean that Cub was bad company, he just would rather cuddle Grian in his sleep. There was a certain type of comfort that brought, a feeling that felt more innocent and simple.

Scar snapped his attention back to Cub who loudly placed a cutting board on the counter. He watched as Cub set out the ingredients and rummaged through some more drawers and cabinets, and pulled out some measuring cups. He grabbed a few more ingredients and a butter knife. Placing them all on the counter top. Gods, it was going to get so messy.

“Mom used to make these for us..” Cub said out of nowhere, and Scar quickly turned his head to see Cub’s face, and froze upon seeing it. It looked sad, “Oh…” Scar said back, furrowing his eyebrows. Just remembering that they don’t actually have a mom anymore. It hurt Scar even more that he doesn’t remember her.. he wanted to at least remember his own mom.

“What was she like?” Scar questioned, voice sounding soft.

“She was the best mom in the world.” Cub admitted and smiled while cutting a bit of butter. He placed the knife down and turned himself to Scar, he rested his elbow on the counter and began telling him more. 

“She had orange hair, and always wore this beautiful blue dress with gold lining. She had green eyes, they looked just like yours,” Cub pointed to Scar’s eyes and Scar brought up a hand to his cheek and felt the area just below his eyes. 

“I just.. wished you could remember her..” Cub admitted, those words felt like a hoard of his arrows through his chest, pinning him down right in the heart.

“Me too..” Scar confirmed, he was beginning to feel some tears in his eyes, but they wouldn’t flow out. They just sat there, waiting for the tipping point.

“She would’ve done anything for us, and she did, until the end.” Cub looked away from Scar, refusing to make any sort of eye contact with his face or eyes.

“She loved us, Scar.” Cub continued, and a tear ran down his cheek. Scar’s thoughts were running wild, but they were still somehow shoved into the back of his mind, and he was put into a trance. He didn’t have time to process the thing he was about to say either.

“H-how did she die?” Scar hesitated. He didn’t know if that was a question he should ask, but when would there be another time for this?

Cub’s breath rose and it didn’t fall, his hands looked like they were shaking and Scar looked at Cub, not knowing if he should hug him or not. It was like this for a few more seconds until Cub finally exhaled, as well as exhaling a bit of what Scar couldn’t decide if it was a sigh or a cry. 

Shit. He went too far. Scar placed a hand on Cub’s shoulder, like how Cub has done for him. He was glad to see that Cub didn’t shake his hand off his shoulder, and he seemed to sink into comfort. Cub leaned sideways to Scar a bit and Scar took this as a cue. A cue for a hug, he wrapped his around Cub and pulled him into a hug as Cub silently cried.

“I can’t tell you.. I don’t think I’ll ever be able to..” Cub admitted and then sniffed a bit. Scar let go of Cub and grabbed a bit of a paper towel and then handed it to Cub. Cub grabbed it, whispering “thank you” and then blowing his nose. Scar stood there as Cub wiped his eyes on the sleeve of his coat, which didn’t look as clean as it should. It was a dirty, muddy colour in some areas instead of the clean white that Scar thought the coat should’ve been.

Scar couldn’t say much to that but listen, what could he have said? Maybe some things are better unexplained…

Cub then suddenly started to work the oven, preheating it. Scar both hated and loved how the oven warmed up, but sometimes, it got too warm for his liking and made his clothes feel like prisoners to him. Knowing this, Scar took off his shirt and casted it on the ground. He made sure it was in an area that wouldn’t cause someone to trip (most likely him). Cub didn’t question the shirt thing and just glanced over to him, “Some things don’t change.” Cub chuckled and shook his head a bit, he grabbed one of the cups and scooped some flour out of the bag, then dumped it into a bowl.

“Huh?” Scar questioned with a little hope.

“You hated how hot the oven would get and would just throw your shirt off because of it.” Cub teasingly laughed and poked Scar’s forehead, and left a bit of flour on it. Scar wiped it off and smiled back, it felt almost—scratch that, it felt so comforting to know that he might just be the same guy as he used to be, memory or no memory.

“Oh..” then Scar started laughing and dipped his hand into the flour and then smeared some onto Cub’s face. Cub coughed and tried swatting Scar’s hand away, while also reaching his hand into the flour and flicking his fingers in Scar’s face so that the flour powdered his face.

“Ah!” Scar yelled and tried wiping his face, but he only got more flour on it. That was until Cub handed him a wet rag, he wiped his face and saw that Cub was clearly trying to cover up laughter.

“Come on, let’s actually focus.” Cub said through a few calm laughs and Scar nodded, he couldn’t shake the smile off of his face though. He couldn’t believe that the moment went from sad to happy that fast.

— — — —

Scar loved the smell of fresh baked cookies. He leaned close and admired the frosting swirl that covered the chocolate. They were as beautiful as a cookie could be beautiful, and Scar was so proud of it. Considering he was the one to decorate all but one.

Scar huffed his chest and placed his arms on his hips while smiling, he turned to face Cub. “I really wanna eat one, Cub.” 

“No, Scar.” Cub shook his head, although Scar could tell Cub was also fighting the urge.

“Please?” Scar asked.

“No.” Cub said, a bit firmer, but still playful.

“A tiny bite?” Scar asked again, he was pushing his limits at this point.

“Scar.” Cub firmly stated, and tilted his head while looking at Scar.

“We can split one?” Scar suggested and Cub just laughed, he couldn’t tell if Cub was mad or just outstanded by Scar’s determination.

“Fine.” Cub gave into Scar’s begging, and Scar cheered and went to pick up an Elven Kiss. Scar flinched back when he touched the cookie, “Ouch!” He exclaimed and shook his hand. It was way too hot. Cub just laughed at Scar’s idiotic move, and Scar slightly slapped him on the face with the back of his hand.

“Idiot.” Cub claimed, and Scar gasped, offended with something he completely agreed with in the moment.

“How dare you accuse a man of such lack-of-intelligence. I knew it was hot… I was just making sure! That’s all!” Scar proudly said, closing his eyes and pettily flicking his head upwards. Cub laughed. “Sure, sure, Scar.” Cub responded and reached out for the cookie that Scar was going to grab. Apparently enough time had passed by for it to cool down.

Cub broke the cookie in half and handed Scar one part of it. Scar hesitated at first, not sure on whether he should trust the cookie just yet. He grabbed the part of the cookie that Cub held out, it was warm, not too hot, and so far edible. Scar then took a bite, and holy shit… IT TASTED SO GOOD! 

“Oh my!” Scar exclaimed, he had only bitten a half of the half he was given, but that made him want to save it forever and not eat it. But he also wanted to eat it because it was just so good! The cookie was sweet and soft, but not melty, and the frosting that covered the chocolate really brought in all the taste and looks. 

It was the best thing Scar has ever tasted.

—————————————————————————————————————-

“…Scar?” Grian mumbled out, his voice croaked slightly as his body began to wake up. But Scar wasn’t anywhere to be seen, where would’ve been, right next to him, was Jellie.

“Hi Jellie.” Grian said a bit loopy to the cat as he smiled and petted her. For such short hair, it was so soft! Jellie mewed back and he listened to her calming purrs as he continued to pet her, and then remembered why Scar wasn’t there with Grian. He was probably making something with Cub, and Grian is supposed to watch over Jellie while that happens.

Maybe a peek in the kitchen wouldn’t hurt though… he could just hold Jellie in his arms and make sure she doesn’t jump on the counter and make a huge mess. Grian groggily sat up, a few feathers were strewn across the floor.. but it wasn’t a floor.. It was a temporary nest. But Grian hadn’t set this up? Did he? But he didn’t; he was asleep. So… that means Scar had to have set this up.

Awe. Grian smiled, Scar didn’t have to do that, but he did. Though, he hoped that Scar hadn’t felt obligated to do that just because Grian was an avian.. That’s probably not the reason though, or at least he hoped. Grian didn’t know how comfortable it is to be in a nest, and Grian doesn’t want to force Scar to be uncomfortable. Grian rubbed his eyes and yawned. He felt more tired than usual when waking up. It could have to do with sleeping in a different area, even if he slept wonderfully.

Despite the tiredness, he felt refreshed almost. Except the moments from yesterday that have flooded his mind. He knows Scar. Not just from randomly finding him in the old buildings that have been abandoned long before he came to live here with Mumbo.

Grian grabbed his right arm just from thinking about that moment and what he might’ve gone through. The burn on Scar’s arm.. what happened to the kingdom then…? To cause such a burn, a disaster so great that it caused so much harm to Scar mentally. Suddenly the amnesia made sense, he probably had hit his head on something while trying to escape the supposed fire or whatever happened then.. 

But something else also rattled the back of Grian’s mind. Scar himself. Knowing Scar, meant that he also knew Cub, and that he possibly also knew Gem as well. But so far, none of them had recognized each other. Not until yesterday, that was an unforgettable moment.

Grian sat up and stretched his arms upwards, letting out a tiny chirp, and his wings made contact with the sofa behind him. It was annoying, the close contact with the sofa, but Grian brushed it off as he stood up. Grian reached down and picked up Jellie, who meowed in protest. He held Jellie in his arms as he got up and approached the kitchen. His eyes were half closed and he moved slowly to avoid falling over.

Grian stood in the doorway and Scar rushed over to meet him over there. He moved one of his arms from under where Jellie was in his arms to rub his eyes.

“Grian, these are so good you have to try them!” Scar exclaimed to Grian, overwhelming him with words and Grian just continued to rub his eyes, only half registering what Scar was saying.

“Oh, yeah? What’re they called?” Grian asked him, smiling slightly. He was glad to see that Scar was enthusiastic about all of this.

“They’re called Elven Kisses!” Scar happily told him, smiling while still holding a quarter of one in his hand.

“That’s nice, Sc-” Grian paused his sentence as he had just processed what he was looking at. He was looking at Scar, obviously. But it was how Scar looked right now that really got him and made his mind do a double take. Grian felt the blush run to his face, it seemed to love to do that now. 

Scar was shirtless, and standing about less than half a meter away from Grian. He had seen Scar shirtless before, but not when he was tired as hell and not ready to live the day. Grian couldn’t help but stare at Scar’s chest.. he felt so guilty for doing so but he couldn’t look away.

“-ar.” Grian finished his sentence and forced himself to look at Scar’s face. He looked unbothered and even oblivious to it. Grian hated that he still took a few glances at Scar’s chest. He felt his stomach swirl a bit. He never realised how tall Scar was compared to Grian, with Scar standing, he was only about a quarter of a foot shorter than Scar. But damn did it make a difference, if he stared directly in front of him, the only part of Scar he would be able to see would be his chest.. So was it really his fault?

The Watchers would never approve though, this was the very reason they always had them cover up as much skin as possible. Everything was a distraction with them, not being allowed to talk, interact. Or if someone even dared to fall out of line, they were killed, brutally. They were executed in front of everyone too, it was not a mistake to mess something up, lives were literally on the line. Grian shuddered at the thought of the Watchers and tried to distract himself. He shook his head and then looked behind Scar and saw the tray of cookies on the counter.

“May I h-have one?” Grian asked, slightly pointing over to the Elven Kisses but Scar seemed to not understand. To be fair, Grian’s face still felt overly warm from just seeing… Scar. 

“Hm?” Scar mumbled, and Grian repeated himself, while only barely stuttering this time. “May I have an Elven Kiss?” Grian politely asked while smiling back. ‘Elven Kiss’ sounds very proper, so Grian said it how he thought it would sound being said in the kingdom. A little joke. It made him feel a lot more confident than he felt.

Scar seemed taken aback by what Grian said, flustered even. But was that the right word? Scar’s face was caked in red, much like the very pigmented icing on the cookies, except his face wasn’t purple. Scar, without a word, grabbed a cookie off the tray. He nodded as he placed the cookie in Grian’s hand and closed his hand over the sweet right after. 

That was to be expected. Although, what he didn’t expect was for Scar to gently grab and rest his pointer finger underneath his chin while his thumb held his chin and leaned down into a kiss.

This caught Grian by surprise, he didn’t know how to feel, act, or even think for a few seconds. He felt his stomach swirl and flip, incomprehensible just like everything else around Grian. Scar’s lips felt damp and cracked, and unorganized against his, but gods.. Grian actually kind of liked that. Grian slightly pressed his lips against Scar, not sure on what to do. He hasn’t exactly kissed anyone. Nor has he ever planned on doing so, at least anytime soon. But soon was now. 

He closed his eyes and Grian felt all his feathers puff out and his wings flared outwards behind him, making a small ‘whoosh’ sound. The wings on his ears also stuck out, and the tiny feathers that were across his face like freckles had stood up. They brushed Scar’s face only slightly, eand probably tickled his face.

Grian wasn‘t sure what to do with his hands, did he place them on Scar’s waist? Was he supposed to cup his face and hold it closer to him? Was he supposed to keep them to his side? Everything was confusing him, but the outstanding fact that Scar was even kissing him confused Grian the most. Did he say something? Based on what was happening right now, gosh, he probably did. An Elven custom he was unaware of perhaps? 

Scar then suddenly broke the kiss, leaving Grian to stand there wide-eyed and questioning everything. The parting seemed rushed and his vision was slightly blurry, or he just hadn’t processed his surroundings yet. Grian still held the cookie in his hand, and squeezed it tighter. It was almost as if that moment had permanently settled itself in the cookie and he didn’t want to let it go. Even if it was over.

—————————————————————————————————————-

Cub grabbed a rag and went over to the sink to wash it. Muffled chatter between Scar and Grian was heard in the background, he thought he’d let them talk for time being. Grian seemed to have a lot on his mind before he went to sleep, it was almost impressive how quick he managed to pass out. Better to have them talk it out now than later? He doubted they were actually talking about that though, knowing Scar, he was sure to immediately talk about something random or off topic.

He heard Scar talk about how good the Elven Kisses were, and Cub was just delighted that he still finds them as delicious as always. Then, Cub heard Grian say something back. Even though it was muffled, it was still pieced together rather well in Cub’s mind.

“-y ..I have… Elven Kiss?” Is what Cub heard Grian say and in a split second, he turned on the tap and turned around faster than he ever has before. Oh no, what if Scar thought—fuck. What Cub thought would happen, turned out to be reality. 

When Cub turned around, he froze. There he was, a wet rag in his hand, nothing to say, and for once, he didn’t know what to do as he watched his brother kiss his friend. On the lips too. Scar didn’t even go for a friendly cheek kiss, he went straight for it. (That surprised Cub the most, he thought he would’ve at least hesitated and backed away from doing so. But guess he was being bold today.)

Cub then flicked the rag so it made a loud sound, catching Scar’s attention and making him break away from the kiss with Grian. Poor Grian, no idea of what just happened and why it happened probably. He stood there with a shocked-flustered look on his face and stared into nothing. His wings had been stretched out and Jellie was now on the countertop.

“Scar!” Cub yelled at him, sounding out breath towards the end. 

“I-” Scar started to reason but Cub cut him off, “I don’t think that’s what Grian meant, Scar!” Cub started laughing out of annoyance and just purely because it was funny to him. He was laughing a lot, which was good. Maybe not for the reasons, but he was surely laughing alright. 

“Oh..!” Scar squeaked out and Cub laughed even harder. Scar buried his face in his hands and shook his head. “I didn’t know…” 

“I know you didn’t know.” Cub light heartily laughed as he patted Scar’s back. “That’s why you should go and apologize, Scar.” Cub finished saying and Scar fake cried in response.

“Okayyyy.” Scar said and lifted his face and walked over to Grian. “I’m sorry, Grian..” Scar’s voice sounded crackly and hoarse, like he genuinely meant what he said. Cub knew this was true, Scar was always sincere when it came to apologizing. That’s why he apologized. He refused to properly apologize when he was younger, only deeming those worthy of a ‘sorry’ if he actually felt bad. This got him in lots of trouble when they were younger, especially with teachers.

Cub noticed Grian’s lack of response and walked over to Grian to tap his shoulder. The avian looked over to him, still wearing the same blank eyes as a few minutes ago. He blinked at him and his face was still so red, Cub was beginning to wonder if he was sick or something.

“You alright?” Cub asked, concerned. After all, Grian was literally just kissed and without consent.

“…yeah?” Grian said in a whispery tone, he said this through a half smile which reassured Cub that he’s probably alright. “I’m just taken aback that’s all..” Grian continued and laughed a little, he leaned over so that he was properly looking over to Scar. “At least take me out first!” Grian joked and Cub laughed, he didn’t expect for Grian to clash back so fast. 

“What?” Scar responded and that made both Cub and Grian laugh even harder. Cub glanced to the countertop while laughing and noticed that Jellie was there, he had forgotten that she had gotten up there. Oh shit! Cub reached over to the cat, who was trying to sniff the flour bag. Gods, that’d be a mess to clean up for sure.

“What’s going on here?” Mumbo asked hazily while rubbing his eyes. He was leaning on the side of the doorway, “I heard a lot of commotion, not sure if it was good or not.” Mumbo chuckled at the end as he finished.

“There was a little mishap I would say.” Cub grinned, Scar and Grian looked over to him in sync with blush all over their faces. Grian mouthed ‘don’t you dare tell him!’ And Mumbo continued to look at them all questionably. Cub had to try his best to hold in his laughter and smiles.

“Seriously, what happened?” Mumbo’s chuckles soon turned into slightly nervous laughter.

“I’ll tell you later, I’m afraid if I do right now, they’ll die.” Cub nudged his head to point over to Scar and Grian. Mumbo laughed a little at the joke and then said, “Ah, that makes sense. They’re quite easy to kill with embarrassment.” He admitted and Grian gasped, offended.

“How dare you assume I’m easy to kill!” Grian argued back and Mumbo raised an eyebrow. He then watched as Grian’s eyes widened and Mumbo began to speak again, “How about I tell them about the time you—” Grian ran over to Mumbo and covered his mouth, “LET’S NOT TALK ABOUT THAT OKAY? HAHA!” Grian nervously laughed, he sounded more maniacal though.

“What were you going to say Mumbo? I was really interested.” Scar said while grinning, obviously loving the taunting that was happening right now.

Mumbo managed to get Grian’s hands off his face, “I was going to say-” 

“NOPE!”

“That-“

“NO!”

“Grian when we were younger-”

“MUMBO—PLEASE NO!” 

“He would hide around the house with a blanket over him and would jump out at me at random times, he thought it was a game.” Mumbo quickly spat out in fear that he would be interrupted again, and everyone got quiet. Not sure what to say to that, it was a lot of information at once.

“Oh.” Grian calmly said after, and that caused everyone to double down with more laughter. “That’s still embarrassing though..” Grian mumbled and his ear wings covered his face while he hung his head down. 

“What did you think I was going to say?” Mumbo questioned and Grian looked to the side, face full of even more blush from embarrassment.

“I’m not going to tell you!” Grian called back.

“Aw, I thought I could’ve got you there.” Mumbo complained and Scar giggled. Cub could tell he was enjoying the conversation a lot.

“Ahah, I’m just too smart, aren’t I.” Grian proudly claimed while his wings slightly spread out.

“Nah.” Mumbo ruffled Grian’s hair and Grian’s mouth was left gaped in an ‘O’ shape at Mumbo’s comment.

Grian was about to say something, but was interrupted at a loud knock on the door. Cub’s face lit up, he knew who was there. Gem and Pearl were coming over to visit, Cub arranged this a few nights ago, he had come across Pearl on one of his nightly strolls (admittedly he was looking for food) and they ended up making somewhat decent plans for today.

Cub rushed over to answer the door, Scar following shortly behind him.

Chapter Text

Pearl didn’t have to wait long at the door with Gem. Mere seconds after Gem had knocked on the door, the door had roughly opened and they were met with two very excited Vexes. Scar and Cub practically dragged Gem inside, Scar did more than Cub. He seemed really eager to show her something while Cub was just happy to accompany him. 

Pearl chuckled at this, Gem was just as happy to see them as they were to see her, and honestly, it warmed her heart. It felt so nice, there was just something so comforting about it that Pearl couldn’t place. But it did have a warm place in her heart for moments like those.

“PEARLPEARLPEARLPEARLPEARLPEARL!” She heard someone yell in the distance, and that yell could only belong to one voice. Grian. 

Pearl braced herself, she knew her brother, and she knew that he had no limits when he was excited. He could probably knock her down or something. Pearl slightly widened her stance, not to make it so obvious, but enough to make sure that she felt stable enough at least.

But that made her think, why was everyone so full of energy all of a sudden? She wasn’t complaining though, Pearl was happy about it. It’s better than everyone being sad. It’s also better that Grian is finally out of his room, just like Cub said he would be. She’s glad she trusted his word. She’s kind of warming up to him, maybe he isn’t as bad as she thought he was.

Pearl would have to thank that nightly stroll, she had decided to take her dogs out for a walk. They loved walks at night, the breeze was pretty nice as well. She stumbled across Cub closer to where the abandoned buildings were, an odd place and pretty far away from both of their abodes, but they met there nonetheless. It was still unexpected, her dogs almost went after him, luckily she remembered that Cub is supposed to be a friend. Friends don’t attack friends. She keeps true to that word, and so do her dogs, they know very well. 

She halted them and decided talking was worth a chance. She trusted Gem’s words, her many words about him and even what he was like as a kid. She could see how such a kid could turn into the person he was now. Timid but not afraid. They stared at each other before Cub started small talk and that eventually blossomed into them just talking about their brothers. Well, they had to begin somewhere in conversation? Plus, it was how Pearl learned how much he cared for his brother, Scar. She could relate to Cub in that way, she would do pretty much anything she could to keep her brother safe. But that didn’t mean she fully forgave him for the minor injuries he left.

They ended up making plans for well—today. It was today now, and she was glad that they had remembered. Grian’s place was nice, dare she say it was better than hers. (It was.) 

Her thoughts were interrupted as Grian ran towards her, stopping just before knocking her to the ground. Feathers had fallen off in a trail behind that made Pearl giggle. Gods, he needed to be preened so much, but at least his wings didn’t seem to really bother him at the moment. Sure she saw them twitch occasionally, and that bothered her slightly (a lot*). The urge to just sit down and preen them for him was almost unbearable. Although, he didn’t look as bad as she would’ve assumed he should’ve been. She couldn’t really say anything either, her wings felt oily as fuck and were probably twitching as well. Hopefully she could sit down in the living room or something and preen herself. It didn't help that she indeed started her period. Luckily Gem has been lots of help, caring for her the days she could barely keep herself together. Her dogs would cuddle around her and provide comfort as well.

She may have been known for many (not all) “bad” things when she was younger, but one of those things happened to be organization. Her area was always tidy, it helped distract her from really just living where she was. The Watchers weren’t forgiving. It made it difficult to live there, knowing that at any moment she could’ve died. 

She shook her head, and that got rid of most of the thoughts circling around her head as well as moving her hair out of her face. “Yeah?” Pearl questioned Grian with a smile to match. Grian grabbed both of her shoulders and shook them. 

“Guess what! Guess what!” Grian shouted, not making it sound like a question, and before Pearl could respond with “what?” Grian had already started telling her everything.

“You remember the exchange program right?” Pearl nodded, “Do you remember me talking about that one kid, you know, the one that had the cat and I like to think saved my life? Kind of, he was like my only friend that wasn’t part of… that .. class.” Grian added and Pearl gasped. “Don’t tell me!” 

“Yes! It’s him!” Grian revealed and Pearl slightly jumped, not the best thing to do while on her period. She ignored the bits of pain it brought her, she was way too excited to care about that right now.

“Have you told him yet?” Pearl eagerly asked. Grian looked to the side and sulked a tiny bit. 

“No, but I’m planning on it later.” Grian told her.

“That’s good.”

“Yeah.” 

“Is that why you felt connected?” She asked, raising an eyebrow. She saw her little brother blush slightly, he did that a lot now. She wondered why, it puzzled her a lot. Was it because of Scar? 

“Maybe.” Grian shrugged, although Pearl could see how much he wanted to admit that it probably was the reason. They stood in silence for a bit, she could see that Grian was thinking about something, and possibly debating telling her something as well.

“You know, it makes sense. That you used to know him?”

“Really? How so?”

“Well, you still talk about him the same way.”

“A—really?” Grian smiled and Pearl just ruffled his hair. “Yes.”

She remembered way back when Grian got home from the exchange program. He was so happy to see her, telling her how much he missed her, and how he wished she was there to see everything. He then went on to tell her about his first day, and this kid that he met. He was so ecstatic about it, it made her feel a sense of nostalgia for when she was in the exchange program. At least he had a friend though.

Grian swatted her hand off his head and tried putting on an annoyed face. Pearl knew he wasn't actually annoyed though.

— — — —

They walked into the living room where Gem was sitting next to a mess of blankets on the floor, talking to Cub who sat right next to her. Gem looked both wise and young whilst talking to Cub, who looked very proud of himself for whatever he was talking about. Despite everything being really loud right now, there was a shit ton of noise going on and thus Pearl wasn’t able to focus or make out what anyone was truly saying. So she used her eyes, they always did what her hearing couldn’t.

The mess of blankets caught her attention, the placement looked like it was on purpose. Pearl turned her head to face Grian and gave him a questioning look.

“Oh? A nest?” Pearl said in a teasing tone, turning to face Grian and crossing her arms.

—————————————————————————————————————-

Grian’s face flushed at what Pearl said, she wasn’t wrong though. It was a nest. Just.. For a sleepover.. Which Grian still didn’t really even know what that was. 

“Scar made it.” Grian admitted, and Pearl grinned, “You do have to admit it’s pretty good for someone who isn’t an avian. “Yeah.” Grian agreed.

Grian’s train of thoughts were very scrambled, they were mainly filled with Scar though. Various things like the kind gesture of him making a nest, the erm.. the kiss. Grian blushed even more. Gods, he would never be able to even tell Pearl about that. She would make fun of him until the day he died, surely. 

Grian inhaled and exhaled whilst thinking of how… nice.. the kiss was. Grian felt his lips gently with the tips of fingers, thinking and remembering how it felt. It was warm and soft, but very unskilled? Grian wouldn’t even know what a skilled kiss would’ve been like—Grian shook his head from imagining any of that. Grian couldn’t even shake off what Pearl has said about Scar either, and how he talks about him the same way he would when he was younger.

Jellie brushed his leg and snapped his attention back to the real world. “Hey, Jellie!” Grian crouched down to pet her and she purred lovingly into the pets. Grian then noticed that Cub was talking to Gem, Mumbo was also there, trying to involve himself in the conversation. It was awkward, but he was slowly managing to become fully part of the conversation. Then Grian saw Mumbo smile as he talked to Gem and Cub, and he could practically feel the genuine aura of happiness in waves, radiating off of them. It affected him. Grian smiled and picked up Jellie who meowed in protest before accepting it. 

He walked over to the makeshift nest and sat in it, and rested Jellie in his lap to continue petting her. He wasn’t paying much attention to Gem and Cub’s conversation, but by the sound of it, they seem to be talking about things that have happened recently.

Pearl slowly sat down, close to Grian but just outside of the nest. She knew it wasn’t meant for her. Although he wouldn’t have been upset if she joined him in the nest, after all, she’s a part of his flock. Flock members were always allowed inside the nest.

Grian was about to ask Pearl if she would join, but then was quickly interrupted by Scar who loudly chimed while walking into the room, “Cookies!” Scar carried the tray of Elven Kisses, they should still be warm as Grian could see faint trails of steam leaving the cookies. Then, Grian realised he was still tightly holding the cookie that Scar gave him. 

He loosened his grip on the cookie and saw it in its smushed form. The frosting left traces on his hands and he put the cookie in his other hand as he licked the frosting off his hand. Luckily no one questioned it. 

“Ooo!” Pearl gasped upon seeing the cookies and stood up to grab for one. “Can I?” Pearl asked and Scar nodded his head. She grabbed a cookie off the tray, signed ‘thank you’ to Scar, and sat right back down. Scar looked confused at the gesture but didn’t ask about it. He shrugged and brought the tray over Grian and extended the tray over to him and Scar started to open his mouth. “I’ll take the tray, Scar.” Cub quickly said and Grian already knew why. He didn’t want to repeat the same incident as earlier.. Did Grian really want to call it an incident? He didn’t know. 

Scar blushed as Cub took the tray off of him and handed a cookie to Gem and Mumbo before leaving to set it down in the kitchen. Scar sat down and Grian noticed Scar’s hair. It looked matted and tangled, Grian couldn’t help but try to run his hand through his hair. He stopped as soon as his hand barely touched the hair, he rested his hand back onto his lap and pet Jellie. Right now, she has much, much, much nicer hair.

“Ohhhhh, Scar.” Grian said disappointedly while he stared into Scar’s head of tangled and matted hair. Scar chuckled, not in a fun laughy way, but in a much more guilty tone. Grian then got up and headed to the bathroom, grabbing the hair brush, he grabbed the bristles and pulled out as much hair as he could from the brush and throwing it in the trash can, and then he returned back to the living room and sat down behind Scar, a hairbrush now in hand.

“It’s about time we sort this out, and we should change the bandages. We might even be able to leave your arm out of bandages, but knowing you, we should probably keep them on for a bit longer.” Grian chuckled towards the end as he dragged the brush through the bottom of Scar’s hair, he’d make his way up to the top eventually. Scar turned his head around.

“Hey! What’s that supposed to mean?” He questioned, sounding offended, and it gained a few laughs from the others.

“I’m saying I don’t want you to risk accidentally ruining my perfectly good healing process for you!” Grian proclaimed and stuck his tongue out slightly. Scar stuck out his tongue back and turned his back so that Grian could probably brush his hair.

“How ‘perfect’ is this healing process anyway?” Scar questioned, sounding a bit sassy and possibly hoping to get Grian to admit that he’s wrong. 

“I’d say it’s pretty darn good, he always had a knack for healing.” Pearl interrupted, sounding a tiny bit marveled.

“Yeah, most of the time it wasn’t by choice though.” Grian distastefully remarked and got a few quiet stares. Grian even felt Scar tense up a bit. This made Grian uncomfortable, really uncomfortable. He shuffled in his sitting position and his wings clung slightly closer to his back, and suddenly his face felt a lot warmer. Not in the warm fuzzy way it does when he looks at Scar. But in the way that made him want to crawl into a hole and kill himself. Would someone just say something? Why’re they just staring at him?

“I-” Grian’s throat closed up, he didn’t know what everyone else was thinking, except for Pearl. He knew exactly what moment was replaying in her mind, and it made Grian’s stomach plummet. He felt nauseous, he couldn’t focus his vision and he was afraid if he did, he would have to stare into the eyes that made him want to cry. Eyes were such a beautifully cursed thing. He could look into certain eyes forever, but as soon as they laid on him first and menacingly, he would want to gouge them out and smush them onto the floor. An indescribable feeling, it feels beyond him.

“I just get hurt a lot!” Grian tried explaining, it wasn’t a lie. He did get hurt a lot, the bit he was hiding, was how he got hurt. Even then, it was never a pleasant answer. He looked desperately at Pearl, and she seemed to have gotten the message. 

“Yeah, you were always falling down. Wait—remember the time you fell down the stairs!” Pearl enthusiastically reminded him and Grian groaned in embarrassment.

“Oh my gods- DO NOT BRING THAT UP!” Grian yelled to Pearl and she laughed. 

“I just did.” Pearl teasingly called out and bumped her shoulder into his and giggled mischievously. Grian pushed her away, rolled his eyes, and sighed as Pearl flopped onto her side. Inside, he was smiling and grateful for her diversion. 

“Anyways, Scar—I don’t think I can brush this out unless it’s properly washed.” Grian said and Scar hung his head down, not saying a word. He did make a grumbling sound though.  

“You need a bath.” Grian stated the obvious. He knew he needed one as well, but gosh, Scar didn’t smell the most pleasing. His hair was a mess, but Grian still admired him despite all that. 

“I knowww.” Scar acknowledged, sounding a tad bit annoyed.

“I’m serious!” Grian said back, his voice going a bit higher towards the end.

“And so am I!” Scar agreed. A bit of silence passed before Scar remarked, “You also need a bath, Gri.” 

Grian slightly blushed from the nickname but refrained from letting that fluster him. “I know, and at least I’m willing to admit that myself.” 

“If I take a bath, will you promise to tell me-” Scar didn’t even get to finishing asking his question before Grian responded, it was like he knew. Grian did know. In fact, he knew very well that Scar would want answers, and it’s only right that he gave him said answers. “Of course.” Grian tried saying casually and not rushed, though he might’ve (most definitely) have failed at that.

“Oh!” Scar said in response, like he really wasn’t expecting that fast of an answer. He blinked a few times as he looked at Grian. 

“I’ll grab the towels, soap, bandaging stuff, and then maybe I can finally brush your hair after.” Grian said and patted Scar’s back as he stood up, Jellie jumping out of his lap, and he went to go grab everything. In the distance, everyone seemed like they went back to regular chatter which eased Grian’s nerves.

Grian returned back into the bathroom once again, he really wasn’t planning on doing this today. He didn’t wake up and plan this out. He grabbed his towel and an extra one from the cupboard beneath the sink and a soap bar. It’s not like they would need two, right? He shrugged and continued to grab supplies, and found the first aid kit. At least he didn’t have trouble finding it this time. He was happy though, Scar was healing, a lot faster than suspected. But that could just be the Vex Magic, Grian has read before that it does have healing properties.

— — — —

Grian and Scar were now at the river bank. The sound of the river water flowing and sloshing gently against the bank gave Grian a sense of peace, occasionally there were some fish here and there. There was also quite a slope and about a couple yards just of level ground for them to stand and place down their things. The slope down was slippery, grassy, and a bit muddy from the rain. Flowers were blooming and Grian admired how they looked.

Grian set everything down in a neat pile, two towels, aid kit, a hairbrush, a bar of soap, and a few hair ties. Scar last minute requested if Grian could possibly do something to his hair other than brush it, of course Grian said yes. Grian also undid all of Scar’s bandages after setting everything down. Grian felt bad for Scar, having to deal with those sickening burns, he wished that they healed nicely. He had confidence in his ability to heal, but he also had doubts. What if his healing process wasn’t good enough? 

“Here’s the plan.” Grian said to Scar and he looked at him. “Yeah?” 

“I’ll just be.. over.. there…” Grian slowed down what he was saying once he realised that Scar was already in the process of taking off his shirt. “Scar!” He yelled out, blushing slightly. 

“What?”

“At least wait until I’m done speaking first?”

“Oh yeah,” Scar chuckled and then fully took off his shirt, exposing his chest, “continue.” 

Grian rolled his eyes and continued, “And you could probably just-” Grian stopped midway through the sentence. Why? Because it finally clicked. They had to take off their clothes…

A stupid thing to realise, how else would they get a bath? But.. that still didn’t derive away from the point that Grian would be close to an unclothed Scar. Scar seemed fine with it, his shirt was already off. So why was Grian so flustered and unable to continue speaking?

“Probably do what now?” Scar curiously asked, raising an eyebrow. Grian couldn’t tell if he was doing that genuinely or teasing him.

“..huh?” Grian quietly responded. 

“You stopped speaking.” Scar pointed out. 

“Oh.” Grian started to blush, he could feel the heat on his cheeks and hoped it didn’t stand out too much for Scar to notice. “I just— I- erm. I-, just get in the damn river.” He said rushed and not in the most polite way.

“What about you?” Scar asked, sounding mildly concerned. 

“Like I said, I’ll be over there.” Grian pointed over to about 10 yards from where he was standing. “That’s where I usually bathe.” He finished explaining, grabbed his towel, and started to walk. He hung his head down, afraid if he looked back at Scar, he’d be met with the sight of the naked man. 

Grian also did feel bad though, he was rude. When he just talked to Scar that is. Although he was still feeling overwhelmed and couldn’t process any words he thought out of his mouth. 

He placed the folded towel on the ground and practically tore on his jumper and threw it on top of it. Grian kept his tank top on for simplicity’s sake. He can take it off later when he needs to use the soap, but he’d rather have as much privacy as he could for the moment. He made sure his wings were covering as much of him as they could as he slipped off his pants, he folded them roughly, threw them over his jumper, and landed messed up. Folding them was pointy. He took off his underwear and did the same. Suddenly he felt very exposed, well he was. But uncomfortably exposed. 

If he was back with the Watchers, he’d probably be killed for exposing such an amount of his body in the vicinity of someone else. It made Grian want to cry, but he won’t. He walked over to the river and dipped his leg in the water. Cold. He waited until he got used to it before he fully submerged himself into the river. The river wasn’t really shallow as it covered up until just below his rib cage. He loved the river though, it was his calm spot. Now he was sharing that with Scar, not in the most preferable way, but he was. It still counts, at least to him. 

He blushed at the thought of Scar again. Just as he is. Not what he looks like right now, he just admires Scar. That’s all. He really did feel bad for being rude to Scar a few seconds ago. It welled in his stomach like acid. He took a deep breath before deciding to deal with the now tremendous amount of guilt he felt. 

“…Sorry.” Grian apologized and only slightly turned his head to face Scar, eyes closed. 

“For what?” He heard Scar’s voice question. It sounded so pure, so unfazed, but so sad at the same time. Grian wanted to swim over to him and hug him. He wanted to wrap Scar in his wings and weep, but he couldn’t bring himself to do so.

“More than I should admit.” Grian said, keeping quiet, but that was hard since the quiet surroundings seemed to amplify his voice.

“Oh.”

“I’m sorry for my rude attitude earlier, I’m sorry that I haven’t been the best recently, and I’m sorry for not telling you everything and confusing the hell out of you… It was wrong of me, and you deserve an apology.” Grian admitted and let himself relax and to show that he was open, he wanted Scar to see that he was sorry. Seeing was just as good as showing to Grian, almost the same word in his mind. His wings spread out and waded in the water with free range, they bumped up and down with the tiny waves, letting the water take control as if there was some sort of trust involved. As far as Grian was aware; he trusted Scar. 

“I- I’m also sorry.” Scar quietly admitted back, his voice sounded jagged, broken. 

“For what?” Grian questioned, surprised at what Scar was sorry about. 

“Anything really. I’m sorry if I make you feel annoyed, and I’m sorry that I was the reason that you were stuck in your room for days. That I was the reason you fell unconscious.” Scar rambled on and Grian felt the pit in his stomach grow.

“Scar…” Grian said with tears forming in his eyes. He didn’t know why the apology got him the way it did, “I won’t ignore that you were involved with the fact I was out those days, but don’t blame yourself fully. You’re improving aren’t you?”

“Well yeah but-” Scar agreed and then tried to conflict it with his stupid thoughts about him being a problem. Scar isn’t. Grian wouldn’t accept that as an answer. “Then it proves that you’re trying. That’s all I need to know to forgive you. There was no need to forgive anyway.” He tried drilling it into Scar’s mind.

“Wait, why?” Scar seemed stunned but not protesting anymore.

“I forgave you from the start. Nothing to forgive if all is already forgiven.” Grian said, slightly opening his head so that he could see the blurry water and the light that glistened so lovely on top of it. Grian then made the decision to look at Scar for the first time in a while. He looked into his eyes, Scar’s eyes looked how his felt. Grian then turned around, covering his front with his wings and slowly making his way over to Scar. He thought that he wouldn’t hug Scar earlier, but a simple look in the eyes can change everything. It did take everything in him to try and not look at Scar as a whole. Tempting, but that would be rude. 

Grian then was close enough to Scar that he opened his wings and hugged Scar’s side. It was a light hug, but hopefully it still meant a lot. He figured that they both needed that right then and there. They stayed like that for at least a few minutes. The hug was comforting and warm within the cold water that slowly moved past them. Grian then pulled away from the hug first, scared that he’d be stuck there forever if he didn’t move away.

“You have a scar on your chest.” Scar pointed out while physically pointy lightly onto the scar on Grian’s chest. Eugh, he hated that scar so much. Thinking about it made him feel sick. The scar on his chest.. was caused by someone who didn’t matter to him anymore. It’s not the only scar he has on his body, there were so many more. Hidden or mostly healed. He’s grateful for the ones that have disappeared. But he hated how they were all created by the same people.

“.. I know.” Grian sighed and hung his head, he couldn’t look at Scar’s face while talking about this.

Scar opened his mouth and Grian closed his eyes, preparing himself for the question that was about to be asked. “I’m not going to ask.” Scar ended up saying and that surprised Grian, causing him to open his eyes and move a bit backwards.

“Thank you.” Grian smiled into the words. He appreciated it, a lot.

— — — —

After the whole apology thing, Grian felt a lot better. He felt at peace and to be honest, he didn’t feel as uncomfortable as he did earlier. During the entire time, he had just been preening his wings. He felt that he would save himself for last. His wings matter more during preening month-time-of-the-year. But as he finished he realised tha the left the bar of soap with Scar.

Dammit. Grian really wished he had brought two bars of soap now.

“Hey, Scar?” Grian called out.

“Yeah?” Scar responded.

“Can I get the soap?”

“Oh, yeah!” Scar said and Grian heard the water slosh as Scar moved around. He kept his eyes closed before realising that he didn’t really need to do that. He opened his eyes and turned to Scar, trying his best to keep his eyes on his face. Grian then remembered his so called promise (that’s what he likes to think of it as).

“I promised that I would tell you everything.” Grian told Scar as he reached for the Soap from Scar’s hand. Scar’s head perked up upon hearing this.

“Oh yeah! I kind of forgot about that.” Scar laughed at the end and Grian shook his head while laughing a little as well. “Of course you did.” He said in response. Grian sighed and prepped himself mentally, thinking about how he would say this.

“Before I do though,” Grian began and Scar nodded his head in anticipation, “Can we wait until after the bath? It feels wrong like this.”

“Oh yeah, of course!” Scar agreed. “I’m almost done anyway.” He added and Grian agreed, “So am I. I just need to wash myself with soap and I’m good.”

“What were you doing the entire time?” Scar asked, confused.

“Cleaning my wings. What else?” Grian questions. 

“I don’t know.” Scar admitted and shrugged.

— — — —

Grian got out of the river and got dressed again, should’ve washed the clothes as well, but he didn’t want to wait an hour or so for them to dry. That’s too much awkwardness in one day for Grian. He grabbed the brush up off the ground, he knew that Scar’s been out of the river for a bit and surely he would’ve been dressed by now, right? Grian turned to face a fully dressed Scar, but was met with the opposite.

“Scar, put your clothes back on!” Grian shouted to Scar, starling the man a bit as he flinched. Grian was covering his eyes with both his head wings and hands and also turned his head to look away. 

Grian heard a disappointed whine come from Scar and he just laughed, gods, he acted like such a child, but not in a bad way.

“You can stay shirtless, but please, at least put on some pants? Please?” Grian asked politely, still covering his eyes and looking away. His voice was unbearably high, it cracked occasionally. But it wasn’t his fault that he didn’t know how to process the shirtless Scar in front of him. Grian waited until Scar was mostly clothed. Clothed as the man was comfortable being.

“It’s a nice day?” Was Scar’s reasoning for being shirtless. Grian had rolled his eyes at that.

“Sure.” Grian faked agreeing, he really didn’t know why he had to be shirtless in front of him. Scar looked good , that’s why, he couldn’t tell if it was jealousy or something else.. but either way, it was confusing.

Grian patted the area in front of him and Scar sat down, he pushed all his hair to his back so that Grian could brush it. Grian started to brush his hair in silence before deciding to break said silence.

“I used to know you..” Grian began the conversation and Scar responded with: “I got that. But what about knowing me? How do you know me? Did you recognize me when you found me?”

“I didn’t recognize you when I found you, no. But, when we were younger, where I grew up, they had us do this weird exchange program thing in the kingdom you lived in. The schools were connected and that’s how I knew you. For one year, we went to the same school, and you were pretty much my only friend outside of the people I already knew. To be honest, I would just consider you to be my only friend at the time.” Grian managed to answer all the questions that Scar asked and he felt a warm feeling in his heart, the feeling of remembrance. 

“Why did it take so long to recognize me?” Scar asked, and his voice sounded hurt. At least that’s what it sounded like to Grian.

“I don’t know..” Grian admitted, honestly whilst shaking his head in irony. “You changed a lot in looks? I suppose I should mention that we were five when I met you.”

“Was I also five?”

“I think, yeah. No, yeah. We were. We were both five.” Grian confirmed, remembering that Cub and Scar were twins and that Cub was the same age as Grian.

Grian continued to tell the story of how they met as he brushed Scar’s hair smooth, smiling the whole time, even through the uncomfortable bits. How could he not smile when he met such a man out of that experience? 

— — — —

“Augh, the hair ties are too far to reach.” Grian complained while holding Scar’s hair up in a ponytail position.

“Oh!” Scar rummaged through his pants pocket and pulled out a thin piece of black fabric. The same fabric that reminded Grian of his past, he tensed up when he laid eyes on it. Grian didn’t dare to blink, not until Scar moved the piece of fabric and placed it in Grian’s free hand. 

“Last night,” Scar started and Grian was so tempted to interrupt him. But what would he say? “Cub handed me this and said this could be used as a hair tie. I forgot it was in my pocket until now.” He finished and Grian could feel the smile even though he couldn’t see it.

“Oh.. Thank you.” Grian responded and gripped the fabric. As he held it, he realised that he should be looking on the positive side, he realised that this was like a full circle. After all, the blindfold was the reason that Grian even remembers Scar. He smiled and used the piece of fabric to tie up Scar’s hair into a simple ponytail.

“I might do something else with your hair later, but this does it for now.” Grian reached over to the aid kit, setting it on his lap and opening it. “Now, I have to redo your bandages.”

—————————————————————————————————————-

Scar threw one of the couch pillows at Grian, he stared at him in shock before grinning and grabbing the pillow. Though he saw Grian hesitate, he looked unsure as to whether he could throw the pillow back at him.

“Come on, you can throw it. Just don’t kill, that’s all I ask for.” Scar told him while grinning, he hoped he did his best to make it seem like he could ham and fight back. A one sided pillow fight was never fun.

Grian’s grin grew even more as he whacked Scar with the pillow. Scar fell to the floor on his side, slightly stunned from the impact. 

“Oh my gods! Are you okay?” Grian asked, hovering over Scar, pillow on the ground beside him. Scar faked being injured for a few more seconds before he abruptly grabbed the pillow and whacked Grian back with a triumphant laugh. 

This continued for about an hour before Mumbo came downstairs and told them to go to bed. It was the best pillow fight Scar had ever had, in his opinion of course. He wondered how Grian felt about the pillow fight. He hoped he wasn’t too harsh or anything. Though, it looked like Grian had fun, and that made Scar smile.

They calmed down and now they were laying down in the nest, Grian was on his stomach and one of his wings was spread out and covered Scar’s upper half. His wings were starting to look better, his newer wings looked so much more vibrant than he had ever seen them be before. It amazed him, much like the first time he remembered seeing him.

Grian then moved himself over half onto Scar so that he was cuddling him. That seemed to be the nightly routine now. Scar wasn’t complaining, he quite enjoyed the calming touch and feeling of Grian’s body against his when they slept. They layed like that for at least half an hour, Scar felt like he couldn’t go to sleep. He was too awake for that. So he kept himself busy by looking out of the window. Seeing the stars shine bright against the pitch black sky.

“I wish we could run around tougher…” Grian said triedly into Scar’s chest. Scar was shocked for a split second, he had thought that Grian was asleep. “In the flower field, the woods, screw around in the river, and maybe catch a few fish..” Grian rambled on before yawning and stopping his rambles.

“Oh—yeah. Same here, it feels like it would be so much fun.” Scar tried his best to sound positive. Deep inside, he was hurt, just a tiny bit. But it hurt Scar knowing that he couldn’t run, at least he couldn’t run while not hurting Grian at the same time. That would just cause them both pain. Scar didn’t want anyone to be hurt… Scar sighed and closed his eyes to let himself absorb the night air. He decided his thoughts weren’t worth it as he fell asleep.

He did feel bad though, that feeling stuck. A lot.

— — — — 

Scar woke up to Grian gone and Jellie by his side. Grian’s absence made him frown, he wanted to say good morning. But that gave him more time to get to do what he wanted to do. He made it his goal for today to show Grian that they could do all the fun things that wished. He’ll be safe, he swears. He just hopes he knows what the safe amount of Vex Magic is…

He got up and wandered tiredly into the kitchen, opened a cupboard and pulled out a pouch. Inside was powderized Vex Magic, this was specifically used for accompanying Scar’s food and on his wings. Today it will be consumed, not all of it of course, but maybe just… a little.. or a lot more won’t be harmful to him. 

Just a little more won’t hurt.. he swears. It will be for the fun, for the better. 

For him.

For Grian.

Chapter Text

Scar stumbled up the stairs, almost tripping on himself with practically every step. His head was spinning and he couldn’t tell how close anything was, his vision was doubled and blurred. Surely he was able to do a lot more things now? This had to be the feeling of victory. Although… it didn’t feel as Scar suspected it would.

He finally managed to get himself up the stairs and pressed himself against the wall, using it to keep himself upright. As he dragged himself along the wall, he was getting closer to Grian’s room. He can tell him that they can go on an adventure now! They can do everything they wished to do!

He hoped Grian wouldn’t be mad that Scar was shirtless.. He had gotten Vex Magic on his shirt and decided that taking it off was better than leaving it on. He wouldn’t want Grian to be affected by it would he now? (How ironic.)

—————————————————————————————————————-

Grian groaned as he flopped down backwards in his nest, tossing his jumper to the side. He put his hands over his face and dragged them down until they were resting on his chest. He sighed and stared at the ceiling, thinking. There was really nothing to think about. There was nothing he wanted to think about, and that bothered him. 

For the morning, it was oddly hot already. Supposedly that’s how it’s going to be for a few days, which is odd weather for November. He hated hot weather; he wasn’t particularly fond of it. But he also had a distaste for really cold weather as well, he liked the chill but warm and sunny weather that seemed so rare. The sun shining on his face while feeling a cool breeze was just what he wanted the weather to be like all the time. But no one gets what they want, do they?

Grian, as much as he would’ve liked to stay downstairs with Scar for the morning, felt it was way too hot to be clung onto his side in a mess of blankets. The humidity would not have been good for Grian anyway. He then turned his head slightly when he heard footsteps in the hallway. They sounded uneven and he could hear various incoherent mumbles. Grian titled his head at the strange sounds, they sounded strained and tired. He then heard a ‘thump!’ At his door and Grian sat up, his wings flared out, trying to make himself appear bigger than he was.

As the door knob wobbled from someone trying to open it, Grian mostly calmed down, he still was a bit weary. Then, his nose began to feel itchy and he sneezed. Grian didn’t even have time to process the sneeze before he could cover his mouth and nose. 

“Augh, that—that was disgusting.” Grian mumbled to himself and he felt a bit of nervous feeling in his stomach, similar to when he was exposed to so much Vex Magic. Oh no… did Scar..?

Grian’s question was answered with the door opening, revealing Scar’s self in all his “glory”. He stumbled into the room and clung onto the door knob as he almost fell forward. Grian reached out his arms in fear that Scar would’ve actually fallen, but seeing as he just extended his arms out and not moved, it was pointless. He couldn’t have been able to catch him from across his room. Though, it did remind him of the time when Scar nearly fell in his wheelchair. Grian caught him then.

Then Grian realised that Scar was shirtless.. Blush started to form on his face as he turned his head away, it was way too early in the morning for any of this. Grian then sneezed again and he got slightly light headed for a few seconds. Once his head cleared, he began to notice how Scar was acting, and he wasn’t acting how normally does. He was stumbling around, struggling and swaying side to side like he was about to fall any second. But he also looked overly calm, his eyes were droopy and he had an overall calm expression on his face. 

“Hey Grian..” Scar dreamily said as he continued to lean on the door. 

“Scar—what the hell are you doing?” Grian drastically questioned, sounding less concerned than he felt. Scar didn’t seem to notice the edge of tone in Grian’s voice.

“I don’t know, what am I doing?” Scar slurred out his words and Grian fully realised that something was up.

“No, you tell me, you’re the one that walked into my room.” Grian questioned and didn’t get an answer. Scar instead walked unsteadily over to Grian and harshly sat down right in front of him inside Grian’s nest. Grian couldn’t help but still feel a little offended that Scar didn’t even ask. But was Scar even in the right mind to even ask anything right now.

Scar sitting so close to him now gave him a better look at Scar. He looked into Scar’s eyes, which looked blue and cloudy, a lot like how Vex Magic is coloured. Did Scar take Vex Magic? But Cub said he was helping him take the proper amount.. unless.. Scar did this on his own.. and no offense to Scar, but he isn’t the most careful person out there. Then Grian noticed smeared blue stuff on the side of Scar’s mouth, some of it was splattered on his chin, parts of his chest, and arms.

Oh gods..

“…Scar?” Grian asked in a small voice, he couldn’t believe what he was about to ask him.

“Hm, yes Grian?” Scar leaned closer to Grian and grinned lopsidedly. Grian pushed Scar’s face away and finished his question. This was serious, he didn’t have time to be playful right now.

“Are you.. high right now, Scar?” Grian finished asking with much more concern in his voice. Scar just laughed and his grin turned into a proper smile. “Noooooo, I’m here on the ground,” Scar said in that same dreamy tone, like he was somehow flying in clouds, then Scar tapped Grian’s chest with his pointer finger, “With you~” Scar chuckled and ruffled Grian’s hair. He let him ruffle his hair, not because it felt nice, but because he was too stunned to do anything for a few seconds.

“Scar-” Grian gently grabbed Scar’s hand off his head and just held it, placing both of their hands on one of Grian’s knees. Scar looked at him curiously, he titled his head and Grian realised that his pupils were a lot bigger than they were before, although they looked dilated. It reminded Grian of a cat… He couldn’t tell if that was just a trait for being part Vex or not. Or it could just be a ‘like owner; like cat’ situation. 

Grian sighed, “Go put on a shirt, please?” He demanded and Scar slightly rolled his eyes playfully and returned his gaze onto Grian with a grin plaster on his face.

“And cover up these beauties? Noooooooo!” Scar let go of Grian’s hand and gestured his chest in a somewhat proud manner, showing it off. Grian blushed and looked away and then started to stand up to go get Scar his shirt back. Scar was definitely high right now. But right as Grian stood up, he was immediately brought back down. Scar had pulled him down into his lap so that they were facing each other and just mere inches apart. Scar hugged him, his arms clung around the bottom of Grian’s back, and sent shivers up his spine. That caused Grian’s wings to slightly twitch and flap a couple times. Grain’s face flushed as he moved his arms to cling around the back of Scar’s neck, making sure he wouldn’t fall and so he was actually stable. 

“Scar!” Grian sternly called to the man who was less than a foot away from him. Scar ignored him and didn't say anything, but instead hugged Grian closer and buried his face into the side of Grian’s neck, just below the mandible. He could feel Scar’s hot breath on his neck as the tip of his nose dragged down until it reached the nape of Grian’s neck. “Let me go, Scar.” Grian demanded and Scar just held Grian’s tighter. 

“Why? You’re warm..” Scar mumbled into Grian. He would admit that Scar felt very cold compared to him, it almost felt nice. Grian tried pushing Scar’s shoulders so he could at least have a bit of room between them. “Scar—I’m serious. Let me go.” He said again, he felt Scar shake his head and Grian just sighed. Grian managed to cover his mouth as he sneezed again. Gods… the Vex Magic was starting to affect him, but surprisingly not as much. Was he building immunity against it? Who knows..

Then, Scar suddenly moved, turned, and flopped onto his back. Grian yelped as he was now splayed on top of Scar rather than just sitting on his lap. They were both now fully dead center in Grian’s nest. “S-… Scar, you have to let me go.” Grian said frantically. This was so wrong, it was so, so, so, so, so wrong. Scar was high, he needed to get Cub to resolve all of this. He couldn’t be on Scar like this when he was high . Everything could go so wrong in a few minutes if they didn’t get out of the damn nest. Grian was scared he was going to do something that he was going to regret if he didn’t get out. Part of him… wanted it, but it was so wrong. He should’ve left the room as soon as Scar entered it and got Cub. He knew something was wrong, so why didn’t he try to help right away? 

Grian tried moving one of Scar’s arms from his back, but as he was doing so, Scar blew a little breath of air into Grian’s ear, and made him shiver immensely. His wings flapped a bit more from the sudden feeling that swirled around newly in his stomach and chest. Scar then brushed a bit of Grian’s hair out of the way and lightly nipped the area of skin just below his ear and just below his jaw. Grian’s face turned red as he endured the feeling of Scar’s mouth on his neck. It was cold against his skin, but Grian could only imagine that Scar was feeling the opposite. After all, Scar did say that Grian was warm. It wasn’t a proper bite, but a small nip, one that you would expect from a tiny dog trying to demolish a stranger’s ankles. But the way Scar did, made it seem on purpose, it was gentle and soft, like he didn’t want to hurt him. Scar’s mouth then left Grian’s skin, leaving it colder than it was before. Then he started to plaster tiny, light, quick kisses along Grian’s neck, causing him to feel chills everywhere. 

Grian was speechless, he didn’t know how to respond to this. It felt so good, he could feel his heart beat thump loudly in his chest, creating the loudest sound he could hear other than hearing Scar’s breathing. His wings flapped lightly and each feather spread themselves out just a tiny bit, Grian didn’t notice this. Grian was too busy trying his best to keep quiet and composure, he was trying to keep himself together. He tried not to give in, but gods… it was so hard to not give in. Scar’s Vex wings would occasionally touch the tips of Grian’s primary feathers, it made him feel insane in a good way.

He didn’t know what this feeling was, it felt like hunger but subconsciously Grian felt like that was wrong. That it was wrong to feel like that right now, or ever. It was to him earlier, but that Grian was drowned out by how he felt right now in the moment. His mind was beginning to feel cloudy in an addictive way, he wanted more of Scar. Would it be greedy if he wanted all of him?

Everything Scar was doing was uncovering parts of him that he didn’t know existed. Every touch on his back, neck, and face made him feel like he wanted more. He was always told he shouldn’t have people in his nest… was this the reason? Such a stupid reason.. 

Senses were definitely brought into the light as Scar began to kiss along his collar bone. He wanted to do something back, he was already hugging the guy, they were pressed up against each other. But.. that didn’t feel enough. Grian waited for Scar to stop kissing his collar bone, he cupped the sides of Scar faced and kissed him. Grian would admit that he almost missed Scar’s face completely, and that would’ve been really embarrassing. But he didn’t miss, and he took the moment as it was fully.

Scar groaned into the kiss and appeared to be taken by surprise. Scar’s arms loosened on his back and slipped down so that each hand was lightly holding a side of Grian’s torso. Grian leaned closer into him, pushing into the kiss and pushing him into the ground even more. Grian let go of the kiss, eyes wide. Why did he do that!??! Why did— why-

Grian’s thoughts were cut off as Scar messily kissed him, it was much like the one from the Elven Kiss incident. This kiss caught Grian off guard, Scar fully let go of Grian’s waist and used his elbows as support against the ground, they were the only thing keeping him up. This was when Grian realised that he was straddling Scar now, not just laying on top of him. Grian slid his hands from the top of Scar’s chest and under Scar’s back, now clinging onto him that way. Grian ended up scratching Scar’s back from just trying to keep himself upright. Scar’s back arched up with every inch that was scratched into his back. Scar’s body felt so cold against his, Scar’s body wouldn’t warm up, he figured that that was a side effect from the Vex Magic.