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Ever since he was a boy, Silver has done crazy things to prove to others that he is Lilia’s son. Once, Lilia asked Silver about his short temper when it came to their lack of shared ancestry. His son claimed that if he was truly Lilia’s kin, he could fight as well as him and he could act like him.
At that moment, Lilia knew that Silver was sensitive about this topic.
Actually, Silver was just sensitive.
He knew that Silver’s childlike sensitivity was akin to that of younger children, especially those who have not seen the face of death and war. He learned from Odette, Sebek’s mother, and Ezra, his father, that dismissing a child’s emotion at such a young age was a horrible idea.
Odette had made the same mistake with her eldest son, and to say it didn’t end in some destruction would have been a lie.
Lilia couldn’t rely on the skills he used to raise Malleus. He was a different type of child.
Odette and Ezra told him to let Silver be himself. If he grows out of his sensitivity, he’ll grow out of it. If he doesn’t, he doesn’t.
Well, that’s better said than done. Even if he were a child, Lilia didn’t like the idea of Silver being sensitive. How was he supposed to defend himself if all he could do was cry or play with animals?
During his time in the human-fae war, sensitivity got a person killed on the battlefield. If he showed mercy to any man on the field, he would suffer the consequences.
Lilia watched from the sidelines.
He saw Silver dance around with friendly animals by the cottage and saw how he would blissfully play around with the flowers in the field. Lilia thought he would have a problem with his behavior. But whenever he saw how happy Silver was, he just couldn’t find it in himself to get mad at Silver. He was happy. A child was supposed to be happy. Not worrying about war or the consequences of not following directions.
He was just… A child. A human one at that.
As he watched his son grow up, he saw how Silver learned that sensitivity could lead to something bad.
It all happened when Sebek tricked Silver, both around twelve and eleven at the time, into thinking that he was injured. Silver, being the kind boy he was, instantly rushed over to his side. When he got close enough, Sebek struck him with his wooden sword and won the fight.
After that, Silver never listened to Sebek until he forfeited his sword. Son like father, as they’d say.
So, he wasn’t as naive as he led on. Lilia was happy about that. At least he didn’t need to worry an awful lot about him being taken advantage of.
When he first saw his son hanging around the plotting Leech twin, he couldn’t help but wonder what the two could possibly have in common, aside from both being sophomores.
When he asked Sebek and Malleus about it, neither of them had a clue.
Lilia didn't think too much about it at first. He could have just been a friend of his, and he had no reason to get worked up. Silver was almost an adult. He could handle himself.
The three Diasomnia students were all having their own silent doubts about their friendship until one day, Sebek would avoid the topic of Silver and Jade.
They knew that Sebek found out what was going on between the two of them, but he wasn't confessing. When Malleus questioned him, he would turn red before shaking his head and saying he didn't know anything.
Lilia knew that Sebek was protecting Silver’s privacy, but he couldn't deny that it was somewhat irritating.
Fortunately for him, rumors catch up quicker than the truth.
One afternoon, Lilia was accompanying Malleus in the hallways after class. They walked with each other silently before they overheard students whispering about Jade and Silver.
Upon hearing the whispers, Lilia and Malleus both slowed their pace to a stop.
“Yeah, I saw the two of them entering Jade’s room yesterday. It was pretty weird,” One Octavinelle student hummed as he retrieved a notebook from his locker.
The other student, a Heartslabyul member, leaned against a locker with his arms crossed over his chest. “I heard they were in a relationship. A friend of mine from Diasomnia said that Silver is always so chirpy after hanging out with him.”
One of the boys shuddered. “Weird…” They agreed.
That was Silver’s little secret. He was in a relationship with Jade.
Lilia didn't like the idea. He could tell by the sour look on Malleus face that he didn’t either. Perhaps it was the overprotectiveness of being an older brother and father, but he couldn't deny that Jade was not a match for his son.
After finding out Silver’s small secret, Malleus personally asked that Silver accompany him more often throughout the day. Lilia watched from his seat and smirked when he saw Sebek choke back his tea.
When Silver asked if it was necessary that it was him, Malleus frowned and said it had to be him.
It lessened his free time with Jade significantly. But Silver was smart.
The two of them would meet up during breaks. Jade would slip him small things in class, and they’d hang out in the few rare minutes during lunch.
What frustrated Lilia the most was that Silver didn't come to him about his relationship. Why couldn’t he trust him enough to tell him anything?
All he wanted to hear from Silver’s mouth was what was going on with him.
Lilia was so desperate that he even called Ezra to get an answer on what to do.
His friend laughed at him while on the phone. “You can’t force Silver to talk to you. He probably is embarrassed and just as unsure of what to do like yourself. Give him time, and he’ll come to you.”
Easier said than done, Lilia thought. How would he feel if he found out that Sebek was in a secret relationship and refused to tell him?
He was right, though. Silver did end up coming to him later.
Despite his own feelings about Jade, he kept himself positive for his son. He smiled and told him that Jade was a lovely choice.
He just had to remind himself that this was a high school relationship. It wouldn’t last long-term.
…
That’s what he thought until he saw the engagement ring on Silver’s finger. Four years after their sophomore year at Night Raven’s College, six years of them being together, they got engaged.
Engaged.
Malleus granted Silver a week to relax because he had been working so hard recently, same with Sebek.
Lilia assumed that Silver would be coming home to their cottage for the well-deserved break, but Silver told him that he was going to fly and visit Jade for the week.
Lilia tightly smiled and wished his son a safe trip.
The day before Silver was supposed to fly home, he called Lilia and asked if they all could meet up at the cottage because he had big news to share.
Lilia was confused about what the announcement could be. He asked Silver, but he kept it a secret from him. Upon Silver’s request, he told Malleus and Sebek to visit their cottage on the day that Silver was going to return home.
Silver walked up to the cottage door, and Lilia basically jumped out of his seat to see his son. He opened the door and ushered Silver in before he could get a word out!
Silver smiled as he dropped his suitcase on the floor. He brought his father in for an embrace before going to hug Sebek and Malleus.
They all began talking for a few minutes before Lilia questioned what Silver’s announcement was, and they were all seething with anticipation.
With a flushed look and a childish grin, he showed his family the silver wedding band on his finger.
Lilia’s face went blank. Malleus and Sebek appeared speechless about his engagement as well.
Silver looked around the table and brought his hand back down onto his lap. He looked worried when nobody said anything after he confirmed that he was going to be married. Voicing his concerns, he immediately turned to Lilia with sad eyes. “Father…?”
No matter how old his son was, Silver always wanted Lilia’s approval in anything he did.
Seeing his child so sad made Lilia spring into action. He smiled brightly as he cupped Silver’s cheek. “This is fantastic, my boy! Tell me, how did Jade propose to you?”
After that, Silver seemed happier. Malleus would always catch Silver fidgeting with the wedding band on his finger whenever he stood beside him. Sebek saw him staring down at it when it was just the two of them. And Lilia saw Silver’s sadness when the two couldn’t be together.
Well, they weren’t getting married any time soon. So Lilia didn’t have to worry.
Or so he thought.
During a small dinner between the two of them, Silver told Lilia that they were going to have a small get-together in the spring.
Lilia voiced a small concern, asking if it was too soon. Silver shook his head. “I want us to get married as soon as possible. Despite our distance, I still love Jade an awful lot.”
So there Lilia was, sitting at a long table as Jade and Silver sat together across from him. He found himself staring at Jade for seconds at a time before turning over to converse with Kalim or somebody else who was around him.
He felt so ashamed of himself. He couldn’t find it within himself to be happy for his son, and he had no idea why.
Later that night, he sat in the hotel room as Sebek was brushing his teeth in the bathroom and Malleus was lying in one of the twin beds as he watched a nature documentary.
Lilia, still dressed in his suit, stared blankly at the desk as he continued to think. Lilia truly didn’t think that their relationship would last as long as it did. Now look at them. They are getting married tomorrow.
“Lilia?” Malleus softly asked as he lowered the volume on his remote.
The fae took a deep breath before turning around in his chair. He gave Malleus a warm smile. “Yes?”
“Are you alright?”
Lilia nodded. He must have been acting weird. His smile strained more as he tilted his head to the side. “I’m more than alright! I’m happy! My son is getting married tomorrow!”
Malleus’s eyes turned towards the backside of the wooden chair. “Are you sure…?”
“Why wouldn’t I be sure?”
“You’re cracking the wood,” He pointed out.
Lilia looked down at his seat, and indeed, he was slowly breaking the wood on the chair. He released his tight grip before letting out a loud sigh.
“I understand it’s hard,” Malleus said, nodding. His eyes showed a heavy amount of sadness behind them. “Silver is growing up.”
Sebek exited the bathroom and combed his fingers through his hair. “Is something wrong with Master Lilia?!”
“No, Sebek,” Lilia waved him off dismissively. “I’m just… Mentally preparing for tomorrow.”
He let out a small squeak in acknowledgement before Lilia smiled at Sebek. “How are you feeling, Sebek?”
The knight looked between Malleus and Lilia and smiled weakly. “I’m happy for Silver and Jade. Silver adores him more than anything, but as Lord Malleus said, he is growing up… It feels like he is leaving.”
Despite their marriage, Silver was not moving away. He was still going to be Malleus’s personal knight. He was just going to be married. It wasn’t that big of a deal.
“Yeah, it does, doesn’t it?” Lilia weakly smiled. “It’s alright! He is still our little Silver!”
Malleus looked over at Lilia. “How are you feeling, Lilia?”
As Lilia was going to say something, he realized he didn’t know what to say. He closed his mouth and began to think.
How does he feel?
“I’m not too sure,” He explained as he looked up at the ceiling with his finger on his chin. But he shrugged. “It’s his wedding.”
Sebek seemed conflicted for a brief second before he spoke up. “Are you still not happy that the two of them are getting married?”
“Of course I am!” He said loudly, causing Sebek and Malleus to flinch at his sudden reaction. “What type of father would I be if I wasn’t happy for my own son?”
Malleus and Sebek turned to each other before nodding. They left it alone.
Lilia sat at the table and continued to think. He didn’t really think about it the same way Sebek was talking about. He was leaving.
Silver was leaving his nest.
What do people do when they get married? They’ll move in together, start a family, they’ll change their last name, they’ll get a house…
A horrifying realization hit him.
In cultural standards, it was common practice for the spouse to take the last name of their partner. But because it was two males, who was taking whose last name?
Would Silver take Jade’s last name? He surely didn’t think that Jade would take Vanrouge as a last name. But would Silver take Leech as his own?
Of course not… Right?
Suddenly, Lilia sat up and banged his hands on the table.
“Lord Lilia?!” Sebek questioned.
“I’m off to see my son!” He sang with another strained smile. “I’ll be back later!”
Lilia knocked on Silver and Jade’s hotel door. He waited patiently until Jade opened the door. He looked down at Lilia and offered a smile. “Lilia, what may we owe the pleasure?”
The fae offered his own strained smile. “Hello, Jade. Is Silver here?”
“Father?” He heard some shuffling on the floor and saw his son peeking his head out. “What are you doing here?”
“I wanted to see you.” He frowned. “Is that a problem?”
“Not at all!” He reassured him. “Come-”
“Actually, I’d prefer it if you came out here. I want to go on a walk with you.”
Jade turned towards Silver before moving out of his way and allowing Silver to take his place in the doorway.
“Is something the matter?” Silver asked as he slipped on some shoes. He placed a hotel key into his back pocket and threw on a gray hoodie. “Father?”
Lilia motioned for Silver to follow him as they began their travel to the elevator doors.
They stood together side by side as the elevator came up and they entered.
“Father?”
“Yes, Silver?” He hummed in response, clicking floor one.
“Is something wrong? You’re beginning to worry me.”
Lilia looked over at Silver, who indeed looked worried. His eyes held a lot of concern for him. “I’m alright, my dearest son. I just wish to have one last walk with you.” Lilia walked off the elevator as Silver ran up beside him.
“What do you mean by our last walk? Father? Are you ill?” He began to question with worried eyes. “Father!”
“I am not ill, Silver,” Lilia laughed as they exited the hotel. The air was cold, and the streets were quiet. “I’m doing well, physically speaking.”
“Physically…?” He seemed to notice that he was missing another important bit. “What about mentally?”
At this point, the two were walking down the street as their shoulders collided occasionally.
Lilia let out a sigh. And Silver continued to press. “Father? How are you feeling? Is it the wedding?”
Lilia didn’t dare look at his son. He knew he had a lot of matters on his plate now. “I can’t lie, but yes.”
“What’s the matter?” He quietly asked.
“Nothing big, really,” Lilia hummed. “I just realized that you’re no longer my son.”
Silver went silent for a second before speaking up in a low tone. “What do you mean?”
“Well, not like that, silly,” Lilia giggled, finally turning his head around to see Silver with a face of relief. “But you’re moving on.”
“I am still here with you, father. I’m not going anywhere.”
“I know.” The two of them continued to walk. “I just… well, you're growing up, my son.”
Silver let out a small ‘oh’ before catching up to Lilia’s side. “Isn’t that a good thing?”
“Sometimes I wish that I could go back in time to the moments when you were a baby, and I could carry you in my arms,” Lilia laughed as he mimicked the motion he once knew. “You were quite a fussy baby.”
Silver’s face reddened. “Father…”
“But it is. Growing up is a privilege for everyone. Human, fae, merman, beastman…” Lilia spoke softly. It was the truth. “But, tell me, Silver. What do you like about Jade?”
“Jade?” Silver repeated with a lick of confusion. “Well… I love how he’s able to stay calm under stressful situations… I love how kind he is with me and how he takes my sleepiness seriously. I find myself relying on him whenever I know I’m going to sleep. And well, I love how he makes me feel happy.”
Lilia didn’t really know what he was trying to do by asking that question. Of course he knew that Silver loved every bit of Jade. That was just his son. He was generous with his love and affection.
“Father? What is this about?” He asked cautiously. “Is it about Jade? Did he say something to you?”
There it was, Lilia thought. Silver thought that Jade had said something offensive to him. If he really wanted to break off their engagement, he could lie. He could say that Jade was being rude to Malleus or disrespected Sebek, or said something to him.
Lilia looked over at his son. He kept his eyes on him the entire walk. They looked full of worry.
Yup, it was his son. Silver Vanrogue.
“No, Silver. He didn’t say anything to me.”
He let out a sigh of relief as he smiled softly to himself. “So, what’s the matter?”
Lilia found himself walking towards an empty bench. He patted the seat next to him. Silver obliged.
“Humor me for a moment, Silver, and sit close to me as you did as a child.”
Silver looked at his father, then the space between the two of them. But he scooted closer to his father per his request. Lilia wrapped his right arm around his son, tightly holding onto him.
The two sat silently for a moment. The cold wind hit against their skin and hair, rustling it in the night.
Silver felt rather anxious. His father was acting overly suspicious about this late-night walk. Was something a problem? Why was he being so secretive? “Father-”
And there it was.
Silver saw his dad staring out into the distance with a smile, tears rolling down his cheeks.
“Father?!” Silver announced, shifting his body to turn towards him. He grabbed his father’s forearm. “What’s the matter?”
“Oh Silver…” Lilia sighed, his tears making his voice waver. “My son.”
“Father?”
Lilia looked over at Silver before embracing him in a tight hug. His hold around his lean body was suffocating. His arms were glued to his side as Lilia held him tightly. “I’m losing you.”
“But I’m here with you, Father.” Silver softly replied. “I’m not leaving. I’m still going to be Malleus’s guard and Sebek’s duo.”
Lilia shook his head. He felt pathetic right now. Why was he crying? He had no reason to be crying. “No, Silver. You’re growing up and getting married. And you’ll soon have kids and move away and…”
Silver’s eyes widened. “Father, I don’t think I’m going to have kids just yet… I don’t think Jade is fond of the idea entirely-”
“That’s not the point,” Lilia sighed. He looked up at his son, who was surprised at Lilia’s emotional state. He had never seen him like this before, and Lilia hoped he never would have. “I just… Sevens, Silver.”
Silver sat silently as his dad continued to softly cry in his arms. He patted his back softly. He didn’t know what brought on this whole reaction, but he wasn’t going to say anything.
“I’m sorry, Silver,” Lilia sighed playfully as he backed out of Silver’s arms and wiped his cheeks. “I don’t know what came over me.”
“Father? What’s the matter?” Silver asked again, his face softening. “I’m here. Please talk to me.”
Lilia whipped his cheeks again before sighing loudly. “You’re growing up and getting married, Silver. Just yesterday it feels like I was carrying you around the house and feeding you milk. But now you're a man.”
“Why are you feeling so sad about it, father?”
“Silver,” Lilia began, taking his son's much larger hands into his own. “You’re maturing. You’re soon going to live doing whatever you’ll like, and well, I won't be there to always see it.”
“But father… You’ll most likely outlive me…” Honest but sad truth. It really affected Lilia negatively. The whole concept that his son would die before him.
“Silver, sweetheart, do you really want to spend your life with Jade? To become one with Jade leech?”
Silver passionately nodded his head. “More than anything, father. He makes me the happiest. And… I know you want what’s best for me. And this is what I want.”
“Oh, sweetheart,” Lilia whispered as he cupped Silver’s cheek in his hand. “Of course I want what's best for you. Whatever you decide for your future.”
Silver smiled as he leaned into his father’s touch. It felt warm. The hands that were once stained with blood are here holding the most precious thing he could ever have.
“Thank you, Father. I won't let you down,” Silver nodded passionately.
Lilia used his thumb to caress his cheek once more before lowering his hand with a smile. “So! Tell me, how does it feel to almost become Silver Leech?”
Silver opened his mouth but quickly shut it. He looked confused. “Leech?”
Lilia nodded. Was he not aware of this custom? “Yes, it’s tradition to take the last name of your partner. Although, I’m not too certain how it works between two males.”
Silver shook his head. “I’m not changing my last name, father.”
Lilia blinked. “You’re not?”
“No, of course I’m not,” He explained with a frown. “Neither Jade nor I will be doing it. We both felt that while we do love and respect each other, we will obviously have our differences. And he knows how much our last name means to me.”
Lilia practically wanted to cry all over again hearing his son say that. He felt as if all his fears just washed away upon hearing that sentence. Of course Silver wouldn't change his last name! How foolish!
And to think that Silver changing his last name was the only thing worrying Lilia… Well, he didn't even realize it until now!
“Father…” Silver quietly spoke. “Were you worried about that this whole time?”
He shook his head with a smile. “Of course not!”
Silver raised a brow. “Are you sure?”
“I’m positive!” He sighed with some tears in his eyes. “I’m just extremely grateful to witness you marry the man you love!”
Silver smiled softly upon hearing his words. Lilia scooted closer to Silver before placing an arm around his body. “Your approval means everything to me, father.”
Lilia smiled, softly rubbing his hand against Silver’s bicep.
Well, he might not still be as content with the idea of his son marrying Jade, but he was happy. He couldn't control Silver. Not in a million years would he want to. Perhaps when he first adopted Silver, he might have wanted to turn Silver into a killing machine that killed humans. Just to get some revenge on the Dawn Knight. But no. Silver wasn't that type of boy.
Lilia was glad.