Archive of Our Own

Something soft was encasing Albert. He would’ve opened his eyes to examine his surroundings if he could, but he found himself unable to open his eyes. Not that he would want to, anyway, when it felt like his whole body was being gently cradled. Every inch of him was embedded in a mysterious matter. There was also a complete absence of sound like he was submerged somewhere deeper than the Earth’s surface. It was only him, this serene silence, and the texture he could feel when his fingers occasionally twitched. It oddly felt like something crumbly, but his mind was too far away to be able to put a name to it. His whole mind was detached from his body. That seemed like something he should be worried about, but he couldn’t figure out why. Not that he needed to. Everything felt so comfortable as it was. A sweet reprieve he wasn’t sure he’s ever had before. 

Yeah, Albert’s thoughts drifted, it’ll be fine if I just stay like this for a bit more…just a bit longer… then I can…

There was a rhythmic sound somewhere above Albert’s body. He still couldn’t open his eyes, but he somehow knew he was awake. His fingers and his feet that felt so long away from his body twitched again. His mind remained blank. It was perfect. Or, it would’ve been, if the mysterious noise didn’t continue to persist. There was no sound beforehand, so what could be bothering him now? Beneath his eyelids, Albert tried to squeeze his eyes tight and focus. It was murky—like wading in cloudy knee-high water. Despite that, it was eventually able to come to him. It was a sharp thwuck, followed by a squinch that held for a few seconds, and then a thwop that faded away. 

What the hell? Couldn’t whatever it was making that noise see that Albert was perfectly content where he was. There was no need to disturb him. He was safely cocooned and nothing could harm him here. Why would anything even be trying to unwrap him? He could be turning into a butterfly and this unknown presence would be completely ruining that. He’d be so pissed if he didn’t get to be a butterfly. Yet the noise persisted despite his obvious intent to not move.

Thwuck, quinch, and thwop. Thwuck, quinch, and thwop. Thwuck, quinch, and thwop. Over and over and over and over and over and over again. Albert was starting to wish he could open up his mouth to yell. But something firm and soft was pressing against his lips. He knew that he could open his mouth regardless, but something about the press of it made him instinctively know to keep his mouth shut for once.  

Thwuck, quinch, and thwop. 

Whatever, Albert dismissed, whatever it is has to get tired soon. 

Thwuck, quinch, and thwop. 

Yeah, yeah, keep making that sound and get nowhere, Albert confidently thought. 

Thwuck, quinch, and thwop. 

Heh, you’re never gonna get me, Albert sang in his mind. 

Thwuck, quinch, and thwop! 

What the fuck?  Is it getting closer? It definitely sounded closer. That’s not possible, right? Albert began to worry. 

Thwuck, quinch, and thwop!

Thwuck, quinch, and thwop! 

Thwuck, quinch, and thwop! 

What the fuck what the fuck what the fuck!  It sounded like it was right above Albert’s head now. Certainly, the noise would stop soon. That was what he was trying to tell his rapidly quickening heart. Before, he couldn’t even tell if it was in his chest, but now the thump thump thump of it was so deafening he could barely hear the rapidly approaching thwuck, quinch, and thwop. His hands started to shake. His heartbeat became louder, louder, and louder still as the thwuck, quinch, and thwop got closer, closer, and closer. 

No, I’ll be fine, Albert reassured himself, surely whatever it is won’t hurt me. He could only hope as the thwuck, quinch, and thwop hovered seemingly right above his nose. One more thwuck, quinch, and thwop and he could feel that his face was starting to be uncovered. He kept his eyes tightly closed as he slowly but surely felt whatever stuff was on top him being removed. 

Thwuck, quinch, and thwop. 

Thwuck, quinch, and thwop. 

Thwuck, quinch, and thwop! 

Instinctively, Albert could feel that his face was now uncovered enough that he could see, but he was too terrified to open his eyes. Some primal, hindbrain part of him was screaming at him to play dead until the source of the noise went away. He knew that was silly to think, but his insides wouldn’t stop twisting. He didn’t want to be hurt. He wanted to stay where nothing could actually touch hi—cold hands grasped at his face. Albert reflexively opened up his eyes for the first time. 

The world was dark all around him and there was a pale moon face looming above. It was too dark to make out anything besides the upturned lips that hung towards the bottom of the moon. 

“Wow,” the moon whispered to him, “you’re still so beautiful.” 

Those cold hands that were so gently holding Albert’s face migrated upwards, swiping off whatever he was covered in. There was a strange man cleaning Albert’s face. He should probably start screaming.

“G-g-get off of m-me!” Albert yelled, his voice sounding alien to his own ears. Four words were enough for his throat to feel like it had been scrubbed raw with sand. He faintly wondered when was the last time he spoke out loud. That seemed like something he should know, right? 

One of those gentle hands clasped itself over Albert’s mouth. He went to jerk his head back, but it was still firmly buried in something.

“Shh…shh…it’s okay. I’m getting you out of here. Then we can go home, alright? That sounds nice, doesn’t it?” the moon informed Albert from its place in the sky. 

“I know you don’t remember me right now, but I swear I’ll explain everything once we’re home. It might take a bit, but it’ll make sense eventually. I promise. If not, I’m here for you. I always am. Now, time to get you out of this grave.” the moon explained to Albert.

Grave? Albert dazedly wondered, why would I be in a grave? But his senses, dormant for who knows how long, were quickly becoming overwhelmed by the few stimuli he was receiving. The moon seems to see it on his face.

“Aw, hey. I know it’s a lot right now, so just close your eyes, okay? I’ll be quick. Promise.” the moon reassured him.  

That does sound nice, Albert silently agreed as he shut his throbbing eyes. The moon seemed pleased with that if his small hum was anything to go by. Albert heard two thuds sounding away from his body, and then the familiar thwuck, quinch, and thwop. This time around, though, it was calming. The Moon Man wouldn’t do anything to hurt Albert. He didn't know how he knew this. 

Albert lost himself to the cycle of thwuck, quinch, and thwop’s until he could feel that his toes in his shoes were exposed to the night air. A few seconds later and his torso was prickling in the cold. A few minutes later and his knuckles were grazing the night sky. 

“You’re all out now. Try opening your eyes now.” Moon Man gently suggested to him. 

He could do that. The pain in his eyes had faded away enough, and he was terribly curious to learn more about the man who uncovered him. 

Albert opened his eyes. His long eyelashes fluttered as he blinked a couple of times to adjust to the darkness. It was darker now, so it was even harder to get a good look at Moon Man’s face. He glanced downwards, taking in his dirty red shirt, ripped jeans, and scuffed sneakers. Moving his gaze to the right, he saw his limp hand loosely resting on the dirt. With some concentration he was able to form a loose fist, but it took much more effort than it should’ve. Satisfied that his hands weren’t broken, he took in the pile of dirt next to him. It was a lot of dirt, sure, but nowhere near enough for how far he felt he was buried.

Buried…why had he been buried? Who buried him? Why? The Moon Man said he would get all the answers as soon as they went home. He could be lying, but Albert doubted he would lie after saving Albert. He said he’ll tell me everything, Albert consoled himself, I just gotta get up first. With that in mind, he went to move his arms behind himself to leverage himself up out of his grave. His muscles were still a bit weak from disuse, but he could do this. Or he would be able to do this if his arms could stop shaking. 

“Oh! I forgot you may not be able to get up yet. Here, let me help you,” said the Moon Man, already leaning towards Albert, “I’ll get you out of here in no time.”  

Albert wanted to protest, but he knew he didn’t have much of a choice when his arms were jelly and his throat was still raw. So he held still as Moon Man bent down. He filled up Albert’s vision with the wide expanse of his body. Moon Moon has big hands, Albert thought offhandedly, he’ll probably be able to lift me up easily. Moon Man’s face was now close enough that Albert could feel his breath softly puffing on his face, and something about that made him want to squirm. 

“Just going to wrap my arms around you, okay? Nod once if that’s okay.” Moon Man gently requested. 

Albert managed a nod from his prone position on the ground.

Moon Man’s cold hands wrapped around Albert. The left arm dug slightly under the dirt to grab around his numb legs, and the right arm curled tight around Albert’s chest.

“Okay, up we go!” Moon Man exclaimed, and in a blink Albert went from the ground to the air.

He let out a weak little yelp, fingers grasping onto a fistful of Moon Man’s shirt. Positioned like this, he was curled so close to Moon Man that he could finally take a look at his savior. Albert’s breath caught in his throat. Oh, Albert thought dizzily, he’s so handsome. A strong jaw, a neatly trimmed mustache, kind eyes, and thin lips. He didn’t think he could tear his gaze away. Moon Man quirked a brow up at Albert, one side of his mouth tilting up in a smug smirk.

“See something you like?” Moon Man teased.

Embarrassed at being caught, Albert tore his gaze away and shook his head. It didn’t stop the heat rapidly rising to his face, but at least at this angle it was harder for Moon Man to see his face. 

“It’s okay, you can look. I don’t mind.” Moon Man laughed good-naturedly, a deep sound that only helped Albert turn redder.

He may have just been saved, but he might die of embarrassment at this rate. Moon Man would probably take great joy in watching him die if his never-ending chuckles were anything to go by. At least Albert would get to go out with that sweet sound in his ears. 

“Alright, alright, I’ll stop. I was just teasing you. I didn’t mean any harm by it. But as much as I would love to stand here forever with you in my arms, we need to head back. So let’s get to my truck.” Moon Man explained, lightly jostling Albert in his arms. 

Albert could only nod his assent, feeling little more than a big rag doll in Moon Man’s strong arms. 

“Alright, let’s go!” Moon Man smiled, eyes crinkling and shiny teeth peeking.

Albert was starting to regret ever turning his head back around.

Moon Man kept his arms firmly around Albert as they walked away from his grave. Well, Albert mused to himself, he’s the only one doing the walking here. It was strangely really nice. Despite his extremely minimal physical exertion, Albert was quickly getting tired. He figured Moon Man wouldn’t mind if he rested his head on the broad expanse of his chest. He was proved right when Moon Man didn’t say anything. He only readjusted his grip around Albert’s back. That was really nice of him. The hot heat of Moon Man’s palms seeping into the inside of Albert’s knees and across his back was much, much, nicer, though. He hadn’t noticed how cold he was before. Knowing such warmth now was like pure paradise. He hoped he would never have to experience such a cold again. As Moon Man carried him in comfortable silence, he doubted he would have to. 

It was difficult for Albert to see where they were walking, but Moon Man clearly saw well enough because he hadn't stumbled once. Since Albert could only see a few inches of the ground in front of them from his vantage point on Moon Man’s chest, he closed his eyes to hone in on the sounds around them. 

First, there was the sound of Moon Man softly exhaling above Albert. He probably wouldn’t be able to hear it if he hadn’t nestled himself so close, but Moon Man hadn’t pulled him away. After being in a grave for who knows how long and having so many questions he didn’t want to think about, Albert craved whatever physical contact he could have. 

Second, there was the quiet crunch of grass that crinkled underneath Moon Man’s shoes. He wondered where they were. Albert would have to ask later when his voice was working. 

Third, there was an acute absence of any sounds of nature. No birds chipping or leaves rustling. Maybe it was because of where they were, but animals were everywhere. They were animals, after all, they could be anywhere they pleased. Instead, it was completely quiet. It brought a small tendril of nervousness to Albert’s stomach. Animals were only quiet like this in the face of a predator that could easily snap them in two—but it was just him and Moon Man. He could tell Moon Man was taller than him, but surely he wasn’t tall enough he would intimidate a whole forest of animals. 

Even as Albert’s thoughts churned, his body unconsciously relaxed in Moon Man’s grip. It was getting harder to focus as his body naturally swayed along to the relaxing rhythm of Moon Man’s walking. The quiet footsteps, the gentle rocking motion, and the warm air that puffed all culminated in him feeling incredibly sleepy. It would be fine if he snoozed a little. He was certain Moon Man would wake him up if he needed him, but somehow he knew Moon Man would protect him. With that happy thought, Albert snuggled just a fraction closer into Moon Man’s chest, released a happy little breath, and let his eyes flutter shut. 

Albert’s head was fuzzy when he woke up like he hadn’t slept nearly enough. He felt that they were still moving, but his eyes still protested against being opened. Continuing to rest seemed like the best choice. It's not like he was in the position to start up a conversation with Moon Man. Unfortunately. He was positively dying of curiosity. He had so, so, so many questions to ask. Who are you, how did you know I was there, why did you dig me out, could you carry me again but in a romantic sen—Albert would’ve jumped straight up out of Moon Man’s arms if his legs had any strength in them. Now was not the time to be salivating over the person who dug him up. Especially not when there were still so many questions he needed to ask. 

Albert was so lost in his thoughts he startled when Moon Man’s feet came to a sudden stop. His heartbeat picked up, wondering what Moon Man would do next. If you really were about to be murdered, Albert reminded himself, Moon Man wouldn’t have dug you out from your grave in the first place. 

“Just gotta get my keys and then I can get you in.” Moon Man mumbled under his breath, so quiet Albert wouldn’t have heard it if he wasn’t paying attention.

Moon Man presumably found his car keys because Albert soon heard the tiny clink of metal clacking together. He listened to the sound of a key being smoothly inserted, turned, and the soft pop of something being opened. He very purposefully did not think about how Moon Man was momentarily holding him up one-handed, and his stomach pointedly did not swoop when Moon Man returned his hand to what felt like an inch lower on his leg. It took everything in Albert to keep his face from reacting as he felt his body being gently transferred into the car. It took even more strength when he felt Moon Man propping him up on the seat and stretching his legs. Silence enveloped them, but Albert knew Moon Man hadn’t moved away because he could still feel the heat emanating from his body. Albert wondered if Moon Man was admiring him. He fought to stop the pleased grin that immediately wanted to creep up on his face. A sudden click made Albert twitch in his seat.

“Shh…it’s okay…it’s just the seatbelt. I didn’t mean to startle you. Go back to sleep.” Moon Man softly murmured to him.

Unseen hands roved over Albert’s chest, presumably making sure the seatbelt was in its proper place. Albert could’ve sworn it felt like one hand dipped a little higher and touched the ends of his hair, but even he knew when he was starting to fantasize. The hands retracted far too soon for his liking and there was the quiet crunch as Moon Man stepped back. The thud of the door closing sounded more muted than it normally would.

Some seconds passed until Albert heard the driver’s door open. He perked up his ears as best as he could while still maintaining the facade of sleep. The soft shutting of the door, Moon Man’s boots stomping one, two, three, and then the ignition rumbling awake. There was a beat and Albert could feel that they were moving. Quicker than Moon Man’s steps had been, of course, but still slower than a normal driving speed. He’s so considerate, Albert thought to himself. Not much long after he succumbed to the lulling motion of the car moving. 

Albert blinked awake when the rumble of the car slowed to a stop. His chin was digging into his shoulder and his neck faintly ached. A little wounded grunt escaped him as he stretched his neck out. 

“Oh! Good to see you’re awake. How are you feeling?” Moon Man’s voice sounded next to him.

Albert jumped in his seat. Shifting slightly, he could feel that his legs were regaining some strength. He subtly angled his head towards Moon Man, peering over at the mysterious man from underneath his eyelashes. Thankfully, it wasn’t too dark in the car, and Moon Man having his beams on resulted in his side profile being illuminated enough for Albert’s greedy eyes. He drank in the sharp, proud nose, the mustache that he could now see sloped downwards into a beard, thin lips, and the brown eyes fixed on the road. Albert couldn’t help but jump in his seat again when those eyes suddenly slid to stare right back at him. He quickly averted his eyes away, pretending he found the pitch black window much more interesting than the strong, pretty-eyed man in the driver’s seat. 

“You’re always staring, aren’t you? I told you I don’t mind,” Moon Man teased, “I forgot you may not be able to use your voice right now. How about you tap once on the dashboard for ‘yes’ and twice for no.’ How does that sound?” 

The heat hadn’t fully sunk from Albert’s cheeks yet, but he was so terribly curious. Whatever it takes to hear that voice some more, Albert swore to himself. He reached an arm to tap once on the dashboard. 

“Alright! I know I said I’ll give you all the answers when we get home, but I can tell you’re dying to know now. Did you just wake up?” Moon Man asked. 

Albert tapped once. 

“Do you know where we’re headed?” 

Albert hesitated. He knew Moon Man said it was ‘home,’ but geographically speaking he had no idea where that would be on a map. He tapped twice. 

“I figured you wouldn’t know. We’re heading to our Olke right now. It’s our quiet little town. Lots of nice people there. Everyone’s your friend, but the way.” 

Albert managed to give a hum at that. 

“Do you know why you were buried?” Moon Man continued. 

He doesn’t know why his hand started to slightly shake all of a sudden, but Albert tapped twice. 

“Yeah, I thought so,” Moon Man sighed, “good thing you’re already buckled in.”

“So, you probably can’t tell right now, but the world has gone to complete shit. More shit than it already was. There’s a virus that’s been infecting people for a few years now. Anyone unlucky enough to catch it dies, but….” Moon Man paused for dramatic effect.

Albert couldn’t help himself but inch more to the left. 

“They can be brought back to life. We’re not totally sure how. No one in the town is a scientist or anything fancy like that. All we know is that they’ll be good as new if you bury them and then dig them up within a certain time frame. Well, as good as someone who was buried can be.” Moon Man informed. 

Albert hummed again, intrigued this time. It was a relief that he knew someone as capable as Moon Man.

“The only side effect that seems to happen every time is that the person revived doesn’t initially have all their memories. We’ve found out that certain memories, things that affect someone’s personality and stuff, always stay. But when it comes to names and specific relations, it’s a real toss-up.” Moon Man continued. 

“Oh! Speaking of, I can’t believe I haven’t introduced myself. Where are my manners? I’m Jake Green. I’m, like, sort of the leader of our little town. So it’s my job to make sure all our people are safe and sound.” Moon Man—no, Jake, introduced himself. 

The leader, Albert thought, eyes moving back to peek at the muscle not-so-well-hidden beneath Jake’s shirt, that seems about right. 

“We have about twenty minutes left ‘til we’re back in town. You’re going to be staying over at my house until your memory recovers.” Jake told him and Albert couldn’t help the pleased thrill that went up his spine. 

He felt less nervous now that he knew what was happening. Besides, if Jake was lying to him, it would be easy for Albert to find out. All he would have to do is interrogate one of the townspeople. Somehow his gut knew Jake was telling him the truth, but it was still reassuring to have a backup plan available. 

“You still need to rest up, so I’ll give you some time before all your friends swarm you.” Jake interrupted his thoughts.

 Oh, yeah, friends, Albert realized, I’m sure they’ve been worried about me. Truthfully, Albert hadn’t thought of the notion of people missing him once. In his defense, this entire situation was strange enough to have anyone momentarily distracted. Never mind that a large factor to that distraction was currently sitting next to him. No, that was pure coincidence, Albert was sure of it. 

“You good with that?” Jake asked. 

Albert was barely able to resist twitching again. He seriously had to stop getting so lost in his thoughts. He tapped once. Moon Man laughed, and Albert watched him nod in his peripheral vision. They fell back into a comfortable silence. 

Albert shifted in his seat, cycling between wrapping and unwrapping his arms around himself. Not that the pretty one-sided conversation with Jake wasn’t nice, but it was starting to drive him a little crazy that he can’t talk back to the man. Even simply opening his mouth, Albert can tell that he shouldn’t try to use his voice right now. He really, really, wished he could, but for now all he can do is twist his hands around as he wistfully looks out the dark window. It would be great if he could see anything. He supposes he ought to be grateful he’s even alive, but Albert wouldn’t be Albert if he couldn’t whine about something. It’s one of his foundational principles. Maybe if he plays his cards right he could get Jake to play some music for him. Albeit Jake’s side profile was the much greater sight, he did spy a little old radio situated on the dashboard on Jake’s side. Alight, Albert confidently thought, performance time. Wrapping his arms around himself once more, Albert made sure to shrink in on himself as much as possible without being too obvious. Sure, he could tell he was already smaller than Jake naturally, but a little bit of emphasis wouldn’t hurt his cause. Pushing his lips out in a slight pout, Albert sighed. Instantly he felt an eye trained on him. He had to fight the smile that threatened to appear on his face, and forlornly sighed again. The feeling of being watched grew stronger. Albert angled himself away from Jake, pouting some more and exhaling his longest sigh yet. 

“You want some music, don’t you?” Jake broke the silence. 

Albert instantly unfurled from his sullen act to tap once on the dashboard. 

“Hmm…I’m sure there's something playing on the radio. Let me just…” Jake trailed off as he took a hand off the steering wheel to tinker with the radio. 

Sharp static filled the truck, bzzzting until, at long last, a sweet voice started to fill in the space. 

“-I squeezed. Imaginary wedding gown that you can’t wear in front of me. A kiss goodbye. Your twisted shell. As rice grains and roses fall at your feet. We’ll say goodbye, the hundredth time. And then tomorrow we’ll do it again—“ came the teeny voice from the radio.

This is much better, Albert thought as he started to drum his hands on his thighs. Sadly, he couldn’t sing along, but he hummed to the best of his ability. 

“I don’t know this song, but as long as you like it.” Jake said warmly, another chuckle escaping him. 

Albert tapped once and they spent the rest of the drive humming along together to whatever song the radio played. 

Albert let out a high hum just as the truck rolled to a slow stop. 

“We’re here! We’re parked right outside my house. No offense, but I didn’t wanna have to carry you that far.” Jake announced, killing the engine at the same time. 

Albert tapped once on the dashboard. He’s glad he wasn’t fully facing Jake because he doesn’t think he’d survive the full power of the smile he saw Jake toss his way. Still smiling, Jake stuffed his keys into his pocket, and smoothly exited out of the truck. The vacuum of space that Jake left felt weirdly huge. Without the high beams on, Albert was completely engulfed in darkness. He wrung his hands together nervously. He wasn’t sure why he was so nervous. It’s been less than a minute since Jake left him, but that didn’t stop his stupid skin from prickling with gooseflesh. His car door suddenly swung open and this time Albert jumped high in his seat. Across from him, filling the empty space once more, was Jake. Albert cursed the lack of light because he couldn’t see whatever face Jake was wearing. He was probably still smiling at him. Ugh, Albert bemoaned, just wait until I get all my memories back. 

“Alright, we’re almost done. Personally, as soon as we’re inside I’m going straight to bed. I suggest you do, too, after the long night we’ve had.” Jake said. 

A large hand emerged from the darkness and landed square on Albert’s knee. He twitched a little and the hand squeezed back in reassurance. 

“I’m gonna lift you up again, okay? Tell me if it’s okay.” Jake ordered.

Albert blindly reached for the dashboard and tapped once. 

“Alright, up we go then!” Jake cheered, and all at once Albert was in the air.

Albert was picked up the same way as before. Cradled carefully against Jake’s chest, with one of his hands splayed across his back and the other firmly tucked under the inside of his knees. Albert unconsciously snuggled in a tad closer, wrapping both of his arms around Jake’s neck. In his defense, it was an awfully nice chest. Very snuggleable. Just laying against it was enough to make him sleepy. He quietly hoped he would get to lay here forever.

Without further ado, Jake began walking forward with him in his arms. Albert squinted into the dark in front of them. It was a little tricky, but he could see a faint light in front of them. A lantern, he realized, swaying gently on what must be Jake’s front porch. As they approached closer, he was able to take in the bundles of bushes that framed a rickety set of wooden steps leading up to the house. There were a few scattered rocks that trailed either side of the stairs. Like someone had the idea to make a cute path but ran out of rocks midway. When Jake stepped even closer, Albert was able to tell that some of the rocks were interestingly shaped. Sadly, due to the lack of light, he couldn’t properly inspect them. I’ll have to do that first thing tomorrow, Albert promised himself. That didn’t stop him from wistfully staring at them even as Jake climbed up the few steps. Albert’s assumption about the stairs was right because they creaked loudly underneath their combined weight like the final warning from a slumbering beast. 

Jake’s long legs ate up the distance to the door, and he mumbled a soft apology as he gently slid Albert from his arms and propped him up against the wall. Thankfully, Albert’s legs were now strong enough that he only wobbled a little. He still appreciated the sturdy strength of the wall behind him. Jake tossed a smile his way and he really appreciated the wall behind him. 

Albert watched silently as Jake dug in his jeans until he fished out his house keys. He swung open the screen door and kept it open with one shoulder until he managed to unlock the actual door with a nice click. Pocketing his key, Jake glanced over at Albert.

“I’m sorry, but neither of my doors have door stoppers. Are you okay enough to walk? I can help you if you need,” Jake said sheepishly, scratching at his beard, “I don’t mind, promise.” 

Albert figured it would be a bit silly to knock on the wall considering Jake was looking right at him. He managed a nod. Jake immediately beamed back. Albert was in the process of reflexively smiling back when Jake reached for him from his spot on the wall, wrapping a sturdy arm around the dip of his waist. Albert was pretty sure he heard something skirrrt to a stop in his mind. 

“You okay? You’re all frozen up,” Jake worried, “I promise I won’t bite. Let’s just get you situated so we can both go to bed.” 

Right, yes, sleep, people do that, yes, Albert thought and willed his body to become less stiff in Jake’s hold. Jake hummed in what could be approval, and Albert allowed himself to be gently pushed inside. Once Albert had crossed the threshold of the house, Jake stepped inside and closed the door behind them. His hand was still on Albert’s waist. A heavy, heat-emanating hand with all five fingers curled over Albert’s hip. It wasn’t his fault it was a little hard to think right now. 

“I’m gonna keep the lights off since it’s already so late, but I’ll walk you to your room.” Jake said.

In lieu of the dashboard, Albert was brave enough to tap once on Jake’s resting hand. Jake hummed again, and it was dark enough in the house that he didn’t see Jake’s second hand coming down on his hip until he could literally feel it. He jumped, body leaning high on his toes, and muffled a yelp.

“Easy, easy. It’s just me. I’m the only one here.” Jake soothed, but not before a chuckle or two. 

Albert was a naturally jumpy person, but this time it actually wasn’t his fault. He could barely see anything in front of him and suddenly he had Jake’s two hands sitting low on his waist. 

“See, you’re okay. Just so you don’t get scared again, I’m gonna be walking behind you to guide you to your room.” Jake patiently explained.

Albert tapped once on Jake’s left hand. 

Albert felt both of Jake’s hands momentarily sink into the meat of his waist, and then he was walking forward with a firm push. It was still scary walking without being able to see where he was going, but he had Jake to guard his back. He could trust him, he knew. He was also being incredibly kind and Albert needed to stop being so perverted. Which is why he kept his thoughts solely to moving one foot in front of the other, and not the tall warm line of Jake’s body behind him. Every so often Jake’s hands would tighten and angle Albert’s body in a different direction.

While it felt like an eternity to Albert—overly conscious of Jake’s large hands covering his hips—it really only took a few minutes before Jake stopped him in his tracks. 

“This is your door.” Jake informed, breathing into Albert’s ear. 

He was way closer than Albert had anticipated and his shoulders reflexively jumped up.

Albert tapped once on the back of Jake’s hand. Jake removed both hands and he immediately felt like a giant fool for missing the warmth. He didn’t have much time to lament the loss, though, because Jake’s arms were reaching past him. The fine hair on Albert’s arms rose with the proximity. 

“You can relax,” Jake cajoled, “I’m just opening the door for you.”

True to his word, Jake opened the door for him and stepped back. He stood maybe four feet away. Albert missed him already.

“Here, let me get the light for you.” said Jake and he leaned into Albert’s room. There was a soft click and a warm yellow glow emitted in front of them. “There we go! Plenty of light now. My room is down the hall, so you can find me if you need me.” 

Jake paused, seeming to weigh his words. Albert took the time to greedily drink in the sight of him now that he could see Jake better. He looked softer now, sharp edges smoothed in this light. Like a giant bearded teddy bear, Albert dreamily thought.

“Alright, I’m heading to bed now. Sweet dreams, Albert.” Jake settled on. 

Albert managed to make eye contact long enough to give him a nod, throat bobbing nervously under Jake’s undivided attention. With that, Jake gave a small smile, turned, and disappeared into the darkness of the rest of the house. Albert allowed himself three seconds of forlorn staring, and then forced himself to hobble into his room. 

Albert took in the room after he shut the door behind him. It was definitely small, but it felt more cozy than claustrophobic. The walls were slightly chipped and painted a light pink. A twin bed was pushed against the farthest side of the room and under a closed window. The bed had a bright pink duvet neatly folded on top and matching pink pillows. The long curtains framing the window were a nicely striped red and blue. Next to the bed was a little white nightstand, devoid of anything besides a round lamp that wasn’t turned on. Beside the nightstand was a matching armoire with four drawers at the bottom. He could tell it was incredibly ornate even when he was standing as far away as he was. Besides that, though, the room was starkly empty. No posters hung up on the wall, no picture frames, and nothing that spoke to someone living in this space for a long time. A bit odd considering Jake had said this is Albert’s room of all people. Still, Albert had everything he needed. 

Albert was about to hop on the bed when he became acutely aware of the dirt he was covered in. He longingly gazed at the cozy bed, but he couldn’t stop feeling the dirt underneath his nails, caked on his clothes, and dusting his face. He knew that Jake wouldn’t scold him if he slept in the bed anyway, but Albert couldn’t use too much of Jake’s kindness too soon. Jake opening his home for Albert just for Albert to dirty his sheets the first night back was too much. He was sure Jake wouldn’t mind if he showered as long as he kept quiet. Making up his mind, Albert turned back around, curled a hand around the doorknob, pulled, and he was plunged back into darkness.

He forgot no other lights in the house had been turned on. Shit, Albert cursed, I don’t even know where the light switch is. He had no choice but to blindly grope at the walls until he managed to find the bathroom. Admittedly, he had been a little distracted when he’d first entered the house, but he could’ve sworn he saw a door on the right when Jake had flicked on the light. I can so do this, Albert told himself. Flattening himself against the wall, he inched sideways like a highly disturbing crab. It only took a couple steps before his hip bumped into something. Albert blindly grabbed it and turned. He entered a room equally dark as the hallway outside. His right hand slapped at the wall until his fingers ran into what felt like a light switch. He flicked it up and he was surrounded by bright overhead white light. Blinking out the spots in his vision, he looked around. It was the bathroom! He knew he could do this. 

Jake’s bathroom was rather small, but what it lacked in size it made up for in layout. The room itself appeared to be oval-shaped and there was a circular black bathtub right squat in the middle. There was no shower, but Albert hasn’t had a bath in a long time. Even on the off chance he had—he certainly didn’t feel that way currently. East of the tub was a curved porcelain sink with a round mirror positioned right above. There were steel handlebars installed to the west with a row of fluffy white towels draped across. Next to the tub itself was a cute little trolley filled to the brim with bright bottles. Please let there be bubble bath soap, Albert prayed. He felt more than deserving of one after being literally buried alive. He bent down, quickly untying his shoelaces, and wrenching his dirty shoes off of his feet. Some debris fell out, but he only felt a little bad about the mess. The floor wasn’t that pristine, anyway, and Albert could clean it up tomorrow. Probably. He looked down and wiggled his sock-covered feet. What Jake didn’t know couldn’t hurt him. Smiling to himself, Albert yanked his shirt above his head and popped open the button of his jeans. Once he shimmied out of them, he felt marginally better. Though, it wasn’t enough to erase any of the dirt or dust staining his whole body. 

Strutting over to the tub, Albert set about examining the trolley. There were various scents of shampoo, conditioner, and body wash. I wonder… Albert mused, rifling through the bottles some more. He couldn’t stop the happy clap of his hands when he discovered a small basket of bath bombs at the bottom. He was itching to use one, but he knew he had to scrub all the dirt off of himself first. Satisfied with his plan, he reached over to twist open the faucet. Water began pouring out. He snatched the plug off the trolley and popped it in. He idly watched as the tub quickly filled, waiting until it was about halfway full before he turned off the faucet.

Albert gripped the edge of the tub and eased himself in. He let out a small hiss at the sheer warmth of the water, but he was too impatient to wait any longer. I wonder if this is how lizards feel baking in the sun, Albert pondered. He imagined it wouldn’t be too much of an unpleasant life as he relaxed further in the tub. He snatched up a poofy pink loofah from the top level of the trolley. What scent…what scent… he questioned. He knew realistically that the smell he selected didn’t matter, but it still felt important to him. It was his first bath after being brought back to life, after all.

He flicked open a couple of the body washes and delicately sniffed each one. None of them had a particularly strong scent, and most smelled like nothing at all. Finally, on the fifth or sixth bottle, one scent in particular caught his attention. It was far stronger than the previous ones—a bit heady, a bit woodsy and strangely familiar. Albert took a large inhale. He loved it. Satisfied with his pick, he lathered up his loofah and began the tedious process of scrubbing himself clean. 

Humming to himself, he washed all along his arms, legs, and stomach. His feet wiggled when he went to scrub those, and he had to angle himself just so to get his back. Soon enough, the water turned from nice and clear to foggy and brown. Albert’s body was now clean, so he hoisted himself up out of the tub. A few steps and he had himself snugly wrapped in one of the fluffy towels Jake had out. Very nice, thoughtful Jake, Albert absently thought. Albert bent down again, popped out the plug, and watched in quiet amazement as a little water whirlpool formed. The whirlpool made quick work gurgling all the dirty water down the drain, and Albert couldn’t help but give a respectful nod to it. He plugged the tub back in and turned on the faucet once more. This time, he waited until it was about three-fourths of the way filled up before he shut off the faucet. Now, the moment he had been waiting for. He wiped his right hand on the towel and began to inspect all the bath bombs Jake had provided.  

There were maybe ten bath bombs sitting in their little woven basket. Albert was unbelievably elated that all ten were a different tint of pink. There was a glittery hot pink one that was calling his name, so he picked that one up first. Sniffing it, he was pleased that he could detect a light vanilla smell. Perfect! Albert let his towel drop and climbed back inside the tub. Balancing the bath bomb in his hand, he tilted his hand and let it plunk satisfyingly into the water. Immediately, it began melting and turning the water pink. So perfect! Albert could feel each and every one of his muscles relaxing, and he was left pleasurably loose-limbed in his bath. Tipping his head back against the edge, he let out a pleased moan as his body slid a tad lower. The water was so now the perfect heat level, the vanilla scent of the bath bomb was wafting up his nose, and his skin was going to have glitter on it later. Oh shit, my hair, Albert suddenly remembered, blearily opening his eyes that had begun closing. Groaning again, this time in annoyance, Albert blindly reached for a shampoo. Sniffing, he found he somehow chose the matching scent to the body wash he used. 

Albert poured a liberal amount of shampoo into the palm of his hand. Wasting no time, he reached up with both hands and began thoroughly washing his hair. Thankfully, due to the relatively short length of it, it hardly took any time at all. He could feel the wet ends already curling against the bottom of his neck and wondered when was the last time he had a haircut. Did their town even have a barber? He would ask Jake tomorrow along with his twenty million other questions. Still vigorously scrubbing, he began to lowly sing, “I still hear your voice when you sleep next to me. I still feel your touch in my dreams. Forgive me my weakness, but I don’t know why. Without you, it’s hard to survive—“ 

A thud sounded loudly from somewhere in the house.

Albert jumped, arms instinctively rising to shield his face. Water violently splashed outside the tub. His heart was lodged in his throat and he could feel every hair on his body raise in alarm. He couldn’t hear anything, but all he could do was sit small in the tub and nervously count down the seconds. One, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, and ten. He counted again. Then again. Again. Once more for good measure. Nothing else in the house breathed. Must have just been something random, Albert reassured himself. It wasn’t enough to stop the slight tremor in his arms as he resumed washing his hair. Pushing his fingers through, he could feel that there were still some tangles, but he was way too spooked now to really care about that. He squeezed his eyes shut and dunked his head underwater to rinse all the soap out. With his head submerged, he didn’t hear the door opening. He did notice when a large hand landed on his exposed neck. 

“What the fuck!” Albert screamed, his whole body shrinking away from the hand, bunching in on itself, and arms flying out of the water to protect himself. 

Sprays of water landed outside the tub and his field of vision was partially obscured by the dripping ends of his hair. Fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck I’m about to die and it’s gonna be my emo fucking hair’s fault fuck fuck Albert’s mind chanted. 

“Whoa, whoa! I’m so sorry, I didn’t mean to scare you. It’s just me.” A voice sounded from above Albert. 

Wait. He knew that voice. It was—

“Jake?” Albert loudly exclaimed, immediately regretting it when he felt his throat burn irritably. 

He had to push his hair away from his eyes first. He was looking right at Jake when he finally opened his eyes. Jake looked sheepish, an awkward smile on his face, and his gaze politely pointed upwards. 

“I heard a thud and I just wanted to check to see if you were okay.” Jake explained, his expression open and honest. 

Albert was so gobsmacked that he didn’t catch Jake’s eyes dipping downwards.

“I’m…okay. What was that?” Albert managed to voice.

He hadn’t considered that Jake didn’t know what that noise was either, and the thought had him unconsciously leaning towards the edge where Jake was standing.

Jake scratched the back of his head, “I’m sure it was just some wild animal. Our home is next to a forest, so it isn’t uncommon for a deer to accidentally run into our house.” 

A deer. That made sense. Albert exhaled tersely, sinking back into the tub and trying to unclench his muscles. 

“Oh…okay. That’s good. Hopefully the deer is okay.” Albert nodded even if he couldn’t stop the shake from his voice.

A heavy hand landed on top of his head, patting once, twice, and thrice before letting go. Albert was struck dumb, his mouth hanging open and stupid. Jake just pet me, his mind echoed. 

“Oh! Sorry, haha. I’m used to comforting people like that. Don’t worry, I don’t mean anything like that! If you’re alright, I’ll leave you alone for now,” Jake said, voice edged with concern, “only wanted to make sure that sound wasn’t you hitting your head in the tub.” 

“Y-yeah. I’m okay. T-thanks.” Albert stuttered out. 

Idiot, he internally scolded himself. 

“Alright. Nice. Well, um, good night for real this time.” Jake smiled and left.

Even after Jake shut the door, his smile lingered in the room long after. Albert could only sit there in the now lukewarm water, glitter flakes drying on his cooling skin and mind empty. At least it wasn’t anything serious, and at least Jake was courteous enough to check up on me, Albert decided. Even if that thud didn’t sound like it came from somewhere outside. Or that he could’ve sworn he locked the door behind him. But he was a really forgetful person, so it’s not implausible he forgot to lock the door. He wasn’t in his right mind right now, so he shouldn’t make any hasty conclusions. It’s been a long day, anyway, and he should really head to his room. 

Albert stood in his room, wrapped in a clean towel with another around his shoulders. His exit from the bathroom had been one of panic, practically tripping over his own feet in his haste to get out. He was pretty sure the bathtub was still draining. But that didn’t matter because he was safe in his room and he doesn’t think he could’ve lasted another second in that bathroom with panic still humming in his veins. It wasn’t his fault that he was so easily spooked. It was that stupid deer’s fault for ramming itself into the house. Stupid animal, Albert sourly thought, and immediately felt bad for thinking that. Only kind-of stupid deer, Albert amended. That deer was probably completely fine and resting well. Which is what he should be doing. With that in mind, he walked over to the armoire. 

Albert made sure his towel was properly tucked in before he pulled open the top drawer. Inside, as he masterfully guessed, was a wide array of folded shirts. They all looked incredibly soft to the touch and he was proven right when he poked one. He spotted a blue shirt from the corner of his eye, and something about that one called to him. He yanked it free from all its wooden jail. Gently shutting the drawer, he curiously opened the one below it. If shirts were on the top, logic dictated that pants were on the bottom. Sure enough, Albert was greeted with the sight of shorts piled on top of one another. He really was on a roll. Hopefully tomorrow he and Jake would go into town and he could buy a lotto ticket. Huh, would lottos still even be a thing if there’s some deadly virus? Albert wondered. Nah, I’m sure even at the end of the Earth there would be some crazy jackpot going on, he concluded. Confident in the answer to his own question, he was able to go back to perusing the shorts. Most of them seemed to be basketball shorts. He plucked out a pair of shorts at random. The sooner he dressed the sooner he could rest.

Untying the towel around his body, Albert let it drop to the ground. His skin had already dried off due to how long he had sat in the tub. He shrugged on the shirt and pulled up the shorts. Running his hands over the cotton material of his shirt felt quite nice. The shirt ended up being one or two sizes too big for him, falling off one shoulder entirely. The shorts, on the other hand, were a bit more of a hassle. They sat loose on his hips and he had to tie them twice to make sure they wouldn’t fall off. Now that that’s done, Albert thought to himself, lips curling up, and promptly flung himself onto the bed. He bounced once before dramatically star-fishing himself out. He shifted around on top of the bed until he found the optimal starfish pose. As he was shifting, he saw something pink in the corner of his eye and instinctively reached for it. 

“Oh.” Albert breathed, so incredibly happy.

In his hand was a small flamingo plushie he hadn’t noticed earlier. She had two little beady black eyes, extremely plush feathers consisting of pinks and purples, and a heart gemstone sewed onto her front. Albert felt his heart squeeze in admiration. He knew his door was shut, but he cast a quick glance around his room anyway.

“Your name,” Albert started, with the weight of someone making a grand declaration, “will be Summer.” 

Summer didn’t move, obviously, but she seemed happy with her name. Albert was happy with it too. He tucked her close to his chest, carefully stroking her feathers with his other hand. It felt very similar to petting a fluffy cat. Hmm… I hope there’s a cat in this town, Albert thought, that’d be so awesome… 

Albert passed out right then and there on top of his bed, clutching Summer close, and bare feet hanging off the edge of the bed.

Albert was running. He didn’t know where, or why, but he knew something very, very bad would happen to him if he stopped. He knew it with as much certainty as one knew the sun would rise the next day. He ran, ran, ran, ran, ran, ran, ran, ran, ran, ran, ran, ran, ran, ran. Twigs snapped like gunshots underneath him. Leaves clung to him like hands trying to corral a rambunctious child. Branches whipped at his face like a stern reprimand. Even the wind seemed to be pushing against him. He couldn’t stop—not now or ever. Not when he was so close. To what, he wasn’t sure. Yet he knew whatever awaited him would be better than whatever was chasing him. He could hear it behind him. Four feet stomping on the ground, a breath, and then those four feet landing loudly once more. Again, again, again, again, again, again, and again. It was getting faster to the point that there were hardly any gaps between the thuds. His legs were starting to burn, muscles straining and begging for release, but he couldn’t stop. Never mind that he could barely see a foot in front of him. Never mind that he could feel hot breath ghosting across his neck. Never mind that his strides were starting to lag and his chest was aflame and his nails were pressing into the bone of his hands and—he tripped. A tree root, thicker than the others, and the toe of his shoe slammed into it and he sailed upwards, arms pinwheeling in the air. The world blurred around him, black, green, brown. He landed on his back with a sickening crack, and he gasped, loud and panicked and ugly. His hands uselessly spasmed in the air, a zombie trying to dig itself out its own grave. He couldn’t breathe. He couldn’t even see. He couldn’t do anything but lie there and ignore how he shook when he heard feet draw near. They stopped somewhere nearby. He didn’t have enough strength in his limbs to startle when he felt a big puff of air on his face. He did have enough strength to let out a terrified squeak, eyes clamping shut and shaking worsening. He felt something lick his face. Something long, rectangular, wet, and awfully scratchy. Whatever it was licked his face again. It was awfully ticklish, but maybe it was okay if this thing was only licking him and not hurting him. He opened his eyes despite his intense trepidation. The fluffy face of a tiger curiously looked back at him. It blinked at him and licked him again.

“Oh,” he said, “Was it you chasing me?”

Even after he said it, he couldn’t believe it. This fluffy creature that was licking him so gently? No, this tiger had to have been the one to scare off that dangerous thing chasing after him.

“Did you?” He insisted, willing himself to not look away from the tiger’s eyes. 

The tiger merely blinked back at him, slow and leisurely. 

“Or were you the one who saved me? Did you chase away whatever that scary thing was?” 

The tiger chuffed at him. It slowly blinked once more. It leaned forward and licked him once more. 

“I’ll have to take that as a yes. Thank you, um, for that. I was pretty scared.” 

From his prone position on the forest floor, he could see the tiger sit back on its haunches. It blinked at him again. He felt compelled to blink back. 

 “Um. Sorry. I don’t really know what to say. I’ve never been saved by a tiger before. Or saved by anyone, really. Well, um, I guess there is a guy….” He trailed off, unsure.

He was sure there was a guy. Yet the memory was unclear, like looking at a familiar friend through a rainy glass window. He should remember who he is. He could feel it. But nothing was coming to him.

“You wouldn’t happen to know who I’m referring to, right?” 

The tiger licked lazily at its maw. It looked like it was a no. 

“Do you think, like, you could give me a ride out of here? I mean, I don’t really know where I am, and, um, you look pretty big. Not that I’m calling you fat, I-I mean, you look strong. Do you think you could? I-if you want to, obviously.” He rambled on. 

He watched with wide eyes as the tiger leaned over him. Like this, the tiger was blotting out almost everything else in his vision with its body. The only other thing that he could make out was the small white curve of the moon. The tiger chuffed at him again, stretching further down to nose curiously at his neck. It sniffed him a couple of times and he willed himself to stay still. The tiger hadn’t hurt him when it found him, so it shouldn’t hurt him now. A tongue suddenly licked a wide stripe up against his neck, and he jolted in place, fists balling up on his chest. One more lick and the tiger retreated. It seemed to regard him, unblinking feline eyes boring right into him. He held the stare with large eyes. Whatever the tiger saw seemed to please it because it slowly turned around, baring its back to him. Not one to waste an opportunity after peril, he shakily crawled up onto his knees and pushed himself to be lying over the tiger's back. He inched forward, legs bracketing either side of the tiger, and each hand gingerly grabbed a fistful of fur. The tiger seemed to be waiting for him to properly orient himself. He gave it a soft pat on its head when he was all situated. The tiger chuffed again, and with that they took off in the night. 

It was exhilarating. Together they raced across the forest floor, piles of leaves scattering in the wind from the force and momentum of the tiger’s footfalls. He could feel the powerful muscles constantly undulating underneath his hands. He clung a little closer, grabbed a little firmer, and allowed himself to smile. Nothing could harm him like this. Nothing, even something like a giant with great big hands, could lift him up and take him away. Like this, he was free. He could feel it. Overwhelmed with gratitude, he leaned closer until he could press a quick kiss to the tiger’s head. 

“Thank you for protecting me.” He whispered and the moon shone even brighter.

Albert groggily woke up to a low ray of sun gently caressing his face. He groaned, lazily turning around in the sheets tucked securely around him. He shoved his face further into the soft pillow, mumbling incoherently. He knew he should definitely get up, especially if the sun was already beginning to rise. But the slip of the sheets against him was so gentle, the pillow so plump beneath his head, and he could faintly feel that Summer was still pressed tight to his chest when his fingers moved. There was a faint breeze dancing across his skin and the distant calls of birds tweeting. Everything was so peaceful. Everything would be fine if he slept a few more minutes. Just a bit longer, Albert thought. His eyelashes fluttered shut once more and he was out like a light. 

When Albert woke up again it wasn’t to the sun beaming down on him, but Jake instead. His mind was hazy and his lashes were clumped together with sleep. 

“J-Jakey?” Albert slurred, droplets of drool dripping out his slack mouth. 

“Yeah, dude, it’s me. Almost thought you died in your sleep, so I came to wake you up.” Jake smiled and Albert felt the hand in his messy bedhead again before he saw it. 

He was given a few pats before Jake retracted his hand back. Albert sleepily blinked at him. Jake beamed back. Albert’s face squeezed from the pure brightness. The silent stare off continued, Albert cozy in his sleep-warm blankets and Jake still towering from his spot beside the bed. Albert squinted his eyes, determined to win even if he didn’t know exactly why they were competing. Jake narrowed his own eyes at him and he felt a tingle race down his spine. With Jake staring so intensely at him like that, he looked oddly similar to some type of big cat. Maybe he’ll even pounce like one–blue-red overtook his vision as Jake suddenly launched himself at him, arms outstretched as if to catch Albert right between the palms of his hands. 

“Oof! Dude! You’re heavy as fuck!” Albert protested, weakly wiggling underneath the solid weight of Jake pressing him deeper into the mattress. 

Jake had landed on Albert with his knees pressing harshly into Albert’s soft stomach, his muscled arms fencing in Albert on either side. What the fuck, was the only thing Albert could think right now. Well, the only appropriate thing he could think about.

“Get off of me!” Albert shrieked, trying to push Jake away. 

Jake continued to pin him down for one second, two, three, and then he sprung up off of him. 

“Shit! Sorry! I always forget you’re not as strong as normal when I bring you back. You’re not hurt anywhere, are you?” Jake worriedly rambled, nervous hands tugging at his dark strands of hair. 

Albert could only gape at him. Then stare some more when the panic in Jake’s eyes hadn’t yet abated. That’s when he started laughing, loud, hearty, more than slightly obnoxious cackles.

“Jake, you should’ve seen the look on your face! Like you accidentally ran over your favorite pet!” Albert wheezed, pointing a finger right at Jake’s face and laughing some more. 

“Wow. You’re a real class act, huh.” Jake dryly responded. 

“Hm. The classiest.” 

“I should’ve left you to rot some more.” 

“Nah, you’d miss me way too much! Especially when I’m, like, probably, the town mayor or something.”

“We don’t have a mayor. Also, even if we did have one, it definitely wouldn’t be you.”

“What! What else could I be? Am I the town barber? Please tell me I’m not the town barber.”

“You’re…hm, how should I put this,” Jake started, arching one eyebrow high and tapping a finger against the bottom of his chin in thought, “you’re, like, the village idiot. Yeah, that sounds about right.” 

Albert gasped so loudly he was sure he scared any birds or woodland critters that may have been outside his window. 

“Don’t look so shocked. You’re my village idiot, which is really the best job to have if you ask me.” Jake gave him an infuriating smirk.

“Oh, yeah, I’m sure it is. You probably parade me around and make everyone laugh at me.” Albert sarcastically shot back.

“Nah, I’m usually the only one laughing.” 

“Then why even–ugh! You’re so annoying!” Albert whined, turning his disgruntled face away from Jake. 

“Aww…c’mon…don’t give me that face. You must be hungry. I have some food waiting for you on our table, you know.” Jake soothed, reaching out a hand to comfortingly rub Albert’s shoulder. 

The unconscious pout he was sporting eased slightly, but Albert still turned a critical eye towards Jake. 

“What kind of food?” Albert questioned.

Jake hummed, still moving his hand on Albert's shoulder, and answered, “Oh, I don’t know. Just your favorites, maybe. Maybe some waffles with whip cream. I heard the guy who made them really likes you, but he told me not to tell you that.” 

Albert’s face flushed an alarming red. He leapt out of bed, nearly face-planting on the floor when his legs got caught in the twist of his blankets. A pair of arms readily steadied him, wrapping securely around his waist. 

“Whoa! Careful there, now. Don’t wanna die before you can even have your breakfast.” Jake teasingly scolded. 

“U-uh, yeah. Um.” Albert stammered, face growing even pinker somehow. 

Jake released him and Albert pretended he didn’t miss him. 

“Go brush your teeth, Albert, then come and eat.” Jake ordered, and with that he left the room, leaving the door open behind him. 

Albert stared after him dumbly. His toes wiggled against the bare floor against his will and he had to stop his flinch at the feeling. Horrible, horrible, horrible texture, Albert shuddered, I needed socks on since yesterday. Goal set, he squatted and pulled open the bottom drawer of his armoire. There was nothing. He pulled out the above drawer. Also nothing. Fuck, Albert cursed. He needed those socks so he could feel normal again. Jake had to have some, so he should just go bother him about it. But Jake did tell him to brush his teeth first and his breath probably did stink…. What the fuck ever, he thought as he pulled himself up off of the floor. 

The bathroom had two toothbrushes, Albert noticed. One red and the other blue, sitting together in a little plastic cup. A plastic cup that had a tiger print on it for some inexplicable reason. Well, he was positive his own house was better decorated than this. Jake hadn’t told him which toothbrush was his, but he somehow knew it was the red one. He grabbed it, applied a generous amount of toothpaste, and started brushing his teeth.

He looked up and made eye contact with himself in the mirror. I seem the same, he thought. Same proud curved nose, same plush lips, same big brown eyes, and same shaggy mop of hair. The only thing that stood out is that his face was still a painstakingly obvious pink. Frustrated with himself, he broke eye contact and started brushing aggressively, willing the blush to fade from his face.

Once he was a normal level of pink, he padded out from the bathroom, following the delicious smell wafting through the house to find the dining room. He didn’t have to go far, only had to turn once at the corner, walk a bit down the ominously long hallway, and he was in the dining room and kitchen. The kitchen was a cramped semi-circle around a small table with two chairs in the middle. It had a slightly-rusty oven and a small dishwasher. On the blue counter space sat a little toaster, a plastic cup of various sized spoons, a pink microwave, and a waffle maker that looked like it’s seen better years. Above the counter hung some wooden cabinets, chipped in some places but still holding on.

Jake was at the counter already, his back turned to Albert. He privately appreciated the sheer width of Jake’s back. 

“So,” Albert cleared his throat, announcing himself, “did you already eat those waffles, or what?” 

Jake let out a short laugh but didn’t turn to face him. His busy hands moved some more, and then Jake turned with a plate in each hand. Both were stacked high with four waffles each, though only one was topped with whip cream and soaked with syrup. 

“They’re gluten-free, by the way. Go ahead and sit down for me,” said Jake, jutting his chin towards the table, “before I eat all of this myself.” 

Albert hurriedly sat down, chair scraping against the floor in his hurry. Jake smiled indulgently at him as he set down the plate with the whip cream in front of him. Jake placed his own plate in front of the chair across from Albert. He watched as Jake pulled open a drawer and presumably rummaged around for cutlery. 

“My liege, here.” Jake sagely said, performing a perfunctory bow as he handed Albert a fork and knife. 

“Why thank you, my most noble knight.” Albert joked back, cheeks warming back up the slightest bit. 

Jake cheekily winked at him as he sat down in his chair. Albert flushed, averting his gaze but unable to keep the smile off his face. 

“Thanks for the food,” said Albert, picking up his fork, “idiot.” 

“Anytime, stupid.” Jake smiled warmly back.

Refusing to blush for a third time, Albert focused on his food and dug in. The waffle was a bit too crunchy at the edges, but the inside was a burst of strawberry sweetness on his starved tongue. He could barely stop himself from moaning out loud, legs kicking in unmasked delight underneath the table. Thankfully the table was long enough that Jake didn’t end up getting kicked in the knee. They ate in a comfortable, maybe even domestic silence. The only sounds were that of the tines of forks scraping against the ceramic of the plates. Albert was so invested in eating he didn’t notice Jake’s eyes glancing over at him, dipping low before dragging back up. When they were done, Jake gathered up the plates and put them into the dishwasher. Facing Albert, arms and face spreading wide, Jake excitedly asked, “You ready to head into town?”

Albert easily grinned back, but then he remembered something absolutely integral. 

“As soon as I get some socks on first,” said Albert, “and maybe a different pair of sneakers, if you have any.”

Albert received a pair of fluffy blue socks and some clean sneakers. He had to change before they could drive into town, and he was now sporting a pair of comfortable black pants. With the sun spotlighting everything around them, Albert had the chance to really take in his surroundings. Jake’s house was a squat shotgun house painted a rather cute baby blue. Before they drove off in Jake’s truck, he could see that the forest next to it seemed to stretch leisurely and endlessly. 

“You ready?” Jake asked him. 

“Duh. I’m always ready.” Albert quipped back. 

Jake smoothly slid the gear shift into drive, and they were off with a squeal of the tires. 

Unfortunately, there wasn’t much in terms of landscape for Albert to look at. The ground the truck traversed on consisted only of sand and sandstone rocks. There was an abundant lack of foliage and Albert counted maybe three trees total. The sky, at least, was a clear blue all the way through. Like this, Albert felt like he was trapped inside a poorly themed snow globe. 

Jake’s house was unexpectedly much farther away from the town than Albert expected. Must be a benefit for being the leader, Albert guessed as he gazed out the window. Despite the dearly drab look of everything around them, there was still a window so he was contractually obligated to look through it. 

Albert admittedly wasn’t paying enough attention to notice when they finally rolled into town, but he certainly did notice when Jake abruptly yelled, “We’re here!” 

“Fuck!” Albert jumped in his seat and his seatbelt was the only thing that kept him from flying through the roof of the truck.

“Oh, dude, sorry! I forgot how much of a pussy you are.” Jake snarked, letting one hand drop from the steering wheel to aim a quick jab into Albert’s side.

“I’m not a fucking pussy! You just got me off guard, that’s all. I know I’m the one you come running to when you’re in danger.” Albert snarled, pulling up one sleeve of his big shirt to flex impressively. Jake whistled accordingly.

“Okay, okay, Mr. Muscles, my bad,” Jake placated, “now put those away before anyone thinks you’re open carrying." 

That got a hearty giggle out of Albert and Jake smiled, visibly pleased beyond himself. 

“Alright, alright, enough teasing. It’s time to meet your friends. Or, well,” Jake amended, “I guess, like, re-meet them. Re-meet meet them? Whatever, get out of my truck already.”

“Someone’s grumpy.” Albert childishly stuck out his tongue at Jake, and then speedily hopped out of the truck before Jake could punch him again. 

Albert’s sneakers crunched against all the loose pebbles and he took in the small town. There were two short parallel strips of buildings, some tilting and tall, and others stout and square. Some were cobbled together with colorful cobblestone of green, blue, purple, and others were designed with dependable driftwood. Both shone bright with personality. Windows of varying color and size were attached to the fronts of each building. There were no people outside, but if Albert strained his ears he thought he could hear faint chattering. Something in Albert’s chest warmed at the idea that that happy crowd was his happy crowd. Sure, he may not remember them right now, but some memories were already surfacing back. That’s how he was so certain that Jake was his best friend to end all other best friends. Fond, sun-soaked and warm memories of them together had already crept back. Albert burned both of their toast. Jake jumped out from a corner and scared the shit out of him. Them exchanging laughs and Albert glancing at Jake when the other wasn’t looking. Their hands resting close but not close enough to touch. And that’s enough of that, Albert decisively thought.

“You done staring?” Jake teased from where he stood on the other side of the truck.

Albert looked over and took in Jake this time. The slight breeze was ruffling his short hair, his dark beard looking fuller against the light backdrop, and his dark brown eyes were twinkling like two day stars. Albert gulped and his throat felt all the more dry for it. 

“Y-yeah. Let’s do that.” Albert managed to say.

Jake grinned and rounded the truck to snag Albert around the elbow. Smoothly looping his arm through his, Jake started off toward the building where Albert heard the laughter coming from with him in tow. It was a short walk, but that didn’t lessen the uncomfortable feeling of the heat bearing down on them. It didn’t help that Jake was walking quite briskly, and Albert’s long-but-not-that-long legs were tripping over themselves in his effort to match Jake’s pace. He almost asked Jake to slow down, but that was too crushing for his ego.

The building that they came to a stop in front of was one of the square and stout ones, though this one was far more stout than square. It was also one of the blue buildings, charmingly chipped like Jake’s house, but with swinging doors like an old-timey saloon. The windows that Albert could see were fogged, but not enough that he couldn’t see the fuzzy outlines of several people. His hands spasm with excitement. It was breathing with the sound of people that Albert loved. 

“You ready? They’re gonna be all over you, just so you know.” Jake glanced at him, eyebrow cocked.

Albert narrowed his eyes at him, smiling mischievously, “What did I tell you? I was born ready.” 

Jake’s smile tugged higher, and he pushed open the two doors while still looking at Albert. 

“Hey! Everyone! Look who’s back! Our terrific, kind, and amazing underdog! Albert!” Jake shouted, inching away from the entryway to let everyone get a good look at Albert. 

Instantly the crowd started clamoring with various-pitched greetings. Albert’s face flamed and he managed a shy wave. 

“Hi, guys. Hope you don’t mind having to reintroduce yourselves to me,” Albert said, nervously wringing his hands, “I’m slowly getting my memories back, alright?” 

The crowd exclaimed even louder, somehow, everyone continuing to talk over one another.

“Guys! One at a time, please. And let us enter first, jeez.” Jake shouted over all the noise, but it was clear by his eyes that he wasn’t actually upset. 

With Jake’s silent gesture, Albert stepped inside the building and Jake followed soon after. They walked forward until they reached a ridiculously long table, two chairs next to each other left conveniently open. Naturally they sat together. Not so naturally was Jake’s shoe sliding against Albert’s once they sat down, but it wasn’t like he minded. Thanks to the seats being at what appeared to be the head of the table, Albert was able to have a good view of everyone. The room, too, though there wasn’t that much to look at. There was the table they were sitting at, a few two-person tables scattered around, a curved bar top in the corner with a concerning amount of bottles behind it, some cushioned stools, and the only light coming in were whatever rays the sun shone in through the windows. Not too shabby, Albert decided. 

“Alright,” Jake announced, clapping his hands, “let’s go around the table and introduce yourself one by one. Let’s start with you, Dani.”

On Jake’s right was a woman with pointy brown hair, pointier teeth, and a smart gray dress on. 

“Hi again, Albert! I’m Dani Dontruss! I’m your most talented, kind, adorable, and unmistakable friend!” Dani greeted and Albert nodded, filing the information away.

On Dani’s right was a tall man with a square jaw, mustached face, and big sad eyes. 

“I’m Denis Dolil! I’m sort of the most tall, knowledgeable, agile, and unforgettable one in this little town,” said Denis, “besides yourself, of course.” 

Albert grinned at him, charmed. On Denis’ right was a shorter man with colorful hair, round glasses, and an impish look in his eyes. 

“Hey again, best friend! I’m Kaden Wilrun! The most trustworthy, kickass and…” Kaden trailed off, thinking, “unknowledgeable one.” 

He winked at Albert when he finished and Albert reflexively winked back. On Kaden’s right was a big, imposing man with a swoop of blonde hair and a round nose. 

“I’m Miles Lyeles! I’m the owner of this bar. We serve tequila, Kahlúa, amaretto, and even umeshu!” Miles smiled, his whole face softening like butter and Albert felt bad for even thinking he was capable of hurting someone. 

On Miles’ right was a tanned man with blonde hair rolling like waves down his back, a mouth full of shiny teeth, and wearing possibly the most offensively neon orange hoodie. 

“I’m Sketch Snapdragon! The world outside this town is pretty shit, but it’s nice in this town. We have a television, kettle, an automobile, and even a unicycle! I think the unicycle might be broken, though, it was a communal one.” Sketch greeted, doing jazz hands the entirety of the introduction. 

The last remaining person, on Sketch’s right and closest to Albert, was a smaller man that looked a little pale despite the extremely sunny weather. Albert smiled warmly at him, hoping to make this not-stranger more comfortable. For some reason this only served to make the pale man paler.

“Tem,” said Jake, and there was a steel in his tone that Albert hadn’t heard before, “it’s your turn. C’mon, I know you’re shy, but it’s just Albert.” 

There was a peculiar stillness that settled in the room. As if the room itself knew that something monumental was coming before it actually happened. One of Albert’s legs started to bounce, nervous despite no tangible reason to be. Instantly, there was a hand clamping around his thigh and firmly squeezing. Albert froze, but before he could react the hand was running smooth soothing circles. He glanced down, and his initial assumption was right when he saw that it was Jake’s hand on him. The pale man twitched, eyes darting downwards as if he knew what was happening under the table. He wrung his hands together, eyes briefly straying skyward for a blink before he looked back at Albert.

“I’m…Tem Priest….” Tem trailed off, audibly gulping. 

“And?” Jake urged, and Albert never heard that tone either. 

“And…y-you’re a-always welcome into our temple. W-well, it’s not much of a temple. More of a, um, kitschy building, really. B-b-but, it’s a very, uh, admirable practice. A-and you’ll never be unwelcome from my d-doors.” Tem managed to stammer out.

“There we go! Now that wasn’t so hard, Tem, was it?” Jake teased like normal, but something still sounded off.

The hand on Albert’s thigh released him and Jake used both hands to clap again. 

“Now!” Jake cheered. “Miles, how about you pour us all a celebratory drink? Normally I wouldn’t promote day drinking, but today’s a special day! Albert’s back!” 

The table erupted in loud cheers, Dani shaking Denis around and Miles immediately shouting out a responding “yes!” Tem was the only one who didn’t seem as happy nor was as nearly as loud as the others, Albert noticed in his peripheral. Something about that discrepancy felt worth niggling over, though Albert couldn’t put into words why. I’ll keep an eye on Tem, just in case, Albert resolved, he might be sick or something. Maybe the virus? Now that he thought about it, he couldn’t really remember anything related to the virus. Considering he was surrounded by all his friends, there was no better time to ask. Except maybe after they’ve all had a drink or two. Albert knew himself well enough to know he wasn’t above some light scheming.

Albert observed Miles as he got up from the table and shuffled behind the bartop. Miles grabbed at some bottles, an impressive two held in each hand, set them gently on the counter, and started to get ingredients out from under the bar. Albert was so enraptured by the sight of Miles mixing drinks that he startled badly in his seat when a heavy arm wrapped across his shoulder.

“He’s just mixing drinks,” Jake droned, voice close to his ears, “nothing that interesting enough you need to look at him with those eyes.” 

Those eyes? What eyes? Albert fretted. 

“Jake, I’m just watching.” Albert protested and he wasn’t sure why he felt the need to defend himself. 

“It’s Jakey. That’s what you always call me. I’m surprised you don’t remember that.” Jake’s breath was warm across the sensitive skin of Albert’s ear.

“R-right. Jakey. I’m just watching. Nothing more.” Albert couldn’t even look in Jake’s general direction, the tips of his ears burning blaring red. 

“Hmmm. Good boy.” Jake sounded pleased.

So pleased that there was a fast displacement of air, like someone rushing forward, and Albert could’ve sworn he felt the briefest press of lips against the red shell of his ear. He blinked and the sensation was already gone. He whipped his head over to scrutinize Jake and saw he was talking animatedly to Dani, both of them gesturing wildly. Huh, Albert thought dumbly, I definitely need to sleep more tonight. 

The table had some idle chatter that Albert didn’t participate in. He was content to soak it all in. Soon enough, Miles arrived back at the table, but this time with a tray teeming with drinks. He placed them down one by one; a tall teal drink for Denis, a bubbly purple one for Dani, a shot glass of something amber for Sketch, a cup of clear liquid for Tem, a bright red drink for Kaden, and a mug of frothy beer for Jake. Albert was served last, and he was met with the most delightful sight of a bright hot pink drink, silly straw and wedge of lime included. 

“Whoa! Miles, this looks awesome! Thank you, man.” Albert gushed, unable to stop himself from happily clapping his hands together. 

Miles laughed, grinning easily, “No need to thank me. It’s non-alcoholic, by the way. I know how you are.” 

Miles sat down back in his seat with his own drink, another shot but a different color to Sketch’s, and the conversation began to flow easier than the drinks. It mainly consisted of everyone telling Albert embarrassing stories about himself, or some dumb prank he pulled. Albert laughed and clapped along, drunk with happiness. He did notice that Miles kept getting up to make more drinks for everyone, but he didn’t notice that it was only his glass getting refilled. The pleasant stimulation of everyone loudly talking, laughing even louder, and Jake constantly brushing his hand against his hip left him with little mind to pay attention to anything else. 

It was when Albert was hiccuping on a laugh that he remembered he had wanted to inquire about the virus. 

“Oh! Guys!” Albert yelled over everyone else.

Everyone’s eyes snapped over to him, and Albert felt not unlike a cornered deer in this moment. 

“I-I-I don’t remember a thing about the virus! Could you guys, uh, like, r-refresh my memory?” Albert asked, eyes big and hopeful. 

The table went quiet. Albert giggled at that, swaying a little in his seat, but no one else laughed with him. Everyone exchanged glances at each other, communicating in facial expressions that Albert couldn’t translate.

“Why don’t we just turn on the TV? The news channel is basically the only thing that plays anymore.” Jake suggested, but there was that tone again like it wasn’t really a suggestion.

Miles got up without a word, walked back over to the bar and pressed an unlabeled button on a television hanging up so high Albert hadn’t seen it. It was one of those old-fashioned ones with bulbous buttons. It was awfully similar to Albert—big, boxy, and unapologetic for both. The television flickered to life, its rectangular screen filling with static for one, two, three, four seconds until it finally blipped to life, filling with color. Albert watched, enraptured.

Jake was right because they had turned on the television during what appeared to be a news broadcast. A woman, neatly dressed with a stiff blonde bob, sat at a shiny, sleek table. An older man in a pristine white coat sat next to her. A vibrant map flashed on the screen behind them, but Albert couldn’t make out any discernible details. Clasping her hands together, the woman began to speak, “Good day everyone. I’m Dru Dissonant with The New News. The Vermilion Virus continues to ravage our communities. Thankfully, Dr. Gerek Jean is here with us today to go over a breakthrough scientific discovery that just might save us all. Dr., take it away, please.” 

Dr. Gerek Jean cleared his throat, adjusting his thin-wired spectacles, before speaking, “Well, you see, Ms. Dissonant, my associates and I have come across the most interesting thing. We discovered, after some thorough research and ethical testing, that the virus, for some odd reason, doesn’t like to attack groups of people. We found, astonishingly, that the people less susceptible to the virus are people who stay in groups of two. Larger groups were found to be less susceptible as well, but were still prone to contracting the virus. By far, though, the most dangerous thing one can do is be alone. All our volunteers who were assigned to be by themselves contracted the virus immediately. Truly a knavish ulterior, indeed.”  

“Wow, Dr.! You heard it from the specialist himself, folks, make sure to stay in groups! No wandering off no matter what! It’s way too dangerous out there!” Ms. Dissonant warned the viewers, wiggling her fingers for emphasis. 

The television abruptly flickered, static cutting through again, but Albert was able to hear a “Go—“ before Miles pressed fast and hard on one of the buttons. 

Slightly inebriated Albert would have found that weird. Sober Albert would have already asked four questions by now. Shitfaced Albert was busy staring in wonder at his hands, wiggling his fingers in amazement. Wow, Albert thought, I can’t believe I can wiggle my fingers like her. So cool. 

“So you get it now, right, Albert?” Jake asked from beside him, and Albert could’ve sworn that his body was pressed closer than it was before.

Jake was definitely scooted farther away when they first sat down. Probably. Maybe? Albert scrunched his face up in concentration, trying to remember what happened an hour ago. How much time had passed? That seemed like something he should know. The sun was still shining into the saloon, but Albert wasn’t sure if it was as bright as before. He swung his head around, all topsy-turvy like a spinner, and searched around for a clock. He deeply regretted moving when it served to only make the walls swirl in a multicolored mess. He felt bile viciously claw its way up his throat. He was about to puke out everything he ate today when a hand slapped itself around his mouth, long fingers dimpling his cheek with the force. He swallowed the would-be vomit back.

“Shh…shhh… it’s okay, Albert. I got you,” said Jake, “you must’ve had too much to drink, huh? Miles! Can we get a glass of water over here, please?” 

Jake’s grip on his face was too firm for Albert to turn and look at him. He was, however, able to look at the rest of the room. Huh… Albert sluggishly thought, since when did everyone leave the table? It was a really good question because he definitely would’ve remembered seeing everyone get up and leave. Yet as his dizzy eyes tried to take in his surroundings, he could make out the blurry images of his friends seated far away from him. It was only him and Jake left.

A glass of water was set on the table, the sudden noise making Albert flinch against Jake’s hand. 

“Hey, hey, you’re gonna be okay,” Jake reassured, “let’s get some water in you. Thank you, Miles.” 

“Of course. No need to thank me.” Miles winked and walked back to his spot behind the bar. 

Jake leaned over, putting his face in Albert’s line of sight. His expression looked serious, concern deep within his eyes as he studied Albert. 

“I’m gonna remove my hand now, okay? Then you’ll drink this glass of water.” Jake ordered with a soft tone. 

Albert managed a small nod against Jake’s hand. Jake slowly retracted his hand and there was an immediate absence of heat. He grabbed the cup of water and pressed it to Albert’s chapped mouth. Albert swallowed nervously, lips slightly parting to say something, but Jake took the opportunity to tip the glass into his mouth. He instinctively started drinking. Jake shifted the angle of the cup, tilting it higher, and a small trail of water started dribbling down the side of Albert’s face. He gulped more quickly, throat working, and soon the glass was emptied of all water. Jake set down the cup and Albert was finally free to look at him. Oh, Albert’s thoughts immediately short circuited. Jake looked downright hungry and he was staring right at Albert. Or, well, not at Albert’s eyes, but somewhere lower on his face. He gulped and Jake’s eyes dropped an inch lower before going back up. He parted his lips to try to say something again when Jake’s thumb pressed onto his lips. Albert choked back a gasp as Jake swiped his thumb over his plump bottom lip, light eyes staring into Jake’s dark ones. Albert could only continue staring, struck dumb, as Jake brought his thumb to his mouth, pink tongue flicking out like a cat’s. All while maintaining eye contact. Albert made a vaguely strangled sound in the back of his throat and Jake blinked, long and slow, at him. 

“I think it’s about time we head home,” Jake suggested in a tone that it wasn’t a suggestion, “it’s getting dark. Nothing good happens when it’s night.” 

Albert could only nod stupidly. He placed a hand on the table, intending to leverage himself up out of his seat, but he immediately collapsed back down in his chair. His arms felt like limp noodles and his legs were shaky like he stepped off a rollercoaster seconds ago. 

His head swiveled towards Jake, pout already pulling at his lips, and he whined out, “J-Jakey, help me up. I ca-can’t walk. My legs are stu-stupid. Stupid legs.”

Jake made a show of sighing in exasperation, but even deeply inebriated Albert couldn’t mistake the fondness in his eyes.

“Okay, you little baby,” said Jake, eyes so brown and so, so, so beguiling, “I’ll help you out of here.” 

Jake got up out of his seat and wrapped one sturdy arm Albert’s slim waist, the other curling around his knees, and he hoisted him up with a little oof. Albert giggled, delighted at being so high up in the air, and was immediately less delighted when his stomach lurched dangerously. He let out a miserable little groan, turning and tucking himself into Jake’s firm chest like a bunny burrowing below ground. He was just so tired, and now his stomach was starting to hurt like it was his fault he drank so many drinks. Well, maybe that was his fault, but it wasn’t his fault his cup was full every time he drank from it. It also wasn’t his fault that now he felt so full and nice and drowsy and safe and he only wanted to close his eyes for a second. 

“You can sleep, Bertie,” Jake murmured softly to him, “I’ll get us home safe.” 

Albert didn’t want to go home yet, he could still see the sun rays stretching like a cat against the floor. Unfortunately, his body did have ultimate say in the matter as his blinks came slower…slower…and slower until his eyes finally shut. As he was slipping away to the fantastical places dreams were made of, he felt the barest brush of lips against his forehead. 

Albert was floating somewhere soft, somewhere safe, and somewhere so very warm. He could stay here forever. With his eyes peacefully closed and a small smile resting on his face—he would stay here forever. He continued to lie there, curled up in a loose ball, basking in the pleasant sensation of hands of the sun cupping his face. Until he felt something sharp jab at his foot. 

“Ow!” Albert yelped, eyes flying open and body folding itself from whatever stabbed him. 

Huh, he thought, is that a fucking porcupine? He rubbed at his eyes with his fists, blinked hard, opened them, and there was still a porcupine staring at him. A little porcupine, with dusky brown fur, and needles that looked oddly yellow at the tips. Albert didn’t remember any porcupines having yellow needles, but it’s not like he paid much attention in biology class. Or any class, for that matter. The porcupine blinked at him, small nose twitching. 

“Hi, little guy. Um, how are you doing?” Albert tentatively asked. 

It was only him and this porcupine in this empty void space, so he might as well get to know the little fella. The porcupine seemed to take him in, little dark brown eyes locking with Albert’s big, guileless eyes. It rushed forward at him, crushing its nose into his leg, and then ran off. What the fuck, Albert thought. There’s no way he was about to run off after a random porcupine. Yet as he watched the porcupine’s short legs quickly gain distance, something in him compelled him to follow. 

“Whatever, not like I have anything else to do.” Albert muttered to himself as he stood up. 

He dusted his knees off and then he was off, longer legs quickly gaining on the porcupine. The porcupine kept running, running, and running, and Albert maintained pace behind it. Up ahead, in the grand expanse of white, white, white, Albert started to see some blue bleeding above. Like the tendrils of a sky trying to burst through all the white. They kept running until the blue began to cover the space above. A few more strides and Albert was able to see clouds dotted here and there. 

Whoa, what the fuck is happening, is all he could wonder.

They continued running, now under the never-ending swath of baby blue. Eventually Albert saw a spot of green high up ahead. Like a tree, maybe. They kept running until the green was closer and Albert collapsed onto his knees, unable to keep going, and onto…sand? Chest still heaving, Albert looked around him. In front of him, a few feet away, was the base of a towering palm tree. Its lush leaves spread out, a great green spider spreading over Albert’s flushed face. He turned towards the porcupine, about to make some stupid quip, when he realized the porcupine was nowhere to be seen.

“Huh? Little guy! Where are you?” Albert called out worriedly.

He thought that the little guy might’ve accidentally been left behind somewhere back in the void. With that in mind, he twisted around on his knees to look at the white space behind him. Except…there was nothing there. Only an endless expanse of water looked back at him. Albert couldn’t see a single ripple along the surface or wave disturbing the serenity. Everywhere he looked around him was blue. The sky went on forever and the water seemed to go on for longer. It was only Albert. Well, he amended in his mind, me and this palm tree. Stuck on a tiny island together. 

He stood up on shaky legs and went to walk over to the palm tree when his shoe hit what felt like a rock. Albert glanced down. There, written in the sand, were a series of numbers. Twenty-eight-five, an empty space, and then eighteen-fifteen-three-eleven-nineteen. Albert tipped his head back and wondered what the fuck was going on at the sky. The sky, quite rudely, didn’t reply back. It really was only him here, and it looked like only he could help himself. Well, fuck everyone else, I can do this myself, Albert determinedly thought. 

So, a series of numbers. Math wasn’t exactly Albert’s strong suit, and he was pretty sure cryptic codes counted as math. He plopped down on the sand, thankful for the palm tree so he could at least think in the shade. He cupped his chin in his palm, staring hard at the numbers in front of him. The space in between the first and second set felt long enough to be purposeful. Sort of like…a space between words. That would mean that it was probably spelling out two words. The first word being three letters long, and the second being five. Meaning they were probably simple, common English words. Words one might say every day. Albert stared hard at the first set. His first response was that it had to be something like ‘the,’ but he had no reasoning for that nor did it help deciphering the second word any easier. The very first letter was twenty. Twenty… Albert’s fingers pressed harder into his skin as he thought harder. Come on, English language, don’t fail me now, he desperately pleaded. He didn’t learn his alphabet for nothing. He loudly gasped, eyes going wide and round. It had to be related to the alphabet! So, the twentieth letter of the alphabet would be…Albert started counting on his fingers. The twentieth letter is T. He counted again. The eighth letter is H. He counted one more time. The fifth letter is E. The first word was ‘the!’ Sometimes Albert was scared of the magnitude of his own genius. He quickly counted out the next five letters: R, O, C, K, and S. Rocks. Thus, the full message was ‘the rocks.’ The rocks. Of course, the rocks. 

“What the fuck are even ‘the rocks?’” Albert whined, pulling at the ends of his hair. 

Rocks. The grounds of his town were flat, dry, and dusty. Unless gravel counted as ‘rocks,’ but that didn’t make much sense. Albert was pretty sure gravel was whatever gravel was, and it was definitely too small to contain any secret messages. He wracked his brain, face squinting in concentration. Rocks…rocks…rocks….

“Aha!” Albert suddenly yelled, clapping his hands in delight. 

There’s rocks in front of Jake’s house. Two messy lines before his creaky stairs. Albert wasn’t sure of what he would find there, if anything, but surely it was worth a shot. 

Albert gasped awake, jerking upright in his bed, sweat dripping down his face, and chest dramatically rising and falling. For some reason he felt like he had run a marathon. It was just a weird dream, Albert consoled himself. Yet it lingered in his mind, an unavoidable reality. He could check the rocks first thing tomorrow morning. He was sure he wouldn’t find anything, anyway, and that this was his mind playing tricks on him. Yeah, I’ll check it in the morning, Albert decided and laid back down. He shivered involuntarily from the cold breeze caressing his heated skin. He fell into a dreamless slumber this time.  

Albert didn’t get to check in the morning. Or the next. Or the one after that. Or even the one after that one. Fuck, Albert cursed helplessly. Apparently, according to Jake, his role in the town was actually to be a glorified errand boy. He didn’t even get paid. Granted, he was still living in Jake’s house and eating Jake’s food, but that was only because he’s been too busy to ask where his house was. Every day for the past week has been virtually the same. Jake wakes up Albert, they flirt over breakfast and Albert ignores how nice it is, Jake drives them into town, and then Albert is free for anyone to delegate tasks to. 

On Monday he had to help Kaden wrangle all his cats back. Kaden had maybe eleven cats in his house and somehow one night he forgot to close a window. Naturally, all eleven cats immediately ran away from home. Albert didn't blame them. If he was a cat he’d run away, too. Alas, he was stuck as a stupid human and he felt even more stupid when he spent the entire day running around chasing cats. At least they managed to find all eleven cats in the end. Sure, Albert was left with some scratches from some of the more prickly ones, but it was worth it when that night Jake applied ointment and cooed at him like he was something precious. Albert tries not to think about the latter part too much because he can only be so pink before it becomes a medical concern. 

On Tuesday he had to help Denis build a cat tower. Realistically, between two strong men like themselves, it should take no time. Except Denis’ cat, a little black thing with a garish yellow tie, was perhaps the pickiest person Albert had ever encountered. The cat’s name was Mr. Meows A Lot and he really lived up to his name. That day consisted of hours of building, getting hissed at by a cat with a snooty attitude, and rebuilding everything. Repeat that for about seven hours. Jake laughed at his suffering for like 5 minutes straight. Incredible bitchy of him, but it didn’t stop the fondness growing in Albert’s heart. 

On Wednesday he was forced to help Dani out in her art studio. That one wasn’t too bad. She had yards of unused linen, so he helped her hammer the frames, stretch the linen, and then staple it all together. It was a bit monotonous, but he had found it easy to fall into the rhythm of canvas building. After they had finished making maybe thirty canvases, Dani had one set up and asked Albert to pose for her. Never one to not show off, Albert had happily posed and flexed his muscles for all they were worth. Dani had laughed at that and he had felt himself preening. He giggled about it to Jake later, but Jake had only grumbled and muttered under his breath. Sometimes he really was weird, but that’s okay. He was Albert’s weird. 

On Thursday he helped Sketch attend to the town’s communal garden. Albert hadn’t been able to see it from the front, but close to the town hall sat a rather large greenhouse. Due to the ongoing virus outbreak, grocery stores were sparse and dangerous to venture to. There were all sorts of vegetables and fruits they were cultivating. Lumpy potatoes, plump peppers, round peas, succulent cucumbers, rich raspberries, and big strawberries. The last two especially had made Albert’s mouth water. Sketch had handed Albert a worn trowel and had him dig holes in the earthy soil. Albert had sucked greedy lungfuls of air the whole time, something about the smell of dirt comforting him greatly. Meanwhile, Sketch had prepared the seeds that would be planted. Sadly he didn’t get to watch that part because Sketch made him go fetch more bags of soil. There were across town, at Sketch’s house, and Albert had burned himself running to and fro under the sweltering sun. By the time he had hauled all the bags back to the greenhouse, Sketch had finished planting everything. Albert whined and stomped his feet at him, but his annoyance was quickly forgotten when Sketch gave him handfuls of sweet strawberries. 

Friday was easily the most boring day. He spent the day in Miles’ bar, organizing new and old bottles of alcohol, and dusting everything down. For a place that did not have a whole lot of furniture, there was a frankly ridiculous amount of dust everywhere. Thankfully, he was still able to clean up quite quickly due to his natural prowess with the duster. Not so luckily, that meant he was left swiveling around on the bar stool, bored out of his mind. He had asked Miles to turn on the television, but Miles had only reprimanded him for not thinking about electricity bills. Sure, electricity was probably way more expensive now that they were in a basically-apocalypse apocalypse, but Albert was so bored. Nothing could be worse than that. Yet Miles bodily bumped him out of the way every time he drifted near the television like he was some sheep straying from the herd. Albert didn’t mind as much when Miles gave him some paper and crayons to color with, but he promised himself next time he was here he would turn on that television. 

It was Saturday when Jake pressed a chaste kiss to Albert’s cheek, loaded himself up in his truck, told Albert that he had to go into town, something about a biweekly meeting between town leaders, and drove off. He watched wistfully as Jake’s truck became a blue dot in the distance and then disappeared, fingers absently touching where Jake had kissed him. Albert missed him already. 

However, this would be the perfect time to finally check the rocks. He was certain he wouldn’t find anything, but he hadn’t had a dream since the one with the porcupine and island. Something about that made it feel important. Abandoning his post on the porch, he skipped down the front stairs of the house. He bent over, hands clasped on his knees, and examined them. 

The two lines were asymmetrical, clearly not something professionally done, and most of the rocks were a good size. At least the size of Albert’s palm or bigger. They were also all plain sandstone rocks, but he figured that was to be expected considering they weren’t living in the most ecologically rich area. He squatted down and picked up the rock closest to him. It was a bit bumpy in some parts, smooth in others, and Albert couldn’t figure out a damn thing wrong with it. At least the texture was quite nice, and he couldn’t help turning it around in his hands. A crudely drawn M was on the back.

“The fuck?” Albert asked himself, eyebrows shooting up. 

The M didn’t say anything back. Albert blinked, shoving the heel of his left palm into his eye, and looked again. The M was still there.

“So I’m definitely not dreaming….” Albert trailed off.

He noticed that the M had been drawn on with some red substance. Tentatively sniffing the rock, he was relieved to say that it smelled sweet like a type of fruit, and not metallic like blood. He gently placed the rock down. Well, the other rocks probably don’t have weird letters written on them. 

He was very wrong. 

Almost all the other rocks had a letter written on them. One by one he flipped them over, hand hesitating like an inexperienced cook at a hot griddle. The letters were M, R, E, T, E, I, T, S, and P. They were obviously out of order, but Albert hadn’t the faintest clue on what they spelled. Probably not any verb, he thought, but maybe a noun? Nouns were common, he was pretty sure. 

The dirt here was soft enough for him to finger-draw on, so he sat down properly. He figured the easiest way to figure this out was by process of elimination. Write out all and any combinations he can possibly think of, and find the one that makes the most sense. It'll probably be a word you know, Albert reminded himself. Determined, he started writing on the ground. 

EMIT STREP. He certainly hoped he wouldn’t.

EMPT TIRES. Empty tires? That made no sense. Jake’s truck was the only car here and his tires looked normal. 

EMPTIER ST. They only had one street, really, and it didn’t even have a name. 

EMITS PETR. Petr? There was no one named that here. 

ERIS TEMPT. Who the fuck was Eris? 

TEM PRIEST. Now that was someone he knew!

Granted, it still made no sense, but it was a start. Tem did say that Albert was always welcomed in his temple. It would be a lot more annoying to go into town as Jake had the only mode of transportation, but his legs weren’t strong for nothing. 

He flipped all the rocks right side up again, adjusting them back into place, and he kicked at the dirt until all his writing was covered up. He wasn’t sure why he felt a need to hide it , but he also wasn’t sure why his handwriting matched the one on the rocks. 

The walk to town was long, humid, and awfully clammy. The ends of his hair were already starting to curl up with sweat. Mercifully, it wasn’t much longer before he saw the first couple of buildings. A bit more, and he caught sight of Tem’s temple. It was built the same way as the others, tall and stocky, but it was noticeably the only yellow building in their town. That made it all the much easier to notice, though, and Albert drew closer. 

It felt too rude to suddenly barge in unannounced, so Albert knocked loudly on the wooden door. The door swung open so fast Albert almost got bowled over. 

“You know I can’t— Albert? What are you doing here?” Tem was standing in the doorway, eyes wide and nervous like Albert had caught him with his pants down. 

“You said your temple is open for me any time, right, Tem? I haven’t seen you for a while, so I wanted to talk.” Albert easily answered and hoped his smile didn’t betray the nerves running wild under his exterior.

“Oh! Yes, of course! Come right in. I’ll prepare us some tea.” Tem smiled and it brought some color back into his face.

He gestured for Albert to step inside and Albert did. The inside of Tem’s first floor was incredibly cozy looking. Next to a wide window on the left side was a quaint table for two pushed into the corner, giant red bean bags strewn about, and a little kitchenette sectioned off on the right. Albert toed off his shoes, setting them next to the door, and wiggled his feet against the fluffy carpet. Now this place is real nice, Albert thought to himself. 

“Awesome place you got here, Tem.” Albert complimented, walking further into Tem’s house. 

Tem was already in the kitchen, pouring tea from a glass pitcher into two dainty teacups. 

“Yeah, it really is,” Tem paused, “Jake was very kind to let me have it.”

“Sometimes that bitch can be nice. But why call it a temple, though?” 

“Well, it still is one. Not in a traditional sense, I suppose, since there’s no official practicing religion in our town. But people are always welcome here to talk to me about their problems or something they may be personally dealing with. Whatever that may be. So, it’s like a temple of wisdom if anything.” 

“That’s very saintly of you,” Albert teased good-naturedly, “that why your last name’s Priest?” 

Tem looked vaguely queasy for some reason, and Albert couldn’t not notice how Tem’s hands shook as he opened a jar of sugar. 

“Something like that.” Tem murmured quietly. 

“So…speaking about problems. I may have found some rocks that spell out your name. Would you…know anything about that?” Albert inquired, rocking back and forth on his feet. 

Tem startled so badly one of his flaying arms knocked over his pink sugar jar. It rolled over the counter and shattered against the tile floor in a resounding crack! Albert rushed over to help. His feet stepped on some ceramic shards, piercing his foot, but he couldn’t focus on any pain when Tem was still shaking badly. 

“Tem! Tem. It’s okay. You’re okay,” Albert tried to soothe, hands hovering unsure and awkward in the air, “it’s probably nothing, okay? We can just, um, ignore it. Forget I even asked.” 

Tem’s arms suddenly shot upwards, gripping hard onto Albert’s shoulders. Albert shuddered at the unexpected contact, eyes bulging as he took in Tem’s face. Tem was still pale, but there was something like grim determination dancing in his eyes. He swallowed hard, taking in Albert, before he nodded at whatever he saw. 

“Sit down at the table. I’ll be there in a second after I finish cleaning up this mess.” Tem instructed, pointing a finger over at the table.

Tem let go of him, turned to where a broom rested against the fridge, and started cleaning up the broken pieces. Albert obeyed his orders and sat down at the table. His feet dully throbbed and he idly inspected them. Fortunately, it looked like he had no pieces stuck in his feet. Not so fortunately is that he did have some small patches of blood on his socks. It would probably be wise to take them off, but Albert would rather die than experience the world without socks. 

Albert watched from his spot at the table as Tem finished cleaning and brought the two teacups over. He set down Albert’s cup first before sitting down. Albert curled a loose hand around the cup of tea. It was still hot. He wasn’t sure if he should start speaking, so he decided he’ll let Tem take the lead. 

“So…the rocks?” Tem asked, gazing somewhere outside the window past Albert. 

“Yeah. I had, um, this is gonna sound silly, but I had a dream. In the dream there was a message that just said ‘the rocks.’ So I checked out the rocks in front of Jake’s house. They had another code, and it, uh, spelled out your name. So.” Albert explained.

“Albert,” Tem started while still looking away, “this isn’t your first time dying.”

“Duh, I know that already.” 

“No, Albert, this isn’t— it isn’t your second, third, or even fourth time dying.” 

“Huh? How many times have I died then?” 

“I…don’t know. I’m sorry.” 

“Well, does that even matter now? I’m here now, aren’t I? Still as pretty and strong as always.” 

“No, Albert. You don’t understand, it’s—“ 

Someone knocked on the door.  

Tem startled again, peering intensely outside the window until he saw something that made his face drain of all color. Confused, Albert angled his head to look too, but all he saw was Jake’s truck parked outside. When he turned his head back around Tem was already looking at him, expression serious. He leaned across the table towards Albert.

“Albert, you have to listen to me,” Tem whispered under his breath, so low Albert had to fold himself half over the table to hear, “pay close attention to your surroundings. Okay?”

The knocking on got louder. 

“Look at the television and garden.” 

The knocking got louder. 

“I can’t explain anything else. I’m so sorry.” 

The knocking got louder. 

Albert watched, so, so, so, confused as Tem shot up to his feet, rushing over to the door. Tem wiped his hands down his pants before he opened the door.

“Jake! It’s so nice to see you back so soon!” Tem cheerfully greeted him.

This is weird, right? Albert asked himself. He couldn’t see either Jake or Tem’s face from his position at the table. He wasn’t sure why Jake’s visit would stress Tem out so much. Maybe he doesn’t like how loud Jake was knocking, Albert guessed.

“Tem! Dude! I haven’t seen you in so long! I just got back from the leader's meeting. You mind if I come in?” Jake sounded equally as happy to see Tem.  

“Yeah, of course you can! Come in, come in!” Tem quickly agreed, stepping to the side to make room for Jake. 

Huh, he seems perfectly happy to see him now, Albert thought. 

He heard some slight shuffling noises as Jake presumably entered the house. Albert turned in his chair, happily calling out, “Hi Jakey!” 

Jake always stood tall, but his demeanor seemed to melt at the sight of Albert. Heh, knew he couldn’t resist me, Albert smugly thought. 

“Hi, Bertie. I didn't expect to see you here. What were you two talking about?” Jake asked. 

Bertie. It was a rather unexpected nickname, but Jake insisted upon it. Albert could only pretend to dislike it. The question Jake posed was innocuous, but Albert’s usually quick reply died quicker on his tongue when he caught sight of Tem behind Jake’s wide shoulder. He was staring straight at Albert, so pale he was nearly blue, and shallowly shaking his head no. Albert wasn't sure why, but something in him knew that he had to play along. 

“We were just chatting! Tem’s telling me all about these tea blends.” Albert answered, lifting up his cup for good measure. 

Jake hummed and a peculiar stillness entered the room. Like being in a forest and all the animals were collectively holding their breath. But that was silly. This was just Jake, and Tem had been nervous since Albert had been brought back. 

“Is that so? Tem, what kind of tea did you recommend to him?” Jake said as he turned.

Albert could no longer see Jake’s face, but he was able to see Tem quickly snap back to normal. His smile seemed strained at the edges and something uncomfortable settled low and heavy in Albert’s stomach. 

“The Worm’s Wort one, of course! I figured that one would match Albert’s palate the most.” Tem answered pleasantly.

“Ooh, true! Also, dude, you can lighten up, you know. You’re all tensed up like I’m gonna bite your face off.” Jake teased. 

“Right. Sorry. I’m still shaken up after I accidentally dropped my favorite sugar jar.” 

“Your favorite sugar jar? Dude! Thanks for letting me know. Next time I’m in town I’ll be sure to look for another one for you, okay?”

“Oh, that’s so nice of you! You don’t have to do that.”

“It’s what any good leader would do. To keep all unity between his people. Wouldn’t you agree?” 

Even without being able to see his front, Albert can tell that Jake was comically puffing his chest out like he was some emperor penguin. He softly snorted to himself.  He had no idea what he was getting worried about. 

“Yes, of course! It would be a shame to not keep all unity, not when you work so hard for all of us.” 

“Haha, I’m so happy we think the same!” Jake cheered and Albert heard what sounded like a back being clapped. 

Tem laughed along with him and Albert smiled to himself at the sound of his friends' shared laughter. Turning back in his chair, he delicately sniffed at his tea, nose wrinkling at the strong odor. It tasted good enough when he sipped some of it, so it was probably his nose being weird again. 

“Bertie! Let’s go and let Tem have some peace and quiet. I know you were talking his ear off.” Jake called from behind him. 

Albert twisted around in his chair, confusion bleeding through his tone when he called back, “Huh? It’s not even dark out, though.” 

“Bertie, look out the window.”

Albert looked out the window. It was nearly pitch black, a greedy void that swallowed any star. Huh was all Albert could manage to think. 

“Oh…I hadn’t, um, realized how late it got. Sorry Tem, I must’ve talked, like, a lot,” said Albert, laughing awkwardly, “thanks for having me over and thanks for the tea.” 

“Of course! Come by any time, Albert. It was fun talking to you.” Tem softly said from where he stood. 

Albert left his half-full cup on the table and padded over to the doorway where his shoes were. Jake visibly brightened at seeing Albert close up, a huge smile splitting his face. Albert couldn’t help but shyly smile back. He bent over, making quick work of stuffing his feet into his sneakers, and popped right back up. Tem and Jake were facing him, standing companionably close and both smiling. Tem rushed forward to envelop Albert in a tight hug. 

“Remember.” Tem whispered against his skin as a finger traced a G and T against his back, quick and gone like a fleeting thought. 

Albert swallowed against the sudden uncomfortable sensation in his throat and hugged Tem tightly back. It’s not like Albert wouldn’t see him again, but he needed Tem to know that he received the message. What the message meant…he wasn’t sure if he wanted to find out. 

“We need to get going.” Jake interrupted, stepping close and sliding an arm between Albert and Tem’s bodies. They were forced apart. “Tem, I’ll drop by soon with that new jar.” 

Tem nodded and stepped back farther away. Albert wanted to say something, but Jake was already wrapping an arm around his waist and ushering them out of Tem’s house. Albert glanced back at Tem over Jake’s arm as they walked out. Tem smiled, maybe in reassurance, but this time Albert couldn’t bring himself to smile back. 

The frigid air of the night rushed to greet them as soon as they stepped outside. Albert shivered, sorely regretting not thinking to bring a sweater or coat. Then again, it’s not like he wanted to die of heatstroke on the way Tem’s. 

“Cold?” Jake leaned down towards Albert’s ear. 

“No, dipshit, it's actually super hot out. I might just die from heat exhaustion.” Albert snapped, shoving an elbow into Jake’s exposed side.

“Bitch. And here I was, about to give you my jacket. I’d rather watch you die.” 

Albert dramatically gasped, “You’d let me die out here? Little ol’ me? Your prettiest town member?” He batted his long lashes at Jake for emphasis.

“The most annoying member, too.” Jake muttered.

“You don’t mean that!” 

“I do.”

“You don’t!”

“I do.”

“You don’t!” 

“I do.”

“Jakey! Take it back!” Albert whined out, foot stomping angrily on the ground.

Jake didn’t even have the decency to not laugh at him. He was still laughing as he unzipped his sweater. Albert pouted at him, clearly affronted at not being taken seriously. 

“Aww…I’m sorry, Bertie. You know I don’t mean it,” Jake placated, wiggling the sweater in front of him, “come on, I can tell you’re cold.” 

So maybe Albert allowed Jake to manhandle him into his sweater, but that didn’t mean that he didn’t grumble about it. Jake zipped him all the way in, a tender smile on his face the whole time. Albert pouted harder. Jake’s smile spread and he darted, quick as a whip, and pressed a kiss against Albert’s full lips. Albert immediately flushed hotly, pout falling away, and feeling way too warm despite the chill still present in the air. 

“You’re so cute, Bertie,” the indulgence in Jake’s tone was so thick Albert was surprised he didn’t choke on it, “now let’s go home.” 

Albert didn’t grumble when Jake pressed him even closer. He could feel Jake’s heat against him like a heartbeat.

Dinner was positively delightful. They bantered over a delicious spread of fried chicken that Jake had been bestowed with at the meeting. The chicken was nicely seasoned, melting under Albert’s tongue, and the crispy outside flaked and stuck to his wet lips. He pretended he didn’t notice Jake staring at him instead of eating. That didn’t stop him from licking his lips more often than necessarily needed, but Albert was nothing if not an opportunist. 

Sadly, after dinner, Jake did not pounce on him like he secretly hoped he would. Instead, he kneeled in front of Albert and asked to see his feet. 

“See my feet? Jakey, you have to take me out first.” Albert joked but Jake didn’t budge. 

Albert sighed and hesitantly peeled his socks off. His feet felt foreign and wrong and his toes wiggled around in displeasure. Jake gingerly grabbed a foot, making a soft cooing noise at what he saw. Oh, yeah, there’s still blood on my feet, Albert dazedly thought. It was hard to focus though, when the heat of Jake’s hand seemed to seep from Albert’s foot into his whole body.

“Wait here,” said Jake, getting up, “I’m gonna go get the first aid kit.” 

Albert waited, kicking his legs back and forth to avoid his bare feet touching the ground. Jake came back quickly with a little white box in hand. He kneeled in front of Albert again, opening the box next to him and gently grasping the same foot. Albert watched nervously as he picked out a pair of tweezers. 

“This might hurt, okay?” Jake warned. 

Albert nodded and pretended his heart wasn't thudding loudly in his chest. Jake started carefully pulling out some of the incredibly small pieces that had somehow embedded themselves in Albert’s skin. Jake went slow and gentle, but that didn’t stop Albert from letting out small whimpers of pain. Jake did his best to soothe him, the hand not holding his twitching foot rubbing small circles into his skin. Soon enough Jake finished and he switched feet. They fell into a comfortable silence as Jake removed the pieces from Albert’s other foot, whispering a soft, “You’re all good now. I just gotta bandage them now.” 

Jake took out a thin roll of gauze, slowly rolling it snug around Albert’s feet, and snipping the excess off with scissors. Albert thought himself so lucky to have someone like Jake as his best friend.

“Did you really go over to Tem’s house to talk about tea?” Jake asked calmly.

Albert’s mouth dried up.

“Y-yeah. He told me he had this new cool tea blend for me to try. You were gone, so I, um, thought why not go over? Nothing else to do, y’know, and I, uh, get bored so easily. Not that you don’t know that too, but—“ 

“Albert, are you lying?” 

Albert’s hands twitched nervously. He could feel the truth wanting to spill out of him, but he knew he couldn’t tell Jake. Tem looked so nervous and Albert had to figure out why. Maybe he could tell Jake after he got to the bottom of it, but not before. Jake would understand, Albert assured himself. 

“No. I wouldn’t lie to you, Jakey. The tea was actually, like, really good. You should try it sometime.” Albert answered and he was quite proud of how his voice didn’t wobble once. 

Jake hummed in response. He firmly squeezed Albert’s foot once, then heaved himself up and dusted off his knees. 

“Okay.” Was all Jake said. 

“Okay…?” Albert asked.

Jake glanced downwards at him. Jake was always taller than him, but he really towered over him like this. His shadow cast across Albert like a long unavoidable stain. Albert swallowed. He looked up at Jake’s face. His eyes were completely dark, two unpolished little black pebbles, and Albert’s nervous face looked back at him in the reflection of Jake’s glasses. 

“Jeez, Bertie, lighten up a little! You look like you’re gonna shit yourself.” Jake laughed. “If you say that’s what happened, I believe you. I have no reason to not trust you.” 

The tenseness that had filled the air dissipated like smoke on a windy day. 

“Dude, you should’ve seen your face! You were, like, so scary looking,” Albert laughed along, shivering dramatically, “if you saw your face you would’ve been scared, too!”

“Sure, you’re not just a little baby who gets scared by anything and everything.”

“Jakey! Low blow!” Albert squawked.

“Isn’t that as high as you can aim?” 

“Was that really a short person joke?”

“I don’t know, shorty, you tell me.”

Albert shot out of his seat to get at Jake, but he was smoothly pushed back down into his seat by Jake’s strong hands.

“Easy. Calm down, Bertie. I was just messing with you.” Jake joked and Albert blushed embarrassingly.

“I know that, you dick. You don’t have to be such an ass all the time.” Albert hissed at him.

“Hmm, I don’t know. Wait here, I have something for you.” Jake spun on his heel and marched off. 

Albert made a show of hemming and hawing, yet he remained obediently in his chair. It didn’t take too long for Jake to come back. He stopped in front of Albert, arms behind his back like a naughty child hiding a broken vase. Albert stared at him, unimpressed, arms crossed over his chest, and waited. 

“Ta-da!” Jake crowed, bringing his arms out in front of him.

In his hands sat a little tiger plushie. It was incredibly fuzzy looking, with hair that poofed out like it was only recently electrocuted, and charming shiny black eyes. It reminded Albert a lot of Jake. 

“His name is Clover,” Jake continued, extending his hands toward Albert, “and he is for you. Since I’ve noticed how you’re always cuddling your flamingo.” 

Albert flushed hotter, but he still reached out to take Clover. The tiger plushie was as soft as he thought, and he petted Clover gently. His legs gave a quick kick of pure delight. 

“Thanks, Jakey.” Albert said sincerely, affection heavy in his voice. 

“‘Course, Bertie. Good night. I’ll see you in the morning.” Jake bid goodbye after he picked up the med kit and a brief ruffle of Albert’s hair. 

Albert practically ran back to his room. He shut the door behind himself, slipped on a new pair of socks, and sighed in bliss. Much, much, much better, he thought to himself, admiring his new socks. With that matter settled, he launched himself onto his bed. Worming his way under the covers, he cozied up quickly in his blanket cocoon. Clover was already tucked up against his chest and he quickly scooped up Summer so she could join them. The little flamingo and small tiger plushies seemed to beam at him. Albert beamed back at them. Cradling them closely to himself, he fell asleep with a content smile on his face. 

Albert was back on the island. The sun was beating down on him, the same palm tree stood proud against it, and the sand burned hot under his palms. Except the waves, once placid, rose high and low now. Hungrily lapping against the sand like a beast that sought to eat him whole. Albert was petrified. Even more so when he looked down and saw the tiny porcupine from before. Except the porcupine was laid out on its side, its tiny chest rapidly fluctuating. Albert ran over to it, sliding to his knees and uncaring about how his knees burned.

“Little Fella, hey. It’s me, Albert. You’ll be okay, Little Fella,” Albert hurriedly said, “you’ll be okay. I got you. I got you, Little Fella.”

He had no idea what he was doing. He had nothing tangible to actually help the porcupine, nor was there anyone around he could ask for help. The good news was that Little Fella didn’t look bruised or bloody anywhere. The bad news is that he wouldn’t stop making this peculiar clicking sound. Like he was so terribly cold despite the overbearing heat around them.

“I’m sorry, Little Fella,” Albert tearfully apologized, “I don’t know what to do.”

All Albert could do was gently pick up the porcupine, tenderly holding him against his chest, and hope it’ll be okay. Little Fella’s teeth continued to frantically chatter and clack. 

It took another week before Albert realized. 

Another week of never ending errand runs for Dani, Denis, Kaden, Miles, and Sketch when Jake breaks the news to him over breakfast. It’s a Sunday morning, Albert and Jake tucked close together over plates of hot gluten-free pancakes, when Jake casually mentions, “By the way, Tem’s gonna be gone for a while. Some mission trip he organized.” 

Albert knows, unequivocally, that Tem is gone. The same way birds knew when to fly away or a worm knew it was time to bury itself deep underground. His skin felt clammy and foreign and wrong all over. He tried to think when was the last time he saw Tem. When I visited him a week ago, yeah, but after that…nothing, Albert horribly determined. It was true, too. Even when he was running across town every day he hadn’t once run into Tem. Nor did he even catch sight of him. The pancakes churned like moldy butter in his stomach. He fought to keep his grip on his fork steady. Garden and television, he suddenly remembered. He had been so busy helping his friends he had almost forgotten what Tem had told him. His eyes briefly flickered over to Jake. Nothing about him looked different. Same strong nose, same dark beard, same dorky glasses, and same kind eyes. Yet Albert knew he was lying. The why part was what he didn’t know, but that was arguably the most important part of this whole equation. Fuck, why is it always math, Albert cursed. He was, however, adept at masking, and it seemed that would be the only thing he could do. Until he could figure out where Tem went, and why Jake was lying about it. He couldn’t let Jake know that he was suspicious, though. Jake would never hurt me, Albert reminded himself. He couldn’t help but wonder if he could hurt Tem.

“What’s going on in that pretty head of yours, Bertie?” Jake asked after Albert accidentally lapsed into silence.

“Just thinking about how much I hate you.” Albert quipped.

Act normal, he reminded himself. 

“Hmm…you don’t hate me as much as you say you do.”

“Like you would know.”

“I know.”

“Whatever. Thanks for letting me know about Tem, by the way. Dude is gonna whip those fuckers into place.” 

“He would so not agree with you if he heard you say that.”

“Yes he would! How could anyone not agree with me? Just look at me.” 

“We all know you traded looks for smarts.” 

“At least I got looks. Looks like you got neither.” Albert childishly stuck out his tongue at Jake for good measure. 

Jake grinned back, his smile sweeter than the syrup coating Albert’s tongue, and he felt warm all over. It’ll be okay, he told himself. 

Albert waited another week until Jake left for the leader’s meeting again. Whenever he was around him, it was so hard to concentrate and focus on anything besides his mind’s constant loop of jakejakejakejakejakejakejakejakejakejake. But Jake left, climbing into his truck after pecking Albert—on the lips this time!—and driving off with a promise to be back soon. He was long gone and Albert’s lips still tingled pleasantly. Seeing as there was no one nearby, Albert allowed himself to happily flap his hands about and smile as silly as he pleased. Then, he lightly slapped himself on the face and concentrated. Focus, Albert, Tem is missing and you need to figure out why, he scolded himself.

In his pocket was a small notebook he had found in his room. Grabbing it, he flipped it open and looked at all the information he had already written down: 

-rlly weird dreams

-rocks match my handwriting (?) 

-Tem is gone :-( 

-Tem said look @ garden and tv (???) 

-too many messages D: 

-y would Jakey lie ? 

Well, that wasn’t a whole lot to go off of. But it was a start. As one of Tem’s best friends, Albert was obligated to search for him. He was certain Jake lied for a reason, but Albert figured it wouldn’t hurt if he did some digging. Thankfully, he did have two leads. The communal garden, he was guessing, and the television in Miles’ bar. He bit his lip, running it over in his head. Despite what people said, he wasn’t completely stupid. Based on the four-ish weeks he’s been back, he’s noticed that Sketch is more often than not in the garden. Miles, however, really only frequented the bar at night and all day on Fridays. It did make sense. Considering they were a small town, it’s not exactly like he had a large clientele or a line going around the next block waiting to get in. The only thing was that Miles’ bar was placed more squarely in the middle, so he’d have to walk around to avoid anyone seeing him. Just in case, Albert told himself. Not like he could tell one of his friends Yeah, I’ve been having weird dreams that leave me cryptic messages and also I’m pretty sure Tem is missing but I can’t explain why and— Definitely not. Decision made, he pocketed his notebook and set out for Miles’ bar.

Granted it’s only happened twice so far since he’s been back, but the town always felt eerily empty whenever Jake left. Like everyone was collectively holding their breath. Albert shook his head at himself. This is what happens when you’re constantly around someone so stupid, Albert had to remind himself. Regardless of how desolate the dirt path looked up ahead, as soon as the buildings came into sight Albert changed directions to the left. He felt awfully sketchy walking behind the backs of the buildings.

He walked along until he came across the wooden material of Miles’ bar. Frustratingly, there was no back door waiting for him to enter. There was, however, an open window calling his name, so he happily hoisted himself in. He landed gracefully on his feet and looked around. The bar felt a lot different without any of his friends in it. The same tables, chairs, and odd decor choice, but different nonetheless. 

He walked over to the bar top, feeling very much like a kid doing something they knew they weren’t supposed to. But he wasn’t a kid, and he was doing what he had to. For Tem. 

The television was adjacent to the bartop and mounted up high, and Albert was displeased to note that it was too tall for him to easily reach. He tried regardless, stretching high up on the balls of his feet. He couldn’t reach any of the buttons as he expected. Whatever, there should be a remote somewhere, Albert snidely thought. He rounded the bar top and started digging around. Most of the drawers were empty. Some of them only had junk and random candy wrappers in them. Finally, at long last, he opened the drawer that held a remote. It was a standard black rectangular one with ‘TV’ scrawled on tape on the back, but it was as good as gold to Albert. Shutting the drawer, he cast another quick look around. Still no one. He aimed the remote at the television and pressed on the power button.

Nothing happened. Albert tried again. 

Nothing happened. He tried again, pressing his thumb harder. 

Nothing happened. He tried aiming from different directions.

Nothing happened.

What the fuck, is all Albert can think. It’s okay, no reason to panic, Albert calmed himself, it probably has dead batteries. He flipped over the remote and popped open the back. His heart skipped a beat at what he saw. 

Inside the television remote were two long rocks about the size of a battery. He could only stare blankly at them. 

“Albert! Hey! What are you doing here, all by yourself?” A voice loudly questioned. 

Albert startled, jumping upwards like a spooked cat, and hurriedly hid the open remote behind his back. He hadn’t even heard anyone enter. He looked towards the entrance of the bar where the voice came from. 

It was Dani. Her shorter stature and rounded face should guarantee that Albert, physically bigger and stronger, shouldn’t be scared of her. Yet that didn’t stop a sudden chill from racing down his spine. His hands sweated nervously on the remote. 

“H-hey Dani! Long time no see, haha.” Albert awkwardly laughed, eyes darting around nervously. 

Dani didn’t move forward, but she also didn’t laugh along with him. She just stood there, scrutinizing him closely. Albert fought to keep his face relaxed and normal. He hadn’t been doing anything weird—he had no reason to look guilty or nervous.

“It’s been a while, hasn’t it? Since we’ve last talked. What are you doing here, anyway?” Dani asked again. 

Albert locked eyes with Dani. His skin prickled, feeling excruciatingly like one misstep would send him hurtling straight into danger. It’s just Dani, he told himself.

“I was, um, really bored. So I, uh, thought, why not watch some TV, right? Haha.” Albert explained. 

Dani hummed and still didn’t move. She only continued to stare, red eyes unblinking as she regarded Albert.

“Is that the story you’ve decided on?” Dani eventually said. 

Albert wasn’t sure what to say to that. He wasn’t doing anything illegal or immoral. This was all for Tem! Surely mentioning Tem would lighten Dani’s weirdly dark mood. He was one of her best friends, too, after all.

“I-I’m doing something Tem told me about. For him. Since he’s…gone.” Albert stammered out, refusing to meet Dani’s eyes. 

“I don’t know how he could’ve told you anything.” 

Albert felt anger rise in him, fast and thick like lava, and lashed out, “What are you talking about? Tem’s one of my best friends!”

Albert blinked and Dani was in front of him, arms wrapped tight around his chest. He could feel wetness seeping into his shirt. He quickly slipped the remote into a back pocket, and his arms hovered unsure over Dani’s back. 

“I know, I know, it’s been hard. Trust me, I know, Albert,” Dani cried into him, “but Tem’s not coming back. He’s been gone for weeks, Albert. We’ve already looked for him and…we can’t find him. There’s nothing.”

What? 

“Dani, what the fuck are you talking about? I saw Tem, like, two weeks ago. He looked fine.” Albert protested, voice feeble to his own ears.

“Albert…you really don’t remember, do you? Tem wasn’t here two weeks ago, or even four weeks ago.” Dani explained, slowly and carefully like he was some stupid child.

Maybe he was a small, stupid child because nothing about this made sense. He saw Tem two weeks ago. He knows that. The open confusion must show on his face because Dani’s face fell in what could’ve been sympathy, empathy, or pity. Albert couldn’t tell. 

“Your memories still aren’t totally back, yet, are they?” Dani whispered gently.

Albert could look at her in numb bewilderment. Dani sighed softly. She reached down and grabbed his loose hand.

“Come on, Albert. I’ll show you,” said Dani, already tugging him along behind her, “maybe you’ll remember then.”

Albert’s mind was blank as he trailed behind Dani, his hand still held tightly in hers. He didn’t have the presence of mind to hold hers back. 

They arrived in front of Tem’s door. Albert looked at it, trying to see if anything looked different or off to him. Nothing did, though, he was certain that it was the same door that Albert had knocked on two weeks prior. Dani stopped in front of it, turned back to look sadly at Albert, and she opened the door. She pushed it wide open and stepped aside so Albert would have a full unobstructed view of the room. Albert’s breath caught in his throat. 

Everything was covered in dust. A thick one-inch layer that spoke to weeks if not months of the room remaining undisturbed and untouched. The same chair and table were still there, the same beanbags, and the same mini kitchen. Only now everything had been sucked of its color, deeply desaturated underneath a giant gray blanket. Albert couldn’t speak. He dimly felt Dani’s hand place itself on his shoulder as she calmly said, “See Albert? Tem is gone. He has been, for a while. I’m so sorry you don’t remember.”

Albert could only mutter, “Jake said he was away on a mission trip….” 

Dani sighed deeply. The hand on his shoulder squeezed in what was probably reassurance. 

“A mission trip he took weeks ago. No one's seen him since.” Dani patiently explained. 

Albert could only numbly nod. He felt so disconnected, a soul untethered and left to wander the earth forevermore. More than that, though, was the stench of wrongness that permeated this entire thing. Could his memories be so spotty that he wouldn’t remember that one of his best friends has been missing for weeks? Could he really forget something as important as that? No, I can’t believe that yet, Albert promised himself, not until I have proof. But he couldn’t let Dani watch him. Channeling his years of theater, Albert mournfully asked, “Can I…just look around? I need a moment for myself. I can’t believe I don’t remember Tem disappearing.” 

Dani made an empathetic sound in the back of her throat, agreeing, “That’s a great idea, Albert. I’ll let you be, then. I know it can be hard—forgetting and then remembering a friend who disappeared. If you have any more questions, you can come to me. I’ll see you later, okay?” 

Albert made himself nod and he listened to Dani’s footfalls fading into the distance. He forced himself to walk into Tem’s house and gently closed the foot behind himself. 

The air was completely still in the house. Not like the natural stillness that falls in rooms left empty, but like someone holding their breath until the danger had passed. It didn’t help that the curtains had been drawn, darkness shrinking the room until it was nearly suffocating. Albert shuddered, skin prickling, and stepped further in. It was impolite, but he didn’t take off his shoes this time.

He walks over to the table he was certain he sat at with Tem two weeks ago. The teacup he used was gone, but that was plausible in any scenario. He walks to the big beanbags in the middle of the room and they look as lumpy as before. Finally, he walks to the kitchenette space. Same fridge, same counter space, and same sugar jar. 

Wait what, he paused in his searching and immediately swung his eyes back. 

The sugar jar, the one that Tem had accidentally knocked over and completely ruined, was sitting there innocently. Except…Albert stared hard at it, concentrating hard. It’s a different color! Albert remembered that the one Tem had broken was a hot pink, the best color of all, not blue like the one he was currently looking at. Sometime, in the space between when Albert visited two weeks ago and now—someone had replaced it. Almost like someone was trying to recreate Tem’s house to how it would’ve looked the last time Albert saw it.

The sugar jar being a different color was obvious evidence that someone had been inside Tem’s house after Albert had visited. But who could that be? Who would that be? Albert’s head pulsed in annoyance. If only Tem were here. Tem, who seemed to know far more than Albert. Tem, who could probably solve this mystery in a minute. Albert dearly wished he had some kind of clue on where Tem’s whereabouts could be. Wait…Albert thought, if Tem left me a message the last time I saw him, who says he wouldn’t leave me a message again?  

But where the hell would that message be? Albert wondered as his eyes roved over the dusty, well, everything. Everything seemed to be perfectly in place. Albert thought hard, hand coming up to cup his face. If there was no clear message on the first floor…then what about a second floor? He knew Tem should have a second floor due to having a second-floor window. Though, the most glaring issue to that train of thought was that Albert couldn’t find any stairs. There was no staircase tucked in a corner or a string for Albert to pull on that would bring a set of stairs down. Absolutely nothing. And, of course, because Albert truly had the best luck of all, his stomach chose this precise moment to rumble angrily at him. Fuck my life, was all he could think. Sighing, he faced Tem’s fridge. Most of the things in there were probably spoiled already, but it’s not like Tem was here to complain that Albert was pilfering rotten food from his fridge. Thoroughly sobered from that thought alone, Albert opened Tem’s fridge. He stopped. He closed the fridge. He opened it again. He closed it again. He opened it again. The view inside didn’t change and Albert’s mouth hung open in shock. 

Inside of Tem’s fridge sat not moldy cheese or soured milk, but the end of a staircase. Albert glanced behind himself. The curtains were still drawn tight and the door was locked. Nevertheless, Albert quickly darted over to the front door, double-checking the lock, and sliding the four deadbolts home. He rushed back and stared in amazement. It would be a tight squeeze for him, but at least he didn’t have Jake’s height or Miles’ bulk. He curled in on himself and started up the stairs in Tem’s fridge. 

It was so, so, dark and Albert fought against the nauseous feeling that immediately crept up on him. The air here smelled heavily of mildew. The stairs were rather short and smaller than one of Albert’s shoes, but the walls pressing tight on either side of him assured him he wouldn’t fall. He climbed, climbed, climbed, and climbed for what felt like forever until he bumped into a door. Blindly, his hand reached out until he felt a knob under his hand. He turned it and he stumbled into a new room.

The first thing Albert noticed was that it was an incredibly tiny room. Maybe one-fourth the size of the first floor. A shoddy-looking desk overflowing with papers sat in front of the wall opposite to Albert. In front of that desk, covering the window above, hung a map with various colored marks and notations and illegible scribbles. Albert knew his time here was limited, so he couldn’t afford to stand stock still. He moved towards the desk, the papers strewn about on the ground crumpling under his sneakers.

Albert had no clue what he was looking at. There were so many sentences scrawled out in hurried handwriting, or maybe a secret code that only Tem knew of. It didn’t really matter which one it was when Albert couldn’t make heads or tails of it. He pulled at his hair, feeling so beyond frustrated. Here was this well of information in front of him, yet he couldn’t make any sense of it. However, it was as he was rifling through the papers, that one of them fluttered to the ground. Albert instinctively bent to retrieve it, and he couldn’t stop his eyes from widening as he read what was written on it:

JAKE KNOWS in thick, crooked strokes like Tem was trying to rip through the paper as he wrote it over and over again. Looking at how crinkled the paper was, maybe he really had been. 

Albert swallowed, his chest feeling too cold and too warm at once, as he let the words settle in his mind. What did Jake know? Why did Tem write it like that? Was Jake about to hurt Tem when he wrote it? Albert shut that thought down immediately. Just because Tem had been visibly panicked when he wrote that did not mean that Jake actually did something. It wouldn’t do Albert any good now if he started acting irrational. No, he had to remain calm and collected. Cool like a cucumber, Albert, he told himself. Cool like a cucumber. He can do that. Albert carefully folded the piece of paper, small and smaller until it was about the size of his thumb nail, and he stuck it in his pocket. 

Exhaling, he took his attention away from the messy desk and focused on the map. Albert squinted, trying to decipher any of it. It appeared to be a geographical map, judging by the neatly penned Oceania on the top right and the compass rose on the bottom. A red circle was traced around the area of their little town, Olke. Circles of different colors were drawn around the other cities: Hark, Vernal, Kin, Mason, and Dirk. Most notably, though, was the yellow note stuck on the surrounding area of Kin. SAFE, it read. Kin was a safe zone from…something. But what? The virus would make the most sense. He wondered if that’s where Tem was. But then that made Albert wonder why Tem hadn’t taken the town’s prettiest arm candy, him, with him. Albert was going to be so hurt if Tem really left him behind. After he hugs the life out of him first.

Albert turned around when something in his peripheral caught his eye. He barely managed to duck in time to avoid the brick that crashed through the window, shattering the glass window and taking the map down with it. Albert suppressed the instinct to scream, hands slapping tight over his mouth. He didn’t dare stand up and look out the window. He got down low on shaky legs and crawled over to the brick. In the middle, tied around with red string, was a paper that said DONT TRUST ANYONE. 

Albert briefly closed his eyes and wondered what his life had come to. It’s okay, Albert, you only have to do it yourself first, then you can tell everyone else all about it, Albert tried to psyche himself up. This was an incredibly weird and strange situation he had found himself in, but nothing he couldn’t handle. He only had to get to Kin and he knew he’d get his answers somehow. He pushed the brick off of the map, folded it to thumb nail size, and slipped it into his pocket. He’d find Tem—one way or another. 

Albert shut the fridge door behind himself after he descended down the stairs. The new items hung heavily in his pockets. The hardest part of this very loosely cobbled together plan was that he couldn’t let anyone else know what he was up to. He couldn’t even tell who was telling the truth besides Jake. However, he knew he couldn’t tell Jake about this either. Not that he didn’t want to, he really wanted to, but something in him knew that Tem had left this message for him only. The brick, too, felt like it was for just him. Someone else was out there and watching out for him. He would do well and heed the rather blunt warning. 

Albert was aware enough to realize that he had to act like he hadn't seen anything. With his big, sad brown eyes and propensity to pout, it shouldn’t be that difficult. 

Albert walks back home under the warm glow of the setting sun. He always felt lighter after witnessing a sunset, but even the warm sky wasn’t enough to quell the queasiness that lay dormant in his stomach. 

Jake was already home when he entered through the front door. He was working at the stove and the smell of some fatty meat cooking wafted towards Albert’s nose. He made a delighted sound, tripping over himself to get to Jake and envelop him in a tight back hug. 

“Dani showed you Tem’s house?” Jake asked conversationally. 

Albert sniffed miserably, nuzzling into Jake’s neck like a cat seeking affection, “Yeah. It was…a lot.” 

“Hmm,” Jake agreed, using his spare hand to scratch pleasantly at Albert’s hair, “I know it can be a lot. But you’re a strong boy, aren’t you? I’m sure Tem will turn up soon, anyway.” 

Albert nodded from his perch. Jake mercifully allowed Albert a few more minutes of hiding his face in his shoulder before he idly mentioned, “I have something for you, by the way. It’s there on the table.” 

Albert immediately leapt up and rushed over to the table. His feet ached a little from being on his tippy-toes, but his excitement at a gift overpowered everything else. On the table, as Jake said, there was a nicely-wrapped little blue box. 

“Can I open it now? Please, Jakey? Please please please?” Albert begged. 

Jake signed but it wasn’t enough to keep the fondness out of his tone when he answered back, “Yes, Bertie, you may open it.” 

Albert wasted no time and tore the package right open. Inside, cushioned between black foam, sat a silver heart-shaped locket. He gingerly picked it up, rubbing his fingers over the cool metal. Huh, Jakey got me a necklace, Albert gushed in amazement, he really is so nice. He opened the locket up and a brown eye stared at him. More specifically, he realized, it was Jake’s innocent, cow-like eye that looked back at him. 

“Here, let me help you put it on.” Jake’s voice sounded from close to his ear and Albert twitched. 

He hadn’t even heard Jake sneak up on him. He could definitely feel the hot line of Jake’s body pressed against his back, though.  Albert tried not to do anything stupid. Not more stupid than how I usually act, he amended. Jake’s warm hand ghosted across Albert’s nape and he physically felt it when Jake leaned down and whispered, “Relax.”

Jake took the necklace from Albert’s slack fingers and clasped it carefully around Albert’s neck. His hands rested on Albert’s collarbones, long fingers meeting each other at the hollow of his throat. Albert’s throat bobbed nervously. It’s like I’m wearing two necklaces, he deliriously thought. Albert felt a kiss being pressed against the back of his ear.  

“You look perfect, Bertie.” Jake whispered huskily into his ear. 

Albert went to bed the warmest he’s ever been. His stomach was full of honey-glazed meat that fell off the bone and his heart locket rested above his own heart. The ear kiss Jake had given him may have warmed him the most of all. Albert reached up and touched the spot, and he couldn’t help but giggle and kick and twist his legs in his sheets. He could live like this forever. 

Remember you need to find Tem first, he scolded himself. 

That was a sobering thought, but it wasn’t like he wouldn't come back to Jake after he took his trip to Kin. Shit, I still need to check out the television and garden, he suddenly remembered. Tomorrow was Monday, so Miles would be working. Tomorrow’s Albert will somehow figure it out.

He slept peacefully that night and dreamed of nothing.

In the morning, after stuffing himself with more gluten-free pancakes and exchanging a sticky kiss, Jake drove off to work at the town hall. That left Albert alone in their house. Perfect, Albert thought to himself and mischievously rubbed his hands together like a cartoon burglar. He wouldn’t be stealing, technically, but he was searching for something that Jake more than likely wouldn’t want him to have. Namely, something that contained gluten. Jake had done a perfect job at making everything gluten-free for Albert’s sensitive stomach, but he was certain that there had to be something in this house that had gluten. 

He stood in the kitchen, hands on his hips as he surveyed the area. He had already checked the fridge and found nothing he could use. Hmmm…if I was Jake, where would I hide something from Albert? Albert pondered. His eyes naturally slid upwards towards the top of the fridge. That was a place where Albert couldn’t easily reach. That bag of dicks, Albert cursed. Seeing as they had no step stool or ladder—Jake was tall enough for both of them and Albert didn’t really cook—Albert carefully climbed onto the counter. He shuffled forward on his knees until he was close to the fridge, and then he slowly got up onto his feet. Now having the advantage of height, he immediately saw the box of graham crackers that sat atop the fridge. The box was even pushed towards the back. Wow, Jakey really doesn’t want me to know he’s snacking, Albert snickered to himself. 

He snatched up the box and dug into it. Unfortunately, there was only one pack left, but Jake probably wouldn’t even notice. What Jake didn’t know couldn’t hurt him. He took out one of the crackers, placed the package back inside the box, and put it back where it was. Albert hoisted himself down from the counter, stolen cracker in hand. It felt like it weighed heavier in his hand than it really did. Sort of like the box of clues he keeps smuggled under his bed.  

Well, this is going to suck, but it’s for Tem, Albert consoled himself. He scarfed down the graham cracker and prayed for future him. Now to the bar, Albert thought and he was off. 

Blessedly, there was no one else in the bar besides Miles. He had his back to the entrance, but Albert could tell from how he was positioned that he was polishing some glasses. Perfect. 

“Hi Miles!” Albert called out excitedly, a huge grin on his face. 

Miles turned, a matching smile on his face, “Hey Albert! Nice to see you here. What do you want to drink today?” 

“Just need to use the bathroom real quick! I’ll decide what I wanna drink after!” Albert replied as he beelined for the bathroom.

Miles chuckled, a small “okay” leaving him, and then Albert was inside the bathroom. Predictably, his stomach started to rumble angrily and Albert told himself that Tem owed him so much for this.

Albert wasn’t proud of what he did in that bathroom, but it was done. He walked out, making a show of rubbing his stomach and looking vaguely nauseated. He didn’t even have to act for this.

“Miles,” Albert groaned miserably, “I may have clogged your toilet.” 

“Dude. You did not just say that.” Miles bemoaned, looking a little nauseous himself.

“I think Jake forgot to make the pancakes this morning gluten-free. It’s not my fault,” Albert protested, “look how miserable I am right now. Don’t you think little ol’ me has suffered enough?” 

Miles sighed, muttering under his breath about how his friends use him or whatever, but he grabbed a plunger and bucket from behind the bar. 

“You,” Miles started emphatically, pointing a meaty finger at Albert, “owe me after this.” 

Albert rubbed his stomach and pathetically moaned some more until Miles finally gave up, sighing and walking into the bathroom. Albert stood at attention like a meerkat, waiting for the click of the bathroom lock that let him know it was go-time. Click. Showtime, Albert thought. 

He darted over to the bar and dragged over a stool as quietly as he could. He has no idea how he didn’t think of this yesterday, but at least he can execute his plan now. Setting the stool right under the television, Albert climbed up and stretched. Like this, he’s perfectly capable of reaching for the buttons. His fingers were about to press hard on the power button before he remembered something important. The volume. Miles can’t hear him through the door or he’ll likely come over to investigate what the noise is. Albert’s eyes roved over the buttons until he saw one with a tiny sound symbol on it. He pressed on it for almost a full thirty seconds. He can’t be too careful. Finally, he jabs at the power button. 

Once again the television was filled with static and then blipped to life. Albert’s eyes widened. He pinched himself to check if he was dreaming. He was not. The image on the television looked the exact same as it had all those weeks ago. The smartly dressed woman and the doctor man. Still, it could be a total coincidence and they could be the channels’ only news anchors, he reasoned to himself. He needed to know what they were reporting on to confirm what he feared. Reluctantly, he pressed a few times on the sound button until he could hear it with his face practically plastered onto the screen. 

“—everyone. I’m Dru Dissonant with New News. The Vermilion Virus continues to ravage communities. Thankfully, Dr. Gerek Jean is here with us today to go over a breakthrough scientific discovery that just might save us all. Dr., take it away, please.” 

What the fuck what the fuck. No, don’t panic, Albert reigned himself in, maybe the doctor will suggest something else. His face pressed closer, eyes unblinking as he watched the scene play out. 

“Well, you see, Ms. Dissonant, my associates and I came across the most interesting thing. We discovered, after some thorough research ethical testing, that the virus, for some odd reason, doesn’t like to attack groups of people. We found, astonishingly, that the people less susceptible to the virus are people who stay in groups of two. Larger groups also found success, but were still prone to attack. By far, though, the most dangerous thing one can do is be alone. Almost all our volunteers who were assigned to be by themselves died horrifically. Truly a knavish ulterior.” 

Holy fuck. How the fuck is it the exact same? But Miles was still in the bathroom and Albert had to make sure it was an identical recording before he jumped to conclusions. Very scary and probably life-altering conclusions, he distantly thought. The news report continued on.

“Wow, Dr.! You heard it from the man himself, folks, make sure to stay in groups! No wandering off, no matter what!” Ms. Dissonant finished off. 

This is where it ended last time, Albert abruptly remembered. He watched, enraptured and nervous to see what would happen next. What he was not expecting was for the television to fill with static once more.

“The fuck—“ Albert started and was swiftly cut off when the television came back to life. 

The increasingly familiar faces of Dru Dissonant and Dr. Gerek Jean popped up on the screen. Albert anxiously waited. 

“Good day everyone. I’m Dru Dissonant with New News. The Vermilion Virus continues to ravage communities. Thankfully, Dr. Gerek Jean is here with us today to go over a breakthrough scientific discovery that just might save us all. Dr., take it away, please.”

What the fuck was all Albert could think. 

Even her mannerisms were the same. Same outfit, same inflections in her voice at the same time, same tone, same angle of her smile—same everything. The doctor, too, from his outfit to his advice to his kind eyes to his reactions. It was all the same. Like they had a script that they strictly followed every time.

He heard the bathroom doorknob turn in the background. 

Albert managed to turn off the television with a shaky hand, clambering off of the stool and hurriedly dragging it back to its place. He had just perched himself on top of it when Miles ambled back from the bathroom. Albert sweated. He felt about ten tints paler than normal and a large part of him worried that Miles would be able to tell what he did with one glance at his face.

“Geez, Albert,” said Miles, looking worse for wear, “you make sure Jake doesn’t feed you any gluten again. That was a shitshow. Literally.” 

Well, at least they were both green around the gills. Shared pain is half pain, yet Albert got the feeling that this was his pain to carry alone. He didn’t know what to think about that, but at least he had an actual reason for looking queasy. 

“Miles, I’m so sorry.” Albert sincerely apologized. “Do you want a drink? We can put it on Jake’s tab?”

Miles waved him off, “Nah, nah. Don’t worry about it, Albert. I’m good. Can I get something for you, though? One of those little pink cocktails you like?” 

“Fuck off! Don’t say it like that—those cocktails are so good and you know it!” Albert snippily said.

“Obviously I know they’re good when I’m the one who makes them. Now do you want one or not?”

A drink did sound amazing right now. Something to help take Albert's mind off of his only-kinda mind-altering revelation. Albert sighed, toying with his hands before deciding, “Yeah, Miles, get me one of those pink cocktails. Please. Make it virgin, though.”

“Coming right up, boss.” Miles mock-saluted and got to mixing the drink.

The sounds of Miles bustling around the bar were comforting enough that Albert allowed his eyes to stray around. Making constant eye contact was tiring on a good day, but Albert had no idea how people did it all day. Why look at someone’s eyes when one can admire all the little patterns in the wood beneath their feet. 

Before Albert knew it the aforementioned drink was placed before him. It even came in a cute little bowl-shaped glass that had an elongated curve as a handle on one side. It vaguely reminded Albert of a flamingo. 

“Thank you, Miles!” Albert cheered, teeth peeking out from his lips. “This is why you’re one of my best friends.” 

For some reason, Miles looked away at that, and he turned his back to Albert as he resumed polishing the already shiny-looking glasses. 

“Whatever, man. Enjoy your drink.” Miles grumbled. 

“Geez,” Albert pouted to himself, “some hospitality here.”

Miles’ reaction was a bit odd, but Albert had bigger fish to try. Namely, finishing this drink. Albert eagerly drank from the hot pink silly straw Miles had provided him with. He hummed in pleasure at the taste. It was incredibly smooth on his tongue, and sweet with a burst of fruitiness that heated up the back of his throat. Albert licked his lips after he finished drinking it, chasing the very last remnants of it. Surely another one couldn’t hurt. 

“Bartender,” Albert playfully called, raising his empty cup, “another one, if you will.” 

Even from here he could see Miles roll his eyes in exasperation. That didn’t stop him from making Albert another drink, though. Ah, the fruits of friendship, Albert happily thought as he sipped on his new drink.

Two becomes three.

Three becomes four.

Four becomes five.

Five becomes six. 

Six becomes…what number comes after six? 

Albert couldn’t remember because he was too busy giggling at everything and nothing. Miles was saying something, maybe, but all Albert could hear was laughter coming out of his mouth. So obviously he had to join in! But he was only able to laugh with Miles for so long before he started feeling drowsy. The bartop, as smooth and polished as it was, looked like the perfect napping spot. Albert sluggishly slumped against it, closing his tired eyes. He’d only take a quick power nap. Twenty minutes max, he told himself. 

Albert’s bleary eyes tried to open, but something in him told him to keep them closed. His instincts were proven right when he heard voices drifting above him. Hushed like he wasn’t supposed to overhear or they didn’t want to wake him.

“How much did you give him to drink?” A deep voice was demanding.

“Just a couple glasses, sir.” Another voice responded. Was that Miles? 

“Just a couple?” 

“Yes, sir. He’ll be right as rain tomorrow. Won’t remember a thing.” 

“Good. He wasn’t…searching for anything, was he?” 

“No, sir. Just came in here annoying as usual.”

“Careful.”

“Sorry, sir. You know I meant no offense.”

“Hm. See to it that you clean all this up. I’ll be taking him home now.” 

“Of course, sir. Have a good night, sir.”

“You as well, Miles.”

This sir person sure sounds serious was Albert’s last thought before he slipped back into the land of sleep. He didn’t register the arms picking him up nor being tucked gently into bed. 

By the time Albert stumbled out of bed and into the kitchen, head hurting and sock-clad feet slipping on the tile, Jake was long gone. He did leave behind a sweet note reminding Albert to eat enough and a plate of some truly delectable looking ribs. Albert wasted no time and sucked the meat right off the bone. Too bad Jake wasn’t here to see me do that, Albert lamented to himself. He was licking the sauce off his lips when yesterday’s events came flooding back to him. 

The television showing the exact same news report from weeks ago. 

Miles…giving him alcohol? 

Albert’s stomach twisted uncomfortably at that. He didn’t want to think that, but with how spotty everything else from yesterday is…he didn't have much of a choice. Even if that means accepting that Miles knowingly lied to him. Right to his face, too. Albert’s mouth went dry at that. Now both Miles and Dani couldn’t be trusted. He felt sick just thinking of his friends like that. That left Kaden, Tem, Sketch and Denis. He hasn’t seen much of Denis lately and Tem is gone. So, Kaden and Sketch. Besides Jake, obviously. 

Albert’s gut twisted as he thought over what to do. He needed to consult his notebook. He went back into his room, dropping to his knees and pulling out the little box he had found and subsequently squirreled underneath his bed. Inside was his small red notebook, the map from Tem’s house, the TV remote with rocks instead of batteries, the ‘JAKE KNOWS’ paper, and the ‘DONT TRUST THEM’ note. He grabbed the notebook and flipped it open. Concentrating hard on what had occurred these last couple of days, he added his notes: 

-not as many weird dreams yay

-Tem is still gone :”-(( 

-someone tried to throw a brick @ me 

-tv remote had rocks in it 

-tv is replaying the same news report I heard 4-5(?) weeks ago

-miles gave me alcoholic drinks ????

-lots of weird messages 

    -JAKE KNOWS + DONT TRUST THEM

-maybe I can’t trust any1 besides jakey(?) idk :-( 

-kinda feels like every1 is lying 2 me T_T 

-need 2 figure out how I’ll get 2 Kin (ask Kaden ??) 

Albert threw his head dramatically back and groaned out loud. This was so fucked. He now really, really, really wanted to spill his guts out to Jake and tell him everything. But he couldn’t. He still had no idea what Tem’s note meant by ‘JAKE KNOWS.’ He still believed in his heart that Jake hadn’t been the one to hurt Tem, but Albert couldn’t let Jake distract him when he was trying to solve something this serious. After Albert found Tem, he’ll tell Jake all about this and he’s sure they’ll laugh together. He won’t mention the small part of him that refuses to confide in Jake in order to prove that he can do things without Jake’s help. He’s perfectly capable of helping himself, and perfectly capable of solving a completely fucked up mystery. Probably. Albert groaned louder. At least he’ll be able to hold it figuratively over Jake’s head that while he believed Tem was gone—Albert had known better. Albert had even gone out and rescued Tem. He wondered if Jake would call him a ‘good boy’ again for that. Focus, dammit! Albert cursed at himself, slapping at his reddening face.

Albert thought hard, going over the facts. The fact was that the television in Miles’ bar was playing the same news story over and over. Another fact was that the remote for said television was filled with rocks. Like a decoy. As if Miles knew that someone shorter than him, someone who would need a remote or try to use a remote, would look for it. Albert felt sick at the notion that he could be that someone. No, let’s not jump to conclusions, Albert reprimanded himself. The television repeating the same story could be a transmission issue. This was Albert’s first apocalypse, but he would guess that there wasn’t much signal out here. Especially since, according to Tem’s map, they were located on the outskirts of Oceania. Kin would probably have better reception, so Albert should check when he gets there. He jots that down in his notebook so future him won’t forget. Maybe Miles had a decoy remote because he knew the signal was ass and there was only one thing playing anyway? It wasn’t implausible. It definitely wasn’t an option because Albert didn’t want to think that Miles had planted that remote for him. He’s not sure why Miles would, but no answer seemed particularly good.

There's still the garden, Albert remembers. He tapped at his lips in thought. It’s true, he hasn't really stepped foot in the garden after his first time. But Sketch was also in there every day, studiously tending to all the vegetables and fruits. He would need a distraction. But what? His gluten trick worked well once, but it’s not like there was a bathroom in the greenhouse for him to blow up. He’s pretty sure that would count as some light eco-terrorism, too, and he couldn’t do that to nature. Albert sighed heavily, hands reaching up to run through the tangled knots in his hair. Everything was messed up and he had two friends that he couldn’t currently trust. 

Albert could only wallow inside for so long before his head started throbbing. He needed some air and light to soothe his nerves. Even if it can’t distract him forever. 

Albert stood in front of Jake’s door, feeling the sun rays warm him up nicely and looking up at the pretty sky. Perfect, he thinks, exactly what I need after all this bullshit. He had only taken one step from the door when his foot slipped on something and the rest of his body followed the momentum. Albert yelped, arms rapidly pinwheeling like the world's worst wind turbine, and he fell right on his ass. Fortunately, he had more than enough cushion in that area that he didn’t get injured, but it was still irritating. He whipped his head over to glare at whatever it was that he slipped on. It was a small slip of white paper. Please, whatever god is up there that I don’t believe in, Albert prayed, don’t let it be another cryptic message. 

It was another cryptic message.

This time it was an extremely messily scrawled ‘meet me at my house.’ Albert mentally went down his list of friends for who could’ve left this for him. 

Couldn’t be Tem for obvious reasons.

More than likely not Dani because she’s been giving him a wide berth since she showed him Tem’s house.

Also more than likely not Denis as he left town recently to go get more supplies for Mr. Meows A Lot. He must really love that grouchy cat to go out on foot for him.

Sketch was definitely too busy working in the garden to go all the way over here. 

Obviously not Jake because Albert lived in his house. 

That left Miles and Kaden. Albert privately hoped it wasn’t Miles because he wasn’t sure if he could look him in the eye right now. He’s been telling himself that it was an honest accident, but Albert wasn’t sure what he believed. Best to avoid thinking about it, Albert had decided, until I can’t anymore. 

So that means it must be Kaden. Albert hadn’t seen that much of him either, but whenever they crossed paths it was all friendly smiles and hellos. Albert considered. It was worth a try. He started making his way to Kaden’s house. 

Before he could second guess himself, Albert knocked on Kaden’s door. He rocked back and forth on his heels, trying to look as inconspicuous as possible. At least Kaden’s house was a pleasant shade of green. Green was probably a calming color.

“Obelisk, obelisk, obelisk.” He soothed himself.

Kaden’s door cracked open wide enough for one eye to peer through. Said eye widened upon seeing Albert standing there alone, and he soon heard the sound of multiple locks being unlocked. Finally, the door opened a smidge wider and a hand shot out, grabbing at Albert and yanking him inside. Albert didn’t even have a chance to say hello when Kaden was promptly closing the door again, redoing all the locks and bolts. Kaden turned to face him. 

“Albert,” Kaden started, “I was hoping you’d get my letter.” 

“You were the one who wrote that incredibly cryptic letter? Yea I, uh, I got it.” Albert hesitantly laughed, scratching at his head. 

“So, what’s your plan?” 

“My plan?”

“Yeah. I’ve seen you sneaking around town. You’re wondering…where Tem went, right?”

“Ye-yeah, I am, actually. Do you, um, know where he is?”

“No. No, I don’t. But we need to get moving soon.”

“What? Move where? What are you talking about, Kaden?”

“I know you’re planning to go to Kin. It’s the right move, by the way. We need to get there as soon as possible.”

“How the fuck did you know that? And yeah, I was planning to go to Kin, but why are you trying to go there, too?”

“Don’t you realize, Albert? Everyone in this town is lying! Except for Tem, and that’s why they got rid of him. I can’t take it anymore!”

“W-what? I don’t understand.” 

“Everyone is lying to you, Albert! Sketch, Dani, Miles—all of them!”

“No…I can’t…even Jake? Really? Even him?” Albert’s voice sounded weak even to his own ears and the necklace under his shirt burned. 

Kaden’s expression softened, crumpling like someone who’d seen an especially pitiful stray cat.

“Yes, Albert…he’s not—he’s not who you think he is.” Kaden gently explained, eyes big and apologetic like Albert’s whole world wasn’t tilting underneath his feet. 

“No. No! The others, maybe, but not Jakey.” Albert fiercely protested. He could already feel frustrated tears springing from his eyes and he angrily wiped at them before they could fall. 

Albert heard Kaden step closer to him and felt when he slowly wrapped his arms around him. He returned Kaden’s hug with a desperate ferocity, mind swimming with all the new information. He didn’t want to think about all the things he didn’t know yet.

“We have to leave tomorrow tonight, Albert. There isn’t any time left. Dani knows and that means Jake definitely knows.” Kaden urged Albert, voice thick with emotion and arms squeezing him tighter.

Albert couldn’t get his voice to work. He felt so horribly, terribly overwhelmed and even the smallest sensation was too much for him right now. He abruptly pushed Kaden away from him just in time for the tears to start pouring from his eyes. Albert miserably cried, his blunt nails scratching at his arms as every emotion he’d been bottling up came violently rising up to the surface. 

Albert seeing Tem fairly recently but his house looking like no one’s stepped inside for months, the news report looping over and over, the decoy television remote like Miles already fucking knew, and no one was explaining anything to him and he didn’t even know who he could trust and everything was falling apart and— 

“What the fuck is going on?” Albert screamed, arms coming up to cover his face as he sobbed. 

“Albert. Albert. I’ll be able to explain everything. Soon.” Kaden tried to placate. When Albert only continued to cry, Kaden panicked. “Oh fuck. Wait here, I have a gift for you.” 

Albert could barely hear Kaden scampering off to somewhere deeper inside his house. He startled a bit, still sniffling, when something soft was gently pushed into his hands. 

“I got you a plushie. For, you know, when it gets too much. Like right now for example.” Kaden kindly explained. 

Albert couldn’t focus on Kaden right now, though. Not when he had something so plush in his hands. He sniffed, quick fingers smoothing over and feeling the plushie in his hands. Oh, Albert realized, it’s another flamingo. It was another flamingo plushie, but this one was more on the salmon pink side and sported a rather angry expression. Regardless, it was terribly cute and the texture felt smooth and nice underneath Albert’s fingertips. 

“He’s cute, right? His name is Winston. He’s all yours.” Kaden said conversationally. 

Albert blinked down at Winston. He could cry again at Kaden’s kindness, but he managed to hold himself back. He smiled in Kaden’s direction and hoped his gratitude was evident on his face. 

“See, Winston can make anyone feel better. Sorry for overwhelming you, Albert. I know it’s a lot. I’m sorry that it’ll still be a lot for a bit. But we’ll get through it together.” Kaden reassured and this time Albert did feel comforted. 

Everything will be okay, Albert promised himself. Winston’s shiny brown eyes seemed to promise the same thing when he looked into them. Albert gave Winston some extra pets for that being so nice. 

“So we need to leave tomorrow night, okay? I’ll tell you everything once we’re safe in Kin.” Kaden started, eyes still wide and apologetic. “But today we need to go to Sketch’s garden. If my schedule is correct, he shouldn’t be there today.” 

Albert looked questionably at Kaden. 

“Oh? My schedule? I’ve been sort of…well, tracking everyone these past couple of weeks. Figuring out all their schedules, y’know. I’m tired of having to deal with all this shit. We shouldn’t have to live like this. You shouldn’t have to live like this.” Kaden huffed angrily.

Albert nodded in silent agreement. Even if his mind and heart were still torn on the topic of Jake. He wanted to believe Kaden, he did—he just might hold a healthy amount of doubt. Jake was his best friend, after all. It was only fair for Albert to be on his side. Sketch was a good friend, too, but certainly not on Jake’s level. Wait, why did they even need to go to Sketch’s garden in the first place? 

“Why do we need to go to Sketch’s garden?” Albert voiced, throat a bit rough from his crying earlier. 

Kaden winced, rubbing the back of his head, “We need to get food. There’s plenty of it in Kin, but we need some to tide us over because it’s a drive to get there.” 

Just a couple of things, Albert considered.

“Okay,” Albert readily agreed, “let’s do it then. Now?”

“Now.” Kaden confirmed with a nod. 

Albert nodded back. They could do this. Kaden quickly left and brought back two backpacks, one red and one green. He handed the red one to Albert. 

“We get in and we just shove a bunch of shit inside, okay?” Kaden instructed him. 

“Okay. Okay, yeah. We got this.” Albert declared even if he didn’t fully believe it. 

Everything’s going to be okay, Albert, he reminded himself. 

They put on their respective backpacks and off they went. The walk felt a lot longer than it actually was due to all the conflicting thoughts swirling in Albert’s head, threatening to submerge him. But he couldn’t let his thoughts drown him. He had to box things up for two more days and then Kaden promised him all the answers his heart desired. Still, he couldn’t pretend that his friends betraying him didn’t deeply sting. Focus on the now, Albert, then we can mope all about that, he scolded himself. Right on time too because they were in front of the greenhouse. 

Albert was thankful the greenhouse wasn’t too close to the town hall or any other important buildings. They still had to be quick lest someone catch them in the act. A rather unexplainable act of theft at that. Albert and Kaden shared a solemn nod and split up. Kaden veered towards the left side where the vegetables were planted, and Albert went to the right where the fruits grew. 

The soil was still dark from being watered but that didn’t stop Albert from dropping onto his knees. Kaden had said no to any food that could squish in their bags, but Albert had pleaded and begged until he eventually relented. The compromise was in the form of two plastic containers that Kaden was okay with sacrificing. Albert happily pulled them out now, popped them open, and started piling strawberries and raspberries in. From the corner of his eye he could see Kaden doing the same thing with cucumbers and potatoes. 

Albert had almost filled the second container when he spotted a particularly round strawberry. Licking his lips eagerly, he plucked it right off its stem. Albert opened his mouth to boast to Kaden when his fingers came into contact with something oddly smooth. Narrowing his eyes, he turned the strawberry around to find the source. It was a sticker. ‘Gary’s Grocers’ printed clearly and neatly on the tiny label. Albert didn’t even have to squint—it wasn’t faded at all. But Sketch had said that grocery stores were incredibly dangerous all those weeks ago. When would he even have time to make that trip? Unless Jake had brought them while he was at a meeting, but that was still a while ago. The color of this sticker wouldn’t look so fresh after all those days of being directly hit by the sun. 

“Hey Kaden,” Albert absently called, “aren’t grocery stores dangerous? Like, avoid-at-all-costs dangerous, right?” 

“Yeah, man. Literally why we have a garden growing here.” Kaden answered. 

Albert’s thumb idly picked at the bottom of the sticker. He internally debated if he should bring up the strawberry or not. Either Sketch was lying to everyone about where the food came from, Sketch was lying to him and Kaden, or everyone besides Jake was lying to him. None of those options were particularly great. Albert’s stomach rolled at the mere thought. Did he even have the guts to bring it up to Kaden? Did he even want to know how Kaden would react? He was the one who promised to tell Albert everything, and the one who’ll be going to Kin with him. If Kaden was lying to him, it’d be better for Albert if he finds out now than later. Better to know the face of your enemy than expose your back to one, Albert decided. 

“Dude, look at this.” Albert called again and raised the stickered-strawberry for Kaden to see. 

Albert watched with bated breath as he took in Kaden’s reaction with unblinking eyes. Mercifully, Kaden’s eyes widened in surprise and he instantly jumped to his feet. He rushed over to Albert’s side and looked closely at the strawberry Albert held.

“No fucking way, man.” Kaden breathed. “There’s no way that’s a grocery store sticker. Oh man, this is so fucked.”

Albert’s chest untightened. He knew he could count on Kaden to be there when it really mattered. 

“Dude, I know,” Albert emphatically agreed, “this is so fucked.”

Kaden sighed and nodded, face weary like he was a decade older. 

“Let’s get out of here. We have more than enough food.” Kaden declared, jerking a thumb in the direction of the exit. 

Albert nodded in agreement.

He began snapping the lids back on and delicately placed the containers back into his backpack. He heaved himself to his feet and swung his backpack back on. Together, he and Kaden walked back to Kaden’s house a few pounds heavier with pilfered produce. 

The sun was already setting by the time they reached Kaden’s home, got inside, and sorted everything out. Albert watched through the windows in amazement. He could feel some of his sour mood lifting. 

“Albert, you need to get going. Jake’s gonna want you back and it’s getting late. Tomorrow night, you come to my house and we’ll go to Kin. I’ll have everything packed by then.” Kaden calmly said. 

Albert knew Kaden was right. It was getting late, and Jake was probably already waiting for him with dinner. He hoped Jake wouldn’t be too upset. 

“Yeah, Kaden, you’re right. I’ll see you, um, tomorrow. When we do the thing. The big thing. Yeah.” Albert gave Kaden a farewell hug and started his trek towards their house. 

At least all this walking was making Albert’s legs more muscled. It really was a long trek, but he didn’t remember it being this long. Or it being this dark outside. Or the trees that made up the forest behind their house being so tall. Or the wind almost whipping his face. Or the spindly, gray and dead trees that bracketed the road swaying so much. Their shadows stretched long and sly towards Albert like hands grasping for him. The air was colder now, and Albert shivered as he continued walking in his thin shirt. 

It was silent all around him. No chirping, tweeting, buzzing, humming, rustling or clicking. Even the trees swaying close to him were soundless. Their branches moved noiselessly in the air like an Olympic swimmer diving into water. Albert let out a quiet sound of distress, wrapping his arms tightly around himself for protection. From what, he wasn’t sure, but the atmosphere felt weird. The air felt heavy with anticipation and he needed to be home now.

A branch snapped behind him. 

He automatically tensed up, legs freezing in place and heart coming to a stop. He felt the back of his neck prickle like someone had their eyes trained on him. When he gathered enough courage to whirl around there was nothing there. The only thing he could see was a broken twig on the road. Nature was still and silent around him, a passive bystander. 

Albert slammed the door behind himself, chest heaving and face flushed from physical exertion. He had sprinted all the way home after he heard that snap. Albert wasn’t one to dance with danger like that, and in that moment he still couldn’t believe nothing had lunged out from the shadows and attacked him. It’s okay, he breathed, I’m safe now. I’m home. 

“Albert? Is that you, Bertie?” Albert heard Jake call from somewhere inside their house. 

Albert’s eyes were still clouded with panic but he could hear when Jake’s soft footfalls came near. A grounding hand tangled itself in his hair. 

“I thought that was you, Bertie,” Jake said softly, “why do you look so scared? Did something out there spook you?” 

Albert nodded, not meeting Jake’s eyes and looking at the floor. He could still feel the phantom sensation of a target on his back. He shivered in the warmth of the house. He couldn’t notice Jake observing him, nor did he see his secretive smile. 

“Oh, Bertie. You know you’re safe here.” Jake cooed as he opened his arms for emphasis. 

Jake was probably being an ass and making fun of him, but that didn’t stop Albert from barreling right into him. He snuggled in close, greedily sucking in lungfuls of Jake’s natural scent that screamed warmsafehomewarmsafehome. He could feel his body loosening and relaxing. His eyes started to slip close.

“Oh my!” Jake chuckled. “A pretty Bertie sure is sleepy, huh? Let’s get you to bed, then, hmm?” 

It took tremendous effort for Albert to shake his head yes. He felt so warm and so content leaning against Jake’s firm chest. He was so big and broad and Albert finally felt safe again. He was away from the weird noises outside and the weirder choices his friends were making. When he felt Jake’s hands trying to gently pry him off, he made a weak sound of protest. 

“Okay, okay. I get it,” said Jake, voice gentle in the way it only was for Albert, “I’ll let you stay there.”

Albert felt Jake’s muscled arm wind around his waist and the other tap insistently at the underside of his thighs. His mind may have lagged behind, but his body instinctively knew to jump up and let Jake catch him. Jake did and Albert clung closer to him, snaking his arms around Jake’s neck and cinching legs tight around Jake’s waist. Albert thought he could hear Jake’s heartbeat as he pressed his face close to his neck. It was a steady rhythm and he listened closely, trying to sync up his own heart. 

Albert’s eyes drifted open and closed as Jake walked them towards his room. Except Albert could’ve sworn that his room was in the opposite direction they were walking in. However, Jake was already smoothly bumping open a door with his hip and carrying Albert inside. He could feel that this wasn’t his room and he should probably say something about that. Voice a complaint or demand Jake take him back to his bed. But then Jake set him down on soft sheets, drawing the blankets up to Albert’s chin, and Albert’s eyes were already slipping shut. 

Albert was floating somewhere in the thin thread between wakefulness and sleepiness. He was awake enough to know when Jake slid into the bed, tucking himself close against Albert’s back and happily sighing into his hair. He was sleepy enough that he didn’t even squirm when Jake snuck a hand under Albert’s shirt, resting it solidly against his tummy. He was too sleepy to hear what Jake whispered to him as he fell fully into dream land.

Albert was running again. He still didn’t know where or why, but he knew in his bones that something very, very bad was going to happen to him. It wasn’t something that could be stopped or delayed. It wasn’t something that simply went away even if he ran fast or hard enough. Still Albert hoped beyond reason that he would scrape by. That he would be okay and nothing would—his foot tripped over a stray rock and he screamed, arms flailing to try to regain his balance. He had too much momentum to stop his fall and he began to roll down, down, and down. Pointy branches stabbed at his exposed skin and sharp rocks tore at his pants. He didn’t even have the mind to yell, body too busy being trashed this way and that. Every bounce rattled his skull like a maraca. He was certain he'd die before he even reached the bottom. 

Eventually, he smacked against a soft wall and landed on dirt. He let out a pained grunt, limbs flopping and lying lifeless against the ground. At least he was sprawled out with his face facing the night sky. Even if he was so terribly disoriented everything around him looked like an amateur abstract painting. He squeezed his eyes shut, waiting for the dizzy spell to pass. When he opened his eyes again everything was less shaky, but his position was more obvious. There were towering dirt walls on either side of him. He was stuck in a literal hole that he couldn’t crawl out of. He could feel the ache of his ribs, both of his wrists throbbed harshly, and he couldn’t feel one of his ankles. Even shifting slightly caused a network of pain to spiderweb throughout his body. He was effectively rendered immobile. All he could do now was hope someone would come to save him. Maybe the tiger. Even the little porcupine, though he wasn’t sure how much help Little Fella would be.

Albert flinched when something was abruptly thrown down into the hole with him, landing with the flat thud of something long gone limp. Albert looked over but in the darkness he couldn’t make out what it was. He could only vaguely discern it was a lumpy object. It was only when the moon shifted above, beaming its celestial rays onto him, that he was able to see. It was his porcupine friend. Tears immediately sprang in his eyes and he couldn’t even wipe at them without worsening his injuries. Little Fella was lying still on his side and Albert knew he was dead.

“I’m so sorry, Little Fella,” Albert apologized tearfully, “you didn’t deserve to go out like this.”

He half-hoped that Little Fella would jump up and start running circles around him. Happy that he managed to pull a prank on Albert and wanting to show him that he was okay after all. But he didn’t do that. Little Fella couldn’t save him and he couldn’t save Little Fella.

Albert woke up gasping, lurching up in bed like a man possessed. His heart raced and sweat dripped along his hairline. He froze at his unfamiliar settings and looked around. Oh, right, I’m in Jake’s room, he breathed in relief. It didn’t settle in until a minute later and he hysterically thought, What the fuck! I’m in Jake’s room! At this rate Albert would pass away from heart issues. 

A heavy hand landed on his naked thigh. 

“Bertie? Go back to bed.” Jake’s sleep-addled voice sounded from behind him. 

“I will, Jakey.” Albert murmured back and willed himself to not panic. 

Jake’s hand mindlessly rubbed circles into his soft skin and Albert found himself able to recline back against the sheets. The coolness of Jake’s fingers were a soothing balm on his feverish skin. The hand on his thigh never lifted, and another big hand slipped under his shirt. He shivered against the contact when that hand started rubbing concentric circles on his stomach. He naturally tensed up at the foreign sensation, stomach flexing nervously and skin prickling with goosebumps. 

“You know,” Jake said, voice still a sleepy rumble against Albert’s ear, “you can tell me anything.”

Albert’s breath hitched in his throat and he shakily gulped. 

He could feel Jake press even closer until his thighs were pressed against the backside of Albert’s. “I probably know already.”

Albert got the acute sensation that he was standing at a figurative crossroad. One side was telling Jake the truth about everything he’s discovered over the course of these past few weeks. Or…not telling Jake anything and continuing to act oblivious. Albert’s thoughts raced. Ever since Jake had dug him up from his grave, he’s never once done anything to harm a hair on Albert’s head. He wouldn’t start now, Albert firmly believed in his heart. Yet he still found himself hesitating to open his mouth and speak. He didn’t even know why he couldn’t just tell Jake, but he couldn’t. In the deepest recesses of his heart he still believed that his friends were good people who would do him no harm. Telling Jake about what he thought they did would only make him sound insane. Jake knew better, anyway, and Albert doubted it would do either of them any good if he spoke up now. He can spill his guts out when he returns from Kin with Kaden. And hopefully, everything will make sense and he can rest easy knowing several of his friends weren’t actually lying to him.

“It’s okay, Bertie, you don’t have to say anything.” Jake whispered, voice barely audible over the quiet in the room. “You’ll feel much better after you lay back down and get some more rest.” 

Albert didn’t point out that he was already laying down, but his heart still warmed at Jake looking out for him. He snuggled backwards into Jake’s chest in thanks and he was promptly rewarded with more belly rubs. He melted more securely against Jake, arching into the touch and pressing his stomach firmly against Jake’s hand in a silent plea for even more. He got his wish when the hand on his thigh was shifted to his stomach, scratching in all the right spots like Jake had done this a million times before. 

Albert easily started to get drowsy again, snuggled as securely as he was against Jake’s chest and being pet like the world’s most spoiled cat. Take that Mr. Meows A Lot, Albert smugly thought. His breaths evened out and he was gone. 

Albert snuffled sleepily, nuzzling closer to the nearby heat source that was warming his face. The thing he was snuggling was so soft, and he sighed blissfully as he pressed his face against it. He never wanted to wake up again if it meant leaving this dreamland made of clouds and everything good and great. 

“Nice to see you’ve already made me into a pillow, Bertie.” A husky voice commented.

Albert refused to open his eyes, but his face scrunched in confusion. How was someone talking above him right now? Was this God? Did Albert really make it into heaven? Someone was definitely getting fired.

A hand started to card itself through his hair and Albert made a distinctly pleased sound, moving his head even closer to receive more pets. 

“Sometimes I think you’re more cat than bird.” The voice spoke again.

Something clicked in Albert’s head. Husky-voice was Jake. He was on top of Jake right now. Shit fuck shit fuck shit fuck fuck fuck, Albert eloquently thought. He was so embarrassed he doesn’t think he could ever open his eyes again. If he simply ignored the entire situation it would go away. That’s always worked out quite well for Albert and he’s certain it will work once more. If you open your eyes you’ll get to see what Jake looks like when he’s just woken up, an evil part of Albert whispered to himself. It was, horribly and ashamedly, incredibly convincing. 

Albert cracked open one eye. Jake was staring down at him, eyes goopy with so much affection he looked stupid. Albert’s heart didn’t care about semantics and fluttered traitorously. 

“Morning, sleepyhead. It’s time to get up.” Jake tutted at him. 

Albert mumbled incoherently, his one eye already closing again. Jake sighed, terribly endeared, and Albert felt Jake shifting underneath him. He grumbled, annoyed that his personal furnace was leaving him. He grumbled less when he was securely tucked back into bed after Jake managed to escape out from under him. He stopped grumbling altogether when Jake planted a sweet kiss on his forehead and nose. He might’ve giggled delightedly at that.

“I guess you can sleep in a little, idiot.” Jake relented, once again petting gently at Albert’s tousled hair. “Only because you look so cute. I’ll wake you up when breakfast is ready.” 

Albert kept his eyes shut and let his smug little smile do all the talking for him. Jake huffed and Albert heard him pad out of the room. Quietly, though, like he really did want Albert to get more shut-eye. Albert waited a few more seconds before he allowed his body to do a shiver of glee. Whoa. Albert thought dazedly, Jakey really does love me. Still smiling, he snuggled deeper into the pillow and inhaled Jake’s distinct scent. He could feel himself melting on the bed and he didn’t resist when sleep came to claim him once more. 

Jake, as it turned out, didn’t even need to come get Albert. Despite the truly amazing extra sleep he got, the delectable smell of breakfast was more than enough to cajole Albert to get up out of bed. Stumbling out of Jake’s room, he followed his nose to the kitchen and dining area. 

A truly glorious sight greeted him. There were plates of steaming scrambled eggs, plates stacked high with gluten-free pancakes and waffles, plates piled with crispy bacon, and enough orange juice his skin may have a permanent orange undertone after this. Best of all—though Albert would never admit to anyone but himself, was Jake standing there. He still looked warm and sleep rumpled, but happiness was bright and present in his eyes. He somehow even seemed to cheer up further when he spotted Albert standing there in the entryway. Jake’s eyes dragged up and down, taking in Albert’s appearance: brown hair messier from sleep, wrinkled blue shirt, shorts riding higher up on his thighs after moving around in his sleep, and red crease lines still evident on his face. Albert didn’t win the fight to keep the blush off his face. 

“No need to act all shy, Bertie. Sit down and let’s eat.” Jake teased, pulling out a chair for Albert. 

Albert really was going to get cavities one day from how sweet Jake was to him. He plopped down, grabbed his utensils, and began tearing into his food after profusely thanking Jake. He had forgotten he didn’t eat anything last night and it’s like Jake somehow knew to prepare for Albert’s voracious appetite this morning. Albeit, he was sure he would’ve made space in his stomach regardless, but it was nice to think about Jake worrying about him. 

The eggs were the perfect amount of creamy, the bacon had the right amount of fat to protein ratio, the pancakes melted on his tongue, and the waffles were the perfect thickness. What filled Albert the most, though, was how horribly domestic the entire morning had been so far. It was not horrible for being domestic, but it was horrible because Albert knew he couldn’t live in this one moment forever. A figurative clock was ticking above his head. By tomorrow morning, he’ll already be on the way to Kin with Kaden. He wasn’t entirely sure how long it’ll take to get to Kin, and then there was the matter of how long they’ll have to stay there. 

The food was starting to lose its flavor, but Albert forced himself to continue to eat. 

“By the way, Bertie,” Jake started, “don’t go out tonight.” 

Albert’s hand on his fork stilled. His eyes couldn’t move from his plate. He resumed eating a few seconds too slow and prayed Jake didn’t notice how his hand wasn’t steady. Calm down, Albert, he reassured himself, there’s no reason to be nervous when it’s just Jakey. He doesn’t mean anything by that. 

“How come, Jakey?” Albert asked casually. 

“It’ll be a full moon tonight,” answered Jake, “strange things always happen around here when we have one of those. Best to stay inside and be safe, don’t you think, Bertie?” 

Albert hummed and nodded. The food felt stale in his mouth, but he swallowed it anyway. 

“It’s okay. Not like I had any plans tonight anyway.” Albert replied.

Albert could feel Jake’s eyes staring at him from across the table and it took a monumental effort to not look back. He kept his face turned down because he knew Jake only needed one glance into his eyes to know he was lying. He could still feel Jake’s gaze lingering on him when he finally hummed noncommittally. 

“Okay. That’s good, then.” Jake agreed. 

The rest of breakfast was continued in silence—or what would have been silence if it weren’t for Albert’s heart thundering in his ears. 

Albert wasn’t really sure what to do with himself. He still had the rest of the day to go, but there was something melancholy about today. Like he was moving to a new city and he knew everything he did today would be the last time he did it in this town. Which wasn’t true, he knew that, but it was hard not to feel as if he were a boat left unmoored. 

Jake hadn’t informed him of any chores or errands he had to run for anyone. So it was only Albert and their quiet house. He had already checked the clock twice and there were almost twelve hours left before departure time. Though, he supposed, less than that to account for his escape and walking to Kaden’s house. Now that was something Albert didn’t particularly want to dwell on. It would be easy, he knew, due to his and Jake’s rooms being so far apart. Added that there was a laundry list of excuses he could use if Jake did find him tonight—he had no real reason to worry. Unfortunately, that didn't stop his stomach from churning like it was life or death. Oddly, standing out on the porch and looking at the tracks of Jake’s tires, he felt very much like a sailor about to sail the most turbulent waves in his career. Quit being fucking dramatic, he chastised himself. No wonder he felt he was in such a bind. Everything will be okay, he reminded himself. 

Albert spent the day doing fuck all besides worrying and pacing around so much he was surprised his socks didn’t have holes on the bottom. His body flinched when he heard Jake’s truck pulling up outside. Calm down, Albert thought, you have to act normal otherwise he’ll suspect something is wrong. 

The front door opened, Jake’s beaming smile trumping even the sunset behind his shoulder. 

“Bertie!” Jake greeted enthusiastically, smiling all the harder. 

Albert grinned back from his relaxed spot on the couch. “Hey, Jakey. Took you long enough to get back.” 

“Aw, my poor Bertie,” Jake jokingly mocked as he shut the door behind him, “waiting here all alone for me to come home.” 

“Hmm.” Albert agreed sagely. “You’d make a terrible husband.” 

Jake dramatically gasped, hand on his chest like he was some fair maiden and not a man over six foot with a beard. He pointed an accusing finger at Albert, “You would be a horrible housewife!” 

“What? I’d be a fantastic housewife! You’d be lucky to have me at all!” Albert protested, rising up to his feet and stomping over to Jake. 

Maybe Jake had to dip his head low to look Albert in the eyes, but he would not let that distract him from what was at stake. His dignity! As a hypothetical housewife, yes, but the point still stands! 

“Tell me then,” Jake whispered and Albert could feel Jake’s breath fanning his face from how closely they stood, “what did my good housewife do today?” 

Up close, Jake’s eyes were so much darker than they first appeared. Like pools of ebony Albert could dive into and never find the bottom. He suddenly felt a lot like swimming when Jake continued to look down at him patiently. Focus! Albert’s mind abruptly reminded him. 

Albert opened his mouth to retort back. Then he closed it. He opened it again and closed it again. Shit, I actually didn’t do anything today besides eat, he bemoaned in his head. 

“Nothing, right?” Jake teased. 

True, but Albert couldn’t take that lying down. “No, actually I—“ 

Albert was cut off by a finger pushing against his big bottom lip, effectively silencing him. 

“I know you didn’t do shit, Bertie. Except maybe stare out a window. But that’s okay.” Jake paused, seeming to think something over. “If you were my housewife, you wouldn’t have to do anything, ever.” 

What the fuck blared in Albert’s head. A microsecond later and he could feel that his cheeks were now a blaring, obvious pink. Jake cooed condescendingly at him and Albert scoffed, stepping away from Jake and his stupid finger. Albert purposefully looked away and willed his blush to recede. Jake laughed at him, low and rich, and he could feel his cheeks warm further until it felt like his whole face was on fire. A kiss was pressed against his cheek, cool compared to how hot his skin was, and Jake started to strut away. Albert could hear the rustling of a bag, though, and curiosity soon won him over. Jake, the bastard, knew that it would because Albert found him standing there with the bag already raised triumphantly. 

“I got us some of the greasiest flautas I could find. You haven’t had them since you’ve been back, so I thought we might as well have them tonight.” Jake proudly proclaimed, chest puffed out. 

Albert smiled despite himself. “Sounds amazing. I’m famished.”

Jake plated the food and Albert got to eating. He moaned happily at the taste of the flautas: the soft chicken and cheese bursting on his tongue, the greasy tortilla staining his fingertips, and the green salsa burning the back of his throat. This is so perfect, he thought to himself, I can’t believe I have to go. He firmly batted away any thoughts of tonight. That was future Albert’s problem and current Albert is busy enjoying his very delicious and very unhealthy food. 

Albert did find it a bit peculiar that Jake wasn’t eating that much, but he figured he was being nice again and letting Albert hog everything. Before long, Albert was more than pleasantly full and he burped his thanks. Jake only smiled to himself and shook his head.

This time Albert helped Jake clean up the dishes. He felt it was the least he could do for Jake. Considering it was figuratively his last night here. Not that Albert wouldn’t come running back at the slightest provocation, but something fierce burned in him that he couldn’t simply put out. There were still too many questions left unanswered. He had to find where Tem is, he had to figure out if his friends truly were lying to him and why, and he needed to know what’s going on. Kin would have all the answers. Kin doesn’t have Jakey, though, Albert’s traitorous mind whispered to him. 

“Thanks for the help, Bertie. It’s pretty late, so I think I’m gonna hit the hay.” Jake told him as he toweled his hands dry. 

“Of course, Jakey. Gotta be a good housewife sometimes, y’know?” Albert joked this time.

Jake laughed and ruffled Albert’s hair. “Sweet dreams, Bertie. Don’t let the tigers bite.” 

Albert was about to sassily tell Jake that it was most definitely ‘bugs,’ not tigers, but Jake had already walked away. He’s so strange, Albert thought wistfully, I love him so much. 

Being in his room felt strange knowing he only had less than an hour left. He may have nicked a small clock that Jake wouldn’t notice was missing. Not his fault, though, because his room had no clocks. He really does love this room, though, and he wasn’t too thrilled at what the sleeping arrangements would be in Kin. At least I’ll get to cuddle with Kaden, he tried to cheer himself up. Though he knew that nothing would beat cuddling with Jake. He wished he was in Jake’s room right now instead of actively trying to solve a convoluted mystery. 

Albert sighed and climbed onto his bed, scooting close to his window. Despite the numerous nights he’s slept here, he’s never really taken the time to look outside. Deciding to do just that, he pulled apart his striped curtains and lifted up his window. The cool wind rushed to greet him like an old friend and Albert grinned against it, turning his face this way and that like a cat. He couldn’t see much outside, but he could still enjoy the distant sounds of the forest life and the night air. He was glad that the animals had returned. His heart had ached for them that night when it sounded like all of them had disappeared. 

Albert leaned his upper half outside the window, bathing himself in the moonlight. The one thing he could see was the bright moon in the sky. Jake was right, it was a full moon tonight and Albert could even make out some of the moon’s darker spots. He liked to think that was the moon’s acne. It didn’t make the moon any less of a beautiful celestial body. As if the moon itself heard his compliment, the wind suddenly picked up in intensity. Now both Albert’s hair and his curtains were fluttering. He chanced a glance at the clock. Ten minutes to go. Way too much and nowhere near enough time. Well, at least it’ll be ten minutes of enjoying nature, he thought glumly. 

It was with a particularly strong gust of wind that his curtains blew back. Far enough back that he leaned back to watch them move in the breeze. The moon chose that time to be at the precisely right angle that a small ray of moonlight shone into Albert’s open window, illuminating part of his bed and the wall. It illuminated it enough that Albert saw the wall of tally marks that hid behind his curtains.

“What the fuck….” He muttered to himself under his breath.

He moved his body all the way back into his room and pulled back one of the curtains before it could fall back into place. There he saw a long sprawling column of tally marks embedded into the wall. The lines were slanted and differing lengths, but he could still tell they were tally marks. He knew because it was his handwriting. Again. 

Panickedly, he pulled back the other curtain and looked. The same sight greeted him. So many squiggly lines that went higher than he could count. His pulse quickened and his breath came out uneven. He had no idea what these marks represented, but it couldn’t be anything good. Not when they were written so haphazardly and so many. Albert looked at the clock again. It was time to go. He looked at the wall of tallies one more time before he forced himself to move. 

Gripping the frame of his window, Albert hoisted himself across. Thankfully his window was pretty low to the ground, so his feet immediately landed on soft soil. He gazed back into the darkness of his room. Summer and Clover were nestled together on his bed. The stolen clock was still ticking on his nightstand. The box of miscellaneous clues sat hidden underneath his bed. He exhaled through his mouth, already missing the sanctuary of his room. But he had to do this. He turned around and started the trek to Kaden’s house.

The walk felt blessedly short. A couple times, though, Albert thought he felt the telltale pinprick of eyes on him. Yet every time he looked around there was nothing to be seen. Only him and the empty road. That didn’t stop him from walking faster.

He quietly knocked on Kaden’s door and hopped from foot to foot. Ever since he left through his window he’s been buzzing with nerves. He really wishes he could’ve told Jake. Shit, Albert realized too late, I could’ve left him a note. Well, it wasn’t like he could go back now. The door in front of him was already opening, too. Kaden was standing in the entryway, eyes alert and expression rather serious for someone as silly as him.

“Hey!” Albert greeted with as much enthusiasm he could muster. “You ready?”

“As ready as I can be.” Kaden groused and stepped aside so Albert could come in. Albert did and Kaden shut the door behind him.

He could see their bags resting on the table. Kaden saw where Albert was looking and nodded, saying, “I have us all packed up and ready. Food, water, the med kit is in my bag, and Winston is in yours.” 

“Thanks so much, Kaden.” Albert gratefully said and walked towards the bags. 

He was about to unzip his bag to check up on his flamingo plushie, but Kaden was quick to clap a hand on his shoulder and steer him away. 

“C’mon, Albert, there’s no time. We gotta go.” Kaden urged, shrugging on his own backpack and grabbing Albert’s. 

Kaden pushed firmly and insistently between Albert’s shoulders until they were out the front door. It was a bit odd how pushy Kaden was being, literally, but time really was of the essence right now. Albert decided not to question it as they stood together in the cold air. 

“So,” Albert started, rocking back and forth on his heels, “we just figure out the direction and start walking, right?” 

The idea of walking straight into darkness with no flashlight or light source was not exactly a welcome one. 

“Dude.” Kaden scoffed. “Are you insane? We’ll be taking my ride.”

“Your ‘ride?’” Albert asked skeptically, brow arched. 

Kaden ignored his question and flicked on a switch Albert hadn’t noticed. His driveway lit up and right there under the light was an impressively sleek green motorcycle.

“Where the fuck did you even get that?” Albert exclaimed. 

“Heh. I told you I’ve been planning for this for quite some time.” Kaden explained smugly, wiping off imaginary dust on his shoulders. 

He walked towards his motorcycle, glancing back at Albert over his shoulder. “Albert, come on. We only have so much dark left before the sun rises.” 

Albert rolled his eyes and trudged over. Kaden finally handed him his backpack and he slipped it on. It was definitely heavier than he was expecting it to be, but he blamed the water bottle Kaden packed. Knowing him, it was probably a two-litre industrial-grade bottle or something equally ridiculous.

Albert watched as Kaden smoothly swung himself over his bike, boots planting confidently on the ground. He looked over at Albert expectantly. Albert stopped next to Kaden and examined the bike. It wasn’t that smallest one, but it would definitely be a bit of a squeeze with the two of them on it. At Kaden’s impatient look, he finally clambered on. He adjusted himself on the small seat, and wrapped his arms around Kaden’s waist without needing any prompting. Kaden turned his head to grin mischievously at him and Albert grinned back. Kaden turned his keys in the ignition, and they were off with a roar of the engine. 

Albert never handled the dark well and he hid his face in Kaden’s backpack to curb any nausea. Despite that, he was still enjoying the wind whipping through his hair and the smell of the dry earth they rode on. Albert closed his eyes and leaned closer into Kaden. 

In the privacy of his mind, Albert imagined a great many things. Arriving at Kin and finding Tem, safe and sound, who had been waiting for them all along. Miles and Dani would reveal that they were telling the truth the whole time and there was some omniscient being that was the real culprit behind everything. A master of puppets, Albert mused, or an evil ventriloquist. Then he’ll tell Jake everything. They’ll laugh until their stomachs hurt, and maybe then Jake would give him a proper kiss. Then they’ll run off into the sunset hand-in-hand. He didn’t really mind where he went so long as he was with Jake. 

Albert was so lost in his own thoughts that he didn’t see Kaden looking at him through the rearview mirror, a somber expression engraved on his face. 

Albert wasn’t sure how long they’d been driving when he blearily opened his eyes, but the sky had started to lighten up. The air had become less and less cold and more and more warm. Thankfully, he wasn’t uncomfortable in his hoodie, but he would be if it got any hotter. As they drove, he felt the sensation of eyes on him. Yet every time he twisted his body, even with the darkness creeping away, he couldn’t see anything. His stomach clenched with trepidation every time he checked. 

Enough time had passed that Albert got to watch the sunrise. The sky bled of burnt umber, and the sheer shine of the sun never failed to mesmerize him. Even when things were scary or terribly confusing, he could always count on the sun to be there. He held on tighter to Kaden and hoped the ride wouldn’t be much longer.

The ride was much longer and still actively going. The sun has shifted up higher in the sky. All traces of orange were gone and it was now an endless blue expanse before and after them. The ground, once uneven with rocks, had now flattened out to a beige paste. Nothing noteworthy was around them no matter where Albert directed his gaze. He counted maybe four tumbleweeds total. It’s okay, Albert reassured himself, as long as we’re heading the right way. 

Even farther now, Albert spotted something rectangular up ahead. It stood out because it was the only thing in his field of vision that wasn’t some version of blue or brown. Albert figured it was probably a billboard. As they neared the sign tripled in size, overtaking more and more of the sky. Albert had his neck craned so he wouldn't miss it when they passed by. Turns out the letters were so big that he didn’t even need to turn his head at all. On the sign was the unmistakable slogan of Welcome to Hark! Hark, if Albert remembered right, was in the complete opposite direction of Kin. Fuck, Albert panicked, Kaden’s driving in the wrong direction. Nothing was wrong with a little detour, but this was more than little. He immediately started slapping insistently on one of Kaden’s shoulders. 

Kaden angled his face towards Albert, one eyebrow arched in silent question. Albert yelled at him, “Kaden! We’ve been going the wrong way! We need to turn around right now!” 

A multitude of expressions seemed to flit across Kaden’s face. Finally, his face settled into bewilderment. 

“Albert, are you sure? We might…need to check the map first.” Kaden lightly suggested, pulling his eyes back to the road. 

Albert must be imagining how tense Kaden was acting. I’d be embarrassed too if I was shit at directions, Albert told himself. 

“That’s exactly what we should do! Let’s pull over so I can look at the map.” Albert agreed. 

Kaden said nothing in response but the motorcycle soon slowed to a crawl until it stopped completely. Albert instantly climbed off the bike and patted Kaden's shoulder in thanks. He knelt down in the dirt, shrugging off his backpack and plopping it aside. He dug into his pocket until his fingers snagged on the tiny folded piece of paper that was the map. Folding it out on the ground, Albert’s eyes quickly scanned for the cities. There, top left, was Hark. His eyes trailed downwards to where Kin is located. Easy mistake, Albert thought, and we’ll be on the right path soon. 

“Okay so,” Albert started, still looking down at the map, “we’re at the border of Hark right now, but if we go south from here it should be a straight shot to Kin.” 

Kaden didn’t say anything. Albert turned to look at him, question ready on the tip of his tongue. Kaden looked…distraught if Albert had to put a name to it. Albert was about to stand up when a small crack in the ground suddenly webbed itself between them. It wasn’t large or life-threatening, but it certainly wasn’t there on the ground a second ago. Albert’s eyes widened in disbelief. 

“What the fuck was that?” Albert said and glanced over at Kaden to check if he was experiencing the same shell shock that he was.

Oddly, Kaden only looked a tad paler than he normally was. Albert could see sweat sliding off of Kaden’s face.

“Kaden, are you ok—“ Albert started before Kaden rudely cut him off. 

“I’m sorry, Albert.” Kaden apologized, head bowing as if he couldn’t bear to look Albert in the eyes. 

Albert scoffed. “Kaden, man, I know directions can be hard. But hey, it’s okay, it happens. We just need to change direction and we’ll be fi—“ 

“I can’t go anywhere, Albert. Not with you.” Kaden said, voice like steel and the coldest Albert’s ever heard. 

“…what? The whole point of this entire thing is we get to Kin, we find Tem, and get the answers we’re both looking for.” Albert snapped, a rising sense of panic making his temper run quicker. 

Albert always felt incredibly frustrated when he was perplexed, and now was maybe the worst case of that. But he couldn’t get mad at a best friend like Kaden. Reign it in, Albert, he calmed himself.

Kaden bit his lip, his eyes still downcast. “I can’t go with you, Albert. I’m sorry. But the…answers will find you.” 

Maybe Albert could get mad at a best friend like Kaden because he screamed, “The fuck do you meant you can’t go? Stop saying all this vague shit and give it to me straight.” 

Albert’s vision was starting to narrow, but he could still see that Kaden looked pained, eyebrows furrowed and eyes wet. 

“I’m so, so sorry, Albert, but I’ve dealt with so much of this bullshit for so long. A-and the answers to all your questions are already looking for you.” Kaden sniffled, face contorting into someone Albert didn’t recognize anymore. “You don’t deserve any of this, but I can’t stand listening to him anymore. I have to do this for myself. I’m sorry.” 

Albert watched in horror as Kaden smoothly shifted his posture, his feet lifted onto the pedals, he gripped the handlebars, and he sped off faster than he’d driven with Albert on the back. It felt like it took a lifetime to Albert. In reality, it took Kaden less than four seconds and by the time Albert was able to move his body again Kaden had fully disappeared into the distance. He could only see a minuscule spot of red and a snaking trail of smoke. Two things that let him know that his best friend was abandoning him and this wasn’t one horrible hallucination. 

Albert’s legs gave out underneath him and he toppled over sideways, on the sandy floor, alone. Alone because his friend left him in the dust. Literally. Big fat teardrops started leaking out of his eyes and he finally allowed himself to wail. Not like how he screamed at Kaden a few seconds ago or how he jokingly yells at Jake. This was guttural, drawn out, shrieks that left his vision spotty, ears ringing, and body wracking with tremors. 

I was so loud Kaden could probably hear me, Albert miserably thought. A twisted part of him hoped his cries were so loud that Kaden did hear. That his visceral anguish would be enough to convince Kaden to turn around and come back. Albert even fell down facing the direction Kaden had driven off to. 

He wasn’t sure how long he laid there on the ground, but he knew Kaden never turned around.

Maybe I’ll just lie here forever, Albert distantly thought. He hadn’t moved a muscle after he cried all that he could cry. He could still feel the telltale heat behind his eyes—the tears that wanted to fall but he couldn’t produce any more. He wouldn’t be surprised if he had completely dehydrated himself of all the water in his body. His whole chest felt so cold, a cavern cracked open and left to rot, and he wasn’t sure if his heart was still in his chest.

Tem was still missing, Dani was suspicious, Miles gave him alcohol against his will, and now Kaden had abandoned him. 

The heat behind his eyes increased but he could only shiver and shake, hands clenching and unclenching on nothing. Kaden abandoned me like I was nothing, he bitterly thought. It was true. Even worse was that he would most certainly die out here if he didn’t move soon. Yet he couldn't get his body to cooperate and move. He could only lie still on the floor. 

Distantly, he started to notice several birds flying overhead and circling him. It was only when they flapped lower that he was able to clock the garishly pink face, mean talons, and sharply curved beak. That was enough to get Albert to get himself up. This may be the single worse day of my entire life, Albert swore, but I’m not getting eaten alive by fucking vultures. 

He stood up on shaky legs, but he was standing up. Where did he even go from here? There was nothing around him except for that stupid Welcome to Hark! sign. Well, Albert thought, I have a map so might as well start walking. He plucked his map from the ground and examined it again. So long as he went in the right direction he’ll be able to make it to Kin in one straight shot. Albert gazed up at the sky, judging where the sun was positioned. Mentally calculating, he stuck his arm out in the direction he needed to travel. 

“This way.” He muttered to himself. “Okay. Okay, I can do this.” 

He pocketed his map. His face was sticky and gross with tears and snot, his eyes burned and it hurt to blink, and he desperately wanted to cry again. Nevertheless, he began to walk in the correct direction this time. One foot in front of the other Albert, he soothed himself, one foot in front of the other. 

The sun had climbed up even higher now, sitting on its mighty throne in the middle of the sky. The heat, too, had worsened. He had already removed his hoodie and the whole back of his shirt was plastered to him. He was certain that he’ll never be able to take off his shorts again after this. At least I’m wearing a red shirt today, he joked to himself, so it’ll be easy for someone to find my dead body. 

The only good part, he supposed, is that the terrain was extremely easy to traverse. He’s not sure how long he’s been walking, but the ground still remained flat and uneventful. He’s barely starting to see more rocks pop up. He really wished to see any mountains or rolling hills or anything in the distance. Something to let him know that he was going the right way and that he’d arrive in Kin soon. 

Nothing emerged in the distance, but Albert’s strides didn’t lag. 

More time had passed, but he couldn’t discern how long it’d been. The sky was still in the middle of the sky, but it seemed to burn hotter now. His entire face was flushed red with a sunburn, and multiple waves of sweat had dried on his skin. His stomach chose this time to rumble angrily at him. Well, I may have lost another friend but at least I have food and water with me, he cheered. Seeing as there was still nothing and no one around him, Albert threw himself down on the ground and swung his backpack off. Unzipping it, he pulled out one of the containers of fruit. It was heavier than he remembered and when he looked down at it he realized why.

It was filled with rocks. 

Albert was on autopilot when he pulled out the second container. 

Rocks. 

He could feel his eyes pinpricking again and two thin trails of tears dribbled from his eyes like the world’s lamest twin rivers. But in the corner of his eye he spotted a large metal bottle stuffed in the bottom of the bag. That must be the water bottle Kaden was talking about, he remembered. The water would actually be more welcome than any food due to the litres he’s cried. He grabbed the bottle, flipped the cap open, put it to his mouth and began to eagerly drink.

He immediately began sputtering, sand spewing out in clouds from his mouth. He thumped harshly at his chest with a fist, hacking out the rest until there was no sand left in his mouth. Still coughing, he tipped the bottle over. A small hill of sand poured out. Albert set the bottle down. 

He balled up one of his fists and struck the ground.

 Again. 

Again. 

Again. 

Again until he faintly realized that his knuckles had split open, a watery stream of blood leaking down his fingers. He knew, factually, that his hand was throbbing in pain, yet he couldn’t feel any of it. His whole body felt startlingly cold despite all the sweat sticking to his skin. He felt so weak. So defeated. Is there any point of continuing forward, Albert numbly wondered, when I’m going to die out here anyway?

In the back of his mind the image of Tem rose like a mirage. Tem who was looking out for him this whole time. Tem who had never once lied to him. Tem who knew he would go missing. Tem who had given him clues and left messages to help him. Tem, who was maybe Albert’s only other true friend in that whole wretched town. 

I can’t leave him, Albert fiercely thought, not when he put himself in danger’s way for me. He had already started walking to Kin—he only had to go the rest of the way. Even if he was hungry and thirsty and bleeding. For Tem, he told himself and he got up for the second time. 

Albert continued his trek. He was a lot lighter after he left his backpack and hoodie behind. Now all he had was his map, his notebook, his fragile sense of self, and his locket. It’s okay, he thought even if he didn’t believe it, everything will be okay when I get to Kin. 

It was impossible to tell with no landmarks to go off of nor any distinguishable landforms, but Albert felt like he was walking in place for miles without making any real progress. His feet burned in his shoes and every step made his legs protest. For Tem, he told himself. 

Albert felt like he was going insane. Time had to have passed, yet the sun remained in the same spot in the sky. It was like he was walking on one giant treadmill and none the wiser. Fuck this, Albert viciously thought, I’ll make my own fucking landmark. He was most certainly losing it, but that didn’t stop him from taking off one of his shoes. A bright red sneaker was impossible to miss. He set it down on the ground, looked at it to make sure it wasn’t going to move, and continued forward. 

The good news is that he wasn’t completely crazy. He hasn’t seen his shoe since he left it on the ground. The bad news is now he only has one shoe. The sun was burning holes into the cotton of his exposed sock, but he would die before he ever willingly removes it. 

He keeps walking.  

Albert’s legs were dead when he eventually caught sight of something up ahead. A thin strip of blue with green dots stippled on each side. An oasis, Albert giddily thought. He started to speed up. The only other thing that he’s seen besides this is the sign for Hark. He didn’t exactly want to think about everything that happened after that. There were much, much, much better things literally ahead of him right now.

The oasis was much closer than he realized because it felt like he arrived there in no time at all. He stood in complete awe at the sight that greeted him. A shimmering pool of water rested before him. It sparkled so much from the sunlight it hurt to look at it. Enclosing him were looming trees with lush leaves fanning out and shielding him from the sun rays. When he stepped closer to them, he saw that ripe fruit hung heavy from the branches. Thick, plentiful bundles of strawberries and raspberries. All ready for him to eat. Positively delighted and absurdly hungry for who knows how long, he started plucking the berries. 

The strawberries and raspberries were plump and juicy, pure bursts of sweetness landing on his tongue as he happily stuffed his face. He ate until the hole in his stomach was filled and then he ate some more. He ate until the tips of his fingers were dyed a vibrant pink that matched the two flamingo plushies he left behind. He ate until he was rounder than the berries he was gorging himself on. He ate until even the thought of a berry made him nauseous.

Albert laid on his side, cradling his round stomach with both hands and feeling pregnant. Morning sickness and sore feet would kill me, Albert thought, though a berry baby sounds really cute. Albert had to pause and ponder what he would name his hypothetical berry baby. The strawberries were sweeter than the raspberries, so he would definitely have a strawberry baby. Now, what name would befit a baby strawberry? Albert mentally cycled through all the S names he knew of. Sammy the Strawberry, he quickly settled on. A most distinguished name for what would be a distinguished baby. He could rename his own name to Albert the Amazing. Sammy the Strawberry and Albert the Amazing, he mused, what would Jake be? He has to have a J name…maybe something like Jake the…Jester! Sammy the Strawberry and his mom and dad, Albert the Amazing and Jake the Jester. Wait fuck—we’re named like a family circus! Regardless, if he had a family with Jake then he wouldn’t mind even if they worked in some traveling circus. It’d be nice to have a career making people laugh, he dreamily thought. Maybe in another life. Or, if he allowed himself to be optimistic, this life. As soon as he could crawl his way out of this metaphorical hole. 

While the fruit did its job of filling him up, his throat was still drier than the sand around him. From his spot under the trees, he eyed the glistening body of water. Surely water that pretty would be safe to drink, he decided. Albert heaved himself up, arms settling on his stomach, and waddled over to the water. He hadn’t noticed how hot it was when he was under the blissful shade of the tree, but it was scorching now that he was out in the open. Ten minutes out here and the heat would lick all the skin and muscles clean off his bones. As soon as he got his fill of water he would be immediately scuttling back under the trees. 

Albert kneeled in front of the water. The sand was warm under his knees and the water was still sparkling. Up closer it was even shinier than he had previously thought. It feels sacrilegious drinking it, he absently thought. Though, the persistent burn in his throat reminded him why he had to. He leaned forward and promptly froze at his reflection in the still water. My skin looks…different, he realized. His hair was still the unruly mess it always was. He still had the same distinct nose and generous mouth. But his skin was flushed a chemical-saturated red like he’d be roasting under the sun for hours. Despite that, though, his skin was strangely absent of sweat. He only felt a little clammy and mildly uncomfortable. It’s probably because you need to drink water, he told himself and refocused. 

He leaned forward farther and lowered his cupped hands into the water. He raised his hands slightly and he folded himself downwards to drink. The water was refreshing on his tongue, crisp and clean. It smoothly slid down his throat, soothing the sandpaper feel that had been plaguing him. He swallowed a few more gulps before he hobbled back under the shade. 

His stomach was full and his throat felt so much better, but his body couldn’t stop shivering. He was so, so, so, so frigid. His body was wracked with tremors, and his hands feverishly rubbed up and down his arms to generate heat. He was so preoccupied with warming himself up that he didn’t notice the eyes drinking him in through the dense foliage. However, he did take notice when he heard a crunch coming from the leaves. 

Albert whipped his head around, yelling frantically, “Who the fuck is there?” 

He slowed his breathing and waited for any sign of a response. His fingers dug into the sand as some of the nearby leaves started to rustle and the hidden figure emerged.

Oh, he blankly thought, it’s a tiger. 

It was a tiger, and a rather large one by Albert’s estimate. The tiger began to stalk forward towards him. It was mesmerizing in the way staring at a natural disaster was. As it was, Albert was a statue, watching with rapt attention as the tiger’s muscles fluidly undulated and big paws treaded closer and closer. When the tiger got close enough that Albert could see the flecks of green in its eyes, it sat back on its haunches. It tilted its head curiously at him. Albert regarded the tiger back. Those feline eyes gave nothing away. Though, the tiger seemed to take notice of something in his face because it was soon extending its face towards his neck. His body locked up, pulse quickening as he felt the tiger’s breath tickling his neck. It smelled vaguely of meat, and he wasn’t sure why that made him so queasy. 

The tiger seemed content to stay there with its face nestled in his neck. Albert shivered, though he couldn’t say if it was because he was still so cold or because he had a predator so close to a vulnerable point. The tiger leaned back at his shiver and seemed to scrutinize him again. He blinked at it. The tiger abruptly leaned back in, gently nuzzled against him, and then looked back at him. It repeated the motion a couple of times until Albert eventually asked, “Oh. Do you want me to follow you, um, big fella?” 

The tiger slowly blinked at him. He slowly blinked back because that felt like the polite thing to do. It seemed pleased with that and began slinking away. He got up and followed. 

The tiger didn’t lead him far away like he was expecting. Instead, it led him a couple of yards away, still in the area of the oasis, to a spot of sun. It was particularly bright, but the tiger didn’t seem to mind as it plopped itself down. After it did so, it turned its head and somehow managed to communicate ‘come on, what are you waiting for’ to him. He plopped down next to it. It’s warmer here, he noted, but he was still cold. He fell onto his back and star-fished out in hopes that it would help his body warm up quicker. In his peripheral vision he could see the tiger staring at him. He would’ve looked back, but his body felt far too sluggish to even move his head.

I’ll just rest here for a second, Albert decided, before I keep moving. 

Laying there under the sweltering sun, Albert’s mind traveled leisurely. 

Being rescued from his grave.

Meeting all his friends again even if his heart still ached at the past betrayals. 

All the meals he shared with Jake. 

Running errands for his friends even if he pretended it annoyed him. 

Having tea with Tem.

Cuddling with Jake in his bed. 

Finding that secret space above Tem’s first floor. 

Laughing with Jake.

Jake.

He hadn’t noticed when his eyes began to droop, eyelashes lowering and lowering, until his eyes closed. 

He instinctively blinked open his eyes when he felt a shadow partially covering him and eyes boring into him. Glancing up, he could see why. There was something towering over him, tall and curving over his body like a human tree. He squinted at it. It was too far away from his prone position on the floor for him to make out any discernible features. 

“You didn’t think I wouldn’t find you, did you, birdie?” It asked. 

The voice felt familiar and unfamiliar all at once. Like envisioning a stranger in a dream and then coming across someone who resembles them in real life. 

He wanted to respond, but he found he was too exhausted to open his mouth. He could only lie there and look with sleep-squinted eyes. 

“The remote. The notes. The graham cracker. The clock. All the snooping. All the lying.” 

There was heavy disappointment in that tone as if he was a particularly naughty child. 

“But it’s okay, birdie. I’m not upset. I know you don’t know any better.” 

Well now they sounded disappointed and patronizing. If he could feel his legs he would’ve already hopped up and swung at them. He could feel the shift in the air as the person bent closer. They were broad enough that they blocked out most of the sun. His second-favorite star was now a faint yellow rim as a backdrop now. Sun Man, he absently coined the mysterious man. 

“Hmm. I guess you’re too out of it to do much of anything. It’s alright, birdie. It’s best to keep you unaware.” Sun Man cooed at him and something awful tugged at Albert’s heart. 

He came to the abrupt realization that Sun Man was a dangerous, dangerous man with startling clarity. Albert had to leave. He had to get away from him now. Yet none of his limbs lifted when he commanded them to. His fingers didn’t even twitch—laid prone and dead in the sand as they were. His eyes could barely stay open and the chill that took home in his chest had yet to be evicted. If anything, it had spiderweb out and its bitter tendrils coursed throughout his whole body. There was something screaming in his mind, but he was too far away. A sailor who was already battling the tumultuous sea and the crashing sounds drowned out any and all else. 

He could only listen, prisoner in his own body, as Sun Man chuckled. 

“It’s okay, birdie. I’ll try again no matter how many times it takes.” 

Albert couldn’t protest. 

He couldn’t do anything at all.