A Lifer a day for a WHOLE Month!!

The pale oak forest was beautiful at night.

Sure, people were still afraid to come in here, even after most of the creaking hearts had been removed to be used, but Tango found that as a plus.

There was no one there to see him, ask him what was wrong.

No one there to see as the blaze born broke down, tears already spilling from his eyes as he sat beneath the furthest tree.

You’re a homewrecker.

The thought flashed through his mind like a bolt of lightning, and he curled further into himself.

He had all of his memories back. He remembered every season. He remembered how violently Scott had fought after losing Jimmy. He remembered the love on Jimmy’s face at the ranch when Tango had been furiously apologizing for almost getting them killed, how soft he had been.

They were happier together.

The guilt plagued his mind, forcing him into a spiral.

Scott loved Jimmy. Jimmy loved Scott. Scott remembered Jimmy. Scott probably hates me. Why would he feel any different? I stole his husband. He hates me, and Jimmy probably hates me, and everyone probably-

“Tango?”

Tango was brought out of his spiral, and his head shot up.

Grian.

He probably hated him too...

Seeing how distressed he was, Grian walked over and sat down next to Tango.

“What’s wrong, buddy?” Grian asked, one of his wings coming behind the two of them. Tango unconsciously shifted away from the touch, wiping his eyes.

He took a little too long to answer, as Grian's concern seemed to grow. After a while, he squeaked out a weak “They hate me…”

Grian tilted his head, confusion flooding his eyes.

“Who does, bud?”

Tango went quiet again for a few seconds again.

“Jimmy, Scott, probably everyone…” He mumbled, pulling his knees up to his chest and dropping his forehead onto them.

“Why would they?” Grian asked, cautiously placing a hand on Tango’s shoulder. He didn’t move away.

“Double life…"

“Why would they hate you because of double life?”

Tango took a moment to look at Grian, his eyes red from crying.

“Jimmy was happier with Scott, Grian… I’m a damn homewrecker…"

Grian made a soft “oh” sound, before looking away and dropping his hand from Tango's shoulder. Of any season, Grian remembered 3rd Life the best, and he had seen how happy Scott and Jimmy were.

After a long pause, Grian seemed to get an idea, and he nudged Tango.

“Scott left Pearl for Cleo.”

“I know.”

Grian returned Tango’s gaze, eyes softer.

“So he’s a homewrecker too.”

Tango paused, looking back down.

“So? They still proba-”

“If Scott was mad at you, he probably would’ve already shown signs of it. Same with Jimmy. Same with the other winners, same with anyone.” Grian cut him off, determination laced into his voice. It was Tango’s turn to return the other’s gaze, and he seemed confused.

“Scott isn’t quiet with his anger, and neither is Timmy. Think, have you heard Scott say anything aggressive to you through the seasons? Or anything even passive-aggressive?” Grian asked, tilting his head before adding "Minus when he was red, of course."

Tango thought back. He thought back to all of their conversations, especially back in Double Life.

“Not really…”

“So do you think Scott is mad at you?”

“...Maybe a little bit?”

Grian sighed, but it was half-hearted. “Yeah, maybe a little bit. But he definitely doesn’t hate you.”

Tango went quiet after that. Maybe Scott didn’t hate him. And Jimmy was definitely more forgiving than Scott.

“So, neither of them hate me?” Tango asked, and Grian shook his head, a soft, reassuring smile coming to his face.

“If Scar forgives me, then Scott probably forgives you.”

Tango nodded, before leaning over and flopping his head onto Grian’s shoulder. The avian laughed, before hooking his arm around Tango and hugging him.

Maybe everything would be alright…