Early one morning, Omer is making breakfast while his husband, Hanik is on his way to wake up their daughter, Eris. He goes inside her room and peeks in, but sees her bed is completely empty. His eyes widen in fear. “Eris?” He searches around the room for her. “Eris?!” He spots no traces of her and panic begins to sink in. “ERIS?! He starts running around their home, looking for her.
Omer runs into the room after hearing his husband shout. He sees Hanik frantically tossing things around, calling out their daughter’s name. “Hanik, what is going on?” He asks.
“I CAN’T FIND ERIS!” He exclaims.
“Shit…” He thinks for a moment. “Alright, Hanik, take a deep breath. I’m sure she’s okay and is somewhere close by.” He tries to reassure him.
“What if she was kidnapped?! They could have taken her anywhere! What if they’ve taken her to be their slave for the rest of her life?!” He panics.
Omer gently grabs Hanik’s shoulders. “Hanik, stop. I’m sure she’s okay. We’ll go search for her, but you need to calm down.” He instructs.
“How can I calm down?! Our daughter is missing!” He shouts.
“Hanik, please, deep breaths.” He takes a deep breath and gets Hanik to do it with him. He convinces him to and they take deep breaths together until Hanik has finally calmed down. “Good. Now, let’s go look for her.” He nods in response and they leave their hut. They walk around the tribe, looking for her. They get closer to Omer’s mother’s hut. They see his mother, an older, dark skin woman, with bright green eyes, and her hair, silver in age. In her arms is a little girl, about six years of age, with tan skin, raven hair, pink, and curled pink horns like Hanik’s, asleep in her grandmother’s arms, clutching a cluster of flowers in her tiny hand.
“Oh, my stars! Eris!” Hanik exclaims with relief.
“I see she gave you two quite a scare.” She hands Eris to Hanik, causing her to wake up and drowsily look up at them.
Eris tiredly looks up at Hanik and smiles. “Hi, papa.” She greets.
“Where have you been, young lady?” He asks in a fatherly tone.
“I wanted to get flowers for Daddy.” She hands Omer the flowers. “For good luck today.” She smiles tiredly at him.
“Oh.” He takes them and chuckles. “Well, thank you, Honey.”
She giggles. “Heh, I’ll see you three later at the ceremony.” Omer’s mother states.
Omer sighs. “Alright, mother, thank you…”
She gives him a small smile. “It’ll be alright. You three have a good morning.”
“Bye, bye, Mawmaw!” Eris waves to her.
“Bye Ms. Nita.” Hanik adds.
She leaves and Hanika and Omer start walking back home. “Am I in trouble?” Eris asks.
“No, sweetheart.” Omer reassures her.
Hanik gives him a look. “Excuse me?” He looks down at Eris. “You most definitely are. You left without permission or telling us where you were.” He scolds.
“Sorry, Papa.” Eris looks down.
Hanik sighs, seeing she is genuinely sorry. “It’s okay, Honey. I’m glad you are safe.” He gently hugs her. She hugs him back before turning away, yawning.
Omer chuckles. “Looks like someone tired herself out.” He points out.
She giggles, starting to fall asleep. “Get some rest.” Hanik gently strokes her hair until she falls asleep in his arms, clinging to him. He sighs. “Adorable. But such a hand full.” He comments quietly. Omer chuckles in agreement.
They go inside their hut and gently lay her down on her mat. “Can you stay?” She quietly asks.
“Hm?” Hanik chuckles. “Of course.” Him and Omer lay on either side of her. She cuddles up to them and falls asleep.
Later that night, Omer is getting ready for the ceremony. Hanik walks into the room to check on him while Nita is watching Eris. He sees Omer having trouble applying the green tribal paint onto his chest and face. “Here, let me help.” He walks over to him and Omer hands him the paint. Hanik focuses as he carefully applies the tribal paint. As he works, he notices that Omer is nervous. “Are you alright?” He asks, staying focused.
“Y-Yes, I’ll be fine.” Omer reassures him.
“…You know you don’t have to this…Someone else can be chief.” He states.
Omer sighs. “Hanik, not this again.”
“Yes, again…I still don’t get why you feel the need to put yourself in danger like this.” He comments.
“Because this my responsibility.” He states.
“No, it’s not…Even your mother and father agreed that you don’t have to do this…” He reminds him.
“No…” He looks up at Omer. “Please, Omer, it’s not too late. We can take Eris and Nita with us and leave…Start our own tribe-”
Hanik flinches. “…S-Sorry.” He sighs and stays silent and continues finishing up the paint.
“No, I’m sorry…I-I shouldn’t have pushed…” He admits.
“No, you mean well.” He states.
“Still…I’m just worried about this.” He admits.
“I’ll be okay.” He tries to reassure him.
Hanik gently hugs him, careful of the paint. Omer hugs him back. “I love you.”
“I love you too.” They break the hug and Hanik helps him with his hair and head dress. “Heh, there, finished and looking handsome.” He chuckles and kisses Omer cheek.
“Heh, thank you.” He replies.
“Daddy!” The hear Eris come inside and run over to them. She hugs them as Nita follows her inside.
“Heh, hey, Sweetheart.” Omer greets her.
Hanik chuckles as they hug her back. They break the hug and Hanik gently ruffles Eris’s hair, making her giggle.
Nita smiles proudly when she sees Omer and gently hugs him. “You…You look just like your father.” She comments.
“I hope I can live up to his legacy too.” He states.
Nita breaks the hug to look at him. “You already are. And he’s been proud of you ever since your birth. I know it.” She states.
Omer smiles sadly. “Thanks, Mom.”
Eris looks up at him. “Daddy, Papa, why can’t I feel our bonds?” She asks.
Omer kneels in front of her. “We have to rebond ourselves because I am becoming chief. So, it’s going to feel a bit different.” He explains.
“It’ll be okay, Honey. You’ll feel it again, soon.” Hanik reassures her,
Omer ruffles her raven hair. “I’m probably gonna need your help a lot, okay?”
Eris tilts her head, confused by what he means. “How?” She asks.
“Moral support.” He answers.
She still looks confused. Hanik chuckles. Nita notices everyone waiting outside. “Oh, we better get our seats, Eris.” She reminds her.
“Aw, okay.” She frowns but hugs Omer and Hanik one more time before running to Nita and following her outside.
Hanik gently takes Omer’s hand. “Ready?” He asks.
Omer takes a deep breath to try and calm his nerves. “Yeah.” He replies.
They walk out and Omer walks in front of the entire tribe and stands next to the elders. They mark him as the chief. Hanik hears his queue and walks over to Omer. They join hands and look into each other’s eyes, lovingly.
“Now, begin the ceremony of Chief and his mate. You may say your vows.” The lead elder announces.
Omer looks up into Hanik’s pink eyes. “Hanik, every moment I spend with you, I always learn something new. Things that I feel will help me lead this tribe and help me to get stronger for our family. With each new experience, I will learn everything I can to protect you, our daughter, our tribe, and our happiness.” He vows.
Hanik tears up and smiles lovingly at him. “Omer, ever since we met, I always felt safe with you and comfort whenever I’m around you. Heh, and even after our little Eris was born… and my looks changed, you always made me felt loved and wanted. I vow to be there for you and support your every decision as chief. And make you feel the same as you make me feel every day. Loved and wanted.” He vows.
Omer smiles back at him. The elder walks over to them. “Now summon your cores and unite them.” He instructs.
They do and their eyes glow white, seeing each other’s memories. The glowing stops and they see their bond is much stronger. “I announce our new Chief Omer and Hanik Lunar!” The smile and kiss.
A few people cheer for them, but the other half gives them disgusted or hateful looks. Omer breaks the kiss. “Love you.” He states.
Hanik smiles back. “I love you too.”
Eris runs over and hugs them. “Can we go home now.” She pleads.
Omer chuckles. “Heh, yes, Sweetheart.”
“Yay!” She cheers. They laugh and go home.
A few years pass; Eris is eleven years old. At school she is playing by herself when a bully pushes her down. “Ow!” Eris shouts.
“Watch where you’re going.” He scoffs.
Eris rolls her eyes and moves somewhere else. The bully follows her, messing with her still. “Leave me alone.” The bully ignores her and throws dirt on her clothes. Eris growls and stands up, brushing herself off. “I SAID LEAVE ME ALONE!” She shouts.
The bully shoves her back down on the ground. “Make me.” He challenges her. She suddenly jumps back up and punches him. “Ah!” He growls and punches her back.
They start fighting when the teacher separates them. In the office, Omer and Hanik, and the bully’s parents arrive at the school, seeing Eris and the bully bloodied and bruised.
“What happened?!” Omer asks, looking at the two.
“We are waiting for the students who saw what happened.” The teacher replies.
Omer checks on Eris. “Sweetheart?”
“…I’m not hurt.” She replies, looking towards the floor. Hanik sits down on the other side of her, laying a hand on her shoulder.
The bully’s father checks on their kid. “Look at you! These bruises! I knew having her in this school would be an awful idea!” He shouts.
Eris stays silent, fighting the urge to cry. “This is why men have no business raising daughters. She’s a brute and a mistake.” The mother adds in.
Hanik immediately turns to the mother. “What did you say, you bitch?!”
“Don’t you dare talk to my wife that way!” The father shouts.
“That’s enough!” The teacher gets in between both sets of parents.
Finally, the students walk in. Half side with the bully and the other half side with Eris. Until her best friend walks in. “Carla!” Eris calls out, looking up at her.
Carla looks between Eris and the bully. The bully narrows his eyes at her. Carla quickly looks away from him in fear. “I-It was Eris.” She quietly replies.
“I knew it! That brute shouldn’t be anywhere near this school!” The father pipes up.
“That little mistake should’ve died like she was supposed to!” The mother cuts off Omer.
“YOU WILL NOT SPEAK TO MY FAMILY THAT WAY!” He shouts.
“YOU WATCH YOUR TONE!” The father shouts back.
“YOU WILL SIT DOWN BEFORE I-” The father suddenly punches Omer to the floor.
“Omer!” Hanik kneels next to him, Omer holding his bleeding nose.
“Dad!” Eris shouts as well as she tries to help.
The father suddenly yanks Omer back up by his arm, starting a fight. Eris’s eyes start to glow. “STOP!” She lifts the father up and throws him into the opposite wall.
Eris backs up, realizing what she did. The mother clings to her son, protectively. “THE GIRLS IS A MONSTER!” Eris tears up and runs out of the school.
“Eris!” Hanik calls out, and Omer running after her.
“GOOD RIDANCE!” The father shouts out to them.
Hanik and Omer search for Eris the entire day until they finally find her at the border of the forest, crying. “Eris!” Hanik goes to run to her, but Omer quickly stops him.
“No…look.” He points to the grass around Eris, dying around her.
“Oh, no…W-What do we do…?” He asks.
“I-I’ll handle it…” He replies.
“It’s fine.” Omer’s eyes and tattoos glow and he walks towards Eris. He feels her powers starting to burn him the closer he gets to her. “Eris?”
She does not look at him. “Stay away from me!” She shouts.
“It’s okay, sweetheart.” He tries to comfort her.
“STAY AWAY!” Her magic increases, burning him more. “LEAVE! I don’t want to hurt you!” She cries.
Omer tries to ignore it and gets closer. “Sweetheart, I need you to calm down…” He calls out to her.
“Please! Stay away! I can’t make it stop!” She pleads.
“It’s okay, Eris.” He gets closer enough and kneels next to her. Her powers increase again, the decay reaching up to where Hanik is standing. He moves back far enough where it cannot touch him as he watches them.
“Please! I can’t stop it!” She cries.
Omer gently pulls her into a hug. He ignores his arms burning from the touch. Eris hesitantly hugs him back, calming down. Her eyes return to normal and her powers stop. Hanik runs over to them. “It’s gonna be okay, Eris…” Omer reassures her.
She cries into his shoulder. “I-I’m sorry!” She apologizes.
“Shh, shh.” He comforts her. Hanik kneels with them and hugs them both.
“I really am a mistake…” She mumbles.
Hanik breaks the hug to look at her. “No! No, you are not!” He replies sternly.
“I am!I-I hurt that man! I can’t control my powers! I always get in trouble, I don’t have any friends, and I-I hurt you...Maybe they were right…I-I shouldn’t be here.” More tears well up in her eyes.
“You belong just as much as anyone.” Omer reassures her. She stays silent.
“There are just people…who are mean.” Hanik adds.
“You mean the entire tribe? All of them hate us.” She mutters.
“Not…ALL of them.” Omer replies. She gives him a doubtful look. He sighs. “Try not to think about it…” She just nods in response.
Hanik sighs. “Let’s get you both home.” He replies.
They agree and he helps Omer up and they return home. They arrive home and Eris runs off to her room. Hanik sighs as he helps Omer walk in. “Let’s get those burns taken care of.” He states.
Omer nods and Hanik helps him to their bedroom. They sit on their bed, and Hanik works on healing the burns. “Are you alright?” He asks.
Hanik gently makes him looks up at him. “The truth.” He stays silent. Hanik sighs and finishes healing his burns. He gently takes Omer’s hand. “Omer…”
“…I’m worried.” He finally speaks up.
“About Eris?” He nods in response. “We’ll…We’ll help her through this…I-I can homeschool her here…” He offers.
“That doesn’t change the tribes’ views…” He points out sadly.
“I know…I-I don’t think anything will.” He admits. Omer looks down at the thought. “But…right now our daughter needs us more…We need to make sure she knows that we’re here for her.”
Hanik gently lays a hand on Omer’s cheek. “It’s…It’s going to be alright.” He reassures him.
Later they go to Eris’s room to check on her. They see her curled up on her mat. “Eris?” She sits up and looks over at them. They see she had been crying.
“Honey…” Hanik gives her a sympathetic look. Him and Omer sit down with her.
She wipes her face. “I-I’m sorry I hurt you…” She apologizes.
“It’s okay, sweetheart. I’m okay.” Omer reassures her.
“S-Still…” She hugs them.
They return the hug. “Still nothing…”
“None of this was your fault.” Hanik states.
“We’re gonna handle things. I promise.” Omer adds.
She nods, breaking the hug. “Can…Can we do a story?” She asks.
“Heh, of course.” Hanik agrees.
They get comfortable and they help cheer her up with a funny story.
One day, Omer and Hanik call over Nita to have dinner with them for their anniversary. She arrives soon after. “Hello, boys.” She greets, hugging them.
They hug her back. “Hello, Mother, thank you for coming.” Omer replies.
They break the hug. “Of course. But I do have to ask. Why the visit? Usually, you both want to be alone with Eris for your anniversary?” She asks.
“Yes, well…w-we have other ideas for this year…” Hanik replies, faintly blushing.
“To be alone…j-just the two of us.” Omer adds, faintly blushing as well.
Nita gives them both a knowing look. “Oh, I see.” She giggles. “Just be safe you two.”
“We will, Mother.” Omer replies, annoyed.
“But, for now we thought we’d treat you to dinner before taking your favorite granddaughter.” Hanik replies.
Nita lightly laughs. “Well, of course. I didn’t come all this way just to say ‘hi’.” She states.
“It’s almost done. So.” He turns towards the inside of the house. “Eris! Grandam’s here!” Hanik calls out.
They hear her running to them and she hugs Nita. “Grandma!” She exclaims.
Nita laughs as she hugs Eris back. “Hello, baby.” She greets.
Omer chuckles. “She’s been waiting all day.” He comments.
“Heh, I can see that.” She states.
Eris giggles. “Oh, Grandma, I made this for you.” She runs off and comes back with a hand carved walking cane. Nita takes it and looks it over. “Aw, thank you, sweetie.” She replies.
“She made it all by herself.” Omer states.
“Well, Dad helped a little too.” Eris admits.
“Well, you did an amazing job. Heh did I ever tell you about the time your daddy was carving with your grandpa and decided to do it without any clothes-”
“MOM!” Omer cuts her off, blushing with embarrassment.
“Excuse me?” Hanik raises a brow, interested in the story about his husband.
Nita lightly laughs at the memory. “And despite his father’s warning, he got splinters on his stomach and a few where the sun doesn’t shine. You could hear him howlin’ a mile away while his father got out all of the splinters.” She recalls.
Eris laughs loudly as Omer facepalms, shaking his head. Hanik laughs as well. “Huh, I bet you had a lot of fun with that, didn’t you?” He jokes.
Omer’s face turns red with embarrassment. “Quiet you.”
Hanik laughs and kisses his cheek. Eris giggles. “It’s okay, Dad. I think Bobby did something worse than you did and he learned his lesson good.” She replies.
Hanik raises a brow. “Bobby? Who’s Bobby?!” He puts his hands on his hips. “You better not be dating, young lady!” He scolds.
“What? Ew, no. Bobby is a stupid kid I see every time I hang out with Niki and Lanny.” She explains.
“I’m watching you, Missy.” He threatens.
“Papa…” She groans, annoyingly.
“You will not date until I say you’re ready.” He states.
“I don’t think I want to.” She huffs.
As they argue, Nita looks over at Omer. “Heh, she sounds like you before you met Hanik.” She comments.
“What? I wasn’t like that…was I?” He questions.
“You were worse than Eris.” She answers.
“Ask Hanik how many times he’s tried to talk to you, and you ignored him.” She replies.
“…” Memories of the times that Hanik has flirted with him and the number of times he rejected him.
Nita laughs. “Let’s go eat.”
Omer blushes from embarrassment again. “Yeah…”
They go inside and eat dinner. After they finish eating and cleaning up, Eris and Nita gets ready to leave for a couple of days. “Be good for your grandma, please Eris.” Omer reminds her.
“I will.” She hugs him and Hanik. “Love you Dad, Papa.”
They both hug her. “Love you too.” She breaks the hug with them and follows Nita out. Omer closes the door after they are gone.
“Well,” Hanik hugs him from behind. “Shall we get our private time started?” He asks flirtatiously.
Omer chuckles. “Well, you’re excited.” He comments.
“It’s the first time in a while that we have alone time. Of course, I am.” Omer chuckles and turns around to face him and kisses him. Hanik returns the kiss. They break the kiss and Omer picks Hanik up, bridle style.
“Heh, love you.” Hanik blushes.
“Love you too.” He replies back.
A month passes and one day Eris and Hanik are doing lessons when they hear Omer shouting in the center of the tribe. They run over and see him standing protectively in front of a pregnant sun demon. Pointing his spear at the elders and guardians.
“Chief Omer! What are you doing!?” The elder shouts.
“What are you doing?! You ordered the guardians to attack an innocent woman WITHOUT informing me!” He shouts.
“Are you blind?! She is clearly of the enemy!” The elder shouts.
“She hasn’t hurt anyone! She committed no crime!” He argues.
“She is most likely a spy! Kill her!” The elder accuses.
“No! Stay back!” He shouts.
“Chief Omer, kiss the spy! Now!” He demands.
“That’s it! Guardians, take them both.” The elder commands.
The guardians pin Omer down while two others yank the woman up onto her feet. “Dad!” Eris starts running to him, but Hanik grabs her…stopping her.
“Honey, no!” Hanik grabs her arm, stopping her.
Eris tries to pull away from him. “No! We have to help them!” She shouts.
“W-We can’t…not right now.” He states.
Eris tears up, looking up at him. “But-”
Hanik hugs her. “I-It’s gonna be okay…” She hugs him back, crying. Hanik tears up as he watches them drag Omer away.
Later once the coast is clear, Hanik and Eris sneak over to where Omer is tied up to a post outside, beaten and bleeding badly. “O-Omer?” Hanik whispers.
Omer weakly looks up to him. “Y-You need to leave…” He stutters out.
“Not without you.” Hanik states.
“D-Don’t worry about me…That woman…t-they’re going to e-execute her…get h-her out of here.” He states.
“Forget her, we need to-”
“Hanik…please.” He pleads.
Hanik looks him in the eyes. He shakily sighs. “Fine…”
“Th-Thank you.” Eris tears up and hugs him.
“…Come on, Eris.” Hanik gestures for her to follows him.
“I-It’ll be okay.” She hesitantly breaks the hug and leaves with Hanik.
Later that night they sneak to the cell and sees the pregnant sun demon chained to the wall. “Hey…you alive?” Hanik asks.
The woman looks up at him and backs away. “I-I meant no harm…please.” She pleads in fear.
“Hey, calm down. We’re here to get you out.” He reassures her.
“How can I trust you?” She asks.
Hanik huffs. “That man that tried to help you. He’s my husband and he asked me to get you out. And right now, he’s being punished for trying to save you. And now our daughter has to see him suffer. So, believe me, if it were up to me, I would have left you here to rot and dragged my husband by the horn as far away from her as possible. But I’m doing this because he asked me to. So, believe what you want, you’re leaving this place.” She looks shocked for a moment but looks away from him and moves to where he can easily reach the shackles on her wrist. He unlocks them and him, and Eris help her stand up and lead her out of the cell. They make to the forest.
“Before you go, my husband he needs help, please.” She begs.
Hanik sighs. “Of course…” They follow her deeper into the forest, Hanik keeping Eris close to him as he watches their surroundings. They arrive to the middle of the forest where they see her husband on the ground, his leg stuck in bear trap. Hanik runs over and kneels by him, looking at his leg. “Can you still feel your leg?” He asks.
The man nods. “Xy lus.” He speaks in their native language.
“Alright, hold still.” He goes to pull the trap. The man tenses up and grunts in pain as Hanik carefully gets the trap off his leg. “There…” He uses his healing on the man’s leg.
“Thank you.” The woman lays a hand her baby bump. “Stay safe.
After the man is healed, he stands up with his wife and bows to Hanik in respect. “Hurry up and get out of here. Before we all caught.” He ushers them. They nod and quickly leave.
Eris takes Hanik’s hand and looks up at him. “Papa…are you okay?” She asks.
He looks down at her. “…I’ll be fine…” He tries to reassure her.
She nods, not wanting to argue, and they return home. A few days pass and one day Eris is with Nita while Hanik sneaks over to Omer. He see his husband starving, his ribs showing through his brown skin, he is shaking, severely dehydrated, and his usually bright green eyes are now dull and unfocused. “Omer…” He walks over to him.
Omer weakly picks his head up to look at him. “H-Hanik.” His once soft and gentle voice is now quiet and raspy.
“We need to get you out of here.” Hanik states.
“N-No…I-I-I’ll be okay.” He replies.
“No, you won’t. You’re dying out here.” He states.
“I-I have to s-see this t-through…” He stutters out.
“No, you don’t. This is insanity.” He argues.
“J-Just take…c-care of I-I-Eris…I’ll b-b-be…okay.” He tries to reassure him.
Hanik huffs, fighting back tears and his anger. “Omer, please. We need to leave. This isn’t a home for us. He pleads.
Before Omer can respond, a guardian suddenly yanks Hanik up by his arm and tosses him away from Omer. “H-Hanik!” Omer tries to pull against his restraints in a poor attempt to get to his husband.
“Ah!” Hanik shouts as he landed, laying a hand on his stomach and tearing up from pain. A second guardian walks over and yanks Hanik up roughly by his arm again.
“L-Let him go!” Omer tries to shout.
They ignore him. The guardian drags Hanik away to Nita’s hut. They slam the door open, startling Nita and Eris. They shove Hanik inside onto the floor. “You will join your husband the next time we find you there.” They threaten. Hanik does not move an inch, holding his stomach in pain.
The guardian leaves, shutting the door behind them. “Papa!” Eris and Nita run to him.
“Where are you hurting?” Nita asks, examining him. He groans in response, not able to give her a proper answer. “…Come on. We need to get you to bed.” She helps him up and leaning on her. Her and Eris helps him walk into the guest room and onto the bed.
He feels another shot of pain go through his stomach. “Ah!” He shouts, tears pricking his eyes.
Nita slowly helps him lay down and turns to Eris. “Eris, go wait in your room, please.” She ushers.
“No! I wanna help Papa.” She argues.
Hanik looks over her, fighting the pain. “I-I’ll be okay.” He tries to reassure her. She gives him a concerned look. “P-Please, Eris.” She hesitantly leaves to her room.
Nita sighs and checks on Hanik’s stomach. “Hm…” She gently lays her hand on his stomach, causing him to flinch and groan from the pain. “I know, I know. Just a few more minutes.” Her hands glow and she sees the baby’s condition. She sighs as her hand stops glowing.
“W-What is i-it?” He asks, worry lacing his voice.
“…Thankfully the baby isn’t injured, but…they and you are very stressed…We need to get you both calmed down.” She explains.
“G-Good luck with that.” He huffs.
Nita sighs. “I know…which is why for now, you’re staying on bedrest for a few days.” She replies.
“Please, this isn’t just for your health, but for the baby’s too.” She reminds him.
He sighs. “Y-You’re right…”
“Now, try to get some rest. Do you want Eris in here?” She asks.
She nods and walks out. Soon after, Eris runs in. “Papa, are you okay?” She asks. Hanik nods in response. She gives him a worried look. “Papa…” He pats the spot next to him. Gesturing her to sit down. She climbs up and sits next to him. He gently hugs her. “…Is Dad, okay?” She asks.
“…No…” He truthfully answers.
“Oh…” She tries to think of what to do.
Hanik sighs. “There’s nothing we can do…He’s too stubborn.” He states.
“Why does he want to stay?” She asks.
“…He believes he has a responsibility here.” He explains.
“But they hate us.” She replies.
Eris leans on him. “I want to leave…” She admits.
Two weeks later, Nita, Eris, and Hanik wait for Omer to be released. The guardian untie him from the post and shove him to the ground in front of the elders.
Hanik quickly kneels to him. “O-Omer?” He does not respond.
Nita kneels on the other side of him. “Let’s get him home.” Hanik nods. Him and Hanik helps Omer up and takes him to his and Hanik’s home. They lay him down and Nita watches over Eris and helps her cook while Hanik is tending to his injuries. As he works, Omer tenses in pain.
“S-Sorry…” Hanik apologizes and continues to tend to his wounds.
After he finishes, Omer weakly tries to take Hanik’s hand. Hanik moves his hand away from him. “Not right now, Omer…” He states.
“Save the rest of your strength…” Omer sighs and stops.
Eris and Nita come in, and they help him eat and drink. Nita heals the rest of his injuries as much as she can. “Get some rest…all of you. I’ll come by tomorrow to check on you.” Nita replies.
They say their goodbyes to her and she leaves.
A week passes, Omer slowly starts getting better and is working on walking again. One morning he wakes up and hears Hanik in the other room, throwing up. He shakily gets up and walks to him. He sees him throwing up in a bucket. “H-Hanik?” He walks over to him.
“G-Go lay down.” He stutters out.
“No.” He kneels next to him. “You’re sick…You need to lay down.” He states.
“I-I’m fine. Now g-go.” He dismisses.
“H-Hanik, please…” He pleads.
“No…” He helps Hanik stand and leads him to their room so he can lay down.
“No…You’re sick and need rest.” He states.
Hanik groans in annoyance. Omer helps him lay down on their bed and he sits on the edge of it. Hanik holds his stomach. “A-Are you okay?” He asks.
“I-I’m fine.” He replies.
“You don’t look f-fine…You’re pale, and you look exhausted, and you h-haven’t spoke to me the entire week.” He points out.
“I just need to eat…” He dismisses.
“Alright…then I’ll make you s-something.” He offers.
Omer shakily gets up and goes to the kitchen and makes Hanik’s favorite for breakfast. After he finishes, he brings it to Hanik. “Here.” He hands him the plate. Hanik takes it. He eats as much as he can before setting what’s left to the side on the bed table. “Are you okay?” He asks again.
Omer gently takes his hand. “The truth, p-please.” He pleads.
“…We need to leave.” He states.
“We need to leave this tribe. I cannot be here any longer.” He states.
Omer sighs. “W-We can’t just up and leave, Hanik. I-I have a duty here…and there’s nowhere for us to even go.” He replies.
“You have a duty to this family…And we can go start a new tribe. With people who actually care about you.” He suggests.
“That’s too risky…They’ll come after us for abandoning the tribe.” He states.
“They couldn’t care less about us. At worst, they’ll pray we get eaten alive.” He argues.
“Even still, we can’t leave…I have a responsibility.” Hanik moves his hand away from Omer’s.
“…Then I’m taking Eris and leaving. You can die here if you want, but I’m not gonna let her watch.” Omer looks over at him, surprised and hurt.
“No!...I mean it this time.” He hugs his stomach. “And…” He pauses.
“And what? What’s going on?” He asks.
“I-I can’t raise another child here…” He replies quietly.
“A-Another child?” His eyes grow wide. “A-Are you-” Hanik hugs his stomach tighter, trying to cry. Omer tears up. “I-I…H-How far?” He asks.
“…A month and a half.” He replies.
“I…” He tries to think of what to say, processing everything.
“I’m not staying here. And neither is Eris.” He states again.
“If you plan to stay then stay…but Eris and I will not be waiting at home for you…” He states.
Omer tears up and looks away from him. They both stay quiet. “I-I’m sorry…”
“Yeah…me too.” Hanik replies. They stay silent, not looks at each other.
Meanwhile, Eris runs to her room after hearing their argument. She tears up. She quickly moves the single curtain over her window and climbs out to clear her mind in her hideout.
Later Omer is cooking breakfast for Eris, staying silent. Hanik gets up and goes up to check on Eris. He gently knocks and gets no response. He opens her door and peaks inside. He sees her bed is completely empty and her curtain is opened. “Eris?!” He looks around for her. “I-Eris?!” He looks out of the window.
Omer runs in after hearing Hanik shouting. “What’s wrong?” He asks.
“I-Eris is gone!” He exclaims.
“What?!” He sighs, trying to stay calm. “I’ll go look for her. You stay here.” He instructs him.
“No! I’m coming too!” He argues.
“No, you need to stay here.” He states.
“I wasn’t asking. I’m telling you to stay here.” Omer leaves without him and looks for Eris.
“Get back here.” Hanik goes after him.
“Go home, Hanik.” Omer demands.
“No! She’s my daughter too!” He shouts.
“NO! STOP MAKING THE DUMBASS DECISCIONS, YOU IDIOT!” Hanik shouts.
Omer stops walking and turns towards Hanik, angry. “I’M NOT MAKING DUMBASS DECISCIONS! I’M DOING WHAT I HAVE TO KEEP THIS FAMILY SAFE!” Omer shouts back.
“SAFE?! YOU CALL HAVING YOUR ASS TIED UP AND NEAR DEATH AS OUR DAUGHTER WATCHES, SAFE?! WHAT THE FUCK IS WRONG WITH YOU?!” Hanik shouts, tears pricking his eyes.
“I TOLD YOU O HAVE A RESPONSIBILITY TO THE TRIBE AND I PLAN TO KEEP IT!” Omer shouts.
Hanik goes to argue more but is cut off hearing a rustle in the bushes. “STOP IT!” They hear Eris shout from the bushes.
“I-Eris?” They hear her crying in the forest. They follow until they finally see her by a river, crying. “Eris?” Omer runs over to her, Hanik following him closely. They kneel to either side of her.
“Just stop fighting…please.” She cries.
“I-I…” Hanik stutters, trying to think of what to say.
“W-We’re…” Omer goes silent, lost for words as well.
“No!...Just stop…I don’t want to lose either of you. I don’t care where we live. I just want to stay with you both.” She looks up at them, tears streaming down her face. Guilt stinking Hanik and Omer, seeing their daughter so torn up from their fighting. “Please say that I’m not losing either of you…please.” She pleads.
“Y-you won’t, Eris. We just…um…” Hanik tries to think of what to say.
“We…are just worried about each other.” Omer continued for him.
“Then why a-are you both t-threatening to leave e-each other?!” She questions angrily.
“We…” They both look down, not able to find an answer for her.
“I’m waiting.” She gestures for them to continue.
“…We a-aren’t leaving each other.” Hanik finally replies.
“Then why do you keep saying you’ll leave Dad?” She questions Hanik.
“I-I…I’m giving him a choice. Us or this tribe that will kill him. If he chooses to stay, then…” He goes silent, looking down.
“Then I’m staying too.” She declares.
“I don’t care where we live as long as I have both of my dads…” She states.
They all go silent for a moment, Omer deep in thought before sighing and breaking the silence. “…W-We’ll leave…” He states.
Hanik looks up at him, surprised. “D-Do you mean that?” Eris asks.
“I do…We’ll leave and start our own tribe. Away from this one…” He replies.
Eris hugs him, Hanik joins in on the hug. Omer smiles and hugs them both to him.
A couple weeks pass, and they pack up their belongings and leave the tribe with a handful of supporters. They travel through the forest, Omer in the lead, until he finds a clearing by a waterfall and good enough land to farm crops and plenty of space to raise animals. Omer announces to everyone that this will be their new home, and everyone gets set up and begins to build huts and farms.
Eight months pass, Hanik, Eris, and Omer are doing their usual chores when they suddenly hear screams and see smoke coming from the old tribe. “Shit…” Omer starts running towards the screams and smoke.
“Omer! What are you doing?!” Hanik asks, worried.
“They need help!” He shouts back, as he runs towards the old tribe.
“Dad!” Eris quickly follows him.
“Eris, no!” Hanik tries to stop her. She does not hear him, staying close to Omer.
Omer rushes to the tribe. He sees people being attacked by a sun tribe. He helps as many people as he can when he spots the sun demon chief. He takes out his sword and attacks him while Eris is helping people evacuate and helping the skilled healers with the injured. Omer and the chief battle amidst the chaos. The fighting gets worse when suddenly, all goes silent and the sun demons retreat. The dust clears and Omer limps away from the sun chief’s lifeless body.
“Dad!” Eris runs to him and helps him walk to the healer’s.
“I-I’m alright.” He reassures her.
Eris nods and tends to his minor injuries. The elder of the tribe walks over to them. Eris glares at him as she works.
“Chief Omer, we appreciate your aid in this fight and are ready to welcome you back to lead us.” He offers.
Eris growls. “Oh, so NOW you accept him, despite the help he gave this tribe for years before.” She snaps.
The elder ignores her comments. “Well, Omer?” He asks.
“I…I’ll have to think about it…” He replies.
Eris looks over at him, surprised. “What?! But, what about Papa, and the new tribe?” She asks.
The elder nods, once again brushing Eris off. “Understood. We wait for your answer then.” He bows to him and walks away.
“…Come on, Eris.” He stands up and leads her back home to their tribe.
They arrive back home and are greeted by a tribe member at their house, waiting nervously for them. “Chief Omer! Your husband went into labor!” They exclaim.
“He is at the healers right now!” Omer nods and quickly runs with Eris to the healer’s hut. Inside, they see Nita waiting for them. She stands up after seeing them enter the hut.
“Omer, go see him. Eris, stay here with me.” She states.
Eris looks worried but nods as Omer rushes inside the room. “Hanik!” He calls out.
He sees Hanik lying down in pain as he tries to keep his breathing steady and pushes when the healer tells him to. Omer runs over to his side. “WHERE THE HELL HAVE YOU BEEN, YOU IDIOT?! AH!” He shouts.
“I’m sorry, the tribe was being attacked…they needed help.” He gently takes Hanik’s hand to try and help him. He flinches when Hanik squeezes his hand hard.
“AND WHAT IF YOU DIED OUT THERE?!” He exclaims.
“We’ll talk about this later; you need to calm down and breath.” Omer states.
“CALM DOWN?!” He squeezes Omer’s hand harder.
Omer flinches. “Ah, Hanik, please.”
“Don’t ‘Hanik, please!” You’re not the one in labor!” He shouts. Omer sighs and tries to help him breath as he pushes.
In a few hours, the baby is born, but it is silent. Hanik breath heavily. “A-Are t-they o-okay?” Hanik asks.
“Um…they’re being looked after by a higher healer. We need to get you washed up.” The healer states.
Omer gently squeezes Hanik’s hand, sensing his fear. “It’ll be okay.”
Hanik does not hear him, flashes of memories of Omer saying that exact thing as their daughter, Eris, was born and barely alive in his arms. Breathing what they thought would have been her last breath.
“I-I-I-I…” He tries to speak, but nothing comes out.
Omer sends comforting pulses to him through their bond. “Hanik, it’s okay…I promise it’s going to be okay…”
Hanik shakes his head. “N-No, no, no, no…” He stutters out.
“I-c-he-I-c…” He breaths heavily.
“Hanik, breath with me.” He inhales. “In…” He exhales. “Out.”
Hanik tries to follow along. He keeps taking deep breaths with Omer until he is finally calmed down. Omer helps him to a tub of warm water and washes him off. Once done, he helps him get dressed and back into bed. “…Are you okay?” Omer asks.
“…Am…Am I that bad of a husband?” Hanik suddenly questions.
Omer gives him a surprised look. “What? No, why would you say that?” He asks.
“Why what?” He raises a brow.
Hanik finally looks up at him. “Why do you keep choosing them…over me…” He asks.
“I-I’m not choosing them over you, Hanik.” He states.
“Yes, you are…You left me…” He points out.
“I-I didn’t know you would go into labor this soon… and I had to help them. They were being attacked.” He explains.
“They attacked you…almost killed you…Eris and I watched…and you chose…them…” He reminds him.
“Hanik, I didn’t choose them…I’m not leaving you, Eris, and the baby.” He voices.
“You could’ve died…so you did choose them.” Hanik argues.
“I…I…” He sits down, looking towards the floor away from Hanik. “I’m sorry…I just didn’t want to let my father down and see the tribe he created, destroyed.” He admits.
“…The tribe you knew growing up…it’s gone, Omer…it died with your father…” He replies.
“That’s not true. They’re still there. There’s still hope.” He states.
“Even your mother saw it, Omer…That’s why she didn’t want you to take the role.” He reminds him.
“Your father was a good and strict man…but it was because of that he was able to lead them with a firm hand…You…are a good man…but you don’t have the same firm hand he did…you’re different…” Omer stays silent. Eris and Nita walks inside the room and Eris runs over to them.
“Papa!” She exclaims. Hanik see blood on her cheek as she runs over.
“Eris, are you alright?” He asks, worried.
“I’m okay. What about you?” She asks.
“Come here, let me see your wounds.” He gestures her closer.
“Hm?” She tilts her head. “I’m not injured?”
“What? I’m serious, I’m not.” She states.
She huffs, annoyed. “Papa, I’m not.” She repeats.
Hanik goes silent and lays down and faces away from them. “Papa, what’s wrong?” She asks.
“…You can both wait outside. I’m tired…” He states.
Omer stands up. “Come on…He needs to rest.” Eris hesitantly nods.
“O-Okay…I-I’ll see you later then…” She follows Nita out into the hallway.
Omer looks back over at Hanik. “Goodnight…” Hanik stays silent, tearing up. Omer tears up as well and leaves. He walks over to Nita and Eris. “Mother, can you watch over Eris tonight?” He asks.
“What’s going on?” She asks.
“I just need to be sure Hanik is alright.” He replies.
She nods, understanding. “Come on, Eris.”
Eris hugs Omer. “Goodnight, Dad.”
He returns the hug. “Goodnight…” They break the hug and Eris follows Nita out.
Omer sighs and sits down in the hall. After a while, a healer comes around. Omer looks up at them. “Is there any news on our baby?” He asks.
“Um, the baby will have to stay with our lead healer for a couple days for more tests, but…we have notices that from what results we have right now…there’s a chance the baby could be deaf.” They explain.
“W-What?” He goes silent, processing the news.
“We’re not completely sure, yet. But we will keep you updated.” Omer nods in response. “In the meantime, the lead healer said that when you and your husband are ready, you can visit him.” They add.
“That…might be a while.” He replies.
The healer nods. “Take as much time as you need.” They leave.
Omer puts his head in his hands. “Fuck…” He mumbles.
Later that night, Omer wakes up hearing Hanik crying in his room and senses pain from him. “Huh? Hanik?!” He gets up and runs into the room. He sees Hanik curled up on the bed, holding his stomach. “H-Hanik?! Are you okay?!” He checks on him.
“I-It’s just m-my stomach…I-I’m fine…” He dismisses.
“L-Let me get you something!”
Hanik shakes his head. “No, I-I’m okay.”
Omer is taken aback, speechless from his husband’s sudden shout. Hanik winces in pain. Omer looks around for something to help him. Hanik just turns around away from him on his side.
“I’m gonna get you a healer. I’ll be back.” He states.
“Why?! I’m sorry I left! I’m sorry I put our daughter in danger! I’m sorry for being a goddamn idiot! Okay?! Please, Hanik!” He tears up. “I…I can’t lose you…”
Hanik tears up. “…Just…leave me alone…I’m tired…” He replies quietly.
“Hanik…” He kneels by the bed. “Please…” Tears go down Hanik’s face as he stays silent. Omer sighs in defeat. “Okay…” He gets up and leaves. He goes out into the hall and sits back down. He senses Hanik’s pain until it finally dulls down, signing that he fell asleep.
The next day, Eris and Nita come to visit, and they see Omer still in the hall. “Omer?” Nita raises a brow.
“…Hey…” He greets, not looking up at her.
“What happened? Are Hanik and the baby alright?” She asks.
Omer sighs. “The baby might be deaf…and Hanik…won’t talk to me.” He replies.
“Oh, I see…” She sighs. “Why don’t you go home and rest. I’ll watch over them until you’ve gotten some sleep.” She suggests.
“Please.” She lays a hand on his shoulder. He looks down. “You can come back tonight, but you need to sleep.” She replies.
“…Okay…” He hesitantly agrees.
He gets up and leaves the healers. Nita and Eris go inside to see Hanik. “…Papa?” Eris speaks up, getting his attention. He stays silent and does not look at them. Eris tears up. “Papa…” He still does not respond. She looks up at Nita.
Nita sighs. “Come on…He needs some rest.” She replies. Eris nods and they go out into the hall. Later, Nita returns inside and gently lays a comforting hand on his shoulder. “Hanik, your daughter wants to talk to you, please…She’s worried about you.” She states.
“…Hello, Nita, have you had a chance to see the baby?” He asks.
She sighs. “No, I haven’t. They’re still being looked after.” She replies.
“I see…any news?” He asks.
“Um, they only think I know was that…there’s a chance the baby…could be deaf.” She informs him.
“I see…well, at least they have an excuse if they don’t listen to me…” He comments.
“Hanik, what’s wrong?” She asks.
“…Do you know what it’s like…to be ignored by the ones you love…when all you’re trying to do is keep them safe?” He asks.
“No one is ignoring you, Hanik.” She states.
“Really? I didn’t notice when my husband left to go fight for a tribe almost killed him, causing me enough stress to go into labor too soon. And not only that, he was followed by our daughter, who come back with blood on her face and won’t even let me check to see if she’s okay. Instead, I’m met with huffs and attitude as if I am keeping her captive…” He rants.
Nita nods, understanding. “I asked Eris about that. She said she was confused about what you were talking about. She didn’t know there was blood on her face from a person she was helping.” She replies.
“Does that really matter? She went to a battlefield at her age. As a parent, I know you would have acted the same way if Omer did that…” He replies.
Nita sighs. “Yes, I would’ve…and I agree that what Omer and Eris did was stupid and reckless, but they both love you and are worried about you right now.” She states.
“Yeah…I’m sure they are.” He replies.
“They are. All night Eris has been up waiting to come see you.” She states.
“Hanik, please, talk to your daughter.” She pleads.
Nita leaves. Eris comes inside and Nita stays at the door. “Papa, I’m sorry!” She exclaims, crying.
He slowly sits up and she sees his eyes are dull. Tears stream down her cheeks. “I-I’m sorry.” She apologizes.
“…Have I ever done anything wrong to you?” He asks.
She looks up at him. “N-No…” She replies.
“…Then why am I your enemy?”
“You act like I am…” He states.
“I d-didn’t mean to…” She cries. He goes silent. “This is my fault…I-I’m sorry…” More tears escape down her cheeks.
“All I want is see you safe…and grow to be the very best you, you can be…” He comments.
Eris tries to wipe her face. “I h-hurt you…” She states, quietly.
“I will not deny that…but that doesn’t mean you can’t make it right…” He states.
Tears keep flowing down her face. “I-I’m sorry!” She apologizes again.
“I know you are.” He gently pulls her into a hug. “It’s okay…”
She shakes her head. “It’s not…” She cries.
“It will be.” They stay in the hug for a while. They eventually break the hug and Hanik lays back down. A hand on his aching stomach. He groans in pain.
“A-Are you okay?” Eris asks.
“I-I’ll be fine…” He reassures her.
“You’re hurt…” She states.
“I-I’m f-fine.” Hanik dismisses. She gives him a doubtful look.
Eris and Nita stay with Hanik until later that night. They say their goodbyes and leave. Later Hanik sees Omer walk in. “Hanik…” He speaks up to get his husband’s attention, but Hanik stays silent. “Hanik, please.” He begs.
“What…” He finally speaks.
“-need to do? I’ve already told you.” He cuts him off.
“I-…” Omer stops himself.
“…All I want…is for you to consider me as important as anyone else.” He states.
“I do…Hanik, you are one of the most important people of my life…” He replies.
“…You don’t show it…” He states.
“I-I try to…I’m sorry…I’ll do better, I promise.” He pleads.
“…You won’t go back?” He asks, giving him a cold glare.
“I-…” He looks away. “I-I was thinking about merging the tribes…” He admits.
“I-I think i-it’ll benefit both tribes. Especially since I told them only if the elders step down. They agreed.” He explains.
“…It won’t change…” He voices.
“There’s hope for them.” He urges.
“No, there isn’t…and I don’t care to watch it fail…” He states.
“…Hanik, please, this could help our home. Our tribe is low on trade and supplies. This could help, and Eris and the baby will get to live in a safer tribe…” He tries to convince her.
“I am not taking our new baby back there.” He states.
“We don’t have to. We’re still staying here. They’re going to move here with this tribe.” He replies.
“Then I will take the baby elsewhere.” He states.
“Hanik, please…I’m trying to make this tribe for them, Eris, and you.” He argues.
“I don’t want those people, the same people who almost killed you, near our baby.” He states.
“The elders are stepping down. They will no longer be in charge.” He reassures him.
“Heh…So much for making me as important as everyone else…” He lays back down, facing away from him. “If you don’t wanna listen to me then go talk to your mother…maybe she can get through to you…”
“I want to be alone…” He states.
“I said leave.” Omer hesitantly leaves the room.
Hanik curls up on himself, crying.
A few days later, a healer walks in with the baby in their arms, Nita, Eris, and Hanik look over at them. “Mr. Hanik, you have a little someone ready to meet you.” They announce.
Hanik’s eyes light up a bit and he smiles. The healer walks over to them and gently hands the baby to him. They see the baby is a boy and he’s peacefully sleeping in the bundle. “I don’t know if they told you yet, but…we confirmed that he’s deaf.” They inform.
Hanik holds the baby, too distracted to listen. “My baby boy…he’s beautiful.” The healer just stays by the door.
“What’s his name?” Eris asks.
“It’s pretty.” She comments.
Eska moves a little and opens his bright red eyes. “Hey there, my little Eska.” Eska tilts his head at Hanik before reaching up towards him. “Heh.” He carefully lets him hold his finger. Eska quietly coos in response.
Eris tears up, thinking about what Hanik said about her and Omer. “I’ll be right back.” She leaves the room.
Hanik gently rocks the baby. “Little Eska, I can’t wait for you to see the world.” He whispers, tearing up. Nita lays a comforting hand on his shoulder.
Eris runs into the forest to clear her mind. As she walks around, she sees Omer at the river. “Dad?”
He looks over at her. “Eris? What are you doing out here? Where’s your grandmother?” He asks.
“I…came to clear my head…” She sits with him, hugging her knees. “Grandma is with Papa and Eska…” She replies.
“Eska?” He thinks for a moment. “Oh…”
Eris nods. “They brought him to Papa…” She replies.
“They said he’s healthy…besides the fact that he is completely deaf…” She comments.
Eris tears up. “Papa is still upset at us…I feel bad…” She voices.
“Yeah…me too.” He gently hugs Eris, and she leans on him.
“W-What’s going to happen…to you and Papa after he gets home?” She asks.
“I-I…I don’t know…” He admits.
She goes silent, trying not to cry again when she hears Hanik through her bond. “Eris, where are you?” He asks.
“I’m by the creek with Dad.” She replies.
“I see. Don’t be too long. You need to meet your baby brother, properly.” He states.
“O-Okay…” She looks up at Omer. “Papa is looking for me.” She informs him.
“I-I see…you s-should go.” He replies.
“I’ll be okay, honey.” She looks down, unsure. Omer gently pulls her into a hug. “It’s gonna be okay.” He reassures her.
“O-Okay…” She hugs him too.
“Love you too.” She sighs and breaks the hug and leaves. She silently walks to the healer’s and into Hanik’s room. She sees Hanik still holding Eska, talking to Nita.
Hanik looks up at her. “Hey, Eska wants to meet you.” Eris silently nods in response and hesitantly walks over to them. He notices that her cheeks are red. “H-Have you been crying?” He asks.
“N-No.” She tries to lie.
“Eris.” He says warningly.
“I-I haven’t…” She dismisses. He gives her a stern look. “I…I’m just tired…I…I think I’m gonna go home…” She tears up, avoiding eye contact with him.
“…Okay…” He gives in. “…Love you.”
“Love you too.” She walks out of the room.
Nita looks up at Hanik. “Goodnight…” She sighs and follows Eris out of the room.
Later Omer walks over to the room and gently knocks on the doorframe. “Come in…” Hanik calls out.
Omer walks in. “Hey…” He quietly greets.
“Hello…” He returns the greeting.
“H-How are you feeling…any better?” He asks.
“I’m fine…Why don’t you come meet your son.” Omer hesitantly walks over and sits in a chair next to the bed. Hanik lowers his arms to where he can see the small bundle. “Isn’t he beautiful?” He asks.
“Heh, yes, just like his papa.” He looks over at Hanik, with a small smile.
“Heh…” Hanik sends a pulse to Eska. “You better not grow up to be a handful.” He jokes.
Eska wakes up and coos, sending a pulse back to Hanik. “Ah…” His voice is weak and tired.
Hanik sighs. “My sweet little demon.” He comments quietly.
“Are you okay?” Omer asks.
“I’m fine, just tired.” He replies.
“…Do you want me to hold him? So, you can rest.” He offers.
“…You’re not gonna run off with him, are you?” He half-heartedly jokes.
“No, of course not.” He replies.
Hanik holds Eska out for him to take. Omer gently holds Eska as Hanik shakily lays down. “…While you’re at it. You can complete your bond with him.” He replies.
“A-Are you sure?” Omer asks.
“He’s your son too is he not?” He asks rhetorically.
“I-…Yeah, sorry.” Hanik yawns and gets comfortable, facing away from him. Omer sighs and gently rocks the baby in his arms. “H-Hey, there.” He quietly greets him. Eska yawns, clinging to him. Omer smiles softly and summons his and Eska’s cores and completes their bonds. He sends a gentle pulse to him as he desummons their cores. Eska coos and giggles in response. Omer chuckles until he hears Hanik softly snoring in his sleep. Omer lightly laughs before getting comfortable in the chair with Eska in his arms and watches over his husband and son as they sleep.
After a bit, Hanik begins to groan in his sleep. Omer looks over at him. “Hanik?”
“Mm, no…don’t go…” He hears Hanik mumble in his sleep.
“Hanik.” He lays his free hand on his shoulder.
“Please…no…” Omer gets up and lays Eska in the crib before sitting on the edge of the bed by Hanik and gently shakes his shoulder.
“Hanik.” He calls out, trying to wake him.
“Don’t…leave…me.” He mumbles.
Omer shakes his shoulder a little harder. “Hanik, wake up.” He raises a voice a bit.
Hanik suddenly shoots up. “Huh, what!” He feels a sudden shot of pain in his stomach and grabs it. “Ah!”
“Easy, easy.” Omer gently helps him lay back down. “Are you okay?” He asks.
“I-I’m fine…” He replies, calming down.
Omer sighs. “What were you dreaming about?” He asks.
“Hanik, please…” He gently takes his hand.
“It’s nothing, Omer.” He states.
“I know that’s not true. You were talking in your sleep and woke up in a cold sweat.” He points out.
“It was just a nightmare. Everyone has one.” He dismisses.
“…Please…I want to help.” Omer pleads.
“Just leave it. It’s nothing.”
“Where’s Eska?” He asks, looking around for him, trying to see him in the dark room.
“I laid him down in the crib…He’s asleep.” He replies.
“Hm, you should get home to sleep.” Hanik suggests.
“No, I’m not gonna leave you and Eska alone…Especially when it’s clear that you’re not well.” He states.
“I’m fine, Omer, just go and rest.” He tries to reassure him.
Omer sighs. “Fine…I’ll be back tomorrow then…” He gives in. Hanik nods in response. Omer sighs and leaves. He tears up but walks out and goes home. Hanik lays back down, tearing up.
A few days pass and one night Omer gets there and sees Hanik standing up, holding Eska and talking to a healer. “Hanik?” he asks.
Hanik looks over at him before returning to his conversation with the healer. “Are you sure he is okay?” He asks.
“Yes, sir, he is. But I’m more worried about you. We still need to run tests on you to make sure that-”
“That won’t be necessary. I’ll just get it done when I arrive at my new home.” He states.
Hanik sighs. “If you really wish to get them done as soon as possible then have someone, come along with me. But I will not be staying.” He states.
“Hanik, you need to listen to them. You’re in no condition to come home yet.” Omer voices.
“Come home?” He looks over at him. “Oh, no, the only thing I’ll be going there for is to pack.” He replies.
“W-What? Why? What’s going on?” He questions.
“I’m leaving the tribe and I’m gonna take Eska to see the world. Isn’t that right, little Eska?” He sends a pulse to him.
Eska giggles in response. “What? Hanik, wait let’s talk-”
“We have, and you wouldn’t listen…so this is the only option I have left.” He states.
Omer looks over at the healer. “Can you give us a minute please?” She nods and leaves the room, closing the door behind her.
“I’m not doing this conversation again, Omer. We’ve had it over and over again. All you do is ignore me.” He states.
“I’m not ignoring you. I just want you to give this a try. I’m doing this for us, the kids, the tribe. I’m trying to keep all of us alive and well.” He replies in defense.
Hanik smiles at him. “…You’re doing this for you…and your father’s legacy…nothing else. And that’s okay…but I will not stay here, and I will not leave Eska here either.” He replies coldly.
“No, I’m not! Hanik, our tribe isn’t going to make it through this winter. We don’t have enough food, clothes, or enough trade…I’m doing this, so we don’t lose anyone, including our family! My father’s legacy has nothing to do with this!” He argues, tears pricking his eyes.
“Then you would have tried to find another way.” He states.
“I did…but out of all the options we had, this one was the best one…I…I don’t know what else to tell you, but I’m doing everything I can keep everyone together and-”
“And that’s fine…but I’ve made my decision.” He goes to the door to leave but Omer grabs his arm to stop him.
Hanik ribs his arm away from him. “Don’t you dare!” He gives him a cold look and Omer sees Hanik hiding Eska away from him.
He tears up. “Hanik, please…” Hanik stays silent. “Please…we can work this out…I-I can’t lose you both, please.” He begs.
Hanik thinks for a moment and grits his teeth. “Fine…but on one condition.” Hanik suddenly grabs him by the collar and pulls him close. “If any of them, and I mean ANY of them, come within even a foot of Eska, I will personally tie you up, and watch the vultures peck out your body bit by bit until there is nothing left. Got it?!”
“Y-Yes…I do, I-I promise I won’t let them touch him or Eris.” He vows.
“You better.” Hanik lets him go.
“Can you please, stay here and let them check on you.” He pleads.
“…Fine.” Hanik sends a pulse to Eska. “Back to the room for us, Eska.” He walks back into the room and lays down. Omer sits down on the edge of the bed.
“I’m sorry, Hanik…I just…I want to make sure everyone has what they need.” He states.
“Mhm.” Hanik hums in response.
Eris and Nita walk in. “Hey, Papa, Dad.” Eris greets them.
“Hey, Flower, how are you?” Hanik asks.
“Alright…miss having all of you home.” She admits.
“Hm? Omer, haven’t you been going home?” He asks, looking up at Omer.
“I-…” He sighs. “No, I-I haven’t.” He replies.
“So, you…” He takes a deep breath. “You will be going home tonight. And if I hear otherwise-”
“I have work I have to do to get things ready…” He replies.
Hanik gives him a menacing smile. “I will throw the lantern at you.” He threatens.
“You already got me to agree to stay, so for ONCE. You will do as I say.” He argues.
Omer sighs in defeat. “Fine…”
Eris looks between them, worried. “Is e-everything okay?” She asks.
“It will be…” Hanik replies. Before anything else, Eska starts crying loudly. “Oh dear.” He sends a pulse to him, trying to calm him down. “It’s okay, it’s okay.” He gently rocks him. He continues loudly crying, sending pulses to both Omer and Hanik. Eris covers her ears. “Do you need to be changed, Eska?” he checks his diapers and sees he is fine. Eska continues to cry until he starts coughing.
“Shit, I’ll get a healer.” Omer runs out of the room to get someone.
“Eska! It’s okay, sweetie!” He continues to try and calm him down. Nita quickly leads Eris out into the hall as Omer runs back with a healer. The healer takes Eska and checks on him.
“Hm, I’ll be right back.” The healer replies.
“W-What’s going on?!” The healer walks out of the room, not hearing him over Eska’s crying.
“Wait!” Hanik goes to get up.
“Hanik, stop.” Omer stops Hanik and keeps him down on the bed.
“M-My baby!” Hanik shouts, panicking.
“It’s okay, it’s okay, lay back down, please.” Omer tries to comfort him. Hanik keeps trying to get up when his chest and stomach hurt.
“AH!” Hanik shouts in pain.
“Hanik!” Omer tries to help him lay down. Hanik coughs from the burning pain. Omer tries to help him when he sees blood on his mouth. His eyes widened with fear and worry. “Shit!” He lays him down and runs out of the room. “We need a healer in here!” He shouts.
Two healers run in and make Omer stay in the hall with Eris and Nita. “I-Is he gonna be, okay?” Eris asks.
“I-I don’t know…” He admits.
After a while the healer comes out with a concerned look. “How is he?” Omer asks, standing up.
“Um, well, he has a pulmonary embolism, it’s a serious condition where a blood clot travels to the lungs and blocks a blood vessel…” She informs him.
“I-Is there anything you can do?” Omer asks.
“Yes, we are working in treating it now. The other healer is getting him ready to be moved to the emergency care.” She explains.
“I-I see…please, keep me updated.” He replies.
Later, they see Hanik unconscious being wheeled out to emergency. “Hanik…” Omer whispers to himself, tearing up.
Another healer walks over with Eska and hands him to Omer. “The baby is okay…we found that he was responding to a pain response through Mr. Hanik’s bond.” They explain.
“I see…” He gently takes Eska and holds him close.
“Um, you all should get home, it’s late.” The healer suggests.
“Please, we will keep you informed of Mr. Hanik’s condition.” They convince him.
“Okay…” He nods. They get up and leave for the night.
The next day, Omer get there and see Hanik back in his room, barely awake. Omer walks over to them bed. “Hanik?” Hanik slowly looks over at him. “H-Hey, how are you feeling?” He asks.
“…I’ve been better…” He answers.
“Yeah…” He gently takes Hanik’s hand and rubs his thumb on the top of his hand. “Um, heh, Eska is with Mom and Eris while you recover. He…He likes playing with Mom’s hair.” He chuckles.
“That’s…good.” He replies.
“He’s alright, him, Eris, and Mother will be here soon.” He replies.
“Do you need anything?” He asks.
Omer nods. “Alright, I’ll be right back.” He walks out a gets a cup of water for him and returns to the room. Hanik tries to take the cup, but his hand is shaking too much. “Here, let me help.” He holds the cup to his mouth and helps him drink it. After he finishes drinking, he sighs. Omer puts the cup down on the nightstand by the bed. “Are you alright?” He asks.
“I-I’ll be fine…” He replies.
“Are you sure?” He questions.
“…I just want to get out of here.” He comments.
“I know…and you will soon.” He gently holds Hanik’s hand again, squeezing it a little. Hanik tears up. “It’ll be okay…things will get better.” He comforts him.
“I hope so…” He pulls Omer into a hug, much to Omer’s surprise. Omer hugs Hanik back. He looks down at him when he feels tears staining his shirt. He gently rubs Hanik’s back comfortingly.
After a while Hanik breaks the hug, coughing. “Are you okay?” He asks.
“Y-Yeah.” Omer looks him over. “W-What?” He asks.
“Just checking that you’re okay…” He sighs. “Get some rest. I’ll be back later with Eska and Eris.” He replies. Hanik nods and lays down. “Love you.”
“Love you too.” They break the hug and Omer hesitantly leaves.
A couple of weeks have passed, and Hanik is back home with Eska. Omer has the old tribe merge with their new one, but he notices that the old tribe has not changed much, like he has hoped. One day, he is walking around the tribe, checking on everyone when he sees the lead Elder, Kai, talking with Hanik. He notices Hanik keeping his distance and holding Eska protectively and looking upset. He gets closer and listens to them.
“Leave us alone…” Hanik demands.
“I’m aloud to see the new member of the family. Besides, I must meet who’s carrying on our bloodline.” Kai states.
“No one is carrying on anything from you. Now I said leave us alone.” He goes to leave, but Kai harshly grabs his arm.
“I didn’t say you could leave boy!” He shouts.
Hanik rips his arm away from him. “Stay away from me!” He shouts.
Kai grabs him again, his grip harder this time. “Don’t you walk away from me! Now let me meet my great grandson!” He demands.
“No! LET ME GO!” He tries to snatch his arm away.
“QUIT YOUR WHINING YOU UNGREATFUL LITTLE-” He slaps Hanik across the face.
“HEY!” He runs over to them. He makes Kai release Hanik and stays in front of Hanik and Eska. “What do you think you’re doing?!” He exclaims.
“Chief Omer? I was just trying to meet my new great grandson.” He defends himself.
“No, you were assaulting my husband and scaring our son!” He sighs, calming himself down. “I see I made a horrible mistake.”
“Excuse me?” Kai questions.
“I should’ve never agreed to let you and the old tribe in. And I’m changing that. You and the others WILL pack up your things and leave!” He demands.
“But Chief Omer, this merge will-l
“NOW!” He shouts. Kai grumbles and leaves. Omer turns to Hanik and Eska and checks them over. “Are you okay?” He asks. He notices Hanik is breathing heavily. “Shit.” He gently takes Eska and tries to help calm Hanik down. “Hanik, it’s okay, breath, everything is okay.” He comforts him.
“I-I-I c-c-can’t I-I-I-” Omer gently hugs him, careful of Eska.
“It’s okay…You’re safe.” He reassures him.
“I-I-…I…” He tears up and hugs him back.
Omer tightens the hug. “It’s okay.” Tears fall as he begins to cry into Omer’s chest. Omer holds onto him, rubbing his back, letting him cry.
After a while, he stops and just hugs Omer. “Let’s get you home…alright?” He looks down at Hanik to see if he is ready to move. Hanik nods in response. Omer breaks the hug and helps him up. Eska sends a pulse to Hanik, reaching for him. He takes him. Eska whines, clinging to him. “I think Eska wants to make sure you’re okay too.” He states. Hanik smiles softly and sends a pulse back to him. Omer sighs, “Come on.” He helps Hanik back home. They get home and he helps Hanik into some comfortable clothes and into their bed. He sits next to him after laying Eska in his crib for a nap. “Are you alright?” He asks.
Omer gently takes his hand. “Hanik, please.”
“He’s asleep in his crib…” He replies.
“Is he alright?” He questions.
Omer nods in response. “He’s alright…What about you?” He asks.
“I’ll be fine…I just need to stay home for a while.” He replies.
“A-Alright…I got to make sure Kai and his followers leave…. I-I’m sorry I didn’t listen to you about them…” He apologizes.
“You have nothing to be sorry about.” He states.
“I treated you horribly.” He reminds him.
Omer lays a hand on his shoulder. “No, you didn’t. Hanik, you had every right to be upset at me. Not to mention, everything else is going on at the time. You were under a lot of stress and I sure as hell wasn’t helping.” Hanik lays his hand on his. Omer looks up at him. “I just want to know if you’re really okay…” He gently takes his hand, rubbing the top of it with his thumb.
“I will be…Once that man is as far away as possible.” He replies.
Omer nods. “I’ll make sure he will be…” He promises.
Hanik notices that Omer has some questions but is not sure if he should ask them. “What is it?” He asks.
“You have questions…I can tell.” He points out.
“I-I don’t want to bring up bad memories for you.” Omer replies.
“You can’t do worse than he did…” He reassures him.
Omer sighs. “You…You never spoken about your childhood…besides what me and my parents already knew about your parents.” He replies.
“…My parents…were highly abusive…They always wanted me to become chief so they kept pushing me to train, even after I couldn’t move anymore…and when they found out…what I wanted in a relationship…the beatings…it was like they never stopped…I can still feel the stings and burns…my grandfather wasn’t any better…He always talked down to me, saying I would never be good enough for anything…it got to the point where even he began to beat me too…All I remember thinking in those days…is how much I wanted one of their strikes to kill me, so it would all be over…” He tears up at the memories playing in his mind.
“I-I see…” He sighs. “I’m sorry I let him back here…around you, Eska, and Eris.” He apologizes.
“I should have told you.” He replies.
“No, it’s alright. I understand why you didn’t.” He states.
Omer gently hugs him. “Still nothing…”
Hanik hugs him back. “I love you…”
Hanik hugs him a little tighter before letting go. “…You should go…I know you’re busy.” Omer can see he wants him to stay a little longer.
“…No…I’m going to stay right here.”
“No buts.” He lays down on his side of the bed and gently hugs Hanik to him.
Hanik begins to protest but goes silent at the feeling of his husband’s gentle hug, a hug he thought he would never feel again. On instinct, he goes and buries his face in his chest and listens to the sound of his heartbeat, a sound so soothing it could put a raging giant to sleep. He begins to feel himself drifting off. He tries to fight it, but soon he finds himself clinging to him. His eyelids heavy, beginning to close, and in the moment before sleep takes hold, he feels a feeling he longed for in the past few weeks…peace. “I love you…my Omer.” He smiles tiredly.
Omer looks a little surprised at the tone Hanik spoke with. One he has not heard in a while. Soft, peaceful, and full of love. He smiles and gives him a small kiss on his forehead. “Love you too, my Hanik…Sleep well.” He gently runs his fingers through Hanik’s dark purple hair, helping him fall asleep.
The next day, Omer makes Hanik stay home with Eska and Eris while he makes sure that Kai and his followers leave.
Hanik looks out their window and sees Omer talking to Kai, and he can tell by his body language that he is being stern and cold. He smiles and lifts Eska so he can see. “See that, Eska? That’s your father, gentle by nature, but can command with an iron first when needed.” Eska tilts his head before he giggles and reaches towards Omer.
“Papa, you’re supposed to be in bed, resting.” Eris scolds.
“I’m fine, honey.” He tries to convince her.
“Papa.” She takes on a warning tone.
“Am I not allowed to walk in my own home, anymore?” He questions in annoyance.
“Not until you sit down, take your medicine, and stay sitting until Dad gets home.” She replies with the same tone.
“Eris, I know when I need to sit.” He replies.
“Papa, you had a major surgery a couple weeks ago, not to mention the birth itself. If you’re up and walking around, you could pop your stitches again or rupture something.” She reminds him.
“I’m not moving too much, honey.” He reassures her.
“Still, I don’t want to risk anything. Especially since I won’t be able to really help you.” She voices her concern.
Hanik sighs. “Fine. I’ll go back to bed.” He gives in.
“Thank you, I’ll get your medicine and water.” She leaves for the kitchen while Hanik returns to his and Omer’s bed.
As she is getting his medicine and water, Omer walks inside the house with a black eye. “Oh stars, Dad, are you okay?” Eris asks.
“I’m fine Eris. Where’s Hanik and Eska?” He asks.
“Resting in bed. Like they should be.” She replies.
Omer chuckles as he follows her to their room and sees Hanik sitting up in bed, holding Eska.
Eska sees Omer walks in and reaches for him. “Omer?! What happened?!” Hanik asks, worried.
“Heh, just a black eye. I’m alright.” He gently takes Eska into his arms and sends him a loving pulse.
“Here’s your medicine.” Eris hands Hanik his meds and water.
“Thank you, Ms. Healer.” He jokes.
She giggles when she realizes something. “Shoot, that reminds me I better go, or I’ll be late.” She exclaims.
“Wait a minute.” He stops her. “Eris, I think you should take a break from training right now. You had a bit of a stressful time too. And this will give you chance to bond with your brother.” Omer suggests.
“I’m fine. I’ll be back later, and I can hang out then.” She grabs her bag and runs out of the house.
The next morning, Hanik and Omer wake up and start the day. Hanik goes to the nursery to check on Eska. He looks into the crib and sees Eska is missing. “Eska?! Eska?!” He frantically searches around the room for him. “OMER, I CAN’T ESKA!” He shouts.
Omer runs in. “Shit…I’m s-sure he is s-somewhere…” He stutters out, trying to stay calm for Hanik.
As they search, Hanik runs into Eris’s room. He stops when he sees her asleep, with all her blanket scrunched up next to her, her arm wrapped around it. He walks closer and sees Eska bundled up in the blanket, peacefully asleep. Hanik gasps “Omer, Eris’s room!” He calls out through their bond.
Omer runs in next to him. “Look” He points over Eris and Eska.
Omer looks and sees their son and daughter asleep. He smiles, grabs a spare blanket, and gently covers Eris with it. “Heh, I would say she’s already an amazing big sister.”
A couple of years pass, and the day finally arrived. Eris has finished her training and is getting ready to set out into the world to be the best healer she can be. As she packs, she feels a little someone hugging her leg. She lightly laughs and turns around. She gently picks up Eska and holds him in one arm.
*Do you have to go?* He signs.
*I’m sorry, Eska, but I do. Don’t worry, I’ll visit you guys.* She signs back.
He frowns. Omer and Hanik walk in and sees Eris holding Eska, who looks upset. “Aw, my babies.” Hanik comments.
“Heh, hey Dad, Papa.” Eris greets.
Eska clings to Eris and lays his head on her shoulder, still upset. *Eska, are you okay?* Omer asks.
*I don’t want sissy to go…* He admits.
“Aw…” He thinks for a moment. *We do not either. But there are people that could really use her help.* He explains.
Eris gently hugs him and then breaks it to look at him. *How about we do a pillow fort sleep over, tonight? * She suggests.
Eska nods. “O-Okay…” He stutters out in a nasal voice.
*Come on, Eska, let’s go help Papa get everything ready.* Omer replies. Eska nods and Omer gently takes him from Eris.
“Let us know if you need help, Flower.” Hanik replies.
“I will.” She hugs them both before they leave for the living room to set up the fort.
“Do you really think she’ll be okay?” Hanik asks.
“I think she will be. We must trust her.” Omer reassures him.
“Hey, come here.” He gently takes Hanik’s hand, pulling him over to him and gives him and loving kiss on the lips. “I’ll be alright. Heh, she had the best teacher to train her.” He reminds Hanik of the time he spent training Eris.
“Heh, I suppose so.” He blushes.
“I know so.” He gives him another small kiss, but Eska uses his hand to block them.
Hanik gasps playfully. *How dare you, young man.*
“It gross.* He interjects.
*You will do that with the one you love one day.* He replies.
Eska scrunches up his nose. *No!*
Omer chuckles. “Let’s get those pillows.” He replies. They go and get as many pillows and blankets as they can find.
Later Eris walks out into the living room and sees the finished fort. *Wow, Eska, this looks amazing!* She exclaims.
Eska smiles. “He did it all by himself.” Hanik replies.
Eris gasps playfully. *Did you really, Eska?* She asks.
Eska giggles and nods. Eris laughs in response.
“Why not head inside.” Omer suggests.
They all agree and go inside the fort. “Nice and cozy in here.” Hanik comments.
*Daddy, can we have a story?* Eska asks, looking up at Omer.
“Hm.” He hums. *I suppose you have earned one.* He chuckles.
Eska smiles in response. Him and Eris get comfortable between Omer and Hanik. “Let’s see which one to tell…” he thinks of a story.
*Can you tell one about you and Papa?* Eska asks.
Omer smiles. *Sure.* He replies.
They all get comfortable, and Omer starts telling them a story until eventually Eris and Eska fall asleep, cuddled up to each other. “Heh, look at ‘em.” Omer gently pulls the blanket up higher on them.
“Our beautiful babies.” Hanik states.
“Yeah.” He gently hugs Hanik to him. “Love you.”
“I love you too.” They share a loving kiss before laying down with the kids and fall asleep.
Early that morning, Eris wakes up and carefully gets up without waking up Eska and grabs her bag. She goes to make breakfast for the family when she sees Omer and Hanik tiredly cooking. “Dad? Papa?” She speaks up with raised brow.
“Morning…” Hanik greets groggily.
Eris sighs. “Heh, Dad, sit down with Papa and I’ll make you coffee and breakfast.” She offers, putting down her bag, and walking over to him.
“I…got it.” He almost falls asleep. Eris catches him.
“Dad, go sit.” She huffs.
“Go.” He sighs in defeat. She hugs him. “Thank you.” She breaks the hug and goes over to Hanik and sits next to him. Haniki gently leans on him.
“Hm, so comfy.” Hanik hums. Omer gently hugs him.
Eris smiles as she cooks breakfast and makes coffee for them After a bit she brings over their coffee. “Here you go.”
Hanik takes it and takes a sip. “Mm.” He hums.
“Thank you, baby.” Omer replies.
“Heh, no problem. Breakfast will be ready in a few minutes.” She states.
“Okay…” She continues cooking.
Another few minutes pass and breakfast is done. She sets down their plates and notices Hanik and Omer are little more away than before. She smiles softly at them. “I could have handled it, sweetheart.” Omer states, feeling bad about not helping.
“And have you fall asleep into the fire? I don’t think so, Dad.” She dismisses.
“I’m not THAT careless.” He huffs.
“I don’t remember…raising you to be so…authoritative.” Hanik voices as he eats his breakfast.
“You can’t deny I got that from both of you. Dad is authoritative as a chief and you’re authoritative as the head healer.
“…I suppose that’s true.” Hanik shrugs. Eris giggles. “This is delicious by the way.” He comments, taking another bite of his food.
“I learned from the best.” She giggles.
“Clearly.” Omer chuckles.
“Oh. I should get Eska.” Hanik states.
“Hm? Oh, yeah. Let me make him a plate too.” She goes into the kitchen to fix him a plate while Hanik goes into the living room and gently shakes Eska.
“Come on sleepy head.” He gently picks him up and Eska sleepily opens his eyes. “Huh?” He looks up at Hanik.
“Papa?” He questions in a nasally voice.
“Huh?” Hanik sees that he is still half asleep. He chuckles and takes him to the table.
Eris sets his breakfast down on the table. *Goodmorning, Eska. *
“M-Morning…” he begins to doze off to sleep in Hanik’s arms.
Eris giggles. “I guess a little someone doesn’t want to wake up.”
“Well, he’ll have to. Today’s too important to sleep.” Omer chuckles.
“Heh, can I see him, Papa?” She asks. He nods and hands Eska to her. She sends gentle pulses through their bond. “Wakey, wakey, Eska…I made you’re favorite for breakfast.”
He suddenly wakes up. “CINNAMON FRENCH TOAST?!” He shouts.
Eris laughs. *Yep. * She confirms.
He tries to wiggle out of her arms to sit at his chair. She laughs and puts him down and he runs to his chair and eats his breakfast.
*Slow down, Eska, don’t want you to choke. * Omer warns.
Hanik and Eris sit back down. “So, Eris, you’re all packed?” Hanik asks.
“And your transportation?” Omer asks.
“I just have to feed her and hook her up to the wagon.” She states.
“And hygiene?” Hanik asks.
“Heh, yes Papa.” She sighs.
“Dad, Papa, I have everything I need. I promise.” She giggles.
“Are you sure?” Hanik asks.
He sighs. “…We just worry.”
“I know. If you want we can double check everything before I leave.” She offers.
“Alright. We’ll double check before I go.” They suddenly hear Eska coughing.
“Eska?!” Omer pats his back. “I told you to slow down.” He replies through their bond.
Eris holds a rag to his mouth, and he coughs up a big piece of French toast. “Oops.” He sheepishly replies.
Omer and Hanik sigh in relief that he is alright. *You gonna slow down, now?* Eris asks jokingly.
“Well, at least you know he loves your cooking.” Hanik chuckles.
“I just don’t want him to go the healers because of it either.” They laugh.
Eska finishes his breakfast. Eris and Omer clean the dishes while Hanik is checking over her supplies. “Looks like you got everything…” he replies.
“Heh, that’s good. Now to get the horse ready.” She states.
“Wanna help me feed her and hook up the wagon?” She offers.
Hanik smiles softly. “Of course.”
“Alright.” He goes outside with Eska to get the horse ready.
Omer walks over to Eris. “how’s it look?” He asks.
“All good. Papa is outside with Eska to get Sora ready for travel.” She states.
“I see. Almost time then…” He comments.
“…We’re gonna miss you sweetheart.”
“Yeah…I’m gonna miss you guys too.” She agrees.
Omer lightly smiles and hugs her. Eris returns the hug. “Hey! You guys can’t hug without us!” Hanik shouts from outside. Eris and Omer laugh as Eska and Hanik runs over and hugs them.
“Love you, Flower.” Hanik tightens the hug.
They break the hug and Eris loads all of her stuff into her wagon and hugs them all one last time. “Love you guys. I’ll visit and write as much as I can.”
“You better.” Hanik chuckles.
She giggles before breaking the hug and mounting onto her back. They all say their goodbyes and leave. Eska tears up as they watch her get farther away. “I know I know…We’ll miss her too.” Hanik gently picks Eska up.
Omer lays a comforting hand on Hanik’s shoulder. “She’ll be okay"
