#jerevin

Who? What is here? Trevor sends back as he moves towards where Alfredo is. Alfredo is standing at the edge where the cut grass meets the roots of the trees. His red fur is standing on end as he points into the shadows where the sun is smothered by the canopy. His fox tail stood still, ears pressed back.

Trevor reaches down to brush his head before raising a hand up. A spell mumbles from his lips as his fingertips glow. “Who’s there?” he yells out into the unknown. “You’re trespassing onto a witch’s land.”

Alfredo growls more, as if to prove a point. Trevor holds himself up, trying to remain confident. But then he hears a twig snap and leaves shuffling. He jumps back, feet scampering against the grass, and nearly launches the spell he’s holding.

But instead of some horrible monster, or even just a human with a knife and a disdain against magic, a cat strolls out of the bushes. It was a little Siamese cat, with sharp, bright eyes. A little too bright.

Familiars look just like the animal forms they hold. But there’s always something… a little off. An intelligence in them that makes them stand out from the normal beasts of this world. Trevor always notices it in the eyes. They look too closely back at you.

“Are you a familiar?” Trevor bursts out as he gathers himself.

The cat meows. Which Trevor thinks means a yes. He glances to Alfredo, who was still protectively hovering, but his fur was no longer on end. Pacing around Trevor’s legs. 

Trevor crouches down, reaching a hand out to the cat but not touching. Letting the cat decide to come closer or not. “Are you bonded? Is your witch nearby?”

The cat stares at the hand before moving slowly. It inches closer and sniffs at Trevor’s hand. Trevor smiles. “I won’t hurt you,” he assures. “Are you lost maybe?”

It’s worried about something, Alfredo supplies. I can sense it.

Trevor frowns at that but then the cat rubs his head against Trevor’s hand. It’s fur is soft and Trevor can't help but gently scratch behind its ears. It leans into the touch before meowing and turning around. It trots a few feet back into the forest before pausing and glancing back. Tail swishing.

It wants us to follow, Alfredo says. Be careful.

I’m always careful, Trevor hums and he can feel Alfredo wanting to roll his eyes as they both step into the forest after the cat.

Perhaps following a strange familiar into a wild forest isn’t the most careful idea he’s ever had. But there’s something off. Something stirring in his gut that he feels in Alfredo too. The cat weaves easily among the forest floor, slipping around fallen logs and between bushes. Only stopping to make sure they were following before continuing its trek.

They finally reach a small clearing, along a small trickling stream. There’s no sign of any buildings or structures where a witch could be waiting nearby for their familiar. Just the same overgrowth and unpathed floor. The peacefulness is interrupted by a low, threatening growl and Trevor’s heart freezes while his fingers spark.

Another familiar, Alfredo growls, hair raising again as he presses to Trevor’s side.

But then the cat meows, darting in front of them and into the bushes. Trevor swallows and despite a sharp warning from Alfredo, moves forward, pushing aside low branches to see. The growl was attached to a giant black dog, sharp teeth dangerously barred and hunched over. The wolf was huge with its fur puffed up and giant claws digging into the dirt. It’s dark, deep eyes piercing through Trevor.

Trevor raises his hands, freezing in place. The cat moves unafraid however, meowing and rubbing its head under the wolf’s. The wolf glares but Trevor swears it leans into the touch. At least it doesn’t bite the cat’s head off like it seems to want to do to them.

“Hey,” Trevor says. “Um, your cat friend brought us here. So please don’t hurt us.”

Trevor glances over the wolf, scanning until he spots the reason he was suspecting they were here. One of the wolf’s back legs was bent, not placing any pressure on it. Dripping from a wound buried amongst the fur. “We can help,” Trevor offers gently. “Do you want me to treat your leg?”

The wolf continues to growl but the cat gives a sharp meow back. Brushing under its chin again as the wolf gives a huff and glances to it. Slowly it stops bearing its teeth. Fur smoothing out. But doesn’t stop glaring. 

“Ok,” Trevor says, taking a step forward. “Um. My name is Trevor. This is Alfredo,” Alfredo is buried against Trevor’s back, head poking out behind his legs. Trevor can’t help a fond snort at it before turning back. “We live nearby. I guess your cat friend knew you needed help and found us. If you can walk, you can come closer to our home. Otherwise, I’ll have to grab some supplies and come back to bandage you up.”

The cat meows and Trevor suspects they must be somehow communicating between each other as they look into each other’s eyes. Trevor raises an eye. He hasn’t heard much of familiars being able to communicate with each other like they can with witches. If they truly were doing that, it would take a lot of skill and magic. Perhaps they’ve had to learn it though as they live out in these woods. Their fur was dirty, with some leaves and sticks poking out amongst matts of fur. Certainly don’t look like they’ve seen a brush in a long time. Trevor frowns a bit. How long have they been out here? Why are they out here?

The wolf gives a huff, a sort of dejected sigh and starts to limb forward. The cat right on his heels. Trevor blinks and offers a soft smile. “This way,” he says, stepping back towards the cabin. 

Alfredo looks up to Trevor, a silent caution passing but Trevor tries to send some reassurance. These people needed their help. And Trevor couldn’t leave them abandoned out here.

They reach back to their little cabin, the wolf limping along as the cat weaves between its legs. Alfredo stayed plastered to Trevor’s side, glaring the whole way. When Trevor went inside however, the other familiars didn’t come in. Trevor offered, but he could sense the tension as they stayed pacing around on the grass. But they let Trevor treat the wound, cleaning and bandaging it up when he brought out supplies.

Despite Alfredo’s reservations, Trevor catches him dragging a bag of food across the ground towards them. Trevor can’t help but snort. You could just transform into your human form and make it easier to carry, he teases.

And let them know my face? Alfredo sends back. No way! I’d rather drag this shit by my teeth.

The odd pair seem to appreciate it anyway. The cat digs into the meat first, eager after sniffing the food. The wolf is more hesitant, watching them before its hunger clearly wins and it takes some big bites of the cooked rabbit and squirrel.

“If you need any more, just let us know,” Trevor smiles. “If you want, I can cast some magic to help you heal a little faster. Nothing big.”

The wolf’s ears press back against its head, shifting away, but after some more meowing from the cat, it sticks its leg out a little. Trevor sits besides it, raising his hands that glow at the fingertips. His face falls in concentration, murmuring the spell from his lips. The wolf shifts anxiously as its leg starts to glow. It’s only a few moments before it stops, Trevor letting out a sigh as the spell takes energy from him. But he looks back up with a smile. “There you go. Should heal a little better now, but it’ll still take time.”

The wolf seems to nod, moving its leg back against itself. But then leans its head a little closer to Trevor, nudging against his hand in a way he can tell was the wolf saying thanks. At least that’s how Trevor is taking it. Trevor smiles and brushes its head. “You’re welcome.”

That night, when Trevor glances out the window, he sees them curled up together against a tree. Buried into each other’s fur and Trevor can’t help another pang of sorrow for them. Hoping he can help more so they weren’t living outside like this. But in the morning when he checks the same spot there’s no sign of them. Slipped away back into the forest like they hadn’t even been there at all.

--

A good few weeks go by before the two return. Trevor has practically forgotten about the strange meeting when he spots the wolf out of the corner of his eyes. It scares the shit out of him at first, as he had been coming back in from the forest with fresh herbs he had gathered. He felt the odd presence and saw this giant, dark form out of the corner of his eyes. He must’ve let out some kind of yell because he felt Alfredo’s alarm and Alfredo was at his side in a moment. In his human form, having just been working on potions. Alfredo's eyes start to glow as Trevor feels his magic flow into his. Only for both of them to hear a familiar meow as a little brown ball trots out from the wolf’s side.

“Oh, it's you two. You’re back,” Trevor blinks. “Are you ok?”

The cat gives another meow as he rubs against Trevor’s legs. The wolf seems better, walking on that back leg and the bandage gone. Only a scar from the wound that had been there. The wolf almost gives an exasperated sigh as they watch the cat, but moves closer. Glancing to Alfredo, who was already grumbling.

“Now they fucking know my face!” Alfredo whines. “What the fuck?!”

Trevor laughs, reaching down to scratch the cat’s head. “I think you’ll survive, Fredo. Be nice to our guests.”

Alfredo huffs as the two familiars move around them, examining them closer and sniffing at the edge of the house. It’s good to see them well. Trevor opens the door and offers for them to go in, but neither move closer. Pacing outside as Trevor frowns. “Guess you don’t like being inside? That’s fine. I’ll bring out some food and water then.”

Trevor fills a bowl with water and sets it down in front of them, besides a plate with some more extra pieces of meat. They both eagerly dig in, less hesitant than before.

Alfredo hangs back, watching their forms. It’s weird, Alfredo says through the bond. Do you think they can shift out of their animal forms?

I don’t know, Trevor admits. I worry they can’t. Or maybe they don’t want to.

It’s still weird either way, Alfredo huffs. But at least they’re friendly.

The two stick around for the afternoon, sniffing curiously around, watching Trevor and Alfredo as they do their work. They don’t interact too much, still cautious but let them brush gentle pets on their heads. Trevor isn’t sure why they’ve come back around and there is little explanation from them. Perhaps some company. Perhaps curiosity. Either way, before night comes they’re gone again. Though this time Trevor knows it's not the last they’ll see of them.

It’s the heat of summer when they come around again. They stay for a few days, mostly hanging in the shade of their house or jumping around the creek nearby. It warms Trevor’s heart to see them playing amongst the water. Splashing and making soft noises to each other. Not a care in the world and Trevor couldn’t help but be a little jealous. Perhaps living as animals in the woods did have its perks.

Alfredo joined them at times as a fox, jumping around and playing. It was nice to have company for a while. No one from the village ever felt brave enough to come out to them. So someone else to talk to was refreshing. Even if they never exactly talked back.

After that they see them less and less. Sometimes they’d catch sight of them while they were out hunting or gathering herbs. See flashes of their fur moving around the forest. But they didn’t come all the way up to the house. They don’t shift out of their animal forms.

Trevor remembers the old stories about familiars. How they were fae spirits made to protect magic, make sure that humans were using it right. Seeing the two familiars around in glimpses certainly makes him feel like he had some form of guardian spirits. Companions in the forest.

He worries about them still, wanting to make sure they seem healthy. During the harder rains, he was sure to make sure to make a small shelter from the water and wind. Alfredo would refill water bowls and leave food out, often when he thought Trevor wasn’t looking. They both grew to consider them friends. And appreciated every chance they saw them.

--

It's just as they feel the touches of winter when it happens. This time, a voice is heard bursting from the forest. Yelling, screaming as footsteps crash closer and closer. “Help! Trevor, Alfredo!”

They had been starting the fire for the night in their cabin when they heard it. Alfredo and Trevor look at each other in alarm. Very few know their names. Most of the nearby villagers don’t even know their names. But the voice is scared, so they leap out. They find a short but well built person, wide shoulders and thick beard. In a simple tunic and dress, but neither know who it is right away. But as they come closer, there is something they do recognize in their hands. A little Siamese cat.

“You have to help him!” the person cries out, nearly colliding with them as they reach the house.

“Are you... “ Trevor says, staring at them. Their eyes are huge, scared but the color… A deep, brown. Trevor’s mind snaps it all into place. “Wolf?”

The person nods, holding out the cat. He was breathing, but still, with matted fur and a deep red dug into his side. “P-Please. Fix him.”

Trevor wastes little time. Alfredo shifts human as they get him into the cabin, laid on the kitchen table as Trevor starts taking stock of the wound. It was a deep gash, something sharp. Something deliberate. Trevor’s heart sinks as his hands start glowing. But he steals himself. This is going to take a big spell. He feels more magic flow into him, Alfredo lending his energy for the task as he squeezes Trevor’s shoulder, eyes glowing. Trevor places his hands on either side of the wound, voice chanting a healing spell as he focuses.

The Wolf, human now, paces back and forth. The first time being in the cabin but they haven’t seemed to register that. Those sharp eyes never leave the Cat’s form.

Trevor grits his teeth as he pushes further through the spell. The wound was starting to glow, a deep yellow color like the sun on a summer day.  But none of it burned, in fact the room itself felt cooler. A chill covers them, sending shivers up their spines. But it was working. Trevor sees the blood stop and flesh start to mend together. 

Everything is silent, even Trevor’s words feel like they aren’t able to be heard. Just the sparks and glow of pure magic around them. All staring as life goes back into the cat. 

Trevor collapses against the table as the spell ends, barely catching himself as his legs give in. Alfredo catches him, but he can feel the strength gone from him as well. He used too much magic to complete the spell, even when draining some more from Alfredo, it left him weak. But as he looks back, he sees the Cat shift. Breath growing stronger and starting to lift his head.

The Wolf who was now a person, surges forward. Tears pricking their eyes as they brush his fur. “Gavin,” they murmur. “Thank the Gods. Fuck, I was so scared.”

The cat gives a small meow, head turning around the room before he settles on Trevor and Alfredo. Then his whole body seems to shimmer, bones shifting and skin stretching in a similar transformation Trevor has seen many times before. He glances away to give some privacy as the cat becomes a human. A taller man, thin and unfortunately bare naked on their kitchen table. But the man doesn’t seem to care at the moment, reaching out towards his partner and pulling them closer. “Jeremy,” he murmurs.

Alfredo moves to grab a blanket and throws it around the naked man. “So uh… You guys going to finally explain some things? Since apparently you aren’t stuck as animals like we thought?”

“Let me have a moment, I nearly just lost him,” the person that apparently is named Jeremy huffs.

The other laughs a little. “I think they’re right, dear. We have some explaining to do.”

--

“So let me get this right,” Alfredo says as he’s sitting back in his chair, staring at the other two sheepish humans. They had found Gavin a pair of clothes that fit well enough and heated up some water for tea. Now sitting at the table after Gavin and Jeremy told their tales. “You both somehow bonded to each other instead of witches? Then the humans in your village chased you into the forest because they took that as meaning you were some sort of demons? So you just… Decided to live in the forest as animals then?”

Gavin chuckles a little, brushing his hair. “Suppose it does sound strange when put like that. We weren’t animals all the time, we shifted now and again. Especially after being around you two… Reminded us that being human wasn’t always bad. But it's just easier living as animals in the woods. And we just didn’t want to be in another witch and their familiar’s home… We’ve heard of witches that could force bonds… Force a familiar, multiple even, to become theirs. And we didn’t want to lose our bond. Preferred it as just us taking care of each other.”

“Until we couldn’t,” Jeremy sighs. They haven’t let go of Gavin’s hand since he’s been awake. Eying his side where a new, large scar was present. “Fuck, I should’ve noticed someone was nearby… I didn’t hear them at all until they were close and then-”

Gavin shushes them, kissing their cheek softly. “I’m ok. Trevor helped me. Which, we cannot thank you enough for”, Gavin smiles towards Trevor.

“Of course. Us magical people have to look out for each other. And Fredo and I have come to think of you as friends,” he grins. “You’re welcome to stay the night, or however long you need. The worst of the wound is healed, but it's not perfect. You’ll still be really sore.”

Gavin nods. “Yeah, if we can sleep in your home, we’d really appreciate it.”

“More comfortable than the forest floor,” Jeremy chuckles lightly.

“What happened to the person?” Alfredo interrupts gently. “That attacked you guys? A person from the village?”

Jeremy’s face turns firm. “Don’t know where they were from. They were looking for magic, something led them to us. But… let’s just say they won’t be bothering other people ever again.”

Alfredo nods, not pressing further. Just sending a look towards Trevor as he works on grabbing pillows and blankets for them. Making them comfortable.

They get them situated on a pile of soft blankets on the floor. Jeremy and Gavin curl up around each other, not seeming to care that the other two could see them cuddled together in untangled limbs. 

Trevor smiles as he watches for a moment across the room, as the two catch up. “Kinda cute, isn’t it?” Trevor hums softly to Alfredo.

Alfredo snorts. “Reminds me of us. Who knew familiars could bond to each other?”

“Haven’t heard of it happening before,” Trevor admits. “But I suppose anything is possible.”

Alfredo sighs, leaning over to kiss Trevor’s cheek. “Least these two are talking with us now. Hopefully there aren’t more familiars stuck in that forest. With witch hunters about.”

Trevor hums, leaning his head back. A spark of an idea in his eyes. “Perhaps we should find out.”

Gavin had waited years for a chance like this, working his way up through the company, showing his worth as a scientist, proving he was the best. And finally, all his work was paying off. They had real life aliens coming, and Gavin was the head scientist. He was giddy for a chance to explore a new life, see what it contained, how it lived, how it thrived and adapted to new things. He stayed countless late nights, coming up with different things that could be done, even if he barely knew anything about them besides what they looked like.

And finally, after what seemed like forever, they were almost there. 3 days left until they were to arrive on Earth, almost time for Gavin to get the show on. With the projected path they were taking, it was estimated they would crash in another country, Gavin traveling to where it was estimated.

On the day of the crash, he was there, working to make sure each specimen was accounted for and still intact, writing down their vitals, even if they made no sense to him. Coming upon the last one, he paused, watching as it struggled, trying everything it could to break free, but to no avail. This moment had Gavin pausing to lean down and pick it up.

“It’s alright, little one, we’ll get you somewhere safe.” Though, he wasn’t sure he could consider his lab safe, and the thought continued to ring through his head.

___________

Upon arrival back at the lab, Gavin was still hanging onto the specimen he had spoken to. He claimed it as his own, something drawing him towards it, though he wasn’t sure why. He was hoping he’d be able to find it out. Placing it in its holder, he stared a few moments, mesmerized as it tried to escape again. He wrote the interesting behavior down.

Someone told him to head home, take a break, he had a long trip, but he waved them off saying he was fine. He was captivated by this creature. Soon, he was the only one left in the lab, just observing it.

___________

Over the course of the next few weeks, Gavin began his experiments on his specific symbiote. He was the only one allowed to handle it, not wanting to “ruin” the experiment, spending long nights alone.  

He learned a lot more than the others, but the knowledge had him burdened, a heart aching for a makeshift connection he felt he had with the creature. Soon, instead of the experiments he had laid out, he began to take care of different things, working to make sure the creature was comfortable, had enough food, caring for it more than he thought he would.

In a daring moment of weakness, his heart too soft for his own good, he walked up to the symbiote, hand on the tank. He sighed softly as it slithered close, pressing against his hand. He knew this was risky, dangerous, that he could die, but it was worth a shot.  

He took a few deep breaths before pressing the button to release it into the lab. Gavin took a step back, watching as it slithered from its tank towards him. He braced for, what he assumed would be, a painful death. As the symbiote began to attach to him, he felt himself gasping, falling to his hands and knees, a weird feeling flowing through him. At this point the security guards were there, staring at Gavin on the ground, gasping for air.

“What happened, Dr. Free?” One asked, leaning down to look at Gavin.

He took a few moments before he felt he could answer, looking up.

“Someone got in here, don’t know how. Forced me to open the container and free it, knocking me down before taking off with the specimen.”

The lead security guard gave orders to the others to search the premises, moving to help Gavin up.

“Get home, lock your doors. Stay safe. We’ll handle this.”

Gavin nodded, grabbing his things before heading out, his heart beating fast.

____________

Once home, Gavin made extra sure to lock the doors before heading to the bathroom. He felt so strange. He wasn’t exactly sure what he was supposed to be feeling, but he felt like it was a good thing he wasn’t dead yet.  

He washed his face, taking a second before looking up, gasping at the sight and jumping back.

“Holy shit?”  

After some shock wore off, he moved closer to the mirror, running his hand along it, watching as the reflection, which in no way resembled him, did the same thing. He wasn’t exactly sure what he should be doing, still staring until he heard a voice.

Human...

Gavin jumped again, looking around, walking out of the bathroom and trying to find the source of the voice.

Scientist, the voice was a bit angrier this time.

“Yes?” He said, trying to keep himself as quiet as he could.  

In a moment he was flung to the floor, groaning in pain. Maybe he deserved that, but he couldn’t find who had done it. He was hit again, left breathless, laying on the floor. His mind reminded him of what he did, realization dawning on him.

“Symbiote?” It would only make sense that that was what was doing this.

You hurt us. And now we are with you. Why?

Gavin sits up, rubbing his head. Another shock as suddenly the symbiote is showing themselves, seeming to be studying Gavin. Fair enough.

“I, uh, I felt it was... unfair what was happening to you. I would’ve freed you all but... uh, well, I... I’m only one person. And... uh, I felt drawn to you. Have since I first saw you.”

He felt a bit stupid at that admission, feeling a connection to a creature who couldn’t speak until it was attached to him, but he did. He is, unfortunately, far too human.  

“Why did you choose us?”

“We had a connection, in my mind, at least. I can’t really explain past there. And doing experiments was... hurting me, in a way, seeing you in pain. It left me... aching.”

He felt stupid explaining this. Surely, they could figure this out on their own and simply destroy Gavin in a swift moment, but that would leave them defenseless, vulnerable, and Gavin knew they wouldn’t want that.  

“You chose kindness, finally?”  

Gavin could feel their anger, shrinking in on himself.

“I will admit, my... excitement about aliens had carried me away. I was... too curious to learn about you.”

“And now you expect us to coexist?”

“If you... are able to form a symbiotic relationship with me.”

“And why would we want to?”

“If... things work out, and I don’t end up dead, I am your best chance at survival. I know your strengths and weaknesses, what you eat. I know how to care for you, and I will do anything to make sure that you are okay. This is a mutual thing now, okay? Anything that happens to you, happens to me. If I die, I will do anything in my power to make sure you don’t.”

They watched Gavin closely, feeling for any malice in his words, in his thoughts. Yet, all they were able to sense was kindness. An earnest and honest feeling of wanting to do good. They could feel his heart racing, tell which thoughts were running through his head. How he wanted to do something for them.

“We... will see what happens. You are... a perfect host, at least in knowledge. We will stay with you.”

Gavin visibly relaxed, running a hand through his hair. He couldn’t take his eyes off them, tilting his head a bit.

“If we are sharing a body, a mind, what should I call you? I’m Gavin.”

The symbiote moved closer to Gavin’s face, looking him over. He stayed a bit frozen, watching them.

“Call me Jeremy. But we are one, for now.”

Nodding, Gavin slowly got up from the floor, Jeremy’s protrusion going back into him. He glanced at himself in the mirror, the flash of Jeremy before it was back to his own reflection. Sighing softly, he moved out of the bathroom. He could handle dealing with anything later. Exhaustion hit him like a truck.

He stumbled to his room, barely able to get his clothes off. He assumed that the events of the day were finally hitting, his body, hopefully, getting used to its new companion. He fell into bed, though, no sooner after was a voice in his head.

What is that on your chest? Were you in a battle? Why are you so scarred?

Gavin groaned as he looked down at the two scars below his nipples, remembering the scars crisscrossing his back, laughing for a moment.  

“I am a scientist. The closest thing to a battle that I got was bonding with you.”

Oh...

He expected the questions to continue, but there was silence. Gavin wondered what they were doing in there, with all the access they wanted to any of his deepest thoughts.  

Gavin?

“Yes, Jeremy?”

What made you interested in... us? Freeing us, studying us?

Gavin paused for a moment as he thought, eyes closing. He wanted to think and hopefully be able to drift to sleep.

“Well, I’ve always wondered about what it was like out in space. Exploration, life, how others would survive, what adaptation they had. And then they found several of your kind, I don’t even know where. And being part of the Hunter Institute was such a lucky chance for me. I worked hard to be the lead scientist. I had to plan what to do with you and the other symbiotes to learn about your existence. And I was so caught up in learning that I forgot my humanity for a moment. And then, that night at the crash, picking up your tube? There was a moment of connection, a very human moment of forming a bond with a creature you might not know anything about. A deep connection you feel within your soul. And I knew I had to figure something out with you. In a way, you reminded me that, at the core, I’m still human and you’re a creature who was ripped from whatever planet you had been living on and I had a choice to make. Do I become the villain in your story, or do I do something to help save you? Of course, I couldn’t save you all, but I did my damnedest to do something for you, obviously, since you’re here and now, it's us.”

Gavin had his hands over his face, sighing deeply. He thought too much and he was hit again by how human he was. He risked his life for a creature that he didn’t know anything about besides what he had tested on them. He knew enough to keep them alive, if they could survive the night together.

In all of Gavin’s thoughts, he barely noticed tendrils slowly wrapping around his hands. It wasn’t until they were squeezing them that he opened his eyes, looking at his hands. His heart fluttered for a moment, watching them.

Your human curiosity brought us to this point. We hope we may stay, then, if our bodies allow. Only because you know us. You know what we will need and you are our best chance at survival.

Gavin laughed a bit. He didn’t care if Jeremy was going to be using him if things worked. He could at least keep them safe to the best of his abilities. And he had ample supplies at the lab for them.

“May this work, for you and for me. I don’t mind dying, but I’d much rather be a successful host,” he sighed, wrapping his arms around his chest.  

The tendrils on his hands squeezed again, easing some of the anxiety. He freed Jeremy from the hell that was the lab. Even if he died, he knew they would at least be free.

“Goodnight, Jeremy,” he whispered, eyes shut tightly, willing for sleep to come.

See, she explains, the Prince was cursed like people had said. On the night of his birth, the Queen was dying. Desperate, the King had turned to his Mage for help, who had summoned a demon to make a bargain. A being who dealt in tricks as much as assistance; who would not offer help freely. They saved the baby but not the mother. One life for another. She gave her life freely for her son, but there was a catch none of them expected.

Using its magicks, the demon pulled a star from the sky, feeding it to the Prince, the youngling who would soon be named Gavin. The Prince had swallowed the shining thing, a bead of glowing white light, and never again would stop shimmering. His energies would be different than the world around him. During the day, he would be listless. Lethargic. Cut off from his source. During the night, he would shine and shimmer, full of energy. Ready for dancing and singing and so much life. Or all the life he could have, hidden away from the world.

And on the night of his 30th birthday, unless a proper replacement could be manifested, the Prince would die as a meteor shower would drive his star from the sky. Terrified of the Bargain he had made, the King banishes his son to the tallest tower. Keeping him there to keep him close to the sky, the stars. His son’s ever-beating heart tied to something so unfathomable. 

Her daughter gasps. Fiona soothes her. Because this was not a scary tale or a sad story! The Prince was not alone. He had a companion in the castle: the Court Mages’ Apprentice - young Jeremy Dooley.

“Have you thought of anything yet?” Gavin asks as he moves his piece across the gaming board, frowning more at the conversation than the easy way Jeremy snatches his piece. The apprentice sighs back, scratching their chin. “No. Not unless you know a way to stop an astrological event. But we’ll figure it out, Gav, you know we will.”

Gavin’s shine flashes for a moment as he grows more agitated. “You know the curse. I’m fucking 29 years old, I’ve never seen outside during the day, never really talked to my people - I’m stuck in here I die in less than six months unless... “

“Don’t say that,” Jeremy snaps back. “I know, Gav, and we’re working on it. Demon deals are complicated. This is the boundaries of life and death - its not so easily tinkered with. If you know how to create a star to keep you from becoming one, I’d really love to hear your input.”

Gavin frowns. There’s a beat. One and then two, before he sighs. “Fuck, I’m sorry, I’m just...”

“Scared? Frustrated? Angry? Join the club.” Jeremy hefts a sigh. “I know you’re the one that’s dying, but trust me, its no walk in the park not being able to help your friend, either.” 

There’s a pause and then Gavin shoves the game board away, climbing over the table. Jeremy has to shield their eyes, despite being enchanted to be able to withstand the shimmer and shine of the skin of their Prince. But Gavin doesn’t let that stop him, brushing his lips across the other’s. “I love you,” he says quietly. “I know you’re going to think of something. You’re the smartest person I know.”

A single tear rolls down Jeremy’s face that Gavin brushes off with a silvery fingertip. “What if I...”

“Then I’ll die, knowing I have the love of one of the strongest magicians in Achievement City,” Gavin shrugs. “Now shut up about it and lets start a new game. There’s only an hour or two left before sunrise and I want to kick your *ass*.”

There it was, Fiona explains. For the Court Mages’ Apprentice was in love with the Prince and cursed in their own way with an impossible task. They were to figure out how to stop the star from falling from the sky and save Gavin’s life. 

They lay next to each other on the tower top. Here, they were as high up as any manmade point in the whole city. If Gavin raises his hand, it was as if he could brush the very stars that gave him life. Jeremy sits next to him, studying the constellations as if they could give them information. 

“Maybe we could ask the Gods,” they suggest quietly and just has to deal with Gavin’s soft chuckling. “You know that’s not going to work. If the Gods had any desire to save the life of the human Prince, wouldn’t they have done it by now?”

Jeremy just sighs, rubbing their thumb over Gavin’s knuckles. “I don’t know. I’m just thinking.”

“All you ever do is think,” Gavin sighs back, sitting up as he shimmers against the backlight of the beautiful starry sky. For a moment, Jeremy loses their words. Gavin really does look every inch of the creature of magic that he had been cursed to become. His life tied to the stars that glimmer behind him. “We need to try something. We have less than six months. You know Dad’s already given up on me..”

“That’s not true,” Jeremy shoots back, “and you know it. The King loves you. He’s the one who is funding my Master’s research to save you. He just...”

“It’s easier to lose someone you barely know,” Gavin says bitterly. “I know.” He looks down over his city, his lands, a place he owns by name only but had never even seen. “Would it be so bad if I could be among them?”

“You know the King just wants to keep you safe,” Jeremy murmurs, hand brushing down Gavin’s spine. Gavin grumbles. “It’s a demon that did this, yeah? A life for a life, it took my Mum’s. But because she was 30, I’ll die when I’m 30. Unless we keep the star up there, or someone else dies and I get their years too.”

Jeremy looks a bit stricken. “Gambling with someone elses’ life is dangerous. My Master told your dad that much. We can’t sacrifice someone to save you, we don’t know if that would even work...”

“I’m not asking someone to give their life for me!” Gavin shoots back. “But if I could talk to the demon, maybe it would have the answer, maybe...”

Jeremy wraps his arms around him. “Maybe.” They kiss his temple, thrilling at the taste of magic under their lips as Gavin sparkles with it. But they start to think...

“Aren’t demons dangerous?” her daughter interrupts. Fiona chuckles a bit. “Yes, darling. But that doesn’t stop the magic apprentice from scheming. From reading late into the day when he’s supposed to be sleeping, working, or planning. From figuring out how to summon not only a demon, but the very demon that cursed Gavin. A figure named Lucae, a mysterious demon of the stars, a being who gave and took power as They deemed fit.

The candles shimmer in the air as Jeremy stares at the summoning circle. They had said the magic words, done the incantation. If they are right, the demon would be trapped within the circle and forced to answer a few questions.

If they were wrong... Jeremy doesn’t let themselves dwell on what would happen if they were wrong.

There’s a few tense heartbeats before a flash of light and energy that almost blinds Jeremy, throwing them backwards as they raise their arm to cower from the brilliance of the light. When it fades and they are able to blink the spots from their vision, a tall humanoid figure stands there. It has a tail and black eyes and jet black hair. Not to mention a brilliant smile full of cunning and arrogance. “Hello, Mr Dooley. This was brave. Or foolhardy.”

“I’m not planning on trapping you here,” Jeremy says quietly, hands clenching by their sides. “I’m just here to ask you one question. A question you’ve been likely asked before. I don’t want any bullshit, just give it to me straight, ok?”

“I’m a demon, Dooley,” Lucae grins wickedly. “I know what you’re going to ask and I know you won’t like the answer. Are you sure you want to ask it?”

Jeremy just spits at him. “Shut up. How do I reverse your fucking spell on my Prince?”

Lucae is quiet for a long moment and sighs, sitting crosslegged and hovering above the summoning circle in a wickedly innocent display of incredible power. He makes a show of thinking for a long moment despite the fact that both know he is fucking with Jeremy. “You know the answer to this,” he says finally. “I’m giving you one more chance, child. You are a human. You have much to live for.” He sounds almost... regretful.

Maybe it’s stupid. Maybe it would get him killed. But they both know they don’t have much time left anyways. Jeremy throws a candlestick at the demon’s head and they both wince as it passes through the demon like smoke.

Lucae sighs. “Such a temper. You want to save the Prince I cursed? Climb to the top of Mount Amber on the night of the Prince’s thirtieth birthday. Then wish on a star at the stroke of midnight. You can die for him. That’s the only way to save him. My magic is foolproof, you know. I gave him the life of his mother, who only had 30 years to give.”

Jeremy knew what the answer was going to be. As soon as the demon says it, with a coy little grin, and Jeremy’s veins grow cold as ice, they knew that they always knew the answer. The only way to continue Gavin’s half-life is to give another and give him a few more years. Jeremy didn’t have many - a measly twenty-eight to Gavin’s thirty. But it was... something. It would get him to 58. That’s twenty-eight more years to solve the curse.

It would buy him time. Time to run the Kingdom. Time to be the King Jeremy always knew Gavin could be.

With their heart in their throat and ice in their veins, Jeremy waves his hand aggressively and the candles go out at once. Without their light, the spell is broken and the demon dissipates with a soft laugh.

I told you you wouldn’t like the answer...

Fiona pauses in her story to see her daughter with tears running down her face. “J-rimmy can’t die!” she whines. “That’s not a nice story, Mama.” Fiona is about to respond, but before she can, Lindsay pulls their daughter onto their lap and kisses her head. “Let Mommy finish the tale,” they say soothingly. 

Jeremy and Gavin don’t see each other much in the next few months. Jeremy pours themselves into their work and Gavin just grows increasingly more anxious. He’s visited by his Father, the King, and some other advisors. Talking into the night about plans. Action. Trying to stop a curse everyone knows is inevitable.

But the hollowness remains in the back of everyone’s minds. The answer is obvious. They all know what has to happen, no one just wants to say it out loud. Someone has to give their life for Gavin. But no one except the little Court Mage Apprentice knows how. 

It’s late in the day, a week before Jeremy knows they have to take their fateful climb up Mount Amber, that they know they have to tell Gavin. But they can’t tell Gavin the truth. No chance in hell - Gavin would balk and panic before they could even get through the sentence. And no amount of pity or shame or grief would stop Jeremy from doing what needs to be done.

He had made up his mind the night after talking to Lucae that he would do it. What was his life compared to that of a Prince? It was his duty, really, to give his life over for his Prince. And besides...

It’s what you did for the one you love the most.

Jeremy meets Gavin in his tower after a week of avoiding each other and before they could open their mouth to say something, Gavin is slamming the door shut and dragging Jeremy into a breathless kiss. Jeremy melts against his lips and for a moment they just cling to each other, Gavin’s silvery radiance cascading around them, cool like a summer’s breeze on their arms.

When they break apart, Jeremy notices Gavin is crying. He’s coming up at the end of his borrowed time, the world taking back what was Theirs. Jeremy feels whatever conviction was inside of them harden. They wouldn’t watch Gavin die. And besides - Gavin would be heartbroken, but he’d get over their death. Eventually. Better living to grieve than dying, anyways.

“What’s the book?” Gavin says hesitantly, gesturing to the tome Jeremy had in their arms. “A solution?” 

Jeremy sighs and forces themselves to affix a small smile to their face. “I - I think so. You are made of starlight, right? I was thinking if - on the night it is s-supposed to happen - if we are at the top of Mount Amber. M...maybe we can Wish on a star. They say Wishing Magic is the most powerful during a meteor event. Maybe...”

Gavin scoffs. He doesn’t want to be rude, but... “You’re hinging my life on wishing upon a fucking star?”

No, Jeremy thinks. I just need you at the top of that mountain. “It’s foolish, I know, but...” A broken sob rips from their mouth without meaning to, sinking down to sit on Gavin’s plush bed. “I’m s-sorry, I ...” They hiccup. “I’m sorry.”

“J...,” Gavin says immediately, moving over to draw them against his chest. “You have better plans than the entire rest of this castle. I love you. If you think it’ll work, I’m willing to try.”

“And if it doesn’t...?” Jeremy whispers. 

Gavin shrugs and when Jeremy looks up to meet his eyes, they can see the human green shot through with liquid silver tears. “Then I’ll die under the stars with the person I love most in the world.”

Jeremy can’t stop themselves from sobbing then. 

Their daughter is breathless now. Just watching Fiona with wide eyes, unable to say another word. Riveted in the story, her own tiny tears on her face, holding the blanket tight. She knows stories, know they always get worse before they get better, but this... this better have a happy ending! It was a bedtime story, for goodness sakes!

The day they leave, the atmosphere is ... somber. It had taken the King some convincing, but at this point, they were entirely at a loss. Gavin had spent the last two days being poked, prodded, fed potions, underwent rituals, nothing. Lucae had not come when he was summoned. Apparently such a demon did not have to answer if he didn’t want to. Frankly, the King didn’t want to see the demon that had so cursed his family.

A few hours before the supposed end, the castle was in preemptive mourning. Jeremy had given the King a brief fake idea of what they were about to do. No talk of their own death. They had spent the night before saying a brief goodbye to the few people they had a connection with. The only person that mattered in the end was Gavin, and they didn’t have to say goodbye to him. Not just yet, anyways.

They had started climbing during the day, but Gavin lagged. His energy being connected to the stars and the night, he found it hard to exert himself during the day. They don’t say anything. Jeremy doesn’t dare ask Gavin what he’s thinking about. Likely not much different than what Jeremy is thinking about. Both expect to meet the gallows at the top of this mountain. 

After a few breaks, night slowly descends around them and Gavin can walk a bit faster. They break the summit at 11pm. One hour before the meteor shower that will drive their star from the sky and kill the Prince in front of him. Gavin looks ...tired. Resigned. But he never lets go of their hand.

Never let it be said he would go into the dark without an anchor to the light.

They sit for a while. Silent, feet dangling off the edge of the highest cliff, and watch the world slowly settle into the warmth of night. Neither speak. What is there to say? When Gavin starts crying incandescent tears, Jeremy is there to kiss them away. They hold each other as the sky illuminates with the brilliance of a thousand - million - glistening points of light. They are at the highest point possible and Gavin glows brighter than all of them, a beacon of magic power that can be seen miles away.

When the first shooting star erupts across the sky, Gavin winces. As more start to fall, he shudders, but Jeremy is faster. They yank Gavin up to his feet.

“I lied,” they say sharply, staring right at Gavin. The man doesn’t have a moment to respond before Jeremy breathes “Forgive me,” and kisses him viciously.

Gavin is still reeling when Jeremy backs away and stares up to the falling brilliance of the stars above their head. “LUCAE!” he hollers. “I did everything you asked, you fucking bastard! And now I WISH TO willingly give my life for ...”

“NO!” Gavin shouts, leaping forward, tackling Jeremy bodily down to the stone, knocking the wind out of both of them. Jeremy wheezes, gasping, but it’s too late. “I wish to willingly give my life for Gavin.”

“Jeremy!” Gavin shrieks as the wind unnaturally picks up around them. The stars flash brighter, almost blinding as it feels like they’re falling and hitting the ground, shattering into bright incandescence that shimmers around them. Gavin himself is still glowing, which means he’s still *here*, still alive, and Jeremy...

Jeremy coughs a few times. Blood dribbles out of their nose, likely from the impact of Gavin tackling them down to the stone of the mountaintop. Gavin can’t bring himself to care as he watches instead a beautiful silver shimmer erupt from Jeremy’s chest that seems to elevate, lifting into the sky. As if it was about to become a star. Like he had been told his mother’s did, the star that gives him life on earth.

Wishing Magic. The very magic that is older than demons, older than the very earth under their feet. The magic that stitched the universe together, the magic of will and want, the magic of the very fabric of space and time. 

So... Gavin wishes.

Through the shrieking of the wind around him, the exhaustion that pulled on every edge of his bones, Gavin breathes in the Wishing Magic around him and makes his own wish. 

“I WISH FOR US!”

With fingers that glow like quicksilver against the tan skin of his people, Gavin grabs the white orb that glows above Jeremy’s chest and forces it back down against Jeremy’s chest. He holds it against the skin as the brilliance escapes from his fingers, begging and pleading for it to go back inside Jeremy’s rapidly cooling skin. His tears, shimmering and bright, fall on the back of his hands.

For a few breathless moments, it seems hopeless, Jeremy’s body rejecting the orb that strains against Gavin’s fingers to go into the sky. But Gavin is not a man.

In this moment, Gavin is a star himself.

“I wish for us,” he repeats firmly, leaning down to kiss Jeremy with all his might, and pushes with every ounce of magic and starlight that drip through his veins.

And it all goes brilliant white before flickering into the blackest black.

Fiona is cut off by their daughter shrieking. She climbs out from under the blankets and off of Lindsay’s lap, moving over to tug on Fiona’s shirt. “No! No~! They can’t be dead, you can’t... bad story, bad!” She tries to punch with little fists, but laughing, Fiona grabs them and kisses the pudgy little hands.

“Hush,” she scolds. “Do you really think my story will have such an unhappy ending? This is a bedtime story, after all.”

When Jeremy opens their eyes, they first see a bright blue that focuses into a sky, filled with puffy white clouds. They let out a breathless little cough, their ribcage feeling like something had been pounding on it. Like that one time they had choked on a cherry pit and needed someone to give them the Hemlich and CPR.

But this time, its ... Gavin.

Except, it doesn’t look like Gavin. His brown hair is streaked through with silver. The tips of his fingers on both hands sparkle bright silver as if he had dipped them in a vat of molten metal. But he doesn’t shimmer. He doesn’t glow. He looks... normal.

Then Jeremy realizes what day it is. And what was supposed to happen. They stagger backwards. They’re alive, which means... “Gavin!” They shake the other man frantically, desperately, tears growing in their eyes, but...

“....ughsjfh.”

“Gavin?”

On the day after his thirtieth birthday, their cursed prince opens his eyes. Not green, not silver, but a combination of both, their star-cursed prince breathes his first free breath.

His second is captured by Jeremy’s lips, holding him close as they cling to each other. Free to live and love together to the end of their days.

Fiona grins at her daughter, who releases her shirt and slumps back, pouting a bit. “I like the one about the horse princess better,” she says with a shrug and climbs under the blankets. “But this one is good too.”

Lindsay bursts into laughter as Fiona throws up her hands. “Not everyone loves a happy ending,” she smirks, kissing her head. They say goodnight to their daughter and leave the small bedroom, looking out the window to the castle on the hill - where the Star King and his Consort still reign to this day.

Happily. Ever. After.