After Julius was dead and the Land of Canaan was finally reachable, an enduring air of stagnancy began following the party. They knew the end of their journey was so much nearer—Elle was just around the corner—but the events leading up to it couldn’t be simply forgotten or pushed aside. Ludger was especially sullen—with good reason—and they collectively decided to take a reprieve before departing to save Elle; they needed to be fully prepared, after all. Not to mention, allowing Ludger to take out his sorrow and anger on elite monsters seemed like a good way to go.

It was a week after Julius’s death when Milla approached Alvin. They were staying at an inn in Xian Du, but no matter how far they traveled from Marksburg, they knew they’d be forced to return eventually—it was inevitable. They were more than strong enough already, and Canaan was constantly on everyone’s minds.

“Do you mind if I have a word with you?” With her usual no-nonsense tone, she caught him just outside the inn, where he stood looking down at the river below in contemplation. It was night, and the others were assumedly sleeping or in their rooms already. Recognizing the seriousness in her voice, Alvin couldn’t help but feel a twinge of trepidation, though he threw her a casual smile.

“What’s wrong? Getting cold feet right before the final throwdown?” She only sent him a pointed look at his teasing, settling beside him to lean against the rock ledge.

“Yes, precisely.” At that, Alvin muffled a small burst of laughter, and she smiled jokingly. “You know me so well. Anyway, I came to talk to you about something important.”

“It’s always something important, isn’t it?” He countered, words tinted with weariness but covering it up with a smirk. “Let me guess—this is about what’s going to happen to everyone when this is all over?”

She looked to him with a flicker of surprise in her eyes before nodding appreciatively. “...I have a request for you—” She closed her eyes, turning to face the water. “No, not a request. A mission.”

“A... mission?” Alvin brushed his hand through his hair, unsure. “You know, I’m not a mercenary anymore. Not that I’m not up for odd jobs, but...”

“It is not something so impersonal.” She turned back to him with an air of severity, and he grimaced before finally meeting her eyes. “You know I’m going to be gone after this.”

Not saying anything, he simply nodded. He’d assumed so—if they succeeded, that is.

Milla made sure they were making eye contact before she continued—a habit of hers that kept Alvin on edge every time. “When that time comes, I wish for you to take care of Jude for me. I know you will do this, but I’m just making sure.”

“...Woah there, slow down.” Truthfully, Alvin didn’t know what to make of it, and turned his body towards her in attention. “What do you mean, ‘take care of Jude’? That kid is fully capable of taking care of himself—hell, in the year you’ve been gone, you’ve seen how much he’s accomplished. He’s gonna be well off, Milla.”

“I have no worries about his worldly achievements or ability to make a living—I have faith that he’s capable in that area. I simply wish for you to be for him what I, as a spirit, cannot be. You’re the only one who can do this, Alvin.” Not surprisingly, Milla had such a stoic, precise way of saying things that all Alvin could do is meet her stare with a level head. He knew she was serious about this—whatever ‘this’ was—so he’d at least take her words with a grain of salt, as she’d done for him in the past.

“...Well, what exactly do you mean by that? As a spirit, what can you ‘not be’ for him? You’re practically everything to the kid, already—I see no problem here. He’ll be fine, carrying on with the knowledge that you’re watching over us.” He expected a look of appreciation for his efforts to be straight with her, but only got another stern stare—he could practically feel his eye twitch.

“Human relationships are rather complicated—I feel that no matter what, as a spirit, I’ll never be able to fully understand them. Just as, no matter how much research is done, you humans will never fully understand what it feels like to be a spirit, and the feelings spirits may experience when interacting with humans. We are the same, but very different as well—it’s something I’ve come to realize throughout my experiences with you all. Jude is enamored with me, but I feel as if he’s led himself down a path with a dead end.”

To hear such grave words come out of her mouth shocked Alvin for a split second, though he soon managed to reply evenly. “...Hey, he knows he’s not gonna be able to be in a regular relationship with you. You’re the Lord of Spirits, after all—he knew what he was getting into. He’ll be fine.” Unfortunately, his second attempt at consolation didn’t garner him any brownie points, either, and that put him even more on edge, his expression turning concerned at her silence. “...Are we on the same page here?”

“Clearly not.” Alvin sighed lightly through his nose, but Milla carried on determinedly regardless. “That word—relationship. We all use it, but it means something different to each person, it seems. Humans tend to use it in a romantic sense, I’ve found.”

With that, Alvin’s eyelids finally lifted slightly in recognition. “...Let me guess—Jude obviously has a crush on you, and you’re incapable of feeling romantic love towards him?”

“You’re finally catching on, I see.” She smiled teasingly at him, before her mouth hardened into a thoughtful line. “I care for him deeply—I love all humans, yes. And with him, it is different—stronger. But I can tell it isn’t the same as the romantic relationships that humans form with each other—spirits have a different way of feeling. I surmise this is partially what has made it so difficult for humans and spirits to coexist harmoniously in the past, whether those spirits and humans knew of these differences or not.” Her thoughts turned to Celsius, though she quickly moved on. “I believe Jude understands this as well, though it still worries me that he would forbid himself from experiencing a romantic, human relationship simply because of his pining for me.”

Her eyes met Alvin’s again—they were sparkling, finally not so tenacious. “...Well, I suppose that worry is the most human thing about me, isn’t it?”

The corner of his mouth twitched, though his mind was racing nonstop with all of the information suddenly being loaded on it. He managed to open his mouth, and his voice sounded wearier than he intended it to. “I... Tell me why you’re telling me this.”

She tilted her head slightly, and the action almost seemed motherly to him. “You know already, don’t you? I am aware of how you feel for him.”

“How I...” For some reason, the words simply couldn’t get out, and Alvin’s eyes darted to the side—her bringing up feelings that he never wanted to dwell on, and doing it so abruptly, didn’t sit well with him. “...So, basically, you’re telling me to be in a relationship with Jude in your stead. Is that it?” His voice came out more cracked and scathing than he’d anticipated, though he couldn’t deny his slight irritation.

“No, of course not.” It seemed she’d expected this reaction, as she was back to her level-headed self. “I simply wish for you to follow your feelings. I know you’re not the type to act on them. If not for your sake or my sake—do it for Jude’s sake.”

“Jude’s sake—“ He stopped himself before he got too angry, heaving out a heavy sigh before meeting her eyes again. “Since when would this be for his sake? Him being with me—the fuck, Milla? That would ruin the kid—“

“Why are you so quick to toss yourself aside?” Her voice rose even louder than his, and the commanding tone made him clench his teeth. “Jude cares for you deeply, Alvin, even if he doesn’t realize it yet—it’s there. I’ve made such a habit of studying humans that I notice that which they themselves don’t even notice—just as I noticed your own feelings. Being with you is where he belongs.”

Her hearty words enticed a flicker of hope in his chest while at the same time encouraging his anger—in his confliction, he pressed his hand to his forehead. “Where he belongs? Do you realize what you’re saying, Milla? You’re his fucking everything—he’d do anything for you. He follows you around like a damn puppy, even now. He’d never—“

Suddenly, there was a finger pressed against his mouth, and Alvin could do nothing but pause—he would’ve gone on, if not for his confusion. Milla simply looked at him with careful concern, though, and he relaxed somewhat. After a few seconds, she took her finger away and smiled.

“Say no more. You were right, before—he knows that I’m going to be gone, and he’s fully prepared for that. That’s why I’m here, talking to you right now. Because the only thing that would be holding you two back is your uncertainty of whether or not I would be okay with it. When Jude is uncertain of pursuing his budding feelings for you, you can tell him of this conversation we had. Of the ‘mission’ I gave you. Okay?”

There was a moment of silence, before Alvin laughed lightly, resignedly shaking his head. “You’re... really set on this, aren’t you?”

She met his smile with knowing eyes. “Well, I figured that you would be hesitant if I didn’t give you a push, as well. Alvin, you’ve changed greatly since our first meeting. I fully trust you with Jude—and I trust him with you, as well. Why, if you or Jude settled down with any other person, I’d have to evaluate them thoroughly, which would only waste more time and mana. This is the best possible solution to my worries about both of you.” Suddenly, her eyes turned slightly morose. “Is that selfish of me? I apologize—I do not wish to push either of you in an uncomfortable direction simply for my own benefit and peace of mind.”

“No, no, I don’t think it’s selfish at all... Very selfless, in fact...” There was another pause, with only the sound of the river flowing to break the silence, before Alvin’s smile fell again. “...You were wrong about one thing, though—you wouldn’t be the only thing holding us back. I mean... You know it’s going to take me some time... right?” He hated even saying it—owning up to his own faults out loud was still something he had to get used to.

She didn’t seem perturbed, and caught him with that same assured look. “I know you will overcome that, though. I have faith in you, Alvin. You’ve earned it—I hope that knowledge quells at least some mistrust you still hold towards yourself. Besides, I’m sure Jude will wait for you—even if he doesn’t realize he’s waiting, he will.”

He sent her a grateful look, and she nodded slightly. Looking back to the water, he sighed, and a heavy feeling signifying closure suddenly settled in his chest. “...Don’t worry. No matter what happens from here, I... won’t let someone I love die or be hurt again. You have my word.”

She rested her hand on his arm in acknowledgement. “I know you won’t break it.”

The duo stood in silence for a while, before Alvin suddenly turned to her again. “I’m surprised at you, though. You know, I’ve never... entertained following this... Well, and I’ve never thought you would let it happen like this.”

Milla’s eyes sparkled again, and she smiled to him. “I only want what’s best for you two. I love all humans, but you two are most dear to me.”

He should’ve expected it, but it still caught him off guard, and he looked away. “...You don’t say?” Suddenly, her arms were around him, and he tensed slightly before hugging back. When they parted, she was still smiling.

“If we’ve come to an agreement, then I should turn in for now. I wouldn’t want to exhaust myself before our journey into Canaan.”

“...Yeah—I mean, we have. Sure thing.” He cursed how clumsily his words tumbled out. “...Goodnight.”

“You should retire soon as well—in fact, I insist. Come on. We can’t have anyone even slightly sleep-deprived in the days to come.” Her expression turned fierce again, as it so often did, and she dragged him by the arm back to the inn. He laughed slightly—this, he did see coming.

  When they returned from Canaan, the air of stagnancy was no longer there—replaced by one of relief, mourning, and pride all at once. Because they did it—Ludger did it—and the tears cornering Elle’s eyes were tears of happiness. The first thing they did to celebrate, once Vera finished setting a date for them all to regroup at Spirius, was go out to eat, courtesy of Gaius. The meal was extravagant, but not as great as how they remembered Ludger’s cooking—which Leia made sure to mention, if only out of respect. It seemed right to do so, and everyone agreed.

They told Ludger’s landlady of the situation, and she, with tears in her eyes, allowed them as much time as needed to get things sorted out. That night, Gaius and Rowan departed for the time being, and Alvin, Jude, Leia, Elize, and Elle all stayed in Julius and Ludger’s apartment. It was a tight fit, but Leia volunteered to sleep on the couch, leaving Elize and Elle to Ludger’s room and Jude and Alvin to Julius’s. It was only fair, after all—when Elle got ready for bed, she started crying, and Elize was the best one at comforting her, they could already tell. It was unsettling to hear her sobs through the walls, but they quickly quieted down, and the others couldn’t help but feel proud of Elize.

Being in Julius’s room was also unsettling, to Alvin—it felt slightly wrong to sleep in the room of a dead man whom he barely knew. It was also rather unnerving to have to share his bed with Jude; they’d shared before during their travels, though, so it wasn’t overly tense. There still wasn’t much to say nevertheless; the weight of all that’d happened was just now crashing down on them, and not anyone had much to say at all since they’d arrived at the apartment.

When Jude was sitting on the edge of the bed in his pajamas and Alvin was just getting out of the bathroom in his own, he finally decided to break the silence.

“You know, Julius was probably my babysitter. Did I ever tell you about that?”

Jude looked up in surprise, his gold eyes wide and slightly puppy-ish, so much that Alvin couldn’t help but smirk.

“No, I don’t think you did. What do you mean, ‘probably’?”

“Well, in a fractured dimension, he was. When Leia and I went along with Ludger on one of his missions, we met him and found that out. I’m not entirely sure that was the case in the prime dimension, but I do remember my old babysitter humming that tune a lot, so it’s likely...” He moved closer to the bed, and Jude scooted to make room for him.

“Is that so? Wow, I wouldn’t have guessed... Do you remember anything about him?” Alvin was hyperaware of Jude’s skin pressed against his when they sat together and sighed, falling to the bed on his back as a means of escape.

“I don’t remember anything much, other than the humming... And the fact that he was a pretty good babysitter, I think... Never let us get into trouble...” He mused out loud, reminiscing in his mind a bit about his and Balan’s old escapades, only to be brought back to attention by Jude’s sudden, sharp inhalation. He raised himself slightly, leaning on his elbows. “...Jude?”

“Ah... Sorry,” he muttered, wiping at his face; Alvin saw the tears, and his faintly pink expression. “I don’t know why I’m...”

Alvin fully sat up, wrapping his arm around Jude’s shoulders as he had many times before. “...It’s alright, kid. I know.”

His words only seemed to elicit more tears from the younger boy, whose breath started hitching, and Alvin wrapped his other arm around him as well to bring him closer. He said to himself in his mind that no, it’s not because he wants to be so close—he just doesn’t want to have his consoling skills beaten by Elize. Right.

“S-Sorry... I...” Jude’s apologies were muffled by Alvin’s shirt, and the older man sighed, bringing up his hand to card through the younger’s hair. The boy tilted his head and sniffed so he could speak clearly. “...I’m glad about what we did, and what we accomplished, but... I miss Ludger...”

“Me too... Me too...” Alvin wouldn’t let Jude notice the tears stinging his eyes as well, and simply held him tighter, eventually having to turn off the light but returning to hold Jude even as they lay. Neither seemed to mind when they woke up the next morning still in each other’s arms.

  As difficult as it was, everything had to go back to normal at some point. Elle moved from person to person weekly, it seemed; they knew eventually only one would have to take custody of her, but didn’t want to rush it. Alvin, however, did like the idea of her staying with Driselle and Elize—in that case, Elize would truly become her big sister. Then again, the idea of Gaius taking her in and Elle becoming a princess of Rieze Maxia was also pretty funny, though he knew it wasn’t likely to happen.

As he saw Elle off at Sharilton, he expressed this sentiment to Elize, and she blushed in happiness, though she said she wasn’t sure of that yet. Alvin simply grinned and patted her head, taking a moment to pat Elle’s as well before heading off.

When he returned back to Elympios the next day, he knew something was amiss. Well, primarily because Balan told him firsthand, calling his GHS as soon as he got off the train.

That was what led him to letting himself in Jude’s apartment with the key loaned to him. He took a moment to look around—it was messy as always, papers and heavily notated books on every surface, and Alvin sighed to himself. Normally he would feel guilty for barging in unannounced, but when he saw Jude slumped over at his work desk, all traces of guilt vanished.

“Hey, kid...” Seeing that the boy was asleep, he shook him slightly by his shoulder, and Jude looked up at him with a sleepy mumble and half-lidded eyes. “How’re you feeling?”

“Uh...” Jude seemed to take a moment to collect himself, looking around at his desk and straightening in his chair. His back cracked, and he grimaced. “...M’fine. What are you doing here?”

Alvin’s eyes hardened, and he kept his hand on the younger’s shoulder. “Making sure you’re alright. Balan told me you’re overworking yourself already, and it’s only been what—three weeks! Jude, you should know by now that you have to take care of yourself.” Though he tried to stay calm, he couldn’t help his voice from rising somewhat.

Jude shook his head, already looking back to the papers on his desk. “I... missed a lot over the past few months, with having to help Ludger and Elle... I need to catch up on all the work I could’ve done. Besides, now I know the key to making spyrites safe... I can’t slow down now—not with so much progress starting to be made. It’s going great!” His eyes lit up when he spoke of the improvement, though Alvin could still see the bags hanging under them.

“Then you can make progress at a normal, healthy rate. No need to rush to the finish line when you already know you’re going to win. Come on—I’m not letting you work anymore today.” With steadfast determination, Alvin moved his hand from Jude’s shoulder to his upper arm, pulling him to the nearby bedroom. Even so, Jude struggled to stay put, his mouth forming the beginnings of a pout.

“What? I’ll be fine, Alvin. Hold on—I was really close to finishing this—“

“No excuses. I promised M—... Balan that I’d make sure you get some rest today. You look pale, Jude.” With Alvin so serious, Jude figured he was better off doing as the man asked of him, and let himself be dragged to bed. Alvin noticed the shakiness in the boy’s legs as he sat on the edge of it, and his frown deepened, though Jude shook his head adamantly again.

“I’m... fine, Alvin.”

“You feel sick?” The older man suddenly pressed the palm of his hand against Jude’s forehead, and Jude blinked in a daze.

“...It’s more accurate if you use your lips or the back of your hand to check,” he mumbled softly, before his face flushed slightly. He’d said it without even thinking.

Alvin said nothing, and Jude was afraid he’d stepped out of line, but then felt something softer press against the same spot. He closed his eyes immediately, feeling his face turn hotter, and stayed still as a statue—his heart ran faster and faster until he felt like it was about to burst, but it was gone in an instant and Alvin drew his lips away.

“You’re warm... I’ll get you some water.” Alvin’s voice was distant and gravelly; Jude heard him walk away to the kitchen, and breathed in a deep breath once he was gone.

Usually, that wouldn’t affect him so much, he knew. But he was tired, probably sick, and alone with the man who always teased him about such things anyway—he figured he’d cut himself some slack. Besides, Alvin’s concern towards him made a fluttery feeling rise in his chest; he closed his eyes again in contentment.

“Don’t fall asleep on me, now.” Alvin’s harsh voice broke his trance, and he blinked himself awake—truthfully, he did feel as if he was going to fall asleep sitting up. Perhaps he was more exhausted than he’d tricked his body into believing after all.

“Ah... Thanks...” Jude took the glass of water from him gingerly and managed to gulp most of it down, having suddenly noticed how thirsty he was. Alvin watched him in silence before taking the glass back and pushing Jude farther onto the bed.

“Alright, get some sleep.” The man moved the covers over him—a half-assed job of tucking him in, quite frankly—and Jude grew concerned at how little he was speaking, how he refused to meet his eyes. Before Alvin was about to leave without another word, Jude caught onto his sleeve, halting him in his step.

“Wait...”

He tried to continue, but didn’t know how. Luckily, Alvin seemed to get the message, and hesitated before sitting down on the edge of the bed, still slightly turned away from the boy lying in it.

“...What do you need? Is there any medication around here to help stop the fever?” Jude shook his head at the useless questioning.

“No. I think I was just a little dehydrated. That’s all. I feel better now.”

“...Then what is it?” The man was tensed, his voice now carrying a hint of frustration, and Jude tightened his hold on his sleeve.

“I want you to stay with me, please?”

Alvin simply paused before making a noise of affirmation, nodding his head but still not looking at him. That wasn’t good enough for Jude.

“...Come lay down.” The strength in his voice broke slightly, letting a sliver of hopefulness trickle through, and Alvin sighed when he heard it. Silence stretched on for a while longer, and Jude was afraid the man would simply turn farther away and get up to leave—but eventually, he faced him and shrugged off his coat before settling down beside him.

“...Is this fine?” Alvin asked when he was fully situated, laying on his back and slightly facing him. Jude let out a soft-spoken yes and, after a minute or two, scooted himself closer, and closer, until his chin was practically leaning on Alvin’s shoulder. This close, he could see every miniscule detail of the man’s face, and how his eyes were hardened and set firmly ahead of him. Jude didn’t like it, and reached his hand to tilt them in his direction.

Looking at Jude, Alvin’s eyes softened, though he realized how close they were. “...Do you know what you’re doing, kid?”

Seeming to snap out of his daze with the murmured question, his cheeks tinted pink and the courage shining in his eyes was scared away. “...N-No, I guess not... Sor—“

His apology was cut off when a hand was placed near his jaw, tilting his head up again until a pair of lips were pressed against his own. Shocked and overwhelmed and happy all at once, his eyes closed and he tilted his head to deepen it, his hand reaching up to touch Alvin’s—as if he wanted to make sure this was real. Their lips moved against each other fluidly, Alvin eventually opening his mouth farther to catch Jude’s bottom lip against his teeth, and Jude let out a soft moan at the sensation.

Immediately, the older man moved his head back, breaking away from Jude’s flushed, vibrant expression.

“Shit... Shit, no...” Alvin muttered to himself, but his hand was still on Jude’s neck, and Jude caught it tightly, knowing the other wanted to pull away.

“Alvin... Don’t go just yet.”

“But I... Kid, you don’t know what you’re doing,” he mumbled, sounding as if he was saying it to himself, grinding his teeth in aggravation. He hadn’t expected this to come up so fast—so abruptly.

“I do. I promise,” was all Jude had to say, and Alvin eventually relaxed. When he did, Jude carefully moved himself back towards him, fitting himself perfectly against him and wrapping his arm around his middle. After a few minutes, Alvin held him back, mentally telling himself that it was okay. For the second time that month, they fell asleep in each other’s arms.

  Alvin came to consciousness in a rather unfamiliar room, though he quickly realized it to be Jude’s—especially judging from the amount of textbooks and notebooks strewn about on every surface. Remembering last night’s events and noticing he was alone in the bed, he sighed loudly through his nose, pressing his hands against his face.

Gotta get it together, Alvin. You haven’t completely fucked up yet, right? No matter what happens, things will work out. Jude isn’t a dumb kid, you know that.

No matter what mantra he created for himself inside his head, he knew it wouldn’t do much for his anxiety, so he decided to bear it and made his way slowly to the common room. What greeted his sight in the kitchen, though, was Jude—his hair an obvious bedhead—cooking up some eggs in sweats and a loose t-shirt. He cringed at how hard his heart thumped at the image.

Not sure what to say, he stood silently before Jude noticed him—his eyes widened for a split second before he stepped away from the stove, and Alvin stopped himself from stepping back instinctively.

“...Have a good sleep?” Jude seemed unsure of himself, his hand circling around his wrist in front of him, and Alvin’s eyes softened.

“...Yeah, I did. Not that it means much—you were supposed to be the one resting.” At his chiding tone, the corner of Jude’s mouth turned up, and his eyes brightened.

“Sorry, I couldn’t help myself... I mean, I’m sorry for... Um...” Then came one of those rare moments where Jude let his adolescence show rather than keep his adult façade, and Alvin’s stomach twisted.

“No—It’s alright, really. Look, you don’t have to worry about this. We can just... forget it ever happened, okay?” Alvin knew it was cowardly and practically felt himself pedaling five paces backwards, but he couldn’t stop the words from blurting out.

As soon as he’d said it, Jude suddenly looked at him angrily, and spoke as if he’d never been surer of anything in his life. “N-No! Why would you think I’d want to forget, Alvin? Do you? Tell me if you do, please.”

Alvin looked down, his hand coming up to rub at his temples in agitation; however, Jude intercepted him and grabbed his arm, his eyes fierce. The older man sighed contemptuously, shaking him off.

“...What do you expect me to say, Jude?”

“The truth.”

Looking to him in shock at the instant answer, Alvin then shook his head and scoffed. “...Very funny.”

“I’m not trying to be funny. You’re... a good person, Alvin. I...” He suddenly looked down at his feet, face turning uncertain and slightly pink. Alvin’s mind was racing at his words, but he simply chuckled sardonically again.

“...Well, if you can’t even say it, then that’s all we need to know, isn’t it?” The words were scathing, and Alvin expected Jude to crawl further into his shell, but the boy met them with another frustrated glare.

“Quit treating me like such a child, Alvin! You’ve spoken before about how mature and adult I am, and now, when it comes to this, you take it back? Stop using that as an excuse to run away again!”

Alvin flinched, because he was right—of course he was. Jude was always right, when it came to him. The boy took his flinch as a sign that he’d hit too hard, and his glare disappeared.

“...Sorry, I didn’t mean to say it like that...”

Shaking his head, Alvin closed his eyes for a short moment before looking back at him. “No, you’re right... As always, you know me better than I know myself.” He let out a short, quiet laugh. “...This should be a sign to you if any, Jude. I don’t know what the hell I’m doing here.”

Jude took his hands in his own—a means of placating these thoughts that plagued him, he supposed—and smiled, the way only Jude Mathis could smile. It always made Alvin’s chest feel light and heavy at the same time, for different reasons.

“...Well, this is your place, isn’t it? Where you belong?” Those same words being thrown back at him time and time again surprised him, and he met Jude’s eyes uncertainly.

“...You sure?”

“We won’t know until we try, right?” When Alvin still seemed tentative, Jude sent him an assuring smile. “Don’t worry.”

“...Relationships and I don’t tend to mix well.”

“Ours is getting better each day, isn’t it?”

“Just ‘better’ doesn’t mean good.”

“Weren’t you the one who said to take progress at a healthy pace?"

Well, Alvin couldn’t argue with that. All he could do was nod finally, and not pull away when Jude pressed a timid kiss to his cheek.

  When he finally told Jude of the ‘mission’ Milla gave him—they’re only two months into their relationship—Jude didn’t send him the surprised stare that he’d expected to receive. Rather, he blinked, taking some time to fully process the information.

“...Huh? Yeah, I guess it makes sense that she would do something like that.”

Alvin raised an eyebrow at such an unenthused response. They were at Helioborg, and Alvin understood that Jude was probably still distracted by work even as they spoke of Milla, but he’d still expected more than that.

“...Really? You aren’t that surprised? I was, a little—I mean, she basically asked me to go out with you.”

Jude blushed slightly at such a blunt summary, but looked up from his work. “...Yes, well, I am surprised about what you talked about, don’t get me wrong. I’m just saying, I’m not surprised that she wouldn’t have a problem with me being together with someone else... and that she would want me to at all.”

Remembering Milla’s words about how she felt Jude might hold back in pursuing his feelings because of her, Alvin couldn’t help the glimmer of interest that flickered in his mind. It seemed that the Lord of Spirits couldn’t foresee Jude’s actions as well as she thought she could. “...Did she talk to you about it?”

“No, but... That’s just how Milla is. I had no doubts that she would want this for me...” He brushed his hand through his hair bashfully. “...Although, I am relieved to know for certain that she’s... happy about it.”

Alvin paused before smirking and walking closer to the other, putting his arm around him. “Nice to know you’re so in tune with her. Don’t tell me you still have a crush on Mama Milla, hm?” His tone was teasing, but Jude quickly looked up to him with wide eyes.

“What? Don’t be silly, Alvin! Sure, Milla is special to me, but you’re—you’re my... my...” Alvin raised an eyebrow slightly at the boy’s fidgeting—however, they got interrupted before Jude could finish.

“Now, Jude, we don’t need you announcing your relationship with my cousin to the world every single day—you have something important to work on, yes?”

“B-Balan!” Jude flushed brightly when the amused scientist teasingly patted him on the back, simultaneously raising his eyebrows at Alvin, to which the merchant replied with a wink and a smirk.

He took that as his cue to leave though, and squeezed Jude around the shoulders before letting go. “Well, you heard the man. I’ll catch up with you tomorrow. You’re coming to my apartment, yeah?”

Still frazzled, Jude blinked before looking to him—Alvin had to admit, the embarrassed face was a good look for him. “I—Yeah, I am... I’ll pick up Elle from Rowan, before then...”

“Nice.” Alvin grinned, pressing a chaste goodbye-kiss to Jude’s lips before heading out.

“You like this, huh?”

Jude didn’t answer, instead squeezing Alvin’s hand in affirmation. He knew the colour and expression on his face probably answered that question for him anyway; Alvin was just being cheeky, as always. Said man sighed a laughing breath into his ear before curling his fingers up inside him, causing Jude to make a noise which immediately threw him into a state of embarrassment.

He didn’t even know how this had happened—one moment he was sleeping after a long day of tedious work, and the next moment he was naked and sweaty with Alvin’s fingers inside him. He at least could remember that Alvin hadn’t been home when he’d returned from work, and in his state of exhaustion he hadn’t even stayed up to welcome his lover home. This made up for that, he supposed.

As he stifled a low moan behind his pursed lips, Jude’s other hand slowly reached over to touch Alvin’s chest. Enough of this teasing—he wanted the man at least on top of him, wanted him to... Oh, he couldn’t even think it. Alvin would chide him for being childish if he knew.

“Mm?” Grinning, Alvin simply hummed at him inquisitively, scissoring his fingers and picking up the pace. Jude tilted his head against the other’s neck to hide his blissful expression, whining in need, his own fingers curling against Alvin’s chest. Alvin knew what he wanted, so why couldn’t he just give it to him? This happened every time, he could swear.

“Alvin...” Jude could feel his skin burning up, the red traveling down his neck even, and the sensation only made him tremble. Alvin left a trail of kisses on the side of his neck, finally pressing up more against him, and the skin-to-skin contact made him keen. He clawed at Alvin’s side feebly, trying to get his feelings across, and in his delirium he barely heard the other man’s quiet answer.

“We’re sorta pressed for time here, Jude... Later, I promise. For now...” A third lubed finger finally made its way in with the other two, and Jude’s back arched up off the bed as he started to pant heavily despite the slight sting of the stretching. Alvin’s unoccupied hand broke away from Jude’s to stroke his hair, encouraging him as always—the motion made Jude’s heart burst in confliction, at being treated like a kid but being held as a lover. Still, he understood there were some things that neither he nor Alvin would be able to let go of, and that was alright.

“A-Alvin... I-“ His voice caught, and his hands gripped tighter at anything they could purchase. Alvin’s fingers thrust relentlessly, his other hand tilting Jude’s head up, allowing a rather open-mouthed kiss. Alvin hummed in acknowledgement as Jude moaned wantonly into his mouth, letting himself go. His body shook with the tremors, and Alvin’s fingers finally stilled, his other hand stroking Jude’s back calmingly. Jude continued the kiss languidly, not wanting to stop, the need to be close overwhelming him. It wasn’t his fault that he usually got emotional after sex.

Alvin waited until Jude’s tremors ceased and his breathing calmed before pulling out his fingers delicately. The boy sighed in relief, now blinking slowly as his sleepiness returned to him tenfold. Eyes closing, he felt the other man stoke his side and press a gentle kiss to his lips before whispering in his ear, words tinted with a hint of amusement.

“Seven minutes to ten, Jude. You should probably get dressed, yeah?”

Immediately his eyes flew open wide, and he stilled for a few seconds, processing the information. With a sigh, he then tiredly shoved Alvin away—him and his cocky, insufferable expression—and turned to get out of bed, ignoring the aches in his limbs. He let out a groan of despair when he checked the bedside clock; Alvin was no liar this time around.

“I’ll get you later for this...” he mumbled angrily, cursing Alvin’s laughter as he made his way to the bathroom. He prayed to Maxwell he could wash himself off and get dressed in the little time they had.

  Elize would be lying to herself if she said she wasn’t excited—and for numerous reasons, of course. First of all, who knew that riding an Elympion train by yourself could be so fun? Sure, she’d been nervous at the beginning, armed only with her wits and a paper of written directions to guide her, but it didn’t turn out as traumatizing as she once thought it would be. After all, the nice attendant, once learning that she was a student, had let her choose her own pick of three candy bars from the food trolley, and that was enough to make her believe Elympion trains were the best in the world.

Coming to Elympios by herself was a treat in of itself. Her school project for this season was meant to be something art-related, so she took the opportunity and decided to make her topic “Lifelessness, Rebirth, and Regeneration”—also known as what Leia dubbed the “Elympion-Spyrite-Nature Revolution.” At first, her topic choice was simply a ploy convincing Driselle to allow her an Elympion vacation by herself for this season’s break, but the more she talked with her teacher, the more she found herself invested in her idea. In a two-part piece, she would first depict the lifelessness in Elympios’s current state, and then depict her envisioned future for it—the regeneration part. It would surely earn her some snickers or glares from some of her classmates, but she was determined to get a good grade and some recognition for it.

Even more excited, though, was she for the “main event”—that is, staying with Alvin and Jude, both of whom she hadn’t seen in person for a long while. Not only did she miss the people she grew to call her family, but she was very interested to see how the two were faring living together. She’d been there when they’d decided to get an apartment together, but hadn’t seen the final result at all, or had heard much about how they were doing. This was her chance, and having not seen much of their relationship in action, she was curious.

Luckily, she managed to find the apartment without much trouble—the amiable landlady outside the building kindly pointed her to the right floor, and no one seemed to spare her a second glance as she made her way. Of course, if she’d brought Teepo with her, she would’ve gotten plenty of weird stares for sure—the exact reason why she didn’t. At least, not for this trip, which was supposed to be “purely academic,” as Driselle had promptly reminded her before sending her off. Staying under the same roof as Alvin? They both knew it was a lost cause, honestly.

Mouth already widening into a smile, she knocked on the door. And waited. After ten seconds with no answer, she knocked again, a hint of confusion at the back of her mind. Before it had enough time to fester, though, the door finally opened.

“Glad to see you, little lady.”

All of a sudden, there Alvin was, smiling down at her. At seeing him for the first time in months, Elize couldn’t help but drop her bag and lunge at him. They’d talked plenty over GHS—her and Jude as well—but it was much different to see someone in person. She felt him laughing as she buried her face in his shirt, and she smiled along with him, any nervousness of being alone drifting away.

Their apartment wasn’t as messy as she’d expected from what Leia told her, but she figured that they’d probably made sure to clean up somewhat before she arrived. She noticed Alvin watching her nervously as she took in her surroundings, and turned back to him with a bright smile.

“I like it here! It’s very homey—I can tell that it’s you guys who live here. Like, seeing all of Jude’s books everywhere, and your coats...” He threw her a slightly alarmed look, and she shook her hands adamantly. “Oh, no, I mean, I like that it isn’t super clean! Driselle always makes me clean up after myself, even if it’s the smallest thing! But, like this... it really shows that it’s lived-in. It’s comfortable!”

At that, Alvin smiled back at her and reached down to pat her head. “Well, in the time that you’re staying here, feel free to strew your belongings wherever you want too. I’m sure that’ll make it even more... homey.”

Elize dropped her bag again, leaning her head against him. “I’m glad I’m here, Alvin.”

“Same. We’ve missed you, kid.”

It was at that moment Jude burst out from another room, looking frazzled. He spied Elize and stepped a bit closer, though she immediately ran and hugged him tightly, making him gasp in surprise.

“Jude! I missed you!” It was all she could say as she buried her face in his chest, eliciting a chuckle from him. If she’d brought Teepo with her, he would just do this for her so she wouldn’t have to—but no, she reminded herself, I have to get better at showing my feelings without using Teepo. It’d been a constant struggle since the first time she’d set Teepo aside, but she knew she was getting better.

Jude hugged back, setting his head atop hers. “I missed you too, Elize. Have a safe trip here?”

She pulled back and nodded, turning away to pick up her bag from where she’d dropped it. “I was on the boat and train by myself, but nothing went wrong. I was a little nervous, but being on the train was so fun! I thought I might get into trouble with someone—being in Elympios on my own—but the attendant was very nice to me!”

The two men smiled, relieved at her tale. They both had to admit, they’d been worried once they heard Elize would be traveling all by herself for the first time—being a Rieze Maxian in Elympios still wasn’t the best situation.

Coming to attention, Jude straightened himself out and brushed down his crinkled shirt. “Oh, has Alvin shown you to your room yet? It’s just our spare, so you can decorate it however you like... Not to say you’re going to be here for very long, anyway... Oh, and are you hungry? I can make us some breakfast, if you want... Is bacon and eggs okay? Oh, or you probably want something more like what you have at Sharilton, right...?”

Elize closed her eyes happily at his concerns, feeling light and bubbly inside already. It was nice to see them again after what felt like such a long time, and to find that Jude was just as caring as he always had been. He hadn’t changed, that’s for sure, and she never wanted him to.

Alvin grinned at Jude’s rambling as well, though his was more amused. “Well, I was thinking we could go out for brunch in a little bit. Elize did get to eat on the train, after all; we can show her around our place a little more and leave once we’re hungry, yeah?” Elize nodded, and Jude flushed in embarrassment at realizing how he’d acted, even knowing that they appreciated it nonetheless.

“Y-Yeah, of course! Um, Alvin, if you could show her around, I just need to go make sure I’m set for work before we leave...” He trailed off, taking out his GHS and walking towards the kitchen table.

Elize looked to him in surprise. “Huh? Jude, you don’t need to take off work just because of me being here... Your research is important!” Regardless of her tone, he only looked back with a smile.

“I want to spend time with you while you’re here, Elize.” She blushed in joy, suddenly glad Teepo wasn’t with her. “Besides, I won’t be taking off every day; that wouldn’t be reasonable, and I know you have to work on your project while you’re here, too.”

“Okay...” She paused, nodding her head in understanding. Alvin chuckled softly at them, nudging Elize at the small of her back to guide her to the next room.

Surprisingly, the apartment was bigger than Elize thought it appeared to be. Immediately behind the front door were the kitchen, living, and dining rooms—not separated by any walls, creating one open area that made the apartment seem small. However, one door against the back wall led to another hallway which contained several rooms, including Alvin and Jude’s room, the spare room, an office-type room—probably for Jude, she guessed—and a laundry room. With two bathrooms in the apartment as well, Elize was pleased she wouldn’t have to deal with having no personal space, being used to the Sharil Manor. What made her happiest, though, was that the spare room she would be staying in had a large window with a decent view of one of the city’s parks—she immediately thought of how perfect it would be for her project.

After allowing Elize some time to unpack her things, the trio left for brunch, and Elize pitched some of her project ideas to them in detail after being pestered about it. As shy as she was to have to explain herself, she could tell the two were very supportive. Jude seemed especially interested, seeing as she would no doubt be drawing much inspiration from his spyrite research—that’s what would make this envisioned future possible, after all. She’d make sure to get a chance to visit Jude’s work while she was here.

To her delight, the two men spoiled her rotten at the café, buying for her any sweet she desired and then some. It was true that neither of them had really changed during the time she’d been apart from them, but it was refreshing to realize how different things could be when they weren’t involved in perilous adventures and having to save the world time and time again. Life was... normal—and she still had to get used to it, considering she’d never felt the relaxation of having a normal life. Finally, after all these years, she was being gifted that chance... Which was exactly why she felt she owed so much to these people, whom without she would never be able to feel this feeling.

When she’d last seen them, Alvin was clean-shaven; after he’d kept the “rogue” beard for so long, he’d said he liked to switch it up every now and then. Now, though, she could see it’d been growing back for a while, as it looked almost the same as it had a couple years ago. When asking Jude how he felt about it, he’d only turned pink and admitted he did like it—Elize had to agree. It reminded her of Rowen, and Jiao, and her father—and Alvin fit the list along with them, for sure.

Jude, on the other hand, had been cutting his hair and regrowing it for a while; just now, it was in the middle of growing out again, tapered at the middle of his neck. She hoped, while she was staying here, he would do her hair, which he’d only done a few times for her in the past. She could remember each detail of it regardless.

Luckily, she got what she wished the minute she asked for it, and Jude did her pigtails for her during breakfast the next morning. He was clumsier than her at it by now, but she still preferred it this way. The food he’d made for them that morning was also something she wasn’t that familiar with—they didn’t have waffles too often in Rieze Maxia—yet she found it one of the most enjoyable things she’d tasted. Since Ludger, she’d come to appreciate Elympion food.

Leia’s sudden text to her as she was eating also reminded her of her secondary goal during this trip—seeing Alvin and Jude’s relationship in action was something she couldn’t help but be excited for. And yet, all she’d been able to catch glimpses of in the twenty-four hours she’d been here was some hand-holding. ...Well, maybe she was being too hasty. She’d caught Jude leaning his head on Alvin’s shoulder while they were watching the television, and while Jude was cooking she saw Alvin sneak up on him and wrap his arms around his waist lovingly. Of course, they’d probably thought she hadn’t been looking during those times, and that thought simply annoyed her—she wasn’t some kid anymore! Were they trying to hide their affection around her or something?

Now a girl with a mission, Elize was determined to get them to open up somehow. But that was a hard thing to try and focus on, considering she had an entire two-part art project to complete in the span of a few weeks or so. Despite her conflicting priorities, she still found herself working on her project day in and day out for the first week. It didn’t seem fair—this was a vacation, right?—but at the same time, Jude and Alvin both seemed to be working a lot too after the first day. This was probably what their regular routines were in the first place, and she didn’t want to get in the way of that. Apart from Jude wanting to treat her every now and then by cooking something or going out to eat, they mostly got take-out for dinner and ate leftovers for lunch. She didn’t complain, still happy to be with them, but it was... different.

In the mornings, she would usually be the first one to rise, depending on Alvin’s work hours. While Jude came and left at what Elize thought were typical hours, Alvin’s work schedule was as erratic as she could imagine from him. On Thursday, he’d even slept in until 1 PM; Jude said this was nothing to be worried about and that he needed the rest, which quelled her worries. At least, during those times, Elize could wake him up by jumping on him—that was the only time she really went into his and Jude’s room. She knew he didn’t appreciate it, but she couldn’t help herself; she’d never grow out of her habit of teasing Alvin.

To her relief, since school was out she was no longer forced to wake up at any particular time, but she always found herself waking first anyway, too caught in the habit. Either that, or Jude would wake her before he left, making sure she was able to eat breakfast. She loved those mornings.

By the second week, she’d comfortably settled herself into the “living with Alvin and Jude” situation, while simultaneously finishing the first half of her project. Out of embarrassment, she refused to let neither Alvin nor Jude see any of it until the finished product was ready. Most of her inspiration for the “lifeless” portion was taken from the highroads’ landscapes, but she’d also added in some aspects of Elympion culture to remind whoever was looking—yes, this was a “human” issue, it wasn’t just about wishing to save the environment and grow some trees... Damn that one kid in her political science class.

Jude and Alvin had both promised her that they’d get more time off work as well, which made her happier than ever. She needed a break, truthfully. Watercolours took a lot out of a person.

Fortunately or unfortunately—Elize didn’t know—Leia had also texted all three of them, saying that she could stop by to catch up and see Elize this week. Elize was excited, for sure, but didn’t know how things would pan out with someone as volatile as Leia. The intrepid reporter seemed just as eager to know about Alvin and Jude’s relationship, after all—she was the one always texting her, “Have you seen them kiss yet?”—“Does Jude ever talk about Alvin to you? He never tells me anything!”—“Do you think they’ve had any fights yet, or are they just the perfect couple for some reason?”

She had to admit, she was just as eager to know these things, but seeing that eagerness in someone else was... disconcerting. Suddenly, she felt for the boys who would no doubt be subjected to Leia’s wrath any day now.

Though, interestingly, Jude and Alvin never talked about their relationship—at least, not around her. She’d only remembered them talking about it when they first announced they were going to live together. Of course, it had been implied for a short while before then, but... She couldn’t help but wonder.

Nevertheless, there wasn’t anything she could do, right? She thought about asking them a question or two one particularly peaceful night, as she read her book, as Alvin continued to tease her about this one boy from her school and Jude was immersed in his work at the dining table—but she couldn’t bring herself to. She’d probably get teased if she asked questions that were too personal. And it didn’t really matter anyway, right?

  On the second Tuesday since Elize came to stay with them, Jude was once again awakened by his lover entering the room. Not surprised, this being a common occurrence, Jude sluggishly turned his body to the side and peeked his head over the covers barely enough to read the clock—11:12. In the morning. At this revelation, he became more alert. Alvin would’ve told him if he was coming home this late—well, it was the next day. He’d expected it to be maybe one or two in the morning, but not eleven.

Hearing a coarse groan, Jude turned back over and craned his neck to see Alvin taking his shirt off and already getting in the bed. “Fuck... I undershot how long that was going to take.” His voice was hoarse, and Jude frowned.

“Rough night?” Jude’s own voice was still heavy with sleep. Alvin wrapped his arms around him and pulled him close, sighing in relief. Jude rested his head in the crook of his neck, already close to dozing off.

“Yurgen warned me facilitating these shipments with these guys would take a while, but I was stupid and decided to get there late anyway...” Alvin sighed into Jude’s hair, fully planning on sleeping the whole day away with his lover in his arms.

Jude had thought it was weird that Alvin had left for work as soon as he’d returned home from his, so no wonder. He sighed as well, though more in concerned exasperation than in relief.

A few minutes passed by with Alvin seeming to be out cold, and Jude felt himself falling back into sleep as well. It wasn’t as if either of them would have to go into work today, probably, so he wasn’t worried.

Suddenly, he was broken from their reverie by a very loud, persistent knocking—so loud he could clearly hear it from here, even though he knew it was from the front door. When it was accompanied by Elize’s faint yelling—“Jude! Alvin! There’s someone at the door!”—Jude sighed in annoyance, and he felt Alvin’s fingers tighten on the back of his shirt.

“You get it...” The older man managed to mumble against his ear, and Jude moaned in frustration. He was just about to fall asleep again, and now this? There’s no way he would move.

Alvin’s hands reached down and sharply pinched his butt, eliciting an aggravated yelp. “Awake now?” His voice was still unbearably tired, but Jude could hear the smugness, and huffed.

“Fine, fine...”  He slowly rolled out of bed, pulling on a pair of pants to replace his sweats as quickly as possible before making his way to the front door. Elize was sitting at the dinner table as he passed by, and he patted her on the head, still rubbing the sleep out of his eyes.

When opening the door, he was attacked. He should’ve expected it, truthfully.

“Jude! Hey, I’ve been knocking on the door, for what, five whole minutes? What’s up with neglecting me, huh?” Leia’s exuberant voice filled the apartment, and Jude sighed, but still reached up to hug her back.

“Sorry... Hey, I’m sure it wasn’t that long.” More awake now, he pulled away and shut the door. Immediately, Elize, who’d already been standing in wait, tackled Leia.

“Elize! I missed you so much! How’ve you been?” The older girl smiled, resting her head on the younger’s. Elize’s smile grew as she hugged tighter.

“Great! It’s so much fun here! And I’m so glad I get to see you again!” At that, Leia looked down at her happily.

“Me too. Man, wouldn’t it have been awesome if Rowen and Gaius could visit at the same time as well? We’d just have a big reunion! We should do that sometime, actually.” She crossed her arms, seeming to be in thought, and Elize’s eyes sparked at the prospect.

“Totally! I’d bring Teepo too, then!” Jude and Leia chuckled at that.

“So, uh, Leia? Not that I mind you being here, but why so out of the blue?” Jude questioned hesitantly, combing his hand through his hair and still trying to look more presentable. Leia’s cheeks puffed in annoyance.

“Jude! I texted, like, everyone saying that I would be able to visit sometime this week, didn’t I? I wanted to see how Elize was doing here with you guys!”

“Well, yeah, but I thought you would let us know ahead of time when exactly you would come.” As always, Jude tried to reason with her, but Leia persisted.

“Well, it’s not like it’s a bad time or anything, right?” Jude paused, shaking his head reluctantly, and Leia grinned. “See! Besides...” She leaned in closer—though Elize was already back to eating leftover pancakes and reading her book, so she probably wouldn’t be listening anyway. “I need to be here to make sure that Elize isn’t witness to any inappropriate situations while she’s living with you guys, huh?”

Jude felt the blood rush to his face and grimaced—no way would he mention how close that’d been to actually happening when Elize first arrived. “Wh-What are you saying, Leia? Ugh, just quit it, will you?” She only giggled teasingly, pulling away to survey the area with eager eyes—which Jude was confused at, seeing as she’d already been in their apartment many times before.

“I’m just saying. So, where’s Alvin, anyway?”

“Right here.” They all turned their eyes to the doorway next to the kitchen, seeing an exhausted—and still very shirtless, to Jude’s chagrin—Alvin. The man walked to the fridge resignedly, taking out a bottle of milk and proceeding to chug it down. Jude mentally sighed.

“Alvin! See, this is exactly what I was just talking about!” Leia turned to Jude excitedly, her eyes practically screaming Gotcha!, and Jude’s face flushed again before he turned away angrily.

“Wh-... Ugh, I thought you were going to sleep some more?” Jude could only ask, walking towards the lethargic man. Alvin paused in his drinking to send a certain reporter an annoyed glare.

“Well, I would’ve, but I can’t sleep at all with the amount of noise going on out here. Since when did you just waltz in here unannounced?” Leia only smiled cheekily, walking forwards to pat him on the arm jovially.

“We’re all practically family! What’s the harm in stopping for a visit every now and then? More importantly—since when did you start walking around without a shirt all the time?”

Despite Jude’s red cheeks—and Elize’s blushing and staring, which had started the moment Alvin appeared—he wasn’t nearly as fazed, responding casually, “My house, my rules. Really, why are you here?”

“You didn’t get my texts or anything?” At that, Alvin stared blankly before finally remembering.

“Oh, that... Yeah, I guess.” Leia looked to Jude questioningly at Alvin’s subdued behavior, and Jude sighed.

“Alvin got home from work not too long ago, without any sleep. He’s just tired.” Leia’s eyebrows rose in surprise.

“Oh! Well, you can go back to sleep if you want. In fact...” She suddenly turned to Elize, pulling her up by her arms and heading to the front door. “I was just going to take Elize out! Walk around, see the town, buy her a few things—you know, girl bonding stuff! I’ll take care of her for you, don’t worry! You guys can do whatever you want while we’re gone! See you in a few!”

As quickly as she came, Leia was gone and with Elize in tow. Jude blinked, processing what’d just happened, before slowly looking to Alvin, who had just finished the bottle.

“...We’re all out of milk.”

Jude’s eyebrows lowered as he regarded the empty glass in Alvin’s hand. “That was the last one?”

There was a pause. “Oh, don’t get too sad about it, Jude. I have some milk for you, if you want it that much.”

Well then. Jude’s face turned scarlet within seconds, his hand reaching up to smack Alvin across the arm. “Alvin! Seriously?” He could only whine, and Alvin grinned, suddenly seeming less downcast than before.

“What? You just make it too easy,” he teased, grabbing the younger around the waist and kissing the side of his face, eliciting another grumble of annoyance. “When do you think the girls will be back?”

“I don’t know, maybe in a few hours?” Jude responded, the redness beginning to fade from his cheeks.

“Great. Let’s go sleep, please. I can’t take being awake for much longer.”

  Elize was quite shocked at the amount of trinkets Leia was able to buy for her—did the other girl really get paid enough for this? Still, she couldn’t complain as she got spoiled with so many little presents. Her favorite was the tiny, intricately decorated toy bird which could chirp and flap its wings at the same time! It didn’t get that far off the ground, but the technology never ceased to amaze her.

It was also nice to hear about the progress Leia had made as a reporter, and to be asked about her own progress in school. She didn’t like to brag, but she was one of the smartest in her classes, so it always felt good to talk about school. When they began talking about Elize’s stay so far, she was more hesitant to say what had been on her mind, but they eventually delved into the subject.

“Well, it’s not that surprising to me—yes, it is Alvin, who’s flirtatious as ever, but I always thought Jude would balance that out? I mean, there’s no way Jude would let Alvin hang all over him while a kid was staying in their house, right?”

Elize nodded reluctantly from beside her on the bench—Leia had gotten them both ice cream as well, and she was halfway finished with hers, but was suddenly more interested in the conversation than in eating.

“I guess you’re right. I just... Sometimes it feels just like how it used to be when we were all traveling together, you know? Not all the time, but sometimes it does. And I don’t really want it to be like that. I thought I would be able to see more of how things have changed for them.” I want it to be more like a family, she thought, but didn’t dare to say that part.

“Huh? Really? Yeah, I wouldn’t have expected it to be that similar...” Leia trailed off in deep thought, letting her ice cream melt slightly—not enough to drip off the cone, she made sure. “Ugh, I hate thinking so much about something like this. I mean, what gives? It’s been at least four months since they started living together like this—they should be, like, a super legit couple by now! It shouldn’t be wishy-washy to anyone!” As she talked more and more, she seemed to be getting more and more fired up; Elize scooted away in trepidation.

The annoyed reporter stood up, tossing her ice cream in the nearby trashcan. “Well, I’ve just about had it. I wanna go back and ask them about this now! Come on, Elize.” She was already walking ahead, and Elize squealed nervously at her proposition, running to catch up.

“Leia! Don’t you think you’re being a bit forward about this...? I mean, if they’re having troubles with their relationship or something, then it’s their own business...” She shouldn’t have worded it like that. Damn.

Immediately, Leia turned around with a gasp. “You think they’re having relationship troubles? It’s that bad? Damn! Now I really need to help somehow! Come on, Elize!” She grabbed the younger girl by the hand and sped off, all the while Elize was trying to reason with her.

“I d-didn’t mean it like that, really! I mean, they do couple-y things sometimes! Leia!” Elize wasn’t even sure if the other was listening or not, and sighed to herself. She’d dropped her ice cream already, too—just perfect.

  For the second time that day, Jude was ripped away from his state of relaxation by an incessant knocking on the front door. Unlike the last time, he only exhaled tiredly before pulling himself away from his lover and getting out of bed—no use fighting it.

“Hey, that’s probably the girls, so try to wake up soon, alright?” He received a weary mumble in response and smiled to himself. When Leia started filling the apartment with her loud voice, Alvin would have no choice but to wake up anyway.

Jude opened the front door and braced himself for whatever physical attack Leia would inflict on him this time, but found that not to be the case.

“Hey! Sorry, should’ve asked for keys before we left, huh? Hahaha...” Leia trailed off nervously, her expression unreadable, and the young researcher raised an eyebrow in interest.

“Uh, it’s fine? You’re back earlier than expected.” He let them in and closed the door, noticing Elize’s anxious expression and suddenly growing apprehensive. What had Leia done this time?

“Oh, we just decided to get back quickly and hang out with you guys. It’s not as if we haven’t been all around Trigleph by now—anyway, where’s Alvin?” Elize’s face grew more distressed at Leia’s question, and Jude’s mind started turning.

“Sleeping, but he’ll probably be out soon. What’s up with you?” Leia laughed nervously again at his question, but knowing he wasn’t going to buy any excuse, she suddenly faced him with determination.

“Well, I was just wondering if anything was going on between you two.” Jude’s brows furrowed in confusion—he wondered if he was misinterpreting what she was saying.

“Um. What do you mean by that? ...I mean, duh, there’s something ‘going on between us’... I-I mean-!” At the wording of what he’d just said, Jude blushed mildly and raised his hands in defense. “...Ugh, you know what I mean. I wasn’t dreaming when we told you we were... together, right?”

Finally, Leia’s eyes softened, and she smiled. “Nope! That totally happened. So you two are in a relationship?”

“What? I-I just said that... Leia, what’s going on with you?” At his genuine confusion, she raised her hands to calm him down.

“Nothing, nothing! Well, I just was checking. Elize told me—“

“Leia...!” Elize piped up, embarrassed, from next to her, and Jude raised an eyebrow.

“Did Elize not remember? Elize, you were there when we told...”

“N-No, it’s not that! Leia’s got it all wrong!” The young girl only grew more frantic, and Leia shushed her with a pat on the head.

“I’m not saying that she didn’t know. I’m just saying that... Well, she told me you guys didn’t really seem like a couple? Not all the time, anyway. And she even made it sound like you guys were going through some relationship troubles—well, she didn’t make it sound like that, maybe that was just me jumping to conclusions, huh? But I got annoyed at what she told me. Are you guys still in the trial period or something? I mean, you’re living together, for heavens’ sake! Jude, if you back out now, your dad will be pretty disappointed, I’m sure—all this work Alvin did to convince him, and then it only lasts for less than a year? Imagine what’ll happen then!”

With every word she said, Jude and Elize became more and more embarrassed and flustered, Jude eventually about to burst out that No, there’s no way in hell that’s going to happen. However, someone beat him to the punch.

“Damn, Derrick would beat me to a pulp for sure. Not that I think I can’t take him, but I would rather not go through that, for sure. Don’t tell me you’re thinking of breaking up with me, Jude?” The voice was teasing, because he knew that of course, that would never happen anytime soon. The trio turned towards him, and Leia piped up yet again.

“Wow, Alvin. Is today ‘listen in on people’s conversations while shirtless and standing ominously in the middle of a doorway’ day?” At her joke, Alvin smirked, walking forwards nonchalantly and placing his hands on Jude’s shoulders.

“No, it seems to be ‘wake up Alvin while he’s trying to sleep’ day. Elize, if there’s something troubling you, you can tell us. You know that?”

At such attention being targeted at her, she blushed heavily and averted her eyes. She didn’t know how much he’d really heard, but judging from his expression, he probably understood even more than Leia and Jude did at the moment. “N-Nothing was troubling me, really! Leia just takes things too far!”

“Hey!” Leia exclaimed indignantly, and the others chuckled. Alvin looked back to Elize warmly, and the air lifted.

“Well, neither of you have anything to be concerned about. We’re going to stick together for a while yet, aren’t we, Jude?” Alvin teased, kissing said boy’s cheek—Elize smiled at it. It was the first time she’d seen them kiss. Even if it was only one on the cheek, like what she’d done to Alvin all those years ago, it was still something.

“Y-Yeah... We’re okay, Leia. Don’t worry.” Leia nodded, accepting the response. Jude seemed to buy Elize’s excuse that Leia was the one putting things out of proportion, to Elize’s relief. But Alvin still looked to her instead, and the younger girl looked away in apprehension.

“Are you staying for dinner? If you guys are hungry now, that is,” Jude continued to change the subject, and Elize and Leia both nodded.

“Yeah, I’ll stay! I have to leave as soon as we’re done though, unless you guys want me to sleepover?” At the shifty look appearing on Leia’s face, the other three grimaced.

“No, no, you leave when we’re done eating. I’ll kick you out if I have to,” Alvin teased, jostling her in the arm. Leia pouted.

“Like hell you will!”

“Consider it revenge for making me go sleep-deprived.”

As the two bickered, Jude turned to Elize, his eyes full of care—only Jude could make someone feel so at ease with just a look, she thought.

“What do you want to eat, Elize?”

“Um... Something like the spaghetti you made on Friday sounds good...” She suggested thoughtfully, and Jude smiled.

“Sounds great! It’ll be ready in about half an hour.” He patted her on the shoulder before making his way to the kitchen, Leia complaining that she didn’t have half an hour. Elize scolded her bad manners, though in her heart she was grateful that things were back to normal.

  Leia ended up leaving shortly after six, and Elize was at first worried that Alvin or Jude would ask her about what had happened earlier. Yet, things seemed regular—the three were in the living area together, with Alvin and Elize watching the television and Jude on the armchair being preoccupied with a book. Elize was relieved at the simplicity—that is, until Alvin faced her and said the words she most certainly didn’t want to hear.

“So, wanna talk to me about what happened today?”

No, I really don’t, she thought, but only hung her head, which was starting to turn a little red in embarrassment already. She didn’t know if Jude was listening to them, but she hoped he wouldn’t be.

“...Nothing really happened today, so...” She tried to play it off, but Alvin obviously didn’t buy it. She couldn’t tell if it was just because he knew her so well or because she was just a see-through person; she hoped it was the first one.

“I’m just saying, I’m a bit worried about what reason you would have to think Jude and I don’t seem like a couple. But if you don’t want to tell me, that’s alright.” He said it casually as ever, and she gritted her teeth. Well, now she had to say it, didn’t she?

“I-I didn’t think that you guys weren’t... I just...” She trailed off, focusing her eyes on her feet which hung off the sofa. Driselle had taken her for a pedicure a month ago, and she could still see some flecks of colour in her toenails.

“Hm?” Alvin hummed, urging her to go on, and she was sure Jude was probably listening to her now. She could practically feel him looking at them.

She mustered up the courage to raise her voice. “I just... I wanted to come here because... I wanted to see what it’s like...”

“...To see what it’s like?” Alvin repeated after her, and now he seemed much closer to her than before. She raised her eyes a little.

“...To have... parents...” Her eyes widened when she heard it, because she hadn’t even planned on saying it.

She didn’t dare look at either of the men, not wanting to know the looks on their faces. She heard Alvin, though.

“We’re not your parents, Elize.”

“Alvin...!” She heard Jude’s voice—holding a scolding tone—from her right, and Alvin must have raised his hand to calm him down.

“Jude, it’s okay... Elize.” His hands touched her shoulders, and she finally looked up to face him. His face was serious, but caring—and she didn’t even realize it, but she felt the tears runs down her face.

She couldn’t help but think of her own father when she saw him. She couldn’t even remember his face, yet...

“Elize,” Alvin continued, wiping a tear away. “You’re parents... They’re still with you, you know that? I’m sure they wouldn’t like to feel replaced by us, would they?”

“I don’t want you to replace them...! I know you wouldn’t...!” She could finally speak louder, but her voice still got caught in her throat. “I just... I just wanted to see what it would be like... To have people loving each other and treating me like a daughter... Because... You’re my family...” More tears fell, and Alvin pulled her to his chest. She buried her face in his shirt, arms clinging to him—he smelled like cologne, and something that reminded her of the sea, and she felt that this was something how her father would’ve smelled like.

Suddenly, Jude had his arm around her as well from her other side, and her tears slowed. “I’m... I’m okay...” She pulled away slightly, wiping her eyes. “Thank you...”

“Elize... Do you really want us to be your parents...?” Jude’s soft voice whispered from next to her, and she felt calmed.

“...I don’t know about that... I just... I guess I got so caught up in my idea of being in a family that- ...When it didn’t turn out exactly how I thought it would, I got scared...”

“...Elize, we love each other. And we love you. Wanna try being our daughter until you leave?”

She gasped at Alvin’s words, looking at him with wide eyes—he only stayed smiling. Silence rang in the room, before she finally nodded and hugged him again.

“...Yeah.”

Alvin chuckled, leaning down to kiss her on the cheek, and then leaning across to kiss Jude on the mouth. Jude grunted in surprise, but accepted and joined in the embrace. Elize smiled, feeling as if she’d just found something she’d been missing for a long time.

“I’m surprised, though,” Alvin said to her once they pulled away. “I didn’t think this would be the reason for your concern... I mean, didn’t you have a sort of crush on Jude for a while? What happened to that?” Jude made another sound of surprise, and Elize smacked Alvin on the arm in embarrassment.

“I...! I don’t feel that way anymore...”

Alvin only smirked knowingly. “Yeah, I get it. Jude the do-gooder would be the perfect parent, huh? So caring, would always help you with your homework...”

Jude’s face turned slightly red at the thought. “Alvin... I’m sure that’s not it.”

“No, it’s not, really.” At that, both Jude and Alvin turned to Elize in surprise. “Alvin, you remind me of my father.”

“M-Me?” The man in question looked taken-aback, which was something that didn’t happen very often. Elize nodded, and he frowned. “...Your dad, huh? I thought you didn’t really remember him.”

“I don’t... But, when I think about him, I imagine your face. Is that weird?” Alvin’s eyes suddenly widened, and Elize wasn’t sure of the severity of what she’d just said.

“Uh... N-No, I guess it’s not that weird...”

“I think it’s nice,” Jude piped up, smiling at Alvin. Elize could tell they were having a whole conversation with just their eyes—something only people in love could do—and her heart fluttered.

“Yeah... Thanks, Elize.” She wasn’t quite sure what she was being thanked for, but nodded her head anyway.

“Thank you too... For letting me have this chance, I mean...”

Alvin smirked again. “No problem. And hey, it wasn’t my fault we weren’t being that affectionate. Jude had this super boring talk with me the day before you arrived about ‘not tainting your innocent eyes’. Can you believe this kid?” Jude spluttered in indignation, and Elize faced him with a devilish smile.

“Yeah, Jude—I’m not really a child anymore, okay? You don’t have to be such a stick in the mud!”

“Uh...” Suddenly, he showed a smile to match her own. “Well, if I’m going to act like your dad, then I’m allowed to be as strict as I want, right?”

“Oh, he’s got you there,” Alvin muttered, and Elize pouted. Inside, though, she was overflowing—from now on, things would be different, she was sure of it, and she was going to cherish every moment of her vacation she had left.

  Elize gripped the handle of her suitcase tightly, but gripped Jude’s hand even tighter. “It’s here.”

“Yep, looks like it. You gonna be alright, kid?” She could tell that Alvin was at least a little concerned, and faced him with a smile.

“I’ll be fine! When I came here, it was really fun being on the train! No troubles. I’ll text you when I get on the boat, though.” She already knew Jude would remind her, so she said it anyway. Jude squeezed her hand in confirmation before letting go and leaning down to hug her.

“Alright. We’ll miss you. And don’t worry about your project—it turned out beautifully. I’m sure your teachers will love it!” Jude smiled at her with a look of pride in his eyes, and she blushed happily.

“Make sure to tell Driselle how nicely we treated you, or else she’ll sick Rowen on us for sure.” At Alvin’s joking, Jude scoffed. Elize nodded to him, though, and when she knew Alvin wouldn’t do more than ruffle her hair to send her off, she reached over to hug him tightly. Before he could reply, she took off towards the train, hand waving behind her.

“...Wow, that was some vacation, huh?” Alvin intoned to Jude, who was simply staring at him with a knowing smile on his face.

“Alvin... You’d make a really great father.”

“Huh...?” The man appeared shocked again, and a little apprehensive, before suddenly grinning. “Trying to say something, Jude? Want to start a family?”

“What...” Blood rushed to Jude’s head. “Alvin! You know that’s not—“

“Imagine what our kids would look like, huh? Just picture it. Your hair, my eyes...”

“Alvin! That’s impossible—“

“I’d like a little girl, how about you?”