#mpsfpc

“Thank you,” He whispered.

“Anything for you Millard,” I replied with a sweet smile. Once Millard was okay I went to my room. I got out a blank canvas Miss Peregrine was able to get me. I got out my paints and placed everything on/around the easel. 

With swift strokes I was lost in my world of art. I wanted to make this perfect, it is for Millard after all. I made sure to recreate the scene from earlier, taking time to get every detail right. 

*Knock knock*

I ignored the sound and continued painting. I wanted to finished this soon because I couldn’t wait to see how Millard would react.

*KNOCK KNOCK*

The person was getting impatient and I just let out a sigh.

“What?!” I shouted.

“It’s dinner time!” An angry Enoch replied. I let out a sigh and put away my art supplies, making  sure to clean accordingly. 

~~~~

It took a few days to finish the painting. Once I was done I made sure to hide it. I went to find Millard but he was no where to be found.

“Last I checked Millard was studying the pigs,” Emma spoke up. I smiled at her and nodded. I made my way down to the village, waving to people who passed me. I got to the pigs and looked around. Millard was an excellent hider, but I was a better at making him reveal himself.

“I wonder where Millard could be,” I said dramatically. “I wanted to give him a present but if I can’t find him I guess Olive would appreciate it.” 

“Present?” I heard Millard ask to my left. I let out a giggle and nodded. 

“C’mon,” I gestured him to follow me as I started to walk back to the house. 

We walked in silence, in fact the only way I knew he was with me was due to the fact that he was holding my hand. Something that wasn’t unusual for us to do. We were close friends but our bond was definitely stronger than that. 

Once the house was in view I started to run, dragging the poor boy behind me. We got to my room and I made him sit on my bed.

“Are you ready Mill?” I asked with a giant grin. 

“The most ready I’ve ever been,” He replied with what I imagined him to be smiling as well. I grabbed the painting that was in my closet. I turned around and showed him what I created. There was a deafening silence before I was embraced. I hugged back, being careful of the painting. “Thank you,” Millard whispered into my ear.

“Of course,” I whispered back. The painting contained Millard and I, both with loving smiles. Millard pulled away slowly and carefully grabbed the canvas. 

“I’m going to keep this safe and cherish it with my entire being,” He said gratefully. 

“Not as much as I cherish you!”

“You just did,” He blandly responds. I gave him the best glare I could muster at the moment and he let out an irritated sigh. “What?” 

“What would you do in my position?” I asked out. He raised an eyebrow and I rolled my eyes. “Millard and I...”

“I wouldn’t be in that situation,” Enoch scoffed out.

“I know you wouldn’t but try and have some sympathy,” I snarked back crossing my arms. I knew it wasn’t a good decision asking Enoch but dang was he pissing me off. 

He rolled his eyes, “I don’t know, ignore him or something, maybe then he’ll get the picture.” I watched as Enoch’s slightly shorter figure walked off. Maybe if I ignored Millard he would just end it since I don’t have the heart to. Maybe for once Enoch had a point. 

~~~~

I was getting something to eat when Millard came in as well. 

“Hello love,” Millard greeted and I felt my stomach drop and cheeks redden. This was going to be hard but it will be for the best in the end. Hearing him call me love though hurt, I can tell he likes Lilly more yet he still was calling me that. 

Ignoring his presence I finished my food and left without a word. I felt bad but I kept telling myself this is the best for him. 

~~~~

Millard went and talked to Bronwyn. (Y/n) has been ignoring him for awhile now and if anyone would know why it would be her. 

“Bronwyn, do you know why (y/n)’s been ignoring me?” Millard asked. 

“Oh dear,” She muttered to herself knowing exactly what was going on. 

“What?” Millard asked confused. “What’s going on?”

“It might be better if you ask her yourself,” Bronwyn said, sympathetically patting his shoulder. Millard nodded with determination standing up. He wasn’t going to let the love of his life suffer alone. 

~~~~

I laid down feeling the overwhelming sadness of heartbreak before anything even happened. Yet I wasn’t allowed to wallow in peace since someone decided to disturb me. I opened my eyes and saw nothing, which only meant that Millard was here. I closed my eyes once again, not wanting to talk to him. 

“(Y/n), we need to talk,” He said sternly. Here it is, here is what I’ve been waiting for yet I still wasn’t prepared to hear it. I felt myself sigh and opened my eyes once again. I could tell that he sat by me and he continued, “Why have you been ignoring me? Did I do something wrong?” I didn’t expect that. I looked to where I believed he was and shook my head with a frown.

“No,” I mumbled out. “You didn’t do anything wrong.”

“Then what’s going on,” Millard pressed. Not liking confrontation I went to stand up and leave but he stopped me before I could. “Please tell me,” He pleaded out. 

I couldn’t stay silent any longer as I felt tears start to fall down my face, “I...I’m sorry.”

“Hey,” Millard said softly hugging me gently. “It’s okay, it’s alright.”

“No,” I exclaimed. “I shouldn’t have pushed you away like that, I was just scared.”

“About what?” He asked, starting to play with my hair gently. 

“I can tell how much you and Lilly get along,” I started. “She’s so much prettier, and you two get along so much.”

Millard let out a laugh and I felt my heart break. Why was he laughing? Was I right? The entire time? I looked up to where his face would be with wide, teary eyes. 

“I don’t like her like that,” Millard spoke out softly, holding my face in one of his hands. “She’s just a friend. No one could out match you for my love (y/n).” I felt my breath hitch and my cheeks heat up. I felt embarrassed that I made this such a big deal. I should’ve just talked to Millard about it. I’m never listening to Enoch again. Of course Millard wouldn’t play with my feelings like that. He’s too sweet too. 

“I’m sorry Millard,” I whispered. “I just love you so much and the thought of losing you hurt so much.” 

“I understand,” He replied. “Now how about we go out and do something?”

A smile formed on my face as I nodded happily, “I’d love to!”

The fact that I would have to leave to start my own loop kept him from opening up to me fully was the problem, I could tell. He would 'tolerate' my presence when we hung out. I would talk about myself sometimes to clear the silence but most of the time we were quiet.

"You must be on time Ms. Nightingale," Ms. P scolded me. I had missed the time mark last night for rewinding the loop and Ms. P was making sure I knew it. "If you don't your loop will continue forward and that would not be opportune. The children under your care would want to live a normal life which we both know very well can not happen."

I nodded silently looking down at my boot clad feet.

"I need to hear that you understand," She spoke firmly.

"I understand my mistake would have grave consequences Miss Peregrine," I said softly. I knew I made a major mistake that if I had my own loop would be dastardly. I know I need to start being more responsible and do my job correctly. Otherwise I won't be able to become a full fledged ymbryne.

"You are dismissed," She sighed out. "And keep in mind if you keep making the same mistake I may consider you unfit for the role of ymbryne." My worst fear confirmed. If I don't become a ymbryne I would look like a fool and failure in peculiar history. I clasped my hands together and left her office. I made my way to my room and closed the door behind me. I looked into the mirror in my room and stared at my reflection. (E/c) eyes staring back to me. My (h/c) pulled up. My long dress nearly hitting the floor and the (f/c) brooch pinned under my neck. I looked like a strict ymbryne but I already felt like a failure.

My eyes took in all of my features, my hair having pieces sticking out slightly, and my dress was wrinkled as I had to get ready quickly this morning. I was snapped out of my thoughts as I heard a small thumping noise at my door. I turned away from the mirror and opened my door. No one was on the other side until I looked down and saw a clay homunculi staring up at me.

I picked up the small clay figure. In one hand was a (fav flower), in the other a small note. I set the homunculi on top of my dresser and took the flower and note. Opening the note it read;

I have something I need to tell you. You can find me in the basement waiting. ~Enoch

I looked back at the (f/c) flower then at the homunculi. It sat lifelessly on my dresser, its purpose done. I put the flower in my slightly messy hair and hid the note in the top dresser. I walked down to the basement and just as he said he would, Enoch sat there waiting. His stature seemed like that of a timid and nervous boy and I was getting a bit concerned. The clacking of my slightly heeled boots alerted him of my presence and he turned around. The nervousness I saw before was gone and replaced with his typical pessimistic look.

"Hello Enoch," I said. "You wanted to talk to me."

He nodded his head, "Yes." Then it was silence. He didn't continue so I became confused and curious, what did he want to talk to me about?

"What did you want to say?" I asked rocking back and forth on my feet.

"When do you leave?" Enoch asked bluntly.

My eyes widened, I didn't expect such a question, "I'm not sure." He stared into my eyes like he was searching for something, anything, yet I'm not sure what.

"I..." He trailed off, like he didn't know how to word something. "I want to go with you."

A rush of surprise hit me as I wasn't expecting him to say something like this. I looked back into his dark eyes for some sort of reassurance that he wasn't joking with me or trying to crush me emotionally. I felt a small blush rise to my cheeks as he looked completely serious.

"Y-you do?" I couldn't help but ask.

"Did I stutter?" He said with a slight scowl, but also a blush.

"Why would you want to come with me and leave your friends behind?" I asked hoping he would say what I wanted him to.

He looked away from me and crossed his arms, having a hard time saying what he wanted to. I had a hunch about what he was going to say and I knew it would be hard for him to say it. So I would say it for him.

"Do you love me?" I asked walking closer to his taller figure. I noticed a fiery blush creep up his neck and coat his face. I felt a proud grin make its way onto my face, loving the effect I had on him. Once I got close enough to whisper in his ear I leaned up a bit and whispered, "Well I love you too."

Enoch was finally able to look me in the eyes as I pulled away from his ear. The look he gave me was one of vulnerability, love, and happiness. I sent him a shy smile and pushed a stray strand of hair behind my ear. Enoch hesitantly grabbed my hand and kissed the back of it. Without letting go he walked me upstairs and to his room. Once again we sat in silence, but this time the air between us was sweet.

I seemed to finally fully crack open his shell.

"Please be quiet," I said outload notifying them of my appearance. "I can't even hear myself losing the will to live."

The two girls who were hugging each other turned to hug me making me panic. But I calmed down when I remember that my long dress stopped them from my curse of a peculiarity. I looked at Enoch and gave him a dead stare.

"What did you do this time?" I drawled patting the scared girls heads, thankful for my gloves I had to wear.

"I was makin sure they don't steal my homunculi again," Enoch replied with a scowl.

I let out a sigh, "Girls don't steal things that aren't yours." I then returned to look at the slightly chubby boy once more, "And Enoch, don't be so harsh on them, they may be old but their minds aren't."

"They need to grow up," He said slightly spitting.

"You interrupt my reading one more time, this book will become a lethal weapon," I threatened Enoch tapping my book to his chest.

"You could kill me in simpler ways," I heard him mumble but decided to ignore it. Enoch walked off and I focused my attention on the two girls still wrapped in my arms.

"Go on you two," I sighed out letting go of them and patting their backs. "Go have some fun outside, play with Emma or something." They gave me one last hug before running off the opposite direction of Enoch. Before I could enter the library once more someone stopped me.

"Ah, (y/n)!" The familiar voice of Millard exclaimed. "How are you on this fine evening?"

"The same as every other day," I shrugged sitting once again wanting to just go back to reading.

"Frankenstein," Millard mumbled out. "A wonderful classic." This has been going on for days...or well you know. Millard has been staying by my side like a puppy and would try to talk about anything and everything. It was unusual since I was the only person he would act this way towards. It seemed like he wanted to get to know me better yet didn't know exactly how to do it. I found it endearing and entertaining. Sometimes it got annoying though.

"One of my favorites," I replied knowing that I didn't have the heart to ignore him.

"What would you say your taste in books is?" He asked out. My who let him be so adorable. I felt a tiny smile make its way onto my face.

I shrugged, "I enjoy fiction, mostly fantasy. Dark fantasy to be more specific." Millard then proceeded to give me a few recommendations which lead to large summary's and then him fawning over books he adored. I didn't mind. I liked listening to him talk about something he enjoyed. It was even better than reading and that's saying something. It went on like this till dinner. Which lead to our bed time.

Yet I had trouble sleeping. A nightmare that has haunted me for a long time came back and it was not pleasant in the slightest.

I was wearing the usual blouse and skirt that most women wore in the days I was a child. This damn day. I can remember it so vividly. The sun shining beautifully, telling me how even on the best of days, the worst of things can happen. Then the scene changed, same day except I was inside the small apartment my family lived in. The sun poured into the house like liquid gold. It poured over me and my older sister, who stared at me with dead eyes. Dead cold eyes. I felt water rush out of my eyes as I tried to let go of her but her cold dead hands were wrapped around me, not letting go. I let out chocked sobs as she spoke to me.

"Look at what you've done (y/n)," She groaned out. "This was all your fault."

"I-I'm so sorry," I cried out. "I didn't mean to! I didn't know!"

Instead of replying she squeezed me. Squeezed me till it felt like my body was about to burst. I let out a scream and suddenly I was awake.

A gasp escaped my lips as I sat up in my bed. I felt tears cascade down my cheeks. That awful memory resurfaced as I thought about what actually happened.  I tried to cry as quietly as I felt my body shake. I still wasn't over what happened, how I fist found out about my peculiar 'talent', and I don't think I'll ever get over it. At this moment I just wanted to have someone comfort me, yet that seemed impossible. I didn't want to bother anyone plus what if I hurt them? I don't want that to happen. I left my room quietly as my cries died down. The original place I wanted to go to was the kitchen but my body brought me outside of Millard's door.

I guess I saw him as someone I could go to. Someone I could be vulnerable in front of even if I haven't before. The way he made me feel accepted and wanted was something I haven't truly felt since my sister's death. I hesitantly knocked on his door and waited for a response, if I would even get any. It was very late at the moment. Yet I heard grumbling and the door creaked open. Surprisingly he was clothed in pajamas.

"(Y/n)?" Millard asked with a groggy voice. "What's the matter? Were you crying?!" I crossed my arms and looked down at the ground suddenly feeling self conscious.

"I-uhm," I stuttered out suddenly regretting my decision. "N-nevermind, I shouldn't have bothered you." I went to turn around but Millard stopped me before I could leave. He pulled me gently into his room. He sat me on his bed and sat next to me. He wrapped an arm around my shoulders and kept me in a side hug.

"Y-you don't have to tell me, but know that you can always come to me for anything," Millard said seriously.

"Thank you," I mumbled resting my head on his clothed shoulder. This felt so right and I felt myself calm significantly. It was silent for awhile before I broke it, "I had a nightmare."

Millard stayed quiet which urged me to continue. "It...it was about how I found out about my peculiarity." I never told anyone. Only Miss P knew and the previous ymbryne I was with which was Miss Glassbill. I felt him tense, probably sensing that this was in no way good, not like he thought anything that made me cry would be good.

"I was with my sister," I started. "I got cut and she was bandaging it. There was no way I could've stopped what happened next. I had no clue I was peculiar or that I would be able to hurt people with just my touch." I felt my eyes water once more and it was hard for me to get out the rest of the story. Millard rubbed my arm soothingly and I took deep breaths and continued.

"I didn't notice that she was becoming pale. All I knew at that moment was that I felt the most energized I ever had been. It was too late when I realized what was happening. She died right of me and I'm the one who killed her," I felt my chest tighten and I covered my face with my hands. "It's all my fault Millard and I can never forgive myself for what I did!"

"Don't say that," Millard whispered out. "I'm sure your sister doesn't think that, she wouldn't want you to blame yourself. You had no clue the power you held and there was no way you could've guessed. I'm sure your sister is watching over you wanting you to move on and remember only the good memories."  

I felt so many emotions. It all came pouring down. Sadness, revelation, love, forgiveness. I felt so grateful for Millard at the moment.

"Thank you Millard," I cried hugging him strongly. "Thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you."

"I'd do anything for you," Millard said sincerely and tenderly making my heart beat irregularly. "I love you so much."

An overwhelming feeling of shock coursed through me. Which doubled when I felt his hand touch my cheek. I could feel myself absorbing his life force and I gasped out a nearly silent 'no'. I took his hand off my cheek as quickly as I could and I heard him gasp out in relief. I felt panicked as I heard him slightly pant.

"Are you okay Mill?" I asked  out hoping he was fine.

"I-I'm sorry about that," He breathed out.

"I'm the one who should be sorry," I replied covering the cheek that he previously held.

"You shouldn't be sorry about your peculiar," Millard spoke out.

"But it just hurts people I love," I argued.

"You just need to practice, I'm sure there's a way for you to control your ability," Millard explained very scholarly like. "And if I heard you right, its safe to assume that you love me back."

I felt my cheeks redden and I replied, "Y-yeah. I do love you Millard." I felt exhaustion overcome me as the need for sleep became abundant. I was about to stand up but Millard once again kept me in place.

"Stay the night?" He asked nervously.

"O-okay," I stuttered out. We laid down on his bed facing each other. I felt myself relax and my eyes closed sleepily. I felt a sudden peace hit me, like my sister was happy I was okay. I forgave myself for what I did to my sister, knowing she wouldn't want me to be so upset over it. I felt like I was on top of the world and nothing could pull me down. I knew it was dangerous but I wasn't thinking my next move through. I leaned forward slightly and gently placed my lips onto Millard's. He kissed back almost immediately and the astonishing part was that he was perfectly fine during and after. No life sucking out of him, no dying. I touched him and he was completely fine.

"Wow," Millard breathed out. I finally felt comfortable with my peculiar ability all thanks to Millard. I think I was able to subdue my ability due to strong emotions. It kind of explains the reason why my ability came when I was hurt, as a defense mechanism. I haven't touched someone after that (until Millard touched my cheek) but I also think that since I was so scared my ability was constantly 'on'. When Millard made me feel accepted and loved, that was when it turned 'off'.

Millard wrapped his arm around my waist and we slowly fell asleep. I felt the best that I have in centuries.

"J-Jacob?!" I exclaimed out my eyes watering.

"Heeeeeeey (y/n)," He spoke out awkwardly. "How've ya been?"

"That's the first thing you have to say to me after you disappeared?" I shouted, some tears falling down my cheeks. "I was so scared."

"I'm sorry about that (y/n)," He breathed out, he sounded truly sorry. "I didn't mean to scare you all like that. But I'm here now...I also have a favor to ask you."

I stayed silent trying to comprehend what the hell was going on.

"Uh...please don't be mad," He started. "But do you think my friend could stay with you?"

"..." I had no words for how angry I felt at that moment. Did he even know how terrified and sad I felt when he was gone? And now he's just asking for a favor like nothing happened.

"N-now before you -"

"Jacob Portman," I growled out. "You have no clue what you put me through and then you have the audacity to ask me for something like nothing ever happened."

"I really am sorry (y/n)," He pleaded. "But this is a big deal and my friend really needs a place to stay...but lets just say he wouldn't be accepted anywhere and I know how nice you are."

I let out a sigh, "Fine but only because I love you."

"Thank you!" He exclaimed out. "I'll make it up to you I swear!"

"When is your friend going to be here?" I asked out.

Yet the other side was silent.

"...Jacob," I whined out knowing his silence wasn't good.

"We may be outside your door right now..." Jacob trailed off.

I stood up and pulled up my pants and smoothed out my shirt. I definitely wasn't ready for a person to come over at the moment. I tossed on a hoodie and made my way to the front door. Brushing my fingers through my hair I opened the door. Yet I was confused because I only saw Jacob standing there holding a suitcase.

He smiled shyly and waved a bit, "Hey."

I glared at him, "Well, where's your friend?" Jacob looked to his side at nothing and nodded his head.

"Hello, I'm Millard Nulling, at your service ma'am," Someone said. Someone who wasn't visible.  Someone who had no light reflecting off of them, or maybe the light passed through them? Yet I know that that's not possible. Th-this has to be sort of joke.

"He's invisible," Jacob chimed in.

"Is this a prank?" I asked crossing my arms. "Are you trying to become one of those stupid prank channels that are always clearly fake?"

He glared at me, "No this is real, I thought you would be more accepting."

"Wha!" I exclaimed. "Are you trying to guilt me now?! You do know that invisible people aren't exactly the norm so you must understand my disbelief!"

"I'm sorry to have disturbed you miss," Millard the invisible boy apologized. I felt bad for how I treated him and let out a sigh.

"I'm sorry if I offended you Millard," I apologized. "And please, call me (y/n)." Opening the door wider I invited the two boys into my house.

"Do you live here alone?" Millard asked.

"Yeah, my parents got me my own apartment cause I was apparently too much of a bother," I explained shrugging.

"Oh."

"You'll sleep in the guest bedroom," I said pointing out a door to my left. It opened, letting me know this was all real and happening.

"Thank you," He thanked taking the suitcase from Jacob. "You're very kind to house someone like me." I felt my heart crush at how he must feel so alienated in a world like ours. Jacob was right, Millard wouldn't be accepted anywhere, anywhere but here. I will make sure Millard felt like he belonged here and this was a true home.

"I have to get going now," Jacob said. "My parents don't like me being out of their eyesight much anymore."

"I wonder why," I stated sarcastically. "I'm glad your back and safe," I spoke softly pulling him into a big hug. He hugged back and then left after. I turned around facing the room which I think Millard still was in.

"Well Millard," I smiled. "Would you like a tour?"

"Of course!" He exclaimed. "Do you think it could wait a moment though? I should get changed first."

"Oh...OH!" I realized what that meant and felt my cheeks warm up. "U-uh yeah," I stuttered looking away from the room and closing the door. So I have been talking to him while he was nude this entire time, great. After a few seconds the door opened and there stood floating clothes. Old fashioned clothes. Very old fashion.

"I'm ready," Millard said slightly breathlessly.

"Well then follow me and I'll show you around," I smiled. I walked around the big apartment showing him the different rooms. I ended the tour with, "Welcome to your home Millard."

"My...home," Millard repeated.

"You are living here now so this place is yours as much as it is mine," I grinned opening my arms out. "Now how about a hug?" I noticed the shoulders of his jacket tensed and I didn't want to seem too pushy. I let my arms fall slightly but Millard was quick to take the hug that I offered him. He was still tense and awkward but the hug was sweet none the less. We pulled away and a sudden question filled my mind.

"How did you and Jacob meet? And do you know where he disappeared off to?" I asked moving to sit on the couch with Millard sitting next to me.

"Well it's a long and unbelievable story," Millard stated.

"I think I could believe anything you tell me," I laughed. "Plus I got time."

That started Millard's truly unbelievable story, and I believed every word he told me.