#pet tiny

“-Rip your toenails out one by one if I had the chance!” Richter spat. Alright, his tirade was unfair. He wasn’t sure what he expected when he stepped out into the open. He guessed just to be looked at? Possibly talked to? That he could have handled so close. Instead, he found himself hating the man outside the window.

“Couldn’t have just kept your grabby hands to yourself. You’ve earned every single bite you got!” He threw his hands down on his knees and stood up. It was irrational, but the whole thing had to be the giant’s fault. He didn’t blame him for the kidnapping that was probably well out of the bearded bastard’s control. He did however blame him for the most recent loss of dignity.

He spent the morning pouting and pacing around the house again. He tried to make sense of the books, failed, and stuffed them back in place. He tried to tidy the place or rearrange it in his own fashion. It occurred to him that years spent sleeping under any sort of stable roof, on the floor made him a poor housekeeper.

Any decompressing action he took just frustrated him more. In the end, he had only one real source of entertainment. He sat and watched the giant. Who in turn, only showed himself a few times, at least at an angle Richter could see from the house.

He had no real sense of time. He was aware quite a bit had passed however. Because his keeper was in and out of the room every so often. He had no choice but to assume it was the afternoon by now. He was starting to wonder when the next feeding time was. As his stomach was starting to tighten.

Richter groaned. He wanted something to occupy himself with. All he had so far was looking outside. There was a perfect track for jogging outside. The likelihood of being grabbed was too high though. He could only sit with his own thoughts so long. His eyes stared wistfully at the jogging track. Longing and fury built in his chest.

His frustration rekindled, and he stormed into the kitchen and grabbed himself a glass of water. He tried to decide if talking to the big guy was even helpful. If for no other reason, it was probably better for his mental health. He slumped against the counter with his back facing the clear wall. Light filtered in, but it lacked the warmth of a nice sunny day.

It also didn’t change position like it did outside. He found himself missing the clear sounds of the abandoned city. Silence didn’t happen. Not really. Even now, he could hear bird song outside his cage. Which made no sense because he was in a house, inside another house. He assumed. He’d been asleep when they arrived so he had no real concept of his master’s dwellings.

Maybe the birds were normal? He spun about and managed to catch a glimpse of them picking at the lawn outside. He couldn't help but laugh incredulously. There were actual sparrows outside. They fled when they saw him, and he couldn’t help but try and follow them.

They were well gone by the time he got outside. Though the giant spun about to look at him. Richter used the open doorway to shelter himself a bit, but kept his gaze outside for the animals. It was the first sense of familiarity he’d had since arriving.

When he was sure his little friends wouldn’t be coming back, he returned to his sulking. He sat in the kitchen and stared out the window. The birds were a surprise at first, but now, he could relate to them slightly. He too was dealing with something much larger than himself.

Idly he started to think about his situation. Maybe he was like the birds. Flighty and scared. Even if there was no real malice from the Jötun. He couldn’t help but compare himself to his apparent master. He meant no harm but the birds didn’t know that. They didn’t know he wasn’t going to chase and eat them. Or, maybe they did, but still thought of him as a big terrifying monster. He could relate.

Out the window, the Jötun watched him. Leaned quietly against the wall and staring into the enclosure directly at him. He really wished the big guy wouldn’t stare so. With a huff, Richter slid from the bench to the floor. He rested on his belly and relished in the cold texture.

Interestingly enough, when he stopped leering, the animals returned. Richter’s attention snapped back to them, and he made an effort to be smaller. Quieter. Even that movement spooked them. Thankfully they didn’t flee this time though. He supposed he really was like his avian friends. Only he couldn’t fly away. If he could, he wouldn’t even be here.

They flitted about and dug for worms. Though he was unsure if they’d find any. He wasn’t even sure sparrows ate worms. They lacked the sharp beaks that robins carried. Richter wondered if they were even supposed to be in the house. The giant gave no response to them, but let his hand droop into the enclosure. Richter was ready to watch the animals scatter again, but they paid him no mind.

Perhaps he was too big for them to fathom, or maybe they were accustomed to him. He was almost envious if that was the case. Slowly he scooted a little closer, and again, the birds were gone. Richter grumbled softly. He never had time to master the art of birds, he supposed.

Hunting, yes. Mostly urban hunting. His parents never dared to leave the city when he was travelling with them. His father thought the monsters were more numerous out there, where they could move freely. It was actually more likely to be the opposite, now that Richter gave it thought. The dense trees outside of the city made for better hiding and hunting.

It was too late to think about now. Richter shut his eyes. He could hear the creature above him cluck his tongue, and chose to ignore it. No point in paying close attention. He only reacted when the monstrosity cheered out loud. He snapped to attention and stared horror when he saw the back of the giant’s hand beside him.

Richter jerked violently to the side, and spat more curses at the brute. He rolled almost under the bench by the time he stopped to analyze the situation. When the hand didn’t approach or move at all, Richter played the situation out in his mind. He was inside the shelter, not in the yard. The Jötun was on the other side of the wall. Richter’s shoulders relaxed, and he let his eyes shut. This was acceptable.

He could live with slow exposure therapy. Richter was still halfway across the room, but he could stay there. It was about then he realized the Jötun was talking at him. His tone was high pitched and cheery. Slowly Richter pieced the idea together in his mind, and laughed. “Are you... Praising me?” He chuckled incredulously.

When the jötun brightened up and got a little louder, he shook his head. Probably something along the lines of ‘good boy’ or something like that. “You titanic nerd.” He snorted. Richter’s head lolled to the side as he rested his chin on his folded arms. He stared out the window softly.

He had to consider this situation as though he were the giant. Like with the birds, his master probably meant him no harm. On that note, if the constant grabbing weren’t so intrusive, he could actually see it as being enjoyable. The giant’s grip was broad and warm. He was careful not to squish Richter even when he’d fully encased the man.

The hand came a little closer, and Richter again tensed. His eyes locked warily on the giant as the dreaded enclosing fingers came to rest. Again, Richter could relax. His body slowed down and he settled into a comfortable position.

He started to feel himself drift off, sleep overtook him slowly. Until the giant clucked his tongue again. Richter snorted and clicked his own tongue back mockingly. He scooted out from under the bench, and looked to the wall. There was an entire hand covering the glass wall now. Richter’s gut churned uncomfortably. He shook his head and backed further away.

He was certain he wasn’t about to be grabbed. The brute wasn’t about to reach through glass. Nor was he reaching for the panel to open the wall. It made no sense what so ever to flatten your hand against the enclosure just to reach in anyways. He was already caught and couldn’t get any more ‘in captivity’ than this. So the Giant wasn’t about to snatch him up. Logically he knew he was safe.

Yet he couldn’t shake the association. He’d been snatched up by store employees and his initial captors so often that the sight of an open hand was disconcerting. He put as much space between them as he could. Once he backed into the counter, he started to climb it just to get distance.

The Jötun retracted his hand as though it had been burned. To be fair, Richter could still see the red mark from where he’d bitten down. He winced guiltily at that. Some things he couldn’t deny. The fact that he’d bitten the giant was one of them.

Come to think of it, the other was that he’d seen actual magic again. Seeing a gryphon and a mermaid had been one thing. Those paled, however, in the face of actual spells being slung about. It was hardly the first time he’d seen or experienced magic. The lights dancing around the ceiling were proof of that. He’d been pinned and had something done to him before as well. Some sort of spell he had no context for.

None of it compared to what his master just did. He’d absolutely been hurt from the fall down the stairs. Then miraculously, it was gone. The pain, the shock, even the residual damage. He was pretty sure he’d at least have scrapes on his chin from the embarrassing fall. Yet there he was, unharmed and unhindered. A hapless brute wouldn’t bother to notice such things.

Richter rubbed the back of his neck anxiously. He couldn’t exactly apologize out side of actively touching the spot he’d bit. That option was too out of the way right now. He wouldn’t be able to handle it. Instead he took a breath, and slid slowly off the counter top.

They hadn’t known one another long. His heart was still jackrabbiting any time he saw the big guy. But he knew when he was in the wrong. He took a breath, and scratched the short hair on the back of his neck while he spoke.

“I...I know you can't understand me. Other wise, this is the sickest joke I've ever seen. But you have to know that I need time.” He folded his arms around himself.

“I’m not an egotistical maniac. I can admit I’m scared. I don’t like this. I don’t want to be coddled and cooed at. I don’t want to be stared at all the time and picked up and told I’m a ‘good boy’ or what ever. But I don’t have a choice here.” He started to pace as he spoke.

They were both intelligent beings and he had to think of it like that. “Just don’t be a dick. Please?” The jötun was already walking away, having taken Richters food tray. He slumped. At least he’d get to eat. That was a bonus to being ignored. If it was anything like before, he’d be glad for the meal.

When the tray was slid back in place, he found it piled with new delights. More vegetables, but also fruit, and some small bits of jerky that he’d had in the store. He was about to go for the table until the jötun clicked his tongue again. Richter paid him full attention this time. Confused.

Apparently that was the correct answer, because the big guy smiled at, and praised him. A moment later the tray was pulled away, and something more was placed on it. Once it returned, Richter found himself staring at a small, round cake of some sort.

He was pointed to his meal, and the giant left his sight. So treats were on the table. Quite literally. Richter shrugged, and sat down to eat. Operant conditioning aside, he was genuinely glad that food at least was readily available.

With a huff, he decided to start with desert first. The cake just about melted in his mouth. He hadn’t tasted vanilla since he was twelve, and only found himself enraptured by the rediscovered flavour. It was sweeter than he was used to, and spongy like a proper pastry. It lacked some of the undertones that were burned into his memory, but he’d sworn he was just taken back in time via his sense of taste.

Of course it didn’t help that he was in a climate controlled building with no threat of muggers or predators. With a sigh, he watched outside the garden. The birds were back, and it finally started to make sense. They were like flies. You never knew how a fly got in the house, but there was always at least one every year. They probably slipped in through the door.

A house this large likely had plenty of food scraps they could subside on. More over, they were so small the big guy hardly had to worry about them. He almost appeared to enjoy their presence. He supposed if flies sang so beautifully humans would mind them less too.

With a sigh, Richter came to a grim realization. He’d go mad if he didn’t step out of the shelter at least once. It was worth at least stepping out when the unnamed master was out. A groan tore from his throat. “This is going to suck.”

He finished his meal and exited the house once he was sure the jötun was out of sight. Of course the back wall was solid, so ‘out of sight’ was more like ‘either out of the room or just behind the house’. He stepped onto the grass, and almost instantly he heard the shifting of the jötun behind him. Richter debated on springing back inside, but the last time didn’t end well.

There was a stain in the grass below his feet. Copper red. He probably split his chin on his fall. With a wince, he rubbed his own chin. Sure enough some crusty material came up on his fingertips. What he wouldn’t give for a pocket mirror.

He contented himself with sitting in the doorway, and watching with discomfort as his master took his food dish. The giant crossed the room, but beyond the high walls Richter could only see the top of his head. He could hear water, and the dish smashing noisily. He chose to lay his head on his knees. He wanted to explore the whole area but couldn’t bring himself to be so exposed again.

The garden was beautiful now that he took the time to look at it. The bushes bore fruit, the tree was in flower. The birds tapped his feet. Richter jumped, and frightened off the curious little feather balls. He slumped with disappointment.

A soft hiss alerted him to the fact he was being watched. The jötun sat with mild interest. Snickering at Richters failed attempt at bird watching. With dramatic flair, Richter dragged himself into the house. He was laughed at for his rebellion. Defeated, Richter shot him a middle finger, and stormed up the stairs. He glared at the step that carried a small splash of red.

The house was white. He hadn’t taken the time to think of it, but the stairs and lower floors were almost marble white. He scoffed. It would only be easier to see the mess that way. Possibly that was the point. Cleaning became easy if you saw every little splash and splotch.

His bedroom was a nice respite from the constant view of the larger world outside. He sat down and pressed his fingers to old scars. This would just become normal eventually. All things did. He hated change. Hated the unsure feeling of forces beyond his power acting on his life.

He wondered if his parents had a similar fate. Though he tried to push their memories back further, and further, he still thought of them. The terror in his mother’s eyes when their captor came. The angry shouts of his father while he hacked away at the beasts fingers with his hatchet. Richter’s mother had kicked him into a basement during the attack. Or, capture. Maybe they were still out there now.

Were they together still? Or did they get separated? Did they hold each other through these dark times? It was by far a better fate than drowning in a flooded river. He started to think of her. He shook his head violently. Better to deal with the giant right now than think of that. Richter forced himself to look out the tinted glass.

Sure enough, his Master was working on that book, looking down at him. He wondered what the man was even writing. He played with the idea. Hour whatever, the small angry thing took a nap. Further monitoring needed. He snorted and sat himself up. Probably was still calling him ‘Ricky’ in that damn book.

He tried to think of something less daunting. Maybe daydream. When he was a child, he went on adventures with his favourite cartoon characters in the private space of his mind. Until the world crumbled. Then they changed. Either about finding food during the lean times, or finding a community of people who skipped the collapse.

Now? He tried to think about something other than survival. That was almost guaranteed. He tried to think of the future, but saw nothing. Nothing he could definitively say ‘that’s probably going to happen’. Instead he thought of the immediate moment. With a miserable shrug, he realized that he was going to take a long time to adjust.

~

“Just once I wish these sorts of things were better handled. Why does it fall to the curious to explore every aspect of the world?” He tapped his pen irritably on the pages. What was he supposed to write that hadn’t already been said? Ricky was quite determined to avoid him. Though he did respond if prompted.

A sharp ache struck up Bear’s forearm. Unspent magic that sat just below his skin searched for an escape. A grim reminder that he had an actual job. A role that he’d been neglecting for a while. His time as a recluse was up. He’d have to return to his duties soon.

Being an elemental creature, Bear, as well as every other giant, had a role to play in his world. He bit his lip thinking about it. Other wars were fought, he’d fought in them. Never did they leave such a scar as the one fought between the true gods and the false dieties. The god war was long before his own birth and yet it still left shudders in the physical world.

Elements clashed violently, in an attempt to equalize and settle. They made waves that Trampled and devoured each other despite being the same force. Only after a god war would you find a desert surrounded by tundra.

Thus the need for Elemental giants to maintain some semblance of a boarder. Almost like dams in that thrashing tide. A wall to limit the damage. Without them, there would be no stability for life to flourish. It was indeed the lack of stability that led to many of the wars that occured.

Bear’s own forest was beginning to feel the ice from the neighbouring perimeter creep in. He could feel it. Unlike the natural sleep of winter, this was a biting chill that shook his bones. He gave a short prayer to the goddess of life, and stood. Time was up. He’d have to bite back.

The question was where to start. Bear made a small sketch of Ricky while he pondered his actions. Ricky himself was an unknown element to this. Where did his species fit in the natural order? Bear himself was responsible for nurturing the woods and wildlife. Did Ricky’s kind need to populate the land as well?

He drummed his fingers on the wall of the enclosure. That was until Ricky shouted at him. There was something strangely intelligent about the little stinker. It was like watching a grizzly figure out a complex puzzle. Gears were turning in that little mind.

He jotted down in his notes to try giving Ricky a puzzle to play with. It was probably best he took the time away. The break from his constant presence might encourage more natural behaviours. Though he hated to miss out on the little fellow’s exploration.

With a long suffering sigh, he stared into the enclosure one last time. Which must have upset Ricky, who promptly threw a pillow at the wall. The giant smirked. Bear wasn’t always the type to keep a pet. Aside from actual bears. They were more affectionate than they were given credit for. If not a bit sharper than Ricky. He stared at his bitten hand and huffed.

Ricky needed something to do. Other than being pestered by his overgrown master. So Bear stood. “You win, Ricky. Stay out of trouble alright?” He patted the wall twice, and walked away. He made his way out the door, and made a point to close it louder than usual.

The road wound before him, with the ever present crunch of debris under his feet. First order of business was to go and handle the encroaching cold from the mountains. He started west, and tromped his way to the mountain’s base. There he caught sight of the local ice giant. Though she tried to keep the wall back on her own, she was failing.

The freeze was turning the bark of the trees white. The leaves were a dully fatal brown. Several hadn’t even had the time to drop into hibernation. The worst of it was the rotted undergrowth. Visible only if he squinted, and invisible to any giant who didn’t know what to look for. Sometimes it paid to have a familiar, who could point things like that out. Who knew, he might need to consider a familiar someday.

She was young for a giantess. Only a fraction of his age. Created from sheer snow and ice, her body gleamed in the sunlight. Sparkling like fresh snow. She wore something like a rough tunic, with a large cloak of fur. Something she’d have spent ages to make.

He couldn’t help the guilt. He’d left this poor youngster to manage the whole thing for a little too long. Her hands were cracked from spending so much time outside of her frozen climate. The whole time she never complained, or tried to find him. Didn’t even send a messenger from the mountains. She just gave him time. He’d have to make this count.

Her cold blue eyes turned to him, and she huffed. “Took you a while old timer.” Ah, the impertinence of youth, he chuckled at her antics. The ice giant hurriedly scooped a couple of encroaching polar beasts into a fist. A snarl marred her features. Her frustration was more than understandable.

It wasn’t uncommon for animals to try and expand their territory. It was however, unusual for them to be so brazen in front of a carnivorous giant. He wondered if they knew she couldn’t focus on them for too long. He also debated on whether or not she’d devour them later. It took very little to keep ice giants full, but what they did take taught the younger, foolish ones the folly of expanding off the mountains.

They’d be uncontested if they were to breach into the temperate lands Bear oversaw. The climate was cool enough that the animals wouldn’t suffer the heat. The wildlife had no countering magic. Unlike the polar beasts they could not freeze the world around them. Just as magic warped the land, it warped the beasts of it. Meaning polar beasts were more than capable of stopping prey in their steps before even catching up physically.

She popped the animals into a pouch on her side and shot him a glare. Bear could only shrug. She could only make ice, make walls and breaks. She couldn’t restore what she failed to protect. That was his job. “Stand back pup. Let this old timer work.” He waved her off. With a stretch, he plunged both hands into the soil. It was still warm, probably from the efforts of the ice giant.

With a huff, he shoved as much innate magic into the ground. All about him new, green life sprung and forced the weakened ice back up the mountain it was contained on. Warm browns and shocking colours snapped from the earth. New flowers bloomed instantly in the surviving brush behind him. He shoved as much life into the ground as he could until nothing cold lasted in his border.

Satisfied with his work, he shook himself free of the dirt. Next, Bear collected the deadened trees from the Ice giants realm. “You’ve been gone a while.” She commented. She gripped a frozen tree and ripped it from the earth. “Every thing okay?” Her eyes grew more concerned as she spoke. She was young, but not foolish. He smirked and trapped the frost giant into a casual hug.

“All’s well. I’ve been preparing to take on a new pet is all. Yourself? I hear someone has been trying to steal your heart away.” He winked at the giantess and saw her flush a deeper blue. He could hardly remember her name. Though he knew she was entangled with a black ice giant. One who left invisible, impossibly cold stains at the highest points of their landmass. She welcomed him into her home. Both shared sides of the territory to manage.

The woman shoved herself hard from his form. With an awkward cough she turned her back on him. “Yeah well. He’s... Gods above and below Bear, don’t make me get all mushy. He’s nice. Alright. He’s nice.” She rubbed the back of her neck.

“You should tell him that.” He grinned. “Honesty is the best way to a healthy love life.” He bumped her hip. The woman rolled her eyes and shoved the older giant into the snow beside her. He was larger, but hardly cared to romp about like some young beast. The crack of ice and snow sounded below him.

“I don’t need relationship advice from someone who hasn’t even TOLD his intended.” She scoffed. It was his turn to grow red in the cheeks. Well, green. He couldn’t actually flush red.

“Now hold on a minute young lady. That’s not-” He ended up with a face full of snow.

“Don’t start. We all see it. You’ve known each-other for centuries now.” She rolled her eyes. “And for the gods favour stop dropping off the face of the earth like that. We debated on scrying just to make sure you were still alive.”

‘We’. That was a word he still had trouble grasping. The land around him was so vast for his part. But there were communities. He could name at least two more forest giants around. The lady behind him was also a neighbour, and her new partner. They had two fire giants nearby as well. Keeping the heart of their lands. They visited sometimes. Particularly around festivals. But for the most part, they were passing faces.

Giants spend most time solitary. They visited one another as friends, sometimes even joined territories to create something new. For the most part though, there was just no need to stay so close. It was kind of them to at least think of him.

Bear glared at her flatly. “You know, knocking exists. You could indeed, just visit.” He shook the snow out of his beard and scoffed. “And I’m not going to tell him squat. He’s shown no interest in me so there ain’t much point to it. Kiddo.”

The giantess stared at him flatly. Then burst into laughter. “Did you forget my name again? Going senile or something?”

“It’s been a decade since we last spoke. Scorn me.” He chuckled. He was starting to wish he’d had been a better neighbour. Satisfied with the overall management, Bear turned back to the woods. Neither of them were too concerned about his forgetting her name. He’d remember it eventually.

The woman spun about and shouted after him. “Tell him you idiot! The whole range has been waiting for you two to finally say something!” He sped out of earshot. His relationship with his long time friend was no business of the whole damn community. There were at least seven or eight Giants in the area. Making it awkward with one would only bring him trouble. Thus, he chose not to act on his feelings for Archibald.

The two had gone to war along side one another. When Archibald went missing for too long, it had been Bear who demanded his rescue. They found him inside a mountain, battling with a score of sun-elves. They’d tried to take up smithing from the magical stone that grew off the giant. Almost managed to pin Archibald down and properly chain him for mining.

As it turned out, nothing an elf could forge could not hold a giant down. Archibald had rooted through the whole mountain, snatching up his attackers. That had been a grim day for elf kind. When the dust had settled, the found Archibald lecturing his captives.

The iron wars were started from a logical place. Iron was poison to elves. Dwarves mined it and brought it readily into the surface. Conflict was bound to happen. It just happened a bit more violently than anticipated. No one expected the sun elves to start it. They also hadn’t expect them to try and turn on the giants. That was what started their involvement. Giants, dragons and other elementals hardly ever joined wars unless provoked. The kidnapping of three giants sure as hells provoked them.

While he ruminated on this, the sprawl of woodland around him thinned. The forest giant stumbled over a stump. Bear glanced to the bared earth below. Another patch of untended land. Something had taken the trees in a strange way. They were cut clean, mere stumps in the earth. He couldn’t think of a creature that took wood in such a way. He shook his head in confusion. New critters? Just one more thing to look into.

Perhaps he needed to be more proactive in his tending of the land. Things had fallen into so much disrepair. Bear would have to walk about and double check on the state of affairs more frequently.

He dropped one of the deadened logs onto the ground, and crushed it underfoot. With a sprinkle of magic, the land started to consume the rotted tree. Probably would become a nice meadow. Though he wondered what had taken the trees in the first place.

He stepped carefully to watch for any flushed out animals. Perhaps the culprits were among the dense woodland. For the most part he caught glimpses of birds, deer, and tiny creatures he could hardly comprehend. He’d had them described to him, but could never actually make them out.

He returned to the warp gate and stepped through. Fresh timber was good nesting material for certain dragons. As well as good feasting material for his own people. He brought it into a market stall to sell. From there, he returned to the pet shop.

A simple puzzle was best for now. He stepped into the building and came face to face with the same employee. “Mr Heart! Welcome back. Is your pet to your liking? Or were you looking to get him some company?” The young giant scampered around the counter.

Bear could catch just a glimpse of a glass cage. Inside was a familiar face. One of the elves he’d fought back in the war. “Is that... Avari?” The elf spun about. His ears pinned back, and he gave his biggest hiss. It was him alright. Same blonde hair loose at his shoulders. Same bad attitude. Though Bear couldn’t blame him much. He had been at the forefront of the war it’s self.

He’d been there, when the giants ended their bloodless campaign, and chose to simply end things. It had happened after a particularly nasty fatality. One Bear could not accept. Giants ended things peacefully if possible. However, it was never a guarantee. Which many beings forgot until the iron war.

Bear clearly remembered the bite of the elf’s weapon in his ankle. The sting of loosed magic snapping through his tendons in an attempt to wound him. Just enough to prevent the giant from moving. There was a sickening satisfaction that it hadn’t worked. That his body didn’t allow him to falter.

Avari likely only did what he did to survive. There was no ill will towards the elf. Though he still couldn’t help but feel bitter about the whole situation. Bear watched him now, as he stared into the giant’s eyes with recognition. There was a hint of fear in his body language. Although it was subtle, probably due to the size of the man.

“Oh, yes. He’s a surrender. He um... Tried to murder his last master.” The younger giant tapped his fingers together. “No more similar sized masters for him. I’m afraid. Though you two seem to know one another, it might be a good match if-”

Bear held up a hand to stop him. “We’ve got bad blood. I don’t think it’s in either of our best interest to make that arrangement.” He shook his head. He could hear the elf protesting much the same. With more swearing and far more hissing. He found elf hisses to be the funniest thing. They were tiny, and cute. Sad that they only really came from true hatred and terror.

With a nod of recognition, Bear passed by Avari. The sun elf hissed again, refusing to speak like an actual person to him in particular. Honestly he reminded Bear of Ricky. With less biting. Perhaps Avari would have been a more agreeable choice. He snorted at his own private joke.

“Getting my scamp a puzzle. Any recommendations?” He tried to include the youngster. Who, in turn, leaped at the chance to be helpful to his hero. Thankfully the boy had been dissuaded from any further pushing of another pet. The fresh giant brought up a list of puzzles and toys. One was a strange wooden structure, made into a dome of open windows.

“We’ve seen these where Scamps tend to hang around. The one’s we’ve found appear to be a metal of some sort. But we can’t really have that around the elves. So we’re trying shaped wood. Grown by giants like yourself!” He held it out. “They love to climb on top of these things! Some of the other critters like it too. Griphons love to perch on them.”

As if to prove his point, an indignant squawk dragged both their attention. A griphon had been climbing on it’s own little dome when it’s cagemate chased it off and sat atteh very top above it. They launched into a play chase around the enclosure. The dome ended up in his basket not long after.

With a chuckle, he took a glance at the scamp section. Just to see if any behaved like Ricky. A few did. Mostly males. Others hid. He laughed as one threw his entire bedding at the glass. So throwing objects was absolutely part of the behaviour.

Some of the enclosures now carried more enrichment, and he took note of the most used toys. Most of it was improvised from different animals. A large ball was being thrown at him by an adult. Some soft fabric tents were being hidden beneath. There was an odd individual who just sat and stared, holding a stuffed toy to his chest. Unconcerned by anything around him.

It was during his inspiration walk that Bear spotted his first youngster. It stayed close to the adult with it. He couldn’t discern whether the young one was male or female. The adult, however was female. She shoved the child behind her and balled her fist. He chose to back away.

“Oh those two? The ones who sold them to us say they were caught separately. But the little one clung to the adult so closely that we decided they’re a package deal.” The young cashier smiled. “I wish we knew where the actual parent was though.”

“Might have been orphaned. Though it is interesting that they’ll adopt unrelated young.” Bear commented. He chose a few small toys. Though he oped out of the tents for now. Stuffed animals were added to the selection though. One gripphon toy caught his eyes. A fluffy bundle of feathers on a stick. That too, was put into the basket.

With is new puzzles in tow, and a bath set up, Bear paid for his trinkets. Avari scoffed from his position. He took note of the scars on Bears hand. A satisfied smile spread over his features. “I hope your pet never stops biting you.” The elf spat. It had almost been a century since he’d last heard that hateful voice.

Yet he felt he deserved the scorn it carried. “And I hope you heal from the things apologies cannot mend.” Bear sighed. Avari hissed at him one final time, and threw him a rude gesture for good measure. He shut himself in a little tent to hide away.

With that, Bear gathered his new gifts for Ricky, and made his way back home. He wished the elf well, even if they were bitter towards one another. Bear found it hard to forgive the attempted hamstringing. At least at the beginning. Not one elf death had happened when Avari tried it. In fact, it was that action that cemented the deal. Bear still would rather see the little guy in a safe situation.

The war had come to mind a lot this day. It would probably be a bad night for sleep then. It always was when the memories came back. With a scoff, Bear sped up. He’d worry about that later. Or better yet, not at all. He wouldn’t let himself dwell on it this day. He’d feed Ricky, and give him toys, and watch him be happy and thrive.

Even if his heart was trying to beat faster. Even if the spot where he’d been struck in battle itched. Bear chose to block it out. He held it firmly with one hand. He quickened his pace. If he just got home fast enough, he might be able to catch Ricky outside of his shelter. That was a nice thing to think about. Ricky was his focus now. Ricky, and the forest.

His two responsibilities he could make his priority. If he could tame Ricky down enough, he might even be able to combine the two. He entertained the idea of carrying the little fellow along while tending his forest. A worthy distraction. He wondered if Ricky was much of an explorer.

~

It wasn’t as though Richter was ungrateful. In fact, he was more than delighted to have what he did. But being stuck like he was, he couldn’t deny it would be good to freely enjoy the sun again. Drink a proper cup of coffee. Hell. He could even go for a second romance if he were given the chance.

Instead, he enjoyed his small semblance of normal among the expanse of Bears house. Mostly keeping to his original habitat while his housemate traversed each room with ease. He took long breaths, watching as the lights flickered out for the night. They exchanged their nightly parting and soon, Richter shut his eyes.

Sleep was far from available, however. He wanted so badly to just drift off for the night. Leave these concerns for his breakfast and discuss them with Bear. Alas, sometimes those wants just would not come to fruition. It was exactly that fact that was concerning him.

He wanted so badly to do right by his people. Cut them out of the responsibility act. He might have been content with the way his life was going. So many others, however, weren’t. If he could just give them the chance to break free...

Richters thoughts drifted back to Avery. The tired expression he wore during their last conversation. He could call. Bear had given him a small orb with all the spells in place. However it was late. Avery probably was asleep by now. Or at very least he was trying to sleep. Richters eyes fell on the clear wall.

Nothing was normal any more. There was always that tense weight in the air, reminding him that anything he worked for seamed to go AWOL not long after. With a huff, Richter shot up. Stormed down the stairs, and poured himself a glass of water. Trying to clear his mind.

No use. He was on the train of thought now. Never mind the fact that they were down a single person to actually start the process. No. The rest would lie on his fellow humans themselves. People he didn’t even know. Either raised in an apocalyptic situation, or forced into one while rearing their own kids.

Some were just born into it. Those were probably the lucky ones. They didn’t know there was better. Richters eyes landed on the half full glass in his hands. Hypnotized by the clear fluid, the way he could see right through it. A stark contrast to his thoughts.

Somewhere along the lines, a muffled voice called from his living room. Startling him. Richter strode, water in hand to the sounds of another persons voice. The orb sat atop his table, Avery’s face reflected in it. He gave a small grin to the image, sitting across from it. “God. It’s like you know when I want to talk.”

“Yeah, well. I just needed to chat.” The image shrugged. “You’re usually up for it. Least I didn’t have to send an orb this time. Spoiled lil’ shit.”

Richter burst into soft laughter. Leaning into the sofa with his water in hand. He motioned for Avery to continue. This was a welcome distraction. They spoke for a long while. Mostly about their giants. Avery had plenty to say about Leva. As it turned out, she adored the moody elf. Even if he attempted to convince her otherwise.

“Anyways. What’s up with you? Ain’t it past your bedtime?” Avery concluded. Richter fidgeted with his glass. Long since emptied of it’s contents. He set it beside the orb and huffed. Finally, he spoke up. Emptying his mind of all the worries that kept him up that night.

“Honestly? I’m pretty nervous about this whole thing with the papers. Like. We only need one more talking human to prove our point. But we don’t know any one else. Even after that, well... There’s no guaranteeing my own people won’t fuck it up.” He ran a hand through his hair with a groan.

Avery sat away from the orb, crossing his arms in thought. “So you’re worried about your freedom?” He tilted his head slightly. A lopsided grin on his sharp features.

“Kinda’. I mean. We’re going through all the right channels sure, but would you trust complete strangers who’re in a panic situation?” They both let out a shudder. Avery finally pancaked a hand in the air with a shrug.

“Don’t worry too much about it. If you don’t win it, come see me. Alright? I can stand Williams presence for an hour at least.” The elf waved his concerns away with a smile. “I mean, it’s not the end of the world.”

“Oof. Bad joke man. Bad joke.”  At Avery’s confusion Richter sighed. Leaning his head back into the cushions of the sofa, he explained. “I literally survived an apocalypse.”

That seamed to be enough. The emerald eyed being nodded slowly. His left ear perked up, twisted, then returned to place. Shutting his eyes, Avery massaged the bridge of his nose. “At least now you can make a damn call. Lev’s a sweet heart but gods. I can’t even turn around without her ogling at me.  No privacy.”

It was getting late now, the two men continued their conversation for a long while as it turned out. Richter ended up passing out part way through their chatter. Blissfully unaware Avery was still sitting there. Laying his head on his arms, the elf watched him sleep.

It wasn’t until early morning that Richter even knew he was out. The call long since ended. Bear was tapping lightly against his door. “Come on lil’ guy. Up ya get.” Richters eyes found the massive puff sporting from Bears chin. He stuck out his tongue, and rolled over.

It wasn’t the first time they’d had such an exchange. The access hatch dropped open, and Richter ended up flailing in a loose grasp. “Bear! I swear to god I will bite you again!”

“So bite. I don’t feel it any how.” The man huffed, folding his arms as he was toted around the house.

Breakfast was... Okay. Richter kept sipping his tea with small thoughts here and there travelling to Avery. Why did he want to see the human if things went poorly? He sighed. Leaning his head back against Bears teacup. It shifted away from him a moment, leaving the minuscule man to lay face up on the saucer.

“Mh. Sorry... You about ready to get dressed? I wanted to take you to the store today.” At that, Richter scarfed the last of his meal and stood. Dusting off what crumbs fell onto him. He was easily transported back to the plastic hut, and had time to choose something close to his liking.

“Why do you want me with you?” He inquired, struggling into a mint green polo.

Bear hummed. Leaning on the enclosure wall with his back turned to Richter. “Figured you’d want to pick something to wear for the interview.”

“Yeah alright. But if I start talking in public, won’t that cause a ton of questions to come up? Ready to go.” Richter stood fully dressed beside the wall.

“You forget, the translation spells only work if you want to be heard.” With that, it was final. The two made their way out the door with little time to spare. The store would be far too busy within the hour. And neither Richter nor Bear were particularly social people if given a choice.

Richter was seated comfortably in Bears pocket while they made their way to the daunting warp gate. He eyed the crackling structure with pure, unadulterated hatred. Falling back into the giants pocket with a growl. “Tell me when it’s over.”A quaking shudder told him Bear was laughing.

*

Poor Richter had never been the best with the travel gates. Neil seamed to love them enthusing about how marvellous the magic behind them actually was. But Richter cursed the things out with a passion. Bear wondered if it was a bad experience or the general feel of them that upset the human so.

Aside from that, the trip seamed to be going well. Richter picked out a few small items and a well fitting suit for the meetings ahead. He was making a show of turning this way and that to test the suits flexibility when another voice piped up. “Well look at that.”

Both men stared directly at a familiar giantess, daughter in tow a tiny grumbling red head peeking from the little girls front pocket. The mother smiled towards them. “He looks practically domesticated! We’ve only just recently got Skippy relaxed about handling.”

“It’s MARY dammit!” The tiny woman shrieked from her position. Bear didn’t understand the words, but he heard the fury. Richter, however, had no such filter. He openly winced at the womans harsh tones. Waving a calming hand in her direction.

“Hey... It’s nice to see you again. Mary.” Three faces turned to him. With the fourth member turning her head away arrogantly.

“W- Sir.... Did that come from HIM?” Richter clapped a hand over his mouth, face shifting from tense, to mortified. “Oh gods! It did.”

Bear shushed her sharply. “Listen, we’re working on it. Ricky’s only recently translated. But... Well it looks like there’s another intelligent race out there.” He grimaced. Gesturing to the man to his left. Richter just cleared his throat and waved.

The small child was on him in a second. Hands slamming down on either side of the human and a gap toothed smile blooming in his direction. “Hi mister! I’m Janette. And this is Skippy! Or... We called her that. What’s her real name? Can you tell me?”

“Oh uh... She says her name is Mary.” He answered, probably thankful for the sound proofing on his translation spells.

“You mean you can understand these bastards? Good fucking luck getting them to listen.” Mary folded her arms.

“There’s such thing as a translation spell you know?” Richter snapped in her direction.

“Don’t yell at Mary!” The girl piped up.

“Can we... Please take this discussion somewhere more discrete?” Bear suggested. Reaching to pluck Richter from his place.

They moved to a little hill in the centre of a park, sitting under a small god-oak. Away from prying eyes and ears. The small collective recounting the events that everyone had gone through. Mostly Richter. Finally, the mother, Agatha leaned back. Long timbers that trailed along her arms and legs creaked with the movement. “So... You’re taking this to council right?”

“It’s the whole reason we were buying a suit mam.” Richter shrugged.

“Well, if Mary agrees to it, we’re in.” Her eyes turned to her daughter, who had tuned the conversation out completely in favour of chasing sparrows. “I have to set a good example. After all. Richter? Could you ask her for me?”

He chattered pleasantly, unwilling to be understood just then. The humans conversed before Mary turned to the surrounding giants, grinned, and nodded. Agatha reached down to scoop her, but hesitated, regret crossed her features. Bear patted her shoulder. “All good?”

“I basically just enslaved someone without knowing. Not all good.” She huffed.

“Oh trust me. I know the feeling.” He couldn’t help the grin, glancing down to Richter. The human, in turn just laughed awkwardly.

The trio of giants parted ways. And Bear made his way home. Richter tucked up tightly in his pocket. The travel gate shuddered as they approached. Then sparked and fizzled out. Bear huffed. “Looks like we’re waiting a hot minute for that.”

“What? Why? Did it run out of power or something?” Richter peeked over his pocket with a panicked whimper.

“No. Scheduled maintenance. Our timing was just off by an hour.” He sighed. Richter patted his chest, drawing the mans attention.

“Well. Bright side. We now have five people on board. So... We can proceed. Right?” Bear smirked, nodded, and made his way elsewhere.

“Hey, I’m wanting a coffee, you okay with hiding down there while I order one?” He trailed down a familiar street, with restaurants and coffee shops. Richter readily agreed and stuck himself back into his hiding place. Bear decided to just get one to go and wait in the park for an hour.

He made a point to get something kind of sweet for the day. It felt like a sweets kind of time. The air was just starting to get chilly, and Bear was aware he’d be growing in his winter coat. As well as taking Neil for a few months while Archibald hibernated.

He paused in thought. Tiny snores indicated Richter was out cold as he sipped his drink. Neil. By the end of all this, the man would probably have a home of his own. Little independent bugger. But what about Richter? Would he be warm and safe this winter? What about Midway? Would he celebrate it with everyone else?

A familiar whistle brought him from his thoughts. As Archibald came loping up the cobbled streets of the city. Grinning from ear to ear. A new set of tools in one hand. The other shoved in a pocket. Bear found himself perusing the mans apparel. Long sleeves as always, but as a welcome break, he was wearing red. An indicator he was in a good mood.

“What brings you out this far Will?” He patted Bears shoulder affectionately.

“Suit shopping for Ricky. Gate’s down. But we met someone else and got a fifth member for the council.” He smiled Archibalds grin only grew, and some pit in the giants heart fluttered to the surface. He was content though. He knew Arch was shy. Even a little closed off. So asking could scare him off.

“That’s amazing! Wait. Where is Richter?” An answering snort came from the bearded one’s pocket, then a louder snore. Archibald nodded with a little ‘oh’ on his lips. “Seams like we can’t get a moment without the boys eh?”

“Did you want to? I mean we could meet up for dinner some-” Bear jolted. So much for not asking until Archibald was ready. He gave a glance to his oldest friend. “Time.” He finished.

Archibald fussed. Before heaving a sigh. He made a motion with a finger to his chest. Then flicked it. A signal he wanted to be alone for an answer. Bear hated doing this, but he allowed his magic through him. A light blue glow illuminated his finger. He tapped his pocket. Sending Richter into a deeper, more content sleep. He made a point to affect the dreams so they were nothing but nice.

“There. We’re alone now.” He grumbled.

The meetings were the worst of it. Plenty of pre-council interviews. Now this. This was the last of it. Richter stood, tense as the council loomed over them. Five humans stood in front three giants, and an ogre. Facing the leaders of each speaking species. Richter took a breath, clasped his hands behind his back, and listened to the proceedings.

“So you see, great council, we feel our friends situation unfair. As it was created by an uninformed decision.” Bear spoke plainly. Hands resting on the table the five humans stood on. A large giantess, old and saggy, with great amounts of gold hanging from her person tapped her chin.

“So you say. Well, if these small ones can in fact speak, let them do so. We will proceed from there.” She waved towards the five, an encouraging smile on her features. “Go on. You have the floor.”

Richter cleared his throat, and took two steps forward. No more, no less. Otherwise it would be rude. “Thank you, councilwoman. My name is Richter M. Robinson from Ottawa. I was captured a few months ago, spent three in a shelter before I fell under the exceptional care of William B. Heart.” He began.

“Ye, ye, skip the formalities.” The ogre leader spoke, waving an impatient claw. He pointed to Neil. “You. Three thing you like, then your name. Now.”

Neil stammered, confused, before speaking up. “Oh, ah. I like to cook, and I enjoy learning. Not  like academic stuff but practical things. I’m... I’ve found a taste for channelling magic. My Name is Neil Carlos James Sir.”

“That’s a smart one. Red head, you’re up. One thing you like, followed by your name, and two things you dislike.” The ogre continued. Eyes level on the croud.

“Seriously? Okay. I like long walks through the fields in warm summers. My name is Mary Grace, no middle name. I hate snow and Calamari. That enough?” She folded her arms, shifting to her left in an airy way.

The questions continued on to Richters mother and father. Two things his father liked, then name and relation to the group. For his mother, two new facts that none of the five had said before. Then her name. She got bonus points for arguing the fact that her being Richters mother was something no one else claimed in the collective. And that it should be counted because of wording.

In the end, the small band of humans were asked to sit quietly while the council conferred. Eventually the Dwarven councilman stepped forward. “Alright. We’ll get started on a group examination. And we’ll call you in about a month with the results. You lot made it this far, so you can last that long.”

He patted Richters arm fondly. “I’m rootin’ for you buggers. It’ll be nice to have one more non magical race among the council. You’ll have to decide who among you five will stand on the council after this.” He gave a warm grin, nudging the humans towards their keepers.

Bear was the first to scoop his companion up, sitting Richter in his pocket stiffly. They said their thank yous and left the room silently. Richter, however, had a nervous churning in his gut. He knew this part was coming. Knew that he’d be sent away to wait on the social conduct of total strangers to decide what’s to be done with humanity.

Part of him wished he wasn’t one of the forerunners for this examination. If he were part of the test group, he’d be able to influence the results a little more. But there he was, seated in his little shelter, now with extra company. The other four had decided to stay with him. If only for now. Until they had the results.

Things were starting to look up though, and there was hope in his chest. The way the giants spoke of it, it almost sounded like the responsibility act was lifted already. Just a bunch of free humans starting to chat excitedly over their next step. The fact that the council had been so easily impressed made things look all the brighter.

His father turned around in the garden with a whistle. “Damn kid. It’s like nothing ever happened on your end. Got plenty of space away from the big brute.”

“Yeah. You’d think.” Richter smirked, glancing over the wall to where Archibald and Bear were seated at the table. Agatha and Janette left for home a little early. As it was the child’s bed time soon. Mary, on the other hand, chose to stay behind. That way they’d get word at the same time.

Worm could be heard laughing boisterously from somewhere among the china the pair served tea in. From the way Archibald flushed pink, it was apparent that there had been a raunchy joke somewhere in there. Probably didn’t translate for the rest of the house.

Richter led the house in dinner, and bed arrangements. Before sitting on the stairs to the plastic hutch. Waiting patiently for Bear’s nightly visit. A glass of water in hand Nothing changed really. Only now they spoke over tea late at night.

Only, nothing happened. Bear didn’t arrive. He probably didn’t want to wake the house. And so, Richter sat alone. Contemplating. He sipped gingerly from his glass and leaned on the steps. Watching the ceiling.

Something was going to happen. Something was going to change. And he had no idea how he felt about that fact. Hell, he didn’t even have a plan for his desired result. But it was so close within his grasp. Only a month away. He stared at his own hand, humming.

Slowly, he started deciding what he’d do with a free future. Away from this little garden, perhaps. Or he might forgo the idea and stay with Bear as a roommate. Perhaps he’d find love. Hook up with someone special. And regail his children about that time he lived as a pet hamster.

That last thought didn’t quite sit right. His stomach plummeted at the thought of taking on another woman after... No. He might adopt some orphan then. Give someone else the same chance at a better life. Perhaps he’d introduce the kid to Bear.

A shuffling caught his attention. Archibald was attempting to sneak through the kitchen. Buck naked with only a sheet covering his delicates. He was rummaging though the cabinets muttering about water. Richter stifled a laugh. A deeper whisper caught his attention.

“Need any help there bud?”

“You get your ass back to that bed and let me be awesome! I got this.” Archibald made a noise of triumph as he snagged a glass and poured a healthy helping of water into it. Before ‘sneaking’ back into the bedroom... Bears bedroom.

With the giants out of earshot Richter burst into a series of giggles. Muttering to himself. “About time.” Before turning back to his own glass. He rolled it in his hands before standing up, and dusting his knees off. More for effect than anything else.

So Bear would not be visiting tonight. That was probably fine. He was just glad the two were quiet. Hopefully after the glory and rose tinted joy of their passion wore off, there would be an enduring relationship. Richter wouldn’t mind living with Neil for a while.

And wasn’t there an option? Taking on a role as Bear’s Familiar. Neil often loved to show off his little magic tricks given to him through Archibald’s abilities. Richter wasn’t sure what Bear’s magic would bring to him, but it would give him something to do. That was an exiting prospect. He’d ask Bear about it in the morning. After ribbing him about Archibald of course.

Not much important happened over the month. Agatha and Janette visited daily, and the whole house stayed huddled together. Muttering excitedly when the month was up. They gathered around the communication orb and crowded in as it flickered to life. The giantess stood in it’s features.

She hid behind some large paper, and Bear grimaced. “This isn’t going to be good.” He whispered. Richter had no idea what he was saying. But the despair on the woman’s face said it all. She cleared her throat a few more times. Trying not to choke as she stayed firmly behind the papers.

“So... The evaluation is over.” She began hesitantly. “And I’m sure you’re all smart enough not to be fooled by my...Cheery disposition. So I’ll just cut to the chase.”

“We... We are still under the act. Aren’t we?” Richter bemoaned. His shoulders slumping. The woman behind the glass pulled the paper away. Eyes puffy and red.

“It wasn’t an easy decision. We’ve only had to make it once before. There’s no amount of apology that will make this right. But I’m sorry anyways.” She cleared her throat once more, warding away a fresh spring of tears. “You’ve been through so much. All of you. Too many of your people attacked the emissaries and even each other at some points.”

Richter’s father shoved him aside, snarling into the orb’s surface. “Dammit They were scared! Of course they’d lash out. Just... Just give them one more month! Just tell them what all this is about! They’ll cut the act!” He barked, slapping the rounded glass.

“We did. Halfway through examination we gave them the reason behind it. Or. We tried. They wouldn’t have it. In conclusion, humans are suspicious by nature. Timid. There is some good news behind this.” She forced a smile. “There’s a chance for a re-test, in a few generations. After things have settled.”

“Excuse me. GENERATIONS?!” The man slammed his hand on the nearest surface, evidently Archibald’s thumb. “So what you’re saying is ‘the great grand kids will be fine but you’re shit out of luck if you ever want to taste freedom again’ RIGHT?!”

“Evidently yes. On the bright side, there’s going to be some living improvements on your end! Mandatory translation spells, bathing facilities and private areas. A choice through out the adoption process so you’ll not have to live with someone you don’t like, and finally, the ability to join a-” She flushed scarlet. “Well to choose a mate if you so desire. OR NOT. But... Well there it is.”

“In addition, families will no longer be split up, we’re going to make a major effort to reunite children with their parents. Mated pairs-”

“MARRIED COUPLES....Please don’t make this worse than it is.” Richter’s mother interjected.

“Married couples will be reunited as well, at their request. Finally everyone will have access to a communication orb like this one, in order to contact relatives more readily.” The woman sighed, leaning back away from the orb.

“Again. I’m sorry. But some good did come from all this. Right?” There was a hush at the table, a few uncomfortable shifting, and some weak mumbling of complaint. “...Right. No making this better then. I’ll take my leave. Be well.” Her image flickered out. The house sat in a lull of shock and disbelief.

Neil cleared his throat first. Stepping up to speak. “Well. We all knew this was a possibility.” He sighed. Glancing at four faces like his own. Richters parents sat together, holding one another. Mary just huffed, sitting against the glass orb.

Richter, however.

*

“Just shut up Neil.” Richter’s voice sounded so tiny untranslated. He stood apart from the group. Holding his arms tightly to his side. Worry pooled in Bears gut, he almost wanted to reach out and hold the man. Comfort him. All he could see was that frightened little face in a pool of yellow towel.

“Richter? Do you-”

“Ricky’s fine.” The man interrupted. Making his way to the edge of the table, he dropped. Moving to walk away from the group. “I just want to be alone for a moment.” He glanced over his shoulder, nodded, then strode into the living room.

Bear knew exactly where he was going. Richter had a favourite spot under his sofa. Even pulled a few pillows down there. The man would curl up down there on bad days. Which prompted a protocol for these things. “Hey guys? Why don’t we all go our separate ways? I think we all need some time to parse this out.”

Neil gave Bear a long, accusing stare. If the blond man gave him a death glare, the man’s parents gave Bear a full on assault. He heaved a sigh and folded his arms defiantly, glaring down at the humans in a look that bartered no nonsense. “Go. You’ve all known him longer than I have. Yes. But I know Richter just as well as any of you. I’ll look after him.”

Archibald was quick to back the giant’s authority. Something Bear wondered about. Was this thanks to their developing relationship? Or because they’ve always worked as a team. Regardless, Neil found himself scooped back into that rock solid palm. With Worm and company hitching a ride on the growing rock shelves decorating his shoulders.

Mary sighed, before climbing Janette’s pigtails and perching on the child’s shoulder. “Well. At least some good came from that shiiiiiiiiiFT. Shift.” She side eyed the girl she was currently sitting with. The mother giving her a long suffering look.

“Good save.” Neil quipped from Archibald’s pocket.

The guests left the house, and soon it was just Bear and Richter again. The man strode along the house, filling a small saucer with warm milk and honey. A biscuit was dipped in the middle and nudged to the edge. Something for Richter to nibble while he was down there. A few bottles of water were collected as well.

These were all pushed under the sofa, a tiny chirp told him the offering was accepted. “Come on out when you’re ready. I’ll just be reading out here.” With that, Bear was curled on top of the same sofa. Waiting patiently for Richter to have his time. When he emerged, the human would be showered with good things until he stopped moping about.

Eventually he saw the bright yellow of the man’s shirt escape the floral pink of the sofa’s skirt. Attempting to drag the dishes out from under. Obligingly the giant reached down and pulled the china the rest of the way. Using his thumb to scoop Richter in the process.

“Feeling better?”

“No. And I probably won’t for a while. But... I can’t stay down there forever. I’ll depress the dust bunnies.”

“Excuse you? I sweep down there.”

“Not well enough. Seriously there’s a whole Safari down there.”

“Well maybe I should make you earn your keep then.” Bear smirked. There was a moment of laughter. Then a dull quiet. One that hurt. Richter heaved a sigh, shoving his hand through his hair.

“Bear. I don’t... This isn’t going to get better, at least not right away. But. I want to stay here. If that’s okay with you. I don’t think I’d trust anyone else with my existence. At least in a non romantic way.” He slumped. Bear’s thumb ran over his back in a soothing gesture.

“Of course. Though... I wonder how you’d feel... Living with Archibald and Neil? We were thinking of becoming roommates.”

“I think you mean a fuck buddies. And that’s fine. It’s hilarious to watch Archibald’s duck impression.” The look of horror on Bears face was enough to lighten the mood. Richter requested to be returned to his garden. And spent most of his time slumped under the tree grove. Sometimes passing out for a while, sometimes moving in a sort of malaise.

Bear just gave him his time. He had an inkling something was up. Usually an accepting people were excluded from the responsibility act immediately. After only a week or two in examination. It wasn’t hard to spot a species wanting to live in peace. But he’d hoped. He’d hoped and prayed this wouldn’t be the case.

It wasn’t fair. Really. For every pacifist, there was a warlord. He made a point to bring Richter food in the grove. And when night rolled around, a spare blanket and pillows. Honestly there was no harm in him sleeping there. Aside from a crick in the neck or two. Nothing the man couldn’t handle.

Honestly Richter was due some good pampering. And now would be the time. As the giant turned to leave his shuddering charge, the human’s voice piped up. “Bear?”

“Hm?”

“I... I made a promise a while ago. Do you mind if we visit....Avery soon? I know it’s unorthodox, and you both have bad blood between you. But-”

“It’s fair. He kicked this whole thing off. He has a right to know how it turned out.” As much as he hated it. The statement was true. Without Avery’s impulse decision, Bear would never have known Richter was... A person. Well he probably would have figured it out over time. But this was the fastest way. He let his hand fall into the enclosure and brushed Richter’s shoulders gently.

“I’ll call Lev in the morning. And we’ll arrange for a visit in a week or so. I want every one involved ready for this. It’s not fair of me to just drop in on the guy.” Bear huffed. Avery was on the forefront of it all really. He watched friends, perhaps family, become no more than a smear on the giants hands. All from a point close enough to remember their faces. The horror crossing them as realization crossed the troupes, those very hands descending were not to capture. But to kill.

Out of every elf in that whole damn war. Avery had the most right to be bitter. He had reason to be hurt, scared, angry even. As for Bear? If he could take every drop of blood back, he would. A pat on his thumb cleared those thoughts away, and he glanced down at Richter’s warm little eyes.

“Hey. You zoned out for a minute there.” His voice trembled with worry.

A bitter laugh bubbled up from the man. “Yeah. Just remembering.” He shook his head and smiled down to the human with a little shrug. “I’m not going to pretend it never happened. That war fucked us up beyond belief. But Avery and I have found something in common.”

“Don’t you dare get sappy on me big guy.” Richter laughed. Sitting on Bear’s index finger. “I’m happy for you. And Archibald. It took you both long enough.”

“Yeah. I finally got tired of waiting for him. And asked the man myself.” Honestly, things were amazing between them. Though Bear could feel that something was off. Probably the fact that so many people were around them. Maybe they rushed into the physical side of a relationship too fast. He shook those thoughts off. Right now, Richter needed his attention, not Archibald.

“Well. Goodnight.” The squeak of Richter’s voice was enough to shake Bear from his thoughts. It was like he didn’t want to be heard, but was forcing himself to be understood. It came out proportional for his size, but clearly in common tongue.

“Goodnight... Ricky are you okay? Really?”

The man stopped in place, glanced back with a bright smile, and answered. “No.”

“Richter. I’ve been with you long enough to know what THAT means.” He folded his arms, but made no move to grab him. Richter had been through enough that day. He’d probably been through enough to last any human a life time. Reaching out and touching him might make the situation worse.

The human threw a hand up and sighed. “I don’t want to talk about it. I’ll be fine in a few days. Goodnight master.” He strode towards the house and entered. Unwilling to be heard. Unwilling to be understood. The words didn’t translate. Nor did his voice adjust. That posture, Bear had seen it before.

*

Richter leaned on the clear plastic wall of his bedroom. Staring at those delicately hand painted stars. Perhaps he could talk Bear into letting him see real stars again. It wouldn’t actually be that hard. Bear was content to treat him like a small, cuddly person now. For all Richter knew, he probably was always willing to do so.

So, not much changed after all. He was fine with that, personally. However, not everyone would be. Richter knew he was an oddball. He acclimated to domestication like a duckling on it’s first swim. It just clicked. Sure, he was scared for a while. But he knew well this wasn’t what everyone else wanted. Or needed. His attempts to make things better just made it worse.

He’d prefer a silent misunderstanding to a life of false freedom. At least, he wanted that for the others. In truth, Richter was certain he took to this new existence a bit too well. Often he wondered if Bear had changed his mind through magics. But he remembered the bad times. Times that wouldn’t have been fresh in his mind if it had been tampered with.

He sighed, pressing his cheek against the cool plastic. A painful tightening in his throat cued him in, he was close to crying. The man pressed his thumb in the space between it’s matching appendage and forefinger on the opposite hand. Pinching it. A few stray tears made a shimmering trail down to his chin.

There was no holding it back. For the first time since his arrival, Richter let himself sob. Praying Bear stayed in his own room. Just for this night. There was no fixing this. Not in his lifetime. He’d failed, so badly. What was worse was he wasn’t even suffering for his failure. He just made everyone else miserable. Never himself.

And he dragged his parents, best friend, and a total stranger down with him. If the shame were entirely on him, he could live with it. But no. No no no. It had to be set on the backs of three of the people he loved. Mary as well. Though she seamed like she could care less.

He had no damn right to cry for himself. He had no right to speak on behalf of his species. He was fine. But he wasn’t happy. He would feign it, for Bear’s sake, but there would be a stubborn misery in his gut. The man was sure of it.

Richter eventually ended up crying himself nearly to sleep. When a familiar sensation nudged his back. And a comforting rumble sounded behind him. “I know buddy. It’ll be a little bitter at first. But Richter I swear to you. It’ll be okay.” He rolled over, taking in that massive face. In the darkness, all he could see was the blot in the sky that made up Bear’s visage.

Without his consent, Richter was scooped into a cupped hand. He hadn’t the energy to fight it. So he lay there, in Bears palm. Allowing himself to be cradled against his chest, and shushed quietly. No fighting. No fussing.  Just a steady heartbeat, and a supportive warmth. For that night, he was safe. If not a little bothered.

So this happened today. I don’t think anyone is going to complain.

Lord howdy I found a finished AU of forever home. Tossing it here

Thanks for waiting guys.

{Sitting at part 12}

“Hm… Favorite parts? You probably mean aside from the whole ‘free room and board’ eh? Well, play time is always fun. It’s nice to let loos and laugh a bit while fending off fingers the size of you. Seeing the world from a giants hands? can’t be beat. Of course, there’s the comfort of knowing that any problem you have is handled by someone else. Within reason. And honestly? I’m kind of enjoying how often I get called cute. Er. Don’t tell Bear.” He shrugs.

“So... You really aren’t angry?” Bears heart was full of dread, gazing down at Richter. The morning had been so...abnormal. He’d woken up, Richter slept through it. The moment he left though, Richter kicked up a mini fuss. Apparently used to the giants presence.

“Not really. I mean. There are a few things I’d like to change. But overall, I like it here.” Richter folded his arms, hugging the bite of breakfast muffin Bear had given him. He’d seamed surprised to be offered such a nibble. But any decent person offered their housemate breakfast. Especially when it cost so little.

Bear couldn’t help but place a hand behind Richter once more. The little fellow smiling back a moment, but leaving the hiding place alone. “I just... Can’t imagine what’s going through your head right now Ricky. RICHTER. Dammit.”

“Ricky is fine...And honestly? I’m thinking this is a damn good muffin.” He took another bite, wiggling happily.

Bear eyed him, humming softly. “Not hard to please, are you?”

“Dude, I was literally eating nothing but dried meat, and drinking questionable water for a little over ten years...Though... I have SOME questions.” Richter fidgeted, taking another bite of his muffin.

“Shoot.” There! THERE! Richter was finally showing some doubt. Some trouble with all this. Bear had been perhaps too eager for this. For some odd reason Bear was happy Richter was anything but content with the set up.

“...Well...what happens now? Now that you ah... you KNOW. And... Is Avery in good company?” Richter set his muffin bite down, looking a little crestfallen.

Bear paused, humming a bit in thought.  It was odd to think about Avery so suddenly. But it clearly bothered Richter so may as well answer. “Well, Lev wasn’t part of the war. So she doesn’t hold the same anger towards elves. And... She preaches treating others the way you’d like to be treated. So I think Avery will be alright.” The giant grinned at the tiny man.

He could see the little fellow relax marginally from that. Though there was still a little tension between them. “And...what’s next?”

“...Well that’s up to you. If you want... I can turn you loose with a bit of supplies. And well. You can always come back if things get tough.” Bears heart dropped at the notion; but it was only fair to Richter.

“Or?” The prompt brought Bear back around a moment.

“OR you can stay, and we could work something out around the house. Or I could er... Re-home you, if you’d prefer that...” The giant lay his head in his arms, trying not to watch Richter too closely. When he did check back, he saw those beady eyes examining his.

Finally, Richter leaned back. Apparently not noticing the lack of that supporting hand. He fell backwards with a funny little squawk. Bear lurched to pick him up, fighting back a laugh. Once Richter was righted and straightened out, he cleared his throat.

“... I think I’ll stay. But ah... Perhaps I could get out of the house and socialize a little more? Meet people?” He smiled weakly. Bears eyes widened.

“Of course! Of-” Bear felt his mouth go dry. There was an unpleasantness to this morning that he couldn’t shake. Worse, it looked like Richter didn’t share in this feeling. Seeming to enjoy their conversation, listening intently.

“Bear.” Richter folded his arms, a smirk on his face. “...Listen, Avery DID tell me about a few things that leave me... Uncomfortable.” He shrunk in a little.

“The war?” Avery spoke of that to any small person who’d listen. It was an easy guess.

“Yeah.” Richter took a breath. “I know one side. But... Human history has taught me, several nations DON’T rally together without a purpose. What ahh... What happened?”

Bear avoided Richters gaze a moment, he searched for the right words. “...You ever see those scars on Arch?”

“Yeah.” Richter folded in on himself.

“They were from a type of shackle, made specifically for earth giants. They...The stones that grow on them have magical properties. And it’s a common practice to mine them.” Bear shook his head. “But... in order to put those shackles on him, they had to...drill holes.”

Richter straightened. “Oh...Oh god.”

“They did worse to the smaller folk.” Bear sighed. He struggled with the topic. There was a twinge of guild talking about Archibalds injuries without him there. Though the man had given him the go ahead to discuss it, if need be, the whole thing just didn’t feel right.

“I think... from what Avery said, I can put it together...” Richter cleared his throat. Struggling to think of a new topic.

Bear was, thankfully, there to pick it up. “Don’t let it upset you.” The giant placed his hand on Richters back, smiling. “Any how, if you really want to stay, I have a few things to ask you.”

Richter picked up to this, pushing himself up and staring into Bears eyes. “Yeah! Yeah go ahead. I’m an open book.”

For over an hour, they discussed modifications that needed to be made for Richter to live in the house comfortably. Ramps to give him access to lower levels. His own private bath.  A series of catwalks allowing him access to most rooms of the house. And a door to the garden out back.

Every minute making Richter fidget and squirm. Though all the ladders and ramps were an amazingly fun idea, it meant something to him.

“Ricky? Is everything alright?” Bear leaned in, his face overly close to Richter now. However Richter couldn’t have cared less. It was just Bear. Not some big danger. Even if he was realizign just how big the man really was.

That said, owning up to his concerns were a scary thing. Especially now. “Yeah, everything is fine. It’s just...” He wavered.

“Just?” The giant prompted.

Richter sighed. Wavering his hand in the air. “I got used to being carried around.” He admitted, head dropping. Perhaps he could get lost in his little bite of muffin, and Bear would leave it there. He didn’t expect the careful index finger down his back, but it was a nice surprise.

“Pfft. Is that all?” Bear seamed to be holding back a laugh.

“Yeah.” Richter smirked, returning to his meal. “And No. I just worry that this changes too much all at once. It’s kind of like meeting you all over again.”

Bear quirked a brow. “This time with less screaming!” He beamed.

“Hey, I didn’t know you meant well at the time!” There was actually a small twinge of offence there. This was quickly banished, however, by another muffin crumb, and a little bit of tea spooned into a thimble. Both of wich Richter sunk into, practically devouring it.

“To be honest, I liked carrying you around too. So... I guess we have to set up some boundaries.” Bear huffed, looking for something. Probably a scrap of paper, but Richter wasn’t really concerned about it. First thing was first. Food.

“Hey, don’t worry about it. This is just something we’ll work out over time.” He patted the giants thumb warmly. Slowly sinking into the massive digit soothing over his back. It was a bit odd, now that they could communicate, but it was also familiar and comforting.

“Right...What about your enclosure?” Bear stared pointedly at the table top habitat.

Richter followed suit. He’d been there so long, he’d forgotten it was initially a cage. “The garden?” He paused, clutching his crumb a little closer. He’d never realized just how normalized everything was to him. The peach trees, the grass, the shelter. He gave a small hum.

“I can always convert it to something else. Or just expand the trees.” Bear continued.

“Actually...” The giant focused on Richter fully. “This might sound crazy, but I kind of like it in there. It’s like my own room.” The human shrugged. The place had so many good memories to it. And Richter was reluctant to leave somewhere so comfortable. Plus, it was nice to have things his size around.

“Okay, well, we can keep things more or less the same if you like. But I don’t feel right with things going back exactly the way they were before yesterday.” Bear returned the gesture.

“Agreed. So... What now?” The man leaned back and exhaled fully. Starting to relax now that they had the big issues out of the way.

Bear hummed then shrugged again. He sunk fully into his tea, moustache becoming coated in the stuff. Richter just laughed it off, setting the massive crumbs aside. He’d had more than enough sweets this morning and grew a bit of a distaste for too many.

A side effect of living with Bear he reckoned. Sweet foood was always parcelled out in small portions over a few days. Which made them more rewarding. Having it in abundance was actually a bit too much now. “...You wanna go down to the store? Pick out some new stuff for the house?”

“Won’t my talking be an issue?” Richter raised a quizzical brow.

“Quite the contrary.” Bear mulled thing over, how to tell Richter all this? He tapped the table, a habit he’d picked up from when Richter was unable to speak. Just to get his attention. Still an uncomfortable thought. Bear inhaled, then sighed.

“Rick... People need to know you little guys can speak. If they don’t, there could be some huge consequences. Not to mention, it will make rescuing your people easier. Think back to...To the day you ended up at the shelter. What happened? From your point of view.” He folded his hands, listening politely.

Richter looked to the side a bit, probably thinking, then speaking up. “The nook I’d hidden myself in was torn up. I was grabbed, shoved in a cramped box... then locked in a Plexiglas cage for three months.” He folded his arms around his knees.

The way he described it sent an uncomfortable heave through Bears chest. “Right... And then there was the treatment at the shelter... You didn’t know anything about what was happening. Did you?”

There was a tiny laugh. “Nope. I honestly thought you were going to eat me for a bit there.”

That brought a sputtering chortle from the giant. Causing Richter to continue. “Imagine my surprise to find out you’re vegetarian!”

Bear huffed and leaned in, casually running a finger over Richters arm. “Pfft. Well, not just that. I can’t physically digest meat. Even if I were to eat something living, it would just sit there. Kind of like Archibald being unable to eat anything but rocks.”

“But... The cookies.” Richter was clearly confused.

“Junk food. He can’t digest it. He just has a sweet tooth.” The giant snickered.

Richter seamed to enjoy that thought, casually crawling into Bears hand. Without thinking, the giant pulled him up to rest on his shoulder. Exposing a small pendant on his neck for the tiny man to hold onto. HE was a bit surprised Richter didn’t jump out of his hand immediately.

“Um...” Richter pushed into Bears thumb, and it was clear he was concerned about something.

“All good?”

“Not really, no. I ah... What if I fall?” Richter glanced over, locking his eyes onto one of Bears. The giant just nodded and brought him back around, holding him close.

“I wouldn’t let that happen. But, we can take it slow. Did you want me to put you down?” The human shook his head. Bear gave a single nod and stood up.

“Richter, I DO need to tell people you’re intelligent. Soon. I could be arrested if I didn’t.”  He shifted uncomfortably. Watching his little companion. “When I do. They’ll ask for proof. Which means you have to talk to more people. Are you okay with that? Do you need time?”

Richter folded his legs, sitting in the middle of Bears palm. “Yeah. That’s fine... Um... You’ll be there, right? Or someone I know?”

“Yeah. I’m calling Archibald right away, so he’ll be there. And Neil... I think you two got along right?” Bear paused. He actually didn’t know how Richter felt about Neil. He remembered them hugging, but among certain small folk, hugging was a casual greeting. Ogres would hug damn near anyone as a sort of hello.

Elves were pretty close knit too. Always standing close to one another, shoulder to shoulder. It was a form of respect for their people. To give someone distance was a way of saying ‘I’m disgusted by the mere presence of you.’ But among being like dryads it was an aggressive act.

“Pfft. Yeah. We get along fine. We’ve known one another for a long time...I thought he was dead for a while though so.” Apparently, Richter didn’t notice they were moving into the living room until he was set atop the arm of the sofa.

The moment he was there though, he started exploring. Bear stood back a bit, just taking delight in the humans wide, curious expression. Especially as he began running his hands over the fabric. It was always fun watching Richter discover things. Perhaps more so, now that Richter could offer his opinions and ask questions.

“How!? How is this stuff so soft? What do giants even make their fabrics out of?” He seamed utterly distracted. Only pausing to listen as Bear explained about cloud sheep. A bitch to track down and catch, but with heavenly wool.

Suddenly, it was like the flood doors were open. Like Richter realized he could explore and learn now. And Bear found himself answering ten questions a minute. Some about giant culture, some about topography. Several about magic.

“Ricky- Ricky~ Come on. Slow down. I’m not going anywhere. There’s still plenty of time.” Bear laughed, now laying on his belly. He found this to be the best way to sit equal with small people. And Richter seamed to be all over that concept.

Running right up on occasion, patting Bears nose when something really interesting popped into his head. He was like a small child learning how things worked for the first time. And it was adorable. Yes, Bear found that to be the best word for it. As awkward as it was when applied to a man he’d only just learned could speak.

“Bear! I have been going literal months without talking to people. Now I can. And I have a LOT to say. Hey! What’s that!?” He bustled over to a corner of the sofa. Pulling something from one of the cushions. It looked like a brass statue of a bird. Fitting easily into Richters hand.

“That’s the local currency.”

“Bird statues?” Richter looked almost skeptical. Bear just laughed at this. Nodding.

“Yep. They’re small enough for anyone to carry. But defined enough that big folk like myself can feel it out and handle it easily. Trust me. Every one was a little funny about it at first. But it works for now.” He shrugged, laughing.

Finally, he reached under the coffee table and pulled an orb. Thinking on Richters talking and about Avery using a translations spell. He sent it off to Archibald and sighed. “...That was the message... huh?” Richter sagged a little.

“Yeah. Arch would probably prefer to know that now. While Neil’s still down with that bug.” He tucked his head into his arms. Only to feel a pinching grip on a few arm hairs.

“NEIL’S SICK!?” The giant cracked an eye open, of course Richter didn’t know. He’d only started speaking today. He ran a soothing finger over the humans back.

“Yes, but it’s going to be okay. He’s already on the mend. Arch caught it early. NOT that Neil’s been giving him an easy time of it.” The giant snickered.

Richter joined in. “I’d believe it. He’s a stubborn ass.”

“Pfft. He’s taken to kidnapping Archibald’s hand. And well.” Bear had noticed a large influx of messages after medicine time.

“He’s too kind to move and wake him up?” Richter gave a knowing look.

“Yep.”

“He’s doing it on purpose.” That brought a laugh from the titan.

“Keep that between you and I okay? Arch has been raving about how trusting Neil is and rubbing it in my face.” The thought of the little guy being a vindictive little bugger with a sense of humour was just too perfect.

The orb came back and Bear played it for Richter to hear. ~You’re kidding me! I’m trying it now.~ There was a moment of silence. Then an absolute flood of cursing. Causing Bear to turn bright red.

~Will.... I have made a mistake. An angry, cursing mistake. Excuse me for a bit.~ Richter burst out laughing, falling back into the plush surface of the sofa. Bear just chortled, hiding his face under his arms again.

“Is he always like that?”

“Yep!” They kept laughing a while, then Bear fell silent. Reaching to pluck Richter up from the sofa.

“Um... Hey, can I ask a few questions...About your past?” Richter blinked. Then nodded. Bear heaved a sigh and cleared his throat. “Well... You keep saying this is an improvement... But were there any bright points? You know, before those ten years.”

“Yeah. Plenty. Used to go to school, worked part time at a flower shop. I... I wanted to be a psychiatrist like my mother.” He tucked up into Bears palm.

“You’d have been a good one.” Bear smirked. “You’ve certainly done a lot for my mental health.”

“Thanks... I think. It really wasn’t all that bad. Okay my dad was a bit of an ass some times.” Bear grimaced. His father was an ass too. “But his paranoia is what kept us alive after the collapse. He did make an effort to be understanding. Hell. He saw what people like him could do and made an effort NOT to be that way.”

“Sounds like a good guy.”

Richter laughed a bit. “Yeah. Found a painting of them yesterday actually.”

“Oh? By whom? Maybe after we clear up the ‘humans can talk’ thing we can arrange a family meeting.” That idea actually had Bear exited. Thinking about how cute the reunion would be.

“Worm the something... I don’t...Really remember.”

“WORM!? WORM THE MIGHTY?” Bear shot up.

“Volume please. Tiny ears.” Richter shook his head in his stunned state.

Worm the mighty was well known for his paintings. Being his hobby after the first battle of the ores. The troll had lost both his arms in the fight, and required the aid of two personal pets quite often. He’d recently purchased a new pair, two humans. The idea that those pets were Richters parents was astounding. They were media darlings.