He had become so in tune with their emotions from their time together. The rare times they were focused on something else (or at least trying to be), he found himself just watching them quietly. He had felt the love that radiated off of them when talking about their new friends, or old interests. But he'd never thought it could be for him, and certainly not like this.

He'd had a long day to say the least. Having to make a visit to both Aria and DAMN in the same day was a surefire way to exhaust him. Admittedly, he hadn't even needed to visit DAMN. But whether the incubus was willing to admit that he'd just visited hoping for a glimpse of Freelancer, was another matter.

So, deciding he needed a pick me up from his favourite human was how he ended up in Freelancer's apartment. They weren't here yet, but he could wait. Just being in the quiet, away from the staring eyes of the street helped. Normally he didn't mind indulging in strangers' ogling; but he today he wanted to be seen, not just stared at.

Gavin idles around the apartment - half investigating, half holding back. He typically feels no qualms about poking around human's homes, but again, Freelancer felt different.

He hears keys in the lock and quickly drops back onto their - truly horrid - couch. He shudders on impact. He'd have to fix this. Soon.

Meanwhile, Freelancer obliviously struggles through the doorway. They're laden down with textbooks and reference materials from studying with Damien, as well as various new schedules and papers from Lasko, and a fresh bottle of water from Huxley.

Frankly, they look exhausted.

Gavin opened his mouth to quip some line about breaking and entering when they look up and meet his gaze. The feelings hit him like a arrow to the chest. A huge burst of joy (spiked with a little shock at seeing someone in their apartment, they were still getting used to demons randomly appearing in their living space) hit him as their eyes locked. Curiosity, fatigue, hope, self consciousness, attraction, followed in star trails, blazing around the joy, as they instinctively smile. And then he feels it. Lapping against the shore, hidden to the edges of their heart-

Love.

He doesn't respond, frozen in place with his mouth half open... He hadn't done anything. He watched as the most wonderful person he'd ever met light up just at the sight of him on their couch.

"Gavin." They beam, a little heat rising to their face. "I'm sorry the place is such a mess, that I'm such a mess right now-" They pause examining him closer, tilting their head to one side. "Are you alright?"

"Never better, my Deviant." The incubus purrs, regaining himself. He slides off the sofa and smoothly steals their bags from their grasp, setting them down safely on the floor. "And don't apologise. I came here unannounced I do not expect you to be perfectly prepared for guests at all times." He murmurs, hovering just before their lips. "I would like a kiss though."

The laugh that rings out from them is beautiful. Sending peals of affection and love through the room from their core once again.

Lovely who has spent too long staring into the mirror, poking at eyes and fangs that after all this time still don't yet feel like their own. Vincent swoops in at full speed to give them a peck on the cheek - it never fails to surprise them and Lovely turns to him in delight . They look into his eyes; eyes they trust, that they never for a second have doubted feeling safe to look into. Glimmering silver, like theirs but different, the only colour they've ever known his to have. And before they get too lost in their thoughts again, he's behind them, pressing a kiss behind their ear. To their left, trailing sweet kisses down their shoulder to their hand. And he doesn't stop until they burst into laughter, that's music to his ears, and kiss him back.

Freelancer pacing scorch marks into the ground, pouring over every inch of their latest exam of how they can possibly have done better. The paper is crumpled in their grasp and the page messy with scrawled handwriting that becomes increasingly illegible. Gavin knows not to interrupt the flow but will just move his shoulder with a wince, rubbing it. Freelancer's head snaps up. The y're immediately fussing over him, and he lets them; until he finds the perfect time to strike and insists on repaying them with a massage that simply must be done in their most comfortable pyjamas on the bed. And as they sink into his arms, exhausted, he relishes in them finally resting, knowing they can talk in the morning.

Dreamer is having a panic attack, fangs and wires intertwine into a hideous maelstrom in their head. They're hidden in a random storage closet on campus, praying no one needs new laminating sheets when they hear a voice. "Yes through here friends." And suddenly Corvus, Lincoln, and Theo are piling in with them. Lincoln is hunched awkwardly under the low ceiling, with Theo tucked underneath and Corvus riding on Lincoln's back. The sight is so ridiculous that they can't help but let out a short bark of a laugh. Lincoln (after setting Corvus down) will gently take their hands and help slow their breathing down; Theo pulls out a ridiculous amount of snacks and juices to offer them, and Corvus is softly listing rollercoaster facts, eyes darting between all the humans to ensure what he's doing is still correct and helping (it is).

When Doc's apathy threatens to overwhelm them, the creeping numbness that settles in the sidelines, they'll suddenly feel weight on them. Hush settles on top of them, pinning them to the sofa with just the right amount of weight. He also purrs. He read the sound can be soothing to some humans and so is trying it out. The sound sparks curiosity and comfort in Doc, and the relief in feeling again has them curling up around Hush.

Ollie comes back from work one day to find Baby curled up on the couch, red eyed and blankly staring at the tv screen. He'll drop his things in the doorway and rush to the closet, pulling out all the blankets and pillows they own. They'll try and peek at what he's doing but he'll pull the blanket back down over their eyes, stealing a kiss as he returns to his task. After thirty minutes he guides them to the bedroom where he's set up their own pillow fort, with fairy lights haphazardly strung over the bed. His laptop is set up with youtube open and they notice the telltale notification of Max's Pizza pop up on his phone. They have a proper cry, cuddled up in his arms while the two of them watch ttrpg breakdowns - save from the world in their fort.

Baaabe who gets cold super easily and Ash wakes up to them shivering and clinging to him tightly. Blindly he stretches his arm as far as he can go without disturbing them to grab one of the spare blankets he keeps under the bed.. He tosses it awkwardly over the two of them, while thanking his past self for always sleeping shirtless as Baaabe settles, his hand rubbing their back as they drift back into pleasant, warmer dreams.

The other is a picture Corvus took of Dreamer fast asleep on Lincoln's shoulder.

These two are the only ones in his favourites folder.

Vincent who wakes up with the curtains hiding the early morning sun and carefully touching Lovely's wrist to check for a pulse, weak as it is after the inversion. Tucking them in closer to him once he's assured so he can feel their breath on his skin. Lovely who pretends to sleep through it, mentally taking note of how each careful touch feels; such a contrast to the nightmares of Adam they have even now. Once they're convinced he's back to sleep they murmur his name to themselves, just to hear it in the room and convince themselves they can still say it.

Honey pressing a hand to Guy's heart when the feelings are too much and the words don't come. Pressing insistently but not harshly on his chest 'I'm here, I've got you, I love you'. Guy who kisses each finger with a happy 'I love you too Honey!! So so so SO much'.

Gavin losing himself to stress over too many heavy emotions in a crowd and feeling Freelancer cup his cheeks and turn his gaze to meet theirs. Gently pressing a kiss to his nose and touching their forehead to his, encouraging him to match their breathing, focus on them. They instantly feel the tension leave him as he wraps them up in his arms, tail around their waist pulling them closer, and burying his face in their shoulder. The noise can wait while he is with them, his whole world.

David who rests his head on top of Angel's, standing behind them when they're sat on the sofa or at their desk to watch whatever they're doing out of curiosity. Every now and then they lean up and give him a peck on the side of his jaw or under his chin, drawing a low chuckle from him. If they do it enough they'll convince him to sit next to them and Angel will fully cuddle into him.

Sam who's unused to being around so many people at a time watches in awe as Darlin dives into a playful fight with a pile of various wolves. They don't realise until Sam brings it up how comfortable they felt around the pack again, hands clapped on shoulders, ridiculously long handshakes, and folks leaning on each other (metaphorically and literally). Darlin then gets to watch Sam slowly settle into this new normal; from stiff formal dinners and meetings stuffed full of etiquette and distance, to passing food around a table and too many people piling on David's couch to play Asher's latest gaming competition. In turn Sam gets to watch Vincent start that process once he's also stepped back from William. A new type of tradition for both of them, and one they're more than happy to navigate together when unsure.

Elliot and Sunshine attached at the hip, non stop ever since they decided they never wanted to miss the other. Elliot always insisting that he needs them to adjust his shirt at the back, and Sunshine always patting them both down for a speck of dust that was definitely there. If one has a job to do the other follows with small squeezes of hands, taps on shoulders, and feather light kisses. At night Elliot still wakes, wildly searching for them after the unsettling hollow feeling in his chest grew so big it enveloped his dreamscape, only to find them already awake, staring him as if unsure he's real.

Caelum who seemingly never runs out of piggyback rides on either Gavin or Freelancer's shoulders. They take turns when they go for what Caelum calls "family time" as Gavin takes them both to do all the tourist attractions in the city when he realises Freelancer never took a break long enough to investigate the city they moved to. Caelum is just happy to be included in places filled with so much joy and wonder even if he's invisible. The little guy definitely falls asleep in the uber home by the end of the day, quietly snoring on Freelancer while they rest their head sleepily on Gavin insisting 'they're not tired they're just resting their eyes'. Gavin carries them both in with a huge smile on his face, tail swishing happily.

Aaron and Smartass who fall onto each other after a long day. Watching the other melt into an overworked puddle a mix of satisfying and heart breaking as they realise how much of their lives is work and recovering from it. But there are quiet mornings, when Smartass has trapped Aaron in bed long enough, and neither of their to-do lists are too daunting (though never done) where they dance in the kitchen to an old song. Hands wrapped around shoulders as they sway to whatever track plays next.

Baby has mastered what Ollie has dubbed 'the Double Pet Manoeuvre' (to which they affectionately dubbed him 'the nerd') where they can position Ollie and the cat to lie in harmony and not compete for their attention. They adore how sleepy this makes the two of them, despite Baby usually being the one to drift off first hand on Ollie's head and buried in the cat's fur.

Corvus who taps Dreamer's arm whenever he feels them pulling away to a colder mechanical corner of their mind. One tap hi, two taps you ok?, and eventually three taps I love you. Dreamer often winds up dragging him to do mundane things with them, just enjoying the company while they get groceries and occasionally answering what a credit card is.

Milo who knows exactly how to wash Sweetheart's hair the way they like it, so at the end of exhausting days or when he just wants to pamper them he's able to take care of everything for them. Who relishes in watching his mate slowly relax into being home again, safe from a tiring world.

Avior and Starlight who give the other a small pinch when asked to remind them they got out. Check ins to ensure the other is eating and taking care of themselves. They get a dog to help keep them on schedule, Avior goes to Aria a little less, still hesitant of rifting. Both of them walking the dog together, hand in hand.

Baaabe and Asher always in the other's lap, when Ash plays video games, when Baaabe is at their desk, when they both want to hide from the world. Always a huge contrast to when they full body tackle each other to the ground when seeing each other again. Both have had their fair share of falling to the ground with the other one on top of them peppering their face with kisses in between raucous laughter.

"I cook so much more now, how dare you!" Angel sticks their tongue out at him, eyes not leaving the screen. "And stop hovering, come sit with me!"

"Alright alright." He says begrudgingly, immediately settling beside them into his spot, (that they left clear for him always) and very happily tucks up against them. "Why is your mii frying a jpeg of a whole green pepper?"

Angel can't help but giggle at his incredulous tone, "They're a culinary genius."

"Your mii is so weird." He grumbles, wrapping his arms around them loosely.

Angel snuggles closer into his grip with a small hum, focusing on the tv.

The room is quiet but for the chattering of the game. Angel almost thinks he's dozed off (despite how vehemently he would deny it) until-

"Why aren't we dating in the game?" He grumbles, clearly not asleep. "It's possible, I saw it in that trailer you showed me."

They shrug, "just not happened yet."

"Ash and his mate are already married on your island."

They look up at him, eyes glinting mischievously. "Are you jealous?"

"No." David huffs, resting his chin on their head, "I just never want there to be a world where I'm without you by my side."

Angel melts instantly, dropping the controller, they start peppering kisses all over his face. He lets them, chuckling with each one before he catches their hands in his. He presses a soft, deliberate kiss to each knuckle; paying extra attention to their ring finger, before capturing their lips in a searing kiss.

Angel hums happily against him. He finally pulls back and they gently bump their forehead against his.

"You're so sweet."

"Only for you." He whispers back.

They wink, "don't worry, your secret's safe with me."

"I love you Angel."

"I love you too Davey."

Tw: early access spoilers, reference to fictional disasters and loss of life, reference to forced unconsciousness

Bestie is propped awkwardly on the cheap motel bed; hastily draped across thin sheets, tear streaked face relaxed against Blake's hoodie that had been rolled up and placed under their head.

The room is quiet. Far too quiet for a building of this size just off the main road from Dahlia to Kennedy.

The door opens silently, almost too afraid to make sound in front of the new presence entering. He shuffles in, footsteps haggard and the light behind him casts two shadows over the sleeping form. The light flickers, and the door falls shut behind him.

Blake runs a dusty hand over Bestie's face, wiping as gently as his shaking hands can over the tear tracks. It leaves a trail of crushed drywall down their cheek, and anger spikes through him at something else daring to try and soil what is his.

He exhales at the sight of the hoodie under their head, one hand clutching it in their sleep, softening his rage.

D'Dheridhan is pleased... as much as he can be. He is permitted one night. Then they must move again. And again. And again. And again. And agai-

Bestie twitches, breaking his reverie and panic shoots through him. Not yet. Not when he has tonight finally.

He flicks a wrist at the radio and it stutters to life. A cold blue light drips down half his face as he sinks to the floor.

"Tonight, breaking news, Kennedy authorities are reporting-"

Blake doesn't blink. Hardly moves as he watches Bestie's sleeping face. They're so still, so quiet. He likes them like this. He knows they're happy, he made a good dream. So happy and safe.

All his.

He slowly drifts down to sleep. He had earned his brief rest, but not to join their dreams.

Tomorrow they move again. His eyes finally slip closed, eyelids sore from disuse - as the radio crackles switching to a different channel.

Sweet dreams 'til sunbeams find you

Sweet dreams that leave all worries behind you

But in your dreams, whatever they be

(Tw: mentions of grief, fictional tragedy, nightmares)

6:26pm

Lovely barely registers Vincent's presence until his arms wrap around their waist pulling them in closer. He's quiet for once, no opening line or joke, they realise he's waiting for them to speak. They press a gentle kiss to the top of his head, turning to face him, arms settling naturally to rest on his shoulders, playing with his hair.

"I wasn't thinking about it yet. Just... around it, you know?"

He nods thoughtfully, thumb tracing meaningless patterns on their hip, needing no explanation from them. "I know. Do you want to think about it?"

They shake their head softly, a small smile on their lips. "Not tonight. I think I'd rather hide with you on the couch and pretend it's not new years."

"I can do that my love." He gives them an exaggerated wink and picks them up effortlessly, causing them to burst into laughter. They press their forehead to his.

Technically it isn't lying when neither of them mention how familiar this position is for the anniversary of Lovely's death.

7:30pm

An unimpressed bark breaks the quiet of Avior and Starlight's apartment. Starlight pauses the film looking up in surprise. "How does it always creep up on me? I guess it's dinner time."

They pad over to the kitchen where a very excited old dog wags expectantly by her food bowl; Avior follows them in, tail also swaying happily as he watches his love move around the cupboards. "Can I make you something Starlight?"

"Only if you don't mind dearest." They smile over their shoulder at the demon. "Have you fed enough today? I'm sure there's plenty of anticipation of nothing else tonight if you want to go out."

He shakes his head, "I've had plenty, no need to fret. Besides whenever you look at me I-"

They look up at him and the words catch in his throat. Every time they look at him or he speaks, he feels a spark of love from them and it warms him down to his core.

"Whenever I look at you, what?" They ask curiously, smile dancing on their lips.

His tail wraps around their waist and he pulls them close to him, chuckling at the surprised noise they make. "I just feel... so loved."

Starlight reaches up to cup his cheek - there's a magical scar there, ever since Hush was dragged out from him, as if a part of him was displaced just out of sight. He doesn't flinch when their hand gently smooths over it, leaning into their touch.

The moment is broken by another grumpy bark from the ground and the two break away laughing; Avior catching their hand before they can fully leave his embrace and levitating the dog bowl down.

"I love you Starlight, I'm glad to be with you today."

8:59pm

"Huxley." Damien's protests fall on unrelenting ears as Huxley moves around the apartment like a man possessed. "Hux, baby seriously-"

"No Dames it's fine really." The earth elemental shakes his head, sweating a little. "It's no sweat."

Damien raises an unimpressed eyebrow, "you're literally sweating."

"Oh. Right. But I mean it's okay. I just don't want you to be cold." Huxley waves his boyfriend off, gathering blankets and turning up the space heater in the already heated living room.

"Okay, stop. Please." Damien steps forward and unplugs the heater. Stepping in front of Huxley, forcing him to meet his gaze. "Talk to me. What's up with you tonight?"

"I..." Huxley swallows, wiping his brow. "I just got in my head a-about tonight I guess and I didn't want you to feel- like just in case. I know the Solstice is over but I didn't want you to be thinking about cold and-" he gestures helplessly to the heater and blankets, "then this all kinda happened."

Damien blinks, a short laugh escaping him despite himself. "Baby I'm fine. It honestly hasn't even been on my mind today, I've been cooking most of the day for the party tonight." He cups Huxley's face, "but it seems like it's been on yours."

At the touch Huxley melts, guilt flooding his features, he could never hide anything from Damien. "I already left you at the Solstice and thinking of it today made me feel worse about that. A-and it snowed today and I miss Xavier, I feel bad for not missing him more. And then I feel bad for feeling bad, y'know?"

Damien feels his heart twist and pulls him into a hug. "You carry too much Hux. It's okay to talk to me about this stuff you know?" He rubs Huxley's back in smooth comforting circles. "You didn't leave me at the Solstice, I was with Lasko. And you feeling things a bit harder this year doesn't say anything about times you weren't. Wounds heal, there is no shame in that."

Huxley buries his face in Damien's shoulder, not speaking but Damien feels his shoulder dampen with tears. Before the fire elemental can speak he feels three taps on his back.

"I love you too Huxley." He whispers, and holds his boyfriend a little tighter.

10:18pm

"Dammit! We should never have let you two team up." Elliott throws down his cards in mock disgust, pointing a finger accusingly at Aaron and Sunshine.

"Betrayed by the ones we trusted most." Smartass shakes their head at Aaron, with a glint in their eye that he knows means trouble. "I think they cheated."

Sunshine gasps a dramatic hand to their chest. "Such accusations! You wound us! Oh lover of mine, surely you don't agree with this?"

"I don't know..." Elliott trails off, poking them with his foot under the table, drawing another scandalised vocalization from them.

"You should know that Sunshine and I have a team of lawyers on standby for an occasion such as this." Aaron deadpans, the corner of his mouth twitching as he fights off a smirk. "And should your defamation continue, we will not be afraid to follow up with a cease and desist."

"Yeah get their asses Aaron!" Sunshine cheers. "Anyone want a drink while I'm in the kitchen?"

"I'll take another champagne if you don't mind." Aaron holds out his glass.

"Sure thing! Anyone else?"

The other two shake their head and Sunshine stands up. They head to the kitchen and see how dark it is, as they take another step towards it they feel Elliott immediately by their side.

"You guys okay?" Smartass asks looking up.

"Yeah I just," Elliott shifts a little, in his spot, laughing uncomfortably. "I don't know, I didn't want to see them go off on their own."

Sunshine's hand slips into his and realises quietly they also didn't want to part from him either. "It's okay, Eli can help me with drinks and maybe some extra snacks."

They look up and think they see a face at the window and their grip on the Dreamwalker's hand tightens. There had been a slight unease in them all day as if remembering a bad dream. But with another look at the window it's gone; and they shake it off, heading into the kitchen, Elliott in tow.

10:21pm

Brachium watches the small family silently. He had vowed not to disturb their peace again, but that did not mean he did not long to be a part of it. While he would never willingly go back to the hazy moments of wondering the cool sands of death, he did miss the warmth that his little drop of Sunshine had brought him.

Scorpius watches from further back, impatient. "Listen Brachium if we don't leave now they might see us. The quicker we can capture Blake and deal with Closeknit, the quicker you can all have your little family reunion."

"I do not know if they would even wish to see me." He whispers, and he startles as for the first time since he was freed from death, he feels tears on his face once more. "I merely wished to see their serenity once again. Besides, it sustains me well."

He watches as Sunshine stands up, the fear crossing theirs and Elliott's faces and he steps closer, protectively, without thinking.

He catches Sunshine's eye, they don't recognise him, not properly through the glass and darkness. And with that he moves away, back to the shadows. And he and Scorpius are gone before they can double take.

11:55pm

"And this is a common ritual?" Hush asks watching the swarm of people moving in the street below.

"For some people." Doc shrugs. "Not everyone celebrates the same calendar, but moving into the New Year is often a very big event."

"But you do not wish to join them?" Hush inquires, turning his head to watch them inquisitively.

They shake their head, "nah. It's a... weird time of year for me, so I don't always celebrate."

Hush looks disappointed but weighs his response carefully. "So you do not desire to take part in... any of the common events for this evening?"

"What did you have in mind?" They eye him suspiciously, fighting off a smile.

"I simply read about it being good luck for the coming year to share a kiss at midnight. And I would like good luck. And to kiss you. But I don't want to force you if it would still be 'weird'."

They snort, making their way over to him at the window. "I think I'll be okay, but I appreciate the thought. Besides being with you makes things feel better."

"Good. You make me feel better too." He says quietly, taking their hand in his.

There's shouts on the street and Doc steps closer to Hush. And they both lean in, just as the count down draws to its end.

12:04am

"Ash. Asher, baby wake up." Baaabe gently strokes their mate's arm. The new year fireworks were screaming outside and Asher was having a nightmare.

Baaabe had made an effort to stay up, knowing Asher calling out of the pack celebration wasn't the best sign for a restful night. Not tonight. They hate being right as they watch his face scrunch up in fear.

Suddenly he sits upright with gasping breaths, clutching his chest.

"T-the river-" he chokes out wildly, looking around before seeing Baaabe and grabbing their hands.

"Hey, hey, it's okay. You're at home with me. Feel the bed, feel my hands." They squeeze his hands gently and he clings to them like a lifeline. "You're safe Ash, you're okay."

Slowly his breaths begin to match theirs and he becomes more aware of his surroundings. The wolf sinks back into his pillows with a sigh. "Sorry Baaabe, I didn't mean to wake you. I was hoping taking the night off from the party would help me chill out."

"It's okay, I was already awake." They murmur, running a hand along his arm. "What do you need from me?"

"Cuddles would be nice. I wanna hold you." He asks hoarsely, and they smile, resting their head on his chest.

"What were you saying about a river?" Baaabe asks quietly, comforted by his more steady heartbeat.

"Hm? I don't know, must've been part of the dream." He murmurs, petting their hair gently. "Can you... hum for a little bit? Just something to focus on."

They kiss just above his scar, their way of saying 'of course', and begin to hum. Asher watches them silently for a while until he can't fight the pull any longer and he drifts back into a much more peaceful sleep.

1:18am

"Hey you." Milo breaks Sweetheart's trance as they watch the night sky torn apart by light. He hands them a glass, raising his own. "To another year with you baby."

They clink their glass against his, "happy new year Milo."

"Ma says Aggro is buried under his blankets but doing okay."

This lessons some of the stress in Sweethearts shoulders as they take a sip. "Good. I'm glad."

A firework explodes behind Milo and Sweetheart flinches at the image.

"Can we go home now?" They whisper, "I'm really tired."

"Yeah of course Sweetheart." Milo kisses the back of their hand. "I'll never say no to you taking rest when you need it."

They smile weakly, praying he misses their moment of weakness as fatigue and allow him to take them home. "Wolf cuddles tonight?" Sweetheart asks looping their arm through his.

One page in particular catches their eye; it's them with electricity dancing around their fingertips, looking happier than Dreamer can ever remember looking.