ShipRat

The morning after their nightmares and quiet talk about them, Nom slept in far later than he usually would.

Luckily neither of them had any responsibilities for the day, so as Nom woke up feeling more well rested than he had in a while with Scott still curled into his side, he stayed put.

He preferred the lazy mornings like this, if the gentle rumble in his chest was any indication. Nom was barely conscious enough to really think about how often that noise and the feeling was happening. Especially around Scott. No, it was too early to figure out why that was. For now, he stayed in the warmth of his bed, happily letting his wings curl just a little tighter around Scott.

Eventually though, Nom heard as Scott stirred awake, yawning as his eyes blinked open.

"Morning," Nom murmured as Scott's eyes met his when he lifted his head slightly.

"Mornin," Scott mumbled in reply, plopping his head back down against his chest. His voice was rough with lingering sleep, groggy from waking up. "We slept in a while didn't we."

"Yeah," Nom hummed, arms tightening around Scott a bit as the half-elf practically burrowed further against him. "But it's fine. If we were needed for something, someone would have come to grab us."

"Sleepin' in is more your thing though, I have chores to do in the morning…" Scott grumbled a bit half halfheartedly, making Nom chuckle lightly.

Nom hummed, nodding a bit. "Right, sure. You can get up anytime you like, you know."

Letting his wings fall open to expose them both more to the bedroom, Nom loosened his hold on Scott to help prove his point. The half-elf fell silent for a moment, unmoving before he turned to bury his face against Nom's chest. "But I'm comfortable…"

"That's what I thought." Nom laughed as a soft warmth spread across his face. The rumbling noise in his chest grew stronger, but neither of them seemed to mind.

As much as Nom wanted to keep lazily laying in bed, they had to get up eventually. And since they weren't in any sort of rush to be anywhere, Nom just followed Scott around the cottage as they went about morning routines.

The greenhouse was taken care of quickly enough, the plants moved as needed and watered, all without breaking any on accident this time. As Nom worked, Scott went and prepared breakfast for them both.

Soon enough, they were both sitting on the grass outside the cottage, Scott's picnic blanket set up underneath them with their usual breakfast spread out in the late morning breeze.

Nom was busy talking about plans for later in the day when he noticed Scott looking off to the side. When he followed the half-elf's gaze, he spotted a patch of wildflowers that had grown next to the blanket where he was sitting.

He supposed he was just used to them popping up so often around the mage that them appearing now completely slipped his mind. Most of his mornings around the cottage were spent delicately pulling the little flowers from the thick patches where they'd grown around their breakfast spot to help keep Scott's lawn neat and tidy, just the way he liked it.

"Whatcha looking at?" Nom asked, startling Scott's attention back to him.

"Oh, nothing just." Scott leaned forward, spreading his hand over the patch of flowers that had been growing as they had been eating and talking. A soft glow appeared around his hand and around some of the flowers. "I have an idea."

Nom watched as Scott slowly guided the flowers, his magic making them grow and multiply in the little patch they were in. Carefully, Scott plucked a few of the more fully grown ones until he had a small bundle of little yellow and white flowers in his hands.

"I want to braid them in your hair, is that okay?" Scott asked, looking at Nom hesitantly as he sat back a little.

Tensing slightly, Nom hesitated. The last time he had any sort of flowers in his hair were the wilting ones from the crown as Scott's reign ended and Nom's began. He remembered staring at himself in the mirror in the monarch's chambers that night, before the horns and claws, and hated the way the lilies that had been so carefully woven around the crown were all but withered away.

Scott seemed to sense his hesitation, glancing quickly to Nom's tail at his side curling slightly tighter around himself. "I don't have to! I just… I thought it would look nice-"

"No, no," Nom said quickly, taking a breath to clear the unwanted memories from the front of his mind, "If you want to, you can. I don't mind."

"Are you sure?"

"For you? Yes." Nom reassured, smiling softly as he made himself more comfortable in his spot on the picnic blanket.

The warm smile and soft blush on Scott's face was worth it as the half-elf shuffled over behind him. Being mindful of his wings and tail, Scott settled in to start weaving the flowers into his hair.

Nom let his eyes slip closed, that same soft rumbling in his chest that seemed to have been following him all morning starting up again as Scott's fingers gently raked through his hair around his horns.

"You do that a lot," Scott noted after a while, breaking the comfortable silence between them.

Nom frowned a little in confusion, holding still as Scott continued to work on weaving the flowers around his horns. "Do what a lot?"

"That noise," Scott hummed, "That's how I can tell when you're feeling comfortable, you make almost like a purring sound."

Whipping around, Nom stared back at Scott, brows furrowed in lighthearted annoyance. "I do not purr!"

Scott's hands grabbed the side of his head, turning it back to where he had been before. "Don't turn your head I'm not done yet." Nom grumbled, but didn't resist him guiding him back into place.

"I don't purr," Nom repeated, muttering as he crossed his arms over his chest.

"Right," Scott laughed, soft and light as his fingers returned to his hair, "so then what do you call it when I do… this?" He scratched at the base of Nom's horn, being mindful of the flowers already there.

It was almost like Scott had hit a button to make Nom actually melt at the touch. His eyes slipped closed as his body relaxed, and sure enough, the rumbling, not purring, in his chest getting louder. Beside him, Nom was vaguely aware that even his tail thumped faster against the ground. Scott's fingers running through his hair, lightly scratching him around his horn just felt nice.

"See it is purring!" Scott laughed again, pulling his hand away so he could return to weaving the flowers through it. Slowly, the sound became softer, more like the background noise it had been before. "I didn't know dragons could purr!"

Nom huffed, but he remained relaxed and calm as Scott worked. "Neither did I. Please don't tell Mae, she'll never leave me alone about it."

"It's our secret then," He could practically hear the smile in Scott's voice. "Though there's nothing I can do if she finds out on her own because she hears it," He teased, briefly scratching at the same spot again in order to make the rumbling louder for a moment.

"You're lucky I like you, Scott Springwell," Nom huffed again, though there was no malice in his voice at all. A warmth spread across his face, and he was glad for a moment that Scott was behind him and not in front of him.

Scott laughed lightly again, and finished up the last of the flowers in his hair. "Well I like you too, Nominal Bravery." He backed up, admiring his work for a moment before he nodded in satisfaction. "There. All done."

Nom hummed, shifting to face Scott once again. He delicately reached up to one of his horns, tracing over the petals of the flowers that were gently woven in with his claws. He was almost afraid he would ruin it, unworthy of the care put into it and the delicately grown plants that now sat in his hair.

But the look on Scott's face was worth it, the subtle pride in his eyes and soft blush on his cheeks. Nom would let Scott do anything to him just for that look alone.

And later in the day, as they finished up breakfast and split off from each other after Scott's chores around the cottage were all done, Nom still wore the flowers. Even as Mae teased him, even as Owain looked at him in confusion, Nom didn't care. Because they were a gift from Scott, and he would cherish them until he inevitably would have to pull them from his hair.

Nom never liked being startled awake. It was disorienting, being thrusted back suddenly into consciousness in an almost violent manor sometimes.

His heart raced, as if the very blood in his veins was on fire and his lungs were both too full and almost empty of air at the same time. Swallowing thickly as he screwed his eyes closed, panting through his nose as he tried his best to calm himself.

But his eyes didn't stay closed for long. Not when the darkness behind his eyes morphed into the darkness of trees, of faces of other knights and their blood on his hands. Nom could practically hear it all over again, the way the mace smashed into his own men. Not even the swamp water could wash away that much blood.

Nom's breath hitched, forcing his eyes back open. His hands itched, twitching slightly with the need to be clean. They could never truly be clean, not with the amount of blood he'd spilled.

Shakily as he stared up at the ceiling, Nom brought one of his hands up to stare at it, ignoring the way it trembled slightly. He was expecting to find blood dripping from it, for the red to shine in the limited moonlight that poked through the windows.

Instead, he saw the darkened tips of his claws, nails sharpened into a new kind of danger entirely.

Of all the things that the Knight God could have turned him into that day, a dragon felt the most appropriate, Nom supposed. The most dangerous creature from myths and legends. Maybe it was a reminder of the oath that Nom had broken that day in the swamp. A reminder of the day he had broken Scott's trust when he lied directly to the King's face. A reminder of the day Nom had dug up his mace in order to kill his best friend, his brother.

Maybe it was a reminder that even despite already broken his oath once before, Nom continued, and would always continue, to break it.

When Nom let his arm fall back against the bed, he was suddenly reminded he was not alone as there was slight movement at his side.

Nom tensed slightly, turning to be met with soft blonde hair and finally registering the weight of a body pressed close to his.

Right. Scott.

The half-elf groaned slightly in his sleep, almost as if Nom had disturbed him in some way. His hands, no, claws, itched once more and he couldn't tell if he wanted to push Scott away to no longer disturb him or pull him closer to sooth him back to comfortable sleep.

Nom very nearly followed through with trying to carefully peel Scott away from him so he could go sleep somewhere else for the rest of the night, or try to. Scott didn't need a beast like him, didn't need the disappointment of a knight at his side.

A soft, pained noise of discomfort stopped him before he could even make an attempt.

Immediately, the part of his brain that was getting harder and harder to ignore screamed at him. Something was wrong with Scott, and he needed to protect him.

Instinctively, Nom's wings curled a bit tighter around them, almost creating a cocoon of leather as he held onto Scott just a little tighter. He could hear sniffling, incoherent mumbling falling from the still sleeping half-elf's lips.

Nom would recognize the signs anywhere.

Scott was having a nightmare too.

He curled tighter into Nom's side, almost as if subconsciously seeking out his warmth and comfort. It tore Nom's heart apart, half of mind practically purring at looking for safety from the nightmares that plagued him from him. The other half didn't feel worthy to provide that safety.

After all, Nom couldn't be sure that he wouldn't hurt Scott again.

He was a monster now, after all. Maybe he always had been, ever since the swamp. Nom wasn't worthy of the title of knight anymore, and he didn't feel worthy to hold the title of friend either.

He tried so hard to stay as still as he could even as Scott practically cried in his sleep. Despite his inner turmoil and the lingering panic still coursing through his veins, Nom couldn't bring himself to move Scott away. Not when he could risk hurting him with his sharp claws, or with his tail, or with his horns-

"N-Nom…?" Scott mumbled, though it felt more like a whimper, face still scrunched up in discomfort and cheeks shiny with stray tears. "Not… you too…"

Breath hitching, Nom completely froze as he stared up a the ceiling.

He didn't want to close his eyes, not again, but he didn't want to wake Scott no matter how badly he was hurting in his dreams. Scott would wake up on his own, right?

Sure enough, after more tossing and turning and crying in his sleep, Scott gasped as his eyes flew open. He breathed heavily against Nom's chest before he turned away slightly as if he were going to get up. Slowly, Nom let his wings fall open to give Scott the space to do so, ignoring the screaming in the back of his mind to curl them tighter instead.

Scott flinched with the movement, and Nom had to bite back a wince. "Oh," Scott breathed when their eyes met, green emeralds shining bright with tears that hadn't fallen yet. "Sorry, did I… wake you?" His voice sounded so scratchy, wet from the unconscious cries and still groggy with an uneasy sleep.

"No," Nom replied, this time unable to hold back the wince at the sound of his own voice, just as groggy as Scott's with the same unease. He hated it.

"Oh," Scott swallowed thickly before settling back against Nom's side just as he had been in his sleep. Good, the back of Nom's mind purred, good, keep him safe.

How can you keep him safe when you're the one who caused the pain? The still panic ridden side of his mind countered.

"Nightmare?" Nom asked instead of forcefully pulling away now that he wouldn't have to worry about waking the mage.

Scott hummed, nodding against his chest, taking deep breaths to slow his rapid breathing. "Yeah…"

"Do… you want to talk about it?" Nom found himself asking before he could stop himself.

In the momentarily silence, Nom's own bad dream crept into the back into the front of his mind. The same kind of silence that fell across the beach, the kind that fell across the training grounds after a rogue arrow hit a final blow.

Nom's hands twitched again, though to wrap tighter around Scott or let him go completely he couldn't tell.

"Why are you awake?" Scott finally said instead, catching Nom off guard completely. "Are… are you okay?"

"Yeah, of course," Nom answered maybe too quickly, heart pounding harder in his chest, "Why wouldn't I be?"

Scott reached to take one of his hands in his, intertwining their fingers in a painfully familiar way. Nom paid very close attention to how tight he was holding onto the half-elf's hand, scared of hurting him with his claws. Letting their connected hands lay over Nom's chest, Scott looked back up at him despite the awkward angle. "Nom… you're shaking."

Nom's breath caught in his throat, only barely aware of the way his tail curled tighter around Scott reflexively. "Well-"

"Did you have a nightmare too?" Though he had interrupted, Scott sounded so worried, the same gentle concern he always had. Nom didn't deserve that kind of care.

Not after everything he'd done.

There were lies on the tip of his tongue, on the verge of falling through like he would for anyone else.

"I'm fine, Scott." "Go back to sleep, Scott." "It was nothing, Scott."

His breath hitched. "Yeah…" He admitted instead.

"Do you want to talk about it?" Scott asked, squeezing Nom's hand just that much tighter.

Nom sighed, swallowing thickly. "Just… a lot of the same really. That day in the swamp… the beach with 4c…" A shudder went through his body, and he was too tired to stop the odd, instinctive noise of distress in the back of his throat, a cross between a growl and a whine. "But, I'm fine. Really."

"Clearly not if you're having a nightmare about it." Scott countered softly, idly tracing circles with his thumb against the back of Nom's hand.

"It's… complicated." Nom sighed, shaking his head. "You never answered my question, don't think I see you also deflecting."

An amused, slightly nervous laugh, bubbled out of Scott's chest. The sound soothed some part of Nom's mind, calming him slightly. "We're talking about you right now though."

"I asked you first." Nom countered.

"Fair enough," Scott sighed, deflating a bit against him as if he was finally letting go of the last bits of tension he'd been holding on to. "It was… about the same, I suppose. About your time as king."

Nom felt like he was going to be sick, unable to hold in the wince he let out as his breath hitched.

"Not like that!" Scott said quickly, his hold on Nom tightening even further. "Just… With everything that happened at the end of my reign, and everything that happened in yours… I still get scared for what could have happened. If you were never saved from the Creaking King."

"This war is already so complicated," Scott continued as Nom stared down at him, "I don't like thinking about what could have happened if that resin overtook you completely… just seeing the start of it still haunts me… I don't want to lose you."

Nom threw aside all of his fears, pushing down the memories brought back from the nightmare as he pulled Scott tighter against him. He gently nuzzled against the top of Scott's head, letting his wings close back again around them as his tail curled protectively around the half-elf's waist.

Just as quickly, Scott settled into the comfort, breath hitching with the last of his tears as he let Nom comfort him. He could feel Scott's ear pressing against his chest, looking for his heart. Without holding it back, a gentle rumble rolled through his him, and it seemed to help in calming both of them down.

"I took a new oath, did I tell you that?" Nom said softly after a moment.

Scott hummed slightly and shook his head. "I think… I think it's why they did it. The gods." He paused for a moment, taking a shaky breath. "I took it to protect the people I care about, to do all this for you and not the crown. I wanted… I wanted to try again, to become worthy enough to be the knight you think I am. I guess the Knight God heard me and decided it was good enough to save me."

"I'm glad they did," Scott said without any hesitation, holding onto Nom just as tightly. "I don't want to see a world where they didn't…"

A comfortable silence fell over them after that. Nom felt better, both from being able to talk about it and from ensuring that Scott was okay as well. From around Scott, his tail began thudding gently against his waist the same way it was prone to doing whenever Nom was around the half-elf for long enough.

"Feeling better?" Nom asked after a moment, almost mirroring the yawn Scott let out before replying with a slight hum and a small nod, eyes slipping closed.

"You?" Scott asked, a tiredness creeping back into his voice as sleep threatened to take them both.

That rumble in Nom's chest grew stronger, louder in the space around them. "I always feel better talking with you."

Sleepily, Scott smiled. "I'm glad."

It was a strange sight to get used to, even if it felt entirely and completely natural to Scott to see it.

He was no stranger to having Nom over, most of their time was spent together anyway, so much so that if anyone wanted to find either of them, they just needed to find the other most of the time. So to have Nom be wandering around outside his house, moving between the patches of carefully planted flowers, wasn't all that unusual for Scott to see. In fact, it made him happy to see Nom helping out around the cottage.

What was strange, though, was the changes that Nom had gone through that turned him into a dragon. The dark wings and tail were a startling difference to the bright array of colors in the flower beds. And while Nom's usual dark armor had always stood out against them, the draconic features seemed to make it more obvious.

Despite how much Nom looked like he didn't belong anywhere near the gardens, Scott couldn't help but smile as he watched the knight tread as carefully and gently as he could through the bed of flowers as he helped tend to them.

Nom, the monarch who instigated a declaration of war against Red Kingdom once again. Nom, the knight who had broken his oath and wielded the strongest weapon in the Blue Kingdom. Nom, who fell into the clutches of the Creaking King and nearly turned into one of its wretched creatures only to be turned instead into a dragon of all things by an act of the Gods.

And yet, Nom treated Scott and his garden like it was the most precious thing in the world despite it all.

A gentle warmth spread across Scott's face, and he shook his head to try and push it back. Nom had always been gentle with his garden, and with him, even before all of this. Scott trusted him with taking care of his home while he had been away all that time ago. And he still trusts him now. That was all, nothing more.

Almost as if Nom could tell that Scott was watching him, he turned around to face the house, finding Scott on the other side of the glass wall of the greenhouse. Nom smiled brightly, waving at him before getting up from the ground.

Scott mirrored the smile, gentle and easy, as he returned the wave. He couldn't help but laugh as Nom stumbled over his tail a little as he began making his way towards the house, practically able to hear the grumble Nom let out as he grabbed the tail to lift it more off the ground.

The door to the house creaked open, followed by the sound of low muttering and the flapping of wings. Scott walked out of the greenhouse and into the main room of the cottage, only to find Nom standing in the doorway with his head turned towards the wings on his back as he tried to get them to fold up on his back.

"You alright there?" Scott asked, the hint of a tease on the tip of his tongue as he watched the struggle unfold.

"Yeah. Yeah I just," Nom said quickly, stepping back out of the door to finally get his wings tight against his back, "These stupid things have a mind of their own I swear to God-" Once the wings were secure, Nom stepped back through the door, this time without getting stuck, and he let out a heavy sigh of relief.

Scott laughed softly as Nom's wings seemed to pop back out, no longer forced to be so tight against his back in order to fit through the door. Nom scowled playfully at him, even sticking his tongue out a little. "Oh yes, ha ha very funny, the dragon can't fit through a simple doorway."

"I mean," Scott moved closer to the door, standing close to Nom as he inspected the doorway and the surrounding wall, "I could always take it down and make the doorway wider for you if that's easier."

Nom stared, blinking at him in confusion. "You… you would do that?"

"Mhm," Scott hummed, nodding as he smiled brightly, "Of course. You spend enough of your time here anyway, I want you to be able to fit in."

A familiar soft rumbling sound started coming from Nom as his cheeks flushed a little, and Scott even noticed the way his tail seemed to swish a bit faster behind him. The knight quickly looked away, clearing his throat. "That… that's really nice of you, Scott, thank you."

Scott's smile softened, feeling that same warmth return to his face. "Of course. I know that this has been a lot to get used to, so if I can help make it any easier, I will."

"I really do appreciate it, Scott. I…" Nom looked like he was going to say something more, mouth opening before he quickly shut it as his face flushed a little deeper. Clearing his throat, he moved further into the house and towards the greenhouse. "Uh, why don't I help you finish cleaning up and then we can have lunch."

"Oh, um, yeah. Sounds good." Scott watched as Nom headed into the Greenhouse, starting to busy himself with cleaning up around the space like usual. He turned to head to the kitchen, his fond smile never really leaving his face.

A sense of familiarity filled the space around him as they both fell into their routines. Nom in the greenhouse tending to the last of the chores Scott hadn't gotten to, and Scott gathering and preparing lunch for the both of them.

It was nice, quiet and familiar in a way that was comforting to Scott. It was a routine they'd fallen into ever since Scott had come back from Barrowhill and one morning found Nom in the greenhouse watering his plants just as he had been in the weeks he'd been gone.

"I don't want you to worry about anything now that you're back. You can take all the time you need to settle back in," Nom had told him that day, uncaring of how Scott had slept in and still looked a mess from both loosing his father and from the long journey home.

"I'm here for you. Whatever you need."

Scott had cried that day, held in the safety and comfort of Nom's arms in the quiet late-morning around the cottage. Now, he smiled to himself softly at the memory as he packed up fresh fruits and cooked meats for them both to take outside.

Just as Scott turned to go and grab the usual blanket he used for picnics, he was startled by a loud thud followed by what sounded like shattering pottery.

"Damn it- fuck," He heard Nom swear, muttering quickly under his breath before another shattering sound echoed from the greenhouse. "No, fucking- shit."

Scott whipped around, instinctively grabbing his staff and prepared to cast a spell, expecting to find some intruder forcing their way in.

What he saw instead was Nom frantically trying to clean up shattered plant pots as he held onto his tail tightly, wings tucked tightly against his back. He was still muttering under his breath, a low growling sound coming from him as well as he picked up shattered pottery.

Scott blinked in confusion as he set his staff back down, approaching the doorway into the greenhouse. "Nom? What happened, are you okay?"

Nom huffed, a heavy sigh as he gestured towards his tail, practically shaking it as he held it. "This damn thing I swear to god has a mind of its own!" The outburst was followed by his wings unfolding slightly, knocking into yet another plant pot and sent it crashing down to the floor. Scott cringed slightly at the sound, which was followed by another loud growl from Nom, "No- shit!"

"Nom- Hey it's okay," Scott said quickly, rushing over to pull the knight away from the carnage of the shattered plant pots and scattered dirt. Nom followed easily, letting Scott guide him away despite the low growling still rumbling in his throat and still having a death grip on his tail to keep it from hitting anything else.

"I'm- Scott I'm sorry I didn't mean to break anything," Nom said once they were back in the main room where he couldn't accidentally knock into anything else.

"It's okay Nom, I promise," Scott reassured him, not letting go of his hand, running his thumb over the back of Nom's hand in a soothing way, "I know you didn't mean to."

"I should have been more careful," An instinctive growl seemed to slip, and Scott noticed how Nom's pupils thinned a bit more into slits as he huffed. "Really I didn't mean to break-"

"Hey," Scott said firmly, turning to face Nom as he put his hands on the sides of his face, cupping the knight's cheeks gently. Immediately, his eyes returned to normal as his gaze met Scott's, softening enough to make the lingering, upset growl fade away.

"I know you didn't mean to. It's just a couple of pots, I can replace them easy enough. It's fine, I swear." Scott reassured him, firmly yet still soft. A gentle reminder, because otherwise Nom will work himself into a panic over something so little. Scott would be his anchor, remind him that it was alright.

Nom sighed, nodding before he leaned into Scott's touch. "But. What about your plants?"

Scott couldn't help but laugh lightly, grinning softly as he stared at Nom. "You remember I'm a plant mage, right? I can regrow them, it's not a big issue."

"Are you sure?"

"Absolutely."

Nom nodded again, exhaling slowly. "Right. Okay. If you're sure."

"Of course I am," Scott gave a small nod in return, letting his touch against the dragon's cheeks linger for just a bit longer before he pulled away, motioning for Nom to follow him, "Now then. Let's get some lunch. We can worry about the mess later."

And as always, Nom followed without hesitation as Scott went to pick up the food he'd put together and the picnic blanket he'd meant to grab.

In comfortable silence, Scott led Nom back outside and into the garden, setting up their usual spot before getting comfortable among the flowers and the shade of the trees around them. The ease and familiarity of it seemed to help calm Nom down until he was his normal, talkative self.

The shattered plant pots, the scattered dirt, and the frustration, all smoothed over like it had never happened in the first place. Now, Nom happily chatted Scott's ear off as he ate his lunch, his tail thumping softly against the ground beside him.

And in the back of his mind, Scott made plans to work on making his house a little more 'dragon friendly'. Because he didn't mind making adjustments to make Nom more comfortable in the house while he was still getting used to his new form.

It wasn't unusual for Nom to not be able to sleep.

Most nights it was a challenge to even fall asleep in the first place. He'd find himself tossing and turning, staring up at the ceiling for a few hours before climbing out of bed and instead finding ways to keep himself busy to pass the time until his body inevitably would crash in the very early hours of the morning. It's how Nom always wound up waking up late for things. Kingdom meetings, dungeon runs, hang outs with 4c or Mae or Scott, all things he'd stumble out of bed for, rush to get his armor on, and find that things had started without him.

It was fine, for the most part. Almost routine, in a way. War had trained him to never sleep, to always be on watch. And he didn't mind.

Except, tonight felt different.

Nom couldn't lay on his back. It was much too uncomfortable with the way the brand new wings on his back laid folded up, and the tail never stopped squirming in discomfort when he did. So, he laid on his front, letting the leathery appendages spread out across his bed to try and find some way to be comfortable.

But even still, Nom had fallen asleep in more uncomfortable ways. Slumped over an anvil in the forge, sitting up against the castle wall, up in a tree, all ways he'd somehow managed to just pass out. So why was it so hard to do so now?

Instead, an unfamiliar itch in the back of his mind wouldn't let him sleep no matter how hard he tried to ignore it. It felt like there was an ache in his chest, deep rooted and unfamiliar in a way that bugged Nom incessantly. The best way he could describe it was like it was as if a part of himself was missing, a longing for something he couldn't figure out what his mind was trying to tell him.

The worst part about having been changed into a dragon wasn't trying to navigate his new form, or the fact that he had nearly choked when his body brought back up the resin he'd consumed in rejection. Nom had been very grateful that he had been alone when that happened. No one needed to see the way he dry heaved the sticky amber colored substance back up as his body trembled, the wings on his back stretched out as if in panic.

No, the worst part about the change was the instincts he had no idea what to do with.

Nom groaned, burying his face further into his pillow as if that would help him get to sleep any faster. Beside him, his tail thumped against the bed restlessly, the sharpened claws of his hands practically tearing the sheets where he gripped them.

There was only a few options left that he had to consider. It was much too late in the night for any kind of sparring with someone else. He refused to bother Graecie or Owain this late, even if they'd be willing to help him.

Besides, Nom didn't think it would help. He didn't feel the same kind of itch to be holding his blade the same way he usually did when he felt restless. The idea of getting into some kind of fight right now, in a controlled environment or not against an opponent he knew could take it, made his skin crawl, his wings tucking tighter against his back.

No, that wouldn't help. Nom wasn't a ball of energy that something like a good spar could fix. So what was.

Nom let his mind wander to try and find any kind of solution. If the restlessness wasn't caused by unsettled energy and the urge to swing his mace around against some monsters in the arena, then there had to be an explanation. What did these gods forsaken instincts want from him?

The thought dawned on him almost as quickly as he'd figured out what wasn't the reason he couldn't sleep. Nom didn't feel safe, he realized. It wasn't often he felt this way, but it must be amplified by the brand new dragon instincts that would not leave him alone.

Climbing out of bed while trying not to trip over his tail , Nom stumbled over to where he kept his armor hung up when he wasn't wearing it. He couldn't remember the last time that being without his armor made him feel like this, exposed and like anything could sneak up on him at any time. But it was a feeling he was familiar with ever since he had brought 4c back to Blue Kingdom.

Except, as Nom's clawed hand hovered over the armor to start putting it on, he froze. Something in the back of his mind screamed that this wasn't right, this wasn't the kind of safety he needed right now.

A low grumble that felt too much like a growl rumbled in his throat as he squinted at the armor in confusion. The armor was what he felt the safest in, so surely wearing it could help him sleep, right?

No, something in his mind replied, no this won't do.

Instead, his mind supplied an alternative. He could hide away in the Well Well Well, a place he had intentionally built in order to hide away from the destruction of the war that had followed him his entire life.

When was the last time he had slept down there? Nom couldn't remember, not since he'd woken up after a night of excruciating pain only to find that he'd grown a pair of wings and horns, and a tail, his nails sharpened to claws. Once everyone had seen what happened to him, no one wanted to let him be too far away. So spending his nights in the blacksmith had become his new normal.

But the idea of heading down there to sleep sounded nice. He could rearrange his bed, drag pillows and blankets down there to make it much more comfortable for himself. Nom could almost feel himself relaxing, the dragon part of his brain purring that it would be the perfect, safe place to hide away and cuddle up among the piles of blankets and breathe in the soft floral scent that always followed Scott around-

Nom froze.

Since when did he think about Scott like that? He shook his head as if it would get rid of the idea entirely. No, no he would just have to think of something else. Maybe he should go dunk his head in the river. Or better yet his entire body. The cold water could probably shock some sense back into his mind, force the dragon instincts to shut up and let him sleep finally.

He didn't even bother changing, just slipped on a pair of shoes before he all but stumbled down the stairs to head out of the blacksmith. The night air was cool, a light breeze surrounding him as he moved. Normally, it was the kind of weather that would make him shiver a bit, pull his cloak tighter around himself to keep warm.

Now though, Nom ran warm enough that just being in his thin sleepwear in the cool night air wasn't a problem.

The path to the river from the blacksmith wasn't far or very long. Usually, he'd take the path up towards the castle and just leap from the bridge down to the river below.

Instead, Nom found himself taking the longer path down towards the front of the kingdom. He knew he should be heading towards the river, but every time he tried to readjust the direction he was heading, the ache in his chest grew stronger. His own mind fought with him, and by the time he had wrangled it back under his control to quiet the damn lizard brain, Nom realized he was nowhere near the river.

He was almost at Scott's house.

Nom froze for a moment, staring at the path leading up to the front door of the little cottage. Maybe he hadn't won over his instincts after all, if he wound up at Scott's without even realizing before he was practically at the front door.

But, he noticed the way the dragon side of his mind quieted, the ache lessening in his chest as he let himself take a tentative step forward closer to the cottage. Nom sighed, "God damn it…"

Nom continued down the path to the front door of the cottage.

A part of him wanted to pull back and run as fast as he could back towards the river. It was late after all, and Scott was likely asleep already. Nom didn't want to be a bother, especially over something so stupid. He could handle this on his own. He could handle ignoring the way his instincts were screaming at him to tuck himself and Scott away down in the Well for the night so he could finally sleep.

Yeah, Nom could handle it. He just needed to leave the cottage and go back to the blacksmith to hide away for the night.

Instead, a solid knock on the door echoed around him.

"Shit," Nom grumbled to himself, shifting on his feet a bit anxiously. His tail flicked behind him at every movement he heard from inside the house. There was no way that Scott hadn't been asleep, and every second waiting for the door to open made him rethink this entire idea.

He was about to turn around and leave, contemplating heading to the river again, when the door to the cottage opened.

"Nom?" Scott rubbed his eyes groggily before he stared at him, blinking in confusion. "It's the middle of the night… is everything okay?"

"I…" Nom started, though he wasn't quite sure how to explain himself. He didn't think he'd wind up here. How was he supposed to explain that he was here because of the stupid lizard brain in the back of his mind that won't leave him alone long enough to get some sleep.

But Scott was waiting so patiently, and looked like he was on the verge of falling asleep where he stood. Nom's tail twitched at the sight, and he wanted nothing more than to just scoop the mage up and hide him away to let him sleep soundly.

One thing at a time, you damn overgrown lizard, Nom had to scold himself. Besides, Scott would understand him if he explained himself. And he did promise him to be honest, and Nom did not intend on breaking that over something so stupid.

"I can't sleep," Nom admitted, his shoulders sagging as his tail wrapped loosely around his leg. "And, I think it's because of these new dragon instincts not feeling… safe enough, I guess."

Scott nodded, suddenly looking much more awake. He pulled the door open more as if to give Nom room to head inside the house. "Did you want to come in?" He offered softly, and though he looked more alert, he still sounded sleepy.

Nom couldn't help frowning at the idea, his claws twitching at his side momentarily. Scott seemed to notice his hesitation, as he always did, and stepped a bit further towards him. "Or… did you have something in mind on how I can help?"

Screwing his eyes closed for a moment, Nom took a breath. This was stupid, this was so stupid, he knew he was going to sound crazy the moment he explained what the dragon side of his brain wanted to do. "This… is going to sound crazy," Nom started, opening his eyes to look at Scott again as he braced himself.

Scott stepped fully outside, wrapping his cloak around himself tighter to warm himself against the cool night air as he closed the door to the cottage behind him. Nom wanted to wrap him up to keep him warm, his wings loosening on his back as if they were going to extend and shield them both form the chill of the night.

Slow down, Lizard Brain.

Padding softly over to the steps that led up to the door of the cottage, Scott took a seat as he patted the spot next to him, motioning Nom to sit with him. Nom didn't hesitate to take the offer, though he had to keep a tight grip on his instincts to keep from letting his wings spread out and wrap around Scott.

"So, what're you thinking?" Scott pushed gently, soft and patient as he was all but huddled against Nom's side still wrapped in his blue cloak.

Nom sighed, looking away from Scott as he finally spoke. "I… I was sort of thinking we could go down to the Well and spend the night there. For some reason, it's the only thing my dumb lizard brain can think of to try and get some any actual sleep. And it's been long enough that at this point I'm desperate to get it to shut up and leave me alone, which…"

"Which is why you're here," Scott finished his thought, still gentle as he did. A purr nearly rumbled in his chest at just how patient the half-elf was being with him, only intensifying his need to get him somewhere safe and comfortable. Nom nodded, humming slightly in agreement.

"Like I said, it sounds crazy and it feels so stupid-"

"I don't think it's stupid." Scott interrupted softly, reaching to take one of Nom's hands in his own. He threaded their fingers together, squeezing Nom's hand gently as he smiled softly, sleepily, at him. It was obvious that he was still tired, barely awake and yet still Scott had answered the door for Nom. Scott was willing to sit out on his porch with Nom, listen to what was troubling him. All because he had asked.

Nom felt like his heart was going to burst with how hard it was pounding in his chest. He thought he was keeping it from being obvious as he squeezed Scott's hand in return, being mindful of his sharpened claws as he did so. But even still, there was a soft thudding sound behind him that he realized was his tail practically wagging as it thumped against the wooden porch he was sitting on.

Gods, he needed to get a grip on this. And fast.

"If I can help," Scott's voice pulled him from his thoughts, his thumb absentmindedly tracing lightly over Nom's knuckles, "Then I will. Whatever you need, okay?"

"Are you sure you don't mind?" Nom asked, unable to stop the way his voice went quiet with nerves that he hadn't been able to shake.

Scott's head tilted to the side as he smiled a bit wider. "Of course I don't mind. I mean, it's not like we haven't spent the night together before."

A soft laugh slipped from Nom, almost mirroring Scott's smile as he shifted forward to lean his head against Scott's shoulder. The urge to grab the half-elf and hide away was the strongest it had been all night. It didn't help that Scott was practically glowing in the moonlight around them, all soft with lingering tiredness and his eyes shining like emeralds in a way that scratched some new part of his brain in such a satisfying way.

"Yeah. You've got a point there," Nom mumbled, holding himself back from nuzzling against Scott as the half-elf put an arm around him. "It's just. These dragon instincts are so weird to get used to, I feel bad for bothering you over them."

Scott shook his head. "Don't be. Adjusting to a change like this takes time. It's like… when I was getting a handle of my magic, holding it in and suppressing it made it worse. You have to indulge a little to get used to it better. I don't mind being bothered by you over it."

Nom sighed deeply, breathing in Scott's floral scent for a moment. He listened to Scott's advice and didn't bite back the little noise of content in his throat, though he felt his face warm in embarrassment at it.

It didn't seem like Scott minded though, even pulling Nom closer as he let the noise slip. "Okay," Nom said after a moment of comfortable silence, "Can… Can I take you down to the Well now? I doubt you want to sleep outside tonight."

He could practically hear the smile in Scott's voice as he nodded, "Yes, Nom. Let's get you to bed, hm?"

It was all Nom needed before he abruptly scooped Scott up in his arms, holding the half-elf close and made sure that he was secure enough as he got to his feet.

Scott let out a little surprised yelp at the movement, but he settled just as quickly, wrapping his arms around Nom's shoulders and leaning his head against his shoulder. Nom was pretty sure his tail was wagging as he began making his way down towards the Well Well Well, but he couldn't be bothered to try and get it under control.

He was more focused on how pleased his dragon brain was at finally getting what it wanted. Scott was happily and willingly coming with him, and he'd get to tuck them both away in the safety of the Well. He would be safe, Scott would be safe, and that was all that mattered.

Getting down into the Well was not as hard as he thought it was going to be with his arms full of the half-elf, aided by his wings flapping lightly to help balance himself out. And in no time, Nom made his way down the cave and into his house.

As soon as he was in the bedroom though, he paused, frowning as he stared at the bed. It was almost right, just not as secure as he wanted. There were definitely something missing before he could lay down with Scott and fall asleep.

"What's wrong?" Scott asked, noticing Nom's hesitation once again.

"It… it's not right," Nom mumbled, still staring at the rather flat and empty bed in front of them. His instincts were practically screaming at him, so close to his goal and yet so far.

"What, the bed?" Scott turned slightly to follow Nom's gaze towards the bed. Nom just nodded and grumbled, his grip on Scott tightening a bit. "Okay," The half-elf soothed softly, "can you fix it or do we need to figure something else out?"

Nom huffed, and moved to set Scott down at the edge of the bed. He didn't want to separate from him, but the need to make the bed right was stronger than the urge to glue himself to Scott's side. "I can fix it," He promised, hesitating for just a moment longer, "Just… don't go anywhere okay?"

"I'll be right here," Scott promised softly, nodding in agreement as he reached to grab Nom's hand momentarily in order to squeeze it in reassurance. "Do what you need to do."

Squeezing Scott's and in return before letting go, Nom hurried off to grab more blankets and pillows out of storage. It was mostly thick comforters, stuff he usually kept put away until they were deep in the middle of winter and the extra, thick layers were needed to get through the freezing nights.

Now though, they were the perfect addition to make the bed just right, to finally quiet every instinct in his stupid lizard brain so that he could get some damn sleep for once.

Just as quickly as he had left, Nom came back with the extra blankets and pillows and got to work. He only felt a little self conscious knowing that Scott was there and watching him as he started rearranging the bed with all his extra blankets. But the longer he worked, the more comfortable he got.

Soon enough, Nom reached a point he was happy with. The blankets were piled in almost a ring overtop the extra pillows. As he sat back, he sighed a small breath of relief.

From beside him, Scott put a gentle hand on his back, and Nom couldn't help but lean into the touch. "Better?" He asked softly, the tiredness from earlier back in his voice.

Nom just hummed and nodded, his own exhaustion beginning to settle in. Carefully, he climbed further into the mass of blankets and pillows, turning to grab Scott's hand to gently pull him along with him.

In comfortable silence, Nom got them both settled in the bed. He had Scott lay back against the pillows before curling up at his side, practically on top of them.

They fit together like they always did any time they'd spend the night together, slotting together with ease. Only this time, Nom had a pair of wings and a tail to worry about. One wing tucked itself loosely against his back, while the other spread out over the both of them like an extra blanket.

Scott wrapped his arms around Nom in return, pulling him close and sighing softly in satisfaction as they got settled together. "Better?" Scott echoed his earlier question, though this time it was coupled with a yawn.

Nom didn't hold himself back, burrowing his head against the crook of Scott's neck while being mindful of his horns and let a pleased sound rumble in his chest. "Much… thank you," He mumbled tiredly.

"You're welcome," Scott lazily ran a hand through Nom's hair, making the rumble in his chest grow louder as Nom let his eyes slip shut. He heard Scott breathe a small laugh, "Sleep well, Nom."

It had been just barely a month.

A month since Pyro had up and vanished without so much as a word to anyone. It was just like him, in Scott's experience, something he conveyed at any opportunity. There was no trusting Pyro Dagmeare, no matter how much his heart ached to admit it. The rest of his friends were finding out the hard way the same way he had eight years ago. It hurt, it sucked, but it was the truth.

Worst of all, a part of him wished that he had turned in Pyro to the Professor or one of the guards, told on him about his plans to take the dragon he was tasked with raising and leave with no idea if he would return. Maybe at most Pyro would have been jailed for a few days, confined to the Academy. Maybe it would have been for his own good.

But, what would Pyro's reaction have been? Scott tattling on him like they were kids again, a childish habit he thought he lost until he was suddenly reunited with his childhood friend. Would this have driven them just as far as they currently were? Surely, Pyro could have gotten over it, even if it meant he hated Scott just a little more.

Scott could've handled it, if it only meant he stayed with him for just a little while longer.

It didn't matter anymore. What was done, is done, and Scott couldn't change that now weeks later. Even if the loneliness settled deep in his chest and gripped him just as tight as the chill of his magic did. It was fine, he was fine.

At least, he was for a while.

Eventually, the quiet and the cold were too much. Scott didn't know when it happened, but after too many restless nights from both being unable to sleep and from nightmares that plagued him, he somehow found himself heading to Pyro's room at the end of the day rather than his own.

It had been purely to balance out his own magic at first. Frost lingered on his breath, fingers and nose constantly numb, and if Scott stood in one place for too long the ground would freeze under his feet. So the obvious solution, while the pyromancer was gone, was to just use his unnaturally hot room to warm up.

Scott did not take comfort in the somewhat familiar space, soaking in Pyro's lingering presence in the room as he curled up in the dark sheets of the man's bed. He did not smile when Aurora curled up on the little pile of gold that was Cindy's makeshift hoard. And he did not curl up by the fireplace in the back of the room and pretend the heat from it was coming from him and not just the flame.

He was fine. This was fine.

The days blurred into weeks, and slowly things returned to as normal as they could. People stopped asking him where Pyro had gone, stopped talking about him almost entirely. Almost like he'd never been there in the first place, the only evidence to the contrary being the name scrawled above the door across from Scott's room. Even the heat in Pyro's room was starting to dull, cooling off the more time Scott spent inside it.

Scott was only just barely asleep when a loud banging at the door startled him one night, inhaling sharply into sudden alertness. Aurora had picked her head up, scrambling to the edge of the loft as she stared down below.

He was half tempted to ignore it and try and go back to sleep, about to try and coax his dragon back to bed when the near frantic knocking echoed in the room. It was followed by what sounded like scratching, like claws against wood. Aurora gave an annoyed huff, turning her head to stare at him as if she were asking him are you going to take care of that?

"Right, fine," Scott sighed, throwing his mass of blankets off of himself and reluctantly leaving the warmth of the bed. He made his way down the ladders and set of stairs, he'd long since learned to navigate Pyro's overcomplicated design, and made his way to the door, Aurora at his heels.

Almost as soon as the door was opened, a blur of red crossed his vision as something darted into the room. Scott's attention snapped to his dragon as Aurora let out a small, instinctive hiss, but his eyes widened in surprise as the hatchling was immediately all over the red and orange dragon, both chittering at each other happily.

Wait.. was that?

No, it couldn't be.

"Scott! There you are," Graecie's voice startled him, but not enough to pull his attention from the sudden appearance of his dragon.

"Is that Cindy?" Scott asked out loud, completely and utterly baffled.

There was no way that Pyro would ever let his dragon out of his sight. He was too gods damned proud of the little dragon, it meant too much to his obsession with his legacy. So then… why was the dragon here?

"Yeah, I found her running around in the main hall," Graecie said, and this time, Scott turned around to face her in the doorway to the room. "She wouldn't let me pick her up or take the-"

"Was Pyro with her?" Scott blurted out, maybe too quickly. He bit back cringing at himself, only feeling slightly bad for cutting Graecie off. He didn't care, he had to remind himself, he didn't care, he doesn't care.

"No," Graecie frowned, a whine in the back of her throat in that same way she sounded when she was distressed. "Or at least- I don't think so. Some of the others are looking around for him just in case though."

The sound of the chittering dragons went quiet, and when Scott turned to see them, Cindy slowly crawled towards him. After a moment, to his surprise, Cindy rubbed against his leg before stretching up to paw at him, her claws gently gripping at his pants.

Almost as if on auto pilot, as if it were Aurora, Scott scooped up the little dragon. Cindy didn't hesitate to practically burrow against his chest, curling up in his arms as she let out a deep sigh. He couldn't help but do the same, the warmth from the dragon familiar as it started melting through the cold that lingered. It felt nice, and he could tell that Cindy shared the sentiment with how her eyes slipped closed, nuzzling against his chest.

Gods, something was wrong. He hadn't seen her ever be this snugly with Pyro.

"Scott," Graecie's voice pulled his attention, turning back to face her still standing in the doorway.

Graecie bounced nervously on the balls of her feet, fidgeting with the bells wrapped around her wrist, before motioning towards the little dragon in Scott's arms. "When I found her in the main hall, she had something tied around her but I couldn't get close enough to see what it was. She wouldn't let me near her, she just- she bolted straight here."

Sure enough, when Scott looked down, he wasn't sure how he missed it before, there was what looked like vines tied around Cindy's body that held something that poked out from under her wing. Carefully, Scott lifted Cindy's wing in order to retrieve- was that paper?

Cindy shifted in his arms, wings flapping in annoyance as she huffed. Before she could claw her way out of his grasp, Scott set her down on the ground after he untied the vine from around her. The dragon shook her body, stretching out before sitting down at his feet, staring up at him almost expectantly. Aurora crept up beside the other hatchling, sitting beside Cindy as she also stared up at Scott with a slight confused tilt of her head.

"So what is it?" Graecie asked, crowding into the room to be at his side in order to see the pages he clutched in his hands.

"I don't know… I have a really bad feeling about this," Scott muttered, unfolding the paper. He froze when he recognized the handwriting scrawled on the pages in front of him. Something cold settled in his chest uncomfortably, a sense dread wrapping around his heart.

Pyro's handwriting. Not the neat, careful writing he saw in the fake hatching book. No, staring back at him was something more frantic, like it was written quickly, some of the ink smudged from not drying all the way before it was folded up in order to tie around Cindy.

Scott barely registered the sound of his own voice, not muttering Pyro's words for the sake of letting Graecie hear the note as well.

A list of events, vivid details of an underground cave, a hidden spy camp in its depths, spies and rebels in the academy, a shadow lurking around Pyro and Maddy before capturing them-

Capturing them.

The papers fell from Scott's hand as his eyes went wide, sending the dragons at his feet scrambling away before it could hit them.

"Scott?!" Graecie nearly cried as his knees buckled, and Scott collapsed on the ground.

His heart pounded in his chest, ice beginning to sink into the floor around his hands. Pyro had been captured. The whole time, he'd gotten kidnapped, and no one noticed for a month because Scott assumed he'd left. He'd told people not to worry, not to care about what Pyro was up to.

They'd even found a different spy camp before, had learned that other people had been previously kidnapped. The thought never crossed Scott's mind when no one could find Pyro, when no one could find Maddy. He'd assumed that they'd run off to gods knows where. He told everyone who asked him that this was just like Pyro to up and vanish without a word.

They could have found Pyro and Maddy sooner, but they didn't. Because of him.

"It's my fault," Scott breathed, voice trembling as he screwed his eyes closed. His throat tightened in a way that felt like he needed to cry, but he couldn't. Not anymore. He was too cold for that.

"What's your fault?" Graecie asked, soft and full of concern as she dropped to the floor at Scott's side. He felt hands on his shoulders for a moment before Graecie gasped, "Oh Shepherdess.. Scott you're freezing…"

"It's my fault," Scott repeated, choking back a dry sob that rattled through him. It hurt, the bitter cold that fueled his spells now slowly taking over his body. "I just thought he left, I didn't- I thought-"

The scratching of claws against the wooden floors caught Scott's attention, forcing his eyes open as a warm body pressed against him. Cindy crawled into his lap, huffing as she clawed at his chest. The little fire dragon stared at him expectantly, a sense of urgency that mirrored Pyro in a way that send a spike of ice through his heart all over again.

With a shaky breath, Scott cradled Cindy close on instinct, letting her warmth sink into him. The normally feisty dragon who never let anyone touch her, especially her own rider most of the time. He could feel her rapid, heavy breathing against him, like she was finally able to rest after running for so long.

Oh Gods above, Pyro had sent Cindemeare all on her own to get back to the academy for help. How long had the little dragon been on her own? How far had she traveled?

"It's not your fault, Scott," Graecie breathed, still sitting beside him with her hands still hovering over him. She seemed to hesitate for a moment before touching his shoulder again, like testing a hot stove before her hand settled in place. He could see the shiver that went through her as she did, but she didn't pull away. "You couldn't have known-"

"But I told people not to care," Scott's breath hitched, voice wet with cold tears, "He talked about leaving and not coming back and I… I panicked and I thought it was Tegrith all over again."

Graecie hummed, a small sigh that he didn't need to see the frown on her face to know she was upset. Slowly, she took a breath, and around them both little gold and white lights began swirling around them both.

An odd warmth surrounded him, different from the heat of the dragon in his arms. Rather than a balance to his cold, this was a comforting warmth. Scott felt himself relax, body untensing slowly. Even Cindy's breathing evened out, a quiet sigh and gentle rumble coming from the dragon in his arms.

"There, is that better?" Graecie asked, a hopeful smile spreading across her face.

"A little…" Scott admitted, and even as the calming magic faded, he still felt its effects lingering around them.

"Okay," Graecie smiled brighter, shuffling closer in order to pull him into a hug.

Scott just let her, leaning into her embrace. He hoped the chill of his body wasn't too uncomfortable for her, the little warmth from Cindy still in his arms helped to keep the cold at bay.

"We'll find him," Graecie reassured him, just continuing to hold him. "We'll get some people together and go out looking first thing in the morning."

"And what if we can't?" Scott asked, voice shaking with lingering worry despite the calming spell and comforting hug. "What if we're too late and they've been moved, or worse-"

"We will!" She interrupted before Scott could spiral further and work himself into another panic. "Pyro and Maddy are both so smart, and Cindy was so brave to bring us the letter. Plus, the Shepherdess will guide us, I'm sure of it!"

Scott just nodded, having lost the energy to argue against her. Besides, she did have a point. Whatever happened, wherever they were now, they'd find them. Scott wouldn't give up, he owed Pyro that much.

That next morning, Scott pushed aside his guilt in order to fill Shelby and Drift in on what happened, on what he discovered. They both agreed to come with him and Graecie in their search for their kidnapped friends.

The only other thing to do before they gathered supplies and headed out, was to make sure all their dragons would be taken care of for however long they were gone.

Scott didn't want to risk Aurora's safety, or any of the other hatchlings, just in case things went wrong. Besides, Cindy became practically attached to Aurora after getting back, and Scott didn't want to separate them.

It took days, Scott lost track of how many exactly, but the location and directions written in the note left with Cindy was detailed enough. They all went further than anyone at the Academy had explored before, trekking through biomes they'd never really seen. Scott stayed vigilant every day they traveled, watching for shadows that move too quick or seem to follow them.

Scott pushed on despite the exhaustion that settled in from using his frost path spell to quicken their movement. So they could get to them faster.

They already wasted a month without anyone knowing they were gone, without realizing they'd been kidnapped. Scott refused to waste more time, not when he could do something about it now.

Eventually, they spotted it.

Shelby had been the one to spot it from scouting ahead. A little clearing of tall, thick trees and sitting between them, a pair of cages hung up in the branches on chains.

"Okay, we don't know what's over there," Drift said, looking between Scott, Shelby, and Graecie as he stared ahead at the cages. "We still don't know who's behind this or if they're around, so we just have to be careful-"

Screw being careful.

"Scott! Wait!"

He didn't listen, breaking out into a run towards the trees and the cages held above the ground. His breathing grew heavy, heart beating loudly in his ears. "Pyro?! Maddy?!" Scott shouted, trying to keep the worry and desperation coursing through him out of his voice.

"Scott?!" Maddy's voice, from somewhere above him, and when Scott slid to a stop just under the cages, he saw her hands grab onto the bars, her face poking through it alongside a little white and pink dragon that chirped loudly when she saw him.

"Oh thank the Gods, get us the fuck out of here, please!" Maddy's cage shook slightly as she moved around inside it.

Behind him, Scott heard footsteps slow to a stop as the others caught up to him. "Maddy! Are you guys okay?" Graecie asked, nervously bouncing on her heels as Shelby shot herself up in the air towards Maddy's cage, landing lightly on top of it.

"No!" Maddy laughed, an exasperated sound, "We've barely had any food, and Pyro needs help like now-"

Without hesitating, Scott casted his frost path, creating a platform of ice underneath him as he quickly headed up towards the second cage. "Pyro?" He called out, peering through the bars before his eyes widened in shocked horror.

Slumped against the bars of the cage, Pyro barely seemed to register that he was there. All he got in response was a small groan as the cage swayed slightly as Scott gripped the bars. The fire mage looked so much paler than Scott anticipated, his clothes a bit baggier around his frame, eyes closed underneath a messy mop of tangled hair, and his face covered in thick, overgrown stubble.

"He's sick, I think," Maddy was saying, still pressed against the bars of her cage as Shelby concentrated on trying to get it unlocked for her. "We- our mana got locked when we were brought here. And he's been away from Cindy for so long… It hit him hard, he's been out of it the last couple of days."

"Pyro?" Scott tried again, being careful to not let his ice spread into the cage itself as he looked for the lock. "Pyro come on, wake up."

Another small groan, but Scott felt some relief as Pyro blinked his eyes open, looking around before his eyes landed on him. "… Scott?" Gods, his voice sounded hoarse, scratchy. Whether it was from misuse or overuse, Scott couldn't tell. But it sounded wrong, small in a way that was everything Pyro Dagmeare wasn't.

"Yeah, it's me, I'm here-"

"… Fuck off, Boralith," Pyro hissed out, turning back to how he had been leaning against the bars before and letting his eyes slip closed again. "I'm not in the mood for this bullshit again, just leave me alone."

Frost spread around the bars where Scott's hands gripped the metal, heart thudding loudly in his chest. The harsh snipping from Pyro, he was used to. But this was different, laced with a level of exhaustion that Scott recognized a little too well.

What had they done to him?

"Ignore him, Scott, he's been like this for weeks now," Maddy's voice pulled his attention, turning to see her carefully climbing out of her cage with Shelby's help. "I think he's been seeing shit, talking to thin air and muttering nonsense."

Scott sighed, trying to hide the shake in it as he turned back towards his friend still slumped over behind the bars. Right. Of course.

Readjusting his grip on the bars, Scott tightened his hands around the lock on the door to the cage. He focused his mana, focusing the cold grip that guilt still had on his heart, the winter storm in his mind that hadn't cleared since Cindy got to the academy, and the roaring anger at whoever had done this.

Frost spread farther, faster, concentrated under his fingers as he rapidly froze the metal that kept Pyro imprisoned. Carefully, harnessing the raging emotions, Scott ensured his magic was controlled, refusing to let it spiral out of control as it was prone to do.

As soon as he heard the groan of metal as the ice thickened, freezing it as much as possible, Scott braced himself to rip the lock from the bars. One swift pull, and it snapped off the hinge, as easy as snapping a twig.

Scott didn't hesitate to pull the door open, shaking the lingering ice from his hands before carefully making his way inside the cage. Dropping to a crouch in front of Pyro, Scott carefully grabbed at his shoulder.

Immediately, Pyro flinched, eyes snapping open as one of his own hands came up to push him away. The movement was weak, barely any strength there to actually push Scott out of his space. "Pyro," Scott said, keeping his voice even and firm, "it's me, I'm here."

"You-" Pyro gasped, a slightly pained sound, eyes wide and frantically looking between Scott and the hand still firmly planted on his shoulder. "You're actually here? You're real?"

"Yes, Pyro, I'm here, I'm real," The relief that flooded through Scott was immediate, watching as Pyro was trying to force himself to be fully present, like he was trying to ground himself back in reality. "We got your note, we came as soon as we-"

"You got-" Pyro interrupted, and with a surge of strength, he forced himself upright despite the wince he let out, "Cindemeare. Where's Cindemeare? Is she alright-"

Scott immediately grabbed Pyro's other shoulder, firmly keeping him in place as to not let him injure himself further. "Whoa, slow down," He said gently, "Cindy's fine, Pyro. She's back at the Academy, she's being looked after."

Pyro struggled for a moment, but as quickly as the energy had hit, he lost it. He slumped forward slightly, weakly nodding his head. "Okay… okay. You promise she's alright?"

"Yes, Pyro. I give you my word."

With another weak nod, Pyro let out a shaky sigh before his lips twitched up into a brief small smile. "I knew she'd find her way back… I knew she would…"

For a moment, Scott thought Pyro might have fallen back asleep, his head slumped against his chest, his breathing shallow. Until Pyro lifted his head back up, unsteady eyes meeting Scott's.

It hurt, seeing Pyro like this. The way he looked so small even if he was practically hunched over on himself, his skin a sickly pale color, eyes dulled with the loss of something that Scott couldn't place yet.

"Lets get you out of here," Scott murmured, watching for a moment before Pyro nodded. He readjusted his grip, pulling Pyro closer to him in order to pick him up.

The moment Pyro made contact with his chest, he hissed, a shiver running through his weakened body. "Shit, have you always been this cold?"

Scott paused. Pyro shouldn't be able to feel how cold he was. He was the only one who couldn't.

Carefully pulling back, Scott stared at Pyro for a moment, watching him sway unsteadily with the movement before settling. He lifted a hand to place it against the side of Pyro's neck, ignoring the shudder and small gasp he let out. "Scott, fuck off, your hand is freezing-"

There was no warmth. Not the kind Scott was used to. The fire that had been fueling Pyro's magic, the link between him and Cindy, seemed extinguished. And by the look and feel of things, the flame had been out for a long time now.

"So are you." Scott breathed, trying not to let concern cause his voice to shake.

"No shit," Pyro huffed, weakly pushing Scott's hand away from his skin. He let him. "Our mana was drained and locked when we woke up here. We haven't…" He paused a moment, a shiver running through him that just sent another aching pang through Scott's chest, "Haven't had magic for a while."

Taking a deep breath, Scott just nodded. Carefully, he guided Pyro back against the bars for a moment. He ignored the confused grumbles as he shrugged off his coat, taking off the thick layer of fabric and fur in order to wrap Pyro in it.

Pyro looked up at him in surprised confusion, silently watching as Scott pulled it over his shoulders. The fur seemed to swallow Pyro whole, massive around his thin frame. Slowly, Pyro grabbed the edges of it, pulling it tighter around himself and softly sighed as Scott pulled back.

"This feels like… home," Pyro muttered softly under his breath, sinking into what Scott assumed was much needed comfort and warmth from the coat. It was the best he could offer for the moment, afraid of freezing him further without some sort of thick layer around Pyro.

"It is," Scott replied, just as soft as Pyro looked back up at him. "It's… been changed since my magic awoke, but it's Tegrith made all the same."

Silence fell over the two of them for a moment, a breath of hesitation before Pyro nodded, almost sinking even further into the coat. He looked like he was on the brink of passing back out, eyes blinking slowly and his breathing growing heavy.

"Come on," Scott murmured, going to pick Pyro back up again now that he was bundled up, "Time to go."

Very carefully, Scott wrapped his arms around Pyro, an arm across his back with the other under his knees, cradling him close to his chest as he stood back up. The cage swayed with the movement, shifting momentarily. Immediately, Pyro's hands grasped the front of Scott's shirt, a broken gasp escaping him as he held onto him tightly. There was a wild, panicked look in his eyes, staring at the ground of the cage beneath them.

It reminded Scott, painfully, eerily, of that day in the tower. When a ghost had nearly condemned Pyro to the same fate as his brother.

"Whoa, hey it's okay," Scott reassured softly, tightening his grip on Pyro to hold them steady as he moved out of the unsteady cage and out onto the more stable platform of ice he'd left behind. "You're alright, I've got you."

Pyro swallowed thickly, screwing his eyes closed. His hands shook where they held tightly onto Scott's shirt. "Gods, Scott, just…" His voice just as shaky and quite, barely above a whisper, "get me the fuck out of here. Please."

"Working on it," Scott kept his voice steady, just as soft and reassuring as he carefully made his way down so he wouldn't slide down the ice like he was used to doing. Not when he could practically feel Pyro's panic through the thick layer of fur surrounding him. "Just breathe, Pyro."

Much to Scott's surprise, Pyro listened. Shakily, he took a breath, and slowly, he loosened his grip on Scott's shirt. He didn't fully remove his hands from where they rested against him, but he didn't have a death grip on them anymore.

The moment Scott stepped off the ice and onto the solid earth, he heard Pyro let out another small sigh, relief clear in the sound. Almost as immediately, Drift and Graecie rushed over, Shelby staying back with Maddy as she rested on the ground.

"Pyro! Oh, blessed bells- Are you okay?! Maddy was telling us what happened-"

Instinctively, Scott took a small step back, turning his body as if shielding Pyro from the attention and Graecie's rapid fire worry. It was the last thing Scott knew he'd want was to be crowded in the state he was in. This was not the way Pyro Dagmeare wanted to be seen, or remembered.

Graecie and Drift both slowed to a stop, watching him in confusion. Graecie tilted her head to the side, her big heart making her concern clear on her face. "Sorry," Scott muttered, his grip on Pyro not loosening as he let his body relax a little. Just so that he wasn't actively defensive. "Just... give him some space."

"Is he alright?" Drift asked, shifting only slightly to block Shelby and Maddy's view behind her. Maddy didn't seem to be paying much attention, focusing on Ambi in her lap. Shelby, on the other hand, had been trying to lean to the side to get a better view of what was happening, but seemed to back off when the view was blocked.

Scott glanced down slightly, long enough to see that Pyro had curled further into the pool of the fur coat around him. His eyes hadn't fully closed, but his exhaustion seemed even more apparent, eyes threatening to slip closed with the unsteady focus they held. Whatever energy he had mustered up when he realized Scott was there seemed to have all but slipped through his fingers.

"He's just been through a lot," Scott replied as he looked back up, ignoring the way the fist against his chest tightened. "I think we should get them back to the Academy as fast as possible, get both their mana back and get them recovering."

Nodding quickly, Graecie hesitated, shifting on her feet like she wanted to approach them regardless of Scott's request for space. "I could help! I can give Pyro a blessing, to help him if he's hurting," She suggested, the bells wrapped around her wrist chiming softly with her movement.

Scott just shook his head, "No, no let's just get back to the Academy. I don't want to say here longer than we need to."

"Okay!" Graecie nodded again, turning on her heel to rush back over to where Maddy was sitting, not hesitating to plop down beside her. The faint sound of her voice filled the air as she talked with Maddy, checking in on her and the little dragon in her lap.

"Do you have enough mana to recall you and Pyro both? If not, I think if I help cast it with you, it should be fine," Drift offered, hesitantly taking a step closer towards him.

It wasn't that he didn't think he could get Pyro back on his own. Scott was sure enough in his own learned magic outside of his inherent ice abilities that he probably could regardless of having not done it before.

But, he still hadn't done it before. And Scott couldn't, wouldn't, risk Pyro's safety like that. Not in the state he was in. Not when he just got him back. Not this time.

Sighing, Scott nodded before meeting Drift's eyes. "Yeah. Yeah doubling up is probably the way to go. Just to make sure we get them back safely."

"Right," Drift gave a single nod, a look of certainty crossing her face before she turned around to the other three. "Shelby, Graecie, can you two handle Recall with Maddy?"

"Yup!" Graecie nodded as Shelby stood, offering a hand to Maddy to help her to her feet. "We'll see you back at the Academy!"

Drift walked over to Scott, carefully putting a hand on his arm since his hands were occupied. They shared a look, eyes meeting for a moment before Drift's expression softened. "He's going to be okay, Scott," She said quietly, just loud enough for just him to hear.

Scott sighed shakily, just giving a small nod, before he felt Drift's mana connecting and mixing briefly with his own as they casted the spell together. Purple sparks surrounded them, soft popping filling his ears as the Recall manifested around them.

In his arms, Pyro shuttered slightly with the feeling of magic in the air. Scott instinctively held him closer, which didn't feel possible with just how tightly he was holding onto him. The hands in his shirt tightened, a small uncomfortable whine escaping him. Murmuring soft reassurances to Pyro, Scott couldn't help but be reminded of nights spent helping tend to Igna whenever she was sick. The younger of the Dagmeare siblings clung to him the same way, refused to let him leave her on her own.

They were so different, Pyro had never even met her, but Scott found that he was so like his sister in the littlest ways that it hurt.

In a small flash and shower of sparks, suddenly everything shifted around him before Scott found himself back in the main hall of the Academy. He couldn't help the small sigh of relief that filled him when the familiar interior filled his vision, only relaxing slightly once the magic wore off.

Drift let go of his arm, taking a few steps back. "You should get him to the infirmary," She told him, "He looks worse off than Maddy does, but I'm going to hang back and see what she wants to do when she gets back."

"Yeah," Scott nodded, and began walking off towards the hallway that led deeper into the Academy just as another pop of magic filled the air, the others arriving back behind them.

Footsteps echoed through the empty halls as Scott made his way down them. At first, he kept a normal speed, until he disappeared around the corner and heard the voices of the others fade into silence. He took a deep breath, a sharp inhale, before he quickened his pace until he was all but running down the halls with Pyro still secured in his arms.

For a moment, all he could hear was his own heart beating, blood rushing in his ears as his boots thudded heavily against the carpeted, wooden floors. Then, Pyro gave a soft groan, and Scott felt one of his hands tug at his shirt before weakly smacking his chest, trying to get his attention.

"I know, Pyro, we're almost there-"

"No, Scott, not the infirmary," Pyro wheezed, out of breath as if he were the one who was running. It was followed by a cough, the sound rattling painfully in his chest that made Scott wince. "Please, I don't- I can't… not there."

Scott slowed for a moment, glancing down at Pyro for a moment. There was a pleading look in his eyes, a fear that was so unfamiliar on his face that made even Scott shiver with the way his heart ached at the sight, cold and brutal. "Pyro… you need help, the infirmary is the best place for that," He explained gently, beginning to pick up the pace again as he turned down a hallway and began heading down the stairs.

"Scott," Pyro practically whined, strained and sounding on the verge of tears, weakly beginning to struggle in his hold, "It's too exposed, anyone could find me- Please."

It hurt, to see Pyro reduced to this. The last time Scott had seen him in such a weakened state was when they were kids, both battling a cold that had made its way around Tegrith. Pyro never handled being sick well, that much was still the same.

"I'll stay with you then," Scott said, finally making his way through the wide doorway into the infirmary. "I'll make sure people stay away, give you space. I'm sorry, Pyro, but this is what's best to make sure you're okay."

Pyro fell quiet, leaning his head more against Scott's chest than the his arm. "… Fine."

Scott let out a breath he didn't realize he was holding, finding the farthest bed in the room and gently setting Pyro down on it. He shivered when Scott carefully remove the coat from around him in order to get him under the thin covers.

As soon as he was sure Pyro was settled okay, his breathing still deep and sharp with a small wheeze, Scott pulled the covers over his thin, curled up form. "I'll be right back, okay?" He assured Pyro, hesitating a moment before he brushed some of Pyro's hair out of his face, "I'm going to let Nurse Violet know you're here and figure out what to do next."

And true to his word, he wasn't gone for long. Scott gave the nurse a run down of the situation, explained the state Pyro was in, asked if it was possible to separate the bed out from the rest of the room, create the best sense of privacy for Pyro while in such a vulnerable state.

When Scott came back, it was to help Violet set up tall dividers, almost making something like a tent around Pyro's bed. It was better than nothing, just a small isolated spot in the corner of the infirmary for him to rest and recover in for the time being.

"What is that?" Pyro asked cautiously, staring at the little bottle in Scott's hand as he settled into the chair at his bedside once the dividers were up and Violet had finished checking over Pyro's vitals before leaving.

"It's meant to control how fast you get your mana back," Scott explained slowly, recalling what Violet had explained to him when she gave it to him, "So it won't hurt like it would if you got it back all at once."

Immediately, Pyro's eyes widened, and with a surge of strength he push himself upright in the bed, almost like he was trying to get away from the potion. "What? No, Scott- what do you mean control how fast I get it back-"

"Pyro, calm down," Scott eased, setting the bottle on the side table before he leaned over to the bed, gently taking one of Pyro's hands in his to guide him back to lay down. "You've been without it for so long, Nurse Violet is worried it'll do more harm than good for you to get it back all at once."

"No," Pyro insisted, and instead of pulling away from Scott's hold like he expected, he instead grabbed his arm with his free hand. His grip was as tight as he could manage, almost desperately clawing at Scott's sleeve. "No, I can take it. Please, I don't need the potion."

Scott sighed, his expression falling and he didn't try to hide his concern that he knew was written all over his face. "Pyro…"

"Scott please," Pyro pleaded, ignoring Scott's insistence that he be laying down to instead push himself upright. He clung to Scott's arm desperately, just like he had when the cage had swayed. Desperation clawed at him, his voice raw with the tears that threatened to spill from his eyes. "Don't make me drink it. I'm so cold Scott, I need my magic back… please… I don't want to be cold anymore-"

It hurt to see Pyro this way, desperate and clinging to Scott like his life depended on it, uncaring of the natural chill that surrounded him. Scott knew too well what it was like, begging for anything to chase away the frost that would never really go away.

He wish he had Pyro's magic instead, to be the source of the warmth he craved.

"I'm sorry," Scott sighed, tugging Pyro closer to hug him tightly. He leaned into it, muffling the small hiccuped cry that escaped him before another cough rattled through him. Scott patted his back and rubbed it soothingly. "After… after you drink it, we'll get you a bath, and then I can go and get Cindy and bring all my blankets- the nice thick ones from home. How does that sound?"

For a moment, Scott was worried maybe Pyro was going to give him the silent treatment, trying to stop from shaking too hard in his arms once again as the silence lingered around them. "Yeah," Pyro choked out after a moment, voice hoarse, "yeah that… that's okay."

"Okay," Scott sighed in relief, continuing to rub gentle circles against Pyro's back.

They stayed that way for just a moment longer, until Pyro's body was shivering too much from the cold of being pressed against Scott for too long and they were forced to pull away. Slowly and carefully, Scott helped Pyro drink the potion Violet had given him, watching as Pyro swallowed it all down eagerly despite having been against it in the first place.

Pyro sighed shakily, and Scott noticed immediately a bit of warmth returning to the space around him. It wasn't to the same strength as before, but it was a start. Gradual, careful, as to not overwhelm Pyro after not having mana for so long.

It also seemed to have given him a bit more of his strength back. Scott just had to support Pyro at his side as they walked from the secluded spot in the infirmary over to the bathroom to the side of the clinic. And just as he promised, he stayed with Pyro for as long as the other would let him.

Once he was ready, Scott helped Pyro into the bath, easing him into the warm water and making sure he wouldn't slip under the water. In comfortable silence, he helped rise Pyro off, lathered his hair in the basic soap the infirmary had stocked and washed the suds out.

For a moment, Scott's gaze lingered on the stubble across Pyro's jaw, messy and patchy in places, far from the clean shaven he had been before.

"It's scratchy," Pyro muttered under his breath, having caught Scott looking.

"I bet it is," Scott exhaled, soft and gentle as he finished washing all the soap out of his hair, his fingers raking through the wet strands. "You can get a proper shave once you're better, okay?"

Pyro just nodded weakly, letting his eyes slip closed as he leaned into Scott's touch.

Scott took the chance to let his eyes wander a little more, really taking in the state Pyro was in. Bruises, mostly faded but still lingering, littered his body alongside healed over scars. It all looked painful, even if they weren't fresh anymore. Guilt clawed at his heart all over again.

Pyro shouldn't have had to endure whatever all this was from, not when it was all Scott's fault.

"I'm sorry…" Scott couldn't stop the words before they slipped quietly away from him, barely above a whisper. He hoped for a moment that Pyro wouldn't hear them.

He had. Pyro blinked his eyes open tiredly, staring up at Scott in slight confusion.

Clearing his throat and looking away, Scott sighed, his hand stilling against the side of Pyro's head. "I'm sorry, it… it's my fault we didn't find you sooner."

"… What do you mean your fault?"

Scott inhaled sharply, pulling his hand away and resting it in his lap. He couldn't look Pyro in the eyes, already anticipating the fiery anger and outburst that he knew he deserved a second time. "I told people not to worry about you, when no one knew where you were," He said, his heart aching with every word. "You just… you told me you were going to leave, and I thought you had. I didn't… I didn't think you-"

"Hey." Pyro interrupted, reaching to cup the side of Scott's face with a hand, thumb brushing away a stray tear that Scott hadn't realized was there. "There wasn't anything you could have done. I… don't exactly have a good track record for these things."

A small, wet laugh escaped Scott as he leaned into Pyro's touch gently, putting his own hand over the other's, before he frowned, still not meeting Pyro's gaze. "That's still no excuse… I feel awful, Pyro… I'm so sorry."

Pyro shrugged, leaning over the side of the tub slightly as he guided Scott closer. He pressed their foreheads together, practically forcing Scott to looking him in the eyes. "I forgive you," Pyro said softly, "If that's what you need to hear, then I forgive you. But it's not your fault, you couldn't have known this was going to happen."

Scott took a deep breath, nodding against Pyro. They stayed like that for just a moment longer before Scott pulled away, wiping his face of any lingering tears. "Lets get you back in bed so I can go get your dragon, yeah?"

In no time at all, Pyro was up and out the tub, clean and dried off before he put on a spare change of clothes Violet had brought them. Scott helped him back into the makeshift room and into bed.

"I'll be right back," Scott promised once again, pressing a gentle kiss against the top of Pyro's head, his hair still damp from the bath, before he left the infirmary.

As quickly as he could, Scott made his way back to the Vulpes dorm, relieved to find the hallways still empty as he did. Once he reached his room, he gathered as many blankets and furs as he could find, tearing his bed apart in order to have enough.

The familiar sound of dragon chittering filled his ears, and Scott turned to see Aurora and Cindy both bounding over to him, looking up at him almost expectantly. "Hi," He greeted softly, hauling the pile of blankets and fur into one arm in order to reach down and scratch the top of Aurora's head, who purred happily at the attention.

Cindy on the other hand, huffed at him in annoyance, turning to stalk off to the door before looking back at him expectantly. Almost as if she knew he'd brought her rider back to her.

Scott let Aurora clamber up onto his shoulders, the dragon settling comfortably in her favorite spot as he headed to the door. "Come on then, let's get you back to Pyro." He told Cindy, watching her carefully as he opened the door to head back to the infirmary.

It didn't take very long, and as soon as they were through the threshold of the infirmary, Cindy let out a small chirping sound before she ran off further into the room, squirming underneath the divider to reach the occupant on the other side.

"Cindy!" Scott couldn't help the smile on his face at hearing Pyro reuniting with his dragon, and when he made his way inside, the little red dragon had already clambered up onto the bed and was sitting protectively in Pyro's lap.

"Thank the gods you're okay…" Pyro sighed, smoothing over the top of her head as she purred gently.

"Told you we took care of her," Scott said as he set the pile of blankets down on the chair beside the bed, letting Aurora scramble down off his shoulders and onto the floor.

Pyro huffed, looking up at Scott without taking his hands off Cindy. "Yeah, well. I haven't seen her in a month, alright?"

Scott winced, trying not to let the comment sting as much as it did, but he nodded. "Fair enough." He hesitated a moment before he gestured to the blankets. "I brought what I think should be enough blankets to keep you warm."

Eyes widening, Pyro carefully leaned over to run a hand along on of the furs on the top of the pile. "You said… these are from home too, aren't they?"

Nodding, Scott brushed his hand away in order to start pulling blankets off the pile. "The furs are, so is this quilt. Most of these are the ones we made together," He rattled on absentmindedly as he began layering the blankets over Pyro's bed.

Cindy crawled up into Pyro's shoulder as Scott worked, and soon enough the infirmary bed looked more like Scott's own bed had before he took it apart for the blankets. It looked cozy, warm in a way that distinctly looked and felt like home.

Pyro settled back into all the covers, sighing in content as Cindy made her way back into his lap and watched Scott carefully. As he went to sit down in the chair beside the bed, Scott was surprised as Pyro's hand quickly grabbed his wrist. "What's wrong?" He asked, worry beginning to build again.

"Nothing, just-" Pyro sighed, tugging at Scott's arm and pulling him closer to the bed. "You promised me you'd stay." Scott nodded, humming slightly in acknowledgment.

"So. Stay with me. Properly."

Scott blinked in confusion for a moment before Pyro pulled back the covers slightly, and with a surprising strength, pulled Scott close. He nearly stumbled, startling Cindy for a moment, but the message was clear.

Climbing into the bed, Scott settled at Pyro's side, letting the other pull him close as he wrapped his arms around him. He pulled the blankets tightly around them both, warmth to fight off the chill from Scott's body. Pyro didn't seem to care, resting his head against Scott's chest as they slotted together just like they used to when they were kids.

The space filled with the sound of dragon chittering, and Scott looked over to see Aurora managing to flap her wings enough to clamber up onto the bed on her own. His dragon made her way over to Cindy, where the both of them settled in the space between Scott and Pyro's legs.

Scott sighed softly, holding Pyro close as the other hummed in content against him. He could tell the moment the other slipped into sleep, his breathing finally evening out as his eyes slipped closed.