You Really Should Talk More

Guess, as okay as she could be sitting in a moving bathtub. 

Oh, who was she kidding? 

She shouldn’t be surprised at anything that happened anymore in Twisted Wonderland. 

—--

As the group came up the hill, they saw Mia and Grim conscious and awake lounging in the pristine white bathtub. 

Vil gave them both a steely eye, “Please don’t tell me that you all were just sitting here, snacking away? Shouldn’t it have occurred to you to get to safety?” 

Grim barely looked up from munching on candy. Mia still couldn’t believe that Skully had left them with a bag as if that would do anything. However, it seemed to assuage Grim. 

Well, it didn’t take much.  

Usually Mia wasn’t that fond of candy but given the events, she needed a hit of sugar so she managed to snag a piece from the pile that Grim all but confiscated for himself. 

Grim was steadily finishing off the rest, “Skully said, “Please have some refreshment and make yourselves at home”. It would be rude not to finish a generous gift, right? Wait until I am done!”

Azul breathed once, “We don’t exactly have time for this.” 

Vil fixed his eyes on Mia, “And what do you have to say for yourself, potato?” 

Mia sniffed as she finished her piece, “I was accepting Skully’s hospitality." 

“You’ve got nerves of steel, Mia.” remarked Trey, “We were worried sick, you know?” 

“Sorry about that but not much I can do going against someone who is stronger than me and has magic to boot.” 

“Is Jack….still asleep?” Epel peered closer to the skeleton. 

No one could really tell. 

“Is he?” Riddle asked, “Either way, we need to wake him.” 

It took awhile but eventually they had to let Jack Skellington wake up naturally. He let out a yawn and stretched himself. 

“Hey, watch where you are moving!” Mia snapped. He was all bones after all! It hurt when he knocked into her consistently. 

“Oh, forgive me, Mia! Are we all in this bathtub together? Ahh, no wonder I was so comfy. This was a nice nap!” 

Azul pushed up his glasses, “Do you even remember what happened?” 

“What happened?” 

“Skully drugged you.” 

“Whatever for?” 

“Well….” 

“Do not tell me. It would be better to hear it from him rather than hearsay.” Jack spoke as he swiftly stood up in the tub and stepped out. 

“You are giving them that much grace? Why?” Jade asked with that small smile of his. 

Grim floated out of the tub, “If it was me, I would make him pay!” 

“Mia…?” Trey questioned when she didn’t move. 

Mia looked up. Then she gave a sigh, “Sorry. With my dress and heels, I didn’t get in this bathtub by myself and I cannot get out by myself either.” 

Riddle was quick to respond, glancing at his vice dorm leader, “Oh, allow us to assist!” 

Jade's grin was a touch too wide as he offered, “Mia, I can pick you up out of the tub, if you like.” 

Mia just stared at Jade. Her half-lidded gaze said all that needed to be said. 

Jade chuckled once, “No one can say I offered.” 

“I can pick you up!” Jack Skellington offered, “I should have realized and acted accordingly!” 

Mia’s eyes froze. She would barely allow a fully fleshed human to pick her up if need be! She absolutely did not want a bag of bones picking her up.  She wouldn’t trust it! How did she know Jack Skellington wouldn’t fall to pieces like popsicle sticks and take her with him?  

“That is unnecessary, thank you! We can assist Mia.” 

Thank the seven for Riddle’s smooth and gracious response! Besides, both he and Trey were already standing by the tub. 

“Wait, if that’s what we are doing! I can lift you!” cried Epel. 

Mia choked once. Why did this keep going? She just wanted a hand out of the tub, people! It shouldn’t have turned into a ‘who wanna do it!’ routine! 

"What's wrong with that?” growled Epel when everyone just looked at him, “I’m strong enough! What? Is it ‘cause ‘m short! Don’t sell ma’ short! I got the juice ‘ike everaone else!” 

Jack Skellington frowned, “I’m afraid I didn’t catch that last part. Do you mind repeating it?” 

“It’s not you, Mr. Skellington.” Azul reassured, “No one understands his natural accent.” 

“Epel, you are slipping again!” warned Vil. 

“The only thing slippin’ is ya minds! Thinking Imma weak!” 

“Epel!!!” 

At this Epel seemed to snap back to himself. He pouted and looked down at his feet, stewing. 

“Was the Prefect the hidden quest that promised gold if completed? A once-in-a-lifetime SSR that dropped? Or perhaps she got reincarnated into the lead of an otome game and did not know it. Whee-hee-hee!” 

Azul eyed him, “What are you babbling about again, Idia?” 

“Child of Man, perhaps it would be easier if I float you out with magic.” offered Malleus as he watched Mia begin to maneuver herself to stand. It seemed like she was having some trouble. 

“No, thank you Malleus. I’d rather not challenge gravity today.” Mia spoke as she managed to stand to her feet in the tub, although uncertainly.  She was trying not to slip with her shoes. 

Riddle and Trey held out their hands. It took a minute for Mia to figure out how to get out of the tub safely. However with the two of them holding on to her, she managed. They had both let her go as soon as she was on the ground. 

All three heave a sigh of relief. 

“You both have my gratitude!! Thank you!” 

Riddle gave a smile, “Of course!” 

Mia intended on walking but hadn’t counted on her legs giving out. She stumbled. Trey, being the closest, turned quickly. He caught her before she fell. 

Epel breath caught. 

“Eep! How did I witness an actual scenario in all shoujo manga IRL!” 

Mia gripped Trey forearms as she righted herself, “Sorry about that. I think my legs went numb from sitting in that tub. Thanks for the save, Trey!” 

“That is no problem.” 

Malleus peered down at her, “Child of Man, you aren’t hurt are you?” 

Mia gave a reassuring smile. 

"What's wrong with you?” Vil asked side-eyeing Epel who had funny noises coming from him. 

Pomefiore was not being represented well these last few days. He would need to correct that. 

“That…was so cool!!” 

Everyone blinked. 

“What is your freshman talking about now, Vil?” Azul questioned. 

“She tripped and then Trey caught her!” Epel’s eyes shined, “It was so manly! So cool! I want a chance to be that cool!” 

Idia sighed, “Does he want to dump all his stats into ‘Cool’? I wouldn’t want to be cool. It stands out too much! Just like this situation! Too cringe!” 

“Epel! I demand that you cease this foolishness!” Vil snapped. He about had it with his freshman. 

A long whine passed Epel’s lips. 

Mia was pulling back from Trey who still couldn’t help but to hover his arm around her back. She eyed Epel for a long moment, her eyes squinting at him. 

“Mia?” Riddle questioned. 

She hadn’t said anything for a moment. She just stared at Epel. Finally she gave a smile. To any that looked hard enough it was obviously indulgent. Epel was still pouting his gaze at the ground. 

“Hey, ya….” she spoke up. 

Jade poke Epel when he didn’t lift his head. When Mia finally got Epel’s attention she waved a hand at Epel. 

Epel blinked. 

Vil sighed, “Well, this is a chance you've been whining about. A gentleman does not keep a lady waiting.” 

Epel scrambled towards Mia, “Yeah? What?” 

Mia asked, “You mind, lending me your shoulder?” 

It was comical how Epel started glowing. His chest swelled two sizes too big, “Yes, of course! I don’t mind.” 

Vil shook his head like a disappointed mother. Epel was like a peacock but without earning any sense of the pride he was feeling right now. This was not how a student of Pomefiore dorm behaved. 

Mia reached out and placed her hand on Epel's shoulder for balance. She leaned down and adjusted her shoes. When she finished she turned to Epel with a smile, “Thank you, kind sir, for your timely assistance.” 

“You are welcome! Fair lady!” Epel almost crowed. 

Riddle and Trey exchanged indulgent smiles. Malleus only shook his head. He didn’t realize that this meant that much to him. Perhaps it was a human thing? Idia rolled his eyes while Azul just sighed. 

“Are we ready to go now?” Grim asked, already bored. 

“Oh my….” Jade laughed. 

“Oh, allow the boy the moment! He did very well! I could learn something from him!” Jack Skellington spoke up. 

“Please don’t give that potato any more hot air!” Vil begged, as he held his temple in his hand. 

Perhaps he needed to retrain this boy about the finer points of chivalry. 

Omake: 

It was a fun Halloween so far! Even Mia couldn’t help but to enjoy it! However she was coming back from the rest room, when it happened. A citizen of Halloween Town, jumped out and into her way with a loud BOO! 

It was automatic, Mia screamed and swung. 

A loud hit made the citizen stagger backwards. 

If that wasn’t enough, laughs came from those three brats. One called out, “Here, catch!” 

Mia caught it automatically and then let it hit the floor with a high pitch scream. Louder than the first. She took off in a blind run, dimly aware of running back to the group. 

“Hey, what was that noise?” Leona asked, lifting his head. 

“I don’t hear anything…” remarked Jamil. 

Noise came again, this time a piercing scream that everyone heard. 

“Oh, what beauty!” Skully sighed, “Such a scream should be heard every Halloween!” 

It was louder than the first. Running could be heard getting closer. Everyone looked up in time to see Mia come tearing around the corner as if hellhounds were upon her, her face wild. 

Epel looked panicked at this, “What happened!” 

“I think I know!” Jamil sighed, seeing the trio of terror with another citizen chasing after her. 

Mia ran straight into the crowd. She didn’t stop until she was squarely behind Malleus.

Malleus could feel Mia shaking as she clutched at his back, “Hm, Child of Man?” 

Sebek was scandalized, “Human! Unhand him! How dare you take liberties with my Lord!” 

Jade just grinned, “Don’t tell me that they scared you that badly.” 

He could see her shaking from where he stood. What exactly did they do? 

“Ha-ha! She was great! I got the slap to prove it! See?” the citizen laughed. They could still see the faint outline of where her hit landed on his face. 

“Oh my, she was so afraid she hit you?” Skully asked, “I wish I could have seen it. No, I wish I could have experienced it!” 

Jack Skellington gave a hardy laugh, “Indeed! It sounds like a grand old time!” 

Azul eyed them, “I’m not sure how I feel with these two being on the same wavelength.” 

“Maybe you went a little overboard? She seems a little too terrified?” Sally questioned. 

“Is that a thing? Being too scared?” Dr. Finkelstein asked. 

One of the trio of terror spoke, “And then I threw a spider at her! Man, it was wild!” 

“S-s–.....” Jamil took a step backwards, his eyes going wide. He froze. 

Azul poked him, “Don’t pass out again, Jamil!” 

Jamil couldn’t even respond. He just took another step back, trying to discreetly disappear in the back of the group. 

Mia made a noise. She kept muttering under her breath as if she was setting up a curse to cover three generations. 

Leona just sighed, Yea, they share the same phobia…” 

Finally, actual words began to pass Mia’s lips, “Ts-Tsunotarou…” 

“Hm?” 

“......Strike ‘em down with lightning for me.” 

“Wait a second, now!” Trey cried with a look of panic entering his gaze, “Let’s think this through." 

Mia lifted her head and peered up at Malleus. There was a crazy look in her eye, “Malleus Draconia, you are one of the premiere mages in all of Twisted Wonderland, aren’t you? Your power is glorious to behold. I am begging you to help me get justice. Just one strike. Don’t kill ‘em, just maim ‘em. I know you can do that! I believe in your abilities!” 

“Now, Mia, please you need to calm down….” Riddle was alarmed by how fast this was escalating. 

“Human!” Sebek boomed with a wide smile, “You understand the power and might of Waka-sama!” 

“Sebek! You are not helping!” snapped Riddle. 

“Of course, I do!” Mia cried almost feverishly, “And it’s Halloween! There has never been a finer time than now to showcase the world’s greatest Mage! For the thrill and the chill! I know Malleus Draconia can produce the fright of a lifetime!! Think of the screams that will fill the night!!” 

“I can’t tell if she’s losing it or not….” Idia muttered. 

Azul nodded once, “I know, it was too calculated to be the ramblings of someone totally entrenched in fear.” 

“Why are you encouraging this?” snarled Leona, “Haven’t we had enough trouble?” 

Skully shuddered in pleasure, “Oh my….How can we deny such a thing then! It might make it the best Halloween ever!” 

Jack Skellington grinned as he picked his head off his body and held it in his hand, “Indeed!! A fire is being stoked in my heart at such an idea!”  

Vil heaved a sigh, “This is spiraling out of control...."

It didn’t help that slow amusement was creeping into Malleus’ eyes, “Oh-ho? This sounds fun….” 

“Malleus perhaps….” 

“Clover, there are no more words to be said.” Green lightning was starting to spark, “After such a heartfelt plea, I would be remiss to deny it.” 

Riddle was still trying to stop this, “Draconia, as dorm leader of Diasomnia, don’t lower yourself!” 

Malleus’ grin pulled a touch wider, “Believe me, Hearts, I do not consider this to be beneath me.” 

Riddle sputtered. 

“Waka-sama! Everyone!! You will witness our glorious liege! Let it burn in your mind for a thousand years.” 

“Eep, no one but Malleus is even going to live that long!” cried Idia. 

“What did you say!” Sebek’s eyes flashed, “I shall remember even when I am dead. Even when worms are feasting on my flesh!” 

“Worms, where? Where?!” Jamil cried, his eyes darting around, “Look, I’m tired of seeing things crawling in this town!” 

“Don’t say that!” Mia cried, turning to him, “Don’t talk about it, I beg of you! Do you know how hard it’s been the last three days? The things I accidentally saw? I would have welcomed ghosts at this point! I would have welcomed haunted dolls!! And I hate haunted dolls! Anything other than those foul, crawling things from the depth of an equally foul world from beyond!” 

“Excatly!" Jamil cried vehemently, "And they should be returned to the depths from whence they came!!”

Trey's eyes were wide as he watched the two, “Are we watching a double meltdown?” 

Jade chuckled, “Fufu, seems so.” 

“You should be watching the glory of my liege!” snapped Sebek. 

“Then that little heathen threw a…a…..I can’t deal with this anymore!! I want to burn these gloves but I can’t take them off!!” Mia lifted her hand and began rubbing them furiously together. By now she looked on the verge of tears. 

She swayed once. 

Trey placed a comforting hand on her shoulder to steady her, “Hey, how about some soap? Would that help?” 

“Soap? I’d rather burn these! I still see the image and…..” She gave a keening wail as a violent shudder racked her. 

Skully shivered, “Oh, how beautiful!” 

“Yes, that octave was just pitch perfect!” Jack Skellington chuckled. 

Before anyone could say anything to the two of them, green lightning struck. The trio of terror and the citizen laughed as the lightning struck close to them. They raced off. A bunch of citizens of Halloween town were joining in the fun of ducking the lightning. 

A smile of amusement was upon Malleus’ face, “I will elicit a scream worthy of this night!” 

“Behold!!!” Sebek boomed, just as another flash of lightning struck.  His eyes were peeled back. He didn’t dare blink in fear of missing the glory of his liege. 

Skully sighed at the den of chaos surrounding him, “This symphony is music to Halloween!” 

Leona held his head, “This is chaos! And I'm past ready to return home…..”  

FIN. 

A.N: I want to apologize. I too share the phobia. It took everything in me to even type the throwing the…s..s….I did it once, I’m not doing it again.  Although it turned more chaotic as I typed. I was in stitches!! 

Malleus, save me!!  Or Leona….

“I concur!” Azul pushed his glasses up, “I’ve never witnessed Leona display even an ounce of chivalry." 

Mia glared, “Just because ya’ll didn’t witness it with your eyes, doesn’t mean it didn’t happen. Unless you are trying to say I’m lying.”

Epel leaned forward, “Give us an example of Leona’s chivalry towards you!” 

Mia shooed him off, “Boy, I don’t keep all this in my head! I’m just saying that Leona has a nice side.” 

Vil gave Leona the side eye, “I don’t think those descriptors would ever fit him.” 

Malleus nodded solemnly, “Yes, ‘Nice’, is too kind a word for one such as Kingscholar.” 

Leona smirked, “Can’t say you’re wrong, for once. I’m never nice.” 

Mia only giggled. Leona stared at her for a moment before looking away. 

As many times as Leona had displayed reasonable qualities towards her, she would never think he is as mean as he tries to come off. She remembered the time when she felt homesick when she first came to Twisted Wonderland. It was Leona who was kind to her that day. Not that she would ever share such a vulnerable story with anyone. 

Perhaps he had forgotten about the incident but she did not. But there were other smaller times he had been ‘nice’ to her. So if he wanted to act like he wasn’t, he was free but Mia knew better. 

Sebek folded his arms, “I can hardly picture Leona being anything resembling nice! Prickly seemed more apt a word.” 

Mia rolled her eyes, “Well, it happened. Now that I think of it, Leona displayed his gentlemanly qualities today.” 

“....” 

“He was nice to you today? When?” Sebek demanded an answer. 

“Hm. He helped me off the floor when we first came to this world. You know after the daisy-chain incident?” 

“....” 

Malleus gazed at Mia steadily, “Why were you on the ground in the first place?” 

“I told you, we fell down the tree hole, remember?” 

“So you were on the ground and Kingscholar offered his assistance?” 

“Yes.” Mia nodded, “He offered a hand for me to get up.” 

The others felt a chill descend and shivered. 

Malleus folded his arms with a deepening brood, “I see. Despite all that was going on, Kingscholar still had the wherewithal to offer his assistance. That much should be expected from one of such nobility. But no one else offered theirs? Not one?” 

Grim breathed, “My minion should have been helping me up!” 

“I don’t want to hear it from someone who floats!” Riddle snapped, “Besides this is utterly deplorable! Here, we have a rare time to act benefiting gentlemen around a lady and the less astute among us is the only one that managed to pick up the ball? How shameful! We all should reflect on ourselves!” 

Leona snarled, “What did you call me?” 

Jade had his razor grin, “You forget, Riddle, we weren’t there. We arrived later.” 

“Unacceptable!” Riddle barked. 

However when Jamil walked in with the tray of tea, Jade’s grin widened a touch as he said, “However, Jamil was there.” 

Riddle turned to Jamil with blazing eyes, “And what do you have to say for yourself?” 

Jamil looked startled, “What I do?! I just went to get some tea!” 

“You did not offer a hand up to a lady! It was the perfect time to showcase your chivalry and you failed as well!” 

Jamil gaped. Trey quickly stepped forward and explained the situation. Jamil looked around. How did he get put on the spot so suddenly? Strangely he didn’t remember Mia even being on the ground during that daisy-chain incident. All he remembered was her helping him out when he passed out. 

Eventually Jamil gathered his cool, “I apologize then, Mia. I truly don’t remember much of that time.” 

“It’s fine.” answered Mia, waving his words away, “Riddle, please, settle down! This doesn’t need to turn into a grand thing!” 

Leona however was smirking like the cat at the canary. 

Sebek vibrated before bursting out, “Waka-sama!! Forgive me!! I shall reflect on my manners!! A knight that represents you should have been more aware!! I should have been the first to offer my services! And to neglect the friend of my liege? I shall make amends!” 

How could he have failed as a knight in the service of a Malleus? 

In a blink, Sebek was directly in front of Mia, “My apologies, human!! To make up for such folly, I shall escort you now!” 

Mia snorted, “To where? I’m not going anywhere. I’m good, thanks. I appreciate the sentiment, though.” 

“Hold on!” Epel cried, “If that’s what we are doing, I want to practice escorting the lady! Leona was so gallant! I want to give it a try!” 

Jade’s grin widened a touch more, “Just so you know, I did offer my services for practice." 

“Yes, well. That ain’t really the same.” Epel quickly plodded ahead snapping his head towards Mia with shining eyes, “Next time you need an escort, please let me know!” 

“Hold on! I need to make up for my folly against Malleus!” cried Sebek, “I cannot let such a thing pass by without correction!” 

The upperclassman looked on as Epel and Sebek got into a bickering match. Jade was outright grinning, enjoying it. Jamil and Idia just gave a long-suffering sigh. Malleus, Leona, Vil and Azul looked on with disapproval. They were hoping that the freshmen would come to their senses before they had to get involved. 

However the longer it went on, the more they realized that might not be the case. 

Idia mumbled, “How is Leona’s gallantry even a riveting topic worth devoting this amount of energy? It’s not like he’s an SSR in a gatcha simulation that everyone is vying for!” 

Riddle had enough! 

He opened his mouth but was nudged by Trey. He glanced at his vice dorm-leader. Trey tilted his chin at Mia whose head was bowed. Riddle wasn’t sure since the netted veil covered her eyes but seemed she might be… 

“Ya!!” 

Epel and Sebek started. 

There it was. Riddle didn’t have to stir a foot. He crossed his arms and waited to see how Mia would handle this. 

“Of all….Getting into an argument over something so petty. You both want to act like gentlemen, Rule #1: read a room! This lady does not need an escort from any fine gentlemen at the moment. Put a cork in it! I do not want to spend our break on your foolishness. Now, if the opportunity arises I will gladly accept what kind gentleman wants to escort me.” 

Jamil handed Mia a teacup. She accepted with a note of thanks and took a sip. Her steely glare made a hush descend in the room for a moment. 

Riddle smirked. 

Seems Mia Anderson could hold her own. She would have to, with these boys. This was a rare sight for him to witness himself. He had often heard from Ace and Deuce times when Mia was set off. He was pleased to witness for himself just how accurate it could be. 

Epel and Sebek felt the heat flush to their faces. Why had they gotten into such an argument over something so stupid? 

Sebek felt himself withering as he snuck a peek at his liege. Ek! He was sure he had embarrassed himself! He must reflect on his behavior! 

Leona smirked, “I see you little herbivores still have much to learn.” 

After playing with Zero and sending Jack Skellington off with a basket of food. At some point, someone asked, “Where is Grim?” 

Everyone looked around. 

Grim was nowhere to be found. 

“We can let the animal tamer handle it, I’m sure.” Vil spoke. 

Everyone’s gaze swung to Mia, who calmly continued to sip her tea. 

Azul pushed up his glasses, “Don’t seem like she’s moving.” 

“I can see that.” 

Mia didn’t say anything. Only when she drained the last drop of her second cup of tea, did she stand. Then she brushed imaginary dust off her dress before pointedly fixing her hat that did not need to be fixed. 

Only when she was satisfied, did she speak, “Thank you for the tea, Jamil. If that is all, I will excuse myself.” 

No one said anything as Mia left. 

“About time.”  Leona murmured. 

Epel could feel Vil giving him the stink-eye, “Epel, you’re in the same year as them. I expect you to meet at least that baseline.” 

Epel snorted, “You make it sound so simple. Don’t let Sebek’s behavior fool  you. He’s got really good grades. Especially in written exams. He’s closer to the top of the freshman class than the bottom.” 

Vil was floored. “Really! He had me fooled!” 

Sebek spoke up with barely a pause in writing, “In what way did my behavior “fool” you? Human, the page about decorations.” 

Mia handed him the page. 

Sebek lifted his head with a smirk, “A retainer of the great Malleus can hardly put on a poor showing, of course!” 

But when Malleus told Sebek he was proud of him, Sebek reapplied himself with new vigor, “Hey, one of you bring me more paper!” 

“That aside.” Riddle interjected, “I think I now understand how Grim is barely keeping afloat in classes. Mia has to be doing most of the work.” 

Mia snorted, “Just so you gents know, I was an honor-roll student back home.”

“Really?” Epel spat. 

Mia snapped her head up to glare. 

Epel looked away from her. When he turned his head he met the disappointed gaze of his dorm leader so he looked the other way. 

“Yes, only two things keep my grade at an average level now. One, I don’t have magic and two, the other half of this student is a poor student. This is precisely why I said we shouldn’t leave it up to Grim. You both know that I’m the one that does our notes, not him.” 

“Ya! How dare you disrespect the Great Grim!!”

“And what have you done lately to deserve that appellative?” asked Riddle. 

Grim was stopped from remarking when Leona growled, “You all knew this and still wasted our time?” 

Jade’s grin widened as he leaned forward. Mia could see the obvious coming and met his gaze with a cool stare as he asked, “So, Mia, why didn't you just offer to do those notes in the first place then?” 

Jamil found himself secretly impressed that Mia didn’t even twitch at the accusation. A fair question though. Everyone had stopped, including Sebek, to stare at her. 

Mia gave a delicate sniff, “I don’t do well under pressure.” 

Sebek returned to writing, “Hm, you need more training, human if this is what it takes to rattle your bones.” 

“Believe me, Sebek. My bones aren’t rattling. But yours must be, you misspelled that word. Don’t get careless and focus!” 

“I was in the middle of correcting it, human!” 

___________

Those children were rotten to the core. 

Mia felt that when Jamil took one look at the green bug in his hand and promptly passed out. She couldn’t help but to edge behind the nearest person letting out a little dying noise. Thankfully, Leona eyed her but said nothing as she used him as a shield. 

Once she saw it was all clear she darted over towards Jamil. Kneeling down she shook him once, twice. He didn’t even stir. She picked his fallen hat and began to lightly fan him, while she watched the chaos that surrounded her. 

How can three children produce this much mischief? 

Did Halloween Town not hear of discipline? 

Oh, no, did that little brat…. 

Yes, he did. 

And was tugging Malleus’ horns as well!? 

Mia winced. Even she was fearful of children, this willful! Best to stay quiet and hope to get passed under the radar. 

“I will give these children a gift in return!” 

Malleus’ mouth was smiling but his eyes weren’t. 

Green lightning pulsed in the square. Mia couldn't even blame him. It was then that Jamil took that time to begin to stir. 

“Hey, hey, you with us?” Mia asked. 

“Hm. What happened?” Jamil began to rise up to the sitting position. Memories jackknifed into his head and he tensed, freezing. 

However his phobia was the least of his problems. Why was there green lightning all over the place? His eyes cut to Malleus. What exactly happened since he passed out? He fought his own embarrassment. After that trick, his brain just checked out before he could stop it. 

Jamil struggled to feet with wide eyes. 

“Glad to see you are back with us, Jamil!” Azul chirped even as his eyes constantly darted around at each strike of lightning. 

Jamil ignored him. Even as he held the side of his head, he extended a hand.

Mia was surprised but gracefully took his hand to stand up with a note of thanks. Then she held out his hat. Jamil gave a wordless thanks as he put his hat back on. He pawed at his hair once, trying to get his dignity back. Silently, Mia quickly fixed a wayward strand of his hair, prompting a small, quick smile. 

“Hey, you are Malleus’ friend, right?” Epel cried, “Shouldn’t you say something?” 

Mia folded her arms, “What you want me to do?” 

“Tell him to calm down!” Trey stated. 

“After that stunt that brat pulled! I ain’t gonna get into this mess! Let the most astute among us handle it!” Mia promptly looked up at Leona. 

Leona folded his arms and glared at her. 

“You know I mean it as the highest complement!” 

Leona just sighed.  

“Ow!!” Mia cried as she landed. 

Why the devil….how the devil did she even get caught in this stupid daisy chain down the tree hole? Mia was going to choke that little Grimling as soon as she got her breath back. By the time she managed to sit up, most of the guys had already climbed to their feet. 

Mia held her head once, “I think I might have grabbed onto something, too.” 

“Yes! My scarf!! I was so caught off-guard I couldn’t even react in time!!” cried Sebek. 

“I’m so sorry, Sebek!! Not like I was trying to! It was a reflex! Blame Grim for grabbing onto me!” 

Sebek wasn’t paying attention as he bemoaned, “How could this happen! How could I embarrass myself in Malleus’ presence!” 

“Better question is, how could you drag me along for the ride!” Leona snarled at Sebek, even as he held out his hand to Mia. 

Mia blinked at it for a moment before using his hand to pull her up. As pretty as her dress was, it was a bit cumbersome to move in. 

“You’re one to talk. I bet you didn’t even realize you grabbed onto me!” Jamil growled. 

“Thanks.” Mia whispered. 

Leona grunted. 

_____

Mia Anderson did not sign up for this.  

Unconsciously she went chasing after Grim who was trying to flee that ghost dog. Thankfully she was wearing laced up boots with a short heel. Not bad but she still had to hitch her dress up a little just to make sure not to trip. 

She did not like scary things that much. A talking skeleton, a fanboy copy, and now a creepy town!!

She was past ready to go home.

Skully practically shivered in abject delight, “The silence….the desolation….the somberness…it’s beautiful!! Every bit as perfect as I imagined.” 

Mia was with Trey. At least the rest of them were having normal reactions. 

Jade smiled once, “The atmosphere is positively frightening!! It reminds me of Ramshackle Dorm!” 

Mia snapped, “Don’t put my dorm on this level!!” 

She couldn’t get it to be this scary if she tried. Jade just looked down at her positively serene. Mia wanted to choke him out and it showed. 

Jamil smirked, “No, go on, tell us what you really think! Don’t forget the third degree!” 

Mia rolled her eyes. 

However when Miss. Sally’s arm fell off when Mia shook it, she almost lost it. She made a dying sound at the back of her throat as Miss. Sally apologized and quickly sewed it back on.

By this time, she couldn't help the small shake of her head.

“Why don’t we just find the way back home, ourselves?” She suggested. 

However, working with Jack Skellington would be expedient; she knew that. She knew when she said that but she did not want to be in a town of ghosts. There was only so much scary she could handle at a time. No telling what she would find in this creepy looking town.

If something jumped out and scared her she was not going to be responsible for the outcome! 

“Are you sure you're alright, Child of Man? You are shaking.” 

Mia didn't know when Malleus had made his way to her side to lean down to whisper in her ear. 

“Hm, I’ll be fine.”

“You are scared.”  He observed quietly. 

“I don’t like scary things.” 

“Well, do not fret. Stay by my side and you will have nothing to fear. We will get back to school. Do not worry.” 

Mia gave him a grateful smile. 

“Very well. If I get scared you’ll know where to find me.” 

Malleus looked troubled, “I do?” 

“Yes, behind you.” 

Malleus gave a small laugh. 

Yet, because creativity has been commodified, more and more people are concerned with getting it published, getting it seen, getting more eyes on it, sharing it, however you want to label this end goal.

That in and of itself creates stress.

Extra stress we do not need.

We need to go back to art for art's sake, making things because we want to, because it's fun.

Not to speak on the voices that already threaten to drown our own. Not be politically correct or assuage whatever wind the masses are following at at given moment.

Our creativity should not have to communicate anything if we don't want it to. It can simply be allowed to exist.

Just to be.

You think the Ancient Egyptian were trying to communicate when they painted the hieroglyphics? No, they were just recording and keeping records for their own purposes. I doubt anyone was building the pyramid saying "Hey guys, we gotta get this right! In a millennia or two people of that time are going to want to see something good."

Even the classic literature is mostly just people writing because they wanted to. I doubt many had a large audience. Even if they felt the need to convey their thoughts based on their time, it was probably an outlet to keep sane. Modern English classes is usually were they start subscribing "themes: and what did they want to say", aspect to it.

At best communication is a byproduct. Not an end goal.

And here's something rather radical:

Why not communicate to yourself?

Make yourself happy. Whatever your creativity looks like, do that. Tell yourself the story. Draw yourself the scene. Play x instrument to hear that music.

Even if it's just an audience of one.

If everyone did that, more people would be happier. And if more people were happier, the world would become a brighter place.

Now if you find that your life leads you to publishing/sharing then of course that's fine. You should, if you see your way clear to it.

But the amount of stress that commodifying creativity had created is staggering:

"Can I write X or Y?" : Why are we asking permission from people on the internet you've never seen or heard tell of?

"How do I not offend? Is it okay if I write/draw like this?" : At this point, everything is offensive to somebody. Let it go and write what you want to write. No one has to see it if it concerns you that much.

"Should use a comma or a semi-colon?" : .....I have no words. I understand learning the basics but is this really that much cause of concern?

If your goal is to share it, then maybe you need to play by the rules that society are leaning towards at that moment. That's a whole other topic and not why we are here today.

This is largely about creativity as a hobby.

Anyone remember what hobbies are?

As a society we've seem to lost that ability to just have a hobby that doesn't turn into a side-hustle. We've practically hustled away all our gifts and when they aren't serving us we wonder why we are losing our minds.

Or we just use the idea of a hobby as content fodder. Not actually enjoying it but documenting every facet of everything online just to get kudos. But did you actually take time to enjoy it for hobby's sake?

Or we think we are nobodies or doing something wrong just because you didn't reach that end goal of publishing/sharing. And when/if you do share, it is isn't "enough".

If you get 10 likes/10 views/10 favs/10 hearts/10 reblogs/$10 even..... you have no right to dismiss those ten people because they aren't enough for you. You wanted twenty and because you didn't get it you throw a temper tantrum.

I'm not immune. I've done this before. I'm also preaching to myself, thank you.

Have some gratitude.

We need to practice this. Even if you choose to share your work, you aren't owed the engagement you get. You get it because the person engaging with your work saw something in it and took the time to alert you on the subject.

Now your entire creativity hinges on what kind of engagement and how much you get. If you don't get what you perceive you should, now your creativity is "dead".

"Oh, you don't reblog/view/like/pay me, I won't find the motivation to finish <insert creative project here>."

Sound familiar?

I'll cave for a moment and be a Big Sis for you:

You probably didn't have a good motivation to being with. Your motivation the entire time was the views/likes/etc. Because if you had motivation outside of that your hyper fixation would have saw you through to the end.

But there are times your hyperfixation ran out and the project didn't get finish. That's fine. Maybe it was never suppose to be a complete idea. Maybe it's just something that was momentarily.

Not all ideas are going to go to completion and we shouldn't expect that.

Maybe that idea was just a momentarily idea that satisfied you and kept you sane.

Just because you didn't share your work/get publish doesn't mean that you did something wrong. That act of creation should be the means to the end. Sharing/getting published should be a byproduct if or when it happens.

If we are doing it for fun, then the end goal should not matter. It doesn't matter if you get it published or shared. That fact that it exist and the fact that it makes you smiles is end goal enough.

Your creativity is a lifeline for you.

Your creativity might be one of the last things between you and insanity.

"Anyway, long story short, the festival restaurant urgently needed fresh vegetables from Natlan, which is why Ifa and I are here."

"So you both are vegetable couriers?" Paimon asked, “That doesn’t explain Y/N.” 

Ifa cut in, "He is. I'm just here as a responsible adult."

You glared up at him, "Excuse you. You have our roles reversed. I'm the responsible adult here to make sure the two of you don't get into much trouble. Unlike you two, I have been here to Fontaine before."

"But they still picked me to accompany you both!" grinned Ifa, "You gotta wonder why that is?"

Ororon sighed, "Don't you get it, they all saw how overworked you were so they used it as an excuse to send you off on vacation."

Your voice was sweetened honey, "Yes, and if you are a responsible adult such actions would not be needed, my dear."

Ifa forked an eyebrow, "Is that right? Am I being treated like a kid now? Grandson treatment? Alright, fine, guess I gotta start all over. Hi guys, my name is Ifa and I just turned five."

You reached out and patted his back, "There there. It'll be okay. One day if you keep drinking your milk you'll grow up be big and strong! Think about all the wonderful things you'll be able to do....alone! Until then Big Sister Y/N will take care of you!"

Ifa was glowering at you while Ororon snorted. Even the Traveler and Paimon were trying to control their giggles. Kinich just shook his head fondly.

"Will Big Sister Y/N do something about Cacucu, being the only one that has come to Fontaine then?" Ifa grounded out without any real malice in his voice.

Still though you looked guilty, "I said I was sorry! How was I supposed to know about the law of "flying objects!" I never flew an object to begin with! If I had known, I would have told you!"

Ifa slung a chummy arm abound your shoulders, pulling you to him. You exchanged a smile. Seems even Ajaw was affected by the flying objects rule. 

Guess next time you went to a country you'd try to find a rule book about it in case there was something you needed to follow.

-Sigh-

___________________

"Beautiful lady!! Perhaps you have a kind heart to lend me aid!!"

The Fontantian stranger appeared in your field of vision, as you, Ororon, Ifa and Cacucu were walking around the square.

You blinked and looked around. Then you looked back at him, "You’re talking to me?"

"Indeed I am. Perhaps you'll lend me your companions as well!" His smile was a little too greasy in your opinion.

"Flattery will get you nowhere, I'm afraid." You deadpanned.

You could see him taken aback by your cold response. 

Ifa folded his arms, "Is it your usual protocol to hit on a young woman like this?"

“No dice, bro! No dice, bro!” Cacucu cawed. 

"No of course not! I'm not hitting on her!"

"Oh, then you are trying to schoomse up to us for some reason, right?” Ororon interjected, "And you are trying to distract us by focusing on Y/N womanly wiles?"

You coughed once.

Ifa shoulders shook. 

Ororon turned to you in earnest practically tripping over his words, "Oh, I mean no shade! You are truly a lovely woman! As such, I'm sure you have great wiles!"

Ifa burst out laughing.

"Oh dear! Oh dear!" crowed Cacucu. 

"I mean, your wiles even captivated me! So I’m sure that they exist.”  Ororon started mumbling, his eyes downcast, “So, I guess I can't be mad if someone else realizes it. I mean…"

"Oro, You can stop talking now." you snapped yet.... was it hot out here? You discreetly fanned yourself once. 

The Fontantian stranger could quickly see he was losing control. He calmed himself to explain his situation. You could see holes in this story despite how polite he seemed to be. After all, he was willing to involve non-Fontantians in his affair. Something about this didn’t smell right.

And it wasn’t the baguettes across the square. 

But Ororon and Ifa decided to help him anyway. Ororon wanted to go get the man’s lost item and was applying a little too much vigor to the situation. It didn’t escape you that you all did seem to wander into a movie plot in real life. How often did this even happen? No one ever bothered you the last time you came to Fontaine. 

You, Ifa and Cacucu stayed behind to keep an eye on the man. It didn’t take long for the Fontantian stranger to start putting his foot in his mouth. As such, Cacucu took it upon himself to handle it to the stranger’s ire. Ifa let him beg and plead awhile before calling Cacucu off. Afterwards, he kept sneaking looks at you. 

"You want something?" you finally asked after the nth time. 

"Ah, nothing.” the Fontantian stranger spoke becoming shy, “It’s just you are…..very beautiful."

You decided to take his words at face value and offered him a sincere, "Thank you." 

You could see hope rising in his eyes, "Maybe when this over...."

"No way, bro! No way!" Cacucu flew into the man's face once more. 

Ifa just folded his arms unimpressed. Was he seriously trying to hit on you?

"Alright, alright! I'm sorry! I won't mention it again!"

Still Cacucu did not let up. You sighed. This man's politeness seemed to be edged with something you didn't care to know about.

Still though...

"Please stop Cacucu. Don't worry. I have no plans to go out with this man."

Cacucu stopped pecking long enough to eye you.

"Why would I date anyone who can't respect my son?" You added.

Happily Cacucu returned and hovered over your head. You had long since told him never to settle on your head. As cute as he was, he was heavy.

The Fontantian stranger was flabbergasted, "Your son? You call that thing...."

"Cacucu!!" both you and Ifa yelled at him then.

"Yes, yes, I'm sorry. Mr. Cacucu is your son?"

Your voice had a cool edge, "It's nothing to do with you, I assure you."

You could practically see him writing you off in his head as crazy as the others. Perhaps in his head, all Natlanese were crazy. After all, the three of you weren’t inspiring any confidence out of him. 

That's fine, you didn't like him anyway.

"Did I hear you call Cacucu a thing?"

When Ororon returned with the lost item he was trying to act like some hard-boiled detective. You could practically see the script being played out before you. But this was reality wasn't it?

"Are you trying to get him to say, ‘my life’?" Ifa asked with a snort. You hit him on the arm. Apparently he could see it too.

It was cute how crestfallen Ororon looked, "Ahh, how'd you know that?"

You slapped a hand to your forehead.

"We watched the movie with you, remember!" Ifa answered.

You sighed, "I need a break."

"Break time! Break time!!" Cacucu called out.

So you were surprised this turned into an entire serious thing when Wriothesley showed up. You were glad that you all had the Traveler's backing in this. You didn't want to get anywhere near the Opera Epiclese not to mention Fortress of Meropide!

Ifa spoke, "I understand, sir! We got dragged into this by accident and it has diddly squat to do with us."

You wordlessly pointed at Ifa in agreement.

"Out of respect for the Traveler we won't say another word."

You mimed silence with a dead panned face.

"Oh, I know this part-we better keep our mouths shut or we'll both be sleeping with the fishes in a tailor-made pair o’ cement shoes."

Wriothesley was greatly concerned by Ororon's words even as he watched you throw your hands up.

"That's it! I'm picking the next movie! Ororon, you aren't allowed to watch any more crime related, hard boiled movies for a while!"

"Yes, but he was the one who started it!" insisted Ororon, "His first words were to compliment you exactly like in the movies. They always use the beautiful woman as a red herring to set up the entire movie!"

Concern marred Wriothesley's face, "He did what?"

You growled, "Again, stop talking, Ororon, lest he has a real misunderstanding."

Ororon pouted.

Wriothesley gazed steadily at you, "That being said, I'd like an understanding of what that means, especially if one of our citizens was targeting you. Do I need to add charges?"

"No, no! It was nothing, I assure you."

Ororon answered as he mimicked the Fontantian stranger, "He just walked up like "Hey beautiful lady, maybe out of the kindness of your heart, permit your friends to help me." or something like that." 

A sigh fell from your lips, "And you morons fell for it."

"Correction, Ororon fell for it." Ifa stated, "...but on the off chance it was something serious I didn't want to ignore it."

Wriothesley smiled, "I see, I understand. And I thank you. I hope the rest of your trip here is uneventful."

"My last trip here was uneventful." you stated, "This one I'm lugging around two children: One five and one 10."

Wriothesley had to bite his lip to almost stop bursting out laughing.

Ifa and Ororon looked scandalized.

His anger finally cooled enough that finally let you loose to begin his teaching. A few times your eyes skittered to the door. Cowardly you knew but Mr. Silvar simply reached over and gripped your wrist with a one handed shackle. 

You would both just sit in silence as your mind raced with the idea of teaching him. Yet only Mr. Silvar looked calm, hidden gaze square on you as he awaited new knowledge to be parted to him.

And exactly how were you supposed to do that? 

Somehow you fumbled through it. 

You weren’t sure what all you told him in trying to teach him. 

Now, it seemed surreal that Mr. Silvar had his arms wrapped around you, constantly chasing your lips as you both sat on a couch. 

Was this from the one that said he did not know what ‘like’ was? 

He didn’t know feelings? 

And he learned all this in just scant weeks. 

It didn’t help that one day Mr. Chopped had brought back a shoujo manga book. You remembered almost as soon as you saw it. Strangely the drawings you could make out seemed to depict Hanahaki Disease. And of course one of the drawings still intact was the ending when the hero kissed the heroine, curing her of the disease. Naturally, Mr. Silvar showed it to you much to your embarrassment and asked if it was a viable method to cure your sickness. 

You tried to avoid it, really you did.

All you remember was trying to run again. You didn’t get far, as Mr. Silvar reached out, picking you up by the waist barely breaking a sweat. For days afterwards, Mr. Chopped made his discontent loudly known. He demanded compensation by carrying him everywhere for several days. You knew this was also a way to monitor you. But you weren’t allowed to go far from Mr. Silvar’s watchful eyes. 

You spat out blood and flower petals almost constantly for days afterwards much to Mr. Silvar’s chagrin. Mr. Chopped’s wailing did nothing for your headache but Mr. Silvar didn’t try to stop him either. Eventually you managed to simmer down enough to continue the lessons. 

But true to form, Mr. Silvar demanded to learn the art of ‘mouth touch’. At first he was very clinical about it, placing his lips over yours. You squirmed but did nothing. For a while this was the sum total of your kiss. Just resting his mouth over yours. 

However he could read that something was wrong and of course, called you out on it.  This didn’t seem to be working nor did it feel like the drawing. 

Then one day, you weren’t even sure what happened but you just snapped. You brought your hand to the back of his head and slammed your lips together. It was you that led the dance, and Mr. Silvar followed. Your chest heaved when you finally pulled back. 

You had no time to feel embarrassed for that was the last time he would let you lead. 

But it wasn’t long before he seemed to be addicted to it in ways that defied his job as a doctor. 

Now you pushed at his chest, trying to get air. This time Mr. Silvar did not press the issue but a grin with a touch of mania lingering on his lips as he allowed you to move within his arms. You could feel the weight of his gaze. As soon as you could breathe steady he would be back at it. 

Who was even this man? Had he really become addicted to kisses? 

“Heart go fast. Body hot. Good, yes?” Mr. Silvar almost purred. 

You shoved at him. He knew the answer to his own questions. He did not need to pretend to be a doctor trying to find out something he already knew. 

Then his hand came up to your mouth, “Open.” 

You did, parting your lips. You felt him inspecting the inside of your mouth. 

“Hm, inside mouth, bad. Better still bad.” He released you, turning to look over at his work table. Then he stood walking over muttering. He made notes and mixed up a potion with the correct dose before returning to your side. 

“Drink.” 

You downed it, with a grimace but it did soothe your rough throat. 

He took the empty potion bottle and set it aside. Reaching up he rubbed his cool fingertips over your throat. 

“Hurt?” 

“Little. Throat better.” You reassured him. At least your voice wasn’t as hoarse as it used to be. 

“Hm.” Mr. Silvar’s fingertips climbed up to run over your lips. They weren’t as chapped or dry as they used to be. He gave an absent satisfied nod, “Good.”

These days, you rarely cough up blood and petals. In a little while, you figured it might vanish completely. Mr. Silvar had been recording the intervals of times and had long since come to this conclusion. Obviously, ‘mouth touch’ has been a viable cure. 

One he was abusing for all it was worth. 

You weren’t sure what to make of it but it was curing the Hanahaki Disease. Of that you couldn't deny. Did that mean that he was accepting your feelings and even returning them? You still couldn’t bring yourself to bring it up even now. 

Mr. Silvar’s hand traveled to the back of our head as he peered closely at you. You blinked. How long have you been spacing out? 

“Okay? Sick? Hurt?” he asked. 

You shook your head, even as you were distracted by his fingers carding through your hair, “Not sick.” 

“Good.” 

Both of your breathing were the only sounds in the room. Could he hear your heartrate as well? How long did he plan to stare at you like this, head cocked to the side with the weight of his piercing hidden gaze?  Unconsciously your lips parted. Mr. Silvar took notice of every change of yours. 

Slowly he neared his face to yours. Your eyelids fluttered just before his cool lips pressed gently upon yours. Shyly you reached up cupping his jaw. One hand skittered to his hair, winding a bit on your finger. Mr. Silvar had long since noted your obsession with his hair. Your own was short, not growing long or quickly to begin with. Perhaps that was a reason for your constant playing with his hair when you thought he’d let you get away with it. 

In the distance, you heard a sound yet you were still surrounded by the soft bubble welling between you two. It made you want to ignore it. Mr. Silvar had every intention of doing so as well however… 

“Hello!!! Ekk! Again!!”

The familiar voice had you pulling away from Mr. Silvar. You heard and felt the harsh exhale through Mr. Silvar’s nose. You turned and looked down to see Mr. Chopped sitting on the skateboard, the hand holding the skateboard still. He stared at the two of you. 

By now, the amount of times he had accidentally witnessed such actions no longer moved him. Now he was just annoyed that he kept rolling into this situation. He had disappeared for a couple of days and just as soon as he came back back the first thing he saw was the ‘mouth touch’.

Mr. Silvar heaved a sigh as if the world had done him wrong as he looked down at the severed head. You almost had the impression that he was rolling his eyes. 

Mr. Chopped dared to tsk, “Mouth touch, again? You do, lots, lots.” 

Mr. Silvar promptly dismissed him, turning away, “I help. I heal. Go away.”  

Mr. Chopped was curious now. Was it really that good? 

He focused his eyes on you and gave a smile, “You, me, mouth touch, yes?” 

He wouldn’t mind if it was you. 

“Wrong!!” 

Your eyes widened as your head whipped towards Mr. Silvar who had practically thundered this. His black holed mouth was deeply dissatisfied as he looked down at the severed head. There was no mistaking the bloodlust that was slowly rising in the room. Despite Mr. Silvar’s hidden eyes, you feel the heated glare. Mr. Chopped’s own eyes widened with a touch of fear. 

The room had plunged into a cold front. You stilled, not daring to breathe even as Mr. Silvar reached down and picked up Mr. Chopped. His hidden eyes bore into the severed head eyes for a long moment. Mr. Chopped’s eyes kept darting back and forth. 

Then suddenly, Mr. Silvar smiled a black holed smile. “Only me. You no do. I kill you, you do. Understand?” 

Despite the usual cordial tone there was an uncurrent of ice in his voice. 

You blinked. 

Wait, was Mr. Silvar being jealous? Did the thought of you sharing a kiss with another make him emote? 

Was this Mr. Silvar emoting? 

Mr. I don't know what feelings are?  

You could practically hear Mr. Chopped swallow, “I understand. I not do. I sorry. Not ask again. Sorry. Sorry.” 

Mr. Silvar reached up and patted Mr. Chopped’s head, “Good. It’s okay. You understand. Good.”

Mr. Chopped nodded as best he could. It was almost comical how quickly his lone head was trying to move. 

Mr. Silvar’s face relaxed further, “Good. Good.” 

He placed Mr. Chopped on the skateboard, fixing his braid firmly on it. Once he was done fussing, Mr. Silvar turned to you. By an almost unspoken rule, with Mr. Chopped, only by throwing a glance hand’s way, the hand quickly wheeled him out. He barely tossed a ‘Goodbye’ out before he was gone without a backwards glance. The door shut behind him but Mr. Silvar had moved on, his gaze fixed on you. 

For reference, it would be two weeks before Mr. Chopped came poking around again. 

A giggle escaped you. Then a laugh spilled from your lips. 

Mr. Silvar just stared. 

“You scare Mr. Chopped. Bad!” 

Mr. Silvar gave a lazy ripple of his shoulders, “No. Good. Head understand. Not do.” 

“Why? Why mad?” 

You could almost see Mr. Silvar blinking behind his bloodied bandages. 

“I mad?” 

You nodded. 

Mr. Silvar fell into deep thought. You watched his face as he thought. Although he went still as a statue, you always loved looking at him. You reached out and twirled a piece of hair around your forefinger before bringing it up to your lips. 

Mr. Silvar stirred then, watching as you did this. That was new. You had never kissed his hair before looking at him with such warmth and laughing eyes. Something constricted in his heart. Why had he been so mad when Mr. Chopped wanted to share a ‘mouth touch’ with you? For some reason the very idea sent him wanting to finish killing that severed head. 

Then he spoke, his words measured, “No mouth touch beings. Only me. I dislike beings you mouth touch. Understand? Not know why. You know? You teach.”  

You laughed coyly as you sung, “Ooooh?” 

His black holed mouth turned into a frown as you continued to toy with his hair. You knew that much was obvious, but you weren't forthcoming with the information. 

Why did he seem to lack patience when it came to these matters? He snatched you up, his arm snaking around your waist. “No laugh. Speak you. You teach. You know why? Why?” 

Instead of fear you slapped your hands over both his cheeks and rubbed at them fiercely, “How cute!!” 

His nose wrinkled, “Cute?” 

“Cute.” 

Mr. Silvar gave what you interpreted as a pout. 

“You know now. Mouth touch.” You began to speak, making Mr. Silvar perked up, “Kiss only two beings. No other. Only when like. Kiss only beings you like a lot.” 

You could hear Mr. Silvar processing this. So if he understood, wanting only to hoard your kisses to himself meant that he liked you the best? Was this the same ‘like’ that had caused this disease in you? Was this something you had long known and he was just now learning? 

Hm, that was a conclusion he could live with then. 

You watched as he finally stirred, his mouth getting wider and wider, almost unnaturally so. You shivered at the grin with a touch of mania to it.

“Understood. I like you. Only you. I mouth touch only you. You mouth touch only me. We like. Yes?” 

Your breath hitched. 

Was he….? 

He cocked his head, “No? Wrong?” 

It took you a while for you to respond but Mr. Silvar was nothing if not patient. When you finally stirred he watched as you lowered your gaze, your eyelashes fanning your cheek. 

‘Cute’ passed through Mr. Silvar’s head for the first time in his life. 

Amusement welled within him. He could tell you were pleased even if you had yet to say anything. 

Oh, if this was what ‘like’ meant, he looked forward to many days of fruitful experimenting.  

You dropped Mr. Chopped, turning in a dead run. 

You didn’t get far before you were grabbed from behind, lifted up a few inches off the ground. A needle was jammed into your arm with little to no mercy. 

A hoarse cry tore from your lips. 

Almost immediately you felt yourself getting sleepy. A sedative then. You were bounced around like a ragged doll ending up in a princess carry. 

The last you saw was Mr. Silvar’s black holed mouth in a deep frown.

It was also the first thing you saw as you woke up lying on your back. He was peering over you. His frown turned into a black holed smile. “Wake? Good.” 

He pulled back, turning from you. 

Fight or flight kicked in again. 

You had every intention of jumping up and running. You barely had moved a muscle before something yanked you down. It took you a minute to register your position. Apparently Mr. Silvar had anticipated such a reaction. You were strapped down to a metal bed that he usually used for more “creative” projects. This was the first time that you had been strapped down like this. Usually this was not the room he did your regular checkups in that featured a dentist chair. 

Your blood ran cold. 

Was he going to carve you up? 

You struggled again until you found yourself choking, coughing up blood and petals. It was violent and messy. You turned your head so that you wouldn’t choke but this time, you couldn’t hide it from him. 

Mr. Silvar whipped around, bandaged eyes watching intently. Only when you were done, did he move, reaching out over you to pick up a bloodied petal. He rubbed it between his fingers, studying it, “Interesting. Blood object, your mouth.” 

He gathered a test tube. Slowly and methodically he went about placing the petals you threw up into it. You couldn’t help but admire his graceful movements despite the morbid situation. 

After a while the silence was suffocating you, “You kill me?” 

Mr. Silvar jerked as if in surprise. Then he cocked his head, “Kill you? Why do?” 

You tried to move to prove a point. 

“You go fast. Stop you. Can’t move. Can’t go. Good.” 

You blinked. Hold on, was all this simply so that you didn’t escape? That was it? 

You simmered down a little, relaxing on the cold metal table. After a moment, a bloodied petal was in your eyesight. “You know?” 

“....Flower petals.” You answered. 

Mr. Silvar tried to repeat the word but ultimately gave up. He shook his head, “Not important. You know why blood object? You body not do this. No good. So why? You know?” 

You cut your eyes away from him before slowly turning your head away. You didn’t get far. A strong grip reached out forcing your gaze back to him. 

“You know.” 

A statement that time. Not a question. You could feel his heavy gaze upon you. 

Mr. Silvar continued with his analysis, “You run. You hide. Long time. You not know, you not do. You do, so you know. Why?” 

You wanted to twist your head away but his grip on your jaw tightened. He did not allow it even as he went as still as a statue. 

Waiting, analyzing. 

He was patient, not moving as many minutes ticked by. 

Wouldn’t so much as twitch, unless you tried his patience. Then only his fingers tightened like a vise around your chin. 

You swallowed. 

Neither of you were willing to break the stalemate until suddenly you lurched, coughing violently. Even as blood and flower petals spilled over his hand, Mr. Silvar did not move. 

So he could feel the moment you gave up. 

And when you did his fingers eased a little. 

He was too focused for his own good for you to win. 

“Blood object. I know.” 

The admission flowed from you like the blood you’ve been coughing up. 

Mr. Silvar did not move his hands, only a finger, swiping it across your lips. You looked at him startled. He wasn’t going to get sidetracked, “Explain. Now.” 

Now that it has come to this, how could you explain with their very limited vocabulary? 

Still though, Mr. Silvar was prepared to be here for a long time just so he could get a grasp of your unnatural state. You could feel the determination in his hidden gaze.  

“Blood object. Human sick.” 

Mr. Silvar only stared at you, his lips turning down in an unimpressed way, “I know. Why? Why sick? Why?” 

Clearly he wanted to get to the point he wanted to know. It was useless telling him things he had worked out for himself. 

Mr. Silvar released his hold on you, peering at you with concentration. You turned your head away. This time he didn’t press the issue.

As long as you kept talking. 

You coughed once, then settled. How were you supposed to explain a fictional disease? Even you didn’t know why it existed in this world. 

“Blood object….” You started, “Feelings, emotions.” 

“I don't understand feelings.” 

“Yes! I know!” You snapped, “Why else do you think I ran? I don’t expect you to get any of this! But you couldn’t leave well enough alone!” 

Even though you said all this in your native language, Mr. Silvar just stared unimpressed. 

“You done?” 

Your head whipped to him, with wide eyes. Then you felt yourself deflating. 

“Now, what feelings? Blood object show?” Mr. Silvar asked, moving swiftly along. 

You felt yourself heating up. You squirmed under his gaze. 

“What feelings?” he pressed, his voice demanding. 

“Feelings….I like you.” You mumbled, your eyes halflidded so, they may as well have been closed. Anything to shut out the reality that was crumbling around you. 

You felt his weighty stare. Then an eternity later, “Blood object, you body means I like you?”

You nodded. 

He hummed, “You like who? Why blood object?” 

You fumbled with trying to explain what the coughing up bloodied flower petals even means. “Two beings: I like you, You like me. Me: I like you, Other: no like me. Body hurts: me like other who no like me. Blood object make sick, me.”  

You heard the rustle of clothing as Mr. Silvar straightened.  He was silent for a long moment to process your words. You could hear the skit-scratch of him making notes. You didn’t dare open your eyes that you had long since shut tight. 

An eternity later he placed his notes aside looking down at you, “I see. You like being, who no like you. Who you like?” 

Your heart thudded as you tried to sink into the metal bed and further through the floor. 

It clearly showed. 

However, Mr. Silvar’s hand shot out, gripping your chin and forcing your head towards him. You didn’t give him the satisfaction of opening your eyes. You could keep that much at least. 

“Who you like? You understand, yes?” 

“Yes, I understand. Not speak.” 

Your eyes popped open when you heard a loud growl. Was it Mr. Silvar? The ferocity surprised you, jolting your eyes wide open. His black holed mouth was a deep frown and you could feel the heat of his eyes. His nose almost touched yours. 

His patience was at a wits end, “Not ask again! You speak! Who you like?” 

“YOU!! I LIKE YOU!!” You screamed into his face. 

You had the satisfaction of watching what you called shock rippled through him. He released your jaw as if you burned him with your words. His fingers hovered, flexing. His mouth parted even more, almost making a perfect o. His chest heaved as he stared at you. You stubbornly turned your head away, tears prickling behind your eyes. 

Then you were coughing up blood and flower petals. They spilled over your mouth, creating a garden around your head. 

Ahh, how timely! 

When your body settled, an unsure voice broke through the silence. “You like me?” 

You gave a silent nod. Was that uncertainty in his voice?  Mr. Silvar? It was different. He almost sounded…human. 

“Why?” 

“Why not?” you gave a bone wearied sigh, “Reason not need. Feelings come.” 

“I don’t understand.” 

“Yes, I know. I run. I hide. I know you not understand.” 

“You sick. That bad. No run. I help.”

You shook your head, “Can’t help. You have new research. Play there. I die. Go.” 

Your neck was fairly ripped from itself as Mr. Silvar yanked your face back to his. It was inches from your face. His lips unknowingly inches from yours as his silver hair fell like a curtain around you both, “No speak! I no like! You no die. I help. No speak can’t. You no die. I dislike! Dislike lots! Lots!” 

Your eyes widen at this. Was he that upset at the thought of you dying? Where was all this emoting coming from? It wasn’t like he couldn’t get another research experiment. 

That’s all you were, weren’t you? 

A research experiment.  

You coughed. 

Later you would swear it wasn’t as violent as before. 

When you stopped, Mr. Silvar lifted a single finger to wipe your lip. Your mouth parted unconsciously at such an action as you stared into his bandaged eyes. He swiped at your lower lip once more, pulling a small shudder run through you. 

His head cocked, “You like? Interesting.” 

Again you felt your face heat up and once more you tried to jerk away from his hold but he did not allow it. Instead his black hold mouth turned into a grin, almost with a touch of mania, “You do like.” 

It was not a question. It was a statement. 

He swiped at your lips once more before straightening. “New experiment.” He announced, “Feelings, I no understand. Feelings, you teach. No run. No die. You teach.” 

Your eyes widened. He could not be serious. It wasn’t that simple! 

He leaned down, frowning. “You understand. You no run, no hide. I find. I angry. You stay. You teach. Understand?” 

Maybe he was serious. 

It was just another research project. Just another interesting thing that has captured his attention. It was meaningless… 

Mr. Silvar turned back to the work bench. You remembered your predicament. “Hey…let me go. Please.” 

He barely threw a glance over his shoulder. “No, I still angry. You stay. Quiet now.” 

You heaved a sigh, yet you didn't want to admit that your heart felt lighter than it had been in weeks. 

Even if you were still tied up. 

You whipped around. 

Mr. Chopped had a wide grin on as he sat atop the skateboard. The hand steered it to a stop as he crowed, “Found you!! Found you!!” 

You didn’t speak even as your eyebrows lifted high into your head as you gazed at him blearily. How’d he even find you? Perhaps you should have been moving more. You stayed in this room a little too long but these days you had been too tired to keep moving. 

Mr. Chopped gasped when he saw your mouth coated with blood. His joy at finding you quickly disappeared to concern. “You! What wrong? Sick? Mouth blood, why?” 

You slapped a hand to your lips though it was far too late. It wasn’t like your equally bloody hand was inspiring any more confidence. Now the severed head was asking questions you did not want to answer.

“You sick!! Go back!! Hide eyes, help!” Mr. Chopped cried. 

You shook your head and spoke, your voice hoarse. It had taken you a good three tries to even get the first words out you had said in a long time, “Not go back.” 

“Why?” Mr. Chopped lifted his head further back to see you. As if that would help him understand this situation any more. 

You turned from him, “Go back!! Don’t speak, Hide eyes. Please.” 

Mr. Chopped was thoroughly confused and it showed as he pressed, “Why?” 

Your nose flared as you whipped towards him, “It’s none of your business!!” In your anger you had spoken in your native language, “I don’t owe you an explanation as to why I’m puking up blood and flower petals!! Go away!!” 

You violently waved your hand at him, as you turned your back on him. 

Mr. Chopped hadn’t heard it in awhile but he understood that you were having a negative reaction to his suggestion. But he couldn't understand why. Why were you refusing to see the one person that could help you? Why had you run away from them all this time?  

Somehow Mr. Chopped managed to rock on the skateboard his version of an emphatically no, “....Not go!! You hurt, no good! I worry!! Hide eyes worry!!” 

He heard you snort. Then, “Worry? Mr. Silvar no worry! Not know worry!!” 

Mr. Chopped bristled, “Yes, Hide eyes do! You not see! Hide eyes worry! You look! You know!” 

You hunched your back, leaning on the sink, “Hide eyes speak, not understand feelings!” 

“So!! Not mean, not worry!” 

“You. Me! Research experiment! That’s all!” 

Mr. Chopped growled, “You not see!! Look! Look!! Hide eyes look; Want find you! New research, he do. You disappear! Worry, yes? How not worry?” 

Had Mr. Silvar been that concerned when your vitals started going haywire? You quickly brushed it aside. That was just a doctor’s concern about new information he didn’t know. 

That didn't mean anything. 

But then, he wanted to find you? Was he that upset about your disappearance? No, that too tied back to just wanting to find the answers to his new interest. It had nothing to do with feelings. 

Nothing at all. 

Mr. Chopped continued, “You dead? We not know! We not like! Wait, wait, wait. Then we look. Now we find you! Go back!” 

Had they really been out here looking for you as hard as you’ve been avoiding them? Him? Did this constitute caring in his book? You shook yourself, Even if that was true, this disease demanded more, whether either of you wanted it or not. You remember that much. 

Mr. Silvar would never…. 

You keeled over in a violent, deep body shudder. Bloody flower petals ripped from your mouth, as a red garden pooled at your feet. You couldn't think or catch your breath. You couldn't hear Mr. Chopped’s frantic calls. Even that hand twitched about uncertain what to do. 

Mercifully you passed out. 

When you came too you could hear sniffles. A weight was on your stomach. You went to swat it away. There wasn’t much force in your hand but you still managed to get an indignant Ouch. 

An ouch? 

You peeled your eyes open, absently lifting whatever was. 

“Stop! Hurt!” 

With an apology you became clearheaded enough to know you were holding Mr. Chopped’s head awkwardly. You adjusted your grip as you carefully sat up absently fixing his hair. 

Ah, your bloodied hands weren't helping much but Mr. Chopped already had blood on his face and hair from sitting on you. Not to mention, the trail of blood that the hand had to drag him through to get there. 

Mr. Chopped looked balefully at you for a long moment before switching gears and crying. “You awake? You know me? You sick! You sleep long. I scared. Go back, please! Hide eyes help!” 

He was practically wailing his discontent by now. 

You held his head, rocking it absently, “I sleep long? Sorry.” 

“No wake up! I scared! I want help. I can’t. No body, no help. I hate. I hate. I hate. I body…I carry, Hide eyes help! No body! No help! Hate, hate, hate!” 

You shushed him then, like a child, bringing his head to nuzzle your cheek. His weeping slowly died down. Mr. Chopped froze with wide eyes as you coughed again. It wasn’t as violent as before but the spatters got into his hair even as you turned away. The hand nervously twitched about the skateboard as you went to set Mr. Chopped down. 

“No put down! Carry! Carry!!” demanded Mr. Chopped. 

“Hair bad.” You murmured. You wiping at his hair was not doing anything for it. You gave a sigh. You were just making it worse. 

“Pointy object fix later!” Mr. Chopped dismissed even as he leaned forwards as much as he was able to peer at you, “No, you go back! Hide eyes, help, okay?”

You held his gaze for a long moment. It occurred to you that you could put Mr. Chopped down on the skateboard and make a run for it. A severed head wouldn't do much to hinder you, and neither could a severed hand. You could probably lose them if you tried. 

However, you didn’t think that would stop Mr. Chopped from trying to track you down again. You would have to be constantly on the run. 

A bone-wearied sigh tore from your lips at the thought.  

As if he could read your indecision with your eyes flicking to the skateboard in thought, Mr. Chopped began to wail again. 

Loudly. 

“Alright! Alright! No cry!” Only when you relented, rocking him again, did his wails start to die down. 

Mr. Chopped cautiously closed his wide mouth and eyed you. After a beat, “You go?” 

Sigh. “....I go.” 

“Yay!!” Mr. Chopped cheered. 

Another sigh spilled from your rough lips.

You didn’t remember the last time you saw Mr. Crawling, parting ways a while back. Mr. Scarletella appeared from time to time always distant watching you with his black holed eyes. 

You ignored him. 

Your world narrowed to Mr. Silvar and Mr. Chopped, looking for ways to cure your body. Once cured you return to the surface world. That was your original plan but the longer you stayed down here the less you thought about returning to the human world. The memories of that time were slowly slipping away from you and you barely tried to stem the flow.

But now this fictional disease has cropped up. 

The ‘how’ a fictional disease manifested as real in this world was immaterial now. That wasn’t nearly as important as the ‘why’. 

But you knew it was because of him. 

Because of Mr. Silvar. 

Your doctor, you supposed. 

Although you knew you were nothing but a research project to him, you hadn’t minded. He was the best option you had of finding a cure for your breaking body, changing the longer you stayed down here. 

But something happened…. 

Something unforeseen. 

You weren’t sure why, much less when, but his impartial hands over your body began to make your mind wander.  Even when they skimmed your body for the new secrets and tested the new potions he created, your mind couldn’t help but to betray you. 

How would his hands treat a lover?  

You shook yourself. 

He did not understand such things and had no intention of learning. 

You knew that much. 

Still you couldn’t help but wonder…. 

Mr. Silvar would stand stock still as you took his new potions to see if there were any immediate effects. If not, he’d send you on the way telling you to keep him abreast and report any new developments. If doubt wormed its way into his brain, you would be confined to the new research facility he managed to set up. Then he’d poke, prod you and record findings. 

You couldn't even see his eyes behind the bloodied bandages but you always felt the weight of his gaze. His hidden eyes were captured by your every move, trying to find your every hidden secret as nimble fingers recorded all his findings after the fact.  

Anything he thought relevant he wrote down. 

You peeked at his notes once. They were out in the open after all, but you could not make any sense of it. It did not look like any writing you were familiar with. 

Apparently he understood them and that was all that mattered.  

Either way, your body had begun to get a little better under his ministrations. 

But who would have thought that as your body began to get better, you would need a cure for your breaking heart.  

Too bad, it was harder than that of a body. 

But why him? 

There was nothing inherently romantic about Mr. Silvar despite the fact that you did find him handsome. His long silver white hair created a curtain around you when he bent over you, sliding a needle into your vein, focused on his newest research. The view was nice since he wore his shirt open but never did he display any kind of romantic tendency. 

Was he even capable of feeling such things? 

Did he even know such feelings exist? 

Once upon a time, he remarked that he did not understand such feelings as “like”. 

You weren’t sure how true it was. Maybe he was unable to learn it, and you didn’t plan to find out. Especially after Hanahaki Disease appeared. 

At best you were forced to acknowledge that perhaps your own feelings were onesided. 

They'd always be one-sided. 

You knew that much. 

Even before the first time you spat blood and petals, your vitals had started to betray you. That day you had been getting a regular check-up. What should have been routine, you being sent on your way at the end, this time Mr. Silvar straightened to his full height with a deep frown. 

“Heart sound go fast. Blood different. Breathing different. Why? You know?” Then he leaned closer to you, peering at you expectantly. 

In those days you could somehow remain somewhat cool. 

You were still in denial at that time, after all. 

So you shrugged. 

“Don’t know?” He murmured, pressing forward, “All good before. Now not good? Why? You hurt?” 

You didn’t bother to answer. 

Mr. Silvar’s frown deepened as he turned away muttering to himself.  Before you could stop it, your gaze followed him, resting on his turned back, as he worked over his table. 

Your heart skipped a beat then. 

Then that day, blood and petals threatened to twist out of your throat the first time. Thankfully you were able to hide it from Mr. Silvar. 

It was easy then. 

It hadn’t become as bad or frequent as it was now.

The second check-up followed almost a week later, leaving Mr. Silvar deeply unsatisfied at the end, “Skin bad. Breathing worse. Heart sound loud and fast. Blood bad. I’m disappointed. You not know why? Sleep good? Eat good?” 

You nodded but offered nothing else. 

Mr. Silvar eyed you critically. Then he was leaning on the arm rest of the dentist chair, face inches from yours. You felt your head jerked at his forced proximity. The longer he stared the hotter you became, even if you tried to keep your face looking blank as usual. 

“Too silent, you. Speak, don’t hide. What wrong? How feel? Good or bad? Need know. I help. You doing good. Now bad. Why? You not know? Really?” 

He moved impossibly closer and you fought not to squirm. Your throat worked as you tried to swallow. You could feel his gaze cutting towards your every minute move, no matter how hard you tried to stem it. 

“Now. Breathing changed. Why?” 

You slid your gaze away. You could not help it then. “I’m fine. Good. Nothing wrong. Tired maybe. I sleep. Then fine.” 

You could hear the low hum that passed his lips. Then his hands were on your forearms. You fought not to snatch away from his cool touch.  You had felt it a thousand times but in this moment it was almost too much. His hand dropped down to your wrist, sliding down and heating up your skin making goosebumps prickle. When his fingers made their way to your wrist he pressed them against your pulse. 

He gave you a side-long gaze, “Heart sound go fast fast. Before, fast. Now fast, fast. Why?” 

You glared at him then with a growl, “Don’t. Know.” 

Thankfully he straightened to his full height then. As he turned away from you you tried to keep the blood and petals choose that moment to climb up in the back of your throat. You succeeded in swallowing it all down in time, almost choking as you did so. 

Quickly you darted out of the chair throwing an excuse his way before he could call you back.

That was the last time that you had seen him. 

Mr. Scarletella 

Lead enforcer

He is loyal almost to an alarming degree. Only your words can calm him down enough. 

You want someone dead, he is the man to ask. He doesn’t favor any particular weapon, whatever he has is fine. Even if it’s his bare hands. He always carries an umbrella, such an unassuming item, is usually the last thing the target sees. There is a knife hidden in the hilt, just FYI. 

Just him and Mr. Crawling being in the same room is grounds to begin World War III. A war that even you can barely stop. It’s very harrowing the longer it goes on. Both are loyal to you in their own way and it clashes. 

The worst it got once was that you walked in on a fight where Mr. Scarletella had pulled the knife from the umbrella and was holding it to Mr. Crawling’s throat. And Mr. Crawling had a gun to Mr. Scarletella’s. 

Mr. Crawling does not like when Mr. Scarletella gets close to you. Strangely he doesn’t mind the others so much but not Mr. Scarletella. He doesn’t trust him. Mr. Scarletella is dangerous and Mr. Crawling feels that you shouldn’t rely on him so much. He’s a loose cannon! 

Mr. Silvar

Mafia family’s doctor/Lead torturer 

He can heal or hurt. Pick your poison, literally. His injections can be medicine just as quickly as it could be poison. He is usually called for particularly pesky people who need an added boost to get them to talk. 

Generally Mr. Scarletella is enough to end an torture session but there are times when they can withstand even that.  Good for them, really. Or is it? They always regret it by the time they meet Mr. Silvar. Always. 

How do you think he got so good at poisoning? By usings those stubborn in torture sessions as guinea pigs. 

If it’s not a medical issue or torture issue or something that has to do with you, don’t bother him. 

Mr. Chopped 

Assistant to Mr. Silvar 

Anything that Mr. Silvar should be dealing with that he doesn’t want to, Mr. Chopped is the one to ask. If you can believe it Mr. Chopped was once playing for another Mafia family until he defected to your family. Why? Because he knows first hand how Mr. Silvar torture sessions go. 

His brain broke but he did not die. Instead he became rather interested in Mr. Silvar sessions. No one knows exactly what he did for the previous mafia family but he did know a bit of financial knowledge. 

Oh, yea, you worried about him betraying your family? Don’t worry about it. As soon as he defected he was singing like a canary and then some. That family doesn't exist anymore, so it’s moot point. Half in jail and the other half….well, you know. 

Mr. Gap 

Technology expert and introverted as jack

Even you rarely saw him as he preferred to chat over email. He can even do phones if necessary. If you webcam him, he’s staying on some random picture. 

Unless he calls you. Cause he discovered something cool in the matrix somewhere. Do you understand anything he’s saying? Nope! Do you listen? Yes. 

Also a trickster. When he’s bored, he’ll send you presents. 

Please don’t open them. No telling what’s in it. 

Mr. Masque 

Worked for your parents as secretary and now works for you.

You need something, you can always go to him. You need information, he’ll get it. Need answers, he’ll get it. Need to pass out orders for a large scale operation, he’ll do that. 

Liked a second father to you. 

Does magic tricks as a hobby and can solve a rubix cube without batting an eye. 

Mr. Machete

Loose cannon #2 after Mr. Scarletella. 

Your second enforcer and second to Mr. Mr. Scarletella. He is battle drunk. You only send for him if you really need a clean out. Because there was nothing else that was going to happen. 

Mr. Scarletella will talk and play with your enemies. Mr. Machete didn't mince no words, he was flying the moment you turned him loose. 

You almost felt sorry for your enemies by the time you decided to let Mr. Machete loose. 

Mr. Stitches 

Loose cannon #3. 

Also part of the enforcer squad. 

He liked to play waaay too much. 

Usually seen tricking your enemies before taking them out. He had gotten creative with making weapons. He would hide a weapon in an unassuming item to give to your enemies. Needless to say, it never ended well. 

Once gave you a gag gift. Mr. Crawling mauled Mr. Stitches after that like a wild animal. Went absolutely feral! Shooting him and being done with it would have been too merciful. Mr. Stitches was beaten an inch from his life and was out of commission for months. That time, even you could not call off Mr. Crawling until he felt justice had been served. Then he promptly latched onto you like glue, crying forgiveness. You had never seen Mr. Crawling so angry before.  

Mr. HugeFace

This man was a giant. Bigger than Mr. Machete and that's saying something. 

He worked under Mr. Scarletella and Mr. Machete. Between the three of them they were the enforcer squad. Everyone else wasn’t even needed half the time or got themselves hurt or killed. Need things done: send those three. 

He loves cute things. He isn’t even that interested in money. Other than the essentials he was more interested in being paid in cute things. Answering the obvious, he rarely went into public as he was a show stopper. 

He has a bit of a child-like mentality and hated when people stared or skated around him. He couldn’t even be in a toy store without someone calling the police. You know. It happened once. 

Since Mr. Chopped and Mr. HugeFace's concept of cute was similar it became Mr. Chopped’s job to find cute things to give to Mr. HugeFace as his payment. 

Mr. Hairdresser and The Bride

You needed to be sharp for an event, they got your back. 

You needed to make any kind of statement fashion-wise, they got your back. 

Enough said. 

They were.

You had tears in your eyes, your lips pressed tightly together. Your eyes were still drilling holes in him, even as he turned around. Your hands hung limply at your side, as if you had no more strength to do anything else.

That only made him wish for Granny Citlali's punishment.

"Y/N...."

Your eyes roved over him once, twice before looking him dead in the eyes.

Then you spun on your heel and walked out.

You said nothing else.

You did nothing further.

Yet, a cowardly thought went through Ororon's head. He would have thought it better if you had yelled at him or something, like Granny Citlali. He could handle the anger thrown his way, but this silence....

Deadening silence...

Before he realized it, Ororon was moving quickly, darting after you. Granny Citlali's mouth quirked.

Maybe the boy wasn't a total lost cause.

You exited Weary Inn, having no real destination. You heard about what Ororon tried to do.

Everyone had heard about it by now but throughout it all you had felt helpless.

By the time Ororon disappeared you hadn't even gotten the chance to try to talk him out of it. You had been on pins and needles, silently withering every time Granny Citlali threatened the boy. You could tell she was deathly scared behind all the bluster.

And now he was back as if nothing had happened.

Even had the audacity to try for nonchalance, as if nothing in the world had happened. As if he had just taken a scenic route somewhere and returned. 

The nerve of that boy!

You found you couldn't even process all that had happened over the last while. 

Seeing him whole and healthy helped. Seeing that Granny Citlali seemed normal by her standards helped. 

But still...

Feelings churned in your gut.

The clean air did nothing for your nerves as you walked from the Stadium.

"Y/N!! Y/N, wait up!"

It didn't take much for Ororon's long legs to catch up with you. However, you kept your pace, walking forward.

"Hey, come on! Please listen to me!" Ororon pleaded, keeping up with your pace easily.

Then he darted in front of you.

Without breaking stride, you walked around him.

Shock held Ororon in place for a long moment. By the time he had gotten over it he had to jog to catch you. This time he reached out, gently grabbing your arm.

Thankfully, that time, you did stop but instead offered him a glare with lips tight and tears still lingering.

"I'm sorry. I'm sorry, okay? I didn't mean to make you worry."

That was apparently the wrong thing to say, as he watched your nose flair, "Don't mind me. I'm not even Natlanese."

You were a descender like the Traveler. Depending on your point of view, of all the countries in Teyvat you fell to, you had the fortune or misfortune, for it to be Natlan. You had been found by Ifa and Ororon and currently lived among the Masters of the Night-Wind. Despite not being from Teyvat and more not being from any tribe in Natlan, they treated you with kindness that you would not forget. 

Ororon just looked confused at this, "What does that have to do with anything?"

"I have nothing to say and no right to say it. Good to see you back. Glad you are healthy and hail it seems. Hope you stay on the right track and not cause Granny Citlali or your tribe any more grief."

You went to walk away again but Ororon tightened his grip, "Y/N, please!"

You heaved a heavy sigh as Ororon gingerly released you.

This time you didn't try to walk away.

"I know you are upset. And you do have the right to say something even if you aren't technically from Natlan. Or Teyvat, for that matter. Wait, that has nothing to do with anything! If you are angry, which I can clearly see, then yell at me. Don't hold it in."

"....."

"....."

"..........."

Ororon was getting a little worried now. You looked ready to blow but hadn't even started yet. For your own sake, he hoped you would, if for no other reason than to let off steam.

After all, even vegetables didn't cook well if they were constantly compressed in such a manner.

Wait, was he really comparing this to his beloved vegetables?

"Of all the...do you know the grief you caused Granny Citali?"

Oh good, you were going to hopefully let him have it. He refocused on you as you continued:

"The grief you caused your tribe going wayward like this? And for what? So you can die? You wanna die that much?"

Ororon faltered once."No of course not! I just..." 

"Just what? Are you saying off all the people you knew, you couldn't find one person to share this with?"

"I thought I had to bear it alone.” Ororon’s voice was quiet, “I thought I was doing the right thing. I thought that this was my purpose in life. To be the savior of Natlan. It didn't work the first time and I thought maybe it was my fault and that I should work to fix it."

You snapped then, "You ever think maybe it was a blessing your life was spared? Maybe you should have ran with it, ever think about that?!"

"I understand that now! I understand the idea holding onto your life dearly now but that doesn't mean I want to forsake my country."

"No one said you had to! But there has to be a better way! You think your death would have accomplished anything! That people wouldn't be sad? That Ifa wouldn't be sad? That....that I wouldn't be sad?"

By now tears were pouring down your face, "Like I said, I'm not Natlanese so I have no right to...."

You choked on your words as Ororon pulled you into his arms. They wrapped securely around you. His voice was low and rough, "Don't say such things, Y/N. I don't care if you are from another world. You are part of us, part of me now. And I really am sorry. I'm sorry that I caused you such grief. It was never my intention. I want to honor those that have shown me kindness and that includes you. "

He pulled you back. Tentatively he reached up to help you wipe your tears that wouldn't stop falling. You sniffed.

Ororon gave a soft smile, "We'll win this war with the Abyss, Y/N. Then I'll show you our country in peace, K? So don't cry anymore. I promise I won't be stupid."

"You are stupid, Ororon."

"Hey!"

"You just don't have permission to be stupid about your life."

"Yes ma'am."

"Good. Let's go! You got me all in my feels. Now I'm hungry. You are paying for my meal and when this is over you owe me a homecooked one. I want eggplants."

“No one asked you.” You finally responded to the floating pixel, “You did not have to come back anytime soon.”  

Kinich had only tightened his arm around you once, the only sign of his annoyance at this untimely interruption. 

“No one can keep me locked away!! Each time my servant decides to lock me away, I will come back.” 

“Like fungus, I suppose.” 

“Ei! Pay some respect to the Great Almighty Dragonlord K'uhul Ajaw!! I finally return and what do I see!! That you would use my servant for your vile means makes me sick! Curses be upon you human!!”

You giggled without humor, “Careful~, it almost sounds like you care what happens to your "servant "."  

“Don’t you insult me in such a manner!! I will rip out your tongue for such words!! I awake each day anew with hope for Kinich’s death in my heart!! Mwhahaha!!” 

Kinich looked annoyed then as he glowered, “Ajaw, I will send you right back to where you come from for such words against her. Can you not see we are busy?” 

“Try it! I will claw my way out of the depths time and time again! And busy! Busy with what? You display such vile tendencies when you are around her! Losing your head—”

You had turned your ears off at Ajaw as you wrapped your arms around Kinich's shoulders, leaning into him, already missing his warmth. You nuzzled your face into his neck, making him turn his face towards you, his arm around you tightening. He couldn’t help but to reach out to cup your cheek with his other hand. 

You only let out a small content sigh. He always said he wasn’t good at comforting but you found that to be a lie that he told himself. His presence alone was comforting to you. You liked the fact that he wasn’t so noisy all the time. You had come from a world beyond that was noisy as jack so you appreciate the silent strength that Kinich brought. 

“—Ei!! Are you listening to me!!” Ajaw screeched, "You two are making me throw up!” 

Except the only vice that Kinich had wasn’t even his own. It was this gremlin partner of his. You had never witnessed such arrogance. You had a hard time figuring out what was noisier, your old world or Ajaw. In some ways, your old world was, as it was a constant noise grind.

At least Kinich could lock Ajaw in a timeout from time to time.

And -gasp- there were times when Ajaw would disappear allowing the two of you to have quiet stolen moments. 

He was probably planning something but I digress....

You only sighed, “I feel for you Kinich, that you have such a wicked partner. My condolences!” 

“Hm.” 

Kinich had always worried that it would be Ajaw that would break the two of you apart. After meeting the Traveler and Paimon, he began to realize exactly what he was missing and it was a lot. Then meeting you, beginning to fall in love with you, knowing you hated excess noise, he feared that it would be Ajaw would be your undoing. 

“What exactly do you mean? Wait, condolences…is Kinich finally going to croak! Long has this day—Eep!!”  

You snapped, jerking out of Kinich’s loose hold to grab Ajaw, catching him firmly around the “throat”, bringing him to your dark gaze, “Listen to me, you little worm. Kinich will not be dying anytime soon and if I catch you up to some mischief on his life, I will end you.  You are a strain of madness that existed even in my world but you will not pollute my time in this world. Unlike the rest of these mortals, I’m not inclined to play your game. I will make it difficult for you if you keep trying my patience.” 

Ajaw flailed his arms, as you squeezed tighter, turning red in your hold, “Servant!! Get this she-demon off of me!! How dare you treat the Great Almighty Dragonlord K'uhul Ajaw in this manner!! I will end you!!” 

Ajaw being the death of your relationship before it could blossom would be the least of Kinich’s worries. Kinich had only turned his head and shut his eyes in a relaxed manner at the start. Gradually, he began to observe with a half lidded gaze. 

This wasn’t the first time you had decided to take Ajaw to the task. You had very little patience when Ajaw talked too long about Kinich's supposed death.  Kinich had long gotten used to it, so he was surprised the first time that you took it personally. Now though, he quite liked this side of you.

Though his eyes widened slightly at the tidbit about your world. Exactly how bad was the world you had come from like? This wasn’t the first time he had wondered. When he tried to pry, you skated around him. Kinich quickly figured out that perhaps it was a sore point for you. He did not wish to cause you any further pain so he learned not to inquire too deeply into your life from your old world. 

When you loosened your hold, Ajaw flew out of your reach, waving his arms madly, “Just you wait, you little she-demon! One day the Great Almighty Dragonlord K'uhul Ajaw will have his revenge! When he finally gets Kinich’s body, you will be the first to beg for mercy! Count on it!” 

With a raucous laughter, Ajaw flew away leaving only the wind behind him. 

You let out a little sigh, your anger easing off. 

“A strain of madness that existed even in your world….”  

The gentle voice made you look back at Kinich whose lizard-like eyes of green and amber gazed down at you. You could see the concern, even questions swirled that swirled within them, yet he said nothing further. 

You found yourself looking away unable to hold his gaze. You really didn’t want to get into it, yet it wasn’t fair that he shared so much of himself, yet you still held much of yourself back. 

Yet still, some things you weren’t sure you could really have a conversation about. 

Still you wanted to offer something: 

“In my world, you could say there exists an…entity that is similar to the Abyss of this world. Terror, fear, control. They rule with such things, blotting out the sky, polluting the air, polluting the earth itself, so that we humans could only ever rely on them. Humanity had long since lost its soul and we were like the undead….” 

“Stop…” You were suddenly brought to a sturdy chest, “....this is hurting you.” 

You were unaware that your breath had quickened as you felt yourself descending into dark memories you’d long since want to forget. You clung to the figure before you, fighting to anchor yourself. 

Kinich regretted immediately echoing the sentiment you had shared. Seeing your eyes gaze over, in such a manner was not his intent. If this was hurting you, he did not need to know. This was not the price he wanted to pay for his knowledge. If such a price involves your well being, it was already too high. 

All he hoped for now, would be that you let him stay quietly by your side.

As the last rays of the sun dipped into the oncoming night, he held you close in his arms. Eventually the tremble of your body ceased. Then: 

“...I’m sorry….” 

Kinich shook his head, “You have nothing to apologize for. If anything, I should apologize for prying. If it hurts too much, you need not share it.” 

He felt you tighten your arms around him, but he could not read your expression. You had subtle shifts in expressions that he long since learned to read. 

There was much life to be found in Teyvat, something entirely foreign to you when you were first dropped here. But in Natlan, especially where you found a home, even with the threat of the Abyss on their heels, they knew how to live life. To bond together as one. It was a wonder to behold when you came to Natlan. Although you did not like the adrenaline of extreme sports, that too showcase their love of life. 

You did not, could not, fathom returning to your lost world. 

Not after discovering life and how to live here. 

You pulled back, finally collecting yourself to give Kinich a smile. His eyes searched yours for a long moment. You couldn’t help the giggle before leaning in and gently pressing your lips to his. 

His mouth gave the barest quirk, “As long as you are well.” 

“Hm.” You gave a nod. 

“It’s getting late. I will get you back home.”  Kinich stood with you in tow before stretching out his hand. 

You stepped into his embrace, wrapping your arms around him as his arm wrapped securely around you.