In Truth
Chapter 1-
Immersed in the all too familiar dissonant crowds of the city, Peter squeezed the paw he was holding. He smiled at the returned and reassuring gesture, looking up to meet his father's sharp eyes. A nudge over to the fount in the middle of the square, Peter was led over and set on the edge. There, they waited. Most of the people were the same, in such a rush to get where they were going. Scheduled and short, though the people were so young and lively they chained themselves down. He spotted a few of them that he knew. Instead of waving, they played the game. Make eye contact, maybe a nod in their general direction, but nothing to show preferences or imply any relations outside of business.
He was sure holding Papa's hand here was against the rules, they'd received harsh looks but Papa stood and brushed it off. Affections were for yesterday. However, Papa had conceded, allowing him to accompany the giant to the meeting, provided he behaved.
How different it was today. All so somber while the humans talked. The nations hardly spoke while their leaders went back and forth, some with offers of alliances, some with subtle insults, barbs and threats. Some nations cringed quietly. Other's eyes would dart around; quickly locking gazes with the ones insulted by their humans, apologizing with their eyes, pleading no one took the words to heart. 'I don't hate you' they'd stare.
Last night had been an amazing sight for the boy. They met his uncles in a corner of the room. The six blondes regarded each other, each with their trademark expressions. Their shields began slipping as the doors closed. Tino had a pleasant smile on his face, beaming further at Peter before embracing the boy. Matthias had his smirk; his father called it cocky, and clapped his approaching brother on the shoulder before crouching down with his fist out. Peter punched, this time without hurting his knuckles, causing Matthias to chuckle and run his fingers through the Sealander's hair. Emil grinned slightly, offering a low-five, his puffin sputtering at the jostle.
At last, he reached his uncle Lukas. He'd been looking about with mild disinterest. Lukas's eyes changed at the boy, the dull lightening up and causing a noticeable shift in his apathetic expression to those who knew him. He merely offered a hand, which Peter shook; working on keeping his grip firm like his father had told him. Peter felt himself yanked forward, his face made impact with his uncle's chest. Lukas idly traced runes on his nephew's back, holding the boy close. Slowly, he released him, eyes still vacant but pleased that the boy hadn't moved and allowed him to trace the blessing.
They then turned and assimilated into the crowd, the feelings of camaraderie infectious as the doors closed. Shut off from the humans, madness erupted. Old comrades cuffed each other's shoulders and growled in a friendly fashion. Some screamed and ran at another, before throwing their arms around their friends. Lovers who were separated by seas held close embrace. Some brushed lips.
Finally, Peter understood.
So short intro is short.
Will have references to historical events and other incidents (that may be triggers) later. I know the Utøya Massacre may be a touchy subject (it's been less than two years) to those who knew people in this attack, as it should be. A loss like that isn't something to be brushed under the rug. - just a warning. This won't be all sunshine and rainbows. But there will be fluffies.
Questions? Comments? Let me know.