The pure hope that was swelling between us was nearly mind-numbing. I wanted to sing, I wanted to cry, I wanted to dance. So many things at once, to the point where I was breathlessly elated. Staring at his blank face-which I now saw wasn't entirely blank-I saw someone there that was hidden before. An entirely new being, being shown in his sharp cheekbones that were raised so high. His chiseled jaw, carved to perfection, that for once wasn't stressfully tightened. His hidden brows that were no longer angrily smashed together. Even his invisible gaze held such adoration and joy that caused my smile to grow.

I had thought that the beast named Zalgo had taken everything from me. My memories, that I now held so dearly as they slowly returned. My family, whose bonds were returning just as strongly as they were before. And now, this relationship which was I was completely oblivious to until today. Of course, there was still work. A lot of work, I might add. There was no way I could return to his Aribella with just the snap of my fingers, nor could he be the Slender that I barely remembered. But that did not mean I didn't want it. In fact, knowing it was a possibility made my heart soar. I would have to thank Laughing Jack for building up my confidence so I made this happen. Otherwise, I would still be in my room, swallowed up by my own pathetic self-pity.

The silence surrounding us would have been uncomfortable before. But now, I was simply leaning aganst Slender's side, his arm tightly wrapped around me. My fingers were aimlessly trailing against the silky ivory keys, tempted to press down on them so that their notes would fill the air. The warmth he possessed drew me closer, wanting to stay here forever. The tranquility his secret room contained was beyond anything I could have ever imagined. It was a secret I would guard with my life. I heard him let out a quiet, content sigh, as I played a few notes. They didn't exactly go together in any sort of way, but with the deep and soothing sound that the piano created, it honestly didn't matter.

"Did you ever teach me any songs?" I asked, breaking the peaceful silence.

I felt Slender shake his head, before he began to run his fingers through my hair. "No, you never asked me to. I would be more than happy to teach you anything you would like, though," he murmured.

I shook my head, allowing my fingers to fall off the keys. "No, I was just wondering if I ever did," I replied.

I heard him hum in response, as he leaned his head down to rest against mine. "You can ask me anything about before, you know. I will never hide anything from you again," he promised, sincerity leaking from his tone.

"Who was I closest to, besides you?" I asked, peeking up at him.

He chuckled, twirling a lock of my dark hair around his pointer finger. "You were close to everyone, angel. They all loved you, and you loved all of them. Just give it some time, and you will again," he purred, tightening his arm around me.

"I know I was. But Laughing Jack said that we weren't that close beforehand. I know I was friends with everyone, but..." My words trickled away, as I pursed my lips.

"I believe you were closest to Masky. You were comfortable with him before anyone else. He was the one who saved you when you first walked through those doors," Slender noted, releasing my hair.

My eyes widened as I thought of the blue-eyed, masked man. I had barely spoken with him since I returned.

"I would have to say that Jeffrey was like a brother to you, even though the two of you did not get along at first. And Sally..." He was laughing to himself before he was done. "Honestly, who could not love that child?"

I smiled, agreeing with him. My questions then trickled for details of the events Jack had told me about. Slender gave me the story of each day, leaving out no detail what so ever. My smile continued to grow throughout it all, along with my heated cheeks as he mentioned us. How I had refused to go home, my proclamation of love to him.

He told me about our day to ourselves, and everything I had asked him, along with the answers. He told me of the rake attacks, and Zalgo's arrival. Meeting the others, and spending time with them. It was a whole other world that I only caught glimpses of and heard tidbits.

By the time he had finished, my heart was aching for that life. I wanted it back, my soul begged for it. But I also contained so much excitement with the promise to relive it all. It was a free chance to start over from the very begining, and enjoy it all as I had before. It was bittersweet, and I had no clue which I would rather have. It wasn't like I had much of a choice, but I didn't mind.

My nerves sang as Slender's pale fingers stroked up and down my arm as he told the stories, and my heart would speed when he kissed the top of my head. There was no denial of what was, or what will be. I was not, nor would I ever complain. The world was at peace-not entirely there. But close enough to where I could breathe once more.

Of course, all peace had to come to an end. Slender and I both sighed as we heard a knock on his office door. I couldn't be sure, but I was almost positive I heard the rumbling of a growl in Slender's chest, just waiting to explode. I chuckled, looking up to meet his gaze.

"We can always come back tomorrow," I reminded him, as his arm slid from around me. I felt an aching fire trail left behind when he did, and I nearly ordered him to put his arm back immediately.

"How right you are," he replied, a smile in his voice.

We both stood, Slender pushing the piano bench back under as another knock sounded. He offered me his arm, which I instantly rejected. I reached down, taking his hand before interlacing my fingers with his. I stared straight forward as my cheeks turned crimson, determined to not meet his gaze as we walked through his bookshelf door.

He quietly shut it, before opening his office door. There stood Masky, an ultimately terrified look in his eyes, which chilled me to my bones. Slender and I were frozen as we stared at him, Masky not even taking notice to our hands.

"M-master?" Masky stuttered, roughly swallowing.

"Yes, what is it?" Slender replied, all the tenderness gone from his voice in an instant. Authority rang through his words, as he stiffly gazed down at his proxy.

"Zalgo... he's here."

My heart stopped.

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