I'm tired, confused, and listening to the Maroon 5 acoustic CD. I don't listen to that unless I'm really out of it. In the mood I'm in right now, I could write SUPER-angst. However, I need fluff and joy. So I wrote this half of a two-parter. I'll write the angsty bit later.

I own my own misery, angst, and denial.

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Acceptance Part 1

Moordryd was slightly uncomfortable.

Sure, he was wrapped up cozily in Artha's arms and a warm blanket while watching a movie (a lost fish? Moordryd vowed to pay attention to movies from now on, he was completely lost). Artha had been massaging his biceps slowly in an attempt to relax him for the better part of an hour, but to no avail. Moordryd's back was stiff as a board and his hands clenched and unclenched under the blanket.

Why? Because Lance was sitting on the couch right behind them.

To his credit, the boy hadn't freaked out. However, he was also playing a video game, sparing the occasional glance to the screen. Moordryd wasn't even sure that the mini-brat knew that he and Artha were there.

The movie ended and Artha complained about not even getting to hear the full joke. Naturally, Moordryd had no idea what he was talking about so he simply nodded in mute agreement.

"Alright, Lance. Bedtime!" Artha tugged at his brother's foot and made shooing motions. The younger Penn groaned loudly and tossed his game onto the couch before padding off down the hallway to his room with a mumble of "goodnight."

Finally, Moordryd slumped back against Artha's chest. He felt rather than heard the other's chuckle and comment about how he needed to loosen up.

"My brother likes you for some reason, he won't judge you like others would." Artha kissed the back of Moordryd's neck gently. Moordryd responded by turning in Artha's arms and leaning his head against his shoulder. A sudden interruption made Moordryd jump out of his skin.

"Figures, the second I walk away you two start cuddling!" Lance stood at the end of the couch with his arms crossed and a mock-annoyed expression on his face, "I forgot my game." He offered as a way of explanation, making a move to grab the toy before Artha beat him to it.

"Bed is for sleeping, not for playing games!" He ignored Moordryd's quiet snort and held the controller out of Lance's reach, "You have school tomorrow, so go to bed!"

Lance groaned again before muttering a dejected "'kay." He leaned forward and pecked Artha lightly on the cheek, "Night, bro."

Moordryd nearly yelped in surprise when Lance placed a hand on his shoulder to balance himself and leaned in to kiss him on the cheek as well, "Night, Moordryd."

Moordryd looked away, a blush staining his cheeks and muttered a quiet, "Yeah, whatever...Night, mini-brat" as Artha cheerfully bade his brother sweet dreams.

When Lance was out of earshot, Artha prodded Moordryd gently in the ribs, "See, he likes you!"

Moordryd only scooped up the next DVD from the pile on the floor and popped it into the player, determined to stay focused on the "3 Ninjas."

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(...This plan fell through when Artha decided that '80s kids movies were good movies to make out to.)

Part 1: Fin.

I'm super pissed, exhausted, and getting knee surgery next Wednesday, so give me reviews and wish me luck!

I want to take the last chapter (Masks), walk it out into the woods, and shoot it. It's more rabid and disgusting than Old Yeller, However, the challenge still stands! Whoever can name the most masks of those that I mentioned gets to give me a fic prompt and I will write a fic over 1000 words for it! No lemon.