Raha realized exactly how fucked he was the moment the past version of his immortal passenger gushed at sight of Senri – and his throat instantly tightened around a fiery, choking feeling.

It took him a good moment to realize what was that feeling – while the immortal couple gushed at them, seemingly not hearing a word they said, but the cyan-eyed redhead was utterly, completely ignoring him in favor of his lover… and only when – made bigger and corporeal – they were lead to a massive, beautiful building and sat down while his version of Ares set to blow his counterpart and his husband's counterpart's minds with his story, that he understood and then… he curled into himself, not even trying to follow the story as he dug his gaze in his hands as they closed in the material of his pants and tightened almost painfully.

He was… jealous!

And – surprisingly – not about Senri being so obviously smitten with that Damon's looks… but of the cyan-eyed immortal's attention!

What in the…?

Not even trying to listen to the others, he fought to figure out the irrational sensation – and his Damon was not helping him any – apparently busy with his endeavor… and with each, discreet look toward the immortal couple, that feeling only grew as that Damon wouldn't even spare him a glance – utterly consumed by the story…

And as it went on and his absurd need to catch his attention seemed to only mount so much higher… he finally understood…

Since the moment Hythlodaeus woke them up – and despite his exhaustion after their… playtime and nerves about the upcoming travel into the past – if he allowed himself a spare second to think about that, he was still upset with Damon – lightly put! He couldn't be mad at Senri, true, and after the talk with Ares, he also couldn't blame his lover's immortal… but as much as he knew now why they didn't trust him – and why they forced Senri to keep their immortality a secret from him – he was still somewhat perhaps irrationally pissed off with Damon, anyway… and his passenger seemed more than aware of that, speaking no more than absolutely necessary and seemingly keeping back…

…as if a parent waiting for the child to get over its tantrum – and that thought, as much as it pissed him off even more than should be possible or logical – and with added absurd jealousy… made Raha realize what was his real issue with the whole situation.

Over the moons he spent 'possessed' by now, somehow he came to see Damon – his Damon, that is – almost like a… father, and that was why his distrust burned so much – and what's more… all things considered, he couldn't help but simply love him – and now, seeing the complete lack of interest for him in this other version of him – as baffling as it was – had him irrationally hurt…

Because Damon was supposed to be… his! His constant companion that always knew when he needed a moment of peace to think or a word of advice – and whose occasional remarks or comments about surrounding them places or people had Raha bit back snickers or outright snorts of laughter. Who reassured him when he grew uncertain or never minded his questions when he tried to figure out something… and despite sometimes knowing better than him, still allowing him to make his mistakes – and not judging or blaming him for those, but offering solutions if asked for them without hesitation.

His Damon, who so obviously and openly adored him – that now, watching this uninterested and uncaring version of him had his heart ache…

He closed his eyes with a quiet sigh and carefully, hesitantly probed against the silent presence in the back of his head.

Damon?

Yes, Raha? As careful if somewhat almost… delicate.

I'm… sorry, for being so childish, he said with resignation as his throat tightened painfully.

Were you, though? The usual understanding and hint of careful amusement had him relax slightly. Raha, I disappointed you, and you have every right to be resentful of me – and quite frankly, I do appreciate that you are, my boy.

Huh? He hesitated, swallowing thickly then tossed a quick look at the other version of him through his lashes. Sitting across the big, white table from him, that Damon was utterly focused, with a frown rubbing his chin as he listened to his Ares… and gods, but it was so strange…

Because if you weren't – if you just forgave me too quickly… I would be as – if not more – disappointed, his Damon chuckled fondly, and he frowned in reflex. Ah, because it means that all my efforts are paying off and you are confident enough to make your feelings known, my precious boy. I hurt you – and right or not, no matter – as Ares said, you have every right to be upset. Even if now you realize our point, it doesn't make your feelings any less valid, all I'm asking is that you – eventually when you're ready to do so – consider your value higher than you tend to do. He fell silent for a moment, then sighed. I do love you, boy, but despite it all… you must remember that I am millennia older than you – and I admit, I do have a tendency to push and prod… scheme, as you call it – and it might not always seem or feel like that at the time, but I do always want the best for you and your Senri.

I know, he admitted with a sigh. Like on the way to Old Sharlayan… it wasn't pleasant, but… I did learn my lesson better for that, I think.

One of my better ones, I believe, the quiet, devious chuckle that run through his head had him smile involuntarily. But… point being – and I do admit to listening in on your thoughts – I do care for you no less than for my Hades, Raha. More even, as he never had to deal with the kind of abuse you experienced before I woke up… and it is one of the things I regret not knowing about before all of this. But as unprecedented as this spell was – and as unsure of the outcome as I was, I admit – I didn't dare to change too much, hinging my awakening upon the renewal of our eternal bond… he trailed off as if considering something.

Something's wrong? He hummed with hesitation.

No, just... an idea, followed by another, even more devious chuckle. Let me take over for a moment, please.

Oh, thought you were busy… he didn't even try to resist feeling a slight push and the familiar by now feeling of the disembodiment.

"All of this is beyond… absurd," Damon across from him narrowed his eyes at Ares in Senri's skin and scowled darkly – somewhat reminiscent of Hades's tendency, then leaned back in his seat, folding his arms over his chest. Then he looked right at him – them – and his scowl went even darker. "And if this one," he freed one hand to wave at him while his Damon leaned forward, smirking at him when he rested their elbow on the table between them and put his chin on his palm, narrowing his eyes ever-so-slightly at his past self. "If its second soul is truly… me, why would it be so… meek?"

"Otherwise occupied," his Damon drawled with amusement, tapping his fingers against his cheek while the other him startled visibly, frowning and looking at him with a new interest. Ares at his side – as unbearably beautiful as Raha was shown once – raised his eyebrows slightly at them and his sky-blue irises flared with amusement – his gift allowing him to see the change – while their Ares chuckled and caught Damon's free hand in his, putting them in his lap, but remained silent. "And I would appreciate you not distressing my boy with your attitude."

"…pardon?" the cyan-eyed immortal blinked slowly, then frowned, leaning toward them with barely veiled curiosity. "Ah, this is that other soul that's supposed to be me…?" he looked at his husband and when he nodded, he looked at them again and gave them another once over, before narrowing his eyes slightly. "Prove it then…? Tell me something about me none other would know."

"Boooring," his Damon drawled, rolling their eyes before smirking when the other him scowled again, hesitating. "That's what you're thinking, most of the time – and especially when Ares's not around to liven things up. When he's off to his travels, you get so mind-numbing bored, you would – in secret and when at your home alone – entertain yourself by creating things you wish you were allowed to wear or display… and destroy them, cursing the norms of your society," his voice softened slightly when his counterpart paled impossibly and leaned away as if struck. "Even Ares doesn't know – because you know if he did, he would insist on wearing or displaying them – and by it, brought even more scorn of your peers at himself. And as much as you pretend otherwise – you hate how they look at him and the rumors they spread about him. Deep down, you wish they respected and adored him as much – as you feel – he deserves."

"Damon…" their Ares sighed, tightening his fingers around his hand reassuringly, while the other frowned, having his eyes only for his lover.

"But, it'll never happen – and you know it," his Damon continued, while Raha if could, would cringe at the sight of the expression in the bright, cyan eyes, stuck on them, mesmerized. "And as brilliant as we are – no matter what we do… nothing will change it, because our people are incapable of change. And you don't have to believe Ares's – my Ares's – story and doom yourself to a worse version of the future, where Hades will pay the price. Matters to me not, as mine Hades is safe and sound, and despite the fight that awaits us back in the future – beyond happy with Hythlodaeus. A version where Themis – fragmented and broken – would never end up discovering new freedom, and perhaps finding someone to appreciate his sensitive soul. We did what we did – and I don't regret it – as our new peers adore and cherish Senri, Ares's boy, and fall over themselves to please him. As we are free to wear whatever we please," he chuckled, leaning back and tossing a meaningful look toward their outfit, before smirking again at his past self. "And free to express ourselves in whatever form we wish. In a new, broken world – perfect for its imperfections and beyond fascinating for the mortals' ideas – where our family only grew that much bigger. Where my Ares is happy, seen for his character and attitude – and not scorned but surrounded by people who see him for the wonderful soul he is. And in a world where each day I thank the gods that on this day we went here, learned what we did, and decided to do what we did – because it allowed me to meet and care for my Raha – who's as much a wonder as our Hades – and who's graciously sharing his body with me and being endlessly fascinating. So, as I said," he raised his eyebrows pointedly, then pushed his seat back and stood up, pulling their Ares up along. "Whatever you decide – is up to you, as we have work here to be done, then we will be back to our new, better world and whatever happens with your timeline is up to you, really. And…" his smirk was at full, devious power now as he raised his eyebrows pointedly. "…it's not like you can come up with an idea for a better timeline than ours, anyway," he finished dismissively, waving his free hand over his shoulder as they headed toward the exit and the beauty of Elpis.

What are you doing? Raha hummed with confusion.

Wait for it, his Damon replied with a laugh.

"Want to bet on that?" his counterpart growled and when his body turned with the carefully measured pace and the immortal in his skin sent his past self a confident, daring grin – he understood.

"You're on," Damon dared, resting his hand on his hip and waving their tail playfully. The other him was now glaring daggers at them, his expression a mask of an offended pride and at the same time… Raha could almost swear he could see the gears behind his too-bright eyes turning furiously.

I thought we are not supposed to antagonize him? Raha chuckled helplessly, for once seeing his immortal's scheme at work.

Oh, this is better, believe me, Damon chortled, and he felt something almost like a gentle pat on his soul. Like Ares always says, I cannot resist a bet – and who knows… maybe he does come up with a better path for you and Senri in the next timeline…?

"We need more information," his counterpart drawled through his teeth hauntingly, then with a stubborn expression pointed toward the seats they left. "To make it fair, obviously."

"Obviously," his Damon agreed, still smirking as he pulled the clearly amused Ares back toward the table. Any wishes I should… indicate, Raha?

Ah, he hummed with surprise, then replied without much thought of one of his biggest regrets. I always wished Senri was my first lover – as I was his.

Noted, Damon chuckled fondly, then sighed somewhat ruefully as he took their place again. And for the record, my boy, I do very much appreciate that you would think of me as your father. I know as much as you missed such a figure while growing up as you did – for you to consider me as such, only makes me proud and honored. As strange as are our circumstances, I do think of you as my son – and as strange as it may sound – I'm unbearably proud of you, Raha, because despite your circumstances and how others put you down, you grew up to be a wonderful, caring person – and if not for your sacrifices and determination, none of us would have been here. And for that, my precious boy, you always will have my unending gratitude – and someday, when you're ready to forgive me – I hope to find a way to pay you back.

You already did, though, he admitted shyly. For Senri… it's me who owes you everything, Damon. And for the record… I love you, even if I'm still… miffed with you, it was a lie – and though he was sure Damon knew it – as bad as he was at lying, he didn't call him out on that.

Fair, he chuckled fondly instead, patting his soul again. Now, let me work him – but afterward, I would need to focus on filling those crystals, my boy, so you'll be mostly on your own, okay? Call me only if you really, really need me.

I promise, he replied smoothly and settled back, still somewhat embarrassed while his passenger set to explain each slightest detail of their life to his past self.

"He played you, you know that, right?" Ares hummed with obvious amusement and Damon rolled his cyan eyes at his husband with a chuckle as he wrapped his hands around his arm when – after their cat-like counterparts departed to their apparent task – they changed their plans and headed back toward the entrance of Elpis.

"Of course, love," he replied, chuckling somewhat sheepishly.

"So, what do we do?" his husband ran his fingers through his dark hair, then directed his sky-blue eyes toward the as bright, perfect sky. "As incredible as it sounds – the whole story I mean – you believe it, Damon?"

"Well… I'm nothing if not always being precautions, my heart," he answered and raised his eyebrows with a smirk when his lover looked at him with a small, enamored grin. "We have the spell – and know it'll work – so we do have an advantage. We will watch and see what happens – and if it truly goes as they said, we will be ready. As for that bet… you do know, I love a challenge," he grinned involuntarily, as his mind already raced with the multitude of ideas on how to improve on his predecessor's work – and if it comes to pass as stated – what tweaks to their 'reincarnations' story would be most fitting.

"I do know… and I love your devious mind," his husband chortled and his beautiful eyes shone with a mix of amusement and adoration, making Damon for a moment simply stare – as caught in the snare of those eyes as always while his heart swelled impossibly with a painfully familiar emotion.

"And I love you," he replied smoothly, despite his throat tightening around his pounding heart.

A world where the beauty of Ares's soul would be appreciated and adored – was the bit at which his counterpart had him – he was brilliant enough to know that – and everything else he mentioned… was just a bonus.

"Hey, Nico, your coming?" one of his friends called out ahead of him and he flinched, then put on a cheery grin on his face – looking away from the fence that caught his eye again – and run up, joining them.

"Sorry," he said, smiling sheepishly and shoving his hands in his pockets as he fought to keep on a relaxed step and not show any of his nerves. "It's just… all this crazy story about someone stealing from the Warrior of Light, right?"

"Tell me about it," another of his friends, Arno snickered, carelessly kicking a stone on the paved path. "My da still livid that someone would dare! Told me and my ma that everyone at the Blacksmith Guild is in nerves that the Warrior wouldn't again bring any schema's for them because of that! And I heard that after no results, the Admiral only rose the reward for the thief's head higher! I heard some say it's a precaution – so nobody else would think to do something so stupid and offend the Warrior again!"

"I wish I knew who it was," sighed another one dreamily, then chuckled when others laughed. "Seriously, I would be rich!"

"You and me both," Nico assured, even as his hands tightened into fists almost painfully. He knew – and was beyond terrified that any of them would find out.

At fifteen – and quite tiny and slender for a Keeper – he used to reveal his skills – earned with his short apprenticeship at the Rouge's Guild. Even if he couldn't finish the training – he learned enough of stealth to get by – and occasionally gather extra Gil for his effort – picking odd jobs less-than-savory elements around the city required. Having the skills but not finishing the course – he had an edge over his rivals – keeping off the radar of the Guild that kept thieves around the city in order – and in line with their ideals.

With only a mostly drunken father to content with – that paid more attention to getting his hands on another bottle than to him – he grew up quickly and learned he could count only on himself, a painful but important lesson.

When he received the offer that then seemed ridiculously easy – and the pay was beyond nice – he didn't think of it much. He had no idea whom he was stealing from and why someone would pay so much for a cat – when there were so many of them running around that as him, no one cared about. He got the address and instructions where to deliver the desired 'item,' so he did as required – sneaking in, dozing the pet with a sleeping powder before it could even wake up and make a ruckus – took it and delivered it, received the pay and merrily went about his day. Well, night – to in the morning find out… and since then he lived in constant fear.

He was there with the other boys when the Warrior gave his speech – and miraculously regained his pet – and standing in the back of the crowd, Nico was sweating something fierce – praying for mercy and for no one to realize his involvement. Then, when it seemed he got away with it – and swearing off ant of as suspicious 'jobs' again, he relaxed somewhat, hoping the whole thing will eventually blow over.

Two weeks after the whole thing Limsa still seemed in outrage – but he started to believe his luck… to the last night when he received a note – from the same source – demanding he repeat the feat – or else all will find out who was responsible for the theft.

"I heard in the morning that one of the Warrior's friends is in the city," said Arno, catching his attention. "One of the twins, the girl. And apparently, she's sniffing about the tips people kept sending the Scions. If we are lucky, perhaps we can see her… I heard she's prettier than her pictures," he added with a blush when the other boys snickered as they left the Mist.

"Is that so…?" Nico breathed under his nose, narrowing his green eyes at the visible towers of the city they were heading to. Feeling his dark tail curl in with agitation, he considered it – tightening his hands until his nails bit into the skin of his palms.

Breaking into the Warrior's house again was out of the question – even young as he was, he wasn't that stupid. But… whoever sent that note – and now he could bet it was a tall, blond Hyur everyone is searching for – couldn't sell him out if he beats him to that, right? He was tired of being afraid that somehow, someone figures it out… and perhaps if he begs for mercy and offers the information about the spot where he delivered the cat… Well, Warrior was known for being fair… Maybe it's really something to consider…?

He exhaled slowly, then tightened his jaw and followed his friends to the city, considering his options – and how to survive, as he always did.