The night was sprinkled with stars, a cool breeze blew stray blonde hairs into Gantlos's face. He didn't like this at all, every part of his stomach twisted at the thought of sending Duman alone, even if just for a short while, could mean killing him. His heart palpitated, though he only twitched his lips.

"I thought I heard someone panic ig up here," Musa stepped lightly toward him, meeting him at the edge of the roof, "it's very beautiful, like a soliloquy."

"….What do you want" the way he mumbled would have been a problem if Musa didn't have the hearing she did. She stared at him, tried to read him. He was worried, but something else she couldn't place.

Musa didn't let his curt response deter her. "You know, I can hear things from miles away. But right now, I don't need my powers to know something's bothering you."

Gantlos tensed further, his eyes narrowing. "I'm fine," he snapped. "Just leave me be."

"He's gonna be okay, you know. We're going to be sure he stays safe—"

"Why do you people even trust that guy!? After everything I went through with Ogron —or his Ogron?! Everything Anagan went through?! He's probably just like him!" He pointed a finger into Musa's chest, "I won't let anything happen to Duman, and you fairies are stupid if you think this is going to work!-"

"Gantlos, it's alright —"

"IT'S NOT! You have no idea what he did to me! I was so humiliated! He made me a dog, he made me a doll—!" Gantlos slapped a hand over his mouth, tears threatened his eyes. They stared for a moment, before Musa reached out to comfort him. She placed a gentle hand on his arm, her touch warm and comforting. "It's okay, Gantlos. You've been through a lot. No one expects you to just brush it off." Her voice was gentle, soothing, like a lullaby.

He pulled away slightly, still wary but not as hostile. "I can't afford to be weak," he muttered, more to himself than to her.

"Admitting you're hurt doesn't make you weak," Musa said softly, she took his hands into hers, looking up at him, "you are the strongest you've ever been. And admitting you're hurt is the first part of healing. Bloom and Flora can heal you outside, but only you can take the steps to heal yourself on the inside…" though he tried to keep his stoic face from faltering, pain flickered in his eyes, betraying him. He shook his head, trying to regain composure.

"Forget you heard anything,"

"Not gonna happen, tough guy."

They stared for a moment, the moon seemed to shine a little brighter.

"What am I… how the hell do I come back from that, what the hell am I supposed to do?!"

"Cry…you can cry,"

Tears escaped his eyes, silent at first. His face scrunched as he tried to stop it, but the shame made him sink to his knees. Musa sat, holding him as he wept.

"This is so stupid…" he grumbled through tears.

Musa simply brought hi to her chest, she hummed a soft tune while she stroked his hair. Soon Gantlos could hear the rhythmic lull of her heart beating, and though his tears subsided, he remained where he was, too embarrassed to move. The wave of his vulnerability made him freeze in place.

"Relax…you're safe…"

Her voice sent shivers through him. Slowly he rose. Not making eye contact, grumbling something. Musa stood as well, picking up his fallen hat, placing it on his head. He grabbed her hands.

"I will lose my shit if even one person I know dies…so please don't die."

His words made her heart flutter, but he swiftly turned on his heels and left, leaving musa alone.

————-

Anagan paced the kitchen with caution, walking after having your legs broken was a surreal experience. His hands shaky as he thought about the plan. His feet came to a halt as two green eyes appeared in the doorway.

"Couldn't stay away from me, could you?"

"You're allowed to be nervous," flora was gently trying to comfort him.

"Who's nervous, flower? I'm just… practicing my land legs again." For an evil wizard, Anagan sucked at lying. From the way his eyes darted, to the shaking of his hands.

"Are you worried for Duman?"

The man looked into green eyes, the vulnerability crept into his throat, it felt heavy, like he'd suffocate himself if his mouth didn't spill over soon.

"I'm not worried for him… I'm worried for me—selfish, right?" He sat, his hands covered his face as shame set in, "He's gonna be the one facing this guy, and here I am worrying about what's gonna happen to me if we lose, heh" his voice was low, unsure of himself.

"There's nothing wrong with that, you know," two hand were gently placed on his shoulders, "being worried for yourself, especially given the state you came in, it's perfectly normal Anagan."

He turned to look at her, fear sparking in his eyes.

"Wait here," flora began preparing tea, adding herbs and flowers. A calming remedy she'd used countless times before. Anagan watched in a trance, even when preparing tea she was graceful. A few moments later she handed him the mug.

"This will help you feel better," a soft smile encouraged him to drink the tea, maybe everything would be alright.

—————-

"Thanks for staying with us, nightlight."

"Of course, no offense to you Dumara, but we don't exactly trust you,"

Dumara simply nodded at Duman and Stella. After the things his Ogron did, he wouldn't trust himself either.

"Is your little boy toy going to give you a hard time?" Duman wasn't worried about Brandon himself, but couldn't stand the thought of Stella, who'd shown him more kindness in weeks than he'd had in his life, being pressed about something so ridiculous.

"I doubt it, no offense but you boyfriend is basically a dog, he's gonna probably be upset for a day then turn into a puppy trying to appease you," Dumara's lighthearted voice made Stella giggle, both men smiled fondly at the bubbly laugh.

"Oi— you said you kept having to kill somebody you loved…it wasn't Gantlos…was it?" Duman's question caused Dumara's face to fall, his eyes clouded with a tinge of sadness. He gave a Quick Look to Stella and back to Duman, who nodded in understanding. Stella just seemed confused.

"Hello — I'm not a mind reader over here!"

"Don't worry about it, nightlight," Dumara gave half a smile, "just know I'll make sure nothing happens to you in this life or any other," the soft words sent a blush to Stella's face. Duman was relieved that Gantlos would be safe from himself, "We should really try to rest," Dumara and Stella nodded. Dumara gave Stella one last long look, before he prayed her blood wouldn't be on his hands again.