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[lanternae]

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[lanternae]

[Not to worry Hugo, he'll finish the thought for you!]

Drifted apart. He stopped showing up to try and arrest me or my refugees, so naturally, I thought the Black Order had finally disposed of him. Then I learned the Black Order was overthrown and he'd made his life in Kaisou..and here we are.

[He knows Hugo can connect those dots himself.]

So it was merely obligation that led you to take that hand. Come now, Hugo, surely you know what won't work on me. I came from nobility.

You held on this whole time, waiting for that hand. Like a child starved.

[myriadeclipse]

[ No no he didn't need--

And there it goes, continuing on and no matter how many times Hugo closed his eyes, it was still there on his screen. Yes. Drifting apart. Not knowing what happened to each other, only to find one another here. Wasn't there a saying about apples and trees? ]

Then you surely understand how difficult it can be to drop at times. I suppose we are acquainted enough that this sort of high-handed talk isn't truly necessary.

You talk about me like some wilting romantic, or a pathetic man who holds one candle all of this life.

He betrayed me and I wasn't going to let him hurt me again. That's all. Getting to the point we are now is due to his efforts. I wasn't going to change his mind. What was there to change? If he truly thought the same as the others, that being a Ravenlock vampire made me a 'seed of evil', what truly is there to do about such a thing?

How do you identify love when you've never known it?

[lanternae]

You're right. They're hard habits to drop when they've been etched into your soul. I still see them in my mannnerisms, as I see the Ravenlock's in yours.

That family...was respected, to be sure, though I've never heard anyone praise them. Spun sugar smiles with knives behind their back. Apprehension, caution...those are more the words I'd associate with the Ravenlocks.

Now, now, I didn't insinuate either of those. Simply that you longed for the one piece of comfort you knew. After knowing a flame's warmth, anyone would wish for its presence when cast out into a snowstorm.

[He reads the next part and thinks it over. Truly, he wasn't sure of the answer. Love was something he'd be unsure if he'd ever feel a fraction of again, and not even just the romantic side.]

You are truly an expert of weaving your way through a conversation. So effortlessly putting all the legwork on this dog, when you had to cast so much pride aside to accept it. That said, he must have regret his actions quite dearly if he came forward.

How to recognize...

I simply don't know. I suppose I'm the same. Other than the Lightkeepers finding me and showing me the faith in humanity, I've never known such a feeling. I hadn't expected my reunion in Kaisou and it certainly shows in my actions. Falling back into the old habits was both frightening and comforting.

...would you like to discuss this at the lighthouse?

[myriadeclipse]

It was already humbling to be chased around the map for what was it? Seven years? What's a little cooperation when the alternative was collateral damage and a terrible reputation for hurting their precious 'good boy'?

I'm not going to parse works and make it sound like I didn't want him to. I did. It just happened to be a case where I wasn't expecting him to do so. The last we met before that, he was calling me an irredeemable murderer and whatnot.

I expected to be greeted like a villain, not taken care of. So yes, I did take that hand, because despite the pain he put me through, I still valued how he saw me.

... When will you be free? I suppose I am not particularly busy.

[ It's a light month, and he's miserable. ]

[lanternae]

A fair point. You'd already made your enemies by that point, having one less would ease the weight.

[This is why you have to be a cat person. No cat gets the 'good boy' clause.]

Seven years is a long time for reflection. The more you look at your past, the more you comb through the details, even the most black and white of conclusions get muddied.

My schedule is clear. I've given my reports to Meropide already, and the seas should be mostly calm. Other than that...I've avoided being outside for too long. I'm sure its the same for you, but the atmosphere doesn't agree with me.

[myriadeclipse]

Then I will come at my usual time.

[ After sundown, once he figures out what to bring. Although he did decide to drop the formalities with Flins, that didn't mean he would just forget basic manners. Sure, you should always give a gift to the fae, but he was going over to Flins' home. It was just good manners. ]

It has been the same for me.
It's quite horrible that this season where others want to see you more than usual also has to be so heavy with light energy.
I will save you the trouble and make sure you show up promptly.

>action;

[lanternae]

I look forward to it. I have been graced with a log that never stops burning, and a space heater from one of my charges in Meropide. I can confirm it should be much warmer than usual.

[He has reasons to look into quality of life updates now, he guesses. People visiting regularly that aren't attuned to the winter frost. Goals for 2026? A resolution that'll be forgotten in a month? Possible.]

Our penance for being so energetic last month. Like a bad hangover.

[He'll await Hugo's arrival, standing in his lighthouse and looking into the fire, lost in thought. Putting things into words to Hugo was certainly making him step back to look at it all.

Casimir walks up to him, and he nods his head for the cat to take over his shift to watch the ship lights up top.]

I will be having company. Would you mind standing watch early?

[The cat simply bows its head and goes to slink off.]

[myriadeclipse]

[ It probably takes Hugo longer to go through his things and find a suitable gift than it took to get to the lighthouse. He wasn't one to venture to Meropide himself, so it was probably the second time he had ever ventured so far.

Walking up to the front of the lighthouse brought back memories of that beacon in the dark while he was on the run. Walking up, he knocked and paused, looking up the side of the stone building and then out to the crashing waves that brushed the cold air up the cliffs. Light twinkled off the surface, like a horrible reminder of the season.

Willing his head to turn away from the waves contemplatively, he looked to the door instead. ]

[lanternae]

[The waves were unrelenting in the way they crashed against the cliffside, only to ease back out to the endless ocean that lay on the other side.

The knock on the door sounds, and seeing as it wasn't really an ample time for any other visitors, that certainly narrowed down who it could be.

Gliding towards the door, he can sense Hugo's presence on the other side, and opens the door for his friend. Yellow eyes as bright as the lighthouse's beacon themselves greet him, glinting in delight.]

Hugo, please come in. The waves get a little temperamental at this time of day.

[The warmth is already permeating from the lighthouse door, practically inviting them in.]

[myriadeclipse]

Please excuse me, then.

[ Placing a hand against his chest, he doesn't go through with the bow or any other formalities. He was cold. Sea cold was so different from regular cold. It had been so long that he forgot how perilous it was to meet up with Flins during the cold months.

Not waiting any longer, he steps inside, trying to look calm and not freezing like he felt. These were the times when he wished that he picked up fire magic. He really should look into that. Flins being the sort of fae he was meant that the inside was always warmer than the outside. It didn't take long after entering that the warmth hit him like a wall, and he could feel the tightness of his skin easing.]

Ah, the inside is nice and warm. A good change from the cold outside. You are ever the thoughtful host.

[lanternae]

[The sea chill had a way of seeping right into your bones, and isn't for the faint of heart. Thankfully, the presence of a Yule Log that would never burn out now kept the lighthouse quite a bit cozier than it used to be. Maybe one day he'll look into insulation. Or someone else will for him.

Casimir, the gray tabby Maine Coon that had taken on the job of 'apprentice' lay in front of the fire, standing up when Hugo made his way in to 'greet' him. He pads over, immediately rubbing up against his legs to welcome him with a soft purr.

Flins chuckles as he shuts the door, walking over and watching the cat below them. Casimir was always so difficult to win over. Hugo must have a gift.]

I've been told my abode is nearly uninhabitable. So I've been looking for ways to remedy that. [Again, you could just get home improvements.]

I cannot offer much, but I do have a kettle warming up for tea.

[He glides his way to the kitchen, getting out two mugs.]

Were the holidays kind to you? [He laughs, his tone turning lighter, like a doting parent.] Did Santa give you everything you wanted?

[myriadeclipse]

From what I've seen, you have a lot of doting, good-hearted children looking after you. Someone's bound to force their good-will on your habitation.

[ Hugo would, but he's waiting to see who was going to break first. It was like watching a fun drama from the sidelines.

The vampire kneels down, offering the cat his hand and a smile. ]

Hello little one. Taking up watch with this old man? You'll have to watch him closely.

[ Looking over to Flins, Hugo heaves a sigh, his shoulders rising and falling. ]

I have always had mixed feelings about The Saint and his holiday, but... I would not call it a terrible holiday this year.

It's been many years since I've even thought about it's passing. When I was busy running across Eurasia, there wasn't much time to think about holidays and human traditions.

What about you? Have you been showered with love and gifts?

[lanternae]

Human kindness has always been fascinating to me. I've done nothing to warrant such worry my way, and yet they fret over me nonetheless.

[He will cling to his musty, briney way of life until he's bruteforced otherwise.

Casimir sniffs the hand inquisitively, bumping his head into that hand affectionately. Hello, young master. That is correct-I am Sir Flins' colleague. I will continue the watch so you may converse with him.

Running his back along that hand, the cat brushes past one more time before he moves towards the stairs to walk up to the higher floors. Flins puts the teabags in the mugs and pours the water, moving back to hand the mug to Hugo as it brews, the scent of ginger in the air.]

Ah yes, you are elf as well as vampire. I can understand how this holiday can pull you in separate directions. While I'm a snow fae, we've never really been 'included' in the celebrations, even before the Wild Hunt.

That said, it's always been a strangely inclusive holiday. Everyone has been welcome to celebrate the merriment and gifting to others. I'm glad you can rest those wings of yours.

...[He taps his fingers against his mug, letting out a frosty breath.] More than I expected. The Lightkeepers would certainly gift me, but the people of Kaisou have no such obligations. Let alone to the cryptic lighthouse keeper that seems to cause trouble wherever he wanders. This city has taken me by surprise once again.

[myriadeclipse]

[ Hugo lifts his head to the cat, raising the hand that wasn't being rubbed again to press to his chest in a proper Lightkeeper salute. What sort of phantom thief would he be if he didn't remember details like this? ]

Pleased to make your acquaintance. I wish you luck in your vigil.

[ He watches as the cat does indeed walk off, intending to do the lightkeeper duties. To think Lycaon was the reason he was starting to learn these things about animals. Absolutely awful. He didn't want to be grateful for such a small thing.

Pushing the thought of Lycaon away, he turned his head to look at Flins instead, listening to him speak of his surprise. It was like listening to his own observations after his first few months. ]

It's odd, is it not? Their happiness. Their affections and accepting hearts. Fitting in the dark places should take more effort. Yet, I agree with them in you being deserving. It might even be humorous that they're more intent on making sure their debts are paid than the fae in question is.

[lanternae]

[Flins watches the interaction, his golden eyes flickering with light at the salute. It's one that he too gestures to Casimir as he slinks up the stairs, turning to face the young vampire.]

My offer to become a Ratnik is still open, by the way. [Not that he expected Hugo to seriously take it. He smiles a bit more playfully.] The hat would look nice on you, and they've actually improved the rations they send out! Somewhat.

[But alas...his jovial words die down as the man next to him speaks of what is deserved.

Hugo's words aren't foreign to him--they're ones that have been mulled over in his mind many times the last 1-2 months. He'd spent eight of them being a nobody. Slinking to and from Meropide with his reports, not so much as a blip on Kaisou's radar until Harumasa had gifted him the phone. And then it was like a superbloom, his isolated graveyard erupting in life all around him.

His eyes cast down to the brewing liquid in his hands.]

They are like a collection of oddities, items that don't quite belong anywhere. Puzzle pieces that are just shy of a perfect fit. And yet together, they are a hoard of treasure. It seems I'm one of the newer additions to the collection, the same as you. [His finger brushes along the mug, thinking on this next bit.]

Of all my wards over the years, you have always been one that stood out to me. Perhaps I saw a bit of myself in you. After all, we both ran away from our titles, toed the line of life and death. We wandered aimlessly through the world, wondering just what our purpose was.

Only to find it, pull ourselves to our feet, and fight like we always have. So. To say I am deserving of such things is a reflection on you as well. As the humans say, 'you take after your father.'

[He chuckles, waving his hand to brush the statement to the side. He knew just how loaded that sentence could be.] Joking, of course. [or is he.]

[myriadeclipse]

[ Hugo had to laugh at that. He remembers the first time it was offered when he was a little younger and his outlook much bleaker. His reasoning was that the light was too precious for something like him to hold, but out loud merely that he was bad at taking commands.

Now, after a few months of forced reflection and even more forced self-worth, the reasons he could think of to not do it were even more flimsy. ]

Could you imagine someone like me being a Ratnik? A monster of the night, becoming a carrier and keeper of the light?

[ Without giving an answer, he turned to watch Flins, listening to him speak. Many of the things he said made sense. The people here were oddities. Their lives, the circumstances that brought them here. All the way down to the lives and changes they go through once they come to the city. To call them a treasure wasn't something he considered... but it wasn't incorrect.

His sight had dipped as he thought, but came back up when Flins was pointing out their similarities. It would be a lie to say he hadn't thought about their similarities. It was what brought him back to rely on him in the time when he swore off relying on anyone. Flins was just similar enough that he ended up returning again and again.

And as he was coming to terms with that, Flins just had to drop the F bomb.

Hugo looked up a third time, looking the fae in the eyes. The beginnings of the laugh bubbled out of his throat despite his effort to school his shock and amusement at the saying (9).]

Father? You would count me among your little ones? Well, the position is open, I suppose. You can do no worse than the last one. Truly, the bar is in hell.

[ Despite the feelings that accompanied things like that, Hugo merely took it in stride. That was not a fate of feeling he felt tied to letting control him. Nothing could control him, not even Father Ravenlock. ]

And to sneak such a thing in after luring me into your abode. How many children have you collected?

[lanternae]

[Flins' eyes glitter as he reads Hugo's face. There was no initial reaction, no scrunch of the nose or curl of the lip that had spread across the young vampire's face. It wasn't surprising--those without the conviction to do so would likely think it a fool's errand. But now, the refusal was more mild, more humorous. Whether or not Hugo actually took that step didn't matter--It said so much more about his mental state.]

Come now, it's no more odd than a snow fae. In fact, I've heard that sort of duality is quite popular. Think about it, a creature of the night, going against his nature to shine light for those trapped in the darkness. Poetic, isn't it?

[He strides over to the fire, taking the poker by the brick siding and pushing it along. It would never go out, but it still needed to be tended to. The fire flickers against the gold of his eyes, contemplating what Hugo says. The Ravenlocks were a family in blood only. Nothing he'd heard from both Hugo or the whispers of the elite in other circles spoke well of familial ties.

Flins would be lying if he said he was any better suited for the job. His family crest laid claim to nothing. Even the branch families had few descendants. He was eccentric, and detached, and odd, but at the same time...warm. Maybe that was the difference.]

Ha..! Of course I would. You would be the eldest, naturally. [He sounds so elated about it, much to his own surprise.] I can't promise I'll win any awards for best father, but protection is something I can certainly offer. Surely that beats hell by a slim margin.

[He sips his tea, closing his eyes to avoid looking too guilty.]

And yet you accuse my generosity as luring children away to my lighthouse like a spirit. [His voice raises a little, to the higher floor.] There is no justice, Casimir!

[You bring that upon yourself, Sir Flins comes the meow.]

I've learned young Phainon is also in this city..he was quite a young ward when he came to me years ago, younger than even you. And then there's Husk's adopted refugees from the Black Order that have latched to me as well. I'm still learning their names. Lapis, Anby, and Blade are the ones I remember.

[myriadeclipse]

You have a point.

[ A surprising lack of deflecting or saying he was too much of a villain for that. He gave it a real amount of thought, albeit a short one. The point of Mockingbird isn't entirely different from The Lightkeepers. They just targeted different groups. He was very bad at organized forces with rules... but... ]

Tell when they're holding registration or whatever their entrance thing is next and maybe I'll think about it.

[ Listening on, he smiled. It sounded a lot better than 'hell'. He could hardly imagine Flins allowing the sorts of things his father did. A family around Flins might be something closer to 'a true family'. ]

Ah, Phainon. I've heard you talk about him before. I'm familiar with Anby. Her past life was from the same place as mine. We have fought a few battles together in that long ago time. Husk adopting refugee's though. Your home together with him will be quite full... when you get to that stage.

[lanternae]

[The lack of any real argument was an interesting detail. Not that Flins brings any attention to it. His eyes simply close knowingly, waiting. And when he hears that response...well. How times have changed.]

I will. That...does require me to remember to ask. But I'll make note to put it in my next letter to Nikita. As it stands, you've always been an honorary member to me.

[The idea of a home life with Husk was a strange one to think about himself. He'd always lived a solitary life. Even now he was quite far from Kaisou compared to the usual distance. A full house felt even more surprising.]

Well, most of them have their own lives. One's the illustrious Mockingbird, for example. But as far as 'settling down'..it seems I may have reached that point. Found the one who was looking for someone like me.

[His eyes cast to Hugo evenly.]

It sounds like it's the same for you.

Action: I promised you a brick, this one is giftwrapped

[wiseoldbartender]

[Husk has had a long fucking day. It's been miserable and terrifying and exhausting all in equal measure. He's been running on adrenaline and sheer bloody minded stubbornness for hours - ever since Alastor popped into his inbox. After checking the demon's story out, getting Shroud to verify it, warning his loved ones away and then spending time with the kids... Husk's about running on empty.

He flies to the lighthouse, as usual, welcoming the cold breeze in the air as he does so. It's sharp, even if he doesn't feel the cold, and he's glad for it. It's a reminder that he's alive and still fucking here. When he finally gets to the lighthouse, he doesn't enter right away - instead opting to sit on the top of it. He pulls his knees up to his chin, wraps his tail around his feet and folds his wings in close around himself, his ears pinned back on his head- for someone so damn tall, looking depressingly small.

Now he's finally letting himself stop, all the feelings he was trying to tamp down to survive the day are surging back. A hundred memories of what that fucker put him through clamouring for attention. Memories that, what? He just has to learn to live with now? That he has to figure out how to heal from with the fucker actively in the city? Worse, he's supposed to figure out how to exist as a completely free agent, without threat of those chains going around his throat again?

He really wants a drink. That's the prevailing feeling surging through everything. Flins has plenty of vodka inside. He could just open up a bottle or two or three and drink until he doesn't feel anything anymore. That's how he always dealt with Alastor in his past life. Just drink until the sweet siren song of oblivion took him under. He wants that so badly now. And maybe he should. If his reward for three months of sobriety was this, maybe he should just throw in the towel, call it a bad show. He realises, belatedly, that his hands are shaking.

He doesn't throw in the towel, though. Instead, he goes back to staring out at the sea, watching the movement of the tide, trying to time his breathing with the swell of the waves- trying to find some measure of peace from them.

Jesus, fuck, today has been a shitshow. ]

[lanternae]

[The sun was just starting to set, the sky becoming a brilliant eventide of stars, dark blues, and the hints of orange and yellow slowly disappearing from the horizon. The wind was sharp and crisp, and the waves crashed against the rocks in a rhythmic pattern. It was one of the few places one could say was truly undisturbed, and one can probably understand just why Flins preferred life on this outcropping of rocks.

The lighthouse had yet to turn on, as Flins was currently absent from the lighthouse, but well on his way to returning. In fact, if Husk were to listen closely, inbetween the sounds of the waves Flins' soft voice could be heard down at the base of the lighthouse.

"That was not a wise choice, my friend. Next time, should you want to get the upper hand on the Boss, you'll need to prioritize your dodging. Now that you're well and rested...take care. Give Sir August my best."

A familiar raven takes to the air to fly back, knife in its beak as Flins watches it go, turning his head up to the top of the lighthouse to see Husk sitting there. He could jump right up to his shadow, but instead, he walks slowly to the door at its base, opening it silently and walking in. As Husk waits, the light of the lantern under him illuminates--Flins must've turned it on as he went inside.

It's a slow, methodical walk up, as he gives a nod to Casimir that he'll take the watch up top, and he could rest by the fire.

They'll swap shifts later.

The spirals staircase seems to last forever, as he glides up them, his lantern lighting the way the further he ascended. Finally, he gets to the top, and opens the door to the gallery, turning his head up to see Husk sitting there, wings around him in a protective cage. His yellow eyes soften, as he shuts the door and leans against the lantern room.

Without thinking, Flins reaches up to pull Husk's tail towards him, letting it rest against his face as he strokes the plumage at the end.

It looks like he's not going to say anything at first, just letting his fingers run along those feathers. But soon, he speaks up.]

Ah...I was wondering if that ship would eventually find its way back. I was starting to think it'd gotten lost.

[wiseoldbartender]

[ It really was a beautiful spot. Much as Husk had been born and raised in one of the nosiest and busiest cities in the world, he could really understand and appreciate the quiet out here. Sure, not exactly easy to distract oneself from the thoughts roiling around in their heads... but he doesn't think finding ways to not think about it would be all that healthy right now.

He watches Julian make his way across the darkening sky, his brow furrowing in confusion for a moment - did that crow have a fucking knife in its beak???. He glances down as the light illuminates under him, before focusing back on the water. His ears shift a little, as he listens to Flins making his careful way up. He's glad for the time taken, honestly. It means he can have some quiet, try and organise his thoughts as he waits for his partner to get to him.

And when he does? Husk heaves out a soft, quiet sigh. He doesn't feel right, still. He feels like a fucking mess barely held together. He doesn't even know how to start this. But then Flins quietly takes his tail and starts petting it, allowing the silence to linger a little longer. Husk doesn't pull his tail away- honestly, there's no small amount of comfort in the touch. Something to make him feel like he's still here. An anchor to keep him from being taken by the storm.

When Flins does speak, he finally lowers his wings, just a little, so he can look out to see the ship his partner is talking about. Sure enough, there it is, making its way towards shore. ]

Yeah? [ His voice is quieter than it usually is, a tiredness clinging to the edges of the usual baritone. ] How long's it been out there?

[lanternae]

Oh...

[His voice drifts, like the tide pulling out. His fingers remain gently stroking that tail, letting the short fur that lined the thinner part of it to tickle his cheek.]

I'd say since four in the morning. The fishing boats set sail out early. Lobster are not that abundant in the winter months, so they must've laid out more traps than usual. Enough to still be sustainable.

And yet my worries were for nothing. It's come home.

[His index finger trails along the edge of a feather, as he closes his eyes. The boat...may not be the only thing he's talking about.]

Your heart is a storm. A symphony of conflict.

[wiseoldbartender]

[ Husk keeps his tail where it is, taking real comfort from the touch. He keeps focusing on his breathing, watching the ship come in and listening to the gentle cadence of Flins' voice.

It's pretty clear that it's not just the boat he's talking about. Husk knows they do need to talk about this...hell, he needs to talk about this. That is why he came here, after all. This is something he'd have dealt with alone originally - which would have ended up with him drunk or gambling. Not a healthy way to deal with things at all.

...Having a partner he can open the vulnerable, hurting parts to is new. He's not sure how to do it, really, but he wants to try. He closes his eyes for a moment, releasing a slow breath. He pats the place next to him, welcoming Flins up if he so wishes. ]

I just- [ he pauses, frowning, trying to find words to explain everything rolling in his chest. ]

I've been so fucking worried about this. About him. What he'd do to all of you if he ever got here, what I'd do to try and stop him from doing that. He was a fucking monster in my past life, one I... I don't even know if I ever got away from. I don't think I did.

[His hand goes to his neck, where the collar was, where it isn't anymore. He's free. And he's supposed to just be able to handle that. Understand what that means. ]

And now I gotta just. Fucking figure out how to process all of that and... what? Make peace with it? Because now he's here and he's not a danger to me or mine. Like, I'm supposed to be able to fuckin' move on from everything he put me through. Just- "there you go! He's here, and he doesn't own your soul anymore, guess you gotta learn to suck it all up!" Like it didn't even fuckin' matter.

[lanternae]

[Flins keeps his eyes trained on the sea, watching as that boat passes alongside the lighthouse, the distant cheers of the fisherman after a long day's work mixed with the waning cries of the gulls. He'd stay like this for as long as Husk needed.

In fact, it wasn't too different from their past, was it? The only difference was the lack of a door. His voice is soft, letting a feather glide along his finger as he hears Husk speak up, only to have it catch in his throat.]

Go on.

[A whisper, a gentle push. The same one he'd used when Husk would vent outside his lighthouse years ago.

And he listens once those words spill out. Pain, fear, anger, and disgust that had waited years to lash out against their oppressor, only for there to be no target when that day finally came. It's no wonder Husk is conflicted--anyone, even a fae would be.

The hints of static edge at the tips of his fingers as he continues to stroke, making sure he doesn't shock the cat, but at the same time, making it known that Husk wasn't alone in this anger. Many...so many were with him on the subject. The edge of his eyes have blue flames licking his eyelashes, and it's not until Husk finishes that he exhales, exhaustively, as if sharing in the man's fatigue.]

A hollow victory. He is no longer a danger, getting to roam free, and yet all you gained out of the situation was what had truly been owed to you from the start.

Justice at its core can be cruel.

[He nuzzles gently into that tail, letting the fur brush his cheek again.]

Let us have a moment of time, far removed from the possible, impossible. Where Alastor and his archangel mean nothing. What does your heart want?