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[wiseoldbartender]

[ The lack of a door really does make quite a difference here.

Husk is still inelegant in trying to voice his thoughts. He's not used to doing this, not really. Sure, his kids earn a little more honesty than most, but he doesn't burden them with everything. He's the parent in the situation, it shouldn't be on them to take the weight of all the shit he carries. But Flins speaks with gentle, encouraging words, and it does remind him a lot of the old days. Giving hims a safe space to just... talk. To lay his worries at someone else's feet for a while, someone who won't treat them like they mean nothing. It really IS better without a door there.

He feels the prickle of static electricity as he speaks - the fur at the end of his tail raising from it. It doesn't hurt, though. He welcomes it. Much as he doesn't want his loved ones to put themselves into danger over this, it's... weirdly comforting to know they're angry about this. They're angry for him. It almost makes him believe he's worth something. At least to them. ]

Yeah. There's no catharsis or... fucking anything. And you know the worst part? The worst part is, I actually want to see if he can actually be redeemed. I put... so goddamn much of myself into Charlie's dream. I wanted to believe it's possible for anyone. Even him. [ He looks at his hands, clenching and unclenching the claws. ] But then... what does that fuckin' say for everything he did to me? If he was capable at stopping in the end?

[He believes in Charlie's dream that anyone can be better. But in doing so, it means having to accept a man who had abused him for decades had good in him. That everything that happened to him was done by someone who had some sort of capability to not be a complete monster. How is he supposed to make peace with that?

He stills at Flins' question. Not because it's hard, because it really isn't. It's a depressingly simple answer. Husk doesn't want anything grand, he doesn't need any big houses or fancy cars or wealth beyond his dreams. He doesn't want the power and influence that was once his by right of being an Overlord. No. He wants one simple thing, and yet despite how small and simple it is, it feels like it's always getting away from him.

His ears flicks back as he lets out a slow, shuddery breath. ]

...I just want to be happy, Kyryll. That's all. I was... it felt like I was finally fuckin' getting there, y'know? For the first time in my life, everything was lining up just right. I started to feel good. About my life. Myself. Everything.

And now he's here, and he's just left a fuckin' shadow over everything. Everything I was working towards, and it's just... marred now. Because he's here, reminding me I'm not fuckin' allowed that. The goddamn rug's been pulled out from under me again, just when I thought it was settling. [ He puts his hands to his face, pressing the heel against his eyes. ] And I'm just so fucking tired.

[lanternae]

[Flins prefers the inelegant. It was not just Husk that he would listen to each day as he stood guard in the lighthouses of old. His wards, tired and hungry, damaged from being on the run for so long, wondering why fate had it out for them. Why their freedom meant nothing to these people. Why they were hunted for simply seeing the world for what it was.

Sometimes he didn't have all the answers. The way the world worked, and the cruelty of the few were elusive even to a fae of old. But he had enough. A lantern is enough of a light to guide you through the darkness.

He listens. Husk's anger isn't unwarranted. In fact, no one has more right to be frustrated about this as he does. The vitriol he's spitting is from two lifetimes of Alastor having control over him. Sure, the collar wasn't literally there in this lifetime, but the mental grip that deer had on him was ironclad. It's not until Husk finishes that he exhales in thought, frost leaving his lips as he mentally counts the ship lights on the cargo ship leaving the port. Collecting himself before he speaks.]

I will be clear. Any goodwill he harbors will not be of his own effort. It will be because he is forced into it. His own pact with the Archangel proves that.

If Alastor is to be truly redeemed for his actions, if Michael is to truly succeed in this pet project of his, it will not be until you say so. You are one of his greatest sins. You hold the chain to his redemption. Do not lose your grip on that, they are hoping you will let go with this new deal being bartered. That is not to say you should let hate consume you. You're above that.

But... If he cannot pay his dues with you, then he will never, ever be redeemed.

Charity work, Community service, and good deeds are merely drops of freshwater in the ocean. It's laughable if Michael thinks that alone is enough, when you are standing right there.

[He lifts one of those feathers in his tail, pulling it to his lips in a breathless kiss.]

Happiness... is quite a long road. There will be times you may double back, or brief periods where you stop. Times where you feel like the road goes endlessly in both directions, forgetting which way you came from. It will work out.

Because you, unlike him....are very well loved.

[wiseoldbartender]

[ A lantern makes all the difference when everything around you is pitch black. Even the faintest glow can make hope blossom in a hopeless place. Flins has done that for so many people in his life - given them exactly what they needed when they needed it most. Even if he didn't have answers, he had comfort, and sometimes that was what people needed most.

His so angry about it all. About the situation. If he made the right choice. If showing mercy is going to bite him in the ass one day. And he hates that, too. He hates that Alastor has made him question the kindness in his heart. Like it's something he shouldn't trust in. He doesn't speak as Flins makes his point. He listens, quietly, ears moving in his partner's direction, hanging onto his every word.

He knows Flins is right, of course. Alastor's current trajectory is forced. Maybe something will change. Maybe he'll find people in this damned city who will actually help him grow as a person. He doesn't know. He wouldn't put money on it, but maybe the Radio Demon can surprise him. But even then... what he did to Husk won't be so easily altered. He chews on his lip, frowning. It doesn't help that he has to battle through his own self-worth to try and articulate his feelings about this. How much of it this is just avoidance, how much is not believing he's deserving of it anyway. ]

I guess. I'll be honest, I don't even know if I want him to do right by me. Least not right now. I'd be very okay with him existing on one side of the city and me existing on the other and... I don't know. I don't know how to feel about any of this. I don't think there's an easy answer to any of it, it's just... fuckin' messy.

Well see how he goes. Maybe he'll fuck it up in a month and all of you will get to deal with him. Maybe he won't. It's just... a fuckin' miserable unknown, and there's no way of knowing how it'll go until he... does something. I guess it's baby steps. While I figure out how to feel about... all of that.

...I do appreciate the insight, though. It's given me a different perspective to think about.

[ Of course, the happiness isn't an easy answer, either. He knows it wouldn't be. Like all things worth having, it isn't easy to obtain and even harder to keep hold of. He knows that only too well. The kiss pulls a tiny, fleeting smile to his lips. He does, at least, shift his sitting position, so he's less completely curled in on himself. ]

Yeah...I never thought I'd get it at all, truth be fuckin' told. I thought I'd get in the ballpark of it and that'd be it. My kids make me happy, don't get me wrong, of course they do, but there was still something missing. And then you showed up and things got...so much fuckin' brighter. I just wanted to keep enjoying that without any other bullshit lurking in the shadows. Just for a little while longer.

[He lets his hand drop, the fingers of his hand threading gently through Flins' hair. ]

I know. [He says it softly. An acknowledgement.] I got a lot of that love to give in return.

[lanternae]

It's...[He pauses, his eyes keeping track of that ship in the distance, as its lights flicker.] Not something you can decide in a night. Certainly not just after it happened.

[Husk wanting nothing to do with Alastor was honestly, probably the most normal thing about this. Even more so that he doesn't even want to watch him develop into a person. That's not Husk's responsibility.]

Let me clarify. You are under no obligation to forgive him, or even acknowledge him. In this situation, with everyone telling you how to feel, the only one you should listen to is your own heart, and what feels right to you. Advice is simply a collection of choices that you take parts from to make your own decision. And know that until you are at peace with things, whatever form that takes, Alastor will not have his redemption.

...

[He traces the little black stripe on Husk's tail in thought.]

I didn't want to say this before, but you should know... the reason you feel so disgusted about this is because you have developed self-respect. You know you deserve better.

[His head tilts into that touch as he listens, trying to hide the creeping smile on his face as those thin fingers thread through his hair.]

Is that so...as a lantern fae, there's no greater honour than bringing light to someone's life. If that's the case, I'll shine even brighter.

[That's all he can really say on that without having to deal with the warmth in his chest. The warmth that was so like the firewater he'd learned to love.]

I'm quite cross with him myself, aside from the obvious. I sent you your next lottery number, and because of these events you were unable to respond.

Perhaps I'll turn his hair green.

[wiseoldbartender]

[Husk lets out a slow breath. Flins is right, he doesn't have to figure this out tonight. In fact, it would be monumentally stupid of him to even try that. He needs to give himself time to think about it. Alastor ain't going anywhere, and he's also no active threat to Husk or his loved ones. He can relax - he doesn't need to be in crisis mode about this any more.]

...Yeah, I'll be honest, I don't even want to try and figure it out tonight. I want to fuckin' sleep.

[He's been running on fumes and terror for hours. He doesn't want to do any more thinking or running around or putting down failsafes. He wants to curl into a nice warm bed and not have to worry about anything else until morning. But Flins does make a point, and he nods.]

I appreciate the advice everyone's giving all the same. I... never thought I'd ever have to deal with this. Like... this outcome, I mean. I think I'll just see how things pan out. Take it a day at a time, y'know? If there's one thing we've all got plenty of, it's time.

[ That next part makes him still. He'd never thought about that, either. Husk's self-loathing has been pretty deep and ceaseless. For two lifetimes. But he realises Flins is right. It's small, a tiny flicker of light in a mass of darkness, but he has started to find a sliver of self-worth in himself. He's been sober for three whole months now, a personal best. He's got a life set up here, that he built for himself. He has a family, he has a home. He has a partner. And a tiny part of him has started to believe that he actually does deserve it. Them. The small smile returns as Flins strokes a finger along his tail, this time staying.

You know you deserve better.]

...That's something new to get used to, as well. I...never thought I'd have to deal with that, either. Day of firsts for me, I guess.

[ He glances back at the sea again, before sliding down to stand on the same level as Flins. He reaches out to brush a hand carefully over his cheek, where his brave bird-related wounds are. What a poor, brave soul.]

That isn't a first, though. You've always been that for me, Kyryll. Just took me a while to see it proper, is all.

[ One feathery eyebrow raises. ] You did? Yeah, I definitely lost that one. My phone got completely fried. I'm gonna have to get a new one. What number was it? Now I'm curious.

[ A chuckle bubbles out of him. ]

Nah, he likes green. That's the colour of his Overlord magic. Pick something that clashes with his everything. Like powder blue or somethin'.

secret santa!

[thirteenth]

[In a package left on the doorstep of the lighthouse, square and wrapped with brown paper and natural twine, Flins will find an antique photo album. It is a deep blue velvet, faded in places due to the wear and tear of time, closed with a leather strap and embroidered on both front and back in grey and light-blue flowers. Inside are Victorian-era photographs that came with the album when Roxas found it, as well as eventual modern photographs he took and developed himself over the last 6 or 7 years through his teenage years, of ancient cultural sites from the countries he's visited on his sports career. Tucked into one of the pages is an old bronze coin from the Roman Empire.]

[lanternae]

[Flins listens as Husk's breathing evens out. Once the initial panic subsided, he knew Husk would figure out that things didn't have to be answered in one night. They shouldn't be. For tonight, he could simply be.]

I'd say you've earned it.

[He can't provide the warm bed, not here. Unfortunately he hasn't be bullied into insulation just yet. But he'll get Husk calm enough to head back to his bed so he can sleep properly. A metaphorical glass of warm milk.]

You never saw it as an option because you didn't think it was possible. The Black Order seemed so convinced that your contract held through lifetimes. Michael was another variable. [As irritating as it was that he couldn't end that deer's whole career.] What you are seeing now are the fruits of all your good deeds you've done over your life, Husk. So many people would stand with you, as you have stood with them.

...If I'm honest, I quite like this Husk with self-respect. You wear it well.

[Once Husk hops down to stand on level with him, he lets go of that tail, his fingers trailing along those feathers one last time before the cat turns to face him. His cheeks had some decent scratching, and a few peck marks, but otherwise perfectly fine. That cheek does lean into his hand, though, eyes closing at the touch. Husk was always so warm compared to him.]

The number was 41. [His hand goes up to cover Husk's.]

One more week and you'll have them all. Then you just need the order.

[Mental note: Powder Blue.]

[wiseoldbartender]

[ He already feels a lot better. More stable. Like, finally, he doesn't feel like the whole universe is going to come clattering down around him. One of his big fears of Alastor showing up wasn't for himself, but for what the Radio Demon might do to his loved ones. Would he attack them? Toy with their heads? Force Husk against them? Would he decimate the happiness Husk has built for himself here just for the sake of not letting him have it?

They were unfounded worries - and now he's had some decompression time, he can see they're safe. He'll forever be on his guard with Alastor and the people he loves, should they interact with each other. But at least he doesn't need to be on constant high alert. ]

I reckon I'm gonna sleep for at least ten hours. It's gonna be nice.

[ Flins has done plenty to make Husk feel comfortable enough that he can go back to his bed and sleep. The tension is finally eeking out of him, and he has his partner to thank for that. He does listen to what Flins has to say, taking it all on board. He's still not fully comfortable with everything put in front of him here - that much is clear by how his ears flick back. Husk might gently mock Flins for having no poker face, but Husk's ears are a dead giveaway for his mood nine times out of ten.]

...Not sure how I feel about that good deed thing. I was just doing what was needed to be done. 'Cause the only other option would have been... fuckin' evil. Can you really count it as a good deed if the only other option would make you a terrible person?

[ Yes, idiot. Yes. The compliment does pull a gentle smile out of him, as he feels a happy flutter in his chest.]

Hah. Ain't so sure about that myself yet, but I'm gonna trust your word on that one.

[He runs a thumb, ever so gently, along Flins' cheek. Poor wounded soldier, doing his best to prevent the Great Bird War.]

41. I'll note it down. Hmmm, you're right. That went quicker than I thought it would.

[He stands there for a moment, just smiling at his partner, before stepping forward closer. He wraps his arms around Flins, pressing his face into the crook of his neck and exhaling slowly. He gives the man a gentle squeeze . ]

Thanks, mоя любовь. I...really needed this.

[lanternae]

Do those need to be mutually exclusive?

[Flins leans on the railing, a hand going up to stroke at Husk's cheek in thought. Husk liked to speak about doing what had to be done, but was that not an option in itself? It would be so very easy to not step up to the plate. No one would've thought less of him for refusing to grant Alastor mercy...]

You simply hold yourself to a higher standard than you think. There is a noble heart underneath all that fur, one that refuses to be tainted with the same darkness that Alastor has bathed in.

Is mercy not a good deed in itself?

[He smiles and closes his eyes, leaning into the way Husk cups his cheek. It's soon joined by the cat pressing himself to his body, and those arms instinctively reach around to pull him closer.]

This has always been your sanctuary. It's old, broken in places, and cold. But it's yours.

[Is he talking about the lighthouse, or himself?]

[wiseoldbartender]

[Husk falls silent for a moment, mulling over that response. He's been a messy, broken man for two lifetimes. Thinking the better of himself is not something he is prone to doing - even when the good he does is pretty blatantly obvious to everyone around. A part of him wants to push back against this even now, insist that Flins is wrong, that he really doesn't have a noble heart - that he's just a piece of shit who isn't worth anything.

But Flins earlier estimation had been right. Husk has gained a smidgen of self-respect. It's a tiny, half-formed thing - quiet and easily missed. But it's there, wriggling around somewhere in his chest. It feels unsettling and weird, really. He's not used to this. ]

...Suppose you've got me bang to rights on that one, Kyryll. [He leans into the fae's touch with a soft huff. ] Guess I never really thought of it that way. I don't think anyone's called my crusty-ass old heart noble before.

[ Husk isn't generally much of a hugger- but it's been a shitty ass day, and even the most standoffish cat person in the world sometimes just needs a tiny bit of comfort to face the rest of it. Flins comment settles in his heart, wrapping tight around it again. Every damn conversation with this man makes him realise more and more how deeply in trouble he is. A guy could get used to chasing a feeling like this. That's very dangerous. Letting someone in so damn close.

And despite all that, he turns his head to press a gentle kiss on the corner of Flins' mouth. He can make a damn solid guess what the man means. ]

Is that a fact? Guess that means it needs a little extra TLC to help patch it up a little, huh? [He's quiet for a moment, claws playing with the long strands of hair at Flins' back. ] ...Same goes to you, y'know. Always has.

[lanternae]

[The lack of argument was a good sign--he'd half expected Husk to debate the semantics on what makes a heart 'noble'. That it couldn't possibly fit him. That he was a has-been, a fraud, or anything else that might make him seem less than what he was truly worth.

It wouldn't fool Flins. He had an eye for the worth of things in this world. He could tell a gemstone's worth from a single glance. Husk's soul? Well...to put a price on something as strong and independent as that would be garish. It was priceless.]

As much as it pains you to know, you are. Much like natural opals found in the earth, once the bedrock and dirt have been removed, it leaves a rather brilliant luster. Though...they were always beautiful, even encased in stone.

His fingers reach up to brush the back of his ear, closing his eyes and letting this feeling soak in. He can't remember the last time he was embraced like this. Perhaps when Phainon would visit his lighthouse, long ago.]

It'll take more than insulation to patch this up. [His eyes close at the kiss, turning just a little to catch it with his own lips.] But if anyone can make this place livable, it's you.

[wiseoldbartender]

[Husk wants to argue. Good lord, he wants to argue so much. A part of him wants to fight against this feeling growing in him, because it feels like an imposter. But, small and damaged as it is, it is there, and as much as he wants to deny its existence, he really can't anymore.

It might just take him some time to see the beauty Flins does. That comment wrenches deep in his chest. God fucking damnit, he's in so deep with this one. He closes his eyes, letting out a slow exhale, leaning into that touch on his ear.]

...There you go with the poetry again.

[ Making him feel like some sort of beautiful, rare and precious thing when nine times out of ten he feels the exact opposite. A smile tugs at his lips despite that, happy to return the kiss properly. ]

Lucky for you, I'm more than willing to take up the challenge, then.

[myriadeclipse]

[ He didn't expect Flins to actually do it, but it would be a surprise if he really did. As for his 'honorary membership', it wasn't really something Flins himself could decide, but he did consider himself as a person who tried to do his best to do right by the people who couldn't protect themselves.

The turning it back on him made his shoulders tighten, even when his expression doesn't change. It was the same for him. That dog was sentimental and more attached than Hugo could have predicted. At the same time, Hugo wasn't fighting it nearly as much as he expected in himself. Life had moved in that direction before he could truly realize it was happening.

Hugo meets the gaze in continued silence at first, eventually loosening into a shrug. ]

You sound like someone who is willingly walking into that life with want and desire to see it flourish. I do not share the same sentiment. Nor do I think it's truly even possible.

It's easy to speak pretty words and make it seen like something real and genuine. Making others believe in its sincerity is like breathing to someone like me. What it doesn't do it assure me that I even know the weight of such things, nor if I'm capable of it.

So no. I wouldn't compare our situations. You sound like a man sure of love.

[lanternae]

[Whether or not Hugo was fully recruited into the Lightkeepers was neither here nor there. The answer alone was what showed the vampire's growth, and Flins' eyes can't help but glint.

He's truly come so far from the trembling boy in the closet, hasn't he. Maybe he'll put in a request for an oath lantern. Just for fun.]

Oh I doubt I could pull off the domestic way of life. I'm far too attached to my solitary lifestyle and position.

[That's not to say he didn't enjoy his attachments here, but...a Lightkeeper will always belong to the lighthouse first and foremost.]

Listen to you. You make it sound as if my words are insincere! You're truly laying into me this holiday season.

...But.

I have lived such along time, Hugo. I have wandered for most of it, from the tundra of Russia to the rolling countrysides of France. To the harbours and islands and beaches with sand as white as snow. Merely a sentinel to other people's happiness.

It is truly a lonely existence. And one I personally do not think suits you.

[His eyes close with a smile.]

I don't plan to stop you should Kaisou be but a resting point on your journey. You are old enough to decide when it's time to move on. Just as it's yours to decide when to stay. No matter what, I'll always be here to guide you.

Whether that's as an 'adoptive father' or simply a Lightkeeper, that won't change.

action, a little after the midmonth post

[myriadeclipse]

[ Part of him thought to fly over as a bat, but decided no. The walk would do him good, and he would have time to get his thoughts in order. The crisp, near frozen winter air was a nice wakeup call while he tried to reorder his thoughts.

The pier was his destination. Talking to seagulls was the name of the game today. Ever since his gift from Lycaon, he could understand animals... but he couldn't imagine the gulls having deep intellectual conversations. They lead rather simple lives and compared to the mess he considers his life currently, he does not fault that one bit. Live your trouble-free, fry-filled lives.

Still, he was cold. Less cold than he would normally be, but still slightly cold. He was fashionably bundled and his hair up in a clip that was designed to look like butterfly wings.

Why did he always go to this place in the freezing cold? Does he ever learn that wind off the sea is colder than hell? ]

The gulls will get a warm meal and I will set frozen sea air turning my bones into icicles.

[lanternae]

[Flins, in turn, had come to meet Hugo by the pier. His lighthouse was isolated on the little islet just off of Kaisou's shore, so the pier was only a few minutes boat ride away. He'd gotten there early to assess things, and to see just where the gulls had collected themselves to this morning.

It seems the fisherman were just coming back from their morning hauls, so of course they'd flock towards the shipyard.

With some money in his hand, he heads towards the boardwalk shops. The fries were essential for this, yes, but there was something else he needed to pick up. Knowing the vampire, he'd come quickly.

It was as if the whole tantrum about his newfound cottage had been all but forgotten in the moment, paying for what he needed to as he politely thanks the vendor. After that, it was the three orders of fries. Truth be told, he didn't need Hugo for the sole purpose of carrying one extra basket of them. But it was a good excuse to get him out here. Away from the mire his mind was likely spiraling into.

Seeing Hugo on Pier 7, bundled up and waiting, he starts to glide his way over, the baskets in hand (along with some shadow hands to hold the others). He stops just before he gets too close. Sensing something...new, about Hugo. Familiar.

It takes everything in his power not to let his smile split his face.

The world was truly a curious beast.

Continuing to walk over, he presses a warm coffee to Hugo's cheek gently to announce his arrival.]

So I did well in bringing you this, then. I'm glad.

[myriadeclipse]

[ Hugo looked to the side when he felt the cup against his cheek. It gives him pause that he wasn't aware that Flins had gotten so close. While it was fairly common that the fae was just good at moving through the world, as fae were, Hugo was usually alert and aware of the surrounding space. His mind must truly be in a thousand places at once today.

Pocketing his phone, Hugo brought one of his hands up to take the takeaway cup in hand and soak the warmth up in his palms. ]

You've arrived. I see you are no longer plagued by the depression of domesticity. I am putting Sam...po and Lighter out of my might for the remainder of the day.

[ What Sampo has done to regain the bat's ire in mere hours is anyone's guess. ]

[lanternae]

[Flins' smile only widens as Hugo takes the cup. The man's mind must truly be in so many different places at once. In hindsight, it was a good idea he made his way out to the pier.

Harumasa was on the right track that the pier, and his lighthouse by extension, were good places to collect your thoughts.]

For now, the empty hole in my heart where the smell of seafoam once resided has been sated. I had a revelation that it could be modeled into a place for my charges to get some quiet to themselves without it being a closet, or under the floorboards.

That alone is enough to see the value.

[He lets go of the cup once Hugo takes it.]

I asked for it to be sweet. I know you need it.

[Need it. Not that he likes it.]

Lighter's situation is quite troubling, so I understand wanting to put it out of your mind. Sampo, however... he's not unfamiliar with putting his foot somewhere it shouldn't be. I do wonder what he's done to earn your ire.

...Ah. But we'll discuss that later. There's actually much I'd like to talk to you about.

First, the gulls. This should be enough to convince them to assist us in our search for our red scarf'd friend.

[myriadeclipse]

[ A vampire shouldn't be so comforted by a fae, yet the mention of the closet brought a surprising smile to his face. He remembered that closet and being found huddled in it. It was a comfort to know he wasn't the only charge that ended up taking solace in weird places. It made him realize just how strange a fae Flins really was.

Hugo's nose wrinkles up at the mention of the sweetness. Yes, he did need it. No, he wasn't happy about it. His gaze fell to the cup in his hands, heaving a sigh and bringing it up to his lips to take a sip. The coffee was warm and comforting, bringing his internal temperature up with every slow sip.

Learning that Flins knew of Sampo made the smile widen. That made sense. It made him wonder if there was more to speak on than he realized. First was Lighter, though. Hugo nodded in agreement. First was the search for their missing champion. ]

I tend to be good with animals... I'm not particularly sure how that would pan out with seagulls, but I suppose that is something we're about to find out.

[ No doubt their beady little eyes were already aware of the fries, Hugo thought to himself. It was just a matter of time until they descended to claim what was theirs. ]

[lanternae]

[It was quite a strange phenomenon, what they had between them. Vampires and fae were both suspicious by nature. There wasn't much trust on either end. Maybe they were too alike in ways that would force them to reflect on themselves. That didn't stop Flins from coaxing out the young man from the closet when he'd caught him hiding. It taught him a lot, and was the framework for how he handled his charges from then on.

His eyes squint at that face, understanding wholeheartedly just what it's like to swallow something out of necessity. Hang in there, Hugo. It's just one coffee.]

Oh? That is a boon. I've recently gained the ability to understand them, as well. Between us, we'll have the upper hand.

[He starts to walk towards the end of the dock, where they've all started to conglomerate. Their heads tilt back and forth, getting a good look at the spoils they were carrying. Flins carries himself with grace, walking as if the birds would make way for him, rather than avoid their path.]

We'll need to find the leader. He has knife scars on his cheek from a run in with August Villareal's raven. He's the largest, so he should be easy to find.

[As Hugo follows, the sounds of the seagulls can be quickly translated into idle chatter among them:

'Oi, it's the fae!' 'The fae!' 'Ay, that weird guy's here, he gives me the creeps.'

'Shh! He feeds us! He's got fries!' 'The fae's got fries?' 'Yeah!'

'We're starvin' over here ever since that guy stopped showin' up. We take the fae's fries!'

'Who's that blond guy?' 'I dunno, but I'll take the fries from him.' 'Fries, Fries!'

Flins seems unfazed by their chatter, eyes searching as he makes his way further to the dock, finally resting his eyes on the leader. A large, battered seagull with scars that could rival a mafia boss.]

Here we are.

[The gull looks up at them, beady eyes squinting at him, and then to Hugo.

'Whattya want, fae. That's a lotta fries ya got there. Must be somethin' ya need bad.']

[myriadeclipse]

[ The gulls had a society that was already turning out unlike any of the thoughts he had on the way over. It gave him the distinct feeling of a criminal circuit. Given the racket they run on these piers, that might be the more correct thought process. He'll be sure to correct his mindset when dealing with them from now on.

Following behind Flins, he watched the gulls as they spoke, taking note of their desires and small comments. Aren't seagulls supposed to hunt fish or something? Surely they had a way of feeding themselves other than handouts? Hugo looks to Flins, and then to the bird in question. ]

Good afternoon, Your Eminence.

[ The greeting is given with a small dip of his head. He has no idea what sort of titles of reverences bird prefer. He might as well start from the top and see where to land. As for conversation, he believes letting Flins start would be best. He knows the gulls and might understand their way of bartering more. Although ... really, with the way they talk, Hugo has an idea of how this might go. ]

You have a nice flock, and they sound hungry to me.

[lanternae]

[The gulls all seem to flock around them in anticipation, their black eyes focused on the food before the faces of their benefactors. To anyone but them, it could be a little intimidating. But knowing their mindset, Flins' expression doesn't change as he hands one basket to Hugo, and taking the other two for himself.

The leader's head turns towards Hugo, tilting every which way to assess him.

'Gotta real fancy talker here. New friend'a yours, fae?'

Flins smiles, taking a fry out to hold out to the leader as an offering.]

Old friend. More like family, to be honest.

[The gull gulps down the fry hastily, fluttering his wings as he swallows.

'No kiddin'? Guess that makes sense. What can I do ya for?' The gull seemed to be in the mood to listen. 'With those freakin' fish the size of a boat out there it's been rough gettin' some grub in the winter. Hate bein' in debt to a guy like you, so I'll listen. You too, half-fae.'

Flins' eyes widen. He wasn't sure if the gulls would pick up on that just yet. Knowing this would cause a reaction out of Hugo, he turns his head and presses a finger to his lips to stay quiet. A knowing glance at him to just trust him. I'll explain everything after this.

Turning back to the gull, he offers another.]

We're looking for someone. The young man who used to feed you these fries on occasion at this pier. Sunglasses over his eyes, red scarf billowing in the wind, Quiet, and a little absent-minded...

He's been gone for quite some time.

[myriadeclipse]

[ Hugo was nothing if not vert good at his poker face. After years of having to hide his feeling and intentions both for his home life and work life, the vampire's face remained unmoved when the gull refers to him as 'half-fae'. Especially at the bid from Flins to keep his reaction to himself for now.

No, his reaction was more in how very silent he became after deciding to play along.

'What does he mean, 'half-fae'? Last I checked, I was born to two fully, irritating elves.'

'It's not incorrect. It's a change I and Flins both sensed in you. It could instead be 'an awakening'.'

'Were you not going to inform me? Isn't that a bit important to know?? Everyone else was merely turning into animals. This is NOT the same as waking up as an otter.'

'Drink. If you keep upsetting yourself, it's going to alert our Fiancée. Your frantic emotions will cause him to seek you out.'

Hugo's eyes finally moved, looking at one of the gulls close to him. Taking a fry from the container he was holding (and letting his shadow hold his coffee for now), he twirls it around his fingers and then holds it out.

What is this? Even the seagulls found life without lighter lacking. How could one man hold so much on his shoulders?? ]

His family is worried about him.

[lanternae]

[He can tell Hugo's shocked at this revelation, huddling down into a quiet ball to process that information. That was fine, he would take over while the truth settled for him. It wasn't something he imagined would come out during a discussion with a seagull crime boss, but then again, these birds weren't known for their subtlety.

He would owe Hugo an explanation after this. Or as close to one as he could get.

The seagulls pay it no mind as they inch closer, all seeming to want a contribution.

'That so. Well, what's that gotta do with us? We're just as pissed.']

We would like your aid in our search. You are birds of land, sea and sky. There is no ground you cannot cover with those wings of yours. Naturally, we would not do this without compensation. These fries are our 'deposit', and once Lighter has returned, a portion of the paycheck that this young man here provides Lighter will be to buying your little flock food. Whether that be fries or fish or fried dough.

You can trust me to hold to my word.

[The seagull blinks as he thinks this over, turning to Hugo and hopping closer to take that fry.

'So lemme get this straight. We just gotta find the guy and tell ya where he is. Then, we're set for life on these little suckers and maybe even some fish. Kinda swindlin' of ya to promise somethin' comin' from another guy. I like it.

Don't worry, we knows the places inside and out. We'll find this guy of yours.'

Flins lays out the basket for some of the other seagulls to take as he turns towards the leader, who has now taken to Hugo's offerings more than his.]

It is most appreciated.

[myriadeclipse]

[ A glance was given to Flins and then down to the bird that was coming his way for the fry. He didn't have to give it any thought, nodding along with the offer Flins gives. ]

I agree to his terms. Should you not be able to locate him, I will still give you 50% of the reward for your effort. That way, you still get paid for the work you put out.

I can even get you the fancy stuff. Anything you want in return, you get, Boss.

[ Another fry was held out, and then the basket was presented, looking to the leader. When he sets it down, he takes his coffee up once more and reaches his gloved hand out. He did not touch the bird unprompted, but at least did present the hand in a show of good nature. ]

Leader to leader, it is our job to find the wayward lost parts of our flock. He's also kind of an idiot, but still important to many. It would also put quite a number of others in your debt.

[ He wsa aware that he didn't have to keep going, but sweetening the deal felt right in the moment. It kept his mind off of the half-fae situation. ]