You regained your wobbly support on the stick and offered a hand to the squirming man. He squeezed it eagerly and popped off the ground like nothing had happened. There was even a bright silver smile painted on his face.

Lukas reemerged from the kitchen with three light green glass mugs and a slightly uplifted mood. He waved for both of you to sit on the couch.

You gladly hobbled over to the puffy blue sofa and steadily lowered yourself onto it. Lukas sat himself beside you and 'Dane' plopped himself on the other end. Lukas distributed the mugs, handing one to you first.

You curiously observed the light brown brew swirling and dancing in the mug.

"What is this?"

"How do you not know about coffee!?!" The Dane exclaimed with actual shock in his tone.

Lukas surveyed you for a few moments, his bleak appearance withholding any hint of his internal dialogue. Lukas eventually spoke.

"Drink it."

Your hands shook with horrendous anticipation. What if it was poisoned?

Do you really think Lukas would do that to you?

He is a human...

He's been so kind to you!

There's only one thing I can do.

After a second of self-debate you raised the the lip of the glass to your own. The savory concoction flowed down your throat in a stream of distinct flavor. You proceeded to sip more of this peculiar 'coffee'.

"Well?" Lukas' voice asked from beside you.

"I love it!" (Sorry all you non-coffee people. P.S: I don't like coffee either)

"Good, because coffee is what Lukas basically lives off of. I bet he has coffee flowing through his veins by now!" The Dane added with a poke to Lukas' cheek. Lukas clearly resisted the urge to clobber his brother then and there. That was your job.

You were eager to change the subject to avoid any further unnecessary beat-downs.

"So you're Lukas' brother?" You questioned the Dane.

The Dane flopped back into his spot on the sofa. He immediately began rattling off his life's story. Most of the saga was encompassed by drunken escapades, elaborate pranks, and feuds with another brother called Berwald. Apparently, this peculiar man's name was Mathias, although Lukas heavily insisted it was Idiot.

The levels of coffee in your cup were slowly draining as the odd stories progressed. You had sipped down the rest of your beverage by the time Mathias had gotten to the embarrassing baby stories.

"...And that's how I got a Lego up my nose." Mathias finished his story proudly.

That explains a lot.

You gripped your coffee glass and steadily hoisted yourself up from the security sofa cushion. You hobbled for a few feet before you lost what remaining balance you had.

You tumbled down to reunite with your well-known acquaintance, the cold hard floor. The glass formerly in your hand was transfigured a prickly minefield of transparent pain by the unwavering demeanor of the ground.

This was the third time you had gotten injured since you left the comfort of your woods.

The planks of smooth wood and odd absence of earth was an alien experience for you. Your bare feet were adapted for the rough pores of rock, the sleek carpet of emerald grass, and the unrelenting strain of your duties as protector of the forest.

Lukas slammed his mug on the table, sprang to his feet, and rushed to help you despite the sea of glass shrouding your immediate area. He knelt beside you and visually inspected your body for any pesky slivers of glass. Luckily, you avoided the green shards.

"I'm so sorry for breaking your glass, Lukas." You apologized, casting your sorrowful gaze down at the freshly shattered remnants of his mug.

Lukas placed a tender hand beneath your chin and gently directed your eyes towards his. For once they weren't dull or devoid of emotion. They shimmered with undeniable concern.

"I don't care about that. Are you hurt?" His voice carried a serious underlying tone. He meant what he said, and you knew it from the sentiment pouring from his words.

"Is that emotion I hear?" Mathias chuckled from back on the sofa.

Lukas' panicked expression was quickly concealed by his usual apathy. He scooped you up in his arms and stood stoically. Lukas was especially cautious not to disturb your weak ankle in this act. He was much stronger than his appearance would suggest.

Turning to Mathias, he issued him a request.

"Why don't you go back to Emil, Dane. Tell him I'll be alright..."

He surveyed you huddled in his arms and let a warm smile pierce through his reserved demeanor.

"What ever you say, bro." Mathias complied, melting off the couch and lumbering towards the door.

Lukas spun on his heel and proceeded to hurry into his bedroom with you still in his arms. He slowly propped open the door and slid into the room. He tenderly positioned you onto his puffy mattress and darted towards his work desk on the other side of the room. He mumbled succinct sentences to himself, as he rummaged through the drawers  hurriedly.

He returned to you with his arms full of strange medicinal supplies. Among these included a odious herb, mortar and pestle, and a vial of unidentifiable green liquid. He placed all these items on the night stand beside the bed. He sighed deeply and made eye contact with you, before sweetly grasping your hand.

"I need you to be strong. This will......sting."

You briefly nodded, signaling agreement.

With one last sympathetic look, Lukas set to his delicate work.

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Yet again, another short chapter. :/

I really regret making these chapters so short, but school makes it very hard to write. I guess, they're easier for you to read?

I planned to make this chapter at least two times longer. :P

Give me feedback on these new chapter sizes. I can make them longer if you guys want, it may just take a little longer...

Also, I'm aware Lukas may be a bit out of character, but I thought he'd have to open up to someone eventually. That someone just happens to be you!