A blistering screech entered both their ears. The man sucked air through his teeth, and he would momentarily put a hand to the side of his head to exaggerate the pain. A similar reaction would come out of the chimera ant, but only in a more primal way due to his animal DNA. Pouf's body had been awfully jerked awake, but at least he was in a better condition when he woke up the first time. He was frightful seeing the other man in pain as well, but then he would notice the source of the noise. His wings would gently flap up to get the attention of the human. His glance giving a disapproving look, and he would try his best to slide out of the sheets. Pouf's walking had gotten better, but his overall body was still whimpering with barley any power. Pariston on the other side of the glass would smile seeing him well and alive.

" What are you doing with that..?"

Shaiapouf's voice was faint but one could still sense the irritation. His eyes would look at Pariston up and down with a gentle huff. What was he doing with an instrument he didn't even know how to play? He played such a horrible note earlier that it scared both of them.

" Why disgrace the violen in such a way?"

Pouf seemed offended on the object's behalf, and he would cross his arms with tired eyes. Especially because the violen was his choice of letting out all of his emotion while he was still living at the palace. The human on the other side laughed a little, and gave the ant a sympathetic look. The small instrument in hand was rather roughed up, and the strings looked like they were on the brink of breaking. The bow suffering the most from that appearance. Paris didn't mean to create such a distracting tone, but in the end he was glad to see that it had awakened his new 'friend'. His fingers would slide down the violin's side to feel more of its scratched up exterior.

" I was trying to tune it, but it didn't go well as you heard."

Paris would explain, but the ant was left unamused with him rolling his eyes. His twitching antenna conveying as such when he decided to head back to the bed. Not to sleep, but just to calm his blood down. He took some deep breaths as he folded his legs back up on the mattress unsure what to do now. Shaiapouf thought of feeling the pillow that was given to him, but he'd stop hearing a gentle knock on the glass. That stupid human's smile was still there as Paris waved. Pouf raised a brow at him, and his frown would still remain the same.

" No No, I actually am sorry! I was just trying to play a piece for you to wake up to the sound of your own instrument. Maybe even bring calmer memories?" The man held up both pieces even closer towards the glass for Shaiapouf's eyes to see more clearly.

" My own?"

He said a bit confused by that wording. His old string instrument was probably destroyed with the castle. How could he obtain such a thing? Did he just mean his preferred music tool of choice? But sure enough, the moment he inspected it he could tell it was his. Just by the old dents, and the slivers of nen tracing it as it moved around. It was his own presence. Pouf was sure of it. For the first time after coming back to life, he felt relief. Even if it was for a non loving thing; It still had the same impact as something that important towards him. Such a small act of kindness brought his ignorance on humans to a halt for this instance. Maybe this 'Pariston' could be worth something to him.

" M-My violin! How?"

Paris would chuckle a little seeing the ant's big reaction, but he wouldn't make fun of him for it. This was the first time he managed to make Pouf happy, he wasn't going to screw it up.

" It somehow flew away far from the palace thanks to one of the explosions that occurred there I think. Or that's what I heard at least."

His tense posture relaxing once he saw how glad the other looked. It was a more hopeful expression than a smile, but it is what it is.

" May I come inside, Shaiapouf?"

" Now!"

He said with a desperate passion.

" Okay, dear. "

The suited man couldn't help but smile more seeing Pouf's urgency for it. After a few button presses the glass shifted around again once more. The doorway appeared, and Paris would slip back into the ant's room. All the tears from yesterday's storm had dried up thankfully. There was no need to be cautious walking inside. Pariston knew he had his pure attention. He placed himself down on the other side of the bed with the violin in his lap. Shaiapouf was quick as lightning to turn his back around to face Pariston. This human had a piece of himself in his grasp, and he just couldn't contain himself to act appropriately.

" Hand it over, cretin! Your useless human hands can't even play one note right. Never disrespect this art again!"

He'd gently huff looking at the other intently now. His hands would start leaning towards it, but Pouf would miss it by an inch. Pariston had backed up putting the violin to his side. This tensed the chimera ant horribly seeing his property so close, yet far. There was a possibility of this being the last connection he had to his past mission, and he wanted to reserve it badly. Shaiapouf needed to be reminded of how he was an excellent planner and admirer of his king. Even if thinking of Meruem made him upset.

" Let's word that differently, Pouf."

The human said with a chill tone.

" Excuse me?" His blazing eyes froze still. He would have never been questioned by someone lower when he was back at the palace.

" I'm asking you to use nicer words for it."

Paris again being oddly dominant towards him. It didn't make any sense to Pouf. The ant grew even more annoyed, and he'd purposefully sharpen his teeth with his cells to come off more menacing. His eyes starting to glow to threaten him further. What did this human have that he didn't? How dare he mock him. The chimera would start to bring up his shoulders, and lean in to make his body seem bigger.

" What power do you think you have here?"

The butterfly growled, but Pariston would simply sigh back. Not even giving the changes in appearance his attention. The string instrument going behind his back to hide now.

" Probably none! I just expected an official to be more mature is all."

Paris was saying it pretty nonchalantly, but that sentence would crack open another shell of Pouf's heavily damaged heart. It gave the ant emotional whiplash.

" I'm.."

His anger would somehow deflate along with the new changes to his body. He was simply overreacting but Pouf needed a second to realize that. If he had just treated the other male neutrally, then he probably would've gotten his violin back by now. His wingspan slowly wrapped around him to rethink his decisions, and he'd sadly hide. Shaiapouf was still staring at the other with daggers in his eyes, but you could easily see how much that affected his mood. Shame was slithering back into his chest once more. It stung like the poison he had to suffer through. Where it started destroying him on the inside, but would slowly creep up on the outer skin.

" I'm.."

" What's wrong?"

Paris blinked. That time he hadn't deliberately tried to say anything that could hurt him. He needed to understand what triggered him for future instances. His face shifting to slightly empathetic feelings of him suddenly shutting down due to someone else. However, Pouf would only put his face in his hands trying his best to not cry again. He had done enough of that yesterday. His antenna started laying flat which reminded the human of a guilty dog's tail. But what could he be guilty over? Did the tears of his king not all come out yesterday?

" I'm not a monster to you? But still.. an official?"

His voice shook gently with a softness the rat had never heard before. The butterfly's eyes would slowly fade from emptiness to a light sparkling amber. Pouf's hands would clasp together and hold them close to his chest. He never thought he would be addressed as such after the ant's humanity had collapsed. He thought no one would know his authority after all that left after the war were humans. No one would respect him. Except for one that showed a strange interest. Even if it turned out to be an extreme obsession with the ant kind, Pouf was alright with it. All it takes is one person believing in you, right?

" Yes, beloved Shaiapouf. You still hold your rank with me. No matter the circumstances, I will understand your power. We are equals in our power no matter your species."

Pariston mirrored the butterfly's tone, and the amount drama to really make him listen. The chimera sniffled with his wings flapping up once more out of joy. Despite being had treated like a child earlier, he was just glad that he was still considered a loyal soldier.

" I am still considered a royal guard even without a king?"

His antenna starting to spring back up in excitement.

" Why of course! You're probably one of the strongest creatures in this part of the world right now. Don't let that brain of yours destroy yourself. You're still very capable."

The human would do his best to boost the other's ego back up. What was the fun of having a whole Chimera Ant army in eggs if you couldn't have a fun partner? If you wanna start reckoning havoc, have a positive attitude about it. As much charm that was radiating from this man, Pouf's brain was also thinking of sinister plans. Just how 'capable' was he? Perhaps to befriend this human to see how much of this world he could conquer with what little tools he had? It would prove a challenge, but in the ant's DNA this was a instinct thought that he had to at least try. But first, Shaiapouf needed to understand just how much power his new 'friend' had. The butterfly first masked a small smile, before it would grow into a genuine big one. A sincere happy thought for both of these creeps.

" Sir, Pariston."

" Oh? What is it?"

He was a bit thrown off by such a formal response, but he was cheerful to hear it.

" Just what rank do you serve in human society? You said you were at similar rank with mine?" Pouf put a finger to his lightly purple lip now. Just gently wondering about his plans.

" Hm, Somewhat. I was actually kinda close to becoming the chairman one time!" Pariston would laugh off casually.

" But ultimately, I am still vice chairman of the Hunter Association. If I am being honest, I am considering resigning my spot to do what I want. It's just so cramped up all the time with nothing interesting going on until the Ants came along. Other than that, nothing. You get what I mean, right?" Paris lightly whined at the end to insight more reaction out of Pouf. Unfortunately, Shaiapouf in fact did not get what he meant but he would awkwardly nod along listening to this human.

" Really?.. I can kind of understand. Being a guard is exhausting, and stressful. But why get rid of so much power?" He'd lightly sigh as Pariston would then go on with a long ramble about his life that nearly knocked the butterfly into a slumber. It wasn't that he wasn't an interesting guy, it was just that he was going on for so so so long and the bed was just right there. Until his head would snap back up remembering what he wanted the human in here for in the first place. His eyes getting back focused on the item behind the other blond.

" Sir, Pariston? May.. May I have my violin back?" He'd fix himself up, but with a sincere attitude. He somewhat showed the other man respect within from his real heart.

" Oh right! My apologies, I had forgotten."

He hadn't really. Pariston just wanted to see how long the other was willing to put up with him. But it did kinda feel nice to get kinder words from the previously hostile other. The dandy instrument would soon appear again in his hands, but soon be handed over to the rightful owner. Pouf's heart started to accelerate seeing it, and being able to feel the nearly broken strings would make him smile. A pure happy smile after everything he went through yesterday. The chimera practically hugged the thing, and his eyes would go watery again. His heart becoming a fountain of a new fondness of this 'Pariston'. So much so that he would place the violin with its bow down on the sheets, before looking back at the other with an over analyzing stare. He would finally take in account Paris' fashion choices with his suits. The outfits he had seen him were flashy, but not necessarily bad. He admired the straightforward patterns with any accessories matching well with it. Pouf didn't know the word so he would leave it be. His antennas doing a gentle twitch as well.

" Something wrong with it? I could always get you a new one.."

" No-No, I just.. needed to thank you." Pouf would immediately bite his tongue hard after saying that. The ant part of himself hated every part of that sentence, but his human like structure made him say those words. Truthfully forcing them to roll off the tongue, but only due to Paris being a unique connection. As wrong as it felt, it felt just the same amount as right.

" Thanks to you I'm not shriveling up somewhere.. or would I have been willing to even try to find my violin. So, I thank you dear."

Everything was sounding perfectly right to Pariston's ears until he heard the word 'dear' being used back on him. A record screeched to a stop in his brain. He'd slip up allowing his eyes to go wide hearing that syllable at all. 'Dear' was such a simple pet name, yet his soul was shaking. Why would he call him such a thing? Unfortunately, Pouf would catch wind and quickly ask

" Sir..? Is it weird for me to call you that? It it not right for humans?"

The royal guard seemed sincerely worried for a human.

" No, it's just fine! It's just so rare I'm called it back. You're alright."

The man would laugh a little, but turn his side towards the ant. His legs finally sliding off of the bed they were stuck on, and slowly make himself head towards the door. Paris did wanna get close to this thing, but he never intended on making a real relationship with Shaiapouf. Pariston would mourn internally before hearing the other blond raise his voice again.

" Pariston! I wanted something before you go."

His voice urgent enough to stop Paris in his tracks, but not enough to not scare him like he usually would with humans. Paris was tense at just the thought of developing a deeper bond within him, and now he wanted something else? Paris sighed internally, but played his cheery act again just for this special butterfly. Just as he turned around, he would find his face within someone else's chest. Shaiapouf had managed to move behind him in mere seconds. But what was terrifying about it was how silent the ant managed to be. Not a single footstep was heard, but Pariston immediately felt his body being pulled into another hug. A point of affection he had introduced Pouf to, he just realized. The human would look up at first a bit worried, but force himself to display a small smile. The taller male's expression was pure bliss though. Even if Pariston was human, this had been the only person ever giving him attention with occasional comfort. His arms were strong for this reason. Pouf didn't really wanna see him go. He knew there were more secrets with this man he needed to learn, but at this stage it was a simple connection. Maybe even a friendship.

" What do you need, Pouf?"

The man looked back up expecting menace due to how tight he was holding him. That's when he would finally notice that his pupils were full, and seemed purely calm.

" I just needed.. this."

The ant did his best to point out his arms around Paris, but it was a bit obvious that he didn't know what this action was called.

" Oh, a hug? Did I not tell you last time?."

Pariston's voice turned smoother than butter, and Pouf would gently shake his head. The human turned back around, and this time out his arms around Pouf's sides. His grip wasn't as strong and tight as the ant's, but did it really need to be?

" Hug.." The butterfly echoed back wanting to forever remember this name if he ever needed one again. Why were humans so distressing to touch? He wondered. Their hot

blood radiated warmth constantly. Any type of fat made them squishy little toys. If skinny, they were just easy to hold on to. The thing that made him the most upset was the possibility of discovering the true values within human lives. Something he had consistently refused to learn back when his life had a meaning. Yet, here he was crumbling in the arms of what was supposedly a normal human. Except that he was the only one to ever offer physical affection to calm his heart. His wings would fold back behind him.

" These are nice.."

His voice gentle, and for the first time he would release Pari out of a hug.

" That's pleasant to hear. Say, Is your body feeling better? I wanted to see something actually.."

The butterfly's attention went back down towards the man's actions. Pariston walked out of the glass room, but he didn't stop the juman this time. He didn't think he was going to be left alone this time. However, the glass door hadn't closed behind Paris. This left the ant a chance of leaving this room, but again, where would he go beyond those doors?

He wasn't far from the doorway, and he would lightly lean against the side letting his antenna pole out. His fingers poking out as well that showed the butterfly's curious nature. When the suited man looked back up at the glass, he'd smile seeing such cute details. It was like little kid behavior that reminded him of himself when Paris was just a boy. His eyes roamed back to the screens on the other side needing to do a job.

" My body is better than the last day. I can use some of my abilities, but only to a minimum sir. My wings feel achy. Probably because my body hasn't moved much for a long time though. What did you want back?"

He'd demonstrate with shapeshifting his face with a pointer nose, and his wings flapping lightly. It reverted back quickly as Pariston spoke.

" That all sounds really good. You see, what I was thinking was bringing you to my home. You'd have a higher standard of living like you did back in your hierarchy. Plus, I could work with you easier if you were so close to me." The human happily hummed thinking about his giant guest bedroom that no one had ever used before. Because honestly, who would want to visit Pariston freely?

Shaiapouf was hesitant hearing it at first, but he would eventually reason with himself. The ant gave a head nod. It wasn't like he had much to do without a guide.

" Home? Are you sure?"

" Oh, I'm sure! It does get lonely afterall."

Paris walked pass the mini doorway, but not without dragging his hand across Pouf's shoulder. He wanted him to follow, but the butterfly was hesitating with his toes just out the door. But only that part of his body. The human would lean back observing the other male's nature. As much as Shaiapouf had been described to act maniacally, Pariston could only find it even more intriguing seeing the softer sides.

" You can step out and follow, dear. You can trust me."

'But should I?'

Was how Pouf's gut wanted him to respond, but he didn't. As much as his ant blood wanted him to stop immediately, Pouf wanted to keep pushing forward. Even if it was with a stranger. The butterfly's eyes would close, and his face would get oddly warm. He didn't say anything, but he would finally take his first steps outside. It was relieving to feel a new air, and he would meet with the other outside the glass finally. His hospital-like gown gently gleamed under all of the white lights. He'd lean over towards the machine screens he wasn't able to see previously, and he'd find diagrams of some odd things. Some were on his personal body, and then the others being charts of smaller ants with group leaders. It was strange to see this many notes on his body, but it was oddly enduring too. Someone cared enough to go through all this trouble of looking at his structure.

" I see, were you healing me with gases alone? Just how much have you inspected me?"

The flattery of being examined would suddenly fleet away when Pouf thought about how long he had been out cold. For all he knew, this human could've seen every private part of his body without his consent.

" Hm, Mostly. He had a machine active your lungs again before we left you there to rest. Touching the poisonous rose by itself probably would've made me sick too. We did it from a distance, and with gases that could easily be put in"

Paris explained in a simple way. Pouf on the other hand would tug at his new attire, and look down at it to give a hint.

" Oh that? We did change you, but only because your old clothes were ruined with blood stains, and tears. Nothing to humiliate you, I promise." Paris giggled into his hand before reverting back to the sweet gaze towards his giant butterfly.

" In fact, I was going to surprise you with a new uniform when we got to your room. It's very similar to your old one. I hope you don't mind."

Pariston turned his back again to start walking towards the door, while Pouf could barely talk anymore. Not with how many gifts this human was giving him. From this moment on, he would have a sincere look on Pariston now. He brushed on him as a sincere guy.

He wouldn't reply back, but smile a touch more to show he was pleased. His feet would then take him behind the human to follow him out that tempting door outside this room. As much as he was excited, everything felt like it was going faster than it should've. They were just at the sliding door they needed to cross, but Pouf wanted more assurance.

" You don't need to muzzle me up? Won't people be scared?"

His antenna twitched nervous as well. Why should he try to connect to a human society that probably despised him now?

" A muzzle? Why on earth would I do that?"

Pariston would quickly spin back around to confront the other. His hands lightly going to the other's hands to gently hold them.

" We established that you're no animal. Right?"

" I know.. it's just.."

Pouf would sigh. His hands going to his face again. But then another pair would press up against his cheeks. The suited one would gently lean in giving mischievous eyes.

" Nervous? That should be normal. Just know that everyone out there knows me. Plus you're the most human looking ant I've ever seen. You'll be okay, buddy."

The excited human would urge him, and his friend would finally start walking with him again. To soothe Pouf, he put his hand on his back and would make gentle pushes to leave. The occasional pat as well. It was rather sensitive on his wings, but he went along with it. To be honest, Shaiapouf hadn't really considered how strong Paris could be. He had been too wrapped up in his mourning for his previous king.

As the two stepped out, there would be some harsh stares at them. Not a word said though. Outside the door was more people in scientific labs experimenting with pieces of chimera ants. Even one examining the pieces of a broken egg within a small capsule. It went particularly tense when they saw their big project simply walking out with Pariston, but they couldn't say much. All they were there for was their own research and nothing more. If that sparkly bastard wanted to die from getting eaten alive, they didn't care too much. It would be a pain in the rear to get Pouf back though. However, they would get the sense of Pouf's calm essence with this one human. It puzzled them how he seemed to have tamed the mythical beast without much strength. But this was Pariston they were talking about. With just the right diction and motivation, he could probably pry anything out of anyone. Especially, if the valuable was a thing Paris wanted.

" See? You're safe with me."

The rat threw out more comforting words to lure his prey closer.

" Just with you.."

One of his antenna flickered saying it, and he was a little crouched as he walked with the human. His violin held close to his chest again. Through some more doors and awkward encounters, the blonde duo would finally be outside. The fresh air hit his senses like a bullet. Everything felt soothed. Pouf was with nature again, and he made a genuine smile. Even if the sky was a gloomy gray day, the yellow shine in his soul made him feel better like this. His head was tilted up towards the sky with only a few thoughts in mind. How beautiful it was to him. How much he just wanted to spread his wings, and soar around. The last thing being the depressing thoughts of still having the urges of taking over it. Taking over the world with his ant kind that had been practically slaughtered. All he had ever wanted was to help his leader. He wanted to sob again, but before he could the human began walking again.

" I wish.."

He started to begin, but he honestly didn't know how to end the sentence. The butterfly wasn't sure what he wanted. Not anymore. The ant would bite his thumb harshly. He'd follow a bit reluctantly. The area was a few shabby buildings with a large plain grass field. It felt odd just standing around it. They were practically in the middle of nowhere. Across a path of a gravel road was a rather fancy looking car. Pariston's nice vehicle that he was going to introduce the ant to.

" Wish what?"

" No, I... I need something. But I don't know what."

Pouf stared at the ground now feeling embarrassed. He used to be so sure of himself within his previous life. What was wrong?

" Well Pouf, Just know I can probably get you anything in the world. There's no need to be shy."

He leaned back closer to him, and he would tug at the butterfly's sleeve. However, Pouf would just shake his head dissatisfied. It was rather tough for him to think for himself.

Especially considering he was a royal guard. Whenever the ant was doing anything, he was thinking hard on how it could benefit the king. But again, Shaiapouf was on his own with a stranger.

" Just, take me to your home. My mind is stuck."

" Are you sure? You seem on edge."

Shaiapouf looked at the human now looking for some kind of guidance. There was nothing though. Just his cheeky bright smile. It started to bother him. This being, he hated as a species once before was the happiest. While all of his hard work had only landed him in despair. How was this fair? This couldn't be his true, could it? Forced to live his foreseen life with a cute human made an irrational anger in his mind. Even if he had experienced death due to it, his destructive behavior was still capable of showing itself. His wings summoned themselves rather forcefully making a breeze of air pass his radius. Except this time it was his full wingspan. No light flap, or a few scales poking out. The full terrifying image of his alluring wings. The human so close to him had been pushed back by the pure force.

" If I can really have anything, may I be selfish with you?"

It was a very simple question, but his heart was going frantic. No royal guard is to ask for something for themselves from a higher beibg. At least in his engrained mind, that's how it worked. Pouf wasn't even a squadret leader, yet he was starting to experience the wants of being on his own. He could never feel comfortable in the position of power though. The butterfly wanted to finally crawl out of his selfless cocoon into a selfish world of experiences. Pariston on the other hand, could understand he was going through a revelation but not in the way Pouf thought of it.

Shaiapouf didn't need individualism. What he truly needed was a new king to feel whole again. Even if he did discover the joy of being on your own, Paris knew his ant blood would destroy him from the inside out. He wouldn't ever actually feel content again, until serving someone he deemed as worthy. Paris wanted this position. His plan was to make the butterfly feel secure in his hands, and then wait for Pouf to ask him to be his new king. Unfortunately, the event next would throw off that plan for a bit.

" In what way?"

The human stood back up again with a spring in his step. He was curious as a cat.

" Let me play with you.. since we are equals."

For the first time, he glared at the other blond with violent intent. His hands would let his instrument slip out onto the ground. His eyes gently glowing, before he would instantly soar towards Paris like a ball from a canon. The suited one was majorly caught off guard and could only dodge by a second. He galloped out of the way in an odd position which left him completely vulnerable.

'Aren't we friends? Unless this is truly how he plays?'

The human thought hard as he saw the flying blond dive towards him again. Unfortunately due to weird footing he landed in, the blond's bodies would forcefully collide. Most of his chest would get the impact as Pouf's hands forcefully grabbed his shoulders. In mere moments, he was being dangled by his vest almost in the clouds. Pariston wanted to scream as they flew up in the sky, but the adrenaline running through his veins was shutting him up. With teeth clenched in terror, Paris clung to Pouf's sleeves. His feet felt like heavy anvils of stress, and he could already feel the dread of sweat in his feet. He could fall back to the ground any second now. All it would take was a simple let go of his ant to be plummeting towards the ground. Shaiapouf's shy demeanor seemed to have vanished in this instance of being merciless. The butterfly's wings would flap intensely as Paris tried to calm himself down within the royal guard's grasp. It was like Paris was the rat stuck in the claws of a hawk. He'd force his eyes back up at his subject of interest.

" Pouf.. I can't fight you. We are equals, but we shouldn't do this.."

He stared at him with a worried look, but the ant responded with a more evil scowl.

" What? Do you think you're too good, Paris?!"

With a furious grip he would throw the human above further with a light spin. Pouf swiftly swung his foot into the side of the man bringing him intense pain he hadn't felt in a long time. He heard something in his skeleton crack. Worse sweat, and adrenaline was all over his body. As he was launched, he could see the ground getting further away from him. His heart felt like he was in a hurricane. A gasp left him as he tried to breathe again. Pouf watched back in those seconds starting to find the pleasure in human suffering again. Pariston's expressions, and helpless weight against him made him feel powerful.

His hands turned into fists. Revengeful fire was starting to engulf his brain until he would hear a cry. Pouf snapped back to reality hearing his new friend weepingly scream.

" PUFU!"

A new name. A cry for help from falling hundreds of feet in the air. A threat of instant death if he landed the wrong way on the ground. Shaiapouf's ant senses instantly dropped, and his wide wings instantly dived towards him again. His eyes were wide. Almost crying once more.

'What the hell was I thinking?!'

If he was being completely honest, he didn't know why he felt like he needed to save him. Except he did feel why. This human gave him another opportunity and name, and Pouf was just going to kill him because he felt like it? Pouf's human brain would suddenly be ridden with guilt as he saw Pariston's expression as he flew to him. It was pure agony of the person who went out of his way to treat him. His eyes seemed to have pure fear. Was he terrified of Pouf now? It made sense in his brain, but it hurt it more. He had become the monster he said he wasn't was just minutes ago. Shaiapouf wailed back.

" PARIS!"

His pale purple skin somehow going white seeing how desperate the situation was. The human was falling much faster than he anticipated, and he could only save the man only a few feet above the ground. Thankfully he was still a fast missile. His arms wrapped around Pariston's body like tight snakes as he slowly lowered them back to the ground. Pariston was in genuine pain after his arm seemed to have cracked. There was sincere fear of impacting on the ground, but the nickname was used to get Pouf's attention in a affectionate way. Too strengthen that connection. The human shivered a bit being laid on the ground, but would sit up again to make eye contact with the other. Pouf's eyes were already starting to leak again. Gentle streams falling from his cheek, and chin.

" Hi, Pufu."

Paris soothed his voice down, and his right hand would start rubbing away his tears. The ant on the other hand started freaking out again with insecurities.

" st-StoP- JUST STOP! I just hurt you!"

He gently weeped.

Paris lightly nodded, and would wince from the pain of his left arm creaking. He removed his hand from his face, and rest it on his broken arm.

" Why did you..?"

His brown eyes looking disapprovingly towards his new friend.

" I was so mad.. Mad that I was being nice to a human. My blood wanted to see you suffer, but once I saw that look on your face. I hadn't felt guilt like that since the day I passed. I just.. hearing you call me that made it worse."

Pouf hid his face in his hands as he sit in the dirt with the only blond.

" Is 'Pufu' that embarrassing, dear?"

" No.. Could I have a hug, actually?"

He whispered out.

The human would gently nod his head. Pariston wasn't exactly happy about his arm, but he was glad that Pouf still wanted to be around him. The cold blooded one would quickly wrap both of his arms around Paris Im emotional pain as Paris suffered physically.

" shhh.. It'll be alright, Pufu. You're alright."

The royal guard simply held him close to his chest, but he would stop sensing the other was still in pain obviously.

" I'm not worthy of such a name is all."

His eyes were finally drying back up, but that depressing frown still remained. The rat man would place his working hand to Shaiapouf's cheek again. He didn't rebel as he pinched his cheek though. If anything, the ant felt like he did deserve any pain he got from this human.

" I think you do after saying my nickname."

His hand would slowly go to Pouf's chin to scratch like you would a kitten.

" People only call me 'Paris' if they want to be my friend. I told you that, right?"

A familiar cheeky smile would display again with a light chuckle.

" Oh yeah."

The butterfly nervously smiled now unsure what to do. Pouf's hands would then trace along the human's broken arm. He bit his tongue seeing how bad it looked. No arm was supposed to bend like this. It looked awful. He would be awfully shocked seeing that Paris looked more calm than he did.

" Any normal human would be crying right now, why aren't you? It looks awful."

" Like you said, I'm not normal Pufu."

The human laughed again a bit louder having to hide his smile behind his hand. The ant beside him didn't know how to mentally respond, but his body did. A light shade of pink went across his cheeks as he was charmed by this man's laughter. Once Pariston saw this; Oh boy was he gonna have fun with this nickname.

" Listen, I don't tell a lot of people that I just don't like fighting. It just feels like too much energy. I only use nen when I have to, really."

Mental games were more of his roll anyways.

" But, I'm not sure what I can do now."

" What do you mean?"

" I don't suppose you've been in a car, so I'll explain. I need to use both of my arms to take us to my home. But obviously, I can't use both anymore. One time I wish I didn't have a stick shift."

Paris would slowly back from the hug, and do his best to stand back up. The wind was knocked out of him, but that didn't stop him from speaking too much. A gentle sigh would leave out of him. His new friend would stand up beside him with guilt stinging his inner being.

" If I can get home, I know I can get myself better. I know you don't have healing abilities, so it's okay. I don't feel offended, just keep me safe."

The rat would stare at his car, and then back at his new butterfly. His jangled up arm was being left limp.

" Of course! Actually, I could fly you there. You're not heavy at all. It's the least I could do!"

Pouf would get into Pariston's face again, and try not to be threatening. He just genuinely felt like he needed to make it up. His ant blood was highly against it, but by this point he was starting to give less of a shit. All the ant kingdom was doing for him now was stressing him out, when he could be having a pleasant time with Pariston. Why dread so much time on something he won't be able to see again? He knew he was emotional, but he wished he could grief quietly. Not with violent outbursts like this.

" Please, Mr. Hill. Let me make it up."

The ant had guilty eyes staring down at the other blond.

" You'll have plenty of time to make up.."

His voice was quiet as he put an arm around the butterfly. Pouf responded back quickly by putting his arms around his waist. A second later, Paris would be positioned in a more comfortable way of being held. One arm behind his back, and another under his legs to make him feel like injured royalty as he lay in Pouf's hands. Before the two would glide off, the human would point out the violin that had nearly been forgotten. Pariston would then hold the violin close to his chest with the functioning arm he had, as everything else was trusted with the royal guard. Once they were in the air, that weight on his feet did return but he would look up at the ant whenever he was getting nervous. That lonesome expression, and eyes would soothe him enough to be comfortable in his butterfly's grasp. Eventually his head would rest against the other blond's chest simply mesmerized by this feeling. Perhaps it was his head not being able to physically stand being this high above ground. There was definitely another thing in his heart though. Paris' and Pouf's souls started feeling warm being this close together. Theirs brown eyes would make contact, and the human just smiled being intoxicated by his looks.

" Oh, Where do you live Paris? I hadn't thought to ask."

" Hmm.. It's quite awhile from here, but go past that mountain and look for a city filled tall buildings miles ahead."

" Will do."

Paris would take a tighter grip feeling the other man soar faster, but he would ultimately relax again. This was his new friend afterall. After a few minutes of gliding, the rat would find even more comfort. He hadn't even been misbalanced once to ever feel like falling from Pouf's swaddling arms. How could one being be this threatening, yet comforting? Pariston smiled even more now thinking of this ant being his assistant. He'd close his eyes to let the sound of passing wind be all that's left to remind him he's in the air. Pouf's scent was surprisingly pleasing despite have been a corpse a month ago. It was the loving smell of flowers, and honey emanating from his chest alone. Signs of peace, and pure beauty.

" Did I ever tell you how pretty of a name, Shaiapouf is?"

" No, but Paris is just as elegant I think."

Pouf finally smiled back.