"Oh you want to punch me, huh? Can't ya wait 'til it's morning or something?! I'm cranky, it's late, and I was cuddling my lover.", He huffed as he glared back. stepped between the brothers. They looked ready to go at each other. Even though Puff doesn't know the history of these two, he didn't want things to escalate.

"Both of you stop! Please! It's late and I'M getting annoyed! Please just stop!", He begged. As he looked at Edge he flinched to see the officer grab him. One hand tightly gripping over Puff's arm while the other gripped his chin,"You! Stay out of this.", He harshly shoved the other onto the couch. Puff landed with an 'oof' as the couch creaked, rocking backwards then hitting the floor.

"Hey! Fucker, are you going to fix my couch if you destroy it?!", Fell snapped at Edge,"And Watcha' problem with him?! I'm tired of arguing! I want you to leave and be gone!"

While Edge and Fell start a whole new argument, Classic rushed down,"Puff?? What are you doing here? What is he doing here.", He asked and helped his brother up. He frowned, staring at the bruise on Puff's cheek. His hand slowly reached up, caressing it.

"Classic...I haven't seen you in a while! In such a long time..."

"I know... It was wrong of me to just suddenly leave. I know you're probably pissed at me. I really am sorry Puff. I know no matter how much I apologise, I can't deny that I left you...in a horrid part of town too."

"Forget that! I'm just happy to see you here! You should've talked to me more! If anything...I'm more wondering about your fiance. Since when you two got engaged? Are you two going to get married? Oh I have so many questions! Please, when uh... they're done arguing perhaps we can talk more! I have so much to talk about."

"Puff...", Classic's voice was quivered as Classic leaned forward, examining his brother,"Puff what happened."

"What do you mean...?"

"Have you been taking you Joy? Your eyes..."

"I could say the same for you! Your eyes are completely normal! I have a lot to tell about myself and...the cop."

"Puff! I'm happy you're here, I am, but what have I told you?! Take. Your. Joy! You can get killed over there! Just like what I used to say when we were younger,'Do as I say, not as I do'. Is that why you're with him? The... horrible cop?", The more classic and Puff talked to each other, the more they ignored the increasingly angry argument next to them. It was like Fell and Edge weren't even in the room with Puff and Classic. Puff was focused on his brother just as Classic focused on Puff.

"...I messed up. I horribly messed up. You know I...work as a reporter right? Well...I was flipping through articles and I found something about our dad."

"Puff..."

"My head was so foggy! I didn't realise how much I couldn't think when I took joy. I wanted to remember something! I just wanted to think! One thing led to another and Edge was outside, demanding I turn myself in. I was scared and ran off. I was caught and under lockdown. I messed up even more with...other events. Now I'm practically under 24/7 watch."

"Puff! Whatever it was that you wanted to remember was not worth it! Now what did he do to you?! Why are you bruised?? It is so hard to look at you now! When I look at you all I can see is... Is when you were with your ex. I hate seeing bruises on you! I don't want my baby brother to ever be in pain again...",Classic wrapped his arms around Puff, burying his face into his brother's chest.

"I'm fine I swear... You were always over protective of me."

"Fine?! If being bruised is fine then I don't wanna know how being hurt is for you! Puff, just please tell me what he's done to you, I can help."

"I've already messed up too much... With what I did, I can guarantee he won't let me go..."

"Well, what did you do?!"

"Ah... Assault a police officer, aka him, I was under house arrest and ran off. I refused treatment. I did a lot of things, Classic."

"I... I am surprised and I don't believe a single word you're saying. Not a damn word. That isn't the baby brother I know."

"Well...maybe things have changed... You haven't been around me in awhile after all...", Puff jumped as he heard something slammed against the wall. Puff and Classic looked over to Edge holding Fell against the wall. Pictures fell off and shattered onto the floor.

"Hey! Hey!!", Classic quickly goes to them,"Let go of him!"

"Shut it! This is between me and Fell!", Edge snapped," I worked hard for my money and you took it. He could've brought me with him. It has been forever since I've seen him, I can never forgive him for leaving me in such a shitty place."

"You are a broken record! Can ya' say anything else?!", Fell growled,"If you can calm down for five fuckin minutes I would've brought you good news."

"What good news can you possibly bring?! Nothing of what you can say can possibly make this situation better.", Edge pushed Fell against the wall once more before stepping back. He twitched and crossed his arms.

Fell shuddered as he rubbed his back,"Ow...as I was saying...I know! I was horrible, I ran off with Classic. That's why I came to a decision...to help you with a new house."

"What...?"

Classic stepped by Fell, more so to protect him in case Edge blew up again,"We both got a good job here. We worked a few extra shifts every other week and got extra money. A house happened to be open and we jumped onto it to buy it. After a lot of fighting...we got the house. It took a a while to finish the payment plans but, we managed to secure it. We were waiting for a good time to tell you but... we knew an argument would spark. Basically we bought a house and the keys are yours."

Edge was quiet for a moment and huffed,"I really doubt that. I won't believe it until I see it!", He growled.

"Fine! In the morning we're going to the house and I'm passing you the keys... and some of the bills."

"I don't care about the bills! If you're serious, I can transfer to the station here and be paid better for doing nothing! I'd kill for a position at the police station.", He huffed.

"Now...are you going to explain why you have your boyfriend with you?", Fell teased.

"BOYFRIEND?? I already told you he's not my boyfriend! He is a downer and under my watch!", Edge snapped.

Puff blushed and shook his head,"Yeah...we have a bad relationship right now."

"Oh? What happened~", Fell chuckled.

"He is the most horrible person I've ever met. He gave me a bloody nose! Knocked the wind out of me and I had to fight him in the mud, in an alley, in the rain!!"

"Wow!! Classic, I love your brother. I can get along with him!"

"Don't praise him!!", Edge and Classic said at the same time. They looked at each other before Edge huffed. He turned and paced around the room.

"I'm tired! I want to sleep and I'm sleeping on the couch. Puff you get the floor!", Edge said.

"Actually we have a guest room. Would you like that?"

"Fine, then Puff gets the couch. He deserves it.", He started to go upstairs, crossing his arms and avoiding to look at anyone else.

Classic moved to follow Edge but Fell grabbed his arm,"Leave him. I don't want to deal with him again. Now then...Puff is it? You've caught my attention... So you don't take pills either?"

"It was an accident! But ...I noticed that colors and the world is a little different without the pills. How do you two get by without taking them?"

"Simple! We take illegal pills.", Fell looked smug. His grin seemed to grow larger.

"You what!?!", Edge snapped and came out of the guestroom, gripping the railing and leaning over,"Ugh! I can't believe you! You are taking stuff that you have no idea what's inside!"

"Yeah that may be true buuut...", He looked over at Classic, holding him and nuzzling,"It's just as effective. You look like you took joy but really you have no effect! Your eyes get all weird and wide. They're called sunshine drops."

"That's awful. Disgusting. Absolutely awful. I'm too tired to argue. I'm not talking to you for the rest of the night.", Edge waved his hand and left once more.

"Funny thing is, sunshine drops are much cheaper than joy. Hey Puff, come up here with us. I'll get you some blankets and pillows. We're probably going to have a long night."

The next morning, Fell and Classic were making breakfast while Puff and Edge sat in the living room. It was... Awkward to sit still. Puff tried asking if Classic and Fell needed help, however they didn't need any help. He honestly wanted any excuse to be away from the officer.Edge kept tapping his foot and looking down at his lap. Every now and then he'd look at the broken glass on the floor. He shifted, he didn't look too comfortable with leaving the messed up photos on the floor. He stood up, going to pick up some of the glass. Somewhere large pieces, others much smaller. He suddenly jolted and held his hand with a yelp.

"Ow!", Drops of red dripped down his hand. Fell poked his head out of the kitchen, he dragged a trash can next to Edge and helped pick up glass.

"You gotta be careful. You shouldn't pick up glass without gloves."

"We'll neither should you. Yet here we are.", He seemed... A little more relaxed and less pissy at least. Though it looked like he was holding back from something. His voice almost sounded fake. Sicky nice and feels wrong.

Classic brought out a few plates, setting them on the dining table,"I have a broom. You two don't have to cut your hands."

"It's fine, we're almost done.", Fell throws away most of the glass,"We might have to sweep later but, for now, we should eat breakfast.", Fell's hands were slightly cut, but not bleeding. He puts the trashcan away and tends to his own and Edge's cuts.

Once everyone has settled, they started to eat. Classic would glance from one person to another. He already didn't like Edge, and the fact the room was quiet made it awkward.

"Alright...first of all, your house is mostly paid off.", He started,"We'll Fell will show you the house, and I'll hang out with Puff. Maybe show him around puff."

"You? Stay with Puff? Don't make me laugh.", Edge glared at Classic,"I am going to have him under my watch at all times! What are you going to do with him? Run off again?"

"Edge... quit being suspicious.", Fell said,"He'll just be showing Puff around while I take you to the house. Besides, do you really want to drag your boyfriend around?"

"Now you're teasing me about that. I am tired of babysitting him...", He tapped his finger and looked at Puff,"If you run away again, I'm passing you off to the higher ups. You've been warned.", The air was tense for a moment as Classic speaks up again.

"Right...we won't do anything. I'll just be taking Puff around the block, maybe to a few shops just a catch up day! You and your brother can bond again too."

"Yeah...me and Edge bond together like a cat and dog. We either fight or love each other.", He chuckled and leaned against Edge,"Isn't that right? I've always had your back, hmmm?"

"Yeah , yeah, I admit you were there for me. You always have been when we were younger."

"Damn right I have! Do you remember when I stole all that food from a shop?"

"That was awful but did we really have any other choice. You've done a lot of other stuff. Have you ever told your fiance that?"

"What did Fell do?", Classic was a little curious about what Fell did. He knew that he stole some food and money but nothing else.

"Oh? He never told you."

"Edge please, don't bring up that story. I hate hearing it.", Fell looked uncomfortable. He tapped his fork against the eggs and bacon, slowly munching on it.

"When Fell and I were younger, our dad was awful. Well one day he came home pissy. I did something to piss him off more and he threw a vase at my head! Fell then tackled our dad onto the floor. The two were practically rolling on the floor and trying to pin the other down. Fell won though and told him off. Once dad was allowed up again he stomped off and slammed the door. We didn't see him for a long while after that."

"Yeah... I guess I kinda did drive him off but, quit telling that story.  I hate it. Every time you bring him up, I want to forget about him.", Fell stopped eating, now just picking at the food. A shudder went down his spine as he rested his chin onto his hand.

Edge stands up, quickly finishing off his breakfast,"Fell , can you finish up now? I want to go while it's still early morning.", He said.

"Now? Fine whatever.", Fell finished off what he could and went upstairs to change. Edge nodded and cleaned up the dishes. He was clearly impatient, tapping his foot, constantly shifting, and pacing back and forth in the kitchen. The energetic skeleton had some type of goal in mind. Whatever it was, the more the moments passed the more he got antsy. A few minutes later Fell comes back down, dressed in a plain shirt and pants with his favorite jacket and collar.

The two headed for the door as Edge pulled Fell along,"We'll be going by my car. We'll make it. Then we can meet Puff and Classic back here.", He rambled on and on. Fell looked at Classic, clearly annoyed. The more Edge talked the more Fell looked tired and ready to get this over with. The two left, the car could be heard backing out of the driveway and zooming off.

"Finally! Now that he's gone, let's go into town! We can talk and chat about so much, Puff! I'll take you out to a few of my favorite shops and to a lovely park. Oh! There is also a fall festival starting soon. Maybe ... You can attend?"

"As much as I'd like to... I think Edge will still have a strong grip on me. You heard what he said. About how many times I fought against him. There is likely nothing you can do."

"I'll see about that...Anyways, put away the dishes. I'll get dressed and we can go out!", Classic beamed happily and got up. Setting the plates in the kitchen and rushes upstairs. Puff watched and goes to the restroom and adjust himself.

He fixed his clothes, smoothing down any wrinkles in his shirt and looking at his bruise. He turned on the sink, putting some cold water onto the bruise. It ached... Maybe he can take a painkiller. Perhaps he can just tough it out. It doesn't hurt that much. Should I cover it? It feels embarrassing that he has such a large wound on his cheek. The bruise healed somewhat after last night. Maybe nobody will notice. He shakes his head, it's fine. Why should he be bothered about this? There is nothing wrong with it. Once he cleaned up, he left the restroom to see Classic on the couch. He was in a white shirt, black shorts, and a dirty jacket.

"Classic ... When was the last time you cleaned that?"

"Maybe a few days. ", He hopped off the couch and gestured for the other to follow.

"A few days? Unbelievable.", The two stepped outside. It was a nice day.

"Before we start walking anywhere, take one of these. We don't wanna get caught off our pills...", Classic gives Puff an orange flat pill. It had a picture of a sun on it.

"Are these the sunshine pill thingys?"

"Yeah. Take them quickly and don't act suspicious. It's how me and Fell scraped by all this time.", He popped one into his mouth. A moment later it seemed to take effect. His eyes widen slightly,"You'll get used to it after a few minutes. It might 'brighten' the world slightly but nothing more will happen."

Puff nodded, putting it in his mouth. Unlike joy pills, this didn't have a protective coating on it. It tasted horrible. Like something sour. He almost gagged but managed to swallow the pill.

"Ready to go?"

"Yeah. That...tasted awful...", The two walked down the street,"Tell me about this district. Is it as good as people say it is?"

"Of course! The neighborhood is so sweet. We help one another and take care of each other. The shops around here give the greatest service. The officers around here are much sweeter. Of course there are a few bad apples but not enough to ruin the mood. Someone always throws an event around town. I'm assuming Edge might drag you along here. Maybe Fell can sweet-talk him into letting you come over. Edge might be serious about his job but from what Fell told me, Edge will always have a soft spot for his older brother. He didn't even get in trouble for having illegal pills. Edge won't admit it but, he'll let his brother slide with things like this. "

"Yeah...I noticed the most Edge did was lecture him. "

"Fell talked about Edge a lot. How he's always acting tough and like nothing bothers him. Fell mentioned how Edge was a sensitive child and would cry over the littlest things. It was kinda sad. Fell always said how Edge was sweet as a child despite all the bad stuff."

"That's nice to hear that he was a sweet kid but... If you went through what I did, maybe he isn't that sweet anymore."

"Yeah... I think I feel a little bad for Edge though. I think if maybe he wasn't... such an asshole he'd be likeable."

"I don't think he cares about being likeable...", Puff looked around as the two walked down the street. It was much calmer here then his home. People were chatting on the benches quietly, the shopkeeper waved and said ,'good morning'. They passed a few children that curiously looked up and waved. However up ahead was an officer talking to another.

"Look down and don't act suspicious...", Classic whispered. Puff nodded and tried looking straight ahead. He felt worried. What if the pill he took didn't properly work. What if they find out Puff and Classic didn't actually take joy. Will he get in trouble?? Will Edge come to help him? Would he even bother to help? He gulped and held Classic's arm as they passed. His soul felt like it was pounding.

"Hey, you. Stop for a minute.", One of the officers said. Classic and Puff paused, glancing at each other.

"I'll handle this.", Classic said quietly. He turned around with a grin,"How can I help you officer?" Puff turned around too and looked towards the floor. So many bad scenarios were playing in his head. He couldn't go back in a cell, not now.

"Is he new around here? I know everyone In this area but I don't think I've seen him before.", The officer smiled, she was almost bouncing at the heels .

"Oh? My brother? He's visiting from a neighboring district. I'm just showing him around.", Classic reached up, holding his brother's arm. Puff could feel Classic trembling.

"That's wonderful! Lovely to meet you sir.", She suddenly grabbed Puff's hand, shaking it,"If you want to go somewhere, there's a nice park down the road. There is also a nice ice cream shop that I love to take family to in the afternoon."

"O-Oh, why thank you. My brother was just showing me around the block. We'll be sure to visit the park.", Puff slowly calmed down.

The officer stepped back, dismissing them,"I can also recommend the nature trail three blocks down. We have a lovely little forest nearby. ", She waved the two off.

Classic tugged Puff off,"Oh thank you! We'll likely stop by there and just walk around. Thank you miss.", He turned and walked away quickly with Puff. He looked up at him,"You ok??", He asked.

"Yeah... Are you ok?! You were trembling harshly."

"I never get stopped by officers. When she stopped us I thought we were in trouble. I got so scared...", He pulled Puff along,"C'mon. I wanna get away from them. "

"Good idea ...", The two quickly walked down the sidewalk. Puff only looked back once to make sure they weren't being watched or followed. The two officers were far away, not paying attention to Puff and Classic. Good. No attention is good attention.

The two found themselves in front of the park,"Hey Puff...you wanna stop here for a second? We can sit at a bench and just talk."

"I'd rather walk...I wanna explore this town. Besides... the park looks beautiful. "

"Of course! They just planted new flowers here. Do you... Remember making flower crowns? You used to be so good, it was always yellow and red flowers too!"

"I remember...I loved flower crowns.", He smiled. The park had patches of white flowers, honeysuckle, red and yellow flowers. Trees casted shade over the brothers. Butterflies fluttered by and dance in the air. Puff noticed another set of footprints behind him. Not a problem. There are other people here. However the steps sounded like they kept getting closer. Puff felt uncomfortable. He felt like he was being stared at. He stepped off to the side, looking over with a smile. Maybe they want to pass?

"Oh I'm sorry. Am I in your way-.", He paused. No. No please...

"Aren't you just a polite little thing...", The other smirked, his sharp teeth grinning.

Puff never wanted to see him again. Why now?

"Oh, I just missed seeing you, beloved pet."

"I'm not your pet...", Puff's voice was shaking. He felt frozen, he couldn't move. Couldn't run. Classic noticed and stepped between Puff and the other.

"You better leave now!", Classic snapped,"After what you did to my brother, I'm going to make you pay! I'll make you pay, you are a horrid being!"

"Oh? Where's your respect for an officer? I was just walking across the street and saw Puff. I had to see if it really was him. So it's true... My little fiance is back. Did you finally admit to yourself that you needed me?"

"You're not my fiance, Raspberry!"

"Puff...sweet little pet. I don't like you raising your voice at me. Do I have to make a punishment this soon?", Raspberry's false smile was straining. Raspberry... Puff's first relationship. Puff's first lover...and first biggest mistake. First hurtful ex... Never again did Puff think he'd meet him again.

"We were supposed to have a wedding... for you to be mine forever. What happened to that? You ran away, I was heartbroken for days. I can change myself just to prove my love for you, my dear."

"I want you to leave me alone!! I can never love you again!"