𝐴/𝑁: 𝑠ℎ𝑜𝑟𝑡/𝑏𝑜𝑛𝑢𝑠 𝑐ℎ𝑎𝑝𝑡𝑒𝑟 𝑏𝑒𝑓𝑜𝑟𝑒 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑛𝑒𝑤 𝑠𝑒𝑡 𝑐𝑜𝑚𝑒𝑠 𝑜𝑢𝑡. 𝑆𝑒𝑒 𝑦𝑜𝑢 𝑎𝑔𝑎𝑖𝑛 𝑖𝑛 𝐴𝑢𝑔𝑢𝑠𝑡.

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Charles ran from the airport all the way to Lloyd's house, which wasn't far. He really couldn't believe it. As he was planning his dream wedding with his dream girl, his best friend was in pain. He didn't care about the other secret. He just cared about him being well.

It was snowing again by the time he arrived. He looked at his phone. He texted Lloyd before he started running, but he didn't respond yet. It was twelve in the afternoon. He's usually awake by then.

"Lloyd, I'm here!" He knocked on the door. "Let me in, it's cold!"

He sighed in relief when he heard footsteps on the other side. He was surprised to see James there, wearing a mask like he was. His eyes looked broken.

"James! Nice to see you, man!" He hugged him, trying to be peak inside. Everything was dark. It smelled like a church.

The other pulled him and looked at him in the eye. Charles' stomach dropped. He knew it then. James had to pick him up and drag him inside because the shorter was wailing on his knees in the snow.

"I didn't get to say goodbye..." He twisted the thread in his jacket. "...I brought him so many gifts..."

James took a shaky breath. "The guards are here, Charlie. They need to take him back to Vagu. But um.." His voice died down. He couldn't even say it.

They heard Beom screaming at the guards from upstairs to leave. They've been trying for seven hours to get the body into the white bag, but the tall man threw himself on top of his baby and refused to let him go. Marie was also there, and she wasn't surprised with the way he was acting. He acted the same way with Lily. The doctors had to promise to dress and feed her before he let her go. The mother was also acting the same. Sitting like a statue as she looked a million miles away.

From the corner of the living room, they could hear the piano playing. For a split second, happiness arrived. Charles truly believed that that was Lloyd playing his little songs, and everyone would be alright. Then he saw the Saint Jude candle flickering as he breathed, and he came back to his senses.

He heard Lloyd's favorite song playing, All I Know by Art Garfunkel. Without seeing inside the room, he knew it was François. He heard the redhead playing the first four notes before he broke down. He heard his head going down on the piano, random keys echoing with his deep sobs.

James brought him back again. "Please try talking to Sergeant Doh. He isn't listening to us..."

Almost in a trance, Charles went to the stairs. He stared at the bottom as his friend told him what had happened before he arrived. He could see Apple's tiny white hairs on the hardwood floor. He went up, counting all the steps that took away his best friend. He could imagine the fear, the pain, the misery he must've felt as he fell.

He paused when he heard Valentino and White crying in the other room. He considered going in, but when he heard Beom start to raise his voice again, he opened the bedroom door.

"Sir, we need the body. The queen-"

"-no! He's my son! You're going to take him away from me!"

Beom was on top of him, shielding him from the two guards. It smelled like jasmine and rosemary. The only light source was the candles around him. Charles didn't want to look, but he did. His best friend in the whole world was bruised, his eyes were open and black, his hair was brushed and neatly hanging over his pillow, his fingers and lips were beginning to turn black, yet he still looked beautiful. It was almost unreal. Nothing this beautiful should exist.

"Oh, Charles!" He jumped when Beom grabbed his arm and pulled him close to Lloyd. He didn't want to be near him. "Tell them not to take Lloyd! They want to make him cold and-and put him in a bag! Tell them not to!"

Charles looked at the tired and pitful guards, at the absent Marie, then over at the crying Beom. He opened the drawer and pulled out Lloyd's tape recorder. He listened to it before going to the tape left for his parents.

"Mama and Appa, can you hear this?"

They both turned to Lloyd. They looked at his mouth, unmoving and folded into a gentle smile. They realized it was the recording. Marie covered her eyes and started to cry again.

"I know that by the time you listen to this, I passed away. I know that isn't easy to hear, but it's true."

Beom looked on, still holding into his son.

"I love you both very much, do you know that? I know I've been very difficult. I know I've put you through very hard times. And yet, you've still loved me. I can't tell you all the wonderful things I usually tell you anymore. Will you still love me now?"

They both spoke their native languages. "Yes."

Charles and the guards looked on, speechless.

"I know this time will be very hard for you. Appa, please take care of Mama. Mama, please take care of Appa. You can't give up, I don't want you to. Life will go on. It's okay to smile, to laugh, and I won't be upset with your happiness. You deserve happiness."

We've lost them before. You've lost children before."

Charles teared up when he heard Lloyd's voice break. The parents didn't move a muscle.

"I know that each time, it was difficult. I've seen how you both react to their names. You've never forgotten them. Don't forget about me either, okay?"

He saw Marie nod slightly.

"Don't forget about the happy memories we've had. Remember when I was small, and we would paint together? I know you both still have my stupid drawings. How about those times when Appa would tell me stories before bed? Those were fun. I remember those. When I was in the war, I would think about you. You got me through it. You gave me a reason to try not to die."

However, don't remember those sad times. The times when we were all separated. Our arguments. Our bad days. You need to remember those. We need to have bad memories so we can have good ones. We need to let it rain before you see flowers. Winter comes before spring."

They can't forget about the bad memories. They remember being without Lloyd for nine years. They were scared for him. They felt guilty for needing to leave him. They remember all the things that Annie told them in her will about Lloyd that he never told them. He used to move his dresser to block the door at night, hiding food in his room in fear of not eating, playing with himself inappropriately despite not knowing what sex was yet. They remember those horrible three years of him being at war. The sleepless nights of dread, those phonecalls, standing in the town square as they passed out the newspapers of who died during battles and hoping his name wouldn't be there.

They won't never forget those happy memories, some where Lloyd was too little to remember. Holding him for the first time, giving him his first bath, his first food, his first everything. The memory of going to a school event and watching him play the piano, cheering and clapping the loudest. His speech before the planecrash almost took him away. His wedding, his royalty, all those beautiful memories that will never leave their hearts.

"I forgive you for leaving me. I'm not going to lie, I was bitter for years. But over time, I learned how life can ruin all those plans we have. Forgiveness is love, and I really love you.

Please know, Mama, that I'm not angry with you. I know that this time was very hard. I'm not mad at you for getting treatment. You weren't mad at me for mine either. Take as long as you need, but keep Appa in your heart. He needs someone, too."

The guards slowly itched towards Beom.

"Appa, I have a feeling that letting go of me will be extremely difficult for you. You have to let me go. I wish the roles were reversed so you wouldn't have to do this a sixth time. They should be, but life sometimes isn't kind.

You need to let me go, both of you do. You will get through this, I know you will. Don't let grief get the better of you. Life goes on, and so should you."

Beom looked over at the body as the recording stopped. Marie slowly stood up and whispered something to him as she patted his back. It caused him to cry, but to also gently pick up his son and turn to the guards.

"If I give her to you," his voice was light as he bounced Lloyd like a baby. "...do you promise to keep him warm? He..he hates being cold..."

The guards looked at each other before nodding. Both were young men and childless, yet touched by the scene.

Beom began to give him to them, then stopped. "Make sure their blanket stays on."

"..yes, sir. You may come with us, if-"

"-yes." Marie was carrying Apple in her arms, who was covered in the blanket Lloyd fell in.

Slowly, he gave Lloyd to the guard. The guard didn't put him in the bag yet. They walked out so the others could say goodbye. White made sure he took his favorite book with him, Valentino put on his best pair of earrings on his little brother, James only stared, and Charles prayed over him. They were going to go to François but were told no. He didn't want to see him like that. He was the only one who didn't talk to Beom before because he didn't want to see his husband in such a state.

Charles watched from the window. They were in the carriage. He saw Lloyd for the last time. He was being hugged by his mother as they drove off.

"Thank you." James stood between him.

He covered his eyes, laid his head down, and wept.

------

When Aurora woke up, she wanted to cry. She looked in the mirror and gasped. She was stunning! She never thought she could be beautiful like everyone else. She had pale skin, a pointy nose, big brown eyes, long silky black hair, pink lips, and all those wonderful things that make women happy. She touched those strange circles on her chest and laughed.

"Oh wow!" She covered her mouth. Her voice was gentle and soft, just like she imagined she would sound.

Suddenly, a naked woman came into the room. The whisper woman.

"Know no evil."

She disappeared as another woman opened the door. Aurora jumped as she fussed over her, helping her stand and getting a bath ready for her. The woman was old, wrinky, gray-haired, gray-eyed, and plump.

"You're gorgeous." Aurora spoke without thinking. She didn't know the language she was speaking, but it felt so nice to talk.

The old woman turned to her and smiled. "Well, aren't you kind, darling! What's your name?"

"Oh, um, it's Aurora Doh."

"Here, Aurora, take off your clothes and allow me to help you bathe."

She turned her back as the other took off the white nightgown. She looked so beautiful. She had long legs, pretty hands, and a sharp jawline. She stepped in the water and giggled. She never knew what water was before. It felt strange but also fun. The old maid admired her. She really was a sight to see.

"Where did you come from? Miss. Jóhanna found you half frozen to death in the snow two days ago!" She poured water on her head.

Suddenly, those twenty-five years of heartache and bitterness were gone. However, something inside of her came up with a story.

"My parents kept me sheltered. I was mistreated and never told about the outside world. Then, suddenly, my father killed my brother, and I ran away. That's how I ended up there."

The maid shook her head and expressed sympathy as the younger woman remained puzzled. That came out of nowhere. She knows Lloyd's her brother, but she doesn't know who her parents are. The bath finished, and she wrapped herself in a towel. She then opened the toilet and threw up.

"Oh my goodness, love! Are you alright?" The maid led her back into the room and helped her sit on her bed.

"Yeah, my stomach feels strange."

The older woman stopped going through clothes. The womanly instinct kicked in.

"My love, do you know what sex is?" She slowly went up to her.

"No? What's that?"

The maid had to explain what that was and help her take a pregnancy test. Aurora thought the liquid coming out of her looked gross. The maid nearly cried for her when it came back positive.

"Aurora, dear, you're going to have a child." Her voice was deep.

She couldn't believe it. She was going to have a baby! She could love it, spoil it, she could give it all the love she never had.

The maid had her head down. "Do you know who could've done this?"

She thought for a minute, then explained how when she was semi-conscious, she thought she saw a man standing over her. The maid burst into tears.

Meanwhile, Jóhanna sat at the dining table as her mother continued to scold her like she did every morning. She hears the same thing every day and was growing more and more tired of her rant.

"You are twenty-six years old and still not married! I want grandbabies!" Her mother huffed as the cook made breakfast. "And now, you bring some mysterious girl home instead of a spouse!"

Her daughter rolled her eyes. "Jeez, mamma. I couldn't let her freeze! Besides, she's too beautiful for that."

She blushed as the other shook her head. She still can't believe it. She was out with her dog when all of a sudden the husky started barking and leading her towards this mysterious stranger in a pink ballgown. She picked her up and carried her home. She was so pretty, she nearly melted when she put her hand on her chest.

"Look, you're pansexual, correct?"

She leaned back on her chair. "Já."

"And pansexuals like everything, right?!"

"Jáááá."

Her mother huffed again. "Then why don't you have any partner?! You could marry a woman, a man, whatever you like and I'll be fine with it! You just can't never marry!" She touched her long face. "You're not ugly. You're a very pretty girl! Many men have fought over you, and you've rejected them! What is it that you want in a partner?! Anything at all, and I'll find it for you!"

Jóhanna smiled as the cook handed her breakfast and then glared at her mother. "I'll know when I see it! Now pl-"

The maid came in. "Excuse me, I must inform you of the stranger."

"Yes, please do. What's her name?"

"Oh, Aurora Doh." The blonde woman blushed. Just as beautiful as her name. "She's pregnant, but she doesn't know what sex is."

She immediately burst into laughter. "What?! How could she not know!"

Her mother gave her a face. "Jóhanna." It kicked in, making her feel like an asshole for laughing.

The maid continued. "She's very native, but that's not her fault. She was kept away in her house and not allowed to go to school, though she is very intelligent. She told me a lot about herself."

"Like?"

Aurora overheard them talking as she slowly walked towards the dining room. She thought the woman who saved her was a piece from heaven. She had long blonde eyelashes and white skin. She was thin and tall. She had long blonde hair she kept in a ponytail. She had eyes like the ocean. She could hear her speak with the maid as she told the backstory. She sounded so kind.

"She likes the color pink, sunrises, rocks, and dirt, for some reason. And, she likes women."

And of course, Jóhanna's mother said, "Y'know, she sounds like a bride..."

Her daughter groaned and slammed her cup on the table. "Oh my God, mom! Enough with the marriage stuff!"

"Um, excuse me?" They all turned to Aurora, who was hiding in the dark. "May I come in?"

The maid waited for the oldest one to nod before she went to Aurora, Jóhanna blushing at the sound of her voice. She stood up to greet her.

Aurora looked jawdropping. She had her long hair braided and was wearing a gold hairpiece, black leggings, a purple sweater, and a gold chain. She caught the other staring, and she turned away, covering her smile with her hand.

"Um, h-hello, Aurora." She kissed her hand, the other blushing from the sudden attention.

Not knowing what else to do, she did the same thing to her. Jóhanna's mother smirked.

"Hello. Miss. Doh. Nice to see you're doing well."

"Nice to see you too."

The husky came running in to greet Aurora, who became frightened and grabbed the other's arm. She had never seen a dog before.

"Down, boy!" The dog, Fishy, didn't listen and licked the guest's hands. "I'm so sorry. He doesn't bite. He's all bark, really."

The other rubbed his chest. "It's okay. He looks so cute!" Fishy showed his belly to her and she rubbed it. Everyone else was shocked. It took him forever to like someone new, yet he only met her for maybe a few seconds and was already letting her rub him.

Jóhanna was especially happy by this. She turned to talk to her but lost her words. She felt like she was standing next to a goddess and had no idea what to do. The other smiled and looked away. She didn't know what else new feelings were.

'She looks very beautiful, Jó." Jóhanna's ears almost ran away. "And she likes you an awfully lot..."

She glared at her, who looked smug. She'll never hear the end of this until she does what she wants. Aurora was busying playing with Fishy.

"Well, I'm going to marry her!" She grabbed Aurora's hand as everyone gasped. "And I will raise her child as my own!"

Her mother was overjoyed, congratting them. She was finally getting her wish. Aurora, who didn't know what marriage was, was just happy everyone was being so kind to her.

-------

Lloyd woke up in a place he didn't recognize. He felt cold, alone, and completely confused. He didn't know what had happened.

He looked around. He saw stars and planets. He didn't understand. Where were his parents? His siblings? His spouse?

He sat up, realizing he was sitting on a star. He felt fear again, and disgust. He was back in the form Jo gave him. He didn't mind it, but it was another reminder of brother. The person who was supposed to protect him hurt him. It wasn't the first time, though.

He tried to get up but couldn't. He looked down and screamed. He hated snakes, yet his legs turned into a snake's tail. He didn't understand anything that was going on.

He heard barking and looked up. Apple was running to him faster than she ever did. He laughed and opened his four arms for her to jump. She was crying and kissing his face. He stroked her chest, happy to have something familiar with him.

"Good morning, Lloyd."