𝐃𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐟𝐢𝐬𝐡 𝐈𝐧 𝐚 𝐂𝐨𝐥𝐝 𝐏𝐚𝐧

✧[046]✧

A hand stroked up and down the fabric of your uniform, although you weren't entirely aware of such. The gentle pale fairy smiled at your slumber, head on his lap, he couldn't help but find himself thinking about his boys and how much they've grown. They used to be just like you in this moment.

Twirling bits of your hair through his fingers, he felt the weight of time upon his shoulders. She leaned on him, her incredible weight finally gaining on him. She was not catching up to him, for she was already there, against his back as his hands were against your own. He wanted to shoo her away, yet her touch was teasingly gentle.

She wrapped her arms around him and he could only resume his silence, the sight of you finally making words come to mind, "I'm getting old, oh, who am I kidding? I already am old... I fear that... That I may not linger on this plane as long as certain people wish me too."

You didn't realize, of course. He was happy you didn't. The sounds of your breathing were like a lifeline to him. He needed to hear it, for his heart wouldn't pound without. It was just like Silver when he was a boy. You were just like him in Lilia's eyes, a piece of that fleeting youth. That fleeting breath that went along with it didn't help, you weren't like him, not was silver.

"Sweet thing... I am truly sorry for hurting you. I let certain traits of mine get the best of me. "

No, you weren't like fae. You had limited breaths. So few. So little time to learn the world, it was cruel for your fleeting beauty to exist. Yet, it did. Humanity even before the war, was beautiful and evanescent. He pulled you up while scotching himself down so he could cradle you in his arms.

"Seeing you like this reminds me of when Silver was just a small boy. I mourn for those days... Time is suddenly going by to quickly for my liking, dear." He smoothed your hair back, listening to you breathe for that was one of the only lullabies he couldn't sing himself.

He planted gentle kisses the top of your head, the tips of your ears, and your hands. How sweet you were. He wished you would stay longer. For in his heart, he could tell that out off all people in this school, you were more fleeting then he. If it be you who leaves first, he'd mourn. Not just for you but for the dozens of people's who's hearts been taken hostage by you. Who's souls have been caressed with the light of a shining star.

"Sweet dreams, [Name]."

"I don't understand why you tolerate my son." The strong voice of his mother remarked, her sleeves were rolled up and despite having a singular maid, she was the one who was cutting carrots and preparing dinner. [Redacted] was no where to be seen. He had long since disappeared into the woods, leaving you at his house like a toy for later. Something to come back and play with.

"I... I should be grateful for you, really. I know I must've come off as unpleasant in past circumstances. But without you, he truly has nobody." She cut the carrots angrily, occasionally, you could see her look up at the the ceiling, as if to choke back a type of sadness.

"It's been years already and you both are going off to highschool now. I'm questioning if it's worth it. If... If society is ready for that little monster-" The way she had spoke had started as a soft murmur that shifted into a tide of emotion, she had halted when the blade of the knife knicked her thumb a bit. She sighed, shaking it off and resuming.

"He doesn't feel you know. I'm sure you've seen it first hand already. Nutty child, cruel one, really. He was not ment for this life. No, not deserving." You peeled the exterior of onions as she stared at the knife within her fingers with a solemn expression, turning towards you.

"This is a lot to ask of you, dear. But I've known you for a while. Can you do sometime for me?" You nodded, not wanting to interrupt her tangent, occasionally glancing out the kitchens window to see if he had returned, "Can you look after him? Please. He's... Not accustomed to those public situations and needs guidance."

"Yes, I can down that for you..."

"I know it's taxing." She blurted out quickly, "I know, you know. I just... Ever since Abel. He's never been the same. He never will be."

"Ever since... Who?" She placed the knife down and lifted the cutting board, dumping the contents of teh carrots into the stew, ignoring your words. Looking out the window, you saw no signs of him. All you could see were blood tainted bark on nearby trees, all of which having come from his obsession with hunting.

So many beautiful birds, so many animals had their lives rung out by his hands, like a cold wet rag after a soak. He had stood that the doorway to the room, looking between you and his mother, but not saying a word as you glanced at him. His mother turned towards you, kneeling to your height. You felt her hands cup your cheeks, the warmth of her fingers as she leaned into you and without a moment of hesitation, she said...

"Sometimes I wish... My child was you."

"I wish... I wish to tell the sky a confession on this night. I had thought about revealing who you were in your weaknesses. I thought you... I thought you'd be the solution to the pains of Malleus. Not to mention, if you were a girl, if you are one, it would've made my job easier. I don't wish to use you in such a way but..."

"I thought for a while that keeping you here idly wasn't so bad. I thought that maybe... I could keep you. But that's cruel. I won't be the one to do that. Your youth would slip through my fingers like sand... So, no. Not me.
But If can't keep you, I have no qualms against Malleus words. If he so wish to keep you, it'll be done before you can object. You are just the thing he needs... But how come some things always come at a cost?"