Spirit Animal Ficlets

Family Approval

Shane was worried when uncle Gar had gotten him from the castle. Conor had greeted him "Hello! You must Shane's father," He said.

Gar raised an eyebrow "I'm his uncle, his parents passed when he was younger," he replied.

Shane flushed red at his cheeks. He felt embrassed because he had never told Conor anything about his family. His family had been the one in charge before Conor's family two hundred years ago. When King Felindor became a dictator and the people over threw him. That was two hundred years ago but Gar was hinged on getting into the Royal family and become the ruling house once again.

That and Shane never liked talking about his parents deaths. It was a sore spot especially since he and his sister never knew anything about their parents.

Conor's eyes briefly looked to Shane but he couldn't make eye contact "I'm sorry about assuming," he replied.

Gar waved dismissively "No harm, we do not speak if their passing as most families," he said.

Shane approached Gar "Are you ready to go Uncle?" He asked, his stomach twisted in a knot.

A glint was the older man's eyes. That 'This Is Our Chance' glint that he got when talking about becoming the Royal family "Actually, I was wondering if his young majesty would be so generous as to giving me a tour about the castle. I could help him understand your condition more in exchange for it," Gar purred, his devious voice making an appearance.

Shane looked to Conor, knowing what game his uncle was playing at. The prince's eyes were lit up with excitement and eagerness. He smiled "It is very big but I'm sure a quick tour isn't much harm," he replied.

Shane didn't follow, he didn't want to listen to their conversation about him or the Royal life. Instead he exited the castle and sat on the cart, where he waited for the pair to return. He didn't care how long it would take if Shane had to wait well into the night then he would.

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His uncle came back a few hours later. The older man stepped up onto the cart and took his place at the leading seat. Gar looked at Shane, arms crossed and eyes cast to his feet, he looked ahead "That Prince is a very fond boy," he remarked as the horse began trotting forward.

Shane didn't saying anything still silently fuming about what had happen. Gar watched the horse "He likes you a lot from what I can tell."

Silence remained as the response then "You're doing it again."

Shane was still looking at the floor but his anger fumed off in waves "You're wanting to use him like every friend I ever have."

A familiar conversation. The same old argument that they always have. A trap, a lure, a lie. Shane gets a friend, Gar starts using their interest to ensnare them, they fall for it every time, realize what happened, and cuts ties with Shane.

The problem was, Shane really liked Conor but he wasn't certain that Conor liked him not the boy Shane, the blond hair and blue eyes. The one everybody knew. Gar gave the horse a light whip, picking up speed "I think he enjoyed learning more about you. Mentioned he doesn't know that much," he said.

Shane felt his anger simmer "Um," he shifted "I haven't said much about home or myself."

"And why?"

"I dunno."

Gar nodded "I'll believe that..." Shane sighed "For now."