#its good they have Chris and Hayle home

[izayoichan]

The picture book 🎶

Flynn: So this is? Hayle: Well, a little welcome home present for you, its both some pictures we had from when your mom was little, and some from when you were little. Flynn: Oh... They had been called to come visit by them both, not quite sure what to expect when they had arrived. A picture book was not quite what he had expected.

Hayle: The first three are some pictures of your mom, the rest we have of him and Hayden you have seen, but these were just of him. Flynn: Wow he liked making messes didn’t he?  Chris: Yeah, all the time, it drove your grampa fairly insane at times. Flynn: Did you ever get mad? Hayle: Often, and he got sad and said sorry, and then two minutes later, there it was again. Flynn chuckled, hearing about this side of his mom, although they were very young at the time, was fun. Flynn: What is this one? Hayle: Oh, thats the one Hayden found in a book, it was the first picture he talked him into taking, the one that started his modeling career. Flynn: Wow.. Chris: He was very uncertain about it, but Hayden was sure, so they sent this and some others, and got asked for more. Flynn: I do look a little l ike him, don’t i? Hayle: You do, but you also have River in there, a good mix I’d say. Flynn smiled, watching the rest of the pictures. Several was of him with either Chris or Hayle, or his dad, and some were of course with him and Fannar being up to all manners of sillyness. Flynn: I wish I remembered this one. Chris: Your dad wishes to forget it forever! Flynn: How long did it take him to clean us both? Hayle: Hours, and still Vy found specs of paint on Fan and asked what had happened. The picture was of the two off them, sitting in the middle of a pile of opened paintcans in all colors, and at best, you could simply say they were both very colorfull. Flynn: Poor dad. Hayle: He did laugh at first though. Flynn chuckled as he could just imagine his dad finding it fun, then realizing Vy might not. He could also imagine how fun it would be to try and wash two unruly toddlers, even with magic.

Flynn: Thanks, I think I want to show this to my dad later.

He stayed a while longer, just chatting with his grandparets, a little about his mom, his childhood, and of course they asked about him and Emil. Then, much later than planned, he made his way home, deciding to show Emil his new treasure first.

(Poses are by @simmireen )

[londontheatre]

If there was an overarching theme in Play Time, bringing together eight short plays in a single ‘scratch night’, I couldn’t detect one. There were, although probably inadvertent, some discernible links between the plays, where they covered similar ground. The evening managed to remain interesting, despite the disparateness of the separate plays, this being very much an example of variety being the spice of life.

Frenemies by Jonathan Skinner involved some dark humour. Quickly establishing an ‘us’ and ‘them’, two couples, Roger (David Gurney) and Janet (Charlotte Warner) invite Andy (Turan Duncan) and Scarlett (Hollie Hayles) over for dinner. While relations between the quartet are cordial at face value, the discussion the couples have, separately, in the comfort of their own homes, reveals they don’t enjoy each other’s company as much as they claim publicly. But then, “Lying’s easier”, even when it comes to Roger’s cooking, which, largely thanks to its avant-garde nature, is to be endured rather than enjoyed. This is a very British play, in its many idiosyncrasies, and one where what is left unsaid speaks as much as what is said.

Everything You Ever Needed To Know About Ants by Tom Powell told me nothing about ants. The ‘fun trivia’ from host Kate Dolan in her preamble to this play was more revealing. Two friends, played by Nat Johnson and Joyce Hope, have bought a house together. Rather than tiptoeing around difficult issues relating to their moving in (to the house) and moving on (with their careers), theirs a bluntness both refreshing and brutal. “You’re not very supportable,” one says to the other. “You’re not very likeable.” On one level, this play makes the same point as the previous one, namely that truth is always better than fabrication. On another, it’s a coming-of- age story: they’ve realised, having reminisced on childhood memories and dreams, that life doesn’t always turn out as they had hoped it would as youngsters.

Sharing Life by Sarah Power took a different angle on awkwardness in social situations. While a lot of plays portray uneasiness in novel circumstances, such as a first date, this one sees a couple played by Olivia Foan and Abe Buckoke, already in a long-term relationship, misread one another. There are many elements in this play that are relatable, whether it’s the mundane things like ensuring the recycling is sorted properly for collection day, or (a particular bugbear of mine) trying to get the bill for a restaurant meal in an understaffed establishment, or more serious matters, such as whether it is financially viable to start a family at a given point. A lot of ‘what if’s in this play, which asks far more questions than it answers.

Amser’s Adventure by Jack Bradfield seemed to pack a tad too much into a short play, such that it was, to be frank, baffling. A computer game engineer, played by Imogen Allen, describes at least two different games, in terms of the level of complexity involved as the games progress. Not even the sky is the limit when it comes to imagination and creativity, and it seemed to me that these games are a form of escapism for some as much as theatre is a form of escapism for others. Not knowing much about gaming, some of the references to other games and game-makers were somewhat lost on me. While there was enough description to understand the games themselves, I had difficulty detecting any kind of message or deeper meaning behind creating entertainment for gamers.

Blue Eyes by Katie Sherrard and Phoebe Sparrow was an extreme example of the bizarre job interview. This wasn’t one where questions of an overly personal nature were asked (as far as I recall). Lucy Stanford (Katie Sherrard) is up for a role in a motion picture. A highly pretentious screen test, with a casting agent played by Tripti Triperaneni, provided good entertainment for the audience and became increasingly absurd as it went on. In an industry where supply significant exceeds demand, the play seems to ask how far performers should be prepared to go for their craft. The audience here never discovered for certain whether Lucy did proceed to play a part she quite vehemently expressed displeasure at being put forward for, and there seemed more scope with this play than any other to develop the plot into a full-length production.

The Underwhelming Adventures of Prozac Man and Low Self Esteem Boy by Samson Hawkins certainly lived up to its name. Taking a leaf out of The Book of Mormon musical, Prozac Man (Alex Stevens) and Self Esteem Boy (Samson Hawkins) sing lyrics that do not necessarily tie up well (that is, at all) with the music. Full of fun and frolics, this is the sort of thing that would do very well at something like the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. The comic timings need tweaking here and there, but it’s one of those shows where attempts to think too carefully about what is actually going on are futile. Just go with the flow, the rapport with the audience is there. It’s silly and it knows it, and had the best line of the evening, exposing a hole in the staging of quite a few shows. “I’ve got to leave the room for absolutely no reason and I’ll come back when the phone conversation ends.”

Cake and Cancer by Tiffany Bowman considers the psychology of lying. The plot itself as a whole wasn’t as convincing as it could have been. Francesca Isherwood and Zoe Biles play good friends. Isherwood’s character, Maisie, was diagnosed with cancer, but this later turned out to be a misdiagnosis. But as so many people were being so nice, offering gifts, condolences and money, the pretence was kept up. Her friend is understandably angry at having found out the truth from a third party source, but appears only to express frustration by use of the F-word. (I counted four in a single breath. What for?) It was, at least, an intriguing observation into how looking out for number one in the short-term can have disastrous consequences in the long run.

Stockfordian by Kevin Cuffe sees a transient family moving to increasingly unsanitary conditions before ending up absurdly living in a public toilet. Eric (Nicholas Halliwell) and what I assumed to be younger siblings, played by Christina Baston and James Russell-Morley, encounter Jason Manford (the comedian and broadcaster, who does not actually make an appearance in any shape or form). He comes in, uses the conveniences, and leaves, without a word. Even more bizarrely, Eric rages at Manford for not speaking to him in a ‘do you know who I am?’ rant. But why would Manford, or any other television personality, know who Eric is? Knowing he has failed at life, Eric later stands at the top of a tall building, ready to plunge. The show ends, as it were, on a cliffhanger: does he jump or doesn’t he? A mixture of eccentricity and peculiarity combine in a play whose lead character only wants to live, and die, by extremes.

Overall, this was a fascinating evening, providing much food for thought, and much animated discussion afterwards: it was more than 90 minutes after curtain call that I finally left the venue, having exchanged myriad opinions with performers, directors and audience members. That’s how nights like this ought to be, providing so much to talk about whether in the venue or between friends on the train home. Or, in a few cases, both.

Review by Chris Omaweng

8 short plays by some of the UK’s most promising playwrights & companies brought to one of London’s most exciting venues. This production of playtime is presented by comedienne Kate Dolan who will bring her mix of self-deprecating humor and straight up insults to keep the momentum going.

Playwrights Samson Hawkins, Jack Bradfield, Kevin Cuffe, Tom Powell, Tiffany Bowman, Katie Sherrad, Jonathon Skinner & Sarah Power. Producer Second Sons Theatre Company

11th June 2017 2 Hours (Including Interval) Running time

The Bunker, 53a Southwark Street, SE1 1RU http://ift.tt/2swAQiE http://ift.tt/2rdArhf

http://ift.tt/2swmYoK LondonTheatre1.com

[izayoichan]

🎶

Flynn shook his head, handing a little treat to Lobo, who was doing his normal rounds to fish for scraps. Felix was watching them all for a box, he would of course stay home, and make sure no one stole their presents while they were all away. After some chatting, planning, begging and eating, they were all ready to go. Chris excused himself, telling them he would be joining them in a bit, meaning he had other work he had to do first. 

Hayle: You watch everything right? Felix: As always. Hayle: Good, we’ll be home soon enough. 

He curled up in his box, watching them as they left, sensing that there was now only him and one more in the house, he could always sense that dragon that Flynn had somehow, it was easy to feel its energy. 

Flynn: I think Lucas is already here.  Lobo: Yep!

The instant Flynn opened the door, Lobo ran into the back, where much as he expected he found Lucas, having taken out a couple of the dogs that were to be adopted out early so they would be nice and calm when their new owners came. 

Lucas: Hello old man. Lobo: Lucas! Lucas:-chuckles as he finds his arms full and his face licked.- Yes, hello. 

Flynn just shook his head as he and Fannar joined Lucas outside, helping him get the dogs exercised, washed and ready. Much like River had hoped, the kids and Lucas had become friends, Lucas often sending them pictures from concerts, and spending time with them when they were home from university. They often ended up watching movies with them in his movie room, after making it clear to his bosses that he would have them over. Sometimes River joined them as well, but it was mostly the three of them, or the five whenever Arlene and Eltanin wanted to come as well. Lucas and River had their coffee meetups when he was at the shelter, and they had some lunches or dinners as friends after work. Flynn jokingly said they were working their way up to dating which had both of them chuckle. 

Lobo: Visitors!! Fann: We’ll handle it, you go check on the magical ones? Lucas: Deal. 

He still kept in the background, so when people came to adopt, he often went to take care of the familiars, which he had proven quite proficient off. Hayden welcomed the ones entering the shelter, a young girl with almost sparkling eyes was clearly ready for what was to come.

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[izayoichan]

Fannar: Yeah, cya in a couple of weeks uncle River. 

They smile, putting their hands on their mom’s shoulders as they all go through the portal. 

Hayle: Call us if you need us. 

He smiles at River before he puts a hand on Meadow’s shoulder taking her through, leaving only Chris behind.

Chris: You take good care of yourself, and as my husband said, call us if you need us.

River: I will, have fun!

He waves them goodbye as he watches the portal close behind them. He sighs once they are gone and looks around the empty home. It suddenly felt very empty and lonely in there, so he decided to call his mom and head to the shelter.

Flynn: Wow! 

Flynn stares at the huge house in front of him, sounds of water from the many ponds filling his ears. 

Fannar: Se all safe and.. Wow!

Vy holds onto Hayden, making a scared shrill as they cross over, closing his eyes shut until he feels that unnatural queasiness of the portal passes away. Slowly, he opens his eyes and looks for his stars. Smiling at Fannar's words, then he looks at the twins and Hayden, finally looking ahead at the house and landscape around them.

Vy: So pretty! There's snow, Hay Hay! You'll be well here! Hayden: Yeah, we checked before we left, its colder here even in summer than where we live, and the mountain top always has snow. 

He smiles at Vy, taking his hand, squeezing it. 

Hayden: I will indeed be well here, so we can all enjoy a holiday. Eltanin: Oh! The house looks big! Let's go find out room!

He pulls Arlene's arm towards the house

Eltanin: Granpa, granpa! Let's go find out rooms!

He pushes Chris, so he pulls Hayle towards the house.

Meadow: Will you look at this. 

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[izayoichan]

Flynn: And can you stay here the rest of the night? River: of course I'll stay with you tonight. I'm not going anywhere. And I think we can help it…

He looked at the whimpering dragon and sat on the bed, making room for Flynn and patting the bed. The little dragon watching them, something River noticed. 

River: I was sent there to kill it, you know. Not just check on it. It had killed two mages and I was to kill it. But then I saw the eggs... Someone did something horrible to it... And it's angry at the world for it. I think with time and dedication it might work. I mean, it stopped. It could have but it didn't kill you. Those claws could have killed you. But it did not. I think, deep inside, it wants help... 

He let his fingers run through his son’s hair, he really did remind him so much off Rylan right now. Vy stops. Watching his child run away. Eyes wide as the guilt wraps around their heart. He closed his eyes, wanting to chase after their son, explain to them why he had done what he did. Make it clear to him, but his words stung and hurt for Vy felt them too. He felt the guilt of having hurt the dragon, but he had to. He had to protect his family

Vy: L-let them rest a little... I'll... I…

He fidgeted with his fingers and turned around walking to his side of the house, tears pooling up in his eyes. Chris put hand on Vy's shoulder, having easily caught up to him when he walked, pulling Vy into  his arms and just hugging him. 

Chris: They don't mean it, you know that, its fear and shock that's talking. And they may not realize it, but they need their mom.

He smiles at Vy, it felt oddly good to be back home, and be able to be there for these moments. 

Chris: They are in my and Hayle's bedroom if you choose to. Vy: I know I was mean. I know they asked but... They don't understand. Dragons don't harm children, only monsters and beasts do that... It's dangerous, I know what it was planning to do. I needed to make sure it wouldn't try to hurt them again...

He fidgeted with his fingers, thankful for the hug, thankful for Chris's words. He didn't want to think that his son might hate him now.

Vy: I want to go to them. But they hate me right now... I know they do.  Chris: They don't hate you, they're shocked, scared and confused and shouldn't be alone right now, they need their parents to sit down with them and talk.

He hugs Vy again, seeing how nervous they are. 

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[izayoichan]

“You really do like to try everything, don't you little star.” “All the noms!! I can taste the soup?”

Everyone smiled as one thing they had come to know was that this little one was not a picky eater. He would literally eat anything they gave him. The only thing was that Vy was sometimes worried they would over eat, so he tried his best to keep it in moderation. 

“You want a bite of mine, lil lizard?”

River winks at Fannar. His food was still less tempered than the others and he found it cute how Vy made sure to always make his food more mild or different tasting.

“I guarantee it's good, there's nothing your mom does that isn't good, he's uncle Rylan's teacher, I mean, and he cooks perfectly. I can't wait to eat your food again.” “Yes! Can I please?” “I can't wait to be able to cook again.”

Rylan smiles, watching Fannar getting a bit of soup to taste and a small piece of the food made for River.

“Next year I'll compete with you for the "I want to taste everything" prize.”

He chuckles, leaning his head on River's shoulder for a bit, pausing a bit on the food front as he often does. River gently runs a hand through Rylan’s hair as he rests, knowing he needs it to be able to finnish his meal. 

“Were all spoiled with out own family chefs really, its very different to how we just bought everything.”

Hayden leans over to Vy and kisses his cheek. 

“And all thanks to you.” “Oh come now, it was still good food, not as good, but still good.”

Hayle chuckles, feeling he has to defend their earlier food choices. Neither he or Chris could cook at the time, so they did the thing they were pretty good with doing, buying the tasty things instead. He had to admit though, that home cooked was better. Vy just smiles at them, happy they all like his cooking, happy to be able to do this with his family. 

“We have cookies too! Uncle Rylan helped with them!” “Yes, we made cookies earlier today.”

It was cute how he considered what Rylan had done helping, all he did was help then use the cookie cutters and put it on a tray, while they all did everything else. 

“Christmas cookies with chocolate chips and everything.” “Cookies!!” “And a certain little star already had his share of cookies, and cookie dough from memory. It feels good though tomorrow it's just food, and maybe some home made mint, and then we're all good and ready.” “Yep, I think it was a good idea to start earlier, I think specially the little one has gotten more out of it that way.”

Hayle smiles, remembering their little cookie making adventure as well. It was odd, the dough was just as good as the cookies in his mind at least. 

“Oh, no more batter for you, little star! You'll get unwell eating like that and won't be able to have all the sweets I have been making for tomorrow. Though, before we go to sleep, you're allowed to have two cookies and some milk. Just two though. We need to leave enough for Father Winter after all.”

There is a small pouty face from said little star, but then he again grins widely

“Yay! I get cookies!”

River chuckles, just shaking his head at it, as Rylan goes back to his food. They had talked about presents, and like Ward family tradition was, they would be opening them on Christmas eve. He had also delivered their present to his mom and to his little sister earlier. Rylan had made them a picture book from the wedding, and of course a princess dress for a certain princess. 

They chatter for a while, before they all go to the living room, Rylan lying in River’s arms as Christmas calm descends on them all. Fannar happily munching his two promised cookies, helping his grandpa setting up the last few bits and pieces. Vy let's Fannar stay up longer than normal, but in the end, he is out of energy, sleeping soundly with his grandpa, for a minute or two both Vy and Hayden ponder on letting them stay, but decide he needs to sleep in his room. Hayle looks at them as they head to their sides, Rylan being carried by River, having fallen asleep as well, while Fannar is carried up to his room by his parents. Hayle going to stand by the window, looking up at the starry skies above, his thoughts once again going to his husband and how he is doing. 

🎶

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[izayoichan]

“Come on... let's go home, you have a husband that might wake up soon, and he would miss you.” “Okay.”

Chris smiles at his son, having helped Hayle and him swap places.

“There, and no more life energy from you, he'll slowly heal on his own, and it does no one any good if you become sick.”  “Okay dad.”

He rests one hand over River, putting on the tv, just finding some silly tv series and putting the sound on low so it wouldn't disturb River. Vy presses one finger against the child's heart, light shining between his finger and his child, a memory vivid, of red stars and great nebula's, full of color, other dragons flying, dragging stars, planets, galaxies behind them, their mother holding all her stars, and she does the same with Vy, before the dark came to eat the stars. Vy's eyes shine up and so does Fannar's, generations of knowledge passing between them. Vy's eyes go to normal and he pulls his finger back. His child would access the knowledge as it needed it, and much like Vy would build their own. Fannar chirped happily, grabbing Vy's finger and biting it again.

“You are hungry, little one.”

He lifts his head once Hayden arrives.

“Oh! Daddy brings food!” “Yep, a little bit off everything.”

He sits back down, letting the tray rest on the bed. 

“For both the little one and the bigger one.”

He smiles and looks at Vy, knowing he too could probably need some food. Vy snuggles close to Hayden, letting the child be between them, as Fannar goes exploring the food, instantly drawn to the fruit that he bites, then happily starts eating.

“I think he found something he likes.”

Vy pecks Hayden.

“So many places to show him, so many things to experience.  I wonder.. will he have my seadragon or your.. well honestly quite amazing dragon form.. or both?”

He looks at Vy, handing him a dragon fruit with a bit of a smile. kissing Vy on the cheek then watching Fannar test out the many fruits. Vy starts nibbling on the dragon fruit, just happy to be there, that after so much stress and fear, their baby was finally hatched and they were together as family, safe, and he now was sure that as long as they had a family, Fannar would be safe and that was all that mattered to them now. In the back of their mind they had that nagging fear Death would punish them for what they did, but for now, they just wanted to watch their hatchling take its first steps on the world. Vy closes his eyes, slowly drifting to a nap, still holding the dragon fruit in hand.

Hayden just watches Vy fall asleep on him, taking the fruit, letting Fannar try it as he looks curiously at it. 

“See, told you mom was tired too.”

After a little while of Fannar testing out several other things on the plate, Hayden finds himself with a small toddler crawling up in his lap, sighing contently and curling up against his dad, Hayden gently putting an arm around them, then one arm around Vy, lowly singing one of the songs he remembered his parents used to sing to him and his brother. 

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[izayoichan]

“He might be surprised by the news, but I think he will also be happy and relieved, you might find yourself sharing your nest though with the egg’s daddy. “ “Yeah, that is a risk of sharing your little nest.”

Chris smiles, he was happy that Vy came to talk to them, and pretty proud of him for coming to them, even if he thought that going to Hayden would have been better, he was at least not just hiding, he was talking to someone. 

Hayden Run's his normal round at first, noticing a path he has never taken before, shrugging his shoulders, taking that route for once. His body felt odd, sluggish, heavy, it reminded him slightly of how it had been when it got used to the heart. He simply pushed the thought away, pushing his body forwards, thinking it was just what was on his mind that was affecting it. Vy's distance to him... would he want his heart back? he shook his head and started running faster as if trying to outrun both his thoughts and the sluggish slight pain his body was giving him. 

Vy looks down and pokes his own stomach. It would grow in the coming weeks but for now it was little.

“Sharing a nest. I feel safe up there. I'll probably feel safe with Hay hay with me.”

He looks at Hayle and Chris. They were right, he let his fear take the best of him. He was sure Hayden would understand. He should have talked with him first. Told him something, made him understand he could never stop loving Hayden. He froze suddenly. There was this sudden feeling of unwell to him, a certain pain and nausea. At first he thought because of the egg, but it wasn't. His heart was trying to compensate for something. Something was wrong.

“Hay hay! Something is wrong!”

He gets up, not waiting for Chris or Hayle, already running to his side of the house to check on Hayden. He grows orange from the fear and discomfort. Both Chris and Hayle stand up with Vy’s sudden departure, Hayle looking at his husband. It had been so long since he felt the fear that now grabbed hold of him. 

“Wait... does this have something to do this whole egg thing?”

He remembered Hayden had mentioned Vy being passed out after the shelter had its adoption event before they moved to the new one, but as it had been that once, they never really thought of it again. 

“Hmh...  he isn't home..”

Chris closes his eyes, he can feel him but weakly which is never a good sign. Taking his husband's hands, running over to Vy and Hayden's room to grab Vy and go to wherever his son was. 

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[izayoichan]

“Wait..  I know this place!” “Well I would hope you do.”

Chris looks at his husband, the whole makeover day they had with their kids, made him want to do something old somehow, so taking Hayle back here seemed the perfect idea. 

“Its almost the same still.” “Yeah.” “We are not though?” “Both yes and no, some things hasn’t changed, like how much I love you.”

Hayle chuckles as Chris pulls him along, and suddenly he finds himself on Chris’s back, smiling and laughing like only he somehow manages, before he moves in his sneaky reaper way and he finds himself lifted instead. 

“Sneak” “Your sneak.” “Very true!”

He kisses his husband, before he looks over at the building in the back, he had some pretty special memories there, they both did. Walking over to it, he noticed the guitar and the chess table, half wondering if it was always there, or if this was just being his husband being romantic, either way it worked for him. 

“Now this I remember.” “I remember you trying to show off your guitar skills.. or well lack there off.” “I was trying!”  “I know.”

Chris chuckled, pulling his husband into a kiss, the memories they both had from this place were something he knew he would never forget. 

“And I do remember that.”

Hayle couldn’t help but blush when he noticed his husband was on one knee, for the second time in the same place, leaning down to kiss him. 

“And the answer is still yes, it will always be yes.”

Chris smiled, he wasn’t going to ask again, they had been married for so long, but he wanted to do the gesture. 

“Good dragon boy, because you will always be the one for me.” “And to this day, you can still make me blush like it was the first time.” “I do my best.”

Chris chuckled as they sat there for a while, just watching the small park, the people walking past, talking about memories from what felt like so long ago. 

“We better head home, we have a lot off planning to do.” “Awww, I kinda want to stay now.” “We can come back, how about that?” “Okay, you win.”

He steals one last kiss from his husband before he lets him pull him to his feet, and they head back home. 

(As you might remember, this is the park where Chris & Hayle had their first date, and where Chris later on asked Hayle to marry him. I just wanted to show off a little spoiler of their new look really, and then Cilla told me to do a romantic photo-shoot with them.. so here it is.. of course it has music: 🎶 )

[izayoichan]

Chris walks up the stairs to Hayden’s room, gently knocking on the door, Vy and Hayden’s voice simultaneously telling him to come in, which makes him chuckle. It had been almost a month now since the shelter opened, and they simply hadn’t had the time to do what Vy had asked him to do. But as both River and Rylan was at the shelter, Hayden had a good day, and his husband was home, he figured it would be the perfect opportunity for them to go shopping. Pretty much every guitar in the house needed a new string, it had just been to long since he had the time to do something like this. Entering his son’s room, he noticed the laptop with the shelter’s homepage and simsbook page side by side, it had become Hayden’s thing, and he knew Vy was just looking for the right moment to talk him into more.

“So, I was guessing you and I could go get some new strings for the guitars today if you had the time Vy? Hayle is home, Hayden is having a good day I think, and well it seemed a good a day as any?” 

He smiles, just watching them. He knew to ask was a big step for Vy, and he didn’t want to have it forgotten. Besides, he wanted to show Vy this old classic little store he had once stumbled over, he had a feeling Vy would like it. Vy looks at Chris, as he had the day before collected the strings of Hayden's guitar, so he knew what strings to get, as he knew little about guitars. He looks at Hayden with a bit of a worry, not too comfortable with leaving him alone when he didn't need to. But he also knew that during school time Vy was at school and Hayden was with Hayle and safe, so he'd be safe with his dad, and if anything happened, he could fly right over. His flying had become a little better from training at the duel grounds in RoM when the assholes didn't shoot him with a spell midflight to make him fall.

“Huh... Will you be okay, Hayden, if I go out with mister Chris?” “I'll be fine, it's like my dad says, this is a good day”

He smiles and kisses Vy gently on the cheek.

“Dad is here, and I have some things I need to add to the homepage and the simsbook page, so we can read when you come home?”

Chris just smiles, he knows Vy doesn't like to leave him, but he also knows he wants to give him new strings, so they can keep working on him playing.

“And I can portal us there and home, if you feel comfortable with it, that would save us some time.”

He knows he probably isn't, but he always asks, just in case he one day says yes to the suggestion. Vy looks at the computer screen of the laptop that is resting on its cooler that’s designed to keep both the pc and Hayden cold.

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[izayoichan]

“Should I have made something else? I mean.. I still can if you want?” “No! No, it's perfect... just... it's been a while. You used to send me sushi... I was actually surprised my master allowed me to eat it. Sometimes he'd take it when he was angry at me for some reason. But most of the time he allowed me to.” “I'm still surprised Simeon took it.. I guess it was his way of telling me you were there? “

He shakes his head slightly, not wanting to dwell much on that part of history

“Well, dig in then! And oh, vy suggested the sauce, its a sweet pepper sauce as it is slightly less spicy than wasabi.”

Rylan smiles as everyone starts to take different things, noticing Vy struggling with the chopsticks, which makes him smile slightly, they had offered him to just eat with his fingers, but he was adamant to learn how to use them. Hayle just smiling at them, as he picks his favorites on his plate. 

“I have to admit, I like homemade meals more than those your dad used to get.” “They're special and homely.” “Yes, special and homely.” “Well, let's just say you are lucky you weren't here River when they were truly special”

Vy smiles struggling still with the chopsticks, holding them out for Hayden so Hayden can put an elastic band on them, otherwise, he can't eat with them.

“Can you do what you did the other day with the elastic, please?” “Of course.”

He finds a small rubber band, and puts them around the chopsticks, holding them together and making them easier to use. 

“Sometimes one learns neat things on simstube, they had this suggestion to help with learning how to use these things.”

Rylan watches as River takes the first bite of the pieces he has chosen, wondering what he will think about it, as he himself eats some off the pieces he has gotten for himself. River makes a small noise and licks lips, just taking a few seconds to take in the taste. It was even better than he remembered, it was perfect. He smiles brightly at Rylan. 

“Perfect!”

Vy takes one sushi with the chopsticks, uneasily holding the piece between the two sticks as he drowns his roll in soy sauce and then eats it up in one go.

“Hmmm! Tasty! Almost as good as the one I do!”

Rylan smiles mostly happy River is able to eat it with the mix of the two sauces. 

“Almost Vy, who knows, maybe one day I'll surpass the master, at least in Sushi making.”

He chuckles and looks over at River.

“I'm happy you like it. Then we know one more thing you can eat, and one day, you can have wasabi again too.”

Hayden smiles at Vy's comment, actually impressed with how good Rylan had become with cooking. 

“Your princess is almost a chef now River, not too bad huh?” “I was already in love with you, now I shall worship you, my queen!”

River winks playfully at Rylan.

“It's nice like this, we're all together! Well... except mister Chris, he's missing here.”

Vy smiles and eats one more sushi roll and let's go a small chirp.

“We're a family again. A bit singed here and there but we're a family”

He points chopstick at River.

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“It's not your fault Vy, you have nothing to say sorry for.”

He looks around, seeing the gloves, pointing at them. Then he looks back at Vy, putting his hands on his shoulders.

“Are you okay?”

Vy looks at the flute and slowly and carefully takes it. He looks at Chris and nods slowly, feeling horrible and kinda useless. He looks around and opens his small pouch again, taking out the money for the chords and glover and putting it on top of the desk. Though he still feels horrible for all this, if he hadn't come, then the hunters wouldn't have done this. He puts the very rest of all his money alongside the one for the chords as a small sorry as it's all he can do for now.

“... I guess... Can we go home?... What if the hunters went to attack mister Hayle or Hayden?!”

He suddenly starts panicking as he looks for his phone to call Hayden and make sure he's okay.

“Don't you worry about it little one, much like Chris here, I have this store because I love music, not because I need the money, but because I like making music, I like listening to music. So if you want to one day, come play for me?” “I'll... I'll play for you then, one day!”

Andy smiles at Vy before he goes back to cleaning up the slight mess made. 

“Hayden is fine, I promise, I can feel him, and yes, we can go home. I will tell you a little secret? You just saw something no one else in the family has seen, that form, not even Hayle has seen it, I never had a reason to, but keeping you safe is a good reason.”

He still wishes there was something he could say to make him feel better, but he knew that it probably wasn't.

“And again, this isn't your fault, it's theirs. They have this obsession with dragons, maybe my boss can get some info we can use, to help keep you safe.”

Vy looks at Chris, eyes widening at what he says, he looks away.

“You looked scary and strange, but... You looked like stars!”

He looks up at Chris.

“Can we go now? Please... “

He looks pleading at Chris, holding the flute and things for Hayden.

“Then I look forwards to your return”

Andy smiles and waves at the two.

“Its how reapers look really, I just feel more comfortable like this, and well our... customers feel more comfortable too somehow. I'm sorry I scared you Vy, it's still just me, regardless off how I might look. “

He nods and opens the door to the outside.

“Yeah, let's go home.”

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[izayoichan]

“I need to order a new one, I managed to drop it.”

The cafe is like it always has been, warm, comfy and filled with sweet smells, the man nodding, and disappearing for a bit. River lets go of Rylan's hand the scents actually making his stomach grumble. He realizes he hasn't eaten anything sweet in well over a year, his eyes falling on the many sweets, but he remains quiet, he honestly feels like running away. He couldn't wait for this day, but now he realizes he was not ready, with so many worries and questions on his mind. Rylan turns slightly towards River, just wrapping his arms around him. 

“Its enough cake for you too if you want.”

Clearly, he heard his stomach rumble, mostly though he just wanted to be closer, to know he is still there, to feel at home.

“I love you.”

He mumbles the words, his attention stolen by the man coming back with a new cake for him, paying and thanking him, then looking back at River.

“They will all be happy to see you again, so... let's go?”

River looks at Rylan, surprised by his words, but before he could answer back, Rylan had already turned his attention to the vendor. Nonetheless, River smiles a little, his heart beating fast s the overwhelming need to cry hits him. He still loves him, always kind, always caring, always so selfless, so much he forgets himself and he can see it on his posture, the way he moves, how much Rylan has lost of himself.

“Allow me, princess”

He gives Rylan a small smile and takes the cake, giving him a small kiss on his cheek whispering

“I love you and I missed you so much.” “I missed you more than I think you can imagine..”

Rylan smiles, almost odd how happy it made him feel to be called princess again, letting him take the cake.

“Thank you for coming back.” “I promised I would. 

He smiled. He had promised and he owed Rylan so many promises, but he had a feeling he had to work slowly, things were different, so different now, so he had to work his way to be worthy of Rylan's heart once more after everything he did. He lets Rylan lead the way as they start walking.

“You didn't have any more daydreams after I said goodbye, did you?”

He had to admit, that still worried him, that his magic, his powers, his will had left a scar on Rylan's mind. Rylan looking up at him as they walk towards his home, and meeting everyone else. 

“No, just those of my own wishful thinking really, but nothing like those.”

He wouldn’t really have minded more of the dreams if he was being honest, apart from the fact that it seemed to be eating him alive, and even now he was far from back to how he used to look, he even had to take time off work as he was simply to thin. 

“And... have been well? I mean... after that no... side effects?” “I think so? I had to do a bit of working out to get back to this, it's still not back to where I was before, I guess it might take time?

He watches Rylan carefully, not able to cast that worry. He sees the house and takes a deep intake of air, nervousness assaulting him, he nearly halts in place. Rylan looking at him, seeing the house as well, knowing something that might make him a little less nervous, putting two fingers to his lips, whistling loudly. This is followed by barking from inside the house, and then a large dog coming running towards them. 

“He has become a spoiled house pet by now.”

River’s eyes widen as he sees his old friend, Rylan managing to grab the cake form his hands before he has Lobo all over him. 

“Lobo! Old man! Come here, boy!”

Lobo runs to him tackling him down, licking his face, tail wagging.

“Oh! I missed you old man!”

River laughs.

“Hey! You don't stink!”

He looks at Rylan with a bright smile, Rylan for a second wishing it was his meeting that had brought this kinda smile to his face. Yet he can’t help but chuckle at them and the feeling of Lobo’s tail hitting his leg every now and then. 

“Thank you! Thank you so much for taking care of this old man for me!” “I think he took care of me as much as I took care of him. Besides, he follows my dad around the house and sleeps on Hayden’s bed with Felix, as I said, he is a proper housepet now.”

Notices Hayle stick his head out the door, a smile on his father's face as he sees him, waving at the two off them. 

“Okay, off boy.”

River gets up, cleaning the snow off his clothes, his eyes falling on Hayle and he looks down, pressing his lips to a thin line. He couldn't run now, so he just takes a deep breath and braces for whatever might come.

“I believe we have been spotted.” “Yes, we have... Lead the way princess.”

Rylan holds the cake in one hand and takes River’s hand with the other as Lobo pretty much dances around them as they walk closer, Hayle stepping properly outside. 

“Well.. you look like you could need a good meal.. or many.”

Hayle smiles, for some reason wanting to give River a hug, but also not sure he should just yet. There is something about him that wasn’t there before, and he wonders just what they have been doing to him while he has been away.

“Welcome home.” “I did say he could have some of the cake if he wanted too, and well… I kinda don’t want to let him go again.. Ever?

He squeezes River's hand, understanding why he is worried, at least some of it. 

“Hey…”

River gives Hayle a small smile, looking down. He owed them all an apology for what he did to Rylan, what he allowed to happen. He looked down his stomach grumbling.

“I don't want to bother you... I actually wished to speak with you and mister Chris, in part about why I am back... specifically... today.”

He rubs his head nervously, his eyes falling on Rylan for he feels these are not the type of news any of them would like to get.

“Hmh, my husband is at work, he probably won't be back in a couple of hours, I can always text him and check when he will be back.”

Hayle looks at River, then at Rylan. 

“But, you are no bother silly, come on, I'll see if he can come home earlier, and you can come to say hi to the two upstairs who are waiting for cake.”

He pulls River into a hug, River stiffening like a board at the unexpected hug, nearly pushing Hayle off, he steps back, eyes wide. Then his reaction sinks in and blushes, Hayle just smiling at him before he opens the door.  

“M.. my apologies!” “Not to worry, I guess I should have asked before doing that, now come on, don't let the cake hungry wait!”

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[izayoichan]

“So dinner first and then tell them the news?” “News at dinner I guess.” “Okay.”

He opens the door without thinking, finding himself tackled by a very veery happy Lobo who almost topples him over. 

“Welcome home you two.”

He sits in the sofa with Hayle, Felix sleeping on his lap 

“Hey... Okay Lobo, its good to see you too! Any dinner wishes, as I assume Vy is not home?” “Dad's picking him up, and hmh, dunno, something River would like maybe?” “I'll eat anything, really. I didn't know Rylan had grown into such a skilled cook.” “A surprise it is then!”

River chuckles as Lobo turn’s his attention to his former owner, River petting him and following Rylan into the room. Rylan just smiling at them, deciding to make Sushi as it is something everyone can eat without it needing to be cooled down. He smiles to himself walking into the kitchen Lobo following him in hopes of scraps like he always does. 

“How you feeling, Hayden?” “Good enough, how was your day?” “Well. We found a few good things and I got to glare menacingly at Carl. Heard you decked him”

He watches Rylan walk into the kitchen

“Do you want help?”

He walks slowly towards the kitchen, staying between the two rooms.

“Or should I wait?” “I'll be fine, so I guess it comes down to if you want the dinner to be a surprise or if you want to know what you are having.” “I kinda wanna be surprised. But I also want to help. Dilemma!” “You choose then.”

Hayden chuckled slightly from River having heard the story of him hitting Carl, he would gladly do it again if he could, but when standing was often hard enough, hitting someone became much more foreign to him. Rylan starting on their dinner, deciding to add some salad as he knew someone who was fairly bored with rice these days. 

“I did, I admit I was uncertain if that broke my hand for a bit, but it seems my hand is stronger than I thought. And good, he needs those glares.” “I'm glad you decked him. I feel like doing it myself for good measure.” “Well, just remember ice for your hand afterward. That jaw is as hard as it looks.” “I'll make sure to remember that. He's truly creepy, to be honest, unsettling even.”

He looks back, hearing Chris from the door which means Vy is home as well, which makes him smile, it was always good to have Vy home, even if he knew he was perfectly fine with his dads as well. Vy comes in with Chris, somewhat sheepish, standing behind Chris, his clothes appear singed and one can feel energy exuding out of him.

“We're home!”

Hayden notices how Vy looks, feeling the magic all the way where he sits.. 

“ Vy! What did they do to you!”

As much as he wants to stand up and march all the way to RoM, he knows he wouldn't make it to the door, just staring at his boyfriend, his mind racing on what they have done to him today…

“I'm okay!”

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[izayoichan]

He shook his head as Hayden stopped talking and just closed his eyes and drifted back to sleep. It had been a bad week again, but he had managed to talk Vy into heading to school with the promise he would stay.

“Hayden?”

He gently put the wristband on him, giving him a little bit of a painkiller that Hayle had brought back with him from one off his trips home, something his brother had found from a plant in his kingdom, but it was a rare plant, and it didn’t blossom often enough for be used every day. Today though was one of those days where he needed it, which had worried Vy and it had taken almost an hour talk between them to make him go to school. He could see his son relax, and sleep more comfortably, a he put his hand on his forehead. The downside to the medicine was that he tended to spike in temperature, but he had two bags of ice prepared just in case. For now, though, it seemed it wasn’t needed.

“Mrow.” “Yeah, you can guard him too.”

He smiled, both the animals were lying by the bottom off the bed like they normally did when Hayden was “alone”. His mind wandered as he sat there, his eyes following the scars on his son’s body. Their uncle had visited to help when he heard about the attack, alongside Hayle they had managed to strengthen his ice side slightly, while he had been able to calm the fire one. He had asked if this was something they could make permanent, but as Hayle’s brother had explained, it would not be possible. It was a huge strain on his body, as it messed with what was its natural balance, but at the moment they did it, his body was already out of balance, and it stopped some of the internal burns.

He still felt bad about it even happening, he had always thought he would have noticed it if he changed, but it was Rylan that had sensed it before he had. He had even asked his boss about it, who had just shook his head, and mentioned he is not his own family’s reaper. Which of course was a good point, he wasn’t but he was happy the one that was, had given him that chance when he asked even if he had sometimes doubted that decision later.

“Dad?” “Mmm?” “What time is it?” “Hmh, around two in the afternoon, why?” “Just felt like I have been asleep for a while.” “Waiting for Vy to come home?” “Yeah, we have a new book were reading together.”

Chris smiled, it was one of few things he knew his son enjoyed doing. It was something they did together, and it was easy for him to keep up with. Even with bad weeks like this, they were able to read a little, and then just talk about it afterwards.

“Are you ready for the weekend you think?” “Rylan said we could have the session in here if needed, so I would like to hope so.” “Yes, it should work, have you talked about food?” “Oh yeah, we decided home made.”

Chris chuckled, as he had the last year almost never been told to go get food for them anymore, which he didn’t really mind, he had to admit and agree with them that the homemade food was much better.

“What homemade?” “Ehm… Pizza and taco I think we ended on, dad said he would make a list and go shopping with you when he came back.” “Sounds good to me, Pizza will be handy to have if you end up playing late, which I know your normally do.” “Yup! And it’s nice to eat cold, can’t say the same for Taco.”

Hayden looked at his dad for a bit, it was nice to have this time alone with him, even as a child they often had more time with Hayle for obvious reasons.

“The woman, is she like you?”

Chris looked at his son, at first not quite grasping what he was talking about, but then it dawned on him.

“Yes, she is like me.” “So she is…?” “Yes.” “She is nice though.” “She is, trained by Nat just like I was. Fairly new too.” “I always wondered this, how does a reaper get attached to a family?” “Well, it is a complicated process most of the time, and simpler other times. Our reaper, which of course can’t be me, was one that was new, and as you were born, she was assigned to be our reaper. For older families, it can be a rotation, to stop the reaper from getting attached, and other times they stick by a family for as long as that family exists..” “Do you have a rotation, or do you stick with families.”

He looked at his son, quite enjoying their talk. He remembered they had asked when they were younger, but they never had the time or the patience to listen to it.

“I have families, and then I help with accidents and unforeseen events.” “Do you have River’s family?” “Yes, which is why he felt so uncomfortable around me, we met before, but he only vaguely remembers it.” “Does Rylan know?” “No, he never asked, but I think he suspects it.” “But… when River comes back, and if he holds his promise, will you stay their reaper?” “I am not sure, the norm would be to change family so I assume it might go that way.”

He noticed his son looking at him, and he could guess what he had on his mind.

“Yes, you would have gotten the question” “Would you have said yes, if you know what you know now, and how it is?” “Hmh, I ‘m honestly not sure, I don’t regret the saying yes now with all I have in my life, but if I was with nothing, then I would be more torn. It is a hard job, and it takes, as you know, take a lot of time, which is fine when you are alone, but gets more complicated when you have a family.” “Did you every regret it, I mean… the bachelor and having a family?” “Nah, I only regret not having as much time with you as I want to.”

They talked for a while longer, until they heard steps outside the door, and then a light knock, followed by Vy’s head sticking inside.

“Come on in Vy.” “Okay!”

Chris pulled back, leaving the two to their talk and their book, having told Vy he had given him some of the painkiller, so that he was aware Hayden would probably get a bit worse when it wore off later.

“Did you have a good day Hay hay?” “Yeah, how was yours.” “Meh, school is time without you, bad times!” “They still pestering you?” “Nothing to bother with Hay hay.”

Hayden sighed, wishing he was strong enough to go with him and give them all a piece off his mind, but he had a different idea he had to talk to both his parents about. One that would give Vy more means to go do to school and go on trips and such.

“Want to read Hay hay?” “Yeah, let’s read.”

He felt Vy’s arm around him as he pulled him to rest on his chest, picking up the book they were currently reading continuing where they had left off the day before. A couple of hours later when Chris checked in on them, Hayden was sleeping, while Vy was doing his homework smiling at him when he looked in on them.

“Hungry Vy?” “Yes!” “What should I get you?” “Ehm, do we have any more of those cinnamon buns?” “I believe so, I’ll check and come back.” “Thank you mister Chris!”

He chuckled, wondering if one day, Vy would stop calling him mister as he walked down to the kitchen to check on certain baked goods, hoping to have some time to talk to Rylan a bit when he came home.

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[izayoichan]

5, 10, 15 and 20 for Rylan, Hayden and Chris :D

5: their shortcomings

Rylan: His lack of self confidence in many ways. He has no reason to struggle with not feeling good enough. 

Hayden: He is behind in school and in many ways, he doesn’t actually know that much about the rest of the world, he hasn’t and still doesn’t have a huge interrest in it, as to him its a thing for everyone else and not for him. 

Chris: Time with his family. Being a reaper means that you are always at work really and although he is given a lot of leeway by his boss because he has a family, he still is required to drop all and go to work if it is needed. He feels like he has lost out on a lot with his kids because off it. 

10: their fashion sense

Rylan: Has a good sense of fashion, although he frequently mocks the clothing he is told to wear while at work. At home he prefers jeans, a large sweater or just some kinda t-shirt. They always clean and fairly new, but still, he doesn’t really dress up much. 

Hayden: Does boxers count? He likes those. He doesn’t wear much clothes most of the time (happy Vy!) because with clothes comes added heat which he doesn’t need. 

Chris: Much like Rylan he likes jeans and simple sweaters or a t-short with the jeans. At work he wears a suit all the time, so having more relaxed clothing at home is something he enjoys. 

15: how they react to a brainfreeze

Rylan: Much like his brother has never had one, on him its because he is attuned to ice and fire, so neither has an effect on him. He would probably just groan and then blame himself for being an idiot. 

Hayden: Answerd here

Chris: Laughter, then more laughter. He had it happen once, and he was so surpised he started laughing and couldn’t stop. 

20: their reaction to a mystery love letter

Rylan: Answered here

Hayden: Answered here

Chris: He would look at his husband first and ask him if that was his doing, if not he would be very perplex and try and figure out who it could have been, at the same time as he would have a very Jelous Hayle on his back wanting to know who it was.