#smiles wide i like how mona's appearance changes as time progresses smiles widely

[cursezoroark]

more rejuv oc doodles

[justaghostingon]

Steel Hooks in a Trusting Heart

In which Cyrus finds himself once again aiding Hugo in his schemes, this time to the purpose of helping Hugo win over his boyfriend’s family. There’s just one problem. Cyrus isn’t so certain he approves of this Varian guy Hugo’s dating.

Read on ao3 here https://archiveofourown.org/works/25996633

Or below the cut

Cyrus had not known what to expect when Hugo had roped him into a security job at the eternal library. For the most part, it had been an improvement. Sure, the job was pretty boring, not many people had been exactly eager to go into the formerly cursed library after its last human patron had been trapped inside. But it was getting better, thanks in large part to its two alchemists and Corona’s very friendly Queen. Seriously, that woman didn’t act like a noble at all. Cyrus half believed the rumors that she was some kind of sun goddess that had fallen from the sky. She was kind enough for it, and the sun never cared much for rich or poor. He did wish she’d stop jumping out of nowhere to say hello though, it was a bit unsettling.

And speaking of jump scares, Cyrus had grown to discover that this library was in fact inhabited by some sort of fae. She was a beautiful creature, if incredibly shy, always hiding when Cyrus moved to close, but Cyrus would catch her watching him out of the corner of his eye. He and Mona weren’t sure what kind of fae she was, but Mona had helped him recreate a few of the offerings from his grandpa’s stories, just in case.

Today’s offering was a plate of honey cookies and milk, but it was facing a serious challenge in the face of one of the most unexpected parts of his new job: Hugo.

“It’s just so frustrating!” Hugo sighed as he swiped a cookie from the plate of fresh honey cookies and sank into a chair. Cyrus scowled across at him.

It's not that Cyrus wasn’t expecting to see Hugo in his new job. But the library was vast, full of ancient scrolls to study and reluctant patrons to convince that this place wasn’t going to kill them. Cyrus, with his position at the entrance hall, had expected to see the alchemist maybe a handful of times as he welcomed the patrons for tours, and that would be it. For the most part, he was correct.

So no one was more surprised than Cyrus when Hugo had come down the first day, thrown himself dramatically in one of the chairs at the entrance hall, and started ranting about some annoying thing someone called Flynn Rider had done. At first he’d thought it was a one time thing, but no, Hugo continued to seek out his company every few days or so, to rant about all the people he was inevitably forced to work with in this new city.

It was nice, Cyrus supposed, to have someone from his own country here to talk to. If Hugo could behave. Cyrus pulled the plate of cookies away from Hugo as he went for another one. “Those aren’t for you,” he grunted.

Hugo rolled his eyes  “Are you still going on about that magic library fairy or whatever?” He licked the crumbs off his fingers as he continued. “She’s not real Cyrus, grow up and give the cookies to me.”

Cyrus grunted, pulling the honey cookies closer to himself. Behind Hugo, Cyrus could see a silver head peak over the edge of the bookshelf. “Still not yours,” he grumbled. “If you want cookies, come by the house and ask Mona.”

“Fine, be that way,” Hugo pouted, and behind him Cyrus saw the silver haired fae stick her tongue at Hugo’s back. “Just add to my burden, why don’t you?” Hugo sighed dramatically.

He wants me to ask doesn’t he? Cyrus thought as he held back a sigh of his own. “What happened this time?” he said.

“Oh it's terrible!” Hugo perked up, placing his feet back on the ground as he leaned forward to whisper theatrically at Cyrus. “Varian’s dad invited me on a fishing trip!”

Cyrus raised an eyebrow. “I don’t see the problem,” he said.

“Uh, Varian's Dad, remember?” Hugo crossed his arms. “Hates me? Thinks I’m not good enough for his son? I told you about him last week!” Hugo adds with a note of hurt in his voice.

Cyrus traded a look with the silver haired fae. She shrugged, and Cyrus figured she’d not be any help with this human affair. He pressed his fists together. “He invited you out fishing though, isn’t that a sign of progress? He’s giving you a chance.” Which was a pretty impressive turn around, considering the first impressions Hugo usually made.

“No, no, no!” Hugo shook his head, and Cyrus realized he must have missed something. “This is obviously a trap! He invited me fishing, so he can get me alone and make me look like a fool in front of Varian!”

If looking like a fool is enough to get Varian to stop dating you, you really shouldn’t be dating him, Cyrus didn’t say. Hugo seemed to sense it anyways, and he stretched out on the table, face burying in his arms.

“I just, really want him to think well of me,” he murmured, “especially after I messed up so badly.”

“You traitor!” Hugo flinched as Varian stalked towards him, teeth bared like a wild animal and eyes blazing with blue fire.

Cyrus’s gut twists at the memory, an old dread seeping over him. He didn’t think that was what Hugo meant exactly, but still. “I’ll go with you,” he stated. If Hugo had even the slightest fear of the dark side of his boyfriend appearing, then there was no way Cyrus was letting him go alone.

“Really?” Hugo beamed, all traces of earlier melancholy gone. “Excellent! I’ll meet you and Mona by the city gates at 9 am!” He bounced away, passing directly under the silver haired fan’s bookshelf. She ducked out of sight, but she needn’t have bothered. Hugo was too caught up in his own little world to notice.

Cyrus sat still at the table for a little while longer, dark thoughts swirling as he contemplated the trip and the dangerous opponents they'd have to face. The silver haired fae appeared beside the bookshelf, a frown on her face.

“He’s manipulating you,” her voice was flat as she crossed her arms.

“Not really,” Cyrus suppressed a smile, something about her posture reminded him of a jealous child tattling on a sibling. “But he probably thinks he is.” He held out one of the honey cookies. “Cookie?”

The silver fae hesitated for a second, before vanishing back behind the bookshelf. But that was fine, Cyrus shrugged as he pushed the cookies and milk into the middle of the table and pretended very hard to ignore it. Trust took time. She’d spoken today, and he would enjoy that victory for now.

--------------

“Do you think we’ll need more food?” Mona asked anxiously, hauling a truly enormous picnic basket into the air.

Cyrus grunted as he picked it up from where she was struggling. Mona gave a visible sigh of relief as the weight was lifted. Cyrus raised an eyebrow at her, and she blushed.

“Ok, ok, so it might be a bit much,” she gave Cyrus a sheepish smile as she straightened her good handkerchief on her head once more. “But you know how much you men eat!”

Cyrus shrugged, conceding the point. Men did eat a lot, especially growing boys. Speaking of which...

“There you two are!” Hugo appeared between them, seemingly materializing out of thin air. Both Mona and Cyrus jumped. And Cyrus allowed a slight scowl to cross his lips. Hugo had gotten sneakier and Cyrus did not appreciate it.

Hugo ignored Cyrus’s obvious annoyance in favor of slapping him heartily on the back, a wide, performative grin on his face. “Quirin! Varcakes! I invited my Aunt and Uncle along, since this is supposed to be a family outing. I hope you don’t mind!”

Cyrus followed his line of sight to see Varian walking with the man Cyrus presumed was Quirin. Cyrus straightened, rolling his shoulders back as he sized up this new opponent. Quirin was a large man, with tough, sun weathered skin that spoke to years of hard labor, like the farmer Hugo had described should have. But Cyrus wasn’t fooled. He saw the way the man held himself, back straight and feet planted firm, the way his eyes moved, both sizing up Mona and Cyrus and flickering to everything else that passed in the market. This was a warrior, and no amount of years in the farm and field could change that.

If it came to a fight, this man would be a difficult opponent, Cyrus reluctantly admitted. He could even give Cyrus a run for his money. But he was hardly the most dangerous one here. His eyes turned to Varian, and narrowed.

Varian winced, and Quirin frowned, rolling his shoulders and moving like he was going to step forward, but Mona got there first.

“How nice to meet you!” She flashed her most winning smile, the one she reserved for new neighbors and particularly grumpy children. Quirin’s attention snapped to her, clearly started, and Cyrus surpassed a grin. No one could stand up to her charms. She was Team Hugo’s secret weapon.

Quirin recovered quickly, and gave a slight bow. “A pleasure to meet you my lady,” he said, and Mona gave a nervous giggle from behind a hand, unsure of how to react to a term like “lady.” Cyrus privately wondered what Quirin’s problem with Hugo was, they should be able to bond over their shared love of theatrics.

“Dad!” Varian gave a squeak. He shot Cyrus and Hugo an apologetic smile as he rubbed his neck awkwardly. Cyrus drew his brows together and Varian turned away. “It’s nice to see you again Mona,” he offered.

“Oh darling I told you to call me Auntie!” Mona waved her hand, having recovered from Quirin’s theatrical attack to counterattack by reminding him of her acquaintanceship with Varian. Quirin turned his attention to Mona, but it was too late. Mona went in for the killing blow, “It’s been so long since you came over for dinner!”

Ha! Cyrus wanted to laugh, that was his wife! Winning the battle before it had even had a chance to begin. Now Quirin knew his son was close to Hugo’s family, and would have to be on good behavior so as not to embarrass Varian. Pride welled in his stomach as he fought back a smile. Mona had such a way with words.

But not everyone was as gifted as his wife. “Well, now we’re all acquainted,” Hugo said, linking his arm with Varian’s and Cyrus could see Quirin’s temper rise as all of Mona’s hard work began to lose its hold. “Let’s get going, we’ve fish to catch!” He pulled Varian up ahead, leaving the three adults to hurry after them.

“After you!” Mona smiled at Quirin, attempting to soften Hugo’s rudeness.

“Oh no, after you, my lady,” Quirin waved a hand like a butler welcoming a noble to her palace. Mona shot Cyrus a wink as she slipped her arm in his, and led him down the path.

-------------

The walk itself was mainly uneventful. Mona did her best to keep Quirin distracted, asking about the farm, the weather, whatever normal topics she could think of to get him talking and keep his attention off of Hugo. Cyrus tried to help, but he wasn’t nearly as good at small talk as his wife. His topics of conversation that seemed “normal” usually amounted to talking work, and given his primary work was with Hugo, he had to scramble to try and find something else. Eventually he landed on grunting in agreement with whatever Mona said.

Hugo was not helping at all, practically strolling along with his arm linked with Varian’s and occasionally stopping to point out some plant or animal and remark its proper latin name, which he thought made him look cool. But to Cyrus, who knew Hugo hadn’t known anything about wildlife until he’d spent the first three days reading through books on the subject to learn the context of Varian’s ‘simple peasant life,’ it just looked over done. Like he was trying too hard.

Cyrus knew Hugo was in love with Varian, a man doesn’t turn on a steady wage and a roof over his head for anything less than true love, romantic or otherwise. But he privately wished Hugo would relax a bit more, instead of trying to impress all the time.

Case and point, A leaf fell in Varian’s hair, and Hugo gave a gasp, pointing out how something with a big fancy sounding name was stuck in Varian’s hair. Varian freaked out, raising both hands to brush it off, only to see a leaf tumble down. Hugo gave a laugh and Varian’s eyes narrowed. Cyrus’s blood ran cold.

“I trusted you!” Varian snarls, spit flying into Hugo’s face. But Hugo is ashen and shaking, and doesn’t respond.

Varian reached a hand up, and Cyrus tensed, ready to run to Hugo’s aid. This time he would not freeze. But Varian gave Hugo a light shove. Hugo dipped away, laughing, while Varian glanced back at the three adults behind them. Their eyes met and Varian flinched, ducking close to Hugo to whisper in his ear.

“What?” Hugo said loudly, eyebrows rising in comical surprise. “No no! Of course Cyrus likes you.” He waved a hand back at Cyrus. “That’s just his face. He always looks like that.”

Mona and Quirin both sent Cyrus sharp looks, but Cyrus ignored them in favor of Hugo’s expectant face. He couldn’t let him down now. “I have a very scary face,” he admitted through gritted teeth, and Hugo beamed.

“There you go then,” he pulled Varian closer and gave a stage whisper into his ear. “It’s actually a problem, he’s lucky we took him in, or it would have been forced to work at the circus.”

“I’m pretty sure the circus would have been more exciting,” Varian rolled his eyes, and Quirin’s attention turned back to his son, seemingly appeased.

But Mona’s gaze lingered, biting her lip as she followed Cyrus’s gaze to Varian. She glanced up at Cyrus with a look that clearly says, “we’re going to talk about this,” and Cyrus felt the upcoming dread that only married couples know.

Sure enough, when they reached the lake, Mona gave a theatrical gasp and threw a hand over her mouth. “Oh no!”

Cyrus snapped to attention, senses overstimulating as he searched for the threat. He glanced quickly around to see what had set her off, but there was nothing dangerous in the immediate vicinity with the exception of Varian, and he was clearly as confused as Cyrus.

“I forgot desert!” Mona cried, and Cyrus felt himself marginally relax. Okay, nothing to fight. Unless she wanted him to hunt down a fairy and wish for desert. He shot the trees a glance, wondering if there were any a fairy might like to hide in. He wished he’d brought the honey cookies for bait. Then again, if they had honey cookies, they wouldn’t need a fairy.

“Don’t worry about it,” Quirin smiled. “We’ll be fine without it.”

“No! No!” Mona shook her head. “I saw some blackberries back there, I’ll just go and pick some while you boys get the boats out.” She extended a hand to Cyrus with a smile that made Cyrus break out in a cold sweat. “Cyrus dear?”

She used “dear” he was definitely in trouble.

“I could help too,” Varian offered, and in that minute Cyrus would almost have appreciated the rescue even if it came from him, but Mona waved Varian away. “We’ll be fine. Besides,” she shot Varian a wink. “You know how to set up a boat, and don’t you want to show Hugo how its done?” Varian and Hugo’s cheeks both flamed red, and Cyrus would have found it amusing if he didn’t know his doom was upon him.

Mona linked their arms and dragged him back towards the path and out of ear shot. She stopped in front of a blackberry bush and began to pick them. For one, glorious moment Cyrus thought they really were just here to get the desert, when Mona said, “You don’t approve of Varian.” It was not a question.

“It’s not my place,” Cyrus shifted uncomfortably. Because it really wasn’t. He wasn’t like Quirin. Hugo wasn’t his son. He could listen to his complaints sure, but he could hardly comment, or risk losing whatever fragile bond they had developed.

Mona snorted. “So you’re just going to glare at Varian all day?” she said, clearly seeing the issue and not at all agreeing with Cyrus’s method of disapproval.

Cyrus turned his head away, pulling a few more berries from the bush as he stayed stubbornly silent, not wanting to admit that yes, glaring was very childish.

Mona let out a sigh. “Could you tell me why you don’t approve?” Her voice was tired as she placed the blackberries she’d pulled free in an open jar.

Cyrus bit his lip. Why didn’t he approve? He hadn’t always, he’d helped Hugo leave to go with Varian and his friends after all. He’d seen how much these people meant to Hugo, and that they had been willing to fight Cyrus for him, and that had been enough. But then Donella had dragged him to the library, and it all went south.

“The library.” Cyrus struggled to put it into words. “When Donella revealed Hugo used to work for her, Varian got angry.” Angry didn’t even begin to describe it. The others had been angry, but Varian? He’d been so much worse.  “Really angry,” he added.

“I take it Hugo forgot to mention that detail earlier?” Mona asked dryly.

Cyrus shrugged. Because he knew that their anger was justified. It was Hugo after all. He was terrible at expressing his emotions, and although Cyrus knew how much it had taken him to leave, he was also absolutely certain Hugo did not explain this to Varian or the others. But then again...

“It's not just the anger, it was something more. The look in his eyes..” Cyrus shook his head, unable to put it into words.

Cyrus took half a step towards Hugo’s trembling form, but a single look from Varian froze him in his tracks. It wasn’t a look of heartbreak or a caged animal like he’d expected. No. It was a look that Cyrus had only seen a few times, in men so unhinged even the guild refused to lend them thugs. The look of a man who would burn the whole world to the ground to kill a single man.

In the second their eyes were locked, Cyrus felt all the air in the room sucked out as the agonizing aura of fear overpowered him. Then Varian turned his head and stomped into the library, ending the moment.

Cyrus gasped with relief as the portal shut behind Varian’s retreating back. Donella was swearing, but Cyrus only felt gratitude to whatever being out there watched over thugs. He knew if Varian had chosen to attack all three of them would have died, alchemic genius and brute strength be damned.  

Mona placed a gentle hand on Cyrus’s cheek, grounding him back to reality. Her face creased with concern as she asked, “Did he do anything to you or Hugo?”

Cyrus shook his head. “He just left.” Mona breathed a sigh of relief.

“Okay,” she said. “So he scared you, and that’s no easy feat. But Cyrus,” she bit her lip, “he didn’t actually do anything. Right?” Cyrus grimaced, but Mona stopped him with a look. “No Cyrus, that’s important. When it comes down to it. He didn’t hurt Hugo, and he didn’t hurt you.”

She was right, Cyrus begrudgingly admitted to himself. But somehow the thought didn’t make him feel any better.

Mona sighed, leaning forward until her weight shifted half onto Cyrus in a slight hug. “He reminded me a bit of myself you know,” she mumbled into Cyrus’s shoulder.

“Impossible,” Cyrus said, Mona was nowhere near as terrifying as Varian had been. Except for when he walked muddy boots onto her nice clean floors one to many times, or when she saw those bruises on the neighbor kid, or... He shook his head to stop that train of thought.

“He was so eager to please,” Mona continued, “and afraid to be a burden. He helped me in the kitchen, when even Hugo didn’t think to.” And Cyrus remembered she’d mentioned that before.

Mona tilted her head up to look him in the eye. “You’ve only seen him at his worst Cyrus, but today? It's an opportunity! We can both watch how he interacts with Hugo, and see how he behaves day to day. And besides,” she gave him a wry grin, “if all he did at his worst was lock himself away, I’d say Hugo’s in pretty good hands.”

Cyrus’s shoulders sagged as he realized he’d been beaten once again. “Fine,” he grunted. “I’ll try to keep an open mind.”

“Thank you darling!” Mona stood on her tiptoes to kiss him on the nose. Cyrus blushed, and pulled her close.

“What is taking you so long?!” Hugo shouted down the path and they hastily broke apart.

------------

Two seconds on the boat led Cyrus to realize two things that were very important. The first was that he knew absolutely nothing about fishing. He gazed over the strange rods with wires and hooks and vaguely horrid smell of canned sardines with complete confusion.

“Here,” Quirin pushed a fishing rod into Cyrus’ hands. “Can you string your own line?”

Cyrus’ hand automatically closed over the rod, and Quirin took this to mean he knew what he was doing and turned to offer a rod to Mona and Hugo. Cyrus blinked blankly down at the pole in his hands, wondering what he was supposed to do now. He glanced at Hugo and Mona, but they seemed equally lost.

Quirin completed handing out the rods and turned his attention to his own, hands moving in quick, easy motions as he wove the line through the hoops. Cyrus couldn’t catch all the details, but it seemed simple enough. He turned his attention to his own rod.

Carefully, he put the string through the first little ring. There. He stopped to admire his work. That wasn’t so hard. The string promptly slipped out of the little ring, and Cyrus realized this was going to take a while.

He threaded the little ring again, then the next and the next. He glanced at Quirin’s but found it still didn’t look right. Perhaps he was supposed to loop it? Yeah, so it could catch fish. He was pretty sure that was right. He tried looping the next ring, but it only succeeded in making it harder for the string to move. He tried to undo it, but found it had knotted. Oh no. He gave the string a sharp tug, but that only seemed to make a larger knot.

“Do you need a hand?” Varian offered and Cyrus nearly jumped out of his skin as he found the boy leaning over him, blue eyes wide. He looked the picture of innocence, but Cyrus could barely suppress the shutter that seemed to fill him as Varian blocked out the warmth of the sun. Beside him Mona leaned close, either as a comfort or a warning to behave.

“Yeah Cyrus, do you need a hand?” Hugo gave a mocking call, highlighting the second thing Cyrus had realized: that Hugo set him up to fail. Hugo didn’t know anything about fishing, so he’d invited Cyrus and Mona along to make even bigger fools of themselves and in turn make Hugo look like less of an idiot in front of Varian and his father. It was actually quite clever. Cyrus just wished he’d been up front about it so Cyrus would have had a better game plan.

“I’ll be fine,” Cyrus grunted, and Varian’s face fell. Cyrus braced for the worst, but nothing happened except for the biggest puppy dog eyes Cyrus had ever seen on a grown man. Mona frowned at him, and Cyrus held back a sigh. He had promised he would try.

“Why don’t you help Hugo instead,” he said as a sort of peace offering, pointing to Hugo’s own unstrung rod. Hugo scowled at him, clearly not happy at Cyrus for redirecting everyone’s attention to his own failings. Cyrus raised an eyebrow in response as Varian hurried to Hugo’s side. Hugo was getting the attention he clearly craved, so who was he to complain? And besides, it served him right for not being upfront about the whole thing.

Quirin’s eyebrows knit together as he watched Varian calmly instruct Hugo in how to thread the fishing rod. No doubt he was wondering if Hugo was really as clueless as his uncle, or just pretending to have Varian’s full attention.

Cyrus used the time to quietly cut his line out of its knots and castaway the smaller bits. He glanced back up to see if anyone had noticed, to find Mona watching him with an amused grin.

Cyrus blushed and turned his attention hurriedly to Varian and Hugo. Varian really was being very patient with him. He was snarking Hugo sure, but Cyrus could see his hands moving gently against Hugo’s as he directed him to the proper movements. Hugo’s lips quirked up, and Cyrus knew he was enjoying himself.

Mona gave Cyrus a slight nudge to say, see what I mean? And Cyrus hunched his shoulders. Because yes, he could see what she meant. A point to Varian. But one point wasn’t enough to stand against the thousand points he’d lost at the Library.

“Would you like some help Auntie?” Varian offered as he finished up with Hugo, a warm smile on his lips.

“I would love some help,” Mona smiled, and nudged Cyrus again to signal he should ask. Cyrus very deliberately did not ask, and she shot him a pout over Varian’s shoulder before turning her attention fully to the rod beneath her fingertips.

Varian began to speak, explaining in simple words what each of the rings were and the loopy thing, and how the rod was supposed to be strung like it was a needle. Mona listened attentively, and carefully moved to do as he asked.

Varian seemed to be speaking a bit louder than he was technically needed to, but Cyrus didn’t say anything. Instead he carefully moved his hands to follow the instructions without bringing any attention to it at all.

That’s two more points, he begrudgingly admitted to himself as he held up the finished rod. Three if he counted the way Varian had tried to shield his ego.

Maybe there was hope for him after all.

--------------

Fishing, it turned out, involved a lot of sitting around in the boat, waiting for a fish to catch on their lines. Which also led to a lot of room for conversation. Cyrus was beginning to see why Hugo had wanted him and Mona here, and not just to make him look like less of a fool. He’d also wanted two human shields to help prevent the one-sided interrogation that Quirin kept trying to start.

Mona and Cyrus did their best, but Quirin had the determination of a man who wants to stop his son from doing something very stupid. He kept pushing, and there was only so much about Hugo’s personal life they could believably answer.

“So Hugo,” Quirin smiled as he began his 45th question, “how are you adjusting to working at the eternal library?” As far as his questions went, this one was actually quite simple, clearly meant to ease the annoyed looks that Varian was shooting him. But the simple mention of the library in such a tense situation made the hairs on Cyrus’ neck stand on edge.

“Lovely,” Hugo waved a hand. “I have more knowledge than I could ever dream and the perfect partner to discover it all with.” He shot Varian a dopey smile, and the other boy blushed.

“Cyrus works there too!” Mona happily reminded them all, no doubt hoping to redirect the growing frown on Quirin’s face as Hugo leaned closer into Varian’s personal space. Help! her expression said.

Quirin turned to look at Cyrus with interest. “You do?” Cyrus gave a sharp nod. “Tell me,” Quirin leaned forward on his hands, and too late Cyrus realized this must be what he was going for from the beginning. “How is the library doing? It would be nice to hear about how the front is managing itself, and not just the research my son tells me of.”

Cyrus wondered if perhaps Quirin didn’t fully approve of Varian’s new job just as much as he didn’t approve of Hugo. Or if he’d just heard the rumors about the place and was worried. Either way, Cyrus felt he owed the man an answer.

“Business is slow,” he said bluntly, and Varian winced. “But it's steady, and growing every day.” Quirin didn’t look fully convinced, so Cyrus decided to elaborate. “No one’s been cursed yet,” he offered. “And our little fae has mostly stopped stealing back the books now she’s seen they get returned.”

Out of the corner of his eye he saw Hugo glare. Why would you mention your imaginary friend? His expression said.

Quirin however, looked intrigued. “A fae you say?” he said, rubbing his chin. “Those are rare nowadays.” Cyrus saw Hugo’s mouth fall open in shock. “Tell me,” Quirin continued. “Have you tried giving her offerings?”

“Quite a few,” Cyrus’ lips quirked up, feeling a slight spark of smug pleasure in another acknowledging the silver-haired fae’s existence. “Just yesterday I offered Mona’s special honey cookies and milk.”

“Did it work?” Quirin asked. Cyrus shook his head. “Hmmm,” Quirin mused. “Honey and milk usually does it. It worked on the lake sprites that were giving the village some trouble a few years back.”

“Lake sprites did what now?” Varian gaped, but both men ignored him.

“Perhaps our library fae is just more stubborn than the lake sprites,” Cyrus shrugged, and instantly regretted it. What had Grandpa always said? Never insult a fae while in their domain?

He glanced around, but nothing seemed to change. Cyrus had just enough time to breathe a sigh of relief when Mona’s line gave a sharp tug. She startled, having been more engaged in the conversation than the rod, and pulled with all her might. But whatever was on the other side pulled with the strength no normal fish could have, and sent Mona flying over the side of the boat.

Cyrus reached out for her foot as it flew by his head, but his fist closed over empty air. No. Cyrus grabbed the edge of the boat, and with one mighty leap, hurled himself across the lake to where his wife had disappeared beneath the water.

It was not until after his head had fully submerged that the panic of “Mona can’t swim!” Became “I can’t swim!” He struggled in the water. waving his arms and legs about in a desperate hope that it might keep him afloat. The water flooded his open mouth, stealing his air away. He kicked harder, struggling against the current of water pulling him down.

Something hard collided with his back, tugging him forcefully to the surface. His head broke the water and he gasped, gulping down as much air as he could. Whatever it held him in place, strangely buoyant. He craned his neck around, to see something bright and pink was stuck to his back and arms.

“You absolute imbecile,” a very familiar voice said. Cyrus looked up to see Hugo standing above him, balanced on the buoyant pink that kept them both afloat.

“Hugo!” Cyrus cried. “Mona! Save Mona!” But Hugo ignored him, instead using a rope to pull them closer to the line. Strong arms pulled him upwards into the boat, and without the mobility of his arms, there really wasn’t much he could do.

“Mona!” he cried again, only to hear an answering,

“Cyrus!” he turned, a difficult feat with the strange pink substance still stuck to his back, to see Mona, soaking wet and covered in the same pink substance but breathing and alive. “Oh Cyrus!” Mona sobbed, and threw herself towards him. Cyrus tried to catch her, but found he still could not move his arms. Instead they lay against each other, drinking in each other’s presence.

“Now everyone is saved,” Hugo patted Cyrus’ shoulder and gave a tight smile. “What the hell were you thinking?” His hand closed into a fist.

Cyrus blinked. “Mona can’t swim.” He pointed out.

“Neither can you, you absolute idiot!” Hugo was shaking with fury. If Cyrus didn’t know better, he’d say he was afraid. “You never use your head! If you’d thought for even one moment, you’d have known there were better people to go after her!”

“You jumped in too,” Cyrus pointed out, feeling this whole tirade was somewhat hypocritical. “You can’t swim either.”

“Actually I can,” Hugo sniffed. “Varian taught me.” Cyrus looked over at Varian, who was standing awkwardly to the side, water dripping from his hair to his goggles. Teaching Hugo a life saving skill? That was worth at least fifty points. Varian ducked his head.

“He swam me to the boat!” Mona added, voice muffled as she spoke against Cyrus’ chest. And okay, saving Mona from near drowning was another fifty points. Still far from the thousand points he’d lost, but an impressive enough improvement to drive home how he really should take Mona’s advice.

“Gonna get us out of here?” He grunted at Varian, who’s head snapped up.

“I don’t know,” Hugo crossed his arms. “I think we should just leave you in there, so you don’t go jumping back in the lake.” Quirin frowned, and Hugo added hastily, “But Mona we can get out.”

“Don’t be stupid,” Varian rolled his eyes. “Here,” he said to Cyrus with a shy smile. “Let me help.” He uncorked a small vial, and poured the strange green liquid over Cyrus’s shoulders. Cyrus could feel the pink substance crackle and break as he drew his arms forward to cradle Mona, who was still stuck. Varian leaned over her, and Cyrus watched the pink slowly crumble off her shoulders.

“Thank you,” Mona gave a slight smile, and Cyrus felt her pull closer against him, body shivering.

“I think that’s enough fishing for today,” Quirin said, and Cyrus and Mona were quick to nod along. It was time to go back home.

-------------

“Can I talk to you son?” Quirin said casually as he and Hugo pulled in the boat. “Man to man?”

Cyrus stiffened. A sneak attack when everyone was beginning to relax. How hadn’t he seen this coming? He looked at Hugo, trying to convey the message, do you need me to follow in case of ambush?

Hugo’s shoulders slumped as he let out a long sigh. “Sure Quirin,” he said. He shot Cyrus a look that clearly said, come get me if I scream. Then he took a deep breath and followed Quirin, looking for all the world like a man going to his own execution.

As they moved around the bend and out of view, Cyrus realized he and Mona had been left alone with Varian. Great. Now what?

Varian shifted, tugging at his sleeve. “So I guess this is the time when you tell me not to break Hugo’s heart?” he asked, voice an octave higher.

Mona and Cyrus looked at each other. Cyrus sighed. “It’s not my place to tell Hugo what he can or can’t do. I’m not his father.” He said, getting really tired of people expecting him to have some kind of authority over Hugo. Mona raised an eyebrow and he shook his head. Really he didn’t. The last person to tell Hugo not to do something was Donella, and look how well that worked out. Mona looked down, seeming to understand.

“Oh,” Varian looked down, and Mona bit her lip.

“You know he’s not actually related to us right?” she offered. “That day he brought you over, I’d never seen him in person before.”

“I’m just a guy who worked for Donella,” Cyrus added, because Varian needed to understand that Hugo didn’t have anyone else, he’d given up his closest connection for Varian.

“Yeah, but,-” Varian’s brow wrinkled, “-you still helped him. And when my Dad suggested a family fishing trip, he insisted you guys come. You guys might not be related, but you’re important to him. And,-” His eyes met Cyrus’ blazing with a determined fire, “-I want Hugo’s family to approve of me.”

Cyrus starred back, feeling frozen one again under that familiar glare. For the first time, he wondered if maybe Varian was as intimidated of Cyrus as he was of him. The thought was almost laughable, he’d read up on Varian, he knew what he was really capable of. There was no way he’d be able to beat him if the boy decided to go all out. But then again, there were other ways to hurt someone.

What had it been Mona had said to him when they’d been on their way to introduce her to the thug guild?

“I just really want them to like me,” she’d confided when he’d asked why she was so nervous. “I want to be with you forever, and I don’t want to make that forever miserable for you.

Cyrus sighed. “I’m still not going to threaten you,” he said, and then because Varian looked far too happy to hear that he added, “I wouldn’t want you to see it coming.”

Varian’s face fell as Mona let out a peal of laughter. “Cyrus!” she giggled. “Hugo’s an adult now! You can’t go killing off his problems anymore!”

“He what now?” Varian’s eyes widened in alarm as he looked between Cyrus and Mona.

“There was only one,” Cyrus grunted, and Varian paled.

“He deserved it,” Mona waved a hand. “Don’t worry darling, you’d have to kill a few animals in front of their owners before you even came close.”

“I-” Varian started, looking hopelessly lost. “I think I’m missing something.”

“Welcome to the family kid,” Cyrus smiled as he saw Quirin and Hugo heading back around the bend. “You’ll get used to it.”

[kentuckywrites]

deform to form a star

Long after the events of the main story, Shulk has a dream and sees Alvis again.

Shulk had skipped dinner that night in favor of working in the lab uninterrupted. Mechon parts were strewed about on his desk haphazardly, some dangling off the edge, threatening to fall. Blueprints to various inventions and upgrades were crumpled up or tucked away, and only one was in clear view. It was the design for an arm cast, a mechanical splint. If everything worked out, it would give Dunban movement in his right arm again. Shulk hoped to surprise him with it once it was done. 

But the claws of the unconscious were grabbing his temples, and with every passing moment Shulk wanted to give in to its grasp and sleep. Eventually he decided he wouldn’t get anywhere like this, and even if he did manage to keep going, there was no guarantee that the work he did would be adequate, or even subpar. Shifting some of the parts away with his arm, Shulk used the crook of his elbow as a makeshift pillow, and when his eyes fluttered shut the world of dreams embraced him with a quiet indignation.

Dreams were not something Shulk wished for, not after all that had happened. His nights were haunted by ghosts of the past, of mistakes he couldn’t fix and lives he couldn’t save. He would wake as if he hadn’t slept at all and go about the day normally, avoiding any and all questions about why there were dark circles under his eyes, why he kept tripping over his own two feet. When darkness claimed him he knew he would dream, and the vast expanse of space greeted him coldly. Shulk knew this vision - this was where he and the others fought Zanza and all the ghosts of their past. Metal Face, Face Nemesis, Jade Face, Xord. Mumhkar, Fiora, Gadolt, and whoever Xord had been in a past life. He felt the hilt of the Machina’s monado in his hand, and he prepared himself for a lonely fight in a lonely void.

But the scene changed, and when he went to grip the monado tighter his fingers pressed into his palm, empty. The sun, distant in the sky, grew higher as grassy land pressed into Shulk’s boots. A gentle breeze came to comfort him and the sky turned a brilliant shade of blue. He knew this place - it was just outside of the former Colony 6, the path out of the ether mine. Loose fence posts jutted out in weird directions, hardly performing their intended purpose at the edge of the land. In one of their many gaps, a familiar Homs sat, his feet dangling over the edge of the Bionis. Shulk had to rub his eyes to fully realize that it was Alvis, who hadn’t acknowledged that he was there yet. Smiling, he walked over, choosing not to sit down yet.

“Alvis!” He said, “It’s been a long time.”

“Indeed,” Alvis didn’t look up at Shulk, his silver gaze focused on some distant point on the horizon, “And it would seem during that time, you’ve been in good health.”

“I’d say so,” Shulk stretched his arms outwards, noticing that in this dream all of his aches and pains had been alleviated, “Rebuilding the colonies is taking longer than I first thought, but they’re coming along nicely. I’m back to working in a lab again too! Overall, everything’s coming along.”

“Good news,” He nodded, and without looking up he patted the space to his left. That silent affirmation was all Shulk needed to sit down next to Alvis, letting his legs dangle off the land. There was a dull sense of danger involved, but in the end, even if he fell, this was only a dream. Still, everything around him felt real - the sights, the textures, even the faint smell of iron and rosewater that the breeze carried over from Alvis. This close to him, Shulk could even see how smooth Alvis’s skin was, flawless and pure, porcelain that held no imperfections. His hair, feathery like the High Entia he’d worked with long ago, metallic and shining in the sunlight. The frown decorating his thin lips, desperately wanting to turn into a grin, but held back by something beneath the skin.

Shulk decided to ask what was bothering him, because it was obvious that Alvis was sad. 

“How have you been holding up?” He said, “Honestly, I wasn’t sure if I’d ever see you again.”

“I have nothing to report.”

Well, that was anticlimactic. 

“Really? Nothing new at all?”

“There isn’t much of anything for me to report. It is as you said, Shulk. Everything is coming along.”

“But what have you been up to?” Shulk pressed, “It’s been months since I’ve heard word from you. I find it hard to believe you haven’t been doing anything at all!”

Alvis paused, contemplative. His hands found their way into his lap, folding ever so perfectly with each other. “My administrative duties have taken up the bulk of that timeframe, but even then there is not much left to maintain. Thanks to you, this world has progressed in a natural manner. I believe in due time, my line of work will become obsolete.”

“Because this world has no gods to control it?”

“Precisely. I was set to maintain the world for Zanza’s return, but now that there are no gods left to govern it, this world has progressed on its own terms. It’s possible for me to collect new data regarding the future of this world, but…”

“But that’s not what you want.” Shulk finished, and finally Alvis turned to face him. His expression had taken on a miserable quality, his brow furrowing and his eyes creasing at the corners.

“Correction: that is not what you want, Shulk,” He said, “You expressed the desire to live life each day as it comes, and whatever the future held for you, you would embrace with open arms. It is difficult to collect data on a future that is not predetermined, only because of the infinite possibilities in store.”

“Right,” He agreed with a small sigh, “Though if I might ask...are you sad that this is what I chose?”

Alvis’s eyes went wide. “I could never be disappointed in you, Shulk. This world is prospering because of your decision, and I cannot fault you for placing the people of this world into your consideration.”

“But I basically took away your purpose,” Shulk protested, “You don’t have anything left to do anymore. Zanza gave you a job to fulfill, as much as it’s weird to admit it, but now you’re just…”

“Outdated technology.” Alvis turned away again, his legs gently kicking outwards. “All technology is bound to be replaced as advancements are made. I simply wasn’t expecting my own expiration to be so soon.”

“Expiration? Alvis, you’re not just a piece of equipment to be thrown away once you’ve served your purpose. You’re sentient. You can think for yourself. You can make a life for yourself, if you want!”

“My own life…”

The silver-haired Homs went quiet, now staring down at his hands, observing how his fingers bent to press down on his palms. It was a gentle movement, so carefully planned that Shulk couldn’t resist watching him. When the silence had passed, Alvis took a deep breath, and his hands came to rest on his thighs.

“Zanza once informed me that I would never change,” Alvis said, “That I was a program made to execute commands and nothing more. I cannot help but consider that he was right.”

“I killed Zanza, remember?” Shulk found himself laughing, “He can’t control who you are or who you want to be. Isn’t that why you helped me?”

“I deny that I was of any assistance to you. Your friends considered me a traitor, and even in the end, all I asked of you was to make a decision.”

“So all those times you appeared to me in my dreams weren’t supposed to be helpful? Alvis, you gave me the strength to keep fighting. When I thought I was nothing more than an empty shell, you were there to tell me that I had meaning - that everything I’d done had purpose to it.”

Alvis looked to Shulk again, and this time the saddened hint to his face had increased tenfold. It was like Shulk had spoken a truth he wasn’t prepared to accept. His eyes threatened tears, silver pools of mechanical grace that hid a mortal life. His lips parted, showing the slightest hint of white teeth, though no words could escape his body. So Shulk continued, smiling now that he knew what Alvis needed to hear.

“Maybe you can come and live in Colony 9 with me and experience what it’s like to be alive. You deserve to live, after all. Nothing can change that.”

“I...I’m afraid I may not live up to your expectations,” Alvis confessed, twisting a part of his hair behind his ear, “I have witnessed firsthand how life can be cruel, that the decisions you make can lead to life being taken away.”

“You’re afraid that you’ll hurt people? I was scared of that too, even when I had the Mona - when I had you.” Shulk told him, “But I don’t think you’d need to worry about that at all. Because now you’ll have me.”

And that was what broke the dam. Alvis’s tears spilled over onto his perfect cheeks, leaving trails of saltwater behind as evidence. Despite his tears, a beautiful smile now adored his face, and he was beautiful, and now Shulk never wanted to leave this moment. Before he could think, his arms were wrapped around Alvis, and Alvis’s arms pressed into his back, and Alvis’s face was pressed into Shulk’s shoulder, and Alvis was pressed into all of Shulk so perfectly that it was hard to believe this was a dream. 

With quiet sobs Alvis whispered, “Thank you.”

The smell of iron and rosewater followed Shulk into the waking world, and when he sat up and looked around, he saw Alvis faceplanted onto the floor behind him, fast asleep. The sight would’ve been comical without context, but all Shulk could do was smile. He didn’t know how long he’d been encased within the dream, or how the dream had followed him here. Shulk stood up from his chair, the aches and pains returning to declare vengeance, but he ignored them to pick Alvis up off the ground and carry him bridal style out of the lab. Along the way, Alvis’s eyes peeked open, still exhausted from his travels out of the unconscious. 

“Will you truly share this life with me?” He mumbled, a question that caused Shulk to blush.

“Of course I will,” He answered, for what else could he have said? “Now let’s get you somewhere comfortable to sleep. I’ll show you around the colony tomorrow.”

[tornbetween2loves]

Arcana Unbound—Player Introductions (TRR AU)

Four thousand years ago gods and magic shaped and ruled and were plentiful in the world. Man and all the creatures were shaped and marked by it. Then things began to change. Gradually those things of magic diminished and the things of science took precedence until magic became a myth tucked away safely in children’s fairy tales and skilled entertainer’s parlor tricks.

It’s been a thousand years of progress unmarked by true magic.

Things are about to change.

All characters belong to pixelberry with the exception of our OCs. They are our precious babies, created straight from the heart.

This AU is a collaboration with my good friends @innerpostmentality and @kennaxval Many thanks to both of you for all your time and effort in creating this world.

Links to our master lists:

innerpostmentality

kennaxval

tornbetween2loves

And here’s a link to the previous post. Once we have enough posts we will probably create a series master list

Nightmares

Warnings: this storyline is adult-themed and may include ns*w scenes. This part is fairly tame.

Word count: 1699

Tags: @darley1101 @gardeningourmet @speedyoperarascalparty @hopefulmoonobject @bobasheebaby @carabeth @riseandshinelittleblossom @stopforamoment @furiousherringoperatortoad @indiacater @sirbeepsalot @alesana45 @museofbooks @eileendannie @furryperfectionlover

Leo sat across the table from his wife. They exchanged a look over their dinner plates. Pam sat next to her dad and Mona was next to her mom. They were chatting happily about their weekend plans, not really paying much attention to their parents. The meal was almost done when Kate raised an eyebrow at Leo from across the table. He was dreading this conversation. Hell, he was dreading this whole event. But it was necessary. Leo felt it was necessary to always show his support for his brother, especially since he took on the burden that he himself couldn’t carry.

He cleared his throat and pulled an envelope out of his pocket and placed it on the table in front of the girls. Pam snatched it up first. “What’s this daddy?” She noticed the wax Cordonian seal as she opened the envelope and pulled out a fancy embossed invitation. Her eyes widened as she read it and she groaned. “Are you serious? Please tell me we don’t have to go to this thing?” Mona narrowed her eyes at her sister from across the table. “What is it? Are you gonna keep me in suspense?” Pam rolled her eyes and tossed the invitation across the table to her sister. She watched as Mona read it, her face lighting up like a Christmas tree. “A social season?! Just like the old days, right?! This is awesome! We are going, aren’t we daddy?”

Leo smiled at Mona then looked at Pam sympathetically. “Yes girls, we most certainly are. You both know how important it is for us to show support for your Uncle Liam and Aunt Hyclea.” Pam groaned as Mona stood up with a squeal. She ran across the table and wrapped her arms around Leo’s neck. “Oh! Can I design our gowns? I have a lot of great ideas.” Leo and Kate exchanged a look then nodded. Mona locked eyes with her sister. “Come on Pam, I have to get your measurements.” The girls left the dining room together, leaving Leo and Kate alone.

“Doesn’t this seem a bit odd to you, Leo?” Kate furrowed her brow. “Why a social season now, after all this time?” Leo shrugged. “You read the invitation. To celebrate their silver anniversary.” He got up and strolled around the table to stand behind his wife. He rubbed her shoulders gently as she closed her eyes. “I think it will be fun. Just like the old days. Maybe little brother is feeling nostalgic?” Kate giggled. “Maybe this is his mid-life crisis?” They both chuckled. “Whatever it is, we will be there to support him. We must.” Kate sighed and nodded in agreement.

*******************************************

Maxwell strolled to the end of the driveway and opened the mailbox. He smiled as he reached inside at the same time Maurice pulled into the driveway. He grabbed the mail and headed to greet his husband just as he opened the car door. Maurice wrapped his arms around his beloved and kissed him softly on the lips. “You’re home early tonight. I’ve missed you at dinner every night this week.” Maurice frowned. “I’m so very sorry. I’m so wrapped up in this project that I lose track of time so easily.” Maxwell smiled sadly. “It’s ok, I get it. You don’t have to explain.” Maurice laced his fingers through Maxwell’s as they walked back to the house. “No, it’s not ok. With the kids off at school now we are empty nesters and I can’t have you feeling neglected.” He walked through the front door and pulled Maxwell in behind him. He kissed him softly at first, then with more passion. “I promise, I will do better.”

Maxwell grinned and began looking through the mail in his hand. His eyes grew wide and his mouth curved up into an excited grin as he grabbed one envelope and tossed the rest of the mail on the table. He ran his finger over the Cordonian royal wax seal on the envelope. “What’s that?” He shrugged and raised an eyebrow at Maurice. “I’m not sure. It’s from the palace.” Maurice opened a drawer and pulled out a letter opener. He carefully slid it under the wax seal, popping it open and removed the letter inside. Maxwell stood next to him and read it over his shoulder. “A social season?” Maxwell clapped his hands excitedly. Maurice groaned. The idea of socializing with stuffy nobles at the palace was not his idea of fun. But he already knew they’d have to go. There’s no way Maxwell would miss this, and Liam and Hyclea were such close friends.

“I’ll call the kids. But you’re breaking the news Maxwell.” Maxwell smiled excitedly and wrapped his arms around his husband. “Sure. And this will be a nice vacation for you as well. A chance for us to spend some time together.” Maurice smiled at him. “Yes, it’s perfect.”

**********************************

Autumn was just finishing her hair when there was a knock on the door. “Come in.” Riley and Hana entered together, dressed in formal gowns and carrying their masks in their hands. “Hey baby, how are you feeling?” Riley stood behind her daughter, a look of concern on her face. Autumn’s brow furrowed as she looked at her moms’ concerned expressions in the mirror’s reflection. “I’m so nervous. What if I make a fool out of myself?” “That won’t happen Autumn. You know this stuff.” Hana’s tone was reassuring. She wanted her daughter to make her own choices, so when she expressed interest in courtly etiquette, Hana taught her. She knew the proper way to address everyone and learned all the dances. But Autumn was not referring to courtly etiquette.

She was talking about Sarissa. She had managed to avoid contact with her since they arrived at the palace. But there would be no avoidance tonight. She would see her. Tonight was the night. She was going to confess her feelings.

************************************************

Sarissa took one last look in the mirror. Her nerves were on edge. She knew this day was coming. It was inevitable. The Masquerade ball marked the beginning of the social season, which filled her with a profound sense of dread. This would be her first test. To see if she really had what it took to be queen. Could she watch all of those women fawning over Aeneas? He assured her it was just for show, just a ploy to gain support for the crown. He would have to spend an equal amount of time with all the ladies at court, in order to be fair. But she knew his heart was hers. She knew every time she looked into his deep violet eyes, every time he touched or kissed her. Her stomach fluttered as she closed her eyes and imagined he was there, standing behind her, his breath warm on her neck as he leaned over to kiss her collarbone...

A light knock broke her reverie. “Come in,” she called as she put the finishing touches on her make up. She turned to see Bastien standing in the doorway, a nostalgic smile on his face. He was dressed in a tux, his salt n pepper hair slicked back and his beard showing a bit more grey to match his eyes. “You look beautiful.” He walked into the room. Sarissa turned and faced her father nervously. “Where’s mom?” “She’s downstairs waiting. Are you ready?” She nodded and picked up her mask from the bed. She slid her arm through her dad’s and they headed downstairs.

Bastien smiled at his wife and daughter side by side, dressed for the ball. Olivia’s eyes were wet as she saw her daughter in her sparkly red gown. “You look absolutely divine. Red has always been our color.” She hugged her daughter tight, so proud that she had decided to attend the social season. “Now remember everything I taught you Sarissa. This is a competition. I know you have a special relationship with the crown prince, but some of these women will be cutthroat. Don’t let them see your emotions. Put up a strong front. And trust no one. You’re not there to make friends, you’re there to win the heart of the prince.” Sarissa rolled her eyes and shot her father a pleading glance. “Mom, come on. This is not the same type of social season that you participated in for King Liam’s hand all those years ago. This is merely an opportunity for the court to socialize. No one is expecting an engagement or a coronation or anything like that. It’s just for fun.” Olivia opened her mouth to counter, but Bastien cut in. “Come on, Liv, this is not going to be a repeat of what happened all those years ago. These kids are different than you were. This is a different generation, a different world.” He turned to face his daughter, thinking that she looked just like her mother did all those years ago. Her fiery hair fell in waves down her back and the red strapless gown hugged her curves perfectly. She held her mask in her hand, black sequins with red, orange and yellow sequined flames above the eyes.

“Where is Xiphos?” Sarissa said as she looked around the living room. Just then, a tall man looking remarkably like a younger version of Bastien appeared in the doorway. He had his father’s dark hair and chiseled features. But his emerald eyes shined brightly like his mother’s. Olivia smiled big as she walked over and straightened her son’s bow tie. “There’s Cordonia’s most eligible bachelor. You look almost as handsome as your father.” Olivia shot Bastien a look and a smile. Xiphos rolled his eyes. “Come on mom, you know I hate being called that.” The paparazzi had dubbed him that after following the stories of his rambunctious youth. He had a playboy reputation and a wild streak but was calming down after falling for Princess Calais.

“Are we all ready to go? The car just pulled around front.” Bastien looked around the room at his family. Sarissa took a deep breath and exhaled slowly. “Let’s do this,” she said as she followed her parents out the door.