Long Days, & Longer Nights {Ky & Vy // Marree}

[Cameo {RIP Charlie}]

Vy Pryce 

The days are unbearably long, and the nights are even gruesomely longer. Upon every single slumbering moment, he taunts my reality with dreams that are alike all the same. Some of him horrifically scaring my Girlfriend with unforgiving physical marks. Other times it me gruesomely battling him, determined to retreat back to my lovely Girl. No matter the nightmare he plagues me with, I awake soaked with sweat and desperate for the reassurance that Kyanite is still sleeping peacefully beside me. It’s often easiest to simply not collapse my eyes into rest at all, though the next day never agrees with me on that. Exhaustion yanks me through the long hours of the Sun’s shine, but I somehow manage through nonetheless.

At least when daylight brutalize us with its bright rays, fear doesn’t coax every muscle within my body – even though it was completely radiating out the day that he managed to take us. But now I know better than to be foolish with trusting someone I scarcely know, who exhibits bad vibes from their core, and so does Kyanite. Even still we’re continuously checking on the Other throughout the day; and fortunately, both of our employments are in the same building, making our anxious checking possible.

Hand in hand we stroll to our shared workplace just as we do every single day. The light chatter has even returned to our daily walks, as both of us are healing from the traumatic past. There’s no need to express how the nightmares are still plaguing me, especially when she probably already knows. The terrors we endured still gleam in her façade expressions of happiness, but I know eventually we’ll both recover – we always do. Though still it does not make kissing her goodbye any easier, as fear consumes me with the idea of her being taken from my fingertips again. Except that I have to release my sturdy grip from her fingers, and somehow, I do every day.

The moment she turns around the corner to the Nurses’ hallway, I envelope myself into the vast counters of the main training room where my Trainees await me. “Alright, Ladies.” I call for the Youngsters’ attentions; and though their all boys, they’re used to my insensitive manner. At least the routine of the day keeps me distracted from the terrors of the nights. Immediately their respect is graced to me, as they hush instantly and stare at me in patients for instructions. “Get to your basic morning warmup, before we study more hand to hand combat. All of you were disappointments in yesterday’s spares against another Trainer’s kids. Unacceptable.” With a simple hand gesture, they’re off following my instructions. Certainly, they weren’t completely terrible yesterday, but I only accept perfection from my students. Even decency would have them murdered instantly if they were to get reaped, which is opposing my goal for them.

Within the past I would endure every step of training with them; whether working out, running laps, or sparring in the ring. But with a damn human growing inside of me it’s not allowed anymore, or at least that’s what Ky says. Not a single aspect of my routine altered when I was pregnant with Brooklyn, and she didn’t turn out half bad! But when my primary mission is to make my Girl happy, I can’t argue with her. Fortunately, the Boys have yet to notice my absence in full participation, clueless to what’s going on in their Trainer’s life, which is exactly how I like it. Perhaps one of these days I’ll have to tell them, or maybe not. Could just take a sick leave again when I can’t hide it anymore, and shrug when people question the sudden new addition to the family. That’s how it was with Brooklyn at first, until our secret eventually let out…

Frustration leaves my hand running down my face, as I watch two of my Boys poorly sparring within the Ring. It’s as though their fearful a pristine punch may kill the other, how pathetic. “Come on now! You all used to be able to beat anyone I put you against. Is it possible to get this much worse?” I scold them in my aggravation, clueless to what I could do to make them improve. It’s quite difficult to teach them proper tactics when I’m unable to get into the ring myself… Eyes dart towards the door, gazing through its window to see if anyone’s approaching. Perhaps I could provide them a short lesson on how to properly fight, without Ky even knowing?

“That’s it. Conner get out of the Ring, Troy just you & I sparring.” Is ordered as I climb through two of the ropes to gain my footing in such a lovely place that I miss so badly.

“Wow. Trainer Vy getting back in the ring? I never thought I’d see the day.” Troy taunts with a smirk of amusement, probably hyped to be battling against me once again. Hopefully the motivation will actually spike him with some talent.

“Shut it, Troy. You even going to be able to hit me?” The tease is given right back to him. Rather than counteracting with a bite of words, he aims for a surprise punch – one in which I knock away from me all too easily. “That was just sad.” I laugh at his attempt, which has the other Trainees cackling as well. Of course, Troy isn’t too fond of that however.

Again, he targets for an unexpected hit, leaving me the opportunity to take advantage – dodging from his fist, and taking the opening to slam my own knuckles gently across one of his cheeks. “Anyone else wouldn’t have been so kind, and instead leave you with some pretty bruises.” I advise him of his fortune, as we continue to kiss our knuckles to the air; while his scarcely reach my skin, and when mine connect with his it’s in a practice manner that’ll avoid true pain. But even within a short few minutes he begins improving, which satisfies me nonetheless. So why can’t I go into a ring, when my Opponent can hardly even touch me?

PaT Count: 1031

[*]

Kyanite Ruze It's daunting day in and day out to wake up. Jin's face has finally been replaced with Samuel's and his fathers with ease. The sheds walls and enclosures has put a bit of fear into me. Cramped places with little light has somehow set forth an unknown fear. This fear though is only relieved by a little bit of light or the arms of my love around me as I drift off to sleep. I love being fully encased in her tender care. Though this small hindrance to my heart won't last long, I know that but it's just still too fresh to immediately let it wittle away. After all, Jin's escapades a little over a year or two ago has finally faded but somehow always replaced with something a little more terrifying each time. Life continues to amazing me at how much we both can handle and deal with and still wake each morning in order to continue with our daily routines. Vy keeps me going, even though I know she's struggling. Her movements during the night wake me with the littlest of jolts but I keep the facade of sleep just to keep her from fussing over me. I know that she looks over me, curls herself around my torso for comfort and when she does, I instinctively wrap a finger around her digits in response. The other thing that allows me some normality is little Mira's face and Brooklyn's sweet disposition. They are always my go to first thing in the morning, of course, after kissing Vy's cheek. For some reason, every single battle or phantom memory of everything I've had to endure, I wake with a profound amount of love in my heart for where it's brought me. The people around me assure me that I am always going to be okay and even more so with the thought of a little boy soon to be born in this house. Four girls and a little prince will be an interesting mix, to say the least. This morning is no different then the last few. We wake and I get my minute of talking to our little prince. Whispered words of love for him to recognize his momma's voice. My thumb strokes her stomach several times over, waiting for that agonizing moment until I can feel his first movements. This treasure is keeping us together and giving us more hope to continue waking each day. "I love you, squirt. Your mom's love you. You are well taken care of. You are a strong little prince." Phrases he will always know by heart by the time he's ready to be held. Until, then, I hold Vy's hand on our trek to work. I'm still unsure if I'm truely ready to trust again since that trust has been broken so many times in the past. Fear will not control me, but it keeps me from doing things out of the blue like that day. No one in the office will let me go into the field or anywhere alone until the creep is caught. Their disappearance is unknown for the time being but maybe the thought of being publically punished or carted off to the capitol is going to keep them at bay. "Good Morning, Ky. How you doing today?" Questions arise from Holly, one of the desk attendants at the center. She doesn't even look up from her paper work as I smile at her. "I'm good. Things are fine. Had to drop the little one's off at daycare but Mira was a little reluctant to let me go for some reason. You'd think that child was glued to my hip the way she fussed about me leaving her." I tell her, hanging up my jacket on the pole and walking back to the offices and glancing into each little room on my way down. Each room was lit up with that bright blue light enfused. The paper rolled out on each exam table and the place impecibly clean. At the end of the hallway, I slip inside and take a breath. "Just another day, Ky. Just another day like it was before." I coach myself and reach for the first file on my desk. An appointment set for today that just happened to be one of Vy's students. I glance over the notes, scanning the xrays of the healing bone. The follow up notes and then where the appointment time was stated. "Has Gregory been in here yet or have I missed him already for his appointment?" I buzz the front desk where Holly sat. Confirmation from her only made my head shake from side to side. "Alright. I'll go down to get him then. I will not let a student miss an appointment." I step from my office, and head down the hall only telling them I'd be five minutes to gather the young man unwilling to do his followup. "That was just sad. Anyone else wouln'dt have been so kind, and instead leave you with some pretty bruises." Her voice echoes throughout the gym. Her voice singing her sweet trainer attitude bringing such a grin to my face until I walked through the threshold to witness the unthinkable. "PRYCE!" My voice carries quickly, hoping to startle her with every ounce of my motherly voice. I stare at her, smiling as I walk over to her with a bit of pep in my step but just below a brisk walk. "Care to tell me why you are in the ring... with the student that I need for an appointment?" I torture her with my looks, biting my lower lip in annoyance that she dare to go against my wishes and the doctor's - risking herself in the ring. "Can I see you a moment... Please?" I grit my teeth.

[Cameo {RIP Charlie}]

Vy Pryce 

The marks have faded with barely a physical trace left in it’s wake. The yellow tints subtly dimmed to nonexistence. The dark hues have disappeared from actual view. Though within the calmness of eery silence the dreadful memories tattoo invisible scars, to be recalled within what should be peace of stillness. But to the hustle of the outside Panem, little evidence kisses upon our skin to cause raised eyebrows of curious suspicion - while within our heads the wounds remain fresh, and scarcely licked. And with that in mind, I should leave not even the slightest risk of worrying her… yet I do.

Within the first time of our history of knowing one another, her voice makes me cringe. Shoulders tense, features strain, fingernails carve into the roughness of my palms - though not over anything in which she has done, but rather my own stupidity. Instinctively color gently flushes from my face in regret, my heart pounds as if I were Brooklyn caught with my hand inside the cookie jar. A gulp quivers down my throat harshly, like it were an impossible task. And to no surprise, Troy inhales this moment of my distraction to playfully spring his knuckles in my direction. Knowing my Trainees all too well, I catch his fist as though it were a meager fly, starring at Kyanite as if too convince her that it were silly for her to banned from the ring. But even without a single bruise being graced upon my exterior from, I know I shouldn’t have gone against her wishes.

How many times have I heard the precious voice lecturing another? It always brought a smile to my face as she uses mere words as weapons to rip apart another like none other could possibly achieve. Except a grin doesn’t shape my lips this time, as her raft is actually directed towards myself. If only Troy hadn’t skipped his appointment with her, neither of us would even be in this predicament.

“How dare you miss a Doctor’s appointment with Ms. Ruze.” Is scolded to Troy, as I casually nudge him forward as if a big Brother blaming the younger one; trying with all my persuasive powers to move the the focus from being on me. Then Ky requests a private moment, and again I’m nudging Troy even though I know very well who the request is for. “Oh… Me?” Is rhetorically questioned rather idiotically, before I stumble from the ring that I never should have stepped a toe into. A hand is gently place upon the small of her back as I lead us both into the hallway outside, rather slowly as if time may prevent what’s about to occur.

A middle finger is shot behind us from myself, when I hear one of my Trainees tease, “Ohhh, Ms. Pryce is in trouble again.” It does seem as if I’m constantly being sent to the principal’s office though….

The door clicks behind us, swaddling us in isolation, and instantly my bottom lip pierces between my teeth - not for long though, as words instinctively comb past my tongue within seconds. “I know I promised you I wouldn’t step inside the ring…” Arrives straightforwardly, as if owning up to my mistake. “But it was nearly impossible to train them without getting in there with them!” My voice remains hushed in fear of any eavesdroppers. “And he didn’t even manage to touch me at all!” Is explained in attempt to be reassuring, as I constantly gaze through the window upon the gym’s door to make sure none of the Trainee’s attempts to listen in with an ear against the barricade. “You know I wouldn’t put our baby in any risk…” Well that’s not exactly true given what we just went through… Again my bottom lip rediscovers it’s rightful place between my teeth.

[*]

Kyanite Ruze I keep my glare toward her in the softest way possible in some manner of way softly keeping her safe. A deep need to keep her from harm and having to go through everything I had to with my father and that bully. I want nothing more than to rip away her trainer status just so I can keep her away from it all, but it won't help. She's drawn to it. Somehow, my tongue pressing harshly against the roof of my mouth as I tense up. I watch her blame her student for missing my appointment and the coy responce from my love only makes my ears raise momentarily as if a smile was about to break; it didn't. Vy exits the ring with a bit of difficulty and I look to her students and then to her. I keep my distance from her until she's wrapping her arm around my back and her fingers trace small movements against me without her intentions. My heartbeat quickens wondering if it's doing any damage to the baby but I also try to remember that through all the hardships I endured while I was pregnant, I know in the end she'll be fine. She and that baby are tough. With the click of the door telling us that we are officially alone and out of the sight of her students, I tilt my head with every ounce of attitude I can muster along with my arms folding up in front of my body. "Uh huh..." I mutter when she thinks her excuses are going to buy her a one way ticket out of my angered disposition. "Sure - whatever you think, Vy." I have to scoff at her when she mentions that Gregory didn't even touch her or couldn't but I couldn't chance it even though she might be able to. While she knows her students well enough, I feel like she just don't take heed when she should. "I wish I could trust you, and I do..." I start to tell her and I catch her wanderin gaze into the direction of the door that she closed. Were her students listening in on what she was saying? "but I don't trust them. I don't trust the training careers to be gentle with you since you won't tell them that you have a - special situation- that should keep you from fulfilling your duties to a full. I don't want any accidents, Vy and you don't seem to understand that. I can't believe that you would you do that after what we just went through." I feel no real emotion other than heat forming in my cheeks as I watch after her features to catch anything abnormal going on. Attempts are made to show her what I mean in the briefest of moments though. I carely place my hand toward her stomach, my digits gracing her for a stolen moment. "He needs you to be sure that you can do what you need to and not get hurt - to ensure that someone else won't hurt you. He's counting on you, Vy." I draw my hand back to my own body, folding them up in front of me. OH I breath in deeply and hear a footstep somewhere near. "I trust you Vy. I trust that you know your own body enough to take care of it for him to grow." I can't help but sigh, waiting for another noise to echo into the stolen sactuarary that we have claimed. "I'll make you a deal, okay? If you tell them that your pregnant, then I'll allow you to fully train them how you want, but that's the condition. They don't know, so they won't take it easy on you but if they know, then they will know that their limitations are set. You can still kick their asses, but they just won't be able to kick yours." I share a grin with her and a shrug of my shoulders. Vy pauses in front of me, her eyes never leaving mine as she comments about the deal. Annoyance is found somewhere in the words, but it's hardly enough to dismiss the care that I know is wrapped within those words as well. She respects me and I respect her as she finally comes up with a decision. "Let me think about it, okay? I promise I won't step in the ring unless I tell them." My lips purse together in frustration for the incomplete answer, but a sigh follows. It's good enough for me for the moment that she even will allow a positive responce. I nod. "Well, not the exact answer I wanted to hear, but it'll satisfy me for the time being." I quickly find a stolen moment to capture her lips and then point to the door behind her. "You'd better keep that promise this time or next time, I'm ousting you myself and I know too many people and I'm known for talking too much." I humor her with a giant smile. "Now, Ms. Pryce, you better get back to your students before they get to antsy to find out why I called you out." I motion to the door and let my fingers graze her back as she walked passed me. "Tell Gregory that I need to see him at your earliest convienence please - and by that I mean as soon as possible." I toss the words out as a presence happens upon me and I turn to face a peacekeeper standing in full clad white. My heart stops in my tracks for a moment and remember back to the letter that Jeran had sent about him being home in just a few short days, but why would I be getting a visit from someone who was clearly taller and thinner then him. "Sir? Is everything okay?" I look to Vy for a moment, wondering if she would be able to see the peacekeeper, but her backs turned and I'm forced to recon with the officer at present. He nods in his helmet, not allowing me to see who he is until a moment later when he takes off the helmet to reveal an older gentleman with greying hair and a smile all too lopsided for his thin features. "Miss Ruze, I am here on behalf of the goverment - I'm sorry to say.." My hand rushes to my mouth for fear of the worst. Jeran's visit home will never come except for his body to be returned as such and why would I be getting a visit from the keepers instead of the higher ranked men of white. Tears collectively pool immediately as my stomach drops, churning moments into his speil. "...Miss? I'm sorry about your father." I'm already left completely speechless as it was but the realization that it wasn't my brother, but instead that of the man whose presence in my life has caused so much heartache, I felt the numbness in my legs scream. I take a step away from him, immediately looking for something to lean on. The absolute fear in my heart for my brother has caused such a tidal wave of emotions to spill over my eyes and I bend over in relief, but also of sadness I didn't think I would have for that man. "His body will be returning in two days for burial among your lands." I nod my head several times and try to catch my breath. Vy needs to know -

[Cameo {RIP Charlie}]

Vy Pryce 

Annoyance flutters within sarcastic agreements, to my own words, by the breathtaking voice of Ky’s. A silent pause is taken with a sudden peace of my thoughts, in a contemplation if sarcasm had always frequently danced the taste of her voice - or if it was another manner in which I influenced her, as she’s done to me in countless of other aspects. A petite smirk even gently curves the corners of my lips, kindled by my unmistakable love for this chick. Perhaps even a tiny grin is uncalled for within this debate, while such a dilemma somehow manages to erase the history that caused such from my mind if for only a second. There’s a drive to wrap her securely in my arms, to kiss away the situation and the worry that crafted such, while somehow I resist.

The giddiness is stolen with the Brunette’s following comment on wishing she could trust me, and our little man within our torso whines a few kicks in protest for me. Like the difference between night and day, the light swiftly rids from my features. Not even seconds later she assures of the trust she does contain for me, while still the seriousness is left in the wake. Eyes pierce behind, to the window on the gym’s doors, for reassurance no eavesdroppers are nosing in. Arms softly cross before me, as my vision returns to Ky, knowing this innocent concern derives from so much evil that has happened to us before.

Correction spews from her lips next, in her inability to trust my Trainees with their lack of knowledge to what’s going on. My expression cringes at her words of my special situation, and my heart flutters as it did weeks ago in a need to be in denial. A need to protest, a need to reject what’s going on, but I convinced myself already to not do such. We almost lost him before, and guilt plagued me for my desire to not have him in the first place. Surely I’m grateful he’s okay, but that doesn’t mean I have to be happy over who’s stomach he’s growing within.

Gnawing fingers of Ky brushes against my stomach in an inconspicuous manner. In the past I would have scorn such a public touch, something so unnoticeable and natural though my fears would tell me otherwise. Instead, however, my arms grace around her in a pull to bring her closer - to accept her craving to embrace our growing little Being as much as she can, without any suspicion being capable of forming. If there was a way to transfer him into your womb, I would. But she already knows that. Immediately he kicks rapidly to the beat of my heart, as if knowing of his mommies’ touch.

Lips part ajar in a direness to interject, when Ky speaks of her need to keep me safe, though no words manage to escape. There’s always an instinct to be cocky and assure then none could possibly harm me, while that’s already been proven to be false. A sigh rumbles from the depth of my lungs, actually rekindling a smirk upon my cheeks as my Brunette shares the deep exhale as well. Arms retrieve her from my capturing embrace, releasing her into the unsafe cruel Panem that will at least always contain my overly protective eyes until my final breath. Uncertainty leaves me silent still, unsure how to settle this in a way that’ll please us both. Eyes pierce directly into her’s, as if her own will direct me to a solution. And sure enough, a potential deal sparks from her overly intelligent tongue.

Once more the joy rushes from my features at the presentation of her crafted agreement. The options are set, to either refrain from entering a ring and being capable of fully training my students, or give up the secret that I’ve been keeping from them. She doesn’t trust them as I do, and after one of my former Trainees returned us back to hell - I can’t really blame her. There’s a dire wish that she’d simply trust me to keep us safe, but after all we’ve gone through - I can’t blame her for that either. There’s a distaste for the power she holds over me - which I could blame her for, but I never would. Again my bottom lip rediscovers it’s place between my teeth in internal debate.

“Let me think about it, okay?” But I know that wont be good enough for her. “I promise I wont step in the ring unless I tell them.” That’s probably not enough for her either, but it’ll ease her for now at least. And to no surprise, my exact prediction unfolds from her lips - unsatisfied, but willing to settle for the time being. The momentary agreement is sealed with a kiss, before she warns of the consequences she’ll invoke if I disobey her again. If anyone else threatened to out my currently predicament, I would punch them square in the mouth without even a thought…while with her, there’s not even an urge to. My eyes simply roll in reaction, noting to never risk crossing the woman I love again.

There’s an order from her to return to my Trainees, and not a second is wasted to follow such - escaping before she has a chance to reconsider our arrangement. Another demand even curdles before I depart, to send my student to her asap, and again it’s an instruction I’ll complete pristinely. When did I become so whipped by another? Truly I did not believe for such to ever be possible. And with a final kiss quickly placed upon her lips, I return to my nosey Trainees.

“Aww, is Ms. Ruze worried that her wifey’s going to get hurt again?” Immediately a taunt derives from Troy when I breach back into the relatively empty gym, that only contains my four Trainees and myself.

Fingers curl in response to Troy’s innocent tease, tempting back to my ways of years back where I’d allow my fist to react to everything. “Just worried I might break one of you. Would hate to be forced to take away another person’s Career title.” Snipes back at him, before a wicked wave of lightness takes over for a mere second - at the memory of the person we did take a Career title from, and what unfolded from that. Lips remain ajar, tempted to speak of the truth and to not dare to all that same time. An agonizing burn rumbles through my chest, as if I may dispose of my lungs and heart through puking. But at least my stomach feels fine. In the past I’d reject anything I didn’t want to do, while with Kyanite I simply can’t. Not because of her, but because of my stupid dire love for her. Do I tell them and risk the power of my title, or not and risk my ability to properly train them? Such conflict had never plagued me so much.

“You okay Sir?” The sweetness of Conner questions, snapping me back into reality.

Vision transfers from staring into blankness, to the concern of Conner’s expression. “Yeah, I’m good. Just draining have two little ones at home.” And to think within a matter of months there’s going to be three. A gulp slithers down my throat, concluding that spewing my secrets should wait - chalking the decision down to a rash choice needs to be considered first. “Well, why are you ladies just sitting around? Get back to punching each other, throw some blades at some dummies, something!” Is demanded, while baffled eyes glance back at me - even in my darkness of exhaustion I deliver more precise orders. But with my thoughts in a jumble, I leave it at that and sho them off to get busy.

“Conner, what are you doing?!” Yells from the core of my annoyance, as he jokingly aims a knife for one of his fellow Trainees.

“You told me to throw some blades at some dummies!” He twists my words for his own amusement, leaving my head shaking in disgrace. Of course he decides to not take a break from being a damn idiot when I severely need him to. At least his draw for attention reminds me of his presence’s being needed with my Brunette. But before I have a chance to rid of him, I see that such a Beauty is still outside of my gym’s doors… talking with a Peacekeeper.

Rather then my heart being vomited out, as it craved to before, it plummets to the depths of my stomach. Immediately fear rattles me, in the assumption that the worst news of Jeran is being delivered in the worst of times. Tears jolt from my Girl’s beautiful eyes, and the second she bends from the window’s view I’m rushing back towards the door - just as the Keeper of Peace is strolling off.

The door barges open, and there’s no way to prepare myself for the news that’ll surely arise. It feels as though my heart is rapidly pounding, yet scarcely pacing all at the same time. But as my vision falls upon Kyanite, she’s not curled in a ball nor being swallowed by a river of sobs and desperate pleads for it to not be true. Confusion swirls me in this mess that’s happening, happened, and will happen, in an uncertainly of what to think. “Kyanite…” The door clamps shut behind me; my knees snap, one in agony after all it’s been put through, but in determination to be at leveled with her bent over position. “Kyanite…what happened?” Wonders out loud, as one of my thumbs dry a tear from her cheek the moment her beautiful face gazes towards me.

[*]

Kyanite Ruze Jeran's smile appeared in my mind. It graced me with the last moment I remembered of him, smiling and holding his peacekeeper uniform and a heartbroken sister watching him leave. I never understood why he wanted to take the peacekeeper trail as did Matthew and Vy alike. I never wanted to deal with that nor did I feel that I was strong enough to endure all that came with the title. Instead, I found something else that my mind could wrap around and protect, not to mention the little ones I knew I'd have one day. Keeping kids while being a peacekeeper was a broken promise with a less than bright future if it happened at all. But my life was different from theirs and my brother chose it. He decided to protect me the best he could and keep the money coming in to provide for his sister all the while serving the goverment in the long run. A bright future, but also bleak in the blink of an eye if something bad were to happen. And I nearly thought that he was gone like my mother. My breath caught in my throat with a hiccup, my back arched downward as I watched the peacekeeper's feet start to receed and escape back into the direction they appeared. Still, my heart beat against my chest and my tongue parched from the shock of it all. "His body will be returning in two days for burial among your lands." My father's been gone for months, taken away from harming me and taking advantage of my brother. The memories had all but faded until now and the past lurches forward into my waking memory of his assault and being withchild. Mira will never know him now and she will be forever safe from his cruel intentions. Tears receed back into their ducts slowly but not before the sound of a door's shutting mechanism clicked and a finger graces my cheek in such soft ways. Gentleness that I can only know that of Vy and her voice that summons my name to look at her. I see the worry in her face, pain as well as I take note of her position and knee bent all the while. "Kyanite... what happened?" She asks and I hold my voice for a moment wondering if the sand will even allow my chords to squeak out the reasoning for the visit or the position she's found me in, but how do I tell her that everything is okay? "It's not Jeran." I tell her first, knowin that is probably what she fears the most just as I did and for good reason. The little bean inside her growing belongs to that of my own brother. I could never live with it if I had to tell her that news if it ever came. However, this news was something that I couldn't hesitate any longer to withhold from the love of my life. "My father is dead, Vy. He's dead - I'm not sure how - I didn't ask, but that's what the peacekeeper was here about." I tell her, ushering the tears that sprung forward away with a wipe of my hand and a sleeve over my cheeks to soak up the trails. Immediately, I find myself wrapping my arms around her, nestling my head into her chest. "I thought something had happened to Jeran. I thought that the letter was going to be the last thing I ever had from him. It's weird to say but I'm glad it's my father instead of him. I'm glad that my father is gone and my brother is still alive and breathing and safe somewhere. He'll be here in two days about the same time as my father's body is to be received, but I can't imagine life without him, but now that he's gone - it's just me and him. What are we going to do?" I question her and find my heart returning to a solid, steady pace within her grip, safety soothing me. "I'm okay though- it's more of a releif than anything." I tell her, but my fingers still quake and I find my limbs overcome with exhaustion.

[Cameo {RIP Charlie}]

Vy Pryce 

The gnawing relief of what didn’t happen soothes from my Love’s lips like a rewarding breath into desperate lungs. It was a smidgen of the result in which my predictions knew to be true, though it doesn’t settle the overall reasonings for the Keeper’s presence. Sobs didn’t rattle my Brunette, as I know they would if delivered with unforgiving news of her Brother’s demise - while still the spoken confirmation is comforting all the same. But with that settled worry, what was the Keeper’s need of being here? From the mixture of sorrow and relief fluttering upon Kyanite’s features, no further conclusion could be fathomed - until the words finally breaches from her precious lips.

While a future funeral for her Brother was erased from the discussion, the promise of not going to another’s family member’s final farewell gathering was not dismissed. The possibility of such never even crossed my overwhelmed thoughts, before she speaks of her own Father’s passing. A gulp slithers down my throat in further confusion, unsure of the proper reaction to an abusive Father’s death for Kyanite or myself. On various occasions I had desired my own Mother’s end, to halt her wickedness from ever touching me again - while still she is my Creator; with my disgust for her included, would I ever truly be content with her ultimate removal from this realm?

The moment that Kyanite encircles her arms around me, I return the comfort with enveloping her within my hold. She expresses her gratitude for her Brother’s safety, the aid that it was her cruel Father rather then her protective Sibling, while still it pains her nonetheless - evidence shinning within the slightest hint of sorrow upon her tone. A question derives from her signature ramble on what they were all going to do, which leaves me baffled once more. The return of Jeran for the funeral crosses my mind only briefly; while the proper way to console my Love overrides. How do you express sympathy for the death of a Father, an abusive Father, but a Father still?

Reassurance shivers from her vocals on her decency, that the relief overrides the pain. A sigh rumbles from my lungs out of my own relief, while truly I know this is only the breach to the internal turmoil to come. Softly my fingers brush through the tips of her hair, as I tempt to seek a way to respond - to make everything better, because that’s newly become one of my primary goals in life, to make the love of my life happy in any which way I can.

“I’m sure.” Agrees from the depths of my truth to her relief in all of this. “Jeran’s always been there to protect you. He even protected you from the very man who just died.” Reiterates my own understanding, in assurance that the way she feels isn’t uncalled for. “But the man who just died was also your guys’ Father. A father who put you two through things undeserved and cruel, but still your father. If Brittany died, I don’t know if I’d celebrate or mourn, or maybe both.” A shrug gestures from my shoulders, though still I don’t budge my hold from around Kyanite. “But what we’re going to do, is exactly what we always do - get through this, and try to find our happiness again, because that’s all we can do. And you know, I’ll be here for you every step of the way.” Is promised, though it’s one of which she already knows, one of which we both know will never be broken or hindered.