I Asked If I Could Share The Link To This Like Father Like Son Animation Here, Because Full Color Animation

Thankfully my Nana’s allergic to lillies so my cat’s are safe! 😂😂😂

Every year I diagnose at least one cat with renal failure due to lily poisoning. If you have cats please don’t have lilies.

Hey y’all, this is what I do when I relax, how about you? Sure they’re not perfect 5x5 sheets, but In my defense I was lazy and it was fun! Take a wack at it if you want, I’d highly recommend it!

Bingo sheets for @eternalglitch‘s fic Like Father Like Son and @rottmntfantasyau‘s The Morning Messanger, The Blood Moon Hunter, the Prince of Day and Light, and The Twilight Thief. Vague spoiler warning for these fics!

The Flame and the Dragon Ch18

Chapter 18: The Truth

Kai stumbled as he carried the bundle of clean sheets and thick curtains in his arms while balancing a bucket filled with bars of soap, clothes, and oil polish. Despite taking him back to the castle and tending to his injuries, Cole still gave him punishment for breaking his promise and left the castle grounds. Cole only told him to clean the Lord's room and as a reward, he would let the brunette go for a ride on Flame, who was being pampered in the stables by the staff.

Immediately, he dreaded the job but the thought of seeing Flame sent a wave of joy through him.

Kai chuckled to himself. He couldn't deny it was nice being able to spend time with Cole without having to worry about setting off his temper or arguing with him, but if Cole thought he would be that easy to win over, he was sadly mistaken. His eyes lit up at the challenge until the weight of the objects in his arms brought him back to reality. He groaned in annoyance as he reminded himself of the task at hand. When he found Cole's room again, he was surprised to find the door open and the room empty.

He set the items on a clean-looking spot and dug out the bucket, oil varnish, and a half-melted cake of soap.

He dumped the soap in the bucket and filled it with water from the bathroom, and poured a generous amount of varnish into the water. Supplies in hand, he turned to his opponent and glared. His eyes darted from the dusty furniture to the smudges on the wall, the glass, and furniture scattered across the floor. Fortunately, the sheets had done their job, the couches and chairs were free of dirt. He set the bucket on the floor and fished out the leather gloves the servents had given him and slipped them on, refusing to risk cutting his hands.

Carefully, he gathered the scraps and put them in a pile out of the way until he could figure out what to do with them.

Fortunately, none of the pieces were too heavy or large, but the tiny scraps littered the floor. Dropping to his hands and knees, he meticulously scanned the floor until he'd moved every visible scrap to a harmless location. He sighed and fell back on his knees, pulling off his gloves and tucking them into his pocket. Not wanting to ruin any more clothes, he slipped off his jacket and placed it on a nearby chair. He tied a clean cloth around his mouth to keep away the dust.

He grabbed the bucket, the rags, and the rest of the equipment and began attacking the layers of dust covering the furniture.

Painstakingly, he dug into each crevice, leaving a glossy trail in his wake. By the time he finished the furniture, the dust and holes caked the rag, making it useless. He fished out another cloth and attacked the walls. He growled as higher smudges mocked his height and stretched on his toes, scrubbing the black smudges, fiercely. His arm screamed with each stroke. When he couldn't bear the pain, he finally receded and switched hands letting his sore arm fall limp at his side.

He exhaled deeply in liberation an hour later from exhaustion.

His eyes wandered from the pale spots on the wall to the smudges on the floor. Groaning, he dunked a thicker rag in the bucket and carpet and brushed with passion. He stopped and wiped the sweat from his brow, his arms ached with stiffness. When the last smudge faded, leaving bright blue in its wake, he threw the destroyed cloth in the bucket and struggling to lift it. His muscles screamed at him until he dumped his burden in Cole's bathroom sink.

Free at last, he rewarded himself by collapsing in the nearest piece of furniture which turned out to be the bed.

He sighed in relief and let gravity sink his body into the softness of the bed, his arms liquefying with numbness when he tried to move them. His legs dangled over the bedside. A smirk of victory crossed his face. Now all he needed to do was replace the sheets and he was done. He lost count of how many hours he'd been working. For all he knew, he'd been asleep most of the morning and it was already late afternoon. He wasn't sure he cared anymore.

Finally, his body gave and he closed his eyes in relaxation.

"Damn, did you do everything?" A voice suddenly said. Kai's eyes popped open. He jumped in surprise and whirled around just in time to see Cole standing in the doorway balancing a tray of food in his hands. His eyes scanned the room from top to bottom, raising an impressed brow. "You did a nice job."

"Thank you." Kai smiled as he stood on his feet, stumbling slightly from the heaviness of his body. "I still have to do the sheets before I can see Flame, right?" He asked hopefully. Cole frowned and gestured towards the window. Kai's heart sank. Darkness had already crept across the sky, and the last traces of sunlight were the deep purple and reds of dusk. "That's impossible! I only lied down for a few minutes!" He protested, his eyes unintentionally drawing him to the window, pressing his forehead against the glass.

"You must've fallen asleep," Cole concluded, looking around the room again. "Not that I blame you, you certainly did more than I expected."

"Damnit! All that work for nothing!" Kai cursed and pressed his head against the glass hard enough for the sound to echo. Cole almost laughed at the teen's mild tantrum.

"Now you will have the entire day to spend with your horse, and it's supposed to be nice tomorrow." He said as he sat the tray on the table, strolled over to the teen, and gently grasped his shoulders. Kai was taken aback when he was pulled from his position and guided towards the table. He took a seat in a chair that was far too big for him. His stomach sang with glee at the sight of the food Shade must've prepared for him. The thick aroma of spices and meats caused his mouth to water.

"Now eat before it gets cold, otherwise you'll give Shade a heart attack," Cole said, motioning for the teen to eat up. "Besides, I know for a fact you haven't eaten since yesterday and you're much too thin as it is." He teased and Kai surrendered, his eyes widening as he took in what Shade had prepared. A large bowl of thick tomato soup with a plate of bread spread with garlic and herbs and mushrooms boiled in butter formed the appetizers. A whole hen baked to a golden brown and dressed with chestnut and hazelnut stuffing formed the centerpiece.

A separate plate of roasted eggs, potatoes sprinkled with parsley and a plate of biscuits sat next to it.

A bottle of light blackberry wine and two jeweled encrusted goblets completed the meal. He wasted no time, and dove for the closest thing he could find. Devouring the soup, a biscuit, and the spread toast, he moved onto the mushrooms. He ate half the chicken before Cole grabbed his hand and offered him a goblet of wine.

"Slow down before you choke." He commanded. He swallowed a mouthful of food and blushed, mortified by his bad manners.

"Sorry, I guess I was hungrier than I thought." He apologized, taking the goblet. He sipped the wine, noticing Cole had not moved except to stop him. "Aren't you going to eat anything?" he asked, concerned. Cole's eyes widened. His face too confused to respond as if he'd never been asked such a question. "Here, there's more than enough here for two." He suggested, offering the plate of mushrooms.

"I... I don't need to eat."

"But... you do eat, don't you?"

"I can, I just don't need to."

"So, in other words, just because you don't need to do something, you don't do it?"

"Exactly."

"That sounds boring," Kai commented, taking an empty plate and set one of everything on it, then filled the second glass with wine. Cole opened his mouth to question the action only for Kai to place the plate and goblet in front of him. Cole stared at the food with confusion, then back at the grinning teenager.

"Did you not hear what I just told you?"

"I heard you, but you can still eat and Shade's food is delicious, I can't eat all of it and he'll be crushed if we throw some of it out."

"I just told you, I don't need to eat." Cole snapped, biting back his annoyance. "If there's no point to things, why do them?"

"Haven't you ever just done something for the sake of doing it?" Kai interrogated, trying to keep his voice civil. "If not for any other reason than because you can, or to have fun, or to try something new?" He asked and to emphasized his point, he picked up the plate and held it closer to Cole. "When was the last time you actually tasted something? I'll bet one bite and you won't stop."

"Why does it matter?" Cole replied harshly, snatching the plate away and setting it back on the table. "If I don't need something, then what's the point? It's such a waste if something isn't done for a purpose."

"It's not a waste! It's not poison and besides, you not eating means it will go to waste and your staff would've worked hard for nothing." Kai scolded, gesturing with a swing of his hand to address everyone who wasn't in the room.

"I adore my staff, thank you very much, but I doubt my lack of appetite bothers them," Cole answered in a dry tone. "They still eat, though I fail to see the reason why, and regardless, they have always found other ways to entertain themselves in the past." He snarled. Kai's brow narrowed but he had a mischievous smirk on his face.

"But not what they want to do, so everyone else is denied their wants solely because you have nothing better to do but wallow in your room? No wonder you're so grouchy all the time, you must bore yourself to death."

"You really don't know when to bite your tongue, do you?"

"Well spare me for trying to bring a little sunshine to the doom and gloom you call your life." Kai protested, getting to his feet. "I just don't understand you, you have an entire castle here, people who adore your company, and all you do is lock yourself in this room and break things! It's like you purposely go out of your way to make yourself miserable and everyone worries themselves sick because of it." He glared and Cole was on his feet in an instant, anger in his eyes.

"I have my reasons and they are none of your concern nor anyone else's." He countered harshly and turned left. Using his smaller stature to his advantage, Kai cut in front of him, forcing Cole to look at him.

"It is my concern and everyone else's when everyone worries about you." Kai protested passionately. "All the time I hear everyone worrying over you and wondering why you've never left your room; the last two weeks, all they did was ask me what happened to you, and ever since I arrived here, I've been wondering what I did to make you so angry with me!" He blurted out. Cole's expression dropped. The anger from before had vanished, leaving Cole's face a mask of neutrality.

Kai froze and bit his lip as an awkward silence passed between them.

His eyes hadn't left Cole's but he felt himself shaking slightly beneath that gaze. Finally, Cole shook his head, a line formed on his lips.

"If you're referring to the incident in the ballroom, you can relax, I'm not angry at you for that; our... conversation just brought up a few bad memories and I overreacted and your rudeness did little to soften my temper so we were both at fault and it's done." He replied and Kai wobbled a bit, almost sick with relief, but another question came to mind. He opened his mouth to ask, but he bit it back. The rift between them was already large enough.

"What is it?" Cole ordered, curiosity softening the command.

"Nothing," Kai replied, lowering his gaze.

"You wanted to ask me something," Cole observed. Kai didn't look up until the tip of the dragon's tail curled beneath his chin. Cole's arms crossed over his chest, an amused smile crossed his face as he leaned over to meet Kai's eye level. "I know from past experience what happens when your curiosity isn't satisfied, so ask." He said humorously, but there was forcefulness as well. Kai had never been afraid of Cole before the previous night, and he wasn't now, but the knot in his gut twisted.

His voice felt like it vanished.

He froze in place, enthralled by the desire to see what was beyond those emerald depths but the fear of adding another layer to the barrier between them was equally as strong. As if sensing the teenager's dilemma, Cole's expression softened. "Whatever it is, I promise I won't get upset." He added. The statement broke the enchantment. Kai closed his eyes and exhaled a breath.

"Is that your family?" He asked. Completely blown away, by the statement Cole's face dropped to one of flabbergasted silence

"What do you mean?" He asked in a breathy voice, releasing Kai from his grip. His tail curled nervously at his feet. Kai swallowed, almost too afraid to ask, but knowing it was too late, his eyes wandered to the painting on the other side of the room. The cloth had been removed when he changed it and now it was open and visible beneath its glass case.

"The painting over there, are they your family?" He asked with concerned eyes, silently praying he hadn't unintentionally tread into forbidden territory. Cole didn't answer, but the look of conflict on his face spoke for him. He was torn between anger, anguish, and something else. Kai opened his mouth to apologize but Cole raised a hand.

"Don't apologize, you were only curious." He said quickly, silencing any apology. Cole swooped past him, quickly strolling to the balcony, and braced himself on the table where the candle rested. His claws sank into the table as he gave a heavy sigh.

"It's alright if you don't want to say anything." Kai blurted out quickly, his mind racing for some way to repair the rift he knew he'd increased. Cole shot up and the second his eyes met Kai, the teen looked at the ground. "I won't pry into your private life."

"It's not that!" Cole said quickly, hoping to remove the young man's unwarranted guilt. "You've done nothing wrong, it's just something I've come to accept; I know I can't change it no matter how much I wish I could, so I've just accepted it." He explained, turning his back to Kai, who looked at him with wide eyes. Realization at their misunderstanding dawned on him, and he shook his head, turning his attention back to the painting then Cole.

"Are you talking about the curse?" He asked, without thinking. Cole shot up, completely astounded by the statement. He knew the boy knew who he was, but he was forbidden to speak of the details nonetheless.

"I read it in a book," Kai explained with a small smile. "The librarian gave it to me, it's my favorite book." He explained, trying to stifle a laugh at the jaw-dropped expression on Cole's face. "I didn't believe it at first, but it told about this castle, the prince who lived here, the sorcerer who cursed him for no sin other than wanting to protect his kingdom; I wasn't even sure it was real until I saw you for the first time and I later found out Zane wrote it."

"I don't believe this," Cole muttered as he collapsed in a nearby chair, his face a mask of pure shock.

"It wasn't that difficult to figure out, everyone does a horrible job of hiding it every time I ask about it, how dense do they think I am?" He explained with a laugh.

"It isn't that, they can't tell you." He explained, noticing the cute look of confusion on Kai's face. "It is part of our curse, no one can reveal the details of it or how to break it to an outsider; Zane is the only exception because he wrote it down." He laughed to himself at the irony.

"Wait, you mean you knew about it?"

"Yeah, who do you think gave him permission to do so?" Cole laughed, standing up. He hooked a hand around Kai's arm, pulling him to his feet with such swiftness their eyes met again. "I was joking at the time, I'm glad he took me seriously."

"Yes, but that still doesn't answer my question." He replied. "Is that your family? You don't have to tell me about them, I just wasn't sure; they look a lot like you, so I just assumed." He added gently. Cole's face was unreadable as he let Kai go. His eyes darted back to the painting of the happy family safely locked away behind the glass, carefully taking in every detail.

"Why do you want to know?" He asked his voice stoic and his eyes absent of emotion.

"Because I want to get to know you." He answered honestly. His eyes and voice held true conviction, not a flicker of doubt. "The real you, not the character I read in a book or the façade you put up to keep people away, I want to know the real Cole." He said passionately. Finally, Cole closed his eyes and shook his head with a small smile at the boy before him. He walked past Kai with a commanding aura. Kai's gaze followed him until he saw Cole had stopped in front of the painting.

His claws gently glided over the glass and gently caressed the cheek of the girl in the painting.

"My mother was the sweetest person you'd ever meet." He sighed sadly. "She had a heart of gold and a temper to match, do not mistake her though, you would not wish to anger her in fact, those who did often wish they hadn't but she was fair in her discipline; all children in the kingdom she considered her own and it was her personal duty to help all the orphans in any way she could; there was not a soul you could find who didn't love her and I doubt there was anything about her you couldn't love."

"She sounds so kind."

"She was a firm ruler, a tough woman, and a very strict parent." He smiled and, for a moment, Kai swore it was the smile of a child longing for his mother. "My father loved us with every fiber of his soul but he was always willing to sacrifice his own time and happiness for the good of his kingdom." He continued. "He didn't sit around and let officials do the work for him and when something needed to be built or when there was a battle, he was there; he always said a King is only as good as the people who follow him and he never asked his people to do anything he himself wouldn't do." Cole paused for a minute to chuckle at the memory.

"That's a good thing to teach."

"That was the first lesson he taught me; respect for my people." The Dragon Lord smiled at the memory. "I hated it when I was younger; always having to go into town and work, but my father was firm with me, especially in his discipline; despite his duties, however, he always made time for us, and every day, he'd take my sister and I horseback riding or he'd educate us on what it meant to be King; he wasn't there as much as I would've liked, but I also understood his reasons." He sighed heavily.

Kai felt his heart jump as he heard Cole speak, never before had he spoken so kindly, so happily.

It was like he was living a dream and nothing else mattered. He stood up and strolled over to his side.

"They sound wonderful." He smiled, recalling his own parents before they passed away.

"They were."

"Is that your sister?" Kai asked, gesturing a hand to the young girl in the image. Cole didn't answer at first. Instead, he knelt down to meet the eyes of the girl.

"I loved my sister the most, even though she was adopted." He replied.

"She was disowned by her original guardian, but it didn't matter to me or my parents; she was my sister and she meant the world to me, I adored her and she looked up to me and I promised her I'd do anything to protect her." His voice was bright with adoration that Kai swore could only rival his own love for Lloyd. "She was so young." His voice faded to a whisper as his forehead pressing against the glass. "She did nothing wrong." He mumbled. His claws clenched, scratching the glass.

"Neither did you," Kai added, with a small grin of understanding. "Is that why you lock yourself away here? To punish yourself?" He asked and the dragon hybrid looked up. Fierce emeralds bore straight into concerned ambers. The younger held still, not pressuring him but waiting for an answer.

"Why are you so persistent?"

"Why do you avoid answering me?" Kai persisted, his glare hardening. "Am I correct?"

"It doesn't matter," Cole huffed before he turned around and started towards the door, his tail wrapping around Kai's waist gesturing for him to follow. Kai dug his heels into the ground, wincing as the scaly appendage tightened. He bit his lip to keep from crying out. Cole tugged on him, but the stubborn teen remained firm, refusing to back down. Finally, Kai slapped the appendage away and glared at the king. Cole winced, more shocked than angry by the strike.

"What is the matter with you?" He demanded harshly, moving to grab the teen, but Kai evaded his talons, refusing to let time repeat.

"Why is it so hard to answer me?"

"Why does it matter?" He growled at the teen's boldness, his tail whipping at his side, filling the room with loud smacks every time it struck something. "Go back to your room, Kai, you're done here." He ordered, pointing to the door.

"I am not leaving until you answer me!" He shouted and Cole saw red. Before either of them could react he roughly grabbed his upper arm and pinned him against the glass, but not hard enough to hurt him, only immobilize him.

"You are the most stubborn person I have ever met!"

"Funny, I was just about to say the same thing about you! Now let go of me, this instant!" He yelled as he wrenched his arms, but Cole harshly tugged him closer, making him wince.

"You know nothing about me!" The dragon hybrid snapped, shaking the teen slightly.

"That's exactly my point!" Kai argued, clawing at the man's talons with his free hand, in a weak attempt to earn release from his captor's grip, digging his heels into the ground. "You only tell me about everyone else, but you never say anything about yourself! And when I ask you why you stay here, you change the subject or avoid it? Why! You did nothing wrong! So why are you punishing yourself for a crime you didn't commit?"

"You think I don't know that!" Cole exploded, with such force that Kai went silent. Slightly afraid of the mad anger in the Lord's face, Kai stopped his resistance, paralyzed. He put up no resistance as Cole forcefully pulled him closer. "I know I did nothing wrong! I know there was nothing I could've done! Is it better knowing I could do nothing but watch as my entire family vanished right before my eyes and I could do nothing to save them? That I could do nothing to stop the monster who stole them from me from turning me into this repulsive creature? Yes, I'm well aware of that!"

A disturbing silence fell between them, disturbed only by Cole's heavy breathing.

Slowly, regaining his composure, Kai's gaze softened, and his voice civilized.

"So you are punishing yourself." He concluded in an expressionless voice. He'd braced himself for a blow, expecting Cole to strike him, or yell at him once more, but he did neither. Instead, he responded in the last way Kai expected him to. He laughed. Low pearls rolled off his lips like small dark chuckled, before finally erupting into a triumphant burst of hysterics.

"You think I blame myself for that?" Cole mocked, still laughing. "I'd have to be a damned fool to even think that? Why should I when I know the real culprit?" He asked, breathless from laughing. The Dragon Lord then released him and with a shove, more powerful than he intended, threw the teen back into an armchair he'd backed himself against. Kai hissed at the treatment, but his eyes never left Cole's. Cole strolled across the table, bracing himself against an opposite chair, his head hung low as he continued to laugh.

"You really want to know?" He asked with sadness. Regaining himself, Kai nodded, suddenly alert.

"So persistent, fine I'll tell you." Cole chuckled darkly and his voice drifted off. "I stay here because it's easier this way; it's safer, keeping everyone at arm's length so they can't abandon you because they can't stand the sight of you and they can't insult you or turn you away despite all you've done for them because you're a monster; I've done nothing wrong, but still the world rejects and repulses me; I've long accepted I'm a monster." He explained.

Bitter sarcasm drenched his retort with venom.

Each anguished word, poisoned with a frightening familiarity, all while Kai absorbed each brutal word.

"I just don't like being reminded what I already know." He concluded. "It's just safer this way."

"You fool!" Kai protested in a tone so sharp, Cole shot up. Kai's eyes were locked on the floor, his hands balled into fists at his sides and his frame shook violently with rage. "You're a fool, Cole!" He exploded.

"How dare you!" Cole erupted, rage and betrayal in his voice. He was a fool for accepting sympathy.

"Yes, I dare!" Kai countered, stepping forward until he was face to face with the hybrid. "How dare you just give up!" He paused, voice shaking with anger as he tried to find the right words. "You were betrayed, shunned, and abandoned, I don't blame you for that! But how dare you give in to those accusations! So what?! Just because a bunch of heartless traitors shun you and tell you you're a monster that automatically makes it true? When do you ever listen to anyone but yourself!?" He demanded angrily.

Cole's talons ceased the teen by his shoulders and lifted him off the ground, growling with rage.

"You know nothing! You don't know anything that I've been through! You have no idea what it's to be shunned and hated for nothing! You have no idea!" He bellowed so loud Kai was sure the whole castle shook. Kai flinched at the words, not by the harshness in the man's accusation but by its inaccuracy. He shoved the man off him, so hard, Cole was taken aback by the force and stumbled backward. His legs hit those of the armchair and he fell back, but before he could forget, Kai braced his hands on either arm, pinning the man beneath him.

Stunned by the sudden action, Cole froze, paralyzed by the ferocity and gravity in the intense gaze.

"You think I don't know what it's like to be hated? To be shunned and mocked through no fault of my own? Do you think I don't feel something when I see the way people look at me and whisper about me as I walk by? You don't think I know they think I'm a freak! Just because everyone agrees I'm some brazen youth whose only purpose in life should be to marry some pompous aristocrat, live in a gilded cage, and raise spoiled children until I croak means I should accept it and do it?" His shaking grew work as he spoke.

Passion and rage consumed him, and he narrowed his eyes, biting back the tears threatening to fall.

"At least I don't give up! At least I don't just give up and accept what everyone thinks! Because they're wrong! And I know they are! Even if they all agree, even if everyone and everything thinks you're something doesn't mean you are, right? Even if they drill it into your skull, even if they convince you you're a monster or a freak! That doesn't mean it's true!" He finished screaming, his entire body shook violently. Without bothering to wait for a reaction from the stunned Lord, Kai pulled back and turned to leave, knowing he couldn't keep himself in control any longer.

He didn't get far.

In a flash, Cole blocked the man's path with his wings, carefully placing a talon on his shoulder, and gently turned him to face him, but Kai refused to meet his gaze.

"Kai, wait!" Cole called softly. When the teen looked up, Cole's eyes widened. Tears streaked the teen's face like transparent rivers. Droplets accumulated on Kai's chin until they finally dropped to the floor or dampened Cole's claws.

"What!" The teenager snapped, harshly, furiously rubbing away the signs of his weakness. Even with tears falling from Kai's eyes, fire blazed in them. Those same indomitable eyes he adored, at first sight, blazed with so many emotions at once. Anger, anguish, sympathy, disgust, hurt. It was hard to tell who they were for or what emotions were directed at whom. Frozen at the sight before him, Cole moved a clawed hand to catch the tears, unsure how to react.

The Lord gently brushed his chest, wondering why his heart suddenly felt like it sprang free, and why hit hurt when he saw the tears, he tried so hard to force back fall.

"Kai, I'm sorry, I didn't mean..." He choked, sincerely. Kai froze at the sudden apology, barely feeling the leathery wings wrap around him. He found Cole staring at him, guilt and remorse glazed his features. His eyes softened when they met his gently demanding the truth "Are you speaking about me or yourself?" He asked and Kai moved his arm to wipe away his tears before responding.

"Both." He replied. Just then two arms wrapped around him and pulled him into a tight, warm embrace. Cole gently brushed away the remains of his tears, careful not to prick the delicate skin with his claws. Unable to resist, he carefully leaned down and gently kissed the remaining tears away. Kai froze when the king pulled back, his face crimson. His voice died in his throat, unsure of how to respond to the sudden gesture, even as his finger subconsciously brushed the tender area the kiss left behind.

Cole smiled at the reaction and gently stroked the kindred spirit's soft hair hoping to calm him before gently whispering.

"No one has ever cried for my sake." He whispered as he embraced the boy tighter, enjoying the warmth Kai's body radiated. Relishing in the comfort, Kai leaned his forehead against Cole's chest, the soft material of Cole's shirt brushed against his cheek, cushioned by the lean muscles beneath. Cole wrapped his arms and tail around his waist, his wings wrapping them in a cocoon of bliss. Kai finally collapsed, emotionally exhausted, his body felt heavy with bliss.

The Dragon Lord followed his example, taking the teen with him, fell back into his chair.

His body felt as though an enormous burden had been lifted from his being and the loss of such a weight had left him immobile with peace. Cole hummed as he gently running his claws through the silky brunette locks, not caring whether or not Kai heard him. The teen smiled as he faded in and out of consciousness and exhaustion started to take its toll on him. Cole closed his own eyes, letting his hand fall limply at his side...

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

When he opened his eyes, Cole couldn't recall where he was. He closed his eyes and shook his head for a moment, gently brushing his claw through his black hair. He looked down, feeling a heavyweight on his chest. He almost jumped up in surprise when he found his house guest curled against his chest like a cat. Once the memories returned, however, he calmed himself down and smiled. He had to admit, Kai looked adorable while he slept.

So peaceful and innocent, without a care in the world.

The opposite of the fiery, strong-willed spirit he was when he awoke. Cole decided to let him sleep for a bit longer. He carefully gathered the teen in his arms and carried him to his bed. He brushed aside the veils with his tail and gently placed the boy on his side, pulling the comforter over him. His eyes fell back on the half-eaten tray of food on the table. He tested it with his finger. It was cold but not enough to be inedible. He paused for a bit when he heard a stir behind him.

"Cole?" Kai called half-consciously. Kai rolled onto his stomach and rubbed the sleep from his eyes, blearily looking for the other man. He found him by the table gathering the food and goblets from before.

"I'm just cleaning up," Cole said over his shoulder. He watched as Kai rolled over and sat upon the bed, kicking off his boots and letting his jacket slip from his shoulders. Perhaps letting him sleep in his clothes wasn't such a good idea. He left the plates on the table and strolled over to the wardrobe, searching for something light. His eyes darted to something bright on the table. Closer inspection revealed the garment was a folded pile of red silk glowing like a hot beacon among the dark color scheme.

He snatched up the garment and let the slippery material fall open, revealing an angel-sleeved robe that fell to the knees.

The size indicated it was much too small for him but saw it would fit Kai perfectly. His sharp eyes caught a white note in the pocket. He pulled it out and his eyes skinned it over, instantly recognizing Harumi's handwriting.

For Kai, since he'll probably need it.

His jaw clenched and his face reddened as he crumpled the note in his hand, reminding himself she was too valuable to kill. He could just hear the implication. What the hell did she think they'd be doing? Cole purposely chose not to answer that question. He took a breath and composed himself before placing the garment over his arm and exiting the wardrobe. Having grown used to his dragon scales, sleeping in his clothes no longer bothered him.

When he returned, he paused for a moment.

His eyes drank in the delicious sight of his house guest stripped to only his pants. Cole smirked, licking his fangs at the delicious creamy-caramel skin, briefly wondering if it tasted as sweet as it looked. Deciding to take advantage of the situation before the teen returned to full waking, he slowly strolled over to him. His tail grabbed the blanket as Kai climbed back into the bed. Kai growled, half exhausted, annoyed, and yanked the comforter.

Cole won the small war, the younger being too tired to argue.

When he noticed Kai's eyes starting to brighten, he waited until the teen turned to glare at him. When Kai did so, he held out the robe to him, smiling. Kai blinked in confusion as the slippery material fell into his hands.

"It isn't very comfortable sleeping in your clothes," Cole answered the unasked question. chuckling slightly at the boy's confusion. Realization caused Kai's eyes to bulge and he looked at Cole, then robe, then down at himself. Kai instinctively pulled the robe to his chest, his face scarlet as he glared at the smirking king.

"Cole!" He howled, more from mortification than anger.

"Relax, you can change in the bathroom." Cole smiled, gesturing to the door next to the wardrobe. With as much dignity as the teen could muster, Kai stood up, still clutching the robe, and disappeared into the bathroom. He released a sigh of relief seeing that it was clean. Chuckling, Cole returned to his earlier work, glaring down at the chicken bones, empty plates, and goblet. The wine bottle had been resealed, but the second goblet was still half-full and small amounts of appetizers littered the smaller plates.

"It would be a waste," He agreed, gathering all the food onto one large plate and stacking the dirty ones. He grabbed the half-full goblet, debating its fate. Dumping it would be a waste, but he couldn't return it to the bottle either. His eyes narrowed at the tempting liquid. He couldn't recall the last time he had wine. Hadn't Kai said something about seizing the moment?

"Oh what the hell?" He finally decided, raising the goblet to his lips. A mixture of richness and a sweet woody tang ignited his senses. His eyes flew open. The small sip turned into a large gulp, then another, then another, determined to capture the burning the liquid brought him. He gorged himself until every drop was gone from the goblet then wrenched it away to breathe. "God, I'd forgotten how good this stuff is." He said loudly as if buzzed by the minimal alcohol.

He wiped his mouth on his shirt and turned to the appetizers.

He scooped up a biscuit and took a bite. It was cold and the butter had hardened, but the combination tasted divine. He downed the other half in one gulp, unable to resist the pleasure it brought to his taste buds. He grabbed another appetizer, this time, a piece of bread with the garlic and herb spread and bit down. The bread tasted harder than the biscuit but the pasty spread had softened it, the sharpness of herbs leaving a bittersweet desire for more.

He swallowed the delicious treat before eating another one, deciding to savor the taste before it was gone.

Potatoes dripping with garlic butter went down thick and creamy. Next was the stuffed mushroom. Juice trickled down his chin and the rich, stuffing crunched in his mouth, savoring each bite until he could stand it no longer and swallowed the rest. He licked his lips and fingers, determined to capture the remains of the taste before opening the wine again and downing the rest of the bottle. The taste of berry juice flushed his senses while the sharp brisk of alcohol burned his throat.

He gulped the juice, not even bothering to stop as his lungs screamed for air and his throat burned.

He pulled the bottle from his lips and gasped as the final drop went down. He was buzzed from the ecstasy of the experience. He wobbly placed the empty bottle on the tray and carefully got to his feet. The buzz of drunkenness beginning to slip away as his body cleared his system of the alcohol.

"I told you so." A familiar voice chuckled lightly. The Dragon Lord almost dropped the bottle. His heart plunged into his stomach as he whirled around, just in time to catch the wide grin on Kai's face as he leaned in the doorway, his arms crossed over his chest. His eyes were brilliant with triumph and his grin nearly split his face, alerting Cole he had seen the entire scene. Ignoring the blush on his face and the large bruise on his ego, Cole got to his feet and glared at the teen.

Kai said nothing.

He removed himself from the door and walking back towards the bed, the red robe he was wearing perfectly molded his form and leaving nothing to the imagination, but Cole barely noticed. His blush worsening and his glare hardening as Kai's grin spoke more than a thousand voices. Kai sat on the bed and smiled at him, daring him to counter him.

"Go to bed!" Cole finally snapped, plopping down on an armchair. Kai smiled and shook his head...

The Flame and the Dragon Chapter 31

Chapter 31: Human Again

Echo barked orders as the staff while digging a mountain of dust out of the candle holders and polishing them until the iron shined. Cole had only given them a day to get this ballroom perfect, so they had no chance to slack off. Not if they wanted this curse broken. Jay pushed a rag as big as him across the window clearing away trails of dust and leaving the clean stain glass glittering in his wake. Pixal sighed as she whipped her forehead from exhaustion.

She had been helping Ultra Violet and Harumi clean the stained glass ceiling, and her wings ached from their constant fluttering.

Harumi unhooked the tapestries and drapes and gathered them into a pile that Nelson gathered for washing. Down below Neuro and Tox swept away a century of dirt and dust from the frosty glass floor and out over the balcony. Unfortunately, once the chandeliers, ceilings, and windows were done, more dust caked the floor in dark clumps. Echo gazed over their progress from the chandeliers and groaned. After hours of cleaning the ballroom still needed a lot of work, but he was determined.

The first layer of dust and the cobwebs had been cleared from the windows and chandeliers, they just had to clean the rest of the place.

But with some of the staff still doing the regular chores and Shade still deciding what to make and gathering ingredients, they had little help. There was no point in asking Griffin. The second Echo told him about the ball, he had locked himself in his studio. It was only a matter of time before Harumi joined him. Sensing the poor team morale, Echo cleared his throat loudly, catching everyone's attention.

"Right then! You all know why we're here! We have exactly twelve hours, thirty-six minutes, and fifteen seconds to create the most magical, spontaneous, romantic atmosphere known to man or beast." He chuckled weakly at his little joke, but no one else did, so he got more serious. "Right then, I'm sure that I don't need to remind you all that if the flame goes out of the candle, the spell will never be broken!"

"Lighten up Echo and let nature take its course!" Ronin called out and the others all made sounds of agreement.

"It's obvious there's a spark between them." Nelson giggled.

"Yeah but there's no harm in fanning the flames a little; if we pull this off, and Kai is the key, we could all finally be human again!" Tox cheered with starry eyes.

"Let's not get too ahead of ourselves, Tox," Neuro chided gently.

"I don't think she's that far off," Harumi answered. "I mean it's obvious there's something going on between those two, and, think about it; have any of you actually thought of what it would be like to be human again? Finally human after all this time?" She asked and everyone in the room suddenly paused. They had thought of that. They still remembered the earlier days of their cursed existences when they could only take the form of the monsters they were cursed too.

How difficult it had been to change between their physical and spectral forms.

How tricky it had been to muster enough energy to maintain a physical body in their human appearances, but even then they only lasted a short time. Shade couldn't even leave the kitchen without the risk of fading away forever. He may not say it, but everyone knew it hurt the chef more than anyone. Over the last one hundred years, they had feared, hated, despised, and relished in their new existences. They eventually started doing what they had always done and lived their lives to the fullest and trying to make each day a little better than the last.

Even with the dark curse looming over their heads, they had had time to prepare for it.

To accept it. To come to terms with it whether the curse was broken or not. But when Cole had fallen into despair and nothing the staff could do could change his moods or bring him out of the dark, lonely existence he had accepted for himself, they too seemed chained to their fate by despair. But the past four to five months had changed all that. Kai's presence in the castle had given them a spark of hope and they were no longer afraid to continue to live their lives again.

This time they prepared for two outcomes.

Their end which if that was the case they would go to with no regrets knowing they were loyal to Cole to the end and knowing they lived their lives to the best of their ability. The other one was where the spell is broken and they become human and their lives began all over again. Even though all of them were hoping for the latter, it was still terrifying regardless. The thought of being human again. Of the possibility of a new life and the chance to either remain in the castle that had always been their home or to start over in a new one.

Either one promised its own laughs and tears, its own joys and heartaches, but wasn't that what freedom was?

Wasn't that what being human truly meant?

"I'm not sure what I'd do if I were human again," Tox pondered to herself."I don't really think I'd leave here, I mean, as much as I love to leave the castle for once and see the kingdom again and what's changed in the last century, I don't really think I'd have any other place to go, this is my home after all; I guess, I'd just live like I have been, doing what I love until the day I die, and to be honest, I am getting sick of constantly being so young." She smiled and looked at her hands with a chuckle.

"Oh, I can't wait to start aging again!" Nelson added, immediately.

"I am so sick of looking like a teen! I swear I don't care if I grow old and die, if this is what being young forever is like, then all those children's tales can keep their immortality and eternal youth nonsense," Echo chided, sweeping up a cloud of dust in his anger until a laughing Jay stopped him.

"I second that." Ronin raised his hand. "Honestly, though, I think I'd like to find something else to do, I mean I can't exactly be Cole's servant forever."

"I wouldn't mind," Jay added, pulling himself onto the windowsill to sit. His eyes wandered to Echo who continued to battle the dust in the window. "Though there is one thing I'd like to do if I were human again."

"What's that?" Echo asked curiously since he was the only one close enough to hear the mumble. Jay just smiled.

"I'll tell you later."

"Would you miss your spirit form, Jay? You know like being able to fly and control lightning and stuff?" Tox asked.

"Probably," He laughed. "But it was fun while it lasted, and you can only fly and be covered in fuzz for so long before it gets boring."

"Would you miss flying, Pixal?" Neuro asked nervously. "I know you can in your pixie form."

"Well, I think of it as a new experience, like when you jump in a lake for the first time; at the time the experience is amazing and it's a wonderful and fond memory, but if you do it too often, you get bored of it so, I think I will miss flying, but it's not like I won't be able to take the experience with me." She giggled.

"That's a good point!" Nelson added.

"I don't think I'll miss my spirit form," Ronin laughed, leaning against the wall. "My human body is certainly not as short that's for sure, I wonder how Shade will handle not being trapped in the kitchens?"

"I doubt that being bound to the kitchen is much much fun," Harumi replied and turned to Neuro. "What about you?" She asked and he blinked at her response. "It seems we've neglected your opinions on the matter?"

"Well, I think I'd like to be human again."

"Why's that?" Tox asked curiously.

"I know I'm alive and not knowing when I'll die instead of having a clock ticking over my head," He said with a small leer. With that said, they all returned to their respective tasks. If they had any hope of becoming human again, this night needed to get off without a problem. As they all worked and gossiped amongst themselves, Echo was surprised when Jay suddenly dragged him away from his work so they could talk privately. He almost stumbled over his own foot in his attempts to keep up with the faster male.

Again he cursed his youthful form.

He hated that his body had to freeze in time just as he was finally beginning to mature physically.

"Jay! We're almost by the dining hall!" The boy cried as he dug the heels of his boots into the stone of the floor, kicking up the rug as he did so, forcing Jay to stop and turn around, but he didn't release his hold on Echo's hand.

"You said you wanted to tell me something? Well out with it? I don't want to be away from the ballroom for too long."

"We won't be that long," Jay smirked.

"Don't even think about it." Echo growled and blushed.

"Actually, I wasn't, I just want to ask you something very important." Jay laughed. Echo crossed his arms and straightened himself.

"Well?" He asked impatiently. Jay took a breath and stiffened his back.

"Will you do me the honors of being my date for the ball? Not as a friend or as a companion but as mine and no one else's?" He asked with a sweet smile. Echo swore he felt his footing slip like the ground was about to give way beneath him.

"P-P-Pardon?"

"I want us to go to the ball together, where everyone will know we're together if they don't already," Jay replied as his serious eyes betrayed his normally perky expression, but it told Echo he had never been more certain of anything before.

"You really want to take me?" He asked, his voice was shaking, but from what he wasn't sure.

"Of course, I do, I love you, and let's face it we can't hide this forever, and I honestly don't want to." Jay smiled. Before Jay could say anything else, a force like a wrecking ball plowed into his chest with such vigor it knocked the wind from his chest and sent him reeling to the floor.

"Do you even have to ask me?" Echo giggled as he hugged him so tightly, Jay swore he felt one of his ribs crack, but the younger boy didn't notice it in his enthusiasm. Tears of bliss welled in Echo's eyes. "Of course I will Jay!" He exclaimed as he jumped off Jay and grabbed his hand. Jay stumbled forward as his little lover now dragged him back through the castle, impossibly fast for the boy's short stature.

"Now I have to make sure the ballroom is spectacular! I'm going to make this a night no one forgets!" Echo sang the entire trip back to the ballroom, Jay stumbling and laughing behind him...

This is INCREDIBLE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Align

All souls are on a quest to connect.

‘There would be no galaxies, no suns, no planets, no life without collisions of heavenly bodies. 

Back to our amoeba. It engulfs a bacterium with unique powers, and…voila. Earth’s first photosynthesis-enables organism. Maybe it was chance. 

Maybe it was inevitable. This one changed amoeba becomes the ancestor of every living plant on Earth, which in turn floods the planet with oxygen…paving the way for every other form of life we know…leading to more souls, more connections, and therefore more new worlds branching outward from the first. 

These forces of nature, when they converge, be they astronomical collisions, biological unions, demonstrate the infinite potential of our connections. This truth also extends to the human heart.’

-Maniac

Crystoons AU scene #2

Spongebob: *inhales deeply, about to eat food* (The raccoon attacks him, takes his food, and hops off the train again.) Aah! Aah! The raccoon is back! *panting* Um, Timmy? Can I have some of your food? Timmy: *dumps all of her food into his mouth* *munching* Oh, uh, sorry dude. Spongebob: My bindle couldn’t fit enough food for me and a raccoon. Timmy: Why didn’t you bring your backpack? Spongebob: It wouldn’t fit in my bindle? *climbs onto a hay stack* Maybe I can just sleep this hunger off. Just like the no home boys. *looks at the hay stack above him* You know, I feel like I’ve been misled about hay. It always looks so soft in those illustrations, but it’s actually really scratchy. *banging* (The hay stack falls on top of him.) Timmy, I want to go home now. (He watches as Timmy sits in front of the doorway of the train, ignoring him.) Timmy? *sits next to him* I’m done pretending to be a no home boy. Timmy: Not me. Spongebob: I’m sure Danny and Jimmy are worried sick about us. Wondering when we’re coming home. Timmy: That’s not my home.

Spongebob: But— Oh, that’s right. You’re from Homeworld.

Timmy: *angrily* That’s not my home either! Spongebob: Then where are you from? Timmy: I’ll show you. [Trans. ext. Kindergarten] Timmy: Here we are! *chuckles* Welcome to the Kindergarten! What do you think? Spongebob: Uh… It’s great! Timmy: Sure is! *chuckles while he grabs his arm* Come on! [Trans. int. Kindergarten] Spongebob: What is this place? Timmy: It’s kinda where I’m from. Spongebob: But I thought Gems were from space? Timmy: Jimmy and Danny are, but I was made here on Earth, *smiles* like you! *gasps* Check it out! *runs to a giant rock* *laughing* Oh, man. I missed this guy. Aww! It’s my climbing rock. Spongebob: *to the climbing rock* Uh, hello! Timmy: *points to slightly smaller rock* And over there— That’s the sitting rock. *points to offscreen rocks* And that was the one rock that I kicked into two rocks! *climbs the climbing rock and sits atop it* Spongebob: Uh, how long did you live here? Timmy: For a while, I guess, um, at least until I met your mom and the others. *flops off of rock* *laughs and runs further into the Kindergarten* Spongebob: *notices Injector* Woah! What is that thing? Timmy: Eh, it’s just some old Gem junk, from a long time ago. It’s probably busted by now. *walks to the right while Spongebob looks worriedly at the machines* *chuckles* *motions to a hole in the side of the cliff* Hey, Spongebob. Look. Here’s the hole I came out of! Spongebob: Hang on. What? Timmy: It’s my hole. *chuckles* *slides into the entrance of the hole* Look— It’s me-siiiiiized. *slides into the hole and sits* *sighs* Still got that good hole smell. Spongebob: You came out of this hole? Timmy: This is where I was made, dude. One day just… *makes pop sound* … Right outta this hole. Spongebob: *glances up at holes higher up on the cliffside* So, what about the other holes? [Whirring from warp pad] Jimmy: There you are. Timmy: Great. *exits hole* Here comes the fun police. Jimmy: Danny said you’d be here, but I didn’t want to believe it. Timmy, what were you thinking bringing Spongebob to a *whispers* Kindergarten!? Timmy: I don’t know. *kicks pebble* We were in the neighborhood. Spongebob: Jimmy? Was Timmy really made here? Jimmy: How much did you tell him? Timmy: What? You mean about the bad thing? How this bad place is where bad Gems came to grow more bad Gems? Is that what you’re talking about? Spongebob: They grew other Gems here?! Jimmy: Timmy, he’s not ready! Timmy: Oh, but don’t worry, Spongebob. Everything’s just fine now. Jimmy: Timmy. Timmy: It all worked out. We won! Jimmy: Stop. Timmy: And we shut this place down so the Earth would be safe from parasites like me! Jimmy: Timmy! That’s enough! Spongebob: Jimmy? Jimmy: Spongebob, I’m sorry. I never wanted you to see this horrible place. Timmy: Then why don’t you just leave!? (He summons his weapon, wrapping the whip around Jimmy and tosses him against an Injector.) Admit it. *swings whip towards Jimmy, who dodges, causing the whip to slice through the leg of the machine* I’m just an embarrassment to you! Spongebob: Timmy! *is picked up and thrown by him* *gasps* Wait! Jimmy: *summons his weapon* I don’t want to fight you. Timmy: I wouldn’t want to fight me neither! *spin-dashes towards Pearl, who dodges* (Jimmy blasts energy-spheres from his spear at him. Timmy jumps into the air, smashing his whip downwards. Jimmy steps on it and slices part of it off with his spear.) Spongebob: *running towards them* You guys, stop it! Timmy: Stay out of this! *tosses his whip at Spongebob, which wraps around his legs and causes him to fall*

(Jimmy jumps towards Timmy and Timmy tries to hit him with his whip. Jimmy dodges each swing and kicks Timmy away.) Jimmy: Timmy, stop this! You can’t beat me. Timmy: I… don’t… CARE! *summons two whips and wraps the ends of both around Jimmy’s spear* I’m not gonna let you stand there and remind me of everything I hate about myself! (Timmy sends magenta beams of energy down the whips, which cause a huge explosion that slams Jimmy against the Injector. Jimmy lays on the ground.) Jimmy: *whimpers* Timmy: I never asked for it to be this way. *tears fall down his face* I never asked to be made! Jimmy: Timmy… Spongebob: *stands in front of Jimmy, holding his arms out with tears on his eyes* Timmy, please, no more! I know you’re upset, but, I can’t bear to watch you two hurt each other. (They all gasp upon hearing a creaking and rattling, and look up to see the Injector about to collapse on all three of them. Spongebob summons his bubble, which only manages to cover Jimmy and himself.) Spongebob: Timmy! Timmy, Timmy, TIMMY! (Timmy begins to run and there’s a crashing noise as the machine finally smashes down, assuming that it fell onto Timmy.)

AU belongs to @nicktoonsunite

I understand, you don’t need to explain yourself, you’re a very talented writer and even though I was hoping for Plasma I’m still happy with the ending you gave and the story as a whole!

Thank you for responding and I hope you have an awesome day!!!! 🔥❤💙⚡

Not really an ask, but when I tried sending you a message it wouldn't let me, sorry if I'm being a pain. 😅

I just wanted to say read your Storms End. It was so good and satisfying to read, thank you so much for this sequel!!!❤❤❤

I have to admit though.... I was hoping Kai and Jay would get back together eventually🔥❤💙⚡, maybe it's because I don't really ship bruise?

I don't hate bruiseshipping! I do see the chemistry between Jay and Cole in the show, but it's just not my cup of tea, and when it comes to shipping I believe people should be free to make their own fan works

But this was still a good story and I'm sad it's over!!!!😭😭😭

You are a really amazing writer and I hope you keep up the great work! ❤🔥💙⚡🧡🗻🤍❄

You aren’t being a pain at all! Also I’m glad you liked it!

I was initially heading towards Plasma again but the story kept diverting them, you know? I didn’t want to fight the story too much else it’ll come out wonky so I let it do its thing. I won’t like, I have a part 3 in mind that could actually lead to Polyninja but I absolutely have to do like, 5 other things before I even consider writing it.

But yeah, not every ship is anyone’s cup of tea so you’re very valid, don’t worry! Thanks very much for sending an ask and I hope you have an amazing day! 💙 

Anyway screw it Ninjago inspired dresses

Jay/Lightning:

Kai/Fire:

Cole/Earth:

Zane/Ice:

Nya/Water (two versions! bc she doesn't like dresses but I was proud of the dress design and even more so of the suit design):

Lloyd/Green:

So like. If you decide to draw them in these I'm not gonna stop you

Life of a High School Vampire One-Shots 9 True Love?

Requested by Lava_Serpant on Wattpad

SUMMARY: Cole encounters Kai again in a pet store and gives the vampire his best doggy-face try at a second chance...

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

Kai smirked as he loaded his shopping basket with dozens of tubs crickets and other creepy crawlies. He was currently hanging out in the reptile section of the Animal Crackers pet store and clearing all their shelves of insects. The reason for this was a large prank he and Lloyd were planning to pull off on their science teacher. While he still found his roommates, Kai had to admit that Lloyd's hidden devious personality was inspiring and a cause for caution.

Kai would rather have the blond prankster as an ally than a foe.

They had come up with this prank to get back at their science teacher for all the bad grades he gave them purely out of spite. Even when they studied and did well on a test or a project he still failed them and when Kai confronted him about this the teacher admitted that he just didn't like them. He thought Kai was a gothic freak and that Lloyd was a sad loser who would probably only get a job behind the counter at a fast-food place. Not only that but he was incredibly creepy to his female co-workers and rude to his female students.

If he saw a girl with their skirts even a little bit above the knee he would give them a detention.

He even did this to students outside his classes. When they learned this Jay tried to report the teacher to the school but their complaints were ignored. The only thing to change was that the science teacher started to fail Jay's science projects as well. That was when Kai and Lloyd decided to take matters into their own hands. At first, Kai wanted to use his powers to secretly torment the mind of the older man while he slept, but Lloyd's suggestion was much more fun.

It was no secret that the science teacher had severe entomophobia, the fear of insects.

It was all Lloyd's idea. He said that they would buy as many bugs as they could, fill the teacher's house with them, and secretly record him as he woke up and freaked out at the sight of all the bugs that were filling up his home. He and Kai were split up in the city buying as many bugs as they could while Jay went to get them some small cameras to record with. This was his third pet store and Lloyd had just texted telling him he was heading to his fourth now.

The prank would be set up tonight and would activate early in the morning.

Without much effort, Kai convinced his roommates to let him sneak into the house to set up the cameras and release the insects. He could easily fly in and out of the house like a bat and sneak all the items in without being detected, not that Jay or Lloyd knew that. After Kai was certain that he had everything he needed, he rounded the corner of the reptile sector to leave. He began to pass the toy aisle when he suddenly froze. There was a man crouched down in front of him examining some squeaky cat toys.

Although he could see his face, Kai already knew very well who this person was just from looking at his back.

The figure seemed to feel Kai's eyes on him because he stood up and slowly turned around to face the brunette, revealing Cole's shocked face.

"Kai?" He gasped when he saw his one-night stand again after over six weeks. "Wow, it's been uh it's been a long time, you look... the same?" He stammered, unsure what he was supposed to say in this situation.

"Thanks," Kai replied but it was very stiff and robotic. They stood there in silence for a while until Cole couldn't take it anymore.

"I thought you were gonna call me?" He demanded as he took a step forward, but a glare from Kai stopped him from going any further.

"I thought I put you in stronger chains?" The brunette retorted, still maintaining his glare as another uncomfortable began to form. That awkwardness was cut short, however, when a young woman around Cole's age suddenly approached them. She was a tan-skinned girl who seemed around Cole's age with teal blue eyes. She has a micro fringe and long golden curls with a purple hairclip on her side. She wore a cyan crop-top, light blue denim capri pants, and white flats.

Her makeup consisted of lavender-colored eyeshadow and mauve purple lipstick.

They say don't judge a book by its cover, but Kai could already see everything about her. He could tell that she considered herself to be one of the most beautiful and popular girls at whatever school she went to. He almost growled at the obvious drama diva princess. He saw what she thought she was more deserving and better than everyone else. He wouldn't be surprised if her parents bought her everything she ever wanted. Kai glared at the girl that he knew would get nowhere in life after school finished.

He almost allowed himself a small smirk at the thought.

"This pet store is so fucking stinky! Can we leave yet?" She complained loudly to Cole before she finally saw Kai. "Oh, hi there!" She smiled, showing off all her perfectly white teeth as she walked around to Cole's side and looped her arm around him, making sure to look Kai in the eye the entire time. Cole looked like a deer in headlights as his eyes darted back and forth between the girl and Kai. If he thought it was awkward before it was worse now.

How was he supposed to talk to his one-night stand about his new girlfriend?

When he saw that they were both looking at him expectedly, Cole finally snapped back to reality and plastered on a weak, worried smile.

"Uh, Kai meet Lucy, Lucy this is Kai." He introduced nervously.

"Charmed I'm sure." Lucy smiled at the brunette expectedly.

"No, you'd know if you were." Kai snapped, very unimpressed. Lucy paused for a second and Kai suspected that that was the first time anyone had ever spoken to her like that. Her disbelief changed to anger though as her smile melted into a disgusted scowl.

"How do you know this... person?" She asked her boyfriend as she gave Kai a judgemental once over, her tone implying that Kai was something she scraped off the bottom of her high heels.

"We were... friends?" Cole asked, not sure how to explain his relationship with Kai. "We know each other from a past life." He suddenly said with a chuckle, hoping some humor would lighten the mood, but Lucy didn't look convinced.

"It's true," Kai replied, confusing the couple. Kai barely managed to suppress a smirk as he began to spin his tale. "He was a soldier and I was a slave freeing gypsy prostitute; after seeing the light he made a passionate plea to his comrades to do what was right for mankind and was immediately shot in the chest eighty-one times, and a week later I poisoned myself for unrelated reasons." He shrugged as if he just told them what groceries he was buying.

Both humans could only stare at him in silence.

Cole in wonder and awe while Lucy in concern and disgust.

"Well it has been... super interesting meeting you Kai but we should go." She said with a grimace before she began to head for the entrance. She stopped, however, when she realized that Cole hadn't moved and was still staring at Kai, with the brunette doing the same. "Puppy?" She whined in frustration, snapping out of his little trance.

"J-Just give me a minute, Lucy." He told his girlfriend and this caused Lucy to sigh loudly as if he had just asked her to find every giant bag of pet food and carry them all to the car by herself. Nevertheless, the blond teen listened to him and left to wait for him outside. Cole waited until he was sure they were alone before he turned back to Kai, who still looked calm, cool, and collected.

"So is that story true? I mean did we meet in a past life?" He asked in amazement.

"Do you think I'm a liar?" Kai glared, sounding very offended that Cole would think he was a liar.

"No...?" Cole replied, scared that anything he said would be the wrong thing.

"Good, I'm trying to sharpen my skills for an upcoming court appearance." The brunette smiled in satisfaction.

"So... wait! Is that... it- it was a lie? Is it a lie? Not a lie?" Cole stammered in confusion as his mind struggled to comprehend what Kai told him. Everything about the brunette intrigued and irritated Cole in ways he couldn't understand. There was something about Kai that was mysterious yet dangerous and Cole wanted to know what it was no matter what happened to him. As he stared into Kai's bright, almost glowing, amber eyes the human was suddenly flooded with a feeling he hadn't felt since he met Kai.

Before he realized what was happening, Cole suddenly lunged forward and grabbed Kai's both sides of his head intending to steal a kiss.

He quickly jumped back, however, when Kai suddenly hissed at him like an enraged, feral cat. Cole was so ashamed of himself that he failed to see the split-second flash of Kai's fangs before they vanished. Shooting the human an offended glare, the vampire turned on his heel and stormed off.

"I'm sorry! That was stupid of me!" Cole exclaimed in horror, scared that he had just blown his chance, as he began to chase after Kai. "Wait, it- it's not even serious with Lucy! I don't even like her!" He tried to explain as he kept glancing over his shoulder, worried that Lucy could show up any second.

"Don't you?" Kai scoffed. "She referred to you as her loyal mutt, which is pretty dominate; I know you like that." He smirked when he could almost feel Cole's blush.

"Yeah but it's not the same Kai, I seriously miss you." He insisted but Kai kept walking, not even giving Cole a second look. "Kai, I still have the chains!" He suddenly shouted and that finally made Kai stop in his tracks. Kai turned around and was surprised to see the manacles from their last meeting were still around Cole's legs just above his ankles. "I called a hundred locksmiths and none of them could figure out how to get these things off," Cole added but that didn't shock Kai.

Those chains were custom made in his home country and Kai had hidden the key after he had left Cole's bed.

The only way to remove the chains was to either get the key from Kai or track down the person who made them and get them to craft a new key.

"Yes, sure it's a little awkward when I go to the beach or when I go to the gym but h-honestly, I don't want them off; I like the way they make me feel, I like the way they jingle about when I dance; I think I love you, Kai Smith," Cole admitted, sounding truly sincere, but Kai couldn't tell whether he meant it or not. All his life Kai knew when people were lying to him from his family, his roommates, to people he met in the streets. But with Cole it was different.

No matter how much he tried he couldn't figure this human out and that both angered and scared him.

He wanted to understand why Cole was so unique, but he couldn't get too close until he knew what Cole's intentions were.

"Do you know what it's like to be shot in the chest eighty-one times?" The brunette suddenly asked, catching Cole off guard.

"What?" He asked in confusion. Of all the responses to his confession that was not one of them.

"Eighty-one bullets in your chest," Kai repeated as he started to approach the noirette, keeping his movements slow and deliberate. "It feels like your heart becomes a thousand fireworks, your body is merely a vessel for that one moment that lasts a fraction of a second before you perish but it feels like lifetimes." He whispered as he stared Cole dead in the eyes. "That is what love feels like." He finished as he placed a hand over Cole's rapidly beating heart.

"I-I-I don't know if I know what that feels like." Cole stammered, not fully processing what Kai was saying or the brunette's shoulders slumping slightly.

"Then you're not the man in the past life I thought you were." The vampire muttered, disappointment clear in his voice as he tore his amber eyes away from Cole's emeralds. This scared Cole, causing him to think Kai was going to vanish as he did all those weeks ago, only this time the noirette would never see him again.

"Okay, but I-"

"Why don't you call me when you know what love feels like?" Kai suggested with a small smirk and a wink as he stepped out of Cole's personal space.

"D-Does that mean you want me to get shot in the chest o-or is it a metaphor?" He asked, trying to understand what Kai was talking about. It looked like Kai was about to answer until Cole's phone suddenly started ringing, the ringtone being Jingle Bells played by barking dogs.

"Your owner is calling you." Kai chuckled as Cole pulled out the phone to check the caller ID. It was Lucy but he wasn't in the mood to talk to her. After he declined the call, Cole looked up and suppressed an irritated groan when he saw that Kai had seemingly vanished into thin air again like the last time. The human could only hope that that wasn't the last time he ever saw Kai again. After paying for his items, Kai exited the store and his eyes scanned the area around the entrance until he found his target.

Cole's girlfriend, Lucy.

She was standing by the edge of the car park, smoking a cigarette as she impatiently waited for Cole. She had tried calling him a few times but the call went to voicemail. Adjusting the grip on his bags, Kai narrowed his eyes and walked over to her. When she saw him, Lucy glared at him and blew a cloud of smoke into his face. Kai didn't even blink as he pulled something out of the bags and extended it towards her.

"I have a gift for you." He said as she reluctantly took the item from him. "I advice you to shorten it." He smirked before walking away and leaving her with even more questions. Lucy watched him leave for a moment before she turned to the item he had given her and it only confused her more. He had given her a long, black, and grey dog leash...