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 Posted: Fri Feb 06, 2026 10:27 am
Takes place after: Wrapped in Fog (Atticus) Morning After the Storm (Julian + Riker)
Sunlight spilled through the open roof, warm and golden across clean mosaic tiles. The fountains ran clear again, the sound of water gently flowing and falling filled the air like music. Flowers climbed the walls in bursts of purples and white, and the trees that once drooped heavy with neglect now stood straight, covered with pale blossoms. Bees drifted lazily between them.
It still startled him, how much had changed.
He’d first found this place in ruin -- a quiet, broken shell of what it had been. Now, it felt alive again. Whole. Like his bond with the Code piece there had somehow nurtured it back to health. He caught sight of the small orb at the top of the lively fountain, showing it a small, grateful smile, before turning his focus back to his friend.
He looked at Dering, wanting to say something but unable to find the right words. He was also afraid that opening his mouth too soon would just make him cry faster.
A low sound brushed through the courtyard -- not threatening, but warm and familiar.
Ephesus smiled before he saw him. The tiger stepped into view, sleek and striped with gold, stretching out in a patch of sunlight before padding closer. It lowered its head and bumped gently against Dering’s arm, purring low.
“He likes you,” Ephesus smiled, voice soft as the breeze. He reached out, his fingers brushing against Dering’s sleeve. “I’m glad you’re here. I just wanted to be somewhere quiet. With you.”
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Posted: Fri Feb 06, 2026 10:32 am
When Julian dressed himself, it was with the intention to minimize the visibility of his injuries. Not because he intended to be secretive or hide, just because–
Well, he didn’t think there was any reason to have them all on display. He was meeting up for healing. Why make a big deal out of it? The oversized turtleneck had been cozy and he felt comfortable wearing it. He didn’t have to answer any awkward questions, he stayed warm, he felt safe.
Nobody got hurt.
Atticus didn’t cry.
Elliot had waved them off before heading out with Riker. Julian had, of course, wished them well and promised to see them soon. He didn’t like that they were going back to the abandoned building but they were in good hands–and there was nothing he could do. He was a huge liability right now. He’d slow them down, he was dead weight. He wanted them to be safe, but–
Well, they were going with a good team. Sessrumnir and Alastor were very protective–and very skilled. And Michel wouldn’t let anything happen to Riker. And Soleiyu was so diligent and hard working–and Lucien, too. And Ganymede was going.
How could anything happen to them? They probably didn’t even need a shield.
He was probably worrying for nothing.
It just wasn’t something he could shut off.
When he powered up into Dering, he’d kept his head bowed. His outfit was modest so he wasn’t worried about surprising Ephesus with most of his injuries, but he knew the bruises on his face and neck were ugly.
Ephesus itself was lovely. It was so safe, so loved. There was so much life here. He heard the tiger before he saw it, and he saw Ephesus’ smile before any sort of panic could register.
So, he stayed relaxed.
His arms had been crossed over his chest, one arm supporting the other, but when the tiger bumped into his good arm, he held out his hand–offering pets, but never too forward to assume they were wanted.
“Are you sure it’s me he likes?” Not that he didn’t trust Ephesus! He just wasn’t sure how he’d come to that conclusion. “I haven’t done anything.”
At best, he was just someone slightly unusual. Maybe that made him interesting.
“But I’m glad to be up here with you. Thank you for inviting me. Ephesus is so beautiful. You’ve worked so hard here, haven’t you? It really shows.”
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Posted: Fri Feb 06, 2026 10:33 am
Ephesus’s smile softened when the tiger leaned into Dering’s touch. The sound it made was low and deep and content.
“He definitely likes you,” he said, voice hushed as if he didn’t want to disturb the peace around them. He glanced up at Dering again, a little sheepish. “He sort of… mirrors me. What I think, how I feel. So I know he likes you…” He trailed off, color faintly filling his cheeks. “Because I like you.”
He looked away, pretending to busy himself with the nearest fountain instead. The surface rippled where he brushed his fingertips across it.
“Mary helped me clean this up,” he said after a pause. “We found some old bulbs in one of the storage rooms and planted them along the paths. It took forever to clear everything out, but the flowers still grew. I think the soil remembered what it was supposed to do.”
He smiled, quiet pride clear in his expression, causing the freckles across his nose and cheeks to shimmer like moonlight. “The baby bears are probably somewhere nearby. They usually stay over at Amarynthos, but they come and go. The tiger keeps an eye on them. He’s practically their babysitter now.”
His voice faltered when he looked back at Dering. The bruises on his face caught the light, soft purpose and gray against his pale skin.
Ephesus hesitated, then reached out. His fingertips brushed feather-light against Dering’s cheek, careful not to press. The touch lingered only a moment before he drew back and gently took Dering’s hand instead, guiding it to rest against his own chest.
“Thank you for messaging me. I was so worried about everyone I didn’t know which way to look. Everything made me feel so dizzy.” The concussion probably didn’t help.
His scepter was drawn into being, held lightly in his other hand. “Can I?” he asked, nodding toward the bruises. “You should sit first… over here,” he gestured to a cushioned bench beneath a flowering archway.
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Posted: Fri Feb 06, 2026 10:33 am
Dering’s eyes tracked the fingers as they entered his peripheral. He neither flinched nor moved to avoid them, but instead stood patiently and let Ephesus do as he pleased. Dering's hand was pliant against Ephesus' chest, like he wasn't quite sure what to do with it but was still unwilling to break their connection.
Carefully, he lowered his other arm. He was obviously favoring it, but for all that it hurt, he couldn't resist the urge to give the tiger one last scratch. His fingers curled in the tiger's fur, gentle--always so gentle--but after that, he let his hand fall and stepped towards the bench.
"I would have messaged you sooner, but I wanted to make sure you rested. I know you had a lot to deal with last night. I don't mean to give you more work. But I really appreciate you making time for me and bringing me up here. And helping. Have you used much magic on yourself?"
Dering sank onto the bench carefully, easing himself down with great care. Whatever he was hiding, he was doing his best to be good to himself in the process.
"I'll feel bad if you're still hurting. I don't need much, um. Just a little. I'd like..." His voice rasped, though he wasn't sure if it was soreness from the poisonous air last night or because his body was trying to shut him up before he could say the wrong thing. "...I'd have an easier time at school if this one could heal up fast," he said, raising his fingers to touch his cheek lightly. "I don't want anyone to see. I don't want to skip school. But I might. I just don't want to disappoint anyone."
He was saying too much, he knew the words were tumbling too quickly.
He took another small, calculated breath to recalibrate.
"I'll be happy with whatever you can do, though. I really appreciate this. But really, have you healed yourself? Are you okay, Effie?"
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Posted: Fri Feb 06, 2026 10:34 am
Ephesus smiled faintly and shook his head. “I appreciate that. Really. But I’m okay.”
He settled beside Dering, making room for the tiger to come and lean up against their legs while it stretched out on the ground in front of them.
“I used up all my energy last night, but Ganymede lent me some of hers so I could finish healing the others. She came to check on things when she heard what happened. And I made sure to heal myself too,” he said with a soft smile. “I didn’t want anyone worrying, so I made sure I was okay before anything else. I’d hate it if my magic stopped working because I wasn’t taking care of myself.”
He didn’t mention the lingering ache in his head, or the faint, occasional sting of a nosebleed. It wasn’t important right now. Dering was.
Ephesus leaned a little closer, eyes soft as he studied the bruises that marred his friend’s face. “You don’t have to feel bad. You’re allowed to need help. And you’re allowed to not want others to see how you’ve been hurt.”
It wasn’t so long ago that Ephesus wouldn’t have felt comfortable in his own skin. Even now he was still working on it, but he was making great progress in feeling like himself.
He raised his scepter just enough for it to glow gold at the end. The air sweetened around them. The smell of honey, soft and clean. The light spread slowly, settling over Dering’s face like moonlight through a canopy of leaves.
“I was lucky, or… maybe not lucky. When I was younger, they made sure not to touch my face. I think they knew it would be too obvious if I showed up to school with bruises all the time. I can only run into things so many times before it becomes unbelievable. But… I guess by that point, people just accepted the excuse and didn’t question it.”
He paused and then forced a smile and an awkward laugh. “Sorry, I was just thinking out loud, I guess.” Knight Magic: Channeled with the power of hope, Ephesus uses his magic to heal moderate burns and wounds. The longer he channels his magic, the faster the wound is healed. Major burns and wounds can be greatly aided, but not healed completely. He cannot heal life threatening injuries but he can stabilize them until proper medical treatment can be acquired. The person experiencing the magic will have the distinct taste and smell of honey. Those who are usually averse to the smell and/or taste of honey won’t find it unpleasant. It has a calming effect, and fills the target with hope that everything will be okay. Any anxiety or emotional distress the target is feeling will also be tempered, or eased completely.
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Posted: Fri Feb 06, 2026 10:35 am
Dering kept his eyes low, mostly on the tiger, who he continued to pet with gentle, diligent touches. It probably wasn’t appropriate to treat him like a dog, but when he seemed to appreciate the same gentle pets as Maxim, it was easy for the lines to blur.
He didn’t look at Ephesus while he worked, worried that if he saw how intently his friend was focusing on him that Dering would have no choice but to seek an excuse to end the healing early. It was difficult to sit still and let someone see the bruising. It had been uncomfortable when Riker did it, and the same when Ephesus did, too.
They were good people–good friends. The discomfort didn’t come from them so much as it came from himself, and the impossible weight of being seen.
Fragrant honey filled the air, sweet and comforting. Dering’s shoulders eased and the pressure on his chest lessened.
He couldn’t remember the last time his mind had felt so calm. The physical aches eased slower, but steadily the pain faded. More than that, he felt the distinct sensation of being wrapped in a warm blanket. There was a memory there, distant–somewhere.
Winter, cold. He was by a kerosene heater. It smelled musky and stale and–no, like fuel. Heat. He remembered leaning too close, being so cold.
But why–?
Oh, the blanket. The one his mother always pulled out after long nights. Why wasn’t he in bed? Oh–the blood, that’s right. Was that the nosebleed? Or had he lost a tooth? It didn’t matter. There had been blood. Oh–yes, the sheets were in the washing machine. And he’d gotten out of the shower. But it was so cold, he couldn’t stop shaking.
She’d put the blanket around his shoulders. He couldn’t remember what she said. Her voice was muffled, distant. Like listening through someone speaking through the wall.
What a soft voice. What a kind voice.
Oh–the honey, that’s right. She gave him a slice of honey cake. But it was late, too late. He’d brushed his teeth already. Maybe with the blood it hadn’t mattered. Had he brushed his teeth?
No, it still tasted metallic. Or salty, or bitter. The memory was so far away. Bad.
But she brought a slice of honey cake, and it was the sweetest thing he’d ever had. Good.
He hadn’t had honey cake in years. Did anyone else make it?
…No.
No, he didn’t want it.
He tasted bitterness again and felt like throwing up.
Dering’s fingers scratched gently behind the tiger’s ear and he stroked softly, massaging down the creature’s temple and cheek and jowls. A tiger only had paws and claws. If it wasn’t careful, it could tear itself open. How miserable–to have an itch you can’t scratch out of fear of tearing yourself open.
To have parts of yourself you could only touch when you were willing to hurt for it.
He moved both hands, working his thumbs around the tiger’s ear, kneading fingers gently as he searched for all the places it couldn’t reach itself.
Ephesus couldn’t have been using his magic for more than half a minute, but already he felt like he’d had days–weeks, maybe–of healing. The pain evaporated in waves. Radiated off of him, maybe. He spared a glance to Ephesus and the tiger and the space around them to make sure the rot of pain was gone and not simply moved from him to them.
Ephesus was still smiling. The tiger was still purring. The flowers were still blooming.
“Please don’t be sorry. I like listening to you talk.” Ephesus had a soothing voice. Kind, gentle. He never spoke too loudly, or too quickly–and never with any cruelty. There were no hidden meanings, no puzzles to dissect. He didn’t swear or insult or scold.
“I’m sorry you had to go through that. I don’t think it sounds very lucky.” Pain was pain, wherever it landed. Maybe it was worse when it was somewhere no one could see.
His face felt warm. He didn’t know how much had healed, so he gently ran his fingers across his cheek, prodding curiously to test the skin.
“Would you like a hug?” he asked, tilting his head slightly to better see Ephesus. “You can keep talking if you’d like. I won’t stop you.”
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Posted: Fri Feb 06, 2026 10:35 am
Ephesus’s breath caught. He felt stupid for thinking it, but he hadn’t expected the offer, and for a second, his throat felt too tight to speak.
“Yeah,” he said softly. “Yeah, I’d like that.”
He set his scepter aside, careful not to disturb the flowers that had bloomed along a column beside the bench. When he leaned in, he hesitated only long enough to make sure Dering was ready, then wrapped his arms around him. It was light at first, but then he melted into him, holding his friend close.
It wasn’t often that someone offered him comfort like that. Usually, he was the one holding others, making things okay. That was his job, of course. He was a healer. He wanted to be useful. He wanted his friends to be okay. He often held out his arms, and they usually let him. But being held… it felt both fragile and safe.
He breathed in the faint scent of honey that lingered in the air. His voice was quiet, almost small.
“I was scared,” he admitted. “When everything happened last night… I didn’t know if everyone was going to make it. And now Mary and Reims and my dads are going back to that horrible place. If something happens to them--” His voice broke off, the thought unfinished. “I don’t know what I’d do.”
He swallowed, eyes stinging. “Um… I know I told you a little about my life before, well… all of this. The man who was supposed to be my father was a cop. I still freeze when I hear sirens. I know it’s stupid. I know the magic keeps me safe. My mom… I don’t remember much about her. I was young when… well, she escaped my father the only way she thought she could. She tried to take me with her but… um, well… I’m still here.”
He paused to take a shaky breath, a small smile pulling at his lips when the tiger leaned up to try and get more pets from both him and Dering, since two minutes of hugging was apparently too long.
Ephesus let out a small breath and continued. “I keep surviving, either by luck or because people are looking out for me. Sometimes I feel like I’m just… living on borrowed time, you know? I’m always afraid that my survival will end up costing someone else theirs.”
He pulled back slightly, enough to meet Dering’s eyes, his expression soft, unguarded. “But I want to do whatever I can to make my life mean something. Because I get to help people like this. And because I get to have friends like you.”
He hesitated, then added gently, “If you ever feel like you need to get something off your chest, um… sorry, I know you’re really private and that’s okay. I’ll support you no matter what. But you’re not alone. I know things have been hard for you. And… thank you. For the hug. I really needed it.”
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Posted: Fri Feb 06, 2026 10:35 am
Dering opened his arm immediately to offer space for Ephesus. He’d have given a two-armed hug, but he was still mindful of his injuries. And yet, Dering still managed to pour an incredible amount of tenderness into the hug anyway. His touch was light, but not unwilling. Soft, but protective.
He listened patiently, like he always did, but with more seriousness than usual. His smile lingered, but subdued.
Dering understood the gravity of the topic, so treated the subject with the reverence it deserved. Ephesus chose to bare his soul–trusted Dering to handle it with care.
Of course he would.
“Please let me know if a hug will ever help. You can have one any time you need it.” He wasn't very good with surprise hugs, but who liked to be startled? Some of his friends valued closeness and physical touch. He worked very hard to make them happy. Ephesus wasn’t the sort to jump out of nowhere and demand a hug, though. He was always gentle.
No surprises.
Dering rubbed his back gently, mimicking the way Amarynthos often did, but with less confidence.
He didn’t really know where to start, but it would have been cruel to let a silence grow between them. Too many doubts and worries festered between unspoken words.
“I think Mary and Reims will be okay. I’m worried, too. But I know your parents are very protective. I don’t think they’d let anything happen to Mary. They know how much he means to you. And Michel went, too. He won’t let anything happen to Reims. And Ganymede will be there, won’t she? I think everyone will be safe.”
If Dering had any doubt in his heart, it didn’t make it to his voice.
“...But it’s okay to be scared, anyway. You’ve been through a lot. You shouldn’t have had to go through any of it. But I’m glad you’re still here. None of that sounds stupid, Atticus. Please don’t tell yourself those things. I won’t ever judge you. Everything you said makes sense. I mean, I think police officers are scary, too.” He shrugged, maybe a bit apologetically. Maybe because that’s what his body did when it was time to shift topics.
“I think you survived because you wanted to survive. I think your life has a lot of meaning. You're a very kind person. I wish more people would have looked out for you.”
He wished Atticus had been born into a family that loved and protected him. One that wanted him to thrive. He had Michael and Devyn now, but–
The past was still a ball and chain. You didn’t just get to leave it all behind just because something good happened. A new chapter didn’t erase all the pages before it.
“Even now, you’re worrying about me?” He smiled, a little stronger than before. His face hurt much less, so it was easier now. There was always something reserved about his joy, like he had to measure it carefully. Even now, with one arm around his friend, and with the other gently stroking the tiger’s fur again.
“You and Reims both said something like that to me. I’m starting to worry a little. I don’t think things have been that hard for me. I mean–certainly not as hard as either of you. I think I have a very comfortable life. I have lots of good things to say about it. I don’t really have much to get off of my chest. I think I’m actually much more boring than people think.”
And yet, the rock was back in his throat, small and heavy, like something he’d forgotten to spit out years ago. His voice wavered but he wasn’t sure why.
Dering figured he must have just been tired. He hadn’t slept much last night. He had a lot on his mind–then, and now.
His body was probably still just a little confused–getting hurt and then healing so quickly was a bit disorienting.
“...But I’m very glad to have my friends. You’ve all been so good to me. It means a lot. Even if I’m not very good at showing it. I’m sorry, I’ll try to be better about that. I don’t want you to ever wonder about those things. I know how lucky I am to have people like you in my life. You’re really special, Effie. You’d be special even if you didn’t have to hurt to get this far. Um, sorry, maybe that’s a weird thing to say. I just mean, you’ve got a good heart. Or maybe that’s weirder to say. Um, hold on. I do know what I’m trying to say.”
His brows knitted together and the smile pressed into a line while he thought deeply.
“You’re kind. You’re gentle. You’re considerate. Even after all you’ve been through, you only want to bring good into the world. I just think that says a lot about you. I hope…” He swallowed. “I hope you get to be happy, in all things. I know it won’t make up for what happened to you before. But I hope from here on out, you get to live the life you deserve. Happy, and safe. And, you know. Loved.”
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Posted: Fri Feb 06, 2026 10:35 am
Ephesus let out a breath of a laugh, quiet and a little shaky. “You always know what to say to make me feel better,” he said softly. “I don’t even think you realize you’re doing it half the time.”
He drew back just enough to see Dering properly, his hands still resting lightly on his friend’s shoulders. “You’re right, though. I’m probably just being paranoid. Everyone’s strong. They’ve been through so much already, and they always come home. I think I just… needed to say it out loud. And I didn’t mean to make it sound like I wanted you to feel sorry for me.”
His smile wobbled a little into something more sheepish, eyes still wet. “I just feel safe talking to you. That’s all.”
The tiger had nosed its way between them again, demanding attention, so Ephesus let his hand drift down to stroke its broad head. “I know you think you’re boring, but you’re really not,” he said softly. “You’re patient, and you notice things other people miss. You don’t try to fill silence just to make it go away. You listen, and I really appreciate that about you. You’re one of the kindest people I’ve ever met.”
His thumb brushed lightly over Dering’s shoulder as he said it, tilting his head to make sure the bruising had faded enough for him to be happy about it. He could probably heal him some more, but in a moment.
“You make people feel calm. And loved, just by being here.”
He looked down at the tiger and smiled faintly. “I think I’m lucky, too,” he said after a moment. “Because I get to be your friend. Because you make it feel like… things can keep getting better.”
He let out a slow breath, and leaned close to Dering to give him another soft hug. “Thank you, Dering. For listening. For caring. For being my friend.”
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Posted: Fri Feb 06, 2026 10:36 am
Dering leaned into the hug now that his body wasn’t screaming in pain. The discomfort that lingered was manageable enough. He was sore, he ached.
It was still a world of difference between now and five minutes ago.
He continued to pet the tiger, mindful of its eyes and nose and mouth and ears, working his way around its head to scratch all the tender little places that must have been hard to reach with paws that big.
Briefly, he flashed a smile, grateful for Ephesus’ kind words but also not sure how to answer them.
“You don’t have to thank me for those things,” he insisted softly. “You’re easy to be around.” Easy to listen to, to care about. “Not because of what you do, or anything. Just because of who you are.”
He paused, sifting through his thoughts to find the right words.His mind was foggy so it took a little longer than usual. “You’ve been working really hard to make things better. I hope you give yourself credit for that. And, um. Well–nothing you said made me think you were trying to make me feel sorry for you. We’re just talking. You’re allowed to get those things off your chest. Thank you for trusting me with them. Um, and if you ever want to talk, or need someone to listen…”
He shrugged, but the offer was sincere. “Well, I like spending time with you. No matter the circumstances.”
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Posted: Fri Feb 06, 2026 10:36 am
Ephesus’s smile brightened a little. “I like spending time with you too,” he said, voice barely above a whisper.
He glanced over at Dering’s cheek again, and he reached up with fingertips hovering a moment before they brushed lightly against the fabric of his sleeve. The finger marks had faded at least, and the bruising on Dering’s face looked like it was almost invisible. Just shadows.
He let his hand linger a moment longer before he drew it back and let out a quiet sigh, glad that Dering was healing. His gaze drifted past the courtyard through the archway that led to the field of flowers between Ephesus and Amarynthos, watching the pale sky speckled with stars that could have very well been diamonds. The silence felt heavy with everything he didn’t know how to say. His parents, his boyfriend, Reims… he hoped they were okay. He had to believe they were.
When he looked back at Dering, he smiled again, steadier this time. “I’m okay,” he said gently. “Really. I just… worry too much sometimes. I wish I didn’t. It feels like things are kept from me just so I don’t worry more.” Like Yvoire’s injuries. Sometimes he agreed with them that he would probably be better off not knowing, but he also worried because he cared.
He let out a breath, his voice softer now. “But I’ll be fine. We both will.”
The tiger huffed and pressed its massive head into Ephesus’s hand, pulling him back from his thoughts. He laughed quietly and joined Dering in giving it scratches under its chin. The quiet between them wasn’t uncomfortable, just… peaceful.
Fin!
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