#We'll call this au royal flock

[writingdevil]

Hi! For the requests, I wanted to ask for Paranoid x Hero, I love them in game and I think they could be really good for each other ^^

(YES! I ALSO LOVE THEM! I've been dying to write them, and I hope you don't mind, but I decided to put them in an AU I've been thinking about. Enjoy!)

(This is a medieval AU where the Long Quiet is a king and the voices are a part of his court)

Hero sighed as he marched down the halls of the castle, glancing up and admiring the large windows that graced him with a view of the outside, at the forest that surrounded their castle and town.

His pace slowed as he watched two birds shoot across the sky, and his own wings twitched against his armour, longing to join them and taste the sky.

But there was too much work to be done within the court.

Hero was the Captain of the Guard, and the second in command to the king of the castle. Many people apparently saw him as a beacon of light within the darkness their kingdom had been thrust into, but Hero just tried to do the right thing for the people that needed it.

He quickly ripped his gaze away from the view, so that only few memories of happier times flashed in his head-Enjoying banquets. Witnessing ceremonies. Feeling content with life.

But all of that and more had all but vanished as of late, and the entire flock had been scrambling for months now to try and get that peace and joy back.

His fellow guards-Stubborn and Hunted, were out day and night, either searching for answers or defending the kingdom from enemies who dared approach them in their vulnerable state.

Skeptic was also out for days at a time, although he worked best alone, traveling far to crawl into the darkest corners of the land, in hopes for an answer to their dilemma. Hero doesn't believe he's seen him in three weeks this time.

Hero was just beginning to think that he was going to have to send him a letter reminding him to come home soon-when he suddenly stopped in his tracks.

Hero's throat closed up, and he felt every feather on his body bristle and stand to attention, as he started to quietly lose control of his breathing.

To the very left of him was the throne room.

If Hero concentrated enough, he could make out the soft breathing of him, the only evidence to tell them all that the King was even alive.

The doors were wide open, and although Hero went in there everyday, it still made a weight crush his chest. No matter how much time had passed, he couldn't get used to the sight in that throne room.

Hero was supposed to be the knight that everyone in his court could depend on, that was capable of protecting his flock-but whenever he saw him, it just reminded Hero of how much he had failed his loved ones.

He couldn't cross that room. He just couldn't. There was nobody that could make him.

He stood there for what felt like hours, stuck in a fearful paralysis-until someone quickly turned the corner on the other side of the hall to face him.

It was Cheated, panting and with a frenzied expression on his frustrated face. He didn't immediately notice Hero, head twisting around in a panic, feathers flying everywhere, until Cheated's eyes finally landed on him.

It was like a wave of relief had crashed into Cheated, as his wings sagged and his face softened into a look of reassurance.

"Hero!" he yelled, and the sound was enough to have Hero blinking back to reality. Cheated motioned for him to come closer and exclaimed, "It's Para, Hero! His magic's acting up!"

That could make him cross the room.

All at once, all the guilt and fear was ripped from his body-and Hero's mind had never been clearer as he immediately broke into a sprint, running past the throne room, only catching a black blur that rested on the throne, with eyes that hadn't opened in a long time.

Hero barely let it affect him.

He rushed past Cheated without even looking him in the eye, and Cheated scrambled to move out of the way and shouted after him, "He should be in his chambers!"

There was an intensity lingering within Hero's veins as he ran, his body knowing exactly where to go before his mind even processed his surroundings in the castle.

He knew where to go. He would always know how to find him.

He practically flew up the stairs, ripping his sword from his scabbard as he bolted over to stand in front of Paranoid's room.

He took a second to take a deep breath, forcing his voice to be calm and light as he softly knocked and said, "Para? Are you okay?"

A low whine-then, "Help me!"

Hero swore as he practically ripped the door from its hinges, marching into the room and shutting it firmly, leaving just the two of them.

Paranoid's room was dark, which was unusual for him. He was usually obsessed with being able to see a room in its entirety, for fear of something hiding in the shadows. He only pulled the curtains when Hero was in the room with him.

His gaze traveled to the floor, and although Paranoid was known to be a little disorganized and messy, his room right now looked almost disastrous. Desk flipped over, notes and books sprawled all over the floor, and Hero could pick out some very important books that he knew Paranoid would never just leave lying about.

Finally, his gaze landed on Paranoid himself.

He was kneeling on his bed, sheets twisted and thrown around him. He was clutching his head, leaning down far enough so that his forehead was touching his mattress. He kept rocking back and forth and quietly whimpering to himself.

It broke Hero's heart.

He took a cautious step forward, putting his sword away, and softly went, "Para? Are you-"

"Who's there?" Paranoid suddenly shrieked, sitting up straight while still grabbing fistfuls of his feathered head. Hero froze, if only because now he could hear just how bad Paranoid's panic attack was getting. He was panting heavily enough to make it sound raspy and guttural, and Hero winced, knowing how sore the other's throat would be after this.

"It's Hero, remember, Para? I'm here to help you. What's wrong?"

Paranoid shook his head, his body beginning to tremble. Hero watched in devastation as Paranoid started to softly cry, staring out into the distance. "I don't believe you," he mumbled, "I don't believe you. I can't believe you-" his yell was abruptly cut short, and Hero could do nothing but watch as Paranoid suddenly gasped, going silent for a few seconds, until he suddenly yelled out in fear, moving to cover his eyes now as he hunched over the bed again.

"Go away, go away, go away," Paranoid begged, his voice muffled from his position. His rocking got more intense as he whined and said, "Too many eyes, too many eyes-stop looking-leave me alone please-"

Right. That was it. Hero couldn't take this anymore.

"Para," he softly called out, "I'm going to come closer to you, okay?"

"Please please please-", was all Paranoid said, until Hero suddenly felt a wave of magic press down on him.

It felt like it was suffocating him, all this powerful and dark energy, and Hero himself struggled to breathe for a few seconds, almost tasting electricity in the air, and the edges of his face were tingling with numbness.

It was Paranoid's magic. This must be what Cheated meant by acting up.

Paranoid was one of the two strongest sorcerers in the court, along with Cold. Both of their magic was tied to the mortal body, but while Cold dealt with death and the absence of sensations, Paranoid's was all about it.

Hero's seen him cure over a thousand people with his magic, his mind intrinsically linked to the person's body, keeping them alive with a simple chant. Paranoid could reach in and grab whatever pain, curse or demons the person was suffering with, and help rid them of it.

Unfortunately, this has led to Paranoid's own mind to become-fearful because of it. The sorcerer was constantly looking over his shoulder, claiming to see enemies in places where there was nothing, and rarely trusted anyone that wasn't his flock. Sometimes his terror would get so bad that his mind and magic would be so overcome with it, and-this happens.

Hero shook his head, attempting to ignore the buzzing in the air, as he slowly came around to be in front of Paranoid. "I'm not here to hurt you, Para. I just want to help you." The only thing Paranoid did was shake his head and choke on a sob.

Hero sighed, his heart breaking at the sight. Paranoid wouldn't be having breakdowns this severe if He hadn't been cursed, if He hadn't left them to take charge of the kingdom themselves.

No matter. The only thing that Hero needed to care about right now was Paranoid.

He climbed up onto the bed, shuffling closer until their knees almost touched. "Para," he said,"what are you seeing right now?"

Paranoid didn't respond right away, hyperventilating until Hero whispered, "Para?"

That seemed to bring Paranoid just back to reality enough to move and wrap his arms around himself as he hissed, "Eyes-eyes keep watching, keep staring at me-I want them to leave me alone, Hero."

"I know, I know, I'm sorry," was all Hero said, reaching forward to firmly grab Paranoid's hands, pressing them gently against Hero's heart. "I need you to look at me, sweetheart."

Paranoid choked on a sob. "I can't," he softly said, head still bowed and eyelids squeezed shut. "I can't trust if you're real or not," he whimpered, before weeping to himself, wings going slack behind him, as if he had accepted this fate.

Hero opened his mouth to try and persuade him, before he heard a crackling in the room.

Hero froze, before slowly lifting his head to look up at the ceiling.

There, in the corner of the ceiling, was a dark purple ball of magic. It wriggled and shot out here and there, and the cracking sound it made sickened Hero to his stomach. It looked like a black hole of nightmares come to swallow them into darkness-before more started to appear.

They slowly formed all around them, and Hero was about to throw Paranoid over his shoulder and rush out of the room, when Paranoid suddenly whined and started to shake his head as he mumbled, "Too many eyes, too many eyes, too many eyes-" over and over again.

Was this Paranoid's magic? Was his magic spinning so much out of control that he was accidentally manifesting eyes around them? If so, then Hero needed to get through to him now.

He took a deep breath in, then turned away from the dark orbs floating around them, putting all his attention on Paranoid.

"Para,"he said, "can you hear me? Can you hear my voice?" It took a few seconds of panicked breathing, but then Paranoid nodded.

"Good," he said, then gently moved one of Paranoid's hands so that his palm was pressing directly over his heart. "Can you feel my heartbeat?" Paranoid began to lift his head up more, and he nodded again.

"That's perfect, Para. Can you focus on my voice and my heart?" Paranoid's face scrunched up in fear. "But the eyes-"

"The eyes aren't gonna get you while I'm here. I promise." Paranoid still looked torn, so Hero leaned forward to press their foreheads together. "Do you trust me?"

Paranoid was silent for a few tense minutes,and there was only the sound of heavy breathing and snapping magic in the air. But then, Hero felt Paranoid lean into his touch. "I trust you."

Hero released a shaking breath of relief, but quickly kept his focus, closing his eyes and whispering to Paranoid, "You are in your bedroom in the castle."

He felt the magic weighing him down further, but he ignored it. "You are in your bedroom and there is nothing here that can hurt you." Paranoid released a small sob that broke Hero's heart, so he squeezed their intertwined hands to comfort him.

"There is nothing that will hurt you, Para, because I am here to protect you." He felt Paranoid curl his fingers in his chest, as if he wanted to reach in and take Hero's heart for his own.

The trembling had lessened, and Hero could feel the tears dry on his face. "Do you feel my heartbeat, Para? This heart belongs to you. It only beats for you, Para, because I love you." Hero barely noticed when the crackling began to get quieter. All he cared about in that moment was Paranoid.

He heard Paranoid take a few deep, slow breaths in, and Hero started to feel all the energy in the air begin to lighten up, until he could actually breathe and feel his face again.

He risked opening his eyes, and was met with Paranoid's tired gaze.

He grinned in relief. "Are you feeling better?" he asked, and Paranoid sighed, but nodded, rubbing his face against his shoulder.

They both lifted their heads, and Hero quickly looked up-but the dark orbs of magic had disappeared too. It truly was over.

Hero looked back at Paranoid, only to find pure exhaustion on his face, and Hero didn't blame him. He couldn't imagine how drained Paranoid must be feeling now.

He lowered their hands down to his lap, giving Paranoid a reassuring smile as he asked, "Do you want to talk about it?" A firm shake of his head. Although Hero wasn't used to Paranoid being this quiet, he just chalked it up to what just happened, and asked, "Is there anything you want me to do for you?"

Paranoid sat up straighter, turning his head to slowly take in the room around him. Hero saw the way his eyes were filled with nothing but sadness and fatigue, and he was about to offer a suggestion, when Paranoid quietly went, "You shouldn't of done this."

"What?" he asked, "What do you mean?"

"I shouldn't need you to help me control my powers." But then Hero saw a flash of hatred in Paranoid's eyes, hatred at himself for being vulnerable, it looked like.

"I'm a sorcerer. I should be able to handle my own problems. I told you I can handle my own problems-"

"-and I told you," Hero softly interrupted, cupping Paranoid's face so that he was looking at him, "when you accepted my courtship, that I would always be there to support and care for you."

Paranoid froze, looking down at Hero in soft confusion, as his feathers puffed up, making Hero smile. They held eye contact for a few moments, until Paranoid's face softened into fondness, and he muttered, "Thank you, then-for being there for me."

"I always will be, Para," Hero promised with a smile, before they both leaned closer, and kissed the other tenderly.

Hero may not have been able to protect the King, but he sure as hell will not make the same mistake with the rest of the flock, and especially not with the love of his life.

[cryptidcorners]

Old Friend — Prince!Derek Danforth x GN!Reader [ Part 1/? ]

Description: A royal ball celebrating the end of a decade of pure isolation between Houses brings you and an old acquaintance together once again.

# No Request

# A.N: I'm literally gushing over DND here, lol! There's sm story shit. it's more lore explaining than actual romantic stuff, SOOO. sorry. hope you enjoy the AU pfft

Media: The Beekeeper [ AU ]

Character: Derek Danforth [ AU ]

Tags: DND/Fantasy Inspired AU, Royalty, PLOT, Lore Dumping, Friends to ? ? ?, Romantic Implications, Fluff, Slight Suggestiveness { if you squint }, Slowburn, Childhood Friends, Flirting, Catching Up, OOC!Derek [?], Sweet Talk + Reader is !GN.

Warnings: Mentions of War/Isolation, Depression, Childhood Trauma, Substances/Acholic Beverages + Smoking.

TOS. Derek Dandorth Master List {TBW}.

The ballroom had been mildly entertaining at most, while Dandorth House was certainly exotic with fruitullius pickings like booze, muzzled griffins and gowns, you had found yourself a mere wallflower near the belt of the corner. Your attentive gaze remained ill as you stared at the chorus of visitors from all across the world clad in their signature wear, dancing the night away with tipping mindscapes.

You were impressed by their shiny attempt to win over the other Houses with opium and silver statues not seduced. The idea of taking wine brewed by a Dandorth was an idea you'd never subscribe to, as much as you valued their efforts in ore distribution, they weren't a House you'd call a friend, more of a neighbor with the temper of a sun bear.

The shine of silk, flashing grins and laughter had made you feel as if you didn't belong, as if you were nothing but a lonley phantom enviously spectating the quartz floors.

Your House, Tallis, was a symbol of artistry, sculpting, poets and other powers were the foundations of your land. You were the only heir to the throne, sharing no brother or sister to extend a blade at down the line. Alas, you were greatful no family blood would bare at your fingertips, but the crippling loniliess had carved you into a quiet, yet respectful noble with dreams just like any Tallis; only you wished there was another one to share it with.

"Admiring the dancefloor are we?" A voice asked, it's tone as complex as the limestone statues of old characters fronted at the palace. You felt something buzz in your soul, and your gaze had flocked up to the host.

Prince Derek Dandorth, only, he was much older than when you last laid your eyes on him.

It was around midnight when both Houses declared they'd go into hiding to cower away from the war. It was your last royal ball together, and you weren't interested in leaving yet. You were both children then, dumb and in love. You both had scurried off and his yourselves near the old balcony that you were sure had been rebuilt with golden rimmings and white rose bushes.

"When will I ever see you again?" You asked desperly, hands interlocking with his soft fingertips. Derek's eyes had arrowed into you, deep with longing. Back when his hair was still an endless rush of dark, brunette curls and gentle highlights.

"I don't know, but it'll be soon. Our Houses may be splitting, but that doesn't mean we won't be able to dance again, will it?" Derek whispered. "We'll see each other again. We have to."

He had been wrong, and you had been grieving over that broken promise when you were children for a long time. The Dandorth and Tallis Houses were at a halt, conflicted by some nearby wars circling close to the walls.

It had resulted in both kingdoms locking themselves in their labyrinths of treasure, with eyes paved into the stone. You were isolated in your House, only seeking comfort in carving your inner desires into rich pavement that was now collecting dust in your Queenship's second guest bedroom.

Now, he was here, cocky as ever. With blonde hair and light reminces of forest green and flakes of emerald flickering across his face. His signature uniform was gorgeous, with carefully decorated leaves and patterns that resembled rich lingering. His crown set carefully in his forest of curls, and you swore you could smell cologne that burst your nostrils with pure dopamine.

"Derek?" You uttered, slack jawed.

You blinked and he waved his hand in front of your stunned expression teasingly.

His hand carefully tightened around his glass, "Now, that's no way to greet a prince in his own House, is it?" the heir cooed. Your face fell and you arched a brow, unimpressed at his mock of carelessness. Prince Dandorth was certainly an idealist, but he was definitely not an actor.

He laughed, tone deep as ivory. "I'm just messing with you, Noble Tallis." Then, he opened his arms for an inviting hug you immediately fell into. Although, he felt stiff, you could sense he was relived to see you again.

"You look different." You pulled back.

Derek's gaze remained on you, "You like it? The hair that is—I had it personally dyed, you can tell how organic it looks, yes?"

You could tell he was trying his best to seem noble. So, you teased. "Oh, the hair? I hadn't noticed, silly me. I couldn't help but notice your blush and gown—are those earrings?"

His fingers ran down the golden patterns with a soft smile. "Well, the House of artistry was attending, I had to look my best, especially for the only heir." A warm smile spread across his face. "It's been way too long." Derek said breathlessly, "I missed you."

Prince Danforth's face softened. "Well, thank the Gods."

You eased, trying to stir up some conversation. "How are you? I've heard your House is doing well after the release." 

He boasted. "People are desperate over our caverns, you would not believe how many travelers were mounted at our doorstep ready for trade." Derek confirmed after a sip, "We might be in need of your creativity again, the walls are so dull, and they can certainly use some of your flare, don't you think?" 

You were flattered. Your eyes ran down the exterior of the walls, lightly scratching your jaw. "You know, you're right. Your palace does look a little—" 

"A little, what? He urged. 

You humored. "Like it was designed by a commoner."

Derek laughed. "You've always had an eye for details like this. Good to know I wasn't disappointed to know you haven't changed that much."

Then, he asked. "How about you? Any new inventions or views on the world? Hearing about your House is like turning a Jack-in-the-box."

You chewed your lip awkwardly. As Derek had imagined, there were many views and advances in Tallis. Though, it had caused a whide fued between philosophers and their audience. It was overwhelming, but nonetheless, Tallis had been doing much better than any other House, even with its complications with political attributes. "It's . . . going well."

You knew it wasn't in Derek's character to pester, so he hummed in delight for your vague answer. His lips settled on his narrow class, drinking in a rich selection of dark champagne. His apex gaze settled on you, "Mind if I steal you away for a moment? I see you don't fancy the music or dancing." Derek offered his hand, "Just like old times," he suggested.

There wasn't a sliver of reluctance in your answer, you eagerly gripped his hand and let him guide you outside the ballroom. The wash of silence veiled over your ears as the intrusive rhythm of the party began to fade away.

You had forgotten how large Prince Danforth's palace was, with high walls itching towards the sky and silver veins ripping through the quartz floors. He drank up your silence. "Beautiful, isn't it? I know there might be a thousand mistakes in your eyes, but it's something else entirely to me. My people sculpted and built this castle for my House, my bloodline, and no matter what I do, I may never repay their labor."

Derek sighed, gaze masking apologetically as his speech had been led astray. "Sorry, I haven't spoken to you in a while. I have a lot on my chest, Noble Tallis."

"No, no. It's alright, I assure you. Don't apologize for simply speaking to me."

Derek smiled shyly, "Thank you." his voice relaxed at his offer, "Would you fancy a tour?"

"Absolutely." Your eyes fluttered.

Derek nudged his head forwards the split of hallways, "Come, then."

Your fingertips parted and you were slightly disappointed when he walked a few steps in front of you, arms spread out like a hawk as he basked in the light of the exquisite chandeliers hooked to the carved ceiling.

You felt like a child again. Two rebellious souls giggling and whispering, racing up the staircases like hummingbirds and gazing at the web of art pieces that mapped the generations of his House. Tales of war generals and royal blood rivalry. Derek in particular had a knack for history, giving his share of intelligence of his family tree with eager eyes.

"Is that your grandfather?"

"Great-grandfather." Derek corrected. "My father told me a lot about him, he was the loyalest king of this House. He truly cared for his people, and it's how we were able to advance this far at all. He just had faith." His eyes fell, "Though, I worry it's all going to go to waste."

"How so?"

Derek set his hand carefully on the painting, fingertips grazing gently across the teeth of the large canvas. "My mother has been pushing our classes too hard this last decade. It's caused a commotion within our walls, they don't trust the House anymore. I have no authority like her, she won't . . ." he choked back a cry. "I can't do anything, I'm useless. I'm only a Prince, I'm nothing compared her."

He felt your warm grasp on his shoulder. You whispered, "That's not true. You're many things, Derek. A dreamer, a loyalist. You'll be a great king, this I tell you."

Derek paused. "But what if my kingdom can't wait? They're being pushed to the edge, working like dogs. It's no good leading a nation when there's nothing left. I don't want to wait."

This was a lot to take in. Tallis had been oblivious to how quickly Danforth had been advancing like no other House, now you were truly worried. A rebellion was possible, and every House had almost lost all their work by the lower classes arriving at their pearly gates with mounts of fire.

His hands fumbled with his dressing, voice grim. "I'm the only heir, the only one left to fix up her mistakes." Derek turned to you with desperate eyes. "I feel like I'm in a cage. The walls have opened up again, yet, I don't feel free. Like a bird in a cage, do you know what that feels like? To act as an audience, almost no word in anything unless I'm told to."

You hadn't noticed Derek taking both your hands and pressing them against his chest. You exhaled lightly, "Derek. What is the queen doing to you?"

Was Queen Danforth imprisoning him? A Prince should have a voice, especially as the only heir. Your grip tightened, "Prince Danforth, whatever is happening . . . you can tell me anything. I promise, your word will remained sealed between my lips, nobody will know."

"Oh, but they will." Derek explained. "Someone will always know. There's ears in the brick and mortar, eyes from friends."

You made a noise as if you were being strangled. "But what about now? I feel as if you told me everything and nothing at the same time." You were at the edge of tears. You couldn't loose him, not again.

"I haven't told you a lick of what's truly happening." He told you. "There's so much you don't know, Tallis. So much to know, such little time."

You were so confused. This was only the tip of the iceberg according to Prince Danforth, he wasn't the type to lie for as spoiled as he was. Regardless, his eyes were the darkest shade of sincerity you had ever seen. Your voice was hushed, "What do I do? I can't leave like this, Derek."

"I promise, I'll tell you everything." Derek rested his forehead against yours, "I promise." then, he pulled away. "I love you too much to let you get hurt because of my ignorance. Time will tell, just be patient."

Derek desperately needed someone to talk to. About his injustice and personal conflict, but he felt the need to warn you as well. Something else was brewing, a conspiracy perhaps? What was Queen Danforth up to? Would you ever know? So many questions.

Then, you broke out of your paralysis when he had mentioned love. You stammered, "You love me?"

He was shocked, frozen in his step. "Of course, I do. You're so fantastic, intelligent and sensitive. If I didn't know any better I figured I'd be under a spell," Derek chuckled. "I may as well be at this point. I care about you, so much. I can't lie to you, but I can't put you in harm's way either."

Your face warmed. Before he could spin away, you held his hands tightly, getting lost in his eyes once again. His breath hitched, and you heard him swallow harshly. "Tallis?" Derek didn't pull away, you could even sense him bringing himself closer, "You know, if we do this, there will be no turning back . . ."

You were longing, "Then so be it. I've been locked away for too long, the only company being memories of you."

Derek's speech slowed, harsh and husky. "All my life, I've always gotten what I've want, everything I asked for. However, this is the first time I've felt—" he rasped. "I needed something as precious as you."

Cupid's arrow has pierced your soul, and you had read him well enough to press your lips against his own, melting into a kiss. Derek pulled away, catching his breath with a giggle. "Oh, Heavens, give me a moment."

"Never kissed someone before?" You asked.

"No, never." He hushed you with a peck, that descended into a deeper kiss. You ran your fingertips across his silky wear, and you could feel shivers running down his spine. He felt like a peasant on his knees, begging for a penny to add to his name. Derek had felt desperate before, but never like this.

A strong desire had pulled you closer, stealing each other's breath away. Your sentimental feelings grew thin once he pulled away after making a noise, which made his face flush in raw embarrassment.

"A thousand pardons, I just, got a little wrapped into it." Derek mumbled and then repeated. "Sorry,"

"Don't be, I liked it, I promise." You traced his thumb to his cheek, lightly circling his warm skin. "Thank you for taking me out, and telling me everything, or . . . most of it at least."

Derek's face softened and rested his hand on yours. His face fell, "If I could, I'd run away with you, start somewhere fresh."

"Derek, you know we can't. We're the only heirs, the only ones who can hold the throne and make a difference. It's our duty."

He dipped his head, saddened at the taste of reality, "I know, I know, but a man can dream." though your face was infectious enough to let a smile spread across his face.

The rest of the night had been tranquill and hush, a few fruitful hours of nothing but gentle praises and a few butterfly kisses here and there without disturbance, until you finally stopped near a pool where a seahawk was perched, beak wrestling weeds out of the water. It was growing late and you could sense your House would be departing soon enough.

Derek took your hand once more, resting his lips on your knuckles. "This was a wonderful evening, Tallis."

"I hope I get to see you again." You told him.

"I'll make sure to write to you, maybe through a messenger bird so it's extra private." Derek toyed. "Maybe you can send me those beautiful drawings of yours."

You smiled softly. "I'll think about it."

You had kissed him goodbye again, before you could stir away from his side, his warm breath tickled your ear. "And don't forget what we spoke about,"

Dawn was tickling the air and the clouds were heavy with the deep scarlet of sunrise. Derek had gotten no sleep tonight, as his attention was too busy wandering through chapters of you. It wasn't the only thing keeping him up, as his mind was still swampy with anxiety. He had only fueled your curiosity to solve Danforth's conspiracy, all because his emotional vulnerability had gotten the better of him and he couldn't bring himself to hold back.

He walked tiredly to his study and wrapped his hands around the careful mold of his desk, carefully reelimg out a sealed envelope from the darkness of his cabinets. A red stamped, engraved with a symbol resembling a furious bee hunching over its stinger to the side was in bold, almost intimidating him. Derek's gaze hardened, he knew there was something else to his symbol,

And he would get to the bottom of it.