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"...So that's why we couldn't remember you. All because of that little thing?"

"Yeah," Uther said, the bracelet resting on Liam's desk. "Made me forget all of you, too."

"...You know you're not supposed to make shit like this, Clay," Liam said, a tired yet disdainful look on his face. "It's forbidden for a reason."

"I thought I invented it," Clay sighed. "...Sorry."

"Invented or not, you had to know what you were doing wasn't exactly 'rules-worthy'. The only reason I haven't sent you off to float with the others is because I know why you did it, and I feel for you. But no matter the reason, I can't overlook this. Where are the others?"

"They've been destroyed already," Uther said, pointing to the bracelet. "That's the last one."

"...Do you want to keep it, Uther? According to Clay, it was and still is a gift."

"But what about-"

"I mean, we'd have to disenchant it first. But that shouldn't destroy the article itself."

"...Then I'll keep it," Uther said, smiling weakly at Clay. "It was a gift, after all."

"If you're sure...?" Liam asked, before Uther nodded. "Alright. I'll have it sent off and returned to you within the week..."

"Ah! I can... do that, my lord," Clay said, careful not to offend him further. "If you'll supervise, and allow it, I mean..."

"...Do it then," Liam said, eyes glowing. "One wrong move though..."

"...I know," Clay said, before placing his hands over it. It wasn't long before Liam could feel the magic weaken and unravel until it was completely gone. Removing his hands, Clay nodded and placed them back in his lap.

"Here, Uther," Liam said, offering the bracelet to him. "Just in case, though, you better tie it yourself."

"It's fine, really," Uther said, before placing it back on his wrist. It took a little effort, but before long there was a decent knot tied into it. Feeling nothing was different, he smiled as Uther nodded.

"Well, that's one fucking thing I don't have to fix now," Liam said, his voice haggard. "But that still leaves you, Clay. You enthralled a mortal, practically abducted him, subjected him to multiple cursed items while he was under your influence, and then... if I'm reading this right... you 'pseudo-possessed' him with a cursed article of clothing your old boyfriend created specifically for the purpose of 'bringing him back'. What the fuck did I just read..."

"...Well, enthralled or not, I still chose to put those items on. He never forced me to, even if he did a fair amount of encouraging," Uther began, ignoring Liam's curious gaze. "And I'm the one who found the hat anyway. He didn't know for sure what it did but still warned me, just in case. I still put it on like a dumbass, though."

"Is this true?" Liam asked Clay, who nodded slowly. "Do you swear it?"

"I swear it is true, my lord Lust," Clay said. Seeing that the daemon remained unharmed, Liam nodded satisfactorily before dispelling the magic.

"Now, what happened after you two... combined... was not your fault," Liam said, continuing on. "So, you're both getting a full pardon for that. So many full pardons today... but still. You did enthrall him, Clay. You knowingly separated him from us with the intent of 'having some fun', as you say. Even if you planned on letting him go later, that's still against the rules. I have to punish you for that, no exceptions."

"I understand," Clay softly said. Liam's heart went out to the daemon; he'd lost his boyfriend twice now, what with Uther returning to his full self. Whatever the mortal had done, he'd purified himself with Vance's help and reverted any changes. Even the cursed items had been docile enough to remove, though now they were fully charged and in Clay's shop once more. "I just... wish I still had the hat, is all. I think it got lost in all that chaos... but do with me what you will. I await your judgment."

"If it were any other daemon, I'd assume they were kissing my ass," Liam said, sighing. "But I know you're being truthful with me. It's a shame we had to meet again like this; I wouldn't have minded taking a cursed break after all this shit. Just... no drone shit for a while. I've had my fill of that."

"I think we all have," Uther chuckled, before growing more serious. "If I could make a suggestion, Lust?"

"...Go ahead, Uther," Liam said, surprised at the formality.

"Considering I am the bearer of Caledfwlch, and the victim in this matter is myself," Uther said, keeping eye contact with Liam, "I would request that I take over the sentencing in order to mete out my own justice as I see fit. That is, if we both wish to continue our positive relationship for the foreseeable future with no hard feelings?"

"...Well, I wouldn't want the bearer mad at me for denying him what is rightfully his... very well," Liam said, smiling at the out Uther had given him. "What is to be done with Clay?"

Uther looked over to Clay, who hesitantly looked up to meet his eyes. If he was nervous at first, his gaze softened as he looked into Uther's own.

"...I think he owes me a date," Uther said, smiling. "Maybe two."

"...Can... can he do that?" Clay asked, just as surprised as Liam.

"...He can, though I'm not sure why," Liam chuckled. This day just got better and better, didn't it? "Are you sure you don't want a harsher sentence, Uther? I mean..."

"Hey, you ever been on a date with me, Liam? I'm insufferable," Uther said, laughing. "I talk too loud, or too quiet. I chew my food like a pig. I have a habit of frowning for no damn reason... I think going on a date with me is the perfect punishment. Assuming Clay wants to, of course."

"...Well, how can I say no?" Clay said, clearly relieved. "I'll go on a date with you, Uther. I'm just... sorry it couldn't be under better circumstances, is all."

"Hey, keep talking like that and you'll make me feel like I'm doing you a favor!" Uther said, teasing him.

"Heh. That's just like Bruce," Clay said, before his smile faltered. "...Sorry. It's going to take me some time before I stop talking about him."

"Don't stop," Uther said. "I want to hear all about the man he was to you. Just... in your own time, okay?"

"...Okay," Clay said, nodding. "Umm... my lord Lust... is there anything else you-"

"Go on, you're dismissed," Liam said, rolling his eyes. "Oh, but you better give him a good date, Clay. At least thirty bucks before tips... though I advise more. And you better fucking kiss!"

"Yes sir," Clay laughed, before standing. The wolf-ram blushed as Uther took his arm in his, and the two walked out while chatting like old friends. They'd certainly learned more about each other than they'd bargained for, Liam admitted. They all had... though even still, he sometimes blanked out and stood there, waiting for orders from a hivemind that wasn't there. It was more common a problem than just him, but at least the therapy was helping. Mandatory for all former drones, of course.

"Sit down, please," Liam ordered more than requested, once his next group had shown up. It had been a month or so since cleanup had begun in earnest, but it was only just now that he'd felt normal enough to try and actually do his own job. They were in his office in the realm of Lust, though the haze was completely missing from the room for now. It was bad enough returning it all to normal and getting rid of any trace of 'nanite', though from what Maeryn had told him it was mostly all psuedoscientific bullshit made reality from pure desire and envy. Ugh, that even such a thing could happen in his own realm...

"Liam, you okay?" Seth asked, sitting between Orias and Davin. The two were averting their gazes from each other, though Orias had Seth's hand in his own.

"...Yeah, just spacing out again. Sorry," Liam said, clearing his throat. "Anyway, Davin... you know Onyx is actually Orias, now."

"...I do."

"And Orias, you know Davin still, ah, wants to kill you. A lot."

"Yesss... though I can't say I blame him too much..."

"...And Seth..."

"Yeah yeah, I admire my boss and love his enemy. I'm a fuckup I get it," Seth said, though it was clearly paining him more than he was letting on.

"No need to be rude, but still... I'll overlook it this time," Liam said, pulling out two pieces of paper. "As for you two, I don't need any fights that might wreck more of the realms than I already have here with my titanic clumsiness. Sign them."

"What is it?" Davin asked, reading over his paper while Orias skimmed over his own. "Are you fucking serious?"

"I am," Liam said, a dangerous tone in his voice. "No fighting with the sole intent to maim, injure, or kill while in my realm or the realm of any other Elder. You will definitely refrain from violence upon one another while on Earth, save for any sparring and training you wish to do with each other inside a qualified arena. If you do spar, train, whatever... you both shake hands at the end of it all and leave to go about your day. Otherwise, you completely avoid each other if you decide you absolutely can't get along."

"...He deserves to die," Davin said, clearly enraged. "I can't..."

"I'll sign it, then," Orias said, clearly just tired and wanting to be done with the whole thing. "He doesn't have to on his end, but I'll sign mine."

"...Fucking fine, then. I'm not happy about it though," Davin said, changing his mind almost immediately. Signing their papers, they placed it on the desk... though Davin was a bit more rough with his than Orias was. The magic was binding on each contract, the ink sinking into the parchment as easily as blood. Ugh... they used to sign these sorts of things with blood... how primitive. Placing the documents in a folder and setting it aside, he waited for someone to speak. It didn't take long.

"...I'm putting in my two weeks, Liam..." Davin said, finally making eye contact with him.

"That's a shame, but you're free to do as you wish, Davin. It's going to be tough finding good replacements for both you and Seth on such short notice, however."

"...Wait... why Seth?" Davin said, clearly confused. Judging by Orias' expression, this was the first he was hearing of it too. "I mean, I know I tried to fire him earlier, but..."

"...I quit yesterday," Seth said, barely able to look at Davin. "You made it pretty clear you didn't want to be around me anymore. And... I want you to keep working at this bar. It's your baby, after all. I'm just an outsider you made happy once. I'll leave the same way. It'll be better, that way."

"Seth, I-"

"My mind's made up," Seth said, smiling sadly. "It sucks but... you deserve to be happy too, Davin. And if I make you miserable, then I have to go. But... we're even, after this. You hear me? That's the last time I try to help you because I feel like I owe you something."

"...I hear you," Davin said, not wanting to press the issue. He was clearly conflicted now. Instead of bargaining or arguing though, he was allowing Seth to choose his own path. "...Okay. I guess I'm not putting in my two weeks then, Liam. Sorry to waste your time on that."

"No problem. But I don't want to hear about either of you punishing Seth for a fight older than himself. Or else. Got it?"

"Got it," Davin and Orias said, before grimacing and facing away from each other again.

"What will you do, Seth? Though if it's none of my business, just say so."

"Sorry, I... I just need some time to think," Seth said, but whether he wanted to say more and couldn't, or if that's all there was to say, Liam couldn't tell. His usual bravado was all but gone. He hoped Seth was going to be okay.

"...Alright. If that's all, then you're dismissed," Liam said, patiently waiting as everyone slowly got up to leave. Seth left first, but as Orias passed by Davin he sneered at him.

"He asked me to promise not to hurt you, you know? And I did," Orias said, before turning away and leaving. "Remember that."

"Don't let him get to you, Davin," Liam said, frustrated with the parting jab. He waited until it was just the two of them before he continued. "...How are you holding up?"

"Not really that great, but... thanks for asking anyway," Davin said, his voice flat and hoarse. "Really wish I'd found out any other way than through your mind, though. That wasn't a good thing to remember so suddenly."

"I wish it had been any other way, as well," Liam said, regret in his voice. "But what's done is done. All we can do is pick up the pieces again."

"...I'll be in to work on Friday. I need some time off until then," Davin said, and Liam granted the request immediately with a nod. "See you later."

"Call me if you need anything. And send the next group in, if you're okay with doing that."

"Hey, I'm broken but I'm not rude," Davin said, a half-smile on his face. "I'll send them in. Then I'm going to go lie down for a bit, I think."

True to his word, Liam wasn't waiting too long before Jared came walking through the door. Surprised, Liam made extra sure his aura was protecting the anthro before he gestured for him to sit. Nervous, Jared timidly sat down in such a way as to make himself seem as innocuous as possible despite his musculature.

"If I'd known you were coming in to speak with me, I'd have met you in the other office," Liam said, before Jared shrugged.

"...I need to be here," Jared said, clearly a bit embarrassed by the tent in his jeans. He'd definitely gotten a dose of the haze outside. "But I think I need to hear it from you, Liam."

"Hear what?"

"Was it my fault? You know, that you and Davin and..."

"No," Liam said, holding his hand up to shut off any protest. "It wasn't your fault. You were under the influence of an Envy daemon. Normally that's enough to explain it to another, but for you... well, envy and lust, or desire as we used to call it, are pretty close to each other. This... Oublis... it may have started as a minor lust daemon, but being connected to so many minds that envied and aspired to mindlessness and uniformity caused it to flip and before you know it, it started acting on the assumption it was a fluke in the programming, or an AI created by random chance."

"But... but I chose to become part of that system, and..."

"And that is a choice you have to come to terms with, though you'll have support if you ask. But what you did while connected to all those minds... even embracing it as you did, you still lost a lot of what made you, well, you. One man's morality is as nothing compared to the voices of the many, and you were programmed to follow their collective will. You had less choice than you think, Jared. But that isn't something I can help you feel better about overnight. Are you still attending those therapy classes I recommended? I didn't see you Wednesday."

"...I'm going to the night sessions," Jared sighed. "I couldn't face you and the others, knowing I'm the reason you embraced the hivemind. It's easier with unfamiliar faces. It took all my courage just to come see you today, though."

"Do you have a ride home?" Liam asked. "I can call someone for you..."

"Davin's taking me home, though I... wanted to see this one shop, first. I kinda remembered it from when I was, you know. 'Hooked up'."

"Probably Clay's then. Do you need the address?"

"No. But, maybe I can visit this place more often. Davin was trying to get me more out of my shell before, well... all this shit happened. I can't say I didn't have a good time either, just..."

"I know exactly how you feel, Jared. I was hooked up too, remember? And before you blame yourself, I'm the one who chose. I get off on that kind of fetish, so unless you're a time traveler instilling random kinks into people I can't blame you."

"I know you're joking about that, but... it still helps to hear," Jared said, laughing a little. He looked closer to tears though, the way he kept averting his eyes. "I'll be fine. I just... need some time. Like everyone else, I guess."

"Let me know if you need some time off. You've definitely earned it," Liam said, and Jared only nodded. "I'll see you later, Jared. Whenever you're ready."

"...See you later, Liam. Thanks for talking with me. I think maybe it helped a little... maybe..." Jared said, a troubled smile on his face even as he left. Liam felt especially bad for him. He'd have to keep an eye on him at work.

Leaning back in his chair, he rubbed his temples and sighed. The last month or so had been busy, between him running cleanup and damage control on one side while running the bar on the other. He'd had to settle more than a few disputes, some directed at himself, but most of the time everyone was amicable and just wanted to help out or learn where they could get help themselves. Even separated from Oublis and the hivemind it had assembled, it was hard for many to resist going back to a similar setting. He'd had to put more restrictions on what drone districts could or couldn't do, and for the most part he'd temporarily banned recreational activities with drone districts altogether until he could get better security. Whoever let that shit slip through the cracks in the first place was going to get an earful from him, if he ever found out who. Then again, maybe the security had been the first to be assimilated in the first place.

Snapping back to his senses, he realized he had his cock out and was pumping his shaft up and down. Disgusted with himself, he put himself away and shook his head to clear it again, before taking out a special nasal spray. It was a temporary medication that helped alleviate his tendencies to 'drone out', but sometimes it was tempting to just avoid taking it some days. But out of all the daemons in his realm, he was the one who needed the clearest head. Otherwise, they were just going to be back at square one. It would be fine in a few more months, probably, but until then he'd just have to keep taking the spray twice a day, like so many others already. After waiting another hour, he got up and closed his office door, locking it with the special key before his environment shifted back to the Earth office. Sitting back down, he picked up the phone and dialed a number.

"...Hey, it's me. I need you to hear my true name. Can we meet up somewhere?"

"...Name the place," Dylann said. "Though you owe me an explanation first."

"We'll see. Let's just meet up first. That cafe?"

"Yeah, see you soon. Just as soon as I feed all my fish, anyway..."

Hanging up, Liam laughed at that last remark. Dylann had gotten pretty into his aquariums lately, to the point where he'd heard from Mark and Zale that they'd had to force him to limit himself to a certain amount and how big they could be. They were big anthros and they needed space to move around, after all. Still, as much as he trusted the Virtue, he still felt nervous. It was hard not to, giving that much potential control to someone else. Yet... he was already used to that. Thankfully the rest of those he'd been connected to had forgotten his true name, since he'd never truly given it in the first place. Just as he'd forgotten all of theirs... well, for the ones who were daemons, anyway. Shaking his head, he decided to focus on work until the allotted time. He needed to stay focused.

*******

"You sure you want to spend the night out here?" Clay asked Uther, who simply nodded. "My bed's big enough for the both of us. You remember that, right?"

"That bed is for you and Bruce. I'd feel awkward just... taking that, so soon," Uther said, still remembering what it was like to be the tattooed himbo. "I'll be fine out here. Honestly I might not do much sleeping, though I'll try."

"My bed is there if you change your mind, though I understand," Clay said, smiling. "You can use the break room, if you want. The couch is comfortable enough, so I hear."

"...Maybe I'll do that," Uther said, nodding. "Oh, but where's that paper and pen we... you keep around?"

"Under the counter, like always... I mean... yeah," Clay said, feeling awkward as well. They were happy to be dating, sure, but it would take some time to get used to each other again. Especially considering how they'd met in the first place...

"Thanks. I might use it to write some thoughts out later. Or maybe just doodle," Uther chuckled, ignoring his tenting pants. The haze was back to how it was before everything had been turned inside out, but he still had trouble just focusing on anything but that sometimes. "Goodnight, b-... Clay."

"Goodnight, ah, Uther," Clay said, and the two gave each other a small hug before they went to their respective rooms, though not before Uther grabbed some pen, paper, and a small bundle from under the counter. Headed to the break room, he made sure the door was locked before he sat on the couch, pulling the small coffee table closer to him as he began writing... closing his eyes, he committed to his actions before he finally opened his eyes again. A response was on the paper.

"You know, bro, I could have just kept it on and made it permanent again," Uther read out loud, not believing he used to talk like this as Bruce. "But... it means a lot that yer thinking about that kinda shit. You really enjoyed it, huh? Oh and thanks for bailing him out. I know he does stupid shit sometimes, but I love him all the same."

Sighing, Uther looked at the hat that had until moments before been on his head. It was on the table next to the parcel he'd brought; he'd gathered all the things he'd worn as Bruce, including the hat, and hidden them. He needed to talk to the man, and this was the only way to do it that he knew of.

'Thanks for the reply. I was worried I wouldn't wake up myself again, but honestly, I'm okay with that.'

'Why?' Bruce's reply read, once his eyes were open once more. 'I'd be scared shitless if I was you... but you're talking like it's some kind of vacation, bro.'

"I don't have much of a past that I care to remember. Funny; I was bent out of shape trying to remember it, and now I finally do? I realize most of it was a waste of time. Except for a few things, I suppose. Do you like photography?"

'Not really, but I think it's pretty cool if other people are into it. You a photographer? That's pretty awesome. I don't have any interesting hobbies like that, but then I'm pretty okay with just doing all sorts of crazy shit with Clay. By myself, too, but that's not as fun.'

"I can imagine. Anyway, the real reason I wanted to talk to you was to see if something would work or not. I can't say I'm too good at identifying cursed objects, and I am especially not good at making them. Here's my idea, though..."

'...That could work, actually. I could def make that happen, bro... but why would you want me to? Wasn't it crowded enough in that head of yours without me?'

"I've learned to mostly tune them out. I think... because of you. I was fighting them too much, instead of listening. I've learned listening isn't the same as accepting, and they mostly quiet down if they're heard. It's made summoning my blade a hell of a lot easier, too... so thank you for that insight. Anyway, the hat?"

'Just say the word, man. Or well... write it I guess. Haha.'

"...Do it, then. Please."

When Uther opened his eyes next, he realized the hat was still on his head. Taking it off, he could feel something was different about it now, though in what way he wasn't sure. Bruce could probably explain it to him in detail - cursed objects and enchanting seemed to be his expertise, despite how he acted - but he didn't care too much so long as it was doing what it was supposed to do now. Looking down at the paper, he simply smiled at the response.

'Done. Looking forward to working with ya.'

*******

"Morning, babe."

"...Bruce?" Clay asked, mouth agape as he eyed the man cooking at his stove. "But... how? I thought..."

"I'll tell you in a bit, but I hope you're hungry for pancakes. I made a lot by accident..."

"...I am hungry, actually," Clay said, smiling as tears welled up in his eyes. Sitting down at the kitchen, he waited for Bruce to set the table and plate their breakfast, before sitting down across from him. They were big pancakes, but he still only felt in the mood for one. Thank goodness he'd also made eggs and bacon to complement it, since he was just...

"I know, it's overwhelming," Bruce said, resting a hand on his for a moment. "But eat, okay? I'll explain."

"Okay..." Clay said, taking a fork and knife into each of his hands as he cut into his pancake first. Taking a bite, he smiled as it made his mouth water in delight. "It's good..."

"I hope so," Bruce said, winking at him. "Anyway... Uther and I had a long chat last night while you were in bed. I mean, as chatty as you can get with a pen and paper. But basically, we came to a compromise that I think could work out."

"What about Liam?"

"As long as it's above board, who cares?" Bruce laughed, shrugging as he dug into his own breakfast. "But basically, it comes down to this. While Uther and I are in this realm, I get to be in charge. While we're on Earth, he gets to be in charge. So... I changed my hat's magic - which wasn't easy to do while wearing it, mind you - so that basically I live inside Uther's head now until he dies or one of us decides I need to leave. Everything I learned or experienced goes into the hat, along with his... turns out, that's how his sword sort of works, too. At least, what he understands of it."

"...He's inside you right now?"

"Yep!" Bruce said, taking off his hat for show. "See? Still Bruce."

"I thought it took a while..."

"For a permanent 'possession', yeah it would. But we're sharing this body. I hope you don't mind, babe, but I took those other items and changed their magic to only work with us. Including the amulet, so sorry..."

"There's not much call for packs of werewolves in these realms anyway, so it's not like I need it back or anything," Clay said, shrugging. "But ah... can he hear us, then?"

"Yeah. He can hear and see everything. Oh, and I get to summon the sword too. I became a bearer for a while, even if it was an accident. The sword recognizes me just as much as it does him. Cool, huh? Though he's the 'official' bearer, when all is said and done."

"Why do this, though? I... would have moved on. Could have... maybe..."

"I know. You're strong like that. But did you ever think maybe Uther also enjoyed being me? And that maybe he also developed feelings for you? Why else would he ask you on that date?"

"I honestly expected him to hate me," Clay said, smiling sadly. "I don't deserve him or you."

"Fuck that noise," Bruce said, looking into his eyes lovingly. "You deserve all the happiness you can get. In this life and the next. But what about you? Are you okay with all of this? Or should I..."

"I'm very much okay with it!" Clay cry-laughed, not sure how to feel as he became overwhelmed. "I... thank you. Both of you. I hope I can prove myself worthy of your trust, starting now."

"Hey, we'll hold you to that. Both of us," Bruce laughed, before taking a piece of bacon into his mouth and winking. "Eat up, babe. We got a big day ahead of us. Betcha anything we got a lot more customers seeking some new curse now that they got a taste with that whole fiasco earlier."

"You might be right," Clay said, smiling when Bruce began rubbing his foot against the anthro's leg. "I've been having weird urges myself. Might even try one of those jocks..."

"But then we'd both be bottoms," Bruce said, causing Clay to shrug.

"And? I have a lot of toys, remember?"

"...Mmmm, boy do I remember..." Bruce said, a dreamy look on his face. "But maybe before that you can top me one last time. Once you have one of these jockstraps on, you never really want to reverse that curse."

"I'll keep that in mind," Clay chuckled, before they continued eating. Sure, they could have rushed and gone straight to the main course, but they wanted to savor being in each others' company again no matter what form it took.

*******

"So that's why you want to tell me?" Dylann asked, not sure if he'd heard correctly. "Because you're having some small drone fantasies?"

"It's never small, you know that. And I think the last thing anyone needs is for the Elder of Lust to become a drone king trying to take over everyone else's realms... and... join them as one..."

"...Man, you weren't kidding. Wake up," Dylann said, snapping his fingers in front of his face. "I suppose I'm not supposed to ask how this happened or why, but in case it ever happens again - because it may or may not have happened in the first place - I'm expected to use your true name when I'm left out of the loop. Is that the gist of it?"

"You make it sound dumb when you put it that way. But... please. I can't trust myself right now."

"What makes you think you can trust me?" Dylann asked. "Wrong or not, you are the one who took Davin, Seth, Zale, and Mark away from me. Which I am grateful for, by the way; I needed to have that happen. But my point is I could take advantage of you, and it would be easy for me to justify doing so. Think long and hard about this. You know you can't take it back."

"At this point, it wouldn't be so bad if I were forced to Temperance... though don't do that, okay?" Liam said. "I don't think we need to change who Lust is again so soon, do we?"

"...If you're that determined, then okay," Dylann said, resigned. "You know how this works. But don't use me as an excuse to slack or fail to improve. If I am forced to pull you out of the fire, I will make sure it never happens again. By any means."

"I understand," Liam sighed. "My true name is..."

Dylann closed his eyes as the power of Liam's true name washed through him, marking him with the knowledge of it forever. It wasn't a burden he accepted lightly, but for Liam he was willing to do so. Just as he'd done for Davin. Just as he'd done for Lucian, intentional or not. Just as he'd done for many, many daemons in eras long gone.

"Will you tell me what happened, now?" Dylann asked, before Liam sighed. "I thought so. When you're ready, then. But I will know what happened. Understand?"

"...Yeah, I just... can't right now. Not without relapsing into that mindset again. And I have a realm to run, so you can understand how distracting that can be..."

"I can imagine. But that's business taken care of, so let's move on to more pleasurable things," Dylann said, before taking his phone out and opening the photo gallery. "You just HAVE to see this new fish I got recently. His name's Bubbles."

"Bubbles? Really?" Liam said, laughing a little. "You know what? Show me all the fish you've gotten recently. I could use it right now."

"You must really be mindfucked if you're willing to do that for me, but no backsies!" Dylann said, a light in his eyes as he began scrolling through all his pictures, one by one. On each new fish, he described its species, what it liked to eat, among other random tidbits and facts as he info-dumped. It was one of the few things as a 'human' that he was really into, especially after being encouraged to pursue it. It was a few hours later when Dylann realized how long he'd been talking, before stopping and taking a sip from his mug. Ugh, cold coffee. Still, it helped to loosen his dry throat a bit as he drank a few gulps. He'd have to get some water, later.

"Sorry," he apologized. "I always do this."

"It was... informative," Liam said, supportive yet obviously very overwhelmed. "I probably won't retain any of it, but I liked the pictures a lot. Who knows, maybe I'll set something up in my office. On this side, obviously."

"If you do, I can make some suggestions," Dylann said, smiling at the thought. "But... Liam, whatever happened, just be careful okay? I know you try to be strong by yourself, but you can't always do it all alone. So... despite what you felt you had to do, I am glad you came to talk to me."

"I almost kind of want you to use it, now. With how kind you're being. But no, that's just the drone in me talking again. I'll go clear my head. Thanks for meeting me here."

"Thanks for trusting me," Dylann said, though he had to wonder what Liam had been involved him for him to even joke around with saying he wanted him to use it. He was tempted to do just that, but he didn't want to betray their trust. He imagined it was always tempting to use a true name that wasn't your own. Like some weird mortal taboo...

"Yeah. Stay safe, Dylann," Liam said, leaving a tip in the tip jar on his way out. Sighing into his cold coffee, Dylann couldn't help but wonder what had shaken Liam's confidence so much that he'd give him his true name.

"This seat taken?"

Looking up, Dylann was surprised to see Seth there with his own cup of coffee. Shaking his head, Dylann watched the wolf sit across from him... but he looked fairly normal for an anthro daemon. He was dressed in black sweats and a white tank top, a new custom pair of sneakers on his wolf feet. As much as anthros liked to go barefoot sometimes outside, stores and restaurants still required shoes and shirt or no service. A reasonable hygiene precaution.

"...Is everything okay?" Dylann said, concern in his eyes. He'd seen that look countless times before.

"I don't really know," Seth said, fairly reserved. "I feel like I should be happy; Davin and Orias can't hurt each other anymore, except if they make an arena for it I guess... but Orias won't put himself at risk like that, so I'm sure that won't happen any time soon. I should be happy, but..."

"...What happened? It seems I missed something..."

"Didn't Liam tell you?" Seth asked, surprised at the question. "I thought..."

"What he told me is private business, but I can safely say we didn't discuss what happened in any detail. I'm mostly in the dark here," Dylann said, choosing not to betray Liam's confidence. Nobody needed to know he'd given away his true name except for himself. He intended to keep it that way.

"Then I guess I should keep the details vague, too," sighed Seth, clearly frustrated and wanting to talk about it. "But... basically something happened and Davin ended up figuring out Orias was my boyfriend. And that I'd known for a while."

"...Oh," Dylann said, his voice softening. "How did he... how did he react?"

"About as well as you'd expect," Seth said, bitterness in his voice as he laughed. Mirth was absent from his eyes as he glared at nothing in particular, before sighing and taking another sip of his coffee. "He was more than ready to flip Wrath. I've never seen him so angry. So hurt. So betrayed. And I've known him a long time now, though those days in your ocean seem like a distant memory."

"It sounds like he didn't, though," Dylann said, trying to get Seth back on track.

"Just barely. If Jared hadn't been there, talked him down just by, well, being him... I don't think Davin would be a lust daemon still. I do hope Jared's doing okay, though. Davin's got his issues, but Jared... well, he didn't need any of this shit."

"Have you asked Liam for a day or two off? You sound like you need it," Dylann suggested, before Seth shook his head. "...Then how about-"

"I quit," Seth said, surprising Dylann once again. "Davin was going to if I didn't, and like hell was I going to force him to give up on his dream job. I can dance anywhere. Davin only has one Deviant Delights. It was an easier choice than I thought, if I'm being honest."

"...Do you need help paying rent, or...?"

"Nah, I've got a shit ton of cash saved up. Bonuses, saved wages, and that back pay from when you, well..."

"Ah. Right."

"So I'm just taking it easy for a while. Step back, figure out my priorities. I thought I was figuring it out but... now I feel like I was going too hard and too fast. Though I'm not dumping Orias, before you ask about that. I just... didn't feel like dressing up and taking the bike out today... sorry. I'm venting and you're here trying to enjoy coffee."

"It's gone cold, actually," Dylann grimaced, putting the cup down again. "Why do I keep drinking from it, ugh."

"Sounds like you," chuckled Seth, earning a smile from Dylann. "You'd forget your head if it wasn't attached to your shoulders, honestly."

"I suppose I would," Dylann laughed back. Brushing a hand through his dark blue hair, he scratched the back of his head nervously before sighing. "You know, if you need some time to think... well... you're welcome to visit my realm any time."

"I..." Seth said, caught a bit off guard before he furrowed his brow in thought. "...Honestly, that does sound nice. I wonder how my old library is doing? Come to think of it, I never did finish that book..."

"Just to be clear," Dylann said, holding up a finger. "It's a friendly suggestion. Also, you're a daemon now. It won't affect you the same way it did when you were mortal. You can come and go as you wish, however. My door is always open to you, Ortun."

"...Can we go now?" Seth said, suddenly looking very vulnerable. "I just need to get away from... everyone."

"What about Orias?"

"I love him, but... lately he's just been obsessed with what Davin's doing, and Davin's been obsessed with knowing what Orias is doing... it's kind of fucking with my head. I need a break."

"Ah. Well... I'm due back to check on some things in my realm anyway. Elder business, you know. If you really do want to come with me, I'll be leaving after I'm done here. So feel free to finish your coffee, if you want."

"...Nah. I mean, this is my third one today anyway. I'm sick of coffee," Seth sighed, grimacing at his half empty cup. "What about you?"

"Cold, like I said," Dylann sighed, grimacing at his own mug. This time he decided not to take a sip as it was halfway to his lips. "I guess... I'm ready to go."

"Same..." Seth said, standing up as he awkwardly readjusted his tank top. It must have been one he'd just randomly bought, seeing as it didn't fit quite right... though it looked good on him, Dylann had to admit.

"Let's head out, then," Dylann said, smiling as he stood up to his full human height. "You remember how to swim, I take it?"

"I hope so," laughed Seth, clearly nervous as they both walked out of the cafe. "Honestly, I think I've swam more than walked in my life now. Should be a cinch."

"Temperance daemons will cling to you, try to persuade you to change," warned Dylann, stopping down a small alleyway. The brick wall before them began rippling like so many times before. "Especially since many will recognize you as Ortun. But it should be lessened in my presence..."

"Honestly, if I can resist the urge to be a massive four armed rubber freak, I think I can handle your realm. No offense, Dylann."

"That confidence will see you through," Dylann said, nodding in approval. "Take my hand whenever you're ready."

Dylann waited until Seth had grabbed his hand firmly before he smiled, slowly guiding Seth through with him. As the two stepped through the wall once again became solid, leaving no trace it had ever been rippling at all.

********

"I said I'm fine," Vance said, smiling. He was washing glasses and getting his station clean for when it was time for him to clock out, but that didn't mean he was going to be rude to Maeryn.

"No, you're not. I can tell," Maeryn said, dropping the lush act as he became more serious. Twirling his rainbow hair with one finger, he leaned forward and sighed. "You haven't been the same since that day."

"I..."

"You can't talk to your boss, you can't talk to your Elder... so why not lay it on me? I won't tell. You think I want the Virtues throwing a hissyfit over something like this again? But you can't bottle it up. You'll explode, kid."

"...I don't know what I'm feeling," Vance said, sighing. "I mean, I wasn't useless, but... I wasn't exactly a big help either. Everything I felt there is bouncing around my head still, and... I'm just burnt out, I think?"

"Empathy overload, knew it," Maeryn said, nodding satisfactorily to himself. "I knew you had talent, but damn. Still, you were more useful than you think you were. No, that's not what's hanging you up. I guess no one's explained basic empathy to you, or how to deal with it, huh?"

"...I mean, it's just something everyone goes through, isn't it?" Vance asked, surprised when Maeryn shook his head no.

"Well, putting aside your unique ability to locate and figure out who and what people are just by looking at them," Maeryn said, smiling at him. "You have a high level of empathy I don't see often in mortals. I mean, sure, most mortals and daemons have empathy to some degree or another. But yours is like... someone tried to put a little sugar in their cereal, and accidentally dumped the entire shaker into the bowl."

"That... sounds disgusting," Vance said.

"Well, it is. Trust me. But what I mean is you have too much. Which isn't necessarily a bad thing!" Maeryn said, quick to add that last part. "It just means you need to approach things differently, that's all. I can't help but notice, but you're just like Jared when it comes to wanting to please people. Except in your case, that was your entire purpose before you, well, started existing as a daemon. Makes sense that's just in your nature."

"So... I should just stop talking to people, then?" Vance asked, confused where this was going.

"No. You should definitely keep doing that," Maeryn sighed. "Just remember to take care of yourself, too. Even if it seems selfish. You can't help anyone if you're a broken down mess, can you? And believe me, being a daemon has its own unique dramas and challenges. Why do you think so many of us were selfish pricks in the old days? It was easier to understand our existence that way."

"You sound... really mature, Maeryn," Vance said, impressed. Still, he couldn't argue with the daemon's logic. "Why do you always..."

"Act like an idiot?" Maeryn said, giggling slightly before dropping the pretense. "Well, many reasons. But I mean, the main one is so my enemies keep guessing. If you can convince them you're either not a threat, or a threat too large for them to handle, then you've already won at least half the battle. Ugh... I was so disappointed to find out Oublis was just another Envy daemon. I mean, it's doing great in helping me analyze the latest trends and predict future ones, but... I was actually wanting to challenge myself that time. Not play 'make believe' with a fresh daemon. Still... it's kinda cute when it's not assimilating everything in existence."

"You make it sound like a child," Vance said, still remembering the dread he'd felt when dealing with his friends and allies as they tried to turn him into one of them.

"It's newer than you, if that helps put it into perspective," Maeryn said, causing Vance's jaw to drop. "What, you thought this was some lurking daemon waiting centuries to exact its revenge? Nah. Not at all. It's why I'm helping Liam update some of his security checks and magic seals. Orias didn't seem to care since he usually ruled with absolute power, Davin was basically complete and utter change so it's understandable things slipped through the cracks, and Liam is doing the best he can with what he was given from both of those broken powers. Honestly, I'm surprised his realm isn't more unstable than how it is now. He really is impressive, even if he needs to learn not to do everything himself sometimes."

"I guess he's a little like Davin that way," Vance said, causing Maeryn to chuckle.

"I guess so. Though next time he tries to pull a stunt like that, you come right to me or your own Elder. Whichever you deem wiser given the circumstances. Though I'd much prefer you come see me. I haven't had a real challenge since my old Norse pagan days, you know?"

"You were a viking warrior?" Vance asked, causing Maeryn to laugh like he'd just told the funniest joke in the world.

"Oh sweetie, no. I was a viking GOD," Maeryn giggled. "Guess which one, though? Go ahead."

"...Hmm," Vance said, going over what he knew and didn't know about Maeryn. Everything he did, everything he'd ever done since Vance had met him made it obvious to him he couldn't be Thor or Odin. He wasn't completely read up on mythology for Earth, though Norse pagan myths were getting more popular lately now that certain movies were being released.

"I bet you'll never gue-"

"Loki." Maeryn paused mid-sentence, before a wide, mischievous smile spread across his face. "Am I right?"

"Got it in one. Do you know how many assholes guess Thor? Like he's the only Norse god in existence? Though I don't blame the modern mortals. They left their old gods behind long ago. The superheroes you see in comics or movies are just pale imitations."

"...So is it true you have a horse son, then?"

"If you're talking about the mare story, then all I'm gonna say is this; I'll never tell," Maeryn said, laughing. "Besides, don't you think it's better if those old stories just stay that way? As grand, mystifying stories that defy any real explanation?"

"Well, if I meet a six-legged horse I'm mentioning you by name," Vance joked, earning a scornful glare from Maeryn.

"Well, how did you guess anyway?" asked Maeryn, changing the subject. "Show your work."

"Isn't it obvious? You're a trickster, you said it yourself. You lie to make yourself look weaker or stronger, including when you acted drunk when I wasn't giving you any alcohol..."

"Cheapskate."

"...you're always teetering the edge between feminine and masculine with that androgynous look... and I mean, you turned invisible. So yeah. That's just my intuition at work mostly, but it's what makes me think you were Loki. Sure, Odin shape-shifted, but..."

"And those are just parlor tricks," Maeryn said, smiling. "You've got good instincts. Keep them close to the vest, though. Never know when you might need to surprise someone, okay?"

"I'll keep that in mind," Vance chuckled. "Thanks for cheering me up, though."

"Hmmmm? I cheered you up?" Maeryn said, playing dumb. "Why would I do something like that? Still, I'll take the credit if you're willing to give it to me!"

"Everyone would kill to spend just five minutes in your shoes," Vance said, winking.

"Don't I know it!" Maeryn laughed, a little too loudly. The veil of silence around them had collapsed, and Maeryn was back to acting like his usual(?) self. Before Vance was aware of what was happening, a small group began chatting to Maeryn as if they were his loyal lapdogs. Were... were they that envious of him? Vance simply nodded a goodbye to Maeryn, who waved before turning back to who he was talking to. Before too long, Vance had squared away his till and was clocking out in the break room when the door opened.

"...Oh, Davin," Vance said, feeling a bit nervous again. "Hey."

"Relax, I'm not going to bite your head off," Davin said, smiling. "I saw you talking to Maeryn out there. Seems he's taken a liking to you."

"Did you know he was L-"

"Loki? Yes, I knew. How many guesses did it take you, though?"

"How many did it take you?" Vance asked, causing Davin to shift uncomfortably.

"Ah... three or four."

"One for me."

"Huh. Yeah he definitely likes you then," Davin said, impressed. "Anyway... is Seth here? I..."

"No. I haven't seen him. I think he's getting his paycheck mailed, though. If that helps?"

"...I see. He really is avoiding me, then..." Davin sighed. "I guess it's for the best. Now he can be happy without me constantly raining on his parade. I have my beef with Orias, not Seth... but I... made it too personal... ah. But this isn't your problem, Vance. Sorry to dump on you all of a sudden like that. I'm your boss. I should be more professional."

"I won't tell if you don't," Vance said, shrugging.

"...Deal," Davin laughed, smiling.

"I think when Seth is ready to deal with... all of this... he'll come find you himself," Vance said, though even he wasn't too sure about that. "...He doesn't like to leave things unfinished, from what I know of him."

"That's true," Davin sighed, smiling. "I remember when he was still that preacher's kid up by that pulpit. He's come a long way."

"How are you holding up? Vance asked. "I mean, with the whole... ah... drone thing?"

"I..." Davin said, shaking his head slightly. "I'm fine. I'm staying on top of my meds. When you're under that kind of influence for that long, and especially when they start messing with your body and essence... well, it takes a while to feel normal again. Especially for us daemons. Mess with our essence, it's like messing with a mortal soul... though you don't need me to tell you that, I guess. I'm still used to when you were completely new, sorry."

"Well, I still learned something new," Vance encouraged. "I'll have to watch out for that in the future. But out of curiosity, what happens if you skip a dose?"

"If it's just one, I might feel foggy or out of it until my next one. More than a few though? Hard to say. At best I probably just zone out while doing things. Just like... but no."

"And at worst?"

"At worst, I seek out one of those drone districts and become a permanent member. And I can't say that's not tempting even now. But I won't be feeling the same way a month from now, and I'd like to keep working at the bar, so..."

"So keep up on your meds," Vance finished.

"Exactly. Oh... I never thanked you properly, did I? For finding and rescuing me, I mean."

"Uther cut you out."

"But you told him where I was. And who got Uther out? You. So don't sell yourself short."

"...I'll try not to," Vance said, his smile faltering slightly. "...How's Jared?"

"About the same as me, only worse," sighed Davin. "He blames himself for a lot of our conversions. It wasn't his fault, he was fucking brainwashed forward and backwards. And he was just starting to feel good about being himself... this basically just set him back to zero. No, worse than zero."

"Are you checking up on him? He won't answer my calls," Vance said, worry on his face.

"He's only answering mine at the moment, and only sometimes," Davin said, just as worried. "But don't worry too much. I'm keeping an eye on him, and I know a few daemons who are good at pretending to be random mortals so... well, I hate saying they're 'spying' on him, but I'm just making sure he won't do something stupid. Like, say, forget to take his meds and then try to join up with a drone district."

"Let him know I asked about him," Vance said, and Davin simply nodded. "I hope he feels better soon."

"I hope we all do," Davin sighed, before reaching for his card to clock in. "Head home and rest, Vance. You've more than earned it."

Vance said his goodbyes before gathering his things and heading out the door. Instead of turning toward the bar's exit, he moved toward the backrooms where his temporary housing was. Though it was starting to look more and more like it would be permanent. While he could go to Fortitude's realm, he felt more at home in the cold winter cabin room he'd been living in for a while now. It wasn't long before he was naked and laying on top of his bed, not even bothering with the wood stove. The cold didn't bother him, after all.