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Travis was abuzz with energy when he woke the next morning. So many thoughts and feelings were going through his head, he couldn't tell where one ended and another began. He checked the time and found that it was 0600 in the morning. He hopped out of bed, did his morning ablutions, and had breakfast. As he was eating, he read up on the local happenings in Amistad. So far, nothing out of the ordinary. With his morning routine done, he went straight to finishing that song. He hoped to get it done by tonight but wasn't in too much of a rush to get it done. He would take his time, get everything the way he wanted it. He would put his heart and soul into this piece. He just hoped Serenity liked it.

His music had always been his sanctuary. When things got tough in school, he'd always pull out his bass and start trimming away. He made it a habit to record whatever he made just in case he found the drive to create entire songs from those melodies. He did make a few back then, but the quality was subpar to his expectations. Today, his focus was on taking those old melodies and improving them. Then, once they were to his liking, finding a song in there that would work. Of course, he may need to record new material entirely, but that wouldn't be an issue. His mind was just brimming with things it wanted to say in word, deed, and song.

Life used to be so dark for Travis. He had experienced pain and suffering unlike anything thought possible. He had so many things done to him that would have broken a normal person. He had been slapped, shot at, and stabbed. He'd been electrocuted, nearly decapitated. Had a sword shoved up his back once. Deities know how many drugs were pumped through his system. He didn't know what came out of that arachnid monstrosity's back end that one time, but it sure as hell wasn't cake frosting. He'd been mentally and emotionally destroyed by his family and a past love. Hell, he still hadn't gotten over that day when The Bitch of Whore Mountain betrayed his trust. All in all, he's been through a lot.

There were moments that weren't as dark or morbid. Bright patches where he could almost consider himself an actual Human being. His friend at the time was his rock during his most troubling points. If it wasn't for him, Travis may have broken a long time ago. Even then, before he had met Serenity, it took a tremendous amount of effort not to suck start a phaser. It took nearly everything he had just to get out of bed some days. The only thing that really forced him to be productive was when he had stuff to get done. His depression really took a lot out of him, but he somehow found the drive and motivation to keep going in life. Now, he felt more alive than ever before.

He knew exactly what the catalyst was. Serenity had changed everything. Hir love of life and family had touched something inside him. He had forgotten what it was like to be part of a family. Sure, he had made several comrades that could be considered a family. That bond was not what Serenity had reminded him, however. This was the love someone had that went deep. He never really had that type of love in his life. His family had no love for him, not after the arguments and the incident. Besides, his father -- no, sperm donor -- was a piece of absolute trash. There was nothing to be gained by considering that waste of oxygen as family. Travis would rather hang himself than say that.

He had thought he had found love before. That was a mistake and a half. One could describe it as a slow-motion trainwreck. He had stayed too long in that toxic relationship. He knew why, also. The first reason was that he was deceived and gaslighted. She would lie to his face consistently about nearly everything. When he called her on the lies at the beginning, she would deny and threaten to throw him to the cops for abuse. The second reason why he didn't leave was from a fear of being alone. After the fallout with his dad, he had no support. He felt like he was loved when she entered his life. That love turned sour real fast. It took him being beaten half to death and left in a back alley on her orders that he finally broke ties with her. After that point, love seemed to be so far away for him.

Then came Serenity. An enigma that he couldn't solve. Shi was the breath of fresh air that invigorates the soul. The morning dawn that can melt even the hardest ice. The warmth of the fireplace on a cold winter's night. He firmly believed shi was some sort of angel with how precious and charismatic shi was. He wanted to believe that shi would show him what love really was like. Yet, his dark thoughts were still talking to him. They had protected him before, warning him of danger. Their tendency to catastrophize was their one drawback that he hated and feared. He wished he could just wipe away his insecurities and be normal. Normalcy was not in his cards, sadly. He'd never be normal. Not since…

Travis shook his head. He couldn't dwell on the past. He had a new future. He had other things to consider than his insecurities. Besides, this song wouldn't write itself. The basic melody was there, but there were still things missing. He had to find the right key signature. He had a few ideas, but there were some complications on how he wanted this to sound. He didn't want it overly happy; it should be enjoyable, and confident in itself. So many things to consider. His muse was slightly waning by the time lunch was over. He felt that he was so close to finalizing it. He just needed more time. Maybe when he sees Serenity tonight, his muse and drive would come back? He hoped so. He didn't want to disappoint hir.

A knock interrupted his thoughts. Who could be knocking on his door? He didn't order anything. Wasn't expecting anyone, either. Could it be his neighbors? He would have to find out. He stood from his couch and walked to the door. He used the peephole to look outside. No one was there. His prior training kicked in with a vengeance. He braced himself for the fight he was sure would come. He unlocked the door and stepped back. It didn't swing open like he thought it would. He eased it open, clearing all the blind spots around the door. Nothing. With a look down, he saw a large package. With a quick glance around, he brought the package inside. It was surprisingly heavy. As he brought it inside, he noticed a symbol that was etched into the cardboard. His heart sank to his feet. He knew that symbol. He wouldn't think they would come calling again.

He quickly went to his bedroom and closed the blinds. He had to open this box in secrecy. There was no way he would let anyone know what that symbol meant. It would open a can of worms Travis would never be able to close. He wanted to leave Pandora's box alone, thank you very much. No need to sabotage everything he received. His silence was already bought and paid for. If he broke the NDA associated with this, he'd never live to see the morrow. With panic slowly raising he quickly made sure his room was secure. Once he was sure he was alone, he pulled out a letter opener from his desk in the office. He opened the box and looked inside. He paled even further when he saw its contents.

He reached inside to find a letter addressed to him. It had no return address, other than the symbol again. He opened it and read its contents. It was not written in any normal language that would be understandable to the common person. Instead, it was written in pictograms. This written language was used to communicate ideas in a quick shorthand that was indecipherable to those not privy to the language. It was also used to give important information out in the field when others like him were in the area. He read it several times before the panic slowly started to fade. It wasn't a bad letter. It wasn't good either, but just neutral enough to not warrant any more anxiety. It did raise so many questions that Travis knew he would never get the answers to. He noted the signature at the bottom. A small smile graced his face. That would explain why the package was delivered to his door. Someone still cared enough to remember him. He thought about sending a thank you letter but knew that he really couldn't. Protocol was in place for a reason.

He set the letter aside and pulled out the other items. He found a combat assault harness, a rucksack filled with some essentials, and a few modular pouches. In fact, the whole setup was familiar to him. He had lost all his equipment, though, during the last job he did. He didn't think someone would try to rebuild his old kit. For a split second, Travis contemplated breaking his self-imposed radio silence. The feeling passed quickly, however. He knew the risks of taking such an action. The supposed reward wouldn't be worth it. He pulled the rest of the kit and noticed what was placed at the bottom.

There were two full gun cases. And if the kit was any indication, they'd be the same type as the ones he used to operate back in the day. He pulled one out and opened it up. He confirmed instantly that they sent his whole loadout, including all the attachments he'd use. He pulled a Modular Assault Weapon, otherwise known as a MAW, out from the case. He reverently felt along the pistol's grip and barrel. After getting his fill of the pistol, he looked inside to see the attachments needed to make his custom shotgun. He pulled the attachment out, slotted the pistol portion into the receiver, and closed it up. With a few latches tightened and pins in place, he had converted the pistol into a shotgun. He went back to the box to see several magazines and a charger, along with some rail attachments. They really did give him the whole kit and caboodle.

The MAW was a weapon system designed to fill any role imaginable. The pistol version had similarities with the World War II-era Mauser C96. Unlike the Mauser, this weapon was bigger and slightly bulkier. The magazine was about the same size one would find on those old gunpowder military rifles. It would slot in front of the trigger guard with only a small portion hanging down to grip. At least for the small magazines. There were also larger ones out there, including a drum mag for a light machine gun attachment. The other gun case carried the other weapon he used to take into combat. The shotgun was used for indoor or close quarters fighting, while a marksman rifle was used for longer ranges.

Travis was curious as why his old colleagues would want him armed. He was supposed to be medically discharged from service. Then again, the terms of the discharge did say that he could be recalled whenever they deemed it necessary. That could bring him back to active status at any time before he retires permanently or is too old to be of any use. It wasn't surprising that they would send him a kit and tell him to keep practicing when he could. He needed to keep his skills up. Stagnation could cause major problems later.

He ensured the weapons were safe and collared, and made sure they were secured from wandering hands. He placed the charger for the magazines on the top shelf of his closet. Within reach if needed, out of the way when not. The guns were placed in the cases and secured with a bio-lock. The rest of the kit went into a specific cubby inside, all nice and neat. He hoped these would never have to be pulled out. He cursed himself from that thought. Never tickle the three horsemen of “Fuck You," especially Murphy. He'd tickle you right back.

He sighed in exasperation. His mind kept going off on these tangents. He couldn't think straight. Something was affecting him, and he was pretty sure who it was. Dammit, that 'Kat was going to be the death of him. Most likely by giving him a heart attack with how amorous shi can be. His cursing changed to how his libido was acting all on the fritz. He grew more and more frustrated with himself, the universe, and how everything was changing too rapidly for his liking. His physical training teacher then started screaming in his ears.

Tough luck, maggot! Things change all the damn time! Get the fuck over yourself and get to living! Oh, how he loved and loathed that teacher, the motivational hardass that he was. Maybe, just maybe, he could start living. He had to tighten his chin strap. He'd survive. He'd have to.

Serenity was ecstatic. Shi had been helping hir sire with all the preparations for dinner tonight. Shi had asked yesterday if hir friend could come over, and naturally, everyone said yes. Especially after shi mentioned that it was a certain shy Human. The entire family had gathered at the house of Braveheart and Marathon. Braveheart was starting up their grill while the preparations were ongoing. Kairen was playing some cooperative video game with Diamond. Sequoia, ever the loving person shi is, took over entertaining Lapis. Amethyst was setting up the table in the backyard and getting the drink bar in order.

“So, daughter, I can't wait to meet this Human friend of yours," Marathon said conspiratorially. The palpable feeling of joy and curiosity made Serenity want to giggle. Of course, hir sire was interested in him, Serenity gained hir inquisitiveness from hir!

“I'm excited as well. I really do hope you like him. He's a good man."

“So you say, sis!" Amethyst called out. Hir grin was equal to Marathon's. “I hope he doesn't mind our customs. Very few humans are completely comfortable in a Chakat's home." Serenity had to take pause at that. It was very true. There were very few Humans who were able to live with some of the traditions and cultures of Chakona. Especially in their household.

Serenity shrugged before saying, “I do, too. I want him to be comfortable. Are we still in agreement?"

Amethyst nodded while Marathon said, “Of course. We'll abide if asked."

“Thank you, dad, sis. I just…" Serenity trailed off. Something was coming, a familiar something. Nervous energy was approaching, mixed with hope and desire. “He's here!" The whole house gained rambunctious energy. Serenity felt as giddy as a kitten during Christmas Day. Shi took a few calming breaths before heading to the door. Before shi could reach it, someone knocked twice. Just a few more steps brought hir to the front door. Shi opened it and smiled happily at the person on the other side. “Travis!"

Travis had knocked on the door with slight trepidation. He didn't know what to expect from Serenity's family. Serenity was a bright and loving person, and he expected hir family to be the same way. That was one thing about Chakats Travis liked. Their love of life and family was something Travis wished he had been born into. In fact, sometimes he wished he was born a Chakat instead of a Human. He hated what has been going on recently. Terra was circling the drain. He wished he could just head back and change it, but one man does not make an army. Besides, he wanted Humanity to figure it out themselves. There was no real reason for him to fix anything. It wasn't in the job description, and he had no drive to do so. He'd be fine staying right here.

His thoughts were interrupted when the door opened, and a voice greeted him. He looked up and smiled. He was getting ready to speak when he noticed what Serenity was wearing. Which was absolutely nothing. Shi was bare as the day shi was born. Hir jet black nipples were unabashedly on full display. Shi wasn't even embarrassed about it, either. His breath left him; his eyes drawn to the beauty before him. With great force of will, he ripped his gaze up to hir eyes and noticed hir smile never left hir. He was enveloped in a hug that stopped his heart.

“Hurk! Ack. Hi, Serenity."

“I'm so glad you came! Please, come in!" Shi released him for only a second before grabbing his wrist and dragging him in. “Guys, he's here!" He quickly tried to ascertain who else was here and was met with a whole family that was smiling at him. He noticed immediately that, like Serenity, they all were also sans any clothing. The only thing that was worn was a choker on the neck of one of the other Chakats in attendance, and maybe a piece of jewelry here or there. There were so many shapes and sizes. His mind was overclocking really fast, and a full-body blush was starting. He had to regain control.

Closing his eyes, Travis focused on the breathing techniques he learned. Breath in, hold, slow out. In, and out. Focus on the air filling the lungs, and not on anything else. Inner peace. He will not falter, he will not make an ass of himself, and he will be a gentleman. It will be a cold day in hell before he allows his libido to make decisions for him. He was disciplined, he was in control, he was the master of himself. Yet, he could feel his lust rising, and he couldn't get it to stop. He needed to have a rapid resetting and reconstruction of his mental faculties. That involved giving himself an opened hand strike right to his face, and he didn't do this procedure by half measures.

The sound and sight of Travis slapping himself stopped everyone in their tracks. When he had first walked through the door, the Chakats could feel everything he was feeling. It wasn't that hard, as he was broadcasting like no tomorrow. They could see how tense and stressed he was. They knew instantly that he was trying to calm himself down but wasn't working too well. When he slapped himself, the feeling of lust stopped dead in its tracks. It receded until he was back to normal, or as normal as he could get.

Travis focused on the ceiling, waiting for his mind to return to the present. He held up his right index finger in the universal sign to wait a moment. He blew out a slow breath and blinked several times. He could tell that everyone else around him was watching him with earnestness and concern. He had to assuage their fears before too long, or things might go downhill faster than he wanted.

“Hey, you alright? What was that for?" the leopard Chakat with the purple spots asked. He grunted in acknowledgment, as his mind settled.

“I'm fine," he responded. “Just needed to get myself in order. Too much stimulation for me."

“Oh," the choker wearing Chakat said lasciviously. “Saw something you like?" Alright. If they wanted to play that game, he'd play. Time to up the ante.

“Very much so." He lowered his gaze and stared into the lime green eyes of said Chakat. “Which is why I had to employ my 'get your mind out of the gutter' trick. I would have been starstruck and useless otherwise. Especially with the beauty next to me." At that moment, he knew he fucked up. Big time. His hand shot to his mouth in horror, the blush returning full force. He looked over to Serenity and hoped that shi would at least give him a head start before the claws came out.

“Aw, you're so kind," Serenity consoled him. Shi pulled him beside hir and nuzzled his face. “Relax, Travis. We don't mind. In fact, I'd say we appreciate that you enjoyed the view. If we get offended, we will tell you. No need to walk on eggshells around us." He looked dubious but decided to trust hir. Shi always remained honest with him, so if he did make a misstep, shi was sure to correct it in hir gentle way.

“Alright," he sighed. “I'll be sure to attempt to keep my reactions to a minimum. Please don't be too angry if you catch me staring?" Everyone chuckled at that, lightening the mood tremendously for him. Serenity continued to hold him as shi started introductions.

“Everyone, this is Travis Archer. He's my coworker and a good friend." Shi turned to him as shi started to point out different members of the family. “To start, this is my sire, Marathon." Marathon stepped up, opening hir arms for him.

“Welcome, dear. Make yourself at home." He returned the hug, this time keeping his reaction to a minimum. “And please, don't worry about what you're feeling. It's natural. Just respect our boundaries, and we'll have no problem."

“For sure, shir Marathon."

“Oh, pish-posh. None of that. Call me Marathon, or Mara." He nodded, feeling more than welcomed. Shi stepped away and moved to the kitchen. Next was the purple spotted leopard Chakat. Walking with hir was a pure white Chakat, much younger than the rest. He guessed shi was a teenager, judging by hir size. Also walking with them was a Forest Breed Stellar Foxtaur that held a blue and grey striped Chakat cub.

“Next is my denmate, Sequoia. Shi's holding my youngest sister, Lapis Lazuli. Then you have Amethyst and Diamond, my younger sisters." They greeted him in the same way, especially the cub. Lapis grabbed onto him and decided he was the perfect cuddle buddy. Shi didn't want to be given back to Sequoia or put down. So, resigned to his fate, he held the kitten in his arms. Hir purring was contagious, making all those who could purr with hir.

The choker Chakat stepped up and gave him a grin that intimidated him. Shi was confident, self-assured, and knew exactly how to push his buttons.

“Hey, there, handsome. Fancy getting to know each other better? I'll make sure to not leave anything permanent." Hir sensuality and seductive voice threatened to send him spiraling again, but he kept a straight face. Luckily, Serenity saved him from embarrassment.

“Enough, Kairen. Be nice."

“I am being nice," shi protested. “I'm just teasing. I do like him, however." Kairen also gave him a hug but added a lick-kiss to his cheek. He sputtered for a bit, making Lapis laugh. “If you don't want him, Serenity, I'll take him."

Serenity huffed, and growled, “No way, hornball. He's mine." Travis could only squeak in response. However, he was also grinning like a loon. He did enjoy the slight banter, even if it was on the way to having a heart attack. He would take it all in good fun. His mind brought back memories of his first relationship and how he got suckered into it. He'd be damned if that happened again.

“Friendly one, isn't shi?" he commented under his breath.

Serenity whispered back, “Shi means well. If shi flirts with you, it means shi likes you. Just take all hir flirting as being playful. Nothing is behind hir words other than wanting a rise out of you." He was fine with that. If it remained harmless teasing, he should be fine. Serenity motioned to the back door. “The last person to meet is outside. This way." Serenity led him to the sliding glass door before opening it. He followed hir out, where he saw yet another Chakat. This one had fur that was a brindled blue cream tortoiseshell. Quite distinct, but not quite as distinct as Serenity's tribal pattern.

Said Chakat was operating the grill, watching what looked to be several strips of steaks sizzling in the flames. Shi looked up and smiled at hir daughter. Then shi noticed the guest holding hir other child. Lapis was still snuggling up to him, which he found raised his spirits like never before. He noticed hir grin expand as a chuckle bubbled up from deep in hir soul.

“So," shi finally got out. “It seems my daughters have brought in a stray. And who might you be?"

“Mom," Serenity quickly interjected. “This is Travis Archer, my coworker. Travis, this is my mother, Braveheart. Shi's head of our family." Travis adjusted the cub before sticking out his hand in greeting.

“Pleasure to meet you, Shir."

“Oi!" Braveheart responded. “Stop that. Come 'ere!" Shi wrapped him just like the rest of the family did. “We give hugs in this household. And none of that shire business; it makes me feel old. Now, I've just got one question for you. How do you like your steaks?"

“Medium rare, Braveheart. Thanks for allowing me into your home."

Shi waved that off, saying, “Forget about it. We're always happy to have a new friend join us. Go ahead and head back inside. I'll bring the steaks in when they're done."

Travis loved the feeling he got from this family. They were open, enjoying his company, laughing with him. They were a balm to his wounded soul, one that made him forget his past. It had gone so far where he had started to bite back on Kairen's flirting. He hadn't quite gotten to fluster hir as shi did to him, but shi seemed to like that he had grown a spine. He even got to the point where he felt like a normal person.

Lapis had glued hirself to his side making sure shi was always near him. He didn't mind. In fact, he was touched at the trust the cub showed. He kept hir entertained with the science project shi had presented earlier that week. He complimented on hir thorough research of geothermal energy, and the drawbacks associated with the source. Shi preened at being praised for hir work.

“Did you do a science project before?" He chuckled at hir question. He wished he could be just as innocent as hir.

“I did something similar during school, yes."

“What did you talk about?" He smiled wistfully at the memory of presenting his thesis for his masters.

“I had to present my research on some new technology that was being made at the time. You want to know what I learned?" Hir rapid nodding showed how eager shi was for his answer. Shi was driven to learn, and he could tell that when shi got older, shi may very well be a scientist. He hoped to see that day. “I found a method to make starships more efficient in their travels. My design could boost their range and speed by a significant margin."

“Really?"

“Really, really." Hir awe was unmistakable. Shi latched onto him and said the one thing he didn't know he had wanted to hear.

“You're so smart, just like my sisters. I hope you stay with us." His heart warmed. The fact that this cub put so much faith into him was humbling. He vowed to never let this little angel down. He swore then and there that this family would be protected. He'd give back everything they had given him in this short time together.

“I hope so, too," Serenity said from behind him. Shi had padded up and sat on hir haunches behind him. He looked up to hir face with a quirked eyebrow. Shi responded by using one of hir hand-paws to pull him in to lean against hir. He acquiesced to the offer, ending up resting his head against hir. The effort made to stay calm taxed his sensibilities, especially when shi gently started to purr again. The vibrations went directly to his head and scrambled whatever thoughts were trying to form. Paradise.

A few minutes later, Braveheart came back inside with the steaks. The call sounded that dinner was ready, which got everyone moving. Marathon dropped in all the other pieces of the meal with Amethyst. The whole meal was something out of a five-star steak house. Roasted potatoes, sauteed veggies, and apparently some cheesecake for dessert later. The food was placed, served, and looked as delicious as ever. Once everyone was seated, Braveheart raised a glass. Travis followed in step with the others.

Braveheart said with some formality, “A toast to our new friend. May this friendship grow as strong and deep as a mighty tree. To friends, family, and happiness!" Everyone agreed with the toast. Travis merely nodded, not quite liking being the center of attention. Yet, when he looked over to Serenity, those anxious thoughts melted away. Hir smile lit up his soul as hir eyes twinkled in joy. Shi raised hir glass to him, then took a swig as per tradition. He responded in kind. The wine that was put out was paired perfectly with the meal.

The conversation flowed easily at that point. Stories were shared, thoughts were given, opinions made. There was so much to learn and know from these people. Each had their own lives and experience to draw from, which painted a canvas of life. Travis felt out of place at some moments, especially when the conversation was on a topic he wasn't familiar with. Serenity provided ways to incorporate him anyways. He was never left out or excluded from any discussion. It was a grand time.

A few hours passed as they talked the night away. Travis learned so much about their family and their views on life. Their love of family was a beautiful thing to see. These people had welcomed him with open arms. He was the alien, the stranger, yet they wanted him to be part of their dynamic. He made another vow to be worthy of their trust and affection. There were so many things going through his head about how this family treated each other. He wished he had grown up in this type of dynamic. His longing was noticed by nearly everyone; however, they did see that he didn't want to talk about it. He gave back in equal measure towards them as best he could, which was enough to satisfy for now. Braveheart and Marathon both agreed during this time that they would have a talk with him. For now, they will wait until the right moment.

Travis checked his watch and found that it was getting late. It was already late. Lapis had already been put to bed hours ago, and he was getting tired himself. He had a bit of a trip to get back to East Hill, and he wasn't keen on dealing with traveling super late. He felt a twinge of pain from leaving but knew he had to get home. With a sigh, he rose from where he had been sitting next to Serenity and Kairen. As he stood from the circle they had arranged themselves on, Serenity looked disappointed that he was leaving.

“I thank you all for the hospitality," he began. “I really enjoyed my time. I hope to do this again soon. For now, I must bid you all a good night. Serenity, thank you for inviting me. I'll see you tomorrow?" Shi nodded slowly, but hir mind seemed to be elsewhere. Shi quickly rounded hir housemates up and started whispering with them. During this, he thanked Braveheart and Marathon for opening their home to him and wished them a good night. Before he could turn for the front door, Serenity stopped him.

“I talked to my housemates, and we are in agreement. Why not spend the night with us? It's really late, and I don't feel comfortable letting you walk alone at this time of night." It was a lousy excuse, but one that he was willing to use. His heart was yearning and begging to stay with them, but his mind kept sending those dark whispers. He wanted this closeness, and they were offering to be there. His mind retorted that this was too soon. They may mean well, but his heart was trying to fill a void he had. His mind was the more logical one. It won out in the end. He didn't even realize that tears were starting to form, but he quickly brushed those away.

“No, not tonight. I don't want to be a bother, and I don't have a change of clothes, and... I..." He tried to speak but the words wouldn't come out. Serenity just smiles sadly at him in that way of saying shi knew why he refused but would respect his decision.

“I understand, you don't have to speak. I'll walk you to the front door. Mom, dad, thank you for dinner. I'll see you all for breakfast tomorrow. Diamond, sleep well. I'll pick you up after work on Secondday for Chakker practice. Good night, and Tail High." Shi stood and motioned for him to come with hir. He did as shi bade. Kairen, Amethyst, and Sequoia also bid their goodnights and left with them.

Outside, Travis was cringing at himself. He was frustrated with himself. Why couldn't he just trust them? Why did his past keep ruining everything? He wanted to have a family, or at least, a better one than the one he was given. He hated the family he was given. He wished every night to have someone to hold, but that was a fool's hope. Hope that he knew was slowly killing him. A false hope fueled by his insecurities. One he wished was real.

Serenity knew of his mental trauma. It was as clear as day for hir. The dark cracks were getting bigger. Shi had feared that shi made a mistake by inviting him, but the way hir family made him welcome gave hir hope. Shi saw those cracks heal over and a bright light shine through. And if Shi noticed it, most of hir family would have as well, especially Amethyst. Even Lapis could tell he needed a hug. Shi was with him until shi had to go to bed. The whole time, Serenity was close by, offering support when needed. He wanted to stay close to this family. He wanted what they had but didn't have the courage to ask.

Amethyst, Kairen, and Sequoia wished him a good night and stepped down from the porch to the yard. They decided to head home while Serenity stayed with him. Shi turned to him and embraced him. This time, shi included a nuzzle, which of course made Travis blush. Shi liked how his emotions would go haywire whenever he was embarrassed. It was cute in hir eyes.

He got his voice in order and said, “Serenity, I really enjoyed tonight. I loved meeting your family. Did they like me?"

“Of course, they did! Why wouldn't they?" He looked away, shame growing for doubting them.

“Sorry. Still not used to people actually wanting me around." Shi forced his head back to look at hir. Hir eyes bore into his, making him feel like shi knew him and his past. That scared him.

“Get used to it. You know how we Chakats are. When we love, we love fiercely. A lot like you, actually." His face changed to one of confusion. He didn't expect that. He didn't love much. He only loved himself in so far as to not remove himself from existence. The only person he thought he loved left him years ago, and the only remaining family that he knew of hated his guts. He didn't know why shi claimed he loved like a normal person would.

“What makes you say that?"

“I can see it. You have love inside you, every being does. Yours is covered, hidden away, and scared to come out. You've been hurt before. Badly." The tears he had gotten over before came back with a vengeance. Shi wiped them away with hir thumbs while softly holding his face.

“I want to believe that I could love again," he responded morosely. “I'm trying. It just hurts."

“If you want to talk about it, I'm willing to listen. My whole family will."

“I know. Deities, I wish I had a family like yours growing up. My life would have been so much better."

“Yet here you are. And I wouldn't have you any other way." He laughed slightly at that. It was so cliche but was exactly what he needed to hear. Maybe there was hope yet. He just had to keep pressing forward.

“I hope you're right. I guess the best start is for me to show you what I can do for our dinner date. Granted, I don't have your sire's skills, but I can whip up a mean chili mac."

“As long as you make it," shi responded gently, “I'll enjoy it. I'm excited for tomorrow."

“I am, too. I hope I don't disappoint." Shi bopped a finger on his lips, which instantly shut him up.

“Stop that. You won't. I'll be over by fourteen tomorrow." He couldn't stop the goofy grin that overtook his face.

“I can't wait. See you then, Serenity."

“Good night, Travis. Be safe, and Tail High." Travis started walking down the street. Before he got to the end, he looked back for one last glance. He saw all four lovely beings walk into their home. Serenity, however, also looked his way and waved. He waved back. Shi went inside with the rest of hir housemates while he resumed walking to the tram station.

He was caught in their net. He didn't mind that. Not one bit.