A few days later, NO POV

Knock knock knock!

"Come in."Fallacy says, reading carefully.

"Hello, Lord Fallacy. I think Poussiere mailed these letters to the wrong address. They're meant for you."Azure says, bringing some envelopes to him.

"I see...Guess he is too distracted with his visit to Rufous."Fallacy says

"I mean, there's plenty to get distracted by since Rufous is busy helping rebuild the land."He says

"Rebuild?"Fallacy says

"Yes, rebuild. Encre's parents are making their vision come back to a nearby area where it's safer and Rufous is building up defenses. Poussiere says that he can help where he can."He says

"I see..."Fallacy says

"So, I hear from Jasper that you went to Encre's during the Pink Moon?"He says

"Uugggh, of course he saw..."Fallacy groans

"I'm guessing that you didn't get that far with him."He says

"Well, I kept Charmeur out of his home. But not much else."

"That's good. I visited him the other day and knew it didn't go anywhere since he wasn't marked."He says with a smirk

"Haven't seen him since...I don't think I want to either."

"Yea, Suave mentioned how you dove into your work."He says

"Something tells me that Poussiere didn't mail it by accident."

Fallacy frowns, glancing away with his face burning a bright yellow.

"What exactly did you try with Encre?"He asks the king

"I asked what I could do to make him happy...among other things...Uuuggh...He looked so uncomfortable!"Fallacy says with a shake of his head.

"Oooh, I see the issue. Lord Fallacy, I can assure you that you did nothing wrong. He simply isn't used to that question. I deal with that issue with him as well."He says, chuckling a bit.

"What do you mean?"

"M'Lord, I have some books to return."Suave says, sorting them to a shelf after Fallacy gives an approving nod.

"To put it simply, selfish is not an existing wo-"Azure begins

"Of course it's a word!"Suave begins

"Not in Encre's dictionary."Azure says

"Good point..."Suave says, swiftly sorting the books.

"Growing up with him, he never really considered himself. Mr. Aster could back me up on this. He looked out for everyone else yet would go quiet when asked about him. It's already tough when asking him about gifts but just in general, he wasn't used to considering himself. But then the world just drilled this idea that considering his own desires was selfish....So for numerous reasons, I can see why he wasn't quick to answer."Azure explains

"My father is definitely on that list of reasons..."

"Yep, no questioning that. He's also concerned about other vampire kingdoms or people and the news. Not to mention other factors like how you are literally a KING and don't think it'd be fair. He is concerned about how it could hurt you or your reputation. His reluctance to focus on himself was mixed with years of being traded around or treated as a problem and had an impact on his mindset. Now he is surrounded by you and others who seek to treat him well, which he isn't used to. After those years of having to please others or get hurt, he thinks that asking or receiving something is a problem. The papers with the headlines or rumors certainly support this idea that he is a problem who doesn't belong or hurts your reputation. You're good to him and he doesn't want to cause you trouble. I'm sure Suave warned you about this too."Azure says

"YEP! I pointed out this mindset or intention to protect the family months ago! Obvious from when he avoided getting close while settling in!"Suave says, shutting the door.

"And then there are other reasons that he may be reluctant to open up....Like his last relationship...."Azure says

"Ya mean with the jerk that bought him at that disgusting dating market or whatever those sickos called it?"Fallacy asks

"Let's just say that he left his mark on Encre and I don't just mean his neck...It's good that he is gone...Because if he wasn't, Encre may never be able to appreciate the good or happy moments."Azure says

"Why not?"Suave asks

"His soul got cursed before he escaped where the moment he feels an ounce of joy, that jerk can track him. He certainly has been nervous or told me about his fears so even though he is gone, the curse remains. If he was around, he may never feel comfortable to be happy without fearing being found again. So Fallacy, you shouldn't worry if you did anything wrong. He still has that mindset and other factors on his mind. I bet that he is concerned now that he caused issues for you that made you uncomfortable. He does care for you, honestly. He kept the rose if that means anything to you. And if you look for more info about that experience or how to get through to him, you should find our buddy Reve. He always had a way of getting through to Encre. I hear that he escaped from where he was being sent by Asgore."Azure explains

"Reve...French for Dream..."Suave notes

"Was he also someone Aster tried to adopt?"Fallacy asks

"No, but a close friend. He was coming to dinner the night that Asgore attacked....The night of La Fête de l'âme."Azure says with a sigh

"What's that?"Fallacy asks

"It means The Soul's Fest, a tradition at our old home to celebrate love. It was basically our form of the Pink Moon where everyone bonds and finds love. Encre was about to give it a try that year but life had other plans...His stubborn mind might take that as a sign to believe that love isn't for him..."Azure replies

"All the circumstances sound like the recipe for Imposter Syndrome and insecurities...especially from what you're describing.."Suave says

Fallacy processes the information, feeling some relief that he didn't ruin things. Looking at things from Encre's perspective given all this information makes sense to him. And the fact that he kept the rose gives the king a bit of hope.

"Would you like me to get some books for it?"Suave asks

Fallacy nods and Suave quickly goes to the library.

"So please do not take offense or get too concerned about what happened during the Pink Moon. And I think your best next move is to TALK to him since you both seem concerned about upsetting each other. Having said that, I'll go."Azure says

"Thanks, Azure."He says

"Anytime."

Fallacy grins after he left, shutting his book.

"I'll certainly talk with him...And work on making him aware of how he deserves his happiness....Chip that doubt away so that he can be certain and happy."He mumbles with a grin

TBC