Encre's POV months later

I smile, preparing paint and twirling it in the air a bit. I got an idea about how to help my dad. He comes closer beside me, and I have the paint wrapped around him where the shadow is. It cocoons him and he lowers down as the paint shines, rapidly drying and fading. It cracks, breaking to reveal my father in a living body again. His body. I smile, hugging him close.

It actually worked!

Then the door swings open and I see Jasper walking in eagerly. He pauses for a moment seeing my dad beside me, then smiles and waves.

"Hey! I was just going to greet you and see how you're doing! It's now a year that you've been here and that's a year of safety! But it's nice to meet your father now! Well, see him is what I mean!"He says

My dad waves to him, whispering to me.

"He feels the same."I say

"Your English is getting better! Are Suave and I really helping you that much?"He asks

I nod with a smile.

"Oui..Merci."I say

(Yes...Thank you.)

"Also my dad finally figured out the plan for you and I'm going to show you! I'll help you so let's grab your things!"He says, going into my drawers.

He pulls out stacks of clothes while I grab my art supplies and my dad grabs the family portrait. I see him gently trace the face of my father in it with a longing gaze. We really miss him and hope that he's safe out there.

"Suave is getting clothes from Auntie for you, Mr. Aster!"Jasper says, taking us away.

He leads us outside to a small house within the gates of the castle property.

"He decided that he wants you to stay close where you're safe but also wants to give you your own home or private life. He doesn't want the official routines or guests that come through the castle to bother you, much less any political figures intruding on your space. It is set to be as comfortable as possible for you!"Jasper says, pushing the door open.

I see the shock on my dad's face and we put our stuff down. I hold his hand, rubbing his knuckles with understanding.

"Why is he crying? Did we mess up? I-I could convince my dad to let you both go if you'd like!"Jasper asks with concern.

"No no, that isn't needed. He is..what do you say? Right, grateful. Grateful to have a home."I say as he nods.

My dad whispers as he wipes his tears, shaking his head.

"He says that he hasn't had a home in years. He is very grateful for this and loves it. He's happy to be getting his life back..."I say

"Oh! Okay! That's great then and I am happy to help!"He says

He goes upstairs to a bedroom, putting the clothes he collected in the drawers of a bedroom. Dad hangs up the painting as I set my things down. Suave enters, bringing some clothes for my dad and jumping in surprise when he was actually there.

"I was bringing these as a preparation! I didn't think he'd actually be back! Ahem, it is nice to meet you, Mr. Aster."He says

My dad looks at the stack of clothes curiously after waving to Suave.

"Oh right! Felicia made some clothes of various sizes mostly based on estimates of your wing size so they can fit through. I can take back any clothes that don't fit."He says

My dad nods, taking the pile off of his hands and quickly finding the space he will consider his new room. He returns and quickly leads Suave to sit on the couch, gently herding him there with the touch of his wings. He sits beside Suave and starts speaking to him quietly. So quiet that I cannot hear. I see Suave smile, nodding his head.

"Yes...Of course...That is true...I do think of that.."He says

My dad continues to smile while talking with Suave, a familiar spark in his eyes that I recognize.

"Uh oh..."I say

"What?"Jasper asks

"You asked why I'm an only child the other day right? Well...my father simply wouldn't allow my dad to adopt everyone..."I say

"And that means...?"He asks

"Suave is the newest target."I say

Within seconds my dad snatched Suave away and the door to his room slams.

"What's going to happen to him?"He asks

"The usual from him....Shouldn't take long."I say

Soon, Suave steps out with my dad smiling. Suave has a different outfit on instead of his uniform. It has the softest fabrics and is slightly oversized to cover his hands in addition to a silver necklace around his neck.

"What...just happened?"He asks

"Welcome to the family, Suave."I chuckle

"What? Your family? Wait..."He says, glancing at my dad.

My dad smiles widely, his wings flapping eagerly.

"That's what you meant about the close care and protectiveness that you appreciated! You said that you considered it brotherly! Oh dear.."He says

My dad nods, clapping his hands happily. Jasper smiles widely. Then a bell is heard ringing and Suave runs off, saying that he has been called.

"You are explaining that one to Father, not me."I say

Dad shoots a quick glare at me for the reminder, evidently spoiling his fun.

"What? It's true."I say

"I'll go explain to Father and Auntie before they question Suave too much. Enjoy your new home!"Jasper says, taking his exit.

I smile, shaking my head. Then I head upstairs to organize my new room.

This home is nice....

TBC