Sometimes being a teacher can be rewarding

----

"The Viewer Ranking system is complete and I am quite pleased with the results!"

Logan's voice resounded within the classroom, the anticipation brought a certain light to each one of the students' eyes. He held up the papers he had given to the class earlier and began returning the now checked papers.

All of the Viewers were to write down their names, ages, colors of aura and the number of Partial manifestations they saw, once done they were to hand it to him individually. The Ranks were rather easy to tell this way and after checking and marking the papers, Logic smoothly jotted down the names and their appropriate numbers on his own piece.

"Of course I will not state your ranks, but you are free to do so yourselves", he then started reading from the sole paper in his hand. "In total we have six students that are Fours, five students that are Threes, four students that are Twos and most surprisingly, two students that are Ones"

The Teacher shot a quick peripheral glance at Valerie and Philla, both girls somehow managed to catch the small movement and giggled quietly to each other.

"I am very happy to have a class as diverse as this-"

"Yeah Teach, we got different races, ages, sexes, we definitely got different sexualities in here too! Different Ranks of Viewers and I'm willing to bet that we got different Classes of Partials. You can't get any more diverse"

Logic smiled, "Well said Jerome"

The class chittered happily, students eagerly discussing their Ranks and trying to guess which two of their classmates were the ever-rare Ones.

----

The Conference room was tense.

No one dared speak, all eyes and ears were focused on the Archer, the Ex-Steward and the Councilman.


"Forgive me if I misheard archer", the pudgy man started, "but you claim the prosecuted is your brother?"

"Adopted-brother", hissed Ericsson.


A collective sigh passed through the room.


"A brother still the same", replied Charles.

The Councilman frowned.

"If he is your brother that would mean that you hail from Prince Leonidas' Kingdom aswell, so then, pray tell, why are you in Prince Roman's Guard?"

The entire room seemed to have gasped, murmurs and mumbles were thrown about. The Royals on stage were tense, two more so than the others. Upon further inspection one could see that Leonidas' hands were shaking and Roman grew pale.

Another Council man stepped in to hush the crowd, this one a much older, slimmer and intimidating fellow.

"You best explain yourself clearly boy, you've wormed your way into quite a mess, start at the beginning, nice and loud or we'll have two sentences today"

The Crowd gasped again, there hadn't been a trial for so long and to have two sentences, in one day? Conflicting thoughts surged about the emotions, their faces showing a mix between actually wanting to see someone die and what was likely pity for the poor fool about to die.

To his credit, Charles stood his ground fearlessly and began telling his tale.


"My father was the Duke of Second Kingdom, under Prince Leonidas' rule. He and my mother were slaves of a high rank Witch-"

"Yes, just like every Lord, Lady, Duke and Duchess", sneered the wiry Council man. "Everyone knows that those enslaved under 'Royal or high ranking' Witches were given a respective status, so get on with proper story boy, I have little the time or patience to deal with stalling"

The archer continued without missing a beat.

"My apologies. However I was not stalling, though I suppose reciting common knowledge is unnecessary-"


"Very", muttered the elder in a dry tone. "I have no need for a silver tongue. So cease your slithering and get to it"

"Yes sir", there was not a slight bit of disrespect in the blonde's tone and the Councilman's scowling lips retreated into a thin line. He watched with piercing eyes as the younger male continued.

"The Witch, Kilavø, who enslaved my father had some very...conflicting views. She detested all dark skinned slaves and she hated any form of pride in a female emotion and thus so did my father. My mother was also one of Kilavø's slaves but she bore none of their views"

The emotions in the room were quiet, all interested in the archer's tale. Many wondering if his words would possibly get him beheaded alongside his brother.

"When Kilavø was killed, my father, out of all her slaves, was chosen to be made Duke. During that time, my sister were and I were only eight and six respectively. My mother, now the Duchess, made sure that we grew up loving, appreciating and respecting any and all emotions despite my father's views, while he taught us how to fit our new roles as his heirs-"

A sudden loud boom of Thunder startled everyone in the room, making emotions gasp and cry out unconsciously in their fright.

Adding to the noise were two shrill knocks on the locked door, the guard positioned at said door, opened it slightly and leaned to peek- only to be comically slammed back into the wall- as a flurry of maids busted in and rushed to close the decorative windows.

They moved fast, pulling down panes and tying curtains, all just in time for pitter-patter of the rain to descend upon the immaculate glass. With their job, of saving the conference goers from being wet, done the young ladies gathered in a neat line in front of everyone and bowed.

Roman in turn stood up from his semi-shocked position and gave them a bow aswell.

"Thank you very much girls, your swift work was greatly appreciated"

There was many forms of 'thanks' flittering around the room. The maids smiled, nodded and left the room as quickly as they came, shutting the door on the way out and leaving the poor guard-who was just getting back up from the floor-utterly dazed.

Chuckling silently, the Prince sat back down once more. With the cursory hand motion he gestured to Charles and the Councilmen.

"Do continue your tale, we must listen to derive an appropriate outcome after all", he had been spending way too much time with Logic but for once he was glad.

The Councilmen gave him a nod and the young archer bowed before straightening up and continuing once more.

"We were given servants, slaves and Servants with slaves. One in particular was our new Steward Mr. Markarson, he had with him a seven year old slave boy-"

"Ericsson", supplied the Councilman with and inclined nod.

"Yes sir, my mother did not like that slaves were still being kept despite the war being over, but she had no right over the matter. As such Mr. Markarson and Ericsson worked as our Steward and Steward in training, at least...until a year later that is"


Now everyone was interested in Charles' tale, the rain was thoroughly ignored for favour of it.


"It was 'The day of the Clearing', where a large Dragon had attacked the Kingdom and decimated a good amount of its buildings and populous. Second Kingdom was then renamed the Third as its population was dwindled to less than that of Princess Valerie's. Mr. Markarson was one of many that perished during the event, leaving Ericsson alone"

"I'm guessing that your mother took pity and raised the boy like her own, did she not?" The fat Councilman spoke this time, his voice still stern but his tone was not as condescending as it was before.

The archer gave a small nod to the rotund man. "My father didn't like the idea much but if there was anything, he truly loved my mother and raised Ericsson like a son-"

"Among his other two-", Spat the aforementioned man in chains.

Everyone was a bit surprised when Charles turned and gave him a glare.

"Alright, you explained how you two are related, and I use that term loosely", muttered the thin Councilman, "but you did not explain how either of you got to this Kingdom in the first place"

The blonde turned back to face the Councilman with a neutral expression.

"My mother died-", there were gasps and small murmurs of pity murmured throughout the room, "-of sickness when I was nine. None of us know what it was but before she left us she made sure to instruct my father to raise us as she would and not to let his grief consume him"

"Yes, I'm sure they wanted to hear this Charles", mocked Ericsson. "The Oldman raised us as siblings, how sweet but they didn't ask for this story, they asked for the other", the convicted emotion was sneering now and all eyes were on him and his rattling chains. "So tell them brother, how father abandoned all three of his sons-"

The archer practically growled.

"Stop it Ericsson!"

"I will not stop! He was going to give me his title but you- you took that from me, you didn't even want it"

"The birthright was not yours-"

"And neither was it yours, but we all know what a disgrace our older brother is-"

"Stop that this instant Ericsson!"

"No! You know why father refused to give him-"

"Her god-dammit! mis-gender Rose one more time-"

"I never understood why he would pick that name-"

"Stop it"

"Oh please, Father didn't like women in power and I agree but since Rose wanted to be a woman the title went to you, the only one of us who could care less about it. I was the one who always surpassed his expectations and yet I was never enough. To make matters worse, as soon as you got the title he goes and offs himself, leaving me with nothing"

"Ericsson!-"

"It's not my fault that his sons were a waste, the youngest was foolish and the eldest was a disgrace. It's not my fault that he wanted to be a woman, maybe that's one of the reasons father killed himself. We should call Rose and tell him it's his faul-"

"That's enough Viceous!"

The emotions in the room froze, all sat with baited breath as the dagger Charles had first used to defend his adopted brother, was now pointed at the chained man's neck.

You could hear a pin drop in the sudden silence, all in the room collectively having one question in mind. Would the Archer would kill the Ex-Steward?

Ericsson trembled, whether it was from anger or fear, none could tell.

"Sure, use my last name against me, you always did this when you couldn't have your way-"

"No, I only called you by your last name when you stepped out of line and you oh so happily decided to stomp on it. How dare you say such things about Rose, she's our older sister!"

"Not mine", growled Ericsson lowly, pressing his neck against the blade defiantly, "go ahead, do it I have nothing to lose but make sure that after you do, you kill yourself aswell, you're hardly worth more than a strand of your hair"

"Trust me I would brother but I believe our dear sister would be distressed, enough so to figure out how to revive us only to kill us herself. I don't know about you but I'd rather not have her wrath upon me"

With that Charles turned, removing the blade from his brothers neck and carrying it towards the Councilmen. He flipped the dagger around, the bladed end now facing him while the handle was pointed at the wiry man's chest. The Councilman, though shocked, quickly removed the weapon from the blonde, as if fearing another outburst.

"Tch, you always were a coward", hissed Ericsson.

"At least I'm not in chains", muttered the Archer coldly. He almost looked guilty when the Ex-Steward flinched but he turned his attention back to the Council members, all eleven of them were staring him down.

----

The Viewers in the class were quite giddy, now knowing their Ranks, they were eager to find which Classes their Partial classmates belonged to.

"I had mentioned earlier the simplest way to find what class a Partial belongs to is by the number of their manifestations. As such I will list out their names and I would like for you all to assist me in finding their numbers." With that Logan turned and wrote a small list on the board.

It had two columns Class and Personality:

Class 5: 1 partial personality only
Class 4 : 2 partial personalities
Class 3: 3 partial personalities
Class 2: 4 partial personalities
Class 1: 5+ partial personalities

"Here I have here the standard levels for a Partial Manifestor, you will see something similar for the Manifestors themselves but of course, there's always something different. Now, quickly write this down so that we can categorize our Partials to their respective Classes shall we?"

The Students gave him their happy affirmations and quickly began jotting down the notes.

"Everyone done? Good, now let's start from the lowest number of Partial manifestations, who has the lowest-?"

"Emily!"

"Jamal!"

The class seemed confused and Logic almost laughed, it seems they thought that the Partials had to fit into one of each category.

"Alright it seems you have decided that these two both have the lowest amount of manifestations, now, what's their number?"

"Three!"

Logan gave them a nod and then wrote Jamal Ahmad and Emily Saville on the board in front of the 'Class 3' section before addressing his students again.


"Well done, but it seemed that having these two in the same class had confused you, bear in mind that there is no particular set and there can be more than one student in the same class, granted their number fits the class of course. Is this Understood?"

Once again given the affirmative, the Teacher turned back to the board and scratched a line through 'Class 4' and 'Class 5'.

"Since the lowest amount of Partial manifestations is three, these two classes not necessary. So, now who has the lowest number?"

"Luíz!"

"Hola!"

The students laughed and even Logan had an amused smile.

"Alright settle down, Mr. Torres has four Partial manifestations, which means he's a 'Class 2' Partial", the Secondary personality easily wrote Luíz Torres on the board.

A student raised her hand.

"Yes, Michaela?"

"I thought you said that the 'Ones' of any category were rare?'

Logic smirked.

"I did say that, which means Jerome and Mika are our ever rare 'Class 1' Partials", with that he wrote the final two names in, Jerome Balogh and Mika Hui tan.

"Soo", started Jerome, "in total we have two in 'Class 3', one in 'Class 2' and two in 'Class 1', how's that for diverse teach?"

The Logical personality rolled his eyes fondly at the black boy. Jerome only laughed and this time Mika high-fived him.

----

The rest of the classes flew by in a blur, things went smoothly and the transition from each class up until twelve was quite decent, enough so that during his lunch break he even managed to eat a plate of food from the Teacher's lounge, wouldn't Patton be proud.

He walked into his 1:00pm class with a little more confidence than the previous day, progress.

The Math class seemed to be going just as smoothly as the rest of them, of course that was until his phone rang.
According to the time on his phone it was currently 2:10pm- because of course it was, honestly he was beginning to detest this particular time-Morality was calling him, which meant something happened to Anxiety.

He excused himself to answer the phone outside but just as he was going to step out the door, the School Principal decided that it was the perfect time to walk up and down the halls. Not one for getting caught on a phone call, Logan back tracked with wide eyes, he'd have to answer the call in class.

"/Logan-/"

"He threw up again didn't he?"

"/Yes-/"

"Is he ok?"

"/He's doing a bit better, the kids are keeping him company/"

"Pat-"

"/I'm worried about him Lo-/"

"I know, hold on-the Principal's passing by again"

"/You're still in the class?!/"

"Shh!"

When the coast was clear. A student gently asked what was going on, unfortunately for them Patton could hear.

"/Tell them Lo/", Patton's voice echoed through the phone and into the now silence of the class.

All his students were staring at him with mixtures of confusion and concern, their auras held even more so and Logan could swear he was getting a headache from all the different fluctuating colors. Sighing he addressed the class.


"My youngest counterpart is ill-", he was cut off by the students as they bombarded him with questions.


"What happened to him?"

"How long has he been sick?"

"Is that why you where gone for two weeks?"

"Is your host ok?"


The Teacher raised a hand to silence them once more.

"We don't know why or how he got sick, nor do we know what he has. He's been like this since Friday and every time we think he's getting better, he gets worse.
My host seems to be doing alright for the most part but we'll see if there are any affects-"


"Why can't you just give him medicine?"


"Yeah", shouted a boy from the center of the room, "just pop a few Advils and drown him in some soup and you're all set"

Logic shook his head, "it's not that easy Kevin, the youngest isn't exactly...a fan of medicine. Though my Prominent had put some fever reducers in his soup"

"How did that work out?"

"He now refuses to eat anything associated with the name soup at this point"

"Wait, so what did he eat today then?" Asked another.

"/Spaghetti/"

Logan blinked at the phone in his hand, almost having forgotten that Patton was still on the phone.

"Apparently Spaghetti-"


Philla cut him off.

"Is that your Prominent on the phone?"

"Yes he is-"

"Can we speak to him too?"

The Teacher was very much confused by the little Indian girl's request but put his phone on speaker none the less.

Patton, somehow already figuring that he could be heard aloud, decided to greet the class.

"/Good afternoon everyone/"

"Good afternoon!"

"/Sorry to have interrupted your class time-"/

"That's ok, it's math!"

Morality chuckled. "/Yeah, I'm no good with numbers either, that's Logan's job/"

The students laughed, prompting an eye roll from Logic. Prompting Philla to go ahead and ask her question.

"Um, if you don't mind me asking, what exactly is happening to your youngest? Is he doing ok right now?"

"/He's not doing so well, he threw up a couple of minutes ago but as of right now he's trying to relax and watch some TV/"

"Did you give him something to eat afterwards?" Asked another student.

"/I did, I gave him a small bowl of Honey Custard/"

"Honey Mustard?"

"/Haha, oh goodness no, it's called Honey Custard/"

"What's that?"

"/It's a type of porridge, it's yellow and honey-lemon flavoured/"

"He didn't throw that up did he?"

"/No that was the spaghetti, he's doing just fine with the Custard/"

"Has he been throwing up all his other food?"

"/He has, unfortunately/"

Logan frowned at the phone, he wasn't aware that Anxiety had been throwing up frequently, maybe he should have a talk with the dark trait when he got home.

"And you cooked everything?"

"/Yes, everything except for the Custard, that's from a box, why?/"

"Could it be the food?"

"/What?/"

"Yeah, what if he's allergic to something in the food?"

"/I was actual thinking about that/"

"Maybe it's a spice or seasoning that you use"

"/Well I guess that's possible/"

"Ok so what if you buy him some food? Like if he doesn't throw it all up in a week then you know for sure that it was probably something in your food-"

"Yeah and when he's better, you can slowly figure out what he's allergic to!"

"/That sounds like a really good idea, but what foods should I get?/"

"Um, lasagna?"

"/I don't think so, it's a good one but it might be too heavy for his stomach/"

"Right and canned soup won't work because he's tired of it, hmm, what about steamed veggies and some mashed potatoes?"

"No that won't work, he's gotta buy things not make them-"

"That's why! He can buy and steam the veggies and there is boxed mashed potatoes"

"/Wait really? I'll need to check on that one but it sounds good, anything else?/"

"Ooh, smoothies! Fruit smoothies should definitely work"

"/Good idea, I'm surprised I hadn't thought of that before, anymore ideas?/"

"Hey wait, maybe we should make a list? Like everyone puts down a food on a folder sheet and passes it around, you get at least thirty different ones-"

"Yeah, we should do that"

"/Oh, you're all so sweet, that's a wonderful idea, thank you!/"

"Alright, we're making a list you guys!"

"Cool, I'll start", one of the students whipped out a folder sheet and wrote something down before passing it to their classmate, "ok, Tamika's got it, pass it down when you're finished!"

The paper went slowly around the class and Logan could do no more than watch. Removing his phone from speaker mode, he decided to confront the father.

"Pat, what did you do to my class?"

The Parental trait simply laughed.

"/I didn't do anything, you just have amazing students/"

The sound of the folder sheet being passed around echoed in the background and Logan smiled, "that I do, Patton that I do. Now go check on the others"

"/Will do teach!/"

The Secondary personality then ended the call.

By the time the bell rang, a list was compiled and the math class had ended without solving the rest of the equations on the board. Sighing Logan asked the students to take a picture of the questions and to do them for homework.

With the last sound of a phone's camera shutter and the footfalls of the last student leaving, the Logical personality erased the board, brushed his hands together and left for his other class.

-----

His English class was...interesting.

The moment he walked in he was greeted by Estah who handed him a sheet of paper, on it was a complete list of various foods.

At what must have been his very befuddled face, the young black girl smirked.

"Our classes are fifteen minutes apart, think we wouldn't have time to make you a list?"

"I...wha-?"

"We know some people in your math class, they told us about your youngest so we made a list too." She then jutted out her thumb, gesturing to the students behind her, "there's another one being circled around in there somewhere"

Logan could do no more than smile appreciatively, sometimes his students amazed him. Deciding that since they wanted to help him, it would only be fair if he'd help them as well, all the students had to do for class was write about a time they were sick and their recovery process.

An easy grade for a simple story.

-----

Staring down the eleven council members had to be one of the most terrifying things Charles had ever done and he faced a ten ton fire breathing Dragon just the other day!

One of the Council members moved and the blonde took a small step back.

"I see that you have another story to tell little archer", a new voice entered the fray, it was a woman. In fact she was the only woman on the council. Removing the cloak that previously kept her ambiguous, she stood up, tall and fearsome.

"Madam Zenma!" Exclaimed the fat Councilman, "You need not busy yourself with the likes of him my lady"

The woman flashed him a dark look, the robust Councilman went quiet, real quick. She then focused her steely gaze onto Charles.

"I am Zenma, leader and Head of Council. I have little time to waste with family squabbles so you best get on with it boy or you'd soon be joining your brother"

The blonde gaped for a second before remembering himself. He gave a bow, seemingly entranced with the pure authority radiating off the woman.

A scowl decorated her dark face as she crossed her arms, an action that caused her mid-length white curls to bounce. The Head Councillor fixed him a look, her green eyes striking fear as they locked with his.

"M-my lady if it's not too much trouble or an offense, may I ask your story?"

The room that was ever quiet seemed to grow even more so. The Head Councillor was quite intimidating.

Zenma scoffed, eyes still locked with the archer's.

"My story? Very well, I'll make it short and simple, maybe this will help you follow by example", Charles gave her a surprisingly timid nod and her gaze seemed to lessen, albeit slightly, in intensity. "I was the Dragon Queen's personal slave for thirty years of my life. The Queen considered black slaves hardier than those who were white and among all of the others, I was considered her most prized because of my white hair"

Almost as if they were in a trance, all the emotions in the room suddenly marvelled at the white curls and the woman in the suit that they belonged to.

"I was to serve and to follow that beast everywhere she went. During that time I learned everything there was to learn of Royal affairs, hence the reason I am Head of the Royal Council. That and I was also there when Prince Roman defeated and killed her, isn't that right your highness?"

Roman gave her an inclined nod but said nothing.

"There it is archer, my story, now do follow the example and tell yours just as quick. I'm sure some of these folks would like to get the trial done and over with"

Murmurs of agreement began to fill the room and Charles gave a small bow to the Head of Council, an action of respect.

"After my father gave me the title of Duke, Ericsson parted ways and me and my sister remained. We found out that my father had been treating the slaves and servants, among others, terribly. They were abused and yet they told us nothing, either terrified of my father or they didn't want to harm the way children saw their Parent. We freed the slaves and only the servants who wanted to remain at the estate, did. Strangely enough, all but five stayed and when I asked them where they were going they mentioned the 'Out Balance'. It wasn't the answer I expected but I understood their interest in the cause"

Majority of the high class emotions gasped but many others were confused, luckily for them Charles noticed and explained it inconspicuously blasé.

"Of course the 'Out Balance' was where Guards from the main Kingdom were sent to Kingdom three and untitled members of Third Kingdom were allowed to train to become guards in the main Kingdom. My sister told me to take the opportunity to start over, so I did. I signed the papers and gave Rose her birthright so now she is one of the Duchesses of Third Kingdom, a title she was truly destined for. Without a title I was permitted as a new main Kingdom resident and I began my training the day I came in."

"And now you are an Archer in the Royal Guard?" Questioned Zenma, her eyebrow was elegantly quirked.

"Yes ma'am-"

"Then how did Ericsson get here?"

"I'm not sure... I wasn't even aware he was in the main Kingdom, hence the reason I was surprised at seeing him"

Everyone fixed there attention to the former Steward.

Ericsson huffed, "Why does it matter? I am already on death row. Besides I have nothing to say, especially to a coal coloured wench"

Zenma scowled, Charles frowned and the whole room began throwing insults at the Ex-Steward.

"Very well", sighed Roman, silencing all as he stood up straight faced. His aura was rolling smoothly and powerfully over the room. "I have grown tired of your disgusting comments and attitude, you've had your chance to speak. Guards bring the executioner!"

The Guards came in, their arrival made clear with the opening of the large ornate door, and with them was the Executioner...and their axe.

Ericsson's eyes widened.

----

The Phone call with Logan's students had calmed his nerves somewhat, honestly that bunch of kids were absolutely wonderful-

"Dad!"

Morality snapped out of his thoughts and began walking back into the commons, that was his daughter calling and she didn't sound too happy.

"Yes Fiona, what is it-?" The father stopped cold. All his children were on the couch and his eldest was lain gently atop them with blankets smothering him galore, a sight that would have been cute if Anxiety wasn't visibly shivering.

"He won't wake up and he keeps shivering but-", Fiona frowned as she was then cut off by her frantic sounding brother.

"We tried everything to help him stop but he hasn't...he-he just won't-!"

With his Paternal instincts on overdrive Patton instantly tried to calm his son, least he cause the others to panic aswell.

"It-It's ok Liam", he watched as the boy sniffled and a few fat tears rolled down his small cheeks. "It's probably just the fever-"

That's when it happened.

Almost simultaneously, the five children looked at him with the saddest most tear-filled eyes he had ever seen. It cut the words right out his throat and the father could swear his heart was going to stop. Steven was the one who said it, the words and its meaning seeping into his very core and for a second the Prominent swore it actually did.

"There is no fever"

The colour practically drained from his skin and an instinctive mental question started blaring through the Primary personality's mind. How was this going to affect Thomas?

----

"Thomas~"
"Thomas~"
"Thomas~"

"Wow, he is gone. What's even in those meds anyway?" Questioned Talyn as they shook their friend's shoulder.

"No clue", shrugged Joan, "grab his phone I'm posting it on his Insta"

"Don't-"

"I told him I would if he fell asleep"


Talyn rolled their eyes incredulously.
"Really?"

Joan had stopped the car on the side of the empty road and was currently stretching over to a sleeping Thomas on the backseat

"Yep! Oh, pass me that marker from under the seat, I got an idea-"

But before they could move Joan undid their seatbelt stretched over and got the sharpie themselves. Talyn didn't say anything as their date-mate uncapped the Sharpie, they just watched amused as Joan giggled in anticipation of what they were about to do.

The Fusia tip descended. Brown eyes snapped open.


Either the beanie lover was too loud or faith would have it that Thomas woke up and jerked away in time to prevent a pink marker moustache from bring etched above his lips.

"Tal'n?...don' let Joan draw on m'face...", mumbled the host to his shorter friend.

Try as he might, Thomas simply could not keep his eyes open. The manifestor's head lolled to the side and his heavy lids shut as they rolled back, falling instantly to sleep.

Joan chuckled and again stretched their hands to draw- only to have their hand smacked by Talyn.

The multicolour haired Veiwer looked up at Joan and with their small-but-threatening-self, they gestured for the beanie lover to hand them the marker.

"Well, you heard him"

"Fine", sighed Joan as they gave the pink sharpie to the shorter.

"Lean him in your lap Tal, he'd be more comfortable that way rather than choking on the seatbelts"

With a small shrug Talyn maneuvered the sleeping Thomas to lay on their lap, where they gladly took the opportunity to play with his hair.

Joan looked at the two with a small smile.

"So what now?" Asked the shorter Veiwer.

The smile had not moved from Joan's face. "Well now, we go buy dinner and we crash at Sandman's house for the night"

"But he said Leo was coming over-"

"It's no big deal, we can help him set up for it"

"Sure", murmured Talyn distractedly as they traced the worry lines on Thomas' face.

Joan buckled up and started the car.

The three had been hanging out all day, the cafe, the park and the arcade was where their time was most spent. The day was going pretty well despite news of Thomas' youngest manifestation's condition and of course the Manifestor's minor freak out about having missed taking his pills at nine. He did take them at twelve though but it caused him to be drowsy around two.

It was almost five.

The manifestor had tried his best to remain awake but had unfortunately succumbed to the medication's whim.

Joan drove as carefully as they could to avoid waking Thomas. Looking through the rear view mirror they locked eyes with their date-mate.

Talyn bit their lip before shifting their eyes down, a sign of their worry.

"Do you think he's gonna be ok?" The shorter looked back up to once again lock eyes with elder Veiwer.

Joan shifted in their seat, their voice uncharacteristically small.

"Who, Thomas or Anxiety?"

A chilling silence filled the car.

----

AN:// aaaay, y'all ready? ;)

So it's been almost two months, jeez I miss updating every Sunday, oh well, life.

Speaking of, a lot happened in mine, I got invited to Dillan's birthday party and Gran left on the 27th of July but I've been stuck with a flu since the 29th up until August, so that was one of the reasons for the fic's delay. Another reason was that there was a Hurricane, Franklin that I had to prepare for. It didn't do much damage just some rain and a lot of leaks but nothing too bad. Here's the best part though, like legit two days after we finished the minor repairs to the "damage", my mom decided it was high time for a vacation. So we packed our bags and headed out to Playa del Carmen, Mexico for a week. I had soo much fun, I got to swim with Dolphins you guys, Dolphins! Of course for the Sunday we came home, the Monday school had started, so that's the final reason for the delay.

*

Storytime: Ok so the peeps on Wattpad know this but for those of you who don't, there was a particular comment on A03 about the AN'S, suggesting that I should remove them. I had fought with myself for quite a bit regarding whether or not I should remove them for fear of it annoying people but obviously you can see I've made up my mind.

I write them and include them so that y'all know why the updates are late. I'm not sure how long you have been on the "angst train" but those who have been with me since the beginning of the fic know I've been updating every Sunday and for me to have suddenly changed that... Well, I believe that you guys, the readers should know why things have changed. That said, I'm not trying to guilt trip anyone I'm simply explaining my situation and if anyone would rather not read them then simply skip it. I have nothing really regarding the storyline in here and if by chance you're curious about the comment of the week and such, it's in ALL CAPS so you can just skim to that point.

tldr; I'm sorry if these AN'S made anyone feel as if I was "guilting you" to feel sorry for me, it's only meant to be an update of the situations I'm in and why the fic takes a bit longer than usual.

So without further ado

COMMENT OF THE WEEK :
BY

BRO IT FEELS LIKE ITS BEEN 3 EXTENDED LORD OF THE RINGS MOVIES SINCE YOU UPDATED AND LEMME TELL YOU, IM HYPE

IM SO EMOTIONALLY INVESTED IN THIS STORY I CANT EVEN TELL YOU

GOOD JOB, GOOD JOB <3

C>