Garroth looked at himself in the mirror. His blue eyes stared back at him, a glimmer in them still sparkling. He memorized where his freckles were and how his hair fell slightly over his left eye. He also noted that he was able to see all of that without glasses on. He took a deep breath and said; "Okay Ekon, I'm ready."

He closed his eyes and felt something change. His eyes slightly tingled and the left side of his face felt like it was getting covered by glue. It all surpassed, Ekon speaking out in his mind.

Okay kid...open your eyes.

Garroth did and immediately was greeted with a slight blur to his vision. One that he was familiar with. He gently took the glasses that were on the sink and placed them on. In the mirror now stood him still but the burn scar was back. It put a darker tint on his skin, starting with his left cheek down to his hand. He knew it went further down but, he wished not to see it at the moment. He took a deep breath, satisfied with the image in front of him. He heard the door to the bathroom open, soon feeling arms wrapped around his waist comfortingly. Blaze rested his chin on his shoulder, kissing the same cheek. "You look beautiful Gar..."

The blonde smiled, using one hand to rest it on his' and the other to play with his ruby-red hair that had fallen out of it's bun. He then kissed his cheek in return, saying; "I'm glad to you think so cause this is what you got."

"Eh, I don't mind. I'm excited to tell people that my boyfriend is a bad boy who isn't afraid of a little fire,", The taller man laughed, squeezing him slightly. "Now, are you ready to speak to Washer? She's waiting in her office."

The blonde nodded, leaving Blaze's grasp just to take his hand later. The two then left the room to go down to her office. They passed by small groups of training agents, them all nodding at them. It had been a few weeks since the attack and things were starting to go back to normal. Granted, Garroth hadn't seen normal but, Blaze assured him that this was how everything worked before he arrived. They got to the elevator, stepping in while Blaze pressed the second floor button. Once he stepped back, Garroth asked; "How's apartment hunting going?"

"I found a few that I like but, you should also look into them since you'll be living with me,", Blaze said, looking down at his phone to see that Laurance had texted him.

Remember to come by five! Aph is making dinner and doesn't want to wait to eat.

"We'll talk about it more later,", He said, putting his phone away. His full attention was now back to him, smiling down at him. "I'm just excited for the holidays. I need a break..."

"You all do,", Garroth agreed, as the doors to the elevator opened, thinking about his friends and all they had done for him the past month. Blaze frowned and kissed his hand saying; "You do too."

Garroth was still getting used to being the center of everyone's focus. That was one thing that Shadow was right about but, he didn't mind being Blaze's if he was being perfectly honest. "That's why we're taking Christmas and New Year's off, remember? We all get a break then."

Blaze's smile returned as they walked into Washer's office. She grinned at them as they walked in, her sleek platinum blonde hair was straightened and her all black outfit was definitely business casual. Let's just say, the stress had washed away from her. "I'm glad you two made it on time. I needed to discuss a few things with you."

The two nodded and took a seat in front of her desk while she dimmed the lights and displayed a slide show. "So, Mr. Ro'Meave. You know that we'll be continuing your education once you get back from your holiday, right?"

"Yes ma'am,", Garroth replied, to which Elizabeth answered; "Perfect. Lucinda will be the most involved with that, maybe Aphmau as well, depending on the subject. We'll also have Agent Zvhal train you, since your technique could still use some work. I would have Carpenter do it but, I'm afraid he won't be able to go rough on you, not giving you the full training experience."

Blaze smirked to himself, thinking of something completely different, looking over to the blonde who just elbowed him. "Speaking of you Carpenter, you'll be continuing your usual duties as well as becoming a teacher yourself. After the exposure of the attack, people started realizing what the S.T.F. really does causing a influx of new recruits coming in. They need your training of course."

"Sounds great ma'am."

"You both also have the responsibility of taking care of each other, now being partners once again. You may be taking holiday from your duties here but, Scaleswind might have some trouble in between there. I trust you both already know how to handle it." The two only smiled at each other sweetly, allowing Washer to go on. "Now, Garroth, since you're back and will be transitioning into a somewhat normal life, you're identity in public will be known as Rowan Smith. Your occupation will be a simple office job at whatever company you choose. Do something generic basically. No one can know your true identity, with or without the mask, do I make myself clear?"

Garroth bit his lip but, agreed, swearing to her that this was what he wanted. He felt Blaze's hand go over his' again, his thumb gently rubbing his knuckles. "Yes ma'am. I promise that I'll try my best."

"There's no trying anymore Agent Ro'Meave. You are working for the government. There can't be any slips up."

"He won't,", Blaze spoke up. "I'll make sure of it."

"Good..." Washer took a moment to breath before shutting off the PowerPoint and opening the blinds. "Now, if you'll both excuse me, I'll be off."

"Oh! That reminds me, would you like to join us and the others for dinner tonight?", Blaze asked politely.

Washer just smiled and declined by saying; "No thank you Carpenter. I appreciate the invite but, I have my own family to join for the holidays."

"I didn't know-", Blaze sputtered out, surprised that she had one. She just shushed him saying; "It's not your business to know. Keeps them safe. Now, I'll be off. See you both in January."

And with that, the three of them left and went their separate ways. Blaze guided Garroth out to where he was parked, the blonde getting excited asking; "Can I drive?"

"No, you're still learning remember? Once you get your license you can drive to your heart's content,", Blaze teased, jumping into the drivers seat. Garroth huffed and went into the passenger side. The two then drove out of the parking lot and on their way to the Zvahl's. Blaze though, wanted to ask; "Were bothered by anything during that meeting today?"

"No...not really. I think I've come to accept it."

"But it's okay to be upset."

Garroth just gave him a reassuring look and replied; "All I need you and my friends. I'll be fine."

Blaze wasn't satisfied with that answer but, decided to drop it for the rest of the drive. Besides, he wanted to be in a good mood for tonight.
About twenty minutes later, the two were in front of the Zvhal's home. It was in the country side of Scaleswind, having acres of land for them. It was a nice place and Blaze didn't want to admit he was sort've jealous of it. The couple came out and greeted the two, Aphmau almost tackling Garroth in a hug and Laurance giving a bro hug to Blaze.

"I'm so excited you're here!", Aphmau exclaimed, releasing herself from Garroth. "I'm going to give you the whole tour then, you'll meet our dogs and cats and—"

She rambled on, Laurance and Blaze chuckling at Garroth's patience. Aphmau then dragged the blonde inside, Blaze and Laurance following. The other four, Lucinda, Travis, Dante, and Katelyn, were already there, greeting the two with big smiles.

"So glad you could make it!", Dante cheered, coming over to Blaze since Garroth was busy with the tour. "I'm glad I get to see you both one more time before I head back to Phoenix Drop."

"You know, you could just move here,", Blaze suggested but, Dante shook his head. "I'm a travel blogger. I don't need to spend half my salary on rent here."

"Well, Katelyn and I are just a three hour drive away in Bright Port, if you need anything," Travis said, holding a wine glass in hand. Katelyn smiled and rubbed his back while saying; "We found a nice place there to start our private business."

"So you're going to do that robotic prosthetic thing you were telling me about?", Blaze asked to which they both nodded. It was an idea that they had right after the attack and it wasn't strange for them to just jump into it suddenly. They were willing to take the plunge. "Well, that's great you two! I'm glad you're going for it."

"Tell me when the S.T.F. can purchase some,", Lucinda added. "There are a lot of Agents who are forced to retire because of—"

"Let's not mention it Luci,", Laurance stopped her, seeing his pregnant wife come back down the stairs. Lucinda got the message a s took a sip of her wine.

Aphmau, oblivious to the conversation, excitedly announce to Garroth; "And that's the tour! I hope you enjoyed!"

"I did Aph. It's a lovely home,", He smiled at her.

"And you're welcome here anytime with or without Blaze,", Laurance smirked, earning a nudge from the redhead. "I mean, a baby probably won't be a comforting thing to hear when you come over but, I hope it can be some sort of escape."

"I love babies,", Garroth insisted, shrugging. "Having two younger brothers helped with that."

That was news to Blaze and he felt his face heat up. Travis and Katelyn snickered quietly, annoying the redhead as he tried to cool down.

That's a conversation for later I assume~

Shut up Amina...

The spirit giggled in his head, him rolling his eyes before joining his boyfriend again. The group walked into the living room, enjoying some friendly banter and some appetizers. They jumped a bit though, hearing a knock at the door. Confused, Garroth asked; "Who's here? Did you invite someone else?"

Everyone kept their composure, knowing exactly who was at the door. Aphmau scurried to go let them in, Blaze just trying to assure the blonde that everything was fine.

"P, it's no one dangerous, calm down,", Blaze chuckled, the blonde freaking out slightly. "I mean...maybe they are but, I don't know them that well."

"What do you mean you don't know them that well? And you already know them? Who are they? Blaze I swear to-"

Garroth froze, his eyes widening. Blaze had to catch his wine glass before it dropped onto the carpet. Everyone waited in anticipation for a reaction out of him. Blaze though, seeing his boyfriend's nerves, whispered in his ear; "It's okay P. I told Washer about it and she said it was fine. Now go say hi..."

Garroth looked at Blaze, noting to thank him later, a sparkle in his deep blue eyes. He got up, his legs shaking slightly, he tried his best to hold back tears of joy but, it wasn't going well. He was just so happy to see them...if it was the real them. They looked so different...so grown up.

"H-Hey," was the only thing he managed to get out.

"Really? Hey? That's the only thing you say to us? After ten years?", Zane demanded, looking mildly annoyed. His tone though was breaking the stern presence he was trying to give and water was brimming his eyes as well. The youngest Ro'Meave, Vylad, wasn't too far off, tears already running down his cheeks. He just hugged his eldest brother tightly, whimpering out into his shoulder; "You should've came back when Mom and Dad told you to..."

Garroth just hugged him back saying; "I'm sorry...," he then pulled the raven-haired Ro'Meave into a hug, the three of them all crying at this point. They were just all so happy to see each other. The others in the room didn't mind the silence either. They thought the scene in front of them was too adorable to interrupt. Laurance came up to his wife, who was quietly sobbing with pure joy in the corner. He comforted her and held back laughter.
Dante though, Blaze noticed, had a pink blush on his cheeks. Curious, Blaze asked; "Which one?"

"W-What? I-It's not like that at all! It's just a sweet moment is all!", The blunette sputtered out, his face now beet red. Blaze just snickered at him while the three brothers pulled away from each other, the blonde asking; "How did you know I was here?"

"We saw that video online of Howler catching you,", Vylad answered. "We figure it was you since no parent would name their child Garroth besides our's."

Garroth chuckled, wiping away any remaining tears. "Where is Mom and Dad?"

The two younger brothers looked at each other, Zane finally saying; "Mom is completely supportive of this but...Dad is still getting used to it. They also kind of...don't approve of your partner still."

Blaze waved to the two in a sarcastic way, the two nervous smiling back at him as if to say sorry. Garroth frowned for a moment but, stayed positive, just happy knowing that they knew he was safe. Maybe one day he will be able to see them again. He was just too thrilled to see his brothers to let that disappoint him.

"Okay! I hate to disrupt this cute moment but dinner is ready and I'm starved!", Laurance said, clapping his hands together.

"No problem, we have time to talk,", Zane sighed. "Is there anything I can help you with?"

Aphmau awed. "Are all the Ro'Meave brothers this polite?"

The three of them walked into the kitchen, leaving the rest in the living room. Lucinda got up and ran off into the kitchen though, saying; "I'll help set the table!"

Travis and Katelyn got up as well and made their way over, holding each other's hands as they did so. Dante came up to the youngest Ro'Meave and introduced himself.

"Hi I'm Dante. It's nice to meet you. And you are?"

"Vylad. It's nice to meet you too,", Vylad said, shaking his hand. "Oh wait! Are you that blogger online?"

"Yes! Do you read my stuff?"

"Yeah! I planned my last trip according to your advice! Let me know if you ever need a photographer by the way. I'd be honored to help,", The brunette said happily. Dante smirked and said; "A photographer, huh? That's so cool! I'll have to get your contact information...what's your number?"

The two slowly made their way into the kitchen, Garroth left there smiling to himself. Blaze came up and wrapped his arm across his shoulders. He kissed his cheek, asking; "Did you like your surprise?"

Garroth just kissed him deeply, shocking the redhead who just sunk into it. When they parted, Garroth gave him a loving look and said; "Thank you...so much."

"Oh course...I love you. So it wasn't much trouble. Besides, we're getting things back to normal, right? Can't do that without your family."

"I love you too,", Garroth only whispered, kissing him again. "Now, let's get some food, shall we?"

The two gladly walked into the kitchen, ready to start their next mission of eating as much as they could.

Shadows Lingering: A Glaze AU
March 16th, 2020
~
March 28th, 2021

Thank you all so much for the amazing support on this story! It really gave me motivation to continue writing it during this challenging time in everyone's life! I guess you can call this my Corona book, haha! I love you all so much and treat people sweet!
~Candi