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My name is Anti well, that’s the title I gave myself after the accident that changed my life forever. I died and I still am very much dead, there is no real way to escape that fact anymore no matter how much I want to hide it. The day “it” killed me and left this hellish scar across my neck as a reminder to what I once was, what I am now, and what I will always be. My life was so wonderful before that happened, I was a regular fae, growing up with my protectors, well what you humans call mother’s and father’s, they were so lovely and yet thinking about them hurts. My older sister Niamh and older brother Samuel were just peachy towards me, every day I loved it and loved them. My childhood was fucking amazing, it was just the only time where I was truly happy and didn’t hate myself for who I am today.I grew up in Ireland, we lived underground in old fairy mounds, across the western sea, in an invisible world that coexists with the world of humans. I was adopted by my protector Maeve, she was my world after my father left and my human mother died, I lived with her for years learning as much as I could about the aes sídhe. I was a Gancanagh, which means ‘love-talker’, I was a male fairy being of the same tribe as the leprechaun, but, unlike them, we personated love and idleness, it was considered very unlucky to meet us, and whoever was known to have ruined his fortune by devotion to the fair sex was said to have met a gancanagh. I was just a baby when Maeve found me, being held tight by my dying mother who held on just long enough to ask this of her. “Please take care of my baby, I know not where his father went but I know that he mustn’t stay in this world, would you grant me the wish of keeping my baby alive?” Maeve accepted and lay my mother to rest, every time she tells that story it makes me wonder what my mother was like, and who my dad really was. Niamh and Samuel always treated me like family even if they knew I was not, we grew up together and they would always be so nice to me, hell every one of them was nice to me even though I was different.I spent most of my time outside talking to the animals who understood me and I them, listening to the trees tell me how they felt about Maeve’s gardening, (she apparently was terrible at it), no matter what it always made me smile. The sounds of the forest was my lullaby, nothing was more calming to me than rain, the soft pitter-patter or even the heavy thunderous sounds and lightning flashes. Everything about this place was so perfect, just to be able to sit down in the grass, play with the horses, sheep, cows, and chickens, plant vegetables and fruits to have as a snack or for supper. I loved to help Maeve and Niamh out, with the instructions of the trees, by the way, they would always mock them for being terrible at everything when it came to being outside, in their eyes, they even breathed wrong. I loved the way they kinda hated everyone but me, that made me feel so warm and happy inside, even the animals loved me, I would really be the only one who talked to them, brush them, feed them, and play with them, we had a sheepdog that somehow wandered into our world, the truth about our dog was that it was a shapeshifter and came here to be protected by us. My infancy wasn’t something that was memorable, when I was four I let the dog in through the window to feed him and then go to bed. His name was Kylee and man was he fun, we were best friends, we ate together, played together, slept together, and bathed together, even if Maeve didn’t approve of the last one, we would go to splash around in the local river just for fun! At five I had just learned that he could talk and we would whisper until Maeve yelled at us to go to bed. I was six when I finally was allowed out by myself, I always let Kylee tag along with me, I made him a seashell and vine bracelet that he kept.When I was seven Maeve left us. She was gone for days and neither Niamh nor Samuel knew where she had gone. I kept asking every single day, even during most of the night I couldn’t sleep, cause I was worried about her. I wanted her home. I didn’t want to be alone anymore. I wanted my Ma to come back. Some days I became unresponsive, I wouldn’t eat, I wouldn’t go outside, I couldn’t sleep and I refused to talk to anyone. I just wanted to see her again, I didn’t want her to leave me again… She kept so many secrets from us but whenever she came back, she would act like nothing happened. I needed to know what she was keeping from us, so one night while everyone was sleeping, I snuck into her room. I knew that it was wrong but I needed to know what she was doing, who she talked to, why she got so many letters from the same person, why they would make her leave us…Leave me…I twisted her doorknob slightly to check if it was locked. A soft click was heard as the door creaked open and I walked in, letting it slowly creak closed behind me. Why would she leave her door open? That’s stupid but at the same time, good since it wouldn’t draw suspicion to everyone else, but to me that makes it worse. No one ever questioned her or her actions and even still, we couldn’t place why she wouldn’t tell us anything about where she would go. I was a very curious child and though I had a strong head on my shoulders, I couldn’t help but want to make sure she wasn’t involved in something she shouldn’t be. I carefully walked around her room, making sure not to make any kind of noise. I looked around the contents of her room and walked over to her bed, slowly setting myself down onto it, with a minuscule creak. I felt something stab my leg making me jerk in the other direction, only to hit the wall with a soft thud noise. “Fuck that hurt…” I whispered and covered my mouth immediately afterward. I didn’t want Kylee to hear me or find me in here alone, let alone risk waking Niamh up from her beauty sleep. If I woke her, man that would not end well for me. She got extremely cranky when she hasn’t gotten enough sleep and though Sam would wake himself up, he still would never be as bad as she was when she didn’t want to be awake. I turned around to find the sharp object and pulled it out of the bed slowly, my eyes widened as I realized what it was.
A knife…
Why would she have a knife in her bed?
It didn’t cut me, luckily enough I was fine but even though I was okay that doesn’t mean I won’t be asking her about it later or keeping this pretty knife. I slipped off the bed and landed on my left hand, sliding the knife into the pocket on my right side and set myself down on my legs. A soft creak escaped the floor as I made my way towards her desk, pulling at each one, the top drawer was full of trash and pictures that I made when I was younger, just stupid scribbles but I was happy that she at least kept them. The second drawer was filled with writing equipment, there was this really pretty fountain pen that Niamh and I made for her, I closed the drawer then made my way to the last one. The third drawer was filled to the brim with letters from “The Fairy Queen”? Who the hell was that? I haven’t heard of her but still, she sounded important, I guess. I put the letter back and closed up the drawer only to jump when I heard a soft knock on her door.
Oh shit! I need to hide but where?
I hastily searched around until I spotted her closet and ran inside of it, closing it before her door was opened. Fuck, fuck, fuck! I didn’t close that drawer! No! Fuck, I’m such an idiot, shit! Please don’t find me!
They opened the door wide, peering into the room while taking cautious steps inside. Almost as if they weren't supposed to be in here themselves. I got a glimpse of their feet before they left.
Kylee?
Why would he be in here? Was he trying to find me or do something else?
I had to get to the bottom of this and it had to be now!I sprung up after he left and ran over to the still open drawer. Closing it silently after arranging the envelopes back in place. And rushing out the door, bumping into someone and falling on my ass. "Ow! Shite, what the fuck're ya doing standing in front of th-!" I looked at his wrists and to his back."Hm. Interesting you should ask, seeing as to how, you aren't supposed to be here either." He leaned over to help me get back up and took me back to my room, sitting me on the bed as he closed the door. "I'm sorry! I can explain. I was getting something from her room cause she said I could and-!" He put his finger over my mouth with a soft smile."Shush little one. I don't care. It isn't my business and I know you are lying but I won't fault you for it. Tell the truth. I shan't tell a soul." He sat down net to me. Rubbing my back to calm me down."I wanted to know where ma went. I miss her and it's not fair! I deserve ta know where she is!" He chuckled and kissed my forehead gently."It is okay but wait until she's back. I simply cannot have you getting in trouble by Niamh. Please just wait." He almost begged me as he put me on his lap."It is late. We should rest." I let out a yawn that I tried to muffle in his chest. " 'm not tired!" He massaged my chest carefully and slowly. Humming a little lullaby in Irish.Getting me to fall asleep damn near instantly.Eight through eleven weren’t very fun for me, I was still trying to find my place as an adopted child and everyone was trying to keep an open mind but there were these boys who just hated me for no reason.When I talked to Maeve about how she happened to meet my mother, she would always tell me that she was on a mission to find a runaway Fae in the name of The Fairy Queen. Though she never told me who she was looking for before she found me, I always wanted to ask but never found the courage to do so. Throughout the time I lived with them she would always disappear and leave Samuel in charge; Niamh took care of me as best as she could and even now we get along quite well. Samuel kept to himself most of the time, he would go outside and sit under trees to draw or practice the flute, something that Niamh made him after coming in contact with some things that washed up on shore. She loved to tinker with random things and make Sam, Ma, herself and I things; my favorite would have to be the pearl necklace she would always wear, same went for Ma, she would wear the gold and sapphire earrings that Niamh made. Kylee spent most of his time with me and I never understood why he loved hanging out with me, though no matter what everyone would always look at him weirdly. I never understood why they wouldn’t talk about most things whenever he was around but I just brushed it off as it was inappropriate for me to hear.I was 12 at the time when Niamh called out for me, to come into the mound but once again I didn’t want to because me and Kylee were having fun. It was early May and close to my birthday, though late in the afternoon and I was just soaking up the light rain and crisp air with him. “Anlon! Anlon Caoimhe O'Keeffe! Come here ya crazy lad! Ma wants to talk ta you!” I ran over towards her and gave her a big hug, Kylee licked all over her and my face. “What’s the craic, Niamh?” I asked but was muffled by her breasts, she laughed as I pulled away with blush against my face. I have always had a crush on her, even though I knew it was strange, she was 7 years older than me, but nowhere near related to me. I loved her but hated her partner, he was just the worst in my eyes but that was only because of jealousy, I felt she deserved better even if it meant younger, I was willing to do anything for her but she just laughed and kissed my cheeks. She treated me like I was a child like I didn’t know what I was talking about, I was a quick-witted lad but what she needed was a man and that was all me, baby!“I don’t know, Ma just wanted me to get ya! Go ask her that questions, Anlon. You cheeky lad, now Kylee come and get yer supper.” Kylee followed her so quickly, you would have sworn she had put him under a spell. “Ma! Where are ya at?” Maeve answered me from afar. “In the sitting room lad, come here!” Great, what did I do now? I haven’t been bad in weeks, at least I hope not, maybe it was because of Kylee and I playing in the river without her permission? I never got in trouble for it now so what changed, maybe I should have told her before we left but she never asks anyway. I walk into the sitting room and cozy up next to Maeve. “What’s the craic, Ma?” She looked over at me and ran her hands through my soft brown curls, gently and very slowly. “Anlon, I know you understand what it means when you’re adopted, right?” I nodded slowly with a smile. “Good, now you understand how it may feel for Niamh ta have to know ya have an American term ‘crush’ on her. She doesn’t feel it’s right, because we basically raised you after the passing of your mother.” I push her hand out of my hair and frowned. “Really! That’s all ya called me for?! Ta tell me that I have a crush on someone who’s been there for me, my entire life and has loved me unconditionally! Ma why you know that was really a private matter that you blurted out in front of Samuel and the person this matter concerns!” I got carried away, I didn’t mean to yell it just came out that way. “Calm down, Anlon I know this is hard for ya, but you still have ta consider yer sister’s side of the tale.” I didn’t care what Niamh wanted to say right now, I just wanted to go sit in my room and talk to Kylee. “Fine what’s up, Niamh?” I asked with a frown, I was so fucking pissed at her. “Anlon, I’m sorry for telling Ma about this, but ya know it’s weird for you ta like me in that way, right? Because no matter what laddie, I’m your sister and I don’t want you ta get any ideas once yer older. I will only see you as my beautiful baby brother, nothing more, nothing less.” She calmly stated and went to hug me, I punched her in the gut and screamed at her. “I don’t want a fucking hug, you stupid bitch! You betray me then think I’ll forgive ya in three seconds! No! That’s not how this shit works, I’m going upstairs with Kylee, don’t fucking bother ta come get me for supper, I’m not hungry…” Everyone looked at me with concerned but surprised faces. “Anlon, I’m sorry-”“No Niamh, don’t you fucking dare try ta apologize ta me! I don’t want ta hear it, just leave me alone! I hate you so much right now, no little apology will change that!” I ran up to my room, well the little space where I slept.Kylee followed behind me, walking into my room and closed the door with his nose. “Kylee why is everyone so stupid?” He licked my face and rolled onto his back, panting and barking softly for me to rub and scratch his belly. “Fine you silly dog, one tummy rub then yer gonna answer that question.” I scooted over to him and rubbed his tummy, making his tail wag and his ears perk up. “Anlon, that’s enough, now to the question. I believe your sister was just trying to protect your feelings, instead of just outright telling you no, she chose to involve Maeve who she thought could break the news to you easily but in the end, it did not go as planned. Understand this Anlon, she’s not stupid, just concerned about you likeing her and you could have dealt with the panic better than that, you hurt Niamh and called her a bitch. How do you think she feels now?” I looked at him and kissed his nose. “You always know what to say Kylee, but I shouldn’t have ta apologize to her! She hurt me before I even got the chance ta, maybe even explain why I liked her, I could’ve at least tried to make it not seem weird between us. Thank you for listening to me Kylee, now who wants more belly rubs?!” I rubbed his tummy and giggled as he kissed me all over my face. “You’re nasty, Kylee stop it!” He sat down and looked at me with wide puppy dog eyes. “Sorry Anlon, wanna take another bath?” I hugged him and he hugged me back. “Yeah, but how do I sneak passed Ma?” He ran towards the door and scratched it. “You wanna leave?” He barked happily and continues to scratch the door, I opened the door and let him out. He dashed down the hallway and I followed behind without hesitation, watching him jump up and lick all over my Maeve’s face.I snuck passed him but bumped into Samuel and quietly begged for him to let me pass, thankfully he doesn’t really care about arguments. “Anlon where do you think you’re going?” Niamh called out from the living room and Maeve finally calmed Kylee down. “To tha river ta clean myself off, Kylee licked all over me and it feels nasty.” She gave me a bewildered face and looked over to Kylee, who was rolling around in the floor. “Kylee show yourself before I skin ya alive!” His ears twitched and he stopped moving completely, slowly raising up onto his hind legs and becoming more human-like. Once his fur and animalistic features were almost gone, Maeve wrapped his lower half in a towel, cause dogs are usually naked and she wasn’t sure if he would be too. He was just wearing a pair of black shorts and the bracelet I made him when I was six. “Yes Niamh what is it that you need of me?” She walked over calmly and slapped him, I have no idea what he did wrong but hey as long as she didn’t slap me I was cool with it. She turned towards me, I may have spoken too soon, but she didn’t lay a hand on me, she just went back into the living room. “I understand why you lay your hand on me, young Niamh. I will do everything in my power to right this wrong. Come now Anlon, let’s take a bath and then maybe enjoy some supper once we’ve completely cleaned ourselves.” What the fuck does he mean by 'righting this wrong’? What did he do wrong? I have so many questions that my head hurts, but I’ll ask them when we’re far away from the mound where they can’t hear us.I opened the door and walked out quickly, dragging Kylee along with me, he stayed in his human form the entire time we ran away. “Anlon, what’s the matter?” He asked and I stopped to look at him. “Pick me up so I can kiss it to make you feel better.” Now, Kylee was an adult and much taller than I was, but he treated me like I was an adult even if I wasn’t at all. “Yes of course Anlon.” He picked me up and looked into my eyes and I looked into his as well, he was so pretty and strong. I loved how soft his hair was, how quiet his breathing was, his embrace was calming and his bare chest was warm, his smile was inviting and yet mischievous, but best of all he let me kiss away his boo-boo. “What are you thinking about, Anlon?” I looked at him and blushed, staying silent and finished kissing his cheek to make him feel better. “Nothing Kylee, let’s get cleaned up alright?” He put me down and grabbed my hand gently, just to make sure I didn’t run off. It was okay to love him, he’s my best friend, we grew up together, technically we did.He was already a teenager when we met and I was four years old, he would keep me warm at night even if Maeve didn’t know he was in the house, I would let him in through the window and feed him, then go to bed. “Anlon, once we get to the river I have to tell you something.” I looked up at him with a small smile and pinched his side. “I know that, I was gonna ask you about what happened anyways. When we get there can we dive and swim together?” He pinched my cheek and picked me up by the arm, lifting me up into his arms and kissed my forehead. “Of course we can. We can do whatever you want to do, just ask me and your wish is my command, young Anlon.” We made our way down towards the river and noticed some other kids were splashing around in the water, not that I minded but I just wanted it to be me and Kylee this time. I wanted to just be alone to talk about what the fuck just happened, I mean I could shoo my friends away but they would just try to pick on me like they always did, I was shorter than them, more feminine, and always hung out with Kylee, like I depended on the dog, which I kinda did. I needed him more than anything sometimes, the thoughts that I would have were worrisome and Maeve would always ask him to help me sort them out. Even though I never understood why she would always turn to him when I had those kinds of thoughts but I’m not complaining, he had a way around words that I could never wrap my head around. It sounded so sweet and persuasive, I wanted to sound like that especially whenever Niamh would bother me, I could sweet talk her into making me some porridge or giving me some honey.“Kylee is there anyway you could ask them to maybe move just a tad, so we can talk about this and not be interrupted?” He let me down and walked over to my friends, soon they moved over to the other side of the river. “Anlon! You may now bathe!” He called out and I ran towards him, and jumped into the river, clothes and all. “Maybe you should have taken off your clothing first, that would have been smarter.” He sat down on the moist ground and watched me, not like stalking me but more caring, like a parent making sure their kids didn’t run off to find the fountain of youth and get lost. “Come in with me! We still need ta talk about this Kylee! You said we could swim and dive together anyway!” I looked at him with wide eyes and a pouty face, with the quivering bottom lip, it gets him everytime. “Yes I do recall saying that I will be doing that with you, however if you wish to have me explain why young Niamh slapped me, I must refrain from jumping in so quickly. Do not fret Anlon, I will join you shortly.” He ran his hand through my hair and smiled at me, those mercury eyes always scared me but at the same time they intrigued me. What secrets lie behind those beautiful eyes, I would love to know everything there was to know about him.“Anlon, the reason why Niamh slapped me was because I was helping you get out of the mound once again, she dislikes that I always help you out of any situation, no matter how childish it may be. I treat you as if we are father and son, all I want for you is to be happy and have fun and experience a childhood instead of dwelling on your past, as to how you never had a real mother or father. I enjoy your company as you do mine, Samuel and Maeve may not care as much but Niamh seems to want to make sure you have more discipline than you already possess and I find her to be very conceited even if she doesn’t want to admit it. Now I will dive in with you but do tell me your opinion on the matter at hand.” I grabbed his hand and tugged at it. “C'mon Kylee!” I knew that I wasn’t strong enough to pull him into the river but I will try my hardest no matter what. “Alright Anlon, I’ll join you.” He got up and walked into the river with me, he never winced at the sudden cold or even extreme heat, it’s like he didn’t feel the change whatsoever. I hugged him and he hugged back, he was so warm and calm, I could take a nap on him right now. “Don’t get too comfortable, we still have to enjoy Maeve’s supper. Once we are done, then you may rest with me.” I drew little circles against his chest and pinched his nipple. “Mwuhaha! I’m evil and you can’t stop me!” I let him go and swam away as fast as possible, creating a distance between us before he completely caught me off guard.I bumped into him even though he was behind me a few seconds ago, I looked at him with a wry smile and dove under the water quickly. He grabbed my ankles and lifted me out of the water with the silliest grin on his face. “You forgot that I can teleport, didn’t you?” I tried to punch him but my arms were too short and I hated him for having long arms! “Fuck you and your long arms! That’s so unfair! I want teleportation!” It seemed like such a cool power to have, all you have to do is imagine where you want to go and you can just go there! I want that power so much, it looked so fun! “If you want to learn how to hone in on your own powers then I can help you.” My eyes widened with excitement, and I almost vibrated out his hands. “Yes! Yes! Yes! Please Kylee, teach me!!!” I blurted out and got a loud laugh out of him. “Calm down Anlon, your friends are looking at you very strangely, but I will help you with those powers of yours. Especially your ability to phase through objects, still haven’t the fainted clue as to how you gained that ability.” He released my ankles and I fell back into water, landing on my hands and flipped onto my feet. I looked at him with a cheeky grin and laughed before answering him.“Maeve said my Ma had this power! I don’t know how she knew about it but I feel like I’m closer to her just by using this power and embracing my humanity! Also yeah Niamh and I have always had a very awkward relationship, though we both love each other, it got very weird when I began ta see her as someone aside from my sister, I began to feel warm inside whenever I was around her, not in a good way either. The feeling was more like I wanted to kiss her on the lips, not on the cheeks like we usually do, I don’t like this feeling that I have but there is also some jealousy towards her partner and I just want ta make it all stop. I don’t want to feel this way about her, I hate it so much, why does she have be so fucking hot, it’s driving me mad! The way her beautiful golden eyes with chartreuse-lime speckles light up whenever she finds something on the beach or in the woods that she can tinker with, her deliciously chubby pear-shaped body and those ta die for hazelnut freckles, fuck me! Her wings, damn I can’t even try to describe her wings they’re just too gorgeous! Her fair vanilla skin, round eyes, beautiful pink lips, her smile is like a breath of spring, and her voice is soft like summer rain whenever she talks or sees me, the way the beauty mark above her lips moves when she smiles as well as her teeth that shimmered like ivory, her beautiful long curly ginger hair with gold and white strands, I would love to brush through all of it… Her ginger hair and sparkling eyes flashed like the morning sun on the horizon. The long elegant red and green dress that she favors, tickles my fancy as well, those are two of my favorite colors and she rocks them with all the confidence in the world! Niamh Zinovia O'Keeffe! Why do you make me hurt and yet feel so good at the same time?” I covered my eyes and curled into a ball, slowly sinking in the water, before someone pulled me out of water.“Don’t let Niamh hear you talk about her like that or she’ll avoid you.” Samuel looked at me, those scarlet-cherry eyes with arctic blue speckles and a small grin on his face. “Hey Sam, what’re ya doing out here?” I asked sheepishly as he carries me to land and just drops me. “Mom wanted me to come and get you for supper. Dry off and get your glad eyed self in the fucking mound.” He walked off not even checking to see if I was okay, though he did laugh quietly to himself. I hope he didn’t hear all of that, I would fucking slit my throat if he heard all of that shit. He dropped towels on Kylee, when did he have time to do that? Kylee handed me the towels and a change of clothes, that I didn’t even see Sam give to him. “Come now and get dried off Anlon, we mustn’t be late for supper. Maeve would have our heads if we don’t show up on time, if we’re late again for what was it? The 7th time, I believe? I’m happy that she is very forgiving of our absence but this time she refuses to overlook it.” He hands me the towels and the spare clothing, ushering me into the woods to change while he stands guard. “Her supper isn’t even that good sometimes, that’s why I skip it!” I laughed and he joined in shortly, eventually we both calmed down just as I finished drying off and getting dressed. “I’m supposed to be the dog and even I don’t like her cooking. She doesn’t know how to season properly, so it all just comes out bland.” We both laughed extremely loud and hard that I started to wheeze and snort. “Calm down, Anlon. Do not exasperate your condition, do you want me to carry you into the mound, so that you may catch your breath?” My long black lashes were slack with tears, as I nodded my head and coughed. He gently picked me up by my waist and held me against his chest. His breathing was quiet and calm, even as he sped towards the mound. “Kylee, can I ask you something?” I whispered. “Yes well technically you just did ask me a question, but what is it that you wish to ask of me?” He replied sweetly even if he was being an ass at first.“Can I you be my dad, since I don’t have one?” He slowed down to a stop right in front of the mound and looked at with a shocked expression. “What brought on this? I mean yes, of course I would love to but this will only be between us, Niamh, Samuel, and Maeve cannot know about this. Do I make myself clear?” His eyes lit up and grew darker just as he finished his sentence. “Crystal, but can you put me down before we go in?” He set me down and opened the door. “Anlon! You both are just in time, Kylee would you like to join us at the table?” Maeve asked and he bowed, which for some reason he always did towards her and Niamh. “Yes Maeve, I would love to join you at the table. Thank you for your generous offer and I wholeheartedly apologize for being late those other seven times, yet you forgave our tardiness with you endless generosity.” He kissed the back of her hand and sat down next to me. “Kylee what was that about?” He placed a finger over his lips and smiled softly, giving me the signal to be quiet and wait until later. We sat there and ate our dinner, this time the porridge was sweet, flavored with vanilla, orange, and honey. “Ma! This tastes so good!” I said with my mouth full, taking large gluttonous spoonfuls and shoveling them into my mouth. “I didn’t make it, Niamh did. She came up with the flavors and just the right consistency it should be.” I stopped and glared at her, coughing a bit.“Well then, it tastes like shit. I’ve lost my appetite, c'mon Kylee let’s go.” I got up and went to my room, opening the door just long enough for Kylee to come in, then I slammed the door behind me. “That was uncalled for, she went out of her way to cook for you and you basically spit it in her face! Do you know how sad she looked once you said that!?” I looked at him with blush across my face. “I like that you care about this silly fight we’re having. Niamh is my sister and I’ll have ta accept that fact for now, I’ll say sorry tomorrow, but for right now I’m tired.” He grabbed my lotion and passed it to me. “You did just finish a bath and the smell always helped you sleep.” I took it from him and used it on my arms, legs, face, tummy and chest, that was all I could reach. Kylee grabbed my lotion and took some out, slowly lifting my shirt and putting the lotion on my back, rubbing small circles as he massaged my back. He pressed my face against his chest and picked me up, slowly laying down on the bed with me on top of him. “Anlon, I bid you a good night’s rest.” I laughed a little bit but got quiet as he covered us up and rubbed larger circles into my back. “Nighty-night Daidí.” I listened to him yawn as my mouth did the same, I rested my head. Right before I fully drifted of to sleep, I felt a soft kiss placed atop my head. “Sweet dreams, my son.” I smiled softly as I finally went to sleep wrapped in warm scents, very thick covers and my best friends arms.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
"My son, Maeve has asked for our presence at the table." He shook me softly and called my name warmly. "Anlon, wake up." I rubbed my eyes and yawned while stretching my well rested muscles. "Yes Daidí? What's the craic?" He kissed my nose and ran his hands through my messy dark brown hair, gently combing through the short scruffy patch as to maybe straighten it? "Maeve needs us, well mainly you but I will accompany you, if you wish." I nodded and fell out of bed, almost phasing through the floor. "Whoa! Holy shite! That felt fucking weird!" Kylee placed his hand on my chest and the other around my waist. "We have to train that ability of yours, my son. Once you turn thirteen, I will be able to fully train that power of yours, for now get to Maeve before she yells at me." He sighed loudly as he picked me up. "Again..." The defeated face he gave me, made me laugh so hard and snort loudly. "Go on, my son. Do not keep her waiting." He walked me to the door and opened it, shooing me towards the table. "Ma!" I called out to her and walked into the front room. "Yes, I'm here Anlon." I went and sat down next to her, with my shoulders squared, my back straight, and my eyes locked in her position. "Calm down, you're not in trouble. I just wanted to talk about last night." I relaxed my body and smiled at her. "What happened? Why the sudden change from praise to disgust once you found out it was Niamh who made it?" I sighed and buried my face into my hands."I was still mad at her but I didn't lie, it tasted amazing! I just didn't want to make her smile, cause I was sad still, I felt bad and I already told Kylee I'd say sorry to her." She rubbed my back slowly, calmer, and in broad strokes up and down, not in circles like I enjoy at night."I could tell that you were still mad, but she cried once you and Samuel left." My heart ached at those words, I felt bile tickling my throat as my chest wound tightly. The feeling of tears stung my eyes, curses forming on my lips.
I made her cry.
I fucking made Niamh cry.
"She c-cried? I didn't mean to hurt her." She continues to rub my back and rested my head on her lap. "Yes you did but I calmed her down, so you don't have to worry too much but you will apologize to her, later. Let's cook breakfast for everyone and we'll bring her breakfast in bed, okay?" I nodded and sniffled quietly, wiping sleep out of my eyes and the little beads of tears I had. "Yeah! Let's make breakfast! What are we making anyways?" She smiled at me and laughed. "What's up?" I said as the voice came from afar spoke."An spéir." I giggled at his lame joke and went to hug him. "Dia dhuit, lad." He picked me up and hugged me tightly, squeezing the air out of me. "M-mornin' Sam." I stuttered out with the little air I had left. He let me go and I fell through the couch, I leaned up and scooted across the floor, making sure to stay phased before turning solid. Maeve and Sam looked at me warily and gave each other a worried glance. Kylee walked up behind them and whispered something in their ears, lowering their worried expressions. What just happened to me? I've never fallen through something before, how was I still okay? "C'mon Lon let's make our sister some breakfast and an apology worded just as well as your description of her. Oh yeah, I did hear that entire thing by the way." I blushed and slapped my hand against my face. "Sammy shut up about that!" His laugh was infectious but sweet and cute. "Lon shush up, you won't die just cause I know how you feel 'bout her." I looked at Kylee as he just shooed me away with his hands and a small smile on his face. "I'll be back soon Kylee." He nodded and walked back towards my room, as Maeve followed him.What are they about to do? Most likely clean my room as they always do whenever I'm out of it for a while. Kylee was a 'neat-freak' as he called it but I feel he just likes putting my things in places where I can't find them. Samuel took my hand and opened the door leading outside, we walked out and he closed the door behind us, we made our way towards the garden.Our garden was full of deliciously ripen fruits and vegetables with animals running around. Our entire garden was full of magic and it was great to have a garden that replenish itself endlessly, it helped with how much the animals ate. "She loves oranges and strawburries!" He laughed softly as he pointed to them. "Strawberries Anlon, not strawburries." I blushed and hid behind Ellis our tree Ent who nagged at me for touching his bark. "Move you lazy bastard and stop touching me or I'll dig myself up to stab you in the eyes." I poked him again and kissed the bark that I accidentally scratched up. "Sorry Ellis, I didn't mean to hurt you. Can you forgive me?" He cleared his throat and I walked out in front of him, giving him a big hug. "Anlon! I didn't know it was you, I thought it was probably that Kylee fellow. I don't like him very much." I cocked my head to the side and raised a brow. "Well you usually don't like anyone so I don't see how that matters Ellis. I need to pick some oranges for Niamh but I'll be back in a bit." He gave me a grumpy face and I kissed him again.The sheep and chickens circled around me, I almost tripped over Guinevere and Arthur as Link and Zelda clucked aggressively. "What's up guys, did'ya miss me?" Guine softly bleated and Link pecked at my ankles. "Ow! Okay I'll get some oats you ass! Some delicious hay coming up for you Guine and your man Arthur." I ran over to pick some oats out of the shed just for the chickens, now there were plenty more of them but Link was the 'leader' and he loved to pick on me.I grabbed out some hay for Guinevere and the other sheep, now sheep are kinda stupid. If they had to choose between two bales of hay they would rather die before making a decision. Chickens would hold their mouths open in the rain; rather drown instead of closing their fucking mouths."I got your food guys, now don't crowd around me like you usually do!" They actually listened to me for once and I smiled warmly towards them. I set out a large bale of hay for the sheep and spread oats across the grass for the hens and Link the rooster, who by the way doesn't do his job. He never crows in the morning so Samuel, Niamh and I have to get woken up by Kylee or Ma.Maeve would kiss my cheeks and sing to me to wake me up. Kylee would gently shake me and call my name, as he held me close to his heart.I watched as the animals ate for a bit, before I got some food for the cows and horses, grabbed bales of hay for the horses and cows along with apples and carrots. The cows and horses ate so much more than the chickens and sheep, my arms were getting tired from all the hay and fruit I was carrying back and forth from the shed to them. "Ugh! My arms feel like they're gonna fall off! Sam I'm dying of exhaustion, tell Ma I love her! Bleh." I playfully fell over and closed my eyes with my tongue sticking out. "Oh no, well since you're dead I can't let you watch Niamh smile when she gets her breakfast. I guess I'll have to take all the credit, for this delicious breakfast that I'll have to make myself." I jumped up and punched his thigh lightly as he picked me up again, carrying me to the orange tree and having me pick some off the tree as they immediately grew back.Kylee came out with a woven basket and his usually well-kept hair a mess. "Boys your mother asked me to help you, seeing as you both forgot to grab out a basket for the produce." We looked at him as Samuel quietly took the basket out of his hands, lifting it towards me as I put some oranges in there. "Thank you for your help, Ky." I noticed his eye twitch a little after Samuel's usual nickname for him sounded, but he just smiled and grabbed me."Sammy I'ma get the strawburries!" Kylee chuckled under his breath and tapped my shoulder. "The word is strawberries not strawburries as you so cutely pronounce the word. Did you know that a strawberry is not a berry but instead just a fruit?" I gasped loudly and looked at him in disbelief. "No! They are, they have berry in the name! How?" He outright laughed at my face. "Because they derive from a single flower, with more than one ovary making it an aggregate fruit. True berries come from one flower with one ovary and typically have several seeds inside, so a banana is a berry according to botany. They also have seeds on the outside called achene and as most berries have seeds on the inside an raspberries is also not a berry." I looked over to Sam and he was just picking vanilla bean as I looked between the both of them in complete shock. "Stop the lights!" He looked at me and ran his hands through my hair once again. "Yes, really." I started to turn scarlet and moved to hug him but I stopped before I completed the hug. "Can I? I know you don't like people in your personal space." He hugged me tightly and kissed my cheek. "Only you can invade my space whenever you want to." He purred into my ear and held me tighter, as he took a deep breath. My scarlet turned maroon as I went back to hugging him. "Am I really that special?" He kissed my cheek again. "Yes you are, Anlon. You are very special to me." I let him go and went over to Ellis. "Why don't you like him?" I whispered and sat down by him, feeling something fall on top of my head.I caught it and looked at it in my hands, an apple? Huh, wait why would an apple fall on my head? The tree wasn't near here so how? I glanced upwards and saw bright red and green apples in Ellis' branches. "He has a strange aura about him, that I don't trust as well as how he doesn't breathe or have a heartbeat." I took a bite of the apple and looked at him with a confused face. "You can grow fruit? I know he can breathe Ellis he does it all the time and he does have a heartbeat, I can feel it and hear it when we sleep." Ellis looked down at me with his brows downcast, as he gave me a scowl. "I don't trust him 's all, so please be careful." I finished eating the apple when Kylee called me over. "Come pick the first fruit, Anlon." I dropped the core and gave Ellis a hug before running over to him."Now we're suckin' diesel!" I jumped up and suddenly was in his arms with a splitting headache. "Whoa there! Those powers are getting out of hand now, but don't worry in three days time we will fix that with rigorous training." I laughed and hugged him. "Ellis can grow apples! They're so plump, sweet and tasty, I bet they would be amazing with sultana bread or oatmeal sultana cookies! Oh apple juice or applesauce with strawburries, that would be mind blowing! Ellis after this can we pick some please?" He gave me a small smile as he let one of them fall on Sam's head, making me laugh and snort. "Ow! Stupid tree, why do we even keep 'im?" Samuel gave a grimace of pain.I yelled at him with a bit of sillies still in my voice. "Cause he's me friend and you won't touch him and could you pick some apples for me please, I can't bloody reach!" He groaned and got pelted with apples that he just put in the basket and walked away from Ellis. "He's so mean sometimes." Kylee spoke up as he put me down in front of the bush. "Kylee let's pick some before lunchtime! I wanna eat some now but don't tell Ma I did, please." He picked one up and looked at it. "Hey you said that I coul-!" He shoved the strawberry in my mouth with a wide smile. "I wouldn't dream of it my juicy, rawny lad." I looked at him with a smile and kissed his cheek. He rested his hands on my shoulders while staring into my eyes. "Thanks Kylee that's very nice to hear." I blushed and turned around to pick some of the strawberries. I could feel him watching me as I kept picking the sweet fruit, sneaking a few.He began to help after some time and touched my hand, then wrapped his pinky around my own. "Anlon what do you want for your birthday?" I hummed and picked a few more strawberries before tightening my pinky around his. "Can we get a puisín?" He looked at me with a warm smile and snickered softly. "A kitten?" I nodded quickly and let his pinky go, then used my hands to quickly pick enough to fill the basket. "Yeah a cute little kitten! Is that what its called in America instead of puisín?" He nodded. "What you call a fanny is a pussy to us, it's very weird that we call female genitalia that but I guess Americans are just weird." He picked up the basket with one hand and with his other hand, he held my hand tightly. "Yeah you're bonkers but I like that about you daidí." He tripped over an apple and fell face first but still managed to keep the strawberries safe. "Oh día are you alright!" He gave me a thumbs up and leaned upwards to look at me, he had blood just passing his upper lip. "Yes I am quite alright this is a minor wound, may you take these to Samuel? I will join you both shortly, I promise."I grabbed the basket and ran into the house, passing Ma in the sitting room then almost hit a wall trying to get to the living room. "Got the strawburries! Let's make something for Niamh, but quietly I just realized I was yelling, I'm sorry." Sam ran his hand through my hair and it felt so good too, his hand was soft, warm, and smelled of apples and oranges. "Don't try to give it away like that, its fun watching you toil in your emotions, not that I want you to suffer but things always get fucked up when you started on about your crush on her." I hissed at him before he just laughed at me. "I'm just fucking taking the piss. You're fine 'Lon." His face didn't show the expression of any emotion, his face was just so blank and it's unnerving."Great now you cook the porridge and I'll slice the fruit!" I always loved knives they looked so pretty, so shiny, so sharp, able to cut through tough stuff and maybe even skin? "Those are dangerous thoughts, Anlon." I snapped my head towards the voice and frowned at him. "Shut up, Kylee. Those thoughts aren't for you to listen to!" He placed his hand on my cheek and looked very worried. "I'm sorry but Anlon are you okay?" Yeah sure of course I was okay, he always worried about me for no fucking reason, this wasn't something that I usually did but it just sounded fun sometimes. "You can't think like that, little one." I slapped his hand away and went to cutting up the fruit, taking the tops off of the strawberries, peeling the rinds off of the oranges, and cutting the vanilla pods in half then scraped out the seeds.I put the rinds in the bin along with the leaves of the strawberries, the vanilla seeds were put on a dish for Sam to use, as I was cutting up the oranges I sliced through my finger. "Ow! Shit!" I looked at my finger as blood trickled down it and Kylee got up to leave. "Are you going to get a plaster?" He turned to me as his eyes stared at the crimson liquid, his gaze locked onto it as if caught in a trance. While he continued to loom over it his eyes seemed to take on the color of the life-giving liquid as his pupils began to leak into his sclera, giving his eyes the sort of look like a precious jewel resting in a pure shining silver band. "That looks so cool!" Kylee looked up at me as his red eyes pierced into me, but soften back to his natural mercury as he smiled. "Thank you and yes I will get you a band-aid." He quickly ran out of the kitchen and down the hall."What was that all about?" Sam came over and grabbed my hand, pulling me over to the sink. He turned on some warm water and he put my finger under it. "I don't know." Maeve walked into the kitchen with a small smile and a plaster in her hand. "Kylee asked me to give you this while he calmed down." Sam turned the water off and I shook the water off of my finger. "Why did he need to calm down? Why did his eyes turn red? Is he okay?" She rested her hand on my shoulder, her eyes hard but sweet as she gave Sam the plaster. "I have all the answers to the questions you're askin' but I can't tell you now." He opened it up and put the plaster on the wound, snug. "Why?" She sighed heavily but laughed softly, still holding her gaze. She had big hazel-gold and blue eyes, that matched the sapphires and gold jewelry, adorning her fingers, ears, arms and neck. I peered down towards her chest and noticed a small beauty mark on her left tit; that outfit she was wearing was wonderful and complimented her figure, very well. She tapped my cheek with a finger as I jolted my eyes to her own."I can't say but I will once yer birthday's come 'round." What the hell is going on with everyone? Why is everyone being so secretive? When was everyone so close to him and when did they all know about this secret or something? "So little one, what do you want for your birthday?" I looked at her with a wide smile and hugged her, ignoring the slight stinging feeling in my finger. "I asked Kylee for a puisín!" She laughed warmly and pecked my cheek, settling her hands on my shoulders and had me look her in the eyes. "What do you want from us? Since he's already got that covered, little one." I turned around and smiled at Sam, turning back to her with scarlet touching the tips of my ears and a bright smile. "This." She cocked her head to the side, letting her hair fall to one side gently, revealing her sapphire and gold earrings. Two were in the top of her ear, one was in the earlobe and smiled at me. "What do you mean by that?" I giggled and snorted loudly.Stopping as soon as I looked over my shoulder to see Niamh rubbing her eyes and her messy bed head covered most of her face. "Family time, this is the best thing ever. I want all of us to get along and I want to apologize to you, Niamh but I have to do that later. I want us to alone for that and it won't be weird I promise, I really promise you that Niamh." She combed her hair back with her fingers, such beautiful long hair, Kylee walked up behind her and kissed the top of her head. "Good morning, young Niamh." She slapped him and hugged him afterwards. "Dia dhuit, Kylee. Anlon that would be lovely, thank you and what's going on here? I smelled food and heard swears, I thought someone got hurt." She walked into the kitchen and I showed her my plaster. "I cut myself while helping Sammy make your special breakfast, sorry for waking you up." She kissed the wound then kissed my forehead, gently. Her lips were warm and her breath smelled like barley, it's just like waking up in a wheat field. "Did you get scoops last night?" She backed away quickly and ran out the kitchen, accidently pushing Kylee into a wall. "Sorry!" She yelled as Kylee followed her but Maeve stopped him before he fully disappeared out my sight."Ma?" She turned to me and smiled coquettishly, letting go of Kylee's arm and walked down the hall to her room. It was just Kylee, Sam, and I, sitting in the living room waiting for breakfast to be ready, I tossed the bloody orange into the bin and used the remaining bit for our brekky. Kylee leaned down towards me and planted a kiss on my cheek. "Why does she like to slap you?" Kylee looked at me with a scowl on his face, it scared me slightly but made me feel something inside. "I will explain that something else when your older, Anlon. As for the previous thing, I suspect that she just enjoys hurting me and on occasion her partner but that's something else entirely." I blinked a few times before opening my mouth. "Okay?" I leaned closer to him and whispered into his ear. "Stop reading my mind please, I don't want Sammy to know what I'm thinkin' 'bout." He hugged me tightly as I stared into the hallway, seeing Maeve pin Niamh against the wall and moving her hair out of her face, then kissing her on the cheek from what I could see. "What are they doing?" Kylee let me go and looked behind him before looking back at me with a smile creeping on his face. "Maeve is giving her a kiss on the cheek, it's nothing to worry. Want me to help you finish cutting up the fruit?" I nodded quickly and glanced back at them one more time then went back to cutting up the oranges."Now get dressed Niamh and stop slapping Kylee, please!" Maeve screamed as Niamh ran down the hall and Maeve placed her hand my shoulder, kissing the top of my head. "Yes if that's what you want for your birthday then I will make it happen and Kylee?" He looked over to her and made a soft grunting noise. "You're just as much of family to him as we are, so join us." He whipped around still holding the knife in his hands and leaned down to kiss her cheek. "I wouldn't miss it for the world Maeve and thank you for inviting me." He rested the knife down next to my hand and hugged her, I felt her hand leave my shoulder as she hugged him with a little smile. "Is that perfume I smell?" She backed away from him with a soft chuckle, letting her palm rest on his neck using her thumb to trace his jaw. "Yes, it's something Niamh whipped up. She likes to tinker with stuff and she thought this would smell swell on me, what do you think?" He kissed the palm of her hand and sniffed her wrist, giving her a soft nod. "You smell intoxicating, Maeve." He kissed her wrist, up her arm all the way up to her cheek. "Ta Kylee." He kissed her nose and smiled back at me; I scoffed at him as I left the kitchen. "You are very welcome, Maeve. I have to talk to him for a bit, do you mind taking over with the fruit and the breakfast?" I looked back as she nodded, I ran down the hall into my room and slammed the door. I was trying to lock it before Kylee opened it and grabbed my hair, pushing me to the floor; hovering above me with a wide smile. "What's wrong?" I turned away from him and looked at the wall, taking a deep breath as he kissed my temple. "I won't ask you again, Anlon."He whispered against my earlobe before biting it, piercing a hole in it. "Kylee!!! Fuck that hurt!" He covered my mouth and turned my head over, doing the same to the other ear. I mumbled against his hand and whined out softly as tears stained my cheeks; trying to suck in a breath but it got stuck in my chest, making me cough loudly once he raised his hand off my mouth. "Are you okay?" I gasped as he kissed my forehead with a low chuckle. He licked the blood off my neck and ears. "I was piercing your ears for a present I will get you soon enough." A soft mewl escaped my lips and he laughed at me as he picked me up into his arms. "That hurt you jerk." I frowned at him and slap his cheek quickly before withdrawing my hand from his face. "Now you're turning into Niamh, Anlon." I laughed at him as he rubbed his cheek and set me down on my feet. "I don't care! Why did you do that to me?" He grabbed my neck and squeezed my throat gently; I could feel my lungs constrict slightly as I inhaled sharply. "Did you like it? Do you like this? Does it feel good to you? Would you like more?" I nodded slightly as the door opened, he let my neck go and turned towards the sound."Hello Niamh, you look very lovely." She waltzed in as I rubbed my tears off with my sleeves and smiled at her with all that I could muster. "Hey Kylee and baby brother, what are you two doing?" I shook my head and ran over to hug her. "Bugger all." I chuntered against her beautiful white dress. "Alright then, are you ready for some brekky?" I jumped back and raised my hands into the air as a motion for her to pick me up, but Kylee grabbed my arms instead and turned me towards him. "No! I want Niamh, not you!" I kicked his leg and ran behind her. "You didn't have to kick me!" He hissed and glared at me.
Those eyes again...
What did that mean?
"I'm sorry..." I lowered my head and gripped her dress tightly. "I freaked out." I whispered as Niamh picked me up and carried me into the hallway then stopped. "Why did you freak out?" She whispered and I almost choked on my spit. "No reason, I was just jumpy from this morning. I accidentally fell through the couch, somehow." Her eyes widened yet she didn't say anything; Maeve peeked her head around the corner and gestured us into the sitting room. Niamh and I soon joined Sam and Maeve in the sitting room, both of us sitting down in our respective chairs before Kylee came in with a soft smile.He walked over to his seat next to Sam and I, he took his seat and ruffled my hair in between his fingers. "You never did answer me, my champion." He mumbled into my ear before I moved away from his touch, quickly. "I don't have to answer that!" I screeched and fell out my chair, smacking my back against the solid wood floor; knocking that air out of me. "Shite! Laddie are you okay?" I leaned up and winced at the pain before just laying back down, taking a deep breath and getting back into my chair with Sam's help. "Yeah Ma, I'm fine."I get up and sit myself back in the chair, scooting away from Kylee. "Are you sure you're okay, laddie?" Maeve asked again. "Yeah ma, I'm dandy. Somethin' threw me off balance." I glanced at Kylee with a frown but smiled as I turned back to her. "As long as you are completely fine, I won't make a big deal about it." She gave me a look filled with worry and I ignored it, opting to eat instead. Man, he can be such a pain sometimes. What was he thinking hurting me like that? Fucking asshole. I turned towards Sam, catching Kylee's face as I looked over to my brother.
Why is he smiling?
I kept looking at him. The longer I looked, the wider his smile seemed to get. "Why're you smiling, you bastard?!" I raised my hands in frustration. He smirked and chuckled. "Calm down, Anlon. Just eat." His smiled slipped away as he ate. I rolled my eyes and ate as well, finishing up quicker than him, then raced to my room after giving Maeve and Niamh a kiss. I sat in front of my mirror with bead of tears in my eyes, I was just so frustrated, I couldn't stop myself. I hid under my blanket and cried softly, almost relieved that no one found me like that. I needed some time to myself, even if it meant crying myself into taking a nap. I had the peace I wanted in that moment of rest.