Archive of Our Own

Fabian laid in bed absolutely exhausted. He simply hadn't been getting good sleep the last couple of nights and he couldn't pinpoint the reason why. 

It's not like he would even remember his dreams if that was the issue. 

For now, he was just exhausted.

His boyfriend seemed to notice and crawled over to him. "What's going on? You've been exhausted lately."

Fabian just shrugs. He hates worrying Riz. Especially with pathetic things like not sleeping well. 

Riz just frowns "Okay… You ready for bed?"

"Gods yes." Fabian quickly replies, using his magic to turn the lights off before pulling Riz close. “I love you.” He kisses his head before closing his eye. 

He hears him respond back before he falls into unconsciousness. 

Fabian opens his eye and is sitting in Riz’s office. 

Which he can't help but think is weird as he looks around for The Ball and doesn't see him. 

He stands and calls out for him but there is no response, only the echo of his own voice through the room. 

He moves to leave when the mirror catches the corner of his eye. Which is weird… considering he had removed the mirror himself for Riz because he was scared of it. 

He looked at the mirror and quickly realized this was wrong as he didn't see his reflection reflected back. Rather, he saw a small goblin like skeleton boy. 

“Baron?” He couldn't stop himself from asking, hand twitching above his sword's hilt. 

“Fabian Aramais Seacaster.” Baron’s voice speaks through the mirror, hands pressed to the glass. “My Roëmænce Partnær Riz Gukgak’s Roëmænce Partnær.” Baron’s claws scratch against the glass making a horrid noise. “You, Fabian Aramais Seacaster, killed me.”

“I…” He can't help but hesitate. “I never even touched you.”

Baron tsks at him. “You did not need to touch me to kill me, Fabian Aramais Seacaster. You made my Roëmænce Partnær Riz Gukgak no longer need me. No longer fear me. Which means I can no longer feed from him, Fabian Aramais Seacaster.”

Fabian can't help but be filled with disgust as Baron’s neck cracks to the side, snapping as he looks at him. “Because of you, Fabian Aramais Seacaster, I am starving .”

Fabian swallows. “Good. A creepy little skeleton boy like you deserves to starve. I’m glad The Ball isn't scared anymore.”

Baron hums. “Riz Gukgak might not be scared anymore but you , Fabian Aramais Seacaster, are terrified . Aren't you?”

Fabian shakes his head and pulls out his sword. “I, Fabian Aramais Seacaster, son of Bill Seacaster, am not scared of-”

“Pretty big shoes to fill aren't those?” Baron interrupts and Fabian feels that tight feeling in his chest at his words.

“You- You know not of what you speak-”

“You know you’ll never be half the man your father was, Fabian Aramais Seacaster.” 

Fabian can't help but shudder, that tightness in his chest squeezing in fear. Which shouldn't happen, his eye patch-

He wasn't wearing it.. He never wore it to sleep.. 

Fabian put a hand to his chest trying to relax.

“You know, Fabian Aramais Seacaster, that when you go down to hell with your father he will be nothing but disappointed seeing how you turned out.”

“Shut up…” He all but whispers as he shuts his eye so he won't have to see the mocking face in the mirror.

“I’m sure he is already disappointed in you, Fabian Aramais Seacaster. Especially since you couldn't even save him.” 

“Stop talking…” He squeezes his eye closed harder. 

“You can’t save anyone, can you Fabian Aramais Seacaster? Hell, you won't even be able to save your Roëmænce Partnær.”

Fabian’s eye opens wide, his hands shaking now.

“That's right and you know it, don't you, Fabian Aramais Seacaster? You know when the time comes, you won't be able to save Riz Gukgak. You’ll be useless as you watch him die. Whether that be by a battle accident or old age, you can't do anything can you?”

“Please… Please just leave me alone..” He whispers, practically begging as he takes steps away from the mirror.

“Why? Because you know I'm right, Fabian Aramais Seacaster? You know you’ll end up all alone in this world. Abandoned by all of them because you couldn't save them.”

He feels tears sting his eye as he backs himself into the wall. “Please… What do you want from me? Why can't you leave me alone? Why- why couldn't you just stay with him?” He throws his sword weakly at the mirror, cracking the glass. 

“Because I know the truth, Fabian Aramais Seacaster. You’re weak. And you’ll always be too weak. That’s why you’ll be forced to watch them all die. Because that's what you deserve, Fabian Aramais Seacaster.” 

Fabian shakes his head as he slides down the wall, trying to cover his ears. 

He hears the glass finally shatter, and as he sees Baron reach out to grab him, he jolts awake in bed.

He roughly claws at his chest, panting as his breaths are wild and he's barely getting any oxygen. He's absolutely drenched in sweat and the tears have already started sliding down his face. 

Riz quickly wakes up next to him and jumps into action, holding Fabian’s face. “Hey, hey. Look at me. You’re okay. It was only a dream. I’ve got you. I’m here.” Riz holds his head against his chest, letting him shake and sob against him.

After a while, Fabian finally calms down and he mumbles against Riz’s chest, letting his arms wrap around him. “‘M sorry… Didn't mean to wake you up… You must be tired..”

Riz frowns. “Fabian… Nothing matters more to me than you being okay. Sleep be damned.” He strokes his hair. 

Fabian stays quiet for a while.

“You wanna try sleeping again?”

“No! No… Can we just… I’ll just hold you okay?”

Riz seems a little hesitant but agrees and lays back down with Fabian's arms held tightly around him. “What was the dream about Fabes? 

He flinches hard at the mention of it before shaking his head and whispering. “Nothing..”

“Okay.. I love you.”

“I love you so much more Riz.”

Riz falls back asleep a couple minutes later and Fabian doesn't. He stays up the rest of the night holding Riz like he's a lifeline. Stroking his hair and petting his ears. 

He knows he should tell Riz about Baron, but there is no use in scaring him. Not when Baron himself said that Riz wasn't scared of him anymore. 

He could handle this on his own. 

He was Fabian Aramais Seacaster, son of Bill Seacaster… 

That meant he could do anything… 

Right?

—-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The next day went by in a blur; Fabian basically felt like a zombie all day. Moving on pure instinct. 

He probably skipped a few classes just following Riz around. 

Riz decided to not ride in Fabian’s backpack when he made Riz late to his Rogue history class; he had walked to the wrong class. 

Riz had been concerned to say the least.

Fabian typically didn't dream, much less have night terrors to his knowledge.

It didn't seem right, but knowing Fabian, he wouldn't tell Riz about it until the problem had become far too life-threatening to ignore, and even then, he'd be reluctant. 

So Riz had to solve the mystery without his partner. 

He made a clue board in his head to try and figure it out. 

He’s only ever heard of two nightmares or dreams Fabian ever had. 

One being the day after his father died. 

His nightmare was about not ending up like his father, which they all found out was one of his biggest fears in The Nightmare King’s forest. 

His second being the one caused by The Nightmare King. 

The one where he was drowning on The Hangman.

The two seemingly have no connection but they were both something The Nightmare King used against him…

Riz can't help but feel that pit in his stomach. 

Fabian would tell him if The Nightmare King was back, wouldn't he?

He’d tell him if Baron was back…

Wouldn't he? 

—-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Later that night, they were at Riz’s apartment.

Fabian had noticed him being more paranoid than usual and offered to stay at his apartment for the night to offer him some comfort.

He knew how much familiar and controlled places helped with Riz's paranoia. 

He never blamed Riz for being paranoid. He knew what it was like to have good days and bad days. 

He, however, had been talking to Jawbone, even though he wouldn't admit it to anyone… Riz, with his paranoia, obviously didn't. 

Which was fine; Fabian was more than willing to help him. 

They both sit at the small dining table eating their takeout before Fabian breaks the silence. 

“So with the way you’ve been fidgeting all day I’m assuming today is not one of those days we’ll be getting sleep.”

Riz’s eyes dart to him. “I hate when you do that. Don't read me.” 

Fabian only hums, “It's one of those really bad paranoia days. I can see it in the way you act The Ball. I’ve been watching you for far too long not to pick up on it.”

Riz doesn't respond. He never does when Fabian talks about his paranoia. 

Fabian takes care of the dishes, something Riz taught him how to do. 

This time, Riz breaks the silence, “You need to sleep Fabes. You’re exhausted and I can see it. If you want to help with my ‘paranoia’, get a good night's rest.” 

Fabian can't help but sigh. Of course that's what Riz was stressed about… 

“I.. I can't make any promises.” He tries to pass it off as a joke but it obviously doesn't land as Riz just stares at him.

He sighs again and walks over to him and kisses him. “I really will try tonight, The Ball.” 

“Good. Wanna get ready for bed with me then?” 

Fabian smiles and of course agrees even though he knows what will come in his dreams. 

They both walk into the small bathroom to brush their teeth, and unexpectedly there in the mirror sits not Fabian’s reflection but a certain skeleton boy, and he can't help but flinch and back away from it.

Riz looks at him in confusion before looking to the mirror then back to him, his face dropping.

“Fabian. Look at me.” 

He tears his eye from the mirror to look at Riz who looks downright fearful. 

“Tell me right now what's going on. You have to tell me why you're so scared. I need to know if- if he’s back.” Riz struggles even at the mention of Baron. He knows he can't tell him now. 

“No. No Baron’s not back The Ball I just…” He chances a look in the mirror and he's gone. All that stands is his and Riz’s reflection. “I look a bit worse for wear than I thought I did. That's all…”  

"You're sure? Please you have to tell me if he is. I need to know if I'm in danger again or-" 

"The Ball… You aren't in danger. I promise." He reaches out and kisses him softly. "I'd never let you be in danger like that again.” 

Riz frowns, "What's that suppose to-" 

"Let's hurry and get to bed." He grabs his toothbrush from the cup and starts brushing his teeth and Riz sighs and copies him.

Riz knows something is happening now. 

Something big.. 

He needs to call Adaine and talk to her about it. 

The two finish brushing their teeth and head to bed. 

After a bit of cuddling, Fabian falls asleep, and Riz uses that to crawl out of bed and into the bathroom to call Adaine who picks up on the second ring.

"Riz? What are you calling so late for?"

Riz speaks in a hushed but hurried tone. "There is something wrong with Fabian. I know you saw it today at lunch. He's been exhausted. He hasn't been sleeping well and you know he's a halfelf he doesn't really dream so him having nightmares is really scaring me. On top of that just tonight we went to brush our teeth and he flinched and got scared of the mirror like he was seeing something. I know there is something wrong with him. And I need you to get over her and do some kind of magic on him, please." 

"Woah. Riz calm down. Is this… Is this really something you are worried about or do you just need Boggy?"

" Adaine ." His voice basically drips anxiety and desperation. 

He hears her sigh on the other line. "Alright. I'll be over in a bit. Do you want me to bring anyone in case…" She hesitates. "In case he's dangerous ."

Dangerous? He never once thought about Fabian being a danger to him. 

"I…" He can't help but hesitate too. "I didn't even think about that… He'd never hurt me.."

"Well.. It might not be him and that's something we have to take into account."

"Fuck… Okay. Yeah. Bring someone strong maybe. Someone like Ragh if he's up to it. Please just hurry Adaine I'm… I'm really scared that B-" He swallows hard, the word not wanting to make its way out of his throat. 

"I know. I'm on my way now. Just.. Just hide. Don't go near him." 

Riz nods before hanging up. He sits in the bathroom on the floor trying not to stare at the mirror.

He tries to convince himself it's just his paranoia when he hears Fabian yell from in the bedroom, and his body moves faster than his mind for once and he rushes to Fabian.

—-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Fabian opened his eye to be still in Riz's apartment and he couldn't be more glad. 

He looked down, however, to see Riz gone. 

Fuck. He looked around and right across the wall from the bed was that floor length mirror with Baron standing in it.

"Where'd Riz go?" He can't stop himself from asking.

Baron tsks at him. "Hiding, of course, Fabian Aramais Seacaster. Riz Gukgak is scared. Scared of you ."

"No. Shut up. You don't know what you're talking about. You aren't even real." Fabian tries to rebuttal but Baron continues.

"He's scared of needing you too much. Scared of not being enough. I can feel it now."

"No! Stop. Don't say that. The Ball is-"

"There you go again saying that nickname. You don't even love him enough to say Riz Gukgak's name."

"Stop. Riz knows I love him. He knows he's more than enough for me."

"Is that so? So is that why he left you, Fabian Aramais Seacaster? Because you're not worth it?" Fabian feels his words twist like a knife in his chest.

"Do you really even love Riz Gukgak, Fabian Aramais Seacaster? Do you love him or do you just want to own him? Keep as a little pet to please you-"

"No! Shut up! I- I'd never do that to him. I love him. I respect that he doesn't want anything physical in this relationship and I'm fine with-"

"Are you? Don't lie, Fabian Aramais Seacaster. Not to me. You know you still think of him in those ways. I know you Fabian Aramais Seacaster. I'm in your head. I know what you want."

"No! Stop! I just want Riz. I don't need more than what he gives me."

"Need but not want. What an interesting way to phrase that Fabian Aramais Seacaster."

Fabian can't help but clutch his chest when he feels that squeezing again. 

"I love him." Fabian says, because no matter what, that's true. Baron can't twist that.

"Just because you love him doesn't mean you can protect him, Fabian Aramais Seacaster. You think because Riz Gukgak cuddles up to you and kisses you, it means he's safe? If that was true, do you think he would've ran from you? Would've abandoned you, Fabian Aramais Seacaster."

"Stop.." He pleads. 

"You're not his protector. You're just the next thing that'll hurt him." Baron's clawed hand smashes the glass and he steps out of the mirror.

"Your father would be very disappointed in you, Fabian Aramais Seacaster. Seeing you cling to someone because you're too scared to be alone. Not very piratey, is it?"

Fabian wants to run, move, do anything as his body shakes on the mattress as Baron walks closer, but he can't. He's frozen in fear.

"Do you think Riz Gukgak will still want you when he figures out you can't protect him, Fabian Aramais Seacaster?"

Fabian goes to open his mouth to say something, to scream, to do anything, but nothing comes out as Baron climbs onto the bed.

"You weren't enough to save your father Fabian Aramais Seacaster. What makes you think you'll be able to protect your Roëmænce Partnær Riz Gukgak, Fabian Aramais Seacaster?" 

Fabian finally goes to shake his head when Baron grabs him, his claws digging into the skin of his jaw.

"Riz Gukgak will die and when he does, and you know he will, you'll survive. And you'll hate yourself for it."

With those last words, Fabian yells as he jolted awake, dripping with sweat and completely alone in Riz's bed. 

His eyes immediately scans the room for a mirror to see if he's still dreaming when Riz runs out of the bathroom, looking scared as he clutches his crystal.

"R- Riz? Where… Where did you go? Why did you leave?" 

Riz frowns at him but keeps his distance, even as Fabian struggles to breathe. 

"Come back to bed…"

"I.." Riz hesitates and backs away from him toward a dresser where Fabian knows he keeps his spare gun.

"Are.. Are you scared of me ?"

"Fabian I'm just-"

"Answer me!" 

Riz flinches and makes a run for the dresser, and Fabian doesn't stop him as he has his answer as soon as Riz pulls out his gun and points it right at Fabian. And even as his hands shake, he knows that if Riz chose to fire, he'd get a headshot. 

"Are you really Fabian?"

"What? Yes. Of course it's me Riz why wouldn't it-"

"My boyfriend doesn't call me that!" Riz tries to steady his hands, but it's clear he can't.

Fabian hesitates, “ The Ball . I only called you that because it was serious. I only say your name when it's something serious. I figured you pointing a gun at me in the middle of the night constituted as a serious enough situation." He tries to joke as he slightly moves to be closer to him, but Riz only cocks the gun, making him freeze.

"How do I know?! How do I know I'm talking to my Fabian?"

Fabian's eye softens. "You're being paranoid, The Ball. I'm me. I told you it was a bad night for your paranoia." He tries to move closer and Riz's finger hesitates near the trigger, making him stop.

"Don't- Don't say that. I'm not paranoid."

“The Ball you have paranoia. All of us know that. That's why your apartment and office are trapped. That's why we all have keys. Jawbone is the one who suggested it for emergencies because he was worried about your unmedicated paranoia. He's been trying to set up a meeting with you but you always refuse. This is just in your head. Trust me." 

"No. No stop- stop talking." He shakes the tears out of his eyes and that gives Fabian enough time to grapple the smaller boy.

They wrestle for a bit and Riz shoots out a couple times but they all go wide before Fabian takes that from him as well and throws it across the room. 

"The Ball you are being insane!" He yells as he tries to wrap his arms around him, and Riz shakes his head and thrashes, trying to escape.

"You're not my Fabian! I know it!" His ear twitches as he hears the door of his apartment unlock and he takes the chance to scream. "Adaine! Please help me, I'm here!"

Fabian stares down at him, hurt all over his face. "You called for help? You- You really didn't trust me?"

"You're not yourself Fabian."

Fig is the first to rush into the room and she plays a hard chord on her bass and Fabian freezes and Riz quickly claws his way out of his grasp now that he's under Fig's Hold Person spell. 

The rest of the Bad Kids all pile into the room next, all staring at the now incapacitated Fabian. Riz, however, ignores them all in favor of grabbing his gun. 

Adaine, however, places her hands on his, seeing how erratic he is and shakes her head. "Calm down. Breathe. We need to know what's happening okay? Can you tell us?"

"I- Yes. Please tie him up first. He's not the real Fabian."

Fig gives Adaine a look but she only shrugs and motions for Gorgug to tie him up, which he reluctantly does. 

Adaine takes the gun from Riz and unloads it with ease, something Riz taught her once she expressed she wanted to learn how to shoot a gun. She then puts the gun aside and hands Riz Boggy who is in one of his two emotional settings, unsure. 

"Adaine I don't need your stupid frog I need- I need you to check on Fabian because he is not himself right now and-"

Adaine stops him, her voice hesitant. "Have you been talking to Jawbone like I asked you to?" 

Riz frowns. "Why are you asking that now? There is a real emergency and you're focused on my-" He pauses and pushes away from her. "You think I'm crazy too?"

"No Riz I'm not saying you're crazy I just think you have an unmedicated mental-"

He scoffs, "Well aren't you one to talk. Exactly how many times were you rendered useless in battle because of your panic attacks?"

Adaine sighs. "I know you're just going through something right now that's why you're talking like this." She grabs his hands again. "The reason we all wanted you to talk to Jawbone is because we think you've got severe paranoia Riz and we just want to get you help before something happens…"

"You mean something like this. You think I'm just being paranoid but- but I know something is wrong with him!" 

"I-" She takes a deep breath. "I believe that's what you believe is happening here Riz."

Riz's ears flatten. 

"Fig can you cast-" Riz shoves away from her and tries to run for his gun. 

Fig drops the hold person on Fabian and tries to grab Riz but he's too fast and she and Kristen bump into each other. 

"Don't hurt him!" Fabian yells from where he is tied to the bed. "He's having a bad night. Gorgug, if you can just restrain him, please." 

Gorgug nods and walks past the two girls and grabs Riz and holds him tightly to stop him from moving.

"No! Don't trust him! I'm not paranoid! I'm not…" He starts crying in Gorgug's arms, still kind of thrashing to get away. 

"Fig or Kristen do either of you have calm emotions?" Adaine starts, looking so sorry for Riz.

They both think for a second before Fig nods and goes over to Riz and casts it.

He stops thrashing and crying, now just relaxed in Gorgug's arms. 

"Riz.." Adaine starts. "What's going on?"

He sniffles softly. "It was like I said on the phone." He seems pretty indifferent now than he did a second ago. "Fabian's been acting weird. Having nightmares and not sleeping well at night. And when we were getting ready for bed, we went to the bathroom to brush our teeth. In the bathroom Fabian flinched hard and was scared of the mirror like I was when- when-" He looks scared by something Fig must've not covered by the spell.

"When Baron took you?" Gorgug supplies from behind him, and Riz just nods.

"But when I asked if it was him he avoided the questioning and he went to bed and I snuck to the bathroom where I called Adaine. After a while of sitting on the bathroom floor I heard him yell and I went to check on him and he wasn't like himself. He was saying my name. He wasn't calling me The Ball and I ran for my gun and he grabbed me and that's how my gun got across the room and that's when you guys got here."

"I had a nightmare." Fabian speaks from the bed. "I woke up and saw The Ball was gone so I freaked out. I didn't even realize I wasn't calling him The Ball. I'm not fucking possessed or something. Just had a bad dream."

"Halfelves do dream so that checks out, but you've told us that you rarely dream."

"Yeah. I still have nightmares though." He says rather nonchalantly. 

"What about?" She presses further and Fabian goes silent. "Fabian." Her tone turns serious. 

"Nothing you need to be worried about."

"Fabian, don't make me have to use magic on you. You know I have detect thoughts."

"It's nothing Adaine."

"Yes, it is Fabian! Look at us! It's 1 in the damn morning and you are tied to Riz's bed because he spiralled so hard into paranoia he was going to shoot you. Don't you see how your lies are hurting the people you love?" She can't help but yell before turning to Kristen. "If you are going to Zone of Truth, can you at least tell me so I don't do that again?"

"Yeah.. Sorry I thought it would help.." Kristen says awkwardly before dispelling it. 

Adaine sighs when Fabian still doesn't talk. "Fine. You leave me no choice Fabian." She moves to sit next to him on the bed. "I'm casting detect thoughts on you now. It'll be easier if you choose not to fight me."

Fabian can't help but sigh as he watches her eyes close before opening and being pure white as she dives into his mind.

She sits on the surface for a second and groans as Fabian’s thoughts of how stupid this is and how this is such a waste of time and spell slots flood her mind. 

She dives deeper and feels Fabian fail his save.

She watches his nightmares play over and over in his mind, and it makes her feel bad. 

She holds her head as she feels his deep fears pull at her mind. The fear of not being enough. Not living up to expectations. The fear of Riz leaving him either by choice or by death. 

She feels the lingering pulls of that heavy feeling on his shoulders, and that void of emotions that makes him want to give up and never get out of bed, wasting his near immortality away.

She forces herself to push just a little deeper and sees something she can't unsee.

She ends the spell quickly and hugs the now crying Fabian. 

"I'm so sorry… Why- why didn't-" She feels her own tears slide down her face. "Why didn't you talk to any of us? To me . Damn it Fabian. We are absolutely having a fucking full group talk with Jawbone once we take care of this B-" 

"Don't." Fabian interrupts through jumpy breaths. "Don't tell Riz please. The only reason he's attacking me is because Riz isn't scared anymore. If he knows he's back he'll be scared again. I'd rather it be me."

Adaine yells and hits him in the chest, doing no damage. "You stupid self-sacrificing dumbass!" She takes a deep breath. "Okay. Well, we'll just do what we did last time right? Dispel the magic? He comes out and we fight him. Hopefully we don't have to banish him like we did last time and we can just kill him."

"Yeah. Is Riz okay?" 

Adaine sighs. "No. You were right. He needs to talk to Jawbone."

Fabian sighs this time. "Can you untie me and put him in the bathroom before we fight him ?"

She nods, goes to Gorgug and whispers the instructions to him, which he follows with hesitation. 

Once Gorgug gets back, they untie Fabian and dispel the magic, forcing Baron out of him, starting a fight.

—------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The fight is brutal. 

Multiple of them had to be revivified. 

But Baron was dead. 

They weren't sure if that was for sure or not, but for now it didn't matter as they all sat panting in the pretty fucked-up apartment of Riz. 

His mom Sklonda had joined the fight about halfway through when she heard the yelling and ruckus, which she was pretty pissed about, but seemed to quickly table her feelings when she came to the realization Riz was nowhere to be seen.  

Now that they were all sitting down, Sklonda cleared her throat, looking directly at Fabian. "Where is my son?"

Fabian sighs. "He's locked in the bathroom. We didn't want him in the fight because he wasn't doing the best mentally and he tried to shoot me."

"Fuck Kiddo.." She can't help as she hangs her head in her hands.

"Tomorrow we are all going to talk to Jawbone. I know you are aware of his paranoid personality but we think it's something so much worse and tonight proved that.. I'm sorry for not going to you sooner about it."

"It's not your fault kid. I should've…" She stops herself. "If this wasn't because Riz was in danger, what happened?"

"Well… You remember Baron?" He looks over at the corpse. "He wasn't dead but was starving since Riz wasn't scared anymore because of me so Baron took it upon himself to start you know going after me because I was an 'easy target' as he said."

"Fuck. Yeah, no. You guys need to definitely talk to Jawbone."

"Yeah. Fabian was being attacked because he was scared of not living up to his father." Gorgug cuts in, which he's promptly sent a glare for.

"And being abandoned." Kristen, not picking up on the glare Fabian sent Gorgug, cut in as well.

"Mostly by Riz though which, you know, I'll pretend to not be offended by." Fig continued. 

"You know… because goblins have a way shorter lifespan than halfelves…" Adaine finishes off.

"Can you all shut the fuck up actually? Like wow. First you read my thoughts without my permission then you tell people about it?" Fabian crosses his arms refusing to look at any of them.

"Listen. You don't get to be fucking upset about this!"

He looks at her. "Adaine don't do this."

"No. You want to talk about unfair Fabian? You're only a halfelf . I'm a full elf. Which means I'll live even longer than you. I will watch every one of my friends die. Yet you have that audacity -"

"Adaine," He practically begs as she stands and walks up close to him. 

"No! You're the only one who could ever understand that pain with me. The only one! And yet you- you-"

"Please.." Tears well in his eye as he looks down at her as she stands in front of him.

Tears free pour down her face as she shoves him weakly, not even slightly moving him. "How dare you?! You- You would leave me in- in such a selfish way." 

Fig stands with them. "What is she talking about?" 

Adaine looks at her. "She should be able to know it affects her too since she'll live long enough to see it too."

"Adaine please. I'm begging you not to do this." 

Kristen and Gorgug get up too now, both looking confused. 

"Honestly they all should know your stupid fucking plan shouldn't they? Riz included no? Since he has everything to do with this."

Fabian grabs her by the shirt collar and Gorgug grabs him and holds him back.

"Go on! Tell them your brilliant plan after Riz dies! Go on Fabian!" Fig grabs her and pushes her back.

"Both of you stop!" Kristen yells above them, and for a second, they all go silent and they hear quiet cries coming from the bathroom.

"Shit. Riz." Fabian pushes out of Gorgug's grip and he and Sklonda rush to the bathroom, quickly unbarricading it and opening it.

There, they see Riz in a ball in the center of the now completely messed up bathroom, sobbing. 

"Oh kiddo.." Sklonda whispers as she rushes to hold him in her arms.

"Mom? When did you-" He speaks through hiccuped breaths and is only hushed by her in response. 

He joins them on the floor and he holds his hand carefully, almost scared of his reaction, but Riz only cries harder. 

"I'm sorry. I- I don't know why I-" He kisses Riz's head. 

"It's okay. We're gonna talk to Jawbone tomorrow. We're gonna tell him everything okay?" 

" Everything ." Adaine repeats from the doorway and it makes Fabian clench his jaw.

"Not right now kids. Whatever that was needs to end right now." Sklonda cuts in before either of them say anything else.

She helps Riz up and takes him back to the room, motioning for the rest of The Bad Kids to go back to the living room.

In the living room, there is an awkward energy in the room, one that's never been present in the group before. 

"We have to talk guys…" Kristen starts.

"I agree. Adaine only ever gets that upset when it comes to her sister so this has to be really serious." No one laughs at Fig's joke.

"So, you want to tell them or do I have to, Fabian?" 

Fabian bites his tongue. "Has anyone ever told you you're just as much of a bitch as your sister-" He's cut off by a slap to the face by the elf girl. 

The rest of the bad kids gasp.

"Fabian's going to kill himself when Riz dies." Adaine states like a fact as she backs away from him like he's a powder keg rigged to explode.

The room goes silent.

"What?" Sklonda's voice comes from behind Fabian and he freezes, hoping desperately Riz isn't with her.

He turns to look at her, and thankfully, Riz isn't with her. 

"I just-" Fabian starts but stops when he realizes there isn't anything he can say.

"All of you sit down right now."

"But-" Fabian starts.

"Now!"

They all sit. "I'm going to call all of your parents and- and there will be conversations to be had." Sklonda states before walking out of the room. 

Fabian just stares at the floor for a hot minute. "Adaine. You are so motherfucking lucky I don't hit women."

She takes a shuttering breath. "I… Fabian, you have understand where I'm coming from. I- I couldn't just act like I didn't hear how bad you didn't want to live without Riz. You obviously need more help then you're already getting with your depression if it's already as bad as I saw it was."

"Fig. Kristen. If you don't fucking hit her for me, I'm going to seriously hurt her."

The room goes silent before Kristen raises her hand. "Can I do it? I've always wanted to hit someone." 

No one answers her as Fabian keeps staring down Adaine. "You're my friend Fabian. I cannot watch you kill yourself in 40 ish years when you have a lifespan of centuries. I know you love him but… but have a brain! Is that what he would want? Because I'll tell you right now it's not. You're not the only one who will be hurting but giving up seriously? Who even are you? Surely not our Fabian because our Fabian isn't a- a pussy!"

Fig laughs before clapping. "Woo Adaine using big girl words! Tell him off."

Adaine looks at her. "You know you'll live like a century and a half right? We're the only ones who will understand the pain of watching the people we love die."

Gorgug clears his throat. "Please don't kill yourself when we die.. None of us want that."

Fabian sighs and lays flat on the floor. "I… It was only a thought. I don't know if I'd actually do it.. It's just hard. I don't think I've ever been in love like this before.. So the thought of losing it all in such a short amount of time.. It feels unbearable. I didn't know you could grieve someone who was still alive.." 

Adaine sighs and lays next to him.

"You know that week I just didn't show up to school? Well I.. I was in bed. It was a depressive episode that I slipped into after finding out about goblin lifespans. Riz helped me through it and we talked about it… but it's still hard. I try to commit every moment to memory because- because what if-" He chokes on a sob and Adaine reaches out and grabs his hand, and so does someone else on the side he can't see on. "What if I forget… What if I forget his laugh? Or the way his ears twitch when he's deeply concentrating? If I start forgetting the small stuff, how long will it take to forget everything else? Like the color of his eyes…"

He lets tears slide down his face. "I try to keep it all locked away so I can keep getting out of bed everyday. So I don't worry you all. I keep smiling and- and acting like I'm fine while these feelings eat away at my chest. What if I forget Bloodrush games with Gorgug and Ragh? Or- or Kristen's crazy religious rants-" He hears her snort from his right side. "Or Fig's music? Or Adaine's stupid fucking frog-"

"His name is Boggy and he does not deserve the hate he has been getting tonight." 

The group erupts into laughter but there is a voice missing. 

One that he hears once the laughter dies out.

"Why the fuck are you guys laying on my floor?"

Riz stands in the doorway of his bedroom.

"Riz!" Fabian sits up, wiping his face as best as he can with both Adaine and Kristen holding his hands.

"Correction. Why are you all laying on my floor holding hands? What the fuck did I miss?" 

"Doesn't matter, join us in the cuddle puddle The Ball!" Fabian watches his boyfriend roll his eyes before climbing on top of him and laying down. 

"So, who's going to apologize for locking me in the bathroom by myself while I had a mental breakdown?" Riz asks into the silent room which quickly erupts into laughter.

"Sorry, The Ball, but it needed to be done. I woke up from a nightmare and you were going to shoot me in the face because of it." Fabian watches his face contort. 

"Sorry.. I swore there was something wrong with you."

"Well," Adaine starts from beside them.

Riz follows her gaze to the dead body laying on his dining room table. "Oh what the fuck?! Is that Baron? I fucking knew it!" He hit Fabian on the chest which does nothing.

Fabian rolls his eye. "He was never possessing me. He only haunted my dreams. And maybe showed up in the mirror in the bathroom. But he's dead so you have nothing to be scared of."

Riz huffs and curls up on his chest. "Why wouldn't you tell me? What if he tried to kidnap me again?"

Adaine shakes her head and Riz gives a confused look and she sighs. "Your boyfriend was being a self-sacrificing dickhead."

"What?" He looks at Fabian for answers but he says nothing.

"Yup. He wasn't going to ever tell you because as long as you didn't know Baron was just going to attack Fabian. He said it during the fight." Kristen shrugs beside them.

Riz's eye twitches. "I- Mm. We'll talk about this later Fabian."

"Woof! In the dog house you go, Fabian!" Fig yells from beside Adaine and Fabian can't help roll his eye.

"Well… I actually think we'll all be talking about it very soon because of Riz's mom…" Gorgug says on Fabian's right.

"What'd my mom do?" Riz questions before Sklonda walks back into the apartment. 

"Scheduled a group meeting with Jawbone because you all need it."

Riz groans, "No mom I don't-"

"Yes you do" The whole group says in unison. 

"Hey. You guys are supposed to have my side!" Riz groans.

"Not when you try to shoot Fabian in the face over a nightmare." Kristen says.

"And me. You were totally going to pull a gun on me if I didn't have Gorgug grab you.." Adaine continues looking right at him.

"Oh.." He sighs deeply. "I.. I don't even know what I was thinking." 

"And that's okay kiddo. You just need help and there is nothing wrong with that." Sklonda starts as she goes into the kitchen to make coffee, fully ignoring the skeleton on the dining table. 

"Also, Jawbone is on his way over to, one, have a talk with you all and, two, take half of you home." 

They all groan from their places on the floor before erupting into laughter.

They were all going to be okay. 

Maybe it'd take a while, but they'd do it.

Because they all had each other's backs. 

And right now, that's all that mattered.