Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

The bus doors screeched open, sending a wave of fresh air into the bus. Aloe inhaled deeply, savoring the intoxicating scent of fresh pine and nature. Back in Zuzu city, the closest thing Aloe got to fresh air was the walk-in freezer in the Joja Warehouse. The city was a concrete jungle, with public parks being few and far between. Aloe could count on one hand the number of times she'd seen grass, let alone walked on it. But now, here she was in Pelican Town - which was covered with grass as far as the eye could see.

Tall trees lined the road Aloe had driven in on. Their branches rustled in the breeze. Aloe watched in awe as the leaves fluttered by in the wind. She could finally be at peace.

She stepped out onto the hard-packed earth, dragging her small suitcase behind her. Though she had lived her entire life in Zuzu City, everything she’d ever held dear could be contained in a carry on. Aloe travelled light. No need to weigh herself down.

The bus doors screeched shut. Aloe could smell the burning rubber as the bus drove into a tunnel and out of sight. No turning back now. Aloe had left everything behind in Zuzu City, turning to a fresh start. She could do this. She had to. The life she left behind was not sustainable.

Freedom was in her clutches. She was almost there. Almost safe.

Aloe looked around the Pelican Town bus stop. Everything looked exactly like she remembered it. The same broken down minecart tucked in a corner, barely recognizable underneath a thick layer of branches. Aloe had always wondered why no one had taken apart the minecarts. She’d never seen them in use. The same dirt road that led her to the farmhouse. The same wooden fence Aloe and her sister had spent hours climbing over under the watchful eye of her grandfather. She smiled at the memories.

Aloe hadn’t been to Pelican Town since she was six years old. She had spent every summer on her Grandpa Ivan’s farm. Playing with all his animals. Helping her grandpa with the farm chores. Her farm visits had been the highlights of her childhood. A summer full of color was a break from her dull, grey life.

“Hello! You must be the new farmer!” A cheerful voice broke through the silence. Aloe turned in the direction of the voice. She saw a redheaded woman coming towards her, dressed in jeans, work boots, and a flattering vest. Aloe made a note to ask her for the pattern.

“Hi. I’m Aloe.” Aloe extended her hand. The woman took it. Her hand was callused, not soft as Aloe was used to. This woman obviously worked with her hands.

“Nice to meet you. I’m Robin, the local carpenter.” Robin smiled. Carpenter. That explained the tight handshake and callused palms.

Aloe smiled awkwardly, unsure of an appropriate response. She'd never been very good with small talk.

“It’s been a long time since anyone has been to Bonheur farm,” Robin continued, oblivious to Aloe’s discomfort. “My condolences for your grandfather. I’m sure that his death was difficult for you. "

Difficult was an understatement.

Aloe nodded in appreciation. Getting the letter from her Grandpa Ivan’s estate had been heartbreaking. She hadn’t been to see him since she was six, but he had left her everything. The farm. The house. His legacy.

Aloe’s mother and father were less than impressed. Grandpa Ivan had disowned her father – his only child – when he found out how her father had treated his children. Grandpa Ivan disowning him was the straw that broke the camel’s back. Aloe hadn’t understood why she could no longer go to the farm. She remembered sobbing hysterically and being sent to her room.

Aloe cringed at the memories of her parents finding out about her grandfather’s will. The yelling. The empty threats. The anger. Aloe scratched at her upper arm. She wasn't there anymore. She was safe. She was away from them.

“Come, let me show you.” Robin gently took Aloe’s suitcase from her, starting down the well-worn path. Aloe followed slowly. She heard birds in the trees. The slight croaking of frogs.

The nature sounds were addicting; Aloe couldn't believe she had missed out on this her whole life. She took another deep breath, soaking in all the fresh air she could.

"Here we are," Robin stopped at the entrance to Bonheur Farm. She looked back at Aloe. "It's a little rundown. It’s been a bit neglected since…well…"

Little wasn’t enough to describe the scene. Any expectations Aloe had about the farm were shot to pieces. Her hope shattered, landing at Aloe's feet in a million tiny pieces. Aloe had expected the farm to be bad, but this was awful. The entire farm was overridden with weeds. Even Aloe’s favorite thing – the chicken coop – was destroyed. Festered with mold. Rotten to its very bones. The only thing still standing was Grandpa Ivan's old farmhouse, but even the house looked awful. Tinier than Aloe remembered.

Robin must’ve noticed the expression on Aloe’s face, “It’s not so bad. I’d be more than happy to help you fix up the place once you get a little more settled in. Build some structures for animals.”

“I’m sure we can work something out,” Aloe responded quietly. She examined the farmhouse a little closer. One room. Not even a kitchen. The bathroom was a tiny room tucked behind the fireplace. Had the house always been this small? Aloe had memories of her own room, decorated just the way she liked it.

“If you bring me the materials, I can expand your house too.” Robin’s voice faded back into Aloe’s focus.

Aloe nodded, not entirely listening. Memories from her childhood flooded her senses. The bright colorful life she hoped to dive back into would take more work than she was expecting. She felt tears rising in her eyes. Aloe blinked hard. She would not cry. Not in front of this total stranger. Aloe didn't cry in front of anyone. Not anymore.

“Well, if you need anything, I live on the mountain. Come visit sometime.” Robin disappeared.

Taking a deep breath to steady herself, Aloe entered the farmhouse. The air was hot. Stuffy. She opened the windows, hoping the fresh air would clear out her senses. She turned to her suitcase. Her most prized possessions were in the bag.

Aloe pulled out her clothes, tucking them in the small dresser beside the bed. All that she had only filled the top drawer of the dresser. It looked sad. Pathetic. Her clothes had filled most of the bag, but Aloe had left space for her most treasured pictures. Pictures of her sister. Her brother. Her best friend. She put them all on the top of the dresser. The last thing in the bag was a small teddy bear. Aloe’s breath hitched; she held the bear to her chest for a moment before putting it on her dresser too. That was all she had in the world.

Aloe stretched out on her new bed. She was alone. Finally, she was alone. The silence had never felt so comforting.

Chapter Text

Later that evening, Aloe finally admitted to herself that she was hungry. Her stomach had been rumbling since she’d arrived at the farm, but she’d ignored it, too busy with the field.
She had spent most of the day plowing a small patch of land for the turnip seeds Robin had given her. The ground had fought back—tangled with weeds, clumps of stone hidden beneath the surface—but Aloe managed to clear a few stubborn squares. Enough for a start.

Her house, though, was completely empty. Not even a crumb. When she was little, Grandpa Ivan used to hide field snacks around the house—tucked behind bookshelves, inside boots, under loose floorboards. For nostalgia’s sake, she checked all the old hiding spots.

They were all empty.

She smiled faintly, despite herself. Maybe that was for the best. Some things didn’t need to last forever.

Her stomach growled again, more insistently this time.

She remembered going to the Stardrop Saloon with Grandpa Ivan. Bill Hastings always gave her extra treats—cookies wrapped in napkins, cups of hot cider too sweet for her mother’s taste. Maybe Bill was still there. Maybe he'd remember her.

Aloe grabbed her coat.

This time, she left the farm alone. She decided she’d walk along the road, see the town again, maybe meet a few people. Maybe have a drink or two. It had been a long time since she’d let herself do something as ordinary as that.

She hadn’t gone out much in the city. Not alone.

She hadn't been allowed.

As she walked along the worn path, her boots brushing against tall grass, Aloe let herself breathe. Deep, full breaths. She inhaled the clean air, sharp with pine and damp earth. Nature’s scent wrapped around her, steady and grounding.

In Zuzu City, the air had always tasted like metal and exhaust. Cars honking. People shouting. Always noise.

Here, there was only the quiet flutter of wings overhead. The soft thump of a rabbit darting into the underbrush. Maybe a frog croaking nearby, testing the evening air.

Aloe kept walking, wrapped in the silence, letting it settle somewhere deep inside her.

Aloe passed the old bus stop, where the dusty dirt path gave way to a stone sidewalk worn smooth by time. She walked past the same quaint houses she’d known since childhood. The doctor’s office. A familiar little shop called Pierre’s. Her steps slowed as the Stardrop Saloon came into view.

There it was.

The two-story building stood proud beneath the dusky sky, its warm lights glowing like a beacon. Just as she remembered—its wooden exterior full of character, every board and beam holding years of memories. She could almost hear Bill Hastings boasting about the expansion he’d built himself.

“For the kids,” he’d said, hammer in hand. “Let them play while the grown-ups forget the world for a while.”

A wave of sound drifted out as someone opened the door—laughter, clinking glasses, music playing faintly in the background. It smelled like sawdust, old wood, and something sweet from the kitchen.

Aloe stepped closer.

She reached for the doorknob, her fingers brushing the cool metal. Her chest tightened. One breath. Then another.

She didn’t know what—or who—was waiting inside.

But she opened the door anyway.

The inside was just like Aloe remembered it. Brightly lit and cheerful. Filled with songs from the past. Aloe carefully approached the bar. She passed a blond woman chugging back beer after beer, singing loudly to herself. She passed a group of three - all redheads.

Aloe took a seat by herself at the bar. At the other end of the bar was a man who seemed more interested in setting a record for downing beer than he did in interacting with people. Aloe breathed a sigh of relief. She didn't want any more small talk than necessary.

“Hey there,” A cheerful man slid up to her. “You must be new. I’m Gus Hastings. The owner of this bar.”

“I’m Aloe. Aloe Lalonde.” Aloe responded quietly.

Gus paused. Then his face broke into a huge smile.

“Aloe Lalonde, as in the granddaughter of Ivan Lalonde?” Gus put down the glass he was cleaning off. “I remember you and your grandfather coming into the bar when my father was still running the place.”

Aloe cocked her head to the side, “You do?”

“Absolutely.” Gus nodded. “You were the cutest little five-year-old. My dad loved having you around. He loved giving you plates of his new food to try.”

Aloe laughed, “I remember that. Your dad was Bill Hastings, eh? Grandpa Ivan talked about him a lot.”

“Well, what can I getcha?” Gus slipped back into his professional mode. “First order is on the house for any member of the Lalonde family.”

“I won’t say no to that.” Aloe tied her unruly curls out of her face. “What do you recommend?”

“I’ll surprise you.” Gus disappeared into the back.

Aloe waited.

The saloon had filled up quickly. Laughter and clinking glasses echoed off the wooden walls, mixing with the muffled sound of jukebox music and cue balls cracking.

A group of younger-looking adults had taken over the side room. A girl with bright purple hair was dominating at pool, grinning ear to ear as she sank shot after shot. Across from her, a blond boy shook his head in defeat. On a worn blue couch at the back of the room lounged a boy dressed head to toe in black. His skin was pale—almost ghostly against his ink-dark hair.

Aloe watched them from her seat.

Every time the purple-haired girl scored, she squealed and threw her arms around the boy in black. He barely reacted. His posture remained rigid, his hands never rising to meet her hug. He didn’t look at her. Once, his shoulders visibly tensed beneath her touch.

She didn’t seem to notice. Or didn’t want to.

Something about it made Aloe’s stomach twist.

It was too familiar.

Her own ex used to hug her like that—tight, possessive, one-sided. Never noticing how she flinched. Never caring.

Aloe looked away, jaw tight. She forced the image from her mind, pushing it down where the rest of that life lived.

You're being unfair, she told herself. You don’t even know these people.

Still, she couldn't shake the feeling that some things—no matter how far you ran—had a way of circling back.

“For you, Miss Aloe.” Gus had reappeared, bringing a plate of something fried. The delicious scent twirled off the plate, making Aloe’s stomach groan like a whale. “Tonight’s menu is fish and chips with tartar sauce. All homemade of course.”

Aloe’s stomach grumbled at the look of the food. It smelled divine.

“Enjoy,” Gus walked to the other end of the bar, giving a beer to the man who looked like he had enough already.

The food was delicious. Crispy batter. Lots of seasoning. The fish was tender; the fries were crispy. The tartar sauce had just a hint of lemon. Perfect. It brought Aloe back to her childhood. She had eaten fish and chips here frequently. Her grandfather didn't know how to cook. Grandpa Ivan had begged Bill Hastings for the recipe many a time, to no luck.

Aloe placed a tip on her plate as she left. The saloon was still bustling, but Aloe didn’t want to disturb anybody.

A beautiful night deserved to be walked through.

Aloe wandered aimlessly, letting her feet lead the way. The town was quiet now—lights glowing in warm windows, crickets beginning their nighttime song. Eventually, she found a river and a small arched bridge. She crossed it, drawn forward by memory and instinct, and was pleasantly surprised when the landscape opened to reveal the beach.

She kept walking.

At the end of a narrow dock, worn smooth by time and tide, Aloe sat down. She slipped off her shoes and let her feet dangle over the edge. The water was cool, just brushing her toes, and sent a small thrill through her.

Grandpa had brought her here. He’d taught her to swim in this very spot—arms outstretched in the shallows, coaxing her forward with laughter and patience. For a moment, she could almost feel the warmth of his hand holding hers beneath the waves.

She stared out over the water. The sky was painted in deep purples and soft blues, the horizon blending seamlessly with the sea. The gentle lapping of water against the dock lulled her into stillness. She hadn’t felt this calm in years. Hadn’t felt this alone—in the best way.

Then—footsteps.

Aloe’s body stiffened.

The soft thud of shoes against the wooden dock shattered her quiet. Her breath caught. She braced herself, every muscle tensing. Her fingers curled around the edge of the dock, grounding herself for whatever was coming.

But nothing came.

The footsteps didn’t stop behind her. They moved beside her—slow, deliberate.

Out of the corner of her eye, she caught the unmistakable outline of black jeans.

Her breath eased out slowly, but her heart hadn’t quite caught up.

“Can I sit with you?” Aloe finally looked up. There was the boy she had seen earlier in the evening.

“Sure,” Aloe responded. She took a deep breath.

Relax Aloe. He’s not here. He can’t find you.

The boy sat down next to her, taking his shoes off. “I’m Sebastian.”

Yoba, this boy was beautiful. His complexion was pale but perfect. In the light of the moon, this boy nearly glowed. He was strong bone structure. High cheekbones. A perfect touch of stubble covering his jaw. Aloe fought the urge to run her fingers over it.

“Aloe.”

“Interesting name.” Sebastian remarked. He took out a cigarette and lit it, keeping the smoke away from Aloe. A small gesture, but an appreciated one nonetheless.

“Thanks?” Aloe questioned. Who was the boy? What did he mean by that?

“I meant it as a compliment I swear.” Sebastian held up his free hand in an “I surrender” motion. “I haven’t heard it before. I like it. Is it short for anything?”

Aloe nodded, “Alouette.”

“Huh?” Sebastian asked. He took a drag of his cigarette, blowing the smoke away from her. "Really?"

Aloe pursed her lips, “My parents really embraced their French roots. Alouette Lalonde.” She couldn’t help but bristle at his tone.

“I like it. I like it.” Sebastian wrung his hands together. “I hope I didn’t offend you.”

Aloe raised an eyebrow, locking eyes with him for a moment. This boy has beautiful blue eyes. Kind. She couldn't see anger anywhere in them. Only sadness. She relaxed. “You didn’t.”

“Good.” Sebastian gave her a small smile.

They fell back into silence. A comfortable silence, unlike anything Aloe had ever experienced before. Wasn't silence supposed to be loud? Awkward? Scary? What was this?

Aloe grew uncomfortable. Her stomach heaved. She pressed her nails into her palms. Should she leave? Would it be noticeable if she left? Why was he sitting with her?

Who was this boy?

“I should go.” Aloe rose to leave. The silence was too much for her. “I’ll see you around…Sebastian.”

As she rapidly left the beach, she heard a faint “Goodbye…Alouette.”

Chapter Text

The days and nights seemed to blend together. Time blurred into a never-ending list of chores: planting crops, watering crops, harvesting crops. Fishing. Foraging. Aloe had goals. Her first one was getting a chicken coop. She was getting tired of salad for all three meals.

On her frequent ventures outside of the farm, Aloe had noticed a mine shaft. Tucked away in the mountains. She’d heard rumours about monsters lurking in the levels. Aloe was brave…but not that brave. Maybe she’d start mining when she had enough money to get a better weapon. The sword she had could write a novel from all the stories it knew.

Aloe hadn’t spoken to Sebastian since that night on the beach.

She’d seen him around—of course she had. That was the curse of small-town life. Nowhere to hide. No crowds to disappear into. Just narrow streets, shared spaces, and a community too small for distance.

Every time she spotted him—whether in the general store or walking past the clinic—she turned the other way. Pretended to be absorbed in a display window or ducked behind someone else in line. She couldn’t face him.

Not because of what he’d done.

Because of what she was.

Too broken. Too heavy with a past she hadn’t asked for but couldn’t shake. And Sebastian… Sebastian didn’t deserve to be dragged into that mess.

She’d even started avoiding places she loved—just in case he might be there. Just in case he’d try to rope her into another round of awkward small talk, eyes too gentle, voice too forgiving.
Still, she saw him. Almost every day. Usually with the blonde boy, or that purple-haired girl who always seemed to have something to laugh about. They looked like they belonged to this town.

Aloe didn’t. Not really.

And maybe that was the point.

Once, late at night, Aloe had been walking home through the mountains. The stars were bright that evening, and the path was bathed in silver from the moon overhead. She hadn’t meant to linger—but she stopped when she saw him.

Sebastian.

He was down by the mountain lake, a faint glow of smoke curling from the cigarette in his hand. He didn’t see her.

Aloe ducked behind Robin’s house, heart racing for no reason she could justify. She stood there, half-hidden, just watching him.

The moonlight made him look unreal—his pale skin glowing softly, almost luminous. His jawline was sharp, elegant in its stillness. He leaned back slightly, head tipped to the stars, lost in some thought she’d never be able to reach. He looked so far away. So beautiful.

Aloe admired him in silence.

And then, instead of going to him—saying something, anything—she turned and walked away. Back to her tiny home, back to her crops and to-do lists.

She threw herself into preparing for the next season.

That was easier.

If she worked hard enough, maybe she could upgrade the house. Maybe grow something she could control.

Her crops were flourishing. Her wallet was getting fuller.

But the quiet ache in her chest? That part never seemed to harvest.

On the first morning of summer, Aloe got dressed for the beach.

She wasn’t sure how hot the valley would get, so she pulled on her most comfortable jeans and a soft T-shirt. No sandals—she didn’t own any—so sneakers would have to do. Her fishing rod leaned by the door, ready. The nice man at the fishing shop had told her that new fish came with each season. She liked the sound of that. Her little house could use some life. Maybe a tank of bright, darting fish would make it feel less… empty.

She opened the front door—and nearly collided with something solid.

She gasped and stumbled, catching herself against the frame. “I’m so sorry!” she blurted. “Are you alright?”

A low chuckle answered her. Familiar. Unmistakable.

“It’s all good,” the voice said.

Aloe froze.

She looked up—and her heart skipped, then tripped, then thundered.

“Sebastian?”

He stood there, his usual black hoodie hanging off one shoulder, jeans as dark and stubborn as ever. Even in the rising summer heat, he looked exactly like she remembered—cool, unreadable, and frustratingly beautiful.

“To what… why… I mean—what’s up?” she stammered, words tangling in her mouth. Her cheeks flared with heat that had nothing to do with the sun.

Sebastian rubbed the back of his neck, avoiding her eyes for a second. “Um…” He gave a small, nervous laugh. “I wanted to ask if you might wanna hang out. My friends and I—we play pool at the saloon every week. Thought maybe… you’d like to come sometime?”

He shifted his weight from one foot to the other, like he wasn’t sure she’d say yes. Like he wasn’t sure she should.

Aloe blinked, trying to catch up. Her heart was still stuck on the word hang out.

Aloe chewed on her bottom lip. Back in the city, she’d never be allowed to hang out with people. Especially boys. But Aloe wasn’t in the city anymore. She had a life of her own in Pelican Town.

"I totally get if you're too busy on the farm...but I liked talking to you the other night, and I know Sam and … yeah, they’re are going to love you." Sebastian fidgeted with his hands a lot when he rambled. "Um, yeah. You don't have to answer now, obviously, but I could like...give you my phone number or something so you could text me...only if you wanted to text me yeah."

“Sure.” Aloe finally said, cutting him off mid-rant. She pushed back a chuckle. This boy looked so cute when he was awkward. She handed him her phone. He tapped the screen for a second then handed it back to her.

“Sebastian Miller?” Aloe typed him a quick message. “There you go.”

Sebastian let out a deep breath. “Okay. Great. Um....”

“I’m heading out to the beach now actually. Do you want to join me?” Aloe didn't know where this confidence had come from. She wasn't this bold back in the city. "I could use some help fishing."

Sebastian’s face lit up like a Christmas tree, “I would. Not sure how much help I'll be though.”

What was she doing? Who was this version of Aloe?

"That's okay. We can figure it out together." Aloe tied her long hair out of her face. Tendrils escaped immediately, falling into Aloe's eyes. She quietly cursed her hair for not behaving.
Aloe decided to cut through Cindersap forest on her way to the beach. She still wasn't used to all the sounds of nature. Sebastian followed closely behind her. They passed by Marnie’s house, where Aloe needed to go as soon as she could get Robin to build her a coop. Aloe had to save another thousand gold. She wasn’t quite at her goal yet.

“So, how long have you lived here?” Sebastian tucked his hands in his pockets.

Aloe raised an eyebrow at him, “Small talk eh?" Great. "Pegged you more as the strong and silent type.”

“Can’t blame me for trying to get to know a pretty girl.” Sebastian grinned crookedly. “Especially a mysterious farmer girl.”

“Smooth,” Aloe murmured dryly. Secretly, her heart was fluttering in her chest. “I moved here about a month ago. At the beginning of Spring.”

“I probably could’ve figured that out,” Sebastian whispered. So quietly Aloe had to strain her ears to hear him.

“Mysterious huh?” Aloe couldn’t help her smile. “I like it.”

“You’re a bit of a novelty Alouette.” Sebastian ran a hand through his hair. “Ivan Lalonde was adored in our community.”

Ignoring the use of her full name, Aloe changed the subject, "How do you like living here?"

Sebastian shrugged one shoulder, "I haven't lived anywhere else long enough to say I guess. Mom and I moved here when I was two. She met and married Demetrius like a year later. Had Maru - my sister - a year later. Don't know where we lived before that. Mom won't tell me."

Aloe ran a hand through her hair, raking the unruly curls away from her face. She adjusted her fishing rod.

Sebastian scratched his arm, “Yeah. That’s me. That’s my life.”

"If you could move anywhere else, where would you go?" Aloe asked.

"Zuzu City," Sebastian responded almost immediately. “Zuzu City for sure.”

Aloe bit her tongue, "Why there of all places?" She couldn’t hold back the disgust that laced her tone.

Sebastian tensed. His face went blank.

“I’m so sorry,” Aloe apologized immediately. “That’s not what I meant.”

Sebastian shook his head. He gestured quickly.

“Sebby!”

A blur of purple shot past Aloe, nearly knocking Sebastian off his feet with the force of her arrival.

Aloe froze.

The girl flung herself into his arms, wrapping around him like ivy, her lips brushing frantically over his face—one, two, three kisses too many. Sebastian didn’t move. His arms stayed at his sides, stiff and unmoving. His face didn’t change.

By the time she pulled back, his cheeks were smudged with streaks of lipstick—vivid and uneven, like something messy that shouldn’t be there.

Aloe glanced at him. And he… looked back.

But it wasn’t an apology in his eyes—it was something deeper. Something unreadable. His mouth opened slightly, as if to say something—then snapped shut.

Her nails dug into her palms. She couldn’t look away.

The girl turned then, finally noticing her.

“Oh!” she said, as if surprised anyone else existed. She tightened her grip around Sebastian’s waist possessively, resting her head on his shoulder like a claim.

Aloe’s gut twisted.

A girlfriend?

Sebastian didn’t flinch, but his jaw ticked—just for a second. He stood like a mannequin, letting her cling to him, but never leaning in. Never relaxing. Aloe saw it now: tension beneath the surface, like he was holding something in.

Or back.

She felt sick. Her stomach lurched and she swallowed hard, forcing it down.

“Are you gonna introduce me to your friend, Sebby?” the girl asked, her voice light but edged with something sharp.

Sebastian hesitated.

Then he turned to Aloe—but this time, he couldn’t meet her eyes.

And Aloe knew, in a strange and sudden way, that something about all of this wasn’t what it seemed.

Aloe broke the tension, "I'm Aloe Lalonde. The new farmer."

The girl smiled, "Awe, I'm going to miss exploring those overgrown fields. But I'm sure you'll turn it into something wonderful. I'm Abigail by the way. Call me Abby."

Aloe had seen her around town with him. She could finally put a name to the face. His friend, Sebastian had said.

"I was about to head to the beach. So um...I guess I'll see you later." Aloe turned away from the couple. She walked as quickly as she could without looking suspicious.

The beach was surrounded by thick brush. Perfect for hiding.

Aloe would know.

She had hidden in forests like this before—when the yelling got too loud, when glass shattered across kitchen tiles, when her brother’s footsteps became thunder. The woods behind her childhood home had been the only place she could breathe. The only place that didn’t ask anything of her.

She moved without thinking, scanning the treeline. There—a strong, wide-barked tree. She hoisted herself up, her limbs moving with practiced ease, like they remembered what her heart had forgotten.

He had a girlfriend. A fucking girlfriend.

Of course he did.

Aloe settled onto a thick branch, panting quietly. She pressed her forehead into her palms. Was she cursed? First her ex, now Sebastian. Her instincts were broken. How had she ever thought he might be different?

From her perch, she could see the entire beach. The dock. The pale water lapping gently at the shore. And then—

Movement.

Sebastian burst onto the sand, breathless. He scanned the beach like a man searching for something he'd already lost. Then he turned, darting into the forest with a frantic energy that made Aloe go still.

He wasn’t just wandering.

He was running.

She moved quickly but silently, navigating the upper branches with the same old skill she’d used to escape beatings. She tracked his figure deeper into the woods.

There—through a break in the trees—she spotted him. Hunched near a moss-covered log, knees drawn to his chest, head buried in his arms.

And he was shaking.

Aloe’s breath caught. He wasn’t just upset. He was crying. Deep, silent sobs that rocked through his body, the kind he clearly didn’t want anyone to see.

Slowly, Aloe began to climb down, every step careful. She didn’t even know why—some part of her just needed to be closer.

Then—crack.

A loose branch snapped underfoot.

Sebastian’s head whipped up, eyes wide, panicked. His hand darted to his face, scrubbing frantically at his tears like he could erase them fast enough.

Their eyes met.

And for a moment, nothing moved. Not the wind. Not the trees. Not the ache in her chest.

Only the echo of a shared silence, thick with things neither of them knew how to say.

"I wasn't crying," Sebastian's voice broke. "I wasn't."

Aloe dropped to the ground. She knelt beside him, gently touching his bicep with her hand. He flinched hard at the touch. Aloe blinked hard. No. Not him. Not here. Not where Aloe was supposed to be safe.

"You don't have to be ashamed of crying. Not here. Not with me." She sat beside him. "Let it out. Just let it out."

Sebastian pulled Aloe in. He cuddled into her chest, sobbing his eyes out. Aloe stroked his hair, brushing wet strands from his face. She rubbed his back in circles. Sebastian's body shook with the force of his crying. He let out sobs so heartbroken Aloe had only heard before in movies. All she wanted to do was pull him into her arms and hug him until his pain went away. But she couldn't. She just couldn't bring herself to hold a stranger so intimately. Especially when he had a girlfriend.

The sunset over the horizon, bathing Aloe and Sebastian in the moonlight. Sebastian's sobs had faded, but he stayed buried in Aloe's chest. Aloe wiped away his remaining tears. Why was his skin so soft?

Sebastian took a deep breath. Then another. His breaths steadied. He sat up, pushing himself away from Aloe. He sat back against a tree.

Aloe looked at him, but he didn't return her gaze. His expression remained blank, but Aloe could see the tightness in Sebastian's strong jaw. She saw the veins popping out of his hands.

"Sebastian?" Aloe asked quietly. "Do you want to talk about it?"

He stood up abruptly, "Are my eyes red?"

Aloe stood up. She barely came up to his shoulders.

"A little bit."

"Ok." Sebastian scratched at his wrists. "I could probably say I've been smoking, but they won't be able to smell it on my clothes. I could say I was walking around, but then my eyes were... No, I have to wait." His eyes were miles away, looking through Aloe.

His mouth moved quickly. Muttering to himself.

Without a second thought, Aloe grabbed his hand. Sebastian tensed at her touch.

"Look at me," Aloe said firmly.

Sebastian looked at her. Finally. His eyes were filled with pain. Panic. He was terrified.

"Do you want to go home tonight?" She asked him.

Sebastian shook his head rapidly.

"Do you want to spend the night at my farm?" Aloe laced her fingers with this. Her skin burned with his touch. "I have a couch. It's a little small, but it's pretty comfortable. Or you could share my bed if you wanted to."

Sebastian squeezed her hand, "I can't. I need to go home. I have to go home."

"Then at least let me walk with you until you feel safe enough to go home." Aloe put a hand on his shoulder. "Okay?"

"Okay.”

Chapter Text

Aloe and Sebastian took the scenic route home, following the narrow trail that curved behind Marnie’s ranch and passed a small cottage perched just above the river. Night had swallowed the valley whole. The stars blinked faintly through the treetops, but no other lights cut through the dark. The world felt quiet, secretive.

No one would see them out here. Not this deep in the trees. Not when they were cloaked in the safety of the forest.

"Are you sure you don't want to stay the night?" Aloe asked softly as they crossed into her farm. The scent of damp earth and growing things clung to the air. She glanced at Sebastian, watching the way his eyes flicked over her crops — the careful rows, the tiny green signs of life. For a moment, he looked relaxed.

The moment faded as quickly as it appeared.

Sebastian’s shoulders tensed as he looked away.

“I can’t,” he said. “Not that I don’t want to… I just can’t. My stepdad expects me home at night.”

He didn’t say it bitterly. He said it like a fact. Like gravity.

Aloe squeezed his hand, gently. His hands tucked into his pockets; hidden away from the horrors she knew nothing about. “Okay. Come on. We’ll take the long way.”
They turned into the mountains, but with every step closer to his house, Sebastian started to tremble. Not visibly — not at first. It was in the way his fingers twitched against hers. The way his breath shortened. The way he flinched at twigs snapping underfoot, like each sound was a warning. In the way he fell behind her. Not too far. Just a step.

Aloe felt it in her bones — the kind of dread you don’t talk about. The kind that takes root in your stomach when you’re too young to name it.

She hated that she understood.

Hated the way she could feel his fear as if it were her own.

Hated that she couldn’t protect him from what she was running from.

She had run from Zuzu City to escape that exact feeling — the tension in her chest, the suffocating silence, the sharp edge of every goodnight. But where could Sebastian run in a place like Pelican Town? Where could he hide?

Nowhere. Just trees for miles. Just shadows. Just the ache of pretending everything was fine.

The lights were on in Sebastian’s house.

He froze mid-step.

His hands curled into tight fists, knuckles white. Aloe reached out instinctively, placing a gentle hand on his bicep — the same way she had in the forest by the beach. A familiar gesture. A silent offering of safety.

“Look at me,” she said softly, reaching her other hand to his shoulder. “You’re going to be okay. If you need anything, you come find me.”

Sebastian shook his head. He pulled away from her touch like it burned. His shoulders rounded, shrinking into himself as he drew his hands inside the sleeves of his hoodie.

Aloe stepped back, giving him space, but her heart clenched.

“My door will always be open for you, Sweetie,” she whispered, her voice barely audible as she melted into the shadows of the trees.

Sebastian took slow, halting steps toward the front of the house. The porch light buzzed faintly. As he reached the top step—

SLAM.

The front door flung open with a force that rattled the frame. Even from the trees, Aloe saw the entire house shake.

A looming figure stood in the doorway. She couldn’t make out the face — only the harsh silhouette. Sebastian flinched like a kicked animal.

“Where have you been?” The man’s voice boomed through the valley, crashing against the trees. “Your mother’s been worried sick. Get in here.”

Before Sebastian could respond, the figure yanked him inside. The door slammed shut behind them, the sound echoing like a gunshot in the still night.

Then came the yelling.

Faint but furious. Indistinct words muffled by wood and insulation — but the tone was unmistakable. Aloe had heard that tone before. Had been on the other side of it.

She waited.

She stayed hidden in the shadows beneath the trees, watching that house like it was something wild and dangerous.

She didn’t move until the lights inside flicked off.

Didn’t breathe until the shouting stopped.

And then, finally, Aloe turned her back on the quiet, dark house and made her way down the hill, through the trees, and back toward her farm.

Her feet moved on instinct. Her heart did not.

It was heavy. Weighted by the echo of everything she couldn’t unsee.

Seeing Sebastian like that… so vulnerable, so scared — it cracked something in her. She had only seen one other person so broken before.

Coco.

She and her sister had spent entire nights hiding out in the forest when things got bad. Hours spent in silence, holding hands, pretending they were invisible. Before Aloe ran away. Before Bonheur Farm.

But Bonheur hadn’t erased anything. It wasn’t a clean slate.

Aloe craved a solace she could never obtain.

Sleep never came that night. Instead, Aloe sat curled on her worn-out couch, staring at her old phone, swiping through photos from a life she no longer belonged to.

Pictures of her mom and dad. Her siblings. Her ex. Friends she thought she had made.

She wasn’t sure when the tears started — only that at some point her cheeks were wet. She wiped them away angrily.

This place was supposed to be a fresh start. A new chapter.

But some memories don’t fade.

Especially the ones that still ache like bruises.

Aloe tucked her phone deep into the back of her dresser drawer, hiding it behind her small, neatly folded stack of undergarments. It felt symbolic — sealing away that part of her life. In Pelican Town, she didn’t need a phone. If someone wanted to find you, they knew where to look.

The fire crackled softly in the hearth, its warmth wrapping around her like a worn quilt. It lulled her into a fragile sense of security — a comfort that felt borrowed rather than earned.

She curled up on the rug in front of the fireplace, cracking open a book she had always meant to read. The cover felt stiff from disuse. The pages smelled faintly of dust and old paper. She turned one after the other, but the words blurred and danced across the page, twisting into shapes she couldn’t decipher.

She wasn’t really reading.

The silence of the farmhouse was thick. Every so often, the wind would rattle the windowpanes, or the fire would hiss as it devoured a new log. But otherwise, Aloe sat still, her eyes staring past the lines of print.

Eventually, rain began to tap against the roof — soft at first, then steadier. A summer rain. Gentle. Cleansing.

By the time her alarm went off, morning had arrived without her noticing.

Aloe hit snooze without looking at the time. The rain meant she didn’t need to water the crops today. That was something, at least.

She let herself sink further into the rug, as if she could vanish into the floorboards. Just for a little while longer.

A couple of hours later, a knock broke through the hush of the farmhouse. It was so soft, Aloe almost thought she imagined it. If she hadn’t been awake — hadn’t been staring blankly at the fireplace for hours — she would’ve missed it entirely.

Who would be out in this weather?

The rain had grown heavier, steady as a drumbeat on the roof. Aloe pulled herself off the rug, her limbs stiff from staying in the same position for so long. She crossed the floor slowly, cautiously. Her fingers hovered over the doorknob.

The moment she opened the door, her breath caught in her throat.

Sebastian stood on her porch like a ghost. His black hoodie clung to him, soaked through from the rain. His eyes — usually so guarded — were red, puffy, rimmed with the kind of grief that doesn’t sleep. His pale skin was marred with bruises, a fresh one blooming purple along his jaw. His lower lip was split open, blood dripping down his chin and staining the front of his sweater in deep, rust-colored streaks.

His left eye was swollen shut.

He didn’t speak.

Aloe’s heart plummeted to her feet. For a moment, the world stopped — rain drumming against the porch roof, her pulse hammering in her ears, and Sebastian just... standing there, broken.

She reached for him without thinking.

He entered slowly, nearly collapsing on her doorstep – the weight of his wounds too heavy for him to bare.

Aloe caught him before he could fall. He moved like a marionette. Stiff. Not quite in control of his limbs.

She pulled one of his arms over her shoulders and led him into her bed. As soon as his head hit the pillow, Sebastian was out like a light. Whatever had happened at the house…wasn’t for Aloe to think about. He was here. He was safe.

Aloe pulled the quilt gently over his legs. She hesitated before adjusting it higher — his hoodie was thick and damp, clinging to his frame. He didn’t need more heat, just safety. Just stillness.

She couldn’t bring herself to touch him again. Not yet.

What had happened after she left him at the edge of his yard? It had only been a few hours. How had things gotten this bad so quickly?

Aloe crouched beside the couch, her fingers brushing lightly through his dark hair, pushing it out of his face. His features, softened by sleep, were almost childlike. No pain. No fear. No tension in his jaw. Just silence. It was the most peace she’d seen in him since she arrived in Pelican Town.

“Sleep well,” she whispered. The words barely made it past her throat.

She stood and quietly stepped into the bathroom. The house creaked beneath her feet — an old, familiar sound. Grandpa Ivan’s medicine cabinet hadn’t changed. Inside, a small plastic first aid kit sat beside a half-used bottle of cough syrup and a yellowing box of bandages. She opened the kit — gauze, a few antiseptic wipes, medical tape. It wasn’t much, but it would have to be enough.

Aloe dampened a square of gauze with warm water and returned to the living room. Sebastian hadn’t moved.

She sat on the edge of the couch, careful not to jostle him. Slowly, she reached out and dabbed at the dried blood on his chin. The gauze turned crimson. Her stomach clenched.

When she reached his split lip, he twitched — not quite awake, but not entirely unconscious either. A sharp breath escaped his nose, and his brow furrowed in pain.

“I’m sorry,” Aloe murmured, her voice cracking.

She paused for a moment, the damp gauze hovering midair, unsure if she should keep going. She hated this — hated how fragile he looked. How little she could do.
How much it reminded her of Coco.

"I'm sorry," Aloe paused her cleaning. She wasn't sure what to put on bruises or black eyes, so she decided to just leave him. Maybe she'd make a trip to the doctor's office when Sebastian was awake. Something in Aloe didn't want to leave Sebastian by himself.

At this point, Aloe heard another knock on her door. She went and opened it, but there was nobody there. On her doorstep was a plastic bag and an envelope with Aloe's name written on it. Aloe opened the plastic bag first, finding it full of clothes. Sebastian's clothes. Then she opened the envelope.

Aloe,

Tell Sebastian I'm sorry. He can stay with you as long as he wants.
Robin.

P.S. Your next house upgrade is free. I'll add an extra bedroom too.

Aloe left the note on the table. She'd talk to Sebastian when he woke up.

Sebastian didn’t stir until late afternoon. The rain had stopped by then, leaving everything outside glistening, washed clean. Inside, the air smelled faintly of chicken broth and herbs.

Aloe stood over her hot plate, stirring a small pot of soup. She wasn’t sure what Sebastian liked, so she made the comfort food she grew up with — chicken noodle, simple and warm.

“Alouette?” Sebastian’s voice cracked through the silence. Groggy, hesitant. “Is that you?”

Aloe turned toward him. “It’s me.”

He sat up too fast, grimacing as pain lanced through his side. “How long have I— I need to go home.”

Aloe was at his side in an instant. She gently pressed him back and propped up a few pillows behind him. “You're okay. You’re safe here.”

She reached for a folded piece of paper on the side table and handed it to him. “Your mom left this at my door this morning.”

Sebastian unfolded the letter. His eyes scanned the handwriting. His jaw clenched. “Of course,” he muttered, voice flat. “She’s not leaving him.”

He crumpled the edges of the page.

“Sebastian,” Aloe said softly, pulling the letter away before he could rip it.

“I don’t want to hear it, Alouette,” he snapped.

“I wasn’t going to say anything,” she replied evenly. She turned back to the pot and ladled soup into a bowl. She placed it on the table beside him, then pulled a bottle of beer from the wooden trunk at the foot of her bed.

“Thanks.” He took it with a nod and began to eat — fast, as though he hadn’t tasted food in days.

“More?” she asked, already reaching for the ladle.

“I don’t want to take more than my share,” he said.

“There are only two of us, Sebastian. I grow my own food. Eat.”

He didn’t argue. He finished the second bowl just as quickly.

“I’m okay now. Really,” Sebastian said, standing. He picked up the empty bowl and limped to the bathroom. The sound of running water followed. “Do you have dish soap or anything? I’ll clean this.”

“You don’t have to,” Aloe said gently. “Sit down. I’ve got it.”

“Please.” His voice cracked. “Please let me do something.”

She stepped toward him and gently took the bowl from his hands. He flinched as he let it go, pain flickering across his face.

Aloe set it aside and steered him gently back to the bed.

“You’re hurting, Sebastian. You can’t even move without wincing. Rest today. Tomorrow, we’ll talk. We’ll figure something out.”

He sat heavily, silent.

“Want to watch a movie?” she offered. “Take your mind off things?”

Sebastian nodded, eyes still on the floor. “Sure. What do you have?”

“You can pick.” Aloe pulled her phone out from her dresser drawer and handed it to him. “Not much service out here, but I’ve got a few downloads.”

He scrolled without much enthusiasm, settling on an action flick with grainy special effects. Aloe smiled faintly at the choice — something predictable, something where the good guys won.

She paused. “You okay if I… lie down with you?”

He shrugged one shoulder. “It’s your house.”

“I want you to be comfortable,” she said. “You can stay as long as you need. I’ll run errands. Keep people off your back until you're ready.”

Sebastian sniffled, wiping at his face with the sleeve of his hoodie. “You’re too kind to me.”

Aloe eased beside him, laying her head on his shoulder. He smelled like pine and old smoke — a woodsy scent buried in layers of something worn and aching. He let his arm settle around her shoulders, slow and unsure, but not pulling away.

She angled the phone on his chest. The movie began to play, but neither of them were really watching.

Eventually, Aloe drifted off — safe, for now, in the quiet warmth beside him.

Chapter Text

Aloe woke up cold.

The side of the bed where Sebastian had been was empty — the pillow still indented, but cool to the touch. She reached for it instinctively, hoping for some leftover warmth. Instead, the cold fabric jolted her fully awake.

She sat upright, heart thudding in her chest.

“Sebastian?”

No answer. Just the whisper of wind against the windowpane.

She stretched her arms, joints cracking in the quiet farmhouse. The sound echoed far too loud in the stillness. Something was wrong. The ache in her elbows couldn’t compare to the ache in her chest.

He wouldn’t have gone back there. Not after last night. Not after the way he had flinched.

Would he?

Aloe threw back the quilt and bolted from bed. Her feet barely touched the floor as she tore open the front door, eyes scanning the hazy morning light. Dew clung to every blade of grass. Her crops stood tall, still wet from the storm the night before.

But the fields were empty.

No figure in dark clothes. No familiar slouch. No Sebastian.

Just the sound of her breath, too loud, too fast, and the echo of her heartbeat in her ears.

He was gone.

“Seb?” Aloe called, voice cracking as the word left her throat. Her chest tightened.

He couldn’t have gone back. Not after everything. “Sebastian?”

“Yeah?”

The voice came from behind her.

Aloe spun around. Relief surged through her so fast she nearly staggered. Tears filled her eyes before she could blink them away. He hadn’t gone. He was still here.

With her.

Sebastian stood just outside the bathroom, his black hair dripping, plastered to his forehead and cheekbones. The steam still clung to his skin. He wore nothing but a towel slung low around his waist.

Her breath caught in her throat.

The bruises on his chest were worse than she’d imagined. Angry splotches of purple, green, and sickly yellow bloomed across his ribs and shoulders like something out of a nightmare. Her stomach twisted.

She wanted to wrap him in a blanket. Wanted to pull him close and protect every broken part of him. But she held herself still.

“I—I woke up and you weren’t there,” she said quietly, trying to hide the tremble in her voice. “I guess I panicked.”

Sebastian’s eyes softened. “I’m so sorry, Aloe.” His voice broke around the words. “I couldn’t sleep. I didn’t mean to scare you.”

“Don’t apologize,” she whispered. She took a careful step closer, still resisting the pull to touch him. “You’re safe here. You don’t have to explain anything until you’re ready. My home is your home. And when…your mom…comes by fix the other room, maybe you could even have your own space—your own things.”

Sebastian blinked at her, as if the idea was something too distant to believe in.

Aloe gave him a soft, uncertain smile. “No pressure. Just...you don’t have to leave. Not unless you want to. You can stay. As long as you’d like…if you want.” Her voice softened with each word.

He nodded, jaw clenched to keep the emotion in check. For a moment, silence lingered between them—thick with unspoken pain, but also something quieter.

Sebastian’s jaw tightened at the mention of his mother.

“Right. My mother.”

His voice was flat, but his body betrayed him. His hands curled into tight fists, the veins in his forearms standing out starkly beneath pale skin. Rage boiled just beneath the surface.
“She’s coming today.”

The words dropped like stones between them.

Aloe stepped closer, careful not to touch him. “We could go somewhere… if you don’t want to be here when she shows up.”

Her eyes scanned his face, hoping for something — a flicker of relief, maybe. He remained still, guarded, unreadable.

“We could spend the day at the beach?” she offered, her voice gentle. “Or in the forest. Somewhere private.”

Sebastian didn’t look at her.

“No.”

The word came out low and sharp — not quite a snarl, but close.

“I need to face her.”

There was something raw in the way he said it. Not just resolve. Something buried. Something old.

Aloe nodded, maybe too quickly. “Okay.”

She admired his courage, even if she saw the cracks beneath it. After everything — the bruises, the silence, the long shadows of his family — he still wanted to stand his ground. To face the very person who kept him under control for so long.

She wished she’d had that strength when she left Zuzu City. Maybe things would have ended differently.

But this wasn’t about her.

“Whatever happens,” she said softly, “I’ll be here.”

And she meant it.

Aloe and Sebastian sat at the small kitchen table when the knock came. Morning light streamed through the windows, catching in the rising steam from the coffee mugs. The scent of fresh pancakes lingered in the air.

Aloe had cooked for both of them, though her mind kept wandering to the unfinished kitchen. She couldn’t wait for the day when she’d have proper appliances — an actual oven, counter space, a working fridge. For now, the hot plate and battered coffee maker would have to do.

Sebastian had changed before breakfast, to Aloe’s faint disappointment. Gone was the cozy hoodie he'd slept in. He wore his usual black jeans and fitted t-shirt, his arms now bare. The bruises along his forearms hadn’t faded — dark blooms just barely visible beneath his skin. His damp hair clung to his temples, strands falling into his eyes as he stared down at his coffee, swirling the mug with both hands. He hadn’t said much all morning.

The knock on the door made Aloe flinch.

She got up quietly and crossed the floor. When she opened the door, Robin stood on the porch — looking smaller than Aloe remembered.

She wore her usual work clothes: rugged jeans, scuffed boots, a carpenter’s vest. But her long-sleeved shirt underneath was unusual. It was the middle of summer, and even Sebastian — always dressed for a storm — had abandoned his outer layers. Her hair was a tousled mess of red and auburn, wild in a way Aloe hadn’t seen before. Robin was usually the picture of composure. Today, her eyes were tired. Her smile — if it could be called that — didn't reach them.

“Good morning,” Robin said, her voice rasping like she’d been up all night.

Aloe stepped aside silently, letting her in.

Robin hesitated on the threshold for half a second too long before crossing into the kitchen. Her eyes swept over the table — the two plates, the coffee, the boy seated silently across from it all.

Sebastian didn’t look at her.

"Robin." Aloe kept her tone flat, though she could hear the disgust curling at the edges. "What can I do for you?"

Robin flinched, as if the words had landed like a slap.

"Can I see him?" she asked, voice barely above a whisper. She didn’t lift her eyes. Aloe glanced over her shoulder.

Sebastian had risen silently from the table. He stepped up beside her, shoulders squared. Aloe moved instinctively, about to step aside, but Sebastian's hand settled gently at her waist. She stilled. Butterflies rose in her stomach, uninvited — and unwelcome. This wasn’t about her. Not now.

"Mother," Sebastian said, and though the word was neutral, his voice was not. It was tight, sharp, almost clinical — a scalpel of a greeting. If looks could kill, Robin would have been a memory.

Robin still wouldn’t meet his eyes. "Abby was at the house yesterday," she began, wringing her hands. "She was looking for you. Demetrius told her you weren’t there. She... she wants to see you. She kept asking where you were." A pause. "Maybe you could give her a call."

The silence that followed was colder than the early spring wind that sometimes swept down from the mountains. Aloe felt Sebastian’s grip tighten slightly at her side. His jaw locked.

"You came all this way," he said quietly, "to talk about her?"

"No!" Robin’s voice cracked. "No. I just thought—" she trailed off. Her eyes lifted, just for a second. "I just thought you'd want to know someone was looking for you."

"Someone always is," he replied darkly. He dropped his hand from Aloe’s waist and stepped back, but not closer to Robin. “Funny how it’s never you.”

Robin looked as if she’d been physically struck. "That’s not fair."

“You think I care about what’s fair?” Sebastian’s tone was ice. “You made your choice. And you keep making it.”

"He's so sorry.” Robin finally looked up at her son. "He didn't want to hurt you, Sebby. He regrets it with his entire heart. Please believe that."

The blank mask slipped from Sebastian’s face. His eyes narrowed. His nostrils flared. Like his mother – the woman who raised him - was nothing more than a bug.

"I don't believe you," Sebastian growled. He let go of Aloe, bracing himself against the doorframe like it was the only thing holding him up. "I came home two minutes past curfew — at twenty-two. I’m a grown man, Mother. Legally. I pay most of the damn bills in that house because your husband can’t hold a steady job, and I’m still treated like a kid."

His voice shook with rage. “But that night? He wasn’t mad about the time. He was mad that I didn’t fall in line. He beat me — not disciplined me, not scolded me — beat me. For disrespect. And you? You locked yourself in Maru’s room. I know you heard it. The walls are thin, Mother.”

Robin tried to speak, but he cut her off.

"And do you know what he said when he thought you wouldn’t come out? He told me — word for word — he liked the way it felt. That hitting me made him feel in control.”

Silence fell like ash. Thick. Suffocating. Even the birds outside seemed to have stopped.

Aloe's heart sunk into her chest. So that's what happened when Sebastian went home.

Robin’s eyes widened. Like she couldn’t quite believe what she was hearing.

"That house has been ours since before you met him." Sebastian leaned away from his mother. "I've been calling that house home since I was two years old."

"It could still be your home Sebby," Robin pleaded. "We miss you terribly. Demetrius does too."

Sebastian laughed. A deep, guttural laugh. There was no joy. The laugh was hollow. Angry.

"Don't come to the door of the one place I feel safe. Don’t stand on Aloe’s porch and try to guilt me into coming back. I’m not coming home. I might stay here. I might leave this entire shithole valley. But the only time I’ll step foot in that house again is to collect what’s mine." Sebastian’s voice cracked, but his glare didn’t waver. "So do your job, Mother — and leave."

He slammed the door before she could speak. The sound echoed like a gunshot. He crumpled to the floor in the silence that followed, each breath rasping from his chest like it cost him. Aloe sank beside him, rubbing circles between his shoulder blades the way she had in the forest. His fingers scraped aimlessly at the floorboards, like he was searching for something solid to hold onto.

"You did it," Aloe whispered, her voice soft as dusk. "You did it. I’m so proud of you."

"She won’t leave him." Sebastian’s voice was hollow. "Even after everything I said, she won’t. She’s too scared of losing him to notice she’s already lost me."

Aloe drew him into her arms, just like she used to with Coco under the trees. His breath hitched. She held him tighter.

"You don’t deserve them," she whispered into his hair. "They don’t deserve you. You are too good for that house. For them."

He went still for a beat. “Do you mean that?”

"With my entire heart, Sebastian. Trust me — you’re too good for them. Your mother. Demetrius. Maybe even Maru..."

"Maru hasn’t done anything," Sebastian said quickly. "She’s... the spawn of Satan, sure. But she tried. She’d sneak me food when he locked me in the basement. Brought me bandages. Once, she even tried to take the fall for me — said it was her who forgot the chores so I wouldn’t get it worse."

Aloe smiled. "Okay. Maru can stay. She’s on our side. She can join the party."

A sharp bang rang out against the wall, followed by more — angry, erratic hammering that echoed across the farm’s frame. Robin. Her pounding was wild. Desperate, maybe. Or calculated. Aloe couldn’t tell. She only knew Sebastian tensed beside her like a wire drawn tight.

"Why don’t we go somewhere?" Aloe suggested, gently brushing her hand along his arm. "A walk, the beach, anything to get you away from her."

Sebastian straightened. There was steel in his eyes. "No. I want my stuff. I left a lot behind. My computer — I need it for work. I can’t leave it there."

"Are you sure?" Aloe asked carefully. "Do you want me to come with you?"

"Absolutely. I’m not going there alone. Not ever again." He looked at her with something close to relief. "Are you okay to come with me?"

"Yes," she said, without hesitation. "Let’s do it."

Chapter Text

"Are you sure you want to do this?" Aloe asked again. This was probably the sixth time she'd asked during the short walk to Sebastian's house. They'd taken a long way, almost avoiding the house for as long as possible. Right now, they were by the old community center. Aloe had yet to go inside, even though she'd been there with her grandfather a lot as a child.

Sebastian rolled his eyes, "I'm fine Alouette."

Oh, there it was again. The use of her full name. Aloe hadn't been called her full name in years.

"Can we not?" Aloe asked. She rolled her eyes, in what she hoped was a playful manner. "Aloe is fine."

"Nope," Sebastian smirked at her. Aloe felt the butterflies deep in her stomach again. "Alouette."

Aloe stopped in her tracks. Almost on its own, Aloe's eye twitched, "Aloe. Is. Fine." Her voice came out harsher than she expected it to. She instantly regretted her tone, as Sebastian's slipped from Sebastian’s face like butter. He paused, turning towards her in one swift movement.

Sebastian cocked an eyebrow; his eyes were full of silent questions. Aloe hadn't really opened up to him yet, but she had seen so much of his past in such a short time. Aloe shook her head. If she was going to open up to him, this was not the time nor the place. She could see Sebastian's house in the distance. She had to be ready for anything Demetrius would throw at them. Knowing the little she did about him, Demetrius could literally throw something at them.

"Do you want me to wait out here?" Aloe asked as they reached the front door. "Or go in with you?"

Sebastian shook his head, "Please don't make me go in alone." He rubbed his shoulder, right over the bruises. He winced in pain.

Aloe laced her fingers around hers. His hands were rough. Callused. Surprising since he worked on the computer. The warmth of his hand felt good in hers. Her butterflies morphed into tiny pterodactyls.

Not the time Aloe. Not the time. Today she had to be there for Sebastian. She had to support him as best as she could.

She squeezed Sebastian’s hand. If he needed her, she was here for him. He squeezed her hand back.

Turning the doorknob as carefully as he could, Sebastian opened the door. His shoulders tensed, but the well-oiled hinges made for a silent entrance. Sebastian stepped into the entrance of the house. His head whipped around. His eyes searched for movement. Aloe followed closely behind him. He squeezed her hand a little tighter.

Immediately Aloe noticed the change in the atmosphere. Underneath the sweet smell of freshly cut wood, she could smell the bitter fear. Bad things had happened here. Terrible things. Aloe's heart ached for the boy beside her. He didn't deserve to be trapped in constant fear. No one did.

"Come on," Sebastian whispered, leading Aloe to a door right beside the entrance. Sebastian looked frantically around the house again. There was an unnatural silence. The foundation didn't set. The flooring didn't creak. The appliances didn't even make noise. Sebastian disappeared down the stairs. Aloe was about to follow him when she heard a noise. Footsteps coming from the kitchen. Aloe froze. Her heartbeat rose. She felt a pounding in her chest. Aloe ducked behind the door.
What if Demetrius had spotted them? Aloe looked down the stairs. Sebastian had frozen in place. His head was tucked down, making him appear smaller.

"Hello?" A feminine voice called through the house. "Did I hear something? Sebastian?"

Aloe peaked around the corner. At the door of the kitchen stood a girl with dyed pink hair. She looked young. Couldn't have been older than eighteen. She wore greased-stained overalls. Her hands were constantly moving: fidgeting in her hair, wiping dirt off of her pants.

"Sebastian?" The girl came closer to the opened door. "Are you downstairs?"

Aloe held her breath. Sebastian appeared at the top of the stairs. He was still tense. One wrong word and he’d shatter like glass. His gaze moved from Aloe to the girl in one fluid moment.

"Maru," Sebastian whispered.

Maru nodded, "He's not here. He's at the mines."

"Aloe and I will be in and out. Just want my laptop and my clothing." Sebastian's gaze shifted back to Aloe. "Are you coming?"

Aloe nodded. She stepped out from behind the door. Maru waved. So this was Sebastian's sister? Aloe could see the slight resemblance. She had the same cheekbones as Sebastian. The same eye shape. Even the same facial profile, though her skin was darker. Maru had a certain youth about her though. A certain innocence. A light in her eyes. Sebastian didn't have that innocence. That light. He’d been blown out a long time ago.

"Hi," Aloe whispered.

Maru reached for Aloe. She handed Aloe something small. "Keep him safe."

Aloe put Maru's gift in her pocket. She'd look at it when they were back at the farmhouse. "I will.”

Sebastian's room was tidier than Aloe expected. She wasn't sure why she expected him to be messy - maybe a leftover memory from her brother's destructive rampages. His bed was impeccably made. Military-esque corners. His desk was completely clear, except for a pencil cup and his computer. Sebastian was throwing clothes from his closet into a basket. Aloe grabbed a nearby bag and started packing up his computer. She wrapped it gently in blankets from his bed.

"What else do you need?" Aloe whispered.

Sebastian looked around his room, “Books I guess? Your choice."

Aloe tossed as many books as she could into a bag, making a mental note to get Sebastian a bookshelf for his room. She wasn't sure if they'd be able to come back safely. She didn't want to put Sebastian through any more pain than necessary.

Sebastian finished tossing clothes into a basket. He gave the room one final sweep.

"If I need anything else…" Sebastian tossed a few extra things into his basket.

Aloe cut him off, “I’ll buy it for you. Let’s go.” She had a sinking feeling in her gut. Something was about to happen. She wanted to put the poor boy out of the crossfire before he got a bullet in his heart.

They hurried up the stairs. The door had been closed. Sebastian reached out for the doorknob.

"Maru!" The front door slammed open. The house shook from the force. Sebastian shrunk back into himself. Aloe leaned into him as best she could. "I'm back! You're not going to believe the things I found. Where are you?"

"I'm in my room dad!" Maru shrieked back. Her voice was fainter. Further away. Protecting Sebastian again, even if she didn't know it.

Loud footsteps stomped down the hallway. Aloe waited until they faded, then opened the door. She peeked into the main entrance. Nothing. No one was there. Aloe gestured with her head. Sebastian scurried to the front door. His hand was an inch away from freedom. His fingertips had just scraped the iron of the doorknob.

"Sebastian!" A chipper voice boomed around the room. "You've come home!"

Sebastian tensed. His back straightened up. The laundry basket fell from his grasp, spilling clothes all over the ground. Aloe knelt quickly, shoving everything back into the basket.

Demetrius marched forward; a smile on his face that did not reach his eyes. An evil peered out from them. Something sadistic. Aloe shimmied herself between him and Sebastian, who had started trembling.

Demetrius guided Aloe out of the way with one hand, wrapping Sebastian in a big hug with the other. His fingers dug too tightly into Sebastian’s sweater. "I was so worried. Your mother has been wondering why you've been away for so long without so much as a note. Where have you been?"

Sebastian stayed quiet, wincing as his stepfather pulled him closer.

"Abigail was up here just a few minutes ago," Demetrius pulled Sebastian away from him. Sebastian’s back hit the wall. He gasped quietly. "She was worried something had happened to you. She's your girlfriend, and you couldn't be bothered to text her. You worried me and your mother. Our Sebastian would never leave without a text!”

Aloe stepped closer to Sebastian, glaring katanas at Demetrius. Her eyes narrowed. This man had given Sebastian a black eye two nights ago? Who had beaten him senseless? Who had just pushed him into a wall? Aloe's fists tensed. Her fingers twitched. Would one punch really be that bad?

"Oh," Demetrius finally turned towards Aloe. Though he had plastered a smile to his face, his eyes raked over her disapprovingly. "You must be the lovely new farmer girl." The last two words were caked in disgust.

Aloe raised an eyebrow, "I am."

"Well," Demetrius's kind mask flickered when he heard her tone. Aloe saw the smile slip. Only for a second. "I can only hope we will be seeing you around more. Sebastian here spends too much time locked away." Demetrius ruffled Sebastian’s hair.

Aloe stepped closer to Sebastian. He gripped her hand tightly.

Demetrius glared at the intimate motion, "Our town needs more resources in it. I suppose you'd better get back to your farm. Sebastian, you have chores here to complete and a girlfriend to call."

Aloe moved between Sebastian and his stepfather. Aloe wasn't as tall as Demetrius was, but she was stronger. All those weeks of farm chores had started to give her some muscle definition. Aloe wasn't shy to take a punch or two either.

“My apologies if I was not clearer.” Demetrius’s smile dropped from his face. “Your farm must have much work to do. You had best get on with it.” His hand clawed at her wrist, yanking Aloe towards the door.

Aloe turned back towards Demetrius. She was used to being pushed around. By her father. By her brother. By her ex. But Demetrius… no. Not today. Aloe had seen too many tears from Sebastian to be scared.

"Sebastian graciously agreed to help me with farm work," Aloe said firmly; her smile nearly split her face in half. "As there is so much to complete, like you oh so helpfully pointed out, I offered him a room in my newly upgraded cabin." Her nails dug into Demetrius’s skin as she wrenched his hand from hers.

She pushed the door open behind her. Demetrius' mask had melted. His eyes spewed liquid fire.

"Goodbye," Aloe pulled Sebastian out of the cabin behind her. She slammed the door.

"Come on," Aloe gently led Sebastian to the mountain path. Most of the path was hidden from the view of the house. Sebastian could be safe there. He could be safe for the rest of his life. Aloe would protect him with everything she had. She'd keep him hidden from view on her farm until they could figure something else out.

Sebastian ducked behind a tree. He sunk down, pulling his knees up to his chest. He buried his head in his knees.

"You did it," Aloe knelt beside him. "You're free now. You never have to go back to that house."

Sebastian raked his nails up and down his jeans. He stayed quiet, lost in his own world. Aloe looked around. The mountain path was heavily secluded. No one ever came up here.

"Are you okay to go back to the farm? Robin shouldn't be there anymore."

He stood up, brushing off his pants. His dark hair hung over his eyes; his expression was blank. Aloe couldn't read him, and that terrified her. What was he thinking? What would the rest of the night hold? Aloe held Sebastian's hands in hers. She pulled him in closer to her and wrapped her arms around his shoulders. He tensed for a moment, then leaned into her. His arms found a place around her waist, resting heavily on Aloe's hips. Sebastian nestled his chin into her neck.

"Aloe, you'll never know how much you just helped me." He murmured. His breath in her ear sent shivers down Aloe's spine. "Thank you. Thank you so much."

Aloe pulled him in a little tighter, "Always."

Chapter Text

Aloe was finally getting used to having someone else on her farm. Sebastian was an excellent farm hand, although he worried Aloe a little. All of the farm tasks would be done and would be done well. Sometimes she would wake up at 6:00 am to see Sebastian finishing up all the farm chores. What a sight he was out on the land. He'd often lose the sweater he always wore and walk around the fields in his jeans and a thin t-shirt. Sometimes the morning rays of sunlight would hit him just right and Sebastian would glow. He'd be in his bedroom at other times, typing away at his laptop until all hours of the morning. The farm chores would still be done. When did this boy sleep?

About a month after Sebastian moved in with her, Aloe woke up to a quiet house one morning. Normally, she could hear Sebastian stumbling around the ground level, making coffee and a meal. Today, the kitchen was quiet. Almost too quiet. Rubbing the sleep from her eyes, Aloe walked down the stairs to Sebastian's room. Robin had built him one off the side of Aloe's living room. The door was closed. No typing from behind it. Was he asleep?

Aloe quietly knocked on the door, "Sebastian?" Almost ominously, the door creaked open. It hadn't been fully closed. Aloe felt her heart sink. A chill ran down her spine. She peeked her head into his room. He'd painted the walls a dark purple - matching his eyes, Aloe quietly noticed. Sebastian had also hung heavy blackout curtains over the windows, which meant the room was constantly bathed in shadows. From the doorway, Aloe couldn't see any movement. Aloe took a step into his bedroom. "Sebastian? Are you asleep?" She didn't hear a response.

The room was quiet. Eerily quiet. Aloe couldn't even hear Sebastian's breathing. She crept through the room to the bed Robin had built him when she had built Sebastian a room. The bed was messy, but the covers weren't moving. He wasn't there.

Aloe felt her stomach sink down lower. Where in Yoba's name could he have possibly gone? Her heart thumped faster and faster, nearly bursting out of her chest. Where was he?

Aloe tiptoed the rest of the way around her house, peeking into all the rooms. Bathroom, storage room, spare room. Sebastian was nowhere to be found. Finally, she looked out the front window. Sunlight had just begun to trickle over the horizon, casting shadows among Aloe's crops. Among the rows and rows of crops was a strange shape. Grabbing a jacket, Aloe walked through her field. The dirt was cold against her bare feet, but Aloe didn't care. The corners of her vision blurred. She kept her gaze locked on the dark shape. As she approached the strange shape, Aloe began to hear a quiet noise. She couldn't quite place what it was, but the noise sounded like a whimper of sorts.

When she finally got close enough to identify the shape, her heart sunk down to her knees. Sebastian was crumpled into a ball on his side, whimpering in pain. Aloe crouched down beside him.

"Sebastian?" She gently placed a hand on his shoulder. His reaction was heartbreaking. As soon as Aloe's hand touched his shoulder, Sebastian rolled onto his back. One arm crossed in front of his face; the other was bent at an unnatural angle. His knees curled up into his chest. He didn't have shoes. His sweater was gone. His jeans and t-shirt were ripped, sticking to his skin with blood. Aloe couldn't tell where skin ended and clothing started. She could barely make out the cuts on his stomach. Blood pooled on the ground where he was lying, seeping into the sand. "Sebastian, it's me. It's Aloe."

Sebastian froze, then slowly lowered his arm from his face. He winced with every move. "Aloe?"

Aloe gasped. Her hand flew up to cover her face. His skin was fully covered in bruises. She could barely see the real color of his skin under the deep purple bruises. One of his eyes was swollen over. His lips were cracked and bleeding, forming a trail from his chin down his neck. "What happened to you? We need to get you to a doctor."

Sebastian shook his head, "No. No. Bring him here." His unswollen eye fluttered. His voice was barely above a whisper. "Bring him here."

Aloe pulled Sebastian's arm over her shoulders. He struggled to his feet, groaning with every movement. Aloe helped him into the farmhouse, laying him down on his bed. His eyes closed. His body went limp.

"Sebastian, please stay awake," Aloe begged. She shook his shoulder. Sebastian didn't stir. Her voice cracked. "I'm going to get Harvey. Stay awake for me. Please."

Aloe couldn't feel the ground beneath her feet as she sprinted toward town. The wind blew her hair out of her face. The trees passed by in a frantic green blur. When she got to the clinic, Aloe pounded on the door. "Harvey, please. Be in there." She pushed tears out of her eyes. "Please be in there."

By some grace of Yoba, Harvey opened the clinic door. He had clearly just woken up. His hair was disheveled and he was wearing sweatpants and a grey wifebeater. A sweater clasped in his hand

"Aloe, what is the matter?" Harvey yawned, rubbing his eyes. "My clinic is not open yet."

"Sebastian...I...he...please." Aloe felt the tears streaming down her face. "Come...please..."

Harvey threw the sweater over his shoulders, "Show me."

Aloe sprinted back down the familiar path, with Harvey keeping pace. They got to the farmhouse in record time. Aloe flung open the door, leading Harvey into Sebastian's room. Sebastian was right where Aloe had left him, barely awake. He cradled one of his arms in the other.

"What's going on with him?" Aloe swallowed hard against the lump in her throat. "Is he going to be alright?"

Harvey knelt down next to him. "Aloe," Harvey looked up at her with calm brown eyes. "Go into the other room. You're not going to want to be in this room. Trust me."

"Is he going to be alright?" Aloe asked firmly. She wrung her hands together, scratching at her palms.

Harvey took a deep breath, "I will come out and tell you when I am done with my examination. I promise."

Aloe paced outside the door. One...two...three...four....five. Back. One...two....three...four...five. Turn. Don't worry about him, Aloe. Harvey's got him. He's going to be okay. One...two...three...four...five. Turn. One...two...three...four...five. He's going to be okay. He has to be okay. He's safe, isn't he? We got him out of there. He shouldn't be getting hurt anymore. He should be healing. He should be safe.

The minutes ticked by agonizingly slow. Every tick-tock of the clock boomed louder in Aloe's head. Finally, Harvey opened the door. Aloe rubbed the palm of her hand with her thumb. She looked at Harvey.

"He's not good," Harvey said slowly. He rubbed his forehead. "I don't know what happened to him, but he's got full facial bruising, deep lacerations on his abdomen, a dislocated shoulder, and a couple of cracked ribs. He has no other internal injuries, thankfully. Nothing severe."

Aloe gasped. She ran a hand through her hair, scraping her scalp with her nails.

"I've written him a script for some painkillers. Come by the clinic later and I'll fill it for you. For now, I think he needs you to go sit with him. I will come by once a week until the lacerations heal. The last thing we want to deal with is infections." Harvey put a hand on Aloe's shoulder. "Recovery will be a long, strenuous process but he'll be okay eventually. Just get him to take it easy. Make sure he rests, hydrates, and takes his medications. If you need anything, I am a phone call away."

"Thank you," Aloe murmured. The background noise faded. She hardly noticed Harvey leaving her house. The sides of her vision blurred. Sebastian's door remained in focus. Aloe took a few deep breaths, pushing all her feelings to the tip of her little toes. "Okay," She whispered, more to herself than to anyone else. "Okay, I can do this."

She opened Sebastian's door for the second time that day. The room was silent. At least now, Aloe could hear Sebastian's breathing. She poked around the corner, "Sebastian, can I come in?"

"Yeah." He whispered from the shadows. "Please."

Aloe quietly entered his room, "Door open or closed?"

"Closed."

Aloe closed the door behind her, walking closer to his bed. Sebastian was shirtless and wearing loose pajama pants. His quilt was crumpled at the base of his bed. Harvey had bandaged him up pretty well. He had bandages wrapped around his chest, and a sling around his arm. The white of the bandages faded into the paleness of Sebastian's skin. Aloe sat on the bed next to him, on his good arms' side.

Sebastian rested his hand on top of Aloe's thigh. She took his hand in her own, rubbing little circles into the back of his hand. On the rare occasions when Aloe was hurt, her mom or Coco would do the same thing. Aloe always felt better afterward.

"I was so worried about you," Aloe murmured. "I'm so happy you're still here."

Sebastian placed his head on her shoulder. Aloe wrapped an arm around his shoulders. Sebastian lifted his good arm up to hold her hand.

"Do you want me to tell you? What happened, I mean?" Sebastian asked quietly. He looked up at her with his one good eye. He couldn't meet her eyes when she looked back at him. A silent plea for her to say no.

Aloe shifted her body so she was half lying next to him. She kept her arm around his shoulders; he shifted closer to her, nestling his head into Aloe's neck. Aloe subconsciously ran her fingers through Sebastian's hair, brushing it out of his eyes.

"No, I want you to focus on getting better." Aloe kept her voice calm. She felt like an active volcano. Anger was bubbling up inside of her, threatening to spill out at any moment. She had a vague idea of what had happened to him, but now was not the time for him to face those feelings. Or for her to act on those feelings. "Once you are well enough to move around a little bit more, then you can tell me if you really want to."

Sebastian nodded. He laced his fingers through hers, much to Aloe's surprise. "Will you stay with me?"

"Of course," Aloe shifted to lay down fully beside him. Sebastian placed his head on Aloe's chest. Aloe pulled the covers up around him, gently pressing her lips to the top of his head. She kept holding his hand, still rubbing circles on the back of his hand. "As long as you need."

Chapter Text

At some point, Sebastian had drifted off to sleep. His head was heavy on Aloe's chest. His breaths were steady and even, peaceful among the horror he had suffered this morning. Aloe ran her fingers through his hair. A simple, repetitive comfort. Aloe closed her eyes, taking a deep breath. She couldn't sleep, try as she might. Her heart ached. Sometimes she wished she could rip her heart out of her chest. Emptiness had to be better than an ache this severe. He looked so peaceful when he slept. All his worry lines faded. His lips didn't flatten. In fact, the corners of his mouth tilted upwards—some semblance of a smile. Sebastian deserved so much more than the torment he endured. He earned a happy, healthy life - like the one Aloe had imagined she'd have when she'd fled Zuzu City. She stared at the opposite wall, willing sleep to come. When it didn't, Aloe carefully pulled away from Sebastian. She tucked the blankets around him.

“Sleep well,” Aloe kissed her hand before brushing it along the side of his face. Her bravery only went so far. "You deserve the world."

Tears threatened to cross the dam in Aloe's head. Threatened to spill over her eyes. She climbed the stairs to her new storage room. Aloe had moved everything from her past here when Sebastian had moved in. As brave as she was, Aloe wasn't ready to open up about her past. Sebastian had too many scars from his life; Aloe didn't want to cut him new ones. The urge to get rid of her past completely was there, but some memories had to be kept. Some were too important to be forgotten. Pulling a box down from a high shelf, Aloe sat on the floor. She cracked the door open, keeping an ear out for Sebastian. In case he needed anything from her. Aloe pawed through the box: pushing past the family photos, digging right to the bottom. Aloe pulled out a small blue picture frame. Nothing else mattered to her as much as this picture did. Aloe hugged the picture frame to her chest, finally letting the tears free.

“Hey my love,” She whispered. Her voice cracked. Although she loved her life in Pelican Town, Aloe couldn’t help but wonder what her life would’ve been had she not escaped Zuzu City. If she had stayed with her family. If she’d kept her job at JojaMart. If she'd stayed with her ex. Her life wouldn't be nearly as colorful as the one she lived now. She would have had a bland life. A grey life.

"I moved to the farm. The one I told you about before." Aloe tried to smile. "It's definitely needed a lot of work, but I can finally see the earth." She chuckled sadly. "You would have loved it here."

Her emotions exploded inside of her. Aloe curled up in a ball on the ground, sobbing as quietly as she could. "I wish I could've kept you safe," Aloe murmured between sobs. "I would have loved you so much. Your life would have been magical. You could have done so many things." She took a shuddering breath. "I can picture you playing with the chickens. Milking cows. Learning to ride a horse. I wish I could have experienced those things with you."

Aloe held the frame out in front of her, smiling at the picture. She brushed any remaining tears out of her eyes. "You will always be here. Always with me. I love you." She hugged it again. "I love you."

Suddenly, there was a knock at the door, "Aloe, are you in there?" Aloe jumped in surprise, tucking the photo away in its box. She wiped her face. Brushed her hair out of her eyes. Shook the sadness out of her body.

"Hey," Aloe opened the door wider. She smiled. She blocked the view of the room with her body. Sebastian raised an eyebrow.

"You were gone when I woke up." He met her eyes. "I heard crying. Are you okay?"

Aloe scratched at her palms. The words wouldn't come. She wanted to provide some semblance of comfort, but she couldn't. All the energy in her body was gone. She felt empty.

"Hey," Sebastian tilted her chin up with one of his hands. Aloe blinked away the fresh tears. She pulled away from him, dropping her eyes to the ground. Sebastian couldn't see her like this. Not when she was supposed to be strong. "Can I do something for you?"

Aloe shook her head, "You should be in bed. You're hurt. You're all bandaged. You need to be resting."

He couldn't see this. He couldn't know. He just -- he couldn't know.

"Aloe," Sebastian's gentle voice cut through Aloe's panic. "You've spent so much time worrying about me. Let me worry about you."

Aloe closed her eyes, taking a breath to steady herself. "Sebastian, please..." The words stuck in her throat. Aloe coughed.

Sebastian cupped Aloe's face in one of his hands. His thumb stroked her jawbone.

"Let me be here for you Aloe. You don't have to be strong all the time." Sebastian stepped closer to her.

Before she could think twice, Aloe moved away from the door. Sebastian quietly walked in. Aloe moved a nearby pile of cushions into a seat for him. She sat down beside the box. Sebastian ignored the cushions, sitting beside Aloe instead. He smelt like sandalwood and spice. Aloe pushed down the butterflies that had started moving in her stomach.

"Before I moved here," Aloe spoke quietly. Quickly. Almost incomprehensible. "I lived in Zuzu City. I moved there from Yardwick County when I turned eighteen. My brother - Cobin - ruled our household with a firey temper. My mom gave up on disciplining him after my dad ran off. My sister - Coco- and I lived most of our lives in terror." She pulled out a photo from the top of the box. A family photo. "This is probably the most recent photo I have of my family. This was taken right before my dad ran off. Coco and I were ten. Cobin was thirteen. Coco and I spent a lot of our childhood in the woods. Coco always said I'd been a squirrel in my past life because of my ability to climb trees." She chuckled. "When I turned eighteen, I got a job at JojaMart and moved into the city. It wasn't a very good job, but I was able to get a tiny apartment within walking distance. I felt my first taste of freedom."

Sebastian moved closer to her. He put his good hand over hers.

"About six months after working there, I met Morgan. Morgan Haynes. He was everything I ever wanted in a guy. Sweet, caring. Loving. He said all the right things. He showed me love in ways I'd never experienced before." Aloe smiled at the memories. "He asked me to marry him two months later. I thought I was in a movie. Our relationship seemed absolutely perfect. I was nearly nineteen, but he was twenty-four. We got married another six months later. I moved in with him." Aloe scratched at her palms. She focused her gaze on the ground. "I had no one else. I had cut all contact with my family by then. I was the perfect victim for him to prey on. You...you can guess what happened." She paused, taking a deep breath. Sebastian pulled her into him. "About a year into our marriage, I found out I was pregnant." Aloe grabbed for the blue picture frame. "It was a boy." her voice cracked. Sebastian pulled her in even closer. "My pregnancy seemed healthy. All my appointments were good, but...my boy was born sleeping. I barely got to hold him -- barely got to take this picture -- before Morgan told me to smarten up. He told me... there was no use loving something already dead..." Aloe felt the tears pour down her face. "I named my son. Joshua. Joshua Elijah Lalonde."

Sebastian pulled her in for the tightest hug she'd ever felt. Aloe sunk into his chest, letting her tears flow freely.

"After my son was buried," Aloe murmured even quieter. She wasn't sure if Sebastian could hear her, but the words came too quickly for her to stop them. "My marriage got worse. Morgan was set on making another baby, but I didn't want to. My grief was too great for my body to carry a baby to term. I had a miscarriage shortly after giving birth to Joshua. Morgan didn't care. I knew I had to get out of that situation. I didn't know where to go. If I'd gone back to my family, Morgan would've found me instantly or Cobin would've hurt me. I was so new to Zuzu City that I didn't have any friends. I was alone. Stuck in that marriage for another year before Grandpa Ivan's letter showed up at my door."

Sebastian stroked Aloe's hair just like she had done for him that night in the forest. Aloe barely registered his touch.

"It took me another three months before I'd saved up enough money to run. Every day, I was paranoid that Morgan would find out about my stash and stop me from going." Aloe hugged her picture frame closer. "I left in the middle of the night. I took the first bus I could here, carrying very little. I didn't tell anyone my name. I used a fake name on my ticket. I paid with cash. I did everything I could to remain safe."

She took a deep breath, sitting up. Aloe moved towards the little box she had pulled down. She put Joshua's picture back inside the box, buried underneath everything else. Aloe stood up to put the little box back. She closed her eyes tight, shoving down all the emotions her story had uncovered.

Stay strong Aloe. Stay strong.

Aloe turned back towards Sebastian. He hadn't moved from sitting on the floor.

"Morgan knows I'm gone." Aloe took a shuddering breath. "I left him a note saying I was leaving. I turned off the GPS in my phone when I left the apartment. He doesn't know about Grandpa Ivan's farm, I hope. He doesn't know I'm here."

Sebastian carefully got to his feet. He stepped in front of her.

"Aloe," He breathed. That one word was all it took for Aloe's composure to crack. For her carefully constructed facade to crumble under the weight of her crushing fear. She flung her arms around him, sobbing with strength unnatural to her. Aloe wanted a safe life with everything in her. She wanted a quiet life. Something she hadn't had ever.

"Aloe," Sebastian repeated. He wrapped his arms around her waist. "I didn't know how much you were carrying on your shoulders. Thank you for sharing with me."

Aloe's slumped to the floor, curling up in a ball. Sebastian knelt down beside her.

"You are the strongest person I know Aloe," Sebastian brushed clumps of wet hair out of Aloe's eyes. "You are everything I wish I could be."

Aloe stared at the wall ahead of her, too wrapped up in her own grief to involve the world. She vaguely felt Sebastian's soft hands running through her hair. She barely registered his words. She barely felt when he picked her up and brought her to bed. The only thing Aloe remembered was the darkness overtaking her as she drifted off to sleep.

Chapter Text

Aloe woke up the next morning to the smell of bacon in the air. Brushing the remnants of dreams from her eyes, she sniffed again. Yep, the bacon smell was still there. Her mouth watered. Aloe couldn’t remember the last time she’d had bacon.

Stumbling out of bed, Aloe winced when the cold floor hit her feet. She fumbled around for her slippers. Once the cold was gone, Aloe stretched out. Her stomach fluttered. Last night had been a heavy one. Aloe had never told anyone about her baby, not even Coco. Would Sebastian be okay with facing her today? What was he going to think of her? Would Aloe be okay with facing him today? He couldn’t think any less of her, could he?

Aloe pulled her hair up. When she slept, her hair turned into a lion’s mane. Sebastian didn’t need to see that. Aloe didn’t have the energy to brush her hair today.

Sebastian was just plating the bacon when Aloe trudged into the kitchen. Her kitchen table was nearly overflowing with food. Aloe’s jaw dropped.

“Hey,” Sebastian turned. He pulled out one of Aloe’s chairs. “You hungry?”

“You made all this?” Aloe asked. “How long did this take you?”

Sebastian turned back to the stove.

“How long did this take you?” Aloe repeated.

“I couldn’t sleep.” Sebastian mumbled. His shoulders tensed. His back straightened. “Once you fell asleep, I couldn’t turn my brain off. I went for a walk instead.”

Aloe’s stomach dropped, “Did you…?”

“I didn’t run into Demetrius,” Sebastian reassured her. “I walked around Cindersap forest. I went to the beach. I stayed as far away from that house as I could.”

Aloe felt her muscles relax. She took a bite out of the bacon. Perfectly crispy. Absolutely delicious.

“Why couldn’t you sleep?” Aloe asked.

Sebastian tapped his fingers against the countertop. The house went quiet. Sizzling bacon was the only sound.

“Seb?” Aloe got up from her chair. Two small steps and she was at his side.

“Aloe,” Sebastian murmured. “What you told me last night…”

Uh oh, Aloe felt her heart clench. Here we go. He’s going to freak out and leave. I never should have told him. He’s not going to understand. He’s going to think…

“I needed time to process everything.” Sebastian turned to her. His eyes were brimming with tears. “You’ve gone through so much more than I could possibly imagine. You’ve lost a child. You escaped a whole life. Everyone you’ve ever loved has destroyed your heart, yet you still opened your heart for me.”

Aloe felt color rise to her cheeks. She smiled softly.

“You are the strongest person I know.” Sebastian continued. His voice cracked. “You opened your life for me. You took me into your home when you didn’t know who I was. You confronted Demetrius for me when I wasn’t strong enough.”

Aloe’s smile widened, “You deserve happiness.”

“I don’t deserve you.” Sebastian spread his arms out. Aloe paused. Then she sunk into him, wrapping her arms around his waist. He was wearing the same black sweater he wore every day. Sebastian was warm. Cozy. Comforting.

“I want to give you as much happiness as I can offer.” Aloe murmured into his sweater. Sebastian was a few inches taller than her. He was able to rest his head on top of hers.

Sebastian pulled her closer. They stayed in the hug for a long time. Aloe breathed in the smell of Sebastian’s sweater. His aftershave. She felt the lean muscles in his back tense when he pulled her in closer. She felt his lips brush the top of her head.

“Thank you for letting me stay here.” Sebastian whispered. “I’ll never be able to make it up to you.”

Aloe looked up at him, “Always.”

Sebastian’s soulful blue eyes met hers. He leaned down.

He’s coming to kiss me. Aloe panicked. He’s going to kiss me. I want him to kiss me… I can’t. Morgan would hate me. Morgan’s going to find me. He’s going to kill me. He’s going to kill Sebastian.

Aloe turned. Sebastian’s lips graced her cheek.

Aloe pulled away, sitting back at her seat in the table. She laced her hands together. Her eyes stayed down on her hands.

She heard the chair creak as Sebastian sat down across from her. Aloe picked up more bacon. The room was silent. All Aloe heard was her own chewing. She looked up at the fruit bowl in the middle of the table. From the corner of her eye, Aloe saw Sebastian staring at her. An eyebrow raised. Eyes full of silent questions. His hands running over the tablecloth.

Taking a deep breath, Aloe pushed her chair back from the table. The chair legs scraped against the floor, penetrating the silence of the room.

“I’m going to tend the garden.” Aloe forced herself to look at Sebastian. His face was blank. Unreadable. “If you leave the food on the table, I’ll put it away when I’m back. Thank you for a lovely breakfast.”

Sebastian didn’t respond.

Outside, Aloe pulled out the weeds as hard as she could.

“Stupid, stupid, stupid!” She screamed. Her foot collided with a giant pumpkin. The pumpkin exploded, sending chunks of orange all over the place. “He likes you Aloe. This boy actually likes you, and here you are, being stupid!”

She picked up nearby sticks, snapping them over her knee. She threw the stick pieces at nearby trees.

Aloe turned back towards the farmhouse. Sebastian looked at her through the kitchen window. He looked worried.

“He probably hates you now Aloe,” She ripped more weeds out of the ground. “He tried to kiss you and he’s now watching you throwing a tantrum. You’re a fucking toddler.”

Emotions flooded through Aloe’s body. Aloe squeezed her hands together. She stomped on the ground, accidentally crushing another pumpkin. Her boot sunk into the squishy guts, soaking her jeans with seeds. All she wanted to do was run. Run and break something. She could barely hold her rage back.

Aloe noticed a huge rock she hadn’t gotten around to getting rid of. Picking up her pickaxe, Aloe angrily hit the rock. Small chunks of stone flew from where she hit. A couple of pieces hit Aloe in the face, but she barely noticed. Aloe smashed at the rock until it was nothing more than rubble. Her anger gone, she collapsed to the ground, sobbing.

“I hate myself.” Aloe sobbed quietly. “Sebastian is going to hate me. My family hated me. Morgan hated me. Why can’t I be normal?”

“Aloe?” A quiet voice spoke up behind her.

Aloe jerked up. Sebastian stood awkwardly, hands in his pockets. She scuttled away from him until her back hit a tree. Aloe pulled her legs to her chest, burying her face in her knees.

“Aloe?” Sebastian spoke again. “Can I come sit?”

“Please don’t make me explain myself,” Aloe sobbed. “I wanted to kiss you, but I can’t. I wanted so desperately to kiss you, but I just…I can’t.”

Sebastian sat beside her. The familiar smell of his aftershave slipped into Aloe’s nostrils.

“Aloe,” He took a deep, shuddering breath. “I am so sorry for making you feel like this. The last thing I wanted was to make you anything less than happy.”

“It’s not you,” Aloe sat up. “It’s my ex. Morgan. After last night, I’ve been having memories pop up. If he ever finds me, he’s going to kill me and anyone who make me happy. I can’t put you in harm’s way.”

Sebastian pulled Aloe into him, “My darling, you do not have to worry about me any more than you already have. He will not find you. He can not hurt you.”

Aloe tucked herself into him, “I’m so sorry.”

“Aloe,” Sebastian’s hand tilted Aloe’s head up to look at him. “You will not lose me.”

Aloe felt tears fill her eyes. She cuddled into him closer. Her life was so much better in Pelican Town. She had a farm. A house. Animals she’d always dreamed of having. Life was okay. Life wasn’t perfect, but perfection be damned. Aloe was finally happy.

Chapter Text

Aloe and Sebastian spent most of the day cuddled under the tree. When the sun finally faded from the sky, filling the air with streaks of purple and gold, Aloe finally stood up. She brushed the dirt from her jeans and stretched; the popping of her joints filled the quiet night.

Sebastian stood up too. He wrapped an arm around Aloe's waist, pulling her into him. He smelled like nature. Aloe tucked her face into his sweater, inhaling the scent of pine sap.

A cool breeze flowed through the trees, sending a shiver down Aloe's spine. She shuddered. Almost immediately, Sebastian pulled his sweater off - struggling to pull the sweater over his injured arm. He draped the sweater over Aloe's shoulders.

"You want to go inside?" Aloe's voice broke the silence. She stretched to her tiptoes to kiss Sebastian on the cheek. "We can order a pizza from the Saloon and watch a movie."

"Do you have any chores you need to get done?" Sebastian pushed his hair out of his face. "I can help you."

"Nothing that can't wait until tomorrow." Aloe responded. "Lets go inside."

Sebastian's hand engulfed Aloe's. His skin was soft. Aloe laced their fingers together, running a thumb over his knuckles.

The phone call to Gus took a few moments. Gus offered to hand deliver the pizza, so Aloe accepted. Bonheur Farm wasn't too far from the Saloon, and it was only a Wednesday night. Pam might be the only customer Gus had this early in the evening.

"Do you want me to get the door when Gus arrives?" Sebastian asked. He had changed from his jeans and t-shirt, opting for pajama pants instead. No shirt, but Aloe was so okay with that. The bright white of his sling nearly blended into the stark paleness of Sebastian's skin. His poor chest was speckled with bruises. He didn't deserve for people to see him like that. Especially in a small place like Pelican Town. Aloe was just honored Sebastian trusted her enough to show off his body.

"I'll get it," Aloe replied. "You can pick the movie though."

When Robin had come to upgrade Aloe's house, she had installed a satellite on the roof. Aloe's television had more channels than Aloe had ever had access too. She was still sifting through them all.

Sebastian picked a C-list horror movie, filled with cheesy special effects. He sat on the couch, lifting an arm for Aloe to cuddle into him. Aloe quickly changed her clothes, slipping on sweatpants and a thin tank top. She pulled a thick quilt off her bed for them to use.

Aloe tuned out the movie a few minutes after it started. She wasn't a fan of movies with blood so watered down it turned pink. The actors chose to scream instead of running away. Aloe just rolled her eyes, focusing on the handsome man snuggled beside her.

Sebastian leaned back against the couch; his slinged arm resting against the arm of the couch. The blanket was pulled over his shoulders. He looked relaxed. For the first time in a long time, Sebastian didn't have to worry about his stepdad getting angry. He didn't have to worry about getting a "more appropriate" job, or staying in his room during meals. Aloe wanted to keep him safe. If she had anything to say about it, Sebastian would never step foot in that house again. He would stay here, and they would be together. Sebastian and Aloe. Aloe and Sebastian.

A knock on Aloe's front door pulled her from her dreaming. Sebastian stirred. He'd fallen asleep at some point during the movie.

"Stay here," Aloe whispered. "It's probably Gus with the pizza. I'll be right back okay?"

Sebastian nodded weakly. His head lolled to the side as he dozed off again.

Aloe gently untangled herself from Sebastian's grip. His arm fell to his side. Aloe pushed herself off the couch, making her way to the front door. Another knock.

"I'm coming," Aloe chuckled.

She pulled the front door open, "Hel..." Her voice got stuck in her throat. Standing in front of her was the chiseled face of the one person she begged not to see ever again. A cold wind blew in the door. Aloe's hair on the back of her neck stood up. Goosebumps popped up on her skin.

"Aloe," Sebastian mumbled from the couch. "Aloe?"

Aloe couldn't move. Couldn't breathe under the glare from those hateful brown eyes she saw in her nightmares every night.

Sebastian got up from the couch. Aloe heard the light tap of his footsteps creeping closer to her. She felt the warmth of his body against her back.

"Alouette," Aloe cowered underneath the power of a booming voice. Her name. He was saying her name. "How nice to see you again. Finally."

"Aloe," Sebastian's voice hit Aloe's ear, but his words fell to the ground. "Aloe."

"Who might this be?" Aloe sunk back into Sebastian's chest.

Sebastian offered his good hand out, "Sebastian. Sebastian Miller."

"Morgan. Morgan Haynes." Morgan flashed Sebastian one of his charming smiles. Perfect teeth. All perfectly lined up. Pearly white. "I'm so glad you found Alouette. I was so worried when she ran off."

Sebastian's smile slipped from his face, but he plastered a bigger one back on. "Oh well, she's here."

"Good," Morgan looked over to Aloe, still trembling behind Sebastian. "Do you mind if I come in? The weather is pretty nasty outside."

Aloe was stuck. Her feet felt encased in ice. Her muscles were stiff, ready to snap from one movement.

"Sorry," Sebastian apologized. "Aloe and I were hoping to have a quiet night in."

"Alouette," Morgan's voice was charming, but Aloe heard the intention beneath this voice. Any disagreement and Morgan would snap. Sebastian would not be getting out of this unharmed. "I would like to come in."

Aloe shook her head, "No." Her voice was barely a whisper.

"No?" Morgan's voice was a dagger to Aloe's heart. "Did you just say no to me?"

Aloe sunk deeper into Sebastian's chest, "No."

Morgan stared at Aloe. His brown eyes darkened - black as the night outside. "Alouette Lalonde. I'm your fiance. I have every right to come into your home. You worried me to death, running away like you did. Your mother was worried sick. She ended up in the hospital."

Aloe gasped.

"Cobin was so mad at me. He thought I drove you away. Alouette, he tried to hurt me because he thought I hurt you. Imagine his regret when I told him you left me for no reason. And Coco... oh dear Coco."

Aloe's eyes filled with tears. Sebastian pulled her away from the door.

"Coco was broken when she heard of your disappearance. Alouette...she is dead."

"What?" Aloe's voice broke. Tears streamed down her face. Not Coco. Not her dear, sweet sister. "No."

"I'm afraid it is true," Morgan's voice was poison. "Death by her own hand I'm afraid. I'm sure dear Coco wished her beloved sister could have been at the funeral but alas, you selfishly abandoned your family for...this." The last word was a sneer. "A rundown farmhouse, a tiny town and your newest boytoy."

"Enough," Sebastian got into Morgan's face. Even with a broken arm, Sebastian dwarfed Morgan. Morgan was jacked but Sebastian was built. Aloe knew both of them would end up with awful injuries. "We have no space for you. Leave."

Morgan and Sebastian locked eyes. A domineering staring contest. Ice blue against hateful brown.

"Fine," Morgan tore his eyes away from Sebastian to glare at Aloe. "I thought you'd have more of a conscience Alouette. I'll leave, but you'll never escape me. Now I know where you are."

Morgan backed away from the door. His car was parked on a bed of pumpkins. Orange chunks plastered Aloe's stone walkway.

"Have a good night, Aloe." Morgan's face twisted into a smirk. Aloe shivered. She stared out the door until Morgan's car disappeared through the tunnels. When his car was gone, she could finally close the door.

"Aloe?" Sebastian asked carefully. Aloe slumped to the ground. Her body racked with the most heartbreaking wails. Sebastian knelt beside her, brushing wet curls out of her face.

Aloe cried. Cried for her mother, alone in a hospital. Cried for her brother, as much as she hated him. He was willing to beat up an ex because he thought Aloe was hurt. Cried for her sister. Her dear Coco. Dead. Dead. Buried in the ground. Aloe would never get a chance to say goodbye and it was all Aloe's own fault. Cried for her safety. Morgan knew where she was. Her one safe place was no longer safe. Bonheur farm - once a sanctuary - was now a prison. Pelican Town was at risk because of her.

Chapter Text

“What can I do?” Sebastian’s words bounced off the wall surrounding Aloe’s brain. They fell to the floor and shattered. “Aloe baby, what can I do?”

Aloe stared at her phone, desperately hoping her text would go through. The metal froze her hands. She felt her stomach clench and burn, a sure sign the guilt was eating away at her. Nausea curdled in her stomach. Her text needed to go through. She had to know the truth. Morgan couldn’t be telling the truth. He had always been a liar. Why was this time any different?

After Morgan pulled away from the farm, Aloe had pushed away from Sebastian’s comforting grasp. She raced through her house, frantically grabbing her cell phone from the drawer she had tucked it in. One of her knees had collided with the stairs but Aloe barely felt the pain. She had sent one text. To her sister Coco.

Aloe: Coco. Coco my love. Are you there?

The text refused to send. The grey loading bar stubbornly refused to move from its spot. Aloe clutched her phone tighter, gasping as the metal ate into her skin.

Scuttling to the corner of the room, Aloe pulled her legs to her chest. She tucked her head into her knees, staring at the phone until the words burned into her eyes. Sebastian had come into the room at some point – he’d taken up the spot beside her. Not touching her. Not speaking any more. Just watching her. Sebastian knew she would talk to him when she needed to.

The gray loading bar moved finally. Completing its race to the finish line. At last, small words appeared below Aloe’s text. Delivered. Aloe gasped. Sebastian moved closer.

Aloe put her phone on the ground beside her. She stared at the tiny delivered.

“Come on,” Aloe whispered. “Please let him be wrong. Please let him be wrong. He lies. He lies. He lies. He lies.”

Staring at her phone for what felt like hours, Aloe felt the tears well up in her eyes. Was Morgan right? Did her sister – did Coco – actually die? And Aloe couldn’t even attend her funeral. Maybe she shouldn’t have left. Maybe Morgan wasn’t that bad. Maybe Morgan was right. Aloe was a horrible, horrible person. Maybe…

The delivered changed to read. Aloe’s heart skipped a beat. Her breath stuck in her throat. Three bubbles popped up in the bottom of the screen. Aloe scratched at her wrists, refusing to take her eyes off the screen. She pushed away Sebastian’s concerned hands. Was this an illusion? This couldn’t be real.

Coco: Aloe, dearest. I’m here.

Aloe let out a breath she didn’t realize she’d been holding, before collapsing on the floor in frantic sobs. Her chest heaved with every cry. At the truth revealed. Her breaths were short and panicked. She gasped for the air that escaped her. Coco was alive. She was alive, right?

Aloe: You’re alive? You’re really alive?

Coco: Birdie. I’m here.

Aloe wiped away the excess tears. She took a hungry breath, holding it for a moment to calm her heart rate down. Birdie was the nickname they used. Birdie and Bean. No one used those nicknames but the sisters. She had her Coco. Coco was alive.

Sebastian shifted, scooting closer to Aloe’s crumpled form. Aloe threw herself into his lap, wrapping her arms around his leg. Her tears returned, soaking the leg of his jeans. Sebastian’s good arm stroked the wet hair out of her eyes.

“What do you need?” Sebastian whispered. His words finally punched through the wall in Aloe’s head. Aloe cuddled in closer to him. “What can I do for you?”

“I want my sister.” Aloe barely heard her own voice. Her vocal cords felt frozen. She coughed, hoping to clear her throat. Her next words came out stronger. “I want my sister.”

“Bring her here,” Sebastian rubbed little circles on Aloe’s back. Her muscles relaxed at his touch. “Invite her to stay. You’ll feel safer with her here.”

Aloe nodded. Her eyes were focused on her phone. At the little nickname her sister had given her. It seemed too good to be true. Aloe clenched her fists. It was too good to be true. What if Morgan had actually been telling the truth?

“How do I…” Aloe’s voice cracked. Fresh tears built up behind her eyes. “How do I know Coco is…actually Coco?”

“Trust your gut Aloe.” Sebastian’s voice was calm. Soothing. “Get her on a video chat. You know your sister.”

Aloe: Bean, can you call me?

The phone rang almost immediately. Coco’s name glowed blue on the screen. Aloe couldn’t slide her phone open quick enough.

Coco’s face popped up on the screen. Sebastian couldn’t help but notice how much she resembled Aloe. The high cheekbones. The frizzy brown curls. Even the thoughtful blue eyes.

Aloe broke down in sobs again. The dam had burst behind her eyes. She clung to Sebastian as if he were air and she were drowning. Sebastian wrapped his arm around her waist, tucking his nose into her neck.

“I’m here,” He whispered. “She’s here.”

“Aloe?” Coco may have looked like Aloe, but her voice was much softer. Much timider. Aloe had a strength to her words, while Coco was weaker. More sheltered. “My Aloe, what’s wrong?”

Aloe took several, shuddering breaths. Her breathing slowed. Her heart calmed down. Aloe let out another shuddering breath. She took a few deep ones; her heart rate slowed down. Aloe allowed herself to sit up. Sebastian’s arm snaked around her waist, pulling her into him. She put her head on his chest, listening to his calm, steady heartbeat.

“Coco,” Aloe turned to look at her phone. “Coco you’re alive.”

Coco smiled, “I’d never leave you. Even in death…”

Aloe spoke at the same time, “I’d be your poltergeist.”

They laughed. The same musical, joyful laugh. The laugh of someone in the presence of a loved one. A laugh that didn’t care who was listening. Sebastian smiled at the two of them. Their bond strong even over the phone.

“I’m so sorry I haven’t called.” Aloe apologized once the laughter had dimmed. “I’m so sorry I haven’t written. I didn’t…I didn’t want…”

Coco shook her head, “I’m out of there. Just after you left without notice, I did too.”

“Really?” Aloe couldn’t conceal the surprise in her voice. “I thought for sure that Mom…”

Coco coughed, shifting her eyes to the side of the screen. She knew another person was there.

“Coco,” Aloe pulled Sebastian into the frame. “This is Sebastian. He’s…um…”

Coco nodded, “Yours. He’s yours.”

“Nice to meet you,” Sebastian held out his hand. Forgetting that Coco was behind a screen.

“Nice to meet you too. I haven’t seen Aloe behave this way in a very long time.” Coco returned his gesture. “Thank you.”

“Always.” Sebastian pulled Aloe closer.

“Do you want to come visit me?” Aloe asked. “Living here… it’s all we’ve ever dreamed of. The cows, the chickens, the pigs. I’m even getting a horse next season.”

Coco’s face brightened, “Yes! Yes! A million times yes! Call me tomorrow and give me your address. I’ll take the next bus and I’ll be there by the end of the week! Don’t worry. I won’t tell anyone where you are. I won’t tell anybody that I’m going.”

Aloe pressed her lips together. She wouldn’t tell Coco about Morgan. Not yet. Not over the phone. Once Aloe knew Coco was safe, then they would talk.

“I love you Bean.” Aloe whispered.

“I love you too Birdie. I’ll see you so soon.” Coco’s face disappeared from the screen.

Aloe put her phone on the ground. She felt a small smile creep to her lips. Coco was alive. Coco was okay. Coco was coming to visit.

“Are you feeling better, baby?” Sebastian pressed a kiss to her head.

Aloe sighed, “Yes. Much better.”

Sebastian hugged her tighter. Their bodies were completely pressed together. For a moment, Aloe enjoyed his closeness. She forgot about the world. Sebastian always knew how to make her feel better. Being in his presence made Aloe’s mind quiet, no matter how much she was overthinking. Oh, how she loved this man. She knew Coco would love this man too.

Chapter Text

Aloe could barely contain her anxiety. With each passing moment, the anxiety threatened to rip her into shreds. Pour out of her like acid. Sizzling. Burning. An unnatural green. She paced. Back and forth. Back and forth. Up the stairs. Down the stairs. Glancing at the kitchen clock what seemed like every thirty seconds. Back and forth. Back and forth. Up and down. Up and down.

Sebastian was there at every moment. Not quite touching her. Just in her vision. In her peripherals. At moments, he moved to touch her. As if to comfort her. But he would move away just as quickly.

“Thirty minutes,” Aloe muttered. “Thirty minutes and she’ll be here.”

Coco had texted Aloe that morning, letting her know the bus was leaving Zuzu City. Letting her know they’d be together soon. The sisters would be away from the people they loathed soon. No more Cobin. No more hiding from their brothers’ destructive rampages. They would be safe together. On the farm they’d always dreamed of having.

“Twenty-nine minutes,” Aloe checked the clock again. “Twenty-nine minutes and she’ll be safe.”

Twenty-nine minutes later, Aloe moved from pacing in her house to pacing outside the bus stop. Although it was secluded – Stardew Valley rarely got visitors – Aloe kept looking over her shoulder. She wasn’t sure where Morgan had gone, but Aloe wouldn’t put it past him to stay in the valley. Morgan would do anything to get Aloe back.

From the tunnel, Aloe heard a faint rumble. Could that be it? The bus? The bus with her sister on it?

The bus stopped in front of Aloe. Everything about the bus was the same as when Aloe had arrived. The blue and grey outside. The tinted windows. Everything about the bus was the same.

The doors opened with a whoosh. Brown, leather boots hit the dirt. The boots connected to jeans, then to a plaid coat, to frizzy curls and thoughtful blue eyes.

“Coco!” Aloe raced for her sister. Coco dropped her suitcase, racing for Aloe too. The sisters collided in a flood of tears. Both sisters broke down sobbing, falling to their knees in perfect synchronicity.

“I’ve missed you so much.” They said together.

“I’m so sorry I ever left.” Aloe tucked her face into her sister’s neck. “I’ll never leave you again. I promise.”

Coco wiped her running nose, “Aloe, you had to do what was best for you. I’m here now.”

“Come see the farm!” Aloe brushed the tears from her face. “I’ve built it into our dream. There are pigs, cows, sheep, chickens. I’ve got plants: broccoli, carrots, squash. Sebastian can’t wait to meet you too.”

Coco linked arms with her sister, “Tell me about this Sebastian. I’ve never seen you act that way with someone. You seem so…happy.” They walked down the trail.

“We met at the beach my first night here.” Aloe looked at the sky as she thought back to that day. The cool breeze. The warm water on her feet. The wood of the dock creaking as she sat down. The salty air blowing off the sea. The way Sebastian smelled when he sat beside her. The loneliness she had felt deep in her chest. “We didn’t talk much the first time, but life had a way of bringing us together. He showed up at my door a couple days later and I asked him to go fishing with me. We got to talking and well…he lives with me now. His mom – Robin – built him a bedroom when she expanded my house.”

Coco smiled, “That was nice of her. She must love him very much.”

Aloe responded with a tight smile. A slight shake of her head. Coco’s smile dropped from her face. She drew her fingers across her lips and tossed her hand to the side. Locked and thrown away.

The farmhouse was in sight. Aloe marvelled at what she had built. Her grandpa’s cabin had been small. Splintery. Faded. Aloe had turned it into a wonder. She had spent hours chopping down trees to use. The house was bigger. Brighter. Happier. A home instead of a house.

“It’s beautiful,” Coco gasped. “You built all of this?” She swerved to avoid stepping on a pumpkin; Aloe had barely managed to regrow her stock after Morgan’s unfortunate arrival. Oh well, her pigs had eaten well that night.

“Sebastian and I have been working hard. You should have seen the farm before I got here Bean. Grandpa Ivan’s death left this place a disaster. Wait until you see the inside. When you unpack, I’ll give you a full tour.” Aloe brought Coco to the front door.

Coco turned the knob. When the door opened, Coco let out a gasp. Aloe couldn’t blame her. When Aloe had first gotten the house, there was one room. Not even a kitchen. In Aloe’s time here, she had added a kitchen, an upper floor, an extra bedroom and a living room. Everything was made from spruce trees, making the walls a lighter brown color. When the light streamed in from the windows, the whole house glowed in golden warmth. Aloe had decorated her home with pops of color: the curtains were a dark blue – like the ocean had been when Aloe and Sebastian had met for the first time. The kitchen appliances were shiny metal. The stairs were carpeted in tan and green. Nothing was the same color. Nothing was alike. Aloe had always dreamed of a house like this. Her home. Her decorations. Her life.

“It’s beautiful,” Coco let out a breath. “How did you do this?”

“I had help,” Aloe smiled at her sister’s stunned expression. “My home would not be complete without Sebastian.”

As if on cue, the man himself poked his head out of the kitchen. “Me?”

Aloe grinned. Sebastian returned her smile. Running a hand through his hair, he stepped out to meet the sisters.

Coco extended a hand. “Time we finally got that handshake in person.”

Sebastian chuckled, returning her gesture. “I’m Sebastian.”

“I knew that.” Coco grinned. “I’m Coco. Coquette if you want to be legal. Don’t be legal.”

“Alouette and Coquette?” Sebastian looked between the sisters. His eyebrow raised. “Those are…interesting name choices.”

“Why do you think we go by Aloe and Coco.” Aloe responded.

“Or Birdie and Bean.” Coco added. “Our parents weren’t the best at naming their children. Quite honestly, I’m surprised Cobin didn’t get a worse name.”

“Anyways,” Aloe grabbed Coco’s suitcase. “I cleared out the spare room for you to sleep in. There’s not much in there, just a bed and dresser. But I’ll get you anything else you need. You can stay for as long as you’d like. Forever if you’re able.”

Coco nodded, glancing over at Sebastian. He disappeared back into the kitchen. Aloe took the hint, walking up the stairs. Coco followed.

“He seems nice,” Coco remarked. “How long has he been here?”

“Since the beginning of summer,” Aloe pulled her hair out of her eyes. “But hey, please don’t ask him a lot about himself. Trusting is hard for him. He’ll tell you when he’s ready.”

“Are you guys together?” Coco flopped down on a nearby chair.

Aloe thought for a moment, “I guess we’ve never really had that conversation.” There was definitely something between them. They’d been instantly comfortable. Hadn’t been apart for longer than an hour since Sebastian had moved in.

Coco just smiled. “You don’t need to have a label to love someone.” A pause. “You do love him, don’t you?”

Aloe tapped her fingers on the nearby dresser, “I’d like to think so, but I don’t know. I thought I loved Morgan; you know. We were together for such a short time, but I came to love him deeply. The way I feel about Sebastian is so much different. He’s so sweet. Charming. Caring. He’s in touch with his emotions. He’s everything I’ve ever wanted. He’s like a shroud of safety when I have emotions that I don’t know what to do with. Have you ever felt that way?”

Coco shook her head, “Sadly, Birdie, my romantic life has been minimal. I briefly dated someone around the time you were married, but when you left Morgan, I left too. I wasn’t happy and I didn’t realize. I’m so glad you found someone you can share life with. How much does he know?”

“Everything.”

That one word hung between them, laced with agony. With sorrow. With hatred. Aloe had broken down in tears on many occasions, crying so hard she was heaving. She’d spent hours in the bathroom throwing up from the stress of her past life. Sebastian had never left her side. He held her while she sobbed; he rubbed circles on her back and held her hair while she heaved.

Coco and Aloe locked eyes. They held their gaze for a moment, reminiscing about past lives. Aloe was the first to blink away the memories.

“We’re good.” Coco’s voice was barely a whisper. “We got away Aloe. We’re free.”

“Free,” the word tasted bitter on Aloe’s tongue. “Free.”

Chapter Text

Freedom had never felt so restrictive. With the threat of Morgan looming over her head, Aloe could barely take a breath. The curtains stayed closed night and day. Sebastian would go out and do all the gardening. Aloe and Coco confined themselves to the barn or the coop. The space was large and open, nowhere to hide. Nowhere for someone to sneak up on them. Aloe refused to go into town by herself anymore. With Sebastian still recovering from his injuries and Coco sharing Aloe’s fear, the farm became their sanctuary.

The season passed by in a blur of crops growing and animals giving birth. Coco had planted sunflowers in a box on their porch, adding another pop of color to the sea of wood. She moved them inside when winter whispered on the horizon.

At night, Coco would go into the spare bedroom – Sebastian’s old bedroom. She’d lock the windows and the door. Coco wouldn’t stir until morning. Aloe wished she had that luxury. Her nights were spent snuggling into Sebastian as close as she could, fighting the urge to get up and check the house was safe…again. If Aloe did fall asleep, she’d wake up at the slightest noise. Nights were long now. The darkness was repressing. Not the shroud of protection Aloe had always felt.

“We should move,” Coco suggested over breakfast one day. Aloe picked at her food. “Living like this…it’s not healthy.”

“I agree,” Sebastian sat beside Aloe. “Aloe, what do you think?”

Aloe put down her spoon. This was Grandpa Ivan’s farm. A farm he had spent years cultivating. A farm he had put his blood, sweat and tears into. Aloe had brought this farm back to life when Grandpa Ivan passed away. She had toiled over those fields. She had cried over her new animals. Everything was thriving due to her hard work.

Aloe’s voice was barely a whisper. “Where would we go?

Sebastian pulled her into a hug, “I don’t know baby, but you’re not living here. You’re barely surviving.”

“This farm was supposed to be a sanctuary,” Aloe’s voice cracked. “Not a prison. I was supposed to be safe here. We were all supposed to be safe here.” A tear broke free, carving its path down her face.

“Birdie,” Coco’s voice was soothing. “I know this farm was your dream. I know how much you worked to repair Grandpa’s legacy, but Morgan…he’s your worst nightmare.”

Sebastian brushed his lips against Aloe’s head. She wiped the tears away from her eyes.

“What are we going to do?” Sebastian’s question landed in silence.

Coco drummed her fingers against the table. Her nails clicked against the wood.

“What if we don’t move?” Sebastian suggested a few moments later. “If this farm is supposed to be a sanctuary, make it one?”

Aloe sat back in her chair, “What do you mean?”

“By locking ourselves in this house, we’re showing Morgan that he still has power over you.” Coco answered the question before Sebastian could. “You ran away before because he had power over you. You came here. You built a life. Don’t let Morgan Haynes of all people destroy your life again.”

Aloe felt a surge of confidence wash over her. This farm was her pride and joy. The only place she had ever felt happy. Every plant was the product of her hard work. Her hands shaped the entire place.

“We can’t leave.” Aloe stood up. “If we leave, then he knows he still has power over me. Over all of us.”

“So what do you think we should do?” Coco asked.

Aloe smirked at her, “Let Morgan know we’re not scared.”

Coco matched her expression.

That morning, Aloe and Coco linked arms as they stepped outside the farmhouse. Sebastian a step behind them. His arm was still in a sling, but he covered it with his sweater. The other arm was wrapped around Aloe’s waist.

“We’re going to piss off a lot of people,” Coco turned to her sister. “Does anyone know about you and Sebastian?”

“Robin?” Aloe shrugged. “Demetrius?”

“Yeah,” Sebastian sighed. “Probably the whole town knows then. Demetrius can’t keep his big mouth shut.”

“Oh well,” Aloe put her hand over his. “If they don’t already know, they’re going to know now.”

The leaves crunched beneath their feet. Surrounding trees billowed with the wind. Aloe shivered, her thin sweater not enough protection from the crisp fall air. Sebastian pulled her closer. How was he always warm?

Townsfolk went about their business as usual. Granny Evelyn tended to the usual flowerpots in the town square. Her husband, George, lingered close behind, scowling at anything that moved.

“Good morning!” Aloe said cheerfully.

“Good morning dear,” Evelyn looked up from her weeding. Her eyes widened slightly at Sebastian’s hand around Aloe’s waist. “How lovely to see you both. And who’s this?” Evelyn gestured at Coco.

“This is my sister Coco,” Aloe responded.

Coco held out her hand, “Nice to meet you. You both.” Coco nodded in George’s direction. George’s scowl didn’t fall from his face, but he nodded in return.

“Sebastian, dear.” Evelyn turned her attention away. “You have not been around lately. Are you alright?”

“I’ve been ill,” Sebastian adjusted his arm under his sweater. “I should have been around more.”

“Nonsense,” Evelyn brushed the dirt from her dress. “It’s wonderful to see you around again.”

Sebastian let out a small smile as an answer.

“We’re on our way to the beach,” Aloe pulled Sebastian’s hand closer around her. Evelyn’s brows furrowed. “Enjoy the rest of your day!”

Evelyn was running off to George before Aloe could fully turn her back on them. She heard Evelyn yell out: “George. George!” then all went silent. Aloe couldn’t help but chuckle; she knew walking around town hand-in-hand with Sebastian would cause a stir, but she never expected the stir to come from Granny Evelyn of all people.

“Is that how everyone is going to react?” Coco’s mouth was a perfect O. “I didn’t realize this was such gossip.”

“I mean,” Aloe tucked herself in closer to Sebastian. “Look at it this way. The farmer who never comes off her farm, obviously involved with the boy with the troubled family life who basically disappeared off the face of the earth. I don’t know what everyone heard, but there are probably some rumours floating around.”

Coco pursed her lips, “I never thought about it like that. When you said you were going to make a scene, I didn’t think that meant walking through town.”

“We never lived small town life,” Aloe replied. “It’s been a culture shock.”

Sebastian’s fingers dug into Aloe’s waist. She gasped from the sudden pain.

“Shit,” was all he managed to get out before he was flung to the ground by a flash of purple.

“Sebastian Miller!” Abby shrieked. Her purple curls were a messy matt. Makeup smeared. Dark bags under her eyes. “Explain yourself.”

Sebastian moved to get up but Abby shoved him to the ground again.

“First you disappear to Yoba knows where for weeks, then you send me a text saying you can’t do this anymore. Finally, nearly a season later, I catch you strutting around with this… this… farmer?” the last word was drenched in poison.

Aloe scoffed.

“Do you have any idea how worried I was?” Abby’s voice grew to a scream. “I thought you were dead.”

Sebastian sat up, “Abby, I’m sorry.”

“Sorry isn’t going to cut it.” Abby screamed. “I lost weeks of sleep over you. I sobbed my heart out. I thought you were dead Seb. Why didn’t you answer another one of my texts?”

“I should have,” Sebastian pulled himself away from Abby. “But I am going to show you something and then I will answer all of your questions.”

He slowly pulled up his sweater, exposing the bottom of the sling. Quite a contrast from the black shirt he was wearing.

Abby gasped, putting a hand to her mouth as she backed away. “Seb, I didn’t know.”

“I didn’t want to tell you,” Sebastian pulled his sweater back down. “This isn’t your worry. It’s mine.”

“Was it…” Abby’s eyes flickered to Aloe.

“No. Yoba no,” Sebastian held up his good hand. “It was…” His voice trailed off.

“Was it your dad?” Abby growled.

Sebastian nodded, “Yeah. Demetrius. He found me on one of my nightly walks and was…unhappy that I was not living at home. You know him. He doesn’t know how to handle…big feelings…in an adult manner. That’s why I disappeared for a while. I ended up in Aloe’s pumpkin patch. She took me in. Took care of me.”

“I would’ve…” Abby’s eyes filled with tears. “Seb, I’m so sorry that happened to you. I just…I assumed the worst thing in the world happened when you texted me that you couldn’t do this anymore. I thought you died Seb.”

Sebastian pulled her in for a hug. She buried her face in his chest, grabbing two big handfuls of his sweater. The quiet town was filled with her heartbreaking sobs.

“I’m so sorry I made you think that,” Sebastian rubbed circles into her back as she sobbed. “I’m so so sorry Abby. You did absolutely nothing to deserve such heartbreak.”

“Are you happy now?” Abby sniffed. “Does…Aloe make you happy?”

Sebastian nodded. Aloe’s heart swelled. She made him happy, just like he made her happy.

Abby turned towards Aloe. Her once angry eyes were filled with a soft sadness. Abby smiled gently.

“He deserves all the happiness you can give him,” Abby put a hand on Aloe’s shoulder. “Please don’t hurt him.”

“Come by the farm if you’d like,” Aloe replied. “You should see it now that the weeds aren’t as overgrown. I left trees for you to climb. Plus, I wouldn't mind having a mining partner. Sebastian told me you'd always wanted to be an explorer."

Abby’s smile grew. Her eyes twinkled at the thought of such an adventure.

"You'd really try to be my friend?" Abby asked hopefully. "Why?"

"Because we'd be better off." Aloe replied. "I don't have any more room in my heart for hate. Life is too short to dislike others for such small reasons. My home is open for you. Just knock on the door and we can find some adventure."

Abby's smile nearly split her face in half. She yanked Aloe in for a bear hug, squeezing Aloe so tight that Aloe felt a rib crack.

"Thank you," Abby whispered into Aloe's hair. "Thank you."

Chapter Text

They made sure to stay away from the mountains, spending their time walking through the town. Coco and Aloe wanted to make sure as many villagers saw them. Every time they saw someone new, Coco would wave and Aloe would hug Sebastian a little bit tighter. Their plan involved showing as many people as possible about their lives. After spending so long on the farm, Aloe knew she needed to get to know her neighbours.

Abby had joined them for a while. She was mostly quiet, spending her time looking between Aloe and Sebastian. Sebastian had refused to look at Abby. He hadn’t said a word to her since he had told her about his broken arm. Coco had tried to break the tension by chatting about small town life, but Abby had left rather quickly. She had said something about needing to help her mom with dinner. Sebastian had looked to her like he wanted to say something, but unsaid words hung on his lips.

As night spread its soft touches against the horizon, the three of them returned to the farm, completely exhausted. They had seen the entire town – introduced themselves to all the villagers. Most acted like Evelyn did – putting on a friendly face then running off as soon as the three of them were out of earshot. Sam, a charming blond, patted Sebastian on the shoulder. A whisper in Sebastian’s ear and the two of them locked in the biggest bro hug.

“Take care of him,” Sam had pulled Aloe to the side. “He’s my best friend.”

“I will,” Aloe said firmly. “I will not hurt him.”

When they returned to the farm, Sebastian excused himself to the farmhouse. He hadn’t quite been the same since he’d seen Abby again. Too quiet. Too deep in his thoughts. His good arm kept rubbing over the scratchy material of his cast.

“Are you okay?” Aloe took a couple steps forward with him. Coco hung behind. She was good at recognizing when others needed a private moment. “Do you need anything?”

Sebastian shook his head, brushing a kiss against the top of Aloe’s head. He hadn’t shaved in a few days. His facial hair tickled Aloe’s scalp. “I just need to think. Please don’t worry about me.”

“Too late,” Aloe scanned Sebastian’s face. She wasn’t sure what she was looking for. His face was emotionless. A frequently practiced blank canvas fueled by many years of having to hide his true thoughts.

“Alouette,” Sebastian’s eyes focused on her. “I will be okay. We can talk later okay? I promise.” The corners of his mouth lifted up in a smile.

“Can I hug you?”

Sebastian spread his good arm. Aloe sunk into his familiar warmth. How she loved the smell of his cologne. How she loved the soft material of his sweater against her skin. Aloe could live a thousand lives and never understand how she deserved this man in her life. He was everything she ever wanted.

“I’ll be in the house,” Sebastian kissed her head again. His eyes remained blank. “Please don’t worry about me. You worry about so much. Don’t make me one of those things.”

Aloe didn’t answer. Sebastian squeezed in another hug, then turned towards the farmhouse.

“Is he going to be okay?” Coco sunk against a nearby tree. Aloe sat in front of her – her eyes on the shrinking silhouette of her… her Sebastian. The man she had met almost a year ago and suddenly couldn’t live without. The man she could picture the rest of her life with. A cozy life on the farm with him. Him and Coco and all of their animals. Away from any people Aloe had known in Zuzu City. A new life. Just the three of them.

“I think so,” Aloe murmured. The words felt uncertain in her throat. Like she barely believed them herself. “I hope so. He says he’s going to be okay. Just needs to think.”

Coco traced patterns into the dirt. A silence fell between the sisters. Both locked in their own world. Physically in the same place, but mentally, miles away.

“Do you think our plan worked?” Coco’s eyes didn’t meet Aloe’s. “Do you think Morgan will back off?”

Morgan Haynes was a difficult man. An obsessive man. He wanted to own the world and wouldn’t let anyone stand in the way of what he wanted. He was the life of the party. A presence one couldn’t simply ignore.

When Aloe had met Morgan, she had been at a place in her life where everyone – except Coco – had left her feeling like dirt at the bottom of one’s shoe. Morgan had been the first person to make Aloe feel like she could be worth something. They had been happy together. At least for a while.

Aloe shook her head, “I wish he would. Coco, I want him to leave me alone. But we both know how hard Morgan goes after something he wants. He won’t let me get away. Not without fighting for his life.”

The words hung heavy in the air like a lead balloon, weighing the world down. Aloe’s shoulders sagged forward. How was she supposed to live a free life with the person she hated most right around the corner?

“You got away before,” Coco reminded her gently. “You can do it again.”

Aloe blinked back the memories of a life lived long ago. She had gotten away, but she hadn’t gotten away from Morgan on her own. Her past could still come back to haunt her; Aloe just prayed Sebastian and Coco wouldn’t be caught in the crossfire.

Aloe shook her head, “You know he won’t let me. He’s around here somewhere. He’s watching us. It’s just a matter of time before he does something.”

“We just have to keep going,” Coco tensed her shoulders. “We have to keep showing him that we’re not afraid. You built a life here, Aloe my love, and Morgan is the last person who can take that away from you. You know that right?”

Aloe didn’t respond. Her eyes glossed over the plants she had grown from scratch, to the house she had remodelled by hand, to the barn she had painstakingly planned for. This was her farm. Twice as big and much better than anything Grandpa Ivan had grown. Bonheur Farm was hers. Nobody elses.

“Aloe?” Coco shifted beside her sister. “Where’s your head at?”

Aloe blinked back to reality, “Right here.” A small smile tickled the corners of her mouth. “Right here with you. On the farm where we both belong.”

Coco placed her head on Aloe’s shoulder. They watched as the horizon faded from red, to pink, to orange, to blue. The stars twinkled in the sky before the sisters made their way back to the farmhouse.

“Sweet dreams Bean,” Aloe hugged her sister tightly. “Sleep well.”

“You too Birdie,” Coco locked the front door. “Go see your Sebastian.”

The hallway to the master bedroom was silent. Too silent. The door was closed – normally Sebastian left the door open when he went to bed before Aloe. Aloe tiptoed to the door, gently pressing her ear against the wood. She listened for the sounds of him tossing and turning. Nothing.

Shit.

The doorknob was ice against Aloe’s hand.

“Seb?” Aloe whispered into the darkness. “Are you awake?”

The room was silent. Aloe quietly made her way over to the bed. She could barely make out his outline. He was so still. So peaceful.

Something was wrong. She wasn’t sure what, but something was wrong. Sebastian rarely slept. There was no way he’d be asleep by now. He usually spent most of the night tossing and turning. He usually had nightmares that would wake him up in a cold sweat.

“Seb?” Aloe whispered again, slightly louder this time. “Sebastian? What’s wrong?”

No response. Aloe reached for him. Shook him gently. Nothing.

“Seb,” Aloe shook him harder. “Sebastian, baby, wake up.”

“Oh dear Sebastian,” Aloe froze at the voice behind her. Her feet stuck to the floor. “He should really learn to turn on the lights. You never know what’s lurking around the corner.”

“Morgan,” Aloe’s voice was barely a whisper. “What did you do?”

A rough hand pushed Aloe into a nearby chair. The force made the chair slide backwards, hitting the closet doors.

“Nothing that won’t be fixed,” Morgan flopped into a chair in front of Aloe. “That small town doctor… Harvey is it? He’s quite a helpful little fellow.” Morgan pulled a knife out of his pocket, running it underneath his nails. The cold steel glinted in the dark. Aloe couldn’t tear her attention away from the knife. “Barely argued when I asked for painkillers for our dear injured friend. Side effects include a deep, almost immediate sleep but…” Morgan shrugged. “I thought you and I needed time to talk.”

Aloe’s breath caught in her lungs. Her heart pounded in her chest.

“Dear Alouette,” Morgan’s teeth glinted in the moonlight. His perfectly formed teeth reminded Aloe of a shark. “We have a problem. You see, when you left, it caused some… concern.”

Aloe raised an eyebrow. She took a deep breath, willing her heartbeat to slow down.

“Some people you and I both know were a little suspicious that I wasn’t treating you the way I should be treating you.” Morgan’s knuckles whitened around the knife. “Now, obviously, I treated you exactly the way you deserved. But you weren’t around to let these people know.”

Aloe pursed her lips, “What do you want from me?”

Morgan chuckled, “I’m glad you asked.” He stood up, towering over Aloe. Aloe fought back the urge to move away. He couldn’t scare her. He wouldn’t scare her. “You’re going to come back with me.”

Aloe snorted, “No.”

“I didn’t finish,” Morgan growled. One hand gripped Aloe’s collar. The other pushed the chair away. Aloe would have fallen without Morgan’s hand keeping her up. “You’re going to come back with me. You’re going to make an appearance and let our friends know that you are safe and alive. You are going to let them know that we had a simple disagreement. Then, you can return. Return to your pathetic little life. With your sister and that thing you call a boyfriend.”

“And what if I don’t?” Aloe planted her feet firmly against the ground. She pulled away from Morgan’s grip. “What would happen if I didn’t show my face? What are you going to do when they ask for me and I’m not there?”

Morgan’s composure flickered. Rage boiled in his eyes.

“You’ve got nothing on me.” Aloe crossed her arms. “You can’t hurt me and you know it. Kazick won’t let you hurt me.”

Morgan paused a moment, then smirked. His lips curled up. “I may not be able to hurt you, but your sister and that thing you call a boyfriend are fair game.”

Fear pricked at Aloe’s heart.

“Alouette,” Morgan backed up to the door. “You’ve got a week. You know how to contact me. Kazick needs to see your face and I’ll leave you alone. If you decide to go against me, again, then I will come back for your sister and that thing in your bed. No one will be able to stop me.”

He opened the door, “Don’t forget Alouette. I know where you live. I will always have eyes on you.”

In a flash, he was gone. The only trace left of him was the stink of his cologne. Aloe sunk into the floor.

Kazick. Aloe had forgotten about him in her haste to leave. Kazick. The only man Morgan was afraid of. Aloe knew she had to go. She knew that Morgan would not leave her alone if Kazick suspected that Aloe was in danger at all.

From the bed, Sebastian groaned. He rolled over. Aloe had nearly forgotten that he was asleep. Good. No one else needed to know about Aloe’s final link to a past Aloe wanted to hide.

Chapter Text

True to Morgan’s word, Sebastian woke up unharmed and fully rested. Morgan Haynes was a lot of things – violent, manipulative, egocentric – but he was always painfully honest. He called truth the sharpest weapon in his arsenal. Lies were for cowards. Morgan preferred precision. He didn’t need to lie to ruin someone—he just needed to know where to push. And he knew powerful people. People who didn’t flinch at the thought of collateral damage.

Kazick was the only one who’d ever seen through Morgan’s polished cruelty. The only one who didn’t fall for the well-practiced charm or the empty apologies. Fire and brimstone swirled into a six-foot gang leader with inked skin and a jacket that smelled like gasoline. Kazick tore through anything that got in his way. But he also—always—showed up when Aloe needed him most. Even when she didn’t want him to.

He had a gift for appearing at her lowest. For pulling her out when she didn’t know she was drowning. Aloe still remembered how he used to show up at her parents’ house late at night—never knocking, just waiting outside until Cobin answered the door. She never knew what they talked about, not then. Not until later, when the bottles in Cobin’s room turned into needles. When the anger turned into something harder. Sharper.

She had questions she’d never asked. Maybe she didn’t want to hear the answers. Maybe it didn’t matter now. But the past was creeping up again, and she couldn’t outrun it this time.

If Morgan was serious—if Kazick didn’t hear from her soon—there would be consequences. So Aloe needed to make the call. She didn’t want to see him, didn’t want to face the ghosts between them. But she owed him her voice.

Right now though, Aloe needed to focus on Sebastian. He was her priority. The light that shone through Aloe’s darkness. The one who reminded her every choice had a silver lining.

He was hers.

She was his.

Still, Aloe couldn’t shake the feeling that the bubble they lived in would burst. That everything she had worked so hard to hide was knocking on her door.

“How are you doing?” Aloe sat beside Sebastian on the bed. She nearly sunk into the soft pillows. She hadn’t slept. Instead, she had spent the night panicking that Sebastian wouldn’t wake up from his drug induced slumber. She took a breath every time he did, making sure he took the next one. “Are you feeling okay?”

Sebastian raised an eyebrow, “Yeah…I’m good…why?” He sat up straighter. The covers pooled around his waist. Sweat colored his skin rosy, matching the sunrise.

Aloe shook her head, “You seemed calmer last night. You didn’t kick. You weren’t moving around. You seemed…relaxed. Just wondering if you had any nightmares.”

“No,” Sebastian replied. He ran a hand through his hair. “That was actually the first night in a long time that I don’t remember having any dreams at all.”

“How do you feel?” Aloe asked cautiously. Her eyes scanned him, searching for…well, she didn’t know. Surely having one night of no nightmares – after months of waking up screaming– had to be suspicious.

“Like I’m finally healing,” Sebastian pulled Aloe in. She tucked her head under his chin. His stubble scratched her head. “Thank you for everything you’ve been doing for me. I wouldn’t be where I am without you. You’re everything I’ve ever hoped for.”

Aloe’s heart squeezed tight. Sebastian couldn’t find out about Kazick. That secret had been buried deep since the day they met—sealed beneath layers of guilt, shame, and something far more complicated. If Sebastian ever learned who Kazick truly was to her… what she and Kazick had done… it would shatter him. He’d never look at her the same. He’d walk away, and Aloe knew she wouldn’t survive it this time.

She wanted to freeze this moment—to trap it in amber and never let it fade. In this version of reality, there was only her, Sebastian, and Coco. No Morgan. No Kazick. No Demetrius. No Cobin. No shadows clawing at the edges of their peace. Just the quiet rhythm of the farm: tending to animals, harvesting crops, building something real from the soil up. A life no one could take away.

But the world didn’t work like that. The past always bled through. And now it had teeth. There were people who wanted to destroy this fragile life. People who wouldn’t think twice about hurting those she loved most. Aloe wouldn’t let that happen. She’d sacrifice whatever was left of herself before letting that happen.

“What’s the plan for today?” Sebastian mumbled into her hair, his voice soft and drowsy. So unaware. So safe.

For now.

“I’m going to go fishing.” Aloe brushed a kiss against his jaw. “I want to earn some extra money for the fair. I want enough star tokens to win a Stardrop.”

“Do you want company?” Sebastian asked.

Aloe shook her head, “I’ll just be gone a couple hours. I won’t go to the mountain lake or the beach. I won’t even talk to people. I’m going to go to the river in the forest. That’s where the best fish are. Will you be okay for a couple hours here?”

“Yeah,” Sebastian hugged her tighter. “Have fun fishing. I’ll take care of the farm chores. The crops should be ready for harvest yeah?”

“I’ll check when I leave but they’re pretty close to being fully grown.” Aloe kissed his jaw again. “Are you okay if I leave now?”

Sebastian released her from his grasp, “Be free my dear. Catch them fishes.”

Aloe paused at the door for a minute, unspoken words hanging on her lips. She had never uttered those three words to Sebastian. A seemingly small problem on top of everything else going on. She couldn’t tell him. Not now. Not with Morgan and now Kazick looming over them all.

Guilt slithered through Aloe’s veins like ice water. She shivered. Her fingers dug into the fabric of her jeans, knuckles white with pressure. She couldn’t meet her reflection in the window—the pale ghost of herself staring back felt too accusatory. Her shoulders ached from hunching, like she was trying to fold herself small enough to disappear. Every breath was shallow, caught just beneath her ribs. Her throat burned from words left unspoken. She pressed a hand to her chest, as if she could smother the ache that pulsed there, deep and unrelenting. Guilt was a parasite, and tonight, it had found its favorite host.
Breathe, Aloe. Breathe.

Aloe snuck her phone into her pocket before heading downstairs. Coco was at the kitchen table, sipping coffee from one of Aloe’s mugs. She barely looked up when Aloe entered. Coco was never much of a morning person.

“I’m going fishing,” Aloe called over her shoulder. “I’m heading down to the river. I’ll be back in a couple of hours. Will you be okay here?”

“Have fun,” Coco grunted, taking another sip of her coffee.

Aloe walked along the well-worn path. Through the trees. Past the rocks and branches she needed to remember to collect for later. A couple of seasons ago, Aloe had found a fishing spot she had really liked. A tucked away spot by an old metal door. Hidden from the village. She had seen two kids come down here once, but they hadn’t come back. When Aloe had found the door, she had tried to open it but it was locked.

Aloe sat on the ground, her back against the door. She sat in silence for a moment, soaking in the sounds of nature. The wind rustled the leaves of the trees. Fall was always Aloe’s favourite season. She and Coco had loved walking through the woods behind their house, climbing trees to see the prettiest leaves. How long ago those times seemed.

Opening her phone, she scrolled through her contacts. Her thumb hovered over his name.

Kazick. His photo – a silly photo of him making a duck face – turned her stomach. She'd taken that photo the last time life had been safe.

The screen’s glow lit up her face, exposing every crack in her mask. Her thumb trembled. Seeing his name and face—just that—made her heart thud with something between dread and familiarity.

She shouldn’t be doing this. Not when Sebastian slept unaware, tangled in the sheets they’d shared the night before. Not when things were finally starting to feel safe.

But she owed Kazick the truth. Or maybe, after everything, she just couldn’t bear the idea of him being caught off guard again. Not when Morgan was involved. Not when lives were at stake.

Her throat tightened. Guilt wrapped around her ribs, squeezing. She pressed a hand there, trying to breathe through it. Sebastian would hate her if he ever found out. He’d see her for who she really was—the girl who ran, who kept secrets, who let her brother slip away and clung to dangerous men because it was the only kind of safety she’d ever known.

Her thumb hit call before she could talk herself out of it.

Kazick’s phone rang once. Twice. Three times. Aloe felt her breath hitch the longer the phone rang. He answered on the third ring.

“Yes?” His voice was hard but cautious. Kazick was not a person who let other people in. Aloe was one of the few people he trusted. Her name hadn’t shown up on his phone since before Aloe had left the city. He must find it odd that it was showing up now.

“Kazick.” Aloe responded. She didn’t trust her voice. Not yet. Not after everything they’d been through.

“Aloe,” Kazick’s voice softened, just barely. A crack in the wall. “Didn’t think I’d hear from you again.”

Silence stretched between them, taut and uncomfortable. Aloe stared at the wall, wishing she could fall into it and disappear.

“I wasn’t planning on calling,” she admitted. “But…”

“Let me guess,” Kazick cut in. “Morgan.”

Her breath caught in her throat. “He said he’d come after the people I care about… unless you heard from me.”

“Figures,” Kazick muttered, something like a growl slipping into his tone. “He always was a coward who preferred using other people’s pain to do his dirty work.”

Aloe shut her eyes. “I’m not calling to reopen anything. I just—needed you to know I’m alive. That I’m… not running anymore.”

Another pause. Then: “Where are you?”

“Does it matter?”

“To me, it does.”

She didn’t answer. The guilt was swelling now, thick and hot in her chest. The memory of her brother flashed behind her eyes. The night everything changed. The overdose. The silence.

“Kazick…” her voice cracked. “Do you ever think about him?”

He didn’t answer right away. When he did, his voice was low. “Cobin? Every damn day.”

“Do you regret it?”

Another beat of silence. “Do you?”

She nearly dropped the phone. Her fingers trembled, guilt rushing like a flood through her limbs. “I put down the rope, Kazick. I let him drown. I told myself I was tired. That he’d pull himself up if I stopped saving him.”

“You weren’t the one who handed him the pills,” Kazick replied, but even he sounded unsure. “I was. I kept him hooked. Told myself he was already too far gone.”

Aloe swallowed hard. “We both let him drown.”

Neither of them spoke for a long time. It was a silence made of sharp edges. Of truths they’d buried so deeply, they were surprised to still find them bleeding.

“You in trouble?” Kazick asked at last.

“Not yet.”

“But you will be.”

“Yes.”

“Then I’m coming.”

“No,” she said quickly. “Please. I just needed you to know. Nothing more.”

“You don’t call me after months of silence to say nothing, Aloe.” His voice was flint. “When the fire comes, I’ll be there.”

“I’m sorry,” Aloe’s voice cracked. She blinked back her tears. “I should have told you. I needed to leave as fast as I could.”

“Aloe,” Kazick’s voice was soft. Soothing. A campfire instead of a fatal blaze. “You don’t need to defend yourself to me.”

Aloe nodded, then realized Kazick couldn’t see her through the phone. “I wasn’t safe in the city anymore.”

There was a pause. So long, Aloe thought he’d hung up.

Then: four words. The angriest Kazick had ever sounded. “What did he do?”

She flinched. The edge in his voice cut straight through her. “He hurt me,” she whispered. “Our whole relationship. He hurt me badly.”

Silence settled like a weight from the other end of the line. Aloe could hear his breath—controlled, sharp, deliberate.

“I thought I was safe in the new place,” she continued. “But he found me. He tried to bring me back to the city.”

More silence.

“He showed up at my house last night,” Aloe said, the memory crawling back. That suffocating cologne. The smug grin. The way Morgan had trampled her sanctuary with muddy boots and veiled threats. “He said… if I didn’t call you, he’d come after the people I care about.”

“Where is he now?” Kazick asked, his voice low. Controlled. Dangerous.

“I don’t know,” Aloe admitted. “He said I had a week to decide. Then he walked out.”

“Where are you?”

She hesitated. Grandpa Ivan’s farm had always been sacred ground. Untouched. Untainted. Even when she ran, she never gave anyone the address. Telling Kazick now… felt like putting a match too close to dry leaves. But Morgan already knew. And Kazick—despite everything—had always come when she needed him. The lesser of two devils. Maybe the only devil who gave a damn.

“Aloe,” Kazick’s voice softened. Gentle. “I’ll keep my promise. I won’t interfere. I just need to know you’re safe.”

He’d never broken a promise. Not entirely. And that meant something. She took a breath. “Grandpa Ivan’s farm. Pelican Town.”

“When did Morgan say he’d be back?”

“In a week.”

“Then I’ll be there.”

She stiffened. “Kazick—what are you planning?”

“Protection,” he said simply. “You okay seeing me again? After… the last time?”

Aloe winced. The last time had ended in screaming—hers—across a crowded city street. Kazick had tried to warn her. She hadn’t listened. Morgan had dragged her away, embarrassed and possessive. Aloe had been too broken to realize who was trying to protect her, and who was burning her from the inside out.

“Are you okay seeing me again?” she asked, barely above a whisper.

“Aloe,” Kazick said gently. “I wasn’t the one who got hurt.”

She swallowed. “Don’t come in the house. But… you can come to the farm.”

“I respect that.” His tone held steady, but there was something else behind it—something unspoken. “You won’t see me until Morgan shows. If he comes early, text me. I’ll be watching, but I won’t cross your boundary.”

She nodded, then realized again: he couldn’t see her. “I live with someone,” she added. “My sister. A guy, too.”

“If you love them,” Kazick said, “then I protect them. If you’re happy… I’ll stay gone.”

Aloe exhaled. “You’ve always protected me.”

A beat passed. “We both know that’s not true,” Kazick said. No emotion. Just fact. “But thank you for calling. It was good to hear your voice.”

“Yours too,” she whispered. Her heart pounded so loud it felt like the phone might echo it. “Thank you. For helping me.”

“Stay safe, my Aloe,” Kazick murmured. “Keep them safe. I’ll see you next week.”

The line went dead.

Aloe stayed frozen, the phone clenched in her white-knuckled grip. Her breath came in shallow waves. Kazick was coming. Morgan was coming. And her past—her real past—was about to be dragged into the only peaceful life she’d ever built.

She had to tell Coco. And Sebastian. She couldn’t hide this. Not anymore. The moment Morgan and Kazick were in the same space, the whole damn house of cards would come down.

And worst of all… she’d forgotten her fishing rod.

They’d ask questions. She wouldn’t have answers. Not ones that wouldn’t hurt them.

Aloe took one long breath, filling her lungs with the clean, earthy scent of the valley. She could do this.

She had to.

Chapter Text

Just as Aloe thought, Coco shot her a curious look as soon as she walked through the door. Coco was doing dishes at the sink, but dropped what she was doing as soon as Aloe came in.

“I forgot my fishing rod.” Aloe mumbled. "Didn't realize until I left the farm."

“And you didn’t come back for it?” Coco raised an eyebrow. Her eyes narrowed as she stared at her sister. “You were gone for a bit. What did you end up doing?”

Aloe shrugged, “I just wandered around the forest. I felt like being outside. I forgot my axe too, or I would have gone foraging.”

Coco’s eyes narrowed more. Aloe felt sweat bead at her hairline. Coco had always been the only one to see through Aloe’s lies.

"I think we need more flowers. Really brighten up the space." Aloe continued her rambling.

Coco's eyebrow raised up higher.

“Has Sebastian gotten up yet?” Aloe asked, looking around their kitchen and living room. The rooms were empty of his presence. Aloe wanted nothing more than to sink into his embrace. To hold him and be held by him. The sleepless night - coupled with the phone call to Kazick - drained Aloe of all energy. She felt like a shell of herself: skin, bones and nothing else.

“He took care of the farm chores and then said something about having to work.” Coco’s eyes stayed on her sister. “Aloe, what’s going on?”

Aloe shifted her weight from one foot to the other, wringing her hands together.

"Alouette," Coco put her hands on her hips. "Why are you lying to me? What are you hiding?"

Aloe’s breath stuck in her throat. Now was the time to come clean. To both of them. Kazick and Morgan were going to show up in a few days. Kazick was going to be watching the house. Coco and Sebastian needed to know about him. The biggest secret Aloe had ever kept.

“I need to tell you something.” Aloe responded. “Something I’ve kept secret for a while. I need to tell you both.”

Sebastian came down the stairs at that moment. His face lit up at the sight of her, causing guilt to churn Aloe's stomach.

"Can you come sit for a minute? Please?" Aloe forced her voice to remain steady.

They moved to the living room.

“When I was back in the city, before I got Grandpa Ivan’s letter, Morgan tried to make friends with some people. He dragged me to a party one night at this really fancy bar.”
Aloe looked over at Coco, “The Island bar.”

Coco gasped, “You mean…No.” her face paled in realization. “That’s where…Aloe…you didn’t...”

Sebastian looked between the sisters. Confusion grew on his face.

“The Island bar is owned by Zuzu City’s worst gang – Venom.” Aloe continued. “If there’s one group you don’t want to cross, it’s them. They are responsible for about 90% of the city’s crime. People they don’t like disappear. Morgan wanted to form an alliance with their leader. He had some business he wanted to do with them. I wasn’t allowed to know the details. Wasn’t for my “womanly ears” to hear.” Aloe rolled her eyes.

“Who’s their leader?” Sebastian asked cautiously.

Aloe took a deep breath, “His name is Kazick. Kazick Roman.”

Coco went silent. Her eyes hardened when she looked at Aloe.

“Kazick has been around our family for a while.” Aloe explained. “Our brother – Cobin – used to buy drugs from him when he was at his lowest point. He’s been in our house. He protected us from our brother’s rages. He tried to coax Cobin into getting clean when he saw how Coco and I were hurting. He’s known Coco and I for a very long time. None of this was known to Morgan.”

Coco crossed her arms.

“When Kazick saw me with Morgan,” Aloe continued. “He recognized me. He hadn’t been around for a bit – Cobin found another dealer – but he ended up pulling me aside during the party. He wanted to know how I was.”

Sebastian raised his eyebrow.

Aloe took a deep breath, prepping herself for the next sentence she needed to utter. The sentence that she had been dreading since she had called Kazick. The sentence that would make Coco and Sebastian hate her for the rest of her life.

“We…” Aloe’s voice failed her. “We ended up hooking up.”

The temperature in the room seemed to drop. Aloe shivered. Sebastian was staring at her with confusion – as if he couldn’t quite understand what Aloe had just said. Aloe couldn’t bring herself to look at Coco.

“It was one time,” Aloe kept going. “I regretted my choice. Morgan may be a complete dirt bag of a person, but cheating is wrong. He didn’t deserve to be cheated on.”

Sebastian’s jaw had dropped open. Something inside of him had shattered. His eyes were filling up with tears. Aloe didn’t blame him. He had just found out she had cheated on her previous partner. Aloe had no idea what was going through his head.

“I didn’t tell Morgan,” Aloe fixed her eyes on the wall behind them. She had to get the rest of the story out. “I wanted to, but Kazick had agreed to do business with him. Morgan was in a better mood than I had ever seen him…I wanted to protect myself. Since then, Kazick made it his mission to protect me. I never told him about Morgan’s…violent tendencies, but I guess he figured something out for himself.”

Aloe longed for the comfort Sebastian provided her, but he was still staring at her like she’d kicked his dog. “He’d show up at the house uninvited, saying something about business deals. He’d invite Morgan and myself out to parties. After the first time, Kazick kept his distance from me. He’d talk to Morgan and myself as a couple, but never alone with me.”

Aloe wrung her hands together, “During one of the parties we were at..” her voice cracked. Aloe felt a tear stream down her cheek. All she craved was curling into Sebastian’s arms. Snuggling up with him was the best way to shut her brain off. “Morgan got a little bit too drunk. I guess…I guess I said the wrong thing to the wrong person. Morgan grabbed me by the arm… dragged me out of the room. He was so angry. Waving his fists around. Getting up in my face. I was so scared. He’d been violent before, but this time…I was scared for my life. The look in his eyes…he wasn’t human.”

She fell to the floor. Her knees curled into her chest. Her eyes fixed on the wooden boards she had spent so long polishing.

“Kazick found us. Morgan had gotten a couple of hits in. I was on the floor. Bleeding. Kazick pulled Morgan off of me. Pushed him out of the room.” The memories came back in flashes. “I yelled at Kazick. Screamed at him. He had promised to protect me, but here I was.” Aloe blinked away the tears that clouded her vision. “That was the last time we saw each other. Morgan dragged me out of that party, yelling that I embarrassed him. Screaming that he’d never be able to do business with Venom again because I’m so dramatic.”

Aloe took a shuddering breath, “That was the moment I decided I was done. I shut down emotionally. Giving birth to a sleeping baby was the moment I knew I needed to leave, but this moment was where I knew I was done with him. With Morgan. With Kazick. With everyone from Zuzu City.”

Coco’s gaze had softened, “Aloe... why didn’t you say anything?”

“I’m not done,” Aloe held up a hand. “Morgan showed up at the house a couple of nights ago. He told me that Kazick was pissed I left the city without warning. He thought I was dead. Morgan needed me to go back to the city with him. To prove to Kazick I was alive.”

“You’re not going.” Sebastian said flatly. “I won’t let you.”

“I’m not going,” Aloe replied. “But…Kazick is coming here. That’s why I went out this morning. Morgan doesn’t know that I have Kazick’s number. I called him. Told him I was alive. Told him that Morgan had shown up to the house. Kazick said he’d take care of it. They’re coming here.”

Coco inhaled sharply.

“Not in the house,” Aloe clarified. “Kazick was not detailed, but he’s coming to tell Morgan to back off for good. He did say…that he’d be watching the house. Watching for any sign of Morgan.”

The house fell silent when Aloe finished her sentence. Sebastian’s face was completely blank. Devoid of any emotion. He stared at her with lifeless eyes. The only other time Aloe had seen that look on his face was when they had run into Demetrius at the house. When Demetrius had tried to force Sebastian back into an unsafe environment.

On the other side of the living room, tears were streaming down Coco’s face. She sobbed quietly in her chair.

“Aloe,” Coco’s voice broke. “I’m so sorry you went through all of that.” She leapt from her chair, embracing Aloe in the biggest bear hug she could manage. “You are so strong for getting out of that situation. I’m so proud of you.”

Aloe wrapped her arms around her sister’s shoulders. She heard the front door open and close. Sebastian’s chair had fallen over in his haste to get out.

“Give him time,” Coco whispered into Aloe’s ear. “Give him time.”

“Are you mad at me?” Aloe asked.

Coco took a long moment before she responded. “I’m not thrilled that you cheated. You know my opinion on cheating. But quite honestly, any bad feelings I have are overtaken by relief that you are safe. You are my sister and I love you more than anything in the world.”

Aloe sobbed into Coco’s shoulder, “I’m so glad you’re here Bean. I don’t think I could get through this without you and Sebastian. I just hope he forgives me.”

“He will,” Coco rubbed little circles into Aloe’s back. “Give him space.”

Chapter Text

Sunset was threatening to swallow the farm whole. The sky burned orange and violet, the last light sinking behind the hills like a warning. With every inch the sun dipped, Aloe’s anxiety bloomed. Twisting tendrils of guilt curled tight inside her, snaking through her chest, around her lungs, squeezing.

Sebastian still hadn’t returned.

He’d been gone most of the afternoon—vanished without a word. No explanation. No goodbye. Just the echo of a slamming door.

Aloe paced the porch, her boots thudding softly against the wood. Back and forth. Back and forth. From one end of the fence to the other. Her eyes scanned the horizon, frantic and tired, searching for the shape of him in the fading light.

Sebastian had to come back.

They’d already survived too much—hadn’t they?

This couldn’t be the end.

It couldn’t.

Right?

Right?

When the sky finally faded from pale gold to deep blue, Aloe scanned the horizon one last time. She searched every entrance to her farm. Nothing. She went inside, leaving the light over the door on. If Sebastian came back, she wanted him to find his way.

When he came back. When. Not if.

“Is he here?” Coco called from the kitchen. She emerged, wiping her hands on an old apron of their Grandpas. Coco was always better in the kitchen than Aloe was. “Did Sebastian come back?”

Aloe shook her head.

“Birdie,” Coco took a step closer to her sister. “Birdie, baby, he’ll be back.”

Aloe nodded again, unable to trust her voice. She felt a lump grow in her throat.

“Do you want to go look for him?” Coco asked softly.

“He needs space.” Aloe’s voice was tight. The lump in her throat grew. “Wouldn’t you?”

Coco took a step towards Aloe, reaching for her. The space between them was a canyon they couldn’t cross. Coco on one side. Aloe on the other. Separated by the past Aloe had worked so hard to hide.

Aloe walked up the stairs to her room, closing the door behind her. Tears threatened to break through the dam she had constructed. Her vision blurred as she yanked items from the closet. Aloe blinked the tears away. Now was not the time.

Finally, Aloe found the small blue picture frame she had been looking for. The same blue picture frame she had showed Sebastian back when he first moved onto the farm. The picture of Joshua. Aloe clutched the photo to her chest.

Life could have been so much different.

Aloe could have been a mother to her beautiful son, raising him to be good despite being trapped in a life of pain and sadness. She could have been teaching him right from wrong. Good from bad.

She would still be married to the man who snuck into all her nightmares. She would still be glued to the city she had grown to loathe. Surrounded by Kazick, Morgan, Cobin. Everyone who had hurt her.

Instead, Aloe was living on a farm far away from her family. Raising a sustainable life out of nothing but seeds and hard work. She had met a man who brought rays of color into her grey life. They had grown together. Sebastian had grown from his abusive home environment; Aloe had grown from hers.

They were stronger together. Better together.

They belonged together.

“I love you,” Aloe traced the outline of her baby’s face. “I miss you.”

Joshua would have been a good person. A loving son. A happy child. In her heart, Aloe knew that Joshua would have seen all the good the world had to offer, despite the streaks of black and grey that threatened their life.

“Aloe.”

A sudden voice cut through the silence, snapping Aloe out of her trance. Her hands moved before her mind caught up - she tucked Joshua’s photo behind her, shielding him like a secret. The gesture was automatic. In the city, Morgan would catch her looking at the photo and try to snatch it from her, calling her stupid for loving something already gone.

Her throat tightened.

“Sebastian,” she said, barely more than a breath. She cleared her throat and gripped the photo tighter, her fingers curling around the edge like it might ground her.

He stood in the doorway, framed by the hallway light. Shifting his weight from one foot to the other. His hands moved – restless, anxious – wringing together like he needed something to hold onto. His eyes looked from her to the ground. Back to her. Back to the ground.

Aloe’s stomach twisted. She couldn’t read his expression. Couldn’t feel him.

His jeans were streaked with dirt, stained green with grass. His sweater was torn. Tangled with bits of stick and leaf. He looked like the forest had tried to trap him.

Had he been there all day?

“Aloe,” he said again.

Something in his voice made her still. Not anger. Not sorrow.

Fear.

Fear threaded through his tone, fragile and trembling at the edge. He was terrified of… something. Aloe didn’t know what he was afraid of. But she felt it.

She stood up, slow and steady, as if anything faster might scare him away. Her steps were small, careful. The air between them felt thick. Heavy with untold words.

He didn’t move. Didn’t meet her eyes until she was right in front of him.

Close enough to hear his breath hitch. Close enough that if she took one more step, she’d feel the heat of him – real and alive and unraveling.

But still, he said nothing.

“Sebastian,” Aloe looked up at him. “Talk to me. Please.”

Their hands brushed against each other.

They stared at each other for a long, heavy minute. Aloe’s heart pounded so hard it hurt. What if he didn’t reach for her? What if he left again? What if he rejected her after all they had been through?

But then, Sebastian moved.

He stepped forward, slow but certain, and pulled her into him. The breath Aloe had been holding rushed out in a shaky exhale. His arms wrapped around her, tight – too tight, like he was afraid she would disappear into thin air. He clung to her like a lifeline, squeezing her with a strength she didn’t know he had.

His head found a home in the crook of her neck. His breath – warm, steady – brushed her skin. That single sensation unraveled her. Her knees buckled. She nearly collapsed into him.
He was here. He was okay. He was in her arms.

The knot in her stomach loosened. For the first time today, Aloe let herself believe that they were okay.

“I’m so sorry I left.” Sebastian sobbed. His tears dampened her shirt. “I just…I needed…Aloe baby.” He pulled her in closer. So close Aloe wasn’t sure where she ended and he began. They were together again. They were one.

Aloe felt tears streaming down her face. She tucked her head into him, feeling his heart beat against his chest.

“You came back,” Aloe’s voice cracked. “You left, but you came back.”

“I’ll always come back,” Sebastian kissed the top of her head. “I just…needed time… to… process…” His voice trailed off.

Aloe didn’t respond. She pulled him in closer, feeling the comforting fabric under her hands. The smell of him calmed her down. He smelled the woods, like he had spent the day in the trees. He smelled like home.

“You left me,” Aloe’s voice had no strength, just the echo of what she wanted to say. Aloe barely heard the words come out of her mouth. She didn’t look up when she spoke, her voice curling in on itself. “I’m so sorry.”

Sebastian reached out, his hand trembling slightly as he placed a finger beneath her chin. Gently, he tilted her face up to meet his.

His eyes—still heartbreakingly beautiful—were red-rimmed and swollen, like he hadn’t stopped crying. Aloe’s breath caught. The weight of his sadness sat heavy in his gaze, but beneath it, barely there, was something else.

Hope.

It flickered quietly, like a candle about to go out.

Then he leaned in. Slowly. Hesitantly. Like he was afraid she might pull away.

His lips met hers, soft and searching. Aloe didn’t hesitate. She leaned into him, her eyes slipping closed as familiar sparks danced along her spine. It felt like coming home and falling apart all at once.

The kiss wasn’t urgent—it was aching. Careful. Like he needed her to know something he didn’t have the words for.

“I left you,” He responded. He spoke like someone walking over hot coals. “I couldn’t stay while you were talking about your past.”

Aloe’s heart pounded against her chest. There was a long silence before she spoke—and when she did, it was like breaking glass.

“I opened up to you,” Her voice wavered, fighting to stay even. “I tried to be honest with you. You left.”

The words hung in the silence. Heavy. Weighing down on them like a lead balloon.

Sebastian paused, searching for words that wouldn’t come.

“I’m sorry,” He finally said.

Aloe swallowed thickly, “Me too.”

Sebastian took a deep, shuddering breath. His voice was low, raw.

“There aren’t enough words to tell you how sorry I am, Aloe.”

He looked at her, eyes shining.

“All you’ve done since the moment you got here is protect me. You opened your home to a stranger. You let me in. You kept me alive when Demetrius nearly ended everything. And when you finally—finally—let me in… told me about your past…”

His voice faltered.

“I wasn’t there. I couldn’t stay to comfort you. I left you alone with that pain.”

He paused, swallowing hard.

“I don’t know if I still have your trust. Maybe I don’t deserve it. But I swear to you—if you let me—I’ll spend the rest of our lives making it up to you.”

Aloe met his eyes. She blinked away the forming tears. The room was too quiet, the kind of quiet that pressed against one’s chest. A crushing silence.

She was the first to move.

With a shaky breath, she stepped forward and pulled him into her arms—slowly, carefully, like he might shatter if she moved too fast. For a moment, he didn’t react. He just stood there, stiff and unyielding, arms frozen at his sides.

Then something broke.

He clung to her, sudden and desperate, burying his face in her shoulder as if trying to hide from the weight of what he couldn’t say. His whole body trembled against hers. His fingers dug into the back of her shirt like he was afraid she might disappear.

Aloe held him tighter.

No words passed between them—there weren’t any left that could hold this kind of grief. Only silence. Thick, aching silence. It wrapped around them as tightly as the embrace.

He breathed her in like a drowning man surfacing for air. And still, she said nothing. She didn’t have to.

The hug said it all: I’m still here. Even after everything. Even though it hurts.

Chapter Text

Aloe and Sebastian spent the night wrapped in each other’s arms, basking in the warmth of shared body heat. He held her tightly, like she was something fragile — a piece of himself he couldn’t afford to lose. His head nestled into the curve of her neck, his breath soft and steady against her skin.

He was here.

He was safe.

He was hers.

And she was his.

They were one.

Still, Aloe couldn’t sleep. Though the night outside was quiet, the darkness around her felt thick — waiting. Watching. Danger seemed to hover at the edge of every breath.
Morgan could show up at any moment.

Kazick was back.

Aloe lay still, her eyes wide and alert, scanning the shadows in her small room. Every creak of the house, every gust of wind brushing against the walls, felt like a warning.
The deadline loomed. Morgan’s deadline. Six days.

Six more days until the two people she’d sworn never to see again would step into her world — into her home.

Bonheur Farm was supposed to be her sanctuary. Her fresh start. But now her past was catching up to her. The secrets she’d buried deep — secrets even Coco and Sebastian didn’t know — were beginning to rise.

What would they think of her once the truth came out?

Would Sebastian still want her, knowing who she had been?

Would Coco look at her the same?

A small hitch caught in her throat.

Then, softly — “Hey.”

Sebastian’s sleepy voice floated through the dark, heavy with warmth. Her chest fluttered.

Aloe rolled over and pressed her face to his chest. He’d slept shirtless, and the feel of his bare skin against hers grounded her more than anything else could.

He was solid. Real. Present.

“So warm,” she murmured.

“Are you okay?” he asked, voice gravelly.

“Go back to sleep,” she whispered. “Everything’s good.”

He kissed the top of her head. “I’m here for you.”

“I know,” she breathed. “I know.”

But the words fell into the dark, unanswered.

By the time morning sunlight began to slip through the curtains, Aloe still hadn’t closed her eyes.

Six more days.

Sebastian snored gently beside her, a small puddle of drool soaking into his pillow. Aloe chuckled quietly and reached over to wipe it with her sleeve. He didn’t need to know.

Coco was still asleep when Aloe padded into the kitchen. The house was silent except for the soft gurgle of the coffee pot beginning its brew — the first of many cups she’d need today.

She sat in silence, soaking in the sounds of the drizzle outside. The crops didn’t need to be watered today. Aloe poured herself a second cup of coffee – she had demolished the first one.

Six more days.

Her phone buzzed. The sound shattered the morning silence like a glass dropped in a quiet room.

Aloe didn’t want to look.

But she did.

Kazick: I have arrived. I will keep myself hidden.

Her heart dropped into her stomach. Cold swept through her like a sudden storm.

She didn’t respond.

She couldn’t.

Her breath caught in her throat — shallow, tight, fragile. The air in the kitchen shifted, turned heavy. The walls seemed closer than before, the ceiling lower. She swore the house was shrinking around her.

She had to move. She had to get out.

Anywhere but here.

Where was she supposed to go?

She didn’t know.

Didn’t care.

She ran.

Through the front door. Down the porch steps. Past the fields she had planted with her own hands. The cool earth blurred beneath her feet as she sprinted, not toward anything — just away.

Away from Kazick.

Away from Morgan.

Away from the past.

Away from the walls closing in.

The wind tore at her hair. Her lungs burned. Tears streamed down her face, though she wasn’t sure when she’d started crying. Maybe she never stopped.

She didn’t stop running until she reached the tree line behind the farm. There, hidden under the canopy where the sunlight filtered like whispers, Aloe collapsed to her knees.

The silence was louder than ever. Her sobs broke it apart.

No one could hear her here. No one knew how badly she wanted to disappear. Not even Sebastian.

She pressed her forehead into the mossy ground, trying to breathe. Trying to remember who she had become since coming to Bonheur Farm — not the girl Kazick had known. Not the one who had survived Morgan.

But the one who was finally free.

Or so she thought.

Time passed in a blur of tears. Aloe didn’t hear the footsteps walk up to her. Didn’t hear the pop of joints moving. Didn’t hear the crisp sound of a can opening.

“You’re the new farmer, eh?” An unfamiliar voice rung in her ear. “I’ve seen you around.”

Wiping the tears from her eyes, Aloe focused in on the voice beside her. She’d seen this guy before – her first night in Pelican Town. At the saloon. The guy who’d drank an impressive amount in the half hour Aloe had been there.

He smelled like he spent his life in the bar, but he seemed relatively sober.

“Yeah,” Aloe coughed. Her voice strengthened. “I’m Aloe.”

“Cool,” the guy took another swig. “Shane. I live right there.” His head turned towards Marnie’s cabin.

Aloe didn’t respond.

“Wanna beer?” Shane pulled another one from… somewhere. Aloe didn’t know where. His coat, maybe. Or he just had them.

Aloe shook her head. “I don’t really drink.”

“More for me, then.” He popped the tab and took a long sip before tucking the spare can back into wherever it had come from.

They sat in silence for a moment. The kind that wasn’t quite comfortable, but not hostile either. Just two people sitting beside a storm neither of them had names for.

Aloe picked at a piece of bark on the log between them. “Do you always come out here?” she asked.

Shane gave a half shrug. “Yeah. Sometimes. When I don’t want to be found.”

Aloe let out a soft laugh that didn’t quite reach her eyes. “Guess we had the same idea.”

Another beat of quiet passed. Then Shane said, “You look like you’ve seen a ghost.”

Aloe didn’t answer right away. Her hands were still, clenched in her lap. “Maybe I have.”

Shane didn’t push. He just nodded slowly, took another drink, and leaned back against the tree behind them like he understood more than he let on.

“People like us,” he said after a while, “we don’t always get peace. But sometimes we get a break. A pause. This—” he gestured vaguely around them, “—this might be that. Even if it’s just for now.”

Aloe closed her eyes. Let the words settle like dust.

Just for now.

Maybe that would have to be enough.

“What’s your story?” Aloe asked.

Shane scoffed, “Farmer girl. I don’t know you like that.”

The silence returned, not quite comfortable — but the hostility had vanished, just like Shane’s beer cans.

“My best friend, Callum,” Shane said suddenly, taking another long drink. “Known him since… first grade. Real loyal guy. Quiet. Funny in this dry, weird way. He married Vanessa. They had Jas.”

Aloe nodded gently. She’d seen the little girl around town. Jas — with her big blue eyes and solemn expressions, always clinging to a stuffed rabbit or skipping ahead of Vincent. There was something wise behind those eyes, something heavy for a child.

“She lives with me now,” Shane added, softer.

He stared straight ahead, into nothing.

“Callum and I… we bonded over gridball. Huge fans of the Zuzu City Tunnelers. He was ecstatic when they started playing exhibition matches close to the valley. Like a dream come true for him.”

Shane’s mouth tightened. His next breath wavered.

“They asked me to babysit Jas that day — just a regular Saturday. They kissed her goodbye like always. Laughed their way out the door. Then…”

A pause.

“On the way back, they were hit by another car. Drunk driver.” He swallowed. “Vanessa died on the scene. Callum held on for a while. Couple weeks. I visited him every day.”
Aloe said nothing. The pain in his voice filled the space between them.

“He made me promise I’d take care of Jas,” Shane said finally. “Said she was the best thing either of them ever did.”

He laughed — not out of humor, but out of disbelief. “I’m barely hanging on, and I’m supposed to raise this little girl like I’ve got it together.”

He looked over at Aloe, eyes red-rimmed but dry. “Anyway. That’s my tragic backstory, I guess. What’s yours?”

“Abusive ex-husband.” Aloe replied. “I ran away from him when his anger nearly killed me.”

Her fingers twitched on the grass.

“Why are people so different once you make a commitment?” Aloe’s question hung in the air. “I married him because I thought he was everything I’d ever needed in a man.”

Shane looked at her sympathetically.

“I made it worse.” Aloe twisted her fingers together, her knuckles white, her voice barely more than a breath. “I cheated on him. With the one man my ex looked up to most in this world. The man he aspired to be.”

Shane didn’t say anything.

Didn’t flinch.

Didn’t look away.

Just let the silence hold her.

“And it gets worse…” she swallowed hard. “It wasn’t planned. But it wasn’t an accident either. I knew what I was doing. I wanted to hurt him. After everything he’d done to me — all the lies, the manipulation, the things I’m still too scared to name out loud — I wanted to make him feel small. Worthless. The way he made me feel every single day.”

She looked down at her hands, blinking fast. “But hurting him didn’t make me feel strong. Or healed. It made me feel hollow. Like I’d lost whatever part of me was good.”

Shane finally spoke, voice rough but steady. “So… you were drowning, and you grabbed the nearest rope. Even if it was barbed.”

Aloe looked up at him, surprised.

“You’re not the only one who’s done that,” Shane added, finishing his beer and crushing the can in his hand. “Doesn’t make you a monster. Just makes you… human.”

Aloe stared at him for a long moment. Then, quietly: “Do you ever stop hating yourself for the things you did while you were drowning?”

Shane exhaled slowly. “Not yet. But some days, I hate myself a little less.”

“Thank you,” Aloe tucked her knees to her chest. “Thank you.”

Shane tipped his beer can toward her. “We’re not so different, Farmer Girl. Come by if you ever feel like you’re drowning again.”

Aloe gave a small smile, then stood, brushing the dirt from her jeans. “You too. Nobody should be alone in it.”

He leaned back against the log, eyes half-lidded, watching the wind stir the treetops. “Go face your ghosts,” he said. “They only get bigger the longer you wait.”

Aloe paused, her hand resting on the back of the log. “I hope someday you face yours too.”

Shane gave a slow nod, like the weight of her words hit somewhere deep.

“Don’t drown yourself too much,” Aloe added. “Alcohol can’t be a solution for everything.”

Shane gave a dry chuckle, quiet and sharp. “You’re starting to sound like a friend.”

“Maybe I am,” she said, turning to go. “Or maybe I just see someone who still has something left to fight for.”

He didn’t reply. Just raised his beer again in silent farewell as Aloe walked away — her shoulders straighter, her ghosts still with her, but maybe, just maybe, a little quieter.

Chapter Text

Six days left.

Then five.

Four.

Three.

Two.

One.

Zero.

The morning she’d been dreading came faster than Aloe had hoped. It didn’t explode into her life — it crept in. Quiet. Heavy. Inevitable.

Today was the day.

The day that had settled like a rock in her stomach.

The day Morgan would come to drag her back to Zuzu City.

Back into the life she had clawed her way out of.

Back into the cage she’d once called home.

And Kazick was coming to stop him.

She hadn’t slept. Not really. Just tossed and turned all night, tracing the cracks in the farmhouse ceiling, her eyes wide as the hours bled away. She listened to the ticking clock like it was a countdown to execution.

By the time the sun rose — pale and indifferent — Aloe was already on the porch steps, fingers clenched around a chipped coffee mug. She hadn’t even sipped it. Her hands needed something to hold that wasn’t fear.

The road ahead stretched like a thread pulled tight, trembling with tension. Every gust of wind stirred the dust and sent her heart racing — waiting for the glint of headlights, the slam of a car door.

Morgan would be punctual.

He always was.

Cold. Precise. Unshakable.

The kind of man who didn’t knock before walking in. The kind of man who didn’t listen when you begged.

Kazick...

He was another story.

Fire and chaos in a leather jacket.

A storm she once tried to ride.

He burned bridges just to watch the flames dance —

and never looked back.

Aloe closed her eyes and breathed in deep — wildflowers, sun-warmed soil, and the faint smoke of the fields.

This place had been her refuge. A hiding spot.

She’d come here to disappear.

But now, she was no longer hidden.

Now, she was the center of the story.

And the show was about to begin.

Headlights crept over the horizon — unnatural in a town where no one drove.

Aloe’s breath hitched. She inhaled deeply, pulling in every drop of fresh morning air she could before it was stolen from her. Before Morgan caged her again in steel, silence, and submission.

“Kazick will keep you safe.”

The words were a whisper, a shield, a mantra.

She repeated them like prayer.

Her bare feet pressed into the porch’s worn wooden planks — the only thing keeping her tethered to now, to here, to freedom.

“Kazick will keep you safe.”

But if he didn’t —

If he didn’t show —

No.

Aloe couldn’t think like that. Couldn’t let the fear crawl in and make itself at home.

Kazick was fire.

Wild. Unruly.

Impossible to contain.

But fire always showed up when it was needed —

to burn away the rot,

to light the path,

to keep the darkness from swallowing everything whole.

And Kazick had never let her face the dark alone.

He’d come.

He had to.

He promised.

Aloe straightened her spine, feeling every inch of the porch beneath her feet. Her fingers tightened around the chipped coffee mug, not for comfort now — but as something she could throw if she had to.

She wasn’t that girl anymore.

Not the one Morgan could corner.

Not the one Kazick had rescued.

Not the one who cried and begged for someone to save her.

Today, she stood alone.

But if Kazick came —

God, if he came —

Morgan would finally see just how much she had changed.

Aloe had grown claws in this town. And she was ready to use them.

She had told Sebastian and Coco to stay inside. Whatever happened, they couldn’t be part of it.

This was her war. Her ghosts. Her mess.

She wouldn’t let the past sink its teeth into them, too.

Then came the sound —

The growl of tires too fast for dirt roads.

Morgan’s truck.

It peeled into Bonheur Farm like it owned the land.

The wheels spat gravel and dust, coating her fragile crops with filth.

Boots hit the ground.

Heavy. Inevitable.

Stomping through her leaves, grinding them into powder with no regard.

No hesitation.

He was here.

The cage had come to her.

“Alouette,” Morgan’s cheerful façade was stretched thin over a boiling pot of anger. Hatred. Fear.

“Morgan,” Aloe’s jaw tensed. She ran a finger over the coffee mug, to remind herself that she was okay.

Kazick would protect her.

“Have you made your choice?” His face twisted into a sneer. “Have you made the right choice?”

“I have.”

Aloe locked eyes with him.

She didn’t blink.

Didn’t flinch.

Her face remained a mask of calm, carefully sculpted —

but inside, the storm raged.

She shoved the rising tide of panic down,

buried it deep, past her chest,

past her knees,

all the way down to the soles of her feet.

There was no room for fear now.

Only fire.

“Well,” Morgan opened the car door with theatrical flair. “Your chariot awaits.”

His smile curled like a snake’s tongue — smug, sharp, sickening.

“Don’t worry,” he added, mockingly gentle. “You’ll be back…”

A pause, then a sneer.

“Here before you know it. A week. Two, tops.”

Aloe laughed.

Not bitter — just bold.

Final.

“No.”

A beat of silence.

Morgan’s expression froze.

“No?” Morgan spat out the word like it was poison on his tongue. “I thought you were smarter than that.”

He chuckled. A deep, grumbling laugh.

Then something shifted — a flicker of unease, barely perceptible.

His eyes drifted past her. Over her shoulder.

And that’s when Aloe saw it:

Fear.

Raw. Real. Flashing bright in the depths of his cold stare.

Then—

“Morgan,”

The voice sliced through the morning like a blade.

Low. Steady. Dangerous.

Kazick.

The name echoed like a warning bell.

And suddenly, the game had changed.

“She said no.”

She felt a warmth around her shoulders. A shield Aloe had hidden herself behind many times. Kazick's fire burned those around him, but Aloe had always been protected.

Disbelief laced Morgan's face. He looked from Kazick, to Aloe, to Kazick again.

"No," Morgan laughed again. The sharp sound cut through Aloe's calm. This time, his anger bubbled to the surface. "No. Alouette knows better than to say no to me."

Kazick pulled Aloe closer.

His hand was steady at her waist, grounding her. His voice, though low, cracked like a whip.

“Don’t finish that sentence.”

Morgan opened his mouth, but Kazick stepped forward, placing himself fully between them — a wall of leather, smoke, and danger.

“You don’t get to talk about her,” Kazick said, voice cold now — colder than Aloe had ever heard. Lethal.

“You lost that right the moment you laid a hand on her. The moment you treated her like something you could own. You think I don’t know what you did?”

Morgan’s face twitched.

Kazick grinned — a dangerous, wolfish grin.

“I know everything.”

Aloe’s breath hitched. Not out of fear — but out of sudden, crushing realization.

Kazick knew. Kazick had always known.

And still, he stood here. Still, he wrapped her in his fire. In the jacket he never took off. Still, he protected her.

The weight of the jacket grounded her again. The smell — motor oil, smoke, safety.

The kind of safety that didn’t ask her to be small.

Morgan laughed — hollow and bitter.

“You think you can protect her from me forever?”

Kazick tilted his head.

“No,” he said. “But I can bury you deep enough that no one would find what’s left.”

Kazick’s body blocked Morgan from view, but Aloe could still feel Morgan’s venom trying to snake past him, trying to reach her.

“I don’t need to lift a finger,” Morgan said, tone slick with poison. “All I have to do is remind her who she really is.”

Kazick didn’t move. But Aloe’s stomach twisted.

No.

Morgan’s eyes sparkled with something dark — triumphant.

“Tell him, Aloe.”

Morgan’s voice cut through the silence like a blade.

“Everyone talks about how angry your brother was. But no one talks about the drugs. How he tried to escape the pain — and you just let it happen.”

Aloe’s chest tightened. The words struck like a slap. Her fingers clenched into fists at her sides.

Kazick’s eyes searched hers, confusion and guilt flickering in his gaze.

“What... what do you mean?”

Morgan sneered.

“She was there every night. Watching him fall apart. And when he overdosed that night... Aloe didn’t call for help. Didn’t try. She froze. Let him slip away while she hid in her room.”

Aloe’s voice trembled, barely a whisper.

“I was scared. I didn’t know what to do. I wanted him to fight, to get better. But I felt so helpless. And then—he was gone.”

Her throat closed tight. She swallowed hard. Kazick’s face shifted — a flash of pain cutting through the anger.

“I didn’t just watch him drown...” Aloe said, her voice breaking. “I helped pull the rope tighter. I didn’t know how to stop it. I thought I was protecting him, but all I did was feed his demons.”

Kazick’s jaw clenched as memories crashed through him.

“You think I don’t remember the nights I sold him the poison? The drugs that stole pieces of him, night after night? I thought I was helping him escape.”

Aloe shook her head, tears spilling freely now.

“I was drowning too. And for so long, I clung to that rope... but I finally let it go. I finally put it down.”

Kazick reached out, pulling her into a fierce embrace.

“Hey. Look at me. You’re not that girl anymore. You’re here. You’re fighting. You made it out.”

Aloe sobbed into his chest.

Morgan spat venom, but in that moment, surrounded by Kazick’s fire and warmth, Aloe felt something she hadn’t in years: hope.

Morgan’s voice was low, venom dripping from every word.

“You think wrapping her in your jacket will erase the past? The drugs, the guilt, the lies—you sold her brother those pills. You fed the monster that killed him.”

Aloe’s breath hitched, and she squeezed her eyes shut.

Kazick’s jaw clenched, but Morgan wasn’t finished.

“Look at you—playing the hero now. But you were part of the problem. You watched her drown and handed her the rope.”

That was the last straw.

Kazick’s eyes flashed, dark and dangerous. He stepped forward, towering over Morgan like a storm about to break.

“Say that again.” His voice was cold, low, deadly.

Morgan smirked, unfazed.

“I’m just saying what she’s too scared to admit.”

Kazick’s hand shot out, gripping Morgan’s collar and slamming him against the wall. The leather creaked as Kazick’s fingers tightened like iron bands.

“You want to talk about scars? I carry mine every damn day. But I don’t get to throw her under the bus for my mistakes.”

Morgan gasped for air, eyes wide with shock.

Kazick leaned in, voice a harsh whisper.

“She’s not drowning anymore. And if you want to poke those wounds, I’ll make sure you regret it.”

He released Morgan, who stumbled back, clutching his throat. Kazick turned back to Aloe, voice softening.

“You don’t have to carry that rope. I’m here now. I’m not letting you go under again.”

Aloe nodded, tears spilling free — not just of pain, but of relief.

Morgan laughed again, though the sound was heavy with a new realization.

“You fucked her, didn’t you? She wormed her way under your skin like that manipulative bitch she is.”

Kazick’s eyes narrowed, the tension coiling tighter in his chest. He took a slow, deliberate step forward, the air between them crackling with barely contained rage.

“Keep talking, Morgan. See how far that mouth gets you.”

Morgan smirked, unshaken by the warning.

“She’s your weakness. Your excuse. But don’t think for a second she’s yours to protect. Aloe is mine. She’s been mine since she signed the marriage certificate.”

Kazick’s hand shot out, grabbing Morgan’s collar and yanking him close enough that their faces were inches apart. His voice dropped to a deadly whisper,
“She’s not your possession. Not yours to degrade. And if you say one more word like that, I’ll make sure you regret it.”

Morgan’s grin faltered, swallowed by the cold fury blazing in Kazick’s eyes. The fragile line between control and chaos had just shattered — and Kazick wasn’t backing down.

Morgan sneered, his fists balling at his sides. “You think you can just step in and take what's mine?”

"I'm not here for you. I'm here for her." Kazick’s eyes burned, his muscles coiling like a predator. “I’m here to end this.”

Without warning, Morgan lunged forward, swinging a wild punch toward Kazick’s jaw. Kazick ducked, the fist slicing the air above his head. He countered with a sharp elbow to Morgan’s ribs, knocking the wind out of him.

Morgan staggered back but recovered quickly, launching a furious barrage of punches. Kazick blocked and weaved, his movements precise, fueled by a controlled rage.

They circled each other, breaths heavy, eyes locked like two storms ready to collide. Morgan swung a desperate haymaker, but Kazick caught his wrist, twisting it and forcing Morgan to his knees.

Kazick didn’t let up — a quick uppercut snapped Morgan’s head back. Blood trickled from the corner of Morgan’s mouth.

Gritting his teeth, Morgan shoved Kazick hard. They crashed into the rough wooden wall of the farmhouse, splinters flying. Morgan grappled Kazick’s jacket, clawing for dominance.

Kazick twisted free, grabbing Morgan’s collar again. His voice was low and fierce. “This ends now.”

With one final shove, Kazick slammed Morgan onto the ground, pinning him with a knee.

Morgan gasped, struggling beneath Kazick’s weight. Kazick’s eyes never wavered, burning with a promise.

“Don’t you ever come near her again.”

Morgan’s fight drained out, replaced by something like fear — or maybe respect.

Kazick stood slowly, breathing hard, and turned to Aloe.

“This is over. He will never hurt you again.” His eyes focused on Morgan again. “Will you?”

Morgan shook his head, completely defeated. He wiped the blood from his eyes.

“Leave.”

Kazick pointed towards Morgan’s truck.

The squealing from the wheels reminded Aloe of a mouse – small, vulnerable, defeated.

As Morgan’s truck faded from Aloe’s view, her heart lifted. She collapsed back against the fence, her energy drained.

It was over.

Morgan was finally gone.

Kazick stood, brushing dust from his jeans. "As I said, he will never bother you again."

A beat of silence.

"And neither will I."

"Thank you," Aloe heard the crack in her voice before the tears started flowing. She launched herself at Kazick, feeling the pucker of old scars beneath his shirt. "Thank you."

Kazick hugged her back, his arms grabbing at her shirt like he'd never get enough of her. Like this was the final goodbye. The last time they'd ever see each other.

"I once told you I would do anything for you," Kazick whispered into her hair. "I will continue to do so."

Aloe wiped the tears from her eyes, pulling away to look at him.

"You were the best choice I made back in the city." Aloe cleared the spattering of Morgan's blood from Kazick's face. "Thank you for all you did for me."

Kazick nodded. His lips pressed together in a thin line.

The silence between them stretched, thick and unmoving. It wasn’t comfortable. Not the kind that came from knowing someone so well that words weren’t needed.

No—this silence was brittle. The kind that cracked at the edges, threatening to shatter if either of them dared speak.

Aloe wrapped her hands around the fence, her eyes focused somewhere beyond the window, watching the light shift over the trees. She looked peaceful. Steady. Settled.

Kazick leaned against the doorframe, arms crossed tightly over his chest like a barrier. His jaw ticked once. Then again. He wasn’t looking at the trees. He was looking at her.

The quiet throbbed between them, filled with things they both didn’t say.

That if the world burned down again, they’d run to each other.

That they could survive the wreckage together—if it came to that.

But it hadn’t.

Not yet.

Not ever.

Aloe was finding joy again—planting things, laughing with Coco, finding comfort in Sebastian’s arms.

And Kazick… wasn’t.

His fingers tapped once against his arm, a silent beat of frustration or longing. Aloe finally glanced at him, and for a brief second, their eyes met.

He gave her the smallest of smiles. Not happy. Not bitter. Just… resigned.

She returned it. Soft. Apologetic.

Then looked away.

And the silence returned.

He didn’t move. Neither did she.

Two souls sitting in the same room, one quietly healing, the other quietly breaking.

And both knowing:

If the world asked them to choose again—

They’d still end up at each other’s side.

Not because it was right.

But because it was familiar.

And sometimes, that was enough.

But not today.

Aloe had made her choices. She had never found happiness before like what she had now. The last chapter of her life had closed. After today, she'd be writing a new book. A book in Pelican town. Without fear. Without sadness. Living with the people who made her the happiest she had ever been.

Chapter Text

Aloe found herself back under the big tree by Marnie’s, nursing a bottle of her homemade apple juice while the wind whispered through the leaves. The world felt slower now. Quieter. The dust, both real and metaphorical, had finally begun to settle around her life.

No more of Morgan’s anger. No more tucking herself into dark corners. No more making herself seem smaller to make room for his storm.

Morgan had always filled every space he entered — with noise, with heat, with that dangerous edge of unpredictability that made everyone else hold their breath. His words were barbed wire, coiled in charm. He could smile like the sun, but there was always thunder underneath. Aloe had spent years learning to read the warning signs — the twitch of his jaw, the way he’d crack his knuckles when something didn’t go his way, the silence that always came before the storm.

She used to think if she just stayed quiet enough, soft enough, he’d settle. That maybe she could soothe the beast instead of being swallowed by it. But all that ever did was teach her how to disappear.

No more of Kazick’s presence threatening to rip apart old scars.

Kazick was different — colder, quieter, more deliberate. Where Morgan burned, Kazick froze. His cruelty was the kind that came in small doses: a look held too long, a word spoken too softly to be called cruel, yet sharp enough to cut. He never raised his voice; he didn’t have to. He’d leave her questioning herself, her memory, her worth — until she couldn’t tell which fears were real and which ones he’d planted.

Kazick had been the kind of danger that looked like safety at first. A steady hand, a calm voice — until the calm turned into control. Until every choice she made was filtered through what he would think, how he would react.

Aloe breathed in, her chest rising with the cool night air. The ghosts of their faces flickered at the edge of her mind, but they no longer held power. They were shadows now — fading shapes behind her.

She leaned her head back against the rough bark and took a deep breath. The air was full of stories — the sweetness of blackberries ripening on the bushes, the woodsy breath of the forest, and the faint, sharp scent of alcohol drifting from Marnie’s barn, where Shane sometimes worked too late.

“Farmer Girl,” came a familiar voice.

She turned her head. Shane stood a few feet away, hands shoved in his pockets, eyes shadowed beneath his messy hair. He hesitated for a moment before sitting down beside her. The grass flattened under his boots.

“You’re back,” he said.

“I am,” Aloe replied softly, taking another sip from her bottle.

Shane nodded toward it. “What’s that? Can I try?”

“It’s juice,” she said, passing it to him. “Apple. I make it myself. No alcohol.”

He lifted an eyebrow but took the bottle anyway. “No alcohol, huh? That’s a first around here.”

Aloe smiled faintly. “I don’t drink.”

He took a cautious sip, then another, and then, with a half-shrug, a third.

“It’s… not awful,” he admitted.

She laughed — a small, genuine sound that surprised even her. “High praise from you.”

The two of them sat in companionable silence for a while. A bird chirped from the fence post. The sun slipped lower, painting the fields gold. Somewhere in the distance, a cow lowed — a slow, sleepy sound that felt like the end of a long day.

“Did you face your ghosts?” Shane asked at last, his voice quiet.

“I did,” Aloe said, watching a leaf spin lazily to the ground. “It wasn’t easy. But I had help. And I think… they’re gone now.”

Shane turned the bottle in his hands, watching the light catch the amber liquid. “We all need help,” he said. “No one can do everything by themselves.”

Aloe nodded. “You sound like someone who’s learned that the hard way.”

He gave a dry laugh. “Maybe. Or maybe I’m still learning.”

She looked at him then — really looked. The lines around his eyes were softer than before. His shoulders less heavy. There was a kind of peace there she hadn’t seen in him for a long time.

“Maybe that’s enough,” she said. “Learning.”

Shane glanced at her, a faint smile touching his mouth. “Maybe it is.”

The wind picked up, scattering a few more leaves between them. Aloe felt something shift inside her — not gone, but lighter, like the air after rain.

“Want another bottle?” she asked, standing and brushing the grass from her jeans.

“Only if it’s the apple stuff,” Shane said, rising to his feet.

She handed him another from her bag. “No alcohol?”

“Not anymore.”

Shane cast a glance behind him, toward the farmhouse. In the window, the faint glow of lamplight revealed a small silhouette — a little girl with eyes too wise for her age, waiting patiently. Watching.

“She’s still up,” he murmured, his voice rough around the edges, softer than she remembered. “She doesn’t like to sleep until I come back inside.”

Aloe followed his gaze. The girl lifted a hand, pressed it against the glass. Aloe felt a pang in her chest — a mixture of sadness and something like hope.

“She’s been through a lot,” Shane continued quietly. “Seen more than any kid should. But… she’s the reason I’m still here.”

Aloe looked back at him. “What made you change your mind?”

Shane exhaled slowly, the air leaving him like a confession. “She did.”

His eyes clouded over, their usual guardedness slipping away. “She found me passed out on the floor one night. I was surrounded by beer bottles and… vomit. She was screaming — these awful, terrified screams that didn’t stop. Not until Marnie pulled her away.”

He paused, running a hand through his hair. “Those screams… they’ll haunt me until the day I die.”

Aloe didn’t speak right away. She just placed a hand on his shoulder, grounding him. Her touch was gentle, steady — a small act of grace.

“It takes a lot of work to change old habits,” she said.

“Yeah.” He nodded, his voice low. “But it’s worth it… for those we love.”

He looked at her then, really looked — and for a heartbeat, there was no judgment between them. Just two people who had both faced their ghosts and lived to tell about it.

Aloe smiled faintly. “You’re doing better than you think, Shane.”

“Maybe,” he said. “Maybe we both are.”

The window light flickered. The little girl disappeared from view, probably heading to bed now that she knew he was safe. Shane’s shoulders relaxed just a little.

Silence settled between them, soft and forgiving. Shane lifted the bottle again, taking one last sip.

“Are you going to be okay?” The question hung in the air — not heavy, but honest.

Aloe offered him a hand — rough from soil and seasons, steady in its warmth. A reminder they weren’t alone in the world. “I’ll be okay,” she said. “We both will. Come by the farm sometime. Help yourself to all the apple juice you want.”

The corner of Shane’s mouth quirked up. “I might just do that, Farmer Girl. Stop by Marnie’s if you ever feel the world’s getting too heavy.”

She smiled. “Deal.”

The moment lingered, soft and wordless, before they both turned toward the paths that waited for them — different, but somehow parallel.

Shane walked back toward the faint light spilling from Marnie’s window, his boots crunching over gravel. Inside, he could already hear Jas humming a lullaby — off-key but sweet — and Marnie’s low voice reminding her to brush her teeth. For once, the sound didn’t make him feel like an outsider. He paused at the porch, glanced up at the stars, and let the night air fill his lungs. It smelled like hay, apples, and a second chance.

When he opened the door, Jas ran to him, giggling. He lifted her easily, her laughter wrapping around him like sunlight. Marnie smiled from the kitchen, and Shane realized that, without noticing, he had started to belong again.

Out in the fields, Aloe made her way home. The moon hung low, silvering the path that wound through rows of trees heavy with late apples. Her heart felt lighter — still tender, but whole in a new way.

At the farmhouse, warm light spilled from the window across the porch. She could see Coco moving inside — humming as she folded laundry, a few loose curls falling into her eyes. And beside her, bent over his computer at the table, was Sebastian — his smile easy, familiar, the kind that felt like home.

Aloe paused at the gate, watching them. For the first time in a long while, the ache in her chest wasn’t emptiness — it was gratitude.

She stepped inside. Coco looked up, grinning. “You're back.”

“Yeah,” Aloe said, setting down the empty bottle. “I think I’m really back this time.”

Sebastian stood, crossing the room to meet her. “Everything okay?”

Aloe nodded. “It will be.”

He wrapped his arms around her, and she let herself lean in — not because she needed saving, but because she finally felt safe enough to rest.

Outside, the wind moved through the orchard, whispering through the leaves. Somewhere in the distance, a rooster called. Morning would come soon enough, and with it, another day — of work, of love, of living.

And maybe, just maybe, of peace.