Archive of Our Own ^beta

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"Hey uh Chase? What's this? Deacon asked holing a video game cd. "it's a game I asked Grandpa for, it just released." Chase responded. Deacon looked down at the cover, "Cry of Mevona, huh? Interesting." Deacon stated. "It's pretty cool, I'm already half way through the game, just started helping the princey get his love life in order." Chase mentioned. "Uh huh, so taking a break from your game for a second, I think I found a book that-" Deacon was cut off. "Actually Deacon," Chase spoke as he stood up and grabbed a stack of papers messily stapled together. "I went to the library and printed out the script for the prince quest I just started, heard he interacts with a mysterious bird man for the majority of it, fun right?" Chase exclaimed. "Well one, when did you have time to print all of that out? Two, are sure this will even work? And three, I think you need to re-think the definition of "fun"" Deacon made note of.
"Right.. anyhoo I say it's worth a shot, seems fun to me and Prunella is too busy with her mom's event today that the birdman will be in the game. It's funny, the prince looks like me if I had green eyes, crazy right? Chase explained. "What does the birdman look like?" Deacon asked. "Dunno, I think he has black hair with grayish eyes but I don't remember." Chase started. "Wonder how the creator came up with the designs, she said in an interview that a lot of her characters are inspired by others." He added.

"Alright, well enough yabbering. Let's get this over with, if it even works." Deacon stated. Bronze and Silver turned to the boys. "A script? Like from films? Strange, but intriguing." Bronze mentioned. "Oh yes, sounds very fun! I've seen Chase play the game a bit, it is quite the story." Silver added. They turned into their key forms and both boys grabbed one. "Okay, here goes nothing." Chase said as he put the key up to the white paper in front of them, Deacon doing the same.
The familiar light flashed before them and then they were gone.

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The pair arrived in a castle.
"Oh Sylius dear, there you are! Your father and I have to speak to you. It's important." The queen stated. "Oh uh.. okay.. mom." Chase responded as him and Deacon followed the woman in an emerald green dress. They walked up the stairs and before them stood a tall man with silver hair and blue uniform. "Sylius." He said. "As you know, you are set to marry Carmen, eldest daughter of Axoni. With your um.. issue, we can't have you marrying her until it's gone." He followed.
"Yes, your father and I want you to go to Raven's Port, the realm of magic and find the woman who helped me all those years ago. Her name was Agnes, she lives in a cottage with her grandson left from the path into Raven's Port. (Insert Player's Name) will be along side you to make sure nothing goes wrong. It is your 18th birthday tomorrow, We expect you to be back a months time from now for the wedding to Carmen." The Queen explained.
"Right, when shall we leave your highness?" Deacon asked. "Tonight. You shall both pack your bags and leave for Raven's Port at sunrise, understand?" The king stated in a stern tone. "Yeah, we got it." Chase responded
"Wonderful, then you two are dismissed." The king added before the cousins walked away. "Jeez the king's uptight" Deacon commented. "Yeah, If Sylius wasn't so scared of him he would have already told them the truth and had the wedding called off." Chase explained.
"What truth?" Deacon asked. "Eh don't worry about it. Though this is about as far as I got in the game play, however I know sorta what to do from here" Chase mentioned.

The two got their stuff packed and before they knew it, they were on their way to Raven's Port.
"You know, This outfit Silver gave me is like the one Sylius has in the game, except mine is teal and his is light green." Chase commented. "Yeah, meanwhile I got black cargo pants, converse and a weird band t-shirt, what even is Fall Out Boy?" Deacon questioned. "Just some band, probably one that Bronze must have come across one of the times he and Silver were looking for cat videos." Chase explained

They continued walking until they saw a small little cottage a little aways from the path, just like the queen mentioned.
"Alright, pretty bird boy here I come!" Chase stated as he knocked on the door. The creaky wooden door opened and there stood a tall man with raven black hair and eyes as cold as ice, except this face was familiar.

"BUDDY?!" Chase screamed.

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Chase's jaw dropped, he never thought Buddy would be Jade, in a way it makes sense but he didn't want it to. Buddy had the crow wings that Jade had in the game, and an outfit similar to Jade's. "Hey, earth to the blonde idiot, Hello?" Buddy asked, still getting no response. "Why am I even here" Deacon asked himself before shoving Buddy to the side and sitting on the sofa. Buddy turned towards Chase again, who still had a face of horror. Buddy tapped his face lightly, causing Chase to snap out of it. "Huh. OH I don't understand, to my knowledge Jade isn't evil, why are YOU Jade??" Chase asked. "Well, to be fair it looks like he's quite rude to the prince when they first meet, then he calms down and realizes the prince means no harm yada yada." Buddy Explained. "Sorta like the beach book we were in, that sorta thing?" Chase asked. Buddy nodded his head. "Uhhhghh, how do you even know about this? Aren't you in some sort of creepy dungeon or something?" Chase asked. "Yeah I don't think i'll be answering that." Buddy rsponded,

"Though I do know mostly everything that happens in this story, I take it you chose it thinking I wouldn't find it?" Budded asked. "Why would you think that?" Chase asked. Buddy leaned closer to him, "Well, given the ending, I don't think you'd want that with me." He spoke with a purr. Chase turned a bit red, exactly knowing what he meant by that. "Well, you could always just leave so it doesn't happen?" Buddy said smuggly. "And Quite oh no bucko! I'll live." Chase responded. "You sure? Because just by seeing me you froze." Buddy asked
"Well I wasn't expecting to see a huge jerk!" Chase said back. "Right, like Jade isn't a jerk in the beginning anyways? God I'll never understand you." Buddy said annoyed.
"And I don't want you to anyways, JERK!" Chase shouted before also pushing Buddy aside. Buddy rolled his eyes before turning to close the door.

The three sit in the living room, quiet. “So Chase, what’s first?” Deacon asked. “Well to my knowledge we sleep tonight and go to a festival tomorrow for Sylius’ birthday, also to find out who he’s meant to be with.” Chase responded.
Why is it so important who he ends up with?” Deacon asked. “Because the prince is cursed freckles. Anyone he kisses will die after 3 days unless it is that set person.” Buddy responded. “I don’t know much about this.. interesting story but I do know he ends up finding them later on.. with a few um side stops with the bird boy.” Buddy continued. “Right, so sleep time I suppose. Uh Deacon, the player gets Jade’s room so that’s where you’re going to be. Buddy and I’ characters stay out here.” Chase explained. “Alright, fine by me.” Deacon responded before leaving to the door.
It was just Chase, his thoughts and Buddy. He knew what happens between the characters, he read a blog on it, but Buddy doesn’t? Or does he and is just pretending he doesn’t?
“Alright, “your highness.” You take the couch, i’ll take this um..” Buddy looked at the wooden bench on the other side of the room. “This.” He continued reluctantly.
“Hey uh, this couch is pretty big, you know? Just uhh take the left and I’ll take the right.” Chase mentioned. Buddy looked at him with a confused expression. “And why would we do that?” Buddy asked.
“Because wool is far more comfortable than wood, don’t ya think Birdie?” Chase said in a playful tone. “Fine but if you even lay a toe on me it’ll be gone by sunrise.” Buddy stated annoyed. “Haha.. right, just get over here.” Chase responded.

The two took their places on the sofa, Buddy fell asleep before Chase did, leaving the blonde with his thoughts. What if he does know about the storyline’s plot? I wonder.. since i’m Sylius, did I get cursed too? Oh no if I did then the ending can’t go as it should.” Chase’s mind kept filling with thoughts, then he eventually fell asleep

It was morning, the sunlight glaring through the window on the two asleep guys in the living room. Chase woke up and felt something was different, he looked down at his waist where the “different feeling” was coming from, to see a pale hand holding onto him, while also being covered with a black wing.

“What happened? Why is.. Oh shoot I better move before he wakes up.. but how?” he asked himself. He slowly tucked the crow’s wing back, and moved the goth’s hand which was weirdly cold. He stood up, and let out a sigh of relief. “Great, still have all 10 too!”

Chapter Text

“Hey uh, this couch is pretty big, you know? Just uhh take the left and I’ll take the right.” Chase mentioned. Buddy looked at him with a confused expression. “And why would we do that?” Buddy asked.
“Because wool is far more comfortable than wood, don’t ya think Birdie?” Chase said in a playful tone. “Fine but if you even lay a toe on me it’ll be gone by sunrise.” Buddy stated annoyed. “Haha.. right, just get over here.” Chase responded.

The two took their places on the sofa, Buddy fell asleep before Chase did, leaving the blonde with his thoughts. What if he does know about the storyline’s plot? I wonder.. since i’m Sylius, did I get cursed too? Oh no if I did then the ending can’t go as it should.” Chase’s mind kept filling with thoughts, then he eventually fell asleep.

Hours later, Buddy found himself awoken suddenly. He scanned the room, and came to the conclusion that no one was there. He looked to the side that Chase was at. He was curled up, as close as humanly possible to the side of the couch. “Guess he took the toe joke a bit too seriously. Hmm he looks cold, guess this wasn’t really written with weather at night in mind, even if it is mid July.” He thought to himself.
“What if I just..” He carefully grabbed Chase, pulling him closer. He put his arm down under Chase’s head, and then his other on the blonde’s waist. The character used his wings as a blanket, so he was hoping the wings would provide a bit more warmth. And they did, Chase stopped shivering and was once again normal. “Hm, if he were to wake up and be like this I wonder how he would respond. Does he even know what goes on between our characters? I assume not as he’s still here, but it does make me wonder. What if he feels the same?” He thought to himself before quietly falling back asleep.

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“Rise and shine Bird Boy! Festival time!” Chase said, pretending he wasn’t just inches away from Buddy. Buddy, slowly opened his eyes was confused at first where the blonde was, but then realized he was the one yelling. “You know, you’d make a hella annoying alarm clock” Buddy stated while getting up and stretching. “Haha yea thanks.” Chase wanted to ask about what happened, but he thought it would be best if he hadn’t mentioned it.

Deacon walked out of the room. “Either these walls are super thin, or this will be the first and last time I agree with Buddy on something.” Deacon mentioned, Chase frowned. “Anyways, Jade is supposed to take Sylius and the player to the festival they’re throwing today, let’s get going.” The blonde mentioned before heading for the door. Deacon and Buddy looked at each other, both in awe that Chase is this energetic at 6am. (Doesn’t last long.)

They get to the festival and find a game. One of the stupid games that have you throw a ball and knock down a few cans and what not. They each took their turn, Chase missed entirely, which Buddy took note of. Deacon successfully did it and chose a horse figurine, typical. Lastly, Buddy took his turn, and got all 5 cans on the first shot. “Wow, that’s the first time i’ve seen someone get all five immediately. Choose two if ya like.” The man behind the counter spoke, Buddy turned to Chase but he wasn’t listening, just sadly eyeing a black cat stuffed animal. “Alright, I’ll have the black cat plush and the uhh beige one right next to it if you may.” Buddy spoke. “Anything for the grandson of Agnes!” The man cheerfully stated before handing both to the crow. The three left and as they were walking, Buddy threw the black cat at Chase. “Hey man what was that- Oh my gosh! You ended up choosing the black cat? That’s sick dude, I would have too.” He said before trying to Hand it back to him. “Nah, got that thing for free, wanted this one instead. Keep that cat, doubt i’d have a need for it.” Buddy spoke sternly, confusing Chase before Buddy gave Chase a small little side smile, causing Chase to smile back.

They went through a couple of these games, from wack-a-witch to dip the siren, stuff like that. The characters walked passed a river, with a few boats going along it. “What’s this?” Buddy asked. “Oh! It’s one of those lover’s lake sorts rides, i’ve never gone on one myself but i’ve wanted to.” Chase responded. “Oh that’s.. interesting.” Buddy spoke, not knowing what else to say. “Come on! Let’s do it” Chase sprung. In the book, the characters just walked passed it after talking about it briefly, they didn’t go on it. Deacon stood there. “Uhh yeah, you guys do that. I’ll be at the petting zoo, heard they have horses that get along with anyone.” Deacon mentioned before walking away. “See, Deacon’s gone, let’s go!” Chase said. “Chase, aren’t these made for, I don’t know. Couples? We aren’t anything close to-“ He was cut off, Chase grabbed his hand and lead them to it. “Okay and? Let’s just do it, no harm in that unless you’re a jerk AND homophobic.”. Chase mentioned, Buddy stayed quiet but started following Chase instead of being dragged.

The girl running the stand looked at the two. “Well aren’t you two just adorable! A Prince and his Crow, how precious. Looks like y’all were made for each other, Enjoy your time!” She spoke, making the blonde blush slightly. The two go onto the boat, It was a good length and if they wanted to lay down they could. The boat started floating away and off they were.

Chapter Text

As they got closer to the tunnel, Buddy could feel his heart racing. He still hasn’t recovered from the coffin incident, and the tunnel is very thin. Chase seems to notice Buddy trembling a bit, he gets a bit closer to the crow and grabs his hand gently, still startling Buddy. Buddy looked at the boy then at his hand. “It’s okay, you aren’t trapped. Just a tunnel.” Chase mentioned. Buddy took a deep breath, “Alright then.” he spoke.

Once they got into the tunnel a mysterious voice spoke.
“Ah yes, the lovers of the century. Chase and-“ The voice was cut off. NO! DON’T FINISH THAT.” Buddy spoke, almost scared. “Fine fine, Chase and.. Gothic Crow man. The couple of the century.” The voice spoke. “That’s not the characters names? It’s Sylius and Akyra, why is it trying to say ours?” Chase questioned. “Not sure.” Buddy responded. “You two aren’t from here, are you? Seem so close, yet so far away emotionally. Chase, have you told him yet?” The voice spoke. Chase got nervous. “T.. Told him what..?” Chase asked fearfully. “You know, your opinion on pineapples. Totally not having to do with what you really think of him. Surely not.” Chase’s heart started racing and he just looked down, in defeat. “Look man, don’t know who you are or what you know about us but just leave it be.” Buddy spoke up to the voice

It was silent for a bit, “You okay Chase? What was that even about?” Buddy asked. “Nothing, nothing just uh. Don’t worry about it. It’s nothing.” Chase spoke, still with a nervous tone. “Right, well if you have to say nothing that many times, maybe it is something. But for your dignity or whatever you have left of it, i’ll leave it be.” Buddy explained. “Thanks.” Chase responded, after he responded, the crow put his head on the blonde’s shoulder, confusing him a bit before he eventually put his head how too.
They started to come closer to an area filled with pink smoke, and heart lights. Then the voice came back. “Oh the precious pop star and his kitty are still here I see, well kitty cat you might like this area, given the.. thoughts you’ve kept locked in a safe.” The voice spoke. “What is he talking about now?” Chase said lifting his head up, Buddy just nuzzled closer to Chase, making him shiver. “Don’t worry about it Chase, he’s just talking nonsense.” Buddy said. “Ha! And you’re thinking nonsense my friend, Sabrina Carpenter version that is.” The voice responded. Buddy didn’t understand the pop culture reference, but Chase did and he completely understood the meaning of the voice’s words now. “The blonde one gets it. Alright i’ll leave you too alone.” The voice said before disappearing once more.

“So, Buddy… what’s uhh on your mind?” Chase asked.
“You. “ Buddy replied without a single thought. Chase froze for a second, once Buddy had realized what he said, he tried to take it back. “No wait I.. um I-“ The blonde cut him off. “You know, maybe it’s the funky mist but you’re on my mind too.. “Kitty Cat””. Buddy didn’t know how to respond, Chase just grinned. “Cat got your tongue, pretty boy?” Chase asked. Chase put his arm around Buddy, gently pushing his head back onto his shoulder as if was a few moments ago. He kept his hand on the crow’s head, running his fingers through a few strands.

“Maybe it’s the smoke, but this feels right.” Buddy mentioned. Chase put his chin on top of Buddy’s head, still petting his hair. “Yeah, but I think for both of our sakes, we say it’s the mist.” Chase spoke. Buddy let out a light “Mhm” before shutting his eyes and enjoying what he had left of the ride.

Chapter Text

The two boys get off the boat, both wanting to pretend it’s just the magic that’s making them feel this way. “Hey uh Buddy? I have a question.” Chase started. “The prince has a curse to anyone he kisses romantically dies within three days, does that mean I have it too?” Chase questioned. “Well, most likely. I mean I don’t see why you wouldn’t as it’s apart of the story and your character.” Buddy explained. “Right, so as I thought then. Okay, then we might need to change up the ending a bit.” Chase said. “Hm, suppose so. Even if the death would only be in the book, probably safe to not do it.” Buddy agreed.

Deacon came back, torn clothes and pissed off face. “So apparently those horses are “We love everyone BUT brunettes” horses.” He said annoyed. Chase just started laughing.
They made their way back to the cottage, by this point Chase was getting pretty tired (Must’ve been too energetic at 6am). They all sat in the living room. “How long does this go for? Day wise.” Deacon asked Chase. “Uhh pretty sure it should end after today? I actually don’t know. Do you Buddy?” Chase said. “I don’t” He responded. “Wonderful, well i’m gonna go to bed. Bye!” Deacon stated before leaving for the room.

“Well um, just us now.” Chase nervously mentioned. “Indeed so” Buddy replied. The room went silent.
“You know with this scene-“ Chase started, then got cut off. “I know what happens in this scene idiot, no need to explain it.” Buddy responded. “Oh um, I was just going to say we don’t have to if you don’t want to.” Chase explained. They went quiet again, only briefly though. Buddy put his arm around Chase. “It’s for the storyline. They fall asleep like this and the player finds them, correct? Would be um, improper to drive away from the story.” Buddy said, a bit of pink showing on his face. Chase smiled. “Yeah, for the storyline.” Chase said softly before leaning closer to the goth. Buddy wrapped his wings around the both of them like the character does in the story. The two feel weirdly comfortable, like it was meant to be like this between them. They both knew the mist wasn’t causing what was going on between them, but Buddy wouldn’t admit it to the blonde, and the same the other way. They’re enemies. Not characters in a romcom.

“Hey do you could totally yell at me for saying this, “ Chase started, Buddy looked down at Chase. “But this genuinely feels right, like I know the stuff with the keys and what not are an issue, but besides all of that this feels right, you know what I mean?” Chase rambled. “A.. again I know it probably sounds delusional because I mean we aren’t characters in a book of our own and the more I mentioned it the stupider it sounds and.. I’m going to shut up now.” Chase stopped, embarrassed. Buddy stayed quiet, worrying Chase. Had he overstepped? Ruined something that maybe wasn’t even there?

“You know,” Buddy started. “When I realized you were in these books, I wanted nothing more than to get rid of you and never see your stupid face again.” He finished. Chase stayed quiet, it doesn’t look like he’ll win this one.
“But now, every story we go into, I find myself wishing I was in the hero’s place. Just once. Especially in that stupid vampire book, now, I want nothing more than to stay around you.” Buddy stated then went quiet, looking at Chase’s doe eyes staring back at him.
“Wait, what?” Chase asked in confusion. “What’s there to wait on? You’re right, it does sound stupid. We aren’t characters in a romance novel that randomly gets together, but I know what you mean when you say this feels right. I agree, it does.” The crow mentioned, still looking at Chase. Without saying anything, Chase let his head down, falling onto the other’s chest. Buddy also stayed quiet, gently wrapping his arms around the blonde.
They fell asleep like that, exactly where they wanted to be.

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Deacon wakes up, clothes still torn from the night before. He goes out to the living room and sees the scene on the sofa. "Oh, good gosh." He says to himself. "Hey, Chase, Buddy?? Wake up!" Deacon shouts, causing Chase to almost fall. "Jeez Dorkin, what was that for?" Chase said in an angry but tired voice. "Well maybe don't sleep on feather chains over there, hm?" Deacon stated back. "It um it was for the story, Sylius and Jade-" Chase tried to explain. "For the story my apple. We both know that's a lie, now wake the bird up and let's continue with the story." Deacon stated sternly.
"Aye aye Captain Hollow." Chase responded sarcastically, Deacon just rolled his eyes. "Hey, psst Buddy, wake up its morning." Chase mentioned in a gentle tone, putting his hand on the crow's shoulder. He opened his ocean eyes. "Hm, morning already, what a bummer." He started as he was stretching. "I got decent sleep weirdly, must have been you're doing, your highness." Buddy finished, before standing up, and making unsettling eye contact with an annoyed brunette. "Great, you too. Chase what do we do now?" Deacon asked. Chase got up and thought. "Oh! I'm pretty sure we're supposed to head into the village and get fitted for outfits, tonight is a once in 5 years ball hosted by the Pillar family of Raven's Port. Then I'm pretty sure we just walk around town until sunset then go home and change. Boom, day figured out." Chase proudly explained.

"Right, well we should get going." Buddy spoke as he was walking to the door, the blonde followed him and so did Deacon. He kindly opened the door for the two of them and they were on their way. "Pretty sure this is it, "Silver Spoon Fabric"." Buddy stated as they started walking in. "Hey there! I'm Sylvia and this is Viola, we're the two gals running the place, may we help you three?" She spoke in a silky tone. "Uh yes, we are to be fitted for three suits if you have the time to spare. It's for tonight's Dance of the Moon event." Buddy spoke in a serious tone, different from how he usually speaks. Must've gotten into character, damn.
"Ah yes! Of course, hun! We shall get started now.

The spider-like friends started their weaving. They occasionally asked the boys for style and color suggestions but overall took most of the control. A couple hours later, all three had formal wear to their standard. Deacon had a creme and orange color pallet while also somehow looking like he belonged in a castle with the name "Charming." Buddy chose a more formal outfit than he's usually have. It was a simple violet corset vest with a black lace button up, he chose to have no buttons on the very top of the shirt. He had matching black pants with lace sides, as well as a black formal cape with matching black lace over a purple background. Chase's looked directly out of pastel vampire show. He had a white poofy sleeved shirt with an almost matching corset to Buddy, however his was teal. He chose a lighter shade of teal for the pants, adding some white roses to the pockets for design.
The boy's loved the outfits they had received.

"Alright, where to next?" Deacon asked. "There's a magical ice-skating rink not too far from here." Chase mentioned. "Even if it's late July."
They had nothing better to do, so all three headed for the rink. "I dunno about this Chase, remember that one birthday party we were at a few years ago? I fell and someone almost skated right over me." Deacon stated as he was tying his skates. "I'll be fine Deacon, that was 5 years ago." Chase responded, then stood up. Deacon stood up as they both looked at the rink. Buddy was already out there, skating as if it was his profession. "Woah..- I mean uh Deacon! Seriously? You've been thinking about him all day, give it a rest!" Chase blurted out before starting his way to the ice. "Yep, all me Chase. All me." Deacon said sarcastically before smiling softly and following his cousin. At this point, the trio and a few others were on the ice, Chase was slowly getting the hang of it, only falling a few times, which Buddy still laughed at. Deacon was doing okay, however he could 100% have been doing better. "Gosh, Simon's ice-skating party wasn't this slippery, was it?" He thought to himself. A person skated towards him. "Hey, maybe you should get off the ice, you might break somethin'" the elf girl stated before him. "I.. Uhh.... Pffttt n-no I know h-how to skate! See, watch." He spoke confidently. He got himself ready, and bolted. He didn't get far however, as he instantly fell onto the ice. "Watch out!!" A person shouted, they were loosing control and were headed straight for Deacon.

He couldn't get up, he started panicking. "Chase!" He yelled, getting both his cousin and the goth's attention. Right before the person was about to skate over him, glowing purple particles surrounded him, and the person skated right through him as if he were a ghost. Buddy lead the particles carrying Deacon towards him and Chase, who had already gotten off the ice prior to this incident. Once he was over normal ground, Buddy dropped Deacon onto the ground. "Great, I've had to save him twice now." Buddy complained. "Wait twice? When was the first time?" Chase asked confused. Buddy choked up. "Uh nothing I misspoke." He replied. "Ughh I have a headache" Deacon mentioned. "Maybe it's time to leave, heard there's a food bar around here, let's go there" Chase stated as he was helping Deacon get back on his feet.

Chapter Text

They get to the food bar, which is a mix of a bar, restaurant and dance club. They sit down and order food. No one's in except the workers, the trio and a couple loners trying to pick up women before they leave.
"You know, do they always have music on in here?" Deacon asked. "Well, Sylius and uh, Jade end up dancing in this scene, so I suppose so." Chase responded. "Ah how wonderful, as if you two weren't already doing that on the ice an hour ago." Deacon responded.
Chase blushed a bit. "Yeah, ignore that."
"Will do, but you guys should get the scene over with so the story can progress." Deacon stated. "Freckles has a point." Buddy stated before standing up and bowing before the blonde, "so, what do say, Princey?" Buddy asked, leaning his hand out for Chase to grab. The blonde grabbed onto it and was instantly pulled onto the wooden dance floor. Buddy spun him, making Chase laugh a bit. "Well, if you're going to laugh at me, then.." He said before letting go of the blonde, before grabbing him right before the floor did. "Kidding, maybe the Villainess, but that doesn't mean I'm evil. " The crow said with a grin. "Uh huh, sure dude sure... kidding!" Chase said with an obviously exaggerated annoyed face that turned into a soft giggle.

"You know, as much as I hate that guy, I feel as if he may be right for Chase. He seems happier when the guy's around, especially recently. Nice to see him not as stressed out as he usually is, so there's at least one pro to this bird flying around." Deacon mentioned to himself. Suddenly, Chase pulled onto Deacon. "Come on dude! The player dances too!" Chase mentioned cheerfully. Deacon shrugged then started dancing with them, not well but at least he was having fun.
Buddy took a hold of Chase's waist and dipped him, then the music went quiet. They looked at each other, really looked at each other. The only sound that was being heard between the two were their heartbeats, beating at the same pace as if they were one. Realization hit the both of them, had they been this oblivious the entire story? Trying to avoid the inevitable? Buddy slowly pulls the blonde up again, still maintaining eye contact. Chase's sweet doe-like honey eyes looking back at his cold ice eyes. It's not the first time the two have made eye contact, gosh not even close, but this felt different. Different than when first meeting one another, different than when they'd glare at one another in the cat book, different than the looks they exchanged on that island. Different from all of it, even time in this story.

They had both realized what was going on. Some may argue they realized it the night before, maybe even on that boat ride. Which is wrong, they knew before. Neither of them was brave enough to face it. Face the truth, but they were ready to accept their fate this time.
Buddy softly smiled, making the shorter one smile as well. "Well isn't this a turn in events." The taller one mentioned. "Quite the unexpected." Chase replied. Buddy lifted his hand, putting it lightly on Chase's cheek. Chase lifted his hand in response, placing it on top of the other. "Hate to interrupt this beautiful moment, however the ball starts in 2ish hours, we should start heading back." Deacon mentioned to the two of them. Letting go of one another, Buddy wanted to ignore the ball and just stay how it was seconds ago. He knew what was going to happen, the battle.. but he didn't think Chase was aware of it, as he sprung up to follow Deacon to go get ready. Did Buddy have the guts to warn him? No, he didn't. He's probably just overthinking it right? No way Chase would think it's real. R..right?

Chapter Text

And with that, the boys went home and changed into their outfits. Deacon changed first, taking "Jade's" room. Once they had gotten back, they only had 30 minutes to get ready. Minutes passed as the two loverbirds waited. 'He sure does take a while to change." Buddy mentioned. "Not usually, if he doesn't hurry up we're going to be late!" Chase mentioned. "Might as well just change here, at this rate Cinderella will make us late if we don't." Buddy mentioned, mainly joking.
"Eh, wouldn't be a terrible idea." Chase said. "Wait what? I was joking you idiot." Buddy said. "Oh right.. haha yea so was I.." Chase said, in a very unconvincing tone. "Right, if I didn't know better, I would say you weren't joking. However I'll save that conversation for when your cousin isn't in the other room, hm?" Buddy stated confidently, Chase hid his face. I'll head to the library, you take the closet to your left, k?" Buddy said, but before Chase could answer he was gone. "I hate how stupidly attractive he is, jeez man give a guy a break!" Chase said, to himself he thought. "Well thanks Blondie." A voice said from the room over.
"Oh come on!" Chase shouted before entering the closet.

They both went back out to the living space, still no Deacon in sight. "Ugh are we sure he isn't trying to skip out?" Buddy asked. The door finally opened, "Sorry guys I couldn't figure out the.. wait." Deacon said, taking note how they both were already in their formal wear. "Jeez I don't even want to know how that happened, let's just go." He continued.
They got to the ball, Chase running directly for the snack table. "You don't look as bad as usual Freckles." Buddy said, trying to make it sound like a compliment. "Uh thanks? You I suppose." Deacon responded.
"You know, I don't know what happened between you and Chase in the last book, but he's been more cheerful since." Deacon commented on. "He didn't tell you?" Buddy asked. "Uh nope, he would just awkwardly giggle and slowly walk away whenever I asked, I eventually gave up." Deacon responded. "Interesting, well it was just story stuff, nothing to important." Buddy spoke, hiding the small amount of pink showing up on his face. "Right, well whatever you and Chase have going on, just don't use him. I get that you're on the bad guy's team and what not, but don't play with his feelings to get your way, got it?" Deacon asked sternly. Buddy stayed quiet.
"It's not easy to pretend we are on the same level. You're right, I could 100% abuse the way Chase acts towards me. But I haven't, and don't plan to." Buddy mentioned. "I suspect he has some sort of feelings for me, and if that's true I just wish he knew he could do better." He continued. Deacon looked at him. "I don't know, this entire summer I haven't seen Chase as happy as he has been after the last book." Deacon started, "So whatever you did, assuming it was you, you brought his light back." Deacon mentioned.
"Light back? He's always cheerful, that doesn't make any sense." Buddy questioned. Deacon smiling lightly towards the ground. "Yeah, he's quite good at pretending that nothing's wrong, isn't he?" Deacon softly said. "I suppose so." Buddy responded.

Chase came back, all cheery as usual, which Buddy paid more attention to. "Hey Buddy, do you know what happens now? I uh, only got so far into the summary and only skipped to the uhh yk part haha" Chase asked. This was his chance to tell Chase the truth on what happens, but he couldn't. "Well, our characters dance while the player goes off to meet other npcs. After that they.. go home and continue the search in the morning." Buddy explained. "Well then let's get to it!" Chase happily mentioned, Buddy felt guilty, but he was far too deep now to stop this lie.
Deacon filled his part, mainly not wanting to third wheel them more this book. The other two were dancing. "Hey, so I know at some point our characters kiss, but I have the curse and I don't want to risk it possibly hurting you if we follow along with what they do." Chase mentioned. "I agree, to be honest, I'm pretty sure even if it's a curse in the book, it would still affect you and those around, and given we're not the actual characters, it would end up badly." Buddy stated. "Oh yea, cause Sylius and Akyra were written for one another." Chase said, upset a bit but he didn't show it. "Right, and your person isn't here, meaning if the kiss does happen, I would probably die within the book." Buddy stated. He knew it was the truth, that he wasn't ever going to be the Akyra to Chase's Sylius. They weren't like that. On opposite teams.
"Well, what if you are that person..?" Chase hesitantly asked. "What?" Buddy responded. "Think about it, it's such a popular trope. Enemies to Lovers, would sort of make sense.. right?" Chase asked, trying to more convince himself than the crow dancing with him. Buddy let go of Chase, getting a confused response from Chase. Buddy looked down to his left. "We aren't Sylius and Akyra. You and I will never be anything like that, it's just not possible." Buddy said sternly.
"What do you mean? This entire story we've been doing just fine, listen I know you don't trust me, especially after what happened in in the last book with the water and stuff but I.." Chase then stopped as Deacon was walking back over. "What's going on here?" He asked, both replied with "Nothing".
"Righty-o.." Deacon said awkwardly. "Hey so when do we-" He was cut off by a loud explosion to their right. Buddy got in front of Chase, blocking the blonde from any flying debri. Deacon was coughing, but looking through the fog he tried to see what it was.

"Chase, listen to me. I'm sorry I didn't tell you about this but you and Deacon need to leave." Buddy spoke. "But what about you? You're coming to right?" The scared blonde asked.
"I.. No, I can't. You two need to get back to the cottage, I'll distract them while you run." Buddy responded. "What are they?" Deacon asked. "Stagilons, they're like what Akyra is except deer instead of birds. In the story they showed up a few weeks prior and have been hunting down Alerens like Akyra." Buddy explained. "Wait, then why does Akyra stay back? If he's the one being hunted, shouldn't he be the one running away?" Chase asked.
Buddy smiled, "Guess people do crazy stuff to protect the people they love." He explained. "Right, well that's Akyra! He loves Sylius, so he stayed to protect him that makes sense. But we aren't like that! You said it yourself you don't-" Chase rambled on then stopped when Buddy hugged him.

"Chase, I said that it's impossible for us to be anything but enemies. I said nothing about the way I felt about you, so don't put words in my mouth." Buddy explained. "Then, how do you feel?" Chase asked.
"Fun fact, Akyra is a crow and he's one of the smartest of his species, however he does something really dumb." Buddy noted. "What did he do?" Chase asked, confused.
"Mind if I show you?" Buddy asked softly. Chase stayed quiet for a second, then nodded. Buddy responded by putting his hands on Chase's face, then kissing him. It caught the blonde off guard, but he wasn't mad about it.
Buddy pulled away, looking at the dazzed boy. "Wait, that means.. this means it'll be the last time I see you in this story.." Chase explained. "Maybe so, and if that's true then perhaps this moment stays within this book." Buddy said.
"And if I do see you?" Chase asked. "Then you would be right about us working out." Buddy said, "But for now you need to leave." He continued.
Chase wanted to stay just a little longer. "No wait please we can all run together." Chase mentioned. Buddy backed up a bit, Chase tried to follow but Deacon pulled him back "Hey! No, let go of me!" Chase argued. "Sorry, he's just doing his role, as you are too. Sylius also begs Akyra to come with them." Buddy mentioned.
"Please, we can deviate from the story. We have before?" Chase pleaded. "And have you watch me die horrifically? Have you forgotten what the curse does?" Buddy mentioned.
Chase started tearing up. He knew that the death would only be in the book, but Buddy was right. He wouldn't want to watch that. "But.. what if you are my person? And you broke the curse by doing what you did?" Chase asked, he was trying to find something to keep Buddy from doing this.
"I think we both know we aren't going to be that lucky. Deacon, take him please, you remember the way, correct?" Buddy stated. Deacon nodded. "Wait no, Buddy seriously you can't be doing this. Buddy please-" Chase was cut off.

"Nox." the crow mentioned. Chase and Deacon were caught off guard. "W..what?" Chase asked. "That's my name, thought you deserved to know it since I lied to you about the ending of the book." Nox mentioned.
Chase's breathing got faster, "Why is he treating this like he'll never see me again? Why is he doing any of this?" he thought to himself
"Bu- Nox, please." Chase asked, one last time. "The way you say my name, almost makes it sound special. I'll see you in the next book." Nox said. He too off his cap, wrapping it around Chase. Chase barely paid any attention to it, he tried to escape Deacon's grip, but Deacon didn't let go. Deacon knew that if we did it wouldn't be good, so he stayed firm.
Deacon started walking, taking the startled blonde with him. "No, Nox you idiot! Deacon let me go!" Chase said, barely strong enough to keep fighting back. Nox turned to face the battle.
"See you in the next book, My Prince." Nox mentioned, before running towards the crowd of Stagilons.

Chase was still trying to get away from Deacon, the tears had dried, staining his face. They got out of the courtyard, but then Chase saw a bright light flash, it was Nox. He went towards a Stagilon, then got thrown back, and stopped moving.
Chase turned away, trying to control his thoughts as well as his breathing, knowing that nothing he could say could make Deacon turn back.

.
.
.

They got back to the cabin. Agnes came out to try and talk, but Chase went straight to the room that was Akyra's and shut the door. Deacon thought to check on him, maybe even tell him it's probably best if they left. That Nox wasn't going to magically appear. Chase was hopeful. He believed he was right about Nox, and so he waited.
Minutes turned into hours, hours turning into days. Before the characters knew it, it had been a week since the battle. In the script, Akyra came back on day four, but Nox wasn't anywhere to be found. Deacon knocked on the door, "Hey uh Chase, I know you're hopeful in Buddy-" Chase cut him off. "Nox." "Right, I know you believe Nox is going to come back, but you have to grow up and accept this one just isn't for you." Deacon said on the other side of the door.

Chase looked at the black cat he was holding onto, it resembled Nox so much, the fur color, the eye color, the purple studded collar. He knew Deacon was right, he just wasn't able to accept it. After everything, it was all pointless in the end. All of it.
"You.. go home, I want to stay here a bit longer. I know he isn't coming, but leaving the script means I forfeit the small chance I still have." Chase quietly explained. Deacon sighed.
"Alright, I'll see you at home then." Deacon said, before a light appeared under the door then disappearing.
Chase just layed there, he knew what the truth was, he did. He was trying to distract his mind from thinking about what happened to his crow, did he leave before anything happened? Or did he stay and, well.. You know.
He couldn't think about it anymore, he shut his eyes and fell asleep.
Moments later, after nightfall had arrived, the front door creaked open. In the doorway, stood a familiar figure, hair as black as a raven and eyes as blue as sky. He had a soft smile on his face, ass he slowly but carefully walked up to the bedroom door. He opened the door, careful not to make any noise. A part of him thought Chase would have left by now, given he was gone longer than the 4 days in the script, but nope. There the blonde was, sleeping on his side, holding onto the dumb cat from the fair as if it were about to escape. He was curled up in the cap from before. Nox walked over to the bed, sitting down next to Chase.
"Guess you were right you idiot." He softly whispered to himself. He got a bit more comfortable, and gently ran his fingers through the blonde's messy hair. Chase slowly woke up, Nox didn't stop however.
"Mhgm, is that you Deacon..? I thought you.." Chase started then got a look at the man in front of him. "Well sunshine, looks like against all the odds you were right." Nox mentioned. Chase jumped towards him like a playful cat. He put his arms around the goth and his head on Nox's shoulder. Nox returned the hug, as they sat holding one another, Nox was thinking about how Chase went from someone he wanted to get rid of, to someone he never wanted to let go. The two stayed like that for a bit, enjoying each other's company. After a bit, Nox pulled out of the cuddling position. "You know, after everything that happens, Akyra asked Sylius for another ki-" Nox was cut off, Chase kissed Nox once more, and the other kissed back.

A light flashed and Chase was thrown out of the book. "Oh, hey dude. I'm sorry about the whole Bu- Nox thing, wanna go get ice cream or uh something? Deacon asked the blonde. Silver turned back into her person for, holding a full vile of the teal liquid. "Wow Chase, enjoyed the storyline that much?" Silver asked. "Wait huh?" Deacon questioned.

"I was right Deacon, I was right!!!" Chase shouted happily.