MCYT(Mostly Hermitcraft)Oneshot Boo... - Chapter 40: Chapter 40

Laughter fills the town square.
Two young children run about and play.
"You can't catch me!!" A child with blonde hair and purple eyes yells as he runs.
A smaller child with blonde hair and golden brown eyes chases them and yells. "I'm gonna get you!!"
The two children are best friends.
Soon enough the shorter child stops chasing and catches his breath. "It's not fair! You're taller than me and have longer legs Zedaph!" The child whines.
Zedaph laughs. "I'm always gonna be taller than you Tango!"
"It's not fair!" Tango puffs his cheeks.
Zedaph walks over and pulls his best friend into a hug. Tango hugs back and giggles.
"Zedaph! Tango! It's time for dinner!!" Zedaph's mom calls out.
The two boys run to Zedaph's house.
"Mom guess what! I won tag again!" Zedaph grins.
"Stop bragging!" Tango squeaks angrily.
Zedaph's mother can't help but laugh. "Alright, no fighting you two. Why don't you see if Mama is ready for dinner Zed? And Tango come help me set the table?" Zedaph's mom offers.
Zedaph smiles brightly. "Ok! Mama!" Zedaph calls out and runs down the hall of the house.
Tango smiles and goes to grab the plates and cups to set the table.
Soon enough Tango, Zedaph, and both of Zedaph's mothers are sitting at the dinner table eating spaghetti and meatballs.
"Your food tastes good Mrs. Plays" Tango smiles as he stuffs more food in his mouth.
Zedaph's mom smiles. "Thank you dear, but Mama Plays taught me. She's much better."
Zedaph's other mom blushes. "Shush honey. No flirting in front of the kids!" she scolds.
Zedaph giggles. "Mom, Mama? Can Tango come over again tomorrow?"
"Of course he can, he is always welcome here." Mrs. Plays smiles.
"Yay!" Both Tango and Zedaph cheer.
The next day was pretty uneventful until Tango, being the 9-year-old daredevil he is decides it was a good idea to run into the forest.
"Tango I don't think this is a good idea-" Zedaph whispers as he holds Tango's hand.
Tango grins. "Don't worry Zeddy! I will protect you from the monsters!" Tango waves a stick he has, making Zedaph laugh.
The two explore the forest until they hear a stick break, the two turn to see a tall man with bright red eyes and white hair, he has a grin on his face...his teeth are very sharp.
"Oh hello there. What are two little kids doing in the forest alone?" He tilts his head.
Tango grins. "We are adventurers! Going to find a dragon!!"
Zedaph hides behind Tango slightly.
The man chuckles. "Is that so? Why don't I help you" the man smiles.
"Oh o-" Tango gets cut off by Zedaph tugging his arm. "What's wrong Zed?" Tango turns his head to face Zedaph.
Zedaph is shaking. "I want to go home," Zedaph whispers.
"Oh." Tango frowns. "Maybe next time Mr.!" Tango turns to look back at the man, his eyes widen when he sees the man holding a large sword. "I don't think you're going anywhere." The man grins and swings the sword at Tango.
Tango steps back and blocks it with the stick. "Zedaph- Go get someone!" Tango pushes Zedaph away.
"B-But what abo-"
"Go!" Tango yells, cutting Zedaph off as he hits the man with the stick.
Zedaph runs back towards the town, tears streaming down his cheeks.
"MOM!!! MAMA!!!" Zedaph cries.
Zedaph's mothers go to him.
"What's wrong Zedaph?" one asks.
"T-There-" Zedaph hyperventilates. "Scary man in the forest with red eyes and sharp teeth! Hurting Tango!" Zedaph blabs.
Both of Zedaph's mother's eyes widen, one pulls Zedaph close and another goes to call the sheriff.
....After that day. Zedaph wished he hadn't left Tango.
Blood was spotted on the ground where they were, but Tango wasn't there. All that was left was Tango's jacket that was tied around his shoulders like a cape that day.
"Zedaph! Get up!" A woman screams.
Zedaph shoots up and looks at the woman. "Cleo! Don't scare me like that-" Zedaph sighs.
"Sorry. It's the easiest way of getting you awake. Making you panic-" Cleo laughs. "Stress made breakfast and wanted you out of bed before it got cold."
Zedaphs sighs. "Ok 'mom.'" Zedaph rolls his eyes and goes to the kitchen with Cleo and sees his other roommate Stress, cleaning dishes.
"Morning Stress." Zedaph smiles.
"Mornin' Zed!" Stress smiles, turns, and hugs Zedaph.
Zedaph hugs back.
"I made waffles!" Stress smiles, making Zedaph sit down.
Zedaph smiles and takes a bite of his waffle.
"Mhhh-" Zedaph smiles. "Does being a fairy make your food taste heavenly?"
Stress laughs. "I don't think so!"
Cleo chuckles too and wraps an arm around Stress. "Well, I'm off to class. Statue-making class thankfully is my favorite for 7 in the morning." Cleo kisses Stress's head. "I'll see you two later." Cleo leaves.
Stress smiles. "I just think me taking culinary classes helps a bit." Stress teases.
"Oh shush- take a compliment!" Zedaph sighs and laughs.
After Zed eats he goes to get a shower and dressed. He looks through his closet and spots a red and gray item, he pulls it out and looks at it.
A torn jacket.
Zedaph lets out a shaky breath and he hugs the jacket before placing it on his bed.
Once he gets comfortably dressed in a blue sweater, brown pants, and blue sneakers, he picks the jacket up and wraps it around his waist.
He walks to the living room and grabs his keys, phone, and wallet. "Stress I'm off to class!" Zedaph yells.
"Ok!! Have a good day luv!!" Stress yells from her room.
Zedaph leaves the dorm and walks out of the building. The wind blows his hair gently out of his face.
"Hmm. I could go for a coffee." Zed thinks out loud as he goes to the coffee shop next to the class building.
"Zedaph!" A familiar voice calls out.
Zed looks up and smiles. "Hey, Grian!" Zedaph walks over to the counter.
Grian smiles. "The usual?"
"Yup!" Zed grins back.
Grian gets to work making the coffee.
Zedaph hums and taps his foot.
Grian turns and gives Zedaph the cup. "That will be $2 please!"
Zedaph places two dollars on the counter and grabs his coffee. "Have a good day G!"
"You too Zed!"
Zedaph turns and starts heading out the door, not paying attention to someone walking in.
Someone bumps into him, making him spill all the coffee all over both of them and fall to the ground.
"God- That hurts!" Zedaph whimpers as the hot coffee seeps into his clothing.
"Watch where you're going!!"
Zedaph looks up and sees a tall man with firey blonde hair and bright red eyes.
"Well I'm sorry- you could have looked where you were going too!" Zedaph shoots back as he stands up and brushes his shirt and pants off.
The man looks at Zedaph, and something in his gaze flickers.
"I-" The man sighs. "Sorry for coming off rude. Just in a rush- let me pay for you to get a new coffee." The man goes to the counter, and tells Grian his order, once it's done he comes back over and hands Zedaph a coffee cup.
"Sorry once again." the man says and quickly leaves the shop.
Zedaph is left standing there in complete utter confusion.
"Ok then-"
"Tango your back from class! How was your d-"
"I saw him." Tango cuts the person off.
"Saw who?" The person tilts their head.
"Zedaph." Tango's red eyes meet the person's red eyes.
The person sighs. "Tango. You've said that so many t-"
"I know it's him!!! The person you took me away from!" Tango yells angrily.
"Tango-"
"What's going on in here!?" another voice pipes up.
Tango turns. "Hels! I found Zedaph!" Tango shouts.
Hels' eyebrows raise. "Your childhood best friend?"
"Yes, him!!! I can tell this is actually him...this time.." Tango whispers.
Hels sighs. "And now you're reliving your hatred towards Ex because he turned you into a vampire and took you from Zedaph?"
"Yes," Tango grumbles.
"I thought you got over that!" Ex pushes.
"Shut up!" Tango shoots a glare at Ex.
"Guys- stop," Hels says sternly. "Tango. Why don't you go try to speak with him tomorrow then?"
"I don't think he would remember me. It's been 10 years." Tango looks down. "I look so different now."
"Well.., Do you have any way to prove you're who you say you are?" Hels raises an eyebrow.
"I...hm- Yes! I do-" Tango runs to his room and rummages through his drawer until he pulls out a necklace. It's a heart-shaped necklace with a photo of him and Zedaph in it. His eyes start watering but he wipes them with his sleeve and walks back to the living room.
"I have this necklace...he should have a matching one..if he even remembers me," Tango whispers.
Hels shakes his head. "If he was your best friend he better remember you." Hels pats Tango's shoulder. "Now go get ready, we are hunting tonight for this month's bloodstock."
"Got it." Tango goes back to his room.
When the clock hit midnight the three leave the house. They split into individual groups and go hunting. Around 15 minutes later Hels spots someone.
The person has fluffy blonde hair tied to the side of his head in a short braid, and he's carrying a backpack and a cup of coffee. He doesn't seem to be paying attention to anything but his coffee..easy target.
Hels grins and sneaks up against a tree close to the person.
The person seemingly finishes his coffee and puts it in his bag.
Hels grins, he runs, and pounces on the person.
The person screams loudly.
"Shh- be quiet, it's easier if you don't resist!" Hels laughs and grips the person's neck.
The person screams and struggles. "Get off me!!!"
Hels ends up accidentally biting the person's collarbone instead of their neck due to the struggle.
Hels hears footsteps behind him, a pause, and then a familiar voice.
"Hels!!! You get off of him!!!" Tango yells angrily and pulls Hels off using all of his strength.
"Hey- What are you doing?! He's an easy target!" Hels yells.
The person gets up and runs off, seemingly going home.
"Tango. What the hell?" Ex asks and pulls Hels out of Tango's grasp.
"You can't just-"
"That's him..." Tango cuts Hels off.
Hels' and Ex's eyes widen.
"That's Zedaph...you can't hurt him.." Tango whispers, tears forming in his eyes.
"Hey- I" Hels sighs. "I'm sorry Tango. But you know I didn't know what he looked like." Hels pulls Tango into a hug. Tango hugs back tightly.
"Bye Grian!" Zedaph says with a smile as he leaves the coffee shop. He turns and bumps into someone, but before he could fall or spill his coffee an arm wrapped around his waist. His eyes widen as he looks up. He sees a tall man with brown hair, yellow eyes, and two black horns on his head.
"You ok?" The person smiles gently.
"Oh. I'm fine-! I should be asking if you're ok!" Zedaph says, quickly standing up straight.
"Oh, no it's completely fine. My name is Impulse. What's yours?" Impulse puts his hand out.
"It's Zedaph," Zed says as he shakes Impulse's hand.
Zedaph swears something in Impulse's expression changes when he says his name, but he shrugs it off.
"It's nice to meet you Zedaph." Impulse gives a large grin, his teeth are sharp. Zedaph gulps and steps back slightly.
Impulse tilts his head and then notices a vampire bite on Zedaph's upper collarbone.
"If you don't mind, may I ask what happened?" Impulse asks motioning to the bite.
Zedaph runs his fingers over it gently. "Well, a few days ago I got attacked by a vampire on the way home from work. But someone...I think they saved me." Zedaph says. "I was horrified."
Impulse's gaze softens. "I would be horrified too. Even though, as you can see, I'm not human. But, if I was and I was in your position, I'd be scared too." Impulse gently smiles and puts a hand on Zedaph's shoulder.
Zed smiles. "You're too nice."
"You can never be too nice Zedaph. Also, if you want we can exchange numbers if you ever need a friend?" Impulse grins.
"I'd love to." Zedaph grins back.
The two end up sitting at the park talking and getting to know each other better.
*Knock Knock*
Tango opens the door. "Impy!!!" Tango grins and pulls Impulse into a tight hug.
Impulse hugs back and buries his face into Tango's hair. "I have something to tell you."
"What is it?" Tango raises an eyebrow.
"I met Zedaph." Impulse looks at Tango.
Tango's eyes widen. "You did?!"
"I did. I saw the bite you told me Hels gave him, it looks pretty bad." Impulse says as Tango pulls him over to the couch. "But other than that, we exchanged numbers."
"You exchanged numbers with him!?" Tango raises an eyebrow.
"I did. I'm doing this for you, I am going to help you reconnect with him." Impulse smiles.
Tango hugs Impulse. "You didn't have to do that."
"I do. Because you're my best friend." Impulse smiles.
Tango grins and kisses Impulse's cheek. "You are the best friend ever."
"I know." Impulse grins.
A few weeks went by and Impulse and Zedaph got close, they would hang out at each other's dorms six out of seven days a week doing work together, tonight Impulse is staying over at Zed's dorm while Cleo and Stress are traveling for winter break.
Zedaph yawns and leans into Impulse as Impulse makes eggs.
"Tired?" Impulse chuckles.
"No," Zedaph mutters quietly.
"Then why do you sound sleepy?" Impulse giggled.
"Not tired," Zed complains.
Impulse grins. "Yes."
"No."
"Yes."
"No"
"Yes."
"N- " Zed gets cut off as Impulse picks him up and carries him to his bed. "Good night"
Zedaph sticks his tongue out and kicks his feet at Impulse.
Impulse starts laughing and pushes Zed further into the bed. "Sleep, child!"
Zedaph huffs. He closes his eyes and falls asleep.
Impulse runs his fingers through Zed's hair with a gentle smile until his smile falters. He starts looking in drawers for something specific.
After a few moments, he can't find it and frowns. "What am I gonna tell him-" Impulse starts.
"Tell who, what?"
Impulse jumps and looks at Zedaph standing in the doorway. "Zed!! How long have you been standing there?"
"Long enough. So what's up? Why were you searching for something?" Zedaph asked with crossed arms.
"It's nothing. Just wanted a pencil, that's all." Impulse lies.
Zedaph crosses his arms again and raises an eyebrow. "Is that so?" He walked closer to Impulse.
"Yes." Impulse swallows and backs away. "Go back to sleep Zed, goodnight."
"I'm not going anywhere." Zedaph smirks, closing the distance between him and Impulse. He opens the drawer Impulse just looked in and grabs a pencil off the top.
"I don't think you're looking for a pencil Impy." Zedaph glares at Impulse. "Now why-" Zed pushes Impulse to sit on the couch. "-are you going through my stuff?"
Impulse glances down.
"So you aren't gonna tell me." Zed crosses his arms, unimpressed.
Impulse sighs. "I'm sorry Zed."
Zed frowns. "Just tell me what you're looking for."
"Well..I-"
Impulse is cut off by the sound of their dorm's fire alarm, they both look around and see that the eggs are still on...and the stove catches on fire and it's spreading quickly.
Before Zedaph can register anything Impulse picks him up bridal style and carries him out out of the building while calling the fire department.
After about 5 minutes the fire department comes, and the fireman immediately starts putting out the flames.
Zedaph has tears streaming down his face as he leans into Impulse.
*3 years ago*
"Merry Christmas Dear!!!" Zed's mom's both smile and hand him a large gift.
Zed grins and opens the present. "Oh..My...GOSH!" Zedaph grins as he sees a telescope box. "It's the kind I've wanted for like ever!!" Zed grins happily.
"Yes, it is" His mom grins.
"Why don't you go try it out? It's nice and dark out." His other mother motions.
"Definitely!!!" Zed smiles and hugs both his mothers then goes outside down the hill.
A few hours pass and Zedaph had the best time stargazing with his telescope.
He carries the box back up the hill.
He drops the box onto the grass.
The house is on fire, flames up to the roof. Firefighters and Police surround the home.
"MOM, MAMA!!" Zedaph runs towards the house.
"Sir!" A policeman holds him back.
"Let- LET ME GO!" Zedaph yells as tears stream down his face. "MOM!! MAMA!!" Zed cries.
A few moments go by and Zed is sitting in the police station, hugging his telescope box.
"Sheriff, we have a 16-year-old boy here who lost his parents in a bad fire, he has no other relatives in contact." A police officer places down a piece of paper.
The Sheriff turns to Zed, and his gaze softens. "That's the kid who lost his best friend to the woods 7 years ago.." the Sheriff whispers. "Jimmy!"
A tall kid comes out from the back office. "Yes, Dad?"
"Go give that kid some company, we have to find him a new home." The sheriff pats Jimmy's back.
Jimmy walks over to Zed and sits down. "..Hey there."
"Hi..." Zed's voice breaks.
"My dad says he's gonna help you find somewhere to live." Jimmy smiles reassuringly.
"I...I don't want to have...another family...I want my moms." Zed cries.
Jimmy frowns and hugs Zedaph.
A few weeks go by and the Sheriff couldn't find a suitable home for Zedaph so he adopted him himself.
"Zedaph, These are your new siblings, Jimmy, Grian, and Pearl." The Sheriff motions to the three teens.
"Hello!" Grian smiles.
"Hiya there Zedaph!" Pearl grins.
Jimmy is beaming. "You're my brother now Zed!" Jimmy bounces on the heel of his feet.
Zedaph smiles and shyly waves.
"You're sharing a room with me! Let's go!" Jimmy pulls Zedaph excitedly to the room.
"Jimmy! Don't steal him!" Grian yells and follows.
Pearl laughs and follows after them.
2 years go by.
"You can't go to college yet!" Grian sobs playfully as he hugs Zedaph.
Zedaph laughs and hugs back. "G, you work on my campus grounds. You can see every day."
"But it's not the same! My little brother is so grown!" Grian sniffles dramatically.
Zedaph grins. "You're more little than I am."
Grian's wings puff up, offended. "Hey don't use height as a power tool! You know what?" Grian spreads his wings and flies up so he is just taller than Zedaph.
"Hah!" Grian grins.
"That's cheating" Zed laughs and pulls Grian down by his leg, causing a loud squeak.
"Zed!" Grian squawks.
"I should get going- Bye G! Bye Jimmy! Bye, Pearl!! Bye, Dad!!" Zedaph quickly leaves and packs his car.
When he gets the his dorm he knocks.
A short girl with brown short hair and pink fairy wings opens the door.
"Oh my gosh! Cleo our roommate is here!!" She smiles.
A taller zombie hybrid comes to the door. "Hello, I'm Cleo." Cleo smiles at Zed.
"I'm Stress!" The shorter one grins.
"I'm Zedaph. It's nice to meet you." Zed smiles and shakes Stress' hand.
"Zed..? Zed...!" A voice shocks Zedaph back to reality. He looks up to see Impulse staring down at him.
Zedaph glances around and sees a very white room, seemingly a hospital room.
"Oh thank goodness you're ok! I got scared after you completely disconnected yourself from reality.." Impulse sighs in relief.
Zedaph feels tears form. "Is...is the dorm ok?" Zedaph's voice is shaky.
"Yes, the kitchen took the most of the damage. The bedrooms and bathroom are fine, the living room has a bit of damage but everything else is ok." Impulse smiles then his smile fades. "What made you space out like that..?"
"I...don't wanna talk about it.." Zedaph whispers, his hand subconsciously slips under his jacket and holds a locket in his hand above his heart.
Impulse's eyes widen but then he regains composure. "Yeah..and I'm sorry Zed, for...well snooping."
Zed laughs dryly. "It's ok Impulse. Whatever you were looking for has to be worth it."
"Oh..it is." Impulse smiles sadly. "Get some rest, without the whole spacing out thing. I was worried." Impulse's hand cups the side of Zedaph's face.
Zedaph nods and falls asleep as he leans into Impulse's warm hand.
"Is he ok!?" Tango asks with a horrified expression on his face.
"He's ok Tango. He didn't want to tell me why he spaced out though." Impulse hums.
Tango sighs in relief. "That's good...I'm glad he's ok."
"I do have information that will make you very happy." Impulse grins.
"You do?" Tango tilts his head.
"He has the necklace. He was wearing it under his jacket, I don't think he takes it off." Impulse smiles.
Tango's cheeks heat up. "I..he remembers me.? He remembers me... He remembers me!!!" Tango gets up and shakes Impulse. "I-I should go speak to him! I need to go speak to him. I missed him so-"
"Not yet Tango." Impulse cuts Tango off. "He is still recovering slightly. I will let you know when a good time is." Impulse chuckles.
Tango huffs, a little upset but understanding.
"Impy, you are the best person in the world." Tango hugs Impulse tightly.
Impulse hugs back and smiles. "I know."
"I- You weren't supposed to agree!!" Tango squawks out as Impulse laughs.
A few weeks have gone by and Zedaph recovered fully Impulse promised when the time was right he would explain what he was looking for.
"Tango, today you should go talk to him." Impulse smiles.
"Really?!" Tango beams.
"Mhm. He seemed very happy earlier and if he has a good mindset today maybe he will hear you out." Impulse informs.
"Ok ok! Let me go get ready!" Tango runs into his room, knocking down a few items on his way. Luckily Impulse has magic to catch all the items.
They go to the café together to look for Zedaph, and as expected Zedaph is sitting at the window seat with his coffee and laptop doing his course work.
"Zed!" Impulse walks over and waves.
Tango follows quietly.
Zed looks up and smiles. "Impulse! Good Afternoon! Oh." Zedaph squints. "You're the one who yelled at me when you! Bumped into me."
Impulse raises an eyebrow at Tango.
Tango flushed red in embarrassment. "I uh. I said sorry and bought you a new coffee didn't..I?" Tango asks with a sheepish grin.
Zed sighs and smiles. "Just messing with ya, man. Everyone has their bad days." Zedaph's grin is heartwarming and practically melts both Tango and Impulse into goo. "Come sit!" Zedaph points to the empty chairs across him.
Both Impulse and Tango take the seats opposite Zed.
Zed continues typing while sipping his coffee. "Well I'm sure you already know my name, it's Zedaph. What's yours?" Zedaph looks at Tango.
Tango freezes. "Uh..you can call me Tek!" Tango laughs nervously.
"Woah. That's an awesome name!" Zedaph's eyes light up. "It reminds me of a superhero duo I liked when I was younger!" Zedaph grins and immediately starts rambling about the two superheroes.
Tango sighs as a light blush spreads across his cheeks as he watches Zedaph rant about the same superheroes he ranted about ten years ago.
Impulse grins at them. "I'm gonna go order food and drinks. I know what you want Tek." Impulse leaves to go to the counter.
Zedaph grins at Tango. "So! What do you do for a living?"
"Oh, I am in a Game Design and Programming class at the nearby college! But I work at an auto shop fixing cars." Tango smiles.
"That's so cool!" Zedaph smiles back.
"Yeah! I just finished the second development of my game Decked Out! It was a total success!" Tango grins.
"Really!? That sounds awesome!" Zed says excitedly.
The two end up talking until the coffee shop closes.
"Bye Guys!" Impulse waves and walks off.
"Bye Impy!" Tango waves back.
"Bye Impulse!!!" Zed waves excitedly.
Tango looks at Zed and then at the sky, it's getting dark out.
"Would you like me to walk you home?" Tango raises an eyebrow.
Zedaph's eyes widen. "You don't have to."
"I insist." Tango grins and extends a hand.
Zed gives Tango a shy smile before taking the offered hand.
As they walked through the dark night Tango felt his breath catch when Zedaph wrapped his arm around Tango's.
They walk for a good 10 minutes before Zedaph lets go of Tango's arm.
"This is it! Thank you for walking me home, Tek." Zedaph whispers.
"You're welcome Zedaph," Tango whispers back.
The dorm door swings open.
"Zedaph stop flirting and come inside!" Cleo shouts.
Zedaph's eyes widen. "Flirting!? Cleo!!! Ugh. Bye, Tek!" Zedaph takes his shoe off and chases Cleo into the dorm, closing the door.
Tango blinks.
"Poor soul is getting the wrath of the shoe." Tango smiles and walks off.
Tango, is currently squealing on his bed and kicking his feet like a teenage girl in a teenage romance movie.
"What's got you all excited?" Ex raises an eyebrow.
"I finally spoke to him!" Tango kicks his feet.
"Who? Zedaph?" Hels pokes his head in.
"Yes!" Tango grins. "He's still so sweet!"
Ex and Hels glance at each other before Hels grins.
"You're acting like Ex when he had a crush on me!" Hels teases.
Ex flushes. "I- Shut up!" Ex hits Hels playfully on the arm.
Hels grips Ex's arm and pulls him close, kissing him gently.
Ex's eyes widen then he soon relaxes as he wraps his arms around Hels' shoulders, kissing back.
"Ew! If you're gonna kiss get out of my room!" Tango squeaks.
Hels picks Ex up and leaves, still kissing him.
"....." Tango contemplates his existence. "Welp, I'm going out to buy bleach for my eyes."
A few months have gone by and Zedaph and "Tek" have become best friends. Zedaph is currently pulling Tango somewhere into the quieter part of town.
"Look, Tek!" Zedaph points.
Tango looks and sees a flower field, one that he remembers very well.
11 years ago.
"Tango! Look at this flower crown I made!" Zedaph jumps in excitement.
Tango turns and looks at the flower crown. "It's beautiful Zedaph!"
"Yeah, anit'sts for the pretty princess" Zedaph grins and places the flower crown on Tango's head.
Tango flushes. "I'm NOT a pretty princess! I am a strong warrior!" Tango squawks, offended.
"But Tango, your MY pretty princess." Zedaph pouts and gives Tango the biggest puppy eyes ever seen.
Tango blushes. "Fine. I'm..." Tango mumbles. "Your pretty princess" Tango whispers, embarrassed.
"Woooo!!!!" Zedaph cheers and jumps around happily.
Tango covers his face with his hands.
Zedaph giggles and hugs Tango tightly.
"Guess what!" He grins.
"What?" Tango asks curiously.
"I'm YOUR knight!" Zedaph pulls a small cape of tied flowers over his shoulders.
Tango's eyes light up. "Was that the thing you were making!?" Tango grins.
"Yes, it was!" Zedaph does a spin.
"You're so cool Zed." Tango hugs Zedaph.
Zedaph laughs. "I know," Zed says smugly and hugs back.
"I take it back." Tango scoffs.
"Hey!" Zed yells.
"This place...is beautiful Zed." Tango smiles.
"Yeah. It reminds me of a friend." Zed sighs.
Tango looks at Zedaph and frowns. "Tell me about them?" Tango sits in the field, and Zedaph joins him.
"Well. They were probably my only friend." Zed looks down and fiddles with the flowers. "He was the only one who understood me and how I felt. Never looked at me differently because he always told me everyone was different." Zed smiles gently.
"I mean. That's true. No one is the same." Tango supplies.
"Yeah..but" Zed laughs. "Not many people around here are humans, my parents weren't. He and I were both the only two humans in town. It was scary, but we had each other...you know?" Zed starts picking some flowers.
"I..understand." Tango smiles.
"You're not human. The eyes kinda say it all." Xed looks at Tango.
"I- I no. I'm a vampire." Tango grips his pants gently. "I have this bracelet to keep me from burning in the daylight." Tango shows the bracelet, it has a few diamonds embedded.
"That's pretty." Zed smiles. "It reminds me of my friend's favorite gemstone. I was always into gems and rocks and gave them to him. Until one day he got one he really liked and kept asking for them." Zed blushes and glances away. "I have a full box of them on my desk."
"What..gemstones are they?" Tango tilts his head.
Zedaph laughs. "I could probably get a fortune for all of these. They are his birthstone, diamonds. I have no clue if any of them are real...but I wouldn't get rid of them. They remind me of him.."
Tango's cheeks flush. "What...uh what happened to him?"
Zedaph's calm mood turns more sad. "He.." Zedaph hugs his knees. "I don't know. Everyone in the town wants me to accept that he's dead...but I know he is stronger than that. He was the strongest person I knew." Zedaph feels tears gather.
"He is the reason I'm probably still alive. I am so weak...he was what kept me safe. Well, my parents did too...but.." tears stream down Zed's cheeks. "They are gone too."
Tango's eyes widen. "What."
"Yeah...a few years ago, on Christmas...my house caught fire and burnt the place to the ground. My parents were gone in seconds...they were sitting by the tree, and the tree caught on fire and fell onto the couch. Trapped them under enough time to burn them badly..fire spread to the walls and floors since..ya know. Wood cabin." Zedaph tries to keep his composure but can't help it. He starts sobbing into his hands.
"Zedaph.." Tango pulls Zedaph into his arms and hugs him tightly.
Zedaph hugs Tango just as tightly. "I miss my family.." Zedaph sobs into Tango's shoulder.
"Shh...." Tango rubs Zedaph's back.
Soon Zedaph calms down and is just hugging Tango with his head on his shoulder.
Tango is running his fingers through Zedaph's hair.
"You remind me of him," Zedaph whispers.
"Do I..?" Tango asks.
"Yeah. You're kind...friendly..charismatic..brave.." Zed mutters. "and really pretty."
Tango blushes madly. "Uh. Thanks Zed."
Zedaph snuggles closer into his arms.
Tango's breath hitches as he holds Zedaph. He feels guilty. He has to tell him.
It's been a few weeks since their conversation and Tango can't help but be anxious.
"Tango, you're pacing." Ex sighs.
"I know! I am..so nervous!!!" Tango screeches.
"What if I spook him? I am pretty sure he'd remember me." Ex grins.
"Spook..him?" Tango tilts his head.
"Yeah. He will definitely hate me. I can confront him on his walk home at night and you can kinda be all hero-like." Ex offers.
"I guess..but what if he hates me for lying to him!?!" Tango shouts.
Ex shakes his head and sighs. "This kid is gonna be the death of me."
Zedaph is currently on his way home, coffee cup in hand and bag over his shoulder.
"Hey there kid."
Zedaph jumps and turns. He sees a man with...bright red eyes and white hair.
"Y-You!" Zed steps back.
"Ah! So you recognize me" the stranger grins, teeth very sharp.
"You...you took Tango!" Zed yells angrily.
The stranger laughs. "Yeah. Easy food." He instigates.
Zedaph clenches his fists.
"He believed he was so strong. But in reality, he was a weak, useless, d-"
CRACK
As soon as the stranger processes what happens, he grips his jaw and winces. He looks up and sees Zedaph staring down at him, his fist bloody.
"You will regret the day you laid a hand on him." Zed's voice is angry, he sounds..insane.
The stranger scoots back, Zed takes a step forward.
"Hey..uh- we can talk about- ACK-" The stranger gets cut off as Zed kicks them in the mouth.
Zedaph is about to hurt them again before someone blocks him.
"Zed!" Tango blocks the hit. "Stop it!"
"Tek! That's the man who took my childhood best friend!!!" Zed yells angrily.
"I am your childhood best friend!" Tango yells back just as angry.
Zedaph freezes. "What."
Tango's eyes widen when he realizes what he said, then he takes a deep breath.
"Zedaph. He never killed him. He never killed me." Tango whispers. "He..just turned me into a vampire..."
Zedaph stares at Tango in disbelief. "I-...the blood...I..prove it.." Zed whispers angrily.
Tango reaches into his pocket and pulls out the locket, he holds it up to show Zedaph.
Zedaph takes a step back before charging towards Tango to hug him, this causes both of them to fall to the ground.
"Y-You..! You stupid idiot!!" Zedaph yells angrily as he hugs Tango.
Tango laughs nervously. "That's..." he laughs again. "That's one way to address your best friend."
Zedaph sobs into Tango's chest.
"You're such an idiot..." Zedaph repeats quietly.
"Yeah...I know..." Tango giggles. "But you know I'm your idiot."
"Gosh.." Zed laughs shakily. "Yes, you are." Zedaph hugs Tango tighter.
Tango returns the embrace.
"That's cute in all but he just broke my boyfriend's jaw" Hels deadpans.
Tango and Zed look up to see Hels and the stranger, aka Ex.
"He deserves it." Zed scoffs and hugs Tango.
Tango sighs. "I'll pay for the bill, go to the hospital. Zed, say sorry."
Zed grumbles out a half-hearted sorry.
Ex sighs "It's fine- I deserved it- ow." Ex winces.
Hels picks up Ex. "Let's go." Hels walks off.
Tango takes Zedaph back to the cabin.
"Why didn't you come..find me?" Zed looks over at Tango, who is lying next to him on Tango's bed.
"To be honest...I was scared." Tango whispers.
"Scared..of what?" Zedaph turns his body fully to face Tango.
"I was scared...you would look at me differently." Tango looks at Zedaph.
"Look at you..differently?" Zed questions.
"You always looked at me...like I was perfect, that I was your hero..your savior..and I knew you were afraid of vampires. So..I didn't come find you." Tango feels tears stream down his cheeks.
"Tango.." Zedaph gently cups Tango's face. "Don't cry..you're my hero. And you are perfect, you're amazing and handsome and smart and sweet and caring and loving and I love you more than anything in this gosh darn world. You got that?" Zedaph states matter-of-factly with determination in his eyes.
But Tango only seems to focus on one part of that speech. The fact that Zedaph told him that he loved him. His cheeks flush as he looks up at Zedaph and gives a dopey grin.
"There you are." Zedaph smiles.
"There...I am." Tango leans into Zedaph's hand.
Muffled Screaming can be heard across the hospital room.
"Tango. Screaming into a pillow is not going to get you a boyfriend." Ex deadpans.
"But he's so endearing!" Tango happily kicks his legs as he lays on the bench.
"Could you at least do this at home and not in my hospital room?" Ex sighs.
Tango ignores Ex and happily fangirls and gushes about Zedaph.
Ex groans unhappily then covers his ears with his hands.
A year has gone by, and Zedaph and Tango have grown even closer. Tango, however, is still a simp and is currently fangirling in his room over the fact that Zedaph fixed his hair for him earlier.
"Tango! Stop fangirling and come get ready for the hunt!" Hels shouts.
"I'm coming!!! And I'm not fangirling!" Tango comes out of the room.
Hels sighs. "Let's just go." Hels leads them to the forest.
They hunt for a good hour before they hear footsteps, multiple footsteps.
Tango steps forward. "My hunt," he whispers. Then he sees a familiar person...Zedaph.
Zedaph is currently backing up into a tree.
A man is stepping forward, touching Zedaph.
Something in Tango snaps.
Soon the man is on the ground, bleeding out from his neck as Tango does have some of his skin between his teeth. "HE'S MINE!" Tango yells angrily as he bites a chunk of the man's neck off. A scream of agony falls short.
"YOU STAY THE FRICK AWAY FROM HIM!!" Tango punches the lifeless corpse.
"T-Tango?" Zed's voice breaks Tango out of his violent rampage.
Tango looks at Zedaph, he sees fear in Zedaph's eyes. "I- Zed-" Tango stands and turns toward Zedaph, blood all over him.
Zedaph takes a step back, shaking.
"Zed...I-I don't run...please..." Tango whispers weakly as he looks down, fully prepared to be left.
Instead, he feels arms wrapped around him. He looks up and his eyes widen.
Zedaph is hugging him tightly. "I...I will never run from you Tango."
Tango grips Zedaph's arms and leans into his chest. "You're t-to perfect Zed." Tango whispers."I killed..someone and you are hugging me."
"Well..you were protecting me, weren't you?" Zedaph asks.
"I mean...yeah. I'll always protect you Zed." Tango whispers.
"I know." Zedaph smiles and gently runs his fingers through Tango's hair.
Tango relaxes into the touch as Zed slowly lets go of him. "Come on, let's clean you up."
Tango nods, and he collects the body to bring back to Hels and Ex. When they get inside the house, Hels takes the body to the cellar.
Currently, Tango is sitting on the bathroom sink as Zedaph is gently wiping down his face with a wet towel. Tango said he could do it himself but Zedaph insisted he did it.
Zed wipes the blood off Tango's cheek.
Tango is gently gazing at Zed, his face hard at work to clean Tango's skin. Zedaph notices and blushes, Tango smirks at him.
Zedaph quickly finishes wiping off the blood and puts the towel away. "Maybe you. Uh, should get a shower instead." Zed whispers, his cheeks flushed red.
Tango tilts his head in confusion.
"Your uh- shirt and pants soaked with blood. You probably have some on your body...and well-" Zed blushes.
Tango's eyes widen. "Yup- Yep! Got it-" Tango hurries around the corner into the secluded part of the bathroom where the shower is.
When Tango comes out of the bathroom, he has a t-shirt and shorts on. "Zed?" Tango looks around as he dries his hair off with a towel.
He hears laughing from the kitchen, he goes to the noise.
"What is he wearing?!" Zed laughs as Hels shows Zedaph photos.
"He chose it himself!" Hels laughs.
"What are you doing?" Tango leans on the wall.
"Showing Zed you in your angsty phase" Hels grins.
"You were so cute!" Zed laughs.
Tango's face goes red. "Hels I'm going to kill you!" Tango runs at Hels. Hels laughs and runs away.
Zedaph wheezes as he sees Tango tackle Hels.
Hels is squirming under Tango.
"Honey, Help me!!!! Tango is abusing me!!" Hels calls out in fake helplessness.
Ex peaks his head out of their bedroom and sighs, he walks over and picks Tango up by his shoulders. Tango kicks his legs angrily as he is walked over to Zedaph. Ex drops Tango then walks back over to Hels.
Tango's face is still red.
"I can tell those two really care about you Tango." Zed smiles.
"Huh?" Tango tilts his head.
"They are acting like your family. Like parents even. I can tell by the way they act, that you're like their kid." Zed grins.
Tango blinks at Zedaph then chuckles nervously. "Ahh, yeah... They are great, huh." Tango smiles and looks back over to Hels and Ex.
Hels has Ex in his arms, gently running his fingers through his hair.
Ex is leaning against Hels' chest, smiling with a blush dusting his cheeks.
"They are really in love." Tango smiles.
"They are." Zed agrees as he slowly scoots closer to Tango.
Tango doesn't notice until Zedaph's hand is in his.
"Dork" Tango mutters softly.
"Yes, yes I am." Zedaph teases.
Tango giggles as he looks at Zedaph and gazes into Zedaph's eyes.
Zedaph stares right back, he looks happy, content, and relaxed.
Tango grins.
Zedaph leans closer and grins back.
"Oooooooooh~" Hels grins and makes kissing noises.
Tango and Zedaph both blush and jump away from each other.
"There better not be any kissing in front of my pumpkin pie!" Ex grins.
Tango flushes. "Guys-!"
Zed giggles softly as Ex and Hels both continue to tease Tango.
Months go by and Zedaph is graduating. He took many college courses in high school so he is graduating early.
"That's my boy!" The Sheriff wipes a tear.
Zed squints at him.
"Daaaaddd- stop it." Zed laughs.
"You're so old!" He wipes another tear.
"Thanks." Zed squints again.
"Zed!!!" Grian, Pearl, and Jimmy all yell in unison as they suffocate Zedaph in a tight group hug.
"Ahhh~! Ow ow ow OW!" Zedaph struggles under his siblings.
The three finally loosen their hold on Zed and laugh.
"You three need to stop squishing me!" Zed scolds.
All mumble fake apologies.
"Well, I should go to get ready! See ya after the ceremony!" Zed runs off to inside the school.
The Sheriff wipes another tear.
"Dad!" All 3 groan unhappily.
Tango has the jitters as he stands in the crowd next to Ex and Hels.
"Hm. There are so many interesting people here." Hels hums.
Ex glances at everyone. "I don't see Zedaph, wonder where he is."
"He'd be at the back because this year they are doing it by first name," Tango says.
"Ah," Both Hels and Ex say.
Around an hour goes by and they finally get to the last names on the list.
"Xisuma Void!" The professor calls out.
Ex's eyes widen.
Hels looks at Ex and raises an eyebrow. "Darling, are you ok?"
Ex nods. "Yep. Yup. Perfectly fine." Ex taps his foot gently.
Hels frowns.
"Zedaph Plays!" The professor calls out.
"WOOO!!!" Tango screams.
Many people cheer and clap for Zed, he is very popular.
"That's my best friend!" Tango yells happily.
Ex and Hels chuckle.
As soon as the last names are called, Tango hurries over to where the graduates are.
He spots Zedaph with 6 people, but he doesn't care.
"Zedaph!!!" Tango yells as he runs over to Zedaph.
Zedaph and the others turn.
"Tango!" Zedaph grins and opens his arms. Tango jumps into Zedaph's arms and hugs him tightly.
Zedaph laughs happily and hugs back.
"I am so proud of you!" Tango cups the sides of Zedaph's face.
Zedaph smiles and leans into Tango's hand.
"Ahem-" A voice cuts in.
Zedaph and Tango look at the group.
"Oooooh~ who is this Zed!?" Grian grins with a smug face.
"And why have we never met him!?" Pearl asks, offended.
Zedaph blushes and puts Tango down. "This is..: Zedaph smiles. "My best friend Tango."
The sheriff's eyes widen.
"The boy who went missing?!" The sheriff exclaims.
Zedaph nods. "He was taken in by two vampires."
Tango nods too. "My family."
The sheriff pulls Tango closer into the group and welcomes him home.
From a distance, Ex has tears in his eyes.
"Aw darling don't cry." Hels laughs softly as he hugs Ex.
"H-He called us family! His family, Hels!" Ex grins happily as he hugs Hels.
Hels smiles and gently kisses Ex's head.
Ex purrs happily.
"Ex?" A voice interrupts them. A familiar voice.
They both look over and see Xisuma.
"Xisuma," Ex mutters, tears still streaming down his cheeks.
"You.." Xisuma whispers. "Gosh darn it just give me a hug!" Xisuma opens his arms and Ex bolts to him, hugging him tightly. The two cry as they hug each other and Hels stands there awkwardly because he has no clue who Xisuma is.
"Uh. Who's this?" Hels raises an eyebrow.
Hels' voice startles Ex and Xisuma.
"O-Oh!" Ex laughs and turns to Hels. "Hels, this is my twin brother Xisuma. Xisuma, this is my boyfriend Hels." Ex blushes.
"You have a brother!?"
"You have a boyfriend?!"
Both ask in unison.
Ex laughs nervously. "Surprise..?"
Hels shakes his head. "Nice to meet you."
Hels extends his hand to Xisuma.
"Lovely meeting you too." Xisuma shakes Hels' hand.
Hels then kisses Ex's head. "Why don't you go see Tango and Zed?"
Ex blushes and nods. "Ok. Talk to you later Xisuma." Ex smiles and walks off.
As soon as Ex is out of sight Xisuma squints at Hels.
"You better be treating my brother right." Xisuma crosses his arms.
"I'm treating him better than you ever did since I've never heard of you." Hels puts a hand on his hip.
"What is that supposed to mean?" Xisuma glares at Hels.
"You have never been mentioned to me once, your parents have though. I met both of them but never you." Hels points out.
"So? I was in college. I was busy." Xisuma responds. "To be honest, my brother would most likely stay with me rather than you, Hels. You are irrelevant. Ex and I are blood, I'm his twin." Xisuma states.
Hels laughs.
"What are you laughing at?" Xisuma asks, irritated.
"Listen Xisuma. Your brother and I, have a family now. He loves me and I love him. I would die for him, he would die for me." Hels grins.
"Have..a family now?" Xisuma tilts his head.
"W-"
"Hels!" Ex runs back over and hugs him.
"Yes, darling?" Hels' demeanor changes in an instant.
"Tango is going to hang out with Zed for a while. So, it can be just us for a while." Ex smiles lovingly at Hels.
Hels grins. "We can bake cookies!"
"Omg omg! Sugar cookies!!!" Ex celebrates.
Hels laughs.
"Ex! Hels!" Tango runs over. "Do you have any money I can use?!" Tango gives Hels and Ex puppy eyes.
"You have some in your-" Hels gets cut off by Ex giving Tango $40. "Ex-" Hels sighs.
"I can't say no to his puppy eyes! You know this!" Ex huffs.
Tango giggles. "Oh. Who is this?" Tango looks at Xisuma.
"Oh, thats. Well, that's my brother Xisuma," Ex says.
"You have a brother?!" Tango exclaims.
Hels laughs.
"I do, yes." Ex grins.
"Xisuma, this is Tango." Hels grins at Xisuma as he hugs Tango and ruffles his hair.
"Sthaaaapp!" Tango huffs angrily.
Ex giggles and starts ruffling Hels' hair.
Hels laughs as Tango gives up and starts ruffling Ex's hair.
All three start laughing loudly.
Xisuma strains a smile. "I'll see you later Ex." Xisuma walks off.
Tango and Zed are currently in Zedaph's room at his dad's house.
The two are sitting on the bed, cross-legged facing each other.
"Hey." Tango smiles.
"Hi." Zedaph smiles back.
Tango reaches forward and grabs Zed's hand. Zedaph grabs onto Tango's hands tight. Tango smiles and rubs Zed's hands slightly with his thumb. They stare deep into each other's eyes.
Tango's cheeks flush. "I'm so glad we're together again," Tango whispers.
"I am too." Zed leans forward, gently resting his forehead against Tango's.
They close their eyes and enjoy each other's presence.
Tango places his hand against the side of Zedaph's neck and slowly moves it upwards till he holds onto Zedaph's head.
He gently strokes Zed's hair.
Zedaph feels Tango's breath on his face and shivers lightly.
The two continue gazing at each other for what seems like forever.
Then, without thinking, or realizing what they were doing, both lean closer.
"ZEDAPH!!!" Grian slams the door open, causing Zedaph and Tango to jump away from each other. This also causes Tango to end up on the floor.
"Ow..." Tango mutters as he rubs his head.
"Grian!" Zedaph yells. "You can't just barge into my room like that!"
Grian blinks. "Oh my gosh. You two were about to kiss!!! I have to go tell Pearl and Jimmy!" Grian dashes off.
"GRIAN!" Zed yells, gets up, and chases Grian.
Tango lays on the floor, blushing madly. He is smiling gently and the only thing on his mind is Zedaph.
It's currently New Year's Eve, two weeks after graduation.
Zed's father is throwing a large party for everyone in town, and of course, everyone is there.
Zedaph quietly sneaks out of the main room onto the balcony.
When he closes the door he turns to see both Impulse and Tango.
Impulse grins. "Fancy seeing you here Zed."
Zedaph laughs. "I am very introverted Impy." Zedaph grins and stands between his two friends.
Impulse wraps an arm around Zed's shoulders and gives him a side hug.
Tango leans into Zedaph's side with a smile.
They stay like that for a few minutes before Impulse goes to get some food.
That leaves Tango and Zedaph, standing on the balcony together.
"Hey, Zed?" Tango whispers.
"Yeah?" Zedaph answers.
"Do you think we are best friends...in other realities?" Tango looks up at Zed.
Zedaph grins and giggles. "If we weren't, I think that world would fail."
Tango blushes and grins.
A few seconds go by and they hear cheering coming from the house, it's the countdown.
Zedaph turns toward Tango, pulling him into a hug.
Tango hugs back and leans against Zedaph.
Tango looks up at Zedaph and locks eyes with him. Big grins are on both of their faces.
Zedaph's arms wrap around Tango's waist as Tango drapes his arms over Zedaph's shoulders.
Tango leans forward a bit, accidentally bumping his forehead against Zed's.
"Ow-" Tango laughs.
Zedaph joins in laughing.
Zedaph gently brushes Tango's bangs out of his face and kisses his forehead.
Tango blushes and stares up at Zedaph.
The two stare at each other, gently leaning their foreheads together.
Tango's hands move to Zed's shoulders.
Zedaph gently pulls Tango closer as they stare at each other. Tango moves his hands once again, this time to gently hold Zedaph's face.
Zedaph grins softly at Tango when he brushes his thumb against Zedaph's cheek. This causes Tango to blush.
Tango leans closer, brushing their noses together as they blush. One of Zedaph's hands gently moves from Tango's waist to his back.
Zedaph and Tango wait. Not for long, but they wait.
"HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!" the people scream from inside, and fireworks go off.
Zedaph and Tango both lean close as they gently kiss each other.
Tango and Zedaph pull apart and gaze lovingly at each other. Tango cups Zedaph's face once again.
"Happy New Year Zed," Tango smiles happily.
Zedaph smiles back and puts his arms tightly around Tango.
"Happy New Year Tango," Zedaph whispers against his neck.
Tango's hand gently runs through Zed's hair.
"You know Zedaph, you look very handsome," Tango says.
Zedaph blushes. "Do I?"
"You always look handsome." Tango smiles at Zed.
"Even when we are arguing?"
"Especially then." Tango winks.
Zedaph giggles and smiles widely at Tango as his cheeks flush red.
"You look very cute, Zed." Tango grins happily.
Zedaph smiles. "Thank you, Tango." Zedaph nuzzles his nose against Tango's.
Tango smiles down at Zed. The two stand like that for a couple moments before closing the gap between them again.
When they part they smile at each other.
"I love you Zed," Tango whispers.
"I love you too Tango." Zedaph grins and hugs Tango tightly.