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How to Care for Your Human [Gambuiness x Degu]

"O..Kay?" Watching Matthew disappear with a confused look on her face, she waited patiently for him to come back. What she hadn't expected to see was a scarf, and she stared at it as her confusion increased. "It's not.." Taking the scarf regardless, she shook her head. "It's not that someone can see it, it's the feel of it." Of course she wasn't keen on being seen as the slave she had been, but it was more the feel of it, the reminder of how long she'd been forced to wear one.

Keeping the scarf in hand and taking a shaky breath, she forced herself out of the house after him. Staring at the car hesitantly, she resisted pulling at the collar again and got in instead. "We can go." Cramming herself into the corner of a seat just like she'd done when he'd first brought her back, she fidgeted with the leg of her borrowed pants nervously. "Do we have to do other things, or are we just going in for clothes and toiletries?"
 
''I guess it won't help when I tell you, that I although wish that you wouldn't be forced to wear this.'' He knew that there are now words, that could make this situation better, so he remained quiet.

He grinned when she placed herself in the seat, like she did when they drove her ... home? Is it a home for her or at least becoming somewhat like that? The thought occupied him throughout the whole week. According to Leta, she handled the situation well but prefered to keep her distance from them.
Thinking back to how bad she was hurt physically and knowing that the mental abuse is often way worse, he could only hope that she finds something in her life, that brings her happiness again.

''Leta will go to the grocery store while we go to the town. So we should be fine with just getting some clothes and toiletries.''

After a twenty minutes drive, they arrived in front of a huge building that had three floors and contained a lot of small stores. ''We should get everything here.'' He left the car, went to her door and opened it.
''Charles, I write you a message when we are done.''
 
Pulling her knees up as they drove, she stared out the window rather than at Matthew. She gave herself credit for not fidgeting with the collar the whole way there, even as uncomfortable as it was. "Okay." She nodded. "I'm not picky about food. Having three meals is more than I could have asked for, so there's no reason for me to go shopping for the food." Hell, she wouldn't even know where to start with that, anyway.

"That.. Is a really big store." It looked like a mall, really. Hesitating as he opened the door, she stepped out slowly and let her eyes adjust to the sunlight. "Really big." She nearly threw herself back in the car right then and there, stopped only as she reminded herself she desperately needed her own things. "There's.. Going to be a lot of people in there, aren't there?" Tucking her hands into the pockets of the pants, she shuffled toward the doorway with him. She made certain to keep close enough it was obvious they were together, but not so close that they could accidentally touch. "You'll have to lead the way, I have no idea where things are. I mean, obviously."
 
''Just stay close to me, so we don't get separated. I already have a couple of stores in mind where we can look for the stuff we need.'' He went up the stairs to the entrance, went through the door and held it open for Serenity from the other side.

After they entered the building, they were standing in a long, stretched floor. On the right and left side were different kind of stores for all kinds of stuff one might need. Or stuff no one needs but many people want to have. As always the mall was crowded. Mostly with wealthy humans that liked to show off. Either by having an escort of countless slaves, carrying their bags or by presenting a transformed part of their body. Often times both.
He could understand why some people want to have legs like a cheetah or why so many people wanted the most expensive transformation that currently exists, wings. But now he saw woman and man with the tail of a cat or dog. People parading around with the feathers of a peacock bird at their back or a crest of feathers from a parrot on their head.
Stuff that is utterly useless but was described as the most modern look according to countless fashion magazines. To Matthew they all were disgusting but at least some looked funny.

He felt Serenity getting uncomfortable at the sight and making a step towards him. This is the closest they both have ever been without to touch since she took care for him that one night. Not wanting to stand around too long, he went to the second store on the right where they should be able to get all the toiletries they might need.
 
"There's so many people." Everything in her screamed to run as far and as fast as she could, but she forced herself to stay put. Nothing was going to happen, she was going to be okay. If she'd gotten this far in life, she could get through a shopping trip. There was no way the last week had been spent taking care of her, and giving her freedom, just for it to fall apart now.. Right? "I forgot how crowded these types of places can get. I haven't had to go to one in.. A long time." She cringed, shuffling just a bit closer as they entered a store.

It was still crowded, people moving around the different lanes of products as she inspected some. All she needed was the essentials, but there were so many options for different types of people. All the way from heavily perfumed products, to unscented for people with more sensitive features. "I just need the basics, I don't need anything fancy." At that point, she wasn't sure if she was trying to reassure him, or simply say something to keep her grip on reality around her. "Deodorant," She plucked the first thing that looked unscented from a shelf. "Uh, uh, shampoo! Uh, toothbrush, razors, uh, shit." She turned to look at him a bit uneasily, gesturing around the store. "Help?"
 
''Don't worry, we got this.'' He knew his way around this store and took a route through it so they would come across every product once. ''Don't hold back, it is better if we take too much than not enough of something. In addition, all these product never turn bad so, dont think twice. If you see something you like, just take it.''

As they went through the store, Matthew grabbed something from time to time for himself or for Charles. In addition he received a list of stuff from Leta with products she asked for. The bag he was carrying became more and more heavy. When they nearly finished their parcour through the store, a young man approached Matthew. The young man was accompanied by six young girls which were carrying bags. Each of them had a collar around her neck and they all were clothed in skimpy outfits.

''Hey aren't you this famous young mage ... this young mage with the stupid spell? Why are you carrying your stuff by yourself? Let your slave carry the hard stuff for you.'' he said and looked around proudly, hoping someone heard his words of wisdom.
Matthew closed his eyes and shook his head. When he started to speak, his voice lost all kindness and warmth. It became stern and cold, threatening. ''If you ever call my company a slave again, then I will transform your face into that of a mice, a ugly mice. And unlike you, I am capable of carrying my stuff by myself.''
The smile of the guy got weaker but remained, ''ha, you learned this stupid spell, even if you want, you can't transform any part of me.''
Now Matthew smiled. It was no joyful smile, it was evil, it was mad. ''So how come that no one ever saw me heal anyone? How come that everyone who wants wings for themself is coming to me?'' That was a blunt lie but he sold it really well.
The smile disappeared from the face of the young guy. Looking around nervously he now was hoping, that no one saw what was going on. ''I need something from the other side of the store and need to go.'' He turned around and went away quickly.

''I hate those young assholes. Never did something in their life and think the world belongs to them.'' He exhaled and calmed himself down. His voice returned to the nice and kind sound. ''I think we have what we need. How about you, is there something you want but haven't found?''
 
"Really?" Peeking over at him curiously, she ducked her head away with a small nod. If that was what he insisted, that's what she would do. He was right, better to have excess, than not enough. Especially if it meant less trips to the stores in future. Half of what she grabbed she paid little attention to, only minding it was the product she needed, less than the specifics of it. As long as it didn't smell overly so when she grabbed it, it went into her arms. It was probably more than she needed, and she was glad when they finally neared the end of it. Now all they needed to do was get clothes, and they could leave.

"Shit!" Jumping when the man and his girls approached them, she took a step back and tensed up. Taking in the sight of the collared women and swallowing hard, she flinched at his words about her but said nothing. Speaking up would have been unwise, and she simply held her items tighter and dropped her head down. Matthew's threats would have brought her amusement if not for the anxiety that came with the situation, and she chewed on her lip until the interaction was finally over.

"No." She shook her head. "Just clothes and we can go." She paused, looking conflicted. "That's probably not the last person that will come up to us, is it? There's always so many that want to stare and boast."
 
''Probably. They especially like to stare and boast when a magician is nearby. As if I am a trophy someone could win by impressing me. Stupid idiots. Come, lets finish here and go to the clothes store, I am sure you will like it there.'' he said with a smile and went to the counter of the shop to pay for their stuff. They left the bags at the counter since everything they bought would be delivered to their home at the same day.

Leaving the store they went to the stairs which lead to the first floor. There they went for a big store full of clothes of all kind. The store was completely empty except for one woman that approached them. ''Hello Matty, it is sooo good to see you again.'' She hugged him and gave him a kiss on each of his cheeks. Matthew felt a visibly discomfort from the close approach of the woman but granted her the greeting ritual. The woman went on to Serenity but stoped a meter in front of her. ''Hello young lady to my shop. You won't need to wear the collar as long as you are inside here.'' she said with a smile and went to the front door and locked it. The woman had long black hair, brown eyes and had a voluptuous figure. Each time she looked at Matthew she played with her hair and smiled.

Matthew turned to the woman. ''Thank you Mira for closing the store while we are here. I hope I don't cuase you too much trouble. And please stop calling me Matty.''
Mira smiled to Matthew, ''You know that I do anything for you Matty. Just when are you finally gonna ask me out for a date?'' The last part she said while she went back to the counter.
''You know that I am just not good enough for you.'' Matthew replied before he turned his attention back to Serenity.

''Alright, we have the store for ourselfes. At least for one hour but that should be enough time for the two of us. Look around and try out all the clothes you like. Don't hold back.''
 
Serenity nodded, reluctantly relinquishing her bags at the counter as well. It left her with nothing to hold onto, hands gripping the bottom of her shirt as they walked. It was better than nothing as she fought to keep her expression neutral, eyes constantly moving around them to take in their surroundings. Still too many people. For whatever reason though, the store they entered next seemed to be empty. She wasn't sure if that was a good thing or a bad thing, digging her heels into the ground when the woman approached. Matty? She gave Matthew a small, sideways glance, but said nothing as her attention was drawn back to the woman.

"Really?" An eyebrow went up slowly as she fought not to rip the collar off right then, instead slowly reaching up to work it off her neck. "A break from this does sound nice. Thank you, ma'am." Matthew had asked her to close the shop? When had he even done that? Shaking her head a bit to clear it, she bit back laughter as the two briefly interacted. It was clear he had no interest in dating the woman, even as insistent as she seemed.

"Mm." An hour sounded like more than enough time. How many sets of clothing did she need? An outfit for each day, plus a couple of spare sets for when she got too dirty from cleaning, right? Or was she supposed to get more? Surely she was only shopping for the current season? Glancing periodically over at Matthew as she moved about the store, a faint smile tugged as her lips as they shopped. She was getting new clothes, fingers touching the materials reverently as she found several incredibly soft items. "How much am I supposed to get?"
 
''Good question, Mira what would you say?'' asked Matthew.
''Well it depends, what does she need? How much does she currently have?'' replied Mira.
''Nothing.'' said Matthew, trying to avoid eye contact with both of them.
''What? Is she running around naked at your house?'' Mira became angry.

Mira went to Serenity with a measuring tape. ''Hold still for a moment.'' She measured her from the head to tow. Matthew smiled as he saw, that Serenity obviously didn't like the treatment, or she was just not used to it. Well no one could ever be used to the force of nature, that Mira is. But she does it all with the best of intentions, so he decided to let her do her thing.

Mira pushed Serenity into one of her wardrobes and closed the curtain. ''Okay, I will bring you different things, you just keep everything inside that fits and throw everything out that doesn't.'' She didn't even wait for an answer from Serenity, instead she stormed back into her store and grabbed a little bit of everything and of course always the one of the best quality. She really loves her Matty but she although loves her store so, sorry Matty. But she was sure, that he could handle it.

She started with underwear, then went on with shirts, trousers, skirts, blouses, socks, shoes, jackets and pyjamas.
''Where are your new hoodies?'' asked Matthew.
''Oh yeah, you are right, everyone needs a hoodie.'' she said and brought Serenity although a couple of hoodies.

And what about me? thought Matthew while he, for the first time, has been ignored by Mira. This woman loves her job and her store. And she will cost him a little fortune. *Sigh*
 
"I'm not running around naked!" Looking horrified at the thought, Serenity's eyes went wide as her head shook quickly. "What are you--Why are you doing that?" Was she measuring her? It wasn't that hard to try on clothes, all she'd wanted to know was how much to get. She hadn't expected the woman to shove her into a dressing room and then start throwing things in after her. There were so many clothes going in and out, although most of it stayed in thanks to the woman's expert measuring and good eye.

"I don't--This is so much stuff!" Whenever she'd finished trying something on, something new was coming in, and it was quickly becoming overwhelming. By the time she had finally finished trying everything on, she was leaving the dressing room nearly dropping the pile of clothing. "It's so much." A look of guilt crossed her face as she shuffled out, but she didn't try to put anything back, lest she upset either Mira or Matthew. Instead she stood by silently, forcing the collar back on her neck as things were paid for and they got ready to leave.

"Thank you, Mira." Mumbling out the words quietly as she situated the collar, Serenity peeked from her to Matthew. "Thank you. I don't need anything else, I'm ready to leave whenever you are." All they had to do was make it back to the car, right? Just get back to the car, and everything would be fine. "Is it still very crowded outside of the store?"
 
Matthew stood their in awe when Serenity left the wardrobe with a pile of clothes. ''Does she really ne...'' Mira interrupted him before he could finish his sentence.
''Of course she needs all of that. It probably is not even enough but good enough for a start.'' she winked to Serenity as she walked over to her and took over the pile of clothes.
''We girls gotta stick together right?'' She returned to the counter entered a sum into her system and showed it to Matthew.
''For that I get one of the new hoodies for free and you send the stuff to our house.'' replied Matthew. ''Of course, I already added that to your bill.'' she grinned back to him as he signed the bill.

''No problem, come back any time when you need some clothing and Matty, don't you forget again to ask me for a date. A woman can only take so much ...''
Before she could finish or answer Serenitys' question, Matthews escape instinct kicked in and he unlocked the doors. ''Thank you for everything Mira, bye.''

He quickly stepped outside, followed by Serenity. He went back to the stairs and checked if Serenity was following him. She did but from behind her came two guys running. One had horns on his head and was wearing a security outfit, the other had the horn of a rhino in his face. The rhino guy already sank down his head, preparing to toss Serenity aside since she was in the way.
Without of thinking much he reached out to Serenity, grabbed her by the hand and pulled her into his arms, covering her with his body.

It was black, only black and from somewhere a spark appeared. He felt the spark and knew, that the spark was Serenity. It was definetly her.
The spark set the nothing on fire. A fire that surrounded him completely. It was hot, hot enough to burn away all of his worries and bad thoughts. What remained was love, passion, trust, safety all the things he was longing for so much.
It was like breathing fresh air after years of living under water, like seeing the stars and the moon for the first time, like ...
gone.​

Where has it ... ??? What just happened? He opened his eyes and saw Serenity standing in front of him and he realized what he did a moment before. ''I am sorry, it was a reflex.'' No, he wasn't sorry, he was hoping that someone would try another thing and give him a reason to hold her again.

''Are you both ok?'' he heard Mira coming from her store.
 
"She's very persistent." It was more an observation than anything as they went back to the stairs, exhaustion setting in now that they were finally done. All she wanted to do was go back and finish the work she needed to do, so she could take a nap and recover from the outing. There were still too many people, too many noises as she started up the stairs with a sigh. Footsteps were thundering up behind her and she went to turn, eyes going wide at the sight of the horned men. They were so close, and then she was out of the way and pressed against a firm chest instead.

It was warm, almost unbearably so even as her body relaxed on an instinct she didn't know she possessed. Her hands clutched loosely at him as she stood there, soaking in the heat with a quiet, content sigh. For just the briefest of moments everything was completely peaceful, and then she was yanking back at the sound of Matthew and Mira's voice. She stared down at her hands in shock, eyes moving around as she spotted the retreating men and gasped.

"They were so close. Why do they have to be absolutely everywhere?" It wasn't just horns, either. There were ears and tails moving around the stores, some with paws that scratched at random itches as they walked. She had tuned it out to the best of her ability so far, but the near brush had brought it right to her attention. "There are so many of them, can we please go?" Running her hands back through her hair less than gently, she gave Matthew a panicked look. "Can we go now? I can't do this. I need this thing," She tugged at the collar frantically, "I need this off, can we go to the car now?"
 
Everything has changed. His perspective was a new. Has she felt what he felt? Why did it have to stop?

''Thank you Mira, we are fine and have to leave now.'' He reached his hand out to Serenity and realized too late what he was doing. That is not what they do, no touching, never. ... Never?

''Let's go Serenity.'' he started to move to the stairs, always looking out for her. That she stays close to him, that she is there, that she *fumb* He paid no attention to where he placed his feet, stumbled when he missed the last step but was able to stop himself from falling.
Looking back up he quickly checked for the fastest way to the exit and after he was sure that she followed, he moved to the exit, held her the door open and went together with her to the car. When they reached the car he realized, that his heart was beating fast and he was breathing heavy. Surely not from the short run. He wanted to touch her again, experience it again but what was it that he experienced? Was it her? He himself? How could he try to touch her again?

All the thoughts crossed his mind until he felt Serenity and Charles looking at him, how he still held the door open though Serenity was already in the car.
 
"Don't." She shook her head, keeping her hands close to her body and running when they left. They were almost there now, and she was inside the car the moment Matthew opened the door. He didn't move to get in though, and she stared at him before shaking her head. She knew Charles was looking at him too, but she kept her eyes away from the both of them as she sat down and leaned back in the seat.

"I don't want to do that again." She waited until Matthew was inside the vehicle and the door was closed to speak. "Don't make me do that again." Tearing the collar off of herself, she threw it on the floor with a frustrated growl. "There were so many of those stuck up assholes who think they can do whatever they want because they have money. They can buy whatever, and whoever they want, and I hate them." She swore, legs bouncing anxiously in place as she tried to soothe the panic away.

"I can't stand seeing them. The disgusting horns, and claws, I can't standing know how strong those people are and what they can do. Don't make me do that again." Rocking slightly as she clenched her hands together in her lap, Serenity swallowed and shook her head. "I can't."
 
''Charles, please bring us home.'' A moment later the car started and they were back on the street.

Her rant about the people with their animal traits brought Matthew to be silent. Suddenly it was extrem important for him, what she thougt about him. If he wanted to have another chance, to have that experience again, then it would not be helpful, if she thinks of him as disgusting. But she hates people with animal traits, she finds them disgusting and he has green eyes of a cat. It shouldn't bother him so much, what she thinks of him but somehow, it does.

''Yeah sure, we won't go there again.'' he said and went silent. Closing his eyes he was hoping that some kind of afterimage would be visible for him but it was all black. No spark, no fire. Just darkness. He remained silent for the rest of the drive and Charles looked worried to the back of his car?

When they returned home, Matthew left the car and turned to the house. ''Please excuse me, I need to study something in my room.'' Without of waiting for a reply, he let his shoulders hang down and went to his study room. On the way Leta showed up and greet him but he said nothing, went to his study room and closed the door behind him.
''It is not like I asked for these eyes.'' He said to himself and laid down on his couch.

Leta immediately realized, that something was wrong and went outside. This behaviour is not typical for Matthew. As she approached Serenity she asked, ''Hey, what happened at the mall? Are you ok?''
 
Serenity only nodded in response, refusing to speak or move for the duration of the ride home. She couldn't, not when she was still shaking with the aftermath of their trip. She didn't even realize when they first got back, head lifting as Matthew quickly disappeared into the house. With a resigned sigh as she slowly got out of the car, she avoided Charles' eyes and trudged slowly towards the house.

"Oh, god!" Jolting back at the sound of Leta's voice and freezing, she shook her head furiously. "Too many people. Then they almost ran into us, and he grabbed me out of the way and now I think he's mad at me for something and I don't--" Realizing that she hadn't stopped to breathe yet, she took a shaky breath and shook her head again. "I didn't mean to get so upset, I don't want to get yelled at. Can you just--Just--What chores do you need me to do? I'm going to lose my mind if I don't do something."
 
Leta felt that she would get nothing out of Serenity, if she tries to push her for more information, she would probably completely stop talking. Charles just shrugged with his shoulders, he although had no clue. ''Follow me to the kitchen, I am cleaning the cupboards, you can help me with them.'' Suddenly Leta got an idea, she wasn't sure if it would work but it surely was worth a try.

As they entered the kitchen, Leta showed Serenity one cupboard that was cleared and cleaned. ''You can either start by putting stuff back into that cupboard, or you put everything from the cupboard over there, out and onto the counter.''


Charles stood outside and felt very uncomfortable. Something happened at the mall, something he couldn't prevent from happening because he wasn't there. All because he wasn't there...

When he saw Serenity, pulling the collar from her neck and throwing it, with a face full of disgust on the floor, he knew what went through her. The same had happened to him so many times. The disgust and the hate towards all of those people that were lucky enough to live a life with lots of money and power. Most of them didn't even do something to deserve this privilege, they just were born into the right family.
Remembering the time, nearly five years ago when Matthew bought him and he felt and acted nearly the same as Serenity does now. He was scared and hated magicians. He hates them so much, even today. The magic took away his voice, his ability to ask for something or, what hurts most, to tell Leta what she means to him, how much he loves her.
Matthew was no exception, he hated him too, just for being a mage. Leta was the only reason why he survived the first year in this house. And she was although the reason that he was able to see Matthew as more than just a magician.

Today he knew what kind of person Matthew is and he loves him like a brother. Leta, Matthew and himself, they became a family. When Serenity showed up, he was hoping that she although would become a part of their family because he really liked her. For him, she already was a part of their family. He saw the hope in her eyes, that showed sometimes during the last week when she made a mistake and no one scold her. It was always the same, she did something wrong, she looked down, feared that someone would punish her but nothing happened. Either no one cared about that mistake or Leta showed her, how to do it right. Each time, when she expected pain but nothing came, there was this short moment of hope. Hoping that this place maybe really is different. Charles saw that in her eyes.
But he although saw the look in her eyes when she returned from the mall. There was no hope but a lot of confusion, fear and hate. A dangerous combination, he knew that from his own past. Those were probably the only times, when he felt relieved, to not be able to talk. All the things he would have said towards Matthew during their first two years together surely would have led to him, leaving the house. Either because he decided to leave or because Matthew would have thrown him out. In addition it was always the same, when those feelings left and he looked back at the situation he knew that Matthew would have been the wrong person to be mad at but it took him a lot of time to realize that. To realize, that not all magicians are the same. Serenity now was in a similar situation but she didn't knew all those things. She hasn't lived long enough here with them, to see what Charles can see now.

And then there was her outbreak and Matthews reaction to it. Something happened with humans, that had parts of their body transformed, he was sure of that. Serenity probably got overwhelmed and let her anger out. But Matthews' reaction was unexpected. No reconfirmation, that she is safe now or telling her that he will find a way for her to never experience that again. That was what Charles expected from Matthew, but the way he reacted was the complete opposite. Just a short confirmation and then silence, that was new and unexpected. Now he just stormed out of the car and went inside. Something really bad must have happened inside the mall. But what could he do? He remembered what Leta often did, when he was frustrated.


Charles closed the car, went inside the house, knocked on the door of Matthews' study room and entered the room before Matthew had a chance to answer. ''Charles?'' asked Matthew with a confused look. Matthew was lying on the couch looking sad and confused, not waiting for another reaction from Matthew he went to the couch and sat down. In the last moment Matthew retracted his legs before Charles would sit on them.
''Hey, what is wrong with you?'' asked Matthew in a way more angry tone than he wanted it to be. Immediately regreting his outburst, he wanted to apologize to Charles but before he was able to say something, Charles put his hand on his shoulder, looked him in the eyes and nod with his head. It was ok.

The moment when Matthew looked into Charles eyes, he knew what was wrong with his brother.
 
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"I can do both, it's fine!" She was quick to answer, washing her hands before picking up the clean dishes. "I'll put them in, and then pull the other stuff out." Anything to keep her busy, to keep her mind off the fear that was still present. It was fading very, very slowly, and her heart still thundered in her chest obnoxiously. She did this in silence for a couple of minutes before she spoke again, shoulders sagging as her voice shook.

"He's mad, I know he is. I never said anything about his eyes." Re-wetting a cloth for the cupboard, she started to wipe it down with a quiet sniffle. "I didn't insult him, hell, I didn't even yell at him for touching me." Truth be told, she had been far too shocked to do much of anything about it. All she had been thinking of was escaping the store, tearing the collar off and leaving. Now that they were actually back, and he was clearly upset, she had no idea what to do.

"I didn't mean to make him mad, Leta." Setting the cloth down on the counter, Serenity leaned back against it and took a shaky breath. "There were just so many of them and I hate seeing them. I can't stand seeing them, knowing everything those people do just because they can."
 
Leta saw Serenity, her struggle and her anger. But she didn't understood most of it. Why has she started to mention his eyes? And he touched her? Was that what had happened? And after he touched her, she was now thinking that he is mad at her?
That all made no sense.

''Say Serenity, what do you think about this cup?'' She held a cup in front of her and waited until Serenity turned around and looked at her with a confused look. When Serenity looked at her, she dropped the cup. It fell to the floor and crashed into a thousand pieces. Serenity looked shocked at Leta, but Leta just smiled back.
''Here hold those for me.'' She gave her three plates that were out of the same series as the cup, that just fell down. Leta grabbed another two cups and turned back to Serenity. ''You know, I never liked these dishes and we haven't used them since I am living here. I don't even know why we still have them.''
She held another cup in font of her, smiled at Serenity and dropped it. She did the same with the second cup. ''You know,the plates you are wearing, I can't stand them. No one would be mad if they would break.'' She grabbed another two cups and dropped them on the floor. ''Would you maybe like to help me?''



Charles and Matthew were sitting side by side. The silence wasn't uncomfortable, it felt good to just be with each other. Matthew really liked her? And he was afraid that she hates him? That was new for Charles but his thoughts made sense. Thinking back to how he felt about him, in the beginning, after he bought him. Being bought felt so degrading. As if his worth could be numbered like it has been done with a house, a car or in his case, probably a pair of shoes.
It took a lot of time and love from both, Leta and Matthew, to realize and believe, that his worth couldn't be counted in numbers. Throughout his whole time with them, they always loved and protected him. He never thought that he wasn't welcome in this house. Matthew defended him when others treated him like a slave, he loved him like a brother would love him. The love he received from Leta was a completely different story. She showed him that life was worth living. And during their time together, they fell in love.
Matthew taught him how to read and write and that way he gave him a voice again, a opportunity to not just show Leta how much he loved her, but to tell it to her. Each day he wrote her a letter. Sometimes with just two lines, other times with three different pages wriiten full with describtions of the love he felt for her.

But now the feeling of having failed caused him inner pain. All the training he did, all the muscles he put on himself only for the purpose, to no longer be afraid of those other humans, were good for nothing today. When Serenity, his little sister needed him, he wasn't there. Because he was still afraid. If Leta or Matthew would have acted like he did in the past, then he wouldn't be here today.

Now, with Serenity here, it was his time to be a big brother. Someone who could protect her and show her, that she was worth more than she thought of herself and that this place can be her sanctuary. This place and everywhere on this world as long as he is by her side. So he made a decision.



Having Charles so close to him felt good, it calmed him down and he remembered how much time Chalres needed, until he came out of his shell. There was still hope that Serenity could although see, that he was not her enemy. That he wasn't someone, who wanted to hurt her or sees her as a slave.
Suddenly Charles stood up and went to his desk. Matthew was confused, but said nothing. What did Charles have in mind? Charles sat down, took a paper and a pen and started to write. When he finished, he stood up again, he returned to Matthew on the couch, sat down and gave him the letter. Charles never wrote a letter for Matthew.

After he read the letter, a tear was running down his face and he turned to Charles, ''Of course I will do it.'' He hugged him tightly when all of a sudden he heard a loud sound coming from the kitchen. Like plates and cups crashing on the floor. Both stood up and went outside.





Hello Matt,
I wanted to let you know, how truly gratefull I am for living here with Leta and you. Thank you for taking me in when the world was about to give me up. When I had given up. I wanted to ask you, if you would give me a tattoo, not a magic one but one like Leta has. A permanent one.

Thank you my brother.
 
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"What about the cup?" Where had that come from? Turning to give Leta a puzzled look, her jaw dropped when the cup hit the floor and shattered. That was clearly not an accident, and she looked between the pieces and Leta in shock. "Okay?" Taking the plates, still looking confused, she tried to figure out what was going on. Then another cup hit the floor and she jumped, nearly dropping the plates with a quiet shriek.

"Why are we destroying dishes?" Wouldn't Matthew be furious about it? Still, no one had come running so far, and she had to admit it did look like a lot of fun. "You want me to.. Break something?" Holding up the plates cautiously, she looked around as if someone would jump out and yell at her. "Just drop them?" It took a moment to convince herself of it, fingers uncurling from the dishes to watch them crash to the floor and shatter.

"Oh!" Staring at the mess with wide eyes, Serenity's lips finally curled up into a smile before she started to laugh. Just a quiet giggle at first, and then it grew to a loud laugh as she grabbed another dish and watched it fall. She was still laughing when the men came into view, face lit up until she spotted them and froze. "Oh. Uh.."
 
Letas' heart skipped a beat when she saw and heard Serenity laughing. Her voice was really beautiful and it's been so long since this house heard such joyfull laughter. She grabbed the remaining plates and cups from the set of dishes and wanted to place them on the table when Serenity suddenly went quiet. She looked around and saw Matthew and Charles, standing in the hallway. Charles was grinning and Matthew tried to look serious. Matthew went into the kitchen, grabbed a plate and a cup and looked to Leta.

''I never really liked them.'' dropping the cup and the plate at the same time, the sound of shattering ceramics brought a huge smile on his face and a moment later he and Leta were laughing together. Charles joined in, grabbed a plate gave it to Serenity and grabbed a second for himself.
A few moments later this set of dishes was shattered into a million pieces, scattered acroos the floor of the kitchen. Charles held Leta in his arms and the atmosphere was filled with joy and laughter.

Leta was the first who started to talk again. ''I don't know what happened to both of you today but I will not allow that you two ruin the mood in this house. This will be easy.'' She looked at Matthew and pointed with her finger to Serenity. ''Matthew, are you mad at her?''
Matthew looked to Serenity, ''No, of course I am not mad at her. She is grea!!! I- I mean no, I am not.''

Leta turned her head to Serenity and pointed with her finger now to Matthew.
''Are you mad at him?''
 
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Charles at least looked amused, but Matthew.. Not so much. The serious look on his face worried her, especially when he entered the room and took some of the dishes and looked at Leta. Serenity held her breath, waiting for him to start yelling at them. It never came, both dishes hitting the floor and echoing as they broke into several pieces. It was the last thing she had expected from him, eyes wide as she took another plate from Charles. They were insane, all of them, but she was right there with them. Besides, when was the last time she'd gotten to break something without getting in trouble? By the time they were all done the floor was a mess, covered in broken pieces and dust.

"What?" She looked at Leta in confusion, tilting her head with a bit of a frown. How was she ruining the mood? Leta could have just sent her to her room, and that would have been solved just like that. Green eyes turned toward Matthew, the confusion only increasing at his answer. Had he just called her great? That was a weird thing to say, and she shook her head. "No. I thought I made him angry so I stayed away."
 
Leta smiled at both of them and Charles did the same. ''Alright, so no one of you is mad at each other. That is great and we should cele ''
The doorbell rang and interrupted Leta, she stepped outside and looked to the door before she went to it.

A moment later she returned, ''There are a lot of packages at the door for you, Serenity. I saw that they are from Mira and some other store. You two (she pointed to Charles and Matthew) get rid of the rough dirt, I will take care for the rest later. When you are done, you prepare the TV, tonight we four watch a movie together.'' As she and Serenity started to move, Charles tipped on Matthews' shoulder and nod to both of them. He needed a moment until he understood what Charles meant.
''Are you sure?'' Charles nod again.

''Wait you two'' said Matthew. ''We have to tell you something. Tonight we won't just watch TV, but we will although celebrate. Charles came to me and asked for a tattoo.'' Leta suddenly tensed up and became very quite. She started to tremble.
Matthew kept talking, ''He even asked me, that it is not just a regular magic tattoo, but a permanent one like Leta has. Needless to say, that I agreed.''

Tears started to stream down Letas' face, when her legs gave in Charles caught her and lifted her up. She kissed him and cried and laughed. All at the same time. Matthew looked proudly to Serenity and smiled to her.
 
"Celebrate?" That didn't seem like something to celebrate, just because two people weren't mad at each other. Jumping as the doorbell rang, Serenity edged back toward the doorway of the kitchen nervously. She relaxed only when Leta returned and explained the nature of it, nodding her head with a sigh. Of course, her new things, which was a relief that she finally had things of her own. She gazed at the woman curiously when she instructed the men to clean up, eyes widening when it was commanded they would be watching the television together that night. By the sound of it, she didn't have a choice in the matter, and she had no want to incur Leta's anger.

"Hm?" She turned her attention to Matthew, raising an eyebrow at his sudden declaration. Charles was getting his tattoo? It did seem like a reason to celebrate, but more for them than her. It had nothing to do with her, but the way that Matthew turned his attention to her had her stepping back again. Was that supposed to be a hint she should get her own? "Uh, congratulations." They were the only words she could manage, eyes flitting nervously around the room. "I'm glad, you all seem very happy."
 
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