As Ledus munched on his food, Jarin came in with a bright smile on his face, excited to see Ledus. He was followed by Kade who couldn’t hide his smirk when he noticed the slight panic on Ledus’ face. The panic was quickly replaced by a soft smile as Jarin sat down next to him, gently petting the boy’s head. “My dear diamond, I unfortunately have to leave for a diplomatic mission. You don’t need to worry though, Tyel will stay behind and look after you. I’ll need you to do something for me dear. I need you to accompany Lord Kade while I’m gone, after all, it would be rude of us not to entertain such an important guest. Since I have to leave, I can only trust you with such a special task.” Ledus nodded slowly, trying to hide his excitement. He would be able to spend more time with Kade, no questions asked. Jarin gave Ledus a soft hug before continuing. “I’m sorry to say, but I have to go now. I’ll be back in about a week, until then, Tyel will keep you safe.” Jarin gave Ledus a kiss on the cheek then left the room.

The room remained silent, the three men just watching each other. Ledus especially inspecting Kade. The dream had seemed too real, after all Ledus had never encountered anything like that. He knew that sometimes people would kill each other with swords, running them through, but he had never seen someone lose their head, he had not read about or even been told about it, the concept was completely foreign to him. As he looked over Kade, he confirmed that Kade was indeed here and not a single injury could be seen on his body.

A strong voice broke the silence and brought Ledus from his thoughts. “Tyel, could I have a moment alone with Ledus?” Tyel stood up nodding as he walked away from them, beginning to open the curtains. Kade moved closer to Ledus, cautiously taking the boy’s hands.

“Ledus, I want to apologize about last night. I should have been much more cautious, I could have…” he dropped the sentence not wanting to finish his thoughts. Ledus shook his head and lifted their hands, holding them near his heart.

“No, don’t say that. Thanks to you, I was finally able to see the stars. Despite how it ended, it was the best thing I’ve ever experienced.” he looked up at Kade shyly, “Y-you really did change my fate.” His words made Kade smile eagerly.

“Then do you believe that we’re fated to be together?” Ledus could only blush as he glanced away. He knew all about couples, lovers, families, and how to have kids, but at the same time he had always believed that it would never happen to him, after all, he was just a doll. What’s more, he was always told that a family is made of a male and female and the children they made. That’s why Kade’s pursuit of him was confusing, Ledus could never have a child or provide for Kade the way a female would, in fact, Ledus couldn’t even offer much in terms of friendship, he was utterly and completely useless.

“Even though I know I have no redeeming features and that I’m not worthy of anyone’s affections, why does Kade make me feel...bashful? Why do I feel like I could be part of his family, like I could be...his lover?” He looked back at Kade, “I-I don’t kn-know.” Kade did his best to hide his disappointed reaction from Ledus.

“They never said it would be this hard to win my partner over. Mom practically agreed instantly. I mean she didn’t love dad right away, but she believed that they were fated and fell in love with him on the journey home.” he sighed and replaced his frown with a soft smirk. “Very well then, how about today you let me take you somewhere. We’ll spend the day together, after you can see if you feel anything for me.” Ledus looked at Tyel as if asking for permission. Tyel just gave him a reassuring smile and a single nod.

To be honest, Ledus already felt something for Kade, but his insecurities made him think that there wasn’t any possible way for them to be together. That Kade could never actually want someone like him. He bit his lip as he turned back to Kade. “Very well, but...if I don’t feel anything for you, I-I want you to give up.” Kade examined the boy’s face, he could tell that there was something more that Ledus was trying to hide but he didn’t want to push him. He sighed and hesitantly held out his hand to Ledus. Ledus took his hand and shook it twice.