Cozhlin had always been singled out. Always been talked about behind hands and avoided like the plague. It could’ve been that his people, the Goatshorns, were thought to be evil. Yes, there was the group of rebels ravaging towns and filthying his kin’s name, but it had always been there since the beginning, from the time when his race would lure unsuspecting people up the mountains and push them off the cliffs, like land Sirens. Or it could be the fact he liked both women and men. Or, that he stole practically everything that shimmered, even hearts. He’d been hurt and rejected by his family, his whole town, and kicked out into the cruel world when he was younger. If only mum and dad could see me now, he thought with a smirk. He was living true to himself now, even if most of his past was a blur. His parents who’d kicked him out weren’t biologically his, and so he wasn’t to sad about the whole banished from the village ordeal. He liked his life now, even if… he glanced over at Arizona. Even if it still had it’s sore spots. Arizona was the love of his life. Well, had been the love of his life. He hated to dwell on the joyous, wonderful, bright days of that time. He was always the one who broke up with people. He was a Goatshorn, and would live forever, so it was hard to stay in a relationship with that hanging over your head the whole time.

“Cozzy, come help me with these streamers?” Arizona called, blissfully unaware of the boys inner turmoil. Cozhlin flashed a sharp-toothed smile quickly, then bent down, interlocking his hands so the short trans boy could step up to reach the entwining arches above, hands full of ribbons. 

“Hey, look at you looking so happy.” Ladin said, patting Cozhlin on the back as she passed, a smile plastered on her face now that she knew Cozzy wouldn’t kill her. Cozhlin smiled back, this one genuine. 

“Thanks a lot Ladin. I’m really excited for tonight.”

“Yeah, just don’t go getting to high and mighty while dating royalty, alright? Or i might have to send you to the corrections facility to have them drill some sense into your head.” The friends burst out laughing.

“Those dummies are all just bricks in the wall. They have no brains.” Cozzy said, helping Arizona back onto solid ground. Ladin smiled, glad to see her friends happy. Olivia set a few bowls down on the refreshment table, then stepped back admiring her handiwork. “That’s the last of it lads and ladies.” She declared, tightening her bright pink ponytail. 

“Yes! Finally we can move on to the next task! Clothes!!” Ladin cried, linking arms with Olivia. Olivia squealed, eyes bright. “We’ve got to get you dolled up for Bay.” Ladin said, leading her off. 

“You boys can finish up, can’t you?” Olivia called over her shoulder. Cozzy opened his mouth to protest, but Arizona shook his head, hand on Cozzy’s shoulder. 

“Leave it. Let the girls dress up.” 

“But i wanna go dress up.” Cozzy whined. Arizona smiled, grabbing the last few boxes to bring them inside. 

“You promised me you’d come visit Jackie, remember? Then we can go dress up.” Arizona said. Cozhlin nodded.

“Alright. I remember.” The two boys grabbed their jackets and some flowers for the girl, then exited the castle grounds into the town that lay practically outside the gates. At this time of day the town was bustling with students returning from school, both royal and peasant, who were window shopping and stopping to smell the fresh bread set out on windowsills. The town was full of color, several houses sporting the colorful pride flags for Pride month, and others decorated with bright flowers or sidewalk chalk from the houses with children. The town was happy, the people were happy and the land was prospering. Cozhlin smiled. This was the home he knew, the home that loved him. Arizona was silent as the two walked, deep in thought. They soon came to the edge of town, and to the cemetery. Wrought iron gates arching above it, thick cement walls rising up to block it from the people’s view. Arizona pulled out his small metal key, sliding it into the thick lock, letting the chains clatter to the floor. 

“I’ve always thought it odd how the cemetery was locked up.” Cozhlin commented as the two entered, Arizona locking it behind them. 

“I think it’s so the people don’t see how many servants die.” Only people who had someone in the cemetery had a key, Arizona had gotten his from Dr. Berd. 

“Ha. They don’t want them to see how we’re treated.” Cozzy said, glaring out at the tightly packed tombstones. Arizona frowned, picking his way between the tombs, hands clutching the flowers to his chest. Cozzy watched him stare at his feet, carefully manuvering around little presents left for the dead and the tombstones, polite as ever. He huffed, crossing his arms over his chest as he followed Ari, past all the stones and into the middle of the cemetery, where, under one of the only trees, sat a small stone, appropriately sized for a young child. A small, sun bleached, stuffed bird was tied to the stone, it’s eyes lost their shimmer and it silky black a faded grey. 

“Hey Jackie.” Arizona murmured, kneeling in the soft dirt next to her. “You know, she always seemed to know things before they happened.” Cozzy nodded knowingly. 

“You both were so close. I-” Cozzy sighed, leaning against the tree. 

“She’s really gone.” Arizona sniffed, arranging the flowers around the delicately carved words. 

“She would’ve loved how much you’ve grown Ari.” Cozzy reassured, kicking at a rock on the ground. Ari stood up, brushing dirt from his knees. 

“I hope so. We need to get going though.” Cozzy stared at the ground, then glanced up at Ari. 

“Do you… Need a hug?” He offered, spreading his arms. Ari smiled, then hugged him. 

“T-thanks. I needed that.” 

“Anytime.” Cozhlin sighed. “Anytime. Hey, you go ahead, i just need a bit more time.” Cozhlin said, flashing Arizona a smile. Arizona nodded, smiling as he walked off. Cozzy sunk to the ground, wrapping his arms around his knees.

“Hey Jack-in-the-box. You’re probably rolling in your grave right now, wondering how i’m still alive, with how much trouble i get in, but to be honest, i need help.” He laughed softly at himself, resting his head on his knees. “Arizona needs your help. We all do. I miss your jokes, and all the times you knew exactly what to say, or exactly what i needed.” Cozhlin groaned, rubbing his eyes. “That day, when we first met, in the courtyard… you weren’t scared of me. You were… what, only four? You walked right up to me and asked if i was okay. It was snowing so hard that day, and-and you didn't care. You sat next to me and refused to leave until your mother came and freed me.” He huffed.

“Was she a friend? Sorry, didn’t mean to eavesdrop.” Cozhlin glanced up at Searow, then busied his hands with adjusting the flowers. 

“Yeah, she was. What are you doing here? I didn’t think royals would want to come down to the filthy servants cemetery.” 

“W-no. That might be Olane and Connor, but i always come to the cemetery at least once a week. Someone needs to take care of the flowers after they’ve gone past their prime.” He said, holding up the garbage sack full of rotting flowers and a basket of fresh ones. Cozzy smiled, standing up. 

“You proved me wrong Prince. That’s pretty nice.” Searow flushed. 

“Really? Olane always says it’s a waste of time.” 

“No, it’s really nice.”

“Cozzy! We need to get going!” Arizona called across the cemetery.

“Coming. Uh, see you later your highness.” Cozhlin said, tipping his head in a quick bow before hurrying off with Arizona.