Landis knew he should’ve called out.  

He felt the weight of the last few days dragging him down like a bad hangover.

Confirming Ruchi’s death.

Conri’s rejection. 

And yet Landis stood in the Capitol’s security department for his volunteer shift.

This wasn’t his favorite department on account that Chief Deputy Sunleaf could run into him at any given moment. The closed door to their office gave Landis some relief as he continued to archive visitor logs. Uniformed individuals bustled all around him. Their polished official badges cheapening the look of the plastic one against his chest that read VOLUNTEER. Unable to risk being caught using outside magic, he relied on eavesdropping for anything that could be useful. 

That turned out to be easier than he thought. 

“Thats the third scene we’ve had in the past two months.”

“Biggest one yet too. The media is going to eat this up.”

“Maria-Florence seems to not think much about it. I’d consider dropping out of the election if I were her though.”

“This only strengthens her candidacy. I’m with her, we need to cut ties with humans and variants. We should’ve never opened ourselves to them if this was the kind of mess they’d bring with them.”

The stabbing pressure in his chest started to bleed into molten frustration. He stood tall, towering over most of the officers, directing his tone towards those who were in deep conversation. Just as Landis expected, none of them are human.  

“Thats your solution then? You think forcing everyone who isn’t like us to relocate and reinstate segregation will fix all our problems?”

  

Two of them raised their eyebrows in mild amusement. Eager pupiless eyes as they looked toward their friend. A muddled blue skinned half-orc. 

 “All I’m saying it, this was never a problem until we integrated societies.” Their tone was unbothered, speaking with ease, almost casual. “Things were obviously better before their kind came into the picture.”

“Says the ones who brandishes a badge while hiding behind a desk and a government check.”

The half-orc stood at full height, almost able to look Landis in the eye. Sculpted arms crossing against their puffed out chest. “What are you implying pal?”

“These killings have been happening for years in and outside the capitol and you all know it. And now an electoral candidate was the target of an attack in full view of the public. We are all living in fear, its everyone whose a potential target.” Landis’ gaze fell towards the group as a whole. “Money can't protect you from bleeding.”

One of them shifted uncomfortably, their tail flicking the floor. Another looked off to the side. The half-orc’s jaw tightened and he exhaled a verbal grunt, taking a step closer to Landis, their crossed arms pushing against Landis’ chest.

“Big talk coming from a volunteer,” they sneered. “Someone whose never put their life on the line for anything.” Eyes taking in Landis’ soft round midsection. “Consider who you’re talking to before trying to push your criticisms onto others.” 

The half-orc didn’t know. 

Landis knew that exposing what he knew would involve Sunleaf. 

This decision was difficult to swallow as he felt his frustration mix with his exhaustion, souring his potential intentions over whatever magic he considered lashing out.

He choked on his pride before turning away and heading for the exit. 

“Keep pushing pencils a few more years then maybe you’ll start to understand, asshole.”  

Outside of the defense force office’s wing of the capitol building, he took several deep breaths. The sensation of losing more time felt like a rush of adrenaline through his body as he stood alone with his plateau of conspiracy theories. The killings are old magic. The burns and scorch markings were confirmation. Whoever engages in it are clearly after power in some form. Motives felt racially charged at first, now anyone could be a target. Anyone who could utilize arcana, that included humans. If the attack on Maria-Florence is connected, then how is it connected? Her platform supports separating the two populaces. Could her platform be interfering with a bigger picture? It felt plausible.

As he rearranged the mental pins in his mind, a breeze of eucalyptus, cedarwood and sea salt wadded under his nose. Oceans came to his mind. Salty gusts of wind through his hair. 

“Are you ok?” a steady and friendly voice followed. “Do you need any help finding a place to sit?”

Landis blinked and looked to find Mx. Irion standing just off to his left. They gave Landis just enough space, but stayed within arm’s reach. Neatly combed dark hair shined midnight blue under the light fixtures, matching almost beautifully with their tailored brown two piece suit. Landis felt himself buffer. 

“You seemed pretty out of it, is there anything I can do for you big guy?” They didn’t wait for a response, their violet nail polished fingers touching Landis’ arm. It sent a warm pulse of comfort through him as he breathed calmly.

“I’m alright, thank you Mx. Irion,” he stuttered. “That is how you like to be called, right?”

This earned Landis a smile. “You can call me Jeris if you’d like.” 

“I appreciate the concern, its just one of those days in the office I guess.”

“Believe me that is an understatement.” 

Jeris winked as they removed their hand. A silver ring on their middle finger glinted under the light. 

“I was on the way to get some air, would you care to join me?”

Anything sounded more appealing that going back inside and deal with bigots. 

“I think thats just what I need.”

_____

Mx. Irion, or Jeris, had the most alluring aura Landis had felt in a long time. They spoke with eloquence and held themselves with unmistakable self-confidence. The two hit it off immediately. Ideal chit-chat until they joined the midday bustling city. Landis learned that Jeris was born in the city, but traveled occasionally for business. Election season being their busiest time of the year. They didn’t completely hate their job. Favorite color is blue. Graduated from the academy a year early. Loves lounging at the beach with a tall glass of ale. And to Landis’ surprise, single. Whether it was intimidation or interest, Landis found himself opening up as Jeris led their walk. Briefly mentioning his worries for his mother back home, his frustration at some of the postal service procedures, losing his friend (excluding most of the details around Ruchi’s death), and as of recent, his dysphoria. It was a jagged hand that crept up his back, digging its nails under his skin, clouding his mind with anxieties and fear surrounding his identity and his view on his self worth. 

It was a shock to Landis when his heavy words came out. He didn’t intend to ruin their walk. Jeris made no indication of showing judgment. Instead, their hand went back and touched Landis’ arm. A comforting gesture that bloomed like the flame of a freshly lit candle. 

“I’ve got an idea! Wait right here ok?” 

“Oh -” Landis only watched as Jeris left his side. Strutting purposefully into a shop two doors away and returning only minutes later carrying two identical cans. They thrusted one into Landis’ chest, condensation leaving speckles against his shirt. Sparkling crowberry cider. 

“Day drinking?” 

“Depends on how you look at it.” Jeris mused as they began guiding Landis west.

The two walked until they reached a clearing, just out the end of an unsuspecting alleyway. The rushing and hectic sounds of the city dulled the further they walked. Their new vantage point was overlooking the thin river that separated the traditional architectural city from its suburban districts. Skies were clear. Sparse clouds drifted above. Below them were ant-like dots of city dwellers about their business, unaware of the two overseers.

“Its a bit hidden, but the view is worth it. I love coming here just to clear my head. Especially after a frustrating day.”

“I’ll say, talk about a hidden gem.” 

Jeris’ can hissed as they popped the tab. Landis shortly followed, giving into the spontaneity of the day. 

The bubbles gently tickled his nose as he took a sip. The refreshing taste of sweetberry lingering on his tongue. The two took in the cool breeze, feeling it flick the ends of their hair. Jeris loosened their tie.

“You know what. Fuck dysphoria!” A sudden declaration. “ You’re amazing and life can beat you down, people can disappoint you, but you’ll always come out on top no matter what because that's just how much of a great person you are.”

Jeris knocked back another swig of his drink while Landis continued to nurse his own. 

Landis smiled, flustered at the compliment. He didn’t realize how much he needed reassurance before now. In a way he wouldn’t openly admit, but his parents might have been right, moving to the city wasn’t going to be so fantastic. Let alone to chase down literal monsters and serial killers. As he breathed, he found himself content for the first time in a while. Mind drifting over the idea of having a normal life in the city with companionship: what he hoped for with Conri. 

“Someone on your mind?” Jeris’ words reached him instantly.

“Huh?”

Jeris took a small sip, their lips smacking. “I’ve seen that look on a lot of people, the long distance stare of heartbreak.” 

“Depends on how you look at it,” Landis remarked, using Jeris’ words against them. “But, I guess you can call it disappointment if you must have a label.”

Jeris’ eyebrows rose as they nodded. 

“You ever liked the idea of a relationship only to have it become a one sided disappointment?”

Landis saw Jeris’ eyes drift off to the side as they leaned against the side of a building.

“More like I’m still fighting to accept a certain outcome.” Their voices was softer, an air of annoyance behind their words. “I’ve been seeing someone for a year and it was going well yea know? Date nights. Weekend trips. All that nonsense.” Followed by a heavy pause. “Then their ex started coming between us.”

 Landis stayed silent, uncomfortable at the can of worms he just opened. 

“At first I tried to be friendly, but they're always visually upset by my existence. Always uncomfortable, always some sharp back-handed compliment and they LOVE flaunting themselves. Soon their name was in every fucking conversation. I can’t stand it. We have plans for this big trip after election season and I want to see them through. Get away from it all, spend time away from their ex’s influence because I believe that we were stronger than petty jealousy.”

They pinched their eyes closed causing Landis to straighten up, ready to return to the same comfort he was shown. 

“I’m fine, I’m sorry.” Jeris exhaled. “We decided to put our relationship on hold until he sorted through things with his ex, but I'm realizing that's harder than I thought. We both work, come home to each other and its like the ghost of his ex is possessing him. I see his four eyed doe like expression whenever I look at my partner. Everyday I think about just calling it quits for my own sanity, but I'm trying to remember the good times and am hoping he'll see that we can cut them from our lives for good. Together.”

Jeris didn’t flinch when Landis put a hand on their shoulder. The weight of it surprised them a bit. The gesture itself pulled their mouth into a side grin. 

“Thanks, guess we both had to get some things off our chests today.”

“I’m wishing you both the best.” Landis removed his hand. “I think you’re really strong to stand your ground firmly for something you believe in, despite the roadblocks.”

“Appreciate it handsome.” Jeris’ eyes drifted upwards again to meet Landis’. The sparkle in the corner of their eyes felt enchanting as they look in all of Landis' features. “We should do this again. Not necessarily a vent session, but just this, yea know?” 

“That could be fun!” 

Jeris dug into their pocket and pulled out a polished white card brandished with copper lettering, handing it over between their index and middle finger. The glint from their nail polish was shared on the silver ring. Maybe someday Landis would ask about it. 

“My friends and I get together weekly for some community work if you’re down. We could always meet up afterwards too.” The raised eyebrow from Landis made Jeris continue. “Unrelated to the election. I know Maria is a bit intimidating, but she’s really sweet. Can we count on you for your vote?” They watched Landis shift his gaze to the left. “Kidding. Thats not what this was about, bad joke on my part.” 

They tapped Landis’ shoulder before starting on their way back down the alley towards whatever else their day had planned.

“Do you ever - “

Jeris looked over their shoulder back towards Landis. An alluring gaze as if they could mind read. 

“Do I ever get concerned with Maria’s platform? Kind of a loaded question.” They sounded like they’ve already accepted what could be. “Sometimes. But then I remember what sort of help people like you and I need. Asking nicely for change can only get us so far.”