Tiergan x Forkle (Fiergan)

The Beginning
Ever tried to be the leader of a secret organization and one of your coworkers has a crush on you?

It's annoying.

'''Sir Astin and Tiergan were standing next to each other, because Tiergan tended to either stand by him or Magnate Leto. Foxfire was buzzing.'''

"Sir Astin, I must speak with you about something."

'''Oh brother. He knew exactly what this was about. He didn't have time for silly things like relationships! And not to mention it would get confusing, considering how many identities Mr. Forkle had. Magnate Leto was the identity where he could mostly be himself, considering that's what he actually looked like. So why would Tiergan want to talk to Sir Astin about this and not Magnate Leo?'''

"Well, let's go somewhere a little more private," said Sir Astin in his whispery voice.

'''Tiergan felt his heart pounding loudly in his chest. He knew after he told Forkle there was no going back. Oh well...'''

'''Sir Astin pulled him aside. "What is it?"'''

"So, I'm just gonna say it, I like you."

'''Sir Astin shook his head. "Why? I have too many identities. I don't have time for... relationships."'''

'''"You don't understand, I... I like you no matter what. I like Sir Astin, and Magnate Leto. And..." A small smile crawled to his lips. "Even Mr. Forkle. I like all of you. Everything about you."'''

'''He inhaled sharply. "You... don't know what you're saying, Tiergan..."'''

'''"Yes, I do. I'm saying I'm in love with you." He took Sir Astin's hands. "Please. Just give me a chance to prove I can be with you."'''

'''Sir Astin pulled his hands away. "I... I don't think..." He sighed heavily.'''

Why did he have to make things so complicated?

Tiergan looked at him hopefully.

"I... don't think..."

He's gonna say no. Oh god, he's gonna say no, and I'm going to be humiliated.

"Tiergan, you don't get it... I can't do that! I'm way too busy!"

'''"B-but... do you feel the same way?" asked Tiergan quickly.'''

"What? I-I... It doesn't matter how I feel."

"You do, don't you?"

"I do!"

"Then please? Just one chance. I know it's complicated... but I really do like you!"

"Keep your voice down."

"Is that a yes or a no?"

"It's an 'I don't know'."

"What? Why..."

"I can't do this right now... please leave me alone--" He started to walk away.

Tiergan grabbed his hand.

'''Sir Astin froze. "Tiergan--"'''

"What?"

"Let go of my hand..."

"Only if you let go first."

'''Sir Astin froze. Scared to pull away. Scared for the moment to end. And terrified that it had even begun.'''

'''Emotions were a funny thing. Sir Astin hated them. His mind spun as Tiergan moved closer. And closer. And--'''

'''Sir Astin stepped back. "What are you doing?"'''

"I..."

"Never try to do that again."

'''Tiergan looked hurt. "Okay. Fine." He let go of Sir Astin's hand.'''

'MISTAKE. MISTAKE.'' The word blared in Sir Astin's mind. Bring him back, you foolish, foolish elf! He was right there...'''

'''Tiergan started to walk away. Sir Astin wanted so badly to stop him.'''

Stop!

He sent the message telepathically.

'''Tirgan stopped and turned to look at him. What?'''

Yes.

What? Tiergan held his breath.

I'll give you a chance, Sir Astin's voice floated into his head.

'''Tiergan repeated the words a few more times in his head. A chance.'''

Tiergan grabbed his wrist, kissed his cheek, and rushed away before Sir Astin could respond.

Sir Astin stood there, shocked.

'''He'd never felt this way before. He wasn't sure he liked it. But as he watched Tiergan disappear into the crowd, he touched the side of his face where Tiergan kissed him, and smiled.'''

~Later~
'''Magnate Leto was sitting at his desk, staring at a pile of scrolls. He couldn't concentrate no matter how hard he tried. He kept thinking about Tiergan. Stupid emotions... he hated it when things like this happened. He sighed heavily. But... he really wanted to see Tiergan.'''

'''Sophie and Tiergan had just finished a telepathy training session. Tiergan was just about to sit back and relax with a box of mint ripplefluffs, when his impartner beeps.'''

He looks at it, and is overjoyed to see that it's Magnate Leto.

"Leto! Do you miss me already?"

'''He sighed. "Yes..."'''

"I'll be right there. I have ripplefluffs."

'''Magnate Leto gave a small smile. "Okay..."'''

"Is there something specific you wanted to tell me?"

"No. I just..."

"Do you want a ripplefluff?"

'''Magnate Leto eyed the small silver-wrapped candy. "Maybe..."'''

"Hey, I know this is new for you."

"I've never been... in a relationship... before."

'''"I know." Tiergan handed him a ripplefluff.'''

'''Leto slowly unwrapped it. "This just feels so... wrong."'''

"Why?"

"I don't know," he mumbled, chewing.

'''Tiergan grabbed his hand. "Hey."'''

"What?"

"Have I ever told you how much I love it when you look like this? Your black hair... and your dark blue eyes."

Leto didn't know what to say to that.

'''"Do you know why I like it so much?" Tiergan continued.'''

"Wh-why?"

"Because this is what you look like without any of those silly elixirs."

"Well... Th-thank you... I... you look nice, too. You always look good, though..."

'''"That's because I don't use so much hair gel." remarked Tiergan.'''

'''Leto bit back a small smile. "I don't use that much hair gel..."'''

"Yes, you do. But that's okay. You look nice."

"I'm going to take that as a compliment."

"Good. It was meant to be a compliment."

Leto took another ripplefluff.

"Hey, I didn't say you could have another one," Tiergan teased.

'''Leto scoffed. "You have to share with me."'''

"Oh, really?"

"Yes. It's a rule. I'm making rules now."

'''Tiergan laughed. "You have a strange definition of relationships, Leto."'''

"Don't worry, I'll always share things with you, too."

"You better."

"I love you."

'''Tiergan choked on a ripplefluff. "What?"'''

'''Leto winced. "I've never felt this way about anyone in my entire life. But... I think I'm in love with you."'''

"I love you, too..."

There was a long pause.

"Don't get mad at me," Tiergan said suddenly.

"Why would I--?"

Tiergan kissed him.

'''Leto's eyebrows shot up. He'd never kissed anyone before, and he had no idea what he was doing.'''

'''Tiergan gently pulled away. "A-are you mad?" he asked quietly, locking eyes with him.'''

'''Leto was breathless. "N-n-no..."'''

'''"Are you okay?" Tiergan smirked.'''

'''Leto stuttered. "I don't... you kissed me."'''

"I did..."

"Can we... do it again...?"

"You're not supposed to ask."

'''"Oh." He was still dazed. "Um, sorry."'''

Tiergan leaned forward and kissed him.

'''Leto felt strange and tingly all over. He hated and loved the feeling at the same time, as he slowly gave into the kiss, and Tiergan was moving closer and closer until he was practically in Leto's lap. Leto let his hand get tangled in Tiergan's blonde hair. Suddenly, he wanted this feeling to never end. This love he was feeling was the most powerful emotion, and it took hold of him. They stayed together, in Leto's chair, kissing, until they heard a yelp from the doorway.'''

Tiergan flew away from Leto, blushing wildly.

Leto sat up, his eyes wide, still trying to shake the strange, overwhelming emotion away.

Keefe was standing there, his jaw dropped open.

'''"Mr. Sencen..." Leto cleared his throat.'''

Keefe stuttered.

Tiergan looked away, his face bright red.

'''"Wh... wh..." Keefe stared at them.'''

'''Tiergan coughed. "Um, why are you here, Keefe?"'''

"I... I... pulled a prank on Lady... WHAT!?"

'''Leto bit his lip. "I don't believe there's a Lady What in this school."'''

"I-lpkaidocwnbhdbwjcbhwvck YOU AND TIERGAN!?"

"Y... y-yes..."

"Wha... wow... I... wasn't expecting... that..."

'''Tiergan continued to blush. Keefe suddenly smirked. "I didn't mean to interrupt Letorgan Smooch Time."'''

"You can go back to class now, Keefe," scowled Leto as Tiergan's face continued to be the colour of a tomato.

Keefe walked out, snickering.

"We... shouldn't kiss in your office," said Tiergan quietly.

'''Leto sighed. "Yeah."'''

"I... can't believe that happened."

"Me, neither."

'''"I... do you think Keefe is going tell anyone?" muttered Tiergan.'''

"Of course he is."

The Next Day
'''The Black Swan was having a meeting. Juline had gotten kidnapped. The rest of the Collective was doing their best to calm everyone down and try to assure them that Juline would be brought back home safely. Dex was crying, and everyone was shouting, and Mr. Forkle was trying to get everyone to calm down. "Please, everyone--"'''

"Nobody can hear you," said Granite quietly.

"I know."

"I think I know what'll get their attention."

"What? Oh, Granite, don't--"

Granite kissed his cheek, grabbing his hand.

'''Everyone slowly stopped arguing, and stared at their intertwined hands. "I told you!" blurted Keefe.'''

"Well, do we have your attention now?"

'''Everyone slowly nodded. Mr. Forkle blushed lightly and cleared his throat. "So, we know the Neverseen have Squall--"'''

'''"We all know who she is. Can't we just say Juline?" asked Keefe, who was the only one not still in shock.'''

Dex sniffled.

'''"S-since when were you... in a relationship?" asked Marella suddenly.'''

'''Mr. Forkle pressed his lips together. "A few days, I guess. And, this isn't what we should be talking about."'''

"I know... but... this is weird..."

"Yes, it is rather weird," agreed Mr. Forkle.

Granite gave a small smile.

'''Dex sniffled again. "Um. Aren't we going to find my m-mom?"'''

'''"Sorry," mumbled Marella. "Continue."'''

'''Mr. Forkle sighed. "We've decided to set up a meeting with one of the members of the Neverseen to get her back."'''

'''"What!?" Sophie exclaimed.'''

'''Mr. Forkle nodded. "Fintan wants to make a trade. Obviously, we're not doing that. But we're going to the meeting regardless. Granite, Miss Foster, Wraith, and I are all going."'''

"Well, of course Granite is going. Apparently he's your boyfriend," said Keefe.

'''Mr. Forkle sighed. "That's not the only reason. I planned on taking two other members of the Collective with me. We'll have fire-proof clothes."'''

'''"Yeah, sure." Keefe smirked.'''

Meanwhile, with the Neverseen
Juline spat in Fintan's face.

Fintan scowled.

"You're a monster," she hissed.

"Really?"

'''"Yes," she sobbed. "The Black Swan is going to get me back, and after that, you'll be sorry."'''

"Yeah, I'm sure I will," he said sarcastically, smirking at the burns on her shoulders.

School the Next Day
'''The meeting with Fintan was after school. Sophie was stressing out. Leto was pacing in his office. Keefe was asleep in detention, and Dex was struggling with a chemistry paper. "Mr. Diznee," the chemistry mentor boomed. "You're usually top of the class. But today, you have done nothing."'''

'''Dex looked up at him. "Oh." He teared up. "I-I'm sorry." He stared at his paper blankly. "Um--"'''

"Would you like to give the answer for the first chemical equation?"

"Um. Do I have a choice?"

"No."

"Oh. Um. Then, okay..."

'''He went up to the board and stared at the equation. "Uh..." He slowly wrote something down, and sat back in his seat.'''

'''The mentor cleared his throat. "That... is wrong..."'''

"Oh."

Sophie put a hand on his shoulder.

'''Dex sniffled. Then he started to cry, and ran out.'''

Magnate Leto's Office
'''Leto was pacing the floor, thinking. Tiergan watched him go back and forth, from one side of the room to the next. Back and forth, back and forth...'''

"Leto, you're stressing me out."

'''"Sorry... I hope Juline is okay..." he mumbled.'''

"Me, too. You have a plan, right?"

"No."

'''Tiergan went slightly pale. "Well, do you think you'll figure something out in three hours?"'''

"The meeting is in three hours!?"

"Yes..."

'''"That's too soon," said Leto quietly. He started pacing again.'''

'''Tiergan stood and grabbed his arm. "Hey. You'll figure something out. I know you will."'''

'''Leto ran a hand over his overly-gelled hair. "Maybe..."'''

'''Tiergan squeezed his hand. "We'll get her back."'''

'''"I hope so..." he whispered.'''

Meeting with Fintan
'''The meeting was set up in the Wildwood Colony. The gnarled trees of the old forest didn't help ease anyone's tension, especially when Fintan emerged from the trees, gripping Juline's shoulder and tossing her down onto the ground.'''

'''Juline screamed when she saw her son. "DEX!!"'''

"MOM!!"

'''Fintan was wearing a thinking cap. Juline had burns on her face and neck.'''

'''Dex was in tears. Sophie hugged him.'''

Granite and Mr. Forkle were standing there, staring at Juline.

'''Juline sobbed. Dex covered his mouth with his hands, tears rolling down his face. "Mom..."'''

'''Fintan smiled. "How kind of you to join us."'''

"Let her go," demanded Forkle.

"First, you have to give me something."

"What?"

"Dex."

"What!? Why do you want Dex!?"

'''"NO!" screamed Juline. "YOU CAN'T HAVE MY SON!"'''

'''"I'll do it!" shouted Dex. "I'll go with him! I don't care if he kills me! I w-want my mom... t-to be okay..."'''

'''Juline shook her head. "No! Dex, I won't let you!"'''

'''"No," said Forkle firmly. "Anything else?"'''

'''"Hm... how about him?" He looked at Granite.'''

'''"No!" blurted Forkle. "No..."'''

"If you don't, I'll kill her. Right in front of all of you."

'''"No!" shouted Dex, more tears falling.'''

'''Granite set a shaky hand on Forkle's shoulder. "I'll do it. For Juline. She has a family..."'''

'''"NO! You're not doing that," Forkle told him. "Not you..."'''

"It has to be me," whispered Granite.

"B-but--"

'''Granite went over to Fintan carefully. "Let her go."'''

'''"Granite!" Mr. Forkle called. His eyes were wide. He couldn't just watch him get dragged away like that... that was the man he was in love with!'''

'''Granite looked at him. "I love you," he mouthed. Fintan nudged Juline forward, signaling that she was allowed to move without him burning her.'''

'''Juline yelped and Dex ran over. "Mom!"'''

'''Fintan looked at Granite. "And take off that ridiculous disguise."'''

'''Granite pulled out an elixir, poured it into his mouth, and coughed. He slowly turned into Tiergan.'''

'''Fintan's smile was wide. "Sir Tiergan. I should've known."'''

'''Mr. Forkle stared into Tiergan's dark blue eyes, tearing up. No. This wasn't happening...'''

'''"Wait!" said a voice. It took a moment to realize the voice had come from himself. Before he could really comprehend what he was doing, he was taking a small container of berries out of his pocket, popping them into his mouth, and revealing himself as Magnate Leto.'''

Fintan looked shocked.

His shock increased when Leto grabbed Tiergan, kissing him roughly on the lips.

'''Dex glared at Fintan as he helped his mother struggle to her feet. Juline gasped audibly, staring at Leto and Tiergan.'''

'''Fintan broke the moment by tearing Tiergan back with a fiery hand, causing Tiergan to scream in pain. Leto was trembling badly, struggling to keep his composure.'''

'''"I think I've had enough surprises for one day," Fintan hissed, dragging Tiergan away into a beam of light. They leapt away.'''

Leto broke down, kneeling in the grass, almost refusing to believe what had just happened.

'''He felt Juline, Sophie, and Dex gather around him, asking questions, and trying to comfort him. He blocked it all out, and continued to cry.'''

Later, Back at Alluveterre
'''"Mr. Forkle, are you okay?" asked Sophie quietly.'''

"No," he said bluntly.

"Um. I'm sorry about what happened to Tiergan."

'''He teared up. "It's fine," he choked.'''

'''"You don't seem fine..." she whispered.'''

"I'll live."

'''She sighed and carefully hugged him. Mr. Forkle, surprised, hugged back. He sighed heavily. He felt another pair of arms join the hug, and saw Squall standing there, smiling at him sympathetically.'''

'''Mr. Forkle smiled back, trying not to cry. "I... I love him so much..." he sniffled.'''

Squall nodded.

'''"I had no idea you were... dating... anyone... until a few days ago..." mumbled Sophie. "I mean, you don't seem like the kind of person who would... fall in love...? Does that sound mean?"'''

'''Forkle sighed. "I didn't want to at first. He was so persistent, though. And I loved him, so... I couldn't stop myself from saying yes. I shouldn't have, though. It was a mistake."'''

'''"It was not a mistake! Don't talk like that!" scolded Squall.'''

"But it was! I would be able to focus on getting him back if I wasn't in love with him, but my emotions are getting in the way of my thinking, and all I can think about is the horrible things Fintan is doing to him! A-and it's... tearing me apart..."

'''Forkle looked down, avoiding their eyes as he wiped the tears off his face roughly. He waved Juline away when she tried to give him another hug.'''

"I'll be fine. But... we have to save him. I just... don't know how. All I know is that I'd do anything to get him back..."

"We'll figure something out," Squall promised.

Meanwhile, with the Neverseen
Tiergan screamed in pain as Fintan continued to burn him.

'''"I bet your boyfriend misses you," he hissed in Tiergan's ear. Tiergan spat in his face. Fintan flinched and wiped his face off. "You're practically begging me to torture you," he whispered.'''

'''Tiergan glared at him. "Go ahead. The Black Swan is going to make you pay."'''

'''Fintan threw his head back and laughed. "How cute! You actually think they're going to save you!?"'''

"Y-yes..."

"Wrong. You'll never see him again, you know that? You're going to die here, and you're going to die alone."

~a week later~
'''A week later, Tiergan was still gone. Forkle was convinced he was dead. Everyone tried to comfort him, telling him that everything would be okay.'''

'''Suddenly, Forkle stood. They were all sitting in Alluvettere. Forkle had been on the brink of tears, and Juline had told him, that "everything would be okay."'''

"How is everything okay, Juline? How is any of this okay!? Tiergan is dead! That is not okay!"

"I didn't mean--" Juline whispered.

'''Forkle cut her off. "It's my fault, too. I just... I should've done something... anything... there had to have been something I could've done to save him... or find him..." He covered his face with his hands, trying to hide his tears.'''

'''Later that day, Sophie saw Mr. Forkle sitting at the table, hunched over, passed out. Assuming he'd fallen asleep, she tried to shake him awake. He groaned. "Mr. Forkle?"'''

He mumbled something under his breath, shrugging her hand away.

'''Her eyebrows furrowed. "M-Mr, Forkle?"'''

He didn't say anything.

She quickly entered his mind.

'''As soon as she entered his mind, she knew something was off. Everything was too eerie and empty. It didn't feel like it was Mr. Forkle's mind at all...'''

Then the realization hit her.

'''She tore out of Forkle's mind, stumbling back. She whispered, "No," over and over again. "No, no, no... Mr. Forkle..."'''

'''Wraith came into the room. "Miss Foster.?"'''

Sophie looked up at him, wide-eyed.

"What's wrong with Forkle?"

'''"H-he... his mind..." She trailed off, pressing a hand to her mouth and shaking her head.'''

'''"What? Sophie, what happened?" demanded Wraith, immediately concerned.'''

"His mind... i-it's..."

"Come on, spit it out, Sophie."

"His mind is broken," she quietly managed to say.

'''Wraith's eyes went wide. "Wh-what?"'''

Mr. Forkle sat there, and started to rock back and forth.

'''"No! Th-that's impossible!" Wraith was trembling.'''

"It's because of Tiergan," she whispered, tearing up.

~a couple days later~
'''It was two days after his mind broke. Sophie had tried and failed to bring him back. The rest of the Collective were already looking for two new members. They wanted Della and Timkin to be on the Collective, and were having a meeting. Della was saying that they shouldn't be so quick to replace Mr. Forkle, since there was still a chance his mind could be healed.'''

'''"But I've tried!" protested Sophie. "He's... gone..."'''

There was a loud crash from Mr. Forkle's room, and everyone flew up from their chairs.

Della, Wraith, Squall, and Sophie all hurried to see what had happened.

'''They rushed in and gasped. Magnate Leto was curled up in the corner, rocking back and forth and mumbling to himself. The bookshelf was tipped over.'''

'''Della sighed. "He's okay..."'''

"No he isn't," whispered Sophie.

"Sophie, I--"

They all headed into the meeting room again.

'''The meeting continued for another hour, and Della had finally agreed to be on the Collective, when, suddenly, a path of light appeared and a man leapt into the room. He collapsed in front of them.'''

Everyone flew from their chairs again.

'''The man looked up, and coughed, hacking up blood. He coughed again, wiping his mouth with a dirty hand. There were burns all over him. He was missing his cape and his registry pendant. His hair was tied in a greasy ponytail, and there was dirt smudged below his eye. The side of his face was swollen and red. He continued to cough.'''

'''Everyone was immediately surrounding him, but he pushed them away, and started to stumble down the hall. He came to Forkle's room and opened the door.'''

'''"Leto?" he rasped.'''

Leto didn't say anything.

"No... Leto, it's me, Tiergan... p-please..."

'''Leto looked up at him, blinking. His mouth opened, then closed. He looked down and mumbled something. Tiergan started to cry. "No! No, I came back! I'm here now. You can't just... Sophie, help him!"'''

"I-I already tried..."

"Try again!"

"B-but..."

"For me, Sophie! Do it for me. Just... try one more time..."

'''Sophie entered Mr. Forkle's mind again. There was nothing except inky blackness.'''

'Mr. Forkle? Come back, please...'

Her voice disappeared in the darkness.

Tiergan is back, she transmitted urgently as his mind started to disconnect.

'''At Tiergan's name, a spark of light appeared in the darkness. She fed the spark with mental images of Tiergan, begging him to come back. He misses you.'''

The spark grew, until everything was bright, and his mind came flooding back.

Sophie pulled herself from his mind.

'''Magnate Leto bolted upright, gasping. His upper lip was sweating. He looked around wildly. His eyes caught Tiergan's, and he teared up. "T-T... Tiergan?"'''

'''Tiergan wiped at a streak of blood on his face, tearing up. "Hey..."'''

Leto nearly threw himself at Tiergan, struggling back tears.

'''Tiergan held him as tight as he could with his worn arms. "Don't do that, okay?" he whispered.'''

Leto slowly nodded, trembling and clinging to Tiergan.

'''He smiled shakily. "I love you."'''

'''Leto broke down into quiet sobs, sniffling against his chest. "I love you, too," his voice cracked, and he roughly wiped his eyes as more and more tears streaked down.'''

Tiergan kissed his forehead.

Leto leaned up and kissed him on the lips.

'''"Tiergan," said Della quietly. "I'm going to call Physic."'''

Tiergan continued to kiss Leto.

'''Della gave a sad smile and walked out. Sophie followed.'''

'''Leto buried himself in his arms. "I-I was scared I lost you... Tiergan... I've never felt that way before, and then to have you ripped away like that... I-I couldn't do it..." He broke down again, covering his face with his hands.'''

'''Tiergan held him. "Hey, hey, don't cry... please, I'm here now."'''

"H-how did you even get here?"

"I'll tell you later. I don't think your mind can handle that right now--"

"What did they do to you?"

'''"Leto, not right now. Just..." He kissed him again.'''

'''Leto looked up at him. "Okay..." He kissed back, forcing himself to let the world melt away, trying not to worry.'''

'''Tiergan moved closer. "I missed you so much. You're the only reason I'm alive."'''

"What do you mean?"

"I was so close to giving up. But then I thought about you. And I kept fighting. I couldn't die..."

"I thought you were gone forever..."

"I'm here now. And I swear I'll never leave you again."

'''"Do you promise?" Leto asked with trembling lips.'''

"I promise," he whispered, pulling him forward and kissing him.

'''Leto kissed back as Tiergan crawled closer, in his lap. All that mattered at the moment was Tiergan. There was nothing else in the world that he cared about, just his deep blue eyes and blonde hair.'''

It took awhile for things to go back to normal.

'''Tiergan was often startled easily and was a lot more sensitive. He tried to convince everyone he was fine, but he obviously wasn't.'''

Everyone wanted to know where he had been for a whole month and how he had escaped.

'''He told everyone that the Neverseen had been gone for two days, and they were planning on leaving him to starve to death, but rather than sitting there and letting himself go hungry, he devised a plan. He used a rock he found on the ground to cut through the ropes tying him to a pole, which took hours, because the rock was dull, and the ropes were thick. He nearly passed out using a majority of his energy levitating to the ceiling, where there was a crack in the ceiling. He had been locked away in a small dark house that was old and falling apart. He used the rock to smash away some of the ceiling, and lost his levitation multiple times, causing him to fall and hit the floor hard over and over again. Eventually, he was able to wiggle his way out, and passed out on the roof. He woke up soon after, only to realize he was trapped in the Forbidden Cities without a leaping crystal, so he had to wait for the Neverseen to come back and find a way to steal one of their crystals. He stayed in the woods by the house, hiding from any humans that came by until a few days later, Gethen showed up to check on him.'''

'''He unlocked the door and went inside. Tiergan had snuck behind him and knocked him out, stealing his leapmaster. He had barely enough concentration to leap him to the Lost Cities without fading, and went to his house, where he found his leaping crystal to Aluvetterre, knowing he had to get there as soon as possible.'''

After Tiergan finished telling them his escape story, they were all giving him looks of horror.

'''"And it took a whole month?" asked Della, her jaw ajar.'''

'''"Yeah." Tiergan sighed, rubbing a scar on his arm.'''

"They'll pay for what they did to you," growled Forkle.

'''Tiergan looked down. "Well, living in the woods was interesting, too. I was almost attacked by a bear."'''

"A bear--!"

"I'm fine. I got away."

"You almost died!"

"Yeah... but I'm okay now."

'''Forkle crossed his arms. "Don't do that. Ever again."'''

'''Tiergan kissed his cheek. "I won't."'''

He blushed.

A few more weeks later, Blur burst into Forkle's room.

"Forkle! Urgent meeting! Now!"

'''He stood. "What's--"'''

'''"Now!" He raced away.'''

Forkle raced after him, confused and slightly panicking.

'''Forkle raced into the meeting room. "What's going on!?" he demanded. He froze mid-step when he saw Tiergan.'''

His jaw fell.

He covered his mouth with his hand.

'''Tiergan smiled. He was down on one knee. And there was a small box in his hand.'''

A ring box.

The Collective were all there, smiling as Forkle stuttered over his words.

'''Tiergan's smile only got wider. "Errol Loki Forkle? Will you do me the honor of being my husband?"'''

'''Forkle continued to stutter. "W-w-what-t..."'''

'''Tiergan laughed. "A-are you okay?"'''

'''"A-am I... wh..." Forkle stared at the ring. "Yes... yes! Yes, oh my god... I..." He looked at the ring, then Tiergan, then the ring, then Tiergan. Then he started to tear up. "Wha... what's happening?"'''

Tiergan bit back a laugh, "We're getting married!"

Forkle shook his head in disbelief as Tiergan wrapped his arms around him.

'''"I l-love you so much..." he whispered against Tiergan's shoulder, sniffling. "Wh... I-I'm... getting married..."'''

"I love you, too! You're the most amazing--"

"No, I'm not amazing, but, I..."

"Yes, you are. The most amazing elf in all the Lost Cities. Not to mention insanely clever, and handsome, no matter what identity you are."

'''"But..." He looked down at his ruckleberry body.'''

'''Tiergan smiled. "Hey, I'm a rock. It's not that bad."'''

'''Forkle snorted. "I suppose. I just can't... married?"'''

"Yes! Married! Us!"

"This is crazy," he whispered, smiling.

'''Tiergan was smiling wildly, his eyes bright. "I love you."'''

~A few days later~
'''Foxfire was buzzing. Sir Astin was sitting in his desk, admiring the small gems in his ring, sighing contently.'''

'''Tiergan came. "How's my fiance doing?"'''

'''Astin smiled. "Wonderful."'''

'''They share a kiss as the bell rings. Kids pour into the classroom. Tiergan pulls away from him. "See you after class, Sir Astin. And don't forget our date tonight."'''

'''The kids stare. "Is he your boyfriend?" asks one kid.'''

"No. He's my fiance."

'''"You're getting married to Sir Tiergan!?" Marella blurts.'''

'''Jensi claps. Keefe is choking on Prattles candy. "What?" he manages after he stops choking.'''

'''Astin smiles, playing with the ring. "Yep."'''

'''"Since when!?" demanded Keefe.'''

"A few days ago. I was going to have a pop quiz today, but... I'm in a good mood, so I'll let you off the hook."

A few kids cheered.

'''"But... like, you're getting married?" asked Keefe.'''

"Yes."

"You never really seemed like the type to commit to a relationship."

"And what do you know about commitment, Mr Sencen?"

"Um. Well..."

'''Astin smiled. "Today, you can use this class as a study hall. Use your time wisely, because this is the only time it's happening."'''

More kids cheered.

'''After Sir Astin was done teaching astronomy, he immediately had to change into Magnate Leto. Tiergan came by a second time. He sat in front of Leto's desk. "Hey."'''

'''Leto smiled. "Sometimes I forget how short you are."'''

"I am not-! Hmph. I guess you're a little taller than me. But that's because you're tall! I'm normal height."

"No, I think you're a couple inches below normal height, Sir Tiergan."

'''Tiergan bit his lip. "You're not being very nice."'''

'''Leto laughed. "Hey, I love you."'''

"I love you, too."

'''Tiergan leaned forward to kiss him, but Leto pulled away. "You can't do that while I'm Magnate Leto. People think you're Sir Astin's fiance, so, if you do that..."'''

'''Tiergan frowned. "Oh."'''

'''Leto smirked. "You seem sad."'''

"I am. I was looking forward to kissing you."

"I know."

"Just once?"

"Well..."

"There's no one watching."

'''"I know, but... just... fine." He quickly kissed Tiergan.'''

'''Tiergan smiled. "I almost have a heart attack every time you kiss me."'''

'''He blushed. "Thanks?"'''

"A good heart attack, though."

"I don't think heart attacks are good," Leto told him with a bashful smile.

"This one is. It's because I just love you so darn much, and my heart can hardly believe that you fell in love with me."

Leto blushed and looked down.

~A few months later~
'''Tiergan was smiling uncontrollably, his eyes bright. "I'm getting married."'''

'''Juline smiled at him. "I know! I can't believe I'm a maid of honor! I just... I'm honored."'''

'''Tiergan snorted. Then he looked at himself in the mirror. "I'm really nervous. Can you tell?" He gave her a shaky smile. He was trembling a little.'''

'''Juline bit back a smile. "Yes. Just relax! You'll be a great husband!"'''

"I'm gonna be a terrible husband," mumbled Astin.

'''Livvy scoffed. "Oh, don't even! You're gonna be awesome! And you're going to adopt two kids--"'''

"What?"

"And buy a nice house... and you'll probably be an overprotective dad, and you'll probably be adopting daughters..."

'''Astin snorted. "Are you planning out my life?"'''

"No, I'm predicting the future," she told him.

"You seem pretty confident."

"Yup. Oh my gosh, look at the time! It's time for you to walk down that aisle!"

'''He gulped. "I'm really nervous."'''

"Look at it this way: You're marriage could never be as bad as mine and Quinlin's."

"Do you think we'll ever get into fights?"

She looked at him for a moment, then said sarcastically, "No. You will never fight a single time in all the thousands of years you're going to be together. Not a single time. It'll all be cupcakes and rainbows every day."

Astin scowled.

'''Tiergan's heart was pounding louder and louder the closer Astin stepped. He was sure everybody could hear it. Astin looked like he wanted to run up instead of walking so slowly... the suspense was killing him. He wanted to say "I do," and just... be married. He felt people's eyes crawling on him with every step he took. He was imagining every possible thing that could go wrong. What if I trip? What if I say the wrong thing? What if something happens in the middle of the wedding and ruins it? What if I mess something up?'''

'''All those thoughts melted away as he stepped up to Tiergan. Their eyes locked.'''

'You look... there are no words to describe how beautiful you look, Tiergan transmitted.'

'Thanks,'' Astin transmitted. ''You also look... extremely attractive.'

'''Tiergan smiled. Astin blushed. I wrote my own vows, Astin added.'''

So did I.

I really like you're hair.

Is that in your vows? asked Tiergan jokingly.

'''Astin bit back a laugh. No.'''

"You may kiss the groom--"

The priest guy wasn't able to finish his sentence before Tiergan pulled Astin forward and kissed him hard on the lips, nearly lifting him off his feet.

Astin gave a yelp of surprise and kissed back.

The priest guy sighed.

Everyone cheered loudly.

'''Astin was blushing wildly. He smiled bashfully at Tiergan, and they kiss again, cuing more applause and cheering.'''

'''Tiergan pulled away and smiled. Astin tucked Tiergan's hair behind his ear. "I love you," he whispered.'''

"I love you, too," Tiergan whispered.

Epilogue
'''Astin sighed, slowing down to catch his breath. "Laurel, please, slow down."'''

'''"Can't catch me! Can't catch me!" The ten-year-old girl cried, racing around him, giggling.'''

'''Tiergan suddenly came into the room and scooped her up. "Ah! I got you!"'''

'''Laurel squeals with delight as another girl, with the same dark brown hair and almost-green aqua eyes, bounds into the room. The identical twins are tugging and climbing on Tiergan.'''

"Dad! Dad, I want mallowmelt," the girl whined.

"Mallowmelt? You just had lunch, Lana."

Lana and Laurel both give him puppy eyes.

'''He smiles. "Sweety, help me," he says, looking at Astin. "Should we let them have it?"'''

'''Astin bites back a smile as Lana tugs on his arm. "Please, Dad? Pleeeeease? We'll be good for the rest of the day, we promise!'''

'''Astin looks at her. "Hm..." He looks at Tiergan.'''

'''Tiergan smiles. "I kinda want some, too, now."'''

"Oh, you're no help," he snorted.

Tiergan shrugged and set Laurel down.

'''"Fine," Astin says. "But just this once. There's still some left from last night--"'''

'''They squeal and hug him. "Yay! Thanks, Dad!" they say in unison, hurrying to the kitchen.'''

'''Astin sighs, smiling. "I still can't believe I'm a dad," he whispers.'''

'''Tiergan wraps an arm around him. "Me, neither. Do you wanna eat mallowmelt with the girls?"'''

'''He smiled. "You know what? Why not."'''

'''Lana was hopping up and down by the table. "Mallowmelt! Mallowmelt!"'''

"Here, let me cut that for you," says Astin quickly, grabbing the knife.

'''"I wanna cut it!" says Laurel.'''

'''Tiergan looks at him. "Let her cut it."'''

"Tiergan, this is a knife! No way!"

"They're not gonna stab each other."

"Thanks for putting that thought in my mind," Astin mumbled.

'''Tiergan snorted. "Oh, come on. It cuts CAKE, it's not even that sharp."'''

'''"I..." He looked at Laurel and Lana. "Okay..." He carefully gave it to Laurel. "Be careful..."'''

Laurel nodded and carefully cut the cake, and put it on plates.

'''Lana eyed her plate suspiciously. "Hey! Her piece is bigger than mine!"'''

'''"It is not!" argued Laurel. "Dad! They're the same size!"'''

'''Tiergan took a bite of Laurel's cake. "There. Now they're the same."'''

'''Laurel giggled. "Okay."'''

'''Astin snorted. "You are ridiculous."'''

'''"Thank you." He tries to kiss his cheek, but Astin pushes him away playfully.'''

'''Tiergan takes a bite of his own mallowmelt. "You want a bite?"'''

"I'm good..."

'''Tiergan tries to steer a bite toward his mouth. Astin sighs, "Tiergan..."'''

"Yes?"

"I love you..."

Tiergan smiles.

'''Laurel and Lana look at each other. "You're not gonna kiss, are you?" asks Laurel.'''

'''Tiergan laughs. "No."'''

'''Lana nods. "Kissing is gross."'''

'''"Yes, it is." Astin agrees. "Never kiss a boy, okay?"'''

They both nod.

'''Tiergan nudges him. "Oh, don't tell them that."'''

'''Astin smirked. Tiergan kissed him.'''

'''"Eww!" exclaimed Lana and Laurel at the same time, giggling.'''

All four of them laugh, and then they go back to eating their mallowmelt.

T'was a good day.