Chapter Text
If you had told Saparata he would be accused of a terrorist attack on the leaders of Pandora, he would have laughed in your face.
When he’d been placed onto what would later be called the “rich” island, he had been excited. It was lush and green and full of life. He had watched as everyone gathered together, making civilizations and in amusement, wondered how they were going to work together.
If they were going to work together.
But unlike everyone else, Saparata had decided to keep to himself. He had no interest in other people's civilizations, but he was particularly avoiding politics. Saps actually got violently ill thinking about being caught in politics.
He watched as Pandora was gearing up to attempt to make an alliance between all of the different civilizations on Pandora.
And, because Saps couldn't have a moment of peace, how they wanted to drag him into it.
“Saps, why are you out here?” groaned a familiar voice, startling him out of his thoughts. Saparata glanced down from where he was adding onto his new house.
Fluixon was a friend who had been coming out to visit him for quite a few weeks now. He had black hair, but there was a singular purple strand down the middle of his hair. Then, as if he couldn’t get more obnoxious, his eyes were a glistening purple. He had a white, ruffled shirt that was covered by another type of purple-shirt. Then, he had a black cape with golden plates on his shoulders. He was a… “kooky” individual. Saparata knew it wasn’t the best descriptor, but Fluxion was a sort of kooky individual. He was nice, in Saparata’s experience, and hoped it stayed that way.
Fluixon was also the second-in-command for a rising nation called Luminara, that was known as the “light of Pandora”. He’d followed 3BelowZero into the most northern part of Pandora, to begin talks of building a bridge to connect Pandora to Yggdrasil (the other island) to make an attempt at world peace. Saps had listened to Flux rant about 3BelowZero’s idealism and how it was going to get everyone killed. But Saps couldn’t help but think about why Flux was still following 3BelowZero if he had such a big problem with how the other was going about their civilizations' ideals.
“I told you, Flux, I have no interest in politics or whatever else you guys are gonna get up to,” Saprata bit back a yawn, rubbing the back of his neck as he turned to face his friend, “and what exactly are you doing out here again?”
“I wanted you to know there is some propaganda-”
“What did I just say about politics, Flux?” Saps can’t even fight the annoyance slipping into his tone. He liked Fluixon a lot, but he really didn’t want to get involved this time. He just wanted to… to be. Is that too much to ask for?
“Oh come on, just think of it as… ranting!” Fluixon's voice was heavy with ease, like he was trying to get Saparata to relax. Yeah he wants something… as Fluixon was immensely good at getting what he wanted, Saps was already on edge. Fluixon was both a sweet talker and smarter than anyone else he knew; therefore, he was dangerous with his tongue. “Please…!”
“Fine, fine,” Saparata groaned, and pulled his hair up into a ponytail; white and messy with stress. He continued to look over his plans for his builds, but realistically, Saps had never been good at saying no to his friends, so he allowed: “Get it off your chest.”
“I just don’t get it! Yggdrasil is angry with us! We need to be prepared, like I think we’re in serious danger if we aren’t careful and I-”
Saparata listened to him talking for what felt like hours. He couldn’t help the lazy affection that seeped into his chest at the cadence of the other’s voice. Fluixon's voice was anxious. It seemed like this issue was seeping into his very being. Like he couldn’t think about anything else. Like it was consuming him. Saparata couldn’t help but chew his lip in nervousness, was he really going to let this consume him? Could Saps sit by and let him?
“Yeah, Zero is going to bring some of us up to another part of the island. I think he’s not really enjoying being under the Commonwealth. I can’t blame him, they are a mess. Like seriously, Saps, a mess.”
Saps nodded as he worked on enchanting his newest sword. A lot of people didn’t think enchanting was worth much, but he didn’t care much. He was enjoying the simple parts of his existence. He enjoyed farming, and collecting sheep with dye. He loved the different colors and how everything was coming together. He loved how he was able to just exist- it was so different than he was used to… it was so…
“Are you even listening, Saps?” Fluixon whined, leaning onto his elbow in an attempt to look into his eyes. Fluixon did have a dramatic streak, and always seemed to make it Saparata’s problem.
Saps was more like a white mass of matter than anything else. He kept a humanoid shape to make others more comfortable. He did like to adorn himself in golden jewelry as it contrasted nicely with the whiteness that was him; everything but his eyes. His hair was also white, and others typically called him some sort of albino, but he preferred blob. From his sister, Zynn, he had been given a cloak, and he wore it constantly. He enjoyed the comfort of it all.
“Yes, Flux, of course, you were talking about how Pandora is going to devolve into nonsense, especially with everything surrounding Yggdrasil's propaganda.”
“Yes, yes, but you agree don’t you? Yggdrasil will take us and ruin our island because they’re jealous! We’re in paradise and they want to ravage our home!”
“Flux, how would we even know that? It’s propaganda for a reason,” Saps was really trying to listen; really was trying to be understanding, but Flux was devolving quickly, “but I get why you’re panicking. I think we should just take a deep breath and take it how it comes.”
“Ugh, you’re too good for this world, Saps. They’re going to invade us and take us out. All I can hope for is they fight among themselves. I mean, they have so little resources, hopefully that keeps them distracted.”
They aren’t monsters, I doubt they’d be fighting… they’re likely gonna work together to share resources.
“I doubt it, Flux, they’ll likely think they need to work together, but c’mon, Flux don’t you think you’re being a bit paranoid?”
Little did Saps know, this word would come back to haunt him.
-
“What? Flux, I do not want to be the negotiator! I’m on my vacation arc.”
“Saps, please, you’re the only one who could be completely unbiased. You aren’t a part of a nation, everyone needs you there, I need you there,” and Saps, ever the simp, finds himself hesitating. Fluixon was… Fluixon was important to him. He’d always been important to him. They’d spent these weeks trying to get to know each other, trying to build, and Flux… was doing his own thing.
As for the rumors about Yggdrasil, they were apparently becoming united. There have been rumors and stories making their way around the island.
That’s how Saps started getting requests from Pandorian leaders, begging him to be the neutral ground to have the conversations. To ensure everything was done correctly.
Jophiel Whispered to You: you’ve GOTTA host bro, we’re cooked if you don’t
CallmeCass Whispered to You: so when u hosting?
He groaned outwardly again, “Stop having them message me, Flux! I know you’re in on this!”
“I’ll be back tomorrow to ask again, don’t worry!”
“Fuck off, Flux!”
“Nah, you love me.”
“Shut up, you ass.”
That was the problem though, wasn’t it? He did love his friend. For Flux, there was little he was unwilling to do. There was little he was unwilling to sacrifice. And he would soon learn just how far his “friend” would go to ensure his goals were completed.
And just how little Saps mattered to him.
-
“Hey Saps.”
Saparata looks up and isn’t surprised to see Ish. He's a sort of… deity. He’s part of the reason that they’re all here, living these lives. Saparata heard that he’d gifted Elysium the Mooshroom. Don’t ask how he knew about that, and he lowkey forgot the name so...
“Hello Ish.”
“I’ve heard they’re having you go mediate a meeting,” and Saps really shouldn’t be getting irritated at the amused tone that the god is using with him.
“Yup,” and Saps isn’t surprised he can’t hide the dread in his voice.
“You certainly sound excited…”
“This is gonna suck. I’m gonna accidently start a war!”
Ish laughs, but Saps is definitely not joking. He’s terrified. This is why he was avoiding politics and shit. He did not want to get involved, and here he was, getting involved.
“I’m sure it’ll be fineeee,” Ish laughs, eyes gleaming with excitement, like he knows something that the rest of them didn’t. It sent something like nerves down his spine.
-
I was right. This is my nightmare. He can’t help but try to keep his face blank. It wasn’t difficult as his face didn’t really show emotions or whatever; his face was much like a blob. It was like a canvas, and rarely showed true emotion. Sometimes it could be painted to show something, but it stayed blank. While Saps kept his body humanoid-like, as it kept the others comfortable, and it was easiest for him to get around. But, truthfully, he could take any form he wished. It was a secret he kept close to his chest.
He had been stuck in his head, but of course, he then heard Fluixon start arguing again. He was yapping about how Yggdrasil was going to invade, and was going to take everything from them. Cass, of course, wanted them to have a defensive plan, but to give aid to Yggdrasil. Saps didn’t disagree, it actually sounded like a good plan. Yggdrasil was filled with hardship and pain, Saps wouldn’t be surprised if they didn’t want to attack, just to see what was on the other island, to experience to goodness of Pandora for once. Saps agreed in a way, it would likely help with world peace.
There was nothing wrong with being kind.
But his beautiful, insane friend always had something to say:
“That’s stupid! They’re going to attack! I’ve seen the propaganda!”
The arguments continue; anger flowing off of his friend, and the irritation coming off of everyone else. And… and Saps tries to calm them down. He tries to keep the peace, and eventually makes them take it to a vote.
“Alright, we’re going to end this with a vote, everyone,” Saps keeps his voice even, light; but not weak. He knows if he lets anything slip, gives a moment of weakness, they would walk all over him, “If you think we should declare Yggdrasil the enemy, say aye.”
Flux’s voice echoes alone; and Saps can hear the loneliness in it, the anger in the silence that follows, “Aye.”
Saps trains his eye on Flux, whose face hardens when he realizes no one else said anything. Saps bites his lip.
“Alright, all those in favor of giving aid to Yggdrasil and having a defense pact, say aye.”
The answers echo, and Saps can only find it in himself to be thankful. He hadn’t started a war.
Little does he know, everything is going to shit after this.
-
[ Jophiel was burned to death while fighting Seraphim ]
Saps face paled. Something in his chest cracked. Not for the heartbreak of who, but what it meant because…
Flux is gonna take this and run with it. Fluixon is going to abuse this. Fluixon is going to ruin everything with this. Saps should…
Fluxion whispers to you: did you see?? We need to have an emergency meeting. You HAVE to host. It's for the good of the island.
Then, like a good friend:
Saparata whispers back: Fine. Fine, yes.
Saparata @ leaders: emergency meeting at my vacation home tomorrow.
Saps could feel everything all at once. He had just wanted peace, a vacation, even. But here he was, in the middle of it all. For Flux. He was doing this all for Fluixon. He was coming back from helping Tricolor’s recovery, and it was devastating. Saps can’t even imagine how the people of Tricolor are feeling. On top of Arthon’s king’s death, he cannot imagine how terrifying it all is.
So as Saps got into his bed that day, he realized this was something he had to do. He hadn’t meant to, but he had to do this. For Pandora. For his friendship with Flux.
And maybe even for himself.
-
This is so much pressure. He thought to himself as he sat at the head of the table, and as all the leaders sat in the seats. There was so much at stake. Two leaders had already died, it almost felt… purposeful? Like there was something going on in the background? It couldn’t be a coincidence.
“What could Seraphim’s motivation even have been?” one of the leaders growled, “I mean, that was her Queen! And she was kind, I even heard she was forming a political alliance through letters with an Emperor from Yggdrasil.”
“Yes, with Emperor Schpood,” another one nodded like they were commenting on the weather, “I hear he’s… devastated.”
“I’m sure, but I wasn’t aware we were trying to communicate with other leaders from Yggdrasil.”
“Well, with-”
“I think we should focus on the task at hand,” Saps hears himself interrupt softly, but not meekly, “We need to vote on if we should put a kill on sight order for Seraphim.”
Among other things... Could this be a conspiracy?
“I think so. She took a friend, but also competent Queen. Anyone who commits such atrocities deserves death.”
Saps can’t say he’s surprised that’s the reaction, and is even less surprised when everyone agrees.
“Guys, is there any reason for us to believe that these assassinations are connected? Like are our leaders safe-?” Saparata begins to ask and then it happens. The event that changes his entire life.
The stalactites fell. Six leaders dead. In his home. Saparata feels the dread build up.
I’ve gotta go. I’m so screwed, what the hell just happened- Before he can divulge even more, he runs.
Because even Saparata knows how it looks. And he knows he needs to get out, to collect his thoughts because what is he even supposed to do?
But the worst part? The part that sits with him?
Flux did this to him. Flux screwed him over. Flux framed him. And for what? Because Yggdrasil might attack? He’s framing him, to get the people he wants in charge in their position- he’s playing god! He’s pretending he’s Ish.
And for as long as had known Fluixon, he’d known he was thorough. He would have made sure all of his trails were hidden. He’d ensure there was no way for Saparata to get out of this.
But he had to try.
-
The longer he was in hiding, the more guilty he was beginning to look.
Fluixon had refused to send any messages to him, and Saps had matched that energy. He wasn’t even sure he could have a conversation with Flux while remaining civil right now.
He was angry. He was hurt.
He knew Fluixon did this with good intentions. Fluixon truly believed that this was the only way to save the world from a world war. Fluixon seemed to believe sacrificing Saps was the only way to save the world. Saps felt ill because he knew Fluixon wasn’t inherently evil- that’s what made it hurt so badly.
He sat in the wooded jungle, eyes scourging over the darkness that he’d come to find comfort in.
They think I killed them. And by all accounts, it looks like I did. Flux really made me look guilty. I really look guilty, but I know it wasn’t me-
“Saps!”
Saps swears his life flashes before his eyes before realizing its Ish.
“Ish, oh my god.”
“What just happened?”
“I-I don’t know! I’m innocent, I was framed, I swear to Ish it wasn’t me.”
“Swear to me, lol? Sorry, bad timing. But seriously, it wasn’t you?” but something about the way Ish said it made him suspicious, Ish knew something. But he wasn’t going to say anything and he knew it.
“I swear it wasn’t. I don’t even, ugh. But I can’t keep, I have to turn myself in. Like, I just look so guilty as I keep hiding and ugh, I don’t even- is this real? Am I in a dream?”
But Ish was gone, and he was alone again.
-
The trial went about as poorly as he’d thought it’d go.
Of course, no one believed him, and he’d thought that Zero had been a part of it, but he was wrong about that- so oops. But, he had managed to escape. He’d run down the stones, and swam and jumped and eventually escaped. And he was back in the jungle.
“Ish. I’m alone. I’m truly alone,” his voice was shaky, and he felt his hands start to shake too, “what am I even doing? I can’t stay in Pandora. I need to get to Yggdrasil. There… I need to send out some requests, maybe then- I have a shit ton of diamonds. They might- yeah. They just might.”
So he did. He sent out requests but only one replied.
Turntapp Whispers To You: For two stacks of diamonds? Sure. I’ll meet you at these cords: xxxxxxx
You Whisper To Turntapp: ok, thank u sm. I’ll see you there.
“Okay. I have a plan. I just have to get to Yggdrasil. If I can get there, then maybe things will work out. I can’t trust him, but… rumors say the Covenant is all about honor… maybe- no I have to get there first. Then I’ll worry about the rest of it.”
So Saps put his armor on, and breathed deeply. He needed to be calm for this. He needed to have a cool head. He needed to be collected. Because he’d be damned if he went down without a fight.
-
“Saparata, right?”
Saparata snapped his head up. There stood a man. He looked exactly how Saparata imagined he would. The back part of his head was shaved, but his bangs were stringy, reminding him of an anime character. His eyes were narrowed upon him, and his mustache was as captivating as it was prevalent. He wore something akin to dark, quick-dry clothes, perfect for evading people, and wore somehow, an even darker jacket over it. His hat was dark green, and kinda reminded him of war.
“Hey, Turntapp?” Saps' voice was questioning, not daring to get out of the boat before the person revealed who he was. He was grateful it did end up being Turntapp.
The man nodded, serious, and Saparata thought that he must always look like that. Turntapp pours some water down so he can get up to the same level.
“Is the water safe here?”
Saparata had heard about the boiling water of Yggdrasil, how it came from the lava of the volcano that seemed under the surface. He knew that Yggdrasil was filled with terrible dangers, but to think it was that dangerous in comparison to Pandora was fascinating. Not that I should say that aloud…
Something akin to amusement danced in the man’s eyes as he nodded, “Yes, it’s fine on this side of the island.”
Saparata nods, trusting the man for what it’s worth as he swims up. Turntapp raises an eyebrow, and Saparata can’t exactly blame him as he takes out both stacks and passes them over. He can’t help but raise an eyebrow at the genuine shock from Turntapp as he hands them to him.
“You don’t get this amount of diamonds here normally,” he answers the unasked question; which surprises him, but it’s surprisingly nice.
“Well, I appreciate the safe haven for however long you can,” he nods, “and I know just how useful diamonds can be. Thanks again.”
“The Covenant values honor and loyalty. I trust you will not betray that.”
Saparata straightens his spine, “I’m a loyal person, which apparently no one picked up on, because I’ve been falsely accused of a bunch of bullshit that I didn’t do.”
“Oh?” and Saparata hears it- curiosity. Saparata can work with that.
“Flux-Fluxion framed me. He and his goons-” and Saparata can’t help the tilt of his lips when Turtapp actually snorts, “were helping me build my house. When I had to go get the leaders, I was some sort of mediator, I guess? I didn’t have an interest in politics, and then I was dragged in. It’s- ugh. He was my best friend and- I’m sorry. I know you’re only taking me in cause of the diamonds, so-”
“It is sort of relieving to hear you aren’t a psychopath. Makes me feel better about letting you in.”
Saparata snaps his head to the dictator. Which, yeah, Saparata was moving into a dictatorship, but it’ll be fineeeee… right?
“When you’ve rested, I’d like to hear more. We’re almost back, the Peacekeepers should be able to keep you safe. We have a strong military, so no one would attack willingly. We’ll have to… see what happens about longevity.”
“Oh, okay!”
-
It had been a couple weeks since he’d “moved” into the Covenant. Turntapp had gotten him an audience with the council, who’d heard his case and actually listened. One of them looked him straight in the eye and went “yeah, you don’t look like you’d harm a fly.” Saparata isn’t sure if that was an insult or a compliment. From then on, they seemed… okay with him? They didn’t outwardly try to kick him out- which was nice. Turntapp would be off doing leader things, which would more than often leave him with Zynn, the head peacekeeper.
And his sister.
Who he hadn’t seen in years. And had no idea was on Yggdrisal before he got here.
“So… you wanna tell me what happened?”
Saparata glared at Zynn, “Apparently I killed a bunch of Pandora leaders, haven’t you heard?”
“Yeah, but it wasn’t from you. I know you- like the council members said, you wouldn’t hurt a fly. Like, you know how to fight cause we trained together when we were kids, but like, you hate fighting.”
“No shit.”
“And even if you were going to kill someone- it wouldn’t be from a trap. It would be a fair fight.”
“Good to know you still know me, sis.”
“Good to know you haven’t changed in these past few years.”
Silence.
Saparata looked across the civilization where he was hiding, wondering not for the first time why they let him stay. He glanced at his sister- was it because of her? Was it because of Turntapp? Either way he knew he needed more allies in Yggdrasil. If he wanted to clear his name, he needed to start making moves, trying to learn more-
“Saps.”
He glanced over at Zynn, whose eyes were not on him, “Hm?”
“Most of the people here don’t like you.”
Uh, ouch but okay… “And?”
“Be careful. I love you, and would do anything for you. But my loyalty is to the Covenant. I don’t think you killed those leaders, but everyone here despises those from Pandora, even you.”
“I don’t blame them. Those on Pandora are selfish and corrupt.”
“Oh ho ho, maybe I get why they keep you around. You don’t talk like you’re one of them.”
Saparata sighs, and glances at his sister, whose eyes are now on him, “I was there. But… Now I’m not. Even if my name is ever cleared, would it even be worth it to go home? Is it still home? My house… used like that… it’s disgusting.”
“Oh my sweet summer brother,” Zynn’s eyes are soft with affection, like she’s holding a secret just for him, “You’re allowed to be angry, and you’re allowed to go wherever you want. Just make sure you’re safe doing it.”
“Hm,” Saparata says because he isn’t sure if there’s anything else to say.
There isn’t.
-
Fluixon whispered to you: hope you’re enjoying the bounty
You whispered to Fluixon: the BALLS you have to text me
Fluixon whispered to you: erm.
You whispered to Fluixon: i wish i could block you
“Oi, what are you doing up there?”
Saparata jumped a little, glancing down from one of the walls. Turntapp was looking up at him with a raised eyebrow. Saparata couldn’t help it, his lip tilted up. Saparata had been in the Covenant for a few months now. And he had spent most of his time with their very attractive leader. Turntapp was many things: stoic, sullen, but oddly sweet.
It started with Turntapp opening doors for him when they went out to get food. Then it was him holding bags for him when they went shopping. Letting him take naps in his office. Coming and finding him when Saparata was spending time in places he probably shouldn’t be.
Like now. He should not be up here, and sure enough there he is.
“Um, I have no idea what you’re talking about, Turntapp!” Saparata couldn’t help it- he giggled, “How about you come up here and join me?”
“I think I’d crack a rib,” and Saparata giggled again because Turntapp said it was so deadpan, so painfully Turntapp that… “but if that’s what you wish, who am I to deny you?”
But then sometimes he said things like that. So utterly sweet that he couldn’t help but yearn. Like, how was he supposed to not? This supposed crazed, evil leader of this terrifying dictatorship saying things like that? To him? The world’s most wanted villain?
(Well maybe there was more truth to that than he’d like to admit.)
He could even ignore the buzzing from his communicator.
Saparata watches as Turntapp awkwardly climbs up the stone, and then stands next to where Saparata sits. He looks up at the other with the most true smile he can give. It must look awkward on his in-human face. He tries not to think about it too hard, instead watching as Turntapp’s eyes look over the horizon, as if watching for an attack. Saparata wasn’t surprised but there was something about his vigilance that made Saparata feel safe. As if for once, he didn’t have to be on edge; like he could just be.
There was a past life where Saparata would have understood. Where he DID understand.
But this one? Where Saparata is trying to be better? Had been better? Where he is nothing but a shadow, haunted by the narrative that used to be… here where he cannot focus on anything but survival. So even as he looks at the man next to him and starts to imagine something…
All he can remember is Fluixon's betrayal.
And then it all fades away. If Flux could betray him… what’s stopping Turntapp?
-
Dear Turntapp,
I know this might feel like it came out of nowhere, but maybe I got caught up in my head. I had to go, I hope someday you can forgive me. Thank you for everything you’ve given me.
Best,
Saps.
Saparata places the note on his pillow and stands. It’s close to 3am. He knows he’s being paranoid. That word really did come back to haunt him. But he can’t… if Fluxion could, then what’s-?
He walks out of his room before he can second guess himself and he’s just outside the gate when she calls him.
“Leaving without saying goodbye, Saps?”
He pauses, because he was. He thought she’d understand. Because why wouldn’t she? She always did. Saparata hadn’t wanted to say goodbye. He wanted to vanish within the night like a shadow. Saparata had always been compared to the light, but maybe he was cursed to be like a shadow in this life. He doesn't turn to look at her, instead keeping his back to her- knowing one look and he would fold.
“I… trust is very hard for me to do right now.”
He heard her sigh. She had every right. He was running. This is what he’s done before. He had always been a runner. He wasn’t sure he knew how to be anything but.
“Saps… you’ve made a home here. Just stay,” the plea in her voice surprises him. Just a few weeks ago she said they hated him, and now it was his home? Yet, this is not the argument he uses:
“They’ll come looking for me, and then… you’ll all suffer for it. I cannot ask them to do that for me. That is not something I can do. When Turntapp saved me from the pirates, I made a decision to trust him and came back with him, and I don’t regret that decision, but… I- Zynn… I’m- they will come, and they- I can’t-”
“You’re running- again! And I don’t understand why you don’t think you need people! Do you know how scared I was for you when I heard you were isolating yourself on Pandora? If you hadn’t been an isolationist then-”
“Don’t you fucking dare, Zynn.”
Because she was going to say something that terrifies him. Because… what if how he had tried to do something different had been his downfall? Then, what if he had tried to be a part of something- could, would Flux have been able to do what he did? Could Flux have still used him in his plan to manipulate Pandora?
What if-
“I’m leaving,” he whispered, and then, before she could argue, was gone. For Saps was many things, but above all, he was fast.
-
He wandered for what felt like forever. But he found his way to the icy biomes. He didn’t check his communicator, for fear if Turntapp texted but also for fear he didn’t.
He stood in the wind and snow and darkness. There was something comforting in the despair of it all. He was being punished for a crime he didn’t commit. He was suffering because Fluxion decided that something needed to happen. Because Fluxion decided that war was inevitable.
But it was never going to happen.
Saparata spent the last six months with the Covenant, who were said to be cruel and ruthless. He had watched as the cruel warriors train with the passion of people who loved the craft. He had sat within their walls and was treated with kindness. He was someone; not a murderer, not a liar, but a person.
Then he began building.
He dug up snow; he dug and dug and dug. Then he compacted the snow together- and made blocks. He built it up high. He decorated it with stone and wood. He made it his own. Then he put his armor and things within. He stood at the edge.
But then he grabbed the necklace. It was cold, and he wondered why he forgot to take it off. He stared over the edge.
Right.
It was a gift. From Turntapp.
It was a Yggdraisal tradition to give something whenever you enjoyed their company. At least that's what Zynn had assured him whenever he’d shown it off.
Huh.
Maybe… things could be different.