INDEX

1. Childhood dreams
2. Graduation
3. Tragedies
4. A light in the mist

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Averie remained by his side the whole time. They already knew the story of how their parents met and the day their mother died, while them and Morrigen got to life. It wasn't their fault. That's what their father made sure to assure his children as often as he could. But sometimes they wonder if there was a way Willa could've survived.

What they didn't know before was the childhood of their boyfriend. It was today where they got to hear the horrible events of Filbo's childhood. Now they understood why Lizbert was so important to Filbo. They start to understand the root of his self-esteem issues. A lot of factors were responsible for what the cyan grumpus went through. And then an established fact. Their father and Filbo's mother were childhood friends. If things had turned out differently...

Their train of thoughts got interrupted by the sounds of sniffling. Already sitting so close to the cyan grumpus, Averie felt that he was trembling violently while fighting back tears. The orange grumpus acted quickly, as they draped their arms around their boyfriend. The hug was a gesture they would usually do, back on Snaktooth Island, whenever Filbo was feeling down. It usually only stayed a hug, letting time pass, before it would go over to a more casual talk.

But here...this was different. On Snaktooth Island he would mostly try and hide his vulnerability, but here...Averie would reassure him that he's safe, that no one would make fun of him.

And the gesture alone helped to show Filbo that it was okay to let it out. Still...they couldn't help but feel heartbroken when the cyan grumpus burst into tears and buried his face on Averie's shoulder, while holding his partner tightly. Instinctively, and feeling the urge to console their crying boyfriend, Averie began to purr and caressed Filbo's back with a paw in soothing circles.

---

Dextur was sitting on the couch, his heart was breaking by that sight. Toka...what have you done to that boy?

It was bad enough losing a parent and not knowing if they are still alive. It was worse to feel pressured in a place that is supposed to be nurturing and safe. He could curse his former friend for doing this to the cyan grumpus, but it wouldn't change the situation. Toka was probably far away and Minette...she was lost. No one knew if she was still alive.

His child was already trying to calm Filbo down. Averie seemed to handle it...yet...for some reason Dextur felt the urge to help out. He wanted the cyan grumpus to feel...safe. That he is welcomed by grumpuses who adore him for who he is.

The middle-aged grumpus slid closer to the two other grumps, then placed one paw on Averie's side and the other on Filbo's back. He then joined his child to comfort the cyan grumpus by purring...or in case of Dextur, he bellowed.

"You...you're safe, Filbo." he was able to say, still bellowing in-between in a soothing tone. "You're a strong grumpus...and you have a good heart. You're nothing like him!" Dextur could hear the sobbing subsiding, as Filbo looked over to him with teary eyes. "I can see that you care a lot for Averie...and...I do believe you care for others. You...did some good changes for the city during your time as mayor...and you continue doing so. I'm certain of that."

Although the cyan grumpus wasn't responding, a nod from him shows that he had listened to Dextur. Said grumpus slowly let go of Averie and Filbo, watching as the cyan grumpus remained in the embrace of his partner.

The brown grumpus smiled reassuringly to the two, before slowly getting up from the sofa to make some tea.

---

Averie would hold Filbo close to them, not intending to let him go, not even after he calmed down from his breakdown.

They continued patting his back and nuzzling his neck, while taking a short look out from the window.

Minette...is she still out there?

What if...she's still alive?

...would...Filbo...and dad be happier...if they got to be reunited with her?

Deep in their mind a plan was in the making. Not sure to even consider it yet, but...maybe, just maybe, there is a tiny light in the mist of uncertainty.