~Scaredy Cat~

The car kept driving, and driving. Joel still looked slightly panicked, seeing this was the first time he has ever been in a car. Keralis was composed, sitting nicely, hands in his lap.
Joel looked to Keralis for answers, for some sort of touch to ground him and take away this unease he felt from the car. Kwralis smiled, and grabbed Joel's hand.

"First time in a car, huh?" Keralis asked, voice soft.

Joel nodded, words broken before he could even try to say them.

"Now, let our driver guide our cartridge to the castle!" Keralis exclaimed dramatically.

Joel chuckled, and his tense shoulder eased a little. Keralis' fun attitude helped with Joel's panic and stress, but Joel's thoughts kept going back to just before they left the orphanage, with the three bullies. The insults, the disgust in their eyes, the hate they shoved at Joel—everything stuck like wet sand to your foot on a beach. Keralis noticed Joel's slight discomfort.

"Don't listen to what those bullies said," Keralis said, voice soft, "and don't listen to those bad thoughts either."

"Bad, thoughts?" Joel asked.

Keralis sighed, "Let me guess, you're thinking you don't deserve X or I. That is called imposter syndrome, thinking you don't deserve stuff you deserve or have."

Joel looked up at Keralis, eyes desperate for more understanding, yet desperate for comfort. Keralis motioned for Joel to come closer, and he did. Joel sat on Keralis' lap, and Keralis put his arm behind Joel's back to support him.

"I've had that happen to me once..." Keralis stated, "it didn't help me at all. You do deserve what you have, and we deserve you."

Joel just looked at Keralis, before side-leaning against his chest. Keralis smiled.

"Now, off to the castle!" Keralis exclaimed playfully.

Joel chuckled, "to our kingdom! We shall reign over the peasants!" Joel exclaimed playfully.

The two traded playful exclamations as the car kept driving. Took them maybe half an hour to arrive. The drive stopped.

"We're here," Keralis said, opening the car door.

Keralis stepped outside the car, and then Joel did the same. Joel looked up, and saw a beautiful, white mansion. It was glorious, like one seen in movies. Joel looked around more, and saw a massive garden, looked to be maybe a hundred meters long, filled with many types of plants and flowers. Joel was caught in the wonder of the place, the beauty of the garden, the pure white mansion, it looked to be straight out of a movie! Workers tended to the garden, and some were cleaning the mansion.

"If you're amazed outside," Keralis said, chuckling, "just wait till you get inside!"

Joel grabbed Keralis' hand, and the two made their way inside. Joel was still caught in his amazement as the two made their way around. As Keralis was showing Joel around, a butler came up. He had dazzling blonde hair, and sharp grey eyes. Like most butlers, he had a black tuxedo on.

"Welcome back Mr. Keralis," the bulter said, voice sounding as refined as a, well, butler.

"Hey MS!" Keralis exclaimed happily, "how are you today?"

"I am doing well," MS replied, "is this the little one you had chosen?"

Keralis nodded happily, meanwhile Joel cowered behind Keralis. MS smiled, his demeanor warm and welcoming.

"Welcome little one," MS said softly.

"X is at work," Keralis stated, "when does his shift end?"

"I do not have the time on hand," MS said, "but, your father requested your presence once you arrived home."

"Alright, where is he?" Keralis asked happily.

Joel still cowered behind Keralis.

"They're in the living room," MS stated, "shall I accompany you?"

"No, I'm good. Thanks!" Keralis said, walking away, waving.

Keralis and Joel made their way to the living room, which was massive. It had like, four couches, and a massive TV (I don't want to make a room rn, so please imagine it more then this). A man was sat on one of the couches. He had dark brunette hair, and dazzling blue eyes. He had on a white t-shirt, and a pair of blue pants. Joel looked scared, and cowered behind Keralis.

"Father," Keralis said.

The man turned to Keralis, and smiled.

"Keralis!" The man exclaimed happily, "Welcome home!"

Keralis noticed Joel cowering behind him.

"Hey, it's okay Joel," Keralis said, crouching down.

The man finally noticed Joel.

"Oh, a little one?" The man asked.

"Yeah, X and I stopped by an orphanage while he was on his lunch," Keralis replied, "and I am so glad we did. Now, you okay Joel?"

Joel nodded sheepishly, still skeptical of surroundings.

"He's probably a little shaken cause of the unfamiliar atmosphere," the man replied, sitting back down.

Keralis smiled at Joel, and Joel plastered on a smile back.

"Anyway," the man said, "you going to introduce us?"

Keralis stood up, and walked in front of the man, Joel following behind him.

"Joel, this is my dad," Keralis said, "his name is Beef."

"G-Pa Beef?" Joel asked innocently, looking at Keralis.

Thr man—Beef—heart melted from how adorable Joel was.

"Dad, this is Joel," Keralis said.

Beef stood up, and crouched to meet Joel at eye level.

"Welcome to the family," Beef said, smiling, "so, is Papa Keralis your favorite?"

Joel hummed, contemplating.

"I love Papa Keralis and Dada X the same," Joel replied.

Keralis' heart melted at that, being called Papa Keralis by Joel.

"My heart-" Keralis said, putting his hand over his heart.

"Mine too-" Beef said.

A few seconds later, MS made his way to where the three were.

"Master Joel's room has been fixed for him," MS stated, "would you like me to accompany you and Joel to his room?"

"Sure!" Keralis replied.

Keralis and Joel followed MS to a room, decorated for kid. The walls were a blue color, and small, bright dresser at a wall, fairy lights were strung across the ceiling, and shelves were scattered around covered with toys, and more decorations. (Again, not good with place descriptions). Joel walked in, and was amazed. He put his bag down, and just, took in the room.

"Need a minute?" Keralis asked.

Joel nodded, mouth dropped open. Keralis left, and motioned for MS to follow, which he did. Joel just took in the room, and the new life ahead of him.

—————

I got a few ideas, but not big big major events ideas.

Sorry for the slow progress, I am very much crashing into a sea of idea-less brain ;^; (got no ideas for next chapter events)

It did not publish right the first time, apparently 抖阴社区 deleted 1/4 of it.