In the past twenty four hours, Elson's life has taken a sharp turn for the worst.

"Don't struggle." The beastman who's carrying Elson over his shoulder warns.

"Get your hands off me you ugly creeps!" The stranger writhes in another beastman's hold. "I'll kill you all!"

...there goes a diplomatic approach.

The stranger had been like this ever since they had arrived in this strange land where people had shared physical characteristics with animals. Elson had created the illusion of ears and tails to help them blend in, but it was useless when with a man who thinks social graces are optional add-ons. When the stranger had overheard a group of beastmen whispering about a witch who had reportedly vanished right before the kingdom's Prince, he had marched over, sword drawn, and threatened to kill them all unless they revealed everything they knew.

It didn't end well.

"Silence!" A very pissed off man with horns threatens, a fresh sword wound across the side of his face. "Leona will decide your fate."

The stranger scrunches up his face. "Who?"

Great question. This whole thing is confusing- why are you in some strange place with animal people? Where are you? How had you gotten here? Where is here?

Elson is unceremoniously dumped on the ground in the middle of a crowd, breaking him out of his thoughts. He manages to sit up, though his hands are tied together. The stranger quite literally falls next to him, swearing.

"It is not nice to drop people!" He seethes. "Let go of me!"

"Don't you mean 'us?'."

"Huh? Yeah, sure."

Elson bites his tongue and rolls his eyes. He scans the room, searching for his staff. Both the magical artifact and the stranger's sword had been confiscated after their capture. He spots two guards, each holding one, carrying them to the front. They kneel as the crowd parts, allowing someone to walk through.

A handsome, dark haired man with a scar over one of his venom green eyes walks forward. Behind him, on one side, stood a muscular man with striking white hair and large, pointed ears that twitched faintly with every sound. On his other side was a much shorter man, his scruffy blonde hair framing a lazy smile that seemed permanently etched on his face.

"Prince Leona!" The beastmen bow, and present the sword and staff to him like an offering to a god. "We found these men in the village asking about the witch!"

The dark haired man looks at the items with far more indifference than Elson would have expected. After a moment he walks forward, silently leaning closer. He steps uncomfortably close to the two prisoners- even the stranger falls silent, which Elson finds remarkable, considering the man usually has the personality of a foghorn. Leona seems to choose Elson as his victim, bringing his head over the blonde's shoulder. He can feel the dark haired man's nose brushing against his neck.

Am I seriously being sniffed?!

Leona finally pulls away, a smirk on his lips. Elson looks up at him with a furrowed brow.

"Sorry to disappoint you, but you're not really my type."

"You smell like her."

"Like who?"

"Y/n L/n ring a bell?"

Both prisoner's eyes snap up to look at the beastman. Leona's grin widens.

"So that's your type."

"I knew it." The stranger spits, glaring at Elson with pure hatred.

Wait, is that why this lunatic is after you?

You had to be kidding. First of all, there's no way any woman- let alone someone as intelligent as you, would ever fall for this abhorred cretin. He's a moron. That would be like a flower falling in love with a weed. Second of all, is he even aware of the danger you are in? Is he after you for nefarious reasons like Crowley?

"You approached my men, demanding they give you information or their lives." Leona puts all his weight on one hip. "I'll make you the same offer. Sounds fair, doesn't it?"

The next thing either of the prisoners know, their own sword is being pointed at their throats.

***

"We're back!" You announce, opening the door to the Mostro. It's unusually quiet. You walk in, listening for any signs that someone else might be inside. Softly, you can hear water running in the kitchen.

"Hey!" You greet, popping your head in. Jade looks up from the dish he's washing. He's not wearing his jacket, scarf, or fedora right now- just the company's signature purple button up shirt and dress pants. His sleeves are rolled up just above his forearms. He looks more... relaxed than usual.

He shuts off the tap. "Hello, Y/n, Grim. Welcome back."

"Where's Azul and Floyd?" Normally, the other twin would have draped himself over you like a cloak by now, grinning eerily at Grim whilst ordering you both around. Azul could be in the back room, but you aren't sure.

You don't miss the annoyed look in Jade's eyes with the question either, though it vanishes as quickly as it came. He must be upset that the other two aren't here.

"Azul is out on business tonight." Jade explains. "And I don't know where Floyd is. Why are you interested?"

You blink, finding the question odd. "Because they're usually around?"

"Well, I'm not complaining." Grim tells you. "Azul's shifty, and Floyd gives me the creeps!"

You gasp, glancing at the teal haired man in front of you. "Sparky!"

Jade chuckles. "What about me, Grim? I feel left out." His grin widens, revealing his sharp teeth as he moves closer. He leers over Grim, who backs into the dining area.

"I think I'll do the tables today, you two handle the dishes." Grim runs out before you can say anything. You release an exasperated sigh.

"Sorry about him. Where's a towel?"

"Right there."

"Thanks."

"How's your matchmaking progressing?" Jade asks, passing you a fork. The scene is strangely domestic.

"I think it's going okay, actually. They danced in town together, and I managed to get them to sit next to each other in the carriage. Erica even invited me to a party with them tomorrow, so hopefully I can set them up then."

You have to set them up. There is no other option.

"I'd say it's going quite well then." Jade smiles, handing you a plate. Your hands touch when you take it.

"And Grim?"

"He didn't get us arrested?"

Jade's eyes crinkle, showing a hint of mirth. "You must have developed quite a knack for managing chaos."

"I had to," you smile. "It's a necessity when you've hung around Sparky long enough. Besides, someone has to manage this place at night when you all leave."

"I can leave because I know it's in good hands."

You glance over at him and find him already looking at you. You can't help but stare at him, unable to break his gaze. You like his eyes a lot- one muted green and one yellow. You could lose yourself in his gaze forever, and he shows no sign of wanting to pull you back. Neither of you move.

You eventually force yourself to look away, hoping he didn't notice the heat rising in your cheeks. Pull yourself together!

"Only one more night." You try to restart the conversation. He's silent for a moment as he scrubs a plate.

"It doesn't have to be."

You look at him, eyebrows raising and mouth agape. "What?"

"You've proven yourself to be a useful asset for our team over these past few days." Jade explains. "And I know Floyd and Azul don't want you to leave either. We could update and extend your contract to make it long-term."

You can't help but imagine it. You could get a job at the Mostro, going into work each day in their uniform: a black, double breasted coat and matching dress pants, gray scarf, light purple shirt, white gloves, and the iconic fedora with a ribbon and shell folded together to make a bow. It was the kind of outfit you've seen rich business men wear on the street. You could actually earn your money, and one day you wouldn't have to live paycheck to paycheck- or in your case, pocket to pocket. You and Grim could take walks on the beach, and he could eat all the fish he could ever want. You could hang out with Erica, though her naivety drives you mad at times, and Rielle. You could watch their romance bloom, and even be the maid of honor at her wedding (you did save her life, after all.) You could spend your evenings with Jade, Floyd, and Azul, drinking overpriced beverages at the bar.

Maybe you could even explore the reason why your heart feels like it might beat out of your chest whenever they get too close.

Do you have a reason to go back, really? You have nothing. Your one friend has betrayed you. Your own family abandoned you. You don't even have a proper house. At best, there's a mildly intrigued Prince who's likely already forgotten your name.

I mean sure, you had Crowley...

You shake your head. He needs you, but if you believe he cares about you, then you're fooling yourself. You can't let yourself believe that. That kind of thinking is self-destructive- if this is all a scam, your own hope will be the thing that hurts the most of all.

Here, you have a clean slate. You can start off fresh, with a steady job and actual friends. It wouldn't be glamorous, sure, but there's hardly any glamour on the streets as a thief. Besides, you have a literal Princess in your pocket in case times get rough.

"Just five more times, and then you've gotta teach me how to be a great mage!" Grim hoots. "Just you wait Crowley, I'm gonna be a better mage than you ever were!"

"Would you like that?" Jade asks, bringing you back to the present. "We could give you normal hours, too."

"...I'll think about it."

Jade looks at you softly, and places a hand on your shoulder. "Let us know by sundown tomorrow."

You nod.

You definitely won't be sleeping tonight.

***

Your mind is racing. Really, the answer should be a no brainer. There is nothing for you if you go back.

But if you never return, Grim will never become a great sorcerer. Is it really okay to sacrifice his dream for yours?

Well, magic sucks anyway, so maybe you're doing him a favour.

You look at your necklace, twirling the crystal between your fingers.

"I wouldn't entrust such a precious item to you if I didn't believe in your capability."

Crowley is trusting you...

...but do you trust him?

You sigh and look over at the little monster, snoozing away beside you in the morning light.

Would Grim hate you if he knew what is going on in your head?

"...Snrk!"

You can't help but smile, moving to gently rub behind his ears. He really is like a cat, whether he wants to admit it or not. Unfortunately, you're not searching for reasons to leave your world, but reasons to stay. Surely, that alone is a sign. You sigh, moving your arm to pet his entire body.

Speaking of cats, this moment reminds you of when you woke up after your breakdown, right after coming back from The Lion King. Grim and Crowley had taken care of you, without making you feel judged.

Your eyes go wide as you realise something you hadn't before, remembering that day's events.

Dang it.

***

Bang!

Azul shrieks. "Disaster!"

You sprint towards the kitchen. "What is it?"

Azul is standing in front of the cooler with the twins, a hand over his forehead. "The cooler's broken, and we have to leave!"

"Where ya going?" Grim inquires.

"We have a party to get to." Jade frowns. "A very important one- the royal family invited us themselves."

"Oh no!" Your eyes widen. You walk closer and take a look at the cooler. It's been split, the cool air and ice leaking through the crack. "What now?"

Azul looks back and forth between the cooler and the rest of the kitchen like the solution may be written somewhere on the walls. "I don't know."

"Azul," Jade says seriously, pointing to his watch. "We have to go if we don't want to be late."

You bite your lip. Your job is to take care of these ingredients. Though you're technically off the clock, you had stayed behind until it was time to leave, and now they need your help. You really should go. But what if they're expecting you to do it? Sure, they haven't looked at you for help once, but what if they hate you if you don't? For some reason, you want them to like you. Is your help implied because this has been your job? Besides, this is their business at stake! They were so kind to you...

Like how Jack was.

Jack didn't have anything but a desire to help. He was better than you in that way- You have nothing, so you convince yourself you can't do anything, while he has nothing and still decides he must do something.

You want to be more like Jack.

And Jack was very handsome just like these men are very handsome.

Besides, you can catch up to the party later. You may not have any fancy attire, but when have you ever?

For once in your life, you are going to be a good person. This is the moment, you're sure of it.

"We'll do it."

All three sets of eyes turn to you, wide and disbelieving.

"You will?" Azul asks.

"We will?" Grim blinks.

"But Y/n," Jade frowns. "You have to get to the party too. You can't be late on our account."

"Please let Erica know that I'm very sorry, but will meet up with her later." You tell them. "She will understand- and my invitation is far more informal than yours. Grim and I will take a record of all the ingredients and then come down there."

"Hey, thanks Shrimpy!" Floyd gives you a big hug. You welcome it, finding the embrace comforting. Their appreciation assures you that you've made the right decision.

"If you're certain, then I can only hope I can express even a sliver of my gratitude to you." Jade bows with a smile.

"Why, Y/n!" Azul gasps, a smile breaking out on his face. "You really are a miracle. I assure you I will pay double for this."

You giggle. "You'd better. Just do me a favor, will you?"

He raises his eyebrows. "Yes?"

"Keep a lookout for anybody wearing a necklace." You tell him. "Chokers don't count."

They all exchange confused looks at your strange request, but nod anyway.

"I shall compile a list." Jade promises.

"Thank you!" You smile. Once you get to the party finding the necklace should be easy! You feel so thankful for their help.

"We'll see you there?" Floyd asks.

"Of course."

"Thank you, my angel." Azul smiles, eyes full of gratitude. Your heart flutters, which is about to make all this so much harder.

"You must hurry." Jade warns you, opening the door.

"Thank you."

"Bye Shrimpy! Sealie."

"Not a seal!"

"Wait!"

They freeze in the doorway and look at you. You take a deep breath, heart pounding.

"About your offer to extend my contract..."

The hopeful faces they all give you are only making you feel worse.

"I'm afraid I can't accept it."

The room goes silent, the three men's faces melting into shock.

"Why not?" Floyd pouts, crossing his arms. "I don't want you to go, Shrimpy. That's not fair. Don't you like us?"

You feel awful. Floyd makes you one of the saddest expressions you've ever seen. Is this the price of friendship? Do all relationships end like this? With someone walking away? Or is it just because it involves you?

"What offer?" Grim looks at everyone for an explanation.

"They said they would renew our contracts."

Grim's eyes widen. "Wha-"

"And I do like you all, Floyd. A lot." You practically beg them to believe you. "But we have someone waiting for us at home- someone Sparky needs in order to pursue a different kind of career."

Floyd raises his eyebrow. "I thought you don't have a home."

"I don't." You give him a wry smile as silence once again fills the room. "I'll see you at the party."

They all exchange a look, one that seems lost and mournful.

"If you're sure." Azul steps out the door as he puts his hat on. "See you."

"We're ju-?!"

"Floyd." Jade stares at him from the doorway. Floyd looks back at you and then at his brother again before slumping.

"See ya 'round, Shrimpy and Sealie."

"We will see you soon." Jade tells you. "And there is always a position available for you if you want it."

You might cry. "Thank you."

They shut the door.

Grim looks up at you, eyes large and round. "Why did you-"

"We have inventory, Sparky." You blink back tears. "Let's do this quickly. We have a party to get to."

***

You know something's wrong when you step away from the cooler. It occurs to you: surely, if the cooler broke, the ice would have burst outwards across the room. Yet, as you look around, the entire floor is dry.

Your stomach drops. Had the cooler been broken inwards?

No.

There's no way.

Unless...

Your eyes widen with dread. Twins with sharp teeth and two different coloured eyes. A silver haired boss.

"Helping people is what I live for."
"Go ahead and sign the scroll."
"Oh, you poor unfortunate soul."

"Sparky!"

"What?" Grim moves to look around the large turkey on the table at you. You're both currently surrounded by the entire cooler's inventory which you laid out on the floor, which you're now realising is probably far too full for the evening after the restaurant has closed.

You stand up, brush yourself off, and race over to the door. "We need to get to that party now."

You try the handle and curse. Jammed.

"What's going on?"

"Azul is the Sea Witch."

"Myah?!" Grim's eyes widen in horror. "Wait, so you're sayin'-"

"That we've been talking all about our plans to the very villains actively working against us, yes." You nod and peer into the door crack. Something's stuck in it, but you can't tell what. "God, I'm so stupid!"

"You're not, you just made a mistake!" He looks up at you with confidence. "You just need to think of a way out of it!"

You rush over to the main entrance and try that too. Locked.

"Ugh!" You groan. "Their teeth should've been a total tip off! I hate these stupid stories!"

"Why didn't you figure it out then?" Grim asks, ears flattening against his head.

"Because we just came out of a world where everyone had animal ears and tails, Grim. And before that we were in Wonderland. In a world with literal mermaids, why should pointy teeth be strange?" You rant. "If anything, it's the most normal thing that's been in my life recently!"

"So how are we gonna get out?"

You look around helplessly. You can try and find a spare key, but that's time consuming (assuming there even is one.) You could try screaming and hope someone outside hears you, but it's unlikely someone will hear you. You could break a window...

You pick up a candlestick and chuck it, but it bounces right off the glass. You scowl.

"Wait!" You spin around. "Grim, you want to be a sorcerer, right? Just magic the door open!"

"I thought you hate magic?"

"I do! But maybe this time I'll like it!"

"But I haven't learnt that spell!" Grim explains. "Crowley keeps refusin' to teach me!"

"Just try!" You plead. "Please Sparky! You're our only hope!"

Grim looks at the door and steps forward. He needs to do this- for him and for you. If not, the story might be doomed. Your world could be doomed. The necklace could be doomed. He would never become a great mage!

Still, if this goes wrong, who knows what will happen. Grim looks up nervously and is met with your encouraging smile.

He knows you wanted to stay,