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Michael never knew a life outside of the fae world and forests.
His mother died long ago, and after he was left with his father, but most of the time he was left all alone. His father was a high ranking fae with many privileges, including using his servants to babysit while he was either in the human world or busy with work.
So Michael was mostly raised by his fathers human servants. They were humans who dared to give his father their names, disrespecting or trespassing before being claimed.
Michael never saw them as anything but servants and property, why would he? They did everything he said and if he ever complained about them to his dad, his dad would immediately punish them, often having his son watch. And Michael always got a thrill out of seeing those who disobeyed punished.
By the time he was 10, Michael was cruel and selfish, just like his dad. Doing everything as told and feeling no empathy for the servants who raised him while his father barely spared him a glance. That was also the time his father began allowing him to visit the human realm.
Michael often just ran through the forests or sat within the property his father had given him, he had been elated when he was given his own fae circle, So he soon spent every day in forests until one of his fathers servants would call him home.
But that changed when he met the boy with strawberry blond hair.
Michael had been playing in the forest, he had climbed up a tree and was trying to find the right branch to continue upwards when he heard a voice.
"How did you get up there!? That's so cool!!!"
Michael nearly fell. He looked down at the trunk and saw a boy around his age looking up at him. He was missing a few teeth and had short messy strawberry blond hair. Even from up high Michael could see the boys dark blue eyes, nothing like his own icy blue ones. He wore a red t-shirt and blue jeans that were absolutely filthy. Especially at the knees. It was obvious the boy was a mortal and not a fae. He could easily tell even from up high.
Michael blinked at the boy, before responding in a loud voice, knowing mortals couldn't hear as well as fae.
"I just climbed up!!!" He yelled down. He felt it was obvious, but mortals weren't that smart. Especially the young ones.
"That's so cool!! I wish I could climb that well!!!" He yelled back up at Michael, his blue eyes shining with interest and excitement.
Michael allowed himself to roll his eyes, knowing the mortal couldn't see him that well to notice. Of course he was better at climbing than the boy. Mortals were terrible at everything compared to fae.
"Well maybe if you try you can get up here too!!" Michael yelled down, feeling a smile come onto him face. This would be entertaining. He was excited to see the mortal try to climb up, fail, and start crying like all little mortals did, exactly as his father said.
"I dunno..." He said looking at the tree, and Michael scoffed quietly, not wanting the mortal to hear.
"Come on!! It'll be lots of fun!!" For me. Michael said, allowing the last bit to be unsaid.
"I-" But before the young mortal could continue a voice started calling, the name being called unintelligible to the fae as the boy looked up nervously at Michael. "I'm sorry!! My mommy is calling me!!!" He yelled up before running off.
Michael looked down at the ground as he felt annoyance and disappointment fill him. Looks like his chance at entertainment just went away. He didn't even want to be on the tree anymore now that his fun was spoiled.
So he allowed himself to drop to the ground, climbing enough to avoid being hurt. Unaware that this was the first of many times he would find himself talking to this boy.
The second time he saw him was over a month later.
Michael was sitting at a pond, staring intently at the fish when he heard a familiar voice.
"Oh my gosh!! It's you!!!" Michael shot around and saw the blond boy again. He was a few feet away, but now Michael had a much better look at him.
He had freckles all over his body, covering his face and arms. Now he was wearing a dark blue t-shirt with what seemed to be words on it. And now he had shorts. They weren't as dirty as the jeans had been, but there was still some grime.
He blinked at the other boy, before standing up and walking to him. "I remember you." Michael stated, the two were the same height as Michael stared at the blond kid.
"Me too! You were so high up on that tree!! It was really really cool!! I'd probably had fallen on my butt if I had tried to climb up there to!!!"
Michael laughed at that, he had been hoping to see exactly that. But it was still funny having the kid admit he would have fallen and acted like all little mortals.
He didn't notice the way the blond kid lit up at his amusement, the happiness at the idea he had made the weird forest kid laugh.
Then an idea hit Michael as he looked at the blond kid up and down. Maybe he'd be able to get his entertainment another way.
"I could try to teach you to climb the trees like me!" Michael said with a wide smile. Thinking about how funny it would be to see the blond kid fall, and how it would be even funnier if the kid kept trying afterwards.
"Really!?" He asked, lighting up at the offer. "That would be really really cool!!!" The blond started jumping up and down with excitement. Michael could only smile.
"Perfect." Michael stated. "Come on, we're gonna start with my favorite!!" Michael grabbed the blonds hand and started running through the woods, pulling the blond with him as he ventured the woods, knowing the entire place like second nature.
Eventually Michael came to his very favorite tree. It was very large and extremely easy to climb up. Once you reached the top you could see the entire forest, something that was always a delight for the fae. And due to how easy it was to climb he was sure he'd be able to keep the mortal from giving up long enough to provide lots of entertainment and enjoyment for the fae.
"Oh wow." The blond said, looking up at the tree in wonder.
"I know right!? It has lots and lots of branches and places to put your weight on. So it should be pretty easy for a beginner like you!!" Michael stated, smiling at the mortal.
"Ummmmmmm......" Michael stared at the mortal as he hesitated, looking at the ground. Michael scoffed.
"Fine. I'll show you how easy it is." He stated and walked up to the tree, before allowing instinct to take over as he climbed up, eventually settling on a large branch and looking down at the blond mortal. Who was staring up at him, then looking at the tree.
"Ok..." The mortal said nervously, placing a foot right where Michael had before. He slowly started to climb up the tree, until he grabbed a weak branch and Michael watched as he fell to the ground, screaming on the way down.
Michael immediately burst into laughter, the look on his face when he fell was absolutely hilarious.
But then... the blond started laughing too.
Michael was surprised at the mortals laughter. Why would he be laughing when he was the one who got hurt.
"That was fun!!" The blond said with a large smile, looking at Michael. Surprising the fae even more. "I didn't like falling, but I've never been able to climb so high before!! I wanna be just as good at this as you are!!!!"
The fae blinked, before a wide smile came onto his face to hide his confusion. This wasn't how daddy said little mortals acted. "Well then try again already!! I'll throw advice at you until you can finally reach me!!!"
The two spent a long time at that tree. The mortal trying and failing to get up to the fae while they both laughed, and Michael would throw petty insults and minor advice at the blond while he would try to climb up.
"Come on Blondie! You need to pay attention to how strong the branches are!!!" Michael yelled, but instead of heading his advice the blond instead fell to the ground and Michael groaned. It was still amusing to see him fall, but Michael wanted him to actually progress already!!!
The blond looked up at him, but he had a surprised look. Michael felt confused, why was he surprised?
"Did you just call me Blondie?" The blond asked and Michael blinked. He did do that.
"Yeah? Why? Do you not like it?" Michael asked, looking down questioningly at the blond.
"No. I like it actually!! You can keep calling me that and I'll call you Brownie!!! That way we both have awesome nicknames based on our hair for each other!!!!"
This mortal really was weird, wasn't it?
"Go ahead Blondie." He said with a smile.
After that the two continued to hang out, often meeting up about once a week when they were both in the forest. They never planned it, simply coming up with a meeting place at Michael's favorite tree. It wasn't consistent, sometimes they would see each other multiple times a day, and other times they wouldn't see each other for weeks. But they never spent longer than a month apart.
The two would always climb the tree together, Blondie was a quick learner. It didn't take long for him to become nearly as good as Michael at climbing his favorite tree. Neither would ever forget the first time Blondie had reached the top and they had looked down at the forest together. And as soon as Blondie had mastered the first tree, Michael moved him to a harder tree. And it kept up. By the time they had known each other for a year Blondie could climb any tree Michael threw his way without issue.
Technically, once Blondie no longer needed help climbing he was useless to Michael. Where was the entertainment is someone who was such a good climber? But Michael never stopped hanging out with him. He figured it was because the young mortal was still entertaining to watch. Blondie was extremely clumsy. Constantly tripping over branches and getting himself covered in dirt while Michael was completely clean the entire time. That was entertaining, Michael never held back his laughter when the young mortal fell into the dirt. Plus the mortal was very funny too. He would always make jokes with the fae, constantly making Michael laugh even when he wasn't watching the mortal fail or get hurt. And Blondie was always really nice to the fae, so the fae found himself being purposefully kind to the mortal. It was the first time he was kind to anyone.
Meanwhile, back at home Michael continued to be taught the fae way. His father was almost never around, but when he was Michael would be stuck to him like glue. He looked up to his father, and when his father was home was the only time he ever skipped out on time with Blondie. Normally his father was only around about a week at a time, often showing up once a month if Michael got lucky. It didn't take long for it to be taught why.
It wasn't good for his father to be around a young fae, often young pure blood fae were switched with human babies until they are old enough to use their magic. And as Michael was never switched, due to his mother's request, his father needed to keep his distance until he was old enough to care for him. So Michael was understanding, and always worked hard to make his father proud.
Michael was 13 when he truly learned of the power names held to fae and mortals.
Before he had simply knew that his dad owned mortals because they had given him there names, but he had learned that day that giving a fae your name was inviting them to have control over an down you. And giving a mortal a faes name allowed the fae to see the mortal whenever they spoke it.
By then he had become extremely close to Blondie. He often looked forward to his time with him and would always spend every day Blondie showed up playing with him. Also, by then he had become much less cruel to his fathers mortals. It was as if the more time he spent with a mortal and got to know what they were like, the less he wanted to see him or the servants hurt. The servants never stopped fearing him, and if his father ever asked he would tell him of anything the servants did wrong without hesitation. But... he never brought the information straight to his father, nor did he enjoy watching the mortals suffer. He honestly felt uncomfortable whenever he watched his father punish the servants.
But that was a secret. He could still remember the disappointment on his fathers face the first time Michael had seemed unhappy after a punishment. The fury he pointed at the servant. So he hid his discomfort behind a mask of enjoyment.
It was shortly after that incident that Michael found his friend crying at their tree.
"Blondie?" He had asked, walking up to the other. the mortal had flinched and turned to see Michael, immediately trying to hide his sadness from the brunette.
"Oh, hey Brownie! I- I didn't-" But before the blond could finish Michael was next to him on his knees, his hand gently resting on Blondie's cheek.
"What happened?" He asked softly, looking at his friend with a softness in his eyes. Michael didn't know why, but seeing him upset like that hurt him inside in a way Michael had never felt before. It wasn't like the servants punishments, no. Everything in him screamed to help and to make his friend happy again.
"I-I-" Blondie broke into tears and clung to Michael as he sobbed. Refusing to let go while Michael just wrapped his arms around him.
Michael had no idea what was happening, no idea what made Blondie hurt so much, no idea why he was so sad. But he wanted to fix it more than anything.
"What happened?" Michael asked again once the blond had calmed down and they had pulled away from each other. Looking into those dark blue eyes as he sniffled before looking away from Michael.
"I... I've just been... struggling. I- I never wanted to tell you because being with you has always been my escape! With you I can run around, play games, climb trees, and fall down without any judgment!! But- I- I hate my life outside of this!!! My parents forget I exist while giving my sisters all their attention! And kids at school are always mean to me! They purposely trip me and are always so horrible!! I just wish I could run away and be happy with you forever!!! You're my only friend Brownie!!!" With that Blondie broke into tears again and Michael wrapped his hands around Blondie. Closing his eyes and playing with his friends hair like he usually would whenever they were just hanging out together.
After that Michael realized he had felt empathy for the first time, empathy for his only friend.
By the time Michael was 16 he was almost fully in control of him magic, and old enough to take his own servants.
All it would take was hearing someone's full name. Just once and he would have the chance to claim them. It would be even easier if they trespassed on his property.
But he didn't.
Because to him being a servant to a fae was nothing but torment. His fathers servant proved that to him. And he didn't want to hurt anyone, especially not mortals.
It scared him. What if claiming a mortal would make him just as cruel as his father?
The only time he had even been tempted to take someones name was the day he learned he would lose Blondie.
He had been hanging upside down on a branch, watching a few squirrels as they scuttered around on the branches. He was bored, but it didn't really matter to him. He would rather be in the forest than in a mansion where every moment was a risk of him catching someone messing up, and then he would have to tell his father.
Michael shuddered at the thought of watching another punishment. He despised seeing the mortals suffer. How had he ever enjoyed it? It hurt that it had only been 6 years ago he would jump at any opportunity to see his fathers servants suffer.
"Hey Brownie." Michael turned his head to see Blondie walking up to the trunk. Michael immediately knew something was wrong. Blondie's shoulders were slumped as he plopped himself onto the ground, leaning against their tree.
Michael dropped down, landing on his feet before sitting next to his friend. Michael knew Blondie was going to turn 17 soon, and less than a week before the mortal had been elated at the idea of his upcoming birthday. He wasn't sure what could have made him so upset only days later. But he definitely wasn't happy about it either.
"What happened?" Michael asked, looking straight into Blondie's eyes to show he meant business.
"You always know when something's wrong don't you?" Blondie asked, avoiding his eyes.
"That doesn't answer my question, tell me what's wrong Blondie." Michael stated, refusing to back down.
"I... I'm moving Brownie." Michael froze, he could hear that sadness in his friends voice, the way he sounded like he was on the edge of crying.
"What...?" Michael had asked softly, touching his face and making Blondie look at him in the eyes. He only knew what moving meant due to Blondie venting about his cousins moving away a few years ago. Now he could feel dread filling him as he looked at Blondie.
"I'm moving!!" He yelled, pushing Michael away as tears filled his eyes. "I'm moving and I might never see you again!!!" Blondie had yelled at him, tears spilling down his face as he looked away and held himself.
In that moment... Michael wanted to make Blondie tell him his name, tell him the entire thing. First to last. He wanted to keep Blondie and make him his servant forever. Michael had nearly asked him for his real name right then and there... before he stopped himself. He then stood up and watched as Blondie paced.
Maybe it would be better this way. Michael knew he was dangerous. That moment of weakness proved it to him. He was a fae. He wasn't like Blondie. He would stop aging one day while Blondie would continue to age and grow. If he was around Blondie while that happened he wouldn't be able to stop himself. He would claim his friend and go right back to the monster he was before they met. Blondie would be miserable. Just like all of his fathers servants.
Maybe this was the universe telling him it was time to say goodbye.
So, while Blondie was busy pacing and yelling about how unfair it was... Michael simply disappeared.
After that Michael was never the same.
He... shut down. Michael stopped feeling anything. He needed to, or else he would just be miserable for the rest of his life. After he reached the age of 18 his father was around much more, becoming a much larger part of his life now that he was an adult. Michael's mask soon became his entire life. He was completely apathetic, but in front of his father he faked whatever emotion his father wanted from him.
If his father wanted him to enjoy him punishing the servants for mistakes then Micheal would fake enjoyment and say it was great.
If his father was angry at the servants then Michael would give them his best glare while his father reprimanded them. Agreeing to anything he said and even adding his own parts whenever his father gave him the chance to talk.
If his father brought him to court or to visit other fae Michael would be the best son possible. He would talk about how great of a father he had and keep a bright smile on his face throughout, making himself seem as perfect as possible for his father. And when his father would praise him after each meeting Michael would simply nod and smile. Even if he felt empty on the inside.
Because he wasn't happy. He didn't care if the servants made mistakes or if he looked good in front of the other fae. He hated seeing the servants punished. He hated when his father would praise him and talk about how he was destined to be an amazing and powerful fae, implying he may be even more powerful that his father.
He was happy with Blondie. He felt something with him he felt with nobody else. He didn't understand the feeling, he didn't even know what it meant. But what he knew for sure was that he missed his friend more than anything.
His heart ached for him, sometimes in his dreams he would find himself kissing the mortal, pressing his body against the others and feeling his body throughout. holding onto him and never letting go ever again.
He never understood these emotions. At least... until the day his father brought home his new mate.
Michael had been alone in his room, lying on his bed with all of his energy completely gone. He was turning 21 in a few months, but he felt no joy or excitement over it. All he really knew was that his father had 'big plans' for his birthday. Not that he cared.
But he had jumped when he heard someone run into his room and slam his door. He had shot up on his bed and his icy blue eyes had met a pair of dark brown ones.
There was a man who sunk to the ground as he looked at Michael. His eyes were filled with fear and he had golden brown hair. He had a long beard with a mustache at the top. His hair was a complete mess and his breath started to quicken as him and Michael kept eye contact.
But Michael just scoffed and flopped back onto his bed. Covering his face with his arm. Sometimes when his father gained a new mortal he would allow them to try to escape, Michael was used to seeing the new additions trying to run away.
He just wasn't used to them coming into his room.
"What- What the fuck is going on!?" The man practically yelled and Michael let out a tired sigh.
"You've been taken by a fae. Now you basically belong to that fae since you were stupid enough to give it your full name." Michael stated in a monotone voice. He never bothered putting up an act around the servants, all he had to do was give them a glare and they knew not to mention it to his father.
"Who even are you!? You look just like it!!!!" He hissed at Michael. Michael didn't bother reacting.
"I'm his son." He stated blankly. "As far as I know it's pretty normal for humans to look like their parents too." His voice remained completely monotone not bothering to look at the man as he heard his fathers voice from the hall.
"Oh Henry~ where are you~" Michael forced himself off his back and leaned against his bed frame and looked at the man. He had gone completely stiff an was covering his face as he breathed heavily through his nose.
Would that have been how his friend would have seen him if he had claimed him? Would he have tormented him and treated him like prey like his father?
Michael sighed. Might as well rip off the band-aid.
Michael let out a loud whistle and he saw horror come onto Henry's face as the door was thrown open. Michael quickly allowed his face to shift to a relaxed and playful smile, Henry watched him with the slightest bit of confusion before his father walked into the room and grabbed Henry. covering Henry's mouth with his hand as he started speaking to Michael.
"Thank you very much Michael. I'm actually quite happy dear Henry decided to try to hide with you. I wanted to introduce him to you properly."
Michael raised an eyebrow at his father as he spoke. forcing a playful tone into his voice as he spoke. "Oh really? Normally you just put them to work after you're done with your fun." Michael stated, forcing a smirk at how Henry tried to escape his fathers grip. When on the inside he felt nothing but pity.
"Oh, but Henry is a special case Mikey. You see, I claimed him to be a mate."
Michael blinked and felt confusion as he looked at his father. "A... mate?" He asked, this being one of the few times he felt genuine confusion.
"That's right. You haven't quite turned 21 yet, have you? No matter. I'll explain it to you later. The servants made lunch for you. I'll be busy with dear Henry here."
After his father turned around and walked away with Henry, with the latter struggling the entire time, Michael allowed his face to fall. He forced himself out of his bed. teleporting himself to the kitchen to avoid having to walk down the stairs.
It didn't take long for his father to explain it to him. His father and mother had been 'mates' that was what it was called when a fae fell in love and claimed someone. Whether it was another fae or a mortal. His father explained love to him, the feelings, the want, the need. His father stated that he had fallen in love with Henry during his visits to the human world, and his father had decided to claim the other after killing the woman Henry had formally been with. He also said that it was normally on a fae's 21st birthday that they first learn about these things. But that his father had no problem explaining it early.
But what hit Michael was the realization that he... he had been in love with Blondie. It had taken everything in Michael to hide that realization as his father finished explaining it to him. His father had left him alone after that... and Michael had simply went to his room and cried for the first time in years.
Because he now knew why his heart yearned so much for the mortal. And for the first time he wished he could go back. Go back to the cruel child who enjoyed mortal suffering.
It was better than this. It was better than never seeing the person he had fallen for ever again.