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As Mystogan lies on his back, staring at the ceiling, his mind tracing back to the events that unfolded merely days ago. Silence greeted him as he contemplated.
How the Anima became to big for him to control anymore and how his guild were dragged into Edolas’ nefarious affairs. How he tried convincing his past caretaker, Panther Lily, to strive for the throne. When the Exceed tried to persuade the lost prince instead as the rightful heir, Mystogan had almost agreed to it. Edolas needed a better governance, an unselfish leader unlike his father. But the blue haired man couldn’t bring himself to do it.
Throughout his early life in Edolas, those times were dark and cold. A cold and thoughtless living parent, the other forever gone. His people barely even knew he existed except for the attentive royal staff. Panther Lily was the only one who gave him any heart-to-heart.
His original name didn’t even fit him anymore, only bringing the reminders of his old dreary childhood. And after learning about his Earthland counterpart and making a new name for himself, Mystogan got to live a life differently than the one he had before. Sure, he had to distance himself from his guildmates and remain to primarily focus on the Anima. But he had more freedom than he ever did. And despite the gap, he cherished Fairy Tail, cared for Makarov as a mentor and respective listener to his secrets. Honoured Erza to stay away in case of being the cause of her pain. Cared gently for Wendy when she needed someone.
It was then decided that Edolas’ citizens should govern themselves as a council, a government instead of a monarchy. It would take time, but they’d be able to pull through it along with no magic. Because while he had heart for the people of his homeland, Mystogan didn’t truly want to let Earthland go. He didn’t want to let you go.
The only person aside from Makarov and Porlyusica who knew who he was and stayed by his side even with how much he avoided social interactions. Who he’s partnered with on quests and grew love for.
Perhaps the former prince did inherit one thing from his father.
As Mystogan thought about you, he turned his head to the side to see you snuggled close to his chest, arms wrapped around him like you were afraid he’d be gone if you didn’t. A habit you’ve taken to doing since you both and Team Natsu got back from Edolas.
There’s a warmth in his heart as much as the sadness that came in that you’ve worried he’d leave you.
Rubbing a hand through your hair, he sensed you stir with enough conscience to sigh and press your cheek further against him.
With a moment of silence between you, you whisper out with your morning voice. “.. I know I’ve said this already… but thank you for staying..”
And including his own tired voice, Mystogan replied “You never have to thank me… I’ll be with you anywhere.”
Sensing a trace of a smile from you, he moved to bury his face against your hair, holding you back as he laid a gentle kiss on your head.
Selfishness may be what he and his father have in common when it came to something they desired, but Mystogan won’t have it end in suffering.