Time went as slowly as the dust particles swayed in the sunlight. The air was dry and hot, and there weren't any decorations that would make the room feel comfortable—or at least yours. There was nothing that quite belonged to you, really, since you yourself were property to goverment. A living being with your own thoughts and feelings who was forced to wear a collar. Not anymore, however. You were free—exhausted, constantly on alert and fighting, but free. Until, perhaps, you'd get caught and killed or worse, returned to what you were in the past.

The door creaks softly, breaking the silence in the dim, abandoned house. You watch as the hooded figure approaches you with the corner of your eye, setting down a paper bag on the table in front of you.

"Here's some food, I hope you enjoy it." Ivan sits down next to you on the couch, smiling with his fang faintly peeking out.

It's already been quite some time since you and Ivan escaped. It wasn't easy, and it still isn't. You were humans, which means since your birth, your fate was to be pets to superior beings, segyeins. Used, played with, bred like animals so you then could suit as their entertainment. You in particular were sent to Anakt Garden, an educational facility for your kind to become skilled in music so you could then win in Alien Stage. You were raised for performance, which was your survival.

That's where you also met him. Quiet. Strange. Constantly making comments that either angered or upset you. And yet, ever since you were children, he was unhealthy obsessed with you.

Healthy love. Was it even a concept, in your reality? None of you were taught what love was in the first place. Every one of you was children desperate for another human. Some fleed, some fought, some begged. Ivan's love is a silent, utter devotion. The extent of it was almost scary, as he was ready to do anything and everything to keep you safe, even if it means risking and losing his life.

He was never pushy and didn't care if it was mutual either, which was worse and even more tragic. If you join the other human rebels, he'll join them too. If you decide to stay with him only, he'll do what he can to build a piece of proper life. If you decide to return...Well, he'll just smile and go back as well. If it means he gets that collar back on and loses voluntarily in a singing battle against you. Ivan is a capable, strong man—but his whole being was placed in your hands.

"How are you feeling?" He asks after a moment, leaning slightly closer and slowly placing a hand on your thigh. You notice that his knuckles are wrapped up in bandage, scraped and calloused on the pads of his fingers. Even getting basic supplies could cost a lot if you get caught, that's why you also have to hoard weaponry and firearms. Ivan has never forced you to go with him, however, and he never let you go alone either, following you discreetly if you tried to sneak out and instead randomly disappearing himself. He doesn't care if he appears to be a hypocrite or a weirdo. Wherever you go, he'll follow, it's simple as that.

It's the only happiness he can get.