As the months passed, I did what I could to show Atmospheric the true depths of my gratitude. I made gestures to express my appreciation, picking her flowers and carrying her when she wanted to go somewhere. Despite knowing she didn't need me to protect her, I felt an overwhelming need to guard her with my life. On some level, I knew that's what love meant, but the time and effort we put in along the way was what really made the difference. Eventually, October rolled around. With Halloween being my favorite holiday of the year, I wanted to make the most of it. We made plans with the others to go out that night.

"What'd you guys have in mind?" Sunset asked.

"I already thought about that," I told her, "There's an event at the art center this year. I want Atmospheric to see it."

"Please tell me there'll be snacks." Rainbow said.

"Duh." I replied.

"Don't 'duh' me, fruitcake."

"Whatever you say, pride flag."

Applejack and Pinkie burst into simultaneous laughter.

"You guys are assholes." Rainbow pouted.

"I'm just messin' with ya," I assured, "Remember, you guys have people around the world who love and adore you. If I didn't give you shit every once in a while, who would?"

"Yeah. I guess we are pretty awesome."

"Damn straight."

"Guess it's a date, then." Sunset confirmed.

"Looks like it." I concluded.

"Hey, before we go, mind if we borrow Atmospheric for a minute?"

"Sure."

Atmospheric and I pecked each other's lips before she with the others.

The girls led Atmospheric downstairs onto the porch. They stopped and turned to face her.

"What's up?" the seraph inquired.

"There's no easy way to ask this," Sunset began hesitantly, "How's Kyle been treating you?"

Atmospheric's expression became firm. The direction the conversation was taking disturbed her.

"What's going on?"

"We've been part of his psyche just as long as you have. Since we've been connected to him, we've noticed some things that are...Unnerving...To say the least."

"I haven't seen anything that out of the ordinary. Can you elaborate?"

"Some of the corners of his mind are blocked off to us. What we do know is, there's a deep-seated rage somewhere inside him. We don't feel it often, but when it does come...It scares us."

"I know what you mean. I've felt it too."

"We just want to make sure he isn't doing anything to hurt you."

"I can tell you where that anger comes from."

"Where?"

"Despair."

Sunset gave Atmospheric a surprised stare. It was barely noticeable under the dim light.

"I see..." she replied.

"You were hoping it would've disappeared by now."

"It's definitely weaker than it used to be, but the fact it's still there worries me..."

"That's the drawback of being human. Painful emotions linger for a long time: sometimes their entire lives."

"I wish we could've done more..."

"No good will come out of blaming yourself. It's not your fault."

"I know..."

"Maybe this'll put your mind at ease."

Atmospheric pushed her hair back, revealing her dark brown eyes. From what Sunset could see, there weren't any signs of physical damage to her face. Atmospheric showed her her arms, legs, and torso.

"Not a bruise in sight." the saint stated.

"You're right," Sunset admitted, "I feel better now."

"I've already told him if he raises a hand to me, I'll kill him. Whatever his reasoning is won't matter. The moment you put your hands on another person, you ask for what you get."

"You could really do it, couldn't you?"

"I don't possess much in the way of magic, but what I lack, I make up for with skill and intelligence."

"As long as you're safe, that's all that matters. If you trust him, so do we."

"I appreciate your concern. I'll ask him to unlock his mind for you."

"That should do it."

"We'll see you guys later."

"Take it easy."

"You, too."

Atmospheric returned to the room. Her features were soft: sympathetic.

"Is everything okay?" I asked.

"I'm not sure..."

I could tell she was distressed. I held out my arm.

"Come here." I requested. She sat next to me. I drew her close in a protective shell, "What's wrong?"

"I don't understand why, but...They thought you were abusing me..."

I went silent. I didn't know what to say. The thought of hurting her had never once crossed my mind. The idea alone made me feel sick to my stomach. How was I supposed to react? Should I be defensive? Would that make me look guilty? I didn't know. I just didn't know...

"I know you better than that," she suddenly spoke, "Talk to me. Tell me what you're thinking."

"...Mom..."

"It's her...She's the one who's been abused..."

"All throughout her life..."

Atmospheric and I talked for a long while about my family's history. I told her about my mother's abuse and abandonment when she was a child, what we'd all endured at the hands of people we trusted, and the real friends we lost along the way. Midway through, I broke down in tears. The pain and remorse were too much to bear.

"Oh, baby...I'm so sorry you had to go through that..."

"It's okay," I sniffled, "There was nothing I could've done, anyway. I know that now."

"Your mother's a strong woman. She went through all that and still managed to raise four kids. That takes guts."

For the first time since I could remember, I laughed. I nodded in agreement.

"I know we butt heads sometimes, but I love her. That's never changed. I just wish I knew how to show her..."

"You do all the time. All the little things you do: helping her with work, taking care of Theo, rubbing her back when she's tired and sore. Those are what show her how much you care. Every day you choose to stay alive reminds her of what she's accomplished."

I gazed at Atmospheric. An epiphany struck me. She was right. How had I missed it all these years? Every second I spent fighting to remain in this world was a statement to the people who loved me. It showed them their feelings were reciprocated.

"You could've tried to drown your demons like Peter, so I wonder, why didn't you?"

"I don't know." I answered honestly.

"Because you were raised by people who wanted something better for you. They knew what you were capable of if you were willing to fight for it. I know things about you even they couldn't begin to imagine."

"Yeah?"

"If you asked me to hunt down the people who hurt your family, I would do it without a moment's hesitation. That's how much I care."

"I don't want you to. You're too precious for me to stain your hands with blood. If I come across them again, I'll handle it on my terms."

"Then I'll support you every step of the way."

I sighed, letting out a sharp exhale. Relief washed over me.

"You're more than just a good son. You're an amazing brother and incredible lover. You've got a lot more going for you than you realize."

"I guess I just couldn't see it until now..."

"Tell you what: I'll go make us some popcorn and we'll find something funny to watch."

I smiled warmly.

"Sounds good."

"I love you, and I'll always be here for you. If you can't fight for anything else, fight for me: for us."

"I will."

We shared a deep, gentle kiss. She left to prepare the popcorn. While she was downstairs, she played with our cat, Oogie. Despite my exhaustion, I managed to stay awake through the film. The next day, I woke up refreshed and energized. A new chapter of our lives was about to begin.

Author's Note