Cole and Kanako sat by the lake holding hands, the dry wind blowing through their hair welcoming him home after 4 long years apart. The two had kept in touch, when possible, the only person Cole’s new ‘caretakers’ would tolerate him talking to from his previous home. The two had waited for each other, dearly missing one another’s presence, coming to understand something that they failed to put into words when they had the chance before. Still, even after so long apart, Kanako could sense his unease, the way his eyes fell to the ground when they stopped chatting. When Martlet came up.

The silence carried on for a moment before Kanako squeezed his hand, softly encouraging him, “You should go see her.”

Cole’s frown deepened as he let go of Kanako’s hand, wringing his own together as he laughed nervously, “Hah, I don’t know Kanako. It’s been so long, and I didn’t even tell her goodbye, you know? She- she probably doesn’t even…”

Kanako shoved him with her shoulder as she scooted closer, chastising him firmly, “Hey, don’t you dare say that. You meant the world to her.” Her expression softened as she pried his hands apart, lacing her fingers between his, “You still do. Do you really think she could forget about you? It would mean the world to her to see you again.”

Cole took in a shuddering breath as he replied, “I just, I should have done more. Stopped it somehow, or… I don’t know, something!”

Kanako rolled her eyes as she stood up, pulling Cole stumbling to his feet as she put her foot down on the matter, “Cole we were kids, in way over our heads. It’s a miracle things turned out as well as they did!” She grabbed his arms, memory dancing behind her eyes as she spoke, “I- I wouldn’t have made it through all of that without you. So stop being yourself up,” she surprised him as she spun him around to face the west, towards Martlets house, as she shoved him lightly, “and tell your mom you love her!”

Cole remembered those first steps in that uncertain world. The struggle they shared. Would Martlet really be happy to see him? He gathered his resolve and walked towards the setting sun. Kanako called out once more, stopping him before he left out of sight

“Oh and Cole?”

He turned to face her, seeing a smile warmer than the daylight itself

“Welcome home.”

–

He stood before the wooden door to home, or what once was his. He’d woken up many mornings to unfamiliar surroundings, floors that didn’t creek the way he remembered, hallways suspiciously clear of feathers. Turning the corner expecting blue warmth, and instead meeting cold obligation. It took him a long moment to summon up the courage to knock on the door. Even with Kanako’s pep talk, doubt gnawed at him from within. The sound was unfamiliar, he’d never needed to knock before after all. Seconds, turned to minutes, felt like hours, before a rustling could be heard from within, and a familiar voice called out light and feathery.

“Be right there!”

Cole’s gut twisted, she sounded happy, carefree. What right did he have to interrupt her life after everything that’s happened? He started to turn, he should just leave before she knows he’s here. He-

The door swung open suddenly, as Martlet greeted politely, “Hello! What can I-” she paused, her words freezing in the air for a moment leaving just the gentle wind between them. Tentatively she reached a wing forward, voice barely above a whisper, “Cole?”

He recoiled at his name, but it was too late to turn back. He raised a hand slightly, waving at her as he forced a smile, “H-hey, Martlet, how are ya doing?” The silence stretched on, as Cole’s guilt ate at him, pushing him to try and dispel the quiet. He forced himself to look up at her unreadable expression as he drawled out, “Ya see I wanted to keep in touch but,” his expression twisted momentarily at the memory, before he pushed past it, “Well the point being is uh,” he couldn’t help but wring his hands anxiously, “gosh, I’m sorry for botherin’ but I wanted to thank you fo-”

The wind was squeezed from his lungs as martlet wrapped her wings around him, tears flowing gently, “Cole! It’s really you!” Her voice strained through the tears as she sobbed, “I thought I’d never see you again!”

Cole gasped, as her words crashed into him. 4 years of doubt vanished in an instant as the tears stung at his own eyes. He returned the hug desperately as he struggled to speak, “I- t-thank you so much for givin’ me home back then. I- I never got to tell you how much it, I never even said goodbye!” Remorse pulled at his words as Martlet hugged him tighter.

She took a deep shuddering breath as she almost cooed in response, “I love you too kiddo.” She paused for a moment, chuckling through the tears “Ok maybe you’re not a kiddo anymore, god I’m so sorry I didn’t get to watch you grow up, but I’m so glad to see you again, child of mine.”

Clover clenched his teeth trying to fight back the sorrow and joy tearing through his soul, but he was no stronger than these lonesome years. A sob ripped from his chest as he cried out, squeezing his eyes shut. He was back, in his mama’s arms once again. He was finally home.