Posted: 2025 10 29

AU: Some people were concerned about Kieran's reaction, so I wrote this as a thank-you to everyone who read the main story, bookmarked it, gave it a rating, or left comments. This is the first bonus. It's short, but I hope you enjoy it. 

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“It’s rare to be called by Nicola. And Aldo is with you too. What’s going on?” 

Kieran, who had just come from work, had been called into the clinic after hours and was sitting quietly on a chair in the waiting room, lounging. He didn't seem particularly unhappy, in fact he seemed to be in good spirits. Nicola was terrified if the face he had known since childhood were to distort with disgust.

–But I have to say it. Nicola made up his mind and spoke. 

"Kieran, I've started dating Aldo." He grabbed Aldo's hand and declared. 

Kieran stood before me with his violet eyes wide open and his mouth hanging open. 

"Sorry, Kieran. I knew Nicola was important to you." 

“Kieran… you won’t hurt Aldo, right…?” 

Nicola took a step forward to protect Aldo, who was defenseless and bowed deeply. Kieran, who always yelled at troublesome patients to get rid of them, watched him, praying that he wouldn't get violent with Aldo. 

"You like each other, don't you?" With a shocked expression, Kieran responded quickly.

"Of course!" 

"No doubt about it!" 

Aldo raised his head and they both nodded without a moment's hesitation. 

"Well, I have no reason to object." Kieran sighed, tension leaving his body, slumping his shoulders. Nicola and Aldo were taken aback by how easily they were accepted without any disgust or anger. 

"What? Do you really think I'm the type to break you two apart?" Aldo nodded vaguely to Kieran, who didn’t seem to be aware that he was being a bit overprotective. 

“No, I thought you were really overprotective of Nicola, so I was prepared for you to use magic or hit me.” Nicola turned to him in shock when Aldo said he had come prepared. 

Nicola knew that Kieran had had difficulty controlling his magic because he could control different magical elements. Kieran knew this too, and had resolved to accept Kieran’s magic, even though he knew how destructive it could be– Nicola was almost in tears. 

“Of course if someone forces themselves onto you I would punish them, but Aldo wouldn’t do that. Everytime we meet, all you do is praise each other. I already knew you got along. But, I never thought you’d end up dating though.” Kieran had known Nicola for a while, and had gotten friendly with Kieran at work.

“I know you’re both good people, so there’s no reason to cause a fuss,” Kieran said with a laugh. “Kieran, can you keep all the bad people away?”

Aldo asked for Nicola’s sake but Kieran looked a little puzzled. “Being attacked is scary and disgusting, I would never want Nicola to have to go through that.”

Nicola’s heart was warmed by his words. Kieran was a little overprotective, stubborn even though he was an adult, but Kieran had kept him safe all these years and Nicola was grateful. Nicola was who he was today because Kieran had always protected him since he was little. 

“Also, did you tell your grandparents yet?” Kieran gazed curiously towards their living area in the back.

“No, you were the first person we wanted to tell.”

“Huh? Not Grandpa and the others first?”

Nicola shook his head, and Kieran frowned. “But you should tell your family first.” Kieran muttered, causing Nicola to pout.

“Even though we’re not related by blood, you’re like my older brother, Kieran.” While it was important to tell his grandfather, Nicola wanted to tell Kieran first, the one who introduced them, the one who was like his older brother who always worries about him.

“We are family.” Nicola stated firmly, and Kieran could only reply, “I see.”

The corner of his mouth quirked up, giving a shy, pleased smile.

“I’m glad you didn’t have any bad news. I’ll excuse myself now, I don’t want to disturb you.” Kieran stood up and quickly walked over towards the front door in long strides. 

“Kieran…”

He opened the door, and paused, “Oh, I forgot to tell you.” Hand on the door, Kieran turned back to face Nicola and Aldo. 

“Congradulations, I hope you two stay happy and get along well.” Kieran had a big smile on his face, and Nicola realized that Kieran had given them his blessings. 

“I’m glad Kieran accepted us…”

“Why are you about to cry? I will always be on your side.” Nicola’s eyes lit up in relief at Kieran’s words. Kieran’s smile reminded him of when they were kids, of his dependable older brother. 

“Thank you, Kieran.” Aldo bowed his head again.

“You have nothing to thank me for.” Kieran waved his hand to brush it off and left. 

“Isn’t my big brother the best?” Even with tears in his eyes, Nicola puffed out his chest. 

Nicola tried denying the tears falling down his face, Aldo only nodded in agreement but gave a bemused expression.

“He’s so cool I was seriously worried he might be my love rival.” Aldo relaxed his shoulders and laughed, “What a relief. Even if he was against me, I wouldn’t be able to let go of you.”

Aldo tightly clasped Nicola’s hands, Nicola giving them a squeeze in reassurance. He felt the same way. Even if Aldo opposed their relationship, Nicola would have had a hard time letting go. Nicola had heard that love came with obstacles, but he thought that slow, loving relationships were better than overcoming obstacles with passion. He would be happy if the people in his life also loved Aldo, not just him. 

Knowing that people wished them happiness would give their relationship strength. Blessings and kindness should strengthen their bonds. While opposition also strengthened bonds, Nicola hoped that everyone would just be kind. He hoped that him and Aldo would be together, but also with a group of people that were connected through happiness. Nothing would make him happier than holding hands like this forever.