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Leave it to Solomon to hatch the most bizarre magical creature out of everyone’s. Connor (as he was eventually named) was a rainbow of colors, catlike, but with wings, but cute in his own way. When you told Solomon his creature was cute, both of them appeared quite happy with the compliment, as if they’d already formed a strong bond even before he’d hatched. Solomon seemed very much the proud papa.
In the weeks that followed, it was clear that Solomon was lavishing attention on Connor, and not simply because he wanted to provide him with the ideal environment for optimal health and mental development. All the creatures had strong bonds with the demons, angels, and humans who’d cared for them when they were eggs, but Solomon seemed deeply invested in Connor’s well-being.
Of course, he was particularly invested in Connor’s apparent affinity for learning magic. You went shopping with him, both of your creatures following along, chatting in whatever language they used to speak to each other, apparently quite enjoying each other’s company. Solomon picked up magical items his creature could use, including a Ouija board that had caught Connor’s eye.
“I’ll try teaching him magic little by little. I want to do my best to satisfy his curiosity in the time we have together.”
“You two seem to be perfect together. It’s great that you’re so engaged with him.”
Solomon looked over at his creature with a wistful affection. “I want him to be glad he met me, and that we had the chance to know each other.”
You laid a hand on Solomon’s shoulder. “I’m sure he’ll never forget you.”
Solomon discreetly kissed your fingertips, then smiled and mouthed, “Thank you.”
_________
Connor eventually learned how to cast a spell so he and Solomon could understand each other. With practice, Solomon was able to teach him how to speak with others, although the two of them could almost read one another’s minds.
And Connor, just like Solomon, kept wanting you to come visit. They both wanted sleepovers, too, but your Emma was a little jealous, so after the first one was an abject failure, with her constantly jumping between you and Solomon or you and Connor, waking everyone up, and leaving cuts and bruises on your hosts with her hooves, you and Solomon decided that shorter visits would have to be the norm.
Even though everyone’s creatures were getting larger even than some of their carers, Solomon never complained. When, because of their size and strength, the rescue group had to delay taking them in, Solomon seemed pleased rather than disappointed. Clearly, Connor was also happy at the news, alternatively flying about and rubbing up against Solomon. You could already see that separating them was going to break both their hearts.
_________
Emma and you had a good bond, but like you, Emma was an adventurer, and looked forward to the new things she would experience, and happily left with the rescue volunteers. She was one of the first to be re-homed because of her pleasant personality. You’d miss her, but it was clear that she’d be better off in her new place than cooped up in the house of Lamentation.
Solomon waited very little time to invite you over for tea after you were by yourself. Connor had been begging him to have you visit, but he wanted to be sure you were feeling alright without your creature before asking you to be around him and his.
Once you’d assured him that you were a little sad, but you’d prepared yourself for this day, he extended his invitation, and you stopped by when classes were over.
As soon as you’d crossed the threshold of Solomon’s room, Connor greeted you affectionately. He was too big to rub up against your legs anymore, but he rubbed his cheeks all over your face and head until you begged him to stop tickling you.
Solomon led you to a sofa, and in the time it took you to take your seat, Connor had brought out tea and snacks. Solomon effusively explained all the marvelous things his creature had learned to do in such a short time. It was quite impressive how smart he was, but it was also clear that he would never have learned so much without Solomon’s constant teaching and encouragement.
“He’s really something special,” Solomon said, scritching him between the ears. “I can’t wait to see how he continues to mature, and what’s in store for him in the future..”
Your heart ached a little at this. There was no guarantee that Solomon would ever see his creature again after he’d been taken in by the rescue, but you said nothing about this.
Connor craved praise, and insisted that he wanted to show you some of the magic he’d learned. Apparently, he could levitate and move objects with ease, which allowed him to help Solomon even without having opposable thumbs. You told him how clever he was and how proud you were of him, and he purred as if he were a regular cat.
He levitated more books to impress you further, and when you lavished more praise on him, he snuggled up on the sofa next to you, on the opposite side from Solomon. You stroked his soft fur until he settled for a nap.
“Connor really is head over heels for you. Just like me.” Solomon put an arm around your shoulders and kissed you on the temple, lingering for a bit, then learning his head against yours.
You stayed that way for a time until Solomon turned your face towards him for a real kiss. Connor stirred in his sleep, but other than that, allowed the two of you to make up for lost time. At least a little. Any movement that threatened to dislodge his head from your lap was met with growls of protest as he crawled even farther onto you, giant paws curled over your thighs so Solomon’s couldn’t touch them. It was somewhat frustrating, but cute at the same time.
The sorcerer reached over to scratch his creature gently under the chin, which he found delightful even in his sleep.
“I wish I could have both of you, all the time, even if it meant competing like this for your love.” He laughed wryly, and you knew he was thinking again about Connor’s imminent departure.
_________
The day after the volunteers came to pick Connor up, which had been difficult for both the creature and his person, you went to Purgatory Hall to check on Solomon to see how he was holding up.
“Well, now that he’s gone, I can’t seem to make progress with my research. And it’s so quiet around here.” He fiddled idly with some items on his desk, finally picking up the pen Connor had learned how to magically pass to him when he needed it. “It’s strange, you know? I mean, things have only gone back to the way they were before, but still…”
You enfolded his hand between yours and commiserated, “I know how you feel. It’s kind of lonely without our creatures now.”
He looked down at your comforting grasp. “Yeah, it is. Really lonely.” He sighed deeply, and you pulled him close. He rested his chin on your shoulder. “I wonder if Connor is feeling the same way right now?”
With another sigh, he stood up and smiled at you. “I miss him, but I can’t sit around feeling depressed all day, can I?”
“You’re allowed, Solomon, but still…we haven’t had time alone like this in a while. Maybe we should make the most of it? Do you think it might make you feel a little better?”
His smile broadened, and he leaned down for a kiss, sweet and tender. His embrace tightened. The kisses continued, but stayed chaste.
“Saying goodbye is always hard, isn’t it? No matter how many times you’ve done it.” Kisses and hugs alone were not going to cure this sense of loss. You’d suspected it, but you’d give him whatever you could, and be patient for as long as you needed to. “I wonder what Connor’s doing right now? Is he happy in his new home? Is he getting along with the other creatures?”
“I’m sure they’re taking excellent care of him, Solomon.”
“I’m sorry for going on and on like this. I’ll get over it soon, I promise. Then I’ll be back to the old me.”
You cupped his cheeks, and brushed away the tears he’d failed to prevent. “Solomon. This tenderness and nurturing is the old you, and it’s part of the reason I love you so much. Don’t change. Just let me be the one to take care of you until you feel better.”
You held each other close, and you said nothing as he let his grief out. When he had no more tears, you walked with him to the sofa and sat together. He laid his head on your lap as Connor had, and you stroked him in the same loving, comforting way as you had with his creature. When he was calmer, he turned onto his back and gazed up at you. Even with reddened eyes and blotchy skin, he was still beautiful to you. He drew your faces closer and kissed you again, and told you he loved you.
“It hurts so much to have had to say goodbye to Connor. I don’t know if I could survive it if I ever had to say goodbye to you.”
This was always a hard thing to answer. You danced around the reality every time.
“I love you, Solomon. I will stay by your side for as long as I live.”
This seemed to satisfy him, and as his eyes closed, you thought he was feeling much more at peace.
But inside, he was making a list of everything he’d need to do to recreate the spell he’d used to make himself immortal, because as long as you lived wasn’t ever going to be enough for him.