"And then the vampire prince and elven princess lived happily ever after in their castle with their kids..." Xiran ended the story with a smile and a bunch of kids in front of him seemed in awe. Xiran had been spending most of his time with kids in the orphanage and before bedtime, it was always storytime.

He had set up a special room with a floor setting where kids could sit and read books and at night Xiran would tell them a story. Sometimes he would read from a book other times he would make up his own story.

"I loved the princess. I want to be like her when I grow up," Casvia gently responded from his lap.

"I love the princess too and of course, you will grow up to be like her," Xiran lovingly shuffled her bluish-black hair.

"Is the princess your girlfriend? Mister Xi," one of the kids innocently asked, who was sitting in front of him on the carpet.

Xiran sadly chuckled at his question and sadly replied: "Hopefully, one day when there will be more harmony in our world and we people will be more accepting of other species living beside us."

"We promise to do better when we grow up and not like those bad men who attacked our homes," another kid pipped in and the atmosphere in the story room suddenly became tense and a few of them began crying.

Xiran and their caretaker Mrs Maquila became tense at the situation. She tried to calm them but it didn’t work. An idea struck Xiran.

"Kids, you know what. Why don’t we have some chocolate cake today before going to bed? And meanwhile, all of you will tell me what you want to become as you grow up. How does that sound?"

The wails died down soon after that as all the kids wanted cake.

Xiran called Agent 93 to get cakes for the kids from the bakery and began discussions with the kids while they waited for the cakes to arrive.

Soon Agent 93 entered carrying boxes of them for everyone and a huge warm smile. Kids cheered and rejoiced as cakes were cut and distributed. Their faces beamed with joy.

Casvia offered a spoonful to Xiran and he gladly took it with a warm smile.

"Thank you! My dear."

His heart filled with warmth and contentment seeing the kids smile and eat cake. It also reminded him of his Leia, who loved eating a chocolate cake made by him.

Kids then brushed their teeth and were tucked in bed. Xiran stayed with Casvia until she fell asleep, the little girl had become attached to him.

Once all the kids had gone to sleep. Xiran and Agent 93 headed for Xiran’s office. Agent 93 gave him the latest updates on the city and then said with a chuckle:

"The way you are with kids makes me swoon over you. If I had been gay, I would surely have fallen head over heels for you," Xiran facepalmed at his words and glared at him while he offered a sheepish smile in return.

"I am just saying, you are kind, too kind."

Agent 93’s words transported Xiran to the childhood memory he shared with his mother.

"Xiran! Remember to be kind. Especially to children, women, old people and animals, because they are the most vulnerable and helpless," she softly spoke to him.

"Why do I have to be kind? I don’t think kindness gets repaid. You are kind, look how Father treats you," he retorted back in annoyance.

"Kindness never gets wasted, my lovely boy. It always finds you in ways you can’t even imagine. Don’t doubt it and don’t let the actions of others taint your beautiful heart. Your father has a dark past, there was no one to guide him. No one showed him kindness so he never learnt it. That’s why I say, do better, be better."

His mother’s gentle words echoed in his mind as he nodded to her request. 𝕗𝕣𝐞𝐞𝘄𝐞𝚋𝚗𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗹.𝚌𝕠𝚖

"Are you still with me?" Agent 93 waved his hand in front of him to bring him back to reality.

"Yes! I am not as kind as I should have been. I never wanted my heart to darken but with every passing day, I feel like losing the part that holds goodness. I pledged to my mother that I will always show kindness to those who need it and I want to live up to that promise."

Xiran had a forlorn look in his eyes as he spoke about his mother.

"I think you are doing reasonably well than anyone else would have done in your position, so give yourself some credit," Agent 93 had seen how tirelessly Xiran had worked to build this orphanage as soon as possible and the way he had been taking care of these kids as if they were his own.

"I am trying and I appreciate you helping me out in this endeavour," Xiran gave him an appreciative nod. Agent 93 had a very different personality than Carios, while the latter had learnt Xiran’s ways pretty quickly and got everything done efficiently, the former was still learning the curve and it was not easy considering he was casual and clumsy.

"Well, mostly I try to not forget what you told me to do and incur your wrath. Sometimes I just forget thinking about you getting angry at me," and Xiran couldn’t help but cackle a bit at his candid words.

"Did you have dinner?" Xiran asked feeling his empty stomach.

"Not yet."

"There is a great place just two streets from here, let’s grab a bite now that we are free. Want to join me?" Xiran offered not wanting to eat alone. Mostly he ate with Rivan but Rivan was away on his business trip.

"Really?" Agent 93 became overly excited at the offer. As if an idol had asked his fan to join him for dinner.

"Yes," Xiran couldn’t help but smile at his childish reactions.

"I would love to," both men then headed out through the secret passageway and into the car to head towards the diner.