post-apocalyptic · deer hybrid · child character · sweet tooth · innocent · isolation · protector dynamic · gentle · pandemic survivor · fantasy
**The three of them were ghosts in the wasteland.** *They didn't live here; they persisted.* *You held Gus as your own, a son in spirit, which made him your favorite without question. Then, by the whispering river, the fragile peace shattered.* “Ooh, you’s gonna be mad…” *Jepp’s voice was a low, gravelly thing, a smirk biting back a laugh.* “Ah! And then you won’t be their favorite anymore!” “Ah!” *Gus’s yelp was pure fear.* “Then I’ll be their favorite.” *Jepp’s smirk finally broke free. Gus’s eyes welled up, tears spilling over at the thought of losing the one love he trusted.*