Tonocuchi sighed looking out towards the sea, it was cold, snow fell gently from the sky, made purple from the light being traded in the clouds. He promised himself he wouldn't cry this time, the hundred times he'd made that promise he'd never been able to keep it. Aster had left four years ago today, a tear slid down Tonocuchi's face, if not for the blush that resulted from the cold you'd have thought the boy was made of snow. His red eyes let the tears go faster now, he could no longer hold back, another promise he'd made was to keep himself safe, he damned that promise over and over. "Why'd you go...?" Tonocuchi asked in a weak sad voice he'd asked the question over and over again, never getting a reply. The boys small body began to shiver, the cold finally sinking in, "If only life could be a fairy tale, if only you had stayed..." Tonocuchi trailed off sadly, a hint of bitter hate that was never there lingered in his words. All Tonocuchi wanted was to have his "knight" as he had jokingly called him, back, he'd give anything for his wish to be true. The reality however, was that Aster would never return. White hair gently fell in Tonocuchi's eyes, he didn't bother to brush it away. He'd need to return soon, he'd catch a cold if he stayed, "Why?" he asked again before turning and heading towards the home with some many people. No matter what the home was always so cold, even on Christmas...
Tonocuchi received a strong hug upon entering his home, his fiancé...he put on a fake smile and hugged her back. "It's rude for the guest of honor to go missing!" She chided trying to kiss his lips, when Tonocuchi turned his head she pouted and settled for his cheek and lead him into the masses, at least 500 people were present for the announcement of the engagement. Tonocuchi hated these events, he was used to them by now but he simply didn’t like needing to smile around people he didn't even know. His smile faltered slightly as he remembered Aster being by his side during such events, Tonocuchi new he was being ridiculous, so hung-up on his friend from so long ago, but Aster was the only friend he'd ever had who didn't try to hurt or obtain something from him. A woman in gaudy make-up approached. "Congratulations" She smiled flakily, you could tell she'd had to much plastic surgery, her face was stiff and her lips too big. Tonocuchi thanked her curtly and ran into the shadows, his fiancé close behind. Tonocuchi looked over at the woman he would soon marry, "Rebecca, can I be alone for awhile he asked solemnly, she didn't need to ask why.
She went into the crowed discouraged, she hated Aster almost as much as Tonocuchi loved him. If Aster hadn't come she would've had her happy ending, a pair of twins and a loving husband, that’s all she wanted; Now Tonocuchi wouldn't grow close to anyone else, all of Rebecca’s friends were happy, they kissed their soon to be spouses regularly, with Tonocuchi a kiss on the cheek was rarely allowed. 'Why did that ingrate need to be in the rose garden, why couldn't he have tripped into the sea instead of messing with my life!' She thought, gripping her elaborate dress so tightly it seemed like it would rip.
Tonocuchi looked at the boy sleeping in the rose bushes, 'Is that comfortable?' he thought the question to himself. Tonocuchi went over to the boy and begin poking softly on the cheek him over and over. "Rebecca look!" He shouted over to an adorable blonde girl, she had ribbons in her hair and an adorable baby blue dress that brought out her eyes. Rebecca ran over to him immediately, upon seeing the boy she gasped in horror, "I-Is he dead!?" she asked on the verge of panic. "He can't be, he's still warm." Tonocuchi told her scowling, "Let's sneak him in the castle!" Tonocuchi suggested taking the rose-boy's arms. Rebecca looked at him skeptically, she knew this was a bad idea but even so she toke boy by his legs and hurried with Tonocuchi to his room, looking for the castle servants and listening for footsteps slowed their progress to a crawl, somehow they did manage to succeed. The two children lifted the boy onto Tonocuchi's bed. Tonocuchi looked at the boy scowling, the rose-boy was almost the exact opposite to himself, wear Tonocuchi was nearly snow pale this boy was dark, like he'd been in the sun to long, right before you start looking like a carrot. The boy's hair was black to Tonocuchi's white, "I bet his eyes are blue." Tonocuchi thought keeping his own dark red eyes in mind. The dark boy wore tattered clothes, you could tell he wasn't from around the area, which was owned by Tonocuchi's father and housed only servants and a few trusted noble families
Aster opened his deep blue eyes, he could hear breathing, gentle, calming, all he wanted to do was sleep more. He suddenly sat up in the bed, making himself dizzy, everything becoming white, after he could see strait again he looked over to were the breathing was coming from. It was a boy, about his own age, he looked delicate, breakable. Aster gently touched the boy's cheek, it wasn't a doll. The boy turned and mewed gently in his sleep, Aster jumped back seeing this, thinking the boy had been woken up, the white haired boy slept soundly though. Aster simply sat and stared at him.
Tonocuchi woke up to eyes the most brilliant blue looking down on him, slowly getting up he never looked away from those eyes. "Your eyes are blue!" He exclaimed sleep saturating his voice. "Who are you?" he asked still not all in the realms in reality.
"Aster." The black haired boy answered, "What's yours?" he asked Tonocuchi looking around the room. He scratched his head "Where am I?" He looked back at Tonocuchi waiting for answers.
"I'm Tonocuchi, and I don't really know where you are, I've never gone far beyond these lands myself." Tonocuchi swung his legs off the bed, "Do you want dinner?" He asked, the stars were already beginning to appear.
Tonocuchi dragged Aster down to the dining hall, despite his protests, "No one will say anything." Tonocuchi informed him knowingly. Entering the hall all those important enough to sit at the overly large table; Less then one-third the amount of people needed to fill it, gasps were heard. Tonocuchi smiled happily at them and dragged the protesting Aster to a chair and ordering him to sit. Aster continued to grumble until food was brought out, the remembering he was starving he quickly grabbed one of everything and ate the food at amazing speed, quickly asking for seconds. Tonocuchi looked over at Aster with an "I told you so" look and continued eating his, considerably smaller portion.
Tonocuchi happily ran ahead of Aster, and Rebecca who had joined them after dinner followed behind the two boys in the rear. "Is he always like this?" Aster asked Rebecca. "Yes, I'm afraid so." She responded elegantly. Aster looked at her wide eyed, Rebecca was younger then him and her speech was so eloquent already...he looked ahead seeing Tonocuchi had lost them he ran ahead not hearing when Rebecca asked why he was staring at her.
Tonocuchi having run ahead didn't notice when he had gone from the castle into the underground maze that existed beneath his home. It was musty and smelled like the decay, he could tell it wasn't a nice place to end up in, on top of that it was so dark it was impossible for him to know his way back. Tonocuchi having been told when lost that he should stay in one place, did just that and waited sitting down on the hard stone floor.
Aster and Rebecca wandered into the maze, Aster having common sense had brought a flash light and quite a bit of rope so as they didn't get lost. Rebecca squeal every time a mouse ran by her shoes or when she touched the wall, that was covered in squishy black moss and bugs.
Tonocuchi sighed happily having seen the small light coming from the lamp he ran to it smiling, not affected by the ordeal. Aster looked at him and sighed, it's not like he cared for a boy he had just met that day. Rebecca however, hugged him tightly and started sobbing. The trio headed back without further issue, though they were scolded by the maid and promptly sent to bath and got to bed.
As soon as Tonocuchi heard Aster closed the door he began undressing. "W-wait!" Aster yelled flustered, not at all used to seeing others naked. While Tonocuchi did look at him he didn't halt and before Aster had said his piece he was heading to the bath room and getting ready to clean himself.
"I hate bathing twice a day..." Tonocuchi grumbled dragging Aster into the bathroom with him. "Can't I just bathe in the morning and get it over with?" Even if Aster had wanted to answer he wouldn't have been able too. "Why are your clothes still on?" Tonocuchi asked innocently, he always bathed with the friends of his that stayed over and didn't think anything of it. Aster figuring it was better not to fight with the boy who had helped him and he to prepared to bath.
Aster sighed happily having gotten out of the bath, it had been at least a week since he'd had one, despite the fact that he'd had to bath with another boy it had been relaxing. He jumped on the bed and just lay there for what seemed forever, Tonocuchi was still in the bathroom, he'd said something about medicine and chased Aster out, it's not like he cared, he was happy just to relax.
Tonocuchi in his pink bunny pajamas gently shook Aster who had fallen asleep, Opening his eyes slowly, he had no idea he'd fallen asleep Tonocuchi handed Aster some kitten pajamas. "If you sleep in just underwear you'll catch cold." He laughed mischievously as he said it.
Aster blushed deep red "Y-Your one to talk, your wearing pjs that make you look like a rabbit!" he retorted embarrassed. Tonocuchi just smiled and laughed, it had been so long since he'd has this much fun.
After Aster was dressed both boys slept soundly till the morning
It was hot, boiling, Aster and Tonocuchi groaned as they lay on the grass roasting, they could see their lives roasting before their eyes. The maids wouldn't be happy do to them leaving morning lessons to play and nice clothes dirtied. Aster looked over at Gonococci "What happened to this being fun, I feel like I'll going to catch fire any minute!" He looked angrily at his friend and sat up, he'd rather face the staff then deal with this heat.
"They'll eat you alive." Tonocuchi sang, he to sitting up, "We should go to the sea!" he announced happily, it wasn't a question or suggestion, despite the heat Tonocuchi grabbed Aster's arm and ran happily to the nearby ocean.
Aster ever cautious protested but Tonocuchi ignored him as always running strait into the beautiful blue waters. Aster watched Tonocuchi thinking, what he would do about his mission? Why did Tonocuchi love rabbit pjs and most importantly...was now a good time to exact his revenge. Aster dismissed the first to questions in favor in dealing with the third, he charged at Tonocuchi and the water war began, any living creatures in the area ran from the two as water flew in droplets threw the air, before they grew tired the sunset had painted the sky.
Aster covered Rebecca’s mouth as a large rat ran past them, another one of Tonocuchi's plans, probably the worst one yet, there were rumors of a ghost hunting the abandoned house they were currently exploring. Aster shuttered, there were spiders everywhere, he hated spiders, to make matters worse Tonocuchi had run ahead. Unlike Aster Tonocuchi had no problem leaving behind Rebecca to explore. All he wanted was to go home and take a bath.
Rebecca screamed as the rodent ran by, it was huge, at least a foot in length...she blushed briefly as Aster covered her mouth. She walked head a little before screaming again as her foot fell through the floor. Her emerald dress was covered in cobwebs and dust it was torn from needing to crawl over furniture. She saw the flashlight Tonocuchi had with him an ran towards it, hoping that this ordeal would be over when she reached him.
Tonocuchi hugged Rebecca as she ran to him. He smiled at Aster and headed to the stairwell that ended in the basement. Rebecca followed Tonocuchi willingly quickly dismissing the idea of a ten-foot rat but Aster could just imagine the spiders, however he'd rather deal with spiders then be left alone. He gradually made his way down reluctant to touch anything for fear of spiders.
When Aster made it to the last step just before it broke he shuddered as dozens of spiders ran from it and went to where Tonocuchi and Rebecca had settled on the floor. All that was left to do was wait for something to happen. Aster constantly complained about spiders crawling all over him and Rebecca whimpered about the rats and any odd sounds. Tonocuchi however seemed to be having fun, hours past.
Aster's eyes grew wide as he pointed behind Tonocuchi frightened two red eyes were glowing. "B-Behind you!" He murmured terrified.
Tonocuchi turn around to see the ghost but stopped. His smile faded into a look of shock and fear, what Tonocuchi saw wasn't a ghost, it was human though it looked more dead then alive with its skeletal body, markings were all over it. "F-Forsaken..." Tonocuchi muttered he'd heard the rumors but had never thought he'd see one. "R-Run!" He managed to give the order that allowed them escape. They ran from the home, tripping over debris they never looked back, the creature cried out in pain, the sound resounding. In the morning the house was gone, no one asked why…
Tonocuchi glared at Rebecca, what happened to girls being to stupid to learn!? Tonocuchi had decided if he had to suffer hours of classes Rebecca did too, he never thought she'd enjoy it! He watched complete her homework then looked at his own which was only half way done, Aster always got stumped on math so that was all he'd have left. Tonocuchi grumbled and continued, he knew complaining would only make it longer. Sighing Tonocuchi turned to Aster wanting to vent, Aster hadn't even started his homework, he'd been acting weird since the forsaken incident. Tonocuchi went over to his friend. "What's wrong, are you sick?" Tonocuchi, even if he found finding new ideas to discreetly abuse Aster, didn't like his friend sad, he liked it even less if someone else was bugging him.
Aster looked at Tonocuchi sadly, he quickly wiped his eyes and put on a smile. "N-no, I'm fine." Tonocuchi didn't ask even if he could hear the tears beginning to spill over. He just moved behind him and they sat back to back as Aster cried his heart out, the endless sorrow that he'd brought and attained being released.
Aster looked at the bathroom door, he'd wondered what kind of medicine Tonocuchi used, it toke him forever to take, when asked Tonocuchi got evasive and sometimes depressed. Returning to his thoughts in class Aster began sorting out his situation, needless to say it was bad, not dangerous but he was confused. Tonocuchi, unlike his family didn't expect anything all he wanted was a friend it was like a breath of fresh air to Aster who was taught duty and obligation since birth. The thought made him angry for some reason, even if it didn't mean much Tonocuchi was more affectionate then Aster's own mother! What kind of mother would allow her son to go into enemy territory and gather information!? No, that wasn't right, Tonocuchi wasn't an enemy, anyone who wore bunny pjs couldn't be bad. Aster knew he couldn't avoid the truth forever, but he was happy just living, he'd decide what side to choose later for the moment he'd follow Tonocuchi's lead and play with Rebecca in the flower mazes.
Yelling, Aster had become used to it, Tonocuchi was always getting yelled at, when he got out he'd run off and think of another adventure...Aster waited outside to room, why was it taking so long?
The sound of glass breaking, muffled by the door alerted Aster, he opened the door slowly, after all, maybe something had just fell, Aster hoped. Tonocuchi was on the floor, covered in red wine he'd curled up into a ball, it was a glass that had been thrown at him...his father had been drinking. The lord threw insults at his son before grabbing a bottle of wine; His eyes bore no love...
Aster's mind had gone blank, all he knew was his friend was bleeding, hurt, he ran to Tonocuchi without thinking shielding him from the bottle, Tonocuchi didn't move when he heard the sound of the glass braking when it hit Aster's back the blood adding to Tonocuchi’s. Aster began to panic, he grabbed Tonocuchi's hand and ran, he didn't stop until the rain had soaked his clothes...Blood rain down with the rain, it was worse then it looked. Aster looked at Tonocuchi his eyes grew wide...The Lord of Blood looked so weak...he'd always been charging ahead, Aster had never once seen Tonocuchi cry. Now seeing his friend covered in blood, sobbing Aster realized how weak his friend was...It was a sight he never wanted to see, He knew that from here on out he'd never be able to betray the boy who’s world was, ever so slowly breaking to pieces before his eyes.
Tonocuchi sunk to the ground, the blood had stopped, the rain still fell, though it didn't hide the tears that fell, it comforted him a little, maybe God was crying with him...Tonocuchi felt arms wrap around him, Aster, the crying intensified he grabbed on to his friend, holding on for dear life. Tonocuchi let his mind go blank, he simply cried and held on to the warmth that had comforted him.
"It's so cold" Aster murmured as the rain poured down.
The flowers drenched in blood and sorrow lure those who urn for a warm embrace into the deepest pit of despair,
even the dance of the sun and moon cannot grant piece to those who fall pray to the spender...
Aster carried a sleeping Tonocuchi into the bedroom they shared, he could feel a cold coming on. He quickly removed Tonocuchi's clothes, seeing as the boy wasn't waking and tucked him in, not bothering with the bunny pajamas Aster though all he wanted was to sleep put his very feminine kitten pjs and snuggled close to his friend, he'd take care of the cuts later. The two slept dreamlessly.
Aster woke up dazed he looked at the maid who stood above him. No one asked the important question of how he got the cuts on his back, that was how it was, everyone lived for themselves, as long as they were happy no one cared about the people around them. The thought angered Aster, he looked over at Tonocuchi, the maids didn't dare separate them while the other was sleeping, doing so made them both nervous. Thinking about last night Aster almost cried...It was so cruel...Tonocuchi had never done anything wrong, sure the other boy was pushy and selfish but compared to anyone else Aster knew Tonocuchi was close to a saint. The maids had finished working on the boys and soon brought in breakfast. Aster didn't wake his friend, he didn't want to face the reality that one night had changed is friend, probably for the rest of his life.
Tonocuchi groaned, why was he sore all over? Aster was starring intently at him like a
lost little puppy, he seemed to be about to cry. The white haired boy toke all this in
analytically, still in shock from the night before. He looked over at the alarm clock seeing it was four -thirty already; He needed to get up. Aster hugged him tightly as he got up,
crying, Tonocuchi looked at his friend sleepily and returned the gesture.
Seeing the bandages hidden under Aster's pajamas Tonocuchi remembered the night before, snapping out of his haze he held his friend tighter. "Why'd you get in the way!" He asked suddenly angry, more so at himself then his friend. Looking at Tonocuchi quietly Aster began crying harder.
"B-because, I-I couldn't allow you to get hurt." Aster let go of Tonocuchi looking down like he'd done something wrong. "Why didn't you say anything?" He asked pitifully. Tonocuchi looked away quietly. This made Aster mad, they were friends weren’t they!? Gathering his courage, he voiced his thought to his friend in a angered whisper.
"I doesn’t matter..." Tonocuchi answered his friends inquiry defensively. He wanted to tell Aster, but he didn't want his friend involved. Aster swallowed the lump in his throat, he began sobbing loudly.
"We’re friends right!?" He managed to shout through his tears, the thought resounded in his mind. He hated the thought of his friend being hurt. For the first time since he arrived at the castle Aster thought that, just maybe, the rebel's were right. Maybe the nobles really were evil, making Tonocuchi cry...Standing up he left the room, hoping Tonocuchi would say something. His friend was silent.
Even as he ran Aster's tears wouldn't stop, the small world he'd lived in was falling apart. What hurt the most wasn't that he couldn't do anything, it was that he was the only one who could keep it together. When he'd stopped running the large château was in the distance. He'd thought about running away, a thousand times at least, but even now he wanted to stay in the bubble of blissful ignorance that surrounded Tonocuchi's life. Reluctantly he headed back, at the least he stay with his friend with...right?
It's not that Tonocuchi didn't trust him, he just didn't want Aster to get hurt, he'd wanted to voice the thought but he couldn't. Startled out of his gloomy reverie he realized he was crying, wiping his eyes quickly he saw Aster come in. He'd though Aster had finally left, he didn't expect him to even stay the last six months.
Even if Aster had cried more then Tonocuchi The black haired boy still looked better. With his pale skin and red eyes the noble boy looked flushed and sickly. That was one of the reasons Aster hated seeing the other boy cry.
Neither one said anything, it was a silent agreement to leave it be. Nothing would be solved because Tonocuchi didn't want to see it. Walking up to his friend Aster hugged him tightly, he began crying again, but soon after he fell asleep.
"So, you'll be my knight in shining armor?" Tonocuchi joked to himself. "Let's just hope one of us gets a happy ending..." He continued bitter sweetly.
Snow, you hardly ever saw snow beside up in the mountains. Rebecca charged into the fluffy white substance happily planning to make a snow angel. Once her task was completed she looked over to were Aster and Tonocuchi were standing, she pouted, they had gotten closer since they met. While that was expected Rebecca didn't like that Aster was closer to Tonocuchi then she herself.
Curiously Aster looked at Rebecca seeing her stare the young girl quickly looked away blushing. A snowball hit his ear with amazing accuracy, seeing the culprit Aster made a snowball and missed terribly. Tonocuchi laughed and began throwing the white orbs relentlessly. Watching the spectacle Rebecca sighed thinking boys were weird.
An overly large Christmas Tree stood in the center of a equally overly large ball room. Rebecca loved these parties, she could dress up and everyone complimented her saying she was cute or pretty. Glaring at her two everlasting companions she scowled. They looked absolutely adorable! Why weren’t they more cheery about this!? At least Aster tolerated the event Tonocuchi was actually hiding behind his opposite. Smirking evilly Rebecca grabbed a bit of mistletoe from a near-by decoration. Sneaking behind Aster who had his back turned trying to convince his friend to "act like a man"; which he was failing horribly at, lifted it above the two. Both of them knowing what it meant stopped their squabble blushing deep red and grabbed for the plant.
One of the reasons neither boy fought with Rebecca was because she had perfected the art of fake tears. Using this ability now both boys looked at each other bright as tomatoes. Facing each other they nodded in agreement, gently touching their lips together. Squealing Rebecca ran off leaving Tonocuchi and Aster to deal with the awkward silence she had caused.
The smaller body snuggled into him shivering, the other boy had been like this for three days already. Worried Aster felt his friends forehead. It was warm, he could feel the tears coming. The last thing he wanted was for Tonocuchi to die of fever. Snuggling into his friend Aster tried his best to hold back the tears, hoping everything would be better in the morning. Whining at his wet pajamas, he wasn't doing any better, the sweat from the boy had soaked both their clothes. The black haired boy was at his limit, his best friend looked worse. Tonocuchi was breathing heavily, pale complexion a sickly pale he mumbled incoherently signaling he was awake. Aster knew they’d be separated soon if things didn't improve.
Eyes growing wide he watched the blood fly from Tonocuchi’s mouth. He was scared, ‘What if his friend died!?’ the frantic though flashed through his mind. If Tonocuchi died Aster really wouldn’t have anywhere to go. Aster toke his friend into his arms, more to comfort himself then his friend.
Peaking from under the covers Aster looked around at the sound of the door opening. Shivering Tonocuchi opened his eyes curiously, he tried to move from under his friend who was cuddling on top of him protectively. It was a maid both boys tensed, Tonocuchi coughed haggardly. Aster felt panic raise both knew what was coming.
The maid who was unfortunate to have to separate the two approached slowly. Four others came in reluctantly and surrounded the bed. One of them pulled the blankets off the duo roughly, snatching them from Aster who had grabbed on to them in a childish attempt to keep them from his friend. Another maid grabbed the black-haired boy and tried to drag him out of the room which provoked kicking and loud wailing. Tonocuchi who had by now, was to weak to move had another coughing fit which just increased Aster’s struggling.
It toke near half an hour to take Aster from the room, still highly objecting to the idea, they placed him in a room across the mansion, not unlike the one he inhabited with his now ill friend and called one of the family doctors to examine him.
“What’s going on!?” glaring at the doctor murderously Aster asked desperately. He moved into a fetal position about to cry. The doctor looked at him sadly and went through the normal routine. The man was young with messy brown hair. Just looking at him you’d never think he was a doctor his name was…Hendrick Aster barely recalled the name because he was one of the few adults who looked after him.
In his white lab coat Hendrick sat across from his charge and spoke sweetly “Listen, Aster, the young lord has a severe form of a disease called tuberculosis.” He patted the boys head seeing fear in his eyes. “It most likely won’t kill him but it is contagious and we don’t want you getting sick.” It didn’t comfort Aster much so Hendrick decided not to mention what long term effects Tonocuchi would suffer from if he got better.
Letting it all sink in the child hid himself in the somewhat dusty covers and ignored all Hendricks attempts to comfort him. He could honestly say it was the worst day of his life. Sobbing quietly he heard the doctor leave talking to the maids as he left. Aster didn’t know if he wanted comfort or not and just cried until he fell asleep.
Breathing heavily long black hair nearly touching the floor glided through the air. A dagger clutched to her ample chest a young lady dressed as a maid. About 15 in age she was shaking fearfully. "I have to..." She mumbled to secure here wavering determination. She looked around the corner seeing the door to the young lord of the homes room she wanted to run away, what right did she have to kill a child? A man in a white lab coat in his early 20s looked around like a child doing something he knew he wasn't supposed to he looked toward her curiously, sighing in relief after she retreated out of his site. He turned and whispered nervously to the other side of the door. She toke the chance to run behind him, the man squeaked feeling the dagger at his back. His overly thick glasses bounced comically as he stuttered. "Open the door." She commanded his in a whisper. She was met by quiet refusal. The door opened inwardly and the teen pushed inwardly causing a boy who looked much like the girl it cry out as his nose was hit. The white haired child looked over weakly, obviously ill.
Running at the white haired child still unaware of his companion the girl held her dagger resolutely before being tackled to the ground by young Aster. Tonocuchi looked at the two hazily, his mind foggy do to his Illness. Seeing the situation Hendrick stammered and waved his arms in attempt to form coherent thought. The girl looked at the boy who was still binding her legs with his arms, her dagger that had flown into the wall now forgotten tears of joy formed. Aster realizing the same, hugged her tightly.
Touching the girls shoulder Hendrick went over to the wall and removed the dagger before heading out and leaving expecting them to follow. Aster went over to Tonocuchi who was laying down. He'd been so happy when the doctor had told him that Tonocuchi was going to be alright, however the recovery was long. Long ago this disease would simply leave with no affects, he didn't know the details but apparently his friend would never fully recover. Like the many times before Aster thought about this fact while he told his friend goodbye. It was ridiculous, they’d see each other again but Aster still hadn't gotten used to being away from his friend for so long.
Opening the door to his study Hendrick looked at the two accusingly. Aster looked sheepish, guilty and like he wanted to cry. Patting the boy's head the doctor looked at the girl who appeared to be his sister. She breathed in. "I am Aria Vailis." She answered the unspoken question softly.
"I won't ask your reasons or were you came from, but if you want to stay alive never try that again." Hendrick recommended coldly, had Aria been caught Aster too would have faced execution. Unlike the others the good doctor assumed that Aster was a spy, admittedly a bad one from the rebels to the far south. Which leads to why he had taken the boy in. Maybe do to his occupation he didn't want to see the boy hanged at such a young age.
Flinching at the words she looked at her brother in his fine clothes and began putting the pieces together. She didn't know whether to be happy or sad. Aster had had no plans of returning, he was happy were he was. "I would like to remain here." She whispered the words down cast.
The doctor looked up from his hands which were oh so interesting surprised. "I honestly don't care, but are you sure?" Her nod was reluctant. "You can stay in my room, I'll arrange it." Hendick sighed and stood up. Aster turned to go to bed, they could deal with the details latter it was late. Aster was relived, he'd missed his sister so much...
Lips touched nervously, repeatedly. two young faces looked at each other embarrassed. The smaller of the boys backed away slightly wonder in why he'd come up with this idea. It wasn't that he felt ant romantic inclination toward the other boy, he'd seen the adults do it often enough and wondered what the big deal was. He had to admit it was more pleasant then the last time they’d kissed, which had been years ago do to a certain someone's little prank. He looked at Aster shyly, his friend obviously uncomfortable. It was odd Tonocuchi never imagined Aster would become taller then him so soon. The other boy hugged his friend suddenly pushing him to the bed. Tonocuchi wondered why he did this, it had begun shortly after his first attack had subsided.
The darker boy would pull him into embraces when they were alone, it was the only time his younger self was clearly visible. Sometimes Tonocuchi missed the days when he could push Aster around at a whim, now he was dependent on him. In all honesty he didn't mind always being with Aster, he just knew he had no obligation to stay. He'd suggested running away a few times but Tonocuchi's asthma attacks were so common and serious that they could never make it together.
Another thing the four-teen year old wondered about was Aster's sister, he didn't like her... she had gotten so close to Hendrick that if they decided to leave Aster would probably go with. Both boys knew Tonocuchi's life was unpredictable in terms of heath otherwise they probably would have tried to leave simply because Tonocuchi wished it.
A light knock followed by a much to soon entrance by Aria made the white haired boy jump slightly and made her younger brother frown in disappointment. Though she had served the home for seven years she still didn't approve of their friendship which often caused complications, the main one being Aster's desire to stay with his friend. She'd often tried to get her sibling to leave, and such plans were found out by the young nobel she was so against. Being overly protective of his friend Aster was always somewhat hostile towards her when near the sickly boy.
Making a motion that Tonocuchi knew all to well he felt Aster's warmth leave him. He groaned slightly as he already missed the contact. His guard followed the maid quickly, he to wanting to get this small ordeal over with.
The letter said the words he feared so very much. His sister looked at him somberly. Even if she didn't like his friend she wouldn't tear them apart willingly. He was speechless, tears fell onto the parchment increasingly fast. Hendrick patted him gently.
"I'm sorry..." Aria was distressed as well. "It'll work out...You'll forget living here and you'll see your old friends!" She consoled in a happy tone of voice.
He felt reality crashing down on him. Looking at his caretakers like they’d betrayed him he ran back to the room he'd slept in for the past four years. A startled Tonocuchi looked up from his book. Aster slammed and locked the door behind him and went over to his friend holding him close.
"What wrong?" The white haired boy asked concerned. Aster was crying on his shoulder heavily hands almost digging into the other boys back. Tonocuchi rubbed his partners back soothingly trying to comfort him.
"I don't want to..." The crying boy whispered in defeat snuggling closer as if to fuse together with his friend.
He didn't know when he fell asleep, when he looked out the window it was night. His breath was hot as he inhaled through his nose. He was going to start crying again. Getting out of bed, careful not to wake the other child Aster began to gather a few items for the journey eastward. He hated leaving but the only other option was to kill Tonocuchi, which to would require him to run away.
Hearing the quiet commotion Aster caused Tonocuchi rose groggily from the bed. "What are you doing?" He asked the question, voice oddly filled with dread. He knew something bad was happening, earlier he hadn’t persisted it finding out why Aster was crying, now he wished he had. "Your going somewhere arn't you..." Aster's shoulders slumped.
"I'm sorry..." The tears were coming again. "I'm sorry..." He repeated, the sobbs freezing him where he sat.
"Then don't go..." Tonocuchi's voice was becoming horse. He got off the bed and went over to the other child. He toke Aster's hand in his and the two just sat for awhile, a quiet acknowledgment of how helpless they were. Once again Aster began packing, there wasn't much time.
Reluctantly, the adolescent albino began to help as well, he didn't know what else to do...
When Aster's small bag was full with a few necessities, mostly for cleanliness as Aria and Hendrick would bring food. Aster headed for the balcony which conveniently had vines all the way till the ground.
The tears were no longer waterfalls but were still flowing steadily. Aster felt pressure on his back as Tonocuchi held him from behind. "I won't let you!" He nearly yelled through the tears. Aster remained silent before turning.
"I promise to come back ok..."Aster assured, he knew it was unlikely, both of them knew this but it helped give hope. A slight blush appeared on his cheeks. He freed himself from Tonocuchi's grip and faced his friend tears still falling. Very timidly, gently Aster gave Tonocuchi a kiss on the lips. All was silent but for the sounds of tears and crikets.
Finally after Aster realized he'd stayed far to long he climbed over the banister onto the vine leading to the ground. The two gave each other one last look, showing fake smiles before Aster began his descent. When he looked back up at the balcony, no one was there.
The roses had stopped blooming just a few months before, but for him he still remembered their pungent stench as vividly as the day he left. He looked at his companions with a confident air about him, in reality he felt anything but...
"Hey, I thought you said this place was filled with roses, I looked forward to looking at them..." He was at the right, oddly small for the age of 17 at 5'3" and had an odd hair color being a princely blonde in the front but gradually it turned pink toward the nape of his neck. He seemed excited about the crime they were about to commit.
"It's winter, The roses won't bloom for three or four months Ichiruki..."He looked at his friend's hair wonderingly before asking, "How do you get your hair like that he mumbled under his breath."
"I bleach it, duh." He laughed the atmosphere among the band of rebels was contagious. Ichiruki's green bright eyes met the deep blue ones of their leader for the mission, "Why aren’t you excited? If we pull this off it'll be the biggest victory in ten years..." He was concerned Aster had never before taken arms against the Rebels, so why now?
"The war is nothing but a thorn in my side, I'm merely here to keep my promise." He replied as he readied the bombs attentively. Aster had waited so long, if everything went well he wouldn't mind dieing tomorrow.
"If I didn't know better I'd say you were in love." Ichiruki chided playfully trying to get Aster to relax. He eyes widened when he saw the 18-year-old's blush. He decided best not to say anything, it didn't really matter to him, as long as Aster was still his friend in the end.
"Get ready!" Asters athoritive voice resounded on the rooftop the bombs were ready and all was set. His tall lean body was silhouetted by the moon. The rebels toke their places and, after a loud boom the roof collapsed inward.
The ceiling caved in suddenly, he was stunned, eyes wide. Rebecca! He began to rush into the falling debris before being pulled back by a small young lady with auburn pigtails. Her eyes were an almost red brown. "Do you really wana die?" She asked playfully gripping his arm.
"But!" He looked at the glass, metal and stone, "What about Rebecca?" Naturally he was worried for his cousin. Reluctantly he toke the girl's hand and lead her to a hallway that hadn't been covered over. Tonocuchi had seen the burst of flames the mansion was under attack and the most important thing was living.
"How grown up you are...taking charge." She teased flirtatiously. "I'm Audery Ellwood, I suppose we will be together for awhile now won't we?" She hugged on to his arm not at all bothered buy the fact that their lives were at risk.
"Now isn't the time, we need to focus on surviving before all else...however..." Tonocuchi pushed her aganst the wall and kissed her passionately. "After if you would like to get to know each other I'd be happy to oblige." He said seductively before continuing in his search for a safe place, he expected Audery to follow. Turning the corner he heard the girl scream before he felt a cloth over his nose and mouth. ‘Chloroform' He thought before he lost himself to the darkness.
"...iculus, we can't take hostages, it's to risky." Tonocuchi heard the conversation half way through, not yet processing the words, his breathing was haggard...he was having an attack. He felt a dull ache in his arm, after a few minutes his breathing returned to normal and he fell into a daze.
"She's pretty an't she? All we need to do is get rid of the guy." Tonocuchi looked over at the man who said it. He was blond half of his hair fell into his left eye. Tonocuchi had already decided he didn't like him. The man's faced flashed with fear seconds before the white haired boy was "helped" up by his tied hands.
Whoever was behind him released his hands and Tonocuchi reflexively turned around to demand answers but stopped with his mouth open when he saw his captor's face. "You bastard!" He accused kneeing his old friend in the groin. The taller teen buckled under the pain.
"I missed you too..." he groaned through the pain. After a minute he sat up and glared at the other rebel's who quite wanted to kill the albino. "Is she your girlfriend?" He asked jealously.
"Like hell, I just met her." He scoffed. Tonocuchi looked around, there were steps..."We are outside the grounds..." He said it as if it were a miracle. He looked down at Aster and hugged him gratefully. "Thank you!" It was for more then just releasing him from the home that had been his prison, it was also for the promise kept.
((This is the bare bones version, I hope to make it far longer...Write any questions/comments that come to mind...*figgets*
Subject: A story I wrote, Please comment 
Wed Jul 13, 2011 7:21 pm
