AmanuensiS

Alike a stranger lying in his bed clothed purely in a white dress, he was nothing but bewildered.

His skin so pale and body so hairless. Time felt as if reset, yet it had not. Marching onward a year into this present, the brunette was presented with odd turns of events which played his emotions like a violin.

So many tears had been shed, Leo lost track of everything around him so that the foreign hand wiping the thick drops off his cheek felt alienating and comforting concurrently. Eyeballs heavy as weights, his throat feeling as if trying to swallow stones, not to mention his shriek once his name was spoken by a voice all too familiar.

-"Leo..?", the hand was drawn back with carefulness. Naturally, the brunette could match this tone to but one person he knew and cherished more than any other.

-"Ah-" His vocal chords were too swollen to allow conversing. Failing tones and noises only affirmed that. Upon giving up, Leo only stared at the blonde with watery magenta orbs. Silent.

-"It is as you may have guessed..", Putting his fingers together, Ray started in a gentle voice not to unsettle Leo more than he was. Although wearing a terribly calm look, his voice revealed sadness rooted deeply in his chest.

-"You.. were d- dead until just now. But- I managed to bring you back..

just like you did with me back then.. remember?" A pained look started forming in his emerald orbs.

-"Only difference is.. uhm.. I was happy about it.. but you seem to be not-" "No!"

The brunette's weak body didn't seem to handle the coughing fit after his interjection well.

Fighting his body Leo desperately tried to speak. Ray handed him some water to hydrate his throat.

Something pleasant about watching Leo doing something, anything, really.. since it had been so long Ray saw Leo move. Ahh, it had been too long for lovers to be apart.

-"So.. you saw, right? My depression got the better of me.. and I actually gave in like a total idiot"

-"Don't call yourself that, Leo."

-"Ray, please.. I threw life away.. right after you gave me half of your heart.."

Silence spoke the loudest in that moment whilst their eyes locked.

-"And yet? You're here, alive. You chose to be alive, after all-"

-"But tha-" * cough * "That was only a part of myself-"

-"I know. I know about your depressed side. Heck, do you think I didn't have suicidal thoughts?"

- ! "Ray..", trying to hold in his cough the brunette was handed more water.

-"Yeah, I saw everything. How you were fighting your own self. I saw Life and Death clashing within you. Death lost by Life turning into the actual Death.. but I saved you and you accepted the half, Leo.."

-"I-" * cough * "I know.. but I don't know if- I deserve you.. after all this.."

The weak breeze gently pushed the white tied together curtains. A little sundust came to.

Flying dotted spots marked some areas in the room. Being illuminated by golden aura, the spaces were sunkissed, such as the space between Ray and Leo.

The blonde placed his palm upon his heart.

-"This heart beats for none other than you-

It will continue beating for you as long as you want me to-" "I know..",

Leo's tears were reawakened.

-"When you died, I stopped caring about my life as well. I was acting careless, I let myself be imprisoned. Not sure, if you know this place called UKR.. it's like the best prison out there,

but we managed to pull of a jailbreak. All.. because I was told I could maybe see you alive again..

I had everyone follow me, too.. I guess that was what you must have felt like when you led the whole lot at Res Novae, right?"

The stones in Leo's throat seemed to pile up. Breathing – an act so natural – felt so unbelievably hard right now. As I can only lend him my ear to listen, I began to experience a feeling so old I could have sworn I had almost forgotten it..

-"And so.. we met up with Shanna. You remember her, right? The mayor of Pandemonium?"

Leo gave a slight nod.

-"She was really happy to see me again. She also, was very excited to see us together again..

I was actually told something very depressing right after that, though..

They told me that you never existed in the first place.. like in this reality.. there's no Leo-"

To say that I felt shocked would be an understatement since I hardly could understand what Ray was talking about. The walls felt as if they wanted to collapse onto me and frankly speaking,

this was most likely my body giving up on me again. Strength faded and I was about to pass out until I felt his hand reach for my face again.

-"But we proved them wrong. You're here, Leo... you're real." My eyes were barely able to look upon his sweet face watching over mine. The safety I was graced with urged me only further to fall back into-

-"I don't want to die!", shouted Leo with a weak but strong voice he shouted, "I wanna live! I wanna-" Interrupting emotions blocked his message but Ray had understood him just fine.

In fact, he had been joining Leo. He couldn't help himself. This situation called upon tears, whether one liked it or not. Their faces were close now, with Leo fighting to stay awake and Ray's body shaking from fatigue, they were closer than they were in one year's time.

-"Ray.."

-"Leo..?"

The sobbing brunette put all of his effort into speaking.

-"I-- want to.. live with you. Will you-- love-- me?"

The light shone brighter than ever before now.

-"I will love you. Forever and ever after, Leo"

It was in this moment that I could feel my lips into forgotten angles.

He was smiling in this moment. We both were smiling at each other for the first time in forever.

Words couldn't express just how happy I had become in this moment.

I really am lucky. Maybe undeserved, but my luck had brought me someone who would love me for eternity and, most importantly love me for who I really am.

-"Thank.. yo-"

A kiss. But it was the first kiss that had felt real to me. Here I was, alive because of him and he kissed me on my lips. I could feel his body on top of mine, how his hair strands streamed into mine. He placed his head on my right shoulder.. God, this is perfect. I want to stay like this. Can't we stay like this forever?

"Thank you for changing the world for us", I heard his voice speak softly. I was only able to reply with a smile, tightening my grip around his body a final time before fading into

unconsciousness.

Rosenschnee: Amanuensis

Their tenderness lasted for a while. Covered with thoughts and blanketed with emotions the blonde took one last look at his beloved. The rose-flushed cheeks opposed pale skin starkly and his soft breathing calmed Ray's mind. Despite bearing the image unbefitting of a life trapped in comatose for a year,

the brunette's hair had indeed gotten longer. Would he stand it'd surely reach his ankles, although Ray would yet have to experience that sight himself. With utmost care put into his motions,

he made it off the bed without waking Leo. No cracks, no creaks. Slipping into his Oxford shoes as quietly as possible he left the room after taking his blazer off the hanger. After the door made its closing sound he could but let out a deep sigh, closing eyes, red face: "This is it.. I've made it… I've found purpose in life.. finally..." - He took the handkerchief to wipe his eyes, only after he realized it was handed to him by none other than-

-"Mr. Roseblood..?" The one addressed offered a kind smile in return. "Good to see you again, Ray"

I was wondering why the home was without its master when I came in. But, thankfully the loyal servants in this manor escorted me to the only room that truly mattered to my heart. This place did change a little. It wasn't the small castle-house it had been before, no. Now waiting at the end of King's Way was this fine manor which the King would often let people of Londinium use as their own home. The hundred or so rooms to sleep in were made use of gratefully, even by shelterless travellers. These other rooms were in different corridors, however. It was built this way, so Leo wouldn't feel cornered by strangers, Mr. Roseblood told me. That's also the reason why he had Leo's room be on the highest floor. Apparently, Leo likes high places but is afraid of heights simultaneously.. I gotta make sure to remember that. "Are you happy?" This question came out of nowhere, very much like him inviting me to one of the balconies to have a chat.

-"I am.. I- I mean I can't really put it into words, Sir.

The emotions in my head are new to me. I don't think I knew my heart could beat this fast."

Jack Roseblood began chuckling and refilling their wine glasses of water. Clear skies, a pretty view at the artistic garden and sunshine. One could hardly believe this was a Winter's day.

-"That's satisfaction you're perceiving. It does mean you're happy because you feel fulfilled"

-"I will cherish it, then."

-"Forgive me asking another question, Ray.."

-"Oh, please don't worry. I won't mind"

-"So then, you're in love with my son, eh?"

.

.

.

"God, this is playing out how Shanna had anticipated it!", his mind screamed at him,

"Okay, calm yourself. You spoke to this man over the phone before and so far he seems to genuinly like you. Keep it up and you might stay on his good-kid list-"

-"Yes… I do. I love Leo."

-"What is it about him that you love..?", gently knocking his glass against Ray's.

-"I love how he strives for the thing he wants the most with full effort. He goes to such extremes, putting his life on the line, so that other people can prosper. He never once saw me as inferior although I'm not as strong as him. And still, I'm not. But he doesn't judge, you know, Sir? Instead,

he gives power to others, encourages them to fight for their dreams. He's helped me.. realize who I want to be.. He's the one who completes me when we're together."

Jack's hopes had not been betrayed. Thankfully. He had hoped hearing Ray that last sentence for it was just the same Leo had spoken at the Kingston Hospital. A year ago, Jack had asked his son the same question:

"When I'm with Ray… my whole- existence feels complete. Like suddenly I'm whole again."

His hair in a rough wolf cut with bangs hanging slightly into his sharp achromatic eyes.

Naturally, he was taller than the blonde. And in some moments Ray would catch himself wondering why his father couldn't have been someone alike Jack Roseblood. Ray could see Jack was glad to hear this answer, which relieved him, leading his glass to lips.

-"Your tie's the same colour as Leo's eyes, I've noticed"

-"Yeah, I wanted this tie. Uhm, I normally.. don't wear formal clothing such as this. Shanna gave them to me since she figured you'd want to talk to me"

-"I should have thought of that. That's definitely something Shanna would do.

I suppose I should have worn something a little more fashionable, as well. I'm sorry,

'was busy helping out building a house"

-"There's absolutely no reason be sorry, Sir. I could have done well without this"

Both shared a laugh. The blonde admired he older one, playing with the thoughts of building a house for Leo and himself. Living somewhere quietly in peace..

-"I can sense you've made use of Hades. How's your arm feeling?"

Before answering I took a brief look at my left arm. Whilst being covered by fabric of the blazer,

there was perhaps nothing that could make me forget that I had a Hades arm now.

-"I wanna say.. alright? I can still feel fatigue from when I used it" By that tone Jack already knew.

-"You took a life, I assume"

-"I killed Bruce. That was the name of the white-rank who killed Leigh's mother"

-"The tall samurai from Res Novae?" Ray made a affirming sound.

-"I'm surprised that you managed to kill a white-rank when it was your first time using Hades"

-"Sir. It's just as you said. Hades is the manifestation of destructive force. In that moment,

I wanted nothing but for Bruce to be dead."

I needed that. Mr. Roseblood had put his arm on my shoulder, didn't say a single word and simply gave a smile like none other. It was as if speaking to me. "Don't be sad, don't be afraid. This is your power, only you can control it. These are your flames."

-"One more piece of advice, Ray. Don't ever hold back your tears. No matter who stands afore you, cry as much you want to. Only the strong are capable of that." And all of a sudden Ray's composed facial gesture came falling down. Allowing himself to openly admit to his emotion felt freeing.

Jack had known too well about Ray's past from Charles. Being able to hug and talk to Jack gave Ray his first feeling of being acknowledged by a father-figure.

Mumbling amidst his tears Jack could make out a 'thank you', smiling back at Shanna standing in the hallway.

-"...Sir?"

-"Yes, Ray ?"

-"Will you let me have your son?"

-"Of course-"

-"Do you.. think I deserve Leo..?"

-"Ray.. enough of these questions, already… In my eyes, you're the perfect fit for each other.

So have some confidence and enjoy yourself already. Life's not long after all, you know?"

Once he had spoken those words, a fire began burning inside my heart. I felt so grateful, so.. so very

grateful. How does one such as myself end up being this lucky after so much suffering?

I honestly do not know. Perhaps it's just how Life likes to play out.

After this talk with Mr. Roseblood I felt much better about the current situation between me and Leo. Talked for a sec to Shanna, then began making my way back to the people who had waited long enough for me. T'was the prisoners from UKR. Yeah, I can't quite believe it myself, but they actually considered me to be their boss ever since the jailbreak which occurred only a couple of hours back. This meant that from today on however, there would be two Blackwood-Gangs in this world. The other one being led by my father…

Every time I move up or down this staircase I fail to realize just how wide the steps are. Not to mention how beautifully crafted the handrails were. It had gotten more spacious, to say the least. Upon laying hand on the door's knob I could feel someone's presence standing behind my back.

Turning around, my eyes witnessed my love standing there, plainly. I don't think I've ever seen him wearing such casual clothing. Denim jeans, black slip-ons and a white hoodie on. It had taken me a second. His hair was hanging down. No spikes, no devil horns. Shoulder-length, which meant he'd cut it already after getting out of bed. Delicate his first tones were:

-"Uhm.. Uh- Wan-na stroll around London for a bit..?", the brunette blushed, breaking the ice.

-"Sh- Sure, I had the same in mind, actually but- Are you feeling well enough to walk around, yet?"

-"I don't know..", Leo carefully reached for Ray's face with his right palm, "You'll take care of me, should something happen, right?"

His hand scented of roses. Words rang clearly throughout the manor's foyer and Ray's ears. Tilting his head a little lower whilst taking his hand, he responded with "Forever and ever after.."

Smiling, Leo whispered

"I love you"

* Thud *

"At last!" "Ah yo, Boss we been waiting for ever-" "Finally Ray!"

"M and the others went off to go find a café or something.."

"Uhhhh" "Boss..?"

Needless to say all of Ray's friends were not expecting their Boss to come back with his love.

Eyeing them as a couple they began to understand that the brunette must have been the person Ray had always talked about. The discussion and gossiping found no end after that first encounter, no.

Both of them only spurred on further assumptions at the table in the café. What kind of person was the boss' boyfriend? What side did he not want to show them? "I'm sorry about that, Leo"

"All good here." "I should have given you a small warning,

I know you're not good with new people"

"You remembered Pandemonium.. sheesh, that was embarrassing", warming both hands in the front pocket of his hoodie. "How could I not remember that? Your reaction was cute but I didn't wanna tell you just then. I mean we weren't dating at that time.." "So you're saying you crushed on me from the very beginning, I see.." Ray stayed quiet but replied by taking Leo's hands out of the pocket. Curiosity was sparked in magenta eyes. "Ahh that's nice" Ray warmed Leo's hands by using his Will. He noticed I was cold without me telling him, his cheeks flushed a rosen colour.

After this short halt they began walking hand in hand down this road. Londinum kept its magic albeit it being Winter. The palms by the street lanterns were as colourful as in Summer and as it had gotten a little dark already, the eve was being welcomed by warm orange lighing. People thankfully didn't pay too much attention about the blonde-brunette couple. Some looked at them but none with negative intent. If paid closer attention, both of them had noticed the few compliments they had gotten, yet the boys could but concentrate on each other. Trying to painfully hide their shyness and affection, their face gave them away, every time. After all, it had been a little over a year since I last got to spend time with him. "London seems a bit bigger, huh?", his cute voice spoke. "Yeah, I've noticed. It's same as with your home. The world does feel more lively now"

"And truer, yeah, definitely. Uhm, Ray..?" "Leo?" "I've been meaning to ask you this for a small while now.. Why are you.. dressed up so formally?" The chatter from left and right. The slightly increasing wind blows.

-"You talked to my father??" "Don't worry, he likes me! I think I scored high enough.."

"Of course he likes you! You're well-mannered and don't look too punkish. What I'm concerned about is what you guys were talking about.." "Nothing too important, don't worry- wait.

Not too.. punkish..?"

"You guys talked about me, right?" Ray nodded in honesty. "Oh well.." "He'd like to talk to you as well, by the way.." "Yeah, I figured as much but I've gotten enough tears out already, so not today, please.." "I feel you there.. last time I cried this much was in prison" A lot of people were staring in this moment of unfortunate silence. "Heyo izzat Jack over there?!", Ray pointed into a random street and luckily people began wondering, running or ignoring- a successful distraction to submerge within the crowd. "So.. you cried in prison.. prolly 'cause of me, I'm sorry", the brunette leaned against the blonde's arm. "I'd be lying if I said I didn't. I don't ever want to think about you not being by my side. I promise you I won't let something like that happen ever again."

"Let's just be grateful.. for the present..", Leo wrapped both his arms around Ray's right arm,

"I don't care about the future right now." I already closed my eyes by that second, ready to be guided my most trusted person on this Earth but- "It's snowing Leo, look"

Indeed it was. As I reopened my eyes I couldn't focus on the white particles decorating our surroundings as they were drawn instead to his smile. I pulled him down to my face, buncha people were cheering in excitement toward Londinium's first snowfall, and kissed him. A slow moment and how wonderful it was to have him by my side again. By the moment our lips parted I realized again, just how fragile life can be. I think he shared my thoughts during that minute. We didn't want to lose this ever again.

Leo's favourite bakery was the shop they had passed afterwards. Convincing Ray to get them something to snack on hadn't even taken ten seconds. Bags full of different scones for each one of them. "So.. not too punkish..?" Leo started giggling. "I didn't mean it in a mean way.. After all,

I also fell for your punk-look" "Though dressed alike an entrepreneur?" "Entry-pen. Now?"

"Entrepreneur. Like a business person who deals a lot with finances." "..."

"I.. was referring to my formal clothing is all" "Well, yeah I can see why some might not like that combo… But what I was referring to were your piercings, I like them very much, you know"

Ring around his lobe and three more helix piercings. It was the same for both ears. On the other hand, only the right lobe of the brunette had been pieced. "Tattoos and piercings are so cool", the shorter one mumbled whilst stuffing his face with the sweet pastry. "Yeah, I can only agree.. Though, my piercings are a little bittersweet.."

"You mean the reason that you got them? You- don't have to talk about it, if it makes you feel uncomfortable" "It's alright, it's you I'm talking to after all"

"I never told you the origin of the scars on my back, too, right?" The blonde shook his head and dropped a few scones into Leo's bag since it was already empty. "So..", the taller one began,

"Back when I lived at the Church still, with my father and the Blackwood-Gang", he stopped to sigh, realizing he had never talked to someone about this before. It was difficult getting the right wording. "My father kept pushing me to do stuff.. I didn't really wanted to do.. but ended up doing anyway afterwards. He made it clear to me that I was a Blackwood and thus had to make use of the fire inside my veins." I saw a pained look forming on his face as we unconsciously made our way to the river that split London in North and South. The River Thames. "He would send me to to jobs that involved.. well killing, to put it bluntly. And that was at a relatively young age, too. I was like.. ten?" Leo bit his lip. "Yeah, my father's the worst, I really dislike him, but to make things worse my gang and Mr. Roseblood assured me the Blackwoods are still operating in this world as one of the most dangerous organisations"

"Oh, sounds fantastic, we won't be bored once we'll be travelling again, I'm sure.."

"I already said earlier the origin of my piercings wasn't a pretty one." Leo listened carefully.

"As a member of the Blackwood-Gang you have to have a piercing which represents the gang. It was usually a cross hanging down from your ear-" "You had one, I remember how you melted it in you palm" "Yeah, you're right.. but having only one piecing didn't make me feel like a real Blackwood, so out of fear of not being acknowledged by my father… I pieced my ears with safety pins over and over again, not knowing I would fall deeper into that hole.

I tried so hard to impress him,

make him praise me but.." "nothing…?" "..yeah.." Quiet by the riverside, they stood watching the tender waves push and pull back gently. The two of them were alone, no other citizen was here right now. Skies darkened, snow-dusted streets and stars few of which were shining.

"But you gave me freedo-" "You gave me freedom, too" I was a little scared of Leo's voice. I hadn't expected this tone. One more push.. and he might be start to cry, my story had seriously affected him. "Before you came into my life I wanted nothing but to die.. Yeah, within that church or whatever that place was meant to be. Lots of bad things happened there?" The wind blew.

-"I don't know why I was kidnapped, why someone wanted me to suffer so much, why I was tortured every da-" My sentences were cut short,

my face pressed against his chest, sideways so my heart would only listen to his heartbeat.

"didn't you just say we should be grateful for the present?" My hands moved on their own. Next thing I knew, they were grasping Ray's blazer as my eyes became puffy and pink again. Tears, of course. "Great, I'm crying again" "Crying is good, don't be sad about it" "..." "..."

"..thank you for the scones, by the way" "you're welcome..", I whispered back,

seeing how the weak snowflakes landed on his dark hair, vanishing as quickly as some lives did.

What a good day it had been.

-"Hey, let's get you something for your ear"

-"Like an earring? I don't know if that would suit me, really.."

-"Doesn't have to be a ring, you know? It can be something like-"

-"Then you choose something for me", With the tip of his index finger Leo touched the tip of his lover's nose, "I feel like you know more about stuff like that, than I do.."

Lying in the grass by the water, listening to aqueous ambience, side by side.

-"Think accessory shops are still open?"

The brunette made a nixing sound.

-"Nothing past 8pm" "How do you know what time it is?", to answer Ray's question he pulled out one hand out of the hoodie's pocket and firstly pointed with sleepy, unsure motions against the sky, then moved it over to what would reveal itself to be the clock tower which told time to directions of the compass rose.

-"Huh, didn't notice that one, yet. That one's also new, eh?" "yup.." A quick glance of green eyes.

"I think even if it wasn't 8pm, you'd be too sleepy to move" "I ca-", yawning away his sentence,

Leo had to accept fact. His body still wasn't fully recovered and walking around had taken a bit more effort than anticipated, yet the pain he had to endure was nothing but worth it. To him, sharing time with his love was more worth than resting and Ray had understood that as he watched the brunette falling asleep steadily under the night sky. Moon shining brightly, ah what a stark night.

Taking a few minutes to take in everything that had happened this eve, he knew what he to do next.

Mr. Roseblood told me about those pesky reporters earlier and I definitely don't want them to get close to Leo. Despite offering everyone a room in his manor, Mr. Roseblood refused to even face them. He didn't have to move a muscle in fact, for his people had shown no hospitality to the newspaper teams upon the second entering Londinium. Needless to say, they were indeed thrown out and deemed unwelcome but as one might now, that simply does not stop these people from coming. Not taking any chances, he carried Leo on his back all the way home. King's Way was empty, thus silent. Only thing emitting sound was the cool wind dancing in a few furious tones by the ears. Leo was sleeping. Tightly bound by hopefully a good dream as he was in good company and blanketed by the blazer so the melting snowflakes wouldn't further wet his hoodie. In some cases that could lead to a cold and Ray wanted to prevent that. Being a Blackwood, he wouldn't be bothered by cold temperatures at all. So, bravely dressed in a vest and cuffed sleeves he brought them back home.

Twenty minutes to nine on the clock, Jack perceived, telling the servants to please wait a bit more until plating supper, thinking suddenly upon ending his request: "Oh, but kids these days like eating out.. Should I-" "Do not use your Will to see if they're at a restaurant", Shanna warned him. A sigh.

-"Alright.. shouldn't the major of Pandemonium be in Pandemonium..?"

-"I can easily take one day off, love. Pandemonium's not as big of a city as London"

-"Then, I suggest you to stay for dinner, join us"

-"I wasn't gonna leave until I see my boys again, anyway, Jackie", a smile.

-"After all I mean, it was you who got to meet them first out of us"

The quiet atmosphere which the dialogue had brought on was significantly shattered when the door was opened suddenly. A surprise. As it sounded like it had been opened by a drunkard when in reality it was Ray trying not to let Leo fall off of his back. He could greet Jack and Shanna but with a 'Shhhh' when both of them had come down to the foyer to find answers to their curiosity. Understandingly they let him take Leo to his bedroom after Shanna got one good look of them being together. Naturally, after the closing sound of the bedroom's door the two adults figured that neither of them would join for dinner. "Instead of you heading back to your place this late, let us have a meal for ourselves, then. What do you say?", the bearded one suggested.

She replied firstly with a smile.

-"I won't say no to something we didn't have to steal"

-"Well, back then The Architects had to survive, somehow. Plus, we had lots of fun on those days, didn't we?"

-"Hell yeah, we did! And I would do it again without hesitation."

-"I agree, I agree", Jack pulled out a wine bottle carefully after going through his collection,

"But thankfully, we won't have to for near future"

"It's baffling to see how much you've changed, Jackie. From fool to king."

He gave his iconic smile which could either calm your nerves so much you'd think you're dying or excite you with so much passion you'd think you were born anew just: "Cheers."

-"Last name: Blackwood, first name: Ray. That correct?"

-"Yes-", a hard smack against the face followed by smug smile

-"Yes who..?"

-"Yes.. Sir.", the bruised blonde answered darkly. His eyes dropped to the man's name plate. There, right above the forgettable name were two letters he could but feel hostility toward. 'WM'

-"fucking hell.."

-"What was that you dirty punk?!"

-"Nothing, Sir.", It was so dark a room his green eyes could barely make out what was going on. After they had taken him into custody he was put into a car which would carry other soon-to-be prisoners. After trying to talk to one of them for a bit, there weren't a lot- maybe five or so, it was lights out, literally. A gas had knocked them all out and next thing Ray knew was the here and now. Trapped in this room, chained to a chair, sitting opposite to someone who would fill out papers. Filling out details about Ray.

-"Pesky little Blackwoods. To think you'd let your sorry self be captured so easily, haha.

Well, didn't expect a punk to have brains in the first place, your dad must be proud of ya, son"

Ray went silent and forced a smile. Though unfortunately for him the sergeant found his smile a bit too cheeky and so- "Ough!", he spit blood – that was a punch and the next ones were only waiting to get introduced to that pretty face. Heavily trying to catch his breath, trying not to swallow too much blood. Pulling up close to Ray's ear, the sergeant whispered:

-"You might have been the hot shit up there, in the normal world, hehe.. but here,

Ray Blackwood, you're nothing but a little bitch, got that?" There was silence but the second the sergeant lifted his hand again, Ray answered as fast a bullet: "Yes, Sir"

The man gave one of the dirtiest smiles known to man: "Good boy.." "are you okay?" My eyes sprung to lock with another pair. What was just now? No, that wasn't the right thing to ask, I clearly knew what I had just dreamt of but really, I could have done just well without that memory. And now I even made him worry, too. "..it's nothing, i was just having a dream.." Carefully approaching his hand was nearing my eyes: "you don't cry because of nothing", the morn was in voice just as it had been in mine. And I closed my eyes, I hadn't even noticed the tears. "I'm sorry I didn't realize sooner.." A bit confused by what he meant I wanted to tell him that there was no reason for him to apologize but surely after wanting to he had beat me in speed again: "i should have comforted you ever since you began sharing your pain with me yesterday, i'm sorry", gripping his plush lion. His voice toned down, now I was beginning to feel sorry as well. "..really, it's alright, leo. seeing you is comforting me already.. I was dreaming about my time at UKR. there were some ugly things that happened, typical prison stuff.." His hand on my cheek was calming, accompanying his gentle smile he had drawn me back to the present once more. Then he spoke: "seems like both of us have yet to deal with past happenings" "yeah.." "do you know what the good thing is, tho?" "mmh?"

"we have each other now" "so were not facing our pasts alone.." "exactly..", a yawn..

"you're still sleepy, leo" "huh..? are you god..?" Ray chuckled. "yeah.. welcome back into the heavens satanael-" Though my eyes opened already, it felt as if they had jumped open again.

"ahh you finally noticed..", happily he closed the small distance between us, rolling toward me.

-"you had known about my name without actually knowing it", he giggled.

-"satanael.. ", I thought to myself, "i had sometimes asked myself if you'd liked to be called that but never had the courage to actually.. ask you" "nah, … I like 'leo' much more 'cause 'satanael' brings back bad memories.. but i'll never lose that name, I suppose.." "i'm the same with 'blackwood'.."

His eyes glanced at mine, a few birds cried out the morning, yet curtains protected the night a bit more longer for us. Warm blankets. "i'll forever be stuck with that name, it seems-" "not if we get married.." Chipper birdsong.

-"you could take my name and you'd be Ray-"

-"Roseblood", I finished it for him.. Marriage had never been on my mind- ever. I even forgot about that thing just existing but now that Leo had brought it up, I could feel my face getting hotter. Yet, I wasn't the only one, it seemed. His pale skin made it easier to spot flustered feelings.

-"It's just the thought, though, you don't have to, if you don't want to", turning around he said so his back was warmed by my chest. I could feel the scars, hopefully the contact didn't hurt him too much.

-"I mean, I'll marry you, either way" Did he just say that? And that casual tone, too.. Gosh, and here I thought I was being the cool one for a change. Face's getting hotter as emotions were having themselves a little morning dance. Well, thank you very much,

this sure is one hell of way to wake up. "What about you..? How do you feel about marriage..?"

I hadn't brought it up if I wasn't interest in marrying you, Ray.. why are you teasing me like thissss

Tightened grip, pressed back against Ray and a red face: "Sure, yeah.. I could see us getting married" "woooooooooooooo!" Both of their gazes were fixated at the bedroom's door, a silence which mimicked nothingness. "hey, that cheer just now...", the brunette began.. "Shanna..", the blonde agreed.

-----And thus, the morn had started truly.

Halfway done breakfast was on the table. Cans of water and orange juice, teapots. Sunny-side-up fried eggs with slightly fried tomatoes and beans. "We've got some sausages left, if you guys want some", spoke Jack who had been the first to rise, thus already had eaten but still joined the other three to have a few more cups of tea. Shanna wasn't much of a morning person and even less of a person to have breakfast but given the rare occasion, she decided to have at least something a little.

"Brekky's such a funny word", said Leo whilst cutting his food to bite-size.

Turning the newspaper's page, Jack asked whom he had learned that word from.

-"Ray told me about it. He knows lots of words, actually."

-"Jackie, you're really giving off the dad vibes here. Sitting at the table with a bare upper body, reading the paper, asking Leo a question like that"

"This is what I'd normally do, as well- There's nothing abnormal about that.

Plus, you've seen me bare countless times" "I guess that part never changed in you, eh..?",

she replied, "But I've got to give you credit for being so fit, still." "One should only grow with age. Stronger that, is. Mentally and physically" "here he goes philosophising again", she whispered to the boys who were sitting next to each other but opposite of her. They chuckled.

-"Ah, Mr. Roseblood.." "Yes, Ray?" "Did they already publish anything about the jailbreak?"

-"Why, interesting of you to mention it now as I turn the page… And- here it is, indeed.

Oh? Would you look at that, the World Military's started another manhunt for the escaping prisoners" "Should have seen that coming, nothin' to be surprised about", Leo said quietly, realizing the teapot is too far away for his arms' length. Thankfully, Ray lent a helping hand there with a kind smile, even. "Ray, my boy.. say.. by any chance was it you who blew up the volcano?"

Unknowing whether Mr. Roseblood wanted a proud 'yes' or a regretting 'no', Ray did not want to lose the points he had scored the day before.

So, as any rational human being he opted to answer truthfully:

"When I was in the air, Sir-F- falling I could not take my eyes off of that volcano. Frankly, I do not know as to why that urge within me grew stronger steadily, I just very much wanted to blow that thing up… and it kinda ended with making it easier for the others to escape once they got to the surface again." A silent tension was drawn between the young and Leo's father. Was that the right answer? I don't know, but I answered honestly and honesty's usually rewarded, right? God,

was this my last night here, after all..? "You remind me of myself back then", he spoke then. Ray could not stop the smile forming. "I swear he reminded me so much of you, Jack, you should have been there. When he blew up that volcano, I could not not be amazed" "I wanna see it, too", Leo said, having everyone look at him. "Well, you're luck, Leo-

Someone actually took a photograph of it, here" "Oh, for real? Lemme see- …

… ayo..?" Our eyes locked, I hear him say in an excited tone: "You're so cool" Threw me back when I showed him for how long I could hold my breath one time. Hence, I couldn't help it,

I got a little red around the cheeks and the strong smile he gave me felt out of this world. He looked so damn beautiful. Peace and quiet like this was too much of a rare occurrence, so you can bet your life that I made sure to take in the whole of this golden moment. Sun blessing us and this room with its light, all the pretty colours shining in their fullest tones- T'was almost too good to be true.

-"Alright, boys, I'll be going then", standing up, pointing at-

"Jackie make sure to give Ray's friends some food" "Why would I not?" "Oh, my friends are here?", the blonde asked, stunned almost as he had forgotten about them entirely, "I was wondering why so many plates and cutlery were on the table" "Oh, they had wondered about your whereabouts and came back here, asking for you. That was after you guys came back-" "And as it was pouring down heavily, the king lent his shelters to those in need..", Shanna interrupted.

"Indeed. But they haven't come out yet, so I'm guessing they'll need about another two hours to wake up." As I listened to my father's words, my attention was distracted by the person next to me. What was he doing? Was he hinting at something, fumbling with his ear lobe- AH. I got it. Okay, yeah. I nodded, when I stood up and said I was going to get ready to head out my father told me he needed to tell me something which might interest me. Shaking him off by responding with having him tell me whatever it was later, I took Ray by his arm – he downed the last bit of his black tea – said bye to Shanna, wished her safe travels and hurried back up to my bedroom.

-"You sure are excited about getting something for your ear", Ray spoke. I only now noticed how he had been wearing the same attire since yesterday.

-"Yeah, I mean for one, I get to spend time with you and- two, you'll be choosing something for me to wear." The thought alone was enough to excite my heart. I don't know exactly why that was, but having him choose something for me felt romantically good… that sounded better in my head..

-"By the way, don't you wanna change into something more comfy?"

-"I would if I could.. I've only this suit which Shanna gave me"

-"You know what? While we're in town, let's look for some clothes, then"

-"Sure thing", he went to the door and said he'd use another shower so no time would be wasted.

And there it was, the sudden closing sound. I know it seems so trivial and unimportant but even the small distance between us right now feels odd, considering we've been together for every hour since I woke up from my coma. A whole year.. it had been really a whole year without him, alone..--- Well, I better hurry, then, wouldn't wanna keep him waiting.