Chapter 10: A Secret That Became An Opportunity

"Aries, didn't you tell me that you wanted to keep some distance from Sol? You said you were getting more protective. And that's in your terms. If I were to say anything, that is already obsession!" Artemis sighed as she looked at her brother's unhappy expression.

"I... I did say that. But... Sol is not mentally stable now. I can't just leave him here alone."

"Unstable? Did something happen?" Artemis asked as she leaned over her tea, studying her brother's expression.

"Wait... You didn't..."

"Huh?"

"You marked him?! Are you insane?!" Artemis flared up in anger as she tossed a cushion at Aries.

"N-no. That's not it. I already did that mon-- Ah. Slip of the tongue. I mean... it's something else."

"You already--- Uh... Forget it. What is this other thing that happened?" Artemis sighed as she leaned back against the couch, leaning her head on the back of her hand in frustration.

"My heart stopped. I remembered it being difficult to breathe."

"What?!" Artemis sat straight up as she stared at her brother as if he had said the Earth was flat.

"My wolf acted out. So... I can't control my transformation." I said as I glanced at Artemis, slowly pulling the hoodie down.

"... No wonder I thought your hair was a little on the spiky side today." Artemis sighed as she folded her arms.

"There was an accident. Its definitely not Sol's fault! I volunteered to do it!" I panicked as I tried to direct the blame onto my own self.

"Even if it was his fault, why would my brother who adores that boy to death ever say it was? I'm sure if he said that he wanted to die, you would say you wanted to as well." Artemis sighed as she glanced at the kitchen, noticing Sol rearrange the pots in oblivion.

"But it wasn't his fault..."

"Yes, yes. It is a good thing you are of this bloodline. Things would be worse for you if you weren't." Artemis said as her eyes glowed a dangerous yellow, a large contrast from her usual onyx eyes.

"I understand..."

"So? You didn't reveal to him of your lineage? I'm surprised you managed to keep it up all these years."

"I never found the time---"

"Are you scared he would leave you?"

"..."

"Then... Isn't the situation you're in a good opportunity to test his limits? If he gets scared of you, you'll finally realise what an ill matched pair you both are." Artemis grinned as she noticed the spark of anger in Aries' eyes.

"Sister! Even if it's you, I will not tolerate such an insult!"

"A-Aries?! What happened? You were shouting." Sol ran out of the kitchen, a sauce pan in his hand.

"Ah..." Sol gasped as the sauce pan slipped from his fingers and landed on the carpeted floor.

The silence was deafening until Sol rushed to my defense, standing in front of me as he quickly lowered his head.

"I-I'm sorry! Because of me.... Aries has to suffer looking different from his peers! He can't even go out like this lest people call him a pervert! It's all my fault! Don't get angry at Aries! I-if it's the tuition fee... I'll... come up with something!" Sol went on and on as he apologised fervently to my sister.

I glanced at her and noticed a grin on her face. Ah... She is of the same blood in the end.

"Hmm? You turned my... Dear. Handsome. Brother. Into A... Pervert? He even has wolf ears and tail! What am I to do if his going out ruins my family name?" Artemis asked.

I can see where this is going already... I think I better step in...

"I... I can't do much about how it would impact your family name but... If its Aries... I'll take responsibility and look after him even if I have to dedicate my life to him!" Sol exclaimed.

Silence hung in the room for a long moment until Artemis burst into laughter. She stood up and immediately patted Sol's head, mostly to irritate me before wiping the tear from her eye.

"You better keep to that word. Haahh... That was the best laugh I had in years. Sol, no worries. Those extra additions actually made my dreary looking brother cuter, so it's fine by me." Artemis said as she headed for the door.

"Y-you're leaving now?" Sol asked, a little confused as he walked Artemis to the door.

"Hmm? I have to. If I prolong my stay, someone wouldn't be happy." Artemis grinned as she glanced my way.

"Who wouldn't be?" Sol asked as he tilted his head inquisitively.

"It's better to remain as clueless as you are now. Goodbye, dear Sol." Artemis said as she kissed Sol's cheek.

Ah! That woman!

I glared at the door as I watched it shut, turning quickly to look out the window as I saw my sister pulling a face in my direction. She did that on purpose to spite me!

"Aries... did you both get into a fight because of me?" Sol asked as he tugged on my jacket.

How adorable! The desire to tease him is so strong but I still feel upset that sister beat me to it.

"It's alright. You resolved it nicely." I said as my heart began to feel warm when I remembered how he said he'd take care of me if the situation doesn't change.

Maybe this really was the golden opportunity. If so, I'm not going to waste it.

"I did? She was... satisfied with what I said? I really don't know how to get along with your sister... She's on an entirely different level than you." Sol said as he sat beside me.

"What? Are you saying I'm easy?" I asked, pretending to pout.

"N-no! It's just... easier to talk to you. Your sister feels... Somehow... Intimidating." Sol said as he picked off a leaf from my head.

"Is it? I also feel most at ease when I'm with you." I said, watching Sol's cheeks grow a dark pink.

"Ah, seriously. You always have something to say, don't you." Sol pulled away as he got off the sofa and headed to the kitchen, picking up the sauce pan at the same time.

I sometimes wonder whether he realised the meaning behind my words or whether it just flies over his head like I think it does. He can be cruel without even knowing it.

"A-Aries?! Can you help me?" Sol's muffled voice resounded from the kitchen, however, I honestly heard it loud and clear. It was, after all, a voice that causes a burning warmth in my frosted heart.

"What is it?" I asked cheerfully as I headed towards the kitchen, expecting to find Sol looking disheartened that he couldn't reach the cabinet.

Why do you think I purposely fixed the cabinets that high up? It was intentional. So he would have to constantly ask for my help back when he first moved in. I wanted plenty of excuses to visit him.