Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

The tears that had been gradually forming in Basil’s turquoise eyes, his shaking hands gripping the garden shears, his scarred hands turned white from the force he held onto them with. His legs over Sunny on both sides of him. Sunny moved each time he plunges the shears forward and down his heart was beating out of his chest and he squeezed his eyes shut, tears streaming down his face. He opened them only to look at the warm substance on his hands. Warm. Warm and red. Red.. oh red? The teenager takes a moment to stare at the darkening liquid and his mouth opens slightly in a shocked and observant expression.

‘Do you see it too? Basil asked without any words leaning Closer to Sunny who’d been flailing his arms and body weight around in futile attempts to defend himself or throw the other boy off. Sunny had momentarily for what he assumed was to look in awe or horror at the colors all around them.

The dark-haired teen looked back - he could see through one eye only his other squeezed shut and blood dripping - it was excruciating and his vision unfocused he noticed the sudden appearance of colors.

“I’m so sorry.” A meek voice cracked
Sunny takes his chance grabbing Basil’s wrist
Now or never. He thinks.

Sunny Had to take the chance and get himself out of the situation he’d dug himself into. He Wasn’t gonna lay down and let himself die after all this - maybe it was stubbornness - or a new found bit of hope? He doesn’t know but he does wanna know what had brought him into this very own situation of his doing.

🍃 some years ago 🍃

“What is it like?” Sunny’s small voice asked tilting
His head as his older sister looked down at him. The thirteen-year-old Girl’s expression softened and she allowed a small smile to form on her face as she sat down next to him

The boy’s big brown eyes watched her wide with amusement and wonder. “Mari! Tell me!”

Mari laughed, patting Sunny’s head, “it’s… it’s well, it’s lovely. It’s like having a piece of you you never knew you needed and then having it and you feel so much more complete… and you wanna spend all the time with them and they fall so securely in a spot in Your life and it feels like they’ve Always been there always meant to be there and will always be there.”

“Is that what Hero does to you? Is that how he makes you feel?” Sunny asked his hands scribbling with crayons against an already outlined drawing. He makes it important to look up at Mari again

“He makes my head spin, knees weak and he makes me smile.”

“Is that what Love feels like? What do the colors look like?”

Sunny had always been a curious kid and Mari was always happy to share but she can’t help but laugh at his enthusiasm and curiosity.

“Yeah. That’s what That Love feels like. It’s different from how I love you and the others. You’ll find a special person and no matter who they are they’ll make you happy and you make them happy.”

As For Colors she doesn’t know how to respond to that. How does one describe colors? She didn’t know what they were even with her parents' descriptions. “They’re… beautiful and you’ll just have to wait and see! No spoilers!”

Sunny dropped a crayon “You’re just being mean!” He stuck his tongue out and Mari ruffled the boy's hair. “Even if I could tell you, would you wanna know what they look like? Wouldn’t you wanna see them for yourself?”

She had a point and Sunny thought about that an expression of deep thought crossed his face. He was concentrating. “When will I meet someone? How will I know?”

“You’ll know.” Mari smiled “that person’s something special and you’ve always known but one day you just see an explosion of a whole new world!” She clapped her hands making her little brother jump

“Like that?”
“Just like that!”

“Can it be anyone?” The child inquired his voice Quiet as he filled in the remaining white in the drawing he’d been working on for a majority of their conversation. Or more like him bombarding his sister with Questions and her happily obliging and sharing.

“Like, anyone?” He added and Mari nodded “and if anyone tells you otherwise, you tell me? Okay, Sunshine?”

Sunny Bit his lip in concentration “and What if Eomma or Appa don’t like them?” He Questioned.
It takes the girl aback. Was this about their father not particularly being fond of Hero?

“Well, they may not like it but they can’t do anything. You love who you love. You’re meant to be. Besides They don’t even really like each other.” Mari Explained

“They don’t?”

“If I tell you a secret, you won’t tell anyone will you, Sunny?”

The brown-eyed boy nodded his head super fast. “I won’t tell anyone! You can tell me!” He insisted practically jumping up and down in excitement

“Okay, Okay, sit down? You’ll hurt yourself.” She Warned and Sunny does the best he can to settle himself down though he’s still jittery and moving about somewhat. “Eomma said she should’ve waited longer before Marrying Appa, she said she doesn’t feel much anymore and they rushed or something - but not everyone ends up like that but that’s why they say to wait.”

“Waiting takes forever!!” Sunny Whined

“You feel like that right now.”

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“Sunny, do you remember the Question you asked me a while ago?” Mari’s calm voice inquired as she took a small peek at what Her little brother was working on.

Blinking a few times and shaking his head, Sunny Questions what His big sister asked. The Teen Girl adds to what she had stated previously “about if your soulmate could be anyone, do you remember asking that?” The dark-haired girl fixed a strand of hair behind her ear. Sunny Returned to working on his sheet of paper. “Was there any reason in particular you were asking that?” Mari Questioned laying her hands in her lap.

The Child stayed silent, remaining focused on the work at hand.

“I’m sensing there was a reason you asked, wasn’t there, Sunny?”

Still nothing.
Mari sighed “you can tell me anything you know, right?”

“I know.”

Okay, no more dancing Around the Topic at hand anymore, Mari. “Was there anyone that made you wanna ask about that?”

“Huh?”

This is Sunny. You gotta be more specific.

“Little brother, do you have a crush?”

“A crush?” The words were big on Sunny’s tongue. He thought about it.

“Well, do you? I won’t tell anyone. My Lips are sealed.”

“I don’t know..” Sunny admits

She laughs and laughs.
Of course he doesn’t know

“Do you think anyone is cute? Pretty? Anything?”

She’s half-expecting Sunny to scamper away at this point due to her continuous prying about the topic.

“Basil is pretty..-“

Though Mari wants to giggle she doesn't; she smiles “he is.”

“What’s so Funny?”
“Wha - nothing’s funny!”

He pouts.
She laughs.

Life was just fine. Life was Alright.
Things like this Sunny would always remember. Things like this Mari always tried to do. To make an impact -a lasting memory. She wanted to leave something to just prove she was there. To be a good big sister. After all the simple things meant the most after all.

◤ ──┅┅┄┄*ೃ:.✧✲ﾟ*｡⋆─── ⋆✩⋆ ◤ ──┅┅┄┄*ೃ:.✧✲ﾟ*｡⋆─── ⋆✩⋆

If They were gonna avoid her she was gonna avoid them. The dark-haired girl tried to avoid her attention from the oncoming boy.

Kel. Kel was coming to bug her again.
She hated it.

“Aubrey - - wait - wait up!” The brunette panted, hands on his knees catching his breath from rushing after the Teen.

“What do you want?” Aubrey snapped. Her voice was cold and her glare obvious. She was Irritated and Kel would try to make it Quick he at least wanted to try and talk to her. Convince her to talk to him.

“To talk.” Kel answered “maybe you can help me to convince Sunny to come out?” He looked a little too hopeful and Aubrey felt almost bad for crushing his dreams. But she did what she had too.

“Sunny’s not coming out, give up.” It was blunt but it waa the truth. Aubrey wasn’t gonna sugarcoat things anymore. “Just - leave it be. Leave me alone. You can’t waltz back into my life.” The Girl’s voice is sweet but in a condescending way as her lips form a weak smirk

“You had Your chance and you didn’t take it, I’ve moved on but you're obsessed aren’t you? You can’t have everything you want y’know.” A small dry laugh escaped Aubrey’s chapped and peeling lips “get a grip Kelsey, go play with You’re basketball buddies. Forget about me. Forget about everything.”

Before Aubrey can turn her back to him something remarkable happens. There’s a flash of colors and she slammed her eyes shut feeling a crushing and aching feeling slamming in the back of her skull.

Aubrey at fourteen had found her soulmate in the same person she’d just wanted to completely Throw out of her life. What could she do now?

“Wait - Aubrey - things can be different now - you saw what just happened -“

Before Kel can do much Aubrey rushed off.
The smile had fallen from her face so fast.
But one thing was certain: they were tied together still.

And If Aubrey couldn’t stop it she would certainly try to stall it.

◤ ──┅┅┄┄*ೃ:.✧✲ﾟ*｡⋆─── ⋆✩⋆ ◤ ──┅┅┄┄*ೃ:.✧✲ﾟ*｡⋆─── ⋆✩⋆

Truthfully, Kel hadn’t expected that he did like Aubrey somewhat but she wasn’t the first person he’d crushed on or had any interest in and Aubrey seemed disgusted by him and Quite honestly scared when she’d run off from him —- she’d come around wouldn’t she? They were soulmates.

“Soulmates.” The Word was big and he slurred his words in a childish manner like he did when Hero had explained the concept. It felt nice on his tongue and the world had a whole new view and meaning to him. He wonders if Aubrey was enjoying the view as much as he was or if she’d run off to that girl with glasses she’d been recently beginning to see her around.

Kel wanted to Tell Hero all about it but he didn’t know how or when to say it. Or if he even had the time for it

Later that Day while talking to Hero during his off time Kel offhandedly brought the topic up.

“That’s amazing!” Hero exclaimed

“Aubrey didn’t seem very happy -“

“She’ll come around, it’s what’s meant to be. She just needs time - not everyone is so fast to let it happen.”

Kel Listened before voicing a Question he’d been thinking about Since Aubrey ran off.

“Do you Miss seeing the colors? You think you’ll ever see them again? Find someone again? Or was Mari the first and only- I wonder what she would think… I wonder if she still sees them..-“

Hero Doesn’t respond and Kel becomes nervous until Sally begins to wail. That excused him. He excused himself and said he’d be helping their mother with their baby sister.

He feels Guilty . . Almost for mentioning it at all or even bringing Mari into such a hopeful conversation. Speaking of her had become solely sad. He had noticed the change of tone in Hero’s voice - yes, Kel fought with him and gagged when he talked about Mari all lovey dovey but he knew his older brother and loved him.

He would try not to bring Mari into the conversation again.

Chapter Text

Mari Was more than determined to get to the bottom of this though she had gotten more of an answer than she previously had, she wanted something more direct. That meant she herself would have to be more direct about what she was saying and asking because if she wasn’t she wouldn’t be getting anywhere because Sunny didn’t understand in simple terms.

Mari bent over leaning on her knees where Sunny was sitting “whatcha working on?” She Questioned looking at her little brother, his big brown eyes looked at her questiongly but he only put the paper in her hands. She raised an eyebrow “You’re not gonna tell me?”

Sunny Shook his head before motioning to the paper in her hands. “You want me to look?” The dark-haired boy nodded approvingly and Mari did so looking at the bright colored drawing “captain spaceboy?”

Sunny nodded again.

“It’s awesome!” exclaimed the older girl “you gonna draw sweetheart? I think you should, she’d look really pretty and they go together after all.”

Though the younger boy makes a face. He’d always found sweetheart to be particularly annoying. He nodded. “Sweet!” Mari patted the top of her brother's head. Sunny points to a few blank sheets of paper

“You want me to draw with you? Okay, Sunny.” She reached for a sheet as Sunny passed over the box of crayons and colored pencils. “Have you seen Aubrey today? I haven’t seen her.” The boy shook his head “you think her mother is letting her go again? That worries me.”

“Actually, I think she’s with her Dad.” Sunny Answered starting to shade in the lighter shades of pink for sweetheart. “What makes you say that?” Mari Questioned after finishing up the sketch she looked at her younger brother “she said something about it when we went to the park, she said something about going with her dad somewhere for a bit.”

“I wonder where he’s taking her.” Sunny added pinking up a darker shade of pink pencil. “Probably somewhere fun. I’m sure she’ll be back.” Mari said, reassuring Sunny’s worries even without him voicing them.

“You think so?”

“Oh, I know so, Sunny.”

Sunny began working on coloring the background “do you think she can stay over Again once she’s back?” He Questioned “I don’t see why not.” She answered and the boy smiled slightly.

“Eomma doesn’t like her either, she said She’s a bad influence and some other things I don’t know what she means by.”

Mari’s stomach sank and her words caught in her throat. She’s unsure how to respond though she continues coloring in her drawing “Appa doesn’t like Basil either, does that mean anything to you?”

Sunny frowned, sitting the pencil down “I don’t like it.” He mumbled, staring down at the unfinished paper.

“I know you don’t, I don’t either.”

“Appa Doesn’t like Hero either.”

Mari Sighed, “I know he doesn’t like him, but I love him and he loves me. He makes me happy. Whoever makes you happy and treats you well. That’s all that matters. You hear me, Sunny?”

Sunny nodded, “you understand, right Sunny?” The brown-eyed girl Questioned calmly she had to make sure he did.

He nodded again.

“Mari?“

“Yes, Sunny?” Mari Responded “can we see Hero and Kel?” He asked beaming up at the older girl. She paused, “We sure can, sunshine!” She finally said.

“Really?” Sunny’s eyes lit up and Mari smiled “it’s chilly out, lets get some jackets on, okay?”

“Do I have to?” The shorter boy whined crossing his arms over his chest “I don’t wanna put a jacket on!” Sunny said

“Sunny,” Mari says “you have to put one on or you’ll get sick, and you know what happens if you get sick you can’t play with your friends or draw or anything! Do you want to be sick?”

Sunny Groaned, “What If I don’t get sick?” He countered

“It’s freezing Sunny, you can’t go out without a jacket even if you wanted to.” Mari stated “besides I’m not taking you if you don’t put your jacket on.”

“But-“ Protested Sunny

“Ah-uh.” Mari said sternly “jacket or We’re staying home.”

Defeatedly Sunny agreed and Mari went to fetch her and Sunny’s jackets. She hands Sunny’s his and slips hers on. He stares at it. He frowns. “Do you need any help?”

Sunny shakes his head.

“Then put it on.” Mari stated

“It’s right there-!”

“Sunny,”

“I don’t know how.”

“Okay, then I’ll help.” Mari bends down once more, tugging the Jacket over Sunny’s arms as he protests “zip it up.”

“No.”
Mari tugged the zipper upwards “see? That wasn’t so bad, now was it?” She patted Sunny’s head “all that for nothing, only to put a jacket on.” She laughed

“It’s horrible.” Sunny huffed, “I hate this! Jackets are itchy!”

“Sunny, I know your jacket isn’t itchy. We got this one just so it’d be comfortable, you can take it off once we get inside alright?”

“Mari, what if it does bother me?”

“You can wear one of mine.” Mari offered.
Sunny’s expression shifted “but it's gonna be big on me!”

“Sunny, it doesn’t matter to you when you steal my clothes but a jacket being too big bothers you? You’re gonna wear a jacket.” She says “the faster you get it on the faster you get it off.” Added Mari

“Fiiineee.” Sunny sighed and wasn't very happy about it.

“Thank you! Now are you ready to go or are you gonna keep arguing over the jacket?”

“I’m ready to go.” Mari reaches her hand out and Sunny takes it. They walk downstairs though Sunny has to slow down quite a few times so Mari doesn’t strain or further hurt her knee. Going up and down the stairs caused a burning ache among other things.

“Are we gonna tell Appa and-“

Mari tugged the boy towards the door opening it. “No, they’ll figure it out, besides I wanna sit down, my knee is acting up again.”

“Is your knee okay?” Asked Sunny a tinge of concern evident in his Small Voice. “It’s fine, Sunny.” She said “you said it was acting up again.” He pointed out

“It just hurts. it’ll be fine, Sunny.”

“Promise?”

The Girl sighed “Yes, I promise.”

Once Out the Door Mari closed it and kept a grip on Sunny making sure he couldn’t walk off or anything. The older girl walked a bit slower before finally reaching the front porch and knocking on the door.

“Hello, Mrs. Rodrigez!” The teen Greeted cheerfully, “Say Hi, sunny.” She whispered and he did a little wave “we came to see Kel and Hero, is that alright?” The woman opened the door further, “that’s fine.” She answered “The boys are upstairs.”

“How are you Sunny?”
“Good.”

“Mari Mari mari mari mari mari” was all Sunny said as they walked up the staircase. Sighing loudly, “Yes, Sunny?” The dark-eyed girl asked “can I take my jacket off now? You said I can! Pleasepleaseplease-“

“Yes you can!” She Laughed Watching Sunny eagerly peel off the jacket and throw it on the nearest bed, being Kel’s.

Mari heard the two children fumbling around together before they found themselves in a corner together. She’d leave them be.

“Hero?”
“Fancy seeing you here.” Hero commented

↠━━━━ღ◆ღ━━━━↞
↠━━━━ღ◆ღ━━━━↞

“Thanks for having us.” Mari said thankfully zipping up her purple jacket. “Sunny, got yours on yet?” She Questioned turning to look at her younger brother.

“C’mon, you need to get it on before we leave. I know you’re tired, Sunny.”

Seeing as it was getting nowhere the older girl leaned down and tugged the jacket on and zipper, up once more. Grabbing Sunny’s hand she asks this: “did you say goodbye?” He nodded tiredly “alright, you ready?”

Another small, tired nod came from the boy and Mari smiled down at him before giving Kel a hug and hand to ruffle his hair. Next she hugged Hero and gave him a quick peck on the cheek before heading out the door sunny in
↠━━━━ღ◆ღ━━━━↞
↠━━━━ღ◆ღ━━━━↞

“Mari?” Sunny Asked Popping up from behind Mari she flinched at his sudden appearance though she relaxed once seeing it was only Sunny. “You scared me!” She hissed and the dark-eyed boy muttered a small sorry fidgeting with the hem of his shirt.

“Did you need something?” The teen inquired Breaking the silence as she pulled her brush through her thick hair repeatedly to get out all the knots and tangles. The child nodded watching his older sister brushing her hair. “What do you need?” Asked Mari

“Why do you see colors when you meet your ‘soulmate’? What’s a ‘soulmate’?”

Taking a moment to think Mari paused sitting the brush down. “Sit down, will you?” The boy does so with no hesitation “I can brush Your hair while I’m at it?”

Sunny Shrugged and Mari did so anyway, pulling the brush through his dark hair. “A soulmate is someone who You’re gonna spend the rest of your life with and you’ll feel complete with.”

“Like you and Hero?” The brown-eyed boy asked

“Mhm, just like Hero and I.”

Mari runs her hand through her brother’s hair absentmindedly “feel any tugging?”

“No. What about the colors Mari?”

“Honestly, Sunny, I don’t really know. I guess it’s meant to give you a sign it’s the right person. That’s just how it is, Sunny.”

Sunny Didn’t seem pleased with that answer but he doesn’t say so he just accepts it. It’s probably all He’s gonna get from Mari.

“You’re hairs done. You brushed your teeth?”

“Mhm.”

“So, You’re ready for bed?”

He nodded

“Alright. Do you want a story or anything?”

He shakes his head.

“Tired?”

He nods.

Chapter Text

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─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: .☽ . :☆ﾟ. ───

Kel Had been Stuck on his interaction with Aubrey for days since it happened. He replayed the interaction within his head trying to figure out what he could’ve done better and if Hero was right what if he was wrong? What if Aubrey Didn’t come around? She seemed serious when telling him off and about having new friends and a ‘new Life’ (a fresh start if you will) Kel is worried he’s so worried. He trusts Hero but he doesn’t know about Aubrey.

He’s set on trying to talk to her sooner or later.
Later that week Kel tracked the girl down and practically begged her to talk to him. Aubrey seemed disgusted and irritated but she agreed. Arms crossed over her chest, scowling and eyebrows narrowed at him were all the more signs she did not like him or even wanna be there.

“You wanna ‘try again’?” Aubrey let out a dry bitter laugh. “I gave you a chance. Chance after chance. I should let you try and poison the waters again? Get hurt again? I don’t care anymore. I’ve moved on, you need to get on with life.”

Now that’s where the lie was.

“You? ‘Moved on’? You expect me to buy that crap? Aubrey, I’ve known you for years, you can’t pull a fast one on me.”

“You knew me. And why do you care? Just leave me alone!”

“I can’t just leave you alone!!”

“And why the fuck not?!”

“I still care, you’re my-“

“Save it!” Aubrey snapped, beginning to walk away “save it for someone who’ll believe you.”

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─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: .☽ . :☆ﾟ. ───

. . . Recital night . . .

It was the night they had all been waiting for. It had been rapidly approaching and Mari had been preparing months and advance and she was so excited to do so. Mari had always been enamored by music but she’d lost her touch and interest for Some time being until the recital was brought up and it reignited Mari’s love of music and her talents.

Sunny loved Hearing Mari play and seeing her be so happy. To be fair, he adored his older sister and wanted to be just like her. She was drifting away and before a larger rift gathered from her being so busy he jumped on the chance to perform with her to spend more time with his big sister and possibly fall into their parents favor. Musical talent? Maybe he had it too. He and Mari were siblings after all and To Sunny’s surprise it came almost naturally but left something to be desired. He didn’t love it but Mari did.

They Spent hours, weeks, months practicing and finalizing their duet to be perfect to do on stage. But Sunny could never get it right and he’d started noticing Mari did seem to notice and she was unhappy about it. With him. She didn’t ever wanna do anything but practice. Recital this and recital that and practice this and practice that! Sunny hated it! Sunny hated playing! He hated practice! He hated his violin! He hated Mari’s piano for taking his sister away from him. The damn thing kept her away and stole precious moments and he could feel the disappointment radiating off of her.

“Maybe if you’d try a little harder.. Sunny, what happened? You Don’t try anymore?” Another comment and Sunny Swallowed down what he wanted to say but his face betrayed him and she knew better.

He didn’t wanna play anymore and he hated it. He didn’t wanna do it anymore. He wanted out. He just wanted Mari to play with him again. Pay attention to him. Have her time again. He didn’t wanna lose her. He’d done it all to please her and she wasn’t pleased.

That’s it. He’s done, he thinks.

Sunny wasn’t mad at Mari, he resented his violin for making him a disappointment, he resented Mari’s piano for being so important to her. She loved that thing more than she loved him, Didn’t she?

Wrong note once again, start over.
Wrong note once again, start over.
Wrong note once again, start over.
Wrong note once again, start over.

The plain same cycle and Sunny abruptly stopped playing and Mari’s head turned to look at him “excuse me?” He’s envisioning slamming the Piece of wood against Mari’s piano though he results in flinging it down the staircase with a loud smash! His heart slammed against his chest and he could feel his mouth was dry.

His Precious Violin was destroyed in pieces at the bottom of the stairs. Completely broken and unmendable. All his hard work. All Mari’s hard work. All the money put into it. All of Mari’s dreams shattered at the bottom of the staircase.

Sunny Watched Mari’s facial expression switch instantaneously. All the color drained from Sunny’s face as he tried to force out an apology before he heard his sister begin to shout.

“How could you?! Why would you?! Sunny?!”

All on the night of the recital. The Shorter boy began to start backing away. He nearly tripped but he listens to every word leaving Mari’s mouth and he can’t hear anything anymore her mouth is moving and she seems so angry. He’d never seen her like this and he felt tears stinging his eyes as they welled up in his big brown eyes. She was yelling. She was yelling at him. She never yelled. She never yelled at him. Mari’s eyes were wide and angry and she followed Sunny. He turned and attempted to rush down the stairs but she blocked him midway down. “Don’t walk away when I’m talking to you, Sunny!”

Leavemealoneleavemealoneleavemealone

Sunny’s hands and fingers hurt and his throat is raw from trying to keep the crying from bubbling from his throat. He wants her to move. She won’t move. She won’t stop yelling. He’d move her then.

Sunny’s arms pushed out in front of him and his hands were placed firmly against her, giving her a shove as he squeezed his eyes shut. Sunny heard the scuffle and Mari’s eyes locked momentarily and he watched as her knee bent and buckled causing her legs to give way. She stumbled attempting to catch herself on the railing. She fails to do so. He slammed his eyes shut before opening them only to see Mari, limp on the floor.

The twelve-year-old boy stumbled his way down rushing to her side. Sunny placed a hand on her side pushing it. He tapped her. He shakes her and shakes her and shakes her. She still felt warm. He touched her and she still felt Warm. His eyes burn even more as the tears blurr his vision.

“..Mari..? Mari..?! Mari?”

Sunny Can’t shake the feeling of someone staring at him. No one’s there. No one should be there. Barely peeling his eyes away from Mari for a second Sunny’s dark brown eyes are met with a pair of terrified blue eyes darting from him to something else..

Basil?

His eyes watch Sunny and Mari’s limp form on the bottom of the staircase. The light shined on her dark hair and Milky white skin. Blue. Blue. Blue. He saw blue? Was that what blue was? The boy’s stomach does backflips as his hand rests on Mari where he was frantically shaking her as tears leave his eyes and down his pale cheeks. His throat constricted.

It was nothing like the way Mari described it was wonderful and beautiful and this was nothing like that. It was scary and he was filled with dread. He wished to wipe the memory of his image from his eyes, his brain but he couldn't unsee it. It was too vivid and bright. Too bright. Too bright. He wanted Mari. He buries his face into her though no reaction is had. No pat on the head or anything.

She’s completely still. Like the dolls Aubrey played with.

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─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: .☽ . :☆ﾟ. ───

“Did you Sleep well?” Mari Questioned once Sunny appeared to stir a little more before uncovering himself and peeking at her. No response.

“Bad Dream?”

A small nod.

“You wanna tell me about it while You get ready?”

A small nod followed with a puzzled expression and a small head tilt.

“.. Get ready for what?”

“The picnic, silly we’re having a picnic! Now get ready!”

Sunny throws the covers completely off looking at her
“I thought I told you yesterday.” She says “must’ve forgotten too or you forgot. It’s alright though, just get ready and don’t forget to brush your teeth or hair.”

The Boy obliged doing so. “I would’ve made breakfast but We’re having a picnic anyway. Eomma and Appa are out. I don't know when they’ll be home so maybe we can pick up Gino’s for dinner or something? How’s that sound?”

“Yummy.”

“Great.”

“Mari?” Sunny Asked pulling on his shoes

“Hm?” The teen hummed in response “Can I ask if Basil can stay the night?”

“If his Grandma says it’s alright, he can stay.”

“Thank you!!” Mari grinned at Sunny’s enthusiasm “of course’ Sunshine.”

“So, what was that bad dream you said?”

Sunny frowned looking at his untied shoe. “A lot of stairs.”

“A lot of stairs?” She repeated and her little brother nodded. “And water.”

“Water? Hmm… that’s odd, but I wouldn’t worry much about it. Don’t you think?”

Sunny nodded.

Chapter Text

┍━☽【❖】☾━┑

Aubrey Huffs “you don’t know how to let go, do you?” She snapped her voice cold and stern. “I.. I just want you to hear me out, Aubrey.. please? We used to be so close just listen to me? You don’t have to agree on anything, just listen? Please?” Kel pleaded his voice far More desperate than excited and hopeful he had been when he’d reached out to her a week ago. There’s a pang of guilt and her chest though she wants to run. Once she felt it she sighed crossing her arms after closing her locker.

“You have five minutes tops.”

┍━☽【❖】☾━┑

“Mari! Mari! Mari! Mari! Mari!” Sunny exclaimed excitedly tugging on the end of Mari’s skirt to gain her attention. The older girl turned her head to face her little brother. His eyes had lit up. Mari smiled “yes?” She Questioned and Sunny removed his hand from her skirt scooting closer to her at once. “Oh, Will you Play with us? Will you?” He beamed up at her. “You’ve been so busy and you finally came out with us! Will you play pretty please?” The girl’s younger brother eyed her eagerly and her smile faded “oh, Sunny..”

A frown immediately formed on the boy’s face replacing the smile shortly after “you aren’t gonna? You’ve been promising you would..” Mari looked down at her aching knee looking at a newly formed bruise and there’s a pang in her chest. “I wish I could, sunshine… it’s just.. my knee is acting up..”

Sunny slumped down where he was sitting “you’ve been at the piano all week.. you said you would play with me..” the disappointment in Sunny’s voice was evident as he dragged his finger along the pavement underneath the picnic blanket he and his friends sat on.

“I’m sorry, I promise next time I wi-“

Sunny interrupted his sister immediately “that’s what you said last time..” he mumbled, staring at a wad of gum on the pavement his brown eyes were fixated on that rather than giving Mari eye contact like he previously had been. “Sunny, next Time I promise.” Mari promised her younger brother, forcing a smile and Sunny didn't reciprocate the smile this time.

“You never play with me anymore. You don’t have time ever. You're always on the piano.” Everyone had Quieted down once those words left Sunny’s mouth. She hears him sniffle and Mari bites the inside of her cheek “If My knee wasn’t . . . I would play with you, you know that.” She responded “I just want you to play with me like you said you would, you never do….” Sunny’s voice was Quiet and she could hear the hurt in him.

Mari’s heart sank, watching Sunny’s facial expression and his eyes beginning to water and he rubbed his eyes with his arm. The dark-haired girl pulled her little brother into a hug and he buried his face into her shoulder. “Next time I promise, Sunny.” The frown remained on Sunny’s face.

┍━☽【❖】☾━┑

Once the Suzuki Siblings had Returned home and sat down for Dinner. Their parents had returned home early. It was normally Silent at dinner time but Sunny hadn’t even spoken a single word to Mari during dinner. The older sibling watched the younger sibling from the corner of her eye. His plate was still untouched as he pushed the food around the plate, poking at it. Mari finally decided to break the silence “Do you want to listen to me play something before bed or read a book? Or something?” She asked, looking at her little brother as she brought the fork to her lips chewing the food very slowly. Sunny Looked up at his sister before his eyes returned to staring at his plate. He continued to play with the food on his plate.

“You haven’t touched your food, Sunny.” Mari pointed out frowning “are you feeling okay? Your not feeling sick are you-“

No nod, no nothing. No answer.

“Oh..” she murmured, pushing food aside on her plate. Mari peered at the boy sitting across from her strands of his black hair concealing his face and falling over one of his eyes before he straightened the way he was sitting and his hair. The silent treatment, huh? Mari thought. “I told you I was sorry.” She blurted out “I didn't know you felt like that, I didn't mean to upset you.” She huffed seeing this was getting nowhere. “I promise we’ll do something tomorrow… how's that sound?” She Asked “Sunny- please - please just say something don’t make me worry-“

Mari can feel Her fathers eyes practically staring through her. “What are you apologizing for, Mari?“ he inquired, Voice Tight and stern. She could’ve sworn she heard the irritation in it and she swallowed the lump in her throat nervously fidgeting with the fork.

“I asked you a question, why are you apologizing?”

The Teenager Sighed trying to think of something.
“Mari, answer me this instant.”

“I haven’t had time to play with Sunny lately..” her voice was barely above a whisper and she Grimaced her teeth gritting together as she pushed a loose strand of hair behind her ear. She sank a little in her chair.

The Father cleared his throat “that’s what all the whining is about?” He Questioned. Mari doesn’t answer. “Well is it?” Mari hesitantly nodded.

“At least your sister is spending time doing something that could get her a career instead of spending time scribbling useless things on paper. I don’t see any reason for you to apologize, Mari. She’s growing up and she has a life. You need to grow separately and you need to learn, Sunny. Now stop causing such a ruckus. Both of you. Do you hear me?”

Sunny’s throat tightened and he dropped his fork and it clanked against the dish. “I don’t understand why she has to spend all her time on the piano! The Piano isn’t everything-“ the brown-eyed boy piped up

“Excuse me?”

“She’s always on the piano - we never do anything together - she’s always busy.”

“She’s being productive now. Quit your whining.”

The Room went Quiet.

“You used to be so happy and excited about the piano… What happened? You used to love listening to me play..” Mari Questioned and Sunny swallowed thickly “because that’s all that matters to you now.”

“That’s not true!”

“Then why is it all you do? The piano is more important than me-“

As soon as the conversation Started Mari stood up and briskly excused herself. “I’m going to my room.”

┏━✦❘༻༺❘✦━━┓

The Rest of the night was tense to say the least. Mari stomped upstairs to her and Sunny’s shared room. He’d walked up there shortly after her and the room was silent. You could cut the tension with a knife.

Sunny Hated the Piano. He hated it. He hated that Mari spent all her time on it. He hated that it's all that Mattered to Mari. He hated that Mari didn’t understand.

It stole his big sister away..
And he hated it for that.

Mari Looked Up from where she was sitting on the bed. “I’m sorry, Sunny.” She whispered and she tapped the empty spot where she was sitting. The hesitancy Sunny showed was clear but he sat down beside his older sister. The black-haired girl pulled her brother from his shoulders into a hug pressing him against her. She patted his head. Instead of melting into it Sunny pulled away. Why was he pulling away? She doesn’t force him and lets him go. Mari cleared her throat “do you wanna sleep with me tonight?” She Inquired her voice soft and raw as she looked at the short boy.

Still no answer.

Sunny Got up and Though Still upset as Sunny left Mari got up as well to go prepare herself for bed. She brushed her hair and braided it and changed into pajamas. By the time she walked back into the room Sunny was already curled up underneath his beige blanket. Mari crawled into her own bed. She shut her eyes and shut out the world.

……………..

┏━✦❘༻༺❘✦━━┓

“Mari?” A small Voice asked Nudging his sister's arm. Sunny poked her arm and tugged on it. Mari opened her eyes and it was blurry and fuzzy. She rubbed her eyes tiredly before see’s Sunny’s small figure looming over her. “Yes?” The teen asked, her voice scratchy from just having woken up. “Can I sleep with you..?” He whispered.

“I thought you were mad at me?”
“I just wanna know if I can sleep with you.”

Mari nodded and opened up her blanket and scooted over, allowing an open spot for her younger brother to shimmy in. She draped the covers over him he laid down and patted his head she pushed loose hair behind his ear and she can hear him shifting away slightly. “Do you need a pillow?” She Questioned trying to ignore he was moving away from her. No nothing. She pushed a soft pillow his way and Sunny took it.

┏━✦❘༻༺❘✦━━┓

“Good Morning, Sunshine.” Mari Smiled at her little brother as he opened his eyes and tossed the covers off his body.

Yet again he doesn’t answer.

┏━✦❘༻༺❘✦━━┓

“Sunny?” Hero Questioned looking at the boy who was scribbling on a sheet of paper. He peered at the brunette and tilted his head. “Can I talk to you?” He inquired and Sunny nodded and he took a seat beside the younger boy. “I’ve noticed you’ve been a bit upset lately. I heard your and Mari’s argument.. Do you wanna tell me what’s wrong?”

“..I just Miss Mari… I miss her playing and doing things with me..” he admitted

“She’s been busy hasn’t she? But she’s not trying to ignore you. I know you miss her but Mari loves you and wouldn’t ignore you.. she’s stressed out too and her knee hasn’t been the best. I hope you understand.”

“You’re just saying that because you’re her boyfriend.”

Hero Laughed slightly before stopping upon seeing the frown form on The boy’s face. “I’m not. I’m saying it because I care for both of you. I just want you to know she’s trying.”

┏━✦❘༻༺❘✦━━┓

“Are you ready to Go?” Mari Questioned looking over to her little brother as he was pulling his sneakers on. He hesitated but nodded “it’s a bit chilly out but what you're wearing should be fine, just take a jacket in case? I’ll carry it.” The younger boy nodded and went and grabbed the jacket off the door knob handing it to His older sister and she tucked it away inside of her bag alongside her own coat. “Alright let's go.” Mari walked out and Sunny followed his sister.

Once Mari was satisfied with everything she’d done she and Sunny walked to Gino’s and they sat down to eat some pizza and grabbed some soda. Brushing hair out of her face Sunny began speaking. “I have a recital coming up.. and there’s room for two so, I was wondering if you would wanna play some instrument with me?” Sunny’s face lit up and he grinned at his sister “yes!” He beamed and Mari smiled excitedly “I’m so excited! That way I can still play but we’re doing something together and once that’s over everything can go back to normal!”

At least that’s what Mari planned and What Sunny hoped for. But things don’t always go according to plan.

┏━✦❘༻༺❘✦━━┓

“Soooo.” Mari looked up from the book in her lap “do you know what you wanna play?” She questions and Sunny takes a moment and shakes his head. “Haven’t thought of it, huh?”

“Not really.” Sunny responded. “Something easy for starters would be ideal but we would still want something that would sound good with piano.”

“Appa used to play guitar, right?” Mari paused before giving the small boy a small nod. “I believe so, why?”

“Maybe I can play a guitar?”

“Then he would put his two senses into it and I know you two don’t get along.besides it's a little big for you don’t you think?”

“It's not that we don’t ‘get along’.. he’s just mean.”

Mari’s expression softened “oh, Sunny, I know.. but don’t worry as long as I’m around everything will be okay, alright?” She runs her fingers through Sunny’s hair and he tilts his head into her hand and nods.

Finally the idea struck the older girl. “What about a violin? It’s simple but sounds beautiful and I think it would sound lovely with my piano.”

“A violin?” Sunny repeated and his sister nodded. “How’s that sound?”

Sunny liked the sound of that.
Maybe it would even make their parents proud of him. “I like that.” He mumbled into Mari. She smiled. “We’ll have to look into what type fits you the most.”

“Types? There’s different types?” Sunny’s eyes went big and Mari giggled “yes, there's different types, interesting huh?”

“Tell me about them? What about Pianos, are there other types of Pianos?”

Mari was thrilled to share.
Sunny listened very intently but quietly. Though he continued to pose different Questions.

Chapter Text

╚═*.·:·.✧ ✦ ✧.·:·.*═╝

Most of Sunny’s memories included Mari - if not all of them. He remembers vividly watching from the sidelines peering up at Mari as she dragged her long fingers against the keys of the piano as delicately as the last time and the music filled the room. Eyes closed and a small soft smile danced across her thin lips. He laid his arms over the piano bench watching and occasionally managed to wiggle his head into His older sister's lap as he listened. If he was lucky one of her hands would come to rest on his head and her fingers would run through his hair. He’d wake up tucked in. He must’ve fallen asleep.

……

Sunny could’ve sworn he’d heard soft humming as he lifted his head up from his crossed arms. Beneath them was the stiff piano bench. He wondered how’d fallen asleep there he sat up stretching a little before he stood up. The teenager is just about to walk away though he catches his reflection in the now dusty piano. It was still in good condition but Mari used to clean the thing daily. He drags his hand wiping off a layer of the dust. He left his hand on the cold instrument before he dragged his fingers against the keys and it sounded off and hurt his ears. Sunny missed listening to her play.

It’s officially Quiet and it speaks volumes. He removes his hand from the old thing and leaves the room before his mother can catch him out of his room and scold him.

Knock knock

Sunny instinctively flinches but he knows it’s Kel. It’s always Kel. Something tells him to walk away but he doesn’t. He doesn’t walk away this time but forward.

╚═*.·:·.✧ ✦ ✧.·:·.*═╝

Sunny Pressed his face up against the glass admiring an old violin placed on a stand in front of the glass.

“That one was made the year you were born.” Mari stated, looking at it on the left Side.

“Really?” The boy asked, bouncing up on the heels of his feet. “Yup.” The boy’s sister's tongue clicked on the p. “That’s so cool.” Sunny beamed

“Maybe we can get you a small one made in the same year?” Mari asked, giving Sunny a bit of a lift up so he could get a better view of the instrument. “We can do that?” The dark-haired child Questioned curiously as his sister sat him down.

“If that’s the one you want, yes.” Mari confirmed and Sunny nodded his head excitedly “wouldn’t we have to ask Appa?” A frown replaced the excitement on Mari’s younger brother's face.

“Not Quite.”

Sunny tilted his head to the side

“I have a plan.” She responded ruffling Sunny’s hair.

╚═*.·:·.✧ ✦ ✧.·:·.*═╝

“Mari? Can you play again? Pretty please?” Sunny whisper-asked his eyes half-lidded indicating he was getting tired. His head was nestled on Mari’s lap and she thought for a minute “if I do We’re going to bed right after, Okay Sunny?” The boy nodded “alright, alright. Are you ready?” She Questioned

Sunny nods.

The boy had drifted halfway through and she slowly started playing Quieter and Quieter until she was sure he was fast asleep before she scooped him up into her arms. Carefully treading up the staircase to not startle her sleeping brother or hurt her knee.

Once in their room she tucked him in covers to his chin. “Goodnight Sunny.” She whispered, running her hand over the top of his head before tiptoeing away.

╚═*.·:·.✧ ✦ ✧.·:·.*═╝

“So, you’re probably wondering why I gathered you all here..” Mari began sitting her hands in her laps, her fingers wrapping around each other.

“Well, I want to surprise Sunny with a violin and I was hoping we could all work together and it could be a Christmas present from all of us! What do you all think?”

There’s some talking between the group though everyone agreed. Mari smiled. “Great!”

╚═*.·:·.✧ ✦ ✧.·:·.*═╝

“Alright, Sunny, it's your turn!” Mari exclaimed, crossing her leg over her other leg.

“Which one should I get first?”

“Hmm, the one to the left! It’s a gift from all of us.”

Sunny Crawled over to the brightly wrapped present and tugged it back to where he was sitting. “What’re you waiting for? Open it!”

The boy worked his way by scratching at the wrapping paper and peeling at the rip. Layers of wrapping and after a while of pulling the tape come undone allowing for him to finish unwrapping it. It was a black case.

“Take a look at what's inside it?”

Sunny snapped the lock open and pulled the case back, laying the lid on the side, careful of the latch. There laid carefully and in brand new condition was a darkened violin.

“Well, do you like it?”

There’s a moment of silence as Sunny dragged his fingers over the wood. “I love it.” His voice filled the silence before he moved to Hug Basil who was sitting beside him before crawling over to Kel and so on and so forth till he reached Mari.

“I’m glad you like it, I really am.”

“It took all summer to get it!” Kel blurted out raising his hands and arms in the air.

“Alright, Aubrey you’re next you can open your next present!”

Sunny Leaned underneath the tree and slid one to the bright-eyed little girl “thank you, Sunny!”

╚═*.·:·.✧ ✦ ✧.·:·.*═╝

The Light was dim and everything creaked. Sunny finally reached the bottom of the stairs, his breath caught in his throat. More knocking. With a shaking hand the dark-haired teen opened the door and the light broke through hurting Sunny’s eyes. He covered them and he looked to see Kel…?

That’s - that’s not Kel? How could it be?

Kel’s face erupted into a wide smile though surprised at finally seeing his friend's face. He hadn’t seen him in four years. His hair was messy and his skin so damn pale and he didn’t look like he’d grown much and the bags underneath his dark eyes sealed the deal. Though the brunette decided to ignore it.

Sunny was starting to regret opening the door.
But he couldn’t take back his decision now could he?

╚═*.·:·.✧ ✦ ✧.·:·.*═╝

Basil rubbed his nose on his arm red streaking his arm and hand. Sniffling he wiped again attempting to rid himself of the dark red that was still dripping.

“Basil!” Turning his head to look where the loud shouting came from the boy heard running and a few more shouts of his name and Kel came into view. “Guess what!!” He said panting as he crouched down to where the blonde sat. “Is that blood-“

“I fell..-“ Basil rubbed the blood of his arm with his thumb “you.. you were saying something?”

“Sunny- He - he came out!”

What?

“W-what?” The blonde stammered staring at the brunette wide-eyed “I misheard you, right?”

“If you heard Sunny- he came out, then no you didn’t.”

The teens stomach twisted into knots.

“You’re- you're joking, right?” Basil Questioned throat tight and voice tense and shaky

“No I’m not-“

Quickly Sitting up Basil rubbed his arm “I - I promised Polly i’d help her with something..” he mumbled “So I uh, gotta go.”

≿━━━━༺❀༻━━━━≾

“Strum with your fingers.” Mari directed making strumming motions with her fingers. Sunny nodded doing the same thing though a little off key but he’d get it. “Good job.” She praised “you’ll get the hang of it, Sunshine.”
≿━━━━༺❀༻━━━━≾

Basil shut the door behind him leaning against it and brushing hair out of his eyes and face. Sighing he sat up only to be greeted by a concerned looking Polly.
“What’s wrong, Sweetheart?”

“I uh, have a big test and I uh-“ he bit his lip shutting himself up before he said anything stupid.

Chapter Text

▃▃▃▃▃▃▃

“A test, huh?” Polly Inquired her light-colored eyes watching Basil. “You haven’t mentioned a test.” She mused tapping two of her fingers against her chin in thought. “I would’ve thought you would’ve said something by now.” She added

“O-oh I’ve been busy!” The blonde teen shot back a little too fast to just be saying it. Though Polly decided to not call him out on it to see where the boy would go with it. “What for?” She Questioned.

“Uh, math.” Basil sounded more uncertain than anything and the nausea certainly wasn’t helping. His throat tightened.

“Just let me know if you need any help, sweetheart.” Not the answer he’d been expecting but certainly better than a callout for another blatant lie. Basil nodded “I’m gonna go to my room now, to study…, okay?” His voice trailed off at the end looking for an ‘okay’ or something to indicate the woman’s approval and Polly nodded “go right on ahead.” She called as she turned back to where she was. “I’ll call you when dinner is ready.”

Basil doesn’t waste any time getting to his room. The door shut and he released the breath he didn’t know he had been holding and the tightness in his chest subsided. Maybe adding fuel to the fire if Polly - when Polly found out he was lying. It was inevitable.

Now, what would he do? He could finish some homework. That’s what the teen decided on. Though it proved difficult.

Tick.
Tick.
Tick.
Tick.

Furrowing his brows in frustration and scratching the side of his face. The clicking of the pen. He Couldn’t focus and it was unbearable. A frustrated sigh escaped his lips. His eyes darted from the page where all the numbers and sentences were blurring together. He shook his head before looking over at the clock.

There was a soft knock on the door Polly peeked in before she stepped in. “Basil?” She called no response. She stepped in further and tapped the boy’s shoulder “Basil, are you okay, sweetie?” Another tap and Basil recoiled from her touch and she pulled her hand away “Basil,” she said with her voice stern but the concern still spilling from her words “tell me what’s wrong, please.”

He faltered “I - I don’t feel good…” he mumbled dryly. Wiping his hand across his forehead. “Do you feel sick? Your face seems red..”

“Why didn’t you say something sooner?” Polly’s face melted into concern. “It’s not that big of a deal-“ Basil interrupted, his voice small and Quiet “I’ll just have dinner and lay down.” He added.

“Are you sure?” Polly asked “you don’t have to if you don’t feel good.” She soothed in a soft voice.

“You don’t have to fuss over me-“ spilled from the blonde's lips and he didn't stop there. He doesn’t want to. He can’t. “Not a big deal - why do you care - I don’t get it - I’m fine - it’s fine -“ Basil grimaced and didn't say anymore. He’s said too much. His throat tightened again and he stared at the bandages wrapped around his index finger. “I’ll bring dinner up, Okay? And then we’ll talk. How’s that sound?”

Basil gave a small nod his blue eyes began to water so he stared down his eyes glued to his hands and thankfully his hair masked his face at the angle he sat in. He listened for Polly’s footsteps and the closing of his door. Immediately once she’d left Basil gave an attempt to dry his teary eyes.

Shortly After She’d returned and placed a plate on His nightstand before taking a seat next to him. “Do you mind telling me what that was about?” The brunette asked, referring to the little outburst he’d had before she’d come back up. “I don’t even know.” Basil stammered a barely audible voice which wasn’t completely a lie but it wasn’t wholly truthful either. There’s another pang. He wished he didn’t have to lie to Polly. What would she think? Would she act the same?

He hesitated before speaking again “I just . . I guess I didn’t expect you to be so concerned?” The boy’s voice wavered and the ‘concerned’ sounded more like a question. Basil digs into his cuticles absentmindedly as Polly begins to speak.

“It’s okay to not know. And I guess it must be strange, huh? I know it’d be strange for me but I do care.”

“I can tell..” Basil murmured, voice tense.

“Why don’t you go ahead and eat, alright? So you can get comfortable and settle down. If you’re feeling better tomorrow maybe you can still go to school but I’m probably gonna keep you home.”

“..okay..” Basil poked and prodded at the food on his plate for what seemed like forever until he managed to get nearly everything down. Polly took the plate once he was done. Relief flooded over him.

▃▃▃▃▃▃▃

“What are you doing up? You’re supposed to be in bed.” Polly watched Basil taking a sip of coffee from her mug.

“I have school.” The blonde pointed out “I gotta go.” He added going to walk for the door. “You said you weren’t feeling good.” The brunette stated “you aren’t going to school if you don’t feel good, Basil.” Says Polly.

“I feel better, Polly.” Basil practically pleaded “I can’t miss school.” He began -

“No.” Polly stated “and that’s final you can’t force yourself if you don’t feel good. You weren’t lying to me were you? You wouldn’t be going to school if you didn’t.” She added.

“I wasn’t —- no — I feel better. I just. I feel better It was a one time thing—“

There’s a loud sigh. “Please go lay back down, sweetheart.”

Basil wants to protest to continue but he stops. Simply remaining Quiet. “Are you hungry?” The woman Questioned setting her now empty mug in the sink.

“No. I’ll eat later. Promise. I’m just gonna go to my room now.”

Polly nodded, “do you need anything before you go?” Basil shook his head and Polly pressed a kiss to his temple before he finally exited the room making his way to his room. He shut the door behind him and slumped down on his bed as the nausea crawled back up his throat.

This was gonna be a long day.

There was a small knock on his door and Polly opened the door. “If you want we can watch something in the living room as long as you stay on the couch.” She offered.

It was much better than staying in here all day long. He accepted after a few minutes of thought.

Once settled down. “What do you wanna watch?”
Basil shrugged “I don’t know.” He answered.

Chapter Text

╭── ⋅ ⋅ ── ✩ ── ⋅ ⋅ ──╮

Gradually Basil’s eyes had begun to hurt from keeping them open and fighting them wanting to close. It didn’t help that he had a rough night last night and he shifted awkwardly only to end up with his head falling in Polly’s lap. Immediately the teen shot up to move himself before it got awkward though Polly’s hand lightly pushed him down “you can stay there if you’d like, and if Not don’t rush to get up, okay?” Hesitantly with pursed lips as Basil bit his bottom lip a little too hard he let his head fall back down. “Are you sure?” He questioned looking up and his voice wavered but he stayed in place looking unsure. After a few moments of patient waiting Polly’s hand moved down her fingers threaded through the blonde's hair gently and his breath hitched. It was odd but nice. His grandmother had done it for him and he’d seen Mari stroking Sunny’s hair before - she’d done it to him and the other’s too. Maybe it wouldn’t be so bad and he could let himself relax and enjoy it. While he had it and braced himself for everything. Catch up on much needed sleep and rest.

╭── ⋅ ⋅ ── ✩ ── ⋅ ⋅ ──╮

“ - I couldn’t believe it!” Exclaimed Kel Excitedly as he tossed a crumpled up sheet of paper into the trash can. He pressed the phone to his ear plopping down on his bed and a sigh left his lips. “I miss you.. when are you gonna be home?” He inquired and the line went Quiet for a second.

“You’re in luck, Hermanito.” Hero began

“I’m planning on coming home to visit this weekend.” He explained “and If I’m correct I’ll be home in time for your big game, huh?”

Nodding as if Hero was there before realizing he was not. “You will!” Kel said happily “We’ve all missed you and I’m Sure Sal, will be happy.”

“How’s she been?” Hero Questioned

“Good. She’s just been a bit fussy but she’s really liking playing with some of my old practice balls. New thing actually.”

“That’s good.”

The call continued on for a little longer. “I’ll keep you updated, okay? Anyways I’ll be heading out tomorrow if the weather is right.”

╭── ⋅ ⋅ ── ✩ ── ⋅ ⋅ ──╮

Kel practically leapt up from the spot he was in snatching Sally up and onto the couch as he did once he’d heard the long awaited knock. Racing to the door he opened it after struggling to unlock The door knob for a while.

“Hero!” The brunette exclaimed nearly tackling his brother to the ground his arms tossed around the older of the pair to drop a bag on the ground. Hero wrapped his arms around his younger brother tightly ruffling his hand with his left hand. “Not the hair! Not the hair! Heroooo!” Hero began to laugh as Kel wrestled from his grip and almost fell when he released him. He pouted fixing his now disheveled hair. “The hair is important.” He explained

“Oh, I know.” Hero said rolling his eyes as he bent down to pick up a bag.

“Need help?” Kel Offered, earning a small nod

“I have a bag or two more in the back seat, that's all I need help with.”

Once Settled in, the two began to talk.
“I’m really hoping to see everyone again.” Hero says

Kel, nodding along, responded with “we can make that happen.” He smiled

╭── ⋅ ⋅ ── ✩ ── ⋅ ⋅ ──╮

“And that’s about it -“ Kel said, clapping his hands and smiling though Hero doesn’t smile back his eyebrows furrowing “what about Aubrey?” He Questioned “where is she?” He asked

“She’s right over there,” the teen said, pointing in the direction of a tall teenage Girl with bright pink colored hair. “That’s Aubrey? Little Aubrey?”

Kel responded with only a nod “yup. That’s her.” He confirmed as Hero’s eyes scanned the girl. No longer reaching to the middle of his arm - hair no longer dim and dark and her bruised skin clearly visible.

“She’s gotten tall - wait, Hero- where are you going-?”

“Wow, you’ve grown so much.” Hero stated once he stood next to Aubrey her eyes grew bigger and she stepped dead in her tracks eyes widening and hands tucked underneath her arms as she crossed her arms. “What’re you doing here?” She hissed the sour tone not hidden very well.

“Do you know him?” Questioned Vance only for Aubrey to not spare Hero another glance though his dark eyes watched growing with concern. “No, I don’t know him.” She said her voice unsure.

Ignoring all of that Hero continued “you’ve gotten so tall. You used to only reach halfway up my arm.” And the pink-haired girl rolled her eyes. The taller of the two reached forward patting Aubrey’s head as if she were a small child and she pushed his hand off. “I’m not a child, don’t treat me like one. I don’t - I don’t know you.” She managed voice tense

“I guess, you’re right. You aren’t a little girl anymore, Aubrey.”

There’s vague whispering and muttering between the hooligans.

Kim’s hand rested on Aubrey’s shoulder leaning closely to whisper in her ear. “That him?” She Questioned earning a questioning look and a small nod from the other girl.

“Go away, Hero. You don’t care don’t act like you do all of a sudden. You’re all the same.”

“Aubrey, do you know him?”

There’s a frustrated noise that escapes Aubrey’s lips and she can’t do much but admit it. She sighed. “This is Hero, he’s Kel’s older brother . . . He acts way older than he actually is and he treats me like a little girl.” She rubbed her arm “doesn’t matter anyways, we gotta get going.” She said before promptly waving her hand as a sign for the remaining hooligans to follow her lead. “We don’t have to stay here.” She added as she left.

“I kinda did tell you.” Kel started exasperatedly throwing his hands to his sides.

“I know, just wasn’t what -“

“You were expecting? None of us were.” The teen says “she’s not the same but she’s still is. She’s stubborn.” Kel said

“Tell me about it.

╭── ⋅ ⋅ ── ✩ ── ⋅ ⋅ ──╮

Hero is stumped to say the least - he knew Aubrey was stubborn but he hadn’t experienced her digging her heels in so stubbornly in a long time. Last time was a little after her dad had left and he’d pressed her for answers on why she seemed so upset.

. . . .

Hero bent down to Aubrey’s level where she was curled up on her front porch knees to her chest hugged tightly he could’ve sworn he heard sniffling.

“Mari said you didn’t wanna come play with the other’s you normally always wanna come. What’s up?” Hero Questioned patting the girl’s shoulder the sleeve of her shirt was dirty. “Is something wrong?” The older teen pressed his voice lowering as he scooted closer “are you crying?”

“No, I’m not..!” Aubrey’s small raw voice piped up as she looked up at Hero, her brown eyes puffy and red from crying.

“You are. Why’re you crying?” The teen Asked keeping his voice low, “something happened.” The dark-haired girl gave a slight nod moving her shaking hands up to dab at her teary eyes. Hero shifted his hands pulling Aubrey closer and she slowly but surely inched closer until she was completely against him. Tears ran down her red face and she sniffled a few times before even attempting to speak. “..My..my -“ a few small sobs broke through her lips before any more words. “Daddy doesn’t want me anymore…!”

Her Face crumpled, her bottom lip quivered and Hero pulled the girl closer against his chest. “What do you mean?” He pushed gently as Aubrey buried her face into the brunette’s light blue shirt. The black-haired girl hiccuped her throat tightening “..he left he isn’t there and … he won’t.. he isn’t coming back.. Momma said he doesn’t want me anymore..” Hero swallowed the lump in his throat tightening the hug he held Aubrey in and using his free hand to stroke her hair. “..I’m sure he does want you..” it was a lie but he wasn’t sure what else to say to her. “I don’t want him to leave! I don’t want Momma to leave- you aren’t gonna leave are you?” There's a brief moment of sniffling and big brown eyes looking at him expectantly. “No.” He answered, “I wouldn’t leave Kel, so I wouldn’t leave you either.”

“Now, why don’t we Go get you some water and maybe a cookie and then you go play with Everyone else? And See Mari?“ asked Hero and Aubrey nodded finally pulling away and wiping her eyes again

“Thank you.” She whispered

╭── ⋅ ⋅ ── ✩ ── ⋅ ⋅ ──╮

“What about now?” Sunny Inquired with big brown eyes beaming up at his older sister Mari as he set his violin down his fingers hurt from all the playing but his voice full of excitement and eager to see if he’d finally gotten the hang of it. He’d been practicing extra hard and he hoped Mari would notice but - the older girl’s face appeared far from pleased and she bit her lip and cleared her throat staring at her fingers still sitting on the piano keys. She readjusted the sheet music on her stand once more before after a long few Minutes she spoke. “Why don’t we try that again?” The dark-haired teen said coughing and moving her knee but she bit back the pained noise when she did so. “Okay, Sunny?” She Questioned

“But -“ his words fell on empty ears as he heard Mari beginning to play again. “You’re going too fast.” He complained “I - I don’t want to try again.” Sunny Finally stated.

“We are trying again, Sunny. Do you hear me?”

“I don’t want to.” He was digging his heels in this time. “It’s boring. I don’t wanna play anymore.” Sunny narrowed his dark eyes on his sister.

“We’ve been practicing so much for this, Sunny. And you don’t even try anymore; it's like you've learned nothing.” She snapped her voice and the frustration was written all over her pale face. “Pick your violin back up, please?” Her voice and facial features softened.

Stifling a whine Sunny picked the instrument back up. “Can’t you slow down?” He inquired, glancing at the teenage girl. “You play too slow, I think We’ve tried slow enough.” She says “you just aren’t trying hard enough.”

Sunny immediately frowned as he looked down at the stupid old violin in his hands gripping it tightly. “I'll try! I am trying!” He shot back “this is all you ever do anymore! I’m bored! I’m tired of this!”

“This is important to me, Sunny. We’ve worked so hard and now you’re doing this? This could be a big break this could-“

“I don’t wanna play the stupid violin anymore! It’s dumb!”

“It is not dumb! You just don’t take anything seriously do you?”

“You’re no fun anymore! You never play anymore!” Sunny’s voice was frustrated and shaky and he makes an attempt at a glare which doesn’t do anything paired with watering eyes. “It’s not fun anymore!”

“I can’t always play, Sunny — Besides once it’s over it’s over - I’m trying I really am-“

“Can’t you see I’m trying to keep up with you, Mari?” Mari swallowed thickly looking at her younger brother, his arms crossed “I’m sorry, Sunny.” The girl’s voice teeters on the edge of breaking but she keeps it from shaking and all voice control is helpful and she clears her throat again. She pats the left of the piano bench of where she’s sitting, coaxing the younger boy to come over. Sunny hesitates before coming to sit beside his sister. “I didn’t know I was going too fast for you, is that why you stopped trying?” There’s a small nod “I’ll try and slow down for you, Sunny. But it’s difficult for me and trips me Up. But I’ll try.”

“Did You Really mean you don’t wanna play anymore?” Mari Her Voice was tense and stiff but still contained all the soothingness it normally had, putting Sunny at ease somewhat. “I don’t like it anymore.” He admitted

“….oh…” Mari frowned her small voice “oh, this is all my fault..” she mumbled, continuing to frown “oh, I’m so sorry little brother.” The brown-eyed teen reached over Pulling the small child into an embrace. “You’re supposed to enjoy this.. this isn’t supposed to be a chore or something… I’m sorry.”

“You always say sorry, you said sorry last time.” Sunny mumbled into his older sister’s chest. “Do you really mean it..?”

“Of Course I do, Sunshine!” Mari says steadying her voice though still soft. She buried her face into Sunny’s hair.

“Do you still love me? Did I do something?”

Mari can practically feel her heart drop into her stomach and it churns. Her throat tightened “Sunny I do love you why would you - what - why would you ask me something like that?”

“Because you don’t play with me anymore. You used to do it all the time. You said it’d be different but you’re still always on the piano.”

Chapter Text

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‘Mrrrrppp’ came a familiar sound as a furry black blob scampered across the room to where Mari sat practicing the piano once again. The sound was accompanied by footsteps and the chimes and sounds coming from Mari’s piano. The feline skidded before stopping in her tracks right in front of the teen girl who sat on the bench in front of the piano. Posing herself to launch herself onto the bench she leaped onto it shortly after shoving her way into Mari’s lap. A small smile formed on the dark-haired girl's face as she felt a paw poking her and a furry head rubbing against her lap. “Hello, Mewo.” Greeted Mari beginning to pet the cat. Mewo began kneading a comfortable spot on The girls’ lap before settling down. Mari stroked Mewo’s head in a circular motion causing Mewo to put her head against Mari’s hand while rubbing against it. She sighed Beginning to purr until Mari picked her up, hugging the animal against her chest

“Oh, I don’t know what to do.” She mumbled into the cat’s fur “Sunny’s upset and I don’t know what to do.” She continued and sighed into her cat’s soft, dark fur “maybe I tell Sunny? So then he’ll understand how bad my knee is.” Mewo meowed back and Mari nodded “You’re right he’ll worry more about me then. It’s my job to worry about him, not the other way around. He shouldn’t have to worry about me.”

Mewo Butts against Mari again causing a laugh to bubble in her throat. “Thank you Mewo.” Though the girl couldn’t rid herself of the feeling of being watched she turned to see to her relief - Sunny peeking in from the hallway before hesitantly walking into the room after seeing he’d been spotted. “Were you talking to Mewo?” The boy asked quietly

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“It sounds great, Sunny!” Praised Mari and Sunny forced himself to not stop and nod it sounded off to him but he wouldn’t know would he? Mari had played far longer than he had and only a frown formed on his lips as he dragged the bow across the violin it struck his skin causing a stinging pain and an audible wince to escape the boy’s lips. His pale skin had turned a light shade of reddish pink and he only now paid attention to it as Mari’s piano came to a halt. He inspected his sore fingers and they tingled.

“Why’d You Stop Playing?” Questioned Mari sending a ‘look’ to her younger brother. “Is something wrong?” Asked the teenager and Sunny walked over showing his hand to his older sister. “My fingers hurt.” He explained tiredly “and sore.” He said trying to stretch them only to feel the soreness returning as he wiggled them. “My fingers hurt when I play sometimes and it really hurt when I started playing. You should take a break before your hands get numb and tingly.” The black-haired boy nodded “are you gonna take a break, Mari?” He inquired gently and Mari shook her head in response. “I’m getting a little more practice in before I do some homework.”

“Don’t Your fingers hurt?” The question was innocent enough. “Sometimes but I’ve learned to play through it and take a few breaks.” That was all Sunny got as an answer.

“Don’t Eomma and Appa want us to practice more though?”

“And I said take a break, who do you listen to, Sunny?”

“You.”

“Now go play. I’ll play with you a bit, okay?”

There’s a small nod.

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“I’m so glad you could come over!” Basil exclaimed beaming at the other boy “Y’know Aubrey’s been asking for you.” He added

Tilting his head Sunny asks “she has?”

“Mhm.”

“I have some pictures I took the other day with Kel and Aubrey, you wanna see them?”

Sunny makes a swift hand motion signaling that he does in fact wanna see the photographs and Basil shows them excitedly explaining each photo.

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“So, what did you two do today?” Asked the siblings' mother as she looked at both her children who were picking at their food. “Oh, we practiced for the recital and I helped Sunny with some homework once he got home.” Explained Mari

“Got home?” The woman raised an eyebrow “where was he?” She inquired.

“He went over to Play with Basil.” Said the older girl. The man sitting next to the woman cleared his throat. “You know I don’t like that boy.” He stated.

“He’s a sweet boy, Appa. He’s Sunny’s best friend.” Mari added, “I don’t see why you don’t like him.” The teen dragged her fork across her plate.

“You don’t see the way he dresses and talks?”

It’s so hard not to cringe oh so hard but Mari doesn’t bite her lip. “He’s a kid. That’s how he likes dressing. I don’t see a problem with it - as long as he’s nice, don’t you think?”

“I suppose she has a point.” The women stated

“Sunny, do you have anything to say? Or are you gonna sit and stare into thin air?”

Turning to face Mari, Sunny titled his head only to have her shake her head. “Don’t look at your sister.” Their father said “she’s not gonna talk for you. Mari is not gonna talk for you, do you hear me?”

Sunny fiddled with his fork “he’s my friend.” The boy shot back Quietly.

“Speak up.”

“Don’t make him talk if he doesn’t want to, Appa-“

“I don’t wanna hear it, Mari. He’s gonna do as I say. You’re gonna stop treating your brother like a baby.”

Staring at his plate Sunny raised his voice “but he’s my friend. Why don’t you like him?”

“You’re awfully close to ‘friends’. I was your age once, Son and I don’t care what you do when you're with your friends but you won’t be doing any of that under my roof.”

“It’s innocent, their kids. Appa leave him alone.” Mari was standing her ground on this one she decided. Her throat was twisted into knots “you always pick on him.” She says.

Sunny stared down at his feet, his black hair crowning his head and covering his eyes before he looked at Mari. He goes to open his mouth only to hear a sound of disapproval and his older sister shaking her head. “No.” She whispered, tilting her head towards her brother.

“Sunny you can’t look to Mari for everything, she's not gonna do everything for you, you need to grow up and do things on your own.”

Mari grimaced “he’s still a kid and he does a lot on his own. What’s wrong with me helping? Besides you and Eomma are busy, wouldn't you rather I help?”

She had a point - she always had a point and she resisted the urge to smirk. She was almost always right.

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Small fingers crawled onto the edge of the dark colored fabric skirt wrapping his fingers tightly around it and tugging on it until it pulled attention from the girl wearing it to him. “Hmm?” She Questioned in response.

The boy waved his hands in a bit of a messier fashion because he was rushing to ask. “What’s that?”

“I have a Question.” He stated

“What Question, I mean.” Asked Mari “why was Appa saying all of that? What does it mean?” He questioned his big brown eyes danced with curiosity and the light glinted in them despite all the bad mouthing he’d heard the little glints of sparkle remained.

Oh... Oh. Oh. He doesn’t know. And she can immediately feel her chest tighten as she instinctively tightened the embrace she held the younger in pressing his head to her chest.

Of course he doesn’t know . . . He’s a kid, he's still little and they don’t seem to understand that. Their parents don’t understand Sunny needs all the help he can get. He doesn’t process like everyone does - and Mari helps and shields him from ridicule she faced when she was his age. She looked at her baby brother and she watched him and looked at him. He was innocent. He still doesn’t understand some things and she planned to keep it like that as long as she could.

“You seemed upset..” mumbled the dark-haired boy “it was mean wasn’t it?” Mari swallowed the lump in her throat “he’s just . . . Those are mean things you don’t say.” She decided on saying and she very rarely avoids elaborating. “Wh-y is it mean?” Sunny asked his words broken into small fragments barely decipherable but Mari understands and makes sense of it. Sunny’s all his own. He's unique with his fragmented sentences and the way he mispronounced words and how he tugged on her and nodded and tilted his head. “You’ll know when you're older.” But she hopes he won’t have to learn.

“I’m not little anymore!” Sunny Protested

“No you aren’t. You’re big boy now-“

Sunny’s eyes and eyebrows narrowed at Mari “I am! So tell me!”

Mari sighed “some people just don’t like people because they aren’t like them . . . And that’s not right and it really hurts.. and that may not have been targeted at me but You’re my baby brother and it’s not right.” She explained as gently as she possibly could.

“. . . . Oh . . . Are you okay?” Asked Sunny.

“I’m okay.”

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Chapter Text

┕━»•» 🌺 «•«━━━━━┙

In hindsight Hero should’ve taken notice sooner. But he was gonna do something about it now. Before Aubrey went to scamper off to play with the others he pulled her to the side earning a question glance though her dark eyes lit up seeing him. “Can You come inside for a minute? Mari and I wanna talk to you.” The confusion evident on the girl’s face was clear as day though she agreed. “You can go play as soon as we’re done.” He assured, patting the younger girl's head and Aubrey beamed back at him “okay Hero.” The brunette teenager took Aubrey’s wrist in his hand and gently guided her inside his house and he brought her upstairs to where Mari waited. Aubrey climbed up onto the bed to sit next to Mari who patted the spot beside her. Hero took a seat shortly after.

Clearing his throat, Hero began to say “Can I ask you something and can you be completely honest with us?”

“..okay.” Aubrey answered, sounding uncertain.

“So, Mari and I have noticed a lot of things . . . . Like, black and blues and you always have an excuse and you seem defensive. Is there something you need to tell us?”

Aubrey flinched at his words, Dread settled in the pitch of the girl's stomach. Mari placed her hand on the Younger girl's shoulder squeezing comfortingly. “You know you can tell us anything, right?” Asked the dark-haired teenager “you can tell us.” Whispered Mari.

“Mama is kinda mean . . .” Admitted the little girl as she fiddled with the bottom of her shirt. “She drinks out of those big bottles . . And she’s always really mean when she has those..” Aubrey mumbled “you won’t tell anyone? You won’t tell Mama I said that? She said I’d be in trouble If I said anything.”

“I promise your secret is safe with us. Just know if you need anything Hero and I are here, okay?”

“Thank you.”

“You can go play now.”

After a few seconds of debating it Aubrey slipped off the bed and ran outside to the front door before running off to join the rest of the kids.

“I was wondering where you went.” Sunny Mumbled “where's Mari?” He Questioned “She and Hero wanted to talk to me! I think they should be coming out soon!”

There’s a small nod.

┕━»•» 🌺 «•«━━━━━┙

It was simple enough a sigh and a disappointed look on the dark-haired woman’s face. The ride was silent and it spoke volumes “what would your sister think about this, Sunny?” She Questioned it was simple but effective as it caused the teen’s eyes to shoot open “would it kill you to talk to me? Respond to Your mother?” The irritation grew in the woman’s voice “wouldn’t you like to know.” Sunny shot back his voice was low. “I’m sure your dear sister wouldn’t be happy to hear about this… she would’ve wanted you to act better and behave yourself.”

“You don’t know shit about her.”

“What would Mari think about all of this? Oh, she would be so disappointed.“

Sunny’s throat tightened as he instinctively wrapped his arms around himself staring forwards at the windshield. “Stop bringing her into this, if you’re mad at me say it. Don’t sugarcoat it.”

She spoke like she knew anything about her daughter. She didn’t know the first thing about Mari, like her interests and how her hands went numb from playing for hours on end and how her knee locked in place. How she was the one who helped him with his homework and how she comforted him when he had a nightmare and understood him with little or no words.

“Sunny Suzuki! You stabbed someone!” The woman raised her voice, turning her complete attention to him. “You expect me to stay calm about this? My son stabbed someone and won’t speak to his own mother. He stabbed someone who he claimed to be his friend.”

Sunny Scoffed audibly, narrowing his dark eyes at his mother. “You don’t know anything about my friends - You’re only paying attention when it’s convenient.”

“You can’t make anything easy for me, can you? You still remain disrespectful after everything I’ve done for you.”

◤──•~❉᯽❉~•──◥◤──•~❉᯽❉~•──◥◤──•~❉᯽❉

Aubrey tosses a stone against the brick wall and tossed another to the teenage girl standing beside her, Kim. Kim tossed a stone at the brick wall next “Aubrey can I tell ya something?” She Questioned

“Shoot.”

“I think you should try talking to kel.” The brunette stated and Aubrey’s mouth opened but no words came out as she paused to think as she kicked a stone across knocking over a glass bottle. “Why?” Asked the pink-haired teen her eyebrows furrowed in confusion as she bit her lip “Not what I was expecting.” Admitted the taller girl “I just think you should.” Says Kim “he clearly cares and you still care from at least what you’ve said. You should try and make up at least? Make amends.” And to be fair Kim had a point and Aubrey trusted the girl with her life.

“Besides, Aubs, I wouldn’t tell you something if I didn’t think it’s a good idea.” The Girl stated sticking her left hand in her hoodie pocket “I would never lead you astray. you're my best friend.” She added smiling

“I guess you have a point..” Aubrey sighed “you sure it’s a good idea?” She asked, turning to face Kim leaning her head against her shoulder and burying her face into it “without a doubt, you should go for it.” Encouraged the other teen.

“When should I do it, Kim?”

“Now or ever, Aubrey, we don’t know what’s gonna happen tomorrow so go for it today I don’t think you’ll regret it.”

“Why do you sound so sure?” Aubrey Inquired her thoughts and voice drifting.

“Why are you so unsure?”

“Y’know what? Yeah, yeah, you’re right. I’m gonna do it.”

◤──•~❉᯽❉~•──◥◤──•~❉᯽❉~•──◥◤──•~❉᯽❉

Seemingly everything that could get in the way of Aubrey returning to a house she’d been avoiding like the plague had happened. Yet, here she was again back at step one, four years ago all because a little encouragement of Kim (and the fleeting fact Aubrey didn’t wanna back down or make a fool of herself. Call it an ego, call it a reputation whatever you want but that’s how Aubrey functioned.) her beat up sneakers stomped against the pavement as she curled her hand into a fist knocking obnoxiously loudly on the door. She could hear ringing in her ears and feeling a mixing wave of nausea and discomfort rising and falling.

After a few minutes of waiting and once the teen was about to walk off and try again the next day the door opened to reveal Hero on the inside. He raised an eyebrow and his voice caused Aubrey to turn around as he called out her name. Her head perked up and she rushed back up. “Is Kel Home?” She Questioned instantly though a wave of confusion seemed to wash over the brunette standing halfway inside the door. “Yeah, he’s in our room.” He answered watching as Aubrey swayed “can I uh, see him?” She asked her voice hopeful and overall demeanor not what he’d witnessed earlier in the week. “I don’t see why not.”
Hero responded by opening the door to let the girl in. “Thank you so so so much!”

“It’s not a problem really?” Hero shot Aubrey a questioning glance as she made her way upstairs. She’d memorized the place and if she remembered correctly Hero and Kel’s room - her destination would be on the left? Hero followed suit, shutting the door as he listened to the conversation after taking a seat farther away.

“Aubrey? Hi! What are you doing here?” Aubrey could only imagine everything running through Kel’s mind if it were as bad as the fighting going on in her head. Stuffing her hand halfway into her pocket Aubrey looked at Kel averting her eyes away from him. “I was wondering if we. . . Uh, if we could . . Uh, talk?” The girl’s voice trailed off as she stared at her dirt-caked, worn down shoes. “You wanna talk?” Asked, Kel and Aubrey nodded “I do.” She stated the uncertainty that she’d walked in with starting to disappear as her voice no longer wavered. “Can we?” She asked

“I’d love to.”

“Ah… good.”

“So… what did you wanna talk about?”

“Everything.”

“..oh..”

Aubrey finally sat down though her hands dug into the skin of her knees as her stomach twisted into knots. “Everything has been rough lately.. hasn’t it?” She Questioned though an understatement “and I guess things have gotten out of hand . . . More out of hand than I even expected and I can’t exactly back out. I just want to figure things out.” Swallowing a lump in her throat “and I was hoping you feel the same way. I never wanted things to get so . . . Out of hand.”

Kel stayed silent - something he rarely did. He listened intently before Aubrey decided in her own words to shut up. “I don’t want it to be like this either, it doesn’t have to be but it takes teamwork as cheesy as You’re gonna say it sounds. But for now? Call a truce?”

Aubrey nodded hesitantly.

“I’m sorry..” she mumbled hoping Kel wouldn’t catch it but she watched the corners of his lips tug upwards. “Don’t smirk at me - just - augh!”

Kel Laughed.
Aubrey doesn’t but she does let herself have a small smile as she places her palm flatly against her knee instead of digging her nails into them.

“I’m sorry too.”

“You are?”

“I know I’ve done things. So I’m sorry. It’s not a one way street. I gotta admit I pulled some not so savory things and I know I upset you. But I really missed you.”

“I miss you too.”

“Aww, of course you do-“

“-asshole! - that - that doesn’t mean we’re friends-“ Aubrey crossed her arms but Kel kept still a smirk on his face that told her otherwise and she looked away.

“Even the universe knows.”

“That’s bullshit… I’m scared y’know?” The pink-haired girl drew shapes into her leg as she stared down. “I’m really scared.” She admitted

“I know you are. I am too, Aubrey.”

Aubrey’s throat makes a bit of an unwanted croaky noise that she tries to cover up with a cough and covering her mouth. She palms at watering eyes not wanting to appear to be phased or ruin her mascara (that she’d borrowed from Kim.) an onslaught of emotions assaulted Aubrey and her stomach was in knots and her throat was tight and so many words left unsaid. Kel scooted closer - not what either of them had initially planned but this time she doesn’t scoot away or scowl at him or make a childish remark or face - you get the point. “I’m sorry. I know sorry can’t do anything but I am —- I - I can fix things -“ nothing she says can appease the ever growing guilt and bitterness building up inside her and everything she said tasted bitter - nothing she can ever say or do will make up for her sins or everything she’d done - she was a little bit too much like her mother wasn’t she? Taking everything too far and shooting- her shot before someone could take aim and fire at her - hurt them before they hurt her and hit them where it hurts.

Childish Maybe but it worked and it always worked. A solid method. Kel’s hand lay on her shoulder and Aubrey shifted in her position to face Kel - she ended up with her face buried into his chest and she sniffled and scrunched her face avoiding any tears or anything from falling. They sit like that for a while undisturbed until Aubrey excused herself suddenly.

◤──•~❉᯽❉~•──◥◤──•~❉᯽❉~•──◥◤──•~❉᯽❉

“Mari?” Sunny questioned gazing up at older sister. “What’s that, Sunshine?” Mari Responded

“How do you know when it’s the right person?”

Mari Paused to think for a second. “You just know.” She decided “they make you feel warm inside and complete and then you see the world in a whole new light for the very first time.”

“How’d you and Hero know? How’d you find out?” Sunny shot multiple rapid fire Questions in response. And Mari chuckled delighted at the Questions. “It’s a long story, get comfortable and I’ll tell you.” With that Sunny scrambled up to grab a blanket and crawled into Mari’s lap.

“Remember when You and Kel were hanging Out in the bush? I thought I lost you and Hero thought he lost Kel and when we decided to help each other look we figured it out.”

. . . . .

“Hi hi hi hi! Sunny, you wanna come play?” Kel asked excitedly, cocking his head like a puppy. “Come play!” He insisted on grabbing the black-haired boy’s wrist tugging him forwards.

“Oh no..!” Mari exclaimed looking around as a form frowned on her face.

“What’s wrong?” Hero Questioned looking at Mari who was peering around.

“Sunny - he’s - oh no - he’s not here —“ said the girl as she looked around Beginning to panic. “I lost him! Oh no! I lost Sunny - Where could he be? -“

“I could help you look for him?” Hero offered and Mari only nodded. “I Don’t think he could’ve gone that far… C’mon Kel.” He coaxed and gave no response “Kel?” Questioned the brunette. He was too Quiet - he was never Quiet. “Hero… he’s not there-“ Mari whispered. Cue more panicking.

Mari reached into her light purple bag which was tossed to the side. “What are you doing, Mari? We gotta Find Sunny and Kel!!”

Mari hummed in response pulling out a bag that was crinkling as she held it and Hero could barely read the label. “…are those cat treats-?” The brown-eyed girl nodded. “Trust me.”

“But what are cat treats gonna do?” Hero Questioned as Mari began to shake the bag and called Sunny’s name and Hero watched - “Kel? Sunny? Kel! Sunny? Kel!? Sunny?!”

Peering at Mari as she shook the bag of treats still looking around. Hero watched her. He watched her - it certainly wasn’t what he was expecting but Somehow it made him like her even more . . . . It just felt right, she felt right. What if this was the person? He watched her intently as they continued walking and shaking the bag.

Mari Froze “do you see that?” She whispered, turning to look at Hero and they shared a look —- and, oh, Mari had the most beautiful brown eyes and hair, as dark as night —- but no time for this - Mari leaned over the rustling bush and parted it only to watch a wave of relief wash over her as she stared down. “They're here.” She whispered, insisting on Hero to come over.

“Sunny, you scared me!!”

“Kel, where were you?! You shut up and that was scary-“

◤──•~❉᯽❉~•──◥◤──•~❉᯽❉~•──◥◤──•~❉᯽❉

The Pair of teenagers shared a glance as Basil clutched his photo album to his chest tightly as he watched the other teen - his best friend — he hesitantly walk forward before he could back out of it. He held out the green book to Sunny attempting to keep a straight face as his throat tightened.

Sunny watched almost hesitantly and watched as Basil handed it off to him; he's still uncertain and held it lightly before the blonde pushed it closer to him with a small smile. There’s a pang in Sunny’s chest.

Swallowing thickly Basil began to speak “you’ll . . . You’ll probably get more use out of it . . .” He forced a smile and excused himself before Sunny could pop any Questions about the whole situation.

◤──•~❉᯽❉~•──◥◤──•~❉᯽❉~•──◥◤──•~❉᯽❉

Chapter Text

“. . . Polly? Could I talk to you?” Basil inquired nervously, his fingers stretching and twisting the collar of his shirt as he stared down at his shoes and socks that stuck out from them.

Polly peered over at the teenager and gave a soft smile sensing the boy’s uneasiness and invited him in and had him sit down. “So, what is it you wanted to talk about, sweetie?” The woman asked, adjusting the position she sat in. “There’s… there’s uh, a f-few things…” the blonde answered his voice wavered and he stared at his hands and focused on digging out the dirt from underneath his newly trimmed fingernails.

“Okay, take all the time you need, Honey.”

From how hard his heart was thumping You would’ve expected worse but - maybe Basil should come to expect the calmness and kindness he received from Polly. He Couldn’t just return it without outright seeming rude and truth be told he doesn’t wanna make it worse than it already is with how concerned and disappointed she’s been. “Remember that friend I told you about . . .?” Basil Questioned keeping his voice low.

“Who? Aubrey? Kel? Hero is it? Which one?”

He’s taken aback by her recounting things he’d told her. So maybe she was actually paying attention? Taking interest in what he said? Wow, that feels nice.

“Uh, no, no, not them. Not Quite.” Basil let out a breath he hadn’t known he’d been holding in and scratched his hand nervously as he cleared his throat.

“Ooh! Is it someone I don’t know about? Did you make a new friend, sweetheart?”

The blonde almost wanted to laugh right then and there. She’s mistaken - who would wanna be friends with him? He had who he had and he had to be okay with that. He shakes his head immediately after “No, do you remember Sunny?” Basil Questioned.

“You’ve told me about him. What about him you haven’t seen him in four years?”

“He came out a few days ago… and it’s odd and things don’t feel the same.. I guess I got used to how everything was.”

“Things change and it's hard to handle or understand sometimes.” Says Polly before she paused “some people come into your lives just for a little bit and some
Stay forever, but it’s okay to be sad. I understand that.”

“I just Miss things the way they were — I - I want them to go back to the way they were —- why can’t they just go back to the way they were..? It’s unfair- I know I messed up - wasn’t a good friend - but it’s so unfair-“

Basil lowered his head into his hands as he fought back how his eyes began to water. He wished he could just turn it off —- he wished he wasn’t such a crybaby - that he didn’t cry so much - he was so - he was so - frustrated - even Aubrey grew out of it to some degree so why couldn’t he? Why couldn’t he do anything right or hold himself together? It’s unfair - it keeps repeating itself in his head until it doesn’t sound like him or like a word anymore. He still can’t hold back - Aubrey does - he remembered watching the Girl burst into tears so often and get so frustrated clawing at her own hair out of frustration and now all she did was laugh and take a swing with her bat - but he knows she still has the same roots inside.

It’s frustratingly hard not to cry but it’s crawling up his throat like a vice and constricting his very movement and his breathing is heaving. “Basil?” Polly scooted closer placing her hands on the teen’s shoulders feeling the uneven breathing and all and she saw the shine of unshed tears in his blue eyes as he blinked them away. “Oh, Basil, it’s okay sweetie. Just let it out.” Moving one of her hands from Basil’s shoulder she placed it on his back rubbing it soothingly “it’s okay… you can tell me anything.. it’s gonna get better I promise. Baby Steps, alright?”

“Y..you think so..?” The teen’s voice is uneasy and at the very least croaky and now his throat itched - - every inch of his skin itched actually. Tears rolled down sunken in cheeks burning the skin in its wake and it felt like every touch and every noise was agonizing at this point. If he scratched hard enough he wonder what would come out - if he coughed hard enough - pulled hard enough - cried hard enough —

Basil felt warm hands pressed to his face drying the tears that had begun to show signs of stopping only leaving reddened eyes and blotchy wet skin. - breathe in — and out —- in.. and out — the blonde focused on steadying his breathing and syncing it with the woman’s and paying attention to what her hands were doing. “There we go, you see?” There's a smile — a warm genuine smile and he swore he could feel the warmth radiating off of it - or maybe it was just her hands - something still irked him but he leaned into the hug. “You remembered the breathing techniques I taught you.” It’s more of a statement than a question and Basil nodded “thank you.”

“Helpful aren’t they? I used to use them.”

She used them? Basil doesn’t wanna pry but he gives in as a hand moves through his hair tussling strands into place and feeling through it. “You did?” He questioned growing more curious by the second.

Polly Hummed in response, still running her fingers through the boy’s hair. “I used to have really bad anxiety when I was around your age, and I had a few people who calmed down and eventually my Uncle came to me with the idea of counting your breathing and It proved useful —- so since you have use for it I thought it was fit to pass it down.”

“I didn’t know that… - is it still bad..? - I - I mean, I don’t mean to pry but you’re always so calm and all..”

The brunette laughed and gave a gentle smile noticing Basil’s shoulders tensing up. “I don’t mind it, sweetie. It’s a whole lot better and manageable. I just still use it in particularly stressful situations.”

Basil nodded along “so… how long did it take for it to get better?” He Questioned “a few years or so ago.” Polly responded “it depends on the person, you can’t expect the same pace for everyone - I took longer than a lot of others.” She explained

“Wow, you really don’t see it . . You look like you have it all together.”

“Fake it till you make it, I feel a lot better now but you just gotta take it step by step. Not everyone is gonna be the same.”

“This may sound out of place but why don’t you have any kids? You seem like you’ve - I just - I don’t know how to put it.”

“I enjoy the job and I happened to end up with you. Besides, I can’t really have any of my own.. but I have you and I’m lucky.”

Basil’s lips curl into a small smile.

“I kind of figured you were gonna leave after taking care of Grandma…
You were here to care for her after all and I was an afterthought. I assumed they just paid for you to stay..”

“I’ve grown fond here and of you so I’d stay even If I wasn’t paid to do so. Besides, that's what your grandmother asked of me to watch over you and I keep my word.”

Basil paused chest tight “she did?“ he Questioned

“Basil, she loves you so much you would never know - I’m only keeping my word and passing the favor on - besides you need someone and I don’t have any kids of my own and it’s nice to take care of someone. You’ve come so far from when I first got here.” Another genuine Smile.

“…You remember that..? I’m sorry about that-“ Basil stammered

“Basil, it’s Quite alright, I understand how stressful that had to have been. Changes are hard and clearly you’ve had too many of them. I wouldn't switch them up on you. Something told me when I saw you I was here for a reason.” Polly’s hands continue through the blonde hair “everyone needs someone and I Just happened to end up with the best one.”

“…the best one..?” Repeated the teen.
Polly smiles “do you have any idea who that might be?” The woman asked her tone giving away no hints

“No..?”

“You.”

“I believe you’d been mistaken, but I guess that’s what you think?”

Polly laughs “you see? You’re picking it up slowly but surely.”

It felt Good to get a load on his chest and shoulders. Basil was glad they had this talk as embarrassing as some of it was. It was validating to hear it from Polly’s own mouth and not mere speculation only for Basil to dismiss. (It wouldn’t last long- no- it will-) he’d just ignore that for now.

“Do you know what you want for dinner?” Polly Questioned.

“Whatever you make is fine.” Basil Responded

“That’s why I’m asking you, Silly.” There’s a small laugh as the brunette repeated Her Question “and this time I want an actual answer.” She added

“Pasta is fine.” It’s a short response but an answer and that’s what she had asked of the boy.

“What kind of pasta?” Polly asks “chicken and pasta?” It’s more of a question than an answer but she’ll take it. “That’s doable.” She responded “do you want to help? Or do you need to do something?”

“O-oh I can help - yeah, I can help!”

“Wonderful! Wash up first while I get everything prepared.”

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“Y’know Basil, I expected you to be happy that Sunny Came out.” Kel began as he spun around with the ball in hand. Basil opened his mouth to defend his reaction “I am! I’m just surprised and shocked!” He answered immediately after as the brunette sunk down to sit beside the blonde. “I’m not saying you aren’t but man, I expected more from you.” There’s a sigh from Basil.

“What’s the matter, Basil? You know That You Can you tell me anything, You know? That’s what friends are for!” He says this like it’s the most obvious thing ever - which it is and Basil has to fight off the urge to laugh with the feeling building up in his chest and throat and he covers his mouth to do so. “I don’t mean to laugh but that’s golden coming from you!” Kel raised an eyebrow at Basil “I don’t get it.” He cocked his head to the side.

“Do you think I should invite Aubrey to my game this weekend?” Asked Kel

“..Has she been talking to you?”

“She came by one Wednesday to talk to me, I was surprised.” Said Kel

“Now did she? That’s wonderful..” Basil mumbled “Give it a try if you talked..? Maybe she’ll come.” He responded sounding more unsure than anything.

“You’re right,” the taller teen said “I’ll go for it!” Kel said enthusiastically “Maybe you should try talking to her? She’s calmed down somewhat.”

“Uh… I’ll uh, I’ll wait to see if she talks to me..” the blonde said nervously. “I think you should, it'd be a good idea but I won’t force you.”

Basil looked up at his friend “I can’t bring myself to do it yet, Kel, I just can’t right now.. maybe later but not - not now - I just can’t - maybe later but I’m not ready…” the boy trailed off.

“You don’t need to explain yourself, Basil I understand. If I were you I don’t think I would either.” He smiled at the shorter teen and Basil shot a quick one back - it was an awkward smile but it was how Basil smiled - tight and small - though Kel could still see the gap between his teeth - not noticeable at first glance and stuck out far more than Basil himself.

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“Polly?” Basil Questioned between Bites to not talk with his mouthful — he had better manners than that.

“Yes, Basil?” Polly responded, turning her attention to the teen sitting at the table with her. “Have you found your soulmate yet?” The blonde asked.

“Unfortunately, I haven’t had the pleasure of finding mine yet, why do you ask, sweetie? Have you found yours?”

Basil, swallows nervously “what if you don’t find your soulmate? What happens then? What happens if you can’t see them? What - what if it doesn’t work out?”

“Basil, sweetie, calm down first of all, second of all, you’ll find yours. It's a matter of time and it’ll work out. It takes time, but you’ll see.” The teen still seems unsure at his caretaker's answer but nods nonetheless.

“Anyone, would be lucky to have you.”

Then why does it feel like he’s being toyed with? Constantly toyed with.

“You shouldn’t worry about it, when it happens you’ll know and be happy.” Polly says “now eat up, you’re a growing boy. Teenagers bottomless pits and you don’t act like one.”

“You should see Kel eat, he’s a bottomless pit.” Remarked Basil.

The woman laughs “that boy is - he’s something else - but I like him, he's a good kid - he and his brother I like them. You’re lucky to have them. Also isn’t Kel’s game coming up?”

“Oh, yeah, it is he said he was -“ Basil paused.

“He said he was what?” Asked Polly

“Uh…”

“Basil.”

“He said he was thinking about inviting Aubrey . . . Like he used to —- she always used to cheer him on…” The blonde mumbled the last part, his words muffled behind his hand.

“I would’ve stopped trying with her by now, Basil. She’s beyond helping - you have a good heart.”

“She’s struggling, Polly. She’s - she’s not anything what she portrays she is -“

There’s a moment of silence and Polly sat her fork down. “I don’t think this is good for you, any of it. I wish you could see it.”

“The school wouldn’t do anything anyways and I’m not a rat.” Once more Basil trails off.

“I don’t see why the school doesn’t do anything about her or her behavior. It's repeated. Don’t they notice?” Polly sighed “I just wish you’d let me do something. Eventually I’m just gonna do something and not ask you.”

“The school doesn’t care.” Basil swallowed hard between the words “and please don’t - it’s not gonna fix anything —- she —- she doesn’t mean it - she has it hard enough already and I won’t be the cause of something worse.” He says.

“I just don’t understand you sometimes Basil.”

“I don’t understand either, you just don’t seem to get it.. how many times do I have to say it?”

“That’s just it.” Polly responds “you don’t say it, you wait until everything boils to the point of no return then you say it.”

Basil stared at his food. He remains silent.

“I can’t understand if you don’t tell me. If you don’t let me help you. You don’t want help and I can’t force you to get it because it won’t work.”

Suddenly the room felt unbearably hot causing the boy to squirm in his seat nervously. It’s hot - too hot - it’s too hot - everything is touching him - everything is so small - too small — Polly turned up the heat in the conversation and Basil was not handling it well.

He swallowed thickly as the forming tears building up in his light blue eyes burned. “But - I do - I really do -“ he stammered.

“Then let me, Basil, you won’t let me. Please let me.”

“How?” He whispered

“That’s up to you.” Answered Polly.

“But …. But why? I can’t.. I don’t know how? How Do I-?”

Why wouldn’t she show him? Why couldn’t she tell him?

“I can’t tell you what to do. I have to let me, talk to me, let me in instead of keeping me Out. It's not good for you. You’re so young to be dealing with all of this and it isn’t fair on you - so let me help you.” Polly watches carefully “I just want you to be happy and healthy, and If you don’t let me I can’t do anything. And I’m not just gonna stand by.”

“I pay more attention than you realize.” The woman’s tone of voice says it all and Basil stays motionless. “You notice so much more, at least you bother looking at me and I don’t get why..”

He stops himself before he’s pouring everything more than he wants to. He’s already said too much and he wants to rinse his mouth out. Nobody wanted him - his parents sure as fuck didn’t and why should Polly? They were paying her to care for him - they were too busy to spare him even a glance.

“..they don’t care.. it’s just your job, Polly.”

“Maybe they don’t but I do. Yes, I came here for a job but I stayed not because of that.”

“They pay you well, don’t they?”

“Basil, I could care less about the check, You’re what I care about.” Polly pulls her chair closer to the teen. She sits her hand on him gently and she’s expecting him to recoil and clam up. “Basil, sweetie,” the brunette began. “You’re like my son and what mother could sit and watch her child suffer - I’m not just gonna let you throw everything away.” She says

“I love you so much and I just want you to be happy - do everything you used to do - let me help - let us help - Let Kel and Hero help - just - we care.” She’s practically pleading with Basil at this point when she knows she shouldn’t but she doesn’t know what else to do she’s run out of options. “You say you want help but you don’t really want it Don’t you?” Polly Questioned bluntly “if you want it show me you want it - you would try - try with me please?”

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“I’m sure he’d Appreciate knowing you all did all of this as unexpectedly as it is..” There’s a small hopeful smile on Polly’s lips “I’ll set up some blankets and all set up for all of you, okay?” The woman excused herself from the room.
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“Aubrey I don’t think he’s gonna…”

“…”

“Basil… please..?”
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Chapter Text

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Thump . . . Thump . . . Thump . . . . Thump . . .

Sunny jolted up from his sleep - every inch of his skin felt cold —- where Am I? Despite the haze the teen looked around trying to get a feel for where he was and figure it out - upon looking around Sunny immediately recognized the place - Basil’s house he thought - he was still in Basil’s house - he steadied his breathing and that came as a huge relief. His eyes scanned his surroundings seeing Kel, Aubrey, and Hero all fast asleep besides him - and still no sign of Basil. Something nagged and nagged and nagged at him as he tossed in turn trying to get back to sleep to no avail. With no sleep in sight Sunny decided to give into the urge to check on Basil. He carefully treads through his sleeping friends and all the way to Basil’s room.

Sunny Peered in almost immediately regretting it as he attempted to step backwards and out the door before he’s spotted. “Ah… Sunny… it’s just you..” came The blondes strained, raw voice. “I’m so glad you came… it’s so good to see you..” Basil whispered

Sunny can make out a faint twitching smile on the teen’s face. “It came to you that day… that day Mari died. When Mari.. when Mari fell.. you… you couldn’t have done it. It was something behind you… wasn’t it?”

It’s an empty Question they both deep down on the answer to yet, Sunny doesn’t answer only feeling his mouth Beginning to feel dry as his throat tightens.

“You’re a good person, Sunny. I know you’re a good person! A good person wouldn’t do something like that!” Basil’s eyes watch Sunny carefully; he can feel a burning sensation yet nothing comes.

Sunny’s stomach churns but he remains silent.

“After all this time… you’ve finally come back for me.. but tomorrow… you’re going away..” Sunny could Barely hear what his friend was saying at this point. Basil’s lips were moving but he couldn’t hear anything.

“H-HOW COULD YOU DO THAT?!?” Basil snapped his voice growing louder “that’s mean, Sunny! That’s So Mean!!”

Eyes dart side to side.
Sunny feels nauseous

“Ah... there's
something all around us now. Can you see it, Sunny?
There's no way out of this, is there? Where are you going?!”

He has to get out of here. He can’t - not now.
Sunny Attempts to back up without bringing any attention to himself.

The teen braced himself for the worst, squeezing his eyes shut tightly. ‘Please’ is what he wants to say but no amount can force it from his mouth all it does is get caught in his throat.

“Stop trying to leave me! S-stop it! Stop it! Stop it! Stop it! Stop it! Stop it! Stop it! I don't... want to be... alone. not again. You... can't... leave me... again…”

(Just calm down) his chest is tight and everything is spinning now.

Sunny can practically feel his heart pounding through his chest. Then he spots what Basil has grasped in his scarred hands - a pair of garden shears - everything was screaming at him to run - runrunrunrunruneun- he wants to run but his legs won’t move - he can’t move fast enough — Heavy breathing —- words he can’t say are still left unsaid.

“There's no way out of this, is there?”

No no no no there this -

Sunny Screws his eyes shut his arms and hands shooting out trying to grab Something - anything - shield himself from oncoming blows-

“Tell me, Sunny…” Basil’s shaking Voice came From Above him, having him pinned down trying to plunge the shears down though his fingers kept slipping, slick with fresh blood “…Am I selfish for doing this?
Sunny…” there’s no response though Sunny’s dark brown eyes stared right at him grabbing at the blondes wrists. More tears brewed in Basil’s eyes, tears streaming down his face wetting Sunny’s shirt. “Do you hate me?” The boy whispered voice trembling nearly as much as his hands. “Please... stop it… Stop struggling, Sunny…” Basil begged his voice cracking his sentences broken up as the sobs in his throat left his mouth. “I'm... I'm so tired…”

The shorter teen shifted his position nearly being thrown off. Basil’s legs are on both sides of Sunny’s body, keeping him down as he wildly swings with the shears. Abruptly Sunny stopped pushing and shoving the teen above him - he’s staring down at the blood on his shirt - the blood on the garden shears - the red coating Basil’s hands - covering his skin - red - red - red - bright red bright bright red—- the dripping from Sunny’s other eye which he’d squeezed shut to prevent blood from dripping in it made it all the more difficult to see.

“. . . . I’m so sorry. . . .” Basil’s voice softened, cracking even more. The blonde stared down at Sunny - his big brown eyes looked back at him - they no longer held that glazed over Look they’d obtained over the past few years — blue tear-filled eyes stare at wide brown ey- eye - just one as Sunny’s other was squeezed shut through the sheer pain of it -

Sunny Swears he’s tearing up himself.

‘Can you see it? Basil Wants to ask but restrains himself looking at his best friend returning the look - he saw it too, didn’t he?

Blood is everywhere - dark red everywhere - it’s the only thing Sunny saw and it’s smell - the metallic smell is stuck in his nose - Sunny wants to look away — but he can’t —- all the colors - everything is so bright - the red - it’s so dark - red was a beautiful color and he can’t look away - he’s terrified but all the colors were more beautiful than he imagined - than he remembered-

Drip drip drip —

Sunny peered up seeing the blood from Basil’s nose dripping down. The blonde takes a shuddering breath. “..C..can you see it? …it’s not just me is it..?” His voice is barely above a whisper

The first thing he’s truly seen in four years —- but Basil has him pinned down to the ground and he doesn’t know whose blood was even soaking in his clothes and skin. Tears Mixed with the still wet blood.

The Last Thing Either of the boy’s heard was heavy breathing and a thumping sound.

Sunny’s chest felt even heavier than before.

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“—Gonna?”

Sunny only makes out the last part of what one of the people in the room was saying.

Just as Sunny opens his eyes - though only one opens he’s hit immediately by the blinding bright light of the hospital room - and his senses are already being assaulted by the antiseptic and sterile smell of the hospital room.

Aubrey’s eyes had wandered scanning the other side of the room seeing Sunny finally move and a small sound escaped his lips. Her eyes widened as she turned to face the rest of her friends. “Hero! Kel! He’s up!”

The pink-haired teenager rushed over to her friend’s bedside, her thin lips forming a large excited smile to see the boy finally awake. She’s followed by Hero and Kel. “Don’t bombard him.” Hero cautioned looking at Aubrey and Then Kel.

Sunny Turned his attention to Aubrey, his eyes widening upon seeing her hair - her long locks of dark hair were no longer black, rather a bright pink color complimenting her clothing and all. “Aubrey You’re hair… you dyed it..” it hurts to talk and it’s croaky from
Not speaking.

Aubrey nodded along “I said I was going to, wasn’t I?” She let a small smile form on her lips as Sunny stared at her - Likely he was just staring at her hair in awe. “It’s beautiful…” The dark-haired teen says

“..can I touch it?” He Questioned making a small motion towards Aubrey. She shrugged, coming to sit on the bed next to Sunny though careful. “Yeah, go ahead.” The girl says letting the shorter teen reach out his fingers come in contact with her hair and he rubs it and pulls his fingers through strands of the colorful hair. “It’s soft..”

Aubrey swallows back a small laugh despite the concern still having her on edge. Wait, a minute - she girl paused - her hair is pink -

“My hair is pink, right..?” Aubrey abruptly questioned and Sunny nodded “a pretty pink.” He states

“You see the pink?”asked the taller girl

“Yes..” Sunny Answered.

“Wait…” Aubrey began “that means you… that means… oh, I always knew you were a little Fruity, Sunny..”

“..is there anyone else here?” The black-haired teen Questioned.

“Polly’s in the hallway, she’s talking to the doctors and she’s trying to get your mom to pick up, Sunny.” Hero said. Sunny’s eyes darted from Aubrey and Hero to Kel and Basil to the door.

Now or Never. He thinks.

Sunny keeps his fingers in Aubrey’s hair threading his fingers through it. “I have something to Tell you.” He said his voice was unwavering this time.

The Blonde looked over at him nervously digging his nails into his Palm nervously but he stays silent and doesn’t object despite the tears gathering in his turquoise eyes.

“It can’t wait until you’re feeling any better?” Hero Asked “I’m sure whatever it is can wait.” He said his voice was calm and trying to ease the boy’s worries.

Sunny Shook his head, he was dead serious. “I can’t wait..” he said with a new sense of urgency in his voice “it’s waited too long, it’s important.”

“What is it then, Bud?” Questioned the brunette.
Sunny inhales sharply staring at the tiles of the hospital floor. “It’s about Mari.” Everyone was silent before Aubrey spoke up “..go on.” She coaxed

“None of — n-none of you did anything wrong, she didn’t hang herself.”

Everyone goes silent.

“W-what?” Hero forced out “what are you talking about, Sunny..?”

“We Got Into a fight . . . And I threw My Violin down the stairs and She got mad and I - I was upset and she wouldn’t let me go - she wouldn’t let me cool down and I pushed her so she’d move…. She wouldn’t wake up - she - she wouldn’t wake up -“ this time when the teen’s eyes burn tears do come. Gathering in the corners of his eyes and pouring down his pale face “I didn’t mean to hurt her… y..you all know I loved Mari..”

Aubrey cleared her throat shakily “how’d… how’d… she get in the fucking tree then?” She Questioned Pulling away from Sunny slightly.

Sunny watches Basil from the corner of his eyes. “I..I got scared…and-“

“You made it look like she killed herself…” Aubrey answered for him, swallowing the bile in her throat she pulled completely away from Sunny, the hurt in her voice evident. “I-I- I need a moment.” She snapped as Kel tried to put his hand on her shoulder.

The brunette’s eyes darted from his older Brother to Sunny and Aubrey.

“That’s - that’s not true -“ Basil spoke up causing everyone’s attention to turn to him “It - - that… that wasn’t his idea — It was mine - I was scared of losing him.. I couldn’t… and..and it was an accident… I wanted to protect him..I couldn’t lose someone else..” the blonde looked down at his hands burying his face into them muffling the sounds of attempting not to cry.

“Four Whole Years…” Aubrey snapped “four years we all believed that- I - I can’t believe you - I can’t believe any of you-!” The Teen pulled away from Kel and slammed the door behind her.

“Aubrey — Aubrey — wait!”

Now it was only Sunny, Basil and Hero.
Basil peers at Sunny nervously “why would you Lie about it?” The blonde Questioned

“You’ve done enough to protect me… I don’t know. Maybe I wanna return the favor…”

“You’re kidding, right?” Hero asked

The silence tells him all he needs to know.

Hero doesn’t know how he felt —- it’d been a roller coaster of emotions the past four years and now it feels numb - he’s almost relieved - it’s more closure over knowing this than believing Mari had taken her own life —- but —- he’s angry - he’s so angry at Sunny - but he still can’t bring himself to be - he looks at him and all he saw was regret - a teenager far too thin for his age and he looked so much younger than he was - the hospital gown and bandages added to it.

He swallowed the lump looking over at Basil too.
A pair of scared kids… - and that’s just it —- they were scared kids - and maybe he could do better this time - he can’t stay angry - they’d made mistakes in the past and Hero saw how everything had fallen apart — they all looked up to him - he’d Promised Mari to look after Sunny —- Hero was going to keep his promise. He was gonna fufill is role of older brother - he Wasn’t gonna ignore it this time —— it’s what Mari would’ve wanted. Simple as that.

Chapter Text

“Why did you do it?” Hero Questioned his voice swayed as he attempted to keep it steady from shaking. “Why did you do it, Basil?” He Asked his throat constricting against his words.

Basil shudders squeezing his eyes shut contemplating what to say. “I — I was scared..” he admits “..I wanted to protect Sunny… I… I didn’t wanna lose him… lose any of you… Mari was gone — wh-what was I supposed to do..? I regret it but I’d do it again if it meant things being okay.. but I regret it.” The voice cracks were unavoidable and he sniffled, staring at his scarred hands as they shook when he brought them to his face.

Scared. Scared. Scared. Scared.

‘They were Only kids.’ Hero can almost hear Mari’s voice echoing in his ears. Her soft voice.

Scared kids —- he’d made his fair share of mistakes as a kid — not to this extent — but he’d done things out of fear and lied and faked things —- he didn’t do it often but he’d done it. He understood what it felt like to be a kid - a kid their age - a scared and confused kid.

The shaking in Hero’s voice is undeniable and it’s Quite obvious. “You were only kids, you were scared.” He says “it was stupid but you were just kids.”

And with that it sent Basil —- the damn blew over and the silent tears were no longer silent - unapologetically loud and it’s hard to listen to. It’s difficult and it hurts Hero’s ears but he sits on the edge of the bed and reaches out though hesitant bringing the teen into a warm embrace —- which Basil seemed more shocked by this than what he’d just let slip - though he doesn’t fight he’s tense.

“It’s Okay,” Hero Says “it’s all gonna be okay.” He whispered “it’s out now.”

How can you be so sure?
Why aren’t you upset?

“I’m so . . . I’m so mad. I’m mad at both of you. But I’m glad you’re okay. I can’t be mad at both of you. We’re gonna get through this and we all are gonna make it.”

Basil felt his throat closing up though he’s still choked up and trying to blink away the burning tears. His tears stained Hero’s dark blue shirt as he held him tightly.

▬▬▬▬

“Wait —- Aubrey!” Called out Kel rushing after Aubrey he reached out grabbing the pink-Haired teen’s shoulders. “I - I can come with you..” offered the taller teen “if You want..” he trailed off looking at his friend defeatedly he wasn’t expecting much either to be snapped at or be completely ignored - instead she grabbed his wrist tugging him alongside her until she slumped down onto the floor of the hospital floor causing Kel to slip down beside her. Kel Pats her shoulder pulling her closer. “I just - I can’t believe it..”
Whispered the teen staring at the floor and then looking up at her friend. “It’s .. it’s gonna be okay -“ Kel paused. He truly wasn’t sure what to say and he could feel himself beginning to sniffle. “Kel..? Are you okay?” Aubrey’s voice broke the silence and she cleared her throat trying to rid it of the shakiness. “I don’t know.” He answered, giving a try laugh as he held the shorter teen closer.

“I really don’t know.”

Fuck —- what was she supposed to do? Aubrey watched raising her hand hesitantly and sitting it on his head. She’s hesitating heavily listening to Kel’s heavy breathing attempting to keep himself from ultimately breaking down and crying. With a sigh Aubrey hesitantly digs her fingers underneath some of the fluff of Kel’s hair and moving her them around in a slight stroking motion - though awkward since they hadn’t been this close in ages - Kel reacts positively and she continues to do so falling into a bit of an order until they both pulled back. Words were stuck in Aubrey’s throat but she swallowed it down instead.

“Uh, do you wanna go back?” Questioned the shorter teen Girl as she rubbed her arm nervously, her blue nail Polish chipped.

“You wanna go back?” Kel Responded in a tone of utter confusion “I mean, we can if you want But I wasn’t expecting you to wanna go back in there… after that..”

Aubrey swallowed “I wasn’t expecting it either . . . But, we can’t exactly just leave like that on bad terms without the full story or anything? We’ve finally gotten closure and I don’t wanna just leave it like that…” she says, staring at her nails scratching her nails against the already chipped polish.

“I guess you Have a point.” Kel said “..you ready?” He asks and Aubrey lets out a dry laugh rubbing her eyes “Damn,” she retorted “I should be asking you that.” The pink-haired teen says.

Aubrey grabbed a hold of Kel’s hand helping him up and he dusted himself off with a free hand. “Ready?” Kel Nodded and Aubrey tugs him along letting go of the other’s hand as soon as she had swung the door open.

Sunny and Aubrey’s eyes met from peeking up from Hero’s shoulder.

Aubrey couldn’t make out Hero’s face as his back was turned to them - Holding Sunny in a hug and she noticeably sees the tear tracks staining his pale face. Turning her head to where Kel was looking - Basil was no longer in his bed - “where’s B-“

Kel Pointed to a tuft of blonde hair poking out from behind Sunny.

“Hero?” Kel Called Out nervously walking towards his older brother and putting his hand on his shoulder before turning to look at him. Hero turned his attention from Sunny and Basil to his younger brother “is… is everything okay?” He forced out looking The brunette dead in the eyes that said ‘be honest’

“No, but I think it’s gonna be.” Is the best response Hero can come up with pulling Kel to join him, he waved Aubrey over. She stood in the corner observing, hesitant to go over to join her friends. She eventually does so after some Coaxing, staying a bit on the sidelines until she feels a warm hand on her arm. Turning her attention to where the arm stretched out from was Basil with a nervous expression on his face. She doesn’t pull away but he goes to do so but Aubrey pulls his arm back.

Baby Steps.
Baby steps.

▬▬▬▬

After a while the door opened and the knob turned revealing a brunette Woman named Polly. “Is Basil in here?” She Questioned before her eyes caught a glimpse of the blonde teenager.

“…I’m here…” Basil’s weak voice piped barely audible above the hospital machinery though Polly heard it. She walked to where the Blonde teenager was curled up picking at his nails nervously.

The woman Let out a sigh of relief upon seeing the boy awake and moving. “Thank Goodness You’re Okay!” Polly said, sounding Quite relieved, a small smile crossing her face. Basil sits up awkwardly and wobbly to allow Polly To Wrap him in her arms as he weakly wrapped his arms around her from the odd angle he was at. The brunette’s fingers run through the boy’s tangled hair pulling her fingers through pieces of his hair separating them into different strands “I was worried Sick, sweetie.” The woman says. Basil paused, burying his face into Polly and his small voice was muffled by the fabric of her shirt “. . . You were worried?” He Questioned

Polly Remained silent “of course I was! Why wouldn’t I be?” She tucked a finger underneath Basil’s chin nudging him to look at her “haven’t you learned anything about me? Of Course I was worried, Basil.”

The teen sniffled lightly and fresh tears were welling in his eyes again. “. . . Thanks Mom.” He whispered, hiding his face.

A smile formed on the woman’s face immediately and she tightened her grip on Basil. “Mom?” Polly Questions causing Basil to freeze up, shoulders tensing and she’s expecting him to pull away from her. “Is - is that - is that Okay..?” The teen forced out with a still cracking voice.

“Oh, Basil, it’s more than okay, sweetie.” She says, smiling warmly rubbing the boy’s back.

“Don’t ever scare me like that again, and you’re grounded when you get out.” Basil doesn’t even argue with that, only sniffling and a small smile crosses his face. “That’s - that’s fair…” he murmured

“I didn’t know it was this bad…” Polly says “I wish you would’ve told me And I could’ve done more… I don’t know how I can Trust you now.”

Basil swallowed thickly.

“I don’t think I can trust you’ll be okay on your own anymore.”

The blonde paused, “what do you mean..?” Basil Inquired nervously

“I can’t leave you alone, now can I?” It’s less of a statement and more of a question with an obvious answer they both know. Basil doesn’t say anything he doesn’t want to.

“How’re you gonna manage that? I can’t be with you all times of the day.” Basil is almost confident it can’t go the way Polly says.

“You’ll be with adults at school and I’m sure your friends look after you too, and simple as when you’re here you stay in my sight and just leave the door unlocked so nothing happens.”

Basil stared down at his nails, Brittle and bitten to the skin. He doesn’t want that - he’s certain Polly cares but he doesn’t want that - this - but he knows he’s earned it. He’s not only broken her trust but everyones.

Fingers run through his hair once more. “I’m sure you can understand where my worries are coming from.” Polly Said and she sighs.

“I know it seems unfair, I know what it’s like to be a teenager. I was one once you know.” Basil doesn’t pay much attention to her words.

“But you haven’t left me with much of a choice, sweetie.” The woman says.

“Imsorryimsorryimsorryimsorryimsorry-“

“Shh, I know you are, Basil.” Polly whispered soothingly “just calm down, relax. Don’t work yourself up over something that hasn’t happened yet and you can’t control.”

Basil Shifts awkwardly taking a deep breath.

“In and out.” She soothes and repeats it, rubbing a circular motion into Basil’s back.

Basil Flinched upon feeling another hand on his back - it was cold - he assumed it was Sunny who it belonged to. “Sunny..? Is that you..?” There’s a hum of recognition and The Black-haired teen tried to ignore Polly’s eyes boring into the back of his head as she watched.

The Blonde let go of Polly Turning to face his best friend. A small shaky smile formed on his face as he leaned into a mutually accepted hug - it lasted for a while. Sunny’s hand on his back and his arms wrapped around Sunny.

It lasted a little long for ‘just friends’ and Polly noticed but it goes unspoken between the boy’s as well. Polly exits shortly giving them some space - what's the worst they can do in a hospital?

“I’ve missed you..”

“I missed you too.”

Chapter Text

                                         ▬▬

Basil Nervously looked at his best friend before his hand shot out to the other boy’s face. His fingers grazed the gauze wrap covering his eye. “I - I didn’t mean to..” the blonde mumbled as Sunny leaned into the touch. 

“S’ fine.” He answered 

“What..?” Basil Questioned.

“S’ fine.” Repeated Sunny, mouth struggling with the words he wants to say “it’s… it’s..” there’s a frustrated noise coming from the black-haired teen.

“Don’t - don’t force yourself..”Basil offered Quietly

“It’s fine.” Sunny Finally settled on looking pleased with himself. 

“But I stabbed your … your eye.”

The other teen nodded carefully. “It’s fine.” He repeated, getting used to the sound and feel of it. 

“It’s not fine and I just can’t shake the feeling - I -“ Basil is hushed by Sunny pressing a finger to his lips. “Sshhh.” Is the sound he makes leaving the Blonde utterly confused 

“Don’t shush me -“

“Sshhh.” 

This time Basil Quiets down though he’s not happy about it. 

Sunny’s throat makes an odd sound as he tries to speak up once more. “The Quiet..” he mumbles “it’s good.” He added And this time it rolls off his tongue naturally and he seems again happy with himself.

“I want…” Sunny Trailed off his tongue rolled alongside the words and they seemed too big on his tongue and mouth as he tried to pronounce them. Another frustrated noise followed by noises meant to be words.

“What do you want..?” Asks Basil showing how closely He’s listening “take your time.” He follows up as his best friend reaches for his hand. Sunny Grabs it and Basil allows him, not pulling Away this time as his cold fingers trace everything lining the other’s hand. 

“I want..” each time the teen repeats the words Basil hears more and more frustration each time. “I want.. come closer.” Sunny says “I want you to.. I want you to come closer.” The black-haired boy says, sounding more confident than the last few times.

“You? You want me to come closer..?”

Sunny nods tugging the Blonde closer. “Close.” He repeated. Basil sits still and Quietly. “Does your eye hurt, Sunny?” He Inquired softly.

“No..” Sunny stumbled over his words having difficulty trying to form the word he struggles to enunciate the word and articulate it. Every word he makes it a point to pronounce every syllable. He licks his lips feeling his mouth go dry as he attempts to speak again. “Doesn’t… It doesn’t hurt.”

God, He sounded so much Like Mari Basil thought. He was like her in so many ways the way he blinked when he was thinking and licking his lips while doing something - that little face he made when he was focusing —- 

“Doesn’t hurt.”

“I’m glad..” Basil Forced a smile 

“Do you… do you think Aubrey’s gonna come back..?” Sunny Questioned trailing off his facial expression shifting into one of concern and worry.

Basil’s stomach churned “I don’t know..” he responded “I hope she does . . . I hope she isn’t mad . . .”

But How can’t she be mad? Basil Asked himself.

“…she’ll…” Sunny Paused feeling his way around the words and more odd noises following “she’ll come.. she’ll come around.” The Boy Began “She always does… It's Aubrey..she’s still Aubrey.” He’s much more confident in saying this than anything else.

The Shorter teen lets it sink in and he’s about to sink his teeth into his hand but he doesn’t. “Your… you’re right.” Basil responded and Sunny leaned in unusually close and he seems unshakable from whatever he’s trying to do. “What - what are you doing?” He stammers out, forcing it Out of his throat. 

“Th…this..” Sunny Mumbled barely audible though voice still scratchy. The Dark-haired boy ran his fingers through the smaller teen’s ashy blonde hair. He rubbed the strands between two of his fingers and he seemed entranced by it and Basil’s shoulders fell no longer tensing and his chest rose and fell and a nervous laughter escaped his lips. 

Fingers continue to comb through hair and his wrist turns whenever he flips the strands. “S’ soft.” Sunny Said.

“O-oh..” Basil lets out along with another laugh, a slow, nervous laugh. Sunny Rested his chin on the blonde's shoulder continuing to play with his best friend’s hair. 

“Careful.” Sunny Breathed 

▬▬▬▬

“Basil..?” Sunny Questioned looking at his best friend. “Yes?” Basil responded 

“…What… what are we gonna do - what are we gonna d..do About me moving..?”

“..what.. what do you mean..?” Basil Inquired 

“..we’re..” Sunny Paused, giving another try to speak “soulmates.. we’re soulmates..” he stated “and.. I’m moving..” 

“I..I don’t know. I’m —- I’m sure we’ll be able to see each other.” Basil Responded sounding unsure. 

“..Polly she… doesn’t like me.. she doesn’t like me, Basil.” 

“We’ll figure it out, I swear.”

                                        ▬▬ 

“Ba.…Sil’?” Sunny Questioned turning the face his best friend who was sitting in silence.

“ Huh?” The teen Asked 

“..I..Wa..s.. wondering if-“

Basil Sits up more “I’m listening - I’m listening.” He says.

“If - Since - if since I’m moving..we have a date..?”

“H-Here? Now? Don’t - don’t you think that’s uh… soon?” 

Sunny Nodded slightly “I mean, It - it doesn’t mean anything has to be fast… but I just..Just thought it’d be nice..”

“Maybe before you leave?”

“..I th..ink.. I’m leaving after I’m better..” 

“…oh…”

“But… Sunny, it’s a hospital..”

“W..We can make do..?” 

Basil Bursts out laughing though it burned his throat and strained himself to do so. “In - In a hospital?” He asked, causing his friend to nod. “A hospital, Sunny.” Repeated the blonde.

“Ye-ah.” 

“You’re not serious are you?”

“No.. I’m seri..” Sunny paused as he spoke Beginning to look frustrated “seri..ous..” he coughed, clearing his throat “ser..serious..” he finally said “I’m serious.” 

“One.. date be..before I leave.” 

“Please..?”

If Basil was being completely honest he wasn’t sure - he was uncertain “Okay.” He Responds and Sunny moves closer though He’s seemingly being cautious about it. 

                                         ▬▬

Basil Scrambled after Polly as she Began Unlocking the door. His fingers were laced together nervously and he kept his head down before entering the front door. 

Polly Sat her keys down once she got into the kitchen and Basil followed after her, still hesitant. “Are you hungry? It’s getting late.” The Blonde teen doesn’t respond as his stomach churns in continuous circles making nausea crawl back up his throat. 

“If - if you cook I - I guess I’ll go ahead and eat.” Basil Answered.

“Well, I hope you will.” The Woman began speaking “you weren’t eating much in the hospital now were you?” 

“I guess so?” It sounded more like a question than an answer which Polly Was coaxing the teen to use. Basil doesn't. He's unsure - to be honest some of the time he’d blanked it out and he just doesn’t try hard to remember it - he doesn’t wanna try hard to remember things anymore - he’s scared to dig up too much. 

“Pardon?” Polly Questioned “you don’t know?” She added.

Shoot - was he not supposed to say this?

“I..”

“Do you not remember?” 

. . . He doesn’t know how to respond -

“-Sil, what’s wrong?” Polly snapped her fingers in front of Basil’s face and he flinched in response. “Sweetie? Basil?” Repeated the woman an expression of concern riddling her face. “You Look Pale do you wanna lie down? Do we need to go back to the doctor?” 

Basil Shook his head in response “No, no, no, we - we don’t.. I’m just tired.” 

“Basil.” Polly’s voice was stern and she crossed her arms across her chest as she watched the teen. “Didn’t we have a talk in the hospital? You didn’t forget that easily did you? Not to mention we had multiple talks before that —- pushing that aside and I won’t bring that back up but you gotta be honest.” 

Basil blew a strand of his hair out of his face feeling his throat seemingly beginning to tighten again. He breathes in and out in and out in and —- 

Don’t make it obvious 

-stop being so Overdramatic 

Fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck 

“Basil, now what are we gonna do? Are you gonna help in a decision or am I deciding for you. I’m giving you the chance now. And breathe slower — it helps.” 

Am I really getting—-?

“I don’t know..?” He responded 

“You don’t? Okay, why don’t you sit down? We’ll see how you feel after that and you can try to eat, alright?” 

Basil Nodded “Al-alright.” 

“-Sil,? Are you ready to eat?” Polly Walked over to where Basil sat his head laying on his arms sitting at the dining table. 

“Hm? How’re you feeling? Any Better?” 

“Better, I feel a bit better.” 

“That’s good.”

Polly Ruffled the boy’s hair 

Chapter Text

▬▬

“Is the Food Good?” Polly Inquired her voice soft though still an expression of concern remained on her face as she watched him. 

It’s weird. It feels so weird. 

It felt as tense as it was when Polly had first been hired. 

Basil Had Avoided her like the plague. He hadn’t really pushed himself back to step one of four years of progress. 

“This is Polly, she's gonna be Your grandmother’s caretaker. But she’s also gonna help you, alright?” 

It was the Voice of Basil’s mother —- she and his father didn’t stay much longer than to introduce Polly and give Basil short Term notice. 

“Paisley?” 

Ew. Ew. Ew.

Basil’s face showed blatant discomfort as the words left his mothers mouth; he looked like he’d been slapped right in the face. But he’s corrected - well, he’s attempted to correct them to no avail and clamming back up so he knew it wasn’t exactly his parents fault. He hadn’t told them . . . . . 

“Don’t mind our daughter. “  said the boy’s father.

Basil’s forced smile faltered as his parents excused himself and said goodbye to him leaving him and the woman —- Polly — in the room together. 

“What’s your name, sweetie?” The brunette questioned 

My name? Didn’t they —- 

“Basil. I’m a boy.” He Responded hesitantly 

“Odd,” said Polly “They said they had a daughter… maybe I misheard?” She asked, “Anyways, it’s lovely to meet you, Basil.” 

Misheard-? She was trying to shield His feelings, wasn’t she?

“It’s a very Unique name.” Polly said, smiling at him. 

“I-it is?” Basil stammered clearly embarrassed and nervous 

“It is.” 

“Thank you.”

Polly Wasn’t Horrible - she was Quite nice actually but Basil was uncertain about her. He didn’t trust her. It was all for her job. It was just her job. Whatever was in her contract. She didn’t care. She Wouldn’t ever care. She was just like everyone else.

“Do You want help with that?” Polly Questioned pointing to the bag the blonde was carrying. 

“Huh?”

“The bag.”

“Uh… Not Really.. I got it.”

“Do you Mind if I join you?”

“I guess not.” 

Dirt was caked underneath Basil’s fingernails as he finished pushing a plant with newly formed roots into the soil. 

“The Little garden you have here is impressive.” Polly Said watching as Basil worked. He raised his head to look at her “thank you.”

“You must like gardening Don’t you?” The woman inquired. 

“I do.. My Grandma taught me but she’s too sick to do anything..” he trailed off his voice growing quieter. He stared at the ground, remaining silent. 

“I’m sorry about that… I can help if you’d like? Until she’s feeling better?”

“S-Sure..”

“What Kind of plants do you have? It looks like Quite the variety.”

It was in fact.

Basil Obliged and shared. 

“You did all this by yourself?”

“Oh, I didn’t know that!”

“You know a lot about plants!”

“Oh, these are beautiful!”

A wide range of compliments that Basil would’ve ignored if it weren’t for the fact she seemed genuinely interested and genuine…

No. No. No. no.

Don’t fall for it.

                                       ▬▬

There was more than a lot on Polly’s mind; she was worried about trying to figure out how to go about life after such a big incident and change . Basil may have been upset and anxious about what Polly had told him in hospital but she only wanted the best for the boy. He was Quiet and withdrawn and she only wanted him to

Be happy and healthy. It was more than her job and she was gonna do her absolute best. 

“Can I go to my room?” Basil Questioned breaking the silence 

Polly Nodded “just leave the door unlocked, okay?” 

Basil Nodded.

                                         ▬▬

“Did your Grandma Teach you how to Garden?” Polly Questioned sitting down a watering can. 

“I thought it looked interesting and I liked Plants and flowers so I started helping her garden .  . . So it became our thing.” Basil explained quietly

“Those Daisies over there Are one of the first things I planted.” The blonde said pointing to the flowers.

“Oh, really? Those flowers are beautiful.” Polly Said with a wide smile 

“You really think so?” 

“I know so, Basil.” 

                                          ▬▬

Basil Turned over again with a loud sigh as he buried his face into his pillow. He refused to look at his clock again because it probably hadn’t changed much and it would make him feel worse.

It’s probably gonna be so late

You’re gonna be so tired 

Basil Tells himself 

The door cracked open 

Huh? Who could that be —

A wave of relief washed over the teen as he stayed still to not bring any attention to himself. 

It was Just Polly 

Who else would it be?

A small Groan escaped his lips as he squeezed his eyes shut. 

He Wouldn’t be getting much sleep tonight, would he?

                                         ▬▬

“Polly — uh, P-Mom-“ Basil Corrected himself awkwardly.

“Hmm, what was that, Honey?” 

“Sunny’s leaving today . . .” The Teen trailed off before he caught himself “…and Uh… I was wondering if I could go say bye to him? I promise just saying bye.. you - you can even come if you want.” 

“That’s Fine, Basil.”

                                        ▬▬

Basil Wrapped his Arm’s Around Sunny in a tight embrace. He really didn’t wanna let go but he knew he had to. “I’m gonna miss you, Sunny.” The blonde let out 

Sunny squeezed Back before Basil let go.

“We’ll keep talking… okay?” The teen Questioned 

“Y-eah.. we are.” The black-haired teen responded 

“We will.” 

                                          ▬▬

The Door Creaked Open and Polly Entered the room. “Basil?” She Called the boy’s name and Basil looked up from the book he held in his hands that he’d been buried in trying to distract himself. 

“I’m going to get some groceries, okay? You can either come with me or you can go hang out with Your friends? Or do you think you’ll be okay on your own?” 

The Woman watched As the teen internally debated it. 

“I - I think I’ll be fine on my own.” Basil finally settled on sounding a little more certain than before. 

Polly Sighed watching the boy.

“Fine, but You call me as soon as anything happens if anything happens and I’ll come home. And I’ll have someone check on you to be sure.” 

“I’ll be fine, Mom.” He Tried to assure sitting the book to the side.

“Look, I wanna Trust you again I really do.” The brunette paused, “But I think you can understand why I’m so worried.” She says

“At least you should be able to by now.” Said Polly as she furrowed her brows in thought. “You know… I would really rather you come with me.” The woman said “to be safe.”

“You worry too much.” Basil said “I don’t really wanna go anywhere today.”

There’s a sigh “you haven’t wanted to go anywhere for awhile.” Polly said disappointedly 

“I go back to school in a week, what is everyone gonna think of me? Stuff spreads like wildfire here.” 

He had a point. “Are you scared of it getting worse? Being picked on? You said you weren’t being picked on but I figured you might be lying. You lied about a lot of things and Aubrey.” 

“You’ve really gotta work on being more honest with me, Basil. You have to let me help you out. It's not good dealing with everything on Your own and obviously that boiled over far worse than any of us expected.” 

Basil stared at the lining and intricate details sewn onto the green vest he wore. He focused on tracking every line and stitch rather than focusing on the conversation turned Lecture.

They’d been over it multiple times before this and he could’ve sworn over a hundred times at home and on the way home from the hospital.

He’s a danger to himself blah blah blah

Tell him something he hadn’t heard before.

The ride was long and it seemed to take forever. The compactness was suffocating.

“You’re lucky they didn’t keep you any longer under observation. And I guarantee it would be worse than the restrictions You’re on here at home.” 

There’s a dry chuckle that escaped Basil’s lips “how Can it be any worse? It’s the same, isn’t it?”

Polly Shook her head “not At all. It’s Quite different. Now get something warm on no arguing, sweetie.”

Basil Had both a nervous and irritated expression on his face. “I’ll be fine-“

“Jacket. Meet me outside.”

Chapter Text

Basil grabbed a light green sweater from his closet before slipping it on over his head. He left his room and met Polly so they could head to the store.

He stayed Quiet throughout the trip besides whatever Polly Asked him or told him to get something. They returned home and put the groceries away and Basil hurried away to his room. 

An hour or so later Polly Knocked on the boy’s door. She came in and waited for teen to sit down, the book once more. “Kel is at the door.” The woman said “And Aubrey… the point is they want to see you.” Polly Said “I think you should go and get out of the house, it'll be good for you and I’m sure Kel misses you.” There’s a hopeful smile on the woman’s face. 

“Just give it a try , for me ?” She Said with a small smile. “If you don’t feel good later you can come home.” 

“Did they ask for me?” Basil Questioned and Polly nodded “so, will you?” 

“Alright, I’ll try.” 

Polly smiled “just don’t come home too late and if you are let me know.” She pats the boy’s shoulder “now go have fun.” She nudged the blonde.

                                      * * *

“I didn’t think you’d give in!” Kel Exclaimed “Did Polly Make you?” He Questioned cocking his head like a puppy.

Basil immediately shook his head “She said I should but I told her I’d try. What’s the worst that can happen?”

He had a numerous amount of ideas but he wouldn’t admit that. 

“Soooo…” Aubrey’s voice Trails off as she walks closer to Basil in an attempt to start a conversation. “How are you doing?” Asked the pink-haired teenager her voice was lower than she liked but she could sense the tension and she watched as Basil’s shoulders slightly relaxed. 

“I guess Better in some ways, otherwise I could be better.” He responded and it was a start. A small start. 

“That’s good.” Aubrey forced a smile even though she felt it was awkward she adjusted her jacket nervously. “I’m uh, glad you came out to hang out with us.” She said “I’ve missed you.”

Basil Swallowed a lump in his throat, the pace of his walking slowed down. He rubbed his arm nervously “You are?” He swallows again “you know what? I - I’m glad I did too.”

“So what do you both wanna do?” Kel Inquired Beginning to speak again “we can go to the park?” Aubrey offered to turn her head to Basil. “Sounds good.” He answered. 

Aubrey could’ve sworn she noticed a small smile on his face. She doesn’t say anything about it.

                                    * * * 

“Are You Gonna eat your breakfast, Sunny?” Asked The teen’s mother with a tinge of irritation in her low voice. “Remember I work hard to put that on Your plate and I have to work and I also have to drive you to school.” 

Sunny doesn’t say much, a feeling growing in the pit of his stomach. “I can walk.” He offered barely audibly after he swallowed and he sat his spoon in the bowl and shoved it away.  

“Oh, you’re finally gonna speak to me? And No you can’t walk it’s too far and you’re not gonna eat your food? You’re gonna waste it?” The mother sighed, “you’re finishing that when you get home.” 

Sunny Slung his bag over his shoulder not responding to anything though he wanted to give her a piece of his mind. He swallowed back anything he wanted to say. Even if he did want to he wouldn’t be able to. 

“I just don’t understand you.” His Mother continued ranting while in the car.

He should’ve walked and he was regretting getting in the car with his damn woman.

“You’re sister was never like this, why can’t you be more like her?” 

Of course she had to bring Mari into the conversation 

Talking about her like she ‘knew’ her. 

Sunny Scoffed and turned his head.

“What was that , young man?” His mother snapped 

Oh, you hear that but not -

The teen stops himself from saying anything he’s gonna regret. He has self control. (Very little but he’s working on it.)

“I wish you would be more respectful and appreciate everything I do for you.”

You’re only doing anything because you don’t have your daughter to do it anymore - at least Mari cared -

Sunny Swallowed thickly, using everything in him to not snap at the woman. 

“It wouldn’t kill you to smile and make a good first expression, Sunny.” 

The Black-haired teenager made it a point to not smile as he unstrapped himself and slammed the door. 

“It would kill me.” Sunny Muttered underneath his breath as he walked into the school and went through the tedious and long process of trying to get to his first class. 

                                        * * *

“Smile more, Little Brother, it suits you.”

“I’ve always liked Your smile.”

Sunny ignored it —- at least he attempted and gave it his hardest to ignore it. He doesn’t understand why it’s so hard to brush off and ignore.

You’ve ignored everything for four years, for crying out loud. 

The Door was loud and he was most definitely late. Several pairs of heads of students - who would be his classmates for this period - now stared directly at him because he was a disruption. 

Sunny Cleared his throat gaining the attention of the teacher. 

“This must be the new student.” 

Did he have to announce it?

Sunny Rolled his eyes and shrugged his shoulders, his stomach churning. Why did he feel so nauseous? 

He was completely and utterly nauseated. 

“Do you wanna introduce yourself?”

Hell no -

The Teen shook his head, turning his head away from the rest of the students. Though the teacher looked Disappointed he nodded. “Alright, I’ll have someone be your buddy for the day, alright Sunny?” 

“Monica.” 

The Girl he’d called was Very Talkative and seeing as Sunny didn’t respond to any of it she eventually shut up - thankfully. 

It was different no one harassed him - they stared at him and mumbled but it had to be because he was new. He was the “new kid”. They didn’t know what he did, they didn’t know his past and it felt weird. 

It was a fresh start as his mother had branded it as but he didn’t like it. At least he knew what to expect back at home and he liked that - it was oddly comforting. 

This place was strange and unknown —- this wasn’t his school here wasn’t his home. Home was back in faraway where he’d grown up and been raised. Where He made all his friends were, where Mari raised him, not their parents . They didn’t do that. She did. He wanted to go back home. He missed it. 

His mouth felt dry and he was still nauseated. This - this was nauseating. It was too plain, too clean. 

“-unny, do you know what ended in -“

Sunny Lowered his head and he wanted to cover it and curl up. He wants to stay there. 

“I guess you weren’t paying attention, were you?”

The Teacher shook his head “I recommend you pay good attention, Sunny.” Said the teacher before turning his attention to another teen with their hand up. 

Close call.

                                     * * * 

“Slouching is bad for your posture.” His Mother said as Sunny Got in the car, strapping himself in. 

“How was Your day?” Asked the brunette tiredly 

“I wanna go home .” The Brown-eyed teen immediately responded. 

“We are going home.” His mother said “it wasn’t that bad, You're Overdramatic.” 

“No,” snapped Sunny,  “ home. I wanna go home not to that stupid house you bought.” 

His Mother laughed squeezing the steering wheel “Sunny we aren’t going back. This is a fresh start for the both of us. This is our new home. Your new home.” 

“No it’s not.” Sunny Hissed “this isn’t home. I wanna go back.” The feeling in his throat tightened. 

“Did something happen?”

“I just wanna go home . Go back.” 

“Are you gonna throw a tantrum?” His Mother Asked “I guess it’s not Your fault , Mari did encourage that behavior even though I don’t know why.” 

You have some nerve-

“She didn’t encourage anything.” 

“Sunny, yes she did.” 

There was no winning with her, now was there?

“Can I at least finish off my school year there? Please?” Sunny Questioned “you can’t just expect me to get used to that after being thrown in at the end of the school year.” 

His Mother sighed, adjusting her rear view mirror. “I’ll think about it.” She responded 

                                    * * * 

“You aren’t even gonna talk to me? About your first day at school if it was so bad?” The woman sighed irritatedly, “you’re gonna eat dinner with me tonight, as a family.” 

Sunny wants to laugh at her right in her face as he continues to head to his room. He shut the door as soon as he got in and dropped his bag onto the floor. 

He sat down on the edge of his bed and opened his bag removing the paper he had for homework and got to work on it. It was easy enough, thankfully just some history.

He combed through his schedule for the next week before ending up just lying on his bed - something crunched beneath him - what could that be? 

He sat up and got out a slip of - no, an envelope addressed to him..

Sunny Opened up and got the folded sheet of paper out of it;

“ Dear, Sunny 

I just wanted to write something out like old times.. anyways I hope you’re doing well at your new school and thought It was due time I reached out.

I’ve been doing fairly well, in all honesty. Sally Misses seeing you around. We all miss you.

This is getting a bit long for the paper - But I promise I’ll write to you again. Can’t wait to see you again.

Love you

Sincerely, Basil “

Oh. Oh… 

Sunny Folded up the paper, rereading it a few times. He folded up before slipping it inside his pillowcase alongside the envelope. 

“Sunny!! Dinner!!”

There’s no resisting the groan that escaped the teen’s lips. Again he regretted leaving his room but he wasn’t looking forward to hearing his mother’s mouth either.

He Wasn’t hungry. 

“Is something wrong with the food?” His Mother Questioned watching him pick at bits of food and pushing pieces aside and swirling everything around on his plate. 

“You should be thankful we can afford such good food.” 

“I’m not hungry.” Sunny Snapped

“Again? You’re never hungry.” 

“I ate with a friend.” He lied.

“A friend? Tell me more.”

Sunny Would Just eat later when his mother wasn’t shoving it down his throat. When he could bear the thought of eating

                                   * * * 

Once his mother had gone to bed. Sunny Slipped into the kitchen and ate a good bit of the cold food that was wrapped up with some tinfoil. 

He Changed and got in his bed though he didn't immediately go to sleep. Instead he decided on writing a letter to Basil back to get everything off his chest before he went to bed. 

                                    * * * 

“Basil, Sweetie, you have Mail.” Polly Said Sitting down a letter on the dining table next to the teen’s cup of water. 

“Oh, really?” Basil Questioned picking up the envelope as he held it in his hands. He opened it attempting not to tear the envelope.

The handwriting was familiar . . . It was Sunny’s handwriting! So he must’ve written him back already! It was soon but he was definitely excited by this.

“Who is it from?” Polly Questioned the blonde as she took a sip of coffee.

“Oh, Sunny!” He answered 

“Oh? He answered you? Have you read it yet?”

“Not Yet.” 

                                     * * *    

Chapter Text

“Another Letter, huh?”

Sunny doesn’t answer his mother instead as he folded up the letter he had just finished writing his response. He put it into an envelope and sealed it before sparing his mother a glance and returning to his room. ————————————————————————

The next day the teen woke up late in the afternoon. His mother was gone so he had the house to himself. The cold and empty house. Sunny Ventured down the stairs and into the kitchen before fixing himself a bowl of cereal. He noticed a note that he assumed his mother had left him but he didn't bother reading it. It was probably worth discarding anyways. It was the first thing he’d finished all week. That was something to be proud of, right? At least Hero would’ve told him that. 

Once he’d finished it he sat his dish into the sink and ran hot water into it. Before he left Sunny spotted his reflection reflecting on him. He walks away immediately. 

As Sunny’s about to return to his room the house phone caught his eye and he walked towards it and picked it up. He dialed the familiar number he had memorized and pressed the phone to his ear. He waits and waits and waits until his best friend finally picks up.

“Hello?” A soft voice came from the other line.

“..H.hey.”

“Oh! Sunny!” There’s now a hint of excitement in his voice. Sunny could practically feel Basil’s smile through the phone. “It’s so nice to hear your voice, Sunny..” 

“Well, how are you doing?” Basil Questioned.

“I just - I don’t like it here. I wanna come home.”  Sunny Said. 

“O-oh..? It’s that bad..?”

“Horrible. Awful. Terrible.” 

“Maybe it’ll get better..?” It was hopeful but Sunny didn't respond and Basil got the hint.

“No…. I would rather finish off the school year back at home . . . . Find someone to stay with maybe? I’ll bring it up to my Eomma.” 

“Oh..?”

————————————————————————

“I talked to your teacher earlier, Sunny. Your grades are dropping.” Said Mrs. Suzuki not bothering to hide the disappointment in her voice though there was no hiding it. 

“That’s why I wanna finish back at home. It’ll be so much easier on the both of us, don’t you think?” Sunny forced a frown on his face to conceal the smirk starting to form on his lips. He’d added the last part to spite his mother who said that often. He now threw it back in her face.

Who’s laughing now?

Funny.

Sunny’s expression is as plain as ever, his arms crossed.

Mrs. Suzuki sighed, leaning her face into her hands and massaging her temples she looked up at her teenage son. “Fine, but on one condition.” She said

Wha-?

“What’s the one condition?” Sunny Questioned having no problem hiding the fact he was surprised at how easily his mother had caved. 

“You have to find a place to stay or you won’t be going.” Mrs. Suzuki said standing up  “Find somewhere by the end of the week or You’re not going. Don’t be a brat about it either.”

Mrs. Suzuki looked up at her son “you are absolutely sure you can find a place to stay?”

“I’ll figure something out.”

“I hope you do.”

————————————————————————

“I have good news, Basil!” Sunny Exclaimed into the phone as he held it tightly. 

“You do? Well, what are you waiting for? Tell me!!!”

“Eomma is letting me finish back at faraway so long as I have a place to stay. I should be able to do that.” 

“Sunny, that’s amazing! Maybe you can… stay with me..?” 

“Polly doesn’t exactly . . . She doesn’t seem to like me, Basil. I appreciate the offer but I don’t think that would work… and honestly, I don’t necessarily blame her for that.” 

“I - I can still ask! She’ll come around! I’m sure of it!”

“I guess you could—“

“I will! I’ll call you back!”

————————————————————————

“Hey, Mom, do you need any help cooking?” Basil Questioned as he peeked over the woman’s shoulder. 

“I could use some,” Polly answered, sounding Quite pleased with the offer. “Go wash your hands first, sweetie.” 

Basil nodded and went to scrub his hands before returning to help The brunette. “You think you’ll be able to chop some stuff up for me?” Polly asked turning to the blonde teenager and he nodded. 

There was a small smile on the teen’s face and Polly eyed him from the corner of her eyes to make sure he doesn’t cut himself again as he did before. 

“Uh, can I ask you something?” Basil questioned Quietly. His eyes remained trained on his hands as he chopped some vegetables. “Sunny’s Mom is letting him finish the semester here because he feels better doing it here but he needs a place to stay and Aubrey’s at Kel’s so I was wondering if he could stay here …. With me - I mean - I mean, us.” 

Polly’s brows furrowed as she thought “that boy? Here? After what happened? I don’t know about that, Sweetheart.” She answered 

“W-why not?” Basil Questioned “I think it’d be fine… Can’t you just give it a try for me?”

The woman sighed, turning to Basil. “You’re sure about this? ” She questioned looking for confirmation and The teen nodded. “I’m sure!”

“I suppose I can make an exception,” Polly says

“Oh, thank you, Mom!” Basil Jumped up to hug Polly tightly. She smiled seeing the excitement and she patted his head. “Why don’t you finish over there?” 

“Oh! Right!” 

————————————————————————

“Aubrey?”

“Huh?” Aubrey turned to face where Kel’s voice had come from “what’s up?” She Asked shoving her hands into her pockets and kicking a rock in front of her. 

“You know you can come to stay with me, right?” The teen Questioned causally “y’know I don’t mind and neither do my parents or Hero.” He added.

The Pink-haired teen paused, “I… I don’t know about that.” She responded “Yeah, before it’s different and all but there’s still… I’m not so sure about that.”

Kel reaches out placing his hand on the girl’s shoulder gently Aubrey flinches on reflex she bites her tongue before forcing out a flimsy excuse and she relaxes. 

“C’monnnn Aubrey, just one night at least? Do you really wanna go home? You don’t seem happy about it. And you’re my friend.” Kel insisted 

“Does it look like I have any fucking choice? ” She snapped back and frowned 

“She wouldn’t even notice, Aubrey. It’ll be a nice time in a nice warm house. With people who care about you.”

Aubrey sighed “fine… Okay… I just wanna grab a couple of things, okay?” 

Kel nodded “alright.”

Aubrey Backed again at her front door slightly “I’m gonna go in on my own so I don’t wake her.” She said in that tone of voice. Kel doesn’t argue and stays outside letting Aubrey gather whatever she was gonna do. 

Aubrey Walked out a few minutes later with a makeshift bag with things he couldn’t figure out that were stuffed in the bag. 

The Pair walked back to the other house and walked upstairs after being greeted.

————————————————————————

“She said yes!”

“ What? She? Polly said yes?”

“She did!”

…..

Sunny poked his fork at the strange piece of meat on his plate as his mother looked over at him.

“Have you sorted out your arrangements for going back to faraway?” Mrs. Suzuki questioned 

“I actually have, I’m gonna stay with Basil.” The black-haired teen stated, finally taking a small bite - more of a nibble of his dinner - it was better than steak and the thought of that now made him extremely nauseous he couldn’t look at it anymore. He’d preferred something from Hero but he couldn’t be too picky. The texture was too chewy and thick.

Gross.

He chews at it before spitting it out.

“Really?” Mrs. Suzuki had a disgusted expression on her face. “That costs money.”

“Anyways, After everything that happened You’re staying there? And Polly is okay with that? I didn’t think she would be.”

“It’s a place to stay and She said yes. Simple as that, Eomma. It’s a place to stay. That's all you said you didn’t specify I couldn’t stay with Basil.”

“I guess you’re right. I’ll take you over by the start of next week. I’m still gonna confirm with Polly in case you boys are trying to pull something on us.” 

Sunny’s lips curved into a smug smirk “oh, go right on ahead.” He says “go on. call.” 

“Don't you smart off to me, Sunny.” His Mother warned “I’m being very generous letting this happen and I could so easily change my mind. And I’ll still be calling you being so sure of yourself doesn’t change that.” 

“I want you to Call.” Sunny insisted 

Mrs. Suzuki sighed “I don’t know what’s gotten into you, Sunny. You used to be so sweet . You act like a brat now and you should have grown out of it by now you’re sixteen, Sunny.”

“Are you telling me or reminding me?” Deadpanned Sunny 

He could feel the frustration radiating off of his mother and he struggled to keep his lips from curving into a smile. 

“I’d start planning for everything if I were you, Sunny.”

“Oh, I will.”

————————————————————————

“Hurry Up, Sunny. We’re gonna be late.” Mrs. Suzuki tapped her foot against the wooden floor waiting for her teenage Son to come downstairs with his bags to shove them into the backseat.

Sunny Finally came down the stairs and gradually they finally got to the point where he shoved his bags into the car. 

“Are you strapped in?”

No response Mrs. Suzuki peered over before turning the keys in the ignition. 

Sunny Stared out the window watching everything through it. 

It was a long ride once he’d arrived it was 10:00 At night. 

He Knocked on the door and was Greeted by Polly. 

The brunette woman smiled at the black-haired boy. “It’s nice to see you again.” Polly said, patting his shoulder and ushering him inside. “Basil’s in his room, sweetie go up and see him.” 

Sunny made his way to the room and was immediately greeted by the other. 

“It’s so good to see you! I missed you so much, Sunny!” Basil’s arms wrapped around the other teen Tightly and Sunny leaned into the embrace. Again it lasted a little longer before either of them decided to pull out of the warm hug.

“I’m so Glad you're here.” The blonde whispered before he let go of his best friend —- Basil’s not even sure what to consider him anymore - his best friend? — boyfriend? He’s unsure considering the events at the hospital and before that. 

“Wanna put your bags down? And we can sit down?”

“Yeah, sure.” 

“Sunny, Can I ask you a Question? A serious Question.” 

“Okay?” Sunny has a confused Expression on his face though he nods

“What are we?”  Basil Whispered Questioned 

“What do you mean?”

“I mean, what are we? What is our relationship? What are we to each other?” 

Sunny Paused, “I hadn’t thought about that..” he admitted “I guess it depends what you want… We could be something more and obviously it’s agreed on… so what do you say?”

Basil can feel his face flush and his cheeks beginning to burn “are you… are you..  asking me what I think you’re asking me..?” 

Shoot Your shot. 

“I wanna give it a try. The Question is, do you? Will you- will you uh, will you be my boyfriend ?”

“I-uh-“

Basil pauses looking at the others' dark eyes.

This escalated quickly… 

Basil doesn’t mind though 

“Yes, I will.” He finally answered 

“Just give it a - wait — really?”

Basil Wanted to Laugh right at Sunny because what the fuck. He was the one asking and he’s surprised by his answer.

Hesitantly the blonde leaned closer, laying his head on the slightly taller teen’s shoulder. A small smile settled on Basil’s face and Sunny sat his chin utop Basil’s head. 

Chapter Text

————————————————————————

“Boy’s it’s time for Dinner.” Polly Called, she knocked on the door shortly before opening it up. “Hurry up and come down and eat you two.” She shuts the door.

Basil Pulled his head up off Sunny’s shoulder before nudging him. “Let’s go before she says it’s too late to hang out before bed.” He said, grabbing Sunny’s hand and tugging him along. 

“Besides,” the blonde teen spoke Quieter than before as they entered the dining room. “She’s a good cook.” He smiled at the other teenager he watched half expecting no response and for Sunny to remain expressionless as Always but he received a small smile back at him that disappeared as soon as it appeared on the other’s lips. 

Basil Tightened his grip on Sunny’s hand squeezing it lacing their fingers together. The teen takes his seat and Sunny sits beside him as three plates are sat down one for Basil, for Sunny, and for Polly herself. 

“I hope you like spaghetti, Sunny.” Polly Said looking at the other teen.

Sunny gave a small nod of recognition before he cleared his throat to speak. “Spaghetti’s good, thank you.” He answered 

“Good to know.” The woman said “how is it?”

“Good.”

“Yeah, it’s good.”

Polly Sits her fork down for a moment “How was the ride here?” She Questioned

“Quiet.” Responded Sunny 

“I kinda figured it would be.” Said Polly “how’s your Mother?” She asks

Sunny paused, “..she’s fine.” It’s a curt response but Polly didn’t push.

————————————————————————

Basil Shifted in the way he was laying he reached out his hand though shaky as it reached up to sunny’s face. He laid a few inches away from him and his fingers trailed the scarring that went up to his eye. 

“I’m still sorry about that.” He mumbled 

“It’s fine, I have no depth perception anymore.” 

“How is that fine? ”

“If I can’t tell, I can't freak out. But that also means I pour shit everywhere when I try to pour stuff.” 

“You have a weird way of looking at things.”

“Positivity. Wooo.”

Basil Looks down 

“In all seriousness, it’s fine I’m not mad. Don’t beat yourself up about it, it’s not like you can do anything about it. What’s done is done. It’s in the past.”

Sunny says

Basil Looked up “I wish I looked at it like that, Sunny.” He admitted and Sunny touched the side of his face “You’re burning hot.” He stated

“Really? I am?” The blonde giggled nervously a shade of bright red coloring his cheeks.

“You’re even Prettier.”

“O-oh I am? You are too.”

Basil Leaned in closer to Sunny and breathed in the smell from his shirt. “You know if you keep doing that I’ll get used to it And It won’t work.”

“That’s fine. I didn’t expect I’d get this far.” 

“I didn’t expect My Mom saying yes.”

“I still need to get used to you calling Polly ‘mom’”

Basil Laughed

“I do too honestly.”

Sunny kinda expected that,  being Basil was nervous about the prospect of Polly even being around and getting to know her and open up to her.

Now He was calling her “mom” because that’s basically the role she fulfilled in his life. Sunny was happy for him the only thing he hoped Polly warmed up to him

Sooner rather than later. Though she had agreed to have him over for a rather long period of time so… it was a start, A start Sunny was thankful to have. 

“Oh, it’s getting late…” murmured Basil “maybe we should actually be getting to bed now… neither of us wanna fall asleep in class, now do we?”

“I guess you don’t.” Joked Sunny only receiving a glare from the other.

“Hopefully, Hero will help me out seeing as he already graduated he should be able to catch me up to speed.”

“You’re falling behind, right? So, a tutor or Hero would help.”

“Yeah.”

“Alright, I’m gonna go turn off the light.”

Sunny Nodded as Basil sat up from the position he was in and got up to turn the light off. It’s rather dark now and Sunny’s eye took some time to adjust to the darkness. 

“Goodnight, Sunny.”

“Night.”

————————————————————————

“Okay, so, first matter of business do we have any classes together?” Basil Questioned glancing over at the paper Sunny holds in his hands.

“I don’t think the schedule is very necessary.” Sunny says rolling it up and putting it up in his bag.

“I think it was nice of the teacher to try and help but… maybe you're right.“ Basil bit the inside of his cheek

“We have some time to spare. Do you wanna go see the others?” 

Sunny Nodded.

————————————————————————

“I’ve been meaning to ask you, do Aubrey and Kel know I’m here yet?” Sunny asked as he and Basil walked down the hallway.

Basil paused, “I told them but They don’t know You’re here yet.” He responded “so… nice surprise?” Offered the blonde 

“They may be at the basketball court, Aubrey’s been helping Kel Practice.” 

Sunny nods, following along.

Once the pair arrived Sunny can hear balls slapping against the floor, sneakers scuffing and huffing from the people on the court. 

“Ah,” Basil pointed out two teens in “there they are.” He said to Sunny tugging him over to greet them.

“Aubrey?”

The Pink-haired teen was the first to stop in her tracks dropping the ball.

Kel snatched it “Hah I got it slowpoke!-“

Aubrey raised her hand stopping the brunette in a halt “no, Kel, look-“ 

“Oh, Hi Basil, Sunny- Oh- Sunny- Sunny!!” Kel’s face lit up and his lips curved into a grin as he walked forward to greet the shorter boy trapping him in a tight hug.

Aubrey smiled lightly as she watched.

Sunny let’s go before Aubrey walked over “where’s my hug, asshole?” She laughed as she pulled Sunny into a hug - a tight one at that. 

“Wasn’t expecting you back this soon.” She said

“I wasn’t expecting To be told I could.” The black-haired teen immediately shot back

“Well, I’m glad she did.” Aubrey said Referring to Mrs. Suzuki.

“Man, you’ve missed out on a lot.” Kel said between gulping down a gatorade. 

“Kel, mouth closed. That’s gross.” The Girl makes a face as she elbowed Kel in the stomach only for him to hit her back in the side.

“No, You’re gross.” The taller teen fired back as Aubrey only crossed her arms with a smug smirk on her face. “That’s not what you said the other day when you -“

Kel Tossed his empty gatorade bottle at Aubrey’s head.

“Can’t think of a good comeback ?” She Teased

“I’ll throw you over my shoulder.” Kel suggested “wouldn’t you like that?”

“ Ewww , I don’t want cooties.”

There’s never a dull moment here.

Sunny Coughed bringing the attention back to himself 

“Did you like your new place or school at all?” Aubrey Asked as she took a sip from her water bottle. 

“Nope, empty and bland and - - different too different. I don’t like it.” 

“Can’t say I blame ya.” Aubrey responded 

“People tried to - can you  believe it, talk to me there.” Sunny Whispered leaning into Aubrey 

Aubrey Laughed in response “ scandalous.” She says and The Shorter teen nodded his head. 

“I couldn’t believe it.”

“Yeah, you’re an asshole, why would anyone wanna talk to you?”

The Taller teen grinned.

“And you’re a bitch .”

“Glad to be of service.” Aubrey Says saluting Sunny with her hand.

“The bell is about to Ring.” Basil Interjected “and I don’t know about any of you But I care about not being late.” 

Aubrey Rolled her eyes “I’m always late. So it doesn’t matter.”

“It doesn’t cancel out, Aubrey.”

“Does too.”

“I’m not gonna Do that.”

“Does not.” Kel stated

Aubrey sticks her tongue out at him 

“Pop your bubblegum somewhere else.”

“You Pop it.”

“The. Bell. Is. Gonna. Ring.”

The Pink-haired groaned “Okay, Basil, you win. Are you happy?”

“Wait - I do-“

“No.” 

“Oh-“

————————————————————————

Chapter Text

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

“Oh, Sorry Guys I gotta catch you later I’m hanging with Kim, unless you wanna join me?” Aubrey has a hopeful smile on her face hoping the others will in fact accept her offer.

“It’ll be cool, they’re good with you now.” Said the Pink-haired teen referring to her friends — the hooligans. “They know we’re friends again.” 

Basil Rubbed his arm nervously “uh, If you guys Go that’s fine But I’m gonna… uh, stay behind.” He backed up slightly causing Aubrey to frown in response. 

“No, Basil, I want you to come.” She said, reaching out to place a comforting hand on the blonde's shoulder. “I swear, you have nothing to be scared of and I mean, nothing.” The sincerity in her voice tell’s Basil something but the nagging of his own thoughts tell him another. He’s torn as to what to do.

“Aubrey, I - I rather not… I don’t wanna stir up any old drama.” He murmured, averting his gaze from Aubrey’s. 

It feels almost like something is lodged in his throat and something is on his chest but he remains Quiet. 

“I promise it’ll be okay — besides, it’s only Kim this time.” 

Basil Let out a weary and nervous sigh “O-Okay… if you say so…” 

“I wouldn’t let anything happen anyways, we’re friends again, Basil. I mean it.” 

Aubrey squeezed Basil’s shoulder “I’m sorry about everything I really am…. I’m just now seeing how hesitant and scared you are… fuck..”

She Forced a small smile that faltered and fell “it’s different now, Basil. They are all sorry too… and Kim’s really sweet I promise.”

Sunny Made a face “I still don’t like Kim.” He says 

“Now's not the time, Sunny.” Aubrey whispered elbowing Sunny “I don’t understand why you don’t like Kim.” 

“Besides, I convinced Basil and That means you have to go, it's only fair.” 

Sunny shoots a glare at Aubrey 

The Teen Walked over to the shorter.

The Pink-haired teen wrapped her arms around Sunny’s shoulders “pleaseeeee.” She says and Sunny Sighed “fine.” He responded.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

“Kim! Yo! Over here!” Aubrey Waved the teen over. Kim walked over pushing her glasses against her nose. Aubrey wrapped her up in an embrace “I hope you don’t mind I brought my friends.” Said the taller teen

Kim Looked over and shrugged, “It’s fine.” The brunette said “I guess I should be able to get along with Your other friends anyways, huh?” 

Aubrey nodded smiling 

“Hey, Basil, c’mere!” 

Kim could feel someone's stare and she turned to face Sunny who glared at her. “Uh, you good, dude?” She Questioned only for the black-haired boy to stick his tongue out at her. 

Basil awkwardly shuffled over staying to Aubrey’s left. “Say hi.” The Taller Girl insisted nudging the blonde forwards 

Swallowing the lump in his throat “…h…hi. He forced out Quietly 

“She can’t hear you.” Whispered Aubrey

“I - I said Hi!” He Blurted out, averting his gaze away from Kim. 

Kim’s facial expression softened and she gave the boy a sympathetic expression. “Hey, Look, I see you're a bit freaked out but I’m sorry about everything. We’re good now if you’re Aubrey’s friend, your mine..” 

Basil Looked up at the taller teenager “you… you really mean that?” He Questioned quietly 

Kim nodded “I mean it. Are we cool?”

Basil Nods.

Kim reached out to give the blonde a fist bump and Basil flinched in response. 

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ 

“Sooooo” Kel tossed the ball into the basket hoop as he turned around to face his friends and older brother. “I was wondering if you all wanted to go out to get something to eat, as a group. To… you know… celebrate Sunny being home?”

“I don’t see why not.” Hero responded 

“Sounds good!” Aubrey said

“Oh? Okay.” Was Basil's response and Sunny didn’t respond. 

“What about Gino’s?” The brunette said, tossing his ball before catching it. 

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ 

Basil Cleared his throat after taking a sip of his soda. “Hey, guys I have some news..” he mumbled only loud enough for his friends to hear him.

“Shoot!” Kel Responded staring at the blonde. 

“Sunny and I are uh, we’re dating now.” 

Aubrey practically spat her drink out “you — you mean y’all weren’t dating?” She Questioned drying off her mouth on the sleeve of her jacket as she stared at the shorter teenager dumbfounded. 

“What do you mean ‘we weren’t’?” Basil shot back

“I mean, look at yourselves, you’re a lil fruity a lil gay… not to mention You’re fucking soulmates.” 

“She. She has a point.” Sunny said finally speaking up

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

“So, Sunny, what’s the first thing you wanna work on?” Hero Questioned finishing looking through the packet of homework and make-up work Sunny had. 

“Uhhhh, history?” The black-haired Teen Questions and Hero nodded, taking the papers out.

“Alright, let's see what we have here…”

……..

“So, what’s Your answer?”

Sunny Scrunched his face up and made a confused sound and he ran his fingers through his hair in frustration “ triangle?” Is what he decided on 

“What? Triangle?” Hero flipped through the papers frantically looking at Sunny in confusion “how in the world did you get a triangle ?? That’s not even a question!” 

This was gonna be a long day and an even longer week or possibly longer…

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ 

“Sunny, how are we gonna tell? . . How are we gonna tell My Mom? About you know . . . . Us? Our relationship?”

Sunny Looked up from his sketchbook sitting his sketch pencil down. “We’ll just tell her sometime soon whenever she’s not busy or it comes up. Simple at that.” 

I’m overreacting aren’t I?

“O-oh.. o-okay..” he responded, looking at the book in his hands “alright.” The blonde said as he opened the book up. 

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Sunny Frowned at the Paper looking down at it and he sat his pencil down. He laid his head down on the dinner table. 

Polly Looked over at the teenager before walking over to check on him. “Sunny? Is something wrong?”

The Dark-haired boy shook his head “I… uh..”

“Do you need help, Sunny?” The brunette asked 

Sunny Stared at Polly Blankly before he gave the woman a small nod. “I - I would like that, please.” He said as she pulled out a chair to sit beside him. 

“So, sweetie, what are you stuck on?” She asked, pulling the sheet of paper over.

“I don’t even know. It’s all confusing.” Sunny responded 

“Alright, then.”

“Okay, so, what’s your answer?”

Sunny took a moment to think about the Question before speaking.

“Correct, good job”

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ 

Chapter Text

~ ~ ~

“So, do you think you're gonna pass the test?” Questioned Basil looking over Sunny’s shoulder as he scribbled against a sheet of paper and crumbled it up.

“You’ve been at that for hours.”

“I know.” Is all Is responded with 

Basil Resigned himself to resting his chin on his boyfriend’s shoulder. “How's it coming along?” 

Sunny Paused, “I don’t know” the dark-haired teen responded. 

“…you don’t know..?” Questions Basil 

“No.”

“Well… I don’t know If It means anything I think it looks good.” The Blonde Stated

“Thank you.”

Basil buried his face into Sunny, his cheek squishing against the other.

Sunny Nudged the shorter teen causing him to look at him. “Do you wanna draw with me?” The Dark-haired teen asked 

“I mean, I could?” It sounded more like a question than an answer but Sunny handed Basil a notebook before pulling him to sit down.

“You could.” Said Sunny “I want you to.” He added 

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ 

“Hmm, what are you doing? homework?” Questioned the brunette as she walked over peering at the sheet of paper Sunny was using. 

“No, Basil and I finished a while ago.” Was the short response Sunny gave Polly as he focused on shading in the darker shade of blue over the much lighter main color.

“Well, that’s good to know.” Said Polly “but if you don’t mind me asking what are you doing?” She Questioned 

“Drawing.” He responded 

“You seem to draw a lot.” The Woman stated as she took a seat beside the teenager unsure if she should continue the conversation. But she has to try to at least make do with what she has. 

“Do you like to draw? Stupid Question really but I have to ask.” 

Sunny Nodded “I do.” He answered, his eyes still trained on the drawing he was coloring. 

“What are you drawing?” Polly Asked 

Abruptly Sunny stopped and the teen shoved the sheet of paper over to the woman.

“Oh, that’s beautiful .” The brunette said smiling “why a violin though?” 

He’s a little more hesitant on his answer this time but with the slight slip of his voice he does. “I used to play violin.” 

“Oh, did you? That’s something new! Why did you stop playing? Do you plan on playing again?”

Sunny Felt nauseated and his mouth felt dry. “Yeah, I did and I haven’t played since My sister passed and I don't. Too many memories.” He responded quietly 

“We.. We played together.” The teen responded.

“Oh, I’m sorry, Sunny.” Polly’s facial expression switched to one of sympathy and she offered a small smile and a rub on his shoulder.

“It’s fine.” 

“And I do miss playing I guess, but I just can’t.”

“Maybe in Due time?” 

~ ~ ~ ~ 

Sunny stopped abruptly, nearly dropping his violin to the ground. 

It doesn’t go unnoticeable how he now has his older sister's attention on him and he can already picture the disappointment on her face. 

“Why did you stop, Sunny?” Mari Inquired pulling Away from her Piano. Her eyes are trained on her little Brother carefully watching him. 

Sunny paused, debating what he wanted to say or if he even wanted to “I don’t wanna play anymore.” He responded avoiding Mari’s eyes and he heard the older girl sigh.

“You’re really gonna give up after all of our hard work?” The black-haired teenager Questioned 

Yes. He was.

“I don’t want to.”

“I.. I really don’t know who you are anymore.”

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ 

                                      ▔

“So, what do you wanna play?” Aubrey Questioned, flicking the stack of Cards on the table. 

“Hmm, well, I was thinking monopoly.” Responded Kel Dropping the box onto the table where he and Aubrey sat. “What do you say?”

“Monopoly? Really?” The Pink-haired teenager rolled her eyes “monopoly is boring.” Stated Aubrey 

A smirk flew across the brunette’s face “you don’t mean that.” Kel said confidently “you’re just scared you’re gonna lose and flip the board again.” 

“Fine, But you're not gonna manage the bank this time.

Let, Hero do it.” 

Kel let out a laugh “do you not trust me?” He teased

“I don’t trust you.” She hissed

“Oh, what a shame.” Deadpanned Sunny

Aubrey Swears she heard Basil Giggle Quietly 

“Smug asshole.”

Sunny Put his hand to his heart “How Rude.” 

“Okay, Hero, you are handling the money.” Said Aubrey removing the side of the box with the money in it and handing it to Hero. 

. . . . . 

“Hurry up!” Aubrey hissed as Kel Rolled the dice 

“We already had Hero throw the towel in for the night!”

The Pink-haired teenager yawned covering her mouth

“I honestly..” she trailed off watching as the dice was tossed once more. “I missed this.. all of this?”

“ Huh?”

“N-nothing!”

“You said what ?”

“I said nothing!”

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

“ How did you even manage to stuff all of that into your bags?” Basil Questioned as Sunny Set the final stuffed animal down on Basil’s bed.

“Mari showed me how to pack things into bags and fit a lot.” He responded 

“Oh.. interesting.” 

There’s a knock on the door and as usual Polly Popped in after being informed she could enter. 

“How’s everything going…?” The woman’s voice trailed off eyeing all the dolls and stuffed animals among other things that had been taken out.

Those certainly were not there before.

“Oh, wow.”

“Yeah.” Piped up Basil 

“That’s a lot.“

“Yup… sure is.”

“Are they - at least some special to you in some sort of way?”

Sunny Nodded “some are from Mari and from Hero-“ you get the point.

Polly Listens.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ 

“Hey.. Polly?” Sunny Questioned Trailing behind the woman.

Polly Looked behind her Acknowledging the teenager “yes?”

“Do you y’know… stuff to..”

The Dark-haired teen paused, his throat constricting as he finally settled on what he was gonna ask.

“Do you have any… wash stuff?”

“ Wash stuff?” Questioned the brunette raising an eyebrow 

“Yeah!” Sunny Nodded “So, I can wash my stuff.”

Polly Sighed and laughed “I can wash it for you. You know that, Right Sunny?” 

“I’ll be careful, I’ve washed stuff like that before.” 

Sunny’s a bit hesitant 

“It’s special to you, huh?”

There’s a small nod

“I’ll just let you, okay? But I can help okay?”

A small Subtle smile crossed the woman’s lips. 

 ~ ~ ~ ~ 

“Oh! Are you done?” Basil Questioned as Sunny Pulled on a handmade Dark blue dress onto the newly customized doll. 

Sunny Nodded handing the doll over to the blonde letting him mess around with it.

“Can I try something? She looks pretty too.”

The Black-haired teen tilted his head and nodded before the doll was handed back to him and he stood up. 

Basil Came back over with a small basket of supplies that Sunny can’t Exactly tell besides watching as they were removed and the blonde began working his fingers around the colorful stuff he can’t see.

Growing impatient, Sunny peaks in the basket and over Basil’s shoulder before he crawls back over to him revealing a small delicately put together flower crown that he placed onto the doll's dark hair.

Basil Smiled adjusting it before turning to Sunny as he picked the doll up looking intrigued. 

“Do you like it?” 

Sunny Nodded a small smile crept across his face as he brushed his fingers against the doll's hair and the flower crown.

“Pretty..”

“Yeah, I think so too… and I’m glad you like it.” 

Sunny Pointed to the door “wanna show Polly?” He Questioned 

“If you want to! We can!”

Another nod, “I do.”

The Two Left Basil’s room approaching Polly and Sunny Held the doll down where it couldn’t be seen until he wanted to show it. 

“Do you both need something?”

Sunny Shook his head before raising the doll into view showing the woman.

“Oh, so that’s why you had doll parts everywhere -“

A small laugh left Basil’s mouth 

“Well, the doll is very pretty.” She said smiling

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ 

Sunny Brushed up against Basil “what are you reading?” He Asked causing Basil to look at him and press the book flatly against his chest still open to not lose his spot.

“Oh, just ‘we both die in the end’”

“Sounds depressing.” 

“Oh, it is.” The blonde let out a small laugh “it’s good but so sad. I just started rereading it. Do you wanna read it with me?“ 

“Sure.” 

Sunny Scooted Closer as Basil opened the book up again and he pushed the other end of the book towards Sunny. 

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ 

Basil Finally looked up from his plate shortly before nudging Sunny as he cleared his throat. “Hey, Mom, can I tell you something?” He Questioned Quite nervously as his throat tightened 

“Of course you can tell me anything.” Polly Responded.

The Blonde cleared his throat once more “I found my soulmate and We’re dating.” He practically blurted out to Polly’s surprise 

It’s shown on her face despite her words “oh, that’s amazing! Who is it?” She watched as Basil Wracked his brain on what to say before he settled on being blunt. 

“ Sunny.”

Even more surprising.

“Sunny?” Polly Questioned 

There’s a few moments of silence and Polly Paused, “I mean, I could see it and - just this soon? Don’t you think it’s soon ?” 

“It is soon but things are . . Things are better and are gonna get better so.. we just figured sooner rather than later.”

More Silence.

Dead silence.

“I see.” The woman responded “I guess you have a point. I’ll trust the both of you. But please be careful.” She added 

“Careful. Yeah, we’ll be careful.”

“Thanks, Polly.” Sunny Said Finally speaking up.

~ ~ ~ ~ 

“What Are you drawing?” Basil Asks Once more Leaning his head on Sunny’s shoulder as he watches the pencil move on the plain sheet of paper.

“ Sweetheart and Captain Spaceboy.” The Dark-haired teenager said, looking up to the blonde.

“Oh, are you getting back into the comics? And orrrr Sweetheart?”

“I don’t like Sweetheart.” Sunny Huffed glaring at his boyfriend 

“You’re drawing her.”

“She’s a cool character, okay?”

Basil Giggled “if you say so.” He says 

Chapter Text

“You Said You Didn’t Like Sweetheart.” Basil Pointed out

Sunny Puffed out his cheeks huffing with another glare at the blonde boy.

~ ~ ~ ~

Aubrey sucked the bubble she’d made with her gum as she peered at Kel who landed a final ball in the basket before hurrying over to join her. 

Huffing as he took a long sip of his energy drink before he wiped his mouth and turned to the teen girl eyeing him. 

“Thanks for coming to watch, Aubrey.”

She Waved her hand dismissively “it’s fine. I wanted to, Kel.” She said, smiling warmly at the taller brunette. 

“So, I was wondering..” said the brunette looking at the pink-haired teen.

“Hm?” Aubrey Hummed in response 

“Would you go on a date with me?” Kel Questioned looking away and down at his feet. 

“A date ?” The Teen Questioned as she thought over the Question

A date? He wants to go on a date with me? He wants me to go on a date with him?

“Yeah, Sure, I’ll go on a date with you.” She Finally settled on and there’s evident surprise on the boy’s face “That’s it? Without any convincing at all ?” 

She Nodded in response “we’ll give it a try, why not?”

It was better admitting anything and she was only giving it a ‘try’, right? Right.

“We’ll meet up in the park and It’ll be a surprise .”

“Surprise?” Repeated Aubrey “I like the sound of that.”

A surprise? Hm…

“When?” Inquired the pink-haired girl

“Tomorrow.” Said Kel “Sounds good?”

“Sounds good.” She smiled at Kel.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ 

Aubrey Pulled the blanket she’d been handed up to her chin she sat snugly between Kel and Sunny and Basil was to Sunny’s left. 

“So, what Movie?” Sunny Questioned 

“Let Aubrey pick.” Said Kel

“ White chicks .”

“That fast?”

“ White chicks.” Said Aubrey more confidently this time

Kel Groaned “we’ve seen that so many times.” 

“You said I can pick, remember?”

The brunette stuck his tongue out at the girl and she returned the action.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ 

“It wouldn’t hurt you to just listen to me for once, now would it, Sunny?” Mari’s voice was a mixture of irritated and pure exhaustion and it matched the expression on her face. She leaned her head into her hands on her lap running her long fingers through her hair and it’s frustratingly silent with only her and her brother’s breathing to be heard.

Now he wouldn’t say anything?

He always clams up.

“I’m worried you aren’t gonna catch up after All this time and the recital is in a week and a half, Sunny.”

Sunny Stared blankly at her as if staring right through her and it was frustrating and Mari took a deep breath to keep her cool and not show her frustration.

It wasn’t his fault you don’t have it out on him

He’s trying 

“I just want this to turn out nicely…” explained the older teenager “This is meant to be a bonding experience…” 

She sighed.

His face shows no signs of anything and he still doesn’t respond or react at all to his sister.

“Oh, now you’re not gonna talk to me, again?”

Mari’s more frustrated now.

“I don’t wanna play anymore, Mari.” Is all Sunny said.

“We can’t just back out now-“ Mari frustratedly explained, rubbing the top of her knee as she bit the inside of her cheek.

He should’ve chosen a guitar.  thought Sunny.

“I don’t like it anymore.”

“Why not? You were so excited !”

“I don’t want to.” Sunny repeated 

“Please talk to me. I just wanna help you. Just so it can be all over. Remember me showing you Piano? That was easy, wasn’t it?”

“I don’t. I don’t want help. I don’t want your help.” Snapped the Boy frowning

“Sunny-“ Mari grabs Sunny’s shoulders and he pulled away 

“You don’t care-“

Mari’s eyes widened “Sunny, you know that’s not true!” She hissed back looking incredibly hurt

She was right

He’d only said that to hurt her feelings and get her attention 

“You don’t mean that.” She said and Sunny’s starting to wish he can retract his statement. She’s almost chastising him.

Watching Mari’s face twists and pulls and it’s so uncomfortable to watch. He doesn’t understand why it bothered him so much.

He’d said it. She didn’t.

He didn’t understand why it hurt so much until tears stung his eyes threatening to spill from his eyes and he closed him. They’ve been in arguments before and little spats and or Mari growing irritated and tired but nothing to this extent. (Nothing to prepare him from what was so come)

Nothing much came to mind until Sunny finally gathered the courage to look up at his big sister and noticed her wet cheeks. The tears stained her milky white skin and it was noticeable like wet porcelain.

Mari Sniffled and looked down and she stood up and she can almost feel herself about to double over. 

She sat down rather than forcing all her weight onto her knee. 

Sunny climbed up onto the piano bench reaching out to Mari and his small hands cupped her face trying to dry her tears. “Why are you crying?” He whispered 

“Is it… what I said?” Questioned the young boy guiltily 

The Dark-haired teen girl sniffled and a light hiccup escaped her throat as she looked at her little brother who wore a guilty expression.

“I’m sorry, Mari.” He forced out As Mari pulled him closer against her chest holding him tightly. Her long fingers run through his tangly hair.

Soon Enough Sunny’s hands are tangled in his sisters clothes clutching it and his fingers are covered by the fabric 

She maneuvered Sunny slightly moving his weight off of her knee

The Wetness settled in Sunny’s eyes and he blinks them away 

“Are you okay, Sunshine?”

“No no no no no! It’s not! Are you okay?”

“O-oh, I’m alright, Sunny… are you?”

“…I guess…”

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

“Hero! Hero! Hero! Guess what! Guess what! Guess what!” Exclaimed Kel Rushing up to his older brother excitement sparkling in his chocolate brown eyes. 

“What’s that?” Questioned the brunette looking at his younger brother

“Aubrey - she - Aubrey she-“ he pants catching his breath between speaking “she said yes! She said yes!”

“She said ‘yes’ to what?” Inquired Hero raising an eyebrow 

“I asked her out! And she said yes!” He exclaimed 

“That’s great!”

“But-“

“But what, Kel?”

“I need advice!”

Hero grimaced, staring right at  Kel “I’m literally the worst person you can ask.” He stated in a matter-of-fact tone. 

“But - I can’t just ask Aubrey!” Kel Pointed out “I’m going on a date . With her . He added finally 

Hero Sighed thinking.

“Well, Maybe ask Basil for advice on flowers? He should know about that.. and you know her best so whatever she likes is the best advice I can give.”

All the brunettes responded.

“Okay… Thank you! That’s what I needed!”

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ 

“So, Basil, what flowers would you bring on a first date?” Kel Questioned leaning in close to the blonde's face and wrapping an arm around his shoulder.

“It depends on the message you wanna tell.” Answered Basil “what do you wanna say?” He asked looking up at his much taller friend.

“Also, by any chance is this about Aubrey?”

“How’d you know?”

“I have my ways… a little birdie told me.. anyways, tell me what do you want to get across.” 

“I want a fresh start and hope things can work out and - and I want her to know how much she means to me.”

“Carnations, yellow Pansies, snowdrops, and red  roses.” 

“How would I find those?”

“I have some carnations and Some Pansies so I can help with that. And you should be able to buy some snowdrops and I have roses outside too.” 

Kel nodded.

“Could you help me set it up?”

“Yes! Of course!”

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Chapter Text

"Ta-Da!" Basil Exclaimed handing over a bouquet of

flowers tied together neatly with a baby blue ribbon.

"Do you like how it looks? Also, just keep them in water

till tomorrow, right? Tomorrow is the date?"

Kel Nodded smiling at Basil as he clutched the k

in his hands. He nervously swallowed the lump i

throat "I do like them." He responded “I just hope Aubrey does.”

"It's the thought that goes into it, Kel." The Blonde said

"I'm sure she'll appreciate it, Kel." Basil added Finally.

"You think so?"

"Mhm. I do think so." He Responded "Besides, she

said yes Didn't she? That means something at the

very least."

A little something, huh?

That meant he had a chance even the smallest chance

He had it.

"Thank you, Basil." He Exclaimed pulling him into a

tight warm hug.

Basil Coughed after a few minutes pulling away "too

tight!" He croaked as Kel muttered an apology despite

excitement that spread across his face.

"Carnations? Got it. Pansies? Got it. Roses? Got it.

Snowdrops? Got it." Kel reiterated to himself Out Loud

as Basil Went over the meanings with him.

"You got this, Kel!!" The Blonde said encouragingly as

he smiled brightly and Basil gave him two thumbs up.

"Are you Ready to go, Aubrey?" Kel Questioned

looking at her and nervously scratching the back of his

neck holding the bouquet in his other hand.

Aubrey Nodded stepping out.

The Brunette handed the  bundle of flowers to Aubrey who took them in her hands, her light colored

eyes staring at them in awe. "Wow..

" she whispered,

visibly surprised among other things.

Holding them tightly she looked up and smiled at Kel.

"Thank you."

'"I asked Basil for help... So, those are carnations and-"

he begins to explain as they walk and Aubrey listens,

running her finger along one of the delicate petals.

The Pink-haired teenager leaned closer to the flowers

taking in the flowery scent. It smelled nice.

"So.... Do you know what we're doing yet?"

Kel Nodded in response Looking over at Aubrey. "The

skating Rink." He says.

"'You can skate, right?"

"I can."

"That's good."

Aubrey Bended down slightly extending her hand to

help Kel Up off the cold floor of the rink. He Took her

hand standing back up and dusting himself off.

He chuckled lightly as Aubrey Laughed and she skated

over to the wall to steady herself momentarily and

launch off of it.

"That's cool." Kel said smiling

"Thanks. I am cool." Aubrey stated

"That you are."

Kel certainly hadn’t expected that. He felt heat rush to his cheeks and he cleared his throat and scratched his neck. “Shall we?” He questioned extending his hand to Aubrey 

~ ~ ~ ~ 

Hands awkwardly gripped at each other to keep steady.

“You said you knew how to skate.” Kel said, raising an eyebrow towards Aubrey who was slipping everytime she moved and her blunt, jagged nails were practically digging into the back of his hands.

She stared down at the rink floor awkwardly, relying on Kel to keep her from falling and getting hurt.

Aubrey swallowed a newly formed lump in her throat as she began to speak up “Haven’t been since the last time my dad took me.” She said nervously and her  voice was small and tight.

Oh. It clicks.

“S’been awhile.” She forced the words out. 

Fuck.

“Sorry I didn’t know - I should think more before I speak -“ 

“Kel,” Aubrey said, interrupting the teen’s steady stream of thoughts and apologies.

“It’s fine. You sound like an idiot anyways.” She added, trying to divert the topic and attention from herself. 

“Oh, that’s wonderful, thank you, Aubrey.”

She snorts trying not to laugh.

~ ~ ~ ~ 

“I had a nice time.” Aubrey said as she was about to open the front door to her house, a smile was on her face, a nice genuine one.

The light coming from the moon lit up her face nicely and the loose strands of hair framed her face. 

“Thanks, Kel.” She added.

“I had fun too, I’m glad you did too.”

Aubrey fumbled with the door knob before turning to Kel one last time. “I’d like to do it again, and yes I do have to stay home tonight. Sorry.” She trailed off at the last sentence and her voice was flat. She shut the door before any argument could be had.

Chapter Text

Aubrey stepped into the house and it’s dimly lit only by what seemed to be the old TV which apparently seemed to be working again.

Her father probably sent some money in at the very least. She knows her mother couldn't have.

The girl is careful as to not wake the woman or trip over the garbage and bottles that littered the house and floor. There was very little leg room or room at all. And God, it stunk like hell —- booze, garbage and leaks is all it smelled off.

And smoke. Definitely cigarettes.

That still left the question —- the TV was running and her mother would’ve blown the money on other items… he probably paid it directly. 

There was no need to think too much into it anyways. The matter didn’t concern her. She’d learned her lesson from being nosey.

It damn well doesn’t concern you. Stay out of it. 

She sighed as she made it to her room sitting the flowers down on her bed. 

She slumped down next to the flowers, careful to not smash them.

~ ~ ~ 

The Door opened and Polly walked in. “Can I talk to you boys?” She asked, “particularly you, Sunny.” She added, standing midway in the doorway.

“Sure.”

There’s some fumbling around before everyone’s sitting at the dining table. “No one’s in trouble, but I do wanna talk to Sunny.” She began saying. 

“So, I’ve noticed the same clothes in the wash a lot, and I do understand that you have  favorite clothes and all. I Just Don’t think you brought a lot In General and I would feel much more comfortable if you had more options even if you don’t wear everything.” She paused, “I’d like to take you shopping and you can pick anything out you’d like, Sunny. Is that okay? And I mean, anything.” 

Sunny gave a small nod. “I’ll go if you want me to.” He said before a small thank you .

“Alright, I wanna go now since I’m gonna be running some errands.” Said the woman “So, I’d like you boys to go get ready then we’ll head out.” 

A pair of heads nodded in response before walking off to Basil’s room, leaving Polly alone as she went to grab her things before they left.

…..

“Polly’s gonna get anything, Sunny. So I recommend you actually pick a few things out. And maybe take it seriously.” Basil  added at the end.

Sunny tucked a pen into his pocket and grabbed one of his sketchbooks, a small subtle smile crawling across his pale face “why Wouldn’t I take it seriously?” He questioned. 

It was safe to say Sunny probably wasn’t gonna take this seriously. 

~ ~ ~ ~ 

Sunny tugged Basil’s wrist, pulling him to the side. 

“Huh? Sunny?”

The black-haired teen pointed down the aisle to the left. The aisle — and aisle beside it carried multiple skirts of different fabrics, styles, lengths, colors and multicolored skirts. 

“Can we?” He murmured 

“If That’s what you want.” Basil responded. “Let’s just tell her so she doesn’t get worried.” He added.

The blonde turned to Sunny once more “you did get everything you wanted from there though, right?” He questioned and the dark-haired teen nodded in response. 

“We’re going to the skirt section, Mom.” Basil called out before Sunny grabbed him to pull him over.

“I’ll be right over.” Polly called back in response.

Sunny’s eyes scanned over the layout he brushed his fingers against each of the skirts fabrics and rubbed them between his fingers.

There’s a few he liked but one in particular caught the boy’s eye. It was a cotton multicolored skirt that was wavy. 

Sunny picked it up and he handed it over to Basil so the other boy could get a better look at it. 

“It’s pretty.” The dark-haired teen said. This time it sounded clearer than before in the past couple of weeks despite Sunny’s voice still sounding a bit croaky. 

“Yeah, It is pretty, Sunny!” The shorter boy responded smiling “do you like it?” Basil questioned.

He only got a small nod in response but it got the point across.

“This one.” Sunny said tugging at it 

~ ~ ~ ~ 

Polly hands over two bags to Sunny before grabbing her purse. “You got everything you needed?” She questioned as she began walking and waving the teen’s over to follow her.

They do and Sunny nods in response. “Thank you, Polly.” 

Polly waved a hand in response “oh, it’s no problem. Next time let’s actually try and pack some clothes?” She laughed and Sunny doesn’t seem amused because she’s right but he doesn’t say anything.

~ ~ ~ ~ 

Sunny sits on the bench of the cafeteria the next day. He doesn’t expect when Aubrey runs up to him with a determined expression on her face.

What could she be up to?

Aubrey panted as she practically slammed herself down next to him “I’ve been looking for you everywhere!” She hissed loudly looking mildly irritated.

Sunny raised an eyebrow “you have?” He questioned no clear intent or anything behind his tone of voice.

Aubrey wanted to slap him but she wasn’t here to do that. She was here for other reasons. A purpose. 

“I just — everything’s been hectic lately and I’ve gotten the chance to apologize to everyone but you.” She said as she rubbed her knee nervously. “And I just couldn’t — not apologize — I was in the wrong and kinda being a bitch.” She admitted “so, I’m doing the right thing and apologizing. I’m sorry for being mean and starting a lot of things that shouldn’t have started. I took everything way too far and seriously.. and I realize that.” There's an awkward smile at the end of everything.

“It’s fine, Aubrey. We all were in the wrong. I’m sorry for stabbing you.” 

Asshole. 

Aubrey jabbed her elbow into Sunny in response “that’s what I get for apologizing? ” She hissed 

“A little late for that.” Sunny responded before moving to cover himself from Aubrey’s oncoming Elbow. “Asshole!” 

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ 

“What did you get?” Hero questioned nervously “please tell me you passed? I spent hours explaining that to you.” He added as Sunny combed through the pages he held in his hands.

“90%” he reads out triumphantly 

“Dios dame paciencia —- thank goodness!”

Relief flooded the brunette’s face

“I’m free! You can pass now! Teaching is tiring - I wanna thank my old teachers now because of you Sunny -“

Sunny rolled his eyes in response. “Very funny.”

Chapter Text

There was no denying things were certainly different now. Things would never go back to the way they were no matter how much any of them wanted it to —- and maybe that was for the best for everyone. 

Things had settled down and it was peaceful and relatively calm. Though one thing remained with everyone else of having their ‘special person’ (or ‘pink highlighter!’ As Kel exclaimed before Aubrey jumped on him because in her words that was ‘stupid’ and He was an ‘idiot’ and he was also a ‘orange highlighter with that logic’) 

Mari was still gone . And so was the colorful world Hero once knew. It was something you got used to — and technically he did have to get used to it permanently now. He’d have to live with it and maybe it was colorless now and it still left a pang in his chest to look back at it now —- things now were less bleak and bland and looking up for everyone. 

And maybe the colorless and tasteless place Hero now got used to making memories all the more warm and exciting. Because he may not have had it forever — he may not have had Mari forever, for a long time. 

But it was a time in his life he would never forget and he wouldn’t trade it. He still had the time with her and Hero would treasure it forever as long as he lived. It may have been little but it was theirs. Just theirs. And that thought made him a little sad but Hero could only look forward and look back with fondness. 

He still had a family that loved him and a wonderful little brother and group that felt like his own. 

Maybe that’s why Aubrey and Kel’s screeching around him felt like home and nice. They were seventeen now and still bickered like children. ‘Stay like that’ he would tell them ‘never change’ and small heads would cock to the side not understanding.

They understood now.

Keep what they have left. What they have now. Treasure what they had. 

It could all stay like this for a while, and Hero wouldn’t mind. He never did. 

Everything was turning out just fine.

Sunny wasn’t flunking anymore, Basil also picked gardening back up, Aubrey and Kel were officially dating, Sally had her first birthday, Kel was most likely gonna get a scholarship from playing basketball. 

Hero himself had started studying even harder and managed to pick cooking back up after Aubrey and Sunny’s pestering. 

(Aubrey was always hungry and so was Kel.)

Aubrey’s dad had even given her a call. Things were turning around and though everyone wasn’t sure he was starting to be in Aubrey’s life more and more. She was happy — she’d cried when she got the call but she seemed happier. 

And with a little convincing Aubrey moved in with Kel and Hero at their house for the time being. 

Sally had said her first word recently being “silly” ; it's all she ever said now.

Polly has finally accepted Aubrey and Sunny as well. She was bound to come around eventually.

Everything with Aubrey’s “little gang” as Hero called it was fine now. 

Sunny still wasn’t very fond of Kim though. Hero was starting to think he never was and never will be. 

Everything was perfectly fine and Hero was content as is. 

Aubrey and Kel were on the floor playing with dolls with Sally. (Aubrey brought over an old dollhouse of hers as a gift.) and they Maybe both were getting a little too much into it… 

Sunny and Basil only just found themselves into a little corner of the room for a bit of quiet. The pair were close together and it’s when Sunny leaned his forehead against Basil’s for  things to take a turn.

Both boys were remarkably close —- it wasn’t anything new but Basil leaned in further and Sunny’s sure it was farther than he intended before a pair of lips were pressed to his by the blonde beside him. 

It’s quick and unexpected but even after Basil pulled Away they stayed there.

It certainly was a fresh start and Sunny’s now more than certain it was better. He Wasn’t exactly sure in the hospital but he tried to see it. Now he saw it. 

Sunny hadn’t seen it before, but he did now. 

It was clear as day.

(“I told you, Silly. One day you will see it.” 

Mari smiled)

He saw it now.