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‘He’s Dorothy's grandson! That bastard’s own heart is the witch’s heart!’
Ashe looked down at the photo book that contained a picture of the purple-hair man and Dorothy. Ashe took the picture in his hands and closely examined it. Sirius was young in the photo, about 10 years, the short-temperant man was smiling. Ashe felt a strange sense of fondness by looking at the photo. He has never seen Sirius' genuine smile, usually, he was angry due to Ashe’s deliberate teasing.
Ashe shooked his head ‘What am I thinking? He has the witch’s heart! Don’t you know what this means?’ Ashe took a deep breath and put the picture back in its book. He has got what he needed, and he should leave before Sirius is done with his bath.
********
Ashe lay in bed restless. ‘Sirus’ heart, is the witch’s heart.’ kept repeating again and again in his head. Ashe had investigated the witch's heart, seeking everywhere and doing whatever he could to find it. At some point, he thought it may have been a myth and now he is stuck with the man who has the very heart he’s looking after.
Ashe was no stranger to lying, manipulation, theft, or the like to discover a way to bring his family back, but now he would have to consider, no. He had to take someone’s life. This could be it. They were the only people here, and Sirius didn’t seem to be the strongest man. He only needed to strike him once to finish the job.
Ashe felt his body seize up, a tight squeezing sensation. He truly had to commit murder. Someone just down the hall. With every second he began slowly realizing what he had gotten into. Ashe felt his skin tingle more and grow hot. He abruptly shot up from his bed and walked over to his bag. He picked up several scalpels he had and looked at them. The blade shone and for a second he saw his face. His breathing became more rapid. The sound of his breathing rang in his ears. Minutes passed into seconds, and he soon started to feel dizzy.
“I need…hah..a…drink.” Ashe got up and walked out of his room.
*********
“Haah…” Ashe breathed out calming his nerves.He had a glass of red wine in one of Sirus' other rooms, which he was currently drinking. Ironically, he felt a little uncomfortable stealing it without first asking the man, but he was desperate.
The wine was bitter with the strong taste of several fruits, yet it was very balanced. Ashe let the drink stay in his mouth before drinking it, the taste lingering on his tongue. He focused on the flavors it had, attempting to distract his mind. Ashe’s worries began to melt away as he grew tipsier from the alcohol.
Ashe's thoughts drifted here and there before eventually coming back to how he had arrived at the mansion. After locking the entrance, he never expected to encounter anyone, much less Sirius. He recalled lying about needing to find shelter, that the door was unlocked, and how it almost got them tossed out before they realized they were suddenly stuck. Ashe would attempt to escape later, though he must confess that he was relieved that he had an opportunity to find the heart.
‘Sirius…’ Ashe’s mind wandered to the man again. He chuckled at how it circled back to him. Even though he had only known the man for a few days, Ashe perceived that as being a long time. When He then set off on a journey in search of a means of bringing his family back, he never stayed in one area for too long. Much less had time to talk or establish relationships with anyone.
As for Sirius however, he had no choice. Most of the time, he spent asking Sirius about the witch Dorathy, which he was very protective of her image. In fact, one day, he recalls how furious Sirius was when he said Dorathy was a mass murderer, causing them to be separated for a short time. Forcing Ashe to make an effort to regain Sirius's cooperation since he still needed all the information he could gather. In doing so he discovered that the two shared a lot in common. Sirius was a refined and intelligent man, and Ashe had often found himself being swept up in his chats with him. At times even forgetting to question about the witch's heart.
Additionally, he was a short-temperate man, which Ashe found humorous. When he would enter Sirius's room to learn more about the witch’s heart, he would also find joy in teasing him. Although Sirius didn't seem like an extroverted type, Ashe could tell he needed companionship. Ashe took advantage of this by learning tidbits about Dorathy and where the witch's heart was.
‘I just didn’t think it would be his own heart.’ Ashe mumbled. He went to take another sip of his drink, swallowing quickly. He sat in silence in the room, not thinking of anything in particular.
Suddenly, he was alerted by the door opening.
“Ah there you are, you weren’t in your room,” Sirius said while entering the room.
“Ah ha! Did you miss me?” Ashe’s facade replaced his face. Ashe felt himself freeze at seeing Sirius. He had to kill this man. He decided it would be the best if he simply followed along.
“Ah- You buffoon, I am just making sure the monsters haven’t gotten to you!” Sirius's face furrowed with a red blush tinting his cheeks.
Ashe chuckled as Sirius walked over to the table where Ashe was sipping his wine. Sirius’ eyes widened at the realization.
“Is that one of my own wines from this room?” Sirius seemed more surprised than angry. Ironically, Ashe felt a little ashamed at being reminded that he had stolen the drink, he was prone to stealing, but shame was the price. He dismissed the feeling.
“What guest you are!” Sirius said angrily. However, his expression became more somber.
“You could have simply requested some drinks…” Sirius’s tone was much softer.
“Anybody would want to make things a little more tolerable if they were stuck in this situation.” Sirius’ eyes seemed a bit wistful at the last remark.
‘He thinks in just coping with being stuck here? Well, he’s not entirely wrong.’ Ashe thought to himself.
“Ahh…I’m sorry…2008 Radius Syrah huh? Notes of raspberry jam, flavors of plum, and dried cherry on the palate. Smooth tannins on the finish…” Ashe rambled on about the wine to deter the conversation.
Sirius, fortunately, caught on. “You know your wine? Very impressive. Would you mind if I join you?”
“I'm more than happy too!” Ashe said with a smile. Ashe felt himself panic. Although he couldn't refuse, he was unable to share a space with the man who had the witch's heart that he was chasing. After all, he was the reason he was drinking.
Sirius sat across from Ashe after retrieving a glass of his own. Ashe knew there was nothing else he could do about the situation. He was drunk and had no plan, attempting to kill him might end badly. It’s not as if Sirius could overpower him, but if Ashe wasn’t able to go through with it, who knows what would happen? Perhaps it was best if Ashe just played along, if he can’t stay calm now, how would he stay calm when he actually needed to carry out the murder?
Eventually, the two began a normal conversation. They discuss wine for a moment, what they have done for the day, questions about what secrets the mansion holds, and so on. Soon Ashe's nerves calmed down and he allowed himself to relax as the wine fogged up his mind.
“We’re most likely trapped here due to some powerful demonic source, There’s no way this is due to Lady Dorothy.” Sirius mentions. Ashe looked up from his glass. Since entering the mansion, Sirius has never brought up Dorothy on his terms. Ashe has always had to poke and prod the man for details on her and after getting the man upset the other day, Ashe has had to beat around the bush. So why did he bring her up now?
“Why do you think highly of Dorathy?” Ashe decided to take the opportunity to learn about Sirius’ relation to her. While she was his grandmother, Sirius’ idealization of her was strange, not to mention the way Sirius referred to her as ‘Lady Dorathy’ rather than grandmother.
Sirius looked almost offended as if he should know as to why.
“Lady Dorathy…took me in after my mother had passed.” Sirius hesitated, but for a moment. “She was the kindest woman I’ve ever known, she even took in other children to care for them.” Sirius took another sip of wine.
“You’re mother passed?” Ashe inquired.
“Yes. during the witch hunts,” Sirius stated curtly.
Ashe’s curiosity was perked, for whatever reason, he felt the urge to learn more about Sirius’s past.
“How old were you during that?” Ashe question.
“Seven years old.” Sirius kept his answer short.
‘He was very young.’ Ashe noticed. Ashe sensed Sirius was getting a bit uncomfortable. He hesitated, but there was one last question on his mind.
“And Dorothy… how did she die?”
Sirius went stiff.
“ I never saw her die.”
Ashe shivered at Sirius’ words. His words were cold, but assertive as if he truly believed she never died. Ashe looked up from his wine glass. Sirius was looking downwards, not making eye contact.‘Maybe she’s not dead’ was woven in his words. For a moment, he understood the feeling, he saw a bit of himself in Sirius briefly. He didn’t respond for a moment. Ashe felt something tug at his heart.
Suddenly he got up from his seat and took the one closer to Sirius instead. Sirius did not comment, nor indicate he noticed Ashe had switched seats.
“When my family had died. I wanted to do anything to bring them back.” Ashe hasn’t spoken about his family to another person in a very long time. In any normal circumstance, he would avoid the topic at all costs. But something about Sirius made Ashe feel…’odd’. Ashe couldn’t really understand what it was. For a moment he consider that the feeling was…no...Perhaps it was a pity for a person he knew was going to die.
Sirius perked up at the change of conversation, yet he did not speak.
Ashe continued “For years, I looked and looked for an answer, eventually cutting off everyone I knew....I spent a long time alone.” Ashe finished and looked at Sirius. He didn’t know why he was reveling so much about his past, perhaps the wine had made him talkative, he reasoned.
Sirius looked up at Ashe and said nothing for a while. He then pursed his lips and then spoke.
“Dorathy… It was all that man's fault.” Sirius spoke. He proceeded to down the rest of his glass.
Ashe felt a sort of uncomfortable tingling at that last response.
Ashe looked at Sirius. He didn’t know how to respond. Then, a thought came to his mind. And then he spoke.
“My family died because my house was set on fire by a person I thought I could trust.”Ashe wasn’t sure why he brought back painful memories. Perhaps he wasn’t thinking straight. Ashe went in to drink his own glass.
Ashe noticed Sirus was staring.
“I shouldn’t have said that….ha…hahh” Ashe laughed nervously.
“No,” Sirius stated firmly. “Please continue.” his tone softer.
‘I suppose it won’t matter. You won’t remember it for long.' Ashe thought to himself
**********
Ashe felt a sort of relief sharing about his past. He felt strange sharing this with Sirius, but it felt nice. Yet he knew this feeling wouldn’t last for long.
There was silence in the air, but it felt peaceful in a way. Ashe didn't feel as if he needed to say more, the feeling was mutual. He knew Sirius was thinking the same thing he was. So the two stayed in silence for a while longer, till Ashe made eye contact with Sirius.
They stared at each other for a moment. Sirius's face was red from the alcohol. He looked as if his mind was foggy. Ashe didn’t remember the last time someone was vulnerable with him or even himself for that matter. He was surprised that Sirius spoke about his past when asked by Ashe, as he could have gotten angry and stormed to his room. Perhaps it was the alcohol.
Ashe thought about how they ended up in this situation. He came in while he was drinking, took a few glasses, and spoke about their interests, their situation, and then their past. Ashe felt as if the previous hour had a dream. He had drunk more than Sirius, after all. Yet, it felt nice. Speaking to a person, with no intention of manipulating them, or extorting them for information.
A sigh brought Ashe back from his thoughts. It came from Sirius, who seemed to have let out a breath he had been holding. His face seemed soft compared to his harsh demeanor. Ashe had thought Sirius was attractive, but seeing his face at this moment seemed to awaken something in Ashe. Maybe he was just feeling lust he reasoned. Sirius kept looking back at Ashe. His breath was quick. Ashe felt his chest warm up. He felt himself beginning to lean into Sirius. He slowly inched close to his face. Eventually feeling his breath on his cheek. Then, Ashestopped before he closed onto Sirius' lips and instead proceeded to go toward his ear instead.
“You look like you had enough to drink. I’ll take you back to your room.” Ashe whispered to Sirius, who let out a small shiver. Sirius pulled back and looked a little embarrassed.
“Y-yes, we should both go to bed.” Sirius suddenly got up and Ashe immediately followed behind Sirius.
“I can go back on my own! Just put away the wine and glasses and head to bed.” Sirius went back to his defensive, grouchy personality, a deep crimson on his face, and stepped outside the room.
Ashe looked at the door for a bit before going to put up the glasses and wine. As he put the wine into the cabinet, he thought about the interaction he had gotten into with Sirius. Why did he think of going for a kiss for a moment? Ashe felt his heart flutter at the thought.
‘It’s been a while since I’ve been physically intimate with someone. I'm just tipsy.” Ashe reasoned.
‘Besides, you do remember why you’re here for.’
*******
The time has come. Ashe looked upon the sleeping form of Sirius. He eyed the scalpel in his hand. It had been only a few minutes, yet Ashe felt as if he’s been here forever. He woke up sick and with a headache. Yet, he pushed through it and made breakfast, but Sirius didn’t show up at all. In fact, he stayed in his room all day. Ashe didn’t bother going in. For some reason, he was scared of seeing Sirius. Most likely because he knew he had to kill him. At least that’s what Ashe convinced himself to think.
And now, this was the first time Ashe had seen Sirius since last night. His face was at peace, he was reminded of how his face looked while intoxicated. How soft and peaceful, the light blush, with his short breaths…
Ashe shook his head
“...I'm…sorry.”
He plunged the scalpel into Sirius’ throat and sliced it.
**********
“Ah…and he was so close this time,” Rouge stated taking a sip from her wine glass.
“But they didn’t kiss this time,” stated Zizel from the couch adjacent to Rouge.
“That may be so, but there’s something different here,” Rouge stated
“Oh? How so?” Zizel inquired.
“Ashe…he revealed about his family. He was vulnerable to Sirius.” Rouge looked over at Zizel with a smile.
“If only Sirius would open up on the last day.” Zizel wondered with a wave of her hand.
“He could never open up, it’s his first time feeling this way. I can’t imagine him even realizing he has feelings for him.” Rouge stated
Zizel grew a mischievous smile and got off her couch and walked over to Rouge and sat on her lap, her legs over the side. Rouge instinctively grabbed her waist. “Reminds me of a little purebred demon who felt the same way” Zizel teased, grabbing Rouges’ face and giving her a quick kiss, to which the scarlet demon reciprocated. “He just needs time.”
Rouge rolled her eyes, but her expression softened as she went to grab Zizel’s hand. “Unfortunately they don’t have time. Ashe always decides to kill him before Sirius can confront him”
“We’ll need to confront one of them soon.” Zizel squeezed Rouge’s hand in response.
“I suppose so, I just wished they could do this on their own,” Rouge replied and went to pull the witch’s heart out of her coat.
“When that old woman asked to protect him, I don’t think she had this in mind.” Zizel chucked.
“With only negative wishes, there’s only so much you can do. Besides, if we let time go on, Sirius will die, and then there will be nothing to protect anyway.”
“But with the woman gone, there’s no real reason to do all of this.” Zizel question.
Rouge laughed with a chaotic grin. “You’re right. But let's just say…
I'm one for tragic romance.”