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Chapter Text

1 week before the recital

Basil POV

" Are you sure? I can run home and get you some AWESOME bandage you know ??! " Kel asked with his usual big smile to Sunny.
Sunny just nodded, he never really talk, sometimes he does, or he just smile or laugh to kel jokes. But it's been sometimes since he did that. Well he does smile a little bit but only when Mari and Hero are not around. First I didn't really think much of it, but some weeks ago now, I entered his room to him crying to kel, that was the first time I saw him cry, the first time kel didn't know how to make someone smile. When they saw I entered the room, they just looked at me, I never saw so much sadness in Sunny's eyes.

Two weeks ago

(Still Basil pov)

"S-sunny? K-kel? W-what is happening..?" I ask.

They look at me. Sunny hold himself to kel a little bit more, then turn to him.
Kel look at him, he's not smiling. Wait. Kel? Not smiling? I never saw that, expect when he fight with Aubrey or when Hero scold him. Kel had a serious face? Wow..

"Basil? Sunny want you to know. He needs you as well" kel's saying brings me back from my thoughts.

"Y-yeah ok.. ok.. I'm here s-sunny.." I just say while sitting to the right of sunny. "W-what happened? D-did I do something?" I sure hope I did not. Mari would kill me.

Sunny look at me. He open his mouth, then close it. He just shake his head. *Well.. At least I didn't do anything* I though

"It's Mari's doing." Kel says.
Wait
What.
What?
Mari?

"Mari? B-but.. w-what?" I didn't know how to process that, Mari was at fault?

Sunny nod.
Then he open his mouth and tries his best to explain. He still was crying.

"T-the recitat.. I.. I can't d-do perfect.. Mari.. she.. she's a-always mad at me because of t-that.. she scream at m-me.. she says that I d-don't understand how un-unfair I'm being to her.." he stop. Let go of kel. He take a moment. Then continue

" She make m-me practice all day.. I'm.. I'm not sure I l-like it anymore.. I just w-want to have fun.. B-but when I refuse to p-play, dad g-get very angry a-and he scream that I'm r-ruining everything for M-mari.. that I b-better not messes up o-on the recital.." he hiccups.. then cries more.. and just like that.. Mari was not perfect in my eyes anymore

Back to 1 week before the recital

Basil pov (again)

I was showing Sunny some of my favorite flowers.. me and Kel had a success to cheer Sunny up. Kel always knew how, even if sometimes he took a lot of time, he always succeeded. Him and Sunny were really close, even closer then I was to Sunny, they were friend for a lot more years after all.

Then Mari called Sunny. I could see it now. Now that I knew how she was pressuring sunny. Her fake smile when she said it was time for them to practice. Again. Sunny looked at me. He looked sad again. He hugged me. Got to Kel, hugged him. Got inside of his house. At least Mari agreed for one picnic.

The day of the recital

No one POV

"Why do you keep messing that part up?? It's not even that difficult!! Why can't you just try more?" Mari screamed. She tried to calm down.
Sunny looked scared. His hand hurted him.

"It's been months sunny. Months. Months that we practice this part and you still don't get it. We're not stopping until you get it. I called Hero. He will come stop by. To watch. You better not mess up" Mari said. Anger in her voice.

Sunny didn't like when Hero was here. Without kel. Mari wanted to make everything perfect. She was a perfectionist. But she was even more of one when Hero was the only one with them.
Sunny closed his eyes. He didn't want to mess up. He wanted to make his family proud. He wanted to show Kel and Basil how good it was at the violon. But.. he didn't really like playing anymore.

"SUNNY" Mari scream made sunny flinch. He looked at her. Then hold his violon on his shoulder.

Mari began to play.

Sunny waited.

Sunny began to play. He did perfect. Until. He made a mistakes. His fingers weren't in the right position on his violon
(Hi, here the creator, so, I've been playing violin, so ima try sneaking some fact)
Mari heard it.
Mari stopped playing.

Sunny too.

He looked at her.
She was furious. No. She wanted to destroy him with guilt.
Sunny began to walk away. He didn't want to play anymore, he run away, trying to ignore Mari's shouting.

He walk up the stairs. Mari's following him. She grab him just as he arrives at the top of those stairs.
Sunny is afraid. No. He's terrified.

"I don't w-wanna play anymore" He says. Lunching his violin away.

CRASH

Mari realize it.
And she's PISS.

She starts screaming more

"WHY WOULD YOU DO THAT?? DO YOU KNOW HOW EXPENSIVE THAT WAS?? I SAVED UP FOR THAT. HERO SAVED UP FOR THAT. EVEN AUBREY, KEL AND BASIL SAVED FOR THAT. WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU??"

Sunny began to cry.

"It's too hard! M-my hand hurt! I want to p-play with Kel and B-basil! I'm sorry! I j-just to p-play with everyone a-again!" Sunny explain.

"AND DO YOU REALLY THINK THEY'RE GOING TO PLAY WITH SOMEONE WHO JUST RUINED THE RECITAL!!" Mari's furious

Sunny's crying now. He want to leave. He hear the door open.

*Oh no, Hero's here, he's going to be mad as well* Sunny tough, he try to run away but Mari grab his harm.

"WHERE DO YOU THINK YOU'RE GOING? YOU RUIN EVERYTHING AND JUST GO BOTHERING OTHER AFTER! THIS WAS EVERYTHING FOR ME"

Sunny tries to get away from her grip.
He doesn't success.

"WHY CAN'T YOU DO SOMETHING FOR ME?? WHY CAN'T YOU ACT LIKE A BROTHER FOR ONCE?!" Mari's crying too. But from anger. Her eyes are filled with disappointment as well.

Sunny tries to get away from her grip again.
He doesn't success.

"YOU'RE HURTING M-ME! L-LET ME GO" Sunny scream, his throat hurt from screaming.

"YOU'RE BEING UNFAIR!! I JUST WISH YOU DID SOMETHING RIGHT FOR ONCE" Mari scream. Pushing sunny.

Sunny tries to get away from her grip.
But at the same time.

She let go.
And she push him.

.

.

.

.

.

.

Mari wait. Something crash down. Another thing crash down.
She look down. Sunny laying down. Hero's at the doors. Hero's horrified.

Mari take her sense back.

She hears some weak crying. Sunny's gasping for air. He cries.

Mari can't move. She watch. Horrified. Hero can't move. Hero look at his feet. A plate his broken. The plate where him and kel's cake was resting. The plate that fell of his hand after he saw everything and when Sunny's body hit the floor. Landing on his violin. Crying. Gasping for air.

Mari began to walk down the stairs. She scream her brother's name. She dropped beside him. He's not crying anymore. Why isn't he crying anymore? Hero walk to her. Mari begged sunny.

She beg.

She's begging him. Telling him she's not mad anymore. Telling him he can play with everyone all the time he want. Telling him he can dye some of his hair brown like he promised to Kel after they saw that movie. She say him they can have matching hair.

Hero take sunny pulse. Not listening to Mari.

Mari tell Sunny he can stop playing the violon. She says he can make a movie night with all his friend if he wake up.

Hero shake her.

She look at him.

She saw it in his eyes.

That horrified look. That look she didn't want to see.
She looses hold of sunny.
That horrified look. That look saying he didn't find a pulse.
She loosed hold of sunny corpse.

..

"Everything will be okay" "I promise" "Everything will be okay." Hero says.

He has an idea
Oh he had one

The worst idea he never had.
The worst idea Mari could agree on.

Sunny in his arm. Mari behind him.

..

A jumping rope.

The one Sunny used the same morning. Before Mari woke up and ask him to practice.

A jumping rope.
Attached to a tree.

Attached to that rope. Sunny's corpse.

Mari began to walk away. Reality didn't hit her yet.
Hero began to walk away. Reality didn't hit him yet.

They look back.
Just to wish they never did.

He's looking at them

They can't move.

Laughing in the distance. Kel. Aubrey. Basil. Coming to encourage Sunny and Mari one more time.

Laughing in the distance. Kel. Aubrey. Basil. Running to the backyard.

There's no laugh anymore.

Kel. Crying. For the first time in years. Right beside Basil. Holding his shoulder.

Basil. Screaming in pain. Kel's hand on his shoulder.

Aubrey. Throwing up.

..

Red light
Blue light

Kel went to his brother for comfort

Red light
Blue light

Hero's hugging Mari.

Red light
Blue light

Kel hold his brother arm for comfort.

Red light
Blue light

Hero shoved away from kel holding.

Red light
Blue light

Kel watch his brother walk away.
With Mari.

Red light
Blue light

Aubrey's sleeping on Sunny's and Mari's couch.
No
On Mari's couch.

Red light

Basil holding on to kel.

Blue light.

Kel holding on to Basil

Red line.

Sunny's not holding onto life anymore.

Chapter Text

The morning after he died

No one pov

«Mari»
A voice called at the door

«Mari. MARI. Wake up»

Mari opened her eyes. Looked at the door.
Here he was. Hero.

He walked to her.
«Mari, please, we need to talk»

Mari look at her brother bed. Then back at Hero.
«What? Where is Sunny? Why isn't he back yet?»

Hero gasped. Then look at Sunny's bed. Then at Mari. Then to his feet.
«He..he isn't c-coming back..Y-you know that..» He said, trembling, sadness in his voice.

Mari didn't want to believe it. She looked back at her brother bed. Began crying.
«Stop lying to me! W-why are you saying t-that?? It didn't happen you're just ly-lying !!» she screams.

Hero goes to her. Take her in a side hug.

«It's okay. I'm here. E-everything will be okay.» He says.
Hero stayed there that night.
Leaving Kel alone

A week after he died

The funeral

Mari POV

Hero was holding my hand.
I was watching Sunny's coffin.
He looked so peaceful, so perfect. He skin was way pale. This couldn't be right.
It was all my fault, my fault and only mine.

I looked way. So many people were here. Aubrey was holding to my dress, crying. Hero was holding my hand, whispering how everything will be okay, that sunny was in a better place.

«I just wish we saw something»
I didn't know how said that. Basil? Dad? Kel? I didn't catch how it was. I couldn't get my mind off what happened.
Why did I do that? Why couldn't I just control my anger?

Your fault

I don't want to be here anymore. I want to go home. I want my brother back. I want everything to go back.

Your fault

Before I realized it, I was back to my seat. Kel, Basil and Basil's grandma were the one standing in front of the coffin now.
Basil was whispering something. Holding Kel's hand.
It was my fault.
My fault they had to go through this. I just hurted everyone.
I want to go home.

I just closed my eyes and wish to go with Sunny. My little sunny. My baby boy.

I opened my eyes.
Wait.
I'm home? I didn't even realize we were back.

«Mari?»
I look to the voice.
Hero. What if I hurt him too?
What if it happens again?

You're hurting everyone

«Go back home hero.. please. I need time..alone..» I was the one saying that? The word got out on their own..
«What? But.. I promised to be here for you. Please Mari, don't leave me alone»
«You need to go. Please.»
I don't want to hurt him..but I don't want him to leave.

A year later

(Sorry, many time skip)

No one POV

Hero And Kel's

It's been a year, a month, two weeks and a day, since sunny died.

It's been a year since Mari asked Hero to leave her alone. She hasn't come out yet.

Hero didn't take it well. He either leave home to knock on her door or stay in his room studying or staying in bed.
He feel like he failed his love, he doesn't want to talk to anyone. He ghost Kel. He doesn't respond to Kel begging for him to hang out or just talk to him

Kel, him, tried to stay positive at first but the month that followed sunny funeral was the worse.
Hero wasn't here for him. Kel just wanted to stay in bed, in his room, hugging a stuffed toy sunny gave him on his 9th birthday. But his parents didn't let him stay. After the funeral he had to go back to school, go back to the place him and sunny used to love. Now he hated it, everyone was judging him, saying he couldn't save his best friend, saying he was the worst friend, saying he was too selfish to care about Sunny, that he was too noisy for people to hear sunny calling for help.

He was jealous, jealous of Hero, Hero who didn't have to go to the place called school that was hell for him.
Kel had no one. His parents were too busy, hero never had time and when he talked he only asked kel to leave or if he had seen Mari. Aubrey just stayed with other random people or stayed at her home.
No one was here. Expect one. Basil. Basil was the only one here for him, even if he had new friend called the hooligans, he still talked to kel.

But one day. Basil came running to kel, asking him for something that will change everything.

« -"Kel! C-could you do something for me?" He asked
-Yeah.. sure, what's up?
-I landed Hero my p-photo album a year and like two months ago, you remember that r-right?? Basil said
-Yeah but what about it?
-Could I have it back? He's not giving it back. I just.. I want to..remember some memories.. we had..yk..with.. Sunny." The last part of his sentence was a struggle for Basil to say
Kel didn't respond immediately, looking sad, he smirked, trying to stay positive, for sunny, who always said Kel should smile more.
"-Y-yeah..yep. Sure! I-I will look for it, s-since Hero.. a-anyways, I will do my best!" Kel's smiled to Basil, trying his best.
"-Thanks Kel..That album means everything for me. And I know it c-count a lot for you too. Oh and when you get it back, I was thinking about g-going through it..at his g-grave.." It felt like Basil could cry just by saying this.
"-Yeah..to be honest, I need to go there with someone.. thanks Basil"

Just like that Basil nodded and had gotten back to the hooligans.

When Kel got home, he got to the research of the precious album. He searched everywhere. Hero left the room after some time, not even question what Kel was searching. Kel knew Hero was going to knock on Mari doors, beg her to open the door, wait, beg, knock, wait, knock, wait then leave and come back to his bed. So, he took that time to his advantage, he searched on Hero's side of the room, Hero's desk, Hero's wardrobe, after some 10 minutes he had searched everywhere, Hero could be back anytime now, so Kel searched the last place, Hero's bed. It was a mess, not made, dirty clothes below it, until he saw it, he saw the old cover, by looking below hero's bed, he could see the little space between the floor and hero's wardrobe. Kel didn't search there, so he got up, got there and took out the album photo.

«Basil's Memories» Kel read.
He felt happy, in his hand, a book containing a year of memories, a year of friendship, a year with Sunny, with his sunshine.

But..

When he opened it.. wishing to see, memories, laughing children, picnic, and the photo of sunny with his violon.. he didn't see any of that. Every, single, picture. All of them. Sunny was marked out by a black marker.
Kel felt furious.

Hero did that. Hero was the only one who had that album.
Hero did that. Hero was the one who RUINED IT
HERO DID THAT

The door opened, Hero entered, look at Kel. Then at the album. He felt horrified.
Hero tried to take the album back.
But he didn't succeeded.

Something terrible was about to happen.

Chapter Text

A year, two weeks, a day

Hero and Kel room

No one POV

«-"Give it back!" Hero said
-"What did you do?? Why? Why?!" Kel asked tears starting to form in his eyes.

Hero launched at Kel, missing him, horrified.
-" Give it back to me!! You don't understand!.
-No! No! No I don't! That contained every memories of Sunny, how could you erase them??" Kel asked, hurted by what his brother had done.

-"GIVE IT TO ME KELSEY! YOU CAN'T UNDERSTAND! DON'T BE ANNOYING" Hero screamed
Kel was shock by the use of his full name

-"I WILL NEVER GIVE IT BACK!" Kel said angrily, stepping back has Hero walked towards him slowly

-"STOP BEING A NUISANCE KEL! YOU CAN'T UNDERSTAND! YOU NEVER UNDERSTAND! WHY DO YOU HAVE TO RUIN EVERYTHING?? I NEEDED TO DO IT" Hero spat out

Tears rolled down kel eyes, hurted by what Hero said.
*He can't mean it.. right?* Kel tough

-" W-what? Why are you saying that??" Kel ask

-"Why? WHY? BECAUSE THAT IS THE TRUTH! YOU RUINED EVERYTHING,  WHY ARE YOU EVEN SEARCHING MY STUFF! CAN'T I LEAVE WITHOUT YOU DOING SHIT??" Hero wasn't thinking before talking, he wanted that album back, he was tired and that made his mind a mess.

-"IT'S BASIL ALBUM! HE WANT IT BACK, SINCE YOU ONLY OUTSIDE TO GO ON MARI DOORS, HE ASKED ME TO GIVE IT BACK TO HIM, WHY ARE YOU EVEN TRYING FOR MARI, SHE GHOSTED YOU, SHE ABANDONED US" Kel screamed.

-" NO SHE DID NOT! SHE'S MOURNING AND SUFFERING! SHE LOST HER BROTHER, YOU'RE JUST TOO MUCH OF AN IDIOT TO REALIZE IT! SHE NEED ME" Hero was angry, how could kel say those things? Mari just needed time and someone to be with her.

At that point, the two of them were crying but mainly Hero, he's face was broken by the sadness and anger he felt, he couldn't stop himself, he needed to get everything of his chest, he didn't realize how much he hurted his little brother at the moment.

Kel was shocked, so Mari was more important than him? Mari, who didn't even respond to him for a year now, was more important than him? His little brother? Kel needed Hero too. He needed him more then anything. He needed him for a year now.

-"I NEEDED YOU TOO! YOU WEREN'T HERE! AM I NOT IMPORTANT TO YOU?? I NEEDED YOU MORE THEN ANYTHING THAT DAY! YOU LEAVED ME!" Kel screamed, crying, his heart was shattering. He bumped in the wall that was behind him

-"DON'T BE SELFISH! STOP BEING SELFISH! YOUR LITTLE PROBLEM ARE NOT THE END OF THE WORLD! SUCK IT UP!  I WISH I HAD A BETTER BROTHER! ONE WHO WILL UNDERSTAND ME! I NEED HER! SHE NEED" Hero was getting closer, slowly walking, ready to launch again at any time, screaming at the top of his lungs, not even knowing what he was saying anymore.

-"AND I NEEDED YOU" Kel spitted back

Before Hero could respond, their parents burged in. Running towards Hero, hugging him, forcing him sit down, Hero cried, getting everything out. His parents comforting him, with sweet words, a big warm hug, patting his back.
Making everything okay.

Well
Only for Hero.

Kel, him, was on the floor, breathing loudly, tears tearing down his face, hero's words replaying in his head.

His parents got out with Hero, his father looked right at Kel, Kel looked back at time.

-"Why do you have to be such a burden Kelsey?" He said disappointed.

Kel's grip on the album got stronger. His head was screaming at him to get out, to leave. But he couldn't move. He hated it. He wanted to scream, ripe off his skin, break everything, he was feed up with everything.
He took his bag, trowed everything out of it, he put the album inside. Stood up. Got to his wardrobe and opened it, taking out his coat and putting it in the bag. He threw the bag under his beg and let himself fall on it. He cried for what seemed like hours, his head screaming everything Hero said.

Hours later, Hero came back, Kel was sitting on his bed, legs to his chest, like a ball. The two brothers looked at each other. Kel though that, maybe, Hero would apologize. But. Hero made a disappointed sight, and walk to his bed, laying on it.
That made Kel break. Hero was the DISAPPOINTED one?

*Oh, so I'm that MUCH of a DISAPPOINTMENT? FINE!* Angrily, kel shoved outside of his blanket and left. Hero had a dreamless night. Kel didn't sleep

The next morning

Third person POV(?)

When Hero woke up, he was alone, it was already lunch, he got up, he felt dizzy, his head was hurting, he didn't quite remember what had happened last night.

'You broke him'

Hero felt a shiver down his spine. He decided that he was just going to go see Mari then maybe study a little, he felt like something was wrong. He didn't want to know what. He just left.

Basil's house

«-"THAT FREAK! NO NO NO NO!? WHY ISN'T IT COMING OFF!" Basil was furious. "THE FUCK HE DID THAT FOR?? Basil ask, looking at Kel who was walking in circles for 20 minutes straight now.
-"I don't know, and of course he didn't said anything to me! He just told me all those things! And my parents got on his fucking side !" Beginning screaming, kel gave a punch in Basil's wall.

-" Wait, again? Isn't it like the third time he screams at you then his the victim? What did he say this time?" Basil asked

-"OH, he said many thing, first the usual, like that I was annoying but then he clearly made clear that Mari was more important then me, that I should fucking suck it up, that I'm not suffering like his little love his!" Kel said, smiling, tears running down his eyes has he grabbed his hair with one of his hand.

-" Mari isn't the only grieving! How could he says that!?" Basil spitted back.

-"Oh yeah, he also wish I was not his fucking brother and I'm a fucking burden" Kel, saying that, leaned on the wall and let himself slip on the floor, hands covering his face, some hair stuck between his finger.
Basil didn't say anything. He stopped trying to get back his photo, leaned against Kel. Took out a photo of the ex-group of friend.

-"Fuck them" Basil said, tearing up the photo, Aubrey, Mari and Hero on a side, him and Kel on a other and Sunny alone.
-"W-what?" Kel said, looking at him, still crying.
-"Fuck them, let's be burden. I'm tired of this. they ruined everything, they left us, abandoned us, they're acting like we are some sickness you have to run away from. I'm tired of people accusing me to be the reason Sunny left. It was Mari fault! How can she live happily with Aubrey and Hero watching after her when SHE was surely the reason he did that!"»Basil said, getting up, looking furiously at Mari's side of the teared up photo.

He got to his bed, took something under it, then looked at Kel, holding black coloration. The two of them understood each other, and a hour later, Basil had black hair, leaving only a little strand of his hair blonde. Kel had the middle and end of his hair colored in black. They looked proud of each other. Basil had threw away his old flower, replacing it with a white tulip instead.

-«"Wanna sleep here ? Surely my grandma can convince your freaky parents can she?
-Please yes, I don't want to see Hero's face.
-I'm not calling him that. He's no Hero to me. And he should be none after what he said to you. Did he even apologies?
-No, you know? Poor little Hero have to rest while the Fucking burden Kelsey has to get up and leave. Point is, he was sleeping when I was forced to leave the couch.
-Man, you slept on the couch? Don't you have a bed anymore?
-Sì, I do, didn't want to stay in the same room has HIM after his little disappointed sight. Like father like son yk?
-Favorite child, even blind could know!" Basil smirked.
-"GoLdEn Child you mean? I can't believe they tough that I was the problem."

They just talked like that for the day, until the sun went to his sleep and the moon began to shine.

Hero's and Kelsey House

Hero POV

I only realize I had studied all day when ma asked for me to come eat diner.

«-"Hijo mío, ¿has terminado de estudiar todo?"She asked me
(Translation "My son, have you finished studying everything?" )
Of course she only care about that. I sat to my seat and stared at my plate.
-"Yeah Ma" I felt like something was starting at me.

'Why didn't you help me?'

I felt a shiver down my spine, then realize Kel and my dad weren't at the table. I want to ask about it but I don't find the strength, I don't feel comfortable here. I know something is watching me but I can't tell what, and why is it so cold?

I finish eating and goes to my room, seating on my bed, why do I feel like I'm forgetting something? Why is it so cold? And where is Kel? Did he come back from school and left again when I wasn't watching?

'Why did you do that?!'

What is happening to me..did I do something bad? Did they realize it? Did Mari tell them??

'How could you do that?!'

I should call Mari..she can't tell them.. they will take her away..
I need to make sure they will not know..

Next morning

Hero POV

I woke up to the sound of my alarm. Usually, Kel will stop it.
But.
It's been what felt like hours.
*Why isn't he stopping it?* I though

I get out of bed, facing my wall, I stand, then look to Kel bed.

Nothing.

The bed.

Nothing is in the bed.

I felt scared.

*Did something happen to him?*
*Why didn't he tell me anything when he left??*

I run downstairs.
Ma is cooking while Pa is looking at his journal.

«-"Ma, where's Kel?? Did he leave already?" I ask

They look at each other, then continue what they were doing.

-"We don't know Hijo. He left yesterday morning before school. I got a call from the grandma of Basil, saying he stayed there for the day." She said
-"He's a idiot and surely skipped school then. I will make sure he doesn't skip again" My father said
-"Maybe he slept there?" Ma said, not giving a care that they didn't know where Kel could be.

-"You know son, after what happened two days ago, we didn't want him to annoy you again, if he's out of the house, it's for the better, until you get better. Even if that doesn't excuse him from school" My dad explained, giving up his journal to look at me, saying the last sentence in a whisper.

What happened two days ago?? Is that why I feel like I'm forgetting something?

-"And I'm pretty sure he stayed at Basil house, he did that last time you two had a big fight. But don't worry when he left early yesterday, I told him that he better not fight with you again." My mother looked at me, smiling.
Fucking smiling.

-"We had a fight?? What was it about? Did I say horrible thing?" I feel like I'm raising my voice but I don't feel like I can control it.

-"Yes. A big one. You two screamed for what seemed like forever, about a album first, then you told him how much of a burden he could be, but don't worry when we got to you, we made everything okay. And we left, we made sure you were okay and you got back to your room some hours later." My father explained.

*I told Kel he was a burden? He saw the ALBUM?? I HAVE TO FIND HIM*
I run upstairs. Grab some clothes, the same has yesterday but I didn't care. I change, grab my backpack and run downstairs.

-"I'M GOING TO SCHOOL" I scream. I heard my mom saying good thing. But I didn't care about that. I go outside. It's cold.
*Should I try to get Mari out?* I though
*But I need to find Kel.. but what if Mari want me to be here today? Ok maybe a little knock will do the job..*I walk towards Mari's doors.

-"Mari? I need you. I did something bad and I can't remember what exactly." I say. I wait.
Knock knock knock
-"Mari?" I wait
Then I heard movement. Mari's here??
-"Mari are you here??"
I hear someone go to the door.
-"Mari..? Mari please come out.."
Knock knock knock

I wait, I don't know how long I waited, but it was long. It's really cold.

-"¿Hijo? ¿No fuiste a la escuela? Si has perdido el coraje, puedes volver, no importa. ¿Quieres que llame a la madre de Mari tal vez?" ( That means "Son? You did not go to school? If you have lost your courage, you can come back, it's okay. Do you want me to call Mari's mother maybe?")
I turn to my right, my mom looking at me, bag in hand.

-"I..yes please.. I'm just gonna grab a coat and go to school." I says, walking towards my mom

-"I will drive you Mijo." She says.

Some hours later

Still Hero POV

It's been like 1hour or two. I'm sitting in front of the school. I figured I could wait for Kel to come out.
My mother discovered what I wanted to do and only dropped me after lunch when she was done with groceries

I don't know the time, surely the end is near, it's not has cold has this morning but it still is.

I wait and wait. Then I heard people talk and laugh. People start running away from school laughing.

Finally.

I watch every single kid who walked/run. Until I saw one of Kel's friend walking alone, I went to him. Maybe he knew why Kel hadn't come out yet.

-"Hi, hum do you know where is Kel?" I ask
-"Kelsey? Why are you bothering me with him. He left with Basil and his fucking gang already, they're at the park maybe, don't bother me with him"
-"Huh okay thanks" Did something happen?

I walked to the park, there on the bunch I saw him, Kel in his usual clothes laughing with some other kids.
Wait.
Kel had black hair or am I hallucinating?

"-Kel?" I ask.

All of them looked at me. It's only when they stood up that I recognized the black haired kid near Kel.

"-Basil? What happened to your hair?" I ask

-"None of your business. Kel and I, don't want a thing to do with you." He say

-"What do you mean. Kel's my brother. We need to go home Kel." I say

-"I'm not coming with you. And I am not your brother apparently so you can't force me." Kel responded

-"What do you mean? Of course you are! Stop joking around" I say

-"I'm not joking. I don't want to go with you. Not after what you said and did."
-"Leave, none of us want you here." Some random kid say.

-"What did I even say? If it's about our fight I don't quite remember that, just come with me." I say, hopefully he will snap out of it and come with me.

-"The hell? You're saying that you don't remember what had happened? So you don't remember the thing you said? You don't remember ignoring me the last twelve fucking months? Leaving me to rot with my problem!? Oh yeah, right, you said I should suck it up? ARE YOU FUCKING WITH ME RIGHT NOW? YOU DON'T REMEMBER DOING THAT" Kel scream, taking out the album, opening it to the photo I blacked out
*Oh I forgot about that. Stupid Hero*

-"I'm sorry for that and..and I don't know why I said those things Kel, but I didn't mean it. It's just.. You can't understand right now.. please just-"

-" Yeah right I can't because I'm a stupid kid who just mess everything up. You didn't even APOLOGIES. YOU'RE A FREAK HENRY" Saying that, cutting me out, he shoved pass me, leaving in a hurry.

-"YOU'RE GOING TO REGRET THAT YOU FREAK" Basil screamed, taking his bag and running to Kel.

The rest of their friend. They just walked past me. Some saying I was fucked up. I didn't care about them.
I just wanted Kel. My little brother. He was just angry.. right?
I realized I didn't apologize to him for the fight.
How much of an idiot am I?
I try to calm down,

'You're a nuisance. That what you said to the kid who needed you the most.'

That's where I realized. That's where I remembered everything.
Every single word I said to him.
Why was I like this?
How could I forget about all that.

I'm so sorry Kel. So sorry. I can not believe what I said to him. To my little Kel. My little brother. My baby brother..

Why couldn't I just apologize that night?

I'm sorry

Chapter Text

4 years after the incident

Mari POV

Knock knock knock

I felt annoyed when I heard the knock.
Why can't they just leave me alone? I tried ignoring it, maybe like that, they would leave and I can go back to sleep.
I just wanted to go back to sleep.

Knock knock knock knock

They will leave at some point.

Knock knock knock

Right?

Knock knock knock

I grab the knife I just used for my steak

Knock knock knock knock

I walk to the door, I hear muffled sound. A voice. A familiar one.

Knock knock knock knock knock

I calm down. Hide the knife behind me.
Maybe it's just some mail man.

Knock knock-

I opened the doors. I can't believe I did that. The light is burning my eyes, I close them then open them again.
My vision began to adjust as I see someone standing in front of me.

Oh.

Not just some mail man..

«-" Oh-oh..hi Mari! I didn't think you would have opened..ah ah.."
-"Hi. Didn't think I would..either."
-"Ah ah, funny isn't it? Mmh.. want to hang out?"

I look at myself, same clothes for three days.. and my hair is a mess.
I try fixing my hair with my hand. Then look up

-"Ok" I say. Not really wanting to.
-"Wait r-really?Awesome!! Follow me"»

We began walking. Don't know where. I just followed.
Nothing changed. Some house looked a little less 'alive' but that's just my eyes.. I think.
My legs hurt.. maybe because I didn't walk for that long..since..long ago.
I look around.
I just wish I never opened the doors. Stupid me.

We arrived at the park.

«-"Just please! Let me talk to him! P-please!"»
Who was that? The voice is familiar
I searched where the voice came from. That when I saw who it was.
Him.

«-"God, are you stupid or something? Aren't you supposed to be an adult? Act like one. Go talk to him yourself. Sorry but I'm not doing anything for you." The boy responded, clearly annoyed.
-"Just please! He won't talk to me! I need to get it back." He pleaded
-"NO! I said no. Plus, that thing doesn't belong to you. And who's fault he's ignoring you huh? No leave."»
Saying that, the one I didn't know started to walk away, Aubrey began walking towards them, I followed.
But just has we arrive, Hero or Henry, started running towards the mysterious person.
Henry grabbed him by the arm.

«-" You HAVE to make him talk to me. I NEED TO TALK TO HIM. PLEASE "
He looked scared, anxious and angry at the same time. The one he grabbed got off his grip.
-"What the fuck is wrong with you?! You're really a fucking creep"»
He pushed Henry or Hero? Making him step back.
Aubrey stepped forward
«-"Hey ! Can't you just help him?? You don't have to push him like that! Are you okay Hero?"» She said, going to Hero's side. He nodded
«-" What is happening here?! Why is there so much noise?!" Someone said
-"It's not my fault dude! It's the fucking creep again! "»
We looked towards the new voice.  Someone came to us. I didn't see him coming. Wait.
How was that? His voice seemed familiar but I didn't recognize him at all.
I was still looking at him when some other teenager came walking to his side.
Are they some king of gang? Aubrey stepped in front of Hero. While he was looking at the 'gang'.

«-What is wrong with you?? Hero's your brother Kel!!"
-"Who told you I still considered him as my brother." Kel responded
That's Kel?
But he wasn't smiling. His aura wasn't has cheerful or comforting, not even energizing.
He didn't have his favorite color on. Instead he was hearing a opened jacket. A dark blue one, with white sleeves ,the inside seemed black. Kel didn't like black. He always said it was "too sad " and preferred orange or red. He was wearing pale brown shorts. At least he still like shorts.
He didn't wear his favorite orange shirt even if she knew he was way too tall for it anyways. Nothing was orange. Expect his hair. A faded black to his brown hair. With some orange here and there.
Someone stepped from behind him.
«"- Did no one ever told you to mind your business Aubrey? You don't know a thing." He spitted.
-"You too? Can't you two just stop? We all used to be friends!" Aubrey responded.
Friends? Even that black haired guy?
-"Wonder who's fault you said 'used to'. " He said, then started laughing and whispering something to Kel.
-"Well it's yours!"
-"Now you're getting on our nerves Aubrey. You should go and bring HENRY with you. We're not friend anymore."» Kel said.

Hero looked up from the ground, staring at Kel, obviously hurt from the use of his full name. He attempted to walk to Kel. But Kel gave him a death stare. He made a 'no' movement with his head.

Meanwhile Aubrey and the stranger were arguing.
Who was that stranger anyways?

Third person POV

Mari was staring at who she called a 'stranger', a boy, pale skin, almost same jacket as Kel just more..green? And a jean on. Dark hair, he had dark hair,the same face as Basil she tough, but that couldn't be Basil. Right?

«-"Tell him Mari!" Aubrey said, turning to Mari who flinched, stopping starring and looking to Aubrey, not understanding what was happening.
-"Mari?" Kel, Hero and the stranger looked to Mari. They didn't notice her until then.
-"So now you show up?" The stranger said.
-"Shut it Basil. Mari was grieving!" Aubrey responded.

So the 'stranger' was indeed Basil. Ah.

-" So were we !! Mari isn't the only one grieving here!" Basil spitted, walking angrily towards Mari, Kel following him.

-"Leave her alone!" Aubrey said, stepping in between. "You're being unfair ! Stop acting like that!"
-"Stop trying to boss us around."»Kel said.

Mari didn't want to hear anything more. Why did she accept to go out. She looked away. She looked to Hero. He was looking at the ground. Then, he looked at her. Clearly nervous. He tried to smile. But he didn't succeeded.

Suddenly Mari got pulled away from her tough. She looked. Aubrey was the one who pulled her. Making her stand right next to her. A plastic baseball in her hand.

«-"Come on Mari, we have to fight them! I know we can do it!" She said.
Mari didn't want to fight, but she didn't really have a choice.

-"Come on. Come try and get us." Kel said. Aiming his basketball. Basil right next to him had.. like a shovel? He didn't want to use his gardening sheers. So he just used some short of little shovel. Mari was holding the knife behind her back. She didn't knew why. She couldn't help it.

The fight began. Aubrey aiming Basil, hitting him but that didn't bother him too long, Kel aimed to Aubrey and shooted right to her chest. She almost loosed her balance. Mari tried to punch Basil, not wanting to use the knife. Her weak punch didn't do anything and he shoved her away. Aubrey lunched at Basil, hitting him, he almost loosed his balance and just pushed her back, Aubrey fell to the ground. When she tried to get up, Mari noticed Kel was about to throw his ball to Aubrey. Mari didn't want Aubrey to get hurt more. She lunched at him and used her knife.

«-"What the fuck?! Is that a fucking k-knife?!"» He said. Letting go of his precious ball and holding on to his stomach with his hands.
Mari stepped back. Aubrey was shock.
She grabbed the knife from Mari.

«-"What is wrong with you?! Using a fucking knife?? You're a psychopath!" Basil spitted, going to Kel and helping him keep his balance. The rest of their 'gang' running to them. They had stepped back for the fight and were earlier cheering for Basil and Kel. Now they just seemed angry and were glaring at Mari and Aubrey.

-"What the fuck did you expected to d-do with that?" Kel said. Starring furiously at Mari.

-"Aren't you going to say anything??" A girl said, looking at Hero.

He stayed silent, looking for word. He didn't want to hurt Mari by saying something wrong but she.. she almost stabbed Kel. No. Mari couldn't do that, it wasn't Mari, it couldn't have been Mari he tough.

-"What the fuck Henry?? She could've KILLED him!!" Basil said.
Now everyone was looking at Hero. He was looking at the ground.

The whole parc went silent.

Mari could have killed him.

Just like she killed sunny.

Kel looked at Hero. Wishing that. For one time. Hero would take his side. His side and not Mari's one. He wished that Hero would choose him over Mari. That Hero would say something. Show that he cared about him and not just the photo album he and Basil had hidden. That Hero would look at him. Show him just a little bit of love.

But.

Seconds passed.
Minutes passed.

Kel felt even more hurt. His anger to Hero only grew.
That was it.

-"I get it. You only care about your fucked girlfriend. You only care about Sunny's MURDER." He said. Almost screaming the end of his sentence.

Mari stepped back.
They knew?! No. No. No. No, no no nononononononononononononono.
She began shacking.
Hero was in the same motion. Sweating. Horrified. Did Kel discover the truth?

«-"What the fuck?! Kel you can't say that !! Mari didn't do anything!" Aubrey said.

-"Oh she fucking did. Oh, how many time, how many time did sunny came to me or Sunny crying because of Mari. But you can't know shit Aubrey. You weren't here. None of you were. It's your fault. And especially yours Mari."

Silence.
Again.

When Aubrey was about to respond, Basil lunched at her and made her fall.
Kel was leaving, holding his stomach. Bleeding.
The gang following him, one of them picked up his ball.
Basil said something. No one heard what he said. He seemed hurtful.

He looked at Hero.

Him. Hero. Hero was looking at Kel, regret in his eyes, shacking.
That wasn't the old Hero.
That wasn't Hero.

That was Henry.
Nothing more.

Basil gave a death stare to each of them and runned to Kel.

Hero looked at Mari and Aubrey when Kel got out of his sight.

-"I'm s-sorry for that. It's just.. Me and Kel.. we.. we fight a lot.." He said. Stoping. He took a moment to breath.
-"What did Kel took from you?" Aubrey asked. "Did they hurt you?"
-"He took..he took the photo album.. I know it's Basil's.. but. I just really need it back." He explained.
-"Were does Kel go most of the time?" She asked.
-"Hum..to Basil's. But at this time of the day, I would say the church. I saw him go there many time. I just didn't want t-"
-"We'll get the album back! Come on Mari" Aubrey said. Cutting him
-"W-what? N-no no you shouldn-" Hero began, but he didn't get to finish
-"Don't worry ! Come on Mari" And just like that, she sprinted away, grabbing and forcing Mari to follow.

Hero was stressed.

*Oh no,no,no,no.. They're going to annoying him at the church..no,no,no..
He's going to hate me..Why would I say it?! I'm so stupid"Hero though and he just fell to his knees.

He did it again. Because of him, they were going to bother Kel at one of the most precious place Kel had. Because of him, Kel was going to get bothered or maybe even hurt again.

Just like that. Hero got lost in his though.
.

Mari, Aubrey against Kel. In a church. What could possibly go wrong?

Many things.

Chapter Text

Fairway church

No one POV

Aubrey and Mari were standing at the door of the church.
Despise his clothing, his reputation and his hair, Kel never got banned, and he had the right to stay there. Even if no one seemed happy about that in there.

How clumsy of Mari and Aubrey to go in. Even if the ceremonial had began.
That was disrespectful. They didn't think about it.
Aubrey wanted to get everyone back together.
Mari...well we don't know. But she was the first one to enter the church.

Aubrey looked around. Kel had to be here.

'Ah! Found him!' she though.

-«He's there!» She said, partially whispering to Mari.

Aubrey pointed at one of the bench. Kel was alone on his row, the row behind him and before him was empty.
Wonder why.

The two girl walked to Kel. Then Aubrey entered the row behind him and sat down. Mari followed her.

Kel looked awkwardly focused on what was said.
Mari looked at him. That wasn't the Kel she knew. The Kel she knew would have complained to her or Her-..Henry after 5 seconds.

-«Psssst..Kel!» Aubrey tried.

He didn't respond.

-«Keeeeeeel!! Come ooonn please!» She whispered again.

He didn't respond.

-«Keeeeel stop ignoring me!!»

...

Aubrey reached to him and gave him little punch on the shoulder.
He looked at her.

He didn't say anything, just watched Aubrey, then Mari. Then Aubrey again. Clearly annoyed by their presence.

-«Did you two follow me?!» He whispered, anger in his voice.

-«Hero! He also told us you-»

-«That freak!!» He spitted, cutting Aubrey off.

Some people began looking at them.

-« Don't call him that!! He's your brother! » She said.

-« I don't give a shit. I don't want nothing to do with you two nor with him, leave me alone!!» His voice raised a little as his gave death to the two girls.

-« Come on Kel!! Don't act childish! We used to be friend, don't you remember? » Aubrey ask

-« Yes exactly. We used to. Before you all abandoned me and Basil !!» Kel spitted before looking away.

-«We didn't abandon you two! We needed time too!» Tried to explain Aubrey.

-« I waited for you all for more than a fucking year. Don't bullshit me!! ». He said, not even looking at them.

- « Kel please! This isn't what Sunny would have wanted!! »
Mari flinched at the use of her baby brother name.

Kel looked at her furiously.
Aubrey began to regret saying that.

-« Oh yeah? Like you would know shit about what he wanted!!» He started before looking at Mari.
-« But guess what? He's dead ! He's never coming back! And it's all miss I stab people fault!» He continued returning his glare to Aubrey, spitting the last
part.

- « DON'T SAY THAT ! » Aubrey said. A little too loud.

-«Look .. if you want a apologie, sure, I'm sorry. Ok? But you need to give back the album you took from Hero!» She continued.

He made a false laugh.

-«This place was the only place I felt at peace. The only place I felt good. And now YOU had to ruin it! I'm not giving it back! It's not his! It's Basil!» He responded getting up.

-« I'm leaving, stay away from me» He said. Leaving his row.

Aubrey runned in front of him. Grapping Mari in her action.

Now.

In the middle of the alley.

Aubrey and Mari were facing Kel.

-«NO! You're not leaving until you give us what you STOLE FROM HERO!» She said. Not remembering where they were.

Everyone turned to them.

Some began pointed Kel.

Isn't he a delinquent?

God look at his clothing!

How can his parents let him do all this stuff? I would be ashamed!

Kel tried to ignore their saying. But he got so many. He looked down. Boiling.
Aubrey looked around. 'shoot' she tough. But it was too late for regret.

'Did he stole something from his own brother?

I heard he was making the little Henry life hell!

What a disgrace.

Why isn't he banned from here already?

He doesn't deserve forgiveness.'

-« I'm..I didn't to say it that loud kel..» Aubrey said. Making a step to him.

He aimed his ball. His grip on it was stronger then ever before.

He began laughing a little. Smiling. He looked at them.

'What a psycho..'

'Does he really have a weapon? Why isn't anyone stopping him?'

'What a freak'

'He doesn't belong here..'

Kel stopped smiling.

-« You believe you're the hero here right? Saving poor little Henry.. Defending him when he's nearly 20. »
He stopped.
Looked away.
Smiled.
Looked back at them.

- « And I'm the bad guy right? I'm the big bad loud bully. I'm the menace.»

He looked at Aubrey. Death stare.

- « Then fine. I will show you a REAL BULLY » He screamed and shooted at Aubrey.
The ball hitted her right in the chest. She made a painful noise and falled on her back. Hissing in pain.

Kel took his precious ball back and Mari tried attacking him. But Aubrey had trowed away her knife. And even being 20. She couldn't win against Kel.

'Are they really fighting?'

Aubrey lunched at Kel. She missed. He shoved her back, and shooted at Mari. Mari fell to her butt.

'This is disgusting!'

Aubrey tried getting to Kel in his back. She failed. He made her trip. She lost her balance. Mari tried to push Kel. He only stepped one feet back. Before shoving her away.

'This is unacceptable!'

Mari lunched at Kel. He stopped her by pushing her away. She fell. Aubrey got back on her feet. She hitted Kel. He made a frustrated gasp. He hitted her away. She fell.

'God. This isn't the place to fight!'

People insulting continued as well as the fight. Everytime one of the two girl got back to her feet the other had fallen back down. Aubrey only hitted Kel once.

'Isn't anyone going to stop them?'

'That's what our next generation looks like?'

'This is awful'

'This Kelsey is a trash in here.'

Aubrey falled to her back again. Hurting her head. She couldn't get back up. Everything was hurting. Mari had given up and where just laying on her butt looking to the ground.

'I wish for my kid to never be like him!'

Kel stopped.

'I pity his family.'

'How could he act like such a sinner?'

Kel couldn't block them out.

'Maybe he was the reason for his little friend death.'

Aubrey stopped her movement.

'He was always so loud. His poor friend never had a chance to talk.'

Kel eyes began burning. He felt the world weight on his shoulder.

'That would explain everything.'

'Yes.'

'What a sinner.'

'A disgrace.'

'If only someone told him to get quieter.'

'What a shame.'

'It is his fault.'

'He. Pushed. Him. To. Do. This.'

'Murder.'

Kel runned away.

Aubrey didn't have words. How could people says that?

Mari was fixing the floor

'They are blaming him. But it's your fault'

'Yours.'

'Only yours.'

'Yet they suffer more than you.'

'Monster.'

'Monster.'

'Monster'

«Mari?!»

Mari flinched. Looking around, people had stopped staring.
Aubrey was at her side. Worry in her eyes.

Aubrey took Mari out.

She took Mari home.

When they passed Hero and Kel home. They saw Hero at the door. Fidgeting with a paper in his hand.

He looked at them. When he saw their state. He looked even more worried.

But he didn't says anything.

They arrived to Mari's doors.
Mari opened it.

Aubrey followed her.

«Hey..uh..Mari..do you think I could..yk..sleep here?» Aubrey asked.

Silence.

Then, finally, Mari nodded.

Chapter Text

Mari's house

Aubrey POV

Mari and I were on the couch. We hadn't really spoke and it was getting awkward, it was morning but still, yesterday I did most of the talking, I was the one who proposed everything, when we braided each other hairs, when watched thing on tv or just to go eat.

I feel like I'm bothering her.. even if she didn't talk at first. She did talk a little bit about how I looked good when she braided my hair or when she asked what I wanted her to cook. But.. expect from that..she didn't say anything. I was the one talking. I never been good at keeping conversation up.

-"Hey Mari?"

She looked at me and gave me a "what?" look..or at least it looked like one..oh I'm so bad at reading other people expression.

-"Humm, what did you do of your..time since..uh..since 4 years ago?" I don't know if asking this was the best idea..but when Sunny died, she responded when I asked her mom if I could call her..well the first months..but has time passed she started ignoring my call or the letter I left to her mom.
So I do know she still did a little of cooking from time to time, especially the mondays. And that she still did some sueing, just like that one time she did littles plushies for me, Kel, Basil and Sunny.

-"Sleeping, cooking, sueing." She responded after what felt like hours..

-"Sleeping?"

She nodded.

-"Did you get good sleep?"

She nodded again.

-"Did you..sleep a lot?"

Guess what?
She nodded.
Again.

I never thought she was a fan of sleeping.

Knock knock knock

Huh? Did Mari expect someone?
I look at Mari..she doesn't look like she expected someone to knock..

Knock knock knock

I get up.
-"Coming! Wait!" I scream. Mari flinch. Oups.

I got to the door. And open it.

Wait..

Hero's mom?

-"Oh hello Aubrey! Is Mari here? Am I disturbing something?" She ask

-"Hi, well yes she's here and no, we weren't doing anything actually.." oh that was a good reponse, good job Aubrey.

-"Oh well, did you see Hero? He left this morning to go look for Kelsey since he didn't come home yesterday " Kel didn't go home?
Their mother mumbled a thing after mentioning Kel. Wierd mother.

-"No sorry. We only saw him yesterday night" I hope I didn't sound too rude.
-"Oh hum. Could you help me look for him? He was supposed to be home two hours ago and he has an appointment in less then a hour. I can't seem to find him!"
She genuinely looks more worried about the fact that Hero is missing for some hours more then Kel that had been since yesterday..

-"Yes of course ma'am!"

After some time.

I had to drag Mari out of her house, we looked at the church, at Fix-it and no we're at the park, and no signs of Hero or Kel anywhere! Great.
I feel upset. I don't know why. It does that a lot. I should go home. I know that I can get angry for nothing and I don't Mari to think I'm a freak.
I look at her. She was looking next to a tree.
I know Hero is tall and all but.. hiding behind a tree? That's not like him.
Well.. I don't really know if I still know him really well

-"GIVE IT BACK TO ME!!"
-"NO I NEED IT!"

Was that Basil? And..Hero?
Wait.
Basil and Hero.
Together.
Screaming.
That's not good.

I run to Mari. She was looking towards the screaming.
It came from our hold hangout spot. That's not good.
I took her hand and runned to our old spot.

I didn't care when I got bruise from some branch.

We arrived. Just has the hooligans left..? Kel and Basil were on the pond. Hero was in front of them, it's like he was blocking the way out of the pond. He had a..book in his hand? Basil was clearly angry, he seemed furious even. I look to Kel direction. He was looking at the ground. Was he shacking?
Wait. No. That's not right. They were surly bullying Hero again.. I have to stop them.

-"HEY! LEAVE HIM ALONE!" I scream.
They look at me. Hero looked at me in fear, did I do something wrong?

-"STAY OUT OF THIS AUBREY!" I heard Basil scream.

-"NO!! YOU TWO HAVE TO STOP BULLYING HERO!" I have to fix this.
-"no..aub-"
Hero tries to say but I can't let him suffer from this more. This has to stop.
-"WHY ARE YOU TWO DOING THIS?! WE USED TO BE FR-"
-"SHUT UP WITH THAT! WE USED TOO YES BUT WE ARE NOT ANYMORE! WHY WON'T YOU UNDERSTAND THAT?!"
Basil scream, cutting me out.

I began walking closer.
-"YOU DON'T KNOW WHAT HE DID" Basil continue. There's no excuse for bullying.
-"NOTHING EXCUSE YOU TWO BULLYING HIM!!" I have to fix this.
I'm right next to Hero.
-"LEAVE!" Basil scream.
-"SUNNY WOULDN'T HAVE WANTED THIS"

Silence.
I shouldn't have said that. Should I?

-"Sunny would have wanted us to be happy "
I need to stop talking.
They looked furious. Especially Basil.

-"Would he. Mari?"
Basil's eyes widened. He began laughing a bit.
That's bad.

-"Mari oh? MARI "
He run to her, pushing me out of the way.
-"SHE'S THE REASON HE LEFT!"
He's going to hurt her. I have to stop him.

I try going to him.

Someone hold me back.
Kel?
-"You're not going anywhere " he mumbled.
I try getting out of his grip. I have to.
We stepped back. Further on the pond.

I look to Basil.

He's right in front of Mari. He's going to hurt her.

I try punching Kel. But he doesn't let go.

-"Kel-"
-"SHUT UP" Kel scream back at Hero.
Hero stepped back.
-"STOP BEING A JERK! HE'S YOUR BROTHER"
-"HE DOESN'T CARE ABOUT ME!"
-"STOP SAYING NONSENSE" I have to get out of his grip.
-"Kel please-"
-"LEAVE ME ALONE! YOU RUINED EVERYTHING!"
-"SHUT UP! YOU'RE THE ONE RUINING EVERYTHING!!" Saying that, I use everything strength I have to push him back. Maybe I shouldn't have said but..

I succeeded!!

I fell face first but I got out of his gri-

.

.
SPLACHH

Chapter Text

SPLAAASH

Everyone froze. Turning to the pond.
Basil began shaking before screaming.

-"A-AREN'T YOU G-GOING TO HELP H-HIM?! Y-YOU K-KNOW DAMN WELL I..I CAN'T SW-SWIM!!" He said. Stuttering. He didn't stutter a lot anymore. Only under a lot of stress.

Hero didn't look Basil's way. Not getting his gaze off the water. Why wasn't Kel swim out? He know how to swim..Why isn't he coming out?
He stepped further. Approching the water. Shaking.

Aubrey looked between the surface and Hero.
-"W-why isn't he coming out?" She said.

Basil looked at Hero, runned to him. He took Hero's arm.
-"G-GO GET HIM!! W-WHY AREN'T YOU HELPING?!"
Hero looked at Basil. Shaking.
-"I..I..He.." Hero couldn't make word.
-"HE'S GOING TO D-DIE IF Y-YOU DON'T HELP H-HIM" Tears started flooding Basil's eyes widened has he screamed at Hero.

Maybe that's when Hero began the 15 years old Hero they knew again. Maybe that's when realization stroke him. Maybe that's when Hero realized that, yes, Kel knew how to swim, but the water was freezing, the temperature change must have made him pass out or something like that. Because that's when Hero realized he needed to move or he would loose his brother.

So that's what he did.

He slowly got in the water. The water was freezing cold. But he didn't care. He knew he had to save Kel. He just had too. His body shivered has he began swimming deeper in the lake. He didn't have lots of time. He needed to act fast or he would fail to save Kel. It got darker. But that's when Hero saw a glimpse of orange and sometimes white. He extended a hand and grabbed the hand of his brother. Bringing Kel to him. He hugged the body of his unconscious brother while swimming back up. He didn't know how, but Kel was even colder than the water.
He swam back up, his body was feeling heavier each movement he made. Hero closed his eyes. He knew he couldn't make it to surface. But he didn't want to give up, he couldn't make the same mistake twice.

Just has he felt his body giving up, he felt something pull him and Kel up. He opened his eyes, saw someone pulling him and Kel by the arms before passing out.

When he opened his eyes. Aubrey was what he first saw. He began couching before sitting up, looking around, he saw Mari besides him. She was shivering a bit.
-"Oh Hero thanks god you're alright!" Aubrey said before hugging him tight.
But Hero didn't hug her back, he looked around. Where his Kel?
That's when he saw basil. Sitting next to Kel. Who was laying on the ground. Apparently still unconscious. He didn't have his jacket but Basil's one. Snd Hero realized he had Aubrey's jacket. He looked at Aubrey has she end her hug.

-"I'm really sorry about Kel! I swear I didn't mean too! I-I!" She began crying.
Mari patted her back before looking at Hero.
Aubrey calmed down.
-"Mari's the one who saved you. I couldn't move! I'm sorry! I just..Basil is so angry but..I feel like you should talk to him..you too Mari..I.. I'm sorry! I really just wanted him to get off me.." Her voice was shaky
Hero hugged her and so did Mari. Then the two older ones got up and walked to Basil. He didn't look up to them.
Mari sat in front of him.
-"He's going to wake up r-right?" He said. Not looking at them.
Hero got next to Kel. Checked his pulse. He had a good one. But he was still cold.He hugged his brother.
-"I'm sorry.. I'm so sorry...I failed you again.. I'm sorry" Hero muttered. Holding dear to his brother.
Basil looked at him. And for the first time in four years he saw Hero.
Not Henry. Hero. Hero, the 20 years old, the caring brother, the loving one. A Hero who would do anything to get his brother back.
-"If..if you knew how much he needs to hear..that." Basil said. Looking at Kel, still unconscious.
Hero buried his head in his little brother shoulder, realizing where he had gone wrong. Holding him like he could shattered in piece if he let go.

-"I..I think we should get him somewhere warm.." Aubrey said, making Mari looked at her and Basil give her a death stare.
Hero didn't let go of Kel and instead picked him up and got him on his back.
-"I..I will take him home.." Hero muttered.
-"No. We will take him to MY house." Basil spitted.
Hero looked at him. Confused.
-"Just think..if I'm not the one who explain everything he will just run away from you." He explained. Looking at Kel.
Damn.
Hero nodded and just began walking. Basil following him. Aubrey and Mari walking behind.
Aubrey was apologizing from time to time but Basil just ignored her. Hero smiled slightly at her each time.

When they arrived at Basil's house. They were greeted by Polly. She didn't look very happy to see Hero, Mari and Aubrey when the introduction was made. But she didn't say anything and just showed them where to put Kel.
Basil house changed a lot. Many flowers had disappeared. The only ones left was the tulips and sunflower. And another white one one were "I will shine for you" was scribbled.

Some cactus here and there. And a pink flower in a pot signed "Polly", didn't need to be smart to know it was one Polly was taking care off.

Basil room changed too. The wallpaper had changed. The bed was larger, he had a new bookshelf, a pale orange hammock was hanging from the ceiling, "K+S" was written on it with a black marker. Aubrey recognize it. Sunny's handwriting.
It had belonged to Kel since she knew him, it was way too big for him back then, Sunny loved going in it, so he and Kel would go in and cuddle there, while she and Basil would cuddle in plushies. Aubrey felt nostalgic.
Basil pointed the hammock and looked at Hero.

-"Here. Let him here." Then he walked out. Mari sat on a chair that was right by the door. Book were by her side. History book.

Hero made his was to the hammock and layed Kel there.
A pillow, a photo of Kel and Basil layed there with a date written on the back with a commentary «Me and Kel got shopping for Sunny! We had so much fun! Can't wait to give his present to Sunny!» Hero putted the photo away. He looked around. Basil's bed was made, Christmas lights were hanging around the bed and hammock. Photos of the album were attached to the wall. None of it had Mari or Hero's face on it. Five of them had Aubrey. The one in the center being Sunny playing his console on the couch.
If you told them this was the bedroom of a delinquent/bully, they wouldn't have believed you. The room looked like the perfect place to relax. A real room of comfort. The light were lanter. Giving a Halloween color. Plants were on the wall. The bed had a sunflower pattern.
The only things that's didn't look so "relax/cute/comforting" was the ben full of red stained tissue, Aubrey knew that was from the cute Mari made to Kel. An old used bat. Kel's basketball. A t-shirt stained red a the center, cut open. Mari silently insulted herself seeing this. Hero felt guilty.
Basil came back. A brown t-shirt and a grey pants in hand. He looked at Hero, giving them to him.

-"That's Kel's. You can use it. I will make sure to explain. But you better give them back!" He shoved the clothes into Hero's arm before asking for them to leave. Only allowing Hero to stay and change in the bathroom.
When Hero came out. Basil was outside.

-"He woke up. But you're not seeing him. You..just go home" Basil looked like he wanted to ask something but didn't.

Hero nodded.

-"I.. I'm sorry Basil.." he said. Basil looked at him.

-"What?"

-"I didn't..I should have began like that.. I'm sorry about the photo but-" Hero began looking at him right in the eyes.

-"No. Don't say more. I..I got them back anyway."
Basil looked away.

Hero began walking away.
Basil muttered something.
Looked at Hero. Sighted.
-"I'm sorry too."
Hero froze. Then looked at Basil.
-"Don't look at me like that! Ok..I just.. I'm sorry about the bullying but .." he thought.
-"No..Kel will explain. Yes. That was my idea, I just hated what you did and.." He stopped, groaned, looking at Hero.
-"Listen you should talk to Kel. But began by saying sorry! You were an asshole ok?.. You deserved it." He continued, looking down.
Hero didn't understand what he exclatly meant but he noted what he said.

He walked out. He wanted to hug Kel, show him how much he was sorry, show him he was ready to do everything to get forgiveness. Show him that he, Hero, his older brother, was going to protect him no matter what.

He walked home.
He was ready to wait for Kel. He was ready to listen to Kel. He was ready to apologize. He was ready to make things right.

Chapter Text