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Seven.
That was how many bookstores Noel Levine had searched every nook and cranny of so far. Why was shopping so much more difficult when you were looking for one specific item? No matter… he’d go to the ends of the Earth to find this item, because it was for someone very dear to him.
Coming back empty handed was not an option.
With a glint of determination in his eyes, he starts rummaging through boxes, shelves, whatever was accessible. He’s careful not to ruin the displays or damage the books, but after going through the same process in numerous stores, it was becoming a bit tedious, and he finds himself getting somewhat careless with the handling.
He scans the next shelf over, finding books that were similar to the one he was looking for. It has to be here, there is no way it couldn’t. The pads of Noel’s long, thin fingers gently brush past each spine as he reads the titles out loud, ensuring not to miss anything vital.
Oh, could it be? The 10th book in the 8th row— The title isn’t written on the spine, but it has a promising purple cover that has Noel holding his breath. He pulls the book out of the shelf, heart pounding in anticipation. The book is fully out of the shelf, it has a picture of a witch on the cover, this absolutely has to be it!
The Witch’s…! Brew, it reads, and Noel groans, feeling as if all hope was torn from him in that very moment. All the buildup just for it to not be the right one, how annoying.
He bites his lip, moving to set the book back in its place, but somehow loses his balance in the process, nearly tripping over his own feet as he falls backwards. He closes his eyes with a small yelp, expecting to feel the dusty hard floor hit his back, but instead, he feels something warm, and silky?
“Oh my my my, are you alright?” A man slightly shorter than him asks, and Noel’s eyes snap open to look at who had caught him, and wow, he has the most alluring gold eyes Noel’s ever seen. “Must’ve been a crazy plot twist.”
Noel can’t help but laugh at that, the soft tone of his voice barely audible with all the dispersed chatter around them. He continues to look at the other man, not realizing his own face was slowly turning red. And he sort of forgets to reposition himself, barely conscious of the fact that he was still in this stranger’s arms. “Sorry… I was just looking for a certain book, but I haven’t had any luck finding it.”
The man gently helps him up, and Noel blinks a few times, as if pulled out of a fantasy. His gold eyes sparkle, perfectly catching the stream of sunlight coming from the small window nearby. “Which one is it? I may be able to help you.”
“Oh, no, I’d feel awful about taking up your time,” Noel answers, brushing a strand of hair out of his eyes. “I’m sure you have your own things to take care of.”
The teal-haired man shakes his head, “Nope! I’m just here for fun. I’m a researcher, you see? So I’m always curious about new things, and finding a rare book sounds like an adventure!”
So cheerful…and kind, Noel thinks. He smiles, averting his eyes for a brief moment. “O-okay. Then, I’d appreciate your help…if it’s really okay with you.”
“Yaaay! Oh, looks like with all the excitement, I forgot to introduce myself. My name is Ashe. How about you?”
“It’s Noel.” Something about Ashe’s energy is so warm and inviting, and Noel only wants more of it.
“Well then, Noel! I’m glad I ran into you.”
“Likewise, Ashe. I’m grateful for your kindness and willingness to help me. Oh, is there something you are looking for, as well? I can help you, too.”
“Hmm.. not exactly. Earlier I was shopping for my little sister and already got what I needed. I just happened to have some extra time left, so I decided to stop by the bookstore on the way home. So I’m all in on this book hunt for you, Noel! Now tell me, what is it that you’re looking for?”
Pure gold. Just like his eyes, Ashe’s heart is pure gold. Noel is easily dazzled by his overflowing charm. “It’s called the Witch’s Heart. It’s for one of my dearest friends. She’s been wanting another copy of the book for the longest time, and I thought I’d go find one. But… it seems to be more popular than I believed. I’ve checked many stores and it’s sold out in every single one of them.”
“Ehh, that popular? That’s surprising. I thought it was just a children’s tale. My little sister also loves that story.” Ashe gets to work right away and begins shuffling through the row of books, carefully checking each one to locate what Noel had mentioned.
“You and your sister seem close. You must have a wonderful family,” Noel points out as he begins searching the next column of books.
Ashe nods, his face beaming. “Yes, they are everything to me! We always have so much fun around the holidays. I like to cook and my sister always begs me for cake, so we end up having a lot of dessert, along with the good food. Not the best health wise, but we make an exception for the holidays. Besides, saying no to her is practically impossible, ahaha!”
Noel’s expression mirrors Ashe’s. “Is that so? Your sister sounds a lot like my friend. I wonder…” he takes a peek in Ashe’s direction, noting his hair color, “maybe having blue hair and being a girl automatically means you’re a cake addict?”
Ashe chuckles at that, and he’s glad it’s not a library, because someone definitely would’ve told them to shut up by now. “Noel! I think you’re onto something. Perhaps that’ll be my next topic of research?”
Noel’s heart flutters. Ashe going along with his silly joke brings a smile to his face. Or rather widens it, as he’d been smiling this entire time. “We already got two perfect case subjects. And I’d be happy to contribute more to help your research.”
“Well I believe I’ve found myself the perfect partner, then,” Ashe says with a quick wink.
It doesn’t go unnoticed by Noel, and he has to look away — Ashe is so bright, gentle, and a good talker. His radiance glowed to the point where it was almost blinding. He wishes he can be like that someday.
For the next few hours, the two of them continued to search through the entire inventory at the store. They got permission to check incoming shipments, the unregistered pile of returns, and any source that their charm gained them access to. Unfortunately, despite their best efforts, neither of them had luck finding the book, leaving Noel panicked and upset. He really wanted to surprise Claire with this, and the thought of going home without it makes his heart weigh heavy in his chest.
Ashe glances over at Noel, noting the expression on his face. He’s trying hard to hide it, but Ashe can see all the hints - the furrowed brows, lips pressed tightly together, the wavering look in those blue eyes. He feels awful; if Noel’s dear friend and his sister were as similar as Ashe guesses, he knows how heartbreaking it could be to not be able to find something that would make them happy.
In that moment, he has an idea.
“Hey, Noel! I may be able to solve your problem here.”
Noel looks up, and for the first time since they ran into each other, Ashe notices that the smile on his face is forced. “Ashe… you’ve done so much for me already. I really couldn’t trouble you any further. I’ll just… figure something else out. I’m sure its out there somewhere, I just have to keep looking.”
Noel is about to turn and leave, but is stopped by something warm and slender grabbing his hand— he looks back in surprise and realizes it was Ashe’s hand holding his own. Heat rises to his cheeks, but he barely has time to process it before he’s being pulled out the store and onto the street.
“Silly Noel, as if I’d let my partner leave without accomplishing his mission. Listen to this! I’ll give you our copy of the Witch’s Heart storybook. But, it used to be Lilia’s favorite, so you’ll have to come and meet her and ask her really nicely. I’m sure you can do it, you have a very calm and sweet nature to you, after all!”
Noel is taken aback by this. Ashe was willing to give him his own personal copy? “N-no, Ashe, that’s truly generous of you, but I can’t take something that’s so important to your sister-“ his heart is beating wildly in his chest, his mind clouded in conflict. This may be his last hope. After going through seven whole stores and having no luck, the chances of finding the storybook only grew slimmer. Perhaps this really was an irrefutable offer, but still… if Ashe’s sister meant the same to him as Claire meant to Noel, he really couldn’t take something so precious.
“You’re thinking so loudly, I can practically hear your thoughts,” Ashe says, pulling Noel back into reality. “Lilia hasn’t asked me to read that in years. She likes other things now; she barely remembers we even own it. So don’t worry, alright? She’ll be happy to give it to you, as long as she knows who’s getting it.” He squeezes Noel’s hand, and it’s that moment where Noel realized they hadn’t let go of each other. Although he’s definitely shy about it, he wouldn’t even dream of letting go, especially not now.
“O-okay, Ashe. Thank you… so much, really.” He lifts his free hand to wipe away at the tears that had filled his eyes. “It must have been fate that we met today.”
Ashe’s smile only glows brighter. “That’s funny, I was just thinking the exact same thing.”
•❅──────✧❅✦❅✧──────❅•
“Ashe, you’re home! You better have brought me something niceeee!”
The voice of a young girl echoes through the hall as Noel enters the Bradley household. He promptly removes his shoes, eyes darting to find the source of the voice.
“Yes, Lilia, not to worry! You know your big brother will always get you the best things, right?”
In a flash, a short girl with blue hair — slightly darker than Ashe’s — is in front of them, her eyes sparkling in delight. “Ooooh, did you get me a boyfriend? Is that who the pretty boy standing next to you is?”
Noel stares at her, barely processing what she had said. This girl’s resemblance to Claire is uncanny; it was almost like being back in his own home. All that was missing was Sirius.
“Wh- no! You’re too young for that. You’ll have to wait till Christmas to see your present, though! But also, allow me to introduce—”
“Oh, so he’s your boyfriend then?” Lilia cuts him off cheekily, eyeing the shopping bags he was holding.
Ashe almost splutters at that, his entire face turning as red as a tomato. “W-where’s that coming from-"
“I mean, you’re holding hands and everything, it doesn’t take a genius to figure it out.”
“Huh?” Ashe looks down and realizes that he is, in fact, still holding Noel’s hand. As if his face isn’t already as red as possible, it only blooms more prominently now. “Ack-“
Noel takes in the situation and gently lets go of his hand, already missing the warmth. He walks up to Lilia, bending down slightly to match her height. “Hello, there. It’s nice to meet you. My name is Noel.” He holds out his hand for her to shake.
Lilia happily takes his hand, her smile almost an exact replica of Ashe’s, of Claire’s—filled with all the joy in the world. “Nice to meet you, Noel. If my brother hasn’t talked about me a lot already, one- he’s been possessed. And two, you’ve probably heard that I’m Lilia, his little sister. Welcome to the family~”
Noel giggles at that. “Ah, thank you, Lilia.” He wishes he could do a better introduction, but getting the book is at the forefront his mind, and he wants to at least begin to ask so things can get moving. “Um, is it alright for me to ask you for a favor?”
“Hmm… a favor? Okay, depends on what it is. But first, you have to try this new cake I made. Then we’ll talk! Go sit at the counter, I’ll serve you a slice!” She gently pushes Noel towards the kitchen before he can protest, and then turns to look at her brother. “Please keep him, he’s cute and pretty. Seems sweet too, like the cake I made!”
“Lilia—“ Ashe starts, but then sighs, knowing he can’t win an argument with her. “Sure, I’ll keep him for as long as I can. Can you help me with something before we go try your cake?”
“Mm, okay, anything for my big brother! What is it?”
“You know that Witch’s Heart storybook I used to read to you? Someone very important to Noel wants that book, think you could let him have it?”
Lilia pretends to think hard about it, but she already has an answer in mind. “That old thing? Of course, but only because you asked. Now let’s go try my cake!” She grabs Ashe’s hand and pulls him into the kitchen, where Noel is seated. She shoves Ashe into him, and he practically falls on his lap. “Be right back, I have to go get my favorite plates! Wait right here.”
Ashe’s ears burn as he brushes off his clothes and stands up, taking a seat right next to Noel. “Ahaha… sorry about her, she’s quite energetic.”
Noel only smiles politely, turning in his seat to face him. “It’s remarkable how much she is like Claire, ah- that is my friend who I’m getting the book for.”
“Oh? I’d like to meet her some day too. Have you known each other for a while?” Ashe slides him a glass of water, before taking a sip from his own glass.
Noel nods. “We’ve known each other since we were little. Have been together ever since. We lost our parents when we were young, so we have been living together with another friend of ours. It’s just the three of us, but we manage pretty well on our own.”
“Ah… I see. I’m so sorry for your loss, Noel.” Ashe sets his glass down, reaching to put his hand on Noel’s.
The warmth of Ashe’s hand matches the heat spreading across his face. Noel closes his eyes, subconsciously curling his pinky around Ashe’s fingers. “It’s okay, really. I’m not sure what Claire’s parents were like, she barely remembers them. But mine… I’m not too upset being apart from them. They weren’t exactly the best.”
“Thats-"
Ashe is cut off by his sister re-entering the room, and he decides to save the topic for later. In a flash, Lilia cuts a slice of her homemade cake and serves it to them, as well as a wrapped gift that she hands to Noel.
“A little birdie told me you were looking for the Witch’s Heart storybook. I am entrusting it to you, Sir Noel! Please take good care of it!”
Noel’s eyes light up in delight as he takes it from her, and bows so fast that he almost dives face-first into the cake she had placed in front of him. “Thank you so much, I owe you. Claire will be so happy!” He holds it like a treasure, admiring it as if it were priceless.
“I know, I’m the best! Enjoy your cake and make sure to give me a good review. I’ve got things to finish so I’ll leave you two alone.” Lilia walks over to Ashe and gives him a hug before heading up to presumably her room.
“She’s working on a few projects herself. She wants to be a fashion designer, you see! She’s grown up so fast. Seems like only yesterday when she was just a kid and I was reading that storybook to her.”
Ashe looks up and off into the distance, as if he could see her room from where he is sitting.
“Thank you for this, Ashe, I truly can’t thank you enough. And, I know what you mean. I can’t believe how fast time passes, especially when you’re having fun. I’m sure she feels lucky to have you as her older brother.” He places the wrapped book in his bag, and then turns to face the cake, picking up the fork to take a bite of it. The strawberry flavor fills his mouth— the cake is soft, the frosting and its texture nearly perfect. “Oh, this is delicious! A bit sweet, but the taste is wonderful.”
“Ahaha, you thank me too much! It was just something small, you treat me as if I saved your life.” Ashe takes a bite of the cake as well, taking note of the flavors and textures. Lilia loved hearing advice from him, as long as he paired it with a ton of compliments. “My sister will be happy to hear that you like it! If you like hers, then I’m sure you’ll love mine. You’ll have to come over again, perhaps we can bake together?”
His gaze turns from the cake to Noel, fixated on his soft features.
Noel’s heart skips a beat. “I’m not the best in the kitchen, but I’ll do anything if you tell me.” He takes another bite of cake, cherishing the flavor. He had grown to like strawberry, especially with Claire’s yearly request to have strawberry shortcake for their celebrations. He’s too embarrassed to say his next words directly — he’s only been comfortable being open with Claire, but Ashe reminds him so much of her that it doesn’t seem as difficult as it is with other people, and he’s sure he’ll get there quite quickly — so he stares at the cake as he continues speaking, feeling Ashe's gaze on him, “I’d be honored to take an opportunity to see you again. Once I arrange things with Claire and Sirius, you are welcome to visit me, as well.”
Although he can't see it, Noel could practically feel Ashe's face light up. “I’d love to visit and meet your family too, Noel!”
Family. Yes, what a perfect way to describe the bond between him, Claire, and Sirius. The perfect little life, with everything he’d dreamed of. A word that once brought him pain now had a new meaning, all he needed were the right people by his side.
“I’ll invite you as soon as possible." He takes a napkin and wipes at his mouth, setting everything down neatly. "Speaking of which, I hate to leave, but I should get going before it gets dark. Claire will worry.”
Ashe pouts for a brief moment, but it quickly morphs into a smile. “Of course, of course! Thank you for the fun day, Noel! I’ll cherish it forever.”
“Now who is the one giving too much credit? If you enjoyed searching for a book with me so much, then I’ll be sure to have something even more fun planned for next time.” Noel laughs, standing up and securing the book in his grasp. He faces Ashe, blue locked onto gold.
Ashe is still radiating so much light that it would make the sun itself jealous. “I’ll look forward to it, Noel! Until next time?”
Noel nods, his heart soaring. “Yes, Ashe. Until next time.”