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Chapter Text

Petro wakes up in bed that's not his and alux is sitting beside him on a stool half asleep leaning on the headboard. Aches and pains start to crawl up Petros legs and arms and reach his back where it hurts the most, but crystals litter the bed and they all start to glow as Petro regains his senses. He looks up to the drowsy face of Alux and he can see the bags under his eyes. Alux isn't wearing his green coat (not like Petro knows about it) and it's just his off white longsleve with his crossed arms and biceps flexed and shoulders relaxed and head tilted. Green nubs are above Alux's temples, looking the same as the crystals on the bed. There's one other crystal placed in the middle of Petros chest. It's in the shape of an orchid. Petro vaguely remembers Alux saying orchids were his favorite when they were in the castle. But they're not in the castle now.

Petro tries to move his feet and legs but they falter and leave Petro stuck in bed. Petro can't bear to look at Alux face for too long. It's all coming back slowly. It was the tutoring first. Then the stories. The death. Running away. Betraying. Alux.

The dagger. The wound. The cliff.

The apology.

For the first time Petro didn't feel fear when he realized he failed at what the wisp ordered him to do. At least he wasn't alone now.

The sun shined brighter. Beaming onto Alux back and neck and bringing him to his wake. His eyes opened slowly and fluttered back and forth over the bed. Who was he watching over again? Raven hair covered the pillow like tree roots and vines, and a blue streak draped over a tired face.

Petro... you're wake now..

Alux leaned over quickly and placed each of his hands on petros' shoulders to bring him up to rest against the headboard. Readjusting the pillow bringing the blanket closer to Petro chest as he rose him up to a sitting position. They were at eye level now.

Petro...

Alux...

They both looked at each other for a moment . Eyes scanning each other and their head moved closer. Petros hands gained strength as he was being sat up and clung to the blanket, and the crystal flower. He didn't know what to say to Alux. I'm sorry? Why?

It didn't seem like Alux wanted Petro to say anything one the moment. Only just to hold him. Alux's head was resting in the crook of Petros neck and shoulder before Petro could say Alux's name again and Alux's hands and arms were clung around Petros arms and back. Alux slightly gripped and bunched Petros shirt in his hands and started to shake. Just the tiniest bit but Petro could feel it.

I thought I lost you.

He didn't know what to say to Alux. Other than

I missed you.

Chapter Text

Water rushed over Petros head and face. It was warm and soapy and smelled of insence.The smell burned Petros nose a bit every time he breathed but it cleared his lungs and he could raise his chest up and down without struggle. Hands raked through his hair, clawing at tangles and nits. The occasionally moved to his trapezius but they seemed scared to linger for to long. Always going back to his head and hair and combing and scrubbing and lathering in soap. 

Petro didn't know how to feel about it. About everything. But this moment was calm, yet filled with tension. To be cared for when you never were untill now. Would bliss be the right word? Maybe relief or comfort. But these hands in his hair. They're supposed to be at the bottom of a river, or washed up on a river bank bloated and rotting. Not running through his hair, sliding down to the nape of his neck, lightly massaging his shoulder. None of this should be happening. 

You don't need to do this.

Petro said in a low weak voice. 

I don't need to, I want to, Petro. 

Alux was static in his voice. He always had trouble finding variety in sound. Sometimes he sounded stilted or like he was in a play and didn't know how to act with his voice. Still. The words. The meaning. He always ment all of it. He would never lie. 

You shouldn't want too- 

I do.

I do want to. 

Alux's hands sqeezed Petros hair a little bit. Petro could feel the folicals strain on his scalp and his head pulled back a bit. Petro could hear a slight whir of sound behind him, coming from Alux. It was the same sound Alux's crystals made when they glowed. Alux's hands slowly felt pricky and rough. Like quartz and mineral. His hands moved away from Petros head for a moment and dipped into the water of the tub. The crystals dissolved and light green color started to swirl in the soapy water. The color touched Petros scar ridden arms and the light cyan blue glow that they emitted turned turquoise then light green. His arms hurt less as the color touched his arms. The smell of incense become stronger and Petro's breath hitched as his nose was invaded with fragrance. 

Why?... 

Why? There's too many answers to that question Alux can think of. Because I care. Because who will? Because you need it. Because I need it. Because you deserve it. Because I can do it for you. Because. I love you. 

Because you're my friend. Petro. 

...I'm a bad friend, Alux.

Petro's voice cracked in the sentence. He could feel his eyes swell. Because you're my friend. And because I deceived you. Because I lied to you. Because I betrayed you. Because I tried to kill you. 

Petro sqeezed his eyes and tears started to run down his cheeks to his chin down to his neck. His nose became stuffy. His head was tilted back and a strike of fear ran through Petro for a moment, think Alux was going to see him crying and vulnerable and pathetic, but instead water rushed over his face and head as Alux moved hair out of Petros face.

The soap rinsed out if his hair and Aluxs hands rung out the water in the hair. Alux unplugged the drainstopper in the tub and water started to disappear, slowly revealing Petro's body until only a thin layer of water coated the ceramic of the tub. The air was cool and a towel quickly draped over Petro's back and shoulders. 

Can you dry yourself? 

Yea... 

Ok. I'll get you some clothes to wear. Righty's made dinner so we can eat once you're dressed. 

Okay...

Petro didn't know how to feel about this. 

Alux didn't know if Petro was truly happy. 

Chapter Text

Every step. Every turn. Every movement, pain struck through Petros shins and knees. He spent most of his time in the upstairs of the tavern but when Alux goaded him to comedown the stairs were his personal hell. Alux always came up and took him by the arm and let Petro use him and a rail instead of the actual railing. Each step. Each sqeeze of of Petros hand on Alux's forearm. Petro swears Alux's forearm had gotten bigger somehow. More muscle. It was squisher and more warmer that Petro had remembered. Although it wasn't like Petro tried to remembered what Alux's skin and muscles felt like every time he got the chance to touch Alux without it being sudden or obvious when they were still in the castle. Who said anything about touching? Touching? What's touching?

They would eventually make it down to the bottom of the stairs and then go on and do whatever Petro was called down for. Practice his magic. Talk more with the Tavern members and Alux's "found family." Eat dinner. Look around the Tavern and see fragments of families lost and concerned. Refugees trying to get back on their feet from the attacks. Mothers and fathers without children. Children without mothers and fathers. Lovers without lovers.

Petro didn't know how to feel about it.

By technicality he's a refugee himself. But of course that's not what he truly is. Murderer might be a better descriptor.

Alux was always right beside Petro. Eating dinner, talking with other people, practicing magic, or when Petro would just look off into the distance and not say a word for hours on end. Alux questioned it a few times until he realized it just gave him more time to look at Petro without him noticing it.

Hey Petro..

Petro?..

Alux nudged Petro alittle bit on the arm. It took little force to move him and make him sway. The touch was sudden to Petro and made him break out of his trance.

A-Alux!

Hey..

You.. we're.. uhg, sorry, asking me something?

Alux took a moment to think. The air was slowly filling with silence as Alux observed Petro face fill with emotion and reaction to his calling. Alux liked it better when Petro was filled with emotion.

Mmm... no. I just like saying your name. Petro. Pet-tro.

Petro raised his eyebrow just twitch at Alux's remark. Likes saying my name?

A- Lux. Al-lux.

Pe-tro.

Al-ux.

Pe-t-ro.

A-l-ux.

Why are you guys saying eachothers names over and over again?

Alux and Petro turn their heads toward the voice quickly. Neither of them had noticed how close their faces were to each other. Iris was standing at the other side of the table, arms crossed and eyebrows cocked in suspicion.

Oh uh, Iris! Ummmmhhh. No reason.

Uh-huh.

Petro looked at Alux. Alux looked at Petro. Will she be a problem, A-lux? What problem does she pose, Pe-tro?

Chapter Text

Nights get late at the Tavern. Energy is limited. Time is moving. Sleep finds its way into your eyes and hands and feet and body and suddenly you're dosing off. Petro had a habit of this, instead it was bright as day at noon and there he would be slumped in his chair at a desk with a book half open and his drool wetting the pages.

Alux walked into this version of Petro almost daily. He didn't have the heart to wake him up but he did, every time, because, even if Alux was being paranoid in his thinking, he didn't know if Petro would ever wake up from the next nap he has again. It'll happen eventually, but Alux doesn't want it to be so soon.

Sometimes, gently, Alux would scoop Petro up from the chair or the bench or the table or wherever Petro started to fall asleep and carry him to his bed. AHEM. Petros bed to be specific. It's not like Alux almost went to his own room in the Taven first time he found Petro asleep and carried him to his own bed- TO BED. Just to bed. Petros breathing was always soft and slow and he always found new contorted positions to sleep in when he wasn't in a bed.

Petro would sometimes make noises. Soft huhns and sighs, but he wasn't really a sleep talker.

Carefully Alux laid Petro on his bed-PETROS BED. Carefully Alux laid Petro on Petros own bed and

Huh?

Petro was clinging into Alux's green coat.

How did I not notice that?

Alux tried to gently take Petros hand off his shoulder, but when Alux's hand touched Petros, Petro's hand tightened.

So not just yet buddy? Don't want me to go?

no...

Alux smiled a little.

d...don't go Mark...

Alux's smile faded.

Who is Mark?

Chapter Text

Alux can't always be at Petros side all the time, no matter how much he wants to be. But, when he can, He's usually shoulder to shoulder with Petro everywhere. Sitting, standing... sometimes sleeping, walking, but Petro can only walk so far. 

Alux..

Oh! Yea Righty? You need something?

Yea actually. I'm thinking of expanding the Tavern a bit. We have all these people, but we're running out of room. 

Oh wow, building more of the Tavern sounds great! But.., how would we do it? 

That's why I'm talking to you Alux. I need your help for a bit. Me, Rocky and Iris are going to go out and get supplies for prep. We want another pair of legs and hands to help us. 

Oh... 

Alux looked over at Petro, nose deep in a book. It seemed like Petro wasn't paying attention, but Alux knew better when it came to Petro. 

Like, going... with you guys? 

Yea..?

Alux looked back at Petro. 

Alux.. 

..yea? 

Sigh Come with me for a minute. 

But I'm with Petro right now- 

Alux. 

...

A-alright. 

Alux got up from his chair and walked over with Righty out of the room. Petro slowly watched with is eyes, never moving the book. 

Alux. 

Yea Righty?

Just.. just tell me. What going on? 

...About what? 

Righty looked at him with an exhausted stare. He'd been seeing it for the past few weeks. And he hadn't said anything because what would he add? It was harmless. And. It still is. But Righty has been getting comments from Iris and she can be pushy sometimes. 

About you and Petro

Alux glanced at the doorway and back a Righty. 

Petros... recovering. 

I know. I said "you" first. 

Me? 

Yes, Alux. You. What's going on with you?  

..

N-..nothings going on with me. 

Do you feel scared?

What? 

Do  you  feel scared? 

A-about what? Righty, I'm not getting what you're saying- 

Do you feel like something is going to happen to Petro if you're not there with him? 

Uh- 

Alux was caught off guard. Such a clear and concise statement. Correctly observed and determined what Alux was doing. Righty intimidated Alux sometimes. He always ment well, but Righty just had this air of, being older, one could say, with how he could just instantly read someone. 

Righty raised and eyebrow and tilted his head at Alux. 

Is it? 

Alux didn't want to answer. It felt a little embarrassing. But. It's true.  Alux raised his head and looked Righty in the eyes. 

...Yes. I am scared. 

Alux, you don't need to be. I can assure you Petro will be just fine here. 

Righty put and hand on Alux's shoulder, rocking him a little bit with each inflection his his voice as he spoke. 

You can't alway be at his side. You have your own life to live. He has his. 

Alux looked to the doorway to see Petro. Still reading. He hadn't flipped the page from the one Alux had last seen. 

I-I know. But, I just want to make sure- 

He'll be fine. I promise you. 

Alux looked to Righty. Promise? 

When Alux, Righty, Iris and Rocky all returned from their gathering of supplies for construction, the air of the Tavern felt a bit tense. Walking in it was slightly quiet with murmers here and there. Yet the Tavern was so full. People didn't make much conversation. Deer and Patches were sitting at the bar table talking until they notice the others walking up to the. Patches got up and went to Righty, looking a bit spooked and worried. 

R-righty.

Yes Peter? 

There's.. uh 

Patches looked over Rightys shoulder to Alux for a bit then to Righty with a contorted face. 

Situation..with...petro...

Patches voice got smaller and smaller as he said the last 3 words. Head moving downward with each word and his eyes fixated on Alux to notice any sign of Alux hearing him . Of course, Alux did hear Patches. 

Situation with Petro?!

Oh gods.

Alux quickly walked towards Patches until Righty caught him. 

Now hold on. We don't know yet what happened. Patches- 

Is he Hurt?!?! 

Uh-!

Patches was backed into the bar table as Alux took Rightys metallic arm off of himself and firmly grassped Patches by his arms. 

Is. He. Hurt? 

Patches could feel Alux heavy breathing and racing heart. So close. Too close. 

H-he's uh.. uhhmm.. well... yea...

Alux turned his head slightly to Rightys direction. 

What's going on? 

Iris whispered to Rocky. She'd seen Alux angry, but this kind of Angry. 

Don't know. Patches said something about Petro and a "Situation."

... Petro? 

Yea.., that's his name right? I'm not gettin that wrong am I? 

No.. you're right..

Iris said reluctantly as Alux booked it the basement stairs. 

Everyone followed after him, finding him stopped in his tracks, just watching. 

Blair and Gears were in the basement together, keeping Petro contained in a dome of magic and machine. 

Blair. 

Huh? oh- Alux! You guys are back? 

Let him go. 

Wha- 

Let Him Go, Blair. ...Please. 

Alux got closer to Blair until Gears came between them. 

Not to close Friend! We can't have this story have a bad end. 

What? N-  No! Just- turn off whatever this thing is around Petro. He's- not some animal!

Alux's voice started to raise and his tone became flat.

Alux! 

Just! Get Out! 

Crystals started to break under Alux's feet and spread over the stone floor. Alux's breathing was hard and fast. Iris had seen this before. Without thinking she ran toward Alux and hugged his arm. 

Or, well. Tried to, at least. 

She found herself on the ground the next moment, getting picked up by Deer and Righty. 

A-alux! 

I-i.. i... just.. please go.. 

Tears were in his eyes now. 

We... we need to go. 

But.. Alux- 

Not now Iris, we let Alux be. He's not listening us. 

Righty brought Iris to her feet and took her and everyone else up the stairs quickly as the crystals started to reach the walls of the basement, closing the entrance or the basement to the stairs with a thing green wall of crystals. 

Finally. Alone. 

Alux quickly spotted the lever to the machine and brought it down with great force, almost breaking the machine. The color and light of the dome started to fade as a figure sitting in the floor, curled up, started to appear. 

Petro?...

Alux... 

Alux walked over slowly to Petro and sat down next to him. 

Petro..are you okay? 

Petro slowly turned his head and looked at Alux, doing so revealing marks around his neck. 

Petro! 

Alux took Petro by the shoulders to face him directly, slightly rising above him, now on his knees. 

What.. how.. why?!

Alux... 

Petros eyes looked glossy. His face didn't change expressions. 

P-pet..Petro... 

I'm not good enough for you. 

Wh- wha.. what?

I've done so much wrong- you deserve better.

What are you on about?! 

I know what you've been doing. Staying around me. Never leaving my side. 

Th-..Thats because I care about you!- 

It's because you feel guilty, Alux. 

N- no.. no. No. Not at all. Petro, I don't feel guilty at all. I don't even know what I should feel guilty for! I-

For me. 

...What..? 

You feel guilty, for me. About me. You'd feel guilty for leaving me behind at Cozen. You'd feel scared.

I-... I would feel guilty and scared, Petro. I'd be leaving my friend behind. I can't do that- 

I'm a bad friend, Alux. 

Alux stopped for a moment. Eyes focuses on Petro. 

...no.

Alux... 

Petro...

I tried to kill you- 

And I tried to kill you too. 

Alux's eyes were pouring with tears. And Petro's face. Only a twinge of disbelief seeped into it. 

I, 

I tried.. to kill.. you too. 

Aluxs words were interrupted with sobs and chokes. His hands gripping tightly to Petros shoulders. 

Petro... 

Alux? 

Alux raised his head to meet Petros eyes. They weren't glossy anymore. 

I... 

So may words to say. 

I.. 

I'm sorry. 

Don't be. Don't ever be Petro. Not to me. 

Alux leaned his forehead against Petros, and closed his eyes and let his tears run down his face. 

And they stayed this for a moment. 

For eternity. 

Chapter Text

It was the dead of night. Mother darkness sleeping peacefully and softly breathing breezes onto the realm, rustling the bushes and leaves. Blowing the chimes to ring their tunes, wind dancing across the fields and grass. Booths and stands and shops lay silent, their patrons and shop owners turned in to rest.

And even the Firebird Tavern, as lively it can be in the late of night, sleeps in the moonlight. Of course, all in the Tavern sleeps but one.

Slowly. Softly. Not to wake anyone else. Especially not his room mate. He creeps his leg to the edge of his bed. The bed is wooden and old and in this moment Petros sworn enemy as it creeks and aches with each movement he makes. Each creek. A glance to the bed infront of him.

Alux breaths softly, engulfed in dreams and sleep. His growing crystal horns pulse in glow at random intervals. They also provide the majority of light Petro uses to help Petro decipher this physical surroundings. 

Petro doesn't know how to feel about it. 

Alux is his crutch. The only thing tethering him to this world. Making sure he doesn't drift off. Holding him tightly. Tightly. Tightly. Green eyes always watching. Watching. Watching.

Always. 

It's only at night. When the light fades. When darkness engulfs the realm. When all are asleep. When the green eyes close. When the hands let go. Petro is alone, and left with only himself to talk to. To trust. To look to. Petros thinks, would anyone else trust him? 

His feet finally reach the floor. Rough and wooden. Lifting himself of the cold bed, and creeping across the floor to the door. Usually the door is closed when it's night. Alux is always the last person in the room and closes it himself. Petro made sure Alux got in first. The door was slightly ajar as he left it. The door was old too, and is also Petro's sworn enemy in the moment. Creeks and screeches each inch the door was opened. 

Petro hoped and prayed Alux was a heavy sleeper. 

When the door was open enough Petro slid his way out and gently closed the door. Alone

All alone. In the dead of night. While Mother darkness sleeps. All the doors are closed. The Tavern is quiet. Petro slowly makes his way to the stairs. The stone cold and fresh. Down to the main floor, and to the back. A patio of potted plants. Various plants all grown and watered and studied. Patches let Petro use one of his pots for hos own plant. 

There sat a flowering Lily of the Valley on the railing, bathing in the moonlight. Petro hovered over the flower. Just looking. Admiring. Remembering. 

It hurt to remember. It hurt to remember a lot of things. So many things. So many pains. Aches. Tears. Guards. Swords. Blood. 

Gods. 

Mother darkness. Rests above in the sky. Her sky skin freckled with stars. Petro looked up and a star winked at him.

Red in hue and charming. A charming spirit. Petro smiled a bit. 

Maybe one day I can see you again. 

When all of this is over.  

Petro stared at the star until it faded away into the darkness, light fizzling out. 

That feeling came back. Watching. 

Petro? 

Petro turned his head quickly and shrunk in his poster, ready to be reprimand for being up so late. 

What are you doing? 

I- uh.. 

Righty came to Petros side. 

I was... just.. checking in on.. my flower... 

Mmh.. it's a nice flower. What flower is it? 

..Lily of the Valley. 

Is it your favorite? 

..mmn...no, but.. it reminds me of someone. Someone.. important to me. 

I see.. You've been through a lot, have you? 

Petro looked to Righty. Eyes so knowing. 

I guess so.. 

... 

Is.. everything alright for you Here? 

I-... uh... 

Petro thought for a bit. 

I mean.. I think it's the best it can be for now. 

Petros shoulders dropped and his eyes drooped. Conversation was always tiring for Petro. 

And how's Alux? 

Alux? 

Yea. Alux? You.. do know him, right? 

There was a twinge of playfulness in Rightys voice. Cheeky and light hearted. A smile pulled at his lips and he said it. 

Oh, well... 

Petro looked back out to the land. Trees and a pathway to the center of the town the Tavern was in. 

He's, there for me. 

Like he's.. always, there for you. 

Yea.. always. 

Is he always like that? 

...mmmh... I don't know. So much has happened. I think we've both change a bit. 

Petro looked down at the flower and ran his thumb up and down the hardend clay of the pot. 

Do you.. want Alux to always be by you? 

...

I... 

Petro? 

I... don't know what I want- 

What are you two weirdos doing up at this hour?! 

Petro and Righty turned quickly to the Irish voice behind them. Deer hobled to the door way of the patio and leaned against the frame. 

Same for you Deer. 

Oh pish shaw, I just came for some ywwaaann water... and then I saw two doors open. It's too late and too cold to be leavin doors open. 

Pft- 

..The night looked beautiful.. 

Mh? 

Deer and Righty gave Petro a look. Petro looked back. 

I think I'll head to bed now. I've spent the rest of my energy here outside. 

Petro walked past Righty and Deer.

.. youknow Petro... we're alway here to talk..

Petro stopped in his tracks. And turned back a bit. 

Thank you Deer. And you too Righty. It was nice talking to you. Really. 

Always. 

Righty nodded his head and Deer smiled at him. 

Petro slowly walked up stairs to the door and 

It was fully closed. 

Petro contemplated for a moment before slowly grabbing the handle and turning to open the door. 

He saw Alux bare back to him, lying on his own bed, curled up and heaving up and down, sporadically moving. Muffled sobs where soft but just barely audible. His horns green glow completely eliminated the room.

The green light shined in Petros eyes. 

Chapter Text

Alux sat back against Petros back, folding paper in half then in quarters, flipping the edges and reopening the paper. Idlely spending time with Petro. They've been doing this more lately. Being in each other's presence for.no particular reason. It's peaceful for the both of them. Talking gets complicated. Emotional. Messy.
They both having things they'd rather not tell.

Petro can hear the paper rustling in Alux hands. Meanwhile he's turning pages of his book.

Soft breaths, hearts beating, paper folding and flipping. This could be eternity, and neither of them would complain. 

Petro? 

Hm? 

If you had to chose... which would you fight? A Chimera, or a Cerberus? 

Chimera or Cerberus? 

Yea. 

....I think I'd get my head torn off either way. 

You wouldn't try and tame the Cerberus? 

I'd need at least three bones for that, Alux, and some dogs can be greedy. 

Oh come on, it wouldn't be that hard. I could do it. 

You could do it? 

Yea! I could. What? You don't believe me? 

Oh well, what about the Chimera? 

That one. Ohhh. That's a tough fight. 

A lion, a goat, and a snake.. I'd think they'd just try to eat eachother. 

Yea... you ever think about how a Chimera comes to be? Predators sharing one body with a prey animal...

Whenever Victor Frankenstein wants a pet he creates one. 

Ahh pishhh, Peeetroo..

You'd think he's start off with animals before turning to making a man. 

And he couldn't even love his own creation. So much of a father he is.

Alux thought back to his father, King Elric. Or, well, Late, King Elric. 

Petro thought back to his mother. His dead mother. 

..You think the gods listen in on us, Petro? 

Petro stopped for a moment. 

..hm? 

Like our conversations. That they can hear us. 

Yea, and our stupid conversations are why we get a drought every 5 years. 

Oh come on. Our conversations aren't THAT stupid.. are they? 

You just tried to argue you could tame a Cerberus. 

And I could! I bet the gods would be pretty impressed if I did. 

Petro rolled his eyes playful and shook his head softly. 

You don't know what the gods are like. 

I don't. But I can hope they're nice..

...

Petro thought for a moment. He didn't think anything in particular, he just thought. 

If you were a God. What would be the first thing you'd do? 

... first thing I'd do...

Alux did have to think about an answer. 

I'd make a garden. 

A garden? 

A garden. And fill it with flowers. Orchids and Lilys. High trees and fruits. Every single plant that existed, and more that I would make myself. 

A garden.

It'd have pathways for people to walk through. Soft matted grass and pebble stones. 

And who would tend to the garden? 

...Angles. 

Angels? 

Beautiful Angels. With their blue hue and soft feathers and wings. They would tend to the garden. 

This garden sounds like heaven, Alux. 

... 

Maybe it is. 

Who would be allowed in heaven 

Not me certainly, Petro thought to himself. 

Everyone. 

... h...Everyone? 

Yes. 

..even.. your worst enemy..?

They wouldn't be my enemy anymore. I'm a God by then. 

..you- 

I wouldn't care what they had done to me. Or to anyone. 

Petro and Alux sat in silence for a minute. Their conversation never took turns like this. 

What if there was an Angel who disobeyed you? 

..Disobeyed me? 

What would you do then? Lock the Angel up in a cage, where he could never fly away again? 

Alux scrunched his nose and furrowed his brow.

..what? 

The Angel. Who, betrayed you. I-in a sense. 

Then Alux knew what was going on. He laughed a little bit. He didn't know how long Petro was going to keep holding onto this thought, but, Alux then figured it was a hard thought to shake off. 

The Angel can do whatever he wants..

Maybe spending so much time with Petro. It might have given him a complex. 

He doesn't owe me anything. 

If he feels the need to ask this, maybe I'm becoming too overbearing? Have I become his shadow? Alux wondered. 

Whatever the Angel did, I wouldn't care. Not anymore. I'd..

Petro heald his breath. His mind was racing from the questionable statements he's been giving Alux. Too on the nose and he had just blurted it out. 

I'd still love him. Like with everything within the garden. I'd love. 

He'd love. 

Come'on. I think dinner is ready downstairs.

Alux lifted himself of Petros back and started walking towards the door, leaving the piece of paper he'd been fiddling with this whole time in his place. Petro turned to follow him,

but stopped when he saw the blue paper butterfly on the bed. 

Chapter Text

There was gash in the side of Aluxs abdomen.

Petro was helping restock beverages and drinks for the Tavern bar like Righty had asked him to. Keeping conversation with Iris while doing it. They were both pretty knowledgeable in fencing techniques and history. Throwing one fact at eachother to one up them. Seeing who knew more. Petro was in the lead of course. 

Alux limped into the Tavern. But he didn't say hello or greet anybody. He didn't immediately go to Petro when he saw him. He just limped quietly down the stairs into the Taverns basement to a extra bathroom. Nobody really noticed him. He had his usual green coat bunched up to his right. He just looked like a regular patron at the Tavern, albeit, a bit more red that usual.

The bathroom and not been used in ages. Old and dusty. Alux didn't even know if water still ran to the faucet of the sink and tub. Of course Alux would be quickly followed. That he knew. The open wound on his left side was pouring blood like he had some to spare. He'd practically been impaled. Dark black liquid running down his side and pant leg to his boots. He could feel it pool in his boot, soaking his socks. His white socks. He'd have to ditch the socks. Maybe the boots too if he couldn't wash the blood out. Pants I could probably keep. Dark pants. If I could keep them wet the blood won't dry and stain brown. Shirt is gone. No more shirt. I have another one, it's fine. It's fine. I'm fine. 

I'm fine. 

Somehow Alux was still conscious. Even with all the blood he was quickly loosing, something, somewhere, somehow, was refusing to let Alux faint. 

Alux dropped his greed coat in the bathtub and  shakily took off his shirt and placed it in the sink. 

The wound was big. Almost as big as his scar in the middle of his stomach. Don't think about that. It's fine. It's fine. 

Alux reached down and took the green coat out if the bath tub and threw it to the door. He turned the faucet and by the grace of the gods water still ran to here. But heating didn't work. He'd have to deal with it. it's fine. It's fine. 

Alux looked to the cabinet over the toilet and hastily opened it to find scattered hygiene tools. Most to peak his interest was a roll or bandaging half used. That would definitely help.

Still holding his left side Alux unbuckled his belt and shifted his pants off his thighs while kicking off his boots at the same time. Each movement he made more blood spilled out if his body. The more time he spent in pain and not doing anything to get if fixed the more it was like some one would be knocking on the bathroom door. No. Not knocking. Banging. They'd see the blood trailing to the room. It'd be Righty who'd see and Alux would get another long and heartfelt speech about how he's cared for and that he doesn't need to hide. 

Hiding. Running away. It's all he's ever done until now. 

The necklace around his neck grew brighter in color with every second passing. He could feel crystals grow from his side and sparks of energy pulsed in the wound. 

The water was high enough. His bloody clothes were off. He climbed into the tub. 

Petro set down an empty crate. The last of the cider drinks that needed restocking. Iris sat on a larger crate swinging her legs, bumping her heel into the face of the crate, taking a swig of the cider. 

So... how did you and Alux meet? 

Mh..? Me and Alux?

Yea.. Alux barely talks about you, other than "you mean well". 

Iris slumped her shoulders and rested her elbows on her knees swing the bottle between her finger tips. 

Well he wouldn't need to "talk about me". I'm already here. 

Yea.. but you're not talkative yourself. 

..huf. You sure are. 

Pft- ok. Whaatt everr. Just tell me? 

How we meet? 

Yea! Did you guys meet at some sort of "royal meeting"? Oh, or were you a servant!?

No.. not exactly a servant. I was his tutor. 

Iris leaned back a bit and stared. 

Alux needed a tutor? 

Yea... he's smart, he just didn't like the work he was being made to do. 

.. well.. what were you tutoring him on? 

Oh, Basic royal snob stuff. You Tavern folk wouldn't get it. 

Petro said in an extra snobby voice. Waving his hand effeminatelly. 

Hmphf-... was Alux Snobby? 

Hm? What do you mean? 

Like before.. uh.. 

Iris quickly realized what he was referring to. Her grip tightened on the bottle a little. She couldn't stop herself from the words coming out of her mouth. 

Alux running way... 

...

How was he like? 

...

...

Just the same now. He'd been very adventurous. I'm sure he's told you how he'd been coupt up in that castle. 

He's probably told you everything about himself expect me.

Oh yea.. he mention that. 

And of course you don't remember. 

He also loved mythical creatures. 

Loves. 

Hm? 

He still does. He's obsessed with Rightys Firebird. 

... Orion has a Firebire? 

Yea! Why do you think it's called the "Firebird Tavern?" 

Ohohoh... a just thought they were mythical! And that the Tavern was just..warm and homey. 

Nope. Still exist. Alux likes to feed it coal nuggets when Rightys not looking. I've seen him do it. He's not slick. 

And you already know so much that I don't about him. 

IRIS! 

Rocky called up from the Tavern entrance. 

WE NEED YOUR SMALL FRAME TO GET SOMETHING. 

..ugh. gotta go. 

No rush. I'll be here. 

Alright. Talk to ya later, Kay? 

..Okay.. 

Iris jumps of the large crate and take one last swig of the bottle before jogging off to the entrance to meet Rocky. 

Petro watches as she walks away.

He deserves someone like you. Not me. 

Petro couldn't bare the thought. He turned his attention to the empty crates. He stacks the crates onto each other, carrying two at a time down to the Tavern basement. He took slow steps, turning his body and going sideways to see the steps he was taking, until he saw a black trail near the side of the railing in splotches and drips. The liquid stained each step. 

Petro got to the floor of the basement and set down the crates. The trail became more frequent until it reached a door Petro hadn't notice before. Closed and a light underneath the crack at the bottom of the door. Something was behind it. Someone. Petro didn't need to check if it was blood or who it could possibly be. He felt like he knew. 

Confrontation was too much. Asking why, asking how. Petro felt that it wasn't his right to. 

Petro turned and made his way up the stairs. Fetching a bucket of water and a mop and rag. 

Water spilled across the stone floor as the mop swept away the crimson blood, staining the mop head. He swept the stairs and the bathroom entrance. Placing the mop back in the bucket and just idlely standing at the front of the door. 

If there's blood there's clothes stained. Shirt and pants. Maybe underwear. 

Petro retreated back upstairs to him and Alux's shared room. He dug in the drawers and got a fresh white shirt with dark gray pants. Socks and underwear. Going back down, the floor the stairs were drying with a few wet spots visible. 

Petro stopped at the door for a moment. Standing. Listening. 

Shifting and rustling. Hissing of breath and heavy exhales. How injured is he? He's standing.. I think.. so possibly not that hurt? 

Petro gently placed his hand on the door knob. The old metal was cold but worn from use and touches, although not touched in ages. Water wasn't running behind the door. The room didn't seem hot. Life didn't seem to be hiding behind the wood that made the door. There wasn't something waiting for him there. Maybe he was too late. 

The door suddenly opened on its own. At least for a split second that's what Petro thought. 

Petro came eye to eye with a damp, exhausted, and stripped of clothing Alux, save for a towel around his waist and a bandaged torso. Petro just stood in astonishment for a moment. Alux looked at the fresh clothes in Petros hands and swiftly took them, muttering a 

Thanks..

Then closing the door in Petros face. 

Minutes went by. Putting on clothes doesn't take that long, does it? Even if you are injured? 

The door eventually opened again. Alux was clothed. Half putting on his gree coat, and he had a guilty look on his face. Such a guilty look. He stumbled out of the door frame as Petro backed up to give him space. 

Alux? 

Petro didn't know what tone to give his name. Concern? Confusion? Surprised? Soft? Gentle? ... Caring? 

What were you doing in there? 

Alux looked at him.

...

He looked defeated. Of course he was. Now he can't get away with hiding anymore. Especially not with Petro. 

... 

But.

What were you doing with extra clothes with you? 

Flat and straight forward. Barely any tone infection.What was Petro doing with extra clothes on him? 

I- ah.. aha..

Petro let out a breath-y laugh. They both knew what each other knew. 

Alux stared at Petro. Scanning, observing. Gaging what response Petro would retort with. He had a beauty mark on his cheek up near his eye. Alux always wanted to say how unique it was. How beautiful it made him. Like Iris' eyes or Patches' skin. Odd, but odd in the perfect way for Alux. But admiration doesn't last long. 

Sigh P-Petro, I-

I won't tell anyone. 

Alux was caught off guard. So direct. He didn't know how to feel about it. But Petro did. He was cooperative. Ready to lie. Just to keep this little secret between him and Alux. Felt like old times. In the castle surrounded by walls and guards and in Aluxs room where it was just him and Alux. We're the door was closed and guards protected them, and their secrets were only with each other and no one else. Petro liked that. 

O-okay.. I won't either. 

Not like you would anyways. 

Petro looked alux up and down and raised his brow at the response. Of course Alux wouldn't tell the others. If he would him and Alux wouldn't be here. 

Alux pursed his lips and blushed a bit. He huffed and breath and rolled his eyes as to not look at the smart ass infront of him any longer. 

..Yea... 

Alux leaned forward to start walking, but was stopped as Petro placed his hand on Alux's chest to hold him in the door way. 

Are you sure you can walk? 

Yea.. I sure. 

Petro looked down to Alux side that he was holding and placed and his own had over Alux's. 

You should stay in the room for the rest of the day. Not draw attention. 

Petro looked over and up to the entrance of the basment to the base floor with people and patrons walking about and sitting at tables, enjoying themselves. 

Alright. I stay up there. But what about dinner? They'll call us down and expect me to be fine. 

I can bring you it. We can say you have a cold and don't want anyone else getting infected. 

Alux looked and Petro with squinted and suspicious eyes. You just want me for yourself. Don't you? 

.. You really think of everthing, Petro. 

Might as well if I have all this time.. With you. All to myself.