#codeadleaf writes

***

The fire hasn't died, not once since the fateful night Sorey and Mikleo left Elysia.

Zenrus takes a long drag on his pipe, the fire in his house a comforting light in those dark hours.

It always burned gently, when the Elysians gathered to eat. Their human child might have been away, but they simply couldn’t let go of the family tradition. Even without Sorey they would have to be careful the prickleboar population wouldn’t increase.

“If not, Elysia will come to be known as prickleboar Forest in no time at all!” Loanna had said.

They ate, sitting around the fire, wondering what the boys were up to. Were they eating correctly? Were they resting somewhere safe? Would they stay away from hellions like they had taught them? Sometimes the conversation would die out in a heavy silence, and the fire would sizzle louder, sending sparks flying above as if trying to cheer the Seraphim. Lawrence chuckled lightly, carefully placing another log under the cauldron.

“Remember the first time Mason cooked for the boys? It was so bad Sorey wouldn’t stop crying!”

And they laughed, hearts a little lighter, recalling precious memories.

Zenrus takes another drag.

The fire would always feel warmer when Natalie was sitting close.

It crackled with excitement when Mikleo and Sorey came back with the Squire, when they stayed all night chatting with Zenrus. And it gave off quite the nostalgic warmth when they fall asleep next to Zenrus, just like when they were little, Sorey somehow managing to trap Mikleo between his arms and the blanket. The old seraph had carded his wrinkled fingers through his precious children’s hair, heart soaring. Some things never changed.

The light never dies out.

Zenrus stands, tapping his pipe in the fireplace, emptying ashes. He walks toward a drawer to retrieve an old letter and reverently places it with the pipe on the bookshelf before opening the front door.

One last glance at his family sheltered in the house, the last rampart between the suffocating Malevolence creeping into their precious Elysia. The wood inside the fire cracks, like a last goodbye. Zenrus nods.

No matter what happens once he reaches Camlann, he trusts Mason’s light to keep everyone safe and hopeful until Mikleo and Sorey come home.

***

*** The first thing Sorey noticed when he opened his eyes was that he had forgotten to turn off the light string on the wall. The second was that his room was brighter than it should be for a winter morning.

He turned to look at the window - of course he had also forgotten to close the shutters. The sky was clear, no traces of clouds or falling snow, but more importantly, the sun was higher than he expected it to be. His body jolted upright, hand searching for the phone lost somewhere on the bed - not under the pillows, not under his butt, not under the sheets, where on Earth-

Thunk.

Sorey looked down. There it was! He reached for the fallen device. 12:07 pm. A bit late but still enough time to get ready. He let out a relieved sigh as he fell back on his pillows. The bed was all warm and comfy, and for a moment he contemplated the idea to stay here a few more minutes before steeling himself. Now wasn’t the time to laze in bed.

For today was the day he would impress Mikleo Luzrov.

Perfect Mikleo. Caring, intelligent, beautiful Mikleo. Sorey’s dear crush and rival, met through an endless battles for the highest grad on the ancient history classes.

They had only known each other names back then, and if Sorey had been daydreaming about who could be Mikleo before meeting him, he was now completely smitten. How could it be otherwise? Mikleo was perfect. Smart. Pretty. And unlike Sorey he could achieve the best without sacrificing his health and hygiene. Not that Sorey was the kind to wallow in dirty laundry and strong body smells, he was just so passionate about his studies he would often forgot about basic needs, like cleaning or eating. Frankly, Sorey couldn’t understand why a sophisticated person like Mikleo would enjoy spending time with him, and yet only a couple of months after officially meeting thanks to their common friend Rose, there was hardly a day they wouldn’t see each other, Mikleo taking it upon himself to teach Sorey how to behave like a proper human being, helping with chores and feeding him when needed.

But not today, Sorey thought as he started gathering dirty clothes scattered on the floor. Mikleo and Rose would come in in a few hours to spend some “quality holiday time” - Rose’s words - and Sorey was determined to prove he wasn’t a complete disaster and could welcome his guests in a clean apartment. He took a quick shower, finished organizing what needed to be and concluded the cleaning session by opening all doors and windows to properly let air into the apartment - he certainly wasn’t about to relive the shameful moment Mikleo had first stepped into the garbage container that used to be this place.

When everything was in order, Sorey moved to the kitchen. Now the real challenge began: the concoction of the Omega Elixir. Or rather, a modern version of it; being an history nerd would be of no help to gather ingredients such as a narwhal’s horn or some extinct bird species’ egg. The true Omega Elixir recipe, said to be a gift from the god Maotelus to purify mankind, was lost to time. Still, Sorey had found an old book with a few variant of the beverage in his Grandpa Library. With the celebration of Maotelus’ birth coming in a few days, it was the perfect drink for the holiday season and a perfect topic to debate with Mikleo later - only if Rose would allow it.

Sorey set himself in front of the kitchen worktop, reading the recipe one last time. Everything was ready, he had macerated the ingredients in a large pot covered by a clean cloth, for three days and nights. The tricky part now was to progressively add the correct amount of alcohol at the right temperature, while slowly heating the pot. He hadn’t used the right utensils in his previous attempt, the result giving him a nasty headache. World tree leaves liqueur and Malak’s tear were too strong for his liking - and way too expensive, blessed was his Grandpa for being so fond of old alcohol bottles.

Sorey removed his hoodie to have better freedom of movement and threw it on a chair. A timer in one hand and a cooking thermometer in the other, he set to work, carefully measuring the proper dose of blue liqueur. It was the last of it, he couldn’t fail this one.

And after two hours of meticulous mixing it was finally ready. And by Maotelus, the smell was divine. It was hard to define but it sure was a lot nicer than the strong odor that came out of his previous attempt - just smelling it had left him dizzy.

Yes it was perfect, everything was going according to plan, Mikleo would be impressed and wouldn’t give him his trademark disapproval look. Sorey was smiling so much his cheeks hurt. The recipe’s final step was to let it rest in the snow. Sorey had prepared a bassin of ice cube in case the weather wouldn’t be cooperative but luckily it seemed to had snowed all night.  

He was on a little cloud. Tension had left his body but as he stepped into the hall he was hit by the cold, his nose tickling.

It all happened in the blink of an eye. Sorey abruptly turned his head to sneeze on his shoulder pressing the scalding pot between his arms. He yelped, reflexively releasing his hold on the pot, tried to grab it back, burned his hand, felt the heavy pot fall on his feet, and slipped.

Lying on the ground with the wasted Elixir, not daring to move and tempt his cruel fate, a resigned Sorey wondered if he could make a new drink out of his own tears.

***

“So.” Mikleo’s gaze swept through the kitchen, taking all details into account. The floor tile covered by some bluish liquid, the sink overflowing with dishes, the bandage on Sorey’s left hand. His friend truly had overdid himself today. “What happened in here?”

A disheveled Sorey - well, more disheveled than usual, if that was even possible - was looking away, all sheepish. A fit of sneezes was the only answer he gave.

“Why is it so cold in here?” asked Mikleo, tightening his coat against himself before turning to the hall window. “Did you leave it open all day?”

Green eyes shot to the window. Sorey looked like he was about to slam his head on the wall.

“The windows” he sighed, defeated.

Mikleo bit the inside of his cheek to repress a smile. And just like that Sorey spilled it all. How he had tried his best to impress Mikleo, just to see his efforts crushed by a single sneeze, and how he had tried to get rid of the evidence before his friends’ arrival.

Mikleo had to admit he was indeed impressed.

“How are you still alive?” he jokingly pointed.

Sorey laughed that awkward, cute laugh of his, scratching the back of his head. Mikleo sighed, how could he win against this? Another sneeze made him roll his eyes.

“Alright, you go close everything and sit next to the heater.” he ordered.

“But-”

“No but, you’ve done enough for today. I’ll take care of things now.”

“That wasn’t the plan,” whined Sorey.

“It is now.”

Mikleo pushed Sorey toward the living room, leaving no place for argument. He watched as Sorey did as he was told.

“Where is Rose?” Sorey asked while turning the heater back on.

“She dumped me on the way.” With a slap on my back and too much snickering for it to be innocent, he added for himself. That was probably her way to say have a fun night, don’t do anything I wouldn’t do, you have my full approval. That was usually what she said anytime he met Sorey for studying. “She said she had business to take care of.”

“What kind?”

“We’re talking about Rose, I can’t and don’t want to know the answer to this question.”

“Fair point.”

Sorey reached for a blanket and wrapped it around himself, hiding another sneeze in it before crashing on the couch. Now that he was all settled, Mikleo could get to work. He turned to the kitchen, starting to unbutton his plaid coat.

“Seduce me with your big history knowledge.” came Sorey’s voice in his back.

Mikleo paused, throwing him a bewildered look.

“What?”

Sorey blushed, letting go of the blanket to lift his hands in front of him in a defensive gesture.

“That’s not me, it’s written on your back!”

Dread fell upon Mikleo. He promptly reached behind him, just where Rose’s hand had slapped him before parting ways. Sure enough he found the piece of paper stuck there. Now that explained why she was snickering so much, he thought, feeling his cheeks warming as he crushed the note in his hand.

“I will be in the kitchen!” he exclaimed before storming out.

“O-okay.”

Damnit Rose, was embarrassing her friends so fun?

He took a deep breath to calm his nerves, before grabbing the mop. There wasn’t much left to clean, Sorey had managed to wipe most of the elixir. Such a waste despite his best intentions, maybe they could try again later. For now the lingering smell was nice.

Another sneeze rang out in the apartment. Sorey needed to be warmed up.

Rose’s laughter echoed in his ears. He shook his head trying to calm his heart. There was no way he would ever follow her instructions. Sorey was just a friend, a precious rival he had to take care of so they could keep the competition going. Nothing else. He hadn’t fallen for those shiny green eyes and warm smile.

… Mikleo cleared his throat, finishing to mop the floor.

Another sneeze. He could make Sorey some hot cocoa. He set the cleaning tools aside going for the fridge. No milk. But a few red wine bottles next to the fridge. Surely, a bit of wine wouldn’t hurt Sorey. Mikleo looked around, catching sight of oranges, and smiled. They wouldn’t be drinking elixir tonight, but there was still a chance they could enjoy some good old mulled wine tonight. He searched for what he needed in the cupboards, impressed to find what he needed - except for sugar, but honey would do just fine.

He sliced an orange, washed one of the dirty saucepans lying in the sink and poured everything in it before placing it on the stove. Half an hour was all he needed to make a nice mulled wine. Sure not as fancy as Elixir but still fitting for the holidays.

When he came back to the living room, warm mugs in hands, Sorey was pouting. Mikleo felt his heart doing weird things again.

“Is that your way to thank your guest?”

“It’s not fair.” Sorey falsely complained. “I was supposed to be the one taking care of this and impress you, not let you fix everything once again.”

Mikleo set the mugs on the coffee table, before sitting next to his friend. The temperature of the room had finally reached a comfortable level. “If it can comfort you, I had planned to bring homemade cookies.”

Sorey’s perked up.

“Where are they?”

“In a trash can.” deadpanned Mikleo.

“Uh.”

“They all burned.”

The growing smile on Sorey’s face was as infuriating as it was adorable.

“So you’re not perfect in the end.”

“I’m still better than you.” Mikleo huffed.

“Harsh.”

Sorey carefully took the mug with his good hand, sniffing the content before taking a sip.

“That’s so good! I never had mulled wine before!”

“I’m glad this modest drink is to your liking.”

Sorey laughed, gently pushing Mikleo’s shoulder. Mikleo took a sip of his own drink. Not too bad for a last minute pull. If only baking could be that easy...

“So now that we’re all settled and that Rose isn’t here,” Sorey trailed while standing. “I shall try to seduce you with my big history knowledge.”

Mikleo almost choked on his drink, cheeks burning. He couldn’t mean- surely Sorey wasn’t that kind of guy, was he? Or was the wine too strong for him?

A large book was set on the table in front of them, ending Mikleo’s internal panic. He huffed a discreet sigh of relief. No, Sorey was just a nerd. A lovely nerd even, when he wasn’t smelling of sweat, though Mikleo would die before admitting it out loud.

“Here you go Boss,” said Talfryn, handing Rose a bag full of mabo curry buns.

The sun was shining high on Pendrago today. The market street was filled with people shopping and chatting, the Sparrowfeathers booth attracting a huge part of it. It was no wonder; the Sparrowfeathers were well known across the continent for their guaranteed quality, and the delicious smell coming from their booth right now would make anyone salivate. Mabo curry buns were a real success, Rose’s greatest decision if you’d asked her.

She looked down at the bag, warm against her chest, the buns still steaming.

“Don’t forget to share with the Shepherd!”

Rose shot a look toward the twins.

“As if I could eat everything by myself!”

“You would.”

“You did,” added Felice.

“Then you’d ask what’s for dessert.”

“And complain about your tummy hurting afterward.”

Rose wanted to object. It had happened once, a long time ago, and she had learned her limits. Why did they have to bring it back in front of her new travel companion like she was some kind of incurable glutton?

Felice shook her head, and Talfryn and Dezel nodded in confirmation.

Wait.

“Why are you nodding!?” she shouted at the seraph.

Dezel tensed and looked away,  while the twins laughed at Rose’s indignation, taking the shout as their cue to retreat.

“See you later Boss!”

And off they went. Rose pouted. Maybe she should comfort herself with one bun.

“You shouldn’t eat between meals,” Dezel said.

Rose pouted harder, tempted to shove the whole thing and glare at the seraph. She opted to walk back to the inn instead. Lunch time was close anyway.

Today was a lazy day, their little group taking a well-deserved break after their trek in the Gaferis ruins and a rather short night spent fighting a big hellionized cat. Sorey and Mikleo were still sleeping when she had left her own room a couple of hours ago.

Leaving the market street behind her, Rose looked around the plaza. Citizens were still fixing the damages a year of rain had caused, soldiers patrolling and helping the best they could (maybe they could give Sergei a little visit later - the captain would love to know the howling season was over). The capital still had a lot to worry about but the mood was slowly improving, the sun seemingly burning brighter compared to yesterday, all thanks to Morgrim taking residence in the Shrine.

How did that change feel to normal people, she wondered. They could sense the difference, she had heard a few talk about it, but how did it feel to them? They couldn’t see malevolence, couldn’t feel it the way she and her comrades could. It was an odd thing to get used to, that constant weight on her chest. Then again, she had had to get used to lot of weird things lately, like creepy ghost people talking in her head. Yeah, that was definitely weirder than any uncomfortable sensation in her chest, and harder to adjust to, she thought, eyes drifting toward the seraph next to her.

Though maybe the weirdest thing was Dezel. Always following her, always looking over her. Telling her what she was supposed to do or not, like he was some kind of mother hen. It was weird, a bit annoying sometimes, but oddly, she could never think it was completely out of place.

“What?” he grunted when she kept staring.

Her lips stretched in wicked smile.

“You know, maybe we should hold hands or something if you’re that worried I’ll wander off.”

The effect was immediate.

“How stupid!” Dezel sputtered, storming ahead.

What a weird grumpy guy, Rose laughed to herself, pushing the inn’s door open.

The main room was relatively calm. A man drinking at the bar, a couple and their children waiting at the front desk. One bored earth Seraph chilling on a armchair.

“Where are the others?” Rose asked, voice lower than usual.

Edna made a dismissive gesture with her hand, the other holding her closed umbrella on her lap, eyes locked on the family.

“Lailah is waiting in your room and the boys haven’t left theirs yet.”

Rose raised an eyebrow.

“Are they still asleep?”

Edna shrugged. “Who knows what two teenage boys can do in locked bedroom.”

“Nerd-out,” respond Rose flatly.

“That’s what they are best at,” said Edna, smirking ever so slightly.

Edna finally turned her attention to Rose, gaze drifting to the bag.

“What are you doing here anyway?” asked Rose.

“Avoiding Lailah.”

“Why? Wait, didn’t you say something about her waiting in the room?”

The seraph sighed.

“I could tell you, but I don’t like giving information for free,” she said, feigning disinterest.

Rose stared. That was Edna’s way to politely ask for a bun, she supposed. It was mildly tempting to walk away without giving her what she wanted - messing with Enda was kind of fun when her umbrella wasn’t involved - but then again, learning what Lailah was up to might be a good thing to learn for her immediate future.

“Fair enough,” said Rose putting a bun in Edna’s hand.

The seraph stood, walking toward the front door.

“It’s laundry day,” she informed her.

“What’s wrong with that?” asked Rose, confused.

The door closed in her face. Maybe two buns would have loosened her tongue better, Rose thought. She turned to the stairs, about to walk out of the room when she noticed one of the children looking at her from behind his mother’s skirts. The little boy looked at the door, then back at her. Right, that child had just seen her talking to herself, then a bun had flown to the door, the door that had seemingly opened by itself. She would have been scared too. In fact she probably would have screamed and punched at anyone coming near. She had. Poor Sorey… Though it was his own fault for not understanding how creepy it had been.

The boy held on his mother’s clothes tighter. Rose laughed awkwardly before fleeing to the stairs. She certainly wouldn’t be the one to explain that kid there were invisible people walking around. She had her own problems to deal with anyway, like waking nerds and checking on Lailah. Maybe she was waiting for someone to help with the laundry. That would be reason enough to make lady Edna hide, she guessed, opening her room’s door.

Lailah was sitting on the bed, a dozen paper flowers lying next to her. Lailah jumped to her feet the very moment Rose entered the room.

“Clothes off!” she ordered with a smile, taking a hold on Rose’s jacket.

“What!?”

Rose barely had the time to put the bun bag on the desk before her jacket and bolero were taken in one motion and thrown into the laundry basket on the floor, Lailah’s hands already on the next piece of clothing.

“Wait, wait! You can’t just take all my clothes like that!” shouted Rose, yanking back her shirt.

Lailah stepped back, smile dropping, hands clasped tight against her chest, lip wobbling slightly. Rose gulped. That wasn’t fair.

“I just wanted to wash everyone’s clothes, why does nobody seem to appreciate my efforts?”

No wonder Edna fled, thought Rose, It was either that or let Lailah strip you to your underwear (dear lords, she hoped Lailah wouldn’t try to take anything more!). Or worse, you could try to defend yourself and deal with the crushing guilt Lailah’s sad face instilled in you.

“Even Mikleo yelled at me to stop,” she whined.

Of course he would. Rose could clearly picture his reaction, all flushed, while Sorey would laugh awkwardly and stay out of Lailah’s reach.

“It’s such a nice day, who knows when we’ll have a chance to wash everything again.” Lailah sobbed in her hand.

She clearly was exaggerating, Rose knew that, and she wouldn’t fall for it. Come on she was stronger than that!

Or not.

“At least let me put on my sleeping shirt?” she asked, resigned.

Lailah snapped her head back to her, positively beaming. Yep, all an act. Rose wondered how long it’d taken the boys to give in.

One minute later Rose finished buttoning her sleeping shirt, her pants and bra resting with the rest of the laundry. Lailah hauled the full basket in her arms, determined to accomplish her task. She paused, looking at the desk, and seized the bag still full of mabo curry buns.

“No food between meals,” she said in a sing-song voice.

“But!”

“No but.”

Rose sighed in defeat. Again.  

“Can I give one to the boys? I suppose they didn’t eat any breakfast this morning.”

And they wouldn’t leave their room anytime soon if Lailah had stolen all their clothes too.

Lailah stopped in the doorway, seemingly considering the request, and then held out a bun.

“Just one then!”

And then she was off, humming a happy tune to herself. Rose sure hoped the kid from earlier wouldn’t see the flying basket moving across the inn. She didn’t linger on the thought (it certainly would be better to go with Lailah, if only she wasn’t half-naked).

She knocked at the boys’ door, not bothering to wait for an answer. Inside, the window was open and a chair situated next to it, on which Sorey was sitting. Mikleo stood in front of him, scissors in hand. The shepherd turned to her, greeting her with a smile.

“Morning Rose!”

“Morning you two!” she answered, glad to see they had managed to keep their pajamas too. Or at least she supposed they had, Sorey’s body currently being covered by a sheet.

Mikleo didn’t spare her a glance, too focused on his task. He barely responded to the greeting, turning Sorey’s head back to him before resuming his cutting.

Rose tugged at a strand of her own hair. She hadn’t cut it in a while, she should ask Eguille for a hair cut next time she saw him.

“Did Lailah go crazy on you too?” asked Sorey with a laugh.

“She sure did! Only Edna and Dezel managed to escape her.” Rose said, sitting on the nearest bed, next to the Celestial Record (Mikleo probably had forbidden Sorey to read it while he cut his hair).

“Where are they?”

“Edna went out a few minutes ago. And Dezel is-” she looked behind her, not seeing anyone. “-somewhere near I’m guessing.”

Sorey turned to the window, probably trying to spot one of the wandering seraphim. A pale hand took hold of his chin, firmly repositioning his head. Cutting Sorey’s hair didn’t look like an easy task.

“How did it go with the Sparrowfeathers?”

Rose distantly wondered if Sorey would ever refer to them as the Scattered Bones.

“Wonderful! Mabo curry buns are a huge hit in Pendrago too, and I brought a full bag with me!”

“Really!?” Sorey turned to her, eyes sparkling.

Mikleo audibly clicked his tongue. Sorey went still.

“Next time I’ll cut everything,” the seraph warned, face scolding.

“Please forgive me,” begged the shepherd.

Rose pressed her lips tight, trying not to laugh. Maybe it would be wiser to not talk until they were done.

Mikleo carded a hand in Sorey’s hair, concentration never leaving his face.  One snip. Two snips. Bending Sorey’s head a little. Another snip. Mikleo leaned back, arm crossed against his chest, a hand to his chin. Sorey held his breath.

Finally, Mikleo nodded to himself, satisfied.  

“Alright, you’re free.” he said, removing the sheet from Sorey.

Sorey sighed in relief and stood, stretching for a few second before relaxing. Rose chose that moment to hand him the lukewarm bun.

“Here’s for your hard work!”

Sorey smiled bright, extending a hand toward the bun… only for it to be snatched by Mikleo who quickly took a bite, not giving Sorey the time to object.

“Thank you Rose,” said the seraph, pointedly ignoring Sorey’s little shout.

Sorey pouted. Hard. The shepherd was so cute it was ridiculous.

“Don’t worry,” reassured Rose “There’s more with Lailah.”

If she hadn’t eat them all. Somehow that wouldn’t surprise her.

“Right! The laundry!” Sorey suddenly exclaimed.

He rushed out, certainly intending to go help Lailah, and Rose wondered if he had somehow forgotten he wasn’t wearing any pants. He didn’t even notice Mikleo carefully tearing the bun in two. The seraph looked at the doorway a bit surprised, then shrugged, swallowing the last bite of his half and licking his thumb.

It was just the two of them now, alone in a room, only wearing their pajamas. Rose smirked, placing herself in front of the seraph, barely a few inches away. Mikleo took a step back.

“I’ll hold unto this,” Rose said, taking the half-bun from his hand.

She then sat on the chair, removing her hair beads and beamed at him.

“My turn!”

The seraph sighed, grabbing the sheet Sorey was previously wearing and adjusting it around her. He had barely taken the scissors in hand when Dezel’s presence fell heavy on the room; poor Mikleo tensed. Oh, Rose could already hear the lecture going on Dezel’s head. A teenage girl only wearing a sleeping shirt in the boys room, letting one of these boys touch her hair? How scandalous!

Pfff, like there was anything to fear from Mikleo on that matter.

Rose bit into the half-bun.

“Hey!” Mikleo protested.

Michael had found them near Aroundight forest, exhausted and pressed against their dead mother's body, the smaller harboring a deep cut on his right eye, the other hissing fiercely at anything approaching his brother. Taking them home hadn't been an easy task, if Michael's scratched hands were anything to go by.

The sight of blood had stopped little Mikleo dead from jumping in his uncle's arms, little Sorey's smile fading into worry. A million questions had fallen upon Michael, the boys not slowing down as they pushed him toward the house. It was certainly in that instant the man had decided to entrust the creatures to them.

The first contact hadn't been the best.

Sorey immediately set his heart on the injured one, pointing at his own eyepatch and claiming they were the same before grabbing the medical kit Kyme had brought, eye filled with determination. He swallowed hard, ready to treat his new friend, or at least try, only to be met with sharp claws and teeth. Sorey yelped, taking his hand away but the protective Eevee did not let go. Not until Mikleo took the opportunity to lift the weaker one in his arms. Sorey was then quick enough to grab the protective creature before he could reach Mikleo.

Zenrus could still remember  the astonished look on Michael's face. Sorey did not spill a tear, carefully holding the wild pokemon, whispering reassuring words to him while Mikleo did his best not to flinch in front of the cut and assisted Kyme to treat it. Only when it was done and the brothers were reunited Sorey seemed to become aware of the pain. He would later proudly show off his scar, matching with the ones on Michael's hand.

It took a lot of patience, careful movements and offerings of food but the protective Eevee eventually let the children near them, once the other one finally showed signs of recovery. It took a few more days for Sorey to be allowed to take his Eevee in his arms and to eagerly shove him at the face of any villagers passing by.

Then came the struggle to give them a name. Sorey first started to call the protective one Mikleo because of the haughty look he would give Sorey when he came near. To which a pouty Mikleo stated he should call the injured one Sorey as they were both messy eaters. Zenrus quickly put an end to the upcoming quarrel by giving them a book, and suggesting to search for names in it together. It took the children a few seconds and a shared look to push Zenrus out of their room, claiming they would do it themselves, we're old enough we don't need you Gramps!

When Zenrus came back later, he found them all asleep among books, both Eevee comfortably tucked between the boys.

"Say Mikleo," Sorey had asked the following day "what would you want your Eevee to evolve into?"

Mikleo looked up to him, then back at his little friend. He was happily swimming in the pond, Mikleo himself lazily waving his legs in the water. The boy then nodded to himself and smiled.  "I want mine to evolve into a Vaporeon."

Sorey crossed his arms and closed his eyes, humming, not paying attention to the Eevee biting unto his shorts in hope to obtain a treat faster.

"I want mine to become a Jolteon!" he said, eyes sparkling and fist held in front of him.

Mikleo wasn't happy with that answer though.

"That's unfair, you choose this one to have the advantage!"

"What, no! I just want to be as cool as Gramps and Zapdos."

Zenrus never felt as fond and proud of Sorey as he was in this instant. Until the child had to ruin it.

"I will become even cooler and stronger than Gramps! And better looking!"

"You ungrateful little brat come back here!"

Too late, Sorey was gone faster than light, taking cover behind Mason, snickering, while the red headed teenager laughed wildly.

"You'll still have the advantage though," pouted Mikleo.

Sorey didn't need to hear more. He ran to the pond and grabbed Mikleo's hands.

"I won't because we're gonna team up and become the strongest together!"

"And then we will take down uncle Michael and win his champion title!" quickly added Mikleo.

"Yeah we'll be invincible and we'll explore all the places he hasn't gone to!"

Sorey held out his arm with the brightest smile Zenrus ever saw, Mikleo bumping it with his wrist without hesitation.

Sorey's Eevee choose this moment to jump in the water to remind them he was still waiting for his treat. Sorey reached in his pocket, while a smirk flashed across Mikleo's face and soon the boys toppled in the water. Mikleo mercilessly went for Sorey's sides saying he would became a water type specialist capable of beating any electric pokemon on his own, I won't lose to you Sorey!

That was one of the rare times Mikleo won a tickle fight, his Eevee resting triumphantly on Sorey's head, the other one nuzzling his way into the boy's pocket.

The two Eevee were named Shokk and Acqua.

Zenrus watched as the four of them grew closer and closer each day.

They would have bad days too, like that time Shokk had shred to pieces a picture of Mikleo's mother. Mikleo had been inconsolable, blaming Sorey for not watching over his Eevee and letting this happen. Sorey had first tried to comfort his friend, but he had gave up on it because it wasn't his fault! It had taken long hours for them to make peace. With a lot of disapproving starring from Acqua for Sorey to stop complaining about Mikleo's unfairness. And even more effort on Shokk's end to extract Mikleo from his uncle arms and make his cutest face ever to obtain forgiveness. And some lectures from Zenrus and Michael for the boys to understand how the other was feeling and to finally meet as the sun was setting and apologize to each other.

So many memories in the ten years following that day.

Zenrus had watched Shokk happily following Mikleo around, looking out for every occasion to snatch the food the boy was making. He watched Acqua claimed Sorey's lap each time he would sit down with a book.

He had watched over them when the boys would go play and explore in the Mabinogio ruins, the two Eevee testing their courage on who would get closer to the temple guardian without him noticing, and then taking refuge on their owner's shoulders when the legendary bird would get tired of them.

He had watched the boys start training on their own, refusing Michael's help every time he would come back to Elysia. He had watched them eagerly listening to the story of the man's adventures. Had watched them impatiently waiting for his letters when he couldn't come home. He had watched them prepare for the day it would be their turn.

He had watched them grew into gorgeous boys, full of dreams yet to be fulfilled.

And of course he had watched their feeling for each other evolving, and he had laughed at their awkward attempts to hide it from each other, secretly seeking the help of their older friends. Well, as secretly anything could be in their small mountain village. Poor Nathalie and Mason had a lot to deal with. Even Shokk and Acqua looked perplexed by their owners’ behaviour.

All those fond memories, and now they were leaving without a word.

Zenrus took a puff on his pipe, resting his back against the legendary bird guarding the mountain.

Of course those boys wouldn't wait any longer to go on their dreamed adventure. He always knew no one could ever hold them back. He saw it in their eyes since they were kids. He had seen this desire grow deeper in them when Michael had disappeared five years ago. He just wished they wouldn't depart in the night like strangers.

He could see Mikleo adjusting Sorey's coat from here. It made Zenrus smile.

Mikleo had always took to heart his responsibility as the older one. They would be safe as long they had each other.

And now they were running toward the forest, toward the unknown, Shokk and Acqua following close.

Zenrus quietly exhaled smoke toward the sky.

The sun was still high above the cove when they broke through the surface. Sorey immediately took a big gulp of air under Mikleo’s amused gaze.

“You’re too fast,” Sorey sighed, exhausted.

“Are you finally admitting your defeat?” Mikleo asked playfully.

The day was hot, the shallows warmer than usual. Mikleo was lazily swimming around their favorite meeting place when Sorey had showed up, a large towel and books under his arm. They had spend a good amount of time reading in the shadows of the rocks, until Mikleo couldn’t bear staying on the sand any longer. Had ensued lot of fooling around in the waves, a chase for the prettiest seashell and a few races, all lost by Sorey. His stamina was quite impressive, Mikleo admitted, but even he couldn’t beat an undine in its natural environment.

Sorey smirked and splashed water at Mikleo. “Never! I will catch you next time.”

“In your dreams, maybe.”

They swam toward the shore, Sorey standing up as soon as the water was shallow enough for it. He carded a hand through his messy wet hair, pushing his bangs away from his eyes. Water was dripping all over him, the shirt he had seemingly forgotten to take off translucent and sticking to his torso. Mikleo stopped moving, watching as Sorey slowly walked to the beach, his attention completely focused on wringing the hem of his shirt. He quickly gave up on it, reaching behind him to pull the blissfu- thoroughly drenched cloth over his head, exposing sun kissed skin to the world.

Mikleo stared at his friend’s larger shoulders and back, stared at the way they moved while Sorey stretched his arms, stared, entranced, following the course of water droplets rolling languidly along Sorey’s spine until they disappeared past his pants.

Mikleo swallowed hard. The weather truly was hot today, and he was glad Sorey’s focus wasn’t on him. It was still on the shirt, wringing it once more before he dropped it on his shoulder, hands now resting either side of his trousers’ waistband. He wasn’t going to take it off, was he? Mikleo didn’t think he could handle that and-

“Mikleo?”

Mikleo looked up at his friend’s face, Sorey looking back at him. Mikleo felt himself flush, promptly hiding his face in the water.

Caught staring, how embarrassing.

“You alright?”

Humans were weird looking creatures, that’s why he couldn’t help staring. Nothing else.

“You’re all red,” said Sorey, his voice nearer than expected. “Did you get a sunburn?”

Mikleo dared looking up, finding Sorey right in front of him, no traces of teasing in his eyes, only slight worry.

“I’m fine,” Mikleo sighed, moving away.

He didn’t get far though, something dropping on his head. Sorey’s shirt.

“You should be careful,” explained Sorey, “your skin isn’t made to be exposed to the sun for too long.”

He finished adjusting the cloth over Mikleo, smiling brightly.

“Alright! Like this there’s nothing to worry about.”

Mikleo reached for the shirt, hiding his burning face with it. Sorey was wrong. After all that smile was brighter than the sun, burning through his skin and heart, hotter than fire.