7A/N: Hey, Neo Rulez here! I hoped you liked the first chapter cause this chapter is going to be more intense than last one (I think) Special shout outs go to Funni Neko and Bookworm! I really appreciate you two for reviewing it made by day! Please enjpy
What Dreams May Come
Chapter 2: The Five Dwarfs
"What's wrong brother?" Claire asked, concern.
"The military soldiers are here." Chase answered.
"Oh no..." Claire face paled.
"Don't worry I'll protect you from harm I promise." Chase assured his sister by putting a hand on her hand.
"Oh big brother thank you." Claire smiled softly.
Chase smiled back before taking hold of Claire's hand and walked towards the nearest shop where there were basket of food with prices below it. The twins looked at the prices but noticed they were too high for them to buy. They both sighed then looked at each other in empathy as they walked away from the shop with their heads up high knowing they wouldn't be able to buy any decent food this week.
"What are we going to do?" Claire asked, looking at Chase for answers.
"I don't know." Chase shrugged his shoulders in response.
"I don't want to die brother from starvation!" Claire cried.
"Don't worry I'll find some food for you." Chase said, rubbing her hand in reassuringly way.
"And the others too?" Claire asked.
"Yes, I'll find food for them too I promised." Although Chase promised to his sister he would bring back some food it was a low chance that he would make it out alive.
"Let's go over there!" Claire pointed to dingy looking shop that reasonable prices to spend their munny on.
"Alright." Chase responded as he followed Claire who was leading the way.
"Good evening!" A plump man with big brown eyes greeted.
"Good evening to you too." The twins said.
"What can I get for two today?" The plump man asked.
"Some meat, fruit, and vegetables please." Claire answered.
"Coming right up! Wait there for a second." The plump man wobble in back of shop to get what Claire order.
Few minutes passed by the man had return with armful what Claire had order before putting on the counter he asked for munny first then dump everything into the basket Chase was holding.
"Have good day!" The plump called out as the twins began walking away from shop.
"He was nice looking fellow." Claire commented.
"He gives me the creeps." Chase said as shiver went up his spine.
"Well at least he gave us a reasonable prices." Claire said.
"Yeah, your right about that." Chase agreed.
The twins continued to chit-chat as they avoided all the soldiers who were nearby threatening the local villagers but how angry they were both Claire and Chase decided not to be involve in conflict not relating to them although they wanted to stand their guard against the soldiers knowing chances of winning would be slim since neither twin knew how to actually fight.
"Hey little girl do you want to play?" whispered a cold, loud, male voice as he pulled Claire into his chest.
"Let go of her!" Chase shouted.
"Your breath smells terrible." Tears welled in Claire's eyes as she was suffocated in stench of alcohol.
"Let go of her!" Chase repeated.
"Shut you brat!" The male growled pulling Claire even closer to him.
"I said," Chase started as a dark aura began to grow around him, "I said let go of her!" He leaped into action as he tackle the male which was identified as one soldiers from military because of his uniform.
The soldier tried to get Chase off his back but no matter how he tried the ginger escape like worm able to move freely even though how slow he was going.
"Get off me you little worm!" The soldier yelled, struggling to get Chase off him.
"My pleasure!" Chase show his teeth as he dug into the soldier's skin.
"Yeeeowoch!" The soldier screamed as he let go of his hold of Claire.
"Let's go Claire." Chase put his hand for Claire.
Claire took hold of hand before she fled through the alleyways with her brother leading the way not even stopping so they could catch their breaths or even dared to look back nor take an intersection that would probably be a shortcut. The twins clothes plastered on their skin, and broken glass stuck on bottom of their shoes making each step they took left fragments of broken glass.
But they didn't took no notice of this instead fear of being capture overflow their minds - the two were only thinking of how to escape.
They could hear footsteps: more than one footsteps of single person but roughly around fifteen to be exact. All of the footsteps thundered rhythmic pattern not daring to beat. Then you could hear the violent threats echoing throughout the village as they were warning them to stop running because this goose chase already knew who were victors and losers.
However Chase didn't give a damn about who they were all he focused on was trying to find somewhere safe for his sister.
"Hurry Claire!" Chase whispered in hush voice.
Claire kept looking behind her worried they might get caught however since she preoccupied herself by glancing back and forth which eventually she shrieked when a soldier was standing about two inches from her minding his own business this is when she lost her movement where she eventually lost balance. She slipped landing sprawled in center of alleyway trembling with both fear and exhaustion.
The sensation of pain radiated through her entire body. Her muscles in her legs, the palms of her hands, and throbbing head all ached. Each time she gasped for breath the only air she was receiving sting from her stabbing chest.
"Claire get up!" Chase shouted, putting his hand out once again for her to hold.
She wanted to lie there and cry over things she had seen today with villagers not able to help anyone or have things she wished, remembered all the misfortune she had endure in short life but her instinct took hold. She couldn't die or stay here to be capture by those soldiers. She had to keep running following after her brother. And world like this you get two option live or die...
Amidst from the pain Claire shaken from exhaustion as he tried to raise her hands to intertwine with her brothers. Again, Chase took her hand pulling his sister to her feet. Chase bended down on his knees allowing his sister to get on his back. Hesitantly, Claire got on his back wrapping her hands around his neck not to tight but just right.
"Ready?" Chase asked.
Claire nodded her head in response as her brother ran to the left leaving alleyway making their escape to the exit. As they came closer and closer to their destination the twins found themselves trapped. At exit awaiting for them were the soldier they had recently escape from and his cronies in standby glaring at the twins like they were chop liver.
"B-Brother...I...I am scared." Claire stuttered.
"Don't be scared," Chase said, "Cause no matter what happens I'll protect you!" Claire's eyes widened as she looked at her brother surprise.
"That's right you'll protect me." Claire smiled softly before closing her eyes.
"Now get off my back." Chase said.
"Why?" Claire raised an eyebrow.
"I'm going to fight these guys!" Chase exclaimed.
"Are you crazy!" Claire shrieked.
Chase ignored his sister as he stepped forward-looking at soldiers that were glaring at him.
"Chase!"
". . . ."
"Chase!"
"Will you please shut up Claire!" Chase snapped.
"They will kill you Chase! Their merciless they don't give damn whether or not if you die heroic or not! Stop trying to play the hero hear you're not going to win!" Claire cried out.
"I know already Claire. I know they will kill me but that doesn't matter. No matter how hard they hit me I will keep fighting until the end." Chase stated.
"Brother, please let's just surrender you can't sacrificed yourself!" Tears streamed in Claire's eyes as she cling on to her brother.
"Sorry, sis I have to do this." Chase said, pushing his sister aside.
Chase bit his lip before screaming over at the soldier getting their utmost attention, "Listen up you shitheads! Your not laying a finger on my sister you got that? I Chase Green is going to kick all of your asses, you hear? I'm not afraid of nothing you so better run when you have the chance since I won't go easy on neither one of you!"
The soldiers looked at each other than blink before letting out a stifle laugh so loud making everyone too aware that someone was about to get their ass beat.
"Why are you guys laughing?" Chase growled.
"Damn kid your funny for second there I thought you just said you were going to kick are asses that's hilarious!" One of cronies who had icy blue eyes and blonde hair that slicked back with jell laughed.
"If you didn't just gave your girl up back there just maybe we would've been friends." The head honcho of cronies said who was a burnet with emblem green eyes whose hair short in a bowl-shaped hairstyle.
"Let's kick his ass." Another crony with short ruffled black hair with golden eyes growled.
"Hey not so fast let's keep him a pet!" The third crony squealed who had medium brown length hair that is puffy and fluffy with amethyst eyes.
"Yes, let's keep him." Last but least the fourth crony agreed that had soulless blue eyes with loose strands of hair from side while a fringe the corner of his nose.
"HELLO! Earth to shitheads!" Chase yelled.
All four soldiers turned around and narrowed their eyes at Chase.
"You don't stand a chance kid just give us the girl already dammit!" Brown eyed crony huffed.
"Calm yourself Dell before we leave with girl let's punish the kid first." The burnet said as he crackle his knuckles
"That's great idea boss, Thomas, Fluffy, Cid, Lafayette, hold down the kid while boss get the girl!" Dell ordered.
"Awww why are we always stuck with dirty work?" Lafayette complained.
"Finally some action!" Thomas exclaimed.
"Be careful with my pet I don't want you guys ruining any hair on his body!" Fluffy shouted in a rasp voice.
"Enough chit-chat guys let's hurry get this over already." Cid said, impatiently.
The four soldiers surrounded Chase in a circle while the ginger backed up but he was capture by Fluffy who than seized his arms pulling the teen's hands behind him.
"We capture him boss!" Cid announced.
"You mean I captured him!" Fluffy yelled.
"Well if I wasn't here you probably would have let him escape." Cid countered.
"You? You really mean all of us right since we help also?" Thomas snarled.
"Yeah you did absolutely nothing if we weren't here than you would have fail severely." Lafayette stated.
As the soldiers starts bickering among themselves about who should take credit of who capture the ginger this was an opportunity for Chase to escape. However while he tried to escape Chase heard screams from a familiar voice which he possibility it was Claire. He rushed towards where his sister was out that's when he saw that head honcho had his hostage.
"One more step and girl it's get." The leader of the soldier warned as he hold gun to Claire's head.
"Brother I'm scared please help me! Please don't let him kill me!" Claire cried out gasping between tears.
"Don't worry Claire I will find a way to get you free." Chase assured.
"How are you going to do that, kid? Your sister's dead and there's nothing you can do about it. You better say goodbye to your sister before it's to late cause she's going to die!" Cid yelled, letting out stifle maniac laugh.
Anger filled in Chase's eyes as he gritted his teeth.
"Kill girl already boss! I'm getting tired of waiting!" Thomas shouted.
"Yeah kill her Stiles!" Fluffy and Lafayette chorused.
"Brother I'm scared please help me! Please don't let him kill me!" Claire repeated.
"Don't worry doll face if you be my wife than I will spare you and your brother so how about it?" Stiles suggested.
Although Stiles made an opportunity for Claire to save herself and her brother yet she continued to cried out to Chase not even bothering to listen to suggestion the head honcho had offered. This made Stiles lose his patience making him grow angry that she would rather die than be his wife. It's ridiculous to him how she cried out constantly pleading for her brother's help instead taking offer which would save both of them.
"Brother I'm scared please help me! Please don't let him kill me!" Tears and snot streamed down Claire's face as she put her hands out for Chase to grasp.
"Claire I'm coming!" Claire called out as he leaped into action.
Unfortunately Chase prevail against the soldiers knowing he was odd one out except that didn't matter to him one bit. His mind went black. He lost his footing and lot balance yet he still managed to get to his hands and knees―except he shrieked as a foot smashed into her back where he slammed down into the sandy pavement.
"C-Claire I-I...I will save you." Chase quivered as he sprawled towards Claire.
"Hey where do you think you going, kid?" Cid growled.
"Not so fast bucko." Again foot smashed into his back but this it was twice as hard.
Pain now started to settle in Chase's body. His eyes turned soulless green color while his body paled than blood gushed out from his mouth as he collapsed on the floor.
"You killed him!" Fluffy gasped as he pointed his finger accusingly at Cid.
"What did you do Cid?" Dell asked.
"He's not breathing," Thomas noted.
Lafayette facepalmed himself in forehead as he shouted, "Duh he's not breathing dufus he's dead what do expect!" Thomas tilted his head than looked very closely to observed Chase. "Yup, he's dead alright. He's long gone now." He commented. Fluffy, Cid, Dell, and Lafayette slapped themselves on forehead before glaring at Thomas.
"Um boss we have a problem here." Cid said, tapping Stiles shoulder.
"What do you want now?" Stiles growled.
"Well, you see um... you see... I...I.." Cid struggled with his words.
Stiles narrowed his eyes at Cid.
"He killed the kid!" Fluffy tattled.
"You," Cid shouted as anger flame through rims of his eyes, "You tattle tell! I could just kill you!"
Claire's eyes widened as she managed to punch Stiles in his stomach able to escape so hard that he was too aware of the pain.
"Damn that hit hurt like hell." Stiles groaned as he clutched his stomach.
"Boss are you okay?" Dell asked, rushing over to the burnet.
"Yeah, I'm fine." Stiles answered.
"So what do we do about the dead kid and girl?" Thomas asked.
"We leave the kid here to rot than take the girl." Stiles informed.
"We can't just let him here to rot like this!" Fluffy gaped.
"How about we bury the kid first than leave?" Thomas suggested.
"Yeah let's bury him." Cid agreed.
"We should take aboard are ship than bury him somewhere beautiful!" Lafayette chimed as he spun around imagining a place with beautiful flowers where his burial would be.
"Please boss at least show some sign of compassion after all this your fault." Cid stated.
"What?! My fault! You're one who killed him!" Stiles countered.
"But you're one who gave us an order to get the kid at any cost when you first told us about the two kids!" Cid protested.
"Well I never actually asked you guys to come along with me you just came! So this is your fault Cid so you should be blaming yourself not me!" Stiles declared.
"Boss I think it would be better if we take the dead kid and girl to are base people are watching." Dell advised.
"No, I say we buried the kid somewhere in desert than we wouldn't have to worry about it anymore." Thomas said.
"How heartless are you! Let's take the kid and girl to are based so we keep the body!" Dell argued.
"So whose going to carry the body?" Fluffy asked.
Dell, Stiles, Cid,Thomas and Lafayette stepped to the side as Fluffy rolled his eyes before walking over to the kid's body which Claire was holding in her arms.
"Please brother wake up. Nappy time is over now. Wake up." Claire tried to muster a cheerful voice yet only gasp between tears escape her mouth.
"Excuse me Miss but your brother's dead now so can you please put him down." Thomas said, trying to make conversation with Claire.
". . . ." Claire ignored the soldier. Instead she repeated what she had said before as she began shaking him thinking he might awaken from the dead.
"Hey!"
". . ."
"Hey!"
". . ."
"Hey!"
". . ."
"Hey!"
". . ."
"Enough already!" Cid banged his fist against a nearby building before he raked his fingers across Claire's scalp as he seized by the hair but all she did was cried out for her brother. He dragged her by legs taking where the other soldiers were with Chase's dead body along with her.
"What do you think you're doing?" Fluffy growled.
"What does it look like? I'm taking the dead kid and her with us now someone carry the damn corpse!" Cid spat.
Stiles looked at Dell who than blinked before nudging Thomas on shoulder which he tap on Lafayette shoulder's which he gave the puppy dog eyes to Fluffy.
"Come on Fluff," Lafayette insisted, "You've to carried the kid please."
"Fine I'll carry him." Fluffy volunteered.
"Yay!" All four of soldiers cheered.
"Here catch!" Cid shouted, throwing Chase to Fluffy who barely caught the ginger.
"Hey! Don't just be throwing the corpse around willy dilly like that the kid is fragile!" Fluffy whispered angrily in a hush voice.
"What we do about girl hanging on to him?" Thomas asked.
"We will have to take her too." Stiles answered.
"She's creeping me out. She acting like a zombie of some sort." Lafayette said.
"Her brother just died what do you expect?" Fluffy snarled.
"I will carry her." Cid volunteered as he grabbed Claire by her hair.
Claire closed her eyes and shivered, unsure or not if she was cold, frighten, or astonish that her brother was dead, or if she felt guilty for not helping her brother that probably overflow her mind. Lips trembling, she responded with chatter of teeth, too afraid to say a word but decided to let thin whimper knowing she should say something because her brother would.
"Oh big brother I love you so much. I'm sorry I could never protect myself but if it was differently I swear to you I'll do anything in my ability to bring you back alive regardless of cost because I want you to come back alive so badly to be with me is that selfish? I don't care if I die cause living doesn't matter to be only having is what I truly want!" Claire screamed as tears and snot streamed down her face once again.
"Be quiet!" Cid hissed.
"Big brother! Please don't leave me!" Claire cried out loud enough for everyone in world to hear her.
"Didn't I tell you to be quiet?" Cid roared. He yanked her by red locks pulling so hard that she groaned in pain. Yet Claire continue crying and screaming for someone to help although nobody dared to come to her rescue. "Look at me," He demanded, "Look into my eyes and tell me what you see!" Claire disobeyed his order and continue to do what she was doing. He snapped her head for her to look in them. As she looked in them: no regret, no hatred, no emptiness there wasn't anything there.
She bit her lip before clenching his arm and snarling, "You're a monster!"
"Monster? Never been called that before. You're responsible much for what happened as I am." Cid chortled yet it wasn't a joyful one instead his bitter one with tad sarcasm.
To Claire's surprise he released her from his grip. 'Why did he let me go,' Claire pondered, 'is he planning something? Automatically, she got to her feet and watched as soldiers walked away.
"Hey!" Claire called out.
"What do you want, stupid broad?" Cid asked, not bothering to looked back.
"Give me my brother!" Claire shouted.
"Sorry, I cannot do that. Leave already your free now and there's no point taking a corpse you can't bury on own or carry to that matter. We will bury your brother now hit the road jack." Was all Cid said before walking away.
"Give me my brother!" Claire repeated as she charged after Cid as jumped on top of him causing him to lose balance and fall face first.
Cid manhandle Claire which he threw her to ground, she gasped at his action and massaged her bruised arm as he eying her before getting off of her.
"Don't you know how to treat a woman?"
"A woman," Cid scoffed, "You're not a woman! More like an animal to be exact."
Claire's eyebrows furrowed as knee him in balls before walking away with her hands cross.
"Ugh." Cid groaned as he fell over.
Thomas grinned, eyes glassy. "Wow, you sure is strong Miss!"
"That's nothing I know some other tricks up my sleeve." Claire said.
"That attack didn't hurt me one bit!" Cid shot to his feet.
"Uh huh. Sure it didn't so why were you groaning in pain?" Stiles asked,
"Well, I...I...uh... you I uh..." Cid tried to come with a good excuse.
"You lost to a girl!" Thomas giggled.
"I did not!" Cid yelled.
"Yes, you did I was watching." Lafayette noted.
"So who cares if I-" Cid started.
"Admit your defeat like a man." Fluffy interrupted.
"Yeah admit your defeat like a man." Thomas repeated.
"Fine I will!" Cid said.
"Well?" Claire said.
"Well what?" Cid asked.
"Do it already man or I will lose all respect for you!" Stiles shouted.
Cid eyes widened so wide that it looked like his eyes were out of his eye sockets. For the first time, Cid felt true fear. If Stiles lost all respect for him than what will he have left? Probably, nothing. Well, he would still be his friend right? Before this moment he had thought a miracle would happen that could stop this scene from happening. However the chances were slim. Now he would sure be a laughing stalk if he had admit his defeat or if he didn't Thomas would surely spread word to everyone than everything will be bad.
"Hello!" Claire screamed in Cid's ear making him snap of his trance.
"Uhwaa?!" Cid literally freaked out as he regain consciousness and fell to floor.
"You're hopeless," Claire sighed, "You don't have to admit if you don't want you know." She put her hand out for him to grasp but he only raised an eyebrow.
"Well?" She looked at him.
"Well." Cid repeated.
"What do you want?" He asked, utterly confused
"Nothing much it would be nice if you just take my hand." Claire said.
"Why were enemies? Why would I hold hands with the enemy, do you think I'm that stupid to fall for your tricks?" Cid knew fully well not to get too close to enemy. If he did than there was possibility he would end up dead somewhere.
"Were no longer enemies were friends!" Claire beamed.
"Is this a trick?" Cid looked at her suspiciously.
"No, silly were friends." Claire giggled.
'Friends?' Cid tilted his head in confusion.
'What are friends?' Cid pondered as he tried to figure out the answer.
"You know what a friend is right?" Claire asked.
"Unfortunately, he doesn't." Stiles answered.
"He's like a cyborg." Thomas added.
"So he's a robot?" Cecil asked.
"He's human except he doesn't have normal emotions like normal humans do. He was raised in a soldier facility where you weren't suppose to act on your emotions instead instincts. They wanted the perfect zombie and he happened to be it." Fluffy informed.
'That's so sad! I can't believe he doesn't know what a friend is when he has five of them around him! I have to show him what a friend is! I have to!' Claire promised herself.
"A friend is a person whom one knows and with whom one has a bond of mutual affection, typically exclusive of sexual or family relations." Claire explained.
"So were friends?" Cid asked.
"Yeah all of us are." Claire answered, grinning.
"I think someone just got a girlfriend!" Thomas proclaimed.
"What's a girlfriend?" Cid looked at Thomas.
"A girlfriend is regular female companion with whom a person has a romantic relationship." Thomas informed.
"I am still confused." Cid said.
"Basically, you love her." Fluffy said in simplest way he could muster.
"I love you." Cid said, looking at Claire.
"Uhwaa!" Claire freaked out and tripped but Cid pulled her into his chest. Her heart skipped a beat as he looked into his eyes. This time she saw happiness. Cid leveled himself to her chest but he was too close to Claire that ended flushed red. His face and her face were two inches from each other.
"You're red as a tomato." Cid commented. His fingertips touched her face then lips.
Everyone watched, Claire frozen as she felt the blonde's warm lips touched hers. His icy blue eyes looked Claire's green eyes that widened. A hand ran across his face as Claire slapped Cid across his face. Cid placed a hand on his cheek as he looked at the ginger hurt by her action. "Why did you hit me?" He asked
"You idiot! You idiot!" Claire screamed as she balled her fist and started pounding him on chest.
"Why did you hit me?" Cid questioned once more.
Her lips tremble than she looked at him in teary eyed, and desperately cry out, "You...You.. You took my first kiss...something really—really important to me which you can't be taken back!"
"I'm sorry." Cid said, apologizing.
Claire patted his cheek fondly than a dark aura surrounded her as smile which scared the soldiers half to death before saying, "Just don't do it again." And then the aura disappeared. A smile formed on her face as she started walking while the men gaped at how quickly she changed to scary to happy. "Well?" She looked at the soldiers who raised an eyebrow before saying, "What?"
"I don't know where your ship is so lead the way!" Claire told them.
"Follow me." Stiles said leading the way out of the village to the desert.
The entire way there nobody said a word or blink for the matter-of-factly it was total silence. As they continued to walk in silence Claire took the chance to ease silence by starting up a conversation.
"So," She began, "Are we there yet?"
"Almost just few more steps." Fluffy said.
"Um excuse me but I am just curious since it looks like you and your brother doesn't live in village so if you don't mind me asking where do live exactly?" Lafayette asked.
Just when Claire was about to answer Lafayette's question she got interrupted.
"By the way what's your name?" Thomas asked.
"Okay, first of all my name is Claire. The one who carrying your is my twin brother Claire. He's oldest among the two of us. You guessed right were foreigners to this village yet we live south from here in a waste land where an orphanage called Chematic." Claire informed.
"I'm sorry I shouldn't have asked you that." Lafayette furrowed his eyebrows as he frowned.
"I'm fine!" Claire grinned.
Although the ginger seemed and looked happy the soldiers knew deep down inside she was hurting yet instead showing how she truly felt it better for her to pretend nothing was wrong. They understand what she was going through. Some reason each soldier wanted to do something for her to make her smile. To smile truthfully without forcing herself. Then an idea came into Cid's head. Unexpectedly, his two strong arms pulled Claire into hug surprising both her and his friends.
With a yelp, Claire struggled to free herself since the blonde was squeezing her half to death making each breath gasp like she had a bad cough.
"Let go of her! Your killing her!" Thomas yelled.
Cid let her go as she Claire was about to collapsed to the floor except Stiles caught her.
"Are you alright?" Stiles asked, putting a hand on her back.
"Yeah I'm fine." Claire wheezed out.
"I'm sorry once again!" Cid bowed down profusely as he apologized.
"It's okay! I'm fine!" Claire beamed.
A small part of Cid― the part not understanding emotions was now overwhelmed with happiness.
"We're here!" Dell announced.
"I don't see anything." Claire noted.
"It will be coming in 5...4...3...2...and 1." As Stiles counted down the last number the wind suddenly started picking up and an aircraft descend down from sky to the crowd.
"Wow!" Claire exclaimed, eyes sparkling.
"Let's go Claire." Cid said, pulling her shirt.
"Wait I'm coming too?" Claire asked.
"Of course, you want to have a funeral for your brother right?" Lafayette ignored the ginger's questioned and asked his own.
Claire nodded his head. "Well," Thomas started as he put his hand out for the ginger to grasp, "Come on." Claire fingers intertwine with Thomas fingers as he pulled her up the stairs where they walked the rest before the door automatically closed the door behind them. Fluffy walked down hall to a room where he laid Chase carefully on the bed in back room than went back to the main room where friends and Claire were waiting but they also went in back room to say their farewells to Chase before they buried him.
Once inside standing across from each other. Green eyes met, conveying pain, shock, resentment, and confusion. For the first this was actually something to remember since someone had awaken from the dead.
"He's alive!" Cid gasped.
"Oh thank goodness!" Claire exclaimed, giving her brother a bone crushing hug.
"Claire can you let me go." Chase wheezed out.
Claire released her brother.
"Where am I?" Chase asked, rubbing his eye before stretching his arms.
"In our aircraft." Stiles answered.
"Ah," Chase yelped as he jumped off the bed on to his two feet before pointing his finger out to emphasize his point, "Y-You're...You're the guy that harassed by his sister― and you guys are his cronies! I'll kill you guys! Stand back or I will―"
"Back down Chase." Claire interrupted.
"Uhwaa?" Chase gave Claire an inquisitive look.
"Their not are enemies." Claire reassured by putting her hand on his shoulder.
"Yes, they are enemies!" Claire yelled, pushing his sister's hand aside.
Lafayette and Fluffy gasped, hurt by the ginger's words while Stiles, Thomas, Dell, and Cid just shrugged their shoulders knowing this kind of outburst from Chase would happen.
"Their not are enemies." Claire repeated.
"How about you sit down and relax kid." Stiles said, putting an arm around his shoulder.
"Don't touch me!" Chase snapped before he slap the burnet across his face leaving a hand mark on his cheek
"Hey why the―" Thomas started.
"It's okay, I'm fine he has all means to be angry." Stiles stated as he rubbed his cheek.
"But boss he didn't have to―" Cid joined in the conversation as he tried to make a point that Chase shouldn't have hit him like that.
Another hand came across Stiles face but was caught by Claire who glared at her brother. Green eyes opened wide of reflex shocked by his sister action. Chase wanted to scream at Claire so badly yet decided to keep his anger in control.
"What are you doing?" Chase growled.
"No, brother it's what are you doing?" Claire corrected.
"How can you forgive people who tried to kill us!" Chase screamed. He wanted an explanation to why his sister was acting this way.
"Listen," Claire began, "I know they killed us but look into their eyes and you will see their no bad guys. I know they hurt you but best thing to do is to forgive and forget."
Like always Chase tried to understand what his sister was saying yet he didn't want to forgive and forget instead he wanted to get even with the soldiers they not only hurt him but his sister too who watched entire event go down.
"Sorry Claire," Chase said, "I don't want to forgive and forget what happen. I hate them!" He was telling the truth since his eyes burn with a thousand suns.
"Hurtful," Fluffy said, "And I carried you too. Shouldn't you repay me?"
"I don't own you shit hairball!" Chase spat.
"Chase!" Claire hissed.
"What it's true I don't own him nothing!" Chase yelled, crossing his arms.
"What a brat." Thomas mumbled.
"I'm very sorry," Claire said, apologizing profusely, "He isn't like this at home."
"He's probably angry about what happen still." Lafayette said.
"Yeah but he doesn't have to be a meanie!" Fluffy shouted.
"We should apologize." Cid said.
"Why should we apologize to that brat?" Thomas snarled.
"Yeah I don't want to apologized!" Fluffy agreed with Thomas.
"Because we were ones who hurt him." Stiles stated.
"Let's just apologize." Cid said.
"Fine." The other three soldiers said in unison as they walked over to ginger to apologize.
"We are―"
"Let's go Claire! We need to go home!" Chase cut off the soldiers as she took hold of his sister's hand dragging her out of room to the hallway where he started walking.
"Hey―"
Chase ignored the voices of soldiers that were calling out to him.
"Chase!" Claire screamed.
"What!" Claire hissed.
Claire reached for Chase's hand before saying, "Just open your eyes and see how beautiful their eyes are." Chase decided to look back at the soldiers who sincerely look sympathetic for what they did. Suddenly, images flowed through his consciousness; a silver-haired man, 5 children and hundreds of dead bodies scattered across the floor. If you breathe in you practically almost choke and smell the surroundings which only reeked of blood; this touched Chase some many ways that it made him want to cry.
However he wouldn't dare cry in front of people. Not now or ever.
He knew now. His pain pushed to back of his mind as he use the little remorse left to free himself from his anger.
"I forgive you guys." Claire said, surprising everyone.
"Why the sudden change in heart?" Stiles asked.
"Someone told me to open my eyes and see how beautiful their eyes are." Chase said, grinning.
"Whoever this person was tell him or her they have way with words." Stiles smiled softly.
"Sure, no problem." Chase smiled back.
"It's getting pretty late." Claire noted as she looked at digital clock that read 6:00 p.m.
"How about you stay for night than leave in morning?" Fluffy suggested.
"Yeah stay! You can eat dinner with us and watch TV on flat screen too!" Thomas chimed.
"Excuse me for interrupting but I have business to take care so I'll be in my office down the long if you need me." Stiles said as he walked away.
"So want to play Conker's Bad Fur day on flat screen?" Thomas asked as he looked at Chase.
"Of course!" Chase smiled eagerly as Thomas pulled him to the living room where a flat screen TV in the corner.
Claire watched his brother played the game with Thomas while she sat in middle of two teens who were screaming because something was either exciting or their character died. Few minutes have pass and Fluffy told everyone to go enjoy their dinner. Almost everyone came except for Thomas and Chase who were too occupied on their video game which anger Fluffy since he liked having all chairs full only two chairs were remaining.
"Ahem!" Fluffy coughed loudly.
"Oh excuse you." Thomas said as he went back to the date.
"Um I think he wants to go eat dinner with the others." Chase said, standing up from his spot before dragging Thomas along with him.
"Awww but I almost would've one!" Thomas complained.
Thomas already took his seat but Chase couldn't fine his until Fluffy motioned the ginger to follow him where he ended up sitting in middle of Lafayette and Fluffy.
'Oh great I'm sitting next to the fur ball and psycho just amazing!' Chase beamed as it formed a frown.
"So who won the game?" Stiles asked Thomas.
"Of course I did!" Thomas grinned.
"No, I actually you lost every round." Chase corrected.
Everyone's face and jaw dropped. Thomas paled. He knew the ginger was right although he never lose to anyone in video games definitely a rookie who practically never heard of system.
"But you were cheating! You kept shooting me!" Thomas shouted.
Fluffy sighed and tasted the pot roast. "Oh." Rather bland. 'Maybe I need some salt.' Fluffy said as he glanced over at Thomas who was holding salt.
"I wasn't cheating! You're just a sore loser!" Chase defended.
"Thomas please pass the―"
He still engrossed in the argument. "Oh. Is that so? So why don't you tell everyone why you shot me from behind.'
"I didn't do no such thing! I never go that low! You happened to be right there so you rather let other guy kill you than me!"
"Thomas could you―"
"Yeah whatever you say keep making up those excuses! We had a lot of enemies to fight but guess someone doesn't know what teamwork means!"
"I was working together with you as a team!"
"Thomas―"
"No you weren't!"
"If we don't work together as team then were screwed."
"Thomas―"
"Agreed. Lets work together next time, okay?"
"Alright―"
"THOMAS PASS FUCKING SALT!"
Everyone jumped back especially Thomas and Chase.
"God! Okay... Here... why did you yell so loudly?" Thomas asked.
"Ugh! Because you wouldn't listen! You just kept talking and talking! You always do that!" Fluffy started. "You NEVER listen to me, Thomas! It's so rude yet you continue to be rude! Why don't you ever hear what I have to say?!" The salt was piling up about an inch on his foot.
"Um.. Fluffy―"
"No I'm talking goddammit so shut the fuck up and listen for second would you!"
Two inches.
"Fluffy―"
"Not to mention you have smelly socks and clothes lying around everywhere in hallway! Don't you think a little degrading? You can't take one measly second to bend down and pick it up?!"
Three inches.
"Don't get me started about those video games! You played them all night and long and you still can't defeat damn level c'mon now! How hard is it? And now you say since Chase started playing game you just happened to say he cheated!" Four inches covering his plate. "I don't understand you Thomas! All ever ask of you to clean up after yourself is that so hard." He slammed his hands on the table and sighed. Also he looked and blinked. "Uh ― Oh Thomas why didn't you say anything!"
"Me?! Well I tried talking but you wouldn't listen! You kept running your mouth!"
Everyone slid out of their chair and under the table for protection.
Tick. Tock. Tick. Tock. Tick. Tock. Tick. Tock―
And BOOM!
Both Thomas and Fluffy flew towards window face first.
"Ughh." They both groaned.
"Are you guys okay?" Claire asked, concern.
"Haha you guys got blasted to wall." Dell snickered.
"If only you pass the salt than this wouldn't happen, Thomas." Cid said, shaking his head.
"Oh shut up!" Thomas grumbled as he managed to get down from the window before massaging his face.
"Oh no..." Fluffy facepalmed himself.
"What's wrong?" Chase asked.
"What? Where...WHERE IS MY POT ROAST?!" Fluffy screeched.
In background he heard laughter of apes coming from Thomas, Dell, and Stiles. "Oh! I'll get you two!" He chased out of the kitchen while the remaining group followed shortly behind him seeing them run out the door, sprinting to the back room than somehow managed to wall on the ceiling walls before running to the living room. 'They are not going to get away this time!' Fluffy clenched his feet before running towards living room with a butch knife in his hand laughing psychotically.
As he ran there was also a great fall. He tripped on his own feet losing balance and momentum, falling forward out of entrance, and on top of someone else. Legs intertwining and chests pressed together, they both tumbled towards the hallway, until Fluffy landed on top of the person, his face colliding with theirs. Lips touched.
For a minute or second or two, it remained that way. Soft lips on unsure, astonish ones. Fluffy decided to look down to see flushed Chase underneath him. He resisted urge to kiss deeper and rose up, only to see amuse faces of his friends standing right there in the hallway.
He screamed and stuttered like a fool. "I'm so sorry, Chase! Really! I didn't mean for that to happen! I'm sorry if that's your first kiss! Some people think first kisses are special ! I know this my mistake―and I should be watching where I'm going!" He babbled on but Chase stand there tomato red.
And you could still hear laughter from those apes.
"This," A dark aura grew around Fluffy as he said this, "This is all your fault!" He ran off again but this time watching his step to bashing Thomas, Dell, and Stiles head in.
Chase stomach growled.
All of sudden Fluffy stopped, looking sympathetic at the ginger. Chase rubbed his head embarrassed by sudden outburst from his stomach.
"Sorry, about that. Just hungry." Chase said indignantly.
"How about so candy?" Fluffy suggested.
"Ooooh oooh me I want candy!" Thomas exclaimed.
"I want some too!" Stiles chimed.
"I also want some too!" Dell yelled.
"Well... TOO BAD YOU GUYS AREN'T GETTING ANY!" Fluffy growled.
"Awww!" They all pouted.
"I'm tired." Claire yawned.
"Follow me I'll show you to your quarter for the night." Cid said as Claire followed.
"I'm going to be in hot springs if anyone needs me." Lafayette said, leaving the living room.
"Well I'm going to play video games!" Thomas exclaimed.
"I'll be in my office." Was all Stiles had said before leaving the living room also.
"Well it's just me and you now. Do you want me to get that candy?" Fluffy asked.
"No, it's alright. I don't want to be a burden to you." Chase said.
"It's fine, really! I like doing things for other people." Fluffy smiled softly.
"Alright then if you say so." Chase smiled back.
"Follow me." Fluffy said leading him to the back of room where he kept his secret stash. He bent down and looked underneath his bed where he pulled out a treasure chest then opened it showing the variety of candy inside the chest which was M&MS, Mr. Goodbars, AirHeads, and Hershey chocolate bars. "So which one do you want?" He asked.
"I'll just take a Hershey." Chase answered.
"Just one? Are you sure that's all you want?"
Chase nodded his head.
"Okay, then." Fluffy closed the treasure chest and push it back underneath his bed. "I'm going to be in hot springs if you need me, okay?" He added as he left the room with a cloth to wash with, towel to dry off, and bar soap in his hand.
Chase unwrap the candy wrap before stuffing it in his mouth then he sat on floor looking around the walls where he saw pictures and posters scattered around the wall. Every pictures and posters on wall showed people smiling, laughing, and hugging. And there were stuffed animals too. This room had a nice see to it yet for an odd reason Chase felt this dark aura all around the room somewhere yet it was invisible to the naked eye.
Alone in the room all by himself, Chase decided to leave the room, and take a bath to get the dirt off him. Walking down the hallway he stopped halfway where he opened an a closet to grab a bar of soap and clean towel then turn left that when he saw a door which labeled "Bathroom" the ginger went inside. He guessed that Fluffy already finished taking his bath yet he was horribly mistaken since he saw an Adam's Apple from the male.
His eyes widened. "I―I...I'm...I'm so s―s―sorry!" Chase stammered as his cheeks flushed a rosy red.
Fluffy walked over towards Chase than put his arms on the ginger's shoulder. Chase waited for him to speak. He smiled at the ginger before opening his mouth to say, "It's alright, it doesn't really matter. Were both men so I don't mind you seeing me naked not one bit." His voice sounded husky yet quiet when he had said this.
"I know but still don't you―" Chase struggled with is words. His cheeks were speaking more than his words since each time they grew redder every time.
Unexpectedly, Fluffy put his hand on the other male's lips before he put his right hand Chase's right cheek as he spoke. "I used to think I would never found a person to love. That is, until I met you. I know we only spend a day together but when I first saw you I knew it was love at first sight. Just want you to know I want you to know I love you. I know you probably don't share feelings I do but that doesn't matter since I will wait for you for now and forever."
Chase was speechless. He never imagined that another person would confessed to him. Yet Chase felt guilty since he had feelings for him at all. Once again he had led someone on. It wasn't until he noticed his face grew damp on her cheeks that's when he realized he was crying.
"Why...why...do you...love me..."
He finally let his gaze leave Chase as he tried desperately to keep the hurt from escaping his mouth.
"It's not that," Chase said as he shake his head.
"I'm so confused! I liked you but I don't love you. I'm sorry. I'm really sorry!" He knew Fluffy was hurt by her words.
Fluffy continued to hold Chase as his smile still form.
"Thank you for being honest. I love you still, I will always love you." Fluffy voice was filled with joy as his eyes reflected this.
Chase touched by his words smiled softly at him.
"Well I better be―" Fluffy started as he got interrupted.
"No!" Chase cried out.
Fluffy was confused. "What do you mean 'no'?"
Chase bit his lip. "Don't," He began, "Don't leave me."
Fluffy touched Chase forehead with his own. "I won't," Fluffy gave Chase a reassuringly smile, "I promise." The ginger noticed this wasn't a regular bath tub instead it was rather huge and able to fit at least twenty or thirty people. It wasn't bath but a hot spring. That explains why Fluffy didn't seem so surprise since it was public hot spring which allowed everyone to enter.
Chase sat down in water while Fluffy sat across from him. His amethyst eyes locked on to Chase's green orbs. It was awkward just sitting next to each other since neither male dared to start up a conversation to ease the silence. Yet Chas averted his eyes quickly as he washed himself with the cloth that he brought with him hoping he wouldn't catch another glimpse of burnet's eyes.
However what he hoped didn't exactly came true since every time Chase tried to look the other way, Fluffy would look the same way so their eyes would catch a small glimpse of each other. Chase sighed as he complacently put an hand on his cheek before he spoke. "Well I'm finish. I'll see you in the room if you need. See you later." Once he finished his sentence, Chase swam over to his towel where he frantically over himself before he make an attempt to the soap yet since his hands were slippery it ended up dropping into the water.
"You drop the soap." Fluffy noted.
"I'll get―"
"No!" Fluffy shouted as he swiftly grab a hold of the ginger's left hand.
"I'm finish washing up so I'm leaving." Chase stated.
"No, you're not you didn't wash your back!" Fluffy countered.
"Oh, yeah." Chase rubbed back of his head sheepishly.
"I will help you!" Fluffy volunteered as he grab the soap from the bottom of tub.
"What?!" Chase voiced out. His cheeks flushed red from his friend's statement.
"Ahem." A familiar voice coughed as it grabbed their attention. "I know you guys liked each other but there's no need to be playing love dragon in the bath."
The two turned around to see an amused Stiles chuckling to himself. A dreadful silence filled the room. The words sink into their minds as it was presented to them. Both males had a different expressions. Chase was shock and embarrassed while Fluffy was amused and calm.
"WHAT?!" wondered Chase loudly.
"Wow Chase can't you control yourself." snickered Fluffy.
"I―I...I..." Chase struggled with his words.
"Now Fluff don't tease the lad to much. He's already as red as a tomato already, you don't want him to turn into red pepper do you?" Stiles amused.
"Chase will you bare my children?" Fluffy asked.
"U-Uh w-what?!" baffled Chase spit out.
"I―I...I am a guy!" Chase said stuttering like fool.
A stifle laughter from Fluffy and Stiles echo throughout the room. Chase tried to plug his ears in yet he continue to hear laughter from the two men so he decided to storm out of the hot spring as he ran― and on the way he lost his balance which he ended falling face first except it was into the water but on the tile floor which he lost his consciousness and last he saw was color. And his mind went blank.
"Chase!" Was all he heard.
~THE END~
To Be Continued...
A/N: Did you like the chapter? Anyway was it good :D or bad D:? So whose your favorite character so far and tell me why! Please tell me what you think in a review! I don't mind if it's criticism, rants. questions, and etc. Just tell me what you think and what should I do to improve as writer!