*Cries in Happiness* I'm back loves!
Yeah, that's right! 'Cause Ima "BAKA SURVIVOR!!!". Gah...I am so sorry I haven't updated in teh foaevah. I apologize! I haven't been near my comp in more than a week...*cries* So I haven't been able to post. But that doesn't mean I didn't get to write! Okay, so here's the new chapter of my untitled WIP anthology:
Untitled
Chapter: 5
Genere: Action/Adventure, shounen-ai, Original
Summary: After healing Grey's fingers, it's time to get started on his heart--winter break is just begining, so it's time for Christmas-like fun!
It had been nearly a fortnight since Grey had last seen the mysterious Bainir named Vallak. The darker boy had disappeared through his window without further notice.
Slowly, time passed. His fingers healed, but his pride did not. Nigel and the lot had made school a living hell for him, making him run all kinds of dirty errands and deeds. The boys would beat him to a pulp again if he refused. He couldn’t disobey-not with his parents watching him come home extra carefully now. They wouldn’t have another scandal.
He scowled at his reflection in the dirty bucket of water he was wringing his rag into. Nigel had even skipped out on cleaning duty for the day, leaving it to him. His anger bubbled up inside of him, shame rushing to his cheeks; he bet Vallak would never stand for this, he thought with a fleeting notion. Closing his eyes, he let the sullied water drip in gray rivulets down his wrist-imagining how his companion would have done it.
Yes…he would most likely take all of them on, skillfully weaving in and out through the three running at him, and knocking them bloody until the little spoiled boys ran home to their mothers crying bloody murder. A slight smile grew across his lips at this, and grew even wider at the next idea. Maybe he would incite their anger from the shadows, playing tricks with their eyes and then make a grand escape. He rested his forehead against the wet blackboard, letting his eyelashes flutter softly against it as he looked down at his wrapped hand fondly.
No one had ever…
He looked away, blushing. Why was he thinking about this now?! About someone as obnoxious as Vallak? He ‘hmphed’ and realized he’d just be thinking more and more about the boy, trying to wrap his head around him, but he’d just fail in the end. He lifted the bucket and made his way to the sink and watched the dirty water coil down the drain. The drain made a satisfied gurgling noise and he washed his hands, grabbing his bluecoat and, scrambling out the door.
On his way home he decided to take a different route, and pass through the slums sector. He didn’t know why, maybe deep down where his pride could not reach there was a faint hope he might see Vallak slinking around. He passed through the women and children lingering in the streets for they had no where else to go-and saw their dirty bare feet, raw from abuse. He hated this. He hated seeing what his people had done to them…
And the look they gave him. All of them. They were blaming him, just like they blamed every light-skinned human for their hardships. It tore Grey up so much--maybe that was why he put up with Vallak’s behavior; to try to create a bridge of friendship over the rift. Or maybe it was because Vallak had bewitched him with gypsy magic.
He sighed heavily and turned the corner, walking into-“Speak of the devil!” He gasped softly, surprised, resting a hand on his chest-a trait he picked up from his mother.
“Am I that mischievous?” A grin crossed dark lips and a hand touched his shoulder familiarly. Grey jerked slightly at the touch and the hand retracted immediately. No one ever touched him or acted so overly friendly. “Vallak, wasn’t it?” Grey answered crisply.
“That’s right, I’m flattered, you remembered.” Time and time again, Grey was amazed by the darker one’s choice in words. He seemed very good with them, despite their language not being his native one. He shook his head and gave him a weak glare, “Well it’s just you have a strange name, how could I forget?!” He made an attempt at a retort and insult.
He chuckled softly, but the edges of the laugh were twinged with panting, and Grey could tell his chest was heaving a little more than usual. He noted he must have been running from the guards again. The taller one leaned in with a pleased smiled, making the blonde withdraw at his closeness. Vion, didn’t he understand the concept of personal space or did he enjoy seeing squirm? “But I remember your name, too. I thought I should return the favor.”
Grey blushed and back up, “O-oh really?” he said, lifting his nose to him haughtily. How could someone as busy with a life of mischief like Vallak remember a boring old name like his own?
“It’s Grey, isn’t it?”
The blonde’s eyes widened, looking up at the taller figure standing over him. “How did you re-“
“It was hard not forget.” Vallak mocked in a shrilly tone. His eyes narrowed cleverly, leaning down, tracing his long, dark fingers over Grey’s ginger-colored eyelashes. “I just remember the extraordinary color of those beautiful eyes of yours and suddenly your name comes to mind.” He smiled. But when Vallak thought about it, gray didn’t really cut it when explaining the color of his eyes. It was more like the color of a brewing storm in the heat of the summer, specked with gold from the autumn, and bits of silver, like ice from the winter-his eyes were the changing of seasons…the turn of years. “But I really think your name should have been something like GreyGoldSilverBlue.” He laughed at the expression on Grey’s face.
Grey lifted his hand angrily to strike at Vallak at being so close and saying such embarrassing things, but found himself captivated in the smile directed at him. Why did it…? “I..!”
“I think he’s over here!” Voices came from the far mouth of the alley they had backed into.
Vallak looked back and an annoyed look crossed his handsome features, eyebrows lifting in surprising authority. “Ergh.” He muttered something about vexing pests and flashed down the corner not before letting his worried gaze drop to Grey’s hand briefly.
Three men ran up to Grey who just stood there, staring. It never failed to amaze him how he could just disappear before one’s eyes like so. “Did you see a blackie run through here?!” one man panted.
Grey raised a patronizing eyebrow at him, “These are the slums, tell me where a blackie isn’t running around here.”
The men looked at him for a moment before nodding, “Sorry for troubling you then.” The other one grit through his teeth. They ran off in the opposite direction for some reason unknown, shouting.
“What is it that you’re waiting for?” Came Vallak’s voice by his side from the companionable silence they had enjoyed for a few minutes now, looking up at the starry night above them. It was surprisingly clear and cloudless tonight, and the winter chill had descended fast and mercilessly upon the city of Vianable.
“Huh?” Grey shifted onto his side to look over at the boy next to him.
“What is your desire in life?”
Grey’s first thought was money. Then fame, and then to become the best on violin. His eyes dropped to his hand on that thought but the more he mulled over it, the less of them seemed true. He leaned back on his elbows, like Vallak, and gave him a dull look. “Honestly?”
“Why not?” He laughed in response.
“Alright, alright,” the blonde slightly smiled. For some reason Vallak put him strangely at ease but at the same time not. “In all honesty, I don’t know. I suppose I just want to get out of this damnable coffin we call a city!” He unconsciously shrugged closer to the warmth of Vallak, pulling the burrowed burgundy wrap to himself. He then reconsidered, looking down. “But that probably will never happen.”
“Don’t say that.” Vallak answered softly, still looking up at the sky rather then at him. “You never know what tricks the gods are ready to play on us unsuspecting fools next.”
“Fine then Mr. Mysticism,” Grey huffed, tugging on a piece of black hair tickling his nose from where he lay, “Ow!” “What are you waiting for, then?”
The Bainir rubbed his scalp gingerly, and grinned. “I’m waiting for the desert eagle.”
“What?!”
Smiling at him, he pointed toward the sky. “The sign of freedom to my people. I’m going to leave this wretched city when I see that bird fly over my head.”
“That’s preposterous!” Grey cried, sitting up, “You can’t possibly be sane doing that, putting your future in the claws of a dumb bird!”
Vallak whipped around to him, gripping the blonde’s collar, “It’s not a stupid bird! It means something to us, so don’t you dare call it that!” Grey blinked, trying to shove Vallak off. He looked away. “Sorry…But you can’t expect a desert eagle to fly over this place, either. You’ll end up waiting here forever. How can you put faith into something so small?”
A smile. “We are very spiritual people, boy. If it comes, it comes. But I will never lose hope in it. One day, I’ll get out of this blasted city-and go back home!”
“You’ll be killed.” Grey whispered.
Vallak just simply grinned at him. “I rather be killed than live my life in a cage.”
Gray eyes widened at the darker one’s determined, strong gaze. The simple words had struck so strongly. Was that how they really felt about this place? About Vianable? He frowned, he knew Vallak wasn’t exaggerating, he probably would rather die. He tried to find words to insult him. Maybe call him crazy or something-suicidal even; but couldn’t find them. Sure Vianable was boring, and nothing really happened. Sure it was a plain existence, but could life here really be like being damned to Limbo? He opened his mouth for a moment and grasped the only thought in mind that he could strangely put into words. “You’d leave everything here?”
Vallak answered without thinking, “Of course!’
Grey’s eyes stung at the comment, along with his heart at some strange emotion. Why should he care whether the blackie left or not? Good for him, it was one less hooligan on the streets!
…But it gave him this constricted feeling in his throat-and he could feel this cold, numb feeling in his heart, he felt a little like crying. Stupid really, that he couldn’t really part with the only real excitement in his life. Shutting his eyes tightly, he sort of rolled away from the warmth of Vallak, hoping he couldn’t see his weird behavior. Why did his words sting so much?!
They were silent the rest of the time.
It had finally made it to the weekend, though it seemed like the week would never end, it did, and so the winter break began for school children came about. All over, snow started to lightly powder the streets and autumn leaves were blown away and forgotten. The Hunter’s Moon festival came and went, and soon coming up was Hodisman, the winter holiday of family and a great time to give and receive presents.
…In Grey’s religion, the tale was that Vion sent down one helper from the heavens to bring happiness to people during the winter famines, so the helper got an idea and asked Vion to create a child capable of only giving. Vion, wary but agreed and create a childlike being and sent it down to the people. The being, named Hodis, came down to the people and bared gifts to all, making them happy and joyful enough to continue on until spring. Ever since, the holiday has been held in his honor with all kinds of traditions that have changed over the years.
Grey hated Hodisman. It had always been a dreaded holiday for him dating back to even when he was little. It was because when the holiday cheer was meant for love and family get-togethers, there was never any.
Families with small children ran through the streets in joy, pointing to shop windows to their smiling parents what they wanted and they would laugh and have a gay old time. Grey would pass these sort of families on the streets and his heart would tug painfully. His parents had never been warm or kind like that when he was small. He just got presents in front of his door with a note on top saying how they were out to a party.
He would spend year after year unbearably alone in his big, empty house that would echo back mockingly at him. Grey scowled and looked away from the cheerful family and continued down the street. He pulled the fur collar of his frock closer to him against the nip of the cold breeze howling down the street. Tiny snowflakes danced on the twirling wind and caught on his ginger eyelashes, and then their brief lives would end as they melted on them, forming beads of crystalline water that crowned his eyes. His eyes, cheeks, nose and ears stung from the cold as he had been walking aimlessly around the city for the past hour.
He’d managed to escape from violin lessons and his mother decorating around the house blithely to wander around. He huffed into his frozen fingers and muttered something about it being too bloody cold when he took a step right into a patch of slippery ice.
He yelped and pitched backwards, arms flailing. “Uwah!”
A strong hand grasped his upper arm and righted him from behind. “Oh! Goodness thank-Oh it’s you…”
Black hair fell more messily than usual around his brown cheeks, twinged slightly with blue from the cold. He laughed and shifted the piece of hot crossed bun sticking out of his mouth. “There you go with you manners again. Really though, you should pay attention where you’re walking.”
“Hmph.” Was the only indignant answer he got. Pieces of blonde hair fell into his eye irritatingly as he moved them out of the way, flustered. “What are you doing out?”
“I should ask you the same question.” Green eyes scanned his searchingly.
“That’s none of your business!”
“Alright…”
Grey started back down the street, with Vallak at his side merrily but a tad bit confused. “So what’s with this holiday thing, hmm? I’ve only been around here for a couple of years, so no one’s really explained how it works to me.” He looked up as if considering the words for a second and then shook his head, smiling slightly, “Well…they have, I just wasn’t listening.”
Grey came out laughing despite himself, smiling. “Yes, that sounds like you. Should I explain it to you?” He added, “Only if you listen, though.”
Vallak grinned wide, showing off his slightly yellowed teeth; gah, how unhygienic. “So you can joke! Gods! And here I thought you were a stick in the mud!” He teased, patting Grey on the back good-naturedly.
The blonde gave him a frown before letting a little girl and her brother pass between them giggling and continued with his cold hands in his pockets, “It’s a holiday for being together with the people you love to give them presents and receive presents, basically.” He tried to keep the snipping bitterness from his voice.
He looked up for a moment contemplating this but he was really looking at Grey from the corner of his eye with hidden interest. It seemed the boy didn’t enjoy the holiday like all the other white-skins did. And exactly why is that…? He thought to himself, curiously.
Grey watched the ground pass under them, noting all the other footsteps left by the previous passer-bys. He didn’t want to look up into the all-seeing jade gaze right now.
“Oh! I see!” Vallak interrupted the silence that grew between them, he leaned close to Grey, smiling mischievously, “Can I get a present from you then?”
Grey’s head shot up, cheeks puffing and growing red, “No! Who said I love you?!” He said shoving Vallak away from him with pitiable strength. Vallak danced away from him, in uproarious laughter, “Ah! So cruel, Grey!” The boy looked back to the laughing one, surprised he had used his name. He’d almost forgotten they’d exchanged them. It was…strange hearing it come out of Vallak’s mouth. He shook it off, waving a dismissive gloved hand at him, noting that Vallak’s fingers were turning blue and didn’t have gloves on them.
Grey felt guilty for some reason. He looked down and discreetly slid them off while Vallak prattled off the list of things he wanted on Hodisman. He shoved the velvet and leather gloves into Vallak’s chest and that shut him up in surprise.
Wide green eyes stared down at him, meeting Grey’s weak glare. “Wha-“
“Just take them! Your fingers are all blue, how unrefined. Besides, I’m paying you back for lending me your wrap!” He turned his head away and stuck his nose out to hide how embarrassed he was. Vallak just smiled softly and shook his head, looking down at the gloves. He got an idea. He tugged on one of the gloves; which were actually quite tight due to his hands being bigger and then, handed the other to Grey.
“Why?” Grey blinked up at him.
“One for you, one for me. Let’s be fair.” Vallak laughed.
Grey took one grudgingly and put it one, as Vallak surprised him greatly by taking his ungloved hand in his. “Let’s go.” He smiled.
Grey blushed heatedly and looked away quickly, “Peh.”
They continued down the street in companionable silence the rest of the way; Vallak cheery and Grey bright red.
“Hey-Grey! Let’s celebrate Hodisman together!”
Grey could be heard groaning.
End Chapter 5.
Okay, so tell me what you think. I'm REALLY sorry for all the typos...I really need a BETA reader. *cries more*
Untitled
Chapter: 5
Genere: Action/Adventure, shounen-ai, Original
Summary: After healing Grey's fingers, it's time to get started on his heart--winter break is just begining, so it's time for Christmas-like fun!
It had been nearly a fortnight since Grey had last seen the mysterious Bainir named Vallak. The darker boy had disappeared through his window without further notice.
Slowly, time passed. His fingers healed, but his pride did not. Nigel and the lot had made school a living hell for him, making him run all kinds of dirty errands and deeds. The boys would beat him to a pulp again if he refused. He couldn’t disobey-not with his parents watching him come home extra carefully now. They wouldn’t have another scandal.
He scowled at his reflection in the dirty bucket of water he was wringing his rag into. Nigel had even skipped out on cleaning duty for the day, leaving it to him. His anger bubbled up inside of him, shame rushing to his cheeks; he bet Vallak would never stand for this, he thought with a fleeting notion. Closing his eyes, he let the sullied water drip in gray rivulets down his wrist-imagining how his companion would have done it.
Yes…he would most likely take all of them on, skillfully weaving in and out through the three running at him, and knocking them bloody until the little spoiled boys ran home to their mothers crying bloody murder. A slight smile grew across his lips at this, and grew even wider at the next idea. Maybe he would incite their anger from the shadows, playing tricks with their eyes and then make a grand escape. He rested his forehead against the wet blackboard, letting his eyelashes flutter softly against it as he looked down at his wrapped hand fondly.
No one had ever…
He looked away, blushing. Why was he thinking about this now?! About someone as obnoxious as Vallak? He ‘hmphed’ and realized he’d just be thinking more and more about the boy, trying to wrap his head around him, but he’d just fail in the end. He lifted the bucket and made his way to the sink and watched the dirty water coil down the drain. The drain made a satisfied gurgling noise and he washed his hands, grabbing his bluecoat and, scrambling out the door.
On his way home he decided to take a different route, and pass through the slums sector. He didn’t know why, maybe deep down where his pride could not reach there was a faint hope he might see Vallak slinking around. He passed through the women and children lingering in the streets for they had no where else to go-and saw their dirty bare feet, raw from abuse. He hated this. He hated seeing what his people had done to them…
And the look they gave him. All of them. They were blaming him, just like they blamed every light-skinned human for their hardships. It tore Grey up so much--maybe that was why he put up with Vallak’s behavior; to try to create a bridge of friendship over the rift. Or maybe it was because Vallak had bewitched him with gypsy magic.
He sighed heavily and turned the corner, walking into-“Speak of the devil!” He gasped softly, surprised, resting a hand on his chest-a trait he picked up from his mother.
“Am I that mischievous?” A grin crossed dark lips and a hand touched his shoulder familiarly. Grey jerked slightly at the touch and the hand retracted immediately. No one ever touched him or acted so overly friendly. “Vallak, wasn’t it?” Grey answered crisply.
“That’s right, I’m flattered, you remembered.” Time and time again, Grey was amazed by the darker one’s choice in words. He seemed very good with them, despite their language not being his native one. He shook his head and gave him a weak glare, “Well it’s just you have a strange name, how could I forget?!” He made an attempt at a retort and insult.
He chuckled softly, but the edges of the laugh were twinged with panting, and Grey could tell his chest was heaving a little more than usual. He noted he must have been running from the guards again. The taller one leaned in with a pleased smiled, making the blonde withdraw at his closeness. Vion, didn’t he understand the concept of personal space or did he enjoy seeing squirm? “But I remember your name, too. I thought I should return the favor.”
Grey blushed and back up, “O-oh really?” he said, lifting his nose to him haughtily. How could someone as busy with a life of mischief like Vallak remember a boring old name like his own?
“It’s Grey, isn’t it?”
The blonde’s eyes widened, looking up at the taller figure standing over him. “How did you re-“
“It was hard not forget.” Vallak mocked in a shrilly tone. His eyes narrowed cleverly, leaning down, tracing his long, dark fingers over Grey’s ginger-colored eyelashes. “I just remember the extraordinary color of those beautiful eyes of yours and suddenly your name comes to mind.” He smiled. But when Vallak thought about it, gray didn’t really cut it when explaining the color of his eyes. It was more like the color of a brewing storm in the heat of the summer, specked with gold from the autumn, and bits of silver, like ice from the winter-his eyes were the changing of seasons…the turn of years. “But I really think your name should have been something like GreyGoldSilverBlue.” He laughed at the expression on Grey’s face.
Grey lifted his hand angrily to strike at Vallak at being so close and saying such embarrassing things, but found himself captivated in the smile directed at him. Why did it…? “I..!”
“I think he’s over here!” Voices came from the far mouth of the alley they had backed into.
Vallak looked back and an annoyed look crossed his handsome features, eyebrows lifting in surprising authority. “Ergh.” He muttered something about vexing pests and flashed down the corner not before letting his worried gaze drop to Grey’s hand briefly.
Three men ran up to Grey who just stood there, staring. It never failed to amaze him how he could just disappear before one’s eyes like so. “Did you see a blackie run through here?!” one man panted.
Grey raised a patronizing eyebrow at him, “These are the slums, tell me where a blackie isn’t running around here.”
The men looked at him for a moment before nodding, “Sorry for troubling you then.” The other one grit through his teeth. They ran off in the opposite direction for some reason unknown, shouting.
“What is it that you’re waiting for?” Came Vallak’s voice by his side from the companionable silence they had enjoyed for a few minutes now, looking up at the starry night above them. It was surprisingly clear and cloudless tonight, and the winter chill had descended fast and mercilessly upon the city of Vianable.
“Huh?” Grey shifted onto his side to look over at the boy next to him.
“What is your desire in life?”
Grey’s first thought was money. Then fame, and then to become the best on violin. His eyes dropped to his hand on that thought but the more he mulled over it, the less of them seemed true. He leaned back on his elbows, like Vallak, and gave him a dull look. “Honestly?”
“Why not?” He laughed in response.
“Alright, alright,” the blonde slightly smiled. For some reason Vallak put him strangely at ease but at the same time not. “In all honesty, I don’t know. I suppose I just want to get out of this damnable coffin we call a city!” He unconsciously shrugged closer to the warmth of Vallak, pulling the burrowed burgundy wrap to himself. He then reconsidered, looking down. “But that probably will never happen.”
“Don’t say that.” Vallak answered softly, still looking up at the sky rather then at him. “You never know what tricks the gods are ready to play on us unsuspecting fools next.”
“Fine then Mr. Mysticism,” Grey huffed, tugging on a piece of black hair tickling his nose from where he lay, “Ow!” “What are you waiting for, then?”
The Bainir rubbed his scalp gingerly, and grinned. “I’m waiting for the desert eagle.”
“What?!”
Smiling at him, he pointed toward the sky. “The sign of freedom to my people. I’m going to leave this wretched city when I see that bird fly over my head.”
“That’s preposterous!” Grey cried, sitting up, “You can’t possibly be sane doing that, putting your future in the claws of a dumb bird!”
Vallak whipped around to him, gripping the blonde’s collar, “It’s not a stupid bird! It means something to us, so don’t you dare call it that!” Grey blinked, trying to shove Vallak off. He looked away. “Sorry…But you can’t expect a desert eagle to fly over this place, either. You’ll end up waiting here forever. How can you put faith into something so small?”
A smile. “We are very spiritual people, boy. If it comes, it comes. But I will never lose hope in it. One day, I’ll get out of this blasted city-and go back home!”
“You’ll be killed.” Grey whispered.
Vallak just simply grinned at him. “I rather be killed than live my life in a cage.”
Gray eyes widened at the darker one’s determined, strong gaze. The simple words had struck so strongly. Was that how they really felt about this place? About Vianable? He frowned, he knew Vallak wasn’t exaggerating, he probably would rather die. He tried to find words to insult him. Maybe call him crazy or something-suicidal even; but couldn’t find them. Sure Vianable was boring, and nothing really happened. Sure it was a plain existence, but could life here really be like being damned to Limbo? He opened his mouth for a moment and grasped the only thought in mind that he could strangely put into words. “You’d leave everything here?”
Vallak answered without thinking, “Of course!’
Grey’s eyes stung at the comment, along with his heart at some strange emotion. Why should he care whether the blackie left or not? Good for him, it was one less hooligan on the streets!
…But it gave him this constricted feeling in his throat-and he could feel this cold, numb feeling in his heart, he felt a little like crying. Stupid really, that he couldn’t really part with the only real excitement in his life. Shutting his eyes tightly, he sort of rolled away from the warmth of Vallak, hoping he couldn’t see his weird behavior. Why did his words sting so much?!
They were silent the rest of the time.
It had finally made it to the weekend, though it seemed like the week would never end, it did, and so the winter break began for school children came about. All over, snow started to lightly powder the streets and autumn leaves were blown away and forgotten. The Hunter’s Moon festival came and went, and soon coming up was Hodisman, the winter holiday of family and a great time to give and receive presents.
…In Grey’s religion, the tale was that Vion sent down one helper from the heavens to bring happiness to people during the winter famines, so the helper got an idea and asked Vion to create a child capable of only giving. Vion, wary but agreed and create a childlike being and sent it down to the people. The being, named Hodis, came down to the people and bared gifts to all, making them happy and joyful enough to continue on until spring. Ever since, the holiday has been held in his honor with all kinds of traditions that have changed over the years.
Grey hated Hodisman. It had always been a dreaded holiday for him dating back to even when he was little. It was because when the holiday cheer was meant for love and family get-togethers, there was never any.
Families with small children ran through the streets in joy, pointing to shop windows to their smiling parents what they wanted and they would laugh and have a gay old time. Grey would pass these sort of families on the streets and his heart would tug painfully. His parents had never been warm or kind like that when he was small. He just got presents in front of his door with a note on top saying how they were out to a party.
He would spend year after year unbearably alone in his big, empty house that would echo back mockingly at him. Grey scowled and looked away from the cheerful family and continued down the street. He pulled the fur collar of his frock closer to him against the nip of the cold breeze howling down the street. Tiny snowflakes danced on the twirling wind and caught on his ginger eyelashes, and then their brief lives would end as they melted on them, forming beads of crystalline water that crowned his eyes. His eyes, cheeks, nose and ears stung from the cold as he had been walking aimlessly around the city for the past hour.
He’d managed to escape from violin lessons and his mother decorating around the house blithely to wander around. He huffed into his frozen fingers and muttered something about it being too bloody cold when he took a step right into a patch of slippery ice.
He yelped and pitched backwards, arms flailing. “Uwah!”
A strong hand grasped his upper arm and righted him from behind. “Oh! Goodness thank-Oh it’s you…”
Black hair fell more messily than usual around his brown cheeks, twinged slightly with blue from the cold. He laughed and shifted the piece of hot crossed bun sticking out of his mouth. “There you go with you manners again. Really though, you should pay attention where you’re walking.”
“Hmph.” Was the only indignant answer he got. Pieces of blonde hair fell into his eye irritatingly as he moved them out of the way, flustered. “What are you doing out?”
“I should ask you the same question.” Green eyes scanned his searchingly.
“That’s none of your business!”
“Alright…”
Grey started back down the street, with Vallak at his side merrily but a tad bit confused. “So what’s with this holiday thing, hmm? I’ve only been around here for a couple of years, so no one’s really explained how it works to me.” He looked up as if considering the words for a second and then shook his head, smiling slightly, “Well…they have, I just wasn’t listening.”
Grey came out laughing despite himself, smiling. “Yes, that sounds like you. Should I explain it to you?” He added, “Only if you listen, though.”
Vallak grinned wide, showing off his slightly yellowed teeth; gah, how unhygienic. “So you can joke! Gods! And here I thought you were a stick in the mud!” He teased, patting Grey on the back good-naturedly.
The blonde gave him a frown before letting a little girl and her brother pass between them giggling and continued with his cold hands in his pockets, “It’s a holiday for being together with the people you love to give them presents and receive presents, basically.” He tried to keep the snipping bitterness from his voice.
He looked up for a moment contemplating this but he was really looking at Grey from the corner of his eye with hidden interest. It seemed the boy didn’t enjoy the holiday like all the other white-skins did. And exactly why is that…? He thought to himself, curiously.
Grey watched the ground pass under them, noting all the other footsteps left by the previous passer-bys. He didn’t want to look up into the all-seeing jade gaze right now.
“Oh! I see!” Vallak interrupted the silence that grew between them, he leaned close to Grey, smiling mischievously, “Can I get a present from you then?”
Grey’s head shot up, cheeks puffing and growing red, “No! Who said I love you?!” He said shoving Vallak away from him with pitiable strength. Vallak danced away from him, in uproarious laughter, “Ah! So cruel, Grey!” The boy looked back to the laughing one, surprised he had used his name. He’d almost forgotten they’d exchanged them. It was…strange hearing it come out of Vallak’s mouth. He shook it off, waving a dismissive gloved hand at him, noting that Vallak’s fingers were turning blue and didn’t have gloves on them.
Grey felt guilty for some reason. He looked down and discreetly slid them off while Vallak prattled off the list of things he wanted on Hodisman. He shoved the velvet and leather gloves into Vallak’s chest and that shut him up in surprise.
Wide green eyes stared down at him, meeting Grey’s weak glare. “Wha-“
“Just take them! Your fingers are all blue, how unrefined. Besides, I’m paying you back for lending me your wrap!” He turned his head away and stuck his nose out to hide how embarrassed he was. Vallak just smiled softly and shook his head, looking down at the gloves. He got an idea. He tugged on one of the gloves; which were actually quite tight due to his hands being bigger and then, handed the other to Grey.
“Why?” Grey blinked up at him.
“One for you, one for me. Let’s be fair.” Vallak laughed.
Grey took one grudgingly and put it one, as Vallak surprised him greatly by taking his ungloved hand in his. “Let’s go.” He smiled.
Grey blushed heatedly and looked away quickly, “Peh.”
They continued down the street in companionable silence the rest of the way; Vallak cheery and Grey bright red.
“Hey-Grey! Let’s celebrate Hodisman together!”
Grey could be heard groaning.
End Chapter 5.
Okay, so tell me what you think. I'm REALLY sorry for all the typos...I really need a BETA reader. *cries more*