Bring Me Home--Interlude

by tir-synni

 

This has been bugging me for a while.  When I have some more time, I might make another story loosely based on this idea...If I can ever finish "Home."  Tell me what you think.  :) 

I use the words "niisan" and "ototo," but in "Home" they have a more sexual relationship.  As said before, they're not actually brothers, but I think when they're at this age, they would be more inclined to treat each other as such, don't you think?

 

Never Forget

Bring Me Home Interlude

 

 

      The cold rain pelted down the streets of Lindblum.  Figures ran for cover, darting into the warmth of their homes.  Lightning flashed, and one child screamed before her mother yanked her through the door.  Lindblum had not seen a storm this fierce for years...yet, unbeknownst to them, a far worse one had taken place miles to the north.

      Only two people had witnessed this storm, and that was why they traveled in the icy rain.

      "Niisan...." a young voice whispered.  "Where are we?"

      "Shhhh," an older voice whispered back.  "I'm taking you someplace safe, ototo.  Don't worry."

      "I'm not worried!"

      "Heh heh.  Of course not."

      Lightning blazed above, shining off the young man's soaked cloak.  The dark material covered him completely, protecting him and his precious charge from the rain, as well as keeping them shielded from any prying eyes.  The youth held the younger boy tightly in his arms as he darted a quick look around.  In the blinding rain, it was hard to find anything, nonetheless the place he was looking for, but a sudden movement caught his eye.  Clutching the shivering child closer, he watched as a boy a little older than his ototo darted into an open door.  A large man held the door open just long enough for the redhead to enter before he slammed it shut again.  The young man allowed himself a smile.  He had known he would be able to find it again, storm or no.

      He took a step forward, but the bundle in his arms suddenly grabbed his shoulders tightly.  Startled, he stopped and looked at the figure hidden in his cloak.

      "Niisan," the boy whispered.  "Where are we going?"

      The older boy swallowed, glancing up at the doorway.  "Somewhere where you'll be safe, ototo.  They'll protect you."

      "I can protect myself!  I can stay with you...."

      A slight shake of his head, even as a sad smile danced on his lips.  "No, you can't.  You're young yet.  You'll be fine.  You'll forget about me soon."

      The boy violently shook his head, his loose hair smacking against the older child's chest.  "No, no I won't!  I promise!"

      The older boy gently kissed him on the forehead.  Cold rain slipped through the shifting cloak, but neither cared.  "Shush now.  Get some sleep.  When you awaken, you'll have a new home...and a new life."

      "But niisan!--"

      "Shhhh."  Another tender kiss on the boy's forehead.  This time, however, the older boy tightened his grip on his charge and whispered words against the child's forehead.  With a sigh, the child went limp in his arms.

      The young man smiled sadly as he straightened.  Holding his ototo close, he strode through the rain to the door the redheaded boy had vanished into.  Tucking his cloak more firmly about his head, the young man knocked loudly on the door.

      The door creaked open, the large man from before staring suspiciously at the stranger.  "Who are you?" he snarled, one hand resting dangerously on his hip.  It was clear what was in his pocket.  The young man forced a charming smile.

      "No one," he replied softly.  "My name is unimportant.  I will not be here long enough for you to have cause to remember it."

      The large man scowled darkly.  "Then what d'ya want?"

      The young man shifted the bundle in his arms.  "I have a favor to ask of you.  I heard you take in many children from the street and give them a home."

      The glower faded somewhat, but the suspicious light grew.  "So you have a kid and you don't want to take care of him.  Is that it?"

      The young man shook his head urgently.  "No, I cannot take care of him.  He will be in great danger if he stays with me.  I heard you would be able to provide him with a good home."

      The big man paused, thinking.  Then he nodded.  "The local orphanage is a joke.  You were smart bringing him to me.  Let me see the tyke."

      The young man swallowed thickly before pushing back his cloak.  A damp blond head was revealed, along with smooth, pale skin.  Small, pink lips parted with an exhale.

      "His name is Zidane," the slender figure said softly.  "Please, take good care of him."

      The gruff figure nodded and held out his arms.  With obvious reluctance, the young man settled the sleeping youth into his grasp.  Before he turned to go, he kissed the boy's forehead.  "Bye, Ototo," he whispered tenderly.

      The small figure mewled, and the older boy closed his eyes.  With a deep breath, he opened them again.  "Take care of him," he commanded.  Without waiting for a reply, the youth whirled around and vanished into the night.

      The large man did not watch him leave.  Holding the child securely in his arms, he carried him inside.

~~~~

      "Zidane!" Blank exploded, yanking the battered boy into the bedroom.  In his other hand, he clearly held medical supplies.  "What was you thinking?  Why did you run off like that?  We were worried!"

      Zidane grinned weakly at him, a bittersweet light in his eyes.  "I was looking for the blue light."

      Blank sighed.  He pulled him close for a one-armed hug.  "We're your home now, Zi.  Don't worry anymore about it."

      The younger boy nodded.  "Yeah.  I know that now."

      "So are you going to stop looking for the blue light?"

      Zidane tossed him a saucy grin.  "It doesn't matter.  I'll find it again someday."