Jonah Wizard, three time winner of the Kids' Choice Awards, world renowned rapper, singer and dancer, and a high profile Janus was squatting in the men's bathroom, with his head buried between his knees, his hands trying to brush away the tears that kept on coming. They fell in a damp puddle between his legs, until he finally gave up and sobbed into his designer jeans.
Phoenix was gone, lost in sea of Japanese fans, under his watch. He was gone, missing, as if he'd said sayonara and decided to ditch town. And Jonah, being in his own little world full of rap and bad dancing, didn't see the struggle, didn't see the younger boy's eyes widen as he tried to escape from his assailant. Jonah knew that it was his fault, no doubts about it. Despite everyone else's assurances, he knew that had he been a better cousin, Phoenix would not be missing- he would be safe at home, chatting with his friends on Facebook and playing basketball with his favourite cousin Jonah. Although, Jonah mused, he hadn't left the poor boy with many reasons to love him anymore.
After hearing about his cousin's disappearance, he'd felt a pang against his heart, because somehow, he knew something was wrong. Somewhere, in between nearly dying in the Gauntlet and being disowned and moving away from the mother he'd always thought loved him, Jonah Wizard had grown up. He no longer thought only of himself. And when he'd found out, he'd rushed all over, trying to get clues about where the boy might have gone. Outside, in public, he'd put on a brave face and took control of the situation. But inside, he was devastated.
He tried to keep it all in, but then…
Then he couldn't.
"Jonah?" The voice was hoarse, as if he'd been crying too, no doubt over the same reason that Jonah was crying- probably for a different person, but nevertheless…
"It wasn't your fault." Somewhere, deep inside him, Jonah knew who it was, but he told himself that the hoarseness of the stranger's voice prevented him from knowing otherwise. And somewhere, deep inside himself, Jonah told himself to ignore the stranger's comforting words.
Then a shadow loomed over him, and if Jonah had given any thought, he would have known who it was, but he was so caught up in his misery that he didn't spare a second glance. His mind screamed get out of here. Then, strong, firm, callused fingers found their way underneath his chin, forcing it up, and after finally looking at him, Jonah saw who it was. Why, he thought. Because you need it, the person's blue eyes boring into his. Somewhere, vaguely in the back of his mind, Jonah could hear a pin drop, and he thought about telling him off, but then-
Then Hamilton Holt kissed him.
It'll be alright, darling.