A few months later…
It started off a normal day. Aster, went to school, talked to his friends, aced a test, and went to work at a children's art shop.
Aster didn't know why, but there was just something about the baby he didn't feel… comfortable around. Sure he was very fond of Jack, but there was just this nervous feeling he got whenever he was around the kid. He didn't know when. He assumed it was when he realized he had absolutely no idea how to act or behave. Maybe it was when he realized he had no older sibling instincts. Maybe it was when he realized, he wasn't ready to be called a "big brother." Either way, he decided to leave most of the caretaking to Lily and John.
When he got home, Lily and John were preparing for their night out. It was their anniversary and they were planning on catching a movie.
A few minutes before they left, their close friend Amy showed up to babysit them. Amy was a petite young woman with blonde hair, blue eyes, and super friendly attitude. Aster rather liked Amy.
After a hug and kiss from Lily, she and John walked out the house ready for their date.
That was the hour things would change for both Aster, and Jack.
Only a few minutes after Lily and John left, Amy got a phone call. Her face turned from cheery to confused to concerned to horrified.
It turned out an out of control car hit the front Lily and Johns car, killing them both on impact.
That's how Aster was now in the Hospital, completely and totally in denial on what happened. Amy was sitting in the corner quietly sobbing. Aster wanted to help her but didn't know how. Heck, he didn't know how to comfort himself.
So, he just sat there. Numb. His face expressionless, tears not falling from his eyes, his face pale. Somehow, North, Tooth, and Sandy found out what had happened and were in the hospital with him. Sandy was holding Jack (who had no idea his adopted parents were gone and was sleeping soundly) a few chairs away from Aster and Amy so he wouldn't hear the crying. Tooth sat next to Amy muttering soothing words and rubbing the older lady's shoulder in a comforting way. North sat next to Aster with his hand placed on his friends back, trying to provide as much comfort as he could.
But even that couldn't comfort Aster. Aster was still in shock and denial.
He had lost his birth parents at 9 years old. When his mom and dad died, he felt as if someone put a hundred-pound rock on his heart, nearly crushing it. Now that his new family was dead, he couldn't feel as if that whole nightmare was happening all over again.
"It will be alright Aster" he heard North say.
He didn't respond
"Aster?" he heard North say.
He did not respond.
"Aster" North said again.
Even though it didn't show on his face, Aster felt himself get frustrated. Why couldn't North just leave him alone?
"Aster" North said for the third time, a little stronger.
"WHAT?!" Aster snapped standing up, waking Jack. The crying of his brother allowed a little bit of guilt to settle in Asters chest, but not enough to sooth his frustration.
"Aster." Aster looked up to see Amy walking towards him, tear tracks evident on her face but her face was stern, a look she rarely wore. "Don't talk to your friend like that. North was just trying to help."
Aster looked down to the floor, guilty but still upset.
"I'm sorry mate, it's just…"
North nodded, "eet't alright my friend. I know."
"I'll miss em."Aster said quietly, his eyes not leaving the ground.
"Aster." This time it was Amy's voice.
Not wanting to get her upset, Aster looked up. Amy's face was still a little stern.
"I know you'll miss them I will too. But.. just remember that they would want us to carry remember how proud they were when you said you were studying to be a doctor?"
Aster slowly nodded his head. It was true, when he told them, Lily had squealed and gave him a big hug. She and John even took him to get ice cream so it could "help his mind"
"They wouldn't want you to be bitter missing them." Amy continued "They would want you to carry on and be the best you can do. And… they'd want you to take care of Jack for them. I know you feel as if you're not ready, but you are. They knew that when they adopted him. They knew you would do the best you could to make Jacks life happy. Do you understand?"
Watery eyed, Aster nodded. Amy's stern face faded and turned to a kind smile. She gently pulled Aster into a comforting hug, which Aster slowly returned.
Aster took several deep breaths to try to calm his nerves and to prevent himself from crying.
"C-can I see Jack?" Aster asked when they pulled away.
Amy turned to Sandy, who was still trying to calm down the crying baby. He nodded and walked over to Aster before gently passing Jack to him.
Aster bounced the kid in his arms but Jack
Amy stood up. "We'll be in the cafeteria. Come on kids, let's give them some space."
A little hesitantly, North, Tooth, and Sandy left the room with Amy.
As they left, Aster was tempted to call them back. He didn't want to be alone, not now. But the next sobs from Jack turned Asters full attention to his little brother.
"Hey, hey." he cooed gently, bouncing Jack in his arms. As gentle as he was, it still didn't soothe Jack into falling back asleep.
Why did Tooth and Sandy have to go? Affection and gentleness was their thing, not his. He was a rough player. Affection and love were not things he was strong at.
Jack continued to bawl.
Aster knew what this meant. He wanted Lily. It's been happening almost ever since Jack arrived. If Jack was completely fine but still cried, only Lily could calm him down.
Well… sometimes he or John could get Jack to settle down but most of the time Jack would want Lily.
But Lily was gone now.
"I know" Aster said quietly, "I know, ya want yer mum."
Silent for a moment.
"I do too."
Silent again.
Aster moved the small bit of hair in Jacks face, a habit that was quickly growing on him "Which is why we need to stick together yeah? After all, Lily and John are gone now. Not going to see them anytime soon… or ever again."
Bitterness and grief crept in Aster's voice and it scared Jack. He started crying harder.
Aster quickly noticed what had happened and regret instantly filled him. Why was he telling a baby that he would never see his parents again? What was wrong with him?
"I'm sorry, I'm sorry." Aster said quickly but his voice was weak and soft… as if he was on the verge of crying.
His tone seemed to calm down the little once as he looked up at Aster with big, watery eyes.
Aster hoisted Jack up so the kid was now on his eye level.
"What am I gonna do ya little anklebiter? I can't even make a good brother for ya."
Jack had now completely stopped crying and was looking up at Aster. Big brown eyes meeting shiny emerald ones.
Then without a warning, Jack put his hand on Asters cheek, and gave a small laugh.
For some reason, Aster couldn't find it to be upset and let out a chuckle. Maybe Jack did believe in him, even if he was a baby.
Feeling the sudden urge to hug Jack, Aster complied.
He brought the baby close to his chest and wrapped his arms around him, bringing Jack into a gentle embrace.
Not too long after, Jack had fallen asleep, but Aster couldn't find it in him to let Jack go. He gently brought his hand up to Jacks head and started very gently stroking his brothers hair.
He didn't know if it was just him, but Jack had seemed to snuggle deeper in his embrace.
And it was that moment, when Aster promised he wouldn't let anything happen to his brother. Jack would live a long, happy life. He would thrive and be loved. Aster would look after him, and love him…
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Like and older brother should.
Yes, I did change the summary. Please tell me which one you liked better.I know this took forever for something so short. I meant to finish a few weeks ago, but procrastination got to me and then I went on a Angst and Jackrabbit marathon. I think that ship has finally got to me. I still don't like anything further then a light kiss. Finally, life has been very busy on my lately. I will try to update more when I can. But hey, you gotta admit this is cute. Until next time flowers!
Also I'm around little kids a lot so I know what I'm writing. And NO Aster does NOT have a crush on Amy, he's just known her since he was adopted. I honestly feel kinda sad about killing John and Lily so , heads up, the next 2-3 chapters will just be fluffy but futurely important scenes before we go to the main plot.
Reviews for Reviews
sparklehannah: Thanks! I love how you like it :D
PeterPanfan13: Here it is. I hope you liked this one as well :)
