TF FanFiction 1.2A
Prologue: Hansel and Gretel

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The Megane was bored, and had decided to sneak out of their home and transverse the mystery of the enchanted forest. Though he was accustomed to the prim and proper and strictly traditional ambiance of his affluent abode, a child of mere seven years also needed time for some leisure and adventure. Yes, it was unlike him to disregard his parents' rules, but being the nature-lover that he was, he simply couldn't help but be entranced by Gaia's beauty...

No, it wasn't just that... He embarrassedly admitted to himself that he could no longer resist the mysterious temptation! Especially not, when he could see a beautiful smiling brunette constantly venturing into the woods... Captivating, just like a fairy or a nymph... Since the first time he laid eyes on the child, he had been smitten, that he would often wait by the window just to catch a glimpse of the beauty...

Oh, if only the angel would open those eyes, and let his heart drown into them, he would be the happiest child alive. His wish has yet to fulfilled, but his determination neither waned nor diminished. So without further delay, without any hesitation, he thread through the mystic woods in search for the intriguingly ethereal child.

And that is how he had come to be at his current state. He was now standing before a house made of sweets, in the middle of a maze of exquisite floras and faunas.

It was an ideal day, and the scenery was breath-takingly divine, but he was nowhere near fulfilling his agenda for this unauthorized journey. Furthermore, though embarrassing to admit, he was beginning to feel hungry and had wanted to pluck what seemed to be a Green Tea flavored muffin, ornamenting the gates of the residential house built from various sweet - caramel, chocolate, strawberry, vanilla, name it, the dwelling had it all. He wasn't a fan of sweets, but at least he could eat that muffin without upsetting his stomach. Maybe if he asked the owner of the house nicely, the owner could give him some of it...

He was dwelling on the thought, when his sharp senses alerted him of another's presence, and reflexively turned his attention to where the footsteps were coming from. His guard was up, not that he had ever let it waver, but the intensity in his eyes glowed in ember haze...

That was until the other's presence came clearly into his view...

It was the child he always sees from his window! The soft chin-length honey-brown locks, the closed lids filled with mystery, the ever-present disarming smile, the effeminately lithe frame that seemed, oh, so care-free... He is certain this was his muse, though he admitted the child looked even more beautiful up close and personal!

The child released a soft chuckle, making the serious-looking boy realize that he had been staring far too long than proper, and had unconsciously glared as reply. The gesture would have everyone cower away, but, unexpectedly, this just made the effeminate boy smile wider, expressing his amusement to the former's discomfort.

"Ne, stop glaring like that," the beauty said, gracefully phasing towards the Megane, then poked playfully between the latter's well-defined brows. "It makes you look a lot older, you know?"

"A-ah." the Megane could only utter, surprise by the sudden warm contact. Though his face remained deprived of any expression, his body language - a faint shudder - showed much more than intended.

The smiling brunette once again chuckled, a delighting melody into the Megane's ears, that he could swear feeling the heat of blush came over his face. He wasn't one to be shy, but he couldn't help but turn his gaze away from his companion - bashfully.

The smaller brunette noticed his adorably cute reaction, but decided to forego his sadistic tendencies just this once, and changed the topic for the tousled- haired youth. "Ano... If you don't mind me asking..." he started, earning his companion to look back at him once more. "What are you doing here?"

The taller of the two pondered on how he should answer the query. Though it's true that he intentionally ventured into this particular wood to meet this particular smiling child, he knew he couldn't say it aloud - that would simply be too weird! And so he settled with the safest made-up story he could come up with. "I was traveling with my family towards the next village, but I due to some unforeseen events... I-," he was lieing, and it was definitely making him feel bad that he was, but he thought the truth is much more humiliating. "I got separated from them... And I am currently lost..." the Megane finished, hoping the beauty wouldn't pry any deeper.

His companion's smile decreased an iota, a detail the Megane's sharp senses picked-up, clearly indicating that the former knew of his fib. Nevertheless, the child nodded understandingly, and offered to lead him out of the enchanted forest, after he had completed his purpose.

The tousled-haired youth nodded his assent, when, out of all the most awkward moments in his life, his tummy rumbled in complaining hunger. And, once again, he found himself blushing and averting his gaze back to the muffin ornament by the gate.

The lithe figure was trying hard to stifle his laughter, but still managed to warn the Megane. "Saa... Seems like you're really hungry. I haven't eaten myself, but I wouldn't really suggest eating any part of this residence, especially when one has a low tolerance for... Uhm... 'special' pastries."

His mind rolled on what his companion meant when he said 'special,' and raise a brow in askance.

"You see, the owner of that house has a very..." the honey-brown brunette paused momentarily, contemplating on how he should go about the details, "... A very interesting hobby. And I believe it is only fair that I give you a warning. Now, wasn't that really nice of me, ne?" He prodded for a reply, a playfully teasing smile etched on his angelic face.

The megane inwardly sighed at how care-freely enticing the child before him was. And somehow he wished that he could be as relaxed as his muse. But then, as if a jolt of realization ran frantically inside him, he pushed aside the thought, and refocused on what the close-eyed angel stated earlier. "Is the owner of this cottage the rumored witch, who feeds on lost children?"

"Children-eating witch?" the smaller brunette's smile grew wider, but forced down the bubbling laughter. If the Megane hadn't had that stoic mask on, he could have taken it that former was telling a joke. But that doesn't seem to be the case, and so the smiling youth decided to enlighten his companion about those erroneous rumors. "You must be referring to the Riyuzaki Sumire obaa-chan, who's residing in the rainforest next town. But I must defend her against those unjust rumors. Though it is a given fact that obaa-chan had a very explosive temper, she doesn't literally eat the intruders - neither adults nor children - but she does make them run in incoherent circles so much until they collapse, regretfully exhausted and extremely terrified of her." Then, he chuckled endearingly, as he reminisced his previous encounter with her. "I had the privilege to meet her just last week, when I accompanied her red-hooded granddaughter, Sakuno-chan, on her monthly visit. Oh, you should have seen it! It was quite the scene, really! You should have seen how Riyuzaki obaa-chan tackled and wrestled the big bad wolf, much her poor granddaughter's horror..." And continued relating how the poor beast whimperingly escaped the vicinity, with his tail tucked between his legs in defeated humiliation... Somewhere along his narration, he handed the Megane a Fuji apple from his stash bag.

"Ah." noted the Megane every now and then to show that he was listening, as he offered his gratitude and ate the proffered food.

After the effeminate brunette finished telling his story, he cocked his head and waited for the rich-golden-haired youth to comment. None came, but another grunt of 'Hn.' He sighed softly, before reiterating the obvious. "Ne, you really aren't much of a talker, are you?"

The Megane just stared back at the child, wondering why the latter seem unaffected of his stern demeanor, if anything; he seemed to be enjoying his company.

The smiling child shrugged the other's mental wondering, straightened himself, and took a few steps closer to the cottage of sweets. "Anyways, the sorcerer - more of an alchemist, I suppose - also doesn't eat children, but his eccentric hobby does 'temporarily' turn naive victims into zombies of some sort." He looked and gauged his companion's reaction, and smiled wider when he caught the latter's eyes widened a wee bit behind his frameless glasses. "But don't let those rumors bother you. Personally, I liked those energizing vegetable beverages he often concocts. He is quite the health expert in this town, you know? Thus, dubbed as the 'Doctor.'"

This peaked the Megane's interest, and thought of what type of beverages the resident doctor mixes... But soon enough diverted his line of thoughts more on what ambrosial taste pleases the angelic youth.

Just then, a spiky haired guy with opaque rectangular glasses, came out of cottage and spottedly approached the two children. Greeted them in proper formality, then conversed with the smaller brunette with common familiarity. "Ah, you're here early as usual. Please thank your sister for her-," he paused, taking notice that the taller of the two youth had been eyeing him rather warily, "for her 'service.'"

"I will surely get your message across to her, Inui-san. Thank you for your continuous patronage," he bowed respectfully. "But I would be expecting a token for delivering your message."

"Of course, my data showed as much," the alchemist responded, accustomed to how things usually went between them. "So, without further ado," he suspended a glass up before the close-eyed child, "I present you my latest mix, Inui's Improved Special Super Deluxe Juice Neo version 8.4-Gold."

The Megane inwardly cringed at the horrible monstrosity in Inui's hand. The juice, if one was sane enough to consider it as such, was dark-colored, frizzy, bubbly, and seemed to be pulpous and semi-liquid in form. It was an abominable concoction, which anyone wouldn't have second-thoughts that the drink is not edible, not even in the least. He drilled the thought with conviction. That is, until he turned to the child beside him...

The smiling brunette's luscious lips twitched wider, and his long-lashed eyelids had finally lifted the curtains, unveiling a glimpse of heaven. And unconsciously the tousled-haired brunette held in his breath at the privilege of witnessing his muse's cerulean gems - so vividly clear yet so enticingly fierce at the same time -, sending a chill of excitement and interest in the Megane's usual inner calmness. His muse's expression and body language expressed that he had no intention of backing down; rather he looked really interested and has started to reach for the glass. 'He looked so cool,' was all the darker-haired brunette's mind could process at that picture-perfect moment.

When his hand was almost a breathe apart from the glass, the lithe-framed child stopped his motion. "You didn't add Aozu or Akazu in it, did you?" he asked venomously sweetly, eyeing the alchemist warningly, effectively awakening the other child from his entranced reverie.

"Of course not," the alchemist answered with a small resigning smile and a definite tone, as he pushed up his glasses up his nose-bridge, causing them to glint. "There's a 98.24% chance that doing so would result to the discontinuation of my existence. Besides, professor Renji would have my head should something happen to his protégé."

The megane blinked, thinking if he had misheard the name. No, that wasn't possible. With his sharply honed senses, integral information like that couldn't possibly escape him. If this child is also a student of Professor Yanagi Renji, then, he must be really bright... And to be recognized as the esteemed professor's protégé, could only mean that he must be a genius! Good grace, Athena and Aphrodite, his Tenshi is a Tensai, as well! And, somehow, this realization made him feel proud, and he couldn't help but allow a smile to grace his handsome face.

"Good that we understand each other, ne?" the honey-brown brunette remarked, as his eyes closed once again, and happily took the offered glass. "Well, cheers to me!"

The Megane watch in horror, though his face show no trace if his discomfort but an invisible twitch in his eyes, how the Tensai drank the entire content of the cup in one-go! Wondered how he could even manage to drink the dreadful concoction, and smile satisfactorily afterwards. It was nerve-stopping to watch, but he must admit the Tensai was no one he had ever met before... No, he was extraordinarily different than all those idiotic fools, who kept sucking up to get on his good grace. The ethereal brunette somehow marveled and interested him greatly, and far more than he ever expected to be when he finally got to know him better.

"That was by far the best-tasting juice you've made so far, Inui-san," the Tensai reviewed of the juice, earning an "Ii data" from the alchemist, who he scribbled reservedly inside his green notebook. "But I would strongly suggest, you reserve them solely for me, lest you want more of those zombies after you!"

After the commentary, the smiling brunette quickly took hold of the Megane's hand with his own, and pulled him along in sprinting speed. It was a good thing that the tousled-haired youth had quick reflexes and remarkable agility; otherwise it would have been a hilarious sight to behold.

"Zombies?" the alchemist could only mutter, his eyeglasses painting in apricot white, as a large sweatdrop suddenly appeared on his head. But before he could even try to escape, he was glomped and towed away by a hoard of living undeads...

As the two sprinted off, the Megane tried to decipher the Tensai's cryptic message but to no avail, since, even with his brilliant eyesight, he could barely see the haunting event that followed their flight. But either way, he was relieved to be away from the prior surreality... But more importantly, he was actually enjoying the unpredictable events, his budding friendship with his smiling angel, and... and the warmth shared through their enclosed hands. He thanked Kami-sama that the Tensai was running a step before him, so he couldn't see the chiffons blooming in his cheeks.

The two youths kept running, sprinting swiftly at a increasing phase, until they were completely out of the enchanted forest. Tired from the exercise and panting from adrenaline rush, both of them soon had their backs resting on a cool thick green field by a clear serene river (from where they had rejuvenated their physical energy and quenched their thirst moment earlier). And they just laid there, side by side, in comfortable silence... Tranquil and comforting... Like there was nothing else but the two of them on the world...

It was so, until he felt smiling brunette sat upright and leaned inquiringly towards him. "Saa... This is a bit late, but may I know your name?"

The Megane immediately sat up, and thought over whether or not to give his name. "I'm... Uh... I'm..."

The Tensai saw through his hesitation and chuckled, "you don't have to tell me if you don't want to, you know? I'll just call you Hansel, would that be fine with you?"

"A... Aa, thank you." the Megane answered, grateful for the suggestion. It was a nice name... He wasn't exactly fond of nicknames - such as when he was labeled as the ice prince - , but the epithet had gotten him curious as to why it was this particular name his muse had chosen. "But... uhm... why Hansel?" he shyly asked, trying to steady his focus on his companion's beauty.

"Hmm... I wonder..." the Tensai considered playfully, now facing into the grand distance before them. "I guess it's because of your confident hazel orbs, exuding determination and honesty. They were so breath-takingly warm, like the eternal flame that binds people closer to each other. It's because of them that I believe I can trust you, and it's also because of them that I had taken a liking onto you," he expressed his thoughts, before facing his companion once more. "Let's be friends, ne, Hansel?"

"Hn. I understand," albeit shyly, Hansel smiled, satisfied with the given explanation. But as to the 'liking' part, he wasn't quite sure if it held the same meaning as his own, thus decided to proceed with caution. "It's a pleasure to be your... friend... uhm..." he took another pause, remembering that he didn't know his muse's name yet.

"Ah! Gomen, ne," the Tensai responded, realizing his lack of proper etiquette. He mentally reprimanded himself of rudely asking for his companion's name, when he hadn't even introduced himself yet. "Ano... Boku wa..." he started, when he was suddenly cut short.

"A boy?" the Hansel voiced his realization louder than he had intended, mentally face-palming himself for the uncalled remark. His face took an even darker shade, as he curted a nod of apology, and managed to whispered a barely audible embarrassed apology.

The smaller boy chuckled softly, patted Hansel's shoulder to ease, and smiled encouragingly when the latter faced him once more. "Don't mind it, Hansel, a lot of people confuses me with the opposite gender. Though I did wish that you would at least have gotten it right," he finished, stating the last part with teasing intention.

"Ah. Gomenasai," the Megane managed to apologized properly and keep his gaze focused on the smiling boy, though the heat on his face remained in constant bloom.

"Besides, my biological sex and gender orientation doesn't change the fact that I like you, does it?" the Tensai explained further, as his shoulder nudged and bumped soothingly against Hansel's own.

Hansel's cheeks painted a blush of baby pink, as his lips twitch an iota - too small to be notice by the naked eye - of a smile. "I... I like... I like you, too, Gretel."

"Hmm?" The Tensai picked up the unfamiliar name, and cocked his head in askance. "Did you just call me Gretel?"

"Ah." Hansel confirm with a hesitant smile gracing his regal visage. "I believe it is only proper that I give you a pseudonym as well, since you gave me one..."

"So de sune..." the Tensai accepted the logic of the providing him nickname, though his curiosity peaked as to the reason behind the name. "Ne, Hansel, I assume you're familiar with Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet?"

"Ah," Hansel replied curtly, wondering why his smiling Tenshi suddenly decided to change the topic.

"So then, with Juliet's immortal lines, I'll ask thee," the Tensai played the question melodiously. "What's in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet."

It was the same question the Megane had asked earlier, but, somehow, the way his smiling angel inquired filled him with awe. They were but two lines, but Hansel clearly felt his heart thumped from within his chest, just as Romeo's madly in-love heart would have. Within the short span they were together, the beauty never ceased to amaze and surprise him - intellects, wits, vigor, passion, and in every other aspect - time and time again. And he knew that there was no way he could stop himself from falling for Gretel more and more, yet he wouldn't opt for it to be any other way.

"Gretel, seems fitting enough," Hansel started his explanation, "for I am genuinely grateful to you. Grateful that you've found me, when I was lost. Grateful that you shared your food, when there was but a scarce left. Grateful that you saved me from the 'zombies' earlier. Grateful that I got the opportunity to share this moment with you. But most of all, I'm grateful that you came into my life, and showed me how to be alive than just living. For everything, thank you, Gretel."

"I'm glad... Thank you, Hansel," Gretel's smile lit in ethereal glow, as his cerulean gems gazed at ember ones with genuine happiness.

The Megane was stunned - mesmerized - by the child's appreciative gesture, and had unconsciously lowered his head towards the Tensai, capturing those supple pink lips. Needless to say, Gretel was a little surprised, but had soon been responding to those sexy hot lips, parting his own that their tongues could dance with their first euphoric ecstasy.

When they had finally parted, both heatedly flushed but contented with mutual understanding. Their gaze lingered into the other's eyes, smiling, and stayed that way for a few moments longer, before Gretel slowly stood, his back facing Hansel. "Well, I- I need to get home now before okaasan begins to worry," he made an excuse, his face still hinted with carnations, as his hand caressed his plump lips. He just had to put a limit - though Tensai already missed those captivating lips and those long slender arms and fingers that wrapped his body warmly as they confess their attraction to each other - before they go down further into doing activities inappropriate for their age.

"Ah... Wait, Gretel!" Hansel grabbed Gretel's arm, and asked with tone slightly hinted pleadingly, "When can I see you again? Where will I be able to find you?"

"We'll just see what the future had in-store for us, ne, Hansel?" Gretel answered, patting the Megane's hand reassuringly so as the latter released his hold. "Well then, ja ne~!" he bid Hansel farewell, waving delightfully, allowing himself to look back once more before actually heading for his home.

Hansel watched his muse slowly fade from his sight, then he closed his eyes calmly. At least, Gretel didn't get to see as his body soon transformed into a beast, sharp clawed and wings. He sighed, knowing little that this fateful meeting was the beginning of a romantic tale as old as time...

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Remedium Amoris...
The cure for love is still, in most cases, the ancient radical medicine,
Love in return.

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