A/N: So here is chapter 6. I've been doing homework (that takes me about 15 minutes tops) and working on The AU Twins. Sorry I haven't updated in so long. On a high note, I've successfully learned how to drive a shift and almost get a job. Almost meaning I just have to fill out the paper work and send it in and then go to orientation and stuff. And my family just got about a dozen baby chicks that are the most adorable things I have ever seen. I literally squeeled. And nearly jumped out of my skin and screamed when my dad handed me the box holding them and it moved.

But anyway, enough about my boring life updates and on with the story. This is what late night typing and slight depression does to my writing. My tribble is telling me to shut up and let you read. So I shall. Enjoy!

BRTxoxo

Disclaimer: I own only my OC Asperity.

Chapter 6:Return to the Court

"Es, what are we supposed to do with him?" We had been dragging the fallen captain for I don't know how long. My calves burned with the effort of dragging his dead weight uphill, and we were both gasping and sweating greatly. Since dragging him from the river, we had removed the arrow protruding from his shoulder and were now hidden in some trees just outside the city. I wiped my brow with the back of my hand and made a face at the sweat that came off.

"I don't know. We can't take him back to the court of miracles. There's too much open space and we would be seen. He needs help." She looked down at the captain worriedly.

"You love him don't you?"

"He saved the millers family. Is it so wrong to want to help him too? Besides, don't you love Clopin?" her emerald eyes flashed.

"No," I stood up from where I sat and dusted off the dried mud from my backside, avoiding her retort about Clopin. "I never said there was. But I know you feel more than just gratitude for him."

"How do you know what I feel Asperity?"

"I've known you since you were three. We've been inseparable since the moment we met. We tell each other everything. You can't tell me that I wouldn't know anything." I bent backwards to ease the ache in my back. "We have to move if we're going to get him help." I helped my sister lift Sun God again and we trudged towards the city. "We'll take him to Athelstan, maybe he can help us hide him." By the time we reached the edge of the city, night had fallen and we were starting to shiver, not only from the sweat and chill, but also from the dampness I got from carrying the very heavy wet soldier, and Esmeralda from her still damp clothes from dragging said soldier from the murky river.

Once more we gently set Sun God down and tried to quietly catch our breath.

"La Esmeralda? Asperity?"

We both jumped at the sound of a deep husky voice calling out our names and turned to see the large silhouette of another gypsy, Collin, standing at the edge of the alley way we were using as cover.

"Collin! Heavens you gave us a fright! What are you doing here?"

The larger man lumbered forward until we could make out his features in the pale twilight. "Monsieur Clopin told me to find you. You need to get back to the court before Frollo finds you."

"Collin we need your help. This is Phoebus, captain of the guard, or he used to be before he defied Judge Frollo's orders and saved the millers family. He's been hurt and needs help, but I do not think we can carry him for much longer."

Collin stepped forward to get a better look at who we were toting around.

"We need to get him to the cathedral; we know someone there who can help. Will you help us?"

"Oui, but we need to hurry. I will help you carry him to the cathedral." He gently picked the wounded Sun God up by his uninjured shoulder.

"Merci Collin." Esmeralda took his other arm, although it seemed like Collin could carry Sun God all by himself with his feet just barely dragging on the ground.

"I'll go back to the court and tell Clopin what's going on. Be safe, and hurry." I quickly kissed Esmeralda, nodded to Collin and stole through the silent city, knowing full well that Frollo could be around any corner at any time. I met no trouble on my journey back to the Court of Miracles and was thankful, silently praying to any god that may be listening to keep my sister safe.

I was met by none other than Cornelius, who looked unscathed-slightly upsetting-and relieved to see me. "Asperity, you're alright." He tried to pull me in for a hug but I ducked under his arm and continued on my way.

"Where is Clopin, I need to speak with him."

Cornelius sighed. "The last I saw of him, he was talking to Monsieur Collin by the cemetery entrance. He may be in his caravan brooding or with the children."

Without any acknowledgement, I made my way through the caravans to Clopin's, gently running my fingers through the small metal scraps he hung outside his home. "Clopin? Are you in there?" I gently pulled back the curtain and peeked into the caravan, spotting the gypsy in a small alcove, slouching with his legs stretched above his head. His puppet was in his hands, and he didn't look very happy. "Clopin?"

He glanced at me out of the corner of his eye and let out a large breath.

I sat down on one of the pillows he had and watched him, thinking about Esmeralda's question from the trees. Did I love him?

Of course I did. Who couldn't?

But did I love him as more than what others loved him as? Did I love him as more than just a brother, than just a friend?

With a jolt I realized that I did. I loved him. I was in love with him. This man that I'd known all my life, that had been a brother to me through my hardest times and longest nights. The man that had found me twenty three years ago at the entrance to the cemetery and taken me to the place I called home. The man that had seen me cry more times than even my father, that I told everything to, that I knew I could trust, that I trusted with my life. I was in love with Clopin Trouillefou, the gypsy man that told stories to children on the streets with his ventriloquist puppets and danced with Esmeralda and me.

With a frustrated sigh the gypsy left his seat and pulled me into a bone crushing hug. But it wasn't like any normal hug, like the ones that we gave each other as children to see who could hug the hardest. No, this was a different hug. One that felt different. I could feel his heart beating in his chest. It was one of those hugs that I gave Athelstan and my father when I found them again, one that Esmeralda had given me when I returned after my first night in the cathedral. There's no way to explain how it felt. You just know what it means, like the other person is telling you that they can't lose you, that you're the entire reason they breathe, that they're happier beyond description that you're okay.

How could I have been so blind to my own feelings? Had I tried to suppress them for so long that I actually believed myself when I said I didn't love Clopin?

I clenched my jaw and slammed my eyes shut against the tears that threatened to spill. I felt my arms wrap around him and pull me closer to him, smelling his familiar scent of incense.

His gloved hand found its way into my straight black hair and held me to him, his long fingers gently massaging my head, his other hand warm against my waist. I felt his mouth against my shoulder, his warm exhales caressing my back as he held me against him.

Gently he pulled away from me after a few eternal moments and rested his forehead against my own, rubbing his thumb across my cheek. I opened my eyes to look into his, breathing in a shaky breath.

I suppose that's one way to be welcomed back.