Decisions
Since the winter holidays had started, Jade had ample amounts of time and somehow, Peony had hoodwinked him into spending it on the Dark Wings. Currently, Jade was editing the finally completed script. Peony had Noir stressed for the last couple weeks because it hadn't been finished. The cast was still able to go ahead with the first acts and most of the costumes were complete, but Noir fretted over the ending.
A few days before the script was completed, Noir had pulled Peony away from Anise and Ion to give him a very icy glare.
"I'm sorry to say that look doesn't work on me, my boyfriend does it all the time," he joked. Noir didn't laugh so Peony continued in a more serious tone. "Noir it's just the ending lines that I'm having trouble with. Everything else is done."
Noir sighed, "I trust you, but sometimes these things can't be controlled, darling."
Jade had come home from work that night, a little tired but in a decent mood. Guy, who attended the college on the university's campus, had stopped by to say hello while he worked. They talked for a while and Jade shot a couple jibes at him. With Guy's presence Jade pushed his table cleaning duties on to Tear and Luke. When the other two were finished, and the cafe was closed the four of them sat in the cushioned chairs and chatted. The night hadn't been so bad.
So Jade walked in with a tired grin on his face, expecting Peony to be dozing on the couch, but Peony wasn't there. Jade walked to their bedroom and hung his coat up. He's not passed out on the bed either...Odd.
Now slightly intrigued, Jade headed for the study. He was in there, hunched over the desk and running a hand through his ruffled, blonde hair. Jade leaned on the doorway and watched Peony struggle. For a minute he was amused by the way Peony sighed and shifted, but he came to realize that if the roles were swapped, Peony wouldn't be smirking in the doorway.
Jade crept into the room like a ghost and laid his hands on Peony's shoulders. Peony jumped and cursed.
"I'm sorry, did I frighten you?"
"Don't apologize if you're not actually sorry, bastard," Peony said while leaning back on two legs of the chair.
Jade chuckled, "I like that advice. I suppose you would jump if it's my hands so close to your neck. I was trying to be endearing, Your Highness."
"Yeah, I know and the twitchiness has nothing to do with you. I'm just..."
"Stressed, as I suggested a couple days ago?"
Peony put his hands up in a motion of surrender.
"Yeah, yeah you caught me," he sighed and nudged the papers on the desk. He rubbed his eyes and said, "Noir really needs this finished, and I really want to but, I don't know how to end it."
"What's the genre of the play?"
"Romance."
"Then I can't help you."
"Nah, I didn't think you could anyways, Jade. You're really smart but, not with these things."
Peony was staring intently at the papers again and Jade stood behind him, his smirk a little damped. Somehow, over these last couple months, he'd grown more accustomed to Peony's open displays of affection. Whether it had been for Saphir's benefit or because they were just friends back in Keterburg, Jade didn't think Peony had been quite as affectionate. Yet here was another side of Peony Jade hadn't really seen before; downtrodden and self-doubting.
"Perhaps I can help. I can delve into the psychologies of the characters and form educated, sociological guesses to predict their motions given their situations."
Peony blinked sleepily up at Jade.
"That sounds too sciency to be love."
Jade tugged the chair away from the desk, making Peony jump yet again.
"Whoa, what're you doing?"
"Lie down on the mattress and I'll skim the play quickly to understand the plot and characters," Jade said staring down into Peony's semi-spooked, semi-tired eyes. "I'll make notes for you in the margins."
Peony held his gaze for a couple seconds, then yawned and flopped on to the mattress.
"Thanks, Jade. I love you."
"Yes, but don't distract me."
That's how I got here, Jade thought while reading the play in the control room, opposite the stage. He couldn't hear what the cast members were saying from up here, and so watching them move about the stage, making motions or dancing just looked odd.
The door opened behind Jade and a kind voice excused himself for walking in on Jade's quiet place.
"Oh, sorry Jade," Ion said.
"You have no reason to be. I've met you enough times to know that out of the entire cast, you are the most likely to remain quiet. However, if Anise tags along after you, I will have to ask you to leave."
Ion chuckled and sat down in the chair next to Jade. He looked exhausted, and a little paler than usual, although it was hard for Jade to tell since he was already fair skinned.
"What brings you up here?" Jade asked, scribbling a note on the script.
"Things are getting a little hectic on stage, and Anise told me to rest for a while."
Jade flashed a cunning look at Ion then returned his attention to the script.
"Are you worried that the play won't be ready in time?" Jade asked.
"No, I know that Peony and Noir have been working very hard. You being here is proof of that, I believe." Jade looked up and Ion smiled warmly.
"Ion, you are aware that I am not the arts biggest fanatic. The only reason I attend the Dark Wings' performances so dutifully is for Peony's benefit. I simply have more rational skills than Peony. And better grammar, I must say."
"I think that shows even more how determined Peony is, then," Ion gazed tiredly at the people on stage, watching them run about. "If Peony hasn't brought you here to straighten his work problems out, then you are here for emotional support. Peony's not the type to show negative emotions, but that doesn't mean he doesn't feel them."
Jade followed Ion's gaze to the stage to watch Peony grab hold of Luke's hands and dance across the stage. Anise tried cutting in, but couldn't overpower either so she clung to Luke's waist. Eventually Noir walked on stage with her hands on her hips and the odd dance ceased.
Ion looked quite tired and worn out, which he would pass off as just a lot of hours put in at work.
"Anise has a lot of energy. I suppose that wears you out?"
"Oh, no," Ion laughed lightly, "Anise gives me more energy. I'm just tired because everyone was here late last night. And it's winter, so I'm probably catching a cold."
"Then Anise is right, you should rest," Jade stood up and walked to the door. "Now is a horrible time to get sick."
Ion's smile became bittersweet. "Yes, now is a very unfortunate time."
Rehearsals had been going very well for the last couple days so Noir allowed for everyone to take off ten minutes early.
"You're a regular Santa Claus, aren't you Noir?" Anise said, not amused.
"Why don't we go out for drinks or something?" Peony called out before Noir decided to let them go an hour later for Anise's insolence.
"I can agree with that," Luke piped up.
"Boo! I'm too young, you know that Peony!" Anise whined, her hands on her hips.
"Anise, aren't you escorting Ion and Florian home?" Jade reminded her.
"Oh! You're right! Ion, wait for me!" she ran off, yelling at the boys who were just sitting on the stage.
Peony watched Jade for a second, wondering what was going on in the sly bastard's head. Tear and Natalia emerged dressed in their winter coats, ready to leave.
"Did I hear something about going out?" Natalia asked.
Half an hour later, Peony had lead Natalia, Tear, Luke and Jade downtown to a bar called the Devil's Inferno. Natalia and Tear sipped on their drinks while chatting with the boys. Guy arrived ten minutes later after texting Peony about getting tickets for the play. Natalia and Luke had put a couple drinks behind them, and they pulled a blushing Tear and Guy onto the dance floor. Peony laughed as Tear tried to slip away, only to be caught by Luke.
"Nephry will be coming in a couple days. Will the play be ready in time for her to see it?" Jade asked.
"Of course!" Peony said, choking on his drink a bit. "We open on Christmas day, we've been advertising that for weeks now. Why? Do you think we're not ready?"
"I've been made more aware of just how wracked your nerves truly are," Jade's voice lowered, "I wanted to make sure you really are alright."
Jade watched the cast on the dance floor while Peony watched Jade. He wasn't sure whether to be suspicious, worried or warmed by Jade's sentiment. Peony sidled around the circular booth and threw an arm around Jade.
"Thanks for the concern," Peony whispered in Jade's ear.
"Not at all. This is important for you, I can understand that much."
"I think you understand a hell of a lot more than just that. Over these last few months I think you've become more aware," Peony began showering light kisses on Jade's indifferent face.
"It's hard not to be aware of you when you crawl all over me," Jade jibed and sipped at his drink. "Ion's a very thoughtful youth."
Peony straightened up and backed off, a quizzical look on his face.
"Yeah, he is...why do you mention him?"
"He and I had a chat today."
"What did you say to him?" Peony asked, a little too intense to just be idle interest.
"Nothing of consequence but, you seem a little worried. Why is that?" Jade pressed, that smirk present beyond the glass of amber liquid at his lips.
"Jade," Peony shifted awkwardly and rubbed Jade's shoulder with his free hand, "I can't say. And I don't mean that I don't want to tell you, just that it's not up to me to say. The only reason I know anything is that I happened to walk in on the moment."
"I see," Jade said emotionlessly and turned his attention away from Peony.
"Jade, man, I'm sorry...I can't say much else. Besides, it's theatre stuff, you don't have to worry about it."
Peony bowed his head to place a coaxing kiss on Jade's neck but, Jade turned his face around to fix Peony with a cool stare.
"I understand that you can't tell me Ion is ill, and I'm guessing terminally so if you're trying to keep it a secret. You are right, that is not your place to tell me and you probably thought I wouldn't care since Ion and I are acquaintances. Why should I care? It's not in my nature to," Jade said all this calmly and without aggression but, Peony felt chilled. The more Jade spoke, the wider Peony's eyes got. "However, who I am charged with caring for is you, and you are greatly affected by this but, I can't fix the problem if I know nothing."
"Jade, this isn't a problem you can fix," Peony dropped his gaze to the floor. "It's just something you'll have to watch from the sidelines. All of us will be...watching from the sidelines."
Jade shrugged Peony's loose arm off his shoulders. Peony said nothing, just nodded in sad assent.
Jade hesitated but steeled himself, and laid his arm across Peony's shoulders. Peony was shocked to say the least and sat up like a startled rabbit when Jade held him close. Peony didn't dare say a word in case it would somehow jolt Jade back to his usual self. Jade rested his chin on Peony's shoulder. Peony's muscles relaxed when he felt Jade's breath on his skin. If he had pressed his lips to Peony's neck, it would have been the first time he'd displayed affection without Peony initiating or coaxing him to. However, Luke threw himself back into the booth with no mind to what the two had been doing until they broke apart. When Luke realized what he had witnessed his face went bright red.
"Sorry!" Luke blurted and made to stand up but Jade stretched his leg out to block his way.
"Sorry? There's nothing to be sorry about, is there Luke?" Jade asked with that dangerous, frost in his voice.
"Uh- No, there isn't..."
"Good boy."
It was two days until the opening night of the play and the day Nephry would arrive. Peony was sitting back stage running lines with Luke. Noir watched Peony instruct Luke to stand a little taller and pronounce the words with a different emphasis. Peony's a great actor and a marvellous playwright, but, Noir shook her head slightly, he's a fool.
After Peony's second play with the Dark Wings was when he pitched the idea of writing a play with Noir. This was also the time that Noir confessed her wariness of him.
Peony knocked on Noir's office door and waited for her sultry, 'come in'.
"Hey, Noir, I've got something to ask you. Do yah have the time?"
"Sure thing, handsome," Noir said and swept her hands around the room. "Take a seat anywhere you like."
Peony sat himself down on the corner on Noir's large desk. Peony appeared a little troubled, like he didn't know how to start. Peony's unease made Noir more than a little nervous. Does he know my little secret?
"Peony, before you say anything, I need to tell you something."
Peony perked up, curious and intent.
"Though you haven't been in our family long, you fit in very well. And not just because you're good," Noir simpered, "Who are we fooling? You're talented, Peony, and everyone who's even seen you perform knows that you will go places."
"Thanks, Noir," Peony replied a little awkwardly.
Noir held a finger up to stop Peony from continuing.
"Don't thank me, trust me, handsome, you won't want to soon. As I said, you're talent will take you places, but I haven't been letting it."
"I'd say you have," Peony put a hand on her shoulder and smiled reassuringly, "I don't expect to always have lead roles and the fact that you let me help with costumes is a great freedom for me."
"Would you shut up? You're making me feel even more like a hag. Peony, after your third performance, a man approached me asking to see you, however you'd already gone home. So I took his business card for you but, I never intended on giving it to you."
Noir rested her arms on her desk and looked at her hands with disappointment. Peony watched her, beginning to understand.
"The Dark Wings Theatre Company is good, but we're not the best. I can boast that we raise some of the best actors and actresses but, we aren't the best. And then you walked through our doors when our company was limping along.
"I'm sure you've heard that Sync quit when his brother Ion outperformed him, but Ion is often sick. So we took their other brother, Florian, in as well, but he isn't as good as Sync. Anise, our top actress, has to take minor roles because she's still in school full time. And Mohs," Noir grimaced, "I can't stand limelight loving drama queens! I knew he wouldn't last much longer when I started passing the lead roles to Ion."
Peony knew all this and could guess how stressed and frantic Noir felt; she'd been the heart and mind of the Dark Wings for years now, but the other appendages were lagging.
"So when your pretty face brought life and hope back to the stage, I didn't want to let you go, but I know how silly that is of me. I can't put you under the spotlight and keep you in the dark," Noir opened a draw of her desk and pulled out a little white business card. "You've been scouted Peony. You're wanted by someone bigger and better than me."
Peony took the card from Noir with on odd expression on his face. He wasn't sure how to feel. In a way he could relate to her; she wanted nothing more than to keep the Dark Wings going, just as Peony hadn't wanted to lose Saphir due to their rivalry. What a mess that turned into...
Peony examined the card and felt a jolt in his stomach when he recognized the name of one of the top theatre companies in the entire world. He pocketed it and turned to Noir who sat very still, looking very downcast.
"Noir, I'm still thankful for what you've done for me-"
"Don't be a fool, Peony," she cautioned, a hard look in her eye. "If I was your age and that card was for me, I'd have already left without a look back."
"Yeah, I know. What I was going to say was, I'm grateful, but I'm going to have to think about this. This," Peony tapped the pocket where the card resided, "This is something I'm really going to have to think about. It's got a lot more to do with than just the Dark Wings."
Noir's grin was bitter and she tched like a disapproving parent. Such a fool...
"So if you don't have any more secret items you want to give me from that draw, can we talk about what I really came here for?"
"Sure thing, handsome," Noir purred, sitting up. She was back in her domain.
"I found some inspiration about this play I want to write..."
Agreeing to perform the play seemed like the least Noir could do to apologize. Risky as this was for both Peony and Noir, if it did turn out well then good things would rain down on all those who stood on the Dark Wings' stage. Apart from all that drama, this play seemed to be the pinnacle of Peony's small-time show biz career. After this play, things would definitely change, whether it would be a change of scenery or a change in himself, no one could say.
Jade had opted to stay at home that day since they weren't exactly sure when Nephry would arrive. He'd somehow managed to make the apartment look as though Peony and the hurricane that followed him about, never set foot in their home. However, Jade refused to decorate the little, plastic tree Peony had bought, so the tree sat in its box near the kitchen.
He now stood in the kitchen, flipping through a cookbook to find something that Nephry might like. There was a knock at the door. Jade expected it to be Nephry, but was surprised to see a stranger standing in the hall.
"Hello, how may I help you?" Jade asked.
"I'm looking for Peony. Is he in there?"
"Peony is at work, and I honestly don't know when he'll be back," Jade tried to figure out who this man was in relation to Peony, but came up with no answer.
"Figures. He's probably busy with his play, right?" the man chuckled.
"He practically lives at the theatre so I might as well give you that address."
"I've been to the Dark Wings Theatre already, but I don't think my message got through," the man flashed a brilliant smile. "That pink haired hunny didn't seem to want to let her blondie go."
Jade had half a mind to just close the door on this obscene man, but he felt that this conversation might actually be worth having if it had to do with Peony.
"Would you like to leave a message with me?"
"Sure, we'll give this another shot," the man pulled out a business card and handed it to Jade. "Make sure he gets this one. I want him very much, even if he isn't a woman."
Jade's eyes flashed and a steely smirk appeared on his face.
"Of course. Is there anything else?"
The man picked up on Jade's icy tone. He laughed a little nervously and took a step back.
"Nope. That's all."
Jade retreated into the apartment, not bothering to say goodbye.
Jade didn't know much about theatre but, the little he did know, explained what that annoying visit had been about. He even surprised himself by recognizing the name of the company seeking Peony. Tales Theatre Co. It only took a second for Jade's magnificent brain to realize the implications of Peony accepting this offer. He should have been looking in the mirror because the mocking smirk on his face was all for his own benefit. The card fluttered from Jade's hand and lit upon the edge of the coffee table. A moment later it tipped on to the ground.
Is Nephry there yet?
No.
Ok b home in 2hrs
Fine.
Jade's texts were colder than usual and in his mind he knew Peony hadn't done anything to deserve clipped texts. Jade considered it preventative measures, like not eating before a dissection, not that he had any problems with that. He did have problems with the possibility of Peony moving far away to pursue his dream but, he knew he shouldn't. Peony has his life and I have mine. We really should have thought this through before starting our romantic endeavour.
Something wrong?
No.
Whats wrong?
Jade was trying to amuse himself by thinking of a one word answer that would end this conversation when there was a knock on the door. He flipped the phone shut and shoved it in his pocket, then moved to open the door. This time it actually was Nephry.
Perhaps she'd forgotten how cold Jade was or she missed seeing him over these last few months, but either way, she threw her arms around her older brother. She was surprised and delighted that he neither tensed nor pulled away.
"Hello Nephry."
"Jade, I missed you," she spoke into his shirt. When she pulled away her eyes shone with the beginnings of tears and joy.
"And I you. Do you need help with your luggage?"
"No, thank you," Nephry picked her single bag up and moved past Jade into the apartment. "The Curtiss's miss you too."
Jade smirked remembering how quickly Mr. and Mrs. Curtiss's hair had gone grey after they adopted Jade. "I'm sure they do."
Jade made a very good host, taking his sister's coat and luggage to her room and then inviting her sit with him on the couch. Nephry chattered away about the happenings in Keterburg and how she was doing in school. She also asked Jade how he liked it here and how Peony was doing. She seemed to be avoiding the subject of Saphir out of politeness, but Jade knew this wouldn't last long.
"So, Jade," Nephry's smile slipped, leaving her with a business face. "What happened when Saphir, or perhaps I should say Dist, visited?"
"So he is going by that name? Good for him, it sounds slightly more masculine than Saphir."
"What happened?" she asked again. Two decades of living with Jade had taught her to ignore his sarcasm.
"I think that's best left explained for when Peony arrives home, which should be quite shortly. Can I get you anything to drink?"
"No, thank you," she said coldly.
Jade moved to the kitchen and put the kettle on to boil. Tea would soothe Nephry's temper, Peony would be cold when he got home, and Jade would like a relaxing excuse to keep him from having to answer many questions.
"You are going to answer me, aren't you?" Nephry asked, twisting to lean on the couch and glare at her brother.
"Yes, but Peony should be here. He'd be quite upset if I had all the fun of recounting the story," Jade smirked. And I really don't know what to say after I received that business card. What's the point in telling Nephry Peony and I are together if that's to end in a week or so?
Jade sat down again with a mug for each of them. A couple of silent sips later, Peony burst into the apartment and kicked his boots off.
"It's cold outside!" he said, pulling his jacket off.
"Peony, we have company. It's polite to neatly line your boots up, not fling them off."
"Aw don't worry, it's not as cold as you Jade," Peony laughed, throwing his jacket on an empty chair and rushing over to Nephry.
"Nor is it as cold as Keterburg. I've missed you, Peony," Nephry stood and opened her arms to him. Peony lifted Nephry off her feet in his embrace then gently set her down. He placed a kiss on her cheek and let her go.
"I've missed you too, beautiful."
"Peony, Nephry was asking about the time Saphir visited us," Jade said pointedly. Peony shot him a whimsical smile.
"Yes, what exactly happened?" Nephry asked, looking from one to the other.
"Before you tell her," Jade smirked. His eyes grew cold as he picked the business card off the floor and passed it to Peony. Peony gave him a curious look, and then examined the card briefly. His blue eyes went wide. "An obnoxious man left that for you, he seemed adamant that you receive it. However, it seems as though you already had some clue about this."
"Jade, I found out about this a month ago-"
"Really? I found out about it two hours ago."
Nephry stared at the two men, perplexed by what was being said and how any of this had to do with Saphir. Peony noticed Nephry's confusion and beamed at her.
"Sorry, Nephry, I'm gonna have to borrow Jade for a moment. Jade I'll meet you in our-"
Jade had already disappeared down the hall.
"Peony, what is going on? Is this something to do with Saphir?"
"Yes...well kinda. Sorry for being a terrible host. I just have to talk to Jade about theatre stuff," Peony smiled warmly at Nephry and hugged her again. "I really did miss you, little girl."
Before Nephry could say a word Peony had dashed off down the hall. Nephry smiled to herself, thinking, I've missed you too, both of you. I think I've also missed something that only you two know of...
"I'm not mad, Peony," Jade said, an indifferent expression on his face.
"This is what was bothering you?" Peony asked, holding the little card up. "The only reason I didn't tell you about this is because I don't know what I'm going to do about it yet."
"You are going to accept the offer of course."
"What?"
Jade dipped his hands into his pockets and gave Peony a level stare.
"This is your ambition, Peony, not accepting would be foolish. On top of that you are ready for this advancement in your career."
"Okay," though Jade's words were positive, Peony felt deflated for some reason. "What about you Jade?"
"Me? I don't think the offer was extended to me."
"Don't be a smartass. I mean, what will you do if I accept this?"
Jade pushed at his glasses with one hand, then met Peony's apprehensive gaze.
"Well, it will be a bit of an inconvenience. I may have to find a higher paying job or ask for a loan from Mr. Curtiss or find a cheaper apartment. Really though, I think I have enough money saved up in order to keep this apartment."
"Okay, I know that you don't just see gald when you look at me," Peony chuckled, but the answer did sting. "I mean, how will you feel?"
"That is irrelevant Peony," Jade shook his head, "The only consideration we have to make is what we will now tell Nephry on that matter."
"I don't get it, want to fill me in on what's going on inside that twisted mind of yours?"
"The reason we didn't tell Nephry through letter about Saphir was because it involved admitting to our relationship. However, we are in a bit of a predicament because you will likely be moving far away and I will be here for another year at least. Our romantic endeavour will have to end."
"I know you're new to the 'love' thing but, you must have heard of long distance relationships," Peony hoped Jade wouldn't have some sarcastic remark for this concept, because he had few other ideas.
"I have heard of such things, if only because of their low chances of success. The success percentage drops the greater the distance and time spent away."
"We can still try."
"Peony, I'd really rather not. The beginning of our relationship has a murky beginning, I'd like a definite end," Jade's cold gaze was the nail being pressed against his skin and Jade's words were the hammer. "I don't want your loving calls, texts and letters in the beginning and then information of your life to trickle to a stop. I may not understand relationships, but I have seen this happen to your friends back in Keterburg. Other than Nephry and myself, you really don't talk to them."
Peony looked down at his feet, trying to sort out what was going on, what this meant.
"Jade, I haven't decided what I'm going to do yet and even if I did and I was hopping on an Albiore tomorrow, we'd still have today, right?"
Peony moved closer to Jade and wrapped an arm around his waist and neck. Jade pulled his possum act and refused to move his lips when Peony kissed him.
"Peony, you will only make this harder on yourself. It's best to get used to the idea of being just friends again," Jade pealed Peony's arms off himself and held him at arm's length.
"And you can do that pretty easily, you sarcastic bastard," Peony chuckled darkly. He hung his head in sadness, tears forming.
"Yes, I can, and I am," Jade walked towards the door. "I have an idea of what to tell Nephry, if you'll follow my lead."
"Why do we have to lie to her?" Peony asked, unashamed of his tears.
"Because if she found out I was actually emotionally attached to you she may disapprove of my actions now. Also, don't you think it sounds a little suspicious to say I hurt my one friend by getting into a relationship with my other friend but, circumstantially, we are no longer together?" Jade scoffed and put a hand on the door knob. "It sounds like a lie and not a good one, given the fact that it is me we are talking about."
Peony nodded and Jade opened the door.
"Wait, Jade, can you tell me one thing?"
Jade sighed and closed the door.
"This is going to be theatrical isn't it? What is it, Your Majesty?"
"You don't want me to leave, do you?" Peony stood tall and with the sun touching his hair and tears, making them gleam, his looked quite attractive. "That's why you're so cold again. You don't want to get hurt either and even more importantly, you don't know how to show how upset you are."
Jade bent his head and the light caught his glasses, hiding his eyes. Jade smirked and said in that tone of his, "I enjoy your company, Your Majesty, but I can live without it."
Peony bowed his head again and laughed as Jade smirked on.
"I think Nephry's dying of curiosity out there and it's quite rude to leave her alone. Shall we?" Jade opened the door and motioned for Peony to follow. "You may want to dry your eyes or Nephry will think I broke your heart for sport like I did Saphir's."
They found Nephry standing by the window, looking out at the bright lights.
"Sorry about that, Nephry," Jade said taking a seat on the couch. Peony sat down next to Jade, a smile on his face, but the red rimmed residue of his tears still evident.
Nephry turned around and narrowed her eyes at Peony who just beamed back.
"What is going on in this apartment?" she asked bewildered.
"Peony's just so happy these days, as am I," Jade motioned for Nephry to take a seat. "I think you wanted to know why Saphir changed?"
"Very much so," she bit back the accusation she almost snapped at her brother.
"It was a misunderstanding and one that was blown out of proportion. As awkward as it is to tell you, Saphir found Peony and I in bed together and he became very upset."
Nephry blushed and fidgeted uncomfortably.
"Because you were lacking a mattress and he jumped to conclusions, you mean?"
"No, it was a one-night stand," Jade lied easily, almost enjoying his sister's discomfort. "Peony's parents gave us a bottle of wine as a house warming gift. Most of it is gone, but if you like you may have a glass, it's very good."
Peony said nothing against what Jade had said, nor did he give anything away. However, Peony did glance at him when he lied and Peony's smile became taut and a little scorned, but he held it together.
"But you don't get drunk," Nephry said matter-of-factly.
"No, but Peony does on occasion, and we were sharing a mattress."
Nephry turned to Peony and gave him a suspicious glare. Peony smiled back at her and acted embarrassed.
"Those are a couple things you could live without knowing in your lifetime," Peony leaned forward and looked apologetic.
"Given how Saphir feels towards me and the mutual friendship between Peony and Saphir, it's understandable how upset he became."
"And knowing you, you had your fun with Saphir's emotions too," Nephry shot at her brother.
"Yes," Jade said gently, "but, I do regret it seeing as it's gone this far."
The three of them sat in a tense and awkward silence, although Jade paid no mind to it. Peony looked a little worn to Nephry, but she didn't comment, just thought. Something more happened here and I can't believe all that Jade said. And Peony...Nephry caught Peony stealing a quick glance at Jade that appeared...sorrowful. Nephry turned her gaze to Jade who stared evenly back it his sister, unreadable. What are you not telling me? What have you done, brother?
Eventually the tension was broken by Peony's cheer, although he felt less than cheerful. It was hard to tell what Jade was thinking or feeling because he was being his usual sarcastic self, and not holding back either. Peony assumed Jade was trying to convert back to how he had been prior to their relationship, something Peony wasn't particularly fond of. True, Jade would never be a furnace of love and passion but at least the ice had thawed.
Something neither men had discussed popped into Peony's mind when Nephry began yawning.
"Nephry, I took your luggage to Peony's room. You may retire there while you stay with us," Jade said, standing as his sister stood.
Nephry looked down at Peony with heavy eyes.
"Where will you sleep then?" she asked.
Peony playfully shooed her question with a wave of his hand, but didn't actually answer. Well, I usually... I don't know...
"Nephry, you are our guest," Jade cut in, "Peony and I have shared a bed before, so I think we can suffer for one last time."
Jade glanced at Peony who understood clearly that Jade really was severing all ties, and that these last couple nights would be the last they spent together. Jade escorted Nephry to her room, but not before Peony had hugged her goodnight. When she and Jade had walked off, Peony sat alone in the dim living room, and slouched, allowing his giddy facade to slip. He tried to ignore Jade and Nephry's murmurs, but when his mind wandered from the only distraction in the apartment, all his muscles pulled downward and pooled with his emotions on the floor. Jade makes it seem so easy, and for him, it just might be. Peony sighed and leaned his heavy head on his arm. I never should have made that bet with Saphir; we could have had years together. Yeah, and leaving him would be even tougher.
Peony closed his eyes and tried not to think of anything but, there were so many things on his mind and nothing seemed clear. His thoughts hadn't been clear since he'd received the card from Noir but, when he could walk into their apartment, and hold Jade or tease him or kiss him, his mind could rest for a while.
Peony was aware of Jade entering the room and standing before him, but he didn't open his eyes until Jade cleared his throat.
"I was going to offer sleeping on the couch but, since you seem willing enough, you may have it," Jade said, looking down at Peony.
Peony tried to ignore the barb and ask as casually as possible, "We aren't actually going to share the bed then?"
"Don't be difficult, Your Highness," Jade stuck his hands in his pockets and said lightly, "I thought it would be best to-"
"To just end everything at once?" Peony chuckled and shook his head. When he looked back up at Jade, his eyes appeared hurt but the rest of him just seemed drained. "Jade, a lot is happening, and not much of it is good. Just, for tonight- don't shake your head you sarcastic- Jade, just help me out for one last night."
Peony reached out his hand, halfway to Jade's hand tucked in his pocket. Why do I constantly find myself sought after by the emotional people of this world? This will only hurt you more in the morning, Jade thought and sighed resignedly. He accepted Peony's hand and expected to be pulled onto Peony's lap, but either he realized that part of their relationship was over or he didn't have the strength. Jade pulled Peony to his feet and stood face to face with him.
"Nephry suspects we aren't telling her everything," Jade said.
"What did you guys talk about?"
"Nothing, it's unimportant," Jade realized he was still holding Peony's hand and let it drop. He turned away and began walking down the hall. "I'm going to bed, Your Majesty. Goodnight."
Lying awake in bed, alone for now, Jade thought of the short conversation he and Nephry had an hour ago.
When Nephry flicked the light on in Peony's room, she blinked in surprise and turned her sceptical eyes on Jade.
"This room looks more like a study than someone's bedroom," she did a double take of the desk with a neat pile of science textbooks. "Especially not Peony's room, it's too orderly."
"Well, I couldn't let my only sister be lost in the abyss of His Majesty's mess," Jade smirked, standing in the door way. "Even if Peony refuses to clean, I will for company."
"It's odd that Peony chose to buy a desk and bookshelf instead of a bed frame."
"Peony loves decorating as much as he loves leaving a mess in his wake. And His Majesty prefers to roll out of bed in the morning."
Nephry giggled causing Jade to give her a curious look.
"It's adorable how you still use his pet name," Nephry smiled wistfully and sat down on the chair at the desk. "It's been twenty years since you two became friends and you still call him 'His Majesty', even when he's not around."
Jade stood silently, preferring not to reply to such a sentimental comment.
"Is there a reason why your textbooks are crowding Peony's desk?"
"Peony's room has no closet so he allows me desk space if I grant him closet space," Jade lied smoothly, but Nephry still eyed him suspiciously. "Well, when His Majesty sees fit to actually hang his clothes up."
There was no doubt that Nephry and Jade were siblings, and not just because of their light brown hair, brown eyes covered by glasses and slender figures. Both were able to conduct themselves in a manner that suggested polite indifference. Where the differences began were in their feelings; Nephry allowed for people and events to touch her heart and Jade repulsed everyone, save for a select few, with a frigid barrier. So as the siblings stood with akin, cool eyes and stone bodies, both knew who would give first.
Nephry sighed, "You have answers for everything Jade. How is that you find them so easily?"
"Because there are answers for almost everything and I never said I find them easily," Jade grinned inwardly. There are some questions and events that have pushed me for answers that I didn't want to give or didn't fully understand. Those situations often involved you, Saphir or Peony.
"But you make choices so easily and you don't hesitate."
"The decisions that I make look easy because I approach every situation with indifference, Nephry. It's not magic, just logic."
Jade surveyed his sister and found that she looked sad with her normally upright posture slacking as her shoulders hunched slightly. When Nephry realized Jade was analyzing her, she straightened and turned her unusually bright eyes away from his.
"Nephry, is something wrong?"
"Not exactly," she said to the wall, trying to keep her tone professional. "Just...decisions."
"Would you like my advice?" Jade offered with no hint of sarcasm.
Nephry shook her head, pony tail swinging. "I don't think you'd, uh, understand. Besides, I really should make this decision on my own."
Nephry's calm was beginning to break, her lower lip trembling ever so slightly and the colour rising in her cheeks.
When they were young and Nephry was in tears Jade would stop them by fixing her toy or scaring whoever had bullied her senseless. But there were times when Nephry couldn't explain her crying, like when she'd be sitting in her expansive room alone and dissolve into silent sobs. At these times Jade would approach her and stand frustrated at the edge of her bed, and after a minute walk away. He couldn't help in those times and despite his stoic demeanour, his stomach twisted and his head ached as he tried to find out why she cried. It took seeing his two best friends talk, hold and pat Nephry when she cried and 24 years of living to understand that Nephry didn't want answers at those times, but he still couldn't bring himself to coddle her.
Jade glanced behind him and down the hall to see Peony resting his head on the couch, then he made his way over to his sister. He placed his hand on her shoulder and Nephry turned startled eyes on her brother. His smile still resembled a smirk but, Nephry didn't notice or care as she buried her face in his shoulder. She grabbed his other hand and held on to it as her shoulders shook with quiet sobs.
"I-I'm sorry-"
"Don't Nephry. It's fine," Jade searched for those silly, comforting words that Peony would use. "Everything will be alright."
"Everything and everyone is changing," she murmured against his shirt. "It's even quieter at the manor but, the Curtiss's are actually happy since you left and that makes me so angry. Saphir's hostile and I don't have my other big, oaf of a brother around. School has gotten harder but, I don't really mind, it keeps me busy and," she chuckled wetly, "and it reminds me of you."
"I'm sorry I didn't write in so long, Nephry."
"It's okay, I didn't either. I didn't know what to write. I thought about writing separate letters to you and Peony but, that didn't seem fair. Peony might be better at comforting me but you are my brother, and only family," she squeezed his hand and sobbed at the realization that it was Jade who was comforting her now. "You're not doing a bad job now. I misjudged you."
"I don't think so, Nephry," Jade said honestly, "I'm still frustrated by emotions and it's because of Peony that I've learned anything about how to deal with them."
"You've changed too, Jade," Nephry said pulling away to give him a scared but proud smile. "Something happened while you've been here and it suits you."
Jade turned his gaze to the doorway, thinking of the dozing blonde man in the living room.
"Yes, perhaps it did suit me," he muttered, but Nephry still caught the words and shot Jade a quizzical look. He turned his attention back to Nephry. "You're right in saying that we are changing and sometimes not always for the better. But I am glad about the new experiences I've had while in the city, even if there are still some things I can't say and most definitely should have when I had the chance but, I believe in understanding something before exporting it for general knowledge."
"Jade, what are you telling me?" Nephry asked with worried eyes.
"It doesn't matter," he said, back in his regular, business tone. Jade patted Nephry's hand and let it go. He was halfway to the door when Nephry whispered, "Is it about Saphir?"
He paused at the door and said without hesitation, "No."
"It's Peony then?"
Jade had the knob in his hand when he turned around with his smirk in place.
"Goodnight, sister."
Peony clambered into bed and lay on his side turned away from Jade, and hugging the edge. Jade was in a similar position, but without Peony's rigidity. Though Jade was by no means a man who wanted to be held and cuddled, he had grown used to Peony's arms. It wasn't for comfort, it was because it felt odd to be near him but, not be pestered by him; like Peony wasn't himself or wasn't even there. Jade could have initiated contact but that wasn't how he was either. Jade showed affection for passion or, if he felt sure enough, for comfort.
Peony was a man who enjoyed holding the people he liked and loved. Openheartedness and raising moral made him feel good because others were feeling good. Embracing someone seemed to relax them, even Jade, if the bastard sat still long enough to figure out the good it did for him. He hoped Jade appreciated how much self-control he was exercising at the moment; though Jade had called it quits between them, Peony still was in love with Jade. He hadn't broken Peony's heart, only put a constricting leash on it. So here both men lay, bound by their minds to the edge of the bed but, for all the moving they could do, they might have appeared to have been chained.
