A/N: I'm back everyone! I deeply apologize for not updating this story like planned. I've been working on my Kingdom Heart story "Voice" and I just posted up my new, non-yaoi story "Tender Heart", which you guys should check out if you interested in Kingdom Hearts or whatever. Anyway, I hope this will make it up for lost time! Enjoy and reviews are greatly appreciated!
Disclaimer: I do not own Romeo x Juliet. However, I do own the plot and made up characters.
Warning: This is a yaoi story between Romeo and Tybalt. They are not brothers in this story, but if you do not like the concept of them being together in a romantic way, please leave right now. Also, this story is AU, may be a few grammar/spelling mistakes and some of the characters are OOC.
Risk
Thoughts
Chapter 10:
Romeo P.O.V.
I don't know if I truly like Tybalt's plan anymore. I sat in a booth at Irises, sitting at my coke soda and some homework papers sat neatly on the table on my left side. After school, I came straight here because I couldn't stop thinking about what happened in Gym class.
I care about Tybalt deeply; I truly do. Even if we have to keep our deepened relationship hidden from both Montague and Juliet, does that mean Tybalt has to change his personality as well? His duty as my guardian is one thing, but his position as a friend is starting to be questioned; even for me. I just wish that none of this happened. I wish I could just be set free from Montague, but I can't...
Checking the clock above the exit door, I saw that it was now 4:30 and let out a depressing sigh as I continued to make bubbles in my cup using my straw. However, I didn't notice someone walk up to my table and sit themselves down across from me.
"Romeo...are you all right?"
Stopping my ministrations, I gazed up to see Antonio sitting across from me. I let go of the straw and sat straight up; chuckling nervously at the fact of being caught.
"Oh, I'm fine Antonio. How have you been?" I asked the brunette as I watched him shift a little and he looked down at the table nervously.
"I'm all right thank you. I was actually looking for you after school, but I couldn't find you anywhere." Antonio replied calmly; his brown eyes gazed up to lock onto mine.
"Oh I see." I say simply as I lean back comfortably; my eyes straying over the other customers in the restaurant.
I wish I could help Tybalt and Kazu. I wish that none of this every happened. Would it have been better if I never even came across Tybalt? What if I didn't go on the train with my mother? Would the course of fate have changed? Is it better for me to just forget about Tybalt and move on? I don't know anymore.
I was so deep in thought, that I didn't notice Antonio watching me quietly from his seat.
"Romeo," Antonio's voice drew me back into reality as I snapped out my thoughts and turned my head to look at him, "I...I hear that you've been having a pretty rough time lately."
"Oh yeah. It's just been a lot of stuff happening ya know? I barely have time to even do things I'd like to do." I chuckle sadly and I watched Antonio look at me for a second before going into deep thought.
Deciding to put my homework away, I realized that Antonio suddenly had a warm smile on his face; his brown eyes sparkling with excitement. After he got out of his seat, he put his backpack on and grabbed hold of my arm. "Let's go somewhere and have fun then!"
"What-hey!" I was forcefully pulled out of my seat and before Antonio led me,managed to grab my backpack and was now lead towards the door.
I managed to look over my shoulder and see Curio giving me a questioned look, but I could do was smile sheepishly before Antonio and I walked out of the restaurant.
It wasn't long until Antonio lead me to the beach. The sun was still out, but the water I knew, was extremely cold. Antonio stopped leading me once we were standing in the stand; his hand somehow held my hand on our way here cause he didn't let go.
"I sometimes come here when I'm stressed or if I need to be alone. This is so much better then being cooped up in your room, right?" Antonio turned his head to look up at me with a kind smile.
He wanted to make me feel better. Smiling back, I nodded once in agreement, "Very true. Plus, you get the fresh air and the sound of waves," I say while looking out at the big blue sea.
Feeling Antonio' hand leave mine, I looked over to see Antonio take off his shoes and roll up his jean sleeves before walking over to the water. He stuck one foot in but regretted it because his face showed pure horror.
"It's SO cold!"
Hearing this made me burst out in laughter. I dropped my back pack and continued laughing as I walked over to Antonio, but soon calmed down.
"Of course it is Antonio. For a moment, I thought you were gonna go skinny-dipping." I tease my brown-haired friend with a grin.
A splash of water met my face and I jumped slightly to see that it was Antonio who did so. He grinned right back at me before splashing more water at me. I laughed heartily at this before I decided to get my revenge back on his. We continued like this until I decided to chase after him.
If you saw us from a far, you'd be wondering why a pair of high school boys were chasing after each other, on the beach. But honestly, this was proverbially one of the most warmest moments anyone has ever given me.
I started to recall a memory a few years back when my mom and I would walk along the shore at dawn. I would pick up shells along the way while mother would tell me stories about when she traveled to different lands when she was younger. Those moments, was one of those memories that never really impacted me greatly, but it was something that I cherished for a long time.
That made me stop running after Antonio as I paused; panting lightly while I thought about that memory. I looked out towards the ocean as I watched waves crashed with sad eyes. Everyday, I wish that you were still here with me. Then maybe none of this would be happening. I wouldn't have an abusive father, Juliet and I would still be together, and maybe my life would be a lot more tolerable. But if I depended on you for so long, am I worthy to even walk through reality by myself? Not knowing where to go or what to do?
Warmth engulfed my hand; making me snap out of my trance and turned my head to see Antonio holding my hand within his own. I stared at our joined hands for a moment before meeting Antonio's gaze.
"I'm sorry if I brought up a sad memory. It's just...ever since your mother passed away, it's like you've been distant with everyone, even Benvolio. Through your smiles and laughs, I know your hurting inside. You don't want others to know how weak you are, but you shouldn't be ashamed or scared, Romeo." Antonio's tone was gentle and yet nervous; afraid that I would snap at him or something of that sort.
I stared into his eyes for a moment, taking his words in before gracing him with a smile and pulled him into a warm embrace. My right arm wrapped around his mid-back and my left hand tangled through Antonio's brown hair. Closing my eyes, I leaned down to rest my head against Antonio's.
"No-one's actually said that to my face before." I spoke clearly with amusement and I heard a chuckle from my brunette friend, making me smile even more. "I'm glad that you told me that Antonio."
Antonio blushed lightly at my words but continued to smile and hugged me back; gripping my back gently. "Y-Your welcome."
Hearing that made me pull away from Antonio as I released my hold on him; smiling at him kindly. He still had a light pink blush on his cheeks before looking up at me nervously and then boldly, leaned up and kissed me on the lips.
Eyes widened, my body literally froze when Antonio's lips met mine. Oh my God, Antonio's kissing me! I shouldn't let this happen, Before I could even end it quickly, Antonio already broke the kiss before meeting my gaze. I stared back at him with a taken back gaze and surprise before I blinked a few times and blushed in embarrassment.
"Um...Antonio-"
"I'm sorry."
The blush went away when I heard the apology and watched Antonio rub his right arm nervously. His gaze looked uneasy and scared; like he committed a crime of some sort.
Oh no, he must think I hate him.
"No, don't be sorry! I don't hate you or anything! You just...caught me by surprise is all." I said with a kind smile, making Antonio look up at me so our eyes would meet.
"Really?" Antonio asked with hope in his eyes and I nodded.
"So...is it possible for you to kiss me back?"
That's right. He doesn't know about Tybalt and I. "Antonio, I care about you and your a great guy, but I don't think I should kiss you."
I watched as Antonio take a slow step towards me and I unconsciously take a step back.
"Why not? I mean, it's not like your with anyone. Your not with Benvolio because you both are too close of friends to do so and I don't think you and Juliet are getting back together anytime soon."
"Wait, what? How did you know-Ah!" I yelped when I feel backwards on the sand; groaning at the contact when I looked up to see Antonio standing over me.
"Well...when you don't see or talk to someone for quite a long time, you have to figure things out for yourself." He pointed out with a light chuckle but I only looked at him before averting my gaze up at the sky.
"Got that right."
After everything that's happened, I don't know what to do. Sure, I'm going along with Tybalt's plan by not speaking to him or not being around him because of Juliet's blackmail, but it sucks because I got to act different as well. Sometimes I wish I could just...prove to him that I shouldn't be pushed away, because then, there may be someone else.
"Romeo."
I looked from gazing at the sky towards the chocolate covered eyes that were looking at me from my left side. Antonio had seated himself on the sand beside me, his face masked concern and curiosity.
Suddenly, I heard voices from behind us. I sat up and looked over towards the right to see a couple walking along the beach. When I got a better look at them, I realized it my no good father and Scarlet; talking among themselves.
No no no! They can't see me here! If they do, I'm screwed!
An idea popped into my head, but it was very bad one. I looked from the couple to Antonio and when I noticed Montague about to turn his head over our way, I acted on impulse.
Quickly, I moved on-top of Antonio, and claimed his lips with my own. I closed my eyes when I did this, not realizing that Antonio was blushing beet red and started kissing me back. Having no control, I slipped my tongue into his mouth and soon, we were doing a slow, passionate French kiss. My hands moved on their own accord: from his thighs to his hips as I gripped them gently in a possessive grip. Antonio moaned through the kiss at feeling and I grunted when Antonio gripped my hair with both hands gently; pulling me closer against him.
It wasn't until I felt Antonio's hands slip under my shirt that I finally snapped back to reality. Opening my eyes slowly, I broke the kiss gently and looked down to see Antonio staring back at me with a hint of lust in his eyes and a heavy blush adorned his cheeks. Panting lightly, I looked over my shoulder to see that Montague and Scarlet weren't anywhere in sight, which meant they didn't even know I was here.
"R-Romeo?"
Turning back towards Antonio, I realized that position we were in. I was straddling my friends' waist, my hands gripped his waist gently, and we were both blushing and panting lightly by the kiss we shared.
"I..." I started off, but I couldn't say anything else except the fact that I had to go.
Realization slowly started to creep into my mind as I knew for a fact, that I just cheated on Tybalt with Antonio. Even if it was the only to conceal myself from Montague and Scarlet, I...
I kissed someone other than Tybalt...Oh God.
Quickly, I scrambled off of Antonio and took a few steps away from him. Antonio stood up as well; both of us dusting off the sand from our cloths and hair. Making sure I had my back pack, I started walking away when Antonio ran over and grabbed my elbow.
"Romeo, why-"
"Let go Antonio!" I turned and snapped at him; yanking my arm out of his hold.
Antonio stared at me with wide eyes because of my reaction and sadness filled his eyes. Knowing that I did another bad deed made me growl to myself as I curled my hand into fists and I looked away from Antonio.
"I'm sorry Antonio. I shouldn't have kissed you." I said softly, not knowing what else to say before I turned around and quickly walked off, leaving Antonio standing on the beach.
What have I done?
What we didn't know, was that someone was taking pictures of us.
R I S K
Juliet P.O.V.
This is just too good to pass up.
Hermione and I decided to head towards the beach because I volunteered to help with the journal by taking some photo shots of the ocean. Once we got there, we took some of the ocean, the shore, and even some with each other.
That's when I spotted two boys, running away from each other along the ocean's shore. At first, I was gonna just take a picture randomly but when I squinted and looked closely, I realized that it was Antonio and Romeo.
This made me remember the duty I gave to Antonio by having him get closer to Romeo. I walked a far, but near a safe and clear distance of them to take a few good shots. Hermione had long left to go fetch something from her bag that was left by entrance gate. Smirking, I adjusted the lens of the extremely technological camera when I saw the two of them making out on the beach.
This will definitely crush Romeo and Tybalts' relationship. I'd rather Romeo be with Antonio then anyone else. Though it is weird to take a picture of your relative making out with your ex, I'm doing this for Romeos sake. Quickly, I took a few pictures of them: some up close and some afar, capturing every detail.
While I did this, I didn't know that Hermione had returned and was standing beside me with a shocked, flustered face when she spotted Romeo and Antonio. When I brought the camera down from my face, I looked over and literally jumped in fright; holding my scream in as I looked at my blond friend in shock.
"You freaking scared the crap out of me!" I said in a harsh whisper, making Hermione focus on me with an apologetic look.
"I'm sorry Juliet, but why are you taking pictures of Romeo and Antonio? We're suppose to be taking pictures of the beach; not a making out couple." Hermione asked with a suspicious look in her eye as she looked from the camera to my face.
"Its complicated Hermione. You wouldn't understand."
"Well, the fact that Romeo is Benvolios' best friend, and care about the two of them deeply, I can easily tell him what your doing in a matter of seconds." Hermione warned while taking her silver cell phone out of sweater and flipped it open.
My eyes widened at the thought of my blackmail falling to pieces and I looked from the phone to my friend's calm, delicate face. Her long, curly blond hair pulled fell over her shoulders.
"You wouldn't?"
"Try me." She replied challengingly.
She's not as innocent as people claim to be. Just as I was about to protest, I looked back towards the two males and watched them scramble off each other. Romeo started saying something before walking away from Antonio, who did nothing but watch Romeo leave; a sad look crossed his face.
Watching Antonio suddenly made me think of a good way to keep Hermione quiet. Turning around fully to face the blond, I grinned evilly at her while holding my camera.
"It'd be ashame to hear that you ruined your chance at the finals for the art competition because of your past."
Hermione's green eyes narrowed slightly at the double meaning, "Where are you getting at Juliet?"
"I have resources Hermione, and I know what you did last winter. Remember that night, when I came across you holding a blood covered medal bat and a dead body at your feet in an alleyway? I never told a soul about it, but the police have been trying to find the murderer. They say that if they found the culprit, then the enemy is sent to prison for life."
I watched Hermiones dark look changed into fear as she stepped a few steps backwards; her body trembling at the thought of being caught.
Bingo.
"Please, don't do this! I had to kill him! You have no idea what happened prior to that night-"
I waved the sentence off, "Not my problem. All they want is the one who killed an innocent man. They don't want to know why you did it."
"You've changed Juliet," Hermione spoke softly as I eyed her with a confused look, "ever since Mr. Tybalt came to our school, you've changed. Especially when it came to Romeo." She finished as she glanced at the ground for a moment before her eyes widened in realization and looked back at me.
"You figured it out huh?" I said before facing the ocean; Antonio had disappeared during our discussion. "I have to do this for Romeo. He has to much on his plate and with Tybalt in his life, it's like his life is nothing from normal. I have to help him because..." I paused for a moment but Hermione beat me to it.
"Because you still love him." Hermione finished for me, her eyes watching me as I looked over my shoulder at her; my face expressionless.
"I suppose...I shouldn't but I do. So I suggest you keep quiet unless you want the rest of your life in prison." I warned her as our gazes pierced one another.
When I got no response, I turned back around and shoved the camera to Hermione, who grabbed hold of it. I simply picked up the bag that I almost forgotten and started walking back toward the direction of home.
Don't worry Romeo. No matter what, I'll find a way to set you free. I don't want you to get hurt and I refuse to let Tybalt harm you in anyway. That I promise.
R I S K
Benvolio P.O.V.
Even though it was kinda late, I decided to take a trip over to Irises and speak to Curio. When school let out, I saw that Romeo had decided to walk out alone; like he was in a hurry. So I figured that he may have come here because we were so accustomed to this place.
Then again, it's 5:35 and I highly doubt Romeo would be out for this long because of his father, but it doesn't help to look just in case.
Opening the door into the restaurant, I walked past the hostess, which I realized was now there because whenever Romeo and I came, there was never a hostess, and escorted myself to the bar section. A few people gave me odd looks but I ignored them. I certainly didn't want a drink and if I did, I would get an earful from Curio.
"Well I wasn't expecting to see you here so late in the evening, Benvolio."
I looked up and saw Ceilo with a white, half apron on; wiping off a cup with a cloth. Blushing lightly, I avoided his gaze and distracted myself but leaning to the side and looking towards the back of the restaurant.
"I wasn't expecting you to be working here, Cielo. Where's Curio?"
"He left early. Something about meeting a friend."
I'm guessing Francisco. A defeated sigh escaped my lips before I looked down at my watch and then back at Cielo, "I see. We'll, if he so happens to call you or come back, tell him I asked for him."
Just as I turned and took two steps, Cielo stopped me with the most tempting proposal.
"Is it possible for you to stay a while until he comes back? I'm sure he'll be back soon anyway."
Glancing over my shoulder at the incredibly handsome guy behind the bar, I looked back towards the Exit before took a deep breath and walked back to the bar; sitting on a wooden stool. Happiness seemed to reflect in Cielo's eyes because he offered me some Coke in a small sized glass.
"I'm guessing it has to deal with Romeo."
"Of course it does." I say back almost to quickly and it came unnoticed by Cielo, who raised an eyebrow at me with a smirk on his face. "I don't mean it in an annoying way. I'm just stating."
A deep chuckle came from the man in front of me; amusement in his voice. "I know. It's just very amusing to see you so worried about someone else."
"Hmph, like you don't do the same for someone else." I countered back quickly before taking a long gulp of my drink.
When I didn't get an answer, I placed my drink down and gazed at Cielo, who had a distant, sad look in his eyes. I don't know why, but it made me uneasy and uncomfortable. He was just staring out into space, not caring who saw. For some reason, I didn't like it all and...I wanted it to go away.
"Cielo," I called out to him, which seemed to work before Cielo seemed to snap out of whatever trance or daydream he was in and looked at me.
"Your right...I shouldn't have said such a thing when I too, had someone to worry about." Cielo apologized with slight guilt in his eye before he walked away to attend to someone else at the bar.
Had? I couldn't get that out of my head, for when Cielo came back around, I reached up and grabbed his elbow so he didn't walk away. He looked down at me with slight surprise and then at my hand. Quickly, I pulled my hand away, blushing lightly at my sudden action before clearing my throat.
"You said had. What do you mean?'
Cielo thought for a moment before realization hit him and only gazed at me with a soft frown. "They passed away about a year ago."
Oh.
"Oh..." That was I could say and I rubbed my arm out of nervous habit. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have brought back such a sad memory-"
"He's never a sad memory," Cielo corrected; shocking me greatly as he continued, "He was my dearest friend, and was my first lover actually. Been friends for three years and loves for five years. We both had good, joyous memories. Were there bad ones? Of course, but that didn't stop us from creating something greater. Sometimes, we have to sacrifice something in order to get what we want."
A tensed silence was between us and I thought it would be the perfect time to speak. "If I may ask, what happened to him?"
At first, Cielo tensed up at the question. Conflict of emotions flashed through his face before he turned around; his back towards me but I knew that I was listening. Cielo took a deep, shaky breath.
"He died in the train accident about a year ago. The same one Romeo survived in when his mother died."
Shot with shock and guilt, I stared at Cielo's back with such sadness that I literally felt my heart quench. I mean, to lose someone you've loved for such a long time, in such a tragic accident, is very painful. Romeo didn't talk to anyone for months after the accident, and it took a while for him to even act like himself again.
"Cielo, I-"
"Benvolio? What are you doing here so late in the night?"
Turning around, I saw Curio walking towards me before seating himself next to me. "I wanted to talk to you about Romeo."
Curio's eyes narrowed, "Is he in danger?"
"No! He's not in danger. Thing is, I don't think-" I trailed off when I realized that Cielo wasn't at the bar anymore. I leaned forward and saw Cielo walking toward the back, through two double doors.
Curio followed my gaze and sighed deeply, "What did you do?"
I blinked once, turning my head to look at Curio. "What?"
"He looked tensed. Did he tell you something?"
"Um...well," I paused before continuing, "He mentioned his ex-lover being involved in the train incident that Romeo survived in-"
"Did you bring up the subject?" Curio asked quickly and straight to the point.
I turned my body to face Curio completely, my chest tightening with guilt, "I didn't mean to! If I had known beforehand-"
"Then you wouldn't have pressured it. However you don't know the facts." Curio once again finished my sentence with a frown, "Cielo's a dear friend of Tybalt and I. I want you to respect his boundaries."
"Curio! We need your help in the back!" A woman around her thirties with curly brown hair that reached the bottom of her ears, around my height, sharp blue eyes.
Curio gave the lady a short nod from across the restaurant before she turned and walked back into what I was guessing the kitchen. I watched Curio get up from his seat before he met my gaze.
"I know Romeo's having a hard time with Tybalts plan, but he must know that this is for his safety. Try and make him understand that."
Looks like I have no other choice. "So...if you were in Tybalts shoes, and Fransisco was in Romeo's place, what would you do?" I asked hesitantly with a soft tone of voice and my gaze the lowered to the ground.
All I could hear around us was the sound of music and chatter. Then I felt a hand grasp my shoulder, making me look up at Curio in surprise when I saw him smile a little.
"I'd run away with him. Make sure that we were no where near that bastard or anyone else who tried to cause harm to us." Curio answered truthfully before pulling his hand back to his side and turned to walk towards the kitchen.
I blinked a few times as I watched Curio's tall form disappear into the kitchen. He would...run away? Those words echoed into my head before they finally implanted themselves in my mind. Without thinking, I took out a pen from the inside of my coat pocket, and snatched a napkin before writing on it.
Cielo. I'm sorry for hurting your feelings. I wasn't thinking and I was just curious about you. I don't know why, but I was...concerned I guess. Repeat this to Romeo though, and I will hurt you (figuratively).
-Benvolio
Scanning my short message over, I placed it under my drink neatly before getting up and exiting the restaurant. When I stepped outside, I felt a chill breeze brushing my skin and I gasped at the coldness. I pulled my light jacket closer to my body while heading to my destination: home.
TBC
I know this is not a lot, but I hope everyone liked it! Please review!