"It's best if you don't see each other for a while."
Her mom told him, and Sunny's therapist advised the same thing. They were both each other's negative enforcers... if the bloody mess in Basil's room isn't enough proof, then what else is?
So the raven-haired stared at the white ceiling, eyes distant. He rarely ever had trouble sleeping, so why is this night any different? Ah, right. It's because he's thinking of him again.
It's been a month and a half since Sunny left Faraway Town. That quaint little town, the peaceful suburbs with their cliche white picket fences, the boring and mundane. The exact opposite of the bustling city that he and his mom moved into.
Their apartment isn't as big as their former house, but it wasn't so small either. It's just right. It's pretty cozy, and when he gaze out the windows, the scene wasn't what he used to see. Instead of an empty road, with just a few people and vehicles passing by and the blowing wind being the only source of noise, it's... busy. Lots of people, lots of cars, it's easier for the reality to sink in that the Earth has never stopped revolving even if he has always felt like it did.
Even when he left, he still managed to keep in contact with the others. But Kel, mostly. He was the first one to come forward and was kind (too much for his own good) and forgave Sunny. Aubrey reached him through a phone call several weeks after, and she forgave him too, but not before cursing and berating him in the first few minutes of the phone call.
Surprisingly enough, Hero also contacted him just a few days after Aubrey did. Hero says, and he quote, "I haven't forgiven you, Sunny. Still, it's not hard to worry about you." Sunny swore to the heavens he doesn't deserve Hero, or anyone in his friend group for that matter.
Ever so reluctantly, the raven-haired asked if Hero feels the same way about Basil. But Hero wasn't so stoked reaching out to Basil too soon. Maybe someday, but not now.
Right. That's why Sunny was thinking of Basil. He's relieved that Hero was willing to talk to him, even if forgiveness isn't quite obtainable yet, but at the same time, it felt unfair he's the only one receiving this treatment.
So he... he wanted to reach out to Basil. But then again, he remembered what his mom and his therapist told him. So he left his phone be on his bedside table and stared at the ceiling instead. After all, they made a promise, didn't they? Before he left the hospital, he promised Basil he'll do everything to be finally okay. And if his therapist thinks being continuously in touch with his friend hinders that, maybe it's for the best that he follows her advise. He's been doing great thus far, he hasn't messaged or called Basil for several weeks.
And Basil would never initiate a conversation with him since he still for sure feels guilty about the eye, plus he'll think that he'll bother him. It's just how he is.
Sunny heard a faint tapping on his window. He sat up, the cushion sinking under his weight as he turned to look outside, raindrops slowly rolling down against the glass, blurring everything that can be seen outside. It's gotten cold. It was enough to have distant memories flooding back through him. Those carefree days, when everything was okay.
"Here, let's share the blanket."
Four years ago, the day was gloomy and rainy. Their tightly-knitted friend group was hanging out in the treehouse. Nobody expected it'll rain so heavily, and the only one who was actually prepared for the gloomy weather was Hero and Mari. But how many person can an umbrella actually hold? And so-
"Alright. I'll take Kel home first, you take Aubrey. Then we can go back for Basil and Sunny later." Hero remarked, opening his umbrella.
"That's fine with you two, right?" Mari asked considerately, her smile gentle and assuring like it has always been.
At that time, Basil was fairly new to the group. He was a very great addition, thank you, Aubrey.
"O-of course! We'll be waiting. Please be careful." Basil politely responded, a blanket draped over his shoulder which Aubrey has given him.
"It sucks how this rain interrupts our card game! Are we sure we can't just wait for the rain to stop?" Aubrey said for the third time, a pout on her lips.
Mari opened her umbrella as she guided the younger girl down the ladder of the tree house. The brothers already a few steps ahead of them. "It's getting late anyway, Aubrey. We can always play again tomorrow!" She reassured.
"Hey, Aubrey!" Kel exclaimed with a fiendish grin, before he kicks his foot on the ground and splashed a puddle of water towards Aubrey.
"Kel!" Hero called out, a troubled expression painted over his face. This is going to be a start of another relentless bickering again. And the puddles are dirty! and cold! they might get sick playing with it.
"Oh, I will so get you for this!" Aubrey snarled, and kicked her foot in a bigger puddle she spotted, splashing Kel's shorts. "Hey!"
Mari chuckled, "Okay, okay. That's enough. Let's not do anything that'll get you both sick."
"He started it!"
Kel sticks out his tongue, "Blehhh!"
Basil giggled as he stared out the window of the treehouse. Aubrey and Kel continued to bicker, albeit, verbally, with Hero and trying his best to mediate and Mari giggling at the futile attempt. Eventually, their voices faded into the angry downpour of the rain, and the four of them disappeared into the myriad of trees that surrounds their little secret spot.
Basil turned to the ever so quiet Sunny, who slightly shivered as a chilly wind that flowed through the treehouse.
The blonde immediately approached, worried. "Are you cold? Here, we can share a blanket."
Sunny shakes his head, a bit sheepish, but also at the same time not wanting to cause trouble for his new friend.
Basil bit his lip, "Oh, yeah, sorry. Are you too shy? I-I mean that's normal, we.. we've only met after all." He removed the blanket over his shoulder and gave it to Sunny. The latter looked up at him reluctantly. Basil smiled, "It's okay. I'm not that cold."
"...thanks." Sunny wrapped the blanket around him, savoring it's warmth. It especially felt nice amidst the cold.
Basil seemed satisfied, and moved on to the pictures lying on the table. He busied himself on organizing the pictures he's taken just this afternoon before it began raining. Sunny tilted his head slightly, curious at how the pictures turned out.
Basil noticed immediately, "You want to see?"
Sunny nodded. The flower boy smiled and scooted closer to him.
"Mari and Hero looked really cute in this one, don't they? The sunlight framed them really well it's almost as if it's meant to be." Basil said as he showed one of the pictures to Sunny.
"... you're really good at it."
"Hehe! You think so? I've only ever been doing it for fun so I'm not sure if I'm doing you guys justice."
"I think you make us look better."
Basil's face flushed at the compliment. "Thanks. That's how I wanted it."
Sunny glanced at Basil, and for the first time he noticed how beautiful his eyes were up close. It's... deep blue, like the ocean. And they seemed to hold a certain delicateness on them.
The wind howled loudly, mildly shaking the treehouse and the rain falls angry at the roof. It's gotten just a lot more colder. Lightning flashed on the sky and after a while it was followed by a violent crash of thunder. Basil jumps in his seat, eyes shutting tightly. Sunny glanced at him in concern.
Basil laughed nervously, "Sorry, I've never been fond of..." He trailed off, eyes darting outside at the rain.
"Big boom?" Sunny continued for him. The blonde nods, "Yes."
Sunny scoots closer to the young boy until their shoulders bumped together, "...Let's share."
Basil looked at him, surprised. "Are you sure?"
The boy nodded at him, his eyes seemed so blank and emotionless but Basil can sense he's friendly enough to be concerned at his fright for the thunder and the increasing coldness in the air. Basil smiled and the two of them wrapped themselves with the blanket, and a comforting warmth spreads through their bodies. It was cozy, very cozy. Sunny has never snuggled with anyone aside from Mari. Sure, the gang would sometimes take naps together but they're... together. This is the first time he's actually been close to someone else alone. And it felt nice.
Mari and Hero can take their sweet time a bit longer, Sunny thinks. A comforting silence befallen them, the only source of sound being the rain and occasional thunder, but Basil doesn't seem to mind anymore as he continued to place the photos in the album, scribbling notes beside it.
Sunny looked back down on the pictures, "...you should also be photographed more often too."
Basil chuckles, flattered. "Sure. I'll try-"
"-Opening your eyes for a second."
"No way! What if the scary guy comes?!" Basil immediately turns down the idea, two hands remained on covering his eyes.
The whole gang decided to have a movie marathon. And in the end collectively agreed to watch the latest horror movie that just came out, much to Basil's dismay. He's never really been one for things like horror and ghosts.
They're all snuggled up on the couch. Mari and Hero sits at the center, each of them holding a bowl of popcorns. Kel and Aubrey sits at Hero's side of the couch, and Basil and Sunny on Mari's.
"Quit hitting me with your elbow, Kel!"
"I wasn't!"
"Shhhh!"
Sunny nudged Basil, "This part is going to be really good. It'll be a shame to miss it."
"How'd you even know it's going to be the best part?"
"I looked up spoilers."
"Why? Isn't that going to ruin the movie for you?"
"It helps to be prepared."
Basil lets out a muffled laugh, "Alright, fine. But only if you promise it's not going to be so scary!"
"I promise."
Basil slowly removed his hands from his eyes, just putting it down on the pillow on his lap ever so slowly as he reluctantly watch the scene unfolding on the TV.
He can't help but scoot closer to Sunny than he already is, one hand tightening on his shoulder. The suspense is killing him. This sucks. This sucks so much.
"Look, this movie is really scary , but you're so into it than I'm trying to not cover my face the whole time but what-"
"-is that...?" Basil asked, eyes wide with wonder and amusement.
Sunny with the slightest hint of panic and embarrassment in his eyes shielded his paper with his entire body.
It was a picnic day. The weather was perfect. The sky was perfectly blue, with just a few fluffy white clouds scattered on the sky and the sun smiling upon the green grass. A cool summer wind breezed through their secret hangout spot.
Kel and Aubrey was skipping rocks on the lake, competing on which of them would skip rocks the farthest. The prize is apparently bragging rights and now they're just so into it. Hero and Mari cleans up the leftovers and utensils amidst a rather light and sweet conversation between them.
Sunny thought everyone was busy enough that he can sit under a nearby tree to draw, but he forgot for a second that Basil's here.
"Why are you hiding it? I already saw the whole thing and I think it's pretty nice! You draw really well, Sunny!" Basil exclaimed cheerfully, eyes sparkling in delight.
"Shhh..." Sunny held up a finger to his lips, not wanting anyone else to know about his drawing capabilities. Its either he's just not too confident on his drawings or he just don't like being fawned over, Basil will figure it out later.
"Hehe! okay. I won't tell anyone if that's what you're worried about." The blonde sat beside Sunny, "Can I have a clearer look at it now?"
Sunny looked at the direction of Kel and Aubrey. They're fighting now and coming up with various things to compete with. Hero is now on their way to mediate them and Mari amusingly watched. Perfect.
Sunny handed Basil the paper. Basil smiled as he stared at it. It was the picture of them all together, sitting on a picnic blanket. The colors were light, the strokes playful but consistent. Basil thinks Sunny would make a great artist someday.
"It's really nice... and oh, I'm wearing a flower crown! Did you liked the flower crown on me that much?"
Sunny felt a little flustered, "...Kind of."
Basil slightly laughed, and it was music to his ears. "Yeah, I liked it too!" His smile slightly faltered and his eyes darted upward of Sunny's head. "O-oh, there's something on your hair, do you want me to get it out?"
Sunny just nodded. Basil reached for his hair gently and carefully, as if too anxious that the littlest of touch would hurt him. He was also too focused on removing whatever it is on Sunny's hair, implicated on how his eyes squint ever so slightly, his brows furrowing. It's cute.
"There." Basil finally got it. He opened up his palm and on the center is a tiny ladybug, it's wings twitching. "It's so cute and small..." He gently guided the ladybug on the grass below, "So clueless and without a care in the world. I wish I can just be like that, you-"
"-know I'm always here for you, right?"
Basil used his sleeve to wipe the tears from his eyes, sniffling. "...I know."
"...and you know that I can tell that you're lying when you said that you burst into tears staring at my family picture just because you thought Mari and I looked cute?"
"Why are you so talkative today?" Basil complained, just a tad irked on how his best-friend can see right through him so easily. Is he so easy to read? Or was just he just being so much of a crybaby?
"...I know. My throat hurts." Sunny responded, and Basil laughed despite the tears. "But I'm only talking so much because of you."
"Yes- yes, I know. I'm sorry." Basil tried to avoid the conversation as he stood up and walked over to where his plants where. He's at the front lawn of their little house, Sunny followed him all the way here.
He was too embarrassed about suddenly just crying in front of his friends so he panicked and immediately bailed. But he definitely wasn't expecting that Sunny will follow him. He picked up a watering can and was about to go get some water when he felt Sunny's hand on his wrist.
"What's bothering you?"
Basil sighed in defeat. He sat on their porch, and Sunny sat beside him, patiently waiting for him to open up. The blonde didn't know where quite to begin. It's too much for him, and he doesn't really have an idea on how to express it so properly.
"I'm sorry, Sunny. I don't- I just..." He exhaled heavily. "It's just... my parents. You know how they are. They're never around. Just... going on these endless business trips. They barely even call or text or send letters... I mean, I'm used to it. But it just... It doesn't make it hurt any less."
"...the family picture reminded you of them?"
Basil shrugged, "I don't know... Maybe? Or it just became too much to bear." He glanced at Sunny, "I mean... it's not just you and Mari... Kel and Hero too... Other kids as well. Their parents... are there for them. I just think, it must be nice."
Silence befallen them. Sunny isn't very good at advising and comforting as much as Mari does. She's always the one who knows the right thing to do and say in these situations.
And even most especially, how can he even respond to this? He wouldn't know or understand what Basil is going through. Like what he said, their parents are present and giving...?
Sunny reluctantly holds Basil's hand, intertwining their fingers, it surprises him how it almost seemed to be a perfect fit. This is all he can do right now, and he felt terrible to be not so much of a help. Still, Basil smiled at him, and despite his glazed eyes and the redness around it he looked like he's genuinely smiling. The blonde rested his head on his shoulder. He felt warm and light headed with such simple gesture.
Together, they watched the sun slowly dip down, the sky becoming the beautiful mix of orange and yellow bleeding into the purple and blue of the night forthcoming.
The gentle sunrays gently spilled on the porch of Basil's house, warming their skin like a gentle kiss.
"Sorry I don't have much advice to offer."
"Are you kidding? I think you're-"
"-doing great."
He still wasn't convinced though. Even if Basil said so. Which is concerning, because he always believed what his best-friend says.
"I... think you're just tired. You've been practicing for weeks..."
Sunny nods and places the violin back to its case, the lid making a quiet thud as he shuts it close. Basil beamed at him, gently taking his calloused hand on his own, caused by the hours-long of practice for the upcoming recital.
It's going to happen tomorrow, but everything just seemed so wrong. They say all you have to do is practice, then you'll get it right. Then you'll perfect it eventually. Was he just not capable?
He was pulled away from his thoughts when he felt Basil squeezed his hand, then he realized how soft his friend's hand was. Despite the gardening and practically doing half of the household chores in order to make it easier for his grandma, his hand wasn't rough unlike his.
"You want to walk outside for a while? Maybe a little sunlight and fresh air will ease you up a bit. We can get ice cream on the way too..."
Sunny just nodded again. Too exhausted and drained to muster the effort to talk. But Basil seemed to understand. Basil never complained, nor ever scolded him when he makes a mistake.
Never letting go of each other's hand, they walked. Sauntering on the quiet suburbs, the wind was gentle, rustling the leaves of the surrounding trees and the birds chirped. Sunny felt peace for the first time in weeks.
"It's weird, you know."
Sunny glanced at his companion.
"Hearing the birds, but not seeing them."
True enough, Sunny never once caught a glimpse of birds as his eyes wandered around the nearby trees, the roofs, the electric posts, they're out of sight.
Soon, they ended up at the playground. Both occupied the swings as they polish off their ice cream. "You should tell Mari."
Sunny immediately looked up, his eyes gleaming with astonishment. It was almost impressive how Basil seemed to know what he feels or think. He didn't even have to say anything. He just... knows.
"...already too late."
"I know, I'm sorry."
He stared at the blonde confusedly.
"I should've said it to you earlier, but I was just scared that I'm overthinking it too much... The others did say I get so anxious over some stuff I shouldn't."
The raven haired shakes his head, "...My fault for biting off more than I can chew."
Basil sighed, and then glanced at Sunny. "You just wanted to spend more time with her."
"...I was being selfish."
"Don't say that." Basil stands up from the swing, and stands in front of Sunny. He firmly holds his shoulders, there's an uneasy look in his eyes that Sunny can't quite decipher. "...I know you can do this. Hey, what about if I see you before the recital? Just to cheer you on before the actual thing?"
Sunny's lips twitched a bit, forming a smile, almost. "That'll be great."
Basil's lips breaks into an excited smile. He's looking forward to it. He believes that Mari and Sunny will do great. Then all of this will be over. They can go back to the carefree summer days, everything will return to the way it has always been.
Or so he thought.
"See you-"
"-when I see you?... I guess...?"
This was four years later. Basil looked up to Sunny, and the whiteness of the whole hospital room was enough for him to squint, blinding him, almost.
Sunny was just discharged. His hospital gown was replaced with casual clothing, there's still a few bandages on his arm and other parts of the body but it wasn't so much of a serious injury unlike his left eye that's no longer capable of functioning, covered with a white eyepatch.
It pricks and stabs and pinches at Basil's heart as he looked at it. And Sunny can very well see it. He's always seen through him. Even after four years of barely no contact nor the smallest of greeting.
"Sorry I have to-"
"Don't apologize for that. Don't apologize for doing what's best for you."
He's got a point. The house holds all the most precious memories of Mari and his friends. And Faraway Town altogether held those carefree days of an innocent and blissful childhood. The incident with Mari only happened for a day, and yet it was enough to overshadow those hundreds of days of utter happiness and sunshine.
Maybe one day, it'll be the opposite. Maybe one day those summer days will be enough to see Faraway Town as nothing more but the childhood place of fun memories and the best of friends. But now isn't that day.
He don't think he can live in this place any longer.
"...Promise me you'll be okay."
"Yeah I-" Basil jumped a bit at the deafening sound of thunder. It's beginning to rain outside, maybe a rather heavy one. The blonde lets out a humorless laugh, "Yeah, sorry, it shaken me up a bit... Oh- What was I..? Right, the promise... yeah I promise."
Sunny bites his lip, he needs to leave but he's hesitant to leave him. He's finally told the truth to his friends. Naturally, they were devastated and angry at the both of them. That's okay, he'll take it. It's more than he deserved.
But even then, he'd be lying if he doesn't admit that a heavy weight had been lifted off his shoulders. He finally set himself free.
That's why it doesn't feel right to leave all of a sudden.
"You promise too."
"Huh?"
"You should promise too that you'll do everything to finally be okay..."
Sunny feels like the back of his eye is burning. He walked over to Basil and slowly lowered himself slightly for a hesitant embrace. Basil hugged him back, his hand gently tapping his back.
"I promise."
A thunder ripped through the sky, and he can feel completely how Basil's body tensed and trembled slightly under his arms, fists clenching, before he lets him go.
Basil hasn't really been fond of storms.
"You should go, Sunny. Your mom must be waiting for you..."
Sunny nods and finally left the room with one last glance over his shoulder. It felt odd. When what felt like ages ago he was begging him to stay and now he's willing to let him leave. Perhaps it was a good sign.
And he left Faraway Town and haven't looked back since.
Thunder.
It was loud. Very loud.
The rain was heavily pouring, and it was the way a lightning rifts through the sky followed by the violent sound of thunder after that it's almost fascinating.
...Hold on. It's a storm.
Basil wasn't very fond of storms, wasn't he?
Sunny glanced at the clock. It's 11:23pm. If he hurries up he can still catch the midnight train. The raven haired rolled off his bed, carelessly tossing his blanket aside as he pulled opened his closet and grabbed the closest decent pair of clothing he can put on, topped with a jacket. He took an umbrella with him and quietly sneaked out of the apartment.
Lucky for him his mom's asleep at this hour and tends to be quite the heavy sleeper. She wouldn't notice he's sneaked out in the middle of the night. And in the morning... nevermind what happens in the morning, he'll cross the bridge when he comes to it.
For now, he's got a reason to come back to Faraway Town to visit Basil and he's sure as hell won't let go of it.
Sunny arrived at the station with a few minutes to spare. And soon enough, he's on his way back to Faraway Town.
It's already very late at night when Sunny arrived at the quiet and sleepy suburbs. It was still raining, and despite the umbrella he still managed to get a little soaked, thanks to the wind.
He arrived at Basil's house, and only then realization dawned on him that this was a very impulsive decision. One that he definitely didn't think through. It's 3am in the morning. Would Basil even be awake in this hour? And is he even welcome? He only messaged the blonde for a few times, and then stopped when his mom and therapist told him so.
Oh, screw it. He's already here. Might as well just get on with it. Taking a deep breath, he knocked three times. There was only silence after that. Of course, what was he expecting?
He was about to turn around and go back home but the front door opened, revealing a very surprised Basil. He's on his pajamas, and his hair was a ruffled mess but it's clear he haven't slept a wink.
"S-sunny?! What on Ear-" and the booming crack of thunder ripped through, "Eek!" He instinctively stepped back, shoulders tensing. He looked back up at Sunny again, "...y-you know what..? just... come in..."
Sunny smiled a bit and entered the house. It was dark, save for the light outside spilling on the windows, forming bars at the floor. The blonde hurried to fetch a fresh towel and handed it to Sunny, who gratefully takes it from him.
"So uhm,-"
"I'm sorry..."
Basil stared at him, confused.
"...wh-why?"
"...because I waited for a storm to happen before seeing you."
Basil blinked at him several times, before chuckling, his hand covering his lips. "...Sunny? You don't need a reason to see me... You can always come anytime."
Sunny sighed, "...yeah, I never should have listened to them."
Basil smiled, "Me too."
"So your therapist also...?"
Basil takes the towel from Sunny's grip and draped it over him, "...Yeah. And yours did too, huh?"
The two boys shared a knowing smile. Sunny takes Basil's hand in his, squeezing them gently, earning a flustered expression from the other. They said they were bad for each other. But he only realized now they were wrong. From day one it's always been the two of them who understood each other. They told each other's pain, no words needed. They fell down to the rock-bottom together. Hell, they did it holding hands. The only way to be really okay is for them to be okay together.
"And you know what? screw 'em."