"Breakfast is ready!"
"We're coming!" Ventus replied as he tidied up the bed, letting out a big yawn after. Vanitas came out of the bathroom and looked at him, sighing.
"Ven, you didn't have to..."
"I wanted to!" He walked to his boyfriend, gave him a little kiss on his cheek. "Ready for breakfast?"
Vanitas fondly shook his head and leaned in to kiss Ventus' cheek as well. It had been a week since he'd moved in with them, a week that had been different from any other he'd ever lived. Vanitas sighed contently and put his hands on Ventus' waist, kissing his lips.
"Ready, yeah."
The table was already carefully put. There were toasts on one plate, a cake, and a box of cereal as well. A bottle of milk stood right next to it but there was no coffee or tea anywhere, something Vanitas knew was because of him: No caffeine from now on, not until he fully recovered anyway. Of course, there was something else for them to drink: Fresh and sweet orange juice.
"Ah, there you are! Good morning!" Ventus' mother greeted them, kissing her son's forehead and giving her son-in-law a careful hug.
"Morning, mom." Ventus replied mid-yawn and Vanitas did too, sitting the closest to the juice. It was just the three of them now, Roxas having left for school over one hour ago and his father for work.
"Did you two sleep well?"
"Ventus did." Vanitas said, pointing to the blond with a slight movement of his head. "Fell asleep before I could even say good night."
"That's not true! I heard you say good night!"
"No, you didn't."
The woman chuckled and sat down herself. She gestured to the cake, telling Vanitas to get what he wanted, and he awkwardly got himself a slice.
"Did you, mom?"
"Oh, I passed out." She laughed. "Slept like an angel. Didn't even hear your father coming in."
"Like mother, like son." Vanitas whispered, much to Ventus' amusement.
Vanitas didn't usually talk much when they were all together. Just like at school, he preferred to listen instead of joining in the conversation. Weirdly enough, he felt that was changing or, rather, had already changed. No one at Ventus' place forced him to do anything, not even talk. It was oddly reassuring and it actually made him want to... Speak more?
It wasn't exactly a routine, they didn't have that. But waking up late, being called for breakfast… It was a different way of living. To have someone join him to eat and chat while doing so, even if for a few minutes. To take it easy before the day started and not worry about the power being cut, bills not being paid… Or being hurt for saying something wrong. To be able to relax. It felt nice.
After breakfast, the three of them quickly cleaned the kitchen. There wasn't much to do other than put away plates and do the dishes (And dry them, which Vanitas would do despite Ventus saying it wasn't needed). Once everything was clean, the two of them said their thanks mom for breakfast and were on their way to the guest's room when Ventus's mom spoke.
"I'm going downtown to buy some groceries in a few minutes. Do you want anything?"
Ventus thought. "... Maybe some ice cream?"
"Of course, dear. Anything else?" She looked at Vanitas. He looked at Ventus.
"... Anything else?" He asked. Ventus rolled his eyes.
"Something for you, silly!" He poked Vanitas' cheek, to what he blushed.
"Uh, not really. No. Thank you, ma'am."
"Are you sure?"
"Yeah. I'm sure. Thanks." He said, although aware she was still going to bring him something as she had already done.
"Alright then." She nodded and got her purse, walking to the door. "You two, try not to burn the house down, okay?"
"We'll try!" Ventus exclaimed as she closed the door. They went to the living room and waved at her from the window while she maneuvered the car and left the garage, waving back at them.
Vanitas leaned on Ventus as soon as she was out of sight. The blond put an arm around him and pulled him for a kiss, played with his hair for a bit.
"Did you sleep well...?"
Vanitas sighed heavily and closed his eyes. "... I guess? Better than before yesterday, at least."
"Good. That's good." He kissed his cheek again. "It means you're getting better."
"I don't know… Feels more like the calm before the storm to me."
"That's okay. We can brave the storm." Ventus said and ran his fingers down his boyfriend's hair, loving the small, shy smile in the corner of his lips.
A few little kisses later and they went back to the guest's room - Or just 'Vanitas' room' to everybody else. For the past few days, they'd spent their mornings there watching TV, playing games, or just doing nothing. Vanitas usually fell asleep at some point, out of boredom, out of tiredness itself. It wasn't exactly a routine yet, but seeing as his ribs weren't fully healed, there wasn't much more he could do.
And so Ventus joined him in doing nothing. Which, despite feeling nice, did make Vanitas feel a bit guilty.
"Vani?"
"Mm?" Vanitas looked at him, noticed he'd been called a few times already. "Yeah?"
"Your medication." Ventus held his hand open, a small ibuprofen pill on it.
"Oh. Thanks." He muttered and picked up the pill, reaching for the water bottle he kept on the bedside table. Ventus sat on the bed, picked up his pillow, and waited.
Right. He supposed there was some kind of routine after all.
Deep, big breaths. That's what he was told to do, breathing exercises so his lungs wouldn't develop some kind of illness. It sucked and he certainly didn't enjoy it, but he sure as hell didn't want to have pneumonia nor anything remotely close to that.
Ventus gave him the pillow and Vanitas held it firmly against his chest, waited for a bit, and took a deep breath once. He closed his eyes and did it again. Twice. Thrice. Sometimes a sudden harsh pain made him stop and he started all over again. Slow, deep breaths. He looked at Ventus for a moment, looking for some kind of support.
"I hate this."
"Shh, don't speak. Focus."
He coughed a few times, which also made him tighten his fists in pain, but it was nothing compared to the days before. It was getting easier too, he could tell. The painkillers were doing their job, doing it better as days went by. He just wished they would work on his brain too.
They continued with his exercises for a while longer, enough for him to feel a bit tired. He gave the pillow back to Ven, who put it away and approached to give him a kiss on his temple.
"...Is this my reward?" Vanitas asked, with a tired but innocent smile.
"What, this?" Ventus kissed his temple again.
"Yeah, that."
"Maybe?" And again. "Maybe not." Then the tip of his nose. "Maybe I just want to kiss you for no reason." And then his lips.
Vanitas chuckled and tried to push Ventus away, not really putting any effort into it. Ventus grinned and continued to kiss him, over and over again, while Vanitas merely pretended he didn't want that.
"Please, have mercy!" Vanitas laughed and Ventus stopped, only to hold his boyfriend's hand and kiss it instead.
"No mercy for you. You're getting all my kisses."
"Poor me."
It was he who leaned in to kiss Ventus this time. It was a slow, gentle kiss, that not only made him feel safe but also calmer.
"You'll get out of breath like that." Ventus said playfully and leaned his forehead against Vanitas', staying there.
Vanitas smiled, pulled him closer. "You always leave me out of breath."
"Tch… You dork."
"I mean it."
Ventus shook his head and blushed but didn't move from where he was. They looked at each other, gazed into the other's eyes, in their own little world. Vanitas pulled Ventus even closer, as close as they could be, and kissed him again, one more time.
"Ven..."
"Yeah...?"
"... Are you happy?"
"What do you mean?"
Vanitas sighed. Ventus waited.
"...I just… This, all of this… You shouldn't need to worry ab-"
Ventus put his index finger on Vanitas' lips and smiled. "Nah-ah. I'm not letting you do that."
Vanitas blushed. "But, Ven…"
"I am happy." Ventus said, confirmed. Reassured. "I really am."
"... How?"
"With you." Ventus held Vanitas' hands again. "Being with you makes me happy, Vani. Having you here. With me."
Vanitas sighed but smiled in the end, just to end the conversation. He didn't like that; how Ventus' life now was focused on his, and how much Ventus had to do to help him. He shouldn't need to do that. It wasn't his responsibility.
"Hey."
He looked up, back to the blond. Ventus tilted his head and gave him the warmest smile he'd ever seen.
"I love you."
Vanitas smiled too. "I love you too, Ven."
For what was left of the morning they sat side by side on the bed, Vanitas merely resting while Ventus read a book. It never took him too long to doze off like this, especially when he was leaning on Ventus like he was now. Especially when Ventus played with his hair like he was doing now.
Just before he did, however, his phone rang. He jumped, a bit startled, and looked around to find it.
"It's probably him." He said to himself, his mind still slow with sleep, and reached for it on the bedside table.
"You got it?"
"Yeah, yeah..." Vanitas nodded, cleaning the phone's screen with his shirt, and leaning back on Ventus again.
It was… Weird to have his phone back. After it was taken by the police and gone through whatever procedure it needed to go through, it had been returned to him. He wasn't sure how to respond to that at first, merely held the phone and checked it to see if anything was gone. The feeling, however, was that it held ties to what happened. Because it did.
"You okay?" Ventus asked and glanced at the screen. Vanitas shook his head and finally tapped it to see the message.
"Yeah, just… Sleepy."
"You can always reply later? He'll understand."
"No, I… I can reply now. Then sleep."
Vanitas opened Terra's message and doing so was enough for him to tense up. He looked at Ventus, who had the sweetest smile on his face, and felt his heart drop. Having his phone in hand, talking to Terra, being with Ventus… It all reminded him of the day it happened. It all reminded him of why it happened.
I love you, Ven
He would never let Ventus know that it was their conversation that led his father to do what he did. He'd blame it all on himself, even though it hadn't been his fault. So, despite feeling sick in his stomach, Vanitas still used his phone and pretended it didn't bother him to do so. Sent messages to friends, watched videos. Replied to Terra and Aqua, who'd been in touch ever since he'd left the hospital.
"You sure? You look… Pretty off." Ventus asked, putting a hand on Vanitas' forehead to check for a fever. That made the raven smile.
"I'm okay. Just sleepy, really." He looked back at the phone and at Terra's message.
Terra
Hi, Vanitas! How are you doing today? Did you have breakfast yet? - 10:15 AM
It was a pretty ordinary message but Vanitas appreciated it. It wasn't like he was going to hide anything from his teacher now, not after breaking down in front of him at the hospital. They had had a great chat afterward, mostly about himself and school, and it had made him feel better. He hoped Terra knew how much he was appreciated.
Vanitas
Hi, professor! - 10:19 AM
I did, yeah. A few minutes ago - 10:19 AM
I hope you and Aqua are doing well! - 10:20 AM
He turned his head to look at Ventus. He was back to reading his book, very interested in whatever was going on, and that gave Vanitas a moment to look at him and think. To think someday he'd have someone that cared for him this much… Someone who truly loved him. It was overwhelming at times, and he still didn't believe he deserved it.
He put his phone away and circled his arms around Ventus' body, snuggling with him. Ventus stopped reading and held him back, gentle and caring.
He still didn't believe he deserved it. But he was thankful. Like the world had finally given him time to breathe, to recover, to wake up not to screams but to soft, sweet whispers. Despite everything else, it truly felt like things were getting better.
Like the world had finally, deservingly, given him peace.
"They're on their way!"
Ventus jumped off the bed and stretched, smiling big. It was already Friday and the last week of October. Vanitas could swear time was going by faster than it ever had.
He put down the video game controller and looked at his boyfriend.
"Everyone?"
"Yeah! They're with Rox!"
Vanitas nodded and looked down, worried. He knew he couldn't avoid his friends forever, but he still felt unprepared. Still too fragile, still too broken.
"Hey..." Ventus called, soft, and stroked his cheek.
"My wounds haven't healed yet." He said, touched the scars and marks on his face. "And I'm so thin. So w-"
"Vani…" Ventus shook his head. Most of Vanitas' wounds had healed. He was thin but was putting up on weight now! Looking healthier by the day. "It will be fine. They're coming to see you, not… Not your wounds."
"I know. I'm just..."
Ashamed. Ashamed for avoiding them back when he was in the hospital, ashamed of being seen as…
Ventus patted Vanitas' head like he would a dog, getting his attention back. "I know what your brain's doing. Well, I will not allow it."
Vanitas chuckled. "What is my brain doing?"
"Telling you that you'll be judged! And it's lying!" Ventus continued, his triumphant tone of voice making the raven chuckle again.
"Maybe, yeah."
"See? I've got skills." Ventus said, playful, but smiled with compassion afterward. "Really, Van, it's alright. They're your friends. Our friends. They just want to see you. What happened doesn't define who you are."
Well, it sure defines how I feel , Vanitas thought but shrugged to himself. Ventus was right, and he knew he was right. It was his brain that kept pulling him down. His weird, messed up brain.
"So… You said they're on their way now?" He asked and got up.
"Mhm. Wanna wait in the living room?"
"Sure."
Ventus' mother was already there, watching TV. They joined her, Ventus laying on Vanitas' lap while they too watched whatever was on. The blond kept his phone next to him just in case, but he didn't need to check for any new messages; the knocking at the door was more than enough.
Vanitas turned his head to look, standing up in a hurry. Ventus did the same and they heard Roxas' voice.
"Mom, we're home!"
He opened the door and walked inside, followed by four different very well known voices. Ventus' mother turned the volume of her TV down and stood up, but neither she nor anyone had time to say anything: Xion did it first.
"VANITAS!"
The girl was in front of him before anyone could even move. She jumped through the door, pretty much threw her backpack away, and ran to the living room at the speed of light. Ventus jumped to the side, like dodging from a projectile, and before Vanitas had time to fully comprehend what was happening he was being hugged by his friend.
"Van, Van, oh my goodness, I missed you, you gave us such a big scare, I was going crazy, I-"
Vanitas trembled and his vision went blurry with tears. He held on to her, hugged her just as she did, gentle but so, so desperate and eager. So… Relieved! He blinked and the others were around them too, all of them. His friends. Ienzo didn't wait for Xion to move and simply put his arms around both of them at the same time in a big, warm family hug.
"Finally!" He exclaimed. "I meet my chess nemesis again."
Vanitas laughed hard and felt Sora and Riku join the hug, all of them surrounding him in a protective way. The twins' mother smiled at them.
"Just try not to hurt him, kids." She said, the always worried-mom tone of voice there, but also a playful one. "Give him room to breathe."
"You're right-!" Sora exclaimed. "Sorry, Van!"
"I'm being gentle, no worries, ma'am!" Xion said and Vanitas, despite his shaky voice, managed to whisper.
"I'm okay! It… This is good."
After a few more seconds of ' We missed you ''s and ' How are you feeling today?'s , the teens all stepped back and smiled at a teary, clearly happy Vanitas. He took a breath and rubbed his neck.
"It's so good to see you…!"
"It's awesome to see you, Van! We couldn't wait! But we did, oh so patiently… And now that we're here, we got some things to do!" Sora said, excited.
"Yeah! We brought some stuff." Roxas said with a smirk. Just as he did, everyone found a place to put their backpacks on and open them: They were all packed with groceries, games, and candies of all sorts, not to mention three 2L soda bottles!
"We also brought money so we can buy lunch for everyone!" Sora looked at Ventus' mother. "So don't worry about making anything, ma'am, we got it covered!"
"Oh, my! You all should visit more often!"
They laughed and started to unpack what they had; two seconds in and the house was completely overrun with laughter and chatting. Ventus' mother offered to help if they needed but they barely heard her over all the noise, so she just smiled and let them enjoy their time.
"Here, look what I've got!" Xion exclaimed, grabbing her backpack and pulling out a bag of lucky luckies from inside. "Just for you, Van!"
"I don't think I can eat all of these." He giggled but accepted the bag with a heartfelt smile.
"I mean, you could always share?" Ventus offered and took one of the candies from it.
"Of course." He agreed, handed over the bag to his boyfriend who made sure to go around sharing the candy.
"Wait, I thought we were going to order lunch?" Ienzo asked, taking a bite of his Lucky Lucky.
"Right, yeah! So, what do you guys want to eat?" Sora asked, looking down at his phone.
"I'll just ask them for the menu real quick."
"Are we ordering from the Bistro?"
"Yup! Best place to get food around here."
Ienzo and Roxas took the 2L sodas with them, and Xion followed with a cake she'd bought. Sora got everyone's orders, paying much more attention to that than he'd ever done to anything in school, while Ventus and Vanitas pretty much just watched and tagged along.
It all looked chaotic at first, and for a moment Ventus feared that much activity would make Vanitas feel uncomfortable, but once he saw his thankful smile he knew he'd be okay.
Sora put his phone back into his pockets and turned to Vanitas. "So, when are you coming back to school? Ven is not keeping you hostage, is he?"
"Uh, kind of?" Vanitas laughed and smiled at the blond. "I… Don't really know when I'm going back."
"Well, you're seeing the doctor in a few days, right?" Riku asked, looking at Ventus. "So maybe soon?"
"I hope so." The raven said, sounding a bit more depressed than he'd like.
"We can't wait to have you back!" Xion exclaimed, appearing next to them seemingly out of nowhere and poking Vanitas' arm.
"Even if all I do is sit on my desk and do nothing?"
"We don't like you because of what you do, silly. We like you because you are you. So yeah, even if you do nothing." Xion shrugged and Vanitas laughed again.
"Now that's a relief."
With everything settled down, they all went to Vanitas' room. It felt funny, to see them praising the bedroom when it had been them who'd arranged it in the first place.
"Oh, you brought the videogame downstairs too!" Sora celebrated, giving the console a few little pats. "How many games have you finished yet, Van?"
"Uh… None?"
"What?! No way! Ven, how could you?"
"Vani says he'd rather watch me play instead." The blond replied and reached over to stroke his boyfriend's hair. "Don't worry, though, I'll let you teach him all about your favorite games."
"Man, there are so many story-driven ones! If you'd told me I would've brought some! Riku, don't let me forget next time."
"I won't, Sora."
Roxas chuckled. "We could play some multiplayer stuff though. Like that karting game we played when Vanitas first came here." He looked at him. "Do you remember?"
"The one I sucked at, you mean? Won't ever forget."
"So you guys wanna play that while we wait for food? Or do something else?"
"We could play chess!" Ienzo suggested, gesturing at the chessboard he'd given Vanitas. "It's been a while since I had a real challenge!"
"There's also some catching up to do with school stuff." Roxas mentioned, scratching at his head. "Like, we made this big summary for both of you, so later we can go through it and all. The teachers helped us too!"
"Really?" Vanitas asked in disbelief.
"Yeah! We spoke to them and they all wanted to help." Xion agreed and put her hands on her hips. "And we also made sure to talk to Yen Sid, of course. We know you're worried about losing the year, so… Don't worry about it anymore, okay?"
Vanitas looked back at Ventus, who nodded and leaned closer to stroke his cheek.
"Mom and dad are taking care of that. It'll be alright, Vani."
He blinked a few times, too much information to process so suddenly. He looked up to his friends again, who were all looking at him with expectation. What was he supposed to say? Was a thank you enough? It surely didn't feel like it!
"So, what are we doing?" Sora asked in a very joyful, unexpected way. Vanitas was caught off guard for a moment and blinked a few more times.
"Ah… Huh?"
"What do you wanna do?" Ienzo asked. "We'll do whatever you want."
"Yeah! Just say the word!" Riku agreed.
"I, uh… I don't… Know?" He muttered, looking down at the floor. "I don't… Really care about what we do, anything you want is alright."
"You can choose this time." Ienzo suggested, getting an approving nod from everyone in the room. "We're in."
"No, I… There's nothing in particular. I just… Want to be with you all." He managed to say, his throat dry. "Having you here is what I want. Like before. At school. Just chilling and talking? That's… That's more than enough. That's… That's perfect."
No one could hold back their emotions at that point, getting all teary-eyed. It was obvious by the way they looked at their friend how much they cared and how much they'd missed him. Even if they wanted to have a light, fun reunion, no one could deny how much what happened to Vanitas had impacted them all. Still, no one really wanted to cry right now and it was Sora who helped them get back on track.
"I guess you're watching Roxas lose against me then." He said, quick to bring back the mood from before, and the others followed. "Where are the other controllers, Rox?"
"Let me go get them, hold on!" The oldest of the twins said and ran out of the room and up the stairs to his bedroom.
"Does that mean I can just chill on your bed?" Xion asked Vanitas, not waiting for a reply before sitting beside him. "Because it looks very comfy!"
"It is comfy, yeah." The raven agreed with a laugh and had his hair ruffled by his friend which, he admitted, felt really nice.
"I want to try it too!" Ienzo announced before joining them.
He and Xion pretty much pushed Ventus away so they could each sit on one side. With no space left on the bed, Ventus joined his brother on the floor, where he sat with one of their controllers.
"Up to four people can play." Ventus said. "You in, Riku?"
"Absolutely!
It was like time flew by them. No one believed it when the food arrived ("Already?!") but were quick to pay for it and take it all to the kitchen. Ventus' mom followed them, treated like a queen by the teenagers who offered her food, drinks, and some fun, happy chatting. Not all of them stayed in the kitchen. Instead, they all dispersed, some of them eating in the living room, some on the stairs, others just standing up.
Of course, their day didn't end after lunch. Once they were all satisfied they cleaned the kitchen and went back to Vanitas' room, resumed their chaotic celebration. This time, Vanitas played against his 'nemesis', a match that lasted over an hour. There was so much going on in the room and so many people talking over each other that Vanitas started to laugh for no other reason than… Feeling content.
He coughed a few times and reached for his water bottle, drank what was left of it in just a few gulps. Ienzo put a hand on his shoulder.
"You okay there?"
Vanitas cleared his throat, aware that he was being looked at by the others. "Yeah. Sorry, I… I got excited."
"Nothing to apologize for!"
"Yeah. Don't overdo it, okay? If you want to rest, just let us know!" Sora said, waving at him from the floor where he was watching Roxas play. Xion raised her hand up in the air.
"We got you, Van!"
Vanitas laughed again. He frowned at himself and thought about the feeling. Being surrounded by people he cared for and who cared for him as well. Genuine happiness.
"So… Another round?" Ienzo challenged him, rearranging the pieces on the board.
Vanitas smirked. "Wanna lose again?"
"Há. You wish."
It was around 6 PM when the twins' father arrived from work, surprised at being greeted by many more teenagers than he'd left in the house. They were all in the living room by then, all of them gathered on the sofas with their school books in hand. Vanitas and Ventus listened with their full attention to the big summary their friends had prepared for them, to make sure they would still be able to have good grades by the end of the year.
For dinner, they bought pizza for everyone and made a mess out of the kitchen, walking around with plates, cups, and cutlery. Just like during lunch, they didn't stay in just one place. It was clear, however, by how they were speaking, that everyone's energy was starting to run out.
"Phew… This day was the best!" Sora said, gathering enough courage to take his plate to the sink. Riku agreed.
"It sure was. I wouldn't mind another round."
"I wouldn't either." Ienzo let out, smiling at Vanitas who, despite feeling tired, smiled back. "Looks like I need to practice a bit more. You almost won!"
"Well… I learned with the best." Vanitas smirked and shrugged.
Half an hour later, the teens all thanked Ventus' parents for the hospitality and slowly made their way to the door, holding their much lighter backpacks close. It was dark outside, perfect for a walk with friends.
The day could've lasted a hundred hours and they'd still be enjoying it, if it wasn't for the sudden, expected, tiredness taking over. Xion didn't say anything once outside, just stretched her arms towards Vanitas, who was quick to do the same and hug her. The others followed, saying their goodbyes with few more jokes before having to leave.
"Let us know if you want another round of this soon!" Riku said to Vanitas with a high five.
"Will do! I hope to join you guys at school again."
"We'll be waiting!"
Roxas, Ventus, and Vanitas waved at their friends as they walked away, waiting until they were far away to go back inside. Everything was so clean that it didn't even look like it had been overrun with chaos before. The twins' parents were in the kitchen, talking softly to one another, and turned their heads to look when the three came inside.
"So… Any plans for tonight?" Their father joked and Roxas sighed with content.
"Aw yeah. Laying on my bed and passing out. Good night, everyone!"
The others laughed but soon they all did the same. Vanitas and Ventus said their goodnights and walked back to Vanitas' (The guest's?) room.
After taking a shower and putting on their pajamas, Ventus pulled the mattress from under the bed and Vanitas got their blankets. Ventus didn't lay on the mattress, though; they always spent some time together on the bed, holding each other for a while.
"Hey." Vanitas called, his voice low.
"Hey..."
They smiled at one another for a moment. Held hands.
"... How was your day?" Ventus asked, softly. "Did you like it...?"
"I did. It was… So much better than I expected. You were right about them."
"About…?"
"About them not minding… How I look. Or what happened."
"Of course they don't." Ventus caressed his cheeks. "They were happy to see you, Vani."
"I was happy to see them too. Thank you, Ven. For… Convincing me."
Ventus shook his head and pulled him for a warm, passionate kiss. They took their time and enjoyed each other's presence and company. Despite feeling tired and sleepy, being this close allowed them to recharge.
It wasn't until an hour later that they decided to actually sleep. They shared one last kiss and Ventus moved from the bed to the mattress, where he got comfortable and sighed satisfied. He raised his arm and held Vanitas' hand, just like he did every night, and just a few minutes later they were both deep into sleep.
Vanitas woke up with a loud banging in his ears.
He sat up in a swift, desolate movement, one that did nothing but increase the pain in his body. His eyes darted across the room, searching for the noise, for who or whatever it was that was banging at the walls around him, so loud that it shook the bed.
Vanitas stood still, moving only his eyes for what felt like an eternity until he finally realized the source of the sound was his own heart.
He let out a wince of pain as he turned on the bed, trying to make sense of his surroundings until the room came into focus and he could discern things as they were. What was a blur just mere seconds ago turned out to be the shape of the TV at the far corner. The indiscernible thing he saw moving to his right was just the curtain, gently dancing with the cool breeze of the night. And the banging was the same he'd be hearing every single day since he moved into Ventus' home.
His vision started to blur again, tears welling up in his eyes. Vanitas looked to his left and let out a shaky breath as he picked Chirithy in his arms and pressed his head against it.
Chirithy was nothing like Flood. Its arms weren't long enough to wrap around his neck like Flood's and its eyes, round blue eyes, didn't feel as heartwarming to look at as Flood's big, red ones. Truth was, Chirithy wasn't his childhood friend, nor did it know his deepest secrets, but for now it would do. Until he got Flood back, it would do.
The shaking was still there, even as he held the plush in his arms, squeezing it so hard his arms hurt. The lack of air was still there too, just as the ache in his heart and the pressure on his head. He tried not to make too much noise, tried not to let out just how labored his breathing was, but once again he failed. He failed, and he knew he did when he felt a gentle touch on his back.
"Vani...?"
Vanitas didn't look up at first. His eyes were still burning with tears and he didn't want Ventus to see him like that again. Of course, it wasn't like he could stay like this, cowering in fear throughout the whole night. He hadn't last night. Nor the night before that.
"Hey..."
He felt a slight movement on the bed when Ventus sat next to him, moving his hands up and down his back. Again. Again, he had woken Ventus up. Again, he had to be comforted. Again, he felt fragile to the point of almost breaking, and he absolutely hated it.
"I'm sorry..." He whimpered and pulled back from Chirithy, turned to his sweet and kind boyfriend. Sweet and kind, but also tired. More tired than the day before. Less tired than he would be the next.
"Van… It's okay" He called in a whisper and Vanitas held his breath, still hiding his face against Chirithy. He had lost count of how many times Ventus had said that in the past few days. Always with the same hopeful, patient intonation. Always with a smile.
"It's not." He hiccuped, pulling back and looking down at the cat plush, lazily playing with its ears. "It's not, Ven."
"It will be."
Vanitas felt numb but he also felt Ventus touch his face. He still felt when he was pulled into a careful embrace, one Ventus had been giving him for some time now. As tired as Ventus was, his touch was still so gentle. Always so gentle.
Vanitas sniffled and lay his head on Ventus' shoulder, turning as much as he could without feeling too much pain. It still radiated, from his ribs to his arms and legs, to his head, to his brain. To his heart. On nights like this, when panic kicked it, everything hurt. He nuzzled against Ventus' neck and held on to him.
"I'm sorry… I'm sorry, Ven..."
He knew, they all knew the pain wouldn't go away so easily. They all knew his troubles wouldn't simply disappear, that his feelings wouldn't change into good ones just because of a good day. It wasn't that easy. It was never that easy.
All they could do was to take one step at a time.
It was around 8 AM when both of them woke up the next morning. Vanitas didn't move, preferring to hide in his blanket cocoon, but he opened his eyes when he felt Ventus climbing into bed with him again.
"Hey..." He called. "Can I come in?"
Vanitas nodded softly and raised the blanket for Ventus to join him. The blond happily moved over and put his arms around his boyfriend, holding onto him as they cuddled. They could hear some noise outside but didn't mind it for a while. Just stayed together like that for a few more minutes.
"Did you manage to sleep a bit...?" Ventus asked very softly, intertwining his fingers' with Vanitas'.
"... A bit. But my head..." He squeezed his eyes shut. "It hurts..."
"Let's get you something to eat. Then you can take something for your head." Ventus offered, kissing the tip of Vanitas's nose and leaving the bed.
"... Okay…"
That wasn't the first day this had happened. Vanitas had barely slept the first week he spent there and he sincerely didn't expect to be able to sleep at all . He supposed it just hit harder after having such a good day.
Ventus returned just a few minutes later with two cups of juice and a plate with cheese, grapes, and two slices of cake.
"Breakfast on the bed today!" He said, trying to cheer things up. Vanitas pushed himself to sit up and looked at the things he'd brought. "I told mom you didn't sleep well last night so… She prepared this for you."
Vanitas didn't have words for that. He accepted the plate and the cup and welcomed Ventus back to the bed. He felt terrible for worrying Ventus' parents, for worrying everyone, but it felt oddly comforting to have them check on him every once in a while. It fit with the distant, fake memories he had of his famil- His parents.
They were silent while they ate. Vanitas enjoyed that, to spend their time together with no words. It didn't feel awkward, it felt comforting. After having woken up from a bad dream, however, not even that could suffice.
It was there. The ever-growing anxiety deep into his heart, awake once again. And he could feel it building up from somewhere deep in his mind. Some kind of fear, maybe irrational, maybe too real, but one he couldn't quite understand. It made it harder for him to sleep and even to carry on with his days. Like a bomb ticking away, ready to explode.
Of course, he had already gone through its explosions before when he lived with his father. But things were alright now. Surely, there was no reason to freak out. Or so he kept telling himself.
It was a night like any other, only this time Ventus fell asleep before him. Despite feeling tired, Vanitas couldn't sleep. He had tossed around for a few minutes now but had had enough of staring at the ceiling and had done his best not to pick up his phone. There had to be something he could do to keep his mind off things, to ignore that his heartbeat was faster tonight, that his skin felt hot and weird to the touch.
Vanitas figured it wouldn't hurt to at least walk around the house. As long as he didn't make any noise, it should be alright. Maybe he could sit on the sofa for a while, watch the movement on the street from the window. Or get some fresh water from the kitchen instead of just drinking from his bottle. Anything would do!
He silently got up from the bed, keeping his eyes on Ventus to make sure he wouldn't wake him up. Walking on his tiptoes, he opened the door of the room and stepped outside, slowly closing it behind himself. It was then that he noticed the light coming from the kitchen.
"Shouldn't they have done something at this point...?"
Vanitas froze, standing close to the wall completely still. That was Ventus' mom. Wait, Ventus' parents were in the kitchen?
"I know… But so far, nothing. I went there today again, waited for over an hour and no one came to see me. Waiting for them to do something, I… I don't think it'll take us anywhere."
Vanitas squinted his eyes. Their voices were low but he could still hear them if he focused enough.
"So we pay for it! At least the first appointments…? And then we'll see what we can do. Depending on what the therapist says."
"He'll need more than just a first few appointments though." Ventus' father emphasized. "If we can't pay for the others… I'm afraid it'll be harder for him."
Vanitas felt his heart sink and leaned against the wall, holding his hands together.
"Still…" Ventus' mother lamented. "... I'm worried, sweetheart. He's just so… Heartbroken. I don't think words of encouragement will help forever. Ventus is doing what he can, but… How will that affect him? More than it already is? A therapist would be able to help him better than we can. Even if for just a few days."
"It's been a while now, however. What, a month? He still needs to talk to the police and-"
"No. Going to a therapist should be the main goal. He's… He's still too shaken about everything. It won't do him any good to talk to them."
"And Aqua? You said she talked to you?" The man stopped for a moment, spoke more softly.
"She did. Both of them did. They offered help, in whatever way we need. I think they might come to visit him next week."
Vanitas held his hand tighter, held his breath for a moment.
He knew him being there would be bothersome not only to Ventus but to his parents and everyone else involved. The thought had gone through his head many times before, especially on the first days. Having a father who constantly told him he was to blame should've prepared him for it, but it hadn't.
It was obvious he'd give them worries. That they'd have to spend money with him, as they already had. They had already bought him new clothes, new blankets. Arranged a room just for him. Had to buy more food, of course, had to buy his medicine. Had to check the investigation regarding his father, regarding what happened. To pay for his treatment.
Treatment, the word felt foul in his mouth. Were they really thinking of paying for his treatment? And Terra and Aqua wanted to help?
He covered his mouth with both hands to keep himself from making any noise. The police. He'd forgotten about them; they were going to ask him questions about what happened. Would he be able to tell them? He remembered everything, or at least he assumed he did, but could he put it all into words? Putting them into thoughts hurt enough.
Don't make any sound. Don't make any sound.
He thought of his father and of what he always said to him. If you live here, then you need to pay for it. And that made sense, he should pay for it. He should do… Something. Anything! But how could he pay if he had no money? How could he repay them for everything they were doing or even planning to do?
"Let's see what the doctor will say first. I'll ask him for some advice, what he thinks..."
"Yeah… Yeah, alright. That'll be good."
Vanitas didn't know how long he stood there, waiting to see if he could hear anything else. He did, but they were no longer talking about him and that was when it dawned on him that he had been eavesdropping. He felt his face burn with shame but ashamed or not he'd heard enough.
He was as silent and careful as he was before and opened the bedroom door, this time to go back inside. Ventus was still sleeping and Vanitas sighed, making his way back to the bed and laying down. He felt nervous, wondering if they had heard him or seen him somehow, but his mind was too busy processing other things to focus on that.
Treatment. For him. After all those years, the possibility of seeing someone who could help him should bring relief but it didn't. It didn't because… He didn't live in that house. Ventus' parents talking about how they might not be able to pay for further appointments tore him on the inside.
He appreciated and was more than thankful for being taken care of, but he knew how things worked. He knew life was expensive, and that taking care of another human being took a toll on everyone around them. His father had taught him that well. Things cost money and Ventus' family had already spent enough raising two kids of their own. He wasn't a third one, he didn't want to be. It wasn't fair on them nor anyone else.
He turned on his side, shut his eyes tight. The expectative of what would happen and how shook his nerves and he covered his head with both hands, trying to silence it. Sleep to make it stop for a few hours. Just for a few hours.
Fledgling thoughts and emotions crawled at his skin and he pushed his blanket aside, trying to get rid of the heat. Vanitas rubbed his face with both hands then looked to the side, at the window. The curtain was moving, which meant there was at least a bit of wind coming from outside. But it felt so hot around him. Like walls were closing around his body.
Don't overthink, he told himself and turned to the other side. Don't overthink, you're fine.
It took him over an hour but he finally got to sleep. Only, it wasn't calm nor relaxing. His brain felt like forcing itself into sleep but his body was on alert, on high alert. Something - Someone - was coming. He could hear their footsteps, could hear their breathing. Suddenly, he could see them even though everything else was dark.
The banging at the walls was louder. Much, much louder.
Vanitas could hear his own voice somewhere, a muffled painful moan, filled with pain. He tried to stop it, but it was futile. It hurt. His father stood before him, pushed him against the wall, tightened his nails around his throat. He had let go once, but he didn't now. He kept hitting him, strangling him with a sick smile curving his lips. The banging was desperate now, a loud, uncontrollable sound, his heart racing as the oxygen was cut from him.
Stop, he choked up, his voice falling into deaf ears.
"What is this crap?" Xehanort screamed. "You complain about helping me but you keep spending money with shit like this?!"
Please, stop- he tried once more. It felt like his veins were on fire, his sight coming in and out of focus, his body shaking with fear, with pain.
"You're the one who let all of this happen. You know that, don't you? It didn't have to be this way, look at what you've done!"
He tried to kick the man away, tried to scream and call out to someone, pressed his nails on his arm deep enough to make it bleed, but that didn't stop him. Nothing stopped him, no one could!
You're killing me, Vanitas cried out, his lungs burning, his consciousness fading.
"Vani?"
No complaining. No fighting back. No crying. No crying. No crying.
"Vani?!"
No crying!
"Vanitas!"
He felt someone's hand close around his own and that was when he woke up. He barely had time to look at Ventus' panicked face before he leaned forward, choking with all the saliva in his mouth, a bitter taste rising up from his stomach. He grabbed at his shirt, gasping and desperately trying to breathe, but it wasn't until he vomited that he managed to.
"Ven… Ven…!" He called, his sight too blurred for him to see. He could feel it coming again, whatever was still boiling in his stomach coming up his throat and tried to swallow it only to cough harder and choke up again.
"I'm here, I'm here! Don't hold it!" Ventus exclaimed, his voice shaking with worry but also firm. "It's okay, Van! Come, I'll take you to the bathroom-"
"Ven-"
He felt Ventus' arm around him pulling him up and he forced his legs to move, upholding himself on the blond as he was led to the bathroom. He was panting, getting shivers all over his body, and could barely see things in front of him, but Ventus was there.
Vanitas vomited again, on the way to the bathroom. "I'm sorry-"
"It's okay. I got you."
"V-Ven, I'm so sorry-"
"Shh, you're alright. You're okay."
By the time they reached the door, Vanitas was covered in sweat, saliva dripping from his open mouth. Ventus carefully helped him to the sink where he finally let go and coughed it all out, his body almost too heavy for his legs to carry. He vomited again, the rest of his dinner falling out, but finally managed to breathe properly without anything stuck in his throat.
This had happened before. This had happened before, but back then it had been his father to carry him to the sink.
"I..." Vanitas closed his fingers around it, felt himself about to slip when Ventus covered his hand with his own, holding it tight.
"Van... "
"I..."
"Van… You choked in your sleep. But it's okay, now. It's okay..."
Ventus' voice was as light as a feather and Vanitas lost it, crying out loud as he leaned on the sink, his breathing harsh and elaborate. Half words found their way out of his lips but none of them made sense, nothing made sense. Nor his words, not the way his brain kept telling him his father would soon show up at the door and say he was sorry before leaving him to die.
"I can't take this anymore...!" He finally managed to shout out, staring at his broken and miserable reflection in the mirror. "V-Ven, I can't take this anymore…!"
"Vanitas-!" Ventus was about to touch his face when the raven threw up again and he pulled back. "Vani, calm down..."
"I can't!" He exclaimed again, sounding more and more desperate. He couldn't stop shaking. He couldn't stop crying and panting. "I'm tired! I'm so fucking tired, why...!"
Vanitas' voice died off and Ventus tightened his fingers around him, trying to keep him grounded.
"I-I'll call my parents. Can you sit d-"
"Don't-! Ven, please, don't… I-I'm so sorry…!"
For a few frightening seconds, Ventus was sure Vanitas was going to pass out. He tried to move Vanitas to the toilet to help him sit, but he was holding to the sink as if his very life depended on it. Like he was going to fall if he didn't, even though he was being held.
"… Vani..." Ventus spoke again, trying not to freak out himself. Vanitas was panicking; he needed to be strong for him now. "L… Look at me. Can you… Look at me?"
"I'm… 'm tired, Ven…!"
"It's… It's okay to feel tired..."
"No. No, not like this!" Vanitas looked down, nervous. "I don't want this, I don't want any of this-!"
"Vanitas, look at me-"
"My head hurts... It feels like I'm burning inside...!"
"L-Let me sit you down..."
He helped Vanitas to the toilet, helped him to sit down. Vanitas didn't object, but it wasn't like he could. He simply covered his face with both of his hands, pressed his fingers on his skin, trying to ground himself. He knew what was happening right now. He had dealt with panic attacks before, he had calmed himself down on his own. But now he couldn't. He just... Couldn't.
Ventus leaned down and held his face in his hands. "Vani… Vani, can you breathe?"
"I can..." He said, breathing fast, feeling disoriented. "I… F-Feels like I'm dying, I-I'm"
"Shhh, listen, listen…"
They heard people approaching, quick footsteps, and the bedroom door being opened.
"Ven? Is everything okay in there?!" His father's voice asked, rushing into the room.
Ventus only had enough time to see the color completely drain from Vanitas' face and his eyes go wide with what he could only call terror when his parents and Roxas showed up by the door.
"Brother? Vanitas, are you okay?!"
Vanitas looked up to see them all by the door, staring at them after clearly having seen the vomit on the floor and bed. One look at them and Vanitas stared down again, frozen with absolute shame in his fear-stricken eyes, trying to stop his jaw from quivering so much but failing at it.
"Sweetheart, what happened...?" Ventus' mom's exasperated voice seemed to almost echo in the bathroom or maybe he was just imagining things. He wished he was just imagining things, that he wasn't such a mess and that there wasn't a freaking audience there to see how miserable he was.
"Should we go to the hospital?" Ventus' father asked, worried.
Ventus wasn't sure and he didn't know if he should let Vanitas choose or not. He was shaken and desperate, still recovering, but…
"I'll… I just… Need air." Vanitas whispered and held Ventus' hand for comfort. Ventus pressed his lips together.
"G… Give us a moment." He said and could swear he felt Vanitas' relief himself. "Please."
His parents shared worried glances and Ventus thought they would complain, but all he needed was to meet his brother's eyes and Roxas instantly knew what he needed.
"Mom, dad-" He started, gave his little brother a nod. "We should wait outside."
He looked back one last time and Ventus thanked him silently.
"I-I don't want to be a burden anymore…!" Vanitas whispered, just before they closed the door. "... What are they going to think of me now…?"
Vanitas sighed, sniffling and crying, and Ventus turned his attention back to him, cupping his face with both of his hands again.
"You're not a burden… You never were..."
"Every time I think I'm getting better… I fuck everything up a-again, I don't want this anymore…!"
"Vani, look. Look at me." Ventus moved closer to him and kissed Vanitas' forehead. "You choked in your sleep. You… You didn't... Fuck anything up. It just happened. Okay?"
"I-I'm sorry. I just… I…."
"I know. And it's alright." Ventus stroked his cheek, his own voice on the verge of breaking, but he kept calm. "Just breathe for now, alright? I'll breathe with you. I am here, okay? We are safe. Okay?"
Just like he'd follow Ventus' voice on his morning exercises, Vanitas followed Ventus' breathing. It was hard and he lost it more time than he could count, but he kept doing it. Breathing. Thinking. Allowing his mind to recover and his body to rest from the sudden, unexpected panic.
When Vanitas felt like he could properly breathe, he felt slow and exhausted. Almost like he'd been given some kind of medicine to calm down. He blinked a few times and then remained quiet.
"... Maybe you should take a shower." Ventus said, as low as he managed to, a few minutes later. "... To change your clothes. To feel better."
Vanitas didn't respond for a while, simply stared into nothing without saying a word. It felt like his mind was made of butter, slowly melting without making sense of things. To take a shower. To feel better.
He looked down at his clothes, wet with vomit. The smell was awful. He looked awful. An utter, complete mess.
"... Okay."
Ventus helped him up again, but Vanitas felt like he could stand this time. He just didn't feel like it. He felt exhausted, his body way too heavy. If he was alone, he'd probably lay down on the floor where he stood and pass out. Just like last time.
"Can you do it?"
"...Okay."
"Van."
"Hm...?" Vanitas blinked a few times. "What…?"
"... Maybe not." Ventus said and, seeing Vanitas' confused expression, asked again. "I asked if you can take a shower by yourself."
Of course I can take a shower by myself, a distant, forgotten voice said in Vanitas' mind. I don't need your pity, it said again. His old angry, forgotten voice. He couldn't say that out loud anymore. He thought he would never be able to again.
"... No."
"Can I help you?" Ventus continued. "Are… Are you okay with that?"
"... Yeah."
Ven hesitated but Vanitas really didn't seem to mind. Or, if he did, he managed not to show it. Gentle, Ventus took his boyfriend's clothes off, always mindful of his ribs, always mindful of his expression; he didn't want him to feel even more uncomfortable than he already was.
Ventus turned the shower on and Vanitas walked into the water, his eyes low. He limited himself to breathe while Ventus helped him bathe, brushing his back and abdomen and trying not to look at his bruises for too long.
"I'll wash your hair now, okay?"
Vanitas refrained himself from speaking, only nodded whenever Ventus talked to him. It didn't take more than five minutes for Ventus to finish, but he let Vanitas stay a bit longer under the warm water to relax his muscles. Vanitas was still crying, but he was silent now. He remained silent until Ventus turned the shower off.
"... Maybe this wasn't supposed to happen." He said, his voice weak.
"What?"
"Me. Being here. Maybe… Maybe you weren't supposed to reach me in time." He pressed his lips together. "Maybe I was supposed to be dead."
Ventus didn't say anything. He kept himself busy by drying Vanitas' legs and arms.
"I should've just… Allowed myself to sleep. To fade away." He continued. "If… If I had, then you wouldn't need to go through this. None of you."
Silence. Ventus looked at his boyfriend's black hair. Vanitas noticed he had tears in his eyes too.
"I'll dry your hair now, okay?"
They kept silent again for some time. Vanitas could feel his chest tighten again, but his panic was gone. All he felt now was sadness. Regret.
He took a deep breath and spoke again.
"... Don't you regret it? Finding me... In time? Maybe you miss the life you had before… Before we met, maybe?"
"All dry. I'll just… There..." Ventus said and wrapped the towel around Vanitas.
"Haven't you wondered, you know? If we never met, how… How things would be now, how-"
"Vanitas, listen."
He swallowed dry and raised his head to look at the blond. There it was. There it was the moment he had been preparing himself for. The moment where Ventus decided he had had enough. The moment where he'd be cast aside once and for all, as he should be. As he deserved. As he-
"I can't… Possibly understand what you're going through or… Or what you went through already." Ventus continued, his voice shaken, anger splattered all over his face. "And… And I don't care if I'm being selfish but-"
The tears started to fall down his cheeks. Vanitas' did too.
"But I can't see myself in a world where I don't get to say good morning to you! O-Or goodnight! A world where you're not here with me!"
Vanitas widened his eyes. What was he saying?
What was he saying?!
"I can't… See myself without you! You're a part of me now! You've… You've been a part of me for a long time now! And I..."
Ventus reached for his hands again and pulled them to his quivering lips, kissed them. His words came out scrambled and messy, interrupted by his sobbing, but he continued to speak and he continued to kiss the hands of his lover.
"I don't want you to be gone. I hate to know you wanted to die before and I hate to know that you'll still do after this!"
Ventus lay his head on Vanitas' chest and held him by his arms. He tightened his fingers on them to feel him, to make sure he was there!
"B-But you know what?" Ventus continued through his crying. "I would do everything all over again... And I mean everything ... If it meant you'd be here with me right now!"
Vanitas was too shocked to speak. He was too shocked to even think, but he too put his arms around Ventus and cried with him. With him. Always with him.
They didn't know for how long they stood there but, eventually, Ventus recomposed himself and pulled away, suddenly embarrassed. Vanitas was naked, definitely probably cold by now, and the person who was supposed to be his stronghold had broken down in front of him.
"I'm sorry..." He apologized, drying the tears with his hands. "I'm sorry, Vani. This isn't about me. It isn't about what I feel, it's..."
"I love you." Vanitas whispered and touched his face. "I… Love you, Ventus."
Ventus closed his eyes and took a deep breath, enjoying Vanitas's touch. He nodded and, making sure Vanitas could walk by himself, opened the door.
The room was clean. The bedsheets had been changed and there was a smell of lavender in the air. On the bedside table were two cups of tea and a small jar of cookies. Ventus' mattress was now on the bed, having been switched up with the other one, and their two pillows were on top of it.
A piece of paper was on the bed. Ventus recognized his father's handwriting.
'We're awake and waiting outside. Let us know if you need anything. The tea will help calm him down.'
Vanitas blushed as he thought of Roxas and Ventus' parents cleaning the room. He didn't know how long he had been in the bathroom, but it sounded like a lot if they had managed to clean the mess he made. He wondered if he'd be able to face them in the morning but was distracted by Ventus who was handing him his pajamas.
"How do you feel?" Ventus asked, observing him in case he needed help to change.
"Tired. But… I can breathe now." He added and put the towel aside. He followed Ventus to the bed and sat down next to him, putting on the pajamas and finally taking a sip of the tea they'd left for them.
"Good. That's good."
The clock on the wall ticked: 5 AM. Ventus took a glance at Vanitas, who was drinking in silence but thankfully looked much calmer now. He sat a bit closer to him and moved his hand to play with his hair, receiving a happy, more relaxed sigh in return.
"Are… Are we sleeping together?" Vanitas asked, blushing slightly. They had never done so until now, with Ventus sleeping on the mattress, but seeing as the two pillows were there…
"I think mom and dad don't mind." Ventus said with a tired smile. Exhaustion had caught up to him too.
Both were yawning nonstop, but they drank what was left of their tea before laying down. Ventus pulled the blanket over both of them and Vanitas snuggled closer to him, put his arms around him. It felt warm. Comforting.
"... Ven…?"
"Yeah?"
"... I want… I really want to get better. But it's… Hard."
Ventus smiled and pressed a kiss to Vanitas' forehead. He looked much calmer now, to Ventus' content. Both of them did.
"I know. I understand it's hard. But… Don't stop trying, okay?"
Vanitas blinked a few times. Don't stop trying. He could do that. To try.
"... Okay."
Ventus smiled again and this time Vanitas did too. They moved closer, as close as they could be, and took deep, calmer breaths. Vanitas fell asleep faster than ever before, safe and comforted in his boyfriend's arms. Ventus slept right after.
There would be nights like this. Nights where fear and pain would catch up and they would fall. Times when a storm would come crashing down on them with no chance of escape.
But even then, even then they could still find safety with one another. And together...
Together, they could brave the storm.