Yuno panted heavily as he ran as fast as his short legs could carry him. It didn't help that snow was constantly falling from the nightly sky, making the path slippery and more dangerous than it already was. Were the circumstances any different, he might have crouched down in the darkest and most secured corner he could find, waiting throughout the entire night until light embraced the world once more. Only then he would come out of his hiding spot like a little mouse and begin his journey towards his home.

Of course, the young wind mage knew that his adoptive family would be worried sick about him and most likely they wouldn't sleep at all. In his eyes, it was still the better choice better because no one could tell what creatures lurked in the nightly shadows, hunting their prey to which he belonged without a doubt.

However, Yuno couldn't do that and he had to take the risk, for he was not alone. Asta was secured to his back, arms dangling from Yuno's shoulders as his friend had long lost consciousness after what had happened. He had no idea how Asta had found him in the middle of the night, but he was glad that his friend came to his rescue as he always did. Otherwise, his precious pendant would have been stolen by a thug, the one and only connection he had to his parents whom he had never met.

After Asta had managed to fend off the tall man and revealed his dream to Yuno, he tried to convince the young wind mage that he was alright. Still, the moment he attempted to stand up, Asta immediately collapsed back on the ground, confirming Yuno's worst suspicions. His friend was in no condition to walk anymore, but being the blockhead Asta was, he dismissed Yuno's worries.

Normally, that would be the end of the line because Asta was as stubborn as one could be. But this time, Yuno wouldn't have any of his friend's antics. He kneeled in front of him, his back directed at Asta.

"Get on, Asta. You are badly injured and shouldn't move. I will carry you back to the church," Yuno announced. Of course, his friend declined the offer a second later.

"No way! I can walk on my own, so-"

"Asta!" Yuno said louder than before, worry lacing the name of the ash-blond boy and silencing him for good. Never before had Yuno spoken in such a way to Asta, had never felt the need to do so. But now was different and he made clear that his friend had no choice in this matter.

Seconds passed by without a single word before Yuno heard shuffling from behind. A moment later arms were slung around his neck as Asta did get on his back without any further questions, though Yuno could see the large pout on his friend's face from the corner of his eyes.

"Why are you suddenly so serious? Some scratches are not enough to knock me out," Asta mumbled meekly and Yuno smiled softly at that. He wouldn't allow his friend to walk on his own, but he could accept the rambling he would get in response. Securing his grip on Asta's tights, Yuno stood up, at first wobbly since he had to adjust to the additional weight he had to carry, but soon enough he found his balance and they began their journey towards home.

At first, Asta constantly whined, but soon enough he fell silent as he lost the battle against his injuries for the moment and Yuno knew he had to hurry. That's how the young wind mage found himself in his current predicament. His arms and legs burned from exhaustion and even though it was freezing outside he was drenched from head to toe in sweat. But he had to carry one, no matter how much his body screamed at him to stop and rest. Time was of the essence so he couldn't take a break.

Due to the darkness, it was difficult to navigate, but he followed the whispers of his wind. No matter where he was, his wind always knew the way back home, so he trusted it without a second's hesitation. He had no idea how long he had already walked, but he found himself in front of a small hill. It would be a tough climb even without the snow and Asta on his back, but now it seemed like an impossible task. Still, Yuno pushed forward, for his wind was telling him that his home was near.

He buried step after step into the fluffy snow beneath his feet, securing his stand before he took the next one. He repeated the motion time after time until he stood at the stop, where he could finally see his home. He had done it. His wind didn't betray him and led him straight back to the place where he belonged.

Overjoyed by the sight, Yuno found strength within himself he was unaware of. His energy and vigour were replenished within seconds and he tackled the remaining distance faster than ever. Soon enough he was surrounded by houses again as the church came closer and closer, but suddenly he felt how Asta stirred behind him.

"You did it Yuno, I knew you could do it," Asta whispered directly into his ear. The wind mage was happy that it was so dark outside because it did well in hiding his flushed face about the praise. It was rare for Asta to rely on others when he was not up for it, but when he was, he did it thoroughly with all the trust of the world.

A comfortable silence fell upon them. When they arrived at the door to the church, both boys were beyond relieved to finally be back. Yuno was about to knock, but Asta stopped him when he suddenly spoke again.

"You know Yuno, we are living here together since we were babies and you are my family without a doubt, but I want to make it official." The wind mage knitted his eyebrows together in confusion since he could not make any sense of what Asta had just said.

"Make it official? What do you mean by that"

"Let's become brothers! You protected me today and I protected you too, just like brothers would do!" Asta exclaimed with giddy excitement. Yuno was speechless, for he hadn't expected anything like this. He felt the same for his friend, who considered him his family, but he had never thought of deepening their relationship. But now with the offer in front of him, he had no reason to decline.

"Yeah, let's become brothers," Yuno answered with a toothy smile and Asta responded with one of his own. They may be not related by blood, but emotions run far, far deeper than any blood ever could. From now on they would not only travel throughout the vast world as best friends but also as Brothers.

XXXXXXXXX

I hope you liked this little piece. Don't be afraid to share your thoughts about it with me when you did. :)