Author's Note: I am back! Oh my gosh, I am so sorry for not updating! Dx please don't hate me! I'm going to try to be more on it this time, but here is the next chapter! Its a bit short, but the next one will be longer! Enjoy~

Chapter Five

There had been many times in Red's life, where he thought he literally felt his heart being ripped from the confines of his chest, shattered into a thousand pieces, and hung out for society to judge. He was wrong. Yes, he had felt confusion and sadness, all throughout his life, but dealing with losing someone you love more than life itself-it was something the raven-haired boy couldn't handle.

This had been the first time that Green hadn't wanted to spend time with him when he called round at the laboratory. The Professor claimed he was 'sick', but Red knew better than that. Even if his best friend were at death's door, waiting to be claimed, he would see him, no matter what. He promised…and Green never broke promises. Did he?

It had been three days since he called round the laboratory, and in those three days, he refused to retreat from the safety of his abode. Crimson eyes were broken, unsympathetic to the world around him. His hand clutched protectively on his t-shirt, where his shattering heart lay just beneath; pulsating agony through every vein, and pore of his being.

Even though it hadn't even been a week of not seeing his best friend, and merely three days, it felt in comparison to three years. In his mind, he just couldn't seem to understand why Green hadn't even text, or called him. It was as if he was purposely ignoring his very existence, and Arceus it hurt.

"Red, honey? Dinner is ready!" His mother called up the stairs, only the passive young boy did not intend to eat anything. Not until that emerald eyed boy was back at his side, cuddling him in those warm arms of his. How he longed to hear his voice…even if it was aimless banter. Anything would be better than this deafening silence.

"Don't think such silly thoughts, Red. I'd never leave you. I love you, you're my best friend."

Those words continued to replay over and over in his mind, and the longer it continued the more pain it caused, slowly creating a suffocating migraine to assault his brain cells.

A few hours later, with dinner discarded as he intended, Red lay motionless on his bed, staring up at the ceiling. He just wanted one single text from Green, telling him that everything was okay, and that he wasn't mad. Being ignored was something he didn't seem to understand.

A sigh escaped his lips, as he curled up onto his side, shutting his eyes off from the world. His ears didn't seem to detect the stamping of feet up the stairs, or the sound of his door being pushed open. However, his body jumped into animation when he heard the words;

"Red!"

Crimson eyes shot open, as he turned to face the direction of the much needed voice. There, standing in the doorway, cheeks flushed pink and obviously out of breath, was Green, and it made his heart soar.

"Green…!"

He was on his feet in an instant, and collided into Green's arms as fast as he could. The older boy's arms coiled protectively around his best friend's form, nuzzling into raven hair, inhaling the scent of jasmine, and wild orchid shampoo.

"I'm sorry Red…I've been as sick as a Growlithe these past few days. I didn't want to make you sick too."

Fragile fingers clutched desperately at the material of Green's jacket, so eternally grateful that he was here, snuggled into a warm embrace at last.

"I'm glad you're feeling better…" He murmured, fluttering his eyes shut, and becoming intoxicated by the emerald-eyed boy's natural scent. It was so comforting, and alluring. It made him almost hypnotised.

"You were worried about me, weren't you?"

It wasn't so much of a scolding voice, but the tone made Red tense immediately. It was natural for him to worry over Green. He meant everything to him, and he was terrified that one day his best friend would mysteriously vanish off the face of the Earth, eventually swept off his feet by someone much better than he could ever hope to achieve.

"I missed you…" He murmured, tightening his hold around the brunet, his heart shivering inside his chest almost painfully. He didn't just miss Green, his heart yearned for him. Every minute of every day, he wanted to cuddle him, to kiss his lips, to hold his hand. Was this what love was? Being so utterly intoxicated you couldn't breathe?

"I missed you too Red…"

"Are you staying here for a while?" Crimson eyes glanced up into pools of emerald, which sparkled in recognition. He smiled softly, before pressing his lips chastely against Red's forehead, keeping them there long enough for the smaller boy to blush profusely.

"Anything for you…"

This had to be love. There was no other way to describe it. To Red, Green was everything. He was a constant entity, keeping him moving in the right direction. He was as important as oxygen, keeping him alive and kicking. He was more than any words he could think of, so why did Green say that this was wrong? Was it because of their gender?

Inside Red's diseased mind, gender wasn't something he paid much attention to. He hadn't ever been attracted to anyone right off the bat, but yet there was something very compelling about his best friend that he couldn't shake off. Was it attraction? He had no idea what that was to start with, so how could he describe something that was never there?

All he was sure of was that the feelings that ravaged his heart were very real and true. He didn't care if society hated him for loving Green (yes that was he was calling it now) because it was so natural. Being with him made him happy, so how could that be classed as morally wrong?

XXX

The feelings didn't subside over the coming days, in fact the raven-haired boy was positive they were becoming stronger, and more powerful with each passing second. It frightened him intensely. He was unsure if this was normal behaviour, if Green would freak out about it, and never speak to him again, or if this was merely just a phase he was going through.

It seemed this would take time to figure out, and unfortunately for Red he got that time. The brunet dropped the bombshell that his Grandfather had booked a field trip for the both of them for a few days, so Green could grasp the basics of Pokemon training and battling before he chose his starter Pokemon. Of course, Red was happy for his best friend; having the chance to be one step ahead of everybody else surely gave him an advantage, only deep within a selfish streak lurked.

He wanted Green to stay here in Pallet Town with him. Spending time with the brunet was what his heart craved for, and now that the realisation had started to sink into his brain cells, the pain and anguish almost tore his fragile being apart. He was lost without Green. His body and soul ached with grief, knowing that the brunet was hundreds of miles away, and he was stuck here, going nowhere.

Either way, there was nothing feasibly possible that he could do that would change this predicament right now, so he just had to grin and bear it for those few days, and just cherish Green when he would eventually return to him. But, without his presence, the days dragged on.

Every minute seemed like an hour, and it was torturing his very soul. Red decided to turn his attention to mind numbing programmes on the television, hoping that somehow the horrible ache in his heart would subside soon, and he would be able to live his life just like any other child his age.

That wasn't the case.

Every single media representation that flashed before his eyes all had connotations to love and loss, and slowly it was becoming unbearable. Just watching these fictional characters, and their tragic stories, reminded him of his own pain, and many times he had been reduced to painful tears, crying into his pillow until the soft touch of slumber beckoned him to sleep.

Everything was so messed up, and he hated it. A part of him wished that he never foolishly suggested to kiss Green under the mistletoe. Perhaps then, these raging feelings would never have existed, and they could have been happy with just being best friends?

Deep within, the raven-haired boy had already convinced himself that the only reason Green seemed okay with being kissed was not to hurt his feelings. Having Asperger's Syndrome made dealing with the simple things that much harder, so perhaps he didn't want to bring on another relapse, or was merely being kind because they were best friends?

All this over thinking did no favours for the tormented boy, who allowed the sorrow to continue to ravage him senseless, cursing his very being to the core. Why was existing so hard in this world?

Red had heard so many beautiful tales of love through his childhood, back when he was blissfully unaware of how those feelings could potentially ruin you, or make you a better person. Everything always seemed perfect; the happy ever afters, the beautiful endings, it made him envious even at that age. When would he get his happy ending?

He sighed, mindlessly flicking through channels, not paying enough attention to care about whatever flashed upon the screen. His mind was pre-occupied with thoughts of a certain brunet, who seemed ignorant to all the pain and grief he was causing. It was times such as these where he missed him the most, just being snuggled in his arms, eyes closed, feeling the warmth lull him into a sense of security.

How he missed that.

How innocent it was to share kisses with Green, and how every so often he would pull away and hide his face into his best friend's neck, embarrassed about the fact that kissing the brunet seemed so natural. How when they held hands, and gently stroked their palms together, it just felt as if the world made sense. And now, it wasn't here, Red was grieving for the loss.

He remained, curled up in his blanket, broken eyes staring at the television screen. There had to be some way of keeping Green with him forever, so that he would never have to suffer the pain of saying goodbye ever again. But what? A sigh escaped his lips as he mindlessly watched the programme that was currently on.

As time passed, and Red became more intrigued by the television show, it was then the gears of his mind concocted an idea, something that could alter the balance of everything as he knew it. Deep within, he was certain he was in love with Green, and he needed to brunet to know. From the media representation, he figured the best way was with some form of gift, or event.

But what would be deemed worthy enough for someone like Green? He did have a liking for jewellery, and the colour purple, but Red didn't have that kind of money to go and buy something so lavish. He needed something subtle, something that would be significant enough so that his best friend would figure out his true feelings. And as the night went on, and Red tried to make sense of everything in his fogged up mind, he came to a striking idea. Something that could either improve his life significantly or ruin everything.

He just had to take that chance.

XXX

Green went away on his field trip, and returned faster than the crimson-eyed boy ever realised. He had foolishly believed that time would agonisingly stand still, or drag on, however that had been the opposite. He kept himself busy, playing games, and watching films on television, whilst all the time sorting out his plan of action.

When Green returned, that was when it was going to occur. Of course, it made the raven-haired boy nervous, but he knew deep within the confines of his heart this was what he had always yearned for. Someone to be his constant entity, to always be by his side no matter what. For better, or for worse. His palms were clamming up, and hastily he wiped them on his jeans, attempting to keep his composure.

Eyes closed, and with bated breath he waited, in his bedroom for the front door to knock. He knew Green's signature knocking combination; two small taps, then a loud third knock. That's how he always knew when to open the door. Sometime today he was sure the brunet was more than likely going to visit him, and right now he didn't want to wait any longer.

In his mind he could just envision Green, standing right before him as he poured his heart out for all to see. Whether or not Green would be positive about it, or not was another thing entirely, though he doubted that the brunet would willingly hurt his feelings. After all, he seemed perfectly fine with the kissing and cuddling scenario.

Taking their relationship to the next level seemed an almost impossible feat. Red didn't really understand the mechanism of a healthy relationship, that combined with having literally no sexual attraction sent the youngster into disarray. But, he was willing to learn, and discover more about himself. Even though they were both very young, he knew in his heart that Green was the only person who could complete him.

There it was. The signature knock. Red jumped to his feet, brushing his jeans off and adjusting his clothes in an appropriate manner. His heart started speeding up, as he heard the beautiful gruff tone to his best friend's voice just down the stairs, and then the stampede of feet as he made his way towards Red's bedroom. Time was running out, he knew that, and he knew that this was the moment that could alter the tide of their relationship.

"Red!" Green called out as he entered the bedroom, rushing over to embrace the shorter boy in the tightest hug he could muster. Nervous fingers gripped the back of the brunet's jacket for dear life, as crimson eyes closed in relief. He was finally here, back in his arms where he was supposed to be.

"I missed you..." He murmured quietly, sighing in contentment as Green's subtle warmth washed over him like a tidal wave. The taller of the two chuckled in response, only too happy to be back in Pallet Town with his childhood companion.

"I missed you too Red...like crazy!"

The tone to the brunet's voice sent shivers down Red's spine. Green missed him, and that proved to him that there was certainly something worth fighting for. Yes, they would always be best friends, but Red knew in his fragile little heart that the feelings he had for the emerald-eyed boy were so strong it was starting to consume him.

"Green..." He started, clearing his throat before continuing. "I...have been doing a lot of thinking..."

"Same here..." Was the reply, and instantly both boy's met their gaze, sparkling crimson melting into pools of intoxicating emerald. Nervously Red's teeth chewed on his bottom lip, as they just stared at each other for what felt like an eternity. Suddenly pouring out his heart was an impossible task, and his heart was literally spasming painfully inside his chest.

"...y-you speak first..." He finally muttered, cursing at how his voice trembled slightly. The brunet smiled, hands gently reaching up to cup the younger boys face, his thumbs delicately gliding over porcelain skin. Red was so fragile, and he knew that.

"Being away from you for so long...it killed me. I hated not hearing from you, or knowing if you were okay. Every night I'd lay awake, wondering what you were up to, were you thinking about me? Stupid really..." He trailed off, smiling in a shy manner that Red seldom witnessed on his best friend's features.

"I...don't want you to leave again..." The raven-haired boy whimpered, his fingers clutching tighter to the fabric of Green's jacket, almost trembling with anxiety. Just what was his childhood companion trying to say to him?

"Red...I promise to you that no matter what, we won't ever be apart again, okay? I swear!" Smiling slightly the younger boy leaned into Green's touch, just overjoyed to be able to hold him and see him once again. Everything was making sense in his life once more, and Green made that a possibility.

"...I-I..." Red stuttered, desperately yearning to tell Green his feelings. It was there, right on the tip of his tongue, and yet when his eyes melted into those emerald orbs, it was as if speech was an impossible feat. The brunet was patient, not saying a word, and encouraging Red to continue on with his speech.

"Green..."

He took a deep breath, closing his eyes only for a minute, but before he had the chance to open them he felt something soft press against his lips, and all protests muted in his throat. The brunet's lips melted against Red's perfectly, as his arms tightened their grip. The smaller boy was pulled closer into the embrace, overwhelmed by the passion and warmth his best friend provided. It was like a drug to him, and he couldn't shake it off.

When their lips parted briefly, a fierce blush glazed the younger boy's cheeks, and bashfully he glanced away. Usually it was Red who initiated the kisses, and now Green was willingly doing so? Did that mean he felt the same way?

"Red...you don't have to tell me. I already know."

"...you know?" He questioned, unsure of what he meant. A small smile flashed upon the brunet's youthful features, as his hands moved to rest gingerly on his best friend's shoulders.

"I love you, you big idiot!"

It was at that moment in Red's life that things were finally starting to piece together. His understanding of love was minimal, and right now it was his idea of heaven, however; as time went by and the world started to change around them, Red realised all too soon that love isn't just the best feeling in the world, but almost the most deadly.

XXX