Chapter 18
Where the Heart is
TWO MONTHS LATER…
Munich, Germany.
He was sitting in one of the bars in the city. The sixth city he visited. After Berlin, Dresden, Stuttgart, Hamburg, and Kaiserslautern. He didn't even know what he was looking for…a woman with long black hair and fragile feature…? He didn't know. He felt so stupid for he had been traveling throughout Germany for two months without knowing what he really searching for.
But he just couldn't help it…
He gazed at nowhere. Jazz music was still tuned though the visitors one by one began to leave the bar. The liquor was still in front of him. He only drank it a little.
"Always liquor."
Rhadamanthys twitched hearing a woman's voice which suddenly came from his back.
The serene and relaxing voice he knew…
"You should taste softer drink sometimes…," the voice said again.
Rhadamanthys slowly turned his head.
…
He was smiling the way he never smiled before, when seeing a woman with long black hair and beautiful feature standing right beside him…
The slender and fragile woman he used to know…
xxxxxxxxxxxx
East Siberia.
Far away in Siberia, another man was standing on the ice ground. He wore brown fur coat, dark jeans, and leg warmers. In his hand was a bouquet of flowers which he slowly put above the ground.
"Have a nice sleep…Natassia…," said Camus softly.
After gazing at the ice ground for a moment, he turned around and walked away, heading to the airport for the flight which would take him to Kido's mansion. As he wandered in the middle of snowflakes and wind blows, he couldn't help to recall the event whcih happened years ago in his homeland.
He was eleven years old when meeting her in a market. Though she was eleven years older than him, it was the first time he felt something different, something he'd never felt when he faced the Amazonians in Sanctuary. She was so beautiful and kind, and holding three years old baby.
Afterwards he could only gaze at her. Sometimes she greeted him or asked him to play with her son, but he never could speak well when she was near to him.
When she died because of shipwrecking, he couldn't even cry. And he'd never thought later on her son would be the one he must fight and at last adopted. And that he would sank her ship to the bottom of the sea for the sake of her son's future…
But he would never forget one thing: she was the first woman he fell in love with…and the last.
The journey from Siberia to Japan only took less than an hour. Camus finally reached Kido's mansion…
…and he found his fellows were quarreling to each other. Again!
"I CAN'T BELIEVE YOU DON'T WANT TO WEAR THE DRESS-CODE I'VE SEWED FOR YOU!" screamed Aphrodite as he threw a dozen of spoons to their fellows.
"Damn it, Dite, you hurt my head!" snapped Shura.
"I DON'T CARE! YOU'RE ALL WICKED!"
"It's not about we're wicked or not, Dite, we just can't wear PINK suit in MY birthday party!" Kanon snarled.
"I'm not objected with pink," murmured Mu silently.
"Masky, please help me!" begged Aphrodite.
"You know, Dite, it's alright for me to see all these sissies wearing pink suits."
"WHAT DID YOU CALL US?!" all were ready to strangle Deathmask's throat.
"I'll help you, only don't insist me to wear that pink tuxedo as well. What do you think, Dite?"
"NO WAY!" shouted Aphrodite. "You must wear it as well!!"
"THEN HAVE A NICE DREAM!" yelled Deathmask. "I'D BETTER RUNNING NAKED THROUGHOUT MIDTOWN THAN WEARING THAT THUMBELINA-COLOR TUXEDO!!!"
"This is Saga and Kanon's birthday, it's both of them who have rights to decide what dress code we should wear!" groaned Aiolia.
"I've asked Saga yesterday and he said he permitted me choosing whatever colour for those tuxedos!" snapped Aphrodite.
All immediately looked at Saga wildly.
"W…what?" stammered Saga.
"Saga, are you nuts?!" snarled Kanon. "Couldn't you guess he wouldn't pick MAN colours?!"
"Wh…Aphro has been so kind offering himself to sew the dress code!"
"Whatever it is I won't wear this trash!" snarled Shura.
"YOU'RE WICKED!"
"This is your fault, Saga, if only you didn't permit him to sew these suits!"
"I was just trying to be kind!"
"Can't you just LEARN to be unkind sometimes?!"
"Ohohohoho, very nice offer, Deathmask, you want me to kill Shion and Aiolos again?!"
"Guys, look at the spoons, they're scattering on the floor!"
"Don't interfere, Aldebaran, just continue cooking!"
"I'll remind you that Aphrodite has thrown ALL the kitchen set until they're landing to Alaska or something, how can I continue cooking?!"
"YOU'LL TASTE MY ROSES!"
"You don't have any power to!"
"I JUST NEED TO BUY ROSES AND COVER THEM WITH POISONS, YOU BUNCH OF CRAPS!"
"My goodness, for this I left Poseidon's castle?!"
All of them didn't stop quarreling and kept blaming each other about those unimportant pink tuxedos. Mu, Mr I-never-want-to-join-any-fights-and-never-want-to-make-any-trouble, could only shake his head in frustration and chose to pick all the spoons and saucepans which have become Aphrodite's victims of despair.
He could clearly imagine what would happen next…
"Aphro, please be patient," said Mu.
Nobody listened to him.
"Youngsters, please stop quarreling," Aiolos pleaded.
Once again nobody even cared their most virtuous senior was there. The situation got more and more chaotic, until finally Shaka banged and punched the table till it was broken into pieces.
"YOU SON OF A #%&%%&%$##%^&!! IF YOU DO NOT STOP YOUR UNWORTHY YELLS AND SHOUTS, I WILL FORCE YOU TO PAINT THIS HOUSE WITH YOUR BLOODS!"
The common room turned silent in only a second.
"I have guessed it…," thought Mu as he began to sweep the floors.
The Goldies's hands were a bit trembling post-Shaka's scream.
…
Then ten minutes later…they heard a chuckle…
All of them turned their heads to the door….
…and they saw Camus there, chuckled on all the things happened in the house.
His laughter was everybody's dreams… They rarely saw the Aquarius smiling, moreover laughing. And they've never seen him smiling in the last two months.
But now he was laughing…
His laughter was really contagious. Soon Saga began to chuckle as well. So did Mu, Aldebaran, even Shaka. Aphrodite finally giggled, followed by Shura, Kanon, Aiolia, and Aiolos.
The Gold Saints all were chuckling and giggling on their childishness and stupidities…
xxxxxxxxxxx
After a short "thrilling" conference in the dining room, the Goldies finally agreed to wear the troublesome pink tuxedos, but only beforel Saga and Kanon sliced the cake.
Saga and Kanon's birthday party was held in the back garden. Before slicing the cake, Saga gave a little speech.
"We all know Milo's not here now," he said.
The garden rang with silence.
Kanon meanwhile stared at the grass. He didn't know whether he did right thing or not by pretending he didn't know anything about Milo…
Yet, if he thought further, right now he himself couldn't be sure whether Milo was still alive or not. It's been two months and he was never informed about Milo's condition. Even Miss Saori never gave him any news…
When he was trying to call Graud Foundation or even visited it, he was never allowed to get in. The scientists and doctors also didn't help; they said their patients' condition wasn't anybody's business.
Milo…, he thought gloomily. Are the surgeries successful…?
"But I hope we will never forget him…I hope he will always stay in our hearts, even though it's been two months…Even until the next hundred years. I hope we will never forget all memories about him."
The situation was still very quiet. Aiolos encircled his hand around Aiolia's shoulders, realizing that Aiolia was crying earnestly.
Saga and Kanon sliced the cake afterwards, and soon their fellows took a relief breath.
"Goodbye, pinky….," mumbled DM as he took his pink tuxedo off.
The event was continued with roasting barbeque and corns. Even when the Golds faced the burning grill they couldn't help to stop arguing—some wanted well-baked barbeque, the others wanted the half-baked one, the rest wanted to roast it with honey, and so on. The argument would immediately become quarrel if Shaka hadn't threatened to put them on the grill.
"He gets more and more barbarians…," Aphrodite grumbled.
Shaka chose to get himself apart from the group when Biki approached him and cheeped cheerfully.
"Oh…," murmured Shaka when he understood what Biki told him. "You want to leave…?"
Biki cheeped again. He let Shaka reached him softly and rubbed his feather. Was it sadness in Shaka's eyes…?
"If you insist…," he finally murmured.
Then he released his beloved Biki and let him spreading his wings to soar to the sky…
"Have a wonderful journey, Biki…," he smiled. "I will never forget you…"
Shaka's eyes gazed at the sky until Biki disappeared, then he took a seat on the grass, looked thoughtful.
"Does it mean he thinks you do not need him again…?"
Shaka turned his head and smiled slightly seeing Mu has sat beside him. "Probably," he answered.
"He will be alright," smiled Mu. "By the way, have you got the answer?"
"Yes, I think so, Mu. I have communicated with Biki, and I conclude he had chosen Rhadamanthys since the very first time."
"What do you mean?"
Shaka began to explain. "Biki could recognize purity. He could see there is still a bit kindness in Rhadamanthys's heart. That is why he often visited Rhadamanthys, even brought him to Hades's gallery in order next time Rhadamanthys could prevent his lord from doing unwanted thing."
"Hades's gallery?"
"We could not see it," said Shaka. "It was made of whatever thing taken from Tartarus, which made it invisible. Biki and Rhadamanthys could see it though. Biki of course has the ability which isn't possessed by human beings. And Rhadamanthys, he could see the gallery because of his specter-eyes. The gallery kept various paintings and photographs. Some were kept merely for mementos or recollection…but some were kept for assassination."
Mu's napes rose. "What…?"
Shaka reminded Mu about Hades-Alone, Tenma, and other things related to the event two hundred years ago.
"Do you remember when Hades suddenly appeared in front of our room?" asked Shaka, replied by Mu's hurry nod. "Before that, Biki watched Hades painted Athena and Poseidon's picture on his canvas. Biki instincted something horrible would happen if he let it going, so he flew to Rhadamanthys's room and woke him up in order he could stop his master. Biki chose Rhadamanthys, because he was the only person which could interrupt Hades without being killed."
Mu finally managed to smile.
"When Rhadamanthys stopped Hades, and Hades asked him why he did it, Biki whispered my name to Rhadamanthys's ears in order Rhadamanthys could give him fake explanation."
"Rhadamanthys could understand Biki's cheep?"
"Biki could make anyone understand him if he wants to," said Shaka. Mu swore he saw slight grin on his face.
"Biki did not mean to betray me, of course. He did it for our sake. Afterwards Biki flew to our room and warned me Hades would come, yet he didn't have anytime to explain further. The rest thing, you have known."
The Aries and Virgo went silent afterwards. Both seemed lost in their own thoughts and feelings.
"Where is the gallery located?" asked Mu finally. "Does it still exist?"
"Hmmm…I have a guess, with the destruction of the pendant and Hades's return to Olympus mountain, the gallery has been lost as well. I am sure it no longer exists."
"Done!" they suddenly heard Aldebaran's cheerful voice. "Let's begin to eat, the barbeque and corns are done! Mu, Shaka, Camus!"
Mu and Shaka stood up. Together they returned to the group. They passed Camus who has also been separated from his fellows.
"Come on, Camus," smiled Mu warmly.
Camus smiled slightly and followed the two. He looked very handsome with his black turtleneck sweater which fitted his body. Yet, still there was slight sadness in his deep blue eyes.
The lunch time went so hilarious. Saga never stopped making his fellows laughing with his stories. He also quoted it was good that Shion, Dohko, the Bronzies also the silver saints were taking vacation in China, otherwise Shion would register all of them to the nearest kindergarten regarding to those stupid pink tuxedos incident.
After lunch, they did various things such as chatting and games. Camus, meanwhile, chose not to join his friends. He was in his room now, turning the pages of the photo album which kept his and Milo's pictures. Sometimes smile appeared on his handsome face as he gazed at the pictures… Milo looked so cheerful there, his sincere and wonderful smile could never leave Camus's heart…
Yes…memories… As Camus always believed, the best thing people can do after losing someone they really loved is just letting go of his body and keeping only his memories. He would never come back and it would be no use of crying forever on his death… As for Camus, the memories of Milo would always stay in his heart. Even after all these times…
xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Thirty minutes later.
Knock…knock…
Camus opened his eyes hearing the knock on the house's door. He's just realized he'd fallen asleep. The photo album was still in his grasp, and his pose was still exactly like before he was sleeping,
Camus soon got down of his bed, knowing that his fellows wouldn't hear the knocks—they were surely still enjoying the birthday party.
He didn't know why, but he felt he couldn't leave the photo album, so he brought it with him.
When he'd reached the mansion's door, he opened it slowly.
…
He saw a very handsome man standing there, wearing simple black suit and turquoise scarf. His long curls was blue in colour, fell below his shoulders with very attractive style. His fringe fell onto his startling blue eyes.
He smiled… A sincere smile Camus has known for 14 years…
"I'm home…," said Milo. Warmth filled his eyes as he gazed at his best friend.
…
A minute passed, but Milo didn't see Camus reacted on his sudden appearance. Camus only stood there, his eyes looked at Milo without blinking.
Milo was still smiling, but his voice broke when he began to whisper…
"Hold me…"
Camus still didn't react…
This was only a dream…he was falling asleep and he hasn't opened his eyes even only a little…. When he woke up there would be no Milo, because Milo has gone away…and would never come back…
"Please, Camus…," Milo whispered again.
When Camus was staying frozen, Milo soon reached Camus's hands slowly, then encircled them around his neck. The blue-haired man closed his eyes when he encircled his best friend with his own hug.
Camus suddenly felt running out of breaths…. His hands were a bit trembling when holding the blue hair and felt those too familiar warmth…
It was him. It was really him…
And suddenly Camus didn't want to know how he could come back…he didn't want know the story…
"Milo…"
"Yes, it's me…," whispered Milo. His hot tears soon fell down as he stroked Camus's hair…nobody knew about how he really longed for Camus's calling out his name… "It's a long story…"
Camus has given up his coldness when he started to cry as well... His best friend was in his arms now…after two months forcing himself to be alone and lonely, he was hugging him now….
"I will never give up…," Milo sobbed softly. "I still have a lot of promise to fulfill, Camus…"
"I've…," whispered Camus suddenly. "I've always…dreamt about this… I've always dreamt you suddenly…appear in front of this door…"
"It's coming true…" Milo whispered.
They kept hugging each other for only heaven knows how long. As if they could never let go…Both were sobbing softly…and Milo never stopped stroking his best friend's long hair, the thing he always wanted to do when he was facing the surgeries…
Finally, when his sob was about to end, Milo released his hug very slowly, then wiped away Camus's tears and cupped his chin softly with his fingers.
"Now…don't give me that look…," Milo smiled, though still with tears streaming down his cheeks. "Smile…"
Camus seemed unable to do other than crying…he still sobbed softly and seemed too embarrassed to look at Milo.
Milo was about to ask him smiling again when his eyes caught the photo album Camus brought. He was just acknowledging there was an album in Camus's hand. Slowly Milo took the album, and he wept again when he opened it one by one…
"You collected our photographs…," whispered Milo. "I thought…"
Camus finally was able to gaze on Milo, his best friend, one of the biggest treasures he'd ever had…
"Thank you…" whispered Milo softly.
"No, thank you Milo. Thank you for never giving up…"
He sobbed when Milo hugged him once more…
"You're…," Camus whispered again and his back started to shake softly. "You're so important to me…"
Tears never stopped falling from Milo's eyes…. His back was shaking a bit as well.
"My God…," he whispered. "We're always like this…just like my grandmother…"
Camus finally chuckled in the middle of his sob…so did Milo…
"Right…," said Milo as he released Camus and wiped his tears once again. "Smile, Camus…"
A minute has passed. Milo's eyes finally left Camus's when he was aware there was someone standing silently at the corner of the room.
"Hey, Dite…," greeted Milo. He approached Aphrodite and smiled at him. "How are you…?" he asked as he paid out his hand.
Aphrodte looked at Milo's hand, then shook it briefly.
"I'm fine," he said.
"Great," smiled Milo.
"Kanon asked me to buy some snacks."
"Oh…ok…"
"But I think I need to tell the others you're here."
"Thank you."
After staring at Milo for a moment, Aphrodite turned around. But finally he decided to confirm something to Milo first.
"Ummm…," he said. "Is it only a prank? Your heart disease? Your death?"
Aphrodite's heart shrunk when he saw Milo shed a tear…
"No, it wasn't…"
Aphrodite nodded in understanding, then turned around to call his fellows.
"Come here, Fridge, what are you doing there…?" asked Milo, realizing his best friend was still at the door. Camus did what he asked. They encircled their hands to each other's shoulders then.
"You're thinner…," said Milo softly.
Camus only nodded and a little bowed his head
Several moments later, Kanon appeared.
After looking at Milo momentarily, he immediately approached him and hugged him so tight.
"Well done…!" beamed Kanon, replied by Milo's laughter.
The other Goldies then appeared as well. The same as Kanon, all of them were sufficiently frozen when looking at Milo.
But soon Saga marched at him and pulled him into embrace. "My goodness…Milo…," he whispered with broken voice.
"Happy birthday, you two… I have some presents…," said Milo. Tears filled his eyes…again…
"No, you're the best gift of all…"
"Hey…," Aiolia grasped Milo's shoulders. There were wonderful sparks in his eyes.
"Hey, kitten…"
When Aiolia hugged him really tight…he couldn't help to weep again…
"Where were you going…?" sobbed Aiolia. "We thought you're…"
"I'll explain all…"
Mu, Aiolos, Aldebaran, Shura, and the others approached him as well, laughing but at the same time also crying when reached him into embrace. Milo couldn't stop saying thank you and shed tears…probably it was the first time he's ever cried that hard…to hell with self worth, he had fought his disease for two months, alone, Yes…alone…
Camus wiped away his tears and let his fellows gathered with Milo.
He smiled…it was the most beautiful day he's ever had, the most wonderful moment he could never forget…
xxxxxxxxxxxxx
All of them were gathering in the common room. Milo sat on the couch, encircled by his fellows. Camus was standing and leant his waist against the table, his eyes never left Milo's.
"Here," said Milo as he took two wrapped presents from his rucksack and gave them to Saga and Kanon. The twins immediately opened it and beamed finding two identical light blue scarfs.
"Thank you," smiled Saga as he grasped Milo's shoulders.
"Actually I prefer you give us different presents," Kanon added, replied by everyone's laughters.
"You have to wear same clothes sometimes, it's good for you," chuckled Milo. He smiled warmly to the twins and his fellows.
"How are you?" asked Aiolos then. He looked at his junior keenly as if he didn't want to turn his head away again.
"Great, Aiolos," Milo answered warmly. "Luckily I didn't have to do heart transplantation…I don't even know how on earth they cured me…I was operated three times, and all were engaging ice. They said it is used to neutralize the temperature of my heart."
The situation turned silent for a while. Milo gazed at the floor, and as he closed his eyes…his hot tears fell again…
"You don't know how it feels…," he whispered. "You don't know how it feels to face the surgeries all alone… Miss Saori didn't want to leave me…but she was forced to return to Olympus mountain, otherwise Hades would make trouble again…," he put his hand on his eyes. "I really…longed for you all…"
He sobbed then… Saga pulled him slowly into his arms and hugged him tight.
Watching Milo crying was really a torment for the Gold Saints…they couldn't help other than shed tears as well…
"Why didn't you call us then…?" asked Shura softly.
"I can't…," answered Milo. "I can't make you worried. I needed you all, yes, but I couldn't let you hoping too much on my recovery. I thought it was better for you to keep believing I'm dead, than knowing that I'm alive but then you have to lose me once again…"
"Whatever it is," said Aldebaran as he shook Milo's body in compassion. "We are so happy you're back…. The most important is you've recovered and everything will be okay, my friend…"
Milo smiled and nodded. "Thanks…"
"Oh, I think I have to inform Shion, Dohko, and the Bronze saints," beamed Aiolia, wiping away his tears. "Oh, and Shaina of course. I know all of them will think I got schizophrenia or something…but they'll be silent when listening to your voice," he chuckled. He immediately pulled Milo's hand and brought him to the telephone.
He wept again when pressing Dohko's numbers.
"Don't cry," said Milo, although his eyes were wet as well.
"I missed you so much…," whispered Aiolia afterwards.
"What?" there came a voice from Rozan, made Aiolia blinked…oh he wasn't aware the telephone in Rozan has been picked up.
"Oh…hello," said Aiolia, trying in order his voice wouldn't sound broken.
"You miss me, Aio?" asked Ikki, bewildered.
"Forget it," said Aiolia hurrily. "By the way, is Shaina there?"
"Aio," said Milo, although there was slight smile on his handsome face.
"K, I'll wait…," Aio said on the phone.
When it has been about a half minute, Aiolia's eyes got sparkling. "Shaina? It's Aiolia…hey there's someone who wants to talk to you," then Aiolia immediately gave the phone to Milo.
"Hello," said Milo after receiving the phone, smiling. "Omorfi Yineka…"
He turned silent and tranquil for a while…before finally saying…
"I love you…"
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
"Young men! There's no need to feel down! I said young man! Put your feet on the ground I said young man…!"
When the nights fell, the goldies were performing karaoke again. It was still Village People's song…and those who stood on the table and made it as a stage was still the same: Aiolia, Shura, Saga, Kanon, Aphrodite and Aldebaran. The rest were just watching, though Shaka was a bit reluctant. Camus wasn't there though, he was in the garden, setting the remains of the barbeque party aside. He smiled slightly when someone suddenly hugging him from behind.
"How is it?" Camus asked.
"Hmmm…," said Milo as he put his chin on Camus's shoulder. "Not very good…Shaina collapsed, and so was Shun. Hyoga is ok, but he repeatedly asked about how's your reaction when I popped up in front of you. Shion was the most frightening of all—he gave me thousands questions only to test whether I'm Lymnades or not."
"That's normal," replied Camus. Milo only laughed slightly.
They stood silently in the middle of the garden and seemed not affected by the music from the common room. Milo kept hugging his best friend from behind while Camus gazed at the grass, looked thoughtful.
"Hmmm," said Camus then. "Athena sent me a book couple times ago."
"Not surprising."
"It's…not an ordinary book," said Camus slowly. "It was written by Degel. A novel, entitled A Place like Home."
Milo frowned his forehead a little.
"The story…it's really resembling what had happened two months ago. Hades occupied Athena's house…Rhadamanthys was guarding him, Hades ordered the Gold Saints to be his servants…"
"What…?"
Camus nodded slightly. "Only, the characters aren't us. It's Degel himself, and Sisyphus, Manigoldo, Regulus, well…Dohko and Shion are there, of course."
"Kardia?" asked Milo.
"Yeah, Kardia too."
Camus was a bit reluctant when talking about Kardia.
"He has heart disease," he continued.
"How's the ending?"
"Well…Hades leaves the house…"
"Kardia?"
"Recovered."
Milo smiled slightly. "Do you think Degel knew?" he asked then. "I mean, do you think he wrote the things that would happen in the future?"
"I think it's just a coincidences," said Camus, gazing at nowhere now. "They said Degel could interpret the meaning of stars, but I don't think he's great enough to forecast the future. I guess he wrote the story simply because he wanted to express his anxieties towards the Holy War. He wished a happy ending…but you know the fact was otherwise…"
Milo nodded slowly.
Once again they turned silent.
"So…," Camus began again. "You've totally recovered."
"No…not really," smiled Milo. "Let's say I've been passing the most painful and difficult paths, but I haven't been totally free from the disease. There's a possibility of heart failure again, but only about fifteen percents."
Camus nodded. He gazed at Milo who smiled sincerely at him.
"When…," said Camus finally. Tonight seemed like he talked more than usual. "When I discovered you have heart disease yet you never told me…once again I realized…," he didn't continue.
Suddenly he felt pain in his throat…
"I…," Camus said after some moments. "I realized I never been a good friend for you…"
Milo gazed at him in warmth. "You always be a good friend, Camus…even much better than simply a good friend…you're my best friend…"
"No. If I were really a good friend I would immediately know you're fatally ill…"
"That's not a parameter…"
"I…," Camus's voice suddenly broken.
And he didn't care…
To hell with coldness…
"I never could be a good friend…always make mistakes. Always make you waiting…yet…," his tears fell. "Yet you never run away…you…always stay beside me…but I never…never even once…be there when you need me…"
"No, it's not true…," Milo's hot tears suddenly fell as well…
"Yes…Milo… And I have prepared everything…in case you want to stop this…in case you're tired and want to end this friendship…I understand…it's alright…but…," Camus took a deep breath. His warm tears kept streaming down his cheeks. "But please no death…because…," he sobbed. "Because I haven't prepared myself for that…"
Milo pulled Camus's head softly and hugged him tighter and tighter… Once again they both sobbed together revealing their deepest feelings and warmths…
"Camus…," Milo said softly in the middle of his sob. "I have chosen to be your friend since fourteen years ago… And it's not because of nothing…it's because I knew you are the one whom I need to share everything with…my heart…my life…"
He wiped away Camus's tears, then stroked his hair softly. "I indeed feel tired sometimes…but I can never let go… I need you the same as you need me… Do you think why I struggled not to give up on my disease…? Because I know you still need me…and I want to go home…with you…"
Camus still sobbed earnestly. His tears never stopped falling that he could taste it…but Milo was never tired to wipe it away…always…
He clung his forehead on Milo's head… It made him felt comfortable…it felt like…
…home…
"Why…?" Camus finally whispered. "What makes you really cares of an iceberg like me…?"
"What makes you really care of an idiot who liked throwing needles like me…?
"You're always on my side, that's why…," answered Camus simply. "Nobody won't care about that…"
Milo smiled in the middle of his tears.
"I care about you because I know you need someone to be by your side…," he explained then.
"But I can't give you anything Milo…," Camus sobbed once more. "I always be a cold bloke…I can't nurture you…I can't be the one who begins… I never could make the first move to hug or even smiling at you…"
"You're wrong…," Milo sobbed. "You've given me a lot… And I don't mind about you cannot begin…" Milo closed his eyes when he pulled Camus into his arms. "Stop blaming yourself, Camus…," he whispered with broken voice. "I didn't tell you about my disease simply because I don't want to make you worried… You're my best friend and I'm so proud of that…I'm really proud of that, Camus…"
"I…feel proud as well…," whispered Camus. His back was shaking a bit. Probably it was the first time in his life he'd ever cried that hard…. "You're so important to me…Milo…"
Milo's back was shaking as well…
"So are you…," he whispered.
They didn't know how long they were crying and embracing each other…. They've just known that, once their sobs were end, his fellows finally have stopped singing loud and cheerful musics and began to sing much softer songs. They could hear Aldebaran singing Melodies of Life.
"Alone for a while I've been searching through the dark…For traces of the love you left inside my lonely heart…"
Still hugging his best friend, Milo began to move his body very softly to the rhythm of the music. He guided his best friend to dance with him.
Camus was laughing, so was Milo… Yet Camus finally started to move as well, although a little…
"In my dearest memories…I see you reaching out to me…Though you're gone, I still believe that you can call out my name…"
Both keeping dancing under the bright of the moonlit…So slow…so thoughtful…Sometimes Milo sang as well, almost like a whisper…coz he knew Camus finally fell asleep in his arms…
"So far and away, see the bird as it flies by…gliding through the shadows of the clouds up in the sky…I've laid my memories and dreams upon those wings…Leave them now and see what tomorrow brings…"
…
They look like lovers at glance…
But I know better…we all know better…Milo's gaze…Camus's gaze… All is the form of true friendship that has been extremely rare in this full-of betrayal world…
I watch Aldebaran singing with warmth in my eyes. I also watch warmly Shura and Aiolos's enthusiastic faces…I feel so thankful I'm still given a chance to be in the middle of those I love…
I see Shaka sitting thoughtfully. I don't know what he's thinking of. But whatever it is, I'm sure it's something nice…because I see warmth in his eyes, brightness in his feature…
Aiolia looked outside the terrace, gazing at Camus and Milo… He smiled earnestly. He looks so serene, not a lion he used to be two months ago… And Aphrodite looks at the floor, so tranquil…so quiet…the same as Mu who seems really into Aldebaran's tune…
Deathmask has fallen asleep, but that's ok… he repeatedly said he was bored. But surely, if he had been really bored, he would immediately leave this common room. But the fact is, he stays here…
Then I turn my vision to my little brother…
He smiled at me, with 'What are you thinking of' look. I don't answer, only replying his smile, hoping time would fly slowly…hoping my birthday would stay evergreen…hoping tomorrow wouldn't come fast, hoping Poseidon has forgot he has to return to his side the next day…
And at last…I gaze at this house… No gothic interiors, no dark atmosphere… All has turned into normal…
I think about Shion, Dohko, the bronze and silver saints who are in Rozan right now… I'm sure even in this second they miss this house…and the inhabitants who live inside…
It is where the heart is…It is where the people you love are… I'm sure…wherever we are…no matter if it's in Rozan or even in Poseidon's castle or Olympus mountain…
…we will never forget the place in which there are best friends who always nurturing each other…fellows could always create unforgettable memories…even if it's by yelling at each other for the sake of bathub or pink tuxedos…
Yes…
Home…