Chapter XI
The Fish and the Bird
Tomkin and Chu belong to GrowlyGenet
Chiko was quite new to the concept of a hangover, and all the extra pain that came with it when he woke up. He did not expect the headaches or the nausea or even how painful the sunlight was as he rolled around on his sleeping mat. Yomi and Mao were already awake and making something to eat before heading through the Dinh Kim road toward Gaoling. Yomi double-checked the maps as he stirred the porridge and called for Chiko to get up from the tent, but Mao put a finger to his lips.
"Easy, brother, Chiko's going to have quite the headache when he gets up. Let him sleep it off." Mao spooned some porridge into his bowl and grabbed the maps from Yomi to look them over.
"Hmmm, if we keep on the Dinh Kim and don't shortcut, we could be at Gaoling in less than a week. However, there is a swamp that could slow us down. And there isn't any way around it, but we will be grazing the edge of it, so we won't slow down too much."
Yomi took the map again. "There is a village called Qin that is almost near Gaoling. We can stop there for a day and restock before finally stopping at Gaoling. That's if we have time." Mao considered Qin but he shook his head.
"Nah, we don't have much time before the Greater Heat kicks in. We need to reach a city before high summer." Yomi agreed with Mao and turned his head to see a very sleepy and sick-looking young man stumble over to the cooking fire.
"Nnnn, it hurts," Chiko groaned, rubbing his face. He blinked as he hunched over on the log he was sitting on. Mao shook his head and got up.
"Still have nasty a hangover, bird?" Mao asked as he got something he made when he woke earlier. "I made a brew that could help with it. Only if you want it, though." Chiko stuck out his hand and gave Mao a look that could sour fresh milk. Mao laughed and handed him the onion bottle of an infusion of something, or maybe a heavy tea. But as soon as Chiko drank it, he almost gagged.
"What in-in-in-in Akash's name is-is-is-is this?!" he said, lifting an eyebrow in disgust. Mao laughed and gave a half-smile to Chiko.
"Well, if I told you, you wouldn't drink it. Best to down it in one go, though." He finished his breakfast as Yomi ate his, knowing after this he will have to go down to the creek to wash dishes and get fresh water. Chiko looked at the bottle one more time before downing it. Coughing, he glared at Mao before he handed him the bottle back. Mao capped it and put it in the pile of dirty dishes.
Chiko still felt a bit queasy but he managed to eat a little porridge. He made a mental note never to drink that much again.
Later they headed down to the creek nearby to wash all the dishes, making sure they washed them in running water. Chiko could hear something like laughter as he walked downstream. Yomi called him back, but Chiko was still curious.
"Hey, can we-we-we-we check out what th-th-that is?" he asked as he returned to Yomi and Mao, who had finished cleaning up the remains of breakfast. Mao turned his head downstream to hear the laughter, too.
"Maybe. We don't have to be leave Gaoling right away," he said, getting on his satchels and bags. Yomi, who packed himself up, was a bit reluctant to follow Chiko and Mao, but he still did as he ran to catch up with them.
Two figures were by a small waterfall. One was actually swimming in the chest deep water while the other was just watching him. They were young men, around fifteen or sixteen years of age. The tall lanky one that was watching got up with his spear at the sound of rustling.
"Tomkin! Get out of the creek!" he shouted as the rounder, smaller one looked up from where he was swimming, wondering what got his cousin spooked.
The trio emerged from some shrubs at the same side of the creek. The tall one had his back to the water and faced to meet them.
"Don't come any closer! Who are you!?" he ordered the three. Yomi felt Chiko bury his face into his tunic, as he was still suffering from the hangover. Yomi raised an eyebrow as Mao spoke, dropping his sword at the boy's feet.
"Good job, you stopped a bunch of homeless vagabonds from crossing. What a brave man," he said in his most deadpan voice. The taller one didn't like Mao's sarcasm but couldn't blame the one for acting that way. He dropped his spear and handed Mao his sword back, which he took and strapped to his hip. "So now that you realized you've overreacted, can you introduce yourself?"
The tall one was still skeptical but the younger one waded out and said, "I'm Tomkin. That's Chu, my cousin. We're heading up north." Chu jerked his head around at his cousin.
"Idiot! You shouldn't tell them that!" Tomkin seemed hurt by the comment and flinched at the word 'idiot.' Chiko tore away from Yomi and walked to the edge of the creek. Yomi turned his head at Tomkin and said in an apologetic voice.
"We're not bandits, or thieves or anything, really. We're just passing through."
Mao cocked his head a bit and stuck out his hand. "I'm Mao, and that one is Yomi and our youngest is Chiko." Chu seemed reluctant but shook Mao's hand, realizing that they weren't his enemy.
"I am sorry for being so defensive; you don't know what you'll find in the woods all alone."
Yomi had his hands on his hips and tilted his head to the side. "Then why are you alone in the woods?"
Chu winced and sighed. "Well umm…you see. We got separated from our entourage during a storm. We're supposed to meet them in Qin to take a boat to the North Pole." Mao lifted his chin and asked,
"Are you going to tell us why are you heading north?"
Chu seemed to frown at this and said, "Maybe later. Can you tell us why you're out in the woods?"
Mao and Yomi looked at each other and then at Chu. Yomi replied to him.
"It's not something we really want to explain right now. Let's just say the Fire Nation destroyed our home, so we're looking for a new place."
Mao snapped his fingers which caught Chu's attention. "You said you're heading toward Qin, right? We're going to Gaoling. It's in the same direction; it would be prudent if we all traveled together." Chu seemed to consider this and then spared at Mao with a discerning glance.
"Well, how do I know if you're not going to rob us in our sleep?" Mao took off his sword again and handed it to the tall boy.
"You can carry Thunder Moon, how about that? Do we have a deal?" Chu took the jian from him and considered the options. With a smirk, he held out his hand.
"Deal!"
Tomkin splashed around the creek and under the small waterfall. Chiko was still nauseated by the night before, but was a lot more relaxed by watching the chubby waterbender. Bending streams around him and orbs of clear water, he turned to smile at Chiko.
"Wanna swim with me? The water isn't that cold!"
Chiko considered this, as his brothers were negotiating with Chu. He took off his sandals and rolled up his trouser legs to wade in.
"GAH! It's really c-c-c-c-cold!" he said, shaking his head. He got out quickly and glared at Tomkin. "The water is-is-is-is-is freezing! How can you t-t-t-t-tell me that it isn't c-c-cold!" Tomkin laughed.
"I guess I am just used to colder water. I am sorry. I didn't think it would be too cold for you." Chiko sighed but somehow he couldn't stay mad at Tomkin's goofy grin. Thinking the water would work for his headache, he took off his top and cloak and waded in again. The cold water felt pretty good now that he already was used to the temperature.
Tomkin was a bit shorter that Chiko, rounder too. But his eyes caught Chiko's attention. Clear blue and they stood out against his mahogany skin and seemed to have a gleam to them when he smiled. Chiko shook his head; why would he be interested in eye color? Tomkin continued to splash around and waterbend, practicing stances. Chiko began to look under rocks for critters. He found a few crawfish-snails, some mayfly larvae, and he saw schools of minnows swim past him as he waded in knee-deep water. He noticed that Tomkin had his back turned, Chiko snuck behind him to dump some water on , yet just as he was going to splash him, Tomkin whirled around and soaked him with a spray of water.
"Gotcha first!" exclaimed Tomkin as he saw Chiko's surprised expression. Despite himself, the airbender laughed and got up to tackle Tomkin.
"I got you now!" Chiko called out, grappling the other bender. Tomkin let Chiko push him into the silty bottom so Chiko was now on top of him.
"Now I have th-th-th-the last laugh!" he said with his hand on his hip. But Tomkin immediately got up and pushed Chiko down so they would switch places.
"Hah! Who has the last laugh now?" said Tomkin, smiling as he had Chiko under him. But Chiko wasn't daunted by this and fought back. The two wrestled in the warm shallows, splashing and playing, but it was interrupted when Yomi's and Chu's voices called out to them.
"Boys! C'mon, get dried off. We're going to be taking off," said Yomi at the bank.
Chu followed with, "Yeah, we're going to be traveling with these guys for a while, Tomkin." The two looked at each other and grinned.
Finally, the group of five headed through woods. Chiko was talking with Tomkin in the back, now that they were all dressed and dried. Tomkin explained that they were heading north because of problems at the South Pole; benders had been taken from there. Tomkin was ignored because of his age and the fact he wasn't a warrior, nor did the Fire Nation know he was even a bender.
"I heal mostly, but only my parents and my aunt and uncle know. They decided that I should go North…it was a really hard decision but we had to do it. Now we're heading to Qin to take a boat North in order keep me protected. What about you? Why are you in the woods, Chi?" Chiko didn't know how to explain that he and his brothers were Air Nomads and their temple was in ruins. Tomkin was intuitive enough to read that Chiko was feeling uncomfortable and quickly changed the topic.
"What do you like best about traveling?"
Chiko blinked at the topic change but was grateful. "Oh I like s-s-seeing all sorts of p-p-p-people, learning about d-d-different c-c-cultures and trying n-n-new foods, too." Tomkin smiled.
"Yeah, I like that too. I never saw rain until we were at Kyoshi Island! The Kyoshi warriors were cool, too! Did you know that they are all women?"
Chiko did, and added, "Yep! And that they were f-f-f-found-d-d-ded by A-a-a-avatar Kyoshi herself!" Tomkin discussed how he met the warriors and stayed at a long house by the sea and even saw the Unagi. Chiko traded his tales about seeing huge trees that were so wide that you needed about seven men to go around their circumference. Tomkin seemed impressed and mentioned passing by the Southern Air Temple when he was on the ferry to the main continent.
"I only saw a glimpse of it as we sailed through the Lhapso strait. But from what I saw, it looked like a jagged scar on the mountain. It looked so…"
"Dead?" Chiko finished for him, his voice lifeless and cold. Tomkin saw the expression on Chiko's face and bit his lip.
"I think I should change top—" but Chiko cut him off.
"The tem-tem-temple was ma-ma-massacred. Four ye-ye-years ago." Chiko's voice still sounded detached as he stared at the trail under his feet. Tomkin didn't know what to say now. Obviously he stumbled onto something that shouldn't have been poked, like an infected wound. Still, being the happy-go-lucky boy that he was, he didn't like seeing people upset so he tried to make Chiko laugh.
"Okay, what does a pirate bird say to a turtle seal when he takes off?" Chiko, who was brooding, lifted his head and shrugged.
"I d-d-don't know, Tom." Tomkin cracked a grin.
"I'll steal you later!"
Chiko lifted an eyebrow and then busted out laughing; not because the joke was actually funny, but because it was just as bad as Yomi's jokes. Tomkin smiled victoriously and told another corny joke. Chiko continued laughing and told his own bad jokes. Soon he completely forgot about the Southern Air Temple as he and Tomkin continued to trade jokes and stories.
Four hours of straight walking later, the younger boys were complaining. Chiko wanted to set up camp and call it a day. Tomkin just wanted to rest his feet.
Mao turned his head and said, "You babies are fine, we're almost at Hi Xin cliffs and we'll stop for a break in an hour." This was answered by mutual groans from Tomkin and Chiko. Chu turned his head to Mao and asked if they were really going to walk for another hour. Mao gave him a glare, which ended any further discussion.
After two more hours of walking and being finally close to dusk, the now five made camp along a creek again—this time with an over-hanging of shale and limestone, which made fine shelter. Chu started to gather wood for a fire. Mao gathered water and Yomi dug a fire pit as Tomkin and Chiko played in the creek. After setting up, Yomi started dinner and Mao and Chu conversed, watching the younger boys play.
"So the Fire Nation has been trying to enslave waterbenders, and to protect Tomkin and any remaining benders, you are heading to the North Pole for protection."
Chu nodded and sighed. "The North Pole has its share of skirmishes. The chief thinks that in a few years it will shut itself off and isolate the pole from the rest of the world. So we're heading up before that happens," He took his hair out of its wolf-tail style. "You are still not going to explain why you are out here? Did your village get raided?" Mao frowned at Chu's question but shook his head.
"It's not something for me to explain now. Perhaps tonight, if Yomi lets me," Mao said, glancing at the elder brother who was stirring something.
Chu sniffed it. "What are you making?"
Yomi replied, "Scud…rice, carrots, corn and beans mixed together." Chu looked almost disgusted.
"What! No meat?!" he said, crossing his arms and without looking up.
Yomi stirred the terra cotta pot and said, "We practice ahmisa—the act of non-harming, so we try not to eat meat." Chu huffed and looked annoyed.
"That's lame! What can I eat then?"
Yomi groaned. "You can hunt; just try not to skin or clean any game near the camp."
Mao chuckled and whispered to Chu, "Trick is to hide it in dishes when spices mask its flavor." Mao winked as he finished and barely saw Yomi's scowl.
As the sun began to set, Chiko and Tomkin joined the three for dinner. Chiko got a bowl of the "scud," as Chu left to go fish and hopefully roast some sunfish to go with the rice mixture. Tomkin didn't seem to mind as he ate with vigor, only being matched with Chiko, who was bending over to eat with the bowl in his lap. Tomkin finished his meal then tapped Chiko's shoulder.
"Want me to help you?"
Chiko didn't know how he could help him. But then Tomkin took the bowl and held it so Chiko didn't have to bend over to eat. Chiko blinked and then continued to eat. He paused, however, to say thank you. Yomi seemed amused at the kind gesture. Often he would ask if Chiko needed help eating. This normally was answered with him snapping back. But with Tomkin, Chiko didn't seem to mind as he finished dinner.
Chu returned with a roasted redgill, which he was nibbling on quietly. Chiko leaned back as the five all scooted around the fire. Mao poked at it with a stick as he watched the moon above the trees. He then grunted and spoke up.
"So you're wondering why we are traveling in the woods like this?" Mao asked, prodding the fire. Yomi and Chiko watched the faces of Tomkin and Chu. Chu nodded. Tomkin didn't seem to share his sentiment, though, and turn at the fire.
Mao sighed and wondered if he should trust these two; however, they seem like good kids, and that was it. They were just kids around Chiko's age, lost in the woods. Should he really tell these kids what happened? He was sure they'd heard stories.
Tomkin spoke up to break the anxious silence.
"We won't share whatever you are going to say. We will keep it to ourselves," he said with a shy smile. Mao accepted this silently, as it was his turn to re-tell the story.
"It was after the Chrysanthemum Festival. Most of the Nomads were all gathered at the temples that year. Our numbers are almost non-existent. We were easy pickings for Sozin." Mao stared off, looking into the fire. His pause prompted Yomi, who continued the story.
"Most of us were unaware. That night, all of us went to bed early. Then around three hours after midnight, I heard the gongs. I already heard the shouts of 'Get up! The temple is on fire! Everyone, go!' I grabbed my bags and I headed out into a sea of chaos." Yomi paused again, leaving Mao to take control.
"The smell of the ash and charred flesh was thick in the air, the temple was under attack and we'd been caught with our pants down. Most of the masters tried to combat the onslaught of firebenders, but even accomplished masters couldn't stop them. The firebenders were beyond their level, gifted by the comet that burned over the temple that night. The bison were being pulled down from the sky; some were caught under the falling the debris, burning themselves as well as the nomads that road them." Yomi was next again.
"I couldn't see the path in front of me and I couldn't breathe in the thick smoke. I passed by the charred remains of men I once called my brothers, and men I once knew as my teachers. I was with my bison Ten-ten and with Mao; we didn't know if we were going to live tonight and I prayed that if death would come, it would come swiftly. As horrified as I was, wondering if my ward was safe, I got the answer I needed, as Gyatso gave me the bleeding body of Chiko, barely breathing and his arm severed. Our master told us to dive, not to ascend, lest we are shot from the sky or knocked from our saddles by the falling temple. So we dove from the cliffs on Ten-ten. And we've been falling ever since."
The there was silence; no one spoke for several minutes. Chiko clung to Yomi's arm, burying his face into his shoulder. The elder two looked at the Water Tribe men in front of them, almost daring them to speak. Finally Tomkin found the courage to speak.
" I…I didn't realize that you were Air Nomads. I can understand now why you are hesitant around us. I am very sorry for what you have lost, Yomi, Mao and Chiko."
"Yeah, we're both sorry." Chu bit his lip and looked up. "So do you know if anyone else survived the attack?" Yomi shook his head. Chu didn't want to inquire further, not knowing what kind of reactions he would receive if he asked more about what happened. So uneasy, the five settled into bed. Tomkin slept next to Chiko and Chu slept next to him.
For a few hours, the five rested under the clear waxing crescent that night. Except for Chiko, who seemed to be restless, and was tossing and turning and making noises in the night. Tomkin got up and looked over at Chiko, who was twitching and whimpering next to him. Looking near the jar of water nearby, Tomkin called it to him and stood over Chiko's back. Carefully, he made the water glowed silvery white as Tomkin laid hands on Chiko, moving up his back. Then, he focused it on his temples before moving his hands back down. Chiko's movements were stilled and he was now breathing deeply. Tomkin returned the water to the jar and lay back down next to him.
"Sleep well, Chi."
Morning didn't come easy for the trio. Yomi woke first as he started up the fire again and started to clean up camp. Not leaving until tomorrow, Yomi didn't have to worry about packing. Chu woke after Yomi, followed by Mao who paused to look at Chiko, who was curled up next to Tomkin. His hand was fisted in Tomkin's tunic. Mao smirked at that and walked over to help Yomi wash some pomegranates, picked previously at another campsite.
"Did you see Chiko? He's all nestled against Tomkin. It's kind of cute how those two became best friends in one day."
Yomi nodded as he put the pomegranates in a pile next to him and scratched his head. "Chiko was having another nightmare last night. I woke to comfort him and I saw Tomkin." Mao lifted his eyebrow and sat up on his haunches.
"What happened?"
"He was water healing Chiko. He used waterbending to pacify Chi from his nightmare; it was amazing. Chiko slept easy all night after that." Mao blinked, not knowing how to react to that statement.
"Wow, it seems that Tom has a little crush on Chi."
Yomi nearly dumped the last pomegranate in the creek.
"What?!" he exclaimed, his eyebrows rising up. "Mao, please, don't turn something chaste into something obscene." Yomi growled, annoyed as he finished breakfast and began cutting up the fruit on a slab of cedar.
"I'm not! Trust me, Yomi, it's nothing to be up in arms about." Yomi didn't go into the conversation as Chu returned with more fish and began roasting them again for breakfast.
"It's pretty muggy out this morning, probably going to storm later, too," Chu observed using some salt to flavor the fish. Yomi sniffed the air and nodded; he could smell the rain. It was going to rain later this afternoon, and they would have to stay close to the cliff face to keep dry.
Chiko awoke next to Tomkin, not remembering his dreams at all or how he got so close to him. Rationalizing, he figured because Yomi rolled over, he probably was drawn to the warmth. Scratching his neck, he yawned and rubbed his stump. It was hurting again; it felt like someone was pulling up on it. He bit his lip and whimpered. He hated it when it did this, but there was nothing he could do but wait until it passed. Tomkin woke up next, smacking his lips and shaking his head.
"Morning, Chi, is it breakfast time yet?" he asked, looking upon Chiko who was shaking his stump. Tomkin frowned and cocked his head to the side in curiosity.
"What's wrong? Why are you shaking your, umm…arm like that?" Chiko stopped and rubbed it again.
"It hurts, th-th-that's all. It d-d-does that s-s-sometimes, and no, I d-d-don't know wh-wh-why." Tomkin rubbed his chin and took Chiko's stump with his hands and stroked the scarred skin with his fingertips. Chiko jerked it out of his hand and scooted away with a frown on his lips.
"Don't d-d-do that!" he exclaimed. Tomkin blushed in embarrassment.
"Sorry, Chi, I didn't mean to upset you. I just was wondering if I could use my waterbending to make you feel better, that's all." Chiko blinked and stood up; he figured Tomkin had a good reason for touching his stump like that. So with a nod he forgave him and walked over to where Yomi was for breakfast.
Eating pomegranates, Chiko and Tomkin were talking jovially, and seemed to put the incident behind them. Chiko had a bright red stain around his lips as he ate the pomegranate like an apple. Digging the seeds out with his teeth, unlike Tomkin who was picking them out one by one, his fingers stained more than his lips.
"Hey, Chi, do you want to go for a walk around the woods? I bet we can see some wild borqupines if we're quiet," suggested Tomkin, finishing his half. Chiko tossed the rind over his shoulder, interested in his idea.
"Mmmm, sounds l-l-l-l-like a plan. I bet we can s-s-s-see deer-minks, too," Chiko added as he got up and headed past Yomi and Mao.
"Where are you two going?" Yomi asked suspiciously with a lift of his eyebrows.
"We're going to go for a walk. We'll stay close to camp. We promise," Tomkin said with a smile.
Chu looked up from his breakfast of roasted sunfish and said, "I'm coming with! I don't want you to go off alone." Tomkin didn't seem too pleased with this.
"I'm not going alone; Chiko is coming and I said we'll stay around the area." Chu didn't seem too convinced; however, he conceded when Mao gave Chiko a knife and basket and gave him instructions.
"Since you two are going to dick around, I'm going give you some work. Chiko you're going to get some morels. You know what they look like, don't pick anything but those. If you find a mushroom that looks funny, don't pick it. I'll give you Yomi's guide for help. I'll join you later to look for tubers, and yes I will be following you, so don't think you can goof off."
Chiko sighed irritably, slumping his shoulders. Leave it to Mao to take out all the fun. Tomkin on the other hand saw this to be better than what he had planned.
"It won't be so bad, Chi. I am sure we'll have fun picking mushrooms." Chiko didn't seem to agree.
A little while later the two were foraging through the woods, looking for morels. Chiko picked a few and put them in his basket around his neck as he turned over logs and looked by elm and linden trees. Sighing, bored out of him mind, he looked at the clouds above them and notice they were getting darker. Tomkin noticed this, too.
"We probably need to head back, Chi. It's going to rain." Chiko agreed, but as he was going to pick another morel, his body froze at the sound of a loud thunderclap. Getting on his knees, Chiko tried to cover his head with his hand to block out the next thunderclap. Tomkin ran to help him.
"Chi? Chi, are you ok?" Tomkin shook his shoulder gently but Chiko didn't respond. There was silence for a little bit before Chiko stood up and took his basket, and headed back on the trail. A second later, a downpour started. Chiko sighed in frustration; luckily he had covered the mushrooms with ferns and leaves to protect them from getting loaded with water. Tomkin did the same as they both stood under a large maple to keep themselves from getting completely soaked. Tomkin didn't seem irritated at all; instead, he looked pleased. The rain was delightful to him, and he ran out from the under the tree and began splashing in a very large puddle.
"C'mon, Chi, the rain is pretty warm. Let's have a little fun before going back to camp."
Chiko wanted to be warm and dry and away from a nasty thunderstorm. His astraphobia told him not to move, to stay where he was, but watching Tomkin's joy urged him to take part in the fun. As long as there wasn't lighting or thunder, he would be fine. At least, he hoped.
Jumping and splashing in the warm rain, Chiko couldn't help but laugh as he splashed water at Tomkin. Blue eyes shining in the rain, he retaliated and pushed Chiko down in a puddle. Getting up, Chiko tried to do the same to Tomkin before another crackle of thunder made him freeze up again. Chiko stopped, his arm around Tomkin as he gripped his middle, his eyes closed. Silence passed again as the rain continued to fall. Chiko pulled away.
"S-s-sorry about that," he said shyly. He looked up at Tomkin, who replied gently.
"Nothing to be sorry about." And just as he was to push Chiko back into the puddle, his lips brushed Chiko's. He felt eyes widen and his heart sped up. A heartbeat later, Tomkin grinned as he pushed Chiko back down in the water. Mao's voice rang out.
"Hey! Bison-brains! Get your butts back to camp." Tomkin grabbed the mushrooms and followed Mao, who was waiting for them. Chiko ran after them taking his own basket, thinking, I just kissed Tomkin…and I liked it.
Returning to camp, Chiko handed Mao the mushrooms for him to sauté for dinner. Tomkin talked to Chu in the shelter as the rain became a light drizzle before disappearing altogether.
Chiko found a spot by the creek as he thought about what had happened. He didn't know what to think of it, really; hanging around Mao had made him less grossed out over the fact he kissed a guy. However, he wondered if it was all an accident or if it was actually intentional. It also made him consider if he even liked guys. Though he wasn't sure, he decided he wouldn't say 'no' until he was actually certain of what he liked.
Well, he did like Tomkin—that he knew. There was something about Tomkin that was familiar, comforting. Was it solely because of his gender, or was it because he was just a lot of fun to play with and talk to?
He made him smile, he cheered him up when he was upset, and Chiko even slept better with him. With all of that to consider, Chiko came to the conclusion that a kiss from Tomkin wasn't that bad—it was actually…nice. Still, he didn't know how Tomkin felt about him, and figured it was best not to ask. After all, not everyone was open to the idea of guys liking other guys.
Evening fell softly as dinner was served and the group ate in silence. Chiko finished his supper without help and sat in the shelter, watching the stars come out, one by one. Tomkin joined him later as the remaining three sat by the fire.
"Chu says we're separating tomorrow. Mao found a shortcut to Qin, so we can get there without hitting the swamp." There was disappointment in his voice as he said that. Chiko didn't respond, but looked at the stars. "I'm kind of reluctant to leave; I never had someone my own age besides Chu to talk to. It's nice to have a real friend." Chiko turned to look at him. He bit his lip as his heart flipped in his chest.
"Do you m-m-miss your f-f-family, Tom?" Chiko asked, trying to change the topic or at least prevent Tomkin from asking a different question.
"Yeah…I kind of do. I miss my mom and dad and my aunt and uncle. But I have Chu, so I'm not lonely. I have my family with me. Do you miss yours?" Tomkin volleyed the question back at Chiko who looked at the stars.
"I don't kn-n-n-now. I have Mao and Y-y-yomi, but there is no point in l-l-longing for someth-thing you will never s-s-see again. I do miss th-th-th-them, but I shouldn't." Chiko's voice seemed almost grave. Tomkin looked a bit sad at that and tilted his head.
"Will you miss me?"
Chiko's heart skipped a beat, and his mind raced. Would he ever see Tomkin again? Chiko hoped he would; after all, he agreed with Tomkin—he liked having someone his own age to talk to.
"Yeah…I'll m-m-miss you a lot, but I know I w-w-w-w-will see you again." His heart thudded in his chest as he asked Tomkin, "Why d-d-d-did you kiss me?" Tomkin's cheeks flushed at that, and he looked oddly shy. Chiko quickly added, "I'm not ups-s-set; actually, I kinda liked it." Tomkin gave a meek shrug and looked at the fire and not at Chiko.
"I don't know. I just did. I do like you, a lot. I didn't see the harm in it. I hoped you weren't too upset about it. I'm glad you liked it." He said the last part with the tone of someone who had received an unexpected compliment.
Chiko chuckled at Tomkin's shyness and lay on his stomach, propped up by his elbow, and arched his back so he wouldn't focus his weight on his only arm. Tomkin joined him so they could see eye-to-eye. Quietly and quickly, Tomkin kissed him again. Still apprehensive, Chiko returned the kiss, smiling, and then he laughed. Both no longer worried about the morning, enjoying what they had now.
Morning did come and the group finally packed up to leave. Chiko felt a sense of dread as he gathered his things. Tomkin and he didn't talk, both knowing today they would separate. Chu seemed a bit reluctant to leave; however, he was far more stoic and knew Tomkin would be fine once they made it to Qin.
"Look at them, they are just miserable," Mao observed, in the front with Chu as they started walking uphill.
"Yeah, I know. Tomkin never had friends his own age. Most of the kids at the South Pole are rather young, so it's going be rough not having someone to talk to. Well, besides me, that is."
Mao nodded, his arms behind his head.
"Chiko is going to miss him the most. He doesn't make friends easily, and the first one that stood by him is going to leave. He's going to be heartbroken for awhile." Chu scoffed and shrugged.
"He'll get over it, right?"
Mao hardly knew how to respond. "Well, Tomkin has a crush on Chi, and Chiko is reciprocating the affection, so…" Mao trailed off, and then noticed Chu's confused and almost horrified face. "What?" Chu shook his head.
"It doesn't matter, we're leaving and will probably not see each other again." Mao, unfortunately, had to agree.
At the pass where the group separated, Chiko dismally looked at the road under his feet. He gripped his satchel and pack, not wanting to look at Tomkin's solemn face.
"I guess we-we-we-we-we say g-g-g-goodbye now." His voice was somber. Tomkin looked at Chu, who was now calling for him.
"No. Not good-bye, just 'See you later.' You guys should head to the North Pole, you'll be safe there. I'll make sure to tell the chief that there are survivors. Just the chief—no one else," he added. Chiko reached under his shirt, pulling out his mandala, and gave it to Tomkin.
"Take this, so you will have p-p-p-p-proof. And a-a-also so you w-w-w-won't forget about me." Tomkin took the mandala tenderly, and then deftly took off his ivory-and-indigo choker.
"You'll take this as well, so you won't forget about me." Chiko took it from him. For a moment, they both stared at each other as Chu called for his cousin. Then Chiko threw his arm around Tomkin, who returned the hug, and they held each other for what felt like hours before they broke away. Chu and the other two had their backs turned, giving Chiko time to steal a kiss.
"I'll never forget you," he said as Tomkin backed away, holding the mandala tightly before finally turning around to follow Chu.
"I promise," he called out, "we'll meet again!"
AN: WHOOO HOO I wrote my first real romance scene. YAY ME. Anyway Reviews are appreciated, special thanks for Growly for letting me borrow her boys and Pete and Bob for beta.
See you at Chapter Ten, "Lucky Dice."