Chapter 25.
It was in the middle of the night, but only one of the two was asleep. Chrono was whispering in his telephone, and because Rosette had him in a death grip, he had to phone from the bed.
"Yes... Y-Yea I know but- no of course not..." he mumbled, his face scrunched up "Definitely not... no I wouldn't allow something like that... is it too expensive? Could you help me? I'll pay every penny ba- I promise... geez, I'm your brother, how can you accuse me of-"
Rosette stirred slowly and opened her azure eyes "Mmm" she groaned tiredly. Chrono started and hurriedly whispered "I have to hang up, she's waking, bye" then he closed his mobile and looked down at her "Hey love" he grinned nervously, hoping she hadn't heard anything.
"Why are you awake?" she mumbled and rubbed her eyes "How late is it?"
"Uhm... it's one? Heheh..."
"Why are you so nervous?" she asked and sat up. Chrono had his back resting against the headboard and was grinning at her "I'm not nervous, why should I be? Now go back to sleep, you've got work tomorrow"
She observed him a while before settling down again "You too Honey, it's your turn to clean the bathroom" she smirked "The plugholes are disgustingly full of hair... purple hair"
"Oi, I got my hair cut, and I'm not the only one using the bathroom" he pouted. She smiled smugly and kissed his cheek "I know, but you're always longer in there than me"
"I need to shave too you know?"
Rosette chuckled "You better... you would look ridiculous with a beard"
"This talk is going the wrong way, go to sleep" he mumbled and settled down next to her. He waited for a while until she was almost back to sleep. He swallowed and then leaned down to her ear and asked "Could you ever imagine living with anyone other than me?"
She let out a sigh and tiredly whispered "Mmno..." not even opening her eyes. Chrono smiled warmly and pulled the covers over her shoulders. He stroked her cheek and then fell back to sleep. He was more than confident with that answer.
The morning after that was quite peaceful. Rosette got out of bed and gathered something to wear in her closet. Chrono woke as well and watched her "Morning" he greeted and stretched. She smiled "Morning" and found a nice blouse and some trousers "I need old clothes today; the children are going to paint." She really dreaded the day. She walked towards the bathroom, entered and turned on the water.
"Want me to shower with you?" Chrono asked playfully.
She narrowed her eyes at him "No you perv" she replied and closed the door on him. He sighed "Fine" then looked at the phone, took it and dialled Aion's number.
"Hey, it's me again" Chrono greeted his brother.
Aion laughed "Is your Princess at work?"
"No, she's in the shower at the moment" he replied "Now, will you help me or what?"
"Well bro, this isn't going to be cheap you know?"
"Come on, you're rich aren't ya?"
"Richer than you, yes" Aion teased.
"Because of Satella you are"
"I had money even before I met her dear bro, don't forget that"
Suddenly a female voice interrupted their conversation "Chrono? Who are you talking to?"
"Dammit" the purple head hissed and added a quick "I'll come see you later then" before he hung up. Chrono called out an innocent "No one love"
"I thought I heard your voice" she said and peeked her head out through the door. He smiled "I was talking to no one dear" he told her "I was just missing you"
"It's too early for sweet talking" she said "Prepare breakfast instead" then she disappeared back into the bathroom. Chrono sighed "Oh okay..." he got up and into the kitchen.
When Rosette came out, she walked into the living room, where Chrono sat with a cup of steaming coffee and the newspaper. She draped her arms around his shoulders and kissed his cheek "The bath is free for you now" she said. Chrono smiled "And breakfast is ready for you love"
After he had been in the shower, both sad in the couch, looking out he window and sipping their coffee and tea. Rosette had wanted tea for a change. She had her head resting on his shoulder "Any plans for today except cleaning the bathroom?" she asked.
"I'll visit Aion... we... have something to discuss" he replied.
"Will you be home when I get home?"
"Probably not" he told her "I will probably first be home after you've arrived"
"Okay, I'll eat alone then"
Chrono nuzzled her neck "I'll bring home groceries then, I promise" he smiled. Rosette smiled back "You're sweet, but it's okay, I'll do it" she said and with that it was settled. She looked at the watch and sighed "Guess it's time for me to go" it was one of these days, where she didn't really want to go to work.
Chrono pulled her into a tight hug "You'll be home soon love" he whispered "The hours at work will pass by fast... especially on the work you've got with all those kids"
"You're right... I'll be home soon" she got up and got her jacket "Say hi to Aion from me okay?" she kissed his lips and then walked out the door. Chrono smiled warmly "I know I'm doing the right thing" he whispered.
Work was very hard today. The children were allowed to paint. Rosette got a lot of paintings from them, but some weren't so good in handling a brush. Shader wanted to paint something none of the other children would paint. She wanted to paint a full size of one of her friends. Without Rosette or Mrs. Jean noticing it, she had dumped a bucket of paint on one of her friends and told him to lay down on the big piece of paper.
Rosette and Mrs Jean had a pretty hard work in getting everything cleaned up after they had discovered it. Shader wasn't allowed to paint anymore that day.
Shader of course didn't understand what was wrong in being artistic.
The boy whom was covered all in pain had to soak in the bath for a long time afterwards.
After a few hours, Rosette visited Joshua in his room. He was sitting in his bed, painting for himself.
"Hey Joshua" Rosette smiled as she entered. Joshua grinned back "Hello Rosette" the blonde sat down next to him on his bed "What are you painting?" she looked over his shoulder, but what she saw, made her eyes widen. The painting was very dark. In the middle of the paper stood a blonde boy, he was clad in white, but he was surrounded by darkness. His eyes were black and something black ran out of his eyes and mouth.
"J-Joshua... why are you painting something like that?"
The boy smiled sadly "See, this is me... and this-" he pointed at the blackness "-is my illness"
Her mood grew so sad by that "Is it really so bad?"
He nodded "I have had this illness since I was little... the doctors don't know what it is though... I-I'm afraid that... that I'll..." he trailed off and just looked down at his hands. He was still clutching the brush tightly in his right.
Rosette pulled him closer into a hug. He placed his head on her shoulder, but didn't say anything. She rest her head on his and whispered "You'll get healthy again sweetie... I'm sure you will"
Joshua placed the brush on his nightstand and hugged the blonde tightly "I-I hope so... y-you will never leave me alone will you?"
"Never" she reassured him. She stayed with him until he fell asleep. She kissed his forehead and put away the brushes, paint and paper "My sweet little brother" she whispered "I didn't know you were feeling so bad..."
Chrono wasn't at home when she came home. She felt a little depressed after her talk with Joshua "He must feel so sad" she mumbled "Poor little thing" she made herself some tea and a little something to eat. After that she took a walk. She needed some fresh air, and she wanted to buy something for Joshua.
She found a book about Cowboys and Indians. He had told her how he loved such books once. Then she walked into the mall to buy groceries.
After her walk, she returned home. Chrono was about to take off his jacket when she opened the door. He turned around and smiled "Hey love, did you get off work later today?" he asked. She shook her head "No, I have been in town shopping a little" she stepped past him into the kitchen, where she placed the many bags on the counter.
Chrono wrapped his arms around her waist and peered over her shoulder. He noticed the book "Who's the book for?"
"It's for Joshua" she smiled "He's been a little sad today, so I wanted to cheer him up a little"
He hugged her tighter "The little fellow hasn't had much luck with him has he?"
She shook her head "He has been in the Orphanage for six years now... I wish he could get a good family soon"
"You're his family now... you're his big sister"
"I know" she let out a deep sigh, before she asked how Aion was. Chrono told her that he was fine, and that he was in some kind of trouble. Rosette looked up at Chrono "What kind of trouble?" she asked. Chrono sweat dropped "He met this woman last time he was in town and they talked with each other... and since then, he hasn't been able to forget her" Chrono said "He still has a relationship with Satella though"
Rosette hoped with all of her heart, that Aion would leave Satella. Chrono noticed her look and turned her chin up towards him "I can practically see the evil thoughts flying around in your mind my love, but you will do nothing and leave it up to Aion to decide"
She pouted "I wasn't thinking evilly" she protested "Simply hoping, that's all"
Chrono leaned down and kissed her lips "Aion will know what is the right thing, right now you should care about your little brother"
Rosette agreed "Your right, Joshua needs me now" but she still hoped Aion would leave the witch from next door.
AN: Hmm... This is slowly coming to an end... YaY X3
Until next chapter ^^
