Struggle to move, the heavy eyelid finally can see the sun. Sitting up, his whole body aches with unexplainable pain. Glancing to the side, a girl is falling asleep at his bedside. The crimson hair hides part of her little face, covers her fatigue. Scanning around, Theodore sighed in relief. A strange yet comfortable room, bathing in sunlight. Finally, he’s back.

“Cecil, breakfast is ready-” Opening the door, Amber stops right when she sees Theodore, rise and shine on the bed. Putting a finger on his lip, Theodore tries to save Cecil’s sleep. The apple in Amber’s hand falls to the ground as the girl stands still, as if her soul has left the body. The two keep staring at each other, and Amber continues to stand there like a statue. The girl pins her cheeks a few times until they blush red, unable to believe what she sees. Approaching Cecil with caution, Amber shakes Cecil’s shoulder. “Cecil, he is awake!” Amber never thought her voice can be that tremble so much. “Give me a few more minutes,” Cecil doesn’t bother to look up. In these short few days, Amber always said that to trick her. “You snore when you sleep.” Amber adopts a solemn demeanor as if she were reading an important report. "I didn't—" her words pause in mid-sentence as she meets those brilliant blue eyes. “Cecil.” He calls her name gently. The lifeless doll has vanished, leaving behind a new, bright man. “Theodore, you are evil!” Cecil hugged him tightly in tears. "I'm back," Theodore said, hugging both girls in his arms.

A new life seems to lighten the whole shack before the good news. The shack, since early morning, had been bathed in the joy and tears of every member. Cecil and the children open a crying competition, with the victory belonging to the crimson-hair girl, but eventually, the children have to comfort her instead. When things seem to have settled down, Reid knocks on the door lightly. Though they look the same, Theodore can see the hint of maturity in Reid. With his absence, Reid surely has many things to take care of. Unlike the others, Reid doesn’t express much, but the relief to see Theodore back is painted on his face. "We have some people who want to meet you," he yanks Axl from behind the door.

“Pleasure to meet you, Doctor Theodore. I’m Axl.” In Theodore's laughter, Axl strangely salutes before him. The black eyes shine brightly under a long scar with a short braid resting on his left shoulder. Standing next to him, Reid sighs in defeat. “The two of you will make a good team.” Theodore smiled warmly before their connection. It’s been so long since he could see such chemistry. The answer immediately sends a big grind across Axl’s face and a rare sulk on Reid's.

“I know I can’t undo my past. I deeply apologize for any actions I have taken. If possible, I seek your approval to stay and fight.” Theodore was surely pleased with his will. “There is something more. Am I right?” The response put Axl in awe. With those navy eyes, he can be easily read. Having the same ability but they go completely different paths. Axl says solemnly, clearing his throat. “Yes. I am fond of Reid and will continue to protect him no matter what.” All of a sudden, Theodore can’t help but laugh. Since when did he feel like a father? Reid yelled at Axl, saying this is just one of his pranks. “Then I’m counting on you to watch out for Reid.” Axl gets a wink, leaving Reid speechless. “Well then, my dear Axl, we have to feed Orville.” Reid aggressively dragged a screaming Axl out.

Finally alone, Theodore can’t withdraw his smile. From the bottom of his heart, he can’t be more grateful to be back once again. He missed Cecil’s energy, Reid’s prestige, the loving children, the trustworthy allies… And him. How strange it is to not see any trace of him since his return. Yet, the aching pain running through his body stops him from moving out of bed. "I wouldn't do that if I were you," a young lady said softly, "Welcome back, Doctor." Take a seat by his bed, Evelyn gives him a gentle smile. “My name is Evelyn Sylvester, Alderic’s sister.” Greeting her, Theodore can’t help but be amazed. Another member of the Sylvester family, yet she feels completely different even from her own brother. Under the elegant gestures and the dazzling sun-like hair, are lucid golden eyes. A magisterial aura none of them have. “I know why you are here.” Theodore sets a solemn tone. “I have heard everything you said.” Her golden eyes twinkle with a smile as she extends her hand to him. No hesitation an alliance has risen, fading the ancient boundaries of the rivals. “Within my power, I will accompany you.” Evelyn places a hand on her heart, expressing sincerity. “Though this is not all the reason why I am here.” The response sends Theodore into awe.

“I’m here because of him.”

Alderic is leaning on the armchair, and opposite him is a glass door facing the balcony. The scene outside sounds like a pleasant song. Rays of sun caress his cold hands, resting on the unfinished glass of wine. Weakly lifting his head, the blurry sight hid away the vivid scene outside this deserted room. The balcony door breaks open, sending the winter breezes in. Yet they couldn’t freeze the heart has tasted the nectar of love. Hot breath blew out of his mouth, creating a faint smoke. Perhaps too much wine has driven him drunk.

Is he drunk with alcohol, or drunk with love?

Perhaps both.

He drunk, he drunk him into lunacy. Drunk him through the navy eyes cleared as the morning sky. Drunk him through the smile warm like March’s sun, through the ethereal figure full of determination, through his gentleness. In a reckless moment, his monochrome life has been filled with his images. In a reckless moment, he wishes to be buried in those arms, to forever cherish him. Perhaps being able to be by each other’s side is more than enough. He wants to protect, wants to hide him away. Devoting everything he has, just to be afraid to face those dazzling eyes. Beauty and melancholy are the two easiest to reach, especially when they're dyed in tenderness till hurt. For everything has happened, will it be a sin to dream of him? For each of those hateful words, will he be able to reach him again?

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With a light smile, Alderic gulped down the wine. The bitter scent washed over his dry throat. Staggering to the balcony, the cold breeze blew away the black hair, revealing gloomy eyes. He knows that, finally, he has returned. He knows every cell is aching to meet him. In the end, he knows they could never see each other. For the general will grant the wishes, protecting him from afar. He wasn't afraid of death, he was afraid of losing him, losing the only one who could understand this pathetic soul.

Fortunate to find you in this massive world, came to this life because of you.

To now, letting you go.

Slowly gathering all the belongings, Alderic buries the longingly burning inside. When the last ray of sunlight disappears behind the horizon, he will leave. Putting the last item in the bag, he closes all the memories. "Alderic?" A familiar voice roused the sleepwalker. Alderic doesn’t have to turn around to know. For he has reminded himself countless times, the voice belongs to him, Theodore. “Where are you going?” He can hear the sadness in his tone. Only a simple turn and they can finally meet. A simple turn will easily destroy all his decisions. “You should stay in bed and rest." “Not here.” Alderic tries to maintain his fragile solemnity.

With a faint step, Theodore is trying to reach him. “Please.” a light growl, hinting with a beg “Please, let me go.” With a messy mind, Alderic knows he couldn’t restrain himself at this moment. The room falls into complete silence. Thousands of questions ran through his head. With such a weak state, how could he come here? Why isn't anyone helping him? Stumbles steps finally echoing. He wants to help. He wants him to stay, but at the same time, he wants him to go. The tsunami of complexity shattered his heart.

The hands held his waist tightly. “I have finally found you.” His voice was as light as a feather. “I won’t let you go this time.” For a moment, Alderic can’t seem to react. The hands stopped in mid-air, don’t know how to act. “Please, stay with me.” The hands on his waist spread the forgotten warmth.

Inhaling a deep breath, Alderic places his hands on Theodore’s. With a swift move, he held Theodore perfectly in his arms. Theodore’s words were lost in Alderic’s lips, silently absorbing his astonishment. As if all the hidden emotions have been unlocked, the kisses show no sign of gentleness. Hungrily, eagerly, he lost himself in Theodore’s soft lips. Breaking through the lips, his tongue freely explored the graceful mouth. The harmonizing dance of lips and tongues drives both of them into the realm of sensation. Lost in fierce kisses, Alderic leans Theodore on the hard wall. With a hand placed on his back, the other caressed his cheek, rains of kisses falling on Theodore. Each of them carries all the emotions, all the passion, all the love. Together, they fill the room with their alluring sound. Losing strength, and clinging to Alderic's neck is the only way to keep from falling. Instinctively, Theodore’s hands rummaged through the soft hair, caressing his burning skin. Being a quick learner, Theodore started to shyly return the kisses. The hand, now resting on his waist, tightens. Through the wet mist, he can see those emerald eyes, darkened by the flame of passion he has never seen before. Doesn't seem satisfied, Alderic move to the elegant neck. Mischievously sucking the sensitive skin, he leaves a crimson dot of love. The body in Alderic’s arms was trembling lightly. “Wait, Al-” Theodore said, trembling in gasping. “Hmm?” Alderic let out a deep, rusty tone. The next thing he knows, Alderic gently bites his bottom lip. Teasingly, avidly on Theodore’s lips. He finally comes to a halt when the red, swollen lips reveal themselves. Despite his initial hesitation, he can keep doing this for hours.

A longing feeling on the lips appears when Alderic lets go. The bitter scent of wine, the sweet scent of him lingered. Finally able to look at Theodore, a hint of light blushing on Alderic’s cheeks. Under those wet navy eyes are the swollen lips, blooming like a rose. Hiding under the white collar, a mark appears. The proof of his invasion. "Sorry," the emerald eyes can’t seem to face him, “I lost control.” The hand instinctively touches his lips, and Theodore sighs softly. Through what he sees, through the intimate kiss, he understands everything. All his frustration, all his burdens, cleared as daylight. Finally, he knows, whoever he is, he wants to be by his side. Leaning on his chest, that’s his answer.

Wrapping Theodore in his embrace, Alderic whispered, “Theo… Theo. Your name sounds like a magical spell. A blessing shines through my brutal world.” Only the beating of their hearts could be heard as the world fell silent. The emerald eyes fix on Theodore with utter love. “I love you. Every goddamn inch of my soul has been yearning for you for so long.” he sobbed lightly. The big hand placed Theodore’s on his heart. “Being the best doctor, can you tell?” "Why does my heart feel like it can explode to pieces at any moment with just a touch of yours?” Before such a powerful wave of love, Theodore was pushed to the edge of emotion. A shred of tear rolls down from the sapphire eyes. This man, how precious. Tiptoeing, he placed a light kiss on Alderic’s eye corner. “Theo… Theo” he calls out his name over and over again.

“Can I be greedier?”

"To linger the feeling of your name dancing on the tips of my tongue?”