A world where I might belong

Part 9

Mearai and Bo have been walking in silence since they left Chara's. Bandit has decided to walk beside him for a change. Needing to stretch his legs or something.

He has been combing through what Chara has said since he left.

He is fine on his own. He is getting by just fine. Trusting and relying on people just will get him killed.

"These are not the same people who betrayed you." Bandit says

"All people are the same. They only act all nice to you to get all close and buddy buddy, then, when you least expect it, they use all your weaknesses against you and make your life a living hell."

"So you only use others to exploit their weaknesses?"

"Well, no, but-"

"Then how can you say that these people will do that to you? Childe, if this person wishes harm against you, you have three friends by your side to take vengeance and punish their foolishness."

"..... I am scared, Bandit." He admits to him, they are getting close to Bo's house now, they are just leaving the village's edge. "Everyone I ever knew eventually turned against me. I thought that this one person had my back but.. Well, maybe he did and I just didn't understand or see it, but it's why I am here now." His chest tightens and he forces the tears away. Not now.

"I understand that you are fearful and wary of forming new relations. I also understand that you are doing it as a way of self preservation. But I also think you should extend your hand to Bo. Both Shroud and I trust Bo, even if Shroud actions say differently.

"How do you suggest I do that?"

"You could invite him inside your home. You two can work on finishing the house to make it a home."

"So I should use him for free labor! Why didn't you say so?!" He jokes to Bandit and cracks a small smile.

Bandit lets out a cackle, Bo jumps at the sudden noise from the little fuzzball.

"Yes, that's the right idea!" He accepts the mood shift.

"What's the plan for the rest of the day?" Bo asks.

"I don't really know for sure, going to work inside the house I think."

"Oh yeah? Whatcha going to do inside?"

"I think I want to make a second bedroom in the house.. Would you mind helping me?" Mearai asks, heart racing in his chest.

"I would love to. Do you need anything right away that you don't have?"

"Umm.. I think wool." He asks, glancing at Bo who is trailing next to him. He doesn't need to look up now to see that they are next to Bo's home.

"I think I happen to have some wool. Do you care if it is dyed?" He asks before slowly stepping towards his home.

"Not really."

"Okay, I'll come by once I gather the wool, okay?"

"Okay." He says and watches him go. When he is halfway to his door he continues his walk to his home.

"I am proud of you." Bandit says.

".. Yeah?"

"Yes."

They walk into their home and Bandit goes off in the guestroom to tell Shroud of the afternoon plans. Mearai looks in his kitchen area cupboards to look for some stray pieces of wood they can use to make into furniture. He also gathers some sand to throw into the furnace in case they decide to make something out of the glass it will produce.