I wanted to hide this side of me as hard as I could (TCF fanfiction)

Chapter 25

"I now announce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride."

With a kiss, the crowd stood up and clapped their hands in celebration. The whole county celebrated for a week for their lord has remarried. Countless blessings were given, gifts from friends and foes came in hordes. The count's estate went back to life.

***

"Please stand still for the family painting."

The artist weaved his hand, painting every detail with focus. Nothing could escape his sight. From the count to the youngest's smile, the loose strands of red hair and the hand of the countess on her belly.

***

"The painting will be delivered tomorrow, thank you for your cooperation." The artist bowed.

"Nonsense! Here," said the count as he handed a bag of coins.

"Count! This is too much!"

"Take it, it is a joyous time. Bring a feast to your family's dinner tonight."

"Many thanks, my lord," the artist bowed with a beaming smile.

After sending the artist back, Deruth went back to his family.

"Would you like to rest early?" He held Violan as she stood up.

"Don't treat me like I can't walk on my own," remarked Violan, "Basen, is something the matter?"

Deruth faced Basen's direction as he looked at the boy looking towards the door.

"Big.... brother Cale....," Basen mumbled.

"How about we have an early dinner?" Deruth asked as he led Violan.

"A snack would be enough," she replied.

"Come on now, Basen. Let's eat," he said with a smile.

"I will join you later, Father. I have to go somewhere."

"Okay then."

***

Knock. Knock. Knock.

"...Big brother?"

No sound emitted from the room.

"Can I come in?"

Basen's question was met with silence. With trembling hands and courage that came from who knows where the boy opened the door. Upon entering the room he was met with the stare of his brother.

"..."

"..."

"..."

"If you're going to enter my room anyways you might as well close the door," remarked Cale. 

With that the brunet closed the door and stared at the table by the side of the bed. Basen didn't know why but once he met his brothers stare, he froze right on the spot. Did he freeze because of fear for his brother's eyes seems to hold something deep that he knows he shouldn't try finding out. Did he freeze because of his brother's stoic expression and posture that reminded him whenever his mother stuns and awe's the people around her with her knowledge, elegance and nobility.

'Was that what a noble should look like,' thought Basen as he continued to stare at the table.

"Can you come closer?"

With one request Basen swiftly went to Cale's side but still hasn't gained the courage to meet the red head's eyes.

"Why are you looking down?"

"..."

"Are you scared of me?"

Cale was once again met with silence as Basen couldn't think of an answer cause he too did not know whether the reason he cant look his brother in the eyes was because of fear or not.

"Very well. Why are you here?"

Basens's hair stood up as shivers ran through his body. 'Why are you here?' With how Cale asked the question it made Basen think that there was a deeper meaning behind it. Nonetheless as if his mind couldn't bear to handle the tension in the room any longer, it took the reins.

"Father said were gonna have snacks," Basen said straightforwardly.

"I see, tell father that I wont be joining them and just inform Ron when dinner is ready so I'll know."

"..."

"Is there anything else you need to say?"

Basen continues to stare at the ground.

"If you don't have anything else to say then you may leave."

Basen has never left a room faster in his life. As Basen closed the door, he walked short steps towards the dining hall.

There wasn't anything else Basen needed to say but there was something he wanted to ask. Why did you leave so early? Why did you leave so quickly? Why did you walk away as if you couldn't stand to be with us any longer? What were you truly asking when you asked me why I was there. As if you were asking me why am I here in this place where I should be making myself at home as father said. As if you're saying this isn't my home and I shouldn't make it so in any point in the future. Countless of thoughts filled Basen's head as he took each step. But there was one thought that couldn't be covered nor forgotten by his mind even though numerous thoughts came and go. Why did it seem like you were going to cry if you stared at me any longer.

***

End of Chapter 25

***

I'm thankful for your will and patience to read or reach this chapter. Because I tried rereading this from chapter 1 to 24 and I had a stroke and couldn't read it till the end. From this chapter to the upcoming one's will be based from what I remember I wrote in the early chapter because if I take one more look at my past writing I might actually die from grammar errors and cringe. Once again, Thank you for reaching this far and Im sorry for making you wait or go through another chapter of this fic.

*I haven't read the chapters after that one guy robbed Cale's room if I remember correctly so this is going to stray from canon so much

https://www.weddingforward.com/traditional-wedding-vows/