Because of You || zeenunew

Part 3

They went back to the Forest one day later in the afternoon, just like his brother promised.

He had told to their parents that he was going with NuNew out for a walk, so that some fresh air would have helped his lungs recovering from all the smoke he had inhaled.

Which wasn't completely a lie.

NuNew felt a weight over his chest and, he suspected, it wasn't just because he had stayed unconscious and bedridden for days.

He was going to the Forest.

He was going to see him.

Or, at least, he hoped he could see him.

For a moment, he imagined an unconscious Zee Pruk, just like he was in the past few days, maybe in need to recover.

– What if he won't come to meet me? What if he is hurt, now? –

– There's only one way to know, little brother. – his brother said, patting his shoulder. – Don't be like that, I'm sure your Forest semi-god is fine! –

– Could you stop calling him that way? It's so embarrassing! – NuNew whined.

– Ok... seriously tho, I'm curious about this Zee Pruk... and I'm worried. I just want to be sure that he is not... you know, playing with you. –

– He is not! – NuNew told him because he felt almost personally affronted, that his brother thought bad of him.

– We'll see... we are almost there. –he said, once in sight of the outskirt of the Forest.

NuNew took a deep breath and a sudden dread took over his mind.

He stepped closer to the Forest, while his thoughts were in turmoil...

But it only lasted a moment because... he was there.

He was there, standing near the trees.

His heart did a somersault in his chest.

It was really him! He was there, he was fine!

– Zee Pruk... – NuNew breathed, barely recognizing his voice.

– NuNew! – he said his name, a quivering sound filled with emotion.

NuNew walked slowly, closer to the trees, eager to see his familiar, lovely face.

His big dark eyes, his soft locks.

He was there, standing in front of him.

NuNew blindly searched for his hand and Zee Pruk immediately took it into his.

He felt tears in his eyes, but he was trying to hold back.

– ... you are safe. – he said, when he was close enough to him, still one foot out of the Forest.

– That should be I, saying that. – Zee Pruk said, with a little smile. – The last time I saw you, you had fainted in the Forest, the night of the fire... –

– I had been unconscious, these past few days, and... –

– I know. – he said, with a smile.

A little, cheerful smile, like a kid.

– My crow. Melos. – he scratched his head. – I sent him to look for you. I'm... I'm sorry. I didn't mean to spy on you, I just... I couldn't come to you. –

– So that crow that kept coming every day on NuNew's window is yours? Figures! Creepy! –

NuNew turned around, to his brother's annoyed voice.