Coveted [New/Revised Version]

SUSPECT

     Valentine heard the front door swing open downstairs. He sat up and groaned at what he had to do next. Getting out of bed, he walked to the top of the staircase. As he expected, Sky was coming up them. The look on his face said he was exhausted and it wasn't the best time to bring extra depressing news to him.

"What?" he asked Valentine upon seeing him.

Their eyes met for a second and he lost his nerve. Valentine took a deep breath. He might as well start with something easy to break the ice.

"You found Aaron yet?"

Sky's only response was a one worded yes. He brushed past Valentine and set off for his room. This was going to be harder to break to Sky than he thought. Whatever happened in his day had him wound up. Valentine knew that at some point he was going to break if he added this news to Sky's problems but he didn't have a choice.

The only thing worse than telling him was not telling him. He'd be irate if he found out through other means about Beth and knew Valentine knew all along. Suppressing that urge to run back into his room, Valentine walked toward Sky's. He opened the door and peered inside. He was nowhere to be found and the shower was running in his bathroom.

Standing awkwardly in Sky's room, Valentine leaned against one of the bedposts and began to fiddle with his ring nervously. How was he supposed to start this conversation? His mind unwillingly digressed to what he said to Sky weeks prior. "You know this girl you're obsessively in love with isn't immortal. She may very well be dead within a year. She could be dead already."

He slapped himself.

How could he have been so insensitive?

If this were Anna, he would've completely lost it. However, the situation wasn't reversed. This was Sky and Beth. Sky reined his temper better than he could ever dream. He took another breath at the same time Sky's bathroom door opened.

His brother strolled out with damp hair and flannel bottoms. It was one of those rare moments where Valentine got to see his arms. The intricate patterns running up his inner forearms always fascinated him but they made Sky uncomfortable. He never explained why he kept them covered up for the most part or how he got them. Sky crossed his arms over his chest, obscuring Valentine's view of the designs.

"I've got to tell you little brother," Sky cocked an eyebrow, "if you came into my room just to stare at me while I'm still half naked, that's beyond creepy."

Valentine scowled at Sky.

He was about to come up with a clever comeback but decided against it. If they went at it now, they'd never end this. Valentine tried frantically to think of a way to get the ball rolling. He was at a loss for words for the second time in his life. Still unable to speak, Valentine gulped nervously.

"It's late Val." Sky said tiredly. "If you've got something to say to me, just say it or leave."

"Skylark..." Valentine began and instantly regretted starting that way. Sky's face steeled at the use of his first name in its entirety. "I have some news to tell you."

Valentine closed his eyes. It was easier this way. Without seeing Sky's intent look, he could think. He kept his eyes shut. He didn't dare open them to face the arctic blue gaze surely scrutinizing him. If Valentine couldn't see Sky's guarded look, he wouldn't lose his nerve again and could find the proper words.

"You know that I'd never want you to get hurt, right?" he asked. There was no response so he continued. "I wish things were different. I really do. The thing is today Anna and I went over to Iris's to make sure she was okay but when we got there the news was on. At first, I didn't get why Anna was crying but then I tuned into what was broadcasting.