Another Zhale

Chapter 1

Laurence's P.O.V.

It's been years since we saw him. He was as close to a friend that I had, even if he is my brother. I sigh looking out the window before collecting my work uniform. Yes, I work at the Maid Cafe. Only because I need to keep up my end of the house price. I walk out the door and hurry to the cafe. I got there early, so I went to the back to change. As I walked by the window, I saw a person a little younger than me by looks walk by. Their hood fell, and I gasped at the man's red-orange hair. I ran hurriedly to the door to see if it was him. I got outside and quietly said a name I hadn't said because of the memories it brought. "Leo?" The man looked up at me and I took in the white mask, quizzing eyes, and his bright hair. He smiled and quietly said something I definetly did not expect.

"Is that you, Laurence?"  We stood there, taking each other's new style. Suddenly, a tear fell from my eye and he tackled me in a hug. I froze, until I relaxed in to my brother's arms. I heard Aphmau say quietly from behind me,

"Might I ask what is going on?" I looked at her then to Leo, remembering they have never met. 

"Oh, right! Aphmau, Leo. Leo, Aph." Leo looked to her for a second, then start to tense up. I sighed. I was hoping that he had gotten better with meeting new people. I quietly whispered to him, "This is my friend. She won't hurt you, it's alright." He started to walk slightly from behind me, and I was shocked. He never willingly tried to say anything to new people. He mumbled something, then cleared his throat.

"Hello." I almost jumped hearing him say that. He never speaks to people because of what happened... I ask Aph if I could show my long lost brother around. She nods, and I pull him along. We quickly get to my house, since I'm not living too far away. Before we enter, I ask something that's been on my mind for some time.

"How is your...face?" His hand went to the mask. I always wanted one like it. It was shaped that the Phantom of the Opera's mask. It was white and covered 1/3 of his face, around his left eye and over his nose. He shrugged, his way of quietly saying, Drop it. I just nod and open the door. You learn not to feel offended when he doesn't want to talk much. I yell out, "Garroth! Get down here now!" I heared a muffled reply and saw him climb down the stairs. When he saw Leo, they just looked at each other for a minute. "Garroth, this is my little brother, Leo." For some reason, Garroth seemed to relax after that.

"Well, hello there! My name is Garroth! It's nice to meet you, Leo!" He always has such a wonderful attitude. I almost sigh, but catch myself in time. Leo looks... well, he looks like he's trying to figure out our relationship. I hold my breath, and he looked at Garroth.

"Nice to meet you too, Garroth." I jumped, and accidentally tripped into Garroth. He caught me, but our faces were close. Then he helped me stand, was there a blush on his cheeks? I look to Leo and he seems... amused and yet longing? Garroth called down Zane and I mentally prepared myself. If something happened to Leo...

"What do you want, Garroth?" His voice is annoyed with his brother. He was wearing his normal outfit, how many masks does he have? He looked at Leo, and I get ready to defend him, but he didn't say anything offensive. "Cool mask." Leo started to smile then laughed a bit. His laugh can light up a room. I looked at Zane, but he shrugged. Leo walked up to him, face back to normal but with much more humor. "I'm Zane."

"Leo." They shook hands, and I about exploded. I looked out the window, and saw it was late.

"Hey Leo, if you want, you can stay the night. How about it?" He shrugged and just said,

"Okay."