We're Here For a Reason

Chapter Six

Mathias was shocked when he later saw that Lukas had kept his stuffed bunny. Setting it on a shelf across from his bed. It had been about a week since he had actually left the attic. Feeling nervous and embarrassed after his encounter with the Norwegian. I'm suppose to be cool! Not getting embarrassed because of something so stupid, he huffed to himself going downstairs. Standing outside the living room, he listened into what the brothers were arguing about.

"I don't want to Lukas! School sucks," said Emil, arms folded tight.

"You have to go to school Emil. There's no choice," Lukas sighed, trying to not sound irritated. "Yes it's a new school. But I'm sure you'll make lots of friends..."

There was a sniffle from Emil as he ran out of the room. Shivering when he walked straight through Mathias. But continued on his way to his room.

Lukas tried calling after him, though was ignored. Frowning, Mathias peeked in to see Lukas sitting on a simple kitchen chair; his head in his hands. They hadn't gotten any new furniture, and their old apartment didn't have much.

"What do you want?" Lukas asked, not even lifting his head. The Dane was snapped out of any thoughts he was having, staying quiet.

Lukas looked at him with an almost neutral expression, an essence of annoyance still there. Mathias still didn't say anything and quickly ducked out of the room. He didn't like the tense atmosphere. Soon enough, he found himself outside Emil's door. The young boys sniffles could still be heard.

Taking a deep breath, he entered the room; his heart breaking a bit when he saw Emil curled up under his dark blue comforter murmuring to his puffin. "Emil..?" Mathias asked, cautiously approaching the bed. The boy jumped, wiping his face as he looked at Mathias, "What?" He was still sniffling.
Taking a few steps, then just floating over, Mathias gave him a concerned look.

"What's wrong?"

"Lukas is a jerk!" He exclaimed, before covering his mouth and mumbling, "Don't tell him I said that..."

Mathias chuckled a bit, "Don't worry I won't tell him. But why do you say that?"

"Cuz I have to start at a new school."

"Is that not a fun idea?"

Emil shook his head, "I miss my old friends. And my old school. Mommy knew the teachers and everyone was nice..."

"Your mom?" The Dane quirked an eyebrow. "Yeah..." Emil mumbled, looking down silently. "I didn't know you have a mo- did something happen to your parents..?" Mathias' frown deepened. Emil's eyes glossed over again.

"Go away! Now!"

Flinching, the ghost left quickly, not wishing to upset the child anymore. Now in the hallway he jumped once more when Lukas spoke. "What are you doing? Leave my brother alone." The Norwegian scowled and went in to comfort Emil.

"What did I do?" Mathias whispered to himself, hurrying away to explore the house now that their things were unpacked.

He looked at the few pictures they had up. They were mostly of Emil, only one actually had Lukas. One that seems to be when Emil was born. There was also a few of Emil with who Mathias assumed was their parents. Nothing of just the parents, or Lukas. None of Lukas and the parents as well.

It gave Mathias a strange feeling. Why was there only one with Lukas? He frowned, his finger lightly tracing over the small smile Lukas had in said photo. This family was more difficult to figure out than the other's. But it intrigued the Dane. Always curious by nature.

***

"Emil... I know you're upset. And you miss your old school," Lukas said softly, trying to calm the boy, "But think of how many friends you could make..." Emil was curled on his side, facing away from Lukas and not responding. "Please?" Lukas tried again, "I know things have been hard lately..." He awkwardly stared at his hands, "It'd really help if you could cooperate. If the school doesn't turn out alright after two weeks, then I'll pick up an extra shift to afford online schooling. Deal?" Emil rolled over to look at him, frowning a bit, "Okay... Deal."

"Thank you," Lukas leaned down to press a soft kiss to his head. "I think you need a nap," he teased. To which Emil huffed, but nodded. The older of them stood up, handing Emil his puffin and tucking him in. "Sleep tight."

Lukas left the room, walking down the hall. Holding in a shiver when he got closer to the ghost. "Why are you touching that?"

Mathias looked at him, moving away from the frame, "How come there's only one with you?" Lukas just shrugged, walking past him. Rolling his eyes when the ghost followed him. "What happened to your parents?" Mathias asked.

His frown deepening, Lukas retorted, "What happened to you?"

"I don't remember," the Dane said without hesitation. Sighing softly, Lukas continued to the kitchen and didn't respond. "It'd be really awesome if you told me! I'm curious," Mathias smiled, trying the friendly approach.

"I really don't want to talk about them right now." The Norwegian said, pouring a large cup of coffee.

Mathias hummed, "Right now... So you'll tell me later?"

Raising an eyebrow, Lukas shrugged, "Maybe."

"Maybe's better than nothing!" Mat smiled, earning another eyeroll.

"Why don't you tell me about this place," Lukas stated, rather than asked. Blinking in surprise, Mathias found himself stunned into silence. No one bothered asking him questions about this place. Only those few weirdos with the Ouija boards, that asked way too personal questions.

He sat on the counter and smiled, "It's a pretty nice house..? I stay in the attic, it feels most familiar. Winged sprites like it here too, and there's a few fairy circles. The tree in the middle of the yard is my favourite. I think I liked it when I was alive too."

Lukas nodded along, "I see... I agree it's a nice house. And you're not that bad of company either," he smiled a bit as well. Mathias felt himself warm up a bit, his smile brightening as he nodded...