Words In The Dark

Chapter Three: Tenebris

Chapter Three: Tenebris Nearly Kills His Brother

     The two boys exited the barber shop, trying to seem as normal as possible. Tenebris wrapped his headphones around his phone and slipped the electronic into the back pocket of his jeans. As they continued walking, Cesar kept looking around, obviously a little shaken up. Can't blame the poor kid for being all frazzled. That succubus was a pain in my ass. Elise is gonna be pissed. Tenebris sighed. And I didn't even get my damn haircut. Tenebris looked over at Cesar. The shorter boy's gaze was to the ground, and he looked really pale. "Hey," Tenebris muttered dimly.

     Cesar's head snapped up as he looked in his direction. Tenebris frowned deeply. "You're still shaken up." He deadpanned. Cesar gave him a look. Well no duh. It seemed to say. Tenebris rolled his eyes. "It makes you look like a brat, and it's annoying the crap out of me." His comment took Cesar by surprise. He opened his mouth to defend himself, but Tenebris narrowed his eyes at him, and he closed it. That's what I thought. He thought to himself. "Listen, I'm going to take you out for food, but I have to set some ground rules."

     Cesar crossed his arms. "I'm not a little k-"

     "Shut up."

     "The only reason I'm going to shut up is you're the only one who can give me answers. Don't think I won't fight back you jerk."

     Cesar frowned, rage rolling off of him in waves. Tenebris rolled his eyes. "Number one," he began, ignoring Cesar's comment. "No complaining about the restaurant I choose. Number two, be sure to say as little as possible. Your voice is too high pitched for your own good." Cesar's eyes widened in obvious irritation, but he didn't respond. "I'll tell you what you need to know when we get there. For now, let's roll." Tenebris motioned for Cesar to followed him. He did, but only when the surprise of Tenebris's cockiness wore off. They didn't say anything as they walked, and Cesar had to all but jog to keep up with his newfound acquaintance. If Tenebris was even that.

     After a few more minutes of walking, they had reached a small deli parlor. It was a tiny brick building that had a huge glass window in the front to show off the inside. As the boys walked through the brown entryway, a bell rung, signaling new customers. Tenebris paid no attention to his surroundings. He'd been here many times before. Cesar although, was looking all around the place like he'd never seen a Deli joint before. As they stood in line, Tenebris peered behind him. Cesar had on a bright smile as he read the menu. Damn. This kid has a nice smile.

     Suddenly, Cesar dropped his eyes from the menu and looked at Tenebris. Tenebris could've sworn the boy's cheeks reddened when he turned away. Instead of acknowledging it though, Tenebris glared at him, and turned back around, looking up to have a view of the menu himself. It was a pointless gesture, though. He already knew what he wanted. When the customer in front of him moved to the side, Tenebris took a step forward. "I'll have the deluxe sub with extra peppers and no mayo." He said simply. "And I'll take a double chocolate chip cookie with that." He just couldn't resist.

     Once he was done, Tenebris motioned for Cesar to step up and order. The boy smiled brightly at the cashier. The cashier returned his smile with a smile of her own. I wish I could make someone smile like that. Tenebris thought. Cesar flinched at something but kept his mouth turned upwards, his sudden pained look barely noticeable. "I'll have a meatball sub with extra cheese on Italian bread, and a sugar cookie." The bubbly boy said. Tenebris rolled his eyes, putting his hands in his front pockets. How original. Cesar thanked the cashier in the happy voice Tenebris hated-which was no surprise because he hated almost everything-and walked over to him, that smile still on his face.