Last Thread of Hope [BXB]

Chapter 35

The wind was powerful enough to blow open the windows making the curtains fly up. Zen rushes to shut it and stares outside as snow hits the trees and window. He looks back at the bed across the room and watches as Cody sleeps soundly. He walks back to the bed and stands over him.

"Tea?" Tara was at the doorway.

Zen snaps his head at her but then nods, "Y-Yes, please."

She walks in with a tray and places it on the nightstand.

"Sorry I didn't have any anesthesia to calm him down during the and procedure." She hands him a small coffee mug of light yellow tea.

"He's okay." Zen stares at him.

Tara watches him, "You're a lot different than your brother. He's loud, arrogant, and abusive. When I first met him though, he acted a lot like you."

"And how is that?" Zen turns to her.

"Quiet. He didn't really talk that much and always looked mad at everything." She rubs the back of her neck, "But that was only a fake face and I found out a little too late."

"Why? What did he do to you?" He asks.

"What he does to everyone." She shrugs and clears her throat as her eyes get watery, "What he did to his nephew, his son, and any other child he can find. He watches as you get raped by his men. Sips his beer as they force you to stare back at him." Tara shakes and grips the wooden tray, "He's a sick bastard and a horrible man."

"I know." Zen walks to the door but stops, "Come to H.T.H, at least there I can promise you won't get hurt."

"Thank you." She wipes away her tear and Zen stares back at her.

"Are you hungry?" He asks.

"What? Oh no- don't worry about that! I can make my own-"

"Are you hungry?" He asks again.

She fumbles her words before sighing, "Yes."

"Come on, I'll-"

Zen crashes to the floor as Max runs into the room at full speed. He falls on top of him and quickly gets up.

"Out of my way, old man!" He yells and runs to Cody's bed.

"Stupid brat. He's asleep." Zen groans as he gets up.

"Don't call me stupid, asshole!"

"Stop yelling, Max." Cana runs into the room.

"You know them?" Tara walks up to Zen.

"Tara, meet my son Max and his girlfriend Cana. Max and Cana, this is Tara Rose." Zen gestures to them.

Max glares at her, "Are you the one who stitched his head?"

"Y-Yes." She nods.

"Thank you. I really appreciate it." He hugs her.

"Jeez, you're almost as bipolar as Zen." Cody sits up and rubs his eyes.

"Cody!" Max runs to hug him, "What happened? You look like complete shit."

"Thanks, Max." He rolls his eyes.

Aaron pokes his head in and automatically locks eyes with Cody. Zen looks at him and rolls his eyes.

"Let's give Cody and Aaron some time." Cana says and leaves with Max.

Zen and Tara leave right after them and shut the door. Cody slowly trys to get out of bed but Aaron forces him back down.

"Don't forget your necklace next time." He says and hands him it.