The day I met you [Joseph x Aesop]

Chapter VIII- Heartbreak

Previously...

I turned and knew that he was watching me.

About time he showed some respect for the Perfumer.

Joseph's POV

He's late.

I tapped my foot against the concrete, waiting impatiently for Aesop to show. It was already half-past ten, and the boy still hasn't shown.

Just five more minutes. I told myself sternly.

The minutes stretched into ten, twenty, and finally, another thirty minutes had passed. Out of reasons to stall in the garden, I got up grumpily, just about to leave when I saw him, standing there in the corner. His eyes were red, looking as if he have been crying just moments ago.

3rd POV

Joseph froze before making his way to Aesop swiftly.

He pulled him into a hug just as the smaller boy burst into tears.

"Shh...tell me what's wrong."

Joseph stroked Aesop's hair, his voice tendered. Aesop gripped his hand into fists and roughly pushed Joseph away.

Joseph stood there shocked, as Aesop tried his hardest to not start breaking down again.

"Hey...Aesop, what's going on?"

Covering his hurt, Joseph walked forward and tried to hold Aesop again. He backed away quickly, pressing his back to a wall.

Joseph's eyes grew sad as he stopped, and called his name.

"Aesop?"

"We can't be together."

Those words were forced out of Aesop, coming out a lot harsher then he meant to. He winced as he waited for those words to really sink in.

Joseph stood there and stared at him for a moment before laughing humorlessly.

"It's a joke right, Aesop? Right?"

Tears rolled down Aesop's cheeks as he slowly shook his head. Joseph leaned forward and wiped his tears away, embracing him once more. This time, Aesop didn't push him away.

"I-I checked the r-rule b-book," Aesop said between sobs. "T-The penalty i-is death J-Joseph. I can't let y-you lose this opportunity, or even y-your life j-just for me!"

"What penalty?" Joseph asked with an air of confusion, though his heart sank horribly.

"W-We can't keep s-seeing each other J-Joseph, it's dangerous f-for both of u-us."

The hunter suddenly pressed his lips to the survivors. Aesop didn't kiss him back but didn't push him away either. With a furious sigh, Joseph broke away first. However, he wasn't going down without a fight.

"I don't care about the damn rule book, Aesop. I just want to be with you." He said fiercely, cupping his face.

"But I-I care, Joseph. Too m-much."

"Besides, who's going to know besides you and me, Aesop? If we are carefu-"

"It's too late for that."

Joseph stared.

"Who found out, Aesop?" He began slowly.

Aesop shook his head again.

"Was it a hunter or another survivor?" Joseph whispered, not so great at keeping the anger out of his voice anymore.

Aesop flitched. "N-No one..."