In His Command

Epilogue

[Is it just me, or he really looked like he was bidding adieu in that picture? (--->)

Vote and comment, please. Enjoy reading!]

EPILOGUE

The servant stopped in front of a white double-door, its handles, frames and hinges golden, and just stood there for a moment. He took a deep breath, braced himself to gather himself together, so as not to break down with the sight of the person at the other side of the door; the person who brought him back to life, along with a promise that he was now to lead his own life by how he wanted it.

He held the knob tightly. But, before he could twist it, someone spoke behind him, making him turn around. He immediately looked down when he saw Nickel.

“You know, Ten-Ten, it’s not your fault. No one is blaming you.” He didn’t bother correcting him of his name anymore. It was pretty much pointless. Nickel sighed before adding, “C'mon, let’s try again today.”

Nickel led the way in entering their master’s bedroom, pulling Tease behind him. Even he himself wanted to stay in the darkest corner of the mansion. To not believe, that, after their master lost consciousness two months and eight days ago, he was still not waking up.

Zero laid in his bed, sleeping in peace. After what he went through, one would think he was dead. But the gentle rising and falling of his chest was enough reassurance for his servants that he hadn’t left them yet.

Nickel nudged Tease to go on with his task, since it was his turn now to wake their master up. All them ten almost gave up, but they stayed strong. They knew, their master would come back for them.

Tease sat on Zero’s bed, his face filled with sadness. If only… if only he wasn’t so weak, his master wouldn’t have to save him. He wouldn’t be dead, and then be brought back to life. If only he wasn’t a coward…

He brushed Zero’s hair out of his face. And then with the gentlest, softest, faintest touch, he shook his shoulder. “Master Zero… please… wake up now…”

He let out a shaky breath when Zero didn’t respond. He covered his mouth, already whimpering, and closed his eyes as tears coursed down his face.

Nickel moved beside his new brother, his only younger brother since he was the youngest before, and put a hand over his head. “Don’t cry, Ten-Ten. Master Zero would eventually wake up. We just have to wait with never-ending patience, and stay by his side as long as we live. So that when he opens his eyes, he would see that we’re still here for him. That we didn’t leave him even if he slept for so long it was painful to witness. And then we would see his smile again.” Nickel walked towards the window and brushed the curtains open, allowing sunlight to enter. “C'mon, the others would be worried if we don’t come back.”

Tease wiped his face, and leaned down to whisper in his master’s ear. “We love you, Master Zero. We will wait for you, even if eternity is what it takes.” He then shifted, and softly pressed his lips to his master’s own.

The two servants left their master’s room, glancing back shortly to bask themselves in his beauty, before closing the door.

***

He rested in his bed, with the morning light that was coming through the window making him glow. The corners of his lips tugged upwards. Barely noticeable, yet it was still there.

He was still there, together with his servants; his ten servants who were devoted only for him, waiting for his next command.