(alright!)
A few days later…
Lucien had a cane in his hand, just in case he needed it. He hadn't so far. He led Aki down the path through the gardens, holding the other boy's hand. "Come on. I'll show you." he said softly. He had already explained that he was taking Aki to his favorite place in the palace.
Aki smiled warmly. He had slept better in the past few days since he had never left Lucien's side. He was well groomed, and was wearing his masters old robes, signifying him as the master magician. After the plague had been dealt with, Aki retired for a few days to mourn his master, and taking care of his wolf before sending her to the spirit realm where she could be with him. He squeezed Lucien's hand gently, his eyes happy and soft.
Lucien took a deep breath, before opening up the gate to a small, walled garden. It looked like it had been allowed to essentially run wild; the stone pathways had grass growing up in between the stones, the red, yellow, and orange flowers that dominated the coloring papered every surface in their bright colors. The trees were tall, and overflowing with leaves and vines that had grown up and wound everywhere. A stone bench was growing moss on the bottom, and was surrounded by flowers. He gave a small smile as he looked at it, taking a deep breath of the sweet scent of the flowers. "This was René's garden." he said quietly.
Aki inhaled sharply, his eyes widening. He took in the sights, his face turning toward the warmth of the sun. He turned to Lucien and smiled a little bit. "It's beautiful…" He whispered, his eyes wide with awe and reverence. "Thank you for showing me."
Lucien smiled softly. "You're welcome." he replied, looking at Aki. "He and I designed this the winter he was six. I…come here still whenever I can." he closed his eyes for a moment, then opened them again. "He would have liked you, I think."
Aki gazed around the garden before smiling a little bit. "He was very lucky to have a brother like you…" Aki whispers, his eyes bright with excitement. But then his eyes narrow as he pulled out his deck. He went silent. "Maybe…"
Lucien frowned a little, looking at Aki and the deck of cards. "Maybe what?" he asked slowly, eyes studying Aki carefully. He put his arm around Aki's shoulders.
Aki gazed at the cards. "I… The cards… They're talking again. They haven't shut up since my… My master died." He traced the box. "Maybe… Maybe there's a solution. Maybe… We can bring someone back. But it's risky… Asking the cards for help."
(I just realized that idk their age range? I've been thinking of Lucien as 23 and I just realized that might not be the right age…)
Lucien chewed on his lip. "René has been dead for two years. I don't think that's a good idea." he replied. That hurt, but…but his brother had always been so thin and sickly that he would die again anyway. If that was what Aki meant. "But…if you want to try to get your master back, I'll support you any way I can."
(Aki is about 22)
Aki stared at the cards. "Maybe… Maybe I could bring them both back… Healthy… Alive… But the dangers… They could be catastrophic." He muttered, sighing quietly.
(okay great)
Lucien took a deep breath. "What could happen?" he asked, trying to be objective, even though his heart was crying that he should just do it, and damn the consequences.
Aki shook his head. "I- I don't know." He whispered. "The results could vary… Time could repeat itself…" He gazed at the cards. "It could be anything…"
"Time repeating itself doesn't sound…ideal." Lucien said slowly.
Aki shook his head. He desperately wanted his master to come back. But at the same time- the risks… Could he really do that?
"Maybe we should do more research before you attempt anything like that." Lucien said quietly. "And…I know it's hard, but…sometimes it's best to just let the dead stay dead." he bit his lip.
Aki nods, gazing at the car intently. He sighs softly. "It's probably for the best…" He whispers. He glances at Lucien and gives a tiny smile.
Lucien kissed his forehead softly. "Yeah. I know it hurts to lose someone you love. I lost my mom, and René. Trust me, I know." He put his arms around Aki. "Letting go is hard."
Aki nods. "Especially… especially when I was so close to a cure…" he mutters quietly, his eyes shutting as he sighed. He didn't want to deal with the past.
Lucien kissed his cheek, trying to work up the courage to actually kiss him on the mouth. "I know." He replied softly.
Aki leans into the others gentle kiss. "Thank you…" He whispers. "I needed that." He mutters as he leans into Lucien. "Maybe it's for the best…"
Lucien sighed softly. "Alright. You're welcome." He replied, shaking his head a little. "I'll be here for you."
He nods and smiles a little, setting a soft kiss to his cheek. "Mind… mind showing me around the garden?" He asks softly.
Lucien nodded. He carefully moved, his eyes full of memories as he looked around the bright space. The flowers made everything so bright and cheerful.
He took Lucien's hand, making sure that he was relaxing. He couldn't let his mind wander to the thoughts of his master… he took a deep breath and tried to calm down. He was with Lucien. He was safe.
Lucien led him down the path. "When René was feeling well enough to come outside, we would come out here. He would sit over there, under that tree, and I would tell him stories or read to him." He said quietly, eyes lost in the memories of his baby brother.
Aki listened quietly, his eyes on Lucien. "He was very lucky…" he whispers as he squeezes Lucien's hands. He looked around the gardens and sighed happily, shutting his eyes.
Lucien shrugged slightly. "He was sick almost all the time. I wouldn't call that lucky. But…thank you." He squeezed Aki's hands in return.
"He was lucky to have you." He whispers as he walks beside him. He nods and sighed quietly as he looked over at Lucien.
"I was lucky to have him." Lucien countered with a soft smile. He kissed Aki's cheek gently.
Aki smiled a little before looking down. "I wonder what it's like to have siblings." He says softly.
