Date: Tue, 23 Mar 2010 20:35:45 -0700 From: Jordan Faulkner Subject: Romeo and Julian, chapter 3 Disclaimer: The following story contains graphic sexual scenes between underage boys. If material of this nature offends you, then you should not read this story. Additionally, if the law where you live forbids you to read such stories you should not read this story. This story is purely a work of fiction. Any resemblance to persons living or dead, or to events that may have occurred, is purely coincidental. Don't forget this is a story, not everything that is done here is legal so I claim no responsibility on the actions the reader might do as a result of reading this story. The author claims all copyrights to this story and no duplication or publication of this story is allowed, except by The Nifty Archive, without the express written consent of the author. Authors Note: I'm so sorry I took my sweet ass time writing this! I have received many of your letters and everything is much appreciated! Please know that I am in the process of moving and to hang in there. I have exams coming up and studying to do! I try to write often, but I'm editing much more now so you have something more solid to enjoy. Got a story idea? Run it by me, and if I like it I just might incorporate it. The sex is coming! I promise! Haha. Please send all comments to jfaulkner1992@hotmail.com, with R&J in the subject line. Much love to you all. Xoxo- Jordan The Fallen Angel The sun's rays were shining brightly today as they gently laid across my face causing me to smile to their generosity. I looked around the gentle town square and noted the fountain with its waters spurting passionately. The town was going about its business and it turned out to be a lovely and peaceful morning, but this began to concern me. There was no such thing as a peaceful morning anymore. I walked swiftly across the town square near the immense clock tower, with the large hands proudly displaying the time. I was beginning to wonder where Victor was. I began to notice a fervor among the crowd and I was terrified it was Hugo up to his usual antics of terror but I was thankfully proven wrong- it was Xavier Paris being fawned upon by the mindless crowd. I had begun to wish it was Hugo causing trouble. I loathed Xavier for he relied on vanity, and he possessed no intellect. He was mindless and drove me to insanity. He had no clear passion for life and to think he would be the future leader of Acara was the last thing I needed to worry about. However, in my mindless daze of anger towards the narcissistic Victor had smacked me playfully with two loaves of fresh bread. The fresh smell had made me forgive him for such a cheap blow. "You daydream way too much my friend!" said Victor playfully. He smiled with a gentle friendship that Romeo had grown so fond of. "What are you staring at?" Victor began to look my direction and grunted a bit and muffled some notion that I nodded to. We had the same ideas about things but we expressed them differently. Perhaps that's why I liked Victor so much. We just seemed to balance each other out. "Did you have any trouble getting your bread? You seemed to take a bit longer than normal," I ask smoothly while taking a sigh of tiredness. Victor laughed and answered, "Yeah, everything was fine. I took your advice though. I accidentally bumped into a Caps," explained Victor but with the mention of a Caps I started to get worried for Victor was somewhat of a hot head but I let him finish explaining his story before I interrupted him, "and he ended up falling to the floor. He was absolutely terrified I was going to hurt him! I felt so bad and I ended up helping him up. I ,of course, ensured that this would never happen again and luck was on his side, but I felt sorry for him. I guess you were right, this family war is pointless. It seems like only specific people want to fight and I don't want to feed into that need for war." With Victor's explanation of his morning in the bakery I began to smile inside. I realized I had stopped the disease of ignorance in someone. Maybe I really could spread peace; maybe I really could stop this war. I smiled at Victor and thought that this morning wouldn't be so bad- little did I know that I was wrong. I hugged Victor with intense friendship and sighed. I began to feel uneasiness in the air and I knew something was wrong. I began to look around the town and noticed Xavier talking to a man sitting at the edge of the fountain. I couldn't quite make out who it was but the man looked quite bothered. I felt like he needed my help in escaping him. No, I knew he needed my help but within that instant an explosion of terror filled the air. It appeared a riot had begun to break out. A calamity swept through the sea of villagers. It was never ending waves of chaos and at that moment I felt terrified. I knew this would end badly, I felt it in the earth. I looked up at the sky and asked for guidance, for peace, and in that instant I saw a dove fly by and hover over the crowd. I knew I had to follow it, I had to fly. "Come on," I gasped as I grabbed Victor and ran towards the heart of the battle, "You go and try and stop this, I'm gonna try and devise a plan, but try to just buy me time!" Victor gaped at me in confusion but swiftly maneuvered through the crowd. I too began to fly through the town square and had noticed my deadly wish come true. Not far out of my vision I saw Hugo stumbling around the chaos, adding fuel to the blazing fire of civil corruption. All I could think was how I needed to act but I couldn't think of what to do. Everything was happening so fast and a light breeze had pushed me forward towards Hugo. He was moving towards the heart of the fervor. I struggled between different brawls and defended myself when necessary and in that instant a loud voice rang throughout the roars of the rioters. "Stop this!" the stranger yelled passionately, "Look at what you have caused in our peaceful town square! This idiotic family war has gone far enough!" I snapped my head towards the vigilante stupid enough to throw himself in the middle of this war. It was a man of about 5' 11", ginger hair and a soft face. I couldn't quite get a look at him due to Hugo ranting about something. Then someone from my father's friend's family had boldly charged forward and hit the brave man. He fell hard with a loud thud that drowned out the violence. The town froze and suddenly erupted in terror. There was a pathetic clash between both crowds but I knew there was no stopping it. I had to save the man who had risked his life for he was my hero. He did what I couldn't. I at least owe him sanctuary. I began to move through the crowds with ease as many of them stopped rioting and it died down to only Hugo making a fool of himself. He ended up stumbling away with his rat pack and the town began to clear out. I desperately looked for the beautiful man. I noticed a younger man attending to a man on the floor and immediately found my fallen hero. I rushed towards them and saw a look of disgust. The man's face was gushing blood and in that instant I ripped my shirt and wadded it, applying gentle pressure to the man's wound. The crimson consumed the white cloth. I shed a small tear in affection. I gently wiped the dirt from his face while the small tear fell from my eyes and splashed across the angels face. Tiny droplets of love caressed his wounds. "Thank you," the man pleaded, "I'm Johnny." "Romeo. Do you have a place we can get him too? Mine's too far," I asked quickly. He nodded and made a gesture for me to follow him. I picked up the fallen angel and cradled him in my arms. I followed Johnny and unknowingly realized Victor helping me. I flew with grace and precision to keep up with Johnny and after a few blocks Victor rushed up to Johnny trying to extend any help necessary. I could barely hear what Johnny was saying to Victor but Victor ended up running ahead of us. He shot swiftly over the streets, gliding effortlessly through the crowded streets. With amazing effort and intense stamina I began to catch up embracing the fallen one in my arms. I noticed that although the riot was over, there was still chaos among the townspeople. It was more controlled however; many were just visibly shaken. "It's just through the ally!" shouted Johnny, who began to gesture the necessary route to sanctuary. I soon began to breathe easier, knowing my angel was safe. He was knocked out cold. His wan appearance wretched at my heart. Someone so brave received something so painful. The irony of such actions made no sense to me. Why must man destroy? I approached the ally with precaution. I looked between the two edifices and rendered them safe. Besides, I was with Johnny, and Victor was just up ahead. I started to stride through the ally carefully. The darkness consumed it, with various shots of light penetrating it. It guided me with tender care, and each time it hit my face I had embraced it. The light loved me. The stench was, however, unbearable. Trash cans lay overturned and a few rats would scurry by, in and out of trash cans in search for their next meal. The ends of the ally came nearer and nearer. I stepped out onto the following street and noticed we were in front of our local hotel. I had thought Johnny was of this town but I guess that explains the long route to safety. Little did Johnny know that there was a quicker route but I discarded this thought. "Follow me, my room's just upstairs," said Johnny who began to hold the door open and ushering me inside the building away from the chaos but before I could enter the building, someone called my name. "Romeo! Romeo!" shouted the stranger. Johnny began to look at me with anxiousness until he finally muttered in sympathy, "Go, you've helped enough, me and Victor will take care of the rest." So, with that line, I handed the fallen angel over to Johnny and turned around to see who so badly needed my assistance. I stepped back out into the cobblestone street and peered around until I felt a firm, yet controlling hand grasp my shoulder and turn me around. I swung around and landed right in the eyesight of Xavier Paris. He glowed somewhat, but I thought it was a glow of stupidity. Me and Xavier have a past, and he's a real idiot if you ask me. "Goodness, Romeo! I thought you we're hurt!" exclaimed Xavier with fake concern. He began to put his hand on my arm, rubbing it flirtatiously. I shrugged my arm as if in pain, and this caused Xavier to cry out some sort of apology for hurting me. Tears began to fill his eyes and he finally started to sputter out how he was feeling. "This family war needs to stop! Romeo, I could've been killed! I was talking to that man you were carrying and...," he began to choke at this point and slummed down to the sidewalk of the calmed street but my interest sparked when he mentioned my fallen angel. I picked him with care and hugged him, much to my dismay, but I needed to know who that man was. Xavier cowered into my arms with random fits of crying. I pretended to care and patted him nonchalantly. He smelled like something rancid. It was callous to think, but the stench of his scent had caused me to gag somewhat. I remembered his scent to be different, but feelings change the smells of ones we view. I began to feel awkward holding him and he soon stopped crying. With that, I began to inquire about my angel. "You said you were talking to the man I was carrying before the riot?" I inquired softly. Xavier looked at me with strange curiosity as to why I wanted to know about him but answered, "Yes, but that's not the point! Xavier I could've been seriously hurt! You have to talk with my father. This ridiculousness needs to stop!" "I'll try, but who was the man?" Xavier's eyes shot at me and soon began to realize I had an interest with my angel and finally uttered the ironic words of, "I don't know." Bullshit. "Xavier, you know everything, don't lie to me," I said, "Please, just tell me who he is." "Well, if you must know, he's a member of a family. I'm sure he has a father, or mother or too. Perhaps even a sister or brother. But I do know he has a husband" explained Xavier who began to fashion a sly smile. My heart sank. I never believed in love at first sight, but I felt something. That man did something I couldn't. There was just this unexplainable feeling I had! The wind began to twirl around me, sending my mind in an upward spiral. I got up in a daze, feeling somewhat crushed to know the man I felt something for, was taken. In the midst of my transfixed thoughts, Xavier grabbed my wrist and rubbed it with compassion. "Come on, let's get out of here," Xavier said. He began to lead me astray. I wasn't paying much attention to where I was going, but I somehow ended up on the steps of his porch. I was so caught up in the notion of my angel, my fallen angel, but it began to make sense. Johnny. Johnny had to have been his husband. He was at his side first, knew where to go, and probably is seeing family here. Of course, my fallen angel doesn't even live here. Oh, such heart filled anguish filled my body. I felt numb and vulnerable like a baby flower who has yet to blossom. I was at the mercy of nature and man, two very deadly combinations. I realized where I was and looked at Xavier who was eying me from across the porch. The white house surrounded me, with flowers extending over the banisters. The only pure and organic color visible. Xavier bent over and smelled the flowers, until he plucked them from their roots. Handing them over he whispered, "I miss you." He then bit my ear and began to kiss my neck softly. This, of course like any other male, caused a reaction in my body. But I was stronger with some restraint. Xavier had sat on my lap, getting hotter with his kisses. I soon began to feel the pains of sexual nature and tension between us. Xavier rubbed his hands all over my body, along my back, up my shirt, and graciously over my thighs, where my groin was eliciting excitement. My lips were then introduced to his. His kisses felt rough and unpleasant. The stubble from Xavier's face was brushing across mine. They felt like the thorns on a dead rose, scratching away anything stupid enough to come in contact with. I stood up causing Xavier to fall on the porch. His feeble face stared back at me with a heavy scowl. "Now what's this all for?" asked Xavier somewhat shocked and annoyed. I looked down on him and he just stared back shocked that I was resisting him, again. The thing about Xavier is that he relies on his intense narcissism to trap people, like myself. He promises them the world- life, youth, money, and worst of all, love. He almost made me believe him. I almost believed he was capable of love. Sure we were teenagers, but he still made me feel like I was loved. He whispered sweet nothings in my ear, and embraced nature with me. We made love with such intensity that made flowers bloom over night. This was all until one April night. It was stormy, and inclement. Clouds blocked any type of light causing me to fashion a melancholy disposition. I walked to our secret cove inside the forest. It was placed behind a waterfall where we shared our most intimate moments. I was going to set up a picnic with freshly prepared food. I trudged to the cove before rain started to pour. When I had approached the waterfall it had begun to trickle here and there. The roars from the waterfall had drowned out the sounds of my approach, and the sounds of Xavier's lovemaking with his father's secretary Jackson. I was close to damp from the rain, and stumbling in the cove I dropped everything at the sight of betrayal. There was Xavier spread eagle with Jackson thrusting himself inside him. I heard my heart split, shatter, and wither away. The crunch echoed through the cove. There was of course a screaming match, only drowned out by the clangs of thunder. The storm was roaring profusely. I was so crushed that I just ran. I ran as fast as I could. The cold pains from the rain whipped across my face and I ended up slipping. I hit the ground hard with a wet thud. My tears were intertwined with the rain. I had just lain across the damp grass until I had the strength to pick myself up. That strength never came. My body became a bed of dead flowers upon the earth. I believe I lay there for hours, cold and wet, possibly near hypothermia and death until I felt someone pick me up. There was intense shouting and I just simply, blacked out. I don't remember much. But I woke up in Victor's room, with a nasty cold I might add, but no pain was measuring up to the betrayal I felt. Victor comforted me, and occasionally cursed Xavier's name. I just trudged each day along until I healed, but the truth was that I hadn't fully healed. My heart still has that final crack, but only true love could heal that. Something I thought was possible with my angel, but obviously not. I stared at Xavier, who was still on the floor gaping at me with confusion and annoyance. I sneered at him and stepped over him walking swiftly down the steps of his porch. He began screaming something at me but I didn't register it. I didn't care. I ran into the forest. I let nature protect me. I knew it wouldn't deceive me. I slowly calmed my pace and simply began to stroll through the enchanted forest. The distilled light embraced me whenever it could. The shadows kept me safe whenever possible. The aromas from the flowers had warmed my blood again. I wasn't paying attention to where I was going until I heard a faint sound, a faint roar. I began to stroll closer to the sound until I started to notice familiar ground. A sudden gust of wind pushed me forward through some berry bushes where I fell to my knees. I looked up, and there was the waterfall roaring as proud as ever. I surveyed the surroundings as I hadn't approached this site since the night of my heartbreak. The river was running just as it always had been. The wildflowers bloomed with youth and beauty and had little bees buzzing above them doing their springtime jobs. I maneuvered my way around the waterfall towards the entrance to the cove. After I had struggled a bit to work my way to the rocks that led into the cove I noticed an inscription on the stone wall. It was a heart that had my initials, but it had a small crack down the middle. I ran my fingers over the markings only to feel the icy sting of truth. Xavier was a monster. I climbed back down towards the grassy patch of flowers and made my way back through the forest. I was leaving my past behind and moving forward. I was ready to heal. I walked through the forest and back into civilization. I had somehow ended up on my side of town and gracefully rejoined life. My mind fresh and clear from the pains of heartbreak, I breathed in the fresh air and smiled and embraced the warmth of the sun. I was glad that I would always have the sun's love and the forest's guidance. I was forever thankful. As I made my way through town which had returned to its normal state of busyness and business, I noticed I had a few stares here and there. Some of the townspeople began to whisper amongst themselves which I brushed off. I was not about to subject myself to town gossip. I had bigger problems to worry about since the Governor had made his way towards me. He had the look of idea in his eyes. He wanted something, I knew it. But, to my swiftness I evaded him. I just wanted to go home and recollect my time. I needed to talk to Victor. I scurried through town towards the northern gate and made my way home. I walked with worry on my shoulders. My father would have to have known about the displays in town. I began to wonder if I would see another sunrise, and to think many would never get the chance to say goodbye. My father was a ticking time bomb, and I was terrified, but I wasn't leaving. I would pass this test. I approached the Villa with good pace until I noticed a familiar carriage of some sort. It marked my cousin's presence, which was not needed at the moment. I had three female cousins that would tend to drop by from time to time, each one vicious and beautiful and dominant in their own elegant way. The first daughter of my Uncle, from my mother's side, was Victoria Renee O'Brian, who was married to a wealthy Scottish man who treated her with grace and dignity. She had a fierce mien to her, soft but deadly hazel eyes, and lavish blonde hair that bounced with every carefully skilled laugh. He ran the business of agriculture while she ran the house, the slaves, and often the finances, but all of this was under speculation of her husband of course. He would never give her credit for a brilliant notion. It was the man's duty to be brilliant, and the woman's to be glamorous- obviously. The second daughter was Eleanor Mayella Harris, who often went by Ellie May. She was married to a peaceful American man who treated her equally. I suppose she got a fair treatment in her marriage, she loved him, but I felt like she yearned for more. However, with her auburn hair and blue eyes, she couldn't help but make her husband love her irrevocably. The third daughter was Scarlett Catherine Davidio, who was married to a bright Italian thinker. She was the wildest, the fiercest, and the most cunning out of all her sisters. Her pitch black hair, striking green eyes, and sculpted nose gave her the appearance of a slick cat, mysterious and graceful. She was married, however, her bright Italian thinking husband developed a not so bright plan, and thus perished in his death. He left her millions, and she was determined to conquer the world. Whenever faced with a problem, she always knew how to handle it, but in the most ostentatious and conniving way possible. We were the closest out of her family, and she would do anything to protect me, even from her dear Uncle Jorge. My father could never really conquer Scarlett, and he tended to give in easier with her. Through all of this thinking I had walked up the steps of the villa, noting the blooming roses. Spring was here and that gave me some sense of hope. I walked to the door which was opened by our house servant Patricia. She was blonde with blue eyes and a cute baby-like feature about her. She was always perky and punctual and gave the house something bright. However, my father didn't always need brightness, he just needed manners and a good ass kicking. I walked further into the villa, and through the hall. There in the lounge sat one of my cousins who was being overshadowed by my father's gigantic chair, and across from her sat my mother who smiled at my entrance. "Romeo darling, you have a visitor," said my mother warmly while motioning to my cousin. After my mother's welcoming gesture my cousin Scarlett had turned around flashing me a sly pearl white smile, her green eye's piercing through my soul, "Hello Romeo, I've been waiting for you," said Scarlett softly with the upmost control, "Where have you been?" "Yes darling, where have you been? Were you in that tussle this morning at the town square?" added my mother Piper sweetly. "Oh please Aunt Piper, the whole town's buzzing about it, and him" snorted Scarlett. My mother shot her a disapproving look which she then shrugged her shoulders at. It was her way of silently apologizing for breaking the ice with her bluntness. She knew everything about everything. Even if she didn't know anything, she still always made the correct conjectures. I envied for her ability to read people and situations. "So dearest cousin, tell us all about it!" cried Scarlett who shifted her body towards her cousin in order to fully listen and take in the wonderful display she was about to hear. Her eyes were bright with scandal. They glimmered across the light from the windows and gave her a soft appearance, which was quite rare. I began to shift my stance awkwardly as both my mother and my cousin stared at me with the hunger and soul of gossip. "I don't really have much to say, it was just a normal tussle. You know, Hugo was drunk as usual, and yeah," I said with discomfort due to the immense pressure I felt. With those words my cousin's face shifted to boredom and her usual conniving smile she fashioned. She was disappointed, but she knew there was more. "Well, I'm glad you weren't hurt. Darling, where's Victor? He came by looking for you a while ago. He looked like he had the world on his mind," explained my mother. She gave a face of concern; her eyes glistened with love for me. "Yes, dear Victor did look troubled," smirked Scarlett. She tossed her hair in flirtatiousness. She was always determined to have the last word to whatever sentence was said before. She was always determined to be in control. She was simply always determined to do something. She brushed her red dress with daring and provocative manner. Her soft hands held a cup of tea which she sipped gracefully. I began to stand silently awkward in front of them. Victor came here? How long ago? What could he possibly want? I simply turned around and left the room, not uttering a word, leaving both my mother and cousin in shock. "Well, that wasn't very dignified," snorted Scarlett who sipped her tea once more. "Oh hush Scarlett! He's obviously distracted by something," said Piper. "Oh dear Aunt Piper, leave that to me to figure out. It can't be anything to grand. Besides, everyone is entitled to a secret," shared Scarlett with a sly smile. "Darling, there is no such thing as secrets with you," huffed Piper causing Scarlett to let out a humble laugh. Piper was right though, Scarlett was always able to figure out something. It was just a matter of time until that secret didn't remain a secret anymore. After walking out of the villa and down the steps I looked outside. It was beginning to grow dark. The sun was just about to set, causing explosions of orange and yellow to conquer the sky. They were at war with each other. Both determined to be the last color standing, and the most dominant color for that matter. Sunset was always upsetting to look at. It reminded me of the situations at hand. In the midst of this daydreaming I heard footsteps behind me. Light, determined, and devious footsteps that could only belong to one person. "So, are you going to tell me about him?" asked Scarlett bluntly. I turned around and tried to hide my feelings on the situation. I could weasel out of this. The last thing I need is my cousin poking her nose in foreign ground. I at least want to map out this new territory first. "What are you talking about?" I asked, hiding my silent smile. "Oh please Romeo, you know very well what I am talking about. Don't lie to me, and don't try and evade the situation either. I've only seen you this distracted when there's someone on your mind. So, it's either a special someone, or a certain someone whose flame has yet to die. So, which is it?" asked Scarlett with determination. I laughed inside knowing why my father never tries to fight with her. Scarlett magically has her way with conversations. Maybe I'm just too nice. I looked at my cousin who flashed me a warm smile. She smelled the roses in the miniature garden we had. She delicately handled them with her dainty hands, but still in a form of control. She turned her head and cocked it to the side, still waiting for my answer. Scarlett never liked to wait. "Scarlett, I..." "Romeo! Romeo!" shouted Victor who was walking up the walkway. I felt so good that he saved me. I turned to look at Scarlett who wasn't happy about someone interrupting her mission, but she remained ever so delicate and in control. Victor was vastly approaching with looks of concern on his face. He looked as if he had been running, with bright red cheeks and a tired appearance. "You are so hard to find sometimes! You move like the wind!" gasped Victor, who was huffing and puffing. He arched over to catch his breath. He paid little attention to Scarlett which she was never fond of. He knew that was her weakness. Scarlett could never fathom being invisible. It just simply wasn't done. "Hello Victor," muttered Scarlett who had a look of annoyance across her face, "What brings you here?" Victor looked at her with a playful smile and said, "Hello Scarlett didn't see you there." I bit my lip with that comment and waited for Scarlett to obtain a witty remark. Scarlett pursed her lips and calmly spoke, "Nice to see things haven't changed with you Victor. I would have at least hoped you would have gotten some form of eye treatment from my last visit here," she said graciously with a fake smile. Victor laughed and hugged Scarlett. The look on her face was one of shock. I could only imagine what she was thinking. She probably hated him at the moment. After some lighthearted reunion Victor began to speak. "Romeo, where did you go after everything happened?" Scarlett's ears perked up at that question. She was glad she wasn't the only person interested in the secrets that lied within me. It was just another method of keeping her hands clean I suppose. I looked at two very curious pairs of eyes, both scanning me viciously for an answer. I sighed and decided to share everything with them, but thankfully we were interrupted by a messenger. We all turned around to see a man scurrying up the pathway with a large satchel across his arm. He was a short and stout man, with hair white as snow. His fashions were formal with little sense to style or taste. He spoke with an annoying voice that none of us found pleasant at all. It was like a mousy scratchy squeak. "Romeo Mantz I presume?" asked the messenger. Both Victor and Scarlett pointed at me quicker than the shot of a gun. I silently raised my hand in a kind gesture and a half smile. The messenger handed me a letter that was sent by the Governor. After that the messenger turned right around and scurried out of our lives. I felt eyes burning through my back. I turned around to find a hungry Scarlett and a confused Victor. I stared blankly at them. "Well what is it!" shouted Scarlett. "It's a letter from the Governor." "The Governor? What's he want?" asked Victor. "Well he obviously doesn't know yet since he hasn't opened the letter stupid!" snapped Scarlett. They both began to argue in half-seriousness and half-playfulness. I looked back and forth at them swinging comments at each other's appearance and intelligence. I couldn't wait for them to be married. "Quiet!" commanded my Mother. Both Scarlett and Victor turned around to see my mother presiding over us on her balcony. "Now Romeo, please open the letter." I began to open the letter and read it silently. "Dear Romeo, Due to your swiftness you were able to evade me earlier in the square. I have something important I need to discuss with you about today's displays of violence. I have an idea that I think will promote peace between the two families and I would like your input. You're smarter than your father when it calms to rationality. Please come to the manor when you get this letter. The plans are urgent and I request you bring Mr. Croft as well. He could be of use to us. Sincerely, Governor Paris." After I read the letter I simply stared at the parchment in my hands. Why on would Governor Paris want my help with anything? What was this plan of peace? And how could Victor help? Either way I'm sure the Governor would propose an idea to me, ask me for my input, then simply deny any counterarguments that would surface. He had a plan and he most certainly would stick with it. He wanted my reaction. I felt like this would benefit his image more rather than the family wars at hand. Nonetheless, I reluctantly looked up to pairs of greedy eyes. Scarlett's were the hungriest of course. "He wants us to go to the Manor" I said calmly. "Who is `us'?" asked Scarlett impatiently, "And for what at that matter!" I looked at Victor and watched a look of confusion spread across his delicate face. His brows furrowed and he too was pondering the same exact questions as me. I really didn't want to go. I really didn't want to see Xavier. I sighed nonchalantly and waved Victor to my side and in no time we were walking down the cobblestone driveway that led to the main road. Leaving a huffed Scarlett and a concerned mother we began our short walk to the Governor's Manor. We walked silently until Victor finally spoke. "What exactly does the Governor want with us? Or with me at least?" "I'm not sure," I lied. "But I'm sure it has to do with what happened today in town." "Well what did the letter say?" he asked. "That he had an idea and he wanted to run it by us," I stated calmly. "Why does he want our opinion? Doesn't that seem somewhat biased to just consult us? Hugo is the one that started everything!" said Victor with a tint of annoyance. "He wants to promote peace, and he has a plan," I finally said with a large sigh, "I just want to sleep. I'm exhausted." Victor wrapped his arm around me and patted me on the back. He held me for a few seconds until he kissed my cheek and finally said, "I know things are stressful, but I don't know what I would do without you. You feel like you don't do much, but so many people look towards you for answers. I know I do." With that said I embraced Victor as my best friend and replied with, "You are my best friend. Now let's hurry and get this out of the way!" Victor nodded his head in agreement and in short time we were at the steps of the Governors Manor. It seemed like I hadn't been here in ages, even though I was giving into lustful desires with Xavier that same afternoon, the darkness had created a new tone, a new setting. The porch was stronger in appearance. The dark corners appeared as a void of space. A dangerous adventure into the unknown. The little light from the outside lamps had only illuminated the apprehensiveness felt. The darkness defeated the light as I watched Victor walk ahead of me. No matter what the light wasn't strong enough to embrace Victor. He was forever lost in the darkness ahead of me. "Are you coming?" asked an invisible Victor. "Sorry," I said as I followed behind him. He rang the bell and the door swung open to a flood of light. I felt safe again. We walked inside the Governor's hall which was decorated in fine oak and fashioned portraits of different kinds. Some were family, some were still life, but the majority were self portraits. Some were serious, some were playful, but all were equally handsome in representation. A crystal chandelier had hung above us and was gushing light from every direction. A servant had led us down the long hall and into the Governors study, which I was too familiar with. Nothing had changed at all. A large self portrait of the Governor hung directly above his desk while the walls displayed books he never touched. The Governor was all about putting forth an illusion and I was certainly not falling for it. Victor, on the other hand, seemed to be engrossed by the ostentatious display of wealth. A loud gruff was heard from behind the large chair and was followed by the cackling of a freshly lit fire. I watched the newly born fire dance and spout. It transfixed my gaze to the fluid movements of burning desire. "Romeo, Victor, how glad of you to come on such short notice," said the Governor, "Although we could have been done with this if you didn't run away from me earlier Romeo." "Sorry sir, I just needed to get home. What is it we can do for you?" I said in reply. I watched him spin around in his chair taking huffs from his pipe. He furrowed his brow and I watch the wrinkles on his forehead crease over. That was probably the only imperfection I would ever see on his appearance. He seemed so much more vulnerable behind closed doors. With the weight of a family war on his shoulders, I suppose my forehead would crinkle too. "As you may know, this family tussle you have going on is beginning to reach new heights. With the death of Mr. Caps it's important we distinguish this fire before it burns out of control, again. I have an idea that I believe will help bring peace among not just the two families but the town as well," explained the Governor. I became intrigued at how eloquent he was speaking. I was eager to know more of this plan and I just hoped it was a good one. He handed me a piece of paper and finally said, "Take a look at that and tell me what you think." My eyes scanned the piece of paper and Victor peered over my shoulder. He gasped with excitement. My eyes grew big at the proposal and I felt only disaster would come. I looked back at the Governor with skeptical eyes. I looked at Victor who seemed excited but had felt my skepticism. I noticed him thinking somewhat until he finally spoke. "How can you be sure this won't turn into a disaster?" he asked firmly. "I can't, but I can only hope, can't I? We haven't had such an event like this in quite a while and I feel like it will do good. Spring is here and why not celebrate it? No one needs to know about the true meaning of doing this but us," he explained. "Alright," I said. "It's done then!" exclaimed the Governor who slammed his hands down on his desk, "Everything will be known in due time then." "In due time," I repeated cautiously. I felt Victors hand on my shoulder in an effort to ease my mind. I just prayed this wouldn't turn out into a disaster. I looked once more at the paper and I just hoped the Governor's plan would work. The Governor gave us a shake and a short pat on the back and we were on our way. I was walking out of his study when I bumped into Xavier. "Sorry," I mumbled. "It's not a problem," he said shyly. We stood there in an awkward stance which was fueled by Victor's curious glares. He made a weak groan to grab my attention that he was ready to leave. Victor was not very fond of Xavier, and he had no problems showing it. Just then, the office door opened behind me to reveal the Governor. "Oh, I'm sorry I thought you gentleman had already left," said the Governor. "We were just leaving," I said. "Right then, Xavier I will need your help in planning for the event. I plan on announcing everything tomorrow morning!" exclaimed the Governor. "Tomorrow morning?" I said in shock, "Doesn't that seem a little early?" "Well yes, but the sooner people know, the greater the excitement!" "Right," I said. I couldn't be more apprehensive at that moment. Maybe I was just too nervous. But I knew something was going to happen. I just couldn't figure if it was good or bad yet. With that, Me and Victor walked out of the Manor. My head was buzzing about the events to come, but thankfully the moon was out and it was burning ever so bright.