teaism | it's a long way forward

it's a long way forward

[It's been days since he left that village behind, and he hasn't had nearly enough time to stop and rest. Every village or town he's run across has chased him off for falling out of the sky, too poor to offer any help of their own and too afraid to attempt to question his state. Desperately, he's kept his presence disguised, hiding from those other colored entities that were part of this destiny he wanted nothing to do with. He slept in trees for a couple hours at a time, moving again before too long when it no longer felt secure enough.

He was running from something he couldn't escape, but each time he tried to find somewhere to go, it wasn't right. Maybe his predecessor was right. Maybe there wasn't anyone who would take him like he is, green leg showing in the spot that his shoes don't cover. Maybe he was too much of a monster.

No. Determined, Jae-Ha urged himself forward despite that worry. No matter where he ended up, or if he had to live alone for the rest of his life, it was better than existing and waiting in that prison of a village. He wouldn't become like his predecessor. He wouldn't wait around to take it out on the next generation.

When he spots a blonde boy crouched near something in a clearing of the woods, Jae-Ha's chest tightens. This could be a chance, couldn't it? He was his age— younger, clearly, but not an adult like all of the ones that have chased him off. And better than that, he was alone. Maybe, just maybe, he could say something to reach him, to get some food other than the occasional bits of bread or fruit he's stolen from carts or nabbed from trees along the way.

His appearance comes in a flash, a green blur dropping out of the sky and right in front of Sanji. He's a mess in his dirtied robes, his face and body still badly beaten from a few days prior, his hair dirty and sticky even tied back, and heavy bags beneath his eyes from the lack of rest. When he drops down to a knee, both to temporarily hide the green of his right foot and to humble himself, it's more of a fall of pure exhaustion.

He doesn't bow his head like you should with a gesture like this, instead staring directly at Sanji with determined eyes.]

Please, let me stay with you, at least for a night. I'll do anything.

[It's about time for a desperate offer like this, isn't it?]

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It's a curse that I was born with it.

[He steps over the rest of the way, lifting a hand to swat away Sanji's pointing one lightly.] It doesn't hurt, it just makes me strong, and people don't like it. It's why they kept me chained up there all this time, until I got strong enough to get away for good.

How strong?

[Jae-Ha, you can't tell an 8-year-old that you're strong and then not show off the goods. The fact that the other boy isn't lying about his lack of pain has erased Sanji's concern, and he's gone back to being demanding.]

Let me see.

[He is going to pass out by pushing himself too hard at this rate, but he won't show any of it until it's too late, so this is how it must be.]

Okay, but keep it a secret. [He steps back, then jumps, just like that, from his right foot. He launches into the sky far above any trees, and then finally comes back down. Not the flashiest, but he's tired... and he doesn't want to kick a tree down into someone.]

[What.

Holy shit W H A T.]

-- You-- you can fly! [Jae-Ha isn't even on the ground yet when Sanji clamors around him with noise and enthusiasm, unable to hold still and having to twist his hands inside his robe to keep from reaching over and touching the other boy's leg.

That's straight-up magic, a level of physical prowess even his brothers can't boast.] Did you fly all the way here? Is that why you landed -- [A finger points in the direction of his mother's grave, except Sanji is so busy running off at the mouth that the gesture gets lost in the string of questions] How high can you go?

[Jae-Ha wasn't expecting that type of reaction. It's the first one of genuine excitement he's gotten, probably because this is the first kid he's run into. His eyes widen in clear surprise, even the one that can't open all the way, and he can only stare wordlessly as Sanji goes on. Even after the last question, there's a significant pause as Jae-Ha tries to process it all.]

Yeah. I kept jumping like that. And I can jump higher than buildings or trees! [His own excitement slips out even as his head feels light. He loves the feeling of flying. That's been the one thing he's enjoyed the past couple of days, even if thinking of it also made his heart hurt for Garou. Flying felt so freeing. He could go anywhere he wanted.

It would help a lot if that were more true. No one would take him. Except... maybe this boy?]

Up there, nothing is holding me down. I'm free.

[Oooh, so it's jumping instead of flying... whatever, same difference. Sanji won't detract points for coolness and grins at Jae-Ha's energetic response. He abandons all sense of tact by openly staring at Jae-Ha's leg now.]

I wish I could do that. [Flying, jumping, whatever would give him the freedom Jae-Ha speaks of. His eyes trace against the few scales he can see peeking out from atop the other kid's foot, and with a dimming smile, Sanji drops his stare to look at his own leg, completely covered by his pants and shoes.

A weak leg attached to a weak body, like his brothers always yell at him.]

Where are you gonna go? [Not right now, he hopes, because Sanji still doesn't want Jae-Ha to leave.]

You don't want something like this. People hate me for this stupid leg.

[Just bluntly saying that... But he lets Sanji stare at him, even if it makes him frown. He's been... mostly frowning this whole time, so.] I keep looking for someone to let me stay, but no one has yet.

[Hopeful again, he curls his fingers into the sash he's still holding, looking Sanji straight in the eye again.] Can I stay with you?

[Sanji isn't paying attention enough to recognize how clearly he displays anxiety; his fingers curls into little fists and he looks away, feeling guilty and bitter all at once.]

Father will throw you out if you get caught. [And that's after thoroughly punishing Jae-Ha for sneaking into the mansion. So his answer isn't a yes... but it's not a no, either, made all the more apparent when Sanji peeks at Jae-Ha through his bangs] And my brothers are jerks so you have to stay away from them.

... Reiju's okay. [straightening up some] My older sister. She won't tell on you.

[Neither would she lift a finger to help, bent on making sure no one hits her either, but Sanji discards the detail as he shifts out of his resigned disappointment and into a hopeful attitude.] And my bed is huge, so we can both fit on it.

[Jae-Ha is quiet through all of that, and slowly, he understands. This boy is nice, but his family won't accept him. He must realize that. Jae-Ha can realize it, too. So, he would bring misfortune to him, wouldn't he?

He brings one of his hands to his head, lightly pressing at his own forehead to test the heat and move bangs from his eyes as he thinks.]

I would get you in trouble, wouldn't I?

[It isn't that Jae-Ha's wrong, and briefly, the younger boy appears guilty again. Sanji being constantly on the cusp of punishment means he knows exactly what will make his father angry, and sneaking a street urchin into his bed will rank so high that he's trying not to think about it.

But that's not what bothers him the most. In his heart, Sanji thinks his mother would approve of him helping another person, which is all the justification he needs to make his decision - but what will happen if Jae-Ha is caught?]

I'm already in trouble. [Dismissive of that point, he glances at Jae-Ha again] But if they catch you, you have to run away.

[That's the deal. The moment they're caught, Jae-Ha runs and doesn't look back. It's the only way Sanji can think to help.]

Why are you in trouble?

[This is the most he's spoken at one time ever, probably, and it feels strange to do it. His first instinct is to stay quiet and observe, and react after that. But this boy... he seems fine to talk to. More than fine, actually.

But before he agrees to anything like that, he's distracted by this point.]

[He's the third son of one of the most powerful lords in all of Kouka Kingdom, and up until this point has somewhat acted the part - bossy, loud, aggressive, demanding, utterly clumsy in showing his concern - but Jae-ha spins the spotlight on Sanji and the younger boy flinches back as if he expects a blow.

"Why are you in trouble?"

("Why doesn't your Father like you?")

Sanji's face scrunches up and he snaps back]

Who cares? I'm not gonna get you in trouble, too!

[The longer he watches this kid, the more he understands. He's also in a bad situation, isn't he? He's learned that it's people in bad situations who show their kind hearts the most, or that's what it seems.

In response to the snapping, he doesn't appear upset or flinch back or anything. He just slowly extends his hand with the longer bit of chain.]

If you want, I can help you escape, too.

[That's what he wants to say. More than anything, an offer of freedom, to take him to the skies and wherever he wants to go. Maybe together, they could find some place, or find more people like them...

But he's so exhausted, and finally, all of that energy and effort has burnt out. His world sways a little too much and he crumples to the ground.]

[He expects some level of violence for his yelling, because that's just the life Sanji has lived. A move to defend himself leads to a bruise, just like calling to his father for help ends in a sneer. That Jae-Ha does neither and instead offers a hand like he understands--

Sanji would stand there with blank shock written all over his face if Jae-Ha didn't suddenly pitch to the ground like his legs have given out.]

-Jae-Ha?! [Screaming the other boy's name, Sanji throws himself after him, afraid at first to touch him but then even more afraid to leave him there. He pulls until the green-haired boy is forced to lean against him for support, and there are already tears clogging his throat.

His mind echoes in the voice of his sister, calling him a cry-baby. That only spikes his fear]

You said you weren't sick!

[It takes him a moment to come to, even if he hears that worried call of his name. It's muffled, and his mind repeats it to himself a few times over before he forces his eyes open, staring at the smaller boy he's leaning against.]

I'm not. [There he is, even if his voice sounds a little rough.] I'm just really tired. It's been days...

[He'd explain in more detail but that is too much effort to expend. So instead, he shuts his eyes again while he leans against Sanji. It's kind of comfortable. He'd be more worried if he were less exhausted, really.] Let me catch a fish.

[He says, not moving...]

[Sanji's eyes have teared up to such a point he's desperately trying to blink it back when Jae-Ha clarifies, and that does very little to sooth him. Mother always promised she was just tired, too.

Didn't stop them from putting her in the ground.]

No, you can't move! [Yelled like an order, and Sanji is demanding Jae-Ha follow it] Let me get it! There's food at my house!

[Those big cute eyes shouldn't look so sad, Jae-Ha thinks when he blinks open his own again. Reaching up and behind to Sanji's face, he touches his cheek, as if to reassure him.]

I'll stay put, so can you bring me something? I'll make it up to you, I promise.

[The touch helps, a little, though at first Sanji almost flinches from the gesture, looking surprised but also soothed once Jae-Ha promises to stay put. And if it's something Sanji can help with, then...]

We've got lots of bread and fruit! [Rice, too, though that might be trickier to sneak out. His face sets with determination as he pulls back, making sure Jae-Ha is comfortable on the ground before standing.]

Just stay here, I'll be back! [Repeating it with added emphasis before the boy takes off in a blur of blond hair and blood red robes. He disappears from sight.

The Vinsmoke mansion isn't too far off if you take the cobbled path over a nearby bridge, except Sanji knows better than to use a route covered with guards. He sneaks in the back way, through a ticket of well-groomed trees that's set near the kitchens. The staff isn't surprised to see him, actually - they're all familiar with their young lord's rebellious streak, his refusal to stay out of the kitchens - but all the more reason why no one is willing to risk their necks helping him.

Sanji grabs fresh bread, fruit, a bowl of rice, and he might as well be invisible for all the attention he gathers.

He hurries back just as quickly to Jae-Ha, his heart beat not settling until he sees that the older boy has kept his promise and is just resting by the creek. Not wanting to startle the other (or simply being too excited by his success to care), Sanji calls out to signal his approach and sets down the bounty once he's close enough]

Here! I didn't know what you like so I got a bunch.

[Jae-Ha pushes himself to sit up slowly, looking more than shocked at the amount of food that Sanji brings back. Immediately, he reaches for the bread, but he hesitates once he pulls it close.]

This is... too much. Are you sure? Is that really okay?

[He's choosing now of all times to be modest? Jeez. Sanji makes a show of huffing and pointedly shoves an apple at Jae-Ha.] You're my guest! Of course it's okay.

[And if Sanji is playing such a good host, it means this is Jae-Ha's duty to eat and be happy. Another huff, and the younger boy sits down with his legs tucked underneath him]

Go ahead and eat. You can save the rest for later.

[Jae-Ha is quiet as he accepts the apple in one hand, holding the bread in the other. With permission a second time, he eats. It'll be clear soon enough that there won't be anything leftover. Jae-Ha hasn't had enough to eat in days, and he's been jumping so much— he will eat it all eagerly.]

Thank you. [He does manage that after everything, though.]

[Sanji probably has no business looking this pleased with himself as Jae-Ha eats; it's not as if he made this food himself. It's fresh for the oven, from the gardens, the raw cuisine of nature and the kitchen chefs.]

Next time I'll make you something! [And yet he still blurts out his master plan as he leans forward, all excited smiles.] I'm getting better! I didn't even burn the last thing I made!

Y-you can cook?

[He's a little surprised by the enthusiasm, hence the hesitation. Not only can this kid younger than him cook, but he wants to cook for him? He feels so much better just having eaten, he thinks he could probably last for a few days like this. But this offer...

Is this like having a friend?]

Yeah! [That fact is a mark of pride, obvious by the way Sanji tilts his head and grins.] Mother let me cook for her once and she loved it.

[It's been three years already, but he can still remember how her wide blue eyes had lit up when he'd given her the bento box, so much that Sanji thought she'd looked so pretty - like a goddess is supposed to be. And she'd eaten everything, too, ignoring how her nurses had insisted she wait and let someone taste test.

One of his fondest memories, and he keeps it locked away save for his smile, watching Jae-Ha eat everything]

I bet I'll love it, too.

[That's a nice expression. Jae-Ha finishes all of the food while thinking so, and once he's done, he casually slips the shoe off of his right foot, revealing the claws and bit of scale as he shifts.

One by one, while crouching here on the ground, he breaks the cuffs of his chains off by stepping on them. Carefully... And then, he slips it right back in the shoe, rubbing wrists that are raw and bloodied from being cut by the metal.]

...How can I make it up to you?

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