Kade emerged sullenly from behind the curtain, his heart ached at seeing how dearly the boy held the charm to his heart. “If you already had someone you loved,” his voice was heavy, “you should have told me.” He glared down at the floor. Ledus was frightened by his change in attitude, and for reasons he did not understand he became desperate to clear up the misunderstanding.

“No! Wait, it’s not like that a-at all. Tyel is...I love him, but not like that.” he stammered, pitifully twisting the fabric of his nightgown. “He’s like my big brother.” he finally managed to squeak out, glancing anxiously from Kade’s face to the ground.

“I see,” he cleared his throat, embarrassed by his brash reaction. “I’m sorry for jumping to conclusions.” Ledus simply shook his head quickly to dismiss the situation. Then his eyes grew wide and he took a few steps towards Kade.

“Wait, why are you here right now?”

“How else am I to show you the stars?”

“Tonight!?”

“No time like the present.” He said, smiling cockily at Ledus. But the boy had already began to panic. He glanced nervously at the door to the stairwell.

“Tyel will be back any minute, he stays with me the entire night. This won’t work, you’ll get in trouble. I-I shouldn’t have agreed to this.” Kade walked over and placed his hands on the boy’s thin shoulders and spoke softly.

“It will be alright. I have a solution to get Tyel out of the way, without harming him.” Ledus looked at him with his big golden brown eyes. “My people are very skilled at making perfumes, this one, in concentrated amounts, can make anyone fall asleep.” he pulled out a small glass vial from his pocket. “I won’t hurt him. I’ll simply make him breathe some in and he’ll fall asleep, absolutely no side effects.” he looked at Ledus with a soft smile “Is that ok?” Ledus stared at the small vial, biting his lower lip.

“I-it won’t hurt him?” Kade nodded twice to reassure him. Ledus quickly looked at the charm Tyel had given him then towards the curtains. “F-fine.” Kade smiled warmly at the boy and gently lifted his face.

“Everything will be alright. Go back to the vanity and act naturally.” Ledus was hesitant to do as he was told but began to slowly walk to his vanity. He brushed his hair nervously, watching the door from the mirror. Shortly he could see Tyel emerge from the stairwell with a new tray. The guilt rose up in Ledus, he jumped to his feet about to call out and warn Tyel but he was too late. By the time he turned around Kade had already put Tyel to sleep. The tray clattered loudly to the floor, Kade held Tyel in his arms. To Ledus, the sight of Tyel’s limp body was frightening, after all, Tyel was the strongest person Ledus knew, he never looked weak or helpless.

“A-u-uhh, p-put him on the b-bed please!” Kade effortlessly carried Tyel over to the bed laying him down on top of the covers. Ledus knelt by his side gently holding his hand. “You’re sure he’ll be ok?” Kade could see the concern written all over the boy’s face. He smiled softly and took out the small vial.

“If it would make you feel better, I can inhale it as well, but you won’t be able to see the stars tonight.” He brought the vial closer to his face but Ledus quickly pulled his arm away. Kade couldn’t help but smirk at the shy boy as he looked up at him anxiously.

He gently cradled Ledus’ face in his hand. “I promise I won’t do anything to hurt you or the people you care about.” Ledus saw the honesty in his eyes and let out a deep sigh. He turned back to Tyel and covered him with one of the spare blankets.

“Um, could you help me close the bed curtains? That way if someone comes they’ll just assume I’m asleep.” Kade finished closing two of the curtains before Ledus could even finish his one.

“Just how week is this boy?” Kade thought to himself, after all, the curtains couldn’t have been more than 50 pounds max. Once they finished closing the curtains Ledus scurried over to the tray and began cleaning up the mess. He threw the extra food and drink into the fire and left everything else on his vanity. After, he turned back to Kade who was still standing by the bed watching him.

“S-so, how will you show me the stars?” Kade began to chuckle.

“At this point all I need to do is pull back the curtains.” Ledus frowned and knit his brows.

“I’ll freeze.” Kade walked over to the boy and placed his hands on his shoulders bending down slightly to look into his eyes.

“I told you, my presence will keep you warm. Just stay by my side and you will be fine.” Ledus still felt a bit apprehensive but he did notice that being near Kade indeed made him feel warmer. “I know you’re scared, so how about we wait to make sure the stars are completely out, that way, even if you’re only out there for a second, you’ll definitely be able to see them. If you feel cold I’ll bring you straight back inside, if not then you’ll be able to enjoy the stars in all their splendor.” Ledus nodded his head in agreement. He didn’t feel like Kade wanted to hurt him, in fact he truly felt like Kade really did want to help him see the stars.

“Just maybe, this will all work out.” He thought with a hopeful smile.