Read Short Stories of The Realms :: Return to The Forest (Sequel to Leaving)

Jay was silent as he stepped into the fog lingering about the trees, he had already slipped off his jacket and put it in his pack favoring the cool air on his arms and wings. He splayed his wings out happy to have that freedom once again that city streets could not provide. Most of his things were in his bag of holding, he had put them all away so that he could show Nino later rather than him asking about all of his new equipment the moment he saw him. He paused listening to the songs of the birds high in the trees, above the fog. It sounded much sweeter than in the places he had traveled, it sounded like home. He knew Nino was well aware of his presence now yet no sounds alerted Jay of the Drow's lingering figure. He figured Nino might be mad at him considering how long it had been since Jay had replied to his letters. Jay let out a weary sigh, his breath puffing around him, it really was a bit cooler than Nino had kept the forest ten years before. Even then Nino had been frightening when mad especially when in comparison to his usual mannerisms, Jay couldn't imagine how much he had improved. Jay could never beat him in a fight without using physical strength, even then Jay commonly lost to the cunning Drow. He continued walking, waiting for Nino to appear. He broke into a light sprint breathing in the freedom of Nino's forest. He weaved around the trees, wings tucking and spreading as appropriate. Finally he came across the small clearing, he smiled realizing Nino had expanded the house and even more plants than before surrounded it. He went to go towards their home when a snapping of branches whipped his head to the side and Nino tackled him from the other side. Both gasped as they slammed to the ground. A few more seconds left Jay no time to react as Nino jammed a knife into the ground next to his head, cutting a few strands of golden hair. He was certainly mad. He glared into Jay's blue eyes and Jay was met with a single electric purple eye gleaming with anger and sadness.

Jay winced as Nino called him some colorful names, "You knocked me out and left me all alone just like that! You couldn't even bother to respond to my letters in a timely manner! Then you come back unannounced!? You're such a jerk Jay!" Nino shouted, shaking him occasionally.

Nino let out a pitiful sob falling against Jay's chest, "You're so mean Jay, so mean. I was so lonely." He weakly hit Jay's chest.

Jay looked down at him shifting uncomfortably, "Your hair's longer than before." Jay wavered, testing the waters.

Nino hit him more forcefully this time but didn't respond.

"I'm sorry," Jay mumbled, uncomfortable with the prospect of having to apologize, Nino looked up at him, lifting his tear stricken face silently demanding for a full apology, "I'm sorry Nino, I didn't mean to make you feel so," He struggled with the words, "So sad, I really didn't. I just needed my own time and space, and I think you needed some too. Nino, I'm sorry, I love you, please forgive me. I don't have any excuse for you," Jay turned his head, spotting the knife, "Oh that's a pretty knife," Jay mumbled about the ornate handle.

Nino laughed, Jay loved that laugh, he hadn't heard it in so long, "Alright then, thank you for apologizing," Nino moved up pressing a soft kiss to Jay's lips which he happily reciprocated pulling back slightly Nino murmured, "I forgive you, and I love you too."