chapter one

I lay down in the tattered rags that some would call a bed, keeping my eyes fixed on the cracked ceiling above me.  I reached up to run my fingers through my mohawk, making sure it was pushed forward enough to the point that the last strand touched my forehead.


Muttering was heard outside of my doorway before Aemilius entered through the splintered wood that appeared to be a door.  The green-haired male was cursing under his breath, running his thin fingers through the curly locks.

"The hell is wrong with Philokrates today?  He had the attitude of a lazyass walrus this morning, now a fucking lion?  I don't give a shit if he has the genes of a lynx, WHY IS HE OUR LEADER? If he's going to continue acting like King Assclown, I'm MOVING," Aemilius ranted, punching at the bed after putting emphasis on the word moving.

"If you move, he's going to find you and kick your ass," I replied coolly, putting my hands behind my head.

"Fine. Whatever. But there'll be a day that comes I'm gonna kick that cheeky ass of his."  I sighed at this remark, it was so him.  Some people call him "Aemilius the Assilius".  I'm not going to tell him, of course.  It's a form of rudeness to tell secrets, definitely if the secret is about the person you're in love with.  I was surprised, of course, the day I found out that I was smitten.

"Tobias, want to take a walk? I'm really pissed," Aemilius whispered, shaggy hair hanging into his dark eyes.

"What's new?" I gave a light smirk and swung my legs off of the chair I was currently trying to nap upon, but I let it slide.

We walked out of the abandoned barn that we had made our group home, if you could call it a home.  It was an old "thing", the red paint that used to be coated on neatly was now peeling and floating in flakes onto the dead grass.  There were two floors where the ground was coated in straw, with the occasional couch or bed.

"Oh, the typical asshat that disturbs me as I am trying desperately to get some shuteye. Pfft, if people keep fuckin' around with Aemilius, it won't be long until I pop 'em in the jaw," he said, brushing his bangs out of his eyes.

"Whatever, Aemil," I sighed.  Instinctively, my hand shot forward to grasp his hand, but I stopped myself; this was a GUY. Aemilius, nonetheless.

My hand returned to the side, only to feel his rough hand against mine.  He turned his head to the side, and I felt his lips brush my ear.  They felt warm and surprisingly soft to the touch; as much as I could tell from the slight contact.

"Thanks..." he whispered, and before I could open my mouth to respond, he let go of my hand and left.