“You do realize that you don’t have to go with me anywhere, right? In fact, with the way you’ve been acting lately, that might be better.”
“We both know I don’t have anywhere else to go. I’m stuck with you.”
“Hmm...do you really not think about finding your family? I’m sure they would take care of you.”
“I don’t want anything to do with them!”
Ocher scowls and turns away as Azure continues swinging his legs from his seat on the train stop railing. He really is stubborn about that. “I’m not saying to immediately forgive them, but,” he pauses, considering his words. “Family is family. They may do things you hate, but family takes care of one another. You’re holding this grudge and missing out on the chance to know them.”
“Know them?” Ocher challenges. “What’s to know? They had a third kid and let me be taken, that’s all I need to know. You can talk about family because you like yours.”
“Yes, my family is imprisoned and I don’t want them to suffer, but if I could just live with them peacefully, I would do that too. Besides, no families are perfect and yours is quietly living their lives at home. If you gave them a chance, you’d probably be happier.”
“The difference is, your family wasn’t selfish and you love them. I don’t want my family to be my family, I don’t want anything to do with them.” Azure sighs. “I’d rather you be my family.”
He pauses, debating on whether Ocher means he’s a better alternative or if he genuinely wants him as his family. Although he supposes it doesn’t really matter anyway because it won’t happen, so he shakes his head instead, not bothering to reply.
Ocher shifts down the railing until he's close enough to press his thigh against his Azure's own and Azure has to suppress another sigh. Of all the soldiers, he had to end up traveling with the one with a preference for males. The one who’s spent fifteen years repressed and is a maelstrom of unresolved emotions.
Perfect.
“Azure?” Ocher reaches out to touch his arm for his attention and he shifts away. He’s not doing this. He’s not letting that soft worry in Ocher’s voice get to him or turning to meet his searching gray gaze.
“Touch me again and I’ll push you in front of an oncoming train.”
Ocher doesn’t respond, maybe his threats are wearing off. Even if he does listen, it won’t last for long. By the end of the day, Ocher will probably be right back under him. He can already tell Ocher is the clingy type, when he’s not trying to strangle you that is.
Part of him knows it’s his fault for teasing him and not actually following through on any of his threats. Now, he’s pretty sure Ocher isn’t giving any consideration to what he’s going to do next, he’s gotten too comfortable. He’s going to have Ocher by the end of this journey and he hates knowing that. Ocher with his stupid questioning eyes and subconscious need to find reassurance with him.
Should’ve just stayed angry at him.
The train finally arrives and he jumps up, happy to be on his way again. He doesn’t miss the way Ocher trails fingers across his lower back as they enter the cabin, pushing his luck again.
So, that’s how he’s going to be now? In response, Azure stretches out across the entire seat, pointedly staring at the ones across from him. Ocher scoffs, but takes the hint and he considers that a win.
◆◆◆
Four transfers later, they arrive in a city the exact opposite of where they boarded. Oasis, named for the multiple freshwater pools that surround it, is the second largest city in the country, an easy place to get lost in. Unlike Vale, which is the center of military activity, this city is a tech hub full of tall buildings, lights, and noise.
It always makes his head hurt after a while.
Ocher doesn’t seem to be suffering from that same issue, though. He’s making himself extremely obvious again and accepting food from strangers that he doesn’t realize he’ll have to pay for. Azure smacks his hand away from the vendor offering him a sample.
“Don’t take food from strangers. What are you, five?”
The corners of his mouth pull down, “He asked if I wanted a taste and it smelled good.”
“You have to pay for samples too and you have no money.”
Ocher looks at him thoughtfully for a moment, “When do I get paid for helping you? You got paid, so why don’t I?”
Azure laughs at the fact that Ocher even thought that was a valid question. “You don’t. Now come on, it’s not far.”
Weaving his way through the streets is a familiar path. He doesn’t come this way often, but it’s always the same roads. From the train station to the cluster of low buildings surrounding one of the tallest skyscrapers in the city. It’s location was carefully selected where no other buildings could obscure its resident’s views.
In this area, the streets are spotless and fewer people crowd the space. The rest of the city streets aren’t quite so clean, but one of the residents living here would make life difficult for anyone caught dirtying up his area.
It almost makes him want to leave his mark.
A quick button press and the door slides open, allowing them to step into the elevator, taking it to the lowest of the top five floors. The apartment door opens at his first knock and he’s met with friendly hazel eyes framed by a messy head of black hair. Basel’s tawny skin is as flawless as ever. He must pass all his days locked up in his tower.
“Hey.”
“Azure!" Basel yanks him into a tight hug, "It's been a long time! So, I guess that means you want something, huh?”
“I need a favor.”
Basel pushes him back to arm's length with a sigh, “You never can come by just to visit. It's always give and take with you.” He steps aside, “Come in, let's see if I can help you today.”
“Thank you,” he turns back to pull Ocher, who’s still frozen in the doorway, through after him.
Basel’s eyebrows raise, “A pet, Azure?”
“What makes you say that?”
His hazel eyes sparkle with mirth, “Well for one, I know you and two, you just dragged him through the door.”
Azure shrugs, “You know I don’t like to argue with people.”
“Or compromise.”
“Anyway,” Azure takes a seat on the couch and pats the spot next to him for Ocher to sit. Basel smirks as Ocher obeys and he raises an eyebrow towards Azure. He shrugs nonchalantly, “I need tickets on the ship leaving from Cress that runs the closest to Meio.”
"You want to go there?” He exclaims. "That's painting a target on your back if they find out you made it. They don't want anyone going there."
"Because Meio is an autonomous island and they don't want people getting any ideas. I'm still going though."
“Like I thought, it’s never easy with you.” Basel settles onto the opposite couch, “After that bomb in Vale where supplies were stolen and that incident where a non complying town was burned, they’re on high alert. Already, access into and out of the country was guarded, but now they don’t want anyone moving between.”
“Unless they’re bringing trade goods because we still have to eat.”