Tea Time (Lost)

It had started with the TV broadcast by the strange lady in the hat and yellow clothing. The announcement had been intriguing as Hyacintha sat on the leopard coach watching the screen of the TV in the darkness. Snow was dozing on the other end of the sofa, but he did not need to hear or see to know what was in her mind. Even when the announcement seemingly got stuck and the unplugged television eventually clicked off, Hyacintha did not move from her seat as her mind began to tick and whirl.

The announcer had said some thing that had wetted her appetite to find out more. She wanted to meet this girl, but more than that she wanted to meet the friends the girl said she had on the other side; however, before diving in that little mystery, Hyacintha had a small duty to perform did she not? After all, wasn’t her newest friend’s name just announced on the news? Wouldn’t it be only fair for her to check up on him to see how he was holding up?

With a grin to the darkness, Hyacintha would curl on her end of the sofa and go to sleep thinking how wonderful the next day would be.

******

It was early afternoon when Hyacintha sent Snow alone to San Maralus as she remained at home setting up the now organized house for the special event. She hummed happily as she moved about the large space of the house eager to see Nilo again and repay him for all the kindness he and his mother had shown herself and Snow. Oh yes. Things would be perfect, perfect, perfect! Or at least that is what Hyacintha hoped for as she moved the flowers on the table for the umpteenth time trying to get the arrangement just right before their guest hopefully arrived.

Meanwhile on San Maralus, Snow would find himself walking down the familiar streets of the older part of town. He would keep his hands in his pockets as his black boots thumped lightly against the cracked concrete. He would pass the park and keep on moving hardly phased by the various things his reawaken sense were telling him as he followed the memorized path to Nilo’s house. As he came to the old gate, he paused outside of it looking at the old structure for a bit before slipping a hand out of his pocket and pushing the gate open. As it swung open, Snow would slide in and move up to the door in a graceful manner. He paused at the door and looked down at the old pot and dead plant where a hidden key was known to be stored; however, instead of being rude or mischievous, his eyes would drift from the pot and back to the old door as he reached out and knocked on the hard surface a couple of times before taking a few steps back and waiting to see if anyone was even home. He honestly hated going anywhere unannounced, but when it came to his master’s random whims there was not much he could do.

So with a light sigh, he shoved his hand back into his pocket and took to waiting for a bit.

Nilo had finished what little chores he had to do during the day, and hand finished what little he wanted to do during the day. He laid in bed, Puppet in his hands as he held him above his body boredly. Actually, he was quite stressed all things considered. His mom had come home in a panic after the broadcast had ended, even an officer came by to ask him a question or two. He was forced to choose a side, and his plan for choosing one had failed in the end... He groaned and flopped Puppet onto his stomach, closing his eyes tiredly. It wasn't long until he had fallen asleep in the late morning, terrible dreams plaguing him about the growing tower.

___________________

He groaned as the tower was now producing a knocking noise. He groaned and rolled over in bed before yelling as he fell off his bed. He produced a moan as he sat up, learning that the knocking noise was from his house and not from his dreams. He yawned and looked up at Puppet who conveniently now loomed over him from the bed at which he sticked his tongue out at it.

He yawned and stood up though, taking a hoodie from his desk and slipping it on before heading down stairs, "I'm coming!" he called out as he made it down the uneven stairs with ease. Scruffles made an annoyed meow as Nilo shooed him from the door as he opened it with a light yawn before realizing who it was.

"Snow?" he asked curiously with a tilt of his head, looking at the black haired youth. He didn't quite know how to react to this, looking down at Scruffles who promptly trotted over to Snow's legs to rub up against. The boy smiled lightly before continuing to speak.

"This is an unexpected surprise. Is everything alright? Do you need something or can I help you in any way?" he asked as he looked up at Snow expecting a response. He put on a polite smile as per usual for the boy as he waited patiently.

Snow waited and thought he heard some noises from inside followed by what sounded like someone shouting some words that carried the rise and fall of words similar to “Coming” or something like that. Staying where he was, Snow looked at the door just as it opened bring with it a yawning Nilo and Scruffles. As the boy called his name and the cat came out to greet him, Snow was briefly distracted by the animal as he kneeled down to pet it with a smile.

“Hey Scruffles. Nice to see you again too,” he told the cat in friendly tones as he pet it for a moment before standing back up and looking over at Nilo with a small smile still on his lips.

“Forgive the unexpected call. My master sent me over unannounced, so forgive us for that. While she is fine, she was quite concerned about your well-being. We heard your name on a broadcast, so she sent me over here to check up on you and invite you to tea if you were willing and able,” Snow said as he slid his hands in his pocket as he looked over Nilo a bit.

“Mmm..Did I wake you?” he asked with a light frown, as he watched the other with serious eyes. Inwardly, he sensed a change in the other. Something was near him that wasn’t there before, but whether said thing was a threat or not was yet to be seen. The odd presence aside, Snow would remain calm as he waited for the other to speak.


Meanwhile Hyacintha finished her preparation for tea and stood back to look at her handiwork. With a smirk of contentment, she nodded as she hummed and moved off to the kitchen to see what she could scrounge up for snacks. There was no way tea could be served without good food. Now then, what did they have…?

Nilo smiled at Scruffles playful nature, and smiled up at Snow at his kindness towards his pet. The cat purred in delight before jumping back inside, a flick of his tail being seen before dissapearing into the depths of the house. The boy would raise his head up at the visitor. He listened to Snow's words, sighing lightly after words and going to tug at a strand of his hair.

"... I guess every one heard... Huh?" he said with a light sigh, now twisting the strand of his hair he was tugging. "... I'm okay... Just... Stressed... It seems there's a never ending line of people wanting to ask questions..." he said with a sigh and weak laugh, releasing another yawn. He was soothed by her humming; a constant presence that never failed in aiding his strained mind. He looked up at Snow and yawned again, smiling lightly after words.

"Sorry... I finished everything I needed to do this morning so I went to take a nap... But I'm not the best person to stay awake... Or wake up on time..." he said with a light laugh, smiling lightly. He rubbed the tiredness out of his eyes as he went to enter his house.

"I can come regardless... Just give me a moment to get ready... You can come in if you'd like." he said as he walked up the stairs, dissapearing into his room and slipping on better clothes and the likes. The door was left open for Snow to come in or to wait for Nilo to return, the choice was his in the end.

Snow would pet the cat in greeting before standing and watching the cat go inside with a light smile on his lips before dark eyes turned to Nilo. He noticed the other was smiling about something, but he wouldn’t call the other out on this as he stated his business for being before Nilo now.

The boy’s reaction was odd to say the least. He seemed to be uncomfortable as he tugged at a strand of his hair before twirling it around his finger as he spoke. Snow remained quiet as he tilted his head lightly at the other.

“Mmm. I would assume that it was broadcast all over since the channel it came on usually does not contain news and such,” Snow said careful being not to add on the supernatural part. Not only did the broadcast come on an odd channel, but it also came on a TV that was unplugged and broken on the inside. Strange for humans, but quite normal for a shadow. In any case, he flowed into his next set of words. “I apologize to add onto that stress, but I am afraid my master may be asking you more questions if you come to tea. I’ll try to keep her in line if this should occur,” Snow said with a light bow of the head as the other yawned. The action was contagious as Snow looked away, covered his mouth, and let out a small yawn of his own.

“Pardon me,” he said as he recovered from the yawn as he glanced back at the other who was smiling and rubbing sleep from his eyes. As the other made his apologizes and spoke on sleep, Snow shook his head.

“If you are tired still, I can retire and tea can be served another time if you like,” Snow began really not wishing to bother someone…even if his master would be disappointed with him taking such an action. If Nilo was tired, so be it. He would leave the child to rest and worry about his strange aura another time. However, just as Snow was about to apologize and retreat, the other agreed to come to tea. He said he just needed a moment to get ready.

“If you are sure, then I will not argue with you,” Snow said and then watched as the other went back inside. He hesitated for a moment before taking a step up to the door’s threshold and paused for a second before stepping over said threshold and moving to close the door. It was odd being back in this house again, but its oldness and gloom easily put Snow at ease. Drifting towards the window, he would stand by it and looked at the world through the strange view the old windows gave off as he listened to the movements from upstairs from Nilo. It would appear he was alone today. Interesting.


Meanwhile, Hyacintha continued to prep for tea as she moved about the kitchen with a light step and a happy hum as her mind thought how wonderful this all would be.

Nilo finished dressing fairly quickly, sighing as he yawned one last tine. He glanced over to puppet, the weird doll moved again to position itself on top of his desk. He shrugged and waved it off before picking up his book and heading down stairs. He looked over to Snow with a polite smile, hugging the book in his arms before speaking up.

"Okay... Ready when you are." he said with his polite smile. Over all, he didn't care if Hyacintha would ask him questions, he would simply say the same things that he told his mother and that police officer... It wasn't like they'd believe the truth after all... He awaited Snow's lead to leave the house, going to follow him to his and Hyacintha's abode.

Snow remain quietly by the window his mind wondering how this world would look in other shades. Not many understood the Shadows. The lower ranks gave them the reputation of being animals, but all shades weren’t like that. Some were tamed and others helpful…some simply mischievous. It would be interesting to see the rips in space become larger and watches as the dreamers woke to reality. How many would survive? How many would be erased? Stuck in Limbo? Or handed over to the Judges? So many unknowns that could only be uncovered by perhaps seeking out that which that reporter had so nicely given out.

Regardless of his train of thoughts, Snow would hardly show any emotion as the wheels in his head turned and he listened to the sounds of the boy upstairs. When he heard the other come back down, he would not turn to face him until address, the fake yet polite smile once more upon his face.

“Alright then. Let’s go,” he said and then opening the door for Nilo, Snow let him exit first before following behind him and closing the door. Back outside, Snow would walk next to Nilo with his hands in pocket, his gait causal and calm. He’d speak if spoken to, but otherwise remain quiet as they went to the station. Snow would purchase his own ticket and Nilo’s. After all, Nilo was his master’s guest and as such should not have to pay for anything. In any case, they would board the train and that drifted towards Penecia Island. There would be short while until they actually reached the island, so Snow remained quiet as he gazed out the window at the aquatic scenery before focusing his serious eyes on Nilo.

“What's in the book?” he asked as his eyes gazed at the book that seemed to follow the child everywhere. Despite his seriousness, there was a spark of curiousness in his eyes as he observed Nilo from behind his oval shaped glasses.

***

Meanwhile back at the home, Hyacintha put the finishing touches on tea time and then looking at the clock decided to get the water ready. Everything would be fresh and ready to go when the pair arrived. Pleased she would clap her hands in delight before going in the kitchen to fish out the best kettle they had.

Nilo nodded at Snow and exited his home before the dark haired young man. He found it odd that he had to leave before Snow did, but if he was Hyacintha's servant then it would make sense in a way. He would exit the gate and wait for Snow to lead the way, fallowing from there on out. The boy didn't notice any fakeness about Snow, seeming to be caught up in his own world. It was obvious that he was distracted by thoughts, but of what and from where would only be known if one where to ask him.

Regardless, Nilo would frown only slightly as Snow payed for his ticket once they reached the station. He didn't savor the idea of people paying for him, but he knew it wouldn't do to fuss over it. A kindness given could always be returned in the near future after all. He silently sat next to Snow on the train, flipping through his book with idle glances, seldom staying on a page for very long.

"... This book is filled with memories... Pictures my mom took... Stories I've written..." he said a little wistfully, smiling faintly, "... Memories when times where better..." he said sadly before shutting his book and closing his eyes, resting his head against the seat.

“When times were better?” Snow questioned as he eyed the young man sitting next to him as the other leaned back against the seat and closed his eyes. He appeared to be exhausted from something…and perhaps that something was what had kept the boy more or less silent and oblivious as they had walked to the station.

While it was true Snow did not know exactly what sort of part Nilo played in all this, the fact the other’s name had been mentioned along with others must’ve meant that whoever the reporter lady was had some faith in him and the others to accomplish this task of finding her friends and what not, but Snow wondered, as he watched the Nilo rest, just how long he or others like him could stand up to such a burden. What if they failed and instead reality was released and the dream gobbled up? Did the girl calculate the potential chaos that may occur at her words? Or did she not care? Were her own goal more important than others? And what of Nilo and the ones named? Would they be able to succeed and pick out the enemies even when they sat right under their noses in sheep skins?

The questions kept flowing without answer making Snow more and more curious as to what would occur; however, none of this would show upon on his face as the train kept trucking along towards the island where his master waited. The only thing shown to Nilo was a curious and concerned friend.

((Note: Will arrive on PI the next post))

Nilo stayed silent for a while, sighing as he opened his eyes before looking out the window. He was still tired and worn out due to his occurrence with Jack. He felt emotionally exhausted, bare and naked without his negative shield. He had been doing his best to face the world with out; to get stronger on his own accord and not on his negativity. To say the least, it wasn't easy for the boy and it exhausted him. But that's not what he meant by what he said.

"... When my dad was still alive... When he still cared for me... Before the world went to hell..." he said with a weak laugh, sighing before twisting a strand of his hair out of habit now. He didn't know what to do on his own, it was hard for him to think without being negative about everything. He only showed his tired self, a yawn escaping his lips again.

"... Sorry... I'm not doing my best right now is all... Lack of sleep does that to a person..." he said, this time suppressing a yawn.

Silence was the initial response to his words making Snow wonder if perhaps he should not have asked such a question. That feeling was only amplified as the boy opened his eyes revealing himself to be more tired than Snow had first assumed. Hmmm…maybe it was better to walk away instead of asking him to tea. He wondered if the boy would be able to stay awake at this rate. Not that it mattered. His master’s home housed many rooms with beds that were unused. He was sure if push came to shove the other would be allowed to rest there.

In any case, when the boy did speak, Snow automatically lowered his eyes as he nodded at what he heard. While his heart felt nothing for what was said, there was still a desire to crush the being personally that had caused harm to Nilo, but unfortunately death had gotten him first. Despite this feeling, Snow would keep a caring mask plastered to his face as he opened his mouth and spoke.

“I see, so that is why you keep it so well protected,” the young man said before falling silent as the other let out another yawn before apologizing once more.

“It is fine,” Snow said shaking his head lightly at the apology. “Please try to rest as we continue forward to our destination,” Snow said before falling silent once more. Whether Nilo obeyed the suggestion and actually went to sleep was left to be seen. Either way Snow would not open his mouth anymore unless spoken to as his eyes drifted back to the window and the scenery beyond.
Sometime later, the conductor would announce they were reaching the island as the train began its slow turn to get into the station. Remaining seated and still until the train came to a complete stop, Snow would eventually get out of his seat, gently waking Nilo if the boy had fallen asleep. Following the crowds off the train, Snow would easily get onto the platform before waiting a few seconds for Nilo. Once the boy was with him, the young man would give the other a light glance over before turning and walking with confident strides through the crowds and out of the station.

Snow’s pace was slightly brisk, but that was simply how he walked; however, taking into consideration he had a guest, the young man would pause every now and then to make sure the other had kept up. He would lead Nilo through the semi-busy streets and to the residential end of island. Paranoid neighbors peeked out of windows and gave strange stares, but otherwise did nothing as Snow kept moving as if they didn’t exist. When they finally arrived at the large home that Hyacintha and Snow lived in, Snow let Nilo into the yard with ease; however, before they could get any further, there was a shout from the porch.

“Nilo?” was the first call and then a giggle was let out before Hyacintha was running full speed towards the boy.

“NIILOOO!” she was singing as she moved across the ground in her long yellow dress with unnatural grace before she was opening her arms wide and then smacking directly into the other with a hug.

Instinctively, Snow move just in case the action caused the boy to tumble. He didn’t exactly want anyone getting hurt due to his master’s overabundance of joy…

The boy's eye lids seemed to agree with Snow, whether Nilo wished to fall asleep or not was unknown as the boy lolled to sleep. Her humming seemed to consume the darkness that enveloped him. Her little form visible in the boy's mind's eye. Her lilt song encompassed him, a soothing melody that comforted the boy. He didn't know why the aery song comforted him, he just knew it did... It was something he could always hold on to.

He awoke at Snow's gentle awakening, yawning lightly before rubbing the sleepiness out of his eyes. He got up and followed Snow, his book tightly wrapped in his arms. He stayed quiet as his brain slowly began to awaken, it feeling light and fuzzy. The boy didn't notice Snow's brisk pace, simply fallowing him the best he could with out lagging behind.

He finally woke up completely at arriving to the abode of Hyacintha and Snow, taking note at the nice house in front of him. He blinked and looked over to the shout of his name, smiling lightly before blinking as he was hugged. He didn't know what to do exactly at the hug but hugged her back gently, not wishing to upset her.

"Hello, Hyacintha. It's really good to see you again." he said with a light smile.

Nilo slept and Snow remained quiet as the train took them from one island to the other. When they reached their destination, Snow would lead the way to his master’s home pausing every now and then to make sure he didn’t lose Nilo who seemed to still be recovering from sleep still. Regardless of this, the boy kept up surprisingly well and managed to become fully awake once they reached the house.

A good thing too for as soon as they got on the property, the boy had only a few seconds to observe his surroundings before Hyacintha came dashing from the front porch like a mad person to hug Nilo. While Snow had been highly concerned that his master would knock over the boy with her joy, he was highly relieved that, even though he had moved to catch the boy in case he fell over from the action, he did not have to worry about the boy too much. The other had managed to keep his footing despite the rash action and even managed to hug the excited girl back.

Still not liking the show of affection, but liking Nilo enough to not show such jealousy, Snow let the pair be as he slipped around them and headed towards the house. His master would bring the child in. He, on the other hand, had best make sure she didn’t leave anything on that would cause a fire in the house. That would be quite an embarrassing way to start tea and bit too over the top perhaps. No best not scare their guest any more than they had from the first encounter.

As Snow walked away, Hyacintha came down off her tippy-toes as she leaned back from Nilo with a big smile on her face.

“Oh my goodness. It feels like ages since I saw you! You’ve been okay, yes?” she asked going from excited to concern in a flash as she looked over Nilo with a sisterly glance before letting the boy go and taking a few steps back to give him room to breathe.

Nilo looked up at Hyacintha with a polite smile, placing his book in the crook of his arm. He glanced over to Snow as he went inside before focusing completely on Hyacintha, smiling lightly at her concerned look. He blushed lightly, trying his best to hide any tired signs on his face.

"I-I'm okay, honestly. I've been well and have missed you as well." he said with a polite smile, bowing his head lightly. He looked up at the house, in light awe of it. "Your house... It's so nice." he said with a nice smile, amazed by its elegance. He didn't normally go to the nicer areas of town, let alone the ones on Penecia. It was a lovely experience to the boy, one he would definitely write about soon.

Snow trailed into the house taking note his master had done quite well setting the table and finding snacks such as crackers, simple sandwiches, veggies, and fruits to serve their guest. She had even managed to find some candy in the process and even got down some teas which she had sat nicely in the bowl for anyone to choose from. Impressive. Very impressive, but could she put the icing on the cake? Snow drifted over to the tea pot that was the center piece of the table and placed his hand on the round belly of it before immediately pulling it back. Ah. So she had managed to get the water in there and what of the kettle?

Snow would drift to the kitchen where he had prayed that things that looked so perfect had stayed perfect; however, as he looked at the sink and saw the tea kettle quiet charred in it, he knew that the first round with the boiling water had ended in disaster for his master. The older tea kettle sitting quietly on the off stove now was proof of that. Sighing and shaking his head, Snow moved further into the kitchen to see what other damaged was done from the “little” fire his master had to contend with while he was gone.

Meanwhile outside, Hyacintha was grinning at Nilo as told her he was okay and said that he had even missed her!

“Oh you are so sweet!” she said happily before giggling and looking at the house he gave a compliment too.

“Raspushia is quite the beauty and she thanks you for the compliment,” Hyacintha said as she looked back at Nilo with a huge grin.

“Come on. Let’s go inside. Don’t want that tea getting cold. Besides you have some explaining to do,” Hyacintha said as she began to move towards the house. “I heard your name on television not too long ago. What made you so popular to get announced on TV? Am I going to be jealous?” Hyacintha asked her tones friendlyand as excited as a gossiper about eager to get a big scoop as she continued to lead the way into the vast space that was her home.

Once inside, Hyacintha would wait for Nilo to come in before closing the door. Very excited, Hyacintha would move past him and began to lead him through the large marbled entrance hall lined with old pictures of flowers that had started to fade. Above them was an old chandler in the cream ceiling complete with candles that were currently unlit due it being day time.

Hyacintha would move through the large entrance room revealing twin staircases one to the right and one the left that curved upward to meet the second floor. On the railing of the second floor sat a white owl that watched them cautiously from its perch as light poured in from the huge windows. Taking a left, Hyacintha would lead the boy down another hall and to the small dining room that was connected to the kitchen. It was here she had set up everything.

As she reached her destination, she hopped up on one of the tall chairs and then holding out her hand gestured for Nilo to join her. As for Snow, it seemed he was still in the kitchen…trying to repair something from the sounds of the light banging and clicking that could be heard from the crack in the slightly ajarred door to the far right of the room. Not seeming to be bothered by the sounds, Hyacintha would wait for the boy to join her with a smile in place. She was so excited!