Guardian of Legend

Title: A comforting Embrace
Written by: Auron (me)
Disclaimer: All characters and locations are property of square
Warnings: Shonen-ai (Braska x AUron), mild language and violence
Summary: Technically a sequel to Plotted Passion, though it is not necessary to read the first one to understand the second. Auron is constantly tormented by jealous and humilated classmates. And Braska is always there to care for him and put him back together again.

A comforting Embrace

Auron had a knack for getting into trouble, or perhaps it was trouble that had a knack for finding him. In any case, something was always happening to him, although he swore it was never his fault. While in the eyes of right and wrong, it wasn’t his fault; in the eyes of the others boys around the temple, it was very much the raven-haired teen’s fault.

It was no secret that Auron didn’t have many friends. He was the best in his class and excelled at everything he took on, not only in academics, but in fighting and swordplay as well. And it was that fact that made him very unpopular. There wasn’t a single student that could beat him, alone that is.

It is fair to say that many were jealous of him and his abilities. But more than that, they were humiliated and humiliation breeds anger and hatred. And of course the end result of anger and hatred is revenge.

Knowing that they could never defeat Auron on their own, they took advantage of overwhelming numbers and dirty tactics. No matter how good Auron was, not even he could stand up against the odds that faced him. And so each time he was beaten down as they all had their turn with him. It is possible that Auron may have had an easier time had he not fought back or even run, but his stubborn pride would not allow that.

Because Auron refused to ever back down, he was doomed to constant tormenting and ruthless attacks on a regular basis. Each time he would return home bruised and battered and each time Braska would just shake his head, treat his injuries, and tell him it was alright.

When Auron didn’t show up at his usual time, Braska knew what had happened and so he went looking for his young friend.

When Braska found him, Auron was huddled with his back against the wall and his knees drawn tightly to his chest.

“Auron!”

Braska walked over to Auron and quickly looked him over. It was clear that the beating had been particularly brutal this time. Blood flowed freely from his temple and his nose as well as from a cut about his left eye and the corner of his mouth. His shirt was torn open and hung loosely on his shoulders. There was a long gash across his chest and Braska could already see numerous bruises forming.

Auron looked up at Braska with tears in his eyes and a look that nearly broke Braska’s heart. When Auron spoke it was barely a whisper.

“Help…”

“Shhh…it’s alright, I’m here now. Can you stand?”

“I think so.”

“Good, then let’s get you inside.”

Braska pulled Auron’s arm over his shoulder and slid his own arm around Auron’s waist and gently pulled him to his feet.

“You’re heavy you know that.”

“I’m sorry.”

“Don’t be.”

Braska shifted Auron’s weight a bit and they made their way slowly and carefully to their room inside the temple.

---------------------------------------

Braska was a gentle as possible when he set Auron on the bed and then helped him off with his shirt. Braska looked at Auron’s badly bruised chest and shook his head. Then he sighed, stood up and walked into the bathroom. A few moments later he returned with a large first aide kit, a bowl of warm water, and a couple towels.

Braska set the bowl on the table next to the bed and then sat next to Auron. He dipped one of the towels in the water and wrung it out. He looked at Auron for a moment debating where to start. Guess I may as well start at the top.

Auron winced when Braska touched the cloth to his temple and a few tears trickled down his face.

“Shhh…hold still.”

Braska was so gentle with him and was careful not to hurt him any more then necessary. It was just like their relationship, Braska always gently took charge and Auron always submitted completely, like a child.

Auron tried to relax, but something trickled down the back of his throat triggering a coughing fit. Much to his horror he found a familiar metallic taste in his mouth and his hands were now spattered with red. The realization that he was coughing up blood terrified him. Auron now had tears streaming down his face, which only triggered more coughing, and more blood and ever-increasing panic in a vicious cycle. Within moments Auron was frantic and coughing violently.

Braska dropped the towel and placed both his hands on Auron’s face in a vain attempt to calm him.

“Auron, calm down, you’re alright! It’s just coming from your nose. Auron!”

Braska’s words weren’t helping, not that Auron heard him.

“Auron, I hate to do this but—“

Braska reared his hand back and smacked Auron across the face. The effect was immediate and effective. Auron started and instantly quieted. Braska took a deep breath and relaxed a bit. Auron sat eyes wide and fixed on Braska.

“I’m sorry I had to do that, Auron, but I had to stop you.”

Auron was still a bit shocked, but he had obviously accepted Braska’s action. Braska smiled at him and picked the cloth back up.

“Are you calm now?”

Auron nodded.

“Good.”

Braska took the towel and had Auron hold it to his nose then pushed his head back slightly.

“Now tilt your head back, but not too far or you’ll start coughing again.”

Auron did as he was told and Braska went back to work cleaning him up and treating his injuries. Braska was as gentle as possible, silently aware that Auron was watching his every move. When he had finished with Auron’s face, Braska turned to his chest and the large gash that was there.

Braska tried to be careful and avoid hurting Auron further, but Auron’s reaction made it clear that it was especially painful. The young man was again in tears and his chest shuddered under Braska’s touch. But despite all this, Auron remained quiet and still. Even so he was more than grateful when Braska finished.

“Alright Auron, I need you to sit up.”

Auron did as he was asked while Braska pulled out a wide role of bandage tape from the first aide kit. He looked over Auron for a moment.

“God you’re a mess.”

“I’m sorry.”

“Don’t apologize. Can you lift your arms for me?”

Auron did so and Braska began to wrap his chest tightly but not too tight.

“I wish I was stronger, so you wouldn’t have to do this.”

“You’re plenty strong, Auron. It’s not you’re fault they’re afraid of you.”

“Afraid of me?”

“Because you’re better than them. Why do you think they did this to you?”

“I don’t know.”

“It’s because they know how strong you are.”

“Then why am I always the one that gets beaten up?”

“Listen to me, Auron. You could rip any one of them to shred and they know it, that’s why they gang up on you. But you don’t fight dirty like they do, and that makes you that much stronger. There, all done.”

Braska finished and tossed what was left of the tape back in the first aide kit and then set the kit aside. Auron looked into Braska’s eyes and then without warning burst into tears and buried his head against Braska’s chest. Braska just wrapped his arms around the young man and pulled him close.

“Shhh…”

Auron was usually so tough and stoic, an expert at hiding his emotions. But when he was around Braska his barriers always broke and everything that he had held back would come flooding to the surface. Braska was the only one who truly knew Auron, and the only one that ever saw him like this.

Braska shifted and pulled Auron into his lap. Auron curled up against him and Braska responded by holding him close and rocking him gently.

“Shhh…it’s alright, I’m here.”

Braska cupped his hand under Auron’s chin and titled his head up. He smiled and looked into those russet eyes as he whipped the tears away. It was amazing, even bruised and battered, Auron was still beautiful and Braska found himself captivated.

Braska admired Auron for several moments before finally leaning down and claiming him in a deeply passionate kiss, a kiss that Auron more than willingly returned as he melted into his lover’s embrace.

--end--