[Potironette]

In Kellan's dream, he saw a gray door. He peered in through the door, not opening it. A black and white film played. A woman, him, the house. A family. In monochrome and static. He peered out, and another door appeared. He tried to look in, then woke.

The sun was just peeping over the land. Kellan stirred. His eyes blinked open, and he forgot his dream. He smiled lightly at Jei curled up next to him. Carefully, Kellan slid out of bed and pulled the covers over Jei.

Kellan made his way out the door, hoping that no one else would be up at this time.

[Kitarun]

Jei had only just dozed off as the sun was starting to rise, and woke when he felt Kellan leave his bed. He whined softly as his brother left, curling into the spot Kellan had meen moments before, inhaling his scent from the bedding, before getting himself out of bed. He made his way to his private washroom, running a hot bath for himself, adding bubble bath to the water, letting the tub fill before he stripped and entered, groaning softly as the hot water hit his skin. After a moments relaxation, he grabbed a sponge and began scrubbing himself clean, his body still coated in the dried fear-sweat his nightmare had produced.

He took his time, soaking when he was clean, enjoying the heat. He didnt get out til he was pruned, and the water was growing cold. He rinsed, dried, and dressed himself, knowing soon the servants would be coming to wake him for breakfast, and to try to help him get ready. He hated that, so he was always up early enough that there was nothing left to help him with. That way, nobody else ever saw the worst of his scars on his back and chest.

[Potironette]

Kellan slipped into his room at the end of the hallway. He sighed as he touched the spot on his nightshirt still slightly damp from Jei's tears. He hoped Jei was sleeping well now.

Kellan pulled off his nightshirt and set it out to dry, in case the servants should come wondering why the piece of clothing was wet in that particular area. He tugged at his loose hair tie which kept his decently long hair neat and presentable, letting his brown hair fall to the base of his neck.

After taking a quick shower, Kellan retied his hair, arranging it neatly as some gentlemen were expected to keep it. It was a small ponytail, right at the base of his neck. He dressed himself in a starch white shirt and pressed brown pants, then threw on a vest for the purpose of looking more presentable. Presentability. That was all people cared for in society.

He sat at his desk and glanced at unopened envelopes. Was he going to read them first, or would his mother's servant come running telling him how to spend his day? Both were unpleasant.

[Kitarun]

Jei dressed in dark pants and jacket over a loose grey button-up shirt, hair combed out neatly and already mostly dry. He left his rooms, heading downstairs to the kitchen for some breakfast, not feeling like sitting with the rest of his family, with their pitying looks. He grabbed something light, before heading outside to eat, looking for a quiet secluded spot. Last thing he needed was his morning being disturbed by anybody... The only person he would accept intruding upon his solitude being Kellan.

He found himself a spot near the tall wall surrounding their home, with a bench and a small but overgrown garden. It looked as though nobody had been in this area for a long time... It was perfect. He settled himself upon the bench, soaking up the sunlight as he ate his breakfast.

[Potironette]

Kellan cracked the seals on the two unopened envelopes, and pulled out the letters.

Dear Kellan, the two letters began in flowing script.

Kellan stuffed the letters back into the envelopes. Any letter that used "Kellan" without his last name was bound to be from one of the society ladies Mother was so bent on introducing to him. He didn't plan on seeing any one of them again, and he certainly did not need to read their letters. He was kind enough to them in person, but responding to any letter would be doing the both of them a disservice.

Mood ruined, Kellan left the house for a walk. The servants would undoubtedly find him once they awoke, regardless of where he was. Mother was good at getting servants to do what she wanted. She had a silver tongue, or just silver. Kellan wasn't sure which it was.

Kellan strolled along the perimeter of the McKarthy property, where there was an aging wall with vines. Aging, just like this era and this family, Kellan thought. He noted the vines that grew up and over the wall, wondering if one day he'd go up and over as well. He ran his hands along its powdery stones and pushed. The wall didn't give. Of course not.

[Kitarun]

Just as Jei was losing himself to his thoughts, he heard something or someone approaching, just a little ways away. While curious, he was a little wary- there were those in the house who did not like him, particularly because a pathetic weakling such as himself had survived the fire, yet his father and brother had perished. He leaned down, and picked up a couple larger pieces of stone which had fallen from the wall at one time or another. He stayed sprawled across the bench, enjoying what little warmth the sunlight provided this early in the morning, while still keeping himself alert, ready to defend himself should the nearby presence be an unfriendly one.

[Potironette]

Up ahead, Kellan saw a lone figure picking up large pieces of stone. He noted in surprise that the stone seemed to fall from the wall. So the wall can give, Kellan thought.

Walking closer, Kellan noted that it was an abandoned garden. Brambles splotched with greens and reds filled the overgrown space. Grass grew green and tall still, for it was not yet winter. The sunshine spilled over onto the lone figure. Kellan wondered who could be up at such a time. Certainly not a servant. The figure came into sight.
Jei? He was up already?

Kellan walked up to the bench and stepped into the light. "Jei, did you get enough sleep?"

[Kitarun]

Jei smiled softly when he realized it was only Kellan disturbing his quiet time. He let the stones fall back to the ground, and sat up, making room for his brother to sit if he wished. When asked if he'd gotten enough sleep, he shrugged, looking away, the smile fading from Jei's face. "Enough, Yes..." He replied. It wasn't exactly a lie. He could function with less sleep- he'd done it before, thanks to his constant nightmares. Whether it was as mucch as he wanted, was another question.

[Potironette]

Kellan sat on the bench and sighed, "You need to get enough sleep, Jei. It's not good for you to sleep so little." He paused, "Well, I guess it can't be helped." It was a little inappropriate of him to talk to Jei about sleep. He never got nightmares himself, after all.

Kellan reached over and ruffled Jei's hair, his brow furrowing a little in worry, Jei never seemed to get enough sleep due to his nightmares

[Kitarun]

Jei made a noise somewhere between a whine and a groan- or was it a moan?- when Kellan ruffled his hair, swatting his brother's hand away half-heartedly. "I get enough that I can function day to day. That's plenty. I might sleep more if someone didn't decide to slip away before dawn every morning, though, waking me in the process..." He said, crossing his arms and pouting slightly. It waan't necessarily that Kellan woke him up, just that he left before the boy had fallen back asleep, and he was too scared to try on his own.

[Potironette]

Kellan pulled Jei onto his lap, smiling mischievously, and leaned over to watch Jei's reaction.

He was thankful there wasn't anyone on the gardens, otherwise he'd have to utilize more restraint in his manners.

"How about you sleep here? I'll accompany you while the sun's still pretty low in the sky."

[Kitarun]

Jei squeaked, eyes going wide when Kellan moved him suddenly from the bench onto his lap. "K-Kellan... What if someone sees us like this..?" He asked, voice quiet, as if afraid someone else may be around to overhear. He felt his cheeks heating up, and tried to push his embarrassment away. He loved these secret moments, relished every little touch, every bit of attention his brother paid him. He knew he shouldn't, that it was wrong, that he could be sent away or killed should certain people find out how he felt about his brother, but... There was nothing he could do about it.

[Potironette]

Kellan laughed freely, the emptiness of the air getting to him. It was just Jei and him here. Outside the house and free from its confines. Right by the perimeter where the stones were falling. It was the most at ease he'd felt all day.

Kellan ruffled Jei's hair, "Don't worry about it."

As he noticed Jei, reddening face, Kellan felt a prickling heat creeping up his neck. It was quite simple, Kellan felt, to explain to servants that this was merely an act of brotherly affection. But, somewhere in his chest, he felt a little tightening. Kellan had rejected all the letters from the society ladies he met so far. If the servants saw, they might really start talking. And word got around. It was a big house, but a house full of people nonetheless.

As Kellan felt that tingling sensation enter into his cheeks, he wondered, half anxious, if it really was just brotherly affection.

[Kitarun]

Jei noticed his brother's reddening cheeks, cocking a brow curiously. He didn't mention it, though, much as he hoped Kellan would do the same, and not bring up the flush staining his own face. He leaned against his brother, content to stay in Kellan's strong arms forever, should time permit. He knew it wouldn't, though, so took the time to enjoy it while it lasted.

He shifted a little, getting comfy, his head resting just below his brother's shoulder, over his heart. He found it calming, reassuring. As long as there was that other pulse nearby, his nightmares wouldn't come. "You'll stay with me?" He asked softly, eyes already shut, mind growing fuzzy from the exhaustion that had become a constant companion over the last five years. He could usually hold it at bay, but give. The chance to fully relax and rest properly, it was overbearing.

[Potironette]

Kellan wrapped his arms around Jei and smiled down at him.

Jackets touching, Kellan felt the breeze swirling lightly. The sun was still up and warming them. He wouldn't have minded staying that way all day, though he knew he'd be drawn to his duties as the eldest son eventually. Kellan pushed the thoughts out of his mind and watched as Jei closed his eyes.

"Mmmhmm." Kellan voiced softly, "I'll be here, go to sleep."

[Kitarun]

Smiling softly, Jei let himself descend into sleep, cuddling close to his brother.

(Maybe skip forward a couple hours, perhaps to someone finding them?)