Grow up already!

The rock plopped into the water with a rather large splash, which was followed by a sob and a few sniffles. Whoever had thrown it obviously wasn't happy right now. After all, who would be happy when their brother, sister-in-law, and girlfriend hadn't shown up to wish them a happy fourteenth birthday?

Sabriel pulled his fluffy coat close, a few angry tears falling from his eyes. At least Aunt Michele hadn't abandoned him. She still cared. Nicolas, Mery, and Ella didn't though... he loved them and they had just left him all alone! He didn't know what was wrong with them, but to not come by the hospital wing when he was sick and to not find him on his birthday was wrong.

A few sweat drops were paired with his tears. It was the August and he was wearing a coat that was meant for winter. Sabriel didn't care, though. It was the only gift he had gotten for his birthday. It was the only thing he had right now that reminded him that he had least had one member of his family who cared. His parents were dead, Nikki probably got sick of him, and besides his Auntie... he had no one.

He finally sat down at the shore, still huddled up in his coat and trying to ignore the heat. "Happy birthday to me...." he said quietly, silent tears still rolling down his face.

Sabriel hadn't seen or heard January approach. He was too deep into his depression and his angst. Those he loved didn't love him anymore. The only person he had was Aunt Michele... no one else... and she wasn't even at the academy to keep him company. It wouldn't be allowed, anyway, even though he was insane and needed to be watched over.

“Hey Sabey!”

The next thing he was aware of was a pair of large arms wrapping around him and a nuzzle to his head. Ears pressed down against his scalp and he closed his eyes tightly, trying to ignore the scorching heat. The temperature was enough to do it, but the coat and the warmth of another being's affection was making it worse. A few more beads of sweat rolled down his cheek, mixing in with the tears.

Then his cheek was kissed. The fourteen-year-old pushed himself out of January's arms and wiped at his cheek, making sure he got rid of the older male's germs. He then wiped at his puffy golden eyes and rearranged his coat, flapping it a few times so he would be a bit cooler. There was no way he was taking off that coat. "What do you want?" he asked, his voice cracking. He sniffled, trying to keep back tears while around January. He didn't like that man. "You said hi, gave me a kiss — what more do you want? Can't you remember that I have a girlfriend?"

“I... came here to see you. Can’t I see my favorite person?”

The side of his lip twitched as if it didn't know whether to smile or frown. That was the truth, too — Sabiel was glad he was someone's favorite person, but something warned him not to get close to the older male. The fact that everyone he loved died was the main reason, really. "You can..." the fourteen-year-old said quietly. "But kissies and huggies aren't needed."

“After all, I do care about you Sabriel.”

Sabriel folded his arms. "Alright...." he said, not sure how to respond. "But why me..." It had been mumbled and he averted his eyes, a few more sweat drops rolled down his face. He didn't understand why January had to visit him in the hospital wing and why he had to constantly stalk him. Sabriel had never done anything special or deserving... never.

“Did your girlfriend visit you for your birthday? Did she give you a present?”

Eyes slowly turned back to January, seeming moist again. The neko closed his eyes, lips trembling. He didn't want to answer and prove the older male's point. Ella still loved him, he was sure. Something had just happened to her! "... She's busy..." Sabriel said quietly, still not opening his eyes. "It's understandable... and it was just a birthday, I mean, just another day of the year..." His voice cracked on the last sentence. Birthdays had always been important to him, and lying about it hurt. It completely violated and butchered what he stood for in a way.

“I will protect you, love you, and will do anything for you Sabriel. I would even lay down my life for you…this cell phone will be a way for us to connect…”

Shock made the neko blink and he stared at the cell phone, speechless. January had gotten him a gift? How had he even known? The cord was placed around his neck and Sabriel took the phone in his hands, gulping when January held his neck. He wasn't liking the extra heat. "Thank you..." he said quietly. "For everything... but you don't need to die for me... that's insane and I've done nothing to deserve it..."