James Killian
Growing old is an awfully big adventure
- Messages
- 913
- OOC First Name
- Brad
- Blood Status
- Half Blood
- Relationship Status
- Widow
- Sexual Orientation
- Homosexual
- Wand
- 10'' Rosewood with Unicorn tear core
- Age
- 12/2014 (39)
This thread is actually the first meeting between these two unlikely friend and it was until today hidden away in the unsorted roleplay archives. After doing a few minor spell check and removing a random post by someone towards the end this thread was a fun and emotional one to be apart of and so I was super excited when I found it. I hope everyone enjoys this as much as I did. I cut and pasted each section and broke it up so that the change in characters was apparent and easier to follow. It alternates between Stefan and then James .
A once in a lifetime opportunity was happening to Stefan Archer. He had been allowed out his home. He was off to Hogwarts soon, and as if, his father knew something about magic, he had let Stefan out the house. Stefan could hardly believe his luck. In fact part of him was telling him, it was all a dream. Or that all this good luck, would be followed by some very bad luck. But, he couldn't see how much harder his dad could hit him, or what else he could do. Maybe his father was afraid of what Stefan would become once he stepped into the halls of the magical school. But then, Stefan knew his father had the deciding choice of if Stefan would go to Hogwarts next year. His father control his entire life, and Stefan knew that if his father said no to him going, he would not protest. Not because he didn't want to, Stefan was longing to go, but he was afraid of his father, so better to agree than to disagree, and forced to agree. Stefan had been driven to the nearest park. It was a cloudy overcast day. And his father drove at break neck speed. Stefan had gripped the seat tightly, fearing a crash of some sort. But, it did not take long for the car to reach the park. Stefan had been about to get out, when his father grabbed the collar of his jumper, and told him if he tried to run, he would be caught, and dealt with. Stefan just nodded, before getting out the car, and watching his father drive off. He wanted to make sure it was true, that his father was actually leaving him in the park, to talk to other people, and be a normal kid. Not the kid who had no mum, and an abusive father. Stefan stood at the gates of the park, and looked into the park. He saw nine little children, and counted himself as number ten. 1 in 10. Stefan looked back to where his father had moments before driven off. Stefan was still in shock about being left to do what he wanted. And he had no intention of running. Where would he go. He knew no one and had no family. And Hogwarts was his escape. Only a little longer.
Stefan Archer took a step forward, and headed into the park. It was odd. Stefan had literally never been to a park before. What use did he have there. There was one thing about Stefan which set him apart, from almost everyone else in the world and that was the fact that Stefan was completely colour blind. He could only see in black, white and shades of grey. It meant, he had really no idea what he looked like. Or if the grass was really green, and the sky blue. He had only read about such things. And been told such things. But Stefan didn't know. How could he. He had didn't know what colour his eyes were, his hair, or anything. For all he knew, he could the most perfect blue eyes, (which he did) and ginger hair (which he didn't have). Stefan pulled his jumper over his hands as he walked. Looking down at his old and worn converses. He had no other shoes. he didn't go out, he had no use for shoes. He wasn't allowed out. Stefan had a black eye. He'd been punched in the face. His father had been very drunk. And Stefan, had been going to the bathroom and had been in the wrong place at the wrong time. The punch had practically taken him out. Stefan had lay on the floor for most of the night, the punch had been so hard. And it showed. But Stefan in the mirror could barely see anything. Stefan spotted a tree, or what he was pretty sure was a tree, and walked over. He took a seat under it. And leaned his head against the ruff bark. He felt so calm, it was odd. he felt safe. Something he hadn't felt in a very long while. Something he knew he'd become accustomed in Hogwarts. He was sure. Stefan, wouldn't mention the fact he was colour blind. He knew that would only creep people out. It would be unheard off to most someone who could literally not see colour. Stefan looked around him. He could see happy faces, of young children. With parents looking proud and as happy as there child. Stefan smiled sadly, he longed for something like that. And could believe such happiness could actually exist.
Stefan sighed to himself. He knew it wasn't right to compare his life to others. He knew it would only make it harder to go back to his life and take whatever he supposedly deserved. Stefan was bitter about it. He had reason to be. He knew it would continue until he finally fought against it. But failure could cost him his life. He didn't know if could beat his father. But what he did know what that compared to his father Stefan was a twig. A small, color blind, pathetic excuse for a human. Stefan had a very negative few on life but he knew nothing else. He was negative because he had been made to become this. To believe the world was only bad. Stefan knew it was only his father who was bad to him. He was sure the world was full of good things. Things people saw, in colour. Which he would never see. Stefan looked down at the ground and blinked several times rapidly. He was blinking small tears away. He was so tired of his life. So worn out and exhausted from the way he was treated. A small rumble from the sky and the rain began to fall. Stefan looked up and felt small drops of water fall onto his face. He was covered by the trees. That let little water through though it hammered down hard. He wondered what rain actually looked like. What other people saw it as. Rather than how he saw it. Stefan smiled. He had never been in rain like this before. He felt more at home and calm in the rain. In the cold dampness.
Stefan stood up and walked to the nearby bench sitting in the clearing, already drowning in water. He took off his thick jumper, which was black. And threw it onto the ground beside the bench. Stefan sat on the bench. The rain in seconds wetting his entire body. Making his t-shirt stick to chest and his hair stick to his face. Stefan had several other bruises on his arms, they would be very visible to most as the blue/black colours against his pale skin made them as clear as blue skies. But to Stefan they looked older, and a lot less clear. Stefan smiled widely. He was happy. Happy. Something he had not been in a long while. If ever. He didn't care that he would have to return to his dad, he had already in the time he'd been at the park, had the best day of his life so far. Stefan looked up at the clouds above his head and then in front of him. Although it looked like Stefan had been to hell and back, bringing with him bruises, a black eye and scars, he looked very happy. Happiness being something Stefan had never really felt before and had at times worried if he would ever be able to feel it. This new found freedom was exactly what Stefan had been waiting for.
Jamie was given much freedom in New Zealand to go and do what he wanted to until school start which was just around the corner. Jamie had most of everything he needed or wanted and so it was not like he had anything to do anyways so he decided to head to a local park and enjoy the weather before it rained. The wind was picking up and Jamie could almost feel the energy in the air around him as he walked to the park.
Jamie was an oddity both in the muggle world and the magical world, which caused him to be accepted in neither but born of both. At an early age Jamie was left on a monastery steps in japan, after his parents disappeared to be taken care of by the monks who often took in young boys who wished to fallow in the righteous path. Jamie first new he was different when he realized that he had pale skin an blues with near silver hair, while all of his brothers were tan with dark hair and dark eyes. That was when the master told him that he was American born and that he was never claimed by anyone as such the monks took him in instead of sending him to an orphanage. Jamie could not believe that he was American but did not let it hold him back from his training. That is until he got his acceptance letter to Hogwarts.
However Jamie believe it was a gift from the gods and that they chose him to be a great warrior of the people who would fight corruption much like Robin Hood. So it was to everyone surprise to see an American boy dressed in samurai clothing and carrying his wooden bokken on his hip. A few people in the park laughed and pointed but Jamie shrugged it off as he headed to a nearby tree and sat down and pulled an apple from his sleeve and began eating. That was when Jamie notice the boy sitting around the other side of tree, Jamie peeked around the back of the tree and saw a boy who looked like him, well who looked like he was the same color with blue eyes which caused Jamie to get excited, but before he could say anything the boy got up and walked away to sit on a bench. So Jamie followed and that was when the rain began to come down.
Jamie watched the boy sit and tilt his head back and close his eyes, what Jamie saw next made him begin to cry. The boy was cover in bruises and scars which told Jamie that the boy was being beat up by someone. Abuse was Jamies weak spot and caused him much heartache, all he wanted to do was to make the bruise go away and protect the boy from harm. Jamie saw many people get hurt back home and wished he could save everyone and protect them all that was why he was going to school. The boy looked so calm and peacefully almost beautiful in a tragic way, Amie step closer "You should not be out in the rain you will get sick!" Jamie said over the rain to the boy.
In a perfect world, Stefan would either be colourblind and in a loving family. Or in a family like he had currently, with perfect sight. But Stefan knew it was just his luck to have both. Completely colourblind and in a family, that couldn't even be called a family. Sometimes Stefan would lie on his bed at night imagining his mother, and how things would be different if she was around. How she would look, what she would say. How she would comfort him. When he most needed to be comforted. Stefan could not help but imagine his mother. He wanted her to be in life so badly, and yet whenever he thought of her, all he could really do was cry. Stefan was glad of the rain. The way it hit his skin. The sound it made on the floor and on the leaves. The way with a small gust of wind, it could entirely change direction. It was a strange bliss. Where others found bliss in sun, the pale boy found bliss in rain. In clouds. And in lightened darkness. Of course, the main reason he hated the sun, was that when it was sunny, Stefan was basically blind. It was an odd feeling being colourblind, but even worse, when he was completely blind. Stefan had never really had anyone to speak to about his life. About how he was colour blind. And if he was honest with himself he could not imagine himself being able to tell someone that he was colour blind. How could someone react to that, he always told himself. It would be too weird, for the other person, to imagine themselves in his position, unable to tell, what colour his own eyes were. Unless his eyes were a shade of grey, then he had no clue. His father would never tell him, a question like sent his father off the wall. No son of mine is colourblind. The words ringed in Stefan's ear. He knew his father saw as little more than a pathetic human. Who didn't deserve to be treated like a human. Stefan's smile faded. His eyes were closed, and his head still titled back, but a frown, was beginning to replace the smile. Stefan couldn't stand up to his dad, but he wanted to so bad, tell his dad (well more yell at his dad) that he was human, and that he wanted to be treated like one.
Stefan was quite unaware of people around him. It was when the sound of footsteps against puddles that alerted Stefan. Instantly he thought it to be his father. But when the voice spoke Stefan knew it was not his fathers. Although, the sudden voice, made Stefan's eyes fly open, and made him stand up to find out who had spoke. A boy, about his age was running over to him. He said something about sick and Stefan looked down at the jumper he had thrown upon the floor. As the other boy neared, through habit Stefan took a step back. He had no idea what this boy was like. If he meant Stefan harm or didn't. It didn't occur to him, that no all people were his dad. He trusted no one, because he had no one to trust. Stefan only knew one person, and that was his dad. And he wasn't the best person in the world. He was the exact opposite. Stefan leaned forward, and took his jumper from the ground. He didn't speak, or look directly at the boy. Stefan was looking down at the ground. He wasn't sure what to do. He knew he should speak. Say something, or look up at least. But Stefan found he could do neither. He looked down at the soaked jumper in his hands. With one deep breath, Stefan glanced up at the boy. He did not smile, but his face showed worry and fear. He was worried about what the boy would do. And scared for the same reason. It didn't help that he couldn't make out what the boy really looked like. The clothes he wore seemed odd. But they didn't strike Stefan straight away, he had no idea about the world, for all he really knew, how the boy was dressed would be common for the people of New Zealand. Stefan titled his head. The boy, seemed as though he was crying. Stefan thought that was extremely odd. The boy looked well. From what Stefan could tell. He didn't look underweight, bruised or anything. Stefan wondered what the boy actually looked like. Being colour blind, he actually couldn't tell. He could see features, but he didn't know what colour the boy's hair was, or eyes, or skin. It left Stefan feeling a little exposed. Since Stefan didn't know what he looked like, but he knew what Stefan looked like.
Stefan looked back down at the ground, and took a further step back. He couldn't help himself in doing so. His mind was telling to say something. Anything. Stefan looked back up at the boy. "Being sick, is least of my worries" Stefan said quietly and quickly. He did not have much of an accent. His voice had a Kiwi tinge to it, but it sounded almost English. Stefan looked back down at the ground, feeling himself blush, if he could even do so. He felt a warmth in his cheeks, but he was unsure if that meant, that he was going red in the cheeks or something else. He'd never seen it. He had no idea how he was meant to be able to tell. Stefan looked back up at the boy. "Sorry" Stefan said quickly, while taking a small step forward and sitting back on the bench. Glancing to and from the boy, wondering what he was going to do. Stay or go. Stefan didn't mind what the boy left. It wouldn't make much difference to Stefan's life. He was alone anyway. If he stayed, Stefan was unsure about how he would be able to deal with it. Stefan wasn't used to company. He was unsure as to what the boy was like. Stefan knew sooner or later, the bruises and the scars would come into the conversation, if he or the other boy tried to start one. But something inside of Stefan wanted him to talk to the boy. To just talk to someone. Who wouldn't hurt him if he said something wrong. Even if, it was only for the day, Stefan wouldn't mind someone to talk to. But Stefan, had no idea how to start a conversation. He'd never done it before, and Stefan hoped, if the boy didn't go, that he would know a little more about socializing than he did. Although Stefan knew that most would know more than him. And he was willing to bet that a dog knew how to socialize better than he did. At times, Stefan could see the logic in his father's hateful words.
Fear...it was a sickness that once someone had they wore it on their face all the time, and young boy had it written in his eyes and his stance. Jamie bit his bottom a bad habit he started when he was worried or trying to figure out things in his head. The boy was afraid of him and it worried Jamie as to why was the boy afraid of him, it made himself conscious as he looked down at himself as he tried to see what would scare the boy. Jamie. Realized that his sword was something that would cause fear, but did he dare take his sword off for a stranger. What if the boy was dangerous, then Jamie would be left unarmed to defend himself. But then he looked at the boy who looked like him, and realized the boy would not hurt him.
Jamie looked around and after making sure the area was clear he began to untie the knot that kept his sword in place. This would hopefully reassure the blue eye stranger of his harmlessness, within seconds the cord came loose and Jamie held his sword out in front of him as he step forward and placed the sword on the bench next to the boy. Then Jamie stepped in front of the boy and examined the scars and bruises and was overwhelmed with the desire to try and make them go away. A tear rolled down his face and he quickly wiped it. Away as he spoke in English.
"Who hits you like this? They should not hurt you like this?" Jamie said as he almost reached out to touch a rather nasty bruise on the boys eye. Jamie pulled back and looked down as his silver hair hung down hiding his anger. He knew that he should not get involved but he could sit around like his brothers did and watch people suffer. He was a warrior and as one he had to protect those who could not protect themselves. This was the first boy he met with blue eye like his and for that reason alone he felt a connection with the boy. Jamie needed friends and it seemed so did the boy.
Stefan just sat with his head bent, he'd watched the boy, placed down, something weird, something Stefan had never seen before. It wasn't hard. Stefan hadn't seen a lot before. He didn't get out, it meant he didn't see the world. It meant he had no clue what the boy was doing. So while Stefan in the back of his mind, thought this was a sign of peace. Was so unsure, he was still scared. He had no idea why someone would talk to him. Come near him. He was sure, with the way he looked no one would venture near. But as Stefan watched the boy, who seemed very interested in him, he noticed that the boy was actually crying. Stefan had a feeling that maybe it was the rain. His eye sight was poor. There was no way for him to really tell what was happening. Stefan watched him. There was an oddness about the boy. An oddness even colour blind Stefan could tell. The way it seemed the boy cared, made Stefan feel more alone than he had ever done in his entire life. His life was made up of one person. Making him think of himself as nothing, and this boy. Who'd known him less than ten minutes, cared. Stared at his scars and bruises, as if it would help them fade. But they weren't bad. The bruises Stefan had currently weren't bad, at least through his eyes they weren't bad. But he could never really tell. Obviously in his eyes, nothing was really as it seemed. He had never watched films before, but he always to himself, that every film was a black and white one. no matter if it had been made in Black and White, or if it had not. It was little things like that, which made Stefan feel not so bad about being colour blind. Of course it was only briefly, but even the smallest of times thinking about something other than what he could see was good. It kept his mind, off what really awaited him. Which was why Hogwarts was the biggest ray of sunshine, that Stefan had ever seen. And Stefan couldn't see in sunlight.
Hogwarts was more than an escape for Stefan. He saw it, as a way of leaving everything he knew behind. And Actually growing as a proper human being. As a person. And possibly to even see if the wizards had a cure, for what he had. He didn't know how much more medically advanced the magical folk would be, but he figured they had to be a little further than muggles, or at least help him a little, in understanding why he was like that, and if he would pass it on, if he was ever to reach the point of having children. But his mind didn't often think of the future. It stayed on the present pretty much, because for years, it was all about living to see the next day. Now he had something to look forward, something to live for. Stefan kept his eyes on the boy, as he spoke. Stefan didn't want to talk about how he got the scars. It was silly of him to go into it, with this boy. For all he knew it could be a trap set by his dad. The escape he had warned Stefan to not do. Telling someone, meant that Stefan was looking for an escape. His father was letting him go to School. He didn't want to do anything to upset his father. Stefan wanted to go to hogwarts more badly than he had ever wanted to go anywhere in his life. Stefan leaned back and shook his head. He didn't want to talk about it. But He didn't know how the boy would react to that. Stefan wondered if he should just lie to the boy in front of him. It wasn't exactly the best thing to do. But In no dimension, could he see himself telling this stranger about his home life. He didn't want to lose his chance at Hogwarts. he didn't want to scare the boy away. He didn't want to admit to himself what he knew went on in his house. Stefan met the boys eyes properly for the first time. Grey. Stefan didn't know if this was the actual colour of them, but he saw grey. Fear and wonder filled his own eyes. He wondered if the boy had blue or green, or brown eyes. Or if he really did have grey eyes. Stefan wondered that about his own appearance. It was pointless, he would never know. "No one hit me." Stefan said looking back down at the jumper. Clearly lying. Stefan had no real idea how to lie. He didn't lie often. Lying was bad. In Stefan's house, Lying was as bad as speaking out of turn, or making noise.
"I fall down stairs" Stefan continued still staring down. Fiddling with his hands, and feeling pretty awful. He didn't know what else to say. He didn't say all that much to begin with, but he knew even less. Stefan wasn't one to talk on and on. He barely spoke. The amount he had said in this small conversation, if it could be called that, was more than he would generally saw in a week. it felt weird, to hear his voice so often. Stefan looked away from the boy. Unsure of what to do. "They're not that bad, Anyway." Stefan almost whispered as he looked back down to the ground. His voice was barely above a whisper. But, he was nervous, and still afraid. Stefan gave a small cough. He no longer felt at peace in the rain. He felt afraid. He was beginning to regret the new freedom. He hated being in the house, but out of the house, he felt alone, and scared and almost every other feeling he had when at home. Stefan hated it. He looked up at the boy. "I'm completely colourblind" Stefan said. Slowly, and more clearly. He sighed once he had said it. Out of all the things that were wrong with him and his life, he longed to tell someone he was colourblind. It had been on his mind, as he regretted the freedom. He felt good about getting that off his chest. About telling someone, that he couldn't see colour. It made him feel like he had explained the scars and bruises. It made him, feel a tiny bit less scared. He had wanted, and imagined for so long telling someone about the colour blindness. He had never thought that it would be the first person he met. But then, this was the first person he had ever met who cared about him. Even just a little. Stefan kept his eyes on the boy. Ever so often looking down, waiting for him to do all the speaking.
Jamie sat down on the bench next to the boy and looked at him with his head cocked to the side, what the boy had told him amazed him but then some of the things he said mad him extremely mad. Jamie knew of blindness but color blindness was not something he was familiar with but by the words he would guess it would be a condition that didnt allow the boy to see colors. Jamie smiled in Japan at least in the old days the boy would have been greatly prized for his condition and also the boy was rather pale which was deeply admired with the ancient ones as well as delicate and innocent. Jamie was not one to care what boys looked like or girls for that matter but he knew what was admired and the boy was unique just like Jamie and so he was no longer alone at least he hoped he was not alone. "I have silver hair and almost pale blue eye, I am Japanese but I do not look like my brothers because I am also American. Yet... we are the same you and I we are special and you have eyes like mine! I am going to be a great samurai someday and so until then I will protect you and we will be friends." Jamie said with enthusiasm. You will be like my first boss and I will fight those pesky stairs so they never hurt you again, did you know you have eyes like me, in the old days a samurai kept people like they kept treasure, do you want to be my treasure I have to have many so that I will be even greater maybe a shogun even." Jamie stood up and puffed his chest out big as if he could take on the world.
Then he realized that the boy may not want to be friends with him or even his treasure or his boss, the boy may not want anything to do with him. Jamie was use to not being wanted; no one seemed to want him at all. Jamie remember crying himself to sleep wishing he had a family like all of his brothers, most of them had families out side of the temple that they would visit from time to time but Jamie never had anyone to visit him. Now in this hard to reach place far from his brothers he realized he was completely on his own with no one to call friend and no one who wanted him. Jamie let his hair cover his tears once more as the rain began to ease up and stop, Jamie grabbed his sword and retied it quickly feeling embarrassed for getting so attached to a person without them wanting him to. Jamie was confused and he felt that confusion on his face as he tried to figure out the feeling he could not put in words. Jamie bowed deeply to the young man I am so sorry, I ..." was all Jamie said as he turned and began walking away.
Stefan could not stray his mind as the boy spoke. It was like he was trying to understand him. But all Stefan could really see was that the boy actually seemed to care. With each passing minute Stefan felt more confused about the boy. He seemed so nice, he had a caring tone and yet all Stefan could think was that it was really too good to be true. There wasn't a shred of doubt within Stefan's mind that didn't think the boy was a trap. He was offering protection and friendship. Friendship Stefan wanted but knew after today would be pointless and protection. Stefan could not say he trusted the boy. He couldn't say that he knew what he was up to. But Stefan listened, his eyes closed trying to keep himself from running off. Stefan in his minds eye could not see the colour but he could feel that the boy was maybe telling the truth about his appearance. Stefan could never be sure. He had no way of checking, of being sure. Everything within him told himself to not believe hat was being said. To ignore it and assume the boy was making it all up because he didn't believe Stefan and his only true statement so far. Stefan reopened his eyes and looked at the boy as he went on about something called a samari. Stefan had no clue what this was or how it would in turn affect him. Protection was all that was being offered. But Stefan wasn't going to accept it. No matter how interesting or how much easier his life would be with protection. Stefan looked down at his hands. The scars stared back at him, taunting. It annoyed Stefan that his father had caused him all that. That his father was the reason Stefan was afraid of more than he loved.
Stefan looked to the boy, as he began apologizing. Stefan wondered if he had done something wrong. If he had overstepped by talking about being blind. Or if this was just a further step in his fathers trap. Stefan just stared. Wide eyed and feeling hopeless. Stefan knew he wasn't exactly the easiest person to get to know. But this was the first conversation Stefan had ever had with someone his age. Hell, it was the first conversation he had ever had with someone other than his father. Thinking of his father as the other boy felt silent, really brought home how weird and unaware he would seem to almost everyone else. His father was right. Stefan didn't know what to do. He watched as the boy gather his belongings and with an apology walked away. In his mind he was yelling, telling the boy he wanted them to be friends. And that he wanted protection. He wanted to feel safe. But Stefan could not find his voice or the courage to take the risk. Instead Stefan stood watching. As the boy he had believed to be kind walked off. It really Stefan wonder if what the boy had said had been true. Stefan had no idea where Japan was, but he assumed it was far. Stefan wondered why the boy was so far from home. And if he was a trap sent by his dad, then how had he manage to be unharmed. Stefan wondered if it was just him. He had a plague or something everyone just hated. "Sorry" Stefan said. Trying to yell, but his voice only reaching what most people would call normal. Stefan didn't bother to see if the boy had heard. He wasn't quite sure why he had apologized but it was the first thing his mind had let him say. And it seemed so pointless.
father is right about me. Stefan thought to himself as he sat back down. "Come back" Stefan continued. Feeling more and more silly by the second. There was no way the boy could still hear him, and even if he could it seemed pretty certain that he would not be coming back. It was a little upsetting for Stefan. The first person willing to talk to him, had run off. Had just gone. Stefan felt his eyes well up. He didn't want to cry. He knew it was a sign of weakness. His father hated people crying. It angered him. Stefan could just see his father seeing the tears and striking him. No arguments or snappy comments. His father did not wait. But even as Stefan was telling himself to stop crying tears just poured down his face. It wasn't clear that he was crying because of the rain. And Stefan had no idea that eyes went red when a person cried. How could he, his father had never explained to him he looked. The other had said they had similar eyes, but Stefan didn't know. He would never be certain. It was there word against what he couldn't see. Stefan wiped his eyes. And looked around him hoping to see the boy again. If he came back, Stefan knew it meant that it wasn't a trap. His father only tried things once. He didn't repeatedly do things apart from hit Stefan. Stefan had no idea how a friendship with the odd boy could even work but to even go home knowing he had a friend, or an almost friend, was something Stefan was beginning to deeply desire. Someone to run to if his dad suddenly changed his mind about Hogwarts. "I am as worthless as my father makes me seem." Stefan whispered to himself under his breath. He was now really seeing that his father had a point. No one wanted to be friends with a colour blind boy.
"Sorry"
The words were carried on the air dodging the rain drops as it raced to touch Jamies ears, and when the words reached their destination it caused the blue eyed samurai to stop in his tracks. Then the emotion was back, and Jamie was realized what the emotion was and it was togetherness, it was the counter to loneliness. Jamie turned back and looked over at the boy who now looked like he was fighting a demon in his mind and Jamie wanted to help, but how? How could a stranger help another stranger? Then the boy said with sadness "Come Back!" and Jamie found himself turning back and going back to the boy as if he needed the boy as much as he needed him. Jamie did not say a word as he reached the bench and he knew did not hear him at first because he was lost in his own thoughts. The boy was battling hard with something big and so far away that Jamie would never be able to get there, Jamie was about to reach out to let the boy know he was there when the young guy spoke one more time. "I am as worthless as my dad makes me seem" Jamie frowned at the words as if they were a bad smell that he had just inhaled, and like a bad smell Jamie waved the words off trying to make them go away. Jamie placed a hand on the boys shoulder as he knelt in front of him trying to look into his eyes.
"You are not worthless, you are like me and we are special like a rare gemstone or a rare baseball card so we must stick together you and me, and I will protect you forever as long as we stay together. I am going to a special school that will teach me how to be a better warrior, the place is called Hogwarts do you know of it?" Jamie said as he brushed away the boys tears and then stood back up with a huge cheese smile on his face as he hoped the boy was going to the school of magic also. If he was then Jamie would be able to be a proper body guard for his new boss. Jamie was no longer alone and that was something to be excited for and no one could take it away!
Stefan flinched when he felt a hand on his shoulder. He had to fight the urge to shake the boy off. There was no way his dad would try harder than one attempt to make Stefan cave to the escape he had been warned about. Obviously there was a small part of him saying that he was wrong, and was misjudging his father. But there was something about the boy, that made Stefan less likely the follow the little warning voice in the back of his head. It was stay alert, but Stefan would chose to ignore him. Out the corner of his eye, Stefan noted the boy, getting down in front of him. Stefan did not meet the boys eyes. He couldn't a part of him felt so desperate that he couldn't meet the boys eyes. Also, to Stefan it did not matter, eye contact, as not being able to see colour made him less willing to look at people properly. People being his dad and now this boy. For one thing, seeing in grey, white and black made everything seem less worthwhile. Of course, he didn't really know what it was like to see colour, but it would be better. It would be more interesting. it would just be better. It would also mean, that everyday was different. Instead of the exact same. The same three colours. (shades of grey giving little variation to sight). Stefan partially ignored the boy. He didn't want to listen anymore. He was glad of the company. Of someone, but the words meant little to him. He wanted protection, but since after this day, he would no longer have it. Not ever. He wanted to break free, but his father's grip was a lot stronger than anything about Stefan. He would wait until school. Until he was sure, his father couldn't touch him. Until he was certain, he couldn't be harmed by him. Until he couldn't be controlled by him. Stefan was patient. Hell, he was more patient than anyone else in the world. He was ready to bet on that. And Stefan wasn't the type to put anything on the line. Unless he was more certain than certain.
Hogwarts This made Stefan look up in confusion at the boy. Hogwarts, the school he was going to, the boy was mentioning. Alarm bells were ringing furiously inside him. It had be his father behind him. A whole joke about Stefan's freedom, riding upon the so called school. It didn't exist. His father would drive him to the train station, and leave him there, to starve and fade away. His father was playing on his emotions. Stefan had believed the letter so badly. He wanted it to be true. But, there was no way magic existed. It was ridiculous for him to even have believed it. Stefan inwardly cursed himself. He didn't know what to do more than ever now. The boy was surely lying. Hogwarts was a joke made by his father. Stefan had such a deep hatred for his father, but being fooled in such a fashion, made him feel terrible. And silly. Unless it was true, and the boy, actually wanted to know. He would find out, on the day that he was meant to go. The boy had a huge smile. Stefan had never seen anyone smile like that. But Stefan didn't smile back. He kept his look of confusion. "Hogwarts?" Stefan said. He had to lie about the school. Stefan couldn't see his life being good if he didn't and actually said to the boy, that he was going to the school. If it turned out that it wasn't happening, it would hurt a lot more. If it happened, he'd at least know someone, who might not be willing to talk to him, when he realized he lied. Stefan sighed to himself. Either way, someone would be annoyed and Stefan was either going to be hurt or hurt someone else. He didn't want to, but Stefan felt he should be more cautious about life than most others. Than anyone else. "Sorry, I don't go to school" Stefan said, pretending to assume that it was in fact a school. Since it would be obviously that. Stefan looked back down at the ground. And wondered what to say. But he realized one thing, He had no idea who this boy was. And although, Stefan didn't know if it would even matter, he looked up at the boy. He held out his hand to the boy. His scarred hand.
"Stefan." Stefan said quietly. "Stefan Archer," Stefan didn't know what was important about saying his second name, but he assumed people did that. He didn't know what else to say. He wondered if he should add anything on to his name. A pleased to meet you, or something else about him. In the end he opted for both "Clumsy colour blind boy. I'm thankful I've met you" Stefan knew he wasn't clumsy, but it seemed better to try and cover what had actually caused his bruises and scars. He didn't think the boy would want to talk to him if he told him the truth.
Stefan Archer... What a unique name? Jamie thought as he looked at the boy with a huge smile on his face, the boy was opening up and slowly but surely they would be the best of friends even though the boy was still not telling Jamie the whole truth. Jamie stood and took a deep bow from the waist My name is James Killian, but you can call me Jamie." Jamies said in a soft welcoming voice. Jamie was used to being made fun because of his nick name but he did not care as much about that anymore. Stick and stones, his master taught him growing up as well as violence cannot fix all the problems in the world. Jamie loved his master almost like a father figure but since the Abbot was a beacon for many Jamie could not be so selfish as trying to claim his attention all to himself, the older man had taught him a great many things all of which Jamie used to better his life and the life of everyone he touched. He was trying to help Stefan but he was fighting it too much and that made it tough, the boy wanted to say more and even wanted to be friends Jamie guessed but something on the inside was preventing it from happening. When the boy heard Hogwarts Jamie notice his expression change a few times before he told him the lie about not going to school. Jamie knew everyone had to go to some form of school even in the temple he was still required to do a certain level of education. Jamie decided that the boy must be able to do magi like him and the though alone made Jamie smile wide.
"You can do it cant you? You can do special things like me?" Jamie asked in a low whisper as he sat down on the bench next to the boy. Jamie first realized that he had a special gift when one day he was practicing in the meditation room a cat with a hurt paw wondered in Jamie caught the cat and began looking him over. Jamie held the cats injured paw and wished with all his might that the cat would be better and as he began to cry the warm feeling came of Jamie and the cats foot was all better. Jamie was later visited by some very special people who told him that he was a wizard and would be attending school to learn to use magic and the ways of the wizard. Jamie knew that there were others like him but he had not met one yet. Stefan was a wizard like him, but Jamie had to know for certain because there was a cost to telling people who did not know about the gifted and it was not one he was willing to pay.
Even though, Stefan knew the boy was only smiling to make him more comfortable, Stefan felt himself be wary of it. Of the fact that someone could be happy, and smiley. Foreign Concepts to Stefan. He could smile, he just had very little reason for it. And he knew he wasn't happy. Stefan had no idea how anyone could be happy. He was sure others were treated better than him, but he had no idea how anyone could be happy. Stefan knew that his father took pleasure in seeing Stefan writhe upon the floor in pain. The laughter that was emitted from his father's mouth was enough to tell a newborn baby that he was happy. And in a way, Stefan thought people were only happy watching others in pain. But it was clear, this boy was the opposite. He had acted upset when he'd first seen Stefan, the signs of physical abuse so clear, but now, it was less about him, and more about School, and introductions, the boy was happy. There was a lot to learn about the world. Stefan could see that now. He knew it would take him forever to figure out. But he would. And in time, he would know about as much as the boy, James, did. Stefan wondered why the boy asked him about magic in a low whisper. Stefan had to get the boy off his back about the magic. He didn't want it to be a trap. And only when they both supposedly got to Hogwarts, would Stefan believe in the magic. Only when he was within the halls of the school, would Stefan believe in the magic, and the escape that was possible. It would have to be only then. Stefan, unlike the boy who seemed to are about him, knew he would take longer to care. To want to be completely honest with someone. It was for good reason. He couldn't imagine being honest about his past to a boy, or any person he barely knew. Stefan would take time. If the school was real, he would eventually probably tell someone. If it wasn't. Stefan didn't think he would ever tell someone.
Stefan just shook his head. He knew exactly what James meant, Stefan had done special things at times. He was sure, it had saved his life a few times. The one that spoke out to him most clearly, was his 10th birthday. It spoke out to him clearly, because he'd been thrown across his bedroom, and his father had misjudged his throwing skills, and sent Stefan out the window. Stefan had fallen from a two story building, with nothing but a small bruise on his arm, and a small bruise on his left shoulder. Stefan had never felt more scared than that day. As he had fallen, he had felt a warmth within him, and the ground had been soft. Stefan knew this was the magic. He knew that now. It had taken his father more surprise, and the consequence, was his father had been even angrier at Stefan. Stefan shook his head again. He would deny such things as what the boy was hinting at. He would come clean, when the time was right. And when it was proven to him, that it wasn't all just some scheme set by his dad. Stefan knew he would have to lie a little more. He felt terrible about the lying, but he didn't want to clean. He feared James, and what he could do with the information Stefan could divulge if he told the truth. "No, Nothing special about me. Unless you count colourblindness. But that's a curse." Stefan close to pleaded. trying to get himself to believe his own words. He didn't want to say he was going. It would make it harder if it wasn't true. And Stefan had to first look out for his own interests. He shook his head again and met the boy's stare. Grey. Stefan hated his sight. He would rather be blind and not see the world at all, than be colourblind, and only see have of it. At least if he was blind, he could imagine colour. Stefan couldn't even imagine the stuff. As hard as he could try, he never could see colour. He didn't dream in colour. His whole life was a black and white horror film. He wondered if the boy was even aware of the implications of colour blindness. It didn't seem as such, but he could be very wrong about the boy. Stefan shook his head again.
"I am not special, I can't even read. Or write." Stefan lied further. He could read, just. But his writing and spelling were awful. He had never had the chance to learn how to write properly. He'd tried to start some form of diary. Documenting, everything that happened in any given day. But he'd found it hard to write, and after a few days, he could barely make out what was written. He wondered what James would think of him. Stefan though seeing through black white and grey, could tell that James had been brought up well. Taught about life, treated with respect. And clearly taught how to read and write. Stefan wanted to be friends. But he had to be sure, that the boy was not working for his father. Or there to hurt him. He had to be more sure than sure. he had to be so certain, that James was someone he could trust with the information about his life, before he would stop lying. And because this was the first person to speak to him, apart from his dad. Stefan had no idea how long that would take. He just hoped James would not have gotten bored by that point.
Jamie got the cue loud and clear and that was to back off, the boy was putting up road block to prevent him from getting closer and so with a deep breath and a slight nod of his head he accepted the boys wishes to not get personal. Jamie felt crushed once more but this time he knew there was hope for something better in the future he hoped. He would work to be Stefans friend if that means coming to this very park every single day for the next month until he went away to school to hang out with Stefan and earn his trust. Jamie frowned when the boy spoke of his colorblindness, maybe someone at the school would be able to show him how to do a spell that would allow the boy to see color, or at least allow him to show him if only for a second all the colors in the world then that way Stefan could paint the world in his eyes how he wanted. Jamie laughed a little when the boy talked about reading and writing but that was more aimed at Jamie the Stefan.
"I like to read but I can write very well but that is only because I had to learn how to write in different languages. If you want I can teach you how to read, or I can read to you if you like?" Jamie said with a big smile on his face again, he always loved to read and sometimes he used to read to the smaller boys at the temple which brought him much happiness to share something with someone else especially if it helped someone. After all if they could meet every day then he would not be so lonely and he could still look after Stefan that is of course if the boy had any desire to want to learn to read and write.
A once in a lifetime opportunity was happening to Stefan Archer. He had been allowed out his home. He was off to Hogwarts soon, and as if, his father knew something about magic, he had let Stefan out the house. Stefan could hardly believe his luck. In fact part of him was telling him, it was all a dream. Or that all this good luck, would be followed by some very bad luck. But, he couldn't see how much harder his dad could hit him, or what else he could do. Maybe his father was afraid of what Stefan would become once he stepped into the halls of the magical school. But then, Stefan knew his father had the deciding choice of if Stefan would go to Hogwarts next year. His father control his entire life, and Stefan knew that if his father said no to him going, he would not protest. Not because he didn't want to, Stefan was longing to go, but he was afraid of his father, so better to agree than to disagree, and forced to agree. Stefan had been driven to the nearest park. It was a cloudy overcast day. And his father drove at break neck speed. Stefan had gripped the seat tightly, fearing a crash of some sort. But, it did not take long for the car to reach the park. Stefan had been about to get out, when his father grabbed the collar of his jumper, and told him if he tried to run, he would be caught, and dealt with. Stefan just nodded, before getting out the car, and watching his father drive off. He wanted to make sure it was true, that his father was actually leaving him in the park, to talk to other people, and be a normal kid. Not the kid who had no mum, and an abusive father. Stefan stood at the gates of the park, and looked into the park. He saw nine little children, and counted himself as number ten. 1 in 10. Stefan looked back to where his father had moments before driven off. Stefan was still in shock about being left to do what he wanted. And he had no intention of running. Where would he go. He knew no one and had no family. And Hogwarts was his escape. Only a little longer.
Stefan Archer took a step forward, and headed into the park. It was odd. Stefan had literally never been to a park before. What use did he have there. There was one thing about Stefan which set him apart, from almost everyone else in the world and that was the fact that Stefan was completely colour blind. He could only see in black, white and shades of grey. It meant, he had really no idea what he looked like. Or if the grass was really green, and the sky blue. He had only read about such things. And been told such things. But Stefan didn't know. How could he. He had didn't know what colour his eyes were, his hair, or anything. For all he knew, he could the most perfect blue eyes, (which he did) and ginger hair (which he didn't have). Stefan pulled his jumper over his hands as he walked. Looking down at his old and worn converses. He had no other shoes. he didn't go out, he had no use for shoes. He wasn't allowed out. Stefan had a black eye. He'd been punched in the face. His father had been very drunk. And Stefan, had been going to the bathroom and had been in the wrong place at the wrong time. The punch had practically taken him out. Stefan had lay on the floor for most of the night, the punch had been so hard. And it showed. But Stefan in the mirror could barely see anything. Stefan spotted a tree, or what he was pretty sure was a tree, and walked over. He took a seat under it. And leaned his head against the ruff bark. He felt so calm, it was odd. he felt safe. Something he hadn't felt in a very long while. Something he knew he'd become accustomed in Hogwarts. He was sure. Stefan, wouldn't mention the fact he was colour blind. He knew that would only creep people out. It would be unheard off to most someone who could literally not see colour. Stefan looked around him. He could see happy faces, of young children. With parents looking proud and as happy as there child. Stefan smiled sadly, he longed for something like that. And could believe such happiness could actually exist.
Stefan sighed to himself. He knew it wasn't right to compare his life to others. He knew it would only make it harder to go back to his life and take whatever he supposedly deserved. Stefan was bitter about it. He had reason to be. He knew it would continue until he finally fought against it. But failure could cost him his life. He didn't know if could beat his father. But what he did know what that compared to his father Stefan was a twig. A small, color blind, pathetic excuse for a human. Stefan had a very negative few on life but he knew nothing else. He was negative because he had been made to become this. To believe the world was only bad. Stefan knew it was only his father who was bad to him. He was sure the world was full of good things. Things people saw, in colour. Which he would never see. Stefan looked down at the ground and blinked several times rapidly. He was blinking small tears away. He was so tired of his life. So worn out and exhausted from the way he was treated. A small rumble from the sky and the rain began to fall. Stefan looked up and felt small drops of water fall onto his face. He was covered by the trees. That let little water through though it hammered down hard. He wondered what rain actually looked like. What other people saw it as. Rather than how he saw it. Stefan smiled. He had never been in rain like this before. He felt more at home and calm in the rain. In the cold dampness.
Stefan stood up and walked to the nearby bench sitting in the clearing, already drowning in water. He took off his thick jumper, which was black. And threw it onto the ground beside the bench. Stefan sat on the bench. The rain in seconds wetting his entire body. Making his t-shirt stick to chest and his hair stick to his face. Stefan had several other bruises on his arms, they would be very visible to most as the blue/black colours against his pale skin made them as clear as blue skies. But to Stefan they looked older, and a lot less clear. Stefan smiled widely. He was happy. Happy. Something he had not been in a long while. If ever. He didn't care that he would have to return to his dad, he had already in the time he'd been at the park, had the best day of his life so far. Stefan looked up at the clouds above his head and then in front of him. Although it looked like Stefan had been to hell and back, bringing with him bruises, a black eye and scars, he looked very happy. Happiness being something Stefan had never really felt before and had at times worried if he would ever be able to feel it. This new found freedom was exactly what Stefan had been waiting for.
Jamie was given much freedom in New Zealand to go and do what he wanted to until school start which was just around the corner. Jamie had most of everything he needed or wanted and so it was not like he had anything to do anyways so he decided to head to a local park and enjoy the weather before it rained. The wind was picking up and Jamie could almost feel the energy in the air around him as he walked to the park.
Jamie was an oddity both in the muggle world and the magical world, which caused him to be accepted in neither but born of both. At an early age Jamie was left on a monastery steps in japan, after his parents disappeared to be taken care of by the monks who often took in young boys who wished to fallow in the righteous path. Jamie first new he was different when he realized that he had pale skin an blues with near silver hair, while all of his brothers were tan with dark hair and dark eyes. That was when the master told him that he was American born and that he was never claimed by anyone as such the monks took him in instead of sending him to an orphanage. Jamie could not believe that he was American but did not let it hold him back from his training. That is until he got his acceptance letter to Hogwarts.
However Jamie believe it was a gift from the gods and that they chose him to be a great warrior of the people who would fight corruption much like Robin Hood. So it was to everyone surprise to see an American boy dressed in samurai clothing and carrying his wooden bokken on his hip. A few people in the park laughed and pointed but Jamie shrugged it off as he headed to a nearby tree and sat down and pulled an apple from his sleeve and began eating. That was when Jamie notice the boy sitting around the other side of tree, Jamie peeked around the back of the tree and saw a boy who looked like him, well who looked like he was the same color with blue eyes which caused Jamie to get excited, but before he could say anything the boy got up and walked away to sit on a bench. So Jamie followed and that was when the rain began to come down.
Jamie watched the boy sit and tilt his head back and close his eyes, what Jamie saw next made him begin to cry. The boy was cover in bruises and scars which told Jamie that the boy was being beat up by someone. Abuse was Jamies weak spot and caused him much heartache, all he wanted to do was to make the bruise go away and protect the boy from harm. Jamie saw many people get hurt back home and wished he could save everyone and protect them all that was why he was going to school. The boy looked so calm and peacefully almost beautiful in a tragic way, Amie step closer "You should not be out in the rain you will get sick!" Jamie said over the rain to the boy.
In a perfect world, Stefan would either be colourblind and in a loving family. Or in a family like he had currently, with perfect sight. But Stefan knew it was just his luck to have both. Completely colourblind and in a family, that couldn't even be called a family. Sometimes Stefan would lie on his bed at night imagining his mother, and how things would be different if she was around. How she would look, what she would say. How she would comfort him. When he most needed to be comforted. Stefan could not help but imagine his mother. He wanted her to be in life so badly, and yet whenever he thought of her, all he could really do was cry. Stefan was glad of the rain. The way it hit his skin. The sound it made on the floor and on the leaves. The way with a small gust of wind, it could entirely change direction. It was a strange bliss. Where others found bliss in sun, the pale boy found bliss in rain. In clouds. And in lightened darkness. Of course, the main reason he hated the sun, was that when it was sunny, Stefan was basically blind. It was an odd feeling being colourblind, but even worse, when he was completely blind. Stefan had never really had anyone to speak to about his life. About how he was colour blind. And if he was honest with himself he could not imagine himself being able to tell someone that he was colour blind. How could someone react to that, he always told himself. It would be too weird, for the other person, to imagine themselves in his position, unable to tell, what colour his own eyes were. Unless his eyes were a shade of grey, then he had no clue. His father would never tell him, a question like sent his father off the wall. No son of mine is colourblind. The words ringed in Stefan's ear. He knew his father saw as little more than a pathetic human. Who didn't deserve to be treated like a human. Stefan's smile faded. His eyes were closed, and his head still titled back, but a frown, was beginning to replace the smile. Stefan couldn't stand up to his dad, but he wanted to so bad, tell his dad (well more yell at his dad) that he was human, and that he wanted to be treated like one.
Stefan was quite unaware of people around him. It was when the sound of footsteps against puddles that alerted Stefan. Instantly he thought it to be his father. But when the voice spoke Stefan knew it was not his fathers. Although, the sudden voice, made Stefan's eyes fly open, and made him stand up to find out who had spoke. A boy, about his age was running over to him. He said something about sick and Stefan looked down at the jumper he had thrown upon the floor. As the other boy neared, through habit Stefan took a step back. He had no idea what this boy was like. If he meant Stefan harm or didn't. It didn't occur to him, that no all people were his dad. He trusted no one, because he had no one to trust. Stefan only knew one person, and that was his dad. And he wasn't the best person in the world. He was the exact opposite. Stefan leaned forward, and took his jumper from the ground. He didn't speak, or look directly at the boy. Stefan was looking down at the ground. He wasn't sure what to do. He knew he should speak. Say something, or look up at least. But Stefan found he could do neither. He looked down at the soaked jumper in his hands. With one deep breath, Stefan glanced up at the boy. He did not smile, but his face showed worry and fear. He was worried about what the boy would do. And scared for the same reason. It didn't help that he couldn't make out what the boy really looked like. The clothes he wore seemed odd. But they didn't strike Stefan straight away, he had no idea about the world, for all he really knew, how the boy was dressed would be common for the people of New Zealand. Stefan titled his head. The boy, seemed as though he was crying. Stefan thought that was extremely odd. The boy looked well. From what Stefan could tell. He didn't look underweight, bruised or anything. Stefan wondered what the boy actually looked like. Being colour blind, he actually couldn't tell. He could see features, but he didn't know what colour the boy's hair was, or eyes, or skin. It left Stefan feeling a little exposed. Since Stefan didn't know what he looked like, but he knew what Stefan looked like.
Stefan looked back down at the ground, and took a further step back. He couldn't help himself in doing so. His mind was telling to say something. Anything. Stefan looked back up at the boy. "Being sick, is least of my worries" Stefan said quietly and quickly. He did not have much of an accent. His voice had a Kiwi tinge to it, but it sounded almost English. Stefan looked back down at the ground, feeling himself blush, if he could even do so. He felt a warmth in his cheeks, but he was unsure if that meant, that he was going red in the cheeks or something else. He'd never seen it. He had no idea how he was meant to be able to tell. Stefan looked back up at the boy. "Sorry" Stefan said quickly, while taking a small step forward and sitting back on the bench. Glancing to and from the boy, wondering what he was going to do. Stay or go. Stefan didn't mind what the boy left. It wouldn't make much difference to Stefan's life. He was alone anyway. If he stayed, Stefan was unsure about how he would be able to deal with it. Stefan wasn't used to company. He was unsure as to what the boy was like. Stefan knew sooner or later, the bruises and the scars would come into the conversation, if he or the other boy tried to start one. But something inside of Stefan wanted him to talk to the boy. To just talk to someone. Who wouldn't hurt him if he said something wrong. Even if, it was only for the day, Stefan wouldn't mind someone to talk to. But Stefan, had no idea how to start a conversation. He'd never done it before, and Stefan hoped, if the boy didn't go, that he would know a little more about socializing than he did. Although Stefan knew that most would know more than him. And he was willing to bet that a dog knew how to socialize better than he did. At times, Stefan could see the logic in his father's hateful words.
Fear...it was a sickness that once someone had they wore it on their face all the time, and young boy had it written in his eyes and his stance. Jamie bit his bottom a bad habit he started when he was worried or trying to figure out things in his head. The boy was afraid of him and it worried Jamie as to why was the boy afraid of him, it made himself conscious as he looked down at himself as he tried to see what would scare the boy. Jamie. Realized that his sword was something that would cause fear, but did he dare take his sword off for a stranger. What if the boy was dangerous, then Jamie would be left unarmed to defend himself. But then he looked at the boy who looked like him, and realized the boy would not hurt him.
Jamie looked around and after making sure the area was clear he began to untie the knot that kept his sword in place. This would hopefully reassure the blue eye stranger of his harmlessness, within seconds the cord came loose and Jamie held his sword out in front of him as he step forward and placed the sword on the bench next to the boy. Then Jamie stepped in front of the boy and examined the scars and bruises and was overwhelmed with the desire to try and make them go away. A tear rolled down his face and he quickly wiped it. Away as he spoke in English.
"Who hits you like this? They should not hurt you like this?" Jamie said as he almost reached out to touch a rather nasty bruise on the boys eye. Jamie pulled back and looked down as his silver hair hung down hiding his anger. He knew that he should not get involved but he could sit around like his brothers did and watch people suffer. He was a warrior and as one he had to protect those who could not protect themselves. This was the first boy he met with blue eye like his and for that reason alone he felt a connection with the boy. Jamie needed friends and it seemed so did the boy.
Stefan just sat with his head bent, he'd watched the boy, placed down, something weird, something Stefan had never seen before. It wasn't hard. Stefan hadn't seen a lot before. He didn't get out, it meant he didn't see the world. It meant he had no clue what the boy was doing. So while Stefan in the back of his mind, thought this was a sign of peace. Was so unsure, he was still scared. He had no idea why someone would talk to him. Come near him. He was sure, with the way he looked no one would venture near. But as Stefan watched the boy, who seemed very interested in him, he noticed that the boy was actually crying. Stefan had a feeling that maybe it was the rain. His eye sight was poor. There was no way for him to really tell what was happening. Stefan watched him. There was an oddness about the boy. An oddness even colour blind Stefan could tell. The way it seemed the boy cared, made Stefan feel more alone than he had ever done in his entire life. His life was made up of one person. Making him think of himself as nothing, and this boy. Who'd known him less than ten minutes, cared. Stared at his scars and bruises, as if it would help them fade. But they weren't bad. The bruises Stefan had currently weren't bad, at least through his eyes they weren't bad. But he could never really tell. Obviously in his eyes, nothing was really as it seemed. He had never watched films before, but he always to himself, that every film was a black and white one. no matter if it had been made in Black and White, or if it had not. It was little things like that, which made Stefan feel not so bad about being colour blind. Of course it was only briefly, but even the smallest of times thinking about something other than what he could see was good. It kept his mind, off what really awaited him. Which was why Hogwarts was the biggest ray of sunshine, that Stefan had ever seen. And Stefan couldn't see in sunlight.
Hogwarts was more than an escape for Stefan. He saw it, as a way of leaving everything he knew behind. And Actually growing as a proper human being. As a person. And possibly to even see if the wizards had a cure, for what he had. He didn't know how much more medically advanced the magical folk would be, but he figured they had to be a little further than muggles, or at least help him a little, in understanding why he was like that, and if he would pass it on, if he was ever to reach the point of having children. But his mind didn't often think of the future. It stayed on the present pretty much, because for years, it was all about living to see the next day. Now he had something to look forward, something to live for. Stefan kept his eyes on the boy, as he spoke. Stefan didn't want to talk about how he got the scars. It was silly of him to go into it, with this boy. For all he knew it could be a trap set by his dad. The escape he had warned Stefan to not do. Telling someone, meant that Stefan was looking for an escape. His father was letting him go to School. He didn't want to do anything to upset his father. Stefan wanted to go to hogwarts more badly than he had ever wanted to go anywhere in his life. Stefan leaned back and shook his head. He didn't want to talk about it. But He didn't know how the boy would react to that. Stefan wondered if he should just lie to the boy in front of him. It wasn't exactly the best thing to do. But In no dimension, could he see himself telling this stranger about his home life. He didn't want to lose his chance at Hogwarts. he didn't want to scare the boy away. He didn't want to admit to himself what he knew went on in his house. Stefan met the boys eyes properly for the first time. Grey. Stefan didn't know if this was the actual colour of them, but he saw grey. Fear and wonder filled his own eyes. He wondered if the boy had blue or green, or brown eyes. Or if he really did have grey eyes. Stefan wondered that about his own appearance. It was pointless, he would never know. "No one hit me." Stefan said looking back down at the jumper. Clearly lying. Stefan had no real idea how to lie. He didn't lie often. Lying was bad. In Stefan's house, Lying was as bad as speaking out of turn, or making noise.
"I fall down stairs" Stefan continued still staring down. Fiddling with his hands, and feeling pretty awful. He didn't know what else to say. He didn't say all that much to begin with, but he knew even less. Stefan wasn't one to talk on and on. He barely spoke. The amount he had said in this small conversation, if it could be called that, was more than he would generally saw in a week. it felt weird, to hear his voice so often. Stefan looked away from the boy. Unsure of what to do. "They're not that bad, Anyway." Stefan almost whispered as he looked back down to the ground. His voice was barely above a whisper. But, he was nervous, and still afraid. Stefan gave a small cough. He no longer felt at peace in the rain. He felt afraid. He was beginning to regret the new freedom. He hated being in the house, but out of the house, he felt alone, and scared and almost every other feeling he had when at home. Stefan hated it. He looked up at the boy. "I'm completely colourblind" Stefan said. Slowly, and more clearly. He sighed once he had said it. Out of all the things that were wrong with him and his life, he longed to tell someone he was colourblind. It had been on his mind, as he regretted the freedom. He felt good about getting that off his chest. About telling someone, that he couldn't see colour. It made him feel like he had explained the scars and bruises. It made him, feel a tiny bit less scared. He had wanted, and imagined for so long telling someone about the colour blindness. He had never thought that it would be the first person he met. But then, this was the first person he had ever met who cared about him. Even just a little. Stefan kept his eyes on the boy. Ever so often looking down, waiting for him to do all the speaking.
Jamie sat down on the bench next to the boy and looked at him with his head cocked to the side, what the boy had told him amazed him but then some of the things he said mad him extremely mad. Jamie knew of blindness but color blindness was not something he was familiar with but by the words he would guess it would be a condition that didnt allow the boy to see colors. Jamie smiled in Japan at least in the old days the boy would have been greatly prized for his condition and also the boy was rather pale which was deeply admired with the ancient ones as well as delicate and innocent. Jamie was not one to care what boys looked like or girls for that matter but he knew what was admired and the boy was unique just like Jamie and so he was no longer alone at least he hoped he was not alone. "I have silver hair and almost pale blue eye, I am Japanese but I do not look like my brothers because I am also American. Yet... we are the same you and I we are special and you have eyes like mine! I am going to be a great samurai someday and so until then I will protect you and we will be friends." Jamie said with enthusiasm. You will be like my first boss and I will fight those pesky stairs so they never hurt you again, did you know you have eyes like me, in the old days a samurai kept people like they kept treasure, do you want to be my treasure I have to have many so that I will be even greater maybe a shogun even." Jamie stood up and puffed his chest out big as if he could take on the world.
Then he realized that the boy may not want to be friends with him or even his treasure or his boss, the boy may not want anything to do with him. Jamie was use to not being wanted; no one seemed to want him at all. Jamie remember crying himself to sleep wishing he had a family like all of his brothers, most of them had families out side of the temple that they would visit from time to time but Jamie never had anyone to visit him. Now in this hard to reach place far from his brothers he realized he was completely on his own with no one to call friend and no one who wanted him. Jamie let his hair cover his tears once more as the rain began to ease up and stop, Jamie grabbed his sword and retied it quickly feeling embarrassed for getting so attached to a person without them wanting him to. Jamie was confused and he felt that confusion on his face as he tried to figure out the feeling he could not put in words. Jamie bowed deeply to the young man I am so sorry, I ..." was all Jamie said as he turned and began walking away.
Stefan could not stray his mind as the boy spoke. It was like he was trying to understand him. But all Stefan could really see was that the boy actually seemed to care. With each passing minute Stefan felt more confused about the boy. He seemed so nice, he had a caring tone and yet all Stefan could think was that it was really too good to be true. There wasn't a shred of doubt within Stefan's mind that didn't think the boy was a trap. He was offering protection and friendship. Friendship Stefan wanted but knew after today would be pointless and protection. Stefan could not say he trusted the boy. He couldn't say that he knew what he was up to. But Stefan listened, his eyes closed trying to keep himself from running off. Stefan in his minds eye could not see the colour but he could feel that the boy was maybe telling the truth about his appearance. Stefan could never be sure. He had no way of checking, of being sure. Everything within him told himself to not believe hat was being said. To ignore it and assume the boy was making it all up because he didn't believe Stefan and his only true statement so far. Stefan reopened his eyes and looked at the boy as he went on about something called a samari. Stefan had no clue what this was or how it would in turn affect him. Protection was all that was being offered. But Stefan wasn't going to accept it. No matter how interesting or how much easier his life would be with protection. Stefan looked down at his hands. The scars stared back at him, taunting. It annoyed Stefan that his father had caused him all that. That his father was the reason Stefan was afraid of more than he loved.
Stefan looked to the boy, as he began apologizing. Stefan wondered if he had done something wrong. If he had overstepped by talking about being blind. Or if this was just a further step in his fathers trap. Stefan just stared. Wide eyed and feeling hopeless. Stefan knew he wasn't exactly the easiest person to get to know. But this was the first conversation Stefan had ever had with someone his age. Hell, it was the first conversation he had ever had with someone other than his father. Thinking of his father as the other boy felt silent, really brought home how weird and unaware he would seem to almost everyone else. His father was right. Stefan didn't know what to do. He watched as the boy gather his belongings and with an apology walked away. In his mind he was yelling, telling the boy he wanted them to be friends. And that he wanted protection. He wanted to feel safe. But Stefan could not find his voice or the courage to take the risk. Instead Stefan stood watching. As the boy he had believed to be kind walked off. It really Stefan wonder if what the boy had said had been true. Stefan had no idea where Japan was, but he assumed it was far. Stefan wondered why the boy was so far from home. And if he was a trap sent by his dad, then how had he manage to be unharmed. Stefan wondered if it was just him. He had a plague or something everyone just hated. "Sorry" Stefan said. Trying to yell, but his voice only reaching what most people would call normal. Stefan didn't bother to see if the boy had heard. He wasn't quite sure why he had apologized but it was the first thing his mind had let him say. And it seemed so pointless.
father is right about me. Stefan thought to himself as he sat back down. "Come back" Stefan continued. Feeling more and more silly by the second. There was no way the boy could still hear him, and even if he could it seemed pretty certain that he would not be coming back. It was a little upsetting for Stefan. The first person willing to talk to him, had run off. Had just gone. Stefan felt his eyes well up. He didn't want to cry. He knew it was a sign of weakness. His father hated people crying. It angered him. Stefan could just see his father seeing the tears and striking him. No arguments or snappy comments. His father did not wait. But even as Stefan was telling himself to stop crying tears just poured down his face. It wasn't clear that he was crying because of the rain. And Stefan had no idea that eyes went red when a person cried. How could he, his father had never explained to him he looked. The other had said they had similar eyes, but Stefan didn't know. He would never be certain. It was there word against what he couldn't see. Stefan wiped his eyes. And looked around him hoping to see the boy again. If he came back, Stefan knew it meant that it wasn't a trap. His father only tried things once. He didn't repeatedly do things apart from hit Stefan. Stefan had no idea how a friendship with the odd boy could even work but to even go home knowing he had a friend, or an almost friend, was something Stefan was beginning to deeply desire. Someone to run to if his dad suddenly changed his mind about Hogwarts. "I am as worthless as my father makes me seem." Stefan whispered to himself under his breath. He was now really seeing that his father had a point. No one wanted to be friends with a colour blind boy.
"Sorry"
The words were carried on the air dodging the rain drops as it raced to touch Jamies ears, and when the words reached their destination it caused the blue eyed samurai to stop in his tracks. Then the emotion was back, and Jamie was realized what the emotion was and it was togetherness, it was the counter to loneliness. Jamie turned back and looked over at the boy who now looked like he was fighting a demon in his mind and Jamie wanted to help, but how? How could a stranger help another stranger? Then the boy said with sadness "Come Back!" and Jamie found himself turning back and going back to the boy as if he needed the boy as much as he needed him. Jamie did not say a word as he reached the bench and he knew did not hear him at first because he was lost in his own thoughts. The boy was battling hard with something big and so far away that Jamie would never be able to get there, Jamie was about to reach out to let the boy know he was there when the young guy spoke one more time. "I am as worthless as my dad makes me seem" Jamie frowned at the words as if they were a bad smell that he had just inhaled, and like a bad smell Jamie waved the words off trying to make them go away. Jamie placed a hand on the boys shoulder as he knelt in front of him trying to look into his eyes.
"You are not worthless, you are like me and we are special like a rare gemstone or a rare baseball card so we must stick together you and me, and I will protect you forever as long as we stay together. I am going to a special school that will teach me how to be a better warrior, the place is called Hogwarts do you know of it?" Jamie said as he brushed away the boys tears and then stood back up with a huge cheese smile on his face as he hoped the boy was going to the school of magic also. If he was then Jamie would be able to be a proper body guard for his new boss. Jamie was no longer alone and that was something to be excited for and no one could take it away!
Stefan flinched when he felt a hand on his shoulder. He had to fight the urge to shake the boy off. There was no way his dad would try harder than one attempt to make Stefan cave to the escape he had been warned about. Obviously there was a small part of him saying that he was wrong, and was misjudging his father. But there was something about the boy, that made Stefan less likely the follow the little warning voice in the back of his head. It was stay alert, but Stefan would chose to ignore him. Out the corner of his eye, Stefan noted the boy, getting down in front of him. Stefan did not meet the boys eyes. He couldn't a part of him felt so desperate that he couldn't meet the boys eyes. Also, to Stefan it did not matter, eye contact, as not being able to see colour made him less willing to look at people properly. People being his dad and now this boy. For one thing, seeing in grey, white and black made everything seem less worthwhile. Of course, he didn't really know what it was like to see colour, but it would be better. It would be more interesting. it would just be better. It would also mean, that everyday was different. Instead of the exact same. The same three colours. (shades of grey giving little variation to sight). Stefan partially ignored the boy. He didn't want to listen anymore. He was glad of the company. Of someone, but the words meant little to him. He wanted protection, but since after this day, he would no longer have it. Not ever. He wanted to break free, but his father's grip was a lot stronger than anything about Stefan. He would wait until school. Until he was sure, his father couldn't touch him. Until he was certain, he couldn't be harmed by him. Until he couldn't be controlled by him. Stefan was patient. Hell, he was more patient than anyone else in the world. He was ready to bet on that. And Stefan wasn't the type to put anything on the line. Unless he was more certain than certain.
Hogwarts This made Stefan look up in confusion at the boy. Hogwarts, the school he was going to, the boy was mentioning. Alarm bells were ringing furiously inside him. It had be his father behind him. A whole joke about Stefan's freedom, riding upon the so called school. It didn't exist. His father would drive him to the train station, and leave him there, to starve and fade away. His father was playing on his emotions. Stefan had believed the letter so badly. He wanted it to be true. But, there was no way magic existed. It was ridiculous for him to even have believed it. Stefan inwardly cursed himself. He didn't know what to do more than ever now. The boy was surely lying. Hogwarts was a joke made by his father. Stefan had such a deep hatred for his father, but being fooled in such a fashion, made him feel terrible. And silly. Unless it was true, and the boy, actually wanted to know. He would find out, on the day that he was meant to go. The boy had a huge smile. Stefan had never seen anyone smile like that. But Stefan didn't smile back. He kept his look of confusion. "Hogwarts?" Stefan said. He had to lie about the school. Stefan couldn't see his life being good if he didn't and actually said to the boy, that he was going to the school. If it turned out that it wasn't happening, it would hurt a lot more. If it happened, he'd at least know someone, who might not be willing to talk to him, when he realized he lied. Stefan sighed to himself. Either way, someone would be annoyed and Stefan was either going to be hurt or hurt someone else. He didn't want to, but Stefan felt he should be more cautious about life than most others. Than anyone else. "Sorry, I don't go to school" Stefan said, pretending to assume that it was in fact a school. Since it would be obviously that. Stefan looked back down at the ground. And wondered what to say. But he realized one thing, He had no idea who this boy was. And although, Stefan didn't know if it would even matter, he looked up at the boy. He held out his hand to the boy. His scarred hand.
"Stefan." Stefan said quietly. "Stefan Archer," Stefan didn't know what was important about saying his second name, but he assumed people did that. He didn't know what else to say. He wondered if he should add anything on to his name. A pleased to meet you, or something else about him. In the end he opted for both "Clumsy colour blind boy. I'm thankful I've met you" Stefan knew he wasn't clumsy, but it seemed better to try and cover what had actually caused his bruises and scars. He didn't think the boy would want to talk to him if he told him the truth.
Stefan Archer... What a unique name? Jamie thought as he looked at the boy with a huge smile on his face, the boy was opening up and slowly but surely they would be the best of friends even though the boy was still not telling Jamie the whole truth. Jamie stood and took a deep bow from the waist My name is James Killian, but you can call me Jamie." Jamies said in a soft welcoming voice. Jamie was used to being made fun because of his nick name but he did not care as much about that anymore. Stick and stones, his master taught him growing up as well as violence cannot fix all the problems in the world. Jamie loved his master almost like a father figure but since the Abbot was a beacon for many Jamie could not be so selfish as trying to claim his attention all to himself, the older man had taught him a great many things all of which Jamie used to better his life and the life of everyone he touched. He was trying to help Stefan but he was fighting it too much and that made it tough, the boy wanted to say more and even wanted to be friends Jamie guessed but something on the inside was preventing it from happening. When the boy heard Hogwarts Jamie notice his expression change a few times before he told him the lie about not going to school. Jamie knew everyone had to go to some form of school even in the temple he was still required to do a certain level of education. Jamie decided that the boy must be able to do magi like him and the though alone made Jamie smile wide.
"You can do it cant you? You can do special things like me?" Jamie asked in a low whisper as he sat down on the bench next to the boy. Jamie first realized that he had a special gift when one day he was practicing in the meditation room a cat with a hurt paw wondered in Jamie caught the cat and began looking him over. Jamie held the cats injured paw and wished with all his might that the cat would be better and as he began to cry the warm feeling came of Jamie and the cats foot was all better. Jamie was later visited by some very special people who told him that he was a wizard and would be attending school to learn to use magic and the ways of the wizard. Jamie knew that there were others like him but he had not met one yet. Stefan was a wizard like him, but Jamie had to know for certain because there was a cost to telling people who did not know about the gifted and it was not one he was willing to pay.
Even though, Stefan knew the boy was only smiling to make him more comfortable, Stefan felt himself be wary of it. Of the fact that someone could be happy, and smiley. Foreign Concepts to Stefan. He could smile, he just had very little reason for it. And he knew he wasn't happy. Stefan had no idea how anyone could be happy. He was sure others were treated better than him, but he had no idea how anyone could be happy. Stefan knew that his father took pleasure in seeing Stefan writhe upon the floor in pain. The laughter that was emitted from his father's mouth was enough to tell a newborn baby that he was happy. And in a way, Stefan thought people were only happy watching others in pain. But it was clear, this boy was the opposite. He had acted upset when he'd first seen Stefan, the signs of physical abuse so clear, but now, it was less about him, and more about School, and introductions, the boy was happy. There was a lot to learn about the world. Stefan could see that now. He knew it would take him forever to figure out. But he would. And in time, he would know about as much as the boy, James, did. Stefan wondered why the boy asked him about magic in a low whisper. Stefan had to get the boy off his back about the magic. He didn't want it to be a trap. And only when they both supposedly got to Hogwarts, would Stefan believe in the magic. Only when he was within the halls of the school, would Stefan believe in the magic, and the escape that was possible. It would have to be only then. Stefan, unlike the boy who seemed to are about him, knew he would take longer to care. To want to be completely honest with someone. It was for good reason. He couldn't imagine being honest about his past to a boy, or any person he barely knew. Stefan would take time. If the school was real, he would eventually probably tell someone. If it wasn't. Stefan didn't think he would ever tell someone.
Stefan just shook his head. He knew exactly what James meant, Stefan had done special things at times. He was sure, it had saved his life a few times. The one that spoke out to him most clearly, was his 10th birthday. It spoke out to him clearly, because he'd been thrown across his bedroom, and his father had misjudged his throwing skills, and sent Stefan out the window. Stefan had fallen from a two story building, with nothing but a small bruise on his arm, and a small bruise on his left shoulder. Stefan had never felt more scared than that day. As he had fallen, he had felt a warmth within him, and the ground had been soft. Stefan knew this was the magic. He knew that now. It had taken his father more surprise, and the consequence, was his father had been even angrier at Stefan. Stefan shook his head again. He would deny such things as what the boy was hinting at. He would come clean, when the time was right. And when it was proven to him, that it wasn't all just some scheme set by his dad. Stefan knew he would have to lie a little more. He felt terrible about the lying, but he didn't want to clean. He feared James, and what he could do with the information Stefan could divulge if he told the truth. "No, Nothing special about me. Unless you count colourblindness. But that's a curse." Stefan close to pleaded. trying to get himself to believe his own words. He didn't want to say he was going. It would make it harder if it wasn't true. And Stefan had to first look out for his own interests. He shook his head again and met the boy's stare. Grey. Stefan hated his sight. He would rather be blind and not see the world at all, than be colourblind, and only see have of it. At least if he was blind, he could imagine colour. Stefan couldn't even imagine the stuff. As hard as he could try, he never could see colour. He didn't dream in colour. His whole life was a black and white horror film. He wondered if the boy was even aware of the implications of colour blindness. It didn't seem as such, but he could be very wrong about the boy. Stefan shook his head again.
"I am not special, I can't even read. Or write." Stefan lied further. He could read, just. But his writing and spelling were awful. He had never had the chance to learn how to write properly. He'd tried to start some form of diary. Documenting, everything that happened in any given day. But he'd found it hard to write, and after a few days, he could barely make out what was written. He wondered what James would think of him. Stefan though seeing through black white and grey, could tell that James had been brought up well. Taught about life, treated with respect. And clearly taught how to read and write. Stefan wanted to be friends. But he had to be sure, that the boy was not working for his father. Or there to hurt him. He had to be more sure than sure. he had to be so certain, that James was someone he could trust with the information about his life, before he would stop lying. And because this was the first person to speak to him, apart from his dad. Stefan had no idea how long that would take. He just hoped James would not have gotten bored by that point.
Jamie got the cue loud and clear and that was to back off, the boy was putting up road block to prevent him from getting closer and so with a deep breath and a slight nod of his head he accepted the boys wishes to not get personal. Jamie felt crushed once more but this time he knew there was hope for something better in the future he hoped. He would work to be Stefans friend if that means coming to this very park every single day for the next month until he went away to school to hang out with Stefan and earn his trust. Jamie frowned when the boy spoke of his colorblindness, maybe someone at the school would be able to show him how to do a spell that would allow the boy to see color, or at least allow him to show him if only for a second all the colors in the world then that way Stefan could paint the world in his eyes how he wanted. Jamie laughed a little when the boy talked about reading and writing but that was more aimed at Jamie the Stefan.
"I like to read but I can write very well but that is only because I had to learn how to write in different languages. If you want I can teach you how to read, or I can read to you if you like?" Jamie said with a big smile on his face again, he always loved to read and sometimes he used to read to the smaller boys at the temple which brought him much happiness to share something with someone else especially if it helped someone. After all if they could meet every day then he would not be so lonely and he could still look after Stefan that is of course if the boy had any desire to want to learn to read and write.