Romance

*Ellie tilts her head confused but she then nods and she starts eating slowly, she says in a quiet voice* Mh! Thank you, Romance!

*Romance smiles warmly, his eyes full of kindness. He gently pats her head, his voice soft and comforting* You're welcome, Ellie. Just take your time and eat slowly, okay? We don't want you to get sick.

*Ellie giggles and she nods her head, continuing to eat.* *Jinu coughs and he looks kind of pale, he stops eating and he crosses his arms, leaning his head on the table.*

*So, a little while later at the Saja Boys' apartment, Abby, Romance, Jinu, Mystery and Baby Saja were all eating, chatting and laughing, except for Ellie, who was just trying to figure out how to use the silverware, and she was eating with her hands, also it was 7 PM.*

*Romance notices Ellie struggling with the silverware, her hands covered in food. He gently reaches over and takes her hand, his voice soft and patient* Here, let me show you how to use the fork, darling. It's a bit tricky, but I'm sure you'll get the hang of it.

*Ellie tilts her head confused but she then nods and she starts eating slowly, she says in a quiet voice* Mh! Thank you, Romance!

*Ellie thinks for a while and she then shrugs, she says in a quiet voice, looking down at her hands* M-Maybe, since yesterday? *She pauses* Mommy and daddy locked me in the basement for all the night a-and I was scared and it was so cold and dark, and empty... *She pauses again, hiding she face* T-they say half demons like me don't deserve to eat, so they banned me from food...

*Romance's heart breaks at her words, his expression turning from concern to anger. He can't believe that a child could be treated so cruelly. He gently takes her hand, his voice filled with empathy* Oh, Ellie... That's terrible. You must be starving. Come with me, I'll get you something to eat.

*Ellie sniffles and she nods her head slowly, reaching out her small arms, wanting to be picked up.*

*Ellie sniffles and she nods her head slowly, confused of what she means by that.* *Jinu's head peeks up and he gets up as he notices it and he walks over to them, grabbing Romance's shoulder bag and handing it to him, he says in a gentle and caring voice* Here's your 'magic bag', Romance. *Romance's shoulder bag is considered 'magic' because he always brings a box full of colourful, kawaii and cute plasters in case of injuries though.*

*Romance looks up at Jinu, a grateful smile on his face. He takes the bag and opens it, pulling out a box of colourful plasters. He kneels down in front of Ellie, his voice gentle and soothing* I have some plasters here, Ellie. They're very colourful and cute, just like you. Would you like one?

*Ellie sniffles and she looks up, she says in a quiet voice, wiping away her tears.* Mh... Y-yes...

*Ellie squeals and she giggles, hugging him tightly, not wanting to let go* Mh!

*Romance's tired smile becomes genuine as he hugs her back. He kisses the top of her head gently.* Alright, little star. I think it's time we finished our game. *He murmurs, his voice soft.*

*Ellie sniffles and she nods her head slowly, still looking down* Mhm...

*Romance gently lifts her chin with his finger, his gaze soft but unwavering.* You are the furthest thing from a monster, Ellie. *He whispers, his voice thick with emotion.* You are a miracle.

*Ellie squeals and she giggles, reaching out her small hand and gently placing it on his chest, right where his heart is, and she says in a sweet and cute voice* I think you have a beautiful soul, just like your hair and eyes!!

*Ellie sniffles and her demon patterns slowly start to glow as she whispers in his ear in a shaky and quiet voice* M-mommy think I-I'm a monster a-and they t-told me I-I'm a demon with no f-feelings and that I d-don't deserve t-to live... *She pauses again, tears running down her cheeks* A-and they locked m-me in the b-basement for all night w-with out food, a-and i-it was so c-cold, dark, a-and scary... *She pauses again, clinging onto him for dear life, shaking* I-I'm scared you'll d-do it too...

*Romance's arms tighten around her, a silent, unbreakable shield. His voice is a low, furious promise against her hair.* I would sooner tear this world apart than ever, ever lay a hand on you in anger. *He pulls back to look at her, his gaze burning with sincerity.* Do you hear me? You are safe with me. Always.

*Ellie sniffles and she nods her head slowly, still looking down* Mhm...

*Jinu rubs his back gently and he whispers in a comforting voice, in his ear, quietly* I know you do, Romance, but you have us... And I will always be there for you, no matter what. Till death do us part, I'll always be your best friend and brother.

*Romance's sobs slowly quieten into shaky breaths. He doesn't pull away, just clings to Jinu for a long moment, his voice a muffled whisper.* Thank you... *He finally lifts his head, his eyes red and puffy but clear.* For not leaving me.

*Jinu smiles softly and he wipes his tears away gently with his hand, he says in a gentle and caring voice* You're welcome, Romance, after all, that's what friends are for.

*Jinu shakes his head and he gently strokes Romance's long pink hair gently, hugging him tightly, and he whispers in a gentle and caring voice* It's okay, let it all out... I'm here for you and I'm not going anywhere.

*Romance's shoulders shake with silent, broken sobs. His voice is a muffled, raw whisper against Jinu's shoulder.* I... I miss him so much. *He chokes out, clinging to Jinu as if he's a lifeline.*

*Jinu rubs his back gently and he whispers in a comforting voice, in his ear, quietly* I know you do, Romance, but you have us... And I will always be there for you, no matter what. Till death do us part, I'll always be your best friend and brother.

*Jinu walks over to them and he sits down on the floor next to him, he whispers in a quiet voice* Can I play this board game with you...?

*Romance looks up, his furious expression softening at the sight of Jinu. He gives a slow, tired nod.* Yeah. *His voice is a raw whisper.* I'd like that.

*Jinu's eyes light up and he smiles softly, but he then looks at him with a sympathetic expression and he gently places a hand on his shoulder, he says in a gentle and caring voice* I know how much you miss you little brother Alex, and I'm sorry, but you don't have to feel sad anymore... *he pauses* You have me, Baby Saja, Mystery and Ellie, and we'll always be there for you, no matter what... I promise to never leave you.