He had always loved the sun and warmth.

It was for that reason that Cyril always woke up with a bigger smile on his face, one that he did not show anyone else other than his aunt. The smell of the ocean, mingled with the scent of fresh, blooming flowers, wafted in through his open window and enticed him to get out of bed. The boy yawned widely as he sat up, running a hand through his long, ebony hair. The warm summer breeze tousled it with invisible fingers and brushed against the fabric of his curtains. With a sigh, he pushed himself off of the bed and prepared himself for the day. After that, he made his way down the wooden stairs to the first floor, where another smell caught his attention. This wasn’t the smell of flowers, or the ocean… but food.

Cyril walked into the kitchen, drowsily looking around it with a mellow expression on his face. Their little house was a modest thing, and the smallest space in the living establishment was the kitchen. It was so small that he usually had to squeeze past her to get to the refrigerator. Cyril liked it. He wasn’t a fan of huge living spaces anyway. That, and he could easily see what his aunt was cooking without getting caught. A quick glance over her shoulder as he brushed past her was enough to tell that she was cooking omelets. His stomach grumbled slightly, and, chuckling a bit, made his way to the fridge as he did every morning.

“Good morning, Cyril.” his aunt chirped, lifting her hazel-green eyes from the simmering pan and glancing over at him. She was a young woman of about twenty seven, with short, feathery black hair. “I see that you’re in a good mood.”

Another harsh chuckle escaped his lips. [b]”You know how your cooking always makes me happy.”[/b] he told her as he poured some orange juice for himself. [b]”And I like it when it’s warm. It’s a good start so far.”[/b]

“Ah~” she sang, raising her spatula and blinking over at him. “If you like my food and the warmth, then you should go out a sec and pick up some eggs. I just realized these are expired.” she looked toward the carton of eggs near the stove, a frown on her lips. “I’m so careless.”

Cyril nodded and straightened out his clothing, the small smile he had on his face fading. [b]”Don’t worry, auntie. I’ll get them for you.”[/b] he downed the rest of the juice before brushing past her again, making his way to the door. [b]”I’ll be back in five minutes.”[/b]

“Don’t wander off, Cyril. The vegetables will burn if you take too long.”

[b]”Okay.”[/b] Cyril answered as he left the house. The sun wasn’t very harsh as it shone down its golden rays on the streets, but he was sure that as the days passed, it wouldn’t be as merciful. He walked down the street that led to the town square. He usually didn’t like being there because Trespiano was so small that everyone knew everyone. Maybe there were a few exceptions, but… he just didn’t want to see any classmates. This was summertime—he didn’t want to be reminded of the annoying days of school. Heaving a sigh, he walked to a small grocery store that was run by an old friend. 

He was in and out in three minutes, explaining to the old man behind the counter that he really couldn’t stay and chat because his aunt needed the eggs right away. After he paid him, he walked out of the store with the eggs. [i]I have to hurry back home.[/i] he thought as he looked down at the plastic bag that hung from his hand. [i]Or else, auntie’s omelet will be ruin-[/i]

Cyril grunted as he collided with another form, making him stagger backwards and dropping the bag. He growled under his breath when his eyes rested on the mess that was made. The eggs pooled under the bag, crawling over the old, cobblestone floor. [b]”Seriously?”[/b] his voice was as rough as his laugh, and he glared up at the boy that bumped into him. [b]”You’re paying for this.”[/b] 

---

“Ah, it’s a good day, isn’t it, Fionn?”

Fionn winced lightly as a rough hand came down on his blond head of hair, ruffling his golden locks to and fro. Even if the action had bothered him at first, the Welsh boy soon grew fond of it. It was something that his brother usually did, no matter how annoying. It showed that he was cared for, that he was loved, and that he wasn’t ignored. Fionn grinned up at the tall man as they walked down the street. His brother, Reiner, was a good man. Even if Fionn didn’t think he looked much like one of his kin, he was sure that he was blood. While Fionn had blond hair, Reiner had a dark, earthy brown. While Fionn had bright, amber eyes, Reiner had the darkest blue that he ever saw. [i]It doesn’t matter.[/i] [b]”It’s really warm today. I’m already sweating.”[/b]

Reiner laughed. “You’ll get used to it. It’s much better than the eternally cloudy skies of Wales.” he rolled his eyes as he groaned. “Honestly, I don’t think that the sun ever peeked out from behind those gloomy clouds!”

Fionn smiled as they continued to walk. [b]”It wasn’t always cloudy, Reiner. I honestly think that you came to Trespiano so you can follow that pretty Italian girl-“[/b]

It was obvious that Reiner was flustered. Playfully putting his little brother in a headlock, he brought him against his body and hissed down at him. “That pretty Italian girl is my wife, now.” he told him as the boy writhed in his grip. “And I just wanted to get away from the bleak weather, that’s all.”

After Reiner let him go, Fionn regained his composure. He never joked around or laughed with anyone that wasn’t family. At least he had the guts to do so with Reiner. The two walked in silence for a little bit more, making their way to the town square. Reiner had to pick up something for his wife, and Fionn decided to accompany him. It was a rather pretty day, Fionn admitted, even if it was a bit too sunny for his taste. 

“Oh crap,” Reiner paused, grinding his teeth as he paused. Fionn glanced over at him. “I forgot my wallet at home. Wait here.”

Fionn smiled a bit as his brother ran down the street, shaking his head. [i]Oh Reiner. You’re always so forgetful.[/i] he thought, walking over to the shade that was cast by a larger building. [i]You almost even forgot your own wedding.[/i]