"It would have put you and your mother in great danger," Iciro explained, his voice trembling slightly. "Who knows what he might have done if he found out. I was already at risk by concealing my age and the true reason for my presence here. I had no choice but to keep it hidden."
Telemachus stared at Iciro, his eyes wide with a mix of shock and understanding.
"I'm sorr-"
"There's no need to say sorry," Iciro interrupted gently, his eyes softening. "It's not your fault. You did what you had to do to protect yourself and us."
A heavy silence filled the room, thick with unspoken emotions, until Hermes finally broke it:
"Don't you have something you wish to tell Iciro?" he said, his voice carrying a gentle nudge.
Telemachus glanced at Hermes, confusion clouding his face.
"What?"
Hermes' smile widened, a knowing glint in his eyes making Telemachus blush instantly.
"Tell who what?" Iciro asked, looking bewildered.
"Tell you something, young Iciro," Hermes replied calmly, his tone soothing.
"Is everything okay?" Iciro asked, concern etching lines on his forehead.
"Oh yes, everything is fine... but Dimidius and I are going to step out for a moment while you two talk."
"Wait, wait, step out?" Dimidius questioned, surprised. "Why?"
"Trust me," Hermes said, taking Dimidius' hand with a reassuring squeeze. "What they will be discussing is a private matter. But don't worry. You'll know in due time."
With that, Hermes led Dimidius out of the room, leaving a trail of curiosity behind.
"What was that about?" Iciro asked once the two left, his voice tinged with both confusion and anticipation.
Telemachus looked at Iciro..his face as red as a rose. Iciro started to slowly grow.
Telemachus took a deep breath, his heart pounding in his chest. He looked at Iciro, who was still trying to process the sudden departure of Hermes and Dimidius.
"Iciro," Telemachus began, his voice barely above a whisper. "There's something I need to tell you."
Iciro turned to face him, his eyes filled with curiosity and concern. "What is it, Telemachus?"
Telemachus hesitated, his mind racing with a thousand thoughts. He had rehearsed this moment countless times in his head, but now that it was here, words seemed to fail him.
"I... I've been keeping something from you," Telemachus said, his voice trembling. "Something important."
Iciro's expression softened. "You can tell me anything, Telemachus. I'm here for you."
Telemachus took another deep breath, gathering his courage. "Iciro, I... I care about you. More than just a friend. I've actually felt this way for a while but...I didn't understand my feelings because, for so long, I harbored this unfounded hatred towards you. I should have realized it sooner... I should have become your friend sooner. I just...I'm sorry."
Iciro's eyes widened in surprise, and for a moment, he was speechless. Then, a gentle smile spread across his face. "Telemachus, I had no idea you felt this way."
Telemachus looked down, unable to meet Iciro's gaze. "I understand if you don't feel the same. I just needed to tell you the truth."
Iciro reached out and gently lifted Telemachus' chin, forcing him to look into his eyes.
"Telemachus, I've always admired your bravery and kindness. And the truth is, I've felt something special between us too. I was just too afraid to admit it."
Telemachus' eyes filled with tears of relief and joy. "Really?"
Iciro nodded, his smile growing wider. "Yes, really. You mean a lot to me, Telemachus. More than I can put into words. Even when you hated me...I loved you Telemachus."
Telemachus stared at Iciro for a moment as tears began to fall down his cheeks.
"You what...?"
Iciro smiled softly.
"I love you...Telemachus."
It took Telemachus a moment to process what Iciro had just said.
"How... How long?" he stammered.
"For a year," Iciro replied softly.
"You've loved me for that long?!" Telemachus exclaimed, his eyes wide with surprise.
Iciro nodded, a gentle smile on his lips. "Yes."
Iciro paused for a moment.
"What about you?" Iciro asked, his voice filled with hope.
"A few months, I guess," Telemachus admitted, his cheeks flushing. "But I never realized how much until we talked in the garden..."
"I see."
"Indi..."
"Yes Mel?"
Telemachus moved closer to Iciro, until their faces were just inches apart.
"Promise me something," Telemachus whispered, his breath warm against Iciro's skin.
Iciro nodded, his eyes locked onto Telemachus'. "Anything."
"Promise me you won't get hurt like this again..."
"I promise," Iciro replied softly.
For a moment, they simply gazed into each other's eyes, the world around them fading away. Then, slowly, Telemachus leaned in, closing the remaining distance between them. Their lips met in a tender, heartfelt kiss, sealing the promise with a touch that spoke volumes of their unspoken feelings.
After many years, the two finally moved beyond the stage of "advanced acquaintances." They had become something more—something far greater than friends or colleagues. They were partners in the truest sense, bound by a deep and profound connection. Both were overjoyed with what they had become, and if you asked either of them, they would tell you that the journey made the end Worth It All.
-End Of Story-
YOU ARE READING
WORTH IT ALL (The Second Part to A Game of Mouse and Wolf)
Fanfiction(AI BASED OFF OF MY ART) Warning: This may be a little sad, but I promise there are no trigger warnings except for almost Character Death.
