Rufus woke up with a start, his eyes darting around the unfamiliar room until they landed on Haley, sleeping soundly in a chair beside him. The scent of old man Haufen's home wafted into his nostrils, and he could feel the softness of the bed beneath him. But it wasn't long before the memory of Adolf Blausabers' face being torn to shreds flooded his mind, and he shuddered at the thought.
The sensation of warm flesh and blood oozing through his fingers made Rufus nauseous, and he bolted upright just in time to vomit all over the blankets. Haley jerked awake, her eyes widening at the sight of the mess.
"Iiiiaaaaahhh. Disgusting DISGUSTIIIING," she shrieked, slapping Rufus in disgust before quickly apologizing, "Ah, I am sorry. Did I hurt you?"
"Naaaah. Actually, that helped me a bit. Trust me," Rufus chuckled, his smile wry, "Thank you, Haley."
The commotion attracted the attention of old man Haufen, who barged into the room with a frown etched on his face. "What is this uproar? Oh, you're awake," he grumbled, eyeing the soiled sheets with irritation, "C'mon boy. Look what you did to my bedsheets."
"Sorry, sorry," Rufus muttered, feeling sheepish.
"Ah, never mind that," Haufen said, waving a hand dismissively, "I'm just glad you're alive.
"Your alive!" Rufus then realized.
"Of course, kid. Those soldiers were still wet behind the ear and were way too early to try and fight me. Jean is also fine," Haufen then looked at the dirty bedsheets and looked relieved.
"It's good that you puked. It shows that you have a soul. It is not easy to take a person's life, and it never should," said Haufen with a smile, "How are you feeling? You've been sleeping for a few days now. Haley has been here by your side this entire time."
"Fine. I feel fine. Thank you." said Rufus and asked not sure if he wanted to know the answer," Where is Harley?"
~~
Haley took Rufus outside the city's walls. There they went to a secluded riverside. It was an old place for all three of them. Harley would take the two of them there to wash up and spend any free time she had with them when they were growing up. It was a place filled with happy memories.
Haley took Rufus near a place with a small garden of flowers. There was Harley's grave. No stone, but a beautiful spread of yellow flowers called Fairfaxes.
"I am sorry, but we couldn't wait for you to wake up. We decided to have the burial as soon as possible. I decided on this place since this place only has happy memories for sis. And it is a happy place where both we can visit."
"It truly is a happy place. She defiantly liked this place," said Rufus nostalgically, "Thank you, Haley for doing this for her."
Soon after, Haley started to cry.
"Why, why are you being so nice to me? Because of me, Harley is dead. Because I wanted to show off and work with the black rat gang and earn some money, she is dead now. And all this time, I've been mean to you. I've said so many horrible things to you. Please, I beg you, scold me, be mad at me. Something!" cried Haley.
"No," said Rufus, "I am not going to be mad at you, and I'm not being mad at you for Harley's sake. I genuinely don't want to be mad at you since you are all the family I have left."
Rufus placed his hand on Haley's head and bent down to her eye level.
"So, let's do as Harley wanted and move forward. I made a promise to her, and I think you made a promise to her also," said Rufus acting as a caring older brother.
Haley stopped crying and started to smile.
"Dummy. Of all the times you had to learn now how to say no to people," said Haley with a smile.
"Well…. yeah…It's still hard, but I'm getting there," Rufus said uncomfortably.
"And yes," said Haley with a smile, "Let's move forward, Big brother Rufus."
"Oooooh, now I hear it. Harley was right. Calling someone sister or brother and by their name at the same time sounds weird, " Rufus said obliviously.
"Oh, shut up, you asshole," Haley yelled, punched Rufus in the abdomen, and again regretted it immediately, "Aaaaah, I am sorry. Are you okay?"