Not much further, indeed. The whole trip wasn’t long to make on foot (not by Atreyun’s estimation). A few of these city blocks in one direction. A few more in another direction. Turn left at the blue building, three buildings up on the right. Easy enough. And with Atreyun’s brisk pace and long strides it isn’t long at all until they’re at the door. Unfamiliar with the concept of house keys, he waits staring, while Akihito opens the door and then proceeds to carry him inside. He maneuvers through the darkened apartment to lay the boy for rest on the couch.

It’s all very strange to him. He understands it all on a very surface level thanks to his initial connection with the boy. When Akihito’s feeling stronger, Atreyun has many questions. Now, he has only one.

“Where may I fetch water for you?”