Hero and Aubrey comfort fic

After Mari died, Hero and Aubrey were traumatized. Hero spent most of his days and nights alone in his room. When he heard Aubrey had been doing the same, in an environment where nobody cared for her, he felt guilty, like he had abandoned Aubrey in her time of need. Hero decided that he wanted to fix this, and alleviate their shared pain just a bit, so he invited Aubrey over for a day together, just to relax and have a bit of fun. It'd be better if Sunny and Kel were there, but Hero hasn't heard from Sunny in months, no matter how hard Kel tries to get his attention every day between school and basketball practice... but it's ok, the two of them can spend a lovely day together regardless. He didn't expect Aubrey to bear such a striking resemblance to his love, Mari... nor did he expect the surge of emotions that'd come from Aubreys weak, cute sounds...

On this scenic park on a sun-- bright day, she was still small, but the effect of Mari's death was clear to her. A frown scarred her face, bags under her sullen stare, though one eye was obscured by unkempt hair. Her dress was exactly what Mari would wear, if she wasn't doing her recitals, relaxing and spending time with Hero. She looked tired, as if being on the verge of tears for so long had exhausted her. Hero managed to keep up appearances, anything to keep himself from thinking about Mari. But Aubrey was only a child, she doesn't know how to pretend to cope.

"Hero.. hi," a small, depressed voice squeaks from Aubrey. "How are you.."

Hero is spooked, he was staring for a bit longer than he thought, enough for Aubrey to initiate.

"Hi, Aubrey! I'm doing good, how are you? It's been a while since we've seen each other, you've grown up so much!" Hero says, putting on the same charming smile he's famous for, knowing it'll bring out hers. But... it doesn't. Her mood doesn't change, not on the surface.

"How are you good? You knew her better than anyone," she says, her eyes like daggers.

Hero expected for Mari to be brought up, but he thought he would have more time to be friendly and get comfortable first. But clearly Aubrey didn't care about that.

Hero sits down on the park bench, resisting the urge to slump down. "Hey, sit down over here."

Aubrey stands in front of Hero, still glaring. "Not until you tell me why you're 'good.'"

Hero looks away. "I'm not actually good, Aubrey. I just didn't want to ruin this day."

Her eyes soften. She takes a seat on the far end from Hero. "Don't lie about it," Aubrey says, looking down at the ground. "I don't want to be the only one still thinking about her. Talking about her doesn't make the day worse..."

"You aren't," Hero says. "I miss her too. I think about her every day. Mari is the only thing I really think about."

Aubrey looks up to face Hero. She's already started crying, tears streaming down her face... and Hero could feel some welling in his own eyes. Luckily, he came prepared. "Do you want a tissue?" he asks, holding out a small pack of them he had saved. Aubrey nods, taking a couple from his hand, wiping her tears and blowing her nose. She looks a little better, Hero thought. Maybe the day can be good after all.

"I want to go to the secret spot," Aubrey says. "I don't like being around people like this."

"Of course," Hero says, getting up from the bench and extending his hand. "I think I know the way."

Aubrey takes a second, but rushes past his hand and holds onto his side, like a hug. She's teary eyed, but there's a hint of smile on her face.

The pair pass by the homeless man enjoying the sun. He eyes Hero strangely. The difference in age between Hero and Aubrey wasn't apparent until Hero started having his growth spurt, and Aubrey was still a bit small, her meekness not really helping the situation.

But it was fine, Hero thought. He and Aubrey are family. So through the woods they go, and after a bit of navigating, they find it. Their secret home. The dirty lake, the weather-worn toys, and the picnic blanket and basket... Mari's picnic basket. It's been a long time since anyone set foot here.

"Sit here..." Aubrey says, pointing to the blanket. Hero is hesitant; the last time he sat on here, he was right next to Mari, but if Aubrey is willing to do it, he has no excuse.

The two sit in silence, looking at the world around them. One of Basil's plants, a white egret orchid, was planted near the trees. Hero remembers Basil saying something about what it means. "My thoughts will enter your dreams" or something like that. It's been an even longer time since Hero thought of Basil. He feels guilty for not keeping up with him. But his focus is on Aubrey at the moment, she's the one that needs help right now.

More silence. A couple minutes pass by, glancing at random toys and trees. Remembering the times they spent as a whole group. Sunny, Basil, Kel, Hero, Aubrey, and Mari. It was a full house. Sunny spent almost as much time with Aubrey as he did with his big sister. Where is Sunny, anyway, Hero thought. Why isn't he here, when one of his best friends, and supposed crush, needs him the most? Hiding away in his house while Kel calls for him every day? Why does he get to stay in bed all day while Hero has to move on? Hero blocks those thoughts. He doesn't need the venom.

During all that thinking, he doesn't notice that Aubrey is staring right at him.

"Hero... why did you invite me to hang out? Nobody else talks to me anymore. And you really don't either," Aubrey says, sending a small shock of guilt down Hero's spine.

"I just thought it'd be fun to hang out, school is always in the way, Kel is always preoccupied when I'm free, and Sunny is... Sunny," Hero says, trying not to sound too disappointed.

"Is this a fun time for you?" Aubrey asks. "All we're doing is laying down on an old blanket."

"Maybe it's not fun, but I enjoy spending time with you," Hero replies. "People expect me to act while hanging out, be active. You get why that'd be hard. Its easy to relax around you."

"Thanks, you're kinda the same to me," Aubrey says, trailing off a bit.

Hero and Aubrey look at each other in silence for a couple of seconds longer, long enough to notice.

"Hey, Hero..."

"Yeah, Aubrey?"

"Thank you."

"No problem, I'm just trying my best!"

Hero tries to give his charming trademark smile, but before he knows it, Aubrey has already pecked him on the cheek.