Now...before you humans say anything, let me clear somethings up...
1. In this picture they are children, maybe about eleven or twelve years old
2. Yumikaido and Soya have pants on...no worries...
Whenever it was Soya's day to sleep, his step mom would either keep him awake to work, have him sleep in the storage room, or send him outside to sleep if it was cold. If he did sleep outside though, he would have to return by noon the next day considering his mom threatened to hurt him/ kill him/ sic Kroda on him etc.
Usually Soya got fed up and ran away to see Yumikaido for a self proclaimed break. Kroda would chase him to try and get him back, but Soya was always a little too fast and managed to escape almost every time. If guards asked Kroda why Soya was running away, he would accuse Soya of stealing something of his. Soya was known in the town as a common little thief, so guards would have no problem believing Kroda.
He was pretty beaten up to begin with before he went to meet Yumikaido by the willow tree. Not only that, but he hadn't slept in three cycles (nine months, equivalent to three days and nights). After escaping the guards and Kroda, Soya ran to the willow tree where Yumikaido was waiting. He basically collapsed in Yumikaido's arms due to his exhaustion, and Yumikaido took care of him for the rest of the day back at Misha's house. He fed Soya, cleaned up his bruises and cuts, gave him a quick rinse to get clean, and helped him get to bed. Yumikaido was always devastated that Soya came to him all beaten and upset all the time. Although Soya was incredibly tired, he was too afraid to sleep. He felt as though Kroda would come and find him and take him back home where he would get hurt again. Yumikaido tried to calm Soya down and continued to coax him with the "It's alright" and "I'll protect you" stuff. Soya still couldn't calm down, so Yumikaido offered to stay by his side until he fell asleep. Soya agreed with a silent nod.
And thus, Soya fell asleep next to Yumikaido.
Although Soya was calmly sleeping next to him, Yumikaido couldn't help but feel heart wrenched. Soya was his only friend and like a little brother to him. He whispered, "don't go home...please don't go home..." over and over again until he himself closed his eyes. He did not sleep...but he listened to Soya breathe until morning came.
And so spawned my picture biggrin
Music Listened to-
"Yours to Hold" from Skillet to get inspired
"The Last Night" from Skillet to get further inspired
"Love" from Noir when sketching
"Starry Moonlit Night" from Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles when coloring
