Disclaimer: I make no money or profit from the writing of this story.
Please Read: This story takes place after the events in ToV. Please note that it has been a bit since I have played the game; so if I get something terribly wrong, please let me know. It also has HOMOSEXUAL PAIRINGS! Ex: Flynn/Yuri I give you fair enough warning. Lemons ect. will be posted on my author page. The first chapter is in Flynn's POV and will continue in third person next chapter. (Possible POV changes throughout the story.) I needed to get this plot bunny off my chest, so here you go!
Pairings: Main FlynnxYuri, brief FlynnxSodia, Duke/Yuri, OMC/Yuri, Judith/Raven, and others TBD.
Warnings: Yaoi, angst, blood, gore, non-consensual sex (Non graphic), some OOC-ness, and adult situations. No Beta.
~Red Sun at Night~
Even after everything you continue to cloud my mind with secret smiles, and I thought after Tarqaron, things would get easier. I thought that if I finally gave into Sodias' advances, started an actual relationship; I would come to forget those smiles. But I'm a fool…
I thread my fingers through her soft ginger hair, kiss her dainty pink lips, and pull her smaller body tightly against mine. Bright, feminine lilac eyes close, and I slowly maneuver us to the bed. She makes moans of arousal, and I dutifully follow with my own.
Sodia is soft and warm, and my body fits well with hers, but-
I quickly divest us of all cloth and metal barriers, meld her body to my own once more, and claim her warmth.
Screams of pleasure ricochet off my bedroom walls, the bed creaks, and I can no longer hold out. Biting down hard on the smooth, unblemished skin of her shoulder, I save myself from crying out the wrong name. Sodia clings to me, the crescent imprints of nails mark my back as a scream erupts from her mouth; from pleasure or pain I couldn't care less. I press a harsh kiss to her mouth to silence her and collapse. Sweat, sticky and sickly warm covers our bodies.
My chest heaves and I tiredly lift myself up to look into half-lidded lilac eyes. Sodia gives a small, almost dangerously familiar smile. My stomach twists violently. I turn my body swiftly over the side of the bed, and throw up.
That was over two months ago. At that time, I was really ready to give up and move on, but in the end even my body couldn't deny what it truly wanted. Sodia was thoroughly embarrassed, to say the least, and no amount of apologizing made her feel better. I assigned her to a long-term mission in Aurnion, which she gladly accepted. Curiously enough, my second in command wasn't angry. Well, maybe a bit. Sadness loomed in her eyes, but I couldn't tell exactly whom it was for.
'I know you tried,' her quaking voice whispered to me.
'I did.' A tiny significant smirk placed itself on the corner of her mouth. We haven't spoken to each other since, except for the regular mission correspondence through paper.
Speaking of paper. A large stack of official business stared effortlessly back at me from my desk. Without the use of the blastia, reports of much needed soldier support came from all across the world. Granted, there seemed to be fewer monsters, but the cities still needed protection.
Scientists were desperately trying to figure out a way to use the power of the elemental spirits so they could be used for large-scale protection. I believe it was Rita Mordio who headed the research team, no surprise there. A grin paints itself on my face as I thought of a particular guild. Brave Vesperia. Last I heard they had gained a few extra members, but little Karol was still its ever-optimistic leader. Every once in a while I would hear reports of a beautiful Kritiyan warrior and the late Captain Schwann, traveling together, while knocking down quite a few monsters on the way. I always wondered how those two got together, but maybe it was best that I didn't know.
A sigh escaped my mouth; I need to remind myself to send a couple more troupes to Halure. Miss Estellise requested a bit of back up after the last monster attack. She was healing the injured soldiers and townspeople as fast as she could, but it was no doubt difficult.
It was reliving to hear that the Princess had found happiness in the quaint, peaceful village. Writing fantastical children's' stories while pursuing her medical studies. I often get letters from her, asking how I'm doing, how Yuri was doing…
Tension made its way slowly into my brain, and my fingers rub small circles on my temples. Yuri was the last person I wanted to think about at the moment, but he was also the only person I truly 'wanted' to see. Still living in the Lower Quarter, in the same tiny room he'd been living in for years, and so close. Damn! My fists hit the polished wood of my desk, and creaks under the pressure.
I'm such a coward I know. I even went as far as to send Leblanc, Adacor and Baccos to aid Yuri with monster attacks instead of going myself. Now there are no more excuses left to keep me from seeing our world's true hero. Yuri used to check in on me every couple of days, but now, he doesn't come at all. He knows I've been purposely ignoring him, but it's for all the wrong reasons!
I have to tell him the truth; I have to confront him at last. My mind makes itself up and I push myself hurriedly to my feet. Before I can decide against it. A kind of numbness creeps into my legs as I forcefully open my bedroom door and stomp noisily through the castle. A few guards look at me curiously, closing their mouths quickly at my uncommon glare. Don't talk to me. Don't stop me, please just stay quiet, I repeat in my mind. It truly was now or never.
There are few residents out tonight, most of them stop to wave and smile at me. In a gesture of greeting I nod my head but continue on my journey to the Lower Quarter. The decline urges me to walk faster, and I give it no resistance.
The sun has almost set. The orange-red hue of the sky embraces the Lower Quarter in a warm, almost unearthly light. There are no townsfolk in the Lower Quarter's central square, most likely retiring for the night. I observe the fountain and listen to the soft sound of water on stone, calming and nostalgic, until I spot a familiar dark individual on the other side. I almost forget to breath.
I am overjoyed to see the object of my obsessions, standing in the dimming sunlight, a beautiful, ethereal sight. He is dressed in his familiar dark attire and sporting a loose braid complete with long ear tails. Yuri rarely ever put his hair up, let alone braid it. It's rather…becoming on him though. His ebony locks seem are a couple inches longer perhaps, but it seems like he still trims his own bangs, as they are choppy and uneven. He makes my heart pound, and my face beam. I see him smile, a crooked little grin of all cockiness. It's not directed at me, but a slightly taller man standing only a few feet away.
Duke. What was he doing in Zaphias, and with Yuri of all people? His face is familiar and stoic, but his eyes shine with a strange light. I don't think I like it.
"Are you really sure you can handle drinking with me?" Yuri's voice is filled with mischief. They're going drinking together? Yuri and alcohol never mixed well.
"Do I need to remind you that I have far more years of experience on you?" A white brow rises and Duke gives Yuri a curious glance.
"That may be, but-,"
"Ahem." Two heads turn in my direction. Depthless black eyes widen in shock.
"F-Flynn!"
"Hi Yuri," My hand is raised in a familiar greeting between us. I give a rather out-of -character predatory smile to my childhood friend, and turn towards the taller man. "Duke, this is a surprise." There's a small nod from him, as he regards me coolly.
"Commandant Scifo. Being here may be inappropriate, I will leave Zaphias if you wish." I shake my head, "there is no need. Yuri informed me of what happened at Tarqaron, you are as much a hero as Yuri himself." There is no need to start any inappropriate fights, especially if it would involve Yuri, I'll have to play this right.
My best friends' brow knitted in confusion, and I can't help but do the same to him. Duke seems to accept my words and gives another stoic nod, while his red eyes bore into mine.
"If you're going out do you mind if I tag along? I haven't had a night off in months, and I could use a drink." I play myself coyly. Endless black eyes soften, followed by a genuine Yuri smile.
"Sure looks like you could. Were you recently trampled by a hoard of wild boar?" Cheeky bastard, I roll my eyes at him and walk unhurriedly to his side.
"So where are we going?" I stand unnecessarily close to Yuri and notice the red-eyed warrior give me a peculiar glance. It was only for a spilt second but I caught it, and I'm pretty sure I wasn't supposed to. I smile.
"Side Street Pub." He sees me give him an incredulous look.
"What?"
"It's not really the safest of places Yuri." I make a huge understatement. The Side Street Pub has a notorious record for black market deals, hiding criminals, and being one of the few areas in Zaphias soldiers had no power. You'd lose less men staying away from it completely, but Yuri hasn't been a solider for quite some time now, and I have no idea where Yuri was when he left the knights.
"Oh come on Flynn! Get your knickers out of the bunch that its in and trust me. Besides, I've never had any trouble there, and Rowland gets me free drinks."
"Rowland?" Free drinks and Yuri was never a good thing. And who in the world is this Rowland? A spark of jealous anger shoots through me.
"Yeah, he's the owner and main bartender. Saved his bro from a couple of nasty characters a while back. It's not a big deal Flynn, stop with that look already!" I didn't know I was giving him a look…
"I wouldn't recommend it either." Duke hasn't spoken for a while now; I'm surprised with the edgy timbre of his voice. Seems like he knows of Side Street Pub as well.
"Look, everything will be fine." Yuri gives a calming gesture with his hands. "I know it's a little on the seedy side, but Rowland's a good guy, and I trust him. Besides, I'm a little on the poor side right now, and free sounds pretty good to me." I was about to tell Yuri that he didn't have to worry about money until I was abruptly cut off.
"I would be more then happy to pay Lowell. I was, after all the one who initiated this outing." Duke asked? Duke? Yuri gives a small laugh and I turn my head to look at his brightly smiling face.
"Nah its okay man. It'll be fine, promise. Besides, I've got the two strongest guys in the world to watch my back for me." I snicker. "C'mon Flynn, get out of that Commandant outfit and have some fun for a bit! You'll watch out for me, right Duke?" He turns suddenly to the other man and gives a familiar kind of smile. I feel my left eye twitch. Duke seems to shake out of momentary shock.
"Well- I. I suppose, yes."
"Right. And what about you Flynn? Are you going to watch out for me too?" That sneaky little rat! He planned this! Ugh…I feel the start of a headache forming at the front of my skull. There's no way I'd leave Yuri alone with some stranger, in the middle of a nesting ground for criminals, and with free booze none-the-less! It's not that I don't trust Yuri to take care of himself…sometimes. For one thing I don't know Duke 'that' well, and regardless of what's happened in the past number of months, nether does Yuri. A long sigh escapes my mouth; the brunette knows he's won.
"That a boy Flynn! Now I think you should change out of those clothes for the night, I don't think the whole 'Commandant' look is going to work out very well." He gives me a cheeky grin, and I find myself focusing on his eyelashes. Were they ever that long?
"Yeah, you've got a good point." If I went into that part of town in my Commandant uniform we'd have a serious problem on our hands. I look pointedly at Duke. He raises an eyebrow. "Are you going to be comfortable in your gear?" I manage to ask, almost nicely. He nods.
"It's not imperial Zaphias armor, no one should recognize me." I shake my head. Duke stands out like a sore thumb, but he has a point, it's not Imperial armor. If anything people will think he a noble, or at best, a well dressed bounty hunter.
"That's a good point. Well, one down and two to go! You can borrow a pair of my clothes Flynn; I think you'll fit. And it keeps you from walking all the way up to the castle. Besides, I can't guarantee you have any thing else but your solider uniforms." A dark eye gives me a wink, and I feel my cheeks flush. Jerk.
The walk to Yuri's room takes but a minute and I feel immediately thankful for my warm, comfortable room at the castle. Repedes bed is still in the same spot it's always been, it looks warmer and more sleep-able then my best friends sorry excuse for a sleeping area. I sigh again.
"Something the matter?" He asks. I shake me head.
"No, no…just a bit of nostalgia maybe?" The last part I whisper almost too quietly to hear. Yuri doesn't notice, too busy digging through his small dresser.
"Ah ha! Here, try these," a pair of dark blue pants hits me directly in the face, at least Yuri's aim has never changed. "You've got a black undershirt under all that armor right?" I nod. "Good. Cause I have a feeling all of my shirts are going to be a bit too tight for you."
"That's fine." Now that I think about it, Yuri has always been slighter then me. Agile too. I might have always been able to best him in a fight, but in a battle of pure dexterity, he'd take the victory. And if it weren't for the spikes on my head, we'd be the same height.
My eyes begin wander around the small, drafty room once again, and I can't help but think that it must have been a hard winter for him this year. "You know Yuri…if you ever needed a place to stay…my rooms are rather warm…" Crap! Did I just say that aloud? My friends' form is still hunched over his bottom dresser drawer. He's completely still. Suddenly, I remembered Duke is still with us, silently listening. Maybe it wasn't such a bad thing to say after all. My eyes scrunch in momentary delight.
"I think Lowell…that Commandant Schifo was referring to the very poor winterization of your rooms." Yuri turns around at this, while clutching a pair of dark clothes to his chest, and breathing regularly. Nice save, Duke.
"Oh, well thanks Flynn. I'll…remember that." There's a lopsided smile on his face, and I can't tell if it's good or not. Dark eyes glance quickly into mine and a split second later they're gone. What in the world was that? It almost seemed like an apology, but for what? I slide my eyes over to Duke who, I notice, is staring far too casually at Yuri. I wish Duke wasn't so hard to read, but while his face seems blank and uninterested, there's a strange gleam in his red eyes.
I hear the rustling sound of clothes; Yuri seems to have found what he was looking for. A pair of indistinguishable clothing items is tucked in his arms. He looks pointedly at me.
"Why don't you try those pants on Flynn? If they don't fit I've got one other pair that might." I nod almost mechanically. Yuri's not thinking of changing in front of both of us, is he? When we were younger we'd see each other naked plenty of times, but now, it seems strange…and maybe a bit exciting. Plus, I don't want Duke watching. A feeling of jealousy cramps my stomach.
"Flynn? Are you just going to stand there and look at the wall, or are you going to change so we can leave?" A pale, slender hand waves itself in front of my face.
"Y-yeah…sorry." His forehead crinkles and he looks like he's about to laugh, but instead gives a small snort and steps away. I look around, Duke is nowhere in sight.
"Duke stepped out of the room for modesty purposes, I guess. It's not like he hasn't seen me naked before."
"What!" My throat is so I tight I forget to breath. My friends' back is to me, and he prepares to take off his shirt.
"Well with all the injuries I sustained from falling off Zaude, he'd have to." I must have the most incredulous look on my face because I almost don't notice the smooth, fair skin of Yuri's back…almost.
"Duke was the one who saved me, didn't you know that?"
No.
"No." He turns around to look at me.
"Oh." A small tilt of his head, "well now you do." That's it? He tells me this like he's telling me about the piece of toast he ate for breakfast. I sigh…again. Maybe I've been looking at Duke falsely then…or maybe not? It just seemed strange that the same man, who tried to destroy the world, had befriended its hero. How long had they been on friendly terms? Why didn't anyone tell me that it was Duke who saved Yuri from Zaude? I suppose the only way I'm going to get some answers is to ask, and tonight looks as good as any.
Skillfully, I divest myself of my armor and carefully set it on Yuri's bed. The borrowed pants are a bit tight, as I expected, but comfortable enough. There isn't a time before joining the knights that I can remember, when I dressed so casually. Many nights, on and off the field, I've fallen asleep in my armor. It's not a bad thing, just unfamiliar. A whistle turns my head to my right, where my best friend has the most thoughtful expression upon his attractive face.
"Wow Flynn, didn't know you could look so…. normal."
"Gee thanks," he laughs, and I take the time to roam my eyes over his form. A simple black vest over a long sleeved black shirt covers his torso. It's simple, clean, and not unlike his normal outfit, and it suits him rather well.
"Do you think you could give me a hand?" He's holding his sash out towards me.
"Oh, sure." I grab the item and proceed behind Yuri. "How in the world did you get this tied everyday if you couldn't do it yourself?" He shrugs nonchalantly.
"The old woman downstairs didn't seem to mind, and Estelle and Judy seemed too happy to do it," he raises his hand to his forehead. "What is with woman and dressing people up? I practically had to hide from those two whenever they passed by a clothing merchant." I feel Yuri's frustration. There were many times when I had to politely decline Lady Estellise's attempts to dress me as well. I give a small 'hmm' of agreement and cautiously position the sash around Yuri's waist. Resisting the temptation to touch more then I should, I center the sash with equal lengths in each hand. "How's that? Is it centered?" Yuri looks down.
"Yep, perfect." I tighten the simple knot I make, and notice how slim my friends' waist seems. Has he lost weight recently? Making a couple of extra loops I finish tying the sash and step away. "All done Yuri."
"Thanks man! If you ever need something tied around your waist let me know." I roll my eyes at him and attempt to hide my blush as he stretches and adjusts to the newly tied sash.
There's a slight knock on the door and Duke steps lightly inside. "If you're both ready-,"
"Yeah, we can go. Sorry to make you wait." The white haired man nods his head in acceptance and steps aside to let Yuri and I pass through the door.
"Oh, wait a sec!" The dark form rushes past me and back into the room. A moment later he returns with two swords, one in each hand. It takes me a second to realize he's handing me my own sword, the one I foolishly left on his bed.
"Might not be a bad idea to have on hand." No, it's not. I take the offered sword and sheath and attach it to my waist, the weight a familiar comfortable feeling. Yuri is going to be the death of me if I forget important things like this when I'm around him.
"I've never seen that sword before." I inquire.
"Oh this?" He holds the sword up for me to inspect. It's a rather beautiful sword, and fits Yuri quite well. "His name is Second Star," he smiles brightly at me. Second Star? What a peculiar name for a sword, but Yuri seems rather fond of it, and that's all that matters. There's a moment when we look directly at each other, and I notice how the setting sun gleams its last rays of light in Yuri's eyes. They make his once, obsidian eyes glow dark lavender. Funny, I never noticed it before…
"Ahem," a deep voice reverberates through my head and Yuri and I turn to look at Duke, who's giving both of us questioning glances. I wanted to yell at the man for breaking up the moment between my friend and I, but I need to keep reminding myself that Duke saved my best friend life, and Yuri thought well enough of him, so I should at least tolerate the man, for now.
"Right, let's go. Yuri, are you sure you want to go to Side Street Pub? There's a couple of places around the Civilian Quar-," he cuts me off, irritation in his voice.
"Damn it Flynn! You know I don't do well in those higher class 'establishments,' remember the last time we went to Red Room?" How could I forget? The Red Room was a bar that most of the Knights frequented. Yuri and I were dragged out there by some of the other knights in the service. Needless to say, one of the knights 'commented' on the citizens of the lower quarter, and Yuri ended up giving a couple of broken bones that night. At the very least, Yuri was still sober when it happened. "Yeah, I remember."
"Look, everything will be fine. Rowland's a great guy, and one hell of a fighter, you'll be fine." It's not me I'm worried about. "Yeah, okay. I trust you Yuri."
Regardless of his past decisions, I trust Yuri. And even though I won't admit it aloud, Duke is a formidable warrior himself. But why do I feel like something bad is going to happen?
'Because Yuri is a terrible drinker and only you remember what he's like when he has had too much.'
"Alright, lets go."
I shake my head and flank Yuri on the left side. He walks with confidence and a silly grin on his face, but I still can't shake the uncomfortable feeling I have. I see Duke mirror myself and walk closely beside Yuri's right side, his hand comfortable, but ready on Dein Nomos's hilt. He seems to feel the same way I do, and I wonder what he's thinking. Casting all prejudice thoughts on the white haired man aside, I vow to get answers from him tonight.
"So Flynn…are you sure you can take a night off? Don't you have all your knightly duties to attend to?" I recognize the sharp edge to his tone on 'knightly duties.'
"Just paper work, there hasn't been a problem with monsters for quite a while. The knights are more then enough to handle them for a night." The reassuring hand I place on his shoulder gives him a small start and he turns to look at me. "A Commandant should get a day or two off to visit his best friend once in a while don't you think?"
"Yeah," his voice is near whispering. "Yeah, you should."
His voice has a hurt tone, and I can't help but mentally kick myself. I release my hand from his shoulder and immediately miss the contact. It's going to be a long night…
XXX
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