I've uploaded this before but took it down due to some errors. Well, it's back. This is a small idea I had which I thought was pretty amusing. Hope this helps to relieve boredom.)

Chapter 1

Budehuc was bustling with more activity than usual. Shops were littered with chocolates, candies and other confectionary, all of which were decorated heavily with ribbons of all sizes and colours. Skilfully-made gift cards were displayed neatly on freshly-painted shelves, walls or display windows. Ice-cream carts were greeted pleasantly by adults and children alike; heart-shaped balloons anchored themselves firmly in various places, ranging from tents to even the balconies of houses. Budehuc itself was adorned nicely with huge red ribbons on walls and windows, on which were pasted letters that spelt the approaching, romantic event. Three days were spent repainting the walls. The entire town was preparing themselves for a special event that was approaching in a week's time—Valentine's Day.

"I'm looking forward to your chocolate," Caesar spoke to Apple, a bespectacled lady with brown bangs that reached the tip of her neck.

"Don't be ridiculous, you impudent, lazy pig," she retorted. "You're not even half as good-looking as Shrek."

Caesar then promised himself he'd play a nasty prank on her later on.

Rody wandered aimlessly among the various stalls. All the chocolates looked tempting and delicious, but none of them seemed good enough for Bishop Sasarai. The Bishop's reputation for his irresistible boyish looks and gentle nature was well-known among ladies, and Rody was more than assured that he would face tough competition. His mind brought back the memory of when he first met the Bishop, and what had sparked the flame of romance. Another of Estella's outrageous lies had landed him in the lake near Budehuc, doing dog-paddles which promised to improve his water magic. Rody was hard at work when the Bishop appeared with his twin brother, a cold-eyed Wind mage by the name of Luc. Rody had always admired these two mages from afar, often fantasizing when he would be just half as strong as them, so he was obviously ecstatic at this unexpected visit.

"Good morning, Master Sasarai, Master Luc!" he greeted enthusiastically.

The Bishop then returned his greeting with a smile that made his heart pound while Luc acknowledged the greeting with a mere nod. "Why, if it isn't Rody," the Bishop spoke, his pearl-like voice dripping slowly into the black-haired mage's ears. "How do you do?"

Sasarai's voice was gentle and assuring, yet firm and confident, just like a high-ranking official. Rody felt his heart leap high into the air, but just as he was about to answer the question his concentration disappeared and he sank into the water. The next thing that he was aware of was panic and fear—fear that the lake would swallow his life. The water was cold and unrelenting, numbing his entire body; when he opened his mouth for air all that surged in was the bitter, distasteful water that further choked his lungs. Rody felt suffocated, uncomfortable and afraid—the pitch black darkness and the vicious, cold water gripped him tightly, dragging him further and further away from the surface. Amidst his fading senses, the young mage could perceive his imminent death and grew more frantic.

Suddenly, a warm, strong hand caught hold of his arm. He felt himself being pulled towards something, something firm, comfortable and reassuring. A film of comfort and warmth enveloped his body, and just as the last of his senses was fading his head emerged from the water. The fresh, rejuvenating air rushed quickly into his nostrils and into his lungs, forcing the putrid water out of it. He coughed painfully, agonizing with each cough as his tongue tasted once again the lingering, foul taste of the water. Soon his feet shouted land, then his knees and waist, and soon his whole body was out of water. He felt himself being seated on the hard, dry ground, but aside from his fitful coughs, for a moment he felt nothing else.

"There, there," the same warm hand now stroked his back gently. It was then that Rody realised he was crying.

The young mage rubbed his eyes and wiped his face a few times to restore his vision. He coughed again, feeling better with each spurt of water that shot from his mouth, and as his heartbeat began to steady itself his vision was slowly restored. The blurred images around him gradually took shape, and he soon made out that the wet, drenched figure comforting him was none other than the Bishop himself.

Shock followed surprise, and he quickly snatched himself away.

Water was dripping continuously from the tips of Sasarai's hair and clothes, which curved themselves temptingly around his body, exposing the slim, slender figure beneath. More trickled down his smooth, fair skin. His once neatly-combed chocolate-brown hair was now a mess. Amidst all these disarray, however, Rody could not peel his eyes from Sasarai's fine features—his emerald-green eyes seemed to blaze and sparkle more fiercely than usual; his lips were irresistibly soft; his skin would be wax-smooth; and his gaze was gentle and loving. The fear just plastered on Rody's face quickly disappeared as Sasarai gave him another smile, and his eyes were transfixed on the calm, smiling Bishop in front of him, observing every detail, enjoying every second of it…

HELLO HELLO WAIT A MINUTE THIS IS THE BISHOP OF HARMONIA HERE!!

The voice booming in his head snapped him out of his daze. Rody could have slapped himself for what he was doing. "I…I'm so sorry!" he blurted out, bowing his head. "I'm sorry, I'm very sorry, I really am! I…I didn't mean to have you…um…" he struggled to find words that would fit the situation, but could find none, and settled himself with repeated apologies.

The Bishop looked startled for a moment, but his smile quickly returned. "Why do you need to apologise?" he laughed easily, in a manner that made Rody's heart skip a beat. "None of it was your fault. Besides, the weather has been rather warm of late, and a swim should do me good."

Rody was deeply moved by the concern detected in his voice. It was friendly and respectful, yet authoritative. Sasarai's kind words, however, was not helping him to feel any better, increasing instead the guilt and embarrassment of the young mage. "Please, I was careless…I…I don't know how to make it up to you…"

Sasarai then extended a caring arm and stroked the boy's head gently. He laughed softly. His arm felt strong and firm, and the warmth it emitted was sensational. Rody felt his hair stand on end. Tears flowed more freely, and he bowed his head lower. Sasarai would surely think of him as a kid now.

"Let's get ourselves dry before we catch a cold, shall we?" the Bishop suggested.

That voice thundered in his heart. "Of, of course," he hastily replied.

"I have to take my leave now," the Bishop stood and helped the young mage up. "Do you need any help to reach Budehuc safely?"

Rody shook his head.

"That's good," he smiled. "Well, then, if you would excuse me." He turned and ran after his twin brother, who, in his boredom, had decided to leave his older twin behind.

Rody fell to his knees as he watched the two figures disappear very quickly into the distance. His heart palpitated rapidly, his breathing was hard and heavy, and his cheeks felt as if they were on fire. His brain kept recounting the event over and over again. The comforting words that he spoke. The sensational feel of his hand. His soft, loving gaze. Each memory brought a violent reaction to his mind and caused his head to spin in delirium.

Of course, it did not take the young mage long to realise what his feelings were.

Rody sighed deeply. His expression was that of sorrow as he glanced at the long, unending rows of mouth-watering chocolates that lay before him. His mind brought back more images of the good-natured Bishop. He thought of every part of Sasarai, his hazel hair, his finely-chiseled features, his brilliant eyes, and his charming smile—how he wished he had them all. He hungered for another encounter, an encounter which would bring the both of them closer, very much closer together…

Well, a chocolate would not be sufficient for him to articulate these strong desires clearly.

Rody sighed mournfully a second time.

Just as he was about to head back, however, he heard a cheeky giggle behind him.

"Tee hee," it laughed. "I see someone facing a dilemma, I see."

Rody nearly jumped out of his skin.

He spun to come face to face to Jeanne, the glamorous, alluring Runemistress of Budehuc, whose dressing was never much of decency. She smiled seductively at him. "I see you are facing a problem, yes?" She inveigled. "You have someone in mind, but you do not what gift would be proper, no?"

Her chest heaved up and down as she spoke, and Rody could not help but look at the Runemistress's burgeoning assets. Her breasts were smooth, round and soft, and her skin a healthy pink. He blushed. "Uh, I guess so," he replied awkwardly, unsure of what to say.

"I know of the perfect gift for your lover," she spoke immediately. She disappeared into the back of her shop and returned with a carefully wrapped box, which she swiftly opened while flaunting moves capable of arousing anyone's sexual desires. Inside the box was a block of chocolate, which Jeanne assured was smooth in texture and rich in taste. "This is a very special type of chocolate," she went on. "I included a little secret ingredient when I made it."

Rody's interest was perked. "May I give it a try?" he asked.

Jeanne shook her head. "I included a bit of…this love potion inside," she giggled. "Now this chocolate would make the consumer fall in love with the first person he or she sees."

"That can't be," Rody laughed in disbelief.

"Ah, but it is true," Jeanne tittered back. "I was the one who concocted the potion, so I can guarantee that it's sweet, full of love and works like a charm."

Rody fell silent for a brief moment. Anyone would be hesitant when faced with such a choice, and so was Rody. Shoving a love potion down the Bishop's throat was cheating; it's like forcing the other party's love. But what about the tough competition Rody would have to face? A normal chocolate would not help him much. Jeanne's chocolate, from every angle, was more superior and promising that all the other chocolates. If he missed this opportunity, Jeanne would give it to someone else, and if it works—how would he put up with losing the Bishop to another woman? Rody battled confusion in his mind, perspiring cold sweat as he tried to reach a decision…

"How much is it?" he finally squeaked with much difficulty.

"Well, normally I would charge around 25 000 Potch as the ingredients for the potion are dear…" Jeanne began.

"25 000 Potch!" Rody gasped in horror.

"But I'll take the fun I had out of those ingredients as my payment," she giggled seductively. "You may have it for free, if you'd tell me who this chocolate would be for."

Rody blushed deeply to the tips of his ears. He could feel his face turning hot at the thought of having to tell someone else about the Bishop. Thin wisps of steam made Rody a comical sight—was he to reveal that he is, uh, gay?

"May…may I whisper it to you instead?" he squeaked a second time.

Jeanne nodded enthusiastically, her eyes sparkling with a brilliant interest. She leaned forward from behind her counter, supporting her burgeoning breasts with both arms. Rody blushed even deeply at the sight of Jeanne's assets before leaning forward and whimpered in a subdued voice, the name of the man of his dreams.

Jeanne was thoroughly amused when the name reached her ear drums, and she made a show of that with a broad, beautiful smile.

"My, that's interesting news," her face lit up in the brightest manner, causing her skin to gleam and shine even more. "Yes, I think I can give this to you for free. Good luck with the bishop, then."

"Th-thank you very much," Rody felt languid from his nervousness and awkward unease, and wished to retire to the comforts of his bed. He bowed politely before speeding down the roads, his jet black hair bouncing daintily in the breeze. Jeanne waved cheerfully as she watched the youth spirit off.

"Yes, that certainly was interesting news indeed," she beamed mischievously. "To think that I could get the Bishop to be my test subject…"

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"Here you go, Caesar," Apple spoke sweetly, with raspberry jam and everything sweet dripping down her voice, ill-masking her sly and mischievous tone.

"Gee, thank you very much," Caesar replied sarcastically as he accepted the carefully-wrapped chocolate from his mentor. Years being with Apple had taught him that nothing Apple made would never be poisonous. Of course, he had no skill in formulating toxic substances, so he would never like this opportunity to go to waste—he could always poison his brother and arch-enemy Albert Silverberg.

Speaking of the devil, Albert magically appeared right at that instant, in deep contemplations over something. His mouth did not cease to mutter words.

Caesar quickly tore open the wrapper clumsily and sped like a bolt of lightning towards his taller brother.

It was then that he discovered that Albert was quoting Shakespeare.

He wasted no time to force the hard, crumbled brown mess Apple had prepared down the strategist's throat.

Albert's eyes bulged like oranges and his face turned blood-red. He gasped for air and screeched in the highest pitch ever recorded in the history of Budehuc. Caesar could feel his ears screech in the same manner as he covered his aching ears and waited a brief moment for Albert to stop shrieking. After that split second, Albert exploded, sending smoke and debris everywhere around the area, crumbs of chocolate flying out of his mouth. Albert himself shot skywards like a rocket and landed painfully on a roof.

"Beautiful," Caesar marvelled in amazement. Now he could thank Apple with sincerity.

That marked the start of Valentine's Day.

Budehuc could well be known as a City of Flowers during this occasion. Flowers of many specimen and colours flooded the entire city, colouring it with elegance and passion. Initiative was taken to not only decorate the pots but also arrange the little beauties in a spectacular fashion. Ribbons of all lengths and designs hung and flapped exquisitely with the wind. The sky had balloons to cloak it in merry colours, allowing it to join in the fresh ecstasy of the festival. Shops were painted in the brightest colours. Lights were hung. Stunning accessories and gifts paraded every stall. But there was a scent stronger than all the fragrance of the flowers put together.

So many confessions took place, it made Thomas so euphoric he himself could confess to the whole world. And that was what he did.

"Oh, Eike," he hugged his dear, droopy-faced colleague, shoving mouthfuls of chocolate into his mouth. "I love you, I love you. Thank you for your hard work all these while."

The scent of love was blooming in the air!

Meanwhile, another passionate scene was raging elsewhere.

"Oh, Bishop, if you would accept my humble gift…"

"Bishop, this chocolate speaks of my undying love for you…"

"I…I hope you would accept this gift…"

"My, my," Sasarai laughed in amusement. "My deepest gratitude for this fine honour."

"Oh, Bishop, you're worth more than all the true runes in this world." A lady confessed dreamily.

Sasarai laughed cheerfully a second time, causing the multitude of ladies surrounding him to swoon inside. He watched with mirth as a few ladies fainted, and quickly invoked a spell to catch the ladies on time.

The ladies squealed in a deafening volume.

Sasarai sweat dropped. He glanced at his twin, who didn't seem to be having much luck either.

"Bishop, if you would…"

"If…if you do not mind…"

Luc could feel his veins popping by the dozens. Stay calm, he pacified himself, stay calm—he should not endanger civilian lives, no he should not—

"Oh, Bishop, although this chocolate might be nothing in your eyes…"

Sasarai could read his twin's fury like a book. He felt a wave of empathy and chuckled gleefully to himself. Imagine, the bearer of the True Wind Rune being subdued by a throng of fragile, helpless ladies! Numbers can indeed be very daunting.

That aside, Rody was clutching his chocolate with clammy fists as he watched the scene with much unease. The Bishop was fully besieged. How was he to find a personal moment to hand the chocolate to him? And even if he did, would his mentality be strong enough to handle the closeness of Sasarai alone with him?

No, it had to be. He would not stand a chance otherwise. But how was he to find his desired personal moment with all these ladies crowding around him?

Rody felt his heart sink. Tears clouded his eyes as his imagination grew wilder. What should he do if he can't give the Bishop his chocolate? He had waited a week for the day to come with much expectancy and anticipation—was he to give those hopes up?

But then again, what could he possibly do?

The black-haired youth wiped his tears fiercely and steeled himself. He took a deep breath to calm his twisted mind. At times like this, what else works better than a note? It would be all he could do to leave a simple note by the Bishop's room, which the latter shared with his twin, and it was his only hope that the Bishop would find it and read it. Doing so without letting his twin notice would be difficult, but Rody's confession would have to wait until tonight.

He could always use some time to dress himself up and prepare himself mentally, in any case.

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"Oh, Hugo," Thomas spoke lovingly, thrusting even more mouthfuls down the Flame Champion's throat. "I love you, I love you. How do you find the chocolate?"

"Mfffhh, Fuufuuu fmmfff," Hugo choked, gasping frantically for air. His green face was all anyone needed to see to verify his suffering.

"Don't thank me, thank Mamie," Thomas replied merrily, interpreting Hugo's muffles in his own language. "But I'm glad to know that you're enjoying her chocolates all the same."

Hugo would be the one-hundredth person to be diagnosed with diabetes that day.

Nightfall eventually came, but it seemed like eternity to many people. Nevertheless, the night was good—stars now cluttered the sky in place of balloons during the day. The ribbons were decked with light powered by the True Lightning Rune Bearer. Much love was created in the day, to be feasted on at night. The flame of romance burnt ever so strongly in the hearts of many.

"Why, Albert, I thought that was a magnificent display of my undying brother-love for you," Caesar blinked his eyes innocently, flashing a sheepish grin.

"You're right. Nothing could be more magnificent than that. I take it upon myself to now demonstrate to you my love," Albert smiled dangerously.

The scream which ensued could well be translated as the sound of someone being raped, but let's not go into those.

The lake bathed itself in the moonlight, projecting a breath-taking lustrous glow. The air was heavy and cold but refreshing; Rody inhaled mouthfuls of it into his lungs to pacify his nervousness. This was the place he had instructed the Bishop to come, and he had waited for some time already. The Bishop was late—and this further intensified his unease. Perhaps Sasarai was preoccupied with something else, perhaps another lady had invited him out as well. Knowing the Bishop well, there was no way his gentle nature could decline an invitation, and Rody's heart throbbed painfully at the thought. It was already late, so if the Bishop was not coming, he should rightfully head back…

"Excuse me."

Rody felt his heart skip a beat. He flushed deeply, his heart pounding in astounding speed. He trembled in surprise and swallowed before spinning to face the anticipated person.

"I'm sorry I'm late," Sasarai smiled in apology.

Rody was so shocked he almost dropped his chocolate into the lake.

"Oh, no, I should be the one to apologise!" he quickly bowed. "Th…thank you so much for…coming down! I…I'm sorry, you must be really tired, and…this place is rather cold and…"

He struggled to arrange his sentences such that they would disguise his chaotic mind, but it was already too late.

"Is there anything I can help you with?" Sasarai asked politely.

Rody blushed even deeply. Sweat trickled down his face. "I…wanted to give you this," he stammered. "I…could not do it during the day, so…"

He hastily produced a chocolate from his pocket and held it out to the Bishop with both hands.

If Sasarai had hated chocolates now that he had received kilograms of it, it was masked extremely well.

He gave the youth an adorable smile. "Thank you." He took the wrapped confectionary from Rody's smooth palm and proceeded to tuck it into a pocket which magically, again, appeared from nowhere.

"Um," Rody spoke loudly as the Bishop did so.

Sasarai blinked in surprise. "Yes?"

Rody felt his throat twist into a tangled knot, and it took all willpower to untangle it and manage a whimper. "Do…do you mind eating it now?"

Sasarai blinked a second time. If this was his twin he would have rudely declined the offer by declaring that chocolates would make him fat, but the True Earth Rune Bearer would do no such thing. "If it pleases you," he smiled, and opened the wrapper carefully. He marvelled at the chocolate which lay before his eyes.

"It sure looks tasty," he complimented.

Rody's insides churned. He watched carefully as the Bishop bit into the soft, creamy chocolate bar. His heart pounded rapidly as the brown mass was carefully chewed. And he could not peel his eyes off the Bishop even more as he felt the chocolate disappear gradually.

However, just as Sasarai was about to look up and say something about the chocolate, the couple heard a horrifying scream come from afar.

"Eeek!" Rody gasped.

"Who could that—" Sasarai began, but before he could finish his sentence something landed on the ground right in front of him with a loud thud.

Dust and smoke particles flew everywhere, blocking Rody's sight. He could hear footsteps and a faint "Oh, my goodness, are you all right?" from a distance away. As his vision began to clear up, he saw his beloved Bishop running towards a blonde person in black.

"No," Rody gasped, but it was too late.

Sasarai had reached the wounded and was helping him up. He witnessed the scene of Sasarai's eyes travelling to meet Yuber's with horror and astonishment. His mind fell into another chaotic lapse; Sasarai had stopped in his tracks after realising who was it that just crashed head-first into the dirty ground, and Rody's heart screamed prayers for the love potion not to work. His face turned pale with terror as he watched the scene unravelling before him. Please, he prayed, please let the love potion fail…

"Sasarai?" Yuber coughed. "Gee, sorry for disturbing your wonderful moment—"

"Oh, Yuber," Sasarai gazed lovingly.

Then, before Rody's horrified eyes, Sasarai brought his face close to Yuber's and gave him a deep, passionate kiss.

Yuber felt an electrifying jolt of lightning and wanted to scream.

Rody's face twisted comically as he watched the kiss with astonishment and disgust.

Yuber flapped his arms wildly like those stretching exercises you do in Physical Education classes.

Sasarai was not relenting the slightest bit.

Oh dear, oh dear, oh dear…