A/N: An editted down version of a Ruins of Hope one shot I wrote a while back. You'll see a few of those through this. It doesn't particularly come up but Chris and Gauche are a thing. Expect lots of Gauche and Droite. I wish I could have saved them to go further into them and Kaito and Thomas. A deleted scene from when Thomas was in confinement and the fake Kaito returns.


Stress Relief

For years Gauche had been Chris' release. After so long without the people he loved, watching them falling apart, Chris needs to let off steam before the real world gets overwhelming.


"You should sleep," Gauche murmured.

"I can't," Chris replied. Gauche nodded, leaning against the wall and watching the cell through the glass. Thomas was sitting inside; wrists still handcuffed behind him by those cruel red cuffs, supressing his powers. "Not while he's like this."

Gauche nodded once more. Chris' responsibilities forced him to accept Thomas' fate. The Astral Lords were supposed to act on logic and rationalisations rather than emotions even when it came to their families. Chris, as the leader of the Lords, was completely powerless to help Thomas any more than he already had. Their combined forces had saved him from being put to death the second he stepped into the Astral HQ.

Thomas seemed to have calmed during the last leg of the journey. He seemed to be recovering. Perhaps he could defeat the Barian infection for a second time. Gauche was sure there must have been people other than Thomas, but they probably didn't hear about them. And they probably didn't come around in their circle too often given the bosses ordered all Barian infected Sorcerers killed. He wasn't entirely sure why the bosses had spared Thomas. Possibly, now knowing what he truly was, because he was already part Chaos. Or perhaps it really was just because he had thrown himself on their mercy and shown he wasn't going to give into it. Either way, he was in trouble now.

"I don't know what Kaito and Thomas talked about," Gauche said softly. "Even though he was worked up when the call ended, he calm down. There was this… quiet resignation about him. Like almost a peace."

Chris nodded. "He does seem at peace. There's something different. Kaito is rather good for him, isn't he?"

"You should have encouraged them more," Gauche laughed. Chris smiled. "I dunno about those two. I think Thomas is mad about him but I can't read Kaito. What do you think?"

"Kaito and Thomas love each other," Chris replied, watching Thomas in his cell. "They have always loved each other in one way or another. Do you remember them as kids? You were with them." Gauche nodded. "You remember how close they were."

Gauche nodded again. Thomas would sit with Kaito, their powers would dance and spark and cause gorgeous flickering lights and displays. They were best friends. Practically family, raised as if they were orphans under Chris' watch in the Astrals' HQ. The five boys were as close as anyone.

"How come I have to hear from Kaito that Thomas is Infernal?" Gauche snapped. Chris smiled bitterly. "He's Infernal, Chris. He's got Chaos powers and you lead everyone believe he's a Pyro."

"Even he believed he was Pryo until he was eighteen," Chris replied. "I told him the truth about himself when he turned eighteen. He was terrified. He was ashamed. Do you know how much it hurt to see him ashamed of himself for something he couldn't help? Something he was born with. Something I put on him!"

In his cell, Thomas sighed and flopped back on the bunk, gazing over at the door. He couldn't see them. It was just a wall to him. The poor boy was hurting and didn't really deserve to be locked up. He didn't need to be locked up. He wouldn't do well locked up.

"He didn't want anyone to know," Chris whispered, laying a hand against the glass. Gauche's heart ached. His family meant so much to Chris. Gauche had always admired that about him. His dedication to his family. "He was so ashamed and now everyone knows. He's got to be devastated." He closed his eyes and shook his head. "Do you know what happens to Infernals? Even before this war?" Gauched frowned and Chris glared over. "They lock them up. They lock them up in their high security dungeons and throw away the key. There's a man in one of the most secure facilities we have; an Infernal Sorcerer, unclaimed by either side. He's been there… sixteen years, I would estimate."

"Sixteen years? They would do that to Thomas?"

"They would do that to anyone they didn't think they could use. Thomas was only saved because he didn't know what he was. He was the son of a respected Aether and Pyro. Why was there any reason to doubt he was a Pryo like her when he let off the odd spark? And when he powers began to bloom and they realised, I was already their loyal soldier. I promised I would look after him and keep him from trouble. I sold my soul and his to them to protect him from the same fate. That man had a son. A wife. She wasn't a Sorcerer but their son was. He had a family. The son was locked up with him. He didn't see the outside world until he was allowed to attend the academy and forced to control his powers. I think he lost control one day and was expelled. He was locked up once more, away from his father this time. And then he was broken out by the Barians. I couldn't see that happen to Thomas."

"Wait- wait, this kid was broken out by the Barians?" Chris smiled bitterly. "You're not allowed to tell me, are you?"

"I've already told you too much. Fate is fate."

"And fate says Kaito will kill Thomas within six months?" he muttered. "And that whichever side kills Yuma will conquer the kingdom."

"Something like that anyway. You don't want to know about your fate," Chris whispered. "There's so much death coming, Gauche. We're going to lose so much."

"Hey," Gauche said, pulling him close and letting Chris lay his head on his shoulder. "Hey, we're not going anywhere, you know? We're going to look after you. Or, you'll look after us. One of the other. You're a Lord, after all. You're pretty tough. And Thomas is Infernal, for heaven's sake. You take those cuffs off him and you've got a damn near unstoppable weapon."

"Thomas isn't a weapon."

"His boyfriend thinks he is."

"If I ever see him I will destroy him," he hissed. "I won't stand for anyone hurting my brother. No one gets to break his heart. No matter how much Thomas loves him."

"Mmm, you wouldn't say that if it was Kaito who broke his heart."

Chris sneered. "I think you severely underestimate my wrath, Gauche. Shouldn't you be with Droite rather than comforting me?"

"I'd rather be keeping busy. I'll see her later but... if I hang around thinking about it too much it'll just end up with me being depressed too. There are other things to be doing. I need to keep busy."

"So you're here chatting with me?"

"Keeping an eye on you. That's what friends do, you know? I can do something for you. I can't do anything for Droite right now. At least this way I feel like I'm doing something."

"I'm sorry about what Father did to her, by the way."

"There's nothing for you to be sorry for," he muttered. "He's twisted. He's not the man you grew up with, is he?"

Chris shook his head just as the doors burst open and Kaito hurried in. "It's about time."

"Don't bother, Chris, I had enough trouble getting away from the Barians without you as well." He paused at the glass, gazing in at his partner. "How is he?"

"Whatever you said to him, it worked," Gauche muttered. Kaito smiled bitterly. "What did you say to him?"

"I need to see him," he whispered. Chris scowled and Gauche folded his arms as Kaito pressed his hand against the glass. "Let me in there with him?"

Chris glanced at Gauche for help and Gauche shrugged. It wasn't his choice. And Thomas wasn't his brother. Finally, Chris nodded, leading him around to the entrance to Thomas' cell. Perhaps he could do Thomas some good. They let him in and Thomas sat up slowly as Kaito entered, hurrying over to his partner. Only Thomas didn't seem pleased to see him.

"Get away from me," he snarled, drawing back as far as he could on the bed. "Chris-"

"It's me, Thomas," Kaito said softly, crouching slightly and catching his arms. Thomas turned away and Kaito sighed. "It's me. What's wrong with you? I had to put right all your stupid mistakes and you won't even look at me."

"Chris, please-"

"Thomas…" Kaito cupped his cheek gently, turning Thomas back towards him and forcing Thomas to hold his gaze until his scrunched his eyes shut. "Please, Thomas, talk to me."

"What's wrong, moron?" Gauche snapped.

"It's not him," Thomas whimpered. "Please, Chris, get him out of here. He's not Kaito. Chris-"

"Thomas, look at me," Kaito whispered. Thomas' eyes cracked open. "I'm sorry you don't trust me. I thought we were closer. I didn't realise how much pain you were in. I'm sorry you couldn't tell me the truth. I'm sorry you felt like you had to go off on your own because I'll always pick Haruto. I'm sorry. But I'll make it up to you." His fingers brushed Thomas' cheek gently. "I'll show you how much you really mean to me. Like I should have done a long time ago."

He leant in slowly and Thomas' eyes widened as he planted a soft, gentle kiss on his lips, shifting slightly to a more comfortable position for both of them. Chris smiled and Gauche turned away. Well, that was an answer to whether Kaito cared about Thomas or not.

"Best leave them to it, hmm?" he murmured.

Chris nodded and shut the door, leaving the youngsters to enjoy each other's company. Gauche smiled, playing absently with the ends of Chris' newly cut hair. He looked good but it was strange to have it all cut. Chris caught his hand and Gauche smiled.

"Kaito isn't the only one in the mood, huh?" Gauche said, turning away towards the residential wing. "Need some stress release?"

"I'm leading a war with my baby brothers on the front line," Chris snapped. "Everyone I care about is in danger and I have to send them out every day knowing they might never come back. So yes, I'm a bit stressed."

Gauche laughed, shutting the door behind him and pushing Chris back against it, their lips pressed roughly together. They'd been using each other for release since before Kaito caught Chris' eye. The pair had met when Gauche left the academy with Kaito, Thomas and Droite and led them all back to the Astrals to be taken on as soldiers, under the watchful gaze of their older brother. Thomas had always been the youngest of the group. Kaito was one of the oldest in their year while Thomas was one of the youngest, almost a full year young. Only a few week later and he would have been in the age group below them. And at only fourteen, Gauche had been introduced to the stunning older boy- Kaito's mentor and soon after his partner- it was easy to fall for him and Chris seemed to feel the same.

"You're eager," he murmured as Chris gripped his collar.

"I've spent two and a half years trapped in stasis," Chris snapped, gripping his hair and dragging him into another deep, hungry kiss. "I've spent that entire time asleep in a world between worlds, between life and death. I need attention now."

"Alright, alright," he laughed.

Chris tugged him back towards the bedroom and Gauche went without argument. It was only the small space of time Chris and Kaito had been together that they hadn't been using each other like this. Neither wanted anything romantic or mushy. They were just good friends who needed something more every now and again.

They stumbled back towards the bed, Gauche breaking the heated kiss only momentarily to figure out how to remove Chris' formal robes and throwing them aside to reveal the tight white shirt underneath. Their lips met once more and Gauche coat fell to the floor with Chris' robes as they fell to the bed.

It was strange to run his hands through such short hair as he pulled at Chris' hair. He almost missed the long silky strand he could twist around his fingers and watch Chris brushing for hours. Still, Chris looked handsome no matter what he did with his hair.

The room was silent except for their soft pants and moans and the groan of the bed beneath them. He pulled off Chris' shirt and threw it away as Chris practically tore Gauche's own black top, running his fingers admiringly over the contours of his body. No doubt taking in how Gauche had changed since the Astral's summoned him and he became a Lord. He couldn't imagine he'd changed much. He was all but fully grown by then. Perhaps a few extra scars but little else.

He pulled at Chris' belt and Chris slapped him away as always. And always Gauche laughed, uttering the warning as Chris did.

"Patience."

Something's never changed.

They kissed roughly, hands tangled into each other's hair and their bodies pressed together. Chris pushed him over onto his back, kissing and nipping along his jaw. Gauche groaned, sliding his hands down over Chris' perfectly smooth skin. He'd waited for this for so long. He'd been desperate for Chris in his arms once more ever since he'd vanished all those years ago.

The door burst open and Gauche hissed. Hadn't he locked that. "Chris? Are you here?"

"Michael?" Chris snapped, sitting and glaring back at the doorway. "Don't come in."

"Why?" Michael huffed. There was a thud on the other side of the partition wall. "I know what you two get up." He sighed and lowered his voice. "What I wish I was doing with Takashi…"

Chris rolled his eyes and Gauche huffed. "No offense kid, but don't take out your frustrations out on me. Just because you've finally figured out what I've been telling you for this long."

"Go and tell him," Chris snapped as Gauche turned his attention back to stress relief. Chris hissed and gripped his shoulders as he kissed long his neck. "Just- just tell him how you feeling, Michael. He obviously cares about you too. Tell him the truth and- and he'll probably be overjoyed."

"He's hanging out with some girl," Michael said. "It was like he was about to tell me and then she turned up and he was just more interested in her. Like I didn't exist."

"Michael, even I know he loves you," he groaned. Gauche smirked. He'd known Takashi and Michael loved each other for a long while. But he was more interested in Chris. He pulled Chris into his lap, holding their bodies close as possible. He'd missed the warmth of Chris' body. "Gauche…"

"Yeah, great, thanks, big brother," he muttered. "I'm having a breakdown in my love life and you're too busy thinking about getting laid."

"I thought you lack of love life was the problem, kid," Gauche teased.

"You have terrible taste in men, Chris."

"I'm sorry, Michael. I'll come and talk to you about in after. I promise."

"I hate you so much sometimes," Michael hissed, stomping away. "Two and a half years you abandoned us for and now you go straight to that idiot rather than helping me and Thomas. I see where your priorities lie."

"Michael-"

The door shut and Chris sighed. Maybe Michael was right but the stress wasn't good for him. He needed release. Chris needed to relax and Gauche knew just how to make it happen. He threw Chris over onto his back, pinning him down and taking control before Chris got too busy worrying over Michael and Thomas and spoiled the mood.

"I missed you," Gauched confessed quietly against his ear.

Chris gripped his hand tighter, nails digging into his bicep. He couldn't deny it. He missed Chris. He was as close to Chris as he was Droite, Kaito and Thomas. Perhaps closer. After all, of those three there was only one who'd been in his bed with him and that was only once. It was always Chris he came back to. He always wanted Chris in his arms once more. He wasn't naïve enough to think it was love. Love opened you up to pain and grief. Chris' little brothers were proof of that. Droite herself was proof of that. They all suffered because of their love. Gauche wouldn't do that.

"Feeling better?" Gauche panted once the passion had faded and they were lying side by side in bed once more. "Or at least less stressed?"

"Have you seen the mess my family is in?" Chris snorted. "My father is a Chaos corrupted monster, trying to kill anyone who tries to get close to us. Thomas is fighting the Chaos infection for the second time and locked up for everyone's own good. Michael can't get his words out when it comes to the person he loves and it's making him miserable. And R-"

He stopped and scowled, turning away and Gauche tilted his head. And… who? There were three brothers and a father. R-who? Their mother's name was Vivian, he knew that. But she died when they were young anyway. The problems started when during childbirth with Michael. She was always sick after that. And there was no other family that he knew of. Gauche was surprised how much Chris had opened up to him over the years and how much he knew about him and his family.

"Who?" Gauche said quietly.

Chris sighed. "Our cousin."

"I didn't think you had any cousins? It was just you guys."

"You remember I told you this story about the man in the dungeons?" Gauche nodded slowly. "He's family. Our cousin is a Barian. Just like our father. And maybe Thomas now too."

"Hey, Thomas is strong," Gauche said gently. "And from what you told me about your cousin, it wasn't his fault. He was in such an awful situation he wasn't given much choice. I mean, what you said about Infernals and what he was stuck in, if the Barians gave him a way out then he needed to take it. And, you know, Thomas beat it once, he'll do it again. Maybe that's the answer to helping everyone else recover too."

"I hope you're right. I don't know what's wrong with him. It can't just be the Chaos infection making him think Kaito's not really himself, can it?" Gauche nodded. It was weird that Thomas thought it wasn't Kaito. Who else would it be after all? "And Michael's problems… I should go and talk to him. I know it's against the rules for partners to have affairs but Kaito and Thomas and now Michael and Takashi-"

"You and Kaito."

"Don't."

Chris sighed and got up slowly, slipping away. "Oi, so soon-"

"You know how it is," Chris said with a bitter smile. "There is always something for a Lord to do. Business before pleasure, I'm afraid. Family before desires. And you're quite definitely a pleasurable desire."

"You're flirting with my, my Lord," Gauche laughed.

"Perhaps."

He slipped away leaving Gauche gazing after him. Chris always put his family first. And he supposed he was right. If he didn't put right Michael and Takashi one of their best teams was ruined and with Thomas and Kaito out of commission along with him and Droite, they needed everyone they could get. They needed each other. Anyone outside of their tightknit family would never be allowed in. It seemed not even Kaito was considered close enough to be trusted. It was a shame. They were falling apart and being becoming more and more isolated. If only they could open up to others more and accept their help.

At least he could do this much for Chris, even if it seemed silly to most people.