Heyyy, guys! Sorry for taking so much time to finish this 3rd chapter, but I had trouble finding my ideas and weaving them together. God, but DO I KNOW NOW HOW MY STORY WILL EVOLVE!

I've recently played Final Fantasy Type-0 HD (still not finished it) and I was able to see beyond Machina's green eyes the man he truly is. I feel so sorry for his older brother - Izana. Consider that as my 1st source of inspiration.

So, back to my story, I'll add more chapters in the future (if God has mercy on me and grants me power to do that)

Here are a few spoilers:

Machina and Noctis will be together, like you all hoped.

Ace and maybe some other Class Zero cadets will show up! :)

Idola Aldercapt will get his butt painfully kicked in the end

(he deserves that :D)

...And that's enough... for now ^_^

Enjoy this sweet chapter.

WARNING: slight yaoi (boyXboy) &

the story might make you cry so...

YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED!

Don't like, don't read!


What Becomes of Us

Chapter 3:
Healing You


My hands are broken

And time is going on and on it goes...

Forever.

In this cruel world where few know how to forgive, I can only think about my favorite songs, which manage at all times to bring a smile to my lips. This simple sign of content puts my mind at ease: a smile. Even a sad one would do. My condition never having been so alarming, Breaking Benjamin's song "You" is the first and fastest remedy for me right now. Music is for my soul like honey for bees. I always used to sing. And I still do. I sang to myself when Machina would relentlessly chase after me.

Dead star, shine! Light up the sky!

I'm all out of breath, my walls are closing in.

I sang when emperor Idola Aldercapt set foot in our city, taking so many children away with him.

When all is said and done

I will be the one

To leave you in your misery and hate what you've become.

Last but not least, I drank my own tears, making an effort to sing when I softly reminisced of heartbreaking sunsets under which Machina and I would eat ice cream together on a bench in the park.

I'll keep you inside...

Where I lead you cannot follow.

Straight and to the light

As my breath grows thin and shallow.

Now I try to open my eyes, feeling so exhausted after such a day. I need a reprieve. Something to set my soul free. Free from its torment. As I let a slight sigh to escape my lips, a warm hand lays on my forehead. It lightly caresses my skin. Oh, somebody cares about me! Another hand grasps my right shoulder, then snakes its way down to my waist, settling my body on something soft, emanating a familiar scent. It must be hay. I really don't mind resting here, even though my royal tastes still linger inside my mind. I could do with a king size bed, but for now I need to be pleased with the little I have. Then I hear magical sounds, as if I were still dreaming and in the next moment I know somebody has cast Cure on me. The spell does me good, since my body doesn't feel so strained anymore. My limbs relax at last. Velvet fingers caress my chest where a bullet pierced through me a while ago. I look down at my wound to see the blood drying, leaving my shirt clean like magic! Wow, it worked! The bullet is gone. Nothing hurts me now.

"You'll be good as new." a familiar voice tells me.

"I know. I'm not alone."

Smiling, I look at my best friend, my hero, gloating him over. Strong magic power radiates through his veins like a beautiful aura. His dark hair shapes his young face almost covering his right eye. I don't know why... but all of a sudden I have this urge to touch him. So many years have passed, yet it feels like yesterday when we played together. My heart begins to beat faster. And faster. And I finally feel secured here, in his arms. My forehead presses against his chest, acknowledging the masculine four-pack there that still needs to grow. However, taking his fragile age into consideration, I tell to myself he's quite well-built. Not that I've expected less from an elite soldier of his kind. He's... three years younger than me?

"Machina, how old are you know?" I ask him.

My friend gives me a puzzled look. Have I said something wrong? His eyes are so amused. He bursts into laughter. Oh, his pleasant voice...!

"Really? Is that what you want to know in the first place? I've been expecting something like 'Where are we?' or 'When will I recuperate?' Well, anyway, I'm seventeen."

Hardly aware of my sudden reaction, I laugh too. Hiding myself deeper at his chest, I encircle his waist with my arms. Yes, with my weak, feeble arms. His cheek touches mine as he embraces me. My eyes shoot open due to the pleasant contact, but I fear… Hold up a sec. What should I worry for? Let me just enjoy this heartily moment. I hear his soft chuckle as we remain united for what seems like an eternity. Tired may I be, yet my head goes haywire, 'Machina' becoming the only word that escapes my lips, parted slightly in rapture. It's so wonderful to think that after all the bloodshed in Insomnia, my crown city, after my last parent's death… still… somebody cares for me. Somebody's got my back. Protects me. Wants nothing but the best for me. I give out a sigh when this benefactor of mine gently pushes his fingers on my shoulder blades and massages my strained muscles.

"You passed out minutes ago," he whispers, "not long before we reached this cave. I carried you here. All I can say is that you're really, really thin. And I mean it."

Slowly, I take a look at my body. Machina's right.

The shadow of a man - I am nothing less.

I am holding on, still holding on.

Prince of Lucis? Oh, please. I'm barely a ghost of what I used to be once. Once, when my beloved country was free, when my people where not enchained with heavy shackles, when my dear father was still alive... I don't even want to remember that dreadful day! For I was forced to run away. Idola Aldercapt declared me dead so as to plant the seeds of anguish and regret in the hearts of the surviving citizens. They surrendered since they had little choice. Secretly, Idola sent out his soldiers all over the neighboring regions, including Duscae. Their focus – to either kill me on sight or bring me to him wounded to death. Having already experienced an almost deathly encounter with the troops, I can say they were willing to torture me to my final life drop. Thank God Machina was with one of these parties! I remember well the angry look on his face that spelled 'murder' when his two comrades tried to kill me. Before this episode, I survived another three or four bloody battles against them. I fought as hard as I could. As well as I had been trained. However, they had a crucial advantage – their number. I counted five up to twelve soldiers in different parties. All of them menacing. That's why I've been neglecting my needs these last three days. I even forgot to feed myself properly, my only worries concerning my safety. Nevertheless, should I have succeeded in evading the soldiers' surprise attacks, still, I could have never found enough food to keep my body healthy. Water I drank from small waterfalls I came across in the thick forest. But food! Oh, food! I have already forgotten the taste of food. Therefore, I'm not surprised at all to see my once strong legs now bony and shaky. My hip bones are also terribly visible. Perhaps my stomach has automatically shut down its functions as a security method?

"Noctis, tell me. How long has it been since you haven't eaten?"

Machina sounds like my old man right now. I smirk at him.

"Three days, I figure."

"Oh, that won't do you good!"

"You've cast Cure on me. Don't worry. I'll be fine."

His brows instantaneously close the distance between one another as he pulls away from me to lock his eyes with mine. I see raw fear in his.

"Cure just made the bullet in your chest disappear and maybe even healed some other wounds. It can't provide you with food though."

"I'll get by."

"Noctis. This is crazy people stuff!"

Ok. He's scowling.

"I care about you. To say the truth, I must say I'm amazed that you managed to stay alive five days on your own in unknown territory. Seriously now, you need to eat."

I open my mouth to answer but he brings a finger to my lips. This way, he takes my breath away as well. To feel him touch me in such a sensitive place…

"No, let me rephrase that: you must eat."

He pets my shoulders before pushing aside the crimson red cape that covers a small brown leather bag tied to his waist. One of his hands dives in to rummage for…

"Here. I know it's not gourmet but better this than nothing, right?"

Wrapped in thin red paper, he surely holds something edible in front of me. With a hopeful smile looming on his face, Machina peels off the paper, revealing – to my hungry and food deprived eyes – a deliciously looking sandwich. Oh well, to him it may seem not so delicious since the sandwich must be at least one day old, but all I know is that my mouth is watering at the sight of it. Lucky me. Here I thought I'd die of hunger!

"Machina, you're a life saver!"

No sooner do I finish saying this than I nearly jump at him to claim my prize.

"Fortunately I saved it for later needs."

He laughs softly as he watches a desperate Noctis Lucis Caelum biting greedily into the bread. Perhaps this is easily one of my most embarrassing moments ever.

"Take your time, take your time."

I don't reply, just give him a barely perceivable 'Mm-hm' from within my throat. Then I nod my head at him hoping he'd get the message. Only after several healthy bites do I stop to thank him. He yawns – to my surprise – and says:

"It's the least I can do. I really want to help you. To atone for what I did to you."

I swallow the last bit of sandwich, eyeing him curiously.

"Why are you saying this?"

"I tried to kill you, Noctis. Maybe I would have… if you hadn't screamed my name."

My jaws are about to drop. I listen to him intently.

"When I realized that you know me, a sudden revelation hit me like a bolt of lightning. I knew then you are my long lost friend."

"M-Machina, I…"

"Sshh! Don't say another word. Please hear me out. I'm so sorry. If only I had figured it out earlier… before you got shot."

"Never mind that. I'm fine now."

"Don't get your hopes up. A single light snack won't be sufficient to make you strong again."

Scarcely do I notice that I am leaning closer to him. His strength doesn't intimidate me. On the contrary, I feel safe. I feel protected. We lie down, the fresh hay being our only bed. Outside the cave we can see dark night sky, littered with tiny white glimmers among which a single one shines most brightly – the full moon, pale and forever shrouded in mystery. It's silence for a while. When I look to my left, I see my best friend. His eyes hold much concern and pity. Half of his face is covered in darkness. So far I've learned that night really is a problem in the wilderness. Without any city lights to show the way, one is meant to become a savage animal's dinner. The Duscae region is even worse. I remember that, as I was walking several days ago on the plain, I saw a message board which informed me about the existence of a dread behemoth, called 'Deadeye'. Now this thought gives me chills. I am lucky not to have bumped into that voracious of a creature!

Machina shifts next to me a little so that he can take my fragile body into his arms. The moment he touches me, I think I…

"Noctis? What's wrong?"

"N-Nothing."

But his endeavors don't stop here. He begins to play with my hair. Normally, I would hate to get my bangs ruffled. However, it's as though Machina has a secret, express pass code to pleasure me in such a tender way I could only dream of! Unconscious, I let out a silent moan. That becomes his cue.

"I'll take you away from here. I'll take you somewhere beautiful."

Sing something new, I've nothing left.

I can't face the dark without you.

Willingly – this time – I press myself against his body and I rest my head on the curve of his delectable neck. Let me hear more, my dear!

"That's it. I know what can be done. I'll call for help."

Frowning at him, I showcase my disbelief.

"What? Get real! Who would venture all the way here?"

He points to his ear and I gasp in surprise. He really had something up his sleeve.

"My colleagues will! I still have my transmitter."

Of course he has one! All soldiers with assignments do.

"Oh, so could that work?"

"Yes. I'll see if I can get a signal. Stay here, Noctis."

"D-Don't go too far!" I mutter, fear overtaking me once again.

As a reply, he gives me a warm embrace and I take a chance to place my head on his shoulder.

"I won't. No worries."

His fingers travel up to my nape, playing with my hair strands. I hear his chuckle which makes me shiver, and only after that do I notice he has planted a soft kiss on my forehead. Oh…

"Machina?"

"Don't ask me to explain this. I could never know why I did it."

Ok. His answer is so strange.

"I just feel I have to protect you. Yes, even if you're the elder one here."

"Age doesn't matter. Look at me. I'm completely helpless."

"Not for too long, I assure you."

Just like he said, he returns after a while. I am already enticed by sleep's spells, as my eyes feel heavy and sore. Placing my hands under my left cheek, I try to seek some real rest. Leaving aside the dark thoughts that haunt me relentlessly, I just lie here amidst nice smelling hay. Before falling asleep, I still hear Machina's footsteps, letting me know he's back safe and sound. A smile appears on my face. I see nothing, but I can sense him crouching to whisper at my ear:

"It's done. I was able to find help. My colleagues should arrive in a couple of hours. Be at peace. I won't be going anywhere."

"Your colleagues? But aren't they assigned with killing me too? Helping me would lead to their dismissal. Or maybe something even worse. I don't want to put them in danger!"

"It's alright, Noctis. Their homeland isn't Niflheim."

I'd like to open my eyes and talk more to him, but… ah! so sleepy…

"I'll explain everything some other time, sweetheart. You just be sure that you're safe."

Sweetheart? My heart beats so strong right now. So strong… that I can only murmur a silent 'Thank you'. After I nuzzle his chest with my nose, Machina's arms bloom out of nowhere and encircle my feeble body. We lie together, embraced in sheer bliss. From time to time he gently kisses my forehead, while his thumbs follow the line of my face. I have never been more nervous than now. He… He loves me. Of that I'm quite certain. It's not a mirage created by my wounded soul, but something that I can feel with every fiber of my being. Yes, it's crystal clear that he loves me!

"Sleep tight, my prince. Tomorrow everything will change."

One last kiss melts softly on my skin before I get to hear the most beautiful sentence ever:

"I love you, Noctis."

And I know no worries after this. I let myself be cradled by his loving arms. A single sound makes me ache all of a sudden, reminding me of how hungry I am. My stomach is crying! Crying for more food.

"Oh dear. You must be starving."

Machina tightens his embrace. This way, he presses me harder on his stronger body. I blush slightly.

"See? Told you that only a light snack won't be enough!"

"I'll… s-survive."

"Stay strong, love."

His words serve well his purpose. I couldn't care less of my current situation. With all my might I believe in a brighter future, where Machina and I will be together, my people will be free and… maybe, just maybe, I'll get to enjoy a pretty mean steak. This had better come true!

"By the way, I asked Ace to bring you something to eat. Once again, it won't be anything gourmet but it will sure prove more consistent than that sandwich."

With my eyes still closed, I express my surprise:

"Who is Ace?"

"My most loyal colleague. No, he's a friend. A special one. Come now, no need to feel jealous!"

"Are not!" I pout at him playfully. "So we can trust him?"

"Yes, he's already heading our way in an aircraft."

"All by himself?"

"Of course not, dear. Alongside his commander and some other Class Zero members. But like I said, I'll explain this later. Sleep now, Noctis. Just relax and dream on. Please."

"Love you too, Machina."

Perhaps my answer amazed him, but it was the only thing I could come up with. Slowly, I put one hand on my stomach, hoping it would ease my pain. The other one I lay on my hero's shoulder, to show him compassion. Then, I lose myself into the universe of slumber, waiting for Machina to follow me.