Title: Heaven Beside You

Chapter 4: Promises Broken

Disclaimer: I don't own Star Ocean, which I almost spelled as Satyr Ocean. I am now the not so proud owner of Satyr Ocean, since no one else wants it.

A/N: The chapter takes place roughly a week or two after chapter 3, if anyone's keeping track. Nothing exciting happened in that time. Assume that everyone slept. There was one incident of stick poking, but that would hardly make an exciting chapter (unless someone wants a chapter of nothing but poking the poor characters with sticks). There is no need to worry though. The offender has been punished.

Thanks again to everyone who reviewed! I love to hear nice things!

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During those first few days after the attack, Fayt had remained at Albel's side despite the other man's desire to be left alone, and made sure that his friend was comfortable, but when Fayt had completely recovered, Albel had insisted that he return to his duties. After much protesting, Fayt had conceded to the older man's wishes and he had to admit that it felt good to be useful once again.

As Fayt entered the town after finishing his morning scout of the area, he was greeted by friendly village faces. It seemed that word had spread concerning his heroic actions and the attention the villagers paid him was making Fayt uncomfortable. According to the story currently circulating around Kirlsa, he had single-handedly disposed of a monster which had posed a threat to the people's safety. This same beast had been so strong that it had laid up the town's best warrior for several days with terrible injuries and this only heightened their admiration of the unharmed Fayt. The villagers had no idea what power he had used and Fayt knew that if they ever found out he would become the monster.

Such was the story which had been spread, but he knew the truth of the matter. Albel had been injured protecting him. The thought that Albel had sacrificed his own safety for his sake shamed him, but at the same time the idea filled him with such warmth as he remembered his conversation with Woltar the night they returned. The realization that he had earned the affection of the coldest heart in Airyglyph pleased him more than anything else.

Unbeknownst to Fayt, Albel had been watching him from the Storm Brigade headquarters. His broken arm still rested in a sling, but his metal arm was raised toward the window he looked through with its claws resting upon the smooth surface, as if expressing an unspeakable longing for the subject of his gaze. Albel leaned closer to improve his view and his hot breath fogged against the glass in puffs of intrigue.

He watched with interest as Fayt adeptly handled the villagers, accepting their congratulations and praise, smiling with the kind of warmth and kindness he could never hope to muster. Albel thought the commoners should be scorned for their weakness and inability to defend themselves, which is why he couldn't help but be impressed at how well Fayt handled the situation.

Fayt had become their hero, and he humoured them by listening to their inane comments, shaking hands, and assuring them that the trouble was past. Only Albel could see how he longed to escape from the adoring crowd of people and return to the mansion. But what shocked him the most was seeing that the smile Fayt gave to the villagers, while sincere, was nothing compared to what Albel was used to receiving. Is it my imagination, or does he reserve his brightest smiles for me? Albel's brow furrowed in confusion immediately after the thought entered his head. It shouldn't matter to me, but it does. I wonder why?

Albel was so preoccupied with watching Fayt that he didn't notice that Woltar had entered the room he occupied and was observing him curiously. The old man remained silent, content to let Albel enjoy himself for just a little while longer. He could guess what it was, or rather whom it was that had attracted and held the other man's attention. It gladdened him to see that Albel was learning to care for someone other than himself, albeit slowly. Finally Woltar broke the silence and addressed the wistful swordsman.

"You care deeply for the boy, don't you? Enough to sacrifice your own health for his sake hmm?"

Albel whirled around in surprise to face the intruder but he quickly looked away in order to hide the embarrassed blush which had spread across his face as a result of being discovered. How long has that maggot been watching me and how the hell did he guess my train of thought? In a vain attempt to escape Woltar's interrogation Albel answered the question with one of his own.

"What makes you say that?" He stammered defiantly.

"Oh I don't know. Perhaps it's the way your eyes light up when he enters a room, or your reaction when he says your name with such kindness. Or maybe it's because you are spending your free time ogling him like an infatuated schoolgirl."

Albel blanched as he said this but made no effort to deny it. Before long, Woltar continued.

"His cheerfulness always seems to bring such shock to your face. It is really quite amusing, to think that anyone would be so happy to see you of all people. It really makes him hard to ignore doesn't it?"

"Stop spouting nonsense!" Albel had recovered his usual colour and was fully prepared to defend himself against Woltar's barrage of invasive questions.

But Woltar would not be dismayed that easily. He had heard it all before. "You cannot help having feelings for him, can you?"

"Silence!" Shaking with fury, Albel raged against the suggestion. It was too close to the truth for his liking and there was no way he would ever admit to such a thing. He couldn't even admit it to himself. "Do not push me, old man. You cannot possibly know how I feel." Even I don't know . . .

"So tell me about your feelings Albel. If you feel nothing then why did you protect him?"

"What difference does it make? Consider it a lapse in judgement."

"Be honest Albel. There must be something which prompted such uncharacteristic behaviour. It's not like you to act in such a way. Think it over for a moment. What is it about the boy that you felt was worth saving?"

Having regained his composure, Albel answered him seriously with the safest response he could devise. "He is the only one who has ever professed a desire to stay with me without wanting something in return. When we faced the beast, I knew he was afraid. He was well aware that it would be dangerous, but he wouldn't leave my side. I still can't understand his choice, but at the time it pleased me. I suppose I admired his foolish determination."

There have been others, Albel remembered bitterly. Some had looked at him with lust in their eyes and manner, but he knew that they only wanted to take from him briefly. There were none who would willingly remain by his side for any length of time, not after they learned just how damaged he was. Those who desired him at first soon came to fear his cruelty, yet Fayt had accepted him and his flaws without question even after everything he had done to the boy and his friends. Fayt knew the things he was capable of and still stood by him. This alone made him worthy of Albel's protection.

Unsatisfied, and sensing that Albel was still holding some of his thoughts back, Woltar prompted him for more information. "So he refused to abandon you, eh? Is that all?"

Albel hesitated briefly and considered the question. Is that really the only reason? "Perhaps, there is more," he admitted warily, hoping that Woltar would not question him further but the older man was not about to let the issue drop, especially if Albel seemed even the slightest bit willing to discuss things. Besides, there was no one else whom Albel could confide in and Woltar was determined to help him work through this.

"Does it have something to do with how Fayt feels about you?"

Albel blinked in surprise. He had never considered Fayt's motivations, only his own, but now warm memories came flooding back to him. "I know he doesn't hate me . . . He accepts what I am."

Albel's mind drifted back to past experiences with the boy and in every scenario Fayt had been good to him. Throughout their travels, Fayt had been the only one in their group who had ever made an effort to befriend him. He had always been able to speak freely with the younger man without fear of condemnation and Fayt had listened to his opinions when no one else would. He was more to Fayt than just a man with a penchant for murder and a blood fetish. He was a trusted friend.

"Have you ever considered the possibility that Fayt loves you Albel, despite your imperfections? Can you name anyone else, besides me, who actually enjoys your company?"

Blood red eyes momentarily widened in surprise at the mention of love, but soon narrowed into a state of sad contemplation. Eventually, Albel shook his head fiercely as if the suggestion bothered him. "Fayt doesn't hate me. That is hardly comparable to love."

"Then why do you suppose he is willing to stay here, hmm?" Good gods, are they both so blind to the other's feelings, or are they just too stubborn to admit it?

"He claims to be bored with life. Apparently things are more exciting for him here. I too am bored, and he helps to alleviate that." Albel's tone remained emotionless as he spoke, careful not to let anything slip which could be misconstrued as attachment to that boy. Fayt is just a distraction, nothing more he told himself, but it hardly sounded convincing.

Unimpressed by his answer, Woltar continued to press the issue. "Do you really think that life is more exciting here with youthan travelling through the stars on one of those celestial ships? It seems highly unlikely that there is anything on this planet which would interest someone who has the capabilities to explore anywhere he wishes."

Albel refused to be lured by Woltar's subtle taunts and continued to speak with total confidence in his assertions. "I believe he has grown tired of that life and has begun to seek something more than aimless travel." He called this place "home." I wonder if that is what he wants. What constitutes a home though?

"I see. So he wants to start a new life here with you?" Woltar chuckled merrily. "Yes, I suppose that is possible."

Albel couldn't miss the meaning of those words and he glared furiously at the older man. How dare he insinuate such a thing? "Just what are you suggesting, fool?" Albel argued angrily. "We are not a couple of lovesick newlyweds as you so desperately wish to imply!"

Woltar smiled sadly in response to Albel's angry denial. It was time to up the ante. "I suppose you don't realize the extent of his devotion, do you?"

"What do you mean by that?" Albel asked with genuine curiosity.

"Tell me Albel, what happened to the monster after it attacked you?"

"I don't know," he said honestly. After all, he had lost consciousness the moment his head had connected with the stone wall of the crevasse. "I guess I assumed it gave up and wandered off . . . " Even Albel realized how unrealistic that had sounded but he could think of no other explanation for the beast's disappearance.

"And what would you say if I told you that the boy defeated it single-handedly? You were injured when you finally awoke, so I supposed you didn't notice the extent of the damage Fayt had caused. Not a trace of the beast was left."

"But that's impossible! If Fayt had the power to defeat it, why didn't he do so in the first place?"

"Simple Albel, it's because his power is uncontrollable."

"What are you suggesting? If he can't control it, how could he use it?" Albel was getting impatient. Why did Woltar always string him along like this instead of coming right to the point?

"You are confused because you spent the end of the war in the dungeon. You missed something important and I suppose Fayt has never really told you. He's probably afraid of your reaction to him. As you may already know, our war with Aquaria was cut short due to the invasion of a third party."

"The Vendeeni?"

"Correct! But do you know what happened to the ship after it killed Vox and decimated both armies?"

Albel didn't know, the subject had never come up. After he had been released from the dungeon there were greater threats to be dealt with. The first ship was gone and that was all he cared about. "I assumed it had left after the damage had been done . . . "

"Wrong again Albel, but it's not your fault. You should know though, that it was Fayt who destroyed it."

"What?" Albel was in disbelief. While he could almost believe Fayt was capable of killing a mere beast, he just couldn't imagine that the boy could defeat something like the sky ship. And if it was true, why had they gone to all the trouble of battling Crosell to make such a small assault on the second ship?

Woltar was speaking again so Albel listened intently, "I wish you had been there to see it, boy. It was both beautiful and terrible at the same time. After devastating our forces, the ship also attacked the Aquarians. Supposedly one of Fayt's good friends was mortally wounded in the blast. While people were dying all around him, the boy came to learn the truth about himself, part of it anyway. The ships had come because of him. Everyone was dying because of his presence. The guilt and pain were too much for him to bear and he lost control, unleashing the deadliest force I've ever seen. The sky ship was completely destroyed. All because Fayt was upset over causing the deaths of his friends and strangers."

"And you're certain this was all Fayt's doing?" Albel asked suspiciously. "So what does this have to do with me exactly?"

"I know it's hard to believe but hear me out. From what you have told me, the boy carries a strange gene, correct? The gene of . . . "

"Destruction," Albel finished for him, finally understanding the implications of Fayt's childhood gene alteration. He had known the boy possessed something strange, but he had never realized that the gene had made Fayt into a weapon. The boy was strong, stronger than most, so Albel had believed that was the extent of the gene's power. But now . . . So what I told him that night about death and destruction was even more profound than I had ever imagined!

"Anyway, I will come to my point soon enough, be patient Albel. The gene's power is only released when the boy becomes intensely emotional or desperate and when there are no options left for salvation. When Fayt, or something important to him is in danger, the gene's power takes over. So when the boy saw you sacrifice yourself for his sake, taking the blow meant for him, his emotions activated the dormant gene. It was the fear of losing you Albel, and the grief and guilt of causing your death, which made him lose control and incinerate his enemy. It's a shame you were not awake to see it."

For once in his life, Albel was speechless. Woltar seemed to think that Fayt's feelings for him were deeper than the guarded warrior had ever realized and it was making him feel something in return. After all, something deep inside his own heart had prompted him to protect Fayt that day, and maybe it was something more than just respect or selfish pride. Albel moved slowly toward the door, intending to return to his own room and reflect on what he had just learned, but before he could leave, Woltar addressed him one last time.

"Listen carefully, Albel. There is something else you should know about Fayt. That first night when you both returned here, he refused to leave your side. I tried coaxing him into the other room to get some rest, but he was too worried and couldn't sleep anyway. It's not that he thought you were in any danger, far from it. Rather, he thought you would feel better and recover faster knowing that you were not alone."

Albel shrugged. "Sentimental fool," he muttered to himself quietly so Woltar wouldn't hear, and stalked out of the room. He already knew Fayt had stayed with him that night. He remembered feeling uncomfortable and waking up, only to discover that the younger man had collapsed across his chest. He had been so weak that night he wouldn't have been able to remove the boy even if he had wanted to. But strangely enough, Albel hadn't minded having Fayt so close to him. Besides, Albel thought wistfully, the fool had looked so peaceful as he slept that I just didn't have the heart to wake him. By morning, Fayt had already disappeared, only to return later with breakfast and Albel never mentioned the incident. Fayt still believed that his mistake had gone unnoticed and Albel would let him continue to think that way, while he alone cherished the memory.

As he left the room, Albel heard a door open and close downstairs, signalling Fayt's return. The sound of the closing door interrupted his revery and distracted the swordsman from his destination. Instead of turning down the hallway toward his own room, Albel's feet turned as if they had a will of their own, or perhaps just a hidden agenda, and started to carry him along the path heading for Fayt's room.

As he passed the staircase which led to the first floor, he could hear muffled voices from the lobby which assured him that Fayt was currently occupied so he would be able to slip into the boy's room and wait there for his return. Albel paused and listened to the conversation for a moment and though he couldn't hear any specific words, the tone was unmistakable. Fayt continued to talk casually to the guards, and Albel could hear the calm in their voices as they spoke. Fayt had that effect on people. He could put everyone around him at ease without even thinking about it.

Breaking away from his eavesdropping, Albel let himself into Fayt's room through the unlocked door and situated himself on the boy's bed. Sitting down, he crossed his legs and began to twitch nervously, with one leg bouncing the other up and down unconsciously as he waited impatiently for Fayt's return, still not altogether certain why he was even there.

Several minutes later, Fayt entered the room unceremoniously and started to peel off his sweat drenched clothing while smiling to himself as he reflected upon the day's activities. He was almost finished unzipping his vest when he noticed that he wasn't alone. Fayt froze instinctively and shot a puzzled look at Albel who was currently watching him with unreadable eyes and he shivered in spite of himself. I didn't even see him. I'm going to get one hell of a lecture.

But a reprimand was the last thing on Albel's mind as his gaze assessed the boy's outer appearance and had to admit that he looked decidedly unFaytlike. Speckled with blood and bits of monster flesh as he was, Fayt would probably have disgusted most people. But Albel was anything but disgusted. For someone like him, the combination of blood, sweat, and death was a recipe for arousal and he couldn't avert his eyes. They traced over the younger man's form, noting the muscles which rippled underneath the modest clothing as Fayt arched his back and stretched in order to loosen them. But his appreciation was cut short when the blue-haired boy turned to address him.

"Um, can I help you?" Fayt asked hopefully while running a nervous hand through his hair, obviously uncertain and slightly curious about Albel's presence in his room.

"Not likely," Albel grumbled by means of a reply.

Fayt frowned in confusion. "Then why are you here?"

Albel fidgeted with his claws for a moment as he flexed long dormant brain muscles which were in charge of polite conversation. "How did things go today?" he asked awkwardly, and quietly cursed himself for forgetting the usual accompanying insult.

"Since when do you care?" Fayt asked hesitantly. The boy's eyes clouded with concern and he quickly followed the question with another. "Are you feeling alright Albel? You're not fevered or anything, are you? Are your wounds bothering you? Would you like me to dress them for you?"

"Be quiet! There's nothing wrong with me, fool. And I don't care. I'm just curious. But if it makes you uncomfortable I'll leave. I didn't come here to argue."

"Then why did you come here?" Fayt asked patiently.

"I'm bored," he confessed. It wasn't a lie, but it wasn't really true either. Woltar's insights had troubled him and Albel's head was still struggling with several issues. He looked at Fayt with dull eyes and watched as the boy's face flooded with understanding.

"You're restless, aren't you Albel?" Fayt asked him kindly as he sat down beside his moody guest without even a hint of hesitation. "Being cooped up in here with nothing to kill must be hard on you. How about I give you a full report?" Albel shrugged in agreement and Fayt began to describe the morning battles. "First there was a group of wolves outside the town harassing traders, so I had to deal with them . . . "

As Fayt spoke enthusiastically about his kills of the day, Albel grew more and more interested. Shutting his eyes, Albel could picture every scenario Fayt described and one might even say he was excited at the image of Fayt's unrestrained bloodlust. It was obvious that the blue-haired boy had no qualms about killing, as long as it was necessary and the joy he gained from battle was almost a match for his own. When Fayt was finished, Albel asked the one question which had been bothering him.

"So you like living here . . . ?" he asked tentatively.

Fayt nodded with exuberance. "Of course I like it here!"

"But why do you want to stay with me?" Albel glanced at Fayt and would have looked away but the boy's cheerful green eyes caught his own and held him captive.

If the question had caught him off guard, Fayt didn't show it, and he answered almost immediately as if he had already thought long and hard on the matter. "I can't really explain why I like being here with you Albel. It just feels right. I know that sounds strange, but I've never felt this comfortable with anyone else."

"Not even the pink maggot?" Albel added with a sneer.

"Sophia?" Fayt shrugged. "To be honest, she makes me nervous sometimes and the whole clingy act gets annoying after a while. She wants too much from me and I'm not prepared to give in to her whims."

"But I thought you were in love with her, though for reasons I cannot comprehend. Wouldn't you rather stay close to a loved one?" Albel asked. He was frowning and obviously perplexed because he couldn't even follow through on his own logic. Fayt should stay with a loved one, and that made perfect sense, but he couldn't connect that thought to the fact that Fayt was staying with him.

"Maybe I did love her, but that was before . . ." Fayt glanced at Albel briefly, flushed, and dropped his eyes southward in order to examine a spot on his shoe before his enquirer could notice. "Ah, I mean she was always like a little sister to me. Sweet but immature, you know? I felt responsible for her, but now that she's safe I'm free to do as I please."

"And what pleases you?" Albel asked cautiously.

"Isn't it obvious?" Fayt smiled warmly at him and Albel trembled slightly, confused by the boy's intense kindness. He would have said something but Fayt was not finished.

"You treat me like a regular person. When we speak, you don't hold anything back. You're completely honest, and blunt about things and I respect that. The others treat me differently because they know that I'm– " Fayt stopped himself abruptly before he gave away too much information. Albel had never seen what he was capable of and he wanted the other man to stay ignorant of his destructive power.

Albel didn't miss the sudden pause and he knew what it was that Fayt didn't want to mention. "Woltar told me about you. I know about your power, Fayt."

Fayt's smile quickly faded and eyes filled with terror which was soon joined by despair. They had been sitting close together but Fayt moved away, feeling suddenly uncomfortable. "Does it bother you?" he asked meekly. "I'm a weapon, after all. I can't control it, and I could hurt you. Everyone else worries because of what I am."

"Of course it bothers me." Albel replied mercilessly. Fayt wilted at his comment and Albel couldn't comprehend the depths of the boy's sadness at his answer. Is this his weakness?

"It bothers me because I can never become stronger than you, that's all. I'm not afraid of you, if that's what you were thinking. Why should I fear a weak little maggot who would be dead now if it wasn't for my protection, hmm?" The swordsman chuckled wickedly and shot a victorious grin toward Fayt but he quickly sobered when he noticed that the look on the younger man's face was pained and creased with worry. For a short time, Fayt had forgotten the vow he had made to himself the night they had returned, but now his doubts were back with a vengeance.

"Don't be so casual about that Albel. You almost died because of me and that's why . . ." Fayt took a deep breath before continuing. "Once you've recovered, I'll be leaving."

In that moment, Albel felt his fragile new world of companionship crumble around him. The fragments of pleasure and wisps of happiness which he had gathered close to himself during Fayt's stay were scattered by a breeze of disbelief. His life was at a dead end on Elicoor, but having Fayt with him had made it somewhat bearable. While they had been together, he had always been able to claim indifference to the boy's presence because Fayt's absence was not something he was prepared to deal with, or accept. He had been lulled into a false sense of security by Fayt's kindness and he had honestly believed that the young man would remain with him.

For the first time in years he had let his guard down and allowed someone to enter his private sphere of tolerance. He had compromised his ethics and this was his reward? Anger rose to the surface and whispered taunts of betrayal. He said he'd never leave! I shouldn't have trusted him. There is no one I can trust. Locking the pain of loneliness away where it had always been, Albel forced himself to speak. He would be heartless. It was the only way to keep disappointment at bay. "Do as you please, fool," he hissed. "I won't stop you."

Fayt watched him sadly, clearly upset by Albel's sudden callous behaviour and his eyes became moist as tears threatened to fall. I didn't expect that reaction. I thought he might try to stop me. I guess he doesn't care after all.

Albel instantly regretted his actions when he saw Fayt become teary eyed over his words and he searched in vain for a way to ease the pain he had caused. I can't let it end like this. I don't want to hurt him that badly. Sighing deeply, Albel spoke again. "Where will you go?" he asked, defeat plain in his voice.

"I haven't decided yet. Perhaps I'll find a nice underdeveloped planet where no one knows who I am, or what I am."

"You want to be alone then?" You don't deserve to be alone.

"I don't want to be alone. I'd like to stay here but I know it will be best for everyone if I keep to myself. I don't want anyone else to get hurt because of me. I'm a liability to you Albel. I know how much you hate weakness so until I become stronger, I can't stay here"

Albel scoffed bitterly at his reasoning. "Self-imposed exile, eh? How noble." Acid dripped from his words and he shook his head angrily before continuing. "Fool! You're always thinking of others before yourselfas if this was some happy little dream world where you're the hero who has to save the lives of everyone around you through self sacrifice. It makes me sick. Did you ever stop to consider the feelings of the people you would leave behind?"

Feelings? "Albel, do you want me to stay?" Fayt asked quietly, eyes begging the other man to give him a reason.

"Of course I want you to stay. Airyglyph could always use another strong fighter," Albel said dismissively, waving his clawed hand for emphasis.

"I don't want to stay for Airyglyph. It means nothing to me." Fayt was treading on the emotional equivalent of thin ice and he knew it, but he needed to be absolutely sure that he was wanted.

Tch. Albel looked away and his voice dropped to a barely audible whisper. "Stay with me." The words sounded strange and completely unfamiliar, but he didn't regret them.

"Do you mean that?" Fayt asked skeptically, wondering if he had heard correctly.

"I wouldn't say it if I didn't mean it, maggot!" Albel grumbled, some of the familiar edge creeping into his voice.

Fayt chuckled softly at the other man's defensive behaviour. "If you feel that strongly about it, I'll stay. Being with you is something I want as well, as long as you're certain I won't be a burden to you."

"I never said you wouldn't be a burden." Albel taunted him, as contentment settled over the swordsman once again. "But at least you are an amusing burden."

Fayt smiled inwardly at the other man's apparent relief. Albel's happiness was obvious to one who understood his backhanded compliments. Perhaps staying together is well worth the risk of injury, or even death, for him. He's been alone for so long . . .

Albel gave his companion that patented wicked grin and Fayt was struck by how much it pleased him to see the other man enjoying himself, even though he was typically the unwilling cause of that enjoyment. It's rare for him to show his pleasure, but when he does, it's breathtaking. Lost in his thoughts, Fayt didn't notice that his companion had ceased his gloating and was currently glaring at him.

"Stop that, worm!" Albel said as his features twisted back into the usual scowl.

"Stop what Albel?" Fayt asked with as much innocence as he was capable of producing, which just happened to be a hell of a lot.

"Leering at me like an idiot." He accused the green-eyed youth. Apparently Albel had become immune to Fayt's innocence.

"I was not!" Fayt cried out indignantly.

Unconvinced, Albel swatted the younger man in the back, sending him tumbling to the floor. In an embarrassed huff, the swordsman stood, stepped over Fayt's prostrate body carelessly, and made his way out the bedroom door. Albel turned and called over his shoulder one final comment. "Grovelling looks good on you Fayt. I'll expect much more of that for allowing you to stay with me."

Fayt sighed, and his eyes followed the retreating back of his companion, watching lazily as hair tails swung behind the other man in silent mockery. I bet he'll never admit that he asked me to stay. Maybe I was wrong about him. But then again, I wouldn't have it any other way.

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A/N: I didn't like how parts of this turned out (like the beginning, heh), but it's done and I'm glad.