Chapter 7 guys, woo-hoo!
Oh my gosh, I finally update this after so long! I'm so, so, happy! Seriously, I'm so busy right now, yesterday, and tomorrow and so so tired *puts sad face* because of my final task in this final semester. But don't worry, I'm still here now, fulfilling my destiny~. You know, being a final year college student has its own nerves…
Anyway, let's just enjoy the story, shall we? Thanks as all always for the reviews~. Keep cheer me up, will you? Lol xD
Cedric: Hey you! *pant pant* Finally, give me back my wallet!
Ghinger: *throws the wallet awesomely like a baseball player*
Cedric: *awesomely grabs it* What…? It's empty! NUOOOO!
Ghinger: *runs while laughs evilly*
Rakgi: *whispering* Isn't his wallet already empty from start?
Nalleo: *whisper back* I don't know about that…
Anyway, enjoy the story!
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CHAPTER 7
Love
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He walks slowly on the wooden floor. Tap, tap, tap.
He usually on his spot, inside his own room, and seldom to do walks for himself around the ship. For him, gossiping, hanging out, or drinking is just wasting time. He is too…old for that? But if he looked at the mirror, it was looking back at himself when he is still 19s.
Ah, even reminiscence now is not important. He is still couldn't get rid of the deadly rune, much like Lazlo's. Even though he hates these cursed thing, but his other companion is still keeping it and doesn't want anybody to suffer the same fate like the former holders. He keeps struggling, until the phase on his rune changing, and he already done it. His success is also makes the ginger-haired one proud.
"I know you're in there, Aldo." he stops his feet from taking another step.
The said man could only smile sheepishly. Too bad he is getting caught when tailing the youth-looking male.
"I know you would come out soon from your shelter! Will you join me to canteen?"
"…" Ted just stands silently, with flat expression he always displayed. "No."
Aldo's grin suddenly drops. Well, he'd better knows that getting rejection is an obvious answer. "Why? Come on, just this once?"
"No."
"Please, please?"
Ted sighs. "Why do you love pestering me so much?"
"I'm not pestering. I just want to…" the long-haired man rolled his eyes, much like a thinking person. "Hmm…get to know you?"
Yes, that's it. He really wants to get to know Ted more, because his aura is giving a mysterious, yet arouse curiosity. He also found similarity in Ted with him, besides archery skill. Both of them are introverts, and he finds comfort when near him. So, getting to know Ted is a big yes-yes.
The other just giving him stern looks. "You will regret saying that you are curious about me. There is nothing interesting in me."
'Except dead…it's still scares me…'
He couldn't get rid of risk to socialize with other people just to see them die in vain. That is why he doesn't want to get too close to anybody else. Or death will await them. He is a walking 'dead wisher'. Yes, and he is fully notice this.
"Every person had their own uniqueness, and of course to me, your uniqueness is the mysterious aura around you." Aldo starts his nonsense rambling again. "Ah, I'm totally dying wanting to know you more, Ted."
"Stop it. You creeping me out."
"Nope, you're just getting more adorable."
Adorable? Ted could only just facepalm after hearing those words. That's not a good word to describe him. Seriously Aldo, those words is not suitable for Ted. Maybe it works for youngster like Rakgi or Nalleo. It is just not for him.
"Adorable…? Why would you use such word? It disgusted me more…"
The taller man just laughs heartily, and it is quite loud. He seems happy seeing Ted's peculiar expression after he says 'adorable' to him. Of course, the other doesn't enjoy this.
"Ted is so, so, so, adorable! Will you go to canteen with me?"
"Stop it…"
"No, you are adorable, Ted. I'm serious." he gives the smaller man those annoying smug smiles. "I'm not making fun of you. I'm telling this from the bottom of my heart. You are adorable, cute, mysterious, and-"
"Alright, alright." he gives another tired sigh. "Just this once, okay?"
"What? Is this real?" Aldo raises his eyebrows. He start to think maybe his ears is getting misplaced somewhere. Hearing that, he feels many 'happiness butterflies' will fly around him.
"And don't use any 'adorable' or that kind of thing again. It scares me." said Ted, with reddened face. His face flushed like a boiled egg. He looks embarrassed. Seriously, he accepts Aldo' invitation is because the said man will not stop pester him until he says yes. What a child he is, yes, compared to him.
"Ah…but of course, my friend. This way." he let Ted move first like a gentleman treats his respectful lady.
Ted knows that besides him, Aldo's smile is getting wider and wider. He looks so happy for his own good. Aldo seems satisfied because Ted finally accepts his company, temporary for now.
Meanwhile, Ted is in deep thinking about his Soul Eater. Will Aldo be fine? Will everyone be fine? Just thinking about it makes him confused. People in here are very demanding to be able to socialize with him. What is wrong with him? Is there something special on his face? He is just a normal-looking person, with very bad luck that could bring destructive feeling. That's all.
But still, Ted couldn't say no to his though in longing for having a company, to be able to socialize like a normal being. He just prays his terrible fate will soon be gone, even though he knows it is impossible. So many years he already pleads that. But the truth will always sad, and you just have to face it.
Inside his heart, he is truly grateful for the other man's spirit in getting to know him. Without Aldo's acknowledge, Ted put a compassionate smile.
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Akaghi gulps in nervous.
There, he could see him. That lovely silver hair, cool brown eyes, calm expression always displayed on his face. When he fights, he is also very graceful. His chin will always stay up when he is walking everywhere, giving a chilling demeanor. As expected of a former Kooluk officer. But to him, he is such an epitome of beauty. His attitude and everything is his charm point.
Helmut. That is his name.
He is standing there, talking to the new recruited old man which was already introduced as Colton. Speaking of Colton, that name seems familiar in his ears. And his face, and that moustache…where did he see this man?
The ninja widens his eyes. He actually did know that man.
'Darn it!' Akaghi states in panic. 'That's his dad! Oh man…how could I forget…?'
The tall man quickly hides his figure behind wooden wall in order to avoid any eye contacts that could land upon him. Of course, it would cause him trouble. Helmut will discover that he is tailing him around. What he scared the most is, get to know Colton right now. He is just wasn't ready to meet that man, after knowing his heart is taken a liking to his son.
"Ah, Akaghi! I've been looking for you everywhere."
Suddenly, someone touches his stiff shoulders. He is about to jump in panic, before meeting Ramada's warm smile on him.
"Thank God, it's just you Mr. Ramada. You almost give me heart attack!"
"Ahahaha." Ramada just laughs too happily for his own good after hearing his subordinate's answer. Truth to be told, he already considers Akaghi more than just a subordinate. To him, he is just like his son, or perhaps, a younger brother. Someone that Ramada could put a trust on more than somebody else.
"Well, well, well, if it isn't Sir Ramada. How have you been?"
"Ah, Sir Colton. I'm here just to say hello to you once again, knowing we are in different situation right now."
His body is stiffens, thanks to Helmut's sharp eyes landed upon him. While the two older men having a conversation, Akaghi tries his best not to look suspicious. He is just afraid that Helmut might discover the truth about him following the shorter man. Starting from deck, when he sees Helmut was alone, enjoying the scenery of night sky and sea, until he goes to 5th floor, meeting with his father. He might be sound like a stalker, but hey, he couldn't help him. Akaghi really wants to start a conversation with him, but he is seriously doesn't know where should he starts. Helmut is too reserved.
"Err…hi there, haha." In his mind, Akaghi knows he is smiling like an idiot right now.
Helmut responds him by nodding his head. Is he slightly put a smile?
Meanwhile, the ninja tries his best not to grin too happily like a weirdo, when the young man is giving respond to him, as well as standing near him right now.
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It's night already. 8:30 PM, to be exact.
He could only stares at his friend, whose taking a sip of his chamomile tea with closed eyes. From depth inside his mind, he could read what was inside that man's head. If you could place a bet with him, he bets that his friend is in promiscuous feeling. He couldn't help but feel sorry, yet intriguing at the same time.
And, his prediction seems right. The beautiful man in front of him stares back at him with ease. But inside his heart, he knows there is something wrong with him.
"You know," Oskar said, smiling smugly, "you will meet him soon."
"How come?"
"Well, I already predict it."
"That is nonsense." Etienne smiles calmly, like he always do to everyone in saloon who request musical tune to him. He puts his cup of tea back to its saucer gently. "Even though it was you whom said it, I will try my best to avoid him."
"Oh, no, you wouldn't." giggled Oskar. His hand is reaching his own cup of tea. It is still warm and calming. Etienne just gives him a challenging look, but his smile never fades.
"Oh, then, where does he go?" asks the musician. He just wants to satisfy his own curiosity, and nothing else.
Oskar just shrugs his shoulder. He wouldn't give him any certain answer meaning that this night, the chance of meeting that man is high. Seeing this, Etienne could only let out sigh. He doesn't know if his heart is ready for this. That man…
He knows him very well. He is once a very important, and most trusted person in Middleport, before he lefts everything behind, including him thanks to his love for the sea and adventure. Who wouldn't have though they could meet again in here? Fate must be love…or hate him so much.
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The silver-haired man goes outside to the extravagant deck of Dauntless ship. His hand is holding the rim of the ship, while his dark blue eyes make contact with stars above. It is such a beautiful night indeed. The wave of the sea is also calm, and wind gently blows his hair that seldom unattached from his bard hat. This time, he puts his hat as well as the lute on his own room.
While he is stands by there alone, another figure is approaching him from behind. Etienne doesn't know if he feels fortunate and shock at the same time.
"Hey." the black-haired man greets him.
He turns his head. Seeing the man, whom now stands steady on the deck, Etienne couldn't contain delighted sign on his face when he sees Sigurd this close once again. His long lost love.
"Alone?"
"Hmph." he just nods his head. Etienne seems too enthusiastic in doing it.
The black-haired man smiles happily. "That's good. Err…no, I mean," he clears his throat awkwardly. "How's things been going? It's been a long time…"
"Yes, it is. I have lost count on how much I worry about you…"
"…"
Suddenly, Etienne rush his feet toward Sigurd. His arms encircles around the handsome pirate's back, hugging him closely like he could fade away from him again. And, thinking about it was a nightmare for Etienne. He had enough of being left alone.
"I'm sorry." Sigurd says, while hugging Etienne back. "I know I shouldn't leave you alone back there. I always thought about you every day whether in sea or land. After many months have passed, we finally reunite here. I don't know how much luck I have that I'm able to meeting you again."
He is just listening to him. His vision seems unfocused, and he just keep listen to Sigurd's confession with unbearable yearning feeling.
"But after knowing that you are joining here, I was too afraid facing you. And, you also try to avoid me. It makes me afraid for your feelings have changed into hating me. I'm so sorry. I couldn't even imagine you will give me a hug like this. This is pure miracle for me, my dear Etienne."
Hearing that, Etienne could only close his eyes with smile. He tries to hold back his tears. The only thing he needs right now is under Sigurd's warm embraces and cool, yet gentle breeze of night wind. A moment he is dreaming about is finally come.
"It's in the past already. I have Reinbach household appreciate my music, citizens of Middleport, and people here accompanying me. But still…"
He braved himself to look at Sigurd. Their gazes fall upon together. "There are no words that could describe my longing for you, oh Sigurd."
"Then," he touches his lovely face tenderly. "Let's just enjoy this moment…"
Slowly, his lips approach Etienne's. They kiss gently, a reunion one toward each other under bright moon and countless stars. He is still his lover, the same beautiful bard that he met in Middleport. Full of grace, with 'melodious' aura surrounds him that brings his heart into content of joy.
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Lazlo is on top of the deck alone, enjoying the scenery of countless stars and one single moon that lighten the sky above. His arm is rested on the wood plank, while happy emotion plastered on his porcelain face. It is such an eye pleasing night. He is seldom smiles this happily, the truest from the bottom of his heart. If he is like this, something good is already happened. So curious with what already happened to him.
Everyone is already gone to sleep. It is already 11:45 PM. If not sleeping, at least they already on their own room. Dauntless is so quiet right now. It is so different from their active day where everyone buzzing here and there with their own business.
It has been one week since Troy and Colton joins them. Troy is also regains back his health, and he could start doing his first task tomorrow. The Rush will stop at Iluya Island. He and Troy got appointed by Lino to do an investigation around the ocean because there is a rumor of mysterious creature is roaming around there, along with other team. Lazlo is so happy when Troy just easily accepts it. He thinks the man will turn down the mission, because of Kooluk matters with Iluya. His reason is he wants to check the condition in there. He doesn't spoke any other reason besides that one. But Lazlo know it, that deep down, Troy probably worried with safety issue of people in Iluya.
Tomorrow will be a big day. It will be the first time both of them do teamwork. It makes him nervous, yet curious at the same time. What will they do? What will he do? What will Troy do?
He only shook his head and chuckles. Why is he acts like a love-struck teenager now? This is getting weird. Enough getting fresh night air, Lazlo goes back to his room. He sleeps safely and soundly.
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What do you think? Yay or Nay? Of course it's Yay, right? *runs away before getting slaps away*
Finally…Ted makes his appearance! I'm so excited, with other characters that also start coloring the story with their own awesomeness. Yaay~ :D
As always, reviews, follows, and favs is my favourite flavour! If you do, I'll let Helmut cross dressing as a maid!
Helmut: What…did you just say!?
Ghinger: *just eat potato chips leisurely like nothing happened*
Da svidaniya, and have a good day! :3
