Suppressed

Broken Resolve

Disclaimer: I do not own Fire Emblem or the Bard's Tale. Which is were the beer song came from.

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The news had spread around quickly, the war was over, just like that - the Apostle had done her part and now they were done. "It almost seems unreal…There was no battles to end the war - it was so quick, it seems too easy." Leonardo muttered.

Nolan nodded, "Aye, it does seem too easy, but it is over and that's all that matters." he scratched his beard thoughtfully, "Even if it is slightly worrying, if there's a reason for this feeling, we'll be ready to continue fighting."

Edward smiled, "Just like before, we did it then, we will be able to do it again!"

"Considering the fighting does start anew." Laura reminded the three men.

Nolan chuckled, "Right, perhaps I was getting a little ahead of myself." Leonardo scratched his head in embarrassment while Edward merely grinned sheepishly. "Alright, enough of this negative chatter, there's a feast and celebration to attend." the warrior stood from his seat on the ground, motioning for the other three to do the same.

"You're right, as usual…" Leonardo stood up next, brushing himself off and offering a hand to the priest on the ground. Laura let herself be pulled up, smiling at Nolan all the while.

Edward stood up last, but quicker than the others, "It really is true - age makes you smarter!" Leonardo nodded, Nolan sighed and Laura giggled.

"None of that, youngster!" his tone wasn't angry though - it was more of a type of fond exasperation. "Alright, let's go, maybe we'll run into Micaiah or Sothe - we haven't seen much of either of them lately, tonight of all nights should be different."

The young myrmidon nodded cheerfully, "I hope so, I miss seeing them…" he glanced around, "I'm going to the party!" then he was bounding off, leaving three to smile fondly in his wake.

"Always so energetic…" Leonardo murmured.

Laura laughed, "What would we do without him?"

"We'd be a lot less happy, that's for sure." Nolan replied.

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Zihark sat at the table set up for the feast, staring at the wood beneath his hands dully. The war was over, he had done his part, Prince Pelleas said he was free to leave at any time…And yet, he couldn't imagine being without these people anymore.

Nolan with his knowledgeable words and indulging conversations, Nailah and Rafiel with their stories of Hatari. Volug and his comfortable companionship, Leo and Laura and their pleasant mannerisms…Even with Tauroneo and Jill, he had grown closer to them than even in the Mad King's War. Sothe hadn't been pleasant, however, that's only because he hadn't heeded the rogue's well-meaning warnings.

He had been right…Well, Zihark wasn't doing too well not having Edward as his, but the myrmidon seemed better off than predicted. That's good. If the brunette was unhappy, it would be much more tough on Zihark, he didn't know if he could bear a sad face on the other man.

Still, not being with Edward was taking its toll; he had discontinued training with Edward, even if the other didn't know it yet. He would find out soon, though, and Zihark knew he would have to leave for a while to avoid the brunette.

Even with that coming up, Zihark couldn't find it in himself to plan for a trip back to Gallia…He actually enjoyed himself here - it didn't feel right anymore to leave. Yet…Edward - would it be right to be with him now, after the way he had told him it was a mistake to kiss him?

The blue haired sword master sighed and stopped thinking, he could feel a headache coming on. Zihark stood and looked for the refreshments table, a drink sounded pretty good about now. He passed by Aran and nodded his head in greeting, the green-haired soldier waving back.

He arrived a little after a few minutes of searching; Tauroneo was already sitting there with a mug in his hands, "Evening, Zihark."

"Evening, Tauroneo." the blue-haired man took a seat next to the older man, calling to the man who was serving the drinks with his order. Several more people joined the two around the bar, and soon, the surrounding area was filled with laughter and merry chatter.

Aran and Nolan joined around sunset, both sitting around Tauroneo and Zihark - Nolan to the left of the white General and Aran to the right of the Swordmaster. "Ahh, nothing like a good cup of ale and the refreshing evenin' air…" Tauroneo, apparently, was beginning to get a tad tipsy.

Zihark had only had one drink so far, and was holding up well enough, Nolan was swaying slightly and Aran seemed to not be effected at all. The warrior chuckled merrily, "Aye, that there isn't…" he kicked his feet merrily.

The sound of approaching feet sounded once again and Zihark glanced around curiously, he swallowed to see Edward, surrounded by Laura and Leonardo as well. The blue haired man closed his eyes and turned to face forward once again - swallowing the lump in his throat.

The three sat around the bar and Leo ordered one drink, "You'll get one sip, but that's all!" Edward pouted but nodded reluctantly. Once the tankard was set in front of them, the brunette picked it up and raised it hesitantly to his lips. He took a sip and grimaced, the archer next to him smirked, "You don't even want that much, Ed."

Edward stuck out his bottom lip before turning in his seat and pointedly ignoring the blonde now behind him. Nolan laughed loudly at this, startling several people into giving him raised brows, Laura smiled slightly at him. "Hmph…" the brunette huffed.

Zihark found his lips turning up into a humored expression before he carefully wiped it away.

At some point, Edward left Leonardo and Laura to wander the camp, immediately catching Zihark's attention - but the blue-haired Swordmaster didn't follow. He turned back around and ordered another drink, beside him, Tauroneo clapped him on the shoulder, Zihark fought the urge to wince.

"Atta' boy - 'Hark…" the man nodded shakily, but he was better off than Nolan who was currently singing along with the other drunkards.

Beer, Beer, Beer, tiddly-beer, beer, beer -

A long time ago, way back in history

When all there was to drink was nothing but cups o' tea

Along came a man by the name o' Charlie Mops

And he invented a wonderful drink and 'e made it outta hops -

He must have been an admiral, a sultan, or a king…

Zihark couldn't stop the chuckle from escaping his lips, and he shook his head in exasperation, who would have though Nolan would be such a happy drunk? The blue haired man set his tankard down and glanced around - Leonardo and Laura were still there, both still sober but chatting with the soldiers around them.

Sothe was surprisingly sitting at the bar as well, nursing a single, untouched drink a kind of lost look on his face. Zihark had a small inkling at what was bothering the green-haired rogue, but he figured he wasn't the one that could make him feel better. The Swordmaster sighed, there was probably only two people who could make the young man feel any better - Micaiah and Volke. Micaiah would be able to dull the pain, but only the mysterious assassin could truly make him happy again.

It was surprising how strong their bond had grown - Sothe and Volke's that is - in such a short time; Zihark couldn't help but marvel at the seemingly meant-to-be love between them. He could only shake his head in regret now though, that love was probably lost forever now. It was a waste.

A waste…Their lost love wasn't the only one to be a waste.

Shaking his head once again, Zihark stood up from his seat, glanced at Tauroneo - seeing that a 'goodbye' would probably go unnoticed , glanced away - and walked in the direction he had seen Edward go.

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Micaiah smiled happily at the thunder-sage beside her, "So you changed you mind - to go with Muston and Aimee?" the lavender haired woman nodded, flushing slightly at the bright smile on the silveret's face. "I'm so glad!" Ilyana's cheeks burned as her friend embraced her tightly.

"Me too…"

The silver-haired maiden held onto the woman for a little longer before pulling away and chuckling at the embarrassed look on her face. She glanced away, a content smile on her face; things had been going well since she had talked to Sothe.

Her smile melted slightly…Even though things would change for the better soon - if she had any say about it - she still felt for her best friend.

She knew he cared immensely for Daein, but his longing for his lover -Volke - was just too painful, and Micaiah understood completely. She also now knew what had to be done to help him; while she had gotten past the slight hesitation in her plan, she didn't know how he would react, he was much too stubborn.

But she wouldn't fail, she knew he needed this, and she would see it done!

A tap on her shoulder brought her back to present time and Micaiah glanced back over at Ilyana, "Sorry for spacing out…Did you say something?"

The lavender-haired mage just smiled reassuringly, "I was saying you look tired, maybe you should get some rest?"

Micaiah nodded, "Alright, I'll do that - but …You look hungry, go enjoy yourself, alright?" she paused, "Don't let any drunks hurt you either!" Ilyana blinked in surprise, but Micaiah was already walking away hurriedly. After letting her words absorb in, a happy smile graced the other woman's face.

She got a few steps more towards her tent before getting a different idea, she instead headed towards the outskirts of the camp…

"Lady Micaiah?" Jill called and the silveret turned around, blinking at the wyvern rider, "What are you doing out here, there's a celebration going on." the red head asked inquiringly.

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Zihark was sobered by the time he entered a more quiet part of the camp, he sighed, Edward probably wasn't over here anymore - maybe it was time to head back. A muffled squeak sounded in his trained senses and the blue-haired man froze in curiosity.

He slowly followed the noise and soon he found himself right beside a huge tree - he peered around it and his mind blanked. Edward…held against a tree - soldier…Kissing Edward. Jealously tore at him and he wanted to turn and walk away - but he took a chance at looking more closely at his old student.

The sword-master frowned at the nervousness in Edward's eyes and he took in the sight of they myrmidon trying to pull away. Zihark's mind clicked and he growled threateningly, the soldier pulled away and glanced backwards to where the noise had come from. His old student stared at him with wide eyes, body completely frozen despite the opening to escape.

Cold, aquamarine eyes were trained on the now-scared soldier, gaze making the man shake in his boots, "Leave or I'll kill you." the man snapped into action and clumsily turned away, scampering back to the camp without a look back.

Narrowed eyes finally pulled away from the spot the man had disappeared from his sight and instead glanced at his former-student. The brunette trembled and aqua eyes softened, Zihark took a couple of steps forward and stopped right in front of the myrmidon. Edward stared up at him - actually timid - the blue haired man stared down at him, trying to convey with his eyes that he wasn't angry at him.

Edward relaxed slightly, as if in understanding and aqua eyes lowered down - finally landing on reddened, kissed lips. Zihark frowned and one thought passed through his head - that should be from me…Then all other thoughts were thrown out the door and he was leaning down.

The brunette's eyes widened and he was pressed up against the tree behind him again, this time by his teacher. Zihark gently moved his lips against the other's and was pleasantly surprised to feel Edward respond, even hesitantly. Edward's eyes fluttered closed and he sagged backwards into the bark of the tree, a soft moan escaping his lips.

Zihark raised his arms and wrapped them around Edward's waist, mouth opening and tongue flicking out and gently running along the brunette's lips. The brunette allowed his entry and slowly wrapped his arms around broad shoulders.

The sword master gently picked up the myrmidon who pulled away - breathing heavily and cheeks flushing, "M-master Zihark?"

"Please just call me Zihark, Edward." he dove back in, silencing any reply the brunette might have had. Legs, which had been hanging awkwardly between them, raised and wrapped around Zihark's hips. The blue-haired man smiled into their locked lips and hugged the smaller man tightly.

Edward pulled away for breath again and Zihark watched as confusion spread across youthful features, "Ma- ah - Zihark…?" a considering pout made its way onto his lips, "Is this another mistake?" dark eyes gazed up into the taller man's, fear making them larger.

Zihark frowned guiltily, "No, Edward…That first kiss wasn't a mistake either - Edward, I'm so sorry." eyes widened, and slowly brightened.

"You mean…You really did want to kiss me?"

Zihark smiled, "Yes, I still do."

Edward frowned in confusion, "But…Why did you say that? I don't understand." he trailed off, staring at his former-teacher questioningly.

The sword master sighed, "I - wasn't sure if I was going to stay here after the war…I didn't want to hurt you by getting into a relationship and then leaving…"

Dark eyes widened, "W-what about now?"

Zihark glanced down at fearful eyes and a sheepish, but warm smile spread on his face, "Now? I realized that I can't leave Daein now, now when everyone here is important to me." he paused, staring at Edward pointedly, "One in particular is the most important of all."

The brunette in his arms smiled shyly and Zihark marveled at how it seemed to lighten his heart, "You're important to me too, Zihark…" Edward smirked and the blue-haired man almost jumped at the sudden change.

A mischievous glint entered dark-now-blue-tinted eyes, "You're really important to me!" then the brunette grabbed a handful of blue hair and pulled down Zihark's head so that he could smash their lips together once again.

As Edward forcefully took control, Zihark wondered at where sudden dominance in the younger sword-fighter could have come from. But not much else entered his head as the brunette trailed a sly hand down his back and slowly started rubbing - much like when he had given a back massage in his tent.

The sword master groaned, though this was entirely different then the usual-innocent, happy-go-lucky Edward, he indeed found himself enjoying it.


A/N: Alright, how did everyone like that? They got together awfully soon, didn't they? Er, was it too abrupt?

There should be one last chapter - I won't be writing the last battle because I fail at that. That'll be up next Monday hopefully… Thank you to all of my reviewers, I love you guys!