Luke´s confession
Luke didn´t know how he got home, to Baticul. After he... returned back all was blurry. He felt satisfaction that he rid the world of Van with his sacrifice. But why did he return back? Lorelei sure is strange. First he said that Luke had to die and then he returns him back to life.
A gentle knock. Luke sat down comfortably on his bed. " Come in." Tear entered his room with a worried expression. Luke gave her a questioning look. " Tear, what´s wrong? " She was silent and Luke grew anxious. He stood up and held her hand. " Don´t tell me something bad happened again?!" She shook her head. " Then what is it, Tear?" She sighed. " It´s about Asch and Guy." Luke let go of her. He had a strange feeling that she knew more than she should about him, Asch and Guy.
"It´s just not fair to play both sides, Luke. Each of them told me his feelings for you while you were sleeping on the Albiore on the way back. Choose one of them already. Who do you love the most?"
Luke turned bright red. " T..Tear! How could you ask me such a thing!" But Tear was adamant. "Well? Asch or Guy?" Luke stared at his hands. "It´s not that easy as you think, Tear. I was supposed to be dead. But for some reason, Lorelei send me back and my fonons stopped separating. He told me that I have a lot to do from now on. I made up my mind that I would die and now... I´m here. And I´m confused. This celebration party that is being held tonight... I am pretty confused right now. Who send you here? Was it Jade?"
"No. I came here of my own accord. Tell them your time has come. Stop hiding, Luke. Be a man and face them like you faced Van, staring in the face of death. Luke shivered. "I... I will. You are right. I have to say it to them or I won´t be able to look in the mirror. Thanks for encourangement, Tear. "
She smiled at him. "No problem. I have to go now. See you at the celebration." Tear excused herself and left a confused Luke alone in his room. And now, this question. Who does he love? Guy? Or Asch? Or both? How can he choose between them?
Luke sighed as he looked out the window. The sky was turning dark. Let´s think this over. Asch grew to like him. So did Guy. Each of them loves him, but in his own way. Guy is his best friend since childhood, he didn´t leave him when he destroyed Akzeriuth. Asch left the God Generals for him. They both came to his rescue when Van kidnapped him.
He was frustrated. How can he choose one of them? Damn it. Another knock. Luke raised his eyebrow. What is it today? " Come in." A very small figure entered his room. Luke couldn´t recognize who it is, so he lit a small lamp. It was Anise. " Anise? Have you lost your way? I mean, even I got lost here before. This castle is quite big... -"
"Grow a set of balls already and say that you love one of them! Geez! Aren´t you ashamed that a little lady like me had to come and offer you an advice?!" Luke´s eyes widened. " Grow a ... heey! How do you know about THAT?!"
Anise pouted. "I may look like an idiot to you, but I see what is happening before my eyes. With Guy and Asch doing puppy eyes on you even a blind would have noticed it!" Luke turned red and he didn´t want to look at Anise. How come everyone else knew while he didn´t know until Asch and Guy told him?
He crossed his arms. "So? Have you also come to ask me which one I´m gonna pick?" Anise nodded. "Yeah! So... wait. ALSO? Who came here before me?" They didn´t meet in the hallway? "It was Tear. She gave me same advice as you, more or less. I will tell you that yes, tonight, I will choose one of them. So, spare me the interrogation from Natalia and "advice" from Jade, okay? Go tell them I will confess tonight. Can you do that for me, Anise?"
Anise was happy. " Hell YEEEAH! Sure can do. Byeee." She left fast, almost sprinting. At least she is energetic... Luke thought. The sun was setting. Here he is, in Baticul, Capital of Light. Luke sighed heavily. Why, Lorelei. Why? He had to decide before he meets them. But who does he really like?
Asch is a bit problematic to understand. He is rough with his actions. But he is gentle and kind... sometimes. When he asked him that time at bridge to kill him, he had a bitter and sad expression. He declined. Many times while they were on journey, Asch was nice to him... that must be time he fell in love with him.
Guy is the reason he didn´t run away from the mansion when he was little and was forbidden to leave. Guy sticked to him from the very beginning. Luke took him and their friendship for granted. But now he knows that Guy felt something more than a mere friendship. It must have been hard to restrain his feelings. And also, when Luke asked to kill him, he couldn´t do it either, because later he told him that he loved him.
Then all the puzzle pieces fell into their place. That´s it. Luke finally figured out who he loves. The one who captured his heart is -
"LUKE! Get dressed already! You are the guest of honour and we can´t begin without you!" Anise yelled outside his door. Luke´s vein popped on his forehead. "I will be there in a moment!" Anise left, mumbling something about people who like to space out a lot. He quickly re-dressed into his Viscount clothes. Mostly because a lot of important people will be at the party and it will be an opportunity for both Malkuth and Kimlasca- Lanvaldear to form a peace threaty that will be permanent. And he will finally confess to his special someone. Now, he just had to find one of them...
Luke wandered empty hallways, praying to bump into one of them. His prayers were answered, when he and Asch literally smashed heads together. "Oow! What a thick headed person!" Asch grunted as he held his head. He heard a soft chuckle. He looked up and saw Luke. " Luke! I didn´t know it was you." Luke offered him his hand. Asch took it, hesitantly. " I need a word with you." Asch´s expression changed.
Luke led the way as they entered an empty room used as a storage. "It´s hard to say it. I don´t know how to begin..." Asch touched his lips and made him quiet. "I made a big mistake. I mistook my feelings there. I am so STUPID. I know you love Guy and that you want to confess to him tonight. My confession from that day only made it harder on you, am I right? All because I made a mistake. I do LOVE you, but as a brother I never had. I realized it soon after we entered Baticul. I made Tear worry,too. Natalia was very disappointed. I plan to tell her I love her tonight and I am sorry for forcing myself on you before and kissing you before. So... no hard feelings?" He extended his hand in a gesture of reconciliation.
Luke shaked his hand. " Sure thing, "brother". Asch didn´t like how he called him. It sounded weird. "Drop the "brother", it sounds wrong in many ways." They laughed at it as they went to the great ball room. " By the way, Asch... how did you know I chose Guy?"
"Did you forget that we are still connected? Your thoughts are so bright and pure, they are hard to ignore and not read them. But from now on, I won´t read them. Or at least try not to read them. And you should,too."
That was a thing they both agreed on. " One more thing, Asch." He stopped and looked at Luke. "Yes?"
"Why are you dressed in the same clothes as me?" Asch pouted a little. "That´s because Mother decided that we are twins and twins dress the same...she is horrible. She persuaded me into wearing it, okay?" Luke had a hard time trying not to burst out of laughter.
"Wha? Oh, cut it out! It´s not that funny!" Luke wiped his tears away. " But it IS! Great Asch the Bloody... PERSUADED by his mother! Bwahahaheheha..." Asch tried to hold his temper. " Let´s go, idiot. You are making everybody wait."
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It was a small party only for the heads of each country and the heroes who saved the world. And the guest of honor and Asch were nowhere to be found. Guy was growing more and more anxious with every minute. "So he chose him..." He muttered. Natalia, who was standing next to him felt his pain. She loved Asch, but he loved Luke and she loved Luke as a sibling. What a mess. Emperor Peony was in the balcony with Jade to catch fresh air. Right. As if someone would believe that poor excuse to be alone.
In a way, he was jealous of Jade. How open he and Emperor were about their relationship. Guy was doubting that Luke would love him back. The only bond between them was brotherhood. When Luke finally entered ball room, he was not alone. Asch was right behind him. Something sharp stinged him in his chest. It hurt a lot. He turned away and Natalia knew how he felt. "I´m not feeling well. I will be in the balcony."
Fortunately, Jade and Peony came back inside, so he went straight to the balcony, he knew that this could happen and yet... why was it so painful?
MEANWHILE...
Luke and Asch were looking around. Finally, they saw Natalia, alone. They went to her. " Oh, Natalia... have you seen Guy?" Luke asked. " What? You want to pour more salt on his wound?" Luke blinked. " What? I don´t undestand, Natalia." She turned away, holding back tears. Asch turned her around. " Look at me. It´s not what you think. Luke chose Guy and I chose you." Natalia stopped resisting and her eyes widened. "I... really?" Asch nodded. " Yes. I love only you. I didn´t forget our promise. I love Luke as a sibling. I mistook my feelings and now I feel pretty stupid for complicating things between the four of us. I am sorry and please... don´t cry anymore." He wiped off her tears and smiled at her. "I love you, Natalia." She hugged him and Asch returned the hug. " Ahem. Sorry for the disturbance. Where is Guy?"
Natalia let go of Asch and pointed at a balcony. "He is there. Don´t make him wait any longer." Luke thanked her and dashed towards the isolated balcony, wishing that Guy will forgive him.
The dark sky illuminated him, his golden hair shining. Luke slowly approached Guy, who was looking at the night sky. He heard footsteps. It couldn´t be Luke. Even if it was him, he came to tell him that he´s sorry. He made a promise, so he should face his promise. Before he could turn around, Luke wrapped his arms around him and relaxed against Guy´s body. " Lu-" Luke hugged him tightier."Shhhh. Please, let me hold you for a while."
Guy didn´t know what to do or say. This was just like a dream come true. "Luke?" Luke´s action surprised him. He kissed Guy´s neck and bit on his earlobe. Guy made almost inaudible sound. This exceeded all of Guy´s wildest fantasies. Is Luke really doing this? Hot headed red head was far from finished. He grabbed Guy´s wrists and slowly turned him to face him. Guy´s eyes were double their size, captured by Luke´s unlikely actions. Emeralds met sapphires, gazing into each other and it felt as if an eternity passed before they were getting closer and closer, their noses touching. Luke felt that his heart started beating a lot faster. "Guy..."
Guy held his head and brushed some strands of his red hair away. Luke gazed into his eyes, lovingly. "I have finally found my true and only meaning of birth. It was so that I could meet you and love you with all my heart. I love you, Guy."
Blonde only smiled at him as they finally sealed their shared confession with a passionate gave it all in his kiss. He poured all his love, passion into it. Luke blushed all the way to his ears. Guy couldn´t help but notice these small things about him. He loved him. All of him. He held him for a while, not wanting to let go of him.
Guy had a plan in his mind, if Luke loved him back. He asked Emperor Peony if he could and he said yes. After all, he is the only survivor of the House of Gardios and he is the heir. He smiled at Luke before he kneeled down on one knee and then Luke realized what Guy had in mind.
Luke let Guy take his hand and he was lost in these beautiful sapphires. "Luke von Fabre, will you marry me?" Luke never felt so happy in his life before. He threw himself around Guy´s neck, knocking them down in the process. Guy laughed at Luke´s boldness. "I take that as a yes?" Luke looked at him, tears of happiness were dripping on Guy´s shirt. Luke gave him a quick kiss and hugged Guy. "Gailardia Cecil Galan Gardios, I will gladly marry you."
Blonde grinned. "Drop that long and lame name. Guy will suffice as always." Now Luke grinned. "That´s too bad, because I will share that long and lame name with you. How does it sound? Luke von Fabre Gardios?"
Guy patted him on the head. "Kinda lame, but you´ll get used to it." They both smiled at it.
"AHEM."
Both were startled and Luke jumped up, with Guy still on the ground. Luke turned around and he was horrified and embarrassed at once. His mother, father, Asch, Natalia, his Uncle, Emperor Peony, Jade, Anise and Tear were all staring at them, more particularly at Luke. "W...what?"
It seemed that all of them lost the ability to speak. In the meantime,Guy picked himself up from the floor. "Luke." Guy approached him. " Before the eyes of family and friends I promise that I will always love you." He took out a small velvet box out of his pocket and opened it. It revealed a beautiful ring with two jewels. One was deep green and the other was ocean blue. Their eyes... Guy gently took his left hand and put on his finger.
Luke was mesmerized by the beauty of the ring. It was... perfect. Everything tonight was perfect. He and Guy sure didn´t await clasping and whistling.
"Way to go, Gailardia!" Emperor Peony said.
"Congratulations, Luke!" Tear, Natalia and Anise said in unison. Jade only looked on, Emperor Peony hit him in the ribs to say something. Jade smiled at them, but it wasn´t his usual smile. It was a smile filled with joy for them. "Congratulations to you two."
Luke was happy that Jade approved. When they were on journey, he and Jade built something as a father - son ... would that make Emperor Peony his mother? Luke shook that idea off.
Asch chuckled. Oh, he can still read his mind sometimes... Luke hoped he didn´t read it. His mother and father together with Asch approached him and Guy. Oh boy. He almost forgot. What if his parents won´t approve that he marries Guy? He´s a man... and all.
To his big surprise his mother, Suzanne hugged him and then with another arm she hugged Guy. "I´m happy for you, my dear. But I want to ask you one important thing." Luke got ready for the worst. "Do you love him?"
Luke held her hand. "I love him more than anything in this world. He´s more precious to me than my own life. For him I would do anything. Even get killed." His mother gave him and Guy a bright smile. "Then there is nothing we can do. I surely won´t stand in your way, Luke. I want you to be happy. That is every mother´s wish."
His father, The Duke put his hand on his shoulder. "Luke, my son. Me and Suzanne give you our blessing. I won´t get any grandchildren from you, but that´s okay. I´m afraid you will leave us... but remember that you will be always welcome at the manor. It is your home. As for you, Gailardia..."
The Duke faced Guy, who suddenly felt very nervous. " Yes, sir?" Luke´s father laughed out. " No need to be so polite. After all, you will become a part of family, my future son in-law. I wanted to wish to both of you that you rebuilt the House of Gardios back to its prosperous state. And that I´m sorry for what happened... in the past."
Guy waved. "Don´t worry. It´s in the past. I look ahead to the future. And it will be bright and sunny. With Luke by my side, I can do anything." Asch interrupted him. " That´s all great, but save those cheesy lines for later, okay? We have a party to attend and don´t forget the peace threaty."
The rest of the party has gone smoothly. The peace threaty went perfectly. Kimlasca- Lanvaldear and Malkuth formed an alliance, with the blessing of Lorelei. Tear as the descendant of Yulia and the representative for Daath was there as well and she played the role as a mediator.
Next day, however was a day full with partings and farewells. Tear and Anise went back to Daath, where they hoped that they would rebuilt the Order of Lorelei. Jade went on ahead with Emperor Peony on his newly build Tartarus II. Natalia and Asch stayed in Baticul. Asch was happy, because he was home and by his beloved princess and his family. Natalia was a bit sad that Luke was leaving, but she knew his hapinnes laid somewhere else, with Guy.
As they were getting on board of Albiore, Natalia and Asch stopped them. "Wait!" They waited for them as they came panting to them. Natalia threw herself around Luke´s neck. "Promise me that you will visit us. Don´t forget about us. What Suzanne said is true. Baticul will always be your home."
Guy put his arm on her shoulder, reassuringly. "Don´t worry. We have Albiore, so we will come to visit all of you. But we´ll have a lot do to from now on. rebuilding House of Gardios won´t be an easy task, but with the help of Emperor Peony, King and Duke... I mean father in-law we will manage. Right, Luke?"
"Right. But if we´re going back to Malkuth... I have just now realized it. Oh, no."
"What is it?" Asch questioned. Luke hung his head down, as if in defeat. " It means that Jade will always be nearby and he sure likes to make me upset with his comments..."
All four of them laughed at it. "Jade will remain Jade no matter what. He´s still as sarcastic as ever, but it adds to his personality." Guy said, half jokingly.
Natalia finally let go of Luke and kissed him on the cheek. "I hope you´ll come visit soon, Luke. You are a precious member of family, you know? Guy, don´t be hard on him when he does something stupid. " Luke got angry a bit at that. "Heey!" Asch, Natalia and even Guy laughed a bit. " Even you, Guy..." Asch grinned. "Don´t worry, Luke. We know how clumsy you can get or reckless. Guy, are you sure you want to marry him?" Asch asked, mocking Luke.
Luke balled his fist. Guy stopped him. "I love him. I never want him to change anything about him. One should love that other person with all their strenghts and weaknesses. If not, it cannot be called love."
For that comment, Asch stayed silent and he admited that Guy tells the truth. He loves Natalia, because she is herself. Asch felt that the time for a new start for all of them has come. "Luke, Guy. Good luck, really. And come back anytime you are free."
Guy shook his hand and hugged Natalia. Luke did the same. Natalia and Asch turned to leave. Guy and Luke entered Albiore. "I won´t say goodbye, because we will surely return here and not just once. See you around!"
They waved to them as they went back to town.
They entered the bridge. Guy set the autopilot and they sat down, comfortably, next to each other. There was no need for words. They found their way to each other through all the obstacles in the way of their hapinness. The villain was defeated, Lorelei saved and the balance in the Sephiroth Trees restored, Luke and Asch formed a strong bond of brotherhood that could never be broken, Tear and Anise found their greater purpose in life in Daath, Jade went back to his normal daily life. Natalia was the princess everyone loved and adored because of her courage.
As for Luke and Guy, who were sitting next to each, their fingers intertwined and eyes closed, they knew that a path they chose is a harsh one, but they´ll manage it. Together.
Luke touched his head. He was sure he won´t have any headaches from now on. Everything was alright.
AN - this is the EEEEND. YEP. I am soo happy I finished at least ONE of my fanfics... That aside, I find this ending very good. If I get positive feedback... maybe there will be a sequel to this. Hope you liked this last chapter and don´t forget to write me your opinion on this. n_n
That´s truly all from me.
