By the time Viper left the shower that drowned her in a temporary mental shut down for a good long hour, Belphegor was already asleep. Or she thought so, anyway. She expected him to pull one on her and sleep on the bed he already claimed previously but instead, she sees the bed beside the window vacant and she couldn't help but… frown.

Belphegor was being kind. This was strange.

Earlier, too. Not kind… but normal. Normal for their standards in the past, at least. He was most definitely not ignoring her. He and her… they even talked. Argued, even! Just like the good old days…

Yet the unease in her never left. It was too draining to instantly jump towards a glimmer of hope—she's tried that out before and it ended with her locked up somewhere, chained. She was sure this Belphegor was her Belphegor. And by her, she means the one from her timeline. He can never be hers. Belphegor was a bomb that explodes without warning. He was a boy at heart that jumped at adventures and thrills in life as soon as it presented itself. He was an uncontrollable storm that does as he pleases—a storm that does so little to notice mist.

Tightening the thick, warm robes she wore for the night, she settled on the foot of her bed, back facing the sleeping Belphegor, eyes searching for the moon. He was so close right now. Closer than he's ever been ever. The way he looked at her earlier never fully sank in, and even now, she's still figuring out his intentions. Why he seemed to look at her so preciously, or why he seemed to be… claiming her? He restricted anyone else from entering this suite, and when asked about this, he became the boy he's known since day one: a possessive and selfish brat. That boy—that Belphegor—was someone she knew and understood. That Belphegor was familiar and not at all confusing. Even if it was just for that one moment that they shared, she felt as if all the years that passed where she was nothing to him was a lie. An illusion. She wanted to jump to that reality immediately, revel in it, embrace it. But Viper was a maker of illusions. She never liked living in illusions made by others—she couldn't tell which was the bigger lie: the present or the past?

She could melt under his gaze anyday, anytime. But tonight, she wanted to know fully what his deal was. She was tired of living in the dark when it came to what went on in that head of his. All she wanted to know was what this all meant… but he couldn't even give her that! THAT was one of the many reasons why she felt so uneasy. For in a split second, everything was quick to crumble right in front of her. She was on the verge of just giving in. Give in to him, give in to his hold on her and how he keeps pulling her close, even if that may not be his intention. But he cut her off and well, here she is now, still stuck in the same old habits.

The moon comforted her. The moon was her friend. Under its light she found herself absorbed in a different place and time. As she gazed, there was no time to think or ponder about anything. All there was room for was admiration. The night sky had better nights—with a fuller set of stars and a brighter moon. But even if the clouds blocked her from having a better view, it didn't matter. The effect was still the same. For Viper, this was rest now. As long as she didn't think, she was resting.

And so, she rested.

The morning after was easier to handle. Belphegor left quite early in the morning for whatever reason, and as soon as he left, Viper got up from her bed and greeted the morning as if she went to bed in the first place. She was surprised to see the red mooncake box was still on the table when she exited the bedroom, but she was even more surprised to see food there. Courtesy of the hotel, of course. But she never called for service yet! And it was still so, so early in the morning.

Then she remembers how one person, a few years ago, did the same thing to the castle's chefs. Of course he would pull a stunt like that, he had little regard to everyone else but himself. Viper completely understood if he were to ask for breakfast so early to adapt to his schedule, but… he didn't have to do it for her, too.

She seated herself on the couch once again, eyeing the familiar meal set. The first time she was served salad for breakfast, she had to use every ounce of restraint she had to stop herself from rolling her eyes. Now, she didn't mind at all. Japan was where she found herself frequently during the past few years, mostly because the Vongola Boss was there and her work lead her to the Asian country. The green salad partnered with potato salad was certainly not her usual breakfast, but it wasn't bad. In fact, it was refreshing. There was the omelet, too. And rice porridge. And the scrambled eggs that looked too thin, but she knew it tasted delicious anyway. Even if she was still questioning the kind gesture the Varia Prince went through to get her some breakfast, she decides to just take a good thing for once and not think too much into it. She's already done that last night and she'd rather not treat food with the same regard.

This is just food.

Fran could have easily set this up.

In fact, he's the one who's responsible for this entire set up.

As she ate her meal, she remembered that she owed her former apprentice a visit. And a scolding. Moreso on the scolding. Right after breakfast, she was going to visit the damn fool and set things straight. They had a deal and while Belphegor as a roommate was not exactly a nightmare, there was still the matter of who she was going to stick with during the wedding itself. She hated parties. She hated gatherings in particular. And with a lively bunch of idiots for a 'family', with Reborn as a notable figure that contributed in the planning, it was definitely going to be a long, tiring night full of activities.

If she was lucky, she can just make an appearance during the reception, greet the newly weds and then leave quietly. Squalo would yell at her for disappearing but he always yells, anyway.

Right after breakfast, Viper called for room service to clear the dishes from the suite and started preparing for the day. She donned her usual clothes and heads off, a piece of paper held where a map of the hotel was seemingly printed. Somewhere on the map was a moving picture of a frog that Viper followed. He didn't seem to moving very far, just in circles. To be honest, she expected him to be asleep. Then again, he was roomed with Squalo. They weren't exactly in the best of terms, which made him wonder how the second-in-command even agreed with this arrangement!

Viper continued to follow the map until it led her the suite where Belphegor should have been, not Fran. She didn't even knock or call for anyone's permission to enter. She was a psychic and a measly lock wasn't enough to keep her outside. She wanted to alert the foolish frog of her presence with a loud and unexpected entrance, but instead, she was the one left with a surprised look on her face when she sees Belphegor there with Fran.

".Morning, Master. Up early?" Greeted her apprentice without so much of an emotion on his face. He was currently removing a knife from the ground, and as soon as he did, he tossed it away from Belphegor making him growl furiously. "Oi, watch where you throw that."

"You should take your own advice, Senpai. And if you'll excuse me, my Master is here—" Ever the obedient apprentice, Fran completely ignores Belphegor now and turns towards Viper, waving a lazy arm as he repeats his greeting, "As I was saying—morning, Master. Up early?"

Viper tried to keep her composure. Belphegor was there, damn it. Should she acknowledge her presence or should she wait for him to do so? He was already aiming for Fran's head, not even bothering to spare a glance at her. Tsk. Of course. It was back to that again. "I had a delayed agenda. If you're done playing around with knives, come with me. We need to talk."

Or rather, she needed to scold him. And maybe ask him why he was with Belphegor. Maybe he was already convincing him to switch rooms? After making it very clear no one was allowed in their suite but him? What, he wanted her to be alone now? Fran was annoying sometimes, yes. But he was good company. How dare he wish for her to miserable?

The illusionist crossed her arms and raised an impatient brow when Fran turned to Belphegor and shared a look. Just what were you two talking about?

"Oi, oi. I was here first. The frog doesn't leave till he's done with me." The Varia Prince retorted with a sinister grin. He pulled on an invisible string and the knife that was formerly on the ground was sent flying back to him, to which he catches between his fingers ever so gracefully. "Talk if you want, Mammon. Unless it's something you can't talk about around me?"

He was challenging her. Viper was all too familiar with that tone of his that looked down on her so. Of course she can't talk about it around him—she doesn't even know what she can talk about when it involved him or if he was anywhere in the vicinity!

"It involves a deal that does not include you. So no, it is not something we can talk about with you around." HA. Take that! She was rather proud of the irritating that appeared in Bel's face. If only Fran didn't go ahead and ruin that victorious moment. "Oh, that deal? I'm backing out. Sorry, Master."

"I'm backing out."

"Sorry, Master."

WHAT?!

Belphegor started laughing that manic laugh of his and this time, it was Viper that was annoyed to no end. How. Dare. Them. Both?! They were plotting against her, this she was now sure of. Of all people to betray her… never would she have imagined it would be Fran. Fran who stood beside her and her woes all these years! With what little calm she had left, she simply crossed her arms and glared. Explain yourself, fool. I can do more damage than that Prince.

"Oh, uh…." Fran averted his gaze, scratches the top of his bed hair and took turns looking at her and Belphegor. "…let's see…" When he finally does stop, he raised both hands and pointed towards the blond Prince, unenthusiastically showcasing him like some sort of prize. "…Bel-Senpai can be your escort. Ta-da."

At the same time, both Viper and Belphegor exclaimed their discomfort with Fran's sudden preposition. "That wasn't part of the plan, you idiot!"

Wait—he had a plan? What? Just… what?

Viper's glare heightened to a whole new level, one that should be enough to pierce through Fran's very being—but he was already so used to her and seemingly immune that it does absolutely nothing. Instead, he just drops both of his arms and shrugs, looking tired. "Senpai, you suck at plans. Your plan itself sucks. And I'm tired." This time, he turns towards his Master and sighs. "And Master… why are we even arguing? Just take it."

Nothing changed in the Fran's face. Still pokerfaced, still deadpanned. But Viper was aware he was capable of some emotion. All she needed was look at his eyes and search for whatever it was the strange boy was actually trying to imply. He was exhausted. Of what? At the same time, he seemed determined to stick with his decision.

He was right after all—wasn't her woes all about Bel and her not getting along? About the years they spent apart? About their broken bond? Yet here she was being presented with another chance for them to spend some time together, but she was rejecting it. She hated admitting someone else beside her was right… but he was.

"I—" Before she could even fully agree, Belphegor spoke up, "No."

It was a simple answer, but he didn't seem like he was jesting or playing around. His face bore a deep frown and he got impatient and started walking towards her—no, towards the door. He was going to walk out, wasn't he? Again, was spending time with her that much of a bother that he can't even stay in the same room for a moment? Did he hate the idea of being her escort that much? Viper looks at Fran, who was now burying his face deep into his palms. She supposes even her ever-loyal apprentice is tired of her ranting about a situation that seemed hopeless. Here he was, throwing in much help as he can, yet still fate did not work in her favor. Maybe it was time to throw in the towel?

She moved away from the door, stepping to the side as Belphegor approached. To her shock, he didn't exit just yet. Instead, he stops as he reaches her side—he doesn't look at her, and so does she. They both just paused in that small space of theirs. Viper wasn't sure about Belphegor but she… wanted to stop him right there and then. Ask him again why his actions were so contradictory… just last night he was being overprotective of her, and now he wants nothing to do with her again. He even got her some breakfast! Then again, that could have been Fran's doing… but Fran can't control Belphegor's actions last night.

Ugh! This was all too confusing!

"Stop looking for an escort and just attend the damn wedding." He says quietly before finally exiting, leaving Viper filled more questions. He was asking her to be obedient again. And her pride just couldn't accept that—being treated so lowly. Was this because she was a woman? Is it that damn sexist act of his again? It was all so tiring now and if he would just take one moment to act reasonably for once…

"Master. I support you and all but please—can I go back to sleep?" Her thoughts were interrupted by Fran suddenly speaking up, breaking her from what would have been a long debate within herself.

"You." She snarled at him, directing all her emotions to her former pupil. "You have a lot of explaining to do. What did you talk about with Bel?

Sighing once again, Fran answered, "I won't say. Honestly, Master. It's not worth your time. It was stupid."

That only infuriated her once more. How could he? Of course she'd still want to know! Belphegor was the mystery she can never fully wrap herself around and here was her so-called loyal apprentice, rejecting her of vital information. "Stupid or not, you will tell me. And you have yet to pay for your treacherous acts—what was that stunt about? Switching rooms? Proposing a request that you had no plans of sticking to? Of all people, I assumed you'd be—"

"With all due respect, Master." He cuts her off again, this time, her words not her train of thoughts.
"But I agree with Senpai on one thing for once: shut up."

…what? That conversation did not happen in this room. It was last night. Unless he was eavesdropping…

"…no, Master. I was not up all night eavesdropping on your silly banter. He tells me things, sometimes. You're both so lonely and have no friends. I'm unfortunately stuck with you both." Fran shrugged and started making his way back to the bedroom, still yearning for more sleep. Viper wasn't content with this reveal. What did he mean he was told things? What things? And he knew all along but never bothered telling her?!

"You will turn around this instant and answer my questions, or so help me Fran, I will make your life miserable." Don't test me.

"Too late, Master. Good night. Please see your way out."

SLAM. The door to the bedroom was shut close, Viper left standing stupidly in an empty room. This wasn't how she assumed this wedding was going to go at all. She felt left out in all of this... this… this mess! Was her misery being planned all along by those two—both people who held some sort of importance in her life? Belphegor she can understand for that's how it's been lately… but Fran? No. No. That idiotic apprentice of hers would never… would he? She remained silent and unmoving for a long while, unsure how to go about this. If it wasn't for Fran opening the doors again, peeking out as if aware she was still there, Viper never would have bothered moving.

"…please don't give me that look, Master. It doesn't look good on you and I'd rather it be because of the stupid prince, not me." He still wasn't going to give her what she was asking for, that was for sure. As the older illusionist looked towards him for answers, all he could give was a sympathetic (or as sympathetic as Fran can get) look and said, "Didn't you hear what the stupid prince said? It's still a few hours from now but- just attend the damn wedding."

And with that not-so-friendly reminder, Fran closes the door once again.

Word Count: 3,003

Notes:

Freakin doors and people closing em before a convo ends. So rood. Wow. Wow.

Also I bet ya none of you expected an update.

Well, I was feeling incredibly gloomy and heartbroken so I decided to be productive and... this chapter happened.

Guys. Guys. I love Fran. Just oh God, free this boy from his babysitting duties to his senpai and master. Honestly, I always think I've made him too far from the Fran you've known in the manga and anime. Then again, we don't get to see much from him. Or of Mammon or Bel, tbh. Again, this is all just my take on a plate of interesting characters given to us by Amano Akira. But man oh man, I never imagined I'd be so attached to Fran (don't get me wrong, I love Bel and Mams, hands down. I just didn't expect i'd cling to another character in this story so badly).

Apart from that... meh. Nothing much happened. This chapter wasn't even part of the plan, really. I just started off with: what happened to the morning after. I was supposed to skip ahead to the wedding but I've done so much skips in this entire fic already I figured- NAH i'LL GIVE YOU ALL THIS ONE CHAPTER THAT DOESN'T REALLY MOVE THE STORY MUCH. It's all going to be discussed one way or another anyway. Either through their inner thoughts once again or through this- actual dialogue between characters pfft. I'm still so pathetically happy you all take the time to read this long fic even if its mostly me ranting about their feelings :weepy face:

canisse and hesper my dear, Fran is probably thnking the same thing: JUST STOP WITH THE PLANNING GUYS AND JUST, YOU KNOW, PROCLAIM YOUR LOVE. And he'd proceed to be grossed out bwahahahaahahah!

Anyway, I appreciate and enjoy reading your reviews, guys! It definitely helps in the updating process.

As for that new story, I don't really have much of a plan yet. But I want to bring in new characters that I've loved since long ago but never really got the chance to write about. One of which is Spanner. God I love that mechanic. And yes I'm a sucker for characters that aren't really very popular or are not the main cast. SUE ME. Spanner has a lowchance of appearing in a BelMam fic tho... maybe a separate one for him- oh wait, no. I did make a fic before where Varia made an appearance. It was single dad Spanner, his 'child' being an android :') Tell me if you want to give it a read haha! I'll give you a link ;P As for BelMam new story. Maybe go with the mother of all cliches and go for an AU? A modern AU? I can't do hs AUs because nothing in highschool makes sense, God. Honestly i'm still wrecking my brain for an idea! I'll tell you all about it if it comes he he. Hell, Right after typing this, I really want to do a story that takes place years after this fic. Or just right after, tbh. Because as soon as their misunderstandings our cleared and they stop being idiots, this fic also ends.

Again, do tell me what you all think! I love hearing from you guys!

I'm also on wordpress as talesofRach if you're interested :)

Follow the story if you're curious to know what happens to these two, and a few words as a review would be rad. They urge me to write more and update faster ouo

Oh, and since I normally write stuff from Midnight to around 6am, typos and stupidity is inevitable. Feel free to point them out!

Thanks for reading!