Sakura jumped back to avoid Sebek's swing, landing on her feet and propelling herself forward in seconds.

Her training sword collided with his with a loud bang and though he made a valiant effort to hide it, she could tell Sebek was struggling not to stumble back.

He gritted his teeth, sweat beading down his forehead as his leg shot out in a slightly awkward but surprisingly agile kick to make her lose her balance. Dodging it easily, Sakura untangled her sword from his, ducking to avoid another swing at the head.

Noticing that Sebek had carelessly left his torso open, Sakura took the chance and delivered a sharp blow with the pommel of her training sword.

The green-haired man's eyes widened slightly as the wind was knocked out of his lungs and he stumbled back, giving Sakura ample time and space to push herself forward and tackle him. She collided with his body and they tumbled across the grass for a bit, with Sakura ultimately ending up on top.

Straddling his hips and holding his arms above his head in a vice grip, Sakura smirked down at her training partner. "Ready to yield, Sebek?"

He stared up at her with a frown, his eyes darting between her face and her arms, likely looking for a way to escape. When a few seconds passed and she showed no signs of relenting, the mint-haired man sighed deeply.

"I yield."

Still on top of him, Sakura released her hold on his arms and ruffled his hair with a cheeky grin, looking appreciatively as his light green locks fell over his left eye. "I'm impressed. You lasted a lot longer than last time."

Sebek averted his gaze, the blush glaringly obvious on his pale cheeks. "Not long enough."

Shaking her head at his stubbornness, she stood and extended a hand, half expecting him not to accept it. She raised an eyebrow when he did, but smiled nonetheless and helped him to his feet, handing the training sword back to him.

She squeezed her fingers around his, tilting her head to the side with a kind smile. "Don't be too hard on yourself, Sebek. You're already skilled with a sword. I'm merely helping you hon those skills."

"A knight of Lord Malleus cannot falter or fail," he said resolutely, removing his hand from her grasp and looking away.

"Huh? Who said anything about failure? You silly man," she replied, reaching up to pinch his cheek, giggling at the sight of his wide eyes and flushed face. "Give it a few more sessions and you'll see."

Stretching her arms above her head, she arched her back until she felt the bones in her back pop into place, groaning in satisfaction. Sighing contently, she turned to her companion, noticing him looking rather flustered.

Frowning, she leaned closer to him. "Sebek? Are you alright?"

"S-Sakura! What are you doing?"

Ignoring him, she rose to her tiptoes and pushed his hair away from his forehead to check his temperature. "Are you sure you are feeling alright?"

With the tips of his ears glowing red, the mint-haired man coughed in his fist to clear his throat. "I assure you, I am in perfect health."

Still not entirely convinced but not wanting to push him, Sakura stepped back. "You'll come find me if you feel unwell though, right?"

"Of course."

Feeling slightly better, the woman secured her pouch on the belt of the gym uniform she'd borrowed from Lilia. "Well, I believe this training session has come to an end, so I'll take my leave."

"Thank you for training with me."

Sakura shrugged him off good-naturedly. "You're not the only one who benefits from these sessions, Sebek. They keep my skills sharp and well, you're fun to be around. I enjoy your company." Turning her eyes to the west, she took note of the position of the sun low above the horizon. "I better hurry. I gotta pick up some folders from the infirmary or else Doctor Gotrus will throw a fit in the morning."

Quickening her pace into a jog, she waved at her sparring partner over her shoulder. "Tell Lilia, Silver and Malleus I said hi! Have a good night, Sebek. See you later!"

"Sakura, may I ask-"

But she was too far away to hear.

XxxxX

Golden eyes lingering on the woman's form as she sprinted away, Sebek's shoulders slumped dejectedly.

You fail. You always fail, you sorry excuse of a man-

A snicker from behind him broke him out of his thoughts, and he turned around to find Silver looking at him smugly.

"Still can't find the words to ask her to the Gala?"

Crossing his arms across his chest, Sebek glared. "Go away, Silver. I have no patience for your taunts today."

"How pathetic," Silver teased, well aware of the secret but rather intense crush the taller man had on the school's medic. He and Lilia never failed to bring it up whenever the mood to tease him struck them. "It does not seem to matter though. I'm sure she'll find another knight to accompany her. Why, I'm certain I saw Jade Leech escorting her to her dorm just the other night."

"Silver?"

"Yes?"

"Shut up."

XxxxX

Sakura hummed under her breath as she graded the last stack of papers for Doctor Gotrus' Advanced Herbology course.

Across from her, the doctor himself sat behind his desk, scribbling wildly in a journal and mumbling curses under his breath. She hid a smile at that, his behavior so reminiscent of Tsunade that she felt a pang of homesickness in her chest

Only a couple of months away from completing her second year as a permanent inhabitant of Nigh Raven College, Crowley was as close to finding a way for her to return home as he had been that very first day. Sakura could honestly say that she no longer expected to ever get back to Konoha so perhaps it was about time she started coming to terms with what the Fates had bestowed upon her.

It had been two years, and if she were to be completely honest with herself, she did have more than one reason to want to stay in Twisted Wonderland. Despite the rocky start with Doctor Gotrus, her job was fulfilling, and she'd made friends she'd be terribly sad to part with.

After all, staying would mean being closer to Se-

A harsh knock on the door broke her out of her thoughts and she looked up to see none other than Pomefiore's breathtaking dorm head walk in, looking as elegant and regal as ever despite the very early hour.

"Professor Valens, Sakura" he greeted, inclining his head, "I certainly hope I am not interrupting anything important."

"Mr. Schoenheit. What can we do for you? It's six thirty in the morning, and we only just opened the doors of the infirmary. Did you not sleep well last night?"

Clearing his throat, Vil turned his piercing violet eyes to Sakura. "I slept just fine, thank you. May I take your assistant off your hands for a few hours? She is attending the Fairy Gala today and I'd like to prepare her."

Sakura blinked in confusion. "Eh? Vil, I told you, I'm not skipping out on work to come to a party-"

"You may take her, Mr. Schoenheit, but I do expect you to return her by late afternoon at the latest."

"Eh? Doctor Gotrus, I can't-"

"Of course, Professor Valens, rest assured that your assistant will be returned to you before curfew."

"Will you please stop talking about me as if I'm not even here?!"

Marching over to her without a word, Vil grabbed her wrist and pulled her to her feet, ignoring her protests as he dragged her behind him.

"Vil, wait-"

"Shush. You're coming, end of story. I did not go through the trouble of asking my stylist to pick out a dress for you just to have you refuse it."

Sakura's eyebrow shot to her hairline. "You got me a dress?"

Vil scoffed, sending her an exasperated look over his shoulder. "Did you really expect me not to? Had I left you to your own devices, you would have attended in your lab coat."

"I wouldn't have attended at all!"

"Exactly. Which is why I took the liberty of preparing everything for you. No friendly relation of mine shall be seen walking around in rags and insulting my sense of aesthetics."

The pink-haired woman rolled her eyes, picking up her pace to match his long strides and look a little less like a petulant child being dragged away by her father.

"Only you can call me your friend and insult me in the same sentence."

"It's one of my many talents, I assure you."

"I have noticed," she said dryly. "Where are we going?"

"Back to Pomefiore, of course. I need to make you presentable," he said, sending her a sideways glance. "Your makeup and hair will take time."

"Why are you so adamant on having me attend anyway?"

"Oh, quite being difficult, will you? It has been a while since the fairies of this school last saw a woman, so your mere presence should keep their minds off their thieving tendencies and more on your peculiar coloring."

Gee, thanks…

"Also, you have been cooped up in that abysmal office for far too long. Your skin needs more sun and don't get me started on your hair. When was the last time you let a professional care for it?"

"Er, never?"

Vil looked positively scandalized. "What kind of savage world are you from?"

She opened her mouth to protest, equal parts annoyed and amused, but he interrupted her before she could utter a word.

"It makes no difference. I am in charge now. Come along. We don't have all day and I have a lot of work to do."

Rolling her eyes for the umpteenth time that day, Sakura followed after him, resigning herself to her fate. Vil's strange way of looking after her – as veiled as it was under his façade of contempt for her complete disregard for elegance – was oddly charming and she found herself smiling fondly at his back.

"Alright, Schoenheit, I leave myself in your capable hands. Show me what you've got."

XxxxX

Ever the dutiful knight, Sebek stood tall beside Malleus as he observed students from all dorms start to flock to the Botanical Gardens for Queen Azuru's annual Fairy Gala. The previous years hadn't been quite as crowded, so the Queen and her Fairies had likely put a lot more effort this time around. Fairies took their parties seriously and strived to make an impression.

The Botanical Gardens were looking particularly beautiful, decorated in gold and white lanterns that were lit with colorful fairy fires.

Shifting his eyes to his fellow knight, Sebek scrunched up his nose. "What in the world are you doing?"

Silver raised an eyebrow. "Isn't it obvious? I'm drinking punch."

"We are not here to drink. Our job is to guard Lord Malleus."

"And a bit of fairy juice will do nothing to change that, so please spare me the scolding."

Sebek's eyebrow twitched as he glared at his companion. "I ought to shove your face in the dirt right this instant but that would embarrass Lord Malleus and myself. Consider yourself lucky."

Taking a ship from his cup, Silver's lips lifted in a teasing smirk. "Oh, you'll have more chances to embarrass yourself, I assure you."

"What is that supposed-"

"Look who walked in just now."

"I have no patience for your games, Silver-" Sebek started, twirling around, only for his breathing to hitch.

Clad in a shimmering white, empire-waisted silk gown, Sakura entered the Botanical Gardens on the arm of Vil Schoenheit, though Sebek had little time to feel any amount of jealousy, captivated as he was by the woman's presence.

Swept over one shoulder, her hair fell down her front in thick, wide curls, decorated with pearls, white flowers, and leaves of ivy. The golden glitter of the eyeshadow over her eyelids and the rosy pink gloss on her lips brought out her delicate features, and for a moment Sebek caught himself thinking that perhaps she did have fairy ancestors. She seemed uneasy, an antithesis to her regal escort, and he did not have to look around him to know most eyes were on her.

"My, my! Look at the little doctor! Isn't she just a vision?" Lilia said, smirking teasingly at him. "I do wonder who she will choose to bestow her attentions upon this fine morning."

Sebek stiffened beside Malleus, schooling his face in an expressionless mask. "That is not our business. Who she chooses to socialize with is entirely up to her."

"Why don't you go say hi, Sebek?"

"My duty is to protect Lord Malleus and I intend to honor it," he said resolutely, steeling himself and averting his gaze from the woman, who appeared to have left her escort in order to escape to one of the less crowded corners of the Gardens.

"What a shame! She looks like she could use some company," Lilia observed, scratching his chin.

"I am sure she will find appropriate entertainment in a room full of-"

"Hey, is that Jade Leech heading over to her?"

As if of their own accord, Sebek's legs led him away from Malleus' side and straight towards where she stood. By the time he realized what he was doing, she had already noticed him and any thoughts of returning back to his position abandoned him when he saw the smile that lit up her face.

"Sebek! I'm so glad to see you!"

XxxxX

Sakura was so happy to see the mint-haired man, she could have kissed him right then and there.

He approached he like he always did; carefully and with his hands clasped behind his back in his usual dignified manner.

"Sakura. I was not aware you were attending this event."

She chuckled, pulling the golden shawl around her bare shoulders. "I wasn't either. Not until Vil barged into the infirmary and started dragging me to Pomefiore to get me ready, at least. If you ask me, he probably just got sick of seeing me in my lab coat and wanted an excuse to dress me up and show off his makeup skills."

She giggled at her own words, but then tilted her head to the side curiously when she noticed her companion looking at her strangely. "Sebek? Is everything alright?"

He coughed into his fist to clear his throat, a light flush lighting his pale cheeks. "You look-"

"Ridiculous-"

"-beautiful."

Blood rushed to her face, only rivaled by the pink hue coloring Sebek's neck and ears. "T-Thank you. You look very nice yourself."

And he did. He really did. The white suit and the golden tie did wonders for Sebek's aristocratic features, making the antique-gold of his eyes pop even more intensely than usual.

A mint-colored lock – that he so painstakingly kept slicked back most of the time – fell over his left eye and she had to resist the urge to reach up and ruffle his hair just to see that wild look again, the same he wore whenever they sparred.

Wordlessly, he reached for her hand and bowed over it, placing a kiss on her knuckles. "And yet I pale in comparison to you."

Sakura smiled bashfully, her fingers tingling where his lips had touched them. "When did you become so charming?"

Sebek's ears glowed red, and though the smile he sent her was shy and a tad awkward, it was still one of the most attractive smiles she had ever seen.

"I…I…" he started, looking at anything but her, "I intended to ask you the other day, after our spar. You left before I could."

Sakura hummed, cocking her head to the side. "Ask me?"

He gulped audibly, cheeks red, and slipped his fingers between hers. "Sakura, may I be your escort for today? I know you came with Schoenheit-"

"I'd love that."

Sebek's eyes widened. "R-Really?"

Sakura giggled at his expression. "Of course, silly. I only entered with Vil because he was so adamant about me attending, that he insisted on bringing me here himself just to make sure I did not flee."

Regaining his composure, Sebek cleared his throat and flashed her a bright smile that she wouldn't be forgetting anytime soon.

"In that case, may I tempt you with a stroll around the Gardens and a glass of fairy punch, My Lady?" he said, bowing at the waist and offering her his arm.

With a pretty dusting of pink across her cheeks, she linked her arm through his, smiling up at him. "Oh my! It seems I owe Malleus a knight since I have apparently stolen one of his."

Sebek grinned – a genuine, brilliant smile that made her weak at the knees – his fangs showing behind his lips. "I am quite sure Silver and Lilia can protect him adequately while I am otherwise occupied."

Laughing, Sakura squeezed his arm, rising to her tiptoes to press a kiss to his cheek, relishing the way his eyes widened. "Well then, I'll make sure to steal you away more often."

"Please do."

XxxxX

Tearing his gaze away from his knight and his pink-haired sweetheart, Malleus smiled at Silver and a grumbling Lilia.

"He did it, after all. If I am not mistaken, that means I won the bet. Pay up, gentlemen."

TBC

Sebek is too cute for his own good and deserves more love.

Heya guys!

So, I've been thinking which pairings to do next just to have a plan for the next couple of chapters and this name just keeps popping up in my head.

Divus Crewel.

I considered him when I wrote Crowley's chapter and lately, I've been seeing a lot of great fan art of him (a big "thank you" to Pinterest and the wonderful artists that provide us with drool-worthy art). This man is so…You finish that sentence, 'cause I can't find the right words to describe his sex appeal. XD

What do you think? Should I write a Divus chapter?

In any case, I hope you enjoyed this one!

Reading your thoughts always makes my day so drop me a review if you have a minute to spare.

Until next time,

Lots of love!