Chapter 42 Trouvaille
Trouvaille: a valuable discovery, or a lucky find; something lovely discovered by chance; a windfall
In which Bam has a nightmare he's always feared, but Eve is always there to comfort him. And it came as a striking realization that he's fallen far too deep for her.
The peaceful sleep didn't last long for Bam. He was frowning in his sleep, hands clutching at his chest painfully as the nightmare kept going on in his dream. All he could see was the pitch black surrounding as he ran endlessly with panic clear in his eyes. The floor was laced with blood all around, dead bodies of his friends strewn on the ground with lifeless eyes.
His body was moving on its own accord no matter how hard he tried to take control, as if he was only a puppet led on by a string without knowing where he was going. He couldn't scream as various shades of colors passed his sight. The yellow of Wangnan's hair, the red of Rak's shirt, the blue of Khun's eyes, and all his other friends. No trace of his favorite shade of purple among them.
He couldn't stop to try and shake the others awake– to see if they were even alive at this point. The sound of his heart pounding was clear as day in his ears, expressing how terrified he was at the moment. All that he's spent protecting for seven gruelling years, gone just like that without knowing the reason why.
His breaths were coming in short huffs, legs burning from the pain as he desperately wanted to stop. And stop he did, right in front of his worst nightmare. Bam stilled at the scene before him, a freezing chill washing upon him as his gaze was trained on the scene before him. The one person he feared losing the most during his time in FUG.
"...Bam?" The blue-violet that he loved was covered with her bangs, her voice raspy as she called out his name. Reflejo was suspending Evolet up in the air, holding her by her throat. Blood was still dripping steadily to the floor from the various wounds she had. He wasn't sure what he was feeling. Was it unfathomable rage, unbearable grief and guilt, unmeasurable terror, or perhaps something else? He didn't know, but something in him was screaming out desperately.
Evolet struggled to lift her head slightly, looking at Bam with difficulties. There was pain in her usual gentle gaze, mixed with the apologetic tint in her smile. He was rooted to his spot, even as his mind was screaming at him to move. It wasn't supposed to be like this. He was supposed to protect them all, that was why he got stronger. But then why– why were they all dead? Why was she at Reflejo's mercy? And why–
Why was she smiling? She was about to die. She shouldn't be smiling like that–
"I'm sorry Bam, it looks like… I won't be able to keep my promise with you."
No. NoNONONONONONONONONO–
Reflejo's hold around her throat tightened. There was a sickening crack as Evolet went limp, dangling lifelessly before crumpling to the floor in a pool of blood. The red of blood staining her light lavender hair. For a moment, the world went still as he stared mindlessly at her dead figure and a reminiscent of her gentle smile flashing in his mind as if taunting him for his inability to protect her. His hands were trembling, hands reaching out to nothingness as his breathing sped up and he nearly choked from the cold realization.
Evolet Euterpe was dead. And the 25th Bam only stood motionlessly as he watched her get killed.
Something in Bam inevitably snapped as he broke whatever was holding him back. A scream tore its way out of his throat, only to come out as a silent gasp when his eyes shot open. He felt disoriented with tears brimming at the edge of his eyes, reaching out a hand in desperation. Hoping that someone– anyone would hold his hand. And so she did.
There was a gentle squeeze to his hand, blue-violet orbs staring down at him with apparent worry. Droplets of tears started falling down his cheeks as he relished in the warmth of her hand. Bam reached out his hand as a silent plea of help, and Evolet didn't hesitate to hold him. He pulled her down, holding her close to his chest. She was alive and well, right here in his arms and not dead in a puddle of her own blood.
Please, please– don't leave me, Eve–
He didn't say anything out loud, but Evolet understood anyway. The purplette shifted around carefully so that she didn't wake Khun and Rak as she proceeded to haul Bam up. Her hands were now supporting his back and the back of his knees as she walked to the living room. The brunette was silent as he looped his arms around Evolet's neck, leaning in closer in hopes to get more comfort.
She lowered him down to the sofa with care and draped a spare blanket over his shoulders before proceeding to make some lavender tea. Their usual routine whenever Bam had a nightmare. Though they haven't done this for about 5 years now, since he typically never had nightmares when he slept with Evolet. Apparently that was proved wrong today.
Now he had a cup of steaming lavender tea in his hands, warming him up and giving him a sense of calmness. It had the same scent as Evolet did, although hers was more subdued. If this was the usual, they would've just finished the tea in silence then go back to sleep. Evolet has never pushed him for answers, instead offering comfort in silence and waited for him to tell her on his own. He was staring down at his hands, lost in his own thoughts.
He couldn't protect any of his friends in the dream. FUG had gotten to them first. Evolet was killed right in front of him and he couldn't do anything, he only stayed still and watched it all unveil before his own eyes. He wasn't strong enough to do anything. Yet he was selfish enough to go back to their side, fully knowing the dangers if he did so.
What if that dream really did come true? Or what if he was dreaming now and they actually didn't win the Workshop Battle and they were all dead? How much longer can he stay selfish? There was an audible gulp as he clenched his hands, fearing for the worst.
Before he could think any further, Evolet had covered his hands with hers tenderly. He went rigid, making no move to meet her gaze even though he knew she was probably worried about him. That made him feel somewhat guilty, aware that he was the cause of her worries. To think he promised himself to protect her and yet he's the one on the verge of tears in front of her.
"Bam– love, look at me." He reluctantly turned to his left a little, meeting her eyes. He was met with blue-violet orbs, overflowing with affection and gentleness that he choked back a sob. He didn't feel like he deserved it, he didn't know what he'd ever done to her to receive such a loving gaze that made him feel ever so appreciated like no one else.
"Don't worry, we all made it out. You're safe, we're all alive. FUG won't bother us for a while either. Even if they do then I'll manage it somehow."
"No–" He had shouted it out in a panic, hands gripping at Evolet's forearms as he stared at her with alarmed golden eyes. She ended up like that in the dream because Reflejo killed her, because she had been dealing with FUG for him. Oh Bam, if only you know how much more she's been doing for you all along. What if he couldn't protect h̶e̶r̶ them and then lose everything because he wasn't strong enough–
But Evolet's gaze only softened even more at that, as if she could read his mind and know what Bam was worried about. And there it was, Bam thought. The sheer unfairness of a simple move she pulled on him. She just needed to smile at him and there he was again, at a loss for words and completely absorbed in her eyes.
"Bam… you trust me right?" He does, he truly does. But he's just afraid to lose her. He nodded either way, unable to say nothing but the truth. Because she always saw through his lies.
"I came out alive this time, without any wounds just like I promised to you. And it'll be the same next time, no matter how many times they try to do something. After all, I promised that I would stay by your side. I can't afford to break that promise, can I?"
Bam made a small noise of agreement at the back of his throat to which Evolet sighed fondly at, aware that he wasn't quite convinced yet. Instead she got up from the sofa, now kneeling down before him and staring up into confused golden eyes.
"You don't have to worry about a thing. Whether it's me, Khun-san, Rak-san, or anyone else, we're all climbing the Tower to fulfill our wishes. We know it's dangerous but we chose to stay by your side, it's our own decision and no one else's."
Evolet reached out tenderly to him, brushing away his bangs to gaze into his molten golden eyes that were glistening with tears. There was an indescribable gentleness to her touch that Bam doubted can ever be replicated by anyone else. Smiling kindly as she gingerly wiped away his tears with her thumbs.
This is my vow to you, who showed me the meaning of life and the light. And as someone who holds the potential to be the new King.
「I'll crown you King with a crown made out of everything precious」
Bam looked puzzled at what she was saying. But Evolet only put a finger on his lips, signalling him to keep silent as she continued.
「I'll give you the sun to light up your day」
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To chase away the shadows that threatens your smile
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「I'll give you the moon to shine upon your night」
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So that you won't ever feel lonely on the way
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And if the path you want isn't there
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「I'll make you a path made out of stars and be your Polaris」
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So that you won't ever lose your path in the darkness
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「All I ask of you in return…」
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「Is to keep being yourself as the 25th Bam, and let me stay by your side」
Evolet stood up, taking his hand and pressing a tender kiss to the back of his hand all the while keeping her gaze trained on him. His breath undoubtedly hitched as he asked why with a quivering voice. But his tears were already streaming down his face without restraint before she could answer.
She didn't hesitate to wrap her arms around him, pulling him into a soothing hug that never failed to bring him a calming presence. He melts easily into his hold, hands gripping the back of her sweater like a lifeline. Instead of answering his question, she whispered the sweet words of solace and rubbed circles on his back.
"Shh… It's okay, just let it all out. We'll make it through this together as always."
And Viole– Bam knows in that very same instant. This was who stood by side during all those years and from the very start. Who broke through the darkness that he was so afraid of and reached out to him, guiding him on a path that he couldn't see and showed him that there was a way out. To Viole who was plunged to the endless darkness, the ray of light that was Evolet was– is everything to him. More than the sun, more than the moon, more than the stars, she was beyond everything he could ever hoped and asked for, his salvation and his world.
She was the one who lovingly picked up all his broken pieces and gently put him together. Filling the cracks with liquid gold and helped him rise anew no different than a phoenix rising from his ashes. Sweet whispers and warm smiles that spoke everything will be fine, the intoxicating lavender scent that promised him absolute protection. Not a single lie in them.
He realizes he's fallen far too deep, and he's ever so grateful for it. Someday he wishes to have the courage to say it aloud, return what's been given to him tenfold and cherish her as she was his world. He was falling in love with her over and over again, and he doesn't regret it one bit. So he nods, breathing out a barely audible yes as he relished in the feeling. He hopes she'll stay by his side forever.
When they do go back to the bed, Bam hugs her tighter than ever before as if he'll lose her the moment he loosen his hold slightly. Evolet was more than happy to snuggle up to him, drifting off to sleep with a peaceful expression. Bam relished in the warmth in his arms, at the fact that she was still alive and effortlessly fit perfectly in his hold as he breathed in her trademark lavender fragrance. He found himself in a dreamless sleep, a content smile etched on his lips as his nightmares stopped haunting him once more. He thinks he can face anything as long as she was by his side.
The next morning, Bam woke up to the sight of a sleeping Evolet still safe in his arms, trying to snuggle deeper to his chest to which he only chuckled at. She's always loved cuddling after all. He brushed away her bangs carefully, observing Evolet's serene sleeping face. A soft grin curled up on his lips as he leaned in and kissed her forehead, making sure to stay for a few seconds before pulling away.
The girl in his arms shifted, mumbling incoherently as her eyes fluttered open. Her usually clear blue-violet eyes were glazed over, the purplette was still sleepy as she blinked confusedly. Bam was trying hard to suppress his laughter at her adorable behaviour. Evolet seemed to have taken notice of him, staring straight into his eyes before giving the brightest smile she could muster in her dazed state and she promptly broke him with her next words.
"Good morning, beautiful."
...say what now?
Gone was the fond laughter at the back of his mind, now replaced with a short moment of silence before his brain registered what Evolet just said to him. A bright red tint was painted across his cheeks, hands instinctively moving to cover his blushing face. He didn't manage to do that when Evolet grabbed his hands.
She was leaning in as Bam stuttered, the brunette focused on her lips that were inching closer slowly with a teasing smile. She wasn't going to do what he thought she was going to do, was she? He closed his eyes shut, waiting for something– a kiss maybe to happen. But instead of the sensation of her plump pink lips melding to his own, he felt their nose touching lightly before she backed away as she giggled in a fit of sleepiness.
"Don't worry, I love tomato Bam too but let me sleep for a few more minutes okay..."
Just like that, Evolet let go of his hands and opted to cuddle with him again as she continued to sleep. Bam had steam coming out of his ears, his face flushed red from his neck to the very tip of his ears. Bam just wanted to curl into himself while continuing to internally scream in embarrassment.
How was he supposed to know that a sleepy Evolet would act like that?! And what had he been thinking– a kiss of all things– But well… his gaze trailed down to her slightly parted lips, looking as if it's naturally glossed. He couldn't deny that he was tempted… and that he might have wanted it to happen. Right… for now, he needed a long cold shower. And some fresh air.
In the midst of his emotional outburst last night and his flustered state this morning, Bam completely missed the fact that Evolet said "love" to him twice.
Bonus scene
:
"NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO~!" The Regulars sweatdropped at the sight in front of them. To think a fearsome High Ranker could be like that...
Yunuen was clinging to Evolet almost pitiably, while the purplette seemed somewhat troubled but also annoyed as she tried to walk away from him to no avail. She was basically half-dragging him on the floor as Yunuen desperately wrapped his arms around her waist and whined like a child.
"Yunuen-san, we've been through this before– I'm just sleeping with Bam as alwa–" She was promptly cut off with Khun choking on thin air from her words and Rak laughing at him, saying the blue turtle was turning blue which got her worried for a second.
But Yunuen was already letting out another long whine as he tried to pull her down. Considering his strength, Evolet nearly fell flat if it wasn't for all her training. Yihwa was watching this scene with a blank stare as Evolet suddenly stopped in her tracks with her bangs covering her eyes. The noirette didn't know who exactly Yunuen was except for the fact that he was extremely powerful and also partly their benefactor who helped them escape, but well… she should start saying her condolences now.
Just as she thought that, Evolet hummed lowly with a sinister smile. "Yunuen-san, I think that you haven't had enough paperwork lately right…?"
"...eh?" The teal-eyed man froze up as he hesitantly looked up, meeting cold blue-violet eyes that were currently annoyed and had no intentions of showing mercy to him.
His complexion was deathly pale now, knowing he pressed the issue a little bit too far as always. "N-no, I was just joking, Little One!"
"I'll tell Hansung-san to immediately increase your paperwork and also hand off the previous ones I've been doing for you. It's about time you return to your desk job isn't it, Yunuen-san?"
Evolet was smiling innocently as she said that, looking rather happy at the look of shock painted across his expression. Yunuen on the other hand, had a stupefied expression on. It didn't take long for him to loosen his hold around her waist, now sitting seiza with a dark gloomy aura around him.
"Yes ma'am…"
Yunuen was powerless against her words.
A/N:
I feel like I'm writing so many filler chapters and long ones at that... But at the same time they're also important for the plot development ._.
Me: STOP WRITING LONG SCENES–
My brain: lol nope
Me: How did I write shortly before...?
My brain: I dunno, ask your past self
My past self: Just like that
Me: Why did I say I was gonna write 2 filler arcs again?
My brain: You planned it
Me: Yeah but we haven't even gotten to it and I don't think I can wrap this under 55 chapters–
My brain: Sucks to be you then