What Kind of Friend?
Circular tables were all over the room with a walkway in the middle to give way, each table having a bouquet of flowers in the middle of a spin able layer. The table was good for eight people and a dining set for each one. There was a scented card on top of their plate. There were vacant tables near the stage in front of the room. The guests were seated, waiting anxiously. It was a week after a tiring exam. This was a treat but not for them. They were merely guests; they weren't the main attraction.
The sound of violins suddenly filled the room and everyone turned their attention at the entrance near the back of the room. A pair of well-groomed people elegantly entered the room and another pair followed. The guests looked at them with awe and thought they were handsome and beautiful. It was a grand entrance for what is seemingly their exit in their college days. The seniors were graduating. This night was dedicated to them.
The Seniors occupied the front tables. Ike was very observant of the pair that keeps coming until the next pair was finally Marth. He almost raised his hand as if to wave hello but calmed himself down. It would probably be a funny sight. However, this event was for them. He wanted it to be ceremonious. Although, they did exchange glances.
With everyone seated, the violins stopped playing. The guests greeted in unison the ones who just entered much to their surprise, one which they greatly appreciated. Their fellow juniors prepared a surprise for them. One by one, they grabbed the cards on their plate and they stood out of their chairs and approached the Seniors in their table with their assigned person and they gave the card.
"Congratulations! Thank you for being our Seniors. We wish you well on your journey."
Needless to say, the Seniors were emotional. Some got a little teary-eyed even. The girls offered an embrace and were reciprocated in return. The boys offered the other a fist pump and gave big smiles in return.
They then played a video on the big screen containing clips of all the time they spent together, from the time they were still freshmen, when they ate together, when they finally attended their first convention, when they were dancing with their expressions full of life, when they were helping the juniors, when they played games at the beach, when they supported the Juniors during their turn to shine in the convention, and more they wouldn't even think it was worth sharing much less recording. Those trivial moments suddenly felt so important than they wished they have done more of those trivial moments.
In the last seconds of the video were their teachers and their Juniors greeting them a big Congratulations with an enthusiastic cheer.
With the presentation done, the students were starting to feel their stomachs rumble. Waiters came in the room to bring in their meal. The sight of food was enough to raise their appetite with the lightning of the room making it luxurious than it seems. While they dine, two pair of students came to the front and served as their entertainment. It was the two Corrins, the male playing the guitar, and the female singing the vocals.
Their break was a long one and thus they had time to do their personal wants.
Marth has just finished eating when Ike approached him in his table. He came in just the right time.
"Are you busy? There's something I want to do with you." Ike asked.
"No, I was just done eating. What do you want to do?"Marth wondered. It wasn't the graduation ceremony yet. It was just their night. Furthermore, Ike wasn't wearing his headband this time. His appearance was similar to that time he was attending the pageant last convention minus a different attire. His hair was combed back but still retaining its messy style.
"There's a photo booth outside. You want to, uhm, take a picture?" Ike asked averting Marth's gaze.
"I don't mind. I'll be glad to." It was going to be a nice remembrance.
Ike seemed relieved. What was he so nervous about? Marth thought. It's just a picture.
They walked out of the conference room and saw a photo booth was stationed outside. It wasn't as crowded as expected.
"Marth! Perfect timing! We wanted to take a picture with you."F!Robin shouted from the booth.
"Robin, and Lucina too. Of course you can."
"Ike, can we take it with just the four of us? We wanted to take a picture with our beloved Senior in it." Lucina requested.
"Go ahead." Ike said gesturing with his hand as if to let them do as they please.
"Don't worry, we'll take a picture with you too when you become a Senior."F!Robin said making a peace sign. Ike's brow visibly fidgeted.
"You and Lucina can stay in the middle."M!Robin suggested and they followed.
F!Robin pressed the big red button and the countdown begins fron three. The first shot was a normal photo with simple smiles and the second shot was a wacky one.
"Lucina and Marth really does look so similar. If I didn't know them, I would think they were siblings."M!Robin said in a curious tone.
"Yeah, I'm surprised no one called Lucina the female Marth yet just as they call me the female Robin."F!Robin giggled.
The two photos were automatically printed into one photo paper although they were only allowed one. The soft copies were going to be uploaded online anyways so they can just print another. With that, the group thanked Marth and went back into the room. It was their turn for the entertainment.
"So, how do we do the wacky one?"Marth asked.
"We'll know when we get there." Ike replied. He hasn't really thought of doing a wacky pose. Only fate knows what would it be like.
Marth pressed the red button. Ike rested his arm on the opposite side of Marth's neck and left his hand hang. He leaned his face closer to Marth so he can fit in the picture.
The first shot was taken. There were still three seconds to think of their next pose.
Marth turned to Ike, their position not shifting. "So, what next?"
"Uhm..." Ike turned as well but still can't think of a pose.
The flash came and Marth blinked at the last second. It then showed the results.
"Somehow, it looks like we're about to kiss."Marth said in a shaky voice.
"Does it?" Ike said. The photo wasn't funny but it was enough to make a small grin escape from Ike. He was actually pleased with the results. "I'll keep it."
"What?! Are you sure? Or are you going to threaten me with this?"Marth joked though Ike's expression seemed that he might much to his nervousness.
"Why would I? I took a picture for memories and this is something I would definitely not forget." Ike said.
"Hmm. If you say so." Not much he can do. It was going to be uploaded soon. Besides, it was definitely something impossible to forget. He bit his lip to hide his grin but it still escaped from his commissures.
"You know, wearing formal attire is so stiff I can hardly stand it. Its making it hard to breathe a little too. Can we go outside for a moment? Unless you have plans?" Ike asked.
"I was just thinking the same. I could use some fresh air." Marth agreed.
They went their way to the balcony of the hotel. As they stepped outside the door, the night winds caress their face. The world looked like a black canvass filled with glittering sparks. Lights from the city and stars from the sky.
Breathing in the air, Ike closed his eyes letting his hair get swept up by the winds before letting out a loud exhale. "You don't mind if I unbutton this do you?" Ike asked pointing to the button near his neck.
"Sure, go ahead." Marth said.
It was taking a while until Ike gave up. Come to think of it, he remembered struggling to take off the button too during the convention. "Sorry but I think I need help." It was somewhat embarrassing to ask for help.
"Okay, raise your chin a little." Marth requested.
Ike did and it was inevitable to see Marth's face. Marth was focused on unbuttoning his collar. It would have been nice if Marth can undo his polo on another time and place. That wasn't going to happen, Ike thought but the mere thought of it was enough to make Ike's cheeks slightly turned red. He wondered if Marth can hear him breathe.
"There, its loose. You don't have to button it again." Marth said. Little did Ike know that Marth felt very uneasy unbuttoning his shirt but was nonetheless pleased at the act.
"So... you're finally graduating." Ike talked to shift the awkward atmosphere.
"Yeah. It feels so fast." Marth agreed. "Seeing that video earlier, it seemed like everything just happened yesterday. My thoughts were so occupied on passing and graduating that I didn't pay much attention to those moments I bonded with our batchmates and friends. I wish I can go back and spend it all over again, to add more memories, to make every little moment worthwhile."
"I think I can understand how that feels. I can't blame you though. After all, there was much pressure to you guys." Ike said patting Marth's shoulders. "Right now, we planned many activities for you guys. If you want to have more memories, now is the time."
"You guys thought of everything. What about you?" Marth asked.
"This is your night. Your Juniors planned everything for this as our sign of gratitude. I am part of the logistics committee so I must move from behind the curtains in order to make this event go smoothly."
"Thanks Ike, and to all of you. I'm so grateful to have been your Seniors."
"I'm..." Ike paused. "We're grateful too."
The day was bright and the rays of the the sun weren't prickly. It was a good weather and perhaps it was good fortune for what is about to come. Graduating students fall in line under the sun waiting for the signal to go in the stage. Beside them were their guardian, all of them proud of what their child has reached.
"You didn't have to trouble yourself coming here." Marth worriedly said.
"No, its my choice. Old Jagen can take a break this day. He always keeps himself busy trying to prove to the younglings." Elice said.
"Well, I do appreciate it. Because-"
Attention all parents and guardians, you may give the medal to your child.
"I want you to personally give my medal." Marth said.
"It would be my honor." Elice said, eyes nearly in tears before giving Marth an embrace. It was a normal thing but today's embrace feels heavy and special.
With that the students began marching to the venue, accompanied by their parents and guardians.
They walked on the long driveway in the middle front of the campus. Marth can't help but take quick glances at random directions. Suddenly, he feels his phone vibrating. Cellphones weren't prohibited as long as it was silent. It was a message.
"You seem distracted. Look at your right."
Marth did and it was a surprise which he may have expected, but still a welcome one.
"Congratulations!" Screamed the group.
It was Lucina, the three sets of twins, Robin, Corrin, and Byleth. Ike was just behind them but can still be seen due to being tall. F!Robin nearly stepped out of bounds but luckily, Lucina was able to pull her back. That would have interrupted the line. They took their phones and took a picture of Marth.
Marth's sister can't contain her smile. They were quite the energetic people.
Marth can't help but chuckle. They were a lively sight as always. They weren't required to attend but they still did.
"Still, everyone can't go inside the venue so how are we going to see Marth take his diploma?" M!Byleth asked.
"We have live coverage. We can see it from here." Lucina answered pointing at the TV on the wall.
"They sure thought of everything." F!Corrin said in an impressed tone.
As the group lost sight of Marth from the parade of graduating students, the students focused their attention to the TV on the wall. Triumphant music keeps playing on the background. Some day, they will be walking on that parade feeling victorious.
The graduating students were seated on the middle of the venue while the guardians and parents were seated at the bleachers on the sides and at the back. In front was the stage where the students will receive their diploma and will be called according to their respective courses and in alphabetical order. The principal gave a speech and poem before he ended.
"Every soul contains a whisper of light
growing louder as it calls to unite
From the distance sings a chorus of souls
rising slowly, stirring heat from the coals
Colors weave into a spire of flame
Distant sparks call to a past still unnamed
Bear this torch against the cold of the night
Light will guide you, on your way to the ultimate fight."
It was going to take a while before Marth's name was called. Some students wanted to left an impression on graduation as they walked on the stage. The informality was rather welcomed with a warm reception. Peach accidentally brought her parasol as she was used to bringing it when outside but managed to turn a hilarious sight into a charming one by making a twirl after receiving the diploma much to the cheer of her admirers.
Marth felt his phone vibrates. It was a message.
Finally, it was their turn to be called. Each student had their parent or guardian beside them.
"Elice, after this graduation, you mind if I stay at this school for a while? One..." Marth felt a bit awkward staring directly at Elice who was smiling excitedly. "I mean my friends, the ones who were calling earlier so loudly said they have a surprise for me after this. It might take a while and I don't want to keep you waiting."
"Of course." Elice answered with a soft and assuring tone. "I'll go home ahead. After all, I'm going to help preparing for your graduation party. You can invite your friends too if you want."
"Thank you Elice."
"I just received a text from Marth." Ike called. "He says his sister is celebrating his graduation and is inviting us."
"I'd love to go." F!Corrin. "How about you guys?"
The others nodded with enthusiasm.
"Then, you guys have to stay here until Marth's sister arrives. She'll give you a ride to their place." Ike reminded.
"Aren't you coming?" Lucina asked wondering why Ike didn't say 'we.'
"I'll catch up. I have something to do first." Ike answered.
"Guys, I think its Marth's turn to be called." F!Byleth called to the others and they simultaneously turned their attention to the screen.
They watch as Marth with his sister at his side receives his diploma and shakes hands with the principal and staffs. He proceeded to the center of the stage and paused. Flashes from cameras can be seen. He then took a bow and was then off-screen.
"Someday, it'll be our turn to walk on that stage." F!Robin said with a hint of sadness on her voice. Soon, they will no longer be students. She can only wish her childish enthusiasm will remain as she steps further.
"Why are you acting so sad like you're the one who graduated?" M!Robin said smirking at his sister.
"Do you really have to ruin my moment? I was having a reflection." F!Robin said poking his brother's side causing him to feel a jolt on his entire body.
"All the more to make every moment worth it no matter how trivial." M!Corrin said.
"Plus, its not like we'll see each other again. We might cross paths again." F!Corrin added.
"We may not be able to turn back time but we can always look forward to the future." Lucina assured.
The group conversed about their possibilities in the future and promised to always remain in touch should the day comes. After a while, Elice came to fetch them. The group, except Ike, then went ahead to Marth's place.
The graduation took longer than the students expected and by the time they came out of the venue, the sky was already dark with only the stars and lights illuminating the place.
Peach was taking a picture with her classmates when she noticed Marth on her right view. "Marth!" She called. "Where are you going?"
"Oh, I was supposed to meet someone after the graduation." Marth replied.
Peach gasped. "Is someone planning on confessing?!"
Marth can only smile in amusement. Peach really makes good hunches.
Judging from Marth's reaction, Peach can only assume she was right. "That's so cliché. Still, it's good that you'll hear that person out."
"What do you mean?" Marth asked in a confused tone.
"Er, was I wrong?" Peach said with her thumb on her lip thinking of what other possibilities could it be to meet someone right at the end of this event.
"It's me. I'm the one who will speak out." Marth said with conviction.
Peach wanted to ask who that person but decided to keep it in. "I see. I'm rooting for you."
With that, Marth excused himself passing through a crowd of students, parents, and teachers. He gazed one more time at the surroundings. The buildings where all their classes was held. The cafeteria where all friends would eat and have conversations. The grassy field where students would play to their hearts' content. The place where memories whether it be sweet or bitter are made.
Despite how much he ascends, the sky never seems to get any nearer and he can feel the cool breeze gently sweeping his hair. This was it. Better to try than to never try at all.
As he reaches the last step, he notices someone on the edge of the place, gazing at the campus below. How long was he waiting, Marth wondered.
"Ike?"
The person continued to look at the world below him.
"Took you long enough." He said without turning around to face Marth.
It was hard to tell what face he was making since he wasn't having eye contact. He didn't sound annoyed at all. Surprised perhaps. Marth looked around him. There was no around but only the two of them. It was silent that he can hear the whispers of the wind.
"Where's this person you were talking about?" Marth asked hoping to start a conversation to end this numbing silence.
"What are you talking about?" Ike seemed amused and finally turned around to look at Marth directly. "That person is already here."
Questions flooded to Marth's mind. What did Ike mean by that? There were only two of them on the roofdeck right now. Never did a simple sentence felt so cryptic until now. It can't be... right?
"Marth." Ike called.
Hearing his name cleared Marth of his thoughts.
"It's you."
It was said in the calmest tone Ike could muster which only served to confuse Marth even more. "You're joking." Marth muttered.
"I'm not."
"Will you stop that?!" Marth shouted. "How could you say that with such a straight face? You've always been blunt since the first we met but this..." He was struggling to find the words taking fast breaths every second, chest feeling constricted. "I don't understand anymore. Right now, it doesn't feel any different from your teasings. Just what kind of friend am I to you?!"
Ike thought of the times he used to tease Marth. It was understandable Marth would doubt. He could only curse his past self. He'd be damned if his last moments with Marth was the sight of him nearly in tears. This wasn't going to be way it will end. He approached Marth and embraced him hoping Marth could hear his chest. "I'm sorry." Ike murmured near Marth's ear. "If you will, please let me prove my sincerity."
Ike gently let go of Marth, grabbing the other's hand and directed it to Ike's chest and the two shared glances. Marth didn't answer looking at Ike expectantly. It was probably for a few seconds but the concept of time didn't matter now. Ike lifted Marth's jaw and placed his hand on his cheek, his thumb carefully sweeping Marth's hair away.
As if on instinct, Marth closed his eyes, his eyelids stuck. He wanted to open them to see Ike's expression but his eyes seem to be glued. He could feel something pounding inside Ike's chest through his hand.
Ike leaned closer and their lips pressed together. His fingers carding through Marth's soft hair.
Marth was filled with deep astonishment. Thoughts that troubled him earlier flew away from his mind and he can only focus on what was happening now ignoring how loud and rapid his heartbeat was. Their lips parted and as Marth opened his eyes and the night sky and the constellations seemed so blurry but the person in front of him was clear as day. It was an expression he had never expected from someone so stoic. He was certain he was sharing the same. "Y-you kissed me."
"Yeah and..." Ike paused scratching his cheek. It wasn't itchy. It was to distract himself from staring directly at Marth but he resumed nonetheless. "I don't do that as a joke. I mean it!"
"If what you said is true then..." Marth felt his face grew warm from the chin to the forehead. How was he going to respond now? This wasn't what he had in mind. Ike was going to confess to someone else and no matter the result of that, he was going to follow suit.
"Its true." Ike was preparing for what was going to happen next. Their friendship would probably end here. He wished it wasn't the case. If it was possible, he wanted to remain in touch. "Sorry for dragging you here. What about you? Weren't you going to confess to someone too?"
"I don't think I could confess after that!" Marth exclaimed.
"What do you mean? What does my confession have to do with yours?" Ike asked. For some reason, he felt relieved. It was if nothing has soured between them
"I'm saying I feel the same!" Marth blurted.
"What?"
"...what?" It finally sunked in Marth's mind. Things are not going as he planned.
"C-could you repeat that?" Ike wanted to make sure his ears were in good condition.
"No. I-" Feeling exhausted after a long day, it didn't matter anymore. Plus, he can't stop thinking about the kiss earlier. It was only for a moment but the mere thought of it was making him giddy all over. The feeling was mutual. Darn it all! "I... feel the same."
Ike's face lit. He could shout to the heavens if he wanted to. "So, uh, what do we do now?"
"Why are you asking me that?"
"Its just, I never thought this would happen." Ike said and after a moment of silence, the two chuckled.
"Well, my sister is celebrating my graduation. The others are waiting. Want to come?" Marth asked with a big smile.
"Definitely."
I wonder. Since when?
"CONGRATULATIONS!"
The friends greeted Marth as he opened the door.
"Ike, you made it after all. I thought it was strange you wouldn't come since you were the closest to Marth." F!Corrin said noticing Ike just behind Marth.
"Yeah, where have you been?" M!Robin asked. "You would have been a big help in preparing the decorations."
The two can only smile sheepishly.
"Well, we stopped by some bakery to buy a cake." Marth pointing at the box Ike was carrying.
"Thank goodness you thought of that. I forgot about it." Elice said. "Ike, was it? You can place it on that table."
On the wall was a banner with the word CONGRATULATIONS on it. Marth was asked to stand behind the table as Elice was going to take a picture of him. The group suggested that Elice should take a picture with Marth as well and followed by the others per group.
"3... 2... 1... Smile!"
"Thanks for the food!"
"Thanks as well for helping." Elice said as she waves goodbye to Marth's visitors.
"Tell Marth that he should come to our graduation next time!" Lucina said as she and the others exit the gate.
"Of course!" Elice replied. She can't help but smile knowing that Marth has made some good friends. She then notices that one stayed. "Oh Ike, you're not coming with them?"
"I figured I should help in clean up since I didn't help in preparing earlier." Ike said.
"Goodness, you don't have trouble yourself." Elice voiced out her concern.
"Its no trouble at all. I want to assist in some way." Ike assured before feeling awkward. "Er, actually, I want to talk to Marth about something."
"Oh my." Elice was rather surprised. But it was fine. After all, she does remember Ike consoling Marth when she was at the hospital. She was curious about out of all of Marth's friends, Ike seems to be the closest. "If you say so and Ike, thanks for being there for Marth." She patted Ike on the shoulder before going to her room.
Ike wondered what Elice was talking about but he was true to his word that he'll help. He started by removing the banner on the wall. It would be his turn next year.
"Oh Ike, you didn't go home with them?" Marth asked who was just done removing his toga from upstairs. It was getting kind of warm and the others insisted that he should wear it during the picture taking.
"I told your sister that I was going to help clean your place and I... guess I just want to be with you a little longer."
Ike being bashful was making Marth react in the same way. "Its not like we won't see each other again." He approached Ike as he was going to say something in a low voice. "It'll be summer for you and I plan on taking a break before I start working so we can do what..." He was struggling to say the word as if his he was suddenly tongue-tied.
"Do what do?" Ike asked still focused on removing the staplers on the wall.
"W-we can't really call ourselves friends now, do we?" Marth whispered, exasperated that he can't even say the word directly much less look at Ike. He was waiting for an answer. He makes a quick glance by eyeing to his side and much to his surprise, there was a faint glow of red from Ike's cheeks even though only his side was visible.
"I haven't asked directly yet but does this mean, you and I already are?" Ike said facing Marth while raising one brow.
Why is it so embarrassing to talk about this stuff? Marth can't help but express admiration to the couples he see in the campus. Did they ever face the same situation as he is? "Y-yeah."
"You know, even though I did tell you how I feel already. I still have regrets." Ike said while putting all the staples he collected on a piece of paper and threw it on the trash can.
"What do you mean?" Marth asked as he piled the plates on the table.
"Regret that I haven't told you sooner." He took half of the plates Marth piled. "Would our days be in the campus be any different if I did so?"
Marth can't help but chuckle "Maybe." They went to the kitchen and placed the dishes on the sink. At that time, they thought of the worst case scenario. "There's no use dwelling on it now though."
"You're right." Ike says as he reaches for Marth's head but stopped and caresses Marth's hair instead causing the other to bow his head. He was still able to see Marth's ear turning red which did please Ike. Its not like Marth is his younger sister that he would pat. He wanted to try something more daring, intimate even. Its suppose to be fine since the feeling was now mutual. "I'll be sure to make it up tomorrow and the days after that."
"Me too."
As far as they know, it might exceed the missed opportunities.
**Fin**
Extra:
Elice was thinking of washing the dishes while the two arrange the furnitures after changing clothes. She descends downstairs and heads to the kitchen and...
"I'll be sure to make it up with the days ahead of us."
They probably didn't notice her but Ike's action earlier suggests that they might be closer than she initially thought and Marth was certainly pleased by the act judging from his face. She slowly walks away from the kitchen and pretends to have just came to the living room. "Ike, Marth?" She called. "I'll take care of the dishes." The two then came to the living room.
"Are you sure Elice?" Marth asked whose blush hasn't faded.
It seems they have no intention of telling her yet but Elice was not gonna spoil it. She was going to wait until they reveal it personally. "Well, I can't really move this heavy furnitures."
The two arranged the living room to how it originally was while Elice washed the plates. Elice suggested to let Ike stay since it was already late but he declined as he has to prepare for tomorrow. He didn't specify what he was preparing for but Elice can only guess.
"You seem to be in a good mood Elice." Marth said.
"You think so?" Elice asked and Marth nodded in response. She wish she could say it but for now, she'll be silently cheering them on.
Author's Ramblings:
Well, this is probably the last chapter. It took a while but I finally got here. A lot of things happened like my health not being in good condition. To the people who liked the story and was waiting for updates, I deeply apologize for delaying it so much. Still, I am very happy that people liked my story. I hoped you enjoyed reading it as much as I enjoy writing this story. I might add post chapters if I feel like it.
But once again, thank you for staying tuned ^_^ .