Damn, I wish I was your lover
By RaVen0us
Note:: Please read::
We all heard of midsummer night right? Well there is one here in Zi, a little event so I can make the PAIRINGS possible even how odd they are *frowns* Yes, I know! Its so f**king unbelievable, I like unconventional things! Well, that's the challenge of it. ANOTHER important note, there is an OC in the fiction, called Leon. The character I borrowed from author Colonel-sama's works (If you are familiar with her works and that character, then lucky you. BECAUSE I won't be explaining about that character later!) and YES I already have her permission. The standard disclaimer had applied.
This chapter contains more scenes of Doctor Dee in a light one have never seen before, fruit bats and some---weird stuff. Oh no flames, I just burn them. It's all in THAT button----
----
Part two: Moonlight
Late that afternoon Karl looked up from his ledger to see Doctor Dee minus 'Esmeralda'.
"Ah, Colonel, how good to see you again," he said as he approached the desk swamped with paper works, composed of bills and shipment paper works. "I see that you have gotten things put to rights. However, I truly feel that you allowed us unfair advantage of your generous nature."
Regardless of his impeccable manners and dignity, there is something about Doctor Dee that Karl found odd. He glanced around, wishing that at least Thomas were here, but the young lieutenant went off-duty to get ready for the New Helix event, the Midsummer night party. Karl would have left early himself to supervise and help with the decorations, but after this morning's disaster he had work to finish.
He closed the account book and gave the doctor a thin smile, "That's quite all right, Doctor. Sometimes things happen that are simply beyond our control."
Doctor Dee's large bulging eyes gleamed knowingly. "Just so, Col. Schubaltz, just so." He put his hand to his chin and considered the ashen blonde colonel for a moment, then nodded as though he'd arrived at a decision. "Because you graciously forgave the contretemps of this morning, I must offer you a small token of my appreciation, a gift. And of course, one for your Lieutenant brother."
Karl blinked, there is something odd. He knows Dr. Dee is a bit eccentric BUT not this kind of strange. "Oh no, Doctor. That really isn't necessary. We can handle ourselves pretty well in such situations---"
Doctor Dee spotted the piles of papers in the 'out' label and noticed that Karl has already closed his ledger. "It seems your task for now is finished, colonel. Wouldn't you mind if we go to my place perhaps, so I can give you your gifts?"
The colonel looked at his table, it was already clear and empty, and all the paper works needed to be done are already finished. He contemplated to rest for awhile, "I don't think this would be the right time, Doctor. I just can't leave my office." He said, fluttering his green eyes lazily, as if he is too tired and wanted to be left alone. But Dr. Dee insisted, and extended a long thin hand towards him.
"Please, Colonel. I have all manner of wonders to choose from. It's the least I can do. I shall be offended if you don't accept."
Seeing Doctor's Dee insistence, Karl sighed wearily and stood up, grabbing his cap and placed it tightly to his head. "Well----alright, doctor. I'll follow you up shortly." He said, having no chance to refuse. Heaven forbid that Doctor Dee is offended, after all the work he'd made for them, the colonel thought wryly. He stepped out from his desk, and followed the doctor shortly to the door.
*****
He expected to end up in a lab or something, but Dee brought him to a muddy small cave just slightly visible in the outskirts of the woods. Karl cursed as he was forced to get off the jeep and leave some of his men behind to crawl up to a narrow path leading to the cave, and his cap was carried away twice---by fruit bats. The third time it was snatched off his head, he chased them off until he was lanced by a fat twig flat on the face. After that, he gave up the attempt on chasing the little infidels.
After several minutes, a scratched nose, a scratched knee and a messed up hair full of briars without the cap, Karl reached the cave along with Doctor Dee. For a brief moment, he noticed from above, he could see the villages, the people and his men. One of them looked up, noticing him, and waved. Reluctantly, Karl waved back.
"Wait just a moment, Colonel." Doctor Dee said, and nimbly leaped three steps into the cave. Its entrance, Karl noticed, was covered by a heavy cloth.
The canvas panel flew up like a window blind.
Inside, the cave's walls were refined to almost in a flat, wall-like smoothness. There are tables and stools, and a lot of stock boxes, all placed neatly, as if the whole place is a neat open-stock room---only in a cave. A wall lamp lightly glowed over at a simple working desk beside a box of dried herbs, and Karl frowned as he noticed a ridiculous brilliant blue turban with a crescent moon just situated over it. WHERE did that came from?
"Welcome to my secret hobby, Colonel Schubaltz!" He beamed, as if not taking notice of Karl's worn out state. Karl didn't budge and stayed by the entrance, still observing the strange cave. Why would the doctor choose such secluded area? Not to mention a pain in the ass, he thought, rubbing his aching back. 'Stupid fruit bats---'
"Step a bit closer, Colonel, and I shall show you curiosities from all over Zi!" His voice held mystery and excitement, and despite his misgivings the grumpy colonel stepped forward. Like a magician, Doctor Dee snapped open a box and whipped out a gun. "This is a classic, it is said to be carved out of real silver. The user can only use it if it follows a certain sequence--- I guess Thomas can find that out." And he handed it to Karl.
"Um-thanks. I'll inform Thomas." He mumbled, taking the thing back to the box and placing it to his trouser pocket.
Next, the Doctor turned to a trunk at his feet and opened its lid. "Let's see what the trunk holds for this kind of man, shall we, Esmeralda?"
It wasn't until that moment that Karl noticed the organoid, tethered by the angle in one of the heavy rods of the wall lamps. The zoid let out a familiar screech and grimaced at him, showing off its metallic teeth.
"Be quiet and mind your manners!" the doctor ordered, "You've made enough trouble for one day!" The sullen organoid turned her back on them both. "Ah, here's an interesting item." He held out a brass thing which resembles a lamp to him. "This come from the under water sunken city of the ancient ruins, it is said that it's purported to have once housed a jinn that could grant wishes to its owner."
Karl raised his eyebrows skeptically.
Doctor Dee withdrew the lamp. "Of course, an educated officer such as you wouldn't believe that nonsense."
Next the doctor produced a ring with a large dark stone. "This ring changes color to suit the owner's humor. If he is feeling happy, the stone will be blue-green. If he is worried, the stone will become red. And should he become angry, the stone will turn to black."
When Karl said nothing, expressing his impatience by crossing his arms towards his chest, Dee brought out a crystal ball. It sparkled under the sun like a diamond. "Perhaps you would care to know your future, Colonel? Shall we look into the crystal ball to see your fate?" He put on the blue turban and began waving his hands over the glass ball.
This was becoming ridiculous, Karl thought. "I already know my future, Doctor. In six weeks, I shall retire from my duty and settle with my friend, Leon. I shall travel with him into a journey of self-discovery. There are a lot of things I missed out in my young life and I'm going to do what is right."
Now it's the Doctor's turn to look skeptical, and he wagged a long finger at him. "Not much is les certain than which we assume to be. Shall we learn the truth of it?" He held out the crystal like a king holding an orb.
"I already know the truth." Karl said, smiling faintly and brushing the annoying briars and dirt from his hair.
As he stood there, he suddenly realized that the whole area outside is empty. Where had everyone gone? Strange that it should be deserted at four o'clock in a Saturday afternoon. Even the busy village noises had disappeared, and it was so quiet---no birds twittered. He looked over his shoulder at his jeep down below, too, seem to have disappeared. A note was left by one of his men at the windshield, saying that they have to get some supper soon before dark. Karl wondered why he didn't notice his men leaving before. This surely will be taken out of their pay---
A hot wind came up, sending dust devils whirling down the dry, sun baked road, but a chill rippled through Karl. To be out here alone---perhaps he could just thank the old doctor and go back to his quarters.
"Ah, so positive of your destiny, are you?" he intoned, and his voice changed subtly. Karl looked at him; his bulging eyes were riveted on him, two narrow black spheres from which he could no shift his gaze. He meant to nod, but could only star back, transfixed.
"Then here is just a thing for you, Colonel."
From the trunk he produced a velvet pouch with golden drawstrings and held it out to him. Karl extended his hand though he'd willed him to do so. The velvet was cool and soft to his fingers, its contents heavier than he suspected. "Open the pouch," he instructed and the colonel obeyed, working loose the drawstrings. The scent of crushed lavender drifted from the folds of the fabric. He peered in and saw a brooch. Carefully he pulled it out and found a gold chain with an odd stone suspended from it. The stone was not quite purple, not really red.
"What is it?" His own voice sounded strange to his ears. Though he know it's impossible, the brooch seemed to vibrate.
Doctor Dee sprang down from the cave like a black cat. Taking the amulet from his hands, he opened the pin and clipped it near his neck collar. It really wasn't a proper thing for him to do, especially out of the open, but he felt powerless to object. His touch by his neck was ice-cold.
"THIS, Colonel, will tell you the truth. Wear it under a full-moon, and this amulet will draw your true love to you. Who ever 'she' is, she will come to you. And once you shared a kiss with her, your heart's fate will be sealed all time."
Karl cannot tell the Doctor that Leon, his friend and lover---IS the person he truly loves. He looked down at the amulet resting near his right shoulder, of everything the doctor have shown him, he found this enticing and odd. And though he disapproved of pagan charms, he could not stop himself from accepting it.
"T-Thanks, doctor." He mumbled, feeling a bit drowsy and light-headed.
"Wear it, Colonel, most especially tonight of all nights---Midsummer's eve, the shortest night of the year." Dee pointed out at the stars and moons painted at the walls of his secret cave, "When the sun is farthest from us, your true love will be closest. It may bring you turmoil---but perhaps it will bring you happiness."
When Karl looked up again, the village below was once again bustling with all walks of life. Horses and wagons were driving by the sun baked roads, and his soldiers have already arrived from their short break like an eye blink. When he left the cave, the sun is starting to mellow to the horizon, making the whole mountain look peaceful and mysterious at the same time--- even Doctor Dee deemed to act even MUCH more mysterious as than he thought before. Clinging by his right breast pocket is the amulet, and as he went down the mountain, he didn't bother reprimanding his men for leaving him out there all alone with the strange old man.
*****
"It looks cool, big bro---I didn't notice it before." Thomas grinned, addressing Karl informally since both are now off-duty to help out at the New Helix Midsummer night party. Karl wondered why he let his younger brother egg him to join and participate in the event, of all people, he should know better than anyone else that he DOES NOT like going to social junctions unless its an important business-related matter. He is currently in his quarters, digging at his trunk, looking for something decent to wear for the 'party' before going ahead and help with the party decorations.
"You got a nice gun, why don't you just leave it as that?" he snapped, glancing at Thomas irritatedly. The amulet, ever since he went back to the head quarters, everyone else is commenting how well it looked with his uniform. And he is starting to get annoyed by it, "I can't believe I let you talk me into this, Lieu---Thomas. YOU know I had other important things to do than play chaperone at some stupid party."
"Like what, face the ledger all day?"
He is right, facing the ledger all day---checking the military cargo, the life of being an officer isn't as much challenging as before. He glanced at his trunk and drew out some decent clothing items, thinking what he could wear. Damn, he usually does not think of what to wear---he always wear that military uniform every day, that he forgot what kind of civilian clothes to put on. He never asked any one's opinion regarding a dressing code, but Karl found himself drawing out a pair of gray slacks and a black sweater in front of his brother. "Thomas," he mumbled embarrassingly, "I need your opinion---what do you think?"
Thomas placed the gun he is tinkering with, and glanced at his brother from head to feet. Then he shook his head, "If you are going to a funeral, yeah. That would be nice."
Karl frowned, "Thomas---"
He didn't expect Thomas sudden reaction, the younger Schubaltz sprang from where he was sitting, grabbed the clothing and fling them away to the bed. "This is a party, big bro, not a covert operation. If you are going to a social event, YOU had to look the part."
Karl can see the brimming eager enthusiasm in his brother's eyes; after all, Thomas has never been so pleased that his big brother would someday ask for his advice. "Well, then, show me how to 'look' the part."
Thomas bounced off again, and ran to the other side of the corridor, in a few minutes---or seconds, at Karl's estimation, his younger sibling is dragging his own trunk. With an 'oof' sound, Thomas dropped the trunk and quickly flipped it open. He threw some of the contents to Karl.
"YOU got to be kidding," Karl sniffed, stretching a loose mint green cardigan "You want me to BORROW your clothes?"
"Why what's wrong? Most of the colors suits you---it's about time you wear something different." He replied, dragging out a nice pair of khaki's and throwing it to Karl's arms.
"I appreciate the sentiment, Thomas--" Karl said, flipping the cardigan to a nearby chair, and frowning as he unfolds the pair of khakis and hands it back. "But you are forgetting something IMPORTANT, we are not of the same body size."
"It's only in your tacky uniform, Karl. WE are almost of the same size." He beamed, shoving back the khakis to his brother. Karl frowned, if there is one thing he didn't like aside from Thomas' lack of military ethics, it would be his goddamn persistence. Knowing he won't give up, he sighed and stretched the pair of slacks. "Size 33-it looks so---" his nose wrinkled, "small."
"The style is tight, but it's not small---try it."
Karl cringed; he HATES anything that seems to be tight to his body. He even wondered why his brother likes wearing such items. Reluctantly, he stripped off his pants and pulled the pair. It is a perfect fit. His brother is right; THEY are of the same size.
"See, it just fits you well! You are going to wear that to the party." He chirped, then tossing a few items. "I never get to wear any of these---"
After several try-outs, and arguments later, Karl was forced to wear a pair of khaki, with a matching toned-down over-coat and a chartreuse green long sleeved polo shirt for the party.
*****
"It is you but it is still not you," Leon commented, with a sly smile curved to his lips. "You never strike me as the fashionable type Karl,"
"I look like a damn flamboyant pimp. I can't believe I allowed Thomas to talk me into this stupid social event." He muttered, brushing one hand through his whiskey blonde strands. Karl cursed as he felt the slick mouse and hair gel messed up on his hair. He never have been in such 'social events' before and he must have made a mess styling his lifeless hair. He can't recall the last time he pay attention to it, since most often, it's always hidden in the uniform cap.
"Stop fidgeting with the hair," Leon said once again, "It's nice that you wear it brushed up that way."
"I never BRUSHED UP my hair this way." He corrected stiffly, tucking a cow lick of a hair.
"Hey, with that new look one can really tell you are brothers." The blue haired man grinned, adding that with the change of attire and hairstyle, Karl is starting to resemble Thomas in a certain distance. The colonel frowned and made no comment about it. HE really wasn't used to this. It's a good thing that Thomas was few meters away from them, not hearing the conversation. The young lieutenant's arms were stuffed with boxes that contain decorations and other stuff for the New Helix party event. Karl then noticed in his horror that Thomas was wearing the almost the same attire style that he was wearing now. /just great, what are we, the double mint twins?'/
"What an interesting amulet, Karl." Leon spoke, cutting him off from his reverie. "I don't believe I've seen it before."
The evening sun flashed on the stone, making it glow like molten red crystal against his pale green shirt.
"I don't even know what possess me to wear this---jewelry. I really look like a--"
"Bro is being self-conscious!"
He frowned, "I'm so GLAD you're amused by all this."
Leon, Karl and Thomas were already walking through town to the party hall. Their shadows were long on the yellow sun-baked ground on the road, and the withering heat of the afternoon had gentled. The ashen blonde colonel had already explained to Leon about his morning 'adventure' with Doctor Dee and the purple baby organoid. His fingers touched the amulet. "I think the Doctor felt bad about the trouble the organoid has caused. I guess he gave me this strange thing to apologize."
Leon glanced at the golden chain. "I'm sure he meant well, but do you think you should have accepted it? It looks pretty expensive."
Karl sidestepped a rock in the road. "He insisted that I take it. He said he'll be offended if I didn't."
He didn't bother to tell them the rest of the doctor's tale. Karl didn't believe it himself. The frightening giddiness he'd felt when he put the brooch on his breast pocket, well, he'd just been hungry. His lunch had been only a biscuit and coffee. As for the bunkum about full moons and short nights, and true loves, it was just that---bunkum.
Leon gave him a fond smile and gave him a comforting pat on the shoulder. He had a good face and nice eyes, his dark blue hair under scored his air of mystery, the man he grew to know well from his past. When he talked to him about leaving the imperial army because his task is done, he knew he was right and it was for his own good. The long war in Zi is over, the sides both of the republic and the empire had developed a strong alliance than ever before, and aside from minor nuisances like rebel factions, there is nothing major to worry about. Just as he knew he could share a life of bliss with this man, no brooch/amulet or soothsaying peddler would change matters. Why then, did he feel compelled to wear the brooch tonight?
"I wonder if he's coming to the party tonight. Irvine, I mean." Thomas mused. "He hasn't been to one yet." He kept his eyes cautiously on the road ahead with the stack of boxes under his grip, but when Karl looked at him, he was blushing again as he had this morning when he mentioned him. He felt a spark of impatience at his brother's schoolgirl reaction.
"Leon, I've been trying to tell Thomas here that Irvine is not a man a modest person should even think about. And I'm sure he has no interest in such social activities."
"Who knows, maybe he WILL come tonight." Thomas said, "After all, its Midsummer's eve and anything can happen. I still think that Raven and Reys having a baby is peculiar. Anyway, I heard from Flyheight before he took a leave is that Irvine prefers to stay behind with us to escape some personal tragedy. Maybe that's why he kept to himself."
Karl snorted, "Personal tragedy, my eye. Why, I wouldn't be surprised to learn he was a bandit before he came here." "WAS a bandit before, Karl." Leon corrected, "Irvine is a little remote but he seems nice enough. I don't think he's anything other that what he says he is."
*****
When they got to the party hall, only a few people had arrived to help set up the supper tables. While Karl and Leon lingered outside, Thomas hurried ahead to join a group of his old friends. A whiny scrape of fiddle send the colonel spinning around. "What the hell is that?"
"The party's theme." Leon commented, pointing out at one side of the hall were a small band is trying to practice with fiddles and flutes. Some young cadets came in dressed in much casual clothes, fixing plants, flowers and vines to give the hall a much ethereal appeal. Others were helping to stack hay outside where young lovers will rest later /all because it's a Midsummer Night party?! /
"I better help the boys set up the hay. I imagine we'll have some couples who'll want to sit awhile in the moonlight later on."
Moon light, he thought, and touched his chain again. He heard of this yearly social party event, hay bales were arranged around the grounds outside to provide seats for weary dancers. Of course, Leon, Karl, and other mature people would supervise to make certain none of the young unmarried people get too cozy in the darkness :)
"Maybe we----we'll be one of those couples?"
When Karl realized what he just said, and wants to smack himself for asking such a foolish question. THAT might not be a kind of thing to suggest to Leon. So far, except for one chaste peck he'd given him a few weeks ago when he proposed, nothing had occurred between them. Not that it should, he decided hastily. He wasn't usually given to such romantic notions. But there is a time when two people would like---a little closeness?
"I doubt if I'll be able to break away from the chaperoning job. And we have to set an example for the young ones, you know." He returned him a smile and went off to join the other volunteers hoisting bales of hay.
Karl turned and went inside to help the other participants arrange the wall decorations and then supervise the arrangement of table cloths over old doors that had been set up on sawhorses to serve as tables. He suppressed a sigh when Fiona Alissi Linnette, the blonde zoidian, arrived with Van Flyheight to set out dishes of her special strawberry preserves. Most people, including Karl himself regarded the tough spread as suitable only for tarring roofs and patching rain slickers.
"We heard you are already signing for your leave, Colonel. I know it won't be easy at first, right Van?" Fiona said, turning around to the spiky haired youth who nodded in agreement. Karl noticed that nothing have quite changed between the two the fact they are already married, well except that Fiona seems a little plump and glowing.
"My we seem rather cheerful looking today," he commented at the blonde's rosy cheeks, "It seems this is going to be a big happy reunion for everyone else."
"Oh, didn't Fiona tell you?" Van beamed, "She is pregnant, and we are going to have a baby."
Karl blinked and drifted his gaze to the blonde's belly; it is starting to bulge alright. He wondered how Thomas would react if he heard the news. The colonel is aware that since Fiona announced her marriage to Van sometime few months ago, the imperial lieutenant treated her with detectable coolness. AND then he got stuck in company with Irvine.
"I wonder if it's okay to tell Thomas about the news," Fiona quipped, as if reading his thoughts. "I felt somehow sorry---"
"I appreciate your concern, Fiona, but really, there's no need to worry about Thomas. He is a grown man and I think he understand that." He replied, not allowing her to finish the sentence, half-wondering if he is going to blame the two at the sudden change of his brother's 'preference.' Then he remembered what Thomas said and added, "He says he enjoy Irvine's company very much."
"That's nice to hear, I wonder if Irvine is coming?" Van asked, "Moon bay is going to drop by, so I guess he will also come."
"Well who knows, it's too early to tell." The colonel replied, "Why don't you two help me out before the party starts?"
"Sure!"
*****
Soon the hall began filling with people and the younger cadets called the women to dance. Rosewater, fresh flowers, and bay rum scented the warm summer night. The hot room, combined with the exercise, gave the dancers a powerful thirst, and the colonel, unfortunately near the punch bowls, was kept busy.
At the other end of the hall, the blonde zoidian, Fiona Alissi Linnette was just as busy, dispensing beer to the men. Once, Karl glanced up to see Fiona hand a mug to Irvine. He was so surprised to see him; the ladle slipped from his hand and sank to the bottom of the punch bowl.
Irvine had never attended such social gatherings before, but there was certainly no mistaking him. He looked as different from any other men, tall as he was, without his bandana and eye patch, but still with that messy spiky auburn hair. Tonight he wore a dark gray shirt, a dark vest, and black pants that fit a little too tightly, in Karl's estimation. Irvine stood against the wall, sipping his beer, scanning the crowd until he apparently found what he is looking for. Karl turned to see what, or who, that might be, and saw his brother dance by with a fresh-faced young woman.
"Let's have two glasses of that punch, Karl." Leon's sudden voice dragged his attention back to the sunken ladle. While he fished it out with a fork, the blue-haired man continued in a jovial tone. "Well, I guess the emperor will be giving your leave soon, Karl. It's a mighty strong coincidence it the way it worked out, without me having to use mind powers--I mean."
Karl sloshed punch over the edge of cup he was filling. The day after Leon proposed, the peace and stability within the imperial territory has been restored. He was told by the blue haired lover of his, it is about time he call for a leave---and enjoy things he sorely missed out in his younger days. Leon even pointed out that he should try to be a little less uptight, like his expressive brother. Thomas.
Karl never considered Leon's sudden proposal in that light before. He loved the military life, he lived with it---and taking it away from him, he doesn't know what to do next. It's all he has ever known. So why now? It must be the heat, the colonel decided, and the nerve-wracking events of the day. He wiped up the spilled punch and covered his clumsiness with a forced silly laugh. "Ah Leon, you just remind me what Thomas used to say. He believed that if a man could think, there is no reason to hide it. It's a good thing I heeded that advice didn't I?"
Leon smiled and nodded, "It surely is Karl, it surely is."
***
When Leon finally left, the ashen blonde colonel looked for Irvine again and noticed that he was edging closer to the dance floor. AND Thomas knew he was there. The dark blonde head keep swiveling as he moved around the floor, keeping him in sight.
Well, there wasn't a blessed thing he could do about it. If Thomas wanted to throw himself at a former rouge---something sinister certainly lurked in Irvine's past---he couldn't be able to stop him. He already said his piece about him.
With no one now swarming near the stupid punch bowl, Karl decided to step outside to escape the heat of the hall, and to find Leon. He seemed to just disappear the moment he took his eyes of him after he gave him his punch. He knew if they spent a few minutes together, he could dispel the odd, niggling doubts that had crept into his mind tonight....
Outside a breeze fanned his hot face and tugged at his hair. Purple dusk was giving away to the night. A full moon, heavy and golden, rose above the eastern horizon, lighting the buildings with a faint yellow gleam. The muted melody of a waltz floated to him from the hall. It was a beautiful evening. If Dr. Dee's folderol about his amulet was true, he would be saved the bother of having to look for Leon. The combination of the moon and the stone should bring the blue-haired mage right to him.
Suddenly, the odd, dizzy feeling that he had earlier in the afternoon came over again. He stopped and put a hand on his throat, waiting for the feeling to go away. Maybe he was coming down on something.
Behind him, a low male voice murmured. "I knew I'd find you here." Hands come down on his broad shoulders and he turned around. Before he could speak or move, he felt a warm mouth cover his, in a slow, urgent kiss---
A confusing jumble of thoughts ran through his mind, competing with the sensations that galloped through his body. None of them included a desire to resist the tender assault.
Heat....softness....sweet yearning.
Karl smelled the faintest trace of crushed lavender, more like the memory of a vivid dream than reality. Then it was gone, replaced by the combination of scents he instinctively thought of as male----soap, leather and outdoors. His legs went rubbery as Fiona's strawberry preserves, and if not for the arms that held him, he was sure he would have collapsed.
Comfort....strength....Leon?
He released him, and slowly Karl opened his eyes to gaze upon the man who embraced him with such possessive tenderness.
Irvine.
By RaVen0us
Note:: Please read::
We all heard of midsummer night right? Well there is one here in Zi, a little event so I can make the PAIRINGS possible even how odd they are *frowns* Yes, I know! Its so f**king unbelievable, I like unconventional things! Well, that's the challenge of it. ANOTHER important note, there is an OC in the fiction, called Leon. The character I borrowed from author Colonel-sama's works (If you are familiar with her works and that character, then lucky you. BECAUSE I won't be explaining about that character later!) and YES I already have her permission. The standard disclaimer had applied.
This chapter contains more scenes of Doctor Dee in a light one have never seen before, fruit bats and some---weird stuff. Oh no flames, I just burn them. It's all in THAT button----
----
Part two: Moonlight
Late that afternoon Karl looked up from his ledger to see Doctor Dee minus 'Esmeralda'.
"Ah, Colonel, how good to see you again," he said as he approached the desk swamped with paper works, composed of bills and shipment paper works. "I see that you have gotten things put to rights. However, I truly feel that you allowed us unfair advantage of your generous nature."
Regardless of his impeccable manners and dignity, there is something about Doctor Dee that Karl found odd. He glanced around, wishing that at least Thomas were here, but the young lieutenant went off-duty to get ready for the New Helix event, the Midsummer night party. Karl would have left early himself to supervise and help with the decorations, but after this morning's disaster he had work to finish.
He closed the account book and gave the doctor a thin smile, "That's quite all right, Doctor. Sometimes things happen that are simply beyond our control."
Doctor Dee's large bulging eyes gleamed knowingly. "Just so, Col. Schubaltz, just so." He put his hand to his chin and considered the ashen blonde colonel for a moment, then nodded as though he'd arrived at a decision. "Because you graciously forgave the contretemps of this morning, I must offer you a small token of my appreciation, a gift. And of course, one for your Lieutenant brother."
Karl blinked, there is something odd. He knows Dr. Dee is a bit eccentric BUT not this kind of strange. "Oh no, Doctor. That really isn't necessary. We can handle ourselves pretty well in such situations---"
Doctor Dee spotted the piles of papers in the 'out' label and noticed that Karl has already closed his ledger. "It seems your task for now is finished, colonel. Wouldn't you mind if we go to my place perhaps, so I can give you your gifts?"
The colonel looked at his table, it was already clear and empty, and all the paper works needed to be done are already finished. He contemplated to rest for awhile, "I don't think this would be the right time, Doctor. I just can't leave my office." He said, fluttering his green eyes lazily, as if he is too tired and wanted to be left alone. But Dr. Dee insisted, and extended a long thin hand towards him.
"Please, Colonel. I have all manner of wonders to choose from. It's the least I can do. I shall be offended if you don't accept."
Seeing Doctor's Dee insistence, Karl sighed wearily and stood up, grabbing his cap and placed it tightly to his head. "Well----alright, doctor. I'll follow you up shortly." He said, having no chance to refuse. Heaven forbid that Doctor Dee is offended, after all the work he'd made for them, the colonel thought wryly. He stepped out from his desk, and followed the doctor shortly to the door.
*****
He expected to end up in a lab or something, but Dee brought him to a muddy small cave just slightly visible in the outskirts of the woods. Karl cursed as he was forced to get off the jeep and leave some of his men behind to crawl up to a narrow path leading to the cave, and his cap was carried away twice---by fruit bats. The third time it was snatched off his head, he chased them off until he was lanced by a fat twig flat on the face. After that, he gave up the attempt on chasing the little infidels.
After several minutes, a scratched nose, a scratched knee and a messed up hair full of briars without the cap, Karl reached the cave along with Doctor Dee. For a brief moment, he noticed from above, he could see the villages, the people and his men. One of them looked up, noticing him, and waved. Reluctantly, Karl waved back.
"Wait just a moment, Colonel." Doctor Dee said, and nimbly leaped three steps into the cave. Its entrance, Karl noticed, was covered by a heavy cloth.
The canvas panel flew up like a window blind.
Inside, the cave's walls were refined to almost in a flat, wall-like smoothness. There are tables and stools, and a lot of stock boxes, all placed neatly, as if the whole place is a neat open-stock room---only in a cave. A wall lamp lightly glowed over at a simple working desk beside a box of dried herbs, and Karl frowned as he noticed a ridiculous brilliant blue turban with a crescent moon just situated over it. WHERE did that came from?
"Welcome to my secret hobby, Colonel Schubaltz!" He beamed, as if not taking notice of Karl's worn out state. Karl didn't budge and stayed by the entrance, still observing the strange cave. Why would the doctor choose such secluded area? Not to mention a pain in the ass, he thought, rubbing his aching back. 'Stupid fruit bats---'
"Step a bit closer, Colonel, and I shall show you curiosities from all over Zi!" His voice held mystery and excitement, and despite his misgivings the grumpy colonel stepped forward. Like a magician, Doctor Dee snapped open a box and whipped out a gun. "This is a classic, it is said to be carved out of real silver. The user can only use it if it follows a certain sequence--- I guess Thomas can find that out." And he handed it to Karl.
"Um-thanks. I'll inform Thomas." He mumbled, taking the thing back to the box and placing it to his trouser pocket.
Next, the Doctor turned to a trunk at his feet and opened its lid. "Let's see what the trunk holds for this kind of man, shall we, Esmeralda?"
It wasn't until that moment that Karl noticed the organoid, tethered by the angle in one of the heavy rods of the wall lamps. The zoid let out a familiar screech and grimaced at him, showing off its metallic teeth.
"Be quiet and mind your manners!" the doctor ordered, "You've made enough trouble for one day!" The sullen organoid turned her back on them both. "Ah, here's an interesting item." He held out a brass thing which resembles a lamp to him. "This come from the under water sunken city of the ancient ruins, it is said that it's purported to have once housed a jinn that could grant wishes to its owner."
Karl raised his eyebrows skeptically.
Doctor Dee withdrew the lamp. "Of course, an educated officer such as you wouldn't believe that nonsense."
Next the doctor produced a ring with a large dark stone. "This ring changes color to suit the owner's humor. If he is feeling happy, the stone will be blue-green. If he is worried, the stone will become red. And should he become angry, the stone will turn to black."
When Karl said nothing, expressing his impatience by crossing his arms towards his chest, Dee brought out a crystal ball. It sparkled under the sun like a diamond. "Perhaps you would care to know your future, Colonel? Shall we look into the crystal ball to see your fate?" He put on the blue turban and began waving his hands over the glass ball.
This was becoming ridiculous, Karl thought. "I already know my future, Doctor. In six weeks, I shall retire from my duty and settle with my friend, Leon. I shall travel with him into a journey of self-discovery. There are a lot of things I missed out in my young life and I'm going to do what is right."
Now it's the Doctor's turn to look skeptical, and he wagged a long finger at him. "Not much is les certain than which we assume to be. Shall we learn the truth of it?" He held out the crystal like a king holding an orb.
"I already know the truth." Karl said, smiling faintly and brushing the annoying briars and dirt from his hair.
As he stood there, he suddenly realized that the whole area outside is empty. Where had everyone gone? Strange that it should be deserted at four o'clock in a Saturday afternoon. Even the busy village noises had disappeared, and it was so quiet---no birds twittered. He looked over his shoulder at his jeep down below, too, seem to have disappeared. A note was left by one of his men at the windshield, saying that they have to get some supper soon before dark. Karl wondered why he didn't notice his men leaving before. This surely will be taken out of their pay---
A hot wind came up, sending dust devils whirling down the dry, sun baked road, but a chill rippled through Karl. To be out here alone---perhaps he could just thank the old doctor and go back to his quarters.
"Ah, so positive of your destiny, are you?" he intoned, and his voice changed subtly. Karl looked at him; his bulging eyes were riveted on him, two narrow black spheres from which he could no shift his gaze. He meant to nod, but could only star back, transfixed.
"Then here is just a thing for you, Colonel."
From the trunk he produced a velvet pouch with golden drawstrings and held it out to him. Karl extended his hand though he'd willed him to do so. The velvet was cool and soft to his fingers, its contents heavier than he suspected. "Open the pouch," he instructed and the colonel obeyed, working loose the drawstrings. The scent of crushed lavender drifted from the folds of the fabric. He peered in and saw a brooch. Carefully he pulled it out and found a gold chain with an odd stone suspended from it. The stone was not quite purple, not really red.
"What is it?" His own voice sounded strange to his ears. Though he know it's impossible, the brooch seemed to vibrate.
Doctor Dee sprang down from the cave like a black cat. Taking the amulet from his hands, he opened the pin and clipped it near his neck collar. It really wasn't a proper thing for him to do, especially out of the open, but he felt powerless to object. His touch by his neck was ice-cold.
"THIS, Colonel, will tell you the truth. Wear it under a full-moon, and this amulet will draw your true love to you. Who ever 'she' is, she will come to you. And once you shared a kiss with her, your heart's fate will be sealed all time."
Karl cannot tell the Doctor that Leon, his friend and lover---IS the person he truly loves. He looked down at the amulet resting near his right shoulder, of everything the doctor have shown him, he found this enticing and odd. And though he disapproved of pagan charms, he could not stop himself from accepting it.
"T-Thanks, doctor." He mumbled, feeling a bit drowsy and light-headed.
"Wear it, Colonel, most especially tonight of all nights---Midsummer's eve, the shortest night of the year." Dee pointed out at the stars and moons painted at the walls of his secret cave, "When the sun is farthest from us, your true love will be closest. It may bring you turmoil---but perhaps it will bring you happiness."
When Karl looked up again, the village below was once again bustling with all walks of life. Horses and wagons were driving by the sun baked roads, and his soldiers have already arrived from their short break like an eye blink. When he left the cave, the sun is starting to mellow to the horizon, making the whole mountain look peaceful and mysterious at the same time--- even Doctor Dee deemed to act even MUCH more mysterious as than he thought before. Clinging by his right breast pocket is the amulet, and as he went down the mountain, he didn't bother reprimanding his men for leaving him out there all alone with the strange old man.
*****
"It looks cool, big bro---I didn't notice it before." Thomas grinned, addressing Karl informally since both are now off-duty to help out at the New Helix Midsummer night party. Karl wondered why he let his younger brother egg him to join and participate in the event, of all people, he should know better than anyone else that he DOES NOT like going to social junctions unless its an important business-related matter. He is currently in his quarters, digging at his trunk, looking for something decent to wear for the 'party' before going ahead and help with the party decorations.
"You got a nice gun, why don't you just leave it as that?" he snapped, glancing at Thomas irritatedly. The amulet, ever since he went back to the head quarters, everyone else is commenting how well it looked with his uniform. And he is starting to get annoyed by it, "I can't believe I let you talk me into this, Lieu---Thomas. YOU know I had other important things to do than play chaperone at some stupid party."
"Like what, face the ledger all day?"
He is right, facing the ledger all day---checking the military cargo, the life of being an officer isn't as much challenging as before. He glanced at his trunk and drew out some decent clothing items, thinking what he could wear. Damn, he usually does not think of what to wear---he always wear that military uniform every day, that he forgot what kind of civilian clothes to put on. He never asked any one's opinion regarding a dressing code, but Karl found himself drawing out a pair of gray slacks and a black sweater in front of his brother. "Thomas," he mumbled embarrassingly, "I need your opinion---what do you think?"
Thomas placed the gun he is tinkering with, and glanced at his brother from head to feet. Then he shook his head, "If you are going to a funeral, yeah. That would be nice."
Karl frowned, "Thomas---"
He didn't expect Thomas sudden reaction, the younger Schubaltz sprang from where he was sitting, grabbed the clothing and fling them away to the bed. "This is a party, big bro, not a covert operation. If you are going to a social event, YOU had to look the part."
Karl can see the brimming eager enthusiasm in his brother's eyes; after all, Thomas has never been so pleased that his big brother would someday ask for his advice. "Well, then, show me how to 'look' the part."
Thomas bounced off again, and ran to the other side of the corridor, in a few minutes---or seconds, at Karl's estimation, his younger sibling is dragging his own trunk. With an 'oof' sound, Thomas dropped the trunk and quickly flipped it open. He threw some of the contents to Karl.
"YOU got to be kidding," Karl sniffed, stretching a loose mint green cardigan "You want me to BORROW your clothes?"
"Why what's wrong? Most of the colors suits you---it's about time you wear something different." He replied, dragging out a nice pair of khaki's and throwing it to Karl's arms.
"I appreciate the sentiment, Thomas--" Karl said, flipping the cardigan to a nearby chair, and frowning as he unfolds the pair of khakis and hands it back. "But you are forgetting something IMPORTANT, we are not of the same body size."
"It's only in your tacky uniform, Karl. WE are almost of the same size." He beamed, shoving back the khakis to his brother. Karl frowned, if there is one thing he didn't like aside from Thomas' lack of military ethics, it would be his goddamn persistence. Knowing he won't give up, he sighed and stretched the pair of slacks. "Size 33-it looks so---" his nose wrinkled, "small."
"The style is tight, but it's not small---try it."
Karl cringed; he HATES anything that seems to be tight to his body. He even wondered why his brother likes wearing such items. Reluctantly, he stripped off his pants and pulled the pair. It is a perfect fit. His brother is right; THEY are of the same size.
"See, it just fits you well! You are going to wear that to the party." He chirped, then tossing a few items. "I never get to wear any of these---"
After several try-outs, and arguments later, Karl was forced to wear a pair of khaki, with a matching toned-down over-coat and a chartreuse green long sleeved polo shirt for the party.
*****
"It is you but it is still not you," Leon commented, with a sly smile curved to his lips. "You never strike me as the fashionable type Karl,"
"I look like a damn flamboyant pimp. I can't believe I allowed Thomas to talk me into this stupid social event." He muttered, brushing one hand through his whiskey blonde strands. Karl cursed as he felt the slick mouse and hair gel messed up on his hair. He never have been in such 'social events' before and he must have made a mess styling his lifeless hair. He can't recall the last time he pay attention to it, since most often, it's always hidden in the uniform cap.
"Stop fidgeting with the hair," Leon said once again, "It's nice that you wear it brushed up that way."
"I never BRUSHED UP my hair this way." He corrected stiffly, tucking a cow lick of a hair.
"Hey, with that new look one can really tell you are brothers." The blue haired man grinned, adding that with the change of attire and hairstyle, Karl is starting to resemble Thomas in a certain distance. The colonel frowned and made no comment about it. HE really wasn't used to this. It's a good thing that Thomas was few meters away from them, not hearing the conversation. The young lieutenant's arms were stuffed with boxes that contain decorations and other stuff for the New Helix party event. Karl then noticed in his horror that Thomas was wearing the almost the same attire style that he was wearing now. /just great, what are we, the double mint twins?'/
"What an interesting amulet, Karl." Leon spoke, cutting him off from his reverie. "I don't believe I've seen it before."
The evening sun flashed on the stone, making it glow like molten red crystal against his pale green shirt.
"I don't even know what possess me to wear this---jewelry. I really look like a--"
"Bro is being self-conscious!"
He frowned, "I'm so GLAD you're amused by all this."
Leon, Karl and Thomas were already walking through town to the party hall. Their shadows were long on the yellow sun-baked ground on the road, and the withering heat of the afternoon had gentled. The ashen blonde colonel had already explained to Leon about his morning 'adventure' with Doctor Dee and the purple baby organoid. His fingers touched the amulet. "I think the Doctor felt bad about the trouble the organoid has caused. I guess he gave me this strange thing to apologize."
Leon glanced at the golden chain. "I'm sure he meant well, but do you think you should have accepted it? It looks pretty expensive."
Karl sidestepped a rock in the road. "He insisted that I take it. He said he'll be offended if I didn't."
He didn't bother to tell them the rest of the doctor's tale. Karl didn't believe it himself. The frightening giddiness he'd felt when he put the brooch on his breast pocket, well, he'd just been hungry. His lunch had been only a biscuit and coffee. As for the bunkum about full moons and short nights, and true loves, it was just that---bunkum.
Leon gave him a fond smile and gave him a comforting pat on the shoulder. He had a good face and nice eyes, his dark blue hair under scored his air of mystery, the man he grew to know well from his past. When he talked to him about leaving the imperial army because his task is done, he knew he was right and it was for his own good. The long war in Zi is over, the sides both of the republic and the empire had developed a strong alliance than ever before, and aside from minor nuisances like rebel factions, there is nothing major to worry about. Just as he knew he could share a life of bliss with this man, no brooch/amulet or soothsaying peddler would change matters. Why then, did he feel compelled to wear the brooch tonight?
"I wonder if he's coming to the party tonight. Irvine, I mean." Thomas mused. "He hasn't been to one yet." He kept his eyes cautiously on the road ahead with the stack of boxes under his grip, but when Karl looked at him, he was blushing again as he had this morning when he mentioned him. He felt a spark of impatience at his brother's schoolgirl reaction.
"Leon, I've been trying to tell Thomas here that Irvine is not a man a modest person should even think about. And I'm sure he has no interest in such social activities."
"Who knows, maybe he WILL come tonight." Thomas said, "After all, its Midsummer's eve and anything can happen. I still think that Raven and Reys having a baby is peculiar. Anyway, I heard from Flyheight before he took a leave is that Irvine prefers to stay behind with us to escape some personal tragedy. Maybe that's why he kept to himself."
Karl snorted, "Personal tragedy, my eye. Why, I wouldn't be surprised to learn he was a bandit before he came here." "WAS a bandit before, Karl." Leon corrected, "Irvine is a little remote but he seems nice enough. I don't think he's anything other that what he says he is."
*****
When they got to the party hall, only a few people had arrived to help set up the supper tables. While Karl and Leon lingered outside, Thomas hurried ahead to join a group of his old friends. A whiny scrape of fiddle send the colonel spinning around. "What the hell is that?"
"The party's theme." Leon commented, pointing out at one side of the hall were a small band is trying to practice with fiddles and flutes. Some young cadets came in dressed in much casual clothes, fixing plants, flowers and vines to give the hall a much ethereal appeal. Others were helping to stack hay outside where young lovers will rest later /all because it's a Midsummer Night party?! /
"I better help the boys set up the hay. I imagine we'll have some couples who'll want to sit awhile in the moonlight later on."
Moon light, he thought, and touched his chain again. He heard of this yearly social party event, hay bales were arranged around the grounds outside to provide seats for weary dancers. Of course, Leon, Karl, and other mature people would supervise to make certain none of the young unmarried people get too cozy in the darkness :)
"Maybe we----we'll be one of those couples?"
When Karl realized what he just said, and wants to smack himself for asking such a foolish question. THAT might not be a kind of thing to suggest to Leon. So far, except for one chaste peck he'd given him a few weeks ago when he proposed, nothing had occurred between them. Not that it should, he decided hastily. He wasn't usually given to such romantic notions. But there is a time when two people would like---a little closeness?
"I doubt if I'll be able to break away from the chaperoning job. And we have to set an example for the young ones, you know." He returned him a smile and went off to join the other volunteers hoisting bales of hay.
Karl turned and went inside to help the other participants arrange the wall decorations and then supervise the arrangement of table cloths over old doors that had been set up on sawhorses to serve as tables. He suppressed a sigh when Fiona Alissi Linnette, the blonde zoidian, arrived with Van Flyheight to set out dishes of her special strawberry preserves. Most people, including Karl himself regarded the tough spread as suitable only for tarring roofs and patching rain slickers.
"We heard you are already signing for your leave, Colonel. I know it won't be easy at first, right Van?" Fiona said, turning around to the spiky haired youth who nodded in agreement. Karl noticed that nothing have quite changed between the two the fact they are already married, well except that Fiona seems a little plump and glowing.
"My we seem rather cheerful looking today," he commented at the blonde's rosy cheeks, "It seems this is going to be a big happy reunion for everyone else."
"Oh, didn't Fiona tell you?" Van beamed, "She is pregnant, and we are going to have a baby."
Karl blinked and drifted his gaze to the blonde's belly; it is starting to bulge alright. He wondered how Thomas would react if he heard the news. The colonel is aware that since Fiona announced her marriage to Van sometime few months ago, the imperial lieutenant treated her with detectable coolness. AND then he got stuck in company with Irvine.
"I wonder if it's okay to tell Thomas about the news," Fiona quipped, as if reading his thoughts. "I felt somehow sorry---"
"I appreciate your concern, Fiona, but really, there's no need to worry about Thomas. He is a grown man and I think he understand that." He replied, not allowing her to finish the sentence, half-wondering if he is going to blame the two at the sudden change of his brother's 'preference.' Then he remembered what Thomas said and added, "He says he enjoy Irvine's company very much."
"That's nice to hear, I wonder if Irvine is coming?" Van asked, "Moon bay is going to drop by, so I guess he will also come."
"Well who knows, it's too early to tell." The colonel replied, "Why don't you two help me out before the party starts?"
"Sure!"
*****
Soon the hall began filling with people and the younger cadets called the women to dance. Rosewater, fresh flowers, and bay rum scented the warm summer night. The hot room, combined with the exercise, gave the dancers a powerful thirst, and the colonel, unfortunately near the punch bowls, was kept busy.
At the other end of the hall, the blonde zoidian, Fiona Alissi Linnette was just as busy, dispensing beer to the men. Once, Karl glanced up to see Fiona hand a mug to Irvine. He was so surprised to see him; the ladle slipped from his hand and sank to the bottom of the punch bowl.
Irvine had never attended such social gatherings before, but there was certainly no mistaking him. He looked as different from any other men, tall as he was, without his bandana and eye patch, but still with that messy spiky auburn hair. Tonight he wore a dark gray shirt, a dark vest, and black pants that fit a little too tightly, in Karl's estimation. Irvine stood against the wall, sipping his beer, scanning the crowd until he apparently found what he is looking for. Karl turned to see what, or who, that might be, and saw his brother dance by with a fresh-faced young woman.
"Let's have two glasses of that punch, Karl." Leon's sudden voice dragged his attention back to the sunken ladle. While he fished it out with a fork, the blue-haired man continued in a jovial tone. "Well, I guess the emperor will be giving your leave soon, Karl. It's a mighty strong coincidence it the way it worked out, without me having to use mind powers--I mean."
Karl sloshed punch over the edge of cup he was filling. The day after Leon proposed, the peace and stability within the imperial territory has been restored. He was told by the blue haired lover of his, it is about time he call for a leave---and enjoy things he sorely missed out in his younger days. Leon even pointed out that he should try to be a little less uptight, like his expressive brother. Thomas.
Karl never considered Leon's sudden proposal in that light before. He loved the military life, he lived with it---and taking it away from him, he doesn't know what to do next. It's all he has ever known. So why now? It must be the heat, the colonel decided, and the nerve-wracking events of the day. He wiped up the spilled punch and covered his clumsiness with a forced silly laugh. "Ah Leon, you just remind me what Thomas used to say. He believed that if a man could think, there is no reason to hide it. It's a good thing I heeded that advice didn't I?"
Leon smiled and nodded, "It surely is Karl, it surely is."
***
When Leon finally left, the ashen blonde colonel looked for Irvine again and noticed that he was edging closer to the dance floor. AND Thomas knew he was there. The dark blonde head keep swiveling as he moved around the floor, keeping him in sight.
Well, there wasn't a blessed thing he could do about it. If Thomas wanted to throw himself at a former rouge---something sinister certainly lurked in Irvine's past---he couldn't be able to stop him. He already said his piece about him.
With no one now swarming near the stupid punch bowl, Karl decided to step outside to escape the heat of the hall, and to find Leon. He seemed to just disappear the moment he took his eyes of him after he gave him his punch. He knew if they spent a few minutes together, he could dispel the odd, niggling doubts that had crept into his mind tonight....
Outside a breeze fanned his hot face and tugged at his hair. Purple dusk was giving away to the night. A full moon, heavy and golden, rose above the eastern horizon, lighting the buildings with a faint yellow gleam. The muted melody of a waltz floated to him from the hall. It was a beautiful evening. If Dr. Dee's folderol about his amulet was true, he would be saved the bother of having to look for Leon. The combination of the moon and the stone should bring the blue-haired mage right to him.
Suddenly, the odd, dizzy feeling that he had earlier in the afternoon came over again. He stopped and put a hand on his throat, waiting for the feeling to go away. Maybe he was coming down on something.
Behind him, a low male voice murmured. "I knew I'd find you here." Hands come down on his broad shoulders and he turned around. Before he could speak or move, he felt a warm mouth cover his, in a slow, urgent kiss---
A confusing jumble of thoughts ran through his mind, competing with the sensations that galloped through his body. None of them included a desire to resist the tender assault.
Heat....softness....sweet yearning.
Karl smelled the faintest trace of crushed lavender, more like the memory of a vivid dream than reality. Then it was gone, replaced by the combination of scents he instinctively thought of as male----soap, leather and outdoors. His legs went rubbery as Fiona's strawberry preserves, and if not for the arms that held him, he was sure he would have collapsed.
Comfort....strength....Leon?
He released him, and slowly Karl opened his eyes to gaze upon the man who embraced him with such possessive tenderness.
Irvine.
