A/N: Insert the standard "I don't claim the rights to these characters" spiel here. Beware, this story contains adult themes (i.e., big chunks o' lemon) and gets VERY explicit at times. Read at your own risk. Also, this story only covers the exploits of Lina and Xellos. Gourry, Amelia, and Zelgadis' adventures during the time frame that "Penance" takes place are detailed in a fic called "Pursuit of Merit", which is about halfway written but probably won't be done until '05. "Penance" is followed up by "Reckoning" and then "Absolution" series, all of which are available here on fanfiction.net.
You can view this story in its un-chaptered form at my website, also. I went back and broke it up into chapters because I was getting complaints that it was too long. Sorry if the chapter divisions seem awkward in places, or if some chapters seem too short or too long. That's what happens when you write a story without chapter divisions, and then later chop it up.
Reviews are welcome!!
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Xellos woke up the next morning with a miserable hangover. It seemed that his body didn't take alcohol as well as it used to, especially when he couldn't retreat to the astral plane to recover. He looked out the window of the inn and found that it was a beautiful day, if cold. A fit of coughing took him, shaking him to his very core, and he collapsed on the bed. His head was spinning and he felt nauseated, wondering if every hangover felt like this. At least he didn't have to work today. In fact, work over the next few days was purely voluntary, and then they were finished. All the work had been done, and it was a good thing, too, since they usually had snow on the ground by this time of year. Winter was nearly upon them, but they had finished in time.
He stood and dressed, going downstairs and picking up the list that Lina had left for him, refusing breakfast. He most certainly was not feeling in top condition. Still, he was in relatively good spirits, and he decided to pick something up for Lina with some of his wages. He also had a fair sum of money on his person, having squirreled away some here and there over the months, selling some of the trinkets he still had on his him after all their adventuring. He was quite adept at making strong talismans, he discovered, and those sold quite well. As he wandered through town he spied a clothing store showcasing beautiful women's clothing. Stopping outside the window, he saw that the fabrics were all very fine and the clothes seemed to be well made. He felt a little strange going into a woman's clothing store without a woman, but he brushed off his unease and stepped inside.
As soon as he was through the door he was assaulted by a little round woman with glasses. Can I help you, sir? she chirped, wringing her chubby hands.
He looked about, wondering what on earth he was going to buy for Lina. I'd like to purchase something, he muttered, a slight frown on his face.
For your wife? she asked, blinking up at him warmly.
He blushed deeply and cleared his throat. Uh, sure, he mumbled, not really knowing how to respond. Sometimes it was just easier to let people think that they were right. That was something he had learned while being a Monster. As long as you let someone think that it was his or her idea, they were almost always willing to play along.
She must be a very lucky lady, the woman said with an appraising smile.
Er, thank you, he replied haltingly, nearly interrupted by a coughing fit.
Are you all right? the woman asked him.
he wheezed with a wave of his hand.
Then how about this? she said, reaching into a rack and pulling out the smallest piece of clothing he had ever seen in his life. It looked to be incredibly form-fitting and was made entirely of lace. He seriously doubted it would even cover Lina's torso. The thought of her standing before him, naked except for that tiny piece of clothing, nearly gave him a bloody nose.
Something. . .warmer would be nice, he spluttered, desperately trying to drive away the image of Lina dressed in the lacy outfit. She enjoys the hot spring outside of our home, but I don't want her to freeze between the water and the house.
The little woman's face fell and she shuffled over to a different rack. So you'll be wanting a robe, then, she said, her plump hands rifling through the clothing. How about this?
He came over to her and ran his fingers over the sleeve. The fabric was nearly half an inch thick and was extremely soft. The cloth was a deep maroon and would look stunning with her hair. He could imagine the robe would feel very good against the skin after a dip in the hot spring, and would absorb the moisture as well. She should be very warm in the robe. I'll take it, he said.
What size?
Xellos felt the blood drain from his face. He had no idea what size she was, and she'd kill him if he brought back something too large. Too small wasn't good either; no matter which way he went, she'd think he was mocking her. It needs to be a perfect fit, he told the shopkeeper.
Of course.
But I don't know her size.
The plump woman sighed and pushed her glasses up on her nose. We have a bit of a problem then, she muttered. Well, how tall is she?
Xellos considered, then indicated a place just below his collarbone. And she's about so big around, he added, making an oval with his hands placed apart. I imagine she weighs about a hundred ten pounds or so.
Oh, so she's a little thing, then, the woman said, turning back to the rack. You two must make a splendid pair. Of course, with a man like you it'd be hard to look bad,
Excuse me? he asked, confusion furrowing his brow.
Well, you're so tall, my dear, and very handsome. Just look at your forearms and hands. I'm sure she's a very fortunate lady.
Xellos still wasn't entirely sure what she was going on about, so he just smiled and nodded. I hope so, he replied. Thank you very much.
The woman pulled a robe from the racks and folded it deftly, leading him over to the counter. Shall I wrap it? she asked, and he nodded, looking around bashfully and handing over the required coin when prompted.
Thank you, he said brightly, and she waved.
Come again! she chortled, and he walked out of the shop.
Once on the street, he looked down at the packaging of the robe. It was bright pink and stood out like a sore thumb against his dark clothing. Can't wait to carry this through town, he muttered to himself, and pulled out the note Lina had left for him. He nearly sweatdropped when he saw all the things she had purchased, and silently thanked whomever was listening that she had arranged for it to be shipped.
I'm home! he said, opening the door. Please, just unload everything right here. I'll be sure it gets put away, he told the driver of the cart.
Sure thing, the man replied, hopping down from his seat. Xellos pressed a few coins into his hand and went inside.
he said, sticking his head into the room, pink package under his arm. He blinked, not seeing her anywhere. He took off his boots at the door and stepped into the cabin, wondering where she could be. Surely she was home from Lorander by now; it was nearly nightfall. he called again, then saw that the back door was slightly ajar. Going to the window next to the door, he looked outside and his mouth opened slightly. Lina was bathing, her back to him. Her smooth, pale skin seemed to shine in the fading sunlight, her hair catching the sun's rays and seeming even more fiery than usual. The slim curve of her shoulders moved as she leaned back in the steaming water, and he found himself wanting to join her. Blushing, he moved away from the window and dashed to the front door, waving down the man unloading the cart. Please, don't go around to the back, he told the man. My wife's bathing.
Gotcha, mister, the man said, and unloaded the rest of the things in the front of the house.
Xellos pressed another coin into the man's hand and watched him go on his way down the road. When he turned back into the room he saw Lina standing by the back door, wrapped in a towel and giving him a strange look. Wife, eh? she said acerbically.
Xellos blushed and grinned, putting a hand behind his head. Well, that's just what they started calling you, and it seemed too complicated to explain. Besides, people are more helpful when they think they know what's going on.
She raised an eyebrow. Oh, really, she said testily, taking a step forward.
He blanched and quickly pulled the package from underneath his arm. Here, I got this for you, he blurted, brandishing the gift like a shield.
Her eyes lit up and she snatched it from him. For me? Thanks! she cried, ripping into the paper like a child. He leaned against the door, hand on his chest and panting, as she tore open the present. She pulled out the robe with a smile, eyes shining as she looked it over. It's so soft, she murmured, unfolding it. It's beautiful. She tossed the paper on the floor and slipped into the robe as he held his breath. It was the moment of truth. It fits perfectly! she sighed, smoothing it down the front. How did you know what size to get?
He almost told her that he asked for the size for the boniest women, but stopped himself just in time. I just asked them what size the most beautiful women wore, and that's what they gave me, he replied smoothly, smiling. He really was pleased that she liked it.
It's great, she murmured, still examining it with wonder. No man's ever given me a present before.
I'm very happy you like it. I wouldn't want you being cold this winter, he said.
She came over to him and stood on her tiptoes, slipping her arms around his neck. Thank you, she said. It looks great on me.
Ah yes, there was the Inverse humility he had come to expect, he thought with a grin. He closed his eyes and inhaled the smell of her warm skin, enjoying her closeness. You're most welcome, he said, voice low, and sighed as she released him. I need to see to the things outside, he added, and took a step towards the door. His body shook with a fit of coughing and he leaned against the door, suddenly feeling dizzy and weak.
Are you okay? she asked, putting a slender hand on his shoulder.
I think I just had too much to drink last night, he explained. I don't think my mortal body is very good at tolerating alcohol.
She backed up and looked at him suspiciously. she said. I'm going to get dressed while you're outside, so don't come barging in.
He smiled. I know better than that, Miss Lina, he replied, and slipped out the door.
He was finished shortly after nightfall and returned inside, taking his boots off with a sigh near the door. Lina was humming as she stirred a kettle over the fire, totally ignoring the wood stove right beside the hearth. He sat down in a chair beside the table and began to cough again.
she asked, setting out a couple of bowls.
Not particularly, I'm afraid, he replied. I really feel quite strange.
She set down the bread she was holding and pressed the back of her hand to his forehead, eyes going wide as she did so. My god, Xellos, you're burning up!
he asked, feeling faint. He had thought that the sweat pouring off of his body was an effect of all the heavy lifting he had just finished doing.
she replied, scowling. Here, drink some water.
I really don't want to, he began.
Drink it, she snarled, setting down a glass in front of him.
He smiled and downed the water, which only made him feel worse. What's going on? he asked her, becoming afraid.
Oh, you're only sick, she replied nonchalantly, but he could see the worry behind her eyes.
I've never been ill before, Miss Lina, he said, dread stealing over him. He could actually feel his body starting to weaken, and the sensation of bodily decay slowly began to creep over him again.
It's no big deal, she said, returning to the kettle, but he noticed she kept an eye on him.
He slumped into his chair and sighed, thinking of how he had learned to ignore the fact that his body was dying every day. Now he was confronted with it once again, and all the old agony came pouring back so violently that he couldn't even react. I can't be sick, Lina, he croaked, vision swimming. I can't take it.
she snapped. We all get sick once in a while.
But why? Why am I falling ill?
How should I know? she said, taking his bowl and filling it with a bit of soup. Try to eat something.
He tried and a few moments later rose, staggering out the door and into the woods. He vomited what little he had eaten into the bushes and crawled back towards the house, collapsing. He saw a light out of the corner of his eye and turned his head, cheek pressed to the cold dirt as snow began to fall around him. he heard Lina call, but could not answer her. It was like the time before, shortly after she found him, when he wanted so badly to die. Would he die this time?
Lina shouted, coming out of the house, which was where the light he saw was coming from. Her footfalls padded lightly across the soil until she knelt beside him. Xellos, are you all right?
He shook his head and rolled facing away from her, curling into a tight ball as his stomach twisted in agony. A gasp of pain escaped him and he clutched himself more tightly, sweat beading on his face.
Lina struggled to get her arms around him, unable to get a grip because of his writhing. Come on, she growled, finally hooking her hands in the waist of his pants, her cold knuckles digging into the burning flesh of his lower back. she hissed, hovering a few inches above the ground. She managed to get him inside and onto the oversized bed, spreading him out on the mattress. He groaned and tried to roll away from her touch. Letting him go, she ran outside and plunged her towel in a bucket of icy well water, dragging it back inside and dabbing at his skin. She washed his face, hands, and feet of dirt and stripped him of his shirt and socks, worry etched across her features. Grabbing his bare shoulders she tried to force him flat on his back, straddling his narrow hips. He groaned and thrashed beneath her, his eyes squeezed tightly shut.
No, no, no, he muttered over and over. I don't want to die, I don't want to, not like this.
You're not going to die, Lina snapped, pressing him down with difficulty.
It hurts, it hurts almost as much as it did when I woke up on the road.
Shh, shh, I'm sorry, she murmured as his convulsions quieted.
he moaned.
Gee, my soup wasn't that bad, was it? she said with a halfhearted smile.
He grunted and his mouth curled slightly, but it was all the amusement he was capable of showing. It felt like his inside were being twisted by heated hands and he didn't know how he was going to bear it. He tried to focus on something else, anything else, and failed to get past the pounding in his skull.He began to curl up on himself again, but Lina wouldn't have it, lying on top of him to keep him stretched out.
I don't think this is a normal illness, she said, face inches from his.
He was having a difficult time focusing on her features. It hurts, he whispered against her cheek.
I know, she murmured. I'll do what I can. She rose off of him and rocked back on her heels, extending a finger and placing it on his forehead. she murmured, and he knew no more.
