Arise on the Occasion

Chapter III

SIN Productions

Ten Years Ago

Toyoma, Japan

Sage meditated in Rowen's designated room in Mia's house. The room was filled with the archer's aurora and it strengthened him, but yet at the same time made him feel queasy and nervous.

Today was the day, he had kept telling himself. He had put off what he had so longed to tell Rowen for months now, and it had seemed like decades he had felt this way towards the blue haired boy.

But, today was the day!

Sage took a deep breath trying to desperately to calm himself. Rowen should be home any minute from work and that was it. He was going to tell Rowen everything. He was finally going to open himself up to Rowen because Rowen needed to know everything.

Because he was his everything.

He loved Rowen.

He had been frustrated the whole entire fight with Talpa because he couldn't understand his feelings toward Strata. Males did not like males.

Period.

But there was something about Rowen that couldn't drive Sage away. Rowen's witty personality, his jokes, his upbeat outlook on life. Sage secretly admired Rowen from a far and whenever he was in his presence he had to try to remain calm and collect himself for fear of giving it away.

But now it was becoming harder and harder to do so.

It had started off as an innocent crush. Something that he could turn his nose at, but now, now...he was sure it was love. He would do anything for Rowen, and he wanted the best for Rowen in every way possible.

He never wished that for anyone.

He had never cared enough.

And now he was starting to be more human, and all of that because of Rowen.

It was only fair that Rowen knew what he was doing for him.

Sage got up off the floor the instant the downstairs door slammed shut. He heard a number of obscenities and knew by the thick New York accent that his Rowen was home.

Rowen stomped angrily up the stairs, cursing his work. He had been fired yet again. The third time in two months! The bastard didn't know a good employee from a bad one. What an idiot, he bet he would regret firing him tomorrow.

So what if he was 2 hours late?!? It's not like they were busy.

Rowen threw open the door to his room, just plain exhausted and fed up with the real world.

He was surprised to see the silhouette of Sage Date standing at his window.

"Sage?" Rowen asked.

Sage turned around and gave Rowen a small smile, "Hey Ro, how was work?"

Rowen gave Sage a funny look. It wasn't like Sage to be so...nice...and concerned. Hell it wasn't like Sage to be in his room, uninvited. "Uh I got fired. Do you mind if you could like..." he gestured with his hands, "Leave? I don't really feel like talkin', ya know..."

Sage frowned and Rowen didn't take that as a good sign, "Actually Rowen, there's something rather serious I need to discuss with you."

"Could it wait?"

"No. It can't." Sage stated simply. The no-datchi master exhaled deeply and once again gave Rowen that smile. "Okay..." he laughed lightly, and Rowen knew Sage had lost it.

"What's so funny?" Rowen questioned.

"Just that...I've been dying to tell you something for ages, and I can't word it properly." Sage seemed nervous. He starred down at the carpet and fidgeted with his hands. Complete un-Sage like traits.

Something was up.

"Spit it out Sage, you aren't one for small talk." Rowen urged, slightly annoyed.

Sage cleared his throat, "Uh, well, Rowen...I just um, wanted to condemn you."

"For losing another fuckin' job?" Rowen sarcastically commented.

Sage blinked, "No."

Rowen raised his eyebrow, "Then for what?"

"You're something special Rowen." Sage nearly whispered, like a gentle breeze you could hardly feel, "You make me feel alive...if that makes sense."

"WHAT!?" Rowen blurted staring wide eyed at the blonde. He couldn't believe his ears.

Apparently this had boosted Sage's self-confidence, because he continued without hesitating, "Rowen you've taught me so much. I used to be so closed off to the world because I thought they could never understand me...and then I became a Ronin Warrior and met you. And you changed my output on life."

Rowen starred at Sage completely bewildered.

Sage continued, "I...I...think..." Sage took another deep breath, "I think...I'mInLoveWithYou." It all ran together, like a massive run on sentence.

"WHAT!?" Rowen repeated with the same incredulously in his voice. His head was spinning...this wasn't happening...this wasn't happening, not to him...oh, not to him!

"I'm in love with you Rowen." Sage gave Rowen that same small smile he had been giving him since Rowen came home.

The truth of it all hit Rowen hard, like a crashing airplane smashing into the ground.

Sage?? In love with him??

What the hell has this world come to?

Rowen's anger boiled.

"You're gay!?!" Rowen practically screamed, "My best friend is gay and in love with me!?" Rowen started laughing so hard Sage was sure the whole house heard him.

Sage quickly blushed.

Rowen continued to cackle until there was a knock at the door.

"Is everything alright in here?" it was Cye, always the snooper. He poked his head in the room, eyeing Rowen's obnoxious behavior and Sage's withdrawn attitude with worry. Something was not right.

"NO!" Rowen cracked up and pointed to the angelic blonde, "Sage is gay!"

Cye's stare immediately went to Sage who looked pale and in complete shock.

Rowen staggered to the wall and leaned up against it, his convulsing body still erupting in laughter. After a few minutes his laughter slowly subsided and turned into seriousness, which was even more alarming to Cye. This was unnatural for Rowen.

Rowen lingered over to Sage, his eyes in dangerous slits and muttered, "I hate fags."

Before Rowen could even think, he was aiming.

"Stop it Rowen! Stop!" Cye screamed at him. But it was already too late.

Rowen hit Sage right in the stomach. Sage didn't even bother to defend himself.

He curled over in a hunched position and grabbed his stomach, but didn't make one noise.

"You fuckin' fruit cake." Rowen spat at the blonde as Cye rushed over and pulled Rowen away.

Immediately the other Ronins filed into the room concerned for Cye's screams.

"What's going on?" Kento demanded, rushing to Sage's side.

Rowen laughed some more, "Sage is fuckin' fudge packer."

Sage didn't bother to deny it. He also didn't bother to look up. He had never felt so little in his entire life. And so betrayed.

Rowen was supposed to be his best friend.

Sage proudly took the brunt, though despite the circumstance. He was escorted out by Kento and Cye, while Ryo stayed back to talk to Rowen.

But Sage would never forget the looks Kento and Ryo kept giving him. Like if he was diseased.

That night Sage made up his mind. He told Cye he couldn't stay anymore. Cye had sympathized with him and understood why he had to leave.

And ever since that night Rowen never saw Sage again.

And Sage never came back to Japan.

--

Present

London, England

"See, aren't you glad you came?" Vigil wrapped her arms around her best friend.

"No." Sage denied.

"Oh be a sport." Vigil shook her head, "Besides, Cye tells me none of your Japanese friends even made it."

Sage didn't answer that and thanked his lucky stars.

Vigil left Sage's side and decided to go mingle. She walked into the kitchen where a busy Chef Cye was busily putting together more victuals for the growing number of guests.

"You're edibles are divine as always." Vigil complimented.

"Thank you." Cye politely answered, flashing her a grin. He quickly put together a plate of delectable cheeses and gourmet crackers. "I'm just a bit disappointed some friends didn't show up."

"Ah, that must be Ryo, Mia, Kento, Mei, and Rowen, right?" Vigil asked. She knew her stuff.

"How did you get to be so smart?" Cye teased and balanced the plate in one hand.

She shrugged, "I drag things out of Mr. Date, that is all."

Cye shook his head, "I can't believe he has told you everything. Especially since-"

"I know." She admitted, "I was sort of hoping they would come so Sage could put that all behind him. He didn't even let his friends get used to the idea of him being gay before he left Japan."

"His pride was wounded. And what was worse was the trust he lost." Cye pointed out.

"Despite all his coolness and suaveness, Sage can be rash at times." Vigil hooked arms with Cye and escorted him back into the living room.

When Cye set his tray down, hungry guests immediately attacked it. His cooking had a reputation around London; a very good one. Vigil chuckled and went and found Sage standing in the corner, not really alone, but not really conversing with anyone.

"Welcome everyone! I am so glad you could come!" Cye greeted when everyone had quieted down. "I would first like to say that-"

But the auburn haired man never got to finish his sentence because the door to his condo was thrown open.

Sage stopped staring at his sparkling white wine long enough to get a glimpse of who was at the door.

A sunglass clad dark haired man with a petite Chinese woman stood there with the largest smile Vigil had ever seen.

"CYE!" he greeted.

Cye took a step back, shock written across his face, "Kento?" he asked as if the man would disappear back to where he came from.

Kento ran forward and wrapped Cye in a warm hug, "Buddy! It has been forever!"

Vigil watched with interest, as well as the rest of the party, as Cye introduced the man named Kento.

"Everyone, this is Kento Rei Faun and his wife Mei. I didn't think he was going to make it! This is my best friend!" he exclaimed happily, pleasantly surprised.

Vigil raised an eyebrow at the sudden change of formalities. She was about to comment to Sage but when she turned around the spot next to her was vacant.

She stole one last glance towards the entryway where another woman and two other men awaited to be introduced.

One of the males had blue hair...

Ha, so the Japanese bastards had made it. Vigil smirked and went in search to find where the ever-eligible Sage Date had run off to.

--

Vigil found Sage on the balcony looking deathly pale. A slight breeze blew her hair and she took in the night sky. A breathtaking full moon was in the dark night sky, lighting everything on the Earth in an odd but comforting blue glow...

If only Sage could appreciate what he had and didn't have to dwell on what he didn't have. It would make her happy to see him...happy.

"Did you see him?" he whispered, not bothering to look at her.

She had never heard Sage speak with such a tone.

"Who, Rowen?" she knew what he meant. When he didn't answer, she sighed, "Yeah."

Sage gripped the balcony's railing so hard his knuckles turned white. "What am I going to do?" he said into the night air. His eyes searching for an answer.

"Walk right back into that room, strut your stuff, and call it a night." Vigil suggested, hoping he would take her advice.

Not likely.

For a few minutes the two just watched the moon, not speaking, just dwelling on their thoughts.

Surprisingly it was Sage who broke the silence.

"Vigil, could you do me a favor?" Sage asked very quietly.

"I, uh..." Vigil eyed Sage's weary face. She always gave in to him, "You know I'd do anything."

"Pretend to be my wife." It was a simple but curt demand.

"What?" Vigil gasped, "But Sage you're-"

Sage impatiently responded, "I know what I am. I asked you to pretend to be my wife."

"But why?" Vigil asked.

"Please." Sage begged her.

Vigil shut her mouth and nodded, not wanting to upset him further. "But I need a ring Sage, it won't be believable unless..." she rambled on as Sage removed a sterling silver ring from his finger and placed it on Vigil's.

"It's going to be big, but if anyone asks you're getting it resized next week." Sage grabbed on to Vigil's hand and dragged her inside the condo.

"Oh Sage..." she whispered, wondering what he was going to get himself into.

to be continued...