Boundless

By: Kuroi Neko-kun

Summary: After a fiasco with a drunken Borus and his happy sword wielding tactics in that condition, Fred and Caesar discover feelings for each other and find that love is boundless.

Disclaimer: Don't own 'em.

Warning: Male/Male.

A/N: There will be a slight spoiler to the game as well as a change of scene, just to make things more dramatic. And I apologize for the inaccuracy of the scene. I forgot how it really went but I remember bits and pieces of it.

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I'm sick of it

Every time I say good-bye I wilt

Nothing's more laughable than a tired out face

- A part of Boundless Love by TO DESTINATION

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Chapter 6

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Thinking up of a good strategy was hard for him, considering their current predicament. He sent Hugo to Brass Castle, aiding the rest of the Zexen Knights to fight against the Harmonian Army, to at least cripple the army slightly. Hugo's decision on who to bring with him was crucial as he will rely heavily on himself and the five other people he was bringing along. Not too shocked that he had asked for Sergeant Jordi and Fubar to come along with him. As well as Mua and Hallec, who he believed was strong as he saw their strength first hand.

"Well, come on, Hugo," Caesar said, "You can think of another, right?"

"I don't want to put anybody else I know in danger," he said, "Maybe I'll just stick with this group."

"Hugo, these people are warriors. They know their way on the battlefield. Don't worry too much or you'll lose focus in battle," said the strategist. Apple couldn't help but smile at that advice. It sounded a lot like something Shu would say. Before she could add her two cents in the whole conversation, the door opened and Fred entered the room.

"Lord Hugo, Flame Champion," he said before he stood on bended knee in front of the boy, "I request to accompany you in this battle." Everyone just stared at him for a moment before turning their eyes back to Caesar. For a moment, the strategist's smiling mask was gone and a shocked look replaced it. He looked like he was about to shout at Fred but his own advice came to bite him in the rear.

"Take him, Hugo, before he embarrasses himself further," he muttered before turning to the desk behind him, gathering papers. He heard everyone leave the room and Hugo announcing that they will leave in fifteen minutes. Once the door closed, he let out a sigh.

"Are you disappointed in me?" He didn't realize his lover was still in the room but he didn't turn to face him. He stopped what he did before letting a sigh escape him as his shoulders moved with it.

"No, I'm not," he answered truthfully, "You are a knight and you can't rebuild the knights that your grandfather had long ago by rusting your armor sitting in a castle." A pair of arms hugged him from the back.

"Thank you, Caesar," he whispered. The redhead turned and hugged his lover.

"Just make sure you don't injure yourself and I want you back alive," he said, trying his best to sound normal. Fred cupped his chin and bridged the gap between them and kissed him. As the slowly broke away, Caesar swallowed at the lump in his throat.

"I have to go now, Caesar," he said.

"I know," he said before reaching at his own neck. He undid the fastener and took off a slender necklace around him. He held it up to Fred, revealing the small blue pendant hanging on it.

"Apple gave this to me. She said it belonged to an old friend. She said it protected her from a lot of things and it did the same for me as well. Since I'll be staying, I'll loan this to you. I want it back," he said before he placed the necklace around Fred's neck, tucking it inside his armor. The knight smiled and pecked him on the cheek.

"Thank you." He was about to move away when Caesar grabbed his shoulders and pressed his lips against Fred's. The knight succumbed to the kiss as he wrapped his arms around Caesar's waist. It didn't take long for the strategist to push his tongue into Fred's mouth, deepening the kiss. It lasted for a minute but to the knight, it felt like hours passed by. He broke off from Caesar, slightly dazed. Never had he been kissed like that in his life. He just grabbed Caesar by his shirt and kissed him again, obviously driven by passion. The redhead wrapped his arms around Fred's neck as he propped himself against the table. Fred kissed his cheek before moving lower, kissing the trail of his neck before reaching the soft spot between his neck and his shoulder. He bit and sucked, causing the strategist to hiss.

"Fred…" Caesar said, slightly moaning. The knight continued this before moving away, satisfied by the bright red mark that was left there. He smirked before turning to Caesar who was currently blushing scarlet.

"That's a little present from me. I'll give you another when we return," he whispered to the redhead before pressing his lips against his. At that moment, the door opened and both Cecile and Rico burst in.

"Sir Fred! Sir Caesar! It's time for you to depart!" Cecile said before both girls gasp at what they had walked into. The two men broke apart instantly.

"M-Master Fred!" Rico said as she shielded Cecile's eyes.

"I'm sorry, Rico but I had to speak to Caesar before we left and… Is Lady Cecile going to be alright?" Fred said, looking at the young girl. Cecile only cleared her throat.

"I'll be fine… I think," she said, keeping calm as she removed the hands from her eyes. "Sir Fred, Sir Caesar, Lord Hugo is waiting." Fred nodded before turning to Caesar.

"Shall we?"

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After giving Hugo the specific instructions, she watched the group leave on horses. She hoped that Fred and Caesar didn't lose focus of what was going on. She knew Caesar was able to put aside his feelings but now, she wasn't to sure. The wall that had broken down was the same wall that separated his feelings with logic. She couldn't help being worried. A hand touched her shoulder. She looked up to see Lady Lucia smiling kindly at her.

"It feels like every time I watch that boy go, I feel like dragging him back into my arms," she said, "I believe you feel the same way about Caesar." The truth was undeniable in the Karaya Chief's words. She always regarded Caesar as a son as much as she regarded Albert as one.

"But you have to let them go, someday," she said. Usually, because they've grown up but for Caesar's case…

"Sometimes sooner than others," Lucia said in a defeated but accepting tone. Apple only nodded in agreement.

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Muscles tensed as fingers wrapped tightly on each drawn weapon. Eyes shifted from left to right as they faced their opponents. Hugo swung his blade down, stabbing the Harmonian soldier as the Duck Clan member attacked another. The others held their ground but it seemed like a wall of soldiers were marching to the castle.

"This is madness," Salome said as they regrouped, "They just keep coming."

"This could be that witch's spell," said the Sergeant breathing hard, "If only…"

"No, we're not giving up!" Hugo said as he lifted his right hand, "I'll blow them away. Salome, Sergeant, heal the others!" The two nodded, getting straight to work. Using his Great Hawk rune, Roland managed to strike down a few of the soldiers. Hugo used the True Fire Rune and hit some of these soldiers but they still kept coming. Behind him, an injured Fred tried to get up.

"Stand down, knight!" said the duck, "You are in no condition to fight until I heal off some of those wounds!"

"Listen to Sergeant Jordi, Sir Fred," Salome said, healing off Hallec's wounds with his water rune, "If we lose you, we lose a strategist and we need the both of you in this war." Fred didn't say anything as the duck healed him off before handing him his sword.

"Remember what that ironhead said," he said before picking up his own weapon. They both charged for the soldiers alongside Hallec and Mua. Hugo got on Fubar and attacked as well but no matter how they tried to move forward, the wall of soldiers kept pushing them back.

"They're still coming," Salome muttered.

"Damn, at this rate…" the duck said, not completing his sentence.

"Had enough?" The group looked up and saw the three people responsible for this madness. All of them gripped tighter on their weapons.

"You!" Hugo said, ready to pounce. The green clad magician stood in front of him before demanding for the True Fire Rune, not only causing an outrage but insulting them as well. At Hugo's refusal, Luc only revealed that they had taken Geddoe's True Lightning Rune as well, much to their disbelief. Caesar ran in, shocked at the sight.

This is bad, he thought. The redhead could only watch as the magician took away Hugo's true rune. He demanded an explanation to these actions, shocked at the magician's revelation to destroy his own true rune. The man wanted to destroy God… As he prepared to leave, the most unexpected occurred.

"No!" Fred shouted as he swung his sword at Luc. Caesar could only gasp at what happened next. Yuber moved with a speed that could only belong to a demon and struck him down in one fluid motion.

"Fred!" Caesar rushed towards him, only to be held back by Salome. "Let me go! Fred!" He reached out to the knight's unmoving body, not able to even touch him.

"Don't do this now! That thing will kill you if you move close!"

"But Fred!"

"He'll be alright!" Caesar doubted it as Yuber moved closer.

"Stay away from him!" Hugo shouted as he drew his weapon, followed closely by the others. It was at that moment when the blue clad mage began to falter, her powers fading like her illusions. She disappeared as well, leaving the blonde haired creature with the others. Caesar couldn't careless to what happened next when Salome took the unconscious Fred Maximilian into his arms.

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He slowly opened his eyes before groaning when too much light entered them. He placed a hand over his eyes before opening them again. He looked around, realizing he was in the infirmary. He tried to get up but a shot of pain to his chest forced him back down. He groaned, this time in pain.

"Ah, Sir Fred," Mio said as she came up to his bed, "You're awake."

"What happened?" he found himself asking. Before Mio could answer, the door burst open, causing Rody, who was training to fly, to jump off his broomstick.

"Oh, Rody! I'm so sorry!" Rico said as she helped the boy up.

"It's alright, Rico," said the young mage before smiling.

"I didn't know what got into me. I was taking a bit of a rest from helping Lady Chris and I simply dozed off," she said.

"You've been up day and night, Rico," Tuta said, "It's bad for your health if you keep this up."

"I know but… I just wanted to wait till Master Fred wakes up. With Sir Caesar being so busy now…" she trailed off, worry obvious on her face. The knight could only soften when he saw that.

"Rico," he said. His squire looked up, tears brimming when she saw Fred giving her a sheepish smile.

"M-Master Fred!" Rico rushed to him, giving a near crushing hug as anxious tears streamed down her face. The knight winced as his chest still hurt from his wound.

"Rico," he mumbled before hugging her. At that moment, the door flew open the second time, revealing the redheaded strategist. He walked over to Fred's bed with an angry look on his face. Rico had pried herself from Fred for the moment, giving the two some space. She, of all people, knew how worried Caesar Silverberg was. Before the raven-haired knight could saw anything, a slap resounded the room. Fred held his cheek, shock from the action that his lover had done.

"If you wanted to die so badly, Fred Maximilian, don't make any promises to me for your return and safety," he said coldly. The knight didn't dare to look at him. Even though his actions were justified, he put his own life on the line and almost broke Caesar's heart. And he would die a guilty man. Guilty for causing eternal pain to the man I love…

"Caesar…" Fred mumbled, "I…"

"Don't apologize," said the redhead before a long pause, "I…I don't know what I will do without you…" Before he knew it, Caesar was crying in his chest, gripping his shoulders for support. He only placed his arms around Caesar.

"I'm such an idiot," he said. Even though tears still glistened in his eyes, Caesar managed a smirk.

"That you are." Not able to stand it anymore, Rico jumped on the two of them, hugging them with both of her arms.

"Rico," they both said before smiling. As Mio and Tuta watched, the young doctor turned to his nurse.

"I believe his wall remains broken."

"That's a good thing," Mio said, smiling.

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He looked at his hands, feeling strange that the True Lightning rune that was once there was no more. His body was getting weary by the minute since he was detached from the rune. He knew just about how long he had if he didn't retrieve it back. This is no blessing. My life has just been cursed again. He really believed an illusion of him living a life of eternity with Chris Lightfellow. For the first time, he thought of a happiness that belonged as his own. But it was ripped away when he lost his True Rune. He gripped his hands, vexing his weakness silently. At that moment, there was a knock at the door.

"Geddoe, are you in?" said the familiar voice. He thought against answering it. "Please, it is very important for me to talk to you before we go into battle." He finally opened the door and motioned for her to come in. Chris stood in his room, in full armor, and looked at him.

"This may be an inappropriate time for such things but after this, I believe the both of us will return to our lives and may never see each other again," she said before taking a breath, "I never thought that I would meet any man that would make me feel this way but I met you and everything changed. This is a strange revelation to me but… I really wish I could…" Her voice soften slightly, "stay with you after the war." Geddoe didn't say anything but stood there, understanding each and every word she was saying. Chris Lightfellow, the enamored Silver Maiden, the pride and beauty of the Zexen Knights, was proclaiming her love for him in the oddest ways possible.

"At this moment, I am feeling rather vulnerable, Geddoe. Please say something," she said, her amethyst eyes searching in his for a sign. He closed his eye before sighing.

"I'm sorry," he said with much regret. Chris only blinked before speaking again.

"Come again?"

"You're a beautiful woman, Lady Chris and you deserve someone better than me," he said.

"What makes you think you have the right to tell me that?" she shot back. Another sigh escaped his lips.

"Because I… can't be with you, Chris," he said, "I do not wish to let you face what Sana faced. Without the true rune in my hand, I will die in a short span of a few months, a year if I'm lucky."

"But we're getting them back."

"If we survive the next battle and win," he said.

"We will," she said stubbornly. He couldn't help smiling.

"Your father was an optimistic fellow too," Geddoe said, "He always went against me."

"I am my father's daughter, after all," she said as she stepped closer to him. Before Geddoe could stop her, she placed her hands on his shoulders, tiptoeing to make her lips meet his. It was a bold move, especially for the Zexen Knight. Geddoe just wanted to push her off but the grip on his shoulders told him that he wasn't going anywhere until she let him go. When she finally did, she smiled.

"I guess that is all I had to say to you, Geddoe," said Chris as she moved away. He caught her arm before making her turn to face him.

"I have something else to say to you, Chris Lightfellow," he said before cupping her chin and pressing his lips against hers. When they broke apart, Chris felt her cheeks become warm.

"That's not very subtle of you," she managed out, keeping her voice study. He smiled, cupping her cheek with his left hand.

"I am a mercenary. We're not subtle people, Lady Chris," Geddoe said before kissing her again. They were only interrupted by an audible gasp from a few people. The two turned to see Geddoe's unit staring at them with a shocked look on their faces. Well, mainly Joker and Ace since Queen knew about it and Jacques remained indifferent about it.

"Boss! What are you doing to Chris Lightfellow!" he exclaimed. Joker only crossed his arms.

"Figured that you'd pick the prettiest girl in the lot," he said. Chris wanted to run out of the room in embarrassment but Geddoe had placed his arm around her waist, not allowing her to move away from him.

"There's no denying to what's going on here," Geddoe said to them. Queen sighed.

"I think Geddoe would like some privacy with Lady Chris," she pointed out. A smirk formed on Ace's face.

"Privacy eh?" he said, "I'm sure he needs all the time he can. That armor doesn't seem like it's easy to take off." He received a smack on the back of his head from both Joker and Queen.

"Ow!" Before he could say anything else, he was dragged out and the door was closed as soon as the team left. Chris turned to him, blushing scarlet from the comment.

"You weren't planning to…" she trailed off, not daring to complete her sentence. Geddoe shook his head, not able to hide his smile.

"No, I wasn't but the thought did cross my mind," he said.

"Geddoe!" He only smiled once more before pecking her cheek.

"Maybe not now," he said, "Because I happen to know Zexen laws and traditions. You're bound by it being their war hero. I'm not about to go against an entire federation just because I am in love with her." At that moment, Geddoe knew he had said something that was going to change his life. The Silver Maiden only stood there, her cheeks flushed.

"Did you mean that?" she asked.

"I can't say otherwise but…" She touched his ungloved right hand, taking it into hers.

"I believe that we can overcome any obstacle if we believe in ourselves," she said, "This is just one obstacle. Once you get it back, we'll overcome the next one."

"Next one?"

"You'll be returning to your Harmonian Defense Force. I will be returning to my duty as a knight. We won't be seeing each other for awhile," she pointed out.

"Unless I marry you and get you to join my team," he said.

"Now, what makes you think that I won't get you Zexen citizenship and force you to join the Zexen Knights?"

"Because I look terrible in Zexen armor," Geddoe chided. Chris huffed before giving him a small smile. He cupped her cheek again. "Let's wait it out a couple of years, eternity is a very long time."

"So, this means you and I are…" she couldn't say it. Her heart was already pounding in her ears.

"An official couple?" he said, feeling rather childish to say that, considering how long he lived.

"I was about to say 'going steady'. I haven't had a b-boyfriend in my life," she said, feeling awkward to say such things. "I wanted to at least give you my first kiss before we charge into battle."

"You did?" She nodded. Geddoe couldn't even remember his first time with a woman, less remembering his first kiss, minimal to his first relationship with a girl. I suddenly feel old. That thought escaped him when Chris let go of his hand.

"Thank you, Geddoe," she said, "I have to take my leave now as I have to address the knights." He caught her by the waist and pressed his lips against hers.

"Survive the battle," he said.

"I intend to."

"So do I. There are many things I wish to show you, Chris Lightfellow," he said, making the female knight blush furiously.

"I do look forward to that," she said before leaving his room. Despite what was ahead of them, he couldn't help smiling. Neither could she.

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"Caesar," Fred whispered as he wrapped his arm tighter around the redhead. Caesar looked up as he remained in his position on Fred's bed. They had not left the infirmary since Doctor Tuta was busy with some other patients and had not pronounced him well enough to leave.

"Yes?"

"Don't you have a battle to plan out?"

"It's done. Apple told me I could stay with you for awhile before it starts," he said.

"I see," he said before looking down, "Do you feel like we've become more like a family than a couple?" Caesar looked down as well. Rico had curled up between them, fast asleep since she lacked of for the past few days. They both smiled before Fred ran a hand through her hair. She mumbled something incoherently before snuggling closer to Caesar.

"I believe we've adopted her," the redhead said.

"I wonder what Sancho would say to that," Fred said, smiling to the thought.

"Hmm?"

"Her father, Sancho, was my grandfather's squire as well," he explained.

"Oh," Caesar said, "I think I've read about him and your grandfather in one of Apple's notes about the Toran War."

"My grandfather covets Medical Officer Mathiu Silverberg," Fred said, "He always told me that with a Silverberg by your side you can always win a war."

"But Apple and Shu aren't Silverbergs and they led the Dunan Army to victory."

"They might as well be. They taught by Mathiu, right?"

"Right. You're not as dumb as you look, Fred," he said. The knight shot him a look. Caesar smiled before pecking his cheek. "Well, I do deserve one since you scared me half to death with your stint."

"Alright, you got that but no more," he said. Caesar laid his head on Fred's chest before smiling.

"Okay." It was only hours later when Apple called for Caesar to prepare for battle.

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To Be Continued

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