Thank you VERY much for all your LOVELY reviews people! -grin- you all really love me... -tear- So here is the part you've waited for- the END!
Summary: After surviving from near death, Duke Vox comes back. Finding out that Albel was released, he does anything to get him back to do the task he'd wanted to do- Kill. Cliff/Albel.
Rated M for some language, brutal torturing, and attempted rape (and a lime). You've been warned.
Disclaimer: I do NOT own any characters used in this story. I don't even own a copy of the game. XP
Reviews will be appriciated and rewarded with the alternate ending. All flames will be put in my condo's fireplace.
Yuiitsu Kibo- Part Three: Recovery
How many times had I called out to you? I don't remember...
"He's been in a coma for two days now."
I never imagined you'd be so warm when you carried me out of that hell...
"It's already been two days?"
I knew you'd come for me eventually. You're just like that, I guess. You probably would've come sooner, but the others must've held you back. But you did come...
"You haven't slept a wink since he's been here, Cliff, get some rest."
"No, not until he opens his eyes..."
Albel tried to open his eyes, but for some reason could not. I'm awake, Cliff. Don't strain yourself. Both of us've been through so much because of that bastard. (Why can't I open my eyes?)
"We're not sure about when he'll come out of it. He was at Death's door when you got him- we're amazed he's only a coma."
"He's a fighter, he won't die that easily."
Cliff... You believe in me that much? You continue to surprise me...
"Open you eyes, Albel... Please, for me..."
I'm sorry... I can't. Not yet, but I will.
ixi
Cliff stared at him with puffy eyes. His hands were around Albel's right one and had been there for three days. Every few minutes, he glanced at the IVs coming out of the Glyphian's arm, then at the heart monitor that quietly beeped at each heartbeat. The clock on the table he was sitting beside indicated that everyone was probably in bed by now.
Open your eyes... he silently prayed, running his thumbs over Albel's hand.
He refused to sleep while Albel was in critical condition, and even refused to leave his side. Mirage and Fayt briught him food when they came to check on Albel, but he knew they were checking on him, too. He remained oblivious to the outside world, just taking interest in looking at the younger man's black eye and completely bandaged torso or resting his eyes for a few minutes but unwilling to fall asleep. All that would run through his mind were his silent prayers that Albel would awaken, and how he would exact his revenge against Duke Vox.
He normally wasn't a person who believed in revenge, but this... This had gone too far.
The lights were dim so that Albel wouldn't be blinded when he woke up, but Cliff didn't care. He rested his forehead on his hands which still encased Albel's and closed his eyes.
"He'll pay for this, I swear to you. He'll never hurt you again..."
He smirked at how childish he sounded and was glad that no one could hear him. But while that held true...
"I need to tell you something..." he whispered, "something you should know. So wake up, and I'll tell you everything..."
"Hey."
His head automatically came up to respond to who had spoken, but was struck speechless upon seeing exactly who had talked. Crimson eyes stared down at him, and a smirk was on his lips. Cliff's eyes brightened tremendously.
"I'm awake now, so speak up," said Albel, his voice strong. "You know I don't like secrets." His eyes seemed to shine in the dark.
Cliff couldn't help but laugh. Once his laughter died, he smiled warmly at him. "It's good to see you awake."
Albel looked down to inspect himself. The blanket that covered him up to his chest didn't hide that his entire torso was bandaged tightly from the wounds the whip left. Freeing his hand from Cliff's grasp, he raised the blanket to see that his hip was thickly bandaged, his bloody skirt was removed and the blood was cleaned off his leg. His metal claw was nowhere to be seen, revealing his scorched left arm. He let the blanket fall and put his hand near Cliff's again.
"How long've I been out?"
The Klausian hesitated at first, but still went ahead and held Albel's hand once more. "Three days. It's midnight, so everyone's asleep. We noticed the dent on your arm, so it went to be repaired. " He watched the Elicoorian looking around the room interestedly. "You're on the Diplo. Your wounds were too serious to let you be treated by your people. You would've died..."
"I see." He looked down at Cliff, only glancing at their interlocked hands. "How long must I be stuck here?"
Cliff shrugged. "Depends on how fast you heal." He smiled once again. "Just get your rest. You've been through a lot."
Albel closed his eyes. "No, I've been through Hell..."
He kept his grin from surfacing when he felt Albel squeeze his hand gently. "Yeah..."
What exactly happened to you down there? What did Vox tell you? What did you think about all that time?
"How long was I down in the dungeon?" Albel asked with his eyes still closed.
"Ten days."
"... I should've died."
"No." Cliff squeezed Albel's hand. "You shouldn't have been down there in the first place. Vox should've been dead, not you."
I don't know what I would've done if I found you dead...
Albel's eyes opened to glare softly at the ceiling. "Where is he?"
"No one knows. He went into hiding when he figured out what we were doing," Cliff answered sadly. He watched his eyes close again, wondering what he was thinking about. His eyes fell to stare at their hands.
He's letting me hold his hand...
"Cliff... Were you afraid?"
Cliff looked at him in surprise, but found that his eyes were still closed. "... Yeah."
Albel opened his eyes and smirked. "Coward. You should've known I would never allow myself to die at the hands of that bastard."
The blonde chuckled. "Yep, shoulda known. How silly of me."
He sounds more like himself now. I'm glad.
"Get some sleep, Albel. You'll need more to recuperate."
Albel obliged. "You should get some too, oversize worm. You look like you need it."
Smiling, Cliff laid his head down by their still intertwined hands and closed his eyes, allowing sleep to finally come. This time, he was sure no nightmares were going to haunt him.
ixi
Albel opened his eyes again sometime later. The lights were brighter than they had been the first time he had awoken, making him squint to let his eyes adjust.
"Hey, Albel. Good to see you're awake."
He looked over, and saw Fayt standing by his side- the side Cliff wasn't on-, checking his IVs. He stared silently at the bluenette, think of how Cliff had said the same thing only a lot more happier.
"I figured you had waken at some point last night, since that great idiot-" Fayt jabbed his thumb toward Cliff, who was still holding his hand and dead to the world. "-finally went to sleep."
He looked down at the Klausian's sleeping face, remembering hearing him say that he wouldn't sleep until he woke up. He continued to stare at his handsome face, choosing to keep silent.
"He was really worried, you know," Fayt continued, going past the closed curtains and taking some partially dead flowers out of their vase and putting them in the trash can. "He'd had a hard time sleeping or concentrating on anything while Vox had you, then he didn't sleep at all and wouldn't leave this room until you woke up..."
"I know."
Fayt turned, a faint smile on his lips. "Really? But do you know everything?" He received a glare, making his smile more noticeable. "You need to eat something. I'll go get you some food." He strolled out casually, the electronic door closing behind him.
Albel's attention went back to the sleeping blonde at his side. You are a great fool... You know that, right? He felt an urge to run his hand through Cliff's soft looking hair, but feared that he'd wake up if he freed his hand.
I'm awake now. Tell me what you're hiding. He smirked. I know more than you think, Fayt. Just think about how much time I had to think. I've pieced things together- you can't surprise me... I think. He held Cliff's hand tighter, remembering the dream he had just waken from. It had been about Vox breaking in and taking him away to deal a final, killing blow.
(Don't leave my side, not yet...)
Fayt came back in once the door automatically opened for him, a tray full of steamy fod in his hands. "Can you free your hand so you can eat?"
Taking a deep breath, he carefully began to slip his fingers out of Cliff's grasp as Fayt came to his side again. He paused when he noticed Cliff's eyebrows come closer together as if annoyed. Going slower, Albel finally got his hand free.
"Cliff'll see if you don't eat it all," Fayt warned as he sat the tray on the Glyphian's lap once he sat up and leaned against the headboard. "And he'll be awfully disappointed if you don't..."
Albel glared at him once he backed up. "I don't give a damn."
Fayt shrugged. "Okay. Whatever." He left once again.
Albel stared down at the strange looking food- red soup, toasted yellow bread, and some other things that looked like they could be fruit. He glanced over at Cliff again.
I've changed, haven't I... ? He scowled. I'm becoming weak...
"It's all right..." Cliff mumbled in his sleep.
Still scowling, Albel picked up his bowl of soup and began to drink it.
iii
He opened his eyes to find himself looking toward the foot of the bed that he was laying on. He immediately recognized it to be inside his bedroom in Airyglyph Castle, and he was propped up on some soft pillows. His eyes were fixed on the blonde haired man peeling off a black leather shirt off his well-formed muscles. He turned and looked at him, a look in his eyes that he had never seen before...
Cliff crawled on top of him with a smirk, and Albel shrunk to be lying down completely. He glared up at the Klausian. "What the hell do you think you're doing?" he snarled.
He grinned before kissing under the younger man's jaw. "It shouldn't be hard to figure out..."
"No," Albel protested, going to attempt to push him off. Cliff's grin grew as he tried, easily taking Albel's hands off his chest and pinning his wrists to the bed. "No, get off me, " Albel protested louder. Cliff dipped down and licked at his left ear, making him try to squirm out of his grasp. "GET OFF M-!"
He was cut off by Cliff gliding in and engaging in a french kiss. Albel continued squirming, pulling at his arms to get them free but to no prevail. He grunted as he flailed about, feeling himself slowly get weaker. It was when he felt Cliff take advantage of his spread legs and place a knee right against his testicles that he moaned, his back arching.
Chuckling, Cliff broke the kiss, freeing one of Albel's wrists to pull off the Glyphian's spandex shirt. "Admit it- you like that, and you want me. Just give in..."
"Shut up!" Albel snapped.
His yell was followed by a loud moan from Cliff slipping his free hand under his skirt and lightly rubbing at his erection. "No, you hush,"Cliff said as he sat up, finally freeing his other wrist. Albel trembled instead of continuing to try and get away as he watched with horrified eyes as Cliff took his shirt off.
"Let me give you what both of us want."
Albel awoke with a jolt, automatically sitting up. He regretted the action when he felt some of his wounds open, including the one on his side, making his groan in pain and carefully lay back down. He panted quietly as he glared at the ceiling.
Stupid dream. How could I ever dream such a thing? I'd never-
He looked down to his right when he realized he was clutching sheets rather than a hand, and noticed that Cliff wasn't there. Disappointment floated through his mind but he pushed it away.
Where could that giant oaf be? I thought he wouldn't leave me...
"He'll pay for this, I swear to you. He'll never hurt you again..."
He heard the door open, and he watched Mirage walk inside. "Good morning, sleeping beauty." She smiled when she noticed his dark glare. "Sorry. Cliff told me to call you that."
His eyes followed her as she went over and opened the curtains. The now-open window revealed that the Diplo had landed in a forest- most likely the Duggus Forest-, seeing the many trees. "Where exactly is he?" he asked.
Mirage came over and pulled the blanket back up to his chest, since it had fallen to his lap when he sat up. "I'm not sure. He only said that he had some business to take care of, and that he'd be back as soon as possible." She went to replace one of the IVs.
Albel continued to stare at her. "He went after him, didn't he?" he asked quietly.
"...Yeah, I think so." She didn't look at him until the bag was replaced with a new one. "And since it looks like you tried sitting up, your bandages need changed. But after you eat something first. I'll be right back." She left.
He stared up at the ceiling. "You great fool..." he whispered. He first imagined the Klausian beating Vox into a bloody pulp, but then thought of how he wanted that pleasure, and regretted being weak.
But it's his fault I'm like this... He smirked. I hope he begs for mercy, Cliff, because I'm sure you won't even consider giving it to him... The back of his mind whispered- (For me...)
"You really are stupid... Oversized worm..."
iii
When he awoke again, he could tell from the sounds coming from outside that it was morning again. Still feeling sleepy, he decided to keep his eyes closed to go back to sleep. But sensing that he was being watched wouldn't allow him to do so. Albel opened his eyes and looked at the person once again sitting at his side.
"I've got a present for you," Cliff said softly with a smile. He bent over to the side to retrieve something that was on the floor. When he came back up, he placed a very familiar sword in Albel's lap.
Albel's eyes widened, amazed at himself for totally forgetting about his beloved katana. "Help me sit up," he commanded.
Cliff placed his left arm against Albel's back to help him push himself up. His pushing ceased when he noticed him wince, but was able to sit up nevertheless.
The Elicoorian carefully unsheathed his treasure. His eyes scanned every detail of it, lightly placing his fingers on the flat part of the blade. He was pleased with the shine it gave off and that the blade hadn't dulled. It looked just as it did when it was torn from his side and thrown into the dungeon's darkest corner. It was while inspecting the handle when he decided to ask, "Why were you in the castle?"
"I was in the area, so I went and picked it up while I was there. I thought you'd be happy to have it back."
Albel sheathed the Crimson Scourge with his eyes closed. "I could've gotten it myself. So-" His eyes opened to look darkly at Cliff. "-is he dead?"
Cliff stared at him impassively. "You knew where I went, huh?" He received silence and a blank stare. "Yeah, Vox really is dead now... How'd you know? I didn't tell anyone-"
"Just a guess."
"I see..." Cliff eyes fell to Albel's torso, and an idea went through his mind. "When were you bandages last changed?"
Albel glared. "I don't need you changing them. They can wait."
Cliff rolled his eyes, turning to the bedside table beside him and opening the drawer where the bandages and ointments were being kept. "No they can't if they're to heal properly, so you're gonna let me."
The Glyphian mumbled a few curses but allowed him to unwind the bandages around his body. He looked down to watch his wounds slowly show themselves. Most of the marks Vox left with the whip were about half healed, but there were three dark, long streaks that were still scabbed over and painful- two making an X, intersecting on the left side of his chest, the third going from his naval to his right hip. He was snapped out from his inspection when Cliff put his fingers on his chest and tried pushing him down.
"What're you doing?" he snapped.
Cliff unscrewed the cap to the ointment that was a light pain killer and quickened the healing. "You need to be flat so I can put this on. You should know this..."
He continued glaring at the blonde until the ointment was being spread onto his cuts. The cooling effect of the gel, then the warmth from Cliff's hand, relaxed him beyond all reason, forcing him to close his eyes.
"Can I ask you something?"
The question made Albel open his eyes. "What?"
Cliff kept his eyes on Albel's body, watching his hand rub the ointment in. "What exactly happened to you down in the dungeon...?" He looked over at Albel with a sad cerulean eye. "You don't have to tell me if you don't want to. I'm just curious."
Albel was stunned by how sad that eye was, thinking that he had never seen them like that before. He took a moment to think of how to put it as he felt Cliff take the bandage off his right bicep.
"He only punched and slapped me at first," he began. "He liked to gloat that it would get worse over time and that I shouldn't be so arrogant and cocky." He stared at the ceiling as he told what happened. The memory of the visit where Vox accused him of being gay floated to mind, but decided to keep that to himself. "He didn't come everyday, so he probably stayed in hiding when he wasn't with me. After a few days I think, he brought in a whip and used that for two or three visits. After the last whipping and he left, three of his soldiers came in a decided to see why Vox liked coming so much. One punched me in the eye for insulting Vox, another punched me for keeping the third soldier from raping me-"
Cliff stopped rubbing ointment onto the partially healed scatch on his arm, anger immediately flashing onto his face. "A soldier tried to rape you!"
Albel looked down, surprised at his reaction. He does care... "Yeah, but he didn't get anywhere. Don't worry about it," he added to ease Cliff's worry. He flipped onto his right side to allow access to the wound on his opposite side. He continued as Cliff carefully took the thick bandage off the worst wound. "About a day after they left, Vox came and said that I was taking too long to die and stabbed me, saying that it was a fatal wound and that I only had a day left to live. He never came back, but another one of his dogs came and kicked in my arm." He was glad when he finished when he did since he had to bite his tongue to fight the urge to moan when Cliff put the gel on his side, which had been gently throbbing since he sat up.
"Hearing about what he did to you, he deserved something worse than what I gave him..." Cliff said grimly, taping fresh gauze onto Albel's waist.
Albel smirked, his head being held up by his right hand. "He actually called me 'Albel the Weak' once... He was the weak one if he was beaten by a maggot like you..."
Cliff looked at him with a soft smile. Both smirk and smile slowly faded once their eyes locked and wouldn't move off the other's.
The door opened, snapping them from their brief trance. Albel rolled over onto his back as both watched a male doctor clad in a trademark white coat come in. His brown eyes landed on Albel's body, noticing the absence of many of the bandages. "It's good to see that your wounds have been treated for the day," he said. "I actually came here to do that, so I guess this visit will be short." He turned to Cliff. "How are his stitches?"
"They're okay. It looks like they can come out soon. And since he's almost healed everywhere else, I wasn't gonna put on any more bandages."
The doctor nodded, jotting notes onto a clipboard he'd brought with him. "Yes, that's fine, but his chest and abdomen should stay wrapped for a few more days. And how're you feeling?" he asked Albel.
"I wanna get out of here," he said coldly.
"No pain anywhere or anything?" he asked, taking more notes. He glanced up to notice his silent glare. "All right," he finished. "You should be able to leave in two or three days. The stitches will be taken out tomorrow, and we'll decide things after that." Giving a small bow, he left.
Albel looked down at Cliff. "How many stitches are there?"
"A hundred and seventy three," Cliff answered, staring at the light grey blanket covering Albel's legs.
Albel glared at the Klausian. "What...?"
A smile slowly creeped onto his handsome face. "You were injured on you leg, too..." He glanced over to see Albel's expression and saw that his eyes had widened. "You have to let me get to it..."
His glare darkened as he moved the blanket off his left leg, conscious of how high up his thigh one of the wounds was. He was careful not to expose his purple bikini underwear as Cliff went to work to get the bandage off his calf. That was taken care of quickly enough, then Cliff went for the injury on his thigh. He hoped that his blushing was light and barely noticable as he saw Cliff's amused expression.
He's enjoying this... He became nervous when the blonde started rubbing ointment on. He better not go any higher... He felt the hand slowly make its way up his leg. His muscles tensed as he felt the blanket slightly move from Cliff's fingertips brushing against it. Before he could yell and push the hand away, Cliff was finished and screwed the cap back onto the ointment bottle.
"See? That wasn't so hard," Cliff beamed. "Besides, it's not like I was going for your nuts or anything..."
Albel scowled. "Whatever. Leave me alone now."
Cliff put the supplies into their drawer and closed it. "All right," he sighed. "But you know I'm gonna be back..." He stared down at Albel, who had covered his leg back up and gingerly turned over onto his left so his back would be to the Klausian. He turned and left silently.
The Elicoorian put his blackened arm under the pillow, his right hand running over the sheath of the Crimson Scouge that had never left his side.
Just a little longer of being stuck here, being forced to endure his stares and words... He realized there was no venom in his thought and became annoyed with himself. I shouldn't be happy with this arrngement, since it's Vox's fault I'm like this... I'm sick of having to look at that overgrown ox everytime I wake, and listen to his pointless drabble... (Not really...) I could get up and walk around if I wanted, just to get away from him... (Not really He growled at the voice in the back of his head, getting annoyed wit the truth that he was trying to stomp out.
'I'm sorry...'
He yelled and threw one of the pillows under his head across the room angrily, making it hit the wall and bounce to the floor. "I will NOT give in to such a weak emotion!"
Albel's head went back down to his remaining pillow when he heard footsteps. The door slid open; he closed his eyes to feign sleep. "Albel? You asleep?" he heard Cliff question. The smell of food came to his nose but ignored it. He sensed Cliff set the full tray of food on the bedside table before taking his usual seat in the chair at his side.
"Darn... I was hoping to tell you something, too..." Cliff whispered before sighing, "I guess it'll just have to wait a little longer..."
Curiosity and longing ate at Albel's insides. He wanted to hear Cliff tell him the thing he'd been wanting to say, his deep secret, his true feelings...
But deep down, he was afriad to hear it. He knew that he'd give in to those words, and his internal struggle of stomping out his own feelings would be in vain.
Because of that fear, Albel stayed put to not reveal that he was awake. He'd rather be angry at himself briefly rather than give in to a weakening emotion and hate himself endlessly.
iii
He knew he had slept at least an hour or two before waking. He could tell from the dull throb in his side that had yet to go away that his stitches were gone. He knew the Klausian was at his side before he even opened his eyes- Cliff was there when he closed his eyes, so without a doubt he'd be there when they opened.
How am I able to fall asleep with him watching me like a hawk? (At least it's him and not anyone else...)
"You haven't even moved since I went to sleep-" Albel's eyes opened and landed on- as he guessed- Cliff. "-have you?"
Cliff smiled. "Yep, you got me. How're you feeling?"
"Fine," he answered stiffly.
"That's good." Albel closed his eyes again so he wouldn't stare at the person speaking. "The doctor said that he doesn't want you moving around yet, since your wound's freshly open, so it's gonna have a lot of discharge. Maybe you can tomorrow or the day after.
"So be it."
Cliff huffed. "What's your problem?"
Albel stared up at the ceiling. You're always here...
"I wanna get out of here."
The blonde sighed. "The doctor said the earliest you can leave is the day after tomorrow. Sorry."
Albel attempted to ball his right hand into a fist, probably to grasp some sheets in the process, but ended up squeezing Cliff's hand instead. He mentally cursed and growled. Big oaf, always needing to hold my fucking hand. What a baby...
The Glyphian sighed in annoyance. "Look, I know what you've been wanting to tell me."
Cliff's eyes lit up. "Oh really...?"
Albel continued to stare up at the ceiling rather than look at the Klausian. "... I know you have feelings for me. I'm not blind," he said softly.
Cliff smiled. "You know that, huh? ... Huh... I hope you don't mind..."
"... I'll think about it." A part of his mind protested, but he pushed it away.
He watched from the corner of his eye as Cliff's expression brightened. "That's okay..."
A content silence followed; Albel fought the urge to either glance at Cliff (who was staring) or pick up his sword and chuck it at him.
"I keep forgetting to tell you," Cliff said to break the silence, "your arm's fixed. If you want, I can go get-"
Albel closed his eyes. "There's no need. I'll get it myself when I get out of here."
"All right."
More silence came between them. Albel tried to think of something to say, but he kept pulling a blank. He again wanted to throw his sword at Cliff, hoping that would make the silence less tense, but decided not to. He instead took to concentrating on the warmth in his right hand and felt strangely comforted.
"Albel?" This made said person open his eyes to look at Cliff. He was staring at their hands. "What did you think about... while you were in the dungeon?" he asked softly.
(You...) he automatically thought, but pushed it aside. I can't say that...
"About how stupid you were being for wanting to save me," he eventually said.
A soft smile graced Cliff's lips. "So you thought about me, huh?"
Albel glared. "Not like that, so don't get any ideas." He remembered the dream he had had in the dungeon, the one where he had been in bed with the Klausian at his side and inwardly winced. "You jump to ludicrous conclusions way too quickly, oversized worm." He realized his voice had lacked its usual venom and mentally cursed himself.
The fabric at their hands tightened, the weight there increasing on the mattress. The Elicoorian guessed Cliff had laid his head down and didn't think twice about it.
"Take all the time you need, Albel..."
iii
It was two days after the stitches were taken out. He was turned onto his right side so the doctor could properly dress his wound for the last time. The ointment was smeared on, making it sting a little, and a thinner gauze was taped on. The bandage around his torso was now gone. Albel watched the doctor's ministrations lazily, wondering why Cliff hadn't been in his room once all morning.
Maybe he got sick of sleeping in here for the past eleven days and wanted to sleep in his own bed...
(Or he's leaving me alone so I can "think") He almost rolled his eyes at the thought.
The last piece of medical tape was put in place. The doctor looked at him with a smile. "I'm sure you're glad to be getting out of here, huh?"
Albel sat up as the doctor left the chair by his side. "Yeah..."
The doctor wrote a few things on his clipboard. "I'm going to prescribe to you some pain killers to ease any pain you have. The wound's only half healed, so you'll have to take it easy for a while longer. If you have any questions, I'm sure Cliff'll be able to answer them."
"All right," He looked down to inspect himself. Most of the cuts were completely healed, some of the deeper ones still a little dark and noticeable. He knew the X on his chest and the cut by his naval were going to scar when they fully healed, and of course the gash in his side was going to scar as well. He looked up at the doctor. "Do... you know where Cliff is?" He had tried not to sound too curious.
"Cliff? Oh, I'm not sure. I don't think anyone's seen him this morning. It's a little surprising..." He finished his note taking. "Everyone'll be by to bring you some clothes and get you out of here. Maybe even Cliff'll show..." With his last thought still lingering, he left.
Albel looked around the room he'd been stuck in for a week and a half, and wasn't the least bit sad to finally be leaving. To be able to walk on his own, on his planet, to actually see the sun...
And get away from him...
The noise of the electronic door opening snapped him from his thoughts. He instantly glared at who walked in.
"I hear you're getting out today," said Cliff, "so I took the liberty of getting you some clothes." He came over and laid the light beige bundle in his arms on the bad at Albel's feet.
"And that took you all morning!"
Cliff began to smirk. "Why, miss me?"
Albel mentally growled and mumbled as he rolled his eyes. "Why would I 'miss' the presence of a maggot like you?" He glanced around and noticed a roll of bandage still on the bedside table. "I need you to do something, since you're the only one here and I can't do it myself," he said, staring at the roll.
"What?" Cliff came closer.
Albel grabbed the roll. "Bind my hair back- the way it used to be." He glared warningly at the blonde. "And don't do anything funny, or I swear I'll kill you on the spot and feel no remorse. Can I trust you with such a simple task?"
Cliff took the roll. "Yeah, I guess so." He waited for Albel to move up so he could sit behind him to work, but instead got glared out. He rolled his eyes. "All right, I got it..."
The Glyphian scooted forward to give Cliff room, but Cliff still didn't sit. "Well...?"
"I'm gonna go get a brush. Your hair's probably tangled, so it'll be hard to put back." He left.
Albel rolled his eyes. It's not that big of a deal... This is so gay
Cliff returned a minute later, a red handled brush in hand. "All right," he sighed. He walk over and took a seat against the headboard, moving the pillows aside. Gently pulling the dark hair from under Albel, his eyes went downward. He smirked knowing Albel didn't see him.
The brush went through the flowing hair, only snagging on tiny tangles that were immediately fixed. Cliff repeated the action, then again. "Your hair's pretty when it's down..." Cliff commented quietly.
Albel turned his head to glare back at him. "I don't care, just get it done so I can leave."
Cliff ran the brush through again, staring at the shiny strands. He snapped himself out of his trance and unraveled a few feet of bandage. Parting the hair in half, he took one side and started near his scalp, carefully winding the bandage around it to bind it. "It isn't too tight, is it?"
"... No."
The Klausian swallowed, longing to just keep Albel's hair down the way he liked it and put his arms around his slender body to pull him back and feel his warmth. He then daydreamed that Albel would squirm and wiggle in protest, and his mouth would be taken over by a passionate kiss to make his fighting cease...
By the time he pulled himself back to reality, he was finished binding the second rattail. He noticed how Albel had slowly relaxed, going from his back being rigid and straight to less tense and almost slouching. He almost smirked at the control he'd had, which brought him back to his daydream. It lasted only briefly, since Albel pulled the blanket off his legs and got up to get dressed.
"Thanks," he said stiffly.
Cliff eyes scanned his almost nude body, thinking how the new scars only added to his beauty. "You're welcome," he replied. He wanted to look away so Albel wouldn't notice his stare, but found that he couldn't.
The loose pants were the first to be put on, Albel tying it at his hips. He slipped the sleeveless matching shirt over his head, and it came down to his naval. Once sitting on the bed, he put his shoes on. The fabric was close to being see through, so his skin was easily visible underneath. He finally looked over at Cliff. "Having fun watching me dress?"
Cliff forced his eyes to look down. "Sorry..." he apologized quietly, trying to force down his urge to just lean forward a few feet and kiss the Elicoorian. He got to his feet, eyes still on the floor. "Everyone's gonna come by and escort you back to Airyglyph. You can pick your arm up at the workshop, then the king's waiting for a meeting with you. Your soldiers'll be by you while you're in the castle in case one of Vox's dogs decide to exact revenge." He cast a glance at Albel to see his expression, and for the second time he saw it unreadable. Without exchanging another word, he left the room.
As soon as the door closed behind him, he leaned on the wall to the left of it. He looked up to the well-lit ceiling as he sighed. I gotta keep control just a little longer...
ixi
It was a dark starless night due to the thick clouds. The rain came relentlessly, instantly soaking whatever was left in the open. Unlike the usual nights in Peterny, it was like a ghost town. Not a single person was hanging around in any of the streets, and whoever had to go out darted quickly to their destination. The only thing that could be heard was rain smacking buildings and pavement. Cliff was the only one waling through the square casually, his head down to keep the rain from dripping into his eyes.
He felt that the rain was so far the only thing able to relax him. He'd been in a constant state of stress, worry, and fatigue for three and a half weeks, and was still unable to fully calm down even though things were back to normal. Albel had been out and free for a day and a half, and his usual sour attitude had fully returned; Maria and Mirage had left earlier that day to be back on the Diplo and do Quark business; Adray immediately went back to doing errands for the queen; Woltar went back to his usual place in Kirlsa; the king was back in his castle with no worries about getting assassinated. The only person who still couldn't relax was himself, and he couldn't figure out why...
As a celebration to things returning to normal, Fayt set up tonight as a night where everyone came to the tavern and finally have a good time. Cliff was sure he'd be the last to arrive, seeing as they headed over two hours ago.
He opened the door to the tavern and stepped inside. Fayt, Albel, Nel, Sophia, and Adray sat at the two tables closest to the door, while other people sat near the back or were talking with the bartender. Everyone's eyes went on him when he slammed the door and brushed the wet hair off his forehead.
"You're late!" Sophia announced. She was sitting by Fayt, and Nel was sitting across from her. Adray was sitting in a chair taken from the table Albel was sitting alone at and was close to Nel.
"We thought you weren't gonna come!" Fayt said happily. "Come on in!"
Cliff took an empty seat at the table Albel was at. The Glyphian had stared at him until he sat down, at which he decided to drain his glass. "Yeah, well, sorry about that..." he said, brushing some water off his leather shirt. The bartender came up and gave him a glass of what he ususally ordered and nodded his thanks. "So, have I missed anything?"
"Not really," said Nel, "except Albel's said next to nothing and is drinking like a fish..."
Albel glared at her as everyone else smiled. "And why would you care, woman? I'm allowed to do whatever I please." He took the newly filled glass from the bartender and immediately drank half of it.
You shouldn't drink so much at once," Cliff warned, "you'll get drunk quicker, and the hangover you'll get'll be a real bitch."
The Glyphian turned to him, looking as if he was going to say something but thought better of it. Instead of taking to glaring, he stared down into his liquor.
"So!" said Cliff, "what're we gonna do now for some excitement? I mean, we can't just sit around and be normal, since that'll drive us crazy..."
Sophia grinned and held her glass of liquor in the air. "Get drunk!"
"Hear hear!" Adray agreed, tapping his glass against Sophia's before both of them finished off what was in them in one gulp.
Fayt raised his hand like Sophia had done with her glass; the light blush across his cheeks clearly indicated that he was already thoroughly drunk. "I'm gonna turn gay for a whole week!" he announced proudly. Everyone in the entire tavern stared at him. "I just wanna see how guys can stand sleeping with other guys... Sorta sounds like fun, actually!" Fayt laughed.
Nel reached over the table and took away Fayt's full glass of beer. "All right, time for you to give it a break before you actually do something stupid..."
Sophia turned to Cliff and Albel. "So, uh-" She leaned forward so they could hear her whisper. "-you two... you know... dating yet?"
Both men looked at each other for a second. Cliff's lips curled into a smile before turning to Sophia. "No... but I'd like to..."
Albel got up from his seat. "Don't be ridiculous..." he mumbled before walking away and out the door, everyone watching him as he went.
Sophia turned to Cliff again once the door shut and Albel was gone. "Well, I think you should go follow him right now and make it official."
Just the idea almost made Cliff grin. "Yeah..." He finished his drink and got up. "Nel, Adray, I trust you'll be able to handle these two. I've... gotta go."
The rain had lessened from earlier, now almost being a drizzle. He glanced both ways down the dimly lit street and didn't see any sign of the Glyphian. He began to head toward the square, deciding to look down the short alleyway between the tavern and the next house over. There, just walking into the shadows where he couldn't been seen any longer.
"Albel!" Cliff called, but got no response. Albel hadn't even stopped. He went in after him.
When he came into sight again, Albel stopped and leaned his back onto the cold brick of the tavern. His right hand came up to cover his face as he closed his eyes. As Cliff came closer, he further inspected the younger man. He was back in his usual purple attire- spandex shirt and skirt with the killer slit. His metal claw was still missing, but his thick metal collar was back in place. To Cliff, as Albel stood there, he almost looked exhausted.
"Hey..." Cliff said, coming to a stop in front of the Elicoorian, "you okay?"
Albel opened his eyes, one looking through his fingers. "Leave me alone."
The Klausian stood his ground. "Why?" He began to smirk. "Afraid you might do something?"
His hand fell to his side as he glared at him. They held eye contact for several seconds before Albel went to walk away. "This is absurd..."
Cliff put his hand against the wall under Albel's arm before he could move. To make sure he stayed put, he put his other hand under his other arm to trap him there. He stared at him in silence.
Albel glared at him. "What do you think you're doing?" he said angrily. Receiving silence, he turned his head to the left, looking at him with a single crimson eye. "You want to kiss me, don't you?" he spat.
Yeah... And I'm about to finally lose my control and do just that.
"What makes you think I want to be like you- a freak?"
He's lying to himself...
"I have no intention of joining you." He turned his head to fully glare at Cliff. "And I never will."
It's time to snap him out of denial.
Cliff leaned in, not caring that Albel's eyes widened and his body tensed up. He didn't hesitate to close the distance between them. It wasn't even two seconds in and Cliff wormed his tongue into Albel's mouth, his kiss relentless. He felt Albel's hands grip his hips as hard as he could, moaning as it continued. The blonde took a step closer to make his body be right against the smaller one. As the kiss progressed, the hands on his hips slid up and landed on his shoulder blades to hug him close. It was a few seconds after Albel emitted a tiny whimper when Cliff took the other's lower lip into his mouth to close and end the kiss.
He watched Albel open his eyes and let them focus. It didn't take long for those eyes to widen in horror as he realized what had just happened. Still panting lightly, he brought his arms back to his sides and pushed through Cliff's to walk away.
Cliff stared after him, watching his fast walking slow as he got closer to the street. He felt some satisfaction, now that that was finally off his chest, but he also felt sad to see him just walking away. Albel...
Albel stopped when he reached the street and turned around. "Are you coming or not?" he called.
Smiling, Cliff went to catch up as Albel went on ahead to the square, vaguely wondering when it had stopped raining. When he turned the corner, he jogged the last few feet to come to Albel's left side. Since it looked more inviting than ever, he took Albel's hand into his.
They walked on, entering the silent square. It was Albel who broke that silence. "Are... all people from your planet... good, uh...?"
Cliff smirked. "Kissers?" Albel turned his head to try to hide his blushing- didn't work. "Yeah, we're pretty much good at everything..." Albel's head whipped around to stare at him, and he winked to get his point across. This made him blush darker and look to the ground.
He heard Cliff chuckle, making him look over at him again. "What's so funny?" he snapped.
"I just find it amazing..." said Cliff, still smiling, "Albel the Wicked actually has a heart."
Albel growled and looked down at the ground again. "You're delusional..."
"... Albel?"
Said person looked over at Cliff. "What is it now?"
"Hey, don't get snappy with me..." Cliff said smuggly. "Keep in mind where you're going and who you're going with."
Albel blushed again and looked away. " ...What?"
"I love you."
Albel cringed, still unable to look at him. "Fucking maggot..." he mumbled.
"I'll take that as an 'I love you, too'"
END
My only complaint about this story is that I think I got them WAY too OOC at points. (Like the ending) -bows- I deeply apologize. I do it to every story I write and I can't help it...! -cries- So yeah, this is like the best story I've ever written. (Other than that YGO/Gravitation crossover...) I hope you liked it too. BUT! There's an alternate ending! If I get enough reviews, I might just put it up... -smile-
PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE REVIEW! -bows- Thank you.