Disclaimer: I do not own Star Ocean or its Characters.

Note: Yeah, rice – try not to get upset with me…I know how you hate Fayt but just remember how I usually end my Alphia stories. –remember to keep those happy thoughts- :) And please forgive any errors in word usage - I use an online dictionary but the site was down. Well, that's my luck...

Dialog – "Blah"

Thoughts – 'Blah'

Bitter-Sweet Motivations

Chapter 11: Rival Hearts

Even in sleep, Albel recognized the knock on the downstairs door. He knew every noise issued through the mansion walls. The mansion had been more of a home to him then anywhere else. He knew the instant the front door opened and he knew by the subtle sounds how many had entered. The sounds of heavy steps below him interfered with further sleep. He moaned lightly as his arousal from slumber was unavoidable.

For the first time in a very long time our swordsman was enjoying his sleep. The last time he recalled a slumber that was nightmare free was on the hard ground in the garden. His body fought him endlessly with the soft warmth of the bed under him.

His eyes fluttered when the stairs creaked. Albel knew instantly that one of the visitors was being guided by a maid. Their destination was one that he was also aware of. Albel twisted his relaxed features slightly as he tightened his embrace on the lump beside him. She sighed her sleeping response and moved with him. In a relaxed state of unconsciousness, she lightly dug her face into his chest as her arm snaked around his waist.

Her warmth only caused the battle he fought with sleep to rage fiercer then before. He couldn't understand why but the girl relaxed him. He knew only a few hours had passed since she had given into his demands to rest. Only two hours had passed since he had grown tired of waiting for the others to find them. Upon tiring himself, he had stretched out and pulled the blanket over them. Now she rested intertwined with him.

It perplexed him how she was able to have him do things he never would consider doing. The last thing anyone would expect 'the wicked one' to do was cuddle; yet here he was doing just that. He found it odd to be in a bed with a female and though thoughts of other activities did enter his imagination – they were not priority. He was amused with how greedily his body held on to her without the need for more intimacy. He was amused and puzzled.

He had a short time to contemplate his current predicament before someone tapped on his door. He knew it was the maid and he could smell her fear in the air. All of the maids dreaded to be called on to disturb him when he was shut up in his room. For once he wasn't angry with the maid for the distraction. He knew it was the wishes of the other behind the door. His anger gave in to more amusement as he pondered briefly if he should open the door or allow the intruder to venture in himself.

When he didn't answer, the tapping returned but with more force. It would seem that his visitor had become impatient. Albel had his back to the door. He was sure that he and the blanket would prevent any who dared open his door from seeing what he harbored.

Keeping his body still, he twisted his head up to the ceiling. "What do you want, maggot?" Sophia stirred at the sound of his voice.

"Can I come in?" the muffled voice behind the door asked.

Her yawn cut off Albel's response. He turned his attention back to her and watched as she blinked a few times. She looked at him and smiled before blushing. Her arm was still around him and her legs still tangled with his. "Um, good morning," she said shyly before giggling softly. "Well, it's not exactly morning but it sounded nice."

He waited for her to let go of him or make any other indication that she wanted to be out of his embrace; but she didn't. She just looked at him and though she grew slightly redder under his stare; she didn't fight him off of her. The hand she had around him started to move slightly as her fingers rubbed gently on his back. It was strangely soothing and he felt a chill. She used her free hand to brush his hair from his eyes.

He didn't flinch (a reaction that surprised him). "Humph, you really are nothing but trouble." His voice was soft as he whispered.

"Yeah," she giggled. "I guess so."

Neither felt the pull as they closed the already short distance between them. As their lips touched he tightened his embrace. She allowed him to move until she had half her body on his as they kissed. Her hair fell around his face, shielding them from anything but each other.

"Sophia!"

Sophia jerked up in surprise at the sound of her name. She eyes immediately darted to who had interrupted her. A thin veil of hair covered her face; slightly hiding her expression as her eyes fell on her childhood friend. "Fayt?"

"What…Sophia, what's going on?"

Sophia looked down briefly at Albel; who had turned his head and was giving Fayt a very displeasing look. She tilted her head back up only to be greeted by the very hurt and shocked boy.

"What do you think is going on, fool," Albel replied.

Fayt twisted his lips in anger. "I didn't ask you. Sophia, he hasn't hurt you has he?"

"Hurt me?" Sophia asked innocently. "Fayt, really…he helped me and…"

"And what?" Fayt asked putting his hands on his hips. "Did he help you lose your virginity too?"

Sophia's face grew red and she blew the hair out of her face. "Fayt! H-how dare you!" Sophia moved uneasily. She attempted to leave the bed but was restrained by Albel's hold on her.

"What's the matter, maggot? Upset I may have done something you have been too scared to do yourself?"

Sophia looked down in disbelief. Albel had all but agreed with Fayt. "Albel!" she half yelled half spoke. He didn't respond. His attention was on the boy at the door whose anger was steadily rising. She shifted again only to be restrained once more.

"Come on, Sophia. I don't think hanging around him is good for you."

Albel chuckled darkly. "And I suppose you can do better? The girl needs a man and not a boy."

Sophia wiggled but once again she was held down. Her anger grew at the two in the room. She was angry at Fayt for jumping to conclusions despite all the years he had known her and at Albel for only fueling his misconceptions. She felt pinned in the middle and she felt she was being used for the two to express their disapproval of the other.

"That is enough," she yelled; drawing the attention of both men. "Albel, let go of me!"

Fayt stepped closer to the bed. "Yeah, Albel let go of her."

She was in the process of crawling over Albel to get off the bed when she stopped and glared at Fayt. "Fayt, will you just shut up!"

Fayt's anger quickly gave in to hurt. Of all the years he had known her, he had never had her this mad at him before. Sophia looked away from him but refused to look at Albel either as she made it to the floor. She had been so warm in the bed that the sudden cold on her bare feet chilled her whole body. She ignored it as she pulled the robe tighter around her. Without another look at either occupant in the room, she stepped around Fayt and out the door.

The maid had been at the door the whole time and gave Sophia a guilty look. Sophia tried to restrain the anger in her voice as she addressed the woman. "Are my clothes repaired yet?" She failed as she talked to the maid with a dominating and harsh voice.

"Yes M'lady," she replied with a bow. "They are downstairs in the laundry room and should be dry by now."

Sophia gave her a hurried 'thank you' as she walked to the stairs. She heard Fayt calling her name as she descended to the first floor; but she gave him no acknowledgment. She didn't stop. Right then the last thing she wanted was more questions. She wanted to be left alone somewhere so she could think things through. She already felt bad for yelling at the two.

Unfortunately for her, everyone else waited at the bottom of the stairs. One look was all she needed to know that they had heard the whole exchange through Albel's open door.

"Sophia?" Nel asked softly as she passed.

"Please, not now Nel," Sophia replied her sweetest through clenched teeth as she made her way through the group.

Roger jumped in her path. "Whoa, Lady Phia. Whatcha wearing?"

Sophia didn't reply. She just glared at the boy before moving around him. She didn't like feeling this way around her friends. But she was mad and having a hard time taming her anger. 'Why can't they just leave me alone right now? After I've had a chance to cool off then I'll talk, but not now. Please not now.'

Her silent pleas went unanswered. "Well, she's having on hell of a morning after," Cliff said with a broad smile.

Sophia stopped in mid-step and turned to address the whole group; plus Fayt who had made it to the bottom of the stairs and Albel who stood at the top. Her anger was quickly getting the better and she felt like she was going to explode. "It's not enough to be kidnapped, confused for someone else and told who I'm going to marry is it? No! I wake up feeling ten times better than I did a few hours ago just to be accused by everyone of something I didn't do. AND if I did then it wouldn't be anybody else's business now would it?"

She let out a long breath of frustration as she growled and resumed her trek to the laundry room. Everyone winched when the door to the laundry room shut. Everyone had expected it to be slammed; but it was closed with a soft thud. Once the shock had worn, all eyes turned to Fayt. He gave everyone a nervous smile as they started asking questions.

"Kidnapped?"

"Confused for someone else?"

"Going to get married?"

"So did she and Albel do something or not?"

"Shut up, Cliff!" Nel said smacking him on the back of his head. Cliff cringed at the blow and gave her a sheepish smile.

Fayt waved his hands at the group who probed for answers. "Hey, I don't know what's gong on here. We'll have to ask Albel."

Roger jumped on the bottom step and peered up at the swordsman. "Hey, Albel. Are you and Sophia going to get married?"

Albel just smirked as he set his vision on Fayt. "See what happens when you jump to conclusions, maggot."

Fayt scowled back at him. "I only thought what you led me to believe! What am I supposed to think when I find you two in bed together kissing? And what happened to her clothes anyway?" Fayt's voice was still laced with heavy accusations.

Before Albel could answer, the front door opened. Woltar entered carrying a box complete with a card and flower attached to the top. Everyone eyed him in silence.

"Ho-ho," he laughed. "Seems I go away and everyone comes to visit."

"Lord Woltar, you are back early," a maid said greeting him as she took his coat.

"And just in time it would seem. Albel, my boy, is it true you threatened Lord Leffeld?"

Albel shrugged. "Why?"

"Well," Woltar said setting the box down on the table by the door. "I ran into Millon Leffeld, Airyglyph's newest noble. He was extremely apologetic. He kept mumbling something about his ill niece. After hearing his story I cleared the confusion." Woltar looked around the group gathered at the stairs. "Can someone tell me where I can find Miss. Sophia? Millon wishes to set things straight and pay for any injuries she suffered to herself and her outfit."

"Injuries?" Fayt asked making his way to the man.

Woltar nodded and told the story Millon had told him. When he was done he looked up at Albel who had just landed on the bottom step. "Is that the same as you know it, my boy?"

"Humph, he makes it sound like all her injuries were self inflicted. From what I heard, and what little I saw, she was a prisoner and her escape wasn't that easy."

"As I thought," Woltar replied. "I was sure there was more, but I heard him out anyway. Needless to say he was broken hearted to find out his niece had passed."

"P-passed?" Everyone turned to see Sophia at the door way. "So, Ameena is…" She couldn't finish.

"I'm afraid so my dear. Here," Woltar took the box off the table and pushed his way through the crowed room and to the girl. "He wanted you to have this. It is his way of apologizing."

Sophia took the box. She fingered the card and read it silently. Everyone waited for a reaction as they watched her face grow pale. After she had read the card she lifted one side of the box so to peek at the contents. She closed the lid and shook her head. She pressed the box back into Woltar's hands. "I can't take this. I just can't."

Sophia headed straight for the front door. Fayt caught up with her just as she pulled the door open. "Sophia, are you okay?"

Sophia sighed and turned her head slightly; but didn't look at him. "No, I'm not," she said surprising everyone with her blunt honesty. "I'm sorry for holding up your mission and I'm sorry to everyone else for the worry I've caused. Right now, I want to be alone. I'll meet up with you all later."

She opened the door and walked out. After a few seconds Fayt turned and gave Cliff a lost look.

Cliff shrugged. Fayt searched the group; silently looking for some direction on how to handle the situation. The last thing he ever thought he would hear her say was that she wanted to be alone. She had never been fond of being alone before.

Nel approached him. "You don't get it do you?"

"Huh?"

"You. You really don't get it. Neither do you," she said turning to the swordsman. "Girls like Sophia aren't won by male egoism and competition. Part of her is still looking for that fairy tale romance. The romance she wants doesn't include two idiots in a duel to the death. She's looking for someone to save her. She wants someone to slay the beast and free her – not chain her up. Just because the beast that holds her isn't one you can run through with a blade doesn't mean it's not there. Swords and fighting aren't going to release her. From what I've heard, she's already a prisoner due to what was done to her in order to help save us from deletion. But that's only part of it."

"What do you mean, Nel?" Fayt asked. "What's the other part?"

"I can't tell you that. If I did then her rescue wouldn't be real and it would only hurt her more." Nel stepped away from Fayt and turned to Woltar. "Excuse our presence here unannounced."

Woltar smiled. "Not to worry, my dear. This turn of events was not for waste. Things that should be will be."

"It's getting late, guys. We should head to the inn and make arrangements for the night."

Everyone moved at Mirage's undemanding command. Once everyone was gone, Woltar gave Albel a look of amusement. Albel simply returned his look with a harsh look of his own before treading back up the stairs and into his room.

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Sophia walked the streets lost in thought. She found it amazing that so much could happen all in one day. Last night she was kidnapped. She had made it to Kirlsa sometime this morning. Her whole day was spent running from a case of mistaken identity. She had finally found a little brightness in the whole day just to have accusations pushed at her.

So much had happened; not only in that day but in the last few days. She had to fight off the urge to return to the mansion. She felt the need to apologize to the others and to Woltar, but she couldn't. Not yet. She didn't know what else to say to any of them.

Part of her was relieved. She no longer felt the weight of hiding the secret she'd been carrying. She only hated the hurt she had seen on Fayt's face after he had caught them kissing.

She passed through the streets, slowly growing aware of the cold that accompanied the night. She stopped and hugged herself as she scanned the streets. She didn't want to go to the inn just yet; she was sure the others were there. The mansion wasn't an option right now. She looked around for some idea on what to do when she spotted the workshop.

Without hesitation she entered the building. The fire that usually kept the place warm was still lit. She smiled briefly before searching for the cooking supplies. When she was worried about something she could always find some comfort in cooking. She paused and swallowed the lump in her throat. Right now she didn't need to think about her old life. The life she was rejected from. Still, cooking here would be a change without the conveniences she was accustom to.

She had just set the supplies on the counter top when the door opened. A man staggered in. He took a few steps from the door and stopped. His head turned in a lazy fashion as he studied the room. "This isn't right."

Sophia scrutinized him a bit before speaking. He hadn't noticed her, but he looked lost. "Are you okay, sir?"

He turned abruptly and looked her over. "This isn't the bar or inn is it?"

"Um, no. It's a workshop. Are you lost?"

He scratched his head and smiled slightly. "Yeah, guess I am."

She took a step toward him and paused. She could clearly smell the alcohol on him. Her previous suspicions were confirmed. The man was drunk.

"Sooo sorry miss…" His voice slurred. He turned to leave but lost his balance and landed face first on the hard floor.

Sophia couldn't help but to gasp and run to his side. She lifted on his shoulders; helping him to his knees. He gave her an embarrassed smile as he brushed his shoulder length hair from his face. "Ah."

"Are you okay?" she asked squatted beside him.

"Ah, yeah, I think so. Now just add wounded pride to the list and my day will be one hundred percent miserable."

"Miserable?"

He chuckled as he lifted himself enough to sit back. He let his knees support his arms as he tilted his head to the side. "Miserable. That's me alright."

Sophia just blinked at him. "Why? Oh, I shouldn't be so rude. I'm sorry."

He looked at her and laughed. "No, don't be. I'm just suffering from a broken heart. I won't be allowed to married the one I love."

Sophia tilted her head to the side. "Oh, so she said no."

"No, she said yes. Father said no." She gave him a curious look. "I came from a noble family and father won't allow me to be with a commoner. It's not acceptable."

"But if you love her and she loves you then why wouldn't it be acceptable?"

He shook his head. "All that doesn't matter. It's all about status with nobles. I hate being one. Thanks to the house I was born to, my life will never be truly mine to live."

"That's horrible."

He swayed a bit and almost lost his balance. "You're not from around here are you? You don't seem to know a lot about the nobles."

"No, I'm not from around here," Sophia replied giving him her best smile. She still didn't feel like smiling, but she had no reason to take her frustrations out on a stranger. "I'm Sophia."

"Sophia," he smiled. "I'm Nick. We'll leave out the last name – it's my mortal enemy." He laughed and she couldn't help but to laugh with him. "Since you don't seem to be familiar with our customs then let me fill you in. Royalty can only marry royalty or a noble. Nobles only marry other nobles. For a noble or member of royalty to marry a commoner is unacceptable. This rule also holds for any official in a high rank. They are counted as nobles. When it comes to the King, he has the power to declare a person to be noble or not. The only way I could marry my love is to ask the King and hope he will announce her as a new noble. But that would never happen. If such were to come to pass then her remaining family would also achieve the status of noble and they are as poor as they come. The other nobles would be in an uproar and everyone would be against it."

Sophia bowed her head. "That's not fair."

He laughed shortly. "No it's not."

He made an attempt to stand, but fell again. She stood and offered her hand; which he gladly took. After multiple attempts, he was standing – leaning on her for support.

"I should be getting home."

She giggled. "I guess I should help you then. I don't think you'll make it alone."

She could tell that Nick was doing his best not to put so much weight on her. He failed and she had to clamp her mouth on several occasions to keep him from noticing. Her heart had gone out to him. He was a man in love but one unable to be with the one he loved. It was tragic and she found herself on the edge of tears.

She stopped in the middle of the street. "I would run away."

"Huh?"

She bit her lip. "Sorry…I was just thinking about if I were you and the only thing I could think to do was run away. I mean you and her run away somewhere. Just the two of you."

He grunted. "Run away," he repeated in a dazed fashion.

She sighed as she continued to walk. "Sorry, I shouldn't have butted in. It just hurts to see someone not be with the one they love."

He chuckled. "It's people like you that keep fools like me from losing hope."

The rest of the time was spent in silence. When they had arrived at his home he wished her a good night and apologized for any trouble he caused. She watched him stagger to the door and didn't leave until he was inside.

She walked to the edge of his property line and looked up at the sky. It was night and all the stars were out. Unlike most nights, the sky over Kirlsa was free from clouds. As her eyes wondered over the sky, her mind turned to thoughts she hadn't dared to think about until Nick was home.

'He said 'This rule also holds for any official in a high rank' didn't he? Does Albel really want to be with me or is it just my imagination? And if he does then where would that put us? I'm not a noble and he's a captain.' Her thoughts of one man lead to another. 'And why was Fayt so fast to accuse me of that? Why that? And why did he look so hurt. He should know me better by now. I'm sure he didn't really mean it. So why did I get so mad at him. And Albel. I was mad at him too.'

She let her gaze drop and decided to head to the inn for the night. She had gotten a little sleep but she needed more to fully recover from the day that had just passed. As she walked she asked herself over and over again why she had gotten so upset.

'Could it be that I was really only mad at myself? Oh, I truly don't deserve to be around either one do I? No, how could I. I still wonder about Fayt and worry about him. But Albel… I think I…'

Her thoughts were interrupted when a hand came to rest on her shoulder. She hadn't quite finished her step and jumped at the unexpected force on her; losing her footing in the process. She was caught from behind and swiftly set on her feet.

"It's a wonder you haven't walked into a wall when all you do is watch your feet like that."

"I wasn't watching my feet," she defended turning to the person who had interrupted her thoughts. "I was thinking. Huh? Albel?"

"Humph, what are you doing here?"

"Here?" She looked around for the first time since she had left Nick's house and realized she had wandered back to the front of Woltar's mansion. "Huh? Oh, I must not have been looking at where I was going. I was supposed to be headed to the inn."

He didn't stir as she waited for a response. 'What am I waiting for? Am I waiting for an answer to my question? Maybe I should stop waiting and just ask him.'

He made no indication of moving. In silence he just stared down at her. She swallowed hard as she forced her nervousness away. If she could sleep in his arms and kiss him then a simple question shouldn't be too hard to ask.

"Albel?"

"Humm?"

"Do you want me to stay?"

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(A/N) In the word of Kay - Oh evil cliff-hanger! And yes, you will find out what was in the box and what the card said a little later. I guess this chapter was male pride vs. female ideals. Why do guys have to be so competitive?