A/N:
Hello my lovelies! Again, it has been two years since the last L&F update, yet I'm still shocked I still have gotten so many pm's and new favorites and follows despite my unannounced hiatus! I'm really grateful that people still seem to read and enjoy this story!
I do feel that an explanation is due for you guys. I'm not going to lie and say major life events haven't gotten the better of me in the past two years, but I have honestly been so busy with work, university, and so many things.
I have also been in a bit of a rut in Writer's Block. A few chapters ago, I mentioned that I lost all the bullet points and drafts for the story, which span from the beginning to the end of L&F. It really sucked, and while majority of it I was able to remember and salvage In the form of excerpts I had already pre-written out, I got stuck with writer's block for a very long time, and just recently I was able to recover a portion of my free time to dedicate to writing.
… I have been a bit crestfallen due to the quality of my fics lately. But I won't let it deter me, and keep working hard.
I'm in a very demanding university and currently bombarding myself with as many classes as I can in order to graduate within the next three or four years. (I'm also dealing with being in a temporary long distance relationship as my partner is currently active military out of the States) and it's honestly a bit overwhelming, and scary at times.
I had to take a bit of a mental health check for a while do deal with personal and financial issues, and while I still have some stuff to deal with, I've been getting health and seeing a psychiatrist. I'm very grateful for her, and I just want to take a bit of a rant to say that if anyone ever feels like they're stuck, that they're never going to get their dream career or be happy, or anything that puts you down and spirals depression, please do not keep it to yourself. There's no reason to self torture yourself with deprecating thoughts and festering it until you 'explode'.
It's best to speak to loved ones about things you are dealing with, and you should never be afraid to speak up and seek professional health. I know there is still a bit of a stigma about seeing psychiatrists and mental health, but you and only you have the power to make yourself happy. Don't deny yourself that, and keep on.
A quick reminder that I do not own DGM. Thank you for your patience.
That said, please enjoy the update to 'Lost and Found!'
"Holy-" Chris swayed, leaning his arm against the wall. It was a horrid sight, that left him feeling sick to the stomach. Chaos had erupted all around him, and he could barely make out the string of curses from Nayami, being guided against her shoulder for support as she slung an arm around him.
"You okay?" The redhead asked.
"I don't know." He admitted, truthfully put off by the scene. She turned to face them away, setting him down to sit by the cafeteria's doors.
"Someone get him some ginger tea. And the lady too. She might go into shock at any moment."
"What happened to that guy, Nayami…" Chris managed to say, closing his eyes at the cool touch of the wall against his forehead.
Nayami looked pensive, but she shook her head, crouching down to put a handkerchief over his nose. "I don't know…" she paused. "But I'm gunna find out. In the meantime, put this under your nose. Peppermint helps with the smell and nausea."
Chris nodded. "… Just gimme a couple of seconds and I'll be good…"
"Ma'am- What happened here?!" Nayami walked to the hysterical mourning woman.
"I-I don't know1" The woman managed in between sobs. "I knocked out first! I never was good with alcohol, so my husband stayed drinking. And when I woke up I found it weird he was gone, so I went looking for him, and- !" She broke out in tears once more, grief overcoming her.
Nayami said nothing. "…"
"Where did his body go?" Chris was now besides her, still looking ill but able to bare the gruesome scene now.
'Good question.' Nayami thought, a dark look crossing her eyes. "Ma'am, have you lost a loved one recently?" The woman looked up at her shocked. Chris looked at her with eyes wide, not believing she had just asked such an insensitive question like that.
"Nayami, she just lost her husband!?" He said, disbelieved.
Nayami seemed to have understood the mood, and she briefly apologized. "… I meant like a family member or someone close to you. I'd like to know in case you're being targeted."
"?" Chris wasn't understanding.
The old woman seemed to calm down a bit, still confused. "… Are you with the police?"
Nayami nodded without hesitation. "Investigator. Now, please…"
"…" The woman looked deep in thought, before she spoke. "No, not really. I mean, I did just have a great uncle pass away due to cancer, but I was never close to him. He's estranged from my mother's side of the family as far as I know." Nayami nodded. "… He was a good man, miss… I can't think of anyone who would want to hurt him."
"Everyone stay in their rooms and touch open for anybody. I'm going to get the Shipmaster. Don't touch anything either." Nayami made move to go but was stopped when a chorus of panicked whispering erupted.
"What if there's a serial killer on board?!"
Nayami's head whipped around fast, glaring down the passenger who had said that. "None of this talk about that!" She immediately shot down the whispers. "You'll only make it more dangerous for everybody on board if you start a mass panic."
"…"
Once the two where quite some distance away, Chris decided to speak up. "What if they're right, though?" He said. "What if there is?"
Nayami scoffed. "It could also be an Akuma. Remember how I told you they were born?"
"but the lady said it herself- she wasn't close to the guy."
Nayami sighed. "It doesn't matter. As long as there is a great level of grief, Akuma's can always be created. It's a possibility we shouldn't ignore…"
Chris was quiet for a while. "… Whoever it was, definitely knew how to use a weapon to make a clean cut like that." This caught the exorcist's attention as she looked at him.
"How so?"
"Well, I'm still a novice at swordsmanship myself but- whoever killed him knew where to cut to make a clean cut like that. But it's not like the cuts I've seen the family butcher do. It was too clean, and calculated."
"…" Nayami watched him, studying his words. If that was the case, then there were several people on board who could fit the bill for being able to behead a person. She frowned, peering over the noble's shoulder as she nudged for him to look back as well. Chris followed her line of sight, eyes widening slightly when they noticed a figure approaching them quietly. The air tensed around them, and Nayami took a step forward.
"I've never seen you around." She commented, meeting Chris's gaze for a moment.
The figure stopped, bowing slightly. His hood covered majority of his face, something that made Chris instantly a bit nervous. "I heard a commotion earlier. Is there something of the matter?"
"Who are you?" Chris asked. Behind him he noticed a shorter figure obscured mostly by the cloaked one's height.
The figure took a step closer. "Passengers of the ship as well."
"That's not right." Chris shook his head, frowning. "I've never seen you two before." It was true. He had often shared many nights goofing off with the other guys, and attending the makeshift dances the rest of the passengers would throw almost every night. In all of the festive cheer and shared whiskey, he had gotten to know every single passenger on board, as well as some details he was gushed to about their lives. Being a noble made him very sociable and easy to talk to. Talking- as well as attending parties and drinking, were his specialty.
Nayami smirked. "You hear that? And besides- the passenger's manifest said there were only 30 passengers on board. How come there's 32 now."
"You must be mistaken." The figure spoke again with calmness.
"No." Nayami's eyes hardened. "… How much of a coincidence is it that there's two extra people on board right when there's just been a death on the ship..?"
"A death?" The figure inquired.
This seemed to anger the shorter one, who came out from the taller's shadow to yell at her. "VIXEN! Are you insinuating we had something to do with that?! How dare you!"
Nayami took another step forward, cocking a brow up. "My, hotheaded aren't we?" She stopped when the taller figure took a step forward, the glint of a curved sword making her smirk widened. She readied herself, cocking her head to get Chris's attention. "That's a pretty sick looking sword Chris, can that sword be able to make a cut like it?"
Christopher studied the blade, looking back at Nayami as he nodded. "Definitely."
"Well…" Nayami extended her hand up, dropping it down to materialize her weapon. The two figures seemed to be shocked at this, the shorter one pointing at her as he muttered something in another language.
"Sorcery..!"
Nayami laughed. "No, innocence." She retorted. "You killed that man…"
"We did no such thing." The shorter one replied, appalled by such an accusation.
"Who are you."
"This is a mistake." The shorter one started off. "And you're of no importance to know that." He spat.
"Oh? So then you won't mind if I kill you."
"You will do no such thing." The taller one growled. Nayami smirked, pulling on the chain of her double edged scythe to make it spin.
"Oh yes I will. Now let's test out if you're an Akuma." She swung her scythe, allowing it to hurdle in a fury ball towards the figure who raised his sword to deflect it. The two metals clanked harshly, emitting a spark, as Nayami pivoted on her heels, flicking her wrist to bring the other scythe back around like a boomerang, the chains wrapping around the curved sword and breaking it in two. The cloak fell off the figure during their scuffle, revealing his features.
…
… To say the guy was ripped would be an understatement…
Tall, built like a bull and shirtless- an olive skinned man glared back at them. He wore a tightly wound turban over tufts of curly black hair. Nayami was honestly surprised at his appearance, but she didn't show it, opting to strike again, this time with a round house kick. The man had blocked it effortlessly, but in the process, she had purposefully nicked the side of his turban so that it would fall in his line of sight. Without a second to spare, she was able to grab the shorter figure, and haul him back towards where Chris was standing. "Will you tell us now who you are and what you're doing here?"
"Don't speak a word!" The shorter one demanded with a struggle against her grip. His cloak fell as well, exposing dark toffee skin embellished with intricate tattoos. Long waves of dark royal purple hair cascaded down his back and framing a boyish face.
"I'm guessing he calls the shots." Nayami nudged her head to the shorty. "And judging by your reaction and attire, I'm also guessing he's some kind of nobility, and you're his personal guard. Correct?"
"NOT A WORD." Purple haired pleaded, wincing at the added pressure she gave against his throat.
Suddenly the taller figure eased his battle stance, kneeling down with his head bowed. "… It doesn't matter what you do to me…" He looked up. "But I plead of you to let my Master go unharmed."
Nayami glared back coldly. "It depends. Answer my questions, and we'll see…"
"… I am Tahmaar Housaf- devoted servant to my Sheikh. May I ask in return?"
"I don't know you well enough for that." Nayami shot back.
Chris waved sheepishly. "Christopher Welt. Noble extraordinaire."
"I'm still asking the questions by the way." Nayami added with a raised brow. "Who's this guy?"
"Hmph! 'This guy' if you must know, commoner, am Ahmir Al Nazari of The Desert. 12th prince of Sheikh, of the Persian Empire." Chris and Nayami shared a look.
'So he's royalty…' Chris thought warily. He never quite got along with their kind. They liked to believe they were on a whole other level than the rest of the nobility… "My apologies, Prince Ahmir, I didn't introduce my title properly… I'm Christopher- a British noble from the Welt family, and Apprentice to the Court of Versailles du Franc, tier S Class in the Queen's Court. It's nice to meet you."
Nayami stared at Chris now, brow raised and in honest surprise at this revelation. She had no idea he was part of the Queen's Court! Does that mean his family holds influence over the Government? Most likely since the Versailles Court was highly coveted and the practical golden child of the Queen.
… That also meant there was a possibility his family had connections to the Vatican. Perhaps even the Order by title, but not high enough to know classified info… Did they fund or sponsor any of the expeditions or missions they went on? Research..?
Nayami was pulled by her thoughts when the 12th prince spoke.
"Ah-, your family name does ring a bell- oh!" He looked closely at Chris's Cross brooch. "That looks familiar, Tahmaar come, take a look."
"That looks like the brooch your father's visitor wore." Tahmaar agreed, praising the craftsmanship. Chris froze. Suddenly, his stomach felt uneasy again. There was an empty feeling enveloping him now as the pricking sensation of ice needles trickled through his skin and insides, his voice taking a deeper tone. "… You've seen it before..? Are you sure it's the same cross?" He said almost breathlessly, sounding winded. Nayami raised a brow at him in confusion. He was being weird. "… Cuz this is a family crest… No one else but a member of my Grandfather's side would have one… Not even my aunts or cousins do…"
Tahmaar and Ahmir shared a puzzled look, both nodding. "Positive."
"I would certainly remember a fine piece of art like this. My Empire values fine jewelry such as this. The designs are a bit foreign for my people's taste, but definitely would fetch quite the prize at the Bazaar." Ahmir added. "Come to think of it. Your face.. And hair…" He trailed off, seemingly in thought. "You resemble my father's visitor…"
Chris immediately clapped his hands, turning to look at Nayami with a smile. "Hey, you didn't introduce yourself." She narrowed her eyes at him suspiciously. Before she could voice anything, Ahmir turned to her with a smirk.
"And you? What name does this manly mannered barbarian girl go by?"
… Chris had to grab Nayami before an international incident occurred…
Tahmaar opened the door to their room, bowing slightly as they all entered. "Please make yourselves comfortable as guests of my Sheikh."
Chris grinned. "Thank you. You wouldn't happen to have tea would you?" Tahmaar chuckled with a nod.
"I do, although not the kind you Englishmen are accustomed too. Ours is spiced."
"Haha, that's fine." Chris assured. "I've tried tea from all over the world. I think I can handle it."
Tahmaar led them to the small table low to the ground, as Ahmir placed enough pillows for them. Chris quickly admired the intricate patterns on the delicate patterns, noting how it looked exotic… Not to mention expensive…
Nayami sat down next to Chris. "So what is a foreign prince doing here on a commoner's ship?"
Tahmaar came back with a large tray of teas and snacks. Ahmir sighed, breathing in the aroma and taking a sip before he spoke. "As you may guess, the Persian Empire is vast, with many commonwealth's and territories, such as the one the Magnolia ships headed to." Chris nodded. Nayami remained quiet. "Two weeks ago, several ships containing some of my high priests and fighters sunk in the Dead Sea."
"Are you suspecting pirates?" Nayami asked.
"Perhaps, given that has been a problem in the past, but not for my ships. I've never had any ships casting my royal flag be attacked, and the wreckages have not been found. It's as if they vanished without a trace. It's concerning to us as we use the Sea as a main means of imports." Chris was starting to see the point. "There's already word about it spreading, and I wish to avoid mass panic, which might hurt our trade, and might make ships not want to dock at our territories."
"So you're here undercover to see if this ship gets attacked, and figure out why it's happening."
Ahmir nodded. "Yes. Preferably before the rest of my brothers and sisters find out. They might see this as a chance to what you westerners call 'one-up' and be opportunistic." Ahmir looked at them. "That's why I got highly offended- in no such way would I jeopardize my name and attack an outsider. I don't share the same brute ideals as the rest of my family…"
Nayami sighed. "While this doesn't answer who killed that guy, at least we were able to cross out two potential suspects."
"Barbarian girl…" Ahmir started off, smirking at Nayami's reaction to the new nickname. "That does not answer why you are here."
"Don't worry about it. Think of it as I'm a detective of sorts." Chris snorted at her reply.
"A close friend of ours is sick, so we're taking him to Shanghai- well, that was our plan…" Nayami gave him a scathing look. She didn't like that he let that slip.
"Oh? What ails your friend?" Tahmaar asked, curious.
"He gets seizures. There's a china man who specializes in treating them. That's all." Nayami said curtly. Chris sighed.
"Way to break the ice, Nayami…"
Tahmaar and Ahmir both looked at each other. "Ice? What ice do you speak of? I see none here."
"Ah- it's a figure of speech, hahaha." Chris chuckled.
"How noble." Tahmaar said.
Ahmir hummed in agreement. "I wasn't aware westerners treated their non-blood relations as if they were family."
"We're close." Chris and Nayami both answered, sharing a look.
"My culture doesn't have such a concept, which is why it's foreign to me." Ahmir retorted. "We have a social caste I think is what you Englishmen call it."
"… So Tahmaar is just a servant to you..?" That bothered Chris for some reason. Sure, in a way his own country had something similar, but regardless of his wealth, he adored the servants of his family. He always had that sort of attitude he adapted after his brother disappeared. He knew it wasn't the sort of attitude many other nobles shared or treated them. After all, he was usually all by himself in the mansion… If he didn't try to communicate with them, he would feel even more alone as he did after that day…
Ahmir looked amused. "Tahmaar is an exception. I guess I feel the same way." Ahmir had never had someone talk to him in such a familiar way like Chris and Nayami did, and it was honestly refreshing. "Do you call it a brotherhood? Is that the word?"
Chris nodded. "Yeah, I understand what you mean."
"Unfortunately many in my Empire do not think in such a way. Currently, the Empire has no chance to progress with the old ideals of antiquity. That's why I will succeed into changing views once I win the throne. I want to radicalize the Empire into modernity."
"That's a good cause." Nayami said. "Living with the past will never let you prosper to the future." Nayami smirked. "But you seem very confided you will win, 12th prince."
Ahmir returned the smirk, tilting his head. "I have 24 brothers and sisters all fighting for the throne-" Chris's eyes almost bugged out of his head. "- yet out of them all, I have the most public exposure and popularity with the people of the Empire. That's all I need to win… I will serve not for power, but for the better of my people, to rid them of this ridiculous caste…"
"And you will, rightfully so, my Sheikh." Tahmaar said, a soft smile gracing his features.
"Then I hope you end up winning." Chris smiled as well. "Good luck with that." Ahmir nodded.
"Thank you, Chris of the Welt's."
"Just Chris is fine. It sounds weird when you say it like that, hahaha."
"What shall we do about the situation at hand? There's a storm approaching quickly, and it seems there is a murderer on board." Ahmir questioned.
"Well." Chris started off, but Nayami interrupted him.
"For now we talk to the Shipmaster. Let them know of the situation , and monitor everyone closely until the killer makes a move. That's all. Let's go, Chris." Nayami stood up, heading out to go. Chris stood up, turning to go after her when Ahmir's voice called out to him, amusement lighting up his tone as he chuckled.
"Chris, do you always let her interrupt you when speaking?"
Chris looked confused. "What?"
"She seems to think she's on par with everyone. You shouldn't let your woman step out of line. It's unbefitting."
Chris's eyes widened, and he flushed red a bit. "Uh no, she's not mine." he quickly rejected, looking awkward as the two foreigners eyed him strangely. "We're not, uh, together." Chris made a weird motion with his two pointer fingers. "We're just friends and travel companions, and that's just how she is. She comes off strong… Plus I don't see her like that... I mean, she's free to do whatever the hell she likes regardless of being a woman…" He laughed awkwardly. He really should go and catch up with her.
"Oh?" Ahmir quipped. "She's not yours? So you're both unwed- why do you travel together then?" Ahmir smirked at his nervous reaction. "Ah- unless you plan to claim her, that is."
Chris coughed. "She's a free independent woman! There's nothing wrong with that!" Was all he said before he hurriedly bid them goodbye, leaving after the red head.
Ahmir and Tahmaar both grinned at each other.
"He seems awfully embarrassed for just a travel companion…" Tahmaar said, smiling. Ahmir chuckled, looking towards were the British noble had left.
"Yes. It's quite obvious he cares for her. Oh well, I don't understand this song and dance westerners seem to have when it comes to claiming one another."
"I believe they call it courting." Tahmaar added, pouring more tea for his prince.
"No sense at all."
"It seems time will only tell what their future might hold." Tahmaar concluded.
"…"Ahmir sighed, sipping his tea.
Chris managed to catch up with Nayami back at the room an hour later. He was surprised when she said she wasn't able to meet with the Shipmaster due to tight security and the curfew he enforced. They weren't allowed to leave their rooms, but the red headed exorcist seemed adamant on breaking them.
"I'm thirsty." She suddenly said, getting up. They were in Chris's room, and he got up to accompany her despite the glare she sent him.
"Relax, I'm only going because I'm thirsty too." He rolled his eyes. Well, not necessarily a lie since it was partly true, but she didn't need to know.
"Okay." Was all that Nayami said.
…
All the lights in the cafeteria were off. Nayami stepped in, grasping for the switch as the room seemed to flicker with life. "Go check the back. I think that's where they keep the ice." She said, walking off to somewhere.
"Sure thing, your highness." Chris chuckled under his breath, sauntering off to get 'his highness' her ice. Pulling the handle of the small fridge, Chris took out a bag of ice, turning to look at Nayami. "Will this do?"
She nodded. "Yeah. Let's go bring it back to the room."
"With what drink?" Chris asked curiously, not seeing Nayami hold any beverage in hand. Said girl suddenly smirked, reaching behind her to pull out several bottles of beer, along with a big mug of whiskey and vodka.
Chris blinked, before he started to shake with laughter, a mischievous look also on his face as they made their way back. "Damn…"
Nayami shrugged her shoulders. "The beers for you." She added cheekily. "Unless you can handle your hard liquor?"
Smirk. "Psh." Chris rolled his eyes, opening the door as they stepped in. Helga looked up at them, only to roll her eyes and groan at the sight of all the alcohol they carried. She didn't say a word, only went back to her room to get away. "Aww, I was gunna ask her to join us…" Chris said.
Nayami shook her head. "Judging by her reaction, you must be an interesting drunk."
Chris shot her a cryptic smile, shrugging. "You wanna drink in my room? There's a little fridge in their we can keep the alcohol and ice cool."
"Sure."
"By the way, Nayami. Why the alcohol if you don't mind me asking?" Chris sat down on the edge of her bed, making space for Nayami to join him. "I've never seen you drink with us. And you didn't give me the impression you liked to." He looked over at her, giving her a glass filled with ice as Nayami poured herself whiskey. He watched as she swirled the gold liquid around for a bit, before taking a deep gulp.
'Well at least she can drink, it seems!' He thought in slight awe at how fast she downed the liquid.
"Dunno. Just felt like it." She answered simply, holding out her cup for Chris to pour her more whiskey. "… I try to avoid it… But after everything lately, I just got the itch to have a drink." Chris said nothing, serving himself some whiskey.
"Oh so that means that you're a bad drunk then." He grinned at her nudge to his side, taking a sip.
"As if." She scoffed. "… It just reminds me of things I'd rather not think about."
Chris hummed. "Sounds personal." He took another sip, holding out his glass towards her with a cheeky grin.
… This was nice. They didn't usually got along like this. Heck, she never humored his jokes, but here they were sharing drinks like if they were old buddies. "Nothing you have to tell a measly noble like me. If you don't want to, that is." He added. "Alcohol tends to make me be like some sort of stress reliever for other people. I get told so many personal problems, I might as well do the same for you if you'd like. I give good advice."
Nayami didn't acknowledge his words for a while, simply enjoying her drink as she crossed her legs. Briefly, she clanked her drink glass softly against his. "… I think I'll pass." Chris shrugged. It was quiet for a while until Chris spoke up, wanting to continue this nice pleasantry between them.
"… So, typically I play some sort of game or have a super heated discussion about the world and politics when in the presence of alcohol. You wanna play a game or something?"
"Like what?"
"Do you play poker?"
Nayami's eyes trailed over to look at him, a strange glint swirling in her eyes as she smiled widely. Chris gulped, feeling rather nervous at her expression. She almost looked like a predator who had cornered their prey without their knowledge. "Do you play strip poker?" Chris's eyes widened, before he let out a boisterous laugh.
"Oh, we're betting for our modesty?" Nayami only shrugged.
"We don't have to play that unless you're scared to lose and end up buck naked."
Chris stuck out his tongue "I'll let you know that I look good buck naked." She rolled her eyes.
"Whatever. Do you have playing cards? I could get mines."
"I have." Chris turned around, opening the bedside drawer out take out a fancy looking set.
Nayami nodded, downing the rest of her whiskey. The mug was almost half full by now. "So the usual rules of poker, if you lose a round you lose an article of clothing, blah, blah, blah."
"Oh and add a shot of whiskey and vodka mixed as well."
Nayami looked at him with amused mischief in her eyes. "Are you trying to get fucked up, Chris?"
He only laughed before continuing. "Oh and add also having to do a dare to the rules." Nayami smirked. "And I wasn't aware you were a lightweight Nayami…"
"… Oh you're gunna wish you were never born, Christopher Welt." She said, her smirk widening further. "I'm gunna destroy you."
"Ha, as if! I rock at poker!" Chris retorted back. He never lost…
… Chris sighed for what seemed like to be his new catchphrase, unbuttoning his crisp white shirt as he stood in nothing but his slacks. He gave the currently sneering Nayami a heated glare as he awaited his punishment dare, along with the shot of whiskey and vodka.
"There's no way- You have to be cheating somehow!" He yelled, begrudgingly accepting the shot and wincing as it burned his throat. He was already pretty nicely drunk, not his usual level of it, but enough to feel rather nice. "How the fuck?!"
Nayami cackled, before clearing her throat. "Oh? Do you have proof? You can't accuse me of cheating when you just suck. If it makes you feel better here, I'll take a shot with you."
"Just how..?" Chris groaned again.
She watched him through lidded eyes, chuckling under her breath as she swirled her drink. "That's classified. Not even Allen. He's got nothing on me."
His eyes widened. "Allen plays poker?!" Somehow he found that hard to believe.
She looked amused. "The kid's a beast."
"…" It seemed to Chris that alcohol made all the secrets come out, apparently.
"Wow… He just doesn't seem like—well, cuz he's always bitchin like if he's holy you know..?" Chris sighed. "… So what's the dare?"
"There's no dare." Nayami said, surprising him. She pulled him back down to sit next to her. "Just shut up and drink with me, Christopher."
Chris looked stuck between confused and amused, but he obliged to her wishes, reaching to put on his shirt back. Luckily, it seemed like they had abandoned their game of strip poker.
"Keep it that way." Nayami's words made him pause and look at her like if she had grown another head.
"But we finished."
Nayami smirked. "You did lose, so you have to stay that way for the rest of the night."
Chris blinked, listening to her jab although his own little smirk emerged after a while. "Now thar's just an excuse to get me to stay naked." Lucky for him, they were no longer playing. He wasn't sure if he could handle another loss, given to how nice Nayami's milky white legs looked right now…
He inwardly groaned at himself. 'Dammit, why did I have to be a leg man…' He thought, cursing the alcohol for making his weird thoughts. He was only thinking stuff like that because she wasn't in her bulky Exorcist clothes. That was it.
He heard Nayami snort, rolling her eyes. "Please, don't flatter yourself." She said snarkly, bringing her drink to her lips. "You're not my type."
"Oh?" Chris raised a brow, ignoring the light jab in his chest he got at her words. "Is that so?"
"Yes."
"I'm not your type." Chris repeated, a smirk almost evident in his words. "Okay, so what is your type then?"
Nayami took a sip. "That's for me to know."
"See, know I think you're lying." Chris stuck his tongue out. Nayami gave him a look. "Well, you didn't answer my question."
"I don't need to answer such a stupid question."
"Well, I'm curious to know what your type is… I bet it's guys like that real burly sailor with the red curls." Chris laughed when Nayami made a physical coiling sound, cringing at his words.
"Don't even."
"Well, then your type is that raven. The real tall, and stoic looking one. HE's been lookiing at you alot."
"Absolutely not." Nayami rolled her eyes, before meeting his gaze. "Going off topic, what about you?"
"What about me?"
"What's your type."
Chris grinned, slouching. "I don't have one."
Nayami raised a brow. "Really now…"
"Yup!"
"I was under the impression you fancied, rich, ditsy, aristocrat bimbos."
"Like the pride and prejudice type?" Chris's grin widened when she chuckled at this. "Nah, I'm not about that. Actually, I've never really thought about it before. Well, sure I've seen really beautiful women, but there's not much up here, ya know?" Chris pointed to his head. "If beauty is all that's being offered, it's not gunna work out for me… Maybe for the other nobles, but I crave integrity and acuity, not a cute face, pretty pearls and dresses."
"… I like assertiveness." Nayami finally answered. Chris hummed in agreement. "Naturally, I like strong men given to the type of job I do… But I guess my type is the kind who is strong, not just physically. Also, a nice smile doesn't hurt."
"I honestly took you more of a tall, brooding, silent type, but that's reasonable too." A sudden idea popped into his head. "What about Allen? What do you think his type is?"
Nayami made a sour face. "That boy wouldn't know if someone was flirting with him even if they blurted out their feelings to his face. I have no idea what his type would be." Chris stifled a laugh.
"By the way you said that, I'm guessing someone tried to confess to him, and he totally friend zoned them without even realizing it?"
Nayami scoffed. "Try family zoned."
Chris winced. "Ouch." They remained in silence for a bit, enjoying their drinks before Chris suddenly spoke up again. "You know, we don't usually get to talk like this." Nayami looked at him.
"You mean without being at each other's throats?" The redhead countered.
"Haha, yeah. It's pretty nice."
"Well, there is alcohol involved."
Chris grinned playfully. "Are you implying we only get along when there's alcohol?"
"It's the only time I can physically tolerate you without wanting to launch you out of a two story window."
Chris's grin widened. "That sounds like domestic abuse, Nayami."
"It's not domestic abuse, because we aren't a couple." Nayami scoffed.
"What if we were though?" Chris countered back.
"…" Nayami eyes him with a weird look. "What are you implying, Welt?"
"I know I'm not your type, but what if we were a couple?"
Nayami frowned. "Why are you asking me that."
Chris shrugged. "I don't know, I'm just curious. I know you don't really fancy me, but I'm just saying what would be so bad about me?"
"Beside that I find you unbearably annoying?" They held each other's gaze now.
"Besides that."
Nayami watched him, letting out a huff as she sighed. "It's the way you come off as."
"Okay."
Nayami continued. "You do and say things so painfully annoying. Like things one would expect a noble to do. It's irksome."
"Gotcha." Chris nodded. He could understand that a bit. Allen had mentioned before he had a habit of flaunting his money and saying some pretty derogatory things at times… "What else?"
"I can tolerate you besides that."
"Okay. Fair enough." Their conversation dulled for a while after that. Nayami refilled both their cups.
"… What about me?"
"Huh?" Chris blinked.
"Well you asked that kind of question and I answered, now I'm curious to know your opinion of me. Not that I particularly care." Amusement lit up in Chris's eyes at this.
"I think you're fucking awesome."
"Is that so?"
Chris gave her a fake bow, grabbing her hand in his. "Very much so, m'lady." Nayami shook her head, albeit with a small smile. "I don't know many scythe wielding women who can kick ass like you do, haha."
Nayami smirked. "Noted."
"You pretty much take my breath away every time I see you."
"Oh?"
"Yeah, haha."
Nayami scoffed. "Lame."
"Hey, you asked!" They both laughed at this. "Well, what should we do now. We still got a whole lot of alcohol left."
"…" Nayami said nothing, finishing her drink as she held out her cup towards him. "Fill me up."
Chris smirked, about to say a remark about how that sounded, but chose to just get the bottle of half drunk whiskey and pour it into her cup. Nayami reached for his cup to do the same, but Chris interjected.
"I think that's enough for me."
"Oh? Already at your limit, Chris?" Nayami teased. "Tch, lightweight." She downed her whole drink.
Chris shrugged "Actually, yea-" His words were cut short. Nayami had interrupted him by pressing her lips against his. In that split moment, his mind had slowed to a stop, and didn't registered what had just happened until he could feel little trickles of whiskey stream down out of the corner of his mouth, some droplets hitting his chest. After a moment, Nayami pulled back, pouring herself another drink, seemingly as if the whole interaction had not happened.
"Don't make me drink alone, Chris…"
"…" Chris sat frozen next to her, staring at her with a blank look. "I'm sorry." He suddenly blurted out, causing her to look at him with raised brows.
"Why the hell are you apologizing for?" She asked, irritation starting to slowly crawl into her words.
"You're drunk." Chris said. Nayami rolled her eyes.
"I'm not a lightweight."
"You wouldn't do that if you weren't." Chris countered back, still not believing it.
Nayami scoffed. "It would take a hell of a lot more for me to even get just a little buzzed, trust me."
"Then the alcohol was drugged. I mean, you'd never do something like that in your right mind."
Nayami leaned in closer, staring at him straight in the eyes. "Wouldn't you also be affected if the drinks were drugged?" She pointed out.
"Yeah, then you've gone crazy."
"Because I kissed you?" Nayami scoffed. "Are you that dense, or stupid?"
"…" Chris suddenly took the drink out of her hand, chugging it quickly before returning her gesture. "Now we're even." Chris whispered against her lips, pulling away. His eyes lingered on her lips for a moment, before he looked back up. To his surprise, Nayami had been looking at his own.
"…"
They stared at each other for a while, not a word said in between them before the two leaned back in for another.
Their bodies molded together, hands roaming, desperate to bring each other even more closer than they already were. A particular gentle pull at his lower lip made him chuckle against moist lips, gripping her waist. Nayami wrapped her arms around his neck now, guided by the coaxing hands on her waist to straddle him. Through her thin dress, he could feel her body swell underneath with each breath, and suddenly he felt too hot. Growling against her kiss, Chris fervently tugged at her dress's lace, trailing lingering kissed along her neck as he slid the thin white fabric down, all the while Nayami returned the gesture just as quickly and fervent, hands clasping at the hem of his pants.
It felt too hot, his mind swirled with euphoria and the buzz he usually felt after drinking heavy. Trailing his kisses down towards her chest, a particular appreciative moan from Nayami made him smirk against her skin. "So noisy."
One of his hands trailed down to her core, kissing her deeply as she responded to his touches, holding onto him as if her life depended on it. "F-Fuck…"
"Was that all a lie just now." Chris asked in between kisses.
"What?" Nayami managed to say in beteen her haze.
"Well you kissed me first." Chris smirked, pulling back, ghosting his touch against the only piece of fabric keeping her core covered.
Nayami smirked back. "I forgot how annoyingly cocky you are..." She twitched in response to a finger that slipped under her panties. She watched a rather annoyingly cocky grin etch on his face, enjoying the view of her reactions to him.
"Really, cuz it sure as hell doesn't seem like a problem right now, .Mi."
She growled at him, smashing her lips to his. "Just fucking put it in already!" She hissed.
… 'Not her type, my ass…' He thought, slipping in a finger…
…
….
Chris awoke with the worst hangover he had ever had. He groaned in his bed, eyes still shut and body still heavy with sleep and unable to lift himself up. 'Ugh, why do I keep doing this to myself…' He thought miserably, recounting the many times he had 'promised' himself he would never drink heavily again. Yet he never kept that promise.
'I feel like I got stepped on by an elephant…' He thought miserably, letting out a deep sigh. He shifted in his bed, nuzzling his face into his very soft and plump pillow. He burrowed his brows. "Huh." He breathed in, enjoying the sudden relaxing aroma of lavender. "That's weird. Since when does my pillow smell like fresh lavenders?"
"That's because it's not your pillow, Welt."
Chris's eyes shot open. He was met with two mounds, and looking up, his soul nearly freezed when he noticed just who, and what he was nuzzling up to.
'What the FUCK?! What the hell happened last night…' Chris raked his mind, but everything was fuzzy and dull with his migraine. He peeked down under the covers. '…'
He felt her jostle next to him, before a arm still sluggish from sleep landed cross his chest. "Hey."
"Hey." He returned, keeping his gaze fixed on the ceiling. "Did we-" He didn't finish his sentence, the implications too heavy in the air, but he was sure she knew exactly what he was getting at. Their current states of undress was pretty obvious not to.
"You mean did we have sex." Nayami's voice were calm, and neutral, not at all the angry he had expected her to be. "Yeah." He felt her lean into his side, snuggling her bare chest closer. "You look like shit."
"I have the worst hangover of hell." Chris admitted, before he pursed his lips. "Hey, I'm really sorry Nayami."
Nayami sighed into his shoulder. "Will you stop apologizing for no reason?"
"This wasn't supposed to happen." He felt her still suddenly.
"… What did you say..?"
"Us… This… We were fucking drunk as hell."
"… You think I did this because I was drunk out of my mind..?" Nayami whispered, her body still tense. She had let go of his arm as they both sat up on the bed. "What the fuck is wrong with you..."
"I mean what other reason would there be? You hate my guts. We're obviously not each other's types. We got drunk and got carried away by the moment…" Chris sighed. "I'm really sorry."
"…"
"You think It was a mistake…" Nayami recounted slowly.
"Yeah. I mean, if you want we can just pretend this didn't happen… I mean, it wouldn't mean anything to the both of us anyway-"
SLAP!
Chris pressed his hand to his cheek were a now throbbing cheek was swelling up red. He looked back at Nayami with wide, surprised eyes.
"Fuck you." She spat out; her face scrunched up in a scowl as her cheeks flared red with fury. He felt his heart clenched when he noticed her wipe at her eyes, turning away from him to quickly put on her clothes strewn about on the floor, and storing her way out.
A/N: *innocent face*
I'm just going to leave this here….
Readers at the end of the chapter: *mindblown*(- / - )
Nothing much to see guys, until next time ;D