A Love on the Sidelines
By: 4quintessence
Disclaimer: The characters belong to Square Enix, the fanfiction to me.
Pairing: CliffxFayt + another i can't give away
Rating: PG-13
Summary: I love this chapter! Its a little long but i wanted to fit all the cross dressing goodness of Fayt into one section. So ya, Fayt finally finds out what Cliff has planned and they get him ready for the infiltration. Sophia makes an entrance. Then its time to sneak into the mansion and find that orichalcum! But who is this man who owns the place:O
Note: HAHA great review XD! It made me laugh that you laughed so much! Sorry 'bout the nosebleed! Thanks too SpectralWings for the favourite! Remember that italics are thoughts and once or twice they are used for emphasis.
Chapter 5:
"Yup, you're gonna have to dress up as a girl — a hot, promiscuous girl. MMMmmm."
"You're joking right? This isn't some sick idea you wanna try in bed is it…?" Fayt shook his head. He was desperately trying to come up with an excuse or some way to get out of it.
"HEY! Now there's an...I mean never mind. No, I'm serious. It's the only way we're gonna get in."
The bluenette decided to follow a different train of thought. It is true that we need the orichalcum and it actually might be kinda fun to dress up, try something different. Who knows? Maybe I'll actually look good in a dress...WHOA THERE! Snap out of it Fayt! But sneaking around in disguise? It actually sounded like it could be exciting, well except for the whole being a girl part. Plus he wanted to do something for Cliff, seeing as the blond had done so much for him on their adventure.
"Okay, here's the deal Cliff. I'll dress up for you and sneak in on one condition. I get to do anything I want with you after this is all over. Deal?"
Now the Klausian was a little worried. It was weird to see Fayt so bold and agreeing to something so easily. I must be rubbing off on the kid. But what could he want to do with me? It couldn't be that bad.
"Deal! No problem! As long as it doesn't involve zapping me with lightning I'm all for it," he replied, winking.
Fayt's eyes briefly glossed over as he daydreamed about what to do with the wish he had just been granted. Its gotta be dirty...nasty...hmmm.
Snapping out of it he finally spoke to his lover, watching the shadow of the fire's flames dance across his face. "Okay then sick-o I guess I'm gonna have to find some women's clothes."
"Oh, you're gonna need more than that Fayt," the blond said with a gigantic smile.
"So, you've got it all planned out do you?"
"I've been wanting to do this for a while...HAHA, I'm kidding, I'm kiddin'. Let's see...I'm seeing…" Cliff paused as he rested his chin on his right palm, studying the younger man. "Aha! I'm seeing...BELLY DANCER!" He threw one fist into the air in celebration.
"Oh lord," Fayt mumbled, wondering what kind of fantasies swirled in that man's head.
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It was early afternoon on a drab, cloudy day in Airyglyph. Cliff and Fayt set out together to look for the clothing store, the crispy snow crunching beneath them with every step. Fayt walked with his head down so that the light breeze that channeled through the streets didn't blow his bangs back and make his hair look funny. They soon came to the shop window and slipped inside, their puffs of breath turning from foggy to clear. Fayt shivered and rubbed his hands together as they started to warm up in the cozy store.
"HELLLLLLO! How are you two today? What'er you looking for?" the overly friendly shopkeeper bellowed. Cliff swore he had seen this man at the bar every time he went while visiting Airyglyph.
"Hi there! We're looking for some belly dancing clothes," the blond said cheerfully.
Doing a double take at the two men in front of him, the clerk finally noticed Cliff pointing a finger at Fayt while doing the 'he's crazy' twirl with one finger in front of his ear. A wave of recognition ran across the merchant's face.
"Ahhh of course! We have everything here. Just take a look at that rack over there and let me know if you need any help." After motioning, the shopkeeper went back to his desk, pretending to busy himself.
Cliff found a few belly dancing outfits near the back of the store and looked them over while Fayt just stood there, trying not to blush. The blond's jaw suddenly dropped. He had found 'the one'. Without a word he motioned Fayt into the change room and moved away, tapping his foot on the floor and striking up conversation with the clerk who was coming over to him.
"Y'know, he's always said that just once, he'd like to dress up as a girl. Practically dragged me in here so we could find a cute dress. Crazy, if you ask me."
"Ya, it happens. I got a friend with the same taste as him. Nothing like a gorgeous, confused young man cross dressing to spice things up." They both laughed.
A few minutes later a feminized Fayt emerged. "It fits perfectly!" the shopkeeper exclaimed breathlessly. Cliff had chosen a shimmering green bikini top complete with flashy tassels that would shake around while dancing. The matching long silky skirt was adorned with flowers of blue and green around the waist and lines of beads that ran down the length of the cloth. The outfit had also come with a bead necklace of multiple layers, an adorable faux flower for his hair, and a little veil to play with. His entire midsection was bare.
"Cliff, I'm gonna get you for this."
"Aww, but you're so pretty Fayt! Dance for me?" the Klausian pleaded, raising his forearms and shaking his fists around. The bluenette shot him a dirty look.
"You might want to do something about that little line of hair by your belly button…" the clerk advised.
"Oh ya, no problem-o Fayt, we'll take care of that back at the inn. But what about a wig?"
"Just your luck, I know an actor next door at the theatre who uses a bunch of wigs in his plays," the man replied, turning to look at Fayt. "You'll find a lot of people there like you. Go talk to them."
"Like me? Cliff! What did you tell him?" Fayt frowned, giving his partner an icy glare of death.
"Lift your left leg and I'll tell ya."
Looking confused, Fayt lifted his leg and discovered there was a slit the size of the Grand Canyon down one side of the skirt so that you could see his entire leg, hip to toe, in all its naked glory.
"OH MY GOD!!!"
Cliff almost killed himself laughing.
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After picking up a wig from the playhouse and returning to the inn, Cliff was helping Fayt put everything together in preparation for the infiltration. The blond had already shaved off the little line of blue hair on his partner's stomach. Sitting in front of the mirror, Cliff was fiddling with the shoulder length dirty blonde wig, trying to secure it while positioning the flower in its wavy hair. Fayt just sat there, a little awestruck with what he was seeing in the mirror. The Klausian then fumbled with the clasp on the belly dancing top which had wriggled itself loose.
Little did they know, Sophia had returned from her errands and was turning the corner to their room…
"Fayt...are you here...AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!" Sophia threw down her staff in an instant and grasped her stomach as she burst out laughing.
"SOPHIA!! You're back already?" Fayt screeched, feeling like his parents had just walked in on him playing with himself. His newly blonde hair flew around as he jerked his head to look at her, embarrassed as hell.
"Cliff! You're going to get Fayt to go in after the orichalcum? Wouldn't it be easier if one of us went?" Sophia asked, sighing and wiping away a tear.
"I guess. But this is way more fun Sophie! Plus, I think you're a little too young to do this mission."
"It's Sophia dummy!" she declared, throwing her arms downwards.
Cliff waved his right hand in the air. "Sophia, Sophie, whatever, close enough. We've got to get it soon and the others said they'd be out for a while so..."
"...I get to dress like a girl, just like I always wanted," Fayt joked, discreetly holding the slit closed on his skirt with a free hand.
Sophia's face turned strangely serious.
"Hey Sophie, can you help put on his makeup? I got no clue how to do that."
"Sure! Although...I never thought I'd be putting it on my best friend. But I gotta admit...you look so beautiful Fayt!" she said batting her eyelids. She waltzed over and sat beside him, opened up a lipstick, and proceeded to liven up his lips.
"So Fayt just so you know, I'm totally okay with what you're doing."
"Wha...?"
"I mean if this makes you feel more like yourself or if it gives you more confidence after all you've been through, I think its just fine to dress like a girl. It'll just take me some getting used to it. I'm your friend and I'll support anything you do."
Fayt suddenly had the urge to grab Sophia and shake her, in the nicest way possible of course.
"SOPHIA!!! I WAS JOKING! I don't have some lifelong dream to dress up as a girl! Especially not a belly dancer! I'm only doing this to get the stupid orichalcum!"
Sophia's finally registered what he was saying. "Ohhhhh! Okay that makes more sense. It's hard to tell when you're being sarcastic anymore. We haven't been spending enough time together lately!"
Cliff, who had been sitting on the bed, was getting a crack out of the whole scene that was unfolding in front of him. And the former bluenette couldn't help but chuckle now that Sophia had it all figured out. More time together? Uh oh.
The Klausian finally jumped off the bed and stretched his arms behind his head, so proud of his cute little sweetheart for going through all this and tolerating his teasing. He grabbed a winter coat for Fayt to wear for the short trek to the mansion and they both wished him luck as he walked out the door, truly transformed.
"If you take too long we're coming in after ya," the real blond promised. "Don't say too much, just get the stuff and leave that pervert in the dust."
"Ya, Miss Fayt! Remember to walk more like me! Swing your hips! I'll come save you too if you get in trouble!" Sophia yelled after him.
"How are you gonna save him, huh Sophie? Run in there and Cure the guy to death? Knock him with your staff? Ooo! 15 hit points! … OWWWWW! What was that for?"
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Fayt looked stunning. But he didn't feel stunning inside — he was a mixed bag of emotions. On one hand he was excited about sneaking into the place, but on the other he was terribly anxious about pulling off the whole girl thing. He was less worried about his safety as he had hidden a dagger in the waist of the green skirt and he still had his powerful symbologies if he needed them. Not to mention he rocked in battle. Passing by a small house on the way, Fayt noticed two children building a snowman and they gave him a wave as he walked by. He could hear the girl whisper to her brother, "I wish I had hair as pretty as that!"
Is it true that blonds have more fun? he pondered. Cliff sure does, at my expense of course. Can't wait to get back into bed with him and teach him a lesson…
He had arrived at the gates to the mansion. Two guards stood out front, both eyeing their visitor through metal helms. One of them spoke: "Hey there sexy, I bet I know what you're here for."
"Too bad you aren't for us," the other cooed. "What's your name, you from around here?"
OH SHIT. I didn't think about that. Come on Fayt, just come up with something.
"Mirage," he responded, in as girly a voice as he could manage, as he covered part of his face with the veil. Oh man, Mirage? You couldn't think of anything better than that? If she hears about this...
"You're a shy one, eh? That's okay. They're better when they stay quiet," one guard said to the other. "Okay then, go on through."
Faytette(?) hurried past them and up towards the building, noticing more guards spread out over the estate grounds. He shook his head as he heard the gatekeepers whistling behind him. If only they knew…he mused, smiling. The guard at the main door didn't say a word and simply opened it for him. But Fayt could feel the glare of eyes following him as he entered the mansion and put his coat on a hook. Before him lay a lavish entrance hall, decorated with crimson velvet tapestries, marble statues of lions, a grand chandelier, a massive painting of what must have been the owner, and a spiral staircase to the upper floor. One of the servants pointed him in the direction of the stairway so he hurried up and cautiously sauntered down a creepy hall with murals of skeletons in sexual positions on the walls, wondering where he was supposed to go. He could feel the tiny hairs on the back of his neck rising up...
SLAM! A door closed right behind him and he jumped around abruptly, tassels flying everywhere — he was already on edge from making it this far. There stood the same man from the painting downstairs. He was middle-aged with a moustache and black hair that almost reached his shoulders, and he was wearing a violet robe which hid a bit of a belly.
"You're early! That's just fine. Wow, you're quite the pussycat...MEOW. I'm impressed, you must be new to the escort agency. MMMmmm and I love the outfit...its just too bad I didn't hire you for me today."
"Excuse me?" Fayt managed, trying desperately to calm himself under this turn of events.
"Ya, daddy doesn't get to have you. I got you for a friend of mine. He's in the next room ahead. Go on. I'll have to call you back sometime…cutie."
Trying not to gag, Fayt headed for the room as the owner turned and went downstairs, but not before watching his visitor's behind as he walked away. Thinking oh god, oh god, what's next and where would he keep the orichalcum?!, Fayt began to turn the handle and slowly creak the door open. Someone was sitting in a chair facing away from him and towards a fireplace in this bedroom. The young man could only see a head of hair that was bleached towards the end of the strands…
ALBEL!?!?! Fayt's mind screamed.
He suddenly felt light-headed, as he had in the Mosel Dunes. So this is where he hangs out when we stop in town. Hopefully not every time though…. Standing there like the frozen snowman he had seen outside, Fayt watched Albel leisurely stand and give him a look over. Please don't recognize me, please don't recognize me...
"Ahhh, there you are my deary," Albel said dryly. "I've no time for pleasantries. Let's just get right into it and see what you've got. Give me a little dance first though, as I see you're all dressed up for that."
Fayt didn't really have much choice. Praying that he would get out of this without Albel knowing anything, the belly dancer improvised and started shaking his hips and clumsily dancing in a circle, covering as much of his face as he could with his veil. The beads from his necklace made clinking noises as they shook around.
"Yesss." Albel had unhitched his katana and placed it on the chair, then he began to take off his shirt (if you could call it that), clenching his artificial hand in delight at the display in front of him. Fayt was treated to the sight of a body even more slender than his own and a mid-section that closely resembled a skinny girl's. Albel still had a nicely defined chest and you could just barely make out a rib or two below it.
Fayt had never thought of Albel in a sexual way before and the man had only been with the group for a short while now. But he did admit that there was something alluring about the brigade captain, even though his temper drove the kid crazy. And the bluenette seemed to be the only one who really understood Albel and the way he acted — they could relate to each other's pasts. He didn't mind him tagging along on their trip, even if the others did.
Fayt finally shoved these thoughts to the back of his mind and decided to focus on the task at hand. He felt bad about what he had to do.
"Come here, fool. It's time for me to…have my way with you." Before Fayt could react, Albel had grabbed him through mid-dance and thrown him onto the bed, and out of the blue Mr. Nox was hovering over him, running a sharp metal nail down his stomach.
"My, my I see you like to go au naturale on the legs there…better that way..." Albel muttered, seeing some hairs as the skirt's slit opened slightly. Fayt immediately closed it up with one hand and hoped the other hadn't seen that the hairs were blue.
The sensual touch of Albel placing his other hand on the young man's abdomen sent him into a bit of a haze, until he forcefully snapped out of it. No...Cliff….The aggressor started to move in closer to Fayt's face, reaching to touch a lock of his wig as his victim turned his head sideways to avoid contact…
That was enough.
Fayt started summoning a Stun spell, but Albel caught whiff of the magic forming around them and jumped to get his katana, quickly pointing its deadly tip at the belly dancer's neck.
"What do you think you're doing, maggot? I'm in charge here, there'll be none of that. Since when do whores use runology, hmmm? Might I have to teach you a lesson you'll never forget?"
The bluenette temporarily ceased the spell. Instead he slipped one hand under his waist and with lightning speed drew out his dagger and whacked the katana with such force that it flew out of Albel's hand and across the room. With a harsh growl, Albel leaped away and after his sword, which luckily gave Fayt enough time to properly summon his symbology and knock his friend out cold. The man fell to the timber floor right beside his weapon.
"Phewf!" Fayt exclaimed, letting out a deep sigh of relief. "Sorry Albel," he whispered as he walked about, searching the room for the stash of orichalcum. He definitely wanted to get out of the place as soon as possible. After not finding anything, he slipped out of the room and tried the next door down, stumbling upon what appeared to be the place where the owner stored all his sex toys! There were all sorts and sizes, some in display cases, and there was even a giant penis cabinet at one end of the dim room. What the heck. Fayt went to open it and voila! He found at least ten orichalcum sitting on the shelves, each blissfully glowing in shades of grey (good hiding spot, he confessed). He snatched three of them, since he couldn't really bring anymore or else someone would see them, putting two in his bikini top (haha) and holding the other within his left hand.
Sneaking as quietly as a mouse back down the hallway, Fayt's eyes darted this way and that, looking for any sign of movement. His mouth was dry from breathing so hard and his hair felt itchy under the wig. He made his way down the spiral staircase and headed for the door, snatching his coat along the way with his empty hand. Just as the guard was about to let him out, he heard the owner yell from down the corridor…
"That was quick! But I guess that's Albel for you. Fuck 'em, check, right to the next! HA! Kidding, kidding. You sure you wanna go so quickly...chicky?"
Fayt didn't stop, he just marched on and out the main gate as the watchmen snickered to each other and flakes of snow materialized in the white sky. Back at the inn, Cliff and Sophia burst into cheers as their hero ran into the room and collapsed on the bed, exhausted, but quite proud of himself.
"That was the scariest thing I've ever done," he promised them, pulling out the precious orichalcum and dropping them on the bed.
"Damn man! You ROCK! I can't believe you pulled that off," Cliff bellowed.
"Well, now I know how to get you back for this." Fayt lifted one hand and started twirling his index finger around in a circle, as if he was swinging something around it. Cliff looked at him curiously. Sophia had it all figured out.
"Aha! You're gonna use symbology to start a tornado and then throw Cliff into it so he flies out the top and back to Klaus III where all the dumb bunnies belong? … OWWWW! That's gonna leave a bruise you big blockhead!"
"Want some more??!?"
TO BE CONTINUED!
(A/N: wow that was long!! I wanted to fit it all into one chapter though. I thought about cutting it after Faytette discovered it was Albel but that would be uber mean! This one sure was fun to write!)