A/N:

Disclaimer: I do not own the Tales of series, they belong to Namco.

Pairing: Main Asch x Luke, Flynn x Yuri, Richard x Asbel.
One-sided Yuri x Luke, Natalia x Asch, Tear x Luke, and Guy x Flynn.
Hints of possible Jade x Guy and Ion x Sync.

Warning: Contains Yaoi, language and blood, OC's included, Skits and diaries included (Mainly by Luke), Luke is the main here, and OCC characters possibly.

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Crossover- Titles

Crossover- Skits/Current Date/Setting/Location/Diary

Crossover- Thoughts/Flashback/Artes/Emphasis/Weapons Name

Crossover- Normal speaking/Present Time

SPECIAL WARNING: ONE PART OF THIS CHAPTER CONTAINS A FLUFF SCENE THAT IS STILL CONSIDERED YAOI! IF YOU DON'T LIKE YAOI JUST SKIP OR DON'T READ IT AT ALL!

Chapter 8: Smiles

Luke Diary Entry 2-2: Mood Changes

To quickly catch up on what happened on Daath, there was a group of people crowding around near the Inn. Ion and the others suspected something strange or interesting must be happening and Anise, dragging me along wanted to check it out. The source of all the attention shocked me when I caught a familiar raven hair and purple cloths to the point I just wanted to shout out in joy.

Yuri Lowell, who I haven't seen since Capua Nor was okay!

And….The first thing we did was fight.

Eventually Jade and the others were in the front of the dispersing crowd, watching Yuri and I bantering with words and swords. I shouted to Guy to not interfered when he was about to butt into my fight. I heard them whispering to each other as Yuri and I were about to finish this fight once and for all.

It happened very fast, just when I was about to beat Yuri(or reverse which I will not admit.) I was face to face with my former master, Van Grants. I looked to see Yuri sword stopped by Commandant Flynn.

The only thing humorous at this point was Guy face that was priceless when he saw Commandant Flynn and Anise comment of Commandant Flynn possibly Guy replica only made it more priceless!

When Van had the gall to order me to put my sword down, I would've been close to fighting Van if it weren't for Commandant persisting that order which I did followed this once. Everyone seemed shock that I had gave respect to my superior and as when I was going to introduce Jade and the others Commandant had punched me and Yuri head and scolded Yuri harshly and lightly chided me for the ruckus we caused in the middle of Daath.

Another humorous sight, well more like amused to see a mildly surprised Van when he saw his sister, Tear and Guy along with Jade, Ion, Anise and Natalia. It looks like he was surprised to see me here as well.

Ion explained the situation to Van before heading to the Cathedral to his office. Once we were done explaining, Van was deep in thought and re-thinking of the things we explained earlier. It turned out Mohs might have something to do with what's happening by controlling the God-Generals and Van said he would go interrogate Mohs along with Commandant Flynn and Yuri that volunteered to tag along with them.

Then, to my surprise (and displeasure) Van said he wanted to talk to alone when I had the time. Guy and Jade intervene that I wouldn't agree unless Van started calling me by my name "Luke" instead of "Replica", in the end Van went along with it(despite some troubles). I wonder what he wanted to talk about.

In the end…at dinner time, it was crap…I wanted to scream out at that slimy, greenish black dish presented to me and I could've sworn I saw death smoking from IT! Yuri turned pale and we both glanced at the smiling most horrible cook duos: Natalia and Commandant Flynn. Due to our big mouths, we became their food tasters (I think it was on purpose to get back at our "snobby" comments by killing us with food poisoning!)

It wasn't pretty and I spent two hours puking THAT from my stomach…

After that event, I had to visit my former master in his office. It was the worst time to be Captain Obvious since I was in a crabby mood and demanded what he wanted to talk about. First, it started with Van confirming about Asch and I relationship which I didn't say anything and then just…asked me…to watch Asch?

This was new as Van was worried about his only disciple sudden mood changes than usual. Either way, I didn't quite answer him and left after a while.

I wouldn't be lying if I said I wasn't worried about Asch, but hearing those things… I am worried.

Asch..

Luke Fon Fabre, the replica of the original Luke Fon Fabre dubbed as Asch the Bloody. The very same replica that disappeared from Auldrant to only return five years later out of the blue on a mission for the Imperial Knights. Current status of Captain of the Second Division of Special Operations under Commandant Flynn Scifo brigade is now panicking.

Shortly after being confronted by his original, Asch in the alleyway in Daath and having a civil conversation. The redhead God-General only grabbed Luke wrist and dragged him somewhere which seems to be a room, probably Asch for the moment. Luke was sitting on the bed, trying hard not to stare directly at the man sitting on a chair before him intense apple green eyes that mirrored his own.

"…He's glaring…" The redhead Captain thought, flinching a bit when he heard an irritated sigh from Asch which caused Luke to turn his head toward him.

"Are you going to say something or stare at the wall like it has a face, dreck?" There was that insult again.

"…What do you want, Asch?" Luke asked cautiously, watching Asch frown turned into a scowl. "I mean the first thing you did was dragged me into an alleyway, insulted me and then again dragged me here. There something you want obviously since you haven't killed me so far."

"When were you that perspective, dreck?" the redhead God-General smirked, jeering at Luke. "You're even using bigger words these days; did your empty brain finally get some decent education?"

The redhead replica only glared at his original, his lips set into a frown that appeared more like a pout. Luke crossed his arms and looked away once again, having no comeback this moment. Asch scowled more at the lack of that fiery spirit of his idiotic replica.

There was a tense silence hanging over them.

"…Where were you during these five years, replica?" Asch gave up when the silence got to him.

Luke didn't answer immediately which left the redhead God-General to stare at his replica a while longer. Despite the fact his replica was chronologically seven no that should be twelve years old now in a now young adult body, Asch had to admit that Luke became more attractive. Few things changed like the light in his replica round eyes shown with akin to maturity, but it can't be possible since the dreck was still infuriating as ever. His replica body build was more slender with time, opposite of his that is more buff, but by not much and those cloths….

Asch was glad that it was covering his stomach all the way or he would make a fuss about it.

The stupid dreck hair grew back despite that he preferred it short, he won't admit it out loud, but the short hair brought out his smiles more. Speaking of it, he hadn't seen the replica even smiled the first time the redhead God-General brought him here, not even a fake one.

"…I was in Terca Lumireis, working as a knight in the capital." Luke finally spoke; he could feel Asch intense stare directed at him making him flushed a bit.

"A knight?" Asch scoffed, hardly believing such a thing. "What? Are you serving directly under a princess or something?"

"No, even if I could I wouldn't actually since I am a lowly person. " The redhead replica emphasized the last word. "I became Captain during the years of my service."

"You? Captain?" The redhead God-General said in a somewhat disbelieved tone.

"You have an insult to say, then say it." Luke wasn't amused at all this taunting he received and gritted his teeth.

"Looks like the replica has some backbone finally." Asch smirked slightly; through it was Luke after all.

"Yulia, would someone strike down a Thunder Blade and this life?" Luke thought, bringing a palm to his face in pure and plain annoyance since this conversation was getting nowhere with his original mocking surprises. The redhead replica wondered how his original got this…brash for an appropriate word in the last five years.

"Are you done interrogating me now, Asch?" The redhead Captain asked, peeking one eye through his long red bangs. "I need to leave in case my friends get worried about me."

"No." Asch bluntly answered.

Without Luke knowledge or awareness, the redhead God-General was next to Luke and to mentioned, very close to the redhead replica personal space. Each time Luke scooted away, Asch grabbed his wrist to hold him there. Asch dragged his replica till there was no space between them. Luke turned his head to the side when he felt the same intense stare from his original. The redhead God-General frowned.

"…Can you let go of my wrist now, Asch?" Luke demanded in a soft tone.

"No." There was another blunt answer.

Asch narrow apple green eyes watched his replica sighed and didn't say anything else which irked him to no end. There was something missing from his idiot replica usual attitude…

"W-What are you doing, Asch?!" The redhead Captain shrieked in horror when he was pushed harshly, his back hitting against the soft mattress. Luke struggled to no avail with his original hovering over him and straddling his hips, making the redhead replica flushed at the intimate position. "Get the hell off of me!"

"Now that's the dreck I remember." Asch commented out of the blue, smirking faintly and was satisfied to see his replica fight and squirm underneath him. He was lucky to avoid any punches toward his face and glad that he was straddling Luke hips to prevent any kicks.

The original caged his writhing replica between the bed and himself, examining Luke slowly losing his strength as Asch kept him pinned down. When the redhead replica stopped struggling, he let his arms fall against the soft mattress his head tilted up with a flushed and panting expression staring up into eyes that mirrored his own.

"What? Tired already?" The redhead God-General taunted with a sneer.

"No, just catching my breath before I strangle your neck." The redhead replica replied with sarcasm dripping in his tone, but he was serious about the threat part if his original doesn't let him go!

Obviously, the answer his replica gave irked him to a point he scowled angrily. Asch hand grabbed Luke delicate throat, satisfied of the choked gasp that reached his ears from his replica. The original leaned his face dangerously close to Luke, his lips only a couple inches away from Luke as he growled in rage.

"Listen close, dreck." Asch hissed, his apple green eyes flaming with fury in them. "You're not in any situation to make any threats like that, especially when one of us is superior here."

"H-Hah…" Luke gave a stifle laugh as he tried to speak and damn it was painful. "You're still…on about whose…real or not real…when I said it clearly…Gah…That we were different people no matter what…Let go…"

The grip around the redhead replica throat tighten for one moment before loosening to tighten again as Asch listen to Luke croak pathetically. Gritting his teeth, Asch continued to keep his hold on his replica neck. The weak attempts of Luke trying to get his original to let go of his windpipe were failing rapidly.

"You must be an idiot, you're my replica. We are the same." Asch stated bluntly, waiting for his replica comeback.

"N-No…W-We're not, A-Asch…" The redhead Captain trailed off slowly, he gave another suffocating gasp when Asch grip tighten around his neck. His vision beginning to blur as he needed to breath now, damn his thick-headed original. "We…have…Gah…our own…memories that make us…us…"

Luke began to struggle for air, even clawing his original arm to get him to let go very harshly. Asch, sensing this debated a moment before letting go and moved away from his replica. Narrowed apple green eyes watch the replica sat up and coughed, finally able to breath and rubbed his throat where a bright, red hand print mark is visible on the skin. Despite the rough treatment, the redhead God-General was slightly satisfied with that mark through Asch prefer a better one he could make.

When Luke was done coughing and getting the air back into his lungs, he stared at Asch with narrow eyes.

"Since you're done having that fit of yours…" Asch gained his replica full attention. "… Mind answering my question from earlier back in the forest?"

"W-What…?" The redhead Captain blinked several times before realizing what Asch had meant. "Oh…that…Who were you referring too?"

"…That blond, flat-chest chick…" The original grumbled, looking away with the faintest blush on the bridge of his nose, which Luke blinked several more times before chuckling softly. Asch glared at his replica, wondering what was funny.

"Looks like he was referring to Aaralyn…" the redhead replica thought.

"S-Sorry…I never expected that you still care about me that way even after five years…" Luke gave a meek apology, stopping his soft laugh and gave a genuine smiled at Asch. The redhead God-General didn't bat an eye, but inwardly he was mildly surprised that he saw the smile he came to adored and only coughed a bit.

"…If I didn't care, I wouldn't have brought you here and instead kill you, dreck." Asch mumbled audible enough for Luke to hear. "You don't even know…"

The original stopped there and looked away again, quiet and glaring at the wall.

"Asch?" The redhead replica tilted his head and crawled over till he was next to Asch.

Nonetheless, the redhead God-General didn't pay his attention to Luke and continued to stare somewhere else. A hand was placed on Asch shoulder; slowly the original turned his head to stare at Luke who tilted his head curiously. Apparently, his replica had detected what he was thinking since Luke smiled again, but this time with understanding shown in his eyes.

That damn mirror of his, that inferior-complex personality, and those damn eyes always annoy him no matter what, but…

That smile always melts Asch heart no matter what.

Without thinking, the redhead God-General pinned Luke down again. Not listening to any of his stupid replica protest, the original crashed his lips against the ones that mirrored his own.

"Stupid dreck…always has this kind of effect on me…" Asch thought to himself as he continued to press the rough kiss.

The kiss, which Luke haven't experience in such a long time was hungry, predatory he could say. So full of longing met and passion waiting to explode very much it swept the redhead replica away. Eventually, he returned the kiss and gave a challenge his original would very much love.

Alas, despite the sweet kiss they crave so much to last longer, the curse of humans needing to breathe air was too much for Luke who broke the contact. The redhead Captain face flushed scarlet, staring at the glazed eyes that belong to his original with his own hazy ones. Watching Asch long crimson hair fall loose on his shoulders against Luke face, covering them like curtains. To Luke shock was when Asch face leaned close enough; his original was nuzzling his neck!

Quite affectionately too which reminded Luke of a cat that wanted attention.

"You idiot…" Asch mumbled softly, his lips brushing against the soft skin of his replica neck. He moved a gloved hand into Luke hair, weaving the lighter red locks with his fingers. "You have no idea what you do to me…Five years…Five long, damn years, you dreck…"

"…I'm sorry…" Luke apologized, watching his original head removed himself from his neck to stare at him intently. The redhead Captain raised a hand, his fingers stroking Asch cheek gently as he began. "I…I…"

"Just…shut up and stay here." The redhead God-General stopped Luke before he said anymore in a stern and smooth tone. Asch wrapped his arms around Luke head, embracing him and buried his face into his replica hair, inhaling his scent. "…Stay here and don't go anywhere…"

Damn him and his greed…

Luke, finding so many things a shock to him today slowly hugged back. Breathing in and out softly and rested his chin on Asch shoulder. There weren't any words needed to be spoken of what they desperately wished to say after five years, the only words were spoken of their actions as they embrace each other for this night.

Late at night in the streets of Daath, the Commandant Flynn and the Vigilant Yuri were heading back to the Inn from their lovely conversation with Grand Maestro Mohs albeit assistance of Van Grants.

"Ah, that guy sure is no pushover." Yuri groaned, stiff from all that standing around. "I can see why Luke doesn't like that bastard."

"Yuri, it's rude even out of hearing range to say someone like that." Flynn lightly chided, pinning the raven haired vigilant with a stern stare. He leaned close to Yuri and lowers his voice to a hush whisper. "Besides, this is their territory; we don't know when we might be held sucispious."

"Oh?" The raven haired vigilant raise an eyebrow at Flynn words and glanced around to see the Oracle Soldiers patrolling the area. "Humph. How annoying. "

As the two were closer to the Inn front door, Flynn abruptly stopped to Yuri confusion as he stared at the blond Commandant expression a moment. Flynn was staring at the Inn front door; the raven haired vigilant following the blond gaze to a lone figure stood nears the door. Yuri scowled, recognizing the two-faced blond Guide, Aaralyn. The blond Guide appeared out of it for a moment till Yuri walked up to her, waving.

"Aaralyn, what are you doing out here at this time?" Yuri asked curiously, his expression appearing bored and tried to hide the scowl he wore earlier. When there wasn't a reply from Aaralyn, the raven haired vigilant leaned in and waved his hand in front of her face. "Hey, two face-"

A loud smack and shriek of pain resounded in the night air. Yuri, now next to Flynn clutched his broken nose as he mumbled curses directed at the blond Guide. Aaralyn blinked a few times, realizing what just happened and her crimson eyes stared at the raven haired vigilant a moment before bowing politely at the Commandant.

"Ah, I apologize there. I didn't realize it was you, Yuri."

"Damn you…" Yuri trailed off, his words muffled and difficult to make out nonetheless was simple to know what he was saying.

"Why are you out so late, Ms. Aaralyn?" Flynn repeated Yuri question from earlier, sending a concerning glance at the raven haired vigilant that was rubbing his sore face.

"That…well, since there is a way back to Terca Lumireis without needing the gates. My job already finished and I can just head back." The blond Guide answered with unease. "Besides, I got letters asking for me to return back to the village."

"I see…I have to apologize for not saying anything earlier, ." The blond Commandant apologized, ignoring Yuri mumbles of "No need to apologize…"

"No, no, it's perfectly natural for you to not say anything considering your reasons, sir." Aaralyn reassured with a polite smile, picking up her suitcase next to her. "I should leave now since the next boat will leave soon."

"A lady out this late by herself wants to leave for home?" Yuri raises an eyebrow, suspicious of this action all of a sudden.

"Least I am not weak and reckless like a certain someone." The blond Guide countered, puffing her cheeks out.

"Excuse me, was that pointed at me, young lady?" The raven haired vigilant asked in a sarcastic tone, grinning as steam began to fume from Aaralyn head.

Flynn sighed and shakes his head at such childishness he was witnessing. It appears Yuri will never grow out of his sarcasm and be blunt for once, through that's the part he find endearing of the raven haired vigilant.

"Watch it, Lowell!"

"Ow! Okay, that is it! I don't care if you're a girl or not!"

That wasn't good; he should break up the argument between Yuri and Aaralyn. Why they never get along for once, he never knows. Besides, Yuri temper wasn't this short especially with women.

"All right, break it up you two." Flynn said as he separated the both of them before any blood is spilled. The blond Commandant fearing there were leftover hostility between the two stood in between, his back facing Yuri and staring at Aaralyn with concern. "In any case, Ms. Aaralyn, you might need someone to protect you at this time while heading to the port."

"I'm fine, Commandant Flynn." Aaralyn reassured him, tapping the cloth spear like staff on her shoulder. "I'm armed when it comes to bandits and monsters, so no need to be anxious of me."

The blond Commandant seemed to considered it a moment. It was true that Aaralyn could take care of herself yet it would be rude to let a young woman traveling late at night. The first option made better of his conscious strangely despite the slight guilt of the latter option.

"All right…If you can assure that you will be fine, then our paths will separate here." Flynn sighed.

"Um…Flynn, she's gone." Yuri pointed out, wondering how the hell Flynn missed out such an important detail. It appeared that the blond Commandant was thinking deeply. "She left ten minutes ago."

"…I see." Flynn simply said, walking again and opened the door entrance into the Inn. "C'mon, Yuri…we have a long day tomorrow."

TBC

Skit 17: Easing Worries

Yuri, Flynn, Anise and Natalia appear tired.

Anise: Ugh…I can't sleep with all this tension going on…

Yuri: Can't blame you…

Natalia: Hopefully things will lighten out as we go along.

Flynn: I agree with Princess Natalia.

Yuri:…So, why are we still awake when we should be trying to sleep despite we can't actually?

Yuri frowns, causing everyone else smile to drop.

Natalia: Well…

Flynn: Did something happen?

Anise: Mieu flying around looking for Luke all evening till the little Cheagle just dropped to be caught by Tear fortunately.

Yuri: What? Luke didn't come back yet?

Natalia: That's correct, it appears Luke was visiting Van Grants earlier and hadn't come back since then.

Anise only shrugged while Natalia appears worried, Yuri sighs as he begins to leave which raise Flynn confusion.

Flynn: Yuri, what are you doing?

Yuri: Going to warm a glass of milk, might help to sleep better. You all can have some too if you want.

Anise: Really?!

Natalia: Oh my, that would help ease our worries…Thank you, Mr. Lowell.

Yuri: It's just Yuri since you guys are friends with Luke.

Natalia and Anise appears shock while Yuri gives a soft smile, they all left. Flynn was the only one remaining who blinked.

Flynn: …Was I just left out of that?

Skit Ends