A/N: Gah, so much for putting this on hold. I am so impatient and hooked on this fic…IT'S NOT MY FAULT. DDDDD: It's like a brain blast 8B No Jimmy N. pun intended. Review, okies mii lovelies? owo;;;
Summary: What are the odds of a noble swordsman with a self-absorbed egoism to be swayed by such a frail boy in the cold streets of Airyglyph? .:Albel/Fayt:.
Extra Notes: 'Thoughts' are gonna be written in italics. Umm…TOTAL SPOILERS FOR THE CHAPTER, WARNING YOU NOW. This will, of course, be OOC. Why…Ahem…Teaseful way of lemon attempt, nothing graphic! I'm use to reading A LOT of that, not use to writing. ;D I found this slightly rushed, but whatever. I gave it my all~ And I do hope ya'll enjoy this chapter. Fayt's intention has been revealed! If ya still don't understand, it's gonna be clarified in later chapters, trust me.
Dedication: Maiyoko Iwagashi. Seriously, go on and read her fics!
Disclaimer: Yes, I own nothing and never will...Sigh, I'm in the mood for a good Kingdom hearts yaoi fic xD You know what, I'm so checking for updated after I revise this. HELLS YEAH, YAOI FTFW. :D
Song of choice/Playlist: I have two in store for each chapter, one 'instrumental/classical', and one that is 'normal'. Go ahead; you're free to choose which one~! Just in case you have different preferences! Artist first, song next. Got it? Good.
~.I.I.I.I.I.I.I.I.I.I.~
Rise against - Paper wings
Christina Aguilera - Reflection instrumental
~.I.I.I.I.I.I.I.I.I.I.~
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Serendipity
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Truth
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There are people in this world that just isolate themselves or try to block out their own existence for the sake of self-pity, eventually becoming so alone they believe the whole world hates them. Every individual coming across will always have this loathe or fear of the person whom sends out the aura of despair – usually making the situation worse by hurtfully teasing the subject. One gets use to it, right? Being alone and remaining alone, not crying just because one more person in this world is giving off the hateful vibes.
Albel would've never minded that cold glare from someone else - hell, he wouldn't even provide any assistance when somebody was assaulted or not. He was supposed to be mad at Fayt, not the other way around after saving him from the clutches of Luther. If anything, the swordsman just had so much pride in him to admit he was actually a tidbit worried of the blunette.
But no, instead of a 'thank you,' or a vibrant smile like Albel so hoped for deep inside his desolate soul, even a hug—no matter how much he detested getting one from the blue haired since it invaded his policy of a no touching rule and also because Fayt and his raging hormones would always lead to something else—from the Leingod would do his soul good.
Rather now, real tears are coming down in rivulets on his creamy-white cheeks, some drops landed on his fingers and the bandages still in tact on his hand. Just how long did he last cry? Scratch that – when was the last time he cried as much as this? It never crossed his mind that he could cry, especially on behalf of a stubborn young emerald hued teen out of all people.
It made him feel weak; his legs weren't able to support his body any longer, so Albel couldn't help but limp at first and then collapse on his knees. The bi-colored haired muttered a line of colorful curses, trying to wipe away all the tears.
He was a grown adult and crying now? And in front of Fayt, no less.
All because Fayt is just another addition to all the rest?
Albel crookedly smirked, letting his eyes rest only on the snowy path, 'So what…just another…I'm just being stupid, is all…'
Fayt panicked, never had he - or would ever imagine this turn of events. He flailed his arms, looking around if any help can be provided from onlookers. Many of them smirked, taunting how 'The Wicked One is on his knees' with their haughty attitude and laughs. Without a doubt, it angered Fayt, but he couldn't say much in Albel's disposition. Whether he caused this new found source of emotions didn't matter, Fayt automatically assumed he was in fault anyway.
Fayt clenched his fist, taking away any further distance from the blunette and the swordsman. Once Fayt's body loomed over Albel's body, he kneeled down at man's level. He cursed the thought when Albel didn't even bother to look up and kept his scarlet orbs on the snowy path even up to this point.
One finger brushed away Albel's bangs, making this moment an advantage to the teen. Slowly, Fayt gave a quick peck on Albel's forehead—not like the lips was a good idea, it was actually a risky move and Fayt didn't want to ruin this moment with chances.
Then afterwards, citizens vacated the premises all thanks to one girl who was watching the scene with a smile: Sophia. Her bluffing was wonderful after telling everyone lies about having a deep connection to the captains, no less with a ripped piece of paper imprinted finely in bold the signatures of Duke Vox and Count Woltar – sure, she stole it, but that was never needed to be told. After shooing away everyone in sight, she saluted Fayt without him noticing the sudden change.
She's been rejected from the only person she cared about, but if his happiness is with the captain of Black Brigade and was Fayt's decision all along; she had no other choice to feel happy for the blunette and wished him all the best.
Fayt slid one hand around Albel's shoulder, the other circling the swordsman waist in order to have a good hold of Albel and to bring them closer in space. Albel squirmed—honestly uncomfortable how close they were—even with this sort of affection, Albel kept his eyes on the ground.
Occasionally, Fayt could hear the barely audible sobs, and he remembered just what Sophia did with crying children: gently, Fayt rocked both their bodies as if a parent was cradling their child and rocking them ever-so-gently. Finally, after such a long moment of silence, the emerald hued stopped rocking—much to Albel's dismay after calming down to some extent—and decided to speak in a low whisper, "I don't deserve it, I don't deserve it at all…but…can you ever forgive me, Albel?"
Albel sneaked his hand between Fayt's embrace to rub away the water from his eyes.
And instead of answering Fayt's question, he posed of question of his own. "Do you hate me…?"
Fayt blinked with confusion, he backed his body away and laughed lightly, "That's what's on your mind?" The laugh came to an end, the emerald hued now kept his composure to an absolute seriousness, "Albel…"
Fayt let loose his arm around Albel's shoulder, one finger was used to pick up Albel's chin for them to finally have eye contact. Albel's scarlet orbs were still watery, but seemed to be reassured after so long, he tried to divert his sight to anywhere but Fayt - at least this much was good.
"I lo--" The blunette bit his lip, noticing how Albel finally let one eye gaze into the forlorn pools of green, almost like the blunette regret saying something yet relieved for cutting himself off.
'I can't say it…I shouldn't say it…'
Fayt forced a smile – there was no shining vibes that occasionally made him glow, more like a sad smile at this point, "--think you are too precious, therefore…I could never hate you."
'After all…Albel loves Vox…'
Albel's leftover tears automatically stopped, he wanted to seem like everything was over. That there was no such thing of any individuals living besides the two, that there was no war, nothing that could cut into this wonderful moment.
If only time could stop…that would be nice.
Fayt sheepishly grinned, letting his hands rest back on his knees, "Don't even get me started just how cute you are."
Albel didn't twitch—surprisingly enough, he wanted to add—but faintly smiled how thing felt…normal.
"Shall I compare thee to a summer's day?"
Albel stood up, keeping his silent laughter to himself, "You're an odd one, Leingod."
Fayt stood up as well, almost shocked that there was no sarcasm retort back. The blunette snickered, "Better than being called a bug."
Albel amusedly trailed off, making sure this voice was loud and clear, "That's what you may think in that silly little head of yours, but your rank is that of lowly maggot – that's how it will stay."
Fayt jogged at Albel's pace, faking a look of hurt, "Harsh, aren't 'cha?"
---
The pair noticed there was only a yard to go before they reach the castle, Fayt was still incredibly hungered when he never even got a morsel of food during the entire day, no less when the steamed buns Fayt was working on was ruined. Although now he kept in mind before Luther was forced off the teen, he whispered something to Fayt that left him absolutely petrified.
Fayt glanced over at Albel, his neutral expression only had its sight directed on the castle, and it would be nice to just eat the whole stress away. Fayt gulped, clicking ideas into his noggin when finally trying his best to be at ease. Without a doubt, he can't bring up any later curiosity and suspicion – all this trouble because of Luther, too.
"Hey, Albel?"
Albel didn't look at Fayt, but was listening either way.
Fayt sighed, 'At least look at me when I'm talking to you.'
"How did you find me? I was in a pretty far off distance."
The swordsman kept quiet. Fayt was just about to ask him again until he finally spoke up, "When someone decided to flee from the castle, Woltar mention you told him about your location."
'…I never even said a word to Woltar…'
"Speaking of your location," scarlet eyes glittered with a murderous intent, especially made more ominous with an evil snicker on Albel's lips, "Woltar said you were heading off to the red-light district." Major snaring included on the last point.
"…Alright…let me say this: what the hell! I would never go that far in Airyglyph's dark corners." Fayt melodramatically pretended to claw his own face with fake anguish, "For all I know, I could be raped…or beaten!"
Albel completely ignored Fayt's comment and tried his best not point out how the blunette easily followed Luther.
Albel: "If I fell for a lie or not doesn't really bother me at the moment. I searched in those trashy pathways and found nothing. And Luther's mansion is right behind the red-light district, so I had to take a curve to get back on track."
"Aww, you're worried about me." Fayt quickly added on so he wouldn't hear Albel's retort to the whole 'worrying thing', "How's the progress with the war coming along?"
The bi-colored haired shrugged, obviously not interested in the topic, "Vox is still working on further mechanism and strategies. Most likely he's done, however he might still be completing the prints. Why?"
Fayt's lip quivered, he tried to come up with an answer, and the best he came up with: "J-just curious. So he keeps them in his room or something?"
Albel raised a brow, "…probably."
Fayt nervously chuckled, trying to relieve all the awkwardness and tension between the. He needed time, he needed insight, and all he wanted are answers, not guesses! Finally an idea popped into his mind; at least it might have been enough to relieve the insecurity.
"How's…umm…the prisoner? The redhead Vox dragged in."
"Who knows."
An emerald orb twitched, honestly these line of questions are getting him nowhere.
"Who holds the keys?"
"Leingod, the guard has the keys, now shut up."
Fayt backed up away from distance, slightly shaken how easily Albel already was annoyed by the inquiries. But so far, everything was in check – it was all the blunette really needed.
Once reaching the entrance of the castle, Fayt went on ahead of Albel and stood on the frame of the entrance, "If the day comes when the war is in its fiery battle, I want you do to me a major favor."
Albel walked in the castle, waiting for Fayt to finish up his sentence quickly so the swordsman could get some rest.
"Without fail, without hesitation, no matter which side wins…kill me with that sword I gave you. I don't want to die in anybody's hand but yours."
In the moment Albel found the favor was the just preposterous and questionable in all intents. Fayt scurried away in time towards the prisoner cells before Albel was able to get press the matter.
---
A lone soldier was sleeping soundly on his wooden chair; he couldn't care anymore about his post since the Aquarian female was trapped within steel bars and cuffed together to prevent escaping. She curled most of her body in a ball, trying her best to get enough heat passing through her pale and cold state. Quickly she hoisted up, the redhead's eyes traced her surroundings, backing away when a shadowy figure approached her.
Her large orbs widen in surprise, silly her; it was merely Fayt with a large tray of food, a warm blanket clinging on one arm as well. The blunette made sure the soldier was deeply asleep in his own little world to carefully pick out the keys clinging on the man's pudgy finger.
Fayt placed the tray down, the plastic hitting the lumpy ground quite loudly. He noticed just how much the redhead glared daggers for that stupid move. Fayt silently apologized with a goofy smile, and finally slipped off the keys dangling on the man's gloved finger.
With all glory, he raised the keys in front of her with his ever-so-vibrant smile plastered on his lips, and then clicked the metal with the lock. The long bar door opened, he approached her with caution and touched her hand. Rapidly, he swiped away hand back and noted just how cold she was.
Steadily he clicked the cuffs so they open, most of her wrist was protected by the long gloves she wore, but not enough to show raw and pink skin, shriveled blood indicating how much she struggled. Fayt also observed her body and face; it seems she has not eaten ever since she came here.
Her wrists were so sore, making her unable to pick up the metal utensil laid beside a steaming bowl of finely made curry. Fayt wrapped the blanket around her, and the rest he did was pick up the spoon—wary of always blowing to cool down the food—and fed her, even though it was obvious she did mind but never complained.
"I was lucky; a maid happened to passing by and told me to deliver this to the guard."
'I didn't even get to eat yet…At least you get a meal…' Thought Fayt, mentally sulking and disregarded his empty stomach.
Her green eyes stared into Fayt's emerald pools; she closed her eyes and let the progress of being fed continue. Once done with the entire bowl, she drank the wonderful and cool water with the help of Fayt supporting the base of the cup. With that out of the way, she nuzzled herself further in the blanket, slightly shivering either way.
"You have every right to be mad…I'm sorry! I seriously am…" Fayt said, dejectedly facing his eyes down on the ground.
The redhead sighed, she crossed her arms, lifting one hand slowly—pain or no pain—and gently tapped the blunette on the shoulder, "It's alright now, but do you know how worried you got Cliff? You never reported after that, both of us assumed the worst…Fayt…"
Fayt lifted his head, his fingers clutching one of the lumpy rocks on the ground.
"You did something beyond our expectation, instead of a soldier, you got a captain! That's why I came, I was…worried… everything seemed too risky gambling with a captain, no less the Wicked one." There was a hint of playfulness in the last part of the sentence, but she stayed stern.
"Nel…" he said softly, and then went to the point, "Luther. He helped Vox get to you, didn't he?"
The redhead solemnly nodded.
Fayt pounded a fist; he pounded harder than the other times and continued while his knuckles bled, Nel restrained the blunette from hurting himself any further for reasons unknown.
"Why…Why must there be a war! B-because of him…because of Luther…everything is falling into pieces."
"Fayt…?"
"Luther knew all along, he whispered to me 'I know your little secret. I know your connection with that Aquarian. I can ruin you, unless you come on the night of day two.' Nel, I don't want to do this anymore! I don't want to leave…Albel thinks everyone hates him, if I leave…"
Nel gasped, she let her hand return back to her side and prevented herself from clawing the skin on her legs from disappointment, "Is that why you've been taking your time? We could have everything ready and had the advantage by now, instead you're holding back because Albel Nox! What then? Don't tell me you actually fell in love with that man…? Fayt, no! This is the worst mistake you can make!"
Something in the teen just snapped, he stood up and loomed over Nel's body within two seconds.
"What makes you think you can easily judge someone without knowing them?! If loving him is a mistake, then I don't give a fucking damn of the consequences! What the hell am I getting out of this, Nel? C'mon, tell me. Make my fucking day with a perfectly good reason why I should go on a battlefield and see someone I finally care about going to die, or for me to die in the war anyway!"
The redhead was startled by his uproar; she couldn't think of a reason, "I'm in no position to talk about the reason being between this war."
Fayt clutched his head with his hand, trying to restrain from bantering any louder to wake up the guard—still sound asleep, oddly enough—Fayt held the bar door with the keys tightly clutched in his hand, knuckles bleeding out more blood, "…Wait for me in two days, we'll get out by then. Hand me those sleeping drugs."
Nel checked her hidden pockets, taking out a small white plastic packet that was the exact same size of an adult's male thumb. He took the packet and stuffed it into his pocket.
"I'll come at night, just…just let make things right. I want these two days to mean something without hurting him. Kill the guard; they barely check things down here. Leave the tray of food here also."
Fayt tossed her kunai on the floor, closed the door and walked away, never even saying something like 'good night' or 'bye.'
Nel settled herself in a corner, grabbing her kunai as she shot one with perfect aim; the landing went straight in the guard's throat.
"At least that nuisance is gone and the snoring will no longer be heard."
Nel gazed at the other kunai in her palm, "What are you making right, Fayt…?" Nel clenched the kunai, seeing as it slit her fingers a bit, "If anything…once you leave, you've only made things worse getting so attached." She unclenched her hand, seeing the blood ooze from her fingers.
"That, Fayt, is the worse pain of all."
---
The halls were quiet and the sky grew dark, the windows let the crisp breeze past between Fayt's blue locks, occasionally his fringes poked his eyes, however he paid no need towards the pain as his eyes sunk – eyes without expression, more or so. Fayt froze in the middle of the entrance of the dinning hall, aware that Albel sat in a far corner of the table, munching on a half-eaten apple. Count Woltar was slicing open a piece of beef as he sat right in the middle of Albel's side. All the while, Vox sat on the opposite side of the table from the two and sat closest to the King who was on his own seating right in the middle on the long table.
Vox explained in detail of the weapons being used for the soldiers, other times he would go about the formation to surround enemy territory, even someone as Fayt noticed some flaws in his plan yet Albel was just as sharp and commented every now and then with his eyes closed and always munching on his apple. The King would rarely laugh at Vox's mistake, except now when he did laugh frequently at Albel's sarcastic comments. Or on other times, Albel's statements made more sense and added an addition to the plans.
Fayt snickered and mentally applauded Albel's victories, especially how embarrassed and red Vox pale face could become. But instantly frowned and assumed the stares where resembling 'love signals' instead from the real thing: a glare-down with so much hate and competition behind it all that both their eyes flared.
Count Woltar weakly laughed at the two, and both 'hmph'-ed childishly and went back to their own thing.
"How could I ever compete…?"
Albel's ears perked, seems he was the only one who caught the low mumble and looked around for the voice. His scarlet orbs looked at the entrance and saw such an apathetic body. For a fraction of a second, Albel was going to continue eating his apple for he couldn't care in the slightest of a stranger or just a commoner just standing there. Only this time, that lifeless figure was Fayt, the look in the blunette's eyes almost sent shivers down Albel's spine because that was no ordinary gaze in his eyes.
Fayt appeared…doleful.
"…and the choice would be better off using tungsten for armor." Vox went on saying to the King.
The King seemed to question the power, but surprised when Vox was hit on the head with an apple.
"Tsk, tsk, Vox, you're making a fool of yourself." Albel said with a smug smirk, crossing his arms and noticed Vox clutching the apple that he threw, almost like the man was trying to crush the fruit, "Clearly, the best choice would titanium. If we have any chance to win this war, then we need something that won't drag us down."
Vox's voice was evident enough to show his anger, "Your point, Nox?"
"My point: tungsten may be a strong metal and more resistant to blows, but it's heavier and requires too much energy and stamina to keep on moving. Why would we want sluggish soldiers if they might not even make it throughout half the battle? Titanium qualifies to being more ductile, but light and fitting enough to stand through various attacks. We're going to need all the strength and time to defeat those Aquarians."
Count Woltar finished his meal and clapped on Albel's behalf, "A remarkable idea! Wouldn't you say, Your Highness?"
"Indeed, I ask that you improvise your plans, Duke Vox. It seems you have a new tendency being too relaxed around the planning of this war."
Vox glared over at the swordsman, Albel smirked and mentioned that his business and reason for being here is done, despite being a meeting for the captains. Once departing, his smug smirk formed into a frown as he snapped his fingers in front of Fayt's face to wake the lad out of his daze.
"Leingod…Leingod. Leingod!"
Fayt blinked several times, but if only his eyes can have more 'happiness' or radiant-toned to fake that he was 'alright.' But nothing's been going his way: being black-mailed, trying to compete with Vox, and leaving everything in two days.
"It's too overwhelming…" said Fayt, as utterly lifeless as his expression.
"What?"
"I want to make these days count…"
Albel couldn't even back away from the blue haired when he was suddenly grabbed by the wrist, pulling back wouldn't work regardless because of the amount of strength Fayt had in him. Though it didn't stop Albel from dragging his feet to stop Fayt—albeit, unsuccessful as it was—or trying to get Fayt to answer Albel's questions: where the hell was he being dragged off to?
Fayt made a curve in hallway, stepping into Albel's room and slamming the door in back of him with his foot. At least it gave a signal to any person still loitering the halls to stay away from this particular room.
"Would you let go of me, idiotic worm?!"
At least he got what he demanded; Fayt tossed Albel's body on the large bed, his head colliding with the wall. "S-shit…" Albel rubbed the back of his head gently, greatly in pain from the impact, one scarlet hue glaring at the teen crawling over the man's body.
"What's the meaning of this?!"
Albel tried to support his body with his elbows, but Fayt took out a rope that was hidden underneath Albel's bed.
"Where did that come from…?"
"Remember last time," Fayt said hotly, another addition to licking his lips, "You escaped from me in the bath, but I saved the rope and stored it soon afterwards once you left your room when waking up to that fever. I knew it would come in handy…"
Fayt fastened the gauntlet hand and Albel's thin wrist with the rope, loose enough to make sure it wouldn't injure Albel's hand—the wound constantly re-opens from training. Fayt's injury was healed and only left a faint scar—but tight enough to make sure he wouldn't dare escape.
The bi-colored haired squirmed free, hissing every now and then when the rope felt like it was shredding his skin. The swordsman was so occupied untangling his wrist from the ropes that Albel jumped when he felt a trail of wetness in his abdominal area.
His eyes were shaky and almost frightened to look, but regretted the moment he did: Fayt was teasingly stroking Albel's legs with one hand, whilst his tongue ran around Albel's torso.
Albel bit his lip tightly, no matter the pain; he cannot and will not moan to this force treatment.
Fayt was rather annoyed not hearing a noise; he slid his leg into between Albel's and nudged it slightly in hope of a reaction. However, Albel was clenching his eyes shut and biting his lip as it bled, letting the scarlet ooze trickle down his chin.
"No good?"
Fayt raised his body and positioned himself more comfortably; he sadistically smirked on Albel's quiet disposition. The blunette clamped onto Albel's knees and forcefully spread them apart, a little further than necessary and resulting for Albel to hiss in pain.
"Not to worry, I'll be very gentle."
His lustful expression made Albel think otherwise - to be honest, this might have been a first him in a long time to feel scared, and to someone younger than him broke his pride completely. Fayt clutched the purple cloth that came between him and what he wanted to see, but then he heard Albel's trembling voice, "No, don't…"
In that instant, a flash of realization struck Fayt like a knife; the lustful and blank eyes gained back its green radiance. He nervously fumbled to untie the ropes, once done, Fayt noticed the bare wrist had a bloody smear, underneath was probably raw and bright pink.
"I'm sorry; I didn't know what came over me…Albel?"
Albel soothed his wrist, rubbing the pain with his eyes still closed to at least try and visualize peace.
"I wish I could tell you my reason…but I wanna ask you…" He nervously looked away, "H-have you ever done it with another person?"
Albel's scarlet orbs shot open, "E-ex-excuse me?!"
Fayt's emerald eyes glanced at Albel, a little tint of hopefulness coming back to his weak smile depending on the answer, "If you haven't, I understand why you didn't want me to suddenly attack you like that. But if you did, then…"
'Fayt, get a hold of yourself! It's now or never…!'
"Why would I answer something like th--"
Fayt pounded his fist on the bed, "Then answer me this! How can I win against Duke Vox? How can I be so sure that you'll ever like me instead of him?!"
Albel stared long and hard at Fayt, making sure this wasn't just some joke. But here the teen was – patiently waiting for a response. Eventually, Albel had to clutch his stomach to prevent himself from laughing; even tears were forming in the corners of those blood red eyes – all because how funny he found it all.
Fayt watch this moment in bewilderment – how much longer is Albel going to hold in all his laughter?
Better yet…
'What the hell is he laughing about?!'
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A/N: We're actually almost getting wrapped up for the final chapters. Seriously, everything must come to an end. ;D But don't worry mii peeps, I actually got another fic idea up my sleeve, might not be as good as this one...but w/e. Anybody got idea what Luther wants Fayt to do? Hmm, hmm? :D Can't believe I got this thing done in one whole day. MAJOR ACCOMPLISHMENT. Ehh, but the chapter is pretty short...sigh...Lol, Fayt never got food in the end XD Oh, can anybody add in the review or in a PM if there was any beaches in Airyglyph or its territory. I'm curious. .0. Now I gotta get ready, my REAL graduation is tomorrow, fo sho~ What a pain to wear the cap thingy, it always slips. DDD: You guys are lucky, speedy update and update before a my graduation. Time to practice walking without tripping today. x) Oh, and ANSWER MY POLL, IT'S IMPORTANT!!!!! Seriously.