Interim, part 4 ("Demons" Epilogue)
In a countryside camp, team 3 sat around their humble fire. Van and Yung-Li had been discussing Van's latest misadventure with Yona. Koko stared at the flames, giving them some privacy. If she didn't watch them, she couldn't read their lips. It was as close to 'guy time' they could get, given the circumstances. "What if you don't get the answer you wanted?", asked the speed mage, watching his friend closely. Van smirked lightly. He'd already considered that possibility. "Then I'll have to let her go", he sighed. He wasn't counting on getting on what he wanted, but he could always hope, couldn't he? They chatted a while longer before turning in. It would be days before they got back to the guild. There was no use stressing over what awaited them when they did.
As Van slept, he dreamed of Yona giving him a chance. At least in his dreams they were happy together. The image of the dragon slayer blurred unexpectedly. A laugh rang out behind him. "Is that how you really see me?", teased Yona. Van turned with a grin. He was busted. Glancing around, he picked up on what was happening. "Must be something important if the master brought you here", he said. Her smile faded as she stepped closer. The imagery of the guild faded into snow filled fields, Van's childhood home. "It wouldn't exactly be fair to ask Jasper, now would it?", she taunted. They sat in silence for a while, he waiting for her to speak her mind, and she wishing she hadn't come.
"I'm still not taking it back", he smirked. "I didn't expect you to", she replied slyly. "So, what brings you?", he asked, staring at her with mixed thoughts. She shrugged, then sighed, "Just needed to clear a few things up, I guess." He waited for her to continue, interest in his eye. "What exactly is it that you're asking for?", she uttered, avoiding his gaze. Van stared into the clouded sky. "Not as much as you probably think", he uttered. She finally turned to face him. What did he mean? He gazed at the snow as he spoke. "I'm not asking you to marry me tomorrow, nor I am whisking you far away from the guild or ocean. I don't expect you to become a different person and there's no way I can see you staying at home with kids...All I want is a chance." She peered at him keenly, trying to discern his thoughts. "Chance?", she repeated. He offered her a soft smile and nodded briefly. "That's it. Just a chance", he replied. "For what?", she asked, uncomfortable. "To show you what could be through my eyes..er..eye", he corrected bashfully. "A chance to treat you a little better, to show you that I'm sincere...A chance to win your heart."
She shifted her weight, unsure what she was supposed to say. "A chance to show you what I'm capable of", he added with a wink. She laughed at his come on. "I already know what you're capable of, Mister Yukimaru", she stated flatly. He suddenly looked very confused. Yona sighed. "That night at the bar, not long after we met...Almost got arrested", she trailed. Then it hit him. "That was real?! I thought I dreamed that!", he shouted in panic. She laughed at his reaction. Smacking himself over the head, he whined about he was nothing, but a drunken slob. "Relax, it's fine", she said, playfully bumping his arm. Without warning, he grabbed her hands in his own. "No, it's not! God only knows what really happened! I thought it was a dream, so I never said anything, but -...Give me another shot. I promise I can do better", he pleaded. Despite herself, the dragon slayer blushed faintly. "It wasn't that big of a deal, Van. Just a little harmless fun...It's not like anything life changing happened", she said, trying to change the subject. He stared at the ground, but held her hands firmly. Maybe that's all it was to her, but...No, it wasn't fair. The one chance he'd gotten, he'd been drunk and likely fumbled through their little make out session. He wanted another chance. He wanted more.
He plead his case one last time. "I know I'm an idiot most of the time and you still have your whole life ahead of you, but be honest...Does the age gap bother you? If it does, I understand", he sighed. She carefully pulled her fingers from his grip. "Not really, no", she mumbled. He glanced up with hope. She was looking elsewhere, avoiding the issue as best as she could. "You're a good friend, Van. Don't mess that up", she uttered. His spirits sank. "So that's your answer...", he said glumly. "I don't know, okay?!", snapped Yona. Van sat back in surprise. Her outburst had come from nowhere. Wait, if she wasn't sure, then maybe he had a chance after all... Yona paced rapidly as she spilled her thoughts. "You're a nice guy. You're sweet, you're funny, you're loyal to a fault, but I don't think I can give you what you want." He stared breathlessly. She'd finally stopped hiding. Van got to his feet and placed his hands gently over Yona's shoulders. "That may be, but you have a choice, too. What do you want, Yona?", he asked directly, looking her in the eye. She stared downward, avoiding that pitiful face before her. "You don't know what you're trying to get into", she sighed. With a faint smirk, she teasingly added, "Except my pants."
He couldn't help, but chuckle. She certainly had a way with words. "If you're worried about that, I can wait", he assured. "You don't get it", she stated grimly. He stared until she met his gaze. "Yeah, actually, I do. You probably didn't think I was listening all those nights we drank together, but I was. I know how you lost your sister and Llyr, but you don't have to be afraid for me. I can take it", he stated. She stared in shock. When did she go all weepy? Had the booze brought out her past or maybe it was just because she trusted him. Either way, he knew her secrets. She slowly shook her head. "No...I don't think you can." With that, she was gone. Van stood alone in his dream-scape, the blizzard around him intensifying with his mood. Had he just blown it?
-
Beneath the guild, Yona hazily opened her eyes. Veda had her tail wrapped snugly around her body and was stroking her forehead. "Did you find out what you needed to know?", asked the naga calmly. Sitting up, Yona sighed deeply. "What would you do?", she blurted, exhausted from her own thoughts. "You won't like my advice", said Veda. Yona stared at her to spill it. "Just follow your heart", sighed the guild master. Yona's expression clearly read, "Really?". Veda grinned. "I told you you wouldn't like it", she teased. Veda released her coils. Yona got to her feet and sheepishly thanked her for her help. "You have a few days still. Just try not to break too many hearts", offered Veda. Yona nodded and made her way to own room. Why was this so hard?! She'd never taken Van seriously before, so why now?
-
The next day, the afternoon sun shone down on the city. It sparkled on the waves cresting near the shore. Jasper sat on the roof of the guild, staring at the clouds, trying to clear his mind. An odd knocking sound caught his attention. The edge of a ladder appeared, followed by a familiar face. "What is it with you and high places?", taunted Yona. Jasper shrugged, lost for words. Heights had always been his escape from the world. Once on the roof, Yona looked around. She could clearly see the pathway where Van had kissed her. There was no doubt Jasper had seen it. Sitting beside the incubus, she asked, "What do you do up here, anyway?". He stared skyward, trying to fight his reflex to hide. "Think mostly", he replied. "You think too much", said Yona flatly. Glancing over, he saw her staring down at the pathway and he knew that she knew. Of course he'd seen that kiss. It hurt and he didn't want to talk about it.
"I talked to Van last night", said Yona absently. Jasper said nothing. "He has a good point now and then...", she trailed, testing his reactions. "Why are you telling me?", asked Jasper, appearing uninterested. His mother had a way of meddling when he least wanted her to. "I want to hear your side. State your case", she said, as if taking testimony. "Wh-what?!", he gasped, again turning deep red. "Do you want me or not?", she asked bluntly. "That-..That's not for me to decide", he stammered. She watched him keenly. "So, you're not interested, then?", she teased. Pulling his tail closer, he murmured, "I didn't say that." She idly sat near him, waiting for him to come out of his shell. This whole shyness thing was really a pain in the ass. Eventually, he uttered, "You barely know me. Van's a good friend...That should make it easy." A scoffing laugh resounded, causing the incubus to look up.
"For being so smart, you're pretty dense, you know that?", she grinned. "You said you didn't want to lose me, right?", she ventured. He nodded shyly. "So, just tell me what you want. A friend? A girlfriend?...A playmate?" He averted his gaze, way passed his comfort zone. "I don't think I could do that", he stated quietly. "You intrigue me. I can't deny that, but I won't insult either of us by suggesting that a mere physical relationship would be enough. You keep asking me questions, but I think you need to ask yourself. What is it you're searching for, Yona?", he asked. There was that irritating question again! After pausing, she said, "I don't want to be tied down. I guess I don't really know what I want...but I don't want that. I'm not saying I have to have everything...I just want to get a taste of my options, I guess." Jasper hid a faint grin. A taste? She's certainly 'tasted' him already. "You know...You can always take the third option and choose neither of us", he uttered. He started to panic when he realized he'd said it out loud. It was too late. She was staring directly at him. Trying to smooth it over, he added, "Just take some time to yourself and think things over." Her posture was stiff. Was it something he said? "I'll see you in a few days, then", she said. With that, she climbed down. The last he saw of her was her back as she walked down the beach with the twins. Where was she going? And what would she say when, or even if, she came back?
-
A few days passed and no one had seen or heard from Yona or the exceeds. Kavi didn't seem worried, so Blythe kept a brave face though he worried she may not return. Jasper was more aloof than usual, as well. Veda said nothing about it one way or another, but Kavi knew she was watching. Puck and Dalia had not yet returned. The guild wondered if the young witch was really going to join them. All anyone could do was wait.
When team three returned home, it was dark and very late. They went to their rooms, exhausted, but silent, as not to disturb their friends. Van dropped his travel bag heavily on the floor as he closed his door behind him. He leaned against the frame with a sigh. It wasn't until he lit a lantern that he realized he wasn't alone. Yona was sitting on the edge of his bed, simply staring at him. "Y-Yona-chan! You surprised me", he said sheepishly. She smelled strongly of the sea, even more so than usual. "I just got home, too", she stated. Her expression was even, if not missing. Van wasn't sure what she had to say, but he did wish it could wait until morning. It had been a long trip home and he was so tired. He sat beside her without making a fuss. They both stared into the dim light, embraced by the quiet. He stiffened as she moved. He turned to face her as she reached for his face. What was going to happen? Was this his long awaited answer?
Yona carefully slid the eye patch from Van's face. His normally covered eye stared back at her. A deep scar went straight across the lens, leaving the iris a cloudy blue, completely mismatched to his deep orange natural color. She lowered her hands and studied his features closely, very closely. Mere inches away, he wasn't sure how long he could contain himself. Despite his rambunctious behavior, he truly was a gentleman. Thus, he sat in wait to find out where things were going. "A chance, huh?", sighed Yona. She almost looked curious at that point. Firmly grasping the bandana around his neck, she pulled him in. He melted at her touch. When she let go, he sat in awe as a smile crept over his lips. "What's with the goofy grin?", asked Yona skeptically. "That's the first time you actually kissed me", he beamed. It was true enough. He'd always instigated any previous interactions.
Shifting a little uneasily, she blurted, "That's not my answer. It was a test." His expression changed from dreamy to perplexed. "Test?", he said blankly. Shying her face from his gaze, she said, "I just wanted to see if I could feel what you feel." A coy grin took over his face as he gently turned her face in his palm. "Is that all? Let me try", he said, leaning in. Tense at first, she slowly relaxed in his arms. There was real passion coming from his kiss, but something still didn't feel right. Giving it a fair shot, she let him pull her closer. A few moments later, he ran his hand along the outside of her leg, desperate for more contact. Pulling back, she said, "Van, stop." True to his nature, he did just that. Frozen at first, he slowly reigned himself in. "Sorry", he said sheepishly. "It's okay", she assured, regaining her personal space.
He watched her tug at her hair, a sure sign of her distress. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have done that", he repeated, more serious. "It was just a test", replied Yona, staring into the darkness. "A test...What did you find out?", asked Van, afraid of the answer. She sighed heavily, a bad sign. "I'm sorry. This was a bad idea...I wasn't trying to lead you on...I just-...I just needed to know for sure." He prepared himself for the bad news. Slowly shaking her head, she said, "I'm really sorry, Van...I just don't feel the same spark that you do...You said you'd still be my friend no matter what...So...Do you hate me?", she asked, her voice quivering faintly. He stared at her with mixed feelings. He'd never seen her so fragile before. "Hate you?", he repeated. She glanced over, expecting to see anger or hurt in his eyes. Instead, he grinned faintly. "You could harvest my organs and leave me in a tub of ice somewhere and I still wouldn't be capable of hating you", he teased. She relaxed with a light laugh. "I asked for a chance...You gave me one...Thank you", he said with subtle disappointment.
Everything felt so strange. Why did she feel like this? And why wasn't he upset? No, he just wasn't showing it. He wouldn't let her see him cry. It would only further burden her with guilt. She hugged him tightly, grateful he was mature enough to be so fair. Letting go, she looked to his face and said, "Still friends?". With a grin, he held up his fist and said, "The best." A fist-bump seemed an odd way to end this ordeal, but for them, it was likely the best option. Yona sighed. A huge weight had been lifted from her shoulders. She secretly wondered what it would be like to accept his advances from time to time. Now she had her answer. He was a great friend and she loved him just the way they were, but she just didn't share the same feelings beyond that. She guessed it was a good thing that he was so much older now. He knew how to handle the disappointment with tact, at least. Now, she had to face the other side of her problem - Jasper...But what would she say?
-
After chatting for a while to make sure they were both okay, Yona left Van to get some rest. She had to find Jasper. It could probably wait until morning, but she wanted to just get it all over with. This whole thing had taken its toll on her. She hadn't seen the incubus since she wandered off says before. Ronen and Rani slept peacefully in her bed, knowing she had loose ends to tie. It was best to leave her to her own devices. It was a full moon outside. That made it easy to pick out Jasper's silhouette up on the clifftop. She sighed, annoyed. Damned high places...
Finally at the top of her climb, she pulled herself onto level ground. The fragrance of the moon flowers was strong. Jasper stood at the edge of the cliff, staring out to sea. Strange, she figured he'd be watching his beloved moon in its full glory. He was well aware of her presence, but maintained his distant stance. "Do you ever sleep?", teased Yona, breaking the ice. "On the roof during the day, up here at night... Seriously, don't you get tired?" He grinned to himself without turning. "You could call me a night owl, I suppose", he ventured. It only made sense that he'd have some form of nocturnal tendency. After all, he was an incubus. When he turned to face her, the moon lit up his eyes, making them appear to glow again, but this time, it was only a trick of the light. "Did you have a nice hiatus?", he asked calmly. She shrugged, non-chalantly. "It was okay, I guess." Watching her carefully, he added, "Enough to clear your mind?". Even if he tried to hide it, he had an interest in the outcome of her decision and she knew it.
Several feet apart, they simply stared at one another. "Van's home", she stated. His expression remained even. "I just saw him..." Still no visual response. "I kissed him", she stated. That one got a faint response. Jasper shied his gaze passed pink cheeks. "That isn't really my business, is it?", he uttered. She stepped toward him, smirking at his tension rose. "Actually, it is", she said matter-of-factually. He wasn't budging. He stared into the sand, avoiding eye contact. "There was nothing", she stated, somewhat solemnly. "What do you mean?", he inquired nervously. She was just in front of him now and she wasn't backing down. "I didn't feel anything", she said. He slowly looked up despite himself. She was actually blushing. "Not like I do with you...", she trailed. Her face was red, but her eyes stared firmly at him. She wasn't going to run away anymore. For once, he held her gaze. "So, now what?", he asked, unsure. "It's your move", replied Yona. His gaze darted around the immediate area. What was he supposed to say? What he was supposed to do?
He suddenly pulled her into a close embrace. "Are you sure I'm worth the trouble?", he whispered. He was trembling. Every fiber of his beings was screaming to run and hide, but even though the heat in his face was near unbearable, he held his ground. "Are you?", inquired Yona, challenging his will. He held on tightly with his arms as his tail wrapped around her waist. "I want to be...", he trailed. She grinned to herself. Maybe there was a man hiding in there after all.
At least now each had an answer. Van kept his word, staying close friends with Yona and eventually warming up to Jasper, as well. Jasper took a little longer to adjust. After all, Yona was loud enough on her own. Dealing with her and Van at the same time took a lot out of him. He could see why they made such great friends. He could also see the lost hope in Van's eye when he looked at her, but Jasper wasn't a jealous person. He said nothing, but offered a kind smile. Who knew? In time, maybe Van would find the one he was looking for, even if it wasn't Yona.
-
The End