Star Ocean: Till the End of Time

Someday My Prince Will Come

Jamarie

The Candy Man Can

Within the walls of Castle Aquaria, a sliver of light peaked coquettishly from between door and floor, signaling that its owner had not yet entered the realm of slumber. A figure with hair the color of dark chocolate with its ends tipped with blonde, paced back and forth across his sleeping quarters. His brows were knotted into a frown, his bound rat tails swishing amid his actions.

An indescribable emotion gripped at his heart, but Albel would be damned if he ever admitted that he was capable of such feelings. It was that Roger boy again, he was sure of it. He had spied the young Menodix with his new found lover at the "Biting Kid Tavern", and unbeknownst to the couple, once more at Peterny's main square this morning. He remembered the affectionate manner the stranger touched and teased the boy, and it took everything in him to not launch into a blind fury and slice the male into uncountable amounts of bloodied pieces.

Albel paused in his pacing when his eyes traveled towards his bed, but more specifically, the sheet of paper which lay innocently upon the covers. He reached out and brought the poster up to his eye level and regarded it with silence. It was a reward poster concerning Roger S.Huxley's capture, and in the middle was said boy's picture, caught unknowingly when he turned his wide, innocent and curious gaze towards the viewer's eyes. This was Albel's "personal" copy and he kept it in surprisingly excellent condition.

Without taking his eyes off the image, Albel poured himself a glass of red wine, before sitting himself comfortably on his bed. After taking a sip of the burgundy substance and placing the glass down on the side table, he allowed a single clawed finger to trace the picture's outline. The bored stroking grew in its intimacy, as the male focused on Roger's hair, his cheeks, his lips…

"Fucking shit!"

Albel groaned and flung himself backwards onto his bed. The mattress creaked in protest, but the swordsman didn't really seem to care, his mind plagued by far more important things, like his sanity.

He had started questioning himself ever since he met the Menodix 4 years ago. Although they never met before that particular incident, he couldn't help but feel drawn towards the boy and he merely acted on impulse, his hideous beast of desire taking over. The boy had proven rather satisfactory and he couldn't get enough of his intoxicating taste, secretly longing for it every time he closed his eyes… or even now when he was left alone to his thoughts.

He admitted he had many… visions of the boy, and they all harbored around one thing: passionate lust. Albel knew what he wanted – more valuable than any promotion – and he wanted Roger S.Huxley. He wanted to have him, to claim him, to forever mark him as his and be the only one said boy would submit to. He wanted to feel that burning flesh against his when they danced in the passionate afterglow of sex; he wanted to be the one to claim Roger's innocence.

Albel was broken away from his reverie, when he spied something or rather someone, wandering around the city outside the castle. Albel parted the doors to his veranda and stood there watching, waiting as his crimson orbs zoomed in on the happy couple. The sight sickened him.

It was that stranger again, and grasped loosely in his hands was a bouquet of assorted flowers. It appeared that whoever that guy was, he probably resided in Aquios.

Albel shrugged and took another sip of his wine, only to spit it out, obviously appalled by the sight before him. The stranger had kneeled before the young Menodix, kissed the back of his hand in a charming fashion, before pulling the smaller boy into a deep, passionate kiss.

Albel's mind was in a haze. There was a loud crash. And only after Albel managed to overcome his state of jealousy, did he realize that his bedroom floor was stained with burgundy and littered with shattered pieces which made up his once whole wine glass.

He backed away slowly, as he shook his head in disbelief.

'No…it couldn't be… could it?'

As Albel Nox gazed at the mess he created, realization had hit him with its full, monstrous force.

He was in love with the criminal; he was in love with Roger S.Huxley.

-0-0-0-

"Here you go Sophia, these are for you."

"Oh, Fayt, they're lovely… thank you," came Sophia's reply, as she accepted the bouquet of flowers in genuine thanks.

She brought her face close to the bush of rainbows and inhaled deeply, relishing it the delightful scents produced. The bouquet was wrapped up with pink paper and accented nicely with a lovely pink ribbon at the end. Sophia hugged the flowers close to her chest, as she beamed up at her best friend in sincere thanks.

She had no idea what possessed Fayt to go through this drastic changed of character, but who said she was complaining? The young prince was behaving so sweet and charming, and she knew she had the young Menodix lover to thank. She sort of liked this change in her friend; she was confident he'd make a wonderful husband in the future. She giggled.

"Did you and Roger pick these out for me? He's such a sweet boy…"

"Yeah," replied Fayt, obviously flustered.

"He had a feeling you'd like it. Oh, and he got it wrapped up for you as well. He thought you might like it pink."

"Don't worry, tell him I love it! Which reminds me, have you two made any… progress in your relationship?"

Sophia already got her answer when she spied the evident blush which slowly made its presence known on the surface of Fayt's cheeks. She giggled and grasped one of Fayt's hands in silent encouragement, indirectly reminding the male once more that she would always have his back.

"I knew it! So you did put some moves on him today! Come on, spill it lover boy, or are you going to keep me up all night?"

Fayt blushed harder if that was even possible, keeping his head down as he willed himself to avoid eye contact. This was so embarrassing, not to mention a full-scale invasion on his personal bubble, but the girl was someone he could trust. Besides, he knew he had to confide in someone soon, least he exploded from an overload of love-sick emotions. He cleared his throat.

"Well, we er-… sort of like, kissed?"

And that admission alone was enough to send Sophia's fangirl mode in a blaze. She practically squealed so loud, that Fayt had to silence her and wave his arms in a frenzy, in an attempt to remind her that they weren't the only ones who lived in the castle. She took the hint and immediately quieted down, but that didn't mean that she was done teasing her friend yet.

"OH. MY. GOD. Fayt! This is like, only the second day and you're already getting serious? You must really love him in order for you to forgo your position and title as prince and all. I still can't believe you kissed him! Where exactly did you – Fayt pointed to his lps – On the lips?!! For the love of Apris, you're killing me! Tell me more!"

Fayt stared at the brunette incredulously as if she had sprouted a second head. It was official, he would never, in all his life, understand girls.

"Well, that's basically it. I'm not too sure what you meant by 'more' per se, but if we're talking about exactly where else I kissed him…"

Sophia's eyes were as wide as dinner plates, as she unconsciously leaned in closer towards the blue haired male. The next moment Fayt looked up, she was right at his face, keen and indisputable interest dancing in her eyes. Fayt laughed nervously.

"Erm, let's see… His forehead, his cheeks, his nose, his eyelids, his lips… ears, neck… lower- Sophia would you cut that out, you're distracting me!"

She backed away, flushing in embarrassment.

"S-sorry, but I can't help it! It's just too adorable, the way you describe your love life! The way I figure, the rules can just burn themselves. You both are a match made in heaven, and if I were Queen, I'd arrange for a marriage immediately."

"But you're not," Fayt interjected, sighing in disappointment.

Sophia had, once again, indirectly reminded him of his status, his duty, his obligation. He and Roger were from different worlds, and it was nearly impossible for them to ever be together. Fayt knew he was risking it, risking everything – His position, his country, his life, as well as Roger's. If word ever got out, he was positive the royal embassy wouldn't be too happy with his choice, or worse, Roger might receive more than just a mere sentence in prison. Fayt sighed. He knew he was lying, not only to Roger, but himself as well. He was a prince for crying out loud, yet he was playing with politics, allowing his and Roger's relationship to progress this far… but was he truly wrong in doing so? Did he make a mistake in getting mixed up with Roger? Was love truly his mistake?

"Is it my mistake?"

"Pardon?"

"Is love my mistake… or would I pay the price?" he repeated, this time more firmly.

Sophia remained silent, at a loss of what to say. She wished she could answer on his behalf, but Fayt had to do this on his own. She could only provide this much of help. Fayt lifted his gaze to meet that of jade, when he felt a hand being placed comfortingly on his shoulder. Sophia offered him a sad smile.

"You know, Fayt, I really don't know. I can only offer you this much help… and this is something you have to do, to decide on your own. Just trust yourself and the decisions you make, and remember to always keep your chin up. Things would turn out for the best if you believe, you'll see."

"Yeah…"

"Oh, and Fayt, one more thing."

She pulled him close and whispered into his ear in complete seriousness.

"I'd watch myself if I were you. Albel's been acting rather weirdly these past few days, and he's falling way behind his line of work. I'm not too sure if it's stress or whatever, but I think he's going through a mid-life crisis. Just recently, before you came back, there was a loud crash in his room and I was summoned to clean up the mess. His floor was littered with glass, Fayt. He broke his wine glass and believe me, it was no accident. Also, he had asked me if I knew anything about relationships, or how people could be so impressed with flowers and tokens of love. And the most disconcerting matter is that, well…"

Sophia paused, not sure how to go about saying this.

"This morning, when I was cleaning his room, you know, making his bed and stuff, I found something. Underneath his pillow, was a small 'to-do' list, and it looked really old like, about 2 to 3 years old? There was stuff ticked alongside each item such as, 'Get evidence on the case', 'Get troops ready', 'Interrogate'. I suspect it's one of his older cases, but the last box remained un-ticked and guess what, it said 'Get the boy'."

"To top it off, I found a reward poster regarding Roger's capture underneath his bed. Fayt, I think Albel's obsession with the case has just about taken a turn for the worst. He might actually hurt Roger if he gets the chance, or worse, maybe even… rape him."

Fayt was rendered speechless. His heart practically dropped at the mere thought of that mad man getting his claws on his Roger, and reinforced with the knowledge of said man's past, he knew that Sophia's information couldn't be all the more accurate.

"Well, I better put these in a vase. Good night, Fayt, and watch over Roger."

And she was gone, leaving Fayt alone to his thoughts.

-0-0-0-

Roger peered intently through the shop window, his face pressed against the surface of glass as he gazed curiously at the items on display. Beyond the showcase window, stood dozens upon dozens of assorted candy canes and sugar-filled treats, their array of colors hypnotizing, appearing to twinkle beneath the light from the sun. Roger's eyes widened when the shop owner brought out more candy to display before his eager eyes, and he whimpered at the fact that he was only separated from the delightful morsels by a mere layer of glass. He gazed at the candy longingly. Was it him, or did they seem to be emitting a heavenly glow? He could swear he heard the voices of angels.

Roger never budged from his position, nor did he once take his eyes off the sparkling rainbows, not even when the jingling of the shop's bell entered his ears. He paid no heed to the figure that emerged from the store, until familiar laughter graced his senses. Only then, did he tear his gaze away from the window. He blushed in joy.

"Took you long enough! So what did you get, huh, huh, huh? Anything for me?"

"Alright already, calm down," Fayt laughed in response, when the Menodix practically danced a merry round around him, just to get a good look at what he bought.

A week had passed and their relationship had blossomed beautifully like the flowers of spring time.

Taking him by the hand, Fayt led Roger to a secluded area in the city of Aquios, where one could get an excellent view of the holy streams and waterfall which fell from the land's great height. Fayt and his lover descended the stairs and sat themselves comfortably on the soft grass, his arms going round to wrap themselves around Roger when he cuddled up against him. The couple sighed in content, enjoying each other's company and the comfortable silence established. However, it was Roger who chose to break the still atmosphere.

"So did you get anything for me? Did ya, did ya?"

"Roger, you know that these candies are for Sophia," Fayt told him in mock sternness, "She asked me to run a little errand for her, remember?"

Roger pouted as he crossed his arms in a huff, willing himself to avoid eye contact with his companion.

"Humph, fine then. Go give them to this Sophia of yours. I'm sure she's eagerly waiting for your return-Ah!"

He gasped when he felt lips pressed teasingly against his neck, the action turning into a seductive suction against his pulse. He moaned in protest when the owner to those lips pulled away, only to chuckle in amusement.

"Somebody's jealous…" Fayt teased, as he proceeded to nip affectionately at the boy's ear.

"I am not! And don't think that I'd bend to your wishes with every nip or caress, because I won't!"

"Oh really? Because it seems to me that it's always been working…"

Roger was blushing furiously now, but he wasn't mad. He knew he could never stay mad, much less be mad at his lover altogether. He knew that he was the only thing that mattered in the stranger's eyes, but sometimes, he couldn't help but feel self-conscious, especially if a girl was involved n the mix. Roger wasn't dense. He knew that the stranger could just have easily chose someone else to be with, to love, what with his charming disposition and all, but he had chosen him; a thief, a nobody – Correction, he was somebody, and was actually worth something. Being with this man had taught him as such.

Roger's ears flattened shamefully against the side of his head, as his gazed flittered towards the bag of sweets every once in a while. Fayt noticed this and couldn't help but wonder. He placed the palms of his hands flat against Roger's chest, as he bent over to whisper fondly in his ear, genuinely concerned.

"What's wrong, love? Is something not to your liking?"

"N-No, it's not that at all. It's just…" Roger trailed off, turning in Fayt's hold to face him. He blushed again.

"You might find this kinda stupid, but I've never really eaten candy before. Is it really as good as what people say they are? What do they taste like? Like berries and fruits?"

Fayt chuckled at the innocence behind Roger's question, already thinking of a thousand ways to prove exactly how sweet a taste they really were. He reached into the brown paper bag, dug around and fished out a round, yellow bonbon. He held it temptingly before the gaze of his lover, bringing it higher and watching in amusement as Roger stood to try and reach for it. His attempts were proven fruitless however, when Fayt all but popped the treat into his mouth, sucking on it delectably. Roger whimpered and leaned in to lick at his companion's cheek, silently begging the older male for a taste.

Fayt complied.

Snaking an arm around Roger, Fayt groped at the boy's ass, before pushing him closer against him. That action earned him a startled gasp from the smaller boy and he grinned, tilting his head up slightly to press his lips against the waiting ones of Roger's. Fayt smiled into the kiss when Roger parted his lips for him willingly, permitting him to explore his sweet, wet cavern. With his free hand, Fayt trailed up the expanse of the boy's creamy thigh, before burying said hand beneath Roger's shorts to stroke at his inner thigh. Roger moaned into the kiss and placed both hands on his lover's shoulders to steady himself.

Just when he was getting into the mood, he felt something round and hard being passed into his mouth, and he pulled away to savor its taste. His eyes widened and he felt himself flush in bliss.

"Mmm… delicious!"

"Isn't it?"

Fayt grinned in amusement, his hands never leaving its hold on Roger's body. He continued his stroking on the boy's thigh and ass, prompting him to say more. And Roger did, albeit breathlessly.

"It tastes like lemon, but not quite, maybe with a dash of cinnamon, or honey, or-or- Mmm…"

He was cut off from his ramblings, when the same lips which graced his own previously, came back for a second round. His eyes slid close, only allowing his body to feel the sensations the stranger evoked from him. The hands on his ass and inner thigh were quite distracting to say the least, but what did he care? He just knew that whatever his lover was doing, it felt good. Roger secretly wondered if the candy had really been that sweet to begin with or because it came from the older male's mouth.

"I love you, Roger, always and forever," murmured Fayt in between their intense lip-lock.

"Love you too, sir. Oh so very much…"

"Isn't that sweet?"

The couple immediately broke away to face the source of that redundant anti-climax. Roger gasped in horror, whimpering as he buried his face in between the crook of his lover's neck. Fayt hushed him gently, assuring, while a menacing glare decorated his features beneath the shadows of his hood.

"I'm regrettably sorry to have to interrupt this… sweet moment, but sights like this sicken me beyond compare."

Albel Nox descended the flight of stairs, only to pause when his eyes spied the hands which held onto the Menodix, as well as their chosen positions. His fists clenched and unclenched, as he tried to suppress the possessive growl which threatened to escape his throat. His eyes narrowed in displeasure.

The boy was HIS, damnit!

"Sir," he bit out, "Are you aware that you hold a criminal in your arms?"

"I'm aware of that, yes," Fayt replied evenly. He had to play his cards right if he was going to help Roger come out clean from this.

Albel cocked an eyebrow, mildly surprised that the stranger neither feared nor cared much about his status. This intrigued him. There were only two people who had the courage to stand up to him, one of them being the Queen and the other…

"Then I'm sure you wouldn't mind if I take the boy in. You've done me a great favor into bringing him into my territory-"

"I'm afraid I do mind, Sir Nox," Fayt interjected sharply.

"You've interrupted our little… moment –he indicated towards his ministrations- and correct me if I'm wrong, but aren't you supposed to apprehend the bad guys when they're actually doing something bad? Roger had never stolen anything for one entire week, so I see nothing wrong in standing up for his rights."

The swordsman bit back a growl when the stranger still continued touching the Menodix in his presence. In addition, he still had the decency to be so smug about it. Albel crossed his arms and allowed a smirk to grace his lips.

"That you are… Fine, maggot, you win…for now anyway. Bu the next time I see the brat and when you're not around to protect him, he's mine."

He turned his back towards the couple.

"Oh, and it seems that we both have something in common, sir."

Fayt raised a brow in question, while Roger stared back and forth between the two men in bewilderment.

"Oh? And pray tell, what might that be, Sir Nox?"

Albel paused, hesitating.

"……… We both seem to love him, more than anything I'd allow myself to admit."

Without another word, the captain took his leave.

As Roger watched him ascend the flights of stairs back up to the city, he gulped nervously, curling into his lover's protective embrace. Suddenly, he didn't feel so hungry for candy anymore; he believed he had more than he'd ever bargained for.


To be continued...

Author's note: … I lied lol. I just couldn't help it! This chapter was practically begging to be written so I had little choice but to comply xD But for real now, no more, and I mean no more updates until November! (I'm starting to have doubts on my promises… maybe I should take a lesson from Albel lol) Anyway, should I up the rating now? I'm starting to feel wary… lol.

Special thanks to:

Taitofan – Thank you for coming back, my loyal reviewer xD And no, it ain't so bad in liking Albel molesting Roger. After all, it is sort of yummy lol. And oh my god thanks so much for all your encouragement regarding my writing skills and drawing skills! You totally rock! I hope this chapter satisfies your taste buds well enough! Thanks for the fav!

Fiery – Aw… it's alright, 4 reviews was plenty enough! Seriously, it's not the quantity, but the quality that counts! Your words of encouragement are enough to make my day xD And yes, SHOTA! OMG! What fic would it be without some love? Roger needs all the love he can get! And me? Describe stuff good? I tend to feel I can sometimes get too carried away though lol.

NeoAlucard25 – Aw… I think they make a cute couple too! (duh, otherwise why make them the main pairing here lol) Come on, age seriously doesn't matter hwen it comes to love, so SquareEnix should just edit their ending lol. And thanks so much for the fav and review, it really means a lot to me! Seriously, you like my writing style? Wow. I tend to feel discontented with it, since I sometimes get carried away lol.

4quintessence – Alrighty! My lifetime goal now, is to make you a fanatic lol! Thanks for your support and being a pervy at the appropriate places xD Yes, it is rather bold, isn't it, but then again, life's about taking chances and trying new things! Plus, pedophilic pairings interest me xD And stop saying that, I'm not that great a writer lol.