A Royal Capture

Chapter Eighteen

As Fran pushed open the double-doors to the Varia headquarters, he felt his heart twisting at the familiarity of the surroundings he'd called home eight short months ago. How could he ever have left? With a wistful smile, he walked past the foyer and into one of the branching hallways. It almost felt as though he were walking a path of his ancestry, but of course, his grandmother had never been there before and Fran was just being dramatic. His teal hair stuck out against the pale red wallpaper, but it seemed to belong all the same.

"It's nice, isn't it?" Tsunayoshi murmured, catching the illusionist off guard. "To be home, I mean."

"Huh? Oh, yeah... yeah, it is...," Fran mumbled, his teal eyes looking ahead. "It's... really nice." He paused then, seeing the door to his and Bel's room ahead. Biting his lip, he moved to the door, giving it a look as though if it betrayed him, he'd unleash some sort of massive punishment upon it. He knocked, and was met with silence. But even the silence was familiar, welcoming, and Fran knew how to be rid of it. With a single, strong movement, he kicked the door open.

Slam!

It seemed to resonate all around the Varia hallways, and as it was lost to silence yet again, time seemed to stand still. Because there on the bed was Belphegor, a single, startled eye staring back at Fran, his lips curved downwards in surprise. But as recognition crossed his face, so did his signature grin. As fast as it had stopped, time raced, the only part of Fran able to keep up with the sudden speed being his heart, which hammered in his chest as Belphegor launched at him with arms outstretched. "Fran~!" the prince's arms flew around the illusionist and yanked him into a rib-crushing hug. Fran gasped, the only intake of breath his lungs had allowed since he'd first caught sight of that sweet face, and the younger male's arms instinctively looped around Bel's neck.

"Senpai..." Fran leaned forward, nuzzling against that pretty blond hair, inhaling the scent that he'd only been able to get tiny whiffs of after they'd escaped the Spiaggia. Having it so close and so strong now almost made Fran feel drugged, his eyelids drooping and his body relaxing against Belphegor's. Oh, his prince...

"I'm sorry I'm such a bad lover, Fran!"

The illusionist snapped to, shocked by the words. Pulling away, he looked Bel in the... eye. "What's that supposed to mean?" he asked.

"I'm a bad lover," Bel mumbled, shuffling and wringing his hands together childishly. "You proved so back there. You were the only one who would cheat on their lover."

"Huh?" Fran stepped back.

"Boss and Squ had a couple interactions, but no feelings were involved, Mukuro and Hibari didn't cheat at all, even if Hibari got memory-loss, and Shouichi and Byakuran didn't even budge. You proved I'm bad by cheating on me with that woman, Fran. You made it obvious to me that I need to change."

Fran's shame returned after Bluebell was brought up. Things weren't supposed to be like this... they were supposed to just be happy now, right? Being back together and everything... The illusionist shuffled a little, uncomfortable, but Belphegor's persistent stare was encouragement enough to admit, "I guess that's something we should talk through, huh?"

Bel nodded. Not being a fan of reason didn't mean that he'd let this blow over, and Fran knew it. The prince led Fran inside and sat down on the couch, before glancing at him with a sigh. "... What do I need to do to be a better lover to you, Fran?"

"Well, uh..." Fran's words seemed lost in his throat. Bel hadn't stabbed him, hadn't called him Froggy, hadn't referred to himself in the third person... for the first time in quite a while, he was seeing the 'well-behaved' version of Belphegor. It was... almost scarily refreshing. "... What happened to your eye?" the illusionist asked randomly.

"... Fran-"

"I know, I know, we need to talk about it, but just answer me first," Fran pressed, looking at Bel. "Are you just wounded, or is it...?"

"Yeah, I'm permanently half-blind," the prince confirmed with a sigh. "The rock slide did that. Better than being dead though... I think."

"Right, well..." Fran stroked his lover's cheek with a pair of fingers, before withdrawing again. "At least you still have the one. You've always had the most beautiful eyes."

The prince blushed. "Thanks."

With a small, awkward cough, Fran continued, "So... I guess... as you know, I prefer to be called Fran, not 'Froggy.' I don't want to be stabbed any more, especially if it's intended to make me bleed. I don't want you to put yourself above me, either..." The illusionist looked down, waiting for Bel's response.

The prince thought for a few moments, then snapped his fingers. Reaching up, his fingers secured themselves on the crown that he'd put back on immediately after his return. Slowly, he lifted it off his head, before dropping it. The crown clattered to the floor and rolled, stopping beneath the bed alongside so many other forgotten memories. The prince smiled, and flipped his now completely free, long, wavy blond hair. "Better?"

Fran was speechless. The image of his lover from ten years in the future flashed through his eyes, and he couldn't help but tear up. That's why Belphegor had seemed so mature in the future! This was the turning point, not when Fran returned, not any of their fights, it was this. This was where Belphegor started to become the loving, mature man that he would one day be. Without a second thought Fran tackled his lover, pressing their lips together in a sudden and passionate kiss. This was his prince, his Belphegor, and they were on equal footing as lovers, despite it all. Belphegor was his one and only, and Fran was Belphegor's. That was how it had been, how it was, and how it would be. Bel would do anything for Fran, and likewise would Fran do anything for Bel.

Equally.

Together.

As one.

"Man, I knew they'd get back together before we got married," Byakuran sighed as he slumped back into the couch. "Sucks. But I guess we have two more attendants to the wedding, right?"

His lover chuckled. "Yes, of course." He smiled and stretched, yawning a bit before resting his head against his lover's shoulder. "... two more days...," he murmured. "Do you have everything planned?"

"Mm hm. Already talked to Rasiel about what I want for food and gave Mukuro instructions for decorations."

"Mukuro's decorating? Looks like I was right about the theme of this wedding," Shouichi said with a thin, sly smile. "You evil man," he teased then, his hand running along his lover's chest invasively. Byakuran giggled and squirmed a little, before grabbing Shouichi's hand in a firm grasp.

"Don't set me off, cupcake," he warned, grinning at the mechanic. "Remember what happens to couples who take advantage of the family couch?"

"Mm... fair point, but you never were one to follow the rules," the redhead pointed out, laughing as he noticed a blush on his lover's cheeks. "Oh, that's not right, Byakuran! Look at you, you've gone soft despite it all! Who would've thought that hanging out with the Varia, of all people, would make you such a sweet guy?"

"I eat sweet guys for breakfast," Byakuran said in a joking tone, before leaning over and pecking Shouichi's lips. "See? Delicious!"

"Hahaha! Pansy," Shouichi teased, reaching up to muss his lover's hair affectionately. "I love you."

"And I love you, my sweet little cherry-topped waffle," the albino answered. Shouichi made some comment about that being a new nickname, before they noticed Mammon walking over. "Hey, Mammon," Byakuran greeted as the illusionist boredly sat down. "You okay?"

"I'm fine...," Mammon sighed. "Just tired. I've been up late chatting with Fon over stupid internet forums... it's really addicting."

"Ooh, don't get pulled into that...," Shouichi warned, getting up and moving to Mammon's side, placing a hand on his shoulder. "Being on the internet without restraint is the best way to lose sleep and ultimately ruin your life. Believe me, I know."

"Pff. You're not the boss of me," Mammon grumbled, before breaking into a yawn.

"Well, why don't you just invite Fon over?" the mechanic suggested, folding his arms. "Since our grunts are all gone... this place is really empty all the time. I think it could actually use more people."

The illusionist shook his head. "I don't have what you guys have," he muttered, starting to float, his legs crossed as he did so. He reached down with three tentacles, using those as lazy support as he began to leave again. "My relationship with Fon isn't what you have. It's... complicated."

"... Psh," Byakuran snickered once the ex-arcobaleno was gone. "We all think our relationships are complicated, no matter how cliche they really are."

"Very true, my marshmallow," Shouichi agreed with a small smirk, before he slid himself into Byakuran's lap and kissed his cheek. "Love you."

"And I love you, my sweet...," Byakuran whispered, before backing up with a smile. "Hey, let's go for a walk."

"Walk, yeah sure. You goofball," Shouichi chuckled, getting on his feet again and taking Byakuran's hand, dragging him toward the door.

The next two days went by quickly. With Bel and Fran working on rebuilding their relationship and Shouichi and Byakuran preparing for their wedding, each hour was like a dream. The Varia hadn't been more reunited in over a year, and they found themselves more attached to each other than they usually were. They were relatively kind and affectionate, though affection to them was more like a friendly punch on the shoulder and the occasional emotional outburst.

When it was time for the ceremony, things went surprisingly well for the group. Mukuro had decorated well with ribbons and dark colored flowers, the few white orchids and roses standing out perfectly, as intended. Lussuria had been pouty about not being able to decorate as he saw fit, but he was ultimately satisfied with setting up chairs and bringing materials for Mukuro to work with. The pineapple had a surprisingly good eye for this stuff, which impressed Hibari a teensy bit, meaning less stress on everyone overall.

"All right, all right," Rasiel sighed as he wheeled cake into the 'reception' room, which was honestly just another training room. "Now to go see the big deal itself." The prince walked into the next training room down, which was where the ceremony was going to be held. Byakuran stood up front in a flattering dark purple suit, his once-maimed wings surfacing yet again. His eyes were sharp as he looked around the room, noting the detail that Mukuro offered them. After giving a pleased nod, the albino turned to Bel and Fran.

"No uncool outbursts like what happened at the pineapple's wedding, okay?" he said firmly. "I don't want to have to crush any throats." As Fran performed the stunning imaginary act of zipping shut his lips and stuffing the invisible key down Bel's throat, Byakuran turned instead towards Squalo. "Where's Mammon?"

"He'll be here, as will boss. They're probably just getting ready," Squalo sighed, crossing his legs and sighing.

"Hm. Well, we're starting in ten minutes, so if they're not here in five, can you go check on them?" Byakuran requested, earning a nod. "Thanks, Squ-chan."

Meanwhile, Shouichi worked on putting on a sufficient amount of eyeshadow to make himself look sleep deprived. Lussuria would probably throw a fit, but Byakuran was into this stuff, and dammit, he'd do whatever the hell his lover wanted. Even if he had to go in there looking just a teensy bit roughed up, it would be fine. The mechanic debated for a few moments, then put on his veil and watched himself in the mirror. He knew something else that would definitely have his lover in a stupor, but was he daring enough to do it? It always shocked people when he showed them off so shamelessly, but... if Byakuran wanted an explicit wedding... explicit and naughty wedding, for that matter...

He'd do it.

With shaky hands, Shouichi reached up, and slowly stripped himself of his precious glasses, setting them on the table in front of him. Like this, he could only see a couple feet in front of him, but that wouldn't stop him from seeing Byakuran's face when they said their vows, so... it would be okay. Shouichi took a deep breath and let it out slowly, then started out of the room.

It was time.

Bel hummed and wrapped an arm around his lover as music began to play in the background - Lussuria at the organ. "... He's not bad," Bel noted. "Why didn't we have him play for our wedding?"

"We didn't know," Fran whispered back, before looking up front. Byakuran looked like a mixture of evil genius and handsome gentleman, standing there all serious in his pretty purple pants. The whole Varia were curious to see just what the hell these two weirdos were going for, although all of them kind of had a gut feeling that it was some sort of insanely kinky relationship that Byakuran and Shouichi had now. Whatever pure and fluffy thing they were a part of before had evaporated during their time in the Spiaggia base. Sometimes it'd show through, but it was so innocent that it just made the couple creepier!

Needless to say, the gossip-lovers (Mammon, Lussuria, Bel, Fran, Mammon, Levi, Mukuro and Squalo), were very frustrated not knowing what was going down.

The door opened, and everyone looked towards Shouichi in shock. The first impression he made was 'corpse' as he slowly stepped down the aisle in his black mourning dress, but he had that vibrant look to him he'd always had, making him more enigma than corpse. He stepped up to the front, taking Byakuran's wrist when the albino immediately went after the veil he was wearing. "After, tiger," Shouichi warned softly. Byakuran smiled.

"Hmm... I think I like that one..." The Sky smirked, then stood up straight. "Then, let the proceedings begin, shall we, Mr. Irie?" His wings spread out and gave a small flap, before Byakuran looked (almost) right into Shouichi's eyes(, as the veil gave him trouble with finding them).

"Lets, Mr. Mizushima."

Byakuran's eyes widened. How the hell did Shouichi find out his last name...? Well, whatever, he'd ask questions later. "We gather here today to bind ourselves together in the tightest legal restraints known to mankind," the albino said seriously, "And that means that forever and ever, no matter what, we will always be together. No matter what weather, in sickness or in health... do you take me, Mizushima Byakuran, to be your lawfully wedded husband, until death and beyond, will you always love and cherish me?"

"I will gladly fall prey to this fate," Shouichi replied seriously. "And do you, Byakuran, agree to forever protect and love me, to swear by the moon and forge a bond with me deeper than you've ever made with any mortal? Do you take me, Irie Shouichi, to be your lawfully wedded husband, and to cling to me even after the life has left your eyes?"

"I do," Byakuran whispered, taking Shouichi's hand in his own and slipping the chocolate diamond ring on to it, smiling as the amethyst ring from his lover was slid on to his own finger. "I now pronounce us two happily-married gay men!" Byakuran announced, before drawing back the veil so he could kiss the hell out of his little strawberry-cupcake-s'more, only to be paralyzed by those hypnotic, almost Medusa-worthy eyes that Shouichi so carefully protected. "You're so pretty... such a cute little strawberry," was all the albino could whisper, before he leaned in, lips gently melding with Shouichi's. "Mm..."

An applause rose in the Varia, but honestly, the lot of them were still just as perplexed by the couple as before, and some were even concerned as to whether they'd just witness some sort of black magic ceremony, to which Mukuro assured that it wasn't, and that if that ever happened, he'd recognize it.

"So... who wants cake?" Rasiel offered then. Byakuran was the first to shoot his hand up and cry out another 'I do,' and the Varia left the room quickly, all eager to see what a non-Lussurified cake would look like.

The group walked into the training room to find a proper buffet laid out, with a magnificent three-layer chocolate cake as the centerpiece. "Wow, Rasiel, you really made all of this?" Lussuria said cheerily as he skipped inside.

"Nah, most of it's store-bought. But I made the cake," Rasiel replied. "Hope it turns out better than the last one I made." At that, the majority of the Varia cast suspicious glances towards Rasiel, but Byakuran, never to be put down, was fast to skip over to the cake and cut himself and Shouichi a handsome slice.

"There we are~ How fine, like my darling...," Byakuran hummed as he noted the flowers decorating it. "Now, Shou-chan, say 'ah'~," he told his lover as he picked up a fork. Shouichi was fast to comply, watching as Byakuran selected a bite for him and delivered it into his mouth. Humming in approval, the mechanic leaned against Byakuran.

"Your turn," he mumbled around the piece, snatching the fork from his lover.

"Well, if the sugar-addicts like it, it should be safe," Fran noted.

"Either it's safe, or it's so sweet it'll burn off our tongues," Hibari muttered. "C'mon, Mukuro, let's see what else they have."

"But... cake...," the pineapple protested as he was dragged away from the treat and towards a plate of gyoza dumplings (which were likely laid out solely for the purpose of keeping Hibari entertained). As they moved away, the rest of the Varia each cut themselves a piece, though Xanxus wouldn't eat much, leaving Bel, Fran, Byakuran and Shouichi as the only lovers really attacking the dessert. Rasiel hung back, smiling at the scene but sighing every time he caught someone being a little too intimate for a wedding reception.

"This is nice," Mammon noted, moving to stand by the older prince. "I hope we're all better company than that Flem guy."

"Yeah... you are...," Rasiel murmured, his eyes exploring the smaller male's form for a few moments before he got a hold of himself, shaking his head. "Yeah, totally. Flem's sweet once you get to know him, but being homophobic certainly doesn't count in his favor, especially considering the idiot I have as a brother."

Mammon nodded. "Yeah, totally." He took a bite of the cake, before humming as his phone gave a small beep. Immediately, he went for it, transferring the plate to a tentacle and grabbing his phone, smiling as he saw a picture of Fon's monkey pinching it's owner's cheeks. The text read, 'I can't tell if he's being playful and sweet or challenging my authority. :D'

Rolling his eyes, the illusionist replied, 'you idiot' before looking back at Rasiel. The older twin seemed... crestfallen somehow.

"That was great," Byakuran murmured as he and Shouichi slipped back into their room and simultaneously pounced on the bed. "The eyeshadow was a nice touch, and seeing you without your glasses on was definitely an unexpected pleasure. I knew something was different, but I couldn't have guessed what through that veil."

"They do seem to have a strange effect on people," Shouichi hummed as he grabbed a tissue and started to rub off the makeup he'd put on.

"They're beautiful, Shou-chan. When you have your glasses, though, all we can see are your frames," Byakuran explained. "Maybe you should get frameless. They'd make you look older, too."

Shouichi stifled a grin and instead faked a pout. "You don't love me the way I am?" Immediately panicing, Byakuran shook his head and grabbed his lover's hands.

"Of course I do, Shou-chan! It was just a suggestion, don't get all mad~!" the albino protested, pulling Shouichi into his arms. "I love you very much..."

Though a little bothered that his tease had resulted in being smothered by a cuddly evil genius, the mechanic smiled and nuzzled into Byakuran's neck. "I love you, too, silly... I was only teasing..."

"You're horrible," Byakuran laughed, before smiling as he held his hand out, admiring his new ring. "It's nice to finally be bonded to you in this way, Shou-chan. I feel like it's overdue..."

"No. I think we waited for just the right time," Shouichi whispered back as he took his lover's hand. "Thank you for marrying me." Byakuran blushed and grinned.

"My pleasure."

Later...

Bel sighed softly as he slid on to the bed and combed a hand through his hair, soon pausing to stretch. "What'd you think of the wedding, Fran?" he called, admiring his lover as the illusionist started to change into pajamas.

"It was kind of creepy. Do you think Byakuran's secretly a goth?" Fran asked.

"I remember he used to wear a spiked collar and a jacket covered in safety pins, and Lussuria has expressed concerns over that idea...," Bel mused. "But I think what they have is different. I think Shouichi's addicted to the thrill of being with someone who's a little... off." He gave a crooked grin, his eye meeting Fran's gaze.

"And I think you look twice as creepy only showing off the one," Fran murmured, indicating to his eye, before blushing and throwing a pillow into his lover's face. "Stop watching me!"

"Ushishishishi, but it's what we do~!" Belphegor laughed, taking the pillow and cuddling it happily. "We're married, so we have free reign to watch each other as we please~!"

"As creepy as that sounds, the Spiaggia did take our rings," Fran muttered as he pulled on his nightshirt.

"I'll buy new rings," Bel mumbled.

"You're broke," Fran pointed out.

"I'll steal new rings," the prince offered.

"We'd get in trouble!" the illusionist answered, walking to Bel and smacking his shoulder lightly. "You should go mine for your own metals, and forge it yourself," he said then, smirking.

"Ha, that'd be nice, if it was possible," Bel laughed, before pinning Fran down. "You're silly, Fran," he whispered, leaning over to kiss his lover's cheek. "And very, very beautiful." The illusionist blushed and placed a hand against Bel's face, pushing him away.

"Oh stop," he said with a smile, before nuzzling into Bel's shoulder. "... you know... future Bel and you... look very similar," he whispered. "It just... it really shows me how the future unfolds..." He held Bel closer, sighing. "... Do you think ours will be bright?"

"You know, Fran... I really think it will," Bel whispered back, kissing Fran's forehead. "I think after what we've been through... we can handle just about anything."

Fran smiled and nodded. He knew Belphegor was right.

-Owari

Phew. :'3 Well, everyone, this concludes A Royal Capture.

Thank you very much for reading, and reviewing to those who did!

Now, I do have one last huge plot choice for you all.

If you so desire, I will write a 9-chapter bonus, but it won't be all fluffy and nice - it would be my last plot bunnies wrapped up in one big fic. Romance, but with some plot that may draw forth the feels. Oh, the feels... So! If you want to see that written, do let me know in your last reviews for this story! :)