Author's note: Okay, I'm going to maintain continuity as best as I can. I apologize if there is anything out of place. This may have errors until I finish releasing all the chapters. It will also contain both Vincent and Gil's parts because that's simply what happened. Alright. Let's start. (Short flashback included)
Oh, and a quick shoutout to Kate019 for the suggestion. I actually didn't plan on using it quite so soon, but what happens just happens I guess. Thank you!
Disclaimer: I own only Mirella.
The song used in here (though it is not actually being sung) is Fall in Love by U-Kiss (this song is not done on the piano, so listening to the song while reading this may be a bit weird. I mostly used the song for the lyrics rather than anything else) and credit for the lyrics goes to tuneuplyrics (k-pop lyric site).
Chapter 20: To Catch a Falling Star
Oz's POV
"Vincent, let me speak to Gil."
There was a brief moment of heated silence as Vincent and I both stood our ground while shooting piercing glares at each other before finally spitting out words of challenge.
"And if I refuse?"
His words were dripping with venom as he shifted to stand directly in front of the doorway. No one was home at the moment, based on the lack of cars anywhere near the mansion, making it easier for Vincent to do as he pleases. Gritting my teeth, I overemphasized how much this guy really pissed me off in my head before rewording my original words of "Vincent, let me speak to Gil" to just "I'm going to go over to him myself." Naturally, he had no intention of allowing this to happen as he unsheathed a practice fencing sword while informing me that he would not allow me to hurt Gil any more than I already have. This put me at a great disadvantage since I didn't have any way of getting passed him unscathed, but I wasn't going to leave without finishing what I came here to do (though this is rather out of the blue). But what do I do about this uneven fight?
Much to my surprise, at that very moment, I spotted Leo and Elliot casually taking a stroll nearby. My gaze met Leo's who then smiled mysteriously as his eyes broke away from mine for a minute to glance over at Gil's overprotective knight. Saying something I couldn't hear, Leo managed to convince Elliot to go on ahead or something, and then headed our way with the most unsettling smile on his face.
"Vincent."
Aware of Leo's presence, Vincent briefly lowered his sword to bow in reverence towards him.
"Leo-sama."
"I assume that there is no need for me to ask this from you, is there?" Leo questioned as he looked at Vincent straight in the eye. "Also, I would suggest you take your fight elsewhere unless you would like to attract unnecessary attention to yourselves."
Without complaint, Vincent held his tongue as he tossed me his spare sword that he was hiding before leading me to a different entrance into the mansion. Leo wasn't one to directly get involved in the affairs of others unless they were connected to Elliot's in some way. By doing this, he was continuing to be a bystander while at the same time giving me an equal shot.
You owe me one.
There was also that to consider too. In any case, now I could attempt to win Vincent's (unwilling) favor even though I haven't said anything to Gil yet.
Words of bitter memories were conveyed as we exchanged blows in search of an opening that would mean the end of this fight. He did not make things easy for me as he skillfully maneuvered himself in a way that would easily avoid any hits landing on his body with eyes that clearly read, "You'll only hurt him just like you hurt her." Sadly enough, Vincent, though in a strangely vague way, does show that he cares about Echo, but his strong attachment to Gil makes any hope of their relationship changing almost nonexistent. If only he'd notice... If only he'd spare a second look at her...!
How can I entrust my brother with someone who has only brought him pain?
A loud clatter echoed throughout the air as I put all my strength into knocking Vincent's sword out of his hand causing Vincent to let go to avoid damaging the weapon he usually used for work. His pupils widened in surprise as we watched his sword fall to the ground while the tip of mine landed on his shoulder.
By giving me a chance to make things right again!
Breathing heavily, I carefully announced that I had won while Vincent averted his gaze to pick up his fallen weapon. He probably had to use all of his willpower to do so, but he finally agreed to let me see Gil with an added threat that he would stop me every step of the way if anything were to harm him in any way. With that said, he prepared to leave me to find Gil, however, instead of that happening, Gil chose to appear on his own as he asked Vincent what he and I were doing while completely ignoring the practice swords in our possession in favor of hearing the truth come out of Vincent's mouth.
"Nii-san! We were simply sparring while waiting for you," Vincent insisted with his "Gil only" smile. "Oh, and I bought that cake you like."
Since pretty much everyone knew that Vincent isn't fond of me (to put it in kinder terms), Gil shot him a suspicious look before switching his focus to a rather exhausted me. I had no intention of making this any more complicated than it already was, so I just confirmed Vincent's words as truth before mouthing the line "We need to talk" without him noticing. He appeared slightly puzzled by my words, yet he still nodded in understanding as we all followed Vincent inside for the cake he promised.
Saying that things were awkward after that would be an understatement. Vincent clearly gave off hostile vibes towards me while maintaining a civil mask, and all of us were silent as we ate our cake except for when Gil asked if anyone wanted coffee. It was the moment when Vincent finished his share when he decided to excuse himself to tend to other matters that Gil and I finally had some time to be alone. However, despite that being what I wanted, I was still having difficulties figuring out what to do next.
"Oz."
With that one word from Gil, all silence was broken as he questioned me about what really happened between Vincent and I. However, as much as I wanted to tell him the truth, I respected our fight enough to keep all the major details to myself and inform Gil of small truths that were not entirely relevant to the question. With a guilty conscience, I admitted to him that I had rejected Echo recently, so Vincent was fighting in her stead. Although that was not his real reason, it at least wasn't a lie since he was angry about what I did to her. It got stuck in my throat on the way out, but I also forced myself to confess that I turned down Alice as well which resulted in Gil becoming speechless and nervous as well.
"Oz, I..."
He stumbled over a few words before finally deciding to go about this a different way. He watched my eyes for any sign of lying only to find nothing at all. Finally, he held his head in pain as he leaned against the wall behind him. Watching him made me feel guilty and sick, but I held my ground and stayed with him until the pain subsided.
"I don't understand."
He rubbed his temples lightly as he delivered a vague reply. It was a bit of a risk considering how hazy his memories were, yet I couldn't stop myself from pulling him in for a kiss. It was completely out of order and uncalled for, I know, but I didn't want him to run away. He needed to know.
Unfortunately, fate or whoever is pulling the strings didn't seem to like that idea as Gil staggered backwards as he tried to force himself to remember why it was so important for him to know about my activities. Vincent swiftly moved in our direction to help him, but was quickly instructed to let him do this much. His lips formed a frown as he forced himself to stop while Echo, who apparently had been hiding at the top of the staircase, quietly asked Vincent to take a walk with her. With a curt nod, he silently agreed to her request as they walked out the door together giving Gil and I a few minutes to be truly alone.
Once they were out of sight, Gil began to slump to the floor until I caught him and tried to help him move to a couch or bed to sit down. At least, I tried only to have Gil shake his head and insist that he was fine.
"Gil..."
"Oz, what do you mean to me? I can't remember, but I know you're an important person to me... but why?"
Upon hearing those words, I felt a sudden barrage of arrows pierce through me as I dug through my mind for something to say. I opened my mouth to give some kind of reply only for air to come out. In the end, I decided to be a little forceful as I shoved the pocket watch he gave me into his hands and then commanded him to give me directions to the closest room with a piano while I dragged him in that direction. It wasn't the best way to go about this, but this was starting to frustrate me too much to go about this in a "rational and calm manner."
"Don't open it until we get there," I mumbled with my face flushed bright red.
Honestly, though I hate to admit it, this is incredibly embarrassing. I mean, I've flirted a lot before and I've done way more humiliating things before like let myself get roped into Mirella's schemes, but nothing could compare to what I've done and I'm about to do for Gil. I looked back to see him watch me with a guilty expression etched onto his face, so I hoped that I would be able to execute this well enough to clear the tense atmosphere.
"Go ahead and open it," I urged as I took a seat once we found the nearest piano. "Just don't say anything until I'm done."
Gil's POV
If I could put my current state into a single word, I think that the word that fits the best for this situation would be "overwhelmed." The room was filled with a gentle melody that made my heart hurt just listening to it. Not only that, but before I knew it, Oz began to sing along in a way the felt different compared to all the other times he has performed in front of anyone including me. Unlike all those other times, this song felt the most personal as if nothing else in the world mattered except for the two of us.
"When I fall in love I lose everything to
Your love, drown in it, and I love once again
The sounds of your footsteps don't disappear, the moon is looking at me, I don't like it
All alone, I shed these tears
This can't go on, back to low, I love you so
I always, at the same place as well, wait for, the same love
In the depths of your kind eyes, we became one
Heart is broken, just once more, gaze at me, I am in love
When I fall in love, without even turning to look back
I get swayed by a different love, right now you're so lovely
My white breath that came out as I whispered 'I want to see you', is cold
Right around this time, I wonder, are you dreaming a sweet dream?
Like a spell that can't be broken, without you every day I am ill
My mind is imprisoned in devilishness, wish it is a dream but it is real
Wait for you forever never ever give up
I've fallen in a dream that doesn't fade, wanting to, I want to love you
When I fall in love I lose everything to
Your love and drown in it
When I fall in love, without even turning around
I'm swayed by a different love, right now you're so lovely
I want to gently touch your,
Let me hear your voice
With desiring eyes
Badger me with kisses
When I fall in love I lose everything to
Your love and drown in it
When I fall in love, without even turning to look back
I get swayed by a different love, right now you're so lovely
My white breath that came out as I whispered "I want to see you' is cold
In this freezing town, I wander alone"
With shaking hands, I chose to open the watch the moment Oz finished his song to find my distinct handwriting engraved into the metal alongside the smaller handwriting of someone else.
Happy Birthday Oz. I hope you'll continue to smile for years to come. -Gil
P.S. I love you
Thank you for always being there for me and I'm sorry for being late.
I love you too, Gil. -Oz
Memories of the battles I had gone through simply to keep our relationship intact flooded into my mind as tears began to roll down my face. I love Oz. I did everything just to remain by his side, and now... Oz chuckled lightly as he moved closer to meet my eyes.
"Such a crybaby as always."
My wish had finally come true. I wanted to remain at his side at all costs, that much is true, but that wasn't the whole story. What I wanted was for my feelings to be more than just that. I didn't want to admit it because I was afraid of what everyone else would think, what Oz would think, but now, none of that mattered. If Oz is the one giving the okay, then I will respect his decision.
"You don't have to wait anymore. Now, as my faithful valet, I command you to not leave my side ever again."
At the moment, I pulled him into a tight hug as I cried onto his shoulders. It really did feel like I had become a child again. However, this time around, these tears are happy ones.
"Thank you, Oz."
Done! Clearly my mind isn't on college. XD The way this was written is a little weird. I am fully aware of that and I'm very sorry about that. My thoughts shifted a lot while writing this. Quick note: When did Oz add the engraving to his own pocket watch? The answer would be at the end of chapter 17 though it wasn't clearly shown. I'll probably add that part in once I rewrite and fix the whole story (since I found a million mistakes). Anyway, I'll see you guys in the next chapter! Only a little bit left to go.
-3 days to go-