"WELCOME TO OUR NEWEST BLACK BULL!"
Normally, Yami hated it when his brats were loud. Okay, he was very loud himself when he needed to put them back into places, but this was a detail. Today though, he would give them a pass.
After all, this was a party for the newest member of the Black Bulls since Asta and Noelle. Like he promised during the ball one week ago, Candid Évantail came to the Black Bulls Hideout the day of his 15th birthday. His sis from the Blue Roses came with him, just because he was of course really shy.
Of course, his idiots had been delighted when he told them that their squad would finally get a new member. Asta and Noelle have been so happy to not be considered the rookies anymore – well, more or less, still – Luck had been excited to have a new person to fight, Vanessa was even ready to fill literal adoption papers and Charmy, who already knew who their newest member will be, had been cooking a feast in his honour.
Candid had come on time – which already gave him bonus points from Nacht and Finral – and his adorable shyness had taken almost everyone aback that Magna had decided to not put him through the initiation ritual like he originally planned. According to him, Candid was just too cute.
His sister of course staid to celebrate as well. She didn't had a choice anyway, Vanessa put a drink in one of her hands and Charmy a plate with a piece of strawberry cheesecake in the other one. But even without the treats, Corkscrew certainly would have staid, just to see her little bro being accepted and happy.
For now, she stood a bit away, talking with Finesse – yeah, she was here again today. Yami seriously thought about giving Finrals loving wife a robe and made her an official Black Bull as well despite her frail health, she was visiting so often. And she wasn't the only visitor, his Prickly Queen and Blue Rose Mama were also present, which was honestly a delight for Yami. Especially Charlotte.
While his sister talked with the other visitors, Candid was surrounded by the Black Bulls, looking at their newest member as if he was the newborn baby of the family. A newborn baby of fifteen years, sitting shyly on the couch, blushing and smiling.
"Aw, I never saw someone with such a fitting name," Vanessa laughed, poking Candids red cheek. "We have already a few cute members, but right now you're taking the cake. And unlike others, you don't even try to hide your cuteness. No wonder Magna was not able to put you through his initiation ritual."
"Not true, Vanessa!" Magna immediately protested. "I… I just let it pass, because he looks… he seems… He's obviously already worthy to be a Black Bull, of course!"
"Sure, whatever you want to believe, virgin delinquent."
"How did you just called me, wino?"
"But this isn't fair, why did I need to go through that initiation ritual still?" Asta whined.
"Yes, shouldn't I go through that as well?" Candid shyly asked while a discussion started between Magna and Asta. "If it's necessary to prove myself as a worthy Black Bull, then maybe I shouldn't got extra treatment."
"Oh, you're so adorable," Vanessa laughed, poking his cheek again.
"Don't worry about this stupid ritual, Candid," Finral immediately said in a reassuring tone. "Captain Yami actually just needs to give you a robe and you're a Black Bull already. That initiation ritual is not something anyone needs, it's just Magna who adores our squad and who wants it to be respected by every newcomer."
"Oh, okay."
That poor boy didn't look so convinced. He probably was still thinking that he needed to prove himself. Yami hoped that Candid will soon realize that he won't need to prove himself to the Black Bulls, that they accepted as one of their own already.
Candids shyness was definitely a limit his newest brat needed to surpass one day and he might needed help with that. But well, that was future Yamis problem. Right now, it was time to celebrate properly the newest member of the Black Bulls since Asta and Noelle.
Well, of course Yami would have loved to spend some time with his Prickly Queen, maybe even to sneak out with her? In his room? That would definitely sound like a plan. If she would stop talking to Blue Rose Mama, Finesse and Corkscrew for a minute.
Okay, he didn't hate Blue Rose Mama and Finesse. Corkscrew, well, she was a Blue Rose and those were always making things weird when it came to his relationship with Charlotte. It wasn't only her and that round angel. Since their relationship wasn't a secret anymore and both their squads knew, the Blue Roses were always so romantically excited when he visited, asking very direct questions and were always in awe when he just hold Charlottes hand softly. They were like a bunch of Vanessas with a ten times stronger love for any romantic stuff about others.
Yami groaned and looked again at his brats fussing over Candid. Well, at least it was nice to see how welcoming they were for their new rookie. Gordon even already made a new doll to his collection – geez, that was fast – and was showing it to Candid.
"Dang it, Gordon, do you want to scare our newbie already?" Gauche complained loudly.
"Gordon can be a bit scary sometimes and his dolls are, well, rather odd, but he doesn't mean any harm," Finral said to Candid in an attempt of comfort.
But Candids next words actually surprised the Black Bulls. "I don't find him odd, it is actually an interesting style. And it's touching that he made a doll for me."
Gosh, he was actually genuine with his words. Yami smiled, Candid would definitely fit very well in his squads of misfits.
Gordon was so touched by those words that he actually started to cry tears of joy and hugged Candid so firmly that he almost chocked him, so that the other Bulls had to pull them apart.
Just in this moment, there was a knock on the door. Yami raised an annoyed eyebrow. Who would came to the Black Bulls while they celebrated their newest member? Prickly Queen, Blue Rose Mama, Corkscrew and Finrals wife didn't count, more or less. But that shouldn't mean that anyone could just waltz in as if it was an inn.
Besides, all he wanted was to have Prickly Queen for himself for a while and to enjoy to have a new brat, not to deal with bothering new visitors.
"Magna, please go open and tell whoever's out there that we don't want any more visitors today."
"Right away, sir!"
"Come on, captain Yami," Vanessa protested with a pout. "We don't have so many visitors usually. And today we have such a special party, to celebrate our newest addition to the family! The more the merrier, there are never enough people for a party!"
"Nah, it's enough for today. Just Black Bulls, the three honorary Black Bulls and Candids Blue Rose sister, that's enough."
"You're just too lazy to welcome the new visitors. If you don't want to, then let one of us do the job for you instead of chasing them away."
"You became a bit too bold since you're dating Bird Braid."
"And I'm proud of it!"
Yeah, Yami wouldn't admit it, but even though it was still a surprise, Vanessa dating Nozel of all people truly wasn't such a bad thing. He saw how his silver colleague stood his ground against his jerk of a father last week, during that trappy ball. And if Yami could relate to anything, it was to have a shitty father and papa Silva certainly belonged in that category. With how he talked to his own son and what he did with Blue Rose Mama.
Still, it took Yami some time to get used to that thought. He knew for sure that most of his brats probably still weren't used to Vanessa dating the captain of the Silver Eagles. Even worse, Noelle was already aware since a while and was so supporting of this couple that she already threaten anyone with giant water balls or even a Sea Dragon's Roar if anyone dared to threaten her older brother.
What a way to overreact. But then again, she was also a Black Bull.
The result was his brats were slowly starting to accept Nozel as an honorary Black Bull, since they couldn't threaten him without risking the wrath of Noelle and Vanessa. And this was without counting the fact that Zora was dating Nozels other sister.
That revelation was still giving Yami some headache and he preferred to ignore it for now.
In the meantime, Magna actually opened the door of the Hideout. "Hello, sorry but we have a very important celebration right now, so if you… Oh, shit! Welcome to the Black Bulls Hideout, captain Nozel, sir!"
Shit, Bird Braid was here? Damn. Okay, Yami had decided to be a tiny bit nicer to him after what he witnessed at the ball. But that didn't meant he was to be open about it and it should start today!
Wait, was he slowly getting upset because Prickly Queen was right there and his longing for her started to make him having a foul mood? Well, it probably wasn't the first time, but it was only now that he realized that.
"Honey!"
Of course, Vanessa immediately left her place to jump straight in Nozels arms. And that stick ass Bird Braid didn't seem to mind in the first place. On the contrary, he looked like he was enjoying that welcoming. Damn, maybe he didn't had such a stick up his ass, then? Yami didn't know if those realizations about Nozel should upset him or not.
Noelle was also very happy to see her older brother and the few Black Bulls who already more or less warmed up to him gave the captain of the Silver Eagles a welcoming smile.
"Welcome, captain Nozel," Finral said, always the diplomat. "What brings you to our base today?"
"No squads matters, but I brought someone with me who absolutely wanted to celebrated with the newest member of the Black Bulls," Bird Braid replied, without letting go of his girlfriend.
It was only then that Yami realized that Nozel didn't came alone. Behind him was a young Silver Eagle with long dark red hair and bright turquoise coloured eyes. The same eye colour like Candid and Corkscrew.
Oh, this was their bastard sister, who impressed Bird Braid so much during the special selection exam that she became a Silver Eagle, despite being neither a noble nor a royal. There was no way Yami could forget that day. He had been so certain that he could take that bastard girl into his squad of misfits, but to everyone's surprise, Nozel had been ready to give her a place within his squad.
Well, Yami wouldn't complain, he finally got his own Évantail, after all.
Still, it was kinda strange that his squad of misfits got a legitimated son of that noble house, while the proper and proud Silver Eagles accepted a bastard daughter within their ranks. Life could be weird sometimes.
"Grenadine!"
Candid and Corkscrew immediately came over to hug their half-sister, really happy to see her. The Silver Eagles ginger was a bit taken aback by the open affection, but she still smiled while hugging her siblings back.
Seems that some nobles weren't that bad after all. Well, Yami had seen that with his own noble or royal brats, but there were still kind nobles outside, like those two Évantails towards their half-sister. And his Prickly Queen, of course.
Speaking of, the more she was there without being really next to him, the more he wanted to put her over his shoulder like a bag of potatoes and getting to his room. They didn't even need to have a beddance specifically, he just wanted to be finally alone with her.
Vanessa lead Nozel to an armchair and she actually was so bold to sat on his lap. Even worse, Bird Braid even seemed to be okay with it! Dang it. Yami always thought that this guy had at least three stick up is ass, but apparently not. He wouldn't let his girlfriend sit so casually on his lap otherwise.
Yami couldn't help but pout a bit. Why was Bird Braid able to do something like this with his own girlfriend, while Yami couldn't do it with his Prickly Queen right now, because she talked with Blue Rose Mama and Finesse right now? There were the times when he almost wished that Charlotte wasn't so polite and strict.
Only almost… Because like each one of her traits, he loved that side of her, no matter how much it could piss him of sometimes, with his addiction for Prickly Queen.
"Ugh, gross… Ouch! Vanessa, don't throw pillows at me!"
"Come on, Magna, don't act as if those pillows were filled with bricks. And stop being all disgusted when I'm showing affection to my boyfriend."
"It's just that it's still irritating to see you all lovey dovey with the captain of the Silver Eagles, you wino!"
"Well, sorry to be so bold, but we were in secrecy for quite a while now and I don't want to hide it anymore. Besides, would you react all that disgusted as well if it's captain Yami and captain Charlotte acting all lovey dovey?"
"Captain Yami is a different matter entirely, he can't be lovey dovey because he's always so badass!"
"Hey you brats, don't pull me into your stupid argument or I'll make you do Astas chore for a year, ya hear me!"
"Sorry, sir."
Okay, of course he was only half serious with that threat, but Yami suspected that with a royal boyfriend like Nozel, Vanessa might be able now to avoid those kind of punishment rather with ease in the future. Should he have a talk with Bird Braid about it?
Nozel didn't seem too bothered about the argument between Vanessa and Magna. But right now, he was whispering some things in her ear, which made his girlfriend smile with some kind of wicked satisfaction.
Damn, should he now be worried about what kind of team Nozel and Vanessa are going to be?
But on the other hand, what kind of mischievous team would he make with Charlotte. Okay, this was actually an appealing thought.
"Um, shouldn't this be my chores and not Astas anymore?" Candid dared to ask innocently. Damn, could he stop with this cuteness overload for a while? If he continued like that, Yami might ending up not giving him any rookie chore from the start. And he didn't like being too much of a softie when it wasn't for his Prickly Queen.
"Don't worry, Candid, we're going to do all those chores together and I'll show you all those tricks to be stronger at chores! And at least with you, I won't be doing it alone anymore, since Noelle never wanted to do them."
"Well, of course not, I'm royalty!"
"Haven't heard that one for a while," Gauche groaned. "I bet you royals aren't even able to fold your own clothes."
"Actually, I can."
Silence followed Nozels words and everyone looked at him with surprise. He coughed a bit, like always when he was embarrassed. But his voice was still sounding matter-of-factly. "There are no servants at the Silver Eagles base, so I had to fold my clothes myself when I became a Magic Knight."
"Woah… hey, Noelle, your bro is actually doing more chores than you!"
"Shut up, Magna. It's only the folding of clothes and you're not good at it either, you always put your clothes in such a way that it takes you like ten minutes to actually find one piece of clothing!"
First Bird Braid casually admitted that he was able to fold clothes like it was normal for royalty and now half of his brats started to have an argument about who had the best technique to take care of their respective garments.
Yami groaned. Okay, at this point, he REALLY needed to take Charlotte with him and sneak away before he would lose and destroying a wall. Something he didn't want to do on Candids first day as a Black Bull, that poor kiddo might be scared for a week if he'll do that. They would really need to overcome that shyness one day.
And just as he was about to get up, Charlotte suddenly stood in front of him.
"You're a bit tense."
Damn, that incredible woman. She knew him too well.
"How can I not. Yer right here next to me and I can't do anything about it but wanting to grab you like a sack of potatoes over my shoulders."
"Then why haven't you just done that? Or at least just asked? You're not one to hesitate and isn't like our relationship is still a secret."
Yeah, why did he hesitated? That was a good question. Thankfully, Prickly Queen seemed more amused than anything and this helped him to be amused as well. "No idea. Because I'm not in such a bad mood, maybe? After all, I just won a new member for my squad and with his magic, he can become my personal fan when it's too hot. Now, I'm not the only squad without an Évantail anymore."
"Seriously, this was a problem for you?" Charlotte laughed. Yep, her laughs were always so lovely, why hasn't she laughed more often in the past?
"Yeah, not really. There was a high risk that any good members of that stupid noble were already taken, since most of those Évantails are assholes. I was rather lucky to meet Candid during that stupid ball and that he happened to be a rare nice member of that noble house full of jerks. And that he wanted to be a Magic Knight in the first place."
"You have a talent to see the potential in people."
"You sure? I haven't really realized it. I just saw poor brats with no real home and I gave them one. But sometimes I regret it, given what a bunch of idiots they can be, destroying everything and all the other shit."
"Come on, Yami. You and myself know that you not really mean that."
Probably. But there was no way he would admit it.
Charlotte had a small but knowing, mischievous smile on her lips. Crap, did he had such an influence on her? Not that he complained, on the contrary, it was an excellent way to turn him on, among other ways.
Well, speaking of…
"How about we sneak away, Prickly Queen? As much as I enjoy a good party with those idiots, having you here makes you easily my first choice for this evening's company and even more just the two of us."
"Finally, I started to think that you'll never ask and make me long for you for the rest of the party."
"Huh? You were longing too? They why haven't you said anything, your prickly Majesty?"
Charlotte just shrugged, a teasing smile on her lips. Damn it, she really gotten bold since they started their relationship. Not that he complained, he actually loved he she sometimes was taking after him. Oh, Prickly Queen still had more discipline than he had and sometimes, that old blushy and nervous mess she could be still made some appearances.
But he wouldn't truly love her if he won't embrace her fully, with all her imperfections, quirks and weaknesses. He loved Charlotte fully and he was always eager to show her that, more than to other people. And when he wanted to show her that he loved her fully, nothing could possibly stop him.
Refusing to wait any longer, Yami stood up, took Charlottes hand and pulled in the direction of where his bedroom was today. No one noticed their departure, except probably Orchidea, Nozel and Vanessa. Maybe Gordon too and Nero. And Nacht. Well screw that, of course Nacht noticed.
But Yami didn't care about who noticed and who hasn't. He had the opportunity to be alone with his Prickly Queen and even at his squad's Hideout for a change! No way he was going to let that slip through his fingers.
Once the reached his room, Yami didn't let Charlotte having a closer look at it, as he went wildly for her lips the moment they closed the door. Thankfully, Charlotte didn't seem to be upset about it. On the contrary, her arms were around his neck immediately and she even dared to rub one of her thighs against his hip. That goddamn woman… and his stupid Ki-reading, why hasn't he realized those feelings, his and hers, before?
"Damn, Prickly Queen… If we continue like this, we might not come back downstairs afterwards."
"Well, as if you would complain about that. But don't forget that we have a captains meeting tomorrow," Charlotte replied, blushing but very serious. "About the whole thievery and the connections… to your homeland."
Ah, yes, there was that. And just because Hino had been somehow involved, Yami had been very determined to actually pay extra attentions to this particular meeting. He still had no idea how to think of it and to be fair, he had avoided to think too much about that whole connection.
He might know more tomorrow after the meeting.
"Will you be okay?"
"With you, I better be, Prickly Queen. For now… I honestly have no idea how to think of it. Is it okay if I don't think about it until tomorrow?"
That wasn't really his usual way to deal with it, Yami would admit. But the mention of Hino after so many years, his past coming back at him and his memories… Ryu… Ichika… the Yami clan… his asshole of a father…
Charlotte put a comforting hand on his cheek. "It's okay. I might not know your past yet, but I see how it concerns you. It's okay if you're not ready yet. It's okay if you don't wanna think about it until tomorrow. Just don't forget that I'm here for you."
Oh, that she was. More than she probably realized. And more than maybe he realized.
Yami let his mind being clouded by love and lust, until there was only Charlotte haunting his thoughts. He carried her up, softer than he usually would and brought her to the bed.
There were still some hurdles. But at least, they were together now. They had a future. He would be a fool to not hold on to that.
Some months later…
"Faith. Hope. Love. By the three leaves of the Clover, I, Fuegoleon Vermillion, take thee, Lital Lys, as my wedded wife. I will have Faith in thee, with thy life and trust thee mine. I will have Hope, helping thee to all hardships and happiness of life. I will Love thee, cherish thee in sickness and in health, be it forever."
There were no whispers to be heard in the cathedral, now comments of any sorts to interrupt one of the most important moments of a wedding. Only the typical marital vows of the Clover Kingdom, which echoed through the entire cathedral perfectly with Fuegoleons deep voice, so that it was heard even on the other side.
With his affection for poetry, Nozel had to admit that the Cloverian marital vows were really beautiful and deep in their meaning. Too bad it had been so often used for arranged marriages. The meaning of those vows didn't count for a groom and a bride who didn't love each other, who couldn't care less about the other.
Maybe this was so many nobles getting married never did it other tradition for the vows anymore, which was looking into each other's eyes. Not looking at the other while saying those words somehow made the promises worthless and empty.
But this wasn't the case with Fuegoleon and his bride. He looked deeply into Litals nacreous eyes and she did the same, both were smiling brightly.
Not for the first time since the ceremony started, Nozel tried to imagine how it would be if it would be him and Vanessa standing at the altar, instead of being just the best man and the bridesmaid…
Speaking of, she was the loveliest bridesmaid he ever saw. Of course, as the groom and the bride, Fuegoleon and Lital had the clothes that put all eyes on them. He in a red uniform with fire patterns, she in a wide and white dress, golden stars and dark green leaves embroidered on the corsage and at the bottom.
But Nozels eyes were on Vanessa, just on her. She was so lovely in that pale pink and lilac dress, that flowed around her frame perfectly without truly revealing anything. Her hair was falling like a waterfall on her shoulders, only hold back by the same flowers as the bride's bouquet. Lilac lilies, pink roses and white hydrangeas.
She was the most beautiful woman in the world…
Vanessa offered him a gorgeous smile, before she focused back on the altar, as it was Litals turn to say those vows.
"Faith. Hope. Love. By the three leaves of the Clover, I, Lital Lys, take thee, Fuegoleon Vermillion, as my wedded husband. I will have Faith in thee, with thy life and trust thee mine. I will have Hope, helping thee to all hardships and happiness of life. I will Love thee, cherish thee in sickness and in health, be it forever."
Like with Fuegoleon, Litals voice echoed through the entire cathedral. Filling every inch of it, so that no one could possibly not hear her.
How would Vanessas voice sound in this cathedral, claiming those vows? Nozel just knew that she would sound lovely. But he still wanted to hear her say those words one day in reality.
It won't be so long, but still a few months away. September seemed so far away from May, even though there were only three other months between them.
In September… it would be their own wedding.
Nozel couldn't help but let his eyes gazing at Vanessas left ring finger. An ancient ring was on it. Silver, with an amethyst in the shape of a rose and four gemstones around it, looking like leaves.
Her betrothal ring…
Lital had actually allowed Vanessa to still wear it during the ceremony, arguing that there was no need to hide her betrothal to Nozel, even if the focus wasn't on her. It meant so much for Nozel and Vanessa wearing that ring with such happy pride just made him fall in love with her all over again.
Was it even possible? To love her this much and still loving her all over again when there was an occasion?
Who would have thought they would be betrothed one year ago? That time, they just started to hang out together and slowly having some kind of tension between them. He had still been convinced that love would never be for him.
How pathetic he was, looking back. He had already been slowly falling love with Vanessa back then. He just never realized it. But each time they met up at the café or under that willow in the parc, it always had been the steps towards her heart.
Nozel proposed to Vanessa under that willow. Their willow, now. The memories of his mother bond to that place were still strong, but not painful anymore and it was now as well filled with memories of Vanessa. It had felt right to propose to her under that tree that had so many of their moments happening under its leaves.
Plus, Nozel would never forget the happiness on Vanessas face when he finally proposed. Never had he seen anyone this happy before.
So many things happened this past years. Them falling in love, even paralleled to Yami and Charlotte's own little romance. Lac Silva losing for the first time, those thievery with bonds to another country, which lead to an investigation in Hino itself, sending Yami and Charlotte as well as two other people there, leading to gain a precious ally to Clover. For Nozel, it had been an interesting experience to meet the equivalent of Wizard King of that far away Land of the Sun, plus his Ryuzen, kinda the Magic Knight captains of Hino. One of them was even Yamis own sister!
During all this time of learning another country and the past of one of his squad captain colleagues, Vanessa had always been at his side, sharing his experiences and thoughts, being with him. In his heart and at his side.
Vanessa… His beloved Vanessa.
"And I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may now kiss the bride."
Nozel was too focused on Vanessa that the priests voice seemed so far away, so blurry to him. While Fuegoleon and Lital kissed under the cheers of the crowd – was that Mereoleona calling her brother finally becoming a man? – Nozel still felt as if all of this happened somewhere so far away from him, as all he wanted to focus on was Vanessa.
While the newlyweds run towards the exit in happiness, followed by the crowd, royals and nobles, magic knights and civilians, cloverians and the guests from Hino, Nozel felt like he should stay a bit for a while. After all, the after-wedding-ball would just start when crowd and newlyweds would arrive at the Vermillion palace and he could afford to be a bit late for once in his life.
And most importantly, Vanessa was still there, also staying for a moment.
"And you had your doubts about being a best man, honey," Vanessa laughed, hugging him as they were alone in the cathedral now. How strange it was that this gigantic room with the stone walls and statues didn't felt intimidating at all. "But you did great. You see, Fuegoleon was right to choose you. Even though you were a bit dreamy during the ceremony."
"I was focused on you."
"Really? Your best friend and rival was getting married, you were the best man and yet, all you could focus about was me? Oh my, you handsome and dreamy eagle, you're just giving me new reasons to tease you all over again each time."
"It doesn't matter. If me blushing makes you happy, I'll accept it from the depths of my heart and more."
Vanessa laughed at this statement. Honestly, why wouldn't she? After all, it was very corny. But Nozel smiled, seeing how happy she was. So, he hugged her tightly.
One day, he would her like that for the first time as her husband…
"Come on, we both know that our own big day will be soon. Only four months still to wait and we'll be married. After all, you haven't proposed to me just for the sake of it, right handsome eagle captain."
"Of course not. It's just… I can't believe we've come this far in a bit more than just one year. Just because we had a talk back in Spade… it seems so far away."
"Well, in a way, it is. This is what we call a lucky and happy coincidence. One of the best things that happen in my life and you know that already. Although, you accepted it better, your guilty issues really got smaller since I'm with you."
"You're my miracle, Vanessa…"
This sentence had more deeper meanings that anyone could ever understand. But Vanessa did. She might be the person who knew him the best in the whole kingdom. And he would be eternally grateful to that coincidence that brought her to him.
Nozel and Vanessa shared a short but deep kiss, before they slowly left the cathedral as well, hand in hand. Not only for the wedding ball, but also another step towards their future.