Chapter 23: Date with Trish

Knew I was going to deal with some pain, but hopefully that's the last snag we have for a while. Now I just need to settle some things with Trish.

April 14, 2009

It took a full day and half of another but eventually they made it to France's heart.

The city of Paris was a sight to behold. Refined in architecture as well as culture (as much as it would kill Elric to admit that). It had not changed much since the last time the freelancer had paid it a visit. Throngs flocked through its streets, the comics were still years ahead of America and Japan in terms of concepts.

He was happy to be there while they waited. Sieg and his escort had already departed on a plane bound for London. Elric had opted to remain for one more addition night—wanting to spend a few more moments free from his father's control for a time, and perhaps hoping to prolong his time around the mother of his child.

Elric weaved among the denizens, getting a few glances from the local girls—though he paid little heed to them, having been numbed to caring about those sort of things to a small degree—, with a bag of supplies in hand, having collected enough of such to last them the night (assuming Mordred did not eat her way through the lot of it) before they were to board the plane in the coming days.

For now they just needed to lay low.

He didn't want to jinx it, but Elric felt confident that they left Clitus and Liliana so far in the rear view mirror that they would likely not be a problem for everyone and Sieg. That was the extent of Elric's concerns. As long as a problem was a mile behind him he was happy, that was how she was sometimes. Beyond fighting and sex, he rarely had many concerns since he left behind his life as a Rheon, there were occasions where that was not the case, but thankfully they were as few as far in between. The latter of the two vaguely in his mind as he continued to walk through the streets to the hotel where he and Luvia were staying. Not in the traditional sense, more so in what his ex-fiance had done to allow him to have sex undisturbed. Though he was attempting to suppress it for the moment and hoping to resolve it once this was all remedied.

He was quick to make his way back. Returning to find Luvia waiting on the couch with crossed arms. Mordred was gone, probably exploring the city, as was Gilgamesh and Enkidu, leaving the two of them alone together.

Looking at her with concern, thinking he may have done something wrong, Elric asked "Problem, Luv?"

"I have been holding off on inquiring until now, Elric, but now I believe we have time for you to explain." she elucidated. "Tell me what happened with Coen."

Elric tilted his head, feeling a relief, sighing. Asking "That's it?" Chuckling lightly as he said "You had me worried I did something wrong for half a second."

Making a wry smile, Luvia asked "Have you?"

"Um…no, nothing that I'd think would make you angry."

"Then tell me what happened."

Again Elric sighed, dropping his bags by the door, bringing himself over to sit beside her. She wanted to be apprised so he wouldn't hold back. So "You see…" Elric then proceeded to tell Luvia everything he heard from Trish. Everything. It was almost an embarrassing admission.

Luvia was left dumb struck by the confession. "Oh…" She found herself overwhelmed with a new sense of sympathy for Trish. She had arranged events to where she and Elric could become intimate and admit his true feelings for her, and now she was hearing that Coen had kept Celenike from intruding upon their blissful night together.

Elric rested himself back reclining against the couch as he responded "Yes, 'oh.'" with a wry smile of his own which possessed a degree of sarcasm to it.

It was a contentious matter in Luvia's mind as a result. She already possessed more than a few mixed feelings concerning Trish Coen. She was Elric's ex-fiance, thus by nature she presumed she should have negative opinions on her, but at the same time she did more to help progress things between herself and her betrothed. In addition to this she was the mother to his child who he clearly still loved but was also not trying to take Elric from her. It was all around a mixed bag for the Edelfelt heir.

"I owe her a debt, it seems, in double." She said resting her head on his shoulder as she was pondering the matter.

For Elric it was not as complicated—at least to the degree it was for Luvia—as he perceived Trish as he always had. She was still someone he loved, who he would gladly make a mother multiple times over if he could, and someone he always wanted on his side. The only complication was that he was now with Luvia—somethinghe had what he wanted for the longest time—and did not wish to do anything that could ruin that.

"Luvia, I…"

"We need to repay her somehow." Luvia cut him off, beating him to the thought they were both having. "And I think I may know a way to."

Elric raised a brow.


Mordred was on her way back to the hotel; holding one snack in her hand whilst a bag containing more treats rested in the other.

She was across the street when she noticed a figure leaving the hotel's entrance. It was her master Elric, and he was looking around to see if he had been noticed. Looking suspicious as he did so.

Mordred managed to conceal herself before he could spot her.

Once he seemed satisfied in his scanning, Elric proceeded to walk down the streets and all Mordred could think as she peared out from her cover is Master looks more sus than usual.


The CitizenM La Defense Hotel was the first stop Elric made; thankfully (to his knowledge) Mordred or those other two knuckleheads had not seen him come there. He didn't want to imagine what their reaction would be. Most likely scenario they would probably find a laugh out of it—or atleast Gil and Enkidu would—and the Knight of Treachery would probably be giving him the stink eye considering how she seemed to have taking a liking to Luvia and would likely perceive it as him cheating on her (and she didn't even know that he and Edelfelt had prematurely consummated their relationship).

He spoke to the front desk, lying that he was there to surprise a friend of his. The man at the front desk knew right away who he was looking for when he described her. There weren't that many femme fatale looking women.

Finding his way up to the right room, promptly knocking on the door within seconds of locating room 117. His knock would be answered with "Yeah, yeah. Hang on, froggy."

Nice to see her manners are as irreverent as usual.

Again he knocks.

The door opens with her saying "I said-" only to stop with a pleased smile as she sees it was Elric on the other side. Leaning herself against the door frame dressed only in her corset and pants as she said "Elric? This is a tantelizing surprise."

The freelancer was right to the point with his ex-fiance, "Trish, what are you doing right now?"

"Not much. Just waiting til my turn to watch your psycho ex." she continued to smile. "Why do you ask?"

"I was wondering if you'd like to go out for a bit."

"You mean a date?" Trish asked, her tone possessing some teasing quality.

Elric did not let the teasing get to him, persisting as he always would with her back in the day. "Yes. That."

"Me and you on a date." she pushed herself off the doorway. "What would Edelfelt think?" Stepping closer to wrap her arms around his neck.

Elric remained silent.

She picked up something was up rather quickly "Oh, did she put you up to this?" and her smile turned more tempting. "I presumed after our conversation in Trifas she would be the last person to arrange something like this."

"To be clear: I planned on repaying you for things with Celenike." Elric clarified, grabbing her by the waist.

"Hmm…fine. Give me a moment to get my things and we'll go." Trish told him, pulling her arms off of him. "Unless, of course, you were considering repaying me in a more intimate way."

"Trish…"

He didn't need to say much. Trish already knew he still loved her, and she still loved him to no end, so he did not need many words to win her over. She wouldn't have been against either a night on the town or some more private time together. "It's okay, Elric, I've been wanting to get out of this hotel anyway. It'll be a good make up for us never getting to visit France back when you worked for Father."

"Right."

How could Elric forget? They were almost able to come to the country together once before with Zed, shortly after the three began to see each other secretly, but as usual Luke had to ruin things and Zed ended up being the only one to accompany him. It wasn't a bad time, he and Zed were able to enjoy themselves (barely spending much time out of their hotel room unless work was involved) but he had wished it was Trish as well.

Sighing he stood by the door, leaning against the wall, waiting for a minute before she emerged in her usual enticing attire.

Glancing at him with a smirk she inquired "Ready?"

To which Elric responded "As ever."


Mordred waited in the shadows outside the hotel impatiently, irritated that she had eaten through most of her provisions. With Gilgamesh drinking from a wine bottle and Enkidu standing beside him.

"This had better be important, Saber."

"It is, Gil, I swear."

Enkidu shrugged his shoulders. "I fail to see why you are so upset, Mordred. All Elric's doing is likely checking on Trish or seeing how things are going with his uncle."

"Then why was he making sure no one saw him come here, huh?" Mordred asked with an accusing tone.

Enkidu bounced back with a "Perhaps he believed you would presume something was up?" Fully prepared to go to bat for his master.

"Perhaps…" Gilgamesh smirked, sipping a small taste of wine. Then he saw Elric emerge from the hotel. "Or perhaps he has chosen to steal a moment with some pleasant company."

"Not helping, Gilgamesh." Enkidu told him.

"What gave you the impression I am attempting to, Enkidu?"

Mordred was fuming to see Elric in Trish's company somewhat. Not out of jealousy, per say, but more out of proxy jealousy. She presumed that Luvia was the one Elric cared about most, but there he was with Trish Coen. Reminding her of Lancelot in a bad way. She was still mad at Luvia for her comment back in Trifas but could not help but feel annoyed at this perceived betrayal against her.

How disappointing…the damn hound dog.

She clinched her first and stood preparing to rush and clock her master across the jaw, but was suddenly stopped by a hand clasping onto her shoulder. Mordred then spun around preparing to strike whoever was trying to get in her way only for her fist to stop inches from the face of Luvia Edelfelt.

"Edelfelt…?"


Elric and Trish walked through the streets of Paris, seeing the Eiffle Tower in the distance as they took in the sights. Catching envious glances as they sauntered about the city, visiting some vendors as well as other locations before finding their way to an establishment by the name of Café Théâtre where they were seated at an outdoor table.

"Lovely city." Trish remarked as the waitress departed to fetch them some tea and coffee. "Was it like this when you came here with Zed?"

"Somewhat." Elric told her as he reclined back in his chair, keeping his eye on Trish whilst she glanced around. "I didn't pay much attention last time I was here. I didn't go out unless it was for urgent business." earning a smirk from his ex-fiance as she cast her gaze back to him with a knowing expression.

"Oh." she almost giggled. "Were you and Zed preoccupied with…other activities?"

Elric did not deny it, but neither did he confirm it. He remembered that week rather well—Zed kept him preoccupied for most of the week, treating herself to pleasure through him, only breaking from his lips when they needed to get work done (mostly for dealing with a rogue magus)—but it wasn't as fun as it could have been if Trish was able to come with them.

Moving to change the subject, Elric asked "So…anything you want to do while we have the chance?" just as the waitress returned with their drinks.

As he gives his order of food, she eyes him, her expression conveying what she really wanted most. She was like Zed in that regard, or was so after the events of the development between them and Zed. Not as dedicated to the constant pursuit of carnal bliss as Walker but still interested in such when the situation was not so dire to distract her priorities.

Once the waitress was gone, Trish gave him an answer "If you really want to know, I think you can guess what I want most, but you won't do it. You can't right now."

"You want me to come back with you." Elric guessed correctly as Trish sipped her tea.

Trish clarified "You don't have to come alone. Bring Edelfelt with you. Allen would love to have another step mom around. He loves whenever Zed plays with him. I'm sure he'd love to meet your fiance and that Saber of yours."

Already Elric could feel a migrain incoming "Trish…" pinching the bridge of his nose.

"It's okay." Trish assured him. "I understand, Elric, it's not an ideal time to talk about it. Just saying, when you get the chance, stop by." Leaning closer, her cleavage slightly visable as she did so. "We miss you."

Sipping his own drink, Elric asked with a wry smirk "Sure it's me that you're missing?"

"Of course."


Mordred was still picking up her jaw off the floor as she was following behind Luvia. She had been told everything about Elric and her sharing a night together and was still in shock. Having come to expect that Elric and her would drag out their little back and forth of an unofficial relationship for a while, but instead they had consummated their relationship. They were still interested in getting out from under the thumb of Lord Rheon; it was just that the situation had deviated ever so slightly from the original state.

Mordred probably should have been happy for her master but she mostly was just in disbelief. It was almost as hard to understand as the fact that she was permitting Elric to go on this date with Coen; even making it clear that she was not bother if he ended up sleeping with her.

"Personally, I fail to see why you're so flabbergasted, Saber. It is not as if this is something so queer." Gilgamesh said, suppressing a laugh at his own amusement inresonse to Mordred's confusion. "In my lifetime I retained a number of concubines and wives. It is perfectly natural."

"Yeah, well that isn't how things work these days." Mordred retorted in an aggravated response. Looking to Luvia for some back up on this. "Right, Edelfelt?"

"Actually…" Luvia hated to side with the King of Heroes, the very idea made her want to vomit mentally. "It is not unheard of for a member of a distinguished mage family to have a harem of mistresses. Father had one when I was a child, though he attempted to remain devoted to my mother exclusively."

Mordred was nearly prepared to slap someone "And you're okay with this?"

"I'm not fine with the idea of being a mistrees, no." Luvia told the Saber, keeping her eyes on Elric across the street. She did not fancy the idea per se, but it was less bothersome if she was the main wife. She could spin that as a win, in the right perception of mental gymnastics; the thing she savored greatly.

Listening as Mordred scoffed "Unbelievable."


As he and Trish were given their meals, Elric opted to continue their conversation, asking "So what's happening with Allen?"

"Not much. Dad's been looking into future suitors."

It seemed tediously unnecessary to Elric. "Isn't that a little premature?" It was not atypical of Ned Dioland, he always was planning for the future in a convoluted way. It was one of the reasons he was always able to keep his family in control of America and keep the American branch of the Mage Association in such a well efficient manner.

"This is my father we're talking about, love. He always does these things." Trish reminded him. "Remember the stunts he would pull after the necromancer brought you to our estate." Gesturing her hands still holding her utensils in a manner to convey some eccenticism to her demeanor. "Honestly, I'm just glad he's stopped trying to match me up with a suitor."

Elric's eyes widened.

Leaning closer, the freelancer asked "He what, now?" much to Trish's relief. Affirming he really did still care about her (not that she required further proof).

"What's this? Are you by any chance jealous, Elric?"

"No." Elric denied it. "Of course not. I'm just surprised Ned failed to set you up with someone by now."

"He tried, believe me. Nearly succeeded with the last one, but I believe after that my father learned his lesson: "I want no man but you."

Elric blushed slightly. He always struggled to understand why Trish loved him so much, though never complaining about it—having always been grateful to have the red-haird goddess in his life—but he was glad she did. If it wasn't for her and Zed he may have been worse off, after what happened to Emil he was nearly lost in his despair.

Noticing this, Trish chuckled "Are you blushing, Elric? Did I embarrass you?"

"N-no." Elric denied it.


Luvia watched as Elric and Trish continued to talk. When she saw him blushing all she could think was what's that look for and could this perhaps have been a mistake?

"She's really got him hooked." Mordred said, having enough of an understanding of her master to know when he was a certain way. Enkidu was of a similar mindset, adding "It's rather adorable."

Both earned a low "I don't recall asking for an opinion." from a frustratedly blushing Luvia.

Gilgamesh was once again amused, but this time for a different motivation. Luvia seemed initially to be willing to permet some indiscretion from her fiance but it seemed that she was not above experience even a ting of some jealousy.

Wiping away a trace of wine from the edge of his lips, the former King of Uruk said with a suppressed smirk "If this vexes you so, Edelflet, you may intrude upon the scene." pointing to the table the couple were sharing.

"It is fine, Gil, I promise." Luvia insisted.

"You may profess it to your heart's content, Edelfelt, it will not change what you will need to endure." Gilgamesh continued. Examining the scarce remains of the Mouton Rothschild wine still in his bottle. "Are you truly unfazed by the concept of our master having a multitude of partners in his life? Even if you do marry him you will still need to ensure that he will not one day choose one who he loves more than the others, or that at the very least you are that one should the occasion arise."

Luvia cliched one of her fists—tempted to strike the First Hero, but managing to restrain herself from doing so—as she is able to understand his point well. Looking to him to respond "I am aware, Archer. I will not lose."

Gilgamesh looked at her with an expression that practically said atleast your confident.

As she looked back to the table where Elric was supposed to be sitting with Trish she found it vacant with money left on the table.

Where did they go?


Elric found himself walking the streets of Paris with Trish. Following behind her as she sauntered through the streets, watching the sway of her hips and they made their way back to a familiar location.

They said all they needed and before he knew it they were making their way back to Trish's hotel room and once again they kissed each other, it was an embrace which grew passionate and wild. Tearing at their clothes to stuff her slot whilst lifting her into his arms. Thrusting into her as she was pressed against a wall before resting her on the bed.

"James…" Trish moaned with a smile, caressing his back, stroking her legs against his waist, saying the name which few people actually dared to call him, clinging to him with a smile as he kissed her neck. "Harder."

Planting his feet firmly into the mattress, Elric beat into her hard and fast. She always preferred things between them in bed that way. He had missed their nights of this, and wished he could have prolonged the experience for as long as he possibly could.

Once he removed his lips from her throat, Elric faced her eyes as they both smiled.

Enduring the rough pleasure of it all as he thrust into her, Trish pulled up one of her hands, using it to stroke his cheek. Moaning "James." before pulling his head down to kiss her on the lips.

It was different than it was with Luvia. Elric did not need to hold back, he did not need to show restraint in what he wanted. Thrusting hard into her as Trish wrapped her limbs tightly to him.

Rolling around in the bed, Trish ended up being the one on top. Telling him witha smirk "My turn." as she stroked his chest. Grinding her waist against his as Elric held her by her slender hips.

Trish moved aggressively. Pulling Elric up to hold onto him.

"Ah! James! Ah! Ah! James!" she moaned with a smile as she bounced her waist against his. Showing him no mercy as they fornicated—moving with a pace that he would have expected from Zed when they were in bed together—as she savaged his manhood. "Yes…yes…"

As before, she was aiming to make the experience memorable, but that time she wanted to be as active as possible.

Listening to him moan beneath his breath "Trish…" as he pushed his waist against her to maximize the pleasure, the red haired freelancer smiled aroused. She never permitted any other man to share this experience with her, only Elric. There was a time when she only felt interest in women (during your formative days of sexual confusion) but she had long since moved past this with only deviation permitted when Zed joined them.

Giving him enough space, Trish watched as he nibbled on her breast. Savoring the bounty of pleasure of his mouth on her tit and his manhood inside of her.

Regaining control, Elric spun Trish around and both remained on their knees as he thrust into her from behind. "Mmm…yes." Groping one of her breasts as he moved, kissing her neck whilst he moved with as much aggressive force as he could, adding to the pleasure both he and Trish were experiencing and soon both he and his partner were brought to the climax.

Before long both came undone and he collapsed forward, resting ontop of Coen's bacl as he panted for breath. Both smiled in the following moments, holding their hands together softly.

Pulling himself off of her, Elric and Trish shared a smirk. Both satisfied with their escapades. Trish then pulled herself closer, resting her head on his chest.

It would be a few moments before they would be prepared to go at it again.


Luvia was left wandering the streets for a few hours, never able to find where Elric had gotten off to.

April 15, 2009

Elric awoke the following morning finding himself resting on the bed with Trish still clinging to him, bearing a pleased look on her visage as she continued to rest, feeling a mite sleep deprived as he did so. They did not spend much time resting, Trish occupied most of the night by distracitng him from sleep with her body and was left thoroughly satisfied, and Elric was left feeling drained.

And this was the lover who did not want to have sex the most. Elric was reluctant to imagine what his night would have been like with Zed had been present—he would have likely lacked the strength to get out of bed, let alone make it through the remainder of the trip back to Clock Tower.

Whilst he watched her rest, Elric was reluctant to disturb her but he knew they did not have much time left. So he forced himself to wake her.

"We need to go,Trish, so wake up."

"Wha…morning came by fast." she groaned as he pulled herself off of him.

Elric considered reminding her that if she had allowed them to go to bed sooner she could have gotten more sleep but presumed that would be a moot point. Instead he led her into the bathroom with a "Come on." and helped her into the tub.

As he drew her a bath he found himself being dragged into the water as well, with Trish telling him "You could use a bath, too."

Pulling him up, Elric relined back in the tub, opposite of Trish who looked at him with a half smile.

Throwing her some soap, he told her "Come on, Trish, we've gotta hurry."

It was not that short of a time frame between then and when Trish was due to leave for America by plane. She and the Necromance (if she read the time correctly) had three hours at best before their plane was due. Richter was not going, having opted to visit Clock Tower, having voiced some interest in seeing how things were going there—despite the fact it meant he would have to be in the same area as Edward Rheon (who he still despised for the betrayal of Elric's mother). But Elric felt a sense of urgency.

Her smile persisting, Trish traversed the bath to reach Elric's side. "I think you could use this more than I." Stroking his chest sensually with her soap laced hands. As they exchanged glances her hands moved downward.

"Trish…"

"Right, righ." She stopped herself, seeing his point, and helped herself to some of the soap. Though still finding some entertainment in the situation.

If she had it her way, Trish would miss the flight and spend every second of the day in Elric's embrace re-exploring old territory. And, in truth, Elric probabaly would have had no problem doing the same—in fornicating with Trish for hours upon hours, attempting to see if there would be another fluke and they could produce a sibling for Allen—but circumstances made that more than undesirable for the moment. If they did delay, Lord Rheon and the Glaives would get curious; if they became curious, they could learn about their past relationship; and if their past relationship were to receive more scrutiny than it ws possible for Elric's father to learn about Allen, and Elric wished to prolog that discovery for as long as possible. Edward Rheon had ruined Elric's own life plenty, he did not even want to imagine what he and Somnus would consider doing to the youngest member of the Dioland estate—let alone what they would put Allen through. Elric did know what would happen, though, if they ever laid a hand on his son: they would curse the day they were sired.

Before long they made their way back into her main room where they found a cross-armed Luvia waiting for them. Upon seeing them exit the bathroom the first thing out of her mouth was "Enjoying yourselves?"

Well…shit.

He was not in trouble, not by much. Luvia had given him permission to spend a night with Trish, though he had to suspect that not hearing from him all night must have had her concerned, or, at the very least, feeling as if she was being ignored.

Luvia was pissed. Trish was amused, again finding something adorable in the noblewoman's being. And Elric was just grateful she wasn't performing some weird wrestling move on him and Mordred wasn't with her.

As he contemplated what he should say to get himself out of this hole, Trish beat him to the punch. "My apologies, Luviagelita. I may have taken advantage of Elric for the night."

Luvia raised one of the brows to her angelic face as she asked cynically "Is that so?"

"Yes." Trish proceeded to try and bullshit Elric out of trouble. "We were supposed to only take a couple of hours but I lost control of myself and dragged Elric, here, back with me to the hotel kicking and screaming."

"I highly doubt that." Luvia sighed, dropping her arms. Sounding not even remotely convinced but attempting to not take that slight to oersinally. "Either way, that necromancer is waiting for you down stairs."

"Kairi?"

"Indeed."


Luvia remained quiet, seeming to suppress her wrath for later, only responding to questions when Trish inquired.

"Are you angry/"

"No."

"Are you sure, because you look angry."

"I am not."

Elric didn't think there was enough bracing for whatever she had planned for him. Still unable to understand what had her ticked. Not that Luvia was angry mind you, but that wasn't going to stop her from making him assume that for a while.

Mordred was waiting with the others when they reached the lobby, looking as if she wanted to punch Elric square in the face but controlling her agitation—a restraint which surprised Elric more than her apparent disapproval.

"Uh…morning, partner."

"Morning, scum."

Harsh.

Luvia may have been a tad more accepting of this harem deal; Mordred, however, possessed no such sentiment, and was not shy in expressing it toward her master. Elric just sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose.

This will be a problem.

He would deal with this later. First things first. He proceeded to inquire "So…where's Kairi?" as he glanced around the room.

"Over here, kid." he suddenly heard the gruff voice call his attention over to a table where he was reclined back, enjoying a beverage. "Was wondering if you'd even get up."

"Yeah, sorry. What'd you want to talk about?"

The necromancer then gestured his hand toward a chair across from him. Basically saying wordlessly have a seat.

Elric seated himself. Asking "Aren't you supposed to be guarding Celenike?"

"The Glaives took her away already to the airport. I doubt she'll be a problem for them." Kairi told him, placing his drink on the table, looking around to make sure no one but the party around the table was listening in on their conversation. Then asked "I don't suppose there's any way I could talk you into coming back home with me and Coen, by any chance?" Leaning forward as he did so.

"Afraid not." Elric retorted. "Even if I wanted to—and believe me, the idea is tempting—father has some good leverage on me."

"I know, but we could always just get this Emiya and Tohsaka away from Clock Tower, and Edelfelt, and bring 'em with us."

"Even if we could find a way," Luvia pointed out, "Lord Rheon and Somnus will send people after us all the same. And I highly doubt Dioland or whoever you have in mind could protect us forever."

Trish tilted her head. "We could always dispatch them. They can't be a nuisance if they're incapable of breathing."

"And then what do you think happens, Trish?" Elric turned to her. "The Glaives won't exactly let that go. Plus there are other people likely in cahoots with him on this."

He continued "No, I think we need to find a way to get him to back off willingly. Convince him that this isn't going to be worth his time at some point down the line."

"How, exactly, will you do that?" Gilgamesh inquired.

"I don't know, but we will find a way." Elric insisted. "I know we will. It's all a matter of leverage."

Kairi reclined back. "What I don't understand is why he's doing all this now, of all time. It's been…atleast six years, if not close to. He had plenty of chances to pull something like this. It makes me question what his endgame is."

"I don't know." Elric admitted, looking to Luvia and Trish then back to the necromancer. "Maybe he wants me to be a pawn in something bigger he has planned. Maybe he needs me to do something that benefits the Rheon family. I can't say for certain."

Kairi sighed, drinking the last of his beverage. "Well, when things do go south—and we both know they will eventually—and you do change your mind, you know who to call." Rising to his feet. "You know you can always count on me for help."

"Thanks Kairi." Elric smiled.

Kairi left.

Rising to his feet, Trish stepped closer to ask "So this is where we part ways, huh?"

"Looks like." Elric responded. "Been fun, Trish, as usual-"

Suddenly Trish grabbed him by the collar and kissed him on the lips. At this point the freelancer just went along with it. After all it wasn't as if they were strangers—they were lovers, she was the mother of his son.

If he ever became accustomed to that sort of treatment, Elric hoped that someone would shoot him.

Watching her step away with a hand wave, Trish vanished among the crowds still smiling.

"Elric."

He motioned himself to face a displeased Luvia.

"Okay, technically that one wasn't my fault since-" before he could finish she grabbed him by the jacket and pulled him into her own kiss.