on the road to redemption

Neikan didn’t wake for days, and in all honesty Orha expected each breath to be the man’s last one. Every minute, every hour, the General expected someone to come in and announce that Neikan had died. But, nothing of the such happened. The half-Yason desperately clung to whatever life remained in his fatigued form, and Orha couldn’t help marveling at such a strong will. Once or twice, he had sat beside the man’s bed, observing him in silence. Like right now. Trisha, the nurse in charge of Neikan, had left them be, and the General had found himself alone with the other. Meditating. Could the power of the Light of Salvation have really corrupted Neikan to the point that… He couldn’t be held responsible for his acts? Absurd! The General of the Alliance couldn’t have been oblivious to the hazards of collecting the shards. Abusing his childhood friend’s trust, manipulating both the Yason and the Humans to reach his ends… This was one power-craved man whose soul must have been devoured by envy since ever. Why. Had he not lied to Mistress Ladrinne, giving her the bracelet and claiming it as his own? No, Orha could not believe that only the Light of Salvation had pushed Neikan to nearly destroy the whole Efferia. And, in the same motion, Orha could hardly forgive Agreian for his complete moronic attitude, being so openly trustful of a man only because they had once been friends long ago. Humans… Bah. Because of Agreian… Amila had died. This, he wouldn’t forgive that easily.

''Orha?'' The General had a startled blink, straightening in his chair. Hadn’t heard him coming in. How long had he been standing there?
''Yeah. Sorry. I was deep in thoughts. So you came, after all.''
''I did as fast as I could…'' Agreian answered coolly, approaching the bed. Watching the asleep man.
''What are we going to do with him?''
''..I’m not sure. I never thought… He’d return. This is so unexpected.''
''You tell me. Now, look… I’m not really eager to keep him here. You should kill him. Putting him out of his misery.'' Orha hadn’t dared taking the decision on his own, let Agreian deal with it. Was his friend after all, wasn’t he.
''Killing him?'' He answered, both white brows high, surprised. Even, protectively snatching one of Neikan’s hands in his own. ''I’ll bring him to Headquarters.''
''As you wish, Calintz. Think of the mess you’ll make though when your friends see you coming back with him. Did you even tell them the mongrel has survived?'' Was rather curious on that one.
''…I’ll deal with that.'' Of course he hadn’t warned them, kept this to himself and rushed up here. Had no idea how he would explain that one, especially to Serina. ''…Hugo? Can you hear me?''
''He’s been in a coma for days, don’t bother.'' Orha shrugged, pushing himself up to his feet and stretching out. Man. What a drag. Arms behind his back, he moved closer to the wide bay window of the room, and stared out of it. ''The Queen won’t be happy, might be a good thing. Maybe she’ll return to Yason-Roven, then.''
''Don’t dream.'' He snarled, releasing Neikan’s hand as he leant over him with the intention of scooping him up in his arms.
''Dreaming? I am merely stating a fact. Visibly, your knowledge of love and its complex alleys is still very little.''
''What… Do you mean?'' Wait a minute, could it really… Endanger his relationship with Serina? Agreian didn’t like the sound of this. Pausing in his move.
''Use your brain for once, you moron. You are planning on bringing back to Headquarters your nemesis, the man who has caused all of this mess, the man because of whom Amila has sacrificed herself. How do you think Her Majesty will feel over this? Being a hero is not everything a man needs, to keep his lover.''

Well… Put like that… But what was he supposed to do, then! Agreian couldn’t help himself, whatever had taken place, he wished to keep on believing Neikan hadn’t done everything out of cruelty but because of the Light of Salvation solely. Oh how dearly he clung to this explanation. He fell silent, those black eyes resting upon Orha’s back, shifting slowly on Neikan. So lovely in his deep sleep, Agreian mused. The smooth, silver hair splayed upon the pillow, the pale lips parted a little. Wet and inviting. Died to place a kiss there…

''You done contemplating him now? You disgust me.'' Orha had slid closer, unnoticed by Agreian. Arms upon his torso. ''So, that’s why you’re –so- willing to believe there’s some good in him, hm?''
''What? What do you imply by this!'' Oh he had flushed a deep shade of red now, both anger and embarrassment flaring up in those lovely eyes. Orha merely smirked, shrugging a little.
''I imply nothing, I am pointing out a fact. Anyway. What do you plan on doing now?''
''I’m… I…'' Agreian didn’t know, sighing as he straightened. Hesitant. ''Can you… Keep him a moment longer, here?''
''What for.'' He questioned immediately.
''I’d like to discuss the matter with Serina, and the others. See what they say…''
''They’ll tell you to get rid of that scum, and they’ll be right. But, if you want me to keep him here… Fine. I’ll do it, but not for you… For the Queen’s sake. You have two days.''

Orha didn’t linger around to hear an answer, leaving the young Captain of the Tears of Blood alone with the half-yason. Leaning against a wall, in the hallway. Agreian stood motionless by the bed, observing the man with a mix of relief and pain. Only in his wildest dreams had he dared hoping Neikan might have survived… And there he was, asleep, vulnerable…

''Hello Agreian.'' Neikan murmured, eyes shut. Ha. He had been awake, after all.
''…H—hugo..! You were awake? Why haven’t you said anything?'' He reproached, startled. The blush spread further across those cheeks, and the Captain’s eyes dove down. ''…Don’t call me that.''
''What? It’s your name, isn’t it?'' Neikan retorted, prying those eyes open, and sitting up in the bed with a light grunt.
''…I couldn’t get use to it. Only… Mother uses it. I couldn’t have her do otherwise.'' Agreian sat on the bed beside the other, staring down at his hands. ''So you heard us speak, haven’t you?''
''I did.'' He nodded, slowly. Head hurt. Grimaced a little, watching Agreian. ''What are you going to do?''
''…I’m not certain. I really want to believe in your innocence Hugo.''
''The name’s Neikan.'' He shrugged, staring out of the window.
''Whatever. You’ll always be Hugo, for me.'' Touching. Agreian turned his head, worrying his bottom lip a little. Why was Neikan being so cold?
''I don’t want to go there.'' Finally, he stated something. Swinging his feet to the floor.
''I understand.'' He did. Really. ''But you cannot stay here either. You heard Orha, he doesn’t want of you here.''
''They won’t want of me –there- either. So what’s the difference? There is no place for me anywhere.''
''Just let me speak with them, alright? I have… I have two days. Hang in there, and do as Orha says. Despite it all, he’s a good person.''
''I know.'' Neikan nodded, keeping his back at the other. ''Mano? Do you feel for me?''
''…W—what? Why do you ask such a thing... I…You are like a big brother to me Hugo.'' Agreian furiously blushed, heart pounding at his ears.
''I see. Then, I will see you in two days I suppose. Good bye.''
''…Hugo…'' He frowned, very carefully stepping closer. Touched the man’s shoulder. ''…Do you?''
''If I what? If I feel for you?'' there was a smirk at his lips, stubbornly keeping his glance off. Didn’t shake that hand off of his shoulder though.
''Yes.'' He nodded that head, holding his breath. One arm came around the thin waist of the half-yason.
''I don’t. Not anymore.'' the answer came sharply, coldly. Neikan freed himself and snorted. ''Go now.''

Not anymore? So, he had felt for him once? Agreian frowned all the more, backing off. Confused. But! Why hadn’t he told him? Why! His fists were tightly clenched, when he exited the room. Staring at the floor, upon speaking to Orha. For months, he had secretly hoped Neikan would kiss him, hold him, but it had never happened. Agreian had concluded that the man held no such feelings for him, and thus hadn’t dared bringing this up. And now, maybe because of that… What if Neikan, all this time, had only been waiting after Agreian to make the first move? Damnit! Orha gave him funny glances, when he left, and the Captain’s heart was heavy upon returning to Headquarters.

Orha entered the room, surprised at finding Neikan standing there on his own two feet, near the bay window. Slowly shutting the door behind him, he approached the half-yason, and took a seat in the chair once more. Watching him.

''What did you tell Calintz? Seemed upset.'' Curious. The Yason General crossed his legs at the knee, leaning one arm on the armchair.
''I only answered his questions.'' Neikan had retrieved the quiet, hushed tone of voice. Near … Smooth. Like velvet.
''I see. Well, I guess your answers then satisfied him not. Whatever. Well, now that you’re awake…''
''Orha, thank you.'' Neikan cut in, turning around. Facing the man. Orha was struck by the pain these pale eyes expressed. So… Genuine.
''…What? Why? Thanks for what, exactly?''
''For keeping me here, for taking care of me. For everything.'' Was a little confused, watching the Yason male. Kind of obvious –why- he had thanked him.
''Oh! That. Yeah, well don’t worry about it. So… Are you hungry?''
''Not really.'' He moved to the bed, sitting down. His legs were still weak, but he felt much better than upon arriving here, days ago.
''…You haven’t eaten anything since you’ve arrived, surely you have to be hungry.'' Orha didn’t believe a word of that, and he sat up in his chair. Observing him. ''Hey… What’s between you and Calintz exactly?''
''Nothing.'' He answered, simply.

There could have been something between them once, but then Agreian… Had chosen that brainless girl over him, and it was –then- that something snapped inside him. That he had started surrendering to the power of the shard he had found out of pure coincidence. Neikan had ceased fighting its temptation then, heartbroken and full of anger for the Captain. And, hearing that he was still with the girl made him furious.

''I see.'' Orha said again, not all that convinced. But, Neikan must have had had his reasons to keep the details to himself. Not like the Yason male really cared about this, it wasn’t his business after all.
''Orha. That girl… Serina…'' He tentatively started, lying back.
''Don’t go there. It’s in the past, I don’t wish to be talking about this.'' Had figured him out quite easily.
''As you wish.'' He answered coolly, sighing softly. Propping up one foot on the bed, staring at the ceiling. Felt so cold, so lonely. ''I just don’t understand why would she have chosen Mano over you.''

Orha was silent, just watching him. What kind of game was he playing? Nearly felt like Neikan… Tried flirting with him. And, that was a little bit gross, for him. Sure, the General of the Alliance was alluring, this he could hardly deny, but Orha hadn’t ever been attracted by a male, and certainly wouldn’t begin with –him-. Despite it all though, he stood and approached the bed, sitting beside Neikan.

''Why do you say this.'' He asked, genuinely intrigued. ''I thought that you and him were close. Or rather, had been close. Your words are odd.''
''He’s like a brother. I’m not stupid though, I can easily see that you are much better than he is, so I don’t understand why a woman would choose him over you.''
''I guess it’s because Calintz protected her against everyone and everything without even knowing who she was. I’m not certain.''
''…Who understand women.'' Neikan shrugged a little, a smile warming his features for a second or two.
''Got that right.'' Orha never could. Women were a mystery to him. Oh well.
''That’s why I have always preferred men.'' At that, the half-yason let his eyes drift on the other, intently watching his reaction.
''…A worthy reason, I’d suppose.'' Felt a little uncomfortable, though nothing betrayed this. Even when Neikan reached out, touching his face. ''…What are you doing?''
''…I am touching your face.'' Dumb answer. So dumb, Orha had no idea what to answer on the instant.
''…Stop it.'' He pulled away from the touch, blinking.
''I’m sorry.'' The hand dropped down to the bed. Neikan rolled to his side, showing his back at the other. ''Maybe I will eat something, in the end…''

Orha nodded, sitting up straight. Touching his own face, where Neikan’s fingers had caressed the skin moments earlier. So… Strange. Honestly, the move had surprised him, more than disgusted him. Maybe why Orha felt so confused. Was in so much in need of love that he was ready to accept in his arms such a filthy being? Sighing, he stood up to his feet. Watching the man. And, without thinking, he bent over swiftly. Placing a little kiss there at Neikan’s forehead.

''…I’ll return with food in a moment.'' Afraid that the half-yason might see the blush to his cheeks, Orha promptly left the bedroom then.


~~~~~~~~~~~~~


Hello Magna Carta fans! Thank you a lot for reading what I have come up with this far, I'm deeply sorry it took so long for the second chapter to be up and ready, but I'm rather busy with University. AND, some comments would be appreciated too.... No reviews! ;___;

And yes, yes.... Sex coming up, don't desperate. xD