Boo Fantasy

You stare at him, eyes blown wide, face completely red now. You can’t even form any words in response, which seems to amuse him even more. A smirk curls his lips, and he gives your hip a playful pinch.

“What? Crow got your tongue, sweetie?”

You sputter, finally finding your voice, “Sylus!”

“Good. Now that you’re focused, we can go handle business.” Sylus sets you on the ground, making sure you’re steady before he stands nonchalantly and tucks his gun in its holster. Like nothing just happened! “We don’t want to be late now, do we?”

Before you can even say anything more, he’s heading for the door. It takes a few seconds to shake yourself from your  state of shock, and then you’re quickly following after him.

“Sylus-!”

He cuts you off, that stupid, attractive smirk still on his lips, “And by the way, try not to spoil Mephisto too much, sweetie. He’s grown rather petulant when you’re not around.”

You’re pretty sure your blush sticks around for the entire car ride after.

---

The second time is when you visit on one of your off days. 

When you get there, Sylus is still asleep. You take a moment to crouch by his bed, a fond smile adorning your lips as you take in his peaceful face. You remember when he used to sleep sitting up, so he was ready for anything, but now he looks relaxed. Though you still spot the gun tucked under his bed.

Deciding not to bother him, you quietly make your way back out to the living room and grab a book. It’s about the only way to pass time in the N109 Zone, at least, without getting yourself into anything dangerous. As soon as you sit down, Mephisto flaps across the room and lands on your arm, plopping himself down into your lap like a cat.

A giggle escapes you when the crow throws his head back, looking up at the most awkward angle you can imagine. You give his beak a little rub, and he makes a soft clicking sound, beady red eyes falling shut.

“I swear, it’s almost like you’re a crow with cat programming,” you hum, mostly to yourself. Mephisto ruffles his feathers, though, at the word ‘cat’, eyes flashing back open. You snort, easing a hand over his wings, “No worries, pretty bird, no cats. I’m just kidding.”

He settles back down, seemingly embarrassed by his reaction, which only makes you want to coddle him more. So cute. If only Sylus would be this cute with you. Heat tinges your cheeks at the thought of the tall man resting against your lap, looking up at you with softly narrowed eyes, humming in content as you pet his ha-

Snapping your book open, you throw yourself into the story in hopes of banishing such rogue thoughts. If Sylus knew what you were imagining, he would tease you for years. You really don’t want to feed his ego even more. Mephisto wedges himself between your arm and your side, happy to just fall asleep as you read, oblivious to your inner turmoil.

It doesn’t take you long to actually get immersed in the storyline, though. So much so that you don’t hear the steps coming up behind you.

“It seems you come here more often to spend time with Mephisto than with me.”

You practically jump out of your skin when a strong arm circles your shoulders. Sylus’ voice is a low rumble in your ear, thick with sleep. He leans over the back of your chair, and you narrowly miss the way he eyes the bird in your lap with distaste. He looks far too content curled up on your lap.

“I didn’t want to bother you while you were sleeping,” you hum, closing the book.

He grumbles, sleepy eyes shifting to bore into you. The smallest pout pulls at his lips, and you have to stifle a giggle as you reach up to smooth down his messy hair. Sylus leans into your touch, much like Mephisto did, his eyes flickering shut. Okay, maybe he is just as cute.

“Are you mad I didn’t come cuddle with you?” You tease. Sleepy Sylus is definitely your favorite Sylus. “I didn’t know the big, bad Onychinus leader likes to snuggle.”

“It’s simply to ensure you don’t cause trouble in the N109 Zone,” he murmurs, still just as quick-witted though he’s half-asleep, “I can’t have my kitten wandering around all by herself, now can I?”

“I was just reading, Sylus. No trouble here.”

“Hmm, then you might as well come read in bed.”

You hesitate, fingers tracing along his jaw lightly, “You sure I won’t disturb your sleep?”

Those dark eyes blink back open lazily, a rare, genuine smile dancing in their depths, “Trust me, kitten, my sleep will be much better with you at my side.”

God, you’re weak for this man. Mephisto squawks his complaints as you lift him from your lap, but takes off to his perch without much fight. Sylus feels a flash of victory as you intertwine your fingers. The sensation of your small hand in his eases the strange tightness in his chest whenever you’re apart. He curls his other arm around you possessively, sending the bird a smug smirk.

You catch it this time, lifting a brow as you glance between him and Mephisto. Your brain stalls. Was he…jealous? No way. There’s no way Sylus would be jealous of you spending time with his bird. He’s more mature than that…or maybe not, you realize as he drags you back to his bed, only to lay himself over you like a large cat, using your lap as his pillow. Exactly as you imagined.

Your heart flutters a little, which you’re sure he hears somehow, because he squeezes your waist teasingly. You pinch his cheek lightly before running your fingers through his snowy hair. It’s always softer than you expect.

“Go to sleep, Sylus,” you murmur, voice far too fond, “I’ll be here when you wake up.”

He hums, and you can feel the sound vibrate through his body. Almost like a purr.

God, you don’t even have a chance, do you?

---

The final time is when you visit the N109 Zone to attend another auction with Sylus. And this time, you catch him in it.

“Where’s Mephisto?”

Sylus’ face sours at your question. You bite back a smile.

Ever since the day you spent napping in his room, you haven’t been able to escape that thought swirling in the back of your mind. So you decided to test your theory. Sylus is always messing with you, afterall. It’s only fair you get a bit of revenge.

“I sent him out to gather intel,” Sylus huffs eventually. Why do you always look for that d***  bird first? “That is his purpose, afterall.”

“Oh.” You feign sadness, letting out a long sigh. “That’s too bad! I brought him some treats.”

“Well, you can leave them here. I’m sure he’ll eat them later,” he says, voice dismissive as he fixes the cuffs of his coat.

“Hmm-” You slowly make your way over to him. Those perceptive eyes narrow on you, watching you carefully while you straighten his collar. “Will he be here later? Maybe I can give them to him after the auction. I miss my pretty bird.” 

Amusement curls in your chest when you see the man’s brows twitch ever so slightly. He’s really annoyed. Now you understand why he loves pushing your buttons so much.

“No, I’m afraid he’ll be busy all night.” You can practically hear him gritting his teeth. Almost there. You keep your eyes focused on his coat, avoiding the intensity of his gaze. He’s trying to figure you out and you’re scared that if you look up, the laughter you're holding back will break loose. Instead, you put on an exaggerated pout.

“That’s unfortunate. I was really hoping to see him tonight.”

Sylus growls. Actually growls in annoyance.

“Would you prefer to have Mephisto on your arm tonight instead of me?” His words come out biting and harsh, tinged with unmistakable jealousy.

The air goes silent.

Before you burst into a fit of giggles. Sylus’ eyes widen when you collapse against his chest, your entire body shaking with laughter. He freezes, though his confusion quickly gives way to realization. 

You were playing with him.

“I suppose this is some form of revenge,” he hums, shaking his head. It’s surprising it took him so long to catch on. With anyone else, he’d be beyond angry, but your laughter is so bright, so infectious, that he can’t stop the small smile that pulls at his lips. When you finally look up at him, tears glint in the corners of your eyes. Who thought this would amuse you so much?

“You’re jealous! The Sylus is jealous of a little bird. His bird.” You bite down on your lip in an attempt to muffle the giggles that keep coming, but it doesn’t do much to help. It’s just too much for you. You never ever thought you’d see Sylus actually jealous of someone, let alone an animal.

Sylus narrows his eyes, though they glow with a certain fondness. “Such a sadist, sweetie, messing with a man’s heart so lightly.”

“Oh, but your reaction was so adorable,” you sing, reaching up to poke his cheek. He playfully bites at your finger, making you draw it back quickly with another laugh. “Just the fact that you could even think I like Mephisto more than you is so silly. I couldn’t help myself.”

“Hmm, then I’m afraid you’ll just have to prove my silly conclusion wrong, won’t you?” His hands settle on your waist, drawing you closer to the warmth of his body. You oblige him, stretching your arms up and around his neck to draw him down.

“Of course. I can’t have my pretty bird walking around thinking he’s second best,” you tease, fingers curling through his hair. “Even if he has a jealousy prob-”

“Quiet.”

Anything else you say is muffled as Sylus finally kisses you.

~~~

Alfons: "Now that you've been taken straight to your room, `Your Majesty`..."

Alfons: "Please, grant us our reward."

Kate: "Re...reward, what the...?"

Elbert: "... you can give me anything."

(Uh....)

Just by looking at Alfons' face, it was clear that he truly enjoyed playing with me.

Lord Elbert, on the other hand, was overly protective and surprisingly forceful.

Now that the two of them had come to my room, I couldn't afford to send them away with nothing.

(I was perfectly aware that those two supported and protected me, physically and mentally, all day long)

I would feel guilty if I repayed that effort with something perfunctory.

(Though I'd be lying if I said that I did not deserve something in return since I was a part of this mission as well...)

Still, it was true that I was indebted to both of them.

(I wonder what Her Majesty would give...)

(A medal or something expensive? Those are out of my reach. If not an item, then... maybe something that can be shown through actions?)

It was presumptuous trying to guess Her Majesty's thoughts, but I was willing to give it a try.

-- I was reminded of my desire for the debutantes' happiness that I had earlier today.

(If Her Majesty felt the same way about them as I did... if she acted upon it at that time...)

Kate: "Could you both be so kind and sit there, please?"

Alfons: "Heh, you're Her Majesty now, right? You'll have to order us."

Kate: "Both of you... sit there."

Alfons: "Can't you simply say 'sit down'? That's what you'd expect from a well-bred lady."

Elbert: "... you would, huh."

Feeling a little nervous, I walked over to them sitting side by side on the sofa...

And lightly kissed them on their forheads.

Elbert: "........."

Alfons: "... what was that?"

Kate: "It's a kiss of blessing for each of you that means 'May you find happiness'."

Elbert: "... happiness."

Alfons: "May we find it...?"

Kate: "Yes. I don't remember who it was, as it happened a long time ago, but I recall someone saying it to me and kissing me on the forehead."

Kate: "I've heard the nobles do that as well, wishing for happiness."

Kate: "If there was a reward worthy of Her Majesty that I was able to grant you, I thought this would be it..."

Elbert: "........ "

Alfons: "......ha."

Alfons: "I'm disappointed by how pure the reward is. I was hoping for something more radical."

Kate: "Good luck trying to get it from Her Majesty."

Alfons: "Please try again, this time a little lower."

He smiled seductively whilst tapping his lips with his index finger.

Kate: "N-not a chance."

Elbert: "... Kate."

Kate: "Yes, Lord El...bert?"

I felt a gentle tug, then my face was pulled towards his and something soft touched my forehead.

(...ah?)

The moment I realised Lord Elbert had kissed me, his beautifully shaped lips whispered.

Elbert: "My blessing may have no effect, but..."

Elbert: "I also wish you happiness."

Elbert: "I hope you're happy."

Kate: "...t-thank you."

(I wasn't conscious of it when I did it myself, but... now I'm starting to feel embarrassed)

When I thought about it calmly, I realised I did something quite daring, kissing them without permission.

(Maybe it's because I spent the day trying to be dignified like Her Majesty...)

Elbert: "...... was it unpleasant?"

Kate: "What!? No, not at all!"

As he peered at me at close range, I became aware of his lips, and my face grew hot.

Alfons: "You're so cunning, Elbert. Getting a head start like that."

Suddenly, a hand appeared from the side, and --

Alfons seized my chin from Lord Elbert's hand and pulled it towards himself.

Then planted a soft kiss on my left cheek.

Kate: "Ah!?"

Elbert: "........."

Alfons: "Blessings from me too."

Kate: "A kiss on a cheek means something entirely different, doesn't it?"

Alfons: "Haha! It's nonsense to give a meaning to a kiss in the first place."

Alfons: "Kissing is just the act of touching sensitive parts of the body for pleasure, isn't it?"

Kate: "Only you have such distorted views...!"

Kate: "Saying that, if this is what you believe, then your kiss wasn't a 'blessing' after all..."

Alfons: "No, no, I put it all in there, didn't I? That pure wish for happiness..."

Alfons: "If feelings are as important as you say, then it shouldn't matter where you kiss?"

(What a quibble...)

He shrugged his shoulders, not even trying to hide his mocking attitude.

(Seriously... I've been swayed by those two all day)

Lord Elbert, who returned the kiss of blessing,

And Alfons, who scoffed at the kiss of blessing.

They were polar opposites, after all, and their follies had a bad effect on my heart.

(In the end... I was able to act on behalf of Her Majesty and returned to the Castle without any problems)

(Granted, I didn't expect to be asked for a reward)

(I'm glad we spent the time together... huh?)

Four entwined arms prevented me from drawing the curtain on today in my mind.

Kate: "Um... Why am I being hugged by you two...?"

Elbert: "... it happened when I was looking at you, somehow."

Alfons: "I tried to carefully hold Lord El, and one thing led to another."

(Neither of them explained why...)

Kate: "Then, can we assume that the reward has been granted...?"

Elbert: "...I want more."

Kate: "Eh!?"

Alfons: "Ah, I see."

Alfons: "Given that the kisses you got from El and me in return evened out your `kiss of blessing`,"

Alfons: "I'm afraid you still haven't rewarded us adequately."

Kate: "Huh!? But... what more can I to do...?"

Elbert: "I want you to kiss me again."

Kate: "Wha...!?

Elbert: "And then... I want to kiss you on the cheek as well."

(Won't those cancel themselves out again...?)

Alfons: "Ah, that's greed for you. Hmm, I have an excellent idea."

Alfons: "How about the three of us welcome the morning in bed together?"

Kate: "No, absolutely not -- !"

~~~

After quite a bit of struggle in their arms that night,

-- two kisses on the right cheek and two on the left finally set me free.

~~~

Alfons: "Seriously, 'May you find happiness"... what a silly little 'Robin'."

Alfons: "I've never been offered such a pure blessing in my entire life... I think."

Elbert: "... yeah."

Elbert: "Her blessing was warm, dazzling and... scary."

Elbert: "I feel like I will always want this..."

Alfons: "........."

Elbert narrowed his eyes as if remembering something, and muttered.

Elbert: "Hey Al --- is Kate beatitlful?

Alfons: "......no."

Alfons: "There aren't many people in the world so beautiful that you'd have to collect them."

Elbert: "......I see."

Elbert: "...... that's good."

Despite the words of relief, Elbert looked terribly sad and depressed.

Alfons, who was smiling all the time, let out a sigh that was far from happy as well.