❄︎ Kρύος.

Pregnant quiescence ensues his words to let them sink, perhaps to even attempt to process them. Ace doesn’t blame Kurasame for how convoluted all of this is, neither would he if he cannot come to understand this— for it’s something that he doesn’t understand himself, either. All he can do is speculate the possibilities why this situation was engendered and find it a sense as well as a purpose and a solution. That is what he has been doing all this time since he awakened in this point of time, with the unexpected outcome that Kurasame fell in love with him and he accepted his feelings. Even if he might not know what is love, many of the shared sentiments are completely mirrored and he would gladly take a step further into their relationship… Now. In the future.

Shock freezes his body still and tenses the moment he takes him in his embrace, enveloped with strong arms which he likes how they feel around him. Alas, it was not the moment for that now. Not until he made sure that Kurasame understands the risks of engaging into a more intimate relationship with him. All things considered, he would never take it on him if after this, he decided to keep their relationship as it’s been until now— perhaps that would be for the best for him, even if the thought stung.

❝…❞ Kurasame’s statement is met with nothing but silence, facing the impossibility to say anything against that. It is the only reason he can think why all of this took place and there is no other way he could conceive it. Everything started with a yearning wish to be able to do something to see him happy and it led into him sharing the days he so misses with him. One thing he knows for certain, amidst all of this confusion: he would engrave all of these memories in his soul and give them to him if his supposition happens to be true.

Blueberry irises widen when he feels the Heavenly King press his lips against his own in a tender kiss that could have befallen before— weren’t for his dire urge to let him know about this first. No matter how much he may like this warmth, or the softness of his lips against his own to the point of having the feeling of perceiving the taste of his mouth, there was nothing he could do to stop the tears his eyes shed. Roseate lips part when Kurasame breaks the kiss after what felt an eternity —too beautiful to be true, too great for him to deserve—, a shaky exhale emanates from them before clenching his teeth and clutching the fabric of the clothes he wears in his hands.

❝Don’t you get it…? I can— I can fade away just as I’ve come!❞ With nothing he could do to avoid it, a restrained sob abandons his throat soon to be followed by more as he presses his forehead against his collarbone. ❝Even if I may have accepted your feelings… or even mirror some of them myself… No one should have to see the people they care about disappear, it would hurt too much to see them fade away. And yet you…❞ Another sob shakes his body before he decides to straighten and look at him straight in the eye, tears still flowing down his cheeks. ❝Why do you still choose me…?❞

Kissing him felt like touching the sky, like profaning something sacred and holy with this world’s poison. His lips were much warmer than he anticipated them to be, so much softer and plushier than they look at first glance. The small puffs of his breath hitting his face and the taste of his mouth the tangent proof that even if this Ace is a soul— a presumably ethereal and spiritual entity, is right here, with him. Despite the odds of the situation, he is much more real than he gives himself credit for and the thought that he is the one who was a blessed receptor of his pure feelings did nothing but grow the bubbling joy within him.

What Kurasame wouldn’t expect, however, is that this act of love would be the white haired’s undoing to cry.

Viridescent irises soften at the sight of his tears for the first time, lamenting that Ace can’t feel as happy as he is in this moment. He could have gotten away without saying a single thing and let himself be carried by the sentiments he professed for him earlier or feign that nothing is wrong. Instead, he grieves being chosen even knowing the potential risks that might be bound to happen in a future for him when he could just bask in the beauty of love. He is too selfless for his own good.

❝Nothing of what you said changes what I like of you. For all I know, you are still the kind, considered and gentle Ace I’ve met. It doesn’t stop me from keep liking the way you care for me when I get in trouble or listening to you sing when you think that nobody is within the earshot. If you think the opposite... let me tell you that you are wrong.❞ Gentle as he has always been whenever he sought a more special physical contact, Kurasame rises his hand to push a few albescent strands of hair behind his ear without breaking the eye contact, and then he grazes his thumb along his lower eyelid to wipe away the new forming tears.

Even though Ace is giving this more importance than he currently is, there is no denying that he had every reason to let him know before their relationship grew deeper and more intimate. However... ❝It’s true that all of this is worth keeping in high consideration, but I think that you failed to realize something. You still being here after all this time must mean that you have some power over your stay in this point of time, right?❞ The corners of his lips rise in a genuine smile as he caresses his cheek tenderly. In view of what had just happened and what little he could grasp, it would be no wonder if Ace doesn’t give himself credit enough for everything he is able to do— be it for fear or out of disbelief given how extraordinary it is.

❝That was the first red flag I noticed, upon my awakening.❞ One that it was hard to notice when he was in so much pain and then he could move as if he was never injured in the first place. No matter how much thought Ace gave to the reason why it happened, none of the possibilities made sense unless he resorted to something unbelievable even to him— as unbelievable as it was originally the prospect of having hallucinations with people who died… and that are alive at this current point in time. If he were to stretch his options, the closest one would be that this… this is his soul and not his body. ❝I believe that this may be my soul as opposed to my body. Before winding up my part in the conflict against Milites… I used the strength I had left to force my material body into its primal state— so I could protect you. In the process, I didn’t feel any pain nor I was injured. So this might be the same.❞

Now, as for why would his soul be sent to the past… that is an entirely different matter he cannot fathom yet. In these past months before coming to this point of time, Ace had realized that he can do more than he knew with his soul— even the impossible as Kurasame would put it as his commander officer. All these dream-memories, Miwa, Guren and Kotetsu looking at him from afar, now this… was it all for connecting his soul to the other’s? If so, what was the triggering source of this occurrence?

If only I could do something— anything to appease his mind…

Cyan irises widen slightly as those words reverberate within the confines of his mind. The same words he last thought… before losing consciousness in Kurasame’s arms. Could it be that his wish is what led his soul here? It can’t be, that would be too much to do with his soul. But with all he can do… what if— ❝I… have a hypothesis. Before waking here, before losing my consciousness after that battle— my last thoughts were a wish to be able to do anything to appease your mind… in the future.❞ Now sure of what he’s saying, his eyes harden slightly. ❝Before, when you confessed your love to me, I said that I want to be your safe haven. That had a double sense, both here… and in the future, so even if I cannot do anything to erase those sad faces you make— that you can be safe with me, at least.❞

❝Many things had happened to make me think that this is my soul and that this accidental occurrence might be a result of my wish.❞ That is, if his power over his soul is truly as strong or the occurrences for connecting one soul to another’s entail into what happened. ❝What I am certain about is that whatever I do won’t have an impact in the future— because like I said, Class Zero isn’t meant to exist until nine years later.❞ If that comes to be the case and there is nothing he can do to alter the future to make Kurasame live a happier life, then why—? Kotetsu, Miwa and Guren… if they truly are dead and will die sometime in this past who also occupy a good portion of Kurasame’s life… ❝I think that what I am living here that I shouldn’t experience since it’s your life… is no different than a dream within a memory.❞

Commander… are you grieving over a past you cannot remember?

For a moment, Kurasame felt like he knows nothing as the whiter haired kept going with his thoughts on the matter —all of them suppositions at best—, for it is clear that not even he can tell with full certainty what, how or why this happened. Were he in the same shoes as he currently is and he indeed had power over his soul or even be remotely close to be able to connect his soul to someone else’s... he would surely have a hard time to believe that it can reach as far as to transcend in time voluntarily.

If what Ace remembers is accurate and he used his soul when his body could no longer be of use only to realize that the pain he was in was gone in that moment, no matter how crazy these hypotheses may be, it wouldn’t be far-fetched to think that what he sees now is his soul. Which could imply that his body, in the future, might be in a deep sleep for as long as his soul is here. Despite how confusing is all of this, Kurasame tried his best to understand. Perhaps it may not be now all of a sudden, but one day he would.

What did reach him, however, is something that echoed in his mind as something he has already heard just a few moments ago, before returning to their dormitory—

Dream within a memory or whatever this may be, there is nothing that can help Kurasame’s urge to close the gap between them and envelop Ace’s smaller frame in his strong arms, the edges of his lips curling in a smile. ❝I can’t say I get any of this yet, no matter how hard I’m trying to understand... but there is something I do get: if all of this happens to be the exact way you said... then, that means that you’re doing this for me.❞ Even if the Ace he sees right now might not be the real him, that doesn’t mean that this didn’t touch his heartstrings. On the contrary— the love he professed to him less than an hour ago did nothing but grow stronger.

Gladness washes over him immediately when Kurasame kisses his forehead and reassures him that it’s okay, a small deed that helps him calm his nerves down upon being met with his understanding. His warm hand was like an anchor that kept him aware of the reality at hand when his mind was racing with hundreds of questions about how he should approach this topic which not even he understands fully. And still, it was so important for him to know this, even more than the happiness that would bring him knowing that he loves him.

The coziness and security of their dormitory makes Ace breathe deeply, hand clutching the clothes over the spot of his heart facing the impossibility to find an adequate answer to how to tell Kurasame about everything, only to come to terms with the fact that he better explains him the situation as it is.

❝I don’t belong here… Kurasame.❞ Albescent locks conceal his eyes as his head drops, refusing to look at him just yet out of fear of breaking down for keeping this hidden for so long— completely unaware that this kind of feelings between them would bloom. ❝Class Zero shouldn’t be active at this point in time, not until nine years later.❞ His shoulders rise and fall as he takes a moment to take a deep breath before moving on with his explanation. ❝What everyone thought about me having selective amnesia is wrong. While I may not be entirely sure how I came here in the first place… that’s not it.❞

Slowly, he shakes his head before gathering the courage to turn on his heels to look at him after taking another deep breathe. ❝The truth is— we first met with my arrival at Akademeia as the only Class Zero member… and you as my commander officer. Some strange things began to happen since I connected our souls in order to be a catalyst of magic for you to use in a duel as a means to test my strength and… months later, after a big confrontation between Rubrum and Milites from which I was gravely injured for holding back a l’Cie, I lost my consciousness and woke up in this point of time.❞

When all words have faded on the tip of his tongue, everything that is left to do is remain quiet and listen despite the additional confusion that piles up whenever Ace continues his explanation. Ever since they first met, Kurasame already thought that the circumstances under which Ace appeared and his apparent selective amnesia regarding his past shrouded him in nothing but enigmas. But this— the more he listened to him speak, the more unbelievable his story seems.

Yet, as unbelievable as it may be, he believes him with all his heart. With everything that he has said so far, the reason why Ace did not seem prepared for a kiss was all the more plausible.

❝Does that mean... that you come from the future?❞ Muttering such a science fiction worth plot for a novel sounded more ridiculous the moment he said so himself, but he ignored it. So he indeed is Class Zero in a future not too far from this current time— and he’s his commander officer, meaning that before this happened, they already met. 

Of course, given that this is the future there is no way he would have any recollections of this fact whatsoever. From what little in Ace explained, there are so many questions he wanted to make that he doubted that he would have an answer to each one of them. Nevertheless, if there was something that struck him the most, is the last he remembers before appearing at this point of time.

Watching Kurasame draw closer and hold him where he can feel his warmth sends Ace’s heart in a beating frenzy with every inch closer he gets. The indigo haired’s heart drums in sync to his own under his palm, from this distance alone he almost feels his warm breath against his face. A promise between lovers to seal their feelings… the thought alone and its beautiful implications makes him close his eyes and part his lips in wait to feel Kurasame’s soon and for once, allow himself to act as the human he made him be— both in the future and here.

Until a painful thought crosses his mind, one that would cause unease and immediate sorrow despite how happy he was.

He hasn’t told him about his origins— about the fact that he comes from the future or about the fact that just as he appeared here, he can fade away as easily. Slender fingers clench the other’s clothes at the thought that if he allows this to happen, he would be taking advantage of his kindness and love. What kind of person would he be if he was one more cause of his hurt? What sense would all of this have when his initial purpose was to find away to make him happy somehow?

A shaky exhale flares from his nostrils, albescent lashes fluttering open. ❝Wait…❞ Gentle to not make it look like he is rejecting him, he presses the palms of his hands against his chest. ❝I can’t— I can’t do this.❞ Albeit ashamed, he rises his gaze to meet with Kurasame’s. ❝If we’re going to do this… I must tell you something important first, please. In private…❞ Even if the chances to keep this flame alive are slim after what he has to confess, if he chooses to continue this— at least, it would be knowing the consequences of engaging into an intimate relationship of this caliber. ❝Please.❞ He pleads once more, shaking fingers clutching a bit tighter the jumpsuit Kurasame wears as his gaze drops out of shame.

It was almost immediate, the sudden change of ambiance and Ace’s willingness to kiss to the way he clutched his clothes in his hands. Emerald irises open fully as soon as Kurasame takes notice of the shift in demeanor, seconds before the white haired expressed that he wanted to stop. Whatever joy he felt before changes for worry and apprehension upon seeing the boy he professed his love for plead him like that and looking so miserable all of a sudden for reasons he ignores at the current moment.

The hand that cradled his cheek slides to cup the nape of his head in order to bring him closer and press his lips on his covered forehead instead. ❝It’s okay.❞ He tries to comfort him despite his painfully beating heart in anticipation for what could be the source of Ace’s sudden stop and posterior sorrow. ❝Let’s go back to the dormitory.❞ Despite what his mind warns him about putting a bit of distance until he knows the specifics, Kurasame cannot help the urge to reach out for the other’s hand. Partly to let Ace know that he meant it when he said that it’s okay— partly to make sure that he didn’t do anything bad and that the white haired isn’t mad at him.

Warmth reaches to his trembling heart when Kurasame touches his cheek, reminiscent of the lack time he did when he was all weak and vulnerable as a result of the fight against White Tiger’s Primus l’Cie. For a moment, Ace blinks in confusion upon realizing that he didn’t fully understand the true implications of what he meant and thus he remained silent, eyes glued to the other’s as he spoke. Could it be… that he meant it in a romantic way?

It is no surprise that Ace is still light years away from understanding the finest intricacies of love. Nevertheless, something of everything Kurasame said touched his heartstrings: he wants to protect him and let him have a break from this. Quivering lips part as the flash of a memory resurfaces on his mind, the image of his commander asking him to connect their souls together in order to protect him from Nimbus displaying in his retinae— even though he must’ve known that the odds to survival were slim.

To be frank, he never gave thought to what Kurasame’s deeds caused to him given his lack of a proper understanding of feelings. On the fringes of what is clearly in the romantic field to him, there is one more thing he could resonate with: every time he looked sad, even more when he started having those painful dreams of him suffering— he wished with all his heart to be able to do something to appease it. To make him happy… so he can live at peace with himself and whatever troubles him in the world he has been fighting so hard to stop the perpetual war.

❝I…❞ If this were him, would he want to hold his hand, embrace him again or kiss him? Would he want Kurasame as the last thing he sees at night and the first he sees when dawn breaks? Would he want to take care of him in health and in illness? The answer was clear to him. ❝I want to protect you too.❞ His gaze softens in solemnity, albeit an unnamed sentiment he is unaware of reflects in the blue of his eyes. ❝I want to become your safe haven when you have no other place to go where you can feel safe. I want to have the chance to take care of you like I have been all this time and hold you in your sleep when you have nightmares.❞

Albescent tresses hide his view as his gaze drops to their hands, fingers squeezing his bigger hand softly. ❝Because you have been here with me… I feel more human. You have given me a place to belong and you are the one who taught me the joy of being with someone— far from the loneliness that consumed me.❞ Even if he highly doubts that he would harbor any romantic feelings for him… this is what he has done all this time, even before coming here. That alone makes him feel emotional, although he holds that for now as he rises his gaze anew to meet Kurasame’s beautiful one with a smile. ❝I man not know what is love… but I can— no, I want to learn and embrace your feelings. Because I accept them, with all my heart.❞

Innocence breeds pure reactions and sentiments, weaving them together in the most precious treasure to be protected. It wasn’t any mystery that Ace wouldn’t know the meaning of love yet, but that did not stop him from touching Kurasame’s heartstrings with his little wishes that he had been keeping in secrecy while putting them in motion to make them happen. What he found beautiful and surprising at the same time is the way he made the white haired feel, he who nobody knows the slightest about.

Kurasame cannot help rising the hand safely secured by the other’s two to bring a hand with it and press it against his chest, over the spot of his heart. ❝You belong with everyone, all of them appreciate you. And right here, in my heart.❞ His own lips mirror Ace’s smile the next time he looks at him, heart fluttering within the confines of his chest and surely bumping softly against the palm of his hand. It doesn’t matter that he doesn’t understand what love is— the most important is that they are on the same page and they can work from there onwards.

Cold touches Ace’s senses where nothing but warmth of another should reign given the prolonged hand holding which he has come to like— for he is unaccustomed to soft touches like that. From the celestial dome above, his eyes descend to look at Kurasame with curiosity, fleeting wonder crossing his mind that he might’ve grown tired of holding his hand. Crystal clear confusion reflects in his eyes and the way he tilts his head with a puerile curiosity when the indigo haired closes his eyes in what he believes to be preparation for what is to come.

He likes him.

At the words, Ace blinks once, then twice, intent to understand the implications of that. There is an underlying happiness for listening to those words, which he has never heard before being addressed to him. All this time spent together… they had shared a lot, and Kurasame decided that he likes him. That means that he never bothered him or his presence posed any inconvenience to him, right? Roseate lips curl in a smile as soon as he believes having found sense in his words, cyan irises softening considerably as he wonders if this applies in the future, too. Were that the case, the joy he would feel would be indescribable.

❝I like you too.❞ He responds almost in a heartbeat, confident in his statement. What he knows of this reckless and carefree Kurasame and the man he has known as his commander… let it be no doubt that he likes everything that makes him Kurasame Susaya. Gently, he reaches out to take his hand in both of his, smile growing a tad wider as his eyes focus on their joined hands. ❝To know that I do not pose any inconvenience in living with you and that you like my presence too… makes me really happy.❞ His gaze rises to meet his emerald ones, eyes softening as he squeezes his hand softly. ❝Thank you, truly. Know that the sentiment is mutual.❞

Tremendous joy causes his heart to jump within the confines of his chest upon hearing Ace’s immediate answer to his love confession, all nervousness fading away and in its stead, a big smile painting on his lips. He likes him too! For a moment, Kurasame’s first reaction would be to lean closer to the white-haired and press their lips together as a means of sealing their feelings as he has read in the past— until the Class Zero cadet’s following words make his heart drop on the pit of his stomach.

He got all wrong.

Was he not clear enough with his statement? Or maybe he is the one who has a hard time reading the atmosphere in this kind of situation? Unless— Realization dawns on him like a ton of bricks at the thought that far from being any of those two options, Ace is simply innocent in this regard. If past interactions with any of his friends serves as any indicative, whenever they tried to tease Kurasame and test the waters to see what he thinks —much to his embarrassment at that—, his responses were never aimed in a romantic sense.

Emerald irises soften considerably after a few moments of silence, his free hand rising to cup the side of his face before shaking his head slightly. ❝No, I meant it differently. The kind of like I am talking about is the kind that makes me wish to be closer to you.❞ Gently, he squeezes one of his hands as it is still in his warm and soft grip. ❝To walk hand on hand with you more...❞ As tender as the squeeze of his hand, he grazes his thumb over his cheekbone. ❝To touch you like this and show you that this world can be kind and something beyond war. To be someone who you can go to whenever something burdens your mind or even to hold you in your sleep when you seem to have a nightmare...❞

Kurasame’s confirmation that this is indeed special to him is all he needed to push him to change of clothes, mindful of his choice to somehow match the other so they don’t have to look too dissimilar from one another. Even though it was always there, realization dawns on Ace that he is so much more vocal of his wishes and feelings while the man he first knew is much more silent, albeit his actions, expressions and eyes spoke louder. Being this close to him made him realize that even if it’s under different circumstances… no matter the timeline, the two of them are close.

A minute earlier than he said, Ace finds the indigo haired waiting on the fountain plaza as they agreed before. Watching him fidget as he does and act nervously when their gazes meet makes the white-haired blush slightly, albeit he ignores it and smiles at him instead when they finally meet. Curiosity reflects within cyan irises the moment Kurasame starts avoiding his eyes and stretches his hand. Does he want him to hold his hand? Soft hints of pink become more vivid when the thought that this is a physical contact exclusive to couples as far as his limited knowledge on the matter goes crosses his mind. Ace hesitates for a brief moment before reaching out to hold his hand.

So warm.

In the past, he felt Kurasame’s hands before in different physical touches, all of them covered with his gloves except for the night when he suggested that he uses a second weapon in order to be able to defend himself in short-ranged confrontations in situations when it is not possible to use magic. A slight giddiness tickles the pit of his stomach when his mind travels back to memories when he patted his head or even cupped the side of his face. All of them times he cherishes dearly that now are being rekindled in different ways. As they walk down a cobblestone path surrounded with beautiful flora which he recognizes as the lovers’ road, Ace takes notice of people passing by and gossiping something.

Feeling the beginning of embarrassment building up, Ace squeezes softly Kurasame’s warm hand, albescent tresses hiding his eyes —and his blush, he hopes, for the prospect of hanging out as a date instead of how they did in the past is stirring something within him that he cannot discern nor comprehend yet— as his head drops while they walk hand by hand in quiescence until they come to a stop. Confusion reflects in his eyes upon feeling Kurasame stop, causing him to straighten and look at him before following his gaze to the horizon. A vast sea extends right before them, shining in hues of orange, red and purple in a clear reflection of the celestial dome above— timidly being littered in stars and something else that steals his breath away. Noctilucent clouds shine as far as the eye can reach, a phenomenon Ace only read on astronomical books before he was freed from the external bureau facility. Roseate lips curl in a smile that reaches his softening eyes. ❝It’s so beautiful…❞

And what was most important: he had the chance to share this moment with Kurasame— a memory he would engrave in the depths of his heart and soul.

If you do not tell him his feelings, you won’t escape the impasse you think you are into. Asking Ace into a date was a bold move. They were close, yes. Perhaps it would be considered a kind of closeness bigger than what he feels with the other Champions of Rubrum or with Emina and Kazusa. However, there was no helping the growing powerlessness and frustration every time he watched the white-haired’s solemn features or distant gazes. More than once he wanted to ask him about it, about what crossed his mind to make him have such a sad face, but he didn’t dare.

Nervousness accelerated the thumping of his heart when Ace accepts to hold his hand, mind racing with all sorts of moments in which they were intimate like this. He could not forget when he was sick and he awakened to the white-haired caressing his face. Neither he could forget another moment when he was stitching his injuries and he dared to press his forehead against his to promise him to be more careful in his next mission or the joyful looks of his porcelain features and sigh in relief.

I surely have been holding these feelings for a long time.

Rose hues dust his ivory cheeks every time they crossed paths with other students, sending his heart in a racing frenzy for being too aware of the gossiping related to them for his liking. Kurasame takes comfort in seeing that Ace doesn’t mind, regardless— perhaps if he would, he would have broken their physical contact sooner.

Joy stirred within the Class First cadet upon seeing the amazed expressions Ace made at the beautiful sight displayed right before them. Alas, Kurasame’s gaze lingered somewhere else that he finds equally as beautiful if not more: to him. I should tell him. He feels his heart racing once more at the thought of finally telling him what has been in his heart for so long. It takes him a few minutes to compose himself, free hand rising in a fist to clear his throat in hopes that his voice will not sound weird before letting his hand slip from Ace’s and turning to look at him fully thereafter. 

Why was he here, again? In the time Ace has spent here, he had yet to come up with an answer on his own. One thing was sure about this incidence: his stay here won’t alter the future where he comes from, as much is completely certain just by considering that the inactivity of Class Zero would continue until his arrival. What was this, then? A dream? A travel in the memories that were shown to him for some purpose? It was hard to tell, until he reminisced a wish he had fervently before losing his consciousness in Kurasame’s arms back when they barely survived the encounter against White Tiger’s Primus l’Cie.

If only I could do something— anything to appease his mind…

His wish garnered a solid meaning upon being witness of what his commander has said about himself when he used to be a cadet, about the days when he was stupid and reckless according to him. Were he to assess the differences between the man he knew and his current roommate… there are glaring details that had been lost on their way to the future— or perhaps some of them were already there. If Ace could assume something for certain is that there is a purpose why he is here and he planned to find out. Perhaps the fact that he did not return yet to where he belongs is indicative enough that somehow, he is here on his own volition and that he may have a saying to when this dream will come to an end.

Kurasame’s voice causes him to snap out of his reverie and turn on his chair to look at him. Crystal clear confusion reflected on his features upon seeing him blush after what he just said. ❝Are we not spending enough time together already?❞ He voices out his confusion as the corners of his lips lift in a small smile, unable to tell why the indigo haired is acting so nervously now. Blueberry irises drop to the shaking fists beside him and then to his face again, his own gaze softening at the thought that this might be specially meaningful to him if he accepts. 

A pregnant silence ensues thereafter until Ace puts down the fountain pen he was using to write a report. Then, he rouses onto his feet to walk towards the Class First cadet and stop to look at him more in detail— already dressed casually. ❝This… must be important to you, right?❞ He mumbles, offering him a smile in understanding —if only partial—. ❝Let us have a date, then. Give me ten minutes to put something on. How about you wait me by the fountain plaza?❞ Slowly, his lips widen a tad as he cants his head to one side. ❝I believe that it would ruin the charm of it if we exited the room together.❞ If this is truly that important to him… then, so it would be to him.

Anxiety and nervousness blossomed within his heart like it never had before as he laid in wait, heart drumming rapidly in the confines of his ribcage. The prospect of dating Ace didn’t flourish in his mind until those meddlers he had as friends began to tease him. But truth to be said, perhaps he wouldn’t have realized that the he likes the white-haired if it weren’t for them. His response makes him jump a little, rejection building up in the pit of his stomach with the initial question he made. He was right— they spend a lot of time together, even more time than he spends with his friends. Nevertheless, he hoped to make out of this something special, which it is.

❝We do, but...❞ Slowly, his hand rises to scratch slightly the side of his face. How should he say this without mentioning that he likes him now? ❝I wanted to make something special together... I guess...❞ His voice lowers after every phrase as the feeling of being small grows inside him. Indigo brows knit in a frown, head lowering in silent consideration to tell him to forget what he said before things started to be awkward between them. For that is the last thing he wanted.

Before he had the chance to say anything, Ace speaks anew and hope rekindles within him once more in the form of warmth. All he could muster is a nervous nod of his head, cheeks warming up. Yes, he said yes! Kurasame could not help the starting of a smile on his lips upon getting the other’s consent as he turns on his heels. ❝I’ll wait you there, then!❞ Were his last words before rushing towards the door to exit the room and nearly run on the corridor as the smile on his face did nothing but grow bigger at the thought that Ace wants to make things as realistic as a date would be for someone like both of them— who had been living together for a while now.

Perhaps it is his racing thoughts that have been keeping him occupied or the excitement for having a formal date with Ace what made time run faster, but as promised, the white-haired made it pretty fast to the fountain plaza as he suggested as their meeting point. ❝Uhm...❞ Unable to look at him given his growing blush, Kurasame extends his hand for him. ❝If you are not opposed to it...❞ In reality, he does not have any plans in mind other than the wish he had for a while of having a date with him— other than maybe bring him to the via amatorum as per Miwa’s suggestion.

Why was it that the sight of an embarrassed Kurasame made him feel nervous all of a sudden? Part of him couldn’t help but reminisce the man he has met that one day he will become, features mostly hidden by that iron mask. Yet his eyes have always been so expressive to him, always telling of what the rest of his face was concealed. His own porcelain features mirrored slightly the Class First cadet’s in color tone, his mind nothing but hoping that he isn’t making him too uncomfortable or his words come off as too teasing.

Ace takes a deep breath to regain his cool before closing the fridge and turning fully to the indigo haired, roseate lips curling in an apologetic smile. ❝I wished I didn’t have to ask for this, but I fear that in view of how empty the fridge is, I will need your help to carry the groceries.❞ At least it’s you, reverberates within the confines of his mind upon seeing that he would be sharing his life here —for as long as it would last until he finds the reason why he is here and he finds a way back—. ❝Don’t worry. I can take care of the meals if you want to. This would be a perfect occasion to know about your taste in food and whether you have any allergies I should keep in mind.❞

One last thought crosses his mind as he prepares to leave while waiting for a response that would determine how much he is going to buy soon and thus he turns his head to look at Kurasame. ❝Why don’t you bring Tonberry with you? I am sure that little one will appreciate some fresh air.❞

That day would mark the beginning of a shared life soon to have an unexpected twist. Just like the rumors spread on the entirety of Akademeia and the way he appeared into his life, Ace was a mysterious individual. Spending this much time with him, it was hard not to notice the distant stares and the glimpse of solemnity reflected in his cyan irises, almost as if he had the weight of the world atop his shoulders and a deeper burden than the obvious one of being Class Zero was present in his life. Before he knew it, he wanted to be an escape for him— to take care of him and make him as happy as he made him this far. To protect him, just like he did time and time again when they coincided in the same mission.

Kurasame has grown to like being close to him —while he noticed how far from his reach he still was, regardless—, to learn from him just how innocent he is in so many aspects that anyone of their age would already be cognizant of. To see him enjoy so much cooking for the both of them, to listen to him singing when he thought nobody is within the earshot or to find him napping on random spots in the strangest of ways. He liked to find out how considerate and kindhearted he is every time he took care of him when he was sick or he was specially injured after a mission. Even waking up some nights to meet his eyes looking at him caused something in him to accelerate his heartbeat or feel his cheeks warm.

He’s as considerate as he knows him. Despite the weirdness of meeting him when he was younger, Ace finds comfort in knowing that Kurasame still has that in him. With the last few items he had left in the box, he heads towards the wardrobe once more to put his underwear inside. Now he could finally move on to the next thing which he left for later upon seeing with his own eyes if there is anything he should buy later. While from what he could see the room follows the same pattern as the one he grow used to live in, he is grateful for the indigo haired’s kindness to show him around still. Thus before heading towards the bathroom, he takes a towel he would surely need to place where it belongs.

Nodding in silence as a means to let Kurasame know that he is listening, he puts the towel next to the other’s and looks back at him. ❝No, not really. I wanted to assess what we have here in case there is need to buy anything when I go out for groceries.❞ Bathroom supplies he uses frequently being part of them, of course. After inspecting the furniture the Class First cadet pointed him and the drawer, he exits the bathroom to head towards the kitchen. ❝This should be the kitchen then, right?❞

As soon as he opens the door, he takes notice of a little creature looking at him with its big, golden eyes. Cranberry… so Kurasame and him had been together for this long. That thought alone makes his lips curl in a genuine smile that reaches his eyes as he kneels down to pet his head. ❝Did you have the door to the kitchen close to hide him?❞ He dares to ask without any means to make fun of him, yet he couldn’t help the twinkling amusement that reflects in his cyan irises. Roseate lips curl further up upon hearing the little creature make a soft noise in approval for the affection as Ace rouses onto his feet to check the contents of the cupboards and lastly, the fridge— which happens to be almost empty. ❝This…❞ His head turns to look at his fellow roommate, holding the urge to laugh. ❝You don’t seem to be much of a cook. It is safe to assume that you tend to consume more in the cafeteria, I take it?❞

Much to his surprise and delight, his new roommate is prudent which might as well apply to other areas of their shared life such as cleaning their chamber or keeping things in order. At least, Kurasame hoped so. Indigo tresses move slightly with the single dip of his head in a nod as he turns off the switch to the bathroom. Upon seeing the guy’s slender fingers coil around the doorknob of the kitchen, a sudden shock makes his body stiffen upon remembering the reason why he kept the door to the kitchen close. ❝Oh, wait! You should know first that—❞

Too late.

It was only natural that Tonberry would be curious about the new person that would live with them from now on, neither he could do anything to kept him hidden forever. Nevertheless, Kurasame took comfort in seeing the white-haired’s reaction when he kneels down to pet his head with tenderness. His smiles curl in a smile at the endearing sight, head canting to one side as he watches the small exchange. ❝Sorry, I was about to tell you about just that. Akademeia’s normative forbids the possession of pets, so...❞ Nervously, he rubs the back of his neck as he sees Ace move on to the next thing. Hopefully he wouldn’t mind— at least he didn’t look like it.

It couldn’t be. Not only he was back in time, but he also coincided with his commander in his days as a cadet. Those days he seemed to long for when he suggested him that he should make the most of his days as a student. Several seconds take him to come down to reality until Kurasame talks to him. ❝…Ace. It’s Ace.❞ He says with a small voice, speaking more assertively thereafter before walking towards the box filled with clothed the indigo haired placed so carefully atop the bed. The mere notion of even sharing a bed with him sent his heart racing with nervousness— not just because he would be sleeping in the same bed with someone. But because said someone would be none other than Kurasame.

Slender fingers dig in the box to open it and reveal the stash of clothes awaiting to be placed where they should belong and he starts to unpack until he hears him talk anew that makes him turn his head towards him. The stop in his words makes him realize that Kurasame understood which class he’s in, and thus a hesitant smile makes its way to roseate lips. So it’s true when they say that it has been a hundred years since the last time Class Zero was active… he must’ve passed his days as a cadet without any Class Zero member. ❝Yes. I’m in Class Zero.❞

Gathering a few clothes in his arms, he turns to what he assumes is the only wardrobe available in the room. Before he brings himself to open the double doors, Ace stops frozen stiff in place when he sees his own reflection on the full size mirror that occupies both doors. No scars marred his porcelain features, but what struck him the most is his white hair and intense, blue eyes. Slowly, he reaches out a hand to touch a few tresses of his now albescent hair, pushing a few strands behind his ear and then finally opening the doors to place his clothes in the free space he sees. Unlike what he grew used to, a slightly uncomfortable and heavy silence permeates the room until Ace finds the need to turn his head to Kurasame upon reaching to his underwear at the bottom of the box. ❝…Excuse me. Where can I put these?❞

Class Zero, the legendary classroom that stopped its activity a hundred years ago with Lord Zhuyu as its last member alive. Kurasame aspired to go as high in the hierarchy of Akademeia as he could go, having always in mind Class First as his goal and Class Zero as a far away dream he would love to achieve. Now, he stands right before a guy that’s precisely from the class he yearned to be a part of. He remained glued in one place as he watched the boy —Ace is his name— put his clothes in the wardrobe. If looks were any indicative of something out of this world, his would surely be even if he has seen a few young people with white or grey hair.

Even his looks alone screamed special.

All train of thoughts comes to a halt upon listening to the white-haired’s voice. Slowly, he makes his way in a beeline towards the wardrobe and kneels to open a drawer before looking behind him at Ace. ❝Ah. You can use these two drawers here.❞ He then makes room for him to put his underwear inside and peeks at the box he carried to the room, now empty. ❝Let me show you the rest of the dormitory.❞ Thus he walks towards a closed door pertaining to the bathroom, which he pushes open and turns the switch on for him to have a better look at it. ❝This is the bathroom. I made sure to leave empty one of the side furnitures as well as a drawer for you.❞

Slumber has powerful connotations, more than anyone on the face of the earth could ever imagine. Within anyone’s sleep, even piercing the laws of this world and the divine creation with it is possible, something Ace never thought that would happen to him— for neither does he remember his celestial origins. But his soul does, and as a result, it traverses time to where the latest dreams he received originate from as a last resort to not collapse and heal while making understand the human he was forced into that he is indeed different. Alas, not to weaponize him as the Archsorceress Arecia Al-Rashia has done.

When all Ace expected to feel is pain byproduct of the heavy confrontation between Rubrum and Milites, he was surprised to find out upon his awakening that he doesn’t feel any pain. That was the first red flag he found, and the necessity to look at himself in the mirror and even check the calendar— weren’t for the fact that he woke up somewhere where he should not and he was apprehended by a tall white-haired man to assault him with questions. The first one and more telling of all of them being why is he wearing that crimson mantle.

The lack of information and confusion that drove the blond to not know what to say led him to a therapist alongside that man where it was deemed that he has selective amnesia. Right there, Ace couldn’t believe his eyes upon seeing the calendar: he was nine years behind where he should be. Albeit heavily strange, the morning was reminiscent of the first day he came to Akademeia within his commander’s company. Checking his intellectual level, his skill on the battlefield… Ace relived this once more, except it was to determine whether he should keep wearing the Class Zero cape: which he proved worth doing so much to the man’s surprise— Takatsugu, he heard him say.

With nothing he could do other than play the events as they befall right before his very eyes until finding an explanation to why this is happening, Takatsugu informed him that he would partake in classes with Class First as a means to get used to be around people— with a different training regime to suit him. As a parting gift, he gave him a coupon for him to use for his personal needs such as clothes or food if he can cook to name a few. The last thing that surprised him is the man’s news that he would be sharing room with someone else, just like everyone as Akademeia is undergoing a slow process of maintenance to ensure that the cadets who live in the campus would lead a life without any concerns about possible necessities.

While this did not particularly bother him— he was genuinely nervous, for it would be the first time that he’d live with someone else and not alone as he’s done the entirety of his life. So before heading to the dormitory and more specifically the room he was assigned, he decided to buy some clothes he would need. With a box aplenty of clothes for him to use when it isn’t required any longer for him to use the regular uniform, he knocks the wooden word once before opening the door which was already unlocked, indicating that whoever he would be spending a great part of his time with is already inside. ❝With permission. I was assigned to live in this room from now on. My name is—❞ Right when he was about to utter his name, cyan irises widen in shock at the sight of the guy he would live with. Indigo hair, emerald eyes… there was no mistake, he is—

…Commander Kurasame?

Have you heard the rumors? Takatsugu found a guy with selective amnesia and he had to test him in order to know to which class he belongs. I’ve heard that he’ll be assigned to the same room as you. No more than a couple of weeks have passed ever since Kurasame was left alone in his room, right after the incident of the trial of courage that cost the life of nearly all the Class Third members. While in the beginning he was reticent to share his personal space with anyone, it was lonely to have a room this big for himself while the other cadets who live in the campus live with someone else.

Without their commander present for today’s classes, Kurasame had spent time with Guren in the cafeteria eating lunch before deciding to head back to his chamber to make room for the new guy that would live with him from now on. Besides what is being rumored in every corner of the academy that there is a boy with selective amnesia that made it here, the rest is shrouded in mystery to him.

As long as he will help him with the cleaning and isn’t too noisy, it doesn’t really matter.

The knock on the wooden door makes the Class First cadet snap out of his reverie, emerald irises directed towards the source of the noise as the door slowly opens. How strange, he’s only carrying a box. ❝Hey.❞ He salutes him, trying to be as friendly as he can while unhurried steps lead him towards the entrance. ❝You must be the new guy who will live here, right? Let me help you with that.❞ Unaware of the shocked gaze of the boy does Kurasame take the box to gently put it atop the king sized bed they would be sharing— something that at first made him uncomfortable but with time he grew used to. ❝Sorry, I couldn’t hear well your name.❞ He continues talking as he turns towards him. ❝I am Kurasame Susaya, Class First. Do you know yet what class you’re being assigned to—?❞

Kurasame’s kindness knows no bounds. Even though he had already noticed this before, he cannot help but wonder: why did his heart remain so warm after everything he had to suffer? Vague as what he saw in his dreams may be —in the case his dreams truly were memories of him, albeit he is inclined to believe so— and little in amount as they were, Ace could tell that there is a much bigger story behind that shaped him in the man he is today. No matter how grumpy he might indeed be at times, he was happy to meet him and have him in his life.

Now, if only he could do something— anything to appease his mind…

Exhaustion gets the best of him, for he no longer has any energy left to even keep his eyes open. But that was fine. Everyone was safe if Lord Zhuyu made it to their location to take care of White Tiger’s Primus l’Cie. Now, he could finally wander towards his rest. ❝Thank you…❞ Roseate lips curl in a smile for the last time, eyes closing in order to gather as much energy and recover as it was humanly possible to him— happy to know that he would be there by the time he wakes up. Waking up to someone… that certainly sounds beautiful. With one last thought, Ace falls asleep in the man’s arms.

What should have been an encouraging victory would soon prove to be nothing but a bittersweet aftermath the next day. Rubrum’s victory was nothing short of a miracle after the intervention of a second l’Cie while they only counted with one —not any less weaker, regardless— at the cost of the crystallization of Lord Zhuyu Voghfau Byot, the last Class Zero member before Ace. On Milites’ end, Nimbus and Qun’mi Tru’e crystallized too byproduct of the previous day confrontation, alas not without the rise of a new one: Qator Bashtar.

No matter the case, the Vermilion Bird is in a good position even with the Concordian-Militesi alliance after last day’s victory and the dominion would have a much needed time to recover. After months of strife, they would finally have a momentary break— all of them.

Kurasame was intent to check on the cadet under his charge in his chamber after being reported that his recovery would be under the strictest privacy at Doctor Arecia’s behest. He was well cognizant that he had much to rest yet until his wounds dissipate or at least, he can move freely without feeling nearly as much pain as he did before, so he expected him to see him slumbering still. Nevertheless, he did not expect to see Rubrum’s Chancellor and the Archsorceress.

Confusion washed over him upon seeing Khalia giving him a shoulder squeeze in his way out of the blond’s room while Arecia remained there, sitting by Ace’s side. ❝What is happening here?❞ He demands, voice stiffer and harsher than he intended, yet something looked amiss just by judging the Chancellor’s grievous features before he abandoned this room. The woman stops the conjure she was using on Ace before looking at him. ❝I expected Ace’s phantoma to be weak after the overexertion of the past day in the battlefield for using that magic field, but I did not expect it to be gone.❞

❝What do you mean ‘gone’?❞ Despite his assertive attitude, Kurasame’s heart remained frozen stiff upon hearing the Doctor’s news. He remembers from the first night Ace had performed a connection between their phantomas that he said that in truth, they are souls and he was witness of how important of a role it played in everything he did. However... he didn’t expect this. ❝Even I cannot tell the specifics, as I don’t know exactly the reason why this happened. But it’s possible that his phantoma was under an overbearing strain. While this might not be 100% feasible, it might be a protective mechanism as a last resort before its complete collapse.❞

Ace’s soul... could’ve collapsed? Although the Ice Reaper wasn’t entirely sure of what that meant, he had a bad presentiment about this. If he isn’t mistaken, souls are on pair of importance to the heart. If it’s true that the cadet’s soul was in danger of collapse, that would mean— ❝Is he... going to wake up?❞ He finally asks what he fears the most, much more mellow than before as he approaches the bed and Arecia stands up, readjusting her glasses atop the bridge of her nose. ❝Possibly. Look.❞ With a subtle movement of her chin, she points towards the slumbering blond for him to look. ❝Even though it’s slow, he is using regenerative magic to heal his wounds. This means that even if his phantoma is mostly gone, there’s still part of it there in order to heal himself. As long as his phantoma is active, there’s still hope.❞ Taking for granted that the conversation is over, Arecia walks towards the door of his room. ❝Try to not heal him yourself. There isn’t any guarantee that he’ll wake up sooner that way.❞

Pain paralyzes his body anew the moment Ace abandons his ethereal form of the phantoma when all is done. Albescent locks turn back into a pale yellow, reminiscent of the gentle rays of sun in the morning and intense sky blue eyes become more sheer. Fair eyelids flutter open when Kurasame picks him up in his arms, nothing but quiescence save for the impacts of war they are leaving behind filling the space between them as the blond watches what everyone has done. They did it— all that is left is to let Lord Zhuyu do his role and perhaps… he will be granted eternal rest in the memories of everyone, unscathed from the impurities of this unreasonable war.

Cyan irises move to look upwards to the man holding him now as he struggles to breathe, albeit he never ceased to put all his efforts into keeping himself alive. ❝Commander…❞ He calls for him in a hoarse voice, ignoring the pain that follows thereafter for forcing himself to do something as simple as that. Truth to be said, Ace had mixed feelings. If it caused the same result, he would have gladly given his life back there— but he came at the risk of jeopardizing his own life. Words could never make justice to how grateful and happy he feels for being treated like something beyond what he always thought he was: a weapon. He made him feel human.

With the intent to reach out to his face despite the mask that conceals it, Ace rises his shaking hand only to end on the side of the man’s neck instead, for he hardly had any strength left in him to go any further than this. ❝I am tired…❞ Strength waning, his voice is but a murmur now. Azure eyes soften as he grazes his covered neck with his thumb. ❝Can I… can I rest?❞

Soft, emerald irises watch Ace’s immobile form in silence as he walks away with him in his arms somewhere safe with the rest. Right when he expected that his life would come to an end before, he was surprised once more to see the blond give his everything to avoid that. No matter how naïve he might be at times, he must’ve known that. Though not entirely shocked by the thought, a word used oftentimes by many who came to speak to him about Ace popped in his mind. All of those people who came to congratulate me are right— he truly is an angel.

Kurasame snaps out of his short reverie upon taking notice of movement pertaining to the blond, ready to scold him gently for overexert himself until his hand landed on the side of his neck in a soft touch. ❝You needn’t ask.❞ His usually strict and cold voice comes out as a soft murmur, as if he were almost afraid that should he rise his voice any more than this, that would shatter him completely into pieces for how vulnerable and hurt he looks. For a moment, he laments the cadet’s fate given how kindhearted he is— thrown time and time again into battle as if he weren’t anything else than a beast or a red demon as Milites keeps calling him.

In favor to return his attention back at the blond, he shakes away those blood-boiling thoughts as he readjusts his grip on him, mindful to not cause him any more pain. ❝Rest. I will be right there when you wake.❞ A promise he intended to keep, just as when he promised him that he would listen to him and help him find a way to put a stop to all his sorrow. Perhaps if they met under different circumstances and the two of them were cadets, it would be easier to him to cheer him up. Right now, he is nothing but a broken man— a walking corpse who laments wanting to live when his mind is permanently on a past he doesn’t remember.

Why is he here, again? Blueberry irises watch the back of the man who should’ve stayed far away from this place, where he could be safe. It was him who the White Tiger Primus l’Cie wanted, thus this imminent attack is aimed for him. He surely must’ve seen him as a threat if he is going out of his way to conjure such a powerful attack just to get rid of him, when in truth it was a miracle that he survived the initial attack alongside the subsequent beating. Since the very beginning, Ace knew he didn’t stand a chance against him— no wonder it is said that l’Cie strifes should remain between l’Cies. Could it be… that he is doing this for him? To protect him?

Tears start to fall anew facing the impossibility to understand why Kurasame’s kindness towards him drove him into the lion’s den. He will get himself killed— and Ace doesn’t want that. Now he knows, he wants to leave a world behind where kind people like him can live in peace. Devoid of any more trauma to face or losses. His commander chose to protect him even at the risk of losing his own life… he cannot allow his life to go to waste like that. Not when he suffered so much.

Drawing the last ounce of strength he has left in him, Ace forces his body into its primal state: his phantoma. Weightless and with no physical pain to be felt, his hair turns white and his eyes change into a vibrant blue as he starts to float and without wasting any second, he levitates towards Kurasame. Ace places a hand on his shoulder and meets his emerald eyes for an instant before extending his free hand to the front, fair eyelids fluttering close in concentration to cast a reflective, invisible shield right behind the shield of ice created by the Ice Reaper besides creating stitches of light that fill the crevices of ice to strengthen the shield. He shares one last glance with the indigo haired, roseate lips curling in a determined smile as he nods once before looking to the front and letting out a battlecry while the crevices in the ice grow deeper.

Amidst the tension and adrenaline of the moment, where the limits between life and death lay, Kurasame feels a presence and a familiar warmth right beside him. The touch on his shoulder makes him turn his gaze slightly towards its source, nothing but a white light fills his vision until it takes shape and the image of Ace becomes crystal clear in his eyes— albeit different. No more wounds mar his fair skin and his hair and eyes are slightly different now, all of it giving the cadet a more ethereal appearance which he already had about him to some extent.

He returns the nod and keeps his gaze to the front as he, too, lets out a battlecry to fend off against the l’Cie’s blast until there was no more of the ice shield. Kurasame was ready for the impact, but a miracle happened in its stead: a transparent shield he was not aware of protected them and reflected the ray of light back to the White Tiger Primus l’Cie, causing him to cry of pain. Another source of light appeared before them and the Ice Reaper was wondering if he was seeing things when he caught a glimpse of a trail of fire in its wake. ❝I will take it from here.❞ Sounds Lord Zhuyu’s voice, his figure up in the skies looking at them over his shoulder as Nimbus was struggling to stand up from his fall and the injuries he has sustained.

Relief washed over him in tidal waves upon hearing that it’s not late to win this confrontation against the White Tiger yet. Alas, he reached past his limit and there was nothing he could do anymore but stay still, for his body is failing him. For the briefest moment, Ace finally recovers his senses and sees Nimbus further ahead, charging an attack in the sky. If only he could do something to avoid it—

Before his tired mind had time to start thinking of something quick, his focus returns to his commander when he pressed their foreheads together and placed his hand over the spot of his heart. Unbeknownst of whether it is due the healing he must’ve cast before on him or something else, he felt a comforting warmth amidst the sea of pain that is taking over him. But soon, he reminded himself that it’s not the time for this. ❝If I do that. the field…❞ He mutters in a low, raspy voice but refrains from continuing at once.

If Kurasame is asking him to connect their souls together to lend him his strength, he must be aware that the magic field he created is bound to shatter soon. Could it be that he has a plan? No— he had faith that he has one. His eyes close as they did the first time he performed this connection, focusing into his soul alone. Albeit weakly, a single string of white moves slowly towards cobalt which moves faster to complete the link. Roseate lips part to let out another grunt in pain, azure eyes opening just a tad before nodding his head to let him know that it’s been done.

Giving explanations in this dire situation in which the two of them could be wiped off from the face of the planet was pushing things too far, a risk that Kurasame couldn’t afford to take. He was glad that despite the blond’s weakened state and difficulty to process things faster, he decided to put his faith in him by connecting their souls together— an intimate bond that not even in his wildest dreams he would have thought possible until he met him. Albeit at first weak, the Ice Reaper felt his magic embrace him and reinvigorate him, making him feel as strong as he used to in his days as a cadet.

Slowly, he lays Ace back on the ground and rouses onto his feet, sparing the blond one last glance before turning on his heels and walking towards the White Tiger l’Cie. Drawing all the magic he can muster, Kurasame creates a shield of ice in time for the release of the magical attack Nimbus has been charging with the purpose of eradicating the Class Zero cadet. Three minutes left.

Pitch black inundates his vision with nothing but pain succumbing his body and even less he could do to remedy it. Ace doesn’t know for how long he has been holding the Primus l’Cie back or how much time is left for Lord Zhuyu to finally come and confront Nimbus, but he knew that he reached his limit. So much was the pain that eventually, his body grew numb until he felt a spark of warmth and a name. His name. Fair eyelids flutter open, senses too clouded to register nothing else than the fact that his commander is there.

No— he shouldn’t be there. He was supposed to be with the others if he decided to fight. If he’s here, that means…

❝Did I… fail?❞ Tears roll down his dirt-covered features, causing a stinging sensation every time they crossed a fresh wound. Even blinking was hard to him, but an overbearing light made him squint his eyes and grunt in discomfort, unaware still that the White Tiger Primus l’Cie is still there. He knew nothing anymore. If the others managed to dismantle the Crystal Jammers. If the magic field is still operating if that wasn’t the case. If Lord Zhuyu finally made it. He opens his mouth to say more, but another couple of coughs shake his body as more blood comes from his mouth before directing what little focus he had left on Kurasame. ❝I— I’m sorry… This is all my fault…❞

The moment Kurasame saw the blond finally open his eyes and struggling to even blink while his eyes were out of focus still shattered his heart into pieces. He has seen Ace a few times before coming injured back to Akademeia after difficult missions, but none of that could even hope to resemble the state he was currently in. Garnering all the willpower he has, he did his best to keep himself from faltering upon seeing his tears once more, causing him to immediately cup the side of his face gently and wipe his tears away with his thumb.

❝Shhh. You did not fail. Everyone is still safe.❞ Momentarily, he turns his head once more towards Nimbus. Though he hasn’t seen him in action before, he can tell that there isn’t much time left until he releases his attack— he had to hurry and do something if he wanted the two of them to survive this before Lord Zhuyu was ready. Four minutes left. ❝However...❞ Eyes close as he leans to press his forehead against Ace’s softly, just so he can keep his focus on him and not lose his consciousness. ❝I need you to do one last effort for me.❞