#log incomplete

Without warning, Laevis yanks him down, pulling him into a deep kiss. The alcohol in Nicrom's systems is enough to muddle his decision-making skills.

Fuck it.

The kiss quickly evolves into something steamier as Nicrom feels up Laevis' ass, pressing the other closer to him.

No words are exchanged, as if their bodies were acting on autopilot.

After all, the both of them craved for the touch of one another. For a long, long time now.

Laevis tugs at Nicrom's hair, moaning softly when the taller male responds by squeezing the inside of his thigh, hand dangerously close to his hardening dick.

In their drunken stupor, they find themselves on an empty bed, already stripping. Nicrom pulling off Laevis' shorts and his own pants.

Their intense make-out session continued, hands roaming underneath fabric and warm breaths shared.

Nicrom is ontop of his senior, mercilessly leading with hungry kisses. Laevis begs for more air, grip strong enough to nearly tear Nicrom's hair out.

Strong liquor mixed with the bitter taste of cigarettes mingles in the saliva shared between them both.

"O-oh—"

Laevis chokes out a moan as their hips brush against one another, Nicrom is made painfully aware of his erection and Laevis'.

"Haa... Nic.."

He's trapped Laevis underneath him, and the shorter male hooks his leg over Nicrom's, pulling him closer until their hips grind against one another. Only the fabric of their underwear is left between warm skin.

Nicrom wanted to hear him, more of his name on Laevis' tongue.

Supporting himself with his arms, Nicrom thrusted forward, grinding his crotch against Laevis. They're already both panting, briefs wet with pre-cum.

Sensitive... Nicrom thinks hazily as Laevis clings close to him, muffling a loud moan.

"Six years.." Laevis replied slowly, "It'll take four years to complete my bachelor's degree and maybe two for my master's."

His heart fell like a heavy stone, clattering in the pit of his stomach, "Six years...?"

"I'll be living in a dorm there," added Laevis.

Vis—gone for six years? How much would have changed by then? A cold feeling seized him by the throat, Will he change too?

Nicrom clenched his jaw, not knowing what to say. And it looks like Laevis doesn't either, as he doesn't meet Nicrom's eyes.

"I'll learn a lot... When I come back, we can leave for the Capital together!"

He dreaded the thought of being left around in this place... After all, Laevis was the only reason he stayed here for so long.

Two days after Laevis left for District 4, Nicrom ran away.

Laevis' eyes widened as he saw the face in the window.

"...Nic?"

The older boy nodded, lightly tapping on the glass.

Laevis opened the window, lifting it up with difficulty, as the sides had been shut for quite a long time. But Nicrom slips his arm through the gap, and pushes it up swiftly. The glass squeaks in protest.

"You followed me...!" Laevis realized, seeing the dishevelled state Nicrom was in, soaking wet from the storm.

"Elbrus sends his regards."

"Thank you," sighed Fae. An envelope was pushed into his hand.

Byakko adjusts his talons on Fae's shoulder, careful not to tear his clothing.

"Do you have a message for him?"

Fae pauses, his thumb edging the opening of the envelope.

"You know he discourages me to reply."

"He is fighting a battle far worse than one imagined. Perhaps words from a loved one shall help."

"This is so?"

"It is so."

"Very well then, I..." Fae breathed in deeply, "Will you tell him that... I cherish him dearly?"

"I shall."

"Thank you, Byakko.. May Terra go with you both."

Vera sighed, "He told you, didn't he?"

"It hurts not to hear it from you. Why?"

"...I can't sit around here while everyone else is out there fighting to protect us," he said, "the Empire needs me."

"I don't want you to go."

Fae's grasp on his cape tightened. Vera patted his brother's hair softly. It pained him to leave, but for Fae...

"I have to," replied Vera.

"...When will you return?"

"I don't know. It depends out there."

"Come back, okay?" Fae pulls away, "Or I'll march onto the battlefield myself and drag you home."

Vera laughed at the growing pout on the younger's face, "Sure. I'll come back, I swear it."

"On Terra?"

"On Terra."

Though his blindfold obscured the half of his face, Fae was easy to read in Vera's eyes. He wasn't reassured at all, and how could Vera blame him?

So many times... wounded from the War filled their infirmaries, those that couldn't be housed by the Empire were given respite by the Cathedral. At this point, Vera was well-versed already in the ugliness of the War. Fae, however... still had a light to himself, and Vera could not see that tainted.

Joining the army, he had no intentions of heroic or valiant acts. There was no glory in it, he only sought to keep the War away from his home. Those foolish enough to have selfish reasons to fight, often ended up on their deathbeds. Vera knew the type well.

He sighed, ridding the thought. He had a reason for joining, and it was standing before him.

"...Would you like to hear a new song?"

Vera cocked his head, "You've composed a new one already?"

"Well.. it's an unfinished work, from a former choir member," Fae rubbed at his arm, "I thought you'd like it."

He blinks, and reaches up to ruffle Fae's hair.

Cumulus awoke in a cold sweat. Disoriented, he blinks.

He slowly recognized his surroundings, met with the steady beeping of an ECG.

I'm in the infirmary.. He still felt sluggish, arms heavy as he tried to shift around.

"...Tundra?" Cumulus called out weakly, throat dry.

There was no reply, which deeply unnerved him. Usually.. his aide would be at his side, perhaps.. he had gone out for a little while..

How long have I been out? He tried to turn his head to the bedside cabinet, but all his muscles screamed for him to cease moving.

Before him, the glass doors slid open, a figure stepped in.

"Your Highness.. you're awake," he heard a relieved sigh.

Tundra? Cumulus couldn't get a good look at him.

"You've been unconscious for three days."

Cumulus' heart dropped when he realized that the man in question wasn't Tundra.

The man approached, stopping beside his bed.

"...Elbrus.. where's.."

Elbrus shook his head, "Your Highness, it is important that you rest. Your energy is spent."

He reached out, a cold feeling washing over him, "..And Tundra?"

I remember... he took the brunt of an enemy attack..

"He.. he was falling.."

Tundra, as stable as his stance is, still staggers backward from the weight of Emberstone's claymore. It falls on him with surprising momentum.

"Emberstone... You've pledged your loyalty.. to the wrong man."

He speaks through gritted teeth, holding his sword up with all his might. Tundra barely had the strength to hold his position for long.

Emberstone's gaze does not falter, in fact, it hardens.

"Fae, it's too risky?!" Vera grit his teeth, "There's no way you're putting yourself through that."

"And what else shall I do?" Fae retorted, "I can't stand idly by while this man suffers. Regardless of his sins, he is still worth saving.. That is Terra's mercy."

Vera grabbed Fae's arm, frowning deeply, "It's not your decision to make."

"As far as I know, the military has no say in matters of the Church," Fae frowned, "He is under our care, we are obligated to treat him as any other." He then pulled his arm away, "Vera, if you try and stop me.. I will have to resort to other measures."

"You wouldn't.." Vera stares as if he were slapped. Was Fae threatening him? His little brother??

"Besides.. if he loses himself here, how would he get a fair trial? You're blinded by your anger, Vera."

"Fae, you don't understand—"

"Then enlighten me!"

Fae's raised voice echoes across the hall. Vera recoils slightly. Never had they fought like this and Vera hated it. A tiny part of him agreed with Fae, but he couldn't let go of what Mistral had done. He just couldn't. Vera wanted him to suffer like His Highness was now.

"I don't know what you've learned from your time in the military. But surely they didn't teach you to lose your compassion towards those in desperate need of help? There are no bad people in the eyes of God, only those that need further repenting."

"It's not as simple as that. Mistral is just as horrible as our enemies! He betrayed us! His actions could have destroyed one of our Fleets—killed hundreds!" Vera pulled him closer, "I haven't forgotten the Church's teachings, but I'm begging you to make this one exception."

"He's dangerous, Fae. His life.. it's not worth yours or anyone else's."

His younger brother looked up, "If I let this matter go, it will be a stain on Terra's teachings. How many more exceptions will I have to make as this war continues?"

Vera's grip on his brother's arm weakened, "...You're so foolish."

"Right after he arrived.. It only began as a common cold, but it devolved into something not even the nurses are aware of," replied Fae.

"Is he lucid?"

"Rarely.."

"Gah... if there's no hope of him recovering, then how will we bring him back for a trial?" Vera scowled.

Fae frowned at Vera's words, "It seems like you could care less about his wellbeing... The laws of sanctuary must be upheld.. You know that, Vera."

Vera scratched the back of his head, irritated, "Of course I do! But this man is guiltier than any other criminal we've sheltered at this Cathedral. He's committed treason!"

"We can wait," Elbrus cut in before the two siblings could bicker further, "At least he'll be kept here, won't he?"

Fae nodded, "We would never let him out in his current condition. Regardless of sanctuary."

"...Very well.."

"Now.. hold on.." Vera raised an eyebrow, "We're not letting him out of our sight."

"I doubt he could do anything meaningful the way he is right now," Elbrus said. He knew what Vera fretted about too, the safety of the Cathedral's residents. An unstable Host residing in a public area was less than ideal.. However, he had to conform to the laws of his home.

Elbrus let out a heavy sigh, "Additionally... Mistral is second to our worries right now.. The frontline?"

Vera stayed silent.

"Don't worry," Fae said, "We'll attend to him. I'll ask His Holiness to assign guards in this area."

"Thank you, Fae," Elbrus smiled, albeit a bit strained. He deeply regretted that the Cathedral had to be involved in this mess. Mistral must have known that he would be protected here..

Ah... It was getting out of hand. The sooner Mistral was back at District 1, the better.

"We'll be taking our leave then."

"Don't trust this guy, alright?" Vera warned, "If he does anything, call for us right away."

Fae shook his head, "You worry too much."

"You worry too little," muttered Vera, turning away, "We'll be back soon."

Elbrus waited until Vera was far enough away before stepping towards Fae.

"I..." he began, but soon realized he didn't know what to say. So he stood there awkwardly. What could be said? It's been months since he last visited, and now, he only came here to chase after Mistral.

A sigh escaped Fae's lips, "..Just be safe, alright?"

Ah... he's upset. Elbrus wanted to crawl into a hole and perish.

"We will.."