#mlbbfanfic

“It’s beautiful, isn’t it?”

“Hmm?”

Ms. December’s question snaps Martis out of his trance; he had been transfixed by the glow of the fireworks changing hues on her face, the soft lights accentuating her contours and casting a brilliant reflection in her eyes.

She turns to him, a smile breaking across her ruby red lips in anticipation of his response. He looks up at the bespeckled night sky, trying to grasp the wonder she saw behind the lackluster exhibition.

Having performed some of the wildest stunts on stage, virtually nothing leaves Martis in awe. The magic of pyrotechnics disappears once you have seen all the work and cheats done behind the scenes.

“I guess they’re nice...” He shrugs.

“Oh? Not ‘cool’ and ‘edgy’ enough for you, Mr. Rockstar?” Ms. December smirks while shaking her head. “You really need to lighten up.”

His eyes widen as she scoots closer to where he was sitting. He grips the grass as she lays her head on his shoulder, snuggling onto him.

“I know this isn’t your ‘thing’.” She speaks with a soft voice that could melt the coldest of hearts. “A carnival date must’ve knocked a few points off your bad boy image.”

Martis meant to look at her as she spoke, but his eyes keep darting to the bountiful flesh peeking from her low-cut blouse. He quickly averts his gaze, turning it back to the sky.

“I had a great time though. Thank you.” She continues before letting out a deep sigh.

The voices in his head scream at Martis to say something meaningful and romantic, but he finds himself tongue-tied. Truth be told, he was never good with words outside of writing songs, all of which have violent and aggressive themes. Moreover, he never had to charm women before since they all threw themselves at him willingly.

Martis looks at her again, fighting the natural urge for his eyes to stray down her cleavage. He thinks of what to say but, seeing her enamored by the light show, decides it’s best not to ruin the moment.

Defeated, he groans and looks back up at the flashes of greens, blues, and yellows as they descend gracefully in the distance.

Day 2 - Switch

---------

The sharp ding of the coffee machine snapped Aamon out of his focus. He brushed it off, going back to his project but the strong smell of caffeine was hard to resist. It washed away all the fatigue that was weighing on his body. Aamon had to put down the tweezer he was using and rolled his chair to the coffee station behind him. The coffee machine was a small cube with a cone-shaped container attached on top filled halfway with lightly roasted coffee beans. A cup of freshly brewed espresso sat inside. Aamon opened the small door and more of that fragrant coffee smell greeted him.

'I guess I could use a break...' He mumbled to himself before taking a sip. Instantly, he felt his head clear up and let out a relaxed sigh.

'That hits the spot...'

Aamon took the coffee cup and returned to his workstation. His table was a mess of magnifying glass, tools and mechanical arm extensions that helped him hold whatever items he was using but did not have any space to keep it. At the center was a box holding a blue crystal fragment inside it surrounded by red silk padding. The crystal seemed to appear alive. A faint pink aura was flowing within the crystal. It branched out like veins, pulsing like a living heart. This crystal was something Aamon had been dying to get his hands on for his entire career.

Picking up the tweezer and pulling down the magnifying glass, Aamon studied the crystal. His other hand had picked up a pen and scribbled his thoughts onto an open journal. The pages were covered in rough sketches and short rushed notes. Ink stains covered the corners and a few spots on the page. At the top, the word "Soul Fragment" was underlined.

The Soul Fragment used to be named as a myth among scholars of his field. Aamon thought his superiors were joking when they told him to not study what is labelled as children's tale. The Soul Fragment is believed to reveal one's deepest desire and allow it to manifest. Not that Aamon had something he desperately want to become a reality but there is one question in his mind that stayed with him since that day.

******

One month ago

A stream of smoke blew out of his lips as he exhaled. Aamon flicked his cigarette, letting the ashes fall into a glass ashtray beside him. The night was silent and calm. There were ocassionally sound of people walking past their rooms or voices reaching their floor from the garden below. Not to mention, there was also a gentle snore beside him.

Aamon turned to the figure whose back was facing him. He watched the way their shoulders slowly go up and relaxed as they breathed. The back muscles flexed as they stirred in their sleep, rolling their shoulders before turning to lie on their back. A mess of white hair splayed over the pillows and the beautiful face frowned. They lifted a hand to rub the sleep from their eyes.

'Having trouble sleeping, Your Grace?' Aamon asked casually.

Natan hummed in his sleep. He now have his arm resting over his eyes as if the dim lights were bothering him. Aamon took one last drag and crushed the blunt in the ashtray. He exhaled the smoke before turning to snuggle close into his lover's arm. Well, "lover" is a loose term...

Aamon nudged into the crook of Natan's neck as he whispered, 'If sleeping is troublesome, better to just wake up, you know?' Aamon pressed soft kisses. 'Come on now. Are you really just going to sleep when I'm here?'

'Be quiet will you...'

His heart dropped hearing those words growled at him. Aamon immediately stopped his kissing but his lips remained lingering on Natan's skin. His frustration came out as a big sigh. Aamon wanted to say more but decided against it and shifted away from Natan's side of the bed. He turned around, facing the French window. His eyes stung as much as the crack on his heart.

'Sorry.' Aamon murmured. A part of him wanted to hear Natan's response but another part of him knew it would only hurt him more.

‘Don’t be…’

The answer came a little sooner than he expected. Aamon dared to glance over his shoulder to see Natan slowly stirring awake once more. His eyes were slightly open, still fighting through the fatigue. Aamon stayed silent. He worried that if he opened his mouth, it would flip Natan’s mood. Natan did not seem to be in a foul mood but Aamon knew not to fall for that facade.

So, Aamon waited for Natan to speak. It had only been a few seconds but to Aamon, it felt like hours. His silence was bothering him. Alas, Aamon could only bite his tongue from speaking since he’s already on thin ice.

He watched as Natan slowly rose from the bed, sitting up while rubbing his face. Aamon stared at his back. His hand was itching to reach out and trace the muscle of his back, but he kept it at his side.

Aamon dared himself to speak. ‘Leaving so soon?’

Natan only hummed in reply.

‘I thought you’re free tomorrow,’ Aamon added. He made sure to speak in a soft and steady manner. ‘Or do you actually have something come up at last minute?’

The answer never came. Natan seemed to ignore him as he got up from the bed and quickly slipped on his pants and shirt. Aamon sat up, swinging his legs to the side and got off the bed. Natan had left the bedroom and was making a beeline for the front door. Aamon had to pick up his pace.

‘Your Grace…’ The words slipped out before he could stop himself. Thankfully, Natan listened and stood frozen with his hand on the doorknob. He did not turn his head nor showed any sign that he is listening but Aamon pushed his worries aside. He took a deep breath and stepped closer while clutching tight onto the bedsheet he had pulled as a quick cover for his bare body.

Aamon started his words slowly, 'I...understand that this week have been quite hectic but...' Aamon took another deep breath before continuing to speak. 'But, I hope you take some time for yourself. If you need me, you know where to find me.'

He wanted to say more but thought against it. Pursing his lips, Aamon waited for Natan's response. It was hard to tell how he felt about what he just said when his back is facing him. Aamon felt a tingle of discomfort in his stomach but he blamed it on his anxiety.

After what felt like an eternity, Natan only bid him farewell and stepped through the door. Aamon stood with a disappointed look on his face as he watched the door slowly coming to a close.

*****

So many things Aamon wanted to hear come out Natan's mouth. That man not only closed himself off to the public -- only appearing at special occassions or whenever people needed him to cut the ribbon in a ceremony -- he also closed himself to the person he held most dear. Aamon scoffed at himself. Did you really think Natan likes you? You're nothing more than his doll. Just a toy.

He let out a long sigh. Aamon returned to his task. Deep down, Aamon did not know what he should be doing next. He had been staring at this crystal for hours with little to nothing to note down. The crystal appeared to be dormant now. There was no more of that heart-like pulse coming from it. Plus, the colored aura inside grew more faint until it was barely visible.

As if the crystal itself has died...

Aamon looked away from the magnifying glass. The only way for him to fully understand the crystal's potential is to have it be used on an actual person. Aamon planned to use it on Natan. If the myth rings truth, Aamon should be able to see what is hiding behind that face. He can finally see how Natan felt being around him and what type of person Aamon is to him.

They knew each other from way back when Aamon first moved into Eruditio. His knowledge and expertise on magic studies got the attention of Erudition scholars. They invited him to study at their facility while also giving lectures at their prestigious university. It was not something Aamon thrived for but if it meant opening more doors to explore, he will take that chance.

He did not expect for one of the doors to be none other than Duke Newton.

Duke Natan Newton was a man to be more of a myth than the Soul Vessel. The man spent most of his days within his office. No one was sure what he was doing there but from what Aamon heard, he's just as busy as everyone in their labs.

'Duke Newton's super invested in time travelling especially after meeting Professor Nolan. He's been obsessed with it.'

Aamon once heard his colleague gossiped as he was filing in his daily report.

'He's been with Professor Nolan a lot, hasn't he? Do you think something's going on between them?'

'You're too deep in your romance novels. Professor Nolan just got out of a divorce. Plus, they can just be close friends.'

'But what if that's what they want us to think?'

'I'm not dealing with your delusions. Just finish up your report before Duke Newton nags up a storm again. You're already on his bad side.'

As the co-worker mocked their friend, they did go back to their task. Peace returned in the office but a turbulence was stirred up in Aamon's heart. He did not like to engage in gossip but the thought of Natan being together with Nolan made him question if their OWN relationship had any meaning to it. They first met at a graduation ceremony with Natan giving a speech and Aamon watched in awe from the lecturers' seat. Natan's charisma and professionalism were oozing whenever he opened his mouth. Perhaps that was what that drew him in first. It could be something else but seeing him on that podium for the first time was enough to take his breath away.

Soon, their barriers started to break when Natan took notice of Aamon's expertise after he made a breakthrough in condensing magic energy into crystals - the Mana Shards as he would call it. Aamon would have Natan's frequent visit to his office. Eventually, Aamon's career grew and he was promoted as the Director for Eruditio's Research Society. Though, his promotion managed to draw in glances from everyone especially his peers.

'I heard he's sleeping with Duke Newton.'

'Not surprised. It's the world we live in...'

It's idle gossip. Aamon did not care but the days of having Natan come over to his apartment. Most of the time, Natan needed his opinion on something that his colleague and advisors failed to satisfy him with. Aamon and Natan are always on the same page as if they shared the same mind and perception of the world. That is probably another reason that drew Aamon closer to him. It felt like Natan chose him and only him. He chose him above everyone else. Aamon was the only one deserving of his knowledge.

Aamon glanced over to the Soul Fragment. He needed to know if their relationship is beyond colleague status. Does Natan see Aamon as how Aamon sees him as his lover?

Before Aamon could think of a proper strategy, a sharp squeak snapped him out of it. He looked up and saw a small bird perched on his windowsill. It was one of the mechanical messenger birds he would find flying around in the city. They were covered in bronze with a few white metal plates. The bird cocked its head as if eyeing, checking if this was the correct target before the compartment on its back opened and a thin robot arm came out. It held a mini envelope. Aamon did not miss the official seal stamp. He stared at the letter for a few seconds before his hand reached out to take the letter from the bird. Once the delivery was confirmed, the bird's crystal-like eyes flashed once and it flew away.

The letter felt heavy in his hand. It was just a single paper when he opened but somehow it felt like he was holding a brick.

I'll be coming over in 10 minutes. There's something that we need to talk.

****

Aamon could not stop pacing around his lab. He did what he could -- putting aside his equipment and leaving only the necessary on his table. Aamon swept the floor so many times that the cement almost shine like marbles. He needed something to do. The anxiety was eating him from the inside and Aamon needed something to distract him from it. If he gave it any more attention, Aamon might pass out from lack of breath. His chest was beyond tight and breathing was getting a lot more difficult.

In his mind, thoughts and speculations on what the expect was flooding his head as if a dam just opened its door. They came in fast to the point Aamon felt like he got a headache. So many possibilities on what Natan wanted to see him for.

Or maybe he just needs to let off steam with your body.

'Shut it!' Aamon growled while shoving that thought aside. Natan is not the type to take advantage of him like that.

The doorbell ringing made Aamon freeze. The hand that held the Soul Fragment clutched tight into a fist. Aamon was quick to recover before he might accidentally crush the crystal by accident. It was hard to get his hand on this. He came this far. Aamon is going to push through until he sees the end of it.

Doesn't matter if it left him with a broken heart. Better be hurt by the truth than live in a lie.

Aamon hurried to the door. He peeked into the peephole and saw Duke Newton standing on the other side. Natan did not seem agitated or stressed. He appeared poised and regal as he always does. His outfit appeared very formal with the dark brown suit and multiple badges pinned on his chest. Natan was cleaning his monocle with a fiber cloth before putting it back on his right eye.

Aamon took a deep breath and unlocked the door. It swung open and Aamon wore a warm welcoming smile.

'Hello, Your Grace. How may I assist you today?'

The pain of drawing the cover for Calamity of the Sea. But not gonna lie, the part where Natan suddenly had a skin tone change still got me cackling to this day.

The soft chill brushing against his skin stirred him in his sleep. It was not enough to wake him up. Alucard let out a low moan before turning on his side. Pulling the blanket tighter around him, Alucard returned to a deep slumber. Though it did not last long until the cold pulled him away from his sleep again. Alucard exhaled loudly before his eyelids fluttered open. His hazy vision made it hard to see and his groggy head was still confused for a few beats before everything cleared up.

Alucard lifted a hand and rubbed the sleep from his eyes. He opened them again and turned to look at the window. It was dark outside. Alucard frowned. He turned to his clock - it is 7 in the morning. It should be a little brighter.

“Mmm~” Alucard arched his back as he stretched. He sat up on bed and let out a sigh. It took him a few minutes to regain his senses. Alucard swung his legs to the side, standing up and headed to the window.

The sky was darker than usual. Alucard could hear faint rumbling in the distance. Gray clouds stretched as far even as the mountains near Azrya Woodlands. He sniffed the air, noting the strong sulfur smell.

Rain? I didn’t expect the season to come by so soon. Alucard thought while frowning.

A deeper groan pulled him from his thoughts. Alucard looked over his shoulders to a certain figure still underneath the blanket. A head of silver hair laid on the plush pillow. A single arm draped over the blanket while the other underneath the pillow. Alucard smiled and walked over to the bed. When he sat down, the bed dipped and the other person soon awoke from his sleep.

Alucard laid down beside him. “Good morning, chentaku.”

Martis groaned. His eyes were squeezed shut before he actually opened them. Ruby eyes lazily gazed around before falling on a certain person looking at him. His brain digested the image and a warm smile stretched his lips.

“Good morning…” He whispered softly.

They closed in for a quick peck on the lips. Alucard scooted close to cuddle with Martis. He rested his head on his husband’s chest before closing his eyes. Martis’ gentle heartbeat played in his ears. With the cold weather and quiet morning, the calm energy soothed Alucard.

“I never agreed to be your teddy bear.” He heard Martis mumble.

Alucard scoffed and retorted back, “Can’t the Ashura Queen snuggle with his beloved king?”

His answer was just a soft grunt. Alucard felt a hand brushing through his hair, slowly as if appreciating each strand that went in between his fingers. Alucard sighed again and practically melted into Martis’ touch. His own arms slinked up Martis’ torso to wrap themselves around his waist, hugging him in place. They both closed their eyes and the small hint of drowsiness slowly began to lull them back to sleep.

As they lay in each others’ arms, the sky began to rain. Soft pitter patter of rain hit the windows. The cold temperature dropped even more but the two men were unbothered. Instead, the cold only made them more relaxed.

“You have any plans for today?” Alucard opened his eyes again. He looked up to Martis and hummed a questioning tone.

“No,” He replied. “Why?” Alucard asked Martis back.

Martis shook his head. He tucked a blond strand behind his ear. “Nothing,” He said. “It’s raining. I was just wondering.”

Alucard hummed. He gazed ahead, staring at the bedroom door. To be truthful, he had a long list of tasks to be done for the day but this weather is making him feel extremely lazy.

“I’m supposed to be patrolling the Southern Border,” Alucard mumbled. “Tigreal asked for my help personally. He said his knights couldn’t handle those demons infesting that area.”

“Then, you should be up and ready.”

“But I don’t wanna!” Alucard whined. He snuggled closer to Martis and buried his face in his arms. His voice was muffled since he pressed his face there. “Tigreal should train his knights better instead of relying on me all the time.”

Alucard heard the disapproving hum from Martis. He turned to his husband with a pout.

“Come on! I’m just saying…”

Martis raised a brow at him. He looked like a judgy mentor to his student. Nevertheless, Alucard admitted defeat. He sat up and began to scoot to the side of the bed.

“Fine!” Alucard groaned. “I’ll go. I’ll go.”

Alucard got up from the bed with a sour face. He did not realize one mistake of his. Unaware of the wolfish eyes staring at him, Alucard headed for the bathroom. He placed a hand on the door knob but before he could go in, a pair of hands grabbed him. They spun him around. Alucard yelped and his next words were cut off by Martis pressing his lips on his. Strong arms slipped around his waist, holding him firmly in place. They kissed hard with their tongues poking out to have a taste of each other. Alucard brought his hands up to grab on Martis’ jaw as he pushed in the kiss. They moaned softly before pulling back for air.

Lust was swirling in the Ashura King’s eyes. Martis smirked at him and said, “Is this attitude intentional? Are you trying to test me by walking around naked and acting like a brat?”

His words made Alucard look down at himself. His cheeks flared up upon realizing he barely had a single thread on his person. He looked up at Martis and gave a shy laugh.

“Heh, guess I was too caught up to realise that.”

“Right…”

Alucard exclaimed loudly when his feet left the floor. Martis held him on his shoulders like a potato sack and carried him back to bed. He threw Alucard on the bed before climbing on top of him. Wasting no time, Martis dove into Alucard’s neck where a bite mark was near fading away. He caught the skin in between his teeth and bit hard, making Alucard hiss sharply. His hands caught his husband’s wrists and pinned him on the bed.

“Mar-” Alucard moaned. He tried to wriggle out but Martis locked him in place. “Please…Isn’t this too early?”

Martis did not answer. He continued kissing and giving soft bites on Alucard’s shoulder. He let go of Alucard’s hands just to massage his chest. Alucard sucked in a sharp breath when he felt calloused fingers brushing past his nipples. Those strong hands began to squeeze onto his breasts, pushing more wanton moans out from Alucard’s lips.

“Martis…” Alucard breathily sighed. His body was reacting to the touches, especially the one in between his legs. “Martis, please.”

“Consider this as your mood booster.” He heard Martis whisper into his ear. “You mortals require some motivation to start the day, correct?

“Umm…”

Alucard felt Martis’ hand cupping his face so he would only look at him. Those red eyes were glowing and the way Martis was licking at his top row teeth, Alucard swallowed heavily.

"Walls have ears. Doors have eyes. Trees have voices. Beasts tell lies .Beware the rain. Beware the snow. Beware the man you think you know." 

- Songs of Sapphique

⎯⎯⎯

Wanwan's vision fogged, and the tears formed in the corners of her eyes threatened to fall as she gazed up expectantly at Yu Zhong --- the Black Dragon, her mentor, and her friend. Waiting expectantly for him to regain his sanity, Wanwan could not help but feel the rush of hope fill her being.

The momen she saw him standing in the middle of the room, Wanwan rushed to his side. She ignored the loud protests she was hearing from hear spear-wielding companion and put the Dragon Pearl inside his body, believing it would bring him back to the person he was before. The Dragon Pearl was a magical orb left that the Black Dragon handed over to her years ago, saying that the pearl would protect her from harm, and with its guidance, it will help her find him in the next solar eclipse.

A sharp gasp escaped from her lips when he met her stare. There was something in his eyes that Wanwan could not explain, but her hope in him did not falter --- it never did after all these years. Albeit nervous and tensed, she waited eagerly for a hint of recognition in his features.

"I'm sorry, Wanwan, but this is my destiny."

Her stomach dropped when she heard his words. She could not believe this. She refused to believe this. No, this was not happening. This was not--

A sudden thought struck her painfully in addition to the awful, churning in her stomach, completely leaving her standing frozen in front of Yu Zhong. The thought itself hurts and, in any ways, the truth.

Train of thoughts flooded her mind, and loss overwhelmed her being. She could only stare up at the Black Dragon as his body started to float and a strong light bathed his figure.

This was not her friend.

Everything was happening so fast, and her tear-filled vision could only shade of blue dashing towards the Black Dragon; the next thing she knew is that the distance between her and her friend widened even more. Literally.

Wanwan has always been quick on her feet, but she didn't get the chance to dodge the unexpected attack sent in her way, and she was sent flying backwards by a sudden, loud force that caused her back to collide with a body. She felt an arm forcefully finding its way wrapped around her waist, trying to prevent her from being thrown away any further.

"Who's there?!" The person holding her demanded. It was the one who dared to charge at Yu Zhong. Wanwan blinked her eyes, hard and fast, to wipe away her hazy vision before turning to look at the person on blue. She geniunely thought that he would look cute in a skirt.

Seriously, Wanwan? She scolded herself for thinking thoughts not proper to the situation happening before them.

Her musings were interrupted by the sound of clapping that could be heard all over the place. A woman clad in white and gold colors with a black, see-through fabric covering her mouth appeared out of nowhere. "You minions of the poor Dragon Lord. . ." she sneered.

"I will never allow you to disturb the mighty fierce dragon!"