Chapter Text
Or maybe Crow should've remembered he had lost over thirty thousand mira on horse racing bets the past month.
What the hell should he do about this romance thing with Rean?
That morning, he slinked away from bed without waking Rean. Of course, he didn't intend to run from him or anything nefarious like that. He simply wanted to scope out the place and gather information to begin drafting his date plan to the best of his ability.
It should have been easy. It usually was. But he had no clue what to do. There was no way he could take Rean to the same places he took his one-night stands. How was he even supposed to flirt with Rean? Hey, you're smokin' hot. How about you give me your number so I take you to dinner tonight? Hell no. He's had Rean's number for almost five years already! Rean's number isn't going anywhere!
As a clear sign Crow was at the end of the rope, the little Rean in his head shouted Rely on your friends! We’ll always be here for you! And who was he to say no to that? He’d learned his lesson. Power of friendshipit is.
Sitting at the edge of the bed, Crow flipped open his ARCUS, looking down at his list of contacts. But who could he even call for this kind of business? Towa's out. Crow was pretty sure she had a thing for Rean in the past, and he might have started a civil war, but he's not evil enough to trample on her feelings like that. George was too busy, head full of all that orbment mambo-jumbo and likely even more clueless than he was. Gelica… Let's just say his failed dates in the past were directly her fault.
Screw it. He's closing his eyes and randomly picking a Class VII guy to call.
Crow drew in a sharp breath. He pressed the button.
The call connected.
“You've gotta be shittin’ me.” Crow cursed out loud in hushed tones to not rouse Rean from his sleep.
“My, hello once more, Crow. What a strange coincidence, wouldn't you say?” The face of Rufus Albarea was displayed on the screen of his ARCUS. Like it was normal.
He scrubbed a hand over his face. “Dude, how? I don't even have your number."
“It is quite a funny story. You see, I just so happened to chance upon Jusis here in Liberl, who is out enjoying the beautiful beaches of Ruan with Lapis, Millium, Swin, and Nadia at the moment. By another twist of fate, his ARCUS just so happened to ring, and I just so happened to exercise my freedom to pick it up.” Rufus explained pleasantly, his voice dripping with false good will.
Crow bit back a groan. “Do you really have nothing better to do?”
“As you are already aware, I am bereft of monetary means as of late.” He chuckled. “As such, I’ve found I have ample time on my hands. That being the case, you must have called my brother for a reason, I'd wager. How may I be of assistance?”
You know what? He had nothing to lose anyway. “Since you have so much free time, help a guy out and give me some date spots to take Rean to.”
Rufus regarded him curiously. “I can certainly do that, but I doubt I would know of any place you haven't already considered. Am I wrong?”
Crow clicked his tongue. Who was he deceiving? There's not any location in the entirety of Ruan that he didn't already know about. “Alright then, if you're such a Mr. Know-It-All, then what's the diagnosis?” He played along, already knowing damn well what Rufus was getting at.
“I believe you are, once more, hesitating to take the first step. You wish for encouragement to combat the fear of the new form your bond may take after that first step is taken.” Rufus rubbed his chin thoughtfully. “Or perhaps you fear the bond itself?”
That stung more than he cared to admit. Crow laughed derisively. “Yeah, yeah. And then who do I get for encouragement? You, of all people. Karma really is a bitch.”
Rufus shrugged. “Indeed, I am a very ill-suited match for your troubles. My inherently wicked nature makes me quite unskilled at giving earnest advice, you see.”
“Damn straight. Now if you'll just let me, I gotta get in touch with someone actually useful—”
He cut him off. “But it is because of that very nature that I can offer you a piece of wisdom: friendship, rivalries, betrayals, parting. You and Rean have quite a historied relationship, and through it all, your care for one another never wavered. Does it really matter, in the end, what the two of you become? After all, you are you, and Rean is Rean.”
It was a unique kind of unpleasant to be lectured by a man of Rufus’ inclination. And it was even more unpleasant to recognize he was right. Hiding his irritation, Crow deflected, “There's no way you thought of that on your own. Who did you get this from?”
“Oh, it seems I was discovered.” Rufus said with the glint of a knowing smile. “I was entrusted with these words by the best of the best.”
“Rufus!” The cheery voice of a little girl was captured in the call. “We're playing volleyball. Team up with me!”
“As you wish, my lady.” Rufus bowed like a loyal knight heeding the commands of his mistress.
“Lapis?” Crow did little to hide his amusement. “Huh. I have to say, I never expected to see you getting bossed around like that.”
“You and I both. Funny, isn't it? That this is where I end up after witnessing everything I've built collapse beneath my feet.” He nodded a wistful nod. “Yet, I've never been more content than I am today. I would assume that is a sentiment we both share.”
Crow laid his gaze on the sleeping figure of a certain someone he had shared a bed with last night, a slow smile forming. “Can't argue with that.”
“We've committed many sins. Mine, far more numerous than yours. But you see, fate has a funny way of making good out of the bad, if only we allow it to. Cherish the shackles of your bonds.” Rufus concluded as Lapis pulled him by the arm. “Well, as you see, it is about time I take my leave. It was certainly intriguing sharing this moment with you, C to C. I wish you luck in your endeavors.”
Crow frowned in displeasure. “Are you kidding me? What C? You think going all wise old man on me will make me forget the day half of the Empire was blasting my ARCUS because of you?!”
“Well, my C getup was far more, as the kids say, 'snazzy,' than yours.”
Crow hung up.
A bastard will always be a bastard.
“Crow?” Rubbing the drowsiness out of his eyes, Rean sat up in bed, the blankets falling around his waist.
Cute. “Morning, Princess." He winked. “Feeling better?”
“Yeah, pretty much.” Rean smiled sheepishly. “Thank you for taking care of me.”
“Naturally. You think I'd let my cute junior die on the side of the road?” He rustled Rean's hair affectionately. “More importantly, are you feeling up for a stroll around town today? I know just where to take you.”
It was none other than the fabled Langland Bridge.
What other place would catch the interest of a history nerd like Rean more than that?
The bridge’s gates—made of brick and stone—stood tall and imposing before them. The bridge was down, and its chains loosened. Tourists circled the location with twinkling eyes, cooing in delight as they snapped picture after picture.
A hand to his chin as if deep in thought, Rean peered at the drawbridge. “As I thought, Langland Bridge is much more interesting to observe while not on a wild chase across Ruan.”
“Ouch. Point taken.” Not wanting to dwell on the failures of yore, he changed topics. “But I gotta say, it’s not all that impressive compared to other stuff we’ve seen. Can’t say I get what all the fuss is about.”
“True, it might not seem like much compared to what we’re used to, but it’s quite the achievement if viewed through a historical lens." He explained matter-of-factly, but Crow could tell it was a poor attempt at hiding his excitement. “Roubine River is the only point of connection between the sea and Valleria Lake. As such, construction of a regular bridge wasn’t possible without disrupting the flow of cargo coming to and from the capital. Because of that, the townsfolk’s only way of crossing used to be through ferries.”
His expression softened at the happy glint in Rean’s eyes. Wanting Rean to enjoy himself, Crow egged him on by playing dumb. “For real? Man, that sounds like a major pain in the ass. Guess we got orbal tech to thank for that, eh?”
“That’s right. If not for the Orbal Revolution, the bridge could never have been built forty years ago. Oh! As an aside, when lowered, the drawbridge is around 109 arge in length, and its hoisting mechanism uses a special orbal engine manufactured in Zeiss. As expected of Liberl, it is an ingenious display of orbal technology, and one of the very first of its kind—” As Crow’s smirk only widened as the explanation went on, Rean cut himself off. He scratched his cheek, embarrassed. “Sorry. I’m rambling, aren’t I?”
“Hm? Nothin’ wrong with that. Why would I complain about my personal tour guide?” He winked at Rean, arms crossed behind his head. “Teach away, Instructor. Lil’ old me will be here obediently listening to everything you say like a good student.”
Rean’s cheeks slightly reddened. “Why do I have a feeling you already know most of what I’m talking about?” He mumbled, but Crow could see the quiet smile on his face.
Crow whistled a little tune. “No clue what you mean.”
“I swear, what am I gonna do with you?” He reproached, his voice dripping with amusement.
Their next stop was the park constructed to commemorate the end of the Hundred Days War. Guilt clouded over Rean as he studied the stone monument, no doubt aware of the senseless suffering the Empire had wrought upon the people of Liberl. Adept at reading all of his expressions, Crow fired question after question at him with the intent of taking his mind off of things out of his control. His methods seem to have borne fruit as Rean excitedly dived into another explanation of the strategies the Liberlian army had employed during the war to ward off the imperial army’s attacks, wishing he had been able to bring Kurt and the other students here.
That blasted casino was next up on Crow’s itinerary. Baffled as he was by the lack of bunny girls, maybe its family-friendly environment would suit Rean’s tastes best. They faced off in poker and competed over who could earn more chips at the roulette and the slots—betting a meager amount of money, as per Rean’s rules. As if to balance out Crow’s chronic bad luck, Rean was blessed with bountiful fortune by doing nothing at all. He would say the Goddess had a clear favorite if you asked him, but hey, at least he won at poker.
So far, so good. Crow’s plan was working just as intended. That’s right, Crow’s plan—the one he had drafted this morning by making use of all the information he had gathered during his one-week stay in Ruan. Chatting up the locals, scoping out places, the works. Even if he never graduated, he was still a Thors alumnus at heart. The importance of getting a layof the land and mingling with the locals before jumping into action was something carved into his head by now.
Thus, it was time to kick the second step of his plan into action. The second step was one of the pillars on which his entire plan was built upon and the culmination of the pleasant atmosphere Crow had tried so hard to foster throughout their strolls. It was time to turn up the heat and get a little adventurous. And if the time was right, confess.
“Say, Rean, are you hungry?” The die was cast. Crow would always be a gambler to the very end, like his grandfather had taught him. “I know of a great place in Manoria. What do you say we head over there to catch a bite?”
“Of course!” Rean beamed. “I’ve been curious about their boxed lunches ever since I heard about them from Estelle.”
“Cassius Bright’s daughter? Huh, didn’t know you guys were chummy.”
“Haha, we kept in touch after the Retributive Tower incident, so she’s told me a few things about Liberl.” He turned to Crow, like the act itself was enough to make his smile widen. “This trip might not have started out the best way, but it’s been a great experience for me. And it’s all thanks to you, Crow. I really can't thank you enough.”
Crow opened his mouth, then clamped it shut. “Sheesh. I just know some places; that’s all. No need to get all mushy on me, man.” He reached a hand behind his head to rub the back of his neck.
Trekking down Gull Seaside Way, the duo engaged in casual banter as they basked in the seaside breeze. As a service to the locals, they cleared the roads of any monsters in their sights until this selfless community service turned into a full-blown competition over who could beat more monsters. One of which neither wanted to lose. Let’s just say the roads of Ruan had never been so clean.
Sweat dripping down their brows and stomachs gurgling, they strode to Manoria with brisk steps. The village was as beautiful as the last time Crow had visited: magnolias painted the fields a mesmerizing white, and the pleasant gusts of wind kissed their faces and ruffled their hair as the windmills turned on the horizon. Rean appraised even the smallest of things with curious excitement, like the mechanism that made the windmills turn and the wooden houses and the flowers. Crow watched him from the corner of his eye, occasionally answering some of his questions.
With Crow leading the way, they entered White Magnolia Inn and Bar.
“‘Sup.” Crow greeted, waving a hand.
“Excuse me,” Rean added.
The small inn shared the architecture of the rest of the village; it was a tiny little place made out of sturdy wood and didn’t boast the same luxury as the establishments in Ruan. But it didn’t need to. The simplicity of the decorations struck Crow as refreshingly earnest; it was the kind of place that let the aroma of the food and quality of its rooms talk for themselves.
The pair of owners broke into jovial smiles at the sight of them. Owned by a couple, their personality bled its way into the inn’s decor; photos and personal items were strewn about, and the tablecloth and chairs were modest and well loved, giving the inn the distinct warmth of somewhere that had been lived in and cherished. “If it isn’t Crow! Here for some lunch after taking requests around town?” Rex, responsible for the bar, questioned him.
“Nah. I’m taking it easy today.” Crow explained, hands clasped behind his head.
Rean trailed after him, a polite smile ready for each of the owners. Then, he turned to Crow. “You’re really close with the people here, huh?”
“It’s no big deal. I helped them with some errands and monster extermination requests; that’s all.” Crow shrugged.
“Nonsense! The boy’s a lifesaver, I tell you. We are truly grateful to him.” Carla, responsible for the inn, declared, leaving no room for argument. “He’ll have as many free meals as he wants, if it’s up to me!”
Rex nodded resolutely, placing a hand over Crow’s shoulder. “If not for you, boy, we would have lost the place where we built our lives. Free meals could never repay all that you’ve done. Come back whenever you wish.”
“Well, lemme take you up on that offer." Crow scratched the back of his head, unsure of how to handle the sincerity directed at him.
Rean looked over them with a warmth in his gaze that exhausted Crow to no end. “You have my thanks for taking care of Crow." He bowed, tenderness dripping out of his voice in spades.
Wrung out from the unacceptable levels of cheesiness in the air, Crow directed Rean’s attention toward the menu to save himself the embarrassment. “Pick anything you want, it’s on me today.” He puffed out his chest with pride, jabbing at himself with his thumb.
Rean arched an eyebrow. “Somehow, that’s hard to believe.”
“C’mon, man. Just pick.” He begged, desperate.
Rean settled for familiarity, taking the rice balls Rex offered. Wanting to branch out from the usual, Crow chose the seafood paella. Putting on airs, Crow carried both of their orders, throwing him a knowing grin and promising him he knew of a good spot. He led Rean to a bench near a windmill at the observation deck. It boasted a sprawling view of the ocean and was a spot where the wind hit just right. Of course, all of this had already been accounted for in Crow’s plan, who took great pains to try every possible scenic spot around beforehand.
“Ah! The view here is stunning.” Rean remarked, rice balls sitting in the small box atop his lap. “I can feel the tension melting off my shoulders.”
“Damn right, it is. Found it by chance one day. Real lucky, right?” Crow responded, doing his best to radiate an air of casualness, stretching his arms over his head with a yawn just to drive the point home.
Rean laughed jovially, the sea breeze gently sweeping his bangs to the side. “Why do I have a feeling that’s not the whole truth?”
“Because you’re always making things up in your head, Rean. Well, what are you waiting for? Let’s dig in." Crow changed tack, an old trick of his to divert attention from unwanted places. He began shoving the seafood paella inside his mouth at a rapid pace.
Rean was unconvinced but humored him, taking a small bite of the rice balls, chewing slowly to appreciate the taste. “It’s delicious!” His face lit up. “Haha, it really brings me back to the old days of training under Master Ka-fai in Ymir. Elise would always bring us rice balls after we were done. I bet she and Juna would love to know the recipe.”
“Hey, we can always go back and ask for it later,” Crow offered, holding a fork up.
“What about your lunch? You sure seem taken with it."
“Eh, I’m not so sure myself." Crow tapped the fork against his chin, thinking. “Don’t get me wrong, it tastes great. It just lacks the little something the seafood paella at the place near my grandfather’s had.”
“Oh? Back in Jurai?” Rean asked, curious.
“Yep. Aw man, this sure takes me back.” Crow looked warmly at the sea. “Used to take Stark there all the time after Sunday School. The owner was friends with my grandfather, so he always gave me some handy little coupons.”
Gulping down another bite of a rice ball, Rean asked, “Think you can take me there next time?”
“Hah. Sorry to say, but that ain’t happening. Last I heard, the place was taken down after the annexation and all that stuff.” Crow shrugged. “I haven’t really talked to the owner during my last trips. Don’t know the details and didn’t care to ask.”
Rean hunched as if struck, making Crow feel absurdly guilty. “That’s horrible." He snapped his eyes shut, gnawing at his bottom lip. “I don’t even—I'm so sorry.”
“Whoa, whoa, slow down there, man. Why the long face all of a sudden? Look, I’m not torn up over it or anything. Shit happens; things change. Plus, as you know, I’m a master of seafood. I’ll whip up a paella for ya in no time. There’s no need to worry your pretty little head over it, got it?” Crow bragged with a grin, then slapped Rean’s back for good measure. “We could even call Rex and cook together, all three of us. What say you?”
“Haha. That sounds nice,” Rean responded with a weak little chuckle, not quite managing to shake off the sadness. Still, to not sour the mood, he continued along. “You seem pretty familiar with the place and the locals.”
Crow smirked, hands in his pockets, as the boxed lunch containing his half-eaten seafood paella stood at the side. “Guess so. There are lots of nice people around here; I figured it wouldn’t hurt to lend a hand here and there.”
Rean nodded. “It reminds me a bit of the old days at Thors, like how you used to go around helping everyone at the school festival.”
“What’s with the Thors talk? Looking at my handsome face dredging up old memories in that brain of yours?” He wiggled his brows at him.
Rean laughed, though it was strangled and soft. “I don’t know about the ‘handsome’ part.”
“Rude. And after everything I do for you." He faked a sad expression but quickly shifted gears, thinking, "How about this? Since you’re so fond of my Thors days, should I bring back the bandana look for ya?”
“Well, if we’re speaking of your choice of wardrobe during your ‘Thors days,' I would certainly take it over the helmet.”
“Your mean little jab at my super cool helmet aside,” Crow turned to Rean with a shit-eating grin, “that means you do like the bandana.”
“Um…” With the slightest tint of red in his cheeks, Rean stared down at his lap, gingerly picking at the rice ball's wrapping. “I guess so. It looked good on you.”
The cool ocean breeze did little to calm Crow’s leaping heart. His earlier screw-up notwithstanding, that was definitely a good reaction, right? And the mood was perfect. The white magnolias and the windmills really sold the romantic atmosphere, right? After all, this was the spot Crow had chosen. Of course it was perfect.
It was now or never.
Crow swallowed past a lump in his throat. His pulse thrummed vividly in his ears. He edged closer. “Rean,” he began, lowering his voice down a register.
Picking up on the newfound tension in the air, Rean lifted his head. “Yeah?”
“I—”
“Cut the chit-chat, you old fart. I've got some serious business with you.”
The voice of a teen shattered the moment Crow had painstakingly toiled away to craft with one decisive strike. They jolted in surprise, their food falling all the way down to the ground.
I guess that was a never.
“Ah.” Rean lamented, looking quite saddened at the sorry sight of what had become of their delicious lunch. Conscientious as he ever was, he soon began picking up the mess to not cause any trouble for the locals.
“The hell?!” Crow cursed at the intruder as he crouched to aid Rean in disposing of the crime scene.
“Are you Crow Armbrust?” A teen with red hair and a cap turned to Crow. A timid little boy trailed behind him, clinging to the hem of the older teen’s shirt, looking down at the ground. “My name is Clem, a junior bracer, and this is my client." He gestured toward the younger teen near him. Then, all but shoved his emblem on Crow's face, "Three days ago, you beat my client in a Vantage Masters match and swiped all his best cards. I was hired to take revenge! And get his cards back!”
The boy nodded vigorously, clutching Clem's shirt like a lifeline.
Oh. That. Well. That sure was a thing he did, wasn't it? He sort of remembered that.
Crow clasped his arms behind his head as he directed his gaze elsewhere, whistling. “Look, you got the wrong guy here, little buddy and littler buddy. Dunno what you mean.”
Finished with his task, Rean crossed his arms over his chest, regarding Crow with the most piercing glare he could muster. “Oh, I didn't know there were several Crow Armbrusts in this village. Color me impressed.”
Crow started sweating. “Didn'tcha hear? The name's all the rage in Liberl these days. Lil’ Crow babies spawning left and right, y'know.” He winked. “Gotta get on with the trends, my guy.”
“You can't be serious. And right after I praised you, too.” Rean heaved a sigh, covering his face with the palm of his hand. He turned to Clem's client, patting him on the head. “I'm so sorry for the trouble. He'll hand you your cards back in no time, okay?”
The client mumbled something incomprehensible.
“Hey! I won fair and square! Not my fault the kid’s a sore loser!” Crow fired back, defending his honor against a teenager.
“Crow,” Rean smiled icily, "hand over the cards.”
“Geez. On it, Mom." Crow rummaged through his jacket's pockets, grumbling all the while.
“Aren't you too old for this, geezer?” Clem asked dryly.
Rean nodded resolutely. “I agree completely.”
“...n…” Once more, the younger teen mumbled something from behind Clem, seemingly having difficulty putting the words out.
“Huh? Did you say something?” Clem peered down at him.
“Not enough… Not nearly enough! He must pay!” The little boy roared in fury at the top of his lungs. “Crush him, Clem!” He demanded blood. “Make this wretch never hold a Vantage Masters deck again for as long as he lives!!”
Clem blinked.
Crow and Rean exchanged glances.
A beat of silence.
Rean snickered, hiding the smile behind his hand.
Crow threw his hands up in surrender. “Heh. You know what? Kid, I like your grit.” He plopped down on the ground, cross-legged, a deck of cards in hand. “Clem is the name of your little hired help, yeah?” Raising his chin up defiantly, he pointed at himself with his thumb, bragging. “Bring it on; gimme your worst.”
“O-Of course I can take out an old man like you—no problem!” Clem sat across from Crow, pulling out his own deck of cards. The younger boy mirrored the movement, sitting behind Clem. “Like this little game from the Empire is anything to a bracer like me! We protect the weak, always!”
“Aren't you too old for this whole protecting the weak spiel yourself?” Crow deadpanned.
“On the contrary, nobody is ever too old to take up arms in defense of their comrades.” Rean rebutted, looking over Clem's shoulder, hand to his chin in contemplation. “You've got a nice deck there, Clem. Crow's strategy isn't that good, so if you combo this card with that one, you can wipe the floor with him pretty fast.”
“Oh, you're right!” Clem beamed. “Thank you, Mister!”
The younger boy gave Rean a shy smile.
“Don't mention it. Do your best; I know you can do this!” Rean raised his fist up encouragingly.
“Twist the knife further into poor lil’ me's heart, why don'tcha? And here I thought we were partners to the end. You know, soul bonded, sharing mana, king and retainer, witch and familiar like Emma and her talking cat—Hold on, scratch that. Not sure I'm feeling too hot on that last one.” Crow mumbled. “The Great Twilight was a weird time.”
“While that may be true, I am also an instructor. I'll always do anything in my power to help kids stand up against evil.”
Clem groaned. “Ew, gross. Cut it out with the flirting!”
“Huh?!” Rean's brows shot to his hairline in alarm. “We're not—”
“Oh-ho? Jealous, are ya?” Crow smirked, placing down a card. “Sucks to suck, but Rean's all mine.” He threw Rean a wink.
Rean was struck dumb, staring at Crow wordlessly like he had grown a second head.
What, no blushing, no stuttering? Shit. Maybe that hadn't been one of his best moves.
“Who's jealous? If such a nice mister is in a relationship with some dumbass slob like you, it's out of pity or blackmail!” Clem harrumphed, “Eat this!” He destroyed one of Crow's Natials.
“Argh! My Kyrier-bell!” Crow slammed his fist down in anguish.
The younger boy clapped and laughed wildly.
The rest of the match followed the same animated rhythm. After a myriad of twists and turns, Clem emerged victorious. The little boy was elated, tearing his cards away from Crow’s hands in delirious happiness. With one last war cry, he stomped hard on Crow's foot and twisted for good measure and rushed off. This rancorous little shit. Clem thanked Rean and stuck out his tongue at Crow before following the other boy. What the hell's up with these Liberlian brats? The damn curse?
Well, shit, that didn't go according to plan.
But fret not, for Crow had three to five backup plans available for his perusal in case of such a contingency. He had not accomplished shooting his (future) father-in-law through the chest, plunging the country into the flames of war and breaking the hearts of all his loved ones without a fair share of wit. Heh. What can I say? I'm just that kind of guy.
By which he meant he's a fucking idiot.
He'll screw this whole thing up, but Goddess above, he won't go down without trying.
Not for the sake of a former terrorist like Crow, with far too many dark spots in his life to count, but for kind, hardworking Rean, who deserved all the very best the world had to offer yet had decided he wanted Crow over and over again.
It was past the time he properly responded to the feelings Rean had held for him for so long now. But what was he supposed to do to make such an important person smile for him?
Easy. They hopped on a boat.
“Shit.” The dingy little boat he rented at the hotel creaked as he set foot inside it. “You think this thing's gonna capsize or somethin’?”
Yep. Crow's got this dating thing down to an art form.
“Haha, who can say?” Rean was already nice and settled inside the boat, hands folded over his lap. “Even so, I'm sure it will be a worthwhile experience.”
When Crow kicked the orbal outboard motor into motion, it coughed and spit out smoke like it was on its last breath. He had the decency to wonder if renting a better, more modern one wouldn’t have been preferable. But Rean seemed to be having the time of his life as he observed the sights of the waterways of Ruan, so who was he to complain?
It was Rean who struck up conversation first. “Aren’t you going to tell me what you did to piss off that kid so badly?”
Steering the boat from behind, Crow barked out a laugh. “What’s there to say? I gave him an ass kicking and got all his best cards.”
Rean shook his head, drops of water splashing on his cheek. “Crow, I know you. You don’t go around picking on kids for no real reason.”
The motor creaked and coughed once more. “Jig’s up, eh?” He gave the damn thing a couple of hits. It stopped. “I was out on a job for Carla and Rex when I stumbled on some brats playing VM. Thought it was funny the game had spread all the way to Liberl so I went there to watch.” The motor seemingly fixed, he kicked back on his seat, slinging his arms over the boat’s back. “But they were all just makin’ fun of that poor kid. I stepped in and wiped the floor with them in a couple matches to teach them a lesson.”
Not expecting that answer, Rean gave pause. “That’s very sweet of you.”
“Damn straight. I’m as sweet as a peach.” Crow bragged.
“So?” Rean narrowed his eyes. “When did you traumatize him and steal his cards?”
Crow punched the palm of his hand and, confident, he declared, “Right away!”
“There it is,” Rean said dryly, crossing his arms over his chest.
“Look, man, you saw the kid. Little dude’s got no spine; he’d get picked on again in no time. I couldn’t just leave him like that.” He shrugged. “So I thought I’d give him some tough love. Prime him to face this harsh world and all that.”
“That’s your idea of helping?!” Rean sputtered in disbelief.
“Hey. Don’t tell me it didn’t work!” He jabbed an accusing finger at Rean. “You saw the kid. Little guy was cursing me out in full sentences and almost broke my foot with that crazy stomping of his. Gotta give credit where credit’s due.”
Still giving Crow one of those judgemental looks of his, Rean said, “Can’t say I approve of your teaching methods."
Crow smirked like the cat who got the cream. “Well, my methods worked twice already. On the little guy." He nodded, smug. “And on you.”
“Wh—?!” Rean rose to his feet in alarm.
Crow snickered. “C’mon, Rean. Our little buddy is just like you were when we first met!”
Rean flopped back down to his seat. He crossed his legs, pouting. “That’s stupid. I never had any problem talking to people.”
“Maybe not the talkin’ bit, but he’s got the no backbone, awkward, curling into himself kinda thing down pat. Then one day you were just cussing me out like crazy the same way. Man, those were the days.” He said, wheezing out laughter.
“Crow.” Rean’s gaze bore into Crow with a vengeance. “One more word, and I’m flipping this boat over and drowning both of us.”
“Sweet. My arms are hella strong, y’know. I can lug you back to shore.” He declared triumphantly and rolled up his sleeve, making a show of flexing his arm, “I could even do CPR on ya, like I taught you back in Thors. What say you?”
At that, Rean couldn’t keep the serious pretense for much longer and broke into a smile. “You sure have a way of pissing people off.”
“Aw, I try.”
“But you’re also always looking out for everyone.” He smiled, fond. “You lost to Clem on purpose, didn’t you? Just like you used to with the kids back in Trista so you'd have an excuse to give away free candy.”
Crow hummed a merry little tune, drumming his fingers against the upper part of the boat. “Nah, I just suck at card games.”
Rean shook his head, a smile on his face as if saying Sure you are.
The little trip through Ruan’s waterways continued without anything of note. Occasionally, Rean would perk up and point a finger at some important memorial site or historical building, saying Look, Crow! eagerly ever so often before diving into some explanation. Rather than the city, with which Crow had already familiarized himself plenty in the past few days, the sight that stirred his heart was of Rean’s excitement.
Crow swallowed past the lump in his throat. Goddess help him. He was about to do it.
Puffing out his chest in a false display of confidence, he began, “Rean, I—”
The soft sound of a lute echoed.
In perfect synchrony, Crow and Rean craned their necks to look.
The familiar sound of a lute echoed.
The figure of His Royal Highness Prince Olivert Reise Arnor emerged from below Langland Bridge, dressed in his street attire, lute in hand, cutting a figure as enormous and exuberant as everything he stood for.
He strummed his trusty lute. “My, if it isn’t Rean! And Crow, as well.” And swept a hand through his bangs.
This had to be some sort of sick joke.
In antithesis to Crow’s visible bafflement, Rean didn’t even bat an eyelash. “Traveling with Scherazard, Your Highness?” He asked amiably.
“Oh, please, call me Olivier, the traveling musician." His tone sweet as candy, Olivert positively sparkled. “Indeed, we have finally found time in our schedules for a romantic getaway through the beautiful streets of Ruan.”
“But Your Highness,” Ignoring the request completely, Rean’s gaze landed on Olivert, standing on top of a boat, all by his lonesome. “I don’t see her anywhere. Are you sure it’s safe for you to be alone? Shall I escort you back?”
“Dearest Rean, your concern makes my heart soar into the skies high enough to make me want to break into song,” he sobbed, strumming his lute once more. “But fret not, for I have come here in the name of love, for the sake of love."
That’s some nonsense, alright. Oh well. Crow shrugged. It was typical of their prince. At least it wasn’t Rufus again. "You've got some business with us?”
“Indeed.” Olivert whipped a letter from his sleeve with a flourish, giving Crow a knowing wink. “For you, the beau of my dearest Rean. I would like nothing more than to bear witness to your blossoming love.”
Crow had a bad feeling about this.
“Haha, I believe there’s been some sort of misunderstanding here,” Rean amended, scratching his cheek.
“May your love be,” Olivert strummed his lute, “eternal!”
His boat floated away, laughter echoing behind him.
Crow tore the letter open as a chill ran down his spine. He could scarcely find it in himself to be aggrieved at the interruption as his eyes scanned through the contents of the letter:
Dear Crow,
By the time this letter finds you, I would guess you are presently touring the waterways with Rean, correct? I must first apologize for the less than stellar choice of communication employed. It is with a heavy heart I must disclose that my dear brother did not take so kindly to my liberal usage of his ARCUS. As such, I have resorted to ink and paper to see this message delivered to you safely.
You see, following our conversation this morning, Lapis has become quite invested in your love story, wishing to see it realized. However, your plans being as painfully predictable as they are, I fear the wishes of my mistress may never come to fruition if you insist on treading the current path you have chosen. As her humble servant, I have found it within the scope of my duty to warn you about a couple of dangers that are sure to come your way based on my predictions of the situation—
“You’ve gotta be shittin’ me,” Crow cursed, shredding the letter into pieces and throwing it in the water.
He was not reading a word this bastard had to say. No more Rufus. Ever. Crow would make sure to leak that man's location to the CID to get him behind bars.
Rean peered between Crow and the remains scattered in the water, as if torn between chastising him about littering and his own curiosity. “What was that?” he settled on.
“Nah, nothing important.” Crow dismissed the question with a wave of his hand.
Determined to put that entire charade past him, Crow steered the boat to sea, though he had made sure to keep to shallower waters. Rean animatedly talked about the Varenne Lighthouse as it entered their sights, going on about how he would have loved to bring the students here if given the chance.
Their trip was coming to an end as the sky was dyed an orange hue, the sun signaling the beginning of its rightful rest after a long day of work.
As for Crow? Naturally, with the sense of romance only a boat ride framed by the sunset could provide, he’d kick his plan back into motion.
The cool sea breeze and the smell of salt and fish wafted in the air, giving Crow a distinct feeling of nostalgia. Perhaps the comfort it brought had emboldened him, as if Grandfather were giving him one final push.
Well, not too much comfort, since Jurai used to have actual casinos with bunny girls in them. He knew deep in his heart his grandfather would be just as enraged, if not more.
Crow turned to Rean, but before he was able to as much as open his mouth—
“Hey, Armbrust!” A trio of bracers clad in delinquent attire called out his name in unison from the beach, shouting at the top of their lungs. “We got somethin’ to repay ya for your help the other day!”
“Tch,” Crow clicked his tongue.
“You sure are popular,” Rean teased.
Crow scratched his head, debating speeding off on the boat and ignoring the situation unfolding before him entirely. Shit. He couldn’t do that. “And here I was thinkin’ I’d managed to lose those guys. I swear, you go out to drink with ‘em a couple times and they start following you around like you’re the coolest guy to have walked Zemuria.”
“I don’t know. I think it’s cute that they like you.” Rean, ever positive and supportive, smiled.
Deen and Rais seemed to shout at one another as Rocco held something in his hands, covered by a cloth. The mystery object was quite long, almost dwarfing Rocco in height.
“We polished your spare weapon for ya!” Rais shouted, hands cupped over his mouth.
“Make sure ya catch it!” Deen added.
“Spare weapon?” Rean tilted his head to the side.
“Oh shit." Crow vaulted to his feet. Were they idiots to that extent?
Rocco launched the double saber in his direction with a smirk, wholly confident someone as strong as Crow would catch it. They were definitely heckling him on purpose.
Alarmed, Rean and Crow exchanged quick glances.
“What the hell,” Crow said intelligently.
“Well, I believe it’s time to put those ‘hella strong arms’ of yours to good use.” Rean joked, parroting Crow's words from earlier in the day.
They jumped into the water.
The double saber pierced the hull of the boat in a decisive strike. Crow could do nothing but lament as he stared at it sink down to the depths of the ocean. His sunset confession…
The three little shits ran off laughing, surely thinking they were the funniest guys in the universe. By the time Crow and Rean had swum to the shore, they had already sped down the road, disappearing into the distance. Crow would have to file a complaint with the guild later.
Soaked, saltwater dripped down his clothes and sank into the clear sands of the beach. Limbs leaden, Crow collapsed into the sands. Not out of physical exhaustion, but due to the crushing sense of defeat that dogged his every step.
How much more karma will he have to pay off to make up for all his bad decisions?
He groaned loudly, head in his hands. “Shit, Rean, I’m sorry.”
Just as soaked as Crow, Rean did not seem the least bit bothered as he wrung the hem of his coat in a futile attempt to dry it. “Haha, why are you apologizing to me? Shouldn’t you be saying that to whoever you rented the boat from?” The excess of water fell to his feet with every twist.
“Nah, that guy will live. I wanted today to be fun for you." He hoisted his upper body up with his arms planted in the sand, throwing his head back with a sigh. “A guy like me can’t help but want to show off.”
“It was fun for me. I couldn’t have asked for a better day.” His eyes twinkled with undisguised mirth.
“Hah! I must be acting real pathetic for you to be comforting me.” He kicked up sand in frustration. “It’s like everything I do comes back to bite me in the ass later.”
“Isn’t that just how the world is?” Rean nodded in understanding, hand on his chin. “Besides, you’ve been in Ruan for only a week, yet you’ve already formed so many connections with the people here.”
Crow bunched up a fistful of sand. “Eh, comes with the work I do. Gotta get some requests here and there.” Lazily, he launched it toward the sea.
Rean shook his head. “It’s not just that. You’ve left a mark, Crow. You’ve always been like that. You always end up getting involved one way or another. I would know; I’m the same way, after all.”
Crow clicked his tongue. “You’re too soft for your own good.”
“And so are you!” He beamed. “That’s why every second spent with you, learning more about you, is one of my treasures.”
“When you speak like that, it really makes me feel like a loser, y’know.” Crow’s head drooped. “Take a look at you, all earnest confessions from the heart since the day we met, all the while I can’t even answer you right.”
“Huh?” Rean tilted his head in confusion.
“Seriously, how did you keep your feelings for me alive for almost five years? I’d quit at the first backstabbing, dude. And you got through, what, three of those? Not to mention, my multiple deaths and all that.”
“C-Crow, slow down a little,” Rean pleaded, frazzled. “What do you mean by ‘feelings for me’?”
“Huh?” Crow blinked. “Shouldn’t you know? You’ve been upfront about being into me for years; I was just a coward who kept playing dumb this whole time.”
A seagull cried in the distance.
Rean’s face erupted into flames. “I-I wasn’t implying any of that!” He covered his face with his hands. “I really— You weren’t—!”
Crow paled. “Oh …you weren’t doing it on purpose?”
“No.” A muffled voice streamed through the cracks of his fingers.
His brain went blank, and he froze. He mentally slapped himself. Rean’s a blockhead; of course he wasn’t! The hell were you thinking?!
Solemnly, he reached a conclusion: somehow, this was all Rufus’ and Gelica’s fault.
“Well, shit.” Crow rubbed the back of his neck, jumping to his feet with a start. “So. How about we pretend this never happened?” He shot Rean a wink, slowly but surely slinking away from this shitstorm.
Rean yanked him back down by the hand. “W-Wait!”
“Ouch!” Crow fell to the ground, his head hitting the sand.
Rean straddled him, each arm flanking Crow’s head. The contrast of Rean’s bright red face with the strength of his will took his breath away.
“I like you,” Rean whispered shyly, resolutely.
Crow gaped, open-mouthed.
As plentiful wit and a sharp mind were his tools of the trade, Crow was someone for whom words came quick and easy. A joke, a lie, and advice from the heart—they all rolled off the tip of his tongue the same way. Crow was someone who trusted he knew the right things to say.
There had been only one person, and only one, who had aimed high enough to successfully bat his trusted words away.
“I didn’t mean for you or anyone else to find out, but… I like you, Crow. I always have.” Rean squeezed his eyes shut, pained, like each word unraveled something deep inside him. “I’m sorry if I made you feel like you had to answer to these feelings. Maybe I’m still too spoiled.” He smiled quietly in spite of the quiver of his lips. Still, he didn't look away. “The last thing I wanted was to make you uncomfortable. If knowing about my feelings disgusts you, I'll take my leave. I wouldn’t want to impose any more than I already have. Ah, but it was still necessary to tell you this.”
Rean was at his most beautiful when he trudged forward with his head held high, worn and tattered, wearing his heart on his sleeve even as it frayed at the seams.
Crow was overcome with the selfishness of wanting to be the one to mend it.
Hah, the realization came to him like the first few drops of rain: I had already been in love longer than I could've ever imagined.
Rean had been right that day at the Sol Shrine. Crow is the one who's always been spoiled.
He craned his neck upward to meet Rean halfway. Determined to take all he wanted with his own hands, Crow stole a kiss for himself.
Rean gasped, stiffening.
His lips tasted like rice, but the faint taste of saltwater lingered. It morphed into something new that Crow couldn’t quite place. Frantically chasing after that something, desperation and hunger, once locked away, welled deep inside him. Crow deepened the kiss, sliding his tongue inside of Rean's mouth with not a moment's hesitation.
Relaxing into the kiss, Rean bit back a whimper as his arms grew weak and wobbly underneath him. Crow ran a hand through Rean’s hair, making as much of a mess of it as he was able. Crow continued to do as he pleased with little regard to Rean’s lack of experience. The heat between them kept rising as saltwater further blended with the taste of rice balls. Rean earnestly tried to reciprocate but couldn’t hide the clumsiness that clung to his attempts. The wet clothes and grains of sand clinging to his skin were no more of any concern, now overwritten by the intoxicating taste he had never known. A smile tugged at the corners of Crow’s lips, and he brought a hand to Rean’s cheek, rubbing soothing circles in his skin to assure him he was doing a good job.
Before they parted, Crow ran his tongue across Rean’s lips one last time. He cupped his face in his hands and spoke. “Sorry I kept you waiting for so long.”
Before he knew it, Crow had found his way back home.
Thrown off his poise, the wet strands of his hair ruffled and messed up, Rean flushed deeply as he panted, breathless. The corners of his eyes reddened as if they were about to well with tears. Despite the enticing nature of the sight, a pang of guilt hit Crow squarely in the chest. “H-Hey now, don't you go crying on me, alright? My bad if I was too rough with—”
Rean’s arms gave out after having dutifully and obediently endured all the way through, and he collapsed on top of Crow's chest, hiding his face in the junction between his neck and shoulder, clenching the wet fabric of Crow's clothes. “I’m not crying,” he said, voice muffled by the furs of the jacket's collar. “I’m just happy. So happy that I don’t know what to do, like I’m going against the rules and doing something I’m not allowed to.”
Crow held him closer. “Rean—”
“Haha, it’s fine; I know!” Rean reciprocated the embrace, holding him tight enough to never let go. “I am allowed to. Don’t worry, I’m doing good on my promise and trying to live happily to the best of my ability for the sake of everyone who wishes for my happiness.” He sighed, content. “And I’m happiest when I am with you. I want you to be happy, too.”
“Then, I’ll be with you to the very last second. Until I—” He shook his head. “Until we draw our last breath.” Crow nuzzled his chin against Rean’s head, reveling at how pleasant the weight against his chest felt. “The other me might not have made true to his promise to the other you, but I'm still a man of my word. You better believe I'll keep it.”
Rean snorted. His breath tickled Crow’s skin. “You sure like putting on airs.”
“What can I say? Lack of shame is a handy little trait to have.” He paused, then grinned, an idea coming to him. “Hey, Rean.”
“Hm?”
“The casino here doesn’t have any bunny girls. It’s such a damn shame, don’tcha think?”
Rean narrowed his eyes in suspicion. “I guess so.”
“So,” Crow drawled, immensely pleased with himself, "why don’t you put on a bunny girl outfit for me?”
“Really, Crow?” Rean jerked his head to give him a withering look. “Are you serious?”
Crow’s face was solemn. “I’ve never been this serious about anything in my two lives.”
Defeated, Rean hid his face on Crow’s shoulder one more time. “If it’s just for you, I’ll think about it.”
He cheered in victory, pressing a kiss on Rean’s cheek to seal the deal.
Hell yeah. Just give him a few days and he’ll have this whole thing figured out.
Crow’s onto this banging dudes business.