Chapter Text
he two Pomefiore students entered their leader's elegant and tidy room with many questions in their heads, but they didn't ask them until they were seated in front of him, Epel sat in the chair that Vil had at his desk and Rook, on the other hand, remained standing.
-I'm sorry for bringing both this way, I called you here because I want to consult you about something.
Rook and Epel looked at each other for a few seconds in confusion and then turned to look at Vil.
-Is something wrong, Vil-senpai?
-Yes, it may sound a little strange but, I'd like to not hide much about how I feel, I'm confused lately and I think it's worth asking for your opinions. -He had learned not to carry everything by himself, besides he already trusted them both enough to tell them something so intimate.
Rook was suspicious about how it was going and could see how Vil was nervous.
-Is it about Roi du neige?
The first seed Rook had helped plant to help solve the mystery, as with that he thought for a few seconds about Neige and at the same time about the lilies, was so quick and so meaningless that he didn't stop to think about it.
-No, it's not like that. We already talked about it, about that matter....
Epel interrupted him somewhat quizzically, as if thinking that it was obvious something, which had been made clear that it wasn't.
-But Vil-senpai, everyone is talking about Neige leaving here crying, doesn't that have anything to do with it...?
-Ah, they already know... I didn't want to talk about it, it's a bit difficult for me, he didn't react very well.
-M-mph... Yes... I'm sorry.
-Is there something you want to tell us? -Rook wanted very much to know how Vil had apologized to Neige and what precisely they had talked about, he was excited.
-I won't give details of what I talked about with Neige, it seems to me something very intimate to begin with, however... -He averted his gaze.-I was totally sincere with him, I didn't spare any detail or feeling, everything that came out of me, was the truth.
Rook smiled slightly as he raised his eyebrows and closed his eyes slightly.
-That was what he wanted to hear.
-Vil-senpai, I admire your form of responsibility so much! I never thought you would be so humble with Neige, if I'm honest, but I should have figured it out after you apologized to us! -Epel looked at him in a slightly distressed way but then smiled calmly, it was as if he was proud of him and he was.
-I didn't think this would happen either, that any of this would happen... -He shook his head in denial and looked at them again, he composed himself with a stern expression. -Anyway, this wasn't the issue I called you here for.
-What is it about? -Rook looked at him intently.
-Do either of you... know the meaning of lilies?
They both looked at him with surprise.
-Lilies? -They sounded in unison.
-Yes, I've been looking for information on the internet and in some books, but I want to get second and third opinions.
-Oh, the beautiful lilies! A flower as beautiful as its meaning is! Their white color in their petals symbolizes purity, and their bright and heavenly golden anthers represent the splendor of the soul! I don't see many lilies around here, but if I had them I would enjoy giving them to a certain person, because they remind me of him.
Another seed, Vil was more and more confused, why in his heart would he have flowers so different from his essence? he was really surprised, but his expression didn't give it away, he was trying inside to find a coherent sense to it. So vil is still confused, his thoughts deviate from the true objective, he seems to be in a labyrinth with no way out, his poor little soul moves restlessly without consolation, but he did not despair, he was just starting the conversation.
-You mean Neige?
-Oui oiu! If flowers could match his beauty, and if I had the wonderful joy of giving them to him, I wouldn't hesitate for a second! I would be content to give those poor things as a gift.
-Rook! -Epel tried to whisper trying to silence his mouth, he thought it was not wise to flatter Neige like that just to Vil, even knowing that Vil was taking it all in a good way.
-Mm, Epel, it doesn't upset me, and it's been that way for a long time. You shouldn't trouble yourself with that, I recognize Neige's beauty as much as Rook does, but I never said it out loud because I thought it doesn't look good on me.
Rook laughed lightly and looked at him graciously.
-Even if I recognize Neige's humble and simple beauty as a flower in a field full of others that can't beat it, I will never forget yours, I still love it from day one, you both have different beauties but my heart can love them both.
Vil smiled slightly and sighed.
-I expected nothing less from you, Rook.
-So now you think Neige is just as beautiful as you? -Asked the youngest with real doubt.
Vil hesitated to answer that question, because it was still delicate to touch that subject, in some part of his being... It was hard for him to answer it.
-Neige's beauty and mine... As Rook rightly says, they are very different and they go greatly together in a way that seems not to be able to come together very well. In spite of that, I think I've had to learn the hard way that it shouldn't be this way, beauty is beauty and we were both blessed with what we got, Neige's beauty... It can be just as valuable as mine and it can be just as admired as the one I have. -He said firmly, boldly, without fear of being misjudged.
-Vil-senpai....
-C'est magnifique! Imagining the two of them as friends is without a doubt the best thing I could ever imagine, maybe even as something more!
Vil raised an eyebrow and folded his arms, looking at him with questioning intent.
-Something more? What's that supposed to mean?
Rook laughed again merrily.
-It's nothing important, just my ideas, Roi du poison.
The major simply made a gesture of surrender and looked at Rook sternly.
-I won't delve into your words as much as they intrigue me, anyway, back to before, why would a flower be born in a place where there is no room for it?
-What do you mean by that, have you seen one recently?
-No, I'm just curious to know, I'm interested in flowers at the moment.
Technically it wasn't a lie, he hadn't really seen one, but he felt a little bad for not telling them at all, then, he rectified being well his action by noticing that these complex feelings were not to be quickly aired, they were so intimate and new that it was impossible for him.
-If so, I seem to remember that my family grows lily seeds at certain times of the year, but I have never known of their significance as such, only that they are very beautiful. Still, I think it is often a miraculous flower, it grows in places that would not be good for them, by sheer miracle.- Epel said as he recalled each lily flower from his childhood years.
-Beautiful and miraculous...? -Vil remembered the times he visited his garden and oh, they were radiant, his eyes enjoyed their stay there and whether he accepted it or not, it was also no doubt something miraculous in a way, he wanted them to stay there because they were beautiful, but if he found out they were harmful, he would not hesitate to pluck them.-Yes, they are very beautiful, I was amazed by them when I first saw them.
He also thought that what he had been was the correct explanation, but it wasn't, while they could grow in places with little convenience, that wasn't why lilies were in Vil's soul.
-Why are you interested in them at the moment? Do you want to do some makeup based on them or something?
-No, I want to know about the lilies in particular, because I feel that it will influence my life in one way or another... It's difficult to explain, I'm not very clear about it myself.
-Don't you think we should talk about it, Vil-senpai?
-For now I don't see it necessary, I could always tell you if I see it convenient.
-Are you sure? -Epel looked more concerned and got up from his seat.
-Yes, you can rest assured, but I would like if you find any useful information about what I asked you to notify me, I appreciate you taking the time to come all this way and all your support since I entered Overblot.
-Yes! Vil-senpai, We will be with you forever! -Epel smiled sweetly and nodded slightly.
-That's for sure, Roi du poison! I would never agree more, you know you have us no matter what.
Vil felt warmth in his chest, their friendship comforted him above all and he felt he was going to cry again, but he restrained himself, he had already cried a lot and what was left.
-I know. Now, since we're done, you can go back to your own business, I'm sure you have things to do after you leave here, and I don't want to delay you.
Epel smiled slightly.
-Yes! Rook, are you coming with me?
-No, I'll stay with Vil for a moment. -Rook said as he smiled at his youngest.
-Oh, I'm going then. -Elel said goodbye politely and headed towards the door so he could leave.
Vil looked at Rook in confusion as Epel left the place.
-What's up, Rook? I thought you'd be busy.
-This is more important. I knew you wouldn't be mad if I flattered Neige in front of you.
-Ah, is that right? You look very confident. -He laughed a little wryly.
-I had faith in you, Vil. And I knew deep in my heart that one day Neige's beauty would conquer all your darkness.
Vil didn't know how to feel about Neige, so he just thought about it, it was true anyway and Vil hadn't realized it. Despite the fact that he had said earlier that he didn't want to talk about it, he involuntarily gave in to tell a little, not very deeply.
-I guess you're right. -Vil felt a pain inside, but at the same time he felt happy, it seemed to him that something inside him was born, and, Rook had finished sowing the last seed, it would be enough some time to see those longed fruits that life would benevolently give to Vil.
-Of course I have it. But Vil... Neige reacted so horribly. How do you feel about it?
-Yes... -Vil looked down, ashamed and remembering all the bad things he had done regarding him and especially regarding the VDC.- I expected nothing less. That day when I heard him crying, I stayed in my room and when I had to go out, I made up the blow he deservedly gave me and kept a decent distance from those I was in contact with, so they wouldn't notice.
-Neige punched you?! -Rook exclaimed dumbfounded, the truth is he couldn't imagine Neige that way, but he had to admit he found him adorable just the same, not to mention logical as much as it surprised him.
-Yes, he slapped me, though I thought you noticed, you're usually very observant.
-Yes, I am, but that day I couldn't be very close to you, and you seemed to precisely avoid much close contact with everyone, even being close to you I didn't notice it, your makeup skills are extremely perfect that even I, couldn't notice it! -Rook smiled greatly.
-I hope no one else noticed. -He sighed and returned to his previous state.- Now, even though Neige was upset with me and marked his hand on my cheek, I feel he was very merciful. His gaze was on me and even though I was angry, he could feel nothing but deep sadness and his words were like a hard to digest but good medicine, he even asked me if he had hurt me during the Overblot. -Vil knew, he knew how Neige felt, just sadness and pain when he found out what he had tried to do, but he also knew he was sweet and was trying hard to understand him, wanting him to improve as a person, to improve his self-perception and be more open with his feelings, because he loved him dearly and really wanted his well being, his desires to befriend him were crumbling, but Vil's were just growing.
Those sweet and bitter memories melted together and made Vil's heart burn with pain and love.
Love... That was barely gushing.
-Ah, Roi du poison, I could not have expected less from him, his beauty both outward and inward surpasses all our expectations, he is like a lily, he is full of gorgeous innocence while the gilding makes his soul bright and splendid. That's why lilies are surely on your mind, you keep thinking about how good he was to you.
Rook had a point, but it wasn't entirely true, at least from the perspective of Vil, who still didn't know where the lilies were coming from.
-I... -Vil couldn't finish, he wouldn't let himself.
-Be glad you were able to tell him the truth, and that he forgave you. You can always start again.
Vil remembered something important, the black-haired man had spoken true sweet nothings about him when they had the joy of talking, showing how fond he was of him, but he never said he had forgiven him. This thought filled Vil with anguish, Rook noticed it on the spot.
-Oh, he didn't forgive you?
-I don't know... Possibly he did it, but... I can't say for sure. -Vil didn't say details of the conversation, so he hid the love that Neige let out in his words last time, because even if they were said in anger, the intentions behind it were purely with affection. It would have been a great joy for the vice leader to hear the comments Neige said to him, but Vil denied him that pleasure. He was down about it.
-I'm sure Neige did, even if she didn't tell you, isn't there something to indicate that this is so...?
-... Yes, yes there is, but I'm not quite sure, I hope Neige will forgive me, but...I want him to tell me.
Rook looked at him slightly sad and moved closer to him.
-Don't you think this is enough? You know Neige, do you think...?
-No, I don't think so.
-Vil, don't you think you're being too suspicious?
-This is not about mistrust, just because Neige has been good and understanding with me, doesn't mean he has forgiven me, I don't want to get my hopes up, I don't want to live a lie again. -Vil was sobbing, filled with so much pain, I will do my best to get his forgiveness from his own mouth, even if... -Vil silenced his speech, he could not tell Rook that Neige was avoiding him.- Even if he sees me in the same way again.
Vil received a consoling smile as a gift.
-Roi du neige will surely be good to you if you let time flow, he deserves to feel that way and deserves some space for reflection, but I don't think his heart will reject you. Don't be afraid of him, it's natural for him to be disappointed, when the time is right, he will open up to you again and you can do the same.
The leader could not confess to him all the pain he was experiencing, Neige was avoiding him so things were not as easy as he thought, he felt that his desires were losing strength when all his life had been different, and he could not find the reason for those mysterious lilies. It was a pain he felt he had to bear alone, this one in particular, he could not show his wounded soul even in front of his best friend, not for now.
Vil only showed him a pain-filled expression, but one that Rook took for good, he was fine with his best friend feeling this way, he couldn't force him to smile, but if he had to go through these sufferings of venting to get to a sincere smile, he would allow it.
Ah... The development of feeling is greatly a mystery, it seems like a little bird that needs to form a nest and does not find a nest with what, it searches, searches and searches until it finds something, does not do it, cries without consolation, gives up and tries again because it is necessary for it. It was necessary for Vil to clarify his soul and his mind, but what would be of consolation for poor Vil? He begins another stage of bitterness, it was logical, after ruining all his efforts by presenting himself as a murderer without mercy, what remains would fill his soul?
Life leads us to many things, of which many times we cannot be sure why they happen, life could pay him what he deserved, a life of pain without being forgiven until sinking into the deepest abysses of devastation, apply a punishment for his actions, make no one else speak to him because of the degree of his wickedness, ruin more of his own efforts, but life would not treat him like that, neither would Neige.
He came to visit again, his garden, it was starting to become a habit, he also had a very special interest in the lilies and their state, that after going into it, he immediately thought of seeing them, however... He had to do one thing first.
Vil approached a faucet that was attached to a fresh water fountain, far from the small garden where the flowers of his friends lay.
To one side, there was a watering can, he bent down and put his knees on the floor, he took it by the ear and placed it under the faucet, with his gloved hand he helped himself to turn the faucet and let all that crystal clear water, flood and fill the inside, his eyes watched fondly how it filled up to the point he considered convenient and then he reversed the faucet to make the water stop flowing.
He took it by the ear simultaneously he stood up and walked to that small place, he bent his hand and watered Rook and Epel's plants, they looked happy to be watered and felt how they were filled with more life than before their green stems were shiny and their leaves soft, they felt more affection towards Vil than they had before and thanked them for watering them.
Vil smiled greatly at them, both Rook and Epel, they had made his heart ease a little, he had not felt the bliss of their friendship as strong as that day, he knew he would never be alone again. He stopped the water, composed his hand and went back to leave the watering can where it had been. Once he left it, he left with his mysterious flowers, another lily, there were three already, Vil refused to think this was happening, but there it was in front of his eyes.
-At what point do they grow?, do they grow so fast...? No flower could grow as fast as you. -Vil's visits to his soul once the first lily grew were not regular, the first lily grew and it was weeks before he visited again and there was another one, so he understood that its growth was not regular either.
-Maybe I do something to make them grow? -Vil thought.- But what is that something? -He also realized that whatever the time of the visit, if they wanted to multiply, they were going to do it and they were going to do it until their sweet end, until now he had not seen a lily different from the others, when he entered again to the garden of his soul they were all the same size and they were perfectly germinated.
-I will get to the heart of it all, you'll see. For now, I will work on getting the forgiveness I want so much, if I don't already have it.....
There, Vil remembered the cry on Neige's face and left the garden, sad and dejected, his face upset and his mood confused.
He should have prepared himself for the gentleness he would receive some time later.