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Happiness
Celica Arfonia has forgotten a lot of things in her lifetime. In fact, even the things she remembers she worries are just the result of powerful suggestion by others. She often worries about what others think, worries about how they view her…
Of course, you’d never be able to tell. Celica Arfonia has spent centuries perfecting the art of confidence – fake or real – or at least she thinks she has, if she could only remember.
She turns to face the mirror, tying back her long blonde hair. She blinks a few times to push away her thoughts before turning away from her vanity. She glides gracefully to her full length mirror to check her appearance one more time before exiting her room.
She’s got one mission today.
And that’s to check on Glenn.
Her boots echo down the empty hall as she makes her way through the school in the early morning air. She closes her eyes and tries to pinpoint Glenn’s location. She worries relentlessly about the man. If you pick apart their relationship, it’s definitely odd. She took him in at a young age, taught him everything she knew – for so long it was… maternal in nature.
She remembers when he was a child, reading his favorite storybook about heroic knights and fulfilling destinies. Remembers when he was a teenager, guiding him through magical high school. She remembers the strings she pulled to ensure his enrollment into the Imperial Knights.
She’s watched him grow from a daydreaming child to a timid preteen. Endured his cocky teenage years and watched him push through the knight’s academy with a thirst to prove himself on the field.
She was there to the best of her abilities to pull him through the darkness when Glenn fell apart. And when he disappeared for awhile she searched frantically for him, alongside Albert and Re=L and when she finally found him and he begged her not to tell them where he was – she complied.
She’s watched him become a man – still doting on him and worrying about him – doing her best to support him. But she can’t help but acknowledge that Glenn is no longer a child, but a man. A man that she admits she’s incredibly attracted to.
And sure, it’s probably weird – there’s a tiny part of her that knows it’s probably odd. She’s much much older than him.
But living centuries old, to Celica – age is but a number.
And before she knew it, she had fallen deeply in love with her apprentice, whom she worried only saw her as nothing more than a teacher.
She stops as she nears a window to the courtyard, watching the first rays of sunshine peak over the horizon.
She wonders if Glenn could ever love her back.
Her eyes fall to the grass below, widening slightly when she catches sight of the teacher. His hair is tied back messily, sweat causing his shirt to cling to his chest. She frowns when she notices that little white cat girl beside him. What was her name again…?
Sistine.
That’s right!
Glenn claps a hand on Sistine’s shoulder causing Celica to frown. Of course, he’d be interested in someone much, much younger. Fresh. New.
And after everything they went through last year, she couldn’t blame them for getting close.
Sistine blushes at something Glenn says and looks away. Glenn says something else causing her to look up at him with large wide hopeful eyes. Sistine seems to hesitate before blurting something out and turning her back to Glenn. His eyes widen in surprise and he blanches. He seems at a loss for words. He forces Sistine to look at him and Celica turns away before she can watch anymore.
She doesn’t need to see him fall in love with someone else.
-[]-
It’s a couple months later as she sits in the cafeteria that Albert appears before her. She looks up, blinking flirtatiously. “Well, hello there.” She smiles. “To what do I owe the pleasure?” She rests her chin in her hand. “Are you looking for Re=L?”
He shakes his head. “I’m actually looking for Glenn. I’d uh-” He seems to hesitate, something she immediately recognizes as out of character. “I’d like to speak with him.”
Before she can answer, the object of their conversation appears, sliding beside Albert. Glenn grips Albert’s elbow tightly as he laughs. “Whoa, hey! What are you doing here, buddy?” He rubs the back of his neck with his free hand and laughs and Celica notices his discomfort. “Stop bothering the nice lady.” He mutters into the soldier’s ear. “We’ll be going now. Celica, pleasure as always.”
And before she can even open her mouth, he’s led Albert out of the cafeteria.
Suspicious…
But she figures she’ll let it slide.
-[]-
At least until it happens again.
They’re nearing midterms now, and she’s busy assisting in tests and exams that she forgets about the weird lunch incident. She’s observing someone in her class take the practical exam, when she catches them again out of the corner of her eye. They’re sitting on a low wall, shoulders brushing against each other as they talk animatedly. Albert is as impassive as ever, but Glenn seems to be discussing something passionately beside him.
She turns her attention completely away from the students in front of her when she watches Albert gesture to the kids across from them. Celica follows his gaze and realizes that they’re discussing his students. She watches Re=L look curiously back at Sistine while, the cat girl braids her hair.
She turns back to the students in front of her.
Of course, Albert would come to the school to check on Re=L. She forgets that at one point Re=L herself was an imperial knight. The three of them have always been close.
Her curiosity abated, she chastises a student for missing his mark and returns to their testing.
-[]-
After a two week break between terms, in which most students and faculty left for vacation – herself included, taking Rumia to a visit with the queen – Celica walks briskly through the hall, eager to get a few things put up in her classroom when she catches voices coming from Glenn’s classroom.
He’d disappeared over the break, and she’s eager to interrogate him. She places her hand on the knob and freezes when she hears hushed voices inside.
“Of course, I’ve considered your offer.” It’s Glenn talking and she can hear the distress in his voice. She hesitates over the knob.
“And?” That blank voice can only be Albert.
“And, I’m just not sure. If I accept your offer, what does that mean for me here?”
Her heart is thrumming in her chest. Is Glenn considering going back to the army?
There’s a long pause of silence before Albert speaks quietly again. “Glenn. Do what makes you happy.” Glenn starts to speak, but Albert cuts him off. “I’ll come back on the first long weekend.”
There’s a brief pause, some rustling and then she hears Albert heading her way. She’s too close to pretend she isn’t there, so she retraces her steps and walks by the door as Albert opens it. “Celica.” He seems to hesitate before adding, “It’s good to see you.”
She gives him a cheeky smile. “Albert, it’s always a pleasure to see you.”
He hums and brushes past her, his imperial army uniform pristine as always. Glenn follows behind him and stops in the doorway. “Albert!” He shouts awkwardly before clearing his throat, casting a quick glance at Celica. “I’ll uh – I’ll talk to you soon?”
A rare smile or rather a quirk of the lips graces the soldier’s face. “Of course.” He turns and walks away, and Celica turns her gaze to the man of her dreams in front of her. He’s got an odd absent smile on his face before he shakes his head. “Celica,” He gestures for her to come into his classroom. “Haven’t seen you all break. What did you get up to?”
She pushes the thought of Glenn leaving aside and focuses on their conversation because even if the man will never love her the way she loves him, she will always value the relationship they have.
-[]-
Two weeks later, they’re sitting in the cafeteria. Glenn’s been fighting a nasty cold for the better part of two days, and although Celica has offered to teach his classes for him, he’s declined – determined to do them himself. She smiles because it’s been so long since he’s been passionate about anything and seeing him dive head first into teaching, makes her realize that her years of training paid out in the end.
He’s slumped pathetically over his lunch tray, a fat juicy burger and fries sit in front of him despite that both Celica and Halley (the big softie) have insisted he eat something healthy. She shakes her head and goes to dive into her own lunch when Glenn’s tray flies off the table, food into the trash and tray neatly above it, and a new tray donned with a healthy chicken vegetable soup plops down in front of him. His puffy dark gray eyes blink a few times before looking beside him.
Albert is standing over him, arms crossed and a scowl on his face. “Glenn. I hardly think that’s an appropriate lunch for someone as ill as you. If you continue to eat this garbage then you’ll never get better.” He sets down a glass of orange juice as well.
Glenn blinks a few times. “Y-you’re here.” He goes to stand but Albert’s hand drops to his shoulder and he pushes him back down.
“Stay here and eat your soup while I prepare a concoction for your cold in the kitchen.” He disappears and Glenn watches his retreating form before he huffs, pouting.
“Thinks he can just disappear and come back…bossing me around…” He mumbles under his breath before grabbing a spoonful of soup. He opens his mouth and Albert calls from the kitchen stops him.
“Blow on it first, Radars!”
Glenn scoffs but complies and Celica smiles. It’s good that he’s got Albert again.
-[]-
The first long weekend comes and she’s surprised when Glenn’s packed a bag and disappeared Friday afternoon.
When he comes back Tuesday morning, he seems lighter than usual. He’s smiling freely and laughing louder, and he seems more invested in his classroom than he ever has before. She smiles as a few of the boys in Glenn’s class seem to grasp the spell he’s teaching them in the yard and they light up excitedly. The rest of the class is sitting on the low wall, waiting their turn when it happens. He removes his gloves to wipe his hands on his slacks when Rumia squeals. “Prof-Professor Radars?” All eyes are on her. “Is-is that a – are you wearing a – is that a wedding ring?”
The rest of the class is completely awestruck. Glenn blinks a few moments before turning scarlet.
Celica’s heart drops. No, it couldn’t be.
Glenn pulls his hand away from their view and covers his ring with his other one. “I – It’s -,”
Re=L surges forward and rips his hands apart. “There’s a spell on your ring.” She gives him an accusatory look. “Whoever you married is a powerful witch. This is a life spell.”
Sistine jumps off the wall. “A life spell?” Glenn seems surprised by her reaction, and Celica realizes that the girls haven’t been spending a lot of time with Glenn the last couple months. In fact, she thinks that Sistine has even stopped her early morning lessons.
Re=L nods. “It means whenever she touches her ring and focuses her magic power, she can feel his heartbeat. And he can do the same.”
There’s a collective “aww” from his class and Celica can’t help but slightly melt because of course, Glenn is secretly a sweetheart. Glenn is blushing scarlet and he’s shifting uncomfortably under everyone’s gaze. He clears his throat. “Okay, okay. Stop, stop. Let’s get back to work.”
But of course, to his dismay it doesn’t stop. “Hold on a sec, teach.” A boy tosses his hair back. “We wanna see this babe!”
Sistine puts her hands on her hips and smiles mischievously. “I would like to know what bimbo says yes to a guy like you!”
Glenn seems happy by her reaction, smiling back at her. Celica wonders briefly if they are married to each other, but Sistine’s left hand is bare. “Oh come on now, ladies.” Glenn gives the class a cocky smirk. “Don’t be jealous that I’m off the market.”
Celica gives him a sad smile before gliding away. At least he’s happy.
-[]-
It’s been two weeks since the school found out about Glenn’s secret wife, and the campus is buzzing. There are theories about him being married to someone famous, theories about a wild proposal that involves Glenn blowing up an entire mountain, and Glenn for his part is taking it in strides.
But then she catches him in his office – he needs to sign off on his hours at work – and he’s mulling over a few essays…
Or at least he should be.
But the essays sit in front of him untouched.
“Glenn?” He tears his empty gaze away from the windows. His eyes are glossy and unfocused, she can sense his thoughts are elsewhere. He’s twisting his ring around his finger and the faint iridescent glow indicates he’s searching for a heartbeat. “Glenn, are you alright?”
He clears his throat, and a little light comes back to his eyes. “Yeah, I’m fine.”
She knows he’s lying and she frowns. “Come on, Glenny. It’s just me and you.”
He seems to hesitate, contemplating his options before biting his lower lip. “My spouse and I are trying to figure out where to live.” He admits.
She finds it weird he refers to his wife as a spouse instead of a wife, but she remembers that Glenn has always said he’s never wanted to get married, so maybe it’s a little easier to swallow that way. And then she realizes, oh yeah. He’s married, but still living on campus like the rest of them… and yet…
“Well,” She smiles sweetly and ignores the dull sting in her chest. “Where is she now?”
He fiddles with his ring again. “Traveling for work. That happens a lot.” He huffs indignantly and crosses his arm. “Which is why it makes the most sense to live here. I mean I work here. It’s easily accessible and whenever I’m alone I won’t actually be alone.” He scoffs and runs his hand through his hair. “Which means I won’t worry so much. We can have it as a home base, you know? For both of us to come back to.”
Celica snorts playfully. “Why the hell won’t she live here then? Too good to live on a school campus?”
Glenn shakes his head. “It’s not that.” He runs a frustrated hand through his hair and pauses. “It’s me. I-I’m just not sure it’d be a good idea.”
Celica watches him frown at the essays in front of him, like they’ve personally created this problem for him and well – he’s totally pouting at them. And she’s suddenly transported back to Glenn’s adolescence – his frustration when he was learning or spell or when he started caring about the way his hair looked. And then suddenly, that little piece of her cracks and she realizes that she loves her relationship with Glenn. It was never meant to be anything more. And that’s okay.
She places a hand on his shoulder and offers him a reassuring maternal smile. “Listen Glenn. I’ve known you for a long time. I know it’s never been easy for you to open your heart to anyone, to be raw, and honest, and vulnerable – but whatever reservations you have about her living on campus-” She snorts. “Quit being an asshole. If she loves you and you love her – then she’ll do just fine here. I’ll get to tell her all kinds of embarrassing stories about you – and she can tell me about all the weird sex stuff you’re into.”
Glenn blanches and tosses his pen at her. “Oh my – come on Celica!” He flushes scarlet and she laughs.
-[]-
It’s another two weeks, and she’s not sure how it gets out, but rumor is that Glenn’s wife has a dangerous job. He’s seemed a little more introverted, despondent as he walks the halls, and she’s tried to ask him about it, but he plasters on his famous carefree Glenn Radars smile and tells her not to worry because everything will workout in the end.
They’re three months into their third quarter of school and they’re at their quarterly assembly. The headmaster is up front of their concert hall, the faculty in the front and the students seated by classroom behind them. He’s going through his list of student awards, and Celica is proud that Glenn’s students have managed to earn most of the awards, much to Halley’s dismay. She beams at Glenn beside her, but it turns into a frown when she realizes that he’s still fiddling with his ring. It’s glowing faintly iridescent and she’s reassured that his wife has a pulse.
“And finally, Glenn Radars.” His head snaps up. “You win this Quarter’s teacher award. Your class has improved tremendously this quarter, and your grades are the highest of any class.”
The room breaks out into applause and Glenn plasters on a smile, heading towards stage. He gives a cocky grin when he reaches the podium and takes the small plaque gracefully. “Well, naturally I’d get this award. I mean, when you’re the best teacher in the whole school – lookin’ at you Halley -,” He winks. “It’s only natural that-,”
The concert hall doors are thrown open, and the room gasps. Everyone’s head turns and Albert comes striding in the room. They follow his movement towards the stage, and Celica puts her hand over her mouth because Albert’s a little worse for wear.
“A-Albert,” Glenn breathes into the mic. It’s clear that whatever battle Albert’s been in, he’s come directly from it. He staggers onto stage, stopping in front of Glenn. Glenn reaches a hand out and touches Albert’s bruised cheek. “Albert what-,”
Albert grabs Glenn by his loose tie and pulls him in close, locking their lips together. The students and staff are in an uproar the moment they lock lips, but Glenn seems to lose himself. His arms slide beneath Albert’s torn imperial coat and he pulls him closer. The soldier fits his hands in Glenn’s hair and kisses him deeper. They pull apart panting heavily and drop their foreheads together. “God, I hate your fucking job.” Glenn chuckles breathlessly.
“I know.” Albert murmurs before brushing his bangs from his forehead and planting a kiss. “But as long as I have you to come home to. I’ll always come home.”
The hall is cheering and Glenn seems to snap back to reality and he’s blushing furiously as he drop his head to Albert’s chest. “Oh shit.”
The headmaster declares the assembly over, foregoing the rest of the award announcements, and the nursing staff is on the scene to address Albert’s wounds immediately. For awhile, students are flooding towards Glenn, firing questions while Albert gets treated and finally Celica shoo’s them away to let the couple get home and catch up.
-[]-
Albert has the next couple months off and Celica can’t help but smile when she sees them together or hears about their interactions, because if anyone can handle Glenn better than her, it’s Albert. He’s patient. Forgiving. Understanding. Loyal. And he’s got an incredible head on his shoulders which she hopes will continue to rub off on Glenn.
But god they’re going to give her cavities.
Whenever Albert is home, Glenn is almost always late to class, and by their 10am morning break, Albert slides into the classroom to bring him his coffee, and a quick kiss.
She insists that while Albert is around, he offers after school military combat and magic workshops, which fill up instantly. She smiles as she watches Glenn sit on a low wall, grading papers and writing lessons while Albert teaches hand to hand combat. And it brings her even more joy to watch him participate as well.
She visits the two of them one weekend and is surprised to find Re=L there for dinner as well. They’re eating amazing Ramen, courtesy of Albert because of course Glenn Radars can’t cook shit. Glenn and Albert have disappeared into the kitchen to wash dishes when Celica leans over the table and weeks at Re=L. “So, what’s it like having both of them at school?”
She fixes her with a blank annoyed stare. “It’s like having two dads at school with you every day.”
And Celica almost hates how much that melts her heart. “Oh, come on now.” Glenn slides back to the table with a pie in his hands and places it in the center. “Let’s not forget that your auntie Celica also works at the school.”
She almost hates how that melts it even more.
But her favorite times are the ones where she catches intimate glances between the two of them. Or catches them sitting on a low wall in the courtyard in the twilight hours. Glenn’s head resting on Albert’s shoulder and Albert’s fingers carding through his hair.
All she’s ever wanted was for Glenn Radars to be happy.
And Celica has live a life time enough to know happiness when she sees it.
She smiles.