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"So," Laplace leaned forward on the couch, motioning for Wendy to come closer. They leaned in as well, curious. "When are ya gonna admit yer feelings to Clayman?"
"HUH?!" Wendy flushed immediately. "A-admit- I- I don't know what you're talking about!" They waved their hands frantically, as if to distance themself from the idea.
Laplace wasn't satisfied with that, grinning behind his mask.
"Oh, I think ya do." He fixed them with a knowing gaze. "You care about him an awful lot, Wendy. It's obvious to all of us. And I think it's about time ya admitted it."
"Sh-shhhhhh!" Wendy placed a finger over their lips as they looked around frantically. Clayman and Eva had only just left the room.
"I'm whisperin', they aren't gonna hear this, so long as ya stay calm yerself." Laplace teased. "So? Answer the question."
"I-!" They sighed, hanging their head. "...never."
Laplace stared hard at them for a moment.
"Don't be like that," he continued, shaking his head. "It's just as obvious that Clayman feels the same way about you , so ya oughta just go for it."
"About me ?" Wendy looked incredulously back at him. "No, you- you must be mistaken. There's no way he'd feel that way about me. And besides, he's, um, he's...he's the Demon Lord. And I'm his subordinate. That would- that would be too presumptuous of me..."
"Are you kidding ?" Laplace ran a hand through his hair. "He's head over heels for ya! He never shuts up about you, and he even tries to learn yer Otherworlder slang."
"You do that, too." Wendy pointed out with a frown.
"Yeah but I normally do shit like that." Laplace waved off the objection. "Clayman doesn't . We both know that."
Wendy remained silent, lips pressed together and arms crossed.
"Look, it's just stupid obvious how much he cares about you so-"
"Laplace." Wendy set their teacup down on the table with a bit more force than necessary. "I- I appreciate what you're trying to do. But- but you're wrong. There's no way he would ever feel that way about me."
"But-"
"I don't want to talk about it." They mumbled, lowering their gaze. "I've got work to do." They got to their feet. "I'll see you later."
Laplace sighed, leaning back as they left the room. That hadn't gone well. Dammit, this mutual pining really had gone on too long. He just wanted them to be happy - was that really so unreasonable? But he understood Wendy's concerns enough that he realized pushing them was the wrong direction.
They were wrong that Clayman couldn't feel that for them, of course. It was plainly visible to all of his siblings that he did , after all. But Laplace could understand, especially after their long forced servitude at the hands of Kazalim, why they might feel the power dynamic so keenly. He could understand that, and respect it.
That left him one other avenue to get this ship out to sea.
Clayman himself.
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"Heeey, Clayman." Laplace stood in front of Clayman, leaning towards him aggressively with his hands on his hips. Clayman raised a brow, looking up at Laplace with a mixture of interest and annoyance. He had a teacup in hand, sitting comfortably on the couch with one leg crossed over the other.
"...yes?" He asked reluctantly. Laplace had a certain air about him that usually spelled trouble.
"Don't look like that." Laplace playfully elbowed him. Clayman squeaked, trying to keep from spilling his tea. "Oops. Look, the thing is," Laplace stood up to full height, twirling in place before posing dramatically, leaning back with one arm outstretched as if swooning, "ya gotta confess to them. They're pinin' hard ," he twirled and skipped his way behind the couch, reaching over to put his hands on Clayman's shoulders, "and so are you."
"C-confess?! T- to who?!" Clayman feigned innocence even as his face burned a brilliant shade of red. It was quite obvious he knew exactly who Laplace meant.
"Oh?" Laplace rested his chin on the back of the couch, with an amused expression. "Ya want me to say their name, here? Where they might hear me?"
"Urk!" Clayman jolted away from him. "N-no, no, I- I know who you mean."
"Well then," Laplace stood up properly, twirling around to be in front of Clayman again, "please, we're all dying of impatience," he posed, a hand on his chest, head tilted up as he gazed at the ceiling. "I'm begging ya here! Put an end to the pining!" He raised one hand skywards, lowering into a kneeling position.
"There's- there's no PINING, Laplace!" Clayman groaned, putting a hand over his face.
"Oh, please . Have you seen yourself? Stealing glances when they ain't looking?" He was on his feet again, leaning close to Clayman with a smug expression. "Making all sorts of excuse to touch 'em..."
"I told you, there was lint on their shoulder!" Clayman huffed indignantly.
"Ya never clean the lint off my shoulder-"
Clayman glared at him.
Laplace cleared his throat, falling backwards to land on the couch opposite Clayman's.
"Yer in love. Just admit it."
Clayman flushed darkly. "That- you- either way, there's no pining from their side." He crossed his arms.
Laplace was on his feet against instantly. "Seriously? Ya can't be that blind, can you?! They're down just as bad as you are."
"If- and this is a hypothetical- they were pining so hard, as you say, why wouldn't they confess?!" Clayman's cheeks burned even hotter at allowing himself the thought that it might be true, even as he swiftly shut it down.
Laplace shook his head, sighing heavily. "C'mon, think about it Clayman." He sat down next to Clayman, leaning against him and putting his weight on him. Clayman grumbled in response, moving to push him off, but Laplace was already leaping to his feet again, twirling in place in front of him. He came to a sudden stop, pointing directly at Clayman. "Yer their BOSS! And a Demon Lord to boot! How can they?!"
"Laplace-" Clayman was interrupted by a familiar voice.
"Good afternoon! How are-" Wendy froze, staring at the scene in front of them. Laplace stared back, still posing, looking thrilled to pieces. Clayman forced a smile onto his face awkwardly as he met Wendy's gaze. "Um? Am I interrupting something?"
"Not at all!" Laplace twirled his way to the couch, plopping down. "Clayman just had somethin' to tell ya."
"Laplace!" Clayman blushed again, shooting daggers at Laplace. Laplace giggled in return.
"O-oh, what did you want to tell me, Lord Clayman?" Wendy replied, focusing their full attention on him with a shy smile. Clayman felt his heart melt, even as he saw Laplace looking smug out of the corner of his eye.
"I told you, you don't need to call me that when we're alone." Clayman said with a sigh.
"We're not alone." Wendy pointed out, gesturing to Laplace.
"I can fix that." Laplace said, getting to his feet.
"SIT DOWN!" Wendy and Clayman yelled in unison. Both of them blushed, glaring at Laplace, each suspecting that he was trying once again to get them to confess to the other.
"Uh." Laplace, looking slightly concerned, raised his hands up as if surrendering and fell back to the couch. "Okay."
"In any case, he doesn't count. He's family. You don't call him Lord Laplace, do you?" Clayman continued, gesturing with one hand.
Wendy giggled. "No, I certainly don't. That would go to his head. His ego is quite inflated enough."
Clayman laughed. "See? You understand."
"Did ya really force me to sit down just so ya could talk about me like I'm not here?" Laplace rolled his eyes. "And that's rich coming from you, Clayman."
Clayman frowned. "What is?"
"Saying I got an inflated ego when yer the one who- nevermind." Laplace shook his head. Clayman was giving him a blank stare. The Deathman was blissfully unaware of his own faults, Laplace concluded. "Anyway, have a seat, Wendy." He pat the space next to him.
Laplace looked smugly at Clayman as the other glared at him.
"Wendy, th-there's plenty of space next to me. It's only proper as my right hand." Clayman interjected weakly.
"Thought ya wanted them ta drop the formalities." Laplace stage whispered. Clayman glared at him again.
"Um..." Wendy seemed uncertain now, awkwardly standing there while Clayman began to pout.
"Sit with yer boss ," Laplace said pointedly. Clayman jolted slightly, as if stabbed by the very word. "Since he's got somethin' to tell ya, after all."
"I- that is-"
"Oh! Right!" Wendy smiled brightly, sitting down next to Clayman. They left an appropriate amount of space between them, not touching him. "What did you want to tell me, Clayman?"
"Er..." Clayman's face was burning. He had been so close to getting them to forget what Laplace had said. And then they'd said his name, just as he'd asked, and it sounded so nice. "I...thought that..." His gaze darted this way and that, searching for something , anything to inspire him. "The...TEA was...extra tasty today!" He beamed at them, feeling sweat bead on the back of his neck.
"Is it a new flavor?" Wendy asked in wonder.
"..." Clayman couldn't remember what flavor the tea was, but it certainly wasn't a new one. "N-no, it's, um, it's just better than usual." The bead of sweat on his neck dripped down his back.
"What flavor is the tea, Clayman?" Laplace snickered.
"I don't want to spoil it!" Clayman snapped quickly. "Let Wendy enjoy it for themself." He was quick to pour them a cup, presenting it to them gracefully. "Please."
"Thank you." Wendy snuck a suspicious glance at Laplace, before cupping the tea with both hands and taking a long sip.
Yep, that sure was tea.
"And?" Laplace was leaning towards them.
"Shh!" Clayman glared at him.
"Apple." Wendy said, smiling. "It's, um, is it maybe a bit sweeter than usual?"
"Yes, yes!" Clayman looked relieved, brightening instantly. "That's precisely what I thought."
"Must've been an extra good harvest."
"I suspect the same thing."
Laplace sipped his tea, rolling his eyes. Sweeter, my ass. The damn tea tasted exactly the same as it did every time he had it. He'd let those two have this moment though - he'd already been scolded enough for one attempt.
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"Hi Wendy!" Pirone beamed at them as she approached, looking fit to burst with excitement.
Wendy couldn't help but return the smile. "Hey, Pirone. What's up?"
"I noticed you, Mjurran, and I don't have any missions scheduled for tomorrow. So, I thought...we could have a girl's night out!" She squealed. "Wouldn't that be fun?!"
Wendy blushed with surprise at the suggestion. "Oh, um, yeah, that would be! Did you check with Lord Clayman that he doesn't need us?"
Pirone flashed them a smile that had them feeling like something was up.
"I didn't - I was hoping you could? Lord Clayman does favor you, after all."
Ah - that was why the mischievous expression. Wendy's cheek burned hotter.
"He- I- I've told you before, Pirone, he doesn't." With Pirone looking about ready to interrupt, Wendy quickly added, "not much, anyway."
Pirone giggled. "Every bit counts! Thanks, and I'll see you tomorrow night!"
"He hasn't said yes yet-" Wendy sighed heavily. Pirone had already bounded off, practically sparkling with excitement.
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"A girl's night out?" Clayman raised a brow, pursing his lips thoughtfully. "Well, if it's something you'd like to do, I'd be happy to allow it."
Wendy resisted the urge to sigh. Of course Pirone was completely correct that Clayman favored them. They had known each other for centuries, after all. While that wasn't common knowledge amongst Clayman's subordinates, those that had been around for longer knew that there was some closer connection. And the fact was simply obvious, with the clear favoritism they enjoyed from him.
Would it be wrong to make it seem like they'd had to convince him, when telling Pirone the good news?
"Thank you, L- thank you, Clayman." They caught themself this time, blushing faintly.
Clayman beamed at them, and their heart fluttered.
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"Yay! Girl's night out!" Pirone cheered as the trio headed out from the castle.
"I thought you..." Mjurran looked questioningly at Wendy.
"Yeah, I'm not a girl. But in this case I don't mind the label." Wendy smiling reassuringly.
"I see." Mjurran was still looking thoughtful.
"Aw, Mjurran," Pirone slung an arm over Wendy's shoulders, reaching a bit to do since she was shorter than Wendy. "You and Wendy end up tag teaming on so many missions, yet you don't know them well enough to know that?" She looked legitimately sad.
Mjurran shrugged. "I can't say it's come up." She responded dryly, frowning at Pirone.
"Yeah, we haven't really spent much time together outside of that." Wendy shrugged, slipping out from under Pirone's arm. "I mean, you and I haven't spent that much time together either...you only know I'm fine with it because you asked me later if you'd messed up calling it that."
"Oh?" Mjurran shot Pirone a flate stare.
Pirone cleared her throat, smiling with her best innocent face and hands clasped behind her back.
"That's not important! We're all gonna be besties after this!" Pirone deflected, bounding ahead a bit.
Wendy chuckled a bit. That was rather ambitious, but cute. Mjurran sighed, but let a small smile cross her face.
"Where are we going, anyway?" Wendy asked. They hadn't gotten around to asking Pirone sooner, busy wrapping a few things up before they left. Mjurran nodded, implicitly seconding the question to Wendy's surprise.
Pirone beamed. "We're going to the hot springs!"
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The hot water felt heavenly . Wendy had their elbows resting up on the lip behind them, the tops of their breasts just barely breaching the water. Their head was leaned back and their eyes were closed as they focused on the pleasant feeling of the hot water.
It wasn't long before Pirone broke the comfortable silence. Wendy had felt her fidgeting excitedly since she'd gotten in, the ripples of her movements lapping at their skin. Thus, this was not entirely unexpected.
The next words out of her mouth were a surprise, though.
"Soooo, Wendy," Pirone's tone was almost smug, and it had Wendy opening their eyes to squint with concern at her. "What's going on with you and Lord Clayman?"
Wendy's face was already hot from the water, but at this point it was positively burning. So that was what this was about. Couldn't they catch a break? Laplace had been on them about their crush for too long as it was. They didn't need someone else pushing them on it!
"Th- there's nothing." They snapped their mouth shut, frustrated by the way they stammered. "I'm his right hand." They continued. "Nothing more."
"His Beating Heart." Pirone corrected.
" Pirone ." Mjurran shot her a look.
"I'm sure Wendy's heard the name before. I'm pretty sure even Lord Clayman has, and he hasn't shut it down, so..." Pirone shrugged, smiling. "Perhaps he agrees with it?"
"By shut it down you mean killed half his army?" Mjurran scowled. "That would be the height of foolishness."
"HALF?!" Wendy sputtered, looking alarmed. "I- I had heard the term before but- it's spread that much?!"
"Half is probably an understatement, unfortunately." Mjurran admitted, looking apologetic. "That being said, it is quite obvious he favors you. Surely you've noticed the difference yourself in how he treats you versus others."
"Er, well, yes...I- I've just known him longer, you know?" Wendy verbally flailed, unsure how to exit the situation. This wasn't exactly a situation they could just walk away from. No doubt that was intentional on Pirone's part. Mjurran was clearly not informed of the plan ahead of time, and yet she was jumping on this too?
This was not good.
"But the way he looks at you," Pirone's eyes were sparkling, her hands raised up to her face as she giggled. "It's a very special look, I've never seen him look at anyone else that way!"
"And the constant praise." Mjurran added, sounding almost annoyed.
Wendy put their hands over their face as the two went on, groaning low.
"In fact," Pirone was leaning forward now, "I think he likes you! Romantically!" She swooned, raising one hand to her forehead, palm out. "Don't you think so, Mjurran?"
"It does rather seem that way, now that you mention it." Mjurran tapped her lips, thoughtfully. "I'd honestly never given that much thought."
"You're both- this is- he does not !" Wendy slapped their hands into the water, expression panicked as they met both Pirone and Mjurran's gazes.
"Of course he does!" Pirone was entirely unbothered by Wendy's flustered response. "Why wouldn't he? You're so cute, and the strongest of all of us!"
"Even if Yamza refuses to admit it." Mjurran grumbled, rolling her eyes.
"And you're practically glued to his side! Whenever you wander off he looks so dejected. It's pretty cute, honestly." Pirone giggled. "And-"
"Pirone." Mjurran interrupted, staring straight at Wendy.
"Yes?" Pirone grinned at Mjurran.
Mjurran pointed. Pirone followed with her eyes. Wendy was surrounded by their < Unique Skill: Crystalline Barrier> , a glowing blue barrier. They seemed to be hiding.
"Oh." Pirone slumped, looking apologetic under Mjurran's annoyed glare. "Uh, oops?"
"I think you need to apologize." Mjurran crossed her arms.
"Yes, um...yes." Pirone looked sheepish. She cleared her throat. "Wendy?"
There was no response.
"Um, I'm sorry I teased you so much." She sighed down at the water. "I do still think he feels that way - I won't apologize for that. But...but I'll drop it now."
The barrier faded away, revealing a very red-faced Wendy.
"Apology accepted." They mumbled. "Thank you."
"If...if I can say one more thing? And then I really will drop it." Pirone asked, glancing nervously at Mjurran. Mjurran was watching her with narrowed eyes.
Wendy sighed. "Fine, I suppose."
" You have those feelings for Lord Clayman, don't you?" She asked gently.
Wendy stiffened, before nodding. "I do."
"Then why-"
"I can't." Wendy interrupted, wrapping their arms around themself tightly. "I...I can't."
"I don't understand." A hint of a whine crept into Pirone's voice. "You two would be so cute, and-"
"You're too much of a romantic, Pirone." Mjurran interrupted. "How bold would one have to be to confess to a Demon Lord like that? The power dynamic is downright dangerous..."
Pirone considered that, her ears lowering as she came to understand what both Mjurran and Wendy meant.
"I...I'm sorry." Pirone looked close to tears.
"It's alright." Wendy smiled. "Being close to him, and serving him, is enough for me, and it always will be." They closed their eyes, letting their arms relax and bringing their right hand to rest over their heart.
It was really only then that Mjurran and Pirone truly understood how different Wendy's connection with Clayman was. The genuine contentment and happiness radiating from them with those words was something neither of them could truly say they had experienced. They found themself wondering for how much longer Wendy had known Clayman - but even Pirone realized they had pried too far already.
The conversation moved on to lighter topics.
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"Now, on to my final topic of the afternoon." Laplace leaned forward from his seat on the couch eagerly.
Clayman groaned. "Is this going to be what I think it is?"
Laplace snickered. "Let's find out! So," he steepled his hands, "when are ya gonna confess to Wendy?"
"This again? Really?" Clayman pouted, cheeks flushed. "You've been on me about this since we found out Wendy wasn't under Lord Kazalim's curse any longer."
"Well, there's a reason for that." Laplace said, rolling his eyes.
Clayman ignored him. "I already told you, they don't feel that way about me."
"And I'm telling ya that they do!" Laplace felt himself getting frustrated. To hear Clayman say that , when Laplace could still see the loving way Wendy gazed at Clayman, was absolutely maddening.
"On what basis?" Clayman shook his head, before drinking his tea.
"We've literally talked about it! They admitted it!" Laplace throw his hands up, before putting one on his forehead. His frustration with the two of them was beginning to boil over and he knew it.
"Don't- don't lie to me!" Clayman was watching him intently.
"You know I wouldn't do that about somethin' like this." Laplace sighed. "I've been trying to get them to believe you have feelings for them for ages . They just won't believe it." He leaned against the back of the couch roughly, sighing in frustration.
It was quiet for a moment.
"Why would they not believe that?" Clayman asked in hushed tones, as if in disbelief. His eyes were wide.
"Beats the fuck out of me." Laplace grumbled.
"Well, that's simply absurd! They are more than deserving of love and I think anyone with half a brain can see why I would fall for them!" Clayman got to his feet in a flash, frowning with furrowed brows, determination clear on his face. "I can't continue to let them believe something so- so ridiculous!" He headed for the door.
"Huh?" Laplace stared for a second, before shaking himself out of his stupor. "Wait a sec, Clayman-"
Clayman was already out the door.
Laplace stared for a second, before shrugging and returning to sipping his tea. It was about damn time, anyway.
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Wendy was sitting outside in the rose garden, reading a book with a pot of tea on the little table in front of them.
"Wendy! There you are!"
They looked up from their book, blinking at the sight of Clayman storming angrily towards them. Uh oh. Wendy scrambled to get to their feet, slipping the bookmark into place and setting the book down on the table.
"Y-yes, my lord?" They smiled weakly at him, doing a quick bow. It wasn't rare to see him mad - but it was unusual for him to approach them like this.
"There's no need for that," Clayman put a hand to his head sighing, "I've told you."
"Sorry."
"No, it's fine, I didn't come here to scold you." He shook his head. "I came here to correct a ridiculous belief you've apparently been holding."
Wendy tilted their head. Clayman put his hands on his hips and launched into an impassioned speech.
"Laplace told me how you feel, and it is frankly absurd that you don't think it's possible that I would have feelings for you!" Clayman scowled at them. "I adore you! You're adorable! You're cute, and sweet, and incredibly strong. And multi-talented! Don't forget that." He gesticulated wildly, pointing at them. "And I love your laugh, and your smile, and the way you're so gentle with me even when I really don't deserve. I love all of that, and even more! I love you !"
Clayman let out a loud huff, crossing his arms. It was silent for a moment.
"You love me?" Wendy asked softly, voice cracking.
"That's what I said, isn't...it..." Clayman looked shocked suddenly as he realized exactly what he'd done. His face bloomed with color, one hand going to cover his mouth, the other gripping his elbow tightly. "I, um, well, that, I-"
"You love me." Wendy repeated, their own cheeks deeply flushed as they looked down to the ground with a big smile.
"I do." Clayman admitted. "I- I didn't mean to- admit it just now- if I've made you uncomfortable, I'm s-"
Wendy was closing the gap between them, looking up at him with such a soft, happy expression he forgot how to breathe. They put their hands on his chest, looking up at him. And then, after a moments hesitation, they got up on tiptoes to press a quick kiss to his lips.
They squeaked immediately after, pressing their face against his chest. Clayman was almost too stunned too move, but his arms wrapped around them almost by reflex, even as he was still processing the fact that Wendy had just kissed him .
"I love you, too." They mumbled against him.
Clayman's face lit up, and he laughed. Wendy smiled against him, feeling his body shake.
"You love me, too? I was so afraid- I was so worried that you didn't- even though Laplace said so, I couldn't believe it myself. To think he was actually right! To think," he loosened his grip, one hand reached down to gently tilt their face up to meet his gaze, "that you loved me all along."
"It's as natural to breathing to me, to love you, Clayman." Wendy breathed out. "There is no other way that I could be."
He pulled them tightly to him.
"I love you with all that I am, Wendy."
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They spent the rest of the day in the gardens together, alternating between wandering the grounds holding hands and sipping at tea. They were both giddy with the release of feelings that had been held for centuries. For reciprocation that they had feared would never come. It was a wonderful day. The cakes Eva brought out for them paled in comparison to the sweetness of the feelings they had finally shared.
"Clayman, I did want to ask one thing." Wendy said, giving his hand a gentle squeeze.
"Anything, dear." He smiled gently down at them.
"Well...I was wondering," Wendy's expression soured the faintest bit, before they covered it up. "You mentioned Laplace earlier...what did you mean by that?"
"..." Clayman froze. He had let slip that they'd been discussing things, hadn't he? Well it wasn't like it was his fault. Laplace was the one who kept bringing it up. And yet, somehow Wendy's cold tone spoken with a smile was still terrifying. "Well, yes. Laplace had developed a habit of, um...telling me I needed to confess to you?"
"I see." Wendy's smile was no less terrifying. "I think I need to have a word with him. Though," their expression softened with a little sigh as they leaned against him, "I can't complain, if his badgering did eventually work."
Clayman chuckled, resisting the urge to breathe a sigh of relief. "It did. So maybe we can forgive him for his shenanigans just this once?"
Wendy giggled. "Just this once."
They smiled at each other warmly.