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Entry tags:
HUMANITY
Fandom: Tales of Vesperia, RP (Parasomnia)
Character(s): Duke Pantarei, Yeager, with mentions of Top Dollar (Jason), Yuri Lowell, and some others
Pairing(s): Duke/Yeager
Word Count: 2,936
Summary: Post-game (even though I have no idea what's going to happen SO JUST PRETEND IT'S AN AU OR SOMETHING) after the Vesperias and Top Dollar have returned to Duke's timeline. Duke isolates himself and Yeager isn't here for that.
Notes: For Lum, because I guess I can't quit??? I'm sorry???
I’ll be busy, Yeager had said. There’s so much to do! I’m sure Gauche and Droite won’t allow me to leave their sight for a few days and I need to help Jason settle in... Goodness, I doubt I’ll have a free moment to myself for weeks!
Duke had nodded in understanding. There was a lot for Yeager to get used to after the Adephagos’s defeat. It was natural that it would take some time for him to settle in.
Don’t go wandering off into the woods alone. Yuri had warned him with a small smile. The last thing any of us need is for you to go missing.
He had promised he wouldn’t and he had accepted Yuri’s offer to stay with him for a night. (Yuri’s bed was uncomfortable and Duke wasn’t sure how the swordsman was able to sleep on the floor so easily.)
There wasn’t a place for him here, though. While Yuri and Yeager worked to figure out where they belonged in this new world that neither of them had seen created (even though a Yuri had been there to help guide its creation), Duke did not belong. He had tried to bring about an end while Yuri (the other Yuri) had sought a new beginning. It wasn’t right for him to stay with them and act as though he belonged.
(It didn’t help that he still found such crowded places abhorrent; he would have greatly preferred being anywhere but in a town like this.)
He left at night and didn’t look back.
---
Perhaps it was cruel of him to choose Mt. Temza as his new (temporary) residence. After everything that taken place here, Duke hadn’t wanted to return. It was a reminder of all the terrible things that had happened both to the Entelexia and to the Imperial Knights. It was a cruel reminder of Elucifer and of all the horrible things humans have done.
It’s also a bitter reminder of all the horrible things humans will do, if that hotel was any indication. There were so many needless deaths. Conchita’s death was necessary, but it had not been pleasant. Leo’s death hadn’t been necessary. He tells himself this whenever he thinks back to the events in the hotel, but sometimes he finds it hard to believe. After all, had Leo lived then things would be very different. He wouldn’t be here right now. He’s not sure if Yuri, Yeager, or Jason would have been able to come here either.
(It's a terrible thought and one he cannot entertain for very long.)
A necessary evil is still an evil and Duke finds that he doesn’t know what to do with either Conchita’s death or Leo’s. Sometimes he thinks Yeager was right to avoid thinking about it all together. That doesn't mean he can emulate the man's carefree approach to life, but sometimes he tries to forget what happened in the hotel.
His chosen solitude doesn’t last forever, of course. Some part of him knew it wouldn’t.
“I was beginning to wonder if I’d have to check Zaude next!” Yeager says, all smiles and cheer as he usually is. He’s even holding up a hand in greeting as if he had just pounded on Duke’s door until he opened it, just like so many days at the hotel. It’s a bit hard to believe that Yeager just showed up out of nowhere and still looks as chipper as always. “You really didn’t want to make it easy for me to find you, ja?”
Duke doesn’t speak at first, instead just watching his companion. The silence spans for half a minute before Yeager’s facade breaks.
“I was worried about you, you know.” He folds his arms first, then reaches up to play with the bangs hanging in his face. “Yuri didn’t have any idea where you’d run off to either.”
It was interesting that Yuri and Yeager were actually communicating without prompting (or something as necessary as Yuri’s bandages) but perhaps it was just because of his disappearance. Had things settled back into normalcy between them now that they were home?
“I wasn’t joking about Zaude, by the way.” Yeager invites himself to sit beside Duke near the fire. His companion isn’t looking at him anymore but instead at the flickering flames. His bangs are blocking Duke's view of his face. “Droite and Gauche are there right now. I... couldn’t go back.”
Duke nods in understanding. “You did not need to come look for me,” He says, simply because he can’t think of anything else to say.
Yeager looks offended at that, his eyes narrowing and mouth setting in a tiny frown before he corrects it into something upbeat and cheerful as usual. “Now what would make you say something silly like that?” His tone doesn’t betray his expression any, but the momentary irritation is telling.
“I do not have a place in this world.” Duke’s words are soft but emotionless. He finds himself staring at the fire as well. “After everything I have done, I do not believe my word holds any meaning. It is best for everyone if I disappear.”
The guild leader sighs loudly and leans back. Duke looks up in time to catch Yeager rolling his eyes so hard it looks like he might actually hurt himself. “Don’t be ridiculous,” He slams down a little too hard on the last word before continuing, “if someone like me can return from the dead and pick up where he left off then I really think you have nothing to complain about.”
He raises an eyebrow. He wasn’t complaining and he’s not entirely sure what Yeager’s getting at. As if reading his mind, the other man continues in the same rushed, almost annoyed tone of voice, “If you truly think you don’t have a place - which is bullshit, by the way—” He really has been spending too much time with Jason, hasn’t he? “—then come with me. I want you by my side.”
The bluntness is also a mark Jason has left on him (or perhaps something he’s picked up simply from dealing with Jason so much) but it’s appreciated. Some part of Duke is pleased to hear it; pleased that Yeager would come all the way out here just to look for him and invite him along for the ride. It’s a nice thought for a moment, but Duke can’t ignore what Yeager does.
(At one point Yuri had complained about Leviathan’s Claw selling flamethrowers and while Duke can appreciate the ingenuity of using Jason’s knowledge to create new weapons, he cannot condone the sale of illegal weaponry with the intention of pushing for war. Again.)
He finally shakes his head slowly. “I cannot stand by your side.”
“Why not?” Yeager’s words are a bit harsher than they need to be, snapped out without thought. Again his expression isn’t quite as relaxed as usual and again he forces himself to correct it. “You would get to see everyone again! Me, Jason... Yuri whenever he shows up to stop my plans and I have to stab him...”
Duke genuinely isn’t sure if Yeager is joking or not. He waits for an explanation, but this time Yeager doesn’t give one. “I cannot support your goals, Yeager.” He finally says firmly. “Seeking war between the Empire and the guilds is not something I can—”
Yeager waves a hand to cut him off. “No, no, nein, that’s not what I’m doing.” Duke raises an eyebrow but doesn’t say anything and allows the leader of Leviathan’s Claw to continue. “I’m not seeking war. If that is what they wish to do with their weapons then so be it! I’m only arming them in case such a thing occurs!”
That sounds like exactly the sort of thing Yeager would have said to Don Whitehorse while pushing for war between the guilds and the Empire. Duke looks unimpressed.
A loud sigh is what he gets in response and Yeager finally shrugs almost helplessly. “What can I say, old habits die hard! You know how Jason is though, it’ll only be a matter of time before the guilds and the Empire clash over something.”
Wait, what? “Is Jason in charge of the guilds?”
“Ja, didn’t I mention that?” He absolutely hadn’t mentioned that. “Oh dear. Well, yes, he is!”
Duke was seriously beginning to think that he and Yuri had made a mistake in bringing Yeager and Jason back with them. It certainly wouldn’t have been fair to Yeager to leave him behind, but this was only confirming Duke’s worries about humanity. If the guilds were being controlled by Jason... well, he’d rather not think about it. He enjoys Jason’s presence, of course, but Jason is hardly an ideal leader for anyone, much less a rowdy group like the guilds.
Yeager has never done well sitting in silence, so Duke isn’t surprised when Yeager breaks it again. “Listen, I understand that you don’t like what I do.” He starts evenly, but he’s already glanced away. “I cannot fault you for that. But I don’t want you to remain out here alone. Please, come back with me.”
It isn’t an apology (and he certainly doubts he’d get one from Yeager) but it is genuine. “And if I say no?” His voice is equally even and he watches Yeager’s expression in the firelight. It goes tight; not angry, but conflicted. “Would you tie me up and drag me back?”
It takes Yeager a moment but when he looks up he’s smiling. It’s the genuine, open smile Duke has only seen him wear a few times. “And here I thought you didn’t have a sense of humor!” He chuckles. “No, I wouldn’t tie you up. I doubt I could manage to carry you back on my own!”
Duke doesn’t smile, but Yeager’s good mood is infectious, as it usually is. “I cannot promise I will stay with you,” He warns.
“Ja, I know.” Yeager doesn’t stand then, though. Instead he offers Duke a gloved hand. He finds himself taking it immediately, the familiar warmth and comfort hitting him immediately.
(He didn’t think it was possible to miss such a simple gesture so much until this very moment.)
Yeager looks pleased too, even if it’s a bit subdued. “I really have missed you.” He says softly. “I can’t imagine life now without you in it. I’m only here because of you.”
“That isn’t true. Between Yuri and Jason—”
“Do you really think I wouldn’t have done something stupid if you had been executed?” Yeager interrupts. He’s still not looking at Duke. “Perhaps I would have killed next. Perhaps I would have decided that it wasn’t worth it. You were keeping me sane, you know.”
Duke isn’t sure how to respond to that. Surely there is something to say, but he can’t find it. His throat feels thick and he thinks that even it he could find the words, he wouldn’t be able to articulate them.
“Oh, I have something for you.” Yeager reaches into his pocket and pulls something out. He drops it into Duke’s free hand and while he stares at it the guild leader continues, “If you choose to leave, I want you to keep that. Something to remember me by, ja?”
It’s one of the glass animals from the hotel, though not one of the woodland creatures Duke had been so fond of. This one is clearly a shark, which isn’t a surprise at all. Duke closes his hand around it slowly (and lightly; he wouldn’t want to break something so precious) and nods solemnly. “I will treasure it always.”
“Like you treasure me, ja?” Yeager’s reply is playful, teasing, and not something Duke knows how to respond to. “Or maybe just my friendship...?”
He knows there’s an unspoken question there, but he’s not entirely sure he understands what it is. Yeager waits patiently while he tries to work it out, but eventually Duke can only raise his shoulders a tiny bit. It’s not quite a shrug, but it’s a silent admission of defeat. Yeager seems to get it because he sighs and shakes his head. “Never mind. It’s not important.” But he seems disappointed anyway, somehow.
They’re still holding hands and even though he’s not entirely sure what Yeager was trying to get at, Duke squeezes his hand to let him know it’s fine. Yeager looks at their hands for a moment before smiling. It’s a small, subdued smile that Duke doesn’t recognize but it’s quickly hidden beneath the usual front. “Is there something you wish to ask me?” He says before Yeager can change the subject, as he always does.
The businessman shakes his head, flicking his bangs out of his face as he does so. “No. No, of course not.” He doesn’t seem very sure of himself despite the force behind his answer. “There isn’t... No. Never mind.”
Duke raises an eyebrow and watches Yeager quietly. It isn’t often he sees Yeager lose his cool quite this badly. He doesn’t seem annoyed or upset, just sort of off in a way Duke doesn't recognize. It's strange to think he's learned to read Yeager so well.
Yeager suddenly sighs loudly and reaches into his pocket. He pulls a blank sheet of paper and a pen out and begins writing. Duke isn’t sure why Yeager’s still carrying paper on him or why he feels the need to write anything down when he could just say it. It isn’t as though they need to keep anything a secret from the cameras anymore. Perhaps old habits die hard?
A minute passes, then another. Yeager still isn’t done writing and he’s still keeping the paper carefully hidden from Duke’s view. He can wait patiently all night, but this seems a little pointless. Yeager sits back finally, tips his head a bit as he studies the paper, and then aggressively balls it up and tosses it into the fire.
Duke isn’t sure what he was expecting, but it probably should have been exactly that.
Another piece of paper and thirty seconds later actually produces some kind of result and Duke takes the paper handed to him carefully. Yeager won’t look at him. He’s not sure what could be written on here that would get Yeager so worked up so quickly—
I can’t find the words I need. I’m just going to ask if I can kiss you instead.
...Oh.
Duke stares at the note for a long time. When he finally looks back at Yeager the guild leader has his face buried in his hands and he’s mumbling something in his native language. He returns his gaze to the note again and the hastily-scribbled words. Yeager’s handwriting has always been neat and elegant, but this looks like he didn’t even try. Studying the writing is somehow easier than actually thinking about the words even though he’s certain Yeager is slowly dying inside while he takes his sweet time to figure out what he thinks of all of this.
While he’s thinking (not about the words but the handwriting), Yeager reaches into his pocket and then whispers something in that other language when he doesn’t find what he’s looking for. “That was my last piece of paper.” He complains.
Duke isn't sure if that means he should hand the paper over or not, but he can’t get himself to let go. Yeager sighs loudly and continues, “Don’t worry about it. Let’s just pretend this never happened, ja?”
It’s a bit hard to pretend something like this never happened. Can most people do that? It doesn’t seem very productive. Naturally it’s exactly what Yeager would suggest.
“Yes,” He says suddenly. Duke isn’t sure where it came from, but he knows exactly what it’s in response to.
Yeager’s missed the memo though, because he shrugs and stands. “Ja, of course. I can help you pack up your things if you’d like to come with me, but if you don’t then that’s completely understandable...”
It’s his turn to interrupt the other man and Duke reaches out for Yeager’s hand and takes it. He’s standing by the time Yeager’s looking at him and Duke leans in then, brushing Yeager’s bangs away from his face as he kisses him.
Humans are cruel. They will seize whatever opportunities they’re given and they will crush anyone they consider a threat. Duke has known this for years and yet he finds himself enjoying kissing a man that represents all of the bitter, darker sides of humanity more than he ever would have imagined. Perhaps it’s because Yeager is more than the awful things he’s done or perhaps it’s because Duke has changed, but regardless of the reason he finds that he never wants to let go.
Yeager draws back first, but his hands have wound themselves in Duke’s clothes and he doesn’t seem like he’s going to pull away. His expression is light (joyous, perhaps) and when he speaks his words are pitched-up and giddy in a way Duke has never heard before. “Well, if I had known you’d actually agree I would have sought you out much earlier!”
Duke doesn’t know what to say, but he can’t bring himself to move his hands from where they’re awkwardly placed at Yeager’s waist. Maybe it really isn’t such a bad idea to spend some time with Yeager. He can return to his self-appointed exile whenever he wants and maybe for a little while - just a little while - he can enjoy whatever feelings this brings.
He smiles then, the expression honest and open. Maybe he’s glad Yeager found him.
Character(s): Duke Pantarei, Yeager, with mentions of Top Dollar (Jason), Yuri Lowell, and some others
Pairing(s): Duke/Yeager
Word Count: 2,936
Summary: Post-game (even though I have no idea what's going to happen SO JUST PRETEND IT'S AN AU OR SOMETHING) after the Vesperias and Top Dollar have returned to Duke's timeline. Duke isolates himself and Yeager isn't here for that.
Notes: For Lum, because I guess I can't quit??? I'm sorry???
I’ll be busy, Yeager had said. There’s so much to do! I’m sure Gauche and Droite won’t allow me to leave their sight for a few days and I need to help Jason settle in... Goodness, I doubt I’ll have a free moment to myself for weeks!
Duke had nodded in understanding. There was a lot for Yeager to get used to after the Adephagos’s defeat. It was natural that it would take some time for him to settle in.
Don’t go wandering off into the woods alone. Yuri had warned him with a small smile. The last thing any of us need is for you to go missing.
He had promised he wouldn’t and he had accepted Yuri’s offer to stay with him for a night. (Yuri’s bed was uncomfortable and Duke wasn’t sure how the swordsman was able to sleep on the floor so easily.)
There wasn’t a place for him here, though. While Yuri and Yeager worked to figure out where they belonged in this new world that neither of them had seen created (even though a Yuri had been there to help guide its creation), Duke did not belong. He had tried to bring about an end while Yuri (the other Yuri) had sought a new beginning. It wasn’t right for him to stay with them and act as though he belonged.
(It didn’t help that he still found such crowded places abhorrent; he would have greatly preferred being anywhere but in a town like this.)
He left at night and didn’t look back.
---
Perhaps it was cruel of him to choose Mt. Temza as his new (temporary) residence. After everything that taken place here, Duke hadn’t wanted to return. It was a reminder of all the terrible things that had happened both to the Entelexia and to the Imperial Knights. It was a cruel reminder of Elucifer and of all the horrible things humans have done.
It’s also a bitter reminder of all the horrible things humans will do, if that hotel was any indication. There were so many needless deaths. Conchita’s death was necessary, but it had not been pleasant. Leo’s death hadn’t been necessary. He tells himself this whenever he thinks back to the events in the hotel, but sometimes he finds it hard to believe. After all, had Leo lived then things would be very different. He wouldn’t be here right now. He’s not sure if Yuri, Yeager, or Jason would have been able to come here either.
(It's a terrible thought and one he cannot entertain for very long.)
A necessary evil is still an evil and Duke finds that he doesn’t know what to do with either Conchita’s death or Leo’s. Sometimes he thinks Yeager was right to avoid thinking about it all together. That doesn't mean he can emulate the man's carefree approach to life, but sometimes he tries to forget what happened in the hotel.
His chosen solitude doesn’t last forever, of course. Some part of him knew it wouldn’t.
“I was beginning to wonder if I’d have to check Zaude next!” Yeager says, all smiles and cheer as he usually is. He’s even holding up a hand in greeting as if he had just pounded on Duke’s door until he opened it, just like so many days at the hotel. It’s a bit hard to believe that Yeager just showed up out of nowhere and still looks as chipper as always. “You really didn’t want to make it easy for me to find you, ja?”
Duke doesn’t speak at first, instead just watching his companion. The silence spans for half a minute before Yeager’s facade breaks.
“I was worried about you, you know.” He folds his arms first, then reaches up to play with the bangs hanging in his face. “Yuri didn’t have any idea where you’d run off to either.”
It was interesting that Yuri and Yeager were actually communicating without prompting (or something as necessary as Yuri’s bandages) but perhaps it was just because of his disappearance. Had things settled back into normalcy between them now that they were home?
“I wasn’t joking about Zaude, by the way.” Yeager invites himself to sit beside Duke near the fire. His companion isn’t looking at him anymore but instead at the flickering flames. His bangs are blocking Duke's view of his face. “Droite and Gauche are there right now. I... couldn’t go back.”
Duke nods in understanding. “You did not need to come look for me,” He says, simply because he can’t think of anything else to say.
Yeager looks offended at that, his eyes narrowing and mouth setting in a tiny frown before he corrects it into something upbeat and cheerful as usual. “Now what would make you say something silly like that?” His tone doesn’t betray his expression any, but the momentary irritation is telling.
“I do not have a place in this world.” Duke’s words are soft but emotionless. He finds himself staring at the fire as well. “After everything I have done, I do not believe my word holds any meaning. It is best for everyone if I disappear.”
The guild leader sighs loudly and leans back. Duke looks up in time to catch Yeager rolling his eyes so hard it looks like he might actually hurt himself. “Don’t be ridiculous,” He slams down a little too hard on the last word before continuing, “if someone like me can return from the dead and pick up where he left off then I really think you have nothing to complain about.”
He raises an eyebrow. He wasn’t complaining and he’s not entirely sure what Yeager’s getting at. As if reading his mind, the other man continues in the same rushed, almost annoyed tone of voice, “If you truly think you don’t have a place - which is bullshit, by the way—” He really has been spending too much time with Jason, hasn’t he? “—then come with me. I want you by my side.”
The bluntness is also a mark Jason has left on him (or perhaps something he’s picked up simply from dealing with Jason so much) but it’s appreciated. Some part of Duke is pleased to hear it; pleased that Yeager would come all the way out here just to look for him and invite him along for the ride. It’s a nice thought for a moment, but Duke can’t ignore what Yeager does.
(At one point Yuri had complained about Leviathan’s Claw selling flamethrowers and while Duke can appreciate the ingenuity of using Jason’s knowledge to create new weapons, he cannot condone the sale of illegal weaponry with the intention of pushing for war. Again.)
He finally shakes his head slowly. “I cannot stand by your side.”
“Why not?” Yeager’s words are a bit harsher than they need to be, snapped out without thought. Again his expression isn’t quite as relaxed as usual and again he forces himself to correct it. “You would get to see everyone again! Me, Jason... Yuri whenever he shows up to stop my plans and I have to stab him...”
Duke genuinely isn’t sure if Yeager is joking or not. He waits for an explanation, but this time Yeager doesn’t give one. “I cannot support your goals, Yeager.” He finally says firmly. “Seeking war between the Empire and the guilds is not something I can—”
Yeager waves a hand to cut him off. “No, no, nein, that’s not what I’m doing.” Duke raises an eyebrow but doesn’t say anything and allows the leader of Leviathan’s Claw to continue. “I’m not seeking war. If that is what they wish to do with their weapons then so be it! I’m only arming them in case such a thing occurs!”
That sounds like exactly the sort of thing Yeager would have said to Don Whitehorse while pushing for war between the guilds and the Empire. Duke looks unimpressed.
A loud sigh is what he gets in response and Yeager finally shrugs almost helplessly. “What can I say, old habits die hard! You know how Jason is though, it’ll only be a matter of time before the guilds and the Empire clash over something.”
Wait, what? “Is Jason in charge of the guilds?”
“Ja, didn’t I mention that?” He absolutely hadn’t mentioned that. “Oh dear. Well, yes, he is!”
Duke was seriously beginning to think that he and Yuri had made a mistake in bringing Yeager and Jason back with them. It certainly wouldn’t have been fair to Yeager to leave him behind, but this was only confirming Duke’s worries about humanity. If the guilds were being controlled by Jason... well, he’d rather not think about it. He enjoys Jason’s presence, of course, but Jason is hardly an ideal leader for anyone, much less a rowdy group like the guilds.
Yeager has never done well sitting in silence, so Duke isn’t surprised when Yeager breaks it again. “Listen, I understand that you don’t like what I do.” He starts evenly, but he’s already glanced away. “I cannot fault you for that. But I don’t want you to remain out here alone. Please, come back with me.”
It isn’t an apology (and he certainly doubts he’d get one from Yeager) but it is genuine. “And if I say no?” His voice is equally even and he watches Yeager’s expression in the firelight. It goes tight; not angry, but conflicted. “Would you tie me up and drag me back?”
It takes Yeager a moment but when he looks up he’s smiling. It’s the genuine, open smile Duke has only seen him wear a few times. “And here I thought you didn’t have a sense of humor!” He chuckles. “No, I wouldn’t tie you up. I doubt I could manage to carry you back on my own!”
Duke doesn’t smile, but Yeager’s good mood is infectious, as it usually is. “I cannot promise I will stay with you,” He warns.
“Ja, I know.” Yeager doesn’t stand then, though. Instead he offers Duke a gloved hand. He finds himself taking it immediately, the familiar warmth and comfort hitting him immediately.
(He didn’t think it was possible to miss such a simple gesture so much until this very moment.)
Yeager looks pleased too, even if it’s a bit subdued. “I really have missed you.” He says softly. “I can’t imagine life now without you in it. I’m only here because of you.”
“That isn’t true. Between Yuri and Jason—”
“Do you really think I wouldn’t have done something stupid if you had been executed?” Yeager interrupts. He’s still not looking at Duke. “Perhaps I would have killed next. Perhaps I would have decided that it wasn’t worth it. You were keeping me sane, you know.”
Duke isn’t sure how to respond to that. Surely there is something to say, but he can’t find it. His throat feels thick and he thinks that even it he could find the words, he wouldn’t be able to articulate them.
“Oh, I have something for you.” Yeager reaches into his pocket and pulls something out. He drops it into Duke’s free hand and while he stares at it the guild leader continues, “If you choose to leave, I want you to keep that. Something to remember me by, ja?”
It’s one of the glass animals from the hotel, though not one of the woodland creatures Duke had been so fond of. This one is clearly a shark, which isn’t a surprise at all. Duke closes his hand around it slowly (and lightly; he wouldn’t want to break something so precious) and nods solemnly. “I will treasure it always.”
“Like you treasure me, ja?” Yeager’s reply is playful, teasing, and not something Duke knows how to respond to. “Or maybe just my friendship...?”
He knows there’s an unspoken question there, but he’s not entirely sure he understands what it is. Yeager waits patiently while he tries to work it out, but eventually Duke can only raise his shoulders a tiny bit. It’s not quite a shrug, but it’s a silent admission of defeat. Yeager seems to get it because he sighs and shakes his head. “Never mind. It’s not important.” But he seems disappointed anyway, somehow.
They’re still holding hands and even though he’s not entirely sure what Yeager was trying to get at, Duke squeezes his hand to let him know it’s fine. Yeager looks at their hands for a moment before smiling. It’s a small, subdued smile that Duke doesn’t recognize but it’s quickly hidden beneath the usual front. “Is there something you wish to ask me?” He says before Yeager can change the subject, as he always does.
The businessman shakes his head, flicking his bangs out of his face as he does so. “No. No, of course not.” He doesn’t seem very sure of himself despite the force behind his answer. “There isn’t... No. Never mind.”
Duke raises an eyebrow and watches Yeager quietly. It isn’t often he sees Yeager lose his cool quite this badly. He doesn’t seem annoyed or upset, just sort of off in a way Duke doesn't recognize. It's strange to think he's learned to read Yeager so well.
Yeager suddenly sighs loudly and reaches into his pocket. He pulls a blank sheet of paper and a pen out and begins writing. Duke isn’t sure why Yeager’s still carrying paper on him or why he feels the need to write anything down when he could just say it. It isn’t as though they need to keep anything a secret from the cameras anymore. Perhaps old habits die hard?
A minute passes, then another. Yeager still isn’t done writing and he’s still keeping the paper carefully hidden from Duke’s view. He can wait patiently all night, but this seems a little pointless. Yeager sits back finally, tips his head a bit as he studies the paper, and then aggressively balls it up and tosses it into the fire.
Duke isn’t sure what he was expecting, but it probably should have been exactly that.
Another piece of paper and thirty seconds later actually produces some kind of result and Duke takes the paper handed to him carefully. Yeager won’t look at him. He’s not sure what could be written on here that would get Yeager so worked up so quickly—
I can’t find the words I need. I’m just going to ask if I can kiss you instead.
...Oh.
Duke stares at the note for a long time. When he finally looks back at Yeager the guild leader has his face buried in his hands and he’s mumbling something in his native language. He returns his gaze to the note again and the hastily-scribbled words. Yeager’s handwriting has always been neat and elegant, but this looks like he didn’t even try. Studying the writing is somehow easier than actually thinking about the words even though he’s certain Yeager is slowly dying inside while he takes his sweet time to figure out what he thinks of all of this.
While he’s thinking (not about the words but the handwriting), Yeager reaches into his pocket and then whispers something in that other language when he doesn’t find what he’s looking for. “That was my last piece of paper.” He complains.
Duke isn't sure if that means he should hand the paper over or not, but he can’t get himself to let go. Yeager sighs loudly and continues, “Don’t worry about it. Let’s just pretend this never happened, ja?”
It’s a bit hard to pretend something like this never happened. Can most people do that? It doesn’t seem very productive. Naturally it’s exactly what Yeager would suggest.
“Yes,” He says suddenly. Duke isn’t sure where it came from, but he knows exactly what it’s in response to.
Yeager’s missed the memo though, because he shrugs and stands. “Ja, of course. I can help you pack up your things if you’d like to come with me, but if you don’t then that’s completely understandable...”
It’s his turn to interrupt the other man and Duke reaches out for Yeager’s hand and takes it. He’s standing by the time Yeager’s looking at him and Duke leans in then, brushing Yeager’s bangs away from his face as he kisses him.
Humans are cruel. They will seize whatever opportunities they’re given and they will crush anyone they consider a threat. Duke has known this for years and yet he finds himself enjoying kissing a man that represents all of the bitter, darker sides of humanity more than he ever would have imagined. Perhaps it’s because Yeager is more than the awful things he’s done or perhaps it’s because Duke has changed, but regardless of the reason he finds that he never wants to let go.
Yeager draws back first, but his hands have wound themselves in Duke’s clothes and he doesn’t seem like he’s going to pull away. His expression is light (joyous, perhaps) and when he speaks his words are pitched-up and giddy in a way Duke has never heard before. “Well, if I had known you’d actually agree I would have sought you out much earlier!”
Duke doesn’t know what to say, but he can’t bring himself to move his hands from where they’re awkwardly placed at Yeager’s waist. Maybe it really isn’t such a bad idea to spend some time with Yeager. He can return to his self-appointed exile whenever he wants and maybe for a little while - just a little while - he can enjoy whatever feelings this brings.
He smiles then, the expression honest and open. Maybe he’s glad Yeager found him.