Vile Exile

Chapter Fourty

Sage's PoV

Standing in front of the mirror I adjust the tightly fitted black suit jacket, the crimson cravat bow tied perfectly, contrasting to the pitch black colour of my suit, smart crimson Oxford shoes matching the cravat bow "Don't you look handsome." Looking to the top corner of the mirror at Levi who's wearing a tightly fitted ice white suit contrasted with an indigo blue "Don't you look stunning." I smirk as I turn I wrap my arms around his waist as he wraps his around my shoulders "General Kageyama, will you accompany an emotionless sharp-shooter to this party thrown in your honour?" He asks, laughing lightly I ignore the slight pain in my side from the injuries "Do you even need to ask." I retaliate, pressing my lips to his as he tightens his arms around my neck I pull him closer to me.

Lifting my arm out for him, he entwines his with mine "Shall we?" I ask, my smile widening as he nods "We shall." He whispers. Walking towards Natalia's house, Levi's arm wrapped around mine, the black and white of
Our suits complimenting each other "You Ready?" He asks as he stops I look down briefly before looking to him "You know when you think your ready but you don't know you are?" I ask, watching him nod he offers his hand out, a small smile spreading across his face "Ready or not, you can't miss a party thrown in your honour." He chuckles, grabbing his hand I smile as I walk towards him "You got me there." I laugh.

Inhaling I feel his arm tighten around mine "you have this" He smiles warmly, returning the smile I nod "I have this" I whisper, entering the house with Levi clung to my arm, my eyes adjust to the bright light of the decorative manor of the mansion, Natalia stood up by the balcony of the stairs with the assault squad, Hunters Troupe and the platinum squad and of course Gina "And the guest of honour arrives!" Staring at Gina who waves her hand, everyone turns to face me and I freeze, my muscles tightening "Sage." Levi murmurs, flinching I step forward, Levi moving his hand to my hand "Evening" I smile, everyone beaming and raising their glasses "to the man who risked his life to take down Juanita Roller!" Gina cheers, inhaling I tense slightly.

Standing at the wall, my hands pressed to the decorative wallpaper, my eyes scanning around me at the crowds of people, soldiers and higher ups gathered around talking to each other, clenching my jaw I look up at the balcony, moving against the wall I walk silently and slowly towards the stairs before making my way up to the balcony. Exhaling , my breath creates a small cloud of warm air as I lean on the railing, staring at the backyard of Natalia's grand house "So what, you don't like parties or something?" Looking over my shoulder at Bonita I turn back to face the backyard "I don't like crowds, or noise, or people making a big deal out of something so small. Juanita was the first of many, and she was the easiest. As we progress they are just going to get worse." I retaliate, my voice stern and full of rage "You took down one of Damion Goddard's foot-soldiers all by yourself Sage. That's something to toast to. And we've all had a rough year, we deserve to relax and have a good time. Stop being so uptight. Your previously emotionless boyfriend is down there talking and laughing with soldiers and people he doesn't even know whilst your up here sulking." She retaliates, tightening my grip on the railing I look down "When your done dancing with your demons, come dance with your boyfriend." She says as she turns and walks away from me.

Resting my chin in the palm of my hand I stare at the backyard, my jaw clenched and my half-lidded eyes watching nature do it's job, sighing I push myself up, wincing slightly at the bruises that are still present on my body "Stop being a jerk." I whisper to myself before turning and walking towards the entrance to the room. Scanning the huge room full of people I spot Levi talking to a group of soldiers. Making my way towards him, slipping past people who are stood drinking and laughing with each other, I place my hand on Levi's shoulder gently, his dark grey eyes meeting my blue ones and a small soft smile spreads across his face "Sorry for being an idiot." I murmur, hearing him chuckle lightly he shakes his head "Your claustrophobic, I understand. I won't tell." He returns, laughing I place my hand on his waist gently before turning to the group he's talking to "so what's the conversation?" I ask with a smile.

Hearing a sharp noise pierce the room I wince "is this thing on?" Looking up to the balcony where Natalia's stood I sigh and tilt my head back "Evening all! This party is to celebrate the riddance of Juanita Roller. The victory of Sage Kageyama and Gina King, Sage took down Juanita whilst Gina was backing him up by healing him. The two worked together expertly. Now a few words from the man himself." She says as she gestures to me I wince, feeling Levi's hand on my back I look down to him "Go..." he smiles, nodding I walk towards the stairs.

Taking the microphone from Natalia's hands I clear my throat "I didn't take down Juanita on my own. If it wasn't for Gina I probably would've died. But she was there and she helped keep me alive. And I'm grateful, see I made a promise to myself, a promise to protect someone, and yes I'll protect the rest of you but this someone I would take a million stabs to the chest for. And he said if I didn't come back alive he'd kick my ass and I can't have that." I say, hearing a few people laugh I look down to Levi who's smiling, my smile fading as I step forward so I'm leaning on the balcony "Juanita was the first of many more to come. Damion Goddard is our target and to get to him we have to take down all his connections. It's not going to be easy, and I can't promise no one will die. But we are the frontlines, We are the intergalactic nation and we have thousands, scrap that, millions of different races helping. If you ask me, Damion Goddard has nothing on us." I continue, Natalia nodding "A person with something to fight for, someone to protect is a strong and genuine warrior. Be that person who fights for others, but don't forget to fight for yourself too." I finish, everyone clapping and cheering I pass the microphone to Natalia "Brave words." She smiles, nodding I exhale uneasily as I step back.

Walking into Levi's room I stretch "that was hell." I groan, hearing him laugh he pulls his suit jacket off "But that speech was heavenly" He retaliates, scoffing I move my right arm carefully, stretching the wires inside of it "Someone worth protecting, that's my motto." I hum, watching him smile I stare at him, the moons illuminating the room, pulling my shirt off I wrap my arms around his waist lifting him up, he wraps his legs around my abdomen as he laughs I move over to the bed, chuckling lightly I hover over him "You broke my emotionless outer-shell." He hums, smiling I move his silver hair to the side "I knew there was a bright and cheerful soul beneath it, I just needed to charm it out of you." I return, hearing him laugh he wraps his arms around my neck "Charm, is that the word you'd use?" He laughs as I lean down to kiss him.

The end... for now.