Limerence

Revelation

After some time, William sobered up, his friend's flushed face coming into view. His boisterous laughter has now subdued into that serene smile he always wore. But tonight, he was sure that it was more genuine. He can't remember the last time he allowed himself to relax in the presence of another person, his guard was always up since he had to protect Patri's and his secret.

Upon the reminder of his grave sin, his mood dampened a bit. Although the shift in his character would be glossed over by most, (Name) was quick to point it out,

"What's wrong, William?"

"It's nothing of importance, (Name)."

The brunette narrowed her eyes, "You could've at least come up with a better excuse. What you feel would always be important to me. Just because you're some hotshot Captain doesn't mean that you're suddenly invulnerable to emotions. You're still human after all,"

William had forgotten just how blunt his childhood friend was. She had mentioned, on multiple occasions, that she was rather incompetent when it comes to offering comfort to another. It was because she preferred to point things out as the way she sees them, and normally, that's not what most are after. They want the honeyed lie that would make them feel good.

However, the masked Captain does not agree with her claims. He had found himself solace within her sincere words. It was such a rare treat he'd sought after when their respective duties forced them apart. Which reminds him,

"You didn't answer my question, (Name). Why are you here? If I remember correctly, you're deemed to be at the Diamond Kingdom." William was grateful for (Name)'s demanding post. Her family's fortune relies on trade. And as her being the only heir, her father saw fit that she oversaw some of the work being done. He thanked the Heavens that she was far enough when things had gone downhill.

"I heard," The girl stated simply. William was about to reply when she'd cut him off, "About the elves, and some Magic Knights going berserk."

Her statement caused him to pause. He supposed that such a big event won't go unnoticed, especially with the neighboring Kingdoms. With this thought, he heaved a small sigh,

"Why don't we talk about it in my office, (Name). I would narrate to you everything you'd want to hear, but I request you keep an open mind." He offered, to which the girl just nodded.

The sound of their footsteps resounded within the walls of the hallway, ceasing when they reached his workroom. He opened the door but stood simply at the side, allowing her to enter before him.

(Name) smirked, "Ever the gentleman, I see. I can handle a few doors, you know." She stated, as she entered anyways, "but I guess I can indulge in some chivalry from time to time."

William followed suit, the door closing behind him with a soft click. In contrast to his companion's easy going nature, his heart started to beat erratically. His palm started to sweat as he reached his office chair. He gestured for (Name) to sit as well when she waited for his invitation.

The Captain coughed, "I don't even know where to begin. I-" William tried to get some words out but his throat seemed to have closed up. He was hyper aware of the cold sweat starting to form on his temple, he thought that his heart was trying to jump out of his chest with the way it's beating.

He can't fathom as to how he would explain that he was the primary cause of the destruction. It was already hard enough to face the Wizard King and his fellow Captains after the catastrophe and now, he has to force himself to relive the way he had caused the disasters to his dearest friend. He felt like he was signing himself up for murder. Just thinking of how (Name) would see him as a scum, a monster. Suddenly, the delicious supper he had stirred in his stomach.

Before he could continue with his abhor thoughts, (Name) reached for his hand and squeezed gently. Being brought out of his toxic thought process, he found himself looking at his friend's glossy chestnut eyes that glittered with understanding. She gave him a small smile of her own,

"You can start from the very beginning," She suggested warmly.

Her smile gave him courage. He knew that he couldn't just turn tail and leave her high and dry, no matter how tempting it is. She would find out one way or another, so he would rather it come from him. He didn't need the unnecessary over exaggeration of the rumors tainting the truth. He returned her gesture, squeezing her dainty hand.

"Okay," He said slowly, "But again, I must request -I'm not even above begging, that you keep an open mind."

Her smile widened, "Always, William."

And so, he told her everything.

↞♡↠

"...the Wizard King allowed me to continue my service under his orders. As long as I dedicate myself to protecting the Kingdom and the people residing within." The Captain tried to gauge the reaction of the girl seating before him, intently listening as he ended his horrific back story.

There was a far-off look in her eyes, and it scared him. Even so when she quietly slipped her hand away from his. He felt his heart start to break. He didn't know if he could handle it if she turned away from him. It would be a nightmare, but he knows it's only proper.

William hung his head low, he can't bear to see the disgust staining her eyes when she looks at him. He had lost hope of maintaining their treasured friendship, now that he had exposed just how ugly his existence is.

He was pleasantly surprised when nimble hands gently directed his face so that he could see her. Her eyes were misty,

"I didn't know that you were carrying such burden, William." She said softly. It was almost a whisper that William wouldn't hear if it hadn't been that their face was so close, "You were always so kind, so passionate, in protecting those dear to you."

Sniffles were heard. (Name) was trying so hard to be strong, the last thing he needed was someone to break down in front of him. But how could she not? She felt so guilty about not noticing it sooner. She who had been the closest to him since they were young.

Her fingers stroked his cheeks delicately. William couldn't help but nuzzle his face into her feminine hands. (Name) was the sole reason as to why he had not been entirely robbed of affection in his childhood. She made sure that he felt that he was loved whenever they were together, much to his step-mother's dismay.

William held her hands that were touching his face, "No, (Name). You have no fault on this. It was all entirely my doing."

"No, no. I could've at least shared the weight you were carrying. And it's not your fault. You were only serving as a vessel for the elf." She stated firmly.

"His name is Patri, (Name). Please do not harbor any hatred for him, he was gaslighted by the Devil. He is also atoning for the sins he committed, the same as I."

The girl didn't know how she would react. That elf used William. He made him do things he would not normally do, all for his benefit. Even if it was not hate, (Name) couldn't help but to feel something akin to it for the elf.

William sensed this and brought back the topic to himself. When all was said and done, Patri was still his friend. He didn't want two of the people closest to him detest one another.

"So? Do you not think that I'm an abomination?"

(Name) pulled her hands, surprised, "Never! If anything, your only fault was that you tolerated his actions. And I know that it came from a place of good. There is nothing in this world that would make me see you as an abomination."

Had it not been for the table between them, he would've pulled her into a suffocating embrace. How lucky he was, to have been gifted with the most accepting friends. Julius, Yami, and his other comrades as well. He felt the metaphorical thorn disappear within his heart.

Once again, he found himself smiling at his dear companion, "That makes me very happy, (Name). Thank you."