Obscure

by the Legendary Armor

It wasn't really that often that Gallia had a ball, of all things. But while the beast tribe was so rough-and-tumble in spirit, plenty of them still enjoyed a good bit of elegance from time to time. It was certainly amusing to see things like Skrimir and Lethe in formal attire, but it wasn't so surprising to see some of the more famous warriors like that--for it seemed to fit them, and Ranulf was certainly one of those.

Kyza looked across the crowded main hall, and flushed as soon as he laid eyes on his commander. The lean, toned warrior was dressed in dark blues, his shirt even more formfitting than usual. The silver-haired tiger couldn't tear himself away from the sight... the decorations throughout the castle, the bright, amazing outfits worn by the other Gallians, was all so dull compared to his one and only captain.

Ranulf had just emerged from the hallways that eventually led back to his quarters; he looked around briefly, as if searching. He offered smiles and small talk to several people as he strolled through the enormous main hall, which was even more crowded now that the music was beginning and the dancing was picking up. Kyza wasted no time in walking up to him; Ranulf smiled, as if he'd found what he was looking for when he met the tiger's eyes. "Good evening, Captain. You look fantastic."

His lazy smirk made the light-haired laguz's stomach twist. "You too... as usual. You're too dutiful to ever look anything but your best, especially for something like this."

"Thank you, sir! It makes me happy to hear you say that."

The Gallian captain chuckled. "You're never relaxed, Kyza, especially around me. Why is that?" His powerful, soft voice commanded all of the tiger's attention; his very presence filled his veins with the feeling of a blessed existence. It took him a moment to reply, for he'd thought out his words carefully.

"I must maintain my honor and follow my duties by being a respectable person. And for you, Captain Ranulf, I must strive even further." His answer was honest, hiding no secrets--he trusted Ranulf with everything, no matter what. He felt he owed the man complete honesty, and for that, the commander should know his feelings. Certainly everyone else could tell, anyway...

Ranulf clasped one of his hands, resting his other hand on the taller man's hip, forcing the silver-haired laguz to dance with him. "I'd be happier if you eased up a bit. You'll strain your heart, trying so hard."

Kyza was trying his damndest to force his faint blush away; he'd never been so physically close with the cat before. "I'm afraid I don't know how to do that, sir. It doesn't come naturally. But... for you, I'll do anything."

Smiling, the blue-tressed laguz said, "That's very sweet of you." The music played by the minstrels increased in pace, and Ranulf gracefully spun with his partner between the other dancers. Kyza felt a rush of nervousness as he continued to speak. "You're even more persistant than Lyre. Why is that?"

"I... I believe you already know that." He looked away for a moment before catching Ranulf's differently colored eyes. "Sometimes I do worry, though. Am I really so boring? Do I even stand a chance?" Shaking his head, he continued, "Deep inside, I tell myself it doesn't matter, as long as you respect me, though I wish for so much more. Perhaps... that's why I need to mean something to you, or my life feels... so very empty."

Ranulf's smile was more affectionate than smug this time. "You're not giving yourself enough credit. You're a lot more to me than a warrior I respect--which I do, by the way."

"I- I beg your pardon?" He was pulled closer by the cat as the music slowed down; Ranulf's face was so close to Kyza, he could feel the captain's warm breath against his neck.

"Perhaps your feelings aren't entirely onesided."

Kyza's breath caught in his throat, and his nervousness became more apparent. "Captain, do you mean--if so, I'd never really imagined I--what do you mean?"

He replied with that slight, affectionate smile once more. "During the war, you told Lyre that if she wanted my love, she'd have to take it from you. You were right. It's as simple as that." His playful smirk returned, setting the tiger's nerves afire.

The returning smile from the silver-tressed laguz was soft and adoring. "Captain... you've made me the happiest person in Gallia..."

Ranulf leaned up on the tips of his toes to give Kyza a soft, quick kiss. "The same to you."

(end)