A/N: "This is my first shot at a yaoi story... Hope you enjoy..." cowers
A firm hand gripped the tall glass of liquor as it slid down the bar his way. The man downed the hard liquid in one swing and slammed the glass back down on the counter. It lined up with the other six glasses. He placed his arms on the bar and rested his head in the crook of his elbow. His dark red hair fell to veil his cloudy eyes that already held the glazed look of drunkenness.
"Damn…" He muttered. The bartender paid him no mind. He was a regular, coming in when he had the chance to get wasted before stumbling back home.
The man's lithe and slender form belied any great strength, and the baggy blue sweater and dark pants didn't help much, but the wicked blade that was sheathed at his side and the occasional clink of the dog tags around his neck revealed that he was an officer. And if one got a close enough look to those tags, they would come to realize that he was a high-ranking officer.
It's been a year since the Forty Year War ended and peace was spread across the region. Due to the conditions of the peace all soldiers had been disbanded from both sides. There was still some tension between rivals that first met on the battlefield and then later in the time of peace, but they managed to keep the meeting courteous to a teeth-grinding degree; and that's all the rulers could ask for.
The man sat up again and gazed at the tags that rested in his palm before tugging tightly on the chain. It bit slightly into his neck then snapped. Laying the markers that labeled him as soldier on the counter he continued to gaze at them.
Lieutenant Ryld 'Wingz' Marquis
Sanguis Brigade
113th
013666
The second marked him as one of the Elite Ops; a group of skilled warriors that received special missions that did not come from their brigade's commanding officer. A very high honor that meant absolutely nothing now.
Ryld hated the fact that the war was over. Not that he didn't want peace, may it be far from him that he would ever wish that. It was he was just bitter because now he had nothing to live for. His whole life growing up was war, war, and more war. It was all he knew, from age one to his fairly young age of 22.
This was the reason every time he had a chance he would come to the tavern and try drowning himself in the alcohol.
The tavern door swung open and a rush of cold air swept through the room. With a bang it shut again.
"What can I get you sir?" The barkeep asked, looking up from the glass he was cleaning, one of Ryld's glasses in fact.
"Anything strong." Replied a curt voice.
Even though Ryld's senses were foggy, he was still alert enough to realize that the newcomer was coming towards him. He snatched his dog tags and stuffed them into the pocket of his coat that was on the stool to the right of him.
The stranger plopped down two stools away from Ryld and let out an exhausted sigh. "Damn weather and damn peace…" He mumbled.
Ryld vaguely heard what he said, or thought he said. Boisterous laughter erupted from one of the bar's corner tables. More drunks. Figuring it would probably to best to start stumbling home, he started to stand up drawing that stranger's gaze to him. Their eyes met and they actually saw each other.
With honed reflexes both jumped fully to their feet. Ryld's head pounded like a drum as he tried to sharpen his senses out of their buzz and placed his unsteady hand on the hilt of his blade.
The stranger had black hair with curious streaks of silver. Not the telltale silver of old age that would normally pepper an elder's hair, but bright shining silver, almost a platinum, in highlighted-like streaks. His eyes were like a cat's and shone to be a wine red color through the dark strands that passed over his them. "Ryld!" He exclaimed his fists brought up to either attack or defend.
"Zax!" Ryld slurred, hoping he could maintain balance.
The two glared at each other. Well, one glared, the other tried to do so. The bartender was telling them that if they were to fight they had better go outside.
Zax 'Thief' Cyvern was Ryld's rival throughout the whole war. They fought on opposing sides and whenever one was sent on a mission the other by some sick joke of fate would somehow end up be there as well. He received his nickname by stealing away the hopes and lives of many. Zax stood a whole head taller than Ryld but was almost of the same lithe build as the redhead, except slightly broader in the chest and shoulders. The two were also of the same age.
He lowered his fists to his sides, the metal studs upon the knuckles glinted in the lowlight. "Fuck… Here I thought I would never see you again. I guess a year without seeing your fucked-up character was as long as I was able to get."
"Well, you shouldn't have come then!" Ryld managed to speak without slaughtering to many of the words.
"Hey, go fuck off why don't you?" Zax retorted. "Your inferiority is grating on my nerves."
Ryld huffed and sat back down in his stool ordering another drink.
"What the fuck are you doing?" Zax asked.
"What the fuck does it look like? I'm ordering another drink to get wasted even more so when I wake up in the morning I won't remember seeing your superior acting ass again."
The two received their drinks and simultaneously finished them off. Another glare passed between the two before the next round came. Since Ryld already had quite a few drinks before, by his fourth helping he was grinning rather stupidly.
Zax slammed down his fifth glass, the mind slightly fuzzy but he was in much better shape then Ryld. "What have you been doing?" He asked, faintly curious.
"S'not much… Jus' sum meager jobs 'ere and t'ere." Ryld answered, swaying in his seat. "Neva' expected te see you fucker ag'in."
"Same here," Zax ran a gloved finger along the rim of his glass.
"Gawd… Ah wish Ah coulda died in te war or sumting. This peace is drivin' meh insane…" Ryld rested his chin on his folded arms that lay upon the bar. "No familie left… nuttin'."
Zax was surprised to hear this from his rival, and in a way he could relate. "I was engaged, but my fiancé was killed… Plus, women never held much appeal to me." Damn, liquor really made the tongue waggle.
Ryld's eyebrows shot up to his hairline. "You? Engaged? Poor gurl…" Ryld must have missed the part were Zax admitted to his sexual preferences. Grabbing his coat and standing up clumsily he turned to Zax. "Nice talkin' to ya ag'in but Ah'm headin' home." Stumbling towards the door, the sheath of his sword clanking against chairs as he walked by, he managed to make it out without incident.
Hard to believe that that guy was known as 'Wingz' the swordsmen who moved so swiftly and deftly that with his cloak would flail out behind him like wings. So graceful that it seemed he could just fly. Zax thought with wry amusement. "Blundering fucker."
"He would just about come in here every night," The bartender commented. "The poor guy. With the war over he has nothing. Family used to live around here until they were deported and massacred with a hundred others." He paused and waved politely to the group that was leaving before continuing, "Known that kid for a long time… Never seen him like this. War might have changed him or it could be the peace. You would probably know since it seems that you two are well acquainted."
"Maybe too acquainted." Zax stated bitterly. "Opposing sides in the war. Wherever one went the other would just happen to be there."
"Ah. Well, I'm going to be closing soon just to warn you."
"Then I suppose I should take my leave." Zax stood up and placed a few gold coins on the counter. "Thank you, sir." Grabbing his trench coat and donning it, he walked out, his stride wobbling slightly. The town was dark; the streetlights were burning lowly. The group that left earlier was turning down an alley, laughing as they went. Was that a person they were kicking?
Curiosity piqued, Zax wondered over, catching the conversation as he went.
"Lost, little whore?" Asked one of the intoxicated men, giving a swift kick to the lump on the ground, which let out a groan. The other three men laughed.
"Shouldn't have had those last few drinks, bastard." Remarked the largest of the four.
"This is what you get. You had to become an officer and drew attention to our town thus drawing attention to us. It's your fault that many of our families were slaughtered." Said another.
"Hey." Zax walked towards them and they turned revealing a half-conscious Ryld on the ground. Upon seeing who it was, Zax felt anger well up in him. "What the hell do you think you're doing?" He demanded.
"Giving what this asshole deserves. It's his fault." Replied the large one.
"Really? It was war, casualties happen." Zax remarked, the fuzziness slowly ebbing away from the expectation of a battle.
They didn't even bother replying. Filled with drunken rage they charged him, thinking they could overpower him with numbers. It was a shame that they didn't know multiple enemies was Zax's specialty.
Twisting he avoided the punch of one to block the punch of other. He swung out his leg as he went, catching the large man in the ribs and knocking him to the ground, writhing in pain. The other three couldn't lay a finger on him as he blocked and evaded with a casual air, and they soon joined their friend on ground, either unconscious or too pained to get up.
Ryld was able to watch what was happening from his sprawled position on the ground. His cloudy eyes were wide. He couldn't believe that his sworn enemy was protecting him.
Zax wiped his hands on his coat and walked over to Ryld. Kneeling down he let out a wry chuckle. "I always wanted to see you like this, on the ground, begging for your life. But not like this. I wanted to be the one to defeat not your own intoxication and stupidity."
"Shuddup!" Ryld slurred, trying to sit up but failing.
"Do you really want to live like this?" Zax asked. "Why are you letting them beat you down, I know for a fact you could still hold your own against them even though you're drunk. Why? Why do you put yourself through this?" Helping his rival sit up, all humor had left him.
"You heard what they said." Ryld suddenly sounded somber.
"And you believe that?" Zax pressed.
"It's the truth."
"You're even weaker than I thought."
"Shuddup…" Ryld mumbled
"Hmph." Zax suddenly lifted Ryld's frame into his arms. The redhead flailed about, startled, before latching onto the collar of Zax's coat.
"What the hell!" Ryld shouted.
"Where do you live?" Zax asked calmly. Ryld blinked dumbly and Zax repeated himself. "Where do you live?"
"A few blocks away." Ryld replied cautiously.
"I'm taking you home, but you have to point out what house it is." Zax started walking, Ryld still in his arms.
After about five minutes of walking, Ryld spoke up. "It's that one." He pointed to a small, house wedged in an alley between an item shop and an outfitter.
"Quaint." Zax commented before stepping through the unlocked door. The door led straight in to the living room, to the left was a small kitchen, and to the right was a hallway that no doubt led to the bedroom and bathroom. It was messy but not disgustingly so; it gave it a homier look with a few stray clothes lying around. How was that possible? Zax had no idea.
Walking over to the couch he dumped Ryld unceremoniously and started to take his leave.
"Wait…" Ryld's voice drifted over to him before he closed the door. "Don't go just yet."
"Why not?" Zax demanded.
"It's been so long since I had any company." Ryld replied.
"That's the alcohol talking, Wingz." Zax retorted.
"Even so, Thief, don't leave yet."
Zax sighed and shut the door. He walked over to the couch and sat down by Ryld's feet.
Ryld shifted and sat up, unbuckling the belts that held his sword around his slender waist. He vaguely realized that Zax had picked up his jacket and placed on the chair.
"Never thought I would be staying in your house." Zax commented, slipped his bare arms out of the sleeves of his trench coat. Wearing a skintight black tank that fitted the contours of his muscles and stretched slightly as he crossed his arms over his chest.
"Whatever." Ryld mumbled, the hold of the liquor losing its grip on him and he winced noting that a nice bruise was forming on his side.
"You should probably put some healing salve on that." Zax remarked.
"I'll do it later," Ryld mumbled in reply, "when I go to bed."
The two sat there in silence as time wore on. Zax wouldn't admit it out loud, but it was nice just to be in someone else company after so long of traveling alone.
"I miss my brigade," Ryld stated suddenly, "and the Elite Ops."
"I miss mine too." Zax added. "Haven't been in contact with anyone over the past year, you were the first."
"Hey, Zax?"
"Hm?"
Ryld slowly got to his feet and stood in front of the black and silver haired warrior. "One more battle? For old time's sake."
Zax raised an eyebrow. "A fight?" He asked confused.
Ryld inclined his head and swung his leg in a roundhouse kick, connecting with the side of Zax's face.
Zax rolled with the hit and somersaulted over the arm of the couch, coming up in a fighting stance. He pulled off his studded gloves. Ryld wasn't using his weapon and he would do the same.
Ryld charged. He knew he had no chance against Zax. Hand-to-hand combat was Zax's forte not his.
Zax blocked every one of his advances with relative ease. However, he didn't bother retaliating. Still, his bare forearms would have some nice bruises. Ryld must have continued with his training even after the war ended. Then again, so did he.
Mistakes, however, were still made. An article of random clothing that Zax didn't take into account, managed to get tangled with his feet causing him stumble, giving Ryld the opening he needed to pin Zax against the wall.
Ryld fisted a hand in Zax's skintight shirt, his chest heaving with adrenaline that ate away at the liquor, as he pin him to the wall.
Zax was surprised when he found Ryld's head resting against his chest, the unruly red hairs tickling his chin and nose. "Ryld?" The hand that was fisted in his shirt relaxed and trailed down his chest.
"Zax." Ryld looked up, his cloudy blue eyes unusually clear. Without any warning, he went to his tiptoes and pressed his lips against Zax's in a shy manner.
Zax was momentarily stunned. Here, his sworn enemy from the war was kissing him, sure, it could be blamed on the alcohol but Ryld seemed quite somber.
Ryld pulled away, embarrassed and started to mumble an apology but was cut off when Zax pulled him into a tight hug and crushed his lips against his. He let out a small gasp and that gave Zax the opportunity to slip his tongue in. Immediately dominated by Zax, Ryld gave in.
Zax lifted Ryld off the ground, not breaking the kiss. Ryld wrapped his strong legs around Zax's waist as Zax pressed him against the wall. Both gasped for air, ignoring the saliva upon their chins.
The temperature in the room seemed to rise as they began their kiss again. Zax's hand slipped up Ryld's sweater, tracing patterns along the smooth skin and enjoying the tensing of the strong muscles beneath his fingers. Lifting the sweater up and over Ryld's head, he kissed along his jaw line to his neck and collarbone.
Ryld's breath came in shaky gasps as goose bumps covered his skin. Zax drew back to examine a long scar the slanted across Ryld's small chest. He let out a small chuckle. "I remember that," He said before dragging his tongue across the scar.
Ryld's breath hitched. "You're still a bastard."
"Really?" Zax looked up and found Ryld glaring at him.
Zax chuckled and pulled away from the wall, Ryld still latched to his waist. He headed down the hallway to the bedroom. The room was unremarkable, a bed and a small nightstand next to it. Zax sat down on the bed, Ryld resting in his lap. "So, what do you want, Ryld? How far are you willing to go?"
Ryld looked away. "I don't know."
"Make up your mind before I make it up for you."
"Zax, take off your shirt." Ryld commanded and Zax obliged, pulling off the skintight tank. Zax's chest was broad and strong, and Ryld explored every inch of it with his fingers. His deft fingers traveled downward and rested along the waistband of Zax's pants.
Zax raised an eyebrow and waited to see what Ryld would do. He was quite pleased to see that the redhead didn't lose his nerve and skillfully undid the button and zipper. His hand rested lightly against his member and just that simple touch managed to get him completely aroused.
Realizing what his fingers achieved, Ryld felt his pants become tight and constricting. He moaned when Zax's hand started to massage the hardened area, the fabric of his pants and boxers rubbing against his shaft. "Z-Zax…" He was shocked to hear that he was panting already.
Zax pulled Ryld off his lap and placed him on the bed before standing up. He casually stepped out of his pants and boxers, standing completely naked before Ryld.
Ryld gazed at the man before him, his eyes taking in everything. Getting to his feet, he responded in kind, pulling off his remaining clothes. This time he was under Zax's scrutinizing gaze. And Zax seemed to approve, pulling the smaller man into an embrace that rubbed their aroused members together, sending shock waves up their spines. They both moaned as the grinded against each other.
Zax pushed Ryld back onto the bed and pinned him. Sliding back, Zax left trails of kisses down his navel before taking Ryld into his mouth.
Ryld let out a shout of surprise and threw his head back, his hands gripping the black and silver strands.
Zax held down his hips as he sucked and drew patterns with his tongue. Nibbling gently on the tip he was pleased to hear Ryld let out another passionate shout and to see those cloudy blue eyes glazed over.
Ryld's shout went up an octave when two of Zax's fingers penetrated his entrance with no warning or lubrication. He shut his eyes tightly, biting back the pain.
"So this truly is your first time," Zax remarked huskily. Removing his fingers he reach over to the nightstand and grabbed the jar of healing salve. He covered his fingers with the makeshift lubricate.
Starting with one digit he entered Ryld then he added another to which Ryld squirmed uncomfortably. Carefully he started to scissor him.
Ryld gasped and moaned. "S-stop babying me!" He managed to gasped out and fixed Zax with a glare. "Get the fuck in me, before I grab my sword and cut your balls off!"
Zax, surprised at the outburst couldn't help but wonder if the redhead had some sexual tension that he was finally releasing. Pushing in a third digit Zax coated his erection with the cool lubricate by use of his other hand. Repositioning Ryld's legs so that they slung over his shoulders he removed his fingers and slammed into the redhead, driving in deep and waited for Ryld to get use to it.
Ryld's eyes were clenched shut as Zax went in deep. Pain was all he felt. But after a moment, a strange pleasure started to fill him.
Zax noted the he was starting to get use to the intrusion and he started to rock slightly, causing Ryld's breath to become even more erratic. Slowly, those tear-brimmed, cloudy eyes opened and gave the message to continue. Zax complied, pulling out and driving in to the hilt, the cries were bliss to his ears.
Ryld was pounded by Zax so hard that the bed began to creak with his movements. His hips were angled further and Zax drove in. This time Ryld saw stars and Zax continued to hit that spot. He barely noticed the strong hands that began to pump him in time. "Zax!" He cried out and his muscles contracted and he felt his release as the liquid splattered on his stomach and Zax's hands.
With the tightening of Ryld's muscles, Zax soon followed him over the edge, releasing his essence inside the redhead. He pulled his limp flesh out of his unlikely companion. Lowering Ryld's legs off his shoulders, Zax leaned over and licked the cum off of his hands and Ryld's abdomen. He tasted like nothing Zax ever tasted before. Zax happened to find that he liked it.
Feeling the warm tongue on him stomach, Ryld opened one eye. "Wha-?" He began to ask but found Zax's lips pressed against his. He could taste himself on the other's tongue.
Breaking the kiss Zax leaned back against the pillows and pulled Ryld against his chest, their sweaty bodies intertwining.
"Zax?"
"Hm?" Zax's eyes were closed and he looked like he was asleep.
"Did this mean anything?" Ryld asked. "Does it mean anything?" He grew worried.
Zax couldn't believe that he still had enough energy to talk. Forcing one of his wine colored eyes open to peer down at the swordsman. "What do you think, fucker?" He replied curtly. "Go to sleep. After one year… who would of… thought I… would be… here…" He mumbled, drifting off to sleep.
Ryld smiled and nuzzled into Zax's warm chest. "Who would've thought, well, I certainly hoped." Relaxing, he let his body slip into a comfortable sleep.
No worries shrouded the two on what would happen the next morning. They would figure it out, or else start a whole new war over the same reason that started the first one. Of course no one knew that that was the real reason for all their suffering.
Who would've thought?
A/N: blushes "I can't believe I just wrote this!!! As I said before, this was my first time writing something of this caliber. Even I think it's a little graphic for my first time..." chuckles feebly "Anyway, I might write a sequel or actually tell the story of these two characters. So, tell me what you thought of this and give me some ideas on what I should and also tell me if I'm any good at this sort of fiction. Heh..."
Death