Chapter Text
Time reversal AU!!
3 months after the battle of Infernus…
Saparata placed an Allium on Fluixon’s grave before crouching down, leaning against the drip stone tomb as he looked out at the sea. He remembered collecting sand there with Fluixon to build his house, simpler times. In the past month, as peace began to settle on both islands after the battle of Infernus, Saparata, much to his annoyance, found his mind drifting off to ‘what ifs’.
What if things had been different?
What if he had noticed Fluixon’s plot before Fluixon crossed the line? Had Saparata successfully convinced Fluixon to not enact his plot, then so many lives would have been saved.
Then…would Saparata not have to hear those haunting words that Fluixon uttered whilst laying in Saparata’s arms in his final moments?
Saparata was very aware of his naivety now. It was hard for him to trust anyone, even after the war. Cass had to visit him a lot in the weeks following the war to drag him back from the shell of the person he had become.
“I knew you'd be here.” A familiar voice greeted, snapping Saparata out of his trance.
Saparata turned around to find Cass, one of her few remaining guards standing respectfully in the shade of a nearby tree. Although Cass insists that there is no longer a need for guards to be stationed with her at all times, her people insist that she at least receives some protection when travelling alone.
“Cass.” Saparata greeted, flashing her a small smile.
“You seem to be doing better lately, some of my citizens told me about you raising parrots?” Cass asked, staring at the grave with a solemn expression.
Saparata shrugged, rolling another allium between his index and middle finger absent-mindedly. He looked out at the sea again. On the second day, Fluixon and Saps went fishing for a while, before watching a turtle slowly wade back into the sea.
“There’s no need to look so glum. He’s a criminal that got what he deserved.”Saparata recited, his voice mechanical, words he had repeated many times whenever someone attempted to comfort him.
Cass sighed. She knew there was a limit to how much she could help Saparata. After all, even though Fluixon betrayed Saparata, they were really close friends before the betrayal. Having someone you trust turn on you…it breaks your whole world.
“Needless to say, if you ever need anything, the Cass Coalition is always willing to welcome you with open arms.”Cass offered, giving Saparata a kind smile.
Cass knew all she could do was offer help and hope Saparata realises and sorts out his feelings on his own. After all, Cass had to deal with what Saparata was feeling too. She never properly had the chance to mourn Jophiel until after the war. Only then did Cass feel regret for not…speaking with Jophiel more before her passing.
“Thanks for the offer, Cass. But you know I prefer to live alone. Plus, I have my parrots now.” Saparata replied.
Cass chuckled, she expected this outcome. At least Saparata could get some proper sleep now…instead of being constantly haunted by the memory of his former best friend dying in his arms. Cass bid Saparata farewell and before leaving with her guard. Saparata then walked onto the sand. People say you never realise how much something means to you until it is gone. Saparata laughed to himself as the waves rolled gently over his feet. Even after everything, Saparata still missed Flux.
Who was he kidding, Saparata did not care that much about lost lives. Yes, it was tragic, but he knew that conflict would eventually occur, it's an endless cycle, Flux knew that too. What he really found himself caring about…were those carefree days with his former friend, with Fluixon. Saparata hated that he felt guilty. After all, he was the one that was wronged by Flux. Still, he wished he was perceptive enough to see the signs, to nip the bud before it was too late, to help Flux stay on the right path. Saparata wished…he had gathered the courage to tell Flux how he felt, how much he cares for him.
If only Saparata had another chance…no, the window of opportunity had long closed for Saparata. Everything was already over. Saparata closed his eyes, enjoying the gentle, slightly salty sea breeze. Until-
•
“Saps!”
Saparata’s blood ran cold as he opened his eyes. Only one person would ever call him that. Saparata did not want to believe it, did he fall asleep after Cass left or something? Or did he never wake up that day and Cass’s visit and everything after was just an oddly realistic dream? Beads of cold sweat started rolling slowly down the back of Saparata’s neck. It can’t be…certainly…
“Hey, what’s up with you? Did you catch a cold or something?” Fluixo-, no, Flux, asked, walking up in front of Saparata and tilting his head, a mischievous grin on his face.
Saparata’s eyes widened. No, Flux was dead. This must be a dream, a twisted nightmare, Saparata just had to wake up.
“I-I thought you were dead.”Saparata stuttered, pupils shaking uncontrollably, voice strained.
Flux blinked several times in confusion, before frowning.
“Did you have a nightmare or something? There’s no way I’d allow myself to kick the bucket. Then who would be left to annoy you?”Flux replied jokingly, before his voice softened, “It must’ve been a really terrifying nightmare for you to react like this.”
In any other situation, Saparata might have laughed. But that grin, that laugh, only made his stomach churn, hands trembling. What was Flux hiding behind those eyes? Those dark pools that sparkled like the night sky whenever Flux spoke of his love for the people of Luminara and island 2 as a whole.
“Yea…”Saparata agreed, plastering a smile on his face, “Sorry for worrying you. Remind me again, what were we doing?”
Flux’s brows furrowed with concern, seeing past the smile easily but choosing to let his best friend choose when to tell him what was bothering him.
“Are you sure you aren’t sick? Whatever- we were collecting sand for sandstone to build the meeting room.” Fluixon explained.
Sandstone…Saparata’s eyes widened. Less than a day before Alke, Korulein and four other leaders would be killed by drip stone. Mere hours before Jophiel’s assassination. Even though Saparata was stuck in an internal misery of his own creation after the war, he could tell that Cass cared a lot about Jophiel, even though she did not realise it at this point in time.
This would be risky but…for the sake of Cass and everything she had done for Saparata after the war…
“Flux, before I say this, promise me that you won’t betray me.” Saparata pleaded, his voice trembling, quiet.
Flux’s eyes widened, his eyes darkening for a moment before Flux smiled.
“What do you mean, Saps? I’m your best friend, I would never-” Flux replied smoothly.
“Don’t lie to me!! Was I foolish enough to believe…no, you did it because you care about the people of this island, you sincerely wish the best for them. Still…am I…really that disposable to you?”Saparata cried.
Saparata gripped the golden tassels on Flux’s military jacket tightly, keeping his gaze lowered, fixed on Flux’s boots. Flux, meanwhile, stayed silent, his eyes narrowed.
Saparata used to admire Flux for his unrelenting dedication to the people, something Saparata did not care much about as a neutral player. However, surely, Saparata was the one that spent the most time with Flux. Did Flux just…not care about Saparata as much as he did for him?
Saparata refused to break down into hysterics. Flux did not deserve that. He would only find pleasure in Saparata’s reactions, laughing at him for being the gullible fool that he was. Saparata could already imagine Flux telling him sweet lies, denying his allegations.
“Leave, Saps.” Flux replied.
Saparata raised his head, eyes widening. What-?
Before Saparata could react, Flux pulled Saparata into a hug. Saparata wanted to push him away, to scream and yell and punch. Yet, he missed this sensation. How when Flux pulled him into a warm embrace, Flux’s military coat would wrap around Saparata’s sides, making Saparata feel stable, secure. How it is now a new reminder to him that Flux was more than a lifeless, bloodied corpse in his arms. All Saparata wanted was another chance to stay by Flux’s side.
Saparata was trembling, expecting a stab in the back, an apology before he was promptly disposed of, something! Something to prove to himself that Flux was truly irredeemable, to show himself that caring for such a person would only bring him grief and anguish.
“Leave now. I’ll have Seraphim take the blame.” Flux added, eyes cold yet hiding a hint of warmth.
Flux sighed, pushing Saparata’s face against his neck, patting his white hair gently.
“Did someone tell you all this? It must have scared you, I’m sorry.” Flux continued.
Saparata’s thoughts were a jumbled mess. The only other time Flux had apologised to Saparata was in his final moments. What was Flux playing at? As if he cared. Saparata was just a pawn to him, right? Yet, deep down, Saparata still wanted to believe in Flux. After all, this seemed like a golden opportunity to turn things around. If possible, Saparata wanted to save as many leaders as possible.
“Don’t kill all the leaders. It doesn’t have to be this way, Flux. I’m sure people on Island 1 aren’t as hostile as you think. I-” Saparata muttered, almost desperately but Flux covered his mouth with his palm.
Flux leaned back, but kept an arm around Saparata’s waist and the other at Saparata’s mouth. Saparata hated it. Hated the fact that his heart almost leapt out of his ribcage when Flux did that. Flux’s face was inches away, and for the first time in what seemed like forever, Flux’s eyes were filled with…pity?
“You have to understand, Saps. Island 1 has been distributing propaganda to incite hate towards Island 2. It’s clear Island 1 is planning an attack on us and I’m not going to stand by and let it happen.” Flux replied, pupils shaking, “Luminara is the closest to the border, and you know how we’re building a bridge to connect to Island 1. In the event of war, my kingdom is the first on the chopping block.”
Saparata recognised that look. Flux had always been a stubborn person. He had an impenetrable moral compass, and he made every decision after much thought, almost never changing his mind. But if there was anyone that could convince Flux to change his mind, then it was Saparata. With newfound determination, Saparata prepared a rebuttal and pulled Flux’s hand off his mouth.
“I…knew someone from Island 1. All those propaganda posters only come from a nation. The rest of Island 1 are not hostile.” Saparata explained, “They aren’t planning to invade us for our resources.”
Flux frowned, yet his eyes undeniably held a softness that Saparata was trying to draw out.
“How do you know this, Saps?” Flux asked, his tone serious, “Where’s the evidence?”
Flux was right. He had no reason to believe Saparata. Still, for the sake of Cass and the many other people that lost their lives in the war with Infernus, Saparata had to try. Then, even if he was persecuted and branded a traitor again, at least he would know he tried everything to prevent a war.
“Please, just this once, trust me, Flux. Don’t kill the Island 2 leaders. I don’t want to rat you out either.” Saparata replied.
Flux was conflicted. Saps was acting strangely today. This entire time, when Saps stared at Flux, his eyes were shining with unshed tears, as if he had not seen Flux in ages. However, Flux knew that despite how Saps always tries to see the good in people, he would not easily believe sensitive information like this. Whilst Saps was a lovable fool, he was not a brain-dead one. Whatever source Saps got this from…it was trustworthy.
Flux sighed, removing his arm from Saps’s waist and pinching his temples. Was everything he worked…everything he believed...for nothing?
Flux thought that for the sake of this island, he would be able to sacrifice Saps. Yet, the guilt gnawing at him ever since he conceived this plan the previous night was now overflowing from a metaphorical bottle.
When Flux met Saps at dawn, seeing how excited he was to construct the meeting hall, how Saparata gratefully thanked him and the other Luminarians Flux brought for the help… Flux almost wanted to postpone the plan. However, Flux kept telling himself-no, justifying it to himself that it was all for Island 2’s sake. Even if Flux’s sins would eventually be revealed, Flux thought he would be able to tolerate it as long as Island 2 remains safe after the border drops. However, after Saparata’s words…
Flux covered his mouth, lowering his head, eyes filling up with guilt and shame and…oh god, he almost betrayed his best friend. The person he should have treasured the most.
“I’ll…postpone it.” Flux muttered.
Flux then raised his head slowly to look at Saps. Both were afraid to meet the gaze of the other.
Perhaps this was a sign that Saparata’s plan was working, that little by little, Saparata could change things.
“Stay here with me, leave politics. If you declare that you are neutral, your subordinates cannot touch you without incurring the hate of other nations. I know you care not just about Luminara, but the whole island 2. Hence, isn’t being neutral the way to show your allegiance to the entirety of Island 2?” Saparata said.
Flux’s eyes widened. Saps had never offered such a thing. After all, Saps respected Flux’s decision to become second-in-command of Luminara. Saps would even try and chase Flux away out of sheer annoyance since Flux relentlessly teased and pestered Saps. Never did Flux ever imagine Saps would so easily…offer him to stay here permanently. Flux chuckled, despite how tense and serious the situation was.
“Weren’t you trying to chase me out two days ago? Now you suddenly want me to move in as if we’re newlyweds.”Flux teased.
A small blush crept down from reddened ears, causing Saparata to cough to clear his throat in an effort to regain composure. Strange, usually it took much more pestering before Saparata reacted that much. He did seem quite sensitive today. Flux found himself…liking this change.
“Why would anyone marry an egoistic, annoying liar?”Saparata retorted, crossing his arms just as the first droplets of rain hit the bridge of his nose.
-
In mere seconds, the rain became a light drizzle. In another few seconds, Flux had taken off his military coat, draping it onto Saparata’s head to shield him from the rain, before pulling Saparata along as he ran back to the half-built meeting hall. The other Luminarians likely took shelter at a separate shack they had built to stay in temporarily.
“Tropical weather is truly unpredictable. You good, Saps?” Flux asked, despite the fact Flux was soaked from head to toe.
Saparata was considerably less soaked, but wet nonetheless. Saparata nodded as Flux placed down a campfire. Then, the two friends proceeded to sit beside each other, an awkward silence falling between the two of them. Only the sound of rain pelting onto the rooftop and the crackling fire could be heard.
“Take off your clothes.”Saparata said simply.
“Oh, so you want to take a pea-”Flux replied.
“Shut up, I just don’t want you to catch a cold.” Saparata snapped back, cutting Flux off, “So dry off your clothes by the fire.”
“Don’t worry, if you keep me warm, then I won’t catch a-Ow!” Flux added, wincing as Saparata smacked him on the head with considerable force.
Flux rubbed the side of his head, which was throbbing in pain. Flux opened his mouth to begin whining but after seeing Saps’s flushed, annoyed face, Flux could not help but laugh. Flux removed his purple inner shirt, enjoying how Saps’s cheeks burned a deeper shade of red, before Saparata quickly averted his gaze. Saparata grumbled, annoyed that Flux was getting the better of him. Perhaps three months without any ‘practice’ has made him ‘rusty’.
“What’s so funny?”Saparata snapped, glaring at Flux.
Flux threw the shirt near the fire to dry it, before turning back to face Saps.
“Like what you see, Saps?” Flux asked gleefully, his eyes filled with mirth as he grinned roguishly, “If you aren’t prepared to be a newlywed, what about dating first then?”
“Sure.”Saps replied simply, crossing his arms after pulling Flux’s military jacket tighter around himself to keep warm.
Flux froze. Wait what?! Saparata realised that Flux needed a further elaboration of his words before his words gained enough weight to sink in. Saparata sighed, dragging his palms down his face in embarrassment. Seriously, for a person like Flux who predicts human behavior so well he almost got away with killing all the leaders, he could be infuriatingly dense sometimes.
“I mean that I would date you, obviously,”Saparata replied.
Silence fell between them for a while as Flux stared at Saps. Saps stared back, eyes lacking any trace of a lie. Instead, Saps’s eyes looked tired, weary, as if Saps had been keeping this burden for a long time.
“Look, if you’re saying that because you’re tired of what I’m saying then-” Flux muttered.
“I’m dead serious.” Saparata replied, “I’m not the type to joke about these kinds of things like you do.”
Saparata kept telling himself he was only doing this to keep Flux close, to eventually win him over. Saparata just desperately wanted to stay with Flux. To understand why…when Flux lay dying in his arms in the colosseum, he uttered those three, haunting words. At what point…did Flux start feeling that-?
“Hah you really…”Flux muttered, “Why? Didn't you just find out I was originally planning to betray you? You’d really let yourself be with some untrustworthy-”
“Because I want to believe in you, Flux.” Saparata replied simply.
In this life, Saparata wanted to cling to Flux and never let go. Flux assassinating Island 2’s leaders was one of those bad choices. After all, Humans aren’t monsters, we simply make monstrous choices. Sometimes, we commit A
an irreversible sin that could never be rectified.
Flux glanced at Saps, how rainwater dripped off the ends of white strands of hair. Dark eyes, darker than his, but honest. The colour of obsidian. Yet, Saps stared at Flux with a steely gaze, all whilst wrapped up in Flux’s military coat, fiddling with the gold tassels.
“Forget it, I’ll go smelt some glass-” Saparata muttered, sighing.
However, before Saparata had the chance to stand up and walk to the chests and furnaces, Flux grabbed the collar of the military coat and pulled Saparata closer. Their faces were mere inches apart, causing Saparata’s cheeks to heat up instantly. This sort of thing…he should not want this from the person that had betr-no, at this point in time, had planned to betray him.
“Pull away, you have every opportunity to.” Flux said, voice hoarse even as his nose brushed against the other, hands moving to grab Saparata’s shoulders.
Flux’s voice was filled with uncertainty and worry. Saparata had never heard Flux so…terrified. Even in the face of death, Flux kept a strong front as he always did. From the slight, almost unnoticeable blush on Flux’s cheeks, Saparata realised that maybe this new feeling was mutual. Without much thought, Saparata closed the remaining distance between them and placed a quick kiss on Flux’s lips, leaning back after a few seconds.
For a few seconds, Flux looked stunned as Saparata studied him.
However, just when Saparata was going to apologise for his impulsiveness, Flux wrapped a hand around the back of Saparata’s neck. Then, he raised the other so that it rested on Saparata’s cheek, gently caressing it.
Finally, Flux pulled Saparata back in, gently kissing him as if he was afraid Saparata would leave him at any time. Flux still smelt like rain, his hair half-dried, his shirt still discarded near the fire.
“Flux-” Saparata muttered when they parted for air, but was cut off as Flux pulled him back again, seeking warmth.
This time, Flux nibbled on Saparata’s lips, coaxing him to open up. Eventually, Saparata relented, letting Flux thrust his tongue in to explore the expanse. This felt…dangerous. Saparata could see himself getting addicted to such a feeling. A newfound heat was slowly pooling in his stomach, burning brighter as Flux's hands trailed lower down his back, sending shivers down his spine.
Flux kept prodding around, trying to familiarise himself with all those spots that made Saps struggle to stifle a sound. He pulled his military coat off Saps, relishing in the jolt that ran through Saps body when his hand traveled lower and lower...
“Let it out, Saps. There’s no one to hear us over the rain anyway.” Flux coaxed, his tone sultry.
The torrential downpour seemed to have reached its peak, howling winds accompanied it, and the croaks of frogs could be heard. Saparata gulped, trying to reign in his desire before it went completely loose. A toned chest displayed for Saparata, damp hair and a provocative yet loving smile… Saparata pushed Flux away slightly, panting as he got back his composure. Now that he was slightly calmer, he could begin to ignore how alluring Flux was right now. To think that all it took for Saparata to begin thinking this way was after they realised the feeling was mutual.
Flux whined as Saparata placed a palm against his lips, before it turned into an annoyed growl when he tried to lean back in.
“Let’s do this another time, Flux.”Saparata said sternly, his words almost a command.
Flux narrowed his eyes, licking Saps’s fingers causing Saps to jerk in surprise and pull back his hand. Flux chuckled. Cute. It was intriguing, how Saps seemed torn between distancing himself from Flux, yet trying to keep Flux as close as possible.
Saps had certainly changed out of nowhere today. If Flux had not known any better, he would have thought he was dreaming. Even though Saps’s sudden change in behavior it was odd, Flux decided to not question it for now and decided to simply wait for Saps to tell him the truth. After all, they had time now. Plus, Flux rather liked this change. A Saps that would get flustered much faster, reciprocate his feelings, and desperately wanted to cling on to Flux…
“Give me a date and time.” Flux groaned, reluctantly withdrawing from Saps and pulling his military coat around Saps again.
“I don’t know, maybe after the meeting with all the Island Leaders, if it’s fine with you.” Saparata replied, avoiding Flux’s gaze.
“Shy, aren’t you?” Flux muttered, smirking.
“Another word out of that mouth and you’ll be six feet under.”Saparata retorted.
After a short pause, the two burst into laughter as if nothing had happened, as if they were still ‘just’ friends. It was only with the other that petty arguments and banter were worth having. As the rain slowly became a gentle drizzle, and all that was left of the crackling fireplace were the hot, glowing embers, Fluixon offered a hand to Saparata.
Saparata blinked several times, surprised at the gesture, before taking it and allowing himself to be hoisted up by Fluixon. Together, the two started making their way to the beach again to collect sand, but now with a newfound bond between them.