AN: Sorry for the long update, I just didn't seem to get enough inspiration, but thank you all for your wonderful reviews! And even to the people who are reading this story, but don't review, thanks to you all too!
Chapter 4
Due to the events earlier that day, the boys had fallen into a deep sleep, and it was only when Zelos's butler came in on them that the boys finally woke up. Lloyd had been laying on the couch, nearly half of his body falling off, and Zelos lay close to the back of the couch, half on Lloyd and half on the couch. Sebastian noticed this, but made no comment.
"Sirs, I'm sorry for waking you, but you have business to attend to," he said quietly at first, but they didn't wake. "Sirs, you must wake up," he insisted a little louder, yet they still did not wake. "SIRS! YOU MUST WAKE UP!" he yelled loudly. Huffing and puffing, he finally observed some sign of change.
Zelos woke up first, rubbing his eyes. "Man, Sebastian, was that you? I've never heard you yell like that. Good job."
"Eh…thank you sir." He replied uneasily.
Zelos sat up the best he could, and then gave in. He'd just sit on Lloyd. Adjusting his legs, he turned to Sebastian. "So, why the abrupt waking call?"
Sebastian looked at Zelos's new position. "Excuse me sir, but is it okay for you to be laying on him?"
Zelos looked down at Lloyd, he waved his nonchalantly, "Him? Nah, he won't care. Now, what was the urgent news that woke me up from my prized beauty sleep?"
It seemed at hearing their conversation, Lloyd replied groggily, "I would care, you moron." His eyes opened a little more and realized what was going on. "Hey, get the hell off me!"
Zelos rested his arm near Lloyd's head and stretched out sideways on top of Lloyd, "I don't think I will. You're just too comfy Lloyd." Lloyd glared at him, but he just replied with a goofy smile.
Sebastian watched this entire spectacle and sweat-dropped, "Well, sirs, as much fun as I'm sure you're having, you are needed in the palace."
Zelos looked puzzled, "What for? I don't remember anything."
"The peasant Kratos Aurion is to be knighted today around noon. The king wishes for all nobles to attend."
Zelos looked bored, "Must I? Something like that is too tedious for me."
Upon hearing his father's name, and what was to become of his father, Lloyd perked up.
Sebastian nodded, "Yes, sir."
Zelos sighed and caught Lloyd's eye. They had taken on a pleading appearance. "What? You want to come?"
Lloyd nodded his head, feeling that the best way to get what he wanted was to be polite.
Zelos put his hand to his chin and seemed to ponder over the suggestion. "Hmm... well, I suppose it would be a good occasion to show you off to the other nobles."
Despite the positive answer, Lloyd was furious, "Show me off? I'm not your pet to display to people!"
Zelos laughed and ran his hand through Lloyd's hair, "But you are Lloyd. They may classify you a servant by law, but I have no work intended for you. Instead, I intend for you to be near me at all times for other purposes. And besides, don't get too worked up about it. It's noble custom to show off their servants, not a big deal at all.
This didn't seem to calm Lloyd down, instead it made him even angrier. He pushed Zelos's hand out of his hair and crossed his arms.
Zelos's smile widened into a large grin and then he turned to Sebastian, "Prepare a carriage for two and let us know when it's finished."
Sebastian nodded, and was very grateful to finally escape the homo-erotic situations.
Zelos got off Lloyd and motioned for him to follow. When Zelos reached the stairs and found that Lloyd had decided to remain where he was, he muttered something inaudibly and walked over to Lloyd. Lloyd remained in a defiant stance until he was roughly shaken out of it by something he never would have expected.
He picked up Lloyd and tossed him over his shoulders. Naturally, Lloyd resisted and flailed but eventually stopped, after realizing it was futile. When they reached the second floor, Lloyd looked around.
It comprised of a long hallway with three doors and another staircase leading presumably to a third floor.
"Where are you taking me Zelos?" Lloyd demand, now staring at the floor.
"To your room of course," He said. "That's a guest room," he said, pointing to a door on the right side of the hall. "And that's a bathroom," he said, pointing to a door on the left side. "And that," he said once more, pointing to a door at the end of the hall, "Is my room."
Lloyd was puzzled. "But where's my room then?"
Zelos smiled, "You'll see in a minute Lloyd. Be patient!"
So occupied with pouting he was that Lloyd didn't notice where they had gone until they crossed over the threshold. "I'm not sharing a room with you, am I!" He demanded nervously.
Zelos scoffed, "Of course not, I'm not that perverted." He pushed open a door that led to a fancy bathroom complete with two sinks, two toilets, an old fashioned bathtub, a shower, crystal tile, among other things. Lloyd gasped in awe as Zelos pushed open another door.
The room was lush, with a four poster bed adorned with a canopy, a writing desk and chair, a dresser, a large bay window with window seat and sheer curtains, and a two double glass paned doors that led to what was presumably a balcony. Furthermore, in the corner of a room was a set of plush armchairs and a lamp.
Zelos tossed Lloyd on the bed, causing him to bounce a few times before coming to a stop.
"This is your room and we share the bathroom. You're welcome to use it whenever you like. Also there's writing materials in the drawer and you'll find some new clothes in the dresser. You'll wear the clothes provided today and onward, I never want to see you in those rags again." With that comment, Zelos left Lloyd to his own devices.
For several minutes all Lloyd did was think. The past few days had been chaotic and his whole life turned around. He was Zelos's slave, his father was being knighted, he may never get to talk to his father again, and after he thought about it all, it seemed like Zelos had planned it.
Wait, had he? Lloyd thought suddenly. It seems all too coincidental. My boss orders me to deliver a letter that gets me in trouble, and then my dad somehow finds out about it and turns me in. And then, Zelos mysteriously knows exactly where I'm going to be and exactly what's happening to me. Not to mention, this room looks like it was prepared especially for me.
He walked over to the dresser and pulled a drawer out. Inside revealed several fancier versions of his own outfit and after trying a white one on he realized they were a perfect fit. Lloyd became certain that in someway or another this whole situation had been planned. And it angered him, but he knew that if he wanted answers he would have to figure them out for himself because Zelos wouldn't tell him. He slipped out of his new white outfit and then went into the bathroom to find Zelos, naked and getting the shower. Lloyd's face turned a deep shade of crimson and he rushed out of the room, shutting the door behind him.
Zelos observed, using his peripheral vision, a boy in his boxers running out of the bathroom and erupted in laughter. Lloyd was just too funny, and he knew that he had some fun times ahead. He got in the shower and turned on the water, letting the warmth flood his body. He washed his hair, then his body, and then exited the bathtub, tying a towel around his waist. Instead of heading back to his room however, he opened the door to Lloyd's room.
He opened the door and he saw Lloyd's figure laying on the bed, still in boxers. He had his head buried in his pillow and Zelos thought he could hear muffled mutterings. He walked over to Lloyd and stood over him.
"The bathroom's open, buddy," Lloyd looked up at him with something akin to anger and Zelos responded with a grin before exiting Lloyd's room.
Lloyd waited several minutes, probably more than necessary, to make sure that Zelos had indeed made it through the bathroom and back to his room. He grabbed his new change of clothes, and entered the bathroom again. After a quick search, he was convinced that Zelos was not hiding anywhere in the room, but noticed a note on one of the sinks.
Dear Lloyd,
This is your sink. Towels are in the cabinet in-between the two toilets. Come down after your done.
♥Zelos
Lloyd scowled and tossed the note in a nearby trash bin. He pulled off his boxers and slipped into the shower. His shower was considerably shorter than Zelos's, and afterward he exited the shower, dried off, and pulled his clothes on (Despite the difficulty of having a semi-wet body). Lloyd then went downstairs, as Zelos requested, eager to get to the ceremony.
Zelos had been flipping through some documents when Lloyd finally came down and sat next to him on the couch. He smiled at Lloyd, gave his papers to Sebastian, and then grabbed Lloyd's hand and ushered him out of the building.
After being inside most of the past few days, Lloyd had to shield his eyes from the brightness of the sun. Zelos continued to pull him until they reached a simple, but noticeably expensive black carriage. Zelos opened the door and motioned for Lloyd to enter. Feeling extremely awkward, Lloyd climbed into the carriage and took his seat. Zelos climbed in soon after and sat on the seat opposite Lloyd, propping his legs on the uninhabited section of Lloyd's seat. Lloyd said nothing, and turned his head to the window.
The trip was silent, in fact, Zelos seemed to be asleep and Lloyd was fine with that. After all, every time Zelos engaged him in conversation it made Lloyd uncomfortable, so he was content to merely stare out the window. It was only when the trip was near its end that Zelos seemed to stir and spoke to Lloyd.
"Lloyd, when we're at the ceremony, you have to treat me like a normal servant would. No outbursts, no backtalk. Bow, be polite, use courtesies, and do the same for everyone there. It's extremely important, not only for me, but for you. Although you are technically my property, if you act up then I may or may not be able to protect you." This was not said in his normal cheery voice, but instead in a serious tone.
Lloyd grunted but said nothing.
When the carriage stopped, Zelos put his feet down, and Lloyd stood up. He exited the carriage first, bowed, and held up the door for Zelos. After Zelos had stepped out, Lloyd barely heard him whisper, "Thanks." Lloyd fell in step behind Zelos and followed him inside the chapel.
The audience was packed. Kratos had always been popular in the city and many were happy for him, others merely wanted to see the new addition, and even more wanted to keep up with the politics of the city. Zelos and Lloyd took a seat on the front row, two people giving up their seats for the Chosen.
Lloyd turned his attention to the front but did not see his father. He saw the King and his daughter, the Pope and his lackeys, and other important officials. He frantically scanned the room until Zelos put his hand on his shoulder and pointed to a side door. Kratos was wearing a lighter purple outfit, one Lloyd hadn't seen before now, and was slowly making his way up to the king. When he reached his destination, he knelt and the King stood up.
"Kratos Aurion, in gratitude for your many services to the country, I grant you noble-ship on this day." He lowered the flat side of his blade to Kratos's right shoulder, and then to his left. "Rise, Sir Kratos Aurion." Kratos rose and the audience cheered and clapped. He was about to leave the platform when Yggdrasill stopped him. Kratos turned around and seemed puzzled.
"Citizens of Meltokio, today is a auspicious day. Not only does model citizen Kratos Aurion become a noble, but he is accepted into my organization." he smirked at Kratos, who had reverted back to his normal emotionless expression. "Do you accept?"
Lloyd knew Kratos had no choice in the matter. If offered an opportunity by the Pope, you're not allowed to turn it down.
"Yes, Lord Yggdrasill," he replied and then followed the Pope out. Lloyd nearly jumped up to follow him, but Zelos held him down, shaking his head in warning. Lloyd complied, for the moment, but he vowed to save his dad.
AN: Whew, that one took awhile. But at least its done!
Mocha Macchiato: Thank you so much! I'm glad I wrote a story you liked!
Nife: Well, here's the next chapter, thanks for reading!
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Blackdrak: Thanks for reading! And yeah, Zelos is sort of a meanie, but it's all in good fun.
FairyV: Thanks for reading, reviewing, and your critique. One of these days I'll go back and fix it.
Solidorliquid: Well, I hope you liked the chapter. See, Kratos is a noble now, but he's in a bit of a predicament I'd say. Thanks for reviewing!
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