#'It doesn't count if I'm wearing a disguise.' - Leon Cromwell

[violadiaries]

Fluffcember Day 10 - Carols

@fluff-cember

Fandom: Tensura

Pairing: Guy Crimson x Leon Cromwell

Guy looked around the capital of El Dorado, somewhat fascinated by the lights glistening illuminating everything. Leon hadn't been in, when he had arrived at the castle. And everyone had been rather unwilling to tell him where exactly the lord of the castle had vanished to as well. It hadn't been the first time, so Guy was somewhat accustomed to waiting for Leon. Though maybe he should start actually announcing himself before he just showed up at Leon's place. That might prevent situations such as these to occur.

"Lord Guy, please go back to the castle."

Guy laughed and shook his head. He kept looking around. While he had heard of this Christmas thing that was celebrated in El Dorado, he had not yet heard of this special market going on right now. And Claude had said something about it. Which he definitely was regretting now, at least going by the way he was running after Guy.

"Aw, don't be like that, Claude. I like El Dorado during winter. I'll behave, Leon won't notice a thing," Guy called back to him.

Though, Guy decided, it was Leon's own fault. For not anticipating Guy's visit. Yes, that did sound more like it. He should have at least noticed Guy arriving, and coming back from where ever he had run off to this time. One thing Guy had been sure of was that he hadn't been in the castle.

Guy stopped at a stall, looking at the small ornaments on display. While also allowing Claude to catch up to him. Leon's knights were always so painfully fun to tease. Just like their Lord and Master. But Guy did still have some amount of respect for them. At least the stronger ones.

"I am under strict orders, Lord Guy," Claude said.

He wasn't out of breath in the slightest. A testament to his endurance, as Guy had not been lenient with his speed. Though he did not expect anything less of the one chosen by Leon as the leader of his army.

And always the one having to babysit him, whenever Guy showed up while Leon was out of his castle. In a way did Guy pity him. Surely he had much more important things to take care off. But then again, it was also partly Leon's fault.

"Now come on, it's…"

Guy trailed off as his eyes were drawn to another stall. Though not the wares were intriguing him, but rather the sole customer looking at them. Guy couldn't see much of him, but he did know him to be a man. With shoulder length silver hair, reflecting the light surrounding them in a slight mint colour.

"Who's that?" he asked.

Though the thing that had ultimately drawn Guy's attention to that particular man, was what he could sense. Or rather what he couldn't. The way he was expertly hiding his magic power. Appearing much weaker than he definitely was. Though the only thing Guy could tell was that something was off. That he was hiding just a little bit 

Claude followed his trail of view, before temporarily stiffening. Guy almost wouldn't have noticed it, if he hadn't looked at the knight in the right moment. He did stay silent for a while longer, before letting out a long sigh.

"Most likely an adventurer, why did you ask?" he answered.

Guy smiled at that and turned his gaze back onto the stranger. He simply could not believe that Claude was not fully informed what kind of adventurers entered and left El Dorado. Just in case one of them could pose a threat to Leon.

Not that there were many who could match him. Especially not when he did get serious about fighting. Which he did by far not often enough for Guy's liking. But it was somewhat endearing how his subordinates still cared for him in this way. It was a testament to their loyalty.

"I see. Go back already, I've found my past time," he said.

Something was very interesting about this man he was seeing. And Guy wanted to know what exactly it was that drew him in. So he would follow him around a little bit. Right now he didn't seem to have noticed Guy yet. Though Guy himself was hiding his power as well.

Claude let out another sigh before shaking his head. There was something the knight wasn't telling him, and Guy was very sure he also wouldn't proceed doing so, even if Guy threatened of tortured him. Which he wouldn't do, because then Leon would get angry at him.

"Lord Leon will not be appreciative if you harass visitors to his country," Claude said.

Guy chuckled and nodded. He wouldn't harass him. He would back off when he noticed that his advances weren't welcome. He did know how to take a serious no after all. And he just wanted to have a little bit fun, until Leon was ready to entertain him.

Ultimately he first wanted to claim Leon as his, before he pursued another interest. After all, while his 'no's were given out freely to Guy, they were never that serious in tone. More annoyed, because Guy decided to flirt with him in public.

"I won't harass him, I just wanna say hi. And then I'll come straight back to the castle, promise," Guy said.

He would just see what was up with this man, and whether or not the secret was worth knowing. And then go back and wait for Leon. Or maybe by then Leon would already be waiting for him to come back. Guy turned his attention to the knight next to him, as he crossed his arms in front of his chest.

"Come on, surely you have more important things to do, than play babysitter for me. I'll explain it to Leon, if he finds out," he added.

He definitely would, after all it wouldn't be Claude's fault, if Leon found out. Unless he told him himself, then it totally was his fault. But it wasn't his fault, that Guy wanted to have a little fun and was bored.

And even if he didn't have anything else to do for the night, he could definitely use some time off from his duties. To just relax and take care of himself. All of those knights were as big workaholics as their master, really.

"Fine, but please, I beg you, Lord Guy, do not cause a disturbance," Claude said.

Guy brightly smiled at him and nodded. Partly glad to be rid of his babysitter, to freely roam this Christmas market thing.

He did wave after him, as Claude retreated, walking back to the castle. A slight slump in his step, so unlike the uptight knight Guy knew rather well by now.

"I won't~ See ya~" he called after him.

Guy watched as he vanished within the masses, before he turned around to view his new target again. His smile turning more predatory, as he slowly approached the stand. The man was still looking at the wares in front of him, once in a while looking up as the shop keep said something to him.

He pretended to be another customer, looking at the wares. Magic stones, and of high quality at that. Guy could see what had drawn an assumed adventurer here. Especially if he would be able to use magic to some extent. Or was able to craft something from this. As he stood next to him, he finally was able to get a proper look at him as well. Hair neatly tied back into a low pony tail, orange eyes firmly focused on the wares. A scar running down the right side of his face, from the forehead, over his eye, to the cheekbone and vanishing beneath he scarf he had wrapped around the lower half of his face. Though it didn't diminish the mysterious type of good looks he had. If anything it enhanced them. Beneath the cloak Guy had seen from behind he was wearing a rather tight, outfit. At least what Guy could see. Dark pants, clinging to his legs and some belts, holding various pouches in place. Standard adventurer garb, from what he knew.

Guy put on his best smile, as the man turned his head, to look at him. Only mustering once him before turning back to the stones he held in his hand. He seemed to contemplate a little bit longer, before putting one back and putting the other in his bag. Taking out enough coins to pay it. He walked away without taking the change he definitely would have gotten.

"Always a pleasure!" the shop keep called after him.

Guy looked at the stone he hadn't taken, as he heard the shop keep let out a nervous sigh. As he looked up the man was still looking after the adventurer. So it was him the shop keep had been nervous about.

Guy looked to the stones. Even he could tell all of them were incredibly high quality. So the man should have nothing to worry about, right?

"Tough customer?" Guy asked.

He'd definitely stoop as low, as to engage in small talk, just to figure out more about this adventurer. He did follow his energy through the masses though. Just to not lose him.

The shop keep looked at him, a strained smile on his face.

"Lir? Nah, I mean, not really. He's just a bit…intense, I guess. Never speaks, but always takes incredibly high grade materials and stuff. Some even whisper that he's secretly working for King Leon, to make sure the wares in the market are the real deal, and no fakes," he explain.

Guy had halfway tuned him out after the first word. He had heard that name before after all. Though the rest of it was rather informative as well. Had that been why Claude had been so secretive about this man. He wasn't a simple adventurer, but reported right back to Leon?

That could be. That would also explain why he was able to hide his power so effectively. Yet that wouldn't explain why Guy wasn't allowed to know about it. He had met every single one of Leon's direct subordinates in the past after all. So why not this one?

Guy thanked the shop keep and went on to follow this 'Lir'. Still wondering where exactly he had heard that name before. He just knew he had heard it before. But it wouldn't come to him where. It was annoying him incredibly much. 'Lir''s next stop was at a stall selling sweets. Where Guy got to know, that he always, without fail, bought them for the children from the orphanage. Though the mass too big this time. Stumping the elderly lady selling the sweets.

His seemingly last stop was a stage. Surrounded by the lights, making it the perfect place in the market. Creating a serene and calm atmosphere. In front some people were walking, some standing. 'Lir' stood still close to a table, watching the stage. Or rather the kids, standing on the stage and singing. Right, Guy had heard that before. He had tuned it out though. They weren't even good after all. Though as he watched 'Lir', his expression softened, as he watched the kids, Guy did remember. He had seen the name on a gravestone. The one in the inner most garden of the castle. When he had asked Leon, he had just answered that 'Lir' had been a friend. Guy always knew not to pry any more.

But that name was anything but common. Though another possibility, checking all the boxes, crossed Guy's mind. Not many people saw him and just didn't react after all. Leon hadn't all those years back then. Having been thoroughly unimpressed by Guy. And now this man. Being rumoured to be a subordinate of him. While Leon was nowhere to be found, and Claude had been rather secretive about why.

Guy's smile formed into a grin as he approached the man again. Coming to a halt next to him, pretending to be listening to the kids as well. He had to say, if it hadn't been for that, he wouldn't have known. Most likely at least.

"Leave if you won't listen. It's disrespectful for the children," 'Lir' said.

Guy chuckled. His voice was a little bit on the lighter side, than Leon's. Though with magic as strong as that of Leon many things could be made possible. Especially changing something simple as an appearance or a voice.

But Guy knew that Leon cared so very much about all the citizens of his country. And especially the children. He just hadn't thought that he never went to see them outright. But rather disguised.

"Why are they singing? And always songs with the same theme," Guy asked.

'Lir' sighed and shook his head, his eyes not leaving the children on the stage. Gloved hands clasped together, appearing to want to keep out the cold. They were essentially singing the same themes over and over again. Praising Leon, or having invented some kind of romantic story. Guy had to say, he started to like it.

He turned his gaze to Guy again. Guy grinned at him, as he let out another drawn out sigh. Now that Guy was actually paying attention to it, he could hear the music from everywhere on the market. It did make for a great atmosphere.

"They are called 'carols'. Christmas carols to be exact. The children are singing them, to practice gratitude, so I've been told," he explained.

Guy nodded and scooted closer to him. He liked the more romantic ones best. He did wonder which ones Leon liked the best. Though Guy was more than sure that he wouldn't find out about it anytime soon.

Guy looked back to the children. Objectively speaking, they weren't good. At all. Though they did put in the effort. And that must be what seemed to be so endearing to Leon-…'Lir'. He always had possessed this soft heart, even when he wanted other to think he was cold as ice.

"I think I like it," Guy said.

'Lir' huffed and shrugged his shoulders. He stole some glances here and there at Guy, but didn't say anything else. Just kept his silence, and listened to the carols. Pretty much all of them were child friendly though. Guy wondered who had thought of the texts. He definitely had not heard of something like this on the main continent.

Though that surely was the result of this coming from another world. Which was relatively common in El Dorado, seeing as most of the higher ups, as well as the king, came from this other world. Both of them did raise their eyebrows when one a little bit more explicit came up. Guy grinned while 'Lir' just stared. His disguise momentarily slipping. It was only a split second, but Guy did spot familiar blue eyes and familiar blond hair. As well as a familiar, very pretty face.

"I think I like this one the most," Guy whispered.

Leon glared at him, before he turned away. So this really was what was going on. Leon going around his own kingdom in disguise, so to not attract too much attention. And obviously his higher ranking knights knew about this. Having vowed not to tell anyone. Not even Guy.

Leon pushed himself away from the table and approached a young woman, standing close to the stage. He had his scarf pulled up high again, making him look somewhat dubious. She did seem to recognize him though, and readily accepted the pouches with the sweets he had earlier bought. Afterwards, he approached Guy again and pulled him away with him. Off to a little alleyway, away from the attention. Though thanks to the lights having been hung up everywhere, still as bright. The song still ringing in the distance. Other's starting to play it from magic devices as well. A song talking about a king blessing a demon for this holy occasion. Their king blessing a demon.

"What are you even doing here?! Can you go about this the normal way for once and announce yourself?" Leon hissed at him.

Leon was facing him again, though not dropping his disguise. He had pulled the scarf down somewhat though, causing Guy to see the full extent of his changed face. Still as pretty as Guy liked it. Even if the scar gave him somewhat of a rugged appearance. Leon had probably thought it would make him look unattractive of something, so he wouldn't draw attention to himself.

"Could you answer me, Lord Guy?" Leon said.

Guy chuckled at the way he almost hissed the 'Lord' at him, just so he could keep up pretences. He liked it. It was different. And maybe Guy could even get away with being even more forward. After all they weren't amongst others anymore. Even if the sounds from the market carried to them. Guy cornered Leon against the wall of a house, smirking at him.

"But it's much more fun like this~" he purred.

Leon flinched and looked around. He let out a quiet string of curses, so unlike him, as he noticed what kind of situation he had brought himself into.

"Maybe you can…convince me to not tell Leon about this," Guy said.

If Leon wanted to keep this game up, Guy would play along. He didn't mind to do so actually. It was fun after all. And he would like to know how far Leon would be willing to take this game, before he fessed up.

Leon let out a long sigh and shook his head. He looked around, as Guy decided to throw caution to the wind and press his lips against Leon's. As soft as he knew they were. Leon did stiffen, but he did not push him away like Guy had anticipated. He hesitated for a moment, before he retaliated by wrapping his arms around Guy's neck, as he closed his eyes.

Guy didn't hesitate to attack Leon's neck next, using his hand to push that bothersome fabric of the cloak and scarf out of the way. It was annoying him. But because it was Leon he would make sure to be careful and not rip the outfit to shreds.

"How…ha…how do you think…Lord Leon would react…if he knew…" Leon breathed out.

He did not make one move to get away from Guy. Rather he pulled him closer, contrary to what he was saying. This was enough confirmation that Guy needed to not give up pursuing Leon anytime soon. Though maybe next time he would let him come closer, while he wasn't wearing a disguise.

Guy grinned as he thought back to the song. The Christmas Carol, as Leon had called it. If he paid any mind to it, he could still hear it in the air. Though right now the sight in front of him was more alluring. Leon letting him roam his hands so freely as well.

"Maybe he'll…'bless' me, for this holy occasion. Let's see, when I'll tell him," Guy breathed.

Leon stiffened at that, before he let out a shaky breath. Still not pushing Guy away. Still giving into his advances.

Oh yes, Guy had decided he liked this festivity very much, and even more the songs being sang during it.