Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Nozel grumbled as a royal it was beneath him to be venturing towards the black markets hidden within the walls of the Capital. The market was bustling with merchants selling to mages. Merchants had set up stalls selling various magical items and potions promoting an increase in mana and magical ability for mages. There were also magical items that were stolen from dungeons that these merchants were selling. With a keen eye he noticed that most were fake and that the ones that were genuine were useless and would only serve as an expensive paperweight for the mages stupid enough to buy them. He couldn’t help but scoff at how gullible people could be. By taking the time to look at the magical artifacts some merchants had noticed him and were trying to get his attention.

Quickening his pace he stayed close to the shadows and kept his head down. He pulled his hood further concealing his face. If someone were to catch him his cover would be blown. The deeper he went into the market he took note of all sorts of nefarious figures roaming the cobblestone streets ranging from smugglers to those fleeing from persecution from the Diamond or Spade kingdom. Nozel spotted a few faces that he had seen on the bingo books while doing his paperwork back at headquarters. His sense of justice was screaming at him and urging him to apprehend those mages who have desserted their kingdoms. Who knows what they were doing in the Clover Kingdom. They could have been gathering intel on the layout of the kingdom as leverage for their crimes being pardoned. The thought had him reaching for his grimoire but he hesitated. He urged himself to keep moving forward. He was no mercenary. Unless Julius had given him a mission to capture those mages he was not obliged to do so, he needed to focus on his target. He had a feeling that Julius was aware that these markets attracted these sorts of people. He was sure that they were being monitored and tracked.

Turning a series of sharp corners he came across a desserted alley. Walking towards the exposed brick he scrutinised it and noticed a section that was slightly discoloured from the rest. He was close. He braced his feet and put his hand ontop of the brick feeling the rough surface. Inhaling he focused his mana and centred onto his outstretched hand and with an exhale pushed it forward. Mercury formed around his hand which had hardened and he pushed his hand forward and watched as the brick crumbled and the wall was brought down. As expected he saw Gueldre Poizot, former captain of the Purple Orcas, cowering in front of him. He reminded Nozel of a rat, trembling in fear, eyes darting to the side trying to find an escape route. Nozel extended his mercury to the side, ensuring that he wouldn’t escape. Looking down on Gueldre, Nozel sent a clear message that the man was trapped and there was no room for escape.

Nozel turned away from Gueldre and noticed his other target trying to escape. Revchi the disgraced former magic knight was trying to slip past Nozel whose attention was occupied with Gueldre.

“Looking at you makes me feel sick,” Nozel declared walking towards both mages. No words were uttered by either criminal save for the pitiful whimper that came out of Gueldre’s traitorous mouth.

Nozel continued “you have disgraced and tarnished what it means to be a magic knight with your treasonous actions towards the kingdom. I didn’t think both of you could stoop any lower but you have.” He walked further towards them making sure that his mercury followed and enclosed around them blocking them from the outside world. He added, “you have become worse than traitors by escaping prison and attempting to flee. You two aren’t worth the dirt I walk on.”

Gueldre and Revchi could do nothing but tremble frozen in place as Nozel looked down on them. Pathetic. They were pathetic cowering in fear. Nozel was ready to bind them in his mercury and escort them back to the dungeons to receive their punishments. But then it all happened too quickly. Gueldre had grabbed onto Revchi and hurled the thin mage into Nozel causing him to stumble back. Gueldre had used that one moment of hesitation, that one moment of weakness, to become invisible and escape.

Nozel was irate. How dare that man try to trick him. He used his mercury to bind Revchi’s body in a coffin-like structure with only his head free to allow him room to breathe. Fuck his cover Nozel was out for blood. Gueldre’s mana was hidden from him and Nozel cursed himself for not bothering to understand how Yami and Asta could detect a person other than mana. Nozel had turned his mercury into sparrows and hurtled them towards the ground and the walls in front of him. The sparrows screeched letting off a collected sound that was deafening. The sound was meant to disorientate to ensure accuracy when attacking. He didn’t care where the sparrows were thrown as long as the area was covered so that he could catch him. Gueldre couldn't have gotten far Nozel just needed to keep hitting as much surface area as he could in the hopes of catching Gueldre.

Chaos erupted around the market and vendors with stalls were making a run for it assuming that a raid was being conducted. Those with storefronts sealed their doors and windows shut kicking out any patrons. People were scrambling and fleeing hoping to get away from the destruction.

Nozel didn’t care who got hurt. This was the black market. There were no innocents who frequented the area, if they got hit in the crossfires it didn’t matter. They were just collateral damage. Just as he was about to summon another round of mercury sparrows something danced into his vision. As if time stopped he stared wide-eyed as a red cat pranced in front of his eyes. That cat…it was familiar he had seen it before…as quickly as the cat appeared it disappeared. Time resumed and it felt like he had just been slapped. He looked ahead confused and he couldn’t believe his eyes.

Gueldre was in front of him strewn on the ground. He was kicking and struggling against the strings that had attached himself to his body. What the hell just happened? Nozel was unsure of where he came from and where those threads came from. Where was the cat? Did it have something to do with how Gueldre had appeared in front of him?

“Oh you’re Noelle’s brother,” a feminine voice broke him away from his thoughts and he looked towards the source of the voice.

It was the witch. The one that belonged to the Black Bulls. Perched on her shoulder was the red cat happily nuzzling against her neck and purring content. So she’s the one who did this.

She sighed and informed him, “I was looking for magical herbs for some potions when suddenly I see destruction and people running for their lives.” She gestured towards the damage he created, “I walk outside and I see you throwing sparrows at anything and anyone.”

Vanessa couldn’t help but grimace at the way Nozel stood so nonchalantly and continued to stare icily at her as if she was inconveniencing him.

“That doesn’t explain how you managed to capture him.”

She giggled, “that was thanks to Rouge over here, she tugged me throw my threads in that direction and well I caught him.” At her explanation Rouge meowed and purred contently when Vanessa scratched the back of its ear.

Nozel examined the situation in front of him. It was…unexpected. He was thankful to her for her help, but he would’ve preferred if she hadn’t had helped him. It didn’t matter. The damage was done and he could now deem his mission as a success.

He walked towards Gueldre and although he could tell that he was bound tight due to her threads he encased the disgraced captain in a mercury binding similar to the one he placed Revchi in.

“Thank you for the help,” he acknowledged. “I’ll be taking him with me.”

Vanessa watched him work creating a mercury chain that he grasped so that Gueldre would follow behind him.

“Not going to do anything about the mess?” She enquired.

Nozel paused and examined the area. No doubt he had done a number to the stalls with many of them broken and some windows of storefronts shattered.

“The capital can fix it up after.”

He went to move forward but the witch had stopped in front of him hands on her hips. He groaned internally he didn’t need this right now.

“These are the black markets, the capital isn’t going to fix this. You and I both know that.”

He sighed she was right, the nobility in charge would never approve of taking funds out to fix the area. She was glaring at him by now.

“My team can pay for the damages then,” it’s fine he explained.

“It not fine,” she argued back, “many of these people selling at the markets rely on customers everyday to make a living.”

She gestured towards the mess again, “this could take weeks to fix and these people don’t that time.”

Nozel’s patience was running thin. He needed to take the two criminals to receive their punishment *now*.

“Maybe they should’ve chose an honest living instead of resorting to selling illegal goods,” he challenged.

That got her to back down as she avoided his eyes and stared at the ground. She took a step to the side allowing him to pass by her. He refused to prolong his mission any longer.

---

Dusk had settled and Nozel’s office was saturated in an orange hue as the sun set. He had finished writing his report and it was all ready to be submitted. After going back to retrieve Revchi the rest of the mission went smoothly and both criminals were back in the dungeons awaiting their trial.

Nozel’s report included a recount of everything that had went on in the mission including the unexpected aid from the Black Bull’s witch. He didn’t know if he believed her reason for being at the black markets for herbs. The Clover Kingdom had an abundance of them, but then again the Forest of Witches was home to exotic plants and animals. They were probably more rarer to acquire. He was curious about what herbs they could be and why. He was sure she possessed knowledge of potions that were unique and foreign to residents of the Clover Kingdom. However, given her reputation as a drunk he didn’t think she would be a skilled alchemist.

He was brought out of his thoughts when a knock on his interrupted him.

He cleared his throat, “come in,” he commanded beckoning whoever it was to enter. He was surprised to see Julius slip into his office and take the seat in front of him. Once Julius’s presence registered in Nozel’s mind he got up and saluted him. Julius in turn offered him a smile and nodded his head to tell him to stand down. Nozel sat back in his seat.

“Hello Nozel, I take it that today’s mission went well,” he offered with a smile.

Nozel nodded his head, “yes Gueldre tried to escape after I had apprehended him but he’s been caught along with Revchi. They’re both currently in the dungeons,” he explained.

“Ahh yes, I’m aware, thank you for your tremendous work in keeping the Clover Kingdom safe Nozel.”

Nozel offered no response back. It was his duty as a magic knight squad captain to protect the people and to ensure his mission was a success.

Julius smiled at Nozel and spoke again, “I actually paid them a visit and after some careful interrogation it seems that you were aided by a member of the Black Bulls in this mission.”

Nozel clenched his fists that were hidden under the desk. What was Julius getting at here?

He nodded, “yes sir, it was the witch, she just so happened to be at the markets at the same time as me.”

Julius took in his words and digested them staying silent. Nozel didn’t like the silence. He knew that Julius was thinking of something and he had a feeling it wasn’t good. Julius was always an enigma to Nozel. He never knew what to make of the Wizard King. He was eccentric and his ideas challenged the governing bodies that ruled the Clover Kingdom. The man had created enemies with some nobles and royals with his radical ideas. Even Nozel had to admit that it took time for him to get used to him, but he understood the message of equality he wanted to spread to the kingdom.

“Well that puts you in an interesting predicament doesn’t it Nozel?” Julius’s voice broke Nozel away from his thoughts.

“What do you mean sir?”

Julius smiled, “since you technically completed the mission with the help of another magic knight from a different squad you both must complete a joint report together.”

Nozel was stunned this couldn’t be happening. He didn’t want to see her again. He didn’t need to see her again.

“I’m sorry sir but I have already completed the mission report,” he gestured towards the report on his desk in front of him, “you may take a look at it if you’d like.”

Julius made no move to look through the report.

“Considering the role she played in helping apprehend Gueldre, she needs to complete a report with you. She played a big role in the success of the mission, if she wasn’t there then he would’ve escaped.”

Nozel didn’t like this. He didn’t like this one bit.

“What if she writes a report on her own along with mine?” He reasoned.

Julius simply sat back amused and raised his eyebrow at Nozel.

“I never took you for the type to make excuses in your work Nozel. Didn’t realise you had it out for witches.”

Nozel felt himself heat up at the accusation. He wasn’t prejudiced towards witches one of his fellow captains, Dorothy, was a witch herself and he held no prejudice against her.

“I don’t sir, I just don’t see why I should write a report with her when I was the one who was given the mission by myself.”

Julius nodded his head in understanding but he wouldn’t let Nozel off the hook, “I understand Nozel, but I think you need to see reason with how despite her unexpected assurance for the sake of protocol it’s needed.”

Nozel sighed and looked down at his hands balled into fists.

“You’re not going to let me have my way are you?”

Julius smiled deeper, “nope because if I let you have your way it sets a precedent for future missions. It could lead to loopholes in the system thus allowing for corruption and I don’t think we need that in the magic knights…again.”

Nozel knew he mustn’t let his feelings get the better of him, and he nodded understanding his duty.

“Yes sir, once I get a document from your office I’ll send it to the Black Bulls hideout,” Nozel offered.

“That’s excellent Nozel, I’m glad you could be a team player.”

Nozel hated how chipper Julius became acting as if he had easily agreed to the change in plans.

Julius added, “please make sure you also ask whether to meet at the Black Bulls hideout to write this report or the Silver Eagle’s office.”

Nozel felt a vein pop in his forehead. The man wasn’t making this any easier for him.

Julius was chipper and content to continue with his instructions ignoring Nozel’s pouting.

“Given the nature of the mission dealing with two former magic knight members this report needs to be done in a secure location away from the public. That’s why I believe either of your bases would be perfect.”

Nozel was defeated. There was no use arguing. If he argued back he feared that he would turn into Yami or that anti-magic brat always causing a commotion. He was afraid that their uncouth nature was rubbing off on him.

“Understood sir,” Nozel stood and saluted as Julius had stood and made way to leave.

“I wish you the best of luck,” were Julius’s parting words.

Once he left Nozel sat down and rubbed his temple with the knuckles of his hands. This report was going to challenge him.

Chapter Text

Vanessa snuggled deeper into the velvet couch that adorned the Black Bulls common area. Everyone knew not to sit on that particular couch as she had marked it as her own. She had spent many of her days off lounging on the couch with a bottle of wine in hand. She had even spilled wine on numerous occasions on the plush couch.

Nothing could force Vanessa to get up from her wine-induced haze. The hideout was quiet for once which was a rare occurence. Asta, Finral, and Luck had gone off to town for a mixer with Finral muttering something about breaking a curse for his “dear Finesse”. She had no clue what he was on about but with Asta’s involvement Noelle became intrigued and followed (stalked) those three. She could have sworn she also saw Secre follow Noelle too. Nevermind that wasn’t her problem, she was too buzzed to care.

The rowdy ones were gone and she was free to enjoy some peace and quiet. Yami had dragged along Gordon and Magna for some team dinner with the Blue Rose Knights. Vanessa had chuckled over Yami’s confusion towards dinner with the “Prickly Princess” who supposedly hated his guts.

Men were clueless. Oh well, he’ll find out about Charlotte’s feelings soon enough. She was sure that the captain would finally muster up the courage to confess her feelings one day.

Vanessa fell into a fit of giggles thinking back to the festival and the little competition she had with Charlotte over Yami’s attention. Vanessa just wanted a drink with her captain knowing that he was a heavy drinker and he wouldn’t shy away from a drinking match. However, seeing the jealousy on Charlotte’s face made Vanessa want to tease the captain. She didn’t expect it to end with the captain of the Blue Rose Knights passed out drunk and missing the awards ceremony. If she ever got the chance Vanessa would apologise to her and would hopefully be able to poke fun at her for being a light weight.

Vanessa rolled over and snuggled deeper into the couch she was just so comfortable. During her visit to the black market the other day she had run into Domina who had gifted her a red wine from the Diamond Kingdom.

She always enjoyed Domina’s visits to the Clover Kingdom and liked that she could confide in her friend. It didn’t hurt that Domina brought back herbs that she had procured from the Forest of Witches for her. Those herbs helped with hangovers and weren’t readily available in the Clover Kingdown. That day would have been perfect if it weren’t for a certain royal wreaking havoc to catch a criminal. Honestly, she knew that she couldn’t speak as the Black Bulls often wracked up a hefty bill in damages, but at least they were apologetic. Nozel Silva was simply an ass about the whole situation.

She didn’t want to think about handsome royals. She had a wine to fawn over. She had never tasted anything like it before. It was rich and settled in her stomach creating a familiar burn. There was no acrid or bitter taste that some wines had to it, it was simply smooth. Domina had warned her to drink sparingly but Vanessa couldn’t control herself and she had downed the whole bottle. Of course drinking an unfamiliar wine would affect her more than usual, hence the haze she was in currently encapsulated in.

A part of her would have loved to have followed Noelle and Secre to the mixer just so she could tease Noelle for her adorable cruch, but she was already lost to the world in a fog of Diamond Kingdom wine.

Vanessa hoped that Domina would come back soon so she could grab another bottle, but she knew that with repairs to the black market being low on the agenda for the capital it would take a while.

Just as she was about to drift of into a deep sleep wrapped in darkness a vicious knock on the door caused her to snap her eyes open. The fog was clearing and she was crashing back to reality. She ignored the knock closing her eyes once again. Someone else could open it.

A beat or two passed and whoever was on the other side of the door knocked again, this time in multiple succession. Vanessa grumbled whoever it was, was ruinging her nap. Her evening had been close to perfect and this stranger was ruining it.

“Grey!” Vanessa called out hoping that the shy mage would open the door.

Silence.

“Charmy!” she tried this time. Maybe if she told Charmy that, that was food she would answer.

“There’s delicious food waiting for you behind the door Charmy!”

Nothing.

“Gauche!”

Nothing.

Honestly that sister-lover was probably out harassing the poor nun minding Marie.

“ANYONE!” she cried out.

She was met with silence.

While she was calling out for the members that she knew had not gone out for the evening the banging on the door became incessantly louder. If she didn’t answer the door, it would have been blasted off its hinges. If it was any of the members who had forgotten the code or the key into their hideout she would punish them by leaving them outside.

Begrudingly Vanessa pulled herself off from the couch and stumbled to the door. She accidentally stumbled over empty bottles of wine and kicked them out of the way as they rolled away.

She openned the door and she had to blink twice and pinch herself to make sure she hadn’t fallen asleep and tumbled into a different world.

In front of her with his infamous scowl planted on his face was Nozel Silva, Captain of the Silver Eagles. Nozel Silva who was Noelle’s brother. Nozel Silva who was royalty. Nozel Silva with the sharp features. Nozel Silva the asshole.

She shut the door on him, counted to three and openned it again to make sure that she wasn’t hallucinating. Had he disappeared? Did you turn out to be just a figment of her imaganitation? Nope, he was still there and his scowl was tugged even deeper. He was definitely unimpressed with her behaviour right now.

She closed the door again on him for good luck. Took a deep breathe in and mustered up a smile.

“Hi handsome what brings you here?” she cheerily asked leaning against the doorframe.

Her actions had caused the eldest Silva to shift his attention from her face to her body. She knew the clothes, or lack of clothes, she was wearing was scandalous but she liked to stay comfortable in her own home. She watched amused as a rosy flush crept up onto his neck. It was rather cute seeing him embarassed. She couldn’t help the giggle that escaped her.

That had caught his attention and he coughed and composed himself adjusting his posture to stand straight.

“Good evening, sorry to come by without any previous notice,” he said in that deeply formal tone of his.

Vanessa pouted at the way he reverted back to his usual mask. He was no fun.

“It’s alright, it’s not like I was sleeping,” she cooly replied enjoying the way he fidgeted on the spot. Who knew teasing him would bring her this much joy.

“Again apologies, but the matter was urgent.”

That caught her attention she stood straight and properly faced him.

“What’s wrong?” she enquired. She would be ready to leave if the kingdom was under attack again.

He seemed taken aback by her sudden seriousness.

“The kingdom is in no danger if that’s what you’re thinking, rather it’s an order from Julius.”

Vanessa relaxed and exhaled a breath she didn’t realise she had held in. The kingdom had already suffered enough. Any more and it would start crumbling along with the rest of the knights.

Nozel continued, “regarding your…help the other day in apprehending Gueldre, Julius has ordered us to write a joint report on the matter. Although it was my mission your intrusion has resulted in you becoming directly involved hence the need for a report to be filed by the two of us…together.”

Vanessa digested the information and noticed how Nozel seemed to ground out the explanation. Despite being a captain and working with a team it seems that he still prefers to work along. His style reminded her of Zora.

She held no inhibitions towards the prospect of writing a joint report with him and shrugged her shoulders silently accepting her fate. She was normally one who liked to fight fate and whatever it had predestined for her but she figured that there was no harm in playing along with this request given to them by Julius.

“Fine by me,” she replied and watched as Nozel continued to stand there in front of her. He was making no move to leave. She expected him to run as far away from the Black Bulls hideout once he found out that she accepted her duty. Actually his behaviour was a little odd too.

“You realise that you could have just sent a message to Yami and he could’ve relayed it back to me,” she probed.

Nozel paused. He seemed to be collecting his thoughts. She snorted more like coming up with an excuse to hide whatever his true intentions were.

“I don’t trust your captain, I’m sure he would forget.”

Vanessa frowned, “I’m sorry but I won’t take any disrespected towards my captain. His way of achieving things may not be the same as yours but he’s a good captain who cares about doing his job,” she defended.

Nozel didn’t seem to take too lightly to her retort and looked behind her to see the dissarray of the hideout. Vanessa wanted to take side step to block his vision. She wasn’t ashamed of the hideout she just didn’t want him to scrutinise it. They had different standards, so what?

“I mean no disrespect,” Nozel conceded. “The Silver Eagles is a much bigger squad compared to the Black Bulls. I want to get this report finished with as quickly as possible so I can oversee the rest of my squad and their missions.”

Vanessa understood. That was a fair reason but it didn’t explain why he showed up so late into the night. Surely his office hours had been finished and he had other things to spend his free time instead of worrying about work.

“Are you here because you want to see how Noelle is going?”

His eyes went wide and he avoided her eyes. Gotcha she thought. He was curious about his little sister and how she was doing. Oh she would have fun right now.

“I think she went off with Asta somewhere,” he was looking at her intrigued, she had him in her clutches. She coolly finished, “something about a date.”

She delighted in his shocked reaction and burst out laughing. She was clutching her sides. She liked this version of him. He was looking more…human.

“Oh you’re funny!” she exclaimed.

From his look of confusion mixed with irritation she explained, “I was just joking with you she went off with the rest of the younger members into town.”

Nozel nodded stiffly and watched as he composed himself back to his stiff captain’s demeanour.

“Very well I shall be off then. Please make your way to the Silver Eagle’s headquarters tomorrow and we’ll get this report finished. I already completed mine we just need to add yours.”

She silently nodded and watched as Nozel turned away from her. He didn’t look back as he conjured his mercury eagle and took off back to the capital.

Once he was out of sight Vanessa turned around and picked up the empty wine bottles placing them on the coffee table in front of the couch. Whoever was on cleaning duty would throw them away later. She didn’t expect her night to end up this way.

Working with Nozel Silva was definitely not on her bucket list. She didn’t really fancy working with him considering the mistreatment he and his siblings had subjected onto Noelle when she was younger.

While she considered all members of the Black Bulls to be her family she had a soft spot for Noelle. She was like a little sister to her who turned to Vanessa on matters that weren’t related to fighting.

Vanessa was confused Noelle had said that Nozel was distant in her childhood and he didn’t care for her. But that didn’t explain his actions just now. In fact it was odd. Why show up at the base just to deliver that? It had to do something with Noelle. It had to do something with wanting to make sure that she was alright.

Vanessa rubbed her forehead with her knuckles. She didn’t want to think too hard after drinking so much. She made her way to her room. She would deal with it tomorrow.

---

Vanessa doubled over with laughter as Asta recalled the events of last night’s mixer to her. From the way Luck’s date took his comments about his love of fighting to be innuendos. Of course Asta wasn’t aware but judging from the way he recalled Luck’s date’s response to his comments she was able to understand.

Asta then recalled Finral’s spectacle that resulted in him getting a little too handsy with the Blue Rose’s captain who beat him up for touching her. Then there was the way he had “coincidentally” bumped into Noelle and Secre at the bar.

Noelle was blushing next to Asta and mumbling about how she was royalty and that she didn’t find last night to be as hilarious as Asta. Asta’s recount made her wish that she followed Noelle to the mixer just to see it all go down.

“Invite me next time,” she said to Asta who nodded profusely.

Last night’s antics seemed to ignite something in the Black Bulls. The hideout was buzzing with activity and Vanessa felt at peace. She looked at the time and realised that she needed to head off to the capital to see Nozel. He never specified a time but she assumed that he would've been a no bullshit, seize-the-day morning person.

Vanessa sighed and stood up from her seat.

“Where are you headed off to?” Asta asked, “you’re usually asleep around this time.”

Noelle was curious too as well as she added, “I thought you already went to the black market.”

Vanessa hesitated. Was she supposed to lie to them? Was it supposed to be too secret? Should she tell them the truth? Nozel didn’t really specify whether or not she was supposed to tell the other members or not. It couldn’t hurt to let them know.

“Well believe it or not but your big brother dropped by last night,” Vanessa explained and she watched the way Noelle froze and took in what she said.

“W-why did he come?” She asked hesitantly. Vanessa couldn’t help but feel bad for Noelle, whether she realised it or not she craved her big brother’s attention and approval.

“I helped your brother out on his mission when I was at the black market. Turns out I’ve been roped into writing a joint report for Julius.”

Noelle looked down and tried to brush it off. She must’ve held out a sliver of hope that her brother came to see her. Vanessa had an idea.

“I know!” She cheerily exclaimed and hugged Asta and Noel into her chest, “how about you come with me?”

Asta and Noelle looked at her unsure.

"Are we allowed?" Noelle asked.

“I’m feeling a bit nervous heading to the Silver Eagles office because I’ve never been there before,” she feigned.

She continued, “I’m pretty sure their office is close to the Golden Dawn’s after dropping me off you guys can go visit your friends Yuno, Mimosa, and Klaus.”

At the mention of his rival Asta was fired up and happily agreed with Vanessa’s request running off to get himself ready. Noelle was still a bit hesitant standing next to Vanessa and looking down at the ground.

Vanessa leaned in and assured Noelle, “a secret between you and me sweetie, he came to check up on you.”

“Really?” She asked still hesitant.

“He didn’t outwardly say it but I got the vibe from him,” Vanessa grinned at Noelle, “now get ready before Asta runs there himself.”

Noelle ran off and Vanessa smiled. She was thankful that they would be joining her because honestly the thought of going by herself terrified her a little bit. She wasn’t used to places that were formal and usually when she was she had the Black Bulls by her side. This time she wouldn’t and it was slightly nerve-wrecking.

It brough her back to when she had escaped the Forest of Witches with Yami and her world was expanding. She was seeing the world for the first time, but she had to admit that it was terrifying being exposed to so many new things and people so quickly.

She took a deep inhale and tried to regain her confidence. She could do this. The opinions of others never got to her before, as long as she believed in herself she could get through this. She didn’t know where her silly concerns were coming from but that’s what they were just silly tricks her mind was playing on her.

“Alright you two let’s get going!” she beckoned, “we’re going to be late!”

---

They had reached the Silver Eagles headquarters and it was massive. It looked a noble’s manor that had been converted into an office space. The building stood tall and proud wearing the Silver Eagles’ insignia on the front. Vanessa along with Asta and Noelle couldn’t help but marvel at the sight.

Members were filing in and out of the building either departing from a mission or returning from them. Inquisitive looks were thrown in their direction but no one had stopped to ask them what they were doing.

Once they made there way inside Vanessa noticed Noelle’s other two siblings loitering around. They seemed taken aback by her presence but they didn’t cause a scene. Since the invasion of the elves where Noelle was able to show off her newfound magical control and ability they had backed off from their bullying. Because at the end of the day if it wasn’t for Noelle’s help the Silva resident would have been in ruins.

It seemed like Vanessa’s presence was expected as the group was easily led to the door of Nozel’s office. Taking in a deep breath Vanessa led the group as she knocked on the door and called out that she was coming in. They entered finding Nozel sitting behind his desk looking over magical reports.

He looked up and his eyes narrowed seeing Asta and Noelle beside Vanessa.

“What are they doing here?”

Chapter Text

Nozel’s eyes narrowed as he scrutinised the trio in front of him. He was thankful that the witch had arrived early in the morning. He was an early-riser and preferred to spend the day maximising his work as much as possible.

When he told her to come to the office he hadn’t expected her to bring her teammates as well. He didn’t expect to see the anti-magic wielder and his sister.

She spoke breaking him out of his stupor.

“They’re actually on the way to visit the Golden Dawn,” he watched her shrug nonchalont, “I figured it wouldn’t hurt to have them come with me to the Silver Eagles first.”

Nozel felt a vein pulse in his forehead. This woman was really good at that.

“Do you realise how irresponsible your actions are?” he accused.

“I don’t think there’s anything wrong with it…” she trailed off.

“Anything wrong with having members of the Black Bulls visiting the Silver Eagles? People will talk.”

“Again I don’t see anything wrong with it,” she leveled, “I mean one of the members is your sister I don’t think that would be cause for gossip.”

Nozel wanted to lash out and let her know that, that sister she was talking about was aware that their relationship wasn’t the kind that warranted visits to each other’s hideouts. In addition, the nobles already spoke ill of Noelle and her inability to control her magic powers. The situation with the elves be damned, the kingdom didn’t know the truth.

“Regardless the other person you have brought along is awaiting a second trial and is seen as a possessed devil.”

The witch didn’t seem to be affected by the gravity of his words. He watched as she took in his words, as she looked to the ground and pursed her plump lips into a pout thinking.

Finally she looked up and countered, “I understand where you’re coming from but you know the truth. You know that Asta is not possessed by a devil and he was the one fighting one. You also know that your sister is able to control her magical power now…you were there when she saved your home.”

The witch hesitated before she spoke again, “the only reason I can think of you causing such a fuss over their presence is if you’re ashamed to be seen around them.”

Nozel felt her words stab at him and he balled his hands into fists. How could she say such a thing? That was impossible. He had always been around those two, especially when the Eye of the Midnight Sun was still active and terrorising the Kingdom. He even disrupted Asta’s hearing along with Fuegoleon to persuade the nobles to let Asta free.

He wasn’t ashamed of the Black Bulls. He respected them. Everyone knew that. But…who was everyone?

Nozel straightened his back. He needed to pull himself together. He was the future head of the House Silva and the captain of the Silver Eagles. He didn’t need this.

“Regardless their presence is unjustified and it wasn’t told to me. I will let you off this once, but in the future it was considered formal to let me know in advance if you plan on bringing others with you.”

He watched the witch take in his words and nod in agreement.

“Very well…then I’ll see my teammates off then,” she turned towards Asta and Noelle, “I’ll be back.”

She lead the other two outside of his office and Nozel was left by himself. He sighed and resigned himself to staring at his paperwork while he waited for the witch to make her back into his office.

However, he found a problem in that he was unable to concentrate. He was staring at the paperwork in front of him, but he couldn’t make sense of the words. The ink just jumbled together in his mind making each letter indistinguishable.

Nozel groaned putting his pen down. He couldn’t think straight, her words had gotten to him. He wasn’t ashamed of his sister. He was proud of her and her achievements. Her ability to master her abilities and her growth had exceeded beyond his expectations.

He was also able to recognise the pivotal role in which Asta played to protect the Clover Kingdom. If it weren’t for Asta, he didn’t want to think about what could have been.

And yet…and yet he had never publicly declared that he respected the Black Bulls. Hell, not even his own team knew. A part of him believed it was because he was not obliged to answer to anyone nor did he have to satisfy anyone. But wouldn’t that mean he was able to freely hang out with his sister and her teammates without caring about what others would think?

The answer didn’t come easily to him and he didn’t know why. He didn’t want nor did he like dwelling on these thoughts. It made him feel sick thinking of the past and the guilt that followed him whenever he saw Noelle.

The creaking of the door’s hinges signalled that the witch had come back from seeing Asta and Noelle off. Finally they could start with the report.

He watched as she walked towards him thankful that she was wearing more clothes than last night. He was caught off guard when she had openned the door dressed in barely anything. He almost apologised assuming that her late response to opening the door was due to her being in the middle of getting herself dressed. That would explain the fact that she was dressed in nothing but a skimpy bra and panties.

However, the deep blush that was adorning her cheeks and the way her eyes were struggling to focus caused him to deduce that she had been drinking and heavily at that. Her reputation precedes her he had thought to himself then. Nozel knew then and there that in his many years of being a magic knight for the Clover Kingdom this report would cause him the most trouble.

She was standing before him now and he glanced at the way her dress hugged her figure wrapping around her hips and the way-

“Alrighty handsome what’s on the agenda today with this report,” her voice startled him and he admonished himself. All of his etiquette training seemed to have been thrown out the window. He was eyeing her like some lecherous low life.

“Please sit Ms…,” Nozel was searching for words but in horror he realised he didn’t know her name. This whole time he only knew her as the witch from the Black Bulls. He noticed that she was looking at him puzzled by his sudden silence.

He needed to regain his composure.

“Apologies,” he gestured to the chair in front of him, “please sit.”

She didn’t fight him and she sat down crossing her legs. Nozel didn’t like the way her dress rode up her thighs. He was feeling flustered. Why was he acting like a hot blooded teenager and not the grown man he was?

“No need to apologise,” she waved off.

If she could read his thoughts then she would have told him otherwise for his lewd thoughts.

She continued, “anyway what do we have to do for this report, you were so quick to leave yesterday I couldn’t ask for a proper debrief.”

She uncrossed her legs and leaned in closer. Nozel had to repress the groan because that dress she was wearing was doing nothing to contain her cleavage.

“You know you seem like the type to be organised and to have everything laid out, but I realised that you’re quiet reckless,” she teased and Nozel avoided her stare and looked at the door behind her.

“I had other matters to attend to, regardless last night doesn’t matter now,” he tried to wave off.

He watched her pout as he shut down her teasing. His patience was running thin.

He broke down an overview of the report with her. Since it was originally a solo mission Nozel needed to recount his version of the events and so did Vanessa. This was setup to make sure that they had both stumbled across each other by coincidence and were not overstepping the orders that were set out for Nozel in the mission.

They also needed to go back to the area to assess the damage that was done and to make sure that adequate reconstruction efforts were being made along with making sure that the cost didn’t affect the Clover Kingdom bank.

He looked over and noticed that the witch looked uneasy staring down at his earlier copy of the report. It was several pages long albeit a little longer as it dealt with the serious crime of treason. She must’ve sensed his stare on her as she looked up slightly exasperated.

“You’ve been a magic knight for several years now, you must be used to writing reports.”

She shifted in her seat, “yes…but…not like this. My magic is usually used for exploring dungeons, so the reports I have to file are rather minimal.”

“Yami never sent you out on missions protecting important people for the Kingdom?”

“Not really, the whole witch thing freaks out some of the nobles and VIPs.”

That’s when he understood what she meant earlier when she said that she didn’t know what the report would entail. She had never dealt with matters directly pertaining to the Clover Kingdom and its people directly.

“It’s fine, you’ll have me to help you out.”

That perked her up real quick and he watched as she nodded enthusiastically. He really hoped that this morning’s events would be the worst of the day.

---

The black market wasn’t as lively as it had been when he was there last week. Since he wasn’t out tracking anyone he didn’t feel the need to wear a disguise and was open towards roaming the streets and assessing the damage he had created.

He realised that many storefronts had their windows broken by his birds and most of the stalls had been damaged. He realised that with so many civilians around he might’ve been a bit too wreckless.

“Hey!”

Nozel eyed the woman who was waving her hand in his direction. Her hair was kept in a high ponytail and he didn’t know who she was. He offered her no response yet she continued.

“Hey!” She repeated again, “Vanessa over here!”

Who was Vanessa?

“Domina?” he heard a shocked gasp to his right that came from the witch. Oh, so that was Vanessa. Nozel realised that he didn’t know her name and if he had realised earlier and asked for it she may have been offended especially since they had already started the mission.

Maybe she would have berated him because she took the time to know his name and he didn’t. He brushed off the silly thought, because given his family’s status and his captaincy it was normal for people he didn’t know to know who he was.

He watched as Vanessa ran up to this Domina and embraced her in a hug. He awkwardly stood behind Vanessa watching the reunion between the two women.

“I didn’t think I would get to see you so soon,” Vanessa gushed and clung towards the other woman.

“Hey, hey it’s alright, no need to get so clingy,” Domina laughed. She stopped once she saw Nozel standing behind Vanessa. Her gaze shifted between the two of them.

“Vanessa is this your boyfriend?”

The question had Nozel flaring up and he watched as Vanessa just laughed it off explaining to her that they were both taking field notes as part of their mission.

Domina seemed to understand and looked at Nozel, “but if you’re a Black Bulls member how come I didn’t see you at the hideout a while back?”

“Because I’m not a Black Bull,” Nozel bit out.

“It’s a bit complicated, I’ll explain the next time I see you,” Vanessa assured and Nozel turned to her.

“You will not,” he accused, “she is not a resident of the Clover Kingdom and this mission is classified.”

Vanessa brushed off the way he admonished and uttered a small, “oops” while assuring Domina that they would catch up soon. Nozel thought he heard something about wine too.

“You’re so mean not letting me stay to chat with my friend,” Vanessa pouted, “I didn’t know I’d see her again.”

“That’s not the point, we’re on duty,” he stated matter of factly.

“Still I wanted to have some fun.”

“We’re Magic Knights, we don’t have fun.”

Vaness childishly poked her tongue out at him.

“Who said that? Not everyone is such a serious stick-in-the-mud like you are,” she accused.

Nozel just kept walking. They had assessed the damage and counted how many buildings needed to be repaired. He caclulated that it wouldn’t be much and Vanessa had assured some of the merchants that they would be compensated for any lost business while repairs were happening.

Once they had finished with the last store front and were making their way out of the market Nozel couldn’t help but voice his opinion.

“I don’t understand why these merchants still choose to work in this profession.” He complained, “you would think they would shift to more honest work.”

“It’s not that simple,” Vanessa murmured.

At his quizzical she continued, “many of these people aren’t native to the Clover Kingdom and so they’re discriminated against. If you think the peasants have it bad imagine how foreigners are treated. They have no choice but to work in the black markets to make a living, especially if they can’t return to where they’re from.”

Nozel considered her words. He didn’t think to wonder how those not from the Clover Kingdom would be treated. Of course, there was Yami Sukihero but he had never viewed him as a foreigner. To Nozel he was just the rowdy Black Bulls captain who was brash and put his all into protecting the Clover Kingdom.

He knew about the mistreatment towards the peasant class and it was something he wanted to see change, especially with the amount of commoners who have shown their power at the Magic Knights entrance exams. Despite Captain Jack’s strange demeanour Nozel found him to be worthy of the title of Magic Knight Captain.

He wasn’t blind to the prejudice that was ingrained into Clover Kingdom society. He just didn’t know how it would work to change the system that had been deeply ingrained into the Kingdom’s views and values. He figured that Julius was slowly changing it.

Then it dawned on him. Vanessa was a witch. She was born outside of the Clover Kingdom and therefore, she wasn’t really a resident. Could she have faced discrimination while living in the Clover Kingdom? Could that be why she never stepped foot inside the capitol that often or engaged in missions that required working with the townsfolk?

“You know you made me angry.”

That comment by Vanessa jostled him and he stared at her. He was sure that due to their differences they would be annoyed with each other, but anger wasn’t really something he expected especially since she always put out such a cheerful demeanour.

Before he could even utter a defence she went on.

“You were so cold when I asked you that day how these markets would be fixed and all you gave me was a blunt response. You know it hurt and it made me think you’re such an asshole. It was also my first time looking at you up close and you are indeed handsome, but just such an asshole.”

Where was she going with this? She was just rambling and she didn’t need to bring his looks into it. It was uncalled for and unnecessary.

“But seeing you today, it made me realise something.”

Nozel’s interest was peaked. He had never met anyone like her before so he was interested to see what her opinion of him would be. He expected her to continue but she just kept walking and humming happily to herself as if she forgot to finish her sentence.

“Ugh, Vanessa?”

“Oh so you do know my name!” she happily exclaimed.

“What?”

“Well, I was thinking about it and I’ve realised that you’ve never called me by my name and I wanted to see if you did know it or not and I figured well- you seem to enjoy what other people think about you so I used that as bait.”

Nozel could not believe what he was hearing. Just then she was playing him and he fell for it. This woman really knew how to make him feel like a fool.

“Oh lighten up, you don’t need to give me such a sour look,” she elbowed his side and Nozel just grimaced at her.

They continued to walk and Nozel broke the silence.

“I don’t care about the opinions of others,” he huffed.

“Hmmm really?”

“Yes.”

“Then why do you keep Noelle at arms-length?”

Nozel paused he hadn’t expected that question from her. He didn’t expect his youngest sibling to become a topic of conversation between the two of them.

“I don’t understand what you mean,” he tried to bluff. He didn’t want to talk about this with her.

“You know, your sister wants nothing more than to get your approval and all you do is push her away. Every time you give her hope with a compliment, it doesn’t go any further and she’s just left in the dark.”

Nozel didn’t know how to respond. He knew that the Black Bulls squad was close but he didn’t the extent to which Noelle had confided in Vanessa. How much of Noelle’s childhood had she shared with the witch beside him?

“When you’re young all you ever want is approval from your family and to be complimented by them. It doesn’t matter how small the compliment is, for the one receiving it can stick with them. However, if your childhood isn’t filled with that you don’t really let go. You can find a new family in friends and lovers but you still think about your original one.”

Nozel digested what she had said to him. He didn’t want to probe her with any of her past wounds that she seemed to have revolving family. That’s probably why she holds a soft spot for Noelle and if Noelle knew about Vanessa’s past that would make sense as to why his sister would confide in her.

Hesitantly Nozel gave her a response, “I don’t know if you’ve ever experienced grief Vanessa.”

He looked to her and she shook her head.

Nozel continued, “well grief is a complicated thing that can dig its claws into someone for years…it doesn’t really go away and can hit you suddenly, even on a good day. Grief also manifests differently for everybody. Noelle was born just as our mother had passed away. I’m not excusing my or my siblings behaviour on the death of our mother, but it was a difficult time for all of us.”

That’s it. That’s all he would give her. She was still a stranger and he didn’t want to open up his heart to her. He didn’t want to knock down the walls he had so desperately built in an effort to protect himself from anyone.

“If you were able to tell me, a stranger, a small sliver of your feelings I don’t see why you can’t tell your sister everything.”

For what felt like the thousandth time today Vanessa had left Nozel speechless. He always wanted to have an open discussion with Noelle but he didn’t know where to start. It would be unpacking years of repressed emotions and baggage that he didn’t think he could do.

He offered her no response. He didn’t want to think of it any further.

“I’m sorry if I overstepped.”

Vanessa’s cheeks had a rosy tint to it and Nozel had a feeling that she was feeling embarassed for meddling in his family’s affairs.

“I understand your concern towards my sister and I assure you that if you think you’re stepping out of line you’re not.”

He looked over and she averted her gaze idly looking at the ground.

“Thank you…matters relating to family…they tend to get to me.”

Nozel deduced that she must’ve had her own grieveances towards her family. He didn’t really want to provide a shoulder for her to cry on, so he offered no response and they silently made their way back to the Silver Eagles headquarters.

---

The field notes were stored on his table ready for tomorrow. They both needed to come back and organise things to ensure that everything could be condensed into the report.

Going around the black market took longer than expected and Nozel eyed the paperwork that he still needed to finish. It seemed he wouldn’t get home until dark tonight even if he rushed them.

He turned to Vanessa who was lingering by his desk. The sun was setting and through the windows behind his desk it cast a glow onto her. She looked radiant. Looking at her, he could see just how beautiful she was. She had an eye-catching figure, but her facial features were gorgeous. She was literally sunshine personified.

Nozel quickly shook those thoughts from his head. He needed to pull himself together. He barely knew this woman.

“I’ll see you tomorrow at the same time,” he said signalling to her that she was dismissed.

“Okay handsome,” Vanessa responded.

He groaned, he didn’t need this right now.

“Why do you keep calling me that?”

“Calling you what?”

“Handsome.”

“Why not?” She shrugged, “It’s just a nickname.”

“Well there’s no need to refer to me as such.”

“Why? Because you don’t think you are?”

He scoffed, “no that’s not the point.”

“So, you do admit that you’re hadnsome?”

“Excuse me?”

She interjected before he could argue, “I’m saying that you know that you’re handsome so you’re self aware. So you know what the women in the kingdom say about you”

He felt heat rising and he knew he was getting embarassed again. What was with this woman and creating such a reaction from him?

“That’s not the point…,” he was repeating himself again.

“If you know then there’s no need to get embarassed over it,” she winked at him, “besides it’s cute seeing you blush.”

She fell into a fit of giggles knowing that his face was heating up and that the blush was spreading from his cheeks to his neck.

“I do not blush!” he childishly retorted.

She just continued to giggle and told him, “keep telling yourself that handsome.”

She turned her back on him and continued to walk. Nozel just sighed and resigned himself to his fate. He would just have to deal with her teasing until the report was finished and they would go their seperate ways again.

He didn’t want to question why that thought made his stomach feel like he had swallowed lead.

Chapter Text

Humming to herself Vanessa walked down to the common room. The sound of her heels were drowned out by the commotion going own downstairs.

They were already having fun without her. She enjoyed the chaos so early in the morning. Strangely enough it brought her a sense of peace knowing that she had people in her life who were so happy.

During her formative years all Vanessa ever knew was silence and isolation. They were broken by the little snippets of conversation that she heard from the other witches but there were trivial. Meaningless. She felt like she was intruding on something highly secret and she was in the wrong for listening.

She grew conflicted whenever she heard the voices of the other witches through her window. There was the joy that would spread through her body knowing that she wasn’t the only person that lived in the world and that beyond the bars enclosing her was a vast world full of new and exciting adventures.

But then a bitter jealousy and resentment would take its place and she would be left cursing over the fate that she was dealt with in life. Why did she have to suffer alone while there were others who were free and didn’t realise just how much of a privilege that was.

It wasn’t until she had met Yami on that fateful day that she learned that she didn’t need to be complacent in her fate. If her fate was to control destiny, it should start with being able to control herself and her life.

WHOOSH

A fireball had just launched herself in her direction and had just missed her by a fraction only singeing a stray strand of hair. So much for being stuck in her head, she quickly made her way to the common room and used her strings to hold them back just as they were about to come to blows.

“Alright you two!” She growled, “take it outside or you’re paying for my hair treatments for the rest of the year.”

They nodded and apologised before she let them go and watched them rush outside to the training area like children running to a playground.

She chuckled. She couldn’t stay angry at them.

She sat on her favourite couch and leaned back putting her feet on the coffee table. She heard a loud crash and openned her eyes to see a large jet of water aimed towards her. She ducked her head and narrowly missed it.

Asta ran out from the hallway followed by an angry Noelle who was waving her wand in his direction. He saw Vanessa and ran towards her and hid behind the couch.

“Vanessa please tell Noelle I didn’t mean it,” he whined as he cowered, “Henry must have changed the formation of the hideout last night. I didn’t mean to walk in on her changing.”

The reminder of what he had done to manifest Noelle’s wrath triggered her further and she shot another water jet towards him. To his credit Asta took it in stride…it even looked like he was trying to drink the water to lessen the pain.

Water was getting on Vanessa’s dress staining it and she huffed restraining Noelle with her strings.

“Noelle,” Vanessa admonished, “our Asta here is a gentleman and I don’t think he meant to walk in on you on purpose.”

She watched as Noelle turned beet red in the face and squirmed.

“Still,” Noelle pursed, “this insect walked in on me and…and…well I’m royalty the insect has no right to peep.”

“I wasn’t peeping!” Asta groaned.

“Hey Asta I actually sent Luck and Magna out to go train.” Vanessa suggested, “why don’t you go join them? I’ll handle things here.”

Asta nodded and ran outside calling out to his comrades proclaiming that he would join them.
With Asta gone she looked over and noticed that Noelle had quieted down. She released her hold on Noelle and shifted allowing the young mage to sit next to her. They sat in silence and took in each other’s company and allowed what just transpired to fizzle out.

“I’m sorry I caused a ruckus,” Noelle whispered with a light coating of blush dusting her cheeks.

“Oh sweetie you’re fine,” Vanessa soothed, “just make sure you keep your feelings in check.”

That caused Noelle’s hands to turn into fists in front of her.

“I’m sorry, it’s just hard sometimes.”

“It’s alright, you’re still learning.”

They continued to sit in silence content with just the sound of Asta, Luck, and Magna shouting in the background.

Noelle broke the silence, “Are you going to be seeing Nozel again today?” she enquired.

Vanessa shook her head, “not today he sent a message saying that he had to go on an urget mission.”

“Oh,” Vanessa knew Noelle long enough now to know that on the rare occasion she mentioned her family it was always attached with a complicated set of feelings and emotions.

She must have felt conflicted over the learned idea of family being people related by blood who care and uplift one another contrasting vividly with a childhood full of cruelty and absence.

“Your brother does care about you Noelle.” Those words struck something in Noelle and the shock she felt was tangible.

“He-he told you that?”

“He didn’t explicitly say it, but yeah he cares about you.”

“He was so cold that day when we arrived at the headquarters of the Silver Eagles. I could have sworn all I saw was hatred in his eyes. You even said so yourself that he acts as if he’s ashamed of me.”

Vanessa had to admit that she was taken aback by how bitter he sounded that day. It was shocking to hear an older brother talk to their younger sister like that. But then again it’s not like her own mother ever spoke kindly to her too.

“He was just surprised. He didn’t expect to see you and that’s my fault I should have told him and I’m sorry about that.”

Noelle shook her head.

“No, you don’t have to be sorry it’s not your fault. It’s just…how our family works I guess.”

“I think your brother is a complicated and he’s just trying his best as a captain and as head of the Silva household. Just know that he does think you’re capable. I mean you saved him a heck of lot of paperwork by saving the estate.”

Vanessa tried to brighten up Noelle’s mood. Saying anything to get her mind off of her family. Vanessa knew from experience how those thoughts can quickly consume a person.

“Do you guys talk about me?”

Vanessa didn’t offer her an answer. She didn’t know how much of that conversation she should unpack with Noelle. Vanessa had a feeling that Nozel wasn’t really the type to open up abou this feelings especially surrounding their late mother.

Vanessa decided to respond sensibly saving face for both Nozel and Noelle.

“Not really,” she thought carefully, “we don’t really talk. He’s a bit of a stick-in-the-mud, but he’s fun to tease.”

Noelle was taken aback over Vanessa’s words. She stared at Vanessa as if she had grown an extra set of arms.

“Stop staring, you’re making me blush as hard as Nozel,” Vanessa joked.

Noelle gasped and jumped towards Vanessa her eyes scrutinising the witch’s face for any hint of a lie or a joke.

“My brother does not blush,” Noelle confirmed.

Vanessa couldn’t help the laugh that bubbled over.

“Oh he does and he’s even easy to tease, it makes him more handsome.”

“My brother is not handsome!”

“Oh he is and he loves it when I call him that.” Vanessa was stretching the truth a little bit now, but she had successfully gotten Noelle off her back over the fact that her and Nozel talk about their personal lives…to a certain degree…with each other.

With the thought of her brother on her mind Noelle seemed to forget about the fiasco with Asta and had walked out to call him over to apologise which ended up with her going red over being greeted with him seaty and shirtless.

Oh to be young and in love Vanessa thought to herself. She wondered when she would see Nozel next to finish off the report.

---

Days turned into weeks turned into months without seeing Nozel. The report was pushed into the back of all responsibilites. There were more pressing matters at hand which involved the impending battle with the Spade Kingdom.

Vanessa had to admit that she had doubts over her own abilities to fight off those devils. There were times where she woke up in a cold sweat during the night having dreamt of that devil who wreaked havoc on the Diamond Kingdom generals.

She would wake up to the feeling of an unseen weight pressed down on her chest which triggered her memories of the fear that wrapped around her when she saw the bodies lying listlessly on the ground as if they were broken dolls. Humans turned into playthings. She remembered the mana that day too and the dark aura wrapping around her throat making her want to suffocate and throw up at the same time.

Everyone was on autopilot these days around the base. Their only objective in mind was to get stronger and to learn how to undo a devil’s curse. That was when she learned about the devil’s curse that had been placed on Acier Silva and the Heart Kingdom’s queen. It was never told directly considering the side effect of speaking about the curse aloud, but she was able to pick up on hints and piece the puzzle together herself.

Vanessa wondered if Nozel Silva was aware about the curse that struck his mother. He would have been old enough to comprehend the nature of his mother’s affliction.

It struck her how thoughts of him had meddled its way into her mind. At the oddest of times she would think about him and he would be stuck there in her head all day after that. She would think about what his thoughts would be about the joint invasion on the Spade Kingdom.

She wondered if he was working all hours of the day now because of the operation. She thought about if he remembered that the report wasn’t finished. The childish and girlish part of her brain even entertained the thought of him thinking about her about her as much as she thought about him.

She would slap those thoughts away as quickly as they entered her mind. It was a ridiculous notion to entertain and she knew it, but still it would be nice to hold someone’s affection.

---

Vanessa had strapped on her boots. It was her first proper day back in the Clover Kingdom after her training in the Forest of Witches. She didn’t think she would voluntarily go back again, but she needed to find a way to get stronger to help her team defeat those devils.

She didn’t expect the mission to go the way it did, but she was thankful for the lesson she learned about who her real family was. She loved the Black Bulls and it was with them she would find a way to get stronger.

It was rather jarring hearing the way the other witches referred to her as the Queen’s **********favourite********** ******child.****** They reasoned that’s why Vanessa could go about galivanting outside of the forest being the drunk she was. That’s why she could go out and join a bunch of troublesome miscreants.

If only they knew the lengths she went to in order to obtain her freedom. Maybe then the other witches wouldn’t whispering over her so-called preferential treatment.

Too much thinking was hurting her brain. She needed to get out.

Vanessa realised she had a great excuse to go out into town. Although she refused Yami’s invitation for a drink last night he helped himself and wiped out most of her stash. She could get her mind out of her own personal troubles and she could get lost in the world of expensive wine.

---

She walked into the wine cellar and greeted the man behind the counter. He knew her and she liked that he didn’t bother her letting her keep to herself until she was ready to checkout with her purchases.

The wine cellars was one of her happy places and she enjoyed getting lost in the aisles examining the different types of wine on offer. She enjoyed reading the descriptions and how each wine promoted their own distinct uniqueness.

She was rounding the corner to one of the aisles when she noticed Nozel Silva standing in the middle of the aisle examining a bottle of Merlot.

Vanessa hadn’t seen him in so long and seeing him there stunned her.

He was just as handsome as ever dawning the Silver Eagles insignia on his coat and Vanessa could help but look at his jaw tensed in consideration griping the wine bottle.

He truly was a gorgeous man. If only he wasn’t so cold and when he wasn’t cold he was just grumpy.

“Hey,” the sound of her voice must’ve caught him off guard because he fumbled with the wine in his hands.

She giggled at his clumsiness. This was the side that she liked to tease out of him. She didn’t realise he had it until that day at the market.

“V-Vanessa,” he stammered. Her presence definitely put him off guard.

She couldn’t help but tease him now.

“The one and only, how are you doing handsome,” she loved the nickname because the blush would appear on his neck. “Did you miss me?”

He managed to catch himself and he set the wine back on the shelf putting his mask back on. No fun, she pouted to herself.

“Hello Vanessa, it’s nice to see you and I hope you’ve been well.”

Always the stubborn one.

“As well as can be given what we have to face in the coming months.”

Her response seemed to get to him as she noticed his fists clenching in front of her. Vanessa berated herself for her stupidity of course he’d be affected. He was going to be up against the devil that had been responsible for his mother’s death.

“I’m sorry.”

“What for?”

“I shouldn’t have brought up the battle I know it’s a sensitive topic for you and well for you, but especially for you and Noelle. I’m sorry I’ll be on my way.”

She was blabbering she needed to go. He was making her blabber. His presence was making her lose her cool. She needed to escape.

“Wait.”

A beat passed between the two of them. She didn’t know what he wanted and she was itching to get out of here.

“Did you want to have a drink with me?”

The request caught her off guard and she looked up seeing the blush spread from his neck up to his cheeks.

He wanted her company.

He wanted her.

She couldn’t speak. Her only indication of a yes was the small nod she forced herself to make. It was like she was having an out of body experience.

She watched as Nozel grabbed the bottle of wine he had previously been scrutinising and lead the way out for them.

---

Above the wine cellar was a bar and they had chosen to sit in a cosy nook away from prying eyes. She liked the privacy she didn’t think that she would like people to listen in on their conversation, nor did she think that he would like to have people see them together. She also couldn’t help but like the intimate setting and the way they had to snuggle by side-by-side to fit into the cramped booth with their elbows touching.

They both broached the safe topic of missions and responsibilities towards their squad members. She carefully mentioned Noelle’s training in the Heart Kingdom but left out the topic of devil’s curses focusing more on her growth as a mage. Although he didn’t let it slip she did notice the pride that he showed when she spoke of his youngest sister.

Vanessa even briefly mentioned the brief stunt she had spent at the Forest of Witches trying to find a way to get stronger.

“How was it being back home?” He had asked her.

Home. She mulled that word over in her head. She was born there and the other witches were technically her family but that wasn’t her home. Home was where she belonged and felt safe.

“Oh I don’t consider that place to be my home, think of my visit there as a holiday minus the drinking,” she laughed off.

She took a sip of the wine he had chosen and savoured the rich taste as it settled heavy in her stomach. She had to hand it to him, he knew his wine. She was sure that the bottle he had chosen was some aged bottle that would have cost a month’s worth of her income.

“But you’re not from the Clover Kingdom.”

She looked over at him, his words weren’t laced his prejudice. It was more confusion that was emenating from him.

“True, but the Clover Kingdom isn’t my home.”

That seemed to further confuse him and he was looking at her with furrowed eyebrows.

“The Black Bulls are my home silly,” she laughed off and finished off her glass. She allowed him to refill her glass. She appreciated that he didn’t scold her for finishing her drink quickly and for wanting more.

“Do you know the story about how I became a Black Bulls member?”

He shook his head and she figured there would be no harm in telling him. No harm in baring her soul and the deepest parts of herself to him. No harm at all.

“The Witch Queen had used divination and she foretold that one day I would have the power to control fate. A pretty nifty power if you ask me. Anyway she wanted to keep me for herself and so she kept me locked in a cage and said that I would only be released if I figured out how to make it happen.”

Vanessa took a deep breath and saw that her wine glass had been refilled. She took another gulp and allowed the warmth to settle in her stomach.

“The Witch Queen is the closest thing to a mother to me. I used to think that her cruelty was an act disguised as love. I thought if I listened to her and if I stayed put I was being protected. Protected by something bigger than I couldn’t comprehend because I was so young. All I wanted was to experience what everyone else was. All I wanted was assurance from her. I just wanted her love.”

Her words hung in the air even as her voice came out as a whisper the more she spoke. She didn’t want to look over at Nozel. She didn’t want to see his reaction. She didn’t know why but the thought of seeing pity on his face aimed towards her unnerved her. She didn’t want that from him.

“How did you get out?”

“Yami of course.”

“Yami?”

“Yeap one day he literally came out of nowhere and blew and hole in the tower I was locked in. Men are forbidden in the forest so his presence was highly unwelcome.”

Vanessa couldn’t help smile thinking of the memory of how unfazed he was by the whole situation. He acted back then as if he was supposed to have a hero’s welcome in the strange land.

“He set me free and I’ve been with the Black Bulls ever since. They’re the ones who comfort me and make me feel whole. It doesn’t matter that the whole world looks down on them, on us, because at the end of the day we have each other. We accept each other flaws and all. They’re the ones who showed me what love is in all of its many forms…so you see they’re my real family.”

She didn’t know how he would react to her story. She fidgeted and she knew that he probably could sense her nerves and could feel it in the way that she began to tap her feet against the table and played with her wine glass.

“I’m glad you’re here.”

Huh? Those words both shocked and warmed her. She looked at him and she saw the sincerity reflected in his eyes. There was no pity. No shame. No apathy. Not even admiration. It was just a sense of comfort and it was soft and she didn’t think she had ever seen such tenderness in her life. His silent understanding and acceptance spoke volumes.

“Thank you.”

No other words could express or match the sincerity in his gaze and so she decided to just relax and to lean into him even just a little bit. Something had happened and he’d changed. His mask was coming down and he was finally letting the real him out.

“You know, I craved a life of my own outside the cage that inprisoned me.” She went on, “I would listen to their conversations and I would be so jealous of them. They got to go on adventures and they got to see the world and they complained about it sometimes. I thought it was so unfair.”

Vanessa giggled at her younger self’s childishness, “I guess I spent so long in the warm embrace of loneliness that it was difficult to comprehend that a part of living life was to have such trivial complaints about the world.”

Vanessa liked this. She liked talking to him and sharing such intimate details of her life with him. The wine didn’t create a fog in her mind like it usually did, instead it created a buzz within her that eased and relaxed her. Allowing her to appreciate the presence of the man next to her.

“You know what I realised.”

“What?”

“We’re more alike than you think.”

That caused an abrupt laugh to erupt from him. It was so sudden and so foreign that everything died down around her. She only focused on his laugh and how melodic it was. Something was swelling inside her over the fact ***she*** had created that response in him.

“That’s the first time I’ve ever heard you laugh,” she whispered and he snapped back and put on that aloof mask of his.

“Yes…well, we don’t really know each other,” he replied back taking great interest in his glass of wine.

“Yeah, but, you feel familiar.”

Vanessa didn’t know where she was going with this, but she needed to just speak about what had been bothering her these past couple of weeks.

“Not familiar in the sense that we met prior and had some form of a relationship, but I feel like I can talk to you for hours on end or I can sit with you in silence and it doesn’t feel weird. There’s just something about you that…comforts me. I don’t know if it’s the same with you.”

Vanessa stopped talking. She didn’t know what was coming over. Her guard was severely down and she just wanted to melt into him. The months of not seeing each other had culminated into a moment where she was bearing her soul to him and things just felt easy.

“My mother used to say something about that to me when I was younger.”

His mother? She was broaching dangerous territory if he was talking about his mother. Vanessa knew that, but she wanted him to open up. She wanted to know more about him.

Tentatively and oh so gently she placed her hand on top of his. The one that wasn’t holding onto his empty glass of wine. He didn’t flinch. She let her hand linger on his for a second longer and when she knew that he wouldn’t pull away and retreat she entangled their fingers together and she gave a gentle squeeze.

“My mother said that being with others should be easy. It shouldn’t be forced and that if you’re forcing it then it’s not right. Being with someone should be as easy as breathing. The whole world melts away and all you can focus on is them.”

She let his words hang in the air. Capitvated by him and what he had just told her, Vanessa could feel herself trembling. She begged with all her heart that he couldn’t feel it. She was resisting the urge to lean forward just that little bit so she could press her lips against his. She wanted to be consumed by him, but she was resisting. She didn’t want to ruin this moment. She didn’t want to ruin ****this****. She wanted to stay lost in it forever. Whatever this space and moment they had created with each other.

“Thank you for sharing,” she settled on those words. There wasn’t nothing more to say. Sometimes when words fail it’s better to just linger and to sit in silence.

That’s how the evening ended for them. Even as the rest of the patrons had left and the bar staff were closing, the only constant was Nozel and Vanessa sitting with each other and the whole world melted away.