grailcyclist | KR Ghost: Put Down

SFW | 422 words | Alan/Javel
Alan puts Javel down as Javel tries to build Alan up.
One day I will write a proper fluff fic, but that day is not today...

It would not do for Javel to misunderstand that Spectre was their enemy. Alan was more of a schemer than a leader, but he still preferred the forces under him to be united. The night after Javel punished Makoto for his impudence, Alan pondered on how he could present Makoto in a better light with minimal effort on Makoto’s part. His solitude, which was conducive to the brainstorming of his schemes, was impossible with Javel’s constant presence by his side on the building’s roof.

“Aran-sama, it seems that you have to put up with a lot for Spectre,” Javel started. “To a degree that is not commensurate to his usefulness.”

His confident assessment, made without fully knowing the proceedings of Alan’s plan, told Alan all he needed to know of how his actions were seen back in his own realm. His father had most likely taken his failure for granted and all ready to criticize him later on, even if he would ultimately succeed. For now, the Emperor’s criticism towards him were to be indirectly relayed through Javel.

Alan was to have none of it. He turned to Javel while preparing the plain words to put the man down.

“And how could you presume your own usefulness?” Alan retorted. “If I had thought that you were a better fit for the plan, I would have asked father for your assistance from the start..”

“I can see your personal attachment to Spectre,” Javel said. “When I wasn’t around to be against it, you have formed a bond with him. You fail to see now that he is beneath you.”

There was it, Javel’s hint to Alan’s failings. Javel spoke as if he knew Alan better than Alan knew himself. Alan would sooner turn Javel’s self-confidence into self-doubt.

“I would lower myself in order to rise above,” Alan said. “That is the basis of my plan. I know that you will oppose it and undo your own usefulness to me.”

“For you, Aran-sama—”

Javel cut short his defense to step forward at his first awareness of a passing draft. He stood so close not just to have Alan feel his body’s warmth, but to also reach behind and adjust the loosened folds of Alan’s scarf. When Alan averted his face to emphasize his disdain, his cheek brushed against the rough hairs on Javel’s jaw.

“I will serve you when Spectre would not,” Javel whispered into Alan’s ear, subtly claiming that he would do things differently, though he was essentially a servant all along.