Chapter Text
The wind at Saps’ vacation home was harsh tonight, whipping against his skin like it knew exactly what Flux had planned. A part deep inside of him felt immensely guilty for being here, knowing what he was going to do. But, Fluixon grew up in a cold, harsh environment—this wind tonight would not deter him from seeing his friend, his…
One last time.
Flux decided to leave the front step he was comfortably waiting on, the outdoors were far too aggressive and knowing for his taste right now. He finally opened the door and heard commotion coming from the meeting room. All Flux could see when he approached was a head of ivory hair poking out from beneath the table.
“What the hell are you—“
Saparata, apparently not aware of Flux’s presence quite yet, banged his head on the table in surprise.
“Aw man, Flux, that hurt.” He rubbed his head as he got up. In his hands was a screwdriver, and Flux became aware of a few screws scattered on the table. Selfishly, Flux hoped Saps didn’t look too hard at his house’s ‘functions’.
“Sorry, I’ll light a flare next time.” He says, eliciting a glare from the other. Flux leans against the table and fiddles with a screw, exhaling slowly, “What’s this?”
“A screw.”
Flux lightly shoved his shoulder, rolling his eyes. Everyone knew Saps was one of the few people who could get the stone cold hand of Luminara to act like a real person rather than a mindless, manipulative politician. The thought was heavy and unwanted in Fluixon’s brain.
Saps shrugged, “Just making sure everything is right for the meeting,” He looked down at the table, almost as if he was visualizing the very scene Flux had planned. Like he was in preparatory grief. “I’m nervous.”
And Flux? He…
Something cold and sinister spiraled in his gut, curling around his organs and his heart and his soul. He knew, like a man who would walk the plank, that if he were to jump off like this, betray his best friend, he’d never come back from it. Days like this, huddled together on one bed, telling each other it was just because it was cold, or sneaking sly looks when one of Flux’s boys did something especially stupid would be nothing but memories. Golden eyes and soft white hair wouldn’t be his anymore, wouldn’t be something to admire with love. If Flux’s planned worked out, those eyes would no longer be seen by anybody ever again. A scapegoat, that’s all Saparata would become. The history books would never know that Saps was so much more than a scapegoat to Flux; that in another, kinder life, he would’ve been his love.
He realized then, looking at Saps, inching closer to comfort him, that he simply could not do it. He could not pull the trigger. Cynikka told him when they were younger, when they were not yet victims of this merciless world, that he was too soft. They were play fighting, and Cynikka was older and stronger; it was apparent she would win. When she overcame him, Flux dipped down onto the ground, and tears flew from his eyes. You’re such a baby, Cynikka spat, If you continue to be so soft, you’ll never sit on the throne. It was a memory Flux never forgot, etched into his very being. It resurfaced every time he had to make a difficult decision. It resurfaced now.
(What Flux didn’t remember, though, was his sister’s worried eyes and the hand that helped him up after he fell. What Flux didn’t remember was that despite being vulnerable and sensitive, there was still love in her heart for him.)
Flux put a hand on his friend’s shoulder, “You’ll do great, Saps. I don't necessarily trust the leader's judgment, but I believe in you.” He really did, back when he first met Saparata in that mine searching for diamonds. His pure soul drew him in; Saps almost felt like a promise of something better. It was why he was so perfect for this plan, because if someone like Saps could be guilty of such heinous, murderous crimes, then paranoia would spread like a disease throughout the entire island.
Then, Flux had a thought. He was second in line to the Prince of Aculon; he escaped coups; he survived losing a limb; he single-handedly clawed his way up to second-in-command at Luminara. Fluixon, the architect, the manipulative mastermind, the politician who wasn’t afraid to get his hands dirty. If anybody was smart enough to construct a different plan, a better plan, one that didn’t involve framing and betraying the most important person in his life—it was Fluixon.
His mind reeled, gears turned, and, like rusty mechanics, he realized how utterly stupid he’d been. There is another way. A new determination sparked in his violet eyes. I will not sacrifice Saps for this world, but I will not sacrifice this world for Saps.
“Thanks, Flux.” A smile played on Saps’ rosy lips, a faint blush spreading across his pale skin. Flux brought his hand forward hesitantly, swiping his thumb at Saps’ undereyes. Saps’ eyes widened slightly, but he quickly leaned into the touch.
Silence surrounded them for a few moments, almost forgetting the trouble on their island, the weight on Saps’ shoulders for the meeting tomorrow, Flux’s terrible position on the opposite side of the war, and Flux’s demotion. It was just them, and Flux had forgotten what warmth felt like.
Saps pulled back, interrupting the silence and Flux’s epiphany, muttering, “You can stay here tonight. I know Luminara is far. Shit, everywhere is far from my territory, it seems.”
Flux shook his head, rubbing circles on Saparata’s wrist. “I promised Thomas I’d help him with something.” A lie, the Conspiracy was expecting him to perfect the betrayal of Saparata for tomorrow. He would go back and call it off, and he would spend all night thinking of another plan. Even if he could stay, Saps didn’t deserve Flux in his home, his bed, after what he was going to do. It was too cruel.
Still, Saps huffed and nodded. He almost went to sit back down, continuing his plans, but Flux grabbed his shoulder and pulled him into a hug. Any other day, Saps would’ve treated this rare show of affection with a smirk or a playful jab, hugging back nonetheless, but today, there was a weight that they could not ignore. Instead, Saps fit his face into the crook of Flux’s neck and wrapped his arms around his waist tightly.
“I’ll see you after the meeting, okay?” Flux whispered, soft ivory hair tickling his nose. Saps nodded quickly, and Flux could feel his breath against his neck. No, he thought, I can’t go through with this plan at all.