Brotherhood, Blushes and Bloodlines

It was nightfall, and the stars shimmered faintly above the Noble House of Kaizer. The once echoing clangs of swords and war cries on the training field had long faded, replaced by weary breaths and dragging footsteps.

Jack and Joshua stumbled through the front door, drenched in sweat, their bodies heavy and sore, swords dragging behind them like broken wings. They looked like they had just survived a war. Lancelot followed close behind, still drenched, but walking tall, calm as ever. Raphael, however, looked completely untouched by the entire day's torture, his steps as graceful as if he had spent the afternoon napping.

"That was intense," Jack muttered, almost collapsing into a nearby wall.

"Yeah, I know... I've never trained this long before," Joshua agreed, struggling to breathe.

Raphael gave them a curious look. "Was it? That's odd. This is pretty normal for me and Captain Percival."

Both Jack and Joshua shot him a glare, silently cursing his stamina.

Lancelot held his rumbling stomach. "Guys, I'm starving. But everyone's probably asleep by now."

"There should still be food in the dining room," Joshua suggested, already moving in that direction.

The group stumbled into the grand dining hall to find the long table still set with leftovers, each dish protected beneath glass lids. They eagerly uncovered the trays and began to serve themselves.

As expected, Joshua and Jack tore into the food like wild beasts. Raphael and Lancelot, in contrast, ate with a soldier's discipline, elegant, fork and knife in hand, backs straight, barely a sound made.

Then Joshua, between bites, looked around and asked, "Guys... what made you fall for your ladies?"

The question cast a thoughtful silence over the group.

Lancelot was the first to speak. "Merlin's cute... and a little clumsy. She comes off too strong sometimes, but honestly, that makes it easier for me. I get embarrassed easily, and with her, I don't have to worry about that."

The others smiled, nodding in agreement.

"I fell for Julia because of her freckles," Raphael said, smiling softly. "And her shyness. But also... because she just gets me."

Jack chuckled and leaned back. "Jessica's hot. Like, seriously, she's built like a tank. Strong, muscular, funny as hell... She could break my ribs and I'd still say thank you."

Joshua grinned. "I think liking muscular women is a kink, Jack."

Raphael and Lancelot burst out laughing while Jack looked flustered. "Shut up."

"And you, Joshua?" Lancelot asked.

Joshua paused, then looked down with a soft smile. "Blanchette... I mean, sure, I was attracted to her beauty at first. But when I got to know her, I realized she's so much more. She's kind, funny, brilliant... She accepts me despite everything I've done. She makes me want to be better. She's my strength when I'm too weak to go on. I love her with everything I am. I belong to her."

The room was silent for a moment.

Jack broke the tension. "Bro, that's so cringe. I can't believe you said that with such pride!"

Everyone erupted in laughter. Joshua turned bright red and buried his face in his hands.

Suddenly, Joshua gasped. "Oh crap!"

The others looked up in confusion.

"What's up with you?" Lancelot asked.

"I... I left my hoodie in Blanchette's room!"

And without another word, Joshua sprinted from the dining hall.

Jack rolled his eyes. "That bastard probably just didn't want to clean up."

Regardless, the three began clearing the dishes. In the kitchen, Jack washed, Raphael dried, and Lancelot packed everything away. A low hum soon filled the space as they sang a familiar work song in harmony, the sound echoing softly through the noble halls.

Joshua stood outside Blanchette's door, hesitating. (Should I knock? It's kinda late... Maybe I'll just peek in.)

He turned the handle slowly and peeked inside. There she was, Blanchette, standing before a tall mirror, wearing his oversized hoodie.

"I am Joshua!" she said in a deep voice, puffing out her chest.

Joshua's lips curled into a smile.

Blanchette began dancing in a goofy, adorable rhythm, lost in her joy. Joshua couldn't help but giggle.

She froze. Slowly turning around, her eyes locked with his. Then she dropped to her knees in embarrassment, face red as a tomato.

"H-How much did you see?" she squeaked, hiding her face behind her hands.

Joshua walked in and shut the door behind him, laughing like a villain. "Hahahahaha! I saw everything!"

Blanchette pouted, cheeks puffed. "Why are you even here?"

"I came for my hoodie, but looks like it's found a new owner."

"Can I keep it then? Maybe even make a few alterations?" she asked, looking at him with puppy eyes.

Joshua blushed and nodded. "Yeah. Do what you want with it."

"Yippee!" Blanchette jumped for joy but the hoodie rose with her, revealing she was only wearing black underwear underneath.

Joshua's eyes widened. His breath quickened. His whole face turned crimson and then he passed out, collapsing to the floor.

When he came to, he was under Blanchette's blankets, her face smiling softly above him.

He blushed again. "Blanchette... I can't stay here again. If your parents find out, I'm dead."

She pulled him back into her embrace, placing his head against her chest.

"Don't worry," she whispered. "They won't find out. I'll keep you safe... my little black puppy."

She gently rubbed his fluffy ears, causing another wave of heat to rise in his cheeks.

Meanwhile, in Lancelot and Merlin's room, Merlin lay curled around Lancelot's waist. She was the big spoon. He was the little one. The room was warm and quiet, filled with peace.

But not all places were so kind.

Deep in the dungeons of the Xeno noble house, King Siegfried descended the cold stone stairs. His steps echoed like hammer strikes in the night.

"Bitch, do you know what time it is?" he snarled as he reached the bottom. "It's playtime."

James sat in the corner of his cell, trembling. Tears rolled down his cheeks as he rocked back and forth.

Axel glanced at him with sorrow in his eyes but turned away, unable to watch.

King Siegfried reached the cell, waved off the guards, and stepped inside alone. The door slammed shut behind him. His silhouette blocked the flickering torchlight.

James whimpered.

And then the screams began.