On Top

"I'm thowwy."

Kneeling in front of me was Sparky, his face swollen beyond recognition.

'You know… not being on the receiving end is quite nice this time around.'

"So first off, I don't swing that way."

"I didn't mean it like that." Sparky stood, brushing his dust off his pants, though they were already blackened beyond repair. He looked at me, not a hint of fear or disgust in his eyes. Just pure curiosity.

'Well that's new.'

"Among Erosion users, I noticed yours seems to be a mutated variant of the affinity." I blinked in surprise.

"How? I haven't used it yet."

"The affinity crystal. Typically when the Erosion affinity shows, its murky grey with a tint of black, but yours had green instead. So I just want to run tests and experiment with your affinity."

"No."

"But why? It would be beneficial for both of us. I get to discover what is probably a new affinity, and you get to practice and train your powers openly without someone trying to kill you!" I paused at that.

'That's… a really good point… still though…'

"No."

"Give me a reason why though!"

"Because once you're done with me, you become like the others, ready to kill me. Not my cup of tea you know? If I keep rejecting you, you maintain an interest in me, resulting in you not stabbing me in my sleep." Sparky frowned but didn't say anything.

Wandering towards one of the rooms, I plopped onto the bed, staring at the ceiling. Fatigue was beginning to settle in, my eyes slowly drooping before I slipped away into sleep.

Huff huff

'What's that…'

Opening my eyes groggily, what greeted me was an excited looking Sparky, his face mere inches from mine.

'Oh hell no.'

"Morning Tryston! So I was thin–"

THWACK

Sparky flew across the room, heavily crashing into the wall. I quickly checked my body, making sure my clothes were still on.

'Thank god.'

"Why'd you do that?" Sparky groaned slowly getting to his feet.

"You were three inches from kissing me. My first kiss isn't going to go to some crazy fucking gnome with a death fetish."

"I wasn't going to… your first kiss? Kek, virgin." I froze, staring at Sparky dangerously.

"Like you're not one?" Sparky also froze, before staring at me dangerously.

"Watch yourself, peasant. I'll have you know, I'm the most eligible bachelor in my kingdom! I just choose not to… that's all…" Sparky's words slowly faded out before he turned away, hiding his face. Seeing this, my eyes slowly turned from dangerous to understanding.

"I see… you're like me then…"

"N-no I'm not! I just choose to focus on my studies!" I nodded sympathetically, slowly hugging Sparky.

"It's okay. I understand your pain Sparky."

"Y-you do?" I nodded once. After a few moments of silence, we slowly pulled apart, a new sense of kinsmanship between us.

"So about last night–"

"No."

"Just listen to me man!" Sparky huffed in annoyance. "I'll make a Circle Pledge." I paused at that, squinting at Sparky in confusion and suspicion.

"Why would you go so far?"

"You just don't understand do you?" Sparky walked out of my room, causing me to trail behind him. "The chance to find a new affinity, especially one revolving around the Erosion affinity, is one no Alchemist would pass up. Not to mention the potential implications it could have on potential future enemies!"

Arriving in the kitchen, Sparky sat down and ordered some breakfast from the chefs.

"Want anything?" 

"Nah. I've got something already." I pulled out a meat bun, eating it blissfully.

"...Are those really that good?" Sparky stared at me skeptically as I chewed.

"Yes. It's like heaven in a bun."

"...Can I have–"

"No." Sparky sighed.

"For some reason, I expected that. Anyway, back to what I was saying. I'll make a pledge stating that I will not act on any ill intentions I may have for you now or in the future for the rest of my life. In return though, you must help me with my experiments for the duration of the academy, at the very least."

I stared at Sparky as he looked at me seriously.

'Hmm…'

I sighed deeply.

"Fine. But don't bother with the pledge." Sparky stared at me in confusion.

"But you made such a big fuss about it last night? Why suddenly no pledge? Especially when this is a way to confirm I won't do anything?"

"Becuase if you truly weren't sincere about this, you wouldn't have offered to do the pledge in the first place. I'll place my trust in you for now. Worst comes to worst, I'll just have the old man hunt you down."

"Old man?"

"Ah, he's the–"

"Shit!" As I was so rudely interrupted, Sparky stood, frantically looking at what appeared to be a watch on his wrist.

"What?"

"We're going to be late for orientation!"

***

Sparky rested on my shoulders, wiping his brow in relief as I stood leaning against a wall, gasping for air.

'This… hah… bithch…'

"Wow! We made it just in time! Great wo–" Grabbing Sparky by the top of his shitty head, I slammed him to the ground.

"You bastard! Why did you ride my shoulders the whole way here!" Sparky sighed, standing while brushing dust from his clothes.

"Calm down and think for a second. I'm three foot nothing, and you're a tall and graceful human. Of course I gave you work befitting your stature."

I gripped Sparky by the face, holding him in the air as his legs dangled limply.

"Oi. You can't bullshit me. I'm the king of bullshitting. Not to mention, you threw in a subtle insult at the end. That completely negates the flattery given." Sparky pried my hand away from his face, dropping to the ground softly.

"Oh? I see, I see… I suppose I'll have to keep that in mind. Anyway, don't you have to guard Lily?" I scratched the back of my head awkwardly as Sparky's escort showed up.

"Well… Princess Lily told me to keep my distance from her while she's at the Academy itself, and to only escort her if she leaves to go somewhere or do something outside of class hours…"

"Pfft. Rejected."

"If I may." Pausing my attempt to facepalm Sparky again was his escort. He warily looked at me, shielding Sparky from my grasp.

"A man of your… caliber… should not be interacting with Prince Sparky so lightly."

"He came on to me though?" Sparky's escort stared at me blankly, a vein in his forehead slowly becoming more visible.

"You dare–!" He paused, Sparky's hand stopping him from speaking. A light blush colored his cheeks as he looked away.

"He's telling the truth…"

The escort and I stared at Sparky blankly as he fidgeted, wringing his hands together slightly.

"Don't blush you bastard! You'll give him the wrong idea!"

"I see…"

'NO!'

My head whipped towards the escort as he looked away from me and Sparky, his face slightly troubled.

"I always wondered why his highness never received attention from the ladies but it's clear now…" My hand, which was inches from punching the escort, slowly retracted. As Sparky's face quickly morphed to one of horror, a very VERY broad grin stretched across my face.

"Indeed, indeed! It does all make sense now! I must assure you though, even if I am a devil, I have pride as a man you know?" The escort looked at me, nodding in sympathy.

"I understand… even if you are a devil… no man should have to go through–"

"GOD DAMN IT ELI! GET THE FUCK OUT OF HERE!"

I started laughing hysterically as Eli was shoved into the auditorium where orientation was being held, Sparky's face filled with fury and sorrow. Turning towards me, he watched as I continued to laugh, dropping to my knees and clutching my side.

"Haha! You-ha-don't attract-haha-the ladies! KEKEKE–" 

With a loud crack, I was sent bursting through the doors, rememenants of Sparky's Electric affinity coursing through me as I continued to laugh, my body crashing at the foot of the stage and drawing all eyes.

Ignoring the fearful and disgusted stares, I continued to laugh as Sparky appeared on top of me, beginning to pummell my face.

Suddenly I turned serious, causing Sparky to pause.

"So… I see you like being on top."

"..."

"KEKEKE—urgh!"

My laugh, which was quickly resumed, was then quickly interrupted as a hand gripped my throat and Sparky's face. Struggling to breath, I stared at the furious face of the old man, and I gulped. Or tried to at least.

"You two. My office after this. Understood?"

Sparky nodded weakly, or well tried too. Because his face was being held currently, his body moved instead of his face, bringing a strangled laugh from my throat as I gave a thumbs up to the old man.

Sparky and I quickly rushed to the stage where the other heirs were sitting, their escorts behind them. Taking my place behind Princess Lily, a noticeable distance apart compared to the escorts, I did my best to keep from dozing off as Althea gave an introductory speech to the academy.

It was quite amusing seeing a large auditorium filled with only 80ish students.

After orientation wrapped up, Princess Lily stood, glaring at me sharply.

"Leave. I will call for you when I need you." I scratched my neck awkwardly.

"Yes ma'am." As she left with Elenwe, Sparky sauntered up to me, elbowing my leg. Well, because he couldn't reach any higher than that.

"Rejected I see? Keke. Well, she is a princess after–"

"Easy there Toppy. She very clearly hates me. I don't know why considering my ravishing looks but we'll just leave it at that." I sighed dramatically as Sparky stared at me in shock, probably at my brutal honesty about my looks.

"Woah, what a thick skin." My eye twitched.

"Shut it. Let's get this over with." As I began walking towards the old man's office, a sudden weight appeared on my shoulders, causing me to stumble slightly.

"Hey. Fucking Toppy? Why are you on my shoulders?"

"It's convenient." Doing my best to stay calm, I pulled out a meat bun. Going for a bite, my gaze went blank as Sparky snagged it from my hand, chewing thoughtfully.

"Woah! This IS pretty good! I think I'll–"

"Toppy." I felt Sparky's body shiver as I spoke. "You better start counting your blessings."