“Cleeeeemmmm…!” Hero clung to Clementine, who was sitting cross-legged on his bed, silently munching on a plate of cabbages and ham. The taller teen draped himself over Clementine's shoulders, guilt radiating from his every move. “Clem, give me attention! Stop eating for a moment!”
“I am giving you the attention you currently deserve, so give me some space or it’s your dumbass face this fork is going to.” Clementine's tone was sharp, but it was clear to Hero that his friend was worried. Clementine had this habit of eating whenever he was stressed, and right now, he was on his fourth plate of food, something he’d reluctantly requested from the assigned servants. “You’re going to make me choke with your damned clinging, you piece of shit.”
“Look! I’m sorry, okay?” Hero pleaded, his arms tightening around Clementine. “I… I saw you just lying there cold and dead. I-I begged them to bring you back to life. They did and—”
“I get it, I get it. Just… just let go because I actually am getting suffocated.” With a heavy sigh, Clementine gently pried Hero off and looked at him with a serious expression. He felt helpless but couldn’t show it. Not here, not now. They were in an unfamiliar place, and Clementine needed to stay alert. “Knowing you, you’d be devastated being unable to save anyone. So I understand, but I’m just—so fucking upset. Not at you, but at the situation.”
Clementine knew he had to explain himself before Hero ran off, trying to fix everything on his own. Hero was a people pleaser, and Clementine was the distrusting type. They balanced each other out. Hero would let people know Clementine wasn’t so bad, while Clementine kept away those who might exploit Hero’s kind and gullible nature. They were a team, and Clementine wanted to believe that.
“But… but you were so mad when I said we can both—”
“Well, yeah. You made a deal with strangers, Hero. And practically, you’re about to sell my soul to people we don’t even know.” Clementine shook his head in deep disapproval while Hero sat there, looking dejected and guilty. “If it ends up that you’re forced into doing things, at least one of us can drag you out of the situation. We need an escape plan, and I’m going to make sure to dig us a hole out of here.”
“But… but what if they actually needed us?” Hero’s eyes met Clementine’s with a determined look, but it quickly faltered under Clementine’s intense gaze. He looked away, pouting slightly. Damn, Clementine always knew how to put him in his place. “I… I want to help. I genuinely do.”
“Hero, I am not a ‘hero’-type, and you know that very well. I’m not about to give my life to people. I am selfish and vain. I only do things out of self-interest. I’m a bitch for myself, not for others. There’s no way I’m going to risk my life for shits that could do everything by themselves. Hell, if they had the power to bring us here, they should have the power to keep things in order!” Clementine knew they both understood that. What he was doing was out of self-preservation and his own irrational distrust of others. And… well…
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‘I need to keep both of us out of trouble. That near-death experience was more than enough for me to know I can’t afford to lose you.’
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“… but since you’ve gone and accepted their little stupid ‘quest’ anyway, I will be with you.” Clementine sighed, and Hero’s eyes brightened.
“Then—!”
“BUT! Your stupid ass should not expect me to become a hero. I’m your assistant. Assistant! Just a shitty assistant, got it?!” Clementine always compromised for his best friend. He wasn’t about to leave Hero to fend for himself—not when this idiot was honestly gullible, especially when people said ‘please’ and ‘help’. “I’m not going to go on saving people, I’m just going to make sure your ass doesn’t get accidentally sold into slavery or worse.”
“Waaaahh! You’re the best, man!” Hero laughed, launching himself at Clementine and giving him a big hug. Poor Clementine almost dropped his plate of cabbages, barking at Hero to stop, but Hero didn’t. “In this place, I only have you to have my back~”
“Fucker, let me go!” Clementine tried to pry himself away, but this time it looked like Hero didn’t want to let go. Clementine ended up sighing, letting his clingy best friend hug him until satisfied. “Pay me for my services, bitch. I’m not doing this for free.”
“Yeah, I probably should—considering you’re dieting like a goat right now. I’ll be your Sugar Daddy or something.” Hero chuckled, squeezing Clementine tight before finally letting go. He was very aware of his clinginess, and Clementine was the only one who let him cling without getting disgusted. “Why are you eating cabbages anyway? Isn’t the King a bigshot? You could probably eat the whole pantry and he could replace it.”
“Are you stupid? If I eat too much, I’ll gain weight again. I chose vegetables because they won’t make me gain too much.” Clementine sighed, putting the plate away before cracking his neck. “Anyway, did something happen to you last night? I couldn’t sleep for shit.”
“Ah, sorry about that. Forgot!” Hero was genuinely apologetic, rubbing the back of his neck with a helpless grin. “I actually got knocked out the moment I laid down on the bed. It was so soft and smelled so nice, I couldn’t help it!” He laughed to himself, and Clementine looked at him incredulously.
“Fucking seriously? God, one of these days you’re going to get murdered in your sleep.” Clementine ran his fingers through his hair, not believing Hero slept through everything. “Don’t you have any self-preservation?”
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“Well, I guess when I get emotional and pressured, I just sleep immediately and deeply the moment I hit the hay.” Hero laughed nervously, sensing Clementine’s worry. “If you’re that worried, we can always sleep next to each other.”
“No.” Clementine’s face scrunched up at the offer. He shook his head and looked away. “I’m not sleeping in one bed with you.”
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‘In the end, of all the people who I protect you from, I am the one who needs to be distanced from you the most.’
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“Heeeeh?! I actually expected you to accept that.” Hero's eyes widened in surprise. In situations like this, he thought Clementine would be worried enough not to want to be separated from him. “It could be like a permanent sleepover, you know?”
“No and no. I really don’t like sharing a room or bed with others,” Clementine stated firmly, making sure to emphasize his point without further explanation. He wasn’t about to reveal that his feelings for Hero were more than just platonic friendship. “Anyway, what are the plans now?”
“Oh… I see.” Hero felt a bit dejected, but he quickly shrugged it off and flashed a big grin. “Well, we are going to play Heroes and Assistant, apparently. They said we need to get some rest before we get evaluated for any abilities. We are summoned here to be heroes, after all.”
“Hmm… those fuckers really like to keep it suspenseful, huh?” Clementine laid back on his bed, the plate beside him clacking as it shifted. He glanced at the servant who had been standing diligently by, awaiting any instructions. “Uhh, can you please take this away?”
“Ohhhh~ Is Clem being polite?!” Hero exclaimed teasingly, making Clementine glare at him, his cheeks tinged with a hint of red. “You even said please without cursing her~”
“Shut the fuck up, Hero. You’re making Minty uncomfortable.” Clementine sat up, grabbed Hero by the collar, and shook him, trying to suppress the laughter bubbling up from his best friend's antics.
Meanwhile, the servant, who was gracefully and quickly taking the plate and silverware, froze just before she could exit the room. Her eyes widened before softening as she observed the two ‘heroes’ making a ruckus. She was surprised that Clementine remembered her name. She had introduced herself briefly as his assigned maid, but she hadn't expected him to remember, given the cold reception she initially received. Despite the limited interactions and her lowly status, a hero recognizing her name felt oddly comforting.
Maybe serving him would be worthwhile, unlike what other maids thought.
“Look, you made her uncomfortable, you fucking idiot.” Clementine let go of Hero, who was now lying back on the bed as his laughter subsided. “I’m not a bastard who just curses at people doing their job.”
“Well, I am doing my hero job, but you are still cursing at me.” Hero chuckled, making Clementine roll his eyes and finally stare at him.
“The difference between her and you is that she knows what she is in for. You, however, are a fucking idiot who just signed up and got himself enlisted.” Clementine sighed and stood up, stretching his arms and back. “Besides, she is just doing her job. I bet it’s already miserable enough working here because, God, I can’t stand rich assholes.”
“I don’t know if I should be amazed or insulted.” Hero laughed, standing up and hooking his arm around Clementine's shoulders. “Well, one thing’s for sure, though! You are cursing a lot at me because I am special~”
“Fuck off, man.” Clementine barked at him, making Hero laugh even more.
“Special~” Hero patted his own chest with pride, and Clementine could only groan at the other’s narcissism.
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‘If only you knew how special you are to me.’
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The two chattered along the hallways, following a knight clad in heavy armor who was leading them back towards the chapel within the castle. It was time to evaluate their abilities, and the knight looked particularly hopeful at Hero. Clementine noticed the favoritism. The knight ignored him at first, only engaging when Hero's attentiveness made it unavoidable.
‘Already showing favoritism to the one who is likely to listen,’ Clementine thought while Hero chattered along, talking passionately about the paintings on the wall. Hero had always been a fan of art—especially paintings, as his late mother had been an obscure artist who loved painting in blue, purples, and reds, all on one canvas. While Clementine paid attention to his best friend, his mind was running, keeping alert around the people who seemed all too happy to have them… more so Hero than himself. ‘These bastards don’t like me, fair enough. Their weak shit isn’t going to stop me from protecting Hero from them.’
Hero stopped in front of a painting, awe-struck for a moment, while the knight failed to notice them stopping to view a particularly striking piece of art. The painting was mostly white, with the only color being the brown skin of arms, shoulders, a neck, and half a face. The lack of colors was contrasted by the texture created by thick strokes of white paint forming a dress.
“That is the painting of our Saintess.” The knight, who noticed them stopping from afar, returned to explain. He wasn’t one for art and couldn’t appreciate the white canvas with only a small color and figure within. “She has been here for five years, residing at Mercy Road—the Kingdom of Holy Spirits. One day, you are to meet her in your journey as heroes. You will need her songs and blessings to take down the Demon Lords.”
“Woaahhh…” Hero was in awe, his face flushing, which made Clementine shake his head.
“Really? Falling in love with someone through a painting?” he rolled his eyes before turning away. Though he wasn’t about to admit it, something stirred within him when he saw the painting. It felt like he had seen her before. “Let’s go.”
“H-hey! I’m just an appreciator of art, you know!” Hero sputtered and followed the two as they continued walking through the long halls of the castle. They were close to the chapel, but it was still a bit of a walk. “It’s just— I find it really interesting, you know? I like it too! They used a pigment similar to your skin!”
“Hey, let’s not go there, you fucking idiot.”
“Hey! I’m not—!”
“We are here.” The knight stopped in front of the large chapel doors, opening them to reveal a place reminiscent of the Church of St. Ignatius. Hero was completely floored, while Clementine looked up at the ceiling, observing the expansive painting of angels and gods.
“… people call it a chapel, huh.” Clementine shook his head before elbowing Hero, snapping him out of his trance. Hero nervously rubbed the back of his neck, getting goosebumps for some reason. The knight noticed this and nodded.
“It is said that these paintings are a way for the Gods to test adventurers and heroes alike. Your reaction means that the Gods are taking interest in you.” The knight explained, while Clementine sighed silently. How subtle of him to imply that Clementine failed the test.
“I-I see… It looked so beautiful… it felt real for a moment there.” Hero felt a bit anxious, then looked at the very calm Clementine, who tilted his head in question. Somehow, the other's calm brought a sense of peace within him. Like all the nerves he felt there went away. “I guess this world has an amazing set of artists.” He laughed, trying to lighten the mood—though more for himself.
“Are you two ready for your evaluation?” the knight asked, and the two teens looked at each other before turning back to him. One with a big, bright grin, and the other with distrust and skepticism.
“I’m more than ready, Mister!”
“I’m just here to get it over with.”
Whatever the results were, Clementine was more than ready to spring into action if they tried anything funny with Hero. Right now, even the priest was looking at Hero strangely, which was not the vibe Clementine wanted to be greeted with. Because priests and underage don’t go together like fine wine. But internal jokes aside, he wasn’t going to let Hero get dragged around by this ‘great responsibilities.’