Chapter 20: Imperfect

...Everyone went down for breakfast as usual. But there's a very clear difference today.'Hey...'.Fay raised his hand and gave a gentle glance to Trevor to greet him.'Hey.'.Trevor can't help but reply back. He felt touched at Fay's kindness to talk to him after he had been treated like he didn't exist all this time.Everyone watched the scene in confusion, except Wain.Lisa, Amber and Elvis felt the pressure lifted from their shoulder. To think Fay, who had hated him and ignored him like he didn't exist for so long finally greeted him and looked at him.Elvis wanted to cry seeing this. He felt relieved, truly relieved. Fay might have forgiven him, or at least in the process of it.Wain however, felt angry. He pulled Fay's arm and head upstairs.Elvis is understanding, while Lisa and Amber only reinforced the idea in their heads that Trevor crossed some line towards Fay sometimes ago.'Fay... Why are you greeting him?'. Wain holds Fay's hand questioning him."Wain... I have talked things out with him"."I feel, he deserves to be forgiven. Seeing him lonely, and... he's hurt as well."" He already apologised a lot of times. And I know he's really sorry for it"."I want us, everyone, to be friends again like before". Fay looks at Wain with his round eyes.Wain released his Fay's hands, not sure what to think about this.He too, hates the atmosphere. And he too, feels hurt seeing his old friend like that even if that's a consequence of his own action. And he feels hurt that Trevor had hurt Fay."Are you sure, you can forgive him?".Fay held Wain arms."I am sure. He's never a bad person. He just... he just, made a big mistake. He hurt me, and did something really bad. But I am forgiving him. I am willing to forgive him. Can you please, forgive him as well Wain?".Wain had to take a deep breath.He knows Trevor is not a bad person. He knew him for years. He had always been a good friend to him. And he had always been a good friend to Fay... until he made that mistake.It's really just that one thing, but that one thing is such a large sin even Wain felt like he wants nothing to do with Trevor anymore.But since Fay wants to forgive him..."Alright... I will try".Wain caresses Fay's hair. He's not sure if he could talk to Trevor. The idea that he had touched Fay while he's unconscious still felt so wrong in his heart.They both went downstairs afterwards.Wain finally looks at Trevor. Trevor too looks at him back. When he saw Wain had looked at him, he felt sobbing. Wain too had been ignoring his existence for a long time. And he really feels so lonely, so isolated from everyone. As if everyone hates him. When Fay greeted him, he already on the verge of tears. Now that Wain looks at him with softer eyes, he can't help it.He burst into tears right after. Everyone is silent, seeing Trevor crying on the table. Everyone felt pity on him. To think he had been hurting inside all this time."I am sorry, everyone. I am really sorry...".He made a public apology. Amber and Lisa looked at each other, because they are the only ones who have no idea what Trevor did exactly."Fay wants to forgive you, so I will try as well...". Wain looks at his old friend with softened eyes. He did miss his friend. But he still feels angry at him when he thinks about what he has done. And yet, seeing him crying like this makes him want to forgive him.Trevor is really hurt from being ghosted by practically everyone. Trevor's original personality had always been the fun type and turned entirely silent because of everything."Thank you... Thank you for giving me a chance. I am sorry Fay. I am really sorry". Trevor wiped his snots and tears with his hand.Fay takes out a handkerchief from his inventory space. He didn't say anything to Trevor, but he looked at him with forgiveness.Trevor takes the handkerchief hesitantly and wiped his face. Everyone can see, Fay himself had forgiven him. They should, as well. Or at least try.Elvis pats his back, seeing his big friend crying ugly like this. Even he felt his heart softened. He too thinks Trevor had done something so terrible that even he can't treat him as usual. Although he had tried to check up on him time to time. He knew he's hurt a lot from his own action and consequences. Thankfully Fay forgave him.Amber and Lisa look at each other again. It's unfair they are left out. But they kept quiet. Lisa whispered to Amber."Let's ask Fay later... Or Elvis..."'Yeah...'.What is this all about exactly?...After breakfast Lisa and Amber hurriedly drag Fay to their room. Before that, Elvis had stopped them."I think, it's better you guys didn't know... Fay had forgiven him already.".Trevor and Wain had no words to say and just went into their room.Trevor thinks he deserves to be called out and gossiped on. He accepts it's a result of his actions. As for Wain, it's Fay that got hurt, it's his rights to tell or not to tell anyone. He could care less if telling would cause people to hate Trevor. It's a consequence of his action. Elvis just doesn't want to make things that already settled drag on."Guys... It's over. I really want to let go and forgive him really".Lisa and Amber stay quiet. They still drag him inside their room and lock the door.'Fay. We are your friend alright. If you don't want to tell us, it's okay. If you want to forgive Trevor, no matter what he did, we would too'. Lisa said.Fay remained silent."Did he forcefully kiss you?", Lisa asked.Fay opened his eyes wide at her suggestion. It's half true, since it was his body.After a brief silence, Fay can't help but spill a little."My other body...".Lisa and Amber are shocked. They do remember Fay had a spare body because that event is very traumatising as everyone thought Fay was dead."How much did he...?".Fay can't answer. He can only remain silent. Trevor had done all sorts of things to that body. He saw it with his enhanced eyes.Seeing Fay is silent, they are sure Trevor has done so many things to it. That body is still Fay. And it's as if it's Fay that's unconscious. You might as well call it Fay's dead body. To think Trevor-Lisa wants to throw up the more he thinks about it."A-are you really... Forgiving him?".Lisa can't believe Fay can forgive such a heavy sin.Fay nods."Trevor he, he's not a bad person. He made one mistake. I know, he did something really bad. And I was hurt a lot. But... Seeing him like that, hurting himself, when he becomes silent, when he seems so lonely, ... I just... I can't bear to see it really. He apologised to me multiple times already. And I think, he paid enough for what he had done.".Amber felt disgusted at Trevor now too. To think he can do such a thing."If it's me, I will never talk to him until I die".Amber is quiet but she agrees as well."He already apologised, and he really feels sorry. He regrets it as well... I feel, he deserves a chance...".Amber and Lisa can only remain silent. It's their first time knowing this. And for Fay, Wain and Elvis, they had known for a long time. So, it's not as shocking as time goes on."I understand. You are really kind, to forgive him.". Lisa thinks, it must have been difficult for Fay to even open up his heart to forgive such a big mistake."It's still wrong, but still... I can accept him as a human being that's not perfect, you know?".They just nodded at Fay's statement."I should take my leave."They adjourned the short meeting. It will take a long time before they can forgive Trevor. But it's in progress at last. ...During the latest gold beast subjugation of a giant Anaconda, Wain is finally able to talk to Trevor, during the subjugation at least.He too slowly wants to forgive his friend. He misses his cheerful attitude that often lights up the environment if he is to be honest. It's still difficult however.As for Lisa and Amber, it's quite recent they knew. Although they aren't really that chatty with him to begin with, it's their turn to treat him like the invisible air.Fay always greets him whenever they pass by now. Elvis starts to treat him as usual. Trevor felt really, really grateful to them.Fay...Fay forgave him. Even though he got punished for it, Fay gave him that chance.Fay had always been in his mind these days. At times he can't hold onto his feelings. He noticed Fay has always been pretty and cute. He can't help but be infatuated with him completely and not hide it anymore. He can't help but keep glancing at him. Fay noticed this, even Wain noticed it. But they don't say anything.A week passes and a request came in specifically for their party. It's none other than the 2nd prince himself! This time the party had to search through a rainforest for tracks of a dinosaur. It's like a T-Rex but they are classified as a 'lizard'. The prince craves its eggs.This is shocking for Elvis. Since when the party is so popular that even the 2nd prince requests for this party? He got so confused and had to ask Wain for his thoughts."I am sure it's because Fay met him before". Wain said with an annoyed expression.'He did??'. Elvis had to look at Fay.Fay explained the whole thing to Elvis. Trevor listened to the side.Elvis shook his head. Who would have thought even the royalty would notice them? Who would have thought Amber had such a background?Nevermind. The prince is generous after all.They head to the designated rainforest few days of travel away.They finally found its nest after searching for hours in the rain forest. They even luckily found its eggs. They all wonder how good it tasted that the prince craves it.The 10 meters tall t-rex is peacefully sleeping covering its eggs.They can't afford to damage the eggs so Elvis and Lisa shoot some projectiles to wake it up. She wakes up mad and chases after them out of the big cavern.Amber tore open one of her scrolls. A large amount of mana sucked out of her to form the spell. The 10 meters tall giant felt something is wrong and crazily charges at Amber. Trevor used the skill taunt. But the lizard simply swipes its tail and smacks him from the side causing him to get smashed into a nearby tree. As if it had finished off a fly, it continues its charge completely disregarding Wain's existence.Wain had to dodge and just step aside. Taking this chance, he pokes its butt.It stopped for a moment and slapped Wain with its tail like it did Trevor. Wain stood his ground and slashed at the incoming tail with his flame sword, cutting it clean!The dinosaur got mad and went to claw at him. Wain simply dodges skilfully.Fay launched an Icicle straight to its butt while it is distracted causing it to wince in pain and fall down.She tried to stand up but earth and ice locks its feet and body. The ice is especially thick and cold it freezes its body."RAAAAAWWW!!". she screamed in anger.Few arrows pierce its skin. Elvis shoots them just because.The hyper water jet launched, piercing its abdomen while Amber controlled the jet to move upward towards its chest. The t-rex is pushed back from the sheer force of the jet, breaking the ice and earth binding causing it to fall.It cuts a deep gushing wound hitting its major arteries. It sprayed out blood from the deep wound.The t rex still lived as it dragged itself in the direction of her eggs... She wants to protect her babies... She closed her eyes and lost all signs of life. She regrets not being able to protect her children.They tried to dismantle the abnormally large lizard. It's the biggest monster they ever killed. Its size and physical strength is its threat. But big size means easier to hit as well.They really had to take a long time to dismantle them. The scales are not that strong. The leather isn't that tough. The claws are sharp but not as much as a dragon. It's really just its humongous size and large amount of muscles. A true dragon has denser muscle in comparison.Everyone takes a rest and cooks some food."Should we eat one of the eggs?". Elvis is curious at the taste of these abnormally large eggs.The party thinks seriously. There are four eggs. The quest submission is based on the number of eggs submitted, as much as 50 gold coins per egg."Let's taste one. We submit the other 3", Wain suggested.Everyone nods in agreement. Money isn't a problem for the party at all at this point. Fay had taken out the largest pan he had and all various spices, vegetables and meats from his inventory space. It's so convenient.Wain went to prepare some meat pieces with various spices and herbs. Fay went to chop some vegetables. Trevor went to help him at the side.Wain noticed Trevor standing next to Fay, but he tried to ignore it. Even if he doesn't feel comfortable seeing it, it's up to Fay to shoo him away or let him stay.Trevor sees Fay cutting the tomato gentle, his blue eyes focused where he's cutting. Has he always been this pretty?"Is there something on my face?". Fay touches his face, wondering what it is since Trevor keeps looking at him.'You're pretty'.He looked at Trevor in a bit of a surprise, and blushed a little. He never said anything like this, except complimenting his strength or magic before.'I see... Thank you'. Fay appreciates the sentiment. He gave Trevor a smile since he felt a bit softened, now that Trevor properly expresses his feelings.'You know... I have always thought you are quite handsome'. Fay said honestly.Trevor had his heart stop for a moment and blushed as well. For Fay to say this to him, he couldn't be happier. The dish is finished as the big fried eggs mixed with veggies and meat is done. They took a bite of the egg.!!!The egg is so creamy and so rich. It's definitely the best egg they ever tasted. And what if a professional chef cooks them? Won't they taste even heavenly? No wonder the prince craves them.They shared comments on this delicacy.Wain went near Fay, whispered to ask."What did Trevor say to you?".Did he observe the entire time?"He just said I was pretty".Wain is not sure what to do with this information.He had never noticed Trevor had any feelings for Fay prior to his mistake and the news of him hurting Fay came out of nowhere for him."I see...". He doesn't mind much about him having feelings for Fay, although he did feel a bit uncomfortable. He still thinks that's natural since Fay is really cute and pretty. What man can resist? But still... Fay is his. Wain thinks its not right for Trevor to openly show his feelings to Fay since he already has him.Wain suddenly had a random thought if Elvis likes Fay as well.He doesn't. He never liked the pretty cute small type. He prefers a more mature confident looking woman if he had to say.Wain feels having feelings for Fay is not a significant problem. Crossing the line and hurting him is the real problem. He still feels mad thinking about it.Wain went to Trevor this time. Elvis, Lisa and Amber are keenly observing their interactions. Elvis just hopes they aren't making trouble again."Trevor".He had to look at Wain with his eyes looking to the side, still felt inappropriate to see him."Do you like Fay?".Trevor is startled at this question.He has to take a deep breath.'I do...'.Trevor looks at Wain in the eyes for a second to speak his honest feeling.'I, I love him'.Wain is silent. This felt like some sudden news for him. Since when? What? Love? Not even 'like' but love already?"He's my boyfriend, you know?". He look at Trevor, wanting to hear what excuse he will give.'I know... I am sorry Wain. I keep thinking about him. He's so kind, and he's just... someone I wanted. I just... love him'.Wain can only let out a breath. Wain can see Trevor is speaking to him honestly. It seems that, Trevor won't move on from Fay in a while. But it irks him because if he loves him, then why did he has to hurt him?"Why did you do that to him then. You know it would hurt him".'I thought... he wouldn't find out...'.Wain wants to punch him in the face. What stupid excuse is that? But he took a deep breath. He thought he wouldn't find out? What a tras-Wain remembers something as it got triggered in his brain. He remembered someone he had forgotten all this time.Akasha.Isn't he, the same? He cheated on Akasha back then just because he thought she wouldn't find out = she doesn't know = it never happened.He did care for her then. She was a kind person and had always been cheerful. She is very much like Fay when it comes to her affection, although her personality is more extroverted. Her clinginess at times annoyed him a lot back then - but thinking how he and Fay had been sticking close to 24/7, it's hypocritical of him. It's only when he had been with Fay that he realised Akasha had truly loved him.She turned 'insane' only because he had hurt her. He knows and self-aware it's definitely his fault and there's no excuse he can give to her. He never apologised to her either, and had only told her she misunderstood, or made it all up and that she was crazy the whole time trying to make her stop questioning him over and over again. He's tired hearing her interrogation and had to abandon her.He bit his lips.He is a man as well so even if it's not right, he can see what Trevor was thinking. He had made a mistake before as well. He can only keep his silence. He started to think about Akasha. He did her so wrong he is afraid to admit it. It's been a long time since he saw her in town. Maybe he should visit her someday.At least, for his own peace of heart he wants to apologise to her. She deserved an apology. It's shitty of him to just forget her existence. He too, had hurt someone deeply. Who is he to smack Trevor? His thoughts wandered a little bit to the past.....