BL Novels

They paused outside the airship docks, observing the hubbub of activity. Families clasped hands, gesturing animatedly in all directions, their faces lit with smiles and children’s laughter filling the air. A towering steel barrier encircled the area, patrolled by marching soldiers.

They paused periodically to converse, gathering close with hushed tones. Their cerulean blue uniforms were a stark contrast against the masses. On their chests, a golden fox pin caught the sun’s rays, displaying the emblem of Fioma for everyone to witness.

“Do you guys have a plan?” Jaycee inquired. With the multitude of guards on patrol, a single misstep could spell the end. The docks stretched out far beyond what the eye could see, the steel wall masking the houses they had encountered in the city. Grey edifices rose up, seemingly reaching for the clouds.

Leon brushed his brown hair aside, the lengthy strands settling back smoothly. “Kyla will distract most of them while I sneak you inside. We have allies within who can help us get on board. The real challenge is ensuring the others don’t recognize you. By this time, they’ve likely issued a warrant for your arrest.”

“If we’re lucky, word hasn’t reached here yet,” said Kyla. Her voice sounded chipper, as if she had no worries. It wasn’t as if one small step would be their heads or anything. “Ready, Leon?”

He nodded and then Kyla was off. They watched as she walked through the front gate and right up to a soldier. Her arms wrapped around the soldier’s shoulder, and she whispered something in his ear. He pushed her away almost immediately, face enraged.

“Will she be okay?” The situation didn’t look favorable. Fioma’s military, known for arresting those with or without proper cause, had gotten aggressive in the past couple of years. Around the jail, people passed around stories of those who had similar experiences.

Leon ignored the question. If he wasn’t worried about Kyla, then it would be pointless for him to be. He neglected the small voice in his head, telling him otherwise.

“Are you ready?” He asked.

“I guess.” Would it matter if he said no? The coward in him would have rather become a nomad, living out the rest of his life in nature. Getting caught by Fioma’s military was a death sentence. One he was lucky enough to escape.

“Let’s go.” Leon grabbed Jaycee’s hand and pulled him forward. He took them through the gates at a quick pace, past the guards, and straight into the building. From the corner of his eye, he saw Kyla surrounded by soldiers, hands waving back and forth. A crowd was forming around them. Was she really going to be okay?

A blast of cool air hit them upon entering. The doors slammed, the sound reverberating, and multiple fans whirred above their heads. Inside stood steep ceilings and a long line that wrapped itself by steel pillars, where it disappeared behind a wall. Soldiers patrolled the area, emblems shining under the light.

“You can let go of my hand now.” Jaycee was uncomfortable. The sweat from his own palm was embarrassing enough, and he didn’t need the indifferent man next to him to catch on to how nervous he was. If anyone knew the real him, there would be no doubt in his mind they would have changed his name from Sicarii to Ignavus.

“Not yet.” What did that even mean? Jaycee was sure his face turned a shade or two of red. Did he miss something? And why did his companion seem so unfazed by this? Nothing about this situation was normal.

“Hey, you two.” They paused in their tracks as a deep voice called out to them. “What are you doing?”

Jaycee froze as a soldier approached them. He couldn’t even find the courage to look at the man. He didn’t know what they were doing, so how could he explain it? Not to mention, he was a terrible liar.

“Isn’t it obvious?” said Leon. He intertwined their fingers and held their hands up. “We’re dating. If we don’t hurry, we’ll miss our flight for our vacation.”

Jaycee glanced over at Leon, dumbstruck. What did he just say? Wait, this was their grand plan? Fioma may have been the richest city, but it was far from the most accepting. They would be lucky enough to walk out with their lives.