The table was partially covered with books, accompanied by maps and neatly organized papers. The single occupant of the room sat in his chair, finding the working conditions quite pleasing compared to places where he had done his calculations at times. Working for Harmonia as a strategist assisting a high-ranking bishop sure had its bright side.

Albert reached for a bottle of red wine by the books and filled his glass, a half-smile on his face. It was late, but the room was well lit and he had no problem working with his papers. He took a sip from the glass, concentrating on the maps portraying the Grasslands and making notes. He had agreed to have a plan his commander had requested done by tomorrow morning, and he had no difficulty keeping such a promise. This was what he did best. He had a plan already; all that was left were the minor details.

Another sheet of paper was soon filled with his neat handwriting, and he replaced it with a blank one. If his superiors had questions, he was prepared to answer anything. He had every single detail perfectly planned.

He raised the glass to his lips again, closing his eyes for a moment and enjoying the wine's taste. He felt confident and relaxed, his green eyes scanning over the map in front of him as he sat there, holding the glass and thinking.

There was no sound, no warning about anyone entering the room - there just suddenly was someone. That someone stopped behind Albert and reached over his left shoulder, strong, slender fingers hidden beneath black glove picking the glass from the redhead's hold. Albert frowned slightly but didn't turn right away; he knew well enough that there was only one person who could sneak up behind him like that.

"Yuber," he stated calmly, picking up a couple of papers from the table and placing them in another pile. "You could knock, you know."

The black-clad demon standing behind him grinned. "I don't use the door."

Albert turned to look over his shoulder slowly. He didn't get a chance to look too closely; the Black Knight leaned down abruptly, his lips finding the younger man's neck. He kissed the strategist's skin hungrily, fondling him but at the same time reminding Albert what he wanted from the man. The demon's right hand sneaked over the redhead's shoulder as well, making its way under Albert's shirt and caressing him possessively.

The strategist sat still for a moment before sighing, making his annoyance clear. Yuber moved away, pretending to look hurt. This only got him a sardonic look from his companion, so he took another step back, grinning again. The blond demon let his right hand rest on Albert's shoulder while studying the wine in the glass he was still holding.

"You might just as well learn to use the door," the strategist continued, calmly adjusting the black scarf he was wearing, not showing that he was slightly irritated about his work being interrupted. He sighed mentally, figuring he wasn't going to work anymore tonight. "Have you ever considered the fact that I might not be alone in here?"

Yuber didn't answer; amusement flashed in his mismatched eyes for a moment before he raised the glass to his lips. He ran the tip of his tongue over the edge before taking a sip from it, then resumed staring at the contents.

"That's Harmonian wine, made somewhere in the eastern part of the country," Albert commented, the gaze of his green eyes studying the demon. "Not too strong, which makes it quite suitable for drinking late at night while working. The taste is only slightly sweet. Probably not something you'd find interesting, but as I said, it fits this purpose well. I could add that I've only had a few of glasses, so if you were hoping that I'd be drunk, I'll have to disappoint and inform you that I'm not."

"So you say. Heh," the Black Knight answered, tilting his head curiously before taking another sip. He raised the glass afterward, holding it close to his face. "I don't care about the taste. I'm sure there are finer wines in this world, and I couldn't care less. It's not like I needed to drink... I don't have taste for much of anything, you know. But I like the color. It reminds me of... certain things."

"Blood," Albert said coldly, shaking his head as he turned in his chair, watching the demon more closely. "Hmm. Is that all you can think about?"

"Sounds quite correct." Yuber smirked, taking a step closer to the table and placing the glass by the maps. He laughed as the strategist glared at him shortly, picking up the maps and moving them to the other side of the table. "Yes. So pure... a bright, deep shade of red. Flowing..."

Albert collected his papers, moving them away from the demon as well. "I see. At least you're honest about it. You sure have a taste for blood."

"You just noticed?"

The strategist didn't hide his smile when turning to the demon and answering. The cheerful tone of the Black Knight's voice amused him greatly. "No, Yuber. Even if I was blind and deaf, it still wouldn't take me long to notice. I pay close attention to things, and it's been quite clear to me since the first time I met you."

He stood up, pushing the chair away from the desk before stopping to stare at the black-clad swordsman's face. He figured Yuber had something on his mind and knew that when the demon decided to do something, it would happen. He raised his hand, caressing the Black Knight's face with his fingertips before stealing the demon's hat, tossing it to the side casually.

Yuber returned the smile, staring at the redhead with a strange mischievous look in his eyes. He did have to admit that there was nothing he could do anymore that would have taken the younger man by surprise; Albert Silverberg was a strategist, and from the redhead's calm eyes he could see that Albert knew what he wanted and didn't plan to object.

"...But no, Silverberg, that's not all of it," Yuber said, slowly removing his black gloves and discarding them to the floor. "It also reminds me of something else..."

"And what would that be?" Albert asked, even though he knew the answer.

The Black Knight didn't respond; he only grabbed the strategist by the waist and lifted him off the floor, placing him on his back upon the table. He then leaned over the redhead, placing a violent but passionate kiss on his lips. Albert's hands found the demon's long hair, and he answered to the kiss just as ferociously.

Neither of them paid attention when the wine glass fell from the table and shattered against the floor, the remaining contents coloring the dark stone tiles deep red.

Author's notes:

Forgive me for the Fangirl Japanese fic title. "Tsumi ni Kuroku, Chi ni Akaku" comes from the Wild Arms 3 OST, and translates as "Black as Sin, Red as Blood". Yeah, could've just as well used that, but I decided to go for the Japanese track name back when I got the stupid snippet idea.

Nothing much to say here otherwise. Just... Those two? Because I like strange mental images.

- Lady Harken (April, 2004)