It was late in the evening. Gremio smiled to himself as he carried the dirty dishes to the kitchen after dinner. Young Master Garrett was in the dining room with new and old friends. Back home in Gregminster...

Home. Gremio sighed. He hadn't been here for three years. After the Toran Liberation Wars had ended, the young leader of the Liberation Army had left the newly-formed Toran Republic. The boy didn't want to become the leader of the country, and Gremio understood that perfectly.

When the former army leader had left Toran, Gremio had followed him. He would follow the boy to the end of the world if he had to... He would die for the boy if had to. Actually, he had died once already. For that, he would never have to question himself about how far he was ready to go to protect his Young Master.

He smiled again and started washing the dishes. Cleo had already told him five times that it was not necessary, but he wanted to. He was at home, and he wanted to do simple things like this.

He was so concentrated in his task that he didn't notice that someone entered the room.

"Gremio...?"

He almost felt his heart stop for a few seconds as he recognized the voice. He turned around to see a green-clad knight standing near the door.

"Grenseal..." he said. It was more like a whisper. Slowly, he put down the plate he had been washing. He closed his eyes and stood there for a few more seconds. It felt like time had stopped... And then, he could feel the knight's arms around him.

"Oh, Gremio... I've missed you so..." Grenseal whispered.

Gremio tried to hold back the tears, but he couldn't. He sobbed and pressed his face against the knight's shoulder. Grenseal held him close, stroking his hair gently.

The brown-eyed knight smiled. Indeed... He had missed Gremio. Before the wars had started, they had been lovers for years. Then, all kinds of things had happened, and then... Gremio was gone. Grenseal had been pretty depressed when he had heard about Gremio's death.

But then... by the end of the wars, Gremio was alive again. It was almost unbelievable. Lady Leknaat had strange powers. After that... All the knight wanted to do was to protect his lover. But, Young Master McDohl had left the country soon after the wars had ended, and so had Gremio.

Grenseal had seen Gremio earlier today in the castle. Lord McDohl, along with Lord Riou of the Dragoons Army, had brought a sick boy with them to be treated by Dr. Liukan. President Lepant had talked to Master McDohl, who had refused the leadership of the country - again. Gremio had been there, by his side as always. But Grenseal had had no chance to even try to talk to the beautiful manservant.

Now he was here, in the kitchen of the McDohl mansion. And he was going to use this short private moment to hold Gremio in his arms, and...

"Gremio...?" He called his lover's name quietly.

The blond lifted his head and looked at him. "Yes...?"

"Did I ever tell you that I love you?"

Gremio trembled when he heard those words. "No... I don't think you did."

"I love you. I've loved you for years now, and I will love you... for eternity..."

Gremio closed his eyes again. "Grenseal... Please... don't say things like that."

"Why? It's the truth."

The delicate blond was still trembling. Part of him wanted to stay here, part of him wanted to run away. He knew it was the truth. Part of him just didn't want to believe, to admit... that he felt the same.

Grenseal... Please... he thought. He took a deep breath. "E-eternity... is a long time, Grenseal."

Grenseal sighed. "Gremio, I..." He paused for a second. "Or is it just that you don't..."

"Grenseal..." Gremio gasped. Tears filled his eyes again. "No! I... but... I... can't... I just can't!"

He tore himself off the handsome knight and run out from the kitchen.

An hour passed. Gremio sat alone in his room, staring at the wall. He sobbed quietly. He didn't want to act like this... He would have wanted to stay with Grenseal. But he was so afraid of his own feelings.

He was happy to be here. To be here, to be held by Grenseal. He sighed. He didn't even know why he was crying anymore. Was it because he was afraid of the fact that he loved Grenseal, or was it just because he was so happy to be back home?

Someone knocked on the door. He wiped off the tears quickly. "Yes?"

"Gremio?" It was Pahn's voice. "Our guests are in bed now... so is Young Master. He might want you to..."

Gremio got up and walked to the door. He opened it and looked at Pahn. "Yes... Of course."

He walked up the stairs slowly, and opened the door to the room of his Young Master. The boy smiled at him. "I was waiting."

"I know. Not for too long, I hope." He covered the dark-haired boy with the sheets and kissed him gently on the forehead. "Sleep well, Young Master."

The dark-eyed boy touched his cheek. "Gremio...? Have you been crying?"

"Young Master... I... Well, yes. But it's nothing to worry about. Sleep now."

"Okay." The boy closed his eyes, still smiling.

Gremio turned off the light and left the room. Pahn and Cleo were standing outside.

"What...? Is something wrong," he asked.

Cleo smiled. "Nothing. Feels good to have you both back home. Now, you need rest, too. But first, let me just... do this." She hugged Gremio.

"Oh, Cleo..."

Pahn grinned. "I'm so not going to... Ah, the hell." He put his arms around both Cleo and Gremio. After a while, he let go. "Better now. Good night, Gremio."

Cleo stepped back as well. "Good night."

Gremio smiled at them. "Thank you. Good night, Pahn, Cleo."

Gremio lay awake in his bed. His own bed... It felt so comfortable, after the countless nights under the open sky or in some country inn. Although he missed one thing - Young Master, who had been sleeping next to him for almost every night past three years. He was used to it.

Now that he was home, he would also miss something else. Not something, someone.

Grenseal...

He thought of the nights he had shared with the knight. Here, in his bed... Or in Grenseal's small apartment. He remembered the gentle touch... it made his body shiver. When would he feel his lover's touch again? Probably not very soon, after he had run away from him earlier. But still... He was afraid of it. Afraid to be alone with Grenseal...

He raised his head when someone opened the door quietly and sneaked into the room.

"...Gremio?"

"Young Master...? What is it?"

The boy stopped beside the bed. "I couldn't sleep," he confessed. "Can I stay here tonight?"

Gremio smiled kindly. "But of course, Young Master."

The boy crawled next to him and leaned on his shoulder. Gremio wrapped his arms around him. "You need to sleep, Young Master."

A few minutes passed. Gremio opened his eyes. He could tell that the boy wasn't asleep.

"Young Master? Can't sleep?"

The dark-haired boy looked at him and shook his head. "I'm tired, but..."

"But what?"

"We're at home. It feels so weird. And to think that I can't sleep in my own bed..."

"It's alright, Young Master..."

"Is it?"

Gremio sighed. "Actually, I couldn't sleep either. I'm so used to you lying next to me..."

The boy smiled innocently. "Oh? Me too. Bad habit. Got to get rid of it."

"Well, yes. Let's sleep now, Young Master."

A few more minutes passed, then the former army leader raised his head. "Gremio?"

"Yes?"

"Nothing." The boy yawned and closed his eyes. "Good night."

"Oh, Young Master..." Gremio smiled. "Sweet dreams."

Next morning, Grenseal watched out from the castle window as a small group left. Lords McDohl and Riou were going to take the now healthy young boy back to Banner village. And, Lord Riou would return home now. President Lepant had promised him 5000 Toran soldiers, who would be leaving for Northwind Castle soon as well.

He sighed. Gremio was gone again, accompanying Young Master Garrett. But of course, he would come back... Now that Lord McDohl had returned, Grenseal knew that the boy would stay home for some time. Well, that's what he hoped for, anyway...

Gremio... I can't let you run away like that, he thought. Why...? Don't you love me?

He shook his head. No, it couldn't be that. Gremio had to feel something... After all they had had before the wars, he just had to.

But I need to find out what's bothering you, my love. Is it something I have done? Or is it... I wish I knew. So, I have to find out. And I will.

Lord McDohl and Gremio were away for the rest of the day. They would be away for several days, until...

One afternoon, Grenseal was doing some paperwork when Alen entered his office.

"Gren?"

"What is it? Why do you look like that?"

"Oh, nothing. I thought you might wanna know that he's back."

"Who?"

"Master McDohl."

Grenseal stood up. "Will you check these for me," he asked, giving some papers to the red-cloaked knight.

"Sure... What's the hurry?"

"As if you didn't know," Grenseal muttered as he hurried out of the room.

He didn't bother to knock on the door - it was open. He walked straight into the kitchen of the McDohl residence, knowing he would find Gremio there. And he was right.

The green-eyed manservant turned around when he heard someone enter the kitchen. "I just started to make dinner, it won't be ready bef..."

He was interrupted with a passionate kiss. When Grenseal let him go, he just looked at him, speechless.

"Well, better make dinner for everyone here, since you're coming to my place tonight, to have dinner with me," Grenseal stated.

"But, Grenseal...?"

"Don't argue with me. I want to talk to you in private, and..." Grenseal took a deep breath. And I don't want to give you the opportunity to run from me this time...

Gremio shook his head. "But I can't just..."

"Gremio?"

Both men turned to see Cleo standing on the door.

"Oh, it's you Grenseal. I thought I heard someone coming in, but I didn't see anyone... What is it? You're not delivering a message, are you? I guess not. Ah, then it's..."

Grenseal nodded. "Well, yes." He turned to face Gremio again. "Now, you're coming, and that's my final word. Alright?"

"You going somewhere tonight, Gremio?" Cleo asked with a kind smile.

"I..."

"Yes he is."

"Grenseal!"

"Gremio... please..." Grenseal's eyes begged him to agree.

"I..." Gremio sighed. He didn't want to start arguing with Grenseal. Especially, not in front of Cleo. "All right, I'll... Later."

"Good." Grenseal gave him a quick kiss on the cheek and left.

"What was that all about," Cleo asked. "As if you..."

"Er... nothing. Don't worry about it." Gremio turned to his cooking.

Cleo smiled again. "Well, if you say so..." She left the kitchen.

Gremio had a bit unpleasant feeling, but he forced himself to go to Grenseal's apartment. He stopped in front of the door. He took a deep breath and knocked on the door lightly.

Why... am I...feeling so uneasy?

Grenseal opened the door. He smiled as he saw his beloved. "There you are."

"Did I keep you waiting? I... served dinner for Young Master. It was..."

"Doesn't matter. Well. Come in now. You don't want the food to get cold."

Gremio followed the swordsman. Grenseal had a nice private dinner ready for the two of them, so they sat down to eat.

Grenseal didn't eat much, he just watched his lover. He asked a few questions about what Lord McDohl had been doing the past three years, but carefully avoided talking about anything else. He wanted Gremio to feel comfortable.

Gremio was not very talkative. He answered the knight's questions, pleased about the fact that Grenseal didn't ask anything too personal. But he knew that eventually, he would.

Gremio finished his dinner. "That... was delicious."

"Hah. Well, you're welcome. And don't try, that wasn't nearly as good as what you can make, but... Anyway. I'll put these away." Grenseal got up and took the dishes from the table. "Make yourself at home."

Gremio nodded. He got up as well and sat on the sofa, while Grenseal went to take the dishes to the small kitchen.

Gremio sighed and stared at the floor. He was so uncertain about his feelings. And he was scared. Grenseal said he loved him. But...

I... can't... do this. I would never be able to give Grenseal anything. All there is for me is Young Master... I cannot let my feelings interfere...

He could feel the tears in his eyes.

Be sensible, Gremio! There's no way Grenseal would... I... don't even know how to love anyone like that! There is one person I love more than my life, and that is Young Master. What can I possibly give to Grenseal, after I have devoted my life to the boy? I need to be ready to protect the Young Master... I... can't... allow myself to... feel like this.

"Gremio?"

Gremio opened his eyes. "Uh, what?"

Grenseal knelt in front of him and touched his face gently. "Oh, Gremio... Do you even realize how much I've missed you?"

"I..."

"Please, let me finish. After you left with Lord McDohl, I... Well. All I could do was wait. I didn't know when you'd be coming back, but I didn't care. Just the thought of having you close to me again... Well. It was worth it. You're here now, and I..."

"Grenseal... I'm sorry. I didn't want you to..."

"Gremio." Grenseal lifted a finger to the blond's lips, not letting him finish the sentence. He sat down next to him and drew him closer. "Don't start that."

"Start what?"

"Saying that you're sorry. I was never there to protect you. I was never there for you... So I'm the one who should be apologizing. But, I know you well enough. You wouldn't let me do that."

Gremio looked down and didn't reply.

"Gremio... Why..."

The blond raised his face. "What?"

"Why do I have the terrible feeling that there's something wrong?"

"Grenseal...? What do you mean by that?"

"You... I feel like you're trying to avoid me."

Gremio blinked. "...Avoid?"

"The way you left when I talked to in the kitchen the other night... And you seemed to be a bit unwilling to come here. Why is that?"

"I... I was not... sure about..."

"About what? You know me better than anyone, even better than Alen. You should not feel uncertain about me..."

Gremio breathed heavily. He got up slowly. "It's... getting late."

Grenseal took his hand. "Gremio, don't go."

Gremio shivered from his touch. "I... have to. Young Master is not going to sleep before I..."

"That's a lie." Grenseal pulled him close and pressed his lips against Gremio's. He wrapped his arms around the older man carefully. He could feel Gremio's body responding to his touch, but at the same time, the blond tried to struggle.

"Let... me... go..." Gremio sobbed.

A bit shocked, Grenseal let go. Gremio moved away from him quickly and walked to the door, gasping for breath. He opened the door with his shaking hands. "Good... night... Grenseal."

"Gremio..."

The manservant left the apartment hastily. Grenseal sighed and shook his head.

Again. Just what am I going to do with you, my love?

Gremio wasn't that surprised when the boy crawled into his bed again.

"Can't sleep, Young Master?"

"I can... but much better if I sleep here."

Gremio smiled. "Well. Good night, Young Master."

Half an hour later, Gremio opened his eyes reluctantly. "Young Master."

"...What?"

"Why aren't you sleeping?"

"I have some things in my mind... nothing special."

Gremio sighed. "But you must rest..."

"Yeah..."

A few minutes passed. The boy lifted his head a little. "Gremio?"

"Yes, Young Master?"

"What would you do if I wasn't here?"

Gremio sat up. "W-what kind of a question is that, Young Master?"

"Well?"

"Young Master! I-it scares me w-when you ask something like that. As if..."

The boy smiled. "Just... in theory, okay? I'm not gonna die or anything. You know... To be exact, I won't be dying in a very long time. You know, neither are you. I just wanted..."

"What?"

"Are you unhappy here?"

"Young Master. Why are you asking all this?"

"You didn't answer the first question yet, either... Well?"

Gremio trembled a little, but kept himself calm enough for it not to show. "Young Master... Please. This is frightening." He took a deep breath. "No, I'm not unhappy... Why would I be? Especially here... This is home, after all."

"Okay. The first question now?"

"Young Master...!"

"Just say something."

"I... don't know. If you weren't here... I would be very worried."

"Gremio..."

The manservant looked the boy straight in the eyes. "What else am I supposed to say? That's the truth."

"Don't you have a life without me?"

"Well, you see, Young Master... I... You've been in my life for so long that..."

McDohl sighed. "...Okay. Next question?"

"If you have to."

"Do you love Grenseal?"

"Young Master!"

The boy smiled innocently. "Okay, you don't have to answer..."

Gremio looked away. "...C-can we just sleep now?"

"Okay." The boy lay down and closed his eyes.

Gremio felt nervous. Why on earth did Young Master ask those questions? As if... something had happened, or was about to happen. And... what did Grenseal have to do with all this?

It took a long time before he fell asleep.

Next afternoon, Gremio was shopping. He needed to buy some food and spices so he could make a nice dinner for the Young Master. Right now, he was at the edge of the marketplace, trying to find some items when he saw a familiar figure coming towards him. He turned around, trying to hide, but it was of no avail.

Grenseal stopped next to him. "Gremio?"

"Good afternoon, Sir Grenseal," Gremio replied, trying not to look at him.

Sir Grenseal? Grenseal gave him an irritated look, grabbed him by his arm and dragged him along. Gremio tried to fight back, but the knight was stronger. Grenseal wouldn't stop until they reached a small fence near some building. It was private enough for the two of them to talk.

"Gremio... Oh, no struggling. I'm not letting you go."

"Grenseal... Please. I need to..."

"We need to talk, that's what's important right now. You're not leaving until we have talked, alright?" Grenseal sounded a bit agitated. Gremio tried to free his hand, but he couldn't.

"Gremio... I'm sorry if I sound a bit demanding, but... Please. Talk to me, Gremio. And don't run away."

Gremio sighed. He was trapped. "...Alright. What is it?"

"You're avoiding me. The way you left last night... I..." Grenseal looked down for a few seconds, then he raised his face again and looked Gremio in the eyes.

"I'm sorry, Gremio. I never lose my temper like this, but it's just that... I just got you back. I don't want to lose you. Ever again. And yet... You're avoiding me."

"Grenseal..."

"Please. Just give me one good reason for all this."

Gremio looked at his feet. He had no choice but to talk, to give Grenseal some explanation for his late behavior... He shivered a little.

"Gremio? Is everything alright?"

"Grenseal... Just... leave me alone."

"I can't do that, unless you tell me why I should do it. And I won't do it. I love you. Just tell me..."

I... can't... allow myself... What should I tell him? That I don't love him? But that would be a lie... Gremio gulped. But...

He took a deep breath. "Grenseal... I can't be with you. I just can't."

"Why? Gremio, why?"

Gremio tried to move away from the handsome knight. "Because..." he whispered. "Because I can't... be yours..."

Grenseal closed his eyes for a while. "Gremio... is it that... you never loved me? Just..." He took a deep breath. "Do you... love him?"

Gremio raised his face and looked at him. "...What?!"

"Don't try. I know what you meant. If you can't be mine, that only means you belong to someone else. And I think I know who that is."

Gremio looked down again. "W-well, w-who i-is it then?"

"The Young Master. Garrett McDohl."

Gremio turned pale. "What are you saying, Grenseal!"

"Something that should be obvious. Just tell me. Do you love him?"

"Let me go, Grenseal." Gremio tried to free his hand from Grenseal's grip.

"Tell me," the knight demanded.

"Yes, I do. Is that what you wanted to know? I always have. I always will. For eternity. For the rest of my life... and that is..."

Gremio's voice weakened. Yes, the rest of his life. And that life might be a long one... Young Master Garrett would never age because of that cursed rune. The blond swallowed. His own soul was bound into the Soul Eater. He would probably stay here with the boy for a long time. He trembled. What about Grenseal? He'd have to... tell him. He wanted to be with the knight, but... he was afraid of himself. He was afraid to tell these things to Grenseal, afraid that he would leave him because...

"Gremio?"

"What...?"

Grenseal let go of his hand. "You can go, if you so wish. But know this: I will never give up. Never. Maybe part of you belongs to that boy... But I know that there is a part in you that can be mine. The part that once loved me..." Grenseal sighed. "Your love to Young Master is... I know you could never love anyone else like that. But, I will never give up, as long as I live. I love you."

Grenseal turned and walked away. Gremio watched him leave. He felt helpless. It was true, he could never love anyone the way he loved the boy, but... His heart ached from not being able to do what he wanted.

All he wanted right now was to be with Grenseal.

It was getting dark. The former leader of the Liberation Army sat by the fireplace, staring at the flames. It was good to be home again. Gremio was in the kitchen, making dinner. Pahn was doing something upstairs, Cleo was supposed to be helping Gremio.

"Young Master...?" Cleo called. The boy turned to see her.

"Yeah?"

"Lord Riou came back."

The boy blinked. "Oh? Well, go tell Gremio that we have dinner guests again, then... And... uh, go to check the guest rooms?"

Cleo smiled. "I'll take care of it. Go say hello to your guests."

After dinner, the group sat in the dining room, talking. The young leader of the City-State army said something to his bodyguards, those being the two former Matilda knights, then walked to Young Master McDohl and looked at him.

"Uh... Can we talk somewhere?" Riou asked.

"Sure." McDohl led him to the other end of the room and shooed Pahn away. Both boys sat by the window and looked out.

"Gregminster is such a beautiful city," the Dragoons army leader observed.

"It is. I grew up in here. I love this place."

Riou smiled. "Yeah, well... the place where I grew up wasn't a big city like this, but I love it, too... I wish I could go back. It's... enemy territory."

"Well. Maybe someday?"

"Yeah. Well, when this war is over." Riou turned around and happened to see Gremio carrying a tray full of glasses into the room. "Hey, Garrett?"

"Yeah?"

"Do you always keep that overprotective servant of yours around?"

McDohl turned. "Oh, Gremio?" He laughed. "I don't have to, he always follows me. He's been with me for almost my whole life... He's not just a servant. He's my protector, and my friend..."

"Follows you? I know the feeling. Nanami wouldn't want to let me go anywhere without her."

"Oh, your sister?"

"Yep."

"It's kinda hard leading an army, isn't it. Everyone's watching your every move..."

Riou nodded. "Yeah. You should know."

"Now I'm not an army leader anymore, but... I've still got Gremio, and Pahn and Cleo... and a couple of bodyguards Lepant assigned. I'm never gonna get rid of them."

The other boy grinned. "Same here." He watched as Gremio put the glasses on the table and put the tray on a sideboard. "You know, about that one..." He nodded towards the green-cloaked manservant.

"Gremio? What about him?"

"He's got that certain look in his eyes..."

"What look?"

"That's he's in love with another man."

McDohl shrugged. "Sure is. It's Grenseal, the co-commander of the Republican Guard."

"Told you. Can see it."

"Seen it before?"

Riou nodded towards the other end of the room where his companions were. "See those two knights of mine? Especially Camus, the red one, makes no effort on hiding it. His eyes tell you 'I don't care what people will say, I love a man, and am proud of it'. Miklotov - the blue knight - tries to hide it, but..."

The former leader of the Liberation Army smirked. "But fails?"

"Miserably."

"And Gremio?"

"Don't know. I think he wishes to hide it. As if he doesn't want to admit it to himself. But... It's too obvious. He wants to be with him, but... He's uncertain."

McDohl smiled. "You're pretty good in that."

"In what?"

"You know. With people. It's a good quality when leading an army."

"I guess so."

"It is. I know, I used to... Anyway. Hey, why did you come all the way back here? To talk to me?"

"Well, yes." Riou took a deep breath. "I wanted to ask you... Um, well... So, what are you going to do now that you're back home?"

"Don't know. Why?"

"I was thinking... if you have nothing better to do... Would you join me for a while? I mean, you're a strong fighter, excellent magic user, and... Well, you were once me. You could give me a tip or two about how to lead an army."

McDohl gave it a little thought. "Hmm. You know, maybe... I could... Hey, Riou...?"

Riou blinked. "Huh?"

"You're blushing."

The younger boy turned away and watched the city. "Eh... Must be hot in here."

"Really...? Say, is it just me, or is it you who has this certain look in the eyes?"

"What?! Nah..." The leader of the Dragoons army shook his head.

The older boy looked away, realizing what the look meant. "Wow. Didn't think..."

"Er... what?"

"Nothing." McDohl turned to look at Riou. He was still staring out of the window. The older boy took a deep breath, then touched the other boy's shoulder. He turned.

"You know, Riou... It just might work..."

The Dragoons army leader looked at him. "What...?"

"You got some of my old Stars of Destiny. I'd like to meet them."

"Oh... of course."

The more the former Liberation Army leader thought about it, the more logical it sounded.

"You know... I could just leave Gremio here... You're right, he's uncertain about Grenseal. Grenseal loves Gremio. He loves Grenseal, but as long as I'm around, he just... won't... It might be easier if I wasn't around, don't you think?"

Riou nodded. "Well, yeah."

"And... Seriously, I don't want to stay in Gregminster right now. I just returned. I'm, well, famous and stuff."

"You are."

"Besides, I would... get an opportunity to get to know you better."

"Me?"

"You wouldn't want to?"

The younger boy shook his head. "But of course! I... I..."

"Thought so." McDohl smiled. He placed his hands on the other boy's shoulder, drew him a little closer and gave him a quick kiss on the lips.

Riou gulped. "Uh..."

"Decided, then?"

"Er... Hey, sure. You're more than welcome to come with me. We can use every trained soldier we can get, and you're a lot more than that."

McDohl smiled. "Well, it's late. Better go to bed... See you tomorrow." The former Tenkai Star turned and walked away.

Gremio raised an eyebrow when he saw Young Master kissing the other boy. He had been watching them talk for some time. He wasn't surprised - he was well aware that the boy was interested of his own sex. But, the Dragoons army leader? Well, why not... The boys had a lot in common.

He sighed and went to see that the guest rooms were ready.

That night, Young Master didn't sleep next to him. Gremio didn't know should he be pleased or disappointed. Probably pleased. Now it was morning. He was cooking again - he had a to make lunch, and besides, the Dragoons army group would be leaving next morning and he wanted to give them something to take with them.

What he didn't know was that the Young Master had left the house earlier, heading to the castle. He needed to talk to someone in there.

The guards didn't stop him from entering. Why would they? McDohl smiled to himself. He glanced at the two bodyguards that were following him. There was nothing he could say to Lepant that would make the president of Toran Republic to order his men to stay away. Well, he didn't care. It really made no difference.

He went upstairs to see if Grenseal was in his office. He entered the room, not bothering to knock. Grenseal, who was sitting behind the desk, raised his head to see who had entered.

"...Master McDohl?"

"Hey Gren." The boy sat down on the edge of the table. "Busy?"

"Actually, not... Can I help you, my lord?"

The dark-haired boy grinned. "Stop that. You know, you used to call my father that. Just stick to the good old 'Young Master' or something."

The knight gave him an inquiring look, then shrugged. "Very well, m... Young Master."

"Well, I need to talk to you... about Gremio." McDohl paused to see the reaction on the green-clad knight's face. It was a bit nervous.

"So... What about... Gremio?"

"Gremio loves you."

Grenseal sighed. "I... hope he does."

"You and Gremio need to talk. About lot of things. About the wars. About Liberation Army. About your relationship. About life. Just about anything."

"We do, Young Master. Gremio has just been a bit unwilling to talk to me. Maybe I'm putting too much pressure on him, but I..."

The boy picked up a pen from the table and looked at it. "I don't know if Gremio has... Probably not. Well, you know my rune. It's like... I always carry the souls of Odessa, Gremio, father and Ted with me. Even if it sounds a bit weird..."

Grenseal looked at the boy. "It does sound a bit odd..."

"Then you should realize... Since Gremio is alive... but my rune still has his soul..."

"Realize what?"

The boy put the pen down. "Gremio is... kinda... stuck with me here."

Grenseal closed his eyes for a few seconds. "I... actually had some idea. Gremio is uncomfortable when we talk about... Well. And I also heard that... when Lady Windy tried to take that rune from you, the four strong souls of those who you had to give up... They prevented her from getting the rune. The Soul Eater has its own will, eh?"

"Yep."

"Well. Gremio is alive... but... at the same time..."

McDohl smiled sadly. "...his soul is bound into this rune. I'm one with this stupid rune. So Gremio is actually bound to me. And... won't be dying of old age in the next few thousand years, so..."

The knight raised his head. "I don't care! I just want to be with him. It's... Well, as long as he can accept it, I can, too."

"Thought so." The brown-eyed boy smiled. "You know, it's kinda funny..."

"What is?"

"All Gremio wanted was to protect me. He died because of that. In the end, he got what he wanted. Now he's doomed to stay here and protect me forever."

Grenseal blinked. "Uh... Well, maybe."

"Well. That's not all of it. You see..."

The green-clad knight leaned back in his chair. "I'm listening, Young Master."

"I'm came back home from my long journey. But I don't actually feel like staying here right now... Lepant is trying to make me to... and... Anyway, I decided to go help the Dragoons army. And not to take Gremio with me."

"You do know that he will oppose to that."

"I know." The boy sighed. "But I don't ever want to lose him again. I don't want to put him in danger. He'd do anything to protect me, you know it. And..."

"What?"

"...Besides, I know Gremio does love you. Yes, he loves me more than anything, but... he loves you, too. When we were away... Sometimes I could see it in his eyes. He wanted to come home. It's the same look in his eyes that he had during the wars... He wanted to be with you. After the wars... I didn't ask him to come with me. It was his decision. But... A couple of times I actually thought of coming back, so he could see you again."

Grenseal was moved by the boy's kind words. "Young Master... I..."

"If he comes with me again... now that he has seen you and all... He'll just miss you even more. He'd suffer inside, but never say a word."

"I guess that's true."

"So, that's why I'm asking you to take care of him while I'm away. Would you? You know, I love him too. I don't want to see him suffer. All I want is to be sure that he's happy, and safe."

Grenseal got up. "It's my duty to follow your orders, my lord. I swear, I shall protect him with my life."

The boy grinned. "Knights... Well, good. One thing left to do, then."

"That is...?"

"I have to tell him. And you tell him the rest. So, mind coming with me now?" The boy stood up, ready to return home.

"With pleasure, Young Master."

Half an hour later in the McDohl mansion, Gremio tried to continue cooking. Tried to. It was hard to concentrate, while he was annoyed by the fact that Grenseal sat on one corner of the kitchen, watching his every move. The knight had showed up about ten minutes ago, and wouldn't say a world about his intentions. He just sat there and watched Gremio. He had tried to tell him to go away, but the dark-blond swordsman would only smile and stay where he was.

Young Master McDohl entered the kitchen and sneaked behind Gremio. He wrapped his arms around the blond, but he wasn't able to interrupt him. Gremio smiled.

"Oh, Young Master. Don't try, I know you too well."

"Boring." The boy grinned. "I should've tickled you."

"Better not! Well. What is it, Young Master?"

"Well... Gremio...?"

"Yes?"

McDohl walked in front of his protector. "Listen... I've decided one thing. I'm going with Riou... I feel like battling some stupid Highlanders."

"But, Young Master... We just got home..."

"I said I'm going. You're not."

"But, Young Master...!" Gremio protested. "I could never let you go alone!"

"Come on, I have a dozen of knights protecting me. You know, the bodyguards Lepant sent here. They'll follow. And there are a lot of former Liberation Army soldiers. And..."

"But, Young Master..."

"Oh, no 'buts'. I'm leaving you home to that knight." McDohl grinned and nodded at Grenseal.

"Young Master...!" Gremio started. Suddenly, he blushed and turned away.

"Heh. All yours, Gren. I'm gonna go pack my things."

"Y-Young Master... No...! At least let me... And... But what if... You can't... I must..."

"Don't try. And no, you stay here, I'll ask Cleo or Pahn if I need help packing." The boy left with a smile on his face before Gremio could reply.

The blond manservant watched him leave. He sighed, wondering what to do now.

I should follow him and tell him I won't let him go alone... but somehow I've got the feeling he's determined on leaving me here. Why? Why, Young Master?

"Oh Young Master... Is it just that I'm... a... burden to you...?" He whispered to himself, lowering his face.

Grenseal wrapped his arms around Gremio's waist. "It's not that."

"W... what, Grenseal?"

"You'd never be a burden to him. He loves you. So much that he doesn't want you to suffer."

"...Suffer? W-what d-do you m-mean by that?"

Grenseal kissed his neck. "You still want to know why I'm here?"

"Uh... a-actually, yes."

"Young Master came to talk to me earlier. He knows how I feel. So, he wanted me here... He explained me the whole thing. He's going to go help the Dragoons army a bit, and asked me to take care of you while he's away."

Gremio gasped. "What...?"

"You still don't get it?"

"Get what...?"

"He wants you to stay with me, silly." Grenseal smiled. "He also knows how you feel. He told me that he doesn't want to see you suffer silently, missing me. He knows you too well. And he cares for you. He'll rather leave you behind than let you blame yourself for not being able to stay with me."

"Grenseal." Gremio pulled himself off the knight. "I must protect the Young Master! How could I..."

"Hey... Stop that," McDohl said from the door.

Gremio turned around. "Young Master?"

"Thought you might be resisting. I wanted to see if Gren can make you stay... Well. Now you think I don't want to be with you?"

"Oh b-but Young Master... I-I would n-never doubt that..."

"I heard you. You did." The boy shrugged. "Hey. I want to take you with me. But, it's more complicated than that. First of all, I'm too old to be protected. And second... Well, you see... You can't let me be the only thing there is in your life, Gremio. There are other things, for both of us."

"Young Master..."

"I said I've made up my mind. I want you to stay here with Grenseal. I know he'll take good care of you." McDohl smiled. "I'm a big boy, Gremio. I can take care of myself."

Gremio sighed. "B-but...!"

"Gremio?"

"...Yes?"

The dark-haired boy smiled kindly. "Do you really need my permission to love Grenseal?"

Gremio turned away, feeling embarrassed. Grenseal pulled him close and kissed him.

McDohl grinned. "Better go... I'll be in my room if you need me."

Grenseal smirked. "Lord McDohl? Mind if I borrow him for a couple of hours?"

Gremio's eyes widened. "G-Grenseal?!"

"Go ahead. But I need him to make dinner, so bring him back in time, okay?"

The knight grinned. "I will."

Gremio tried to resist. "Young Master...! Grenseal!! I can't...!"

The boy smiled as Grenseal lifted the blond to his arms and carried him out of the McDohl mansion.

Early in the morning...

It was time. Gremio carried the bags of his Young Master, silent. The boy was full of energy. Right now, he was talking with Riou, while walking towards the city gates.

The group stopped by the gates. Lord Riou took his small group a little further away, along with a group of Toran soldiers who were here to follow Lord McDohl.

The former army leader hugged both Cleo and Pahn. "Take care of the house, okay?"

"We will, Young Master," Pahn said.

Cleo smiled sadly. "You could've stayed home a little longer, you know..."

"Well, yeah. I'll be back. And if Riou doesn't need my help, I'll come back home and wait here until he comes to get me again. Okay?"

"Sounds good."

Pahn patted his shoulder. "Take care of yourself."

The boy smiled at the two and walked in front of Gremio. "Can I have my things now?"

Gremio handed him the bags. "Here you are, Young Master... You absolutely sure you want me to stay here?"

"Yes. I just don't anything to happen to you. I'll be just fine without you."

"I... W-well. Don't try too hard, Young Master. Remember to rest, and..."

"Yeah yeah." The boy wrapped his arms around the blond. "Take care of Cleo and Pahn?"

"Young Master..."

"I'll rest. And all that. Okay?" The boy let go. "I'm going now. Don't miss me too much."

"But, Young Master..."

"Hey. I will miss you all. I'll come back here. Later." McDohl smiled a bit sadly.

Gremio swiped off the tears from his cheeks and smiled slightly. "Of course, Young Master."

The boy turned away.

"Young Master?" Gremio called out hastily.

McDohl turned to face him. "What?"

"Just... remember to get enough sleep. And eat. And not to practice too much and not to do anything dangerous... and you must remember to be very careful when in a battle... Oh and remember to bathe once a week, and have your clothes washed, and..."

Cleo and Pahn grinned. "Gremio? Stop that. You're acting like..." Cleo said.

"But...!"

Garrett walked to Gremio and hugged him once more. "I love you, Gremio."

"Oh... I love you too, Young Master."

"I know. Cleo? Pahn? Take him away before he decides to follow me. See you all!" The boy walked to Riou's group, and the Dragoons army members, accompanied by Varkas, headed towards the mountains.

The three servants of Young Master McDohl watched until the boy disappeared from sight. Then Cleo and Pahn turned, ready to head back home. Gremio hesitated. He sighed and looked to the direction of the small army group. The group wasn't visible anymore... He turned and followed his friends.

Later that day, Gremio was cleaning the room of his Young Master. The room was actually quite clean, but he just wanted something to do, so he could keep himself busy.

"Gremio?"

Gremio turned around. "What is it, Cleo?"

Cleo smiled. "There's someone to see you... Go on, I'll finish this later."

"Cleo..."

"Go!"

"Thank you." Gremio went to the entrance hall, where Grenseal was waiting. He tried to smile to the handsome knight.

"Gremio... What's wrong?"

"Nothing. I'm just... tired."

"We need to get you out of this house for a while. Hmm. Get what you need, you'll be staying at my place for a couple of days."

"Grenseal..." Gremio sighed. "You don't have to..."

"I want to. I wouldn't mind if you moved in with me, but that's not going to happen. But, I am going to take you away from here for a little while... And make you forget that you're worried about Lord McDohl."

"Grenseal...! I can't..."

"Yes you can," said Cleo. She handed Gremio a bag. "Here. All you'll need. I packed those earlier... had a feeling Grenseal was planning something like this. Go on. We know where you are if we need you for some reason."

She turned to look at the knight. "Now, don't let him come back until he feels much better, Grenseal. Is that clear? Well, good day."

With that, the brown-haired woman drove them both out of the mansion.

"That was... harsh," Gremio muttered.

Grenseal grinned. "But she has a point. Now come along, my love."

That night... Gremio lay awake, leaning on Grenseal's shoulder. Grenseal stroked his hair gently.

"Can't sleep?"

"I was thinking... of..."

"I know. He'll be fine. Trust me."

"But..."

"You think too much." Grenseal kissed his shoulder. "Sleep."

Gremio sighed. "I..."

"Just rest. Everything will be all right. And you're here with me. I'm not going to let you go... Ever again. I love you more than anything in this world. And whatever you say, I know you love me. Just let me take care of you, Gremio."

"Well... I..."

Grenseal sat up. "Aha. Not giving up, eh. I guess I have to give you something else to think about then..." He moved a little lower and pulled the sheets over his head.

"Grenseal. I'm not... I... can't... Gren...seal..."

"Better. Just relax... All you need to remember is that you're here with me..."

Gremio closed his eyes, letting Grenseal hold him... and do whatever he pleased.

I do love you, Grenseal... Maybe... I will... stop... thinking... for a little while... For the time... I can spend... with you.

Author's notes:

Boring, somewhat silly love story. I just happen to like Gremio, and Grenseal is cute. I'll just blame littlemaiko-chan for ending up liking the pairing.

Some parts of this fic follow the story of, "How to get McDohl in Suikoden 2".

- Elmina (June, 2001)