Grenseal: *From the back of the commotion after the revival of Tenei star, he watched the comely blonde getting embraced by McDohl. The urge to hurry over and speak with his beloved did not surge. Instead, he let out a relieved small sigh and excused himself to Alen. He didn't like the crowd, and he doubted that Gremio would have time for him tonight. After all, McDohl had worked so hard and he deserved Gremio's attention to himself. /I doubt that Gremio knows of me being here, anyway./ Shaking his head, Gren pushed the flowing hem of his green mantle behind him and made a quiet exit from the meeting room. The dark corridor was serene to his liking, allowing him to think back to the peaceful days at Gregminster. Gremio would be home cooking or cleaning, and he'd visit... Those days were gone. Would have been permanently gone if Gremio hadn't returned to life. /...I will not let that happiness go, ever again.../ Vowing calmly to himself, Gren returned to the room assigned to him.*

Gremio: *The next morning, he excused himself from his Young Master's company for a while. He had learned from Cleo and Pahn that Alen and Grenseal had also joined the Liberation army. He was feeling quite anxious, wanting to talk to his lover...*

Grenseal: *He stood alone in the topmost floor, the garden area of the castle; having cast off his green imperial jacket and mantle, he drew his thunder-elemental sword and began to train on his own. Alen was off somewhere running an errand before the final battle. With nothing else to do, Gren cut the space before him with the sharp edge. His mind was on one thing only. He needed the skills, concentration, everything for next few days to protect what he treasured the most. Even McDohl and the Liberation Army did not matter to him as much as what had been returned into his life last night. He would gladly give up his life to keep it. He hadn't spoken a word with Gremio yet, but he saw no need. It was enough to have him where he could see him. He didn't want to interrupt McDohl's reunion, either.*

Gremio: *After searching all over the castle, he finally found he man he was looking for... His beloved. He walked into the garden area and saw Grenseal training. Smiling to himself, he approached the dark-blond knight* Grenseal...

Grenseal: *He halted his sword-wielding motion and turned his dark-green gaze to the long-haired manservant.* Gremio. *He smiled faintly, his usual reserved smile.* Are you feeling well? *Concern touched his clear baritone.* There are no side effects to being... revived?

Gremio: I'm feeling very well, thank you... I... I don't think there's any side effects... Oh, Grenseal... I...

Grenseal: *Gladdened to know, he swished his sword free of dust and sheathed it at the waist. Hands freed, he approached the scarred blond and embraced his tightly.* ...Welcome back, Gremio.

Gremio: *He closed his eyes and pressed his face against the knight's shoulder. It felt so good to be held like this...* Oh Grenseal... There's so many things I'd want to talk about... It's... been so long...

Grenseal: It has. *He returned simply, putting his words into a single kiss he planted upon Gremio's forehead. He was never much for words, and this moment was overwhelming, despite his stoic tendency. Emotions dared to overrule him, but he checked them sternly.*

Gremio: *With all the feelings rushing inside him, he didn't know where to start... He wanted to know if Grenseal still felt the same, if he still loved him... But he couldn't say a word... He just wanted to be here, now, close to Grenseal...*

Grenseal: *He was afraid that if he remained this close to Gremio any longer, he'd lose control and demand unreasonable things to keep the blond out of danger. With iron control on his wants, he let go of the lithe body. Luckily, he had a good excuse for doing so. The sun was rising well above the horizon, signaling the time for the final assembly before leaving for the battle.* It is time for meet with Young Master, Gremio. Let's go.

Gremio: Grenseal... *He sighed as the knight let him go* Y-yes, of course. Young Master is waiting for us... *He followed the knight out of the garden area, wondering why he was in such a hurry*

Grenseal: *He felt Gremio's disappointment but did not address it verbally. He walked slower than his usual militaristic strides to be alongside his lover. Soon, they were at the meeting room, joining McDohl, Victor, Flik and Alen to assemble the final party to storm the palace.*

Gremio: *He felt quite happy for being able to travel with Grenseal, but he was still feeling a bit unsure... Grenseal hadn't said anything about their relationship during their short conversation*

Grenseal: *He parted from Gremio once they were in the party, speaking with Alen and discussing the battle formation. He was not ignoring Gremio, but he couldn't find words to say. Besides, now was not the time to be concerned with trivial things. He had something precious to protect. Shortly, the six of them left the castle ahead of rest of the Liberation Army, out to the dangerous field of monsters.*

Gremio: *As they traveled, he tried his best to keep at his Young Master's side, but he eventually started walking behind the others. He didn't want to slow the group down, but he was tired and not feeling very well. After all, he had just been resurrected the night before...*

Grenseal: *His attention was fully upon Gremio. As soon as the blond began to fall behind, he also slowed down, giving a short word to Alen. His partner nodded and fell back with him to protect the rear. McDohl seemed concerned, but he couldn't budge from his leading position.* Are you all right? *Gren murmured quietly to Gremio.*

Gremio: Y-yes, I'm okay... Am I slowing the party down? I... just feel a bit tired, that's all

Grenseal: Don't worry. Young Master put you in the party. We didn't expect you to be at the top condition after all that you've been through. *He patted Gremio's shoulder gently. As they treaded at a slightly milder pace than the heading three, they encountered the first monsters of the day.*

Gremio: *He lifted his axe, ready for the battle. He was feeling pretty weak, but he had to fight, for the Young Master he had sworn to protect... And to show Grenseal that he was feeling alright*

Grenseal: *He drew out his blade, naturally taking dual stance with Alen by his side. They dispatched attacking dog-like monsters one by one, quite easily. The enemies were quick but relatively weak. At his level, Gren had no difficulty. He kept flickering his gaze to Gremio, worried but not showing it.*

Gremio: *He was feeling exhausted from the battle, but still went first to check that his Young Master was all right. Soon they continued their journey. He did his best to stay with the others, but he was still falling behind slowly*

Grenseal: *He made sure that he stayed with Gremio, not so obviously but under the excuse of protecting the rear. /He is pale. I wonder if Young Master was thinking logically in putting him in the party.../ He frowned to himself, wanting to take Gremio back to the safety of castle or leaving him at a inn somewhere. However, he knew that Gremio would refuse, so kept quiet. Monsters were countless in this area near Gregminster. They met another, this time golem-like stone monsters.*

Gremio: *He did not have enough strength left to fight, but he had to be there to protect Young Master... He stood beside the young army leader, doing the best he could... He barely evaded as one of the monsters attacked*

Grenseal: ...! *He quickly made way near Gremio, parrying and finishing off the tougher monster with his Thunder Rune. Another stone creature hit him from a side, glazing his left shoulder, but he merely let out a grunt. Breach in defense was his own lack of strength. He used his uninjured right arm to finish it off.*

Gremio: ...Thank you... /He's hurt... Grenseal, why.../ But that wasn't necessary... I could've...

Grenseal: It would have killed you with a blow, Gremio. *He cut in calmly, rubbing at his bruised shoulder. It was bleeding, but not terribly so. He could fight just fine.*

Gremio: But you're hurt... *He was worried, almost angry now. He was supposed to be able to protect the Young Master, and he certainly did not wish to end up being the one who had to be protected...*

Grenseal: It is nothing. Just a scratch. *He was glad that the green mantle and thick uniform jacket hid the blood seeping into his shirt. He forced the conversation to end and returned to his position with Alen behind Gremio. McDohl seemed unaware of his injury, which was all good. They proceeded, only to be stopped by magic-wielding humanoid monster.*

Gremio: *He sighed and closed his eyes for a short moment. He felt he couldn't fight anymore, but for the Young Master... His hands were trembling and he almost dropped the axe, but he still managed to stay near McDohl, ready to protect the boy at any cost*

Grenseal: *He recognized the mage-type enemies as the one wielding the Rage Rune magic. Seeing one of them raise its hand in the group-aimed magic, he quickly threw himself before Gremio and used the Thunder Rune to block at least the flame heading toward his blond beloved. As a result, he got charred badly on his right hand which he had held out before him to cast the magic. /Damn.../ It was a serious injury, for it was his sword-wielding hand.*

Gremio: ...! /Grenseal.../ *He saw his Young Master finishing the monsters, but wasn't paying attention. He was too worried about his lover right now...* Grenseal, are you alright?

Grenseal: *He gritted a little, since his arm hurt badly. He analyzed it and figured that he had been baked, literally.* ...I will be fine. *He pulled himself together and answered calmly. Thankfully, he had a scroll for mild healing. He applied it to his arm and watched it recover somewhat. At least he could wield his sword without hindrance.* Are you all right, Gremio? *He asked, not sure if his thunder barrier had worked well.*

Gremio: ...I'm fine. The attack didn't hit me... /Because you had to start playing hero.../

Grenseal: *He tried his arm once more before peeling off the remnants of his gloves and burnt sleeve. The skin underneath was browned and reddened, but he didn't mind much. He was satisfied that Gremio was safe.* I'm glad. *He noticed the young McDohl looking at him worriedly, and managed a reassuring nod. The party commenced on its travel, getting closer to Gregminster. They were going to stop and set up camp near the capital. Only some more miles to go. While the party treaded, same dog monsters that had appeared before showed up again. There were more of them this time.*

Gremio: *Now he was worried for both the Young Master and Grenseal. He decided he had to be strong this time, as he couldn't afford Grenseal to start playing hero again and get himself hurt in the process...*

Grenseal: *Injury does not hinder him by much. He hacked down the dog-wolves with his sword and used magic to kill off another batch. They are about done fighting when he realized that there were a few left right behind Gremio. The blond did not seem to realize that danger.* Gremio! *He ran and stood in the way of the three monsters. He managed to kill one, but other two bit into his leg and shoulder, dangerously close to neck. He gasped and fell to his knees.*

Gremio: Grenseal!! *He quickly killed one of the monsters with his axe, and saw the last one fall as Alen killed it with a fire spell. He dropped his axe and knelt beside the green-clad knight* Grenseal... Oh Grenseal... Why...

Grenseal: ...You are all right? *He whispered raggedly, pressing his left palm over his bleeding shoulder. It was bleeding heavily, his green garments turning black as red mixed into them.* ...Damn... *He murmured to self, his vision growing a little hazy. He needed to stop this bleeding /now/. Before he could reach for the healing scrolls, his whole body bucked and he fell to the ground, losing consciousness.*

Gremio: *Later, in the medical tent of the camp. He walked back and forth, stopping to check Grenseal every few seconds. He was very angry now, for his lover had nearly gotten himself killed trying to protect him. /Grenseal... you.... idiot... why did you have to.../ He stopped as the knight finally opened his eyes a little, mumbling something* Grenseal!

Grenseal: *He fluttered his pale eyelids a few times, still groggy after loss of blood. His ears cued in to Gremio's voice, and he darted his green gaze to the blond. He had been worried if Gremio was alright after his fall. Seeing the lovely manservant well, he smiled faintly.* Gremio.

Gremio: *Relieved to see that his lover was alright, he knelt beside Grenseal and wrapped his arms around him. The peace lasted only for about half a minute, as he felt the anger growing inside him. He pulled away from the knight and slapped him* WHY!?! Why, Grenseal?! You... You idiot, you had us all worried!!! Young Master, Alen, everyone! And.... and... me!!

Grenseal: *The slap was a soft one, probably considerate of his injured neck and shoulder. It stung anyway, and he blinked.* ...I'm sorry, Gremio. *He said, only for having worried his lover.* How long was I out? *He asked in his usual calm manner, hoping to catch up on lost time so he could rejoin the battle.*

Gremio: *He couldn't act like that anymore, be so angry... It just didn't suit him. And it didn't feel right. He was too worried at the same time. He sighed and sat down on nearby chair* A few hours... Alen and Viktor carried you here. I... was just... so worried...

Grenseal: ...It was... quite careless of me. *He allowed that much. He could have used other methods to guard Gremio, not just stand in monsters' ways and be bitten. He sighed at his lack of skills and closed his eyes.* But I'm glad that you are all right.

Gremio: ...I am fine now, after I've had some rest... *Actually he was lying, he had stayed at Grenseal's side the whole time, and he still felt a bit weak* I'm just so happy to see you're better now...

Grenseal: I'll be up in a few hours. We are storming Gregminster, right? *He sat up weakly, wincing at the remnants of pain in his arm and leg. It seemed that Liukan had paid more attention to the damage to the neck and forgotten about the minor injuries. Gren was thankful, either way, for having been patched up.*

Gremio: ...Not until tomorrow... You should rest tonight. And... I don't think it's wise for you to go to battle again so soon... *He looked at the knight worried, trying to hold back the tears that were filling his eyes. He turned away slowly* I... I'll stay here...

Grenseal: *He wanted to argue, but his good sense as a soldier stopped him. He wasn't in a condition to fight. /Neither is he./ He eyed the blond and saw through the previous lie. Gremio was so pale it was obvious that he hadn't rested at all. Gren reached out with his less injured left hand and touched the scarred cheek.* You should rest, too.

Gremio: All right, I... I'll go rest... if you want... /But... I don't want to leave you.../

Grenseal: *He has second thoughts and he took Gremio's hand.* ...Why not rest here? *He asked, not really intending anything but only wanting to be with his love.* ...I think... we need to talk, Gremio.

Gremio: *He turned back to face his lover, who could now see the tears in his eyes* Grenseal... I... think... maybe we should talk... I... wanted to talk to you earlier, but you...

Grenseal: *Narrowing his eyes lovingly, he wiped at the tears glimmering in the blue eyes.* Have a seat here... *He moved slightly so that the rim of the bed was habitable. He patted at the open space and gently urged Gremio by a tug on the arm* I'm sorry for not speaking to you this morning. I was... troubled by my own feelings.

Gremio: *He sat beside the knight, closed his eyes for a moment and smiled* I... *Now that they finally could talk, he didn't know what to say... He wanted to ask about so many things but couldn't find the words...*

Grenseal: ...I'll speak first. *He drew his left arm around Gremio's shoulders and held him thus.* I almost died when I heard that you were gone upon my arrival at Young Master's side. He didn't tell the details, but I had a good idea what had happened. *He ran his fingers though the smooth golden locks.* ...I wanted to be there to protect you, yet I was bound by duty. It was... impossible back then for us to be together. I... *He looked down and turned his tender right hand over on his lap, looking at the damaged skin.* I vowed to myself, that I'd never let you be harmed with me by your side.

Gremio: Grenseal, I... *He was relieved to hear those words... Grenseal still cared for him...* I... When we were apart, I missed you so much... And then, I... *he paused for a second, as it was hard to think about it* ...died... And now...

Grenseal: *He pulled Gremio closer, letting him lean against his shirt-clad chest. He murmured against the other's ear.* Now you are back. I can hold you like this. I... I can protect you. *He kissed Gremio's cheek, closing his green eyes to savor the moment.*

Gremio: *He leaned against Grenseal and closed his eyes. He felt so helpless when he heard those words... /Protect?/ He was a protector himself, but the thought of being protected made him feel... so safe... Safer than he'd felt in a long time...*

Grenseal: *He breathed softly, just submerging in the feel of Gremio against him.* ...I will give my life to you, Gremio... This battle, if there be danger... I will shield you. You just concentrate on helping Lord Kohaku. I will watch out for you... *He continued to kiss the side of the lovely face.*

Gremio: *He sighed softly, tears filling his eyes. He didn't want to think about any battles, he just wanted to stay here forever, being held like this...* Grenseal... I... *as the knight continued kissing him gently, he felt so warm and protected...*

Grenseal: *He can't really control himself. They are alone, close... This was something he'd craved for during their separation. When the parting seemed to be made eternal... he'd cut the part of him away, shut it off. Now... Warm flame lighting in his eyes, he brushed his lips over the other's mouth, going to for an ardent kiss they hadn't shared in a long time.*

Gremio: *It felt like it had been forever since the last time he had been kissed like this... A warm, burning feeling rushed through his body as he wrapped his arms around Grenseal tightly, drawing the knight as close as he could. He missed being touched like this... being touched by his lover...*

Grenseal: Gremio... Gods... *He murmured passionately, the tone he only used when with Gremio. His hands had traveled down the length of his love's back, catching the lithe waist and holding there gently. He wanted to do much more...*

Gremio: Grenseal... *he whispered, wanting so much to be held, to be touched... /Grenseal... It's been so long.../* G-Grenseal... I... I want...

Grenseal: I do, too. *He curled his lips very slightly, elated. He sought out a kiss again, this time turning their bodies so that he had Gremio lying on the bed. He looked down at the blond, almost shaking from the need he felt.*

Gremio: *He smiled shyly, looking deep into his lovers eyes* I... I need you... I missed so much being close to you...

Grenseal: *Pleased by the words... they unlatched his control and he leaned down to nuzzle against the slender neck. His hands, sliding from the waist, began to hike at the blond's tunic.* May I? *He asked quietly, his actions not so calm.*

Gremio: Pl-please... *He smiled to his lover, now feeling quite anxious*

Grenseal: *Not waiting longer after those words, he let his hands trace over directly on the smooth abdomen and chest.* I will... Oh, Gremio.. love... *He found the small nubs and tweaked at them.*

Gremio: Oh... Grenseal... *he whispered his lover's name, trembling slightly under the touch. His hands clenched the sheets as he arched his back, pressing his slender body against the knight's hand*

Grenseal: *He pushed up the hem of the blue tunic, revealing the beautiful body to his view. Narrowing his deep gaze appreciatively, he tipped down to lick at one nub he'd toyed into puckering.*

Gremio: *He moaned silently, as waves of pleasure ran though him. He raised hands and clenched Grenseal's hair, pressing the knight's head against his chest* Gre-Grenseal...

Grenseal: You are a delight... my only divinity. Know that, Gremio... *He whispered against the nipple and took it into his mouth against to suckle. With his freed hand, he reached to the other's pants and undid the belt buckles.*

Gremio: *His breathing grew more rapid as he kept tugging the knight's hair. Tears of joy and please filled his eyes* Grenseal... My love.... *he whispered*

Grenseal: *Soft pulls on his brown tresses don't hurt at all, pretty much pricks erased by the bliss he feels inside. He slipped his hand into the loosened pants, plying easily past the undergarment to touch the half-erect member.*

Gremio: ..!!! *he toughened his grip on Grenseal's hair* Gren...seal... *he moaned, moving his hips up, pushing against his lover's hand*

Grenseal: *He complied to the silent urgence by gently pumping his palm against the length. His mouth feasted on the other nub on Gremio's chest, an arm snaking under the small of the blond's back to support the arching figure.*

Gremio: *He closed his eyes, his hands tugging Grenseal's hair as he moved against the pleasing hand. He kept moaning his lover name*

Grenseal: Forgive me, darling... I can't do much... *He winced just a little as his vision swirled from the lacking blood. Judging that he couldn't endure long, he swiped at the precum from Gremio's tip with a finger and pulled down the dark pants to the ankles. Nudging the legs apart gently, he slipped an index finger between the curved buttocks.*

Gremio: *He sobbed silently, feelings of extreme pleasure filling his body entirely. He spread his legs, pushing against the invading finger* Grenseal... I... want you...

Grenseal: You will have me... soon... *He crooned softly and put in another finger, slowly thrusting them to accommodate the body beneath him. That done... he pulled away to cast off his own pants.*

Gremio: Pl-please... I need you... *he whispered weakly, desperately needing to feel his lover inside him...*

Grenseal: *He nodded and hefted Gremio's waist with both hands, arching him a little. Kneeling between the outspread legs, he began to gently sink in, breathing out slowly to keep from ravaging the beautiful blond.* Tell me... if it hurts...

Gremio: *He shook his head, tears still filling his eyes. It did hurt a bit, but he needed it more...* N-no... I... want...

Grenseal: *He can see the strain in the slender thighs and waist. He is hurting his lover and it tore at him. However, the need he sees in the blue eyes and the tears are enough to make him go mad with desire. Holding securely on the lithe frame, he began to thrust, at first slow, then faster.*

Gremio: *Moaning his lover's name, he clenched the sheets, trying to push himself against the knight. He felt the burning inside him, needing this so much it was making him insane.*

Grenseal: *He pushed in, enjoying the clamping tightness around himself. His arms gathered the slight upper body and held it against his chest, panting lips seeking out the other's hungrily,* Gremio...

Gremio: *He wrapped his arms around his lover tightly, his lips met the other's for a passionate kiss.*

Grenseal: *He continued to move, albeit awkwardly for their bodies were so close against each other's. Not caring if it got squished, he forced his right hand between their rubbing abdomens and cupped his lover's burgeoning member. It was so warm against his palm, weeping white droplets. Feeling his own release approach at the tight constrictions, he grunted softly against Gremio's mouth.*

Gremio: *Moaning under their kisses, he felt the burning feeling finally releasing as he came against Grenseal's warm hand. He sobbed silently, totally losing all his senses, just feeling Grenseal inside him.*

Grenseal: *The momentary tension from Gremio's orgasm is enough to give him his own. He bucked a little against his lover, sighing out the beloved name, then fell atop the lean chest. He was spent as well, not having been at a full condition before this tryst. Breathing a little raggedly, he nuzzled his handsome face against Gremio's shoulder.* ...I love you. With all my life, all my soul... I love you, Gremio. Don't leave me behind ever again.

Gremio: *He was feeling so tired now. Half asleep he whispered his lover's name* Grenseal... I love you...

Grenseal: *He nibbled lightly at the other's lips, urging sleep. Seeing his lover off into deep slumber, he pulled himself off of the delectable body and out of the bed. As much as he wanted to sleep next to his beloved like this... he didn't want to imagine what Liukan and the nurses would say at seeing them thus. He carefully pulled down Gremio's tunic from where it was hiked and bunched above the chest and put pants back on both of them. He was doomed for a sleep on the chair next to the bed, but he was contented with the deal. He had his most precious one back... and this time, he was set to protect him from harm.*