Grenseal was lying in his bed, concentrated on a book. He was alone in the room; Alen was out at the moment, taking care of some minor things on behalf of General Teo McDohl. The two knights had the evening off, and Grenseal found the book interesting, so he would probably stay here and read. But he knew Alen wouldn't... His friend had something planned.

He turned the page and continued reading, not noticing that someone entered the room. Startled by the sound of the door, the dark-blond young man lifted his head, just to see his red-clad friend. "Oh, it's you. You scared me. Back already?"

"As you can see."

"Got it done?"

The brown-eyed young man nodded. "All done. General Teo is still at the castle... He'll probably work late today. He said that he needs to go through some papers."

Grenseal smiled slightly. "Master Teo is a workaholic. I won't go and say that to him, though..."

"Me neither. But you're right, he works too much... But that's just how he is." Alen smiled back. He walked over to the other bed and started to remove his uniform.

The younger swordsman resumed reading the book, not being able to keep from glancing at his friend once in a while. He didn't usually watch his friend change clothes, but today...

Alen got undressed pretty quickly. He took his civilian clothes and got dressed again. "There." He folded his arms, smiling. "Gren? It's our night off, and you're going to waste your time here?"

"So what?" Grenseal sat up, still holding the book. He studied his friend, who was wearing normal clothes now. The dark-haired man looked handsome... Of course, Alen looked good in his uniform, too, but the younger man would never tell him that.

He put the book away and lay down again, still looking at his friend. For some reason, Alen's dark eyes followed his every move.

"Are you going already? You mentioned something about..." the green-eyed swordsman said.

The older man grinned. "I'm not in a hurry... But yep. I have a date."

"So, who's the lucky young man?" Grenseal asked. He knew very well that Alen liked other men. He closed his eyes for a few seconds and took a deep breath.

Alen was his best friend. They were together almost all the time, working for General McDohl and all. And they had been together for years now, back from when they were in the Officers' Academy. He loved the older man. Mostly, like a friend, or like a brother, but... He had realized that there was something else, too. But, Alen was careful, and never went too far with their relationship. He was Grenseal's friend, that was all. Thus, the dark blond doubted that the other man felt anything for him. Well, anything more than a friend would.

Grenseal loved him, and he was afraid that he loved him a bit too much. He was actually jealous of the fact that Alen was going out, and not with him. And this wasn't the first time he felt like this, either.

The dark-haired man shrugged, carefree look on his face. "What? It's just... someone. You don't know him, so who cares. Hey, why don't you come with me?"

Grenseal sighed. "I'd be in the way. You go. I'm going to read... and think."

The other man sat down on the other bed. "Think about what? Tell me."

"Shouldn't you be going?"

"Nah, I have plenty of time... Or is it something you don't want to tell me? Which would be a miracle, because we talk about everything."

"All right... if you wanna hear. There's nothing new in what I'm about to say."

Since Alen just smiled, Grenseal glanced around the room and continued. "Look at this place. This is a small room. Just a small room in a building where a bunch of army officers live."

"So? We've lived here for a long time now. And hey, this is bigger than the room we had when we were in the Academy."

The green-eyed man shook his head. "That's true. I'm not complaining, but..."

"What?" Alen smirked. "You're not tired of living with me, are you?"

Grenseal laughed. "No! I was just thinking... I really want to get an apartment from Gregminster. Wouldn't need to come here when we have a night off, and besides, my own apartment means more room. And privacy. For example, I hate it when I try to read or something, and someone walks back and forth in the corridor..."

"We've talked about this a couple of times, haven't we?"

"Yeah." The younger man shrugged. "But all those times, we've come to the conclusion that we're just fine living in here. Busy schedule, and all that."

"True."

"You remember when all we used this room for was sleeping? We worked hard, never really spent any time in here. It has changed. We've gotten used to working for General Teo, and we know how to manage our schedules."

"True again," the older swordsman replied. "Nowadays, we aren't that fanatic. We don't need to be. Well. Tell me the rest of it, too, while you're at it."

"You read my mind, don't you?"

The brown-eyed man chuckled. "Of course! Well, come on! What made you start thinking about it again?"

"Okay... Well. An old friend of my father's is moving down to Lenankamp. His daughter lives there or something. He's going to rent out his apartment, and I'm pretty sure he'd let me have it, if I'd just tell my father that I might be interested."

"Then what are you waiting for? That's a great opportunity!"

Grenseal shook his head, smiling. "And what would I do with an apartment that has two bedrooms, a dining room and a kitchen? It's too big for me."

"Didn't you just say you want more room?"

"Yeah, but... It's too roomy. Besides, I don't know about the rent... Would I be able to afford it?"

Alen grinned. "You talk to your father about it. Then we'll go see the place. If we like it... We'll rent it together."

The younger man smiled again. "You're interested? But you'd be doomed to share it with me, you know."

"Heck, of course I'm interested! I'm finally getting tired of higher-ranking officers watching my every move." Alen smiled back. "If there's even a chance we can get an apartment from the city, I'll take it. And sharing the apartment with you... Nothing new there."

"Settled then? I'm seeing my father tomorrow morning, so..."

The black-haired man stood up. "Yep! Well, I'd better go now... See you tomorrow."

"Sure. Uh, good night then, Alen. Have fun."

"I will." With that, the dark-haired man left the room.

Grenseal sighed, smiling. He had wanted his own apartment for some time now, instead of just having a room in the army buildings. He was well paid, so he didn't really have to worry about the rent, but... He was too used to living with Alen. But since the other man was ready to share that apartment with him...

He lay down and picked up the book again.

An hour passed. The dark blond finished the chapter he had been reading and put the book away. His head was hurting a bit, so he didn't feel like reading more.

Oh well... Maybe I should just go get some fresh air... he thought. I can always read more later.

He smiled to himself, took his cloak and headed out of the building.

It was peaceful outside. It was dark already, but the moon was full, and there were lanterns and torches everywhere in the castle area. Grenseal walked around for a while. He had nothing to do, so he just enjoyed the evening.

Half an hour later he noticed he had ended up near the castle entrance. The guards greeted him - they recognized him as one of Lord McDohl's men.

Castle, eh? Wonder if Lord Teo is still... Maybe I should go check. And tell him to go home, if he still is working...

He entered the castle, walked along the long corridors until he reached his destination. He stopped by the door of General Teo's office. He hesitated for a while, then knocked on the door.

"Yes, who is it?" called General McDohl's voice from the room.

Grenseal opened the door. The dark-haired general was sitting behind his desk, looking at some papers. He stopped for a while to see who had come to interrupt him, and smiled slightly when he saw it was the green-clad swordsman.

"Good evening, Master Teo," the young knight greeted his liege.

"Grenseal. But what are you doing here this late? Isn't it your night off?"

The younger man nodded. "It is, my lord. Well, I went out for a walk, and since I was near the castle... I thought I'd come to see if you're still here. Alen said you were working."

The general smiled. "I still am. This is going to take forever... I need some of these papers checked by tomorrow morning, so I'll have to work half of the night. I'll be staying here tonight... Already sent a message to my son."

"Anything I could do to help you, my lord?" Grenseal asked.

Teo shook his head. "It's your free evening, Grenseal. You don't need to worry about this."

"Oh, but it's nothing, Master Teo. I'd be glad to help."

The tall general sighed. "Well. If you insist... I've realized that I have some papers at home. I might need those. Would you go get them for me? I'd rather send someone I trust to get them, anyway."

The green-eyed knight smiled. "But of course, Lord Teo."

"Thank you. To be honest... I'm a bit worried about my son. There's only Gremio with him, since Cleo and Pahn went to one of the small villages outside Gregminster to visit a friend. Garrett is a big boy, and Gremio can take care of him, but still..."

"I think I understand, Master Teo. Don't worry, I'll check that your son is okay. And I'll get those papers for you. Where can I find them?"

"They're on my desk. The ones that have the official seal on them. It's getting late... The front door might still be open, but if it isn't..." The dark-haired man handed Grenseal a key. "Oh, and if Garrett is still awake, tell Gremio to put him to bed right away. It's past his bedtime. And... Garrett has been looking so tired lately, every time I've seen him. It's not like me to worry like this, but..."

The young knight was still smiling. "My lord... I'm sure Gremio has put him in bed already. No need to think about it."

"You're probably right..." Teo sighed again. "Gremio is the one who worries too much, not me. Well. Go on now. I'll just look through these papers here... and then those..."

"I'll be back in about an hour, my lord. Don't overwork yourself."

"I won't..." The general buried himself in paperwork. Grenseal sighed and shook his head, smiling a bit as he headed out of the Royal Palace.

The green-clad knight stopped in front of the door of the McDohl Mansion and tried it. It was locked. It was late, so he had mostly expected this. He took the key the general had given him and opened the door.

He moved in quietly, not wanting to wake up the Young Master or Gremio. It was likely that the two were sleeping, since the house was silent. He walked up the stairs and followed the corridor until he got to the general's study.

The young knight glanced around once inside the room, then he walked over to the well-organized desk. He had no trouble finding the papers Lord Teo had been talking about, so he just slipped them into an empty folder which he took from the sideboard, and turned to leave.

Got everything here... And I don't think I even need to check the Young Master, since... Hmm?

He blinked, then glanced around. He had just heard something, but it was not from this room. He moved to the door, opened it and closed it behind him. There was nothing in the corridor.

He heard it again. It was like... someone was crying, or...

Very slowly, with his hand reflexively seeking the hilt of his sword, the knight walked to where he thought the sound was coming from. He knew the mansion well - this was the Young Master's bedroom. He stopped by the door and listened.

Now he could hear it clearly. That sound... It wasn't a cry. It was a moan, caused by pleasure. A silent moan, with something mixed in the sound of it. He could recognize the voice, although it was very quiet; it was the voice of the son of General Teo McDohl.

The door was almost closed, so Grenseal gave it a gentle push to open it. He took a step into the room, but the doorway was as far as he could go. After taking that one step, he froze.

The Young Master, dressed in his nightshirt, was inside the room. And he wasn't alone. The boy was leaning against the wall, with the blond manservant in front of him. Gremio's cloak blocked some of the view, but Grenseal could see what was happening clearly enough. The manservant was touching the boy; his left hand was on the boy's crotch. The boy mewed silently, his hands wrapped around the blond.

Grenseal held his breath, unable to stop his jaw from dropping down. His green eyes widened, and he blinked a few times, not knowing if this was real or if he was just seeing things.

The manservant leaned down to kiss the boy. The lips that covered the boy's mouth silenced the soft moans efficiently, but the way the dark-haired boy was trembling gave him away. He was fighting a powerful feeling, one that would win in the end.

The blond's hand moved down a little, making the boy squirm. Then the young McDohl moved his right hand from Gremio's waist to somewhere where it was hidden by the green cloak. Whatever he did, it caused his lover to shiver a bit.

The green-clad swordsman gasped. He knew exactly what he had walked into, and he couldn't believe what he saw. That was, Gremio fondling the Young Master. And the other way around, too.

And then the folder slipped from his hands and dropped down on the floor. The unsuspecting lovers broke their kiss abruptly and turned to look at the source of the sound.

Gremio looked totally shocked when he saw the knight. "Gren... seal?!" The blond man's lips formed the swordsman's name, but he was barely able to say it aloud. The younger man blinked a few times, but didn't reply.

Few seconds passed, but for each one of them, they felt like an eternity. Then the manservant reacted by grabbing his cloak and taking it off. He wrapped it quickly around the boy, lifted him up and carried him to the bed. All Grenseal could do was stare.

The dark-eyed boy didn't say a word. He looked scared, leaning on Gremio like he was the only thing in the world that could protect him. Gremio glanced at Grenseal, then looked at the boy, holding him for a moment and whispering something to him. Then the manservant covered the boy with a blanket, stood up and turned to face the green-clad man who was standing in the doorway.

Gremio had turned pale. "Grenseal... I-if I m-may h-have a word with y-you... D-downstairs?" he stuttered, his eyes begging the knight to agree. Grenseal gulped and nodded slightly. He knelt down to pick up the folder and left the room after glancing at the boy who was sitting on the bed.

The blond man said something to the dark-eyed boy hastily, then followed the knight downstairs. "B-better if we g-go to my room," he suggested to the younger man. Grenseal didn't say anything, just walked over to the small room near the kitchen.

Gods! What am I supposed do? They were...! I hope Gremio has some logical explanation to this.

Once in the bedroom, the blond sat down on the bed, letting the knight take the only chair in the room. He waited a short time before saying anything.

"Grenseal. I... W-what you saw..." The manservant stared at his hands, trying to choose the right words to say whatever he was about to say. Then he looked at the younger man.

"I... Young Master... You should know. I've served Master Teo for years. Most of that time, I've been taking care of his son. We..." he paused for a few seconds, trying to get his mind together. "Oh no, you must be thinking ill of me! You must think that I just use the Young Master like some heartless... I don't know if you believe me, but I do not!"

The younger man blinked. From what he knew, Gremio wasn't exactly the type to use someone. He shook his head slightly, but remained silent.

The manservant sighed. "I... wish I knew how to explain this properly. I don't know how, but I have to. You are practically Master Teo's right-hand man... So I suppose that right now, you are thinking whether or not to go and tell him. Before you make up your mind, please listen to what I have to say."

"Um..." Grenseal was too stunned to say anything. Lord Teo? He hadn't had the chance to think about the general and this situation. And he suddenly realized that he really didn't want to be the one to tell his liege about something like this.

"P-please?"

Feeling that he was out of options, the young knight just nodded again, looking at the older man.

"Me and the Young Master..." Gremio began, still trying to figure out how to explain this. "We... Uh... I can't claim that what you saw wasn't what it looked like. We both know it was. Um, for how long were you standing there?"

Grenseal looked down at the floor. "Not... that long, really."

"Well, y-you still saw what we were doing."

"I did," the knight agreed.

The manservant shifted his position a little. "I beg you; please don't go tell Master Teo. I have no idea what he'd do, but in the worst case, he might take my life!"

Grenseal shook his head again. "No... Lord Teo isn't that kind of person."

"What difference does it make? I know you understand what the consequences would be. If you tell him, that is. I might not lose my life, but I would lose the Young Master, and that's... worse than dying."

The swordsman raised his head and looked at the older man. "Worse than...?"

"Yes." Gremio looked the other man straight in the eyes. "I love the Young Master. Not just like a servant does; I really love him. I couldn't imagine living without him. And I couldn't bear the thought of him being alone."

"Mmh." Grenseal didn't feel like interrupting the other's speech, so he just kept quiet.

The blond sighed. "The Young Master is old enough to know about... things. Gods, it's not like this was my idea! One day, he just... came to me and told me he loved me. I didn't think of it like that; it wasn't the first time he had said it. I just thought that of course he loved me, after all those years..."

Gremio paused again. The green-clad knight looked at him, while trying to put this all together.

"But... Several days later... He said it again. And then he kissed me. On the lips. And it wasn't just a friendly kiss, it was a... And then..." Gremio closed his eyes. "He said he knew that I loved him. I told him that I truly did, more than anything in this world. I couldn't lie, after all. Well. After that, we... became more or less lovers."

The knight couldn't think of anything to say, so he just looked at the other man, waiting for him to continue.

"What you saw..." the blond looked for the right words once again. "We were... That was just... fondling. Yes, we have made love, if that's what you're wondering. Not my idea, either. I wish I knew who told Young Master about all those things. But he knows all about it, so..."

Grenseal's mouth felt dry. My gods... not Alen?

In his heart, he knew it had been Alen. But he decided it was better if he didn't tell that to Gremio. The boy would surely tell him, in time.

"It's hard for us," Gremio said. "We can't let anyone know. Not that we'd care, but you do realize the position we're in? Young Master isn't an adult yet. I'm his servant. We have to keep this a secret until the Young Master becomes of age, at least... and even then..."

The manservant looked at the younger man again. "Tonight, we were careless. But the house was empty, Master Teo sent a word that he'd be staying in the castle... We didn't expect anyone to come here." He sighed. "Such secrecy... We've managed to keep this from Cleo and Pahn, too. No one knows. Except..." Fear flashed in Gremio's eyes.

Grenseal swallowed. "No one except me."

"I beg you! I love the Young Master. I know he loves me. If you..."

"Gren?" asked a quiet voice from the door. Both men turned to look at the boy who was standing by the door, a green cloak around him.

"Young Master..." Gremio whispered.

The boy walked over to the blond manservant and sat down next to him. "Gren... you won't tell dad, will you?"

"I..."

"Please? He'll get really mad. Then he'll send Gremio away. And he'll probably send me away, too. I don't want to be alone. I don't want to leave home, and I don't want to be apart from Gremio."

Grenseal looked at the boy. "Young Master..."

"Please, Gren? I love Gremio!" The boy leaned on the man sitting next to him. "I know what true love means. Don't you dare to think that I'm just some stupid kid! I'm not. I know what I feel. If you tell dad..." The dark-haired boy took a deep breath.

"If you tell him, I'll never forgive you. You should know that as a result... I'd probably have to leave... and I could never come back to Gregminster." The boy looked a bit sad. "But, I'd go and find Gremio, and be with him. Even if it meant that I'd never see dad or any of my friends again."

"Y-young Master..." Gremio looked worried. "Please, don't say things like that."

"That's the truth." The boy's dark eyes flashed with determination. "I love you more than anything. If Grenseal tells dad about us..."

"Young Master..." Grenseal said slowly. "I... I won't tell Lord Teo. I promise. I don't want to cause a scene here."

"Scene? More like a disaster," the boy replied quietly. The knight didn't say anything, knowing that the boy was right.

"Grenseal," Gremio said, hesitating.

"Yes?"

"You are a knight... Please. Swear it. By your honor as a soldier or something. Swear that you won't even tell anyone what you saw tonight, and what I told you." Gremio looked serious.

Grenseal got up from the chair and took a deep breath. He knew he could never tell General Teo about this. That would be wrong. If someone was to tell the general, it would have to be his son and Gremio.

He bowed his head, then lifted it up and looked at the two. "By my own life and my honor as a knight, I swear that I won't tell anyone. My heart shall keep your secret."

"Thank you, Gren," the young McDohl whispered.

Gremio drew the boy closer to him and stroked his black hair. "Thank you, Grenseal. I owe you my life now, but... It doesn't matter. I'm willing to pay the price."

"Life? Please." Grenseal looked down. "The truth is, I probably couldn't bring myself to tell Lord Teo anyway. Not about something like this."

"It doesn't matter," the manservant replied quietly.

"I... don't know." The green-eyed knight looked at the two for a short period of time. "Well, good night. I have to... get back to the castle. I was here to get some papers for Master Teo; he must be waiting already..."

"Good night, Grenseal," the boy said, giving him a tired smile. Gremio just nodded. The knight walked out of the room, the out of the house and locked the door. He stood outside the building for about a minute, then headed back to the castle.

The young swordsman knew that he couldn't face his lord right now. Thus, he gave the folder and the key to a guard who stood on duty in the corridor where General Teo's office was. He told the young soldier that he was tired and didn't want the general to see him this way, so he'd rather not go in there himself. The guard nodded and took the items from him.

The dark blond stood there and watched as the guard went to the door, knocked on it and entered when summoned in. Then he sighed, wrapped his cloak around him and walked away. He knew Lord Teo had gotten the papers now, and hoped that the general wouldn't ask him about why he hadn't brought them himself.

He crossed the yard quickly, wishing to get where he was heading as fast as possible. He knew that Alen wasn't there; he just wanted to hide in the lonely darkness of their room and not to think about what he had seen and heard earlier. The guilt in his heart scared him, and the burden of silence on his shoulders was a heavy one.

Grenseal sat in the cafeteria, thinking. He had too many things on his mind, and he was tired, not being able to sleep too well after what had happened. He had finished his lunch some time ago, but he just felt like sitting here... Besides, he couldn't help but wonder where Alen was. He hadn't seen the other knight the whole morning.

Not that he would have wanted to talk to him about last night. He would've wanted to tell Alen the good news, though; he had talked to his father earlier this morning. The apartment business was a good way of taking his mind off the other things that dominated his thoughts. His feelings were haunting him again. Right now, he wasn't even sure if he would be able to talk to his friend.

A few more minutes passed, then the older knight showed up in the cafeteria. Grenseal didn't notice him until Alen walked to him and stopped by the table.

"Hey Gren," the older man greeted him.

The green-eyed man gave him a half-smile, trying to keep the slight bitterness from showing. If only he had been with Alen last night, he wouldn't have to think about... things. "Ah, Alen. Had lunch yet?"

"No, but I'm not that hungry..." Alen sat down and leaned forward a little, watching his friend. "What's that look in your eyes? Has something happened?"

Grenseal blinked and turned to look at his hands on the table. "Nothing. Why? I... Never mind. So, uh, did you have fun yesterday?"

"I guess so."

"Come on." The dark blond raised his face, the darkness temporarily gone from his eyes. "You were out on a date, and the only reply I get is that? Hey, you know the other option. It's going out with me, getting drunk, and waking up from the garrison cell with an awful headache."

Alen laughed. "That was just one time! But I'm never doing it again. Master Teo wasn't too happy to hear about it..."

"You don't have to remind me."

"Yeah..." The older man smiled, then turned a bit serious. "But it was one of the rare occasions I've actually thought that the general would get us a transfer out from his troops..."

"Nah, he never would. He's always been pleased with us, from the very beginning to this day. Oh well. Hey, Alen. About the apartment..." Grenseal changed the subject. "I talked to my father earlier. He thought it was a good idea, and said he'd to talk to his friend as soon as possible... We could probably go see the place later today. My father promised to send me a message about it."

"Great. I think we have some free time later in the afternoon."

"Yes, we do. But first, we'll go to that meeting with General Teo..." Grenseal looked a bit thoughtful for a moment.

Alen looked at him. "What is it?"

"Aw, nothing." The green-clad man shrugged and smiled to his friend. "Get something to eat, will you? We'll have to go in fifteen minutes."

"Better do that, I guess, since the next opportunity to eat anything is late in the afternoon..." Alen smiled back and went to get some lunch.

The meeting took longer than expected. Grenseal had the most unpleasant feeling the whole afternoon, and he hoped no one had noticed that he wasn't paying any attention to the meeting. He just convinced himself that he'd get used to the idea, and that eventually, he would also learn to ignore his own feelings.

He wasn't feeling like this because he knew about the Young Master and Gremio. It was because knowing about them had made him realize something about himself that he had been afraid to accept until now.

When the two knights walked over to their room in the afternoon, there was a message for Grenseal waiting. The younger man took it and read through quickly.

Alen lay down and stretched on his bed. "Ah, a couple of hours free, then we'll have to go to assist Master Teo again... So, what does it say?"

"That my father talked to his friend. And that this friend of his would be delighted if I'd rent the place. And that we can go check it out whenever we have the opportunity to do so."

"That was fast." Alen grinned. "Have something to do, or shall we go right away?"

"Well, we could, I guess."

The dark-haired swordsman got up. "Good. What's the address?"

Since the two knew Gregminster very well, it didn't give them much trouble to find the place. Grenseal knocked on the door, while Alen stood a few steps behind him. A short time passed, then someone opened the door. That someone was a dark-haired man around his fifties, with dark blue eyed. He had some gray in his hair. He smiled when he saw who was standing on his doorstep.

"My, if it isn't little Grenseal! Of course, not so little anymore... You sure look damn good in that uniform. Ah, it must have been ages since I last saw you... At your home a couple of years ago? Yes. You were a cadet back then. Look at you now..."

Grenseal smiled back. "Mr. Blackwood."

"Hey, call me Simon. Why should a knight like you call me by my last name? Knowing that you're working for the great General McDohl and all... Well, come on in!" The older man showed the two knights inside the apartment.

"So, your father said..." Simon started when they were all inside. Then he looked at the red-clad man who was following Grenseal. "Wait a minute. This is... Alen, right?"

Alen nodded. Grenseal looked a bit embarrassed. "I should've introduced you. Sorry about that... Yes, this is Alen. Alen, I don't remember what I told you, but this is Simon Blackwood, an old friend of my father's."

"Very old friend." The man grinned. "Well, sit down." He motioned towards a couple of chairs.

"Really old friend. Right." Grenseal said after they had sat down. "You've known each other since you were teenagers or something like that, am I correct?"

The blue-eyed man nodded, waiting for Grenseal to continue.

"Well. Alen... is my best friend, mostly. We work together all the time, and... Uh. I'm sure that father told you all about what I've been doing lately, so... You knew that already."

"Oh, yes he did. He's so damn proud of you that he'll talk all day if there's someone to listen. I only talked with him for about an hour, and... Heh."

"I guess so."

The old man leaned forward a little. "So, tell me. What is it like? Working for one of the six great generals?"

The green-clad knight shrugged. "Um... I don't know? We've been working for Master Teo since we were cadets, so... We're way past the point where it feels... unbelievable."

"I think I have some idea of what you're talking about," Simon replied. "Especially if you see him daily... Great man, that's what he is. Of course, you two know what he's like when not leading his army to another victory. I'm sure he's actually a very nice man."

"That's what he is... Don't you agree, Alen?"

Alen, who had been silent until now, nodded, looking at Grenseal and then at the older man. "Well, of course! Master Teo is very friendly, and..."

"Hey, Simon? Don't mind Alen - he is more fanatic than I am," Grenseal said, grinning. "He worships Lord Teo."

"Aw, shut up, Gren." The older knight couldn't hide his smile.

The blue-eyed man laughed. "I see. What, you don't?"

"Well... I..." The younger knight tried to think of what to say.

"There you go! But that's what your father said. You must both respect General McDohl very much. I'm sure that all they say about him is true."

"Oh, definitely," said Alen.

The old man looked at the two, a smile on his face. Then he fixed his gaze on the younger knight. "Grenseal... Ah, I remember when you were about seven... I asked you what you're going to do when you grow up, and you answered, 'I'm gonna be a knight!'. And look what happened... You ended up as one."

The light brown-haired swordsman smiled. "I was like that? Well, all boys that age probably want to become a knight, so I was no exception."

"But you did become one. And a special one, too. You have some rune and all..."

"Alen does, too, so..." Grenseal replied hastily. "And it's not that uncommon, if the person is compatible with a rune."

"Really? Well, how should I know? Runes are beyond my comprehension." The old man smiled innocently, then looked like he had remembered something. "Oh, excuse me my rudeness! I should be more hospitable. Can I get you anything? Water, or maybe wine?"

Grenseal shook his head slightly. "Oh, Simon! We're here to take a look at the apartment, not to... Besides, we have to get back on duty later, so we'd better not drink wine."

The old man laughed. "Ah, yes. The apartment! I was just babbling and asking you all those questions, and forgot the actual reason why you're here. Well. Your father said he'd take care of all the details, so all you have to do is tell me that you like it."

The younger knight almost blushed. "Oh my. Father is... devoting himself to things, once again."

"Ah, we're talking about your father here, Grenseal. That's how he is. And you must be busy with your work, anyway, so just be glad that he's willing to take care of things for you."

Grenseal nodded slightly. "Well... I guess I am."

Simon got up. "Well. The apartment. I'm happy that you are interested in renting it - I'm more than pleased to rent it to someone I know. Did your father tell you where I'm going?"

"Yes, he did."

"He did, eh? You should remember my daughter, the one who married that trader and ran off before I had the chance to arrange a proper wedding? She lives in Lenankamp, and made me a grandfather just a few months ago. Cute little baby girl. I've seen her, she's just fantastic... Oops. There I go, ranting again."

The green-eyed knight smiled. "It's okay. Really."

"Well then. I was supposed to... This room we're sitting in is the combined living room and dining room. Kitchen is there, and those -" the old man pointed at the doors on the right side of the room, "- are the bedroom doors."

Grenseal looked around. "Aha..."

"I'm leaving most of the furniture here. You won't mind, will you?"

The younger knight laughed a bit. "Not at all! Heh. Haven't seen much of it yet, but I got the feeling that I like this place... It's certainly bigger than the small room we have in one of the army buildings."

"You like it? That's good! Hmm... Army buildings. Oh my. That reminds me..." Simon stopped to think for a while. "I was supposed to go take care of a few things this afternoon. Should talk to an old friend who is in the Royal Guard. I have a meeting with him... Have to go, or I'll be late!" He took his cloak from the chair.

"Ah, in that case..." Grenseal started, about to stand up, but the blue-eyed man cut him off.

"Oh no! You barely had a chance to look around. Tell you what. Here's the spare key." The old man handed Grenseal a fairly new-looking key. "You two look around, and lock the door when you leave. Alright? I have to go now. It was nice talking to you."

"The pleasure's all mine, Simon," the younger knight replied.

"You two sure make fine knights. Now I know what your father was talking about, Grenseal." The blue-eyed man smiled and patted the green-clad man's shoulder.

"Please, you're embarrassing me."

"I am? Good! Well, I'll see you before I move out of this place, so... Just look around. Later!" The old man said to the two before he left them alone in the apartment.

Grenseal sighed. For a moment he pondered about leaving, but decided against it. Instead, he stood up and smiled to Alen.

"We still have some time... Let's look around, shall we?"

"Sure."

They had seen this room already, so they checked the kitchen. It was small, but had everything they might need. They moved over to see one of the bedrooms. They glanced inside the other quickly, and could see that the bedrooms were copies of each other.

The room they were in now was pretty comfortable. It was the size of their current bedroom, so they were more than pleased. Grenseal walked over to the window and looked outside.

"Damn you, Simon..." he muttered, laughing. "He's sure we will rent this place."

Alen shrugged. "Do we have a reason not to?"

"No?"

"Thought so. Well, I like it, so..."

The younger knight smiled and sat down on the bed. "Then the old man's just right."

"He sure seemed to respect Lord Teo," Alen noted.

"Well, a lot of people do." Grenseal glanced at his friend. "I don't think I know a person who wouldn't respect him..."

"Yeah. You know, even his enemies respect him. And..." Alen started another long rant about General McDohl. The general was one of the dark-haired knight's favorite conversation subjects, anyway.

The dark-blond swordsman didn't pay much attention. His green eyes darkened a little, as his thoughts began to wander again. He had welcomed the short moment when he had not been thinking about certain things. But now... Alen was talking about Lord Teo.

Grenseal sighed. The things he had seen yesterday... He had sworn that he'd never say anything to his liege, or anyone else. And it was for the best, he decided. The Young Master was old enough to know what he was doing.

But that still wasn't the thing that bothered him the most. The way the boy had talked... And Gremio. Neither of them doubted their feelings. They had meant every word. It made him think. Why, oh why couldn't he be like that?

I sure envy those two. They aren't afraid to tell each other how they feel.

"Gren?" Alen called his friend. "You hear me?"

"Huh?"

Alen knelt in front of him. "What's with you? You've been like that all day."

"I'd rather not talk about it. Okay?" Grenseal bit his lip and turned to look away.

"Oh, but no! It's not okay. Whatever it is, it seems to be bothering you. You can barely concentrate on your duties, and that's not like you at all."

"I don't want to talk about it. Really."

The older man stood up, then sat down next to his friend. "Don't want to, or can't?"

"I hate that, Alen." The younger knight got up and walked to the window. "Did you know that... Well. I know you very well. I know what you're thinking and feeling, most of the time. But I hate the fact that it's the other way around, too. When you just... Do that."

"Do what? Hey, why wouldn't I know you? We're together all the time. Now, tell me," Alen insisted.

"Fine, you're right. But I still can't tell you."

"What is it? What the hell is so bad that you can't tell me? There's nothing we can't tell each other, and you know it as well as I do."

Grenseal shook his head. "I can't. I promised."

"To whom?"

"If I told you, I would be breaking the promise."

Alen sighed. "But it's bothering you! If you can't tell me, whom will you tell? Master Teo? Sooner or later he'll notice that something's wrong with you, and..."

The younger man closed his eyes for a moment. "Master Teo? Please, not him. Never in my life."

"Why not? Or..." The older knight took a deep breath. "Grenseal! What is it? What is that something you can't tell to Lord Teo?"

"No. I swore I wouldn't tell a single soul. No one. Not even you." The green-clad man's shoulders tensed as he stared outside the window, seeing nothing.

"Gren. You know you can trust me."

"But..."

Alen got up, walked to his friend and put his hand on the younger man's shoulder. "Please. I hate to see when you look like that. Not to mention it has started affecting your work already."

"I swore by my life that..."

"Then, I swear by my life, and the lives I protect, that whatever you tell me, no one will get that information out of me. I'll rather die than betray an oath like this."

Grenseal turned to face his friend slowly. "Even if Lord Teo asked?"

"He can torture me, if he so wishes. I will not tell."

The younger knight sat on the chair next to the window. "I..." he started. "It has something to do with last night..."

"I'm listening."

"I shouldn't be telling this to you, but you won't leave me alone until I do, so..."

Alen folded his arms. "Damn right I won't."

The younger man sighed. "All right. Last night, after you left... I read some more, then went out for a walk. Then I decided to check Master Teo. He was still working. He needed some papers that he had in the McDohl Mansion, so I agreed to go get them for him."

Alen didn't say anything, just nodded, his eyes telling his friend to go on.

"I..." Grenseal took a deep breath. "I went to the mansion. I retrieved the papers from Lord Teo's study, and when I was about to leave... I heard something."

"And?"

"I went to check it. The sound came from the Young Master's bedroom. He was there with Gremio." The younger knight paused for a second. "They were... um..."

The dark-haired man blinked, suspecting something bad. "They were... What?"

"Gremio was touching the Young Master. That way. You know. Groping him."

"Gremio? And the Young Master?!" Alen's dark eyes opened wide. "They were... but... Oh gods. The boy is barely 14 years old! And..." Suddenly, the older man's face turned white.

"What is it?"

"My gods, Gren! The Young Master. Last year... He asked me about what it's like, being with other men... He seemed to know a lot about things like that, so I answered all his questions. I guessed that Gremio had told him about... growing up, about becoming a man. So, I thought there was nothing wrong in telling him. Besides, I couldn't say no to Master Teo's son!"

Grenseal sighed. "I kinda knew it was you... who told him about..."

Alen looked at his friend. "He's just 14... Then again, I have met 12-year-old boys who were mature enough to... know what it's all about. Mature enough to... you know. Not that I would be interested in someone that young. Please, go on. Tell me the rest."

"Young Master is more mature than he looks, and we both know that. Well... Where was I?" Grenseal took a couple of deep breaths before continuing. "They noticed I was there. I talked with Gremio. And the boy. They made me swear I'd never tell anyone."

"And you did."

"Yes. Do you realize what would happen if Master Teo found out? And... The thing is, the Young Master... Gremio said he loves the boy. The boy said that he loves Gremio. And I believe them. The boy is growing up so fast... I swore not to tell General Teo, or anyone. I expect you to keep your promise, so you won't tell, either."

Alen swallowed slowly. "I told you; Master Teo can torture me if he wants, but I won't tell him. Better that way. At least you told me. Now it won't be a secret you have to keep alone, since we share it."

Grenseal sighed. "If Lord Teo would ever even get a clue..."

"He won't. Not from us, anyway."

The younger knight gave him a faint smile, but Alen could see through that. He knew that something was still bothering his friend, but wasn't sure if Grenseal would tell him.

Some time passed, then the green-eyed man got up and straightened his uniform. They would have to go soon, otherwise they'd be late. They'd still have to walk over to the castle area, after all.

He glanced outside the window for the last time, watching the clouds moving slowly across the sky. "I really like this apartment, Alen..."

"Me too."

"You really won't mind? I mean, living with me?" Grenseal asked.

Alen stepped closer to his friend and tried to make him look at him. "Why do you think I would mind? It's not that I'd like to live alone, you know. Been living with you for years."

"Well, you'll have your own bedroom, in case..."

"Grenseal!" Fire flashed shortly in the brown eyes. "You should know me better than that!"

"Sorry."

The dark-haired man grabbed his friend's shoulders and turned him so that they were facing each other. "I still know that you're trying to avoid talking about something. What is it? Is it about Gremio and the Young Master, or...?"

Grenseal sighed. "And what makes you think that?"

"You've got such a distant look in your eyes. And now you won't look at me. Is it about me? Is it about the fact that I'm...? Come on! I'd never touch Gremio, or the Young Master... Don't even think about it."

The younger knight gasped. "You're jumping to conclusions, Alen! Like you always do. That thought never crossed my mind, I swear."

"What is it, then? Please, tell me," Alen demanded.

Avoiding the dark eyes, Grenseal turned to look outside again. He hated the fact that Alen was such a fanatic, when it came to certain things. He didn't want to talk about it. He was afraid.

"Gren, why are you...?"

The dark blond tried to shake Alen off him. "You know, we'd better go, before..."

Alen just tightened his grip, forcing Grenseal to look at him again. "We're not going before you tell me what brings those tears in your eyes."

The younger man swiped the moisture away. "It's nothing. We have to go, Alen."

"I told you why we can't go yet. Dammit, Gren, this is starting to scare me." Alen wrapped his arms around the younger man and drew him close. "What's wrong?"

Grenseal trembled a bit, then gave up and leaned his head on his friend's shoulder. "N... Nothing's wrong, Alen. I was just a bit shaken by... what I learned yesterday, that's all."

"So..." Alen asked after he had taken a deep breath to calm himself. "Which part of it was the most shocking one?"

"The part when they said they loved each other," Grenseal answered truthfully. "They meant it."

"What's so strange about that?"

"I've never seen anyone be so... devoted to each other. They wouldn't care if the whole of Gregminster knew about them. They know how they feel. I've never seen such... commitment between two men."

Alen waited a couple of seconds before replying. "I have," he said. "Just... never heard the words."

Grenseal lifted his head and looked at his friend. "You have? But... no words?"

"Words aren't needed, when the feeling is there."

"Maybe. But... Is it someone you know personally? I mean, the Young Master... We've both known him for years. He's Lord Teo's son, after all."

Alen stroked his friend's hair gently. "I guess you could say it's someone I know. Very well, actually. It isn't the same, though. He loves someone, but I'm not sure about the other man."

"Well, you... should know some people who are... like that, I guess, since you're..."

"I do, but..."

Grenseal leaned his head on his friend's shoulder again and sighed, wishing he could stay there forever. He felt safe, and wasn't scared anymore. "But... What, Alen?"

"But the thing is... Ah, never mind." Alen held the other man tightly, close to himself.

The younger knight sighed. "So, now I'm the one who has to start asking questions, worried that there's something wrong, eh?"

"There's nothing wrong, Gren." Alen patted his friend's back lightly. "You'd just laugh at me if I told you about it... Or maybe not laugh. More likely stare at me in disbelief."

"Why would I do that? You're my best friend."

"I have to wonder if..." the older man mumbled.

Grenseal moved a little and looked at the brown eyes. "So... What's this about? That friend of yours who loves someone?"

"It's not a friend of mine," Alen whispered.

"Why are you acting like it bothers you, then?" the younger man asked.

The red-clad knight resumed stroking his friend's light brown hair, looking him in the eyes. "It doesn't bother me. Much, anyway. I've gotten used to it over the years."

"What do you mean by that?"

"You."

Grenseal blinked. "Me? What are you talking about?"

"As if you didn't know." Alen moved his hand from the soft dark-blond hair to Grenseal's face, and caressed his cheek. The younger man looked somewhat bewildered.

"Come on, Gren... Well, maybe I'll say it then. I love you. But you must've known that."

The green-eyed man didn't know if he should get away, or stay here and admit that... he felt the same. But had he known? No. Alen had always been too careful with his actions. All he had known about was the love a friend would feel.

"Alen... I... didn't," he finally said, mostly whispering.

"You didn't...? You must've had some idea about my feelings..."

Grenseal shook his head gently. "Just... well, love. As a friend."

Alen shook his head slightly. "Well. I know what you must be thinking. How can I say such things, considering that I've never... done anything? The answer is, I couldn't. That kind of commitment you mentioned... I couldn't bring myself to touch you like that, knowing that you aren't... like me." The older knight paused for a second.

"So," he continued. "I had to go out and find someone who would want my touch, no matter how much I didn't want to... cheat on you. That sounds weird, but I do mean it that way. I couldn't have you, so I was... forced to..."

Grenseal didn't answer, just looked at his friend, waiting to hear the rest of it.

"Of course, I could actually sense a little bit of jealousy every time I went out by myself, but... I didn't know if I was imagining things. Maybe that was just because you are my best friend, and would want to spend your time with me... I don't know. Or maybe I was hallucinating."

"Didn't want to... touch... like that? Why... are you holding me now, then?" the younger man asked silently.

"For this one time, Gren, just let me do it. Please?" Alen wrapped both hands around the other man again and sighed. "Just this once... I felt like you wouldn't mind. That you'd actually want me to do it."

Grenseal leaned against the older man and closed his eyes. "I don't mind, Alen. Not at all."

"Then let me hold you just a bit longer. After that, we'll have to go, as you said earlier."

The green-clad knight sighed. "Alen..."

"Yes?"

"Did you know that you were right?"

"About what?" Alen asked.

"When saying that you could sense it. That I was jealous when you went out without me. I wanted to have you for myself. But... I… couldn't say it. I feared that you would get the wrong idea."

"Gren...?"

Grenseal looked at his friend again. "Let me finish? I... I've always been jealous. And the more I thought of it... It just made me understand myself, and the reason why I'm jealous. Because you would go out and do something you didn't want to share with me. At first, I thought it didn't matter, since I wasn't... like that... But... I guess I am."

"Gren, do you have any idea what you're talking about?"

"Unfortunately, yes. When I saw Gremio doing those things to the Young Master... And the boy looked so ecstatic. He liked it, wanted it. So, maybe I finally got an answer to the question I've been trying to figure out for years. If you love someone, does it really make a difference if that someone happens to be the same sex as you are? You can even go to bed with him and make love."

The older swordsman closed his eyes. "My Gods... Grenseal..."

"That's mostly it, I guess..." Grenseal bit his lower lip, but kept his eyes on Alen.

"Is it...?" Alen opened his eyes and looked at his friend.

Grenseal was shivering a little. "Mostly. Of course, if you need me to say it..."

"Say... what?"

"That... I love you."

The older man was about to say something, but he didn't. Instead, he leaned closer to his friend and gave him an insecure kiss. But when he felt the younger man responding, the kiss turned into an impassioned one. When their lips parted, Grenseal couldn't help but wonder why he was feeling so restless, but at the same time, calm. Like there was nothing in the world that mattered, except Alen.

The older man held him close for few more minutes. He just rested there, not thinking about anything. And when Alen finally let go of him, he could feel that the older man was very reluctant to do so.

"Dammit, Gren. All I want right now is to stand here and hold you close... But, we are going to be late for that stupid meeting if we don't hurry."

Grenseal sighed and gave his friend a warm smile. "Stay here... I would like that, too. But you're right. I'm not planning on letting Master Teo wait for us, so we'd better go. He might start suspecting something, if..."

"Nah..." Alen smiled back. "Oh well. Come on, then."

They walked out of the bedroom and to the front door. The younger knight glanced around before stepping out.

"I really do like this place, Alen. We had some real luck with getting an apartment..."

"We sure did. But it doesn't matter, really. I'll share that apartment with you, that's all I care about." Alen smirked. "But you know, do we really need two bedrooms?"

Grenseal laughed so hard that he had trouble locking the door behind them.

Author's notes:

The fic wasn't supposed to be this long, but... Oh well. I think I ranted a bit too much there. Anyway.

I think the story is somewhat confusing, but I can't think of what to do with it, so have to leave it as is.

- Elmina (September, 2001)