Luc: *When he saw Siren through the corner of his eyes, he felt his heart sink. He knew Siren would come his way because both he and his companions almost always did. Nearly everyone at the castle irritated him and he was almost never afraid to show it. But, he was present when Siren and his friends waited for Huan to announce Nanami's fate. He remembered the look on the boy's face when Huan told him that Nanami had died. Luc couldn't even begin to imagine what that must be like for anyone and he certainly didn't want to. He pressed his lips together, his back stiffening as he hoped that Siren, for once, would not come his way.*

Siren: *He was wandering aimlessly around the castle, trying to forget. Forget that he was alone. Nanami was gone... There was nothing left for him. He didn't look at the people passing by him in the hallway; he didn't want to see them looking at him. The only one who didn't seem to be looking at him was the magician who standing in front of the Stone Tablets of Promise. He glanced at the other boy, not really caring to look at anyone right now. //Arrogant mage... Most people here dislike him, I guess. Unlike...// He sighed and tried not to think about it. For his knowledge, everyone had liked Nanami. He stopped in front of the Stone Tablets, not really paying attention to the names written on them.*

Luc: *He would have groaned or even told Siren to shove off if he didn't have such a melancholy look on his cute face. Not bearing to look into the younger boy's face any longer, he turned away, quietly asking, "...what is it?"

Siren: *He lifted his head, a bit surprised. Usually, the mage just sounded annoyed by anyone who came close, but this time...* .... *His eyes wandered back to the tablets, and he could feel the tears in his eyes when he saw Nanami's name carved on the stone. He lowered his head and closed his eyes for a few seconds. Then he opened them again and quietly whispered, not actually meaning it as a reply to Luc question but mostly stating something he didn't want to admit.* I'm... so lonely...

Luc: *He immediately grit his teeth at that reply, not out of disgust, but rather to try to get Siren away from him before he too teared up and not just out of pity either. With narrowed eyes, he looked at Siren and curtly inquired,* "So what am I supposed to do about it?"

Siren: *He didn't reply; he just looked down when he realized the other boy had replied to him. //No one can do a thing...// He turned slowly, wanting to stay here for a little longer. Nanami's name on the stone tablet had somehow faded a bit, but it was still there. But staying here wouldn't change a thing... she was still gone.*

Luc: *He stood quietly, his pity carefully masked behind a stoic face. //What will you do now, Siren? Are you going to just stand there or leave?// He cast his eyes downward, still watching Siren and wondering what will happen now.*

Siren: *His eyes searched for the name one more time, then he had to look away. Tears were burning his eyes, and since he didn't want anyone to see him crying, he took a step toward the stairs. //I must... go and...// He swallowed and took another step, trying to look calmer than he was.*

Luc: *When he saw Siren getting ready to leave, he felt an unexplainable pang in his heart as if something was compelling him to pursue the younger boy. He turned.* Siren, wait!

Siren: *He stopped hesitantly, not wanting to stay here much longer. //What does he want...?// He wished Luc wouldn't want anything special, because he really wanted to go to his room right now.*

Luc: *He slowly took a step towards Siren, inwardly asking himself what he was doing. But, he put down any doubts that he might have as for some reason, Siren seemed to tug at him and he didn't want to let that go as he usually did. He gently held Siren's hands and licking his lips, he teleported himself and Siren to his room.*

Siren: *There was a bluish flash... and then he was in his bedroom, with Luc standing next to him. The door was partly open, and he wondered if he should go close it. He decided to leave it open until he would get an answer to one question.* ...Why?

Luc: *His stern gaze fell over Siren, pity filling his heart again, but that never showed in his hazel eyes. Without even thinking he tightly embraced the younger boy, his slender hand tassling Siren's hair. He put his lips close to Siren's ear and whispered,* "I'm lonely too, Siren..."

Siren: ...You are...? *He was quite puzzled by the response. But then again, maybe that was the truth. The mage didn't seem to have any friends. //But he doesn't seem to be interested in making friends, either... I don't understand.// Staying in the other boys arms, he turned his head a bit so he could see Luc's face.* I always thought... you didn't... care.

Luc: *He looked into Siren's eyes, quickly replying,* "I don't care." *He grit his teeth, for once sorry that he said something like that. He remembered how he would always be around in the cooking contest and any other social event. He thought they were generally lame, but he also couldn't help but observe the friendships and love between most everyone else. He never showed it, but he would feel pangs of envy every time he saw Tengaar or Miklotov get gifts of shows of affection from their lovers. He remembered how he even cried when he saw Tengaar's beaming face as she showed off her ring, her symbol of love for Hix. He didn't understand why these things upset him, but they did and it angered him as well as perplexed him.*

Siren: Then why...? *He wanted an answer, but somehow, he felt like he shouldn't be asking. He wasn't alone right now, and that gave him a little comfort... But still, he couldn't understand the mage, and that bothered him. If Luc didn't care, why was he doing this?*

Luc: *Acutely aware of Siren's warm body close to his and of that questioning gaze, he was at a loss for words.* I... I...

Siren: *He tilted his head, studying Luc's face. He was quite surprised by the fact that the mage didn't reply. //He... doesn't know what to say?//*

Luc: *//Oh, you look adorable that way//. He bit his lip as soon as he thought of that, but he couldn't quite help him. Holding Siren at arms length, he said, * I just thought you would be comforted... *//Ugh...that was stupid, but...// He grit his teeth.* When I told you I was lonely too, I wasn't lying... I... *He closed his eyes.*

Siren: *He leaned on the other boy.* I thought so... That... there was someone you... liked very much, and now... You can't be together. *He sighed. //Kind of like me and Jowy, I guess.// He closed his eyes as well, letting his mind wander. Luc... there were so many things he wanted to know, but he was still a bit uncertain. If the mage would talk first, then he would ask.*

Luc: *He frowned as he held Siren. //What? What is this kid talking about? I have no one... I... have no one...//* He took a couple of deep breaths before saying,* "I just want to comfort you, that's all..."

Siren: *He looked at the mage, looking a bit hurt. //You're lying... I can see it from your eyes.//* Oh, really? I just thought... You said it yourself - you are lonely. It's not that hard to see... *He took a deep breath to get the courage to start asking questions.* So... who was this person? Someone from Harmonia?

Luc: There is NO ONE! *He snapped, irritated at Siren for thinking that his feelings meant that he had someone else.*

Siren: .... *He looked down, feeling sad.* Why are you... so angry? *He tried to back away, but Luc was still holding him. //Why does it irritate him so much? It's obvious that...//*

Luc: *Again he held Siren at arms length.* Because you keep thinking that it's because of someone else, but it's not! It's not... *His slender fingers bit into Siren's arms.*

Siren: I... *He studied the floor for some time, then raised his face and looked at Luc.* I didn't think of it that way. You said you're lonely... I just asked what makes you so lonely. I didn't mean to upset you...

Luc: *He looked down as well, his mind busy with his thoughts. //You wish to know what makes me lonely? Watching everyone else be with their friends and lovers while I have no one. Watching people enjoy themselves in get togethers, watching people kiss and hug each other while no one does that to me!. I... I... I am afraid... afraid that people will hate me, so I cannot bear to even try get close to anyone! I... I don't need anyone! I keep telling myself that, but there's a part of me that doesn't believe that.//*

Siren: *He looked away, wondering what Luc was thinking about.* Do you... want to stay here for a little while? I... *He swallowed slowly and looked shyly at the mage.* This room... is always so empty...

Luc: *He looked up at Siren.* Why else do you think I took you here?

Siren: *Trying to smile a bit, he looked back at the older boy, feeling like some of the stress that he had because of all the responsibility and the late events was going away.* Well... guess so. You don't want to be alone, either... *He took Luc's hand carefully. He didn't want the other boy to go right now, but he didn't know what the mage was really like.*

Luc: *He smiled, relieved that he didn't have to do everything. He gripped Siren's hand firmly.* No, I don't want to be alone... not now...

Siren: *He led the other boy to the bed and sat down. He had always felt comfortable when someone was in the room with him, and right now, he was feeling much better than he had felt in the past few days. He looked at the older boy, wondering what he was thinking. He still wanted to ask Luc about all kinds of things, but was a bit afraid to.*

Luc: *Pleased that Siren did exactly what he himself intended to do, he followed the younger boy's lead. Once seated, he looked over at Siren and noted the curious look in his eyes. He smiled, something he didn't often do, as he ran his fingertips across Siren's cheek.*

Siren: *He smiled back, pressing his head slightly against the other boy's hand. //But... The way he touches me...// That kind of touch was familiar to him. Before the war and all the things that had happened... It had been Jowy.* Luc...? Do you... know what you're doing?

Luc: *He nodded, figuring that what he himself had witnessed in the castle and what he read would be enough. He felt no inhibitions as his fingers brushed over Siren's mouth. He desperately desired these acts for himself and Siren was the only one available for him.*

Siren: *He shivered a bit, feeling his body react to the touch. It had been long time since he had left anyone touch him... Sure, Nanami had touched him, but not like this. But now, Nanami was... He didn't want to think about it. He closed his eyes and forced all thoughts and feelings away, leaving only curiosity and desire.*

Luc: *Surprised that the other boy did not resist, he leaned forward and gently pressed his lips against Siren's.*

Siren: *The kiss came as a surprise, but he didn't resist. Instead, he answered it, drawing one hand around the other boy's shoulder. Luc was taking the lead now, but he didn't care.*

Luc: *Encouraged by Siren's movement, he parted the boy's lips, savoring their warm softness. //This is what it must be like for those who are together...//*

Siren: *He looked into the mage's eyes, wishing he could see what was hidden behind them. Some hidden warmth... Because, Luc was not so cold as he had always thought the older boy to be. He stayed near the mage, waiting for his next move.*

Luc: *When he noticed that Siren was trying to watch him, he pulled away, placing his hands on the boy's shoulders.* What is it, Siren?

Siren: Oh, nothing much. *He gave the older boy one of his innocent smiles and placed his hand on Luc's.* I just... didn't know you could be so... kind.

Luc: *He did something very unusual for him, he blushed.* Kind? No one has ever accused me of being kind. *He awkwardly smiled.*

Siren: *He laughed a bit, then moved closer and wrapped his arms around the other boy. He pressed his cheek against the mage's shoulder and closed his eyes before whispering,* How long has it been... since you last hugged someone?

Luc: Oh gods... *Luc wrapped his arms around Siren.* It's been a long time... *//How about never?// He, of course, didn't say that. The half truth he said was painful enough for him.*

Siren: *He sighed, smiling sadly. //Long time... For me, it's been an eternity since... it was someone like you. Nanami is my sister, after all. Nanami... was...// He suddenly felt the pain in his heart once again, and looked away, swallowing the tears.*

Luc: *He noticed Siren's movement and again held him at arms' length.* Are you okay, Siren?

Siren: *He didn't reply at first, just looked down and bit his lip.* I... *He was shivering a bit, and wished the other boy wouldn't notice. He hated being sad, but just couldn't help it.* N... Nanami...

Luc: *His eyes widened.* Oh, Siren. *He cupped Siren's face in his hands.* I--I... can only offer you my sympathy... *Then, he too looked down, not knowing what else to do, having never been in this situation before.*

Siren: *Suddenly feeling somewhat weak, he clung to the mage and closed his eyes. Being close to someone was comforting. It was just one of the worse moments... And with Luc being here, it might pass sooner than it usually did.*

Luc: Oh, Siren... *He began to stroke Siren's cheeks, not knowing what else to do.*

Siren: *He sobbed quietly, leaning against the older boy. If he had been alone, he would have felt much more miserable... But right now, he was feeling like someone understood what he was - a teenage boy who's sister was gone, rather than an army leader.*

Luc: *He sighed, wrapping his arms around Siren, rubbing his back and rocking him back and forth.* Shhh, Siren. I don't know what to say, Siren, only that I am deeply sorry that you must go through this. *He suddenly gripped Siren even tighter as he felt tears sting his own eyes.*

Siren: *He finally stopped shivering, and wiped off the tears from his face. He didn't want to cry... he had done too much of that already. He concentrated on enjoying the warmth of someone close to him, trying to empty his mind of all the things he didn't want to think about.*

Luc: *He continued to rub the other boy's back, relieved that he had stopped crying.* It'll be okay, Siren. *He honestly didn't quite think so though as he never thought that such a death was something one got over, but he didn't know what else to say.*

Siren: ... *He looked at the other boy and gave him a sad smile.* Thank you... Luc. *He let go of the mage and took Luc's hand, holding it in his own. //Maybe... he can help me to think about something else...//*

Luc: *He grasped Siren's hand and put it on his lap.* It's all I can do now...

Siren: *He moved closer and rested his head on Luc's shoulder. //I'm just glad you are here...// He closed his eyes and took a few deep breaths, calming himself down. He knew that outside this room, there was an army he was supposed to lead... but right now, he wanted to forget that. Forged all the duties he had... and just take a break from it all.*

Luc: *//So, I guess we'll keep doing this then until gods know when.// They remained this way for quite awhile, silent and lost in their own thoughts. Luc continued to absently run his hand down Siren's back, enjoying this closeness that he so rarely had.*

Siren: *He opened his eyes and looked lazily around the room, not actually caring about what he saw. This wasn't his room... This was just the placed where he slept. He shrugged and turned his head a little, ending up to look at the other boy. Luc appeared to be in his thoughts... Not completely aware of what he was doing, he moved a bit and kissed the mage on the lips gently.*

Luc: *He tensed a little, surprised at Siren's actions, but he quickly took over. He grasped the back of Siren's head, easily parting his lips and moving his tongue against the other's.*

Siren: *He let the other boy take control, losing himself into the kiss. His mind went blank, and he couldn't care less. Right now, he was feeling very comfortable.*

Luc: *He felt warmth pulsate throughout his body, especially between his legs. He pulled away for a few seconds to catch his breath before resuming his deep kiss.*

Siren: Mmmh... *He answered the kiss eagerly, wrapping his arms around the other boy. His body was slowly reacting, and he blushed a bit when he realized what was happening. //Uh huh...//*

Luc: *He pulled away again, this time to place his hands on Siren's shoulders and gently push him on the bed. He straddled Siren, looking into his brown eyes.* You are adorable, Siren. No one has told you this? *//No one has told me that...//*

Siren: *He smiled a bit abd blinked.* I... don't think so. *His face felt hot... actually, his whole body felt very hot. He looked back into Luc's eyes, admiring their beauty.*

Luc: *He tilted his head.* You don't? I find that hard to believe... *He shifted downward until his groin moved against Siren's. He closed his eyes, moaning quietly as he continued to rub against that area, his hands clinging to Siren's shoulders.*

Siren: *He gasped and closed his eyes as well, feeling extremely turned on by the mage's actions. He breathed shallowly, almost wishing that Luc would just rip his clothes off and get on with it. Then he suddenly remembered something.* ...Luc... the door...

Luc: *He jumped back, startled.* Huh? *He looked back, noticing that the door was hidden from the bed.* Don't worry about it, no one can see us.

Siren: But... the guards might hear... *He lifted his head a bit and looked to the direction where the door was. //Why am I worried about something like that? It's none of their business... they don't care.// He took a deep breath, smiled and drew Luc back down on him.* ...Nah, let's just forget it...

Luc: *He sat back against his hands.* I forgot about being heard. *The last thing he wanted was someone, anyone walking in on them from the sounds.* It's not so much the guards, but someone else... *He jumped off the bed and quickly shut the door, then leaned back against it. //What am I doing? And with Siren? But... I would never get another chance... with anyone...//*

Siren: *He sat up and looked where the other boy had gone. He moved a bit so he could see the mage.* Luc? Everything okay?

Luc: *His back stiffened.* Of course, Siren. *He went back to the bed, resuming his position on top of Siren.*

Siren: *He gave the older boy a bit nervous smile as he lay down on the bed again and put his hands on Luc's shoulders. He tried to relax, but it wasn't that easy... especially when his body felt like that.*

Luc: *He licked his lips, put his hands back on Siren's shoulders and slowly began to rub his groin against the other boy's. It wasn't too long before his felt his and Siren's penis harden.*

Siren: *He felt powerless, and just lay there, gasping for breath. His body felt so hot... except one part. It was not only hot, but on fire. He looked at Luc, his eyes telling the other boy to continue.*

Luc: *He was actually put off by what he thought was urgency from Siren. He always thought that Siren was afraid of him. Luc inwardly shrugged though, knowing that this wasn't the first time he was wrong. Outwardly, he smiled, looking into those wide brown eyes and almost seeing himself reflected in them. He began to remove Siren's scarf.*

Siren: *He just lay there and waited, breathing rapidly. Feeling the other's body so close to his own made him impatient... And at the same time, he was getting a bit nervous. //I have to wonder... Has he actually done this before?//*

Luc: *He leaned down and began to kiss the side of Siren's neck, his throat and his collarbone. He had never done this before and yet he knew exactly what to do from secretly watching the others in the castle. He banished those thoughts immediately as they pained him.*

Siren: *His hands wandered on the older boy's back. His mind wandered, his thoughts getting blurred while his body screamed for attention. It didn't matter; all he needed to do was feel, not think.*

Luc: *He shivered as he felt those warm, strong hands glide down his slender back. It didn't stop him from feeling Siren's skin against his lips, but it made him feel even more aroused.*

Siren: *He squirmed a little, feeling Luc hard member against his body. He looked at the older boy, and for a second, he was afraid... It was Luc, after all. What if he'd be violent or something like that? The thought went away as the mage kissed him again, and he just closed his eyes.* Mmh...

Luc: *When Siren squirmed under him, he sat up, sensing the fear emanating from the younger boy.* Are you okay, Siren?

Siren: Yes... *He opened his eyes and looked at the older boy.* Just... get on with it already... *He smiled, a bit embarrassed. He drew the top sheet off the bed and dropped it to the floor, still looking at the mage.*

Luc: *He sat back, his eyes widened. //Who are you and what have you done with Siren?// When he felt that tug between his legs, he recovered from his shock and began unbuttoning Siren's shirt.*

Siren: *He almost giggled at the look on Luc's face. //Well, he doesn't know much... about me and Jowy...// He felt sad for a moment for thinking about his lover, but shook his head and concentrated on what was happening. He moved his hand along the other's side, trying to ignore the fact that his body was getting even more impatient.*

Luc: *He bowed his head as his breath came out in a gasp, his cheeks flushing red. Reaching the last button on Siren's red shirt, he quickly removed it and began to gently run his hands across Siren's shoulders.*

Siren: *He lay back, leaving his hand on Luc's waist. He would've removed some of the older boy's clothes, but he didn't know if Luc would've like that... and besides, he wasn't sure how to remove the garments anyway. So, he just lay there, letting Luc take care of things for now.*

Luc: *He shifted his weight, gritting his teeth as he felt his genitals again touch Siren's. He suddenly grabbed Siren's shoulders and rolled over to the side. There, he began undoing his and Siren's pants.*

Siren: *He helped the mage by getting rid of his shoes and then the pants. He was naked now, save the scarf that was still on his shoulders, so he picked the sheet up from the floor and covered both himself and the other boy with it.*

Luc: *He simply decided to follow Siren's lead and snuggle into the sheets. He embraced Siren, finding his scent intoxicating and finding their continued genital contact more intense. It simply felt good to him and he didn't want to lose that now.*

Siren: *He caressed the older boy with his fingertips, moving his hand slowly across the mage's back. * You have... very soft skin... *He whispered and smiled, then closed his eyes and just pressed his body against Luc's, already quite lost in the pleasure this gave him.*

Luc: *He blushed, feeling little tingles scatter throughout his body. He wondered if this was what it was like for those who had lovers, but that triggered the fact that Siren would never be his. No one in Ghederan Castle would ever be his. He knew why and it was just as much his fault as it was everyone else's. He tried to shove all that aside as his grip on Siren tightened as his body tensed, waiting for that feeling to erupt entirely, hoping that it would make his problems go away, at least for awhile.*

Siren: *He moaned quietly, almost ready to give up and let the bliss take over his body. The waves of pleasure went through his body, making him shiver. He clung to the older boy, oblivious to everything that had happened during the past few days.*

Luc: Oh, Siren... *He moaned, his slender hands clutched Siren's shoulders. Tears rimmed in his eyes, some of which spilled down Siren's back. //Will anyone ever be mine? Will I ever have what the others have?// The warm seed that spilled from him interrupted his thoughts and he was in heaven, at least for a few moments.*

Siren: *He could feel Luc's pleasure... literally. He pressed his body against the mage, not caring about the fact that they were both a bit messy now. He had no control over his body whatsoever, so he came as well, gripping the other boy tightly.*

Luc: *He buried his face in Siren's shoulder, his tears gone. All Luc could hear was his own and the other boy's quick, but steady breathing. He snuggled, taking in as much warmth as he possibly could.* Did you like that, Siren?

Siren: Mmh... Yeah... *He gave the mage a tired smile, waiting a moment so his body would calm down. He hugged the older boy, enjoying just lying there and being close to the other. //It's been... ages since I last felt like this...//*

Luc: *He smiled, a rare occurrence for him.* That's good. *Then, his smile faded and he looked into Siren's brown eyes.* But, you must promise that you're going keep this a secret, okay? Don't tell anyone! Not even your closest friends. *His voice became laced with desperation.* Do you understand me, Siren?

Siren: *He looked back at Luc and nodded slowly, his face turning a bit serious.* I think I understand... *He took a few deep breaths, still looking at the older boy. //It's not like I had that many close friends anyway...//* I promise I won't tell anyone.

Luc: *He smiled again.* Good. *He embraced Siren.* Good...

Siren: *He welcomed the embrace, relaxing himself in the other boy's hold. He was feeling a bit tired, and silently wished that Luc would stay with him for a little longer. //At least until I fall asleep...//*

Luc: Do you want me to stay with you, Siren?

Siren: *He gave the other boy a happy smile and nodded.* If you would... I'd like that. *He nuzzled the mage a bit, feeling content.*

Luc: *He wrapped his arms protectively around Siren, actually rather relieved that he got to spend the night with the Tenkai Star.* I'm glad to hear that...

Siren: *He studied the other boy a bit, deciding that this was a good moment to do something he had wanted to do. Of course, he'd have to be careful, but he was curious.* Luc... mind if I ask you something? How long has it been since you... did... something like this?

Luc: *He blushed.* Uhm... *He pursed his lips.* I've never been with anyone... *He narrowed his hazel eyes.* The only reason why I seem to know anything about this is because I read it about. Also, because sometimes I would watch people.

Siren: Never? *He was surprised, not quite sure if that was the truth. Luc didn't seem to be unexperienced... but he couldn't say, really.* Not even... in Harmonia? You had... close friends there, eh?

Luc: *Chills ran down his spine. He looked sternly at Siren.* No.

Siren: ...Oh. *He thought about it, wondering if he was willing to risk it.* So... Not with Sasarai, either? You seem to know him pretty well, after all...

Luc: *When Sasarai's name was mentioned, he gasped, his body tensing and his eyes flashing in anger.* Don't you ever mention his name! Ever!

Siren: *He fell silent for a while, concentrating on finding a comfortable position. When he was able to look at the other boy again, he glanced at the mage carefully and whispered,* I... I'm sorry... I didn't mean to... *Luc's reaction only made him even more curious, but he was too afraid to ask anything more about the Harmonian priest. //But... he means something to you, I guess... none of my business, really, although I'd like to know more...//*

Luc: *He lowered his eyes, resting his head against the soft pillow.* Don't apologize, Siren. It's just that I don't like talking about it. Surely you must have known that. I've seen you hire Richmond to do investigations and I know you had to have asked him about me...

Siren: *He didn't reply, but his eyes told Luc that that was correct. He just lay on the bed for a while, not knowing what to say. //Better if I just forget it... for now.// Finally he smiled to himself, taking the other boy's hand.* Want to rest a bit?

Luc: *He ran his thumb over Siren's hand.* That would be nice. I'm glad to be with you, even if it's only for this night. *//While others will have someone for years to come and I will not.// That thought made him shiver as he felt the tears return. To hide them, he closed his eyes.*

Siren: *He closed his eyes as well, moving closer to the other boy. He didn't care if it was only for one night... it had been some time since he had felt peaceful like this.*

Luc: *For the first time in his life, he felt some sort of love, some sort of comfort and peace that he had never felt, even with Leknaat. He honestly enjoyed this feeling and hoped that one day, he would have this for himself. He'd never admit it, but the yearnings in his heart would always be with him.*