The tavern in the inn at Caleria was quite peaceful tonight with not too many people around, and the few people who were sitting there weren't making too much noise. Actually, Luc wasn't so sure about if it was a quiet night or if this was just normal late at night; he didn't have many experiences to compare with. Sitting in a tavern wasn't something he usually did.

They had arrived only an hour before, and he was planning on continuing to Le Buque in the morning where he would meet with Sarah. From the rest of his group, Albert was here to join the Harmonian troops en route to attack the Safir Clan, and Yuber was apparently planning on going with the redhead for now. Luc didn't know about the Black Knight's plans, but since his presence was not required at Le Buque, the black-clad demon was most likely to go where there would be chaos.

Luc couldn't claim that he wasn't tired - actually, he was pretty much exhausted - but he had too much to think about. He had considered going to his room several times now but sat in the tavern anyway, not even drinking anything. He didn't know why he preferred this place for his thinking. He absently thought that maybe he had gotten used to having people coming and going back when guarding the tablet in the Dunan Unification Wars.

He glanced to his side when he heard someone approaching and nodded as Albert Silverberg stopped by the table.

"Complete with your preparations yet, Master Luc?" The strategist asked, his green eyes studying the other man. If there had been any emotion visible on Albert's calm face, one might have thought that he was slightly worried, but, of course, he never showed it.

"Yes," Luc answered, sighing. "I'll continue to Le Buque tomorrow morning. Did you meet the other Harmonian commander yet?"

"Shortly. It appears he arrived today as well," the redhead stated calmly. "I'll be accompanying Bishop Sasarai's troops. The Safir clan shouldn't be a problem. You'll have plenty of time to search the shrine meanwhile."

"Hmm." The mage lowered his face a little, somewhat glad of the fact that the mask covered his face and Albert couldn't see him frowning when hearing the name of the bishop. "It won't take long. I'll take care of things at Le Buque, and then..."

Albert nodded slightly. "Good. I'll send Yuber to bring any messages if needed. I think I'll call it a day, and I would suggest the same for you, Master Luc."

Luc shook his head. "I'll be fine. I'll rest later and leave first thing in the morning. Good night, Albert."

The strategist nodded then turned and walked to the doorway. Before he vanished from sight, Luc's eyes caught a glimpse of a black-clad figure following him. He shrugged mentally, guessing that his earlier idea about Yuber's plans had been right. Where Albert was going, there would certainly be fighting, and the Black Knight surely wouldn't want to miss that.

He sighed again silently, returning to his thoughts. There were so many details to consider, even though his next move was clear. The objective was to get the elemental True Runes, and the best lead at the moment was to go check the shrine in Le Buque.

He raised his head, taking a look at the half-empty tavern, idly watching a bunch of Harmonian soldiers enter and sit by the counter and tables, talking about random things and ordering drinks. He tried to concentrate his thoughts back to the plans but failed.

Sasarai.

Of course, it was expected that a bishop would be leading the attack against Safir Clan, but the name of the Harmonian commander annoyed him. Out of all the bishops who lead troops, it just had to be Sasarai.

My brother. My clone. We're both nothing but Hikusaak's clones...

"You're here..."

Luc cursed the world silently and then cursed fate that it was playing tricks on him again. He hadn't even noticed that the bishop was one of the Harmonians that had entered a moment before. He did realize there was someone standing in front of his table, and this someone was clad like the other Harmonians.

This particular Harmonian's voice just happened to belong to someone he knew.

"Bishop Sasarai," he noted simply, not bothering to look straight at the other man. "What gives me this pleasure?"

Sasarai smiled, gesturing towards the chairs by the table, obviously asking if the other bishop wanted company. Luc couldn't think of a good excuse to refuse right away, so he nodded slightly.

"The pleasure is all mine, bishop," the other man said, taking a seat. "I met your strategist a little earlier, so I knew you made it to the town too. Mr. Silverberg is with you, isn't he? I just didn't expect to find you hanging around in the tavern..."

"He is," Luc answered quietly, occupied by thinking of an excuse to leave. "I didn't expect to find myself here either. Bishop Sasarai."

Sasarai nodded then stopped to say something to a Harmonian who brought him something to drink. Luc thought he had seen the man somewhere; he didn't remember exactly where but heard Sasarai referring to him as 'Dios'. They were left alone a second later, and Luc still found himself unable to come up with an excuse. Suddenly wanting to go to rest sounded nice but would have been impolite.

"Please, just call me Sasarai. We're both bishops, so titles aren't really needed," the other man said to him, smiling warmly. "Except I still don't know your name..."

"You'll have to excuse me then. I'd rather keep things that way for now."

"I see..." Sasarai took a sip from his drink, apparently not pleased with the answer but also appearing to know the there was nothing he could do. "You must be tired after the trip from Crystal Valley and all."

"Somewhat," Luc mumbled for an answer then cursed in his mind, realizing a second later that this was a perfect opportunity to escape from the other's company, but he missed it when Sasarai continued by ranting something about Harmonia's capital. He nodded at certain points and added some silent comments, not really paying attention to the conversation.

"...So..." Sasarai said after a while. "You'll continue to Le Buque tomorrow?" After a moment passed without a reply, he continued. "Hey? Everything okay?"

Luc blinked, catching himself from thinking about things very much unrelated to his mission but quite a lot related to the man sitting in the same table. He took a deep breath, turning to look at the other man's face for the first time during the conversation. "...Yes? Sorry. My thoughts were wandering..."

The other bishop nodded understandingly. "I see. I was asking about Le Buque. Can we trust on you to get the cooperation of the Mantor Trainers?"

"That is my mission, is it not?" The mage answered. "I'll instruct them on the mission and everything. You don't have to worry about anything."

Except about the fact that I would like to take that rune of yours, 'brother', he added in his mind.

"That's good to hear," Sasarai continued after taking a sip from his drink. He changed his position in the chair, smiling to Luc. "Well, with the military details in order, I... Well. So you refuse to tell your name, but would you at least tell me something? Forgive me, but I am a little curious..."

"Understandable," Luc answered silently, sighing. He would have preferred to go to rest already but still failed to come up with a good way to excuse himself politely enough. Not that being rude to Sasarai wouldn't have bothered him, but he didn't want to raise any suspicions. "...All right. Anything specific you'd want to know?"

"Where were you born, for instance? I mean... You... Did refer to High Priest Hikusaak when..."

Luc's gaze wandered to the other Harmonians sitting by the tables. He didn't feel like staring at his clone's face for too long; the sight was, after all, kind of like looking into a mirror, and it bothered him. "...I believe we were talking about the place earlier. In Crystal Valley. Let's just say that I wasn't raised in the Temple..."

"Ah, I see. Was your mother..." Sasarai trailed off, deciding the question might not have been appropriate. "Uh, never mind. I presume your assistant is already awaiting you at Le Buque? I think I heard someone mention something like that."

"Yes... I'll meet her there later. Things will be taken care of there. Well, if you..." Luc was about to continue 'excuse me' and finally comment that he was going to rest, but he shut his mouth as the Harmonian that Sasarai had called Dios stopped by the table again, informing the bishop that he and a couple of others were leaving to take care of some preparations.

"But it's getting late," Sasarai told him. "Are you sure you...?"

"It'll be fine. You should know me well enough that I won't stay up longer than necessary," Dios answered. "You should get some rest yourself, sir."

The bishop nodded, closing his eyes. "All right then, Dios. Thanks. I'll go rest soon."

Luc stared, annoyed as Dios said goodnight to his commander and left. He was really starting to dislike the situation and was sure fate just wasn't on his side tonight. He was once again glad about the fact that he had the mask on; this way, his companion was unable to see the anger in his eyes.

"Sorry about that," Sasarai said after a moment passed. "What were you saying again? We were talking about your aide... Is she reliable?"

"You have nothing to worry about," Luc answered, sighing without a sound. He comforted himself with the fact that the other man would probably feel the need to go get some rest soon as well, and then he could get away from him. "I've known her for several years and would trust her with my life."

The other man nodded. "Hmm. As reliable as Dios is, then, I guess. Sorry for not properly introducing you two; Dios is my right-hand man. He was the one who stopped here just a moment before..."

"I understood that much."

"Maybe we'll get a chance to do that later," Sasarai continued, smiling slightly again. "If you're going to be part of the attacks here, I'm sure we'll meet again and..."

What a lovely idea. Luc sighed, not paying attention to the rest of the Harmonian's words. He didn't really wish to meet Sasarai again anytime soon until it was necessary. And during that encounter, I will take your rune. Would always be better for you if you cooperated when the time comes...

The other man soon asked about something, so he pushed his thoughts aside for a while and answered quietly, making sure he didn't sound too interested in the conversation. He was letting Sasarai do the talking anyway, and returned to just making short comments and nodding now and then. He was pretty convinced that his brother/clone would give up soon.

"...And with your strategist to help my troops... I'm sure it'll be a breeze," Sasarai finished his explanation about something related to the attack. "I'm sorry. I'm boring you with the war stuff again. I hope I'm not talking too much... It's just that I don't get a chance to talk with someone of my own rank in the field too often. And I am still interested in learning more about you... Unless you don't want to talk about it?"

"Not really," Luc answered, shaking his head shortly. "But I guess you've come to that conclusion already."

Sasarai nodded, smiling a little disappointedly. "Actually, I have. But I still wonder..." He tilted his head a little, curious. "...About your face. You won't show it to anyone."

"No, I don't, obviously."

"Hmm. Just as mysterious as your name. But..." Sasarai stopped for a second, taking a deep breath then continued. "Forgive me for asking, but is there something wrong with your face? Have you... Hurt it, or something? And that's why you hide it?"

Luc smiled under his mask. "It's nothing like that, Bishop... Excuse me, Sasarai. I hide my face for my own reasons. It's not about aesthetics." He lowered his head a little, looking at the desktop. "I guess you'll learn about it later," he then added, smirking to himself.

"How... Intriguing. Later, hmm," the other man mused, changing his position in his chair. "Does that mean you are planning on revealing your identity later?"

"Something like that. When the time comes."

Sasarai leaned forward, placing his hands on the table. "Do you ever take the mask off? You sit here in a tavern, but you're not drinking anything. So...?"

The mage nodded slightly, still smiling to himself. The other bishop's curiosity amused him, somewhat. "I'm not here to get drunk."

"Neither am I; I'm only drinking orange juice. I supposed you're not looking for company, either..." Sasarai trailed off, staring at the other man curiously, a slight smile on his face. "Sorry. I didn't mean it that way. As bishops, we don't really have time for such activity..."

Luc shrugged. "I guess."

"So. Do you ever take it off? I guess you have to, to drink or eat but...?"

"But do I even fully take it off to do those two things?" Luc grinned under his mask, studying his clone's face. Sasarai looked so much like him that it really made him feel weird. Not that the other's face had been unpleasant to look at or anything. There was, of course, a difference compared to looking at his own image from a mirror. His clone smiled a lot more.

So little you know, my elder brother.

"Do I then presume that you don't take it off?" Sasarai asked, looking slightly surprised, but his eyes still sparkled with the inquisitive look. "At all?"

Luc laughed slightly. "All right, I do. To wash my face maybe? And... For one other thing. Just one."

"And what would that be?" The other man continued, smiling warmly again. "I don't think you're planning on taking a bath right now, so if there is a way to get to see your face... I am highly curious and willing to take my chances on you. What is that one other thing?"

"I don't think you would be willing to try that, Bishop Sasarai," Luc commented, grinning. He felt a little less tired suddenly, feeling just too amused by the other's curiosity. He decided to play his little game to the end now, betting that this would be enough to get Sasarai to leave him alone. "I think... You were referring to that a little earlier. One thing that I would take the mask off for. And I don't mean just for the looking for company part but what would follow... Not that I did that much or anything. I haven't had to remove my mask for that reason yet. But if you're really that desperate to see me take if off..."

The look on the other man's face sure was worth it. Sasarai stared at him, slowly getting the point in his words. Then, his expression went from surprised and confused to amused. "...I see now. Hmm... But does that mean..." His face turned slightly red, but he was able to continue. "...Are you hitting on me, bishop?"

"What would you do if I was?" Luc answered, shrugging. "You're the one who said you were willing to take the chance. I merely gave my honest answer."

"Do you know what you're doing?"

"I suppose I do."

"Well then," Sasarai said, nodding slightly. He lifted his glass from the table and emptied it then placed it aside. He smiled thoughtfully before continuing. "...Do you have a room here?"

Luc stared at the other bishop, completely stunned now. Once again, he had to thank the fact that he did have the mask on. He would have rather killed himself than let Sasarai see him looking so dumbfounded. The fact that the other man might have actually agreed to his suggestion had totally slipped his mind.

And I can't exactly back off now, can I? Damn it...

"Well I..." He answered after a minute passed. In his mind, he was going through other options, like telling Sasarai that he hadn't been serious, but he wasn't going to lose face in front of the man he hated more than anything in the world. "...Am staying in this inn if that's what you mean... My room's upstairs..."

Sasarai nodded again and stood. "Shall we, then?"

I'd rather sleep with Yuber, dammit! Or Leknaat. Anyone. Just... not you, Luc thought, sighing silently and getting up from his chair as well. Well. Maybe this won't be that bad... Should provide me a chance to check how much trouble taking that rune of yours will be. "This way."

He moved away from the table and walked out of the tavern, idly hoping that the other man wasn't following him. He was out of luck though, as a short glance over his shoulder as he got to the stairs proved to him that Sasarai was indeed following. He cursed fate again, bitterly admitting that this hadn't been one of his best nights. Especially when this was all his own fault.

"Have you done this before?" Sasarai asked silently as the mage stopped to open the door to his room. "I mean... No, I didn't mean that I thought you were like that or something... But..."

"...A couple of times," Luc answered, closing his eyes for a moment. He wasn't lying; he wasn't exactly a virgin, especially with another man. It had been a while. Rather, fifteen years sounded more like it. "You don't have to be so... ashamed of the subject. Have you ever been with a man?"

Sasarai didn't answer as they stepped into the dim room; Luc guessed he either hadn't, or just didn't feel like answering. "Well. Here we are..." He closed the door behind them and walked to the bed, unwillingly lighting a candle on the desk by the opposite wall. Since he had made this offer, he would have to take his mask off while they did anything, but he could at least do things as difficultly as possible. The candle's light was quite bright, enough to make his eyes hurt slightly, and he hoped it disturbed Sasarai equally. At least enough to keep him from getting a good look at his face.

Then again, all I really have to do is keep him too occupied to look at my face, huh?

"So..." Sasarai mumbled, staring at the bed. "Forgive me... I haven't really done this... that much. Now what?"

"You could sit down or something," Luc offered, removing his gloves slowly. He glanced at his right hand shortly, realizing he would have to keep it hidden from the other man. "As I said I... have good enough idea of what we're doing here. I'll take care of things."

"...All right..." the other man answered silently, doing as told. He smiled a little uncertainly, making Luc guess that if his clone had indeed ever done anything, it had at least been as long ago as it had with himself. "And I supposed I could..." He smirked, starting to remove his coat.

Luc stared at the wall, gritting his teeth. He couldn't exactly let Sasarai realize who he was yet, but had no way out of the situation. Except how about teleporting the hell out of here? He almost laughed at the thought, calmly removing his own coat and then proceeding to take off the brown tunic he was wearing. He hoped the candle didn't light the room too much; at some point he would have to take off the mask and he guessed that would have to happen soon.

He placed his clothes neatly to a nearby chair while his green eyes scanned the desktop. He knew enough of what he was doing to know he needed something for lubricant. Not that he would have had a problem with hurting the other man... He grinned to himself then bit his lip a little. His cursed human body betrayed him for thinking how long it had been since he had done anything.

I sure wanted to find myself wanting him. Just great.

He ignored his thoughts, closing his eyes for a moment as he noticed as small container of hand lotion on the desk. He took a deep breath, picked up the item and turned around, only to find Sasarai sitting on the bed half-naked, occupied with removing his boots.

"...Will this do, or should I remove the rest while at it?" Sasarai asked as he dropped his boots to the floor. "I mean... We can't really..."

"Might as well," Luc muttered, placing the container on the nightstand and starting to work on his boots. He discarded them on the floor by the desk, wishing he could have slapped himself. He had already made a mental note about not wanting to find himself thinking about Sasarai that way, and now he caught himself carefully staring as the other man undressed. The bishop's body was slender like his, almost exactly the same but yet...

A little more fragile? I don't know. He's still attractive... Dammit, I don't want to think about that!

He occupied himself with removing the rest of his clothes, hating himself for still looking at the bed. Sasarai lay down on the sheets, looking a little unsure about what to do next. He then drew the sheets over his lower body and looked at Luc, smiling shyly.

"Well then... Isn't it time you... Took the mask off? I mean, you said you would remove it for this reason... For doing this."

"...I did. Yes..." Luc answered silently, wishing he could have found a way out of this. He closed his eyes as he turned away for a moment and removed his mask. Now his only problem was to keep Sasarai from recognizing him.

Oh and stop thinking about this too much. I don't want this... Don't want to want this!

He sat on the bed, drawing the sheets closer to cover his nakedness a little. Being naked and Sasarai seeing him didn't really bother him, but there was always the fact of the other bishop getting ideas about his identity - that did bother him. If the other man noticed how similar they looked... He stared at the floor for a second, thinking his next move carefully.

No way out. Just get done with it then and hope for the best.

"...Something wrong?" Asked the other bishop's voice from the other side of the bed. "Are you sure you know what you're doing?"

Luc cursed in his mind for one last time then shook his head slightly. "I'm fine. Just thinking about... details. Don't worry about anything. I've done this before."

He turned abruptly after confirming to himself that the candle on the desk was directly behind him, hoping this meant that the light it provided wasn't going to give Sasarai too many chances to see his face. He didn't think about what followed too carefully; he just grabbed the other man by the shoulders, drew him closer without giving him much time to react and kissed him.

...It's sure been a while if I find myself enjoying kissing him this much...

Sasarai didn't resist at all. He was surprised but let Luc kiss him anyway, lying still as the other man moved closer and pressed his body against his. He blushed bright red when feeling how hard the other bishop was, as if it hadn't been embarrassing enough that he was quite excited himself. He did know what he had gotten himself into when agreeing to the suggestion...

"That... Was nice," Sasarai mumbled as the other man broke the kiss and moved lower, lips advancing on the Harmonian's neck and shoulders. "I'll have to... Take your word about you knowing what you are doing..."

"I said I know," Luc answered silently while caressing the other man's body. He ran his fingers over Sasarai's right arm, his green eyes stopping for a moment as he caught a glimpse of the True Rune the other man had. Somehow, he felt that the rune didn't like him; trying to take it now would have only caused trouble. He closed his eyes for a moment, considering the situation. His plans required the backing of Harmonia's army; attempting to take the True Earth Rune tonight surely wasn't a good idea.

Later then, Luc admitted bitterly. My first objective is the True Fire Rune anyway. I'll get yours later, 'brother'. Right now, it's more important to keep you from realizing who I am...

"Is something wrong with my hand?" Sasarai asked, smiling a little. "Or... Well..."

Luc pushed his thoughts aside, concentrating back on caressing the other man. "Ah, your hand is just fine. I just... I have never seen a True Rune before," he lied quickly, unable to come up with a better answer. "True Earth, isn't it? It's... interesting."

"Oh... Well. It's nothing special. A bishop like yourself should know about them..."

"Correct... I do know," Luc mumbled, thanking fate for being on his side at least this once as it seemed that Sasarai believed his pathetic story. "Just never gotten a good look at one before. Never mind that now... I think we... Have better things to do."

The other man blushed a little again, squirming under Luc's touch. "I guess so... But you still haven't shown your face..."

Luc cursed in his mind; Sasarai was sure being more curious than he had guessed. Meanwhile, he had to keep his identity hidden at all costs. He ran his fingers through the other man's short hair, drawing him closer for a deep kiss again. While they were kissing, he concentrated a bit of his power to his own True Rune. Under the touch of the invisible spell, the candle on the desk flickered a couple of times then the fire went out. Luc broke the kiss, grinning in the darkness of the room.

"I have; I took off the mask. That's all I need to do this, hmm?"

"So you... said..." Sasarai answered silently, trying to control his breathing. "You're a mysterious man..."

"But you knew that already, didn't you, Bishop Sasarai..." Luc whispered, nibbling on the other man's jaw. Now with the light gone there was a little less of a chance of Sasarai seeing his face, so he decided on getting the other business done as soon as possible. "Let's just get down to business, shall we? I don't... plan on backing up on my offer or anything." Not that I didn't really want to, he added in his mind.

He noticed Sasarai glancing curiously at the direction of the candle, but the Harmonian didn't comment anything on the matter. Luc wasn't planning on mentioning anything about it either. He did, after all, have to keep the other noticing his True Wind Rune.

He continued kissing Sasarai's skin, caressing the man's skin with his fingertips. The bishop's skin was soft; it was apparent Sasarai took good care of himself. Feeling the lean muscles of the other man's body felt quite weird, though. The feeling was so familiar...

Of course it's familiar, damn it. He's exactly like me.

Sasarai trembled under the touch; Luc guessed his clone didn't do this - or touch anyone intimately, for that matter - too often. In the end he didn't really care what the other man felt about this. He wanted to get done with it as soon as possible and then get out. Besides, it was not like his body wasn't in agreement... He wanted it much more than he wanted to admit.

The Harmonian blinked, flushing all over as Luc's hand wandered lower on his body and stopped on his crotch. He found himself moving against the other bishop's hand a little while silently wondering why he couldn't control himself better.

"Mmm...?"

"...I take that as... You like this?" Luc mumbled while caressing the other man's body. He idly considered about just plain raping Sasarai now. He wanted to end this enough to seriously want that and besides, it wasn't like he hadn't enjoyed hurting the other man. He discarded the thought though, having enough sense left to know that it wouldn't have been a good idea in his position. Hurting Sasarai now would hurt his plans.

Later, he told himself. Just wait. Right now, just take him.

"...I..." Sasarai mumbled, closing his eyes. "It's... Been a while. Yes. I... like this."

"That's good... At least I'm not hurting you then," the other man answered while making a bitter mental note about the fact that he sure wanted to do so. Since he couldn't, he leaned over to grab the container with the hand lotion from the nightstand while continuing to caress Sasarai with one hand. He interrupted the caresses for a second to add some of the substance he was planning to use as a lubricant on his fingers and also on his sex then returned to fondling his companion.

"Er... No, " Sasarai whispered. "I do know it hurts a little, but I'm fine with that..."

Luc glanced at his clone's face, grinning evilly. He then sighed, carefully slipping his fingers between the other man's buttocks while moving down on the bed and kissing his inner thigh gently. "Well I guess you're prepared to this then..."

Carefully, he pushed one finger inside. A silent gasp escaped Sasarai's lips, but he had apparently done this before as he relaxed a little, spreading his legs so that Luc had better access. The mage waited for a moment then continued his caresses, proceeding to capture the tip of the other man's member into the mouth. He suckled cautiously while pressing another finger inside his companion, carefully preparing him.

Sasarai couldn't help but to press himself against the touch. Not being able to really see the man he was sleeping with bothered him, but it had been enough time since the last time. He wanted it but still wondered what exactly made him want it so much. He felt a strange connection between himself and the masked bishop, but he couldn't figure out what it was. He wasn't given any more time to think over it; the other man's fingers found a weak spot inside of him, and he lost control over his thoughts.

"...Aah...?"

Luc couldn't really answer, and it was not like he wanted to comment anything anyway. He wanted this; wanted to get over with it and out of here. He also needed it, wanted Sasarai in a way that made him hate himself. The other man's responses pleased him as they told him he was doing this the right way.

...I sure want to please him... How the hell did I get myself into this situation again?

He cursed himself, knowing well he couldn't blame anyone but himself for getting himself into this. He finally decided to ignore the thoughts and listen to his body for a while. The sooner he got what his body wanted, the better.

Sasarai moaned silently, trembling under the caresses. Luc could taste the first few drops of the milky liquid on his lips and decided to get on with things. He seriously doubted his own ability to stay calm any longer anyway. He withdrew his fingers and moved up to lie beside the other man, leaning in to kiss him.

"I..." He whispered silently. "Well, you seem to know what happens next, so..."

The bishop nodded, relaxing on the sheets. He kept his eyes closed, trying to be prepared to what happened. He felt the other man moving to lie on top of him and carefully lifting him up a little by the waist then touching him between his legs, apparently guiding himself with his hand. Being entered did hurt, but his companion was so careful that Sasarai didn't pay much attention to the pain. All he knew was that he wanted this.

Luc breathed out calmly, realizing he had held his breath while getting this part of their lovemaking done. He tried to stay in control but found himself pressing into Sasarai without being able to restrain himself. He wanted it badly and felt somehow complete while doing this. He felt possessed, and as his mind got lost somewhere where he wasn't able to think, some sane part of him wondered if the feeling had something to do with both of their True Runes.

Sasarai wrapped his arms around the other man's shoulders, desperately wanting to cling to something. He felt lost as well, wanting something that he couldn't comprehend. Had he been able to control himself, he might have noticed a slight glimmer on the other bishop's right hand, but he was unable to see anything. All he could do was lie there, moving against the other man and lose himself into the pleasure.

This is... Luc thought incoherently. ...Too... I've never enjoyed it this much...

He found himself practically clinging to his clone as well. He held Sasarai as close as he could, unable to really do anything else than just keep pressing into the other man without much control, most likely hurting them both a little, but it wasn't like either of them had cared or paid attention. His body ached for the pleasure, and he couldn't think about anything anymore.

The other man mumbled something that Luc couldn't really hear. He felt Sasarai clawing on his shoulders, leaving bleeding marks on him. He didn't care. He couldn't hear his own ragged breathing or the other man's; he couldn't feel how hot his own body felt and how warm Sasarai was. All his body cared about was getting what it needed.

He got it soon enough. He came at the same time as the other man, not realizing he cried out Sasarai's name as he did so. He couldn't control himself at all and just collapsed where he was for a moment, unable to think about anything.

When he finally came to, it was completely dark. He found himself lying curled up next to Sasarai and wondered what exactly had happened.

"...Damn...!"

He sat up abruptly, turning to check the other man. Sasarai was sound asleep. Luc sighed, relieved. His mind went through several things at once, considering what could have happened if Sasarai had been the first one to wake up. That wasn't the case, however, so he got up from the bed, shaking his head.

"...So..." He stated to himself. "That's what it feels like... To be with... him..."

He washed himself a little then got dressed. Getting the mask to cover his face made him feel somehow safer. The threat of Sasarai recognizing him was gone for now. He wanted to rest but didn't want to stay around any longer. He was feeling a little considerate anyway and decided to wash the other man as well. When he was done, he stopped to stare at the bishop for a moment then removed his mask for one more moment. He sighed and leaned to kiss him on the lips.

"...Hmm?"

Luc froze. He blinked before turning around and getting his mask on again. "You're awake. I... thought you were sleeping."

Sasarai moved a little, finding himself quite sore. "I was... Nice way to wake up I guess. You're dressed... Are you leaving already?"

"I still have my mission," the other man answered quickly. "The sooner I make it to Le Buque the better. I have a lot of things to do there..."

The Harmonian nodded slightly, smiling to the other man in the darkness. "True. A pity thought... I was really hoping I could've gotten to see your face. Perhaps another time?"

Luc walked to the door, silently wishing there wouldn't be another time and at the same time knowing there would. "Perhaps. Another time." He smiled to himself sadly before exiting the room. He knew that he would indeed have to face Sasarai later before everything would end.

Author's notes:

After a random conversation with an old friend, I decided to write some xmas gift fics. So here we go!

Eh, haven't written this pairing before. Mostly because there was so little info about them before Suikoden 3, and I refused to write anything in case they were brothers or something. Well, so they are, but since they're actually clones, it's not that much incest and there was nothing to keep me from writing this.

Xmas gift for Chou-chan. I said I'd write something with Luc and Sasarai and so it did end up as pr0n... Fun? Based on a random setting I just suddenly came up during that AIM conversation.

- Lady Harken (December, 2003)