"Dah. I know what you are doing Van-sama. I have power. I'd know if you were hurt or smashed up or sword cut. I'd know and I'd come and save ya."

Van looked over his shoulder. He could almost see Merle over his shoulder.

But it was Merle over his shoulder. It was Merle.

"Merle."

"Van-sama." She glomped onto his head.

"I was just thinking about you."

"I'll never leave you Van. You know that, right?"

He held Merle tight against him. Her little girl joy bringing a peace in his heart. "Yes Merle. I love you."

"When that happens, you know. You know when the ones you love are in pain."

"I've been so sick, Merle."

"I know. They drugged you. They made you think all kinds of silly things. Like about being with Dilandau and your brother. Your brother died fighting the dragon."

"Merle, Is Fanelia-"?

"It's waiting for you. Your mama is mad. She missed you."

"Mama."

"Come with me. Leave this place."

"I didn't know where you are. I miss you and Hitomi. Is she safe? Even with Allen Schezar. Can you take me to them?"

"Hitomi. Who's she?"

Van shook his head. Why was Merle doing this? Why did everyone try to keep them apart.

"Merle. Is she with Allen Schezar?"

Merle stared at him "She's not with Allen. She is somewhere else."

"Well you can take me to them right?"

Merle steps back.

"I have to go."

"Don't go Merle. Tell me where I can find Hitomi first."

"Hitomi is gone. You'll never find her. Come back. I'll protect you."

Van looked at his sword, because he knew what he would do then if he didn't find out.

"Please tell me where Hitomi is."

Merle shakes her head, "No you must say goodbye to Hitomi. She will hurt you. Stay with me."

Van hugs her and while she's not looking, the glint of steel.

The sword fell quickly, before she knew it.

Van woke up, screaming. But the scream never came out. He felt soft fingers on his mouth and against his face. Hands, Dilandau's hands. "Van. Are you trying to kill me? No one knows I'm here. Don't scream."

Dilandau tugged on Van's ear.

"It's all right. Go to sleep. A dream can't hurt you."

Van curled up "I thought you were my dream. You've managed to do a lot."

Dilandau sat up. He rubbed his slender white neck and squinted his eyes. Dilandau was very cute if scruffy as he slept, like a lazy old dog. The picture of Dilandau's wild hair and soft light blue pajama bottoms, was far from erotic. It looked silly and comfortable. He really had come to sleep, of all things.

"Why are you here, anyway?"

"To sleep. You looked lonely in your bed and I was alone in mine."

"You just came to sleep?"

"I have trouble sleeping alone. It's too quiet. I didn't know what sleep was until you came around"

"Well now you know..." Van ripped off the blanket. "Get out of my room."

"I wasn't finished yet."

Van closed his eyes.

"Are you sure you would not want me here? Otherwise you'll be up all night too. I don't think you sleep well either without someone around." Dilandau yawned "You dream too much."

"No thank you. I'll not waste my time with liars. I can't trust myself with my eyes closed around you." Van said.

"Come on. Sleep with me." Dilandau said hugging him, his arms around his neck. He set Van against the bed. Van's spine coiled in fear, waiting for him to...

Dilandau rested his lips against his chin and dosed.

"Dilandau."

"Hmm?"

"I like to sleep with you."

"You're crushing me."

Dilandau yawned.

"Go away. I can't sleep with you crushing my lungs."

"Didn't you tell me you needed me to take your bad dreams away?"

"I was just trying to have-" Van looked at his sleeping face. He couldn't believe Dilandau was so innocent to think that was what he meant. He didn't know that he was being manipulated.

"You wake me up again and I'll bite you."

"How long have you slept alone?" Dilandau asked.

"Since I was five. I like it."

"You said that Folken will be gone for the night. As long as you don't scream like that again."

Dilandau only snuggled like a vicious long clawed kitten, tearing out a place for himself to sleep in his flesh, unaware how heavy his arms were.

In the woods of Astoria. A woman walked alone on the road.

"All right Lady. You've walked into the wrong place. Lie on the ground and we won't stab you"

"Leave me and I'll let you live. I did not see your faces. I see very little in the night."

They had surrounded her.

"She can't see shit. She's as blind as a bat. Don't listen to her guff.

And yet in the dark, she could here them approach.

And from her bag she pulled something they could not make out.

"Hey you girlie. What you got there?"

"Nothing you'd like."

"Show us what you got baby."

She held up a grey box, half silver half black. She passed her hand over it.

"Now, are you going to leave me alone."

"Abra cadabra. Go Baby Awesome!"

In the air music came out. The wind played the music of a thousand flutes. A woman's voice rose and fell.

"Leave now. Or I will destroy you."

"It's just a trick..."

All of a sudden the screech of a cat cut into the rhythm of the song, as if a monster were singing in the great orchestra of sound.

"WITCH!!!!"

The lady stood alone, smelling the chill night, alone.

She took out her witch bag, placing the box inside. She had been lucky to stay on the path she could not see. She did not have to try anything. She continued on. Astoria would not be reach that night.

***

Van sat on his bed.

The guards Dallet and Guimel were fooling around. They had left him alone to read and examine some of the paper work on his brother's desk. It was getting harder and harder to read it, as the two continued to whisper to each other.

Van looked at the two of them. They were more than mere friends. It was the way that Guimel let Dallet touch him, his fingers dancing along his thigh. Dallet was whispering in his ear, bringing the blond to tears with laughter.

"Hmm I wonder what we could..."

They were probably bored to tears by regular guard duty, and were glad to get out of it. Especially in the privacy of the king's room they could actually speak and spend time together. "You know you two, you won't have long to wait. Gatti should get back here any second. You don't need to humor the Prince much longer."

Guimel smiled "I don't mind. You are not as..." Guimel bit his lip.

"What is that?" Van laughed, "I still have to apologize for your head."

"Oh it's only a dent. I got plenty of those." It was a lot easier to win Guimel over than he thought.

Dallet disengaged from Guimel, trying to appear professional. He did enjoy watching them together. They were very sweet to one another. "What are you reading your majesty?"

"Folken's appointment book. I'm going to Sonopolis."

"Really? Will you see the Emperor, your majesty?" Dallet asked.

Van blinked "I don't know. I'd have to ask my brother. I suppose..."

"What on Gaea are you going to wear?"

Van screwed up his eyes, "What does that matter?"

Guimel laughed "It always matters. What will the journals say if you should go to Astoria shabby and ill kempt? Hmm. Only the most fashionable people attend Court."

"I can't believe you haven't thought about it. I'd be planning a week ago."

"I don't really have anything."

"Pah. Your brother has a closet. Though probably everything your size is 4 years gone." Dallet said. He shook his head, "He'll be laughed at."

"Oh come now Dallet. He doesn't have anything to start with. Just think, we're helping him get ready to see the Emperor. Of course he can get his own clothes when he's in Sonopolis." Guimel said, stroking Dallet's chest.

"We could help you, couldn't we, your majesty?" Dallet said springing up. Guimel shook his head, after losing his darling's interest.

"My master Dallet the fashion hound." Guimel stroked his face. Van turned his head. He could pretend he didn't see the warmth and affection between them. Their love could harm none, if they both seemed so happy together.

"Well, it helps to have a dog when you are amoung wild beasts." Van said, "My brother's closets are over there."

"I've never done anything like this before. I don't know how we're going to do anything with only Folken-sama's clothes."

"Folken is very stylish." Guimel said.

"Yes, his clothes are dark and dowdy. He doesn't really need it though. He's just so naturally graceful and elegant."

Van crossed his arms "And I am not?"

"Of course you are too. But you are so much more glamorous. You're a barbarian king, Folken-sama is only a Madoushi."

"You realize Folken is my brother."

Dallet shook his head "I keep forgetting. You just are so much different from him."

They looked at the closet. Van strangely began to become afraid. "Nothing for you in here. This will take forever."

"There are more clothes in here then all my ancestors ever had. How could there be nothing to wear?" Van asked.

"Your majesty, I will need silence to work."

"Okay, but I won't wear anything yellow. I know I have to wear green but I won't wear anything yellow."

"Okay. No yellow, for your majesty." Dallet laughed.

"It used to be all my state robes were green and yellow. Those are the colors of my family crest. They make me look sickly." Van said.

"Hmm. There are lots of green coats in here. I wonder if any of them fit you. Your brother is much more broad shouldered and taller then you."

"I hate clothes." Van grumbled as he rifled through the wardrobe. "It's a wonder every girl on the planet doesn't go mad with these fripperies. If I have a daughter I'll make sure she doesn't see silk until she's married."

"You will look handsome no matter what you wear, Van-sama." Guimel said happily, "Dallet will see to that."

"That's what I worry about."

"I am cursed to be fashionable, and this is your blessing. That's all you can care about these days. We don't have much nobility left in Zaibach. It's hard to tell the merchants from the Lords you know. I made Miguel pass for a lord once at a ball. We dressed him up in some of my brother's cast offs. Everyone wanted to know who he was."

"Miguel was frightened. He thought it was S-iden trying to arrest him. These days only lords and ladies may wear silk, he was sure the whole night that people were staring at his cravat. No one ever knew he was just a soldier."

"I can't believe that." Van said. Guimel helped him with the green coat. He buttoned it up till he felt like he would choke.

"If I can make a Lord out of Miguel I can make a king out of you."

"I hate green." Van grumbled.

Gatti came into the room, crossing his arms "What are you doing to the prince?"

"We're finding him clothes to wear. He's going to the city." Guimel smiled.

"That coat is too long. That kind of coat is supposed to show your hips off." Gatti approached. "Might I your majesty?"

Van nodded his head. Gatti lifted up the coat only about three inches.

"Up here."

"That is so tacky. It should be longer, over the hips. That's the way you're supposed to wear it."

Van could barely breath through the collar. His face was reddening. "It should be higher. It's-"

"Lower."

"Come on. That's so old fashioned." Gatti said "The ladies certainly favor this style. And he has fine legs. It's a shame to cover them."

"Oh brother. Is that all you can think about? He has to look respectable."

"It got me that darkly Silveria Vixen." He smiled begining to fade off, "When was the last time I called upon her..."

"Like I said, you should just."

"And we all know how well you do with the ladies..."

"You dog." Dallet neighed with righteous rage at Gatti "I could have any woman in the world I want. I don't have to throw myself at every flirt and coquette."

Guimel snapped off Van's button, in rage, his eyes leered in rage.

"Of course I have Guimel." Dallet petted his curly head quickly before Guimel snapped something much more important off.

"Damn right..."

"Looks like a girl anyway..."

Guimel growled "I'll be the girl who tosses you down the ship you, preening cock."

"Jah, you bitch eyed goddess. Just keep out of it. I know"

Dallet growled and tossed himself on Gatti. Guimel joined the fray trying to hold Dallet from drawing and getting his butt whooped. Van held his hand over his mouth to prevent from laughing too hard. Two boys were rolling around wrestling over the debate on how long a coat should be.

"Take it back-" Dallet said. For a soldier he was certainly thin skinned and hot tempered. Even if he was a bit of a fop, Van would never try to upset him.

"I think I'll listen to Dallet. He's obviously more adamant on how I should wear my coat. Besides I am meeting the emperor. I wouldn't want him to favor my legs."

"Of course your majesty." Gatti bowed.

"Now let's calm ourselves."

***

Folken went to talk to his brother, and make sure he was all right. He had not seen his brother all morning, despite the fact he had stayed in Folken's room. He had been on suicide watch. Folken insisted that Van should stay in his room. Though he hated to admit it some of the Dragon Slayers were helpful. He refused to let Dilandau or his favorite guard, Miguel. But Van insisted to see Miguel. The boy had inadvertently saved his life. Dilandau would not come down. He sent to of his men Dallet and Guimel often to call upon Van. The Dragon Slayers streamed in and out of his room never giving him a chance to be alone.

Folken noticed Van buried in his closet. Tossing clothes out piling them, to fit some logic that only was apparent to his brothers mind.

"Van are you.."

Van didn't answer. He was grumbling to himself.

"Van. Are you well?" Could it be that the drug was having a relapse resulting in such eccentric behavior?

He kicked an older vest of his over the privacy screen.

"What are you doing in there?"

"Looking at your clothes. Trying to determine what I should wear."

"Wear?"

"You heard me. It seems that all these Zaibachs seem to care about is their fashion. Worse than Astorians. I'm going to need more clothes than holy to look decent for them. They have more clothes than all of our ancestors combined. I hate all this."

He tossed a blue cape out onto the bed.

Van called out from the closet "How are your men treating you after-"

"I... I must say I was embarrassed."

Van put down the clothes.

"I am sorry I took too many of those pills. I really wasn't thinking. How was I supposed to know? I never had pills before." The boy smiled, "They probably think I'm just a silly barbarian. Who else would take a whole bottle? I'm going to have to learn a lot if I am going to deal with you people. Even if you do wear too damn many clothes."

Van laughed lightly, continuing to burrow and dig into Folken's closet deeper.

"Van what if I said I didn't believe you? You've been through so much-"

A green shirt came zooming out of the closet in anger.

Van stuck his head out. He glared at Folken. His face looked cold, as if Folken had betrayed him. Van tightened his mouth. But before Folken could react he laughed.

"I'm too busy now. I have to get ready to go to Sonopolis. We can talk later if you'd like. When I have the time. You can tell me about medicines and everything I need to learn."

"Yes of course..." Folken backed away, Van was not ready to talk. "How did you know about-"

"You left your books open." Van smiled to lessen the impact of the phrase. "You really shouldn't do that."

Van laughed to himself and went back into the closet.

"My men are faithful. Besides I rarely let anyone in my room. It's locked for most of the time. You're the only person I gave a key. I don't think Narya has a head for such paperwork, as nosey as she is."

Folken smiled.

"I want you in proper hands while I am away. Narya shall come to pick you up. It will be a good chance to get to know each other. She is a wonderful girl if you can gain her trust."

"She seems to trust so few."

"Unless you want to come with me."

Van shook his head.

"I have no wish to go to Astoria with you. The only person I know there is Allen Schezar, and I may have to break his jaw. I don't know what I should do. It's best if I never see him again."

Tossing the yellow shirt into the trash.

"It would be..."

"I could see it. That prick-less coward would probably say I was being reckless. I never want to see him again. Screw him and Astoria. I don't need to waste my time caring what your going to do to those foppish gadflies. They think they are sooo-"

He looked at his hand "Well at least they probably sent Merle and the Moon girl back to the Ruganhall. Maybe even some sorceror in Palas got her back to the Moon."

"Merle wouldn't be happy there. She's to go back to the Ruganhall. Ruhm and Rusta said they would keep an eye on her, if..."

"You will not be forced to go to Astoria." Folken said. It would be best to get Van used to his new life in Zaibach before leaving his new home.

Van continued digging back into the closet.

"Folken, I am in need of a new set of armour. If I will address the Generals of Zaibach before I go to Sonopolis."

Folken blinked.

"I can't very well convince them anything. I look like a child. How will anyone ever recognize me?"

"Van." Folken asked.

"And nothing like that old stuff. I looked like a boy hiding in a cabinet with a pot on my head."

Van looked at himself, "I think black would be a suitable color. I've noticed all your armies have their colors. Except for the Dragon Slayers they are in blue."

Folken stared at Van. "You can't be serious. Addressing the generals, by yourself?"

"Yes."

"Why?"

"It's what Father would have done. I still haven't declared formal surrender. I think they expect me to roll over on my stomach, split my legs open and beg for my life."

"Well."

"They won't get that out of me. I will go as Dornkirk's equal not his slave."

Van looked into his eyes in the mirror, deep caramel eyes, light but cold.

"You realize that only you and I remain of our house. We are the only people in Zaibach who care there is a Fanelia. We are her only champions."

Folken placed his hand on his shoulder. Van started and pulled it off.

"There is only one king of Fanelia, however many generals you have. Two-three-"

"Four generals."

"I'm still fuzzy on how that. I cannot understand how you can figure out an army thus. I could never imagine a kingdom where a king isn't a general. That's how it is in Astoria and look at how they changed." Folken caught the capes Van was throwing out of the closet. "Why isn't Dornkirk general?"

"The Four Generals rule the army."

"So he handles affairs of State?"

"No most of them are handled by Political parties in the Parliament. There are twenty factions. The Liberals, the Fundamentalists, The Deists, the Anti-Sexuals..."

Van stared at him. "Anti-sexuals?"

"Each party has a cause which they represent. All citizens of Zaibach vote for one party."

"So in other words your emperor sets these factions against each other so they will not usurp his power, but still have them run the country. They are so busy fighting each other that no one ever realizes that they should rebel against him. Very clever."

Folken froze. He had never heard such a simple way to explain how the parliament worked in reality. Van had a way to clear it up.

"That is one way to put it."

"He maybe onto something."

"The Parliament has it's own Board of Science and Identity, to control the population, fight crime and prevent sedition and such."

"S-iden. Hmm. I've heard the soldiers badmouth it a lot. Something about Purges... they have the authority to jail. I'll need more reading material on them." Van looked at the shirt he lifted.

"S-iden is the most powerful angency in Zaibach. They seek to civilize and culture the people. To bring them out of superstions and religion. To help build the great cities-"

"And a green cape." Van said interupting him "Something of distinction. I hate green." Van said growling "It looks sick."

Van was beginning to scare him. How could he even consider this? One boy to speak to all the Generals of Zaibach. He would burst from fear. Why did his brother act like this, as if he were an oak in a hailstorm? Why wouldn't Van let him take care of everything?

"Van you have not been well, let me deal with such matters of state until-"

"Until what? Folken, it is my decision. I am the king and it is time that I deal with this situation."

"But Van is it not too-"

"Folken." Van grasped his hand, "You should let me handle this."

"Van-"

"You aren't the King of Fanelia. You will never be king. You cannot do this. It is something I must do. The Gods placed the Kingship upon me. If I am not Fanelia's king then there is no king. And with no king our people might as well let these heartless bastards fuck them up the ass."

Folken pulled back his hand.

"Van, I apologize. If you feel it is best..."

"I'm sorry. I'm not used to letting people take control. I'm not used to having the Strategos of Zaibach as my big brother."

"I'm not used to having a king as my little one. I will support you. I will do anything. I will not lose you again, I won't let anything-"

Van lowered his eyes.

"Now, I will be busy preparing my address. I still don't know if-"

He let the doubt stay in his mind never sharing it, "You will need to clarify the structure of your army, to me."

"I'll be happy to help."

"Thank you Folken. You are most kind and helpful. When I return to Fanelia we will not be enemies. Now I have more business to attend to. If I need your help I shall call you, if you aren't too busy."

Van sat down, it was good to do things again. He would have a lot of work to do. More than he ever would have done. How could a King with no palace, no people and no property talk to an Emperor? He would do it.

Dilandau could hear Gatti was talking about his date with one of the younger comm Officers to Miguel as they walked down the hall.

"So I have this, right and the little tart says, `Oh why didn't you get me those.' I told her, bloody Militariettes. I hate a girl with a gun, thinks she can tell me what to do. And 8 out of 6 are bloody Anti-sexuals. Give me a civilian anyday."

"Wow. Come on I think she's cute."

"Yeah but you get to know her. She's a real-"

Dilandau smiled as Gatti and Miguel approached.

They stopped.

"Dilandau-sama." they bowed. Dilandau seemed to be in a lighter mood.

"So how is young Master Fanel doing?"

"His Majesty is fine."

"I have yet to pay call to him yet, since his relapse."

Dilandau said, "I think I must see him today, or I would never forgive myself. It's just criminal how callous I have been."

"Master Dilandau, Perhaps you should wait. Master Folken-" Gatti didn't blink before Dilandau's fist hit his face.

"I'm not worried about Folken's paranoia. I will visit Van today. I have a gift that may smooth over the tensions between his brother and myself. He is a very remarkable young man, barbarian or not."

"Of course you are free to come Miguel and watch him."

Miguel blushed and lowered his head, immediately embarassed.

"I... I... I feel I would be too embarrassed to... I thought he was of my...station... and I said such- I couldn't-"

"I'll go then." Gatti rolled his eyes.

"Good then." Dilandau glared at Gatti "I shall make my amends with that Prince."

"I'll meet you down."

"Well he got under your skin tonight." Gatti said smiling, "Why are you afraid? We all thought he was just a slave. He's a goodnatured fellow."

Miguel shook his head, "I just don't trust him. He's-"

"I'd think you were getting a little green and bitter. Why should you care what a Prince is doing here?"

"Gatti, do you not find it odd that he should find such an interest in Van?"

"I figured he wants to dally with the young prince," Gatti said, "Be just like our Captain. Prince Van is that kind a pretty boy, not like Guimel or Chesta, but still very lovely. Fine dark hair and a handsome face. You must have seen how Dilandau stared at his big brown eyes."

"What are you talking about?" Miguel frowned.

"Only Dilandau would dare himself into the arms of a Prince. Dilandau, I think would tolerate nothing less."

"You wouldn't know anything."

"It would also prod him that it was Folken's brother. Trying to steal the lion cub from under the Leopard's nose. He would do such a thing. Such a boy would steal his heart." Gatti said.

"Who would have thought that his heart would remain so long dead then to wake up in his enemy's arms? I don't know whether I would envy that prince or pity him. Dilandau Albatou has never been in love."

"You're so full of shit."

"You like him too. He's as pretty a piece of flesh anywhere. I wouldn't be talking to ya here if I knew you didn't have something of a fancy to him."

"Don't lose your head boyo. He's Dilandau-sama. Nothing you can do will ever change him to make him act any different. He's a heartless bastard. If you haven't realized we all are. There are other boys around here for a bit of sport. At least most of the blokes here on the ship aren't too particular. Malliel. Heh? He's that sweet little red head, very impressionable, eager to impress us Dragon Slayers."

"Shut up. It doesn't go away like that. Every time I close my eyes he is the one I see."

"Just find yourself a nice pretty one and a hot night. Girls boys doesn't matter, help me get over Kat. Let the Prince have his fun. Before you know it we'll be off and Dilandau won't remember a thing of it."

Miguel lowered his head.

"I'll handle it. Probably the Prince will just toss him away. Prince Van knows it would kill Folken to carry on like that, even if he did fancy Dilandau. He probably send Dilandau on his way after no more than a handshake."

"maybe you're right. Maybe now that Folken knows... You are right."

***

Dilandau came in, launching his lips forward into Van's face. "I've got a treat for you tonight."

"What is it?" Van asked. Dilandau took out a thin box. "I just happen to find these. Still good."

"Sweets to the Sweet." Dilandau said, holding out a white box. "These ones are nice. They have Caramel, and this kind is some kind of pulova. They have different shapes for each one." Dilandau smiled, "This here is dark ciocolate with honey inside. Taste that and tell me it's not wonderful, and you don't think I'm marvelous."

Van chewed through the surface.

"Gods that's horrible. " Van squeezed his eyes. It was so disgustingly sweet.

Dilandau shook his head "What those are the best-"

Van swallowed the candy "I feel like I'm going to faint."

"What? These are my favorite."

"Vile. My tongue is burning."

"Well you don't like those then?" Dilandau popped one on his tongue and swallowed, "Here I was with a lovely new box of New Arcadian ciocolates and I couldn't even touch them. The Madoushi say I should not eat it, that the caffeine will affect my growth and the sugar and the saturated fat will affect my precious system. But it tastes so good." He licked one of the round ones. "I really do wish I could eat these things."

Van shook his head. Dilandau licked the ciocolate off his fingers. "I'd hate to see you eat them. You've eaten three already." Van pulled the box away.

"Why shouldn't I share?" Dilandau said sucking on his finger "It's the perfect opportunity to be sweet and generous and try to talk my way into your bed again."

Van felt Dilandau's hand against his inner thigh, fingers trailing and naughty.

"You never know when to stop do you?"

Dilandau leaned so close for a kiss and pulled away to eat another one of the dark pieces.

"So can I come in?"

"May it wait? I have an address to write..."

"You don't like ciocolates?"

"No." Van said.

Dilandau stared at him.

"Give them to Folken, I'm sure he'd appreciate an apology." Van smirked. He never went ten minutes without mentioning his brother. It might have scared him, if he wasn't feeling in such a good mood.

"Why would I waste my ciocolate on him? I don't think I like being nice to Folken as much as I like being nice to you."

"Why?"

"Pah." Dilandau kissed Van's chin with the traces of the ciocolate against his lips. He was so transparent, nibbling on the chocolates he had brought for a gift. It was against his nature to do anything that wasn't selfish. He couldn't even give a gift in the appropriate way. It was almost sweet, in a way that burned him like honey. "You got ciocolate on your face." Dilandau brushed his face.

"That's because you eat like a hog." Van said.

Just the tip of his tongue skated over the chocolate scar of melted chocolate. The Prince coiled back. Immediately Dilandau changed, from this sweet playful rather clever boy into that same creature of lust.

"See. All gone, no more. My, aren't you tasty."

"Dilandau..." Van said. He tried to pull away before Dilandau would kiss him and they would end as they always did.

"You are very tasty today."

Barely the tip of his tongue effected a reaction in Van. He felt like his heart was like a flapping dove.

"Take off your clothes, I want to taste more." Dilandau smiled.

"Are you sure you have time?"

"I make time for you Van."

Van stilled his squirming and let Dilandau touch him.

Van never did dress in much: A shirt (he hated vests and he didn't like full coats) And cloth breeches like a peasant. Though they did flatter him. He was still that skinny fawn of a boy, like the gazelle that ran along the plain. They have died out in Zaibach except for him, the prince in his arms.

His throat was pulsing and quivering. His jaw tight, denying himself the comfort of his touch. Van clenched his teeth as Dilandau kissed him.

Dilandau had him sprawled over the bed once his shirt was off. He threw it over the door. Dilandau wished he could capture that wanton and wild barbarian who had given him bloody ribbons across his flesh. What was it he sought in those caramel eyes? Was it their shame? The light breathing quality. His shame was sweet and rich. He wanted to taste it under his tongue too.

He had no desire to hurt this boy. He was so beautiful like this. Vulnerable, weak and sweet. Even Van's usual foul temper was allayed. He was skittish and clumsy, unaware of his desires, wanting to suppress them.

His lips shivered. His teeth moved as if he was covered in ice.

"No."

"Come now Van. You know you-"

Van closed his eyes.

Dilandau dragged his tongue against of his chin, over his lips. Van panted deeper as Dilandau increased his attention towards him, his kisses gentle and unending. Van tasted him back. As if it had been a tonic of passion. Dilandau loved every moment of it. Van tried to maintain his princely composure and reserve, but he was hungered by Dilandau's embrace. He hated to enjoy this.

Everything about Van was wonderful. He wanted to worship his body and bring out the blush in his dark skin, to leave him panting and moaning and cumming again and again. He wanted Van to say his name, instead of those hushed silent mutters to his duty and his gods. It was so much. How could he be blind to it?

Dilandau kissed his nipples. He had wanted to try this on him for a long time since Van bit his chest so beautifully. Van whimpered like a disappointed child as he did this, forgetting everything but Dilandau.

"Hmmm. Yes."

Van pushed him, but could only manage to stroke his face, his resolve so battered by his passions.

"Please just..."

Dilandau looked up.

"Why don't you stop? Why are you doing this to me?"

"I want to." Dilandau smiled. "I wanted to see if it would work on you like that. I think I want to kiss every single inch of your body."

Dilandau rolled down his pants. Nibbling below the crook of his navel. Van was blushing redder than anyone he had ever seen. "No." Van shook his head, "You're bewitching me. I won't-"

"Be quiet my sweet Tenshi."

Van leaned back.

"Just get it over with."

He split his legs apart suggestively. Dilandau's eyes grew as wide as his grin, as Van wrapped his legs around him. But Dilandau closed his knees.

"Slow down. I'm not done kissing you."

"Why?"

Dilandau pinned back his arms.

"I didn't say you could do this. Why are you making me feel so-"

"You don't like this? I'm trying to make you feel good."

"I can handle the pain. Just please-

"What did you think I want your body for?"

"So you could ravage me? You want to dishonor me."

"Do you have half an idea what that means?" Dilandau blew his hair out of his eyes. "I want to have sex with you. And it can be very sweet. Just as long as we don't get silly, and make it about more than it is. I want your pretty little body, and you want me to fuck you. That's all. Why shouldn't we have some fun?"

Van swallowed his reaction before he cried again.

"I have no interest in torturing a worthless barbarian captive. Especially not one who laid himself at my feet. You have no value except to me. Only I can see you for what you are."

"What about Folken? Folken-"

Dilandau smiled to quietly. "and Folken, then."

Van's eyes lowered. Could he really say Folken had been any help? He had drugged him like a beast and stole his guymelef. Dilandau could see parts of him that only were in his dreams.

"Who else?"

"I- " Van said. Dilandau softly left a kiss against his throat under his ear.

"I'm not your punishment. I'm myself. I have no interest in punishing you. But you are mine, and I won't hesitate to do anything to make you honor me as I deserve."

"You don't deserve anything. Death would be too good for you."

"And what do you deserve? Fanelia-ko"

"I deserve you."

"You're such a strange thing Van Fanel." Dilandau kissed him.

"Why are you doing this to me?"

Dilandau said "I take what I want." Dilandau kissed him.

It felt so warm and deep, it coursed beyond thought deep into himself. The passion this bastard was unfolding in him. It burned away his guilt, his hatred, he could see cool fire and stars behind his eyes; even the air became too sweet to breathe as Dilandau touched him. He didn't have time to think. He should have died then. Dilandau disappeared. His own mind disappear.

Van grabbed Dilandau and ripped apart his tiara, a silvery cascade of hair plummeted in front of his face and against Van's body. It was beautiful.

All the while he had forgotten all but scarlet eyes and cream skin and silver hair, and warmth and heartbeat. Dilandau looked at him. His eyes were only alive in this world he had created. There would be nothing outside. No war, no Folken, no pain. Just this and here forever.

"Dilandau-sama." It was a strong voice. It couldn't have been most of the dragon slayers.

Gatti stared in. His eyebrows jumped in the air for a second. But only long enough so Dilandau pulled his hair together. Pinning it back with his comb. Gatti had assumed in was a diadem. Not a shag of barbarian curls. He hadn't realized how much longer his hair had become since they left the Centers.

Van was stripped already, sweat or maybe a trail of saliva against his chest.

"I see why Miguel wanted me to give you this, instead of handling it himself."

Dilandau narrowed his eyes against Gatti.

"What do you want now?" Dilandau said, shielding Van's nudity with his shirtless body.

"Um. Nothing." Gatti was sweating, still not quaking.

Dilandau raised his hand and smacked Gatti. He did roll with it, as if he was used to getting hit.

"Forgive me, Van. I didn't know you were so busy. It's a wonder you have anytime to practice at all."

Dilandau got out of the bed and pulled his shirt around him.

"Dilandau-sama what are you doing? Folken will kill you if he catches you with his little brother."

"I thought I told you to mind your business."

"It's one thing to romance him if you want, but if you would lie with him, Folken would surely-"

Dilandau knew he would never shut Gatti up, so he stared at him. "Gatti." Dilandau twirled his blond hairs around his finger "Do you want to join us? You can be on top, if you suck me down first. We can tie Van to the bed and-"

Gatti's face dropped.

"Ewww. No no. I-"

Dilandau slapped him. "Leave then. Don't come back until I tell you."

Gatti pursed up his lips, as if he tasted something bitter.

"Hai Dilandau-sama." Gatti bowed.

The Dragon Slayer snuck out.

Van sat back on the bed.

"Gatti is such an idiot. He thinks with his. He thinks I want him around. It prickles his envy that he can't impress me, even if he doesn't want me."

"I'll have to continue this later." Dilandau said.

"What?" Van placed his arms around him.

Dilandau stopped and looked at him. Van's face flushed and eyes shining. He was perfect like this. The way his arms reached out for him. Dilandau grinned.

He finally realized that this was what he wanted, Van's desire. It was so sweet. He never thought he could feel so good. This was it. "It's best to leave you when you are hungry, tenshi. Like this."

Dilandau brushed his face.

"But..."

Dilandau smiled at him. "Yes that's it." Van felt his hands curl around his fingers. "That's what I want of you."

"Please Dilandau, don't leave me."

"I'll return Tenshi."

The words died in Van's ear as Dilandau drifted away. And it became clear to Van. The tears fell out of his eyes.

Van was sure what it was. This was his punishment. That he would be dishonored like this, for leaving Balgus to die, for his kingdom to burn. He'd have to lie here in the dark with this dark hearted boy. The worst of it all was he never knew how he felt about it. If Dilandau was raping him it was only torture. Something that his body could heal from and his mind forget.

But this torture was not pure. Why couldn't it just hurt? His brain flooded with him, his heart gasping and pounding in his chest, and those kisses. They couldn't be described as anything but sweet. Why couldn't it be torture? This inquietude of passion was filling him burning inside of him worse then any pain in his body. There were a thousand things even Van could think would have hurt worse. Dilandau was innocent as a forest fire. He didn't feel this. All he felt was the pleasure and the excitement of curbing him.

Dilandau could sleep afterwards. Dilandau could nuzzle him and thank him, genuinely for his stolen pleasure, drifting into sleep unaware of his arms clasping around Van possessively unaware of anything other then his sated pleasure. He might even have developed an attachment to Van. He wouldn't think about it. As long as Fanelia lay in peril this would be his debt, whoring himself before Zaibach until he could build it again.

He wanted Dilandau to just die or stop, or in his darker moments go away and bother someone else. He had seen the way Dilandau looked at Miguel. Like the way a schoolgirl looks at her secret beloved, sweet and curious. Of course he would never touch Miguel. He cared about him too much. Dilandau looked at him with lust. A lot. With none of the warmth he did with Miguel.

Van couldn't even imagine Dilandau looking with any warmth. He was not a warm person. He was too passionate. But Miguel, he was a passion he would never partake. It was forbidden to him by law and by choice.

Gatti remembered the day he finally knew he could never really be with another boy. He had always suspected. He didn't understand, and felt as comfortable as any of them. It had taken him a long time. It was hard. He had kissed a few boys, but on dares. There was only boy who he could ever consider worth it.

He was slim and small. His eyes were dark. He was very feisty. He had clawed his way up to the top. Gatti had an appreciation in that. He was a year younger. He would have done anything. He scratched Gino Dornatti's eyes with his own pin. He had dropped a bench on someone's head. That other boy Marcan became so nervous and queer tempered that he left the centers and went to the Academy of Science. Despite this whenever you saw him, you would think that the world would swallow him up. They said he was not human. That he was made by the sorcerors. They made him out of the seed of dead men and grew him in a jar for 30 years. That's why his skin was so pale.

They would practice long after the practice was over, together in the dimly lit studio. But this boy could never beat him. Something lacking in his speed, in his killer instinct. He was slow and gentle. And while he skill and format was flawless, and he was fast with a technique, he would never know how to use it. He'd always lay prone before him, sword to his neck.

"You're getting better."

"I'm not better until I beat you." He said those queer colored eyes. One night when the boy, his sempai, were done practicing. Gatti rubbed his shoulders. He was pretty. Everyone said that. He was not even human how pretty he was. They held hands talking in the dark of the studio.

Gatti thought that it would be proper to kiss him. But the boy was frightened. He ran away. And so Gatti gave up on the male race, sure he could never have anything like that again. Dilandau had ruined him for that.

Dilandau remembered the first time he knew what this homosexual test was. When he first felt feelings of lust stir in his body. Gatti showed up. He looked up at Dilandau.

"You realize I'm not gay."

"So?"

Gatti gulped. "I- I-"

"What are you talking about?"

"You're gay. Everyone knows it." Gatti said "You failed the gay test."

"What does that have to do with anything?" Dilandau looked at him.

Gatti looked at the boy. He really didn't have a clue.

"Dilandau, why did you bring me up here?"

"To be on my team. I need you around. I'll never improve if you get shipped off to Beta-squad to die as cannon fodder."

"But, you called me up. I mean you didn't even pretend to recruit me."

"I know I need you. Why should I bother?"

"It will look like we have an attachment."

Dilandau's eyes bugged.

"Attachment?"

"You know like you're my boyfriend."

"Boyfriend?" Dilandau said confused.

"I mean I'm glad I'm in prime, but what if the girls find out. I don't want them thinking I'm not..."

Dilandau looked at the blond sit on the bench.

"That's what you want... right, a boyfriend?" Gatti said.

"I- don't-"

"I mean that's what gay means right. I mean you want a boyfriend as I want a girlfriend."

"Really?" Dilandau said. No one really said what the gay test had meant. It was just something he did really badly on. It prickled him. He got a hi score which was bad marks apparently. Albatou-sama had been ashamed of him.

Dilandau was in a quandary. Would it be something Albatou-sama would even let him try? This boyfriend stuff. It was confusing to him. He touched Gatti along his hand. He knew what Dornatti was doing. That was rape. Hubris, of course. Very wrong. There were no laws about boyfriend he could think of. He didn't remember any definition in a book. It was something different. Maybe it was something you were supposed to know just because you were human.

He wanted to laugh. Here he was thinking this way. He forgot what he was. His hand was resting on top of Gatti's.

Gatti sighed and started unbuttoning his shirt.

"Look I'll just. I'll do whatever you say if you promise not to tell anybody..."

"What are you doing?" Dilandau asked.

Gatti took off his shirt. Dilandau stared at his slim teenage form. Something stirred in him, something deeply akin to the deep rich buzz of a landing Alseides.

Then Gatti pursed his lips, his arms folded.

Dilandau craned his head in closer. There was something warm and comfortable about the closeness of this other boy. He smiled, he hadn't found much reason to lately.

Gatti looked at him, reaching his arm out to touch him along his face. He slapped Gatti and jumped off his bed.

"Get away from me."

Gatti recoiled back at his scream.

"D-chan, what..."

Dilandau backed into the wall. "No Don't touch me."

Gatti stared at him.

"What's your problem? I'm just..."

Dilandau was backed against the wall he could feel his legs shaking as badly as before.

"What do you want from me? You're so weird."

Gatti was so big, he could just throw him on the bed and do what he wanted, maybe what Dornatti wanted before... They wouldn't ask him. He clenched his fist.

"You will not touch me. If I want to be touched I'll tell you."

"Um then how..."

"You'll do what I ask...order you. You have to listen to me. I don't want you to touch me. You won't."

"Okay."

"Okay, what kind of word is that?"

"Yes."

"Yes, what?"

"Yes, D-sempai."

Dilandau eased himself "My name is Dilandau."

"So that what D stands for."

Dilandau nodded.

"So you don't want me to touch you or anything like that?"

"No. I want you here so I can beat you."

"But you can't beat me." Gatti said.

"I can. If I don't I'm going to kick your ass."

Dilandau felt comfortable like this. Gatti just thought he was crazy.

"That won't work on me now Dilandau-sempai. You can't threaten to beat anyone up. Otherwise you'll end up like Dornatti."

Dilandau sighed inwardly. He was right. It had been so much easier before. If he had gotten mad at Gatti before he could just throw soup in his face or punch him, or wait until he went down a dark hallway and hit him over the head with something.

This was worse. Gatti would have to listen to him, and he'd have to get him to listen.

He still wasn't any taller or any stronger. He just had to do more than ever.

"Gatti. I want you to fight me, tomorrow. Tonight I've got to move my stuff. We'll bout."

"After regular practice? You mean I gotta waste my time..."

"You have to listen to me I'm in charge of you."

Gatti rolled his eyes.

"Or I could tell that girl that you kissed me. She had dark hair with a little tail of hair."

Gatti stopped in his tracks.

"Or did she have light hair. I suppose I'll have to tell all those girls. They're all probably friends anyway."

Gatti froze.

"But you. You didn't even want anything... You chickened out."

"Chickened out? Why would I want you touching me? You aren't anybody special." Dilandau said. "I'd be embarrassed if I really wanted someone like you to be my boyfriend."

"You are weird."

"Tomorrow night then after practice."

Gatti wanted to curse "All right fine. You'll see how much you like bouting me D-chan."

"Dilandau-sama."

"If you expect me to call you that."

"Dilandau-sama."

"Dilandau-sama." Gatti said. A murderous cold glint in his eye. Just as hard and angry as Dilandau needed.

"You won't last a week as a prime leader, you little toy."

********