Description: (BLish-Jude x Ludger) This takes place ten years after the 'canon' ending or the Elle ending whichever you prefer to call it.

Even though it happened 10 years ago Jude is still mourning the loss of the two people that he was closet to. Milla going back to the spirit world to fulfill her role as Maxwell and Ludger giving his life to save Elle. One of those people though is about to return but many questions surround their mysterious arrival.

AN: Right now this is just a one shot. Maybe someday I'll add to it especially if people seem interested. I need to finish Come What May first though. Anyway please leave a review!

Second Chances

Jude sighed as he tapped his pencil against his desk in rhythm to the ticking clock and the rain pattering against the window. It was ten years ago today that things changed. For the better or at least that's what he reminded himself when the day rolled around. It was hard though. Especially on a day like this; the weather was as dreary as his mood. Even though they managed to save the world again it was also the day that Milla went back to the spirit world without a backwards glance and the day that Ludger gave his life to save Elle. Even though he hadn't known the other man very long he had become one of his best friends. He could talk to him about anything. True Ludger never had much to say but the other man understood him in a way most people didn't or couldn't.

He had sort of become a recluse since then. Jude tried to keep in touch with his friends but it was difficult. They had their jobs and he had his research. Alvin was the one he was still closest with. The man had taken over being his 'keeper' from Leia.

Jude hated to admit it but he really hadn't kept in touch with Elle like he should have. It hurt to look at her. Every time he saw her he couldn't help but think of that day; it didn't help that she had the same eyes as Ludger. Not that he blamed her, far from it. She was an unfortunate pawn in a game she never had any control of. Still that day wasn't a happy memory for him. It was either her or Ludger. Jude always knew the man would risk his life to save her. He just wished that it hadn't come to that.

Jude shook his head. It did no good to dwell on the past. Especially one that depressed him so thoroughly. He put away the paper he had been writing and decided to head to bed early and just get the day over with. Even after ten years he was never able to get any work done on today. He quickly got ready for bed and laid down forgoing dinner as he wasn't hunger anyway.

He found it difficult to sleep that night. He always found it difficult to sleep this night though. Usually Alvin would come and bug him on this day but this year he hadn't been able to as he was stuck in business meetings. When Jude thought about it Alvin more than likely knew how this day upset him and that's why he would visit. To distract him. He could use a distraction right now.

The storm outside continued to rage worsening his mood. Usually Jude liked a good thunderstorm but this was a nasty one. He could hear the wind howl outside and it just reminded him of how alone he really was. True that it was mostly by his own making but it was just easier to get lost in his work than remembering how he had lost two people that he was so close to.

He rolled over in his small bed and looked out the window and watched the storm as it continued to rage outside. Lightning lit up the sky and Jude counted to himself…One…Two…Three…Four and the thunder rumbled. Jude sat up in his bed. The same time the thunder roared it sounded as if someone was knocking at his door. He listened closely. He lived in a small town not far from the research center. More and more people continued to move there but it wasn't that big yet and he didn't know anyone that would be out on a night like this. He almost thought he had imagined the knock and was about to lay back down when he heard it again. This time right as the lightning flashed then thunder a heartbeat after.

Jude quickly got out of bed. If someone was visiting during a storm like this he knew that something was seriously wrong. Hoping that he was wrong and he was just imagining the knock he took a deep breath and threw open the door. Jude stood there in shock at what he saw. He had to be seeing things. It couldn't be possible.

"Lud...Ludger…" Jude stammered as he looked the other man in the eyes. Instead of answering him Ludger toppled into his house and Judge was able to catch him before he fell. He helped the other man to the couch noticing now that the two of them were the same height.

"You're soaking wet," Jude commented after he had the other man sitting on his couch. "I'm going to get you a towel." He went to his bathroom to get one of his large, soft, bath towels letting the doctor in him take over. Take care of Ludger first then he would ask the questions. He returned a moment later to find Ludger sitting on his couch staring at the ground. Water was dripping off of him and making a puddle on the floor.

"Here's that towel," Jude said as held it out to him but Ludger didn't react which he found worrisome. "We don't want you to get sick." Jude kneeled down in front of the other man and dried his hair thoroughly with the towel. As he did so he did a quick visual checkup.

At first glance Ludger looked the same as he remembered him but on closer inspection he could see the changes. True Ludger was the same age as when he last saw him but his hair now was completely white and he couldn't help but to notice the numerous scars that covered the man's arms. Some of them looked years old while others were obviously newer. Not to mention that it looked as if he had lost a lot of weight.

"There we go," Jude said as he hung the towel around the other man's shoulders. "Now we better get you into some dry clothes. I have some things that should fit. Do you think you can walk to the bedroom?" Ludger nodded slowly as he stood up. As the two of them made their way to the bedroom Jude walked close to him just in case Ludger stumbled again. Luckily they made it without any problems.

"There should be something in here you can wear," Jude said as he began to dig through his dresser. Eventually he found what he was looking for. A baggy pair of pajama pants and an old t-shirt. "Here you go." Ludger nodded his thanks as he took the clothes listlessly.

"Are you hungry?" Jude asked needing to fill the silence. "I haven't had dinner yet so I'm just going to heat that up while you change."

Jude then left the room without a backwards glance with his mind in a whirl. How, why and who being his top questions. How was Ludger back? Why was he back? Who brought him back? Those questions would have to wait though. Ludger had never been one for talking and he seemed to talk less now. The man had yet to say a word. Something else Jude found troubling. Again he shook his head as he got out a couple cans of soup and poured them into a pot to heat them up. To keep his mind off of the questions he hummed that song that he learned for Ludger all those years ago. He was still humming it when the man came out of the bedroom. The clothes fit him height wise but they hung on him like a sack. It looked as if Ludger lost more weight than he thought.

"It's not quite done yet." Ludger just stood there looking lost. "You can sit on the couch, you know," Jude said with a smile hoping to put the other man at ease. He didn't know if it worked but at least Ludger sat down.

"I'm afraid it comes from a can," Jude rambled once again needing to fill the silence. "I haven't had a lot of time to cook lately, I've been so busy with my research. Not that my cooking was ever good as yours but you know," he shrugged, "I haven't really worked at it either. Again research. So do you want to sit at the table or…" he turned around to look at his guest only to find him lying on the couch fast asleep.

Jude sighed as he shut off the stove and set the pot to the side. It looked as if their meal was put on hold. He walked over to the couch to check on his unexpected guest. Even in his sleep Ludger looked exhausted. Knowing that the other man needed his sleep Jude covered him with the throw from the back of the couch. He pulled up a chair deciding that he would sleep there just in case Ludger needed him for anything. He closed his eyes and tried to sleep; he wanted to get this crazy dream over with.

~XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX~

When Jude woke up early the next morning his back and his neck hurt. Correction everything hurt. It was then that he noticed that he was sleeping on a chair. His crazy dream then came back to him. Maybe he ended up sleepwalking because of it after all it was a very vivid dream. It was then that he heard quiet breathing coming from the couch. He looked over at it and toppled out of his chair. Ludger was sleeping on his couch!

That meant that what happened last night wasn't a dream and the questions that he was able to suppress last night once came floating to the top of his mind although this time much more forcefully. Last night he had been able to stay calm now he felt his heart thumping against his ribcage; Jude figured that he must have been in some sort of shock last night. It was jarring to see his once dead friend sleeping on his couch.

When he really thought about it though maybe he shouldn't be so shocked. Milla sacrificed herself once and she came back. How it happened though was the question and one he would ask as soon as Ludger was able. The doctor in him once again took over as he noticed a pink tinge to the man's cheeks. He gently placed his hand on the other man's forehead and frowned. It looked as if Ludger had a slight fever. Not that it was surprising with the way he showed up in that storm; the man was drenched. He was taken out of his musings by his GHS going off. Worried that it would wake Ludger, Jude made his way to the bedroom to answer it.

"Hello?" Jude said as he quietly closed the bedroom door behind him.

"Jude I know that you asked for today off but…" Balan started to say but Jude was quick to cut him off.

"Today really isn't a good day," Jude told him with a sigh. Ever since that day he always took off the day before, the day of, and the day after. He didn't want his bad mood to affect everyone else.

"I know that," Balan said sounding truly sorry, "but I wouldn't have called you if it wasn't an absolute emergency."

"What's wrong?" Jude asked knowing that he was going to regret it.

"One of the towers of the research center was struck by lightning last night and all of our machines are now going haywire," Balan explained in a rush.

"Alright," Jude said knowing that he now didn't have a choice. "I'll be in soon."

"Thanks," Balan said sounding relieved. "I promise as soon as we get all of the equipment recalibrated you can go home."

"Sure," Jude said as he ended his phone call.

Hoping that he was making the right decision Jude got ready for work. He threw his nightclothes on Ludger's wet clothes then quickly got dressed for work. He picked up the pile of dirty laundry deciding that he would wash them when he got home. Jude couldn't stop himself from studying the man's clothes. They were a simple black shirt and pants but they were thread bare; nothing more than rags really. He had a feeling that his friend had been through a lot.

Jude made his way back into the living room to find Ludger still, not surprisingly, sleeping. He went over to his cupboard and got down the bottle of medicine then measured out the amount he needed in a small measuring cup before making his way over to his guest. Not wanting to wake him but not wanting him to wake up alone either Jude gently shook him by the shoulder. The reaction was instantaneous. Ludger sat up and reached for a weapon that he didn't have; only Jude's quick reflexes kept him from getting smacked.

"Easy it's just me," Jude said as he held up his hands in surrender. Not that he believed that Ludger was going to attack him at least not on purpose but Ludger was posed still ready to attack. Jude had a feeling that Ludger was going more on instinct at the moment. He watched as his friends muscles relaxed and his face took on a hurt and shocked look.

"It's alright," Jude was quick to reassure him not wanting that look on his friend's face; he made a mental note to himself to be careful when he woke his friend up. "Here take this," he handed over the small measuring cup, "it should help with your fever." Ludger took in one gulp and grimaced at the taste. "Listen I got called into work but I shouldn't be gone more than an hour. Two tops. Will you be okay by yourself?" It took a moment but Ludger nodded. Jude smiled in relief. "I want you to take it easy today and help yourself to anything you find in the house." He got another nod. Jude would have like a yes but he would take a nod.

"Good," Jude said as he headed towards the door. "Like I said I'll be back in two hours."

Unfortunately the two hours turned into six as the lightning had done a lot more damage than they originally thought. He was exhausted. Not only did he have to fix the machines but it was a lot harder to keep quiet about Ludger's return than he thought it would be. He kept it to himself though. He didn't want to tell anyone without his friend's permission. It was late afternoon when he unlocked the front door to his small home.

His nose was immediately assaulted by the smells of home cooking which made his mouth water. Jude wasn't surprised to find Ludger cooking something in a large pot in front of his stove. He remembered after they had killed Victor how Ludger said that cooking helped relax him. His friend seemed unaware of his presence as he continued to cook. He had to admit that the sight of his dead friend cooking in his kitchen to be a bit startling. Jude though enjoyed the sight of it before clearing his throat; he didn't want a repeat of what happened this morning. Ludger jumped slightly then turned around.

"Sorry I'm late," Jude said as he hung up his coat. Ludger shrugged seeming to say It's alright. Ludger then held out the ladle that he had been using to stir. Jude eagerly took a sip and smiled. "I really missed your cooking." If he didn't know better he thought that Ludger blushed but the most logically answer was that it was probably a combination of his fever and cooking hot soup.

"Is it done it?" Jude asked. Ludger shook his head as he turned down the burner and put a lid on the pot. "I take it that it has to simmer for a bit?" Ludger nodded as he set the time on the stove. "Then would it be alright if I talked to you about a few things?" Jude noticed that Ludger went tense at the question and all color drained from his already too pale face. Worried that his friend was going to collapse Jude helped him sit on one of the chairs he had around his table.

"I'm not going to force you to talk about things you aren't ready to talk about," Jude said as he kneeled in front of Ludger. The man was staring at his lap and his bangs covered his face so Jude couldn't read his expression. "I was just wondering if we could tell the others that you're back?" Ludger shook his head and Jude sighed. "Well what about Elle? You should at least tell her…" Again Luger shook his head but this time it was accompanied by a sniff. That's when Jude noticed the tears landing on his friend's lap. For whatever reason the idea of telling that others that he was still alive upset Ludger. Another question to add to his ever growing list. Questions it was obvious that Ludger wasn't ready to answer.

"Alright we won't tell them," Jude said as he rubbed his friend's back wanting to give him some comfort, "but at least think about it alright." It was then that the timer on the stove went off. Jude looked at it with a scowl. It had to go off now. When he got up to check the soup, as Ludger didn't seem inclined to, his friend hadn't given him an answer. He supposed it wasn't a bad sign that he outright hadn't shook his head. He turned the stove off and moved the pot to the cool side of the stove so the soup wouldn't burn then dished them out each a bowl.

"Here you go," Jude said as he set one of the bowls in front of Ludger then sat in the chair opposite him. While Jude practically inhaled his food, as he hardly ate anything yesterday, Ludger just stirred his. "Aren't you hungry?" Ludger shrugged as he continued to stir it. Jude frowned. "You should really eat something."

Ludger looked down at his bowl of soup like it was going to bite him. He stirred it a few more times before taking a tentative bite. Much like this morning Ludger's reaction was instantaneous. No sooner had he swallowed the soup then he was making b-line for the bathroom. Worried Jude followed him. He found the other man dry heaving into the toilet. Not liking how one mouthful of soup could upset his stomach Jude wet a washcloth and placed it on the back of his neck until he had finished.

"Maybe you should get some more rest," Jude said as he filled a cup of water so Ludger could rinse his mouth. "You still have that fever." Ludger nodded as he spit the mouthful of water into the sink then drank the rest of the cup; Jude was happy that Ludger was able to keep that down.

"Come on," Jude said as he walked the man to the bedroom. He then tucked his friend in; in all honesty Jude couldn't even remembering tucking someone in before. "I'll be out in the other room if you need anything." He turned around and was about to leave when he felt something grab onto his shirt. Jude turned back around to see that Ludger was gripping the hem of it.

"Would you like me to stay?" Jude asked as he looked down at his friend curiously. Ludger immediately let go looking embarrassed but Jude could also see the fear lurking in his eyes. Without another question Jude sat on the edge of the bed and even though Ludger still looked embarrassed he visibly relaxed.

Jude vaguely remembered a story Julius told about him and Ludger getting lost and how he hummed that song to keep his younger brother calm. So that's what Jude did while running his fingers through his friend's hair just like his mother did for him when he was sick as a child. Even after Ludger had fallen asleep Jude didn't stop his administrations. Ludger's hair was a lot softer than he thought it would be. It troubled him though how his hair now was completely white what troubled him even more was that the man had yet to say a word. Then there were all of those scars on his arms.

"Just what have you been through?" Jude asked the sleeping man then once again started humming. He was content to stay there but his GHS had other plans as it began to ring much like this morning. Not wanting it to wake Ludger up Jude quietly left the room again much like this morning

"Hello," Jude said hoping that that it wasn't work again.

"Jude its Alvin," his friend said. "I'm just calling to see how you're doing."

"I'm alright," Jude said as he nervously ran a hand through his hair. He didn't know if it was a good thing or not that Alvin called. It was taking him everything that he had not to blurt out the fact that Ludger was back.

"Are you sure? You sound a bit off," Alvin said; Jude could practically hear the frown in his voice.

"I'm fine," Jude assured him. "Really. I just had to go into work this morning."

"Work? But you usually take today off," Alvin said sounding surprised.

"I know but one of the towers got hit by lightning and all of the machines went nuts so they called me in," Jude explained as he plopped down on the couch.

"I see," Alvin said not sounding in the best of moods himself. "Listen I'm sorry about yesterday. Since work called you in maybe you can take an extra few days off. We can make a guys' weekend of it. Rowen's out since he's with the chancellor now but we can see if Erston wants to join us."

"Maybe," Jude said wondering how he was going to get out of it. He didn't want to leave Ludger alone but Alvin could be fairly persistent.

"You really do sound awful are you sure you're okay. I know how hard this time of the year is for you," Alvin reiterated.

"Yes Alvin," Jude said as he pinched the bridge of his nose. "I'm just tired from work. That's all."

"I guess I'll let you go then," Alvin said sounding resigned to the fact that Jude wasn't going to give him a real answer. "You know that if you need to talk…"

"I know. Thanks Alvin," Jude said then ended the phone call.

Jude cracked his back before he got up from the couch. He peeked in his room and saw that Ludger was still sleeping which was a good thing. He hoped that the other man would sleep off his fever. Since he houseguest was sleeping Jude decided that he would go back and work on his paper that he had tried to write last night.

Once again he was finding it hard to concentrate. Last night he had been thinking about the past and now…now his mind was filled with some many questions. The only person that could answer them was unable to. He would just have to be patient. Still he wasn't sure how long he could keep the fact that Ludger was back to himself. The last thing that he wanted to do though was make Ludger cry.

Jude shook his head. He needed to work on his paper so that's what he was going to do. Once again though his concentration was wavering and he was finding himself rereading the same paragraph from one of his reference book several times. Before he realized it he found himself nodding off and soon he had fallen asleep using a book as his pillow.

It felt like he had only been sleeping moments when he felt someone shaking him by the shoulder. He opened his eyes to see Ludger giving him a chastising look. He reminded Jude very much of his mother when he was caught snitching sweets before dinner.

"Sorry," Jude said as he stretched. "I have a habit of falling asleep at my desk." Ludger shook his head clearly calling him an idiot. "Did you need something?" Ludger slowly nodded then handed over several pictures that Jude had scattered through his place.

"You want me to catch you up with everyone?" Jude asked. It took a moment but eventually Ludger nodded. "Then let's do this someplace more comfortable." He led the silent man to the couch where he took the stack of framed photos from him.

"This one is the only picture of all of us together," Jude said as he handed over a group photo. "You never did get to see it." As Ludger studied it he had a wistful smile on his face that was touched with sadness. "You're right it isn't quite all of us. We never did get a picture with the other Milla."

Jude was about to get through the rest of the pictures but stopped. Ludger had been gone ten years to the day. If he didn't know how long he had been gone he knew that some of the pictures might upset his friend. He looked like he hadn't aged while the others did especially the girls. "Do you know how long you've been gone?" Ludger nodded and Jude noticed how the sadness had returned in full. "Are you sure you're up for this?" Another nod so Jude continued.

Next he handed Ludger a picture of Alvin standing with several people in front of a newly opened store all with big smiles on their faces. "This is Alvin and his partners, a mix of Rieze Maxians and Emplians. This is the first store that they opened. They have opened several since then. Alvin has become quite the business man." Ludger pointed to the name on the building. "Yeah the sell goods from both countries. They are one of the few business that do."

"Now this one is Leia right after she got promoted to editor of the paper," Jude explained as he handed over the picture. It was one of Leia sitting on her desk with a huge smile on her face. "She was so excited about that stupid desk. She's been editor for three years now and she still talks about it." This time Ludger pointed to a pencil sticking out of Leia's hair making Jude chuckle. "You know, I never noticed that before. She'll be so mad when I point that out to her."

"This is one of Gaius getting his first GHS," Jude said with a laugh. Ludger didn't laugh but he did smile so Jude took that as a win. "I know it's already broken and he hasn't gotten any better with them. I think he's on his fifth one."

"Here's one of Rowen, Marcia, and Elize," Jude said and chuckled when Ludger's eyes went wide. "I know. Elize grew up to be very tall and a diplomat as well. She idolized Rowen and Marcia and wanted to become like them. Rowen on the other hand retired around five years ago and Marcia about three." Ludger pointed to a ring on Marcia's finger and Jude nodded. "The two of them have plans to get married soon."

Jude hesitated before handing over the next picture. He didn't know how Ludger was going to react but the man was looking at him expectantly. Hoping that it wouldn't be too much for him Jude handed it over. This one showed two young woman standing next to each with big smiles on their faces.

"This one was taken really recently," Jude explained. "It's Elle's graduation. Much like Elize she became a diplomat. They two of them have become very close and became just like sisters. Right now they are taking a good will tour to all of the ports and train stations of the two countries."

Ludger gave the picture a watery smile as he looked at the two girls then pointed to Elle's smiling face. "Yes she's happy. Everyone's happy actually." Ludger titled his head to the side.

"Am I happy?" Jude asked. His friend nodded. "For the most part I guess. I mean I have my research." Ludger pointed to Milla in the group picture. "Milla? I mean I miss her. She left right after you…" he trailed off here as that wasn't a pleasant memory for him. "She had her job to do though and I had mine. Work came first for both of us. I guess that told me something. Right?" Ludger looked at him quizzically. Jude was going to try and explain it further when there was a knock at the door.

The calm atmosphere the two of them had popped like a balloon. Ludger gave him a slightly startled looking before making his way to the bedroom and closing the door behind him. Jude sighed as he ran his hand through his hair. He needed to figure out why Ludger didn't want to see anyone. Whoever was at the door knocked again so Jude got up to answer it.

"Hey," Alvin said standing there with a smile on his face holding couple bottles of beer.

"Alvin what are you…"

"I thought you could use some company," Alvin said as he walked in.

"I told you I was fine," Jude said as he closed the door behind him.

"Reminiscing?" Alvin said as he picked up one of the photos from the coffee table ignoring him completely.

"Something like that," Jude told him as he glanced towards the bedroom door.

"And you said you were fine," Alvin said with a roll of his eyes.

"There's nothing wrong with remembering the past," Jude told him as he again glanced as his bedroom door. He really wanted to tell Alvin the truth.

"Yeah but…I know how hard these few days are for you," Alvin said quietly. "And since I wasn't able to come yesterday and you sounded so awful when I talked to you earlier…"

"You might as well stay for a drink then especially since you brought them," Jude said. Normally he would have been relieved to see Alvin on a day like today but with his current house guest.

"And something to eat," Alvin said sound hopeful. "Something smells good."

"I forgot about that," Jude said as he looked into the kitchen. The soup Ludger made was still on the stove.

"You forgot?" Alvin said with a frown.

"Ah…just let me heat it up," Jude said quickly. "You can sit at the table."

"Did you have company?" Alvin asked curiously.

"What?" Jude asked at he turned around to look at the man who was in turn looking at the two bowls on the table. "Oh! That's just from two meals." He didn't like lying but he didn't have much of a choice either.

"Sure," Alvin said doubt clearly in his voice. "You didn't finish either one."

"No I guess I didn't," Jude said with a frown as he gathered the bowls from the table. He didn't like how sick Ludger had gotten from eating one mouthful of food. And in his opinion Ludger couldn't afford to lose any more weight. "Maybe vitamin supplements or something like that."

"Vitamin supplements?" Alvin asked.

"Sorry," Jude said quickly as he cursed to himself, "just thinking out loud."

"Alright there's something going on and you need to tell me what it is," Alvin said with a scowl.

"There's nothing going on," Jude told him hoping that Alvin would drop the subject but going by how the man had his arms crossed over his chest he had a feeling that it wouldn't happen.

"I don't buy that," Alvin said.

"I…I can't tell you. I'm sorry," Jude said.

"You can't tell me or you won't?" Alvin asked.

"I can't," Jude told him quietly.

"You're not in trouble again, are you? Like getting threatening letters?" Alvin asked.

"No, nothing like that," Jude was quick to reassure him. A few years ago he had gotten a few death threats and kept them to himself. Because of that it almost ended badly for him. Alvin scowled in return clearly not believing him. "Alright I do have someone here but they…they're kind of hiding out and they don't want to see anyone."

"Who?" Alvin asked as he narrowed his eyes.

"I…let me go talk to them first. Just be patient for a bit," Jude pleaded.

"A bit," Alvin agreed but Jude could hear the reluctance in his voice.

Jude gave a nod of thanks as he headed to the bedroom and even though he knew he didn't need to he knocked on the door. It took a moment but it eventually opened a crack. He took that as a good sign as he opened the door just enough so he could get through. Ludger was standing there looking a little lost.

"Alvin's here," Jude told him. "He suspects something is going on." Ludger didn't say anything just absentmindedly rubbed his arm where a very deep scar was. "I was wondering…" Jude took a deep breath not sure if he should even ask what he was about to ask, "…if we could just tell him." Ludger bit his bottom lip so hard Jude was worried that he would make it bleed and he could see tears threatening to fall from his eyes.

"You've been through something really terrible, haven't you?" Jude asked as he went over to the other man trying to look him in the eye; something Ludger was refusing to do. "Are you afraid of what everyone will think of you?" The tears now falling freely down his friend's face was all the answer that he needed. "None of us will think less of you no matter what you've done or been through but I understand how you feel and I won't ask you to tell anyone else until you are ready. I would appreciate though if we could just tell Alvin and I am only ask this because he's here and already suspects something." Ludger still looked hesitant.

"I'll explain the situation to him. You don't even have to see him if you don't want to. Just let me tell him you're the one here," Jude asked. Tears continued to fall down his face and Jude wiped away one of his tears with his thumb; he really did hate to see Ludger cry. "Alvin will understand your need for secrecy more than most and he won't tell anyone either if you don't want him to." Ludger eventually gave a slow hesitant nod. "It'll be alright you'll see." Jude then place what he thought was a brotherly kiss on the other man's forehead before going back out into the living room.

"Now can you tell me what's going on?" Alvin asked. The older man was sitting on the couch with a scowl on his face.

"Only if you promise to keep it a secret and not to tell anyone and when I say anyone I mean anyone," Jude told him.

"That serious, is it," Alvin said as he nervously rubbed the back of his neck. Jude nodded and he watched as Alvin thought about it for a long moment. "Alright, I promise."

"Ludger's back," Jude said deciding that blunt would best.

"He's what?! Since when?!" Alvin asked his eyes going wide.

"Since last night," Jude sighed as he joined Alvin on the couch. "He showed up during the storm."

"And you didn't tell me this why?" Alvin asked an accusing note in his voice and a little anger as well.

"Because it's complicated!" Jude snapped. "He's not in the best of shape. The man has yet to say a word…"

"He wasn't the biggest talker to begin with," Alvin added with a hint of amusement.

"This is different though. He hasn't spoken at all. Then he has all of those scars and he's lost so much weight and I don't think he's aged," Jude said quietly.

"He's been through something, hasn't he," Alvin said all amusement gone.

"I think so. He's just not ready to see everyone yet," Jude told him. "The only reason he's letting me tell you is because you're here."

"You were always able to speak 'Ludger'," Alvin said with a small smile.

"What do you mean speak 'Ludger'?" Jude asked as he scowled at his friend.

"It was always interesting to watch you two talk. Ludger would hardly say a word, sometimes he would say nothing at all yet you still seemed to know what he was saying. You two would talk for hours that way," Alvin said. Jude shrugged as he had never really thought about it.

"Yeah well…I still don't know who sent him back, how he got back, why he's back or why he came to me instead of one of you," Jude said beginning to feel hopeless when it came to his friend's needs.

"I at least know why he chose to come to you," Alvin said. "And don't even ask why he did chose you. That's a secret between me and Ludger."

"You and Ludger share a secret?" Jude asked for some odd reason not liking it. Alvin nodded.

"We went out for drinks once and we talked about a few things. Things that I am not going to share with you. Not unless you become a complete idiot," Alvin said. There was an emotion in his voice Jude didn't recognize and he wasn't sure if he wanted to either.

"I'm going to see if he wants to come out to visit for a while," Jude said as he got up from the couch. "Just don't overwhelm him. He's extremely fragile."

"Physically or mentally?" Alvin asked.

"Both," Jude answered as he opened the door and walked into his bedroom. He found Ludger sitting on his with his arms wrapped tightly around himself.

"Would you like to come out for a while?" Jude asked him. Ludger seemed hesitant then looked down at his arms. "I can help with that." He dug in his close and pulled out one of his lighter jackets. "If you put this on he won't even notice." Jude then helped Ludger into the jacket. "Are you ready?" Ludger nodded so the two of them headed out into the living room.

"Hey long time no see," Alvin said as he stood by the stove stirring the soup that he was reheating. Ludger gave a little wave in greeting. Jude shared a quick look with Alvin and he could tell that the older man was having a hard time holding himself back. "Did you make this?"

"He made it this afternoon," Jude said. Alvin smiled then took a taste his smile widening.

"I really did miss your cooking," Alvin said wistfully. "Mind if I have some?" Ludger shook his head. "I can dish us out each a bowl."

"I'll have some but I don't think it's such a good idea for Ludger," Jude said with a frown. "He's still not feeling well and I don't want a repeat of earlier." He could see the question in Alvin's eyes but Jude shook his head hoping the man wouldn't ask.

"Sure thing," Alvin said as he filled two bowls. While Alvin was doing that Jude turned his attention to the other man. "I was thinking of you just having vitamin supplements. It's almost like a shake. If that doesn't make you sick you can try more soup tomorrow." Ludger again nodded so Jude got to work making his drink.

Dinner was an interesting affair that night. For the few hours they all sat around the table it was almost if time hadn't passed and things were normal. Sometimes though there would be a lull in their conversation. Usually when Ludger got a faraway look in his eyes or he would rub his arms absentmindedly pulling up the sleeves of the coat making his scars visible for a brief second. Jude could tell from the look on Alvin's face that he had seen him. This was when Alvin would tell one of his funnier stories.

"I don't think I can eat another bite," Alvin said as he leaned back in his chair with a satisfied sigh.

"That's because you almost ate the whole pot yourself," Jude scolded as he cleaned up the table.

"What can I say," Alvin said with a helpless shrug, "it was good." It looked as if Ludger was going to get up to help with the dishes when Alvin gently pushed him back into his chair. "The chief gets out of doing the dishes. Now me on the other hand…"

"You don't have to help Alvin," Jude told him although he did appreciate the help. Alvin though seemed to have ulterior motives as he looked over his shoulder at Ludger who was sleepily rubbing his eyes.

"I was wondering if you wouldn't mind me spending the night, I would feel better for it and I don't mind the floor," Alvin said quietly.

"Of course I don't mind," Jude said with a smile understanding where the older man was coming from, "but you don't have to sleep on the floor. You can take the couch. I was planning on sleeping on the floor in my room in case Ludger needed anything. He managed to drink that shake but I'm still worried."

"You never change. Always the good guy," Alvin said with a chuckle. "Just don't mess it up. This is your second chance." Jude raised his eyebrow at the last comment wondering what this second chance was but decided that it was in his best interest if he didn't ask.

After they had finished the dishes he had got Alvin a pillow and blanket him then ushered Ludger off to his bedroom. Once again Jude found himself tucking the now younger man into bed. Something the he found himself, oddly enough, enjoying.

"Do you mind if I read for a while?" Jude asked him. Ludger shook his head and Jude smiled. "I'll be in the chair if you need anything." Jude then moved the chair slightly closer to the bed in case he needed to get to Ludger quickly. It wasn't too long before the words on the page began to blur together…

When Jude opened his eyes things felt off. It was almost like he was in a fractured dimension but not really. He was currently standing in the small park that was outside what once had been Ludger's apartment building. The sun was setting and there was a lone little boy swinging on the swings humming a song. Jude smiled. There was no doubt in his mind that child was Ludger.

"This is one of my favorite memories," someone said from behind him. Jude turned around to see Julius standing there with a sad smile. Jude was about to ask him what was going on when he heard someone walking towards them so he turned back to the 'memory'.

A much younger looking Julius but also a beaten down and worn-out looking Julius slowly came walking towards the park.

"Julius! You're home!" the little boy squealed as he went running towards his bother.

"Hey there kiddo," the young Julius said with a smile that didn't reach his eyes. "What did you do today?"

"I made you a surprise," little Ludger said with a big smile.

"A surprised huh," Julius said as he looked down at his younger brother his eyes going wide. "Ludger what happened to your hands?" the man then kneeled down and appeared to examine his brother's hands closely.

"They're just a few burns Julius, nothing to worry about," little Ludger mumbled.

"A few burns!" Julius repeated. "Ludger your hands are covered in them!"

"Please don't be mad at me Julius," little Ludger said looking close to tears. "I just wanted to do something nice for you so I made you dinner. You never eat right and if you don't eat right my teacher says you get sick. I don't want you to get sick."

"You did this for me?" Julius asked as he looked at his brother's hands. The little boy nodded vigorously. "Just where did you learn to cook?"

"I found this lady on TV. She talks kinda funny but she knows all about food and how to cook it. Today her recipe had tomatoes in it so I thought I would try that. I know how you like tomatoes Julius…" little Ludger continued to ramble about his cooking show as the two brothers made their way into the building.

"So that's why he learned to be such a good cook," Jude commented.

"Yes. To take care of me," Julius said as he looked sadly at the door their younger selves had walked through. "I made a promise to myself that day that I would take care of him and protect him. A promise that I broke."

"Do you know what happened? Why and how he's back?" Jude asked.

"Yes. That's why I'm here and I only have time to tell you the short version," Julius said as he stared off into the sunset. "After Ludger…made his wish things went a little odd for us. A war broke out in the land of Canaan and we were recruited to fight by Origin and Chronos.

"It was a long hard battle and in the end we won but at a heavy cost. Near the end of the war Ludger was captured and it took us a lot longer to save him than I would have liked. He was never the same after that…"

"Does that have something to do with why he doesn't talk?" Jude asked.

"I'm afraid so. He hasn't spoken a word to anyone since we got him out. Not even to me," Julius said with a frown. "We know that they tortured him but how exactly I can't tell you as I don't know and honestly I don't think I want to know."

"Those bastards," Jude said as he clenched his fists. Ludger had already been through so much. Jude though shook his head. "Alright at least now I have a vague idea of what he's been through and I'll do everything in my power to help him but how did he end up back with us?"

"According to Origin there was a spot open," Julius said with a shrug.

"A spot open?" Jude asked not quite understanding. Julius nodded.

"You see Elle was supposed to be born in this world but she never was. So since she wasn't born there was a spot open for someone to go back. Since me and Ludger were so instrumental in winning the war they said that the spot could go to one of us. Ludger wanted me to take it but I refused. He had so many people that missed him…plus I needed to make a lot of things up to him. I asked too much…"

"You mean making him fight and kill you?" Jude asked a little harsher than he intended. Julius winced and nodded.

"That among other things. The war here was harsh. If you haven't noticed Ludger looks as if he hasn't aged," Julius explained. Jude nodded; it was hard not to notice. "Time passes oddly here physically he hasn't aged but mentally that's another story."

"So it's been ten years for him as well?" Jude asked.

"Yes but ten years in Canaan so it's probably going to take him awhile to adjust to…being alive again," Julius said as he looked down at the ground. Jude nodded hoping that would explain why the little bit of food he ate made him so sick. "What I'm about to ask you will be asking a lot I know, but I was hoping that you would be able to keep my promise for me."

"You don't need to ask me something like that," Jude said with a small shake of his head. "Of course I'll look after him. We all will."

"Thank you," Julius said looking truly relieved. "This is his second chance…"

This time when Jude opened his eyes he found himself back in his room. He glanced at the bed and saw that Ludger looked to be sleeping peacefully. At least now he had an idea of what his friend had been through even if the idea of it made him sick. Jude pulled his chair closer to the bed and gently ran his fingers through the man's hair.

"I promise that this time we'll take care of you," Jude told him then placed a kiss on his forehead. He wasn't going to let Ludger's second chance at life be anything but happy.