Okay, another teaser!  I really don't know where I'm going with this.  If you can't figure out whom I'm talking about, well I'll give you a clue.  Think about whose writing this…  Now, who do I usually write about?  Figure it out?  Okay good.  Oh yeah, it's AU.  Enjoy!

Stepping Stones

By: Meg-chan

Steps echoed down the long empty hallway.  The maker of the sound couldn't be distinguished in the shadows; all that could be seen was the outline of the figure.  From what you could see it appeared to be a rather tall young man, around 6' 2" with wild hair.  He continued to walk, unaware that anyone was watching as he made his way.  The shadows that hid his own figure betrayed him, for there was yet another figure huddled in the dark, waiting.

            This second figure gave away its presence only when the first had passed him by.  The second young man stepped out of the blackness and into the only partial darkness of the corridor.  Though slightly shorter and slimmer he had just as much presence if not more.  "Where have you been?", the second demanded.

            The taller of the two jumped slightly and then spun around.  He knew whom it was that had called out to him.  The voice was one he knew well.  He struggled to find words as his mouth and throat rapidly grew dryer.  "I… I – I …  what I mean is…"

            The shorter, yet older man decided not to wait for an answer to surface.  He closed the small space there was between them.  His face was so close to the other man's that their noses almost touched.  He was looking up, yet that in no way diminished his power or presence in the situation.  His eyes narrowed as he bored into the very soul of the younger man.  "Do you have any idea what time it is?"

            The victim looked around, perhaps out of nervousness, or maybe he was just looking for a clock.  Either way, he shook his head and mumbled an answer.

"What?  I can't hear you?"  The older man made a sound that was a combination of both disgust and disappointment, he then sighed and continued.  "It's two a.m.  You and I both have class tomorrow, but it doesn't look as if either of us will get much out of it.  You knew I had lost my key, that's why I asked you to make sure that you got here at a reasonable hour, like seven!  Is that really so difficult?  And to top it all off, I have been worried sick about you!  I don't know why I bother to worry, it's obvious that you don't care one little bit about me."

            The younger man opened his mouth to say something, words of apology, or something in his defense, but whatever it was, he was cut off before he managed to get two words out.  "No!  I don't want to hear any of it now.  I'm too upset; it won't be good for either of us if we talk about this now.  Let's just get back to the room and get whatever sleep we can."  He walked away without another word.

            The stunned man remained where he was for a few moments.  He was on the verge of tears and was silently willing them not to come.  To cry now was to show emotions and a weakness that he did not want the other man to see.  Not now, and most certainly not like this.  He took a last deep breath and followed his companion into the shadows.

Yes I know they seem a little OOC, but there really not… you'll see why.  I hope…  Well, you'll know why just as soon as I figure it out.  But I will make this work!!