A/N - Presenting a brand new AU chaptered fic - 26 chapters, along with an epilogue and at least 3 bonus chapters. How do I know? Because this fic is already written, I only need to post. (It makes me happy to be able to say that -beams-) (actually, only the core 26 chapters are written. The rest aren't yet XD) But, 26 chapters will take a long time to upload if I do it once a week, which is what I plan.

A more in-depth look at the fic: It's an AU in which Kurogane and Fai are just two normal boys that happen to meet each other. It has somewhat of a different format, which you'll understand when you read it. Fai doesn't cut, he isn't alcoholic, he really isn't that angsty, and overall, this fic is maybe a spoonful of angst, a cupful of fluff, brewed in some nice hurt/comfort and friendship. The chapters start out short, simple, and sweet, and develop as they go, as do the characters.

This is set in a country that's a lovely mix of Japan/China/USA/Canada ^^' Er, just sort of go along with it, okay? XD (Bold age in the title is Kurogane's, italicized age in the subtitle is Fai's. Cookies to anyone that can figure out Kurogane's birthday after a few more chapters- I tell you Fai's.)


First Meeting (2 Years and 8 Months Old)

March 18, 03: 2 Years and 3 Months Old

"I'm so glad you moved here!" A beautiful woman with long, flowing black hair exclaimed.

"I'm glad too. We really needed a change," her blonde companion smiled. She would have looked like a teenager if not for the faint wrinkles around her eyes.

"I can't say I really understand how you feel; I've lived here forever and couldn't imagine leaving! But I guess each to her own, hmm? Besides, our children seem to be having fun!"

"Aww, look at that! They're getting along so well!"

"Yes, I'm rather surprised. Usually, Kurogane isn't very cooperative when it comes to playing with others. He's too grumpy!"

"It's just a phase, I'm sure. You'll see; he'll be super popular with the ladies when he grows up!"

The sound of laughter floated through the air.

"Ha, won't that be just the sight! In that case, I better take plenty of pictures and give plenty of hugs now, before he no longer has time for his poor mother."

"Oh, I know what you mean. Sometimes, I can't wait for my boys to grow up, other times, I just want to keep them close forever, you know?"

"Yeah, just think. I have another one on the way, and when she's Kurogane's age, he'll be in school already!"

The sound of a thoughtful silence lingered.

"Time just flies, doesn't it?

"I know, it's so true when they say, 'time waits for no one.'"


Of course, at nearly three years of age, Kurogane neither understood nor cared to understand what the two women were talking about. All he was concerned about was that his new playmate was brandishing a tie in his face, insisting on playing house, and all the while refusing to pronounce his name properly.

"I told you a million times already, it's Ku-wo-ga-ne!" He cried, exasperated.

The blond stuck his bottom lip out. "I don't wike it, Kuwo-wan."

"KU-WO-GA-NE!" He bellowed, body trembling with infant indignation.

"Whatever you say, Kuwo-wanwan!" Fai beamed cheerfully at him. "Now you be the daddy, and I'll be the mommy!"

"I'm not playing until you get my name wight!" Kurogane could pout just as well as his new friend. "I don't wike any of your weird names!"

"Nyah, Kuro-wan, you're so cute when you make that face," Fai giggled. Kurogane could feel a blush rising to his face.

"Go away," he mumbled. "I don't wanna play house with you. Boys don't play house anyway."

"B-but Kuwo-wan! You said you would!" Fai's eyes widened and flooded.

Overcome with a childish guilt and since one game of house wouldn't kill him, Kurogane took the tie in chubby fingers and looped it around his neck.

"How do you tie this thing?" He complained after struggling with it. "It's impossible!"

Fai approached him and tried to mimic what he had seen his father do several times. Clumsy fingers fumbled with the tie until at last Fai's mother took pity on them and tied it for them.

"Hyuu, Kuwo-wan looks so good!" Fai attempted to whistle and failed. "Hyuu, hyuu!"

"Stop that," Kurogane muttered, embarrassed. "You sound stupid."

The tears were back. "Mommy! Kuwo-wan said I was stupid!"

"Not stupid!" Kurogane said hastily. "I, um, I'm sowwy!"

Fai's eyes dried up immediately, leaving a mischievous twinkle. "Kuwo-daddy's really mean to me!"

Kurogane growled.

Fai laughed and got to his feet, toddling away, leaving Kurogane to chase him.

Halfway across the room though, Fai stumbled and slipped, squealing as he felt himself fall backwards.

Kurogane, who was right behind him, caught him with a small grunt of surprise.

"Hyuu! Thanks, Kuwo-sama!" Fai looked up at his hero and beamed.

"It was nothing," he said, blushing again. "Just be careful, I might not always be here to catch you."


Now (21 years and 4 months old)

Now, Kurogane sits beside a hospital bed, remembering the first time he had met the blond now lying on the verge of death. He holds the blond's hand, willing him to wake up, but he does not.

Had there been someone else there? Kurogane wonders. He seems to remember being forced to say goodbye to another boy, although he had barely talked to him since Fai had occupied all his time. It was all so long ago …


A/N - Enjoyed it? If so, drop me a review, please! Thanks for reading!

Also, I'd like to take this moment to announce my new LJ - click on my homepage button to visit it and comment on some new, never before seen stuff! Thanks ~