Author's note: I decided to change up my normal writing style for this story. The point of view changes between Raikou and Gau. The switch occurs when a new section starts (indicated by a line across the screen). Please let me know if I made it too confusing.

Disclaimer: I don't own Nabari no Ou. There would've been a whole lot more shounen-ai/yaoi if I did. :)

"Ugh, you're hopeless, Gau." Raikou's fist atop his head snapped Gau out of his daydream (about Raikou of course). He felt his mouth to make sure drool wasn't pouring out. Dreams about Raikou were progressively becoming steamier. "We're leaving now."

Gau stood from his chair and quickly caught up to Raikou, already at the restaurant doors. How had the daydream started, anyway? Gau blushed as he remembered.

"Will you be joining me in training tomorrow morning, Gau? You've been sleeping in a lot recently." Gau didn't hear a word the man said. He was busy getting lost in his imagination. Raikou's face was a gift from the gods: his chiseled jaw and cheekbones, flowing cotton-candy-pink hair that fell to his shoulders, long eyelashes in a permanent curl, deep chocolate-colored eyes, a long slender neck...Gau could give you 85 reasons that Raikou's body was perfect—he'd gone over them in his head so many times that he finally wrote them down. He could probably think of 10 or 15 more if he tried. Don't even get him started on Raikou's inner beauty, he would be talking for days. "Gau...?"

He couldn't blame Raikou for being annoyed with his daydreams—Gau couldn't blame him for anything—they were happening more frequently and lasting longer. He couldn't help it. The alluring samurai was irresistible. But he also knew he wasn't alone in seeing Raikou's perfection. Double-takes were an ordinary occurrence when he walked anywhere; girls giggled and whispered when he was spotted; male and female alike found it difficult to speak to him (especially after hearing his velvety smooth voice).

Gau considered it a blessing being able to go home with him every night. He cooked, cleaned, researched, doing everything in his power to please Raikou. He rescued Gau from the man who murdered his parents. Sweeping up Raikou's crumbs from the floor and washing his plate was the least Gau could do.

Being in debt to him was a big part of not admitting his feelings for him. How could an orphaned boy like himself even think of acting selfishly to his savior? That and fear of devastating rejection. He constantly assured himself that the one-sided relationship was better than the risk of losing the person he held above all others. Gau couldn't live without Raikou; he would die from loneliness.

Raikou watched his companion closely as he made dinner that night, pretending to read the local newspaper. He loved the way he flew around the kitchen attempting—and usually succeeding—to cook multiple dishes at once; the crinkle of his nose as he scrutinized the spices, making sure to use a delicious combination; his tongue poking out the side of his mouth as he measured ingredients. If only..Raikou thought sullenly. Gau only thought of him as a mentor and a friend. True, Gau greatly admired Raikou, but he was sure that his deeper feelings would be reciprocated if he spoke them aloud.

For now, Raikou was content with watching the boy from afar, delighting in every admiring look the boy sent his way and holding onto every word of praise Gau gave him. Raikou couldn't risk losing his only real friend for the slight chance of Gau feeling the same.

Raikou's samurai training consisted of early morning yoga, brushing up on martial arts and analyzing moves he was doing wrong, and polishing up on the location vital pressure points.

Raikou always slowed the pace of his attacks during training in order to teach Gau the correct movements. His assaults to the boy were 1/4 the strength of his true force. Raikou never wanted to hurt Gau ever again. The pain he felt from injuring the person he loved most was unbearable—he wouldn't forgive himself if he lost control again. Technically, it wasn't Raikou's fault that Gau was injured. He jumped in front of the samurai's sister without Raikou seeing him. But of course Raikou took full blame and he couldn't be convinced to think otherwise.

The pink haired swordsman was floored at Gau's immediate unconditional forgiveness. He was seeking punishment from him and the deep would had no effect on the desire Gau had to stick by his side. In all of Raikou's life, he never witnessed such wholehearted trust and loyalty towards a single person. That was when Raikou fell in love. He was in no sense worthy of Gau's affection, but he couldn't live without it. Selfish as it was Raikou would keep Gau by his side no matter the cost.

"I'll never get this one right," Gau dropped to the ground defeatedly.

"Yes you will. Hard work and perseverance is the key to samurai training." Raikou squatted down and ruffled his thick black hair affectionately. "Practice makes perfect," he finished the mini speech with a reassuring grin.

"Thank you for being so patient and supportive, Raikou-san. I appreciate it so much." Gau's yellow cat-eyes gleamed brightly. There was that smile again. The one that made Raikou's heart skip a beat. He was so effortlessly charming.

"It's my pleasure. I want you to have the skills to protect yourself. I can't let anyone hurt you..." Raikou cursed himself for letting the last part slip out. Being too doting might lead to scaring off the boy. Although, it's never bothered him before... "Let's try again." Raikou held out a hand to lift him up. "It's all in the stomach. You have to keep your core tight to stay balanced."

After a few more clumsy attempts Gau finally caught on. He'd always been a quick learner. Gau never ceased to amaze Raikou.