Disclaimer: I do not in any way shape or form own the series Sorcerer Stabber Orphen. This is merely a fan fiction meant for non-profitable entertainment purposes.

This is my first SSO fic ever. I've been wanting to do one of these for so long, but never had enough time. Oh well, it's here now, that's all that matters right?

Anyways, this is a YAOI fic, so if you don't like then leave. Specifically, my favourite pairing, Hartia/Lai. It sort of takes place at the end of the series (the first series, I haven't seen the second) so Majic's in there a bit too.

Hope you all enjoy.

Just Look

Prologue

"It happened again?"

"Yes."

Cool eyes regarded the pale figure before him from underneath the darkness of his hood. "Hartia," he whispered softly, and edge of sadness and concern in his voice. "There must be something else, something you're not telling me about all of this. I can't find any other explanation."

Hartia looked away from the shrouded figure. "No, there isn't anything I'm hiding from you. Perhaps I'm just worried about something."

"Like what?"

"Majic's examinations are soon. Maybe the anxiousness I'm feeling about that is affecting me."

The hidden man sighed. "Perhaps it is that. But this is the third time you've had such a restless night this week. Try not to worry so much. I know you want Majic to do well, you don't want to disappoint anyone. Especially not Orphen."

Despite the fact that it was barely a whisper, Hartia still snapped his head around and glared. "That was uncalled for Lai."

"I'm sorry, I know it was. I'm just worried about you. I think you may have taken on too much and expect too much of yourself. Just like everyone else does."

"Well, don't be worried." Hartia offered him a small smile of gratitude. "I'm sure it's probably nothing. If you start worrying too much, you might have the same problem."

Lai laughed quietly. "Perhaps." He smiled with Hartia briefly before e looked away, out his window. "Well, if you ever can't sleep, you know you're welcome here. I rarely rest."

"Because you spend so much time meditating anyway."

"Don't tease Hartia," Lai admonished with a smile, "else I won't ask you to study the stars with me."

"You're still persisting with your astrology?" Hartia asked curiously, stepping beside Lai to stare out of his tower window at the bright night sky, lit with thousands of tiny pinpricks of light.

"Yes, and a helping hand on occasion would not be disregarded and most appreciated." Lai smiled as Hartia chuckled, getting the hint. "Though I also would only like you to study this with me when you find you can't sleep. Who knows, the monotony might make you fall asleep."

"Lai, your studies are anything but boring. I don't think I'd ever be able to get a wink of sleep if I were to help you out every night. Unfortunately, I will need some sleep for the rather large day tomorrow, so I will have to decline your offer for now."

"Ah the peaceful tranquility of divination. I would pity you, but my attentions are better focused elsewhere." Lai grinned briefly as Hartia laughed and clapped him lightly on the shoulder in a gesture of close friendship.

"Thank you my friend," he smiled, "you've helped me much, in many ways."

"There is no need to thank me," Lai assured him, turning back to his night sky contemplations. "Everyone need someone. Even you Hartia, despite your protests otherwise."

Hartia nodded and walked over to the door, thinking these words over carefully. Lai rarely gave advice or comments, and those he did should be well treasured and listened to. "Indeed I do, Lai," he agreed quietly, leaving the diviner to his silent lonely chamber and his solitary studies.

"Even me," Lai whispered to the cold distant stars above.