Hello!~ This is the second (and last) part of CDHTC. I forgot to mention that this was set in post-Akzeriuth, so that's why Luke is a little quieter or calmer. It's also a bit longer than the first chapter, I think. This is shounen-ai/boys love. If one does not like it, one does not have to read it. Again, italicized writing are thoughts by the characters. Enjoy the story and review please! Much appreciated!

Disclaimer: I do not own Tales of the Abyss, Namco Bandai does. If I did own it, it would've been a slash dating sim as well.

Guy pulled away slowly. Luke continued to stare at him, blinking rapidly. The blond looked around, feeling a sense of panic. What have I done? "L-Luke I-I-" Luke stayed silent. Damn it. Guy felt that panicking feeling grow. "Is that who you're interested in?" Luke asked quietly. Guy nodded hesitantly. Luke couldn't believe it, Guy was in love with HIM? For as long as he knew his best friend, he thought Guy saw him only as that, or a brother at most. But in love? Does he really? Unreal.

The older boy tried to read his expression, terrified at the possibility of him ruining the closest bond he ever had. He stood up and backed up a bit. "Luke I'm sorry for dropping this on you, I didn't," Guy clenched the hem of his vest. He doesn't. Guy looked away. "Guy." The redhead felt that uttering just that would rip Guy apart. Luke lowered his head, bangs covering his emerald eyes. "I enjoy making meals with you. Like it when we spar while everybody else is at the inn. When we go look for supplies and just talk. Like now." Luke walked towards the taller boy, raising his head slightly. "I like being with you." Guy finally made eye contact. "I love being with you." Luke was burning from uncertainty and fear. It should be okay, right? The river was almost soothing the atmosphere. Luke looked up into Guy's cyan eyes, wanting him to understand what he was trying to say. Guy enclosed his hands around Luke's, feeling- assurance? acceptance? He wasn't sure, but he knew that he felt happiness surge through him as well. "Do you…get what I'm saying?" Luke looked at their now intertwined hands. Can this…really happen? The thought resounding through both of their minds.

Guy smiled softly, glad he regained most of his composure. Luke felt warmth flood his cheeks all of a sudden. It's always this reaction when it comes to him and his friggin smile. Guy lowered his face towards Luke's, letting the redhead accept properly this time. Luke smiled back and raised his head shyly-

"Oh." A fonist.

"My!" An archer.

"Squeeeee!" A little guardian.

"Well isn't this nice?" A smirking Jade walked into the shattered romantic mood. Both boys looked toward the group in shock, faces as red as an apple gel. Luke tried to hide his face behind his short hair and Guy smiled at the group nervously. "Hey guys what's up?"

"Are you two…together?" Tear asked. The swordsmen honestly didn't know how to answer that. It was all very spur of the moment, but did it mean they were officially together? "Yeah, I guess we are?" Luke looked at Guy. Guy smiled sweetly at his new love and held his hand "Yep." Jade adjusted his glasses and opened his mouth to speak. Oh brother. The young men's eyebrows twitched. "This relationship won't intervene with how the party performs, yes?" Jade set his ever present smile. They both nodded.

"Will you two make out all the time, because if you will make sure I'm around to see!" Anise exclaimed with the eyes only a fangirl could make. "Imagine the blackmail." Jade added. Natalia looked appalled at the two "Stop that, it would make them uncomfortable if you do such a thing!"

"Would it really? Come on, you know want to see!"

"I do not!"

"You totally do!"

"Why would I want to see that?"

"Why wouldn't you want to see that?"

"That would certainly be interesting to see."

"CAN YOU GUYS SHUT UP!"

Luke felt embarrassed and enraged at the conversation. "Guy and my relationship have NOTHING to do with you and your weird fantasies, so stop!" Guy put a hand on Luke's shoulder, "Luke, breathe. I agree that being looked at for…that is really uncomfortable," side glance to Anise "but I don't think it will necessarily faze us. I, I love you and nobody's stares or comments are gonna stop me from showing it or feeling it. Besides, we're pretty much exclusive now." Guy gave him a crooked smile. Luke looked back at Guy, seeing the honesty and care in Guy's eyes. He means well. As always. Luke smiled softly at the thought. "Yeah. you're right." He was met by a kiss on the cheek, and a hyped up Anise. Both boys chuckled lightly at the sound, only hearing each other's breathing.

They kissed tentatively because of the many set of eyes on them, but tried to ignore them if just for a moment. Warmth spread through their chests while realizing how good it felt to be this close. The trees rustling quietly added a comforting feeling to the couple, making Luke feel at home in Guy's arms. I guess chores aren't so bad.

The cicadas continued with their cries, but this time, it was perfectly acceptable.

A/N: And that's a wrap! I hope you guys enjoyed my first attempt! Maybe favorite it? lol Please review!