This is something that happened in the anime, episode 26, with, of course, my own spin on things. I hope you enjoy it!

4

"And what about you, magician? What would you ask for?"

For a while that question remained with Fai, even as the group started heading up towards the intimidating looking structure. He wasn't sure what he would ask for, even if he had gotten to the top first. He had mused over the thought of asking the god to remove his curses, but in the end that had left him.

No, that wasn't what he ultimately wanted. He knew that he could somehow defeat those, and if he stayed on the run, there was no need to worry about them anyway. He had stronger magic than anyone he had ever met or known, so there was no need to worry about that one. The other… he wasn't sure.

Fai stared up at the moonlit castle above them, his blue eyes thoughtful. No, if he could have one wish granted right now, at this moment, it would be for someone to see him as he truly was, and for that someone to love him for what he saw.

Fortunately half of that wish was already in motion; Fai had never met anyone who understood him more than the tall, quiet ninja that currently walked just behind him. Kurogane had already seen more in him than anyone ever had, and while it had startled Fai at first, it was now to the point where he admired and appreciated it. Never before had anyone been able to see past his mask, and having someone that could do that…

Fai knew that he had strong feelings for Kurogane, unlike anything he had ever had before.

Part of that scared him, but at the same time he was excited. It was something new in his life, and perhaps when all of this was over, and when things finally got back to normal, he could begin to explore that part of himself, but for now, he could do nothing more than watch the man that he was sure had no feelings in return to his own.

Kurogane was just too… adverse to him. He was easily annoyed by the mage, had a violent temper towards him, and generally avoided him unless it was necessary. Fai knew that there was no way that the ninja would ever even consider having a relationship with him.

A sharp cry of shock from Sakura made the magician snap out of his thoughts, his blue eyes looking to see the shapes of black clothed men coming out of rips in the sky. A smile spread across his face, and Fai readied himself.

Time to fight again!

Kurogane drew his sword as the men came towards him, easily fighting them off and sending a few of them flying. "Well, I'm a little disappointed!"

The crystal voice of Fai suddenly cut through the area. "Go on, keep going you guys. I think I can handle this on my own."

Crimson eyes flew to the mage, and Kurogane frowned slightly as he met the smiling face of Fai. Somehow the mage was always smiling, no matter what was happening around him. Kurogane's frown deepened a little, but as their eyes met he nodded sharply. "You heard him, hurry up."

The two children hesitated only an instant, but Kurogane ushered them forward. As they hurried forward he turned, his eyes briefly catching Fai's once more. The message that passed between them was unmistakable.

You'd better come back alive, idiot mage.

Fai's eyes closed briefly in a smile. I'll see you shortly, Kuro-puu.

Kurogane opened his eyes as he felt a presence coming towards him, his hand automatically tightening where it was still wrapped around his sword, which rested on his shoulder. A soft whistle made his grip relax, and the black-haired ninja rolled his eyes, looking up to meet the blue orbs of Fai.

"Wow, Kurgles, you really did a number on these guys!" Fai sing-songed, grinning widely as he came over to sit down beside Kurogane. "I'm a little impressed!"

The ninja snorted faintly. "As if I would do anything else. What about you, mage? Sure took you long enough to get here."

Fai's smile never faltered, even as he sat down. "Oh, I had a bit of trouble, but it's nothing to worry about."

Kurogane's eyes narrowed almost imperceptivity; he could tell that the mage was lying, but he wasn't sure about what. He decided to ignore it at the moment, settling his back against the wall and relaxing his body again. Fai leaned his head back, staring up at the ceiling with a faint smile on his face. "Do you think the kids got there yet?"

"I'm sure that they did fine." Kurogane responded. "After all, I trained the kid, didn't I?"

Fai's smile widened and he chuckled. "That's true, Kurgy."

Kurogane's expression darkened slightly at the nickname, but he didn't say anything about it. Fai suddenly shifted, leaning forward as though he was uncomfortable before resting his elbows on his knees and his chin in his hands.

It was at this moment that Kurogane spotted the three jagged stripes of blood across Fai's back, the clothes ripped and frayed around the edges. Blood had soaked through the cloth, but didn't appear to be flowing.

"What the… you idiot mage! You're hurt!"

Fai turned to look at him. "Oh, you noticed? I had forgotten about it, really, they don't even hurt anymore."

The ninja scoffed, and then Fai let out a soft cry as his injuries were slapped. The mage curled in on himself, his eyes clenched shut and his arms wrapped around his midsection. Kurogane snorted at this. "See? Stop being such an idiot." With that the ninja reached down to rip off a section of cloth from a nearby cloak, placing it against Fai's back. This time his touch was gentle and careful.

Fai didn't say anything this time around, his smile gone and his blue eyes absently watching the floor as Kurogane's hand wiped at the blood that was still seeping from his wounds. "You don't have to do that." Fai murmured. "I heal fast; they'll be gone before long. I'm fi—"

"Shut up, mage."

Fai didn't argue with the ninja this time, only silently allowed him to clean at the wounds that were already closing. "Kuro-tan…"

"I told you, keep quiet. Let me do this." They fell silent, and then Fai looked up as he felt the surge of magic from above them. A smile came to his features, and his blue eyes shimmered.

"It seems like the children did what they came here to do."

Kurogane nodded, his crimson eyes flickering towards the closed door before he turned back to the task at hand. "You know, you should have more of a concern about yourself when you do stupid things like this."

Fai raised an eyebrow. "Why?"

The ninja didn't answer for a moment, only pushed himself to his feet and started walking. Fai stared after him, and then started along behind him, curiosity brimming in his blue eyes. He almost missed the words that escaped Kurogane's mouth, but he would recall them later with excitement and a sense of hope.

"Because some of us actually want you alive."