Author's note: Phew, thank you to my THREE reviewers. Florian, thanks for getting me in the writing mood. I'm so happy that you like my story. I'm really glad to get so much hits. I'm going to keep writing. Thank you for inspiring me with your reviews!

Warnings: Shounen ai. There MIGHT be some mature subject matter up ahead, so I changed the rating just in case.

Disclaimer: For the love of Buddha, I do not own Dark Cloud, Dark Cloud 2, or Titanic. Don't sue me! This fanfic is in no way associated with the two games or the movie.

Chapter 3: Their Affection

A door to an ornate room was suddenly burst open and Monica rushed inside with Toan.

"Hey! Seda!" She shouted to the silver-haired man before him.

"What? What do you all want?!" The gentleman raised his arm in shock.

"Jump out of your suit!" The young woman ordered.

"NO! Why?" he eyed his apparel, then shot a dumbfounded expression at her.

"The guy needs one pronto," she directed her thumb at the baffled boy.

Seda bent to the left, getting Toan into his line of sight. The man raised an eyebrow and crossed his arms over his chest.

"You think shrimpy over there can fit into MY clothes?"

'shrimpy'?

Toan pouted unnoticeably and continued to let Monica speak.

"Oh, that's right. But I clearly remember your distant cousin having an extra one lying around," she bounced over to one of the wardrobes, searching the garments, "Yeah, this is the one. Should fit nicely."

The cheerful girl clutched onto a regular suit and pressed it to Toan, ensuring it was the correct size. Seda watched with bulging eyes, stuttering with anger at her rudeness.

"That's stealing, Raybrandt! What will I tell-"

"Relax, buddy. He'll bring it back to you after dinner," she interrupted.

With that, she exited the suite, dragging Toan to her chamber.

&&

The village boy looked into the tall mirror, finding the reflection of him in the plain yet classy tuxedo. He tugged at the lapels, then fixed his messy hair.

"Ha, you're just about the same size as his cousin," Monica placed her hands at her hips.

Toan turned to glance at her. She wore a more elegant, flowing lavender dress decorated with light cerulean lace and calm fuchsia ribbons at the torso area. Toan smiled with gratitude.

"You shine up like new gilda. So, let's get going. You must be starving," she chuckled and gave him a pat on the back, pushing him towards the doorway.

&&

Toan strolled to the first-class hall. He encountered a fine oak door with polished glass, square windows on it. Through them, he saw a butler reach out to the golden handle, pulling it back to allow his entrance.

"Good evening, sir," he greeted.

Toan bowed politely and walked past him. He found himself on a catwalk that circled the large hall. He went over to the wooden banister, admiring the round glass ceiling decorated with aureate designs. He detected a small flight of stairs that extended to another platform at the far right wall. The boy followed the flow of wealthy people down to the platform, observing the polished oak clock that stood on the wall above it on the way. He turned to the left and descended another ascent of steps that lead to the lower part of the hall.

Nervously, the village boy looked around to find Max. Instead, he noticed Claire and Gerald stepping down the stairs. He nodded politely at them as a greeting, but they seemed to have not recognized him. His eyes darted slowly everywhere until they met Max standing by the clock. Toan's eyelids lifted slightly in awe.

There Max stood, smiling tranquilly at him. His ivory dress shirt was tucked neatly underneath his dark blue pants that were held up by an ebony belt. He had a very manly, hip-length coat on. The beige colour of the collar spread down to the lapels. They were bordered by an embroidery of copper. The boy waved radiantly at Toan, then made his way over to him.

"Hey, nice to see you again," he spoke softly.

Toan nodded, keeping his smile on as most of the time.

"Claire," Max tapped the girl's shoulder, causing her to turn around, "Surely you remember Mr. Midmorning."

Claire switched her gaze to the village boy, scanning him from bottom to top.

"Mr. Midmorning?" she sneered in disbelief, "Well, you certainly do clean up nicely. You could almost pass for a gentleman."

'Almost", you spoiled wench! Toan forced a grin.

As they entered the dining hall, everyone spread to greet fellow members of the "First-class Clan". Max stayed close to Toan, he felt his nervous aura.

"Well, let me show you some of the people here," he suggested.

Toan nodded and listened closely to him. He had no interest in knowing more about anyone there but Max. Still, he opened his ears just to hear his voice.

"That's Mayor Need," he pointed to the man in his usual maroon vest," You met him yesterday. He is an alright Mayor of Palm Brinks, but from his daughter's redundant requests, he'll be needing more money soon. Hence his name."

An elderly man and a young brunette woman stood conversing with other people near the two boys. Max quickly pointed them out.

"Over there is Sir Galen Agaris. Apparently, he also contributed to the construction of the Titanic. It figures, the Mayor probably talked him into it. Next to him is Lady Mena. She is a popular designer of clothing. Mostly naughty lingerie; among many of her talents."

Toan snickered at his terrible comments. Even though Max's real personality broke his illusion of an innocent boy, he enjoyed this rebellious side of him.

"Oh, and right there! That's Countess Sophia with her husband, Seda," he pointed to the silver-haired man and a dazzling woman in an orange evening dress," Sir Seda fought a great war in Eastern Terra. Oh, and right there is Gaspard with the dark red suit and long silver hair. He's Seda's distant cousin. All of them are having dinner with us tonight."

Toan stared over to Gaspard and gulped tensely. "Having dinner with us?! Oh boy…Hope he doesn't recognize his own wardrobe."

Claire suddenly swept between the two boys, linking her arm to Max's.

"Max, you look dashing tonight. Escort me to dinner, will you?" she tugged at his wrist.

"Well, shall we go?" the blonde boy turned his head around to face Toan, at the same time softly tried to shake off Claire.

Toan nodded lightly. Monica quickly stepped to his side and slid her arm around his. She began fluttering her eyelashes femininely.

"Well now, looks like Max isn't the only one who has a partner to take to the table," she teased.

"Not quite, my dear," Ruby appeared beside Toan, slipping her light-pink-sleeved arm with his, "he has two ladies to escort to dinner."

Claire chortled, then yanked Max forward to their table. Toan and his women followed behind, flowing garments nearly covered both his legs.

"You know each other?" he whispered to Ruby.

"Monica's my cousin's uncle's daughter," she responded.

"What the hell?"

Everyone settled down to the dining tables, awaiting dinner, drinking and conversing. Toan was uneasy, as he was clueless to table manners. Still, he remained calm and acted as if he owned a successful company or something. He tried to act like a gentleman as much as he could, kissing the Countess' hand, or pulling out chairs for the dames. Max sat a few inches from him, gesturing him to place his napkin on his thighs and telling him what came next.

"Mr. Midmorning," Claire began," oh right, I forgot you prefer not to speak."

All focus turned to Toan, and the boy's eyes bolted everywhere. The blonde girl wore a smug smile immediately.

"N-no," he forced himself, speaking in a low voice," I actually would like to speak right now. My throat was not well… My apologies, Ms. Claire."

The egotist girl immediately frowned slightly and lifted her lips into a smile vigorously.

"That is alright."

"Mr. Midmorning is joining us from the third class tonight. His valor of saving my son yesterday has earned our thanks," Gerald spoke.

"First class…actually," Toan mumbled. He made sure no one heard him for he did not want an awkward silence.

Chatter resumed between the people. Max stared unbelievingly at him, as did Monica and Ruby. The stewards walked to their table, placing plates of delicate cuisine before each person. The village boy kept from panic until he noticed the many spoons and forks lined nicely on either side of his plate.

"Are these all for me?" he mumbled to Ruby.

"Don't worry, Toan honey," she murmured," just work your way from the outside in."

Claire caught sight of the two mumbling to each other and made a move to start another 'interesting' conversation.

"Mr. Midmorning, is this young lady your girlfriend by any chance?" she asked.

Toan's pupils fled to the corner of his eyes, catching sight of Ruby's expression. She looked as if she ate something intensely sour.

"No, actually, Ruby is my companion," he answered hastily, "She is a great friend. On our trip to Palm Brinks, she came across tickets to board Titanic. Thanks to her, I'm sitting here sipping champagne with you fine people,"

Laughter echoed around the table. Toan felt more released. His habit suddenly vanished, and he could care less whether it returned or not.

"Where are you from Mr. Midmorning?" Gerald forked some more cooked flounder into his mouth.

"The lively village of Norune in West Terra, sir. The ship's headed there, right? Looks like I'm headed home. I don't plan on jumping off, though. It would make the trip to Palm Brinks a waste," Toan responded.

"It seems more of an excuse to escape the third-class life," Claire commented, silencing the people around the table, "Due to the circumstances, I'm afraid that the most luxury you would live is the Titanic."

At that moment, Monica glared daggers at the girl as she drank more wine. Toan cleared his throat and instantly fired back politely.

"Well, I see that both our definitions of luxury are different. With all due respect, I find your type of luxury not a necessity in life," he gazed around to find everyone listening at the table, "However, it is advantageous to have. As for me, I feel I already live a luxurious life. My village is small, but the people there make it feel big. I have great friends who've shown me the world. And now here I am on the grandest ship in the world, broadening my horizons. That, to me, is luxury."

"Well said!" Monica burst.

"Hear, hear!" Agaris exclaimed.

"What on Terra did you do to my Toan?" Ruby whispered.

"I cut him open and let myself out," he teased.

Max lifted his glass, which was filled with champagne, "To broadening horizons."

"To broadening horizons!" his companions and family repeated.

&

After the meal, conversations flowed around the hall. The men began to travel to a different chamber for their usual manly discussions, craving their cigars and alcoholic beverages.

"Well, fair ladies, I thank your company for dinner. Have a splendid night." Agaris pushed his chair in and followed the other gentlemen.

Toan sat still at his seat, confused of what to do next. His buttocks began to ache, and he tried to move a little.

"Toan, you aren't going to stay here with the women. Are you?" Gaspard asked.

The village boy paused for a second then answered," No, thanks. I actually want to take a short walk around the ship."

"Ah, alright," he turned, but he noticed Toan's suit," You know, I have the exact same suit, good taste."

Toan nodded, smiling while scurrying to leave his seat. He bowed and hurried his footsteps out the dining hall. Max stared after him, following him soon afterwards.

&

The front deck was completely empty. Toan coerced his legs to walk to the railing. He breathed in the fresh zephyr and cleansed his mind, clenching to the railing. Max tiptoed to him, dipping his head to the side to see his face clearly.

"That must have taken a lot out of you," Max grinned.

Toan exhaled slowly, fixing his sight to the floor. "We…hadn't really got a proper conversation together," he whispered. The wealthy boy bent closer to hear him. Toan turned his head slightly, catching a glimpse of the other boy, then faced the ocean again with glowing red cheeks.

"Since I'm free of my inhibitions at the moment from alcohol and the outburst of words just then," he paused, "The first thing, with meaning, that I want to say to you…is…is…"

Max uttered a "hm?" then listened patiently, amused by this distinct side of him. After Toan repeated the word "is" several times, Max decided to interrupt him and save his breath.

"What's your village like?" he asked, folding his arms onto the railing. Toan was stunned for a short while before responding.

"In my village, the grass is soft and healthy. The people sing and dance during festivals to enlighten the place, even though it's already so fun with everybody laughing and talking. Everyone knows everybody. And the houses are built to surround this large windmill…Dran's Windmill."

"Dran's Windmill?" Max asked like a child listening to a fairy tale.

The village boy continued," It's so big and bright from the luminous fire torches around it, people can see it from a distance. The sound the giant blades make soothes everyone's heart…no matter how troubled they are. It gives us a sense of salvation, it's like a protective monument."

Max nodded understandingly and gazed far into the horizon where the sun nearly sunk itself entirely into. Both of them remained still, smelling the sweet fragrance of the moaning waters. Suddenly, Max spun himself around to front a startled Toan.

"Would you take me there? To your home? To the Windmill?" he asked. Gusts of wind fled past both of them. The village boy felt as if they suddenly pushed them a little closer together.

"Take you…there?" he was slightly confused and did not know what to say.

Max had the expression of a child begging to not be abandoned. He advanced slowly towards the village boy, sliding his hand on the railing. Toan took a step backwards each time he came closer. Both of their gazes were locked to each other's. Max finally stopped his progression towards him and grasped the railing gently. He turned to the descending daystar, bowing his head so that the rich gold locks covered his verdant orbs.

"I really would like to go to the Windmill," he whispered.

Toan stared at his profile intimately, finding a few drops of water on the surface of the white railing. Max was motionless and silent. The village boy was really unsure of what to do, yet he did whatever came to his mind first. Cautiously, he placed an arm around him, heart fluttering from anxiety. Almost instantly, he felt the sudden urge to shield Max's small figure with his.

Released of all inhibitions, Toan confined the other boy in a loving embrace, earning a shocked gasp from him. He rested his chin onto Max's shoulder, one hand caressing his palm, the other wiping the droplets of melancholy from his eyes.

" I'll take you…to Dran's Windmill," he murmured into his ear.

Max's eyelids lifted as he turned to face him. Warmth erupted from his core, lifting his lips into an affectionate smile. He pressed the tip of his nose to Toan's cheek, and he responded by kissing his moist lips. Max raised his hand to cup the village boy's chin, drawing him closer to feel the lukewarm air escape his nose. They did not notice the dimming sunlight as they indulged themselves in passion, whispers were heard between kisses.

"Wouldn't that be great?…Both of us…listening to the windmill blades."

&&&

Author's Note: Oh my God, I actually had time to finish this chapter. Hey man, I'm not starting my Calculus assignment just to finish this chapter up! Praise me! Nah, just kidding. Hope you enjoyed this chapter. There's more coming up, and more 'ahem' if you know what I mean. REVIEW! The more reviews, the faster I write! BWAHAHAHA!