AN : sorry it's been such a long time since I updated but I've always got a lot going on. I hope this chappie will tide you over until I have time to write more.

Regal glanced at the large clock-face. Not that he wasn't enjoying himself, but time marched on and there were papers to sign and people to appease. Returning his gaze to the half-elfin woman who had been the centre of his attention for the past week, he felt a strange sensation. Down deep in his stomach he felt the fluttering of tiny wings and swallowed politely to force them to stay there. Perhaps it was the uncomfortable reaction his outpouring of confession had received from Raine, or maybe the idea which had been growing larger and more detailed in his mind for the past few days. He concluded that it was probably both.

As the young woman concluded today's "sermon", Regal edged his way through the slowly leaving crowd to the right side of the stage. He held his hand out of Raine to take as she descended the wooden staircase. Raine's eyes were trained on him closely, searching for his mood as she accepted the outstretched hand. Steadying herself, she climbed down the stairs and smiled uneasily at the Duke. It was hard to force back the eerie feeling that had kept her awake all last night. The haunted, empty look in his eyes as he recounted his jarring conversation had shaken her. When she first arrived it had been obvious that whatever poultice Regal and Presea had placed over their wounded and grotesque relationship wasn't healing it properly. Could she expect anything else really? She hadn't expected this of all things! A wave of sadness overwhelmed her every time she thought about it. Fate had been cruel in its irony to both the Duke and the little axe girl.

Regal cleared his throat and forced a smile for the Professor. "A marvellous speech as usual Raine"

She rolled her eyes with an equally farcical smile. "I've got to create a little diversity, don't I? Couldn't have you listening to the same thing everyday"

This grin reached his eyes and was warm and genuine. Feeling the nerves gnaw again at his insides, Regal cleared his throat. "Raine, I was wondering if you might care to meet me for lunch, there's something I really would like to discuss with you"

A frown of insecurity rippled across her features for an instant before it was harnessed and contained. "Yes, of course Regal. I'm free this afternoon."

Before the robust man could say anymore, Genis hopped down of the stage. "Hey Regal!" He chimed rolling his shoulder in its socket.

Raine couldn't restrain her gaze as it flashed between the two men; acutely aware of the awkwardness of the situation. She had come to recognise the meaning of the subtlety of Regal's expressions, and the reserved smile he now wore assured her that he felt the same. How could Raine let her brother down gently? Not only did he have to realise the severity of Presea's agelessness, but also that her affections belonged to the man who had destroyed her life. Raine could feel her insides groaning at the thought. Perhaps Genis did not have to know everything. After all, it wasn't really her place to tell him other people's secrets. Besides the issue of manners, Raine felt the need to…protect Regal. Glancing over at the tall man, she felt a wave of sympathy almost overwhelm her. Life didn't ever seem to be easy for the Duke. Born into a life of privilege, he had walked from one disaster into another. No, it wasn't her place to tell Genis…even if it was, she decided that Regal's secret was his and his alone.

"I have something I would like to speak to you about too Genis" The older man's unease seemed to ebb for a moment as he looked down at the teen. Returning his attention to Raine, there was almost an excitement in his normally calm and unreadable eyes. "I shall send an escort for you at noon, if you don't mind Raine"

The teacher regained her composure and replaced her uncomfortable frown with a soft smile. "That would lovely Regal, thank you."

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………...

Raine sat in the warm sunroom of the hotel with a book in one hand and a glass of lemonade in the other. Glancing up at the grandfather clock in the corner, she noted the time: 12.30pm. She had been wondering all morning what it could be that Regal wanted to talk with her about. Hoping against hope that it wasn't Presea; she felt guilty. It was only fair that she help him if it was advice that he needed, after all hadn't she gone to him about Genis straight off the bat? She just didn't know if she could take any more tragic revelations. How could she comfort the man? They were both well versed in guarding their emotions from other people. Would he be looking for comfort? She truly didn't know. They were both starved of adult company that much she understood. Yes technically Presea would be in her thirties now, but she was still a child in many ways. When it came down to it, Raine really didn't know a lot about Regal. He was a different man now than he had been five years ago. Even then she hadn't learned a great deal about him. Who knew what he might ask of her. The one thing she did know was that she was looking forward to their lunch date. Not a "lunch date" she reminded herself…more of a meeting; yes a meeting.

A young man dressed formally, obviously working for the hotel approached her. "Good afternoon Miss Sage, I'm your escort"

The elfin woman smiled at the young man. "Thank you, so where are we off to?" She asked placing her book in her satchel bag and abandoning her half-finished glass.

The young man smiled, waiting for Raine to organise herself. "Duke Bryant has asked me to take you to a restaurant in the business quarter."

Raine raised her eyebrows. "As long as it's not seafood, it sounds great"

Raine had no idea how great. She was shocked to find the size of beautiful opulent bistro. It was furnished to perfection and was reasonably busy. Its patrons seemed for the most part to be young professionals conducting business as they ate in twos and threes and parties. Raine felt very conspicuous in her rather dowdy clothes. As she was led towards the back of the diner, she finally caught sight of Regal, he stood, waiting for her at a table for two near a window. The view looked out over Altamira's beautiful vista as the sea glistened in the afternoon sun.

As she reached the table, her escort was excused and Regal waited till she sat before pushing her chair in gently. It was nice to be treated so politely she decided, however under-dressed she felt. When he joined her, he summoned a nearby waiter. They ordered drinks before the two were left alone in each other's company.

Regal twined his fingers, resting his elbows on the table. "Did you enjoy your morning Raine?" He asked making polite conversation.

The young woman nodded gently. "I did, thanks Regal, I caught up with some reading. It's nice to be able to relax a little"

The older man smiled genuinely. He was glad that he could give her a little space to unwind. He doubted she got much time to herself, nor Genis himself. As their drinks arrived, Regal thanked the waiter and took a sip from his iced tea. "Where is Genis today?"

"I think he and Presea went to the fairground"

At the mention of the two together, Raine and Regal fell silently. Both felt last night's conversation heavy on their minds.

Regal glanced up at the woman, feeling more than a little embarrassed. "Raine…I…I'd like to apologise for burdening you last night with my…problems"

Raine smiled weakly; she didn't really know what to do. He averted her gaze and she couldn't help but feel a little awkward. "You didn't burden me anymore than I you. Please don't worry about it."

It was silent again; uncomfortably so. Taking a sip of her own iced tea, Raine glanced up at the man. He sat politely but rigidly. His hair was tied back as usual and he wore a maroon business suit. Furtively, she admired the strong chiselled planes of his face; the soft straight line of his mouth and his smooth intellectual brow. She glanced off when his eyes met hers. She felt her cheeks warm and mentally scolded herself: teachers did not behave in such a way.

Regal noted Raine's discomfort and how she quickly glanced away. He imagined he must have made her feel more uncomfortable than she was letting on, on account of her politeness. With a frown he decided it might be best to cut straight to the reason he had asked her out to lunch.

"Raine, I should probably get down to business as I'm sure you have plans for your afternoon." His voice was steady and deep as usual.

The young elfin woman was glad for the break in the awkward silence but felt its after-effect on Regal's behaviour. Only the day before they had shared an easy enjoyable exchange as they prepared dinner. Raine felt a little saddened at the thought that perhaps their friendship hadn't been ready for the sort of secret Regal had bared to her. She wondered if her reaction had caused him to feel embarrassed. Perhaps she was just being paranoid. They had been through so much as part of Colette's group, they were only now getting to know each other properly…but they were both adults. Surely they'd be mature and accepting enough to get over bashfulness…wouldn't they?

Regal fished for his briefcase beneath the table. Upon finding it, he withdrew a red bound folder. He looked up at the healer and with a small smile began to explain his purpose. "Raine, I've been greatly inspired by your speeches. I was appreciative of inter-racial understanding, but I've been thinking more and more about it." Lowering his eyes for a moment, Regal sorted through the papers in the folder.

Raine was full of curiosity and peered over the table in order to get some idea of what Regal was getting at.

Finding the correct files, Regal flipped them and handed them to his companion. He smiled and felt a small spark of excitement. "Your presence here has heightened my awareness of the issues in my own city. I also realise that Genis and yourself do not have the resources nor the manpower to nurture the seeds you plant as you travel. I'd like to give you and Altamira the opportunity to change things. I intend to open a school here in Altamira"

Regal watched with bated breath as Raine's crystalline eyes moved back and forth over the papers he had handed her. He felt a pleasant tingle down his spine as her eyes widened. She dragged her shocked eyes up to those of the Duke. She could see the excitement shining in his normally guarded eyes. Was he saying what she thought he was saying?

"I'd like to build it from scratch, with the purpose of bringing together races of all ages and gender in education and acceptance. There would be classes held for the youngest children right up to night classes for adults. I'd like to ask for your help in doing this Raine and I…" Regal felt his confidence dip slightly.

Raine's mouth was still agape with surprise.

"I had hoped that you'd be my partner in this project. I know nothing about running a school but I do know about architecture, funding and I have the resources to back this project. I was also hoping that you might accept the position of Principle at the school"

The young woman seemed to come to her senses. She was overwhelmed and it took a few moments for her to compose herself before she could form words.

"R-Regal this is a huge…plan…I mean this would take months and a lot of work. Are you sure you want to put so much of your time and capitol into it? I mean there wouldn't be a financial return for you…well not immediately anyway."

The well built man smiled. "It's true Raine, but I feel the benefits of such a thing for the people of the city would have a much greater return than strictly financial. It would set a precedent for the rest of the united worlds and perhaps encourage better relations between the two governmental systems. I think that's worth investing in."

Raine smiled breathlessly. She was still taken aback by the whole idea. It was wonderful! Staring down at the papers she glanced over the architectural plans for the buildings. "Regal you really have put a lot of work into this; architectural plans already?"

"Raine" His soft but commanding tone lifted her head immediately. "I've thought of nothing else since you got here."

The words seemed to derail her train of thought. The way he had said those words sent a strange sensation through her body. Raine once again scolded herself for allowing her thoughts to get carried away. It was beginning to become irritating above everything else. Regal unnerved her at times, like he was staring into her soul; as though if she let him delve deep enough with those blue eyes of his, he'd hit her ugliness and all that entailed. Working with Duke Bryant was going to take conquering her own insecurities.

Losing focus on the text she was supposed to be reading, she looked up into the dangerous eyes she had come to fear and respect. "But Regal, are you sure you want me to take on that role? I mean I would be writing the curriculum, hiring the teachers and structuring the day to day operation. I mean it's your money; are you sure you want to put it all at my mercy?"

Regal simply smiled at the teacher's doubts. "Raine the idea started with you. If you feel that it is too big a project to commit to, I respect that. However if you are worried that you are not capable, you shouldn't fret. I know you are the perfect person for the job." The Duke's demeanour dropped slightly, a sudden worry biting at him. He caught Raine's glance. "This would require that you stay in Altamira for an extended amount of time Raine. I…I understand if you feel that your current occupation is more important-"

Raine closed her eyes with a wide smile. She spoke, cutting off Regal's worries. "Regal I couldn't turn down an opportunity like this even if I wanted to" Her smile truly reached her eyes and the sight left the Duke a little breathless. Raine smiled and returned to reading through the rough papers Regal had drafted up. He couldn't help but let himself admire the way she was right there in the bright afternoon light flooding through the window. He had to keep a check on the bad habit he'd allowed himself to get into. Raine was going to be his partner and that sort of conduct toward a lady wasn't appropriate especially in the world of business. He'd found it all too easy to appreciate all her fine assets. This attraction he understood he had developed towards her teetered very precariously between harmless and distracting. He'd have to be careful how he stepped and try to treat her as a business partner.

……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

Genis handed over a few copper coins to the stall-holder. Balancing the sticks of candyfloss in the one hand, he concentrated on keeping them separate, lest they become stuck. Making his way over to the shorter girl standing by the pier, Genis smiled as she turned her attention on him. Gratefully she took her bud of candyfloss. Her eyes returned to gazing out across the glittering ocean. The young man let his eyes wander helplessly over her face. She was just as he remembered her; and it made his heart ache.

He had never lost hope that one day she'd return to some sort of normal and that maybe then…maybe then…maybe what? Maybe she'd like him the way he liked her? Maybe the half-baked ideas he'd nurtured since he was twelve would become reality? Genis looked down at the pink candyfloss in his grip and sighed inwardly.

"Are you alright Genis?" Presea's soft voice stirred him from his thoughts.

"Huh? Uh, yeah I'm fine Presea, I just…"

"Yes?" The young girl turned to face her companion. Her blank expression was like that of a doll.

"…I just guess I…well I admire you" Genis said playing with a piece of sugary webbing.

"I don't understand" She said, her brow creasing ever so slightly.

He sighed. Who couldn't admire the strength and bravery she had shown? He admired the way she seemingly refused to feel sorry for herself and the fact that she put herself under the employ of the man who had ruined her life.

"…just everything! You're amazing! You're so strong Presea. I wish I could be like you."

The young girl wore a small smile. She turned to look back out at the horizon in the midday sun. "Yet you're disappointed in my physical appearance"

Genis' head snapped around to catch her gaze. How could she…?

Presea looked at him; the only sign that she was at all upset was a subtle glimmer in her eye.

"P-Presea, I…I mean…I'm not disappointed, I just…well, I had hoped that maybe…" he was lost for words. How could he tell her that he liked her: that he wished for what could not be?

"You wish I was older, don't you Genis?"

He blushed deeply at her straight-forward revelation. The only answer her could conjure was "Yes"

Presea smiled sadly this time, looking back out over the vast sea. Her voice was faint and uneasy. "So do I. Everyday I wake up and wish I was still dreaming"

Genis watched her visage with a morose frown. She hid things, just as he did. She was only human. She had dreams and desires, as well as regrets and sorrows. How much more painful would it be when you had to live with the cause of your misery and fantasies? Her prayers would have been very different if not for Regal Bryant, Genis decided with a deepening of his frown.

"I bet you wish you didn't work for Regal then huh? It must be pretty difficult"

The little girl glanced up at his words. Her eyes were wider, more emotional. "He is the reason I wish for such a thing" her gaze fell on her shoes.

Genis' jaw dropped. Regal? Regal Bryant? The man who had allowed her sister and consequently Presea to be experimented on? The man who had murdered her sister? The man who hid from Presea's judgement for sixteen years? The man who was now her boss and only "family"? She couldn't be saying what he thought she was saying…could she?

"P-Presea! You…love Regal?"

She didn't answer. She didn't have to. The damage was done. Her heart's desire was revealed. She knew it would hurt Genis because she knew that Genis wanted more than her friendship—something that she couldn't give him. Guilt was stirred inside her and she couldn't raise her eyes to meet his. She had to allow him to process the information and deal with it. Regal had…why couldn't Genis?

AN: There we go, sorry if it's a little boring. I'm trying to build up the main plot point now, which is the school. Things will be a lot more interesting from here on in. I'm sorry you've had to wait so long for this fic to be updated, but things will be a lot more regular now, especially since I've finished my Colette and Lloyd fanfic. Can I take this opportunity to let Charlett know that I'm not going to write Regal's death of old age into this fic, because it is quite tragic. I'm also sorry for getting the wrong end of your point in the last chapter. I agree that the downside to this pairing is that because of Regal's age now, they would have a comparatively short time together when viewed through Raine's eyes. However the longevity of the half elves is not going to be an issue in this fic. However I think I might write a oneshot on the subject.

Thanks again for reading and watch out for more chapters soon