Rain pelted the window, cracks of lightning and thunder following closely behind. Gil, being a light sleeper, woke instantly; groaning quietly about his sleep being interrupted. But he wasn't really upset about his sleep. Truthfully, he had been having a dream – and a good one at that. Though I really shouldn't be dreaming about things like that, he thought. The boy next to him fidgeted, taking his attention. Oz was pressed against his chest, clinging softly to his arm as he slept. Gilbert had been planning on getting up, but he didn't want to wake his companion. Instead he forced himself back to sleep amidst the howling storm. As he was falling back to sleep, he felt Oz grip harder on his arm.

"Oz?" he whispered. The boy whimpered in response, obviously still asleep.

"Gil…don't…"

Gilbert could only lay there and listen, not wanting to wake Oz up but not able to go to sleep with him murmuring things.

"Don't… go…" Oz tugged harder at Gil, his face scrunched up in slight pain. Gil wondered if he should wake him up now, so he wouldn't have to go through whatever unpleasant dream he was having.

"I'm right here, Oz," Gil said softly, stroking Oz's head in attempts to make him less tense. He hated seeing Oz in any sort of pain. But slowly, Oz's face became more relaxed, a slight smile tugging on the corners of his mouth. Gil sighed and fell back asleep, happy to be with Oz even if they were only sleeping.

-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-

The following morning was no different from the others; Gil cooked up breakfast (which was only toast and jam, since Oz had finished off the pancakes) and the pair played another game of checkers. Oz, of course, had won, and made sure to rub it in Gil's face as he always did.

"Beat you again!" he smirked.

Gil rolled his eyes, smiling. "I guess I never will be good at checkers."

Oz chuckled, leaning back in the sofa they were both sitting on. "Maybe you should try chess," he said thoughtfully, though not really meaning it.

"Oh, I have," Gil said, making Oz sit up in sudden interest. "I bet I could beat you."

"Oh really? Who have you played with?"

Gilbert stopped, unsure of what to say. "Well, I played with Vincent some…"

"You didn't play with anyone… else? A girl, maybe?" Oz's smirk was growing. Gil knew where he was going and he didn't like it.

"N-No," he stuttered, turning away. "We've already discussed this, Oz."

Oz's smirk turned into a frown. "But you didn't tell me anything!" he complained. "Come on, Gil, isn't there someone you like?"

Pink rose in Gil's cheeks as he tried to decipher how to get out of this situation. "I already told you; no!"

"Well then, I guess you don't want to know who I like," Oz said matter-of-factly. That caught Gil's curiosity, just as he was hoping. He turned to see the man's reaction, but it wasn't what he was expecting – instead of looking interested, he looked upset.

"Like I don't already know," he snarled, thinking of a certain annoying rabbit.

Oz was hurt; if Gil knew he liked him and was angry about it, then he certainly didn't like him back… but maybe Gil was mistaken. He could be quite dense sometimes, afterall, especially when it came to love interests. "Who do you think it is?"

Gil furrowed his brow. "That stupid rabbit, of course."

Oz burst out laughing. "You thought I liked Alice? Really, Gil?" That peaked Gil's interest, his face turning from angry to perplexed. But if Oz doesn't like Alice, then who else…?

"So… you don't like her?"

"Only as a friend. Where would you get that idea, anyway?" Oz laughed.

Gil dropped his eyes, a blush returning. "I dunno, she seems to like you, and you seem pretty fond of her, so…"

Oz's hopes went up. If Gil was upset because he thought I liked Alice, maybe he does like me. It would make sense, wouldn't it? He took one last look at Gil, determining that if he was going to make his move, it should be now. "Do you want to know who I do like, then?"

Gil nodded; not wanting to hear what he knew would break his heart, but knowing he would hear it sooner or later. He held his breath, staring expectantly at Oz.

Oz could feel his heart nearly pounding out of his chest. He was going to do this; he had already decided, and there was no turning back now. Moving closer to Gil, he placed his hands on either side of his face and pulled his servant in, their lips meeting again.

Gil's eyes widened in shock, pulling away from Oz instinctively. "O-OZ! WHA -?" Did Oz just – DID HE REALLY JUST -?

Oz froze in fear. He felt tears pushing on his eyes. "Gil – I'm sorry, I-I thought -" He was cut off by Gil's lips, pressing against his. Moving against his. His mind went blank of everything but a single thought: Gil. Gil…

Their lips moved together, both of their hearts releasing pent up passion. This was it. This is it. This is what I wanted for 10 damn years, Gilbert thought subconsciously as he pushed and pulled at Oz. Oz. His love. His everything. And he was his. Finally.

Neither one could stop, nor did they want to. Gil had been gradually pressing Oz onto his back, and was now hovering over the boy on the sofa, kissing him relentlessly. He licked Oz's bottom lip, requesting entrance. Oz gasped at the sensation, giving unknowing consent to Gil, who wasted no time in exploring every inch of Oz's warm mouth. A gentle moan vibrated against Oz's lips when their tongues met, making Gil moan in response. He wanted more. More of Oz. Needed more. His hands flew to Oz's sides, frantically touching every bit of skin they found. He ran them up Oz's shirt, rubbing softly on his heaving chest, all the while still making out with Oz. Oz could only feel strong, cool hands searching up his body, making him arch in response.

"Ah," he gasped when their lips momentarily parted. Gil took it as eagerness, pressing his hands harder against Oz's hot skin. His hands traveled back down to Oz's slender waist, making the boy arch up again. Gil then unlatched his mouth from Oz's, moving his lips to his neck.

This is too much, Oz thought, moaning again as Gil's tongue caressed his neck. It was too fast. Way too fast. Of course Oz wanted Gil, but… he was still unsure if he wanted all of Gil. Not yet. But Gil seemed so eager, so willing, so demanding to have all of Oz. He tore at the buttons on Oz's shirt, popping them free and exposing the boy's chest. Gilbert moved his lips down to Oz's chest, kissing down his body and sending shivers up his spine. Gil was way too good at this. But as good as it felt, Oz was scared – how far would Gil go? He certainly wouldn't go that far; not so quickly… would he? He had already halfway undressed him…

A gasp of his servant's name was all that would come from his lips. He wanted Gil to stop, before they went too far. This is insane.

Gil, however, took the gasp as a note to keep going. He rubbed his hands against Oz's hips, fingers not-so-accidentally brushing inside of his shorts. He kissed further down… and down… and down…

Gil had every apparent intention to take the teen right then and there. Oz had different ideas. This wasn't what I wanted – not now! Just a kiss, maybe a little tongue… but not this! He felt Gil's fingers creep under the rim of his shorts, tugging at the material. Too far -! Oz finally lost it when he felt the man's warm tongue slide under as well.

"G-Gil…. s-stop!"

Gil immediately shot off of Oz, catching his breath on the side of the couch. "…I-I'm sorry," he said in between breaths. How? How could I be so stupid? I had him and I blew it. He got up and threw on his coat and hat.

Oz sat up, feeling guilty and confused. "Gil, why are you –"

"I have to go. I'm sorry," he said bluntly, jogging out the door with tears streaming down his cheeks.

Oz tried to get up and chase after Gil, but his body wouldn't allow it. Gil... I never wanted to hurt you… He fell into the sofa, silent sobs choking against his heart.

"I love you, Gil…"

-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-

Why…

Why did I have to ruin everything?

Gilbert had been walking for a while, his pain refusing to lighten even the slightest bit. He deserved it; he had gone far beyond what was appropriate – hell, if Oz hadn't stopped him…

The last thing Gil wanted to do was hurt Oz. Now his master thought he was a huge pervert, trying to do that only minutes after they shared their first real kiss. Gil could feel more tears fall down his face. He didn't care. No one was around; he had gone on a deserted path through a park, wanting to suffer alone.

Oz's lips… so sweet…

No; he didn't deserve Oz. Not one bit. How could he, a tainted, bloodstained man, be worthy of such an angel? He was Raven. He had been Raven for 10 years. No longer was he the small, pathetic servant Oz had saved on the day they met. Gil. That was what Oz had always called him. He loved it. But now Oz realized he wasn't the same innocent Gil he once knew. Oz was in love with that Gil. Not Raven.

I love him…

I've always loved him.

None of that mattered now. He had his chance and threw it away. He let his heart get the best of him. Oz hated him; he was sure of it.

But… I'll always love him. Tears were pouring down his face unnoticed. Oz… my Oz.

A drop of rain landed on Gilbert's nose, making him look up. The sky was getting dark; a storm was definitely coming.

-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-

Oz lay on the sofa, not having moved since Gil left. He tried to sleep, but how could he sleep when he knew Gil hated him? He should've kept his mouth shut; let Gil continue, then nothing would be wrong. Instead he was too worried – scared – because Gil was a man. A full grown man. And no matter how much he loved Gil, the idea of actually having sex with him had never crossed the boy's mind. It wasn't… disturbing, but… he wasn't ready. But Oz still felt guilty. Gil had given up 10 years of his life, dedicated it to him, and what did Oz give him in return? Nothing.

Maybe it's better this way. If we're together and I have to leave him again…

He shuddered at the thought, then glanced down at the glaring seal on his chest. The hand was almost halfway around. If only there were a way to break the contract without killing Alice; I'd do it in a heartbeat.

Even if Oz wasn't in love with Alice, he still couldn't justify killing her. She was still his friend. An innocent girl, chain or not; how could he kill her for something so selfish? But if it's for Gil…

Gil was gone. He wasn't coming back. Why should he? Oz had let him in, only to push him back out.

The only person who had promised him forever, the only person he had ever loved, and the only person who had ever loved him was gone forever.

Please come back, Gil. Don't leave me here alone. I need you; I love you. I've always loved you. I know I don't deserve you, but please, please, come back to me.

Thunder boomed outside, followed by a burst of lightning. Startled, Oz curled up and clung to his legs. Memories of his coming-of-age ceremony flashed through his mind. Thunderstorms always brought them back up, much to Oz's dismay. Usually Gil was there to comfort him and tell him everything was alright.

"Gil…" he cried, more tears spurting from his bloodshot eyes. "Your sin… is your very existence!" Oz grabbed harder on his knees, his fingernails digging into his skin. I need you, Gil!

Footsteps. Running. The door burst open as thunder shook the building.

Oz uncurled himself, sure he was seeing a mirage – a mirage of Gil, standing in the doorframe. He tore off the couch, running as fast as he could.

"Gil!" he screamed, never feeling happier to jump into the man's reassuring arms. "I'm sorry –" He didn't get to finish, as Gil pushed their lips together to cut off his apology. Oz pressed back frantically, never wanting to let go of the moment.

"No, Oz; I'm sorry. I shouldn't have gone that far," Gil breathed, breaking the kiss. "I never meant to hurt you. I love you, Oz. I've always loved you."

Oz gazed into Gil's golden eyes, believing he must be dreaming. "I love you too, Gil. Just… don't ever leave me again." Gil wrapped his arms tighter around the boy, kissing his forehead. "I promise, Oz, I'll never leave you again. Not even for a second." He muttered apologies as he continued kissing Oz's face, more in love than he ever remembered being. Oz returned every kiss and every touch; he wanted to melt into Gil and stay in his loving arms forever.

Their reunion lasted a few more minutes, until Oz's eyelids began to droop. Gilbert carried him into the bedroom, gently laying him on the bed. He changed out of his wet clothes quickly before falling into his rightful spot beside Oz. He pulled the covers on top of them, pulling his master into an embrace.

"I love you," Oz whispered. Gil stroked his face, then pulled him in for one last good night kiss.

"I love you," Gil sighed happily, his heart feeling lighter than air. "Good night, my Oz."

Oz nuzzled affectionately into Gil's chest, falling asleep in the arms of his new love.

-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-

/AU: Finally, the chapter you've all been waiting for! I had a blast writing it, since it's been playing over in my head for a couple months now. Sorry if they're OOC; keeping them in character in situations like this is difficult, especially when I love to see their sappy sides. I promise to have the next chapter up soon, since school is no longer an excuse. And some smut will appear at some point... you'll have to read and see. Or just wait for the rating to change. ;P /~Willa