A/N: Wow, didn't expect to be away from the computer this long. Heh. This next chapter is BEFORE the current story line. This will be the first time the boys start calling each other by Seiji and Touma and etc...
Arrowsphere: Thanks again! It does help, it gives motivation and keeps the story on track. I chose Cye because I haven't been using him quite as much, and because his armor was blue and water. So Hastings is playing off what the powers are and how they will work. Not to mention she will not be going after Sage, you'll find out why later. And don't worry, they will be taking their powers to a greater level and Rowen will turn.
And goodness people, I know I said I never do things like this, but at the end of the story I let my muse have full control of it, because it will come in handy later. Muses are odd. Sorry about the twist at the end of this, but it will have to do with the ending of the story. Darn muses. But it's pretty much in this chapter only.
XOXOXO! (6 months previous.)
The wind howled against the window and rain pelted on the glass like a hammer, then trailed down in thick rivers, but the blue haired boy didn't notice this. Instead he continued to mix a drink slowly and carefully, measuring and acting very much like a scientist, before turning to the oven that gave a satisfied click. Seeing it was no longer preheating, he shoved a pizza in and finished measuring his drink.
"Ah! Another perfect Jack and Coke!"
He grinned at his creation before picking up the bottle of Jack and took a sip, shuddering slightly.
He sipped the drink in his other hand, waiting patiently before hearing the phone ring. "Probably telemarketers." The ringing continued and he let it til it was silent, feeling like he should answer it, but knowing it probably wasn't important.
Silence flooded the small apartment and he shivered slightly and shook his head. He'd never really been afraid of things like the dark or empty apartments before, then he fought the dynasty and learned there are things out there that can't be explained.
Rowen shook his head again. The dynasty was gone, and nothing else had happened. Plus he still had armor, so he could handle anything out there.
The phone rang again stirring him out of his musings. He wondered if he should answer it or just let it ring. Just as he grabbed it, it finished ringing and sat silently in his hands. Rolling his eyes, he took the pizza out of the oven and carried it to the living room table and sat it down, followed by his drinks.
Just as he was reaching out for a slice of pizza there was a knock on the door that caused him to jump slightly and almost spill his drink.
"Shit." He wiped some off his hand and stared at the door. It was probably the fedex guy or something, but then again, someone did try to call, so it could be pretty important. He cursed again and opened the door.
Sage stood in the doorway, soaking wet and tired. He seemed uncomfortable and akward, then it dawned on Rowen. None of them had ever been to each other's houses. They all just kept in touch writing letters or calling, but this was the first at home visit. And the master of manners had just come over uninvited and now stood soaking wet in his doorway, trying to figure out how to apologize for the intrusion. It made him smile a little as he closed the door behind Sage.
He opened a closet, pulled a towel out and threw it at the blonde, amazed that his hair, though limp, still kept it's form. "Stay here a second."
He went to his room and pulled out some clothes for the blonde pulling out a pair of blue jeans, then realized the other teen was probably not his size. He pulled out a pair of black and blue flannel PJ bottoms instead. He returned and threw the clothes at him and pointed to the bathroom.
"Change, then we'll talk. And sorry about the pants, it's all I've got that will fit you."
Sage simply nodded and went to change.
A few minutes later he was joined on the couch by Sage who was smiling. "Nice pants, Ro. Now if only you'd put a shirt on."
The blue haired boy looked down to his own PJ pants. There were stars and bats on them. "Hey now, I like them, and further more, it's late. Now eat some pizza."
Rowen picked up a huge slice and shoved it in his friend's face and before Sage could move he had a mouth full of pizza.
"Ank oo."
"It's not delivery it's Dijorno!" Rowen picked up his own peice, taking a big bite, and grinned, ignoring the glare. "Drink?"
"It smells like whiskey."
"It's a Jack and Coke, perfect mix, 'cause I made it. Take it."
"Illegally drinking?"
"Coming from someone who does illegal street racing?" He raised an eyebrow.
"Touche'." The blonde took the drink and sipped it.
Rowen picked up the whiskey bottle and took a big drink. "So what brings you to this part of the neighborhood? Quite a ways for you, isn't it?"
"Well, two reasons. First of all, the feeling I've been getting from you and the fact that you never answer phone calls. Secondly it's somebody's birthday. Some freak I know with blue hair."
"Whose- oh." Rowen blinked. "Oh."
"You forgot your own birthday?"
"I don't even know what day it is, man."
"Sure, Ro. Sure." Sage reach beside the couch and picked up a box covered in colorful wrapping paper. "Anyway, the guys and I got you this. Enough for here and for Mia's."
Rowen lifted an eyebrow before taking the package and opening it. Inside were hundreds of different colored glow in the dark stars and planets. "Wow. That's a lot of stars."
"Yeah. I know. I got you this." Sage handed him a blue package with little stars.
"Wow, I feel loved. All these presents..." Rowen opened it and blinked. Inside this box was a machine that generated constellations on the wall or ceiling and came with cards and information about what constellations went were and what season they came out in. They changed automatically and involved no work. "Wow... I. This is really nice. I'm speechless."
"Yeah, well. It's your birthday. The others send their best and all that."
"Thank you. I guess I'll have to write them later."
"Or answer your phone." Sage suggested.
"Never. I refuse!"
Sage stood up and set the drink down. "I guess I should be going, I didn't mean to intrude."
"What are you talking about? It's great to have visitors and besides, it's late, your clothes are wet, I'll be damned if you're stealing my flannel PJs, and I can't let you drink and drive home! So I guess you'll have to stay here. So, have more pizza!"
The blonde looked a little more at ease. "Are you sure? I don't want to intrude."
"Can it Mr. Manners. 'Sides, somebody has to help me put up some of these stars, alcohol is kicking in and I'm too drunk to stand on a chair." Rowen burped and smiled.
"Elegant."
"I try."
XOXOX
The stars had been placed on the wall and ceiling and a empty whiskey bottle sat sideways on the dresser next to a machine casting stars about and both boys laid on the bed, watching the constellations change and admiring all the stars and how they moved when you were completely trashed.
Rowen's boxers were showing a little and caught Sage's attention, there were tiny elephants and peanuts and it made him suddenly laugh loudly and tears flooded his eyes. Rowen stuck out his lip once he caught on to what Sage was laughing about and pouted, glaring at his friend for laughing.
Something passed between them then and their eyes locked for a moment, both leaning forward, aware of how close the other was, both taking in the same deep nervous breaths, before their lips met and they stared at each other. It had been quick and small, but there was something there so much deeper, neither was sure if it was emotion or the pull of the armor they had felt. To Rowen it was like electricity flowed through him and to Sage it had felt cool and calming, like a cool night breeze. Both boys, curious, though slightly inebriated, leaned forward again, lips meeting longer this time, experimenting.
Whether it was the alcohol, emotion, armor, or just simple lonliness mixed with lust, both boys pushed against each other, deepening the kiss and wrapping arms around each other, pulling the other closer. The longer they held contact the more powerful the feeling became, taking control, like a drug, feeding the addiction that their armors had to their elements, feeling what it was like to be the other.
Both gasped in shock at what they had felt, power different then that of their own armor. Rowen felt the light fill his body, like lightening tearing through him, turbulent like a storm, then settling, his body almost shivering at the thought of the dark, not wanting to be left alone. Sage felt the vastness of space take him, wind blowing through his hair, his body craving the night and the urge to be among the stars, to be alone to himself and that around him. It was such a strong feeling that it almost caused him pain, but not on a physical level, something beyond his grasp.
Both boys stared at the other one, amazed what the other felt, and Sage felt a slight pain in his chest. He stared at Rowen sadly, realizing what his friend felt on the inside, knowing what it was like to be Touma, knowing the other knew what it was like to be Seiji. It something more personal to Sage then anything else he could think of.
"Touma?" He asked curiously, never having heard the name before the thought had crossed his mind.
"Seiji.." Rowen looked just as puzzled as him, and he realized that the thoughts they were sharing were still linked. Rowen and been able to see what he had just thought, but the addiction was stronger then what they were feeling and it pulled them closer and they kissed again, hands starting to explore.
Sage suddenly knew he was going to start having a calling to the dark just as Rowen would start to feel the pulling of the light. Just as the blue haired boy was lost in the brillance of the light, he was lost in the vastness of space, both losing themselves.
XOXOXO!
A/N: Well, that chapter took even me by suprise. Muses can get crazy. Anyway, this chapter is split in half, because it's not done and I didn't want to leave you guys hanging for so long. So here it goes.
