Part Ten:

To Kurogane's consternation and relief, he and Fai had become perfectly matched combat partners over the last two months after Demetri's death. Fai started to embrace his hexes and refine them into, what Kurogane called, a thing of deadly beauty. The mage could quickly and precisely cast harmful magic, now, without accidental death. He could still cause wide scale destruction, but he was in more control of his abilities after rigorously studying several of Demetri's journals.

Souma had observed them during that first month after Fai had arrived as they escorted her on various missions. Kurogane and Fai bickered and teased, even during the most heated battles, but they always managed to accomplish their goals and watch each other's back with hawk-like attention.

She took Kurogane aside and told him a natural gravitation existed between them and he should embrace it, rather than fight against it. Kurogane accepted Fai as his combat partner, because he noticed the mage had gone out of his way to be responsible and study how to control his magic after Captain Demetri's death. The pair became inseparable and unbeatable.

Souma went to Princess Tomoyo with the idea that Kurogane and Fai should go and implant fluorite wards around the coastline of Nihongo in an effort to lessen the number of demons that could invade from the sea. That's why King Ashura sent such a huge cache of fluorite in his appreciation; it was to help drive off most demon attacks in a practical way. Tomoyo was delight with the idea and dispatched them immediately.

And so, Kurogane and Fai had started the expedition of setting up fluorite wards. It was going successfully. Farmers were actually able to work in peace. Fai's initial reputation was positive, because he was going out of his way to protect Nihongo's citizens. Kurogane was very glad Fai's odd ways didn't upset the traditional farmers.

In fact, the people of Nihongo quickly embraced the cheery, easy-going mage with kindness and warmth. Kurogane was at amazed how Fai's reputation preceded them and how glowing it was. There was barely a person the mage couldn't manage to charm with a warm smile and a kind word, in spite of his lack of Nihongo etiquette.

He still couldn't manage chopsticks, after three months of trying, which still irked Kurogane every meal. Fai still ate in the child's way of scooping food into his mouth with chopsticks, and everyone seemed to let him get away with it. Kurogane could only grind his teeth as people pampered the mage in his homeland like the people of Celes did.

His people were polite, but didn't normally care for foreign customs. The indulgence they gave Fai was extraordinary. That's what made Kurogane really study Fai. The mage wasn't a sealed book under Kurogane's astute observations, even though Fai thought he was a master deceiver.

The appealing things about Fai came to the forefront in Kurogane's awareness. One of the things he discovered quickly was that Fai was extremely intelligent and clever. His penchant for unraveling mysteries and solving puzzles was amazing. His intuition was always spot on, and Kurogane had grown to trust it.

Fai also had a soft spot for orphans, spoiling them rotten no matter what village they came to. Kurogane wasn't surprised by that in the least, considering Fai's past. It seemed to alleviate some of the gloom under Fai's sunny veneerer when he could cheer a kid up.

He had also adopted the ability to embrace happiness through their struggles and not take on any additional stress and gloom beyond what he was already dealing with. He seemed to be enjoying his time in Nihongo. Kurogane was acutely aware that there was also some homesickness under Fai's surface, but the mage had no choice. He had to enjoy his new environment, or be miserable. Kurogane admired Fai for not letting his homesickness ruin the purposes for his banishment.

It was as if Captain Demetri's journals taught him more than just magic; it matured him in intriguing ways to Kurogane. The annoying things were still there, like the nicknames, but even those things were starting to endear Fai to him.

Fai quickly notched an enchanted arrow and let it fly at the demon diving for Kurogane from the sky. The arrow hit the center of the demon's forehead, killing it instantly. Kurogane turned towards Fai. He ran towards the mage with Ginryuu lofted; Fai's eyes grew wide in fear and confusion. Kurogane shoved the mage to the ground and swiped Ginryuu at the demon that was behind him. The demon corpse was now smoldering beside Fai.

"Damn it, you stupid mage! Would you pay attention to your back, not just mine!" Kurogane shouted, yanking Fai up by the collar. Fai still had done little to place a value on his own pretty skin, which was a major annoyance to Kurogane. The mage's only focus was protecting the ninja and setting up fluorite wards around Nihongo's coastline.

"Ow, you're so rough with me, Kuro-rin," Fai grimaced, bringing Kurogane around from his anger. He could tell the mage was really physically hurt, in spite his drama.

Kurogane lead them back to their camp several yards through the woods. To Kurogane's disgruntlement, it seemed Fai got his wish about having someone with him as he slept. They'd had to share a tent all of the time, since they had started this solitary mission. They were provided with a pair of oxen, a large ox cart for their generous supplies with the fluorite stash, and two horses for riding.

He suspected Souma was being deliberately tight with the tent situation and manipulating the quartermaster for some reason he couldn't figure out. It annoyed him to no end how Souma had giggled and told him to make due, especially since they were on such a harrowing mission to post fluorite wards.

They got to the darkness of the tent and Kurogane started to tug at Fai's obi. Fai tried to push Kurogane's hands away, but the ninja grabbed his upper arms and squeezed them firmly. Yet another tussle with the mage, little surprise there. But this was the first time Fai's face got flushed and he wouldn't meet Kurogane's eyes.

"Stop it, just let me go," he begged softly.

Kurogane let go. "Stop being stupid and let me see your back. If you're injured, it'll slow us down."

Fai turned his back to him, loosened the obi, and let it drop to the ground. Kurogane felt his breath leave him as the layers of clothes dropped and then the last layer, a hadajuban, of all frustrating things, finally drooped off Fai's shoulders down to his lower back. Women's clothing, pieces here and there, had made it into Fai's Nihongo wardrobe, in spite of Kurogane's best efforts to educate the blond.

Sure enough, Kurogane could see deep bruisings and lacerations in the negative space around the black phoenix tattoo. The ninja felt a little guilt, considering Fai's past. Nevertheless, it was better than Fai dying from demon poisoning. He still hated seeing one bruise on Fai's soft skin, but the back was especially bad.

Kurogane was concerned Fai would start having memories from his childhood with the pain from the injuries; Fai still only slept on his stomach for that reason. The mage wasn't giving signs of distress, so Kurogane relaxed and decided to press on.

"Sit," he ordered the mage. Fai sat on Kurogane's futon and let the hadajuban pool around his waist. Kurogane got into a saddlebag with their medical supplies and brought out a jar of healing ointment made by Tomoyo. "Be still while I put this on."

Kurogane dipped his fingers in the ointment and carefully put his fingertips between Fai's shoulder blades where the bruises started. There wasn't even a twitch as he ran his hands over the elegant artwork embedded in Fai's skin.

Kurogane's fingertips hit a sensitive spot on his lower back. Fai tensed up and then started squirming away from Kurogane's hand. He gripped Fai's hips firmly. "Hold still," he snapped.

"Stop tickling me," Fai said, wriggling under Kurogane's hands. Kurogane's temper hit full tilt. He yanked Fai onto his lap and restrained him.

"Stop being a child!"

"I'm not a child, if you haven't noticed!" Kurogane froze at Fai's bitter tone.

He gingerly turned Fai around on his lap. The mage wouldn't look him in the eyes as he pulled the hadajuban back in place.

"I've noticed you're not a child for quite some time, now. I've been waiting for it to sink into your thick head."

Fai looked baffled, then offend. Kurogane let him go when he pushed the ninja's hands from his hips. He left the tent, actually speechless. That was the first time Kurogane had ever seen Fai without a quick comeback.

Fai felt his face glowing red hot by the time he got to the pool they were camping next to. Was what Kurogane said insulting? It sure was, and Fai had earned it with incessant teasing. That wasn't what bothered him.

He wanted Kurogane to see him as childish. If he didn't keep that wall up, certain heartbreak was immanent. Kurogane was due to go back to Suwa in three more months, and Fai was acutely aware that Kurogane was anxious to get back home to his parents, and Fai was bound to stay nine more months at Shirosagi Castle before going home to Yuui and Ashura.

The problem was he was now feeling something deeper for Kurogane than what Yuui had termed as a crush. Over the last three months, there was seldom a time he hadn't shared a room or a communal bath with the ninja. Not to mention, all their talks they'd had late into night as they camped out during this important mission to embed fluorite around Nihongo.

One night at their campfire, a question Kurogane had asked, meant as casual conversation, ended up jarring the mage: what was it was like being a twin. Frankly, Fai had tried to answer, but he couldn't convey it in words, or even feelings, but he ended up asking Kurogane what it was like to not breathe.

That was as close as he could convey the sensation of not having Yuui with him. He could see that rattled the ninja something fierce. Fai chuckled dismissively and said, "Well, I always say to people, you love me, you love Yuui."

"This must be a hard punishment for you."

Fai's head had slumped forward and he said, "More than you know. But, I'd know if something was wrong with Yuui. I'd feel it in my bones. It's the only thing keeping me calm here, knowing that I'd feel it. I still feel it when he casts a spell, in my stomach, it tingles. So, I know he's okay. I just want to see him again so badly. I can't even stand seeing my reflection, sometimes, because of it."

Kurogane had slid over and put his arm around the mage. He was so full of emotions he didn't know what to do, except lean against the ninja's chest and get his trembling under control. Kurogane had plied him with some of their limited stores of sake that night and he was grateful to be numb for a little while. Kurogane even held him until he fell into a deep sleep. Homesickness was almost overwhelming on some days, but Kurogane picked up on it and was there for him.

Just like he was there for Kurogane's homesickness. There were times Kurogane would anxiously listen to villagers about any news from Suwa. Anything negative would send Kurogane into a dark, brooding mood. Fai would stop his teasing ways and make Kurogane's favorite dishes according to their supplies. He'd serve it to Kurogane as they sat on the ninja's futon in silence.

Now, Fai sank to his knees beside the pond. He looked over the edge and saw his refection in the water. "So what should I do, Yuui? I really want him. It just makes my stomach hurt knowing I'd have to say goodbye to him in a little while. I really need you or Ashura to tell me what to do." Fai sighed, and his shoulders slumped when his reflection didn't reply. "I wish I knew what to do."

He stood up when he finally knew what he should do: make things right between him and Kurogane. When he got back to camp, he went to their ox drawn cart and got the ingredients for dinner. He completed cooking their dinner; it was rice and salted pork with vegetables. He left the outdoor campfire after he portioned Kurogane's dinner into a bowl.

He walked into their tent and saw Kurogane sitting on his futon. He could tell Kurogane was meditating by his upright posture, crossed legs, and hands laced together in front of his chest. Fai knelt in front of Kurogane and said, "Dinner."

Kurogane opened his crimson eyes. "Are you okay, Fai?"

"Yes. I just had to clear my head. Are you okay?"

"Yeah," Kurogane said, relaxing his posture. He took the bowl of food and started eating. "This is really delicious. Thank you."

Fai felt baffled, but he pushed on a fake smile to hide it. "So what brought on Kuro-tan's sudden politeness? Usually, you go out of your way to withhold praise from me."

"You seem like you need it."

"I'm sorry for getting irritable with you." Fai became aware he was only wearing his hadajuban in the chilly dusk. He felt a little too vulnerable in front of the ninja and tried to hitch the collar up higher.

"What's bothering you lately?"

"Not a thing. I'm happy as can be," Fai lied.

Kurogane scowled, grabbed the front of Fai's hadajuban, and dragged him closer. "Can't you be honest for once?"

"Have you ever thought I may have a good reason to lie?"

"There is never a good reason to lie. I resent it when you do."

"Let go of me, Kuro-ki, or I'll have to hex you," Fai said, forcing a teasing tone.

"Not until you tell me the truth," Kurogane demanded as Fai struggled to pull away. He finally squirmed out of Kurogane's grasp and sprang up. He tried to run out of the tent, but fell on his stomach as Kurogane's hand latched onto his bare ankle.

Fai rolled onto his back and tried to get up. Kurogane pounced on him, pinning him to the ground. Fai pushed against Kurogane's chest, but the ninja grabbed his wrists and held them firmly against the ground.

"Enough! Stop struggling!" Kurogane ordered. Kurogane's fierce tone froze Fai. He did as he was told and caught his breath from the struggle. His face grew hot in the cool, dusk air. He started to turn his head away, but Kurogane said, "Look at me, Fai."

Fai slowly looked into those crimson eyes with a lot of trepidation, and his pulse raced. "What do you want from me?"

"I want these games to stop. I'm not going to play around with you any more. And I'm not going to pretend I don't notice your feelings any longer." Fai's stomach tingled as Kurogane leaned down to Fai's ear. "I want you, too."

Fai's breathing stopped at Kurogane's bluntness. Kurogane wasn't like anyone else that had tried to catch his attention before. He was able to see through his strange games and treat him like a competent adult, rather than a damaged person.

Fai's desire pushed away his troubled thoughts about parting from Kurogane in the near future. At least his first time could be with someone he truly cared about, and he could have that memory forever.

"I do want you," Fai admitted.

Kurogane tugged Fai towards his futon. They lay side by side, kissing and slowly becoming divested of clothing. Kurogane paused and gave Fai a serious expression.

"Are you absolutely sure?" he asked, caressing Fai's cheek.

"I'm sure." Fai felt a warm smile come to his lips as Kurogane drew him close.

But then he started shivering as he tried to recall what he should do and what he should expect from books and gossip. What if Kurogane didn't like him after this? What if he didn't like sex after all? Didn't he read something about discomfort? What if Kurogane asked him to do something distasteful? How far should he go? Then he struck that last question seeing how they were both stark naked. According to Celes, he was still very much underage for this: late twenties was considered proper for wizards. Still, he felt ready, and he didn't want this chance to pass him by.

His scattered, racing brain melted when Kurogane trailed kisses and tiny nips down to Fai's chest. A burning sensation pooled in Fai's stomach when he was nudged onto his back and Kurogane reached his navel.

Fai gave off a small chuckle. Kurogane paused, straddled his stomach, and gave Fai a cross look. "Now what?"

"You're right, I do think too much," Fai confessed. Fai gasped when Kurogane grabbed his hand and placed it on his erection.

"I think I'll start with finding a better use for that mouth of yours than giving me dumb nicknames," Kurogane said, not a hint of malice, but a playfulness he had not yet seen in the ninja. Fai smiled, his anxiety drained away. In its place was perfect trust in Kurogane.

To be continued.