Several sources have spotted our SOLDIER with the man reported a few weeks earlier. Our worst fears have been realized. Our latest report tells us that Hewley and this man were holding hands at a clothing store last Tuesday. This could mean they are dating and not exactly an item so there is no real cause for panic. I repeat, no real cause for panic. More information on the mystery man's identity to come.

Keepers of Honor

The days flew by quickly for Vincent. He could swear it only had been the hours before that he agreed to be with the other man. Next thing he knew Angeal was bringing him a cupcake to mark their first month together. But one could suppose that time flies when you're happy. So Vincent accepted the cupcake with a tiny smile and took a small bite. Peanut butter filled chocolate, his favorite. He licked the remainder of the frosting from his lips before expressing his gratitude with a kiss. "Thank you, Papa Wolf" he said affectionately.

"You're welcome, Kitty Cat. What's for dinner?"

The gunman had taken a liking to cooking. This came about when he was home alone, with nothing to eat. The curious feline had rifled through the cabinets and fridge until finding the ingredients for a decent meal. To his delight, the meal wasn't half bad. So while Angeal was out at work or on missions, Vincent would look through cookbooks and sample recipes he thought he could handle. Supportive, Angeal would bring him what he needed along with new cookbooks.

"Chicken Parmesan. I decided to try something new."

A smile formed on the SOLDIER's face. He sat at the table as the other served them both. They made light conversation. Angeal complimented the dinner before growing serious, "I was hoping to talk to you about something"

Vincent blinked, slightly confused, "About?"

"Well, I know PDA isn't something you're really comfortable with. But the other day, when we held hands...it made me happy. I liked openly displaying our relationship and not have to worry who might see."

"I already told you-"

"I know, but I did some research. What Hojo did to you was extremely illegal."

"You really think Hojo wouldn't get away with it? Besides, I haven't aged. What will people think when they recognize me and I haven't changed one bit? They'll be coming at me with pitchforks. I think I prefer staying home."

"I don't think many people even remember you. You need to stop thinking about what other people think and start thinking about what makes you happy. I make you happy, don't I?"

"You do..."

"Then please...sometimes I look at you and I get the sudden urge to kiss you. I would like to act on that urge every once in a while, or not have to worry about how far away I need to stay away from you in public."

"Alright. We'll try it for a bit. I just don't want to cause any trouble and you know I hate being the center of attention."

"Get used to it Kitten, you're always the center of my attention."

Vincent looked down to hide a blush. He hated how easily the other man could make him melt. What he hated even more is that Angeal knew of his power and exploited it whenever he could. "I need to go to the mall to pick up some things, care to join me?" the ex-turk's eyes narrowed. Part of him knew this was a ploy to test out the new boundary change, but winter was coming up and he needed to buy a jacket. "I'll go."

Vincent has always hated the mall. It was overcrowded, with overpriced food and overly loud, screaming kids. He hated it even more now with all the stares the couple was receiving. "Angeal they're staring..."

"So?"

He sighed knowing the other man wouldn't do anything. The two men bought what they needed and decided to eat in the food court so save time. Vincent sat down, sighing. The whole experience wasn't as bad as he first expected. Besides the stares and funny looks it was nice to be able to relax and be open rather than withdraw and be on alert all the time. But it was still out of his comfort zone. Angeal returned with their food and kissed him on the cheek. Something seemed to be preoccupying his mind.

"Is everything alright?"

The big man picked at his food nervously. "I bought something at that drug store, I'm not quite sure what you would think of it though."

A black brow raised in curiosity. "Angeal, what did you buy?"

"Things needed in the bedroom."

A nearby elder lady perked up. She leaned in to hear more.

"Like what?"

"You know, the essentials."

"Define essentials."

"You know. Lubricant, condoms, message oil."

"Since when is message oil an essential?"

The woman leaned further towards the couple, her mouth agape.

"I think its a nice touch."

"Back when I was a turk the only thing I needed was lubricant, and I took care of that with my mouth."

"Don't talk like that."

"Why not?"

"Because it makes me want to take you home right now and try these new 'essentials' out"

"Did you get handcuffs?"

There was a confused pause "Er, no" Vincent smirked, "Then you missed one. I consider those a must have. I warn you though...I'm a screamer." The old women choked on her soda, hacking uncontrollably when Vincent turned around to face her. "You should really be careful when you eavesdrop. You could get hurt." She picked up her things, clearing her throat and moved to a table on the other side of the food court. Angeal couldn't help but chuckle, "You did that on purpose didn't you?"

"Perhaps. Eavesdropping is rude and I thought I should teach her a lesson."

"The woman is old, you could have given her a heart attack."

Vincent shrugged. Angeal stared at him for a few moments. Though he hated to admit it, Vincent's non-nonchalant sadistic attitude was quite a turn on for him. They continued to eat quietly for a while before the bigger man broke the silence. "So...are you really a screamer?"

The gunman's full lips curled into a sinister smile, "Why don't you take me home and find out."