A Different Fate

by Musal

What if Train didn't know Creed killed Saya? What if he believed it was Chronos? What if Train helped Creed create the Apostles to get revenge on Chronos? What happens when Train learns the truth? CxT

51. Finding the Light

Disclaimer: I do not own Black Cat.

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Creed pulled the blankets up and over his sleeping love, groaning slightly from the soreness his body was finally feeling as he tucked the golden man in. They had been back home for a few hours, and they were still waiting for a Chronos doctor to arrive. Creed wasn't sure what the hold up was and as much as he wanted someone to inspect his beloved and give Train a clear bill of health, he actually would have much rather his Kitten rest.

He's exhausted and I'd like him to get as much sleep as possible before he has to be poked and prodded by a doctor.

Creed was also concerned how his lover was going to take to a physician looking him over and drawing even more of his blood. Aliane had a point, chances were Train wasn't going to take well to any type of doctors' examination, and Creed definitely didn't think his partner would handle seeing a needle well.

But… he has to go through it. He has to get checked out if we're going to know how much of the antidote we need to give him.

Creed smiled warmly as he stood next to his lover's bed and watched Train snuggle into the bed, his fingers curling around the thick blanket very much like a child being put to bed after a long day. And considering what he had been through, all the drugs that were still in his system, and how confused he seemed to be, wasn't that far from the truth.

He's pretty helpless right now. Ironic, considering he's never been stronger than at this precise moment.

Creed caressed his beloved's cheek with the back of his hand, his heart fluttering with a wild warmth when he saw Train lean into the gesture. When he heard his lover call his name and reach his hand out, Creed took it immediately and kissed it.

"Shh, it's okay, Kitten. I'm here. I'm not going anywhere." Creed held back another groan as he leaned over Train, pressing his love's hand against his cheek, nuzzling it to his face.

Creed's blissful smile slowly faded as he felt Train's skin flex against him.

That's… odd… I know Train's body better than I know my own, and this is not what he felt like before the Apostles took him.

Creed pulled Train's hand away from his face and used his index finger and thumb to squeeze his love's hand, his frown deepening when he realized how malleable it was. He repeated his gesture a few more times, just to make sure his fatigued state hadn't made him delirious. Seeing Train's hand react the same way, Creed felt his heart drop, fearful of what that could mean for his beloved Kitten.

I noticed there was something wrong with his skin when we were at the barn, but I was too preoccupied with his mental state and getting him to safety to question it.

Wanting to know more, and seeing that Train seemed to enjoy his awkward caresses, Creed ran his fingers gingerly up and down his beloved's palm, narrowing his eyes curiously when he saw the way the golden man's skin curved strangely with his digits. It looked like his love's flesh almost absorbed his fingers, like a memory foam pillow molding around a sleeping occupant's head. They were almost as soft as a pillow as well, which was strange considering Train's hands were calloused from years of gun wielding.

I always enjoyed his rough fingers, since it reminds me of how strong he is. It's unsettling how smooth and soft they are. They almost feel like a child's fingers. As if his body healed his years-long injuries caused by his weapon mastery.

Creed's thoughts were beginning to make him nervous since they only confirmed what he was starting to realize. Praying he was wrong, he decided to press his fingers down a little harder, then pulled them away quickly, watching as Tran's flesh almost bounced back at him.

Besides the uncharacteristic smoothness it also feels… elastic. Almost like a slick rubber band. Is it the Nanomachines?

Worried for his beloved's well being and wanting to know a little more, Creed decided to test his partner's flexibility. He pinched the tip of Trains index finger, then bent it backwards. He moved slowly, being sure not to hurt his Kitten or disturb his sleep. Just to be safe, Creed kept his eyes on Train's face to make sure he didn't wake his beloved with his motions. Seeing his partner was still fast asleep, Creed continued bending the golden man's hand back.

As he pulled, his eyes widened at how far the digit was going. Creed knew Train was more flexible and agile than the average person, but the amount his finger was bending backwards was unsettlingly inhuman. The tip of his index finger was almost touching the back of his hand, and Train didn't even seem to notice it was happening. Creed also didn't feel any bones breaking. It moved so organically, yet also so unnaturally that it turned the silver man's heart cold.

It's got to be the Nanomachines… Is it just his fingers? Or is the rest of him elastic like this?

Creed ran his fingers up Train's arm, butterflies forming in his stomach at the cute little mewls and giggles his beloved went out. He wanted so badly to pin his lover to the bed, attack Train's alluring body, and elicit more heavenly musical noise from his beloved, but he knew he couldn't do that. He needed to concentrate on what might be wrong with his partner's delectable figure.

Play will be for later when Train's more capable of saying yes. Right now, I need to inspect his body with scientific eyes. Not lewd eyes.

Creed moaned and swallowed thickly at the delicious way Train purred and smiled at his touches, then shook his head to stop the lascivious thoughts from surfacing. As he gently massaged the rest of Train's arm, his heart continued fluttering with euphoric love at every magical noise his Kitten made. Despite that, a chilled feeling slowly took over his body as he felt how pliable the rest of his arms were.

It feels the same as his fingers. Is his skin flexible on his arm as well?

Creed gently pinched Train's skin, glanced back up at his love's closed eyes to make sure he was still asleep, then sighed in relief when he saw he was. He pulled at his cat's skin and watched how it stretched very much like a chewed up piece of gum. Creed's eyes widened again when he saw how far it could stretch, then frowned profoundly as he slowly pushed it back down, making sure he didn't wake Train.

It even molds back with the rest of his body like it's nothing.

Creed moved his hand from Train's arm to his cheek, gingerly caressing the skin there and sighed in relief when he felt how normal it was.

Maybe it's just his arms…

Wanting to be sure, Creed pinched Train's cheek, causing a yelp to exit the Black Cat's mouth as he was forcibly jolted out of his sleeping state. Train looked over his shoulder at Creed, smacking the man's hand away as he clasped his face.

The gunman glared at Creed. "What the hell was that for?!"

Creed smiled warmly at his beloved, then leaned closer so their foreheads were resting against one another. "Just checking to make sure you were still really here."

I don't want to tell him I'm testing for the Nanomachines. I'm sure the doctor and Eve can find out more, and he doesn't need to be reminded of their presence in his body. He knows they're there and he already made it perfectly clear how much he hates the way they feel.

Train's glare turned into a pout as he rubbed his cheek, headbutting his lover gently as he spoke. "And you decided to pinch me in order to verify that?"

Creed's adoring smile grew as he chuckled his Train's cute headbutt, then placed his lips reverently against his Kitten's. When he felt Train's hands wrap around his neck to deepen the kiss, Creed welcomed the sensation of his beloved's tongue caressing his own, and he placed his hands on either of the cat's face. They allowed their lips and tongues to linger for several minutes, before finally pulling away and staring into each other's eyes.

Train kept his hands around Creed's neck as he spoke. "That's a much better way to remind me I'm home. Do that next time."

Creed chuckled and kissed Train's lips lightly, squishing his love's cheeks slightly. "I'll keep that in mind, Kitten. Now, I think you should keep sleeping. What do you think?"

Train blinked in confusion, worry taking over his face as he tried to work out if he was being ordered to do something. The fact that Creed asked him what his opinion was put hesitancy in his submissive mind, as if the silver man's simple query was challenging the reality his brian was trying to convince him of.

"I… Yes… Yes, I think I should." Train said finally, looking at Creed pleadingly, as if he was hoping that was the correct answer. "Right…?"

Creed did nothing to confirm his love's indecisive words. Over the last several hours he had been reunited with his beloved, he was starting to learn how to phrase his sentences to Train. He worded them similar to how he would to a child, trying to guide his cat to the solution on his own instead of giving him the answer. Doing the latter option seemed to make Train take his statements like they were orders, and he wanted Train to make decisions on his own.

"Well, do you still feel tired?" Creed asked as he ran his fingers through his Kitten's hair.

Train absorbed his partner's words, then asked the question to himself in his head. He nodded, then responded to Creed. "Yes. Yes I am."

Creed sighed in relief when he heard Train's voice did not take on an emotionless tone, signaling those words came straight from his beloved's mouth and not the drug's influence. "Then what do you think you should do?"

Again, Train thought about what Creed said, his hands still wrapped around the man's neck, forehead still resting against his lover's as he answered. "I think I should go back to sleep."

Creed smiled, making sure not to nod his head since he knew Train was still looking for any confirmation that he was doing what the swordsman wanted.

He didn't call me master this time either. That's at least a little progress, right?

"Whatever you think is best, Train. I trust you." Creed caressed his cat's cheek as Train settled back into the bed.

Train nodded his head triumphantly, as if he was proud of himself for making such a simple decision. "Right. This time if you want to wake me up, don't pinch me."

Creed chuckled and kissed his love's cheek as Train rested his head on the pillow. "Anything you say, my love. I'll wake you up with a kiss instead. Like Sleeping Beauty."

Train let out an exasperated sigh. "There you go again comparing me to princesses and fairy tail women. Are you trying to subtly tell me you wish I were a woman, Creed?"

Creed clutched his heart dramatically, as if Train's words hurt his soul. "My Dear Train! You know that there isn't a single thing I would change about you! You're as perfect now as you were the day you were born!"

Train chuckled as he yawned and shut his eyes. "How would you know? You weren't there when I was born."

Creed smiled again, removing his hand from his chest as he ran it through Train's hair. "Seeing how pure and flawless you are right now, I can't imagine it was anything less than perfection from the moment your beautiful soul graced this planet."

Train smiled warmly, his body relaxing as the gentle caresses against his face and cheek lulled him back to sleep. "I love you, Creed…"

Creed leaned forward and kissed his beloved's forehead. "And I love you, my Dearest Train…"

Creed's doting smile remained on his face as he watched his beloved settle back down again. Train turned his head to face the silverette, his eyes shutting as he drifted off into an even deeper sleep than bore. Despite his unconscious state, it seemed like Train was still aware Creed was in the room, and he craved for the silverette's loving touches.

Creed sighed blissfully as he watched his lover sleep.

I'll have to tell the doctor and Eve knows about my discovery.

The bio-girl offered to use her Nanomachines to investigate Train's body almost as soon as they laid him in the bed, but Creed turned her down. As important as it was to know what exactly was going on in his partner's Nanomachines, Creed really wanted his precious love to sleep.

There will be plenty of time for that later. Right now, he needs to sleep.

Creed frowned when he saw Train was having a hard time settling. Not hearing the door open and close, he groaned painfully again as he pulled the blankets back slightly and began to lay down next to his beloved, unaware someone else had entered the room. His aching body made him move slower than usual, but he wasn't going to let it stop him from being close to his Kitten.

Before he had a chance to lay down next to his partner, another piece of fabric was placed on top of the Black Cat. It wrapped around the gunman possessively, as if it were protecting him from an unknown danger.

Creed recognized the fabric immediately and looked up to see Lin leaning over Train's sleeping frame, using his cloak as an extra blanket for the golden eyed beauty. The swordsman sighed as he watched Number X curl it around Train's relaxed form, then rolled his eyes when he saw Lin inspecting the brunette's face for cuts or bruises.

"There's nothing wrong with his face, Lin… It's perfect as always and this-" He gestured to the weapon that was resting on top of the cat. "-Isn't necessary. I was going to get in the bed with him."

Lin gave Creed a dirty look, the assassin clearly not happy about that, even though he knew he had no right to feel that way. "While I'm in the room?"

Creed sighed again. "I didn't even see you walk in… You don't have to stay…"

Lin narrowed his eyes, stood up, then pulled the nearby arm chair as close to the bed as he could. "Like Hell I'm going to leave! I understand you want alone time with him, but considering how many people are in the house, and the fact that Sephiria ordered us all to rest, I don't think you'll be getting that right now. Besides, the doctor should be here any minute. It's not like you'll have much time to do anything with him anyway."

Creed frowned at Lin since he was aware the number believed the swordsman wanted to use that opportunity to have sex with Train.

The thought did cross my mind, but Train needs to rest. I don't think he'd be able to stay awake long enough for that anyway. Hell, I don't think I'll be able to stay awake long enough for that.

"Lin…" Creed's voice was sympathetic as he spoke, but he did not take Train's hand away from his face and his other hand continued running through his sleeping lover's hair. "I wasn't going to do that… He needs human contact right now. I was just going to-"

"-Please…" Lin cut him off, raising his dark eyes to look desperately at Creed. "Please… Please don't kick me out…"

He looked wistfully at Train, his finger twitching with want as he watched the Black Cat mumble a few adorable words under his breath. "I… I need this Creed… I won't be able to rest if I'm not near him. I don't care if you lay down next to him or take him in your arms, just please… don't make me leave his side…"

Creed blinked at Lin for a few minutes, knowing that agonized longing stare all too well and sighed.

It would be cruel to kick him out… After all, he's gotten less sleep than all of us. And he's been looking for Train non-stop. I had those four useless days pass by while he worked himself to death to find my Kitten. He at least deserves to stay by Train's side for the time being…

Creed nodded his head at the man, even though he knew Lin wouldn't see it since his eyes were still locked onto Train's face. "Of course you can stay, Lin. What kind of man would I be if I didn't let you be near Train right now?"

Lin let out the breath he was holding and gave Creed a grateful look. "Thank you…"

Creed nodded his head, then pulled back the blankets, stopping for a moment to question the number. "Could you move the cloak a little so I can get in next to him? Like I said, he needs human contact right now."

Lin nodded his head and leaned over Train to adjust his cloak a little. "Can I leave it on him?"

Creed blinked in confusion. "Why are you asking me for permission?"

Lin shrugged his shoulders. "You seem to understand what's going on with him. I don't know if Train seeing a weapon wrapped around him will cause him to panic when he wakes up."

Creed thought about that, then shook his head. "I don't think so. In fact, it might be another reminder that he's with us. He'll probably recognize it as your weapon and understand he's somewhere safe."

Lin felt his heart swell with joy at the thought of his sweet love associating him with safety. "Okay… Thank you."

Once the weapon was pulled far enough away, Creed climbed into the bed next to Train, ignoring how his tender body protested against the movements. He wrapped his arm around his beloved's waist and pulled him against his chest. He felt Train moved his body instinctively backwards and firmer into Creed's, then sighed blissfully at the contact. Creed squeezed Train tightly in his arms, resting his chin on top of the Black Cat's head so he could still see Lin sitting in the armchair next to the bed.

He kissed the top of his lover's head, then asked the number another question. "Why do you want to keep your weapon on Train, anyway?"

Lin sighed and shrugged his shoulders subtly. "I don't know… I guess it just makes me feel like he's extra safe. Like I'll be able to wrap him is it and pull him away from danger. Or that I'll be able to react quickly to an enemy attack before they can hurt him."

Creed frowned at Lin, seeing the pain in his eyes, hearing the ache in his voice, and knew that, despite the fact he said it was okay for the silver man to cuddle Train, it still hurt to see it happening.

I also think he's just longing so badly to touch Train that seeing someone else hold him this intimately is shattering his heart… But, that's not going to be enough to make me pull away from my Kitten. As bad as I feel for his broken heart, I'm not removing Train from my arms for anyone.

Creed looked down at Train, smiled, kissed his head again, then snuggled back into his chocolate locks. "If it makes you feel safe, then do it. And like I said, it might actually be another reminder for him if he wakes up from a nightmare. Which happens a lot."

Lin frowned at Train. "...Do you know what they're about?"

Creed rolled his eyes. "What do you think?"

Lin sighed and nodded his head in understanding. "Right…"

Number X rested his head on the back of the chair, his eyes remaining locked onto his sweet love's tranquil smile. Lin knew he was going to fall asleep, but he wanted to make sure to ingrain the image of Train's peaceful face in his mind's eye so it would occupy his dreams. Even though it had only been nine days since he saw the gunman, that was far too long to go without seeing the person you love.

One day without Train is too long. Nine days is just plain torture. Especially when I know he was actually being tortured…

Lin smiled when he saw Train mumble more nonsense in his sleep. He remembered when he and Train were lovers, the cat often talked in his sleep. It was always about milk or food, and it was just another trait the golden man held that sealed the deal on his heart. During their short relationship, Lin often stayed away for hours after they made love or before they went to bed for the night just so he could hear the endearing things Train would whisper in his sleep.

It's so nice to hear his voice again… It's incredible to watch him sleep again… I'm so happy he's back.

Lin reached his hand out subconsciously, then withdrew it when he glanced at Creed. The silver man's eyes were shut as well, so he knew Creed didn't see Lin attempting to touch Train, but he still wanted to be respectful of their relationship. As much as it pained him to know the man he loved belonged to another, he wasn't going to keep pushing himself on Train.

I lost… and I need to accept that. I know I'll never be able to truly move on from him, but I can at least be happy for him and love him from afar…

As he watched Train sleep, his eyes slowly drifted close. He forced them open again, not wanting to let his Sweetness leave his sight, then blinked when he noticed Train's eyes shot open. He had a frantic look sketched on his captivating face, his body tense as he blinked a few times in confusion, as if he was trying to work out who Lin was again.

Oh no… is he seeing his old target again?

Lin pulled his head up, about to wake up Creed when he saw Train reaching out for him.

"Lin…?"

Number X blinked at the Black Cat, then instantly threw himself over the chair's arm and took a tight hold on Train's outreached hand. "Yes, Train? What's wrong?"

Train visibly relaxed and sighed in relief. "Nothing now… I just… wanted to make sure it was you." He wrapped his fingers around Lin's and shut his eyes again. "...And I wanted to make sure you were okay."

Lin stared at Train's face as he shut his eyes again, then looked up and noticed Creed was awoken by the sudden movement. Blue eyes met dark eyes for a moment, before the silverette smiled warmly at the Chronos' assassin.

"See? He cares about you." Creed felt Train snuggle his body further into his chest, but noticed his hands were still clasping tightly onto Number X's, pulling the smaller man's upper body onto the bed.

Creed cocked an eyebrow in confusion.

Train said he wanted to make sure Lin was okay. Did he just have a nightmare about him?

Creed peeked down at his beloved, watching as the golden man turned his head slightly so he could rest it against the silver man's shoulder. The motion confirmed that even though Train was holding Lin's hand, he still knew his lover was there and wanted to be closer to him.

Again, Creed locked eyes with Lin, the number silently begging to let him keep possession of Train's hand. Creed sighed. "It's okay, Lin. He clearly wants to know that you're near as well. Besides, I know how coveted Train's touch is. I won't be a monster and tell you that you can't hold his hand."

Train may be mine, but he's not my property. If he wants to keep Lin close, I won't stop him.

Hearing Train whisper his name, Creed smiled and relaxed, nodding his head in confirmation at the assassin sitting in the chair. Lin gave the silver man a vastly, eternally grateful look and pulled his body up onto the bed, his fingers still holding onto Train's tightly. The number situated himself so his feet were still on the arm of the chair he was once occupied, but the rest of his body was curled dialongally next to Train's. Lin rested the top of his head near the cat's chest, but not pressing against it. He was still trying to be reverential to Creed and Train's relationship, while staying close to the gunman.

Creed watched as Train and Lin's fingers wrapped around one another, the number shutting his eyes as an indebted, amicable smile soared across his small lips. Train's head was still turned so it was facing Creed, resting against his chest as he snuggled into the swordsman's body. With his other hand, Train was grasping onto Creed's firmly, bringing the limb to his lips and kissing it lightly.

"Creed…"

The silver man's heart filled with warmth, his beloved making it impossible to be jealous of his apparent need to have his ex-lover close.

I think he just wants as many people he loves near him. Having Lin that close to him doesn't mean he still has feelings for him. It means he's trying to surround himself with the people he cares about the most.

Train snuggled his head closering into Creed's chest, pressing the silver man's hand against his lips as he whispered again. "I love you, Creed…"

Creed sighed warmly and kissed the top of Train's head, nuzzling his face into his lover's, breathing the other man in as he spoke. "I love you too, Train…"

He glanced down at Lin and noticed the number had fallen asleep. He was maintaining a respectful distance from Train while at the same time holding onto the Black Cat's hand and keeping his head close to the gunman's heart. Even though Lin's body was almost completely on the bed, he wasn't cuddling or holding Train like Creed was, and the swordsman was appreciative of the man knowing his place despite how badly Number X wanted to be closer.

I actually have a lot of respect for Lin for being able to keep his distance. I know when they were lovers, I wasn't as well behaved. I took any opportunity Train was close to me to try and kiss him or hold him.

He frowned when he remembered the time Train told him that Lin kissed him while Creed was passed out. Creed shook his head of the thought, since he knew he had done worse with Train when he had no claims to the bewitching cat.

People in glass houses shouldn't cast stones. Lin can have this moment with Train. He's earned it. And if it helps him finally sleep, which he needs almost as much as Train does, I'll let him have it. As long as he keeps his hands to himself.

Creed glanced up again to make sure the only thing Lin was touching was Train's hand, then nodded in approval. He gripped his beloved firmer in his arms, kissing Train's forehead, then his cheek, then his shoulder as he caressed his Kitten's lips with his fingers. It didn't seem like Train was willing to let go of his hand or Lin's, and Creed was fine with that as long as it meant his lover was going to sleep.

I'm sure that keeping the people Train loves close will help him gain a firmer grasp on reality.

When they first approached the hideout, his beloved didn't have the best reaction to his friends, but after he realized who they were and where he was, more of the Black Cat's true personality came out. It seemed like the more he remembered his friends and his life, the more back to normal he became.

As if love is the antidote he really needs to bring him back to the light.

Creed kissed Train's forehead, his heart quaking with delight at the sweet purr his beloved blessed him with. He relaxed his head into the pillow, breathing in the scent of his beloved as he finally let sleep take him. Again, he did not hear the door open and close quietly, nor did he hear someone approaching the bed. It wasn't until the person spoke that he only half registered someone walked into the room yet again.

"Creed? I'm sorry to wake you, but Sephiria wants you to come out now to interrogate Aliane. The doctor's here."

Creed moaned in frustration. "I only just shut my eyes…"

Eve rolled her eyes. "What were you doing this whole time?"

Creed pouted. "Getting Train settled in…"

That was when Eve noticed the scene in front of her. Creed was spooning Train, the cat holding the silver man's hand tightly to his lips while his other clung to Number X's thin limb. Lin was curled on the bed as well, but laying at an angle with the tip of his head just barely touched Train's chest. Both the gunman and the assassin were sleeping, but it was clear Creed had not rested yet.

Still, this scene is too cute not to capture. Besides, I can use it later to annoy Train.

Even pulled her phone out of her pocket, snapped a picture, then put it away. "I'll ask Sephiria to give you a couple more minutes. But then you need to come out."

Before Eve left the room, she stopped and turned back to face Creed. "By the way, where's your phone?"

Creed frowned. "Shattered to bits. Like my heart will be if you make me get up."

Eve sighed and rolled her eyes again. "I'm not making you do anything. Sephiria is. Take your complaints to her."

Creed groaned as he heard the door open and shut, letting him know the bio-girl had left the room. He squeezed Train again, then kissed his cheek. "I'll be right back, my love."

As he attempted to move, Train let out a panicked noise and grabbed his arm, pulling him back onto the mattress. Creed whimpered from the pain in his heart and his body his beloved's motions caused, then crawled next to Train again.

"Oh, my sweet Train… I'm so sorry… I'll be back soon. I promise."

Train let out a series of pleasurable noises with each one of Creed's kisses, then mewled sadly as the man tried to get up again. He let go of Lin's hand and rolled over, waking the number up as the cat clung to Creed's shirt.

"Creed…" Train whispered as he buried his face in the silver man's chest.

Creed frowned at his love, pushing aside the complaints of his sore body and wrapped his arms around Trains back and kissed his head. "Shh, it's okay, my love. I'll be right back. I promise."

"Where are you going?" Lin asked as he sat up, rubbing his eyes.

Creed sighed and nuzzled his face in Train's hair. "Sephiria wants me there when she interrogates Aliane. Also, the doctor's here."

Lin frowned sadly. "Does that mean I need to leave as well?"

Creed thought about what he said, glanced up at Lin's depressed face, then down at Train's childish, pleading protests.

I don't think it's a good idea to leave him here alone with a doctor, but I don't think Sephiria will be willing to wait any longer for me.

He looked back up at Lin, not liking where his thoughts were taking him, but knowing it might be the best option for the moment.

It'll only be for a little bit… And it's not like Train will magically fall in love with Lin during that time. And I know Lin won't take advantage of my Kitten's delicate state. He loves Train too much to command him to do something he can't properly consent to.

Creed shook his head. "No. Sephiria only wants me, and I don't think Train should be alone with the doctor. Train also needs human contact. Especially if it's with someone he cares deeply about."

Lin's eyes widened and his heart picked up speed at Creed's implication. "Wait… Are you saying…?"

Creed sighed, then spoke hesitantly. "Yes… I'm saying I want you to stay here with Train and be close to him while the doctor examines him." He pointed an accusing finger at the man, keeping one arm around his beloved's back as he spoke. "But, if I hear one hint that you're doing something inappropriate, something that he mentally can't consent to, I will barge back in here and kick your ass back to Chronos' headquarters."

Lin nodded his head eagerly and climbed onto the bed. "I would never do that, Creed. I'm insulted you think so little of me."

Creed opened his mouth to bring up the moment Lin kissed Train, then shook his head to rid himself of the irritating thought.

I cannot cast stones. I slept with Train while they were still technically lovers… twice.

Creed kissed Train's head over and over again, then reluctantly handed his partner over to Lin, who took the cat eagerly. The golden man tried to fight leaving Creed's arms, but Lin wrapped the gunman up in his so quickly, it looked as though Train didn't seem to notice the switch.

"Shh, it's okay, Train. I'm here…" Lin said as he pulled the cat against his chest, running his fingers through Train's chocolate locks as he spoke. "Creed will be back soon."

Train didn't hear anything Lin was saying as he was already back into a deep sleep. He relaxed his body into Number X's as the smaller man cooed lovingly into his ear, his fingers running gently up and down his back and hair affectionately. Lin gave Creed a sickenly euphoric smile as he mouthed the words 'thank you' to the silver man.

Creed gave the number another warning look, leaned forward painfully to give his lover another kiss and tender caress, then stood up and to head slowly towards the door. He used the walls to give his tired legs the support they needed to move. He put his hand on the knob, then glanced over his shoulder one more time to make sure Lin was keeping his interaction with Train PG.

Number X was rocking Train back and forth in his arms, his face buried as far into the Black Cat's hair as it would go. He continued whispering soothing words into the gunman's ear, and Creed let out a long, tired sigh.

I have to trust him. Train needs to have someone comforting him while I'm gone, and as much as I hate to admit it, his ex-lover is the best one for the job.

Creed took a deep breath and stepped out of the room, nearly bumping into the doctor as he walked up to the door.

He blinked down at the slightly shorter man, slowly recognizing his face. "Hey, you're…"

The man smiled and offered his hand to Creed as he spoke. "Yes! I'm the doctor Sephiria sent when you needed help. I'm happy to see you remember me. That means your brian injury is getting better."

Creed smiled, then took the man's hand. "Yeah, I haven't forgotten a single moment in the last nine days…"

Even though a part of me wants to…

The doctor nodded his head. "That's great! Is your irritating lover in this room here?"

Creed rolled his eyes. "Train isn't irritating. He's different. And yes, he's in here."

The doctor chuckled. "Use whatever adjective you want to describe the man, doesn't matter to me. Just let me in so I can do my job."

Creed nodded and stepped aside to allow the man entrance to his love's chambers, then spoke again before he could walk in. "Train… might not take kindly to a doctor's presence… I don't know what Sephiria told you, but-"

"-Sephiria told me enough, don't worry about it. I also have a psychology degree, so I'll be able to help with his mental state as well. That, combined with the fact that the Black Cat already knows me, is the reason Number One sent for me specifically."

Creed sighed in relief, then added one more thing before he let the man go. "Number X is in there right now. I gave him permission to comfort Train while a doctor was looking at him, but… could you please let me know if he tries to do anything… inappropriate with my lover?"

The doctor chuckled. "What a brave man you are! You must feel secure in your relationship with Heartnet if you let Number X be alone with him. Everyone in Chronos knows how infatuated he is with the Black Cat." Seeing the worried look on Creed's face, the doctor tapped his chest kindly. "Don't worry, your partner is in good hands."

Creed stared at the man for a moment, then nodded his head and stepped slowly away from the door to permit the man entrance. "Thank you."

The doctor smiled reassuringly at Creed, then stepped in the room. Creed waited for a moment, pressing his ear against the door to try and listen to their conversation. After a few seconds, he realized he wasn't going to be able to hear anything, so he stepped away from the door and down the hall to Sephiria.

It will be okay… Everything will be okay…

He was saying that partially to comfort himself about Lin, but also to reassure himself that Train was in good hands with that doctor. He was Chronos' best psychician, and his beloved already knew who he was. The man also had a great disposition despite how difficult his job must have been, which further calmed the silver man's troubled heart.

Creed slapped his cheeks as he stepped into the common room, still using the walls for support as he scanned the area to see who was there. Sephiria was leaning against the wall across from Aliane and Belze, the girl still shackled and sitting on the couch next to Number II.

Creed frowned as he looked around the room. "Where did Eve go?"

Sephiria gestured with her head down the hall. "To check on Volfied. Probably going to fall asleep in the bed with him as well."

Creed nodded his head, then looked around the room again as if he already forgot who occupied it.

It's awfully quiet in this house for how many people are in it. It's not just the regular people that live here. It's also a few numbers and a bunch of low level erasers.

"Where's everyone else?"

Sephiria cocked an eyebrow at him. "Why does it matter?"

Creed sighed, then looked back wistfully at Train's room. "I'm just curious why it's so quiet."

Sephiria looked the man up and down, able to tell he was too bemused with his partner to really be paying attention to what she had to say, but she decided to answer him anyway. "The fire breathing girl in her room, Number VII and the thief in a different room, then the last room is filled with erasers. Everyone is sleeping on my orders. That's probably why it's so quiet."

Creed looked at Number One out of the corner of his eyes. "...If the erasers are sleeping, does that mean no one is patrolling the area for Apostles activity?"

Sephiria sighed.

So, we get to the core of his real issue. He wants to make sure no one's going to break in and take Train while he's distracted with another conversation.

"You should know me better, Diskenth. There's a new set of erasers patrolling the area while these men sleep and when they wake up, they'll switch spots. We won't be without protection."

Creed frowned. "For how long?"

Sephiria rolled her eyes. "For as long as necessary. Since most of the numbers are still out of commission, we're using every eraser we can." Seeing Creed still wasn't convinced, she gave the silver haired man a stern look. "We're in good hands, Creed. You need to trust me with Train's life. I value it as well."

Creed sighed, then groaned as he slowly took a seat in the folding chair that was next to Number One. "Okay. I trust you, Sephiria."

Sephiria frowned at him. "Why does it look like you're in pain?"

Creed sighed. "Because I am."

Sephiria's look did not change. "I thought you said the Tao healed your wounds. Does the doctor need to look at you as well?"

Creed gave her a sarcastic glare. "No. They did heal me, but I'm still human, Sephiria. I'm sore." Seeing the woman's annoyed look, he rolled his eyes. "Let's just get this interrogation over with…"

Sephiria narrowed her eyes at Creed. She was able to tell that despite his words, he didn't fully trust her choices, and that annoyed her beyond reason. It was also evident that the man was only half present. The silverette was still looking down the hall in the direction of his beloved partner. Seeing that Lin didn't come out with him, she assumed he let the number stay with Train to provide support, which made sense since Lin was the next person closest to the gunman's heart.

I understand why he's worried, but the Black Cat is in good hands with Number X and the rest of my erasers. Lin wouldn't let anything bad happen to him, and neither will Chronos.

While that might have been good enough for her, she knew it wasn't good enough for Creed. The fact that almost everyone was still recovering from their injuries probably didn't ease the swordsman's burdened heart, but there was nothing she or anyone else could do about that. Chronos employed normal humans, and normal humans needed rest just like everyone else.

Letting out a tired sigh, she turned back to the woman they had handcuffed to the couch and proceeded with the interrogation.

"So, you're telling me that Kanzaki was somehow able to not only make Heartnet docile and compliant enough to not escape even when ordered to, but also managed to create a bizarre hierarchy of superiors in his head that Train has now re-organized to match the level of importance of the people in his life?"

Aliane blinked at Sephiria, her arms tied behind her back with her ankles cuffed together. Instead of responding, she simply gawked at the woman, realizing how ridiculous everything sounded when it was laid out so bluntly in front of her.

What makes everything Number One said worse is that demeaning tone in her voice. I know she doesn't trust me, but does she have to be so overt in her hatred and cynicism?

Seeing the stern look on Number One's face, Aliane sighed and lowered her head. "When you hang it all out there like that... it sounds ludicrous. And I can absolutely understand why you would think I'm lying, but again I ask you, what do I have to gain from not telling you the truth?"

The ex-Apostles held her hands up as best she could behind her back. "Need I remind you that I'm the prisoner here? And I've been nothing but cooperative since you arrested me? Can't you at least trust me a little bit?"

Sephiria glared at the woman, still feeling the weight of her own exhaustion since she refused to rest until after questioning the woman.

Number One hardened her glare as she spoke. "The last time we trusted you, Heartnet was kidnapped and tortured. So, forgive me if I'm weary of taking your words at face value."

Aliane glanced at the large man next to her. She knew he was Number II, but she didn't know what his name was.

Doesn't matter. All that matters is he's terrifying and large and I don't want to mess with him.

Aliane then looked to Creed for support, but noticed he was too busy trying to bore a hole in the wall so he could see how Train was doing.

Number One asking him to be here is utterly pointless. He won't be any help as long as Train is alone with a doctor and his ex-lover.

Aliane looked back at Sephiria and tried to let her meek and defeated demeanor shine through her innocent looking eyes.

'Looking' being the key term in that sentence. I am fully aware I am by no means innocent.

"Ms. Arks… Do you really think I'm capable of taking on you along with all the Chronos assassins you scattered throughout the house? I have Number II breathing down my neck as we speak, Number VII who's just a finger snap away, Number X who I can tell is just itching to make me his first kill, Creed who I know won't kill me, but definitely doesn't have qualms about maiming me, and the legendary Black Cat who not only hates me, but is still under the influence of a will controlling drug, and will listen to a kill command if it's given to him."

I know Train has proven he still won't kill, but maybe he'd make an acception to the rule when if it came to the woman helped perpetuate his kidnapping and torture. Not to mention I almost killed a woman he and his lover clearly cared about.

Aliane sunk into the couch, resting her head on the back cushions as she stared at the ceiling. "Besides being exhausted beyond belief, I'm outmatched as well. All I ask is that you believe what I have to say. Because I have nothing else to lose..."

Sephiria tightened her fingers around the hilt of Christ. "...You still have your life to lose."

Aliane couldn't help but laugh bitterly at that. "Life?! What life?! I have no friends, no family, no one who gives a shit about me, and no home to go to. Not even anyone who cares if I'm alive! The Apostles will never take me back after what I did, so I'm at the whim of Chronos."

Sephiria didn't hesitate in her next words. She didn't care whatever sob story the girl was going to sell her, Number One wasn't foolish enough to buy it.

I didn't buy it the first time, why would I buy it again?

"Are you saying you would go back to the Apostles if they welcomed you?"

Aliane cocked an eyebrow at Sephiria, as if her question was ridiculous. She wanted to be respectful of the woman, but considering she was pretty certain she wasn't going to be alive much longer, she may as well let her sassy side come out a little.

If I'm going to die, I'm going to die as the person I really am: A smart mouthed bitch with a bone to pick with the world.

"Did you seriously just ask me that? I didn't risk whatever I have left of my miserable life to save Train just to go crawling back to them." Aliane lifted her head and met Sephiria's gaze. "They're insane."

Sephiria shot venomous daggers out of her eyes at the smaller woman. "And you're not?"

Aliane shrugged her shoulders. "I guess I am. But, just because I'm insane doesn't mean that I'm incapable of caring about other people." She paused as she thought about what they did to Train, her heart breaking for the man in the other room. "...What they were doing to him was wrong. I may be crazy, but I'm not a monster."

Sephiria kept her eyes locked onto the girl's tired ones, her steely irises remaining hard as she spoke. "I'll be the judge of that. Explain Train's old echelon of commanders, and what you believe his new order or superiors to be."

Aliane nodded.

I may not have evidence of the answer I'm about to give her, but I can at least act like I believe it's true. Confidence and bullshit has gotten people through worse situations, right?

She wasn't sure how much worse the situation could get, but she figured it was worth a shot. Besides that, she didn't think her theories were bullshit.

"I overheard a lot of the Apostles' leaders' conversations and based on what I heard, it sounded like Charden and Echidna were Train's first command, followed by Doctor. The rest of us seemed to be below them, but he would still obey our orders unless they contradicted 'the Leaders'."

Sephiria gave her a curious look. "What do you mean by 'the Leaders'?"

Aliane sat up a little. "It's what he called Charden, Echidna, and Doctor. Similar to how he keeps calling Creed 'Master'. I assumed it had something to do with Chronos, since it sounded like that was how Doctor was able to make the connection in Train's head and create the list of masters for the Black Cat. I figured he just copy and pasted from Train's past, except he changed who they were."

Sephiria lowered her head slightly as she thought about her words. "That term is awfully similar to the Elders…" She brought her gaze back up to meet Aliane's. "So, you believe Kanzaki used Train's past with Chronos to create a level of superiority in his head in order to better control him?"

Aliane nodded. "It sounds like it especially after hearing the term 'the Elders'. That's too eerily similar to be a coincidence. I may not understand how Chronos works, but I assume you have some sort of pecking order that Train had to follow. And I assumed Doctor used that to his advantage in order to get Train to listen to them over other people. Especially since the Apostles didn't trust me."

Sephiria looked at the woman out of the corner of her eyes. "Because you claim they caught you cleaning up after Train attempted to escape."

Aliane frowned. "I did clean up after he tried to escape… And I also tried to help him escape a different time."

Sephiria glared at her again. "I thought you said they used the drug to make sure Train wouldn't escape."

Aliane frowned. "His attempted escape is what made Doctor alter the drug to control that impulse. I don't know what he did, but Kanzaki did something to the drug to make Train more docile and receptive to orders. The time I tried to free him was how I was able to confirm the hierarchy of commanders in his head. He said my orders went against 'the Leaders'' orders, and he refused to leave with me."

The woman's explanation made sense, so Sephiria nodded in understanding, even though she still didn't trust the girl.

Creed's right, she's actually quite clever. I never would have expected the strange girl that used to follow after Heartnet like a love sick puppy and take science lessons from the Nano-girl to be able to work all that out on her own.

Sephiria gave Aliane a suspicious look.

Unless she's making it all up… Still can't rule that out.

"It was also how Doctor was trying to get around Train taking orders from someone like Creed or you." Aliane watched as Sephiria's look changed from skepitcal to curious. "When they first started giving Train the drug, he would snap out of his submissive stupor at the mention of Creed."

Sephiria nodded her head again.

That explains why Train was keeping us away at the docks. Doctor must have ordered him to do that since seeing us might have ruined their plans. Even though we still managed to get Train back in the end. I'm sure Kanzaki is in a ghastly situation with Charden right now.

Sephiria smirked at the vision her mind created of Doctor being slowly drained of life as Charden made him choke on his own blood.

It was an oddly satisfying image, but she managed to shake it from her thoughts as she asked Aliane another question. "And you believe Creed, myself, and Lin are now at the top of his list?"

Aliane shrugged her shoulders. "That's just a guess based on everything else I said and who I know is the most important to Train. Obviously, he cares about Creed more than anyone else and Lin is a close second. I assume he would listen to you out of force of habit, but there's really no way of telling without testing it."

Sephiria frowned. "And what about the sweepers? Where do you think they fall on the list?"

Aliane sighed, upset that she had to repeat herself so much. "Probably around the same place the rest of the Apostles did. I want to earn your trust, so I'm not gonna lie, this is all an educated guess. If you want scientifically proven answers, then you need to test my hypothesis out."

Sephiria's frown turned into a glare. "So, you're suggesting we experiment on Train more?"

Aliane widened her eyes and shook her head. "No! Not at all! I'm just saying if you really want to know the validity of these answers, if they're really that important, then you should test them out. Just understand that I could be wrong."

There was a moment of tense silence before Aliane asked a hesitant question. "Can I ask… Why is it so important to know the order of hierarchy in Train's head? Isn't it more important to give him his free will back?"

Sephiria gave the girl an even harsher glare. "Remember who is the prisoner and who is the interrogator here, Girl."

Aliane winced at the woman's violent tone, then nodded her head quickly. Sephiria watched as the petite woman's brass demeanor changed into a timid one.

She's right, knowing the order of superiority in Train's mind doesn't matter. That's something that should be fixed with the antidote.

Sephiria glanced over her shoulder in the direction of the room she knew the doctor was in, then frowned at Creed's longing face. As much as she wanted to tell him to go be with his lover, she really didn't want him to step out of the room while she was interrogating the traitorous woman.

I know he hasn't been of much help up to this point, but I'm sure he'll interject when he feels necessary. I guess we've also really only been revisiting subjects that were already discussed. I know it's a tiring subject at this point, but I want to know as much information as possible.

Sephiria turned her rigid eyes back at the girl. "Why did Heartnet see old targets instead of the sweepers?"

Aliane frowned again. "Since Train was reacting to Creed's name, they believed if he saw his partner, it might be the encouragement he needed to turn him back into his old self. Charden ordered Doctor to fix that, so I assume he used Train's past traumas to do that."

Sephiria nodded slowly, then turned to Creed. "You said he saw you as Zagine at first, right?"

Creed jumped a little at being addressed, then turned to look at Number One. "Yes. That's how the fight started."

Sephiria frowned. "How did you snap him out of it?"

Creed sighed and pulled out the music box he was keeping in his pocket. "This."

Sephiria squinted at the box. She recognized it right away as the box he had been playing non-stop before he disappeared. "What's so special about it?"

Creed turned the small crank and allowed the music to play as he spoke. "It was Saya's song. Doctor may have known about Train's past traumas, but he didn't know about his past blessings."

He smiled warmly at the box, thinking of the girl he regretfully killed what felt like eons ago. "Saya is an untainted memory Doctor doesn't know anything about. He isn't able to blemish her existence in Train's mind."

Sephiria looked from the box to Creed as the music stopped. "Are you suggesting this is a way we can keep Train tame if he's unable to fully return to his old self?"

Number One could tell Creed's heart stopped based on the dead look in his eyes. "Are you saying there's a chance he won't go back to normal?"

Sephiria rubbed her eyes, aware she used the wrong phrasing in that sentence.

My exhaustion really is getting to me. I need to wrap up this interrogation quickly so I can rest.

"No. That's not what I mean, Creed. What I meant to say is that song an asset we can use to help Heartnet on his road to recovery?"

Creed let out a breath of relief, then nodded his head as he turned another longing look down the hall. "Yes… I've used it every time he's started to fall back to his old assassin ways and it's worked every time. I've sung it to him as well, and that works too."

Sephiria nodded. "That's good to know. I'll look into how else we can use it to Train's benefit."

Seeing that pleased the silverette, she turned back to Aliane and tried to wrap up that portion of their conversation. "Is there anything else about what they did to Train that we need to know?"

Aliane blinked at Sephiria, then looked up at the ceiling in thought, trying to remember everything she had told the woman. "Well… that's everything I know about the effects of the Chronos' drug. And I already told you he had Nano-machines injected into him, but I don't know much about them. You'll have to leave that part to Eve and the doctor."

Creed sighed at the subject of the Nanomachines, regretfully prying his eyes away from his beloved's door since he actually had something to contribute to their conversation. "I think other than healing, Train's able to manipulate his body a little."

Sephiria turned to Creed and blinked. "Explain yourself."

Creed rolled his eyes at the command. "You're not my superior anymore, Sephiria…" The silver man held back another sarcastic comment, and clarified his statement. "At the barn and just now, I noticed his skin felt… different. Not bad, just not like it usually does. And if anyone knows what Train's body feels, it's me."

Sephiria made a frustrated noise. "We don't need to hear about the intimate side of your relationship with the Black Cat, just keep explaining what you noticed."

Creed chuckled a little at the woman's irate tone.

Train would be happy to see me annoying her.

Creed smirked and looked back at the Train's room for a moment before continuing. "The callous on his hands is completely gone, and he had a lot of it from his years of gun wielding. His fingers are also far too flexible. They nearly bent all the way back and the skin on his arm was so palliable, I could pull it a good six inches away from his body without waking him up."

Sephiria frowned. "Was it just his fingers and arms?"

Creed shrugged his shoulders. "I don't know. I pinched his cheek and that felt the same. And when I kiss him, his lips feel the same. As did the rest of his face, neck, and shoulders. But, I don't know about his legs."

Sephiria gave Creed a warning look. "What did I say about the details of the familiarity of your relationship with Heartnet?"

Seeing a slightly cheeky smile from the man who was still not looking at her, she sighed.

Sometimes I forget how similar he and the Black Cat are...

Number One ignored the silver man's face and continued. "But, from what you could tell, it was just his hands and arms?"

Creed nodded his head. "Hopefully the doctor and Eve can find out more."

Sephiria stared at Creed for a second longer, then turned back to Aliane. "And you have no idea what kind of Nanomachines Kanzaki used?"

Aliane shook her head. "Even if I did, I don't know enough about the Nanomachines in general to be able to give you much information. Sorry, but you'll have to wait for a professional opin-."

She stopped herself again, then widened her eyes in realization. "Oh, is that how he got out of his binds…?"

Sephiria cocked an eyebrow. "What are you talking about?"

Aliane jumped a little at Number One's voice. "When I found him after he tried to escape, his binds on the bed were still locked tight." She looked at Creed when she said these last words. "Did he seem flexible enough to slip out of those?"

Creed sighed, then nodded. "Yeah… Yeah, I think so."

Sephiria frowned at the man, then turned back to the woman. "And yet he only tried to escape once?"

Seeing the ex-Apostle nod, Sephiria sighed, then rubbed her eyes, trying to cover up how tired she was. After what they just discussed, she wasn't surprised at the girl's response, nor was she shocked to hear that Train only tried to escape once.

But, it sounds like we might have more to deal with in regards to the Nanomachines…

Through their research, Chronos was able to discover there were different kinds of Nanomachines, but the primary two were those that could heal, and those that could transform. However, there were examples of those that could do both. Eve was an example of the latter, and it seemed like Train was the former. However, even with the flexibility Creed described, it didn't seem like the Black Cat could shapeshift like Eve, but he could heal himself.

Based on what Creed said and the prisoner's ability to back it up, Heartnet may be capable of a bit more with his Nanomachines. Guess we won't know for sure until the experts look at him. Which will have to come later so the Nano-girl can sleep. We're already short on manpower, and we're going to need her strength later when we can track the Apostles down.

Sephiria had depleted so many of her resources and they took so long to get to the sweeper hideout that by the time she was able to gather enough erasers to stake out the location Creed and Aliane said the Apostles were at, the terrorists had already relocated. Just as she thought they would. Her lackeys were still there, tearing the hideout apart for any signs as to where they were or any useful information in general, but like the last time, Sephiria wasn't expecting much.

Especially with that actress's abilities, it's probably easy for them to move quickly. They must have some sort of pre-made plan for sudden departures.

It seemed like the terrorists were always ready to change locations at the drop of a hat, and were probably constantly on the move no matter what their circumstances were. She assumed the Apostles must have mastered the art of transporting their organization and most likely made sure to never leave anything important behind.

Someone must have realized Train, Aliane, and Kanzaki were gone and made the quick decision to leave. The only good thing about the situation is that it confirms that the Apostles are clearly in no condition to fight. That's why they ran.

That wasn't going to stop Number One from ordering her assassins to patrol the area. Doctor could show up with those beasts and try to take the Black Cat back.

We can't fight them either. Especially since they, along with Kanzaki, seemed uninjured. And Creed already agreed with me in the car we need to avoid a fight at all costs right now.

Sephiria glanced at the Number II's cast, then down at her own bandaged body. They both only just addressed their wounds, further adding to the helplessness of their situation. Subconsciously, she put a hand on the bandages wrapped protectively around her ribs.

I need to be in tip top shape for the final battle. Which means I'll need to rest soon. But, not until we get an update on Train.

Again, she glanced down the hallway where the sleeping cat was and sighed when she saw no movement. She glanced at Creed again whose leg was shaking and looked ready to run down the hall, pry Lin off his beloved, and crawl into bed with his precious partner.

Just wait a little longer, Creed. We're almost done here.

Aliane's voice interrupted her thoughts. "I have to say, I'm surprised they left already. I didn't think anyone would have noticed we were gone that quickly. I assumed Doctor turned the cameras in the lab off before he left with Train."

Sephiria eyed the girl curiously, since she stated earlier that she didn't think anyone would have noticed her, Kanzaki's, or Train's disappearance until much later in the morning.

"I don't think it's strange. I know you said you didn't think they'd notice you were gone, but I think Echidna probably would have. Especially if you were taking care of her while she recovered. She's an astute woman and very aware of her surroundings."

Sephiria glanced at Creed when he spoke his rather useless sentence, noticing he was addressing the people in the room, but his gaze was still down the hallway.

Sephiria sighed, then looked back at Aliane and decided to elaborate on the subject Aliane had brought them to. "Whether or not you believe it or not, they're gone. I agree it was fast, but that actress's abilities make that possible. Don't they have some sort of system to move quickly when necessary?"

Aliane nodded her head. "Yeah, but I don't know what it was since I never moved hideouts with them. I wasn't there for very long, aft-" She cut herself off, shook her head, then rephrased her statement. "-All I know is it involves Echidna's abilities, like you said."

Sephiria was quiet for a second, then gave the girl another indignantly skeptical look. "Are you sure you don't know where any of the Apostles other hideouts are?"

Aliane shook her head again. "No. Charden never told anyone. He really only trusts Echidna."

Sephiria was doubtful and made sure the woman knew it. "That seems like a convenient fact for you to not know. Especially when you claim to know so much."

Aliane wanted to growl in frustration, but was able to quickly change the sound to a tired sigh. Instead of looking passive and crushed, she took on a look of grit and preservation as she spoke. "Ms. Arks… If I knew where they were, it would have been the first thing I told you. Charden is out of his mind right now. And he's only going to bring destruction to the world."

Sephiria cocked an eyebrow at her. "Isn't that what you wanted? Isn't that the goal? Isn't that the whole purpose of the Apostles?"

Aliane shook her head. "No. Well, yes, but it's not my purpose or goal in life. At least not anymore." Seeing Sephiria didn't believe her, the ex-terrorists sighed and continued. "This may be hard to believe, but even though I wanted to take Chronos down, I didn't want to destroy the world. I wanted to give everyone more freedom. That's all."

Sephiria locked eyes with the girl and saw the determination and resolve in them. However, no matter how strong and steely her words sounded, no matter how authentic her eyes looked, none of that absolved the woman from her transgressions. Number One didn't care how convicted Aliane appeared, she still caused them an unfathomable amount of pain and stress, and there was no way she was going to be let off the hook that easily.

Aliane was able to tell what the woman was thinking by staring at her face. "You already checked me for bugs, quite thoroughly, I might add, so you know I don't have anything on me that would lead the Apostles here. I also told you that they are in no condition to fight either."

Sephiria scowled at the woman. "And I've already stated an asaine amount of times that I do not trust you. Not a single bit."

Aliane frowned. "You're aware my Tao makes me capable of escaping any time I want, right?"

Sephiria blinked at her, then gripped Christ tighter as she spoke in a threatening tone. "Is that a threat…?"

Aliane jumped when she saw Belze's weapon slice in front of her neck and instinctively made her shoulders up to her head transparent. She shut her eyes, then opened them to see the dangerous looks on both of their faces. Knowing she had said the wrong thing, she turned herself visible again, but kept her eyes closed in case they took that as an opportunity to strike her down.

"She's right, Sephiria." Creed added, not really reacting to the situation since he was still too distracted by whatever was going on with his Kitten. "Her abilities allow her to not only turn invisible, but phase through objects as well. She can even slip into someone's body and control them, assuming she's able to over power them. Which, I'm sure I don't need to tell you, she's incapable of doing to anyone in this room. But, it was how she was able to lead Doctor away from us. She was strong enough to overpower him."

Creed pouted at the door that hid his love from his view, then continued. "Not that overpowering Doctor is a difficult task. His useful attributes are his intelligence and his Tao. And since he needs to see his victim in order to trap them, that's easy for Aliane to avoid. Which also helped her keep the man away from us."

Sephiria looked at Creed out of the corner of her eye, but did not take her weapon away from the woman on the couch. She pulled christ out the second Belze placed his weapon against Aliane's throat, prepared to erase the girl right then and there.

She looked away from Creed and glared at the girl, bringing them back to a conversation they had a few hours ago in the car. "If she's capable of that, isn't that proof this is all a trap? Why else would she stay here if she wasn't leading the Apostles to us?"

Belze saw Sephiria gesture with her head to check the girl for bugs again which he did immediately. As he patted her down, his weapon remained against her exposed neck. Aliane swallowed thickly and gave Creed a ploring look even, though his eyes were still locked onto Train's bedroom door.

Creed sighed and finally turned back to Number One. "I understand your concerns, Sephiria, and I don't trust Aliane any more than you do, but I watched her put her life on the line to save Train."

He looked back down the hall as he finished his thoughts. "And my thoughts from the car ride on the matter have not changed. This being a trap doesn't make sense." Creed rested his head against the chair as he stared wistfully down the hall. "Can we at least hear what else she has to say about Doctor's experiments before you erase her?"

Sephiria tightened her grip on Christ. "Do you really think she'll know anything?"

Creed shrugged his shoulders, bored with the conversation since all his thoughts were being consumed by his beloved in the other room. "You'll never know until you ask. She's good at sleuthing. She even managed to almost get the drop on me, and I don't need to remind you how impressive that is. You already know she overheard some things during her short time with the Apostles, and wouldn't it be a shame to kill her before you at least picked her brain about those kids they've kept locked up?"

Sephiria hardened her glare on the woman. "...I doubt she knows anything. She said it herself, she wasn't around them for very long."

Aliane was beginning to sweat as Belze finished patting her down. She glanced at Creed's tired and grief ridden figure, then looked back at Sephiria. "I may not know much about all of Doctor's experiments, but I can tell you about Charden's little protege, Jax."

Sephiria cocked an eyebrow at her. "The boy Baldor nearly took hostage?"

Aliane nodded her head quickly. "Yes! While I don't know him personally, I do know he's been undergoing more experimentation than the rest of the kids. And he's nearly 'complete', as Doctor has put it."

Sephiria's fighting stance remained, then she glanced at Belze who nodded in approval, letting her know there were still no bugs on the girl. Number One sheathed her sword and gestured for the girl to continue. "Tell us what you know about this boy."

Aliane let out her breath, but did not relax when she saw Belze was keeping his weapon on his lap now. "He's… He's been infused with Nanomachines along with the Tao."

Sephiria sighed. "That's not really new information. We were able to make that assumption on our own."

Aliane swallowed thickly, her throat nearly touching Number II's weapon as she spoke. "I-I also know Doctor has a buttload of Creed's DNA and he took a lot of Train's as well." Seeing that still wasn't enough, she continued. "A-And I don't think they're using it just for Doctor's beasts."

Sephiria frowned in confusion. "What do you mean?"

Aliane let out a small breath as she spoke. "I-I think he's been using both of their DNA to combine with the Tao drug and… I think he gave that to Jax."

Sephiria stared silently at the girl for what felt like an eternity, then nodded at Belze to put his weapon away. Aliane let out a loud, overly relieved breath, then gave Number One a grateful look that went totally unnoticed.

Sephiria sheathed her sword again, then stood with her hands behind her back. "Do you have proof of this?"

Aliane tilted her head in confusion. "What makes you think I would have been able to leave with proof of something like that?" She winced at the look Sephiria gave her, then lessened the saltiness in her voice. "What I mean is… any evidence of that will be in Doctor's lab… if they didn't take it with them, which they probably did. I'm just going based on what I overheard Doctor and Charden talk about."

Sephiria's stern face did not falter as she spoke. "Did you eavesdrop on them a lot in the short amount of time you were there? Or did you actually read any of Kanzaki's files?"

Aliane blushed a little and looked away. "I eavesdropped… It's… kind of my thing."

Sephiria glared at her, unable to feel anything but discontent for the traitor on the couch. "Anything else you may have happened to overhear?"

Aliane hesitated her words, concerned they would get her killed, but knowing there was nothing more she had to offer Number One.

I was prepared to be killed by Chronos… I guess I need to accept my fate.

Just as she was about to speak, Creed said something first.

"Why aren't you telling her about Charden being out of commission for a while due to the Nanomachines? Or the fact that he's been undergoing a personality change."

Sephiria froze when Creed said those words. "The Nanomachines… You mentioned them in the car as well, but told me to wait for the girl to explain.

Creed nodded as he stared down the hall, and gestured to Aliane with his hand. "Tell Sephiria what you told me."

Sephiria turned back to Aliane with a furious and incredulous look on her face. Aliane blinked a few times at Creed, then grimaced at the look Number One was giving her.

It's like she's trying to erase me with her dirty looks…

Aliane sat up straighter, as if that would make her look more confident and therefore, more trustworthy. "Before I left, Doctor gave Charden Nanomachines to grow back the arm Creed cut off."

Sephiria widened her eyes. "Did it work?"

Aliane shrugged her shoulders. "I don't know. It happened literally the same day I tracked down Creed. I didn't get to see how he reacted to the Nanomachines, but if it was anything like how Train reacted to them, he's going to be out of commission for a while. And it's going to be a painful process."

Sephiria frowned. "For how long will he be out of commission?"

Aliane thought back to what Doctor said, then responded. "Kanzaki said a few days. I think maybe two or three which sort of lines up with how long it took Train's body to change."

Sephiria nodded. "And you said it's a painful process?"

Aline nodded. "Yes. And…" She gave Creed a sympathetic look when she said her next sentence, even though she knew he wasn't looking at her. "...Doctor made Train stay awake for the entire process… Train... felt every second of it…"

Creed's heart dropped when he heard those words and he turned to face the girl. There were no words he could speak that would properly portray how he felt after hearing the ex-Apostles' statement. All he could do was sit there and lather in his crude and raw emotions, shivering at the chilling, dark images of his beloved feeling every second of the mad man's deprived experiments. The idea that Kanzaki wanted Train to actively experience the gruesome and inhuman physical transformation was beyond demented.

What reason could Doctor possible have to not only put Train through that torture, but force him to stay awake for it other than because he got some sort of sick pleasure out of it?

Creed clenched his fists tightly.

...Doctor will pay for what he did to Train!

The rest of the room blinked when they saw Creed punch a hole in the wall behind him, shocked to see the swordsman didn't realize he had done it. Creed left his hand there for a moment, then finally blinked, and looked at the damage he had done.

"Shit…" He mumbled as he pulled his hand out and shook it. "Sven's gonna be pissed…"

Sephiria watched Creed inspect his hand for a second, deciding the man's anger was justified and wanting to move on from the harm he had caused to the house.

She turned back to Aliane and asked another question. "So, that means when they moved from the hideout we found, Charden was most likely not conscious?"

Aliane nodded. "Yes. Unlike Train, Doctor took him to a room to make sure he was comfortable and gave him a sedative. They probably had to move him while he was knocked out."

Sephiria growled under her breath. "Damnit… This would have been the best time to attack..."

And I don't think we'll be able to find them in enough time before he wakes up…!

Sephiria shut her eyes, rubbed her temples, and took a deep breath to calm herself down. "I guess it's a long shot to say you know what kind of Nanomachines he was injected with?"

Aliane nodded and smiled sadly. "It is. I can only guess it's the healing kind, since Charden wanted to use them to grow his arm back. But, knowing Doctor, there's probably more to them. And Charden seemed more than willing to take them. Which he used to be adamantly against."

Sephiria opened her eyes and stared at the girl again. "What did Creed mean by Charden's personality change?"

Aliane sighed and lowered her head. "Charden… isn't the same person he used to be. He has far more homicidal outbursts and uses violence far too often to keep us in line. I noticed it during our last meeting with him before we-"

She stopped herself, then decided she couldn't keep ignoring the elephant in the room and spoke the facts of her situation. "-Before we kidnapped Train. He wasn't his normal calm, cool, and collected self. The only thing that seemed to keep him tethered to reality was Echidna, and we could tell she was worried about him. And she hasn't been the only one who's noticed his change in demeanor. Everyone is on edge around Charden now. It's almost like he's looking for a reason to kill us. And he and Doctor clash all the time."

Sephiria blinked at the girl, then glanced at Creed, remembering the conversation he had with the actress before Train was taken.

Maybe my preposterous thoughts were right. The woman genuinely wanted to talk to Creed about Charden's ever slipping sanity.

A flicker of hope sparked in her heart as she thought about the possibility of Charden slipping over the edge and the Apostles falling apart. If Doctor and Charden were butting heads, and Echidna was going to their enemies for advice, that meant the inner workings of the terrorists weren't stable.

...It means we have an even stronger chance of defeating them. Or even getting them to turn against each other.

Sephiria opened her mouth to speak her words out loud, but they were muted by a loud crash and shouting coming from Train's room.

"GET THE HELL AWAY FROM ME, YOU BASTARD!"

Creed was on his feet the moment he heard the crash and ran towards the door before anyone else could move. The silverette threw the door open and ran into the room and saw the doctor standing in one corner of the room, hands up, eyes wide as he watched the Black Cat erupt his body in a thunderous ferocity. Lin was standing behind the gunman, trying to sooth Train's clearly restless soul as the gunman attempted to scare the doctor away from him.

I can tell by the look in my Kitten's eyes that he's not angry, he's… scared!

That thought was enough to shake Creed's heart and soul and he quickly approached his love. "Train, what's wrong?!"

Train turned his head at the familiar voice and locked eyes with Creed. The silver man nearly crumpled at the terrified, pathetic look his beloved's normally fearless and sanguine face took on.

Train pointed an accusing finger at the doctor. "He wants to take more of my blood! I won't let him! I refuse to be a part of any more of his experiments!"

Creed took another step towards his love, slowing his movement when he realized his Kitten was only a few wrong words away from completely falling apart. "You won't be a part of any more experiments, my love… He's not who you think he is."

I'm sure Train's seeing him as Kanzaki right now. That's an easy association to make.

Train shook his head wildly, then clutched his hair painfully, pure suffrage painted on his distressed face. "No… No, I won't give him anymore!"

Lin tried to grab Train's shoulder, but the gunman's body sparked wildly again and burnt Number X's fingers. The assassin stumbled back at the contact, but tried again to comfort the man he loved. However, the Black Cat was slowly slipping into a more panicked state, which his Tao was reacting to. Just as Lin was about to touch him again, Train's wind ability activated, pushing the number and the doctor against the wall, knocking the lamp off the nightstand, breaking the window Train was standing next to.

Creed watched the scene unfold from where he was, digging his feet into the carpet to keep himself in place as he watched his beloved hover slightly in the air, a fog forming around the cat. The silver man tried to take another step forward, but was pushed back by the force of the wind, causing him to skid several feet back towards the door.

"TRAIN!" Creed shouted, trying to be heard over the storm his beloved was creating. "Train, you need to stop!"

Train was unable to hear what Creed said, but was aware he was speaking. He turned his tear stained, lightning blue eyes on his lover, and pointed an accusing finger at him. "I'M SUPPOSED TO BE SAFE NOW! YOU SAID I WOULD BE SAFE!"

Creed's heart broke as Train shot an accidental lightning bolt at him. He looked over his shoulder and saw Sephiria had her sword thrust into the ground, keeping herself in place as she bared the storm the cat was creating. Looking back at Lin, the number was trying to stand up and reach for his weapon as well, but the wind surrounding him was too strong to get to it. The doctor had fallen to the ground as well, shielding his head with his arms as he prepared himself for an attack from the unstable, Nanomachine ex-assassin.

Creed gritted his teeth and forced himself forward, refusing to let his love hurt himself or someone else. "You are safe, Train! Listen to me! I'm right here! I won't let anyone hurt you!"

Train shook his head again as his body flew a little higher in the air. His fingers were still tangled in his chocolate locks, his mind clearly gone as he responded to his partner, even though he didn't hear anything he had to say. "DON'T FUCKING TOUCH ME!"

Creed skidded back even further as he approached Train, but managed to dig into his pocket, pull out the music box, and play it for his lover. He shoved his arm up in the air and towards his cat, shutting his eyes and blocking his face as he waited to see if Train could hear the quiet music.

However, as the wind slowly subsided and the heated static created from Train's electrical energy diminished, Creed looked up at his beloved. His eyes widened when he saw his Kitten falling to the ground, and he ran forward to catch him. Creed put his hands out and underneath his beloved, falling to his knees as he wrapped Train protectively in his arms, making sure the music box was safely secure in his hands.

As soon as Train dropped into Creed's arms, he shut his eyes and curled into his lover's chest. "Creed… Creed, I'm scared…"

Creed whimpered at his love's frenzied words and squeezed Train in his arms. "I know, my love, I know… But, I'm here… And I told you I'd never let anyone hurt you again." He kissed Train over and over again as he spoke. "I told you you're safe, and I meant it."

Sephiria watched as Creed cuddled the Black Cat in his arms, then sheathed her sword again. She looked away from the couple and towards the doctor who was slowly raising his head to watch the suddenly blissful scene unfurl. She sighed at the shocked look on the doctor's face.

I don't blame him for being surprised. We tried to warn him before he got here how unstable Heartnet is, but there's really no explaining the extremeness of his volatility. You'll only truly understand what's going on with the Black Cat when you experience it for yourself.

"Were you able to draw the blood you needed?" Sephiria asked as she stepped into the room.

The doctor looked quickly at Number One as he shook his head wildly. "N-No. He freaked out as soon as he saw the needle. I didn't even get to ease him into it like I intended."

Sephiria glanced back at Creed and Train, watching as the silver man rocked his lover in his arms, as if the cat was a child that needed to be comforted. Lin stepped over to the duo as well, running his fingers through Train's hair as soothingly as he could.

Maybe I should have let Creed stay in here… Lin's a good comfort to Heartnet, but nowhere near what Creed can provide him. And apparently that song is the key to keeping the Black Cat's mental state in check.

Sephiria locked eyes with Creed, and gestured towards the doctor. The swordsman sighed, stopped rocking Train, then gently gripped his chin. He turned his beloved's face so their eyes met, resting their foreheads together as he spoke.

"Kitten… Do you understand why that man needs to take your blood?" He made sure to not refer to the man as 'doctor', since he was sure that would set his beloved off again.

Train blinked through the tears forming in his amber eyes, then shook his head. "No… No, I don't understand. He has enough of it! He-"

Creed stopped Train's anxious words by placing his lips over the gunman's. Train blinked a few times at the kiss, his body remaining stiff for a few moments before he slowly relaxed into the embrace. He wrapped his fingers around his lover's neck, pulling Creed's face closer as he deepened the kiss, being reminded of the reality of his life as he tasted the man he loved.

Creed pulled away, but kept his forehead against Train's as he spoke. "He's not who you think he is, Train. Look at him again. You know him."

Train blinked at Creed, keeping his hands on his lover's neck as he turned his head to look at the doctor. He squinted at the man, as if he was having a hard time seeing him, then widened his eyes slightly. "It's… Doctor Mean Optimistic. I… I knew that before-"

Creed turned Train's head back to face him, giving him another kiss before his beloved could finish his sentence. He pulled away again and nuzzled his face against his lover's. "I know, Kitten, I know. Do you understand now why he needs to take your blood?"

Train shivered at Creed's words, then nodded his head slowly, as if he wasn't sure he was about to say the right thing. "He… needs to make sure I'm okay… Right?"

Creed smiled adoringly at his love, squishing his cheeks as he spoke. "What do you think?"

Train pouted at his partner, but did not pull his face away. He didn't care how ridiculous Creed's gesture made him look, he was just happy to be reminded that he was safe and in his lover's arms.

Train smiled slightly at the silver man as he spoke. "I… Think I need to let him do his job. Like how he did his job on you."

Creed made sure not to nod his head, since he wanted Train to continue coming to conclusions on his own. "That's right he did help me, didn't he? Do you think that's more reason to trust him?"

Train was quiet for a second, thinking about Creed's words as he tried to fight the drug in his system from reading it as a command. Finally, he nodded. "Yes. Yes, I should trust him."

Lin sighed in relief and finally stopped caressing his sweet love's hair so Creed could help him back into the bed. As alleviated as his heart was to see his ex-lover calm and pliant again, it shattered his soul to know he wasn't the one to be able to do it.

Train was doing fine for a while… I was able to get him through a shot of the antidote and the general physical, but as soon as he saw that syringe, he freaked out and there was nothing I could do to calm him down.

As he watched Creed settle Train back into the bed and crawl in next to him, Lin wept inwardly.

It's just further proof how much Train loves Creed… And how I don't have a snowball's chance in hell to ever win him back…

Lin slapped his cheeks and shook his head to stop himself from crying.

Stop feeling sorry for yourself! Even if Train doesn't love you, he's proven he cares about you. And you can still be there for him.

Number X took a deep, shaky breath, then sat himself back in the armchair next to the bed, pulling his legs up against his chest and resting his cheek on his knees so he could watch his sweet love's body mold into Creed's. The silver man pulled the cat against his chest, pushing the gunman's head into his shoulder as Creed ran his hands all over Train's body. Creed pressed his lips against Train's ear, kissing it repeatedly as he whispered more soothing words to his lover as the doctor prepared the syringe behind the cat.

The doctor locked eyes with Creed, asking for silent permission to take the gunman's blood. The silverette sighed and squeezed Train tighter. "Train… He's going to draw your blood now. Are you ready?"

Train moaned in objection, clinging tighter to Creed's shirt as he breathed the man in for strength. He buried his face harder into his lover's shoulder, thawed further into the other man's encouraging, safe heat, then nodded his head resolutely.

The cat slipped one arm out from Creed's hold and offered it to the doctor. "Do it."

The doctor glanced uneasily at Creed again, who nodded in confirmation. The psychian took in a deep breath, then gently pushed the syringe in the Black Cat's arm. Creed showered his beloved in kisses and spoke soothing words as the doctor filled the container with his life force. Train flinched and whimpered when the needle made contact, but settled back into his partner the moment the swordsman's lips met his face.

After a few seconds, the syringe was filled and the doctor softly pulled the needle out of the ex-assassin, and placed a piece of cotton where the blood had been taken from. He put the syringe on the nightstand, then placed tape on top of the cotton to keep it in place. The doctor made sure to remove the syringe from the nightstand and place it in his bag before Train saw it and had another panic attack.

Creed smiled thankfully at the man, then lifted Train's head so their lips could meet again. He kissed his beloved lightly, then caressed the cat's cheek with his thumb as he spoke. "He's done, Train. You did a good job."

Train smiled at his Stallion. "Stop talking to me like a child, Creed."

Creed giggled and kissed Train again, pulling back enough that their lips still touched as he spoke. "When you learn to grow up, I will."

Train gave his partner a stubborn look, then flicked his forehead. "Don't tell me what to do."

Creed's heart lifted to his throat and set on fire at his love's words and motions. Not only did the flick signal Train was beginning to act more like his old self, but his words proved he was getting better at ignoring orders.

And now he seems to be giving them!

Sephiria glanced at Lin, seeing the despondent, wistful look in his eyes and sighed as she addressed the doctor. "Did you give him the antidote?"

The doctor nodded his head and gestured towards Lin. "Number X was able to keep Hearnet calm enough for me to inject him with it. I wouldn't have been able to do it without his help."

Sephiria nodded, then looked back at her subordinate. "Thank you, Lin."

Lin's ears perked at the doctor's statement, and he smiled warmly at his leader's words. He knew she'd never out right say her inner emotions, but the fact that she went out of her way to thank him meant she was trying to remind him he did matter in Train's life.

Even if it's not in the way I want.

"Have you been able to discover anything unusual about the Black Cat?"

The doctor gave her an uncertain look as he spoke. "Sort of… I can tell his body is in good shape, and based on the physical, it looks like his Nanomachines cause flexibility in his arms and hands, but I wasn't able to find the same consistency anywhere else."

He zipped up his bag as he finished his sentence. "Everything else about his body seems normal, and we'll know more about how much of the Chonos' drug is in his system once we get the results of his blood. Then, we'll know how much of the antidote to give him. But for now, I'm giving him enough shots to take once a day for the next four days."

The doctor looked at Creed as he spoke. "Are you comfortable giving him the shot? I think he'd take it best if it's from you."

Creed nodded as he continued running his fingers through Train's hair and up and down his back. His beloved was beginning to fall asleep in his arms again, which he was relieved to feel. "Yes. No problem."

Lin sulked a little deeper at that thought, but decided to keep his inner turmoil to himself. Everyone knew how much it pained him to know Train loved Creed, so there was no point in complaining outwardly.

Sephiria frowned at Lin, reading his thoughts and responding to them. "Number X will be able to administer it as well if need be."

The doctor nodded. "That was going to be my second suggestion if Creed couldn't give it."

Sephiria saw Lin perk up a bit at that, then asked another question. "And what about the Nanomachines? Will the blood work give us more information on that?"

The physician sighed. "A little, but I think you'll be better off letting that bio-girl look at him. But, give Train time to settle before you do that. Based on his mental state, he's still traumatized, so having someone dig through his body isn't the best idea."

Sephiria sighed and rubbed her eyes, glancing out the door and down the hall to make sure Belze had Aliane under control. Seeing they hadn't moved, but Number II's eyes were glued to her, she gave him a reassuring nod, then looked back at the doctor.

"And how is his mental state?" Sephiria asked as she leaned against the door frame, relaxing a little as her subconscious realized she'd be able to rest soon.

The doctor sighed. "PTSD for sure along with general anxiety which is a dangerous combination to have with the strength he possesses. As we all know, his Tao is directly connected to his emotional state, which when combining with his Nanomachines creates a chaotic problem. But, you've worked that part out."

Sephiria nodded her head, blinking her eyes tiredly to keep herself awake. "How long should the girl wait to check out his Nanomachines?"

The physician shrugged his shoulders. "That's really up to Train. Just follow his lead and listen to his requests. Until then-" He picked up his bag and made his way towards the door. "-Let him get plenty of rest and relaxation. I know you want to get the final battle started, and I know I am in no position to give you orders, but… it is my professional opinion that-"

"-That we wait until Heartnet is better. I am well aware of that, doctor. No need to remind me. The rest of us need to rest and recover as well. We'll come up with a plan soon, but for now…" She glanced at the sleeping cat and his slowly drifting away partner, then to Lin who also seemed to be only half awake. "-For now, we all need sleep."

Including me.

Sephiria gestured for the doctor to step out of the room, which he did. Before he left, she gave him one last order. "Come back in four days when his antidote runs out."

The doctor nodded his head, then made his way down the hall. Sephiria watched him leave, then turned back around to face the men in the room. As she watched Train cuddle into Creed, the silver man holding his partner as close to his body as he could, a small, peaceful smile graced her otherwise emotionless face. The sleeping men in the room was the only reason she permitted the expression, since she knew no one would see it.

As much as I want to wake Lin up and get him into a real bed, he seems comfortable. Besides, there's no way I'd be able to pry him away from the Black Cat right now.

In a rare moment of kindness, Sephiria grabbed the blanket from the back of the armchair Lin slept on and placed it gently on his sleeping figure. Number X grabbed it immediately, curling his body up as he rested his head on the pillow he already had sitting there. Sephiria heard him mumbling a few things under his breath, only able to make out Train's name as he smiled blissfully and fell into a deeper sleep.

I think leaving him here is the best idea. He needs to sleep, and I don't think he will if he's not near Train.

Thinking of the cat, she brought her eyes to the serene scene of the couple sleeping in each other's embrace. Creed had his arms wrapped around Train's back, and the gunman's arms were wrapped around the swordsman's waist. Their ankles were locked together, bodies pressed flush against one another with the silver man's chin sitting on top of the golden man's head. Train had his body buried as deep in between Creed's neck and shoulder as he could, his body consumed by sleep. Despite that, he still mumbled under his breath as well, similar to Lin, except his thoughts were about his lover, food, and milk.

Sephiria's fond smile grew.

It's good to have you back, Hearnet…

Again, Number One suppressed mothering demeanor came out as she stepped over to the bed and pulled the blanket up over her two ex-assassins. She saw Creed stir slightly and grab the blanket, sluggishly pulling it up and over his and Train's shoulders, tucking his love in before kissing the sleeping cat and resuming the position they were in earlier.

His pale, creamy lips let out a cherubic sigh as he nuzzled his face into his lover's hair. "Thank you, Sephiria…"

Number One froze, staring at the silver man for a moment before turning on her heel and leaving quickly. As she made her way back into the common room, she saw Belze waiting on the couch, the girl with her head leaning back on the couch, her eyes empty as she stared listlessly at the ceiling.

As soon as Sephiria stepped into the room, Number II locked eyes with her. "What are your orders?"

Sephiria glanced over her shoulder at the rest of the house, only slightly shocked no one else had been woken up but Train's outburst.

Just goes to show how tired they all must be…

She sighed and looked back at her second in command. "Let the sweepers rest and leave the erasers here for protection."

Belize nodded and gestured to Aliane. "What about the girl?"

Sephiria looked at the ex-Apostles, saw the panicked look in her eyes and hardened her glare despite her exhaustion. "Take her back to headquarters with us. We'll lock her up while we rest and recover as well."

Belze nodded his head, then asked another question. "What about the erasers, Number VII, and Number X?"

Sephiria frowned and looked behind herself. "We'll wake the low level erasers and Number VII to take them with us. The ones patrolling will remain where they are and we'll switch them out when the rest have had enough sleep. As for Number X…"

She sighed and turned back to Belze. "I'm sure he won't leave right now. He wants to be close to the Black Cat. However, I know we need to let Train and Creed have time to themselves so… We'll give Lin the night then order him to give them space."

Number II nodded, then stood up and yanked the girl with him."Understood, Number One."

---

The sweeper house was silent all the way until the late afternoon of the next day. The only movements that occurred happened when someone went to relieve themselves, and around three o'clock when an escort team came to pick up Number X. But, as much as Lin knew he had been a burden to Sephiria, he was having a hard time saying goodbye to Train.

"Lin, I'll be fine. I promise." Train said as he held the smaller man in his arms, still laying in his bed with Number X's petite frame curled on his lap.

Lin buried his face further into Train's chest and squeezed the man tighter. "Sephiria said I could come back when the doctor does, but I'm going to try and convince her to let me come back sooner."

Train sighed and platonically patted his back. "You don't need to do that. You need to rest."

Lin whimpered, overjoyed to be in his sweet love's arms, but heartbroken over the knowledge that he wasn't going to see Train for a few days. "I can rest perfectly fine here."

Again, Train sighed and glanced up at his lover, who was watching the scene from the doorway. Creed wanted to give his partner time to see Lin off, but it seemed like the number was making it far more dramatic than it needed to be.

Seriously, he'll see Train a few days. He needs to leave so I can finally be alone with him.

Creed debated stealing his beloved away to the music school where he knew Anastasia's room was empty, but he didn't know how Train would react to that. Not only would it be away from the rest of his friends, but it was where he watched the old woman die and was kidnapped. Creed was worried it would rekindle traumatic memories for his Kitten.

Even though I own the business now, Sergey and the others have been taking care of it. Which reminds me, I need to reach out to them. Although, I'm sure Eve already has.

Creed sighed and rested his head against the door frame, remembering he was still in need of a new phone. But, that wasn't something that was incredibly important at the moment. Even after sleeping for well over twelve hours, they were still exhausted, and his sweeper friends were still recovering from their injuries. He would worry about his phone later.

Lin needs to get going. The longer he puts off leaving, the less time we have to rest and the more he risks getting in trouble with Sephiria. She's put her life on the line enough for him.

Creed frowned as he watched his partner try to pry Lin off him again, then looked down the hall where he knew Eve was preparing a quick meal for everyone before they went back to sleep. Creed would have normally offered to help, but he wanted to make sure he was with Train every second of the day. Especially while his beloved was working through the drugs in his system.

I gave him his daily dose of the antidote for today which has helped, but what seems to help the most is being with his family. He's even able to act like himself with Lin.

Train was being as polite to Number X's feelings as possible, but at the same time being firm in what their relationship was. There were even a few things Lin said that could be taken as an order, and while Train visibly had to fight the drugs in his system that were commanding him to obey, he managed to do it with less help than yesterday. Lin immediately felt guilty each time he almost gave Train an order, but the cat was always quick to forgive him.

That's just how amazing Train is… Now, if Lin would just leave, I could enjoy him in my own way. That is, if he's ready for it.

Even though Train was doing better after a long rest and being surrounded by friends, Creed didn't want to push anything on him. No matter how much he wanted to make passionate, long overdo love to his Kitten, he wanted to make sure it happened on Train's terms.

I waited nearly my entire adult life to be with him, I can wait a little longer.

Creed rolled his eyes when he watched Lin latch back onto Train, then noticed Eve was approaching with a plate for him and his lover. She handed Creed the tray, holding another one with her other hand for Sven, with her hair wrapped around a third one for Kyoko and Rinslet.

She nodded at Creed as he smiled at her, then turned to look at Lin and Train. "Is he aware Chronos is waiting for him?"

Creed nodded. "Yeah, but he's having a hard time leaving Train. And I can't say I blame him."

Eve sighed, which turned into a yawn that she tried to push aside in favor of talking. "I understand, but he's going to get himself in trouble. Sephiria stuck her neck out for him enough. He needs to be grateful and leave."

Creed chuckled a little at the girl's bitter words. "You're cranky."

Eve puffed her checked in protest. "Am not…"

Creed smiled and poked her forehead. "Yes, you are. You're not normally this mean to Lin."

Eve glared at the man, then looked and Train and Lin from the corner of her eyes. "I've just always been on team Creed in regards to Train. It's strange seeing him with anyone else."

Creed patted her head even though he knew she hated that. "I appreciate all the support you've given Train and me, but Lin isn't going to steal him away from me and he knows it. He's just… emotionally raw right now. His heart is hurting and Train's the only thing that can fix it."

Eve rolled her eyes. "He looks desperate…"

Creed nodded. "And he is. So am I. The only reason I'm not clinging to Train is because I know I have his heart. Lin doesn't, which makes it hard for him to let go. Make sense?"

Seeing Eve shake her head, Creed tried to re-word his sentence. "If we force Lin to leave, it'll only make him cling to Train harder. Just let Train deal with it. He knows how."

Eve blinked at Creed, then at the scene of Number X latching onto the Black Cat. "It's only been just under a day and he seems to be doing better. The antidote must be working."

Creed smiled. "It is, but what's working even better is being home with us. If he wasn't, I don't know how well it would be working."

Eve turned back to Creed. "I think Train being with you helps the most. Which is another reason Lin needs to leave."

Creed chuckled. "I know, Eve…"

Eve saw the wistful look in Creed's eyes, then sighed and changed the subject slightly. "Is Chronos still patrolling outside?"

Creed nodded his head. "Yes. We're safe, Eve. Deliver your food to the hungry plebeians and go back to bed. Train and I will be asleep again soon enough."

She glanced at Train and Lin, then continued walking down the hall to do as Creed said. Creed smiled warmly at the girl, then turned back to his love, deciding now was the best time to step in and rescue Train from Number X's adhering hands.

Train needs to eat as well as rest, and Lin should respect that.

Creed stepped up behind Lin, clearing his throat to get Number X's attention. "Lin, Train needs to eat and your escort has been waiting for an unreasonably long time for anyone let alone Chronos. You should leave before Sephiria comes back here herself."

Lin whimpered sadly, then looked over his shoulder at Creed, allowing the silver man to see his morose look. "Can't I just wait until after Train's done eating?"

Train sighed and gently pushed Lin off him. "The longer you keep Chronos waiting, the more of a chance you have of getting in trouble."

Lin pouted at Train, then buried his face back into his chest. "I don't care! I don't want to leave."

Creed frowned and placed the food on the nightstand. "With how obstinate you've been the last ten days, you can't afford anymore disobedience. Sephiria's given you enough warnings and put her ass on the line enough to cover for you."

Train blinked at his lover's words, then down at the petite man clinging to his chest. He pushed Lin off him again and gave him a shocked look. "You've been disobeying Chronos orders?! What the hell is wrong with you?!"

Lin whimpered at the angry look Train was giving him. "I just… wanted to get you back so bad and they were moving so slow. I'm… sorry… Please don't be mad."

Train sighed and patted the man's head. "I'm not mad, it's just so unlike you to disobey orders." Seeing the man was about to defend himself, the cat put his finger over the number's lips to stop him. "I'm sure you had a good reason, but… You can give me more details on what happened later. For now, you need to leave so I can eat and rest. Okay?"

Lin melted at the intimate contact, then nodded his head. "Okay, Train… Whatever you say."

Creed breathed a sigh of relief not just because his love finally got Lin to agree to leave, but also because Train was able to give confident sounding orders of his own.

That means his own thoughts must be returning. He's slowly finding his light again.

Creed watched as Lin gave one more hug to Train, then finally crawled off the bed. He gave Train another longing glance before walking out the door and down the hall. When they heard the front door close and open, they knew he finally left, and Creed moved to close and lock their bedroom door.

He turned back to his beloved and smiled adoringly. "How are you feeling?"

Train stretched on the bed, then rolled on his side so he could see his lover better. "Still tired, but… overall not bad."

His eyes went from Creed to the food, then reached out and took one of the sandwiches and shoved the whole thing in his mouth. Next, he grabbed the tall glass of milk, downed it in one gulp, then made a satisfied noise. He eyed the second glass with interest, then looked back at the silver man.

Creed giggled and handed him the glass, climbing on the bed next to Train with his sandwich in hand. "This glass is for you as well. When I told Eve milk was forbidden by Chronos since it damped their drug, she said she was going to pour you more."

Train blinked in confusion at his lover as he sipped the drink. "Is that true?"

Creed nodded as he nibbled at his sandwich. "Yes. Sephiria mentioned it in passing while you were…" He stopped, not wanting to bring up the subject of his beloved's kidnapping for fear of sparking a panic attack. "...Sephiria mentioned it when we were talking about Chronos food. She said there's something about milk and dairy in general that diminishes the drug's powers. She didn't understand it, but then again, she never needed to. She was just following orders."

Train nodded as he finished his second glass. "Weren't we all…"

Creed couldn't tell if Train's bitter thoughts had to do with his mental state, or if he was being his normal sarcastic self, but he wanted to err on the side of caution and decided to change the subject. "Nevertheless, this means you can drink all the milk you want without being judged. If anyone tries to, just tell them you're taking your medicine."

Train smirked and placed the empty glass on the nightstand. "Best kind of medicine! Goes down easy and tastes good."

Creed chuckled as he took the last bite of his sandwich, then leaned forward and gave Train a lewd look. He opened his mouth to say something suggestive to his love, but stopped when he remembered what he told himself a few moments earlier.

I need to wait for him to be ready. I won't push anything on him.

However, as Creed was about to pull away, Train grabbed his chin and pulled their faces close. The Black Cat gave Creed a ribald look of his own as he spoke. "...That's not the only thing that tastes good and goes down easy."

Creed widened his eyes at his Kitten's lascivious words, then shivered in delight when Train pressed their lips together. He tempered into the heat of his Kitten, instinctively crawling onto Train's lap and wrapping his hands around the gunman's neck. Train slid his arms around his lover's waist and lowered their bodies onto the mattress, pressing Creed's chest against his own. Creed followed willingly, moving his hands from Train's neck to his hair, tangling them as thoroughly as he could into their chocolate depths.

"Mmm…" Creed moaned as he slid his tongue against Train's, elated that their kiss felt more sensual than the others they shared since the golden man was back.

Creed collapsed when he felt his beloved's hands snake up his shirt and gently trail his fingers up and down his back. The silver man moaned even louder when Train wrapped one hand around his waist, the other across his back and slithering up his shoulder, pinning the swordsman even harder against his chest. Creed plunged his tongue deeper into the other man's mouth, savoring every flavor his Kitten was gracing him with.

The swordsman gasped when he felt Train's hand travel from his waist to the hem of his pants, his fingers smoothly sliding underneath the fabric giving Creed a jolt of pleasure at the warmth they possessed. Creed lifted his lower body slightly when he felt Train glide his hand from the back of his pants to the front, slipping his fingers between the silverette's legs and slowly beginning to caress the flesh that resided there.

Creed moaned again and pressed his face harder into Train's, untangling one of his hands from his love's hair and resting it on the pillow. His other hand remained locked in his cat's hair and he pressed his upper body up slightly, spreading his legs to give Train's hand more room to work against his growing member. When he felt Train's fingers squeeze a little tighter, move a little faster, he threw his head back and gasped loudly.

"Oh… Train…"

Train moved his head up and latched his lips onto Creed's neck, nipping and sucking tenderly at his lover's flesh while his hand continued to adroitly pump at his partner's shaft. He moved his lips up to the area just below Creed's chin, kissing gently there at first before adding a bit more pressure and nibbling at his skin. He wrapped his arm tighter around Creed's back and moved the hand between the other man's legs a little faster, feeling his lover beginning to sweat slightly, his gasps slowly turning into pants the quicker his hand more.

Creed's was completely absorbed in the way his Kitten was making him feel. He felt a warm static take control of his body, aware it was only partially due to the fact that Train's Tao had been activated in the heat of the moment. He let out a rather boisterous moan when he felt his beloved's tongue slide from one side of his jaw to the other, landing at his ear and nibbling the lobe slightly. Creed pressed his hands on the back of Train's head, encouraging his Kitten to go further and he gasped wildly when he felt his lover's tongue lap eaglery at his velvety skin.

Does he really want this? Or does he just think I want it?

"Mmm, Train…" Creed whispered, arching his back and gasping again when he felt Train's teeth dig mildly into his flesh. The speed at which his beloved's hand was moving was perfectly pleasurable, and he hated to make him stop, but he needed to be sure his Kitten really wanted to do what they were about to do.

"My darling Train…" Creed whispered again, then pushed his love away slightly, making sure their eyes met as he spoke. "Are you sure this is what you want?"

Train blinked in confusion at the sudden halt in their intimate embrace, then cocked an eyebrow at Creed. "What do you mean?"

Creed sighed and rested his forehead against Train's, his legs still wrapped around the gunman's waist, running his fingers all throughout his beloved's hair.

"I just… want to make sure this isn't something you feel like you have to do. Like it's something you think you're being ordered to do." He kissed Train's cheek, then finished his sentence. "Is this something you actually want?"

Train stared at Creed for a second, then pushed him so the silver man's back was flat on the mattress. He pinned Creed's hands above his head and engaged his partner in another fiery kiss, aligning his lower body so it was placed perfectly above his partner's so their members pressed against one another. As he slid his tongue into Creed's mouth to massage the warm muscle that lived there, he moved his hips back and forth, making sure his lover felt how much he wanted to feel the other man against his skin.

Train pulled back from a breathless Creed, but kept the motion of his hips going. "That is an absolutely ridiculous question to ask, and you should be ashamed of yourself for asking it." He moved his lips so they were against his Stallion's ear, whispering in a lovingly seductive tone. "Can't you feel how much I want it? In fact, this is exactly what I think I need."

Creed arched his back at the way his beloved's shaft felt rubbing against his own, the fabric of Train's pants growing more and more irritating as they prevented him from truly feeling the majesty of his dearest love. When Train's provocative words entered his ears, the want consuming his body almost didn't allow him to hear them. It wasn't until his beloved bit down at his neck again that he finally registered what the golden man said, and did his best to respond.

"What do you mean it's what you need?" Creed didn't bother to break his hands free since the idea of being pinned to the bed by the hypnotizing man was almost enough to make his heart burst with a blazing deviation. He was more than willing to be the Black Cat's prisoner.

Train moved his head so his lips were working on the other side of Creed's neck, pausing his kisses quick enough that he could speak. "Being close to you like this is one of the few things that I know is real. Whenever we kiss, whenever you hold me, or whenever I hold you, I don't have to convince myself that it's real."

Train kissed Creed's neck again, sucking at his skin once more as his hips continued moving back and forth. "I know what you feel like. I know it better than anything else, so the closer I am to you, the more intimately we touch, the more I can feel my own thoughts coming back."

He moved one of his hands from Creed's wrists and slid it down the silver man's body, making sure to outline his Stallion's lean muscles until he finally reached his lover's pants. "You're my guiding light right now, Creed. And I need this more than I need anything else right now. I need to feel that light inside of me."

When Train turned his head to lock eyes with Creed, the silverette panted wildly up at his beloved, then lifted his face so he could catch his beloved's lips. As they kissed again, Train slipped his hand back into Creed's pants, eagerly searching for his lover's hidden treasure as their tongues waltzed together once more. Creed spread his legs, arching his back again as Train's fingers skillfully moved back and forth against his shaft once more, sending a wave of heat through his body.

As Train finally pulled his lips away, Creed smiled passionately at his beloved. "Then consider my body your personal therapy tool. Do with me as you will."

Train smirked and released Creed's wrists. The silver man's finger immediately tangled back in Train's hair as the cat used one hand to unbutton his shirt, the other continuing its jerking motions between his legs. As soon as Creed's shirt was undone, Train latched his lips onto the silver man's chest, outlining each curve of his svelte muscle with his tongue. He started at Creed's left peck, reminding his taste buds of how that area of his lover tasted before he led a trail of kisses to the opposite muscle.

Creed arched his back ferociously when he felt Train's tongue make contact with his nipple, then trashed frantically when his beloved nibbled slightly at it. "Oh, Train…!"

Remembering the silver man enjoyed that sensation, Train stayed there for a bit longer, swirling his tongue around it clockwise, then counter clockwise before sucking hungrily at it. While his one hand was continuing to move back and forth against his lover's cock, and he used his other to pinch and flick Creed's other nipple. After a few minutes of that decadent gestures, Train synced up his hands and lips, matching their motions flawlessly and sending Creed in a whirlwind of a passionate inferno he never wished to leave.

"Oh, TRAIN!" Creed shouted, his finger digging deeply into his beloved hair, pressing Train's head harder against his chest. "Train! Oh, my darling Train!"

He desperately wanted to give Train a command to go faster, but he knew that was risky. His beloved's Tao was not activated at the moment, and as pleasurable as it felt to have Train use his lightning abilities during their love making, he was concerned that if his Kitten did that, he'd lose control of himself. Instead, he decided to continue crying out his love's name, letting the man know how amazing everything he was doing felt.

"Oh, God, Train!" Creed cried out again when he felt his lover's lips suck tighter at his nipple, his thumb brushing against his opposite protruding flesh, as his other hand made his cock feel like it was about to burst. "My sweet Kitten… My wondrous Train… I love you so much!"

Feeling like he had worked against Creed's nipples enough, he moved his lips down the silver man's chest and to his stomach, making sure to lick and suck every inch of muscle and skin that he could. Tasting his lover like that was helping his muddled mind finally make sense of reality.

With each kiss he gave Creed, with each touch his fingers burned into the other man's silky skin, he felt more like himself. Each twitch, flinch, gasp, and pant his Stallion let out reminded Train that he was back with his lover, and no one was going to take him away again. There was no way anyone could make up something that was as heavenly as Creed Diskenth writhing in ecstatic under him.

When Train's lips made their way to his partner's hips, he pulled his Stallion's and pants and boxers down enough so his cock fell out, revealing the silver man's toned thighs along with it. Train allowed his lips to travel to Creed's inner thighs and the swordsman immediately spread them as wide as they would go, knowing instantly what Train's intentions were and more than ready to accept his fate. As soon as Train stopped moving his hand, Creed moaned with desire and even thrust his hips upwards. He was still unwilling to give his beloved commands, so he was praying his subtle motion was enough to get the point across what he wanted from Train.

"Train…" Creed moaned as he felt his Kitten's lips and tongue trace the muscle of his inner thigh. "Oh… my beautiful Train… I love you…"

When Creed said that, Train moved his mouth from the man's thigh to his shaft. He did not enter the flesh into his mouth yet. Instead, he placed his tongue at the base of the bulging meat, then slowly traveled it upwards. Again, he wanted to use every bit of how the other man tasted to help ground him back in reality. Even though Creed was usually the one with the Black Cat's cock in his mouth, Train had pleasured the silver man that way before, so he knew exactly what to do to make his lover climax.

As Train's tongue reached the tip of Creed's cock, the silver man hissed and bucked his hips up, but the gunman still did not permit him entrance. Instead, he slithered his tongue down the other side of Creed's shaft, repeating his motions on that area of the pulsating flesh that the swordsman was begging Train to let enter into his alveolated, warm mouth.

Once Train was satisfied with the way his lover's cock felt against his tongue, he wrapped his lips around Creed's tip, sucking and licking the precum off. Creed arched his back and bucked his hips again, his hands pulling at his beloved's hair as he silently begged for access to the Black Cat's teasing cavern. It felt like Train's mouth was the new hottest club in town, and his cock was trying to use vogery VIP tickets to gain entrance. He just prayed that the bouncers kick him out.

Train twirled his tongue around Creed's tip a few times, sucking a bit more of the precum off, then finally took the entire piece of flesh into his mouth. The silver man's eyes widened and he arched his back wildly, his fingers completely lost in Train's hair as he screamed out his beloved name.

"TRAIN!" Creed cried out, the heat in his groin had already matured a significant amount, but now it felt like it was about to explode out of his cock like a dragon's fiery breath.

Train smirked and moved his mouth up and down. He never felt like he had to work hard to get his partner to climax. Creed practically did it on his own when Train undressed, so now he knew all he had to do was keep moving his head and prepare himself for the seed to enter his mouth. Still, he wanted to savor every taste Creed had to offer, every sound and every feeling his lover was causing to rush throughout his body. It felt like an eternity since he had the other man's flesh in his mouth, and he wanted to give his mind time to comprehend what it was like again.

Unknowingly, Train began to spark his body slightly as he moved his head up and down against Creed's shaft. His Tao was reacting to his intense emotions, but he was concentrating too hard on how his Stallion tasted to pay it much mind. Creed was also too lost in the tornado of fire that was engulfing his body to heed it much concern. The heat in his groin grew to the rest of his body, coursing through his veins violently as Train moved his head even faster.

"T-Train…!" Creed gasped out, the fire reaching his arm and dripping from his body like a fresh rain storm. "Oh, my Darling Kitten! Train, Train!"

Train moved his head even faster, feeling more precum exit his lover and knowing Creed wasn't going to last much longer. The flicked and licked his tongue all over his partner's shaft, making sure to memorize exactly how Creed's cock felt, how the silver man's essence scorched his mouth, how the spice of his Stallion sent a jolt of adrenaline throughout his body.

"Oh, God…!" Creed cried out again, the heat in his groin too much as he thrust his hips up slightly, leaving them hovering above the bed as he screamed his lover's name again. "Train! Train, oh, God, my love! I-It's coming!"

Creed's entire body convulsed upwards, he heat growing and growing with each motion Train's perfect mouth made against him. When he felt his beloved tighten his lips around his dick, he squeezed Train's hair tighter, shut his eyes and held on for a few more seconds. Finally, as Train made his cock enter and exit his mouth again, Creed let out another let out a heavy, intense shout, then finally released his seed into his Kitten's mouth.

"AHHH!" Creed screamed as he held Train's head against his dick, his soul exiting his body and entering his love's mouth as he squeezed his eyes tight.

Train gripped Creed's hips and swallowed every last bit of the man that entered him. He moved his lips to the tip of the other man's cock so he could get a better vantage on the exciting semen, then twirling his tongue around the smooth skin there for a moment to make sure he got everything in his mouth. Train licked Creed's cock again, cleaning it with his tongue before sitting back on his hands and whipping his mouth with the sleeve of his shirt.

Train smirked down at the gasping man, giving him a minute to catch his breath before he elicited the next part of their reunion. However, Creed was unwilling to wait that long. Despite how tired he was, he hadn't had enough of his Kitten, and Train found himself being pushed back onto the bed with the silver man crawling lazily on top of him.

"Your turn." Creed said as he latched his lips onto Train's neck, his fingers working at the golden man's shirt frantically, as if his beloved was going to change his mind any minute.

Train purred wildly at his lover's lips against his neck, the aftertaste of Creed still gracing his mouth which was emphasized with each harsh breath he took. Creed's tongue slithered along every inch of Train's neck and jaw, sliding his beloved's shirt off him and throwing it violently to the ground. He did the same with his own shirt, tossing it to the other side of the bed all while keeping his lips glued to his Kitten.

Train's fingers tangled into the silver locks he loved as he lifted his lower body to allow Creed to slip his sweat pants and boxers off with one swift movement. Train used his feet to kick them the rest of the way off while Creed yanked his own off as well, throwing them off the bed with the rest of their clothes. As they undressed, the silver man made sure his lips never left his beloved's neck, wanting to savor every inch of Train's sugary flesh as it drummed against his lips.

"Creed…" Train moaned as he pulled slightly at his lover's hair. "Oh, my Stallion… Make love to me…"

Creed didn't need Train to tell him twice and his hand was already clumsily reaching for the lube they kept in the nightstand. The silver man trailed his lips down to Train's chest, kissing and sucking at his Kitten's nipple. He then wrapped his hand behind his beloved's neck and pulled the cat along with him as he opened the drawer to reach the coveted bottle. When he wrapped his fingers around the object, he bit down at his love's protruding flesh, then twirled his tongue apologetically around it. He licked the pink flesh a few times, then repeated his motions on the opposite nipple.

Train hissed and moaned at the sensations his lover's tongue was giving him, his body quickly falling into a euphoric state as his skin sparkled with a gentle electricity neither of them noticed. As he felt Creed rest his body against the bed again, Train lifted his legs and placed them on either side of the silver man's waist, locking his ankles together slightly. Creed positioned himself between Train's legs, his mouth continuing its sucking and licking motions against his Kitten's chest as he poured the lube onto his hand.

Train arched his back when Creed sucked at his nipple again, then moaned with want when he felt his lover's hand move between his legs to apply the oil to his shaft. The Black Cat's breath was beginning to pick up with anticipation, especially when he felt Creed's lubed fingers poking at his entrance. Train lifted his ass a little more to allow his partner to prep his body for love making, even though he didn't think he needed it.

"Oh, Creed…" Train moaned as the silver man entered two fingers, poking and prodding at his ass, scissoring his entrance open as his mouth continued kissing his chest. "Creed… Just do it… I can't wait any longer!"

Creed nodded his head and threw the bottle aside, removing his fingers from inside his love and guiding his eager, throbbing cocking towards Train's ass instead. Train arched his back and gasped when he felt Creed's tip poke at his entrance, then pulled the swordsman's head away from his nipples and towards his face.

Train gasped and panted as Creed slowly entered him, and he placed his hand against his Stallion's neck, locking eyes with him as he spoke. "Don't look away from me, Creed… Let me remember who's making love to me…"

Creed smiled warmly at his love, then nodded his head again, giving Train a deep kiss as he continued to slowly enter him. He made sure to take his time, swirling his tongue around his beloved's he pushed himself into Train, inch by inch. Creed moaned into Train's mouth at the tightness his love's body provided him, making sure he didn't rush their time together since it seemed to be working wonders on Train's mental state. He was sounding more and more like his old self the more of Creed's body he experienced.

"Train…" Creed moaned as he pulled away from his love. "My sweet, wonderful, flawless, beautiful, Train… Je t'aime plus que les mots ne peuvent le dire, mon très cher Cœur. Mon véritable amour." (1)

Train smiled adoringly at his lover, kissed Creed's lips lightly as he felt his body become one with the other man. "Aucune langue ne peut jamais décrire correctement à quel point je vous aime, mon étalon. Je suis si heureux de vous avoir à nouveau en moi." (2)

Creed kissed Train over and over again, feeling he was almost fully inside of his beloved, his voice breathless as he spoke. "Pourquoi le monde s'arrête-t-il quand je suis avec toi?" (3)

Train smirked and nuzzled his face against Creed's, his heart picking up speed when he felt Creed was fully sheathed inside of him. "If only that were true... then we'd never have to worry about the passage of time separating us."

Creed laughed at his love, giving him another deep kiss before their love making resumed. "Oh, my dear, sweet, innocent, Kitten… You should know by now I'm never going to let anything separate us ever again…"

Creed rested his hand on Train's hair, running his fingers lovingly through the deep cocoa locks he adored more than anything else in the world. He slid his left arm underneath Train's shoulder, pressing his chests so they were flushed against one another, being sure his heart was resting delicately, yet eagerly against Train's. He felt his golden love's hand grab onto his knee, then melted into Train's body when their eyes met again, the look in his beloved's irises more beautiful than words could describe.

Train's amber orbs gave him a needy, yet confident look. As if his Kitten was sure that they were truly with each other again, that Creed was really inside of him again, but at the same time, he was scared the silver man would vanish at any moment. The ardency in his Kitten's expression was so palpable, that Creed wished he could pause their love making and take a picture. However, as many times as he requested Train to let him record their love making, his Kitten always refused.

One day I'll get him to agree. Or last least let me paint the beautiful artwork that is out bodies becoming one for several, heavenly, blissful moments.

Before he started thrusting, Creed kissed Train again, allowing his love to devour his mouth so he could know they were about to make love again. He shivered and moaned at the electrical jolt his tongue was greeted with, no longer worried that his love was going to lose control of himself. The sensation was gentle and subtle enough that Creed didn't think there was a cause for concern. In fact, it might have been a good sign that Train was able to control his Tao enough during such a heated, emotional embrace.

Creed didn't pull his lips away as he thrust in and out of his love, hitting Train's sweet spot on the first motion. He knew his Kitten's body well enough to know exactly where to hit, and he wasn't going to waste a second of Train's time pretending to search for it. The silver man felt his love twitch and moan at the contact, their lips still locked as their hearts beat as one. He did it again.

Train swirled his tongue around Creed's, tightening his fingers on his Stallion's neck and knee as the swordsman thrust into him again, hitting his prostate dead on and sending fireworks up and down his spine. The heat in his groin was at a heightened level before Creed entered him, but now that the silverette's cock was pressing feverishly at his pleasurable spot, it was growing to a fractious level.

"Creed…" Train moaned as his lover thrust in and out of him again, feeling the other man's heart beating wildly against his chest as he made sweet, patient love to the golden man. "Oh… my Stallion… You feel better than I remember…"

Creed kissed Train again, not wanting to stop the sensation his beloved gave his mouth as they made love. He thrust in and out of Train again and again, making his motions a little faster and harder, but still making sure his gestures were tame. He felt Train's body spark with more electricity, which sent the sensation of a blazing pleasure to scorch his skin. Creed thrust in and out of Train again and again, licking his beloved's tongue eagerly as he felt the heat in his groin grow once more.

Creed finally pulled his lips away so he could hear Train's moans. He rested his forehead against his lover's, his hand still resting on Train's hair, his other still wrapped around his beloved's shoulder as his thrusts increased their speed. He ran his fingers through Train's chocolate locks, relishing the way they danced between his fingers, adoring the way his love's flushed, panting face stared worshipfully into his eyes.

"Train…" Creed panted, sweat pouring around his forehead, mixing sublimely with Train's as he moved his hips even faster. "I'm so in love with you, Train… Will you stay with me even when our spirits leave our bodies?"

The heat Creed's cock was giving him was nothing compared to the heat his eyes and words were causing him. His entire body was an inferno, as if he was swimming in a pool of fire and he nodded his head foolishly at the man. "Yes…. As long as you never let me go again…"

Creed squeezed Train tighter, thrusting even faster into his beloved as he brushed his lips against his Kitten's as he spoke. "Never. Never again. I'll never let you go again."

Train smiled at Creed, then cried out when he realized the heat in his groin wasn't something he could ignore anymore. His lover's cock had never stopped stabbing at his sweet spot, but now Creed was moving faster. Each thrust was quicker and harder than the last, and Train felt like he was ready to explode. He cried out and arched his back, pushing Creed's chest up, his Stallion's heart still beating earnestly against his own as he shouted his lover's name.

"CREED!" Train gripped harder at Creed's neck and knee, the heat boiling wilder and wilder, engulfing his entire body is a blazing glory he missed so much. "Oh, my Stallion! Faster!"

Creed was overjoyed to hear his love give him commands and was more than happy to comply. He increased the speed of his thrusts even more, the heat in his groin matching the heat in his heart as he stared at Train's pleasure stricken face. He continued hitting his beloved's prostate over and over again, reveling in the way Train tightened his ass and screamed his name.

"Oh, Train…!" Creed gasped, never looking away from his lover as he thrust in and out of him with as much speed and strength as he could, making sure to never miss the target mark that resided deep inside his love. "Your cries of pleasure are like a symphony. Your gasps are the strings swelling with anticipation, your moans are the percussion thundering deep within my heart, and your shouts are the brass section giving me the strength and passion I crave at every moment of my life!"

Creed cried out as Train clenched his ass more at his words, moving his hips even faster as he continued making passionate love to his Kitten. "I'll never grow tired of the way you feel… the way your voice sings heavenly melodies against the walls. I love you so much, my dearest, darling, Kitten! I love you so much, Train Heartnet!"

Train dug his fingers deeply into Creed's flesh, arching his back again as the heat in his groin grew and grew. He screamed again and again, the other man's cock more than he could bear as he saw spots spinning in front of his eyes. His skin was sparking with an intense, stormy electrical passion, his heart and soul wanting nothing more than to give his entire being to the man that was inside of him.

"CREED!" Train shouted again, each of his Stallion's thrust sending him more and more over the edge, but he held on long enough that he could tell his lover how much he loved him. "I love you, Creed! I love you!"

The lovers screamed together, clinging to each other tightly as the silver man's thrusts moved faster and faster, harder and harder. Their heat built together, their eyes locked as they panted and moaned each other's names, kissing one another deeply and screaming into each other's mouths. Train arched his back again as Creed hit his sweet spot, staring into the ardent, cerulean eyes he had fallen head over heels in love with years ago.

Creed smiled at his love, running his finger through his hair as he spoke. "Together?"

Train returned the smile, pressing his forehead against Creed's as he spoke in a breathless voice. "Always…"

Creed kissed his beloved, then thrust even faster, the fiery warmth in their groins building together, until they finally climaxed. They threw their head back, Creed thrusting a few more times into his beloved as he emptied his seed for the second time. Train exploded onto Creed's stomach, his ass tightening to an inexplicable measure as he milked his partner of his essence.

Their bodies collapsed together and their lips met for one more heated kiss before they knew they were both going to collapse from pure, exhausted bliss.

When they broke, Creed rested his head next to Train's, breathing in his beloved as he nuzzled his face close. "How do you feel, my love?"

Train smiled tranquilly, wrapped his arms around his lover's neck and squeezed. "At peace…"

Creed smiled and kissed Train's neck. "Beautiful… What do you want to do now?"

Train thought about those words, not because he was trying to decipher whether or not they were an order, but because he found it to be a deeper question than Creed intended. When he felt Creed's breath brush against his cheeks, his lips gently caressing his sweat covered skin, Train sighed and moved his hand from his lover's knee to his back, holding the man closer to his chest.

"Passe le reste de ma vie avec toi …" (4)

Creed's heart somehow managed to match the speed of a hummingbird's wings despite being exhausted from his two climaxes and chuckled at his beloved's sweet words. "Well, I really meant what do you want to do right now, but… c'est aussi quelque chose que je peux vous offrir avec plaisir, mon adorable chaton." (5)

Train knew Creed would say something like that, but it still set his heart ablaze. He didn't need to answer what he wanted to do at that very moment, since his body was making the choice for him as his eyes slowly shut, exhaustion beginning to take over his relaxed figure.

As his lover finally pulled out of his body and rolled next to him, Train flipped over so he was resting on Creed's chest. The silver man pulled Train into his arms, kissed the top of his, and buried his face into his cinnamon locks. Train wrapped his legs around one of Creeds and his arms slid around the silver man's waist. As he felt his Stallion's lips kiss his head, his lithe fingers gliding up and down his back lightly, Train had one of the first organic thoughts he knew he'd be able to hold on to.

I'm home…

---

Translations:

(1) "I love you more than words can say, my Dearest Heart. My truest love."

(2) "No language can ever properly depict how much I love you, my Stallion. I'm so happy to have you inside of me again."

(3) "Why does the world stand still when I'm with you?"

(4) "Spend the rest of my life with you…"

(5) "That's also something I can happily provide you, my sweet Kitten."