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

58. Decisions

Disclaimer: I do not own Black Cat or its characters.

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Sephiria's immutable eyes stared at the small screen that rested on the table in front of her. The petite woman on the screen was currently finishing her breakfast, which required the use of her hands and therefore needed them to be released. However, even that small bit of freedom never sat well with Number One for any of her prisoners, so the fact that the person eating was a former Apostle and responsible for the capture and torture of the Black Cat, she felt the situation warranted extra security.

Her steely irises fell to Number VII and Number X who were standing in the room with her prisoner, seemingly having a casual conversation with one another while they watched Aliane eat. The former terrorist's eyes occasionally glanced to the left and right, signaling that she was watching the assassins talk to one another. Sephiria could tell she was not engaged in their conversation, since the only time she opened her mouth was to take another bite of food or have a sip of water.

That's good because she shouldn't be talking to them. What could she possibly have to say to either of them?

Sephiria made it very clear to Aliane that anything she had to say she would say it to her. That went for anything as small as needing to use the restroom, or large as remembering an important experiment Doctor had cooked up or a scheme Charden had planned. However, she had been there for a little over three weeks now, and hadn't had much more to say. It seemed Chronos had drained her brain of all its knowledge in regards to the Taoists.

And after speaking with Heartnet, it seems like she has even less to say. However, she does seem more calm and steady.

It had been a few days since Train and Creed had paid the girl a visit and since then, despite the fact that she had been talking less, Sephiria should tell Aliane was burdened. As if having that conversation with the Black Cat was all she needed in order to get comfortable.

Well… As comfortable as she can get as a prisoner.

Chronos hadn't mistreated the girl in any way. Truthfully, other than making sure she had extra security at all times and specialized cuffs to keep her powers at bay, they hadn't done anything to cause Aliane any harm or trauma.

The only thing we're doing differently with her as opposed to other prisoners are the extra precautions we're taking in regards to her security. Which I think is fair considering who she is, and what she's capable of.

She was given three meals a day, permitted to use the restroom whenever she needed, and given all the basic necessities such as a shower, soap, and sufficient bedding accommodations.

Honestly, I don't understand what Heartnet was so bent out of shape for when he initially saw her. Other than several irenic interrogations, we haven't done anything to her.

Even after Train left, he continued to question Sephiria on how they had really been treating her. While she understood the gunman knew the inner workings of Chronos and how they managed their prisoners, they didn't stand to gain anything by torturing Aliane. The fromer Apostles made it very clear she didn't know anything other than what she already told them, and Sephiria detested unnecessary blood shed.

And Train knows that too, so he should know we're not going to hurt her. She's simply a prisoner. Nothing more, nothing less.

However, she knew that was also one of the things that concerned Heartnet, and even Diskenth to an extent. Other than stating she'd try to make use of her for their upcoming mission, neither of them were sure what Sephiria's plan with the girl was.

And, if I'm being honest with myself, I'm not sure what to do with her either.

Sephiria debated erasing her, since she still wasn't fully convinced they could trust her enough to use her for their upcoming mission. However, there was something deep inside her that was telling her not to do that just yet, and she had a feeling it had something to do with the conversation she had with Creed.

Does he really think she'll be useful to us as a temporary ally? I know her Tao could be advantageous, especially when it comes to Kanzaki's powers, but I don't feel comfortable trusting her.

Even if they would only be putting their faith in her for a few hours while Creed and Train met with an old friend, Sephiria didn't like it. From the moment they brought her in, Aliane's powers concerned Sephiria greatly, since they made it easy for her to escape pretty much any prison, and she believed if they let her out, she'd take the first chance she got to run off.

I know she's made no attempts to escape and she's acted like a model prisoner, but that could all be for show. This could still be an elaborate plan.

Sephiria frowned at her own thoughts, remembering what Creed said to her just a few days ago.

No… Creed's right. It doesn't make sense that this would be part of one of Charden's plans. It would be potentially too problematic.

She rolled her eyes as she watched Jenos yell at Lin for something, the smaller man simply giggling at his response as he coyly responded with what must have been a witty retort. Sephiria wasn't sure what they were talking about, but she could tell whatever it was must have been frustrating Number VII.

Although, it's pretty easy to get under his skin, which is Number X's speciality.

Sephiria felt herself smile a little as she watched the men interact, then shook her head to rid herself of the motherly feelings she was currently experiencing. Try as she might to hide the affections she had for her numbers, there were moments like the one she was currently going through that continued to pop up and remind her how human she really was.

The important thing is they never know about it and we keep our relationships professional.

Thinking about her relationship with her subordinates, Sephiria's mind drifted off to Number II. As her thoughts slowly began to center on the man, she felt the smile she had just wiped off her face creep its way back. When she sensed the warm feelings gradually surfacing, she smacked herself in the face to prevent them from taking over.

I need to stop being so unprofessional. Especially in regards to him.

It had been getting harder and harder to keep Belze at arm's length, and it had been hard to begin with, since their positions in Chronos required them to work closer together than anyone else. She was grateful to the man for all the unconditional support he gave her, even though she knew it was his job to support her no matter what.

But… I know there's more to it than that. There's no hiding it anymore.

As her mind began to drift off to a specific night that occurred not too long ago, and Sephiria once again used physical harm to stop herself from reliving the memories. Number One shook her entire body and rubbed her eyes, staring at the small electronic box that held the tiny images of her prisoner and numbers.

I'm having a hard time concentrating because I'm tired. Jenos might be right. I need more sleep.

Again, Sephiria shook her head and mentally berated herself for the blasphemous thought.

Okay, now I know I need more sleep if I'm agreeing with someone as simple-minded as Number VII.

She saw the irony in agreeing with Jenos' sentiments about her sleep schedule despite the fact that she abhorred taking any advice from a man who's idea of relaxation including spending time with a woman who did nothing but scold him for his misdemeanors all day.

I truly don't understand why he's so attached to a woman that seems intent on belittling him every time they meet. Then again, I also can't see how that thief can stand being around a single-minded man like Number VII for more than a few hours.

Thinking of the dysfunctional couple, Sephiria's thoughts wandered off to Creed and Train. While they were far from dysfunctional, they were quite unconventional when it came to relationships. After all, how many people fell in love with their former assassin partner whom they started a terrorist organization with only to quit said organization when they found out their partner betrayed them by killing their best friend, but then ultimately took their ex-lover back after finding out their previous mercenary employers drugged them to be murderous?

That sounds insane even in my head. The journey of their relationship has truly been an incredible sight to behold.

Despite the anomaly that was their unorthodox relationship, Sephiria couldn't deny the strength of their bond and the depths of their love. While almost anyone else with their harrowing history would have thrown in the towel ages ago, Creed and Train somehow managed to find love betwixt all the pain and chaos that was their lives. The macabre and excruciatingly traumatic past they each had hadn't broken them apart at all. In fact, brought them closer together.

Even after what Diskenth did to that sweeper girl, Heartnet still found it in his heart to forgive him and move on. Then again, I'm very much aware her death is more on my hands than Creed's.

Even her former subordinates placed no blame on her for Saya's death, Sephiria believed she was culpable for the crime since she knew Creed wouldn't have done it if it wasn't for Chronos. They had taken the frail, timid boy known as Creed Diskenth when he was at his lowest and experiencing the worst trauma of his life, and turned him into a volatile, merciless assassin.

That day we found Creed sitting in the rain, covered in his mother's blood, I knew he wasn't made for the assassin life. He was too sensitive and sweet, and all he wanted was a mother to love him. Hell, he just wanted anyone to love him.

Sephiria remembered how he clung to her as if she was his mother for a bit after they found him, and it broke Number One's heart. She wanted nothing more than to take the small child in her arms and protect him, but she knew she couldn't do that.

He was so weak, so pathetic, so delicate. Which are all things Creed Diskenth hates being associated with, and was one of the reasons we never discussed the way he fastened onto me for so long after we met.

Another reason she never mentioned it was because she was sure Creed didn't remember any of that. She also didn't want to remind the swordsman of his commiserable state, since she was certain he wouldn't want to relive any part of that night. He wouldn't want to remember how wretched he was.

Despite his fragile and sensitive demeanor, Creed showed the skills required to be an assassin, and since he was just a child, he had nowhere else to go except Chronos. I wanted to use him, but… I also pitied him.

Sephiria thought by taking him in, they could help the troubled boy. But, instead of helping, they made him worse. He had a breakdown every time they asked him to kill, or even cause harm to someone else, so to fix that, they decided to drug him. Sephiria thought that would end all their problems with the silverette, but all it did was make him go the extreme opposite route. Instead of being a meek and mild assassin, he became a volatile and unstable murder.

Which was around the time Train joined us, and we thought his calm demeanor would even Creed out.

It did work to an extent since Creed grew very attached to Train very quickly, and it became clear he would do anything to make the Black Cat happy. So, the fact that the gunman didn't appreciate his erratic behavior, the swordsman was forced to relax at least a little.

However, it also worked against them, since that same obsessive love he had for Train combined with the mercurial behavior their drug gave him, and Creed ended up not only killing the cat's best friend, but stole Number XIII away from Chronos to start a new organization with him.

When I think about it, the creation of the Apostles is our fault. While I'm sure they both would have abandoned us eventually, they would not have started the Taoist group if we weren't drugging Creed and inadvertently forcing him to make poor decisions.

That was all the more reason she pitied Creed. Not only did they force him to be an assassin, but they took away his free will and gentle nature. They took every aspect of who Creed was originally supposed to be, and destroyed it. That knowledge contributed to a substantial amount of pity and guilt she felt towards the silver haired swordsman.

That, along with how similar our pasts are.

Sephiria stopped herself from reliving her own traumas and continued concentrating on her thoughts on Creed.

She was positive that pity was the one thing he did not want to receive from Number One, but nevertheless, it was true. The pitiful feeling she had for Creed was the same feeling she had when she met Train as well. Both of them were so young, yet had so much raw talent that Sephiria knew she would have been remiss to not hone and use their natural strength to benefit Chronos.

Their strength wasn't the only thing that made me want to bring them into our fold. Their tenacity and unwavering resolve to survive even after losing everything they had ever known was a large factor in my decision as well.

It was rare to find one individual let alone two that had the resolve Creed and Train had, and she appreciated the parallelism in their stories, along with the coincidence in meeting them one after another. Looking back at who they used to be and seeing how similar their backgrounds were, she couldn't help but think they were destined to meet. It seemed as though their stars were aligned, even when they were just children.

Their complementary skill sets and personalities were another reason we partnered them together. So, I guess if I want to blame myself for that sweeper girl's death, I might also be to blame for their current life with each other.

That seemed to be enough to soothe her guilt and she was more easily able to divert her thoughts back to Aliane. Creed's words about using the girl as part of their plan to take down the Apostles had been swirling through her head non-stop. As invaluable as she knew Aliane's power could be to the Taoist demise, she couldn't get past her misgivings towards the girl.

What Sephiria also couldn't get over was the idea that the Apostles somehow got their hands on an old friend of Train's that none of them, save for Creed, had ever heard of. If it was a far-fetched idea that Aliane's imprisonment was an elaborate plan, wouldn't it have been just as absurd to believe the terrorists were able to find a random woman who lived in the middle of nowhere and just so happened to be important to the infamous Black Cat and somehow convince her to turn on Train?

None of that matters. We can't take any chances. Especially if Creed is having doubts about the woman's authenticity.

The swordsman's skepticism about his lover's friend was the only thing that gave Sephiria pause, and made her want to approach the situation as if they were walking into a battle with the Apostles. After being tricked once by their enemies, she refused to take any more risks.

Fool me once, shame on you, fool me twice…

She didn't have to finish her thought since she would not be fooled twice. It was embarrassing enough that they were able to pull the wool over their eyes, there was no way she was going to fall for their traps again.

Well, in actuality, I didn't fall for it. Train and his ignoramus sweeper friends did.

She sighed and rubbed her eyes again, resting her elbows on the desk in front of her as she silently chastised herself for the derogatory thoughts.

No, they're our allies and I can't think such negative thoughts about them. If I start looking down at them, we'd be no better than the Apostles.

When she heard the news of how the Apostles had been tearing themselves apart, Sephiria felt more confident about their win. After all, what organization, terrorist or otherwise, has been successful in their mission when they could get along with one another? While she knew it wasn't necessary to be friends with the people you allied yourself with, it was imperative to at least get along with them to an extent.

That's the reason I've been so forgiving of Train and his friends' transgressions, and why they've been forgiving of mine.

Sephiria sighed as she watched the screen, noticing Jenos was yelling at Lin for something else he must have said and saw Aliane giggling as well. Neither of the men took notice of the prisoner's entertained sound, but Number One could tell by the look on the small woman's face that she was enjoying their tomfoolery.

It seems like she's getting along with some of the numbers, and I already know she gets along with Creed and Train. Not that it's hard to get along with Heartnet. He thinks everyone is his best friend.

Jenos and Lin weren't the only two who had kept an eye on the girl. Kranz and Baldor were assigned to her from time to time, and it shocked Sephiria to hear two of their more ornery numbers were slowly growing akin to Aliane's personality. The fact that the woman seemed to get along with almost everyone on their side was slowly making the idea of trusting her seem more and more viable.

And with how lenient the rest of the sweepers are towards past misdemeanors, I wouldn't be surprised if they forgave her as well.

The green haired man and the bio-girl were not only able to look past the dark history of the Black Cat and accept him into their lives as a friend, but they were also able to absolve Creed of his past crimes as well. It made sense they'd somehow manage to forgive Aliane too.

Which might be what we have to do… Their naturally magnanimous nature could be a detriment and a benefit to us.

If they were going to use Aliane's powers to their advantage, forgiving her was going to be the best way to approach their relationship with the Taoist. However, if they were able to forgive the girl, that meant they also might have been able to forgive the other Taoists that betrayed them.

And that is not something we can afford. They're still our enemies.

Sephiria knew Aliane was still an enemy as well, but at least she seemed to be willing to help out however she could. Even if Number One didn't trust her and probably never would, it might not matter when it came to their final plan.

Which I need to finish soon… The Elders won't tolerate our stillness for much longer.

She had managed to slightly subdue her leaders' impatience by saying they were almost ready, but it truly was only slightly subdued. They didn't understand why they hadn't made a move against the Apostles even though all the numbers were fully recovered, and Train seemed to be completely out of the influence of the drug. Sephiria tried to help them comprehend the gravity of their situation, but they weren't having it.

They're tired of hearing excuses and I don't blame them.

She sighed again and rested her face in her hands.

And by we, I mean me.

Belze offered up several useful ideas, but there wasn't anything solidified yet. While she greatly valued all his astute insights and cherished staunch support, their combined plannings hadn't been enough to assure the stubborn woman that they were going to be successful.

But again, there's no way of knowing whether success will be necessary when we meet that woman. It could just be a huge waste of our time.

The ambiguity of their situation was another thing that made planning difficult. She needed to make sure she had a plan for every and all situations the Apostles could throw at them, and if Charden was as much like Sephiria as Creed implied, there were a lot of potentially dangerous scenarios they could be facing.

Not to mention the fact that he now has the Nanomachines to aid him. That is, if the girl can be trusted to tell the truth about that.

Sephiria knew lying about that did not benefit the Apostles at all. If anything, it presented Chronos with their worst case scenario, and graced them with the foresight of how to handle it.

It has to be the truth. And even if it isn't, I still need to assume it is and plan accordingly.

She thought about discussing her plans with Creed, but he was going away with Train for the weekend on some kind of couple's getaway that he framed as a training montage. When Sephiria heard that, she was doubtful of the authenticity of his plans with the Black Cat.

I'm sure he has more planned than just training. It was written all over his face. Still, he guaranteed me that Heartnet would come back good as new, and if that ends up being true, he can do whatever he wants with the Black Cat.

A part of her believed that the men deserved some time alone and away from the chaos that was their lives before they prepared for the final fight. They had been through so much pain and barely had any time to truly be with one another since Train's return. That thought was what made a small part of Number One hope that whatever Creed had planned for the ex-assassin would be enough to not only relax them both, but put them in the proper mindset for the real training.

Sephiria laughed bitterly at her own thoughts.

I could use a weekend getaway as well…

Unknowingly, she smiled fondly as she thought of her second in command and a moment they had shared together recently. One she had been trying to avoid dwelling on the second after it happened.

Sephiria stepped out of the meeting with the Elders and shut the door silently behind her. She stood there for a moment as she stared at the ground, analyzing each of their stringent, yet truthful words before leaning her back against the door and placing her hands on her face.

"...Ce mizerie am creat pentru mine." (1)

"Mi-e greu să cred că tot ce s-a întâmplat acolo este vina ta." (2)

Sephiria knew only one person who also spoke such an uncommon language that fluently, and removed her hands from her eyes to face Number II. "How can you say that with such confidence? You weren't in there."

Belze frowned at his leader. "Only because you wouldn't permit me entrance."

Sephiria sighed and pushed herself off the door, trying to make her demeanor seem less defeated in front of her second in command. "You know I have no say in who attends those meetings. Unless you're getting punished, you won't be allowed entrance."

Belze gave the woman an uncharacteristically warm smile. "Then I guess you're saying I should be grateful that I haven't been invited in."

Sephiria took note of the smile, then nodded. "Correct."

Without another word, she turned on her heel and began walking down the hall. She knew Belze was going to follow her, and she didn't bother to order the man away from her since she felt better having him around. Whether she was in a good mood or not, his presence always comforted her.

Still, as the leader of the numbers, she wasn't permitted to show such weak emotions, and knew she had to keep up appearances. "Is there something I can help you with, Number II?"

Belze was able to hear the sternness in her voice, and knew she was putting on a strong front. Just like she always did. "You can help me by letting me know how I can help you."

Sephiria fought back the urge to smile. "Unfortunately, there's nothing you can do at the moment."

Belze knew his leader well enough to know when she was lying, but he also wasn't foolish enough to question her. Judging by the way her voice was slightly higher pitched than usual, Number II could tell she desperately wanted his reassurance on something. However, he wasn't going to be able to truly help her if he didn't know what the problem was.

"Are you in a position to tell me what that meeting was about?"

Sephiria frowned as she walked down the hall with her subordinate. "What do you think?"

Belze copied her frown. "Still don't have a clear course of action on taking down the Apostles?"

Sephiria shook her head. "It's not that I don't have a plan, it's that the Elders are not happy with my plan."

Belze cocked an eyebrow since he was certain there hadn't been any talk about what their next moves were going to be. "And what is your plan?"

Sephiria sighed and picked up her pace a little, wanting to get as far away from the Elders as she could. "My plan is to wait for the Black Cat to be ready to fight without losing control of his strength. Until then, I don't think there's anything we can do. He's our strongest weapon."

Belze nodded in agreement. "I think that's a more than adequate plan considering how powerful he is. Why are the Elder's not pleased with it?"

Sephiria suppressed a grimace as she remembered their harsh words. "Because they don't understand why Heartnet isn't ready now. They also still don't understand how imperative it is to have him with us when we finally battle the Apostles, even though we've discussed it in great detail and they agreed to allying with him and Creed a long time ago."

Belze frowned again. "If you ask me, it seems foolish of them not to see the priority the Black Cat's mental state takes. I don't think we can win this war without him. Or Diskenth."

Sephiria glanced around in a slight panic, hoping no one heard what the man just said. "Then it's a good thing I didn't ask you. Do I really need to remind you to watch your tone?"

Belze straightened himself up and shook his head firmly. "No, Ma'am. My apologies for the treacherous thoughts. I will accept punishment if you deem that necessary."

Sephiria sighed and shook her head. "That won't be necessary, and your compliance is noted."

Belze nodded again, then continued following her for a few more silent steps before speaking again. "Has there been news on the Black Cat's recovery?"

Sephiria nodded. "Yes. He is doing well and continuing to make progress. And he wants to speak with the girl."

Belze blinked. "Why?"

Sephiria shrugged her shoulders slightly as they turned a corner. "Knowing him, it has something to do with forgiveness or moving on or something of the empathetic nature. You know how sensitive he is."

Belze rolled his eyes. "Right…" He watched the woman for a second before continuing his thoughts. "Are you going to let him?"

Sephiria nodded again. "Yes. He says it'll help him recover mentally, and as you said before, his mental and emotional state is a priority. Whether the Elders like it or not."

Number II could tell she didn't mean to say those last words out loud, and chose not to acknowledge them. She was clearly going through a lot of stress, and he didn't want to add more to her burdensome shoulders.

"Will he meet with her soon?"

Sephiria nodded yet again. "Yes."

Again, silence reigned supreme as Belze watched his leader with troubled eyes. Sephiria was always under a lot of stress, but right now it seemed like she was even more encumbered by her job than usual. He could also tell she hadn't gotten much sleep, nor had she been eating.

"Sephiria… When was the last time you ate?"

Sephiria jumped a little at Belze's words, lost deep in her thoughts and almost forgetting he was there. "I'm fine, Belze."

Number II sighed as he caught up to the woman who seemed to be almost sprinting down the halls at that point. It didn't even seem like she had a particular destination, just wanted to keep moving to help clear her clouded mind.

"With all due respect, that isn't what I asked. I asked when was the last time you ate."

Sephiria looked away from the man, making sure he couldn't see her face since she knew when he did, he'd be able to see just how spent her body was even after recovering from her injuries. "If I tell you… you'll be mad."

Belze blinked in confusion at the woman's emotional words, shocked to hear Sephiria voice her opinion at his potential feelings of animosity towards her. As close as they had gotten, and as much as he knew she trusted him, speaking her emotions so openly was not a good sign for her mental state. If she was unable to control something that small, it meant she was more burdened than he originally thought.

He smiled unknowingly at the shorter woman. "You know I could never be mad at you…"

Sephiria smiled as well, but made sure to keep it hidden. It was an odd conversation they were having, but one that she felt like she needed to help her clear her mind. "That's one of the things that makes me trust you more than anyone else."

Number One knew the conversation they were having was far too familiar considering what their rankings were. Even if they were two lowly erasers, it would have been deemed too intimate and they could have been punished severely for their relaxed formality with one another. Despite that, Sephiria wanted to enjoy the moment a bit longer, since it helped lighten the load in her heart.

"I had a piece of toast this morning."

Belze sighed. "What time exactly?"

Sephiria knew she should have been scolding the man for being so open with his concern for her, but the side of her that was run down and tired craved the care he was showing her, and couldn't find the strength to order him to stop.

"Around seven-thirty."

Belze glanced at a large clock they passed by and frowned. "That was nearly twelve hours ago, Sephiria. You need to eat something before you collapse."

Sephiria shook her head. "I don't have time for luxuries like a meal. There's too much to do."

Belze matched the woman's speed as she walked a little faster. "I'm not asking you to sit down and enjoy a meal, I'm asking you to eat something more substantial than toast."

Sephiria did not look at the man as she spoke. "I'm fine."

Belze could tell she wasn't and decided to approach his concern a different way. "You know better than anyone else that if you're going to be in any condition to fight the Apostles, you need to take care of yourself. That includes keeping the proper nutrients in your body."

Seeing the woman didn't respond, he reached into his pocket and presented his leader with a small bar. "You need to at least have a protein bar."

Sephiria eyed the product uneasily, remembering how they used to drug their assassins and feeling guilty all over again. "I said I'm fine, Number II."

Belze sighed again. "You know we don't use that drug anymore, not that you ever needed it in the first place. It's safe to eat."

Sephiria glared slightly at the man, not understanding how he was able to read her thoughts. "If I eat it, will you drop this asinine subject?"

Belze nodded and handed her the bar. Sephiria sighed as she snatched it from him, aware he didn't deserve her anger, but knowing he'd never hold it against her. That was one of the many reasons she was closer to him than anyone else in their organization. No matter how much she pushed him away, he remained a loyal subject that stood by her side no matter what.

Belze gave the woman a small smile. "Better?"

Sephiria nodded. "Yes. Thank you."

Number II watched her finish the protein bar in silence as they continued walking down the hall, turning another corner and realizing Sephiria really didn't have an idea of where she was going. "Ma'am, if I might ask, what is your current destination?"

Sephiria stopped suddenly, realizing she had walked to the hall she knew the Apostles used to sneak in and steal so much information from them, and felt like she was about to boil over at the reminder of yet another one of her failures.

"I…" She paused her sentence, trying to regain her naturally calm demeanor as she slowly lowered her head. "I… I don't know, Belze…"

Belze could hear the tension in her voice and saw her body shaking slightly. It wasn't like her to be showing weaknesses even around him, but he knew what he was witnessing was a cumulation of all the stress, trauma, and heartache she had been enduring ever since the Black Cat was taken hostage. While everyone else fell apart, she put on a strong front, and it seemed like all of her pain was finally coming to a fold.

"Sephiria…"

He knew it was her job to never show weakness, to be the strong leader everyone else looked up to, but Belze could tell the Black Cat's disappearance and subsequent brittleness after it hit harder than she let on. Ever since she met Train, she took him under her wing as if he was the little brother she lost when she was a child. She never commented once how much the Black Cat reminded her of him, but Number II knew it was true.

"Sephiria…" Belze reached out and squeezed her shoulder, remembering the story she told him about her brother's kidnapping and murder. "Train is fine. He's home, and he's in good hands."

Sephiria shrugged Number II's hand off her shoulder and stepped away. "I know that, but…"

Belze didn't need to hear what the rest of her sentence to know how it was going to end. He knew Train's current safety didn't change what happened to him, and nothing was going to change what happened to her real brother.

He also knew that the fury of emotions she was experiencing didn't have to do with just the Black Cat. He could tell offering her the protein bar brought back memories of what Chronos had done to Creed as well, another man she saw as a little brother, and he knew she still blamed herself for his past problems as well.

"Sephiria… It's not your fault. None of it is."

Belze reached out to her again, but the woman dodged his hand and kept walking. Images of the Apostles breaking into the hall materalized in her mind, and the pain of the punishment she endured for the misstep coursed through her body.

"I'm fine, Belze."

As she continued walking, her mind began to fixate on all the mistakes she made the last several years. She thought about all the people she failed, including Creed, Train, Lin, and all of her other numbers. She thought about the words the Elders just spat at her, about how they were thinking about replacing her as Number One due to her continuous incompetence.

As much as she hated answering to those old men, she believed in the ideology behind Chronos, and didn't want to lose her leadership role. She believed without a shadow of a doubt, she was doing the right thing by working for the group, since she deemed it to be the best way to keep the world safe and in harmony.

Images of a little blonde boy smiling popped into her head, making her heart feel light for a second before she saw blood spilling profusely from his eyes. Next, she saw a young version of herself trying to desperately keep the lifeforce inside the child, but could do nothing to keep him safe and alive.

Behind them was a large, eldery man sitting in an opulent chair, two muscular guards armed to the teeth standing on either side of him. The person responsible for the death of the boy stepped away from his lifeless body, wiping the knife he used to end his young existence. He dropped the clean blade in front of her, as if taunting her with what he had done.

Sephiria could faintly hear the man in the chair offering her a chance to make up for the boy's mistakes by doing as he said, but all she could think about was the knife sitting in front of her. Instinctively, she picked up the knife and ran at the old man, plunging the knife in his gut and twisting it crudely. When his guards tried to stop her, she reacted on impulse again and killed them as well, comforting herself with the knowledge that they were criminal scum the world was better off without.

Sephiria was so lost in her memories that she didn't notice she had fallen against the wall, clutching her head and breathing heavily as she remembered her first kill. She couldn't feel the strong hands that were wrapping around her shoulders and moving her to a secluded area no one would be able to see the breakdown she was having.

"Sephiria, snap out of it!" The voice came out as a harsh whisper, but she did not know who it belonged to.

Sephiria allowed the person to lead her away, thinking back to the resolve she found that day to do whatever she could to keep the innocent people of the world safe from the demons that plagued humanity. That night with the mob boss was the reason she started training as hard as she did, the reason she decided to join Chronos, the reason she fought so hard to get to the top.

She used the image of watching the only family she had die as the reason to never fail anyone she cared about ever again. She used the uselessness she felt at being too weak to do anything to save him to get stronger. However, as much as she tried to use her past traumas to climb her way to the top, they preyed upon her dreams every night, acting as a grim reminder to the biggest failure of her life.

"I… couldn't save him… I couldn't do anything… I was too weak, too-"

Her words were cut off as Belze leaned forward and pressed his lips against hers. Sephiria froze for a second as the man's kiss brought her back to reality, then slowly relaxed into the tender embrace. It was a light kiss, but still powerful enough to let the woman know the adoration and respect he had for her.

Before she knew what was happening, she gently returned the kiss, wrapping her arms around the man's broad back as she pressed a little harder against him. She felt his robust arms slide around her thin waist, lifting the shorter woman up slightly as he allowed his actions to speak the words he couldn't say.

Suddenly, Sephiria shot her eyes open and pushed herself out of Belze's arms. She turned from the man and began walking away from him as quickly as she could.

"Return to your corridors, Number II. That's an order."

It was a brief moment, but wonderful enough that she knew they could both be erased for even thinking about it. That was why she refused to keep replaying the memory in her head, and that was why she had been making sure to keep Belze at a distance lately. However, she knew she couldn't keep that up for long, especially with how close they were to their final war.

Since then, Belze had been on his best and most respectful behavior, and Sephiria made sure their embrace wasn't caught on any cameras. She knew the right thing to do was to come clean to the Elders and take the punishment they both deserved, but the idea of her second in command being tortured for something that wasn't his fault didn't sit well with her.

If I wasn't showing such weakness, he wouldn't have had to stoop to such tactics to bring me back to reality. It's absolutely pathetic how much I needed him at that moment.

While she hadn't been in the same room alone with Belze since their kiss, she still had multiple interactions with him and the other numbers. Despite what happened, he still stood faithfully by her side, and never even mentioned it. She was grateful for his eternal devotion to her and to Chronos, even though a part of her hoped the kiss meant as much to him as it did to her.

I'm so pathetic… The Elders are right for thinking about replacing me. It's just another reminder of how ill-equipped I am to hold the title of Number One.

She was thrust from her self hating thoughts when her ears perked at the light knock coming from the door. She knew it could only be one person, and she growled when she felt her heart skip a beat.

What a foolish woman I am.

She sat up straight in her chair, glancing in the reflection the screen gave her to make sure she didn't look too disheveled before permitting the man entrance. She knew if Belze saw her in anything but tip-top shape, he'd question the care she was giving herself, and they might end up having a repeated sacrilegious incident.

"Enter."

Belze stepped through the large doors, but not into the room. Instead, he placed his arms behind his back, and addressed his leader from a distance. "The doctor has Creed Diskenth's x-rays and is ready to share the results with him."

Sephiria sighed and rubbed her eyes, remembering how the doctor scanned Creed's brain the day after they spoke to Aliane to check on his brain injury. "Yes… Yes, I nearly forgot about that. I'll inform them right away and we'll head over immediately."

Belze nodded, then noticed the screen she was watching. "Is the girl behaving herself?"

Sephiria stood and attached Christ to her hip. "Yes. She always is."

She frowned when she saw the girl laugh and noticed Lin had 'accidentally' spilled the uneaten remains of Aliane's breakfast on Jenos. "She's actually more well behaved than those men are. Go break up their unethical shenanigans. I have a feeling Number X will want to accompany us on our visit with the Black Cat anyway."

Belze nodded again, opening his mouth before quickly closing it, deciding to change what he was about to say. "Will there be… anything else?"

Sephiria shook her head as she stepped around her desk and walked towards the door. "No. Just go break up the good time Number VII and Number X's seem to be having with our prisoner and meet me out front with the doctor. We'll need your presence at the Black Cat's residence to remind the sweepers the seriousness of our situation."

That's a feeble excuse to have him stay with me, and I'm sure he can see right through it.

Belze smiled a little as the woman approached and opened the door for her. "Yes, Ma'am. I'll go collect Number X right now."

Sephiria returned his small smile unknowingly as she brushed past him and walked through the door, unaware that despite her guilty thoughts and heavy heart, her steps towards the front entrance were much lighter and less burden than they should have been. Whether she wanted to admit it or not, thinking of the kiss she shared with her second in command had relieved her more than she would ever let on.

---

I'm starting to think this book isn't worth my time…

Creed brows knit in frustration as he turned another page in the book, slowly becoming more and more dejected with the way it looked like the story was going to end. Not only had the love interest died, but it seemed like the protagonist of the story was slowly giving up the will to face the antagonist for the final battle.

While I understand how he feels about losing the person he loved, that's no reason to give up. She wouldn't want him to.

"No, I said extra rice…"

Creed smiled warmly down at his beloved who was still sound asleep. Train had the side of his face on top of Creed's chest with his arms wrapped around the silver man's waist. Creed knew he was still asleep since he released a coarse snore every so often, and made frequent comments about his various favorite foods. Which was essentially everything and anything except oatmeal.

Still don't understand why he hates oatmeal so much. Unless he's just playing it up so I stop making oatmeal cookies.

Creed giggled as he thought of the last time he tried to get his beloved to eat an oatmeal cookie. He had done it a few more times after that day Rinslet invited them to Jollin's party, but it was just to mess with his Kitten. There was one time he even pretended to only make oatmeal cookies so he could watch Train sweat.

But, I couldn't hide the rest of them for long. I can't stand seeing him upset for too long.

Creed frowned when he thought about the unorthodox training session he had planned for his love that evening. Train had been begging him non-stop to train and Creed finally agreed to it after he saw how well his cat took to speaking with Aliane.

However, he still didn't think his partner was ready for a real fight yet, even if it was just practice between the two of them. While Train had done a great job controlling his emotions and Tao, Creed wanted to make absolutely sure his beloved was one-hundred percent in control, which was why he planned something slightly different for their upcoming training session.

I know training with just me will prevent him from hurting anyone else, and as much as I'd love to train with him, I don't think even that's a good idea yet.

Even though Creed was confident he could bring Train back if he lost control, he didn't want to risk it. Especially not with how close they were to the end. The last thing he needed was to be seriously injured because he got impatient and decided to have a training session with the still slightly unstable Black Cat. Ego aside, Creed knew he was also one of their strongest assets, and it wasn't smart to put him in a position where he could get hurt.

Especially since I'm pretty sure my idea to test Train's control over his emotions and Tao is going to work. I know he'll be angry with me, but that's going to be the whole point of the training. To make Train mad, or at the very least annoyed.

Creed knew Train wasn't going to like it, but if the cat wanted to have just as much, if not more command over his abilities and negative emotions as he did before he was taken prisoner, he'd have to go along with the swordsman's strange training session. However, Creed hoped the weekend getaway he had planned for them after the training would help his love get over the silverette's sinful and disrespectful actions, and hopefully Train wouldn't stay angry at him for long.

Creed frowned and shivered slightly at the idea of purposely upsetting his beloved, then took a deep breath so he wouldn't wake Train up.

It'll be for his own good. And hopefully the surprise I have planned for him after that will be enough to make up for the training session.

"No! No oatmeal! Gross…"

Creed sighed lovingly as he listened to more of his lover's quiet mumbles, using one hand to hold his book, the other to gently pet the golden man as if he really were a cat. While Train had both his arms wrapped around the silverette's body, Creed had one arm around his love's back, continuously caressing his hair and back tenderly as he read his book.

He leaned down to lightly kiss Train on top of his head, his heart swooning wildy when he heard Train mewl and purr approvingly. "I won't make you eat oatmeal this weekend, Train. I promise."

And hopefully you'll agree to the promise I want to make with you…

Creed felt his heart race as he thought about what was going to happen after his training session with his Kitten. It was one of the reasons he had woken up so early, and one of the reasons he couldn't go back to sleep… And one of the reasons he was constantly checking his phone and feeling absolutely on edge.

Frowning and unable to concentrate on his miserable book, Creed leaned over to grab his phone to check for messages, being careful so as not to wake up his sleeping beauty. He sighed in quiet frustration at the empty screen, then set it back down.

They said they would be done today, and I need to add my own flare to it before that.

Creed heard Train mumble incoherently and whimper a little at the swordsman's slight movements. He felt his heart fill with warmth and kissed Train again, delicately running his fingers through the cat's chocolate hair as he fantasized about what the evening held for them.

How will he react? Will he say yes? Or will he laugh in my face at the ridiculousness of the idea?

Creed grimaced slightly as he thought of his lover laughing at him over his sentimental, love-filled gesture, then stopped himself before he woke Train up. He felt the gunman mumble again, then wrap his arms tighter around Creed's waist as if he was trying to make sure the swordsman didn't go anywhere.

"Mhmm… Creed…"

Creed felt his breath catch in his throat and his heart became devoured by fire at his partner's adorable, hushed words, completely forgetting the nervousness he felt just a few seconds ago as Train pressed his face harder into his chest. The silverette wrapped both his arms around Train's back and kissed his head multiple times, his lips never stopping their affectionate gesture until he felt his Kitten was totally relaxed in his arms again.

"My sweet Kitten… I love you so much..."

The Black Cat made another cute mewling sound as Creed kissed him. "Creed…"

Creed sighed adoringly and continued petting his cat, deciding he had enough of his depressing book and needed more of the beautiful man clinging tightly to his body. As he pulled Train closer and kissed his head again, Creed couldn't help but voice his concerns to his beloved.

"...Will you say yes tonight, Train? Or am I being completely preposterous in my corny dreams?"

Train said nothing in return, just buried his face further into Creed's lean chest, and mumbled a few more incongruous words. Again, Creed kissed his love and continued his one-sided conversation with the man in his arms.

"I know it's going to be a strange request and an even stranger idea to wrap your head around, but… Is it really so wrong to want to make a legal contract to go along with our love?"

Creed sighed as he felt Train's lips lightly brush against his chest, his entire body swelling with a ravenous heat he knew only came with the close proximity of his lover.

He ran his fingers through Train's hair again, outlining his partner's face as he frowned. "Maybe it is a stupid idea… Maybe it's not even worth mentioning to you…"

As he stared at Train's face, the image of his love laughing at his question popped into his head again and his full heart swifty emptied of its warmth. The heat he once felt was rapidly replaced with an icy chill, and he muzzled the tremble his body wanted him to experience.

"You wouldn't laugh at me, would you, Darling? If you don't want to do it, you'll just say no… right?"

Still, the fearful, timid side of him he hadn't felt in ages was making its ugly appearance again as his doubtful thoughts began to take over. He had worked so hard to regain his confidence, yet somehow with just one fictitious image of Train taking humorous enjoyment at his ludicrous question, Creed found himself to be the lost and lonely man he was when he first met the Black Cat, desperate to find any signs of acknowledgement from his beloved.

Creed shook his head and held Train tighter, trying to remind himself that his partner loved him. "No… No, you wouldn't do that. Even with your unique sense of humor, you wouldn't laugh at me for asking you to…"

Creed trailed his sentence off, frightened by the fact he couldn't ask the question even when he was sure Train wouldn't hear it. "Maybe I shouldn't do it… Maybe I should just forget about it and enjoy the weekend with you instead. Without that foolish, saccharine question."

He continued staring at his beloved's peaceful face, the refined, delicate artistry of the golden man enough to abolish his uncertain, hesitant thoughts he had been soiled with mere moments ago. Creed smiled a bit more confidently, deciding to think of what it would be like to hear his love respond positively to the question instead of negatively.

"Why is it such a farcical question? And what makes it so stupid? We love each other, right?"

Train didn't respond, but the cat's small smile and light nuzzles was the only answer Creed needed to assure him it was true.

"And we want to spend the rest of our lives together, right? Besides, with all the money I'm making from Anastasia's business, I want to make sure you're well taken care of if I die. I know we don't need to embark on his journey in order to leave you all my belongings, but… It's a good excuse, right?"

Creed glanced at the book resting on the other side of his beloved, frowning as he remembered the death he just read and squeezed his Kitten closer. "I don't plan on dying, Train… And I refuse to let you die, but…"

Creed shook his head to stop himself from finishing that sentence. He and Train both knew what they were getting into with the war against the Apostles, so there was no need to obsess over the idea. While it might have been one of the reasons he wanted to ask Train the question, it wasn't the primary one. And thinking about it would only give him unnecessary heartache.

Creed sighed and looked away from the book and back to Train, kissing his love's head again as he thought about their future. "We keep talking about having a cliche fairytale ending, right? So, what's so wrong about adding another layer of cheese to our melodramatic resolution?"

He ran his fingers through his love's hair, cupping his supple cheek gently as he smiled warmly. "Everyone else in the world gets the opportunity to end their story that way… Why can't we?"

Just because we were once assassins and terrorists doesn't mean we don't deserve the ending every other normal couple in the world gets. And that's what Train wants, to be: Normal. To live like everyone else.

Creed pressed his face against Train's hair, breathing in his beloved as he squeezed the sleeping man in his arms.

You want to be human… and what's more human than legalizing our partnership?

Feeling more upbeat about the upcoming evening, Creed smiled broadly and kissed Train again. "It'll be great, my love. I know it will be."

And if not… at least we'll get to enjoy the weekend together. Some time alone to relax before we face the Apostles.

Nodding firmly, Creed rested his face against Train's hair. "Right. The weekend will go on exactly as I have planned. Gotta burn all this money somehow, right? What better way than showering you with love, my sweet Kitten?"

Creed continued smiling as he ran his hands all over Train's face. When he received his first check for running the music school, he nearly passed out from the amount of money he'd be making on a monthly basis.

With how much the business was worth, he was positive he'd be able to travel the world with Train just as his cat wanted. Even after paying Sergey, Francisco, and Dae the money he felt they were owed for running the business for a little while, there was still so much left.

I even offered some to Sven, but he refused. He asked me to just pay for a few months worth of groceries and rent, but other than that he wouldn't take a dime.

Creed hadn't told Train about the money yet mostly because they hadn't had the time for niceties like that. Which was yet another reason he made sure to put time aside that weekend to spend with his lover.

Between tending to Train's emotional and mental state, preparing for the final fight with the Apostles, working with Chronos on meeting up with E, and moving out of the sweeper hideout, there had barely been time to breathe let alone tell his partner about all the money he suddenly found himself doused with.

We need this weekend to decompress and get us in the right mindset. I know it may seem strange to everyone else for us to take this time to ourselves with the boss fight just around the corner, but I think the timing couldn't be better. We both need this.

Train didn't know about the getaway weekend. All he knew was that they were going to train later that evening, and they had to start packing their stuff at the sweeper house to bring it to their new home. That was why they were at the hideout instead of the music school at the moment, and that's all his cat thought they were doing that weekend.

Creed smiled at his own deception.

Just wait 'til he sees what else I have in store for him...

He kissed Train's head again and tucked a few strands of hair behind his ear. It was true that last night was most likely going to be their final evening with their sweeper friends, and as bittersweet as the feeling was, Creed couldn't wait to finally live alone with his beloved. It was the beginning of the life Creed had been looking forward to since the day he met Train.

I'll miss Sven, Eve, and even Kyoko a bit, but they understand why we want to do this. And Aimee is excited as well. Dae is helping her take all her and Anastasia's stuff out of the school right now. She said other than the furniture, it'll be ready for us to move in by Monday.

Creed knew they had the girl's blessings in regards to moving into her old home, but he didn't expect her to be so enthusiastic about it. But, he had a feeling it had to do with how happy her mother was when Creed and Train got back together.

Aimee probably knew how elated Anastasia would have been to see them taking the next step in their relationship, which was all the strength she needed to move on with her own life by packing up her mother's belongings.

Dae has enough room in her house for all of Aimee's and Anastasia's things, and she'll be happy there. It'll be good for her to be in a new environment. Just like me and Train.

Creed looked around their room and mentally counted the boxes that were stacked against the walls. They didn't own a lot, but it was still enough to require a few boxes and possibly even a few trips between the residences.

Actually, it looks like we're almost done. Just a few more things and that'll be it!

They were leaving all the furniture there since they wouldn't need it at the school, but between Creed's painting and music supplies, they had enough belongings to warrant putting a day or two aside to pack. Especially since all of his stuff was fragile and required more time to properly pack.

Train doesn't own much, so he was done in a few hours, but with the way he so carelessly packs, I don't feel like I can trust him to pack up my stuff as well.

When Train finished boxing up his belongings, the impatient cat asked Creed what else he could do to speed up the process. However, when the swordsman saw the state of his things, he declined his beloved's help and told him not to worry about it.

When Train protested, Creed told him to pack a separate bag for the weekend, but the gunman believed it was so they could spend a few days at the music school to see how they felt before finally moving out. But, the truth of the situation was Creed was taking him on a romantic mini-vacation as a last hurrah before buckling down to prepare for the final battle.

With how fast he packs, he'll be done with a weekend bag in a few minutes, and I'll probably still be out finishing my errand. I wonder if Eve can distract him for a bit.

A bit of his nerves returned as he stared at his Kitten and thought of the weekend plans which gave him the urge to check his phone again. He sighed in exacerbation when he saw a message from Sephiria, completely forgetting about their other less entertaining errand.

"Dammit…"

I totally forgot about the doctor stopping by… And they're on their way now… Shit!

Feeling a bit panicked, Creed opened his email and checked his spam folder to see if the message he had been waiting for got sent there by mistake. If Sephiria was on her way over at that precise moment, he needed to complete his more important errand before she got there.

The last thing I need is to have Train waiting in the car for me while I pick up what I need to pick up. That'll give away the surprise.

Creed chuckled at himself as he glanced at his partner.

Actually… he'd probably still be clueless. Train can be so oblivious sometimes.

The silverette kissed his beloved's head again as the gunman mumbled more in his sleep, then looked back at his phone. His heart stopped and his eyes widened at the email sent several hours ago that he missed.

"SHIT!"

Creed threw the blanket off and slid out of Train's arms, causing the Black Cat to moan groggily. "Whhhhhy?"

Creed pulled the blanket back over his love's naked body, hoping that would be enough to settle the cat again. "Go back to sleep, Train."

Train blinked tiredly at his lover, then smashed his head back against the pillow. "Where are you going?"

Creed made sure Train's eyes were closed as he slipped his boxers and pants on, not wanting his beloved to know he was getting ready to leave the house. "Just the bathroom."

Train moaned and pulled the blankets over his head. "Whyyyy?"

Creed chuckled and zipped his pants. "Because I'm human, and humans do that occasionally."

Train groaned and rolled away from his partner. "Don't wake me when you come back in…"

Creed smiled warmly at his love as he slipped his shirt on. "I wouldn't dream of it, Train."

Creed heard Train make a pleasant noise when he kissed the cat behind the blankets, then stepped around the bed and towards the door. He bent down to pick up his shoes, then placed his hand on the doorknob as he looked over his shoulder at his Kitten.

"Love you."

Train mumbled something Creed could only assume were words returning his affections, and he blew the Black Cat a kiss before turning the knob and stepping out of their room. As he made his way down the hall towards the common room, he skipped a little so he could put his shoes on while he walked. If he wanted to get back before Chronos got there, he had to move fast.

Which means I won't have time to take the bus. I'll have to get Sven to drive me.

"Yo, Creed. Where you going?"

Creed leaned on the wall to adjust his shoes. "You'll find out when you come with me."

Sven blinked in confusion. "What? Why?"

Creed lifted one of his feet to fix his shoe. "Because I don't have time to take the bus."

Sven rolled his eyes and turned back to the newspaper he was holding. "You really need to learn how to drive…"

Creed frowned and stood up straight. "And when would I have time for that, Sven?"

Sven sighed. "I meant after everything's done. I'm getting sick of being your chauffeur. Why can't Train take you?

Creed glanced over his shoulder at the room he just left. "Because he's still sleeping."

Sven made an annoyed noise and looked at the silverette. "Then wake his ass up and tell him to take you! Isn't it more his responsibility than mine to drive you around?"

Creed rolled his eyes and stepped into the room. "Are you insinuating that because Train sleeps with me, that means he also is in charge of my day-to-day transportation?"

Sven nodded and turned back to his paper. "Yes, that's exactly what I'm saying. How'd you even get your sweeper license without a driver's license?"

"They accept any form of photo ID, Sven. Even a library card." The new voice came from Eve who was standing in the doorway of the kitchen, mixing a bowl of eggs as she eyed the men. "I'm surprised you didn't know that, Sven."

Sven didn't bother looking at the girl as he turned a page in his paper. "I did… Still doesn't make it excusable that he's a man almost in his late twenties and doesn't have a driver's license."

Eve rolled her eyes. "Plenty of people in the city don't have a driver's license. Not when there's public transportation at every corner. Kyoko doesn't either."

Sven nodded. "Yes, but we're far enough away from the city that a driver's license is required. Also, Kyoko's only nineteen, so it's not as strange for her not to have it yet."

Eve frowned at the man. "I disagree. There's a bus route that passes right by the house. He could just use that to get into the city."

Sven glared at the girl. "You always defend him…"

Eve shrugged her shoulder and stepped back into the kitchen. "I'm just stating facts, Sven."

Sven turned his glare from Eve to Creed who was smirking. "You heard Eve. Take a bus into the city. Why do you need me?"

Creed sighed. "Because that takes too much time and Sephiria is on her way with the doctor and the x-rays right now."

Sven blinked at the man. "That sounds more important than whatever errand you need to run. Why not just do it after they leave?"

Again, Creed sighed. "Because Train will be awake by then and he can't take me."

Sven was slowly getting more irritated with the man's vagueness. "Why?"

Creed rested his face in his hands. "Because… He just can't."

Sven looked the man up and down, then turned back to his paper. "Sorry, but I'm going to need more to go on than that. Besides, parking in the city is a nightmare. I don't feel like wasting my whole morning doing that."

Creed sighed and walked up behind the older man and yanked the paper out of his hand. "I'll pay for the gas and parking. Just take me." Seeing the man was about to scold him for taking the paper away, the silver man put up a hand to stop him. "I'll explain on the way there the real reason Train can't take me. Just please, give me a ride. Think of it as the last thing you'll do for me as a roommate."

Sven frowned, remembering how he and Train explained to them their plans to move out. With another sigh, the older sweeper stood up and walked toward his room. "Fine, I'll get my keys. But this better be quick."

Creed beamed at his friend. "It will be because it has to be!"

Sven brushed the man's words aside as he walked down the hall. "You better have a good reason for not making Train take you!"

Creed smiled at the man's back as he spoke. "I do, trust me!"

"What's the reason Train can't take you?"

Creed turned back around to see Eve was giving him a curious look, still mixing the eggs in the bowl she was holding. The swordsman stared at her for a second, debating whether or not he should tell her what he had planned for Train that weekend.

I do trust Eve almost as much as I trust Train… If I can't tell her, how can I tell Train?

He also thought it might have been a good opportunity to get another person's opinion on whether or not he was completely out of his gourd for even thinking about taking that step with Train.

And if there's anyone who would tell me the truth, it's Eve.

Creed looked over his shoulder towards the room Train was sleeping in, then grabbed Eve's elbow and led her back into the kitchen. He didn't want his love to wake up and hear what he was about to say.

Once they were in the kitchen, Eve blinked up at the taller man in confusion, not sure why he suddenly looked so nervous and began to worry a little.

"Creed, what's-"

"-I'm going to propose to Train this weekend. Sven's going to take me to get the rings."

Eve's eyes widened and she fumbled with the bowl in her arms, nearly dropping it as she tried to comprehend what Creed just said to her. Once she had it settled again, she stared up at Creed, opening and closing her mouth a few times before responding to his statement.

"Wh-what…?!"

Creed frowned deeply at the girl, his heart sinking at the abysmal look Eve was giving him. "Do you… think it's a bad idea?"

Eve opened and closed her mouth again, gawking at Creed like a fish, and wondered if she had turned into one since she felt very much like her head was swimming in water. "I, um… I…"

…I don't know if it's a bad idea or not. Isn't that what adults do when they love each other?

Eve understood how normal relationships worked, but she didn't think Creed and Train's relationship was normal. Because of who they were and what their pasts were, they really couldn't be a normal couple. As much as Eve supported their relationship and as happy as she was for the men for taking the next step and moving out together, no one could deny their coupling was atypical, so something like marriage sounded a bit… strange.

I guess with everything we've been through and how chaotic our life is, the idea of Train and Creed getting married never occurred to me. I don't think it's occurred to anyone. Well, except obviously Creed…

Seeing the hopeful look in Creed's eyes, Eve knew the man wanted her to give him a response.

I've learned a lot about how the world worlds and how people interact with each other, but… this feels like a ticking time bomb. Especially if I don't tell him what he wants to hear.

Eve opened her mouth again, then shut it quickly when she realized she wasn't ready to talk. Creed saw the girl's hesitancy and sighed dejectedly, leaning sluggishly against the wall as he slowly slumped forward.

"I know it… It's a stupid idea… I should just forget about it, right?" He rubbed his eyes as he spoke, feeling more and more self hatred surface the more he thought about his dumb idea.

Eve watched as the man slowly fell apart in front of her and frowned.

Like I said, ticking time bomb.

Feeling pity for him, she opened her mouth to comfort Creed, only to be interrupted when the swordsman spoke again.

"I was joking all those other times I brought it up with Train before, but… I don't know, I just thought we deserved a happy ending to this wretched story we've found ourselves forcibly woven in…"

Eve shut her mouth quickly when he said that, his word making absolutely sense to her and slowly changing her mind.

That's… a good point. Everyone else gets to be happy, why can't they? Actually, scratch that, they deserve happiness more than anyone else.

After everything Creed and Train had been through, after all the pain and torment they had endured and still managed to come out the other side as madly in love as they were, Eve agreed they deserved whatever peaceful ending they wanted. Whether it be to travel the world together, moving into a place of their own, getting married, or all three, who was she to say it was an outlandish ending?

They've lived their whole lives under constant stress and danger. They've earned a peaceful finale to their tortuous life.

Eve smiled at the man, then held the bowl in one hand so she could gently tap Creed's arm with the other. "I think it's a great idea, Creed."

Creed's entire demeanor changed in an instant as he smiled brightly at the girl, standing up straight and taking a tight hold of her petite hand. "Really?!"

Eve nodded. "Really. You're right. You and Train deserve to be happy just like everyone else. Probably more than everyone else."

Creed felt a single tear fall from his eye as he pressed his forehead against the bio-girl's hand. "Thank you, Eve… You have no idea how much it means to hear that from you…"

Eve took her hand back when Creed released it and continued mixing the eggs. "How does Train feel about it?"

Creed blinked in confusion at her. "I thought I made it obvious that it was a surprise for him. That's why he can't drive me."

Eve frowned slightly, feeling a bit of her concern about the manner resurfacing. "Oh…"

Creed felt his heart drop to the floor once again. "'Oh'? What do you mean by, 'Oh'?"

Eve sighed and set the bowl on the counter as she took out a frying pan from the cabinets above her. "It's just… Train is a really free spirited person. You don't think he'll view something like marriage as something that would tie him down for the rest of his life?"

Creed blinked at the girl, his ears ringing as he absorbed her words. "I… didn't think of that…"

Train has said many times he wants to spend the rest of his life with me, so it never occurred to me he might be against marriage because it ties you down for life. But…

"...If Train doesn't want to be tied down for the rest of his life, all he has to do is say no. I'll still love him and stay with him even if he doesn't want to get married."

And if he does say no, I'll just pray it doesn't change his mind about spending eternity with me…

Eve saw the sadness in her friend's face, and sighed. "If Train really wants to spend the rest of his life with you, then I don't see why marriage would be out of the question. The legality of the relationship doesn't change the emotional aspect of it, right?"

Creed nodded and gave her a small smile. "Right."

Eve poured some of the eggs into the pan. "I think if it's something you feel strongly about, then you should do it. And no matter what Train's response is, I'm positive it won't change how he feels about you."

Creed sighed in relief, feeling much better about his decision and peaked out of the kitchen to see where Sven was.

What the hell is taking him so long? I thought he wanted to be quick.

"Creed…?" Eve's voice was

"Hm?" Creed kept his eyes on the doorway.

"Has…. Train said anything more about removing the Nanomachines…? He seems like he's emotionally ready to go through the process, and I've been waiting to tell you that if he doesn't soon, he could-"

"-There you are! Come on, let's go!"

Eve watched as Sven stepped into the kitchen to retrieve Creed, but was quickly pulled towards the door by the impatient silver man. Creed ignored Sven's pleas for him to slow down as he shouted another respond to Eve.

"Now that you know what I'm doing, could you do me a favor and keep Train distracted until I get back? I don't want him to question where I am. Thanks!"

Eve opened her mouth to stop the man, but Creed shut the front door behind them before she could. She sighed and lowered her head into her hands, regretting how long she put off having that conversation.

I should have said something sooner…

While she knew she was partially to blame for not bringing it up when she first realized it, she was also aware there hadn't been any opportunities to talk to Creed about it. If they weren't at the music school running the business, they were meeting with Sephiria about their plans with the Apostles, or helping Train work through his personal issues.

They've barely been around, and Creed is almost never in a position to answer his phone or have a conversation for more than five minutes.

Eve pulled her face out of her hands as she stared at the front door the men just left through.

With Sephiria coming with the doctor and them leaving for the weekend, I don't know if I'll get a chance to do it any time soon…

Added to that, Eve wasn't sure if telling Creed her dark news before he proposed to Train was the best idea. He was clearly stressed enough about popping the question as it was, she didn't want to add the fact his future fiance may be stuck with the Nanomachines for the rest of his life.

And judging by the way he was acting just now, I'm not sure he'd even listen to me. And if he did, he might not be in the right mindset to absorb the information.

Creed very much appeared to be on edge, so Eve wasn't sure he'd be able to fully comprehend the seriousness of her news. She wanted to have a real conversation with him about Train's Nanomachines, and she didn't think grabbing the man for a quick aside would have been enough to convey the severity of the worry she had.

How long has it been since he was injected with the Nanomachines? Just a little over three weeks?

Eve turned back to the eggs she was cooking and tried to work out in her head how much longer she thought Train had until they were fully immersed with his body.

Considering he wasn't born with them and that Doctor only injected a small portion into his body… he'll probably be okay at least until they come back from their little vacation.

She frowned at the frying pan, barely paying attention to the eggs as she thought about the cat and his lover.

It might be hard to remove them… but I still can. If that's really what Train wants, I can do it. And I'll do it when they come back. I don't want to ruin the romantic weekend Creed has planned. They need the break.

When Creed told them they were going away for the weekend, Sven protested the idea, saying now wasn't the time to be taking a vacation, but Eve was all for it. She knew they were both under a lot of stress and barely had time to reconnect with one another since they rescued Train, and a weekend alone sounded exactly like what they needed to clear their heads and relax. While Sven may not have been fully on board, Eve was which meant they, once again, outnumbered the older man. Much to his dismay.

Besides, it's not Sven's business anyway. They're adults, they can do what they want.

She smiled a little as she remembered the argument she and Creed had with the older man, giggling slightly at the defeated look he took on when he begrudgingly agreed it might have been good for the men to get away from the chaos for a couple of days. Train wasn't there for the fight since the vacation was a surprise for him, but Eve knew he would have agreed with her and Creed.

I think it'll be especially good for Train. They'll both come back with a clear head and cleansed heart… And hopefully they'll come back more than just lover's.

She smirked a little as another thought occurred to her. Now that she knew the real reason behind Creed's weekend plans and why he was so adamant about them, she couldn't stop thinking about the couple coming back as more than what they currently were. It may have been a strange thing to think about at first, but now she couldn't stop smiling at the sweetness of Creed's proposal.

Train can think of me removing the Nanomachines as an engagement present.

"Where is everyone?"

Eve looked at the entrance to the kitchen, seeing Train rubbing his eyes and leaning against the doorframe. She turned back to the stove and shrugged. "Kyoko is still sleeping, as usual. As for Creed and Sven, I don't know. What do I look like, their keeper?"

Train frowned and stepped into the kitchen. "Jeeze, you're extra saucy this morning. What's wrong? Sad to see me and Creed go?"

Eve rolled her eyes. "Creed, yes. You, not so much."

Train stuck his tongue out at her as he took a seat at the table. "But really, where are they? Isn't Sephiria supposed to be stopping by with the doctor and Creed's x-rays today?"

Eve nodded. "Yes. Creed said she was on her way over before he left."

Train blinked in confusion. "And he still decided to leave?"

Eve shrugged again. "I guess so. Maybe he knew he could make it back before they arrived."

Train frowned and rested his head on the table, still feeling tired despite being able to sleep in. "He has to rely on public transportation which means it takes him twice as long to get anywhere without someone driving him."

"Sven drove him."

Train lifted his head slightly as he stared at Eve's back. "Seriously? Sven hates driving him around. How'd he convince him to do that?"

Eve sighed. "I have no idea. Why do you assume I know so much?"

Train narrowed his eyes at the girl. "Because you're supposed to be smart. Also, I can tell you're being purposefully vague…"

Eve was happy her back was facing the cat, since she could tell she was making a face. The older she got, the more her emotions started to show, and she really didn't want Train to figure out where Creed really was just because he was able to read a look on her face.

Creed said Train didn't know about it, and I need to keep it that way.

"Don't you have more packing to do?"

Train sighed and banged his forehead on the table. "No… I finished boxing up all my stuff, and the weekend bag he told me to pack, but Creed won't let me pack his things."

Eve removed the pan from the stove and turned around to face Train. "Not even if I help you?"

Train turned his head so he could face the girl, but kept his cheek flush with the table. "Maybe… But first, food please!"

Eve rolled her eyes and turned back to the pan, picked it up, and faced the cat once again. Seeing the cheeky grin on his face and the hopeful look in his eyes, Eve extended the arm she was holding the pan in, then slammed in on the table in front of Train, making the eggs jump up, out, and all over the table.

Train yelped and scooted his chair away a little, blinking at the spilled eggs, then at the girl. "What was that for?!"

Eve turned back around and started cleaning the dishes. "I'm not Creed, I won't wait on you hand a foot. He spoils you too much. You need to start doing things on your own."

Train frowned at the girl. "So cruel… I thought you'd be nice to me considering this might be our last day here."

Eve rolled her eyes again. "Like I said, I'll miss Creed. Frankly, I can't wait for you to leave."

Train pouted as he activated his Nanomachines to create his Cat Claws. "So cruel, Lil' Princess…"

Eve looked over her shoulder at the Black Cat and frowned as she watched the man poke at the eggs scattered around the table with his Nano-created claws.

Maybe I should bring it up with Train… I know I wanted to talk to Creed first, but considering Train is sitting here right in front of me using his Nanomachines, this might be the best time to bring it up.

"You… seem to be enjoying your Nanomachines, Train…"

Train shrugged as he shoved eggs into his mouth. "I guess. They're kind of fun to use to mess with Creed. And I'm starting to see the benefit of keeping them over removing them. At least until after the fight with the Apostles."

Eve froze and blinked in shock at that comment. "What?"

Train stabbed more eggs onto his claws. "I mean… Am I wrong? Not only do I have these claws, but with the Nanomachines and the Tao healing me, I'll be unstoppable.

He paused so he could eat eggs on his claw, then continued. "Do you think I can heal people with my bots like you?"

Eve smiled a little, starting to feel less guilty about not bringing up removing them sooner. "Actually, yes. I think you can."

Train punched the air with his empty hand in excitement. "That's awesome!"

Eve's smile grew as her heart became lighter. "Yes. I can show you how to do that if you want."

Train smiled merrily at her as he lifted his hand up to extend his claws a bit more. "I think that's a great idea. They could be useful for the fight against the Apostles in more ways than one."

When he saw his fingers tangling together, he frowned and cursed quietly to himself. "That is… if I can figure out how to use them properly…"

Eve chuckled a little and approached the cat. "I can help you with the transformative Nanomachines and the healing ones. Just let me know when you're ready."

Train punched the table, causing a few of the eggs on it to fall to the ground. "I'm ready now!"

Eve rolled her eyes as she scooped some eggs onto a plate for herself. "No, you're not. You need to train with Creed first, remember?"

Train frowned and lowered his head. "Yeah… I guess…"

Eve gave the man a curious look as she sat down. "I thought you were looking forward to training with Creed."

Train sighed and lifted his head, going back to stabbing eggs at random and eating them lazily. "I am, I just wish he'd trust me to train on my own. I hate feeling like he's my babysitter."

Eve smiled coyly. "Trust me, we all know he's more than that… And he'll hopefully be even more soon."

Train gave tilted his head in confusion at her. "What does that mean?"

Eve brushed his words aside and turned her hand into a fork so she could eat as well. "Nothing. So, if you want to train with the Nanomachines, does that mean you don't want to get rid of them after all?"

Train sighed and shrugged. "I… actually don't think I know anymore. Like I said before, I'm starting to see their value more than their curse. I thought I would feel like I'm not human with them, but I haven't. Plus, I know how strong you are and I've seen what you can do with them. Maybe it won't be so bad to hold onto them for a bit longer."

Eve felt herself blush a little at the cat's compliment. "You… think I'm strong?"

Train cocked an eyebrow at her. "Of course I do. Did you not think I did?"

Eve looked away from Train and focused on her breakfast. "It's not that I didn't, it's just…"

It's nice to hear him acknowledge that he respects my strength…

Train stared at the girl for a minute, then smiled and flicked an egg at her. "You're strong, Eve. One of the strongest people I know, and that's saying something considering the people I know. And with every passing day, you get stronger."

He smirked as Eve brushed the egg he threw at her out of her hair. "Don't ever doubt how strong you are or how much we value having you. We need you, Lil' Princess."

Eve pouted at the egg stuck in her hair, then smiled slightly at Train's words. "Thank you, Train…"

Train gave her a cheeky smile as he continued stabbing and consuming the eggs.

Eve watched him for a few seconds, then asked another question. "Train… How would you feel if you had to live with the Nanomachines for the rest of your life?"

Train had his mouth open when she spoke, but closed it and frowned. "What do you mean?"

Eve sighed, trying to think of how she could word her statement without making Train worry.

I know he likes it when people are blunt, but bluntness doesn't work on him right now. He needs to be in more control of his emotions before I can dump a load of harsh reality on him.

"I mean… If something were to happen, like… if I wasn't able to remove the Nanomachines… How would you feel about that?"

Train blinked at her a few times as he thought about what she said. "Huh… Never thought about that possibility." He gave her a curious look. "Are you saying you don't know if you can remove them?"

Eve shook her head. "No, that's not what I'm saying, I just…"

Careful with your words. We're still finding what sets him off, and you can't calm him down without Creed.

She sighed and rubbed her forehead. "...It's a hypothetical situation, and I'm just wondering how it makes you feel."

The bio-girl knew it was a weak excuse, but considering Train didn't read too much into anything almost anyone said, she was pretty sure he wouldn't think too much about why she was asking these questions.

Train frowned and scratched his head with his Cat Claws. "I guess… it wouldn't be too bad…"

Eve felt a bit hopeful when he said that. "Really?"

Train shrugged. "I think so… I mean, like I said before, I don't feel any less human. Creed still loves me, and you guys don't see me as anything less than human with them, right?"

Eve rolled her eyes. "Who am I to judge someone's humanity based on what's in their body?"

Train smiled nervously when he realized the ignorance in his comment. "Sorry… Guess that was a poor choice of words."

Eve shook her head. "No, I understand what you mean. And you're right, none of us see you as anything less than human, and you know there isn't anything you can do or turn into that would make Creed stop loving you."

Train's nervous smile turned into a warm one. "True… So, I guess if I had to be stuck with them for the rest of my life… I'd… be okay with it."

Eve sighed quietly. "Good to know…"

Train felt a bit uneasy about her comment and was about to question her further when they heard a knock at the door, followed quickly by a rude entrance. He turned around in his chair to see who it was and rolled his eyes at the woman stepping through the door.

"Ever heard of knocking, Sephiria?"

Sephiria gave the cat a stern look. "I did knock."

Train sighed and turned back to his eggs. "Yeah, but you gave us no time to answer."

Sephiria brushed his words aside as she stepped into the hideout. "I fail to see how your sluggishness is my problem, Heartnet."

Train turned around to face her again so he could turn his Cat Claws into the shape of a heart and wink at her. When he did, he saw the doctor, Belize, and Lin enter behind the woman. Number X was chuckling at the cat's hand gesture, the doctor rolling his eyes and smirking ever so slightly, and Number II completely ignoring the gunman's childish antics.

As soon as Train saw the doctor, he stood up and walked over to him. "Where are the x-rays?"

Sephiria sighed and scanned the house. "Where's Diskenth?"

Train pouted and lowered his expectant hand. "I asked first…"

Sephiria narrowed her eyes at Train. "I outrank you."

Train copied her expression. "You're not my supervisor!"

Again, Lin laughed which made Sephiria give him a stern look before she turned back to the cat. "Legally speaking, we can only share these results with Creed. You aren't related to him and you aren't married."

"At least not yet they're not."

Train turned to give Eve a strange look as the girl exited the kitchen with a plate of half eaten eggs still in her hands. The girl ignored the golden man's confused look and addressed Sephiria. "Creed's out."

Sephiria sighed. "I can see that, but where is he? Why would he leave when he knew we were on our way?"

Train turned his confused eyes on Sephiria. "He knew you were on your way?"

Sephiria nodded. "He should have. I sent him a message."

Train sighed and jumped over the couch to sit on it, Lin sliding in next to him and beaming merrily. "Why didn't you message me as well?"

Sephiria walked towards the dining room table and took a seat in the chair closest to the couch. "Again, because legally speaking, we need to show the test results to Creed."

Train rolled his eyes and put his arms on the back of the couch and threw his head back. "Come on, Sephiria! You and I both know that's a lame ass excuse! Chronos is above the law, which means you can tell me what his results are without him."

Sephiria glanced at the doctor who shrugged his shoulders, since he took orders from her. With a frown, she turned back to Train. "When will he be back?"

Train groaned and rolled his head around. "I don't know! What do I look like, his keeper?"

Eve gave the cat a small glare for taking her sarcastic joke from earlier, which earned her a wink from the gunman.

Sephiria ignored both of them in favor of responding to Train's hypothetical question. "Years ago, that might have been true, but as of late, I would say it's the other way around."

Train brought his head up, giving the woman a shocked look. "How dare you belittle me like that! And in my own home!"

"It won't be your home for much longer, Train." Eve's comment was dry as she took a seat at the dining table with Number One.

"Are you moving?" Lin asked, giving his Sweetness a cute, but curious look as he spoke.

Train grimaced at his comment, giving the bio-girl a glare who obstinately ignored his look, making it clear to the cat that she intended on putting him in that awkward situation with Lin.

She knows I haven't told him I'm moving out with Creed yet and I'm positive this is her, once again, messing with me. But, did she really have to do it in front of Sephiria?

Train sighed and ran his fingers through his hair, deciding that maybe having Sephiria there was the best time to bring it up. "Yeah… But, not Sven, Eve, or Kyoko…"

Lin blinked innocently at his ex-lover, then noticed the sympathetic look in Train's eyes and realized what he was implying. "Oh… You mean you and Creed are…"

Train leaned forward, not looking at the man as he spoke. "Yeah. We're moving into the music school. We… might not stay in one place for too long after we deal with the Apostles either…"

Lin felt himself beginning to shake, then rubbed the palms of his hands on his thighs. "I see…"

Train gave the number a warm smile and squeezed his knee tenderly. "We'll still see each other all the time. You know my Tao allows me to move quickly, and I'll make sure to come visit you no matter where we are. Remember what I told you?"

Lin smiled a little, quickly brushing away a single tear from his eye as he nodded and placed his hand on top of Train's. "...You never want me out of your life. I know, Train. I know…"

He also knew he had no right to be upset at Train taking that step with Creed, but he couldn't help the fiery pain bursting in his chest. There was still always a small glimmer of hope residing deep inside him that prayed Train would one day return to him, but hearing that news from his Sweetness poured even more water on the powerful flame he still held for the Black Cat.

This doesn't change anything. I still love Train, but Train still loves Creed. This doesn't mean they're any closer or farther part, just taking the next natural steps that lovers take.

He gave Train a wistful look out of the corner of his eyes.

He isn't mine, and he never will be. I need to accept that and be happy for him. For them both.

Lin squeezed Train's hand and gave him a warm smile. "I'm… happy for you both, Train."

Train smiled in return and squeezed the number's hand as well. "Thank you, Lin."

I can tell he's hurt, but it's comforting to know we have his blessings.

Train knew whether he had Lin's blessings or not wasn't going to change the decision he made. The only reason he told his ex-lover about his new living situation was because he wanted to be sensitive to his feelings.

Train reached out and brushed away another tear from Lin's eye, then turned back to Sephiria. "So, knowing that, will you tell me Creed's results?"

Sephiria gave Train another steely look. "Does moving in together mean you're getting married?"

Train frowned at her expression, then blinked in confusion at Eve's smirk. "No… But, it should count for something, right?"

Sephiria shook her head. "No. It doesn't. I know this is hard for you to understand, but I'm following the rules. We will wait for Creed."

Train made a loud, annoyed noise and flailed on the couch. "UUUUGH! I know you're just doing this to piss me off, Sephiria!"

Sephiria shrugged and looked away. "I have no idea what you're talking about." She ignored Train's childish glare. "Doesn't Creed always tell you where he is? Why don't you know?"

Train slumped on the arm of the couch as he stared at his former leader. "Yeah… And that's a good question. I don't know why he didn't tell me. When he woke up, all he said was he was going to the bathroom, then our Lil' Princess over there informed me he and Sven stepped out."

Sephiria turned her attention to the bio-girl whose body was turned away from the group as she gently dabbed her mouth with a napkin. "Care to enlighten us on where they went?"

Eve shrugged. "They didn't say. They just said they wouldn't be long."

Sephiria gave the girl a skeptical look, since it was clear she wasn't telling the truth. However, just as she opened her mouth to push Eve for answers, she heard Lin make a distressed yelp. But, hen she saw what was happening, she rolled her eyes and turned her attention to the doctor and Eve, changing the subject to the workings of Nanomachines since she knew the men on the couch were going to be awhile.

It seems as though the Black Cat's boredom has gotten the better of him yet again… Faster than usual this time. Oh well. I'm sure Lin can handle him. In fact, he'll probably enjoy Hearntnet's undivided attention.

She completely ignored her subordinates screams in favor of the bio-girl, the doctor, and her second in command.

"TRAIN, WHAT ARE YOU DOING?! STOP IT!"

Train snickered as he held onto Lin's face and hovered his Cat Claws towards the shorter man's bangs. "I'm giving you a haircut! You can't possibly see under that mess you call hair!"

Lin glared at his Sweetness and took a tight hold of each of his wrists. "Who are you to judge what's considered a mess or even what's considered hair?!"

Train pouted and clutched his own hair. "Are you saying you don't like my hair?"

Lin glared at Train as he tried to fix his bangs. "Your cuteness won't work on me this time, Train! My hair is too important to me!"

Train's pout deepened as he leaned close to Lin's face. "More important than me?!"

Lin blushed at the closeness, but kept his glare strong as he pushed Train's face away. "Stop with the puppy dog eyes! I told you it won't work."

Train laughed and grabbed the man's face with one hand, squishing his cheeks together slightly. "I'm just trying to help you, Lin! Wouldn't you hate to miss one of the Apostles' attacks because you couldn't see behind your bangs?"

Lin squeaked as Train brought his Nanomachine claws closer and struggled against his hold. Normally, Train's touch was something to be coveted, but right now he could only think about the cat mangling his precious hair. "I can see just fine! And even if I wanted to cut it, I can do it myself! I don't need some half-witted cat who barely has control of his powers to do it for me!"

Train gasped in offense. "How rude?! You're being rude today. Must be the hair. Don't worry, I'll fix it!"

"NO, TRAIN!"

As Lin struggled against the cat, not sure why no one was helping him or why Train suddenly decided to start annoying him anyway, and soon found he wouldn't be able to out muscle the larger man. Lin was strong, but Train was stronger and simply had more mass than the smaller man. If he wanted, Train could pin Lin down and do whatever he wanted to him.

And he has before… And oh GOD do I want him to do it again!

Lin felt himself beginning to relax as he thought about Train pinning him down, his lustful side taking over for a moment as the Black Cat's claws inched closer to his face. However, he was able to throw himself from his lewd thoughts long enough to poke the spot Sergey told him the cat was ticklish.

Train squeaked and pulled away, grabbing his sides and staring at the man in shock, then looked around the room to see if anyone else noticed. The other occupants in the room seemed to be busy discussing something different, which relieved Train.

However, it seemed in his desperation to make sure no one saw his weakness, Lin managed to push the cat's back against the couch and slithered his fingers against his sides.

Train covered his mouth to stop himself from laughing since he knew that would bring everyone's attention to him, then glared at the number. Lin simply smirked and continued tickling the cat, his heart fluttering in his chest at the cute way the Black Cat struggled and released muffled giggles behind his hand.

Oh my God, he's so cute! It's simply not fair Creed won't even share!

Noticing there was still no one paying attention to them and he might never get another chance at tickling his Sweetness, Lin upped the ante a little by stradling the cat's waist and pushing down more forcefully with his hands. Train was too busy making sure he kept his mouth covered that he didn't bother to stop Lin, but the look on his face let the number know his ex-lover was not happy with him.

Don't care! This is far too cute to pass up! And the look on his face is priceless!

As Lin tickled Train, the gunman kept looking back to make sure no one saw his secret shame, too preoccupied with his fear of someone else learning his was ticklish and using it against him in the future to properly fend off the small man on top of him. He didn't know how Lin found out about his ticklish nature, but he knew whoever told him was going to pay. However, as far as he knew, Creed was the only one who knew, and there was no way his partner would share such an intimate thing about him with anyone let alone his former lover.

Who the hell else knows?! I'll kill them!

Finally, Train managed to slip one hand away from his mouth and grabbed both of Lin's wrists. He pushed them away from his body, then he removed his other hand from his face and shoved Lin off him, pinning him against the other side of the couch to make sure he didn't attack him again.

Glaring harshly at the blushing number's smirking face, Train spoke in a hushed, angry whisper. "Who told you?!"

Lin was trying to ignore the heat rising in his body at their suggestive position, and he concentrated on making sure his voice didn't shake. "I'll give you three guesses, and the first two don't count."

Train blinked a few times, then widened his eyes and mouth as a memory resurfaced. "That Russian bastard…!"

"Oh my, it certainly looks like I picked a good time to come home. Are you in need of rescuing, my Dear Train?"

Both Lin and Train's eyes shot to the front door in which Creed stood in, the silver man giving them an indiscernible smirk as he eyed the men's position on the couch. Sven stood behind him, bag in hand and seemingly not noticing Lin or Train as he scanned the room for someone else. His face looked as though he had just seen a ghost, which would have sparked curiosity in Train's mind if it wasn't for the fact he just realized how he was situated on top of Lin.

As soon as Sven's eyes fell on Eve, they shared a knowing look, the girl's eyes more settled than Sven's as she stood and approached her guardian. They had a silent agreement with one another, and Eve took the bag from Sven and led him down the hall. Creed watched them walk away, making sure they had the bag before he turned back to his lover and Lin.

Seeing the look on Creed's face, Train quickly let go of Lin and leapt off the couch towards his lover, wrapping his arms around his partner's waist and pulling him in for a kiss. He was relieved to feel Creed return the kiss, but yelped when he felt the silverette pinched his rear harshly, making Train remove his arms from the slim man as he grabbed the spot he touched.

"That hurt!"

Creed rolled his eyes and pinched Train's nose as he entered the house. "That's what you get for showing affection like that to anyone other than me."

As he sauntered into the room, he gave Lin a weary look, noticing the man was doing his best to hide the bulge between his legs and making sure to avoid eye contact with Creed. The swordsman smirked and walked over to the flustered number, placing a hand on his head to get the smaller man's attention.

Lin jumped and looked up at Creed, having the audacity to give the taller man a bashful look as he smiled awkwardly. "G-Good to see you, Creed…"

Creed rolled his eyes and smiled devilishly at the number. "You sure about that? The physical alteration of your body seems to suggest otherwise. Don't think I didn't notice."

Lin crossed his legs quickly, pulling his head out of Creed's hand as he stared at the ground in shame.

So embarrassing! God, what the hell is wrong with me?!

When he glanced at the pouting Black Cat who was still rubbing his behind, he felt the heat between his legs rise again and he looked away.

STOP WITH THE DIRTY THOUGHT, YOU PERVERT! He belongs to someone else! And you promised you'd be more respectful of their relationship.

Creed, either sensing his dilemma of trying to get his body to listen to his head, or wanting to cause him some form of harm for what he did to Train, smacked him upside the head.

"You know I don't like to share, Lin…" He glanced over his shoulder at the number as he stepped over to his beloved and took a gentle hold of his wrist.

Lin rubbed the back of his head and pouted, then sighed when he realized he got what he deserved.

Still… It wasn't all my fault. I didn't start it. I just finished it.

Lin threw a playful glare at Train who seemed to be trying to smooth things over with a very clearly not angry Creed. "Then tell your partner I don't need a haircut. Or at least he doesn't need to give me one."

Creed frowned at Lin, then turned to Train. "Train… what did you do?"

Train deepened his pout. "Nothing! I was just trying to help a friend!"

"YOU WERE NOT! YOU TRIED TO CUT MY BANGS!"

Train returned the number's glare and pointed a finger at him. "WHICH IS HELPING BECAUSE IT'LL HELP YOU SEE BETTER!"

Lin stuck his tongue out at Train, then went back to thinking every non-sexual thought he could to get his body back fully under control.

Train stuck his tongue out as well, then turned to his lover. "Sergey told him my deepest, darkest shame…"

Creed blinked, then cupped his love's cheeks. "The one he found out about at the music school?"

Train nodded and rested his head against Creed's shoulder, seeking juvenile comfort in the silver man. "Yes…"

Creed sighed and wrapped his arms around Train's head, petting his love gently as he spoke. "Shh, it's okay. I'll make sure he is properly punished the next time I see him."

Train snorted. "No, he'll enjoy that. Just give him the silent treatment. That'll drive him insane."

Creed giggled and nodded. "Good idea."

"How long were you gone, Diskenth?"

Creed turned to look at the doctor, frowning as he spoke. "Less than an hour…"

The doctor rolled his eyes. "Wow, that must have been agonizing being apart for that long. However, if you're done reuniting, I'd like to go over the results of Creed's x-rays."

Creed did not remove his hands from his beloved as he responded to the physician. "Are the results so bad that you needed to come all the way here to deliver them?"

The doctor sighed and took a seat at the table, placing the envelope on the wooden surface as he spoke. "It's protocol. I have to give you the news in person, whether it's good or bad, and I have to give it to you personally."

Train frowned as Creed kissed his head and walked away. "I thought you said you could have given it to me if we were married or related..." He glared at Number One. "...Unless you were playing some kind of stupid joke on me."

Sephiria ignored the cat's words in favor of asking Creed a question. It wasn't often she got to pull one over on Train, and she wasn't about to let him know she had a sense of humor. "Where have you been?"

Creed frowned as he took a seat next to the woman. "I had to run an errand…"

Sephiria glared at him. "Just before we got here?"

Creed glanced nervously at Train, shifting uncomfortably in his seat as he spoke. "Yes…"

Train could sense his partner's uneasiness and decided to change the subject to make him more comfortable. "Can you just tell us the results already? We need to finish packing and I want to finish that before we start training."

Sephiria sighed and nodded, gesturing for the doctor to sit with them. "Is it good news?"

The doctor nodded as he opened the envelope. "Very good news. I'm happy to report your brain injury is almost completely healed. The Tao seems to be doing its job, so you should find that your memory is almost completely back to normal."

Train howled with excitement and flew himself at Creed, wrapping his arms around his partner's neck from behind as he gushed his feelings of joy. "WOOO! THAT'S FANTASTIC!"

Creed blinked at the doctor, leaning forward slightly as Train continued hugging him. "Really?"

The doctor nodded and showed him the x-rays. "You can see for yourself. These are your old x-rays, and these are your new ones. You can see how much progress has been made, and at the rate you're healing, you should be completely back to normal in no time."

Creed lifted his head so he could see the doctor better, which was a difficult task to accomplish since his partner was still hanging on his neck. "Does that mean the headaches will stop?"

The physician nodded. "Yup. You said they were getting better, right?" Seeing the silver man nod as best he could with the Black Cat clinging to him, he smiled. "You might not notice when they're completely gone, but I promise you they will be."

Sephiria nodded, then stood up. "That's great news, thank you, doctor."

Both Train and Creed blinked in confusion as Number One and Number II walked towards the door. Train let go of Creed and watched as they walked away. "Wait, that's it? You're leaving?"

Sephiria looked over her shoulder at the men as Belze opened the door for her. "I thought you said you were busy. Are you saying you want us to stick around?"

Train frowned and scratched the back of his head. "I mean… it just seemed so pointless for you to come all this way to deliver news that could have been delivered over the phone."

Sephiria rolled her eyes. "As the doctor just said, whether it's good news or bad news, it's protocol that we deliver it in person."

The doctor stood up and slipped the x-rays back in his envelope. "I also don't think it was pointless. Good news is never pointless."

Creed watched as the doctor stood and walked to the door as well, then frowned at Sephiria. "You don't even want to talk strategy for meeting with E?"

Number One thought about that for a second, then shook her head. "No. We'll talk when you come back."

Train blinked in confusion. "Come back from where?"

Sephiria opened her mouth to speak, then saw the warning looking on Creed's face and realized Train didn't know they were going away.

Of course he didn't tell Train. He's probably got some big surprise planned for the Black Cat.

Realizing it was none of her business, she turned and stepped through the door. "We'll be in contact with you about your psyche evaluations soon. For now, rest and relax. You both deserve it."

Train was still at an utter loss as to what was going on, but Creed gave the woman a grateful smile. It seemed that she understood at least to some level why he was taking his beloved away for the weekend, and he appreciated her support.

"Number X, are you coming, or do you wish to remain here?"

Lin jumped at being addressed, only having just calmed his body down. "What do you think?"

Sephiria rolled her eyes and left the house with Belze and the doctor. "I'll send someone to get you in a few hours. Behave yourself."

Lin smirked wickedly. "I always do!"

"No you don't!" Train said as he smacked Lin in the back of the head. "When did Sergey tell you about my dark secret?!"

Lin giggled as Train glowered and put his hands up to shield him from another attack. "A little before we went to Chronos headquarters."

Train growled, stared at the man's cheeky smile for a minute then stepped away from the number and towards his room. "Keep it to yourself!"

Lin giggled as he watched Train walk away, then glanced at Creed, who was still sitting at the table, as if in shock at how quickly his doctor appointment had gone. "Hey, Creed?"

Creed jumped at his voice, then turned his head to look at him. "Yes?"

Lin sighed, then lowered his head a little.

I want to be nice to Creed… I want to get along with him. Train loves him, which means I should too, so… I should offer an olive branch at the very least. Especially after how kind he's been to me.

"Can I… help you and Train pack?"

Creed stared in shock at the man, not sure what to say for a few seconds before he smiled. "Train told you?"

Lin nodded. "Yes… and, even though it hurts I'm…" He paused, took a deep breath, then spoke again. "I'm… happy for you."

Creed gave the man a warm look, remembering how it felt to be where Lin was and widened his smile. "Thank you, Lin. And of course you can help."

Lin sighed in relief, then stood up from the couch and walked towards where he knew their room was. Creed watched him walk away, then stood to follow him. However, he stopped when Sven came out of the hallway with a more calm look on his face..

"I hid the rings where you told me to. Did Train see the bag?"

Creed smiled at his friend, then shook his head. "No. He was too distracted by Lin."

How ironic? I actually owe Lin for molesting my precious Kitten.

Sven nodded and gave Creed a sympathetic look. "Are you… feeling okay?"

Creed sighed and ran his fingers through his hair. He conveyed to Sven the anxious feelings he was experiencing at proposing to Train, and he was shocked at how well the green haired man handled his emotions. He was put off by the idea at first, but quickly came around when he saw how much it meant to Creed.

He's a good friend…

Creed smiled. "I'm okay. Thank you, Sven."

Sven smiled in return, then stepped away from Creed and into the kitchen. Before he could leave, Creed grabbed his wrist to stop him, making the older give him a strange look.

Creed stared at the ground as he spoke, hoping his feelings would be properly conveyed to the man who had done so much for him. "Sven… When I say thank you, I mean it. Thank you for everything. For giving me a second chance, for giving me hope…"

He lifted his head and smiled warmly at someone he considered to be one of his closest friends. "Thank you for giving me a family."

Sven smiled broadly. "We've come a long way, Creed. You've come a long way. Just promise me you'll keep taking care of him? And yourself?"

Creed glanced in the direction he could hear his love getting scolded by Lin, and sighed blissfully. "I will, Sven. I promise."

Sven's smile turned into a frown when he heard Lin yell at Train over mishandling something that was apparently fragile. "You better go check on your future husband before he breaks everything you own."

Creed rolled his eyes and let go of Sven's hand, wanting to appreciate the man's acknowledgement of his future label with Train, but too concerned about what the cat was doing to his painting supplies. "He better not be packing up my air brush… That thing breaks enough as it is…"

---

Translations:

(1) "...What a mess I made for myself."

(2) "I find it hard to believe everything that happened in there is your fault."