Inspired by the in-game skit "Reflection of the Mirror" in the Arctus Ruins

"Sorey?" Mikleo asked, catching the Shepherd's attention as they made their way back into the wetlands. "For someone who spent all day in the ruins, you don't look very happy."

Sorey realized how solemn he must have looked in that moment, for he put on a flicker of a smile as he raised his head and met his friend's gaze. Mikleo was at the back of the line with Sorey at the moment, since Sorey was a little tired from the battle with the undead Naught. Rose was taking up the lead for now with the other seraphim trailing right behind her. The seraphs all needed some fresh air after being cooped up in Sorey's body in the musty Arctus ruins.

"Sorry. Just thinking," Sorey said, the corner of his mouth twitching upward, but Mikleo still couldn't be fooled by his serious expression.

"About what?" Mikleo's voice was gentle and concerned, but Sorey shyly averted his gaze, looking first to the side, then up to the sky.

"Well, you remember that mirror we saw in the ruins? It wasn't until that conversation with Rose and Lailah that I realized seraphim can't see their own reflection, unless they really concentrate. So, I guess that's why there were no mirrors in Elysia," Sorey mused, placing a hand on his chin as he thought.

"That's right. We didn't have much of a need for them," Mikleo agreed, voice casual.

"And that's why Gramps only took me to the water that day. Remember that big rock in Elysia with the pool of water around it? Gramps took me there to show me my reflection. I just assumed he'd already shown you yours," Sorey announced, his gaze wandering back down to the ground, and his arms falling to his sides. Mikleo frowned; it was his turn to raise a hand to his chin, pensively.

"I still don't understand why this is making you so sad," he admitted, his heart tugging with what almost felt like regret—regret that, for once, he didn't know what Sorey was thinking. He was usually so good at figuring him out.

"Because while I could see and customize my appearance—style my hair, change my earrings, even see my smile in my reflection... I had no idea you couldn't do any of that," Sorey sighed. He felt a hand fall upon his shoulder, and slip down to his upper arm. Mikleo's thumb grazed his skin gently through the fabric of his shirt.

"It's true, I never was much good at getting my reflection to appear, but it's no big deal. I caught a glimpse here and there over the years," Mikleo smiled. Finally, Sorey turned to look at him again, his face twisted with dismay.

"But it's such a shame. You're so beautiful." Sorey's tone was so sincere, but also natural, like he wasn't really thinking about what it meant if he said that in front of the others. Mikleo knew, however, and his cheeks were warming already.

"S-sorey!" Mikleo stuttered. He wasn't mad, and he hadn't meant to yell. He was honestly more flattered than anything, and also a little stunned by the comment.

"What?" Sorey asked, eyes widening and stomach flipping at the thought that he'd done something wrong. If he'd somehow insulted Mikleo, he certainly hadn't tried to.

Zaveid—who was still up ahead, but obviously not out of earshot—burst out laughing, and Sorey was sure he heard Lailah and Rose giggling under their breath. Mikleo stared at the back of Edna's head and swore she was smirking.

"Ah, Shepherd. Travelling with you never gets old," Zaveid grinned, turning his head to address the two in the back.

"What? What did I say?" Sorey innocently inquired, his still wide eyes blinking wildly.

"It's too bad the rest of the world isn't as kind and honest as you are, Sorey," Lailah smiled, giving a glance behind her.

Sorey looked to Mikleo for clarification, his face still full of confusion. Mikleo rolled his eyes, then timidly brought his gaze back to the Shepherd.

"You called me beautiful, and they all seem to have something to say about it," Mikleo muttered. Sorey's expression went back to full-out shock. He didn't know why even the simplest compliment was drawing everyone's attention. He said these sorts of things to Mikleo all the time back in Elysia, and no one thought anything of it.

Rose meant no harm as she let out a hearty laugh, and turned around to walk backwards, her hands resting behind her head.

"Well, all I have to say is that most people would kill to have a love like you two do. I'm a little jealous myself," she grinned.

"Rose is right. And such kind and flattering words will strengthen Mikleo's bond as your Sub Lord as well, so don't hold back on our account," Lailah added.

"They just want to see you flirt with me some more," Mikleo grumbled to Sorey. He ducked his head down towards his collar, as if it might hide his red face, but it was Edna's turn to glance back at them, and she saw it no problem. Her lips pulled up into a soft, teasing smile.

"Oh look. Meebo's blushing like a normin. His cheeks are equally as red."

"They are not!" Mikleo retorted, thrusting a fist up in front of his face.

"They sort of are, Mikleo," Sorey agreed, staring innocently at his friend, lips pouting as he observed.

"Meebo the normin. Now known as Meebormin," Edna contentedly stated.

"Ugh, can a guy get a compliment without involving the whole world?" Mikleo shouted, and Sorey laughed, scratching his face.

"I think you might be exaggerating a bit," he snickered.

"Whatever," Mikleo muttered, rolling his eyes again.

"Okay, let's leave the guys alone for a bit," Zaveid spoke up, motioning for everyone to turn around and focus on the road ahead again, but his tone hadn't disguised his lingering amusement.

Mikleo was relieved that the attention had finally drifted away from them, and he was able to relax enough for his color to return to normal. He and Sorey slowed their pace a little, putting a bit more of a distance between them and the group—not so much that they would be in danger, but enough so that they could speak more privately.

"Sorey, just so you know, I am aware of what I look like. I've managed to make my reflection appear enough times to know, so don't feel bad," Mikleo told him, gently.

"Right," Sorey agreed, looking awfully solemn again, but his expression shifted as he thought of something. "So, that time I cut your hair... You saw your reflection that time, didn't you?"

"The dreaded incident... Yes, I saw. So, you really shouldn't be surprised that you still haven't lived that down," Mikleo said, giving him a teasing smirk. He didn't think anyone in the whole village would forget how his hair had looked all those years ago, with all the choppy sections and bangs that were of short, uneven lengths. Sorey let out a chuckle, one that finally made him sound like himself again.

"And I probably never will, huh?" he grinned.

"Don't count on it."

They exchanged soft smiles, and breathed gentle sighs of relief. Feeling close to Sorey, Mikleo's hand drifted out from his side to find Sorey's. Sorey glanced at him, surprised Mikleo would risk holding his hand when it was likely the others would turn around and catch them, which would probably only lead to more torment. But the water seraph gave him a smile of reassurance as he slipped his fingers between Sorey's. Silently, they walked like that, hand in hand, hearts warm and eyes gleaming.

"Mikleo?" Sorey asked, drawing the seraph's gaze to him after a minute or two. "You really are beautiful."