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

14. Like A Dream

Updated: More edits for ChardenxEchidna

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Train opened his eyes slowly, blinking from the bright light that now filled the once darkened room. He stretched his arms and felt the warmness of the thick blanket around him. The Black Cat looked down at the coverings, confused.

I don't remember putting this blanket on me…

Movement against his chest caused his attention to turn towards his bedmate, whose position changed slightly. Creed held Train in a tight embrace, as his legs wrapped around the gunman's. The swordsman's face was buried deep into Train's chest, somehow pushing past the thick blankets covering it and nuzzling close. Although Train held Creed as well, it did nothing to give the man any of the blankets, since his arms were wrapped loosely around his neck.

Blinking at the sleeping form, and then blinking at the blanket, Train put two and two together.

He gave me the entire blanket, completely neglecting his own comfort...

The window was still open, and the cool breeze had become even cooler.

Moron, why would he do that when he's just recovering? He could have at least used the extra sheets—

But his thoughts were cut off as he moved his shoulder slightly and felt the smooth, thin fabric he knew to be sheets. He sighed, exasperated.

He gave me the sheets too… Moron… I bet he's just worried I'll catch a cold or something. He really needs to start worrying about himself for a change. What if he has a relapse because of this?

He frowned as he watched Creed shiver, but began to smile as his Stallion smiled and snuggled closer to him. He couldn't resist the urge to brush his fingers against his lover's cheek. Creed smiled again and made a pleasurable noise at the touch, causing Train to feel warmth grow within his body again. He welcomed it this time, since he knew what the feeling was:

Love

He was no longer confused about his feelings. What had happened last night was the result of everything he had been feeling towards Creed lately. It may have started out slow, but it grew faster than Train would have ever expected. He never would have imagined falling for the guy.

And if anyone ever told me otherwise, I would have called them insane.

Train chuckled, then frowned as he noticed a rather violent shiver pass through Creed as his teeth chatter slightly.

What if he does relapse because of this?

Train started to move off the bed. He was not going to have that on his conscience. If the man he loved were to become sick again on his account, he might as well rip his heart out right now.

He stopped as he felt Creed's hold on him tighten. The Black Cat's heart almost broke as he saw Creed frown and heard him make cute, little whimpering noises. Still, Train didn't want Creed to get ill, and the position they were in made it impossible to get the blankets around him without moving.

Forcing himself to ignore the crying noises Creed made, Train slipped out of the bed, but quickly stretched his hand out as Creed reached for him. He sighed in relief, as Creed calmed down and rubbed his face against Train's hand.

Well now what was he going to do? He still couldn't put the blankets around his lover. He was now lying across them.

He's not a very heavy sleeper like me. If I roll him over, it'll wake him up. I want him to get some sleep.

It was amazing enough that he hadn't woken when Train left the bed.

Train smiled warmly as he watched Creed's beautiful face smile and snuggle against his hand. He could feel his heart pounding at the warm touch, wanting to touch him as well. The dark haired man complied with his own wishes, and stroked Creed's cheek with his other hand, earning another happy murmur from Creed.

Finally, Train decided it was best to move Creed to his own bed, seeing as it was apparently the only option that would suit the man. He really wanted to cover his Stallion's exposed body, just in case he got sick again.

Lightly, Train placed one arm behind Creed's head and the other underneath his knees. Lifting him into his arms, Creed rolled over and curled up close, reminding Train of when he carried his partner to safety so long ago. Though he still felt guilty about putting Creed through all that, he felt better now that he knew Creed put no blame on him.

Train managed to open the door connecting their two rooms without taking his eyes off Creed's slumbering face, or lessening his grip on the man. He walked over to Creed's bed and gently set him down. Creed looked distressed as Train let him go, and he even reached for him again, but Train was able to calm his yearning feelings, by draping the blankets over him and running his fingers through the silver hair he had learned to love so much.

Smiling at Creed's peaceful sigh, Train caressed his cheek lightly. Doing anything more would most likely wake the light sleeper up.

My body has always seemed to relax him.

He ran his fingers through the silver locks once more, before unwillingly leaving the room so the man could sleep.

Stepping back into his own chambers, he left the door open a little, so he could watch Creed sleep.

He looks so calm and happy, even more than usual.

Train laughed lightly with heartfelt pleasure as his partner wrapped the blanket tighter around himself and curled into a tight ball.

He left the doorway and made his way to his bathroom. Creed would want him to brush his teeth, and he took a light lukewarm shower; enough to get him clean, but not enough to wash away the feeling of his partner that still lingered on his body.

He sighed as he looked in the mirror and placed a hand on his neck, which carried a rather bright red mark. That was a spot Creed claimed to be a weak point on Train, and so out of all the marks, it was the brightest. Each mark was equally special though. Train could still feel Creed's lips upon him, and found that he actually longed for it again. But he sighed as he realized that occasions like last night, wouldn't be happening for a while, considering how sore he was. That sigh alone was painful.

Train walked to his closet and picked out random clothes, then went back to the open door so he could continue to gaze at his lover. As he lifted one leg up to put it into his pants, he moaned, but quickly covered his mouth so Creed wouldn't hear it and awaken.

Letting his hand fall, he continued putting his black pants on, smiling as he zipped them up. It was a good pain. It was an ache he'd cherish forever, since it was given to him by the man he loved. The man that had stood by his side no matter what the cost, and had been true with his every promise, only wishing to please Train… only wishing to have Train near him… the man that had earned his complete trust, his complete faith, his entire heart, as well as the one thing he never thought he'd give to anyone… his love.

As Train slipped his shirt on, he thought about what had happened between the two of them. He shook his head in realization, as he comprehended that last night, as wonderful as it was, was not what proved how much Creed loved him and how much he loved him back.

Everything they had been through together, the friendship they held, the sacrifices, both great and small, they both had made for each other, their ability to conquer their differences and come out of an argument even better than when they went in, the undying loyalty and faith they had in one another, those things were what proved the love that the two shared together.

What had happened last night was just the physical manifestation of their couldn't believe his partner actually held overwhelming feelings like these inside, just so Train wouldn't be discomforted. And was willing to continue doing so if Train wanted him to.

It did show however, how much Creed understood Train. Because there was a time, not so long ago, when those feelings would have sent Train running. It also showed how much Creed respected him. If Creed didn't, he would have forced something on Train long ago, and their new relationship never would have happened.

Train quickly pushed that thought aside. He hated to think of his Stallion as being that violent. But, even though his lover did have a dark side, he knew that he would never turn that darkness against him. And everyone had their own shadows, even he…

Once he had finished everything, Train entered Creed's room once again and smiled warmly when he realized Creed's smile had never left his lips and was still facing in his direction.

It really is hard to believe that he's asleep sometimes. I'd swear he knew I was within viewing point, if he wasn't breathing so deeply.

Wanting to touch Creed once more, Train petted him on the head, before looking outside the window. He could see Creed's garden below, and realized he hadn't visited this one since they'd been there. Every now and again, while Creed was supposed to be recuperating, the silver-haired man would wander off into the garden to do some work, only to have Train call after him to come back inside, saying he shouldn't be overexerting himself. He even dragged him in a couple times, but never really looked at the garden, since he was too bent on getting Creed inside.

All the other ones were so beautiful and Creed put so much effort into them, I'd like to see this one too.

Train's real reason was to see if Creed still had his section of roses for him. Even though it was obvious he did, since he was still receiving a rose almost every day. It was nice having a reminder of being loved so deeply. He didn't realize how quickly he had gotten used to Creed's love, and how much he actually enjoyed it.

Smiling down at his Stallion one last time and stroking his sweet lips gently with his thumb, he left the room, glancing back only once more at the blissful face, making sure he wasn't going to whine when he left. Finally, he forced his head to turn and left the room.

Train was completely oblivious to everything around him as he made his way down the stairs and out the door. He vaguely recalled Kyoko calling out to him, but wouldn't be able to answer truthfully if he was asked about it. His mind seemed to be glued to his thoughts of Creed, along with the image of his lover's sleeping face, which seemed to be tattooed to his brain.

When he stepped outside, he immediately made his way over to the massive garden, instantly searching for the familiar rose patch. It wasn't hard to find, since it pretty much made up the entire plot in the huge backyard.

When did he have time to plant all of these? Did he sneak away more than I thought?

Train laughed. It would be just like Creed to slip away so he could tend to his beloved roses.

Walking into the very center of the field of flora, careful not to step on a single precious rose, Train bent down to get a closer look at the scarlet flowers Creed used to symbolize his love.

"What is it about a rose, which makes someone feel so loved? It's not the smell, or the color, but the gesture itself. Just the fact that you are receiving something so beautiful from someone else, is what makes you smile."

Train smiled as he heard Creed's voice swim in his head, the words Creed so fondly spoke to him long ago lifting his heart.

And his symbolism is quite accurate…

It felt like ages since that day. Since the time he didn't know what love truly felt like. It had only been a night since they've been together, but to Train, it felt like they'd always been together.

The Black Cat glanced around the rest of the garden, to take in the beauty of the sun gleaming off every dew-covered flower. As he scanned around, he suddenly stopped, seeing a small patch of flowers he'd never seen before. They were kind of hidden out of sight, almost in the shadows of the gazebo in the distance, though not entirely. Curious, Train stood and made his way over to the patch.

As he approached, he could clearly see a small area filled with white flowers he could not identify. He knew he'd seen something like them before, but he never bothered to pay attention to their beauty, let alone learn their name. They were quite beautiful—not in the same way as the roses, but in a way all their own.

Bending down, he got a closer look of them. At first glance, one might think of them as being weak and uninteresting, tamed, something you could easily ignore, only glancing at it as you passed by, but thinking nothing of it. However, upon closer inspection, you could clearly see the wildness and strength they held. Their look seemed flamboyant, yet simple, as if they were desperately trying to get attention and love from someone, but received nothing in return. Despite all that, they showed freedom and independence from all the other flowers.

Train couldn't help but take pity on the flowers. They seemed so ignored and unloved, but Train was drawn to them. Like a force that he couldn't fight and didn't want to, he found himself wanting to show it love, attention and care. It's under-appreciated…

Why has no one given it a chance?

Train traced one of the delicate petals, careful not to break the fragile object as he felt it. As if a simple touch might make it fall apart completely. Yet when Train touched it, the sun seemed to give it a little more light, like it enjoyed his touch.

The Black Cat smiled at a familiar feel. It almost felt like Creed. It almost felt as if Train were gliding his fingers across his Stallion's pale, yet warm skin. The only difference was, this flower couldn't compare to the softness and warmth his lover's touch held.

He didn't have to question why he liked the flower so much. It reminded him of Creed, and that was all the reason in the world to take it up, rush back into the house, and up the stairs to his beloved's room with it.

Stepping into Creed's room, he noticed the man was still sleeping soundly. Walking over the sleeping man, Train gently placed the white flower in his open palm and closed the lithe fingers around the stem. He stood straight and smiled down at Creed, watching as he moved slightly in his sleep and mumbled Train's name with another one of those smiles on his face.

The gunman laughed.

Even after last night, he still has those dreams.

He frowned as his stomach was starting to make major protests.

I didn't realize how hungry I was… Well, I guess it is kinda late. We slept in quite a bit.

Growling back at his growling stomach, Train brushed his fingers along Creed's face once more, before leaving the room in search of food for him and his newfound lover. His partner deserved breakfast in bed.

---

Creed stretched his arm out to the location he knew Train to be in and instantly sat up as he felt an empty bed. Looking around the room, he noticed he was in his own. A cold wave washed through him as he felt his heart shatter for what felt like the thousandth time.

Was it really all just a dream? Another fantasy my mind made up, only worse this time since I've gotten so close to Train?

Scanning the room once more, Creed could feel tears welling in his eyes. That seemed to be the case. His Kitten was nowhere in sight and he was back in his own room, just waking up. The swordsman sighed as he looked at the recliner chair Train used to sleep in.

He must have figured that since I was better, there was no need to sleep in the same room anymore.

Creed reasoned to himself that if he opened that door connecting to Train's, he would see his beloved sound asleep, not a thought of Creed, or love, or anything else between the two, in his cute furry head.

He gripped his hand in frustration and heartache, when he suddenly felt something bend between his fingers. Looking down, he noticed one of his flowers nestled in his fist. But it wasn't a rose like the ones he gave Train. It was one of the many flowers Creed tried to care for, yet often neglected to give attention and favoritism to his flowers for Train

How'd that get there? Did I take it by accident when I was cutting a rose for Train?

The sound of the door being open threw Creed out of his thoughts. He smiled beyond ecstatically as he saw Train enter with two trays of food.

My Kitten…

Creed thought as he could practically feel his pupils turn into little hearts. Train smiled at him and closed the door behind him.

Creed was a little worried as he watched Train walk over to him. What if everything that happened between him and Train really was just a dream? What if he really was still injured, and was just now getting better, so he felt no pain and Train was just caring for him out of guilt? Train didn't really look any different than he did every other day. Did Train really love him? Or had everything been a dream…

Well, I can't think about that now. If it turns out to really have been a dream, and I do something, and it scares him away… I just can't do that.

Desperate to relieve his pressured thoughts, Creed held out the flower in front of him to show Train. "Train…I found this flower in my hand. I must have been trying to give you a rose and cut this one as well. This insignificant thing, so common…it's not suited to even be in your presence."

He uncomfortably sneered at the flower, before tossing it aside like trash. His bad mood and frustration were carefully hidden under a well-worn mask, but Train, like always, could see right through it.

Creed was surprised as Train silently bent down and took up the thrown-away flower, and placed it lightly on the side of Creed's bed. He spoke softly, his golden eyes averted away from him. "What's on your mind, Stallion? If you didn't want me in your garden, you could have just said so, rather than take it out on the plant."

Creed blinked, "What are you talking about, Train? Of course you can go in my gard—

He stopped in his tracks as key words in Train's statement, caught his attention. With his breath suspended, he asked, "Wait a minute, this flower—you were the one who put it in my hand weren't you? And, did you just call me…Stallion…?"

Before Creed could fully put everything together, Train suddenly leaned forward and planted a soft, loving kiss on Creed's lips. He felt himself lift out of the bed the minute he felt his Cat's lips touch his own.

Train pulled back and smiled adoringly into Creed's eyes, "You thought you dreamed the whole thing, didn't you?"

The silver-haired male nodded, completely stupefied.

Train smiled, his gold eyes sparkling in the afternoon sun. "Well it wasn't… and I have the bruises to prove it." He pointed to the red mark on his neck.

Creed smiled again, impossibly beating the smile he previously had on his lips the moment his Angel entered the room.

It wasn't a dream…

"And if you don't like the flower, I'll try to find you some other gift." Train said as he handed him one of the trays of food he had and laid himself on the bed next to Creed, leaning against the headboard and relaxing on top of the blankets. Rapidly taking up the flower, Creed smiled at him once more and looked at his tray of food.

"I treasure any gift from you, my Feline. If I had known, I would have never given it such harsh treatment." He quickly dropped the small plant into the glass of water that was on his tray and set it aside, before looking over at Train again.

"You brought me breakfast in bed?"

Train laughed, "More like supper. It's almost five, Creed. You slept late."

Creed nearly choked on the food he was eating, causing Train to look over at him alarmed. "What?! Why didn't you wake me?"

Train blinked at Creed's sudden change, but laughed nonetheless. "I wanted you to get some sleep. You gave me all the blankets last night, and I didn't want you to relapse."

Creed's frantic moment quickly turned back into complete adoration as he gazed into Train's eyes.

He tucked me in…

"I just didn't want you to catch a cold, Train…"

"Well, you should be more concerned with your health, Creed. When are you going to stop putting me before yourself?"

Smiling, Creed responded in a joking manner, but made sure Train would still be able to tell he was serious. "When will the sun stop burning?"

Train acted as if thinking about it, "I think… about seven or eight billion years, give or take."

Creed laughed, "That's very good Train, I guess I'll have to find something more immortal to use as a metaphor. How about—When you no longer have a taste for milk?"

"You might actually have something there," Train smiled at Creed's comment and deliberately took a sip of his glass of milk.

Creed's attention turned back to the flower in the glass on the nightstand beside him. He smiled at the irony of the fact that Train chose this particular flower to give him.

"Do you know what kind of flower this is, Kitten?"

Through a mouthful of food, Train shook his head. "No idea, horticulture isn't exactly my area of expertise."

"It's called a Stallion Chrysanthemum," he smiled as Train began to laugh at the irony as well.

"You're kidding me… What are the odds…?"

"It's a perennial flower. You've probably never seen me plant them before because when you move around a lot, it defeats the purpose of having perennials. I'm not sure what made me decide to plant them this time."

Train eyed the flower with an interesting look, before swallowing his food and speaking, "Fate probably whispered it in your ear…"

Creed looked back at his beloved and eyed him in confusion. "What do you mean?"

Train met his gaze and smiled lovingly, "Do you know why I picked that flower, Creed?"

This time it was Creed who shook his head.

Train merely smiled and ran one hand through his lover's hair, letting the tips of his silver locks rest in his fingertips.

"You have roses to symbolize your love, so why can't I have some kind of flower to symbolize mine?"

Creed's smile turned into a joking one. This was reminding him of the moment when Train first saw his garden. "But why these plain, average flowers?"

Train's smile matched Creed's as he explained, "Because these flowers, in a way, are just like you. And just like you, I was drawn to them. Like some unknown force was shoving my gaze in their direction. The flowers I had once neglected, I now adore."

Creed sighed happily at Train, who let his fingers release his hair and rest back on his own knee. His Cat's gaze followed his hand as he looked down to his now empty plate, placing the tray on the stand next to him.

"The fact that you planted them at all in this place… at this time… must have been fate. Because, it was only here in which I finally realized my love for you. Only destiny could have led to the fact that these flowers are given the same name as the one I have given to you."

Suddenly, he looked back at Creed, whose heart nearly beat out of his chest as his beautiful brunette spoke. "I guess…our love was just, always meant to be."

Creed thought it was impossible to love Train any more than he already did, but those words made it possible. He knew he was falling deeper and deeper in love with Train as each day passed, but now the depth of his love had become so unfathomable, it almost hurt to not touch him.

That's when it occurred to Creed that he could touch Train. His Kitten wouldn't push him away; in fact, he'd actually welcome his touch. He'd enjoy it. Smiling, he put his empty tray of food to the side and reached out to trace Train's face, just to make sure he was really there.

"I can't believe all of this is all real. You sure this isn't a dream?" He asked as he ran his fingers along Train's chin.

Train stretched his hand out towards Creed's face, smiling in return. His heart raced as his partner's hand came closer and closer to him and closed his eyes, waiting for the touch. To Creed's surprise, Train pinched his cheek, rather roughly. Creed pulled back and shot his eyes open.

Train began to laugh as Creed's hand flew to the cheek he just pinched. "Convinced now?"

Creed rubbed the spot Train squeezed, attempting to make the feeling go away. He made a pouting look as he let his hand fall. "You never pinched me in my dreams…"

"Then that should be more proof this isn't a dream." His beloved said, smiling mischievously.

"But everything else is just like in my dreams. How can I be sure this just isn't something new? I mean, I might not really be feeling this pain. It could all be in my—OW! Stop that!"

Creed's hand fell back to his cheek as his lover began to laugh merrily. "You are always overthinking everything!"

He watched Train laugh and squinted his eyes. An idea formed in his head that caused him to smile sinisterly. Quickly and swiftly, Creed took hold of Train's arm and pulled him onto his lap, so that he sat on Creed's left thigh and leaned against his arm. Train looked up at him confused as Creed gave him an evil look.

"W-what—"

Before Train could finish, Creed was attacking his right ear, making him burst into a fit of laughter. He started to toss and turn as Creed nibbled behind his ear, desperately trying to push his lover away.

"S-stop!" He yelled between laughter.

He secured one hand around Train's head, while the other moved down to his stomach and wiggled his fingers there.

You wanna laugh? I'll make you laugh.

Train's eyes started to water as he tried to pry Creed away from his ear. He nearly split his side as the swordsman kissed at the very end of his jaw, just behind his ear.

Train suddenly broke his arms free and rapidly took hold of the silver Stallion's head. Creed didn't have time to wonder what was happening, as his Feline suddenly took hold of his lips, stealing away his breath with one of the most amazing kisses that he had ever felt! One that left him literally breathless…

Though he was surprised at first, he leisurely responded, embracing his love and caressing his body lightly.

Tapering off the kiss with a passionate purr, Train smiled at the man affectionately, "Is that really all it takes to make you stop?"

All Creed could do was smile dreamily and nod in return.

Train suddenly glared at the man, "Good, but I wish you never found that spot. I mean, where would my reputation as a legendary gunslinger be if they learned that tickling was my one weakness?"

Creed chuckled, "I told you I'd find every little secret. That just happens to be a favorite of mine. And don't worry about it. You should know by now, that I would never do anything that could harm you, Kitten."

Glaring at him one last time, Train let a smile break through once again. "I know…"

Creed was happy to see Train didn't move from his lap. In fact, he situated himself between Creed's legs, either ignoring the fact that Creed still had no clothes on, or not caring, and leaned back against Creed's chest. Smiling, Creed gently placed his arms around Train, and rested his chin on his beloved's shoulder.

He had never been this happy before. He couldn't believe Train was cuddling with him, allowing him the comfort of his warmth and touch. Train was his lover now. Creed was now his beloved's beloved. Train was his and he would never let him go. He wouldn't let anything ruin this.

"And you're just like a rose…" Creed said, bringing them back to their earlier conversation.

As Train turned to look at him, the swordsman titled his head to the side, resting it against his Angel's, still smiling dreamily. "You are… beautiful to look at, a lovely scent… soft to the touch." Creed gently stroked his Feline's face as he continued, "The most well known flower that receives all the glory, yet still deserves more, whose thorns will prick you, if not held the right way."

Creed tightened his hold around Train and buried his face in his shoulder, allowing the smell, feel and warmth of his personal Rose, to take over his senses. Train smiled and leaned his head against that of his Stallion's.

"You know? One day, I think I'm going to culture a multi-colored rose just for you…" Creed said softly.

Train raised an eyebrow as Creed smiled down at him and continued.

"Roses come in a variety of colors, and each color means something different. Red roses represent love. Pink shows grace and the gentle feelings of love. Dark Pink is gratitude, and Light Pink is admiration or sympathy. White shows innocence or purity. Yellow roses mean dying love or platonic love, but they can also mean jealousy and infidelity. Orange is passion, and Burgundy is beauty. Blue means mystery, while Purple is protection. Black roses most think means death, but also, it has come to symbolize slavish devotion."

The pale man smiled at the thought, "If I could make a rose just for you, it would be red, all shades of pink, orange, burgundy, blue, purple and black."

"I'd like to see that rose one day if it's ever possible." Train held onto Creed's arms which embraced him, "But until that day… the red roses will do just fine."

The moment remained for a while, each man basking in the embrace of the other, not caring about the world around them. Finally, Train broke the loving silence with a question he'd been wondering.

"How could a strategist guy like you, fall in love with a loose canon like me, Creed?"

Creed smiled contentedly, "Very easily, really. I remember the exact time I fell in love with you. It was a Thursday on November fifteenth, at 5:57pm—the moment I first saw your eyes. The look they held was so invigorating. I couldn't get them out of my mind."

Train laughed. "I remember that day; it was when we first met. You really creeped me out when you started laughing. You left a bad impression."

"What makes my laugh creepy?" Creed asked, cocking an eyebrow.

"What makes it not creepy? People don't laugh like that; especially not after practically staring at someone."

Creed shrugged and placed his head back on his lover's shoulder. "I was just excited. I didn't mean to creep you out."

Train chuckled again, "I know." The Black Cat decided to voice his thoughts from earlier about how long Creed had waited for him. "It was a long road for you, wasn't it?"

He felt Creed's breath wash across his skin as he sighed tiredly. "You have no idea…"

Train laughed. He knew now how much Creed had wanted him and for how long, of course he must feel a huge weight lifted from his heart now that they were together.

I couldn't even imagine going on that long with a feeling this strong…

"I think you needed to accept me as your partner before anything else," His Stallion's voice entered his thoughts. "You had to know you could trust me, my loyalty and my protection."

Train nodded. "I think I started referring to you as my friend when I realized you'd never leave me. And you had my loyalty when I found out you'd rather die than abandon or see me in pain."

The swordsman looked up at Train and smiled, tears of happiness threatening to fall from his face as his beloved spoke in a sincere tone, "I started to see the commonality and camaraderie we share. The fact that, you understand me better than I understand myself, you accept everything about me, big or small."

Train made a gesture with his hand towards the empty milk bottle, "From my love of milk, to my revenge against Chronos, you accepted them all, never questioning or judging me… never leaving my side… always beside me… sustaining me…"

He made eye contact with the crystal blue eyes, and gazed into the hidden crimson that never failed to hypnotize him and send a warm jolt over his body. "You saved my life in more ways than one, Creed… You saved me from my loneliness. If you hadn't been there the night Saya died, helping me bury her… I would have been completely alone…"

Creed caressed Train's shoulder in a soothing way, calming the dark haired man down before he slipped into lonely thoughts. "I told you then, and it still stands true now: I will not let you be alone. No matter what the cost, I will always stand by your side."

Train smiled and ran a finger across Creed's arm, calming him down. "I'll be honest with you, Creed. When we were first partnered together in Chronos, I felt absolutely nothing for you. You were more like an annoyance I wanted out of my life."

He heard his Stallion whimper, "I know…"

Train caressed his cheek lovingly, "But things changed. When we started this group, I started to see how much you cared about me, how much you were willing to give up for my sake, and how similar we are. How much you understand and accept me."

He smiled at Creed. "I never realized how much I needed someone's acceptance and understanding before I met you. I don't think I can live without it now. I feel like I belong…" Train sounded distant as he spoke.

"No matter what you do, I will always be there to support you, without question." He looked into Train's eyes once more and smiled cordially. "You're not alone anymore…"

Train matched Creed's smile and situated himself lower, so that the back of his head was leaning into Creed's chest. Creed pressed himself further into the pillows behind him and held his Cat closer.

"…Do you have any idea… how long I've been waiting for this? Do you know how much I've been needing this? How… lonely I've been… without you?" Creed's voice was cracked as he spoke, and Train felt him bury his face in his own dark locks. A bit of wetness damped his hair, making Train realize his lover was beginning to cry.

"So lonely… so alone…" A soft sob shook his body, making Train look up at him.

"Creed…"

"All those years in the darkness, with nothing to accompany me but heartache and longing. No one wanted me… No one understood me, or made an attempt to even try… No one…"

Train's heart had successfully snapped in two as he heard Creed speak, especially since he knew he used to be one of those people. His flower's voice was quivering with sadness and he shook with sobs. His face was still buried in Train's hair, but he could tell tears were streaming down his face. Unable to take it, Train lifted himself up and took light hold of Creed's chin. The look on his Stallion's face made his heart disintegrate. The gunman pulled him against his chest, and held him tight.

"Shh…my taneuma. I'm here now." He brushed his fingers through Creed's hair and smiled the most heartfelt smile he could ever muster. "I want you. I want to be by your side. Picturing life without you breaks my heart."

Seeing Creed begin to smile, Train coddled him even more closely, "I understand you, and why you are the way you are. You have your reasons, and damn good ones at that. You are no longer just a friend or just a partner… you are my lover. I may not know how it happened, but I know that I love you, more than I love anyone else in the world… And I was a fool to never see your love before, and to have waited so long to return it."

Pulling back, Train noticed the euphoric smile on Creed's face and wiped away the last tear that fell. "I make a promise to you, here and now: I will never leave your side. I will never let you be alone. I won't let anything or anyone harm a hair on your silver head." Train kissed his forehead lightly, "…And I will always love you."

Creed could not have wiped the smile from his face, even if he tried. He wrapped his arms around Train, pulling him close and buried his face into his shoulder. His heart leaped from his throat when he felt Train wrap his arms around Creed's neck and pet him gently.

He's my lover… My Cat, my Kitten…and I'm his Stallion… He promises to never leave me, and love me forever…

He couldn't even begin to explain how happy he was. After so many years of longing, Train loved him. His beloved was making heartfelt promises that matched Creed's, with the same sincerity, lovingness and warmth behind them. He knew Train meant every word he said, and knowing Train, he would keep each promise even after death.

Feeling the warmth of his Train, the only person that ever meant anything to him, Creed was reminded of how he was lying to his Cat. Never in his life had he lied to Train. He told Train everything, even the unnecessary things, just so there were no secrets between them. But this was one thing he couldn't say. This was the one thing that would drive Train away from him forever, and he couldn't take that. He really would die if Train left him now.

As happy as he was to have Train, he knew he didn't deserve him or his trust.

It's all that damn witch's fault. If she had just stayed away, I wouldn't be lying to Train right now. He might never come near me again if he found out the truth.

Though ironically, he owed Saya. If it wasn't for her, he wouldn't be holding Train right now, but of course he'd never admit that.

The guilt had been slowly eating away at him, and he could feel it beginning to swallow his heart. He had to tell him. All he could do was hope that when Train heard the truth, he would find it somewhere in his heart to forgive.

"Train… There's something… I need to tell you…"

Train was startled by his statement. He pulled back and gave Creed a worried look. "What's wrong?" He couldn't hold back the fear his voice held.

Creed looked at his beloved Kitten, staring into the stern, worried eyes and felt his heart break. He looked away and to the floor, unable to speak the next words.

He felt Train turn his gaze to meet his own, and melted when golden eyes looked at him devoutly. "You can tell me anything, Creed. Nothing will drive me away or make me stop loving you."

If only he knew…

"I…"

The genuine look remained in his beloved's eye. The look that elated his heart, and shook his conscience. Train trusted him so completely and utterly, and Creed had done so much to earn it. So much to earn his love.

As hard as he tried, the words wouldn't come out. He couldn't do this. He couldn't tell him. Not yet at least. Creed had wanted Train for so long, and now he had him. All those years of yearning, yet never acting in a way that would discomfort Train, everything he did for him. Didn't he deserve something? Didn't he deserve even a day with Train's love? Couldn't one lie be looked past, for just a single moment with his beloved?

Looking back to the flower, Creed smiled and picked it up, "You did a really bad job at cutting this flower, Kitten."

Train looked offended. "You know I can't care for flowers, I told you that before." He folded his arms, "Besides, isn't it the thought that counts?"

Creed chuckled as he looked at his love. "There's another promise I want to keep."

Train looked at him confused and cocked an eyebrow.

"Do you remember, when you first saw my garden long ago, how I said I'd show you how to care for flowers one day?"

His Feline smiled happily at the memory. "Yeah, I remember that." He then looked at the flower in Creed's hand. "That's a good idea, since you keep taking care of the roses; I want to take care of these flowers." He smiled back up at Creed. "I want to have something to give you too, and roses shouldn't be the only thing that gets attention around here."

Creed chuckled at the comparison and stood from the bed, pulling Train along with him. "I'll show you right now."

I'll tell him, just… not yet. Let me have this at least…

As greedy as it may be, he wanted Train so bad. He wanted his touch, his kiss, and his love more than anything, and he allowed greed to completely erase his guilt.

As Creed dragged Train towards the door, the gunman looked down at the swordsman's body, blushing like a mad man.

"Umm… Don't you think you should get dressed first?"

Creed turned back to Train and blinked, before looking down at himself, noting he was still naked. He smiled at Train as he spoke in a teasing tone. "Does it make you uncomfortable, Kitten?"

Train was still red and still staring at Creed as he spoke. "Not at all… I just don't think you should be prancing around the house naked."

Creed smirked. "Well, considering there's no one else I want to see me like this other than you, I'll get some clothes on." He walked over to the bathroom. "I'll only be a moment. I want to brush my teeth before I get dressed."

The Black Cat laughed, "How did you last so long without doing that?"

"As neat a freak you claim me to be, I can forget my health when it comes to you." Creed called from the bathroom.

"Do you realize you just ate an entire meal, without brushing your teeth?" Train asked slyly.

He smiled as he effectively heard Creed vomit up his food in a rush, knowing the knowledge would have made him totally disgusted.

Well, I guess not…

Train walked back over to the bed, lying down with his hands behind his head, "Take your time, I'm in no rush." He smiled as he looked out the window and saw a bird fly by. "We have the rest of our lives…" He whispered to himself.

---

Charden walked into the living room to see his comrades spread amongst the area, some drinking coffee, others just sitting, staring at nothing. No one spoke and the looks on each of their faces were strange, he couldn't figure them out. Well, he could make sense of what they were, but he couldn't figure out the reason they were there. Some were shaking, almost rocking back and forth in a ball while others held a dark look.

Shiki, Maro, Durham and Leon all looked disturbed beyond belief, as if they just saw their mothers killed and dissected before their eyes. Kyoko and Echidna looked about the same, but more so sad and defeated, like they just lost a battle. Doctor and Eathes looked different. They seemed as if nothing at all was wrong. While everyone else looked like they didn't sleep a wink, those two looked as if they had slept quite well.

As he walked into the room, attention was immediately brought to him, except Doctor and Eathes. Disturbed and sadden eyes alike looked at him, then seemed to relax, returning to what they were doing… or not doing. Charden frowned.

Were they expecting someone else?

He made his way over to Echidna, who didn't seem to take notice of him standing there. Trying to get her attention, he asked a question that crossed his mind the minute he saw his group.

"Did something happen?"

Echidna didn't seem to hear his voice and instead voiced a question of her own. "Maybe we misheard?"

"There's no mishearing what we heard, girl." Maro said as he sat on the large window sill, shuddering at a thought.

Kyoko lowered her head in defeat.

This time, Echidna tried speaking a hopefully question. "Maybe they were just training?"

"What kind of training are you used to?" Durham added, frustrated by her question and agitated by something else.

"Maybe—" But Kyoko was cut off by Shiki.

"Can we just drop this?! I prefer to forget everything that happened last night. I'm almost praying for amnesia."

Charden was still confused, so he asked again. "Could someone please explain to me what happened?"

He was still being ignored as Echidna spoke again.

"They still haven't been down and it's past six now…" She sounded completely depressed as she made the observation.

Kyoko spoke again, "That's not true. I saw Kuro-sama around two. Though… he didn't seem to see me. And he went straight to the garden. He looked really happy too. The happiest I've ever seen him." Kyoko paused in thought. "I also saw him go back upstairs towards Diskenth-sama's room with a flower in his hand. Then he came back down, made two trays of food and went back up." She tapped her finger against her temple. "I wonder why he had a flower…"

"I thought it was obvious that it was for Creed," Doctor answered matter-of-factly.

"Shut up!" Growled the Bug Taoist as he clenched his fists.

Things were starting to make more sense. The looks on their faces were pretty good evidence that it was what he thought it was.

"Ahem," Charden cleared his throat.

Finally, everyone looked over at him. Their faces were still the same as when he first walked in, if not a little worse. The Blood Taoist looked around, eyeing everyone equally.

"What happened? You all look as if a bomb exploded in here."

"Pretty close…" Maro muttered.

"You didn't hear anything, Charden-san?" Kyoko asked, a little optimistic.

Charden cocked an eyebrow at the girl. "Hear what?"

Kyoko pointed her finger at him and stood. "See?! Maybe we did hear wrong! Charden-san didn't hear anything, and he looks like he slept well. Maybe it was just in all of our imaginations."

Shiki growled, visibly angry at them constantly bringing up a subject he clearly didn't wish to discuss. "First of all: How could the same thing be in eight people's imaginations? Second, Charden didn't hear anything and slept well because he wasn't here last night."

The young girl looked at the tall blonde in distress. Charden nodded. "It's true, Kyoko-san. I went back to my house to collect anything I thought I might need, since I knew Chronos would be after us and I wouldn't be able to go back. I did wind up falling asleep there, however. Probably a mistake on my part, but things seem fine."

Everyone's glare aimed at him contradicted his statement. He sighed. "So, is someone going to inform me about the happenings of last night, or not?"

The room was dead silent, save for the ticking of the clock. Charden was beginning to get worried. Ever since he walked in the room the air was stiff, as if a storm had just passed through. He looked around at the group again, his guard slightly up as Shiki finally spoke.

"Creed and that damn Cat."

With those five simple words, Charden's question was answered. Kyoko and Echidna's sad nod was confirmation. He wasn't sure how to react. He was disturbed for his comrades, but since he hadn't been there, not thinking about it was easy and the situation was much better for him. Still, he wanted to be sure. He didn't want to jump to conclusions.

"You mean…" He asked a little regretfully.

"Yes." Was Shiki's short response.

"Last night?"

"All night."

"That loud?"

"It woke us all up!" Shiki nearly shouted as he threw daggers at Charden, daring him to discuss it further. "Even Doctor heard it, and he was in his lab, which is below ground!"

Doctor chuckled. "Well, I didn't really hear anything. I heard something quiet in the distance, and thought nothing of it. It wasn't obtrusive in the least, just like a muffled yell. I honestly forgot all about it until I met everyone else this morning and was told what our leaders were up to last night."

Shiki shuddered again as Doctor spoke in a nonchalant way.

Charden blinked at the news and eased himself. "I see…"

"That's all you have to say?! This doesn't bother you?" Shiki sounded disturbed as he turned to Charden alarmed.

The tall man shrugged. "As long as they're working together towards our goal, it doesn't matter to me what their personal relationship is like. Why should it?"

Shiki fumed. "I don't care if their partners, lovers, or just fuck buddies, but that doesn't mean I want to hear, or see it!"

"Personally, I was glad to hear it."

All eyes in the room shot at Eathes, completely disgusted and shocked, except for Doctor, who looked amused. The monkey looked at them curiously for a moment, before he realized what he just said. His eyes widened and he began to stutter an explanation.

"N-no! No! That's not what I meant, don't take it the wrong way! I meant I'm glad it finally happened! It's a relief!"

The looks shared around the room didn't change as Eathes began to sweat as best a monkey could.

"Did no one else feel the tension between those two recently? It was driving me nuts! I'm just glad that tension will finally end."

"So, you're saying… it'll be less awkward now that they've…" Maro cut off his own sentence, seeming to be unable to finish it. There wasn't a need as everyone in the room eyed him in understanding. Eathes shrugged and nodded weakly.

"Less awkward, yes, but more uncomfortable for those who don't like intimate relationships between two men." Doctor's voice was completely carefree as he sipped his coffee contentedly.

"Did you actually enjoy listening to them...?" Leon spoke in a condescending tone.

Doctor merely shrugged. "I don't care one way or the other, but you all need to look at the pros in a case such as this."

At everyone's attention turning on him, the scientist continued.

"The first, most important thing, is that Creed will most likely be even calmer now. His unrequited love has been requited. He'll be much easier to live with, now that he's gotten what he's wanted."

A shudder was shared by everyone in the room, save Doctor, who continued his reasoning.

"And, as Eathes so kindly pointed out, the tension between them is gone. How could they work together when they had unspoken feelings for one another? Everything the other said and did would be misconstrued as something else, then when they were found to be wrong, a fight would ensue that the other would have no idea what they did wrong. Creed was used to the longing, and seemed to be able to live with it as long as Train was near him, but Train would have been lost and confused with his feelings. And I don't think the Black Cat is a person you want to have lost and confused."

Silence once more as Doctor sipped his coffee. "As our talented monkey said, it's a relief."

That seemed to appease everyone, though they still seemed a little uneasy about the statement. An uncomfortable silence followed, one that nearly made Eathes want to sputter more of an explanation for his words when Echidna chimed in again.

"Maybe I should check his room… just to see if we're right." She sounded like she was talking to herself.

"A brave woman indeed," Doctor spoke in a disturbingly merry tone.

Shiki spat, "More like stupid. You know if you interrupt something, it'll surely be a death sentence. Creed won't allow any interruptions when he's with Train."

He stopped at the end of his sentence abruptly, realizing the implication he just made. Feeling his stomach get queasy, he sat down. If he stood longer, he might have passed out. As it was, he felt like he needed a bathroom, and fast.

The actress stood. "I'll listen in first. If I hear something, I won't go in. Creed might not have come down cause he had a relapse."

"If we heard correctly last night, he's completely healed." Shiki mentally slapped himself. This entire incident had traumatized him.

"You're actually going to listen in?" Maro sounded appalled.

Echidna nodded, and Doctor made a respectful motion towards her, one that could have been mistaken for a farewell.

"You're going to Diskenth-sama's room?"

The older woman looked over at the younger woman, who eyed her curiously. "Yes, I'll go there first. If he's not in there… I'll check Heartnet's room."

Kyoko stood with her. "There's no need. I'll check Kuro-sama's room myself."

"Another brave soul!" Doctor raised his coffee mug as toast to the women.

The teen folded her arms and turned her head away from Kanzaki. "Kuro-sama wouldn't kill me for knocking on his door. He hasn't hurt me yet, even when I've barged in."

"But Creed would if he's with him. And I wouldn't go barging in like you usually do. After what I've heard, that's risky for both your mind and your body." Charden's concerned voice spoke to both of them, but his eyes fell on Echidna.

Echidna nodded in understanding and left with Kyoko.

---

It took Creed about an hour to get ready as Train sprawled across his bed, complaining about his slow pace the whole time. Creed just threw sarcastic comments at his complaints every so often, content on taking as long as he needed. He knew Train really didn't mind the wait, his Angel was just trying to mess with him. It was one of his favorite pastimes with Creed.

And hopefully, a new one was born last night…

The swordsman sighed dreamily, allowing his thoughts to momentarily drift to his night with his beloved. Smiling, he exited his closet.

"All right, Train, you can stop moaning now. I'm done."

Creed usually took extra care of what he looked like, but since today was his first day with Train officially being his lover, he wanted to take extra special care to look his best. He wore a blue, button up shirt, opened enough to reveal a little of his chest, with small red roses fixed in a random pattern, along with black dress pants. The blue matched his eyes and the roses brought out the hint of crimson he knew his Cat was drawn too. He decided to keep his hair down, since Train had also told him last night that he liked it that way. He was going to stay true to his promise of keeping it that length.

Though he was aware Train didn't pay attention to fashion, he was hoping it would get him a little recognition, since he now loved Creed. Stepping in front of his beloved, who sat at the end of his bed, Creed awaited his response. He was a little shocked and hurt to see Train tilting his head to the side and cocking an eyebrow.

"Why are you so dressed up?" He asked, confused.

Well, he is noticing.

"Do you not like it?"

The Black Cat stood and looked his partner up and down. He rolled his eyes as he noticed the hurt and expected a look on his lover's face. He felt like this was going to become one of those, 'Does this make me look fat?' conversations. The gunman sighed tiredly. He really didn't care what he wore, but he wasn't about to say that. He knew how much emphasis Creed put on his looks, and how much everything Train said affected him, so saying anything like that would only hurt him.

Still, he does look good. I should tell him that.

Train smiled at his Stallion, "You look amazing."

He smiled again as his lover beamed with happiness at his compliment. Train rolled his eyes knowing Creed was going to go out of his way every day to look nice for him.

As long as he doesn't stress himself out too much, it's fine with me. I really can't picture him looking bad, anyway.

Creed picked up the flower Train gave him and walked over to the door, holding it open for him. Chuckling at Creed's courtesy, he walked through the door only to stop as he saw Echidna approaching, rather hesitantly. As her face paled upon seeing him, he cocked an eyebrow at her.

Before he could speak, she asked a question first, "Where's Creed?"

Train didn't have to answer since the man in question stepped behind Train and eyed the actress with the same curiosity. "Is there something you wanted, Echidna?"

She was silent for a moment, almost making Train clear his throat in annoyance, before she stuttered. "I-I just wanted to see if you were okay. It's past six now, and I haven't seen you all day. I was worried you might have had a relapse, or maybe you were hungry."

Train smirked at the woman, "You don't need to worry about it, if he had a relapse, I would have gotten Doctor. I let him sleep in cause he deserved the rest. He's also had food"

Creed smiled at his love as he spoke as if he were his pet.

"Kuro-sama!"

Creed glared over at Kyoko as the young teen made her way over to his room. Before she could even think about tackling Train like she normally did, Creed stepped into the hallway, staring her down with one of the deadliest glares he probably ever gave. She quickly got the picture as she changed her course to the other side of Echidna, away from Train.

From behind the actress, Kyoko managed to find her voice and speak, "Kuro-sama, why were you in Diskenth-sama's room?"

"That doesn't concern you." Creed answered just as quickly.

An awkward silence took over the scene again as each man glared at opposite women. After a couple minutes, Echidna dared to glance at Creed's hand, which was still holding the flower his Cat gave him. She broke the silence by asking another question.

"Where did you get the flower from, Creed?"

Creed beamed with delight. "Train gave it to me."

Echidna growled quietly, making sure Creed didn't hear it.

It was Kyoko's turn to ask a quesiton. "Are you going somewhere, Kuro-sama?"

Creed took hold of Train's wrist and glared at her again. "Don't follow." He warned as he began to walk away with Train willingly following.

The two women watched as the men walked away, sighing as one when Creed and Train held each other's hands and walked down the stairs, out of sight.

"When I walked into Kuro-sama's room, it was a mess. Both of their clothes were thrown everywhere and his bed was a wreck." Kyoko said sadly.

Echidna slanted her lips and looked back in the direction the partner's had gone. "I don't know how or why they got into Creed's room, but I think what we heard last night was true…"

They both sighed again, deciding it was best not to think about it.

---

Creed and Train made their way to the garden, never releasing hands. They didn't notice the discomforted looks several of the Apostles gave them as they walked by. They had a mission of sorts, and didn't really care what the others thought.

They stepped into the glorious garden, just as the sun was beginning to set, mimicking the first time they were in the Creed's garden together. Out of habit, Creed walked over to his roses, only to be pulled to a stop by Train's hand. He turned around and looked at his beloved, who gave him a sour look.

"Before you go jumping on your precious roses, you need to show me how to care for those." Train thumbed in the direction of the small patch of white flowers.

Creed followed Train over to the bunch and knelt down beside him. He reached out to touch one as he spoke to his Kitten. "As I told you earlier, these are perennial flowers, which means they return year after year, eliminating the need to buy new flowers every spring."

He could tell Train was listening, even though he kept his eyes on the flowers he had grown so fond of. The pale man smiled, knowing it was because they reminded him of Creed. "Unlike annuals, perennials mostly bloom one or two seasons per year, at the most. They fade back to their foliage after the bloom is through."

He looked over at his lover, just to make sure he was still listening. Seeing that he was, but concentrating to remember all the information, Creed went on, leaving out content Train didn't need to worry about. He didn't want his beloved to be overwhelmed by everything at once. Train would learn in time.

"Perennials tend to expand and fill more areas than you originally intended them to. This is where division comes in."

Train turned to him curiously. Creed wasn't surprised that he didn't know what that meant. He smiled and walked into the gazebo that was nearby, pulling out a small tool box.

"Division is pretty much what the word implies." He knelt down in the spot Train had pulled the first flower from and took out a small shovel from the toolbox. He tucked the Chrysanthemum Train gave him behind his ear and got to work. "You dig up the root clump," Which is exactly what Creed did with the shovel. "Divide it into sections," Creed demonstrated that as well. "And replant in the fresh soil."

Once that was done, Creed leaned back and looked down at his work. It wasn't much, but he didn't want to go out of control, since Train knew nothing about caring for any flowers. He looked over at his Kitten and smiled.

"It's important that you do that, so they don't wind up taking over my rose section."

Train laughed "No, we wouldn't want that, would we?" He looked down at Creed's work. "Well, considering what you said about us moving around so much, does it really matter?"

Creed sighed, "Do you want to take care of the flowers, or not?"

Train gave him an intent look. "I do! What else is there to know?"

Creed couldn't stop himself from giggling at the cuteness of his lover's eagerness. "If these are the only flowers you'll be dealing with, and I suggest they are, since you're a beginner, I won't bother to explain how to design them. That's more complicated."

His love actually seemed relieved by that. He had a feeling a lot of this would be forgotten, so he needed to only tell him the essentials. He stood once more and made his way over to a nearby water pump, filling up a container that looked very similar to a cat. Train knew it was meant to water plants, but he still laughed at the fact that Creed had one with a feline shape, added to the fact that it was black.

"If you decide to move them indoors, you need to keep them in a cool place with filtered sunlight." Creed explained as he made his way back over.

Train frowned, "I thought they needed sunlight?"

The swordsman chuckled at his Feline's naivety, "They do, just not too much. Too much sun could burn their leaves. The room temperature should be about 65 to 72 degrees Fahrenheit, and they should be kept away from heating and cooling vents or directly under ceiling fans. Also, don't put them on top of televisions or radiators, since they give off heat and would cause the plant to dehydrate."

His Rose nodded in confirmation. "Well, I won't be growing them inside. Isn't that something you should keep in mind?"

Creed sighed happily at Train's words. They were implying that he was growing them for Creed to give to him. "You're right, Train. But you should still know that they could burn and can't be in temperatures too hot. You don't want them to dry out or wilt."

He handed Train the feline shaped container. The Black Cat took it, and began to pour the water on his beloved plants. Creed immediately bent down over Train and took hold of his hand holding the container, stopping the water from flowing.

"Don't over water, you may drown them."

"But you just said they could get dry. When was the last time you watered these?"

"I may not have given them as much attention as I did my roses, but I do water them as much as they need. They won't dry that easily. And you don't want to wet the leaves, you should water it from down here."

Creed positioned himself behind Train and wrapped his arms around his Cat, placing a hand on each of Train's. Tilting the object slightly, he leaned over Train's shoulder and guided his hand for the necessary amount of water.

After a couple minutes, Creed led Train's hand's up, stopping the waterfall, and placed it on the ground. "That's all you need to know."

His arms did not retract from Train, instead they held onto his hands as he rested his head against the back of his love's. Train moved his hands closer to his body, so that Creed's arms were wrapped around him, but still held tightly to the other man's hands. As Creed leaned back onto his legs, Train followed suit and relaxed his body against his Stallion's.

When Train rested the side of his face against Creed's neck, the swordsman sighed blissfully, "I think… I can see the world as a better place now."

Train looked up at his lover as Creed changed the subject and continued talking, "I won't say I like this rotting world we live in, and I can't say I care about anything other than you, but I don't feel as hostile towards everything." He nuzzled his face in Train's hair. "Even when thinking about garbage like Chronos, I can stay calm. The fact that they hurt you and that you want them destroyed is the reason I will continue our war. But if there ever comes a time when you no longer wish to see their organization fall, I'll drop everything just as quickly and follow whatever path you take."

The dark haired gunman smiled up at Creed and snuggled his face further into his neck. Creed responded by rubbing his thumb across the back of Train's hand. "I feel relaxed. Like a huge weight has been lifted from my heart. It might be a bit cliché to think this, but I truly feel that I can fly."

Train laughed. "I guess that weight was pulling you down."

Creed nodded. "That makes sense, in a way." He held out their hands in front of them, just so he could watch his own fingers intertwined with his Kitten's. "As long as you love me, as long as I have you, nothing else matters. I'll do whatever you want, go wherever you go, and the world can do whatever it wants, as long as they don't take you away from me." He watched as Train's fingers began to play with his. "It's like finishing an excessively long race, but the prize is worth every step taken…"

Train chuckled, "Talking about cliché's, I'm about to get really corny." He turned around in Creed's arms and smiled warmly. "This isn't the end of the race… it's the beginning."

Creed couldn't hold back anymore. Gazing into Train's eyes that shone brightly in the sun as he looked at Creed with adoration, watching his beloved's tan skin glow under the azure sky, looking at his smooth lips, smiling lovingly at him, he had to feel them once more, before the day ended.

Leaning forward, he gently placed his lips on his Angel's, who wrapped his arms around his neck. As Creed felt Train pressing himself against him, fireworks exploded before his eyes and his chest burst into flames, positive they spread to his lover's chest as well. The realization that those lips belonged to his Kitten, elated Creed's entire being. He was feeling everything he had ever felt for Train, coming fromTrain. All the love, want and need was being returned to him. He had felt it last night, but to feel it all again, was absolute bliss. Train's feelings, taste and touch were able to make the moment heavenly.

The clearing of a throat interrupted his joyous moment with Train as both their attention was brought over to the entrance of the garden. Standing there, a hand covering his small, yellow eyes, was Shiki, making every attempt in the world not to look at them as they embraced one another. Standing behind him, as if for support, was Maro, who was looking to the ground, seeming content on staring at a patch of dirt.

"I'm sorry to interrupt such an intimate moment, but we've been wondering what our next plans of action were, considering that you're completely healed." He glanced through his fingers, saw the two still holding each other, and recovered his eyes. "That is, if you've even thought about anything else." He mumbled quietly.

Interrupting Creed while he was with Train was a bad idea for anyone. But before he could completely lose control, he felt Train's breath bush against his check, calming him down. After feeling Train's warmth, the strength behind his beloved's arms around his neck and the scent of his body, Creed was calm enough to talk without wanting to rip Shiki limb from limb.

"We have planned our next actions, and they are simple enough for even a child to understand, but I don't feel like repeating myself. Gather everyone in the meeting area and we'll explain it to you all at the same time."

Shiki nodded and hastily made his way for the entrance, never looking up as he did so. He even bumped into Maro, who was still looking to the ground, and nearly fell flat on his butt from the collision. Train snickered at the scene, but sighed sadly.

"Why couldn't you just tell him? It really isn't that hard to understand and it would have only taken two seconds." He knew what his partner was going to say and already agreed with him. They discussed it during Creed's rehabilitation.

Creed sighed as well. "No, explaining it to them will be much more complicated and harder to convince, especially Shiki and Maro." He looked down at his Kitten in his arms and smiled adoringly at the disappointed look on his face.

Train snuggled his face into Creed's shoulder, holding him tight, "I don't want to discuss business right now…"

Creed laughed warmly and pulled him closer, petting Train's head, "Then let's just enjoy this moment for a few more minutes…"

---

A couple more minutes in Creed and Train's world turned out to be an hour in reality. The Apostle of the Stars were, yet again, sitting in the meeting room, waiting for their leaders to come inform them of their next plans. Kyoko explained the disarray Train's room was in, and both the female Taoist retold the story of their little run in with the partners. Shiki and Maro were still shaking off what they saw in the garden.

"We were actually standing there for quite awhile before they even realized we were there. I thought we were gonna have to get a crowbar to pry them apart." Shiki shuddered at the mental image, even though he was exaggerating.

Maro glanced at him impatiently, "We wouldn't have seen as much if you had spoken up sooner."

Shiki glared at him, "I didn't see you making an attempt to break it up. I cleared my throat five times! That should be enough." He folded his arms angrily. "I didn't even want to get them, it should have been the one person who seems to be comfortable with this situation."

Shiki now turned his glare to Doctor, who merely chuckled, "I value my life. Dragging Creed away from Train is not a position I want to be put in." He shrugged and looked away. "Besides, your reactions were quite humorous."

The small Taoist growled. He could tell from Doctor's tone he really made Shiki go into the garden for entertainment value.

"As I said before, I don't care what their relationship is, as long as I don't have to hear, or see it—and don't try to come up with another excuse, Echidna, you saw it first hand." The bug user cut off the actress before she could speak.

Echidna quickly shut her mouth and looked to the ground defeated. She wasn't even sure what she was going to say, but coming up with excuses instead of facing the truth was much easier.

Kyoko groaned, "How much longer are they gonna stay out there? It's been at least an hour by now."

"I hope they didn't start something again…" Maro's voice was filled with darkness.

Shiki laughed bitterly, "I don't think an hour is long enough for them." He slapped himself physically, causing Doctor to laugh quietly behind him.

That was the moment Creed walked back into the house with Train following close behind. Neither seemed to notice Shiki slapping himself in the face as they made their way, ironically enough, to the loveseat Creed seemed bent on putting in every meeting room of each mansion. Creed sat himself on one end, as Train sat on the other. The Black Cat swung his legs around, dangling them over an arm as he rested his head on Creed's lap.

Creed smiled down at Train and brushed the back of his knuckles against his cheek. The room was silent with awkwardness, save for Creed and Train, who seemed to forget anyone else was in the room with them. Finally, Shiki was the one to bring the group back to reality as he cleared his throat again.

Creed looked up at him, as if asking what he wanted. The fabric covered man sighed quietly and asked, "What are our next moves?"

Train never opened his eyes, content on relaxing on Creed's lap and basking in the gentleness of his touch, allowing Creed to do all the talking, like he usually did.

Smiling down at his love once more, Creed looked back to the rest of his group. "As I informed Shiki outside, we have planned our next actions."

It was silent for a moment as Creed looked back down at Train and traced his lips with his fingers. Shiki and Maro were resolutely staring Creed in the face while Kyoko and Echidna seemed to be looking anywhere but the partners. Leon seemed either a little put off or uncaring while Eathes, Charden and Doctor didn't seem bothered by the small public display of affections.

"And what are we doing?" Shiki asked, keeping his voice as calm as possible and never looking down to Creed's lap.

Still smiling at Train, Creed answered Shiki's question. "Nothing."

The small word threw everyone off and all eyes turned to him, completely forgetting the Cat laying in his lap.

"What do you mean, "nothing"?" Shiki couldn't control the anger that escaped his voice.

To his surprise, Creed looked at him with very little anger in his eyes. Not only did it shock Shiki, but everyone else seemed to almost gasp at the strange calmness Creed was displaying. Usually after hearing the midget man use a tone of voice like that against him or Train, he would receive a violent death glare followed by a warning, sometimes a small attack. Anger was apparent in his expression, but it was muted and with each stroke of Train's face, becoming duller until it was nonexistent.

"I mean exactly what I said. We're going to keep doing what we've been doing." He slid his fingers through Train's bangs. "We will lay low for a while, so that Chronos will fall off our trail. They know what we're capable of now and will surely be hunting our entire group. I think we're lucky they haven't found us yet, considering they know I was seriously injured."

He saw Train's face contort in guilt at his words, so Creed placed a hand on his knee, rubbing it gently to reassure him he was fine now and didn't blame him for anything. As Train relaxed, he continued.

"This gives us time to catch our breath and come up with another plan. I didn't believe this one would end our Chronos troubles for good, but it still didn't go as well as I had hoped."

Creed felt anger rising in him at that thought and the familiar glare returned to his eyes as his hands slowed their motions on his Cat's face. When he heard Train make a quiet, disappointed noise and roll on his side, towards Creed, the swordsman relaxed again. His happy smile returned as Train nuzzled his cheek into Creed's thigh.

So cute…

He continued caressing Train.

"I suggest that you all stay here from now on. If you leave this castle on your own, you will most likely be killed."

"So, we're sitting around here until you give us the thumbs up for another move?" Shiki sounded infuriated.

Creed looked up at him. "By all means, you may leave if you wish, but that will surely be a death sentence."

Now Charden stepped in. "It's not like we were going anywhere to begin with. After that stunt we pulled, Chronos will most definitely be looking for us, and we took more damage than they did on our last meeting."

Shiki was silenced at Charden's statement, but was still a little annoyed by the situation. Creed sensed this and spoke again.

"It's not like we'll be staying completely silent. We're going to give them false trails to follow while spreading negative thoughts about them. It may be small, but it's the smartest thing to do right now."

The Bug Taoist was silent for only a moment, before sighing in defeat. Creed smiled smugly at the short man's sigh. If he convinced Shiki, he convinced the rest of his group.

He felt Train's breathing slowing down, signaling he was falling asleep. Creed chuckled and smiled warmly at his beloved, running his fingers through his hair again. Turning his gaze to the window, Creed saw the sky was darkening.

It's amazing how fast time goes when I'm with Train… This day flew by…

Turning his attention back to the man curled on his lap, Creed brushed the back of his knuckles against his Feline's cheek, smiling tenderly. "You are all dismissed. Do whatever you like."

Shiki and Maro left the room quickly, both men a little upset at the news they received and still uncomfortable over Creed and Train's new relationship. Doctor, Eathes and Leon left soon after, each separating to different areas of the house. Echidna and Kyoko stayed a moment longer, finally gathering the courage to look at the two men on the couch.

As they watched Train curl further onto Creed's lap, seeming to fall asleep from the lovingness of his touch. Kyoko grumbled and stormed out of the room, clearly wanting to seek comfort in her own room alone. However, there was something about her walk that showed confidence. Like she wasn't going to give up just yet.

Echidna sighed as defeat was weighing heavily upon her. She stood and made for the door as well. Stepping through the doorway, Charden walked up behind her and spoke in a comforting tone.

"I hope you realize there's nothing you can do. It's best to just admit defeat and move on."

Echidna looked back at the lovers and scowled. "It's like a bad dream."

He sighed heavily and led her out of the room, leaving Creed and Train alone.

---

Hours passed as Creed continued running his fingers through Train's hair and caressing his face. His other hand had migrated from his knee to his thigh, massaging it affectionately. Train's breathing had become deeper, his eyes fluttering shut, and Creed could tell he had fallen asleep. He slid his hand up Train's sleeve and drummed his fingers ultra-lightly up and down his arm, imitating rain drops softly landing on one's skin.

Looking outside, Creed saw stars twinkling.

It doesn't even feel like we've been awake that long.

Looking down at his love, Creed chuckled softly at his beloved's charming, sleeping face.

He ran his fingers along his body one last time, before picking him up gently in his arms. Train rolled over and curled closer to Creed, cuddling his face into his chest. The silver-haired man smiled and left the room, journeying up the stairs to Train's own chambers.

The swordsman placed his gunslinger on his bed and draped the blankets over him, watching as his beloved wrapped them around himself. Sighing, Creed brushed his cheek, before looking around the room.

I didn't realize what a mess we made last night…

Their clothes were thrown everywhere; he even noted how Train's shirt was laying on top of his lamp. He sighed again.

Of course Train wouldn't clean this up. He probably didn't even notice what a wreck his room was when he got up.

Shaking his head, he couldn't help but laugh. It was just like his lover to ignore such a mess. He sighed again.

I'm too tired to clean this up right now. It'll have to wait until tomorrow.

Watching Train sleep for a moment longer, Creed smiled and regretfully left the room to enter his own. As much as he wanted to sleep in the same bed with Train again, he didn't want to rush things. Despite all the intimate contact and talk they had today, he wasn't sure if Train was ready to sleep in the same bed as him yet. He didn't want to push something on Train he might not want.

As he stepped into his own room, he groaned sadly at the loneliness that engulfed his heart. He'd been parted from Train no more than five seconds and he was already longing for his beloved.

I can't slip into bed with him. No matter how much my heart aches for him and how much my mind tells me he'd want me to. I don't want to push it. After all these years, Train finally wants to be with me. He finally loves me, and I won't let it be ruined by something so small. He deserves his space…

He looked back at the closed door longingly, before starting to undress in sad silence. He slipped into bed and shut his eyes, trying to let sleepover take him, though tonight it seemed like sleep was going to be most evasive.

He tossed and turned, trying to find a comfortable position, but that too proved impossible. No matter what he did, he could not fall asleep. He sat up and fluffed his pillow, deciding that it was too hard to sleep on. Lying back down, he found he still couldn't sleep, and rolled onto his side hoping that that would help, but sighed in realization that he was wrong.

Suddenly, he heard small mewling noises coming from the direction of Train's room. Sitting up, he listened more intently, but heard nothing. He was beginning to wonder if he had just been imagining things, when he suddenly heard the noises again, this time accompanied by the sound of a large crash and Train swearing loudly. It was a sound of great pain, mixed with anger and grief all mixed in one.

And if that hadn't been enough to get Creed out of bed, then the sound of his Kitten's strangled voice calling out his name was more than enough incentive.

Busting through the adjoining door, Creed called out in concern, "Train! What's wrong?"

He quickly looked to the bed, and saw that not only was his Cat not there, but the lamp by his bed was broken and the sheets had been torn clean off the bed. Anguish gripping his heart, Creed rushed over, only to breathe out in relief as he saw that his Feline was lying on the floor next to his bed, wrapped in the linens and curled into the defensive fetal position, shivering uncontrollably.

He was by his Black Cat's side in a second, taking his Kitten into his arms and rocking him consolingly. "Shhh, it's alright Train… I'm here. What's wrong? Is something bothering you? What happened?"

Train quivered ceaselessly, his eyes open but blank, as if still between the realms of the living and that of the subconscious. His voice spoke, but it was no louder than that of a small whisper. "He… he couldn't have. It's impossible…"

Creed furrowed his brow at that, "'He' who? Is someone bothering you? Tell me Train, and I'll take care of it, whoever it is."

But his beloved was only talking in his sleep, still unaware of the man's presence. He was scared, and that scared Creed. He came to a decision, he had to wake Train up, and this action may sting a little, but the end result would be worth it.

Raising his hand, he brought it down heavily along Train's face, slapping him soundly, but not hard enough to leave a welt. "Train, wake up!"

The brunette yelped in pain as his hand automatically rose to his cheek, his eyelids blinked a few times and he looked up into his Stallion's worried face. Looking around as if to confirm his present location and make sure it was real, he looked into the crystal blue eyes of his lover and immediately grabbed hold of the man's arms and pulled him close, burying his face in his chest.

"Thank God, it was all a nightmare…"

Creed wrapped his arms closer around his beloved's clammy frame, all his clothes wet from heavy perspiration.

Train was having nightmares again? He thought all of those had gone away months ago. What could have stirred them back up again?

As if in response to his thoughts, Train asked, "Why'd you leave me alone?!"

He eyed Train confused before mentally slapping himself for his stupidity. His presence near his lover had been a major factor in keeping Train's nightmares from tormenting him. Now that their relationship terms had risen, new bottles of emotions had been opened up in his Feline and Creed helped keep the things his new emotions riled up in him, including old scars like nightmares, under control.

Knowing how stupid and senseless he had been in his resolve, Creed silently took Train in his arms and carried him through the adjoining door and to his own bed.

Train cuddled closer to Creed, burying his face in the man's chest as Creed wrapped his arms tightly around Train and pet his head. He could feel his Cat start to relax his body as he breathed deeply and sighed. Creed waited until Train had gotten completely comfortable, before he started to ask the necessary questions.

"What happened, Train? What did you see this time?"

It was a few moments before he could even speak, but when he finally found the words, his answer sent a chill Creed's back.

"It was the same nightmare as before…. I kept seeing Saya running for her life, asking me to help her. But I was frozen, I couldn't do anything, even when the sword came down and raked through her flesh, I couldn't bring myself to move. But that wasn't what scared me the most…"

Creed inwardly gritted his teeth, angry that even now that witch still held some power over his Kitten. "The past is the past, Train… you can't change it, no matter how much you'd like to."

Train turned to him, the fear still within his golden eyes. "The thing is, when the murderer came out of the shadows, I expected it to be Sephiria like it always was. But this time, it wasn't her who came into the light… it was you, Creed..."

At those words, the silver-haired swordsman felt as if his heart had been gripped by an ice cold vice and then squeezed so hard it would explode.

Train noticed the difference in his lover's behavior and looked up at his face, his blue eyes glazed over with a film of scarlet. He interpreted the man's facial expressions for what they were: Shock and alarm.

"Creed?"

The man shook his head and smiled weakly, "I'm sorry, Train. I thought I heard you say—"

"I know… I don't know how my mind put something like that together. I mean, you never even got to meet Saya, much less… When I saw you standing there with that smile on your face, and her blood on your clothes, it felt as if somebody had ripped my heart into little pieces and then sent the pieces through a blender, a wood chipper, and then sent whatever was left in a nuclear fission chamber to destroy whatever was left."

He sighed, and then looked up at Creed, a bright smile on his face. "But then you woke me up—rather roughly I might add—and everything was back to normal. You were there protecting me as you always do, by my side with that goofy concerned look on your face. I came back to reality and realized you'd never do anything like that to me. You would never betray me like that and then I knew it had all been a dream… just a stupid nightmare. You'd never do something like that to hurt me."

"I'd never hurt you, Train." He said softly, holding his beloved closer, as if somehow the wind would carry him away. "You are the one I will always protect and cherish deeply. No one else will ever be able to take your place in my heart."

Train smiled sleepily and happily leaned against Creed in content and fatigue, all thoughts of his horrible nightmare erased from his mind.

As he felt his Cat yawn and relax in his arms, he fell lightly next to him. Train moved his body further next to Creed and wrapped his own arms around his lover's. Creed rested his head on that of his Kitten's, and listened as the brunette fell into a deep peaceful sleep.

Creed however, was done with sleep for the night. Train's words had instilled a fear within him. A fear that to fall asleep would mean losing everything, a fear of waking up to the old world… and losing a world that was in more ways than one—just like a dream…