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

"Oh, Creed…" Train moaned, arching his back slightly as his companion besieged his neck with a lustful vigor.

Creed slid his tongue up and down his beloved's neck, pinning Train's hands against the bathroom wall, their fingers tangling together tightly. He smirked when he heard his Kitten gasp loudly when he bit down, squeezing the swordsman fingers slightly as he squirmed eagerly against the wall. "Enjoying your shower, Train?"

Train purred when Creed's mouth went a little lower, trailing down his neck to his shoulder, then finally landing on his right peck. The gunman cried out when Creed's tongue made contact with his nipple, swirling around it hungrily before nibbling at it tenderly. When the silver man kissed hardened pink flesh, Train was almost unable to stop himself from screaming at the man to take him completely. However, despite how many encounters he and Creed had had like this recently, he had not given in to his carnal desires yet.

But I don't know how much longer I can keep saying no. I want this just as badly as he does.

Instead of crying out with want, Train managed to bite his lip and answer the man's hypothetical question. "I don't think this counts, Creed…"

Creed snickered and pressed his lower body closer to his love's, blowing on Train's nipple, relishing the shiver the man let out. "Well, this is what you get for trying to walk away during the first moment we've had the house completely to ourselves…"

Train swallowed thickly as he felt one of Creed's hands untangle from his, the silverrete's fingers outlining his entire body until it reached his hip and rested there precariously.

Train moaned as Creed's tongue swirled around his nipple again, his hips bucking slightly into Creed's as he spoke. "What makes you think I owe you my presence when we're alone?"

Creed moaned quietly at the slight contact his beloved's lower body made with his, then wrapped his fingers around Train's hip, squeezing tightly as he pulled their lower bodies together, brushing their members against one another. Creed applied a bit more pressure with his next movement, making sure Train could feel how ready he was for the next step as he moved his face so whisper longingly in his cat's ear, nibbling gently at his beloved's lob.

Creed smirked when he felt Train's free hand land gently on his lower back, pressing the silver man closer to inspire Creed to keep going. "Nothing. But, I can tell you were certainly enjoying yourself… Why did you walk away?"

Train cried out loudly as Creed began moving his body back and forth even faster, digging his fingers into the silver man's hand and back deeply as he spoke. "I told you, I needed to shower before anyone got back."

That's only partially true. I needed to step away before things got too out of control with Creed.

Creed was right, that day was the first time they had been alone in a long time and with how things had been progressing between them, Train didn't know if he had the ability to say no to the man anymore. They even had extra time alone that day since Train was told he was not allowed to visit Lin in the morning nor was he permitted in for the rest of the day. Sephiria said he needed Number X rest and told Train not to come back for a few days.

Apparently, they think I'm riling him up too much.

Train was thrown out of his thoughts as he felt the other man's fingers tracing the top of his towel, the only thing separating him from Creed's temporarily clothed body. The situation escalated quickly the moment the swordsman realized they were alone and knew he didn't have much longer until he had to leave for some errand Train wasn't allowed to know about. Train had been trying to turn Creed away until that time came, but it seemed like his companion wasn't going to take no for an answer.

And the longer this lasts, the more I realize how incapable I am of saying that word to him. His body feels too amazing to stop!

After that and before the cat knew what was happening, he was half naked and sprawled out of the couch with the swordsman's lean body on top of him. It started out as innocent cuddles, like it always did, but quickly became an intense make out session which rapidly advanced to fondling, massaging, rubbing, and dry humping. When he slipped Creed's shirt off and began caressing his companion everywhere he could, Train knew he sent all the right signals that would encourage Creed to bring their embrace to a more intimate level. After all, it was the first time he had purposefully removed clothes from the silverette in a long time, so it made sense that Creed would make things turn more sensual than they already were. However, when Creed's fingers attempted to pull his boxers off, Train was somehow able to come to his senses enough to slip out from under the gluttonous man and off the couch.

As soon as he jumped off and away from Creed, he ran to the bathroom with the excuse of needing to wash up before anyone came home. They had been going at it for about an hour and even though he knew their friends weren't going to be out for long, he needed something, anything to stop himself from insisting Creed make love to him.

Not that I'd be demanding anything of Creed.

Train knew Creed had been more than willing to take him completely since the day he met the Black Cat, and leaving the swordsman didn't change that at all. It had been pretty much all Creed had been trying to do ever since that time in the music school or in the forest when Sephiria interrupted them.

If she didn't come in, I would have absolutely had sex with him then. I even told him to do it. What the hell is wrong with me?!

Train knew the answer to that already. He accepted a while ago that he still loved Creed, but after learning his companion may not have been in control of himself when he killed Saya and seeing the sweeper girl literally give him the go ahead signal, it had been harder and harder to contain himself. That moment in the recital hall had been recreated a few more times and Creed desperately tried to bring each other those moments to the next level. But, if they weren't interrupted by some outside force, Train stopped him. Although, at that point he was running out of reasons to say no, especially since it seemed like Saya had given him her blessings. Still, Train wanted to hear from Sephiria or someone else in Chronos that Creed was drugged the time he killed Saya before he told the silver man how he felt and what he wanted out of their relationship.

Once I find out the undeniable truth of that, there's no doubt in my mind what I'll do. I'll unquestionably jump back into Creed's arms and embrace his heart, mind, body, and soul completely.

"Come on, Train… Just let me bring you to my room… It'll be so much more comfortable there than against the wall…" Creed gyrated his body even faster against his beloved's, twirling his tongue around Train's other nipple.

Train gasped loudly when Creed bit his nipple, knowing he was ready for the silver man to enter him, but his mind was still screaming at him to stop. "I already got the shower running… I should just get in."

Creed rolled his eyes. "Then I guess I have no choice but to join you…"

Train moaned sadly when Creed pulled away slightly so he could begin undoing his own pants. However, as he watched his companion drop his pants to the floor and lick his lips, Train nearly dropped the towel he had wrapped hastily around himself when Creed entered the room and almost threw himself at the swordsman. The fabric around him did slip a little lower, causing the swordsman's eyes to shoot in the direction of the cat's lower body and shine with a libidinous gleam.

Creed reached forward and pulled Train away from the wall and against his body, wrapping his fingers around his beloved's hips tightly and brushing his lips against the gunman's as he spoke. "What do you say, Train? Let me make love to you in the shower…"

Both of Train's hands wrapped behind Creed's head, coiling into his silver locks as he kissed the other man deeply. He wasn't sure how the towel was able to stay up without him holding it, but he had a feeling it had something to do with the excitement his body had been physically showing and the pressure Creed's groin was applying to his.

Train moaned excitedly as he massaged Creed's tongue with his own, pushing their chests harder together, feeling the silver man's heart beat passionately against his own, sending the Black Cat's logic even further away as he allowed the swordsman to pull him towards the running water. He felt one of Creed's hands leave his hips and begin to tug eagerly at his towel which seemed to be enough to bring Train a little back to reality.

The Black Cat shook his head slightly and pulled away from Creed slightly. "I need to shower. We… We can't do this…"

Creed sighed in frustration and nuzzled his face against his love's, kissing him once more before speaking with a wanton voice. "Are you sure that's what you want, Train? Because the bulge behind your towel and the color of your eyes says otherwise…"

Train gasped intensely as kissed Creed deeply and ripped the towel off his body. The silver man then took a tight hold between his Kitten's legs and moved his fingers back and forth slowly, making Trains knees go weak. He clung to Creed's shoulders to prevent himself from falling, his body needing nothing more than the other man to fuck him senselessly as he continued twirling his tongue around the swordsman's.

Creed smirked into the kiss, moving one of his arms to wrap around his beloved's back so he wouldn't fall, the other continuing to move back and forth against his beloved's hard cock. Creed moaned longingly when he felt Train tremble in his arm, his love's fingers digging deeply into his shoulders as the cat purred and dove his tongue as far as he could into Creed's mouth.

Creed returned the kiss for a few minutes before pulling away slightly to speak to his Kitten. "Oh, my dear Train… Please let me make love to you… My body is aching to be one with yours and I can tell you're feeling the same way…"

Train was too dazed by how Creed's voice echoed in his ear and the way his lips felt brushing lightly against his own to notice how close they were to entering the shower. Creed latched back onto his neck, pressing their bodies tightly together as he took a few more steps towards the shower, his fingers wrapped tightly around the Black Cat's shaft, moving back and forth slowly and his tongue slithered up and down his supple skin.

"Creed…" Train whispered as his knees buckled, the only thing holding him up at this point was the swordsman's strong arm that was still fastened firmly around his back. "Creed… I… I don-"

"-Shhh, it's okay, my love. Just enjoy these feelings I'm giving you." Creed kissed him again and again, his thoughts focusing fully on how it would feel to be inside of his beloved again. "I love you, Train. I love you more than anything else in this world…"

Creed moaned at the way his beloved shuddered in his arms, his lips and fingers never stopping their work as he moved even closer to the shower. He desperately wanted to look down and gaze at his beloved's exposed body, but Creed was sure if he stopped, Train's logical thoughts would take that opportunity to come back and find another reason to halt him. However, since Creed refused to move his mouth or hand away from his love and his mind was too preoccupied fantasizing what was only just moments away from happening, he missed the entrance to the shower and ended up pushing Train's back against the glass wall.

Damnit! Is that going to be enough to make Train tell me to stop?!

Hearing his beloved's earnest moan and feeling his hands clawing aggressively at his back, Creed breathed a mental sigh of relief and decided to take advantage of his pinned Kitten to feel more of his love. He slid the hand that was around Train's back to his ass, gently massaging his cheek and reveling in the way his beloved purred at the touch. Creed moved his lips up to Train's ear, his hand still moving zealously against his cock as his other squeezed tightly at his rear.

Creed purred longingly at the way his cat writhed under his touch, Train's fingers ripping at his back fiercely as his gasps and moans reverberated beautifully in his ears. "You're so perfect, Train… I can't wait to feel what it's like to be inside of you again… That is…" He slid his fingers towards his beloved's entrance. "If you tell me that's what you want…"

Train cried out as he felt himself ready to give in completely to the man he knew he loved. Despite there being no lubrication on Creed's hand, the mere thought of having the swordsman inside of him was enough to rile him up enough to climax. It didn't help that the silver man's fingers were poking at his opening, making Train's heart and body howl at him to tell Creed to make love to him. It was actually starting to hurt not having the other man inside of him and as Creed's mouth moved up his neck and to his lips, plugging his tongue deep into the cat's. At that point, Train knew his mind was about to lose the war it was having with his heart and body.

Screw it. We deserve this moment of bliss, don't we?

Creed felt Train nod his head and his heart burst into flames, his throbbing cock begging for release from their snug prison. Not wanting to question his love any further, praying that was finally going to be the moment he'd become one with his Kitten again, the swordsman pulled his love off the glass wall of the shower and spun them around so Creed would be the first one to enter the shower. He held Train close to his body, removing his hands from their locations between his legs and on his ass so they could wrap around his Kitten's back and grip the gunman firmly against him. Creed completely forgot he was still wearing boxers, his mind thinking of nothing but Train, feeling nothing except his beloved shaking violently with anticipation in his arms, hearing nothing but his love's ravishing gasps and moans.

However, the heat building in Creed's body suddenly ended the moment he stepped into the shower. He broke the deep kiss he was currently engaged in with his beloved and gasped loudly, pushing himself past Train so he was out of the shower once more. He ran over to the towel rack and began drying himself off immediately, starting with his hair and then rubbing the fabric all along his body.

Creed glared at a laughing Train as he stood in the shower as if it wasn't cold at all, but the silver man had a feeling his love could barely feel the temperature anyway. "Why the hell is it so cold, Train?!"

Train was clutching his sides tightly, the water cascading down his naked body as his spiky brown hair became drenched within seconds. "I forgot I did that! I had to turn it to the coldest temperature since I can't really feel it."

Creed's glare never wavered even as he eyed his beloved's bare body up and down. He was sure the only reason he was able to keep the harsh look going was because he was stopped from making love to his Kitten yet again.

And this time it was Train's antics that stopped me! And his antics are usually what makes my heart flutter in my chest and pray to whatever Gods might be watching to make him mine again!

He tried to ignore the irony of the man he loved was the reason he wasn't having sex with him to him so he could respond to Train's comment. "Stop laughing! You didn't answer my question! Why is it so cold?!"

Train took a deep breath and rubbed his eye to rid himself of the tear that was mixing with the water. "Yes, I did. Because otherwise I wouldn't feel it."

Creed narrowed his eyes as he wrapped the towel around his body, trying to warm himself up from the jolt of intense iciness that shocked him out of his heated state. "Yes, but why did you need a cold shower, Train…"

Train blushed slightly and returned his friend's gaze. "You know why, don't make me say it…"

Creed smirked and moved back over to the shower, the chill slowly leaving him as his body began to reheat itself as he was finally able to take his beloved's bare body in fully. The water dripped down his cat's coca hair elegantly, making the locks cling to his face adorably, the blush on his cheeks only making him look even cuter as he attempted to keep his coarse look locked onto Creed's face. The water adhered to his chest exquisitely, making Train's lean muscles glisten gloriously which was more than enough to give Creed the courage he needed to drop the towel he was using to dry himself off and take a step forward.

Creed's eyes went lower and outlined his love's slightly hard shaft, the cold shower apparently working a little since the silver man knew first hand how solid his love's cock was just moments ago. "No, Train… I do need to hear you say it… Tell me what worked you up so much that you needed to take the coldest shower I have ever experienced…"

Train swallowed as Creed stride over to him slowly, a wanton look painted on his captivating face which made it difficult for the cat to keep his head straight and the heat at bay despite the cold shower. "Sounds like you know a thing or two about cold showers, Creed."

Creed chuckled and brushed his love's words aside, making it to the shower door and leaning his hands on the frame, close enough that he had a good look at his love's body shimmering alluringly with water, but not so close that he had to enter the tomb of chilling doom.

"Trust me, my dear Train… I've had to take far too many cold showers to dissuade my feelings for you… and that was most definitely the coldest shower I have ever felt. Whatever worked you up must have been quite intense."

Train rolled his eyes, trying to concentrate on the coldness of the shower his body refused to acknowledge in order to discount the heat resurfacing in his body. "Don't get presumptuous."

Creed chuckled and braved the water so he could run his index finger through Train's hair. Unfortunately, that was all his body could handle from the cold water that wrapped immorally around his beloved. "I can't help it when I'm around you…"

Train narrowed his eyes at the man, then wrapped his hand around Creed's neck and pulled him into the shower slightly. The silver man struggled a little and tried to free himself so he wouldn't be splashed by the cold, but when Train pressed his lips against his own, Creed felt himself swooning and moaned warmly, beginning to forget the icy water as the heat his heart swelled and nearly exploded with joy in his chest.

When Train pulled away, he held Creed in place, then splashed some of the water in his friend's face. Creed made a strangled noise and pulled himself free of Train's grasp despite how badly he wanted to be with his beloved. The cat let him go willingly as he slid the door shut and began his shower.

Train smiled proudly, as if he had just accomplished a great task in avoiding Creed's advances yet again. "Don't you need to get going anyway? Didn't you have an errand you 'absolutely positively needed to do today no matter what'? Weren't those your exact words before you jumped me on the couch?"

Creed rolled his eyes. "Don't act like you didn't encourage it. You're the one that 'accidentally' brush against me in an extremely non-platonic way."

Creed couldn't see Train's face because his back was currently facing him, but he did see his beloved shrug his shoulders and knew he had an innocent look plastered against his mesmerizing lips. The swordsman sighed longingly and leaned against the glass, the cold temperature it had taken on due to the water inside not being enough to motivate him from missing out of the view his Kitten was providing.

After a few minutes of staring, Train turned some of the water into ice and threw the icicles over the top of the shower and onto Creed's head. Creed let out a pathetic yelping sound at the first one that was thrown, but managed to dodge the second one in time before it hit his head. He pouted at his beloved as Train laughed merrily from inside the cold chamber of glass.

"Go wherever it is you need to go. I'll be here when you get back."

Creed's pout only furthered. "You don't have anything planned for today?"

Train shook his head as he reached for the soap. "Nope. Can't visit Lin, so I might do some training in the back, but nothing too flashy. Ha! Get it?! Flashy?!"

Creed rolled his eyes at his love's terrible pun, but giggled nonetheless. He sighed again as he leaned against the glass once more, staring longingly at his Kitten, wishing he could stay with Train all day. "Maybe I could get it done tomorrow… We haven't had time alone in so long…"

Train felt his lips curl into a blissful smile at Creed's words, his heart beating rapidly in his chest and begging him to openly agree with the silver man. He wanted nothing more than to change the temperature of the shower to something more bearable and pull Creed back in to pick up where they left off.

I can't do that. As much as I would love to spend whatever time I have with him alone, I can't. I know what I'll do if that happens and I can't give into that yet… At least not until I talk to Sephiria again.

After speaking with her the first time, Train decided the conversation was cut too short and he didn't have a chance to really press his questions with the woman. He and Lin hadn't spoken about the possible drugs in their food since the first time, but that was mostly because Train was worried he would blurt out how he wished it was true because then he could be with Creed again and that would only hurt the number more than he already was. It was bad enough Lin had been hurt physically because of him, he didn't want to continue rubbing salt in the wound by talking about how much he wanted to be Creed's lover again.

Train shook his head. "You said you had to get it done today and not to let you forget. However, since you refuse to tell me what it is you need to get done, I can't actually say how important it is that you get it done today, so that bit is on you."

Train had a feeling it had something to do with his birthday. It was only about a week away at that point and knowing Creed, he was going to go overboard again which is why he not only wouldn't tell Train where he was going or what he was doing, but he told the cat he couldn't go with him.

Creed never turns down the chance to have me around him. The only way he wouldn't let me get involved was if it had something to do with my birthday.

Train decided to tease him a little bit, since it seemed like Creed was more intent on watching him shower than doing whatever it was he needed to do. "If you're really that clingy, I can offer to come with you again."

Creed pouted at his love, knowing Train knew the answer to that before he even said it. "I'm sorry, Train, but you can't…"

Train laughed at his friend. "Then can you at least tell me what you're doing?"

Creed bit his lip and shook his head. "No."

Train smirked. "You can't even tell me where you're going?"

Creed shook his head. "No. That'll give it away."

The Black Cat glanced over his shoulder as he lathered his hair with shampoo. "Give what away? Am I right in guessing this has something to with a certain date that is quickly approaching?"

Creed glared at Train, his underwear still feeling far too tight once more as he looked his beloved up and down. "That's none of your business."

Train chuckled again and gave his companion a cheeky smile. "Just go and get it over with already. The sooner you leave, the sooner you'll come back."

Creed sighed sadly and nodded his head in agreement. "I know… I just… was kind of hoping I could put it off at least until they come back. That way we'd get more time together."

Train rolled his eyes. "You're so clingy…" Seeing the sour look on Creed's face, the gunman turned around so he could face Creed, not feeling at all shy about the man he loved seeing him naked.

It's not like this isn't anything he hasn't seen before anyway, right? And I guess it's nothing I don't want him to see again…

As he looked into Creed's eyes, he wanted to tell him to stay and spend whatever time they could alone together, but he stopped himself in favor of trying to get Creed to do whatever it was he needed to do. "They'll be back soon anyway, Creed. Go. I'll be here when you come home."

Creed began to protest again and Train made a frustrated noise, stepped out of the shower, wrapped his arms around the swordsman's back and pulled him against his chest. Train pressed his lips against Creed's, sliding his tongue into his companion's mouth and delicately caressing it with his own. He felt Creed's arms wrap around his waist gently, holding Train tenderly as he returned the tepid, maudlin kiss, not caring how cold his love's body actually was.

After a few minutes, Train pulled away before it became too amorous, sliding his hands to Creed's cheeks and caressing them gently as he smiled reverently into his eyes. "Just go. They'll be back any minute which means we won't have time alone for much longer."

Creed frowned and lowered his hands to Train's rear, rubbing it gently as he nuzzled his face into his love's hands. "But we still have some time…"

Train sighed and ran one of his hands up and down Creed's back lightly, the other tucking his silver hair behind his ear as he spoke. "I'm actually just getting sick of hearing you complain about how you haven't gotten this errand done yet."

Train felt Creed squeeze his ass a little tighter and kiss his neck gently, signaling he was about to try and work the cat up again, but the gunman was able to push the silver man off him before that could happen. When Creed tried to make another grab for him, Train easily dodged and leapt back into the shower, sliding the door behind him as resumed his shower.

"Get out of here before they come back and wonder why you're walking out of the bathroom while I'm in the shower."

Creed's frowned at his love avoiding his touches then whined at his words. "They know what's been going on between us, Train. It's not like they haven't been able to figure it out or we've been able to hide it. They've admitted to our faces. Even Kyoko seems to be unwillingly accepting it."

Train frowned and changed the temperature of the shower slightly since he was beginning to feel cold at Creed's sad tone of voice. "I'm… I'm not ready, Creed… Besides, we're still just having fun, right?"

Creed sighed, then nodded his head. "Right…" He glanced back and Train and held back a longing whimper. "You'll tell me if you're ever ready to go beyond that… right?"

Train looked back at Creed and smiled warmly at him. "Right."

Creed returned his beloved's smile, then noticed his Kitten was changing the temperature again and frowned. It didn't really matter what the condition of the water was anyway since Train never felt much of a change anyway and while it didn't bother his Kitten, Train did confessed to him that he did kind of miss taking warm showers. Now, they had to be scalding hot in order for him to feel it which always meant he had to be careful so he didn't burn himself.

"Train… Please don't make it too hot. Especially if I'm going to be stepping out."

Train rolled his eyes. "Do you want to check to make sure it's the right temperature, Mother Creed?"

Once when Train came out with a burn mark he didn't notice, Creed fussed over him for a week. After that, Creed tried to set the temperature of his shower for weeks to make sure it didn't happen again. Eventually, Train learned where to put the knob so it would be an appropriate temperature for normal humans and was able to shoo Creed out of the bathroom every time he took a shower.

However, judging by the look on his face, I don't think knowing I understand where to put it is going to help this time.

Creed smirked at his love's teasing tone, but stepped towards the door despite Train's obvious sarcasm. "Well, if you insist."

Train yelped as the door slid open again and turned the knob to the correct spot in an attempt to stop Creed from entering. "No need, look! I put it at the right spot, see?!"

Creed chuckled at Train as he slipped into the shower, sliding his boxers off him as he pinned his beloved's against the wall again. "Sorry, I need to get a better look." He nuzzled his face against his love's cheek and glanced at the knob. "Looks good. Thank you for making it a temperature I can tolerate…"

Train gasped when Creed's mouth latched greedily onto his neck, then moaned as the man's hand slid down his torso and traced the muscle of his thigh. As soon as Creed's fingers traced his shaft, Train swallowed thickly, feeling his body beginning to get hot again and knowing he needed to stop it before he caved and shoved Creed inside him himself. He arched his back slightly and bucked his hips, brushing his cock against Creed's for a second which made the swordsman moan lustfully making it even harder for the Black Cat to focus on what he needed to do.

No, not yet. No matter how badly you want it, don't cave in yet! You might regret it later if you come to a different conclusion after speaking with Sephiria…

His thoughts were cut off as Creed moved his hand back and forth between his legs and Train felt his hand twitching and began to move towards Creed's as well. However, just before he gripped onto his companion's hard shaft, Train slipped his hand behind himself, turning the shower water back to cold once more, making the silver man cry out again and stumble out of the glass cage ineptly.

Train caught his breath, happy his idea worked as he stared mischievously at Creed's pouting face. "Sorry, my hand slipped."

Creed glared at his love and picked up the towel he used before to dry himself off again. "You are literally the worst, Train."

Train chuckled as he closed the shower door again, allowing the cold water to dissuade the heat in his body once more before turning it back to a normal temperature. "You know you love me."

Creed smiled warmly at his beloved and nodded. "I do, Train… I really do…"

Train looked over his shoulder once more, knowing he was pretty much done with his shower anyway, but wanting to have an excuse to not jump Creed for real.

I love you too, Creed… And I hope I can tell you the truth soon…

"Can you... promise to be back by dinner? I'm looking forward to this new meal you've been raving about." Train turned away from Creed as he spoke, pretending he had more to do in the shower as he spoke.

Creed could hear the bit of sadness in his beloved's voice and knew Train was actually upset he was going to be leaving. He felt his heart soar at the thought and decided to mess with his Kitten a little. "Are you going to miss me that bad, Train?"

Train blushed and made sure Creed couldn't see his face. "How did you get that from me asking you to be back by dinner?"

Creed giggled and shrugged his shoulders. "Because that just sounds like something a spouse would say to their lover…"

Train felt his face turn a brighter shade of red. "A-Are you going to be back by dinner tonight or not?"

Creed sighed divinely as he continued gazing at his love showering, overjoyed that Train hadn't made any attempts to hide his body from him the entire time, giving the silver man a lot to dream about later. "I promise I'll be back by dinner, my love. You know I'd never keep you waiting."

Train smiled, making sure his face was still facing away from Creed as he reached his hand over the top of the shower and waved the man away, turning back around to enjoy his shower in peace. "Then get out of here before they come back."

Creed's ears perked as he heard the front door open followed by Sven's booming voice as he yelled at Kyoko for buying something she wasn't supposed to again. The swordsman smirked as he addressed his beloved. "Too late. I can hear the displeased grunts of Sven right now."

Train's eyes widened and he turned around quickly to face Creed. "WHAT?!"

Creed shrugged his shoulders and wrapped the towel around his waist, knowing it didn't matter if they saw him in his state. What mattered more was they saw him coming out of the bathroom, completely wet, but the shower still running.

Well, it matters to Train which I guess means it should matter to me. However…

Creed opened the door to the bathroom quickly and stepped out, leaving it open so his friends could hear the water still running in the background. He heard Train make a loud, angry noise which caught the other sweeper's attention. Creed stood in the hallway, smirking wildly as the door shut behind him, even though he made no move to touch it. He knew his love was going to use his Tao to close the door, which is exactly what he wanted to happen to make sure everyone knew Train was still in there.

Kyoko was the only one who didn't seem to notice as she lazily walked her way into the kitchen, bag of food in her hand that she placed loudly on the counter. Creed couldn't see her, but he was sure she was pulling out her phone and ignoring the food she just put down even though Sven would yell at her for not putting it away. On the other hand, Sven and Eve looked down the hall at a half naked Creed, curiosity evident in their eyes for a minute before it changed to understanding.

Eve was the first to speak. "Is Train in the shower?"

Creed beamed happily at the girl, then nodded. "Yup."

Sven's face was amused at first, then suddenly changed to annoyance. "Wait! That's a communal shower! Keep your relationship in the bedroom!"

Creed gave him an innocent, sweet look. "What about the couch? Is that permitted?"

Sven's face paled as he glanced at the couch, then glared at Creed. "THERE TOO! You both have your own rooms!"

"Even though one of those rooms seems to never be used anymore." Eve said as she stepped away from the conversation and into the kitchen, either not caring or not understanding what the problem was. "Why does it matter where they do it, Sven?"

Honestly, while she biologically understood what happened between two people when they felt how Creed and Train clearly felt for each other, she didn't fully understand the emotional aspect behind it nor did she understand why it bothered other adults so much when it was made public. It seemed like Sven loved poking fun at Train for doing those things with Creed, but when it came to knowing where and when they did it, suddenly it was a problem. Obviously their relationship, romantic or otherwise, didn't bother Sven, but knowing they did stuff around the house did for some reason.

Sven choked on his own spit at Eve's question, not sure how to answer it as Creed rolled his eyes, adjusted his towel, and responded to the green haired sweeper. "We didn't do that, Sven, so calm down. I'm really just teasing Train. Nothing happened."

He kicked me out before it could...

Seeing Sven calm down a little and as Eve returned with empty hands, Creed decided to answer her question as well. "And Eve, Sven cares because it's actually inconsiderate to do stuff like that in communal areas." He banged on the bathroom door and heard Train yelp at the loud noise. "Which is why I told Train we should go to my room!"

He could hear Train cursing at him and giggled merrily as he walked off to his room. "I needed to leave anyway."

"Leave to get Train's present?" Eve asked as she walked down the hall to go to her room.

Creed had one hand on the door and the other against his lip, giving the girl a stern look as he glanced at the bathroom. He sighed in relief when he heard the water still running, then nodded his head. Eve took the silent look as a warning for her to keep it down and nodded, then continued making her way towards her room.

Creed glanced at the bathroom door one more time, smiling fondly before entering his room to get changed. He needed to get going before all the stores closed.

Watts looked Nica up and down with a strange look on his face. "Why are you so dressed up? Aren't we just doing a video call with Charden?"

Nica sighed and rolled her eyes. "Yes, but I'm meeting Sven for coffee after this. I'll drop Aliane off for a tutoring session and then leave with the sweeper."

Watts smirked and cocked an eyebrow at the woman. "Oho, so this has to do with the green haired gentleman of yours, huh?"

Nice blushed slightly and gave Watts an agitated look. "If I'm going to properly seduce him, then I need to make sure I'm around him as much as possible."

Watts rolled his eyes. "Why seduce him at all? They all seem to trust us."

"Sven doesn't." Aliane chimed in from the bed, her head hanging off the edge as she read the history book Eve had given her. "You're not around them as much anymore. Despite having a beautiful woman flirt with him almost every day, he doesn't fully trust us."

Nica smiled kindly at the girl. "Thank you, daughter. You are too kind to me."

Watts made a frustrated noise. "Just get a room already!"

"Already have one!" Aliane made sure her voice was as high and squeaky as possible, just to make sure she was annoying the older man. "The bigger issue is there's always two gross men here and Nica isn't Train."

Nica frowned at the girl as she slipped on a pair of earrings. "You know I could make you happier than some childish cat-man."

Nica popped a bubble with her gum and smirked at her. "I'm pretty sure your sweeper boyfriend wouldn't like that and you know I can't do that to my Sugarplum."

Watts growled and rubbed his eyes. "You're both so helpless. Train sees you as nothing more than an annoyance and I'm pretty sure Sven would never be with a married woman."

Aliane turned her smirk and bubble pops at Watts. "You're just jealous you have to play the abusive husband and can't have a romance with any of the sweepers."

"Creed's still available." Nica spoke again, applying her mascara as she spoke. "And I have to add, he's quite handsome. You could do much worse."

Kenneth laughed loudly from his spot at the window. "Finding the silver swordsman's heart would be like finding water in a desert!"

Nica chuckled a little as she worked on her other eye. "No, we know where his heart is. The Black Cat just has too tight a hold on it for anyone else to even dream of stealing it away." She turned to Watts as if this news would upset him. "Sorry, Husband, but it's a lost cause."

Watts punched the wall that was next to him. "I wasn't even the one to suggest it! And even if Charden ordered me to, I'd rather die then throw myself at any of those pathetic sweepers!" He pointed a finger at Aliane. "And you need to get your feelings in check! Not only is it even more obvious now that the Black Cat and Diskenth are essentially back together, but it's pitiful watching you constantly jump into his arms and squeal like a schoolgirl."

Aliane rolled her eyes. "Please stop reminding me of my Sugarplum's relationship with Diskenth. I hate seeing them be so cosy…" She looked at the man and cracked her gum in her mouth. "And need I remind you that in the scenario we currently find ourselves in, I am a schoolgirl. I've said this a thousand times: I need to act like that because it's a convincing act and not my real personality. It's a great way to not only get closer to him, but make the rest of them believe I truly am just a teenager with a crush."

"Except your crush is real…" Watts said as she leaned against the wall he punched, ignoring the whole he made in favor of glaring at the girl. "You've made that indecently clear over the last two months. And why are you reading that book? Didn't you finish high school?"

Aliane shrugged her shoulders. "Kind of? I didn't graduate, but I got my GED. I'm really just reading because I don't remember a lot of this crap and I love annoying that Kyoko girl with my smarts. If I want to keep up the act of a prodigy teenager with a personality disorder and annoy that brat that keeps bothering my Sugarplum, I need to keep my brain sharp."

Nica giggled. "It is amusing seeing the girl sweat and puff her fire breath. Still can't believe that bio-girl was able to come up with that story out of the blue. I thought we had them for a second."

Watts glared at her and crossed his arms. "Don't think you're off the hook either… We can't tell you really feel something for that useless sweeper man."

Nica kept her face composed as she applied the last of her makeup. "What makes you think that?"

"Oh come on!" Watts said with a bit of an angry tone. "I know I'm not around them as much, but anyone can see that isn't an act. You clearly like him."

Nica shrugged her shoulders. "I'm a sucker for a gentleman. Who said chivalry was dead?"

Aliane narrowed her eyes at Nica. "Chivalry is sexist. You know they hold doors for women because men used to think they were too weak to do it themselves, right?" She growled and went back to her book. "I can hold my own door, thank you very much."

Nica rolled her eyes. "Kids these days…"

"SHE'S NOT A KID!" Watts said, beginning to feel like he was losing his mind with how familiar they had become with the enemies. "She's not your daughter, the old man is not your father, and I am certainly not your husband."

Aliane scoffed. "Not with that attitude you're not…"

Watts turned to her again. "Shut. Up."

Nica put her makeup down and turned to the man. "What is wrong with you? I get you have the whole 'brooding, mysterious man' background story, but you don't even have to do anything. With the new situation we've fabricated of you being an abusive prick, not only do you almost never have to be around, but you don't even have to act anymore. You can just be your normal jackass self and everyone will only believe us even more."

Watts glared at her, but, ironically, seemed to calm down a little and shrugged his shoulders. "Guess I'm just bored…"

Aliane snickered. "As I said, you could try to seduce Creed. Between the three of us, someone is bound to get laid."

Watts' glare daggers at the younger woman. "I'd rather die…"

Nica shrugged her shoulders and went back to applying her makeup. "And as we already discussed, it would never work. We've seen that Russian man try to sweep Creed off his feet countless times, but it never works. And he's arguably more attractive than the Black Cat."

Alaine shot up quickly and gawked at the woman's smirking face. "YOU TAKE THAT BACK! NO ONE IS AS CUTE AS TRAIN IS!"

Nica laughed lightly. "I'm just teasing you, dear daughter, calm down. My point is, no one is getting through Diskenth's defenses. His heart is reserved only for Heartnet, and it seems as though the cat is finally beginning to return his affections again."

Aliane pouted, then went back to her reading. "Don't remind me…"

Watts grew annoyed once more. "Do we need to have another conversation about how you can't sleep with the enemy?"

Aliane shook her head. "No, because I still believe sleeping with him will only benefit us. He'll be more attached to me and it'll be easier for us to make an attack while their guard is down."

Watts rolled his eyes. "Except your guard will be down as well. As we discussed far too many times before, you can't let your personal feelings get in the way." He glanced at Nica as he spoke. "Same goes for you."

Nica brushed his words away with her lipstick. "No need to worry about me. Even if I do bed Sven, sex means nothing to me. It will not sway my emotions one way or the other."

"What if he's like, reeeaallllly good at it?" Alaine asked, popping her gum at the woman who was blushing politely. "Do you think if he's like… a master lover-maker, you won't be able to dispose of him like we need to?"

Nica smirked. "As I just said, it will change nothing. We're here on a mission, not to get our rocks off."

Watts rolled his eyes and spoke in a sarcastic voice. "Well, you both seem to be doing a great job then…"

"Sarcasm is like cheap wine - it leaves a horrible after taste." Kenneth said in response to Watts' comment.

"Just like his face!" Aliane added, laughing loudly at her own joke as she dropped her book on the ground.

Watts' narrowed his eyes at the two of them. "That doesn't even make sense…"

Nica sighed. "You should know by now almost nothing either of them says ever makes sense." Once her makeup was done, she turned to the man who was supposed to be her fake husband. "How do I look?"

Watts shrugged his shoulders and crossed his arms. "The same."

Nica pouted at him. "You are the most crude, uncivil man I have ever met…"

Watts shrugged his shoulders. "Like I care what you think…"

"What about that thief?" Aliane ignored the small encounter the two of them just had in favor of bringing them back to their earlier topic. "I know we've only met her like two times, but she's sexy. Why don't you try to seduce her?"

Watts blinked at the girl. "What?"

Nica laughed at the girl's comment. "That busty woman is way out his league! I can't imagine him landing Maro let alone that titillating eye candy."

Seeing Watts glare at her, Nica smirked at him, then gestured for Aliane to close the blinds. Once the younger woman obeyed her silent request, Nica pulled out a laptop that was hidden in a secret drawer they had created in the dresser, opening it quickly and turning it on. Aliane moved towards the end of the bed so she could see the screen better, but Watts and Kenneth stayed where they were. Nica knew they weren't going to move, so she didn't bother to wait as she clicked the icon that would start their meeting with Charden and Echidna.

However, before she could, much to her surprise, Watts moved from his spot against the wall and put his hand on hers to stop her from opening the video chat.

"Wait, before we talk to talk to him, I have one more question about today's plan."

Nica blinked at him, then down at the hand that was rested on her. "Okay… What is it?"

Watts pulled his hands away and squatted down a little so their eyes met. "I get Aliane is going to be tutored again and you're doing on a date or whatever with Sven, but what about Kenneth? Isn't he supposed to be so incapable he can't function without us?"

Nica smirked at him then patted his head as if he was a child. "Don't worry, we have a plan in mind."

Watts narrowed his eyes at her, then mumbled a few words under his breath as he took his place back against the wall. Nica turned back to the computer and clicked the button that would connect her to their leaders. After a few minutes, the screen opened up to reveal Charden and Echidna sitting at a large table. She smiled kindly at them, ready to address them both before Aliane jumped up from behind her and gave the two an overly enthusiastic greeting.

"Hi Charden! Hi Echidna! Do you miss us?!"

Watts jumped over to the younger woman, clamping his hand over her mouth as Kenneth laughed wildly behind them. "Shut up, you idiot! You know Chronos has stopped by this place, right?!"

Charden heard that as well and was immediately intrigued. "Is that true?"

Nica knew the question was addressed to her and she turned her angry glare away from her fake daughter and nodded at her leader. "Yes. We caught a few low grade erasers snooping around about two weeks ago."

Charden nodded and leaned forward to rest his elbows on the table. "How do you know they were with Chronos?"

Aliane finally pushed Watts off her and gave the man a dirty look before answering his question. "Black clothes, shifty eyes, obvious weapons on their hips. They also followed me and you know how hard it is to pass your sneak checks with me."

Charden nodded at her. "Yes… It is quite difficult to get anything past you." He turned back to Nica. "It's been three weeks since our last check-in for which I'd like to apologize. We've been very busy with training new recruits and keeping Doctor in line."

Nica brushed his words away with a smile on her face. "No need to apologize. We have nothing but good news. Everything is going smoothly. The Black Cat trusts us completely which means Diskenth does as well."

Charden nodded. "What about the rest of them?"

Aliane pushed Watts' hand away from her face again, since he decided to cover it before she had another outburst. "The bio-girl seems to trust us, but Nica's boyfriend doesn't."

Watts smacked her upside the head. "That sentence needs context!"

Charden blinked in confusion as the two of them began to argue and interrupted. "I'm afraid I'm going to have to agree with Mr. Darwin. What do you mean by 'boyfriend'? I thought the charade was supposed to be you and Watts were a happily married couple."

Nica glared at two of her partners, gesturing for them to knock it off as Kenneth continued laughing in the background. "There's been a slight change of plan. Watts was… let's just say too himself to be convincing as a loving husband. We're taking the route of him being abusive to garner sympathy from the Black Cat and his friends."

Charden gave them a strange look, then glanced at Echidna who also seemed unconvinced this was a good plan. "And how is that working out for you?"

"Great!" Aliane pipped in again, jumping in front of the screen as she spoke. "Not only do they feel bad for us, the green haired man even offered us sanctuary in their house if we need it. Well, all of us except for Watts that is."

Watts glared at the younger woman as she stuck out her tongue at him, but Nica ignored them both and pushed Aliane away so she could see her leaders again. "As annoying as Aliane is, her statement is accurate. Watts playing the part of an abusive husband and father has actually worked in our favor. Not only have they pitied us enough to offer their homes as our own, it's made us closer to them. Also, Watts doesn't have to put on an act anymore. He can just be his normal, boorish self and everyone is just even more convinced he's a contumelious human."

Charden seemed to think that over for a second before nodding his head. "Heartnet does have a soft spot for the weak… Making yourselves appear feeble might be a better idea than pretending to be a happy family. I assume by Aliane's comment that means you've been attempting to forge a romantic relationship with the Black Cat." He glanced up at her again as he spoke. "Does Heartnet seem to be returning your falsified feelings?"

"Train's not her boyfriend! Sven is!" Aliane added in, popping her head in front of the screen again, her face angry at the insinuation that Train was the one Nica was trying to bait. "Train is my boyfriend!"

Echidna scoffed and rolled her eyes. "And yet another falls under the Black Cat's spell…"

Charden frowned at his lover, patting her shoulder gently before turning back to his team. "I have to say, I am rather shocked. Wouldn't it be better to seduce the Black Cat?"

Nica shook her head. "No. Sven was the one who seemed to be the most unconvinced, so it made sense to go after him. Also, it seems like Heartnet would have been a lost cause. It seems his relationship with Diskenth has… progressed."

Kenneth laughed loudly from the window, staring out at it even though the blinds had been closed. "I nearly caught them in the act!"

Charden stared at her for a moment before glancing at Echidna to see what her reaction was. Seeing she was a bit shocked as well, the Blood Taoist addressed the team again. "That's… surprising…"

Nica gave her leaders a genuinely confused look. "Why's that? They're chemistry is palpable and the level of sexual tension they create when they're in a room together is almost unbearable."

Echidna rolled her eyes. "Sounds like when they first started the Apostles…"

Charden frowned at the woman and patted her knee affectionately, as if trying to remind her Creed was no longer her problem. "How sure are you of their relationship rekindling?"

Nica sighed. "As Kenneth just said, he nearly caught them in the act. We've been playing up his senility and PTSD veneer and having him wander off every so often. The last place he 'disappeared' to was the music school and he mentioned how he saw them… embracing intimately in the recital hall."

Charden was about to question her on what she meant before Kenneth spoke up again. "They would have had sex if that Russian guy didn't walk in!"

Charden knew they were talking about the music student who had apparently become quite taken with Creed, so he didn't need them to elaborate. "Thank you for the… blunt description, Kenneth…" He addressed Nica again. "What about the old woman? Is she fully convinced?"

Nica smiled proudly and nodded. "She is! But she was convinced from the get go. It's shocking how easily she fell for the whole 'innocent little girl with a bad home life' act. We didn't really have to do anything except tell her our story and attend lessons."

Charden nodded and clasped his hands together. "What about the tutoring lessons with the bio-girl? I knew last we spoke they had begun, but are they still going?"

Aliane pushed Watts away again and popped her head in front of the screen once more. "Yup! I'm learning a lot as well! Are you sure we don't want to try and recruit Eve? Not only must she be strong, but she's a genius!"

Charden sighed. "She would be a powerful ally and there was a point in time Creed intended to use her as a weapon, but there's no way she'd ever agree to it. Even if she did, Heartnet and Diskenth would not give her up easily."

Nica frowned. "Couldn't we just take her by force?"

Echidna sighed this time. "That's not how we're going to do things. We can't have unwilling people efighting for our cause."

Aliane pouted as she crossed her arms over her chest. "Isn't that what we're trying to do with Train?"

Charden shrugged his shoulders. "That's a different situation. We're positive neither Creed nor Train will join us. We gave that idea up long ago. The goal with capturing Heartnet is to provide the Doctor what he needs from him and to put the Chronos drug in him to get him to attack Diskenth. We have no intention of recruiting him or Creed anymore. It's a lost cause and not worth our time or resources. We want nothing more than their demise."

Aliane grimaced a little, but nodded her head like the good lackey she was. "Understood…"

Charden didn't like her reaction and decided to question it. "Are your feelings for the Black Cat going to cause a problem with your mission, Aliane?"

The young woman gave him a staunch look and nodded her head. "I want nothing more than the success of the Apostles and the annihilation of all those who oppose us. Trust me, my feelings will not get in the way. I'll kill him myself if I have to."

Charden smirked, then nodded at her comment, turning back to Nica with a similar question. "What about you? Do we need to worry about you attraction towar-"

"-No. Not at all. You don't need to worry about me. My feelings are one-hundred percent in check." Nica kept her eyes locked onto her leader, making sure her face was determined as she spoke.

Watts looked at the two women for a second, trying to gauge their leaders' responses before having a moment of sympathy for the people he had spent so much time with. "If my opinion matters at all, Charden, I believe them both. Every plan and every set up we've created for Heartnet and Diskenth were either Nica or Aliane's idea. If they weren't serious, they wouldn't have even made the suggestions."

Charden glanced at Watts, noticing Nica smiling at the man backing them up. "I have to admit… hearing you having anyone's back is convincing enough for me."

Nica turned to Watts, a smile still on her face as she mouthed the words 'thank you' to him. The man ignored her gesture in favor of moving back to the wall to lean against it again. Aliane also gave him a bright grin, which made Watts roll his eyes as he looked out between the blinds of the window from where he stood.

"What about the thief?" Echidna added, wanting to make sure they covered all their bases. "Have you met her? She's pretty clever, I wouldn't expect her to fall for this ruse so easily."

Nica smiled at the actress. "We've only met her a couple of times and the interactions were short, so it's hard to say. However, I don't think we need to worry about her. She seems more or less disinterested in us."

The two Apostles leaders watching their interaction for a second, happily surprised to see they had begun to bond a little. Echidna nodded, then asked one more question before we handed the conversation back to her lover. "And what about Number X? Has there been any word on him."

Nica shook her head. "No. They haven't even mentioned him at all."

Charden didn't like the way that sounded. "The fact that they aren't mentioning the number is troubling to me…"

Nica sighed. "Well, they've mentioned a friend who was in the hospital a few times, but they haven't used a name or alluded who he is. I'm pretty sure this friend is Number X since I don't think they'd use his name. He is part of Chronos after all."

Charden nodded in agreement. "And they haven't mentioned anything about Chronos or the Apostles to you, correct?"

Nice nodded again. "Correct. But, would they? They may trust us, but as far as they know, we have nothing to do with any of that. Wouldn't the Black Cat want to leave people be believed were innocent out of it? I don't see why they would go into depth about their past at the impending war."

Charden thought about what she said, then nodded his head in agreement. "That's true. So, it sounds like Number X is still alive?" Nica nodded and Charden sighed. "Guess we'll have to hope we get another opportunity to kill him. If he rejoins the sweepers, you need to inform us immediately. Understood?" The woman nodded and the Blood Taoist leaned forward as he spoke. "Tell me a little more about what you've been up to with them."

Nica nodded and sat up a little taller. "Well, Aliane has still been receiving her oboe lessons which keeps her on Anastasia's good side. Being in the old woman's inner circle makes it easier to be closer to the rest of the music group along with Creed. He trusts the woman almost as much as he trusts Train, so with the two of them on our side, Diskenth doesn't really have a choice but to have confidence in us."

Charden nodded. "What about the tutoring? Is that helping sway the bio-girl and the sweeper?"

Nica shrugged her shoulders. "With the bio-girl, yes. I would even say Aliane's crush on the Black Cat is helpful. It creates a rather amusing relationship between her and Kyoko. Not only does the teen girl not suspect us at all, but even if she did, she's too distracted with Aliane's flirting with Heartnet to care about anything other than that. It also creates a lot of fights between them which is a great opportunity for Aliane to play up her 'disorder'. This allows for Eve to step in and play 'teacher' which only brings her closer to Aliane."

Charden smirked, then glanced at the young woman who was beaming at the compliment, swaying back and forth as she popped her gum merrily. "Good… But Sven… he's not convinced yet?"

Kenneth was the one that answered that question, which was shocking to all of them. "I pretended to fall asleep in the kitchen one time with Creed and Sven both there alone. It wasn't a long conversation, but Diskenth asked the green haired man if he trusted us yet and he admitted our new act was more convincing."

Charden blinked at him, stunned at the coherent response then nodded his head. "Good… That's good to hear, but… that also means they were mistrusting to some degree. And assuming Chronos has been snooping around, that means Sephiria must believe you to be Apostles."

"And if she thinks that, that means she's spoken with them about it which adds another complicated level." Echidna finished his thought for him.

Nica watched as the two shared a knowing frown, then spoke. "While that may be true, Heartnet trusts us so completely that I don't think it'll matter. He's actually pretty attached to us. I'm surprised how easy it was to convince the Black Cat. I didn't think he'd be so ready to trust strangers."

Charden turned away from Echidna and spoke to the other woman. "Train Heartnet is a different person than what he was when he was with Chronos. He forms bonds rather easily with people and doesn't let go of them easily. He's eager to please and make friends and, as I stated before, drawn to weak people. He feels the need to protect and help them, so I'm not surprised. And of course Creed agrees with anything he says, so that is also not shocking."

Nica nodded. "That makes sense. Heartnet did seem to be quite pleased the first time he helped Kenneth get back here. That time we were speaking of at the music school was the first time Heartnet and Diskenth brought him home and we set it up so they would purposely see we truly were living in a crummy motel. That seemed to be the final nail in the coffin."

Aliane frowned. "All except for Sven…"

Nica glared at the girl for a second for statement, knowing that would worry the Blood Taoist, then looked back at Charden. "Please, don't worry. He's mostly convinced. Just give me more time alone with him. I'm actually meeting with him when we're done with this meeting."

Charden rested his head on his hands and scuntinzed her with his gaze. "I'm far less concerned about the sweeper than I am Sephiria… If that woman gets a thought in her head, there's not going to be much to change it…"

Nica frowned and nodded. "Understood…" She thought for a second, then widened her eyes slightly as she voiced an idea. "What if we took them up on their offer of staying with them?"

Charden frowned at the woman. "How would that help convince Number One?"

Nica shrugged her shoulders. "It wouldn't, but it would force us to be around the sweepers more. It'll bring us closer to them and, if they really are in contact with Sephiria, maybe Creed and Train can convince her. That way, we wouldn't have to."

Charden kept his eyes on her for a second, then turned to Echidna. He watched as the actress nodded, then turned back to Nica. "Very well. Do what you have to do to make that happen."

Nica smirked at Charden, then at Watts who gave her a confused look. "We will."

Charden had a feeling he knew what they were going to do and decided to trust whatever their plan was going to be. After all, they had been doing a good job so far. "Is there anything else you'd like to report?"

Nica thought about it, glancing at the rest of her fake family for anything she might have missed. Seeing they either ignored her or shook their head, she turned back to her leaders and smiled. "We can't think of anything else right now. If we do, we will be sure to reach out to you."

Charden nodded along with Echidna, then the screen went black. Nica let a breath of air, then turned to Watts. "Are you prepared to take this abusive relationship to the next level?"

Watts narrowed his eyes at her. "What the hell are you talking about?"

Nica smirked. "We're going to have a slight change of plans for the day… And I have a feeling you're going to enjoy the switch…"

I thought Train said this was a small town. This place is not small. I've already passed by three music stores, none of which was the one I was looking for.

Creed cursed silently as he left the third store, stalking down the street as he looked up where the next building was located on his slowly dying phone.

He and I need to have a conversation about what is considered 'small' and what is considered 'large'. Considering what he's carrying between his legs, you think he'd know what 'large' meant.

Creed chuckled at his own perverted thoughts, then shook his head so he could refocus. The sun was beginning to set and he promised Train he'd make it back in time for dinner. He even had the ground beef defrosting in the fridge and he was worried no one would think to take it out to finish defrosting it in the sink. Normally, he would text Eve and tell her what he planned on cooking and to take it out of the fridge, but his phone's battery was almost completely drained. Since he didn't know the town he was currently in well, he needed his phone to find his way around and eventually to call a car to pick him up and bring it home when he was done.

Eve might be able to figure it out on her own, but she doesn't even know it's in the fridge. Also… I told Train I'd be back by dinner. I promised him and that's the bigger issue at stake

It may have been a small promise, but any promise to his beloved meant everything to Creed. The word 'small' and the name 'Train' did not mix well in sentences in Creed's mind, so no matter how insignificant it might have seemed to anyone else, a promise wasn't something he was going to compromise when it came to Train. As long as his Kitten was involved, Creed didn't bargain anything.

Creed chuckled again as he walked down the street, his thoughts becoming lewd once more as he thought about sizes in regards to his beloved. He had to shake his head again before he slipped off into sexual fantasies of Train. That wasn't a safe place for his mind to be when he was hurrying down the streets of a middle-of-nowhere town he had never been to before.

I need to move faster. Normally I'd just jump from building to building to pick up the pace, but I don't want to draw attention to myself. The Apostles could pop out at any minute and this would be a great time for them to strike since I'm alone.

That was another reason Train tried to insist on going with him. He didn't want Creed to be out by himself especially since the swordsman made it clear he might have been out for a while. Train even tried to convince him to let someone else go with him, but Creed refused. As dangerous and Creed knew it was to travel alone right now, he wanted to go by himself. Not only did he want to get his beloved's birthday present on his own, but he also wanted to explore the town Train had spent so much time in during their separation period. Creed was also aware Chronos was most likely following him anyway, so if anything happened, they would intervene immediately.

Might also be helpful for them to see me travel on my own and see that I'm not doing anything related to the Apostles. I know Sephiria says I no longer need to be babysat, but I'm sure that's not entirely true. The posse of low grade erasers constantly following me when I'm alone has been proof enough of that.

Creed glanced over his shoulder and noticed a man several yards behind him suddenly turn and look at a display in a glass window. The swordsman rolled his eyes and smirked proudly since he knew his logic was right. It was a bit worrisome because he knew that meant they were following him to the old woman's mansion and he was concerned Sephiria might drop the dime on him before he got a chance to tell Train himself. After all, his activities surrounding his side-gigs did look quite suspicious to those who didn't know what he was really doing.

It looks especially sketchy because I always say I'm going to the music school, which is true until I step into that fancy car and am carted off to a mysterious mansion. Someone must have noticed it by now...

Creed hadn't mentioned anything to Train yet because they were so close to getting back on their feet after the fire. As soon as he knew they were comfortable again, he was going to stop performing for the woman and tell Train the truth. He only hoped he could do that before Sephiria told him. He wasn't sure why it hadn't happened yet, but he had a feeling Number One was trying to confirm what Creed was doing in the mansion before she said anything.

Who knows? Maybe they can hear me playing piano and know it's just a performing arrangement and don't think it's important enough to tell Train. Or maybe they don't want to tell Train because they think he'll get mad at me and they don't want us to split up. After all, we make a great team. They want us to work together when we take the Apostles down.

While he knew that was most likely true, he also knew Sephiria had a soft spot for her numbers, but especially for Train. It was as if she saw him as a little brother she needed to protect and if she thought Creed might be betraying him again, she most likely wouldn't hesitate to tell him. That idea stressed Creed because he wanted to be the one to tell Train the truth.

I can't think like that. I only need that woman's money for a few more weeks before I can be done and come clean to my Kitten. Maybe I can talk to Sephiria about it before she says anything to Train…

Creed sighed as he checked his phone again, cursing at the late afternoon hour and the low battery life it displayed. He was almost to the last music store which he was sure was going to be the right one, but he needed to get there fast. Creed had also been idly looking for the woman his beloved met the last time he was in that town. He was hoping if he found the music store and then retraced Train's steps, he might be able to bump into her again and hopefully reconnect his cat with an old friend.

I even drew a picture of what I think she looks like based on how Train described her. He was really confused when I asked him to do that, but it seems like he's already forgotten it happened. I just hope my drawing is accurate enough to match up with her. Reuniting him with E would add to the personal touch I'm putting behind his birthday present.

There was a small part of him that was worried finding E meant she would try to seduce his Kitten again, but a lot of his insecurities had gone away the more settled he became with his life. Years ago, he clung to Train like a helpless child and would threaten to kill anyone that dared to look at him. Now, it barely bothered him when Kyoko latched onto Train. The only reason it miffed him even a little bit was because the girl was annoying in general. Pretty much everything she did was irritating, but Creed could tell she irked his beloved the most. Even more than Aliane did.

But, it's still kind of fun to tease Train about it. He's just too cute when he's flustered.

Creed's thoughts quickly began to travel to how adorable his Kitten was and he slapped himself so he wouldn't fall too deep into fantasies of his love. The sun was getting lower by the minute and if he wanted to keep his word to Train, he needed to hurry up. It was bad enough that it took over an hour for him to get this town let alone find the music store. Train may have been inaccurate about his description of the town's size, but was right about how far away Greenville was.

Creed had been hoping a sweep would lead them to the town without him actively seeking it out, but now he understood now why their group had never traveled to it by coincidence. It was quite out of the way and not a location a lot of people even heard of, nor did it seem like much happened there that would call for sweeps to be posted. After seeing how closed off to the rest of the world the town was, Creed figured that the bank robber Train caught must have been another sign from Saya of what Train was supposed to do with his life.

The old me would have been angry to think that, but now I believe it willingly. No, more than willingly. I want to believe it since I know it'll make Train happy. I'll believe the world is flat if it means Train will even smile just a little.

Creed let out a dreamy sigh as he imagined Train's cheeky smile, then growled and pinched his cheek. He needed to stop being so easily distracted by the man who wasn't even there to fluster him. He needed to focus and get to his location so he could leave and be with Train again.

And with how long it took me to get here and how long it'll take to get back, this last store better be the one.

The more time he spent walking down the street and glancing at his dying phone to check the time, the more Creed realized that the chances of finding E were getting low and he was starting to make peace with that. But, he knew he could still find that music box in time.

I have to find it. Train said he was never able to afford it and eventually left town before he could, but he always went back to play it.

Creed smiled at the memory Train recreated for him of all the times he went to the store to find the same music box. He said the owner was getting angry at him for coming by almost every day to play with it, but never spending any money. He even threw Train out once claiming he was going to wear out the gears and unless he was going to buy it, he wasn't allowed to listen to it anymore. Creed knew there was a chance it wouldn't be there anymore, but he had to at least try.

It'll mean the world to him to have it. Especially seeing how he's okay with hearing her song now.

Train had been accompanying Creed to the music school every so often and continued to practice Saya's song. He was getting pretty good at the melody, but Creed didn't think Train was ready to add the harmony yet. Playing two hands at once was difficult and as talented as his beloved was, he wouldn't be able to make that leap after just a few weeks of practice.

And it's not like he's practiced every day. Just occasionally when he feels like he needs to get away from Kyoko and Aliane. However, I can't help but think the fact that he's able to not only listen to that song again, but play it himself means he's starting to move on a bit more. Like he's starting to forgive me more fully for what I did.

Creed slapped himself again as his thoughts lovingly wandered back to Train. As much as he enjoyed thinking about his Kitten and as much as he wanted to drift off to the world where Train truly forgave him and was going to be with him again, right now wasn't the time. He needed to get to this last music store before it closed. Train's birthday was just around the corner and he was beginning to run out of free days he could go shopping for him.

I spent most of this morning and afternoon snuggling, kissing, and being with Train, so I lost track of time and didn't realize how late it was getting. But… it was worth it. Any time alone with my Kitten is worth it. I can't pass up any opportunity to be intimate with him.

It was hard finding time when they could be alone together. They lived with three other people and their other friends stopped by so often it was like their house had a revolving door. People were constantly coming in and out and Creed knew if he had Train all to himself, his beloved would have caved a while ago and they would have slept together again.

Maybe he'll take me up on my offer and move out with me. Even if it's before I take over Anastasia's business. Maybe I can convince him to rent a small apartment with me and move out sooner.

Creed sighed lovingly as he turned a corner quickly, barely avoiding hitting a young couple that was holding hands as they walked down the street. He smiled warmly at them, imagining it was him and Train as he painted a picture in his head of what it would be like to live alone with his beloved. He mentally began to do math in his head to see how many more times he would have to perform for that woman before he could afford a deposit on an apartment.

We could find a cheap one. I know he doesn't need much space and I'll be happy anywhere as long as I'm with him. I'd live in a cardboard box on the street if it meant I could be alone with him.

Creed frowned when he realized he was getting too ahead of himself. He shook his head again and glanced down at his phone. The silver man cursed and spun around quickly, seeing that his maps said he had passed the store and it was going to be closing soon. He grabbed the doorknob and turned it rapidly, flinging the door open a bit too wildly as he nearly tore it off its hinges. Creed made an apologetic, embarrassed face as the few people who were still in there stared at him in shock.

Sometimes I forget my own strength. Better be careful not to rush around and break anything while I'm looking for the music box.

As Creed stepped into the store, a short, old man he assumed was the owner approached him, a fake smile plastered on his face as he spoke. "Good evening, Sir. We're going to be closing soon. Is there anything I can help you with?"

Trying to kick me out already, right? Well, I've got a pocket full of cash that will probably change your mind.

Creed returned the man's phony smile and nodded. "Yes. Do you sell music boxes?"

The man's smile did not waver, the other customers slowly leaving as he gestured for Creed to follow him. "We actually have a large selection. Not many people come in here looking for them. They usually look for instruments or supplies for instruments."

Creed chuckled lightly. "Well, I am in the market for a new piano, but I live out of town and won't be easily able to get it home."

Creed could hear the man's impatience in his voice as he spoke. "As I stated, we'll be closing soon so I wouldn't be able to sell you something that big right now anyway. But, a music box I could spare time for."

Creed rolled his eyes behind the man's back. "That's fine. I don't want to spend much time here anyway. I need to get home before dinner."

The man chuckled. "Will the misses be displeased if you're late?"

Creed grimaced at the man's knowing smirk since he clearly did not know anything. "I believe the title you're looking for is mister, not misses. And he won't be upset, but I promised him I would be home in time to cook dinner for him. And I've never broken a promise to my other half before."

The man looked Creed up and down for a second, a strange look on his face as he made an understanding sound. Creed sighed and rubbed his eyes, not surprised at the old man's discomfort with his relationship with another man, but a bit bothered by it nonetheless.

I mean, I get he probably comes from a different era and it's not like I care to earn this man's approval of my love or my relationship, but still, I can't believe in this day and age bigots like this still exist.

Creed didn't even bother to state he actually wasn't in a relationship with Train. In fact, he purposefully decided to embrace the fantasy for now and pretended Train was his lover, boyfriend, and partner once more. After all, it wasn't like this man was going to call him out on his small fib and Train was practically all those things anyway. They just didn't have the title.

Nor has Train told me he loves me…. Nor have we actually made love… yet.

"Sorry, I started keeping the music boxes behind locked glass. Too many people were coming in and playing with them without buying them. I was worried the gears would get worn out." The man pulled out keys from a drawer behind the counter that Creed assumed unlocked the display case against the wall behind the owner.

Creed giggled at the image of Train turning the crane of a small box while an old man yelled at him to leave the shop. "I'm sorry to hear that… But I'm sure these things are more sturdy than you realize. No need to be so protective of them."

The old man glanced over his shoulder at Creed and the silver man stifled an eye roll at the man's slightly annoyed look. "I treat my instrument the same way. If you come in here and play it over and over again, you either need to buy it or get out."

Creed sighed as he leaned against the counter, looking around the room at the display of instruments there. His eyes lit up when he saw a ukulele hanging on the wall next to them, intrigued by it's simple design of red and black roses.

"Sir, please don't lean on the counter."

Creed jumped a little as the man poked him and gave him a stern look. The swordsman sighed and stepped away from the counter in favor of walking over to the string instrument. He knew it was probably past the store's closing time since they were completely alone now, but seeing as the owner had been kind of rude to him, Creed decided to mess with him a bit. While the old man pulled out the music boxes from their display case, Creed picked up the ukulele, plucking each string and tuning it to the correct pitches.

When he heard the man clear his throat, Creed turned around and smirked at him, enjoying the low level of annoyance he was providing the man. "Is that all of them?"

The owner nodded. "Yes. Is there a certain melody you're looking for?"

Creed shrugged his shoulder, even though he knew exactly which one he needed. As much as he wanted to get home, he had a feeling that if he told Train he annoyed the man that kicked him out, it would only add to the level of devotion he was going through for the birthday present to his beloved. "Nothing in particular. I'd just like to listen to them and find one that I like the most."

Creed picked up the first one, idly strumming and tuning the instrument he held as he did so. The old man gave him a small glare, then glanced at the clock on the wall. "It's closing time, Sir…."

"Oh? Do I have to go home or can I stay here?" Creed smirked at the man as he listened to the second music box, twisting the words of a famous song in order to irk the man even more.

The man sighed as Creed picked up the third one and listened to it closely. "It's just… you're the last one here. I'd like to close up before anyone else thinks I'm still open."

Creed shrugged his shoulders as he gently placed the forth one down and picked up the next one. "You can put the closed sign up. I do intend to buy something, so you don't have to worry about that."

The man sighed and left the counter to do as Creed had suggested. The silver man smirked and strummed the now tuned ukulele as he listened to the fifth one. As soon as he turned the small handle on the wooden box, Creed's heart skipped a beat, since he recognized the melody after just three notes. He smiled warmly at the box, fingering the design that was etched into it delicately as he opened the top of it. Inside, he could see the gears grinding against each other through the glass that encased it, the bottom of the lid blank, giving Creed a jolt of excitement at the idea of being about to engrave something meaningful there.

"Is that the one you want?"

Creed looked up at the man who was drumming his fingers on the counter, clearly annoyed with the fact that he had been staring at that box for several minutes, but had not said anything. As much as Creed wanted to push the man's buttons some more, he knew he couldn't play around too much.

I need to get home anyway.

He nodded his head and smiled. "How much?"

The owner sighed and rubbed his eyes. "That's a rare song, so it's more pricey than the others. It also has a glass case inside the wooden box which make it harder to make and therefore more expens-"

"-Do you want to close the store, or not? Just tell me how much it is." Creed allowed his tone to sound tired, since he had a feeling it would agitate the man further that he was now rushing the encounter when he had been taking his time before.

Not to mention I said I needed to leave quickly when I first entered. This guy must be so confused as to what I actually want.

The owner sighed deeply to calm himself down, then spoke with a peeved tone. "The box is fifty-five."

Creed didn't even hesitate as he pulled out his wallet and slapped the money on the counter. He had a feeling the man expected him to haggle, but since it was going to be a gift for Train, money didn't matter to Creed. The owner blinked at him, then nodded his head and opened the register to put the cash away.

"Would you like a box for it?"

Creed nodded. "Yes, please." He glanced at the instrument he held in his hand, then smiled. "How much is the ukulele?"

The man looked between Creed and the instrument as he finished counting the money and tucked it away. "Just the instrument is sixty. If you want a case, that's another twenty and a tuner is-"

"-A tuner isn't necessary, I can tune it with my own ears. I'll take the case with it though."

The man looked him up and down again, then nodded. "Okay, so that'll be another-"

Creed cut him off as he handed him an even one-hundred and smirked, squeezing his fingers around the bill tightly so the man couldn't take it just yet. "I'll throw in an extra twenty if you give me that statue of a black cat playing a piano you got hidden in the display case behind you."

The man blinked at him, then over his shoulder at the dusty old statue and sighed. "That isn't actually for sale… it's been here since I bought the place and-"

"-Is it sentimental to you?" See the man roll his eyes then shake his head, Creed's smirk widened. "Then what's the problem? It's extra money in your pocket and it'll free up a space for a new music box in the future."

The man frowned. "It's… old and dusty…"

Creed made an exacerbated noise, his fingers still clutching the money as he rolled his eyes. "Why are you trying to talk me out of a sale? Just take the money and give me the cat. I can clean it up."

The man looked at Creed for another minute, then finally nodded his head. "Okay. I'll get a box for that as well."

Creed smiled sweetly at him and let the money go. "Thank you very much, Sir."

The man brushed him away as he retrieved another box for the statue. "You can take one of the plain, black cases for the ukulele while I finish you up. They're right under the rest of them."

Creed nodded and did as he was told, placing the instrument gently in the bag and zipping it up quickly. By the time he was done, the man had boxed and bagged the music box and the cat statue and handed them over to Creed. The silver man smiled and nodded, thanking the man quickly as he stepped out of the door. As soon as he stepped outside, he groaned at the sky, seeing that it was almost dark out and knowing there was no way he'd be able to make it home in time to cook dinner.

Guess I can't search the town for E afterall… I just hope these gifts will be enough for my beloved.

He knew Train didn't play the ukulele, but Creed also knew it was a relatively easy instrument to learn. And whether Train wanted to learn or not, he knew just seeing the instrument would make him happy. The design alone was beautiful enough to set his Kitten's heart on fire and giving him an instrument was another way of sharing the music Creed loved so much with Train. Even if it collected dust in his cat's room, the idea that Train had it was enough for him.

And I think it'll be enough for Train as well. He seems to like sharing music with me.

As Creed sent a request for a car in an app on his phone, he allowed his thoughts to wander back to the day he gave Train a piano lesson. He sat behind his love while he played Saya's song a few times, but that first time was special. The first time was the most intimate they got after a mini lesson and meant the most to him since it was Train's first time ever learning anything about the piano. Obviously, Train still had a lot to learn, but sitting there behind his Kitten, lovingly guiding his hands as they clumsily played the keys for the first time was one of the best moments of his life.

And I did end up going home and painting it… It's not done yet and I intend to give it to Train as a birthday present as well, but making the artistry of the day into a reality is almost as wonderful as the moment itself.

Creed leaned against the wall next to the music store, watching as the owner stepped out of the store briskly and locking it behind himself. He gave Creed one last strange look before walking off down the street and away from him. Creed rolled his eyes since he knew the man was judging him one more time before he left, but he was able to brush it off rather easily. He had gotten that look several times by many different people over the years both because of his love for Train and who he was as a person.

I used to bother me and make me feel like I was alone… like no one understood me, but… it doesn't anymore. Not only do I have Train, but I have a bunch of friends who understand and care about me as well. I don't need to worry about what close-minded people like that old man think.

As Creed stood there, thinking of how wonderful his life had become over the last couple years, he saw a car pull up out of the corner of his eye. He glanced up and away from the picture of him and Train on his phone he had been staring at and walked towards the vehicle. As he stepped closer to it, he heard quick footsteps coming from down the sidewalk and before he could react to the rapidly approaching person, they bumped into the side of him, jostling him to the side slightly as the stranger was knocked on the ground fully. Whoever it was was too small to knock him over, but Creed was strong enough to be able to steady himself before he fell.

Creed blinked down at the person, putting out his hand for them to take as he sputtered apologies. "I'm so sorry, Miss! I didn't see you there."

The woman looked up at him, her face a bright shade of red from what Creed could only assume was embarrassment since she was laying in a very unflattering position. "What are you apologizing for? I'm the one who wasn't looking where I was going. That's what I get for being careless!"

As she took Creed's offered hand, the silver man squinted and pulled her a little closer. Without letting go of her hand, he dug into his pocket and pulled out the drawing he made. As he held it next to her face, he smirked and the woman gave him a strange look, yanking her hand away quickly.

"Okay, this encounter just went from embarrassing to creepy. I'm gonna get going before you knock me out and pull all my teeth out for some perverted voodoo doll."

Before the woman could walk away, Creed shoved his dying phone in her face, the picture of him and Train cuddling on the couch on his screen as he spoke. "Do you remember this man?"

The woman blinked at Creed, then squinted at the phone. Realization slowly dawned at her as the screen went dark and Creed's phone shut down. "Wait… was that-"

"-Train Heartnet. You met him about a year and a half ago in this town, right?" Creed pocketed his now dead phone and he beamed proudly at the woman he was pretty sure was E.

E looked Creed up and down thoughtfully, as if she were trying to read his body for any signs of trust. "Just what exactly are you doing with a picture of my boy toy on your phone?"

The smile on Creed's face never left as he spoke to her. "I'm Creed Diskenth, Train's lov-" He paused and realized that wasn't true and, unlike how he spoke to the owner of the music store, he didn't want to lie to a friend of his beloved's. "-Train's ex-lover…"

E noted the heartache in his voice, but remembered how heartbroken Train was when she met him and found herself speaking very callously to the silver man. "You're almost two years too late, Train left this town a long time ago. I suggest you just go home and move on. He doesn't want anything to do with you anymore."

She started to walk away, but before she did she turned around and gave the man a piece of her mind. "You know, you really crushed him. He's a nice guy, he didn't deserve whatever you did to him." She started to walk away again, but stopped once more to add yet another dagger into Creed's heart. "By the way, it's pretty pathetic how you're still looking for him after this many years. Let him go!"

Each sentence the woman spoke was more painful than the last. He was aware Train hadn't been in contact with her since they first met, but Creed didn't like how she was just assuming he was there to stalk Train. While he knew it was true that if he didn't have Train back in his life by now, he would be searching the entire planet for him, but he didn't like strangers being able to read just how pathetic he actually was.

Wait, forget all that. I can let her leave! She needs to understand I'm not stalking Train.

"Wait, hold on a second!" Creed reached out and grabbed her wrist, trying to stop her from leaving, but the woman yanked her hand out again and walked off a bit quicker.

"Don't touch me and don't follow me! I won't hesitate to call the police!" E shouted back at him, glancing over her shoulder to see the swordsman was perusing her.

Creed sighed, knowing he could catch up to her with ease, but not wanting to engage in any more physical contact with the woman. "Please, E, just listen to me! It's not what you think! Train and I have been spending the last year and half making amends! We live together!"

E stopped in her tracks, but did not turn around to face Creed. "Did you call me, 'E'?"

Creed felt his heart relax a little and he nodded his head. "Yes, I did. Train told me that's what your nickname is. Your full name is Effie Mayberry and you met Train at a police station when he was handing in a bank robber named Rin Abe. You blackmailed him into being your date for the day and again to attend your sister's wedding. You even made him wear something 'sexy' the first date you went on. Oh, also, you were wearing a white yukata when you first met and he looked like a homeless person."

E blinked at Creed in shock, then frowned. "I did not blackmail Train…"

Creed let out a breath of relief and smiled at her. "I'm just telling you the story Train told me. I wasn't there, so I can't say for sure what happened."

The woman narrowed her eyes at Creed, still not sure if she could trust him and made that feeling evident in her voice. "How do I know you weren't just stalking him back then and saw us bump into each other?"

Creed frowned at her. "Twice?" The woman nodded and crossed her arms against her chest, tapping her foot slightly in anxiety mixed with impatience. "If my phone wasn't dead, I'd show you the date for that picture you just saw. It was taken a couple months ago and we've laid in the same bed many nights after that. I have even more pictures of us on my phone along with his phone number and a text message thread." He sighed and ran his fingers through his hair when he saw her look only changed slightly. "I don't know how else to prove to you that I'm not stalking Train. I can tell you that if he wasn't back in my life at this point I would be stalking him, but I don't need to. We're sweepers together."

At the mention of being a sweeper, E's ear perked and she slowly let her guard down. "You said you both live together now?" Creed nodded and the woman sighed. "I don't know how you not only got so lucky to get him back in your life, but somehow convinced him to move in with you. However, I'm not gonna lie, it makes me a bit jealous."

Creed smiled at her words, then shrugged his shoulders. "He didn't really have much of a choice… And before you read into that, I did not threaten him. He invited me to live with him."

E tilted her head in confusion. "And just how did you get him to do that?"

Creed knew he couldn't answer that question truthfully, so he decided to appeal to the playful side of her that Train described. "Let's just say… I know all the right places to hit on Train to make him agree to almost anything."

The woman's eyes glinted with interest as he looked Creed up and down with a bit of a lewd look now. "Is that so? Well, either you need to perform those moves on me, or describe in great detail how you performed them on him."

Creed matched her smirk, allowing his charming side to come out a bit so the woman would trust him a bit more. "Sorry, but I don't think Train won't like either of those options. He's a pretty private person and he also isn't keen on sharing."

E laughed merrily at his comment, feeling more comfortable around the man the more she spoke to him. "What a shame… So, what? Are you and Train like… back together or something?"

Creed's provocative smile turned into a frown as he looked away from her slightly. "It's… complicated…"

E saw how depressed his elegant, blue eyes became and matched Creed's frown. "Judging from the pictures and if I wasn't given any context, I'd say you two were together. What's the hold up?"

Creed sighed. "As I said, it's… complicated…"

E took in his defeated demeanor and attempted to make him laugh with a little bit of flirting. "Well, I have to say, I guess I can see why you were able to break his heart so well. You're just as gorgeous as Train is."

Creed chuckled a little. "That's a huge compliment considering Train is literally the most sublime and dazzling person that has ever graced this giant chunk of rock and water we call Earth."

E rolled her eyes, but laughed at his comment. "Yet another reason why I can see how you were able to sway him back in your arms. What lovely words. Although, I have to ask, does Train only play for one team? Was it really that hopeless for me back then, or if you weren't in the picture, would I have had a shot?"

Creed had to think about that for a second, since it never occurred to him to question what his beloved's sexuality might have been. Creed knew he enjoyed the company of men more than women, but that didn't mean he hadn't swam in the other pool as well. However, when he met Train, he wasn't able to look at anyone else ever again, no matter what their gender was.

Train's only slept with Lin and me and we're both men, so I guess there's an argument for that but… he also isn't easily attracted to anyone. Lin and I are the only two as far as I know and I don't feel like the fact that we're men has anything to do with it.

Creed shrugged his shoulders. "I've never been one to question Train's attraction to me. I just accepted it with open arms. However, I don't think my gender has anything to do with his feelings for me."

E nodded and smiled, seeming happy with that response. "Then my futile fantasies can continue. What are you doing here anyway?"

Creed's smile got brighter since he knew the conversation was going to stay focused around Train, which was what he liked to talk about more than anything else in the world. "Train's birthday is coming up. Back when he met you, he told me about a music store with a particular item in it that he wanted."

E looked shocked at his statement. "And you came all the way out to this dingy, mundane town to buy it? You have heard of the internet, right? You could have just searched for it there."

Creed shook his head. "No. It had to be this one. I also found a few other things I knew he'd love. Besides, I was hoping I would run into you so I could reconnect you with Train."

E's mischievous smirk returned. "Oho, does my little boy toy miss me? Are you not enough to satisfy him? Or is he finally curious what it's like to explore what a woman has to offer? Or… are you boys possibly looking to add a third to your bedroom?"

Creed didn't know which question to answer, but he was a bit flustered by all of them and decided to just answer them all at once. "None of the above. Also, I satisfy him plenty, thank you very much and I refuse to share him with anyone else so a threesome is out of the question. He doesn't know I'm here and he doesn't know I was looking for you."

E sighed in defeat and put her hands on her hips. "So, I have yet another stunning man looking for me, but he is also completely unavailable? Ugh! When will my life turn for the better?!"

Creed laughed at her. "From what Train told me, it sounds like you're doing just fine living the single life."

She nodded. "I am, but that doesn't mean I don't want to settle down for a few weeks."

Creed blinked at her. "A few weeks?!"

E thought about that, then shook her head. "You're right, that's too long. Maybe like a four day weekend or something."

Creed stared at her in shock for a minute, then facepalmed. "I can barely go a day without seeing Train. I can't imagine believing a few weeks with someone as long."

E shrugged her shoulders. "I'm not gonna lie, your affections for Train must be strong if you're still holding a candle for him after all this time. Also after he left you. And on top of that you came all the way to this humdrum town to buy a birthday present for him that you probably easily could have found on the internet."

Creed's eyes became wistful as he spoke about his love for Train. "What can I say? Train takes up such a large part of my soul that I feel empty without him… He is so deeply ingrained in my heart that seeing him sad or hurt tears me apart and seeing him smile fills any gaps or holes that may exist within me…"

E watched Creed's lofty cerulean eyes stared off at something she could only assume was an image of the man he clearly loved more than anything else in the world and smiled warmly at him. "Damn… What an intensely romantic sentence you just muttered…"

Creed shrugged his shoulders and looked away from the darkening sky to meet her gaze once more. "It isn't my normal flowery poetry, but it's the best way to summarize how I feel about him without quoting Shakespeare."

E laughed loudly at that. "Why do I get the feeling that you've actually quoted Shakespeare to Train before?"

Creed blushed a little. "I've done it while making love to him…"

E smirked at him, able to tell he didn't mean to say that out loud and tried to make him feel better about muttering those words. "I can only imagine what Train's reaction to that was. Although, I guess if it works to win his heart over, there's nothing to be ashamed of."

Creed smiled at her. "I'm not ashamed of it. I'll say or do anything to see that cute look on Train's face."

E rolled her eyes and laughed. "Wow, you really like talking about him don't you?" Seeing Creed shrug his shoulders and watching as his smile widened, the woman chuckled. "Alright, well, you're here to reconnect me with your lover-not-lover, right? Do you have something to write my phone number on? Seeing as your phone is dead."

Creed nodded and placed the bag that held Train's presents down along with the instrument he slung over his back and pulled out the paper he used to spot E with. The woman watched as Creed patted his body for a pen, then glanced down at the large bag he was carrying. "Did you buy Train the whole store?"

Creed looked between E and the bag and felt himself blush a little again. "I came here for one thing and found two more things I knew he'd love… It's still not enough though."

And with the painting I'm creating for him and finding E again, that makes five gifts I'm getting him. I'll make sure to cook him the biggest meal in the world and bake the largest cake to make up for getting him so little. Maybe I'll sneak in a few roses as well and a nice dinner out… Kind of like a date night.

Creed's original plan was to give something to Train every day the week before his birthday, but so far he had been coming up short with gifts. He was so busy with the music school and his side-gig, he didn't have a lot of time to go shopping for Train. But, there were still a few days left until it was a week away from his love's birthday. He was hopeful he'd think of something else or find something more to give him along the way. Otherwise, he would have to just stick with giving his Kitten something every day five days before Train's birthday instead of seven.

E laughed as Creed finally found a pencil and handed that to her along with the drawing. He wasn't sure why he had it on him, but could only assume it was fate working in his favor.

E took the pencil as she spoke. "I'd tell you that you're wrong and that looks like more than enough, but I have a feeling you'd tell me I was wrong." Just before she was about to write her number on the back of the drawing, she frowned and flipped it over. "Can I just tear off a part of this paper and keep the drawing?"

Creed frowned at her. "Why?"

E rolled her eyes. "Are you kidding me? A free self portrait? And it looks just like me! Where did you get this?"

Creed looked away from her as he spoke. "...I drew it based on the description Train gave me…"

E's eyes widened as she stared back at the picture. "Seriously?! You drew this based on a description?! That's incredible! Are you an artist or something?"

Creed smiled a little and shrugged his shoulders. "Sort of… I'm more of a musician than an artist."

E ripped off the corner of the picture as she spoke. "Music is a form of art. But, based on this, I can most definitely say you're an artist as well. I don't know anyone who can draw a picture this accurate based on a description given to them by a man who can barely describe his own reflection let alone someone else's."

Creed smiled a bit more proudly. "Thank you… but it's really nothing. You should see the drawings I made of Train."

I lost most of them when we left Chronos, but I've been able to draw a few more since then.

E rolled her eyes. "You're a bit obsessed with the golden eyed beauty, aren't you?" She gestured for Creed to turn around so she could use his back as support for writing on. "Do you think there's a possibility of you two getting back together? I'd hate to see two handsome men go to waste."

Creed chuckled, making sure he stayed still as she wrote her number down against his back. "I hope and pray for it every night…"

E made a stifled, amused noise. "Shouldn't you be on a ledge somewhere?"

Creed turned around as the woman tapped his shoulder to signal she was done. "I take no offense to the hint that I'm a sappy, romantic novelist. I do indeed spew melancholy all over the place."

E nodded and handed him the piece of paper with her number on it. "Will you give me yours as well so I don't think I'm being contacted by a spambot?"

Creed chuckled at her joke and nodded, taking the drawing from her. "Since you're taking this and appear to be so attached to it, mind if I sign it with my phone number?"

E smirked and nodded. "Sure. I'd love to have an attractive artist's phone number. Even if he is beyond unavailable romantically and sexually."

Creed smiled sweetly as he jotted his number down quickly, leaning against the wall of a building instead of using the woman's back. "I know I'm a Casanova. I've had to turn down many suitors of varying genders over the years so as to avoid the unavoidable heartache I would undoubtedly cause them." He turned around and handed the drawing back. "Train's no better. He has his own fanclub."

E rolled her eyes and took the paper. "I'll bet."

Creed put his hand out for her to shake, realizing they never did that when they first met. "It was a pleasure meeting you, E."

E smiled and took his hand to shake. "Same to you. Glad to see you're not as crazy as I originally thought you were."

Creed frowned. "Now that I take offense to. I most certainly am crazy, but only in matters concerning Train."

The woman sighed and took her hand back. "Jeeze, do you ever talk about anything else?"

Creed continued smirking at her. "Rarely. And when I do, I always bring it back to him."

E smiled and then glanced behind the man. "Hey, you weren't by chance going to get in that car that pulled up before we bumped into each other, were you?"

Creed frowned, then nodded. "I was. Why?"

E crossed her arms against her chest again as he looked at him. "Because it's gone."

Creed's eyes widened and he turned around quickly. He cursed as he looked at his phone, wondering why the driver didn't message him about leaving and remembered it was dead. "Damnit… I promised Train I'd be home by dinner…"

E chuckled and rolled her eyes, stepping away from Creed as she made her way down the street. "Follow me, I'll take you to the bus station. That's where I was rushing off to when we bumped into each other, but I've surely missed that bus by now."

Creed frowned at her, but followed nonetheless. "That'll take even longer than a car!"

E shrugged her shoulders. "Then I guess you shouldn't have missed your ride!"

Creed fumed quietly at her amused laugh, but caught up to walk beside her. "It's your fault. You owe me."

E carelessly brushed his words away. "I don't owe you shit. And even if I did, I'm making it up to you now by finding you an alternate route home."

Creed sighed. "You could just call a car for me."

E made sure her face looked as offended as possible. "No way! You may be willing to spend whatever you think is necessary to make your boy toy happy, but I'm not."

Creed cocked an eyebrow at her. "I thought Train was your boy toy?"

E laughed. "Clearly he isn't! There's no way I can compete with you. Just look at you! Not to mention those dramatically, lyrical words you speak of him. I concede to you, Romeo."

Creed giggled. "Does that make Train Juliet?"

"I thought that was obvious. Both romantically and in bed, I assume." She glanced at Creed and smirked. "Go ahead, tell me I'm wrong…"

Creed knew his face was red, but didn't bother to cover it up. "No comment…"

"I knew it!" E shouted as she wrapped her arm around Creed's elbow as they walked down the street. "Okay, so tell me everything about yourself and what our precious little dark haired sweeper has been up to."

Train smirked proudly at the log he had reduced to ashes, the picture he had of Shiki on evaporating the second he hit it with a lightning bolt. When he was training in the backyard, he tried not to use his lightning abilities since it could draw attention to them, but he figured since it looked like it was going to rain and the weather app on his phone said lightning would accompany it, he didn't think it was an issue. The sky was black anyway and he heard a few rumbles in the distance before he even started using his ability.

Besides, I can't pass up the opportunity to strike that bug Taoist with a lightning bolt. Out of everyone in the Apostles, he annoyed me the most.

Train looked around at the various logs he had frozen or swept away with his Tao. Since he was training by himself, he decided to concentrate on the precision and speed of his aim rather than defense or agility. He slipped in a bit of strength training as well, but it still wasn't the same without someone to practice with.

Normally I train with Creed since he's the only one who can match me, but I'd kill to have someone other than these damn logs. Sven or Eve usually suffice, but they didn't want to train in the impending storm. I'm the only one that can really handle the changes in weather without a problem.

Kyoko offered to train with him, but he declined immediately. Their sessions never went well because she was too busy trying to do something annoying like give him a kiss and Train didn't want anything to do with it. The Black Cat sighed as he looked up at the darkening sky, knowing it wasn't just because the sun was setting. He heard another low roll of thunder in the distance and felt a few drops of rain splash lightly against his cheek.

He wiped the liquid off his face and brushed his hands to the side, pushing the droplets away so he could continue training. He knew he should probably stop since Creed wouldn't be pleased with him if he knew he was practicing in the rain, but Train figured what Creed didn't know wouldn't hurt him. He didn't keep any secrets from the silver man and he knew Creed didn't keep any secrets from him, but practicing in the rain was small and didn't seem worth the argument.

Besides, we can't expect the weather to be perfect every time we run into Chronos. We need to be prepared for everything. That's why Creed and I make a point to train in every weather condition.

Train smiled fondly as he remembered their training session in the woods, the one Sephiria had interrupted and suddenly felt the urge to check his phone for the time or any messages from his friend. He frowned when he saw nothing but a blank screen and noticed how long Creed had been gone for. Glancing back up at the sky, he began to worry something might have happened to the silver man and that was why he hadn't heard from him in a few hours.

He checks in with me all the time... Especially when he's going out alone, so this is very strange. The last message I have from him is saying he's at the location he intended to go to, but he won't even tell me that.

That was another strange thing his companion was doing and made him all the more convinced that Creed's trip had something to do with his birthday. Creed always told Train where he was going, so the fact that he didn't even try to cover it up with a story about going to the music school or something made the gunman more confident in his logic.

He's probably going overboard again. Still, I wish he'd come home. He promised he'd be back by dinner, but at this rate I'm beginning to doubt that.

Train felt himself beginning to pout and shook his head, a bit frustrated at how much he missed the man even though he was only gone for a few hours and he spent the whole morning and most of the afternoon with him. He also knew he didn't care about Creed coming home in time for dinner, Train just wanted him to come home so he could see him.

And I guess dinner is a perk, but…. Not the real reason.

Train growled a little when another drop hit his forehead, then he glared up at the sky, whipping his hands in the air to flick away the rain. He sighed and looked back at the last couple of standing logs, wanting to finish his training session before he went back inside. There were only two left: One with Charden's face on it and one with Echidna's. He saved them for last because, even though he still wasn't impressed by the actress' ability, he knew she was a survivor and would probably be one of the last Apostles he had to deal with.

And I'm positive Charden will be last. His Tao has gotten pretty impressive and I still haven't thought of a way to prevent him from pinning me down. Maybe if I don't stop moving? Or create some kind of wind or ice shield around me?

Unfortunately, those were not things Train could test without fighting the man in person and since he couldn't do that at the moment, the still logs would have to do. Train looked at the log that had Echidna's picture on it and tried to imagine what she would do right now. Considering how limited her abilities were, he assumed she would be opening a portal behind him and pointing a gun at the back of his head. The cat leapt out of the way of the invisible bullet, then spun to the side to ignore an unseen grenade that was thrown at his feet. He shot a sheet of ice on the ground, throwing himself chest first on top of it and slid along it like a penguin. He laughed at the image and even flapped his arms a little, smirking wildly as he made his way quickly to the log.

Once he was there he jumped up in the air, flipping over the log and wrapping her in another sheet of ice. The last time he used his ability was on Creed who was able to break out of it easily. He had been trying to work on making the ice thicker, which was hard because it needed to wrap around his opponent and it was difficult to maintain the consistency of the ice when he did that. Once he was done, he decided to inspect his work, trying to see if he had improved it at all and nodded proudly.

Train hit the ice with Hades, seeing it didn't crack and smiled. "Getting better. I'll have to try it out on Creed again."

"What will you be trying out on Diskenth again?"

Train turned his gun on the speaker, knowing by the voice that it was Sephiria, but wanted to have a bit of fun with her. Sephiria pulled out Christ and blocked the bullet he shot at her head, her movements so fast the cat barely saw them. Train didn't waste a second as he launched three sheets of ice around her which Number One was easily able to avoid as she leapt into the air and behind the gunman. Train turned around quickly and blocked a slice from the woman that was aimed for the back of his head, then smiled cheekily at her.

"This is much better than training with some lame logs!"

Sephiria narrowed her eyes at the cat, then pushed herself away, sheathing her sword to signal she was done playing with him. "Why not train with Creed?"

Train frowned, the few seconds of forgetting Creed wasn't there gone as the leader of Chronos gave him a harsh reminder. "He's not here. He needed to step out to finish an errand."

Sephiria gave him a strange look, as if she didn't believe him. "What kind of… errand?"

Train rolled his eyes. "Shouldn't you know that? Don't you always have someone following him? Following us?" Seeing the woman wasn't in the mood for his antics, he shrugged his shoulders and decided to start cleaning up the mess he made from his training. "I'm not sure what he's doing, but I have a feeling it has something to do with my birthday. He's being awfully secretive about it and Creed does not keep secrets from me."

Sephiria cocked an eyebrow at him. "Are you sure about that?"

Train narrowed his eyes a little at the woman, squatting down next to a pile of ashes that used to be the log that was Shiki as he spoke to her. "Yes. I'm sure. I trust Creed."

Sephiria was quiet for a minute, watching as the Black Cat used his wind abilities to scoop up the ashes and toss them with another pile that was against the house. "Do you trust Creed because of your feelings for him, or because you genuinely trust him?"

Train didn't like the way she said that, so he stopped what he was doing for a minute and turned fully towards her. "The two of those go hand in hand. I wouldn't have feelings for him if I didn't trust him."

Sephiria kept her face stern as she spoke. "So, you're not going even to try to cover up your affections for him?"

Train frowned, realizing he had spoken a bit too instinctively, but knowing there was also no point in hiding it completely.

Although, I guess this means Lin hasn't told her everything we've talked about. I'm sure she meets with him every time after I leave to find out what we were talking about, but I guess if she's asking, he's keeping his mouth shut about my personal life.

That comforted Train a little, but he knew it didn't matter much now since he had pretty much confirmed Sephiria's thoughts. "I'm… still figuring it out."

Sephiria didn't believe him. "It seems to me like you have figured it out, but you're just not willing to say it out loud."

Train glared at her, then shrugged his shoulders and went back to cleaning up their yard. "Whatever… What do you want, Sephiria? I know you're busy, so you wouldn't stop by just to say hi."

Sephiria nodded and pulled out an envelope, walking over to Train and dropping it in front of him. Train looked at the envelope, then up at Number One with a confused look on his face. "What's this?"

Sephiria stepped away from him and crossed her arms behind her back. "It's pictures of Creed leaving a mansion and entering a strange car. We haven't been able to figure out what he's doing, but he always leaves with an envelope full of money. We know this because he always takes the car to the music school and he pays the driver with the cash inside." She sighed as she watched Train blink at her. "I knew Creed was gone today which is why I came to see you. I wanted to confront you with this to see if you knew what it was about."

Train rolled his eyes. "You're stalking us that badly?"

Sephiria frowned a little. "You know it's my job. Answer the question: Do you know why Creed would be leaving a mansion with an envelope full of money almost every week?"

Train felt his heart freeze a little, but was surprised at how little apprehensiveness he was feeling towards his silver friend. "I don't know what you're talking about and I know it has nothing to do with whatever he's doing now. If it did, he would have told me he was going to the music school. Also, as I stated before, I trust him."

Sephiria locked eyes with him, making sure the cat saw the seriousness of her face. "Just look at the pictures and tell me what you gather from it."

Train rolled his eyes and opened the envelope, taking out the pictures and frowning at what he saw. Sephiria was right, they were pictures of Creed walking out of a rather extravagant looking black car and walking into a large mansion. There were also pictures of his companion leaving the same mansion, slipping an envelope in his jacket, and stepping back into the same car.

"Why is he dressed so nicely?" One of the first things he noticed was how dressed up Creed was. He then thought back to the moment they shared in the recital hall and how Creed had been dressed. "He was dressed a bit too nicely then as well…"

I didn't question it at the time since he always seems to dress nicely, but… it was a bit over the top. Even for him.

Sephiria heard Train's mumbled words and pushed for more information. "When?"

Train gave her an evil look, then shoved the pictures back into the envelope, dropping it back on the ground haphazardly, and went back to gathering the debris scattered around the yard. "Why don't you ask Creed about this? I have no idea what these pictures mean."

Sephiria sighed. "Because if it has something to do with the Apostles, he won't say anything. I wanted to see if you knew anything first before I confronted him. And then maybe we could confront him together. He might be more honest if you're there as well…"

Train rolled his eyes. "And you want me as backup in case he flips out and attacks you?" He growled at the woman's strong look, knowing he hit the nail on the head. "I may not know what he's doing, but I'm positive it has nothing to do with the Apostles. I would have noticed by now if he was still in contact with them."

Creed wouldn't rejoin them. He wouldn't have gone through all the trouble of leaving them and fighting them to find me if he was. He also wouldn't have protected Sven and Eve when he first left if he planned on going back to them.

"How much are you with Creed?" Sephiria asked, pryingly.

Train sighed in frustration and looked up at the sky, ignoring the few drops that fell against his face. "Pretty much all the time. Even when he's at the music school, I'm there to keep him company. And since I know you have to know every detail about our lives, we've been sleeping in the same bed every night as well. So I know he's not sneaking out at night either."

Sephiria didn't sound convinced as she spoke. "You don't think it's possible for him to sneak out without you knowing? You're a pretty heavy sleeper."

Train wanted to scream at her, but held back. "Yeah, but I'm also the Black Cat. I would have noticed." He thought about all the mornings he woke up to Creed's caressing fingers and loving lips, smiling slightly as he spoke. "Creed's not leaving at night. I'm sure of it. He wouldn't miss any chance to lay next to me."

Sephira frowned at the cat's loving look, knowing he wasn't going to like her next question, but she had to ask it. "You're sure this isn't all an act to lull you into a false sense of security?"

Train felt his entire body light on fire with a fury he hadn't felt in a while, turning a virulent glare on his former leader. "Are you suggesting Creed's feelings for me are duplicitous?"

Sephiria kept her calm, knowing that look Train was giving her all too well and knowing she needed to be careful before he snapped at her. She knew he'd never kill her, but he wouldn't hesitate to attack her or break their alliance. "That's not what I'm saying… I'm saying he might be trying to seduce you again for both his own selfish purposes and for the Apostles."

Train felt his body spark with electricity, knowing that wasn't a good thing to be doing if it started to rain more, but he couldn't help himself. The idea of Creed using him was ludicrous. Even when he was lying to him about Saya, he never used Train. There was never a moment in their entire relationship, whether they were friends, enemies, or lovers, did Creed ever try to take advantage of him.

There's not a doubt in my mind. Sephiria is barking up the wrong tree here. I'm sure if she talked to Creed, he'd have a reasonable explanation. Creed wouldn't betray me… Not again. Not after we've gotten so close again. It's all he's ever wanted. He wouldn't risk throwing it away again. Not for anything.

"I think you need to think about what you're saying carefully, Number One… When we were in Chronos, did you ever see Creed trying to manipulate or use me?"

Sephiria locked eyes with the Black Cat's aggressively sparking ones. "No."

Train nodded, knowing he had to control his rage, but finding it difficult with the woman questioning what he had with Creed. "And do you really think he'd go this far to try and trick me? To trick all of us? Do you really think he would have offered to sacrifice himself to save Lin if his overall goal was to kill him anyway? You and I both know if there was ever a chance to get rid of Lin and still keep me by his side without him looking suspicious, that would have been it. Not to mention he was under that… thing's spell. Creed would never willingly create a beast that could control him. He hates being controlled and you know it."

Sephiria listened to each of his words, knowing it was true, but still not willing to accept that as the facts so readily. "Creed is also an excellent actor. Always has been. That's why he was always the one to go into the more personal missions that required interactions with people."

Train rolled his eyes and heard thunder rumbling in the background, not sure if that was from his rage or from the storm he could tell was just around the corner. "That's bullshit and you know it. You know he wants nothing to do with the Apostles. You saw how happy he got when you told him we could be free of both them and Chronos." The cat turned back to his clean up, hoping that would distract him from his rage, but continued speaking to Sephiria. "It's not an act, Sephiria. Creed's not faking anything. He's happy. I'm sure of it."

Sephiria watched as Train began to calm himself down, most likely with the thought of Creed and sighed as he pulled out an umbrella from the large jacket pocket of her coat. "If you're so sure of it, will you talk to him? Let us know what he says?"

Train sighed, trying to fill his mind with images of him and Creed laying next to each other in order to keep himself from sparking with electricity. The rain was starting to come down a bit harder now, and he didn't want to get shocked. "I still don't understand why you don't speak to him yourself. If we're truly allies, you need to be able to talk to him by yourself."

Sephiria nodded. "Agreed, but if you're really this convinced, then I can't allow the issue to continue taking up more of my time. There's still a lot to be done at Chronos headquarters and this sounds like something you can handle on your own."

Train growled a little, then took a deep breath and tried to imagine what Creed's arms felt like around him. "Then why isn't just my word enough? If you know I'm so convinced, why isn't my gut instinct enough to comfort your fears?"

Sephiria stared at him for a second, the rain lightly splashing against her umbrella as she spoke. "Because… I want to know what his story is. I want to know what he has to say to see if it makes sense."

Train clenched his fists slightly, then took another breath before he spoke. "How quickly you've changed what you need from me... What happened to us doing it together? What happened to wanting backup in case he turns on us?"

Sephiria looked down at Train, noting how hard he was working to keep himself calm, most likely because he didn't want to be surrounded by electricity when the rain got heavier. It upset her a bit to know how quickly he was willing to turn on her for Creed. Especially after everything he had done to the Black Cat.

The woman held back a sigh as she spoke. "Perhaps… I was a bit harsh. Maybe he'll feel more comfortable speaking the truth if it's just you. If you're right and it has nothing to do with the Apostles-"

"-It doesn't." Train added quickly.

"...Then him knowing there's still a part of me that doesn't trust him might hurt our alliance. And above all else I wish to keep that intact and strong." Sephiria felt the rain falling harder, but ignored it in favor of the Black Cat, not wanting to leave on such a sour note.

Train laughed bitterly. "And what makes you think I won't tell him? I tell him everything. We tell each other everything."

Sephiria glared at him a little. "Clearly you don't tell each other everything…"

Train returned her glare and heard another roll of thunder in the distance. "Watch it, Number One… I'd hate to ruin whatever alliance we have with each other…"

Sephiria changed her glare into a more stern look, as if she were simply giving orders to a number instead of scolding a man she saw as a brother. "You don't want to break our alliance any more than I do. I'm sure you know how much you need us."

Train growled again. "And you know how much you need Creed and me…" He watched the ashes he didn't clean turn into mud and knowing it was pointless now. "And if you care so much about keeping us on your good side, then you need to trust Creed… Like, I thought you did..."

Sephiria let out a long, heavy sigh. "Perhaps I should, and maybe I do, but you know what my job is, Heartnet. You know I can't let something like this go. I have to question it."

"Then you should talk to Creed." Train said again, getting tired of repeating himself.

Sephiria held back a frustrated sigh as she spoke. "I already told you why I didn't. That should be enough." Seeing Train was not responding to that statement, she tried a different approach. "I trust you to get the truth out of him and I trust you to tell whether or not it is the truth. The Elders don't know about this and I won't tell them unless it is necessary."

"You should trust Creed too… You shouldn't need my word in order to believe him..." Train could feel her stern look boring into his back, so he nodded his head in understanding, but he did it a bit too contentiously.

At least she didn't tell the Elders. I know they don't trust me or Creed and if they found this out, they would have ordered her to kill him without question. I guess that means she wasn't completely lying and trusts him at least a little.

Train sighed. "Anything else?" He saw her shake her head out of the corner of his eye and then turned back around. "Then I suggest you leave before I can no longer control how angry I am right now and I say or do something I'm going to regret later…"

Sephiria stared at him for a moment before addressing that statement. "What exactly do you think you'll say or do that you might regret?"

Train threw his hands in the air, not able to restrain his frustration anymore. He knew the next sound of thunder he heard came from him, but he didn't care. "I don't know, Sephiria! And I don't know what you expect me to say! You just admitted to me you still don't totally trust Creed. How else am I supposed to take that?" He sighed and ran his fingers through his hair. "I thought we were on the same side…"

Sephiria stared at his back. "We are. I'm simply following orders."

Train scoffed and rolled his eyes. "Yeah, okay." He glanced at the pictures he dropped on the ground. "Thanks for not telling the Elders, I guess. I'll talk to Creed and we will let you know the truth. Together. Because that's what allies and partners do. They talk to each other."

Sephiria waited for a second, hoping Train would say something a bit more reassuring than that before she left. When she saw that he wasn't, she added one last thing. "I hope this doesn't harm the relationship we've begun repairing between us." She turned away. "Keep the pictures. They're copies anyway."

Sephiria was gone in a blink of an eye, leaving Train to sit by himself in the rain. His eyes widened as he realized he didn't ask her about Chronos food again, and turned around quickly in hopes she was still there. He cursed and stood up quickly, looking down at the pictures he left on the ground before growling and walking away.

Damnit, Creed… What the hell are you up to?

As mad as he was at Sephiria, he was a bit peeved at Creed too. Even though he knew the photos had nothing to do with the Apostles, it was still a secret his companion was keeping from him and he thought they had an unspoken agreement to never keep anything from each other again. Train had been open with him about everything and he was hoping it was the same for Creed.

But, I guess it isn't… And I guess I'm not better since I'm not being totally open with him either. After all, I haven't told him how I feel about him… And that's a pretty big secret to keep.

He clenched his fists again and stormed off to the house, dripping wet and angry for so many reasons. He was angry with himself for losing his cool so quickly in front of her and for forgetting to ask Sephiria a question he had been meaning to inquire about again for a while. He was angry with Sephiria for not trusting Creed, and he was angry with Creed for keeping another secret from him. It worried him, since that was what broke them up in the first place, and Train really didn't want that to happen again.

I don't want to distance myself from him again. Not when we were rebuilding what we used to have…

"Damnit…" He muttered as he turned back around to pick up the photos he left on the ground, shoving them inside his jacket so they wouldn't get any more wet than they already were.

I still need to bring up the subject of Chronos food with her at some point, but now I'm so angry at her I don't want to see her again. At least not until I calm down and talk to Creed about what's really been going on with him.

There wasn't a doubt in his mind that whatever Creed was doing had nothing to do with the Apostles. However, he also had no idea what it could possibly be about, but the fact that he was leaving the mansion with money worried him. While he knew Creed wouldn't kill or hurt anyone even for money, that didn't mean there weren't other things he wouldn't do for money.

He's been buying some food I know is a bit pricey and has been lenient with the amount of waste we've created while Sven loses his mind over it. He even bought us a microwave long before Sven thought we could afford one and yet, we're still managing to recover.

That had been on Train's mind for quite some time. Creed was always really good with money, even when they had a lot of it while they were running the Apostles, so him being so free with his spending when they were supposed to be frugal didn't make sense. Sephiria's pictures confirm what Train had already been thinking which was yet another reason why he was positive his friend's secret had nothing to do with the Apostles.

He's doing something to get extra cash, but… what that something is I have no idea. Who could he possibly know that lives in a mansion and will give him money? And what would they be giving him money for?

Before he stepped into the house, he stopped, his hand on the door as a thought occurred to him.

Is he… sleeping with a rich person for money…?

That thought bothered Train almost more than the idea of Creed sneaking out to see the Apostles.

Why does that bother me so much? I know how I feel about him, but it's not like we're together. I don't have a right to get mad at him for sleeping with someone else. It's not that's technically cheating… is it? And even if it is, who am I to throw stones?

Train knew they were just having fun, but he also knew how he felt about Creed. Realizing that, he knew it was stupid to question why it bothered him. Even though he knew they weren't together and Creed was welcomed to sleep with whoever he wanted, that didn't make Train feel any better.

Is this how Creed felt when I was with Lin? Did he hurt this much?

Train sighed and gripped the door knob a little tighter. That was another stupid question. He knew how hurt Creed was when he was in a relationship with Lin. He also knew with all the almost moments he and Creed had, it made sense that the swordsman would go seaking off to fulfill himself elsewhere. He admitted to Train years ago that everyone he slept with other than the Black Cat was to get his sexual desires out so he wouldn't force them onto Train.

And… I guess it makes sense that he wouldn't tell me and that someone was paying him for it… He's an attractive guy and he's certainly good at it.

Train shook his head to rid himself of the dirty thoughts he knew were about to arise.

It's not right to say he's cheating on me or to demand he doesn't sleep with anyone else. If he is, I know it's because I'm still keeping him at somewhat of a distance. I can't imagine how much it must hurt him. Wait, am I forgiving him before I even have a change to accuse him?

Train knew it hurt him as well and he was hoping he'd be able to give into both of their desires soon, but for now, he couldn't.

If this is true… maybe I shouldn't try to convince him to stop. Like I just told myself, I have no right to tell him what he can and can't do with his sexual life. But, I still need to talk to him. Just in case I'm wrong.

Train nodded and turned the door knob, praying that the man he loved wasn't prostituting himself and hoping he was wrong about the whole thing.

As he stepped into the house, his thoughts were cut off by Kyoko who was suddenly in his face, wrapping her arms possessively around his neck. "KURO-SAMA! You're wet!"

Train sighed in annoyance and pushed the girl off. "That's what happens when you train in the rain..."

Eve over heard what he was saying from her spot on the couch in the common room and addressed him without lifting her head from her book. "Creed's not going to be happy to hear that."

Train sent her a glare. "Creed doesn't have to know about it."

Eve glanced through the window that led to the kitchen to see the cat's glare. "And what's to stop me from telling him?"

Traigh shrugged his shoulder and pushed the teen girl aside again as he stepped out of the kitchen. "Nothing. But I know he'll get over it, so I guess I don't care."

Eve eyed him curiously. "What's wrong?"

Train tried to give her a kind smile as he walked down the hall towards his room. "Nothing. I'm gonna get changed out of these wet clothes."

Should I tell them Sephiria was here? And that she found something that makes her not trust Creed? Sven just started trusting him, I don't want to give him a reason to be skeptical of his change again.

As he walked down the hall, he sighed and decided not to let them know about the conversation he had with Number One for yet. Not at least until he had a chance to talk to Creed.

Sven stepped out of his room and nearly bumped into Train who dramatically spun to the side to avoid him, making the older man roll his eyes and smack the cat's back as the gunman slid away from him. "Where's Creed?"

Train shrugged his shoulders and turned around just before he reached his room so he could answer Sven. "Dunno. And he's not answering his phone."

Eve noted the bit of melancholy in Train's voice and frowned. "Is that what you're upset about, Train? His phone is probably just dead."

Sven nodded his head in agreement as he sat in a chair next to the bio-girl. "That's the only reason I can think of why he wouldn't answer your calls. He always answers when you call. No matter what he's doing."

Train noticed the grimace on Sven's face, knowing the man was remembering all of the times when Creed was in the middle of a sweep and ignored it in favor of answering a call from Train. The cat blinked down the hall at his friends. "I'm not worried…"

"Yes you are. I can hear it in your voice." Eve's monotone voice did not change as she spoke, nor did she look away from her book.

Train frowned. "Since when are you analyzing people's voices, Lil' Princess?"

Eve shrugged her shoulders. "Since you started hiding your emotions about Creed. You left me no choice, Train. Truthfully, it's your fault."

Train narrowed his eyes at her. "I fail to see how it's my fault…"

Eve turned a page, but did not change her demeanor or tone of voice. "Maybe if you were more open, I wouldn't have to find another way to understand what you're thinking. Also, your eyes give away your true feelings."

Train stepped away from his door, ignoring Sven as he laughed and focusing on the bio-girl. "You don't need to know what I'm thinking at all!"

Eve glanced at him quickly. "Yes, I do."

Train furrowed his brow. "Why?"

Eve blinked at him. "Because we're friends."

Train smiled brightly and clutched his heart. "Awww, Lil' Princess! That's so sweet."

Eve turned back to her book as she spoke her next words. "We're also sweeper partners. Whenever your head isn't in the game, which it almost never is, I need to understand why so we can fix it and finish the mission."

Train gasped and pointed a finger at her. "STAY OUT OF MY HEAD!"

Eve shrugged her shoulders and Sven snickered, but Kyoko was the one to speak. "Kuro-sama, were you talking to someone outside?"

Everyone looked at the teen girl, then at Train who seemed to be at a loss for words.

Shit, what should I tell them?

It was bad enough to know Sephiria didn't fully trust Creed, but he really didn't want the people his companion saw as family to turn against him. But, he also didn't know if they would. He was pretty sure Eve wouldn't and Kyoko agreed with literally anything Train said, but Sven was a different story.

He doesn't even fully trust Nica and the others. Would he really turn on Creed so quickly?

Train wasn't sure of the answer to that question, but he did know he had been silent for too long, so he needed to say something. "Yeah, I was talking to Sephiria."

Half truths are better than full lies, right?

Sven blinked and sat up in his chair, his relaxed demeanor changing almost immediately. "Sephiria? What did she want?"

Train sighed and ran his fingers through his wet hair. "She was just updating me on Lin. Don't worry, he's fine, but she told me he needs another day before I can visit him again."

Sven seemed to buy his lie as he nodded and sat back in his chair. "Whew… I thought it was going to be something serious."

Eve gave Train a strange look, but decided not to question him further. She figured if he was lying about his conversation with Number One, he must have had his reasons. "It's getting late. Is Creed going to be back for dinner?"

Train frowned and felt his heart sink a little, pulling his phone out of his pocket, ignoring the slight wetness on its screen and sighed when he saw what time it was. "He said he was… but at least rate I think we're going to be on our own for dinner."

Eve rolled her eyes at the cat. "That's not what you're really worried about. You're worried something happened to him."

Train glared at her, angry that she was so easily able to read his mind all the sudden. "That's not an unreasonable fear to have, is it? Not with the Apostles still causing a muck."

Sven nodded and sighed. "That's true, but… I think Sephiria would have said something if that was the case. She's probably still following him more closely than the rest of us."

Train looked at Sven and smiled a little, feeling a bit more at ease with the green man's statement.

That's true… The conversation we had is proof enough of that. If Chronos is stalking him to a secret mansion, they'll absolutely be following him on a secret errand. And there's no way Sephiria wouldn't tell me if he was kidnapped or worse.

However, the way she spoke insinuated that while she knew he wasn't going to be home, she didn't know where he was.

Or maybe she did and she just wanted me to think he was doing something sketchy.

Train dug his fingers into the palm of his hand tightly at that thought, then shook his head.

Don't get angry all over again. There could be other reasons she didn't seem to know what his errand was either.

Train tried to think of other reasons she wouldn't have said anything about where Creed was. It was possible whoever was following him simply hadn't reported back yet. After all, Creed wasn't back yet, so it stood to reason that they were still following him.

However, if that's the case, then there is still the chance that something did happen to Creed and Sephiria doesn't know about it yet. If it was a weak enough eraser, they wouldn't be able to take on the Apostles on their own…

Train's relief that Creed was okay quickly disappeared, but before he could panic, Sven spoke again. "Well, wherever he is, it's getting late. I don't know what to do about dinner…"

"OH, KYOKO KNOWS! Let's order pizza!" Kyok was raising her hand as she spoke, as if she was going to be called on to share her idea.

Sven glared at her. "No way. We don't have the money for that."

Eve put her book down so she could talk to her guardian. "Actually we do. I checked the bank account today. We're actually almost back to comfortable."

Sven blinked at her. "We've never been 'comfortable' before… Where is that extra money coming from?"

Train bit his tongue and turned back around so he could change his clothes. "I'm gonna get changed and then go look for Creed. The storm is getting worse."

Sven was about to protest what Train said before Kyoko spoke again. "Kyoko will call for pizza!"

Sven jumped out of his chair to stop her. "NO YOU WON'T! We have plenty of food in the house!"

Kyoko laughed and leapt away from Sven. "But we don't have pizza and Kyoko wants pizza!"

"Pizza does sound good, Sven. It's been a while since we've had it." Eve opened her book back up, her voice dry as she spoke.

Sven frowned at her. "Not you too, Eve…"

Kyoko beamed at her tutor. "See? Even Sensei Eve agrees! KURO-SAMA, DO YOU WANT PIZZA?!"

Train voice was muffled since he was in his room, but the rest of them could still hear him. "Don't care! Do whatever you want!"

Sven was about to yell at Train to disagree with the idea since he knew Kyoko would change her mind if he said he didn't want to order out, but his words were cut off as the door opened. Kyoko, Sven, and Eve all turned towards the door, seeing a soaking wet Creed standing there, two boxes of pizza in one hand, two dozen red roses in the other, and a large bag hanging from his wrist. He also looked rather worn out and tired, as if the errand he had to run had been more exhausting than he intended it to be. They were all too distracted by his physical appearance, the large bouquet of roses, and the pizza to notice he also had an instrument strapped to his back and wrapped in plastic.

Kyoko beamed happily and jumped from her seat and over to Creed, grabbing the food from him and bringing it to the dining table. "Thank you, Creed-sama!"

Sven blinked at Creed, about to say something but was interrupted by Eve as she turned to look behind the couch and down the hallway in the direction the cat had gone. "Train, Creed's home." The girl looked at the flowers Creed held. "Those are for Train?"

Creed smiled at her and nodded. "Early birthday present. I also wanted to apologize for coming home late. My phone's been dead so I couldn't talk to him."

Eve nodded proudly, happy to have her thoughts confirmed as correct. "And the pizza?"

Creed frowned at the girl. "I knew I wasn't going to have time to cook, but I still wanted to feed everyone…"

Sven narrowed his eyes at the silver man. "We could have made something. There's plenty of food in the house."

Creed shrugged his shoulders and placed the bag he was holding down so he could slip off his shoes. "I know, but as I said, it was getting late. Besides, it's been a while since we ordered out and our money is better than you realize."

Sven sighed. "Eve and Kyoko said the same things…"

Creed smiled sweetly at him. "Then don't worry about it." As he hung his jacket on the rack next to the door and slipped the ukulele off his back as he frowned at his friends. "Where's Train?

Kyoko was the one to answer between her large bites of food. "Getting changed."

Creed made a strange look, not sure why Train would be changing so late at night.

It's not like he owns pajamas or anything. Much to my heart's content, he sleeps mostly naked and I know he wouldn't come out here like that with Kyoko around.

He sighed and decided not to question it as he made his way past his friends and towards the hall. He stopped when he saw his beloved entering the room, rubbing his hair with a towel which confused Creed even more. "Did you take another shower, Train?"

Train gave the silver man a strangled look and spoke with a slightly shaky voice. "Yes…?"

"No." Eve said from the couch, not bothering to look back at either of them.

Creed frowned. "Then why is your hair wet?"

Train glared at Eve, then looked back at Creed. "I left something outside and got caught in the storm."

"Also a lie." Eve stated again, turning a page in her book slowly.

Train glared at her again which Creed ignored in favor of addressing his Kitten. "Train… were you training in the rain alone again…? I don't care if you don't feel the cold like normal people, you can still get sick! Go dry off before you catch a cold."

Train had a stubborn face and crossed his arms against his chest, towel resting uselessly on top of his head. "I already did. And so what if I was? Your hair's wet too. You should have brought an umbrella with you, Mr. Always Prepared for the Worse Case Scenario. You are the one who was gone all day and clearly got drenched in the storm."

Creed sighed at his love. "I'm sorry, Train. I didn't mean to keep you waiting. My phone has been dead, see?"

Train caught the phone that was thrown at him, then rolled his eyes and threw it back. "You don't need to show me your phone for me to believe you that it was dead. I just wish I knew where you were so I could have found you before the Apostles did."

Creed smiled warmly at his love, stepping closer to him and caressing his cheek gently. "I'd never let them take me away from you, Train. You know that."

Train felt himself blush and was unable to resist smiling back at the man despite the childish stubborn anger he was still feeling. "That wouldn't have mattered if they killed you…"

Creed sighed and handed Train the roses. "Just shut up, take these, and shove your beautiful face full of pizza."

Train tried to frown, but couldn't the moment he saw the roses. It was the first time in a long time Creed had given him flowers, and he felt all the anger he had been feeling earlier subside.

Why can't I stay mad at him? I just found out he's been hiding a secret and that secret may be something that hurts me, even though I have no right to be hurt by it. I have every right to be mad at him for staying out so late by himself, but all I want to do it is kiss him and tell him it's okay.

Despite his loving thoughts, he did not take the flowers. Instead, Train tried to respond to Creed's statement, but the silver lean pulled him closer to his chest and kissed him gently on the forehead. "Come on, Train. I know you must be hungry. Just go eat and you can be mad at me later."

Again, Train tried to frown, but found the gesture to be impossible with how loving the man was looking at him. Instead, he sighed and took Creed's hand so he could lead him down the hall. "First, we need to talk about something."

Creed blinked at his beloved, shocked Train was choosing to talk over eating.

It must be important if he wants to do that instead of having dinner. Unless he's deciding to finally let me make love to him again and can't wait any longer…

Creed smirked and licked his lips, following his cat willingly at that thought. "Eve, can you place that bag in your room please? The one wrapped in the plastic bag as well."

Eve watched them walk away, then sighed. "I thought I was going to get them into a fight with that."

Sven frowned at her. "You wanted them to fight?"

Eve shrugged her shoulders, closed her book, then stood so she could do as Creed requested. "Only because I know their fights never last long anyway. I really just wanted to annoy Train."

Sven chuckled then stood as well to get food before the teen girl ate it all.

As soon as Creed closed the door behind him, he wrapped his arm around his beloved's back and pulled him in for a deep kiss. Train yelped at the sudden contact, then found himself returning the kiss despite the talk he knew they needed to have. He wrapped his arms around Creed's neck to deepen their embrace, but as soon as he felt the silver man's hand leave his back and slide under his shirt, Train pulled away and grabbed his wrist.

"Is that all you ever think about?" Train narrowed his eyes at him, holding Creed still so he wouldn't continue to assault his body.

Creed pouted at his love. "Only because you keep letting me get so close then cut me off. It's starting to get painful, Train…"

Train sighed and rolled his eyes. "Don't know why… sounds like you might have an outlet..."

Creed blinked at his beloved as he stepped away and sat on his bed. "What?"

Train frowned and patted the spot next to him for Creed to sit. "Nothing. Just, keep it in your pants, Creed. Like I said, we need to talk."

Creed sighed at his beloved's sour tone, not sure what they were going to talk about, but having a feeling whatever it was hurt Train.

He doesn't seem to be mad that I'm home late or that I wasn't answering his calls. What could he be mad about?

"So, you really are choosing to talk over eating?" Seeing the serious look on his cat's face, he nodded and took a seat next to Train, the roses still in his hand as he spoke. "In that case it must be serious. What's wrong?"

Train sighed and ran his fingers through his slowly dying hair. "Creed, Seph-"

His words were cut off as Creed shoved the roses in his face once more. Train blinked at the silver man's smiling face, his heart beating fast at the doting look his companion gave him. "I can tell when you're stressed out, Train. You only run your fingers through her hair when you're upset, so before you can get mad at me again for being late, please take these and remember how much I love you."

Train knew Creed was smiling at the light tint of pink his cheeks must have turned and he sighed as he took the flowers. "Where the hell did you even find a place that sells flowers this late at night?"

Creed chuckled and moved himself so he was a little closer to Train, placing his hand on his beloved's knee gently. "While I was walking to the bus, I found a florist shop run by a very kind young lady. I was able to sweet talk my way in pretty easily."

Train felt his heart sink a little at that and he placed the flowers behind him on the bed, no longer wanting to look at them. "I guess you always have been a smooth talker…"

Creed frowned at the bitter tone of voice his Kitten used. "Yes, that's true, but… you know it doesn't mean anything unless I'm talking to you…"

Train sighed. "You didn't have to go through all that trouble Creed. I would have preferred you gotten home safely sooner than get flowers."

Creed still wasn't sure why Train seemed so upset. He knew he might be a bit angry at how late he was, but he also thought he'd get over it rather quickly.

He always gets over his anger over stupid things easily. He's not one to hold a grudge.

Creed reached out with his other hand to cup Train's cheek and turn his love so he was facing him. The silver man nuzzled his face close to Train's, smiling reverently and giving him the most devoted look he could so his beloved knew how sorry he was. "It wasn't trouble at all, Train. Nothing is when it concerns you. I'd blow up the moon if you told me you wanted a rock from it."

Train's heart quivered wildly in his chest and he had to pull away slightly to prevent himself from kissing Creed. "You'd destroy the planet if you did that."

Creed shrugged his shoulders and moved his face closer to Train's again. "I wouldn't destroy it. Just create some weather issues. But, a few tsunamis is nothing to me if it means you'll bless me with even the smallest of your ethereal smiles."

Train felt Creed's lips brush against his as he spoke and knew he was going to cave if he didn't move away. To do that, he reminded himself of what he needed to talk to his companion about and the resentment seemed to be enough to persuade him to move away a little bit, making the silver man's hand fall off his knee.

I might not be the only one he's kissing with those lips. Even if he is only doing it for money and I don't have a right to tell him what he can and can't do with his body… I don't like it and I don't have to keep kissing him. Especially if he's getting it from somewhere else.

"Your sweet talk may work on innocent people, but it's not going to work on me." Train pulled his head out of Creed's grip and looked away from his friend.

At least not right now.

Creed blinked in bewilderment at his beloved, his heart beginning to slowly crack when Train turned away from him. However, what hurt the most was the pain Train had in his voice. Creed reached out again to try and comfort his love, but Train pulled his shoulder away which made the swordsman feel like crying.

"Train… wha-"

Train slapped a large envelope on Creed's lap, making the silver man jump a little bit at his cat's sudden movement. He stared at the envelope, then back up at Train. "What's this?"

Train didn't bother to turn around as he spoke. "You tell me. Just open it and look."

Creed frowned at his beloved, but did as he was told. The moment he opened them and saw the pictures, he muttered a curse under his breath and began sputtering apologies. "I-I'm so sorry, Train! I was going to tell you the truth after we had some money in our savings account. Trust me, I don't want to be doing this. Anastasia set me up with this woman and the money was too good to pass up. I'm-"

Train turned around and gave him a disgusted look. "Anastasia set you up with her?! Why would she do that?"

Creed blinked at his love, shocked that Train was as upset over a few piano playing gigs.

I knew he'd be mad, but that look in his eyes makes me feel like he's going to punch me in the face.

"...She knew about the fire and our money issues… She's been paying me for the extra help I've been providing at the school as well, but she couldn't pay what we needed to help us get back on our feet… She knew this woman who was loaded and would pay for my services…"

Train clenched his fist and had to fight the urge to punch Creed. Again, he knew he didn't have the right, but everything he was saying confirmed his dark thoughts and he didn't know if he should control how he was feeling. "So… you've been lying to me…? Again?"

Creed winced at his beloved's harsh words and did his best to keep staring into Train's beautiful golden eyes that were now sparking slightly with the fury he obviously felt. "It… It's not like that, Train…"

Train punched the bed and gritted his teeth as he spoke. "Then what is it like, Creed?! Clearly, I didn't know anything about this, so you were obviously lying to me." He picked up a particular picture and shoved it in Creed's face. "This is what you were wearing that day at the music school when you taught me Saya's song. So, you were with… whoever the hell this person is, before you tried to seduce me in the recital hall?!"

Creed pouted at his love, pushing Train's hand away slightly so he could look at him. "We needed the money, Train…"

"How long?" Train asked and upon seeing the confused look on Creed's face, he elaborated his question. "How long have you been… 'offering your services', as you put it, to this person?"

Creed whimpered when Train pushed his hand away again. "...Since about a week after we left the mansion…"

Train did the math in his head and figured out how close that was to the time he slept with Creed and rolled his eyes. "Oh, what perfect timing that is…"

Creed grimaced at the angry look Train gave him when he tried to reach out to touch him again. "I did it for our friends… for you."

Train threw the photo in his face and turned away again, crossing his arms against his chest once more. "Then do me a favor, next time you want to ambush me in the shower or molest me on the couch, go find your sugar momma instead."

Creed cocked an eyebrow at Train's words, slowly beginning to piece together what Train thought he was doing. "Train… what exactly do you think I'm doing in this mansion?"

Train glared at him from over his shoulder. "What else could you possibly be doing with a rich woman for money?"

Creed had to fight a smirk, since he was now almost positive he knew what Train was thinking. "Just say it, Train. Say out loud what you think I'm doing."

Train turned around quickly, his glare harsh and his eyes burning with a bright, electrical blue as he gripped the blankets underneath him tightly. "You're prostituting yourself! You're offering sexual favors to a rich stranger for money! You're selling your body to some person we don't even know! What if this woman is part of the Apostles and is just using you?! Did you ever think of that?!"

Creed started laughing which only made Train angerier and he made sure his friend knew it. "WHAT THE HELL IS SO FUNNY?!"

Creed continued laughing for a few more seconds before grabbing Train and holding him tightly in his arms. "Train, I'm not sleeping with this woman! I'm playing the piano for her!"

Train blinked as Creed rested his head on his shoulder, giving the cat nothing to look at except the wall behind his companion. "Wh-what…?"

Creed laughed again and squeezed Train tighter, running his hand through his damp hair and down his back, hoping that would help his beloved calm down. "Oh, Train, you're so sweet! You were actually jealous at the thought of me whoring myself out to some old woman! Oh, I love you and your innocent, yet corrupt mind so much."

Train blushed brightly from embarrassment, but felt himself beginning to relax as Creed's lithe fingers gently slid up his shirt to caress his skin. "Th-that's… That's not what-"

His words were interrupted by Creed's lips as he pulled Train away and kissed him tenderly. Unable to resist the feel of the other man against him, Train sighed blissfully and relaxed even further, allowing Creed to pull him against his chest and even lift his legs up so they rested on the silver man's lap, the photos falling to the ground carelessly. Without realizing it, one of Train's hands brushed against Creed's cheek and then tangled itself delicately in his damp, silver hair while his other clutched tightly to his companion's shirt. He moaned quietly when Creed deepened the kiss a little and leaned him back slightly, allowing the swordsman more access to his mouth.

When Creed pulled away, he smirked at his beloved, his eyes shining with adoration as he gazed warmly at Train's flustered face, his Kitten's mouth still opened as if he was waiting for Creed to kiss him again. "Train… How many times do I have to tell you if I can't sleep with you, I'll never sleep with anyone else again? No matter how much money they'd paid me. I'd rather wither up in a dry husk than even think about making love to someone else."

Train wasn't sure why Creed's kiss was able to daze him so much, but he found it difficult to gather his thoughts enough to respond. "I just… I just thought that… I mean considering-"

"-Considering what, Train? How good I am at it?" Creed chuckled at the small glare his love gave him and caressed Train's cheek with his thumb.

"Don't get cocky, Creed…" Train muttered, but he knew his face betrayed the sour tone he was trying to use.

Creed's smirk changed from a loving one to a lewd one as his hand wandered down Train's cheek to his chest, then his stomach, finally landing at the rim of his beloved's pants as he fingered the fabric subtly. "What happened to phrasing, Train?"

He didn't give his love time to answer as he latched his lips back onto Train's and dove his tongue in as deep as it would go. When he felt his cat return the kiss, Creed laid him down against the bed, sliding his love's legs off his lap so Train was flat on the mattress, making sure his lips never left his Kitten's and careful not to crush the roses that were next to them. Once he knew Train was comfortable, Creed wrapped his legs around either side of his beloved, one hand working at Train's pants, the other leaning against the pillow for support.

Creed moaned enthusiastically when he felt Train's hands pull tightly at his drying hair, signaling to the silver man his Kitten was ready for whatever he wanted to do. However, before he made his lustful desires a reality, he needed to poke fun at Train just a bit more.

Creed pulled away from the kiss, but kept his hand working at Train's pants as he spoke. "It's flattering to know you think my body and sexual services are worth money. How much did you think I was getting paid to sleep with that old hag?"

Train glared at him, but returned the kiss Creed gave him before he pulled away again. "It was an old woman? Then no wonder you didn't want to sleep with her. You certainly have a type."

Creed frowned at Train, distracted enough by his love's words that his hand stopped undoing his zipper. "I have a type?"

Train shrugged his shoulders. "I mean, you talk about how beautiful I am all the time. I think that classifies as a type. I was kind of thinking whoever it was must have looked like me and that's how you were able to keep… at it, so to speak."

Creed narrowed his eyes knowingly at his beloved and leaned back a little, staring down at Train as his cat gave him a cheeky smirk. "Are you just saying this to fish for compliments, or to get under my skin?"

Train shrugged his shoulders again. "Dealers choice, I guess. But when do I ever pass up an opportunity to annoy you?"

Creed could no longer keep the frown on his face as Train's golden eyes began to sparkle with bits of red and orange, shining mischievously at him which made Creed groan longingly. "Damnit, Train. Stop being so beautiful!"

Before Train could say anything else, Creed wrapped his lips around his neck and began sucking at his skin hungrily. Train moaned loudly and pulled Creed closer to his chest, bucking his hips slightly in anticipation as he felt the swordsman's fingers once again trying to unzip his pants. Once he did, Creed didn't waste a moment longer as he slid his hand under his clothes, taking a solid hold of his member as he nibbled at Train's ear.

Creed felt his body catch on fire as Train moaned his name, then licked his jawline before pulling back to ask another question. "Does this mean you forgive me, Train?"

Train gasped when Creed moved his hand back and forth between his legs, nodding his head rapidly as the silver man began delicately kissing his neck. "Yes… But, you're not giving us that money anymore. If you insist on playing for her, then you should put it aside so you can buy yourself a new piano or something."

Creed groaned and pulled away from Train, making sure his love saw the tired look on his face. "I knew you'd say that… That's why I kept it a secret. I really don't need a piano, Train. I'm at the school enough that I have time to practice there. An instrument that size in this small room will just take up space."

Train tried to roll his eyes, but Creed's hand gripped around his hardening member which made it impossible for him to continue with his previous thoughts. Creed trailed his kisses down Train's ear to his collarbone, outlining the muscles with his lips there as he stopped moving his hand back and forth between his love's legs so he could trace it lightly a few times with his fingers.

"I don't want a piano, Train. All I want is you. All I want to provide for you and make you happy. And not just you, everyone else as well. I want to help us recover from the fire and get back on our feet. I want us to be comfortable so we can spend more time embracing like this instead of us working extra sweeps to make money…"

Train purred as Creed's fingers continued tracing his shaft, goosebumps running down his body when he felt the silver man's lips waft gently against his bare skin. He moved his fingers from Creed's hair to his shirt, slipping his fingers underneath the fabric so he could tickle his companion's back delicately.

Train's voice was filled with a loving warmth as he spoke. "We don't need you to whore out your piano playing for some old rich woman to help us recover and we don't need you to provide for us. We can take care of ourselves and we'll recover in time. So, unless you want to keep performing for her, then just stop it all together."

Creed grimaced slightly at the thought of playing for that woman, but was quickly able to lose the image of the hag as he felt Train's breath wash down his neck, his love's lips brushing against his ear as he spoke and his fingers trailing up and down his spine lovingly. "I don't want to keep playing for her. Every second I'm with her is time wasted. Time that I could be spending with you. Also, I can't stand her salacious eyes on me."

Train chuckled, then gasped quietly when Creed outlined the tip of his penis with his index finger. "So, I guess I wasn't entirely wrong then?"

Creed wanted to scoff, but found that impossible with the cute mewling sounds Train was making at his soft caresses and tender kisses. "She wouldn't want you to be wrong, but I am more than happy to never see her or her gaudy mansion ever again."

Train's laugh was quickly replaced with a moan as Creed sucked lightly at the spot underneath his chin, his fingers still outlining his entire shaft delicately. "I never thought I'd hear the words 'gaudy mansion' leave the mouth of Creed Diskenth."

Creed chuckled, then pulled away slightly so Train would see his devious look. "Is that so? Would you also not think I would stop this loving embrace to do this?"

Creed pulled his hand ofrut om Train's pants and began wiggling them around his love's stomach, his other pinning both of the gunman's wrists to the bed, making sure he couldn't move as he attacked the part of his beloved's neck he knew was ticklish. Train cried out and tried to pull himself free, but was unable to as Creed applied as much pressure as he could against his body.

"STOP! NO, I GIVE! I GIVE!"

Creed smirked and pulled his mouth away, but did not remove his hands. "That was faster than I expected."

Train caught his breath, then smiled at Creed. "Phrasing."

Creed rolled his eyes. "Shut up."

The silverette latched his lips back on to Train's, changing his earlier gentle, elegant touches to more passionate, lascivious ones. He was elated to feel Train matched his level of steamy devotion as he returned the kiss and dug his fingers harshly into Creed's back. The swordsman reached one of his hands out and fumbled at the nightstand to grab the grease he knew he was going to need in order to comfortably pleasure his Kitten. He had a feeling Train wasn't going to say no since he appeared to be more than relieved that Creed hadn't been sleeping with someone else, so that moment seemed like the prime time for the silverette to push the boundaries of their relationship.

Creed moaned acquiescently when he heard his beloved cry out and whisper his name again as he moved his now greased hand back and forth quickly, trying to warm up Train's body as fast as possible so he could make love to him before they were inevitably interrupted. When he felt his love twitch underneath him and claw at his back, Creed smirked and moved his hand a little faster, nipping and sucking at his Train's neck vigorously, cherishing every second of the moment they were sharing together.

He's so incredible. His tastes, his sounds, his movements. Everything about him is just so intoxicating. I can't believe he thought I'd ever be able to be with someone else after he let me experience what Heaven was like…

Creed furrowed his brow at his thought, then pulled away to ask his beloved one more question before they continued. "Where did you get the pictures anyway?"

Train sighed in frustration as the sensations Creed gave him stopped and he was forced to remember what else had pissed him off that night. "Sephiria stopped by to tell me. She did it specifically when she knew you'd be gone and made it clear she didn't trust you fully yet. She thought you were going to meet the Apostles."

Creed frowned, his heart feeling a bit heavy despite the devastatingly brilliant man that was panting enticingly beneath him. "That… actually stings a bit…"

Train saw Creed's faraway look and felt his heart break for the man he loved. He sighed and pulled his hands away from Creed's back and placed them on either side of his face, pulling the silverette's head towards him slightly so their foreheads touched.

The cat smiled at him, rubbing his thumbs against Creed's cheeks as he spoke. "I knew that wasn't the case. I knew you wouldn't betray me like that again. I knew there was another explanation and, in retrospect, even though I jumped to some pretty dumb conclusions, I knew there was a reasonable explanation. There wasn't a doubt in my mind. Not a single second I thought she was correct. I trust you, Creed."

Creed felt Train wipe away a tear from his eye and buried his face into his beloved's neck. He didn't realize he wrapped bother his arms avariciously around his Kitten's back, holding Train as close to his body as he could, breathing in his scent as he burrowed his face as far into his cat as it could go.

If Train has faith in me, that's all that matters...

"I love you so much, Train." He squeezed him tighter. "It's unfathomable how much I love you."

Train smiled and returned Creed's hug, wanting to return his words, but still feeling like he couldn't just yet.

I didn't even get to talk to Sephiria about what I wanted to talk to her about… I don't know how much longer I can take this…

To make matters worse for the golden man's heart, Creed continued with his loving comments. "If there is a God or gods, they have blessed me with the most wonderful life and the most divine angel. I must have done something in my past life to earn this nirvana, because I can't think of anything in this life I've done to earn your trust, faith, or affection." He nuzzled his face a little into his Kitten, and sighed blithely. "Actually, I think I take back what I said about you being an angel sent from Heaven. Because you transcend Heaven itself"."

Train didn't know how Creed was able to continuously sweep him off his feet when he knew the man had already removed him from the ground a long time ago, but he was able to lift him even higher once more. Train sighed and ran his fingers through Creed's now dry hair and cuddled his face into the man's shoulder.

"I don't know how you expect me to respond to that poem you just pulled out of thin air."

Creed chuckled and kissed his beloved's neck. "I didn't pull it out of thin air. I pulled it out of my heart. And what makes you think I expect you to respond to it with words?" Creed kissed his neck a few more times and felt his Kitten shiver pleasurably in his arms at his implication.

Creed pushed Train back onto the bed and resumed the position he was in before. He fastened his lips back around his beloved's neck and slid his lubricated hand back down his pants, squeezing his Kitten's member tightly, happy to feel that it hadn't lost its stiffness. That was going to make the process of seducing him go much quicker. When he heard Train moan and arch his back, Creed slipped his other hand up his love's shirt so he could fondle his chest as well.

"Train…" Creed whispered, then kissed Train's ear before he spoke again. "I love you… I love you more than anything… You light my heart on fire with just a simple gasp, a quiet utterance of my name." He heard Train whisper his name which made him shiver with excitement. "Yes, My Love, just like that… Just like that, Kitten… Do it again."

Train gasped loudly as Creed's hand moved faster between his legs, bucking his hips upwards, using his body's gestures to plead for the man to give him more. "Creed…"

Creed moaned and nuzzled his head closer to Train neck, kissing him gently over and over again, making sure his hand never stopped what it was doing between his legs. "Again, Train…"

"Creed…" Train moaned again, tightening his arms around his companions back as his gasps between louder, his pants increasing their speed as Creed brought him closer and closer to climax. "Oh… Creed…"

However, just Train was beginning to enjoy himself to the fullest, they heard the front door open and then shut loudly. The Black Cat's ears perked when he heard loud voices coming from the other room, pulling away from Creed slightly so he could hear better what was going on.

"Creed, wait, stop." Train leaned away from his bedmate, pushing him up slightly as he stared at the door.

Creed growled loudly and grabbed Train's hands, pinning them to the bed as he stared ardently down at him. "Why are you making me stop when it's just starting to get good?"

Train didn't look at Creed as he spoke, still staring at the door inquisitively. "Do you hear that?"

Creed frowned at his beloved. "Hear what?"

Train rolled his eyes and slipped one hand out from Creed's grasp, proving to the swordsman that he could escape his grasp any time he wanted, but chose not to . The Black Cat reached out to squeeze Creed's cheeks and turned the silver man's head towards the door as the voices in the other room got louder.

Train frowned at the door. "That."

Creed narrowed his eyes, then pulled his face out of Train's grasp so he could latch back onto his neck. "It's probably just Sven yelling at Kyoko for being annoying. Now shut up and let me concentrate on making you scream out my name like you did at the recital hall."

Train gasped passionately as Creed made true with his promise as his hands began exploring his body once more, grabbing him firmly between the legs and moving his hand a bit more aggressively now since he was worried Train was going to stop him again. After a few more seconds of Creed's licentious onslaught, the goldman slowly allowed himself to fall back into the embrace, completely forgetting about whatever was going on outside of the paradise they had created within Train's room.

"You're probably right…" Train whispered as he snuggled closer to Creed, allowing the man's fingers to continue giving him the physical pleasure the gunman so desperately required from him.

Creed felt his heart ache to be closer to Train as his beloved moaned, panted, and sweat in his arms. He moved his hand even faster and bit down on his Kitten's neck harshly. "I am right. So unless you're purring my name with a thrilling tone or moan, gasping, or crying out in pleasure, I don't want to hear it. Sei il mio strumento, Train. Lascia che ti giochi. (1)"

Train didn't know why, but he nodded in agreement and began to do all of what Creed demanded.

However, once again just as they were beginning to revel in each other's bodies, they were interrupted by a loud knock at the door, making Train's head turn wildly in its direction, but Creed growled in madness. "GOTTVERDAMMT! What the hell could they possibly want?! I already fed them!" (2)

Train rolled his eyes as he pulled away from Creed a little. "Beeindruckend, Creed. They're not cats." (3)

Creed pinned Train back to the bed and sucked at his neck robustly. "Sì, ma tu sei il mio gatto e non lascerò che mi interrompano mentre ti accarezzo." (4)

"Don't think I can't hear you speaking different languages there! Shut up and put your clothes on. We have an emergency."

Creed growled again and glared at the door, knowing Sven was behind it and hoping the green haired man could feel his venomously stare through the wood. "A menos que la casa vuelva a arder, ¡no me importa! ¡Estabamos ocupados!" (5)

Sven was quiet for a second as he worked out the Spanish, then Creed and Train heard him scoff and knew he was rolling his eyes. "Nica is here. She needs our help."

With that vague, yet ominous statement, they heard him walk away. The voices coming from the common room never went away, but they did get a bit quieter after Sven left the room. After a few more seconds, Train heard someone crying and knew it must have been Nica.

"Creed… We need to check on them."

Creed sighed and rested his head against Train's shoulder, nodding his head regretfully. "I know… Let's go."

Train patted Creed sympathetically on the back, then slipped out from under him. As he stood up and fixed his pants, he frowned down at his companion who looked beyond embittered and felt his heart sink a little. As Creed moved so he was sitting on the edge of the bed, Train leaned forward and kissed him profoundly, pushing the man back a little as Creed wrapped his hands around the back of the gold man's chocolate hair. Train placed his hands on the bed on either side of Creed, slipping them behind the silver man so he could grab the roses they were still laying there.

He plucked a single flower out, pinching it between his fingers then pulled away from Creed. "Thank you for the flowers, but I think you deserve at least one as an apology for my earlier conclusions."

Creed smiled quixotically at his Kitten, about to take the rose when Train slipped it behind his ear instead, his fingers lingering for a minute as they softly outlined his cheek and jawline. Train smirked at Creed's blushing face, glad to see he was able to fluster the man with simple touches.

"It looks better contrasting against your naturally lighter tones anyway." Train chuckled as Creed gawked at him, then kissed him on the forehead and turned towards the door. "Allons-y." (6)

As Train stepped out of his room and walked down the hall, the first thing he saw was Kyoko sitting at the dining room table with Eve and Aliane. What was shocking about the scene was Kyoko was actually comforting the other girl who seemed to have either been screaming or crying. Eve was on the other side of her as well, patting her hand gently as Kyoko rubbed her back.

Not only are they not tackling me the moment they see me, but they're not not arguing. Not just not arguing, they're… getting along. Well, at least for the time being.

He gave Eve a concerned look which the bio-girl didn't seem to notice which was also strange. Next he saw Kenneth sitting on a chair, slumped over with a defeated, yet angry look on his face as he beat his cane slowly and loudly on the ground. Train thought about asking the man what was going on, but judging by the look on his face, the Black Cat could tell he was both furious and confused. He knew talking to the old man wasn't going to get him anywhere and he needed to speak with Nica if he was going to get any straight answers.

Looking at the couch, Train saw Sven with his arms wrapped around the thin woman. Her face was buried into the older man's chest, loud sobs leaving her dainty mouth as she shook with grief against Sven. Just as Train was about to open his mouth, Nica lifted her head and met his gaze, making the gunman freeze.

"Did Watts do that?!" Train's voice seemed to summon Creed since he appeared behind the golden man, eyes wide in shock as well.

Nica's lower lip quivered, then she buried her head back in Sven's chest. The sweeper sighed and held her again, rubbing her back slightly as he answered Train's question for her. "Yes. Kenneth tried to jump in the middle of it and now he's sporting quite a shiner as well."

Train looked closer at the old man and left his hand clenched in a fist. Not only did Nica have a black eye and a giant bruise on each of her supple cheeks, half of Kenneth's face was swollen and his shirt was more dirty and torn than usual.

The room was silent for a minute before Train spoke again. "They're staying with us, right?"

Sven nodded. "Kyoko's gonna sleep in Eve's room so Aliane can have hers. I'll sleep on the couch so Nica can have mine and I assume you and Creed are okay with sharing a room tonight so Kenneth has somewhere to sleep?"

Train didn't need to look at Creed for confirmation as he nodded his head for the both of them. The room grew quiet again, only the sounds of Kenneth's cane and the women's sobs could be heard. Creed watched as Train's fury began to grow at the idea of what happened and he stepped up behind his beloved, wrapped him in a tight hug.

Creed rested his head on Train's shoulder, squeezing his arms around his cat's waist as he spoke. "I'll order more pizza for our new strays."

Train let out the breath he was holding when Creed nuzzled into his neck, then reached into his pocket to hand the silver man his phone. "Use mine phone. Yours is dead."

Translation:

(1) "You are my instrument, Train. Let me play you."

(2) "God damnit!"

(3) "Wow."

(4) "Yes, but you are my cat and I won't let them interrupt me while I'm petting you."

(5) "Unless the house is on fire again, I don't care! We're busy!"

(6) "Let's go."