*SPOILERS FOR 1st TIME VIEWERS!!!*

Author's Note: Okay, okay, so I've been writing a lot – I have a plot in mind at this point. Usually, I just come up with a beginning and see where it takes me, this time I've got somewhat of a plan. I'll be mixing up the romance a bit soon, but first I have to get Orphen somewhere. ^_~ Sorry this update has taken so long. ;-; Enjoy!

Disclaimer: Again… I DON'T OWN ORPHEN!!!! (etc. etc. etc. It could go on forever. _)

And of course… THE FANFIC!!!! WHEEEEE!!!! (Ch. 3)

Ch. 3 – As Time Goes By

Still drowsy, Orphen rubbed his face with a wet washcloth. Sighing, he looked down at his feet, the blue tiles of the bathroom freezing them. He shifted his weight uneasily, and turned off the faucet, which was running icy clear water. A diminutive voice coaxed him to go back to sleep. He refused it as he thumped down the rickety wooden step case with his heavy boots.

"G'morning," he whispered, stunned at himself for waking up this early. Azalie looked up from the magazine she was reading on the couch, and nudged her glasses to her forehead.

"Hmm?" She murmured thoughtfully, careful to not raise her voice to a speaking tone, seemingly afraid to wake the morning sun. "You are leaving today, aren't you?" Moving to an upright position, and soon on the same level as his eyes, she looked at him carefully.

"Seems to me someone's grown up a lot in the past couple days…" Orphen shook his head, chuckling. He was amused, yet pleased by Azalie's comment. I guess I know what made me admire her when I was little… Orphen thought to himself, blushing and shyly coy. Her skill in complimenting people about themselves hasn't changed.

"So you don't think you've grown up a bit?" Azalie sighed, noticing Orphen's blush.

"Nope. Well, not that much at least…" he sat on the kitchen counter, swinging his legs back and forth. Orphen only contemplated his height in terms of growth – that had changed… Drastically. At the Tower, he had been little for his age, and looked a little juvenile in terms of his childish face. Yes, he had changed; somewhat reasonably. He was more solemn, intent to do everything he wanted to do. No more did he have a playful grin splashed across his face, judging from his current countenance.

"Krillancello, how many times must I tell you?" she grinned. "No kicking the counters. This place is only being rented, you know." He paused, and leaned forward.

* * * *

Tossing the reins onto the horse's back lightly, Orphen murmured a few encouraging words to it as he continued sitting on the cart's bench. Where exactly had he planned to go, anyhow? Most certainly not to the Tower – they wouldn't accept him; he had caused them too much acrid distress and ignominy as was. He couldn't go to Majic's father, he had put up enough with Orphen's laziness. As he put it, the only thing sorcerers truly were was lethargic.

Perhaps Cleao would consider the initiative – after all, she had been so devoted and tenderly loving towards him, in a sense that was stronger than Orphen's keenness of sleeping through most days. Whenever Mariabella had so much as touched a hair on Orphen's head, she had become livid and outraged, full of jealousy. Still… Maybe she had changed – it had been an extensive amount of time.

He walked past the driver's bench, and snatched a book from his bag. Staring intensely at it, he became easily distracted, and often put it down. His mind refused to rest, and his attention wandered to everything from a small blue bird to a pebble in the road. Finally, night came and the bright stars began to shine. A silent hush fell over the darkness, and all he could hear for miles was the horse's hooves beating against the ground, like he had all day. Yet Orphen's propensity was to keep on going, never resting until he reached his destination. Detours could be excused, of course.

* * * *

Orphen rapped on Stephanie's door, still aware of the time of night – and that it was much too early for her to be awake.

"C'mon, Stephanie –" he grumbled, fidgeting with the chain around his neck, which bore the weight of Azalie's cold, metal dragon. It glimmered in his hands; she hadn't wanted it, though. Orphen supposed it was from so many doleful reminiscences and not wanting to provoke them, kept it. Suddenly, a lock clicked from the inside, and he flinched at the unexpected sound.

"Who could possibly…" groaned an exhausted Stephanie, barely awake and still in her nightgown. Her eyes flew open at the sight of Orphen, and her arms immediately wrapped him tightly. "Where have you been?!" she stammered, feigning ire. He just smiled silently, and stood before her.

"How's it been going?" he mused, grinning at his old partner and friend, who by this point had invited him in. "Flower boy been good to you so far?" Stephanie sat on the couch, turning a deep shade of scarlet. She decided to show him her ring, elegant and beautifully crafted.

"He's my husband, and as far as I can remember, you didn't come to the wedding," Stephanie beamed and reprimanded him for his slight mistake. She suspected his memory had faded a bit, and easily forgave him; either that or he was just teasing. "What brings you here, though, Orphen?"

He shrugged, and Stephanie let him off the hook. Obviously enough, he didn't want to talk about it too much. Orphen let out a sigh, and patted the sofa suggesting he wanted to stay.

"You need someplace to sleep, I'm guessing," she continued, nudging him a bit. He nodded, and she persisted. "Oh, alright. Fine. But we'll have to talk in the morning…" Stephanie yawned.

"Go to bed, I'm sure he's expecting you," joked Orphen, who winked at her, and tilted onto his side, shutting his eyes tightly, as though evading something he never wanted to see. A thump sounded throughout the apartment, and Stephanie stood up in a jolt of reflexes. Slowly, Orphen opened one eyelid, which peered at her accusingly.

"It wasn't me!" Stephanie cried, smoothing her black hair, and then walking off to search.

"I know… But who was it?" he laughed, eventually following her. Orphen wandered after Stephanie, who he found in her husband's arms. Ted seemed upset, at finding his wife with Orphen. Stephanie, who had tried in vain to tell him about the situation, gave up.

"This wasn't any sleepover," protested Orphen, impishly embarrassed, and now scratching his head in awkwardness. "I have nothing to do with Stephanie, she's just an old friend."

"Uh-huh," began Tim, looking offended. Sheepishly, he changed his attitude. "I know you'd never do anything to Stephanie… She's told me a lot about you." Tim, blushing, laughed aloud bashfully – but very aloud. He and Stephanie left him alone to sleep through the night, and in peace.

* * * *

Orphen lay on his back, trying to shut his eyes and sleep. He tossed and turned, unable to sleep. Although figuring something was bothering him, he couldn't put his finger on it, nor remember what it was he was thinking of. Rolling to his side, he looked around the rest of the room. On the coffee table, there sat a small chip of clay. As he reached out his arm to touch it, he shrunk back twice as quickly.

"It couldn't possibly be…" he whispered, finally picking it up. Orphen examined it carefully, feeling every crack on it's surface. It was cold and dry, shriveled with time. Turning it in his fingers delicately, he found a thin green vein darting along the top of one side. Accidentally, he dropped it onto the sofa. As he stared at it, Orphen realized what it was – the killing doll. The one that had tried to destroy every molecule in his flesh. Stephanie had kept it all that time. Feeling comforted by the idea that he would always have friends to surround him, he fell asleep.

* * * *

Stephanie bounded down the stairs, pulling Tim by the hand.

"C'mon… I'm going to be late… for—" she laughed as he kissed her gently. "Work…" Stephanie continued, mumbling, and blushing in front of Orphen. He just sat on the sofa, innocently looking at her hungrily.

"Oh yes, I forgot, you need some feeding, orphan," she smiled, teasing her friend playfully. He frowned slightly at the pun, but reluctantly pursued her trail to the kitchen.

"There's some cereal in that cupboard, and coffee in that drawer. I'm guessing that's all you'll need. Feel free to search the place." Finally shrugging, she left it up to him. Quickly, she winked at Tim, and kissed his cheek, sending him to see to the flower shop. When Stephanie returned to Orphen, he was mellow and silent, drinking a cup of coffee. She studied him a bit, and sat next to him at the table. His face had scrunched a little at the acrid taste of the coffee, which he had stubbornly taken without milk or sugar.

"Orphen… What is it that's bothering you?" Stephanie asked thoughtfully, touching his shoulder. Orphen sensed that she was concerned, and he didn't want her to be. That was the last thing he needed on his list – somebody worrying about him. Slowly, he shook his head. He still wanted her view; that was why he had originally come. Knowing himself, he could've stayed up all night, but it was most definitely a perk that she should invite him to sleep it on her couch. Of all things, he didn't want to intrude into her blissfully sweet, married life.

"Nothing in particular," he trailed off, and lowered his mouth the coffee mug. Orphen slanted his head at an angle so he could get a clear look at her. "I just want your opinion on something."

"And that would be…?" Stephanie giggled, covering her chin with her small hand. She put her long purple hair behind her shoulders, and sat up straighter. At last, she tried to put on a permanently pasted smile. She knew it wouldn't fool him, but would make her conscious feel better. He didn't know how exactly to put his question. It was hard asking his old partner about affection for someone else. And it wasn't the fact that he was attached to her; it just felt strange.

"Well—" Orphen started, scratching his head uncomfortably, and paused for a bit. As she touched his shoulder again, he felt compelled to go on. "Do you think that, well, Cleao still likes me?" He blushed feverishly.

"Likes?" questioned she. "What about love?" He turned a deeper shade of scarlet quickly. Laughing a bit to herself, she said a few words to comfort him.

"I don't really want to get to love yet…" he continued, slowly. "But I do have, well, feelings for her."

"She already knows that, Orphen," Stephanie smiled, and rested her head on the palms of her delicate hands. "Whether or not she heard it from you is none of my doing." Suddenly, he understood what she meant. He felt no doubt that Cleao would turn him down, she was faithful, and as loving as he wanted her to be. Their relationship would be nothing more, nothing less – unless Orphen made the first move. Although he had known of her crush, he had accepted it as though it was nothing. Yet somehow, he knew her love was all he'd ever need.

Author's Ending Note: Uhm hmm! That's all for chapter 3. Hope it hasn't disappointed any one. I'm so sorry this update has taken so long. I really wanted to make this chapter good, so I took my time. ^_^;; Anyway, here are my thanks to my fabulous reviewers:

My friendly Kat-chan… Ach, thank you so much for looking through each chapter before I've actually posted them. I owe quite a lot to you. Even if you just switch two words, it makes the entire chappie run more smoothly. Thanks! ::wink.::

To everyone who's reviewed: You guys are the main reason I keep writing. Three words can be all you need to make me write more. THANK YOU! ^_^