Firstly, very sorry for the long time, very long time, very very long time it's taken me to update _ I've had exams, coursework and another long fic (GW one) and soo......sorry _

Reen: Thank you so much ^_^ To avoid your mighty wrath, I'll continue ^_^

Linkin Fantasy: Thank you very much ^_^ It's a new writing style for me really, I usually write in first person, and I'm glad you like it ^_^

Kitties Curiosity: Thank you!! ^_^

zwee: and.........thank you :D

Valaraiya: Thanks for the support guys :D And just for you, I'll write a story about the penguiiiiin mafia and God Squad Owls :D

On with the story! And sorry for the such a long time to update. I really am, very sorry :(

The young king glanced over warily at Locke, who was staring emotionlessly into the roaring campfire. His shimmering blue eyes reflected the fire light in such a way that they appeared to be shining like stars.

"Locke?" Edgar half whispered, not able to take his eyes of the beautiful sight before him. The lithe thief had his long legs drawn up to his chest, and was resting his chin on his knees. Free from his bandana, his light bond hair fell in bangs over his face. Dried tear tracks remained on his cheeks, and a deep purple bruise decorated his jaw line.

"Yes?" he replied quietly, his gaze never leaving the flickering flames. Edgar paused briefly, and pulled his cloak tighter around himself. The night air was cold, and he had no idea when Sabin would be back from his hunting. Eating was the last thing on the young king's mind.

"Are you cold?"

Locke looked over at his friend, the expression on his face softening slightly.

"I'm alright, thanks...."

Edgar nodded, a faint smile appearing on his face. That sounded a bit more like the Locke he knew. He got to his feet and stretched, dropping his sapphire cloak to the ground. That was followed by his brown leather tool belt, and cobalt chest plate. A pair of gauntlets were added to the pile before he sat back down, wrapping his cloak back around his shoulders.

Locke glanced over at his friend, smiling slightly at the sight of the young king out of his battle gear. His long golden braid hung over one shoulder, two blue ribbons tied at each end. He seemed so much younger and innocent like this, free from his Royal duties, but haunted by his friend's actions.

Suddenly, Edgar felt something warm crawl into his lap, and he found himself holding Locke against his chest. He said nothing, but smiled warmly at the thief and wrapped his arms around him.

"It's ok Locke"

Locke clutched at Edgar's black shirt, his long nimble fingers ice cold against the king's warm body. His chin rested on Edgar's shoulder, and his other arm was wrapped around his back. Locke said nothing, but cried silently into Edgar's shoulder, who began to rock him gently from side to side.

"What happened?"

Edgar looked up as his broad shouldered twin stalked over to the other side of the fire, shrugging the carcass of some wild animal onto the ground. Edgar glared at his brother, who got the idea, and started breaking up the meat.

"How are you doin' Locke?"

"........I've been better" the thief replied, shakily. Edgar could feel his frail body shiver as he spoke. Locke gently climbed out of the king's lap, and sat next to him, smiling faintly.

"What is that?" Edgar asked, glancing warily at the dead animal. It looked.....dangerous.

"Just a wild boar" Sabin replied matter of factly, holding a piece of meat on a stick over the flames, "Don't like boar?"

"Aren't.......boars.....dangerous?"

"Stop worrying. I've been fightin' boars for years! I'm a pro!"

"I don't doubt that. You should be more careful though......."

"Eddie, stop fussing over me!"

Locke smiled weakly as the two brothers argued, momentarily slipping back into his own world. He.....he had made Edgar cry. He'd......failed to reach Rachel. He.....was a failure. Why should he live?

For Edgar, Locke answered himself, looking over at the young king. He didn't know why, but he seemed so like having him around. Sabin too, for that matter. And Terra. And Shadow, Cyan, Relm and Gau. And Celes seemed to really like having him around.....even though he couldn't feel the same way about her.

Locke drew his legs up to his chest again, feeling the dull, burning ache in his chest subside. He felt so cold......his whole skin was tingling. He shivered, and drew himself up together tighter. He hadn't mentioned it to Edgar or Sabin......but after he'd been in the ocean, he'd been all shaky and shivery. He'd put it down to nerves to start with, but now it was actually becoming painful to breathe. He glanced over warily at Edgar, who was watching him protectively. Sabin had gone.

"Sabin's gone to get more firewood" Edgar explained, his face softening, "Are you okay? You look....pale....."

"I'm.......kinda cold.....that's all" Locke whispered, "I'm okay....."

Edgar reached out and touched Locke's bare arm gingerly. He jerked his hand back, and glanced at Locke worriedly.

"Locke.....you're freezing!" he exclaimed, grasping one of his hands between his own, "Why didn't you say before?"

Locke shrugged as Edgar reached for his cloak, and wrapped it tightly around his shoulders. He leant against the young king, sighing softly. Edgar, in turn, held the young thief gently against him, comforting him silently.

"Locke.....are you ever going to tell me what's wrong?" he whispered lowly, more to himself than Locke. Anyway, the thief was in an uneasy sleep, in the arms of the one he lived for.

TBC?

*smacks head* Cheesy cheesy cheesy. Hope you guys like :D Love you all! Hope to update soon! (and I mean soon this time :p)

Ja ne!

~*~ Tawny Eyed Angel ~*~