Disclaimer: Konami owns this game.  I just love it so much that I write fics for it.

**Camus**

(You're finally starting to realize it…)

I could feel the tension between us, the awkwardness on both sides of a morphing friendship. By the way he was blushing (noticeable despite his tanned skin), I know that he was starting to warm up to me. What I didn't tell him was that I had left my class early to reserve a corner table on the balcony for the two of us at Hai Yo's restaurant. I figured that he wouldn't need to know that, and besides it would be a nice surprise. He wouldn't think that a casual lunch could be romantic.

(But I can't wait too long…)

It had been too long, waiting for him to notice, waiting for him to even think about having someone else… He was a full-grown man of 26 years and he never once had dated anyone. When a teenager's hormones were at full blast, he stayed in the dojo for extra training or in the library reading about famous heroes and wars. He never really cared when I went out with the other boys, but he always smiled at me when I visited him. Also, since we had been dorm mates, it was more like every night.

(Just tell me yes or no…)

Well I think I was ready to pop the question at lunch, or at least try to have him start thinking about it. I knew that my family was waiting for me to find someone to spend my life with, and though they preferred a woman, I knew they would not hate me if I instead chose a man. Besides, my parents loved Miklotov like he was their own son. I wouldn't have any problem asking them to approve of our union…if it ever happened…

(Do I have a chance?)

I smoothed the large creases of my shirt after giving my face a thorough washing. I wanted to look good for him. Of course it would not make a difference to Miklotov at all, but I wanted this to be a date. Yes, his first date. Even though he wouldn't know it, we would be doing the same things I would do with any woman I fancied. It would start with the light conversation, the gossip and news, and then into the discussions of deeper and more revealing topics. We already knew each other pretty well, so I planned on introducing the topic of our relationship after I had him comfortable. I had already ordered some grilled fish and salad to be ready as soon as we arrived. Though first I had to retrieve him from his room…

(I can't read your mind…)

To my surprise, he was waiting for me outside the door, which I had almost hit him with. He looked exactly like how I had pictured Merdoc from the book I had lent him, clean, handsome, and gentle. He held out his hand, hesitantly like Merdoc did to his lover in the book I had lent him. Yes, I had been hinting at my intentions with some romantic writing, but I also enjoyed the fantasy. I always thought of myself as the knight Leuden that comes to rescue Merdoc from the confinement of the prison. I could picture Miklotov as Merdoc, the selfless prince who willingly trades places with his sister in order to set her free. If only it were true…

(I've given you all the clues…)

I took his hand, holding gently but firmly in my hand, and led him down the staircase and down the hall. Some of the ladies that roamed the castle looked at us strangely, but others probably assumed that I was helping him because of his injury. He had cleaned up well, but he could not deny the slight stiffness in his walk or the look of pain that crossed his face every once in a while. The hallway never seemed longer, and my heart was beating faster than ever. As we finally weaved our way through the restaurant to the corner table, I saw as his eyes lit up in surprise. The flowers had been placed, the red roses that I had ordered just today, the food steaming and savory. It looked perfect, and I smiled.

(All I can do is tell you now…)

I ordered him to sit and dig in. We talked about trivial things, like the achievements of our squads, gossip about Riou and Eilie, the speculation about Riou's relationship with Jowy, etc. As we talked, I noticed a bit of a shake in his hand. Was he just as nervous as I was? I hoped he was…

(Just listen for a moment…)

We had slowly drifted off from speculating a possible romantic connection between Riou and Jowy when I mentioned the book. He flushed and replied that he had enjoyed the read despite the fact that he was not into romance. I plodded deeper now. I asked him his opinion of men who liked men, or gays.

(Let me confess my love for you…)

He immediately replied that he did not care, and that if a man had the right qualities, he may even be a potential partner. My heart was signaling for me to go on, to tell him my love, but my brain still lingered over a potential rejection. Though it was not hard to shut off my brain and go with my feelings, and with this I took Miklotov's hands in mine.

(Give me a chance…)

I told him that he had an admirer, someone who had been with him for years and loved him for just as long. I told him that this person was scared of rejection but couldn't wait a lifetime for him to realize it. As I leaned in closer towards him, I etched every single detail of his cheeks, his nose, his eyes, before putting my lips on his. It was definitely shock that paralyzed him, as I murmured "I love you" to his unmoving lips. The lips, which I had dreamed for years to feel with my own, were perfect. Even if he never spoke to me again, I could always remember this kiss.

(We're perfect for each other…)

I was about to pull away from heaven when the other body shifted and leaned into my touch. He had untangled his hands from my grasp and cupped my face with them. The callused fingertips stroked my cheeks gently as I craved more of his lips. Unfortunately, lack of air caused us to separate ourselves. It didn't take more than a mere second for us to join as one once again.

(We're meant to be…)