Title: Murderer's Touch

Author: I_nv_u50

Rating: PG13

Disclaimer/Claimer: Do I really have to say it again?

Warning: Slash!! Whee!!

Author's Notes:  Er… Wrote this in several parts, so if it seems disjointed somewhat, let me know. And pay no attention to Brynn's random mood swings. He's a very emotional guy deep down (*very* deep down) so only Devoni fully understands him. Or so he claims . anyway… chapter 10. I'm gonna try for ch11 now… so that might or might not be up later, depending. Wanna have a heart to heart chat with Kylan.

ola  ~  That sounds like me when I'm supposed to clean my room :D … except my computer is down in the basement XD how's that for reversal? XD so I get to sneak down and stuff O.o;;  poor kylan. He hasn't settled down yet, but he will soon. I hope. I'm beginning to realize that I don't actually know what's going to happen until it does. Hmm… must make for interesting plot twists at least O.o;

psycho tabby cat  ~  I know what you mean :D It took me a while to discover this section as well… it's amazing what you can find, ne? ^^ course there's still not enough vanyel fiction for me – but then I'm just being picky. The other stuff is worth reading as well ^^ … wonder where the lavan fiction is though O.o; … might try a story 'bout him one day. …er… yea ^^;;; heh Thanks for reviewing ^^ hope you do it again! ^^

DARKMEW13  ~  Thanks ^^ I'm glad you enjoyed it ^^ hope you can review again

Er… so anyway, I'm off to write 11… Read, enjoy, and please review!! ^^

He couldn't breathe. It was the strangest sensation he never wished to repeat. Surely, his mind insisted, surely Kylan hadn't said that. He couldn't have meant it.

Something told Brynn that he had.

Brynn collapsed to the floor, unable to even whimper for the pain that surged through him, both physically and emotionally, although the emotional far surpassed the physical. A sliver of his broken heart cracked his soul, and he whimpered soundlessly, berating himself for trusting a murderer with his heart, no matter how unknowingly it had been given.

:Chosen! Brynn! Are you all right?:

Brynn couldn't bring himself to answer. He didn't think he'd ever be all right. Not ever again.

"Devoni," he managed to cry inaudibly. "He's gone… I can't… It hurts… Devoni…"

His mind wailed its loss at the Companion, and letting the Companion slip into his mind was the easiest thing in the world that Brynn wanted to avoid.

:Chosen, I'm coming. Hang on, just a few more moments.:

Urgency was in the Companions voice, but Brynn didn't notice. He curled into as small a ball as he could, trying desperately to hold sobs back, not wanting to attract more attention.

It seemed like years before Devoni was nuzzling him, settling down beside him so that Brynn could uncurl from his solitary world of pain and reach for his Companion instead.

:I'll kill him.: Devoni said bluntly.

Brynn couldn't bare that thought at all and he whimpered a few pleas, not hearing what he was pleading for, and not entirely caring. After a moment of incoherent appeals, Brynn just ducked his head against Devoni's neck and cried.

He sobbed out what was left of his soul, tattered shreds that were torn beyond any hope of repair. He didn't notice Devoni's sudden sullenness and muted fury, but it wasn't aimed at him.

Then hands, attentive hands were gently pulling him upright, and Brynn knew it was all right to go when Devoni didn't attempt to bite the person, even though he looked like he was coming close.

Brynn turned on the spot and tried to crawl into the person who was holding him lightly, not thinking it possible to get too close. Arms were wrapped tightly around him, and his face was buried in the curve of the neck, blonde hair tickling his nose and reminding him of where he was, and whom he was with.

Kylan rocked him slowly, murmuring nonsense to him that soothed and quieted, and Brynn felt feeling return to his heart, feelings other than the excruciating pain of before, and slowly, slowly, Brynn slipped his arms hesitantly around Kylan's waist, only wanting the blonde nearer.

Kylan hesitated and tensed for a second, then drew Brynn closer still, until the constant rocking grew slightly jerky from the awkward sprawl they were in. Nevertheless though, Brynn felt Kylan's presence soothe whatever he had ripped away with his departure, smoothing down the layers and settling something new there, something that was only slightly different from what it had been before.

Brynn subsided into silence contentedly.

After what had to be candlemarks, Kylan carefully lifted his face from Brynn's rich brown hair. "I'm so so sorry…" the younger boy murmured, his voice slightly hoarse.

Brynn silently nodded. He didn't want to talk about it. All he wanted to do was bask in the comfort and knowledge that Kylan wasn't going to leave him.

Kylan put him back a little, making Brynn instinctively try to get closer, but Kylan stopped him. Devoni snorted warningly from behind as Brynn blinked up at the younger boy, his eyes burning.

"I… It's just that… Never mind," Kylan sighed, and dragged the uncomplaining Brynn closer again to resume the slight rocking movement.

After an eternity that didn't last long enough for either of them, hesitant, slow approaching footsteps were heard outside.

"Herald Brynn?"

Brynn lifted his head from Kylan's shoulder reluctantly, only moving it because of that insatiable human instinct to respond when you hear your name. Kylan ducked his head against Brynn's shoulder, and Brynn understood the wish to be left alone. Unfortunately, it wasn't possible.

"Here," he replied softly, almost inaudibly in a voice that croaked.

Kylan flinched under him.

Brynn held the smaller body closer, and continued watching the entranceway, where a Herald soon appeared.

It was Elan. He took in the pose and the expression on Brynn's face and sighed, shaking his head slightly and muttering quietly to himself. Then he looked up at Brynn again. "I'll have someone else take over your classes for today, all right?"

"Okay," Brynn whispered back, absently scolding himself for forgetting he had a class.

Elan fixed a concerned eye on him. "Are you all right now?"

Brynn blinked at the old Herald. "Yea, I'm – I'll be fine." He gave a fake smile, remembering to draw back into himself before they could see.

Elan gave him a dubious look, cast one more offended glance towards the back of Kylan's head, and turned away to walk off.

Brynn spoke up before he could get out of hearing. "Elan, could you do me a favour?"

Kylan lifted his head slightly at that, but Brynn kept his eyes on the Dean.

"What is it, Brynn?"

"Could you have them saddle up one of the Palace horses for me? We'll be leaving in a candlemark."

Elan looked at Brynn over his shoulder, then shrugged. "Sure. An easy one?"

"I think so, yea." Brynn replied, closing his eyes and resting his cheek on Kylan's shoulder. It tensed for a moment before relaxing completely again, and Brynn felt himself smile ever so slightly.

:He's gone.: Devoni confirmed a few moments later, his voice soft and gentle as well. :Are you sure though, Chosen?:

"Mmhm." Brynn mumbled quietly, and lifted his head again. Kylan stared back at him, blue eyes apologetic and guilt ridden.

"I'm sorry…" Kylan sounded strangely hopeless, and Brynn briefly wondered why, but then ignored it. Kylan's eyes were wide and enchanting, and pulling him into something that he hadn't fully felt since he had been Chosen, something that was remarkably similar.

Brynn basked in the feeling and leaned forward, brushing his lips against the blonde's. Kylan's breath was warm against Brynn's cheek, and he felt Kylan's eyelashes flutter closed slowly, as one of Kylan's hands came up to grip the material on his shoulder, clutching at the spotless Whites.

After a few long moments, Brynn pulled back, his heart thudding loudly in his ears. The pain had almost gone now, the kiss had been the last thing needed, and now he was starting to feel angry.

Kylan's eyes were still lightly closed, his lips parted and his face hanging suspended in a dazed expression that his eyes confirmed as they opened leisurely. Light blue had dimmed with the heated expression, and Brynn stood up before Kylan could say anything.

Kylan looked up at the sharp movement, obviously reading Brynn's mood correctly, because he flinched and looked away again.

"Am I really such a bother to you?" Brynn asked the blonde carefully.

"No," Kylan murmured quietly, almost inaudibly. "Of course not."

"Then why did you try to leave?" Brynn tried to keep the pain out of his voice, but there was a small quiver in the tone that he couldn't hide.

"Because I have to." Kylan returned smoothly, and looked away.

Brynn blinked. That certainly hadn't been the expected answer. "Do you really hate me so much?"

A shock of hurt panic flickered across the blonde's suddenly pale face, and the wide blue eyes turned desperately to Brynn. "No! How could you think that? I might not l… be in… you know, with you yet, but I couldn't hate you. I couldn't."

Brynn eyed the smaller figure in front of him, taking in the tense half crouched stance. A mirthless smile tugged at his lips. "Then why do you look as if you're about to attack?"

Kylan flushed suddenly. "I… habit."

Brynn smirked and walked past the younger boy without another word, not quite willing to forgive Kylan for doing what he had done. The fact that he had been present at the break down was also a confusing sensation for the Herald. On one hand, he craved the attention and the affection he had felt from the murderer for that while, but on the other… What if he pulled that kind of thing again?

His reasons for doing it in the first place were unknown, and Brynn had no way of recognizing the symptoms if Kylan did it again. He didn't think he'd be able to handle it a second time. If Kylan did leave…

The mere thought was painful, and Brynn winced slightly, pretending it was because of the bright light. He needn't have worried. Only Devoni saw him.

:He's still in there, Chosen.:

:Why?:

:I think he's trying to gather himself together.: Devoni still sounded mad, but now that Brynn seemed fine, he was willing to show a bit more kinder emotions towards the boy. :I think you unsettled him.:

:He deserves it.: Brynn retorted hotly, pretending not to notice the pang of remorse that came with the thought.

Devoni was quick to put it at rest. :He does. He wasn't very clear on promising not to do it again, was he.:

Brynn turned and frowned thoughtfully over his shoulder. Devoni, who had been following him, stared back at him with pricked ears. :Maybe I should apologise.:

:Why Chosen? He's the one at fault. Jesalis told me he almost did leave. He was afraid of you being angry too.:

Brynn shrugged uncomfortably. "I don't know, it's just…"

Devoni finished for him. :He seems like the only human to care, I know. Aside from Akseli… There's no need for it, Chosen. He'll have to learn that he can't do that.:

:But that's unfair!: Brynn argued back silently. :I don't want to be loved because of the bond! Why can't anyone just love me for me?:

Devoni sidled closer, half teasing and half affectionately reassuring. :I love you, Brynn. And I know exactly who you are.:

Brynn's face relaxed into a secretive smile. :That's only because you're a glutton for punishment. I know you love me, but no one else in their right minds would. Maybe I should give him the choice of repudiating me. But I-:

Devoni sighed and nuzzled his shoulder. :You need him. I know. Don't worry about it, Chosen. I'll make sure he doesn't try to leave you again.:

Before Brynn could decide whether this was a good or a bad idea and act appropriately, Kylan shuffled out into the sunlight.

Unlike Brynn, he didn't wince away from the brightness, but he did pause and glance up and give Brynn a small smile that nevertheless held a lot of secret meanings, not all of which Brynn knew. It made the young man feel slightly uncomfortable, but he didn't say anything, just smiled back carefully.

He'd have to be a lot more careful around the blonde from now on. It would be hard, that he knew, but it shouldn't be impossible.

Although when Kylan, for reasons known only to him, shot Brynn a wide, suddenly cheerful grin, Brynn felt his heartbeat speed up by the expression alone. That changed his mind. It was going to be very hard indeed.

"So," drawled Kylan, looking as if he wanted to put the past behind him. "What do we do now?"

Brynn cleared his throat and made his smile distantly friendly, pretending not to notice the way Kylan's grin faltered for a second. It came back brighter than ever a moment later though, and Brynn was glad. He didn't need to feel so guilty in distancing Kylan if Kylan acted this well.

"I asked Elan to saddle up a horse for you. Can you ride?"

Kylan looked cautiously skeptical for a moment before the suspicion faded into another, mostly fake grin. "'Course I can," the blonde exclaimed.

Brynn doubted that, but kept it to himself. He smiled back in the same way. "Good, because we're going for a ride."

If he expected Kylan to show more dismay at this, he was mistaken. All the murderer did was smirk, much like the ones he had worn the night before, when he had been acting superior and confident.

Even more disturbing, Brynn realized, was that there was real confidence in there. Kylan had no doubt that Brynn was happy about his return, and probably expected Brynn to be pathetically ecstatic in addition.

Well, Brynn casually admitted to himself as they continued the walk to the stables, Kylan was right. He was a lot happier that Kylan had decided to stay. But if the blonde actually expected the Herald to forgive him immediately, then they obviously had some stuff to learn about each other.

Today they'd start with the basics though. It would be easier that way.

"The stables are through the courtyard," Brynn told Kylan shortly. "I'll meet you there in a while, after I tack up Devoni."

Kylan nodded agreement and left, humming something under his breath. Brynn grinned at Devoni, whose ears flickered uncertainly. :Are you sure you know what you're doing, Chosen?:

Brynn scratched under Devoni's mane, watching Kylan's retreating back.

:Yes.: he replied silently. "Yes, I do."