A/N: Insert the standard "I don't claim the rights to these characters" spiel here. Beware, this story contains adult themes (i.e., big chunks o' lemon) and gets VERY explicit at times. Read at your own risk. Also, this story only covers the exploits of Lina and Xellos. Gourry, Amelia, and Zelgadis' adventures during the time frame that "Penance" takes place are detailed in a fic called "Pursuit of Merit", which is about halfway written but probably won't be done until '05. "Penance" is followed up by "Reckoning" and then "Absolution" series, all of which are available here on fanfiction.net.

You can view this story in its un-chaptered form at my website, also. I went back and broke it up into chapters because I was getting complaints that it was too long. Sorry if the chapter divisions seem awkward in places, or if some chapters seem too short or too long. That's what happens when you write a story without chapter divisions, and then later chop it up.

Reviews are welcome!!

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the tall blonde man asked with a grin.

Shut up, Zelgadis muttered, rubbing his eyes with his hands vigorously.

Does that mean yes?

Zel's face flushed deeply and a growl rose from his throat. he snarled, It means shut up.

Gourry's face fell. he replied with a sigh, tugging at the collar of his shirt.

Stop that! Zel snapped, turning on the taller man. Can't you act like an adult for five minutes?

Gourry's wide blue eyes blinked and he frowned slightly. Zel, this is your wedding day. Why are you so angry? Don't you want to get married?


Gourry's frown deepened. Don't you love Amelia? he said quietly.

Zel's blush grew deeper and his hands curled into fists. Of course I do! he blurted, then put a hand over his face and shook his head. I can't imagine life without her.

Then you should be happy, Gourry said with a tilt of his head. The woman you love wants to spend the rest of her life with you.

Zel sat down heavily in a nearby chair, propping his forehead against his knuckles. I know, I know, he muttered towards the floor.

Gourry sat in a neighboring chair and propped an elbow up on the table. Then what's the problem?

Zelgadis lowered his face and shut his eyes. Well, after the wedding reception, we'll be alone and I'll be expected to. . .to. . .


To. . .well, you know. . .

Uh, no?

Er, consummate the marriage. . .

Gourry sat up straight and pounded his fist against his open hand. Oh, you mean that you have to have sex with her! he crowed.

Zelgadis hid his face in his hands and groaned. Thanks for putting it so delicately.

Gourry scowled and scratched his head. But don't you want to have sex with her?

That's not it.

Well? Don't you?

Yes, dammit!

Then I guess I don't see a problem, Gourry replied, relaxing in his chair once again.

Zelgadis stood and went over to the full-length mirror on the wall, perfecting the position of his red silk cravat and straightening the lapels of his suit jacket. Still staring at his reflection, he reached out and traced his features on the glass. he said softly, I'm a chimera.


I don't even know if physical intimacy is possible between us. My body is part stone, and I don't ever want to hurt her.

I don't think Amelia's worried. She just wants to be with you.

That's just it, Zel replied, turning away from the mirror. She feels that way now, but what's going to keep her from going to someone else, someone who can hold her, later on?

Gourry exhaled through his nose and stood slowly. He walked over to Zelgadis and put his battle-roughened hand on the shorter man's shoulder. She loves you, Zel, he said gently. She loves you with all of her heart, and you will find a way. He paused, looking down into the chimera's face. Besides, you don't even know what you guys can and can't do. You haven't even tried.

That's true, Zelgadis began, But what if-

Master Zelgadis, it's time, a page said, poking his head through the door.

You don't have time to worry about it now, Gourry said with a chuckle.

Zelgadis rubbed his palms together and glanced around nervously. How do I look?

Gourry said with a grin. Go get her.

Zel flashed the swordsman a brief smile and walked out the door. Gourry watched him for a few moments with a grin on his face and then followed suit.