Disclaimer: Why do I have to do this again? Oh yea, that's right, it's because I can't afford to be sued… whatever. sigh I don't own Tales of Symphonia, nor any of its characters. I do, however, own this plot!

Chapter 2: Good Intentions Gone Bad

Lloyd's POV

Something feels… warm. And comfortable.

I open my eyes slowly, feeling overly refreshed, and the sight of the pink jacket-clad figure laying next to me, my face partially buried in his side, arm around his middle, brings back all memories of the previous night.

Carefully sitting up, I extricate myself with excruciating care so as not to disturb the sleeping Chosen, and am grateful to see that it's only just now light outside, so no one else should be up yet.

Leaning back on my elbows, I look up at the dreary gray sky and wonder about all that happened last night. Why in the world was he so nice to me? And more importantly, what caused me to act the way I did? I mean, we are best friends, but…

I am snapped out of my trance when I hear rustling from beside me. Looking over, I see that Zelos is now awake. He sits up slowly, rubbing his eyes, and yawns deeply, stretching his arms out. He notices me looking at him and "graces" me with one of his trademark smirks.

"Good morning, Lloyd. Thanks for sleeping with me last night. Never knew you had it in ya!" he chuckles.

I blush so hard that I know my face must match his hair. "Y-you were awake?"

"Yup! The whole time. I even felt it when you slipped that arm around me, you naughty little boy!" he teases.

If it's possible, that makes me blush even redder. "I-I was… only trying to warm you up! I was cold, you were cold, we're in the middle of a frozen continent!"

Great, Lloyd. Way to stutter when you're trying to convince someone of the innocence of your intentions.

"Riiiiiiight. I believe ya. Mmhmm. Well, let's go back to where the others are before they start breakfast without us!"

I nod my head, very greatful for the change of subject, even though I know it's awfully early for all of us to be up…

Camp is set up only a little ways away from where I was stationed on lookout duty, but walking behind the redhead, it feels like it's a million miles away. And yes, I admit it; I stare at his ass the entire time. But I would never admit that to anyone else.

As we get closer, a yummy smell wafts through the air, reminding me that I haven't eaten since lunch yesterday.

Upon arriving, I notice that everyone else is awake, and Regal's making curry over a pitifully small fire. I go straight to the food, of course, and hear Zelos behind me doing the same, until he is intercepted.

"Zelos, where were you last night!" demands Sheena.

"Mm, y'know, just sleeping with Lloyd, that's all."

I spin around to face them, thoughts of breakfast completely vanquished, and feel the anger and embarrassment rising in me. Everyone looks at our little scene, with shock written all over their faces, a blush reappearing on mine.

"It-it's not like that! He brought me a blanket, and then fell asleep!" I exclaim, pointing an accusing finger at the object of my current humiliation.

"Lloyd, you're leaving out the part where you curled up next to me, and when you slipped an arm around my stomach," Zelos notes calmly.

I feel my anger toward him growing. Is he trying to irritate me, embarrass me, and strip me of all of my pride? "I was cold! He was shivering! It's a natural instinct to try to share body heat!"

Raine and Sheena still look suspicious, but the others simply turn their heads back to whatever they were doing, dismissing this as another one of Zelos' stupid jokes.

After a few more minutes of me making desperate excuses, the two girls are finally satisfied, and Regal announces that the curry is ready.

Breakfast is eaten in relative silence, with only a little small talk. I suppose no one really knows what to say to anyone else, until Raine speaks up.

"We should head to Flanoir and stock up on supplies since we're so close. As you all probably know, we're out of almost everything."

We all nod our heads agreeably.

"To Flanoir it is!" I announce, happy that the earlier subject of argument has been forgotten.

And so it is that our party comes to rest in the frozen city of Flanoir.

TBC!

Yay, chapter two is up! How is it so far? Questions, comments, complaints? Please review! I know the plot hasn't really come into play yet, but something happens in chapter seven that kind of begins the unfolding of the story… I expect this to be pretty long! Please let me know what you think!