Disclaimer: Why do I have to do this again? Oh yea, that's right, it's because I'm only 13 and therefore can't afford to be sued… sigh… I don't own Tales of Symphonia, or any of its characters. But my birthday is August 15th, so can I have Zelos? Pretty please?

Chapter 7: Coming Clean

Lloyd's POV

The ride to Meltokio, via the Rheairds, is fairly uneventful, and relatively quick. The city itself is lively and full of activity as usual, nobles strutting about and beggars on the side of the streets, hoping to pick up some gald. Unfortunately, we have none to give.

Zelos fell asleep sometime on the way here, and I am, of course, the one stuck with the job of having to carry him in my arms. It is rather uncomfortable, but what I won't admit is that I'm actually quite enjoying the feel of his warm body cradled in my welcoming arms, head pressed against my chest, arms wrapped rather awkwardly around my back, and his unique citrus scent engulfing my sensitive nose. I have got to ask him what kind of cologne he wears, and where I might could buy some…

I don't realize I've been daydreaming until I nearly run into Presea, in front of me, who has stopped in her tracks, as has the rest of the group. When I come to my senses, I understand why. Kratos. My father.

There he stands before us, standing upright and confident, the usual look of mystery embedded deeply into his familiar brown eyes. My eyes are the same color.

Regal stirs from his stupor first. "Since it's obvious you're here to talk to us, what exactly is it that you want?"

Kratos looks contemplatively for a moment, before turning to me. "Lloyd. I know about this little game you've been playing, and let me tell you now that the two of you can never be together. It won't work, so it's useless to go on trying."

My eyes widen in confusion. What does he mean? What the hell is he talking about? I voice my confusion, but the angel simply walks away, and none of us try to follow him.

"What was that all about? Do you have any clues, Lloyd?" asks Raine. I shake my head slowly, still feeling just as in the dark as everyone else.

"Let's just ignore that little encounter for now and continue on to Zelos' mansion," suggest Sheena. We all nod in agreement and manage to start moving, at a quicker pace, allowing us to reach our destination in only a few moments.

Sebastian lets us in and, seeing the condition his master is in, hurriedly prepares a room while the seven of us wait in the living room. Zelos sleeps on quietly in my arms, deaf to the world around him, but we opt for silence anyway.

It doesn't take long before I am able to bring the ill Chosen upstairs to the master bedroom. No matter how many times I come here, the sheer opulence of this room never ceases to amaze me. Giant four-poster canopy bed with intricately designed violet covers, golden velvet armchairs, silky violet window drapes, a contemporary Asian flair to all of the décor, complemented by real oak floors and peanut buttery colored walls. This one single room likely would cost more money than all of Iselia.

After admiring the brilliant room, I carefully set the sleeping redhead down on the cushiony bed, my arms starting to ache from the extra weight. Looking around, I see an extra golden and violet patterned quilt folded neatly in the corner, and gently spread it over him. Tucking in the muscled form, I brush some bright red hair out of his eyes, almost affectionately, and notice how warm his forehead is. A bad fever. Crap, that ain't cool.

Returning downstairs, I alert Raine of Zelos' condition, briefly noticing that no one has moved since I went up. Sebastion rushes to get some wet cloths while the professor sets off for the nearest store to get medicine specifically for fevers. Everyone else just sits on the couches, being completely useless.

I decide to go back to the Chosen's room instead of submitting to the uselessness. You never know, it might be contagious. To my surprise, I see Zelos sitting on the windowsill, awake, staring out at the starry night sky. His head turns toward mine and his lips draw into a faint smile. His whole face is flushed from the fever, and his body, clothed now only by a pair of forest green silk pajama bottoms, seems to be shivering violently.

I put a hand on my hip, and a stern expression on my face. "Zelos, what are you doing out of bed? You're not well enough to be up traipsing around your room."

The redhead chuckles lightly and wraps his arms around himself. "Well, mother, I was too fidgety just laying in bed like that, so I decided to walk around a bit, to stretch my legs and all. Unfortunately, I didn't make it very far before my strength gave out, so I had to rest at the nearest place which happened to be this windowsill. And now I can't get up, but I'm coooooooooooold!" he complains.

I lower my arm, and sigh. He can be such a baby at times. I walk over and grab both of his hands, effectively pulling him up, and drape one of his arms around my shoulders to support some of his weight. It's a little awkward, but the two of us manage to hobble over to his bed, and I carefully lay him down. He thanks me quietly as I pull the wrinkled covers his still quivering body, and he beckons me to sit down by his side. I warily oblige, wondering what might be coming. He sits up slowly and carefully.

"Lloyd, I just want to thank you for all you've done. Not just for helping me today, while I'm sick, but for everything, from the day I first met you. Back then, I was miserable. Sue, I slapped on a grin and hid behind money and women, but I really had nothing, no reason to live. No friends, no one to love me, just people who thought of me as Zelos the Chosen instead of Zelos the person. You changed that. You changed it all. You gave me friendship as well as a reason to live, to go on, not just as the Chosen of Tethe'alla. You are my best friend. Thank you for everything, and I mean it."

To say that I am shocked would be a great understatement. Astounded, amazed, confused, happy, bewildered, joyous, and so many new emotions that don't even have names. I honestly have absolutely no idea what to say. But I suppose that's for the better, since Zelos has already resumed a sleeping position and most likely wouldn't be able to hear whatever I'd say, anyway. So all I can do is think, and remember all that I've been through with this man at my side. Good times and bad. Pain, anger, despair, revelation, joy, and wonder, all of it flashing through my head. And words come to me. He may not be able to hear, but I say them nonetheless.

"You're my best friend, too, Zel. Maybe even more…" I whisper quietly. With a happy grin on my face, I pry myself off of the bed and silently exit the room. Just as I'm about to close the door, I almost hear a whispered thank you from the otherwise silent figure. I pause momentarily, then shut the door, still grinning.

TBC!

So, everyone, how do ya like it? Sorry it took me so long to update… a lot's been going on lately. But it's here now! And, as always, I love reviews, and will cherish them forever! .