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 was on August 15th, so can I have Zelos? Pretty please?

Author's note: Ugh, I'm sorry for the lack of updates over the last week or two! I was at my dog's flyball competition for a while, and didn't have internet access (how horrible that was!). But, ya, I'm back in business now.

Chapter 10: Correcting the Situation

Lloyd's POV

Dinner that night is rather awkward. The eight of us decide to eat in the hotel restaurant, and there is only light conversation to which everyone contributes except Zelos and I. It seems apparent that the others have noticed this. Every few minutes someone will sneak a glance at the redhead, who is currently hunched over his plate darkly, or myself, with my head hung low in shame, unable to force down much food at all. The meal is really quite good, prepared by some of the best chefs here, but I can't find it in myself to enjoy this meal when I'm living with the guilt of having betrayed my best friends faith in me, as well as his faith in humanity.

In a brief lapse of silence, Zelos stands up and mutters something about going to bed early, walking to the elevator located at the other end of the room. No one else really makes any moves to keep him from going, though they seem rather worried about his sullen attitude.

"Zelos, wait!" I shout, standing up abruptly.

He pauses momentarily, but continues on his way into the elevator. I run toward him, but the doors begin to close, and he makes no move to stop them, eyes showing no emotion at all, though boring into mine as is trying to convey a message.

The rest of the group has all seen the close bond that Zelos shares with me, and no one else, so, watching our little scene, they are rather surprised to see the Chosen acting so brusque toward me all of a sudden.

I jab the up button next to the doors so I can follow Zelos up as quickly as possible. We share a bedroom, so it should be easy to locate him, unless he's decided to run off (to where, I have no idea, since there's not really much on our floor).

I barely give the elevator time to slide open its doors before I rush inside and push the button for the fifth floor a little harder than was really necessary. Slithering over to the back corner, I drum my fingers nervously against the wall. What the hell am I going to say? I messed up pretty badly… Can I possibly correct this situation?

When I open the door to the bedroom, having left my sanity in the elevator, I see the lights are already off and there is a figure curled up in bed, whom I assume to be the person I came to see, even though it's only about 8:00 PM.

Walking purposefully over to his bed, I take in the sight of a seemingly sleeping man; eyes closed peacefully, breathing shallow, lithe body motionless under the checkered sheets aside from slow and steady breaths.

I gather up my courage, and prepare myself, saying, "Zelos, I know you're not asleep. First of all, it hasn't even been five minutes since you got up from dinner, and secondly, you already used this sleeping trick on me in Flanoir."

I stare, expecting some recognition, but there is no answer. "Fine, I'll just talk to a 'sleeping' person. That might make this a little bit easier for me."

Still no movement.

"Talk to me, Zelos! Open your eyes! Move! Just do something, goddammit!" I exclaim, tears filling my eyes. Again.

When the redhead still refuses to acknowledge anything I've said, I begin sobbing full heartedly. I don't want to, I'm just… tired. Tired of everything. Mad at myself. Head clouded in despair.

"Zelos… Answer me, damnit!" I scream.

The Chosen of Tethe'alla does not open his eyes, but instead open his mouth and whispers, "Why should I?"

I don't bother thinking at all, and just let the words flow straight from my heart. Sounds like the best way to go, ne? "It's because you know I didn't mean what I said! Not a word of it! You're my best friend ever, Zelos Wilder! I trust you; I care about you; I LOVE you, goddammit!"

The redhead's eyes burst open, beautiful blue orbs of light staring up at me, wide with shock. At this point there are tears storming down my face, my fists are clenched tightly at my sides, and my knees are wobbling terrible. I hope I don't fall down.

"Lloyd… what did you… what did you just say?"

"I said I love you! I love you, and only you, Zelos Wilder!"

Said man bolts upright and just stares at me for a moment. I have no idea what he's going to do; I just confessed that I LOVE HIM. That's not something that many people take lightly. I guess I'm… scared… Scared of how he'll take it.

He reaches out to me with his left arm and I cringe, expecting him to punch me, or something of the sort. The pain doesn't come. Instead, I feel a warm presence wrap around my back and pull me forward. My head is gently pushed against his chest, and I allow my legs to climb awkwardly onto the bed.

So here I am, plopped in a man's lap, face pressed against him, arms wrapped around his back, and I've just confessed my love to him. Also, I'm bawling my eyes out, which normally wouldn't happen very often, but lately has been a normal occurrence. Things just keep getting stranger and stranger, don't they?

I feel Zelos gently lay his head on top of mine and his arms encompass my back. My hands clutch tightly at his jacket, and my sobbing slowly begins to dwindle down to a random sniffle.

It can't be more than 8:15 or so, but suddenly I feel veeeeery tired. Before I can fall asleep, though, I hear a faint whisper, "I love you too, Lloyd. I have since the day I met you."

I lips curve into the fullest smile I'm ever done before, and allow Zelos to pull me down beneath the covers to where I'm laying with my body next to him, head still resting on his chest, one arm draped across his stomach.

The redhead's arms fold around both of our bodies, sheltering us from the cruel world beyond. Before I drift into the land of happy dreams, all I feel is the warmth of my angel's body and the bliss that comes from being loved.

TBC!

Yes, sappy chapter alert/Coughhack/… Umm, anyways, yes, as always, I hunger for reviews, blah blah blah, you know the drill. See you in the next chapter!