A/N: Hooray, I'm updating! Sorry it took me so long, I kind of ran into a brick wall, or something. Um. Thank you thank you to those of you that reviewed, that definitely made me jump up and down and squeal, and a thank you to those of you who just plain read it. You are all bad for my ego. I'm kind of surprised I'm actually sitting here writing this, since my mom decided to randomly give me Path of Radiance. That made me squeal doubly. (If only there were nomads in it…) Anyways, I really hope you guys continue to like this fic and don't start throwing rotten tomatoes at me halfway through. :D Thank you all again!

Also, I have a really bad memory. Did they hitch a ride with the pirates to get to Valor the second time around? Or no? Well… if they didn't, then use your imagination! They did now.

Oh, and Citrus, thank you for offering to beta… But I'm way too impatient to wait to post this :D; I appreciate it, though!

Fire Emblem is disclaimed. Okay? Okay.

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Chapter 2: Badon

Wil awoke the next morning to hear a voice shouting orders outside of his tent. He closed his eyes tightly, trying to block out the noise, but it was undoubtedly Serra's voice. Mark had employed her long ago to get everyone moving in the morning, with a promise that the sooner they were ready, the sooner she'd be quiet. She was the perfect candidate too – she never got absolutely trashed at celebrations, she was always up early, and, of course, she was loud. It was a very effective plan.

Sometimes that tactician is too smart for his own good, Wil thought to himself.

Wil actually loved mornings, and was one of the few 'morning people' out of all of his traveling companions. He didn't have a hangover like, no doubt, everyone else in the camp, judging by the groans of protest he could hear in addition to the shouts of the rather loud cleric. In fact, he wouldn't have minded getting up and helping everyone out like he usually did. But this morning, something kept him in his tent, laying on his bedroll.

Chances are, it was the messy-haired nomad sleeping next to him with his arms around him.

Wil bit his lip to keep from squealing with joy at the sight in front of him. Rath's eyes were closed, and his breaths came slowly and evenly. He looked so peaceful. So content. It was quite a contrast from the usual, as there was always some kind of harshness about Rath that Wil never really understood; that is, until Lyn had told him about his past.

It was hard enough for him to leave home at twelve by choice, but to be exiled at the age of four… Well, it really wasn't surprising that Rath acted the way he did. In fact, it was a wonder that Rath was as strong a person as he was. It was admirable, and yet, still… it was so sad. Why would he want to go back there? What could possibly be there for him?

Family, he told himself. Acceptance.

He frowned. When he thought of it that way, it hit pretty close to home. He was worried what his family would think of him when he returned, so Rath's feelings must've been the same… but multiplied tenfold.

Wil snuggled closer to the nomad, wanting to comfort him and his silent fears. This caused the elder man to stir, and he turned to the younger as he opened his eyes.

"Good morning!" Wil chirped, immediately forgetting any and all unpleasant thoughts he'd had just a moment before. A ghost of a smile appeared on Rath's lips as he gently traced his calloused fingers along the frame of Wil's face.

"It is," he said.

Wil grinned and wrapped his arms around the other's neck impulsively, pulling him down on top of him. Their lips were only moments apart when…

"GET A MOVE ON, YOU GUYS! The faster you go, the more I get paid!"

Rath visibly winced at the sound of the voice. Wil sighed.

"We must really have to get going if both Serra and Farina are yelling at people," Wil said. "I mean, usually there's just Serra, and that can be bad enough, and I'm kind of surprised Farina can even yell since last night she was so drunk she was singing pirate songs with Dart! But then again, she does like money a whole lot, so if she was getting paid then—"

Rath planted his lips on Wil's mouth. Wil was effectively shut up.

The kiss was broken only moments later, but it left Wil grinning like a madman.

"You know, you should do that more often," he said.

"… I plan to."

The two quickly got to work, packing up their things and sharing a quick kiss or five in between, trying terribly hard to ignore the shouts of orders and groans of protest from outside. By the time they'd finished packing and decided to eat breakfast before taking down their tent, they heard Guy's voice outside their tent.

"M-Matthew! C.. Come back here!"

Wil poked his head of the tent and looked around, only to spot Guy running, staggering a little, towards Matthew, who had stopped and was staring at the myrmidon with an eyebrow cocked.

"You called?" he asked, smoothly.

Guy slowed to a walk as he approached the thief, and lowered his head, trying not to look at the man in front of him. His face was burning red and his hands were trembling as he held a piece of parchment out in front of him.

"T-Take it back!" he managed to get out. Wil realized it was the famed oathpaper.

Matthew grinned predatorily. "Does this mean you like being in my debt?"

Guy flushed a deeper shade of red. "O-of c-course not!" he stammered. "I-I just… I… I w-want to earn it back o-on my own! I… I don't n-need your pity…"

Matthew smirked. "But you have earned it. You never gave up on getting it back this entire time."

"B-But I never won!" Guy protested. "I-it's… still yours!"

The thief opened his mouth to make another argument, but the swordsman threw the ratty paper down at his feet.

"Just take it!" he yelled, and ran off. Matthew stared after him with a mixture of confusion and disbelief showing in his features. After a while, he shrugged, bent down and picked up the piece of paper. After staring at it a moment, he tucked it into one of the many pockets inside his cape and strode off.

Wil cocked his head at the scene, and when he went to turn around, he saw Rath, staring just as intensely as he was.

"Wah!" Wil cried out. "You scared me! Were you watching the whole time?" A curt nod from the other. "What was that about, do you think? I mean, you saw those two last night, right? I don't think Matthew was drunk then, since he doesn't have a hangover or anything. Guy was really flustered, too!"

"… He wants a reason to see Matthew again," Rath said simply.

Wil cocked his head. "Do you really think so?"

The nomad nodded, and the archer smiled at him. "You really pay close attention, don't you? I bet you know a lot more than even Serra does about everyone here!"

"Who knows more than I do?" Speak of the devil.

Wil whirled around, and saw the pink-haired cleric standing in front of their tent with her arms crossed, and her delicate foot tapping impatiently on the ground.

"Oh! Um, good morning, Serra! It's so nice out today, don't you th—"

"Don't even try to change the topic, Wil! You've been goofing off all morning, I haven't seen you anywhere!" Her gaze shifted to the man next to him. "The same with you! What in the name of St Elimine have you two been doing, putting your arrows into each other's quivers?"

Wil flushed beat red at the innuendo. "S-Serra! I can't believe you just said that!"

The cleric grinned devilishly. "Oh, don't think I didn't see you two stumble into camp last night! You looked a little more cozy than usual, and that's saying something!"

"But we didn't do anything! Not like that!"

Serra rolled her eyes. "Okay, sure, Wil. I believe you." Her voice was dripping with sarcasm.

Wil blushed even more and stole a glance at Rath. No expression. Either he didn't quite catch what Serra was implying, or her taunts weren't fazing him. Most likely the latter.

"Well, anyways," Serra continued on, tossing her hair back behind her shoulder. "Mark wants us out of here by noon, so you'd better get packing."

"Why so early?" Wil questioned, regaining his composure. "Don't you think we deserve some rest after that battle?" Serra shrugged.

"Well, I certainly do. I wanted to spend more time with Erky today!" she pouted, looking like a little child when she did so. "But, you know, tactician's orders. He did promise us all luxurious rooms at the inn at Badon, I think that's the only reason anyone's even moving. Now, if you excuse me, I see slackers that I must attend to."

With that, Serra pushed past Wil, shouting the same type of accusations at Legault and Heath, who had just emerged from their tent.

"Uhhh…" Wil turned and looked up at Rath, who stared back with his even gaze. "Do you think we should just take down the tent and eat while we ride? Because it's almost noon and if we really are gonna leave that soon then I really don't want to hold everyone up…"

Rath nodded.

Taking down tents was easier than putting them up for Wil, at least. Often times when he had to put them up, he'd end up practically strangling himself, or having the tent fall in on itself, usually with him inside. Rath had gotten into the habit of waiting until that happened to fix it, and then put his things inside. It didn't matter who you were, watching Wil try to pitch a tent was, to say the least, amusing.

The rest of the time at camp was spent fairly quietly, for the sake of the headaches that ailed most of the tired troops, though the march to Fargus' ship was a little too swift for most. Even Mark and the lords, who had ordered their leave, didn't look so well themselves. The tactician had groggily explained that Fargus wouldn't wait any longer for them, so despite their exhausted state, they had no choice but to head out.

By the time the pirate ship was within their sights, the sun was setting in the sky. Cheers were heard from the men aboard when they saw the army staggering towards them, and already more beer was being brought out in celebration. Everyone dragged themselves on board, most of them smiling wearily at the cheers from the crew before going below decks, throwing their things aside and falling asleep on the swinging hammocks or the hard, wooden beds built into the ship's walls.

Dart stayed to drink to celebration with his crewmates.

"Well, Dart, m'boy, ya came back alive!" Fargus congratulated, with a hardy smack on the back. Dart nearly spit out his beer.

"Just like you told me, cap'n," Dart answered, a drunken grin plastered upon his face. He then felt a light tapping on his shoulder, and lazily turned his head to the other side, only to see a certain navy-blue haired Pegasus Knight with her hands on her hips, and tapping her foot impatiently.

"Well?" Farina said, expectantly. "Aren't you going to introduce me?"

"Wha?" Dart ask, clearly confused. Chances he would've been just as confused were he sober.

Farina rolled her eyes in exasperation. "Well, if I'm going to be a pirate, I should know the captain at the very least!"

Dart and Fargus stared at her incredulously.

"You? A pirate?" Fargus asked, staring her up and down.

"Oh, come on!" Farina sighed. "Pirates make tons of money! And unless I find another rich guy as dense as Hector, I'll never have the kind of cash I deserve!" She turned to the older man. "Captain Fargus, I presume?" she asked the captain.

"And if ye be correct?"

"I'm Farina, a Pegasus Knight, or ex-pegasus knight now, since I'm joining you guys now. Listen, I want at least fifty percent of whatever spoils we get on a raid! And that's only on my bad days, when I do really good, I'm talking like, ninety percent. You hear, old man?"

Fargus laughed heartily. "I like your style, lass! But… we'll talk about payment later, eh?"

She shrugged and plopped herself down next to Dart, took a swig of his beer, then wiped her mouth on the back of her hand. She had a very pleased smile on her face.

"Sure you won't get sea sick?" Dart asked, his speech slightly slurred. Farina waved a hand nonchalantly.

"Wind at air, waves at sea, makes no difference to me," she said, then yelled at one of the crew to get her a beer. Dart started to snicker.

"What's so funny?"

"… That rhymed!" With that, he burst into drunken laughter. After a moment, Farina did as well.

Meanwhile, below decks, Guy was laying half asleep in a swinging hammock, staring at a certain couple sleeping not too far away. Rath was laying on one of the makeshift beds – probably because it'd be a little hard to fit two people in a hammock – his arms loosely wrapped around the younger man who was using the nomad's chest as a pillow. Wil had a happy, contented smile plastered on his face even whilst he slept.

Of course, Guy thought, bitterly, I bet I would smile in my sleep if I was in his position.

It was so obvious, so terribly obvious how those two felt about each other, right from the moment Guy first saw them together. But that didn't stop him from falling for his fellow tribesman. In fact, he was surprised that more people weren't swooning over Rath. Sure, he was quiet and kind of stand-offish, but he was smart, and swift, and strong, and cool and calm and not to mention, very, very handsome…

Wil stirred in his sleep and Rath automatically tightened his hold on him. Guy frowned.

He should've known it was hopeless. Whenever he talked to Rath, he always seemed distracted, always seemed like he didn't care what was being said to him. He probably didn't. But when it came to Wil, he couldn't look away. If someone held a sword at his throat and demanded he look away from the young archer, Rath probably wouldn't comply. And Wil could make him smile. He could make him laugh, even. All Rath would allow Guy to do is protect him. Not that he even needed protection anyways…

The young swordsman's gaze shifted to another, sleeping in a hammock nearby. The sandy-haired thief was snoring lightly, his hands folded atop his stomach with his cloak draped around him, acting as a blanket. He looked carefree and nonchalant as always. Guy flushed and looked away from him.

There was no way Matthew knew what he was doing last night.

… Right?

Guy certainly hadn't expected that little 'ordeal' to happen. He didn't even want it to happen. In fact, he had been searching for Rath when Matthew stumbled across him, grinned, and attacked him. Except… Not in the way he usually attacked him. He had tried to protest against it, but he had to admit, albeit grudgingly, that it really wasn't that bad. Of course… he'd never tell Matthew that.

Well, Rath was absolutely out of the question at this point… But, now that he thought about it, Matthew really wasn't that bad. He was nice to look at, and he was always paying attention to Guy, even flirting. And he was pretty skilled too…

With a blade! Guy mentally shouted at his wandering mind. His mind wandered more, causing his face to turn red.

The myrmidon sighed, too tired to think any more on the subject. He closed his eyes, and let the waves of the ocean gently rock him to sleep.

The voyage to the mainland took a couple of days, and by the time they reached Badon, many of them were thankful for solid land. Everyone was more or less rested after the trip, so the lords were nearly forced into ordering up a feast and almost all the rooms in the inn. By the time everyone had thrown their things in their rooms, the sun had set, yet more celebrations had sprung up. Hey, it's not everyday you kill a crazy guy threatening to loose dragons on the continent.

Lowen wasn't really concentrating on celebrating, though. Other things had occupied his mind for the past few days.

He stared across the room at the pigtailed archer, who was chatting happily with Wil and a few others. Wil reached over and tugged on one of her braids, causing her to squeal and yank on a lock of his hair. Wil responded by getting her in a headlock and giving her a noogie, sending everyone around them into hoots of laughter.

Lowen sighed and ran a hand through his hair. He couldn't believe how lucky he was to have Rebecca. She was beautiful and kind and he was just… plain. Dull. Ordinary. He couldn't even imagine what she saw in him. But he had her. Somehow, he did.

Now what?

That question had lingered on his mind for far too long. Everything was over, so now what? What would become of them? He was sure everyone was thinking that. Or some couples, like Farina and Dart, or Legault and Heath, had already figured it out.

It wasn't really much of a problem, not like some people had. They both lived in Pherae, so distance wouldn't hinder their relationship. But Lowen was afraid of something happening, nonetheless. Maybe things would change between them, or maybe one of them would have to leave for some reason.

Lowen didn't want anything like that to happen.

So slowly, almost reluctantly, he brought himself to his feet and started his way across the crowded room. All the noise and shouts and laughter seemed to fade as he drew closer to Rebecca. His breath came fast and he almost felt dizzy, he was so nervous. But he had to do this.

He had to.

"Rebecca?" the sound came from his mouth before he could realize it. The entire table quieted as green haired archer turned in her seat and looked up at him with innocent emerald eyes, then gave him a dazzling smile.

"Lowen! I was wondering where you were! Come on, sit down!" she said, motioning for him to take a seat next to her. Lowen shook his head slowly, and Rebecca looked up at him with a confused look upon her face.

"I came to… ask you something," he said, hesitantly.

"What is it?" she asked, curiously. She was looking at him with those large eyes, and he could tell everyone else around was watching him as well, and they were all anticipating what he had come for.

He took a deep breath. Now or never.

"Rebecca…" Lowen started, then dropped down onto one knee, taking her hand in his. "Will you… marry me?"

Everything seemed to stop, all sounds were silenced. Rebecca stared at him in wide-eyed disbelief.

"I… I… Lowen… I…" she stammered.

"I understand completely if you say no," Lowen told her, his eyes lowering to the floor. "But… I love you, Rebecca… I never want to be without you… And this way, I know I won't have to be…" He looked up at her meekly.

Her features lit up, and a smile spread across her face. She threw her arms around the shy cavalier and kissed him.

"Of course I will, Lowen!" she exclaimed. Cheers from the formerly silent table erupted, and everyone crowded around them, congratulating them.

"This is wonderful, Rebecca!" Nino piped up. "Jaffar and I are going to live in Pherae too! We can be neighbors and raise our children together! Ohhh, this is so exciting!" The young mage hugged her friend tightly. Rebecca laughed, and Lowen smiled. Nothing to worry him now…

Wil, however, was a different story, at this point.

He congratulated his childhood friend, and then slipped out of the mob of people, and out of the room where the party ensued. He sat down on the bottom of the steps that led to the second floor of the inn, and sighed.

Everyone knew what they were going to do, and where they were going to go. A lot of people were going home; to Pherae, to Ostia, to Caelin, to Ilia, to Sacae… Some people didn't even have a home, and they knew where they were going. But… where would he go? He'd been meaning to see his parents in Pherae… Then again, hadn't Caelin been the only home he'd known since he was he was twelve?

Or were either places his home?

What Lowen had said made Wil think.

"I never want to be without you…"

Rath had said he was going to stay in Caelin until everything was sorted out with Lyn, then they would leave for Sacae. Did he really plan on living Wil there? Just… leaving without him? What if they never saw each other again?

That won't happen, Wil told himself. We'll always be together! … Won't we?

He wasn't a Sacaen. He'd never fit in if he went there. There wasn't even any use in trying. And Rath… well, Rath would be okay in Caelin… but it was obvious he didn't want to stay there, or else he would. And Wil didn't have the heart to ask Rath to stay somewhere he wouldn't want to…

"Wil?"

The archer turned at the sound of his voice. It was Rath. He forced a smile.

"Hey, Rath!" he greeted, trying to sound cheery. "Did you hear about Rebecca and Lowen? They're getting married! Lowen proposed to her, and in front of a bunch of people, too! He's really gotten brave, don't you think? I wasn't really expecting them to get married, but if the thought ever crossed my mind, I would've thought that Rebecca would be the one to propose to him!"

Rath sat down next to Wil as the archer chattered on.

"Wow, there's going to be a lot of weddings in Pherae! Lowen and Rebecca are gonna get married… Nino and Jaffar… Harken and Isadora… Lord Eliwood probably will too pretty soon, though I don't know to who… It's too bad Ninian had to go back, don't you think? Lord Eliwood and her really hit it off…"

Rath nodded. The silence that ensued between them was a little uncomfortable for Wil. Rath was usually quiet, so it really wasn't anything out of the ordinary. Maybe it was all the things that Wil had on his mind…

"Wil."

The archer was almost startled by the sound of Rath's voice. "Uh…what is it?"

"Why aren't you in there with everyone else?" The nomad motioned towards the entrance of the party room with a nod of his head.

"Oh… Um, I don't know. I guess everything was just too loud and I was hanging out with Rebecca but now she's with Lowen and stuff, and I would go talk to Sir Kent but I've been sort of scared to go near him after what happened between him and Sain…" Wil tried very hard not to snicker at the last part.

Rath stared at Wil, his face unchanging.

"Something's bothering you," he said. It wasn't a question.

"What? No! I'm perfectly fine!" Wil protested, even though Rath was right. "What makes you think something's bothering me?"

Rath said nothing. He reached a hand out to lightly caress Wil's cheek, and the younger leaned into the touch. Rath slowly closed the distance between them, and placed a soft kiss on the other's lips. On contact, Wil pressed his mouth against Rath's and wrapped his arms around his neck. In response, Rath slid his arms around Wil's waist and pulled him onto his lap. The auburn haired archer tilted his head to the side and parted his lips, letting the nomad's tongue sweep through his mouth. Strong hands raked through Wil's hair, then trailed down his back and pulled him closer.

"I never want to be without you…"

Rath broke apart slowly, his eyes locking with Wil's. Without a word, he slid an arm under the younger man's knees and kept the other behind his back, and stood up, carrying Wil in his arms. Wil laid kisses all over Rath's neck and up to his chin, hanging onto his shoulders for extra support, as Rath carried him up the stairs and into their room.

But even as Rath laid him down on the bed and climbed on top of him, a single thought couldn't escape Wil's mind.

This can never work.

A/N: ANGST :O I hope that wasn't too angsty at the end. I don't really like angst much. The next chapter will be happier. I swear.

For the record! I do like/support Rath/Guy. I just like Rath/Wil and Matthew/Guy a lot better. :D And does ANYONE ELSE OUT THERE LIKE LOWEN/REBECCA? Am I the ONLY one? Come on you guys, Lowen is so adorable! He seriously needs a hug. Or something. And. NOOGIES :D

Sorry if anyone was OOC D: I tried.

Once more, reviews are muchly appreciated. And people who still like FE7 and write shounen ai fics about it are even more appreciated! Write, I beg of you :O Oh, and, um, can anybody tell me where Caelin is located in Lycia, like,in relationto Pherae or Ostia or some other place like that? Maybe? I forget… Like I said, bad memory. And sorry if this was choppy in any way, shape or form. Transitioning from place to place isn't one of my strong points.

Next chapter features… Kent and Sain, because even though they're not my favorite couple, someone will no doubt shoot me if I don't put them in here! Lyn and Florina! Because there has to be at least one shoujo ai couple and I think they're cute (even though I honestly like Kent/Lyn more)! Legault and Heath! Because everyone loves them and I haven't had them appear like at all yet! And of course… Rath and Wil :D And maybe more. I don't know.

Randomly: After writing this, I can suddenly picture Fargus on Cap'n Crunch cereal boxes. That would be so great.