Sorry for the delay. Yesterday, I went to the game store to pick up some stuff. And I saw the Xenosaga II strategy guide. I'd already beaten the game, but it came with the soundtrack. I really wanted it and I had some store credit so I figured… hey why not? I went to pay for it, and it only cost one penny! But the guy gave it to me for free. I was so happy. I ran home and popped it into my CD player, and that's when I remembered that I needed to write the next chapter. So, here it is. Sit back, relax, and enjoy.

Disclaimer: I don't own Xenosaga.

"Allen!" called Shion, vainly searching for her shy companion in the hangar. "That's funny. I was sure he'd be here."

"You looking for that vector guy?" asked Canaan, popping up from behind the ASHER. Shion started.

"Yes," she stated simply, readjusting her glasses. "Can you help me find him?"

"No," replied Canaan, turning back to his machine.

"Then why did you even bring it up!" Shion scowled and was about to say something more when a hand on her shoulder silenced her. "Oh! Jin!"

"He just left here a little while ago," said Jin. "He seemed rather upset."

"Who cares?" inquired Canaan.

"I care!" yelled Shion angrily. Then she covered her mouth with a hand, slightly embarrassed at her conduct. The others stared at her for a moment. Canaan smiled. So she cared about the guy after all. Jin was thinking similar thoughts.

"Where is he?" she asked in a calmer tone.

"Who knows?"

"Look you!" yelled Shion. "I've had just about enough of your-"

"I only meant that he didn't say where he was going."

"He looked very tired. He probably wanted to take some time off," supplied Jin.

"Time off! Why that no good-! He doesn't have any time to take off! So help me when I find him!"

"Maybe you should try taking it easy on the poor guy. He works enough for you." The voice had come from Canaan. Shion opened her mouth and then shut it. She turned her reddening face to the floor then stomped out of the room.

Once outside, she sighed and covered her face with a hand. Maybe they were right. Allen could use a break. She'd just check up on him. Then he could have the rest of the day off. She could handle Jr.'s project on her own anyway.

She made her way to the apartments in the Durandal. Arriving at Allen's door, she gave a timid knock. No answer. Unbidden thoughts entered her head. She knew he wasn't in any real danger, but for some reason, she had to make sure he was alright. She took a breath and pushed the door quietly open. It squeaked a little then settled back on the hinges. She released the breath. If Allen was in there, Shion didn't want him to find her snooping around.

She heard a small breath from the corner, and turning her attention there, she found Allen sleeping peacefully on a small bed. Smiling despite herself, Shion made her way over to him. His head was turned slightly, causing strands of his hair to cascade gently over his forehead and into his eyes. He looked like a little kid. Shion smiled once more and reached out to touch him. His hair was very soft. The feel of it lingered on her finger tips. Allen shifted in his sleep, causing Shion to jerk away. He turned over on his back and opened his mouth slightly. Shion breathed a sigh of relief. He wasn't awake. He really did look exhausted.

"I'm sorry, Allen," she whispered. He, of course, didn't respond, but she thought she saw him give the barest hint of a smile. She left the room, allowing him to rest undisturbed.

Allen was having the nicest dream. He leaned out over the railing, feeling the ocean breeze. The water sparkled, sending a brilliant reflection of light into his eyes. His hair whipped wildly as did his button down shirt. He was laughing. Shion was smiling at him. Then she reached out and touched his face, brushing a strand of hair away. His skin tingled. He grabbed her wrist and pulled her to him. She stared lovingly into his eyes. He closed them, then opened them, then closed them again. He slowly leaned in……