Title: Branded

Pairing: Ike x Soren

Summary: Soren finally tells Ike the entire truth about his past. How will Ike react when he hears the truth? I just twisted up that entire part, surprise, surprise! Major spoilers inside, you've been warned. IxS

Warning: Do I have to say that this is Yaoi? Yes, it involves two boys kissing and many other things. If you feel uncomfortable with this sort of thing, then hit that back button right now. Don't expect me to react to flames, I just ignore them, but I welcome those lovely reviews. Enjoy the story.

A small note: If you have not gotten Soren's support level to an A, this will spoil the story for you. You've been properly warned. Um...to get his A Support Conversation, Soren and Ike must be close together while in battle. Or at least that's how I triggered it. xD

Disclaimer: It's obvious that I don't own any of the characters, no matter how much I want to.

Chapter 2: Feelings

Ike gave Soren a questioning gesture. "…and?" He asked in a confused manner. The young mage's eyes widened at his friend. Furrowing his eyebrows, his tension ceased a bit.

"What do you mean 'and'? Aren't you disgusted about that?" His voice practically dripped in his insecurity. What else could he add to what he said? He's a disgusting Branded, and nothing is ever going to change that. Even those that are tolerant of laguz, despise what Soren is. Ike brought a gloved hand up to his chin, rubbing it in thought.

"To be honest, Soren…I don't even know what a Branded is." Soren gaped at the comment. He thought every beorc knew what it meant to be branded. A small bead of sweat appeared above Ike's brow, switching his hand from his chin to scratch at his temple with one finger. The smaller mage bit his lip, bruising it slightly.

"Are…are you serious?" When Ike nodded, Soren began to get nervous. Even though he was glad Ike had no idea what it meant to be branded, he didn't want to keep the young man in the dark. 'But…what if he hates me?' Despite that, and many other thoughts that swirled around in Soren's head, he pushed them away and decided that Ike has the right to know. No matter what the consequences. Taking a deep breath, he began to speak. "I…I guess I can tell you…"

The commander stopped fidgeting and looked straight at his friend. "Soren…" He breathed the name softly, while the younger man played with one of his over-sized sleeves.

"A…a B-branded is a person who is born from a beorc and a laguz. They are marked with a symbol on their forehead when they are young, but it's often mistaken for another. That's why that sage I told you about was so eager to teach me. After he found out what I really am, he became…cold, and cruel. Both laguz and beorc despise those who are branded and…"

Soren dropped his head, his body began to tremble as he tried to find anything else to add to what he was saying. Despite his efforts to hold them back, small tears began to break away from his eyes, which were closed shut. His hands were placed firmly at his sides, squeezed into fists, shaking violently. Ike could do nothing else, but stare in shock at the condition of his dear friend.

Through silent sobs, the black mage made small noises, which sounded like he was forcing himself to continue his explanation. Ike hated seeing Soren like this. And since, people normally opened up to people like Mist or Rhys, he had not a lot of knowledge of what to do. Thinking of one solution quickly, Ike took a few steps forward and twined his arms around the other's smaller frame, clutching him to his chest. Hushing the sobbing man softly, he could feel Soren grab onto the material on his chest. They stood there for a moment before Soren regained his composure, but he still remained in Ike's embrace. Releasing his friend's tunic, he then wrapped his arms around his waist, pulling himself closer. Ike made no objection, but buried his face into the mess of black hair. He then lifted his head up and rested his chin on top of Soren's head and smiled. "Don't worry, Soren. You'll always have me, I'll never hate you."

Garnet eyes quickly opened. The comment finally registered in the smaller mage's mind before he closed his eyes again and nuzzled into the warm embrace.

"Thank you, Ike…"A small smile stretched across Soren's face. He felt secure around Ike. The young commander always stuck by his side. Over the many years he knew Ike, Soren had developed strong feelings for the young man. More than mere friendship, he began to wonder if it was love. But…Ike would never feel the same way; otherwise the black mage would've told him so as soon as he was sure of what he felt. But…if what Ike said was true, that he could never hate him, then…could Soren actually tell him this without fear?

'But how could I possibly tell him something this outrageous?' Soren bit his lip again. The younger man pulled back from Ike and tried to look into his sapphire eyes. Ike looked down questionably at the other's pale face.

"Is something wrong?" Soren looked down, as if to examine their position, before looking back up at his commander. Gathering all the courage he had, he pulled himself up and shyly touched his lips to Ike's. Soren's eyes were screwed shut, for he didn't see Ike's shocked expression. But…instead of pushing the mage away, Ike just relaxed into the kiss, pulling Soren closer to him. His own eyes slid closed. They stayed there like that until the demand for oxygen forced them to separate. Both of them were panting, flushed from their actions. Ike was the first to speak up.

"Soren, what…what was that?" He was still surprised by the strange act of forwardness from Soren. But, it wasn't as though he didn't enjoy it. Far from that, he always did have a small crush on the mage, but Ike was always fearful about speaking it aloud. Fear of rejection, fear of being shunned by his father and sister, fear of many things. He felt relieved now, if that kiss was actually what he hoped for. The Crimean general smiled when he saw a bright pink blush appear on Soren's face.

"I…I'm sorry. Please think nothing of it, Commander." With that said, he pulled away from Ike's embrace and sat back down at the table. He picked up a random piece of parchment and began to look over the fine lines of black ink. The blue haired warrior just watched before making his way to stand just behind the wooden chair that Soren was sitting in. The black mage's red eyes were scanning the information written down. Wrapping his arms protectively around his chest, Ike leaned onto one of his feet, trying to think of what he could possibly say. It's obvious Soren is embarrassed, but it was partially his fault. He should've said something else, but he didn't.

"Soren, I…" Placing the paper back down on the messy desk, Soren turned in his seat to look at his superior. His ruby eyes held their usual icy look, and his face was as neutral as ever, much different than how he looked a few moments before.

"Is there something else you need, Commander?" His voice had no emotion to it. It was almost heart shattering for Ike. Then again, He might be just doing the same thing he was doing before. Hiding everything deep inside and keeping his secrets buried from everyone else around him. A lump began to form inside of the young warrior's throat as he thought how he was going to word this properly. Then he decided that he might as well say it directly and bluntly, like Soren would do. He swallowed the lump and took a short breath.

"I…want you to know that…I've always thought more of than anyone else, even more than…a friend." A blush spread across his own face, matching the one that was beginning to appear on the younger mage's. The black haired mage scooted out of his wooden chair, holding on to the back of it as he stood slowly.

"C-commander Ike?" He asked, hesitantly. Ike raised a hand to silence him until he finished what he had to say.

"Let me finish. …I just want to protect you, make sure your safe, and have you stay by my side. I guess I want to say that…you're one of the most important people to me, Soren. And…heh, that's all." Red eyes widened, Soren's voice seemed to be lost. He couldn't say anything. To hear such words coming from the one person he ever really loved; was enough to send shivers down his spine. Finally getting his voice back, after a few moments, Soren opened his mouth to speak.

"I feel the same way…Ike…for a long time." They both stood there, staring at one another. Ike looked behind him, noting that it would be dawn in a few hours. He smiled before turning to walk towards the exit of Soren's tent. He heard a gasp from behind him and looked back.

"I'm glad, Soren, but it looks like dawn will be approaching soon. It would be best if we both got at least a few hours of sleep tonight." Soren was about to object, but when he noticed the position of the moon, he figured that what Ike said was true and they should get some sleep.

He nodded. "Y-yeah."

The young general nodded as well. "I'll see you in the morning, then. Get a good night sleep, Soren." He turned to leave, but stopped just in front of the fabric that covered the exit. Ike took a deep breath before turning back to Soren and moving back towards him. He stopped when their bodies almost touched, he could feel the younger mage's body heat radiating off. Lifting his hand to caress the soft skin of his face, Ike leaned down and pressed his lips towards Soren's. It wasn't as shy as the one before, but it was just as soft. Soren's eyes wide from the unexpected contact, but soon relaxed into it. The kiss lingered for a moment before the older man broke away, smiling warmly.

"Goodnight…" He whispered and left the tent, leaving a blushing Soren behind him. A slender finger came up and gently touched his still tingling lips. He moved it away and walked towards his makeshift bed, sitting down onto the firm and lumpy bedding.

The young tactician smiled a genuine smile before whispering an almost silent "Goodnight." Shifting his position, Soren laid down onto the bed, resting his head on his pillow. He closed his eyes, imagining the warmth of the one person he cared for next to him and drifted off into a well needed sleep.

Chapter End

A/N: Ohmy, I've been so busy for the past two weeks. ;-; Sorry sorry sorry! I hope my lack of updating fics will be forgiven! D: Here's chapter two of Branded! Sorry, it's another short chapter, but I'm not sure if I want to post the lemon, yet. x3 Thanks for those lovely reviews, they made me so happy when I read them! Please review again! D