A/N: For those of you who thought Albel had really died, I am speechless. It's flattery in the highest form. I thought my little plot device thing was totally see through and you would just roll your eyes and go, "Of course he's alive. He's too sexy to die…and no one took his pulse or anything to be sure." But…all of you were just as distraught as Fayt. Don't worry…no more heart attacks in the next few chapters…but one thing about me, I like to torture characters to the brink of death...but they'll never die. I like happy endings.

Albel: Psh, what were you trying to kill me off for? I'm not that weak. No dragon will ever kill me…no matter how far they drop me.

Fayt: Of course not, Albel. The author would never kill you. You have to stay here with me. -hugs-

Sophia: Ewww! Break it up! You can't hug a guy.

Fayt. -pouts- I can if I want to.

Albel: Or maybe we can kiss again?

Sophia: Aiieeee! I'm going to be traumatized for life! -runs out-

Albel: Ha, that got rid of her.

Disclaimer: None of the star ocean characters are mine…nope. I don't own them. But they do pwn me. XD

Albel woke up to find himself back in his bed at the inn. Fayt was sitting in a chair beside his bed. He gave Albel a tiny smile. "Good-morning, Albel. You've been unconscious for hours. I'm glad you're finally awake."

"That long?" Albel irritably rubbed the bridge of his nose. His head still throbbed and his chest hurt when he breathed. "I'm getting soft. I wasn't hurt that bad. I should have handled it."

"Stop being such a martyr. You're badly hurt, bad enough to need medical treatment."

"I don't need a doctor," Albel growled. "If a doctor comes near me, I'll kill him."

Fayt grinned. "That's why I had him come while you were asleep."

Albel sighed. "You know me too well, Fayt."

Fayt smiled, but it didn't quite reach his eyes. He looked sad and Albel was immediately worried. "What did the doctor say? I'm not going to be paralyzed for life, am I?" Albel asked anxiously. "You look like something bad happened."

"You're going to be fine, Albel. You just fractured a few ribs and you have a concussion. I'm sorry for worrying you. The doctor did say you'll have to be in bed for a little bit to let yourself heal and he told Sophia to-" Fayt trailed off and looked down at his hands clasped in his lap.

"She knows, doesn't she?" Albel said quietly.

Fayt sighed. "Yes. I thought you were dead and I kind of made a scene. Of course, I'd make a scene when anybody dies, but this was big. I almost had an emotional breakdown."

"I could tell how much you missed me," Albel said calmly, "considering how you almost squeezed the life out of me with that hug."

Fayt blushed. "I'm sorry. Everyone probably knows after that."

"Everyone knew about it before," Albel said casually. "You wrote so in your note and then scribbled over it. You know how curious that blonde idiot is." He gave Fayt a hard look. "Next time, use an eraser."

Fayt turned bright red. "Cliff made a separator, didn't he? I totally forgot about that. Man, I blew it. I'm so sorry, Albel."

Albel smirked. "Don't apologize, Fayt. I don't mind. It's nothing we have to hide. They all approve anyway and that little circus girl has been constantly going on about how cute we are."

Fayt's face clouded. "Everyone approves except Sophia."

Albel frowned. "Did she yell at you?"

"No, not yet. She says she wants to come in and talk to both of us."

Albel groaned. "Now?"

"Yes."

"I won't stand for this," Albel growled, pushing himself up. "I'm leaving."

Fayt tried to push Albel back on the bed without touching his chest. He settled for forcing Albel down by his shoulders and neck. He wrapped an arm around his shoulder and hugged him tightly. "Don't worry, Albel. No matter how she takes it, I'll still love you."

Albel was surprised. "It's not the end of the world if she disapproves. You act like she'll kill you."

Fayt sighed. "We've been friend since childhood. I don't want to lose her, but I don't want to lose you either. "

Albel squeezed Fayt's hand. "I'll protect you if she tries to hurt you."

Fayt smiled. "Thank you. It means a lot to me."

Fayt and Albel embraced carefully to avoid hurting Albel. At that moment, the door slammed open. Fayt hurriedly pulled back. "Ah, Sophia. You're finally here."

Sophia glared at the two boys. "Fayt, how could you get involved with this-this cruel, wretched monster? He's probably using you."

Albel snarled at the accusation, but Fayt glanced at him warningly. "He wouldn't do anything like that. He loves me."

Sophia whirled on Albel. "How dare you love Fayt! You're not worthy of him. Fayt is good and pure. I won't let you defile him with your evil."

Now Fayt was mad, but Albel merely rolled his eyes. "I can defend myself." He looked at Sophia levelly. "I'm a fool for loving him. He's a fool for loving me. We already know that. But I would never be foolish enough to intentionally hurt him. How dare you accuse me of using him. Yes, I'm probably not worth of him, but nobody ever will be."

"Aw, Albel, that's so sweet!" Fayt said warmly, happily hugging Albel again.

"Eww!" Sophia shrieked. "How dare you hug him! You're both men!"

"So?" Albel said calmly. "Love does not know genders. What difference does it make other than that Fayt cannot bear my children. I could care less if he was female or male. I love him, not his gender."

Fayt turned crimson. "Stop it. Don't discuss this in front of Sophia."

Sophia scowled. "You two are lovers?"

"Not exactly," Fayt said reluctantly. "We haven't' done anything yet.

"Except kiss," Albel reminded him.

Fayt turned bright red. Sophia looked outraged. "You kissed Fayt? That's disgusting!"

"I'd do it again any time," Albel said cheerfully. "You're just jealous because Fayt doesn't love you."

"Albel, that wasn't nice," Fayt growled.

Albel merely shrugged and pulled the covers closer around him. Sophia gave Albel a hateful look and socked him hard in the chest. Albel let out a hiss of breath and winced painfully.

"Sophia, that was totally uncalled for!" Fayt cried out. He immediately turned his attention to Albel. "Easy, I'll get you some more pain medication that the doctor left."

Sophia stood up, her eyes brimming with angry tears. "I can't believe you, Fayt. I used to think you were a nice guy. But you and that demon warrior are nothing but a couple of whores!" She stormed out of the room.

Fayt sighed. "I'm sorry, Albel. I'm sorry you had to hear all that."

Albel smirked. "I'm used to it by now. I've been called a demon many times, but whore is new to me. Well, I guess you finally had to choose between me and Sophia and I won. You tried your hardest to keep both of us, but she blew it. Don't feel bad, Fayt."

Fayt crawled into bed next to Albel. "I guess you're right. I was trying hard not to have to choose, but she made up my mind for me. I wish she could have been able to tolerate you, but we can't always have what we want."

Albel frowned. "What I want right now is to go hunting."

"You can't, not for awhile. You have to say in bed. Doctor's orders."

Albel groaned. "I don't need to stay in bed for a month because of some broken ribs. It won't hurt to walk around a little, will it?"

"Just as long as you don't try to kill anyone, I think you'll be fine. In fact…" Fayt brightened. "The doctor said there were hot springs somewhere near town that might be good for healing purposes."

"Alright then. For your sake, it had better be a long walk."

Fayt and Albel walked through the large expanse of rock soil. Hidden between large boulders were small pools of warm water. The place looked fine, but Fayt was uneasy. Fayt glanced over the area quickly and noticed a piece of shiny metal. He dipped his finger into one of the pools and then trailed it across the metal. The water stayed, leaving a light brownish stain. Fayt frowned.

Albel picked up on Fayt's worry, but did not notice anything wrong about the place himself. "What's the matter with you, fool?"

"Nothing," Fayt said quickly.

"Have it your way," Albel grumbled, stepping close to one of the pools. He glanced mischievously at Fayt. He would find a way to get the boy to tell him what was wrong. He knelt and cupped his hands into the water and poured it into his mouth.

"Stop!" Fayt yelped. "The water's poisonous."

Albel raised an eyebrow and put a hand on his hip, shaking his head at the foolishness of the boy, to try to keep secrets from him. His cheeks were still filled with water. He spat and Fayt jumped back, the water barely missing his shoe. For good measure, Albel wiped his tongue on his shirt sleeve.

Albel chuckled. "Silly fool. I have been here before. I know the water is not safe for consumption. You were going to wait until I drank some to tell me, then?"

Fayt looked embarrassed. "Well, I just assumed you would know, somehow. You know a lot about killing people so I thought you would know all about poisons too. But when you looked about to drink some...well, I couldn't let you die after you had just almost died yesterday."

Albel grinned. "Fayt, you are priceless. I do not die so easily. But, it always helps to know how concerned you are for my safety."

Fayt blushed fiercely. "God, I'm a fool."

"Yes you are. But you're my fool. Now, we didn't come all this way just to look at the toxic water. It's okay to swim in it, as long as you don't swallow any."

Albel sat down on the water's edge and removed his boots, dangling his feet into the water. He glanced back at Fayt. "Care to join me, fool?" Fayt obediently sat and kicked off his own shoes.

Albel glanced out across the water, in an introspective mood. His sword was placed behind him and his claw to the side. Fayt said nothing and let Albel brood. A sudden noise caught his attention and he turned to look, but saw nothing except a bird. A splash of water brought his attention back to Albel.

Albel was now in the pool up to his waist. His shirt was off and piled next to the rest of his clothes beside the bank. Fay's jaw dropped open. "How did you-"

Albel smirked. "How did I get undressed so fast? When you're at war, you're not allowed the luxury of ten minutes to get dressed and undressed." Albel dipped his head under water and tossed his head back, scattering droplets of water from his wet hair. "Come on in, Fayt. The water feels nice."

Fayt colored slightly. "But..erm..you're…"

Albel sighed patiently. "Yes, Fayt. All I'm wearing is bandages. But I promise I'll stay underwater. You won't have to see anything. Now, please take off your shirt."

Grudgingly, Fayt did as he was told. Albel grinned mischievously. "Now the rest of your clothes."

"No," Fayt said firmly.

Albel frowned. "Fayt, I won't rape you or anything. I give you my word."

"I know, I know. I trust you. But I don't want you looking at me."

Albel rolled his eyes. "Fine. I'll give you to the count of ten. You better be undressed by then. One…two…"

Fayt quickly tried to pull off his pants, but in his hurry, he lost his balance and with a yelp, he tumbled into the pool.

Albel looked amused. "You're supposed to take off your clothes before getting in the water, fool." He yanked Fayt's pants the rest of the way off. "Here, I'll be generous. You can keep your underwear on since you're so worried about me looking at you. But, I don't envy you at all when you have to walk home. Think about how they'll stick to you and-"

"Enough! I get it," Fayt grumbled.

Albel settled further into the water so only his head was visible. "Fayt?"

"Yes, Albel?"

"The bandages seem to have come off in the water."

Fayt choked back a laugh. "Yes, bandages tend to do that."

"So now I'm completely naked."

Fayt blushed. "Don't remind me."

Albel smirked. "My, what will we do when we want to go home?"

"I'll cover my eyes."

Albel scowled. "That's not very fun."

"Do you want to traumatize me or something?"

"Insults! This means war!" Albel splashed water at Fayt.

Fayt put his hands up and turned his face to the side. He laughed. "A duel! Is that the best you can do, Lord Albel?"

"I do have my sword with me," Albel said thoughtfully. "I can just jump out of the water and get it…"

"NO! I mean...no, that's not necessary."

Albel threw his head back and laughed. "I really do enjoy your company, Fayt. You're too innocent for your own good and so much fun to tease."

Fayt sighed. "Albel, it's getting late."

Albel glanced at the sky. "So it is. Sunset. We ought to be back at the inn by nightfall or some people may jump to wrong conclusions. I won't name names, but we may as well leave just the same. Too bad we didn't bring towels with us."

Fayt looked about anxiously. "Well, I'm getting out anyway. I'll look the other way to give you some privacy."

"So noble of you," Albel grumbled, slipping silently into his clothes. He picked his sword back up and placed a hand on Fayt's shoulder. "Are we ready to go back now?"

"I suppose so," Fayt said tiredly, leaning against Albel.

"I'm NOT going to carry you, fool. I need to rest, remember? I don't think lifting you was part of the doctor's orders."

Fayt yawned. "Can we just sleep right here? I'm tired."

"We are going to the inn, where we'll have soft beds and safe water…okay?"

Fayt wasn't listening. He had already dozed off. Albel rolled his eyes and gave Fayt a hard kick in the side.

"Owww! That hurt. What was that for?"

"Move, maggot! We are going to the inn because I say so. I will not sleep outside."

"Fine," Fayt said sullenly. "May I sleep in your room again?"

"Yes, if that will get you going. I don't want you falling asleep on your feet again."

"Yes, your wickedness." Fayt gave Albel a quick salute and was already running down the path before Albel had time to register what Fayt had said and to decide he didn't like that name.