Howdy! How is everyone this fine afternoon (or evening, depending on when you read this)? I...am tired. But no suprise there, and that won't stop me from updating! Enjoy!

alpha2nd: Yep, Kanone is really giving it his all, but he'll get that...um...break. Heh, nope no sleeping planned for that. Yep, that's the big suprise. I got my math test back today since I had to finish it, and she had checked the first three pages and I only got one off on those, so that's a good sign. I don't think I did too good on chemistry, but I'll find out tomorrow! You're welcome for the update, thanks for reviewing!

none: Kanone and Eyes are the best couple ever. As for you lemon problem, there's one in the 15th chapter of my fic, The Happiness of Those Who Believe, on this site. So hopefully that will hold you off until I get around to the one for this fic. It will probably be in the next chapter. Thanks for reviewing!

CeTe:Heh, I was a little jealous, too, and realized I would never look as good in anything that Eyes wears. He's just too cool for his own good. Is it that much torture? I only make you wait a day, and the only reason you're so hooked is because I make you wait. If I just gave you all 20 chapters at once, it wouldn't be as interesting, now would it? Well, I think that's how many it will be, but who knows? Oh well, thanks for reviewing!

Eyes didn't make it the rest of the night, and crawled back into bed around 2 in the morning. Kanone was fast asleep, and Eyes wondered what time he would get up. He really wanted to see Kanone before he left, since he didn't know when the older one would be getting back. Snuggling up against Kanone and putting his arms around the broad chest in a hug, Eyes tried to think about anything to keep him awake. He tried thinking about what possible suprise Kanone could have gotten him, but found that useless.

About and hour and a half later, Eyes was rewarded for his insomnia when Kanone stirred beside him. The latter turned over and smiled at Eyes, "Good morning." He whispered, leaning over to kiss the boy.

Eyes just hugged Kanone tighter, not wanting him to leave, "Good morning." He whispered back.

Kanone sighed, content for now just to hold his boyfriend, "So, you actually stayed up all night?" He asked, slightly amused.

Eyes nodded, "Did you get enough sleep? It's only been a few hours." He pointed out.

Kanone realized he was right, he'd only been asleep for 5 and a half hours. Yawning, Kanone closed his eyes, "Maybe a few more hours woudln't hurt." Eyes was happy to hear this and rested his head on Kanone's chest, hoping he would change his mind about leaving. A suprise was nice, but Kanone was better.

Unfortunately, 6 o'clock rolled around, and Kanone was once again awake. He had managed to pry Eyes off of him around 5:30, and had finally gotten ready to leave. Now the two were standing in their living room, and Kanone was handing Eyes his present, "Here, just like I promised. Merry Christmas."

Eyes slowly opened the small box to reveal the choker he had been looking at. He had wanted to get it, but he wanted to get Kanone's ring even more. Eyes now looked at the other one, "How did you know I wanted this?" He thought back and couldn't remember telling Kanone about it, so how did he find out?

An explanation of, "I have my ways." and a slight chuckle was all he got for an answer.

Eyes quickly removed the jewelry from the box, and put it around his neck. Of course, it fit him perfectly, not to mention that he looked born to wear it. His slender neck being perfectly complimented, not obstructed, by the small strap, "Thank you." He said, kissing Kanone.

"You're welcome." Kanone stared at Eyes for a second, thinking once again what an angel he looked like, "I'll see you later, but I might not be back until tonight."

Eyes nodded, "Hurry back." He told Kanone.

Smiling, said boy turned to leave, "I will." He promised, "I love you, Eyes."

This sounded a bit suspicious to Eyes, like his goodbye was permanent, and that they would never see one another again, "I love you, too." However, was the response that came. Without another word, Kanone left, and Eyes was all alone in the quiet house due to the fact that no one was up yet.

(A/N: How much would you all kill me if I stopped here? Hehehe, but I won't, mostly for fear of my life.)

As the day progressed, Eyes got more and more anxious waiting for Kanone to return. He tried to busy himself with cleaning or cooking, but eventually there was nothing left to clean and he didn't want to cook food that no one would eat. He had no idea what the other 50 some residents of the house were doing, but after breakfast he hadn't seen hide nor hair of any of them. Walking down the hall to the bathroom, Eyes heard some commotion coming from a room near his and Kanone's. Leaning his ear against the door, he glared at the familiar sounds.

"Stop it, please." He heard a small boy whine, and then an older chuckle.

"Why would I do that, you know you like it." Then he heard a loud smack and the boy gasped, "Now keep your mouth shut. Unless you want to make me angrier."

"Stop it or I'll tell." The boy warned, his last defense was a weak one.

"Tell who? Kanone won't believe you. And even if he does, he would be so ashamed of you for being weak, do you want that?" He just heard a sob, but Eyes knew from experience that they boy was giving in to the lies.

Angered, he threw open the door that the older man, Mike, had left unlocked in his rush to get into the boy's pants. Spinning around, Mike glared at Eyes, "What are you doing?" The silver haired boy asked, looking back and forth from Mike to the boy, Jeremy.

Mike, who was pantless at the moment, glared, "We're just having a little fun. Now get out of here, or else you're next."

Jeremy, who was completely naked and curled up on the floor looked at Eyes with fear, "Go, he's serious!"

Eyes only smirked, "Do you even know who I am?" He questioned the older man.

"Couldn't care less." The stupidly oblivious Mike answered.

"I'm Kanone's boyfriend, Eyes. He'll believe anything I tell him, so don't try to threaten me."

Mike looked uncertain, "How do I know you're telling the truth?"

Eyes wondered how stupid this man was, it wasn't like him and Kanone kept their relationship a secret, "Do you really want to take that chance?"

Mike hesitated again, "What do you care if I mess with this kid, he's just a slave."

"So am I." Was Eyes' response.

These words regsitered with Mike and he finally admitted defeat, "Damn you." Were his parting words as he pushed past Eyes out of the room, pants in hand.

Jeremy looked from the door to Eyes in shock. Eyes, however was not shocked at all, and walked over to sit next to the frightened boy, who looked to be only about 8 or 9, "Are you alright?"

Jeremy was hesitant about Eyes, but decided to trust him and nodded, "Thank you." He whispered, looking down in shame.

"How long has this been going on?" Eyes asked.

"I don't know, a couple months." Came the soft reply.

"Why didn't you say anything to Kanone or me, or anyone else for that matter?"

"Mike said none of you would believe me because he had such a good reputation." It was true, Mike was one of the hardest workers there, and he always had a smile to offer whoever would happen to pass by.

But what Eyes saw wasn't fake like Mike's mask, "I know very well that neither Kanone nor myself would just ignore something like this." He said, "If it ever happens again, you come to us immediately, understand?"

Jeremy nodded, and took his clothes when Eyes offered them, "Thank you." He said again.

"Will you be okay for the rest of the day?" The older boy asked, remembering how he felt when he was that age and that same thing was happening to him. How he had wished then for someone to come and rescue him, but now he could help someone in the same position and he would.

The boy nodded, but said nothing to confirm it. After he was fully clothed, he looked to Eyes, "Thank you again." He said, before turning to leave.

Eyes wasn't about to let that happen, though and he quickly reached to boy and grabbed his wrist lightly to stop him. The boy turned around, frightened of Eyes' intentions, "Don't be afraid of me." Eyes assured him, "I know what you're going through, and I know how you feel."

Pulling his wrist away, the boy stared with wide eyes, "How could you possibly know what I'm going through. You have Kanone, and he's the nicest person in the world!" The boy was on the verge of tears, how could Eyes possibly understand what he was going through?

"Because for the 10 years before I met Kanone, I was going through a lot worse of a hell than you are." Eyes replied calmly, though he was annoyed by the boy's lack of trust in him. Though, he couldn't really blame the boy. Seeing what he's been through, Eyes wouldn't blame him if he never trusted anyone again. It was a miracle for the older one to have found Kanone, but this boy didn't have much of a chance at getting that lucky. After all, Kanone was taken.

Considering the older one's words carefully, Jeremy sniffed back a sob, "But...you have Kanone now, so everything's better, right? I'll never have that." It was like the younger one could read Eyes' mind.

"Just because I'm better off now, doesn't mean I don't know how you feel." Eyes pointed out.

Jeremy nodded, "Okay, but what exactly do you want?"

"Only to help you. Just know that I'll be here if you need to talk or anything, Kanone too."

Jeremy bit his lower lip, contemplating something. Finally he looked back up at Eyes' blue orbs with tired green ones, "I don't want to go back there with the rest of them. I know what they'd think of me, not everyone is as understanding as you."

Eyes nodded, knowing exactly what the other boy was talking about. Another reason he hated Chase's (as if the man himself wasn't enough of a reasons, right?) was because everyone knew what Chase did to Eyes. It was hard to hide the limp that could only come from a few things, and bruises in the shape of a hand on his hips. Oh yes, they knew all too well what was going on; however, none of them ever offered any solace or anyone to talk to. They just ignored his pain, and he vowed not to let that happen to Jeremy, "I know." Was the only repsonse that came, right now he wanted Jeremy to talk. When that didn't happen, Eyes continued, "You need to get some sleep." He offered.

Jeremy nodded, "I know, but what if he comes back?" Of course that was his main fear, it was everyone's fear when they were in the boy's position.

Thinking for a moment, Eyes stood, "Follow me."

Jeremy did, and a moment later they were in Eyes and Kanone's room, "Isn't this Kanone's room?" Jeremy asked, "I thought he said for us not to come in here." And he had indeed told them that. Kanone liked his privacy, and didn't want it invaded by random people coming in whenever they pleased.

"He did, but this is my room, too. And I think we can make an excpetion for you; besides, Mike wouldn't think of coming in here."

Jeremy nodded, and walked over to the bed, looking once more at Eyes, "Are you sure...?" He asked, hesitantly.

Eyes nodded, "If I wasn't I wouldn't have suggested it, now get some sleep." With that, he turned to leave.

But Jeremy stopped him, "Wait!" He shouted, then looked around as if he would be hit for doing so. Eyes turned to glance at the boy, waiting for him to continue, "Will...will you stay with me?"

Eyes was about to decline, when he realized that would hurt the poor boy even more. Besdies, he needed something to do to pass the time, so he walked over to the bed and slid in under the covers, motioning for Jeremy to do the same. He did so a little akwardly, but finally adjusted. Before he knew what was happening, Eyes wrapped an arm around him and pulled him closer. Jeremy didn't object, though he did tense up at first, but Eyes quickly calmed him down, "Just relax." He whispered. That was all it took and Jeremy was out like a light. Not having anything else to do except stare at the ceiling, Eyes followed suit and was soon asleep as well.

He wasn't sure what time it was, but Eyes woke up to someone whispering his name and...poking him? Annoyed, his shining blue eyes snapped opened to meet amused gold ones. Eyes' expression immediately went from annoyed to loving as he saw that Kanone was back. Kanone however, was still amused, "And what is that?" He asked, pointing to Jeremy, who was cliging to Eyes.

Eyes didn't bother defeding himself, he knew Kanone wouldn't assume anything bad, "I'll explain later." He told Kanone, and managed to slip out from under the younger boy.

"And after you thought I was cheating on you, I should just be okay with this?" Kanone asked, a smirk on his face.

Eyes' expression quickly changed back to annoyed, "I never said you were cheating on me, but the evidence did point to that, you can't deny it."

Kanone's smirk widened, "Oh, but I can, and I will." He informed Eyes, before kissing him. Then he turned his attention back to Jeremy, "So what is he doing in our bed if you're not sleeping with him?"

"I said I'd explain later." Eyes replied, a bit annoyed that Kanone was ruining this reunion. He had waited all day for Kanone to return, and now that he had, he was asking questions. Plus, if Jeremy wasn't really asleep, Eyes figured he didn't need to hear what had happened to him. Sometimes that was the hardest blow of all, because then you really had to accept it.

Seeing that Eyes wasn't giving up any information just yet, Kanone nodded, "Alright, then come downstairs, I've brought you a little something." He said, smirking at how much of an understatement that was.

Eyes, not getting it yet, stared at Kanone for a second with an inquisitive look on his face, "Alright." He said, and Kanone led the two the the top of the stairs.

Before they descended, Kanone turned to Eyes, "Now, don't love me too much after this, okay?"

Annoyed that Kanone was purposely delaying this whole thing, Eyes nodded, "Fine, would you rather I hate you for it?"

His tone was serious, but Kanone soon realized he was joking, "You need to be more obvious with your sarcasm." Kanone said, then laughed at Eyes' annoyed glare, "Alright, come on."

They finally reached the living room where a woman stood, looking down at the ground. She had long, black hair (Eyes got his hair from his father) that looked like it had never been cut, and her clothes were basically in rags. He could see long bruises tracing up her arms, legs, and chest through the holes in her thin shirt. Eyes felt a pang of nostalgia, but couldn't quite place where he'd seen the woman. He felt Kanone staring at him, and turned, "This is my suprise?"

Kanone looked a little disappointed and nodded, "Of course it is, you don't remember her?"

Eyes looked at the woman again, but couldn't place her. This worried Kanone, why couldn't he remember his own mother? Kanone walked over and placed a hand on the woman's shoulder. She immediately tensed up, but relaxed after a second, seeing that no harm was going to come to her. Kanone gently placed a hand under her chin, and lifted her face so her gaze met Eyes'. His piercing blue eyes met identical ones that belonged to the, now, not so unfamiliar woman. His eyes widened slighlty as the memories came flooding back. The familiar smell that not even years of abuse could wipe away came wafting through the air, and the kind eyes that he loved to stare into began to water. He felt guilty at this, and immediately went to her, stopping just in front of her and never breaking eye contact, "Mother." The word came out as a sigh more than anything.

She opened her mouth as if to talk, but then shut it again. She glanced quickly to Kanone, and then back to Eyes. Wondering why she wasn't saying anything, Eyes went to her and hugged her, holding her close to him. Finally, she realized that talking was not only an option, but expected, "My boy, it's really you?" She asked, hugging him back just as tightly. Eyes nodded and felt her warm tears soak through his shirt, "I've missed you so much, you have no idea. I came home that day, and you were just gone." She choked out.

"I know, I'm sorry." He whispered, regretting leaving her for all those years. However, knowing now that everything would be alright, perhaps it was for the best.

All of a sudden, Eyes felt arms wrapping around his waist, and he tilted his head back to see Kanone nuzzling his shoulder, "Merry Christmas." He whispered into Eyes' ear.

Eyes hesitated, but finally released his mother to turn and face Kanone, hugging him instead, "Thank you." Was his reply, but Kanone heard all of the unspoken words, and knew Eyes was thanking him for so much more than just his mother. He released Kanone and turned back to his mother once more, but stopped so that both were in his line of vision.

Kanone now turned his attention to Eyes' mother, "So, Callia, you look like you're exhausted." He said, a gentle smile on his face.

Callia simply nodded, but Eyes glared at him, "Kanone, I would like to spend tonight with my mother, if you don't mind."

Kanone looked at Eyes, "I seem to recall that you already have a previous engagement." Kanone said, smirking. Eyes hesitated, not sure if Kanone was serious, but soon found out as the older one laughed, "Eyes, I'm joking. You know very well that I wouldn't be that cruel." Stepping closer, Kanone whispered, "Do you see now why I wanted to take care of other matters earlier?"

Eyes just sighed, "I don't think it will kill you to wait one more night." Eyes whispered back, smirking at Kanone's glare.

But instead of pursuing this matter, he simply kissed Eyes, "Alright, have a good night."

Eyes stopped him from retiring to his room for two reasons, the first being so he could pull him closer to kiss him passionately. And the other reason was, "Jeremy." He reminded Kanone.

Confused at first, Kanone then remembered the small boy in his bed, "Yes, what is that all about?"

Eyes didn't feel like explaining the whole thing, so instead he said, "I don't suppose you could just let him stay there for the night?"

Kanone chuckled, "Eyes, it's my room, and you haven't given me one good reason why he should be allowed to stay in it."

Eyes glanced to his mother, who was looking all around the house, amazed at the size and cleanliness of it, "Mother, could you excuse us for a moment?" Callia just looked to Eyes and nodded. Hating to leave her, but not wanting her to hear what had been going on, Eyes took Kanone into the kitchen.

Kanone saw the worried look on Eyes' face, and mimicked the expression, "Eyes, what is it?"

"I just found out today that Mike has been raping Jeremy for the past few months." He confessed.

"What? But Mike is such a good guy, I've never had a single problem with him." Kanone said, shocked at the news.

Eyes nodded, "I know, but I overheard them today, and when I asked Mike about it, he admitted to it." Kanone just shook his head in disbelief as Eyes continued, "Kanone, I know it might be a lot to ask, but just let him stay in our room for tonight. I know what he's going through and if you are cold to him right now, it might damage him for the rest of his life." Eyes looked down as he said this, less pleasant memories going through his head now.

Kanone considered this and nodded, "Alright, but we need to take care of this problem tomorrow." Eyes nodded and Kanone hugged him, "Look at you, a few months ago you were that boy, and now you're helping him. I'm proud of how far you've come, Eyes."

These words regsitered, and Eyes felt a wave of emotion run over him. Kanone was proud of him, that meant more to Eyes than anything. Anything, of course, except his mother. Remembering the woman that he abandoned still in the living room, Eyes gave Kanone a quick kiss, "I'll see you in the morning." He said.

Kanone nodded, and the two temporarily parted paths.

Okay, that took a lot longer than I expected. I need to go do the homework that I didn't do last night, but I promise that I will update this and Trust tomorrow! And we'll finally get to that damn lemon! Oh, and also I'll do a lot more with Callia in the next chapter and try to develop her character more so she's not just there, but has a purpose. And her name is greek, and means beautiful...just in case anyone cares. Sorry if there are any spelling errors or grammar errors, I don't have time to go over this and check for them. Review!