"I see your arm is better." Laslow said as he sharpened a sword in the backroom of the Weapon's shop.

"Yes. And I can do manual work again, if you know what I mean." Niles replied at the times his hand was wiping a spear from to top to bottom with a suggestively glance. Laslow blushed and looked away.

"I'm so happy for you." He said sarcastically, and wondering why, for all the people that were in the army, was Niles his partner today.

"So... Laslow. How are things with Saizo?"

And that was the very reason why he didn't like being alone with Niles.

"Everything it's all right. He's a great friend." Laslow replied, not wanting to say more. He knew the Outlaw would try to get more information from him.

"Did you ask him about the kiss?" He asked trying not to laughing.

"Yes." He rolled his eyes, tired of the subject. "He said he knew I was drunk and I had nothing to worry about it. He's not angry." He sheathed the sword in its corresponding scabbard and took another to continue sharpening.

"That's great news. And... something else has happened between you two?"

"No." He replied, narrowing his eyes. "Come on, Niles, I know this is fun for you. But let's face it, what would someone like him could see in me? "

"Well. You are a good man. You are strong, honest. You care about others. Also you dance in a very sensual way, and is very easy to make you blush. It's fun to bother you."

"I didn't ask you what YOU think of me." He sighed in defeat. "Whatever... Saizo was sent on a spying mission several days ago. So I haven't heard from him since then..." Oh-oh. Why he told him that?

"I see..." Niles would normally have pressured him to keep talking, but hearing his worried tone of voice he decided to be respectful and approach the subject from another perspective. "I pretty sure he's fine. Saizo is a tough cookie. I fear more for the lives of his adversaries."

"... Yes, you're right." He said laughing, and feeling a little relieved by the words of comfort. Though he never thought of hearing them from the white-haired man's mouth. "You know? My first encounter with Saizo was... terrifying. If Peri hadn't been with me, he would surely have killed me."

"But now we're all on the same side." Said Takumi approaching them. "I'm sorry if I interrupt something. There was no one at the counter and I had to search for you. "

"Oh! Prince Takumi, do you need something?" Laslow asked immediately, hopeful that the Prince wouldn't have heard much of the conversation.

"No. I'm fine. I came to see Niles."

"To what do I owe this honor, my prince?" Niles asked rising from his chair.

"Corrin asked me to supervise your workouts. So I'll be waiting for you in a few minutes at the archery shooting field. "

"...With all due respect, Prince Takumi, I think I have managed very well just by myself. Doesn't Lord Corrin trust my abilities?" He said with a hurt look. Had he done anything wrong that made Corrin to distrust him?

"No, in the contrary." Takumi smiled. "He knows you'll do your best, even if that means neglecting your barely healed arm. That's why I'll be the one to make sure you woudn't hurt yourself by trying harder. Believe me, I'm the one who knows better the frustration that you feel when you cannot get a shot right because of the pain. "

"... Yes. You're right. Please excuse my impertinence." Said Niles, because that was true. His arm still ached and he was very frustrated that he still couldn't hold the bow firmly. In addition, of all the people he knew, Takumi was an outstanding archer. "Prince Takumi, I want to thank you for your willingness. I'm sure Lord Leo will also appreciate your concern." He added with a half smile, pleased with Takumi's immediate reaction.

"...Oh, yeah. You are one of Prince Leo's retainer." Takumi said as if he had just remembered it. But it was obvious, even to Laslow, that he was pretending because was ashamed. Although the dancer needed to hear Niles' next comment to understand why.

"I just hope Lord Leo is not the only reason why you agreed to take care of me."

"Of course not!" Takumi exclaimed with a frown, his face slightly flushed. "I do this for Corrin. And for you too, Niles. You saved my sister Sakura. And, while you may not believe it, Corrin cares a lot for you. "

"Of course I can believe that. Lord Corrin cares for everyone." He replied with a sigh. Corrin was the kind of person who cared about even for strangers, so knowing that didn't make him feel special. "And you? Do you also care about Lord Leo? "

"Niles!" Laslow admonished him in a low voice. He already knew that tone of voice; Niles was trying to get Takumi to admit that he was in love with Leo.

"S-sure. Now we are on the same side. If something happened to Prince Leo... or to his siblings, it would be a problem and we couldn't sign the peace between the two kingdoms. And... eh... what were you talking about Saizo a moment ago?" He asked, changing the subject, which caused Laslow to be alarmed and Niles laughed.

"We were just talking about what a good friend is he for Laslow."

"Oh, so it's true." Takumi said thoughtfully. "I must say that I am surprised that you are friends with Saizo. Because of his sullen attitude it's difficult to approach him. Only my brother and Kaze are able to hold a conversation with him without being intimidated. And... I just remembered it, but once I saw him smile when Ryoma asked him what he thought of Prince Xander's retainer. He seems to have you in high esteem, Laslow. "

"Y-You think that? It's ... good to know." Laslow said, unable to avoid a blush. It made him happy to know that Saizo speaks so well of him. What he didn't like was Niles' mischievous grin, it was clear what he was suggesting.

"Yes. And I hope your friendship continued. Knowing that several people from both kingdoms have found friends makes me realize that this alliance was necessary." Takumi said with deep sincerity. "Oh, but let's leave this talk for later. Niles. I'll give you five minutes to get ready." The Outlaw nodded. "And Laslow, someone else will come to take the Niles' shift." He added before leaving the store.

"So ... Saizo seems to have you in high esteem." He commented with a mischievous look.

"Don't start..."

"I was just saying..."

"No." Laslow, in jest, threatened him with the sword he had been sharpening.

"All right, all right. I shut up." He laughed, and kept the weapons he have been cleaning and then followed Takumi's footsteps.

After a few minutes, Laslow finished sharpening the last sword and decided to return to the counter. Then he met Keaton, who was looking curiously the things in the store.

"Hey, Keaton." He greeted him. "Are you looking for a weapon?" He asked confused. The wolfskin used to attack only using their claws.

"Oh! Laslow." He smiled and jumped on him to hug him. "You smell so good today!"

"Tha-thanks. You can let me go now, you are hurting me." When Keaton released him, he spoke again. "What are you doing here?"

"Eh..." Keaton's face turned pink and his ears fell. "Well, I'm looking for a gift for Kaden, for his birthday. But I cannot think of what give him. We have very different tastes... I thought maybe you would want to help me. "

"I'd say you two rather have contrary tastes." Laslow commented with a hand on his chin. "Let me think... How about a new brush?"

"No, he already has too many."

"Clothes?"

"I don't know his size..."

"Uh... Well, then I don't know. You're his boyfriend, you're the one who should know best. But, knowing Kaden, anything you give him he will liked it. "

"I know! But Kaden is so special to me. I don't want he think that I don't take our relationship seriously."

"Wow, Keaton, that's very mature of you." Laslow must have admitted that, deep down inside, he felt very envious of them having each other. Still, he was happy for his friend. "Ok. Think of something that Kaden said he likes or he need."

"Uhmm... He likes shiny things."

"What kind of shiny things?"

"I think anything pretty that shines."

"Then use your ability to find treasures and look for something shiny. I'm sure Kaden will appreciate your effort."

"... Oh! Of course! How didn't I think of that before?" He exclaimed cheerfully. "You are so intelligent! Thank you! I'll do it right now! "

"It wasn't really that hard to think ..." He murmured to himself, but the wolfskin had already left so he couldn't hear him. When Laslow tried to return to the counter, he felt a presence that put him on guard. "Who's there?"

"My apologies. I hope I didn't scare you." Kaze said appearing in front of the dancer. "I'm here to help you with the store."

"Oh, great." Laslow smiled, bringing a hand to his chest and giving a snort of relief. For a moment he thought it was Saizo, but he realized that his mistake was understandable, after all Kaze and Saizo were twins. "All right. But there is not much to do in the store right now, almost no customers. I think we can rest by now." He said as he stretched his arms to relax.

"I see..." For a moment it seemed that Kaze wanted to say something else, but he kept silent.

"Is something wrong?" The dancer asked, already worried that the ninja didn't move.

"No. I was thinking about my brother..."

"Eh?! Did something happen to Saizo?" He asked quickly, and the green-haired man smiled.

"No, he's fine, I mean, I hope so. A few hours ago a report came from him saying that everything went fine and he will return tomorrow. And well... I must admit I was worried. I know he usually has long-running missions, and that I should already be accustomed, but..."

"I understand." Laslow replied with a seriousness face. "He's your family, it's only natural that you worry about him."

"Yes. And I'm glad to hear that you care about him, too. "

"Ah... uh... Yeah, well. He's my friend."

"And I hope you always be his friend. Since you appeared in his life he has behaved less grumpy and smiles more often, especially if we are talking about you. "

"Kaze... you have a too romantic way to talk, you're making me think on wrong things." Laslow said turning his head away so the other man can't notice his blush.

"I'm often told that. I'm sorry if I made you feel uncomfortable." He frowned and hoped he hadn't offended him.

"No no. It's okay. I'm actually flattered. Seriously." He said to reassure him. Talking about Saizo, with his twin, didn't seems wise, since he wasn't even sure of what he felt for him. "Ah. I just remembered that I need to move some boxes. Can you help me?"

The ninja nodded. And they didn't touch the subject again.

If you have any suggestion of Yaoi pairings, please let me know ;D