Sorry it took so long, guys, I just forgot how long it had been since you'd had an update. So here it is. It's a little short, and not a lot happens. I've set up for a bunch next chapter though, so I hope that makes up for my laziness! It doesn't? Crap…

Review pwease?

Sol's rays crept boldly into the room, illuminating the scene in all of its apparent disarray. This was complimentary of the one who resided there. Books were stacked messily on a solitary, small shelf, along with papers and other, random objects. Only the person's sword was kept clear, hung on the wall neatly, free of the mess. The floor fared no better, as it was cluttered with more books and many articles of clothing; some of which were distinctly out of place.

Tear was warm. She felt completely comfortable as the sunlight streamed in, slowly waking her from her pleasant dreams. Waking more, Tear eventually attempted to shift as she prepared to fully regain her senses. In doing so, the brunette hymnist found herself restrained and unable to move. Waking fully at this new development, Tear attempted to sit up, only to find the restraints around her waist were still in place. Opening her eyes, she gave a slight start at her surroundings, before realizing where she was: Luke's room. Her back was pressed into his chest and his arms were wrapped tightly around her waist, holding her firmly in place.

Shaking her head slightly, Tear attempted to clear it of the confused feelings and emotions that were interfering with her judgment. Her training was telling her that she was in a bad spot and that she should move: now. Yet her body had other plans. Anyway, there was no real harm in just lying there, was there? It was not like they were doing anything wrong. Last night, however…

At this, Tear sat bolt upright, dragging Luke with her. Turning to face him, she cried out frantically," L-Luke? D-did we? Last night? Did we…?" After all, maybe it had all just been a dream.

Blinking groggily, Luke attempted to focus his eyes as Tear was speaking. Finally adjusting his eyes, the redhead felt his face flare up at the sight that greeted his emerald eyes. Turning away politely, Luke pointed to Tear's chest.

"Um…uh, Tear?"

Looking down, Tear felt her own face heat up as she realized what Luke was pointing to. Grabbing the blankets and pulling them up over her bare torso, she leaned back against the headrest, trying to sort her thoughts. It was fairly obvious that last night had not been a dream. She still was not too sure how she felt about this though. She loved Luke, there could be no doubt about that. She would have waited her whole life for him to return without a second thought. Yet this was most certainly an unexpected development.

Sighing, the brunette hymnist shook her head slightly, what was she doing fretting over it anyway? What was done was done and there was no going back. In fact, she was not too certain how much she even wanted to. He had finally said what she had waited so long to hear, and that was enough for her.

Turning back to face him, Tear smiled when she laid eyes upon Luke. He was sitting there, long hair falling to cover part of his face, and pointedly looking anywhere but at her. It was really cute how embarrassed he was, although, it was not really her place to talk.

"Luke?"

Flinching slightly at Tear's voice, Luke tentatively turned to face her, almost afraid for what she might do to him. Swallowing the lump in his throat, the redhead eventually found his voice, "w-what is it, Tear?"

"We're going to have to talk later…but for now I think it would be best if I headed for my own room, before someone finds us," she replied matter-of-factly.

Luke blinked slightly in response to this, amazed that he was not being lectured—or worse. Eventually the redhead nodded weakly, the logic in Tear's words finally sinking in.

"Yeah, you're right," he replied, confidence returning now that he realized he was not going to get yelled at. Shoving the hair out of his face, he finally turned to look at Tear, smiling slightly. "Could you imagine? They'd never let us live it down…"

Suddenly, Tear did something very unexpected, she started to laugh. "Yeah, Anise would find some way to blackmail us, I'm sure."

Finding the laughter infectious, Luke let out a few chuckles too. "Yeah, well what about Jade? Could you imagine?"

Clapping her free hand over her mouth, Tear chuckled, "yeah, I'm sure that would go over well for us."

Luke paused momentarily, a goofy smile on his face as he imagined the outcome. Suddenly the redhead shuddered, letting out a slight groan.

"Luke? What is it?" Tear asked, leaning over to place a gentle hand on Luke's shoulder.

"Natalia."

Biting her lip, Tear blinked several times before nodding her head. "I should go…" she muttered, not even wanting to imagine what would happen if Natalia found out. The brunette songstress was pretty certain she would never see Luke alive again should that happen.

Nodding his agreement, Luke looked away to allow Tear a chance to get dressed.—to which the girl was thankful, as the night before still did nothing to ease her embarrassment.

"Okay."

Turning to face the voice, Luke found himself confronted by a fully clothed Tear, who greeted him with a smile.

"I'll see you later on," she whispered, then slipped out of the room without waiting for a reply.

Rolling over, Luke sighed slightly. That was so like Tear. Closing his eyes, the redhead allowed his thoughts to wander, knowing going back to sleep would be nigh on impossible at this point. He had likely only fallen asleep the night before out of pure exhaustion. So much had happened lately! Adding this into the equation simply left the noble's son feeling flustered. Flustered and with a lot to think about.

Once she escaped the confines of Luke's room, Tear slumped limply against the door for a moment. Taking several deep breaths, the brunette teen eventually righted herself and made for the room she was sharing with Anise, careful to avoid the guards as she did so. The songstress was also left with a lot to think about.—to think about and maybe to be slightly afraid of. The teen had never found herself in such a situation before, nor with such feelings, and she was not entirely certain what to think; and she most certainly was not sure what she had been thinking the night before. She knew that what she had done was morally wrong, yet somehow she could not find it in herself to regret it. That fact scared her the most. If she did not regret it now, then what was to stop it from happening in the future? Would she even want to stop it?

Stopping sharply at this thought, Tear shock her head fiercely before striding on purposefully. Now was not the time to be thinking such things.

Arriving at the door to their room, Tear inched it open slowly, sighing with relief at seeing Anise still asleep. Creeping in she shut the door quietly before climbing straight into her bed. She was not about to risk waking Anise by getting changed. Laying down, Tear settled herself onto her pillows in an effort to get a little more sleep.

"So where were you all night?"

Tear groaned inwardly as she felt the bed she was lying on sag as extra weight was added to it.

"Tear, c'mon! You'd better be ready to 'fess up!"

Relenting, Tear sat up and allowed her eyes to settle on the small form of Anise seated comfortably on the foot of her bed. Taking a deep breath, tear braced herself for what was to come.

"What do you mean, Anise?"

"I mean about you not coming to bed last night! Just what were you and Luke up to that was so…important?"

Seeing Tear's crimson face, Anise let her jaw drop slightly.

"Wait…seriously?! Wow, this is seriously huge!"

"Shh! Anise, quiet down!" Tear demanded in a low hiss.

Grinning, Anise complied and dropped her tone.

"So you guys really…did it?"

"I-I never said that!" Tear yelped out, all training going out the window as she blushed harder.

Shaking her head, Anise chuckled, "no, but your face gives it away."

Sighing, Tear averted her gaze.

"Is it really that obvious…?" she asked reluctantly.

Yup!" the black-haired girl chirped out cheerfully. Seeing the slightly fearful look on Tear's face, Anise sighed, "but I'll keep quiet for you."

Looking up to meet Anise's eyes, Tear smiled gratefully.

"Thanks, Anise."

"It's fine! When you marry Luke you can pay me back, okay!" the teen grinned out, winking playfully. "You'll have money then."

Groaning, Tear flopped back onto her pillows. Some things would never change.

"Good night, Anise."

Laughing gleefully, the teen made her way back to her own bed.

"Night, Tear."

Some time later the group of six was once again gathered around the Fabres' breakfast table. Unable to control her grin, Anise continually glanced from Tear to Luke—who were sitting as far apart from one another as possible. It was not lost upon the rest of the table's occupants, either, how the two refused to look at one another.

Finally unable to stand the silence, Guy spoke up, "so, Jade, what do you make of what Luke told us last night?"

Shrugging, the colonel fiddled with his fork for a moment longer before replying, "I can't say anything for certain yet. This is going to require a extensive amount of research on, I should imagine, everyone's part. I've never heard of anything like this happening before." Pausing yet again, Jade fixed his glasses, shifting his focus to Luke. "Luke, how is it that you know all of this anyway?"

Glancing over to Jade, the redhead shrugged before replying, "I…I'm not too sure. I think Lorelei told me, but I don't recall for certain."

Nodding, Jade pushed his chair back and stood. He had been expecting such an answer.

"Well, I suppose I should be preparing to leave soon, as should the rest of you. Anise, a word with you please?"

Nodding eagerly, the former Fon Master Guard leapt to her feet and trotted out after the colonel.

Rising to her feet after the other two, Natalia nodded to the rest of the group. "Well, it has been a pleasure, but I too must be heading back to the palace to see Father."

Saying their goodbyes, the remaining three quickly dispersed in suite of the others. Tear heading back to her room, while Luke and Guy made for the courtyard.

"So, Luke."

"Yeah?"

"What were you and Tear up to last night?"

Flinching, Luke turned his attention to the ground, suddenly very intent on the stones beneath his feet.

"N-nothing! We…she just stopped in and then fell asleep while we were talking! T-that's all," he lied, blushing profusely.

"Luke…"

"W-what?!"

"You're lieing," Guy announced, "anyone can see it…well, anyone except maybe Natalia. The two of you are about as subtle as Natalia's lack of cooking skills."

Stopping, Luke looked up and frowned, "are we really that obvious?"

"'fraid so Luke. I'm afraid so."

Sighing, Luke met Guy's eyes for a moment before looking away. "Promise you won't tell Natalia?"

Guy laughed at this, "I promise; I really prefer you alive, anyway."

Luke winced at this.

"Thanks, Guy."

"Hey, no problem."

"What was it you wanted to see me about, Colonel?" Anise asked as the two walked the halls of the Fabre Manor.

"I'd like to take a trip to Daath for awhile. I imagine it would be the best place for me to get access to the information I need."

Nodding, Anise smiled happily.

"Sure! I can manage that, when did you want to come?"

"Immediately, if I can arrange it."

"Okay! You go talk to Peony and I'll let Grand Maestro Tritheim know!"

"Sounds good. Thank you, Anise."

"No problem!" she replied cheerfully before bounding off.

"…now the fun starts," Jade muttered solemnly to himself. He would never admit it, but this issue was worrisome. Anything foreign like that in the Fon Belt could prove dangerous.