Lookie! I have time to write a wonderful chapter for my wonderful readers! Now the one thing that I will apologize for in this chapter is that you won't find out who that seraphim shaped shadow is… In fact, I am doing much in my power to make you wonder even more.

Now, to thank my reviewers!

StickmanRVR

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You're all wonderful and I love you all. Anyways… ONWARD!

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Chapter 7 Starlit Sympathy

Zelos woke to the smell of omelets cooking. He looked over his shoulder to see that Lloyd had already gotten up, but hadn't cleaned up after himself. Still half-asleep, he poked his head out of to find Kratos looking after breakfast and Yuan packing their bags, but no Lloyd in sight. Perplexed, the redhead climbed out of searching for the red-clad swordsman. He started to chew on his lip in confusion; the seraphim didn't look worried slightest way.

Figuring that the other boy had just gone for a whiz, the former Chosen turned around and climbed back into the tent to get himself in order. He had only gotten his head and right side through before something large sprung out at him.

"Aieeeee!" Zelos screamed, falling backwards and dangerously close to the fire. Lloyd stepped out of the tent holding his sides and laughing.

"You know, Zelos, you kinda scream like a girl," he pointed out before extending his hand to the stunned redhead. Blushing furiously, Zelos slapped Lloyd's arm away and jumped up huffily.

"I do not," he pouted. After a moment he stuck his tongue out at the twin- swordsman. Kratos who had a headache, glared at them.

"What are you two? Three!" Both boys sweatdropped.

-

Breakfast went without a hitch. Soon they were packed and as soon as Yuan had successfully confiscated the dark bottles from Kratos, they were off.

Nearing afternoon, Zelos and Lloyd had gotten rowdy again, and Yuan was humming. All three of them were giving the auburn-haired swordsman a wide berth.

As the morning progressed, Kratos had gotten redder and redder. By noon, he was twitching and grinding his teeth. Everyone was worried that he literally explode.

By some sort of miracle, this state lasted until they got to Iselia forest. The moment they entered the wood, Kratos unsheathed his sword and began slashing wildly. Yuan backed up and they fell into a line…ish.

Kratos cleared the way for them while Yuan and Zelos pushed Lloyd in front of them while hiding behind him.

This mood lasted until they reached the stream in front of Dirk's house.

Suddenly, the auburn-haired seraphim sheathed his sword and sat down, cross-legged.

"Is- is he meditating?" Zelos whispered incredulously. Yuan edged around slowly.

"I think he is," he whispered.

"Should we leave him here?" Lloyd asked without bothering to lower his voice.

"Yes," Kratos stated firmly. The other three jumped and swiftly walked away.

-

A few hours later, when the purple-clad swordsman had effectively cooled down, He and Yuan stood side by side in front of Anna's grave. Kratos was dutifully reporting to his deceased wife with fingers laced in the blue-haired seraphim's.

Zelos was watching wistfully from the bacony. He was surprised when a hand appeared in front of him holding a handkerchief. Curiously, he followed the arm up to it's owner's face.

Lloyd had come up and was watching the seraphim as well. Zelos looked at him questioningly. Frowning, Lloyd turned to the former Chosen and wiped his tears for him. Zelos touched his own face. He hadn't even realized that he'd been crying. He turned from his friend and sighed.

"Really, Zelos… Now, what's up?"

"Nothing much."

Lloyd pursed his lips and smiled a bit, "Zelos, that's not fair. I pour my heart out and you give me nothing."

The pink-clad swordsman chuckled a bit, "I'm sorry Lloyd. Will you ever find it in your heart to forgive me?"

"Hmmmm… of course! Really though, what's wrong?" Lloyd took on a serious tone. Zelos, sho though he could get away without saying another word, sighed.

"I guess it's about watching Kratos visit your mother reminds me of my own parents. Really, it makes me think of what I always wished they were like. My father and mother hated each other, but he still could've done her the courtesy of visiting her grave after his mistress murdered her. Hell, he could've gone to her funeral." Reflexively, he sniffed. Instantly, Lloyd was hugging him.

Somehow, although the former chosen was taller, he was nestled against the twin-swordsman's chest.

"I'm sorry, Zelos."

The redhead pushed Lloyd back reluctantly, " What do you mean' I'm sorry?' As far as I know, you didn't do a thing."

The brunette chuckled, "I guess you're right. Hmm… How about this: I'll be you're family!"

Zelos would've exploded from happiness. He pushed back the urge to dance and smiled warmly, "Really?"

"Of course. We're best buds, aren't we?"

A short distance away, someone smiled.

-

Lloyd lay on his bed staring at the neatly sawn planks directly above him. Everyone had already gone to bed; they had a long day ahead of them.

His thoughts moved sluggishly at a half-asleep tempo.

Zelos smiling warmly… now there was a comforting thought. Only half aware of his train of thought, he drifted beyond the border of slumber welcomed by this joyful vision.

'That's right, Zelos. I'll be your family…'

-

Zelos was on his back, fingering the simple cotton handkerchief Lloyd had pressed upon him. He reflected that he must look stupid lying on his sleeping bag on the floor in the middle of the kitchen/ ground floor. He would've slept in Dirk's old room, but no one knew where the damned thing was.

Glancing to either side of him to make sure that no one was watching, he held the folded square up to his face and took a deep whiff.

He could've drowned in the underlying scent of Lloyd. Beyond the scent of soap and the hint of leather was a rich medley of cinnamon and cream which didn't surprise him in the least.

After all, the twin-swordsman had cinnamon brown eyes… smelled great… was… del…i…ci…ous.

Zelos drifted off to sleep dreaming lovely Lloyd dreams.

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Okay, just to make sure no one is confused… Dirk has gone back to the other dwarves… Unfortunately, to avoid some rather awkward situations, Dirk has no place in this fic…. Directly.

You'll all find out about that seraphim shaped shadow in a couple of chappies. Really, you will.

Now, Please review. I must admit, I become rather reluctant to post new chapters if I don't have plenty of reviews. If this sounds slightly like a threat, it kind of is. I will hold my chapters hostage unless I get reviews…