D. N. Angel Fan Fiction / Final Fantasy - All Series Fan Fiction ❯ Sins of Innocence ❯ Sins of Innocence - 1 ( Chapter 1 )

~Sins of Innocence~

 

By: Aerys Krystie

 

A Roman Prince. A stable boy. Can they find comfort in the hands of the other? Or will a secret of the stable boy's past put them both to death?

 

 

 

 

~*~

 

Gold eyes looked at the black colt that was being brought through the double doors of the stables. Krad watched as the animal reared and bucked, trying to be free of the ropes and whips. The horse was magnificent. He was powerful, tall, almost fifteen hands already. Watching as the animal was forced into a stall, Krad caught a glimpse of the horse's eyes.

 

`Beautiful beast, isn't it?' The head of the stables, Raphael, stood beside Krad, rolling his whip up.

 

`Yes, he is. He will make the king very happy, once he is tamed.' Krad saw that the colt had a star of white on its forehead.

 

Raphael snorted. `That animal is not for the king. It will be a gift for their oldest son. Prince Seifer is said to be returning home shortly. See to it that the colt is broken in before then.' Krad watched as Raphael left his side. `Alright, you lazy sons of whores! Back to work!'

 

Krad looked at the colt. He got a handful of fresh hay, then made his way slowly over to the colt, his head lowered. `Easy, Bucephalus.'

 

`Bucephalus? The name of Alexander's horse, am I right?' a voice whispered into Krad's ear.

 

Krad gasped, spinning around. He stared into amused emerald eyes. `Yes, my lord, that is correct.'

 

Seifer straightened, looking at the colt, who reared. He grabbed the blond stable boy around the shoulders, taking him to ground. `He has one temper. He does not seem to like me very much.'

 

`Seifer! Get off that dirty stable boy,' a shrill, feminine voice cried.

 

`Prince Seifer!' Krad breathed, blushing softly. Well, I suppose that will explain his looks. `Please, forgive me, my lord.'

 

Seifer stood, holding his hand out to the stable boy, who shook his head and got up himself. `You have done nothing wrong, um…'

 

`Krad, my lord.' Krad bowed his head politely.

 

`See, Seifer? The boy knows his place. Set a horse up for my son at once!' Queen Helena ordered, looking around the stables, wrinkling her nose up in disgust.

 

`Yes, my lady. Is there any horse you would like, my lord?' Krad looked at Seifer's face, seeing a smirk which made him blush. However, it made him angry. Wonderful. Another rich, lazy, royal idiot. `Do you find something amusing, my lord?'

 

Seifer's smirk got more knowing. `Yes, stable boy. I find you amusing.'

 

Krad's eyes flashed as he saw Seifer's smirk change. `I shall get you a horse, my lord. Or, would you prefer a mare, so you can mate with it?'

 

The Queen's eyes opened wide. `How dare you speak to my son in that fashion! Raphael! Raphael!'

 

Krad gasped, knowing he was going to be whipped. `Yes, my queen?' Raphael stood beside Helena, who whispered something to Raphael, while pointing at Krad. `Of course, my queen.'

 

Krad walked over to Raphael, when the brunette beckoned to him. `Yes, master?'

 

The back of Raphael's hand connected hard with Krad's cheek, knocking the blond boy to the floor. `You insolent dog! Remove your tunic.' Raphael whistled. Two other men joined his side immediately.

 

Krad removed his tunic and stood with his back facing Raphael. The two other men each took one of Krad's arms, holding him in place, as Raphael rolled his whip out. `Stable master, that is not needed.'

 

`Prince Seifer, he must be punished.' Krad gritted his teeth as the whip sliced the skin of his back.

 

Krad was waiting for the third lash, but he felt nothing. `I said “that is not needed”. If I find out you have hurt him or anyone again, I will see to it that you are put to death.'

 

Raphael lowered the whip. `I am sorry, Prince Seifer. I was only following orders.'

 

`I know, stable master. Take him to my chambers. He will be back down once he is healed. Until then, you are one slave short, so double your work.' Seifer turned, and followed the two men that carried Krad.

 

~*~

 

Krad sighed as he was laid on his stomach, on a soft, fluffy surface. He could tell the two whiplashes were deep, due to the feeling of the blood pooling in the center of his back. He heard someone else the room, perceptive it was the prince.

 

Seifer set the bowl of water, which was mixed with burdock, figwort, red clover, and yellow dock, and clothe on the floor beside the bed. He wrung the clothe, running it over the lashes on the pale back. He heard the boy hiss softly at the pain. `Sorry.' Seifer dunked the clothe and wrung it again. `I am unsure on whether you were courageous or foolish in what you said.'

 

Krad's hands fisted, his nails cutting into his palms. `I was foolish in what I said, my lord. I should not have said anything.'

 

Seifer grunted and continued cleansing the wounds. Minutes later, Seifer put the clothe back into the bowl. `How do you feel?'

 

`Fine, my lord. I must get back to my chores.' Krad got onto his knees, not looking the prince in the eye. `Thank you, my lord.'

 

`Lay down. You are not to work until your back has healed.' Seifer saw the stable boy chew his lower lip, making Seifer want to lay boy down and ravage him senseless. When thinking that, Seifer picked the bowl up, standing. `Lay down, boy. I do not wish to tell you a third time.'

 

Krad watched as the prince left his chambers. He rested his non-bruising cheek on the pillow, and let sleep take him over. He fell into a deep sleep, not noticing when Seifer came back, massaging a paste onto his bruising cheek.

 

Seifer watched the boy sleep, kneeling beside his bed. He ran his tongue over the pale blond's lips, before pulling away. Once again, he left his chamber, not planning on returning until he was tired. When he did return, in the late evening, he saw the stable boy at the window of his chamber, looking over the kingdom.

 

`It looks beautiful from up here, does it not?' Seifer caught the boy, as he spun around quickly, tripping over a small table beside the window. He held the boy against his torso. `You enjoy doing that, do you not?'

 

Krad blushed. `D-doing what, my lord?'

 

Seifer's hands slid down Krad's side, resting on his tiny waist. `Falling into my arms.'

 

Krad bowed his head. `Forgive me, my-' Krad stopped, as he glanced into Seifer's eyes, seeing a lusting desire in them. ` - lord. I must go to bed now.'

 

`Why not stay a few nights with me…Krad?' Seifer was holding himself back from taking the boy. Throwing the beautiful blond onto his bed, removing both of their pants, then slamming his erection into that tight opening. Ooh…So tight…

 

`I am sorry, my lord. I have chores to do in the morning.' Krad could feel the prince's erection pressing against his hip. He wasn't sure if royalty thought they were good enough to have anyone they desired, and would rape them.

 

`No, you don't. I told your master that you are not going to be able to do your chores until you are healed.' I can spend more time with you that way.

 

`I am able to work, my lord.' Krad took a small step back, gasping as Seifer's rough fingertips ran down the center of his chest.

 

`You will not work until I say otherwise. Am I clear?' Seifer watched the stable boy. He couldn't tell if it was resentment or longing in the boy's golden depths.

 

`Yes, my lord.' Krad's brow furrowed slightly as he felt large, rough hands roam his scarred torso. `My lord?'

 

Even though the skin was riddled with scars, making it feel welted, it was as fine as silk. Smooth, soft, most of all, delicate. Seifer needed more of this boy. His desire for the golden blond was becoming even more visible through the black toga he wore. The thought of what he could do to the blond tormented his mind. The thought of what he would do to the blond, didn't make matters any better.

 

`Do you fear me, Krad?' Seifer held Krad's petite face in his hands, making sure the boy looked at him.

 

Krad looked directly into Seifer's emerald eyes. `Yes, my lord.'

 

Seifer wrapped his arms around Krad, making sure not to touch the whiplashes. `Why do you fear me, Krad?'

 

Krad made fists with his hands, before relaxing them. `Ask anyone who works in the stables, or around the temple, my lord. You shall receive the same answer.'

 

Seifer tilted Krad's head, his thumb stroking the boy's chin. `I want to hear that “same answer” from your mouth, before I hear it from anyone else.'

 

Despite how much he didn't want to, Krad felt his eyes drifting down to Seifer's lips. They looked soft, warm, but most of all, too inviting. Especially when they were turned up in a smirk. Krad realized Seifer knew he was staring at his lips, when they tugged upwards into that sexy smirk. Swallowing hard, Krad forced his eyes to look into Seifer's.

 

`I fear you, my lor -'

 

`Seifer.'

 

Krad bowed his head. `I fear you, Seifer, because I know that if I dishonor you, anymore than what I already have, you can order me to be crucified.' Krad bit his lower lip, as he looked into Seifer's eyes. His own, once again, drifting downwards.

 

Seifer retained himself to only smirking, instead of chortling. `Is there something wrong with my lips, Krad?'

 

Yes. There should be a law on those lips. Krad bowed shook his head. `No, my -'

 

`Please, Krad, call me Seifer. I do not want you always being this submissive.' Seifer blushed at how his words sounded. He had half a mind to hit his head against the wall, and the other half to rip that half out.

 

`For -'

 

`And enough with the formality, as well. I got enough of that when I was, ah…Never mind.' Seifer couldn't understand why he didn't want to, or feel the need to tell Krad of the war he had just won.

 

Krad frowned softly, but dismissed it. `If I may ask - Oh, sorry. I mean, how did you acquire such a mark as the one on your forehead?'

 

Seifer stared at Krad for a few moments, a confused look on his face. `Are you sure you are only a stable boy? Not many can speak like royalty at a party, without at least a little teaching.'

 

Krad looked away, before turning to look out the window again. `I would much rather not discuss this subject, Seifer.'

 

Seifer looked at the lashes on Krad's back, noting that they were healing quite well. `I am sorry if that topic hurts your heart, Krad. Will you tell me with time?' Seifer moved Krad's hair from the boy's neck, kissing the base of it.

 

`With time, Seifer.' Krad watched as lights in some of the small houses in the town went out, indicating that people were going to bed.

 

Seifer kissed the base of Krad's neck again, an arm snaking around the boy's abdomen. `Thank you. Hopefully with time, you will not fear me so much, and breathe while I am around you.'

 

Krad tittered softly. `You never did answer my question, Seifer. How did you get that scar?'

 

Seifer smirked, his lips pressed to Krad's neck. `I was a gladiator. I made a wrong move. Luckily he only got my face, not my throat.'

 

` “Was”? Meaning, you do not go into the ring anymore?' Krad gasped as he felt Seifer's tongue lick his neck. If Seifer had wanted Krad to breathe around him, it was working. The boy was now panting, as the hand of the arm that was around Krad's abdomen, began stroking the area.

 

`I really don't want to go in there again. However, if my father commands it, I must.' Seifer breathed the last two words into Krad's ear.

 

`I-I think we should go to bed. I me-mean, to sleep.' A dark shade of crimson came over Krad's pale cheeks, as he moved over to the bed, looking back at Seifer. Krad could see confidence in Seifer's stride.

 

`Are you sure you think you can sleep with me naked?' Seifer walked over to the bed, and began removed his toga, then started on the under-garments, knowing that his cock was still semi-hard.

 

Krad watched Seifer, marveling at the beauty of the taller boy's body. `I trust you.' Krad removed his tunic-like pants, and stood there, feeling ashamed about his body.

 

Seifer looked up at Krad from the other side of the bed. He beckoned Krad onto the exotic black fur blanket, that covered the large mattress. Seifer laid in the middle, not yet under the blanket. He watched as Krad's eyes trailed over his body, as the boy knelt beside him.

 

Seifer let his eyes wander over Krad's body in return. The boy's body was so much smaller than his own. It was more feminine, more beautiful. A body that only the goddess Venus would have, only without the curves, of course. The Porcelain skin, similar to that of a girl Seifer had once seen in Persia. Silky. That was the one word that described Krad's skin. Silky. Soft, smooth and delicate. Seifer stopped at Krad's waist. He knew if his eyes went any further, it would make a very uncomfortable situation for all.

 

Seifer noticed that Krad was hugging himself. `Cold?' A vague nod. `Come here. I will warm your body.' Seifer had to chuckle at the blush on the boy's cheeks. Seifer held his arms out. `Not in that manner, as of yet, Krad.'

 

Krad smiled softly, laying adjacent to Seifer, letting the older boy wrap his strong arms around his frail body. A gasp. A lick. Krad didn't like where this was going. He will admit, the feeling of Seifer's bare skin against his own was a wonderful feeling, Krad just didn't want Seifer to use his innocence to his advantage as well.

 

Seifer noticed how the blond had tensed, almost immediately after he had licked the pale cheek. `Is something wrong, Krad?'

 

Krad realized he was tense. Forcing himself to relax, he moved as close as possible to Seifer, loving the warmth his body produced. `No. It's just - It is quite a chilly night, is it not?'

 

`Meaning, you want to get under the covers?' The reddened tint to Krad's cheeks told Seifer he was right. Standing from the bed, Seifer looked down at Krad, who looked upset at the loss of warmth. `The sooner you get up, Krad, the sooner we can both be warm.'

 

Krad inclined his head, getting off the bed. He watched as Seifer got under the blanket, flicking it back for the boy. Krad joined Seifer, sighing contently as the tanned blond held him close. Krad noticed that the animal skin had a soft, cotton lining, making it twice as comfortable.

 

`Good night, Seifer.' Krad pulled back slightly, kissing Seifer on the cheek, before settling against his chest again.

 

`Good night…' My angel. Seifer closed his eyes, keeping a tight hold on the boy. He didn't bother about the candles that still burned brightly, knowing they would go out during the night.

 

**

 

 

Seifer slowly woke, cuddling something soft. His eyes opened; he stared at the pillow in his arms. He sat up, looking around the room. Sighing to himself, Seifer got out of the bed, pulling his toga on, not bothering to do it up properly. Walking up to the boy standing at the window, who had put his pants on, Seifer wrapped his arms around the lithe blond, kissing his shoulder.

 

`Is the town really that interesting to you, Krad?' Seifer rested his head atop the boys, looking out the window as well.

 

`I have always wondered what it would be like to work in the town stables, instead of the royal stables.' Krad took Seifer's hands, which were resting on his waist, and pulled them around his body. `However, if I had been working in the town stables, I never would have met you.'

 

Seifer frowned slightly. `You - you do not regret meeting me?'

 

Krad turned around, looking into Seifer's eyes. `Would I still be here if I did?' Krad knew that wasn't really a good answer. `No, Seifer, I do not regret meeting you.'

 

Seifer lightly pressed Krad to the wall, making sure he wasn't against it too hard, not wanting to reopen the lashes. `How can you prove that, Krad?'

 

Krad lowered his eyes as he tried to think of a way to prove it. Krad didn't notice that Seifer was bending down, until Seifer's lips were almost upon his own. Gasping, Krad stepped back out of instinct, pressing his back more to the wall.

 

`Se-Seifer?' Krad pressed his hands to Seifer's chest, getting distracted with how firm it was.

 

`Just one kiss?' Seifer was going crazy. His lips were almost on Krad's. He knew he could quite easily order the boy to kiss him, but he didn't want to take that route.

 

Krad stopped pushing against Seifer's chest, then lowered his head. `I - I do no - I have never been kissed before.'

 

Seifer couldn't keep the surprise from his face. He thought everyone would have at least been kissed once before they hit the age of eighteen. `It is easy, Krad. As we get to know each other better, I will teach you how to kiss.'

 

Krad looked up. `You will?'

 

Seifer pretended to think it over, before smiling slightly. `Of course. With time, though.' Seifer frowned when he felt his heart flutter at Krad's smile. `Are you hungry?'

 

`Your parents, though?'

 

`Hmm? My parents? What of them?' Seifer pulled Krad off the wall, grateful that his wounds hadn't reopened.

 

`Will they not disapprove of you bringing a slave to the eating table?' Krad watched as Seifer walked away from him.

 

Seifer shrugged, walking into a different part of the room. He got a toga that looked as though it might fit Krad. He walked back into the main room. `They can disapprove all they like. It is not going to change my mind. Besides, they cannot disapprove if I say you are becoming my personal subject.'

 

Krad allowed Seifer to put the toga on him. He looked at the white piece of clothing, moving a little more of the clothe onto his shoulder, before looking at Seifer. Krad stepped back when Seifer reached to touch his cheek. `Personal subject?'

 

Seifer pulled his hand back, inclining his head. `Yes. They will not ask about what.'

 

Krad brought the end of the toga up a little, nervously rolling it around his fingers. `That is very well.'

 

`Krad, you need not worry about what parents say. They may disapprove, however they will not say anything while you are around.' Seifer tilted Krad's head, giving the boy a reassuring look.

 

Krad nodded his head once, before following Seifer. He walked carefully down a flight of stairs. The entire temple was made of white marble, indicating that Seifer and his family were of royal blood. On various walls hung tapestries.

 

Krad felt butterflies in the pit of his stomach as they entered the dining room. The king and queen were already seated, eating their breakfast. They both looked at Krad. A disgusted looked on the queen's face when Seifer pointed to the chair across the table from his own. The king just looked slightly intrigued.

 

`Another “personal subject”, Seifer?' the king enquired, finishing the last of his bread.

 

Seifer spread jam onto his bread, watching as Krad did the same. `Yes, father. This is Krad.'

 

`A stable boy. A filthy one as well. If you are going to invite him to the breakfast table, Seifer, perhaps you should have given him a bath first?' Helena wrinkled her small nose up.

 

`Helena- '

 

`Do not say that, Pompey. You know as well as I do. You just have trouble telling anyone.' Helena stood, leaving the dining room.

 

Krad looked down at his plate. `She can very temperamental. I would not take any notice of her.' Pompey looked at his son, raising an eyebrow in question.

 

Seifer inclined his head, answering his father's silent question. `She isn't my real mother anyway. So if I wish to call her a bitch, I should not have to hold back about it.'

 

Krad gasped. `Even if she is not your real mother, you should still respect her as though she is your mother.'

 

Seifer frowned slightly, then remembered that he knew nothing of Krad's family. `What was your mother like?'

 

Krad bit his lower lip, then turned to the king. `Do you share your son's opinion on your wife?'

 

Seifer laughed. `He is always cursing her while she is not around.' Seifer looked attentively at Krad, knowing that the boy had purposely asked that question to get off the subject of his own family.

 

Pompey glared at his son. `I do, on some occasions, share my son's opinion. She was a peasant once. I think the thought of being royalty has gone to her head.' He stood, bowed his head, then left the dining room as well.

 

`What are you hiding, Krad?' Seifer turned his emerald eyes to Krad's golden orbs.

 

Krad looked away, not liking the way Seifer was looking at him. `What I keep to myself is for the benefit of everyone.'

 

Seifer really did not like Krad's answer. He found it unsatisfactory. He felt as though he had a clue on what Krad was keeping from him. `Very well, then. For once, I will take Helena's advice. Finish your breakfast, Krad.'

 

Krad looked down at his empty plate, then he looked back at Seifer. `I-I am finished, Seifer.'

 

`Oh? Oh. Follow me. You can use my private bath.' Seifer stood, pushed his chair in, waited for Krad to do the same, then left the dining room.

 

Krad followed Seifer. This time, they went through, what seemed like the back door. Around a hundred meters directly in front, was another white marble temple. This one was smaller, with steam emitting from the top.

 

Krad walked beside Seifer, heading towards the bathhouse. He inclined his head politely to maids, walking into Seifer's back. `Sorry.' Krad looked around Seifer, at the single … wood door.

 

`It is alright.' Seifer opened the door, walking into the temple, keeping it open for Krad.

 

Krad walked in without any hesitation. The bath temple wasn't much bigger up close than what it was from the family temple. It was roughly seven meters long and across, making it big enough for a rectangular, stone bath, with little walk ways around it, except on one side. One side was lined with vials of all sizes; there were also various vinaigrettes.

 

Krad didn't flinch or shy away when he felt Seifer begin to remove the toga. A light blush, however, did cover his cheeks when Seifer started on removing his pants. Krad's eyes wandered around the bathhouse. Before he knew it, Seifer was kissing his cheek. Krad stared at the other blond's green eyes.

 

`I am sorry. I could not help myself.' Seifer's smirk said otherwise.

 

Krad frowned slightly in disbelief, but stepped into the bath when Seifer moved to the side. He slowly walked down the three steps that led to actual bath. He couldn't help but notice the bath was also made of white marble. When completely in, the water reached Krad's chest.

 

The long haired blond watched as Seifer poured in several, sweet smelling salts. One made Krad inhale deeply. `The salt you just put in? What is it?'

 

Seifer smirked, removing his own toga, and joining Krad in the bath. `That, Krad, was a very rare salt that comes from far in the east. It is a jasmine salt.'

 

`Jasmine?' Krad watched as Seifer lathered a liquid in his hand. `A pretty name.'

 

`Yes, it is. Can you sit on the edge of the bath, please?' Seifer watched as Krad did as he asked. He began running his hands over pale, slender legs. `Yes, it is a pretty name.'

 

Krad bit his lower lip as Seifer's large hands moved further up his legs, to his thighs. A shaky exhale of relief left his lips as Seifer finished washing his legs. However, his relief did not last long as Seifer started on his chest. Rough palms and fingers ran over Krad's, already erect, nubs, causing the boy to moan softly. He let out a little squeal as Seifer began washing his groin. He jumped to the side, falling back into the bath. He came up, coughing and gasping. He looked at Seifer's smirking face, before looking away, blushing.

 

Seifer wrapped his arms around Krad's shoulders. `Do you not trust me that much?'

 

Krad looked into Seifer's eyes, the blush was still on his cheeks, but it was nothing more than a slight tint. `We-well, yes, I do. However, I do have certain reflexes when people touch me in areas I am not to comfortable with.'

 

Seifer nodded his head once in understanding. `I think I can cope with that. It does make perfect logic.' Seifer found himself staring at the plump flesh that Krad was chewing on. `However, I cannot seem to control myself when it comes to you, Krad. Please, let me taste them, just once?'

 

Krad felt his head moving up and down, giving Seifer permission. He noticed that Seifer had no hesitation as his warm lips pressed to Krad's softly. It felt so right, yet they both knew it was wrong at the same time. Seifer's lips were everything Krad had wanted his first kiss to be like. Soft, warm, and loitering.

 

Seifer slowly pulled away after a few, long moments. He had never felt this way about anyone he had ever met before. All Seifer wanted to do was lay the boy down; touch him softly, lovingly. He noticed the faint blush on the long haired blond's cheeks.

 

`I am sorry, Krad.' Seifer bowed his head in shame.

 

Krad stared at Seifer. He had to admit, when Seifer's lips touched his own he felt light-headed. He wasn't sure what this emotion or feeling was, but he didn't want it to go away.

 

Krad half smiled kindly. `You haven't finished washing me.'

 

Seifer looked up, perplexed. A smirk slowly made its way to his lips, as he lathered some more liquid in his hands. `Turn around.'

 

Seifer watched as the boy faced his back towards him without vacillation. He ran his sudded hands over Krad's insipid back, being careful of the two lashes. Seifer was sure he heard the boy sigh contently. Probably doesn't feel the way I do. Mixed up, dazed, unsure. Seifer kissed the back of Krad's head, before coaxing the boy lower down into the water to wash the soap from his back.

 

When Krad's back was encased in water, Seifer tilted the boy's head back, wetting his hair. He pulled the long haired blond up so he was standing again. He got a vile, pouring some of the thick liquid onto his hands. He began massaging it into Krad's hair; all the way to the tips. When feeling as though it was lathered in enough, Seifer lowered Krad again, washing the bubbles from his golden blond strands.

 

`That's better,' Seifer said as he stood Krad up again. `I think you can wash your own face, right?'

 

`Yes.' Krad dipped his fingers into a thick liquid, lathered it up in his hands, then ran it over his face. He splashed water onto his face to remove the soap. `Would you like me to wash your body in return?'

 

Seifer smirked. `I don't think I would be able to handle that. I will do it myself. Why don't you dry off and dress?' Seifer looked at Krad, as he ran the liquid soap over his torso and arms.

 

Krad made his way, slowly, out of the bath. He pulled down one of the white, folded pieces of thick material, from the third shelf. He dried his body, and dried his hair the best he could. He pulled on the oversized, long-sleeved tunic, fastening a belt around his waist. He looked at the pile of white material. Figuring he could tackle this task, Krad picked up the white clothe, and wrapped it around his body, when he had one corner over his shoulder. He looked around for the pin to keep it together, when Seifer stole a kiss.

 

Seifer had timed it perfectly. While Krad was busy trying to figure out how the material went around his body, Seifer had gotten out of the bath, and wrapped a towel around his waist. When Krad was looking for the pin to hold it together, Seifer saw his opportunity. While Krad was looking around the floor in front of himself, Seifer bent down and pressed his lips to boy's.

 

Seifer knew he had taken the boy by surprise, when he wrapped an arm around the small waist of the pale blond, only to feel that he was tense. When he pulled away, Seifer smirked. `I could not help myself.'

 

Krad was still staring at Seifer, before he blinked his eyes. `Just make sure that's the last time something like that happens. Will you help find that darn pin?'

 

`You mean this one?' Seifer held the pin in front of Krad. He pulled his hand back when Krad reached for it. `What's the magic word, Krad?'

 

Krad growled when he realized Seifer was teasing him. Sighing, and admitting defeat, Krad pouted. `Please?'

 

Seifer fastened the toga together with the pin, then smiled at Krad. `Was that so difficult?'

 

Krad's pout deepened. `You know, you can be really mean at times.'

 

Seifer laughed at Krad's pout, which only made him want to kiss the pale blond again. `It comes with being royal. Take Helena for example. Over a year ago, she would have been bad-mouthing us, now she's trying to run the towns folk down even more.'

 

Krad frowned slightly. `I can see why you call her a “bitch” now. If what you say is true, over a year ago, she would have been just like them. You think she would be trying to help them, instead of making them feel even more poor.'

 

Seifer looked at Krad oddly, before dressing like him, except in black. `You never do see the evil in people, do you?'

 

Krad shook his head. `I was always taught there is some good in everyone, no matter who they are.' Krad lowered his head, biting his lower lip. His attempts to suppress tears.

 

`Krad?' Seifer noticed how the boy became quiet. Must be thinking about his family. Seifer wrapped his arms around Krad, pulling his close, only to have the boy pull back. `Krad?'

 

`I'm fine.' Krad kept his head lowered, as he began walking out of the bathhouse.

 

`Krad.'

 

Krad stopped, glancing over his shoulder. There was an icy edge to Seifer's voice. `Y-yes, Seifer?' Krad walked over to the other blond when he beckoned.

 

`What are you hiding from me?' Seifer noticed that the boy stopped walking.

 

`Hi-hiding? I'm not hiding anything.' Krad gasped slightly as Seifer's arms were around him in seconds.

 

Seifer rested his cheek atop Krad's head. `You are hiding something from me, Krad. Something to do with your family. I have noticed how you always change the subject when anyone mentions your family. I just want to know, Krad. Please, tell me?'

 

Krad shook his head. `As I said before, Seifer, the things I keep to myself will only benefit everyone.'

 

`Very well.' Seifer took a step back, looking at Krad's face. `I do, however, expect you will tell me with time.'

 

Krad nodded. `In time. However, I expect that you will not get impatient waiting.'

 

Seifer smiled kindly. `I will try my best not to get impatient while waiting for you to make the first move.' In more ways than one.

 

Krad returned Seifer's smile. `Thank you.' Krad lowered his eyes. That's if something doesn't happen between now and then. I know something bad is going to happen. It always does.

 

`Would you like to accompany me in the field today?' Seifer sighed when the boy didn't respond.

 

`Pardon? Sorry, did you say something, Seifer?' Krad raised his eyes, looking into Seifer's in question.

 

`Yes, I did. I asked if you would like to come riding with me.' Seifer felt something flutter inside of him when he saw Krad's grin.

 

`I would love to.' Suddenly, Krad's face fell. `I have to break in that colt, though. He is a gift for you.'

 

Seifer let his hands rest on the tiny waist of the blond before him. `Someone else can break him in, or you can do it later. I really do not mind, as long as you spend today with me.'

 

Krad bit his lower lip. There was something about Seifer's words that just were not right. Krad didn't know if it was the way they came out, or the emotion behind them. `It sounds lovely.'

 

Seifer walked beside the long haired blond, letting him leave the bathhouse first. It will even more lovely once we get out there. Seifer smirked at that thought, and followed Krad.

 

 

Alright, there we go! Chapter one done, and I hope you enjoyed it because it took me three weeks to write it! It really blows when you have a good idea and get writers block! Oh well! Please review!

 

::.Beat of the rising sun, beat of the rising sun

You gotta feel the dance, its always in your heart.::

 

~*Peace*~

 

^^ Auska.