[Pinkie]

Mizuki laid there awake ina weak state. Each day his body got stronger and he was able to walk little ways with out any help so at least that was a bonus. Even though his bind began to drift off to sleep he couldnt help but awaken more as he heard the conversation between the two siblings take place.

Mizuki knew that Thalion would return eventually he just didnt think it would be that soon let alone the whole time they were together recovering he didnt get a word out of the male. Did Thalion blame him for everything that happened? Of course he did why wouldnt he. Mizuki was the one that faultered and all because of that they almost died.

Even with his dark thoughts Mizukis heart broke a little as he heard Thalion speak. Nothing has changed "I thought it had" He said his voice strong with hurt and sadness. When questioned about what he was speaking of Mizuki turned his head and looked right at Thalion "I thought things had changed" He said sternly his ears dipping back "Though I guess that was just my mind giving me what I wanted close to death" He said softly as he turned his head the other way and closing his eyes he sighed.

[Rosekitten]

Thal wasn't expecting Mizuki to speak, for once he had wished the other didn't hear anything and he could have just walked out. Why did how Mizuki had said what eh did hurt so much, it was stupid for it to. Nothing had changed, he was so sure of it so why bother trying to make things right again. It had nothing to do with it being Mizuki's fault or not, honestly he blamed himself more than the other.

"What has changed than? You still don't forgive me for what happened over a hundred years ago." It was easy to tell that during their trip Mizuki was still mad about how Thal told him let alone the fact he left in the first place. Though Mizuki never said anything else to him, not even a hint that he was thinking to reply.

"If things had changed than... You know what, forget it." He shook his head before leaving the room. If he was in pain he was hiding it rather well, though that wasn't too uncommon. Verdia sighed looking towards Luna before sitting back down in a chair. Something was going on here and she couldn't put her finger on it. Sure Thal wasn't the type to get close to many people but it seemed like a friend that he hadn't seen in over a hundred years, let alone one he had told her about that he regretted leaving the way he did. It was like he was pushing away on purpose. Not her concern though.

[Pinkie]

The words hurt and Mizuki felt the pain. Closing his eyes he held back the tears. Was it foolish of him to think that things had changed? No he was sure they had. Maybe it was not the biggest change but there was change and he knew it. Closing his eyes he pushed everything to the back of his mind. If nothing had changed then so be it he would make sure that it stayed that way.

After that day it was far and few between that Mizuki saw Thalion but he knew that the male was still here. The king was throwing a ball and Mizuki knew for a fact that all the guard was there. Sighing he moved to the edge of the bed. It had been over six weeks since that night and Mizuki couldnt get it out of his head. Having Thalion return to the guard was something else Mizuki thought of. Having not spoken to the male since then he thought of what would come of the evening.

"You need to get ready" Luna said from behind him snapping from his thoughts "Yeah I know...I need help with the hair though" He said looking to her "If I am being presented as the knew medical lead I need to look the part right" He said with a smile "And plus my fingers are not the greatest still" He said with a little frown "Dont worry" Luna said walking over and grabbing the brush "We will make you look like the mages of old" She said with a smile.

[Rosekitten]

Something had changed, Thal knew that but he wasn't about to admit that he was wrong. It wasn't anything drastic but they could talk at the least. Not that they did unless forced to pretty much. Though lucky him Mizuki seemed to stay away. Verdia lurked at the castle as well something about a new medical lead.. seeing as she was one of the clerics she was required to be there. If he had been thinking logically than he knew who the new lead was.

Though he was not overly excited about the event to be honest. He was going to be stuck in the damned uniform, the one that probably most of the guard didn't wear unless it was a event like this one. Though why bother with it if they were out scouting or on a mission really. But a simple task was fine... standing guard seemed easy enough, besides things had been more than hectic trying to play catch up with the work that he seemed to fall behind on.

Sighing a little a human was assigned with him, though these two commonly got in trouble if left to their own for too long. "Out of all the jobs..." The man groaned. "anything would be better than this, goblins, bandits. Even dealing with sewer rats." Thal laughed a little listening to him go on and on. "I don't think I mind a easy task for once." The other male seemed to stop and look at him. "My god.. Thal saying he was happy to not be fighting?" They were guarding the side entrance way so it wasn't like it was busy or anything.

He quickly put a hand on Thal's forehead before being batted away. "I'm not sick, can't I like a break once in a while?" The human shrugged a little. "They've done it, its official they've broken the elf. Whatever you do Thal don't go towards the light.. wait your a drow. Don't go towards the dark." He laughed a little noticing the glare from Thal.

"Both of ye need not worry." It was the commander as he walked up to the two. "Yer not gonna be standing 'ere all night. Just for a few hours." Thal groaned at the thought of it. "Can I take a double shift?" Though the answer was no. "Why would you want to stay out here? Come on the ladies love uniforms." Thal shook his head a little. "So thats why you stay single.. got it." The human smirked at him a little "Not tonight, besides there is suppose to be tons of-""-nobles and royals.. somehow I think your out of your league." Thal had a point.

[Pinkie]

Mizuki sighed after ahwile of tugging and yanking at his hair it was done up. The braid was still the main thin that was seen though smaller braids looped and held in jewels to his head. Mizuki wore white and lavender robes. Standing there with his staff he was a sight to behold. Sighing the door sounded with a knock and he groaned as the gaurd entered "Sir its time for the announcement" He nodded his head "Alright"

Leaving Luna fallowed behind him as Mizuki made his way to the ball room. He made sure to stay away for most of the event but after awhile there you cant avoid things. Heading down to the room he stood at the double doors that led to the main stair case. He would have to make his decent into the crowd as on looked gazed. Mizuki took a deep breath as he heard the anouncement made and the doors open.

Walking forward he looked at the clapping crowed before him with a soft smile before he bowed then started his decent down the stairs. Making his way through the crowd he greeted the nobles with a smile and a shake of a hand here and there. Not paying attention he made his way through the people meeting and greeting not noticing the closer he got to Thalion.

[Rosekitten]

When it got closer to the time of the actual ball and ceremony announcement the two had to stop their little game of picking back and forth. Though it was a good way to waste the time during the slow periods until then. Felix was more than happy to hear that things were underway, this meant they were due to be off soon. Seeing as they had the more boring task of keeping guard during the day hours when things were still being set up so there was nothing really to do aside from making sure only those who were suppose to be there were allowed in.

Both were in the normal guard attire, consisting of the kings colors. The outfit wasn't full armor bit plenty enough to protect any of the vital points. The only main difference between the two was size, seeing as the human was from the more northern region, and the weapons they had currently. Felix having a claymore while Thal stuck more with a standard duel blade. Though oddly this wasn't the weapons he normally used for combat.

Though the peace ended when the announcement was made and the group inside the room clapped. Hardly were either of them paying attention to the name. Like Thal had to worry about who was the new lead healer. His rank ensured he wouldn't have to deal with protecting or even being near someone of that rank. Though asking the few who were around Thalion commonly he probably kept the low rank on purpose just for reasons like that. He hated the thought of being put on guard duty for some noble or over ranked prick.

"All this fuss over nothing." Felix laughed shaking his head a little. Though Thal was still not really paying attention to who was walking about let alone to Felix. If he thought he could get away with leaving he damn well would. Being in crowded places like this was something he hardly enjoyed. Let alone in this outfit... There was nothing wrong with it in truth he just preferred his normal attire over this.

"Ah there you are!" Verdia said walking over to Thal with a bit of a grin on her face. "Been a while, I was almost enjoying the quiet." Though no response from Thal was only because clerics were held in high regard and if she put her mind to it she could end him into a heap of trouble. "Least your looking well, better than when you left. I was afraid I was going to hear a report that you killed yourself or something." She shrugged a little before looking towards Mizuki as he was busy with dealing with those who flocked around him. "Least your friend is doing well. I'll miss him if they send him off anywhere." she sighed a little.

That was right she had been hanging around at the castle because of the person being appointed head of healing. Of course it was Mizuki he knew that... who else would get such a rank so quickly and out of no where. Though the moment Thal looked at Mizuki he stopped paying attention to his sisters blabber. Well till she clicked her fingers in front of him. "You alright?" Of course he told her yeah it was nothing.

"Well if you insist... maybe we can talk once your off. You know mom would like to know from time to time your alive." Of course she brought up home, why not? He told her yeah, but now in all honestly he just wanted to be out of this room. Felix questioned Thal if he knew the new head of healing. He answered he did but it was a long time ago. It didn't matter now, after this unless there was a event they would never cross paths. He needed to stop letting himself get so caught up in his thoughts as he was. Maybe he could request a location change, than the odds of running into him were next to none.

[Pinkie]

Mizuki smiled and said warm welcomes to every noble that came by and shook his hand giving him greetings as well. It was a little over whelming but Mizuki smiled and barred with it. Not watching as his feet carried him to the next lot of people he stopped for a second before he smiled "Verdia" He said lightly with a smile before bowing his head and giving the female before him a little hug.

Over the time he had spent with the female at the castle they had grown closer. Friends was okay with him. This was when he turned and looked to Thalion. The male was standing beside Verdia dressed in the royal guards uniform just as every royal guard was.

It took Mizuki a moment or two before he remembered what he was doing. Nodding his head down he looked right back at Thalion with a soft smile "Thalion" He said "Glad to see you have healed nicely" He said with a smile "I never did get the chance to fully thank you" He said lightly before Mizuki looked right into his face "Thank you...but now if you excuse me" Mizuki began getting ready to turn away.

[Rosekitten]

There was a lot of things he wanted to know honestly. Like why they were almost killed, even Mizuki had to know that would have been the out come of sparing the target. As well as what did he expect to change in two days and the part of the one he was awake during. Though he kept his mouth shut, there was a time and a place for such things and well he never expected to have the place for them.

Just a few more hours than I can say I'm sick or something, any excuse would be a good one to get away from him. As Mizuki was walking away Verdai grabbed his arm and smiled a bit before walking with him. Starting some random conversation about a healing spell or what not. Whatever the reason that sight ticked at a nerve.

"That was who your suicidal partner was?" Felix had to question didn't he, though maybe it was a good thing so he could focus on something else other than his sibling clinging to Mizuki. Hell why was he even bothered by that! Mizuki had a woman around him all the time anyway. Felix seemed to catch on to Thalion's lost in thought moment as he put a hand on his shoulder. "You alright? I know what you told Verdia but your just... your acting out of it. I'm not sure if that look is one that your about to break the wall or what." He said laughing weakly.

"I'm fine, just tired." He breathed out. "But yes that is who I was force to partner with. He didn't need to thank me though.." If he wanted to thank him than fucking forgive him for leaving years ago! Tension was not even the word that began to describe what he felt whenever Mizuki was near. "Well.. good news is.. in a few hours me and you both won't have a damn care to know if we're tired or not." "Heh.. or to keep track of how many times your shot down in a night? You might be able to beat your record." Felix pouted a little saying he wasn't going to be tonight, he knew he was but that never stopped him before.

[Pinkie]

Mizuki all but ignored as Verdia attached herself to his arm as he turned to walk away. He never really did pay attention to what the female said as they walked along. He was done meeting all the nobles that he had to so there was no reason that he needed to be around the main hall for much longer but it seemed to him that Verdia was determind to keep him here. Thinking nothing of it he nodded to her as she spoke on about a healing spell.

After awhile all Mizuki thought about was how much he wanted to leave though it seemed to be near impossible to leave Verdias side "I think I shall retire for the night" He said with a little nod of his head though it was short lived as Verdia came up with some line about one more thing then he can go. "And what is that?" Mizuki asked getting an answer of a walk in the gardens.

He must admit that sounded nice "Very well but not for long" He stated to her with a nod of his head missing the smile that seemed to be on her face. As they moved along and headed into the garden Mizukis mind was at a loss. The one male that he wanted to get closer to seemed to be father away then anything. Shaking his head he looked to Verdia "Happy now?" He asked not watching where he was walking or what he was doing.

[Rosekitten]

By the time Mizuki seemed done with Verdia and she tossed out a walk in the garden, Thal had been released from his post as well as Felix. They had both been outside for a long while. Felix after being shot down countless times. Thal sighed a little leaning against a railing seeing as the garden overlooked the city from this viewpoint.

He had wanted to leave hours ago but the general suggested at least staying till some of the nobles left. All for show he thought, all for show. He shook his head a little, though at the least the air was helping with the slight headache he had from drinking with Felix. Give it a few hours he'd be passed out anyway... well once he hit a bed. The thoughts dawned on him they were staying here a night before returning back to their base.

"Could almost get use to this." Joked Felix as he motioned towards the overlook a bit. "Not me... I'll stick to my no body life. Less rules." Felix laughed a little before walking past Thal. "I'm done for the night, I don't think I can take getting shot down again. "Told you that you were doomed." Felix waved him off before walking.

Felix after walking a little bit nearly was run over by Mizuki, but even being half drunk he managed to save both of them. He bowed his head a little to both of them present. "have a good evening." He said before excusing himself. If he had been a tad more sober he'd have greeted both of them properly. Verdia liked being treated in such a manner, her brother however seemed to be just the opposite.

Verdia had half planned this but with Felix gone this was all too perfect. She smiled a little as they kept walking till she saw Thal off to the side. Knowing him he had been keeping Felix company so he had at least a few drinks. There was something she couldn't put her finger on and she was ready to test it.

"I am, very much so. Though... I am curious Mizuki." she seemed to pause a little before moving to look at his face. "You get swooned over by the women yet you act like they aren't there... your heart is set on someone isn't it?" She smiled all the more moving a hand to the side of his face. Ah yes Drow females... minxes if there ever were any, though Verdia knew how to get information and she was doing just that. She had noticed the button she pushed earlier with her brother.

[Pinkie]

Mizuki not paying attention almost ran right into a royal guard though the male even a little tipsy seemed to be on his toes as his balance was caught and he kept walking just as if nothing had happened. Walking a little ways he stopped as Verdia seem to bring something to his attention. His heart was set on some one "It is...though that some one would never love me as I them" He said with a little sad smile.

Though that smile all but faded as he stood there and Verdia moved her way to infront of him. From one moment to the next he didnt know what took place all he knew was that there was a warm hand on his face and Verdia before him. What was she planning? "Verdia...look" He began lightly as he looked at her "You kind and loving...but not for me" He said lightly though looking into that face made his heart skip as it made him think of the one that did hold his heart.

Was he a fool to think that he could ever hold what was so far from his grasp? Mizuki sighed a little and closed lavender eyes before looking back at her again "I am flattered my dear truely...but" This was here he stopped not knowing how to continue with what he wanted to say.

[Rosekitten]

She knew, she had figured these two out before they had admitted things. She shook her head a little. "You think I brought you out here for a simple walk don't you?" She laughed a little before moving and getting Mizuki to walk a few more paces. "That human is one of my brother's close friends, naturally that means they were both out here." She stopped before shrugging a little.

"I knew you had your heart set on someone, I was just debating on who that was. At first I thought it was Luna but I saw that wasn't right." She shook her head a little. "I understand now why he fights you so much." She started to walk off leaving Mizuki where he stood, his choice to either go talk to Thal or to return to the castle. She had kept them at a far enough distance that Thal wouldn't be none the wiser if he turned to leave.

"Trust me or not... something has changed between you two." She bowed her head a little before speaking a last time. "I bid thee goodnight. I think I shall retire for the evening." With that she started to walk away, she wanted to watch what happened but staying around probably wasn't a good idea.

[Pinkie]

She knew? Wait what was he thinking of course she knew. Sighing Mizuki thought about everything. It was all trick! But Luna? Really? That almost made Mizuki laugh though he stopped as she spoke again. Come to think of it that male was the one that was with Thalion as he was meeting and greeting all the nobles. Mizuki shook his head head as she continued to speak about everything.

What was he to do? But her words stuck in his head. Could it be that Thalion cared for him as well? No that was stupid. Thalion clearly disliked him...but what if there was a chance. As Verdia left Mizuki noticed Thalion. He was standing over by the rail. Was she really right? Mizuki shook his head. No how could she be? Turning on his heal he went to turn and leave but stopped.

Turning he looked at Thalion once more. If the male was to return back to normal duties again who knows when or even if he would get the chance to find out. Standing tall his ears bent back as his face grew hard. No. He needed to know. Walking with brisk foot falls he walked right towards Thalion. Grabbing the males shoulder he turned him "Do you care for me?" He asked.

[Rosekitten]

Sure he had noticed there was a few people talking but he never paid any mind to the voices or if he knew them. Figuring it was a few nobles just out for a stroll before retiring to bed. Even as he heard foot steps he tried to ignore them. At the least couldn't he be left to his thoughts out here.

Though the steps seemed to be quick and oddly sounding like they were getting closer. About the time he was going to turn to see who was there Mizuki grabbed his shoulder and forced him to face him. Where the.. what question was that? Was he really suppose to just answer that. He thought a second before settling on the idea that he didn't care anymore, he was tired of pushing whatever absurd thoughts he had aside.

Mizuki seemed to release his shoulder after he didn't answer right away. Though as the other seemed to take the silence as a answer Thal grabbed the other before he could turn away and pressed his lips against Mizuki's. This would be a sight, the newly appointed medical lead with a common guard. The drinks earlier probably didn't help things but without them he would have just let Mizuki walk off.

He had been thinking about what he wanted or was expecting even after seeing Verdia latch onto him. Though he regained his senses after a moment as he pulled back. Well it was a bit too late to take it back, though even with the question Mizuki had he seemed to doubt he meant in that way. He looked away a little as his ears went back, he was alert probably on guard after that little stunt even though he was the one who did it. "There's your answer.."

[Pinkie]

Mizuki was stunned. That was not the answer that he was expecting. The kiss left him off guard and shocked. Not moving his eyes widened as he stood there before Thalion. He was sure that the silence was the males answer so the kiss was something different all together.

He was snapped from his thoughts as Thalion spoke saying it was his answer. So Verdia was right...Thalion did care for him. Looking at the male Mizuki noticed the dipped ears and the expression and he just realized how long he had to of been standing there silent.

Reaching forward with a pale hand he placed it on the side of Thalions face bringing the males face up and towards him as he kissed him again. This time it was not a shocked emotionless kiss. No this one was filled with all the love and want he has kept to himself for many years.

Pulling back after awhile he kept his eyes closed for a moment as he took some deep breaths "All these years I kept my love from you" He said in a breathless way "Thats why it hurt so much when you left....when you didnt tell me" He said lightly before taking a step back "I forgave you along time ago for that" He said "But my thoughts of you never returning what I felt...drove me to push you away" He said in a little laugh "I'm sorry Thalion" Mizuki said dipping his head down.

[Rosekitten]

Mizuki didn't seem to say or do anything for a while. Great he had made things worse than what they were, if that was possible. Maybe retreating would be a good idea right about now, while the other was recovering from what just happened. Though he couldn't move if his life depended on it, he had been going over what he would do if he saw Mizuki again. Even if Mizuki had never said a word he thought he would have done the same thing. If he kept pushing away things would never get better.

It was about when he was giving up when Mizuki seemed to place a hand on his face before kissing him again. This one was different though. It wasn't one that was rushed into a sudden decision mixed with emotions that were forced to the side for so long as well as a fear that it wasn't returned. No this one... this was what he had wanted for some time now, even if he denied it to himself. Something that could never happen. Though he could be just making all of this up if he was passed out somewhere for all he knew.

Probably if he hadn't of been drinking earlier he wouldn't have been so bold to do the first kiss. Let alone he'd be more than on edge right now. He was so use to keeping his guard up that he wasn't sure what to do when he didn't. Listening to Mizuki talk, he should have seen it in truth. All of the hints that were there, yet he was blind or too dense to notice them until now and this was years later.

It was probably a good thing it was late, they would be left alone for this talk. Even in his current state Thal would probably clam up easily if someone were to show up. Mizuki knew that thought, he was never one to express his emotions. "Heh.. Honestly I feel a bit foolish for not noticing. Thinking back on everything I should have said something sooner." Though he had always tried to push such thoughts aside, even back than he didn't want anyone that close or that much in control of him.

That is what Verdia meant by she understood why Thal pushed Mizuki away. The one person who could get Thal to do whatever he wished if he asked it. Shaking his head a little he sighed. "Don't be, I had known for months that I was leaving. I kept trying to figure out some way to tell you without upsetting you but nothing came. I regretted not saying a word to you for years after I left. I should have, even if you were still angry back than it would have been better than just leaving."

He kept having the question come to mind of what now? Here they both were admitting feelings for the other. But to what end? Thal would have to return to base sooner or later. He wasn't a high rank to say the least so there wasn't a chance of staying around here to sort things out further with Mizuki. He laughed weakly thinking about it. "Go figure... things did change and now I can't do anything to keep them that way." Probably tomorrow he'd have to go back, it was so late already.