Schwarz Mitternacht

In the early afternoon, Rufus wakes up to a weight on his chest. Slowly opens his eyes to find Hilde's bright blue staring back at him, holding her doll on her arms and a large smile breaks out over her face.

Hilde: You're awake, daddy! You slept a long time!

Rufus: Good morning, baby. I had a late night, and...I was tired I guess.

Hilde: Yeah! You were making noises in your sleep, they were funny! *Giggles as she hugs Rufus, giving him a kiss.*

Rufus: That's called snoring, Hilde. What time is it?

Hilde: Snoring? I like it, it sounds funny! And um.. *Looks over at the clock on the wall and tilts her head as she thinks.* It's eleven, daddy!

Rufus: Oh! It's...late. I must have been very tired. Have you had breakfast yet?

Hilde: *Blushes as her stomach growls, hiding her face.* No, I wanted to wait for you!

Rufus: Come now, it's time for breakfast. *He lifts Hilde up and begins to carry her downstairs.*

Hilde: I love when you hold me, daddy! I'm taller than everyone! *Giggles as she wraps her free arm around Rufus's neck, the other holding her doll.*

Rufus: I might have a long day again, so I don't want you to worry about me, Hilde. (I won't let Zechs do all the work I'm supposed to do.) *He glares at his wife as she passes by him in the living room.*

Hilde: Oh..okay, daddy.. *Holds on tighter to Rufus, resting her head against Rufus's shoulder.*

Silke: I thought you were going to sleep the day away.

Rufus: *He places Hilde down.* Go ahead and have breakfast, I need to talk to your mother.

Hilde: Okay, daddy. Will you say bye to me before you leave? *Looks up hopefully at Rufus.*

Rufus: Of course, Hilde... *He kisses her forehead.*

Hilde: Okay, I love you daddy! *Gives him a hug before she runs off to the kitchen, the pitter-patter of her footsteps echo the hallway.*

Silke: What do you want to talk about?

Rufus: Where were you last night? You left Hilde alone in the house.

Silke: I was spending time with our other two children, someone has to since you obviously show you favor Hilde more then them! *Huffs as she sits down on the couch.* And the servants were here, she wasn't alone.

Rufus: Hilde escaped the house and went into the camp to look for me. I am the one who brings the money home, and you can't watch the children while I'm gone?

Silke: What? She knows not to go there! Oh god, she.. *Looks down.* I told the servants to watch her while I was gone, and I do watch them. I was just giving Else and Alphonse the attention they needed, Rufus. I know you work alot but when you have time off you spend all your time with Hilde and leave the other two alone! You can't play favorites.

Rufus: You don't discipline them. When I have a problem with the children, they don't know how to take a whipping.

Silke: I do too! I sent Alphonse to his room and took his toys after what he did to Hilde's hair, I do not beat them like you doesn't mean I do my share.

Rufus: (I don't want to keep fighting in front of the children...I can feel them looking.) We'll talk about this later... *He arrives at the breakfast table to eat with Hilde.*

Silke: Sure, like all the other times you've said that.. *Stands up and heads to her room.*

Hilde: *Sniffs, looking down at the table.* I'm s-sorry, daddy.. I didn't mean to m-make mommy mad at you..

Rufus: Don't worry about her... We were just having a discussion.

Hilde: B-but Else said I-I was the reason Mommy's so mad, I take up to m-much of your time. I..I'm sorry, I won't anymore.. *Hugs her doll tightly.*

Rufus: I don't want to talk about that right now...I don't want to start another argument.

Hilde: *Nods, slowly grabs a piece of toast and nibbles on it.* (I didn't want to upset daddy.. It's all my fault..) *Tears keep falling.*

Rufus: Go ahead and eat, Hilde. Don't worry. *He eats a piece of toast with butter.*

Hilde: I'm sorry, d-daddy.. *Keeps nibbling on her toast, her tears falling on it as she eats.*

Rufus: Don't be sorry...I love you. *He smiles at Hilde and eats another piece of toast with an egg.*

Hilde: I l-love you, daddy.. *Finishes the toast and gets off her chair ,walks over to Rufus and crawls into his lap. Curling up as he hides her face in his chest.* I d-don't mean t-to keep you from Else and A-alphonse

Rufus: Don't...worry so much Törtchen. *He smiles softly.*

Hilde: *Hugs Rufus tightly, giving him a small smile.* C-can..I go to your office today? I don't want to stay home.. I'll be good and I won't touch anything, I promise!

Rufus: I can't do that today, Törtchen. Maybe some other time. I promise I'll take you and your sister and brother to my office.

Hilde: Oh...*Looks down sadly, not wanting to stay home.*

Rufus: I have to head out now. I'll see you tonight, Törtchen. (I have to go to work, or we won't have an income.)

Hilde: P-promise? *Looks up, her eyes pink from crying.*

Rufus: I promise. After I get home from work tonight, we can visit Uncle Zechs. (I can't take much more of this.)

Hilde: Really? You mean it, daddy? *Looks up excited at Rufus, a smile on her face.*

Rufus: Yes, I do mean it. Remember to stay up late enough so I can take you over this evening.

Hilde: I will, daddy! I'll take a long nap today so I can stay up! *Whispers into Rufus's ear.* I'll pretend I'm sleeping when mommy tucks me in! I usually do because she always makes me go to bed early, even when I'm not sleepy.

Rufus: Just don't get in trouble, Törtchen. *He kisses her forehead and he leaves the table to get ready for work.*

Hilde: I won't, she doesn't come back and check on me after she tucks me in. I've stay up till ten before playing! *Giggles softly.*

Rufus: You're a lot like me... *He walks upstairs to shower and freshen up.*

Hilde: I'm glad, I want to grow up to be just like you, daddy! *Follows after Rufus, heading to her room.*

Rufus: *He sighs as he closes the door of the bathroom.* (I need to be with Zechs) *He undresses himself and starts the shower water.*

Hilde: *Takes off her nightgown and gets out the blue dress that Rufus loves, pulling it over her head before she walks out and goes to Rufus's room to wait for him.*

Rufus steps into the running water to calm himself.

Rufus: (I...need him...) *Rufus reaches down and begins to stroke himself slowly.*

Hilde: *Sits on the large bed and begins to change her doll's clothes, making it into a little soldier.* Daddy likes when she's in this!

Rufus: (I hope Hilde doesn't hear me...) *He worries as he hears Hilde's little voice.* (I want to love him.) *He closes his eyes as he tries to envision Zechs working on his cock.*

Hilde: *Sighs as she finishes with her doll and sets her up against the pillows as she begins to explore the room.*

Rufus pictures Zechs in his mind, Zechs's strong hand stroking him as he passionately kisses him.

Rufus: Oh...Zechs. *He whispers as he begins to stroke himself faster.* I...oh yes!

Now Rufus invasions Zechs on top of him, riding his cock as he pinches his own nipples, moaning like a cat in heat.

Rufus: Yes...why do you tease me, Zechs? *He uses one hand to stimulate his own nipples while the other strokes and teases his cock.*

Imagines Zechs releasing all over his chest, leaning down to whisper into his ear to tell him to fill him with his cum.

Rufus: Yes, Zechs...*He whispers as he feels his release come close.*

Zechs begins to ride Rufus again to make him release, begging to be filled by Rufus's seed.

Rufus: It's there... *He moans softly as he releases in the shower.* You feel so damn good, Zechs...

Hilde: Daddy? Are you okay?

Rufus: Yes, I'm alright... (I hope she hasn't heard...And if she did, how much has she heard?)

Hilde: Okay, I wanted to make sure! I heard Alphonse making noises like that and when I walked in his room he was hurting his winky!

Rufus: (Great...Well at least I know my boy is becoming a man. I'll have to sit Alphonse down and talk to him.) I'm fine, Hilde.

Hilde: Were you hurting your winky, daddy? Why!

Rufus: No, Hilde. Can you step away from the door so daddy can finished getting ready for work?

Hilde: Okay, daddy! *Runs back to the bed and sits next to her doll.*

Rufus: Thank you, Hilde. (I think I'll have time to have a short talk with Alphonse...)

Hilde: You're welcome, daddy! *Begins to sing to herself as she makes her doll dance on the bed.*

Rufus combs his hair and uses pomade to keep his wet hair slick. He applies some cologne to his neck and chin. Rufus dresses himself and straightens his coat before placing his hat neatly on his head. He comes out of the bathroom to see Hilde playing with her doll.

Hilde: Looky, daddy! I made her your soldier again, so she can help you with work!

Rufus: I see. She looks just like you, Hilde. *He picks Hilde up to say good bye.*

Hilde: *Giggles as Rufus picks her up and takes off his hat and puts it on.* Now I look just like her!

Rufus: I need my hat, Törtchen. *He smiles softly at Hilde.*

Hilde: But I like it! I'm just like you and..it covers my hair.. *Holds onto the hat on his head.*

Rufus: Ah...In that case, you can wear it. I love you. *He kisses Hilde's forehead.* I have to talk to Alphonse for a little bit... *He puts Hilde down.* I'll be right out... *He walks to Alphonse's room and knocks on the door.*

Hilde: I love you too, daddy! Okay, I'm going to play in my room! Come and get me before you leave! *Runs to her room to play.*

Alphonse: I don't want to play with your dumb dolls, Hilde!

Rufus: It's me, Alphonse. Can I come in and talk to you for a few minutes?

Alphonse: Oh, yes Father.. *Puts up the toys he had hidden from being taken away.*

Rufus: Don't...worry about those things. *He closes the door behind him and sits on Alphonse's bed.* I need to talk to you...about...being a man.

Alphonse: You won't tell Mother? *Tilts his head, looking at Rufus with confusion.* What..do you mean?

Rufus: No...I mean...the changes your body is going through. Have you noticed anything different?

Alphonse: *Blushes lightly, shifting on the bed.* I..um..L-like what?

Rufus: There's no need to be embarrassed. You can tell me anything.

Alphonse: I-I've..grown hair..down there..and I..keep having weird dreams..

Rufus: Tell me about your dreams...I'm here to listen

Alphonse: It's..weird, I see Will's sister and..she's um..s-she has her shirt off..

Rufus: I see...Are you interested in her?

Alphonse: I didn't used to be, she's just like Else! But..I..she..Ugg! *Lays down on the bed.* I don't get this..

Rufus: It's something called puberty. It happens when your body is ready to become a man. You'll have interest in women, and your penis becomes larger.

Alphonse: So..I'll be like you? Um...why does it..get hard?

Rufus: (Will he understand this?) That is called an erection...Your penis becomes hard from time to time, and that is very normal.

Alphonse: An erection? Why does it do this? It hurts!

Rufus: When you're young, sometimes it happens on its own, but other times, it can be caused by arousal.

Alphonse: What's..arousal? Is that when your stomach feels all twisted?

Rufus: Yes, it's normal to feel that way.

Alphonse: But why does it happen? It..feels so weird and... *Looks down.*

Rufus: Your body wants...to look for a partner. You are too young to worry about having a girl friend right now.

Alphonse: You mean..like mom is to you? A wife? What does that have to do with my penis getting hard?

Rufus: Yes...that is what I mean. When you find the woman you love, you have intercourse with them...And you make a family. You...use your erect penis and put it inside the woman's vagina. (I can't believe I'm talking to him about this...) And that is how you make a family. It's how you were made.

Alphonse: Ew! You and mom! *Shakes, sticking his tongue out.* Yuck!

Rufus: Maybe to you son...But I need to talk to you about something else.

Alphonse: Yeah! What else? Is there more?

Rufus: Yes...I need to talk to you about something called masturbation.

Alphonse: What's that?

Rufus: Masturbation is when you...touch yourself for pleasure.

Alphonse: Oh.. *Blushes hard, looking down at the bed.* P-pleasure is t-that feeling?

Rufus: Yes, and that is all a part of normal life. You can talk to me about anything, Alphonse.

Alphonse: It was hurting really bad and wouldn't go away.. I noticed when I..rubbed it, it helped and f-felt good.. T-then I wet myself..

Rufus: You didn't "wet" yourself. What you released is called sperm. That is how you make a woman become pregnant.

Alphonse: Ew, I came from that? *Looks down at his pants.* So, my body wants me to have a baby?

Rufus: Yes...but you are far too young to worry about having a child. It's a large responsibility.

Alphonse: I don't want any! *Plays with the blankets.*

Rufus: Good... I want you to find a good German woman when you're old enough and give me beautiful grandchildren.

Alphonse: I will, I have to keep the family name living Father.. I will make you proud of me.

Rufus: It's not just to carry on the family name. I want you to find someone you love.

Alphonse: I hope I will, Father. How did you fall in love with Mother?

Rufus: I met her on a train when I was young.

Alphonse: Really? What made you fall in love with her?

Rufus: Your mom was...(Yes...was...I don't want her anymore.) the most beautiful woman I had ever seen

Alphonse: Were you scared to talk to her?

Rufus: No, I was't scared...

Alphonse: Did Mother like you as well?

Rufus: No...*He chuckles softly.* Not at first.

Alphonse: *Chuckles as well.* Did she turn you away?

Rufus: She turned me away many times...

Alphonse: Why did you keep going back if she didn't want you?

Rufus: That is how men are...If there's something they want, they won't give up in getting what they want.

Alphonse: True! *Smiles at Rufus.* Thanks for talking to me, Father.. I was worried, I thought something was wrong.

Rufus: You know...you can talk to me about anything. I understand that you're becoming older now.

Alphonse: I know.. I will, father. *Hugs Rufus before he gets off the bed.* I'm going to go to the bathroom; Mother was letting Mark come over!

Rufus: Have fun, my son. *He smiles at Alphonse as he leaves Alphonse's room to go to work.*

Hilde: *Hears Alphonse door close and cracks her own door to open to see Rufus walking down the hall.* (Did he forget me?)

Rufus: Have a good day, Hilde... *He says as he hears Hilde's door open.*

Hilde: *Runs out and hugs Rufus's legs.* I love you, daddy!

Rufus: I love you too. Now, daddy has to go to work...

Hilde: Don't forget your hat, daddy! *Holds the hat up to Rufus.*

Rufus: I thought you wanted to wear it?

Hilde: Yeah...But I don't want you to look bad at work! Mommy said you needed to look your best..

Rufus: Thank you, Hilde. *He takes his hat off of Hilde's head and places it neatly on his head once again.*

Hilde: You're welcome, daddy! *Hugs Rufus again.* Can I walk with you to the door?

Rufus: You can... *He takes Hilde's hand and walks with her downstairs.*

Hilde: Mommy said she's going to take Else and I to town! That she'll get something to..cover my hair..

Rufus: Tell your mother to buy a pretty scarf for your hair...

Hilde: Okay, I'll try.. Else usually gets more than me, she gets the pretty things.

Rufus: Well, tell your mother what I told you. *He kisses Hilde's forehead before he heads out the door for work.*

Hilde: Okay! *Kisses Rufus before he walks out.* I love you, daddy! Have a good day!

Rufus: I love you too. *He blows a kiss to Hilde and begins his walk to work.*

Hilde: *Giggles at the kiss, waving to Rufus as he walks away.* I can't wait for tonight!

Once Rufus arrives at work, Zechs notices that Rufus's office light is on. Zechs knocks on Rufus's office door before he walks in calmly.

Zechs: What are you doing here? I told you to spend the day with Hilde and I would pay you..

Rufus: I can't risk staying home. I need to be here to provide for my family.

Zechs: I already had money out to give you, more than you make in a day.. You need a day of rest, I do not want to lose you to this war..

Rufus: You're too kind...but I need to work. My wife and I had a disagreement this morning.

Zechs: Oh, I'm sorry.. *Walks over and sits next to Rufus.* Do you want to talk about it? You know I am always here for you..

Rufus: I found out this morning that my wife left Hilde home on purpose.

Zechs: My god..I'm so sorry, my Ru'.. *Comfortly rubs Rufus's back.* Did she expect your servants to watch her? Yours do not stay in the house like mine, one of the guards come and get them at eight.. *Sighs, knowing how much this is hurting Rufus.* Bring her tonight, my girls will take care of all of her needs..

Rufus: I hope you understand. I'm not trying to disobey your orders.

Zechs: I understand.. Why don't you and Hilde stay with me for a few days, she will be watched and fed and you will have a few days without stress.. Else and Alphonse are welcome as well..

Rufus: That sounds good. *He smirks slightly.* I had to have a talk with Alphonse today.

Zechs: You did? What about?

Rufus: You know...the talk about becoming a man.

Zechs: Oh, that talk. *Chuckles softly.* He is starting earlier then most boys, did you find him?

Rufus: No, but something Hilde said made me want to talk to him. I was an early starter too.

Zechs: Oh! She saw something, that is how my father found out about when I did.. But I didn't change till I was fourteen.. *Blushes lightly, embarrassed .*

Rufus: *He chuckles softly.* Hilde thought Alphonse was "hurting" himself.

Zechs: It would look like it to a child, I take it he was touching himself?

Rufus: It appears so. I told him everything he was feeling is normal.

Zechs: That is better than what my father did, he waited till I was sixteen and..took me to a whorehouse to lose my virginity..

Rufus: I told Alphonse that he's too young to worry about women right now. I think he understood me. He still thinks the act of sex is disgusting.

Zechs: He will, he is young.. You just have to worry when he begins to start it.. *Chuckles softly.* If he is like you, he will love the act of making love.. *Kisses Rufus's cheek.*

Rufus: He really is becoming a handsome boy...It's no wonder why he began acting out. His body is filled with hormones.. *He closes his eyes as Zechs kisses his cheek.*

Zechs: He will make you proud, you can tell how much he looks up to you as well. And yes, he is changing and not knowing what is happening..

Rufus: He just wants to push his limits, just like any boy. I don't regret whipping him, though. It teaches values and consequences.

Zechs: Yes, he must know what he did was wrong. I played tricks on my own sister, but nothing that would hurt her..

Rufus: I remember when we were young, and you threw dirt on your sister's dress.

Zechs: I was a boy, she did stuff to me as well. *Chuckles softly.* She would put itching powder in my uniform pants the day we went to meet the General at the time..

Rufus: Oh my...I was wondering what was wrong with you that day.

Zechs: Yes, I was doing my best to not to itch it but it was hell. All..um..all of my underpants were on the wash so I had to go without.. My manhood was red by the time I got home..

Rufus: *He chuckles softly.* I apologies for laughing...

Zechs: It is alright, it was funny.. Just not when the powder get into your urethra.. That is why I was sick the next day, she blamed herself for days..

Rufus: I remember that. *He smiles softly at Zechs.* I've missed you.

Zechs: I've missed you as well, I dreamed of you last night.. *Rubs Rufus's back, lovingly kissing Rufus's neck.*

Rufus: I had to relieve myself this morning... *He smiles slyly as he feels Zechs kiss his neck.*

Zechs: Mmm, I wish I could of seen that. You look so beautiful when you release.. *Rests his head on Rufus's shoulder.* How was Hilde last night?

Rufus: She looked like she was having a nightmare. Hilde calmed down when I returned to bed with her.

Zechs: Of course, you calm her as much as she calms you.. I wouldn't be amazed if she wanted to sleep in your bed when she is eleven or older..

Rufus: No...I can tell she is becoming more independent. Hilde did come looking for me in the camp, and she never would have considered leaving the house to look for me before.

Zechs: Yes, but she will always be your little girl, I've never seen a girl love her father as much as she loves you.. *Smiles softly.*

Rufus: Maybe so...Are you mad at me for coming to work?

Zechs: I am a little upset, I thought you did take the day off till I saw the light.. But I understand why, I just want you to be healthy..

Rufus: And...I needed to see you. *He smiles softly.*

Zechs: We will be with each other all night, But I am happy to see you as well.. *Kisses Rufus, smiling at him.* I will have to go on rounds in a few minutes.. (I need to inform Reno and Vincent that Denzel is well..)

Rufus: I'll see you later, then. *He kisses Zechs's cheek* After your rounds?

Zechs: Yes, I will come back.. I will have to go home for lunch, but I will be back after.. I have to prepare for my Mother to come.. (And I promised Yuffie I would come home..)

Rufus: I see...I'll miss you, Zechs. *He kisses Zechs once more before Zechs heads out for his rounds.*

Zechs: I'll miss you as well, I will be thinking of you and looking forward till tonight. *Blows Rufus a kiss before he walks out.*

Zechs heads out into the camp to visit Vincent and Reno. He walks in to where Reno and Vincent are staying and notices Vincent working at the kiln. He sighs as he notices Vincent has become sickly looking.

Zechs: (Please don't be getting sick..) Hello.. I have some..work for you guys at my home..

Reno: *Chuckles softly, knowing it will barely be any work at all.* 'kay yo, let us finish 'is gun..

Vincent: We'll be finished soon. *He wipes the sweat from his forehead as he finishes his work.*

Zechs: It is alright, I will have to leave you after I take you to my home.. I have rounds to finish, but the girls will take care of you..

Reno: (Good, I hope it helps Vincent.. He's scarin' meh wit' how sick he is startin' ta look, I..'an't lose 'im!) *Looks over at Vincent with worry, cooling the barrel.*

Vincent: What kind of work do you need to be done tonight?

Zechs: I have visitors coming next week and the bed in my Mother's room needs refinished.. And the curtains washed, I expect it will take more than a day so you will be coming over during the afternoons.. *Smiles softly.*

Vincent: We'll see what we can do...

Reno: Ay', we'll mak' a room ye Ma's proud off yo! *Walks back over and hands the barrel to Vincent for him to screw it on and whispers to him.* I'll do th' bed an' 'et the curtains down fer ye.. Ye need some rest, meh fella..

Vincent: *He nods in agreement with Reno and finishes off both his and Reno's work.* Are we leaving now, General?

Zechs: Yes, the will have already started on dinner.. Denzel has become Tifa's little helper.. *Chuckles softly as he walks the door.*

Reno: I bet! *Smiles softly as he reaches for Vincent's shirt and helps him put it on.* 'an ye make it there, babe? Ye 'an lay on th' bed, I'll do th' work..

Vincent: I can make it there fine. *He stands up wearily from the kiln and begins to walk out without Reno's assistance.*

Reno: (He's hidin' how he feels yo..Why 'an't he let meh take care of 'im?) *Follows after Vincent and Zechs, keeping an eye on him.*

Vincent: (This...is nothing. I don't want to scare Reno right now. That is the last thing he needs.) *He looks back at Reno and continues his walk to follow Zechs.*

Zechs: (I'll tell Tifa to slip something in his drink that will help him feel better..) Denzel has been a joy to have in my home, the girls love him..

Reno: Of course, e'eryone loves 'im yo! 'ow 'an ye not yo?

Vincent: He is a well behaved boy. I see a future for him.

Zechs: Yes, he reminds of a friend at that age.. I will look out for him as long as I can..

Reno: Oh? Who yo? *Walks up a little closer to Vincent, wanting to be near him.*

Zechs: He died soon after we were first shipped out..He...did in my arms, being around Denzel makes his memory still live..

Vincent: *He whispers to Reno.* We shouldn't...ask any more questions about that.

Reno: Ay'..I feel bad fer askin' yo.. *Whispers back.*

Vincent: You're alright... *He gently pats Reno's shoulder.*

Zechs: *Opens the gate to his home and walks through, chuckles when he hears laughing coming from one of the open windows.* My home has been filled with laughter the passed few days..

Reno: (They hav' somethin' ta laugh 'bout.. 'is place is heaven compared ta th' camp..)

Vincent: (I do look forward to staying here...) *He holds onto Reno's shoulder as he walks up the stairs. His weakened body struggles.*

Zechs: I will tell the girls to bring you two up some food.. The room is the first one to the left, everything you need is already in there.. *Goes to the kitchen to check on his girls..

Reno: T'anks yo! *Wraps his arms around Vincent to help him up the stairs, lovingly kisses his cheek.*

Vincent: Mmgh... *He breathes heavily as he begins to lag behind on the stairs. He groans.*

Reno: Fella.. Lean on meh, babe.. I'll get ye up ta th' room, than ye 'an lay on th' bed.. Please, ye need ta rest. *Looks worried at Vincent, holding on tightly to him.*

Vincent: This...is nothing. I'm fine. *He tries to walk inside the house himself. He still struggles with walking inside.*

Reno: Please, Vinny.. Let meh help ye! *Quickly grabs onto Vincent, hating to see him struggle.* I know ye feelin' bad, don't hide it from meh yo..Tha' hurts..

Vincent: (I still have my pride...I didn't think I would need help.) Thank...you.

Reno: I love you an' wanna tak' care of ye..*Helps Vincent up to the room Zechs said and looks in awe at it the sight.* Wow..

Vincent: It's a beautiful room...

Reno: I've ne'er been in a room so..wow! *Looks in awe as he helps Vincent to the bed and covers him in the blankets.*

Vincent: Thank you for helping me...I still feel bad for not being able to help you out.

Reno: Ye welcome! *Leans down and kisses Vincent.* I lov' ye, don't feel bad.. If ye wanna help meh jus' get better so we 'an be tagether..

Vincent: I'm sorry...I love you. *He coughs slightly and closes his eyes.*

Reno: Just rest.. Please, meh fella..I 'an't live wit' out ye. *Runs his hands through Vincent's hair.*

Vincent: I'm resting...I don't want to leave you.

Reno: Ye won't.. *Begins to get what he needs to start refurnishing the bed.* They should be up 'ere wit' food soon yo!

Vincent: I'm quite hungry... *He rolls over onto his side to get more comfortable.*

Reno: So am I yo.. *Begins working on the bed, singing softly to himself.* Th' Minstrel-Boy to th' war is gone

In th' ranks of death ye will find 'im

'is father's sword he hath girded on

An' 'is wild harp slung behind 'im

"Land of Song!" said th' warrior-bard

"Though all th' world betrays thee

One sword, at least, they rights shall guard

One faithful harp shall praise thee! Th' Minstrel fell! - But th' foeman's chain

Could not bring tha' proud soul under

Th' harp he lov'd ne'er spoke 'gain

Fer he tore its chords asunder

An' said "No chains shall sully thee

Thou soul of love an' brav'ry!

Thy songs were made fer th' pure an' free,

They shall ne'er sound in slavery!"

Vincent: What's the...name of that song?

Reno: Hm? Oh, it's called The Minstrel Boy.. Meh Ma taught meh all th' old songs, I lov' ta sing 'em.. Meh Da would hav' meh sing at th' pub, tha' was meh first job..

Vincent: Oh...*He fixes the pillow on the bed to get comfortable.*

Reno: Ay', I'd save all meh money I'd mak' ta get bonnie somethin'.. I got 'im a ring.. *Smiles softly as he remembers.*

Vincent: A...ring. *He says as he closes his eyes to rest. His exhausted body wears down into sleep.*

Reno: Ay' but they took it.. *Sighs sadly, looks up when he doesn't hear anything. Chuckles softly at him, shaking his head.* Ye sleep, meh sweet fella..

Vincent: Mmh... *He groans as he hears Reno's voice.*

Reno: Sorry, babe.. *Smiles softly as he keeps working on the bed, looks up when he hears the door open and sees Denzel walk in with a tray of food.* Hey boyo, be quirt.. Vinny's sleepin'.. Come sit by meh yo..

Denzel looks at Vincent with worried eyes. He points at Vincent and then points at the tea the girls made for Vincent. He sits quietly on the edge of the bed.

Reno: Let meh wake 'im up, boyo.. *Stands up and walks over to the side of the bed, gently shaking Vincent awake.* Vinny.. Denzy has some tea an' rolls fer ye..

Vincent: Huh? Denzel? *He slowly raises his upper body off of the bed.* Oh...Denzel.

Reno: *Grabs the tea and rolls off the tray and sits down next to Vincent, handing him the tea first.* Drink up, babe.. Ye need somethin' in ye..

Vincent: Okay... *He takes the tea from Reno and slowly drinks from it.*

Reno: There ye go.. *Begins to break up the rolls before he hands the pieces to Vincent.* Eat a little ta.. Than ye 'an go ta sleep..

Vincent: I don't like leaving all the work for you... *He wipes his mouth once he finishes his tea and slowly eats the pieces of bread from Reno's hands.*

Reno: Don' worry yo, 'is is nothin' an' he said we 'ad days ta finish it so ye rest till ye get better! *Breaks off a few more pieces.*

Vincent: I know...but it's about working together...

Reno: But if ye don't get better, they'll be no workin' tagether yo.. An'..I 'an't take losin' ye... *Kisses Vincent's shoulder as he eats.*

Vincent: You think I'm dying, don't you? *He lowers his head slightly.*

Reno: I..I don' know wha' ta think yo.. I hope after a good nap, ye'll be better. "is may jus' be ye bein' over worked! *Kisses Vincent lovingly.* Ye ain't gonna leave me yo, ye gonna get better.

Vincent: Is that what you truely believe? *He rests his head on Reno's shoulder.* You don't have to hide the truth from me.

Reno: Ay'..Cause if I believe fer one second tha' ye gonna die, than I'll die ta. Ye gonna get better an' we gonna get outta 'ere an' get a place fer th' three of us yo.. *Wraps his arm around Vincent, holding him close.*

Vincent: You have to keep going...if something happens to me. Who will take care of Denzel?

Reno: Zechs will.. I..'an't live if I lose ye ta, meh heart 'an't take losin' 'nother lov' yo.. *Cups Vincent cheek, looking him in the eyes.* I lov' ye, Vinny..

Vincent: Oh...what am I saying? *He straightens his posture to eat more bread.*

Reno: Tha' ye lov' meh yo! *Smiles softly at Vincent, grabbing another roll for him.* 'is bed is jus' like th' one downstairs!

Vincent: I do love you, and I worry. *He takes the roll from Reno and nibbles it gently.*

Reno: I lov' ye, an' no need ta worry, Axy will protect us yo!

Vincent: Maybe you're right. *He carefully lays back down on the bed to rest.*

Reno: Ay', ye know I'm right meh fella.. *Pulls up the blanket and covers Vincent up before he kisses his forehead.* Get some rest, babe.. I'm gonna eat..

Vincent: I'll try...I love you. *He fluffs the pillow underneath his head.*

Reno: I lov' ye too.. *Nuzzles Vincent's cheek before he sits down next to Denzel and takes his plate.* T'anks fer th' food, boyo..

Denzel nods his head. He points at Vincent in question and worry.

Reno: He's..sick, boyo.. But he's gonna 'et better yo, layin' 'ere an' th' food will help 'im.

Denzel's eyes become wet at the sight of Vincent laying on the bed sick. "Mm?"

Reno: 'ey now, ye hav' ta be strong fer 'im, he needs us ta help 'im ta get better, boyo. *Pulls Denzel into a hug, kissing his forehead.* So 'ow it livin' 'ere?

Denzel smiles softly, wanting Reno to know that he's being taken care of.

Reno: Good, ye help th' girls 'ere an' be good fer th' General yo! *Smiles softly, at Denzel.*

After Reno finishes his meal, he begins to show Denzel how to refurnish the bed, singing to him as they work. Loving the smile on Denzel's face as they work till night fall.

The night comes to an end and Denzel crawls into bed with Vincent, not wanting to leave his friend. Denzel pulls Reno onto the bed as well, wanting the same warmth he felt while he still lived in the camp with Reno and Vincent.