A/N: Based on episode 22, where Lockon comes in to tell Tieria to stop sulking. The scene was crying out for someone to yaoi-fy it, so I took the liberty :)

DISCLAIMER: Sunrise owns it, not me.

Tieria looked out onto the sight of the most recent battle, his eyes locked onto the slowly shrinking view of earth. His fingers curled in on themselves into a tight fist, as unwanted tears welled up in his eyes.

He blamed himself for Lockon's injuries. The image of Dynames jumping in to save him, to take a hit that was meant for him…it tore Tieria apart. He had witnessed Lockon's broken and bleeding body taken to the infirmary, the door shutting in his face as the doctors began emergency procedures on the dying man.

Tears overflowed and fell down Tieria's pale cheeks. 'If only I hadn't been so focused on Veda..' he thought, shutting his eyes painfully, 'then maybe Lockon wouldn't of…wouldn't of…'

"Tieria…how long do you intend on staying like this?"

Tieria's eyes widened and he quickly whipped his head around to stare at the object of his thoughts. "Lo—Lockon…"

Lockon sighed and walked towards the smaller man until they were only inches apart. "Don't cry for me," he whispered, wiping salty tears off of pale cheeks.

Tieria shook his head, his hands grasping the fabric of Lockon's shirt desperately. "You…you shouldn't have done that, Lockon!" He cried, his voice cracking from the sobs that were forcing their way out of his throat. "I could've taken the hit! But you—and now…"

A tentative hand reached up to brush over the fabric covering Lockon's right eye. "You shouldn't have done it," he whispered, refusing to meet the taller man's eyes. Instead, he rest his head on Lockon's broad chest, his fingers still ghosting over a hurt face.

Lockon took the hand on his face in his own, and brought it to his lips to gently kiss. "It wasn't your fault, Tieria. None of it was. Don't blame yourself for what happened…please…" he whispered, his other hand coming up to wrap around Tieria's shoulders, pulling him close to him.

Tieria looked up and ran his hand through chestnut locks. "I'll never forgive myself for what happened, Lockon. You should know that." He paused, letting his hand drop down to Lockon's face, cupping his cheek. Lockon leaned into the touch, his eyes closing. "So please…don't give me any more reason to hate myself…"

Lockon's eyes widened, and he squeezed Tieria's hand. "Tieria…you know I can't do that. I will always give my life for you, always." His voice was strained for holding back tears, so he decided to end the conversation there by leaning down and capturing Tieria's soft lips with his own.

Tieria gave in to the kiss, relishing in the fact that Lockon was here, alive, and with him. Lockon released his hand to wrap his arm around Tieria's waist, deepening the kiss to allow the other man to feel that he was here and wasn't leaving any time soon.

Tieria's hands once again reached up to touch soft chestnut tendrils, and he gave himself a mental reminder to tell Lockon that he needed to cut his hair soon.

When air became a necessity, they broke apart. Lockon leaned his forehead against the smaller man's, their noses brushing against each other's.

"I love you, Lockon," Tieria said with a defeated sigh. "So I don't want to see you hurt. Please just try to be careful, as I know I can't keep you from doing the stupid things that you feel you need to do."

Lockon smiled. "I'll be careful, Tieria" he whispered, "I promise."

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