A/N: Ah, I forgot that I set this thing to T. Oops…well…it wasn't technically a "sex scene" since it was lacking in details and all that. So…I think that's good enough for a T. If anybody wants more out of me, I can set it to M and see if I can squeeze in some more detailed sex. But that's up for a vote, k?

Disclaimer: I want to own Fayt…I'd lock him away somewhere and videotape Albel swooping in to rescue him. It'd be the best action/romance movie ever!

When Fayt woke up, Albel's arms were still wrapped around him and Albel was half-asleep with his head resting on Fayt's shoulder. Fayt felt warm and content in Albel's embrace and he was sure he could stay like that forever.

Eventually, Albel stirred. "That wasn't so bad, was it?" Albel murmured into Fayt's shirt.

"No," Fayt admitted, blushing slightly. "Not bad at all."

"Good," Albel said softly. He disentangled himself from Fayt with a cat-like stretch. The fierce red eyes were soft and almost affectionate. He stroked Fayt's cheek with one hand. Fayt concluded that Albel was probably not completely awake yet, but that didn't stop him from enjoying this gentler side to Albel. His eyes slid shut and he leaned into Albel's touch.

"Well, my little fool," Albel said softly, withdrawing his hand. "It's time we got going. I expect to be home by tonight and we'll never get there if we laze about all day."

Fayt eyed him nervously. Even though he was now bound to Albel and he knew he needed to see Albel's people eventually if he was to live with Albel, he couldn't shake the feeling of apprehension. Albel belonged to a warrior tribe and Fayt could never hope to fit in with them. He was useless at combat and he was sure they would hate him immediately.

"What's wrong?" Albel demanded. His hackles rose at the slight flicker of fear that passed across Fayt's face. He would destroy whatever was scaring his Fayt.

Fayt looked away and cleared his throat awkwardly. "Are you sure I won't be a burden to you and your people? I'm not trained to fight and I'll only be in the way. I'm sure they'll kick me out when they see how pathetic I am."

"Nonsense," Albel growled. He seized Fayt's chin in one hand, forcing Fayt to pay attention to him. "Look at me," he snarled, the red eyes flashing. "Look into my eyes and know that this is the truth." His voice dropped dangerously low. "If they even think of giving you a hard time, they have to come through me."

Fayt clutched at Albel nervously. "N-no, don't do that. They'll kick you out too. I want you to go back home with your friend and your family but I don't-"

"You're my family now," Albel said fiercely. "I've already pledged myself to you. Even though you're an outsider, rules are rules. They can't make me leave you. Our relationship is permanent. And that means you're coming with me." Albel stretched cramped muscles and gracefully rose to his feet. He brushed himself off briskly and looked down at Fayt. "Are you coming or not, fool?" he demanded. "You better not think of leaving me because you're afraid of my tribe."

Fayt flinched under the sharpness of Albel's glance. "No, no…of course not." He looked up at Albel timidly. "But maybe we should all have a talk and get to know each other first before we jump into things? I mean, I'm sure they won't be happy to suddenly hear that they have to put up with a useless-"

Albel cut him off, growing tired of Fayt's nervous rambling. "Not useless," he insisted. He pulled out his sword, taking a few practice swings. He lowered the blade and eyed it appraisingly. "Well, it's not very sharp, but it's better than being unarmed." He thrust the weapon toward Fayt. "Here, take it."

"M-me?" Fayt squeaked. His hands hesitantly closed around the sword hilt and he looked down at it in awe. He had never held such a dangerous weapon before. He didn't know what to do with it. He rose cautiously to his feet, eying the sword apprehensively as he stood. "What am I supposed to do?" Fayt asked softly.

"Since you're so worried about being like a defenseless maiden, I'm going to teach you a little bit about combat." Albel stretched leisurely. "You won't learn much in an hour, but it's better than nothing. You carry that sword from now on. I'm sick of it. I want my own sword back. It's a stupid sword, but at least you won't hurt yourself with it. In time, maybe I can trust you with a real blade." He smiled brightly.

Fayt took a deep breath. If his love wanted him to learn how to defend himself, he would give it a try. His hands gripped the sword so tightly that his knuckles shown white. He was incredibly nervous, but he would go through with it for Albel.

Albel stood behind Fayt and adjusted his grip. He put his hand over Fayt's and guided the younger man's hands into a more comfortable position. Albel rested his chin on Fayt's shoulder and whispered huskily into his ear. "You can do it, Fayt."

Fayt forced his body to stop shaking. He swallowed hard and waited for the blush to disappear off his face. Albel made him so nervous sometimes, especially when he was so close. And Albel seemed to know that. He took a few steps away from Fayt and folded his arms across his chest, smirking victoriously. Yes, Albel was enjoying making him nervous. He was doing it on purpose. He scowled.

It soon became apparent that Albel also liked making Fayt's life miserable. He barked out commands to Fayt as Fayt tried desperately to figure out what he was doing. "Keep your shoulders up!" Albel would shout one minute. The next minute, Albel was telling him to "Drop that shoulder. No, no. Stop slouching. Keep your arms up." It was deadening to his spirits. He had no idea what Albel wanted and disappointing Albel was discouraging.

At last, Albel had decided that Fayt had enough. "Well, I can't make you a warrior in one day," Albel concluded diplomatically. "The rest of the tribe will be glad to help you along in your training. I have little patience for this but there is a man who trains the children and he will know how to help a beginner like you. I just can't think back to when I first started to really help you."

Fayt sank wearily onto the horse. "I'm really that hopeless?"

Albel looked surprised. "No, not hopeless. You just don't have any training at all. We have to start from the very beginning and if I have to work with you, I'm afraid I'll get frustrated with you quickly. You know how violent I can be when I'm angry."

Fayt nodded. Yes, Albel had a terrible temper. He knew that full well.

"So," Albel continued. "I'm not allowed to work with children. But there is a man named Dion that works with all the children. I'm told he is a patient and gentle man. That's what you need, Fayt. Someone who will be patient and encouraging. I don't tolerate such sappiness."

Fayt smiled. It was true. If Albel was forced to train him, their relationship would quickly grow strained. If Dion was able to make him into a decent fighter, Albel's tribe wouldn't have to be shamed by his uselessness and Fayt could take his place among the people, actually being able to help them.

"Okay," Fayt said softly. "Dion can train me."

Albel quirked a smile. "But first, we've got to get there. Still afraid of what they might say, fool?"

"A little," Fayt admitted. "But this Dion guy sounds nice enough. I'm sure he won't kill me on sight."

Albel rolled his eyes and dug his heel into the horse's side. As they galloped on towards his tribe, Albel smirked. His tribe's reputation had been greatly exaggerated. Fayt would have little to fear, from most of them anyway. But it was good to put a little fear into his fool.