Xelloss dropped to the ground with a thud.

"Well," he murmured, "That didn't go the way I planned it at all."

He turned his head in time to see Juu-ou's portal close. Xelloss stood up, dusting himself off, and picked up his staff.

Ah well, he mused, perhaps she'll turn me back when she's through with her temper tantrum....

Xelloss looked around, eyes open and showing no signs of closing soon.

"Why...Juu-ou-sama dropped me near Filia's house..." Xelloss frowned as he began walking.

* * * * * *

A few hours later....

"It's a...lot farther than I remembered..." he wheezed to himself as he crested a small hill. He paused to lean on his staff and wipe his forehead with one sleeve. The town where Filia's shop/house was located was now in view. Xelloss sighed to himself tiredly before continuing his walk.

* * * * * *

Xelloss finally made it to Filia's shop/house.

"Filia?" Xelloss knocked on the door, then peeked in the window. A darkened room and a closed sign welcomed him.

"Yare yare...She's not home..." He murmured, then sat down tiredly on her front step.

People who passed the shop gave the slumped, purple-haired figure strange looks as they went about their business. Traffic began dwindling by late afternoon and by evening had stopped altogether.

Xelloss yawned and wondered if this was how humans felt before they needed sleep. He curled up on the ground, cloak covering him, staff gripped in one hand, and his head resting on the opposite arm.

This is such a strange feeling...Is this what they have to deal with as.mortals?...Then he slept.

* * * * * *

Filia smiled as young Val ran ahead. They were going back home after visiting some friends. She shifted her bag, the morning sun reflected off of her hair. Val ran back to her, walking at her side. He grabbed her hand as she smiled down at him.

"Come on Mama! Hurry up!" He pulled on her hand impatiently. Filia laughed and allowed herself to be dragged along by the energetic child.

As the shop/house came into view down the road she slowed, letting Val go ahead again.

It's good to be back, she thought absently as a breeze caressed her face.

"Mama! Mama! There's a man laying in front of our door!" Val cried as he ran up to her.

Filia blinked then ran after Val to the shop/house, skidding to a halt a few feet from a familiar purple-haired figure. Said figure still curled up and sound asleep. Her first instinct was to whip out Mace-sama and slam him into the nearby tree.

"Something is strange about him...." She murmured. "He doesn't have that Mazoku feeling, his presence is almost...."

Val poked him and Xelloss immediately awoke, alert to everything. A quick glance around told him it was early morning and that an annoyed Ryuuzoku stood over him.

"Ah, hello Filia!" He stood up, brushing himself off and picking up his staff. His purple eyes gleamed slightly and he blinked as if he had just realized it was necessary.

Filia put her hand on her hips and gave him a glare.

"What are you doing here namagomi?" His eyes...she thought, They're open and they're...human?! Filia reached out and grabbed his chin, holding his head still. Intently she looked at his eyes.

"You're human aren't you Xelloss?!" She exclaimed.

"Yesh,...Ah wush about to tel oo dat...Leggo..."

"Oh!" Filia let go of his chin. Xelloss rubbed his chin and looked at her.

"I wouldn't be here if I hadn't been dropped off nearby..." He smiled at her, then muttered, "Nearby being relative of course..."

"How'd you end up human Xelloss?" She asked curiously.

"Now that..." He closed one eye and did his trademark finger waggle, "is a secret!"

"OOoooohhh..." she growled, "You're just as annoying human as you were Mazoku! Move!" Filia pushed him aside and unlocked the door, opening it and stomping inside.

Xelloss watched the closed sign flip and heard her stomp up the stairs. He chuckled to himself and glanced at Val.

"Mama's mad..." he said, looked up at Xel, then ran inside. Xelloss strolled in behind him.

"Hmm...Interesting place..." Sculptures and all sorts of pots and clay containers were lined up neatly on shelves. It smelled slightly earthy, with a touch of herbs. At the back of the shop, away from customer's eyes were herbs hung to dry...And also...A stash of maces.

Xelloss laughed softly to himself and then inspected the rest of the shop.

* * * * * *

Filia sighed as she set out a mat for Xelloss to sleep on. He'd have to share Val's room...

Why did he have to come here? She thought, annoyed, Why couldn't he have gone to Ameria's or Lina's or Sylphiel's?! Anywhere but here...

Val handed her the edge of the blanket he was dragging behind him. Filia took the corner, shook out the blanket and spread it over the mat.

"Arigatou Val...Could you get a pillow please?"

"Ok Mama!" Val ran off on his mission.

Why oh -WHY- did he have to come here? She thought again, even as some part of her was almost glad.

"Because I'm closest to where he was put, that's why..." Filia muttered.

"Here the pillow Mama!" Val held up a pillow with a triumphant look.

Filia laughed, "Thank you Val." Taking the pillow and placing it at the head of the mat.

"Now let's go get Xelloss, hm?"

* * * * * *

"Xelloss, follow me." Xelloss turned from a statuette he had been inspecting and followed Filia up the stairs. At the end of the short hall, she led him into a room. The walls were white, two sleeping mats on the floor and a dresser against one wall.

"You're sharing a room with Val, here's your bed", Filia crossed her arms. "Deal with it namagomi."

Xelloss shrugged and leaned his ruby-orb staff against the wall nearest his sleeping mat. He undid the clasp on his cloak and folded it, setting it neatly by the staff.

"Anything else Filia?" He raised an eyebrow at her.

"You're not dressing like that." She looked disgusted at his yellow and black clothing.

"Filia, I may have to stay here, but that does not mean you can order me around!" Xelloss frowned.

Filia smiled sweetly at him, "Coming?" She left the room, going into the one next to it. Xelloss followed, fuming.

"I'm not changing..." he muttered to himself, becoming inaudible.

Val sat in the room on a cushion, drawing on a sheet of paper. He looked up, "Mama!" He smiled brightly. Dropping his crayon he ran over to hug Filia. Filia smiled at him, then detached him from her waist.

"Say hello to Xelloss, Val."

"Hi Xelly!" Val exclaimed to the purple-eyed priest, who had still been silently fuming about Filia ordering him around.

"It's Xelloss."

"Of course it is...Xelly." Filia chuckled.

Xelloss' cheek twitched as Filia smiled sweetly at him.

"Mama." Val tugged at her sleeve. "Come lookit what I'm drawing!" Val picked up the crayon and sat down in front of his picture with Filia.

I feel so odd...Xelloss thought. Usually I only feel annoyed at her...But I feel...Something else now...He shook his head, as if to be rid of the thought. What is it?....

Filia paled visibly as she looked at the picture.

"...saw this last night in my dream Mama." Val went on. "It looked real so..."

Filia stared at the picture, then glanced at Xelloss to see if he'd seen her reaction. Xelloss was lost in thought it seemed. She turned back to the picture.

Two figures, hers and Xelloss' adorned the paper. It would've been less shocking if the figures were holding hands. However, stick figure Xel was carrying a bleeding stick figure Filia.

"Is something wrong Mama?" Val looked up at her worried.

"Nothing Val, I just think I should put that up in my room...." Where no one will see it, including me...she said silently to herself.

"Ok Mama!" Val handed her the picture with a big smile. "I'm gonna go downstairs and watch for people!" He said proudly, then pushed past Xelloss and could be heard racing down the stairs.

Xelloss broke out of his thoughtful mood.

"Something wrong?" He raised an eyebrow at her. "Val didn't do a good job coloring you?" He smirked a bit.

"He did just fine; it's not any of your business anyway Namagomi." Was it her imagination or did he flinch?

Xelloss managed to keep an uncaring grin on his face, "Sorry you feel that way." He watched her disappear into her room across the hall and reappear sans picture.

Filia walked up to Xelloss and looked as if she were going to say something when the doorbell clanged. Filia opened her mouth to say something again but went down the hall and descended the stairs instead.

Xelloss frowned after her, Something is definitely wrong with her. Xel tried the door to the room, finding she'd locked it behind her with a spell.

So much for that...He thought, staring at the door thoughtfully. I wonder what got her so upset.

* * * * * *

I should have told him...Filia berated herself as she cheerily waved good-bye to the customer. But I was so shocked by Val's possible premonition...

Filia frowned to herself, feeling guilty for not having told him. She had given Val something to do by telling him to string herbs to dry in the back. Another customer came in; Filia smiled and waved at her. It was going to be a long day.

* * * * * *

She's right, he thought sullenly. I do need to change how I look...Not just what I'm dressed in. Anyone who recognizes me and realizes I'm human will probably want to kill me to get some type of revenge...He made a face at himself in the small mirror he'd found on the dresser. Xelloss put the mirror back down, then pulled out one of the drawers, beginning to sort through clothing and miscellaneous items.

Val's clothing. He pushed the drawer back in, pulled out the second drawer and began going through it. More of Val's clothing, but mostly just stuff. One more...He knelt slowly and pulled the bottom drawer out. Some clothing sat in the front of the drawer, neatly folded. The rest of the drawer was filled with extra cloth, presumably for Val's clothing.

~~*Mace-sama comes out of a plot hole and hits the author.* Ouch! Hey, Zellas put that there ok?! It wasn't me! Though I did draw him in that outfit and...*wolf whistles*~~

He pulled the clothing out, noting it was a complete outfit. Trousers, red shirt and yellow over-shirt. It looked to be about his size, and he found it was after he put it on. He examined himself in the small mirror.

Not bad, he thought, then put the mirror down and began looking for a leather thong ~ponytail holder for all those with no brain~ to tie his hair back. Somewhere in the second drawer he found one, tied his hair back and looked at himself again.

If I knew a cantrip I could color my hair...I know Zellas left me some magic...He frowned at his reflection. How much and how easy it is to tap into is the question. I could ask Filia to...Xelloss shook his head at the thought. I doubt she would. He sighed and put his bag on.

~the one he gets his guidebooks out of folks, only its empty except for some money. Zellas wouldn't leave him completely reliant on Fi.~

Time to scout out the town...He walked down the stairs and loped out of the shop.

* * * * * *

Filia looked up from counting change for her customer just in time to see Xelloss lope out of the door. Her gaze followed him as she looked out of the window, admiring his smooth gait.

He looks sort of...handsome....She blushed at her thought and finished counting out the change, handing it to the woman who smiled at her with a knowing look.

Filia shook her head a little. What am I thinking? Xelloss? Handsome?

You don't have to be human or Ryuuzoku to be handsome. Something argued with her.

He's human...

But he looked the same when he was Mazoku.

Well, yes...Who are you?

So only now that he's human will you allow yourself to like him?

Well....THAT'S NOT THE POINT! Get out of my head!!

The voice chuckled and silenced.

Do I like him? Feel something for him? she prodded herself mentally.

NO! she stomped one foot. I -refuse- to like a Mazoku! she said staunchly in her mind, I REFUSE!

She blinked, realizing that the people in the shop were staring at her.

"Gomen!" she said and muttered in her mind, I refuse....

* * * * * *

Xelloss walked through the town. So far it seemed that Filia's shop, in comparison to the others was further out than most. The bag he wore was heavier now that he'd bought himself some things. As he walked through the market he decided (again) that humans were strange. He'd thought so before, but now that he was one it gave him a new perspective.

They think all the time, feel strange feelings, are in constant need of food for energy...the thought broke off as he realized that -he- was hungry. Xel bought a piece of fruit at one of the vendors and munched on it as he walked on.

If I were Mazoku right now I could just steal a meal off of any of these people.

As he thought and strolled he watched everyone and everything while seeming not to. He spotted a small group of fighters easily and edged away from their path as the other people in the market parted to give way to them. They were obviously strangers but their aura felt dangerous. Xelloss tried to back into the crowd but ended up staying where he was anyway.

I don't want a fight, he held what was left of the fruit tightly behind his back. The leader of the group singled him out with his eyes.

Not now, Xelloss thought, not when I can't control this human magic....

The leader purposely bumped into him, nearly knocking him down. Xelloss stumbled, then the neck of his shirt was grabbed. The fighter leaned into his face, his breath foul.

~A chicken hops out of a plot hole* not you! get back in there! *throws chicken in plot hole*~

"I think you ought to give me something as way of apology for bumping into me. Don't you?" He looked at the other three who grinned back at him, nodding their agreement.

Xelloss' eyes located a vulnerable point on the man's body, then they wandered back up to focus on his face.

"I don't think so." He replied with a smile, his hand on the fighter's wrists. Xelloss' fingers quickly found their mark and squeezed. The man involuntarily let go and Xelloss threw what was left of the fruit at his face, turning and dashing into the crowd who's opening closed behind him.

The leader howled his rage wiping juice off of his face, "No one does that to me! After him!"

Not good! Xelloss thought as he tore down another street. I've been here a day and already someone's after me. And not even because of any revenge motive, they just picked me out of a whole crowd!

A voice chuckled in his mind.

<Damn you Zellas!> he thought, glancing behind him to see the other two fighters running after him, pushing people out of their way, knocking others down.

<Oh dear. Such language Xelloss!> she berated her priest.

<You helped them pick me didn't you?!> Xelloss darted around a person and headed down another, smaller street.

<I was bored Xelloss! Now things are much more interesting...> Xelloss felt her feral grin in his mind.

Xelloss took a left onto the street Filia's shop called home. Glancing behind him, he took note that he'd momentarily lost his pursuers and quite nearly dove for the door, opening and slamming it behind him. Filia blinked as he rushed past her and climbed the stairs.

"Xelloss?" Filia stood up from her stool behind the counter. The shop was empty now, save Val who had probably fallen asleep somewhere.

"If someone comes in, I'm not here." Xel's voice hissed down to her.

Filia nodded, frowning slightly, and sat back down to finish her tea.

Now what's that Mazoku got...ten....oh dear....her thought trailed off as a large man entered the shop. He looked around for a moment, his eyes found Filia, and he walked over to the counter. Slamming his hands down on the counter he looked at her with an angry expression.

"I'm looking for a guy, purple-hair, strange outfit, he had a bag on him."

Filia shook her head while she found her voice, "No, haven't seen him, gomen." Her voice sounded strange in her ears.

The fighter frowned more deeply, looking around and muttered to himself something along the lines of "when I get my hands on him...." Then turned and shoved open the door and ran out to continue his search.

"He's gone." She said, and Xelloss appeared at the top of the stairs, ruby-orb staff in hand. Cautiously he came down and walked over to her.

"Thank you....Thank you very much Fi-chan...." he said quietly, staring out the window looking briefly at her to smile. Filia looked at him, he held himself rigidly, and his grip on the staff was white-knuckled.

"I should've turned you in to him namagomi no baka." Filia crossed her arms. "Whatever you did to him must have been bad."

Xel paled a little at the first statement, grew indignant at the second. "I didn't do anything to him. I was -trying- to keep out of his way. I'm not stupid Filia." He muttered under his breath, "and I really wish you wouldn't call me that..."

Filia looked a little guilty and started to apologize.

"Mama..." Filia closed her mouth and looked at Val who was rubbing his eyes. "Mama what's going on?"

"Nothing Val...Are you hungry?" She looked up at Xelloss who was already climbing the stairs again, then back down at Val who nodded. Filia flipped a different sign in the window and followed them up the stairs.

* * * * * *

Night finally fell. Filia had finally shown Xelloss where the kitchen was (thought after Lina's horror story about his cooking she'd been rather loathe to). She'd also sold a few more items before she'd closed.

Filia closed the book she had been reading, leaving it on the table, but picking up the candle and taking it with her to her own room. As Filia walked by the guy's room she noticed a small flickering light coming from beneath the door. She knocked quietly, and then slowly opened the door. Val lay curled up under his blanket on his mat at the far end of the room.

The source of the flickering light was a small candle at the head of Xelloss' mat. Xelloss himself lay sprawled on his mat, shirt off, sleeping (or seeming to) with a book under one hand.

Filia tsked and sighed. She entered the room and knelt beside Xelloss' mat to retrieve the book. Watching Xel she gently pulled the book out from under his hand. She picked up the book, holding it to her chest, started to get back up and stopped.

He looks innocent while he's sleeping...as if he would never harm anyone. She knew that wasn't true, Xelloss had proved his annoying and sometimes violent nature quite a few times....but...

Hesitantly, she reached out to brush away a lock of hair that had fallen into his face. Xelloss stirred a little then returned to his sleep.

Filia rose, blew out his candle, and picked up her own, leaving the room with one last look behind her. She looked at the book as she entered her room.

Magic? she set the candle down on the bedside table and sat on her bed, opening the book. One of my books...

Xelloss opened his eyes to stare into the darkness of the room.

So she does care...He smiled into the darkness. He'd been concentrating so much on memorizing that spell that he hadn't even been aware of her presence until she had brushed the hair out of his face.

I wonder if she...Xelloss heard a mutter from the room across the hall....I guess she found my notes...He sighed.

"Ohhh...." she growled, "He marked in my book that...that namagomi!" She stomped into the room, ready to mace him awake. Instead he was already awake, sitting up, staring at the doorway. He looked at her, violet eyes gleaming in the moonlight, expression soft.

"I'm sorry about your book Filia."

Is he being sincere? she wondered. The angry expression faded from her face. He must be...That look..his voice...

"Really I am."

"Oh....", she nodded slightly, and before heading to her room, "You better pay me back!" She entered her room again, closing the door.

I wish....

* * * * * *

Xelloss frowned as the sun hit his eyes. Too bright, he thought, rolling onto his stomach and burying his head into the pillow. Better...

"Oof!" Xelloss groaned as something landed on his back then began to speak.

"Get up! Mama says get up Xelly!" Val got off his back and stood beside the mat with a self-satisfied expression. "She says that if you gonna just lay there you're gonna starve."

Xelloss rolled onto his back, then sat up, glaring at Val. "I'm up. Now go away hm?"

Val stuck his tongue out at Xel, "Nyah!" he ran off.

Xelloss grabbed his shirt and pulled it on, following after Val.

"That rude...."

* * * * * *

Filia sat on the stool, sipping a cup of tea. Val had gone out to buy something she needed. Xelloss was in his room, probably reading. Quiet....

* * * * * *

Xelloss set the book down, bored. Getting up he walked into the hall and looked cautiously window.

No one around...he thought. He gathered his bag and staff and hopped out the window using Levitation to slow his fall. He glanced around before running off toward the marketplace, not seeing the figure that fell back into the shadows....

* * * * * *

Xelloss stood in a defensive stance. He'd figured someone had been following him, but still had hoped it wouldn't come to a fight.

One he didn't know if he could win alone....

Apparently he'd stayed ahead of them until just outside the marketplace.

Should've gone quicker...he eyed the fighters who surrounded him and stepped slowly closer....

* * * * * *

"Mama! Mama!" Val burst through the door.

"Hm? What's wrong Val?" She looked at him.

"Xelly's in a fight! There's some big men..."

"Oh no...", she grabbed her mace from behind the counter. "Where?"

"Near the market..."

"Stay here." Filia ordered him before dodging out from behind the counter and running out the door.

"I'm not staying here..."

* * * * * *

The first one charged him, Xelloss brought the staff down on his knees, hearing a loud crack. To the man's credit he made no sound and only dragged himself backwards, a little fear showing.

The others came at him now, more cautiously. Circling, circling like vultures...Xelloss stayed on guard, not knowing where or when they'd strike. He caught a gleam of metal out of the corner of one eye and cursed expressively under his breath.

Then they attacked, quicker than it seemed possible. Xelloss ducked and rolled to avoid the multiple attacks. He came up out of his roll and they leapt at him.

"Xelloss!" Filia shouted, swinging her mace at one of the men, hitting him in the shoulder and popping it out of place.

The man stumbled back, holding his shoulder with the opposite hand. With an evil smirk he popped his shoulder back into place and began his attack on Filia.

* * * * * *

Dodge, duck, swing, jump, thrust. With another quick swing Xelloss disarmed one man, the dagger flying out of his hand. The other man tried to take advantage of the opening and slashed at Xelloss' head. Xelloss ducked, bringing his staff up to hit him in the jaw, then brought it backwards to stab the other man, who'd circled behind him. The first one fell to the ground unconscious from the blow, the second staggered back, a hand over the wound. Then he rushed Xelloss again, in obvious pain, as he left himself open to a swift punch in the face. Xelloss winced at the pain in his hand.

* * * * * *

A dagger planted itself in the earth beside the fighter's foot. Filia swung her mace at his torso, he jumped back then darted forward, grabbing the dagger. The man leapt at her with the dagger, stabbing it into her side as she dodged to the left....

Pain raced through her, numbing her mind. Her legs fell out from under her, and vaguely she recognized the man who now stood over her, and Val's shout.

"Xel...!"

* * * * * *

"Mama!" Val cried.

Xelloss looked over, seeing with horror, Filia fallen to the ground with a dagger deeply embedded in her side.

Anger and fear filled him and his eyes took on a deadly calm. He rushed at the last man, sending a fireball straight into his face. The fighter screamed, thrown backwards, putting his hands up over his face, and crashing into a building wall, dead.

Xelloss knelt beside her. "Filia...!" Quickly he pulled the cloth away from the wound to examine it. Val was sitting on her other side, crying.

Filia suddenly grabbed his arm, eyes wide with pain. "Get it out...It hurts..." Her arm fell as she went unconscious.

* * * * * *

Xelloss' head jerked up at the sound of rain. He was sitting against the doorframe leading to Val's room.

What happened again?....That's right. He recalled things from a haze of panic. He'd carried Filia here...Locked the doors...Healed her...That's what had taken so much out of him, that healing spell...Val had been crying the whole time till finally he'd cast a sleep on him...

He looked at his hands, himself. He was dirty, scabbed cuts could be seen through rips in his clothing. His hands were ashy, soot on them from being too close to his own fireball. Dried blood was on them too, from Filia's wound and his own small ones.

"I need a bath..." Xel said to himself.

* * * * * *

Filia woke up, at first she had hoped that the fight had been some type of weird dream. Then she felt the ache of the wound in her side and realized at the same time that she wasn't in her own bed.

Filia looked around and started to sit up slowly. "Xelloss?" Xelloss' mat, she realized, then looking up saw Xelloss sitting out side of the room against the doorframe. He looked in at her, then stood up and quickly crossed to her side.

"Don't move too much...I wasn't able to fully heal it. Daijobu?" He saw her wince as she finished sitting up.

"Daijobu..." Filia saw worry and concern in his eyes,...and something else...

"Good..." Xelloss murmured as his gaze met Filia's. Suddenly he leaned forward until his lips touched hers and he kissed her gently.

She'll probably get Mace-sama and beat me to a pulp later....

A momentary look of surprise crossed Filia's face. What is he?...I shouldn't....Filia wrapper her arms around him, kissing him back.

They broke off after several moments, both a little surprised, Filia the most so. They stared at each other for a long moment.

"What is this?.." Filia murmured.

"...I love you...." Xelloss whispered softly to her, his eyes met hers.

"But you can't be in love with me...! Mazoku can't love...And besides that...we're supposed to be enemies....."

"Mazoku can love Filia...even if that doesn't matter right now....I'm human...."

"Why do I feel so much for you...?" she began to cry a little, a tear slipping down her cheek.

Xelloss brushed the tear from her cheek, leaving a little streak of soot. "...you love me?...."

"...hai...I...I do...but it wasn't...supposed to happen..."

Xelloss sighed, then kissed her on the forehead. "Things don't always go as you plan..." He smiled at her faintly, "I'm sure you know that by now..."

Val stirred in his sleep, then opened his eyes and rubbed them. He spotted Filia sitting up and jumped off his mat and hugged her.

Filia smiled at Val and hugged him tightly. Val looked up at her, "Is something wrong Mama?"

"Everything is fine..." then she murmured, "or will be..." She glanced over at Xelloss who was inspecting his arm with sudden interest.

"I'm going to wash..." he said quietly, "I'll be back."

Filia watched as he left, then hugged Val tighter.

"I'm glad you're ok Mama....I was scared..."

"I'm sorry I scared you...I promise to try not to ever again..."

* * * * * *

Going to the kitchen Xelloss found there wasn't any water in the storage jar. He looked outside, still raining, he thought. Pretty heavily though, there goes the idea of actually going out into it. Xel shrugged to himself and took a jar out to fill it with water. After it filled he took it back inside. Pouring some into a wash basin he washed the soot and spots of blood off of his hands. Cupping some of the water in his hands he washed his face.

Xelloss sighed, smiling a little. Well...she loves me...He hadn't felt like this before, ever. About anyone and to have the feeling returned...

He looked down at the ruined shirt, then pulled it off, wincing at the ache in his muscles. Gently, he washed the cuts and scrapes. Most of them small, caused by being tackled. Xelloss winced again as he washed the deep cut he had found on his right arm, then bandaged it.

But it's not really returned...his smile turned sad. She doesn't want to love me....He sighed and stared at his reflection in the water.

* * * * * *

Filia hugged Val again, assuring him that she was fine.

"Come on...You can help me make some more things for the shop...", she smiled at little Val.

"Yea!" Val cheered, "I get to help Mama with the clay!" They headed down the stairs and to the back room. Filia pulled aside a curtain to reveal a kiln in the furthest corner, a small potter's wheel, and a table full of bottles of paint and glaze. She pulled the curtain closed again behind Val and said a single word, "Light."

The room was bathed in light from her spell. Filia cleared the table, putting paint and glaze on the floor, then helped Val onto the stool. She got some clay out of the basin and gave it to Val. Val grinned up at her then began to play with the clay, breaking it into chunks and building something only he saw. Filia got herself a large piece of clay and set it onto the wheel. A bowl of water sat beside the small stool on which she sat. Getting her hands and the clay thoroughly wet, she started the wheel turning.

Filia's hands moved smoothly over the emerging figure, channeling her feelings, the concentration organizing her thoughts. Unhappy with the first vessel, Filia brought her hands in on it, collapsing it. Getting her hands wet, she kept the wheel going and started building the clay upwards again.

Why do I love him? The only thing he's ever been and ever will be is a Mazoku and a trickster. With the exception of this time! Him and his secrets! He's never anything but trouble! He tells half-truths,-

the sincerity in his eyes....

plays cruel tricks,-

the shy tenderness of his kiss....

he always wears that annoying smile.-

that soft look...the sweet smile...

the gentle touch...his silky hair...the sparkling eyes

He's garbage...

polite...well-mannered...slender...well-toned...a handsome face...

He killed my people...

the loneliness she saw once in his eyes...

He deserves to die...

..."I'm sorry Filia."...

He...doesn't....deserve my love...she faltered and stares at the slender vase that had formed under her hands, stopping the wheel.

He said that almost as if...he were apologizing for everything....He's never done anything for me....

saving her from the cave-in....

his strange compliments....

healing her...

But I shouldn't love him, it's against all Ryuuzoku rules...

There weren't any...

Filia looked at the vase, confused....What was happening to her?...

* * * * * *

<Zellas-sama?> Xelloss reached out, opening the link.

<Yes dear? You know, you killed nearly all my toys. You and that dragon-girl...> Zellas sighed regretfully.

<One of them nearly killed Filia.....That wasn't what I was going to talk about...>

<Ah, of course. What were you going to ask?>

<May...> he hesitated for a second <I stay human?>

There was an uneasy silence.

<You want to stay with her?> Her voice was emotionless.

<Yes...I think...She'd accept it if...I weren't Mazoku....>

<You realize you'll be vulnerable, and mortal? You'd be able to be killed....And if I allowed you to remain human...You'd die before she did....>

<...I know...>

Another silence, then a shrug. <Oh well, I believe you'll get bored of her quickly enough, or get tired of being mortal. I'll leave you human for now....Remember only I can change you back...I enjoy your service Xelloss, so I believe I'll reserve a right to turn you back if you don't tire of it before I need you again....>

<...Very well Zellas-sama....> He broke off the link, walking out of the room.

* * * * * *

"Filia?" She heard him pull the curtain aside. She'd moved the vase off of the wheel and put another chunk of clay on it.

"Yes?" Filia sat down, dipping her hands in the water. She started the wheel spinning again, smoothing out the clay and building another vessel.

Xelloss watched her for a moment. At some point she'd changed into trousers and a shirt. She had her long golden hair tied back and smudges of clay on her face.

"...you look beautiful no matter what you wear..."

Filia blinked, blushing, pushing down too far on the top edge of the vessel, shaping it from a jar to a bowl.

"I doubt that's what you're here to tell me Xelloss...but thank you..." Filia smoothed it back up into a jar.

"You're right. That's not what I came to tell you." He smiled a little. "I'm staying human."

"What?" The wheel stopped and she looked at him.

<Be happy girl. He's giving up his immortality in hopes that you'll love him...Of course you do already...> a shrug.

<He's doing it only....for me....?>

<Of course you silly Ryuuzoku...I really don't know what he sees in you.> There was a mental shrug <and I certainly don't care. I'm worried about his vulnerability right now...Humans are so easily killed...> a sigh.

<...and there are people...> Filia started, fearfully.

<Who would gladly kill him if they found out his current condition. I don't particularly want to lose my best servant over this girl.>

Filia swallowed a little, some amount of worry making it to her face.

<...if he turned back..would he still love me?...>

Another mental shrug. <He's probably felt this way before I knew about it. All I want is him safe. The only way for that to happen is for me to turn him back....Right now, you're the only one that can convince him to let me....> A pause. <...I hate to admit that...>

* * * * * *

Xelloss watched Filia as she got that faraway look, as her face turned worried. She stood suddenly.

"Xelloss? You did this so I'd...?" Filia left the question hanging.

"Yes"

"But I already do...I just didn't know why...I...that's what confused me..." She looked back down at the jar she had been throwing.

He tilted his head ever so slightly and stepped closer.

"I didn't see why I loved you....But...it doesn't matter....as long as....as you love me..." Filia blushed a little.

"Do you mean that Filia?"

She looked up at him and nodded, "Hai, I do. It doesn't matter what you are....Though,...I'm more worried about you right now...being human..." Xelloss smiled, closing the gap and hugged her tightly, feeling her arms wrap around him.

Xelloss whispered quietly in her ear and she whispered back before kissing him.

Val hadn't really been caring what they did until now.

"Ewww! Mama's kissin'' Xelly!" Val scrunched his nose and stuck out his tongue. Xelloss and Filia broke the kiss to look at him, surprised. When they saw his face Xelloss chuckled and Filia smiled, putting her head against Xel's chest.

<So sorry to interrupt, but might I take my priest back now?> Zellas' voice echoed in their heads.

"Impatient isn't she?"

"She has a right to be."

<That's right. I have plans to be put into place. I've spent enough time mulling over them, even though this little interruption has been interesting. Say good-bye Xelloss.>

Xelloss sighed a little and kissed Filia again, gently, ignoring the quiet 'yuck'.

He broke off the kiss and stepped back. "Ja ne Fi-chan...." Then he disappeared.

* * * * * *

Filia woke up, and for a moment she thought he was there. She rubbed her eyes, and looking closer saw that what she had mistaken for his eyes were really a pair of amethyst teardrop shaped stones. They sat on her bedside table, under them was a note, and the picture she'd been frightened of. She picked up the stones, finding them to be earrings. Picking up the note in her other hand she read:

"Ohayo Fi-chan. Was this what you wouldn't show me? I don't see why you were so scared of such a thing. I found these hiding in my dimensional pocket, pretty aren't they? I thought you might like them...Zellas is sending me to do a few important things. I don't know when I'll be done but I'll visit you the first chance I get.

Until then.....Koibito.

Xelloss

Filia smiled to herself, gently putting the note and earrings back down. After dressing she put on the earrings, feeling better. Then she walked out of her room, ready to open the shop and truly start the day.

* * * * * *

Author's Notes: Whee... I hope no one got a cavity...*giggle* Just for stupid miscellaneous info's sake I wrote this in a notebook and it took 26 pages of notebook paper, one-side only of course...^^ It gets a little hard to read when you can see the pen that's on the other side of the paper......Anyway, I hope everyone likes it! Please mail me comments and criticism (helpful only, I don't want to get some mail saying 'this story sucks' -- that's not the point of criticism).

mail me: DraloreShimare@excite.com

Thank you!