"I guess I just like having an excuse to make you say that." Domino offered.

"I'll say it whenever you want," Kayen whispered, leaning in and kissing the other boy.

Domino kissed back and turned- gently pressing the smaller boy up against the a nearby tree.

"...Sorry." He breathed. "I just have to."

"I'm not complaining," Kayen assured, tugging Domino back down for another kiss.

--

Neko quietly sat at Ryou's side, watching the other's chest rise and fall with an empty expression.

Ryou coughed and his head lulled over- his eyes cracking open slightly to look at Neko.

Neko jumped and moved to his side instantly. "Shhh... just rest, love. You were badly injured."

"It's bad...I felt...it...it felt like Kayen." Ryou breathed.

Neko squeezed his hand gently. "Its over now... when you're well again, we're going to move to the Silver's cave."

"N-no...it's there...with them...have to...warn them!" Ryou was getting too excited.

"Ryou, love, calm down," Neko begged, petting his hair. "You're going to hurt yourself! Calm down, please!"

Ryou started coughing harshly before he shook his head frantically- tears welling in the corners of his eyes.

"Help...them!" He forced out.

"I will," Neko tried to assure. "But right now I need to help you. Now calm down before I knock you back out, darn it!"

"Neko...it's...death..." Ryou faded and fell silent.

"...Ryou?" Neko whispered, reaching out to touch the other man's face. "...R-Ryou?"

He was cold, but his chest was rising and falling again.

"...What's the shouting?" Denum asked.

"He woke up, but fell unconscious again," Neko whispered, scooping Ryou up. "We need to move. He's going to die here if we don't take him to the Silvers!"

"Neko?" Rathi breathed as he and Kamariya came in from outside.

"We're leaving," Neko informed. "Grab some blankets and some fresh water please, Rathi. Denum, can you carry LiSen?"