1. Confused Thoughts

It had only been several weeks since Zephyr had returned from his unexpected trip into the future, and in that few weeks his 'girlfriend' had noticed a change coming over him. He'd become quieter, more thoughtful, withdrawn, as if something bothered him greatly. Although he lived with Tharlie, the two were never officially married - although some watched their traded jibes and lighthearted bickering and took them to be husband and wife.

Dammit, Savrin, why did you have to get so drunk...even then you should have realised I'm a guy and you can't fall in love with me...

The firewolf was on the second floor of the Inn of the Yellow Rose. After a conversation with Tharlie, he had asked for some time alone to figure out the thoughts going through his head, and totally trusting of him, the flirty mink said he could. It was true that the Inn was not far from his house, but with a room entirely to himself, Zephyr had the quiet as his companion as he contemplated the situation once more.

How can he fall in love with me anyway...

Perhaps because he is?

Nonsense....although why else would he kiss me and drag me into bed?

The firewolf's ears twitched, and he shook his head with a low 'feh'. He liked Tharlie, he knew that. And he liked Diane considering the time they'd spent together, and she had that enigmatic ferret as her partner. Savrin was the closest thing he had to a caring brother, in more ways than one. It was that contemplation that brought a wry smile to the firewolf's face...then he blinked as a minor realisation came to him.

The bond....the firebrother bond. That could explain why he feels he's so close to me...although it's not supposed to work that way at all...

He finally stood up, ears twitching and a scowl of sorts on his face. He'd find a way to get back to the future, or get Savrin to come to this time, and they'd discuss the matter. He'd tell the hybrid to his face that it was simply the bond making him feel funny, and that would be the end of that. As he left the Inn, however, a thought in the back of his head cropped up.

Is it the bond...? Or is he really in love with me...?

A pause.

Or am I the one in love with him....

***

Later that day, he returned to the house he shared with Tharlie. The mink greeted him with a giggle and a hug, but at the bothered/disturbed expression on Zephyr's face, she blinked and turned serious. Following him as he gathered items together here and there, it took her moments to actually speak.

"Zephyr...is something wrong?"

The firewolf's voice was tired, as if he'd spent too much time thinking.

"You could say that...it involves my old friends..."

"Oh...what exactly is wrong?"

A pause.

"I...can't say. I'm going to find a way to get back to their time, and sort this out..."

"Will you come back?"

The firewolf nearly bit his tongue to avoid an instant 'yes'. His hesitation made Tharlie wince visibly. Twitching his ears, finally Zephyr replied with his usual arrogance, although it sounded half-hearted.

"Of course I'll come back. Things...could change....though."

"Oh...no matter. As long as you come back."

Now he had his battle costume on - he eschewed a pair of pants in favour of a robe-like piece of lower clothing that complimented the upper half of the costume, and wore a backpack that was specially designed so that it didn't impede his wings. Said backpack contained the clothing he used in the modern era of Savrin and his friends - finally, Zephyr slipped his knifeclaw onto his hand and flexed his fingers, extending and retracting the blade a few times to get the feel of his old weapon back.

"Tharlie?"

"Hmm?"

"I'm going..."

Sensing the firewolf's inner disturbance - somehow - Tharlie nodded her head and refrained from hugging him, instead stepping forward and taking both of his hands in her own. Zephyr swallowed visibly, and Tharlie stared up at him for several moments, before letting his hands go. The firewolf nodded his head and opened the door, exiting the building, feeling Tharlie's eyes burning figurative holes through him.

Dammit....Tharlie, you're making this too hard on me. I'll be coming back, don't you worry...

The firewolf trekked off down the path, getting a good distance away from the village before spreading his wings, taking a short run down the road, and launching himself up into the air. He floated there for several moments, looking down on the village, before he pivoted in the air and soared off.

Savrin, I'll find a way to meet you...first, I'll have to see if the Time Temple works somehow...

And so, the firewolf winged his way towards the Wildtra City, hoping deep inside that he would find a way to contact his purple-haired friend once more.
 

2. Hybrid Contemplations

In the more modern era, Savrin was also thinking of Zephyr, and in almost the same way. Seated cross-legged in the dojo, the hybrid was meditating - taking deep breaths and constantly telling himself to be calm, he tried to shake the image of Zephyr from his mind. When it didn't work, he sighed, rubbed his temples, and opened his deep red eyes again.

I can't get him out of my head...dammit, why'd I get drunk...

His mind flashed back to those hours - he'd taken Zephyr out to show him what a bar was, and when the big-eared firewolf had challenged him to a drinking contest, Savrin had accepted. Spurred on by Yuumei, they both drank as much as they could - it was Zephyr who had come out on top, thanks to his firewolf metabolism. And being half-carried through the streets that night, Savrin had grabbed Zephyr and kissed him. The mere thought of it brought a hot blush to the hybrid's cheeks.

You only give a kiss like that to someone you love, right? So if I kissed Zephyr....

-But he's a guy.-

So? He's also my firebrother...one of the absolute closest friends I've ever had....

Savrin sighed and rubbed his temples. His mind backtracked again, to when he'd drunkenly grabbed Zephyr - the hybrid had been helped to his room when he'd hugged his firebrother. That hug led to another kiss on the firewolf's muzzle, and he'd even dragged him down onto the bed. Zephyr had said he was lucky that he'd fallen asleep before he could do anything.

I kissed him twice, hugged him, and even dragged him into bed with me. Am I really that attached to him?

The hybrid blushed again at the thought of sleeping in the same bed with Zephyr, but a part of him found it strangely appealing - which made him blush all the more. Shutting off his more private thoughts, the hybrid got to his feet, his sword clinking at his waist. He brushed a bit of hair from his face, fingers brushing over one of his ears, that twitched.

Once, Zephyr had called my ears 'cute'. He probably meant it as a joke, but I remember blushing like nothing else. It can't be normal to feel like this about another guy.

The hybrid walked out of the dojo, stripping out of his training clothing once in his room and getting clad in his usual street-going attire - sleeveless trenchcoat and all. Once he was done, he strolled out towards Vandabar's garden, where his mentor was busy tending to some flowers. Feeling his adopted son's presence, Vandabar turned around.

"Father...I'm going to go visit my friends..."

"In the past, correct?"

Savrin winced inwardly. Vandabar chuckled softly to himself.

"You are free to go, Savrin. Just don't stay out...late, hmm?"

The hybrid chuckled a little nervously, and left his adopted father's dojo. He paused to stretch his muscles a bit, then began walking down the street, tucking his hands into the pockets of his trenchcoat.

First, a quick visit to Diane and Abbie...

***

When he arrived at the apartment, the little kitty and her brother weren't at home. Probably out performing 'good thefts', the hybrid mused, as he took the spare apartment key from its hiding place and unlocked the door, slipping into the quiet apartment. Within, it was all neat and well-built - and Savrin knew just where to go.

Walking quietly into the room Diane slept in, the hybrid crouched and felt around under her bed. He felt a leather satchel, and pulled it out, opening it - and the multifaceted Starlight Gem glimmered up at him. She'd told him it was there if he ever needed it when they weren't around.

Not that I honestly need it for a serious reason...but....we need to figure this out...Zephyr and I...

The hybrid paused at the doorway, then turned back into the room to get a piece of paper and scrawl a note out to leave on the desk, saying that he'd been to their apartment to get the Starlight Gem, in order to solve something of a 'personal dilemma'.

Well, it's a dilemma to me...and who knows, maybe to Zephy too...

A pause.

I just called him 'Zephy'...we _really_ need to figure this out.

It didn't take long for Savrin to exit Diane and Abbie's apartment, locking the door behind him and stashing the spare apartment key back in its hiding place. Tying the satchel to his belt and making sure his coat covered it - he didn't want it attracting the attention of too many people out on the street - the hybrid exited the complex where the apartment was, stepping back out on the street.

Now...what's the direction again...ah yes.

It didn't take long for the hybrid to pinpoint the direction of the Time Temple. He couldn't forget a location like that - where he'd first met Diane and Abbie, where they'd first gone back in time, where they'd fought Akaimet in order for their companions from the past to get back to where they belonged. He waited until he was out of the city to begin a run towards the Time Temple, the sudden desire to figure this out - and see Zephyr again - driving his movements.

Be patient, Zephyr....I'm coming. We'll figure this out....somehow....for better or worse, we will.
 

3. A Trip To The Past

The area around the Time Temple remained as undisturbed as ever. No development had ever gone near it, bar one attempt to carve out a path through the forest towards it. It was along this path that Savrin jogged, his foxlike tail streaming behind him as he raced towards the Temple with his thoughts set on reconciling this problem he was having with Zephyr. As he left the path and came into the clearing where the Temple stood, he stopped mid-step as a mocking and familiar voice echoed in his mind.

-Running to your firewolf friend...what for, Savrin?-

I have to figure this out, Yuumei!

-Well there's nothing to figure out, you foolish hybrid! You and he are firebrothers and nothing more!-

...Wrong...I wouldn't feel this way if that was true.

Yuumei didn't reply, and Savrin knew why. He shivered suddenly as a blue mist coalesced around his body, then reformed in front of him. He stared at the blue-coloured, fully red-eyed 'clone' of himself for several moments and shook his head as if not liking what he saw. He didn't get a chance to speak, as Yuumei placed his hands firmly on the hybrid's shoulders and pushed him backwards.

"Understand this, Savrin! I will not sit by while you gallavant around thinking you're in love with that arrogant firewolf!"

Savrin couldn't hold back a blush, and he stuttered a little in surprise, but Yuumei gave no quarter as he continued.

"I am as much a part of you as anything else, hybrid! And I refuse to let you go through with finding this out, because it's such a pointless endeavour! Even if that arrogant firewolf believed you for an instant, neither of you would be willing to cope with my presence!"

Still blushing, Savrin blurted out a reply.

"Then don't come along, and stay here then! We have to figure this out!"

Yuumei paused, raising his eyebrows, then stepped nose-to-nose with the hybrid, who swallowed, still blushing at the accusation the possession spirit had made about these strange feelings he was having for Zephyr.

"Don't come along? I am bound to you, Furfire. I will always be with you, and I will ensure that your little trip is in vain...."

Savrin paused, then shook his head. With a sudden surge of energy and intent, he literally Pushed Yuumei aside and raced for the Time Temple. The possession spirit blinked and literally snarled, racing off in hot pursuit of the hybrid as he began the race up the steps towards where the well was. Savrin stumbled at the top, allowing Yuumei to reach him and grab his shoulders again, spinning him around once more.

"Savrin....Furfire...you will NOT go through with this..."

Savrin, the faintest blush still colouring his cheeks, replied.

"Just because....you're scared...of another guy being close to me...?"

The possession spirit paused, perplexed, and Savrin managed a weak laugh.

"You're male, Yuumei...."

The spirit stared at him a moment, with a frustrated growl, and then shoved him. The motion made Savrin stumble through the entrance to the Temple, and the Starlight Gem glowed strongly as he did so. Realising his error, Yuumei howled in frustration and leapt forward...but he landed on solid ground, and watched the firewolf fall through apparent darkness beneath him, as if he were standing on a glass floor and Savrin were underneath - a most disturbing scene.

Savrin flipped his body over in mid-air so he was falling through the well feet first. Looking up, he saw the blue form of Yuumei receding rapidly, and he felt his bond with the possession spirit stretch, and stretch...but it did not stop. It just remained incredibly thin - neither could truely tell where the other was, or their thoughts...if they tried, they could tell the other existed. Savrin smiled embarassedly at his thoughts.

Wait just a little longer, Zephyr...we'll see..if Yuumei's words...ring true..

***

The firewolf who was the focus of Savrin's thoughts at that moment was rather impatient at getting to see his companion once more as well. He'd easily entered the Wildtra City, even though it was nightfall - and was thankfully unrecognised, since for once he wasn't in the mood to put up with people calling him a hero - and made his way to the Time Temple. Once there, he encountered an old...friend, who stood in front of the entrance as always with his spear.

"Hey, old lynx! Lemme go in!"

Quvas raised his eyebrows when he saw Zephyr come walking up the stairs towards the Temple, then repositioned himself directly in front of the door, blocking it with his spear.

"My apologies, Zephyr, but I'm not allowed to let anyone in...unless I get word from the Princess."

Zephyr's ears perked straight up, and the indigination was clear on his reddening muzzle as he bit down his famous temper.

"But you know Me, Quvas! Surely you'd be allowed to let me in!?"

The lynx shook his head and smiled wryly at Zephyr.

"My apologies once more, Zephyr, but rules are rules..."

The firewolf's reply was cut off when he stiffened and cocked his head slightly to one side, as if hearing or sensing something the lynx couldn't. His large ears swivelled left, right, then finally ended up positioning themselves so they were practically pointing at the temple. Quvas blinked.

"Zephyr? Are you all right..?"

The firewolf blinked his golden eyes and shook his head slightly.

"The bond's getting stronger. Savrin must be close to the Temple in his time...dammit, let me in!"

"What's this got to do with Savrin, Zephyr?"

Zephyr bit back his temper again, settling for a glare that the old lynx wasn't fazed by. Finally, he spoke, speaking slowly and carefully so he didn't suddenly explode in rage.

"It..is..a personal...matter..."

The lynx raised an eyebrow at Zephyr, as if contemplating just what to do. Finally, Quvas lifted his spear, allowing the irritated Zephyr past him and into the Time Temple. The firewolf wasn't sure how he'd get to the future, but he had to try...

It turned out he didn't need to.

As the firewolf stepped into the main chamber, time seemed to slow down. The purple-haired hybrid drifted from the "well" in the ceiling, wings spread, and landed on the ground before the pool of water, dropping to one knee to steady himself. The glittering light of the Starlight Gem put a shine to his purple hair, and a soft glow in his eyes.

Sav...Savrin....looks beautiful....

As Savrin lifted his head, he caught Zephyr's gaze for a moment. He saw how the firewolf stood there, battle costume flowing around his body. His wings were partly stretched, and his posture illuminated the supple tones of his exposed arms, in the glittering shine of the Starlight Gem. Those large ears twitched, swivelling slightly, and the usually arrogant expression on Zephyr's face softened slightly - the light caught the firewolf's eyes, making them glow as if with inner fire. Savrin's thoughts ran along precisely the same lines as Zephyr's.

He...he looks beautiful...

There was an almost awkward silence.

"Did I just..."

"Did we..."

"What was..."

Both firewolf and hybrid paused. The last three lines they'd spoken - both had said them at the same time, as if their thoughts and actions were mirrored. They both opened their mouths again, then Zephyr paused, a softer expression flitting over his face, and he closed his mouth. Savrin swallowed, fighting down a blush.

"Zephyr...we...we need to...talk..."
 

4. Somewhere to Talk

Side by side, still hiding their semi-blushes, Savrin and Zephyr strode out of the Time Temple, followed by a puzzled Quvas. Zephyr's insistence to get into the Temple, Savrin's return, and their nervous exchange before Savrin had said the two needed to talk. But, he reasoned, it was not his place to question this sort of thing, and stood quietly at the Temple entrance as the two walked down the stairs and away from the Temple proper.

"Zephyr....."

"...Savrin..not now..."

"But we need to..."

Again, the firewolf had to bite back his famous temper - although he wasn't mad at Savrin, merely jumpy.

"Not here, Sav. Come on, we'll find somewhere...private...to talk."

Nodding his head and struggling to fight down another blush, Savrin obdiently followed the older firewolf right back out of the city. After moving away from the city itself, Zephyr spread his wings - Savrin did likewise, and a few steps behind the firewolf, the duo raced down the trail before springing into the air and circling upwards. Savrin looked up and turned a beet red after he realised he could see straight up the bottom of Zephyr's battle costume - he quickly manuvered so he was by Zephyr's side, trying to keep down the intense blush and failing miserably.

"Sav...you're blushing...again?"

The hybrid practically whispered.

"I saw...straight up...your...."

The firewolf went beet red as he looked down at his robe for a moment. Both took several moments to try and fight down their blushes - Zephyr wheeled about in the air and took off. Savrin raced after him, catching up easily and flying right by the firewolf, yet not close enough to cause wing interference. Both carefully avoided looking at the other. Savrin coughed softly to himself as his thoughts raced around in circles.

I saw....up his robe...how embarassing....that I was caught...

He paused.

It only...bothered me...when I realised just why I was staring...cause I liked what I saw...

Zephyr looked over at the blushing hybrid, shook his head, and fought down his own thoughts.

How...embarassing. But why should..he be embarassed? I was the one...he was looking at...

This time it was the firewolf who paused, feeling himself begin to sweat and feel uncomfortably warm at the prospect.

He must've..liked what he saw...

Although neither knew it, it was once again their thoughts that ran similar. Neither exchanged glances or words during the remainder of the little flight.

***

Finally, the two landed in a field, that looked like it was in the middle of nowhere. The long grass came up to their thighs, and Zephyr walked through it with grace that Savrin couldn't help but take note of. He followed the firewolf, and gasped in surprise when he saw just where they were.

The 'grassy field' lead to the end of an imposing cliff, and far below the ocean rippled and lapped against the base. The only light was that of the twin moons, shining into the water and giving it an almost eerie lumniscence. This same light caught Savrin's eyes and hair, once more highlighting it. A soft breeze ruffled the hybrid's hair lightly, and he half-closed his eyes with a faint smile.

"Sav...?"

Zephyr's golden eyes had become fixated on the almost unearthly beauty the light seemed to bring out in his slightly younger companion. Hearing the firewolf's voice, Savrin opened his eyes and turned his head with a 'huh?' and coloured faintly when he saw Zephyr was staring at him.

"Uhm..yes....Zephyr?"

Oddly calm, the firewolf continued.

"You said...we needed...to talk?"

Savrin nodded his head. Silence reigned for several moments, where both of them stood at the cliff's edge, the breeze ruffling their hair. The red-eyed hybrid coughed nervously, and finally opened his mouth to speak what had been bothering him for quite a long while now.

"Zephyr...I've found myself..unable to stop thinking...about You..."

The firewolf uttered a soft 'feh', and replied, tone almost peacefully soft as if he was worried of scaring or hurting Savrin.

"It's..been bothering me as well...Savrin. I...thought it was the bond..."

"The firebrother one...?"

"Yes...but the bond...it really doesn't act in this way..."

Savrin blinked, looking up at the older firewolf, who had a strange expression on his face. It looked like a mix between a smirk and a gentle smile, which remained when he turned his gaze back on Savrin, who couldn't help but blush again and blurt out nervously.

"Then what is it?"

Zephyr shook his head and sighed softly, with a soft chuckle.

"Savrin...I've seen this before..."

The hybrid waited, almost vibrating with the need to know what Zephyr was talking about. Inadvertantly, he took a step closer, turning to face the firewolf. Zephyr stood silently, then turned towards the hybrid, his expression unreadable, yet retaining some sort of soft gentleness and mystery - Savrin couldn't stop staring for several moments - now it was Zephyr with the unearthly beauty. And finally, quietly, the usually arrogant firewolf spoke.

"It's called.....love, Sav..."
 

5. The Realisation

Savrin stared at Zephyr for several moments, speechless. He could feel the hot blush crawling up his cheeks again, more in disbelief than embarassment. Zephyr looked at the hybrid out of the corner of his eye, expression gentle yet unreadable - finally, the hybrid squeaked the words out.

"L..lo...lo...love?"

The older firewolf nodded his head, looking away from Savrin for several moments before looking back at him. Again, Savrin noticed the strange beauty the light gave the firewolf, and Zephyr's usual arrogance was toned down greatly as the two stared at each other for the longest moment, and finally Zephyr spoke.

"I've seen it...in the little kitty and her ferret...the way they look and act...it's like this..."

Savrin squeaked again.

"So...so the reason...I'm feeling like this is...."

Zephyr chuckled softly, his large ears twitching, and nodded once more.

"Yes, Sav. You're in love...with me. And I've been feeling the same way..."

The silence that hung in the air was almost palpable enough to chew on. Zephyr seemed rather relaxed, if rather gentle and polite about the realisation, while Savrin was a beet red colour and trying desperately to come up with the right words to say. Zephyr was right, he could feel it....but it still rendered him incapable of speech, even though he tried to speak.

"Z..Ze....Zephyr....I..."

Savrin stopped speaking in surprise as Zephyr suddenly wrapped his arms around the younger hybrid, holding him close. Again the blush crawled up Savrin's face, and he wriggled nervously, but a part of him found it rather comfortable - he slowly began to relax in the embrace of the older firewolf. After a moment, Zephyr moved one arm, tilting the hybrid's face up towards his.

Red eyes met golden.

There was another silence.

"Ze...Zephyr..."

"Sav...."

The next moment rendered Savrin speechless as, with a gentleness belying his usually aggressive and arrogant behaviour, Zephyr's mouth covered his in a deep, incredibly affectionate kiss. The hybrid didn't even struggle, eyes going wide in surprise...then taking on a strangely detached and dreamy expression. After several long moments, Zephyr broke the affectionate kiss, that strangely soft smile on his face. It took only a moment for Savrin to find his voice.

"Zeph..that was...nice...."

The older firewolf chuckled oh-so-softly.

"It...it was, Savrin...you see now..?"

The hybrid slowly nodded his head, then with equal gentleness, he tugged Zephyr's head back down so they could exchange another long and affectionate kiss. This time Zephyr was the one with the dreamy expression, and Savrin chuckled almost nervously after breaking the kiss, and Zephyr brushed a bit of purple hair out of the hybrid's face. There was silence for several moments.

For the rest of the night, the newfound lovers' attentions were wholly on each other, and how to express that affection...

***

The morning sun rose over the ocean, tinging it with early morning light. The light travelled along the water, up the cliff, and over the field of thigh-high grass, that had one very impressionable indentation in it. Clothing was strewn about the grass, but within the indentation, the sun shone its light over two bare forms, one with fur, and one without. Both with wings.

With the bare Savrin cuddled over his torso, Zephyr couldn't sit up, but he didn't mind. The firewolf had his arms around the hybrid, warming the bare skin with his fur, and the expression on Savrin's face - one of contentment, happiness, And affection, brought a chuckle to the usually arrogant firewolf's lips. He murmured bemusedly to himself as he watched the younger hybrid sleep.

"Oh...Savrin. You really...are...a beauty. For a messed up little hybrid..."

Savrin's doglike ears twitched once or twice, and slowly opening, a pair of red eyes stared right into the firewolf's golden ones. Savrin almost giggled in amusement, and spoke - he'd heard the firewolf's words.

"Well...my dear Zephyr...you're nice yourself...for an arrogant...firewolf..."

Said firewolf snorted bemusedly and lightly swatted at Savrin's head. The hybrid lowered it, nuzzling against Zephyr's chest, then leaned forward to capture the firewolf's muzzle in a genteel good-morning kiss. Zephyr smiled throughout the kiss, and just as gently returned it when Savrin released him.

"Well...my little hybrid...I guess we should....get dressed.."

Savrin pouted softly, with a teasing smile.

"But you look better this way..."

The firewolf uttered a quietly bemused 'feh' and tweaked the hybrid's ears, grinning.

"So do you...but you do have to go home sometime.."

Savrin nodded, acknowledging that fact, and slowly wriggled his way free of the firewolf's reluctant-to-let-go embrace, flopping back into the grass for a moment with a chuckle before dragging himself up to find where he'd put his clothing. Zephyr admired the hybrid's furless rear and tail with a grin for a moment, before dragging himself up to his feet and doing likewise with looking for his clothing.

"Zephyr...what will your...Tharlie...think of this..?"

The firewolf paused, then shrugged as if it didn't bother him.

"She'll live with it...I can explain this.."

"You're sure...?"

"When am I not?"

Savrin nearly bit his tongue, grinning teasingly at the firewolf as if he were about to say why. Both were fully dressed, and seeing the expression, Zephyr mock-snarled and pounced at Savrin, who sidestepped and helped the firewolf back to his feet. They both stood looking at each other as the sun continued to rise.

"Guess...this is goodbye...for now, Zeph..."

"Yeah...you better visit more often, you hear me?"

Savrin chuckled.

"Oh, I will....now...how to..say goodbye?"

The firewolf took the hint with a grin, wrapping his arms around the hybrid's waist, and pulling him close before giving him the deepest, longest kiss possible. Savrin 'mmph'ed softly, and when the kiss finally broke, both of them looked slightly woozy from lack of oxygen, and silly grins on both their faces. They exchanged a second, genteeler hug, and then the two went on their way.

Savrin would return to the Time Temple, his era, and deal with Yuumei. Zephyr would return to Aivena Village and inform Tharlie of this development. Both of them weren't very concerned - after all, they'd just had the most wonderous night of their lives...