The lights were mute, casting a warm glow over the large bedroom and leaving enough illumination for Ace to see by. He lay, slightly propped up on a pillow, sleep eluding him this night. He did not mind, not in the least.
 Ace let his fingers draw through the soft red hair, the shorter spikes trickling quickly away. It had been awhile since Ace had been up in the late hours doing no more then admiring the company that had graced his bed. But then -he smiled- it had been awhile since someone other then Mona had laid beside him.
 Cosmo shifted, ever so slightly against his side. The young man’s head was pillowed on his chest, mouth slightly open, and breathing heavily, deep in sleep as one arm draped across the wide expanse of Ace’s chest.
 He looked so young in sleep. God, Ace marveled, if he didn’t know Cosmo’s real birthday he wouldn’t have placed the boy a day over fifteen at the moment. Well, maybe a day, he chuckled. Cosmo’s face might be deceptively young, but his body was far from, having developed the firm, muscular lines of a young man approaching his prime.
 Ace drew his fingers through the red hair again, taking great delight in how the silky strands felt against his fingers tips. He wished, vainly, that Cosmo wouldn’t wear his headband so much. He truly preferred him without the distracting glasses. But, like so many things about his partner, it was part of what made Cosmo Cosmo.
 Not for the first time in history Ace wondered how the heck Cosmo managed to keep his hair up in the gravity defying position the unruly red locks usually assumed. Playfully, he tried to flatten some rogue hairs, only to have them bounce back defiantly.
 Oh well, some mysteries were never meant to be solved.
 Speaking of mysteries. Ace studied his bed mate, not for the first time wondering how things had changed between them. It had been a slow transition and one not entirely obvious to Ace until he looked back on it.
 He loved Mona, loved her truly, and yet... Things had started to change as Cosmo started to learn his magic. Perhaps that had been the catalyst. No matter how intimate Ace was with other people no one could understand what the magic felt like, what it did to you. Now that was different. Someone Ace trusted, cared for, did understand. Could relate to those moments in his life as no other.
 Cosmo stirred slightly and Ace paused in his thoughts, watching as the young man swallowed and snuggled deeper against him. Ace gently drew the coverlet up over his shoulder, allowing his finger to trace one collar bone delicately.
 Perhaps that was the start, or perhaps not, but now that Ace looked back, he saw clearly the changes. Before he had always enjoyed his time with Cosmo, but now, he seemed to seek out the younger man‘s company, finding it preferable to others. More and more of their time had been spent together, in both professional and leisurely pursuits.
 The same change had started in Cosmo as well.
 A pang of guilt stabbed at Ace’s heart. While being mature for his age, Cosmo, as of late, seemed to be loosing that youthful defiance that had made him the reckless partner of many years. The discipline and demands of magic were changing the young man and separating him even more from his peers. Even more so then his excelling genius had done.
            Had he denied him the joys of youth a normal teen should enjoy?
 Ace sighed. He knew the answer was ‘no’. The magic had done this, demanded these changes of anyone who wielded such power, but still... He shook his head and dismissed the thought. It was a futile subject. There was no denying the gift they both shared, so the argument was moot.
 He let his thoughts return to more pleasant pursuits, such as letting his fingers rove over Cosmo’s jaw line, hesitating at the faint scar that traveled over the young man‘s left cheek and eye, disrupting, oh so lightly, the red eyebrow. If one didn’t even know of the injury, one would never notice. But Ace knew. He’d been the cause of that wound and the pain of that truth tugged at him still. He’d been so thankful when Cosmo had agreed to have cosmetic surgery done, removing the original, angry scar and making it no more then a slight blemish.
 But still... Ace knew.
 Just as Cosmo had known of his despair every time he looked at his partner. Ace smiled again, brushing the marred brow gently. Perhaps that also had to do with their current position: both near naked in Ace’s bed.
 Nothing had happened between them, not yet, and Ace would take no hasty steps without knowing what his partner wanted, or hoped for. In truth, he wasn’t sure himself. It honestly hadn’t been his intention to have Cosmo share his bed this evening, even platonically. Well, not his conscious desire.
 The smile widened ever so slightly.
 Cosmo had fallen asleep in the living room and Ace, feeling gallant, had decided to take on the task of carrying his young friend to bed. Not a small task given that Cosmo weighed more than he looked, his body having become muscularly compact from their work outs together. Sleepily, Cosmo had roused as he had picked him up and looked Ace straight in the eye.
 “Your room. Closer.”
 Ace had been stunned by the simple request/command and found the thought very appealing; carrying the dead weight bundle to his own room and helping Cosmo -still half asleep- undress.
 Perhaps it had been Cosmo’s own idea, or perhaps he was simply sensing some deep desire in Ace, either way, the young man seemed more then content to snuggle at his side, offering a quiet goodnight.
 Not for the first time Ace was amazed by Cosmo’s empathic abilities. Nor for the first time thankful that those abilities weren’t sharply defined. Oh, he was thankful that only the strongest of his emotions registered to his partners senses! Surely he would have died of embarrassment if Cosmo had ever caught wind of some his less than appropriate musings. Heck, he was embarrassed by those same thoughts, thoughts that had never before registered concerning another man of all things. Let alone his partner.
 That was the other problem. What if a relationship did develop between them? What if this warmth grew closer, more intimate? Dear god, Cosmo was at least a decade younger than he, on top of the fact that he was his apprentice. Would this threaten Cosmo’s lessons? He would never put those teachings in jeopardy. Magic was just to dangerous, to volatile to allow personal emotions to interfere. Dear god, would his changing affections put the teenager in danger?
 Cosmo moved, hair dragging across his skin, raising goosebumps in its passing as the young man turned his face toward him, gray eyes slitting open, sleep still fuzzy in their pale depths. Ace admired them all the same and had to admit it looked like Kate’s theory on eye color and magic being linked seemed to be right. Whilst his own eyes carried just the slightest hint of blue, Cosmo’s were a clear, pale gray. And currently frowning at him
 “s’kay?” he mumbled, lips brushing against his chest and that sent unexpected shivers to pleasant places.
 “Sorry to wake you,” Ace offered, tightening his hold, the young man accepting the hug with a hesitant smile.
 “Felt... funny,” he mumbled, sleep still not quite losing it’s hold on him.
 “Don’t worry, it was nothing important,” Ace assured, feeling bad that he’d disturbed his partner‘s sleep with his personal doubts. Sometimes empathy could work against you and this was one of those moments as Cosmo blinked and studied him.
 “What was it?” he asked simply, not giving up the argument.
 “I was just worried if... if a change in our relationship would affect my abilities to teach you,” Ace relented at last.

 Cosmo blinked again and looked thoughtful. “Oh,” he muttered, turning slightly, lifting himself up on one elbow to better look at Ace.
 It was still..... strange to find himself in Ace’s bed. Well, beyond strange actually, but... nice. Cosmo hadn’t ever really thought of Ace in that way, not until lately. As of late he simply seemed to loose interest in woman, including Ulene. He felt bad about that. She was wonderful and a great kisser, but... he simply.. lost interest. She didn’t seem mad. She still didn’t know why... but Ulene was smart and probably had her suspicions. He really hoped she wasn’t mad, he still wanted her for a friend, he just didn’t want her for more. Ace, well, Ace was the only one filling that void. Perhaps it had to do with his empathy. Always sensing his friend, knowing, on a gut deep level his emotions, knowing he was well or scared or hurt. It completed him somehow. He was never alone, not while Ace lived and he liked that, he liked it a lot.
 And now, well now Ace was looking at him the same way. They were friends, partners, magicians and perhaps, maybe more.
 “I’m not worried... unless, well, you don’t want things to change,” Cosmo said at last. Ace nodded, but Cosmo felt his worry. It was still there, still strong.
 “Hey, it’s not like we’ve done anything... yet,” he joked.
 Ace sighed and smoothed back his hair. Cosmo leaned into the caress. He liked that.. a lot.
 “I know. I... I just worry that I’m forcing you into something you don’t want. I’m not even sure of it myself,” the older man confessed with a frown.
 “You mean, you think I’m here because, well, I sense you want me to be?” Cosmo asked tentatively.
 Ace nodded, worry in his eyes, and guilt, at the possibility he was forcing his young friend into something he didn’t want.
 Was he?
 Cosmo had to think on that.
 “Sometimes it scares me,” he admitted softly, hating the flare of dread in Ace’s eyes. “It’s hard sometimes to tell where my emotions end and yours begin, but I wouldn’t give it up. Never!” he went on. “I’m not alone. It’s nice to never be alone. No matter where I go, I can feel you.” Cosmo tapped his chest. “Here. I like that.”
 “But, do you want this?” Ace sighed, gesturing to the bed. “I... it was never my honest intention to treat you in this fashion, but it seems that... well, that I’m falling in love with you.”
 Cosmo froze.
 Love?
 Wow.
 He understood lust. Boy did he understand lust, but love? Was he in love with Ace? Big question.
 “Do you.. hate that?” Cosmo asked cautiously. Ace’s smiled gently and shook his head.
 “Not in the least. That’s the very amazing part. It’ll sound funny, but for the first time I feel complete. I hope that doesn’t scare you?”
 Cosmo thought about it, then shook his head.
 “Naw, not scared... just.. overwhelmed I guess.”
 “Why?”
 “Well.” Cosmo shrugged. “I mean... I’m me. Ex-thief, trouble maker, rowdy teen. I’m hardly in your league, Ace. I just, well... I think you could do better,” he admitted, feeling his insecurities rise at the thought that someone could really love him. The possibility so overwhelming that he denied it by reflex.
 Ace shifted, sitting up a little more and drawing Cosmo against him
 “You are my friend, my partner. A fine young man who I trust with my life. I can see no way to improve upon that,” Ace stated with complete conviction.
 Cosmo looked at him, mesmerized by the gray eyes with their brief hint of blue. He loved Ace’s eyes, they were always so warm looking.
 “Oh,” he managed, as Ace’s words sank in. “So, you’re really... well... thinking about us as...” He wasn’t sure how to put it.
 “As a couple?” Ace chuckled.
 Cosmo blushed.
 “That kind of sounds funny,” he admitted and Ace nodded.
 “I’ll admit, it’s not exactly what I planned, but I won’t make you do anything you don’t want to.”

 Ace watched as Cosmo studied his own hand for a moment, a finger tracing distractedly over the line of Ace’s ribs. He really did like it better when his friend didn’t wear his headband.
 “I,” Cosmo started, then frowned and for a moment, Ace’s heart clenched. This was against Cosmo’s will, wasn’t it? It was his greatest fear. Never, ever, did he wish to bring this on the young man without his consent!
 “I... I know I like being here, with you,” Cosmo tried. “I don’t know about love.” He shrugged. “Can’t say I’ve had much experience there.”
 Ace laughed, in relief as much as agreement. So, this young man truly of his own free will wanted to be with him. It lifted his spirits in the most amazing way.
 “But, well, I just like being here,” Cosmo sighed. “I haven’t been really interested in being anywhere else as of late. My brain might be a bit slow on catching on, but I think my heart belongs to you, Ace.”
 Ace smiled, stunned into silence by the shyly spoken words, their meaning so profound. He hugged the young man fiercely, laying a kiss against the silky red hair.
 “Thank you, Cosmo. That means a lot to me,” he confessed softly into the thick thatch. Cosmo returned his hug and snuggled back at his side.
 Ace caught Cosmo’s chin gently, and turned his face up to look at him. “If ever you feel uncomfortable, or feel that my emotions are prodding you to quickly, please, never hesitate to tell me,” he said seriously, honestly.
 Cosmo nodded, equally serious, then he grinned mischievously. “Not like we’ve done anything yet,” he chuckled.
 Ace laughed. “No, nor shall we. You are still underage after all,” he pointed out, feeling puzzled as Cosmo stiffened beside him.
 “Oh god!” the teen gasped staring up, eyes wide and suddenly scared.
 “Oh god, Ace. You could get in trouble for this! Oh man, I was so stupid. I never even thought about it,” Cosmo heaved in a rush, trying to pull away.
 Like hell if Ace was going to allow that.
 “Easy, Cosmo, easy,” he called calmly, latching onto an arm as his partner attempted to roll out of bed. Cosmo stopped, sitting there, bare chest heaving in dread, the blanket draped wildly across his lap.
 “But, Ace..” he started unhappily. Ace hushed him with a raised hand.
 “It’s okay, Cosmo. We’re safe here. It’s not exactly like there are any windows for people to peek in,” he chuckled, looking about the room. Indeed, his bedroom had none, precisely for that reason.
 Cosmo looked about, still skittish, Ace feeling muscles twitch with suppressed energy. He sat up more and urged the young man back to his side with a gentle tug.
 Cosmo resisted.
 “Ace, I don’t want to get you into trouble. I’m always getting you in trouble,” he protested, running a hand nervously through his hair, trying somewhat in vain to displace a few rogue locks that had fallen in front of his face.
 He went on breathlessly. “I mean... dude what about your reputation? This could hurt you, Ace.”
 “I don’t care, Cosmo,” Ace interrupted.
 “But I do!” Cosmo shot back fearfully. “What was I thinking? God, I’m underage. I’m your apprentice,” he went on, hands moving with a nervous energy all their own. “I don’t want to get you in trouble, Ace. Not again.”
 “Cosmo, you won’t get me in trouble,” Ace pressed. “And like I said, we will wait till you’re of legal age. What people say really doesn’t matter to me,” he assured gently, trying to pull Cosmo back to his side. Still his partner resisted, shaking his head miserably.
 “But, Ace...” he started and Ace sighed. Cosmo’s insecurities had gotten the better of him. The young man would simply not see reason.
 So he would show him.
 Before another word could fall from Cosmo’s trembling lips, Ace jerked him over, capturing his mouth in a kiss. He felt the body beneath his arms stiffen briefly as he gently pressed their lips together, a tingle running through his own system at the loving contact. It was almost a chaste kiss, but it filled his world as Ace drew back slowly, eyes opening on his frozen companion.
 It was almost comic how absolutely still Cosmo was-- as if frozen in time. The young man sat there, still leaning slightly forward, eyes closed. Playfully, Ace tapped him on nose and the gray eyes popped back open with a sudden intake of breath. Cosmo stared at his partner.
 “You okay?” Ace asked with gentle amusement, a slight hint of worry in his eyes. He was unsure whether he’d just pushed past acceptable limits here, but it seemed like the right thing to do.
 Slowly, Cosmo nodded.
 “Uh, yeah,” he mumbled.

 Oh wow. That, he had not expected. He was still numb from the brain down. Oh man, he’d *felt* that kiss.
 Then it hit him.
 He’d kiss a man! Hell, he’d kissed Ace... Well, Ace had actually kissed him, but...
 .... oh wow.

 “Cosmo?” Ace said worriedly, noting the slight frown and glazed look on his partner‘s face. The teen blinked, took another deep breath, then smiled, looking at him with an almost predatory gleam. Ace shivered at that and not in a bad way.
 “I thought nothing was going to happen till I became legal,” Cosmo teased lightly, finally allowing Ace to settle him back in at his side. Ace shook his head and chuckled, settling beneath the blankets with him.
 “No, we won’t, and we will take our time. I don’t want hormones or the heat of the moment to cloud either of our judgments,” Ace retorted lightly. Cosmo let out a little unhappy noise, then craned his head, looking up shyly. For a moment he hesitated, then spoke.
 “But.. well, can we try kissing again? Maybe not now, but...” he stammered, blushing slightly. Ace hugged him and laughed.
 “I don’t think the world would end because of that,” Ace replied, feeling an excited heat run straight through him at the prospect. He felt a chuckle bounce his partner’s body.
 “With us, dude, anything’s possible,” Cosmo snorted, wrapping an arm around him, burrowing close. Ace allowed his hand to travel over the soft red hair again, then gestured, sending the room into darkness.
 “Goodnight, Cosmo,” he breathed softly in the darkness. He felt another chuckle run through his bed mate.
 “Hey, Ace,” Cosmo started, baiting him. Ace happily obliged.
 “What?”
 Another shiver of laughter in the dark.
 “You really know how to win an argument.”