D. N. Angel Fan Fiction ❯ Scandalous ❯ Chapter 3

Advance 3:

 

Disclaimer: Don't own DN Angel or Ronin Warriors. I own Emiko's tea party companions though.

 

Warnings: Nothing new.

 

“So tell me,” Dark leaned over dangerously close to Daisuke, with whom he was seated. “What are the main attractions of the countryside?” The redhead forced himself to smile at the other, although in truth he would have rather killed the man with his glaive.

 

Setting down his goblet, the lord replied, “We-ell, there are some…uh…nice…hunting places…and, um, a village a little to the north. You must have passed it on your way here. And there's a…” He trailed off, seeing that Dark didn't seem to be paying any attention to him. Although part of him was indignant that the other wasn't listening, he was mostly glad that the purple-haired lord wasn't trying to do things to him.

 

“I'm sorry, did you say something?” Stunned, Daisuke looked up and crimson met amethyst once more. Dark smiled and continued to explain, “My deepest apologies; I was so caught up in admiring your appearance this morning that I am afraid I…” He let his sentence trail off meaningfully. The younger one flushed slightly and looked up at his companion, who merely smiled. Kosuke and Emiko were oblivious to the conversation taking place just a seat away from them, and for this Daisuke wasn't sure whether he was grateful or frightened. The next words to slip out of the heir to Blackwing's estates, however, frightened him to no end. “Oh; your father has kindly offered me a tour of the land around here, so I thought I would ask you so that I know a little of what to expect.” Dark leaned in closer and smiled warmly at the other. “I'm looking forward to it. What time would you propose, honoured host?”

 

Daisuke squirmed slightly and fought the urge to whine. He was embarrassed, his mind was not full-functional due to the hour of the morning and he was close to running late for glaive practice. “My deepest apologies,” he stammered out again and briefly noticed that he seemed to be using that phrase very often as of late, “but I am afraid I have lessons to attend to. My father wishes me to learn more and-and I do not know if I will have time anywhere in the near future.” Emiko leaned over at this point and beamed at her son.

 

“Oh, don't worry Dai-chan,” the lady said cheerfully. “Your father told me last night, but he didn't tell you because you had already gone to bed. Your lessons are cancelled once more, but to make up for this lapse you will have more homework. Your tutors will be leaving you homework in your room, and they expect to have it all completed by the time you see them next. Sir Mouri does, however, wish to speak with you when you have time for him.” Daisuke wondered what the knight wanted to say; the lecture of yesterday was still fresh in his mind. Still, he resolved to study harder as penance for the lie, even if he had already apologized. “Today, you will go riding with Dark and show him our lands.” All thoughts of penance and confession at the church were promptly dispelled; riding with the infuriating Lord Dark Mousy of House Blackwing was a punishment within itself.

 

As soon as Lady Emiko turned away to talk to her husband, Dark smiled sweetly at Daisuke. The redhead felt obliged to say something to Dark regarding their earlier conversation and blurted something out about how he did not know until a minute ago, and how he would be honoured to accompany the other. Dark waved off the stammered apologies and told Daisuke, “There is no need to apologise. If anything, I am the one at fault for bringing something like this up so abruptly.” The redhead blushed once more before quickly rising; the meal was over and he needed to change for his ride with the other.

 

Two hours later:

 

“Open the gates, it's Lord Daisuke and Lord Dark!” The two aforementioned lords smiled and thanked the guards-they weren't that ill-mannered-and left the castle grounds for the day. They were dressed in plainer clothes than usual and resembled prosperous merchants. It turned out that Daisuke was known in the nearby towns and villages on account of his sneaking out as a child in the guise of a merchant's son and thus it would be easier to converse with the townspeople. Since the guards were used to this sort of thing happening-their king did it on a regular basis to keep up with current events and to keep an eye on the tide of public opinion-they did not wonder about the plain garb. Dark merely smiled when Daisuke explained his logic and then told the other of his own exploits in the towns near Castle Blackwing.

 

Daisuke couldn't believe just how…well, how courteously Dark was behaving towards him. His purple eyes glowed with a new light as soon as they had left the castle and his cool manners all vanished, to be replaced with a genuine smile. It was as though he had lowered his guard and become a completely different person. They reached the town within ten minutes and dismounted, choosing to lead their horses through the streets. Daisuke became the perfect guide, eager to show this new Dark all the places he normally visited. “We'll have to stable the horses first, though,” he explained as they walked through the bustling streets. Daisuke received greetings from almost everyone, and many asked him where his friend was from. Dark himself received smiles from most of the younger girls and he waved to them all jauntily, flashing a wink here and a smile there.

 

Finally they arrived at their destination; a large stable. Without even staring, Daisuke walked his horse into the place and handed the reins to a hostler who dropped out of nowhere. “Good day,” the redhead cheerily greeted the other. The gnarled old man nodded and smiled, revealing a mouth full of chipped or missing teeth. “Could you please bring my friend's horse and mine to the stables?” The hostler nodded, but didn't say anything. With a tilt of his cap and a tug of the reins, he took both horses. Daisuke looked at Dark and beamed. “Shall we?” The viscount nodded and both men walked out into the sunlit streets.

 

They were standing in front of one of the many snack stalls scattered around the town square. Since they had not brought lunch out-the cooks had enough to do without preparing a five-course picnic for them-they decided to see what bits of food they could find in the marketplace. Daisuke had insisted that the stalls served better food than any of the inns or eateries did, so here they were, juggling skewers of chicken and small paper bags of other foods. Dark was still not too sure about the quality, but since he was trying a different tack with Daisuke, he let the other show him around the town. Personally, there wasn't anything he hadn't seen before, but it was worth the hassle if it meant that he would have the redhead eating out of the palm of his hand more quickly. However, he was hard-pressed to repress a gag when one of the girls shyly gave Daisuke a flower. How disgusting, he thought. There was no such thing as love, only lust, and those who failed to understand this were all fools. He didn't have anything against them, but he did rather dislike their insistence upon romantic sunsets. Well, no matter. He would get what he wanted and that was all that counted.

 

“Dai-chan,” he said after finally coming up with a good excuse to get the redhead away from the girl. “I thought you said you would show me the church?” He leaned closer and nuzzled the other's ear possessively, shooting a furtive glance at the girl. She frowned lightly at the open display of affection whilst Daisuke hastily pushed him away. Dark dramatically placed a hand to his forehead in a gesture of rejection and moaned, “My love, you have deserted me!” Daisuke blushed, hastily thanked the girl for the flower and her trouble, and hustled his older companion out the door.

 

The redhead turned to face his companion, ignoring the fact that he was still holding Dark's wrist. “What are you doing?” He hissed. “I'll get in trouble for this!” Dark laughed light-heartedly and waved his hand airily.

 

“Calm down, it's just a joke.” At the redhead's incredulous stare, Dark continued sarcastically. “You know, when someone says something that's meant to be funny?”

Daisuke continued to stare.

 

“Never mind,” the viscount sighed. At the crestfallen look on Daisuke's face, however, he forced himself to smile. “Come on, little one. You said you'd show me the church.” Daisuke looked up at him and slowly nodded, red eyes brimming once more with hope. He really is like a child, Dark thought. He just bounces right back.

 

They arrived at the church just in time for Mass. Although Dark was not a particularly religious person by nature, there was no way to wriggle out of attending the service; Daisuke had already entered the church and was sitting towards the back of the large structure. Dark took this time to admire the statues and the stained glass windows. Although he knew that this was a prosperous town, he hadn't thought that the church would be this beautiful. Aside from the austere, grey stone walls, the stained glass windows threw coloured shards of light across the pews and the altar. The statues themselves all held a sort of grey dignity. Settling down next to Daisuke, he sat through the entire ceremony and when Communion came around, he stared at the little wafer disdainfully. How can this little thing be our-my-salvation? He thought scornfully. There is no God. A glance around the place, however, revealed that he was probably the only one who thought so. He looked at the organ player, who had struck up a haunting tune. The choir was singing, and some of the people joined in. For a moment, Dark let himself listen to the words and the simple melody, smiling a little at the language. It was nowhere near what he was used to, but he guessed that had he been a better person, had he grown up in one of these houses, the wistful lyrics would have struck a chord in him too. He indulged in this fantasy for a while, but then laughed bitterly to himself. There would be no rest for him, no place to lay his head. There wouldn't even be a Good Shepherd to guide him home; there would only be a tall, hooded and faceless figure.

 

Mass ended soon enough and Dark sneaked a look at Daisuke. The redhead looked melancholy and his eyes were thoughtful. The purple-haired lord was struck by the other's radiant innocence in the afternoon sunlight, but shook his head shortly. A shame no beauty can last, he mused.

 

“Dark?” He looked down questioningly. “Is there anything else you want to see?”

 

“Huh…? Oh, what else is there?” He leaned down and gently traced the curve of the other's ear with his tongue, closing his eyes and revelling in the feeling of the smooth, warm flesh so like and yet unlike his own. Daisuke gasped softly and jerked his head away, but Dark moved with it.

 

“W-why are you doing this?” The redhead asked. “Why…why do you keep…acting this way with me?” Dark cringed; for a moment, Daisuke's soft baritone had become Ayako's shrill voice. At least she enjoyed it, he thought. But then again, she would probably spread her legs for anyone who asked. The crudity of his thoughts would have shocked everyone, but he didn't care. It was the truth, and it wasn't as though anyone would ever see his thoughts.

 

Dark pretended to think for a moment, then pulled away and smiled at the other winningly. “Hm…I don't feel like telling you here.” At the look of thwarted frustration on the other's face, he laughed a little. “Are there any more interesting places to visit, or shall we just ride home?” Daisuke cast one look around the town before shaking his head, still unnerved by Dark's personality change.

 

They were sitting on top of one of the smaller hills, both men wanting to rest their horses. Dark looked at Daisuke, eyes dancing in the fiery glow that the setting sun cast over everything. “So, Daisuke,” he asked, “What does it feel like, to have finally come of age?”

 

Daisuke was disconcerted. First the man was touching him, and next he was asking questions about his welfare? The redhead didn't understand what the other was getting at. “What are you trying to do?” He finally burst out. “I don't understand you!” Taken aback, the purple-haired lord vainly tried to hide a smile. He leaned closer to Daisuke and gently traced a finger along the other's face, even though he knew that his proximity was causing the other discomfort. A light flush appeared on the Niwa's pale features and Dark was sorely tempted to just take him right there and then. So naïve, he thought in amusement. So oblivious. So sheltered. He leaned in and brushed his mouth over the other's, unheeding of his whimpers or the smaller hands pushing at him, trying to shove him away. He continued lapping at those soft lips, shutting his eyes in delight. The taste of purity was always the best and this time was certainly no exception.

 

Daisuke didn't know what to do. Why was Dark kissing him? Wasn't it wrong for two men to kiss? He had seen his mother and father do that when father had just come back from a trip, but he had never seen them do it outside of the palace, or when they were with advisors. He struggled vainly with the other, but his larger weight was too much and Daisuke could only squirm in discomfort. He knew that he should feel disgust and shame for letting another kiss him, but frighteningly enough it didn't bother him. It was strange, but it wasn't unpleasant like the priests always said. He was, however, frightened and desperately tried to push the other off him. Finally, the other pulled away and looked at him, amethyst eyes dancing in the dying sunlight. The redhead quickly stood up, ran to his horse and rode back home in a fast gallop. The other just stood there, smiling whilst the wind whistled its lonely melody and the trees rustled in time with it. Run, run as fast as you can. I'll not chase you, little one. You'll come back.

 

Back at the castle, Daisuke was terrified. He was convinced that he was going to go to Hell after what he had just done. Sodomy. He had just participated in an act of sodomy. He hastily threw on a set of robes and rushed to the church, desperate to find some salvation. Halfway there, he stopped. He didn't know what the priest would say. What if, as soon as he confessed, the priest excommunicated him from the Holy Church? What if he denounced him to his parents? Daisuke balked at the thought and the feeling of shame only increased as he stood there, indecisive and unsure of himself. He looked around at the servants in the hallway. Why wasn't anyone shouting at him, calling him names, sneering at him? Why wasn't anyone coming after him with a weapon? He clapped a hand to his mouth and ran back, back to the safety of his own room, squeezing his eyes shut to avoid the stares of the servants. He didn't know what to do.

 

Dark handed Nyx's(1) reigns to the castle hostler, pushing a few silver coins into the other man's hand as compensation for any kicks he might receive from the stallion. Smiling at the mere thought of seeing Daisuke at dinner, he walked back into the castle, intent on changing into more suitable palace clothes.

 

-----------------------------------------------------

 

Lady Emiko was staying at Duchess Araschetta's for a week or so. Although she had no love for the woman, she didn't want to decline the invitation, as it would give rise to only about two hundred different rumours. She was seated at a table in the garden with the Duchess and a few of her other friends, or more accurately, protégés, all of whom simpered and fawned over the older woman in a sickening fashion. The Duchess herself was seated at a table, holding a delicate china teacup in her hands. The air was filled with the high-pitched voices of the girls, all vying for attention from their mistress. Only Emiko sat quiet. Until, of course, one girl asked sweetly, “How is Dai-chan doing, Emiko dear?” The lady was startled, but covered her surprise well.

 

“He's as fine as can be,” she icily replied. The girl who had asked the question was Lady Noriko Zetsu of House Keran. She was here because she was scorned by other Houses and nobles, and she was desperate to come into her own. Emiko regarded the girl with cool eyes; thick, blue-black hair-most likely inherited from her Eoigonian mother-framed a pale heart-shaped face and flowed over her shoulders in a most becoming fashion. Two dark eyes peered about at everyone, mouth pouting when she met a man's gaze and smiling sweetly if she met a woman's. Those ruby red lips now parted and Emiko steeled herself for the next, inevitable question.

 

“Oh! Tell me, has he changed much since we last met?” Fool girl, pretending she had some sort of connection to the Niwas when all that put her in their ken had been her father's silk wagons!

 

Emiko raised her teacup, regarding the other over its curved rim. “No, I don't believe so.” The Duchess cackled and the others tittered at Noriko's misfortune.

 

Araschetta leaned forward in her chair. “Lady Emiko, pray tell; do you have a fiancée in mind for him?” All the girls leaned closer.

 

“I believe I will let him choose. Daisuke has always been…mature in these matters,” she coolly replied. Let them make what they would of that; Daisuke would not choose any of them.

 

“I hear Lord Dark is staying with you, is that true?” Another girl asked. A pair of large, grey eyes were her only distinguishing feature. Lady Emiko hadn't even bothered to remember her name.

 

“Indeed.” All the girls broke out into delighted squeals once more and the brown-haired woman regretted accepting the invitation sorely.

 

A barrage of questions followed, but the real shocker was from the Duchess herself. “He's looking for a partner, is he not?” Affirmations were heard on all sides and Emiko wondered just what the woman was driving at.

 

“I hear he has a preference for pretty young men!” One girl laughed and for a moment Emiko was shocked. She had heard scandalous things throughout her life, but this comment, made in an obviously feeble attempt to curry favour with the others, rubbed her the wrong way.

 

“You'd better be careful, or else Daisuke may just become his newest conquest,” another tittered.

 

That was the last straw. Standing up, Emiko set her teacup down and faced the flock of gossips with cool eyes. “He has no such thoughts. The last I heard, he was…” she looked around, pausing for dramatic effect, “…engaged.” Little cries of dismay travelled around the party. Indeed, this was the truth. Dark had told Emiko of his engagement to Viscount Emery Ijaelf's daughter, a young sixteen-year old by the name of Della. Cries and demands to know who the second party in the engagement was were ignored as the lady swept up to bed after shooting all their hopes down.

 

There was a quick discussion as to who the girl was, but finally one said, “Well, just because he's engaged doesn't mean he won't indulge in other activities.” The others agreed, and all were wondering whether Lord Daisuke Niwa was himself interested in members of the same sex. All present agreed that Lord Kosuke and Lady Emiko were too blind and were raised in `the milk of human kindness''(2).

 

-------------------------------------------------------