Fushigi Yuugi Fan Fiction ❯ Darkness of the Heart ❯ Chapter 2: Pain and Torture ( Chapter 2 )

Darkness of the Heart

 

Tamahome woke up sitting on the railing of the gazebo. He blinked.

 

"Tasuki?" No one was with him but the soft wind that came off the lake. He looked around, dazed, and rubbed his eyes. He must have dosed off out here listening to the splashing of the water on the rocks. He took a deep breath, but that dream did seem damn real. A soft blush stained his cheeks; he had a dream like that last night, too.

 

Tamahome stood up and stretched, he felt weak in his knees. Strange... He hoped down the stairs and wandered the gardens. He liked Tasuki and had, on more than one occasion, thought about how things could have been different if the idiot hadn't rushed out with a love confession a day after they met, but nothing had been more real than the last few nights. And what had Tasuki said about Miaka? Telling her what? He sighed. He had to stop dozing off. Had to try and get some sleep during the night.

 

Somewhere in the back of his mind, he was vaguely aware that napping didn't explain away the jump in location, but he didn't listen to it.

 

He left the room, bag over his shoulder and made his way to Tamahome's room. He knocked once, "Y-yo, Tamahome-san?" he hoped the other man wasn't in there, and if he was he prayed that it was Tamahome instead of Sou.

 

When he heard no answer he sighed in relief and opened the door. He riffled through Tamahome's things, gathering several sets of clothing for him as well as adding a small coil of rope to the bag. He wanted to be able to restrain Tamahome if Sou happened to come out while he had him out in the wilderness following a cold trail. He paced to the bed, looking for a pillow when a doll rolled out from under the edge of the blanket. It was the doll he'd gotten for Yuiren the day of the festival. With trembling hands he lifted it to his chest and hugged it. He felt a bit closer to the tiny girl who had captured his heart. He kissed the top of the doll's head and put it gently on top of the other items in the bag.

 

Tamahome made his way back. The sun was getting to him. Bright and happy, he didn't want to have to feel like that, and he didn't want to dampen other people's moods should they happen to walk by.

 

He sighed and walked to his room. He spotted Tasuki from the corner of his eye. He turned to the Seishi, but second thought going up to talk to him. He would be awkward enough as it was without the blush that was already working hard on his face. Why did he have a bag with him?

 

Tasuki turned for the door, Tamahome's and his own bags hitched over one shoulder. He took one step and froze.

 

Tamahome stood just outside the door.

 

He flicked his eyes over Tamahome's face, looking for the cruel smirk and seductive eyes, but found nothing. "Heya Tamahome-san, I was thinking over what you said about not going alone and... Well, I was gonna see if you wanted to come with me, but I kinda already packed a bag for you." he was trying hard to keep his face and posture easy going and calm, but he trembled knowing that at any second Sou could come back.

 

He'd be screwed in more ways than one if that happened.

 

Tamahome tried to smile despite the heat he felt in his cheeks. "Yeah, that might be a good idea." He responded cautiously.

 

He held out his hand for the bag. "Hey, Tasuki, I... " He didn't want to finish that question. "Um, never mind, I just have to grab one thing before we go."

 

He dashed off into the room and lifted the covers. His heart stopped. Where was it? His eyes darted over the floor and the bed, no sign of it. "Where... where is it?" He panicked.

 

"What? What are ya lookin' for?" Tasuki was panicking along side him; he didn't want anything to drag Sou out until after they were on their way.

 

He stopped as a burst of insight hit him, set the bags down and pulled out the doll. "Is this what you were looking for?"

 

Tamahome turned to Tasuki with his hand pushing at his temple. Tears had started to burn at his eyes, and he was getting another headache. "Yes!" He sighed out a breath of relief and amazingly the headache dulled. He strode up to Tasuki and took the doll gently in his own hands; just making sure it was real.

 

"Gods, thank you Tasuki, I don't know what I would have done if I had lost it." He cast his eyes to the floor, embarrassed about what he had just admitted to. "I just want to keep a piece of her close to me."

 

Tasuki sighed in relief, patting Tamahome's shoulder. "Don't worry about it Tama, I had t'hug it when I first found it under th' pillow. I figured ya might want it, so I put it in yer bag." He smiled gently and decided to act as if their brief meeting in the gazebo had never happened. "So, where'd ya end up goin' after ya left me in th' hallway?"

 

Tamahome visibly started.

 

"I, um... I think I went out to the gardens. I must have been really tired, cause I passed out in the gazebo." He placed the doll gingerly in the bag and tied it shut. Taking a step out into the hallway he tried to recall what exactly had happened.

 

"You know, I've been blacking out a lot lately, I haven't been sleeping at all during the nights, tossing and turn..." He stopped short. There was a curtain up on the door to the library. He looked at it in fear.

 

Tasuki followed behind Tamahome, storing the information away as best he could. When Tamahome stopped in the middle of the hallway, he frowned and looked around. He realized that they were in front of the door he'd been thrown through earlier and danced around in front of Tamahome. "Hey, we can't be standin' around here all day. Let's drop by th' kitchens and grab some food for our trip!" he grabbed Tamahome's shoulder and turned him away from the curtained doorway.

 

Tama's eyes stuck even as he was turned around and pushed to the kitchen. "But, you said I... didn't you?" `No, no, that was a dream, a bad dream, maybe you saw it when you were here with Tasuki and you filled in the blanks in that dream, cause that's all it was.' He was getting a headache. "Where are you planning on looking for Miaka anyway?" He asked, pushing two fingers to his temple.

 

Tasuki grinned wide, glad that he was keeping Tamahome from being too weird. "Well, I figured since Nakago an' his cronies vanished not long after 'em, I'd look in Kutou. You got another suggestion?"

 

He pulled Tamahome in to the brightly-lit kitchens, nodding at maids as he moved them to the tables. "Oy, me an' Tamahome's gonna head out on a trip, wanna help us pack some food fer it?" He winked at one of the girls who blushed along with her comrades and set to gathering enough food for the two warriors for a month.

 

Tamahome crossed his ankles and leaned against the counter, the ache was subsiding, but he kept his fingers pressed to his temple. "That's a good place to start. Do you want to maybe see if Chichiri wants to go? I'm sure he'll be helpful." It was actually good to feel like he was needed and could help. It kept his mind off the reality of the deaths of his loved ones.

 

Tasuki shook his head. "Nah, Chiri's probably th' only reason these baka's what run this palace know how t'start a search. He's a funny guy, weird as hell, but great t'talk to. I figure if'n he wants t'catch up with us, he c'n do that blanket spell a his. Ya know, like how he got us all back here after th' debacle at Ma's?"

 

He was such a chatterbox! He really never spoke so much at once, but he was worried and nervous as hell. He wanted to get underway, but was scared out of his mind as far as what might happen once night fell.

 

Tamahome nodded. He just wanted to be out of here. The palace held memories and questions he didn't want to answer. The maids handed back their packs, giggling. Tamahome re-adjusted his bag on his shoulder and left the kitchen. He just had one more thing he wanted to confirm, just one. He headed towards the library door.

 

Tasuki's grin died as he watched Tamahome wander back out and head towards the library again. "Hey, Tamahome-san! Where are ya goin'?" He trotted after him, feeling uneasy. If Tamahome freaked out on him now, they'd never get going and another day would be wasted. He'd be sexually content, but he'd hate himself for enjoying -even a little bit- being fucked stupid while Miaka was in danger.

 

"I just want to check on something." He paused out side of the curtain. His head throbbed as he lifted his hand to the fabric.

 

He paused. Did he really need to check and make sure he didn't do the things Tasuki had said in his dream? `You already know.'

 

"You know, we shouldn't waste time." He chickened out; covering it up with reason and logic that didn't make any sense except to a person eagerly looking for an excuse.

 

"Tamahome-san! C'mon, let's go this way instead. It's faster t'go this way!" he caught up to Tamahome and gripped his shoulder, turning him around and away from the curtained door. "Did ya need a book or somethin' t'keep ya busy on th' trip?" he knew his voice trembled, knew he was acting suspicious, but couldn't help it. His hands shook and his knees quaked. "C'mon, let's go."

 

He tried to keep up non-stop conversation, babbling to himself to fill in the silence as he tugged Tamahome towards the garden gate.

 

Tamahome was tugged out into the bright sunlight. Damn, did Tasuki ever shut up? This was the most he had heard the bandit talk in all the time he had known him combined. He rolled his eyes and cut in. "What's gotten you so worked up? Miaka will be fine when we find her."

 

Tasuki flinched, "Haha, I know, nothin's wrong with me. Why would ya think that? Nope, Tasuki's fine, Tasuki's never been better! Mi-chan's gonna be great when we see her too. Them bastards better not a touched her, I'll kill 'em!" he rattled on. Battle plans slipping out of his mouth, ideas as to how they would cook once they got too close to the border to use a fire, anything to keep the silence from coming in. Silence gave him time to think, time to fuck it up and bring Sou out again. He figured if he babbled out what came to mind he'd be okay.

 

"...but then last night I got so friggin' drunk, an' so I was staggerin' down th' hall when this real cute maid told me I was tryin' to get in a closet." he laughed loudly, nervous now that his brain had caught up with his mouth.

 

Tamahome followed Tasuki out onto the bustling streets of the city. "Ok so nothing's wrong with you, you just normally don't breathe when you speak." He unconsciously pressed his finger to his temple. "Last night..." he trailed off, trying to remember last night, something wanted to come to the surface.

 

Tasuki closed his mouth with a snap, clapping a hand over it to keep it that way. He shook his head and grabbed Tamahome's free hand, dragging him towards the edges of the city. He had to get them out of there, had to keep them moving.

 

Why did he get the feeling that he had just really screwed up? He kept looking over at Tamahome, flicking glances at him as he fairly drug the poor guy through the streets. People watched them for a moment before shrugging and muttering things under their breath.

 

Tasuki ignored it all. "Let's just get outta here, Tamahome-san."

 

Tamahome's thought process was interrupted by hi shoulder being tugged nearly out of it's socket. "Tasuki!" He cried in vain as he flew behind Tasuki, who was running. Gods, he was in a hurry to get out of here. He tried remembering last night, it seemed so familiar, Tasuki drunk... and the bathhouse.

 

He screamed and clutched his head. A sharp pain filled his vision. He squeezed Tasuki's hand hard. "Ow, fuck stop, stop." He crouched down, his fingers from his free hand tearing into his hair.

 

Tasuki froze mid-step, turning warily to check on Tamahome. "T-Tamahome-san?" he queried softly, afraid that things could get ugly if he pushed too hard. "Here, why don't you rest for a minute and I'll uh, well..." damn, he couldn't leave Tamahome like this. Any number of things could happen, there were too many possible things that could go wrong. "Okay, we'll wait until you feel better."

 

"I feel just fine, how about you?" a deep voice echoed from the shadows covering Tamahome's face.

 

He darted his eyes to their clenched hands and a smirk shone out of the darkness. "Are we running away together, Tasuki?" a quiet chuckle colored his question.

 

Tasuki froze, the blood draining out of his face. "Oh shit." he breathed. He didn't know what to do, so he did the first thing that came to mind. He reached down, lifted Sou into his arms, and ran like hell. The cityscape flew passed them as he tried to get them out into the surrounding countryside, or at least to the wooded area that marked the border of the city. "No. Me an' Tamahome were gonna go after Mi-chan, you just came by accident." he growled to Sou, panting under the weight of his body and two full bags.

 

Sou didn't like this at all. The city flew past him. He wasn't in control of anything. He bared his teeth and grabbed Tasuki's neck. "Put me down or I swear to that fucking bird god I will end you."

 

Tasuki ignored the clenched hands around his neck, just a little bit farther and they'd be in the woods. He could make it. He called as much of his ki as he could and forced it into his legs, the last vestiges of the city vanishing in a blur.

 

"A-almost..." he gasped out, the tree line fast approaching.

 

Sou squeezed, the bastard wasn't listening to him. He clenched his fist and punched Tasuki in the nose as hard as he could. "Put me the fuck DOWN you CUNT!"

 

Tasuki stumbled, falling to his knees at the edge of the tree line. Sou fell from his arms and he clutched his hands, trying to pry them off of his throat. The blow had hurt, as well as the name, but he had made it to where he needed to be. He grinned bitterly, clawing at Sou's hands. Blood dribbled from his lip and Sou's hands, but Tasuki was grinning viscously. "I-I still... got us... out!"

 

Sou let go of Tasuki's throat, standing up and kicking dirt in his face. "I don' think I feel much like leaving yet." He picked Tasuki up by the collar and plastered him to the nearest tree. "But since you insisted on making this public, why don't we?" He grinned and his eyes flashed.

 

Tasuki growled, pushing against Sou's chest. "No! Don't touch me. I just got us out here because Tamahome said he wanted to come. Please Sou, just humor me. You are free to do whatever, just not here, near town. I have already proven that I can cart your ass off, so don't fuck with me on this."

 

He huffed in a breath then spit out the dirt that had gotten in his mouth, turning his head to the side so that he didn't invoke Sou's wrath. "Why th' hell did ya hafta wake up? Me an' Tamahome was doin' fine 'til YOU showed up. Ya gave him that headache, didn't ya?"

 

Sou glared at Tasuki, he had the upper hand in this with his speed. Slowly he considered his options as Tasuki spoke. "I wouldn't ever hurt Tamahome." he growled and banged Tasuki back up against the trunk. "DON'T lie to me."

 

"I think you're going to pay for that one." An evil glint shone in his eyes and he flipped Tasuki's belly to the tree. "I'll give you a screwing you'll never forget, Tasuki-chan."

 

Tasuki's eyes widened, staring in shock at the tree trunk pressed against his chest. Where had his leverage gone? "Hey! I said not in public! There's still people out around here!" he looked around for the people he claimed were around, but came up with nothing.

 

"S-Sou! Wait!" he cried, "You said you wouldn't hurt Tamahome, wouldn't it hurt him if someone saw him screwing me into a tree from the edge of the city?" he was grasping at straws, looking for any reason to just move away from the city. There would be more of a chance for escape or, if that didn't work out, less chance for someone he knew to see him being treated like a bitch in heat. Less chance for someone to find out that he liked it rough, that he liked being fucked like that... just a little bit.

 

Sou pushed on the back of Tasuki's head grinding his face into the bark. “You said not in the city. We're not in the city any more." He reached his hand around to Tasuki's waist and felt for what he wanted. "You're the one who hurt him, Tasuki. Anything that hurts you will make him happy."

 

He tore open the tie of Tasuki's pants and shoved his fingers in Tasuki's mouth. "Stay quiet unless you need something to suck."

 

Tasuki whined as the bark bit into his face. He tried to push away from the tree, but couldn't get a good enough grip. "Fuck you! I didn't hurt him, he just dropped to his knees holdin' his head! I didn't DO-" fingers invaded his mouth, cutting off the last of his words.

 

He was tempted to bite him, but was afraid that would cause things to get more brutal. He was curious, through all of the anger, as to why he was sucking on Sou's fingers. He tried to turn his head, but the fingers in his mouth kept him facing the tree.

 

He pulled out his fingers, slick with Tasuki's spit. "That's better, Tasuki." He brought his fingers down and rubbed the wetness over Tasuki's ass and over his hole, pressing one finger to the opening.

 

Tasuki flinched, still tender from the forceful entry the night before. He cringed, and bit through his bottom lip to keep any sound from escaping him.

 

The pain started to fade, slowly, and he opened his eyes, looking over his shoulder at Sou's face. Fresh blood dribbled from the bite on his lip, the corners of his eyes were wet. "W-what are you doing?"

 

"Gods, why does he like you?" He whispered to himself, "How am I supposed to fuck you with you asking stupid questions every two minutes?" glared at Tasuki, Shoving his face back around to the tree trunk. Sou pushed in a finger, then two. He was done being gentle, and the thrusts of his fingers told the tale.

 

Tasuki widened his eyes. Tamahome liked him? What? He grinned a bit as Sou shoved his face back around to the tree. Tamahome liked him. His grin was nearly splitting his face in half.

 

Two fingers shoved into him and he gasped, the grin falling away under the blush that was building up in his cheeks. A tiny sound of pleasure worked its way out of him and he brought his fist up to his mouth, biting down on it to keep himself silent.

 

Sou rubbed the tips of his fingers over the soft insides and dug in deeper. "Oh go ahead and scream Tasuki. Go ahead. Maybe someone will rescue you." He reached up and pulled Tasuki's fist behind him pinning it at the small of his back. Working a third finger inside, he smirked, "If that's what you really want."

 

Tasuki squirmed, the fingers in his ass were stretching him rather uncomfortably but they were stroking him gently, as if Sou wanted him to enjoy it. "Fuck you, hahh..." he panted, tugging at his arm. "W-why do ya wanna hear me so bad, get ya off t'hear me screamin'? Ya fuckin' pervert."

 

Sou leaned close to Tasuki's ear, running his tongue over the hollow behind it. "It does." he whispered to him. He stroked harder, plunging his fingers inside faster. A hand slipped down the front of Tasuki's waist and grabbed a handful of the hardening arousal there. He began to pump in opposition of his fingers.

 

Tasuki rocked his hips back, then jerked forward when he realized what he had done. He sucked on his bitten lip, hoping Sou hadn't noticed his reaction. "Fu-ah... fuckin' pervert." he panted, pressing his face to the rough bark.

 

He was enjoying this, obviously enough, but didn't want to give Sou any more ammunition against him.

 

Sou bit at Tasuki's neck, grabbing the fabric from his shirt and yanking it to the side with his teeth to get at the skin underneath. He flicked his tongue over the hot skin. Tasuki's scent invaded his nose and made his cock throb. "You like this. You'll be addicted soon enough. I'll make you need me inside of you. Till you go crazy without my hard cock stuffing your insides. "

 

Tasuki nearly bit his tongue in half. The sure sounding and erotic words caused his cock to twitch. "K-keep dre-Aah!" his hips thrust back, impaling himself on the fingers in his ass.

 

No use in denying it now...

 

“Shit! A-arright," he panted, steadily pressing his backside into the thrusts. "F-fine, I want ya. Happy?"

 

"No," He drove his fingers in again and stepped in-between Tasuki's feet, spreading them open and pressing his erection firmly against Tasuki's thigh. "When I'm through with you, you won't be able to sleep until I've fucked your brains out every night."

 

He lifted the head of his throbbing shaft to the widening opening, letting it push gently against the outside as his fingers stroked. Pre-cum wet the rim making him almost slip inside. "Your ass is begging me to fuck you, Tasuki. " he scoffed. "And you tried to say you didn't like it."

 

Tasuki widened his stance, arching his hips back. "I c'n live with that. All I gotta do is pretend yer him." he smirked over his shoulder, winking at Sou. "I only was facin' ya once, an' he came back while his dick was buried in my throat. I c'n always picture his face while he watched his cock slide out of my mouth." He purred throatily, a longing look in his eyes.

 

Sou's eye twitched. He slammed Tasuki's head back into the tree bark and rammed his dick inside of him as far as it would go. He hoped it hurt. He pulled almost all the way out and thrust in again, tugging Tasuki's hips back onto his cock, making him feel every last inch.

 

Tasuki smirked wider, "Aah! T-Tamahome!" he cried, taunting Sou further. The intrusion hurt, but it was worth it to know Sou had gotten upset. Whether it was jealousy, anger, or hurt. It had wiped that self-satisfied smirk off of his lips.

 

"Harder Tamahome!" sweat broke out on his brow, the pain was terrible but he reveled in the feeling of power he had. Sou was angry, jealous even, over the fact that Tasuki wanted Tamahome instead.

 

"You're going to regret that." He wrapped his arms around Tasuki's shoulders and forced himself in deeper.

 

He pulled Tasuki all the way to him and bit Tasuki's shoulder till he drew blood, then licked it up to his jaw. He pumped fast and hard, mercilessly. Tasuki's cheeks rammed repeatedly into his hips. Sou let himself go, feeling the energy that Tamahome possessed as a celestial warrior surge through him. It brought Tama closer, but he acted blindly out of rage. Red swirling ki started to flick around his forehead.

 

Tasuki screamed, clawing at the tree. "N-no! Stop! I-I'm g-gonna tear!" fluid started to work it's way sluggishly down the insides of his thighs and he tried to twist his hips in order to jerk out of Sou's grasp.

 

His face was bleeding, blood was on his thighs, his neck was bleeding... somehow he got the feeling he shouldn't have pushed so hard.

 

The smile returned to Sou's lips, it curled sickeningly upwards. He grabbed Tasuki's leg and twisted him the rest of the way around to face him, lifting his leg over his shoulder and holding on to his ankle for leverage. He slammed Tasuki's back up against the tree trunk and bits of bark flaked off.

 

"Stop?" He was laughing between hitched breaths; Tasuki's shouts just making it feel increasingly better. "But you just told me harder!"

 

Tasuki cried out, the bark digging into his back. He shoved against Sou's chest, trying to push him away. "N-no! I-I... fuck, that hurts! I just wanted t'see somethin'! Stop! Stop! TAMAHOME!" he screamed and cried, shoving and punching Sou's chest.

 

Tears rolled down his cheeks and his passion died an agonizing death. He fought for freedom, screaming for Tamahome to save him.

 

Water lapped at his hands and feet, splashing lazily up over him, and the sun was warm. Someone was calling him, far away, like a dream. Tamahome didn't want to open his eyes, a nightmare lived on the other side. But there was screaming.

 

"Onii-chan?" A soft hand brushed against his cheek, Yuiren bowed slowly and spoke in his ear. "Help him, ok? Tamahome?"

 

Red ki flicked brightly, flashing maniacally in Sou's eyes for a moment before growing a brilliant red and flaring. Sou's violent pounding halted and Tamahome looked out at a frightened Tasuki.

 

"You're bleeding..." He said softly before he collapsed.

 

Tasuki sobbed hard against the collapsed man who was still buried inside him. A heartbreaking happiness filled him when he had seen the ogre mark appear on Tamahome's forehead and heard the gentle voice he'd grown accustomed to. He held Tamahome to his chest, lowering them both to the grassy ground.

 

He petted back Tamahome's hair, caressing his face briefly before pressing a kiss to his Onii symbol. "Thank you, Tamahome. Thank you... for saving me." he whispered, and dropped his head to rest against Tamahome's shoulder to hide the remainder of his tears.

 

Tasuki set Tamahome back, then scooted to the side and grimaced at the mess they were covered in. He kicked off the bloodied pants he wore, tucking them under a fallen log along with Tamahome's. He hurriedly stripped out of his torn shirt and used it along with some water from their canteens to clean the blood from them both and re-dressed Tamahome.

 

He cast a quick glance at Tamahome's face and moved around to the other side of a tree. Gulping back a sob, he used the last of the water from one canteen to clean the blood from his bottom. Feeling a bit better, he tugged on a new set of clothes and prayed Tamahome wouldn't notice.

 

Tamahome's eyes fluttered open. He groaned and steadied a hand on the ground to push him up. He inspected his surroundings. "We set up camp right outside the city?" He asked groggy and confused.

 

His arms and legs were shaky, he couldn't figure out what for. His head felt better, what ever happened. The terrible pain had shot through his skull before, just before? He glanced at the sky. It wasn't much later than it had been before. They didn't set up camp, unless he had passed out through the night. He sat up.

 

Tasuki stepped out from behind the tree and stopped, his eyes resting on Tamahome's face. "F-feeling better, Tamahome-san?" he shifted to the other foot, taking a bit of pressure off of his abused hips and bottom. "I figured that since ya wasn't feelin' good, we'd wait until y-you were better before we m-moved on." he was starting to shake, so he crouched down and rested his knees on the grassy forest floor. "I-I'm kinda beat myself, w-we c'n r-rest for as l-long as ya want to."

 

"Yeah, you sound it." He scooted back against a tree and rested his back. "What was with the exit? You were running like lightning through the city." He gave Tasuki a weak smile. "Living in the mountains make you afraid of it that much?" He said poking fun at Tasuki with his last bit of humor.

 

He sighed and closed his eyes.

 

Tasuki sighed in relief. Tamahome hadn't noticed yet. "Y-yeah, kinda. I'm not a big city boy. I like less p-people." He was really worn, but dared not try to sleep until Tamahome was asleep and tied to a tree. "Uh, go ahead an' get some sleep. I'll k-keep watch." he made sure to keep his eyes from Tamahome's, it would only be asking for more trouble if Sou woke up now.

 

Tamahome nodded and closed his eyes for a moment. He then cracked open an eye and regarded Tasuki. "Tasuki...." He didn't want to ask, but he had to. "About Miaka..." He trailed off. There were a bunch of unanswered questions and he wanted to know the answers to them, but was afraid to ask. "How do you feel about her?"

 

One question down.

 

Tasuki glanced up quickly, then dropped his eyes to the ground at his feet. "Well, she's... she loves me. I guess I like her pretty well. She's soft, like silk, an' she thinks I hung th' stars." he shrugged, wondering where this was going. "Why do ya wanna know? Just outta curiosity, a'course."

 

Tamahome tilted his head and listed to Tasuki explain. Yeah he knew the feeling, but Tasuki didn't say he was in love with her. Tama decided to ask in another way. He crawled over to where Tasuki knelt and brushed a hand over Tasuki's cheek. He leaned in and pressed a soft kiss to Tasuki's lips, then hesitantly looked up for an answer.

 

Tasuki flinched slightly, gripping Tamahome's shoulders and staring into his eyes closely. Realizing that Tamahome had kissed him and not Sou, he sighed happily and returned the gentle kiss.

 

"Tamahome?" he whispered and kissed him more firmly, wrapping his arms around his shoulders gently.

 

When Tasuki flinched, Tamahome was about to quickly retreat, with a stuttering apology and a, 'guess not, huh?' But then Tasuki grabbed him and kissed back. Tamahome's eyes widened and then closed accepting the answer with a smile. "Mmm?" he responded to Tasuki's unintended question.

 

Tasuki bumped his lips against Tamahome's, wincing as the pressure aggravated the spot he had bitten through his lip. He nudged again, opening his lips enough to touch his tongue to Tamahome's. He sighed, nudging Tama's mouth further open and spearing his tongue inside. His grip tightened around Tamahome's shoulders, pulling him to his chest. He broke the kiss, keeping Tamahome pressed to his chest.

 

“What does this mean, Tama-chan?” he whispered against his hair, pressing a soft kiss to his temple. “I mean, ya told me no when I blurted it out at Ma's... what changed?”

 

A soft whine escaped his lips at the breaking of the kiss. He pulled away and looked into Tasuki's eyes. "I got to know you." He explained, a soft smile playing on his lips.

 

Tasuki blushed and hugged Tamahome's head to his chest, pressing a kiss to his hair. He sighed, "I dunno what t'do now, though. I mean, I-I really like ya and ya seem t'like me okay but... shit, I guess I screwed this whole situation up." he grinned ruefully.

 

He shifted to sit on the ground rather than his knees and clutched Tamahome tightly, keeping him still so he didn't see the agony on his face. Sou had really done a number on him. He hoped he got a reprieve for the rest of the day, he was afraid he'd end up in even more of a mess than he'd been in a few minutes ago.

 

Tamahome looked up at Tasuki. "It's ok. I stupidly passed on my first chance, so she wins." He straightened up and away from the warm embrace more than a little embarrassed.

 

"I just wanted to tell you how I really feel. I don't expect anything." He blushed, "Well, I guess I stole a kiss didn't I?” Tamahome gave Tasuki a questioning look. "Did you cut your lip? I taste blood."

 

Tasuki shook his head, "Well, it's kinda that I was tryin' so hard t'not get so pissy about th' situation back then that I kinda let her tell me how t'feel. I never stopped likin' ya, but now I like her too. I guess I dunno what I feel for anyone, if'n I can't pick between ya's..." he trailed off, eyes widening for a moment.

 

He slid a finger over his chewed lip, "N-nah, I was worried 'bout ya when ya passed out... I-I kinda chewed through m'lip." he hoped that the fudged truth would suffice, he didn't want to try and explain only to face Sou again when Tama got upset.

 

He eased back against the log, careful of the scratches on his back and battered backside. "Don't worry about it, Tamahome."

 

"Oh, sorry." He said, putting a hand out to Tasuki's lip and examining it and trying to ignore the first part of what Tasuki had said. He didn't want to know that there wasn't any chance for him anymore, that he had blown whatever could have been because he wasn't sure.

 

Tamahome looked him over. His friend looked like he just came out on the loosing end of a fight. His movements were stiff and... "Hey, weren't you wearing different pants before?" he raised an eyebrow to Tasuki.

 

Tasuki jerked back, closing his eyes as he tried to think of a plausible excuse. Damn you, Sou! "Ah! W-well I sorta kneeled down in a mud puddle an' uh... hadda change..." he knew he was sounding unsure, that he was unsteady. "Sorry, Tamahome-san, I didn't sleep so good last night. I'm all kinds of clumsy when I c-can't sleep."

 

He put a hand to the back of his head and scratched it, laughing nervously.

 

Tamahome quirked his eyebrow at Tasuki. "Uhuh." He said, not believing the stumbling words that came out of Tasuki's mouth. He stood up, which turned out to be a worse idea than he planned. His head felt dizzy and light and the world tilted, demanding that he sit back down.

 

"I was going to say we move on, but I think I need some rest too." He scooted back to the support of the tree and closed his eyes. "Sorry, I haven't gotten much sleep in several... Days" He yawned.

 

Tasuki sighed and settled back more fully against the tree. "Go ahead an' take a nap, Tamahome-san, I'll wake ya later." He offered his chest as a place for Tama's head to rest, his arms opening wide. "C'mon, sleep here." he patted his chest, a smile on his lips.

 

"I would but," He felt dread at the thought and didn't know why. "I'm ok here, thanks though."

 

Tasuki shrugged and slit his eyes closed, giving the impression of going to sleep. His left arm draped over the log, his hand tugging at the tie to Tamahome's bag. As slyly as he could, he rummaged around for the rope he'd put in there before they had left.

 

He was relieved when his fingers brushed the rope. He tugged it out of the bag and held it tight, waiting for Tamahome to fall asleep. Much as he hated the idea of tying Tamahome down, he knew that for his own health it was the only thing he could do. He hadn't fought back because he couldn't. He couldn't hurt Tamahome, no matter who was controlling his body.

 

Exhaustion quickly won over his body as soon as he let himself relax. There weren't any of the usual fits of tossing and turning, his entire body was wasted and gone. All too soon, the dreams came to him; the nightmares that plagued his mind during the night had no mercy. Pools of blood, screaming.

 

He twitched, feeling a strong hand on his shoulder. "Shhh, Tamahome. I'll make them go away." A set of lips was speaking close to his ear. "Just let me out."

 

Tamahome shivered, a groan falling from his sleeping lips.

 

Tasuki gently nudged Tamahome's foot with his own, waiting for a response. Getting nothing more than a groan, he quickly pulled the rope over the log and crouched over Tamahome's hips. "Forgive me fer this, Tama. But I ain't in no shape t'handle him right now."

 

He lay the rope over Tamahome's chest and leaned over him to tie it to the log, looping it several times. He tugged on the end, making sure it was tight but not enough to hurt.

 

He looked at the two ends in his hands and hesitated. "He's gonna fucking kill me."

 

Sou opened his eyes. He was ready to forgive Tasuki his wrong doings if he would do as he said. He smirked, but it soon died away when he tried to move.

 

Sou was tied to a tree, the same tree, ironically, that had been privy to their previous encounter.

 

"Tasuki..." Sou sang out in a dark voice. "Did you get kinky with Tamahome when he came back?" He gritted his teeth; the fucker had the upper hand when Tamahome was around. He looked around for Tasuki. "Where are ya Tasuki? Come out so I can KILL you." He shook with anger.

 

Tasuki stepped over the log and settled across Sou's lap, he flicked his nose and smirked. "Kill me then. Tama'd figure out what you've been doin' t'me with his body an' never let ya out again. C'mon, kill me." He growled in Sou's face, leaning close enough to touch their noses together. "You got two options here. One, you c'n stop tryin' to kill me with yer dick an' I may play nice. Or Two, I c'n leave ya tied up an' torment th' fuck outta you 'til Tamahome wakes up. Pick one."

 

Sou glared at Tasuki. If he could somehow channel his ki through his eyes and burn the arrogant fucker right there, he would. He certainly tried. But it was useless, the sly bastard had caught him, now, as much as he hated it, it was time to play by his rules.

 

Sou took a breath and closed his eyes "That depends, I guess." All the anger had drained out of the darkly beautiful green that stared into Tasuki's. He rolled his hips up under Tasuki, "What do you mean by 'play nice'?"

 

Tasuki smirked, licking along Sou's bottom lip. "You get a willing and eager fuck; how's that for playing nice?" he replied bluntly, tracing the seam of Sou's lips with a finger.

 

"No more just shovin' into me; you play nice an' I'll play nice. I might even calm ya down a little a'fore I untie ya. Ya seem like th' type to enjoy bein' tied down." he placed butterfly soft kisses along Sou's jaw, trailing down to his neck and nibbling the pulse point. He smirked as he felt the telltale throb under his tongue. "Yer gettin' excited already. How about it then, Sou-sama?" he added the honorific with a seductive purr.

 

Sou eyed Tasuki as he played with him. A sneer just behind the seductive smile he wore. "Fine." He agreed. Trying to keep the facade of an upper hand, but it was useless. He couldn't deny the physical proof that Tasuki had turned him on. "Do you untie me now or later?"

 

Tasuki's smirk widened and he nipped Sou's neck, "Later, I'll untie you later." He sat back, smirking at Sou. "Want me t'start now or should I tease ya for a bit?" he scooted off of Sou's lap and stood. He winked and moved to the side, pushing the log over a little bit, effectively raising Sou up to lay back.

 

"I figure yer itchin' to come, so it don't matter if'n I go ahead an' tease ya a little before I blow yer mind."

 

Sou's patience was wearing thin. He glared at Tasuki, a sneer curling his lips. "You're not going to turn the tables, Tasuki." He warned him. "You won't always be able to make Tama let you tie him up."

 

"Who says he let me tie him up? Maybe I fucked him t'sleep an' tied him up afterward. He does look awful delicious with them big eyes a his, face all flushed in pleasure, bitin' his lip to keep from screamin' my name... it was fuckin' beautiful, Sou-sama.”

 

“But, that aside, I'm warnin' ya; you fuck me over after I untie ya, an' you c'n expect me t'never be nice to ya again." he licked his lips and kneeled between Sou's thighs, nipping along the hard ridge that tented the front of Sou's pants. He untied the strings and pulled out Sou's cock, smirking as he licked his lips. "Let me show ya how this is supposed t'go."

 

Sou closed his eyes against the pleasure, Tasuki was pissing him off, but what he was doing to him felt fantastic. "You didn't. Don't even try to lie to me. He wouldn't let you." A dark grin shone in his eyes. "That's part of the reason why I'm here."

 

He cursed, his hips moving on their own, arching into Tasuki's teasing.

 

Tasuki smirked, "Part of th' reason...? Ya mean he want's t'do t'me what you been doin'?" he slid his tongue along the side of Sou's cock, a thoughtful expression on his face. "So, if'n I fuck you, he might wake up in th' middle of it an' not push me away? Interesting." He nibbled the underside of Sou's cock, his lips working their way to the tip. "Want to be in my mouth, Sou-sama? Ya want me t'show ya how suckin' yer dick should feel?" he smirked again, using Sou's own taunts against him.

 

Fear lit up Sou's eyes. "You wouldn't." His eyes widened, and then relaxed. "You won't." A smile working it's way to hip lips. "If you try that I'll just bring him in. He may not push you away, but you'll never get to fuck me." He bit back the moans that wanted to escape his throat, replacing them with angry glares down at Tasuki as he continued to taunt him.

 

Tasuki smirked, "Fucking him would be fucking you, which is why I don't get why ya got so damned jealous earlier. I was technically talkin' to you, ya both share this..." he glanced down at the cock in his hand, then let his eyes travel up the length of Sou's chest, "delicious body. Care t'explain as I suck ya dry?"

 

"No." He said defiantly. The sneer had come back to his lips, despite the waves of pleasure Tasuki's words gave him. "How do you feel from earlier?" he asked, a laugh in his tone.

 

Tasuki nipped the tip of Sou's cock, allowing his fangs to slide over the silky flesh. "I c'n always show ya, if yer that curious." He allowed the tip to fit just inside his mouth, sucking gently, just enough to tease. He pulled back, "Ya wanna explain why ya got jealous or am I gonna have t'make ya beg t'come first?"

 

He dipped his head, taking Sou fully in his mouth in one single motion. He buried his nose in the pubic hair and swallowed hard, pulling back and letting go completely with a soft pop. "Mmm, time's wastin', Sou-sama."

 

Sou's body arched into the feeling, he hated it. That smug smile on Tasuki's face, they way he was making him feel. His eyes rolled back and his lids fluttered when Tasuki swallowed him. He had to use all of his will power to choke down the moan it caused. Fine, he could tell him a little, how could it hurt? He definitely didn't want to be reduced to begging.

 

He looked down at Tasuki with wide crazed eyes. "I'm made of jealousy Tasuki-chan. Jealousy, hate, pride, anger, lust, All the petty emotions Tamahome didn't want to deal with." He scoffed. "He kept his loneliness and sorrow though, I guess he liked them."

 

Punishment was what he wanted them for, and both of them were aware of it.

 

Tasuki frowned, "That sounds like Tama." he sighed and lifted his lips to the tip of Sou's cock again. "Promise is a promise, na?"

 

He leaned up, getting in a better position. He kissed Sou's lips tenderly. "Tomorrow, tomorrow you can fuck me. Right now, I'm gonna swallow ya down until ya scream my name... again."

 

He put words into action, sitting back and devouring Sou's cock. He bobbed his mouth around the length, his tongue flicking the tip as a constant growl rumbled through his chest. He smirked around his mouthful and slipped a hand into Sou's pants. He eased one finger inside Sou, crooking the digit as he searched for that one place that would drive him insane.

 

A satisfied smile curved Sou's lips as Tasuki finally began. He went to lift his hand to Tasuki's head but was stopped by the rope, an annoying reminder of why he was in this position in the first place. He closed his eyes and hummed in appreciation, but then something terrible happened.

 

Sou's eyes shot open as he felt Tasuki intrusion into his body. "W-what the hell?" he tried to glare, but the delight clouded his anger and it just came out looking confused.

 

Tasuki hummed happily around Sou's cock, his finger searching for the small bundle of nerves that would cause him to twitch and moan. He pulled back, his lips slowly releasing the suction as he did. "Don't worry Sou-sama, I'm just lookin' around a bit." He smirked, nipped Sou's inner thigh and then went back to the lovely task of driving Sou-sama insane.

 

He found a nub and fluttered his finger over it gently, his eyes glued to Sou's face.

 

Sou couldn't settle on an emotion. He wanted Tasuki to finish. He needed to cum to the point where it hurt, but that meant letting Tasuki win the battle. He may be tied up, but he could leave at any point, quietly waiting. Tamahome would bring him out again. And if he didn't, his power overwhelmed Tama's at night.

 

Sou's lips curved up. He settled.

 

A deep moan broke free from Tamahome's lips. He gasped as he felt like he was just poured into himself feeling the most delectable feelings. "Uhn." he winced in a smile, color staining his cheeks and his breath quickening before he even fluttered his eyes open.

 

Tasuki grinned as Sou's moan reached his ears, soon enough he'd hear the call of his name and taste the salty-sweet come that still tinged the back of his throat. He suckled harder, pressing against the bundle of nerves he'd found with a little more force. He wanted to drive him insane with pleasure, show him what it felt like to be robbed of conscious thought because he was doing his best to make him happy.

 

Perhaps he could get a smidgen of tenderness out of the deal. Maybe...

 

Tamahome cast a sultry gaze down to where something was making him feel chills throughout his skin. Tasuki? He wanted to ask why, wanted to tell him to stop, but he couldn't speak. His failed attempt at trying resulted in a throaty moaning of Tasuki's name. Tamahome writhed under Tasuki's touch. The pleasure was indescribable.

 

Yes, that was it. That sound was his entire motivation. Tasuki closed his eyes and reveled in the way the sound went to his gut and curled around his heart. He redoubled his efforts, pressing harder on the bundle of nerves inside Sou's body as he slurped his way along the shaft in his mouth. Soon Sou would give in and come, then, Tasuki would be content. He bobbed his head between Sou's thighs, eyes closed and listening to the little pants that Sou released. Funny, he almost sounded like Tamahome when he cried his name like that...

 

He opened his eyes, looking up at Sou's face and nearly choked. The Onii symbol was flaring on his forehead. This was Tamahome! Surprise kept his mouth and finger working to bring Tamahome to release, but his eyes stayed firmly locked on his face. He had known that Tama would be beautiful in the throws of passion, but neither expected to actually see it nor did he think he'd have any part in giving that expression to him.

 

He lovingly adored Tamahome's body, petting and kneading his thighs. He tried hard to show Tamahome that he was making love to him in the most loving way he knew.

 

Tamahome clenched his eyes shut. His erection throbbed unceasingly. "T-Tasuki!" He couldn't breath, couldn't hear any more. Everything was a swirl of ecstasy. "Oh gods, Tasuki." He couldn't say anything more. His mind was pleasure and Tasuki and that was it. He dared to crack open one eye and he caught the intense gaze of Tasuki's golden eyes. That was it. He couldn't hold it anymore.

 

"Aah-" His eyes widened, his already ragged breath caught in his throat. Tamahome threw his head back against the tree as he released his seed into Tasuki's mouth.

 

That instant when their eyes connected sent lightning down his spine, that single look and then magic and stardust had spurted into his waiting mouth. Tasuki swallowed as fast as he could, not wanting to spill a single drop. He released Tamahome from his mouth; licking and nuzzling his thighs as his hands worked at untying him.

 

Irritated that he couldn't get the knot undone, he slipped a knife from his boot and cut the cord, unwinding the coils from around him. "Tamahome? Are you okay?"

 

Tamahome reached out to Tasuki and wrapped his arms around him, drawing him in close. "Mmm.” he hummed in his ear. “I-I'm afraid to ask." He brushed back Tasuki's bangs, "Is this a dream?" He looked confused and sad.

 

Tasuki held him tight, "No, no, it's not a dream." he gulped and held Tama away from him a little bit, looking in his eyes. "Y-you're not... upset at me, are you? I really rather know if'n I'm gonna get punched for... um, takin' advantage of ya." A blush colored his cheeks and he looked away, "Ya just looked so... I just wanted t'taste you." he whispered, looking anywhere but at Tamahome's face.

 

Tamahome quirked a brow at him, "I think I would have already punched you if I was going to." He put his finger to his chin and thought about it, "I would have like to be aware of what you were doing from the start." A sly grin sneaked to his lips. "Is that why you were so anxious for me to go to sleep? Hentai." He laughed, and realized he hadn't laughed in days.

 

Tasuki grinned, "Yeah that's why." he cut his eyes to the side, and chuckled along with Tamahome. "So, ya ain't gonna deck me. That's nice t'know. An' I'm only a hentai because I couldn't resist..." he blushed darker, "how damn adorable ya looked."

 

Damn, he'd have to apologize to Tamahome once he figured out how to get Sou to go away for good. He was getting too good at lying. He wished it had been the truth, it would have been much more pleasurable.

 

"God, how long was I asleep?" He sighed; he didn't feel like he had rested at all. He cracked his neck to either side and pushed up against the tree. The rope fell to the ground and he gave it a questioning look, a sweat drop hovered over his head. "Um, Tasuki... You tied me up?" His eyes went wide, surprise coloring his expression.

 

Tasuki's head began to spin and he shook himself, his mind racing for a good reason as to why he would have tied him up. "Uh..." he shook his head, blinking furiously. “I uh, dunno about that one. Um, it... it...” his eyes rolled up in his head and he collapsed to the ground on his face.

 

"Hey!" Tamahome shot his hands out to grab his falling companion, but didn't make it in time. He winced as the sound of Tasuki smacking the ground thudded out into the woods. "Sorry Tasuki..." He knelt beside him and reached out to help him up.

 

Tasuki lay still for a moment, trying to get his spinning head to still. "I think I need some sleep, Tama. I'm really dizzy." he raised his head to look at Tamahome's face, searching those gray-blue eyes worriedly for any signs of Sou.

 

No, he couldn't sleep now. Sou could come back at any moment and if he were asleep... he shivered and pushed himself up to his hands and knees. "I'm okay, Tama, just need t'sit and rest a bit."

 

Tamahome nodded and helped set Tasuki up against the tree he had just been resting against. He studied Tasuki's face, noticing the small indents over his lip, the bluish bruises along his neck, but most of all, the run down look of his eyes. It got him thinking about his own symptoms.

 

"You know, It's strange, Tasuki." He started off in a steady tone, trying not to really keep Tasuki up with his problems. "I've been sleeping fine, tossing and turning all night, but sleeping. But in the mornings... I've been feeling so damn tired during the day that I've been getting blackouts. Feels like I' haven't slept in months."

 

Just the thought of it made his eyes grow heavy. He stifled a yawn and leaned up against the tree with Tasuki.

 

Tasuki shook his head, thinking that Tamahome may feel more rested if Sou wasn't keeping his body awake. "I know what ya mean, Tamahome-san. Wish I knew a way t'help ya sleep better, but I ain't exactly been sleepin' either."

 

He leaned his head back against the tree, allowing his eyes to drift shut. Maybe if he just closed his eyes for a few minutes...

 

A soft snore drifted out of him. His body had finally given up and pulled him down into sleep.

 

Tamahome stopped mid sentence. Tasuki was asleep. He sighed and smiled. That guy never had a problem sleeping anywhere. He considered keeping watch, but they were about five minuets outside of town. The worst that could happen this close by was a kid could come up and try and steal there- he thought about it for a moment, they didn't have anything to steal.

 

Tamahome settled further against the tree and ran his hand over Tasuki's hair. "That's a good idea, Tasuki." Lulled further by the soft sound of snoring, his eyes drifted shut.

 

There was darkness, the sweet oblivion of sleep for a few precious seconds before he felt violently shoved into a dream. He blinked. The sunlight was too bright here. And the temperature wasn't right. He looked behind him and could almost feel a burning red light in the distance, but too soon a small voice called out to him by the shore. He smiled, waved, and forgot.

 

Sou's eyes shot open. Tasuki would pay for tying him up, for humiliating him, for forcing him to call back Tamahome like a scared child. Funny how fate lends you a hand sometimes. A sadistic smirk darkened his pretty features. Sou grabbed the forgotten rope at his feet and snapped it taught in his hands.

 

"Gotcha." He whispered in Tasuki's ear.

 

Tasuki grumbled and scooted his head away from the annoying breath against his ear. He was finally getting some sleep and was determined to stay that way come hell or high water. His head dropped to the side, his snore changing to a soft purring noise indicating that he had fallen deeper asleep.

 

Sou grinned. Not everyday you get a chance like this. First thing's first. He looped a bit of rope around Tasuki's ankles. Little speed angel wasn't going to take off this time around. He tied the knots tight; tugging them closed around Tasuki's feet.

 

Sou picked up another small bit of discarded rope and crawled over Tasuki. He readied the rope to his mouth. He wanted to see the look of fear in his eyes.

 

"Rise and shine Tasuki-chan!" He shouted at the red head before pulling the rope around behind his head and tying it tight, gagging him. Sou looked into Tasuki's eyes and ran his tongue over his scraped lips. "Mornin'!"

 

Tasuki jerked awake; eyes going wide as a rope found its way between his lips. "'Ey! Asha gooin?!" The blood drained from his face as he realized he was looking into green eyes, not gray-blue. "Kshhhisch! Fwou!" He reached up, his hands gripping Sou's arms and trying to force him back. He was exhausted but Sou seemed to have an unlimited reserve of energy. His heart thumped wildly as he tried to fight Sou off.

 

He couldn't help but laugh. Tasuki was trying to fight, how cute. He pulled back his arm and backhanded Tasuki across the face, hard.

 

"You think you can pull that shit on me, Tasuki-chan?" He taunted him as he pushed Tasuki down to the forest floor. "How do you like being tied up, huh?" He rocked his hips as he straddled Tasuki. "Guess I should have expected it from a kinky little slut like you. Hmmm?" He leaned down and ran a hand through Tasuki's hair, clutching a clump of it and forcing Tasuki's face closer. He licked a trail up Tasuki's bruised cheek. "You've had your little fun, Tasuki-chan. Now, time to hold up your end of our bargain." he whispered roughly in his ear.

 

Tasuki's eyes widened; his back and bottom pinging pain through his body. He struggled, hands still pushing against Sou's chest.

 

He closed his eyes, blocking out the feral glare in Sou's eyes. He was trapped, both physically and by his promise. For the first time in his life, he cursed himself for being a man of his word.

 

He relaxed; removing his hands from Sou's chest and breathing a deep sigh of defeat. He nodded slowly, hating the fact that he was about to be brutalized again and unable to stop it.

 

Or could he?

 

Sou nipped at Tasuki's ear and ran his tongue over his jaw, down Tasuki's neck. He pressed his teeth to the throbbing vein just under his warm skin. "That's a good boy." He cooed into Tasuki's neck.

 

Tasuki moved his hands upwards, feeling along the ground for anything hard and heavy that he could use as a weapon. As much as he did not want to hurt Tamahome, he wasn't sure he'd ever be able to sit down again if he didn't stop this. And fast.

 

A palm-sized rock came to his hand and he gripped it firmly. `Fuck you, Sou.' He growled and smashed the rock against the back of Sou's head, cringing when the rock cracked in his palm. He put two fingers to Sou's neck, feeling for a pulse to make sure he hadn't killed him.

 

He found it, steady and strong, and sighed in relief.

 

Tasuki shoved Tamahome off of him, rolling him to lie beside the tree. He checked the back of Tama's head, looking for broken skull or blood but found only a thin trickle. He sighed again, scooting back and away before untying and getting to his feet.

 

He was exhausted, but he had to make sure that he was safe before he went back to sleep. He looked up at the tree Tamahome was sleeping against and dug out his knife, using it to help him climb the tree. He lay along a thick branch and promptly fell asleep.

 

 

End chapter 2. More to come soon. *bows * Hope you enjoyed.