Weiss Kreuz Fan Fiction ❯ Shadows ❯ mates, part one ( Chapter 19 )

Shadows

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chapter 12

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mates, part 1

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Jei walked outside the Koneko, wandering through the garden until he found the trellis festooned with jasmine. Crawford was standing beside it, staring down at the fragile blooms he held in his hand.

"What is it about flowers that make people waste so much time and effort on them? This whole garden serves no purpose other than being ornamental."

Chuckling, Jei picked one of the small white flowers. "Well, I think Yohji and Aya would argue with you there. It serves as an additional bedroom for them, or at least the lavender patch does. I'll never be able to smell a closet sachet and keep a straight face from now on."

His partner stared at him for a second, the moonlight reflecting from his glasses. For a moment Jei wondered what tragedy, or more likely tragedies, had befallen Crawford to make him so… cold and unfeeling weren't right, but close to the mark. Contained. Focused on only one or two goals to the exclusion of everything else, even happiness and pleasure, might be better. Jei had his own awful past, filled with unbearable pain and losses, but he still knew how to laugh and have fun. Then again, it could be argued that he wasn't quite sane. Hell, it was a proven fact, but he didn't let that bother him.

"I'm relieved to see you back on your feet again."

"Thank you." Jei raised the jasmine blossom to his nose, took a deep breath then tossed it aside. "Before you start barking out orders, I need to go feed. Being awake for three days straight has left me hungry." He needed human blood if he wanted to keep most of the madness at bay.

Crawford nodded his head. "It's as I expected. Go eat something, and then come back to the Koneko. I want you to stick close to the inn and keep an eye on Aya and Nagi."

The order surprised Jei, considering how much he'd been running around the past several weeks. "What about all the other jobs you had lined up for me?"

Removing his glasses, Crawford absently rubbed them against his light grey tunic as he raised his head and stared at the moon for a moment. He put them back on and resumed gazing at Jei.

"Keeping the kage safe is the most important thing. Yohji can't be with him all the time, and when he's not I want you there. Nagi is also susceptible to the Takatoris and should be guarded too. Especially since the crown prince seems reluctant to leave his side."

For a moment Jei thought about Omi and the way the boy had stood up to him the other day. He was happy for Nagi that the younger bound had found a human who returned his love and wasn't frightened by his true nature. Jei had had someone like that once, several someones in fact. Raising a hand to stroke his eye patch, Jei hoped that Omi wouldn't meet the same fate as they had. No, he wouldn't mind his orders this time, nor the chance to thumb his nose at fate and make sure another bound kept a bit of happiness.

"What about contacting all the bounds in the capital?"

Shifting about, Crawford folded his arms over his chest. "It seems Schuldig has developed a sudden work ethic, and he's doing the work of two people. It will be no problem for him to contact the ones you haven't, and it will keep him out of trouble."

"Someone's fighting being mated, isn't he? That boy really is your son."

"Funny, I was thinking about how much he reminded me of you," Crawford retorted dryly, an almost smile on his lips. Jei growled in warning and bared his teeth. "Just concentrate on keeping those two safe and leave the worrying to me."

Reminding himself yet again of why it would be a bad thing to eat his partner, Jei leaned against the trellis, breathing in deep the scent of jasmine. He'd always loved the flower. For a moment, he remembered hugging his mother and being enveloped by her jasmine perfume. He forced the memory away, not needing to think about such things when he was so hungry. It was a good way to unleash the madness he constantly struggled to hold at bay.

Then something else occurred to him, as he diverted his thoughts from memories of his loved one suffering. Jei glared at his partner. It just wasn't right, Crawford giving him a break like this, and that made Jei highly suspicious of everything concerning the precog. "You know Crawford, I've wondered about you not seeing the Takatoris coming for Aya the other night. Especially after you predicted blood and pain for the kage a couple weeks ago. I thought you meant the wedding, but now…."

Crawford sighed as he pushed his glasses up his nose. "I didn't see the exact date, nor how badly Aya would be hurt, but I knew his masters would contact him at least once before the wedding. I also knew that there was no way to prevent him from making a sacrifice for the safety of his sister and his mate. Not that I'd have stood by and done nothing had I been here that night. I would have had Schuldig influence the Takatori's mind to make him treat Aya more gently. But the damage is already done, and the future is still secure."

Jei changed his mind. He didn't want to know what had shaped Crawford into being such an utterly uncaring bastard. Granted, the man was working hard for a future free of slavery and death for more than just himself, but that didn't mean he had to sacrifice anyone he saw fit. What Aya had suffered shouldn't be written off with an `oh well, no major damage done'.

"I'm gonna go eat, but I'll be back by morning." Before Crawford could say anything Jei glared him silent. "Don't worry, Oracle, I won't gorge myself so I have to sleep again, it'll be just enough to take the edge off the hunger. I don't want to be too full, not with the meal awaiting me soon."

"Just be careful, Jei. With the wedding fast approaching this isn't the time for mistakes. Remember what is at stake here."

Waving goodbye to the precog, Jei started to jog towards the garden's gate. He did remember what was at stake. Part of that was saving bounds from undergoing the ordeals that Crawford and he had suffered, as well as Aya. Not to sacrifice one of their own. Jei didn't want any part of a future bought with so much blood. It made for a weak foundation, and one day their grand dreams would come crashing down upon them. For a powerful precog, one would think that Crawford could see that.

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Yohji lay on his bed with Aya resting beside him, his head on Yohji's chest. The smaller man was asleep but mumbling every now and then. Each time he did so, Yohji would stroke his hands along Aya's arms and face, murmuring quiet assurances to his mate until the man calmed down again.

It had been a long night so far, and he'd gotten little sleep during it. Especially not after being woken up by the wave of fear, revulsion and hate that had emanated from Aya. His love had been in the grip of a terrible nightmare, tossing about in the bed enough so that Yohji had been afraid he'd hurt himself. But grabbing Aya to hold him still had been a bad idea, only causing the man to fight him while he slept on.

It wasn't until he'd let go of Aya, all but for a sweat soaked eartail, and had repeatedly called out his name that Yohji had gotten the man to wake up. Aya had stared at him for a weary moment, his eyes filled with pain and sadness, and only then had he allowed Yohji to touch him. He'd tried to resist the kiss Yohji had given him, cluing him in on what was causing Aya's nightmares, but Yohji had gently but insistently pressed his lips to the redhead's until Aya had parted them. After a quick kiss, just to show Aya that he didn't find him tainted or repulsive, Yohji had cuddled his cat against him and hummed a tune until Aya had fallen back to sleep. The man needed his rest, and there wasn't anything that Yohji could think to say to him that would erase the awful memories.

He'd remained awake after that, and less than an hour later, the nightmare had returned. This time Yohji had lightly tugged on an eartail while stroking Aya's face, talking softly all the while. It seemed that once Aya realized that it was Yohji near him the nightmare would stop, only then to repeat itself every hour or so.

Yohji hoped that the sex from earlier wasn't the cause of Aya's distress, but he felt guilty all the same. He hadn't forced himself on his mate, had only gone through with it then because Aya had wanted him back. If that hadn't been the case, Yohji would have reined in his hunger, no matter how painful or hard. But Aya wanting him had made it impossible not to give in to his hunger and their need. It hadn't been worth his mate suffering like this, though.

A part of him told Yohji that this was the first night that Aya hadn't been drugged or passed out from exhaustion. Even with the draining from earlier, Aya was the best he'd been since he'd been kidnapped and abused. This was probably the first chance his mind had had to torment him with what had happened to him and for Aya to be aware of it. That didn't make the pain of seeing the man Yohji loved be in distress any less. Exhausted with worry, Yohji would drift off to sleep for a few minutes at a time, waking up the moment Aya moved or felt any distress.

Morning found him bleary-eyed and tired. When his body didn't leave him any choice, Yohji hurried from the bed to relieve himself. He returned to find Aya shifting about, his violet eyes open and surrounded by dark circles. It looked that even with spending most of the night asleep that Aya hadn't gotten any more rest than he had.

"Yohji?"

"I'm here, cat." He slid into bed and pulled Aya against him. His mate's tense body relaxed in his arms, Aya sighing softly as he tucked his head under Yohji's chin. The feel of Aya in his arms made Yohji's hunger flare to life, but to calm it all Yohji had to do was think of Aya tossing about, his face drawn with pain and anguish, and the awful emotions he'd felt during the nightmares.

"You shouldn't have left." Aya's voice sounded angry and a touch petulant, something he'd never heard from the man before. Yohji tilted up Aya's chin until he could stare into his eyes and smiled despite the pout he was receiving. That only seemed to make Aya even angrier, the emotion burning away the last of his pain and anguish.

"Sorry. I didn't think you wanted to wake up in a wet bed." It took Aya a moment to understand what he was implying then his pale flesh blushed the slightest bit. As Yohji chuckled the man started to squirm about and he suddenly punched Yohji in the ribs.

"Ow! What the hell was that for?"

Aya treated him to a weak version of his glare. "I didn't have to go until you said something."

Grumbling about temperamental redheads, Yohji picked up a struggling Aya in his arms and carried him to the necessity chamber. Aya clearly wasn't happy about still being treated as an invalid, but he looked too weak to walk all that way there on his own. So he glared at Yohji the whole while for this latest indignity, until he was tucked back in bed. Then all his anger seemed to deflate, leaving Aya looking so very young.

Stroking a hand through his mate's hair, Yohji frowned in worry. "Are you okay?"

"…I'm so tired, but I don't want to sleep anymore." Aya hugged Yohji around the chest and shifter closer to him. "I… I keep seeing him. While, while he's… hurting me you, Aya-chan and Nagi are waiting there, chained beside me, and I know when he's finished with me it will be your turns." Shivering, Aya pulled the blankets closer to him as he pressed against Yohji.

"It'll be okay, love. Soon he won't be able to hurt any of us. If he so much as comes near you I'm gonna slice him into bits." Yohji's voice came out in a growl as his bound nature urged him to get out of bed and bring Hirofumi's severed head back to Aya as a present. But all that would accomplish was leaving Aya alone and putting all of them in danger. He had to remain calm until the wedding, less than two weeks away. It was so damn hard, but he had to keep his wits about him and not give in to the rage.

Growling, Aya pushed himself up onto his arms. "Promise me you won't let him hurt you. I don't want you to go looking for revenge and be harmed."

"Aya…"

"Promise me, Yohji. Just stay away from him until the wedding."

He'd told himself the same thing, and finally became convinced that it was the only logical choice for him to make. However, Yohji didn't like being told to stay away from the bastard, by Aya of all people. The man should be clamoring for his assailant's blood, not worrying about Yohji being hurt by a pathetic human who hid behind blackmail and threats to an innocent soul.

So Yohji spoke without thinking, not a totally unusual occurrence for him. "Aya, I'm not the one who let the man beat me and practically rape me on a daily basis. _I_ can handle the sick fuck and won't let him so much as touch me."

Aya's eyes went wide at the words, and the man's pain and anger filled Yohji. Just when he realized what he said, and what those words had sounded like, Aya started to scramble off the bed. Before Yohji could stop him, he made it off the bed and started to shakily walk away, wearing nothing but an old shirt of Yohji's. Aya's hand rested on the doorknob just before he crumpled to the floor, his energy spent. Shadows skittered about the room, curling up around Aya as he hit his fist against the door.

Running to the man's side, Yohji tried to pick Aya up but his hands were knocked aside. Aya growled at him and scooted away from Yohji until his back hit the door. Then he let out a small cry of pain. Taking advantage of Aya's distraction, Yohji grabbed the man and carried him back to the bed.

As soon as Aya was deposited on it he swung his arm at Yohji, his face livid with anger. "You bastard. You think I liked what he did to me? That I'm some helpless creature that just lets people hurt him for the hell of it? They have my sister, Kudoh. I can't do a damn thing without causing her harm. I couldn't do a damn thing that night without Hirofumi hurting Nagi or someone else here at the Koneko. If I had fought back like I'd wanted to, he'd have harmed them until I gave in."

"I know that, cat…" Yohji tried to soothe his lover.

"NO you fucking don't." Aya pushed away the hands that tried to hold him still. "If I had resisted he might have left, but then he'd have investigated the Koneko further, or have hurt Aya-chan. The only way to keep you, Nagi and her safe was to give in. To let him…" Aya closed his eyes, his voice now betraying a hint of pain. "To let him do those things to me. Even when I wanted to kill him I had to swallow the anger and hate and just let…" Once again the anger just left Aya, and he curled into a ball on the bed. "Sometimes it would be so much easier to give into those emotions, but I wouldn't be the one to pay for doing that. What good is being free and unharmed when you lose the ones you love? Physical pain is so much easier to take."

Yohji reached out a shaky hand and brushed back the bangs covering Aya's face. "Love, I'm a fucking ass." His eyes burned with unshed tears as Yohji thought of what Aya had just told him. Nothing like having the fact rubbed in his face that his mate had just been trying to keep him safe, especially after what he'd said. But a part of Yohji had been so mad at the kage, something that he hadn't realized until just now. Aya had willingly left with the bastard, hadn't even considered that Yohji could save him. It hurt him so badly that Aya hadn't thought that Yohji could help him, or keep him from harm. Part of that pain had twisted into anger, fueled by the way Aya had unhesitatingly sacrificed himself. Yohji also realized he was furious with himself for failing to protect his love, even if he had been unconscious at the time.

"I never meant what I said. I know you didn't ask to be hurt. I didn't mean to imply that you were weak. Hell, Aya, I think you're the stronger of the two of us. I'd have gone mad from the pain and hopelessness long ago, if I was in your place."

Aya remained silent, so Yohji slunk down on the bed until he was lying beside the man, and very gently and slowly pulled Aya into his arms. His mate was stiff for a moment, but eventually allowed himself to relax against Yohji. He figured he was all forgiven until sharp teeth bit deep into his right shoulder.

"Fuck! That hurt." Yohji bolted upright and rubbed the bleeding wound.

Aya glared at him through the strands of his hair. "I'm not weak and helpless. Get that thought out of your head right now."

"Hell no, not with those teeth of yours. You're a fucking gaki is what you are." Damn, that had hurt, and now he had a matching set of bite marks on his shoulder. Yohji stalked off the bed to wash the wound, cursing the whole time. Once it was clean and rubbed some salve on it, he returned to bed. Warily eyeing his mate, Yohji lay back down beside Aya. "Are you done biting me for the time being?"

"Hmph." Once again Aya melted against him, and after an assault free minute Yohji relaxed too. "Don't think such stupid things."

"Aya… I get so worked up where you're concerned that sometimes I just feel instead of think. I do want to kill Hirofumi and his family, but I'll wait. You have a point about someone being hurt if I tried to kill them now. I don't think it would be me, but others would suffer, including you and your sister. I'll wait." Yohji started to rub his hands along Aya's back, but the man flinched at his touch, from equal parts pain and fear.

Sighing, Yohji rolled onto his back and pulled Aya onto his chest. While Aya's body was still healing at a phenomenal rate, the redhead had the more damaging emotional trauma to recover from. Yohji could be patient and help him with that, when he wasn't being an idiot like just now.

"You're still exhausted, love. Get some sleep."

"Stay with me, Yohji. In some of the dreams… I can't find you." Aya rubbed his cheek along Yohji's chest and held him tightly.

There were a million things that needed to be taken care of, and Yohji knew he had to go downstairs at some point that day so people didn't wonder why he was absent, but not even Hirofumi Takatori parading in front of the Koneko with a big red `kill me' sign painted on his chest could get Yohji to leave the bed at that moment.

"I'll stay as long as you're asleep. I promise you that, Aya."

His mate sighed again and started to purr very quietly. It only took Aya a couple minutes to fall asleep. Lulled by the man's presence and his own weariness, Yohji soon followed.

*******

Tugging nervously at her indigo blouse, Cassandra shifted the bundle of clothes held in her arms and knocked on the door. When she heard Yohji call out `enter,' she pushed open the door and walked inside.

"Cassandra, what the hell are you doing here?" Yohji snarled the words and was in the process of rising from their bed when Aya grabbed him by the arm and yanked him back down. The kage peered over his mate's shoulder, his violet eyes bleary with sleep.

"Why are you here, Cassandra?"

At least Aya's voice hadn't contained any rancor towards her, had almost been polite even. But the feel of Yohji's anger and contempt for her made Cassandra's knees tremble.

"I… I brought you some more clothes. And your costumes for the wedding." The mention of that event caused both young men to go still for a second. Aya then sat up farther in the bed, wearing a brown shirt that Cassandra had made for Yohji. As for the blond, he was dressed in a pair of old tan pants.

Yohji wrapped an arm around Aya's waist and held him close to his side. "Put them down and then leave. Have Mickey pay you what we owe."

Cassandra felt like crying. She knew now that she had erred that night, but Aya was healing. Could Yotan not forgive her? As she started to do what she'd been bid, Yohji let out a yelp of pain.

"Dammit, Aya, if you bite me one more fucking time I'm gonna file your teeth down the next time you sleep." Yohji was rubbing his left arm as he glared at the redhead. Aya glared right back at him.

"There's no need to treat her like that." He turned to gaze at Cassandra. "What do the costumes look like?"

Muttering, Yohji pulled on one of Aya's eartails. "There's every fucking need to toss her ass out of here. She let you be hurt that night and kept me from rescuing…" Yohji's voice drifted off, growing quieter as Aya glared at him. He tried to return the dirty look but failed. "Well, it's true."

Aya scowled a moment longer then closed his eyes. "I told you, Yohji, there was nothing she could have done anyway. The Takatoris needed my blood and wouldn't have rested until they got it. All she did was spare you and Aya-chan unnecessary pain."

"She spared me pain? Do you have any fucking idea what it felt like to be stopped when I knew you were in danger? To wake up and find you like that?" Yohji tugged again on the long strand of hair, making Aya hiss. "You damned stubborn little fool. Try to remember that when you hurt, I do too."

Having the feeling she'd been forgotten, Cassandra debated quietly leaving the outfits on the desk and retreating from the room, but the second she moved two pairs of eyes fixed on her. Giggling nervously, she stepped closer to the bed to show the young men their costumes. Yohji frowned at her, but he wasn't as angry with her as he had been a few minutes ago. Cassandra was extremely happy about that fact, along with the one that Aya had been defending her. He at least knew why she'd done what she had. But the sight of his white skin marred with bruises and cuts filled her with pain.

"I thought it would be best if you dressed alike. That way there will be confusion among the humans over who is who. I also designed them so you would be almost completely covered." Cassandra took one of the garments out of its protective bag and held it up.

It was made of thick black silk, sewn all over with black glass beads in patterns reminiscent of feathers. She'd put much time and effort into the costumes the past couple days, too torn up with guilt and anxiety to get much sleep. The end result was stunning. Aya and Yohji would be covered head to toe with the rich fabric. The shirts had a high collar, an attached hood and full sleeves. The pants cut close to the body, but not too tight. Black gloves and knee high boots were being made and should be done in a few days. Aya's boots would have an added heel to make up for the difference of height between the two men.

When neither man said anything she nervously continued. "Here are the masks." They were made of black feathers and beads, shaped to look like birds of prey. Not much of the face would be seen other than eyes and chin.

Still neither commented on them, so Cassandra crossed to the closet and hung the outfits up, tears in her eyes. She had tried so hard to make something they'd like, had spent so much time on the clothes.

"They're… they are very nice, Cass." Yohji said the words as if they cost him. "We'll be among the better dressed people at the reception, and no one should be able to identify us. Thank you."

The last was said with a touch of bitterness, but Cassandra accepted the praise with a hopeful smile on her face. "They are sturdy enough to fight in, I made sure of that." She then held up the other clothes she'd brought, which were several shirts and pants in shades of dark purple, blue and grey. "Here are more clothes for Aya. After the wedding I'll start on his winter wardrobe."

Aya nodded his thanks at her. "How much do I owe you? I still have the money Crawford gave me."

"There is no cost."

"Trying to ease your conscience, Cass?" Aya immediately hit Yohji in the stomach, causing him to yelp again. Cassandra was in pain herself, wounded by the comment. Just when she had hope that Yohji would forgive her, he reminded Cassandra of how unlikely that event would be.

"Yotan, I am so sorry. Honestly, I never meant Aya any pain. If I could have, I would have gone in his place, been hurt instead of him. What can I do to make this up to you?" She wrung her hands together and looked pleadingly at the young man who was like a son to her.

Aya hit Yohji again and started hissing. "I'm the one who was hurt, you know. I was beaten. If I can forgive Cassandra, why can't you?"

Yohji blinked his eyes and rubbed his sore stomach. "Cat…" When words failed him he jerked a hand through his hair and cursed under his breath. "I can't forget that she let you be hurt. I don't care if it was to spare others, my only concern is _you_. How would you feel if she'd had you knocked out while I was being tortured?" Aya didn't have an answer for that and could only look down at the bed.

With a sigh Yohji tilted Aya's head up and kissed him softly on the lips. "Okay, let's call this a draw and say we both have good points before I end up as bruised as you are." When Aya gave him a tentative smile Yohji glanced over at Cassandra. "I can't just forgive you, Cass. Not at this moment, anyway. I'm sorry about that. But I can honestly say that I don't hate you. It's more hurt than anything, what I'm feeling. You may have had the best intentions, but you let me down. It will take some time for me to get over that."

"I know, Yotan, and I'll do anything to make that up to you. I swear."

"Then never do something like that again. I don't care what the consequences are, never again hide the future of one of us from the other. Not when it involves so much pain." Yohji gazed at her sadly for a moment before returning his attention to Aya. "Thank you for tending to his wounds."

Stepping closer to the bed, Cassandra smiled at the young man. "It was nothing, Yotan. But if you don't mind, I'd like to check them to make sure they're healing properly. That's partly why I came." She just hadn't been sure that Yohji would let her anywhere near Aya after what had happened.

He didn't look terribly pleased, but Yohji did nod his head after Aya did. Cassandra hurried over to fill the washbasin as the kage slid the shirt over his head. Yohji lit several candles for her before returning to his mate's side.

She tended to Aya's face and side first. Glad to see that his lip wouldn't be scarred, Cassandra cleaned and rubbed some salve on his bruised right cheek. He'd taken several hits there, and she'd been afraid that the bone had been cracked. It was healing slowly, but it shouldn't cause Aya any problems once it mended.

The cuts on his chest had scabbed over and would be gone in another few days. His broken ribs were whole, if a bit tender, and his lung seemed to have recovered. Cassandra rubbed her special salve over all the injuries, hoping the blend of herbs would help them heal more quickly.

When she was done with his front, Cassandra nodded at Aya, gesturing at him to show her his back. He paused, his face growing paler, but Yohji held his hand. Aya slowly lay down on the bed exposing his back.

Cassandra gave the healing flesh a critical examination. "It looks very good. If anything, there will be less scarring this time." Cassandra kept her touch light, feeling how Aya flinched whenever their skin came into contact. As horrible as the whipping had been, the chance for the wounds to be properly tended to and the aid of Yohji's energy was lessening the usual damage. Aya's back would always be scarred, but now it wouldn't be so bad. She rubbed the ointment over the thick scabs that covered the worst of the cuts and was careful of the newly formed skin.

"I thought it looked better," Yohji said as he soothed Aya, stroking his hand through his mate's hair. He leaned down and pressed a kiss to the tip of Aya's nose, making the man scowl at him. "How much longer until he's completely healed? Aya's still in some pain."

Cassandra patted Aya on the shoulder to let him know she was done. He instantly sat up, pulling the sheet up his chest as he did. Yohji kissed him on the temple as he shifted closer to Aya.

"Just another couple of days, I'd say. Aya would already be healed if it wasn't for the bloodletting. Thankfully you're here to lend him strength." Cassandra noticed that Yohji blushed slightly and confirmed her suspicions. She'd suspected that he had fed from Aya when she realized the succubae-bound not being overwhelmed by his hunger like he should've been. But since Aya was in rather good shape, she decided to let it pass without much comment.

"Have you talked to Masato lately, Yotan?" The question had Yohji glaring at her with the same amount of venom as when she'd walked into the room. Cassandra very carefully rose from the bed and put some space between them.

"No, I haven't. Why should I? All the asshole cares about is fucking Schu or anything else that moves."

Clicking her tongue, Cassandra shook her head at Yohji's bitter tone. "I won't try to justify what they did that night, other than preventing you from leaving this room. But you haven't finished training your talent, and that is something you must do soon, for both your sake and Aya's. It would be best if you had that training before the wedding."

Yohji grew thoughtful as he twined one of Aya's eartails around his fingers. "…I know, but I'm still so angry at those two. It's one thing to try and keep me safe, but to not give a damn about Aya like they did… that can't be forgiven so easily. They, at least, should have known something was going on by the way I reacted to the threat."

Then he dropped the strand of hair and looked at her directly. "I have a question to ask you, since we're on the topic of powers. Strange things have been happening lately, and the shadows have been responding to me. I asked Aya last night, and he said he's not behind it."

Aya nodded his head before pulling on the brown shirt. "They sometimes react to the way I'm feeling, but they've never done that for another person, not even Nagi or my sister. Since I was unconscious most of the past couple days, they shouldn't have done anything but converge around me."

Cassandra pulled the chair away from the desk and sat down, giving the matter some thought. She remembered something that her father, who had studied bounds extensively, had told her about succubae-bounds.

"I have a theory. It was something that my father… that he was working on when he died." When someone had discovered what she was and had decided to take Cassandra by force and sell her to a wizard. Yohji had no idea that Cassandra knew what it felt like to be helpless while the people she loved suffered for her.

"Succubae-bounds take in energy from others. Usually it comes from humans, but sometimes they feed off other bounds. If that happens enough, my father believed that they took on the traits of those bounds. He knew of one mated to a fire elemental-bound who had nominal control of fire, and another whose partner was a soul gaki-bound. Her empathy grew stronger the longer she was with her lover. You're draining Aya on a regular basis, so you must be picking up some of his abilities."

Yohji stared at her for a moment. "I'm becoming a kage?"

"No." Cassandra shook her head emphatically. "You are and will always be a succubae-bound, but you will be able to do some things that Aya can. It makes sense now, why Botan couldn't cast a spell against you the other night, and why Schuldig's powers don't work well on you anymore. You seem to have picked up Aya's immunity to magic."

"And the ability to open any locks," Aya added. He tucked back a lock of hair that had fallen into Yohji's face. "That's why you thought the bathroom door was unlocked the other day. It probably means you can cross wards too."

"We'll have to test to what extent you've picked up those abilities, Yotan. They could be very useful to you in the future."

Yohji made a face at Cassandra. "Why do I get the impression that means Botan will be lobbing spells at me left and right? That sounds like so much fun. But at least I have the ability to do more than fuck a person dry. It's kind of hard to take care of enemies that way when there's more than one of them. Though a threesome would be nice."

Aya growled and bared his teeth at his mate. "Don't even joke about that."

Smiling seductively at the smaller man, his eyes heavy-lidded and glowing with desire, Yohji stroked Aya's neck. "You're the only one I want, love. No one tastes as good as you." Aya hissed and grabbed Yohji by his hair, pulling the man's head down for a kiss.

Cassandra watched the two bounds for a moment, drinking in the sight of two lovely men deeply enamored with each other. If only her brat would stop fighting against Fate and realize what was waiting for him. She sighed in frustration.

The noise reminded Yohji and Aya that they weren't alone. They reluctantly broke apart, Aya sliding down the bed so he could rest his head in Yohji's lap. The blond looked at her inquiringly.

"Anything else, Cass?"

"No, I must be going. Remember to rub the salve on Aya's injuries until they fade, preferably several times a day. I'll be back tomorrow to pick some herbs if you have any more questions for me."

"Okay. Goodbye, Cass." There wasn't the usual kiss that accompanied her past departures from the Koneko, and Yohji had turned his attention back to his mate, playing with an eartail as Aya hissed quietly and swatted at his hand, but there wasn't the animosity that had been in Yohji's greeting, either. Cassandra reminded herself that it would take time before Yohji forgave her for what had happened. At least she had some hope now that the day would come.

*******

Aya sighed and rubbed his cheek against the blue and grey quilt he was lying on. The garden's varied scents tingled his senses, helping him to relax even though Yohji wasn't by his side. But Nagi was curled up on an edge of the quilt, sitting cross-legged as he listened to Koyu, who sat several feet away, play for them.

When Yohji had left their bedroom to take care of things for the Koneko and to be seen by its patrons, Aya hadn't wanted to remain inside any longer. Luckily, it was a cloudy afternoon and the sun had past its zenith, so it hadn't been that hard to talk his mate and Nagi into allowing him some time in the garden. Aya had spent too many years recovering from his wounds and all the bloodlettings hidden in his tower rooms to want to continue the pattern here at the Koneko. Not when he could lie in the shade amid blooming flowers and full leaved trees swaying lightly in the breeze.

Nagi glanced at him for a moment, and after looking around, he used his power to pull up the comforter that had been slipping down Aya's shoulder. He grunted in thanks, too tired to fix the covering himself, even if he had been a touch cold. It had taken the last of Aya's energy to walk down the stairs and out to the garden, even if Nagi had been there for support. Unfortunately there was no way that he was going to be able to make it back up those steps on his own; Aya testily resigned himself to the indignity of needing Jei to carry him up to his bedroom later.

Mickey had offered to do that, and had almost picked Aya up when he'd barely made it down the stairs, trembling from exhaustion and out of breath. But Aya had flinched from the human's proximity. He didn't want a human male to touch him, not… He rubbed his cheek against the quilt again, forcing his mind to think of the beautiful star pattern that had been sewed by Yohji's mother right before her death, instead of less pleasant things -- things that made Omi the only human whose presence Aya felt comfortable within touching distance of anymore, and that was largely because Nagi's scent clung to the boy.

"Any requests for a song?" Koyu asked quietly as the tune he'd been playing came to an end. Aya shook his head, but Nagi shyly asked for something amusing. Nodding, the Harper immediately complied, his lovely tenor carrying through the garden. Several of the Koneko's patrons were outside today, enjoying the warm day and the wonderful music, but they kept their distance from Aya.

He knew it was in part because they believed him to be ill, and partly because they enjoyed gossiping too much about his `breakup' with Yohji to come near him and have to remain quiet on the topic. During lulls in the music, Aya could hear them talking about him. The people wondered why Yohji and he had broken up, while a few others debated whether to wait until he was a bit better to start pressing their suit.

The thought of a human wanting him, touching him with lust and desire had Aya shivering in anger and disgust. Nagi noticed his body trembling and pulled the comforter up even more, until it was right below Aya's chin.

"Aya, are you all right? Maybe we should go back inside and get you some tea."

"Nagi, I'm… okay. I want to stay out here, but tea sounds good." It would help him to warm up and restore his energy. Hopefully it would only be another day or two before he returned to normal, if still a touch sore from his injuries, and Aya wouldn't have to keep being coddled like this. It was bad enough when just Nagi treated him this way, but for Yohji and the Koneko's staff to do the same…

"I don't know. There's no one to fetch it for us…" Nagi sighed and looked around the garden. Teddy had stayed out here with them for a short while, pretending to pick flowers while his lover had played, but it was getting near dinner time and he had to go help with its preparation. Jo would check on them every once in a while, but she was probably busy with dinner as well. Only Nagi and Koyu remained out in the garden with Aya.

As Koyu's song came to an end, several people instantly requested for more. He nodded his head then looked over at Aya and Nagi. When he saw the boy glancing at the door leading to the inn's kitchen, the Harper smiled slightly and patted the knife that he was now sporting on his red leather belt. He then cleared his throat until he had Nagi's attention, making sure the boy saw the gesture.

Nagi reluctantly got to his feet. "I'll be right back. All I'm going to do is ask the kitchen for some tea, and see if Farfie's returned so he can join us out here. That shouldn't take more than ten minutes or so. Koyu will watch you while I'm gone. No one's stupid enough to mess with a Harper, so you'll be safe."

"I'll be here waiting," Aya commented dryly, as if he had a choice in the matter. Nagi spared him a dour look and started to walk briskly towards the Koneko. Closing his eyes, Aya just listened to the music as he tried to pick out the individual scents that the wind was blowing in his direction. There was lavender, of course, and roses, daylilies, lilacs…

The sound of someone approaching made Aya stop identifying the flowers and open his eyes. It took a moment for him to recognize the man who was walking towards him, dressed in his Guard's uniform. For a moment, a jolt panic stabbed inside Aya. Kikyou walked straight towards him, not even bothering to ask if he could join him before sitting down on the quilt.

Koyu's harping faltered for a moment, and there was a look of worry and fear on the man's face. Aya slowly sat up, shaking his head slightly to try and reassure the Harper before he turned his attention to his uninvited guest.

"What do you want?" It was a point of pride for Aya that his voice was calm and even. If this wasn't about him or the others being bounds, he'd discourage the man and send him on his way. If it was… Aya had enough energy to command the shadows to tear Kikyou and a few others apart.

Kikyou raised an eyebrow at the bluntness of the question. "I was in the area and wished to talk to you. I've been waiting for over ten minutes to get you alone so we could talk privately." He settled close to Aya, causing his skin to crawl.

Trying to calm his disturbed emotions, especially before Yohji appeared wanting to know what was going on, Aya pulled the cover around himself even tighter. Kikyou noticed his motion and stroked the red comforter.

"I've heard that you haven't been well lately. Are you all right? You seem paler than usual, and your cheek…" He lifted a hand to touch the fading bruise, the last one remaining on Aya's face. At the contact Aya felt panic start to build inside him, and he had to calm the shadows about him before they reached the Guard.

He jerked the comforter up even more, knocking aside Kikyou's hand as he did so. "It's a stubborn cold. You should go away before you catch it." The feel of the man's stolen magic wasn't helping Aya's nerves any; all it did was make him long for Yohji's presence.

"I'm not afraid of a cold, not when I enjoy being near you." Kikyou shifted even closer to him. "But maybe this will cheer you up." He reached inside his jacket and pulled out a wrapped package. Aya's eyes went wide when he recognized the familiar silver and purple wrapping.

"You… you've been sending the presents?"

Kikyou smiled at him as he tucked back the long strands of his black hair. Aya distantly became aware that the two of them were attracting attention from the people gathered in the garden and heard their names being whispered. His hands, hidden inside the comforter, clenched into fists.

"I wanted to make up for my rudeness in the bookstore that one day and to put a smile on your face. Go on, take it."

Aya ignored the present. "I have all the others upstairs. When… my friend returns, I'll ask him to fetch them for you. I don't want them, any of them."

The pair of eyes that up to now had been sparkling at him so charmingly narrowed in anger. Aya had to stop the shadows from crawling over Kikyou at the sight of anger being directed at him by a human. Then the man's face smoothed out, his smile returning to his lips.

Leaning forward, Kikyou set the present down on Aya's lap and spoke near his ear, so no one could overhear them. "I know about you and Kudoh. How you have the Guards lying for the two of you. I also know you don't have a cold. Not with a bruise like that. I imagine you got that from the man you left the Koneko with the other night. Why you let someone hurt you, or why you feel you have to lie about your relationship with Kudoh, I don't know. But I think you need protection, and that your lover," Kikyou sneered the word, as he did every time he said Yohji's name, "…can't provide it for you.

"I can protect you, you know. I have the power to keep you safe. Once people hear of my interest in you, they won't harm you. Maybe one day soon, you'll realize that. When you get sick of being kept by Kudoh, yet still be in danger from whatever it is you're hiding from, I'll be waiting. For some time at least. Until then, let's start a new rumor, shall we?"

Aya was so furious at the Guard's insults to Yohji and the insinuation that he'd been spying on him that he didn't notice Kikyou shifting closer to him. He was trying too hard to prevent the shadows from ripping the bastard apart. Aya was so lost in keeping control of his own temper that he barely noticed when Kikyou's mouth brushed against his, until a tongue pressed against his lips seeking entrance. Then his anger flared even hotter.

Only to turn into shock and fear when the man's hand slid into his hair, gripping the strands and preventing him from jerking back from the kiss. For a moment all Aya could think of was Hirofumi holding him like this and kissing him, forcing his way inside Aya's mouth with first his tongue and then….

Then there was someone screaming in his ear.

"Gods curse it!"

Aya blinked his eyes, breaking the hold his fears and painful memories had on him to see Kikyou jumping to his feet as he flapped his long coat, trying to undo the many tiny buttons. Behind the man stood Nagi, his face carefully blank, and Jei, who was clearly trying to hold back a smile.

"Oops, sorry about that." Nagi's tone wasn't quite apologetic, and Jei made a choking sound that was half cough and half laugh.

As Kikyou jumped around, Aya heard a cracking sound and looked down to see the man stepping on the shards of what appeared to be a teapot. An image was slowly beginning to form in Aya's mind of what must have happened. He felt a smile tug at the corners of his mouth, making him forget about wanting to gag and hide in the shadows.

Jei slowly approached Aya and picked him up after tossing aside the wet comforter, which had protected Aya from the spilled tea. "Are you gonna keep dancing like that or what?" he called out to Kikyou.

The Guard slowly realized that there was a crowd of people standing around and staring at him, so he folded his wet coat over his arm and tugged the tight black shirt he'd been wearing under the garment away from his abused skin. He turned to face Nagi, a glare on his face for a few seconds, before looking at Aya. Kikyou's mouth tightened at the sight of Jei holding him in his arms, and for once Aya was grateful for being too weak to walk very far.

Kikyou bent down to pick up the forgotten package. He stepped closer to Aya, holding the tiny box out to him. A growl rumbled in Jei's throat, too low to be heard by human ears, but the sound comforted Aya. He might not be able to tear Kikyou apart with his bare hands if the man touched him again, but Jei could do it for him, if Nagi didn't beat the scarred man to the task.

"Don't forget about this. I'll stop by another time to see if you like it. Get some rest, sweetheart. I look forward to you feeling better soon." Kikyou's hand swept back Aya's bangs, making him both flinch from the touch and bite back on a hiss. The man finally walked out of the garden, nodding politely to the people gathered to watch the spectacle as he passed them.

As soon as he was far enough away, Nagi rushed over to Aya's side. "Are you alright? I wanted to slam the asshole into a tree when I saw him touching you, but I knew you'd be mad at me for revealing my powers like that."

"Nagi, you have my undying gratitude for spilling the tea on him. But could you pick up the quilt?" He hoped it was just the comforter that had been soiled. Nagi treated him to an odd look but complied, tucking the dry quilt around Aya so Jei could carry him out of the shadows and back to the inn.

"Can we go now, before a certain blond charges out here intent on blood?" Jei's voice was light, but his eye was busy searching the garden for signs of Yohji. Aya remembered his link with his mate, and could sense a feeling of rage and worry from the man. Yohji had gone out to run a few errands for Jo, and hopefully wouldn't be back for a few more minutes. He nodded his head in agreement.

"Well, I'm done playing for the moment. I think I'll go get something to eat, and see if Touya can clean up all this broken pottery." Koyu cradled his harp in his arms and stepped closer to the three of them, causing Aya to flinch. Pitching his voice low, he also thanked Nagi for his quick thinking. "I'll warn the others about Yohji showing up in a temper and try to divert him upstairs as soon as he steps inside the door. But at least now we know who's been sending the presents."

Aya didn't want to think about how his mate was going to react to that bit of news, considering how much he hated Kikyou. Pulling the quilt almost over his head, he whined very softly and wished he could be elsewhere for the next hour or two. One good thing about being locked in the tower room was he hadn't had to worry about situations like this. Aya felt a part of himself long for those simpler times.

Then he was hissing and flinching from the feel of sunlight striking his skin. Even though it was cloudy and early evening, the light still hurt. He'd be extremely susceptible for another day or two until his energy was back. Jei hurried through the garden to get him inside, and as they passed by the people, Aya heard his name and Kikyou's mentioned several times. There was even a comment about him replacing Yohji quicker than someone had thought, especially with the way he'd been pining for the innkeeper.

Wishing that he had the damn, interfering Guard somewhere alone where he could hurt the bastard for the scene back there, Aya gritted his teeth and longed for the sanctuary of his room. He clutched the present in his hand, squeezing it tightly as he imagined it was its giver's neck.

"Here we are, all safe and sound. Nagi, fetch the basin of water and soap for me, and a new tunic for Aya. Preferably one of Yohji's." Jei set Aya on the bed and tugged on the black shirt he was wearing. When Aya glared at him, the man sighed.

"Aya, you smell like that Guard at the moment. Not that strongly, since he barely touched you, but… if Yohji smells him on you, along with your fear, it'll be hell to calm him back down again." Jei stepped back and stood before Aya with his hands on his hips. Sighing, Aya knew the man had a point and slowly stripped off his shirt. He crossed his arms over his chest, self-conscious of the bruise that still discolored his right side and the red line along the inside of his left arm.

Jei grunted and grabbed the basin of water that had floated over to him. He set it on the nightstand and soaped the washcloth it contained, then held the wet fabric out to Aya. Taking the washcloth Aya cleaned his face and chest, thankful that Jei hadn't insisted on bathing him at least. When he was done, Jei rinsed the cloth and returned it to him, and handed him a dry towel when he finished rinsing off. That taken care of, Nagi gave Aya one of Yohji's shirts, a green one. Aya hesitated a moment before pulling it on, inhaling the scent of his lover that clung to the shirt. Yohji had worn it yesterday.

He had just curled under the covers and Nagi had left for another pot of tea when Yohji burst into the room. Luckily Jei was over by the window seat, so Yohji didn't see him as a potential threat or rival. He dashed over to the bed, yanking aside the curtains and the blankets until Aya was revealed to him.

"What the hell happened?" He pulled Aya upright, his hands not clenching too tightly around his arms. Aya didn't resist the action and when his arms were released, he snaked them around Yohji's neck. His fears from earlier rushed back to him, and he was so thankful that his lover was here beside him now. He'd tried to be strong, but the memories were too fresh and horrifying.

Yohji's anger melted away, instantly replaced with concern and love. He sat down on the bed and pulled Aya onto his lap. Needing to be near his mate Aya straddled Yohji's thighs and tilted his face upwards. Yohji's hand stroked his cheek, causing him to purr, at least for a few seconds. When all Yohji did was stare at him, Aya began to feel apprehensive. Why wouldn't the blond kiss him? What was wrong with him? Did Yohji not want him?

As if sensing his thoughts, Yohji tangled the fingers of his left hand in Aya's eartail and leaned forward to kiss him, deeply and passionately. Purring once again Aya pressed against Yohji, needing to be as close to him as possible. He didn't mind the arm clenching tightly around his sore ribs and back, not in the least.

When Yohji pulled away from him, Aya whined in frustration and loss. Yohji stroked his face again, making a shushing sound as he stared into Aya's eyes. He leaned in again, not for a kiss but to sniff Aya's neck.

"You smell like soap, and you weren't wearing this shirt when I left. What happened, Aya? Don't try to tell me nothing, because I felt your fear and anger while I was out shopping. Who threatened you?"

Aya didn't answer, so Yohji looked over at Jei. "Why are you here?"

"To watch him while Nagi's downstairs fetching some more tea. But since you're here, I think I'll be leaving." Jei hurried from the room, carefully skirting the bed as he left.

Yohji snarled under his breath and spared a glare for Aya even as he held him close. Then he jerked a hand through his disheveled blond locks and glanced around the room. Aya could feel his mate's body becoming tense when he spotted the silver and purple package on the nightstand and cursed himself for not tossing the damn thing away.

Growling, Yohji snatched the present up. "Another fucking gift. Is this what set you off? Who brought it this time?"

Knowing he couldn't keep what had happened in the garden a secret, even if he wished to, not when so many people had been there to watch, Aya sighed. "Kikyou did."

It took Yohji a moment to digest that fact. "Kikyou? The Guard? Why the hell did he bring it?" Then the older man became still, his eyes falling shut. He sniffed the present, then Aya's hair.

"Care to tell me why I can smell him on you?" Yohji's voice was very quiet, in stark contrast to the rage burning in his eyes. "Call me paranoid, but I'm willing to bet that you reeked of him before you washed and changed your shirt."

"Yohji… he came while I was in the garden. He sat down next to me and tried to have a conversation, and he gave me the present. Kikyou acknowledged that he'd sent the others, and refused to take them back." Twisting the collar of Yohji's pale yellow shirt with his fingers, Aya lowered his eyes and continued in a quieter voice. "I wanted to hit him, to make him go away, but I couldn't. There were all those people around. Then he… he said something about starting a new rumor and kissed me." The last was said in a whisper. Aya remembered the revulsion and fear he'd felt, having a human male that close to him again and couldn't help but shiver. He hated the fear, hated feeling so weak and fragile, but he couldn't get the awful memories out of his head.

"Shh, cat. It's okay." Yohji kissed him on the top of the head then on the mouth. "Don't be afraid anymore, I won't let you be hurt. None of us will." He kissed Aya again, slowly and thoroughly, making Aya forget about Hirofumi's bitter taste in his mouth. Then Yohji leaned back against the pillows, his eyes glittering with anger. "Where was the little demon and everyone else while this was happening?"

Aya frowned at hearing Nagi still be called that, especially after everything the boy had done for them lately. "Nagi went to fetch some tea and get Jei so I could be carried back up the steps. Koyu was watching over me, but it wasn't like he could do anything. Kikyou's a respected Guard. He can't just be tossed out of the Koneko for talking to someone."

"I can damn well toss him out for stalking a patron," Yohji snarled. "You shouldn't have been left alone. Nagi should have…"

"Nagi spilled the pot of tea on him, making Kikyou leave me alone. He at least knows how to control himself," Aya snarled back.

Yohji's eyes went wide at that piece of information, and after a moment's silence he burst out in laughter. "Nagi dumped tea on him? Gods, I wish I'd seen that. What a clever, fucking little demon. Nice to know I'm not the only one he abuses." Still chuckling, Yohji reclaimed Aya's mouth for another kiss.

This time he didn't pull away after a minute or so. Needing his mate so very much, to feel cherished and wanted by the man, Aya squirmed on Yohji's lap. He wanted to be as close to Yohji as possible and not stop, driven on by both their hunger. The older bound groaned and wrapped an arm around Aya's waist, pulling him close so their groins pressed against each other's. Yohji's mouth fastened to his neck, and Aya purred in pleasure. There was a familiar drain on his energy, but it felt so natural.

"Do I need to drench him too? Kudoh, get your damn hands off Aya. How can he recover when you keep sucking him dry like this?"

Moaning, Aya pulled away from his lover to see Nagi standing by the bed, a tray with tea and some plates of food in his hands. The teenager's face was dark and scowling, and behind him stood Omi, who must have just returned from the palace. The prince smiled at Aya and set the tray he was carrying on the crowded nightstand.

Yohji's good humor vanished as suddenly as it came. "Don't you fucking threaten me, you little demon! Why did you leave Aya alone today? He attracts trouble like nobody else and shouldn't be left alone for a damn second! What if…"

"Yohji, shut up," Omi said in a stern voice.

Surprisingly, Yohji fell silent at the command, appearing startled by it. Omi nodded his head and removed the basin of water from the cluttered furniture so Nagi could rest his tray there as well. Then he poured a cup of tea and handed it to Aya.

"I won't listen to you insult or yell at Nagi like that. He doesn't want Aya to be hurt anymore than you do, and from what I've heard, you've got him to thank for getting rid of Kikyou. You know that if anyone had touched him, he'd have made them and the Koneko pay for it, and we can't afford that at the moment." Omi picked up the gift and looked at it inquiringly for a moment. "Besides, all I heard downstairs was people talking about how he and Aya are lovers now. That should help convince Aya's masters that the two of you aren't in love with each other."

He then tossed the present at Yohji, who was growling at the news of Aya having a new lover, a falsehood or not. "Why don't you open it and see what he sent this time?"

His anger somewhat defused by the distraction, Yohji huffed a few times and tore off the pretty wrapping around the small box. Aya curled up at his mate's side and rested his chin on Yohji's shoulder, mildly curious himself to see what it was. The box was opened to reveal an enamel ring of dark blue with a white cross on it.

Yohji stared at the ring in distaste. "The bastard. Why would he send you something bearing the Guards' emblem?"

Aya rubbed his cheek along Yohji's shoulder, not happy with having to repeat what the man had said to him. "Kikyou said… he knew that I was hiding from someone, and that he could protect me better than you could. I guess the ring is to remind me of his new position in the Guards."

"He can't fucking keep you safe. Hell, if he knew that it was Reiji Takatori who wanted you he'd hand you over all dressed in bows just to have someone that highborn in debt to him." Yohji tossed the box, contents and all, across the room. Then he pulled Aya forward until he was sitting across Yohji's lap. "I'm your mate. It's my job to keep you safe. As soon as the bastards are all dead I'm never letting you out of my sight for even a second." He nuzzled Aya's neck before kissing him, distracting Aya from the anger that was building inside him at the ridiculous statement.

"Yohji Kudoh, let the man drink his tea! And he's to eat the food we've brought him." Omi stamped his foot and hissed in anger. "I'm serious, don't make me fetch Jo so she can drag you off poor Ayan." There was a moment of silence before Aya heard footsteps heading towards the door. With a thought he had the shadows block the exit, but that didn't prevent Yohji from pulling away from him.

Hissing under his breath, Aya glanced from the apologetic look on Yohji's face over to Omi, who was standing before the shadow-covered door. "Aya," the older man admonished him quietly.

He vanished the shadows, and Omi breathed a sigh of relief before turning to face the bed again. Aya glared at the teenager briefly while settling beside Yohji. Accepting the tray that Nagi was holding for him, Aya decided that the quicker he ate the sooner he could get the younger men to leave him alone.

"Be sure to eat all of it, Aya. You need your energy with that pervert always attacking you," Nagi said as he sat down on the bed. Yohji made to throw the roll from his tray at the youth, but Omi sat down next to his boyfriend and gave Yohji a warning glance. While the older blond mumbled about annoying little demons and people who hadn't the sense not to fall in love with them, Aya made a quick meal of the fish, soup and vegetables that Jo had sent him. His body was thankful for the food as it was trying to finish healing so he had a bigger appetite than normal. The tea helped fill him with strength.

Yohji wolfed down his food and actually frowned when the tray was empty. Aya knew his mate was hungrier than usual because of the energy that Yohji had given him, and the lack of sex. He could feel Yohji's hunger, making his body tingle with the need to appease the craving.

"Wow, the two of you must have been starving. Jo will be happy to know that you ate everything. More tea, Aya?" Omi stacked the empty plates as he asked the question.

Aya shook his head. "Maybe later."

"Okay. Nagi and I will fetch you a nice snack in a bit. Now what are we going to do tonight? Since you're awake," Omi paused to glare at Yohji for a second, "…maybe we could play cards."

"No, I just want to read. You and Nagi should get some dinner." He glanced down at his friend and saw the conflicting emotions on the boy's face. Aya knew that Nagi wanted to spend some time alone with Omi, which he hadn't been able to do much of lately, but he also knew that the younger bound didn't want to leave him alone, especially after what had happened in the garden.

Yohji stretched his arms above his head and settled more comfortably on the bed, pressing Aya closer to his side as he did so. "Go away, children." Two pairs of eyes glared at him for that comment. "I'm gonna stay up here with Aya tonight. I stopped by Lilla's today and told her not to come to the Koneko, and I was seen around town enough today to prevent any rumors circulating about me other than who I might be fucking now. If anyone asks, just tell them I'm up in my room with a gorgeous lover and won't be leaving it til morning." Yohji bent his head to kiss Aya on the cheek and began to play with an eartail.

"Yohji…" Omi looked back and forth between the two of them, and then at Nagi. "… fine then. We'll grab a bite to eat and spend the time in the dining room complaining about how much of a slut you are, and then go out." Omi's blue eyes started to sparkle with excitement. "There's this carnival that set up near the East gate the other day, and everyone at the palace was talking about how fun it is. We'll go check it out."

Nagi rose to his feet and walked over to his boyfriend's side then looked searchingly at Aya. "Are you sure you don't want me to stay?"

"Go, Nagi. I'll be fine. But take Jei with you." Aya didn't like the idea of Nagi being out in the city after dark. There was no telling if Masafumi's women would decide to track the elemental-bound down for either answers or `amusement'. Nagi nodded his head and then followed Omi out of the room.

As soon as the boys left, Aya warded the room with shadows. He didn't want to worry about anyone disturbing them this evening, which probably would happen the second Jo found out that Yohji was going to spend the night up here with Aya.

Rising from the bed, Yohji crossed the room to his dresser where he picked up a bottle of wine and a corkscrew. Opening the bottle as he returned to Aya, he sank down on the soft mattress and lifted it to his lips, swallowing several times.

"Here, this might do you as much good as the tea." Aya accepted the wine and drank some of the sweet liquid. The next several minutes passed in silence with the two of them sharing the wine until it was gone. Still weak from the bloodletting, that small amount was enough to make Aya slightly tipsy, his body filling with warmth and the tension ebbing from him. He glanced over at Yohji and caught his mate staring at him with hunger in his eyes. A smile teasing at his lips, Aya quickly straddled Yohji's lap and kissed him.

He could feel Yohji startle at his actions, then pleasure as they kissed each other. Yohji tasted like the wine, sweet and heady, causing Aya to moan in pleasure and slide his hands under his lover's shirt. The man was wearing too many clothes; Aya wanted Yohji's warmth and needed to feel all that golden skin against his.

Moaning himself, Yohji rested his hands on Aya's shoulders and gently pushed him away. "Aya… gods, love, we can't do this."

"Why not?"

Yohji stared at Aya with a mixture of lust and pain in his eyes. "Because you spent the night suffering bad dreams. Because you're still so weak and me draining you will make you weaker. Aya, you need time to heal from everything that bastard did to you." Yohji stroked Aya's hair, tucking his bangs behind his ears and ran a finger along Aya's cheek. "I want you, but you need to heal. I can wait."

Growling, Aya threaded his fingers through Yohji's hair and tugged gently. "I want you, Yotan."

"Gods…" Yohji closed his eyes, as if in pain. When he spoke again it was in a husky voice that made Aya shiver in pleasure. "Aya, I want you too damn much. Stop saying things like that or you'll get hurt."

Leaning down until his lips brushed against Yohji's, Aya repeated the words. "I want you." He shifted his mouth to Yohji's right ear, nipping at the golden earring the man wore. "I want you." His lips traveled down to Yohji's throat, and he paused to taste the salty, delicious skin. "I want you." It was said that saying a thing three times in a row made it come true. Aya wanted Yohji, and he was going to have him.

"Cat, you're making me crazy." Yohji grabbed an eartail and yanked on it, forcing Aya to move away from his throat and look at him. "We shouldn't have made love yesterday. You're not ready for it."

His eyes narrowing in anger, Aya tugged again on Yohji's hair, this time not so delicately. "You're not him, Yohji. Don't you think I know that?"

"Then tell me that Kikyou didn't scare you today, Aya." Yohji gazed at him piercingly, his lips drawn in a taut line. "I could feel what you were feeling. You were upset, afraid and repulsed, Aya. Just from him being near you, from him kissing you. I won't cause you any more nightmares or make you feel the same way."

Aya hissed, a low, furious sound that startled Yohji. "You stupid idiot, you're my mate! Kikyou and… and Hirofumi," Aya repressed his fear and disgust at the mention of the Takatori, not about to let Yohji be proven true. "They're humans. I don't want them, I've never wanted a human in my entire life. But I want you. You're different from them, you smell different, taste different. You feel different from them, from anyone else, and I know that you'll never hurt me."

His left hand released its hold on Yohji's hair and slid down the man's chest and arm until Aya was holding his hand. "I know you'll never hurt me, that you'll never do that to me. The only thing I fear from you is you leaving me, or not wanting me anymore."

Yohji sucked in his breath and kissed Aya with ardent intensity, bruising his lips and stealing his breath away. Aya's body melted against Yohji's as he purred in pleasure.

Then once again Yohji pulled away, making Aya want to snarl in frustration and hit the idiot.

"What now?"

"Aya, I'm still draining you. You need the energy."

What was it about Yohji that made him want to cry so often? Aya hadn't shed a tear in years, not until he met Yohji Kudoh. Now he felt like crying every other damn day. Sometimes from happiness, others from sadness and frustration.

Taking a deep breath, Aya barely suppressed the urge to smack his mate. "You need the energy also."

"I'm not the one who was whipped and drained of most of his blood, cat. Somehow, I'll survive without it." Yohji carefully detached Aya's hand from his hair.

"Yohji, you're hungry," Aya tried to explain. "You're also my mate. Which means I can feel your hunger, and it affects me too. It makes me want you, makes me crave you." For a moment Aya wondered if this was what he got from Yohji, like the man gaining some of his abilities. "Please, Yohji. I need you." He needed to feel Yohji wanting him, to know that nothing had changed between them. Aya stared into his mate's eyes, trying to make sure the man felt every nuance of emotion that he did.

Yohji lifted his right hand and cupped Aya's cheek. He could feel the blond's hand tremble. Then Yohji was kissing him again. Closing his eyes, Aya surrendered to his emotions, letting the pleasure and hunger take control. For this short time, just like yesterday, he could forget his pain and the abuse he'd suffered, and Yohji's love would fill him and make him warm.

They slowly stripped off each other's clothes, Yohji treating Aya as if he'd break any moment. The love and concern that he felt from his mate amazed Aya, made him feel clean once again. He offered his neck to Yohji and the man accepted, pulling him down against Yohji's chest.

Golden hands skimmed along his skin, so careful and light. Aya wasn't as restrained, not when he was caught up by both his and Yohji's hunger. His hands stroked Yohji's body, pressing against the warm flesh, as he teased and pinched until his mate groaned out his name.

"Damnit, Aya. You don't know what you do to me." Yohji's green eyes glowed with love and desire as he teased a finger along Aya's inner thigh. The touch caused him to gasp in pleasure, and Yohji chuckled. "I guess I'll have to do the same to you."

Yohji drove Aya crazy with his touches, stroking along his arousal, ever so lightly, until he tingled from head to toe, then gripping him tightly and pumping several times. Lost in what the man was making him feel, Aya didn't have the strength to do more than rest his hands on Yohji's chest and try to keep himself upright. When a slick finger slowly pushed inside him, Aya crumpled forward.

"Shh, love. Relax." Yohji's breath tickled Aya's ear, and a warm tongue briefly traced along the ridged flesh. Energy trickled into Aya, not much but enough for him to straighten his arms and press back against Yohji's hand. He could feel his mate's anticipation, and the emotion merged with what he was feeling until Aya cried out in need. His hips rocked backwards, his body eagerly accepting a second finger pressing deep inside him.

Next came a spark of bliss, and Aya found himself falling against Yohji's chest again. He was gently rolled onto his side, Yohji's fingers remaining inside him, scissoring about and flicking against the spot that made Aya tremble in pleasure.

Yohji kissed him again, and Aya cupped his lover's face, wanting to taste him for as long as possible. Yohji then moved his mouth down Aya's neck, sucking intently for several seconds. He could feel Yohji's nature, the magic in his veins, and knew his mate was marking him. Aya longed to do the same to Yohji. His nails dragged down Yohji's sides, scoring the golden flesh red and making Yohji arch his body.

"Oh fuck, that… yes. My little cat." Yohji kissed Aya on the nose and pulled away from him. When Aya tried to clutch his lover to prevent that, Yohji caught his hands and kissed his palms. "Calm down, love. I'm not leaving you." He knelt by Aya, his hand resting on Aya's hip. "You look so damn beautiful." Yohji scooped out some gel from the jar resting on the bed and started to stroke himself, spreading the slick lotion over his cock. Aya purred at the sight.

Grinning, Yohji bent down and quickly kissed Aya on the nose before resuming his kneeling position and straddling Aya's left leg. "I love hearing you purr like that, knowing that I'm making you so happy." He grasped Aya's right ankle and lifted his leg, exposing him. Hooking the leg over his arm, Yohji tilted up Aya's hips and began to press inside.

The feel of something so hard and warm thrusting inside him had Aya mewling, wanting more. Yohji kept his pace slow, giving Aya a chance to adjust to his girth, but buried himself completely. Utterly filled, Aya sobbed out his lover's name.

Yohji caressed his chest and side, careful to stop short of Aya's back. Then he took Aya's cock in his slick hand and started to pump in time with the slow thrusts. Lost in their pleasure, Aya tossed back his head and closed his eyes.

Like yesterday, Yohji kept the pace almost torturously slow. He would push inside Aya until buried completely, then slowly pull back out most of the way. Only to push back in, and just as Yohji's cock brushed against Aya's prostate, the older man would flick his thumb over the top of Aya's arousal.

"Sweet gods. You feel so tight, so warm and soft. I can feel your pleasure, too. It's pouring inside me. Part of you is in me, just like I'm in you." Yohji snapped his hips, the suddenness of that thrust making Aya's breath choke in his throat. Feeling himself grow weaker as Yohji's hunger abated, Aya tried to beg for his release.

"Please, Yotan… I… ah!" Another sharp thrust, followed by several more, then Yohji slowed down again. "Yo~tan."

"I know, Aya. I can feel you fading." Yohji started to push slightly harder and faster, still mindful of Aya's sore body but also of his waning strength. As more ecstasy filled Aya he felt his lower body clench tightly around Yohji, his orgasm tearing through him until everything faded into darkness and bliss.

When Aya opened his eyes again, he saw Yohji staring at him with amusement and concern, his hand cupping Aya's cheek as energy flowed back into him. Sighing, Aya forced his tired body to move closer to Yohji's and he tucked his head under the man's chin.

"When you're tired and sore tomorrow, just remember this was your idea. I don't want any more bites, or for you to spend the day glaring at me. It's bad enough Nagi and Jo are going to call me a pervert and a leech." Yohji's voice was tinged with laughter and he radiated happiness. As Aya just grunted in response, he tugged on an eartail and combed his fingers through Aya's hair.

"Like you're really complaining," Aya mumbled, breathing in air that was scented by the both of them. Yohji's hunger was gone, and while he felt weaker than before, Aya also felt safe and cherished. He'd gladly spend an extra day in bed to feel like this.

There was another tug on his poor abused eartails. "Get some sleep, love. I'm gonna wake you in another hour or so and force a couple pots of Cass' tea and some food down your throat. You're no fun to play with when you don't have the strength to fight back." Yohji kissed the top of his head.

Aya nuzzled Yohji's chest and smiled wickedly for a second. Before Yohji could guess his intentions he tilted his head and bit the man on the shoulder, not hard enough to break the skin but enough to leave a mark. Yohji yelped in pain as he rolled onto his back, dragging Aya onto his chest as he did so. Then he proceeded to kiss Aya, keeping his mouth safely occupied until he fell asleep.

*******

Masato glared into his beer. The bar, like every other one in the capital, was packed with people, and it shouldn't be a problem at all for a succubae-bound like him to attract a meal. But the past couple evenings he'd spent his night feeding off strangers, and his hunger didn't seem to fade in the least. None of them `tasted' right. All the sex did was leave him frustrated and aching.

Why the hell couldn't he get Schuldig off his mind? The man was a spoiled brat, undisciplined and used to getting his way. That wasn't the type of person who usually attracted Masato, and he shouldn't have spent any more time with the bound after the first night. But Schuldig was addictive, kept him amused and horny and tasted so great that Masato hadn't been able to keep his appetite under control. Hell, it demanded Schuldig even now.

For a moment he thought of Miyuki, of the way he'd hungered for the woman, the way she'd made him so happy just by being beside him. His mate, the only remembrances of whom he had left were the token and their son. Then he had to go mess things up with the boy: first, by hitting on Aya then holding Yohji back from saving his mate.

Mates. Why couldn't Masato get his mind off that topic? It hurt so much to think about it, and what he'd lost. His one shot of happiness, forever gone. Masato had taken to spending as much time away from the Koneko as possible to avoid being near Yohji and Aya, feeling too much pain when he saw them together. It only reminded him of what he'd lost.

But he had to finish training Yohji, had to make sure his son survived the wedding and whatever troubles awaited him after that. Masato wasn't stupid, and his survival instincts were very good. He knew there was something looming on the horizon, something that would involve Yohji and Aya, and a certain redheaded idiot, too. A redhead who was shutting him out.

Damn. So his thoughts were back on Schuldig already, weren't they? Masato drained his beer. Mates and Schuldig, make that two topics he couldn't escape. Staring off into the distance, Masato thought of how Schu tasted as good as Miyuki had. Gods, how he missed the woman. The only time the hurt faded away was when he was with the soul gaki-bound.

Shaking his head to rid it of a crazy thought that was only half formed, Masato resolved to forget about his pain and troubles and focus on a meal. He needed to eat tonight if he was going to approach Yohji tomorrow about resuming the boy's training. There was no telling how Yohji would react, and Masato needed to be in top condition in case it was a repeat of how they'd met.

Picking out a woman with long, dyed red hair, Masato brushed back his shaggy hair and walked over to his prey.

*******

Ken stood by himself near the empty fireplace in the Koneko's main room, watching his partner in close discussion with Miko and another Guard named Serge. The three of them were whispering to each other, glancing about every now and then. After about ten minutes they broke apart, and when Serge and Miko left Ken walked over to his partner.

"Here, you look like you could use a drink." He handed the woman a pint of cider.

Liss accepted the drink with a nod of her head. "Where is everyone tonight? No Yohji or Lilla, no Schuldig, Masato or Crawford either."

"What you really mean is, no Jei." When Liss blushed Ken smiled at her. "He left with Omi and Naoe to go check out that carnival that arrived the other night."

Not appearing very happy with the news, Liss pouted before sipping her drink. "Why is he out with them?"

It seemed that someone was a little jealous. Ken couldn't tell his partner that Jei had most likely gone with the teens to keep them safe, not without having to explain what he was protecting them from. As it was, Ken was very grateful that a flesh gaki-bound was keeping watch over Omi. From what he'd heard about the creatures, Jei would eat anyone who appeared to be threatening the prince or Naoe. Ken was all for that.

"So, what were you talking about just then? You, Miko and Serge."

As soon as he asked the question, Ken saw a familiar look cross Liss' face. It was an expression he'd seen a lot of this past day from his fellow Guards: a look of wariness and then distance.

"Oh, not much. We were talking about various costumes for the ball. Too bad we all have to wear our uniforms"

Ken recognized an excuse when he heard one. What was going on with his coworkers? He knew a lot of them were still upset about Kikyou being picked to be the new Captain, and it seemed that they were the ones holding private conversations whose topic changed the instant he walked over to them. Or was he just being paranoid and seeing plots all over now that he knew what his friends here were up to?

"So, if Jei has decided to play with a bunch of boys tonight, I'll have to find my fun elsewhere. Up for a little excitement, Kenken?"

Not liking the gleam in Liss' eyes, Ken decided that now would be a very good time to go home. The last time she'd been `up for a little excitement', he'd barely sobered up in time to prevent himself from being tattooed. With Liss' name, not Yuriko's. His partner had been behind that one, bribing the tattoo artist to make the switch. If he'd gone home with another woman's name inked on his ass….

"I think I should go see if Yuriko needs any help with her gown. Have fun on your own, Liss."

The woman pouted again. "Spoil sport."

"Hell, yes."

*******

Cassandra had just set a pot of coffee on the stove when her son entered her house. She looked at Schuldig, noticed the dark circles under his eyes and shooed him towards the kitchen table.

"Sit, sit. I have breakfast ready for you. Eggs, bacon and the cranberry scones you're so fond of." She set a plate overflowing with food in front of the young man. After flashing her a tired grin, Schuldig decimated his meal, using a slice of bread to wipe the plate clean a couple minutes later. Cassandra chided him for eating so quickly and set another one before him, along with a cup of fresh coffee.

She then joined her child at the table, carrying a plate of food and coffee for herself. The two of them ate in companionable silence for several minutes.

"So, I see your father has been keeping you busy. Are there really that many bounds in the capital that need to be warned of what's to come?"

Schuldig shrugged his shoulders. "Not many now. I managed to go through most of the list the Prick gave me, and hope to be able to take a day or two off for some rest. Shouldn't Botan's spell be ready soon? I need to start getting prepared for that."

Toying with a piece of bacon, Cassandra made a face down at her plate. "He's to approach Yotan today about needing Aya's blood for the spell. I promised him I'd be there for that, even though it might make Yohji even more upset at me."

His face suddenly grim, Schuldig pushed his empty plate away from him. "I thought you said yesterday that he wasn't as mad at you as he was that day. Why are you going to put that in jeopardy?"

"I refuse to let Botan face him alone. Besides, I imagine that Aya will willingly donate the blood if it will lead to his sister being freed. Yohji will have no choice but to concede to his mate's wishes." But how Cassandra hoped that Yohji wouldn't hold her support of Botan against her as yet another betrayal.

Schuldig leaned back in his chair. "Well then, I'm gonna grab a couple hours of sleep and then I'm going with you. If Yohji dares treat you like shit over this, I'm gonna give him a piece of my mind. This is ridiculous, him holding a grudge against us for keeping him safe. Aya's healed and not upset, so why should Yohji be?" Then he ruined his angry persona by playing nervously with his napkin, a sad look on his face.

Cassandra wanted to go over and hug her child, but remained seated. She knew the boy was still feeling guilty over what had happened the other night, and that he was hurt by Yohji's refusal to talk to him. The situation between the two couldn't go on much longer, since Yohji and Schuldig would need to rely on each other at the wedding reception.

"Just give him a little time, Trouble. Aya won't let him remain upset for much longer." Her words of reassurance earned Cassandra a weak smile.

"I hope so, Mom." He rose from the table and tossed the napkin aside. "Now for a little sleep."

"Don't forget to wash, and to change into the clean clothes I left on your bed. You'll want to look your best later on."

Schuldig stared in puzzlement at Cassandra. "What for? Yohji won't care about how I'm dressed."

"No, but your lover might." Cassandra started to gather up the plates, looking at her son when he snorted.

"I don't have a lover at the moment. Masato and I…" Schuldig paused, his eyes closing briefly, as if he was in pain. "We're through. From what I've heard, he's been out each night finding a replacement for me, the bastard."

Torn by her son's pain, Cassandra reconsidered her decision to keep the truth about his mate from Schuldig. But her common sense wouldn't let her give in to her maternal urges. Her child's suffering now would be offset by his joy later.

"Remember, Trouble, that you were the one who decided the two of you needed some space. He's a succubae-bound, he has no choice but to feed."

The boy made a sound of disgust. "Yeah, he's so obviously torn up about what happened to Aya and between us that his appetite's been affected. He's old enough that he shouldn't have to feed each night, but he's out at other bars trolling for dinner just the same." Schuldig turned around and stormed up the stairs.

Ah, someone was a touch jealous. Smiling worriedly, Cassandra set the dirty dishes in the sink. Too bad Schuldig hadn't revealed that emotion when he came across Masato at the Koneko, or maybe the two stubborn fools would be mated by now. She so wished she could tell him that Masato was suffering from the lack of Schuldig's presence, hence the constant search for new food, but Cassandra kept her mouth shut.

Maybe it had been a mistake to raise Schuldig aware of his destiny. She'd thought to prepare the boy for what Fate had in store for him, but the truth had affected Schuldig. Cassandra thought of how her son ran from all other ties, except to her and Yotan, and how the boy could be so contrary at times. It was as if Schuldig, having no choice over several years of his life, struck back at Fate by doing exactly what he wanted in regards to everything else, consequences be damned. Other than allowing Yohji to remain only a friend, knowing the man would have a mate one day, Schuldig was a creature of impulse and desire.

If he found out that he had a mate… Schuldig would have run from the Koneko the moment he met Masato, determined to avoid another life-altering decision being forced upon him. Cassandra didn't need to be psychic to know that. She could even understand, just the slightest bit, why he would react in that manner. But, she still wanted to smack the idiot.

*******

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