Spirits of the Earth

Senji was masterful at hunting his prey. It mattered not if they walked on two legs or four, or if they soared through the sky on wings or dove through the waters of the world. It was a simple inevitability that if he wanted to find you, you would be found.  If he was hunting you for work, then death was almost always the outcome, but in some cases, it wasn't murder on his mind; although this was rare. There was hunting for pleasure as well, that had nothing to do with payment. He loved to hunt for the carnal desires of the flesh.

Today he hunted for neither. It had taken time. More time than he would care to admit. Finally he had tracked down his prey. For two days he had been watching Zantaric, knowing that the object of his desires was there. Today he would confront it. Today the hunt would end. The end of a hunt was always so bittersweet. The satisfaction of success against the thrill of the hunt.  So carefully he had stalked him, but would his care be in vain? Senji himself had trained this man. Could Maverick even be snuck up upon anymore? Years ago, years and years ago he would have been confident in his ability to surprise him, but now, he was not so sure.

Subtle grey hues made up his clothes as he moved through the shadows of the late evening. The city was full of riff-raff; it was the perfect home for someone like him. Someone like them.  No one disturbed him as he moved through the alleys. Few noticed his passage, those that did would not dare approach. His crimson eyes gleamed in a strange light. It would be difficult, if not impossible to read those eyes. Excitement? Desire? Murderous intent? Impossible to say.

A meticulous planner, Senji knew every last detail of his plan. He'd studied his prey, had learned his moving habits through the city. He knew were Maverick was staying, where the window was located. He knew the man's sleeping habits, knew that he would be in bed at this time of the evening, although not for much longer. The night called to people like them. He moved swiftly, scaling the building wall with the grace and silence of a stalking cat.

The window was open, as he knew it would be. Slipping inside, he gazed around in admiration. There in the shadows of the bed was his prey. A soft mound of flesh under the cover of blankets. He took a moment to savor the memory of seeing that very body so many times before, so many years ago. Twenty years was a long time to hold a grudge, too long. Slipping a dagger from his boot he moved quickly to the bed and leaped upon the form that lay there, pulling the covers back and raising the blade.

It had been a great many years since Maverick had seen his old friend., although he could not say for sure. Time was inconsequential when one was immortal. It could have been decades just as easily as centuries and it would have felt the same to him. Regardless, it was altogether too long.

For this reason he had returned to Zantaric. He needed to see Senji again. But, that was the only concession he was going to make. Maverick was here and that was enough. If his friend wanted him, he would have to come find him. Such was their relationship; they would have a falling out and separate for an indeterminable time, but they always returned in a stalking game of cat and mouse, neither admitting defeat or submission. Yet, both burning to have the other returned to them.

So Maverick had come, playing the waiting game. Pretending that he did not know Senji was close by or looking for him. Pretending that he was free and his business was his own and all the while knowing it was just a biding of time. Senji would come; it was just a matter of when.

Perhaps it was his connection to Senji or perhaps it was because the other man was truly that predictable to him but Maverick knew that as the moon rose on his third night in the city, his old friend would come for him. He rose early in anticipation of what was to come. The waiting was over; the hunting had just begun.

He settled down into an armchair just inside of the room's sole window's blindspot and was pleased when a shadow bled into the room not long after. Chin resting in hand, Maverick watched with a smirk curling his lips as his observed the lithe body slinking through his room.

A thin brow arched as moonlight glinted off the metal of the dagger but for the moment, Maverick continued with keeping his presence unknown, simply enjoying the calm before the storm. 'Is that how it will be tonight Senji?' he internally chuckled, his smirk widening.

Then at last the moment he had been waiting for, the big reveal. Years kept him from laughing aloud but he knew Senji would still hear it within his voice. After all, it was not often he was able to pull the wool over the other man's eyes like tonight. It truly had been too long.

Adopting a completely bored expression, Maverick finally let himself be known. His posture was relaxed, but lean muscles were still coiled to spring. Senji still had the knife to keep in consideration for now. Later it could be put to other uses though.

"Well it's about time you showed up. Certainly took you long, Senji."

Even as Senji had pulled back the covers to reveal nothing he'd known that, this time, he would taste defeat. Although the blankets had been properly bulged and folded, there had been no resistance between himself and the mattress.

Already a thousand reasons for his failure had crossed his mind, and all of them had been dismissed. Senji did not make mistakes. The reason for this was simply a matter of familiarity. Maverick had been his student for many years, and his friend, partner, and lover for many more. They simply knew each other too well. Maverick would have likely met with the same failure had their places been reversed.

All the tension that had been building up inside of him, waiting for this very moment, melted away. He'd played his card, now he could only wait for Maverick to show his hand, as it were. The wait was not long, mere moments. Despite himself, he could not keep a chill from running up his spine at the sound of Maverick's voice. How long had he yearned to hear it? Longer than he would ever admit to anyone, including himself.

It wouldn't have surprised him to have a knife pressed against his throat and that voice whispering in his ear, but no, the voice came from across the room. Instead he got barely contained laughter. He'd have almost preferred the knife. At least Senji could deal with an aggressive reception with more aggression. Ah well, that was just how it was. He couldn't really be surprised by this. Maverick always did have a way of getting under his skin in ways no one else alive ever could.

Rather than lash out, Senji twisted his body and stretched out comfortably on the bed, throwing one foot over the other, his back pressed against the head board as he made a show of tucking the dagger lazily back in his boot. The blade had only been for show, he wouldn't have really harmed his dear Maverick. Well, not much, anyway. He was the picture of comfort. Were one to look in on them right that moment they would never suspect that Senji had only moments before been intent on attacking anyone.

"Oh Maverick, Maverick, Maverick...A long time, indeed. Were you hoping for me sooner? Perhaps lying awake at night fantasizing about this very moment?" Oh wouldn't that have been sweet, but he would not ever get such a confession from Maverick, whether it was true or false. He would never had confessed to it either.

Mercury orbs shuttered a moment longer than a blink as Maverick basked in the feeling of Senji's voice washing over him. It electrified him, sending pleasurable tingles across his back and through his limbs, leaving him feeling more alive than he had since their last parting. The lapse passed and his eyes reopened to return to the situation at hand.

"Hardly," he drawled back, knowing full well it was much more than that. No point in telling the demon currently on his bed though just how much he had suffered without him close by. That would just defeat the purpose of the game for it would be admitting defeat and far too early for either of them.

No, Maverick wanted to drag the game out, to try and force Senji to further submit. He already considered it a point in his favor that he had been the one sought out. Of course he also ignored the fact that he was the one that had come back to the city to begin with. It was trivial though. What mattered now was that they were both there in the same room with only a few short strides separating them.

Yet, it did not matter how excited the reborn demon was to see his old lover, he did not move, preferring to keep it all internally locked away for now. If he was going to suffer, Senji might as well do so too. It would irk the other man to be kept waiting after all.

So he remained in his chair, lounging back to get more comfortable as he combed his eyes up and down the other's body. Nothing escaped his gaze as he mentally cataloged any changes that may have been caused by his absence until there was nothing left for him to do but to address the troll in the room.

"What brings you so late? Surely I am not that important to garner such a late night visit from you of all people."

Senji had been anticipating this reunion for days, and now that the moment had come, he felt his tension building again. Seeking Maverick out had been as good as admitting that he'd wanted to see him. That he had missed him. Even if neither of them said it, they both knew. Secretly he worried that perhaps Maverick did not care whether he ever returned. With every parting he both longed for and dreaded the reunion.

Even now his eyes moved over Maverick's shadowed form, devouring him hungrily, just as he felt the other man's eyes traveling over him. He was a man drinking cool water in the oasis of a barren desert; the relief of his lover's mere presence was intense. Something of him had seemed missing, and only Maverick could make him whole again. He hated it.

What cruel joke had the gods played upon him? Why did he find himself unable to separate himself completely from this man? How many years would he have to suffer? Every moment together was an agony, every moment apart an eternity of torment. His greatest fear was that he suffered alone. Never could he reveal such weakness. Never could he admit his need for the other.

It would have been so much easier to simply surrender, then and there. To throw himself at Maverick's mercy. What a relief that would be, but his pride could never allow it. So he suffered in silence as they had there standoff. Each wanted to make the other bend and submit, to make the other surrender. Neither of them could do so without a fight.

It seemed like forever, but only a few moments had passed. Senji bristled slightly at the attempt to provoke him.  "You certainly aren't so important, Maverick, but to catch you right before you woke, to see you squirm with my dagger at your throat...Ah, but I taught you too well...I merely hope you remember that it was I who taught you all you know, but certainly not all I know..."

"Oh what a hapless babe I must have been those centuries before I met you! Why I could not even buckle my shoes or brush my hair before I met you! Perhaps it is a good thing that I've had all this time away from you to start thinking for myself. Time to find a better teacher too."

Maverick was testing the waters, feeling out just how much he could get away with before Senji snapped. He loved being able to do this, push at seams until they burst, spilling stuffing everywhere. It was why he always returned, or perhaps why the other demon sought him out; the thrill of grappling for control was a drug like no other. No one and nothing had ever been able to repeat the feelings he experienced when he was with Senji.

With cat-like grace he rose fluidly from his making his way slowly and effortlessly to stand in front of the open window. He needed to move; sitting still while the one who set his blood aflame was laying so close was doing nothing for his concentration. If he did not move to the window where his hands now gripped the sill tight enough to cause pain, then he would be joining the infuriating demon and Maverick most certainly was not ready for that to happen, not when the game had only just begun.

A cool breeze danced in to tug at his thin robe, sporadically revealing and soothing his bare chest. Maverick had not even realized how flushed he had become until the cold tendrils caressed him. He quickly squashed the part of him that wished it was Senji doing it instead, though. Instead he focused on ignoring the aforementioned man and enjoying the night instead.

It was not unusual for them to exchange hateful words; both heated and cold remarks were often part of their relationship, twisted as it was. Time to find a better teacher too. Those words cut at Senji like no other words could. It was like a knife in his heart and it took all his effort not to give Maverick the satisfaction of seeing it bother him. His elegant features became like stone, crimson eyes blazing with an unbridled rage, but deeper, that fire was fueled by hurt.

It was all he could do just to lay still upon the bed as Maverick moved from his chair. Senji wanted to lash out at him, to strike him down for saying such a thing, perhaps even to scream at him. He blinked his eyes rapidly to dissolve scalding tears that refused to shed. Did Maverick purposely try to harm him? Did he not know what he did to him? Or perhaps he did not care. His fingers itched as he watched the wind caress his lover, why should it be allowed to touch him when he had to remain away? He feared what would happen should he try to touch Maverick at that moment. And so he remained as he was, tension filling him. Finally he was able to speak.

"I have favored you greatly through the years, Maverick, but do not mistake favor for license. You are not the only demon I have taught, and had any other spoken to me so I would have cut their tongue from their mouths for their insolence. Mind yourself, least you forget to whom you speak." His voice was like ice, a stark contrast to the fire in his eyes.

Silvery eyes snapped to peer over his exposed shoulder. He knew that tone; it did not bode well. Of course if Maverick did not know better he would say that Senji was hurt by his barbs. But, there was nothing that could penetrate the demon's defenses, not even someone who had known him in more ways than one for centuries. There was nothing Maverick could do to break Senji and the gods knew he had tried. He was always trying; it was just part of the game. First one to break, first one to submit, lost.

'I may not be the only demon you have taught, but how many have you taken to bed and let do the things I do to you? You could no more maim me so grievously than I could leave you forever. Fate would not let it occur. No matter how many times I swear it's over, I somehow find myself right back to this. Why are you addicting Senji? I hate you!' Except Maverick did not hate him and he knew it and it sickened him. He wanted to hate him, but he could not do so, no matter how hard he tried.

Sighing, he turned around to face the lounging man fully. He was not about to apologize. That was just never done. Instead he thought of something else to say, something soothe the temper and to return it to the playful flame it had been only moments before.

"Boots off the bed, you're making a mess and I have to sleep in that filth later," he finally chastised softly, his voice barely above a whisper. His gaze had softened and lowered slightly to look up beneath silken bangs and long lashes. 'I hate you. I need you.'

The rage, the anger, the hurt boiled beneath the calm surface, just out of sight. Senji lived in eternal torment, his own living hell, and only he could free himself. Stubbornly he refused, as he had for centuries. All he would have to do is surrender, utterly and completely. If he could only admit to himself that what he felt was truly there, was something deep and profound and incomprehensible, he could possibly know peace. It was impossible. 

If he could not accept love for Maverick, why could he not bring himself to hate him either? Oh how he wanted to hate him. Hate was something he could understand, something he could accept and embrace. Ah, but he could not, no matter how he tried, and he had tried so very hard. So he suffered as the fires of both desire and hate raged a war inside him. Maverick's words had cut him to the core and still he could not bring himself to hate him.

A dark, ominous tension had filled the room, the air thick with anticipation. Senji could have lashed out, could have become unable to keep himself in check any longer, but Maverick came to his rescue, ironically enough. The tension broke and evaporated with such a simple gesture, such a simple admonishment. Senji let his lips curve into a smirk, the fire in his eyes dampened from a ranging inferno to a smoldering mirth. "I am not making a mess. Why would I make a mess in the bed I plan on sleeping in?"

Senji could have melted under that gaze; he almost longed to be putty in Maverick's hands. Almost. How was it that Maverick could put out a burning rage and ignite an inferno of desire so easily? Only a moment before he'd wanted nothing more than to hurt him, and now he just wanted to hold him. His willpower to stay away was quickly fading. Senji burned to touch Maverick, to caress him, to kiss him. It wasn't even just a sensual desire. What he truly wanted was a simple connection. 'I hate you. I need you.'

Just like that it was gone. The suffocating darkness that had been closing around them and spreading in between them, had vanished in the blink of an eye. That did not mean that Maverick stopped being cautious though. He had always walked on that fine line between peeking Senji's interest and sending him over the edge. He was not in the mood to clean up the demon's mess though as he inevitably would be left to do.

The silver-eyed demon remained where he was, head bowed, gentle wind tugging on his hair, and thoughts awhirl. 'Damn you Senji. Damn you for making me feel this way, for making me want to lose to just to win. I'm not going to break for you. But, then again neither will you. Why do we bother with this game? What is there to get out of it? What happens when we are both too tired to play anymore? Where do we go from here? What do we do now? Will I survive it? I know you will. Always do.'

Distractedly, Maverick replied, mercury gaze trained on the floor as his thoughts began to consume him. A hint of a smirk curled his lips though, indicating should the other be looking, that he was jesting and that there was no fire behind his taunting.

"Who said I would let you sleep there? It is my bed after all. I don't remember you paying for the room."

The feeling of a standoff was becoming unbearable. Senji wished that Maverick would just give in and come to him. One of them always had to bend first. He hated the idea of it being him, but eventually he would not be able to stop himself. There was part of him that wished to break Maverick, but that was also the part the wished to hate him. The other side, the one that desired nothing more than to be with his silver-eyed lover, didn't want to break Maverick at all.

Senji feared losing Maverick more than he feared anything else in this miserable world. It was perhaps the only thing he truly feared. The thought of living without the other demon was more than he could ever bear.  If it came right down between his pride and the threat of losing Maverick forever...even Senji did not know who would win. If face with such a thing could he still bring himself to fight? Or would it bring him to his knees?

Such thoughts were forced away. He did not want to think about them. They hurt too much and they were too frightening to contemplate. The thing that bothered him most about it was how much he cared. Idle banter would distract him. A huff was given as Maverick questioned him teasingly. "I don't recall asking or caring if you said I could or not. I said I was going to sleep here, and I've made you enough money over the years that I think it hardly matters whose pocket the money came from."

A devious expression lighted Senji's face. "Besides, we both know you want me here."

"Do I?" Maverick asked aloud, feeling the question echo within him for further analysis. 'Do I really? Do I want my life to be forever stuck in this cycle, we chase, we pursue, we collide, we fall and begin again? Why have I allowed this to go on so long? Am I really that much of a masochist? Or do I just enjoy his flavor of sadism? I hate you Senji. Most of all I hate you for winning.'

Maverick pushed off the window sill and let the robe slide down his shoulders to pool on the floor as he slunk his way to the foot of the bed clothed in only a loose-fitting pair of pants. Even if he was being the one to make the first move he still made it look like he was a lion stalking the antelope rather than a puppy obeying the master's call. 'Because that's what I am to you, isn't it. I'm just your little toy who eagerly comes when he's called to be pet and made to stay until I piss you off again. That's all I'll ever be, until one of us finds something better. Not that there is anything that could be better than you, you narcissistic bastard.'

"Why would I want you here? It's hardly the ideal image of sublime comfort. What if I wanted you somewhere else? What then? Or have I broken your image again, your majesty?" he questioned, straight-faced as he dropped in a bow before the foot-board, arms spread wide in mock-forfeit. But, then that knowing smirk ruined the image while he straightened to face his teacher. Maverick was not so easily beaten.

There was no denying that they were trapped in a vicious cycle, but it was a cycle of their own making. Either of them could break it at any time, but to do so would require sacrifice. Senji's arrogance was a bluff; the simple truth was that he desperately hoped that Maverick wanted him. The question that hung in the air had struck him like a hammer blow.

Crimson eyes narrowed as they watched, almost transfixed as the thin fabric cascaded to the floor, his breath hitching in his throat at the sight of Maverick's bare chest. It was quite the delicious sight, wasn't it? He always had admired his lover's figure. If only he could hear the thoughts running through the other's mind. A toy? There had been so many toys; so many pets in his life that it would be hard to count or even remember them all. Maverick was no toy or pet.

How could he tease him so? Those words stung, but not so badly as before. It wasn't until he threw in the 'your majesty' and the mock bow that Senji moved. His legs swung over the side of the bed, his movements were slow, but purposeful as his boots touched the floor. His hands rested against the bed on either side of himself, gripping the coverings. "You're right, why should you want me here? Tell me how badly you want me to leave Maverick. I'm just dying to know."

He couldn't breathe, could barely think. What if he was told to go? Would Maverick really demand he leave? Would it kill Maverick to admit that he wanted him to stay? Perhaps he should have waited a bit longer to return, but he couldn't see how it would have helped. Staying away longer would have only prolonged his suffering.

Senji was right. Maverick could not send him away, but nor would he beg him to stay. Admitting either was asking too much of him. The rules of the power-play only applied as long as the status quo remained intact. That caustic "L" word would ruin them both. Perhaps the demon sitting on his bed would survive it but Maverick knew he would not make it out alive. He had to proceed with caution from here on out.

'Just like old times indeed. Damn you, Senji! Damn you to the deepest pit known on this god-forsaken earth. How do you always do this to me?'

He sighed, tossing his head so that his long hair swept out of his eyes. 'Do you really want to know that answer, Senji?' Maverick's eyes questioned as he leaned his forearms heavily on the foot-board. 'Neither do I.'

"Take me with you," he whispered before clearing his throat and speaking more confidently. "Surely you have somewhere better for us to spend the night than this hovel? You cannot tell me the great and powerful Yamada demon did not plan this far ahead. You always have a plan."

Senji was torn; every second was agony as he waited for a response. He knew it would be too much to ask that Maverick beg, ask, or even demand that he stay. Part of him wished that Maverick would tell him to go. Perhaps if he did, then Senji could be free at last. Maybe if Maverick would just push him away he could finally convince himself to stay away. Deep down he knew that nothing would make the ache in his heart stop, nothing short of what he could not ask of Maverick.

His crimson eyes met silver ones, and he knew that knowing the answer could very well be as bad as not knowing it. Even if he could ever bring himself to admit and accept his feelings for Maverick...what if Maverick could never accept them from him? He knew Maverick well, but his heart was still a secret from him in so many ways. Senji could not even be sure if the object of his most true desires even cared about him at all. Did Maverick love him? Even in the smallest measure? If praying was something he did, he would pray that it was so.

Then those whispered words flowed over him, washing away all other thoughts. A thrill of pleasure rippled through him and he did not try to hide it this time, letting a soft shudder course through him. The silver-eyed beauty could have stopped speaking then and there, it was enough for Senji. To hear those words were all he needed. Indeed, he wished that Maverick could have just kept his mouth shut.

Still, he supposed that sarcastic bastard had somehow stolen his heart, so he must just be a glutton for punishment. He rolled his eyes, but his lips curled into a pleased smirk. Who cared if Maverick was being a smartass? He was still praising him. Still, the other had been nothing but cruel to him since he arrived, no way he was just going to let it all slide. With that wicked smirk he rose and moved slowly towards his lover, getting close he leaned in to whisper softly to him, all while locking gazes with those gorgeous mercury eyes.

"What makes you think I want to take you with me? Maybe my plan was to come here, remind you what you've been missing, and then leaving you to rot?" He kept his voice to a seductive whisper.

With hawk-eyes, Maverick watched his lover approach with anxiety-filled anticipation. There was never telling what Senji would do next. Every step he took closer though lessened his resolve and disturbed the tight control he held over himself. There was no escaping from the crimson-eyed demon. One could hide, but not forever, never forever.

He was standing too close now. His very voice sent lightning bolts of pleasure from Maverick's heart to the very tips of all his extremities. Without even touching him, Senji was killing him with pleasure. Oh how he had missed this!

Turning his head slightly to eye Senji with one cool mercury eye, the older demon could feel the cords in his neck tightening in expectation. His lips felt dry so like with all good cause and effect he licked them, wishing it was someone else doing that for him.

Maverick leaned in close to the other demon without touching, his lips mere centimeters away from the other man's ear. Then in a whisper he responded, pouring all his longing into words that did what he wished he had the courage to do. He hated how they were able to caress and consume Senji in ways he himself could not.

"I could live with that. Could you?"

Every muscle in his body tensed as he internally fought himself not to just reach up and touch Senji. Maverick wanted nothing more than to smash his mouth against the other's, grip the pulsing artery in the demon's throat and feel it dance against his palm, to grapple for the physical control over the smirking demon's body that he had not had in years.

"Too long," he muttered, not even realizing he had said it aloud.

Approaching Maverick was a gamble, but one that Senji couldn't resist making. He was putting himself within striking distance, but it went both ways. If the other decided to make a move he couldn't be certain that he would be able to successfully resist him. He didn't even know if he wanted to resist. The sound of his heart reverberated through his body; it was a wild, hammering drumbeat.

The closeness of their bodies, it was almost unbearable how very close he was to Maverick. Senji could feel the other's breathe dance upon his skin. Just to maintain control was a struggle. As his lover whispered into his ear electrical shocks of pleasure coursed through him, had he been anyone but himself those words might have caused his smirk to slip.

No, he knew the answer to that. Never. He could not survive without Maverick. That he, Senji, prince of demons, taker of lives, lover of many, could need someone so explicably...

The smirk never changed, he couldn't show Maverick his weakness, not now. Then came the second whisper, faint and barely audible, obviously not meant to be spoken aloud. The words sent a shock through his body, breaking what little restraint he had managed to hold onto up to that point. His right hand reached up, tangling into Maverick's hair and pulling his head back, exposing the other demon's throat to him.

It took less than two seconds for him to admire the beautifully pulsing vein before he crashed his lips harshly against Maverick's own. The thought to bite him had occurred, but he wanted the other's lips even more. He poured all the things he couldn't say, all the emotions he couldn't vocalize, all the longing, desire, hunger...all of it went into that kiss. Somehow he desperately needed Maverick to understand him. To truly understand him.

'Oh Maverick, do you not realize that you're the most magnificent creature I've ever laid eyes on? Is it really any wonder I can't stop coming back for more?'

The sting that came from having his head pulled back sent a rumbling up through his chest was quickly stifled by a bruising pair of lips devouring his own. Maverick's smirk grew at the knowledge that he had been beaten from doing the exact same thing by mere seconds. 'We're getting predictable old friend. What would you say if you knew that?'

The answer did not matter right now, if it ever did to begin with. Senji's kisses were overwhelming him. It broke his cold heart to think that he was the only one that wanted more out of this but, that was not going to stop him from taking every last ounce of lust he could from the other man.

One hand rose to grip the back of Senji's neck, forcing the demon closer in an unspoken beg for more while the other dug dull nails into the aggressor's forearm. Maverick hungered for this. Each new taste was a teaser to something more; he just could not get enough no matter how much he took, there was always more to be had.

A primal moan escaped his lips as he sank his teeth roughly into Senji's bottom lip. It was not enough to cause damage but it would sting. He wanted to make the demon remember the pain that came from their parting. Maverick pressed himself flush against the other demon already beginning to fight for control as he pushed one leg forward between Senji's in an attempt to move them back to the bed.

At that moment Senji didn't care if he was predictable or not. In a way, it just made their relationship all the more intimate that they could predict the other's behaviors. Now if only they knew each other's hearts so well. If only they knew each other's thoughts. Lust was simply not enough, it would never be enough.

His were closed, he didn't need to see; just what he was feeling was overwhelming; the hand on his neck, drawing him closer, the feel of those lips against his. The feel of his body so tightly pressed against his brought shivers to his limbs, though his skin was almost feverish to the touch. Those eyes fluttered softly as he groaned, body arching at the feel of those teeth against his lip. Maverick could have inflicted any amount of pain to his flesh, to Senji it was the sweetest of caresses, no amount of pain could compare to the pain of being apart from him and any amount of pain was worth the reunion.

One hand remained tangled in the other's hair as he felt himself being pushed back towards the bed. His free hand moved to let his nails scrap harshly across his lover's side. Both of them would undoubtedly have marks before this was over. The leg between his unbalanced him slightly but he dug his heels into the floor. He had to resist, if Maverick got him pinned down there would be no way for him to regain the advantage. More than that, he needed to put on a good show of opposition, he couldn't simply surrender, no matter if he wanted to or not.

He tugged on Maverick's hair again, pulling his lips away with a soft hiss. Senji jerked Maverick's head, just enough so that he could drop his head down enough to sink his teeth against the beautiful flesh of his neck, certainly hard enough to bruise. A moment later his tongue flicked out to soothe the abused skin. How he had missed Maverick. The way he moved, the way he smelled, and certainly the way he tasted.

Every moment tested his resolve and he knew he was slowly losing the battle.

A soft gasp unwillingly escaped his released lips but Maverick was diving dangerously close to the point where nothing mattered anymore except for the bastard demon at his throat. His side was alight with fire from the clawing, 'or was it a gentle caress?' The elder of the pair never could seem to remember how he got half the marks that appeared on his body once the morning's light greeted them both.

He extended his neck back, further exposing his throat to the other male. His head ached and that was the story he was sticking to because there was no possible way that the demon could actually be enjoying the bites that would temporarily mark him as belonging to Senji.

'I've become a slave to the affections of the prince of demons.' A half-moan, half-chuckle bubbled from his throat at the thought. 'Just when you think you can't fall any harder or further, you fall in love with the unlovable. Oh, now what's this Senji? We both know you can't resist me forever.'

Maverick's hands relaxed their fierce grips into something closer to lover's gentle caress. The hand on Senji's neck began to massage coaxingly while the other left his arm to explore down his back. He moved slowly as if his actions were meant to soothe a wild horse, raising and lowering his hand in soft rubbing motions. The intention behind the movement though was far from being without manipulation as Maverick began to gently tug on Senji's tunic in an effort to level the playing field a bit.

Senji's lips, teeth, and tongue moved along the curve of Maverick's throat as it was further exposed to his affections. He savored the taste, so unique and distinct from any other taste he'd ever encountered. It was the sweetest of flavors to him. Maverick's involuntary gasp had been most satisfying to hear, a most beautiful sound.

It was embarrassing, how much the other could affect him. Senji worried just what Maverick might do if he ever realized just how much power over Senji he held. No matter how he pushed or fought against his lover, the simple truth was he was at Maverick's mercy, he could not resist him and the thought of losing him terrified him in ways nothing else ever could. To reveal such vulnerability...he couldn't do it, and so he kept up his display of arrogance, of frivolous lust year after year.

The fierce exchange of carnal passion changed, ever so slightly. Maverick caressed him more sweetly; the gentle nature was not something he was used to from his dearest lover. Surely it was a honeyed trap meant to lull him into a false sense of his lover's submission, but he honestly didn't care. He knew what those hands were capable of, he'd watched them crush the throats of victims, had even felt their cold embrace around his own neck at times. None of it mattered.

A shudder ran through him and a soft whimper escaped his lips as he nibbled softly under Maverick's chin, the hand he'd tangled into his lover's long hair gently disengaged to run lovingly down the other's back, while the hand at that had been clawing at his side moved to lightly grip Maverick's hip. His tunic was loosening with every pass of his lover's hand, Senji knew what Maverick was doing, but pretended not to notice.

Eyes half-lidded he attempted to pull away from Maverick, knowing that he was being swept up in a passion he would not be able to escape or resist if he didn't try to distance himself now.

Maverick inhaled sharply as his lover's touches softened, sending flutters into his chest that made it hard to breathe. His back arched into the caresses, betraying the demon's heart by showing how much his body enjoyed them, how much he longed for them even. Now if could just get Senji's shirt off, he would be well onto his way of feeling in complete control, not of course that there was ever complete control when it came down to the two of them being involved.

Focusing once more on the task at hand he let a warning growl curl his lips before yanking the younger demon roughly against him. "And where do you think you're going. I'm not finished with you yet. Why we've only just begun! Sit down," he taunted, "stay awhile."

He hooked his leg around one of Senji's and pulled on it while pushing hard against his chest, overbalancing the other and forcing them both to fall back onto the bed. Maverick allows his hands to slide down his companion's body as he stopped himself short of falling atop the other, choosing to kneel on the floor in front of him.

"Now remind me again, what did I say about these boots and the bed?"

Those precious few moments of tenderness were over all too soon. Senji had known they would be as soon as he tried to escape. Perhaps that was one of the reasons he had pulled back? As much as he adored the soft, tender touches, he feared them almost as much. Ah, but Maverick had reacted to his gentle caresses, or had he simple deceived himself into seeing what he wished to see? Surely he was just fooling himself. He didn't dare hope, couldn't dare entertain the thought, that perhaps he wasn't the only one feeling something other than the desires of flesh.

A half-hearted attempt to break Maverick's hold was given as the other pulled him tight against him, but he didn't want to escape. Curse the silver-eyed demon! The sound of the growl had sent bolts of pleasure tingling through him. Gentle, rough, primal, he didn't care, and he hated himself for it. All he could bring himself to care about was how much he wanted Maverick, and he didn't care what it took to get him. The other's words sent shivers down his spine.

Within moments if found himself tripped up, unbalanced, and shoved down to the bed. It was arguably where he wanted to be, but the circumstances were careening wildly out of his favor. Somehow he felt he should be more upset than he was as he propped himself up on his elbows to gaze down at Maverick who was kneeling by the bed. Crimson eyes smoldered with a mixture of lust, rage, and affection.

"Something about getting the bed dirty, you know I don't pay attention to your girlish nonsensical nagging." He couldn't resist, oh why couldn't he resist?

His eyes blazed as love and lust intertwined, making it impossible for him to differentiate between the two. He was blind to all else but Senji and he was loving every intoxicating minute of it. Placing his hands on the demon's knees, Maverick slowly ran his hands up the legs in front of him, his thumbs pressing on the insides of them. Then, just as he came to the apex he slid them to the outside and raked his nails back down the legs until his hands settled on the tops of soft leather boots.

A thin, pale brow arched in challenge as his smirk widened. "What do you expect Senji, someone has to keep you in line. Who knows what trouble you would get yourself into without me. Besides," he growled, yanking harshly on the boot buckles, "we both know that's not true. Is it, Senji?"

Suddenly, Maverick stopped what he was doing and looked over to the window in thought. His body was completely still as he allowed his mind to have a few moments to regain control over itself. The action, or rather inaction, on his part served two purposes. The first was to allow him a moment of clarity before allowing himself to sink into blissful oblivion. The second which was more a byproduct of the first, was to make his lover squirm for as long as possible.

'I hate leaving you. You always end up making me feel this way when I return. Why am I weak when you're near? How are you both my rebirth and death all in one single kiss? I need you, damn it!'

Senji sucked in a sharp breath as those hands travelled teasingly up his thighs, his head fell back, eyes fluttering closed a moment, just enjoying the sensation of Maverick's hands on him again. As those nails scrapped their way back down his legs to his boots he lifted his head to gaze admiringly down at the demon kneeling at his feet. An appropriate position, he thought to himself with a wry chuckle, eyes gleaming mischievously even as Maverick spoke.

There was a constant fluctuation between them, they'd gone from sarcastic banter to heated passion, back to sarcastic banter and now everything came to a standstill. Crimson eyes observed Maverick with confusion as his lover simply stared out the window. His skin was flushed and the slight breeze coming from the window made him shiver. Pushing himself further into a sitting position he moved to let his fingers run slowly through those snow white tresses. Senji would have given all the fortunes he'd ever made to know what was going through Maverick's mind.

"And I suppose you think you're the someone that should be keeping me in line?" His voice had dipped to a sultry purr. He wanted to probe his lover out of whatever strange mood had taken him. Why should he stare out a window when Senji was there to be admired instead? "And what's not true? Me not listening to your silly nagging?" He knew that wasn't what Maverick meant, but he wasn't about to broach the subject of who was the more feminine of the two.  He'd lost quite enough ground for one night.

"I suppose nothing. I just know that that is what I am to you right now. When I'm gone it'll be someone else," he shrugged, hating how the words felt like he was driving a sword through his own heart. 'There better not be someone else. But, then again you wouldn't be you if that were true.'

Maverick jerked his head to the side, pulling his hair out of Senji's hand. He did not want to submit to those gentle touches; they were too close to breaking his aching heart. It was too soon to be running away again. Senji would only hunt him down again and this time probably with less of his playful attitude.

He reached up to catch the demon's hand and pull it in front of his face. Peeking up at Senji, he made sure the other watching as he playfully nipped the knuckles then lathed them soothingly with his tongue. "What do you want Senji, hmm? I'm surprised with you. Old age must be making you soft or maybe," he closed his eyes to nuzzle a cheek against the abused hand. "Maybe," he began again in throaty whisper, "I've just gotten better in your absence."

Senji felt his throat constrict painfully. When I'm gone it'll be someone else. The idea of Maverick being gone was enough to cause a stab of pain to lance his chest. His own voice was screaming inside his head, but he could only swallow the words painfully, unable to utter them aloud. 'Oh Maverick no, you have no idea, my love. Don't speak of such things. You can never be gone. In my heart there is no other...never.'

He silently cursed himself for being such a coward. He wasn't proving any strength by refusing to acknowledge his love for Maverick. All he did was hurt himself. He was a coward and what he feared was rejection. Ironic that he should think of how he feared Maverick's rejection just as his lover pulled away from a tender touch. Senji felt his eyes blaze with anger once again. Why did he do this to him? Why did he deny him so? If he did not want his tenderness then let him feel his wrath instead.

Those crimson eyes continued to blaze as they watched Maverick, watched the nips to his fingers, and watched that tongue snake out over his knuckles. All the other demon did was continue to fan the flames of his anger with his words. As soon as those mercury eyes were hidden from him, Senji moved, his hand shot down like a striking snake, gripping Maverick's throat as he threw his weight off the bed and down onto the other. He straddled the other's waist, pinning him to the floor, his blood red irises were murderous.

"I'll show you 'soft' you miserable wretch. Do you know what I want, Maverick? What I really want, my pet? I want you. I want to consume all that you are; I want to take until you have nothing left to give. You have always been mine, Maverick, make no mistake."

It was to be expected perhaps, Senji's underhanded vie for control. He definitely had been given a large enough opening to do so and Maverick had to admit he was not disappointed in the least by it. He would have laughed if he knew for certain that the fire-eyed demon was not going to pummel him for it.

Instead he bit his lip and kept his silence even as mirth and lust danced within the swirling depths of his silver orbs. "My mistake then. How could anyone consider you soft," he purred, shifting his weight to get more comfortable and to have something to do.

Tilting his head back while keeping his eyes firmly trained on the demon hovering over him, Maverick exposed more of his throat seemingly nonplussed that it was currently being gripped rather tightly by another.

"You talk too much though. I thought you would have learned something better to do with that mouth of yours," he chuckled. "I know I have."

A deep, rumbling growl vibrated in Senji's chest, he'd managed to turn the tables more easily than he'd expected. The other squirmed slightly beneath him and he adjusted himself, making sure to keep a firm hold on Maverick's lovely, lovely throat. He loved how the other exposed it to him so readily. He could be gentle and tender, he really could! However, if it was force that Maverick demanded, then it was force he would get.

Crimson eyes stared into silver ones. It was both harder and easier to be furious with him. Curse those eyes! How they mocked him. For a moment his hand squeezed tighter around that throat, he could feel the pulse beneath his palm so deliciously, but then he relented slightly and loosened his grip to something that would not cause his love undue discomfort.

A positively wicked smirk crossed Senji's lips, his eyes flashed with hunger and a fiendish delight. Ah, leave it to Maverick to say something so utterly and deliciously naughty. There was no way he could resist such a beautifully wicked creature. "Is that so? I think I could use a demonstration."

Maverick's face mirrored that of Senji's as if they were a pair of matching gloves. Many times in the past it had been noted by their underlings and victims how alike the two could appear when someone crossed them or they were coming to the same conclusion. Centuries of working side-by-side had seemingly tuned them to each other's ways of thinking.

He leaned up on his elbows, forcing himself against the hand on his throat. His eyed the body above him lasciviously, running his mirth-filled eyes up and down Senji's body. How much he enjoyed the crimson-eyed demon like this. It was an intoxicating sight filled with so much sensuality and power that it made him want to submit, made him want to beg and feel no remorse once it was over.

But, then again the thrill of the game they were playing was always so much more satisfying at the end, the longer it was drawn out. Having come to the conclusion to continue their little game, Maverick allowed his head to tilt to the side and his brows to knit together for a moment.

"But Master Senji how could I demonstrate for you if you haven't gotten up," he piped up, fighting against the smirk that so desperately wanted to show itself. Maverick happened to be quite proud of his double-entente but he also wanted to see Senji's unadulterated reaction without any indication that he himself knew what he had just implied.

As Maverick raised himself onto his elbows, Senji had half a mind to offer him resistance, but instead of trying to force him back down he settled for once again tightening his grip on the other man's throat. He could feel those silver eyes traveling up and down his body and it sent a thrill through him. Senji was a bit of a vain creature and did so love to be praised and admired, verbally or just with hungry eyes. His own crimson eyes seemed to be trying to devour the other, traveling lustfully over the other's bare chest. How he'd missed this, how he could be so very vicious and still Maverick would provoke him, practically begging for more.

Senji watched as his lover tilted his head to the side, he gave a low growl at the words. He knew perfectly well Maverick had known exactly what he was saying; curse him for trying to act coy with him! His hand released the other's throat only to grab his hair harshly once more, pulling his head roughly and preventing escape as he crashed his lips against his lover's once more, it was a furious, demanding kiss. His hips moved against Maverick's abdomen, letting the other feel just how up he was.

The kiss was intense, but short –lived as he pulled away once more, crimson eyes blazing down into silver ones. His teeth bit harshly at Maverick's lower lip, a twisted smirk on his own lips. "And you say I talk too much. I think I've been too lenient with you; time to keep that pretty mouth of yours busy so it will shut the fuck up."

He growled in pleasure, ripping his lip from Senji's grasp, relishing the faint coppery taste of blood on his tongue. Yet, the pain did nothing to deter him from the full-bellied laugh that spilled from his lips and shook his whole body. Maverick could not control it or himself and only hoped that he would not be too bruised for it come sunrise.

"Shove off and I will you big baby," he continued to chuckle, a hand coming up to press firmly on Senji's hip. "Spirits forbid you be kept waiting, my friend!"

The delicious, coppery taste of blood reached the tip of Senji's tongue as Maverick pulled his lip violently away from him. He snarled angrily as his lover laughed at him. He really did wish sometimes that the other demon would just stop talking. Their relationship could be so much better if Maverick were only a mute! Well, that wasn't true; he did love their playful banter...sometimes. For now he was just angry and frustrated and desperately wanting the other's affections.

He didn't move right away, even though the words might have been enough to send him into a frenzy of rage only moments before. Instead he retained his perch on Maverick's stomach, moving his hands to grasp at the fabric of his shirt, pulling it over his head, revealing the lean, rippling muscles beneath. He was rather proud of his body, as he should be. His voice was husky as he rose and crawled backwards onto the bed, "I've been waiting twenty god-damned years for this, Maverick. I think I've waited long enough."

Maverick was entranced by the skin being revealed to his hungering gaze. Seeing the chiseled body of his long-time lover sent him into a dizzying spiral of want and need. Senji was right, twenty years really was far too long to be apart if this is how it felt to come back. He had lost all control of himself because of this man and perhaps what scared him more was not that he was essentially at the other's mercy but that he was completely and unequivocally alright with that knowledge.

Then, the weight on his chest was gone and Maverick found himself scrambling up to his knees after the infuriating demon before he had even realized his body was moving. Pausing, to crawl up the bed after Senji, he came to settle between long, lean legs and to hover over the tantalizingly bare chest before him.

"Not like you went celibate all those years though," he quipped under his breath. "Don't act like you were completely without relief; sexual frustration doesn't suit you."

So saying, Maverick attempted to swoop down for another bruising kiss.

It was a marvel, really, how easily they could put each other under the other's spell. Senji had done nothing more than remove his shirt and he could feel Maverick's eyes roving over the exposed flesh, drinking in the sight of him. Of course, he had been just as enthralled by the sight of his lover's body; he was still enchanted by the sight. Every moment he could feel his desire and frustration building. All he wanted was to touch and be touched. His skin burned for feel Maverick against him.

The other crawled after him, Senji mused that he might as well have been tugging on a leash at that point; it seemed he had firmly placed himself as irresistible. Good. Maverick sure as hell was hard for him to resist. It took every ounce of willpower he had just to keep himself from doing something rash up to this point. Of course, his resolve was still being tested as the other positioned himself over his body. Those words sent shivers through him, but he didn't try to hide it.

'A thousand years with a thousand lovers could never satisfy me the way one night in your arms can. Will you ever understand? Would you even want to?'

A moment later all thoughts were pushed from his mind. He could focus on nothing but the feel of Maverick's lips pushed so tightly against his. He pushed back into the kiss, hungrily, forcefully. One of his hands moved to let his fingertips trace the rippling muscles of his lover's chest, the other hand moved to the back of the other's neck, holding him into the kiss and trying to even tug Maverick down to rest his weight against him.

Shivers ran up and down his spine with every touch he received, every brutal kiss, every soft breath that ghosted along his skin. Senji was an intoxicating elixir that left Maverick begging for more time and time again. It was never enough when one more kiss was just a breath away.

Time seemed to slow to a complete stop or perhaps it flowed so quickly that day had come and gone without his noticing. Everything was inconsequential, paling in comparison to a certain crimson-eyed demon. Yet whatever the case may be, the demon could have cared less when he at last melted into the sheets from both pleasure exhaustion.

Senji had won this time. Maverick was not fool enough to try his luck the whole night. Someone had to give and speaking from experience he had to admit the prince of demons was also the king of giving again and again and again.

Maverick was so affected that he had been left quiet and drowsy. His eyes drooped and blinked slowly in complacence. The bites, bruises, and scratches were slowly and painfully making themselves known, some protesting even at the gentle rise and fall of his sweaty chest. Later he would have to get up and find a looking glass to assess the damage this time which would then probably lead to a very long and heated discussion about Senji marring his good looks which if he played his cards right could lead to other things. For now though, he rested, enjoying the closeness of the one lover that ever managed to make his heart beat faster for no reason at all.

Senji was not sure how his flesh had not burned away in the heat of their passion. He had lost count of the hours as he ravaged his lover again and again. Their desire rising and crashing like waves, only to rise again and again, burning hotter and higher each time they came together. He could not help but surrender himself to it. Yes, he had won, Maverick had submitted to him, and he exacted his prize from his lover without mercy until at last his lust had been sated.

Crimson eyes watched languidly as Maverick sank down upon the sheets in sheer exhaustion. Not that Senji would ever admit it, but his lover had thoroughly worn him out. Every muscle burned and ached deliciously.

It was with a heavy sigh that he stretched out beside Maverick, staying on his side, with his head propped up on his hand as he gazed down at his handiwork. His eyes were heavily-lidded as they roamed over that beautifully naked form, even the fingers of his free hand moved to lightly trace the angry bruises that circled Maverick's throat.

"You know, you're always beautiful, but there is something so very appealing about seeing my marks etched so viciously on your body." His voice was a lazy purr; the fire had gone out of his eyes. His own body was riddled with the results of Maverick's affections.

Maverick grunted and peeked over to his companion with one eye. "Don't be getting any thoughts about making them permanent, now. Scars are attractive; bruises are not. Besides, I'm not the rugged type anyway. That's more," he fluttered his hand in Senji's direction, eyes already closed again, "your thing."

Despite his indifferent words, the silver-eyed and tongued demon still tilted his head to the side enough so that it touched Senji's chest. He knew now was more dangerous than ever for his heart. But, he could never seem to stop himself from relishing these quiet moments, few though they were. Maverick likened their relationship as the mixing of fire and oil-unstoppable once ignited but quick-burning. They would always fight and separate, but the return and passion was also always forthcoming but not without reason.

Even while he knew why his heart longed for the return, he too was certain that Senji did not seek him out of love. There was a reason and Maverick was intent and loath to know it. For bringing it up meant destroying the moment and in turn crushing his heart for the sooner he knew, the sooner they worked and planned, the sooner they parted once more.

'It is safer this way after all,' he attempted to console himself as his tongue darted out to soothe thoroughly abused lips.

"So what's it to be? What grand scheme have you concocted to drag me into this time?"

Senji let out a dark chuckle at Maverick's words. "Oh my pet, I wouldn't dream of permanently harming your boyish good looks."

His fingertips continued to dance along Maverick's throat, then up to trace along his lover's jawline as his crimson eyes closed and he let his head fall to lightly rest against Maverick's head as it rested against his chest. It was a perfect moment. One he would have been happy to never see end.  Alas, it wasn't to be. Why couldn't the other demon just keep his mouth shut? Why wouldn't he just accept the moment for what it was?

Sighing in annoyance Senji rolled over onto his back, staring up at the ceiling wearily as he folded his arms behind his head. The mood had been ruined. He could have laid there for hours just basking in the afterglow of making love to Maverick, but as always, something else was pressing at the core of their partnership. Theirs was a business relationship; he forced himself to remind his heart.

"There you go again, spoiling my good mood. Honestly, do you just not know how to shut up? Why do I always have to have a reason to want you? Maybe I just wanted to do exactly what we just did and that was my only reason? You're good in bed, with centuries of experience in knowing exactly what I like. Is that not reason enough to want to seek you out every once in a while?"

Yes, make it all about the sex, and nothing more. Sex and lust were safe subjects. Closing his eyes, tired and more than a little heartsick; his face held an annoyed scowl. Never would he show the sadness that he truly felt. "There's rumors trouble is brewing in Connlaoth; would be a great opportunity to make ourselves some riches while having a bit of fun at the same time."

In spite of his companion's words, Maverick did hold his tongue. They both knew their relationship went beyond the bounds of simple gratification. The two demons were partners-in-crime and mischief. Many had been scammed or executed because of them and many more would follow their previous victims.

It was therefore not wrong for the silver-eyed demon to assume Senji's presence was something more than just a small war between the sheets. As much as he enjoyed the attention, Maverick knew he had far better uses than having the most knowledge on what the prince of demons preferred in a bedmate.

Although, while he would never admit it aloud, he was quite tickled by the idea that he was the best. His nose even scrunched up slightly in a moment of unadulterated pride and self-satisfaction before he once more donned a more business-like expression.

"Connlaoth? Really? That's a rather big enterprise. Did you have anything in particular in mind or were you just waiting for me to come up with something for you to take all the credit for?"

Unconsciously, Maverick nuzzled his head into Senji's chest as his brows furrowed in thought. Already, he was trying to form ideas to fit both something the other demon would be interested in as well as something they could both get away with and greatly profit from. Repeating past ventures was both boring and more likely to get them rolled into a bucket of trouble. But, creating new ones became more difficult with the number of centuries that they had rebelled together. It was hard not to repeat themselves.

Senji scoffed at Maverick's suggestion that he would steal one of his ideas. Everyone knew that Senji was the brains of this operation. Perhaps that was his ego exaggerating, but still, he was the brilliant mastermind behind most of their most fiendish and delightful schemes. Like the time he made Maverick into a king. Of course that hadn't lasted and was the reason for their last parting.

He really hadn't loved Danica, hadn't really cared for her at all except as a toy to appease his lusts, but it still made him bitter to think of Maverick betraying him with the little tramp. Good riddance, she was a burden he'd been glad to be rid of.

"You're right, Connlaoth is rather a large project, but they are going to have to elect a new Grand Duke, and where there is political scheming there are call for assassins. We could keep it simple. Go in, kill a few uptight nobles, collect a reward, and waltz right out. Our last plan was a bit overly complicated and took a long time to execute. I was thinking something quick and easy for a change."

The crimson-eyed prince sighed again, closing his eyes lightly and enjoying the slight nuzzle he'd been given. All his life he had used both men and women for pleasure and thought nothing of it. Cuddling was a nuisance that he rarely put up with in his years, although there had been the exceptions, depending on who it was and what he needed from them. Never had he felt the desire to cuddle with someone though; no one except Maverick. Lust was primal and easily understood, but what made him wish to share such tender moments with the silver-eyed demon beside him. Was it just a love thing? It had to be, he could think of no other reason, and even the reason he had made no sense.

Maverick stilled for a moment in thought before tilting his head back to look up at his lover in surprise. "Since when is anything simple good enough for you? Seriously Senji, at least be honest with me. You'd think after this many years I have earned at least that. Unless of course you've either given up trusting me or simply have no idea because you haven't planned that far ahead. Because to be frank, simple is mundane and you are far from that. You-"

The demon paused and cleared his throat, stalling for more time. He had nearly let slip the one thing Senji could never know. He could not know just how much Maverick loved him, longed for him, needed him. The very idea that the other man's trust in him could be lost, sickened him.

He did not know what he would do if that were the truth. Already he could feel his throat dry and tighten as if sand had been dumped down its length. The very thought of crying galled him but Maverick also knew he would be hard pressed not to let himself succumb to self-pity and heartbreak once Senji was far out of sight and hearing. If his vermillion-eyed friend only knew how pathetically weak he was then he was sure he would be abandoned and denied the comfort of returning to his side.

Senji did not need Maverick. Lackeys were not hard to find when one was as powerful and intelligent as the prince of demons. But Maverick desperately needed Senji. His heart quivered in fear at the possibility of both discovery and being cast aside. He could not even explain to himself when or how he became so fragile, so delicate and capable of being shattered. Centuries old and he was supposed to be a god of his own making. Yet, pressed close to his lover he was just another man's toy, a lapdog eager to please on the off-chance of being recognized and adored.

Turning to lay on his side with his face buried in Senji's chest, Maverick sought to hide away his heartache. Instead of admitting how he felt or continuing his long since forgotten sentence, he allowed his tongue to dart out and run along an angry red mark he had left behind on his lover's flesh a few short hours earlier. Let the demon think him lascivious and insatiable; he knew better, or rather his bleeding heart did.

Crimson eyes did not reopen as Maverick spoke. Senji listened to his bedmate, scowling slightly. Yes, he generally did think things through a lot better than that. Grand schemes and complicated plans were fun and his specialty, but he really hadn't gotten that far in his thinking. All he could think of was seeing Maverick again. Nothing else had really mattered, not even the lame excuse he should have already had thought out. Was he losing his touch?

Humming softly, he let a smirk slide over his face. "I know I'm not mundane, but you stopped talking too soon for a change. You forgot to mention how brilliant, clever, irresistibly handsome, and charming I am." He shifted uncomfortably, knowing that he was just putting on a show to save face. Well, okay, he believed everything he just said, he just knew that wasn't the real issue. It was something he really hadn't wanted to think about or address. Did he still trust Maverick? His lover had nearly ruined everything the last time they'd been together. Also, the betrayal had hurt much more than he would like to have admitted.

His dark eyes fluttered open as he felt the warm tongue slide across a sore spot. The idea of lavishing Maverick with his vicious affections was tempting, but he honestly wasn't sure if he could have risen to the occasion again just yet. "I haven't planned that far ahead yet. Even after the way you messed things up last time, you're one of the very few people I do trust Maverick. You know that."

"Can't win with you. First I never shut up. Then I cut off too soon. Make up your mind you insufferable..." Again Maverick trailed off, deciding to grumble under his breath instead of finishing his sentence. The quibbling did not matter to him in the face of the words that set his clenching heart at ease. Senji still trusted him. That was all he needed to know.

His heart seemed to fill his entire chest with joy, demanding that he kiss his lover full on the mouth. But, Maverick's mind as always held him back. He must not, could not, would not let himself fall any further. He truly believed he would not survive should this demon lover ever find out that their dalliances were more than lustful play, that Maverick had more at stake in the gamble than he was letting on.

So he compromised. Maverick quit his tongue's ministrations, choosing to use his upper body to force Senji's back and down until the other man was flat on his back. They pressed chest to chest and the silver-eyed demon could not help but relish the feeling of the heart that beat against his own. His hands gripped and pressed down on his lover's shoulders in a show of keeping him in place but no real force was behind the action.

Maverick stared down into the face before him. He held his tongue. Unsure or unwilling to break the silence. It was almost as if he was daring Senji to act first. Or perhaps he was daring his own heart to take action. He challenged it to act and see how close he could dance to the flames before he burned.

'But what a way to burn,' his mind purred lazily as he reflected on their evening thus far. 'What a way indeed.'

A sly smirk crossed Senji's lips as he listened to his dear silver-eyed lover grumble about him. Insufferable indeed! They made a marvelous pair, didn't they? Of course, he wanted so much more than they already had. So much he wanted, so much he could not ask for. A cold fear gripped him at the thought of revealing just how deep his feelings ran. Echoing through his mind he could hear Maverick's chill laughter at his pathetic weakness.

His eyes flashed playfully as his lover climbed atop him, 'holding' him down. For a moment, forever and an instant, their eyes met, locked. Everything the burned in those crimson eyes, lust, desire, hunger, love...Senji felt an overwhelming fear that Maverick would see his weakness and so he did the only thing he could think to do. Closing his eyes, he wrapped one arm around the other's waist, his other hand moved to grip the back of Maverick's head, pulling him down for a harsh kiss.

Senji made the kiss hard, lustful, doing everything in his power to hide his true feelings. He would not appear weak! He could not allow it. After a few moments he managed to get himself more under control, managed to bury the soft and tender feelings deeper inside his heart. Maverick was going to expect planning their next great scam. With a final sharp nip to the other's lower lip, he let his head fall back and released his grip. A devious grin was on his face once more, eyes flashing with dark intent.

"Insufferable? More like irresistible."

Maverick hissed slightly at the pain but his own head followed Senji's down to rest cheek to cheek beside it. He considered it a win for both his personal tally as well as the unspoken one he had going with Senji. The demon had won against his heart by not kissing Senji while soothing it in turn by being kissed. He had of course also not been the first one to initiate the kiss therefore being his lover's victor.

Being the winner certainly put a twinkle in his eye as he burrowed in comfortable atop his demon. That thought of possession though gave him a moment of internal pause before he hastily brushed it aside for later reflection. The last thing Maverick wanted was to brood on his steadily declining willpower around Senji.

Instead he groaned in mock exasperation at his companion's words. "More like incorrigible and irredeemable," he huffed into the neck beneath his searching lips. "It would kill you to be consistent, wouldn't it? Hot and cold," the demon further mumbled, his voice getting lower as he continued, "temptress."

Senji gave a soft sigh as Maverick settled down on him, his arms wrapped around his lover, on hand moving down to give the other's rear a firm squeeze, letting his nails dig into the flesh just slightly. A devious grin was still on his face, obviously he was in a fairly content and good mood now, although they both knew how quickly he could be set off once more. Funny, only Maverick could send him back and forth so much.

He smirked at the words and murmured his reply in a seductive purr. "Ah, but would you have me any other way?" He really hoped that Maverick would say no. The thought that he wasn't good enough nagged at him. Almost crippled him. He wanted Maverick's approval, when he had never desired anyone's approval before. Not even his father's approval or disapproval could shake him.

That purr sent shivers down Maverick's spine making him wish to beg for more. His teeth bit firmly into Senji's shoulder instead, completely silencing any undignified sounds from escaping his lips. Instead he used the moment as a perfect distraction to think on his lover's question.

'Would I have you another way, great Prince? Perhaps, perhaps not though. I relish your body beneath me, above me, around me always. You are a drug I cannot resist returning to partake in once more. I cannot swear off you for you always keep me coming back for more with a single glance. I crave your approval, demand your attention, and feel jealousy towards all that would steal you from me. To have you another way would kill you. To admit that I want more, would kill me. Damn the god that created such foolish hearts. He should have known better than to give me one.'

With a heavy sigh he opened his mouth to answer when a frantic fluttering of leathery wings sounded through the room moments before a small body collided with Senji's head. Maverick sat up to face the red ball, squelching the laughter that scratched at his throat. The sight of his small servant though attempting to use Senji's hair as a grip to better balance though was really too much for him.

Amdoska took great pleasure in exacting as much pain as he possibly could on the great demon's body in as little time as he had. The fact that his master was so oblivious or uncaring of his treatment towards the demon prince only egged him on. He made sure just for added affect to whip his tail repeatedly as he attempted to get his master's attention in his high-pitched chattering dialect.

Senji gave a sharp hiss of pleasure as Maverick's teeth sunk into his shoulder, but the seconds ticked by in what seemed an eternal march as he held his breath waiting for a reply. What would he do if Maverick said he would have preferred him some other way? Could he change for his lover? The thought of changing for anyone appalled him. If you loved someone you did not try to change them, you accepted them for who they were. If Maverick wished him as something other than he was he would just have to accept that they would never be. It would kill his heart, but it would be what it would be.

Just as his heart began to sank, just as Maverick opened his mouth to speak, something smacked into his head. Small claws tangled and pulled at his hair, and instantly he knew what was upon him, and rage filled him. Of all the times for the annoying beast to come fluttering in! He had been about to get something, anything, the tiniest scrap of validation from Maverick, and the imp had ruined it all. Snarling at his lover's barely contained laughter he reached a hand up and swatted the small demon hard.

"Get off me you disgusting little pest!" The edge to his voice threatened even greater violence. "And if you're going to laugh you can get off too." He bucked Maverick off of him and stood up with a scowl, already reaching for his clothes. His head was sore, several strands of hair had been pulled out as he'd sent the small creature sprawling, plus he probably had been scratched by those annoying little claws.

Maverick fell off his lover and onto the bed with a bouncing thud. "So if I wasn't laughing at you does that mean I can get back on," he remarked, eyes firmly riveted to the naked rear moving within his field of vision. "I rather liked my perch, thank you very much!"

From where he lounged, the mercury-eyed demon could not help but focus all his attention on the scantily clad form before him. While he had not gone without over the past few decades that did not mean that any of his past conquests ever came close to matching Senji for his physique. The demon had the body of a god and oh how Maverick loved to worship it. If only he could convince Senji to walk a little closer to be re-ensnared for a bit.

Amdoska on the other hand was quite busy. While his master paid no attention to his careening form, he had already devised a plan to wreak his revenge by the time he had righted  himself. Diving into one of the currently unnoticed but sought after boots, he endeavored to lay in wait for the promised foot that would require entry into its dark depths.

Curled up on the bottom though he found himself quite bored and cramped. He therefore took it upon himself to make himself comfortable as his master would have wanted by clawing and chewing through the bottom, creating massive rivets that would become holes as he went along. It was good to be home!

"No." The words were spit out harshly and hatefully. It wasn't Maverick he was so angry with. Maybe it wasn't even the stupid imp.

Under other circumstances Senji might have delighted in how those mercury eyes admired his form, he took excellent care of his body and kept himself in tight shape, in his line of work it was not only necessary, but it also fed his vanity. Right now, however, he barely even noticed. That imp was going to get it one of these days. He would send that wretched creature back to hell and to hell with Maverick if he tried to stop him. As he plotted his revenge he picked up his pants and shirt, bunching them up in his arms as he stalked over to the chair Maverick had surprised him from earlier.

Plopping down he started by pulling the shirt over his head, by now his intentions were quite obvious. Senji was dressing to leave. Putting up with an annoying, lesser demon was not something he was in a mood for. He had gotten a chokehold on his rage, feeding his emotions into it; better to keep the fires of anger burning than let them smolder into something closer to despair. When Amdoska was not there, it was easy enough to forget about the imp. With the insufferable creature back, he couldn't stand the thought of staying.

Secretly he wanted to cry. His reunion, what should have been a purely joyous occasion, was marred by the creature's very existence. Senji was so jealous of the imp he couldn't stand it. Maverick adored the thing. How that pesky creature could so win Maverick's affection, and so much of it, and here he couldn't even wrestle a scrap of recognition from his lover. Yes, stoke the anger; he couldn't give in to despair. Not now, not with Maverick watching. The other demon would have laughed at him had he even knew a hint of what went on in Senji's aching heart. Senji just knew it.

While the imp continued his vandalism, his master watched Senji dress to leave with a stony expression. He did not dare let the hurt show as it would be considered a weakness that his lover would be sure to take advantage of. Senji knew enough about him already; he did not need anymore fuel or the fire.

With a heavy sigh, he rolled off the bed and slowly made his way over to scoop his robe back up before draping it over his shoulders. He did not even bother to tie it as there was nothing to hide His pants though were nowhere to be found, having been discarded during the heat of passion without care.

Watching his lover ready himself to leave made Maverick want to drop to his knees and beg him not to go. Yet, he knew better. He was letting his heart get involved when their interactions had always been strictly business with dalliances on the side to relieve stress. Besides, begging was not something either of them did. It was another submission, another point to the score and he would not suffer himself to receive that mark against him.

'If he wants to leave then he can leave. I'm not going to stop him,' he tried to convince himself even has his feet carried him over to stand in front of the crimson-eyed demon. Maverick wanted nothing more than to find something to make him stay and yet there were no suitable words for it.

Instead a hand reached out to playfully tug on a wisp of the other man's hair. A smile twitched the corner of his mouth but no warmth reached the rest of his disposition. 'Stay, stay, STAY!' his mind screamed over and over but not a single word passed his lips. Maverick lowered his head in shame. He was a coward a hundred times over and did not deserve his demon's attention anymore than he had already received.

Senji's clothes seemed to struggle with him, as he grumbled trying to get his arms through the sleeves and jerking his shirt roughly on, not bothering to straighten it. He didn't want to dress. He didn't want to leave. More than anything he wanted to be with Maverick, and they had only just been reunited, but he could not make himself stop dressing. Maybe it was his pride, or just outright jealousy that fueled him. Why did the imp get Maverick's love when he couldn't have it? It wasn't fair!

As his lover stood in front of him and gave a playful tug on his hair he jerked his head to the side and stood up, stepping into his pants. Annoyance were all that flashed in those crimson eyes as he snapped at the other demon. "What do you want? Your stupid pet is here, go play with it. Or were you eager to see it rip out some more of my hair?"

He brushed past Maverick and found one of his boots, then lifted the other and found it to be abnormally heavy. Snarling he threw the boot against the wall, imp and all. "Stop messing with me you little pest before I rip off your tail and shove it down your throat." He threw the second boot at the first for good measure. All the rage and jealousy were unbearable. Senji began tucking in his shirt even as he headed back for the window he'd entered in. Apparently the boots were expendable.

'Ask me to stay, please, don't let me just walk away. I don't want to leave you, but I'm not strong enough to stay on my own. Please...'

A stony facade slammed into place as Maverick felt his hurt crushed under Senji's metaphorical boot. "You act as if this is what I want," he replied softly, a steely edge tainting his tone. These were not the sounds of quiet submission but subdued pain and anger. How dare the other seek him out only to leave soon after. He was a demon and this child's senior, he was owed a modicum of respect.

'Am I really?' the voice of insecurity taunted within his mind. Doors were slammed up against that too as he struggled to convince the other to stay.

"You think this is what I really want?" he repeated again, staring coldly at the other man. Maverick shook his head sharply, turning instead to face his emerging pet. Amdoska limped towards him, one wing bent and dragging behind him as he approached his master. For a moment the mercury-eyed demon was forced to shutter his eyes to calm his breathing while he came to a decision.

With a well-practiced wave of his hand, he chanted a few words under his breath then sent out a small runed ring of electric blue down towards the imp. Without another word he turned his back to imp and demon both, approaching a small wash basin and pitcher. He filled it up distractedly, trying to give himself to do as he fought back hot tears with a bowed head. Maverick refused to beg for Senji to stay but he desperately hoped nonetheless that he would.

As his back was turned away from the pair though he never saw the antagonistic leer his pet sent towards the crimson-eyed prince as it straightened from its "wounded" posture on its way to the portal that would take it back to the netherworld where it would wait and revitalize until being summoned back once more.

Senji refused to look at Maverick, he couldn't look at him. Already he wanted nothing more than to cry from the ache in his chest. The longing was unbearable, and yet so forbidden. 'What you want? What am I to think you want? Oh why won't you just tell me? I want to hear it. I need to know.' Senji could almost laugh, a bitter, hallow laugh, but it would be laughter nonetheless. Almost. The irony that he needed an answer to a question he could never ask was enough to crush his soul.

He gave a glance at the imp as it limped out of his boot and towards Maverick. The prince sneered in disgust. How he loathed that creature, and he knew that the feeling was mutual. What he wouldn't have given to trade places with Amdoska, even if only for a short time. Senji would have killed to get even a fraction of the affection Maverick shared with the imp. When his lover summoned a portal to take the creature away he was slightly surprised. Had he done that just for him? Undoubtedly he was seeing too much into the gesture, surely Maverick would not send away his pet just to please him.

Crimson eyes shot the foul little beast a murderous glare before turning away to look at Maverick, who had turned his back on him. His pride told him to go, but his heart screamed at him to stay. For a moment he could only glance between the window and his lover in indecision before he turned away from the window and strode across the room on his long legs. His arms wrapped about his lover's waist as he pressed against his back. Why couldn't he just hold him for the sake of holding him? Why couldn't they just enjoy each other without all the bickering, the hurtful words, the back and forth?

Of course he knew exactly why, because he was a stubborn fool and his heart would lead him down a road of disaster. It was just like him to want what he could never have, and he hated himself for it. His heart was punishing him by falling in love with someone who would never love him back. Still, he clung to Maverick, metaphorically and at the moment physically too. His voice was a soft murmur, perhaps seductive, or perhaps just tired and drawn. "What do you want, Maverick? Do you want me to stay and plan our next adventure? Or maybe you want to roll around in the sheets some more?"

Maverick stilled in his movements as those strong arms wound about him, imprisoning him in place. Yet, it did not feel like a prison. The pair fit together perfectly and it did not escape him how his head naturally fell back to rest on Senji's shoulder in the crook of his neck as if the place had been made just for him to do that.

Reaching down, he pulled his companion's right hand up from his waist and across his chest to rest on Maverick's left shoulder, effectively wrapping himself into the other man's embrace. It sent great big shivers up and down his spine to feel the heat of his lover so close at his back and all around him. To know that the object of all his desires was right there doing exactly what he always wanted without any of the emotion that Maverick so desperately sought behind it.

With his eyes closed, he enjoyed the moment, breathing in Senji's scent and basking in his warmth. When he did reply it was in a soft voice, lacking the steel of a few moments before. It was the tone of something Maverick could not even explain. It felt strange hearing it come from his own mouth as he made such an open admission that part of him hoped would go unrecognized. For to have it noticed and rejected would be the ultimate betrayal to his heart.

"I have all that I want right here."

As soon as the words were out of his mouth, his stomach clenched in fear. He did not wish to pull away. Worse yet, he had no desire to ruin that moment with his usual levity meant to hide his heart. "And you," he questioned instead, "is it time to play or time to work, Senji?"

Senji wasn't sure exactly what he was expecting when he'd wrapped Maverick up in his arms once more. Perhaps to be shrugged off and dismissed, he figured his lover was either angry or annoyed with him, especially after he'd 'hurt' the other demon's little pet. He could have maybe expected some sassy or sarcastic wit from his love, but what he got was much different than the reception he'd imagined. It made his heart flutter to feel his lover pressed so lovingly against him.

His head tilted to lightly rest his head against Maverick's as it settled into the crook of his neck. His hand hardly needed to be guided as he eagerly tightened his hold on the other; pulling Maverick against him, delighting in the feel of the shivers that coursed through his lover. If felt good to hold him like this, the moment was deeply intimate for him, but he couldn't dare hope that Maverick sensed or felt the moment like he did. Those shivers were probably ones of lust. They had quite vigorously made love not long ago and the memories of their bodies moving together were still burned through Senji's flesh in a most pleasing way.

Yes, that was all it was. Maverick was still lusting after him, twenty years apart was a long time, and even he could admit that he had missed his lover's body. Still, the heart-wrenching thought that perhaps the only person he had ever fully and truly loved did not love him back would not stop him from enjoying the feeling of being pressed up against the other, of breathing in his rich, sweet scent. A moment later even time seemed to stand still.

Senji stiffened at the words, he did not recognize the tone, and he feared that it was a cruel ploy on Maverick's part. He couldn't really mean that, could he? His heart and stomach were all aflutter at the very idea that maybe, some small part of Maverick did hold some affection for him. After a moment his body relaxed and he squeezed his lover tighter, wanting the moment to never end as he realized that he'd been asked a question.

"Are those the only two options? If you have all you want right here, then what if all I want at this moment is you?" The words were a breathless whisper, he never wanted the moment to end, and he feared speaking any louder might have shattered the fragile edge they seemed to be standing on.

He did not reply, at least not verbally. Maverick was too afraid that if he opened his fool mouth, he would forever regret it. There were only two groupings of things he could say to Senji right then and neither of them would have saved him from heartache. For one had him confessing all and destroying himself from the inside out while the other was the return to his jovial defense mechanism. The demon was sure though if he chose the second route that his lover would pull away and that was the last thing he wanted right now. Right he could pretend. Right now he could hope.

So he said nothing. His head turned to press an uncharacteristically tender peck to Senji's cheek before nosing into the warm and tender flesh of the other demon's neck. He hated the way shivers continued to wrack up and down his spine, practically screaming of his weakness for this red-eyed prince. Maverick had no free-will in the face of any of Senji's requests. He would do whatever the other asked of him with only a front of resistance. There was no denying his lover and Maverick was almost certain that Senji knew that fact already quite well.

Nuzzling and pressing further back against the body that held him so close, he mumbled tiredly against the flesh just beneath his lips. "You're warm. Why are you always so warm?" Maverick loved it, the way he seemed to be on fire whenever the demon at his back touched. Now wrapped within his embrace he felt scorched as the heat spread from his back to chest and belly.

Moments like these he could pretend that he was allowed to love this man. He could believe that they were just two lovers entwined in a peaceful moment of shared passion, that they both burned with the heat of the heart. If was for this selfish reason that Amdoska had been sent away. The imp was prone to ruining times like these for his master and Maverick did not want that. He longed for this. Even though in his mind he was the only one to struggle with these turbulent emotions that could very well be the end of him, he could not think of a more lovely way to burn.

Senji could not believe that Maverick had allowed him to linger over this precious moment for so long. Truly he had expected the other to break the mood, to pull away or do something other than what he was doing. He couldn't bring himself to do or say much for fear of shattering whatever effect had settled over them. The way Maverick's body shivered against his made him tingle all over. His eyes slid closed languidly as he received the soft kiss to his cheek.

His head tilted slightly, allowing Maverick better access to his neck. Senji felt vulnerable right now, his heart was protected by only a fragile shield, at any moment he thought it could burst. All it would take was one derisive comment from his lover. He hated to feel weak, but he knew he was. Maverick would be his downfall. The man could have turned the tables so easily upon him; he was at the other demon's mercy. Emotionally speaking. It was a perfect moment to tell his lover everything, to just let the words gush out. If he did, he knew that Maverick could take that weakness, that love, and use it against him.

That thought was enough to nearly bring him to his knees. It was Senji's own fault that this had happened. You never allowed yourself to become emotionally attached to someone, anyone that would be in a position to use it against you. He'd broken that rule, and he had taught Maverick to exploit just such a weakness. He sighed heavily; drawing away from the other and pacing tiredly back to the bed. To end the contact hurt him, it had felt so good to hold him like that, but to cling to him for too long was only inviting heartache.

'I'm always warm because you set my blood on fire. I could burn in the flames of my passion for you.'

But he couldn't say that out loud. Instead he went back to the bed and sank down onto it; the thought of leaving Maverick had gone completely. There was nowhere in the world he'd rather be than right where he was. "We should rest. There's a lot of work to do if we're going to exploit rich fools in Connlaoth."

Maverick did not mean to, but it happened before he even realized what he had done. The moment Senji pulled away from him he whined a high-pitched keen of displeasure and sorrow. In a way he could understand his own pet's grumblings when Amdoska was periodically sent away for one reason or another. Maverick had without a doubt become a slave to Senji's affections, a duckling that was sure to follow wherever the other went.

He remembered in the beginning how hard he had fought against it. He was so sure of his independence and his strength. But, Senji was stronger, always the opposing force that yanked him back and forced him to heel, to submit and recognize his own inferiority in the face of the other demon's unyielding and unshakable power.

Later he became resigned to always feeling this longing. But knowing that he would feel this way and actually feeling it were two very different things. It seemed that with every look, every touch, every word that Senji gifted him was just another hook that latched on, digging in deeper to hold him in place. Always tugging at him, always reeling him back until he was where in belonged at the other demon's side. Maverick feared the day he would lose all freedom to walk away. For when that day came, he knew Senji would call him on it. There was no way the prince of demons would not notice that no matter how much he tried to drive Maverick away the man would just not go. No form of abuse would be enough. That day would be Maverick's end but he hoped on the darkest and loneliest of nights that it would also be a new beginning for him, for them.

Drawing his robe closer about himself, he shot a mock-glare towards his lover as he strode closer. "I tell you, you're warm and you leave. Some blanket you make!" As if it meant nothing to him at all and was simply a normal gesture, Maverick plopped himself down in the other demon's lap, pressing close chest to chest while once more winding Senji's arms about his torso.

"For that I make you both pillow and blanket now. Better not disappoint, I need my beauty sleep since we both can't go around looking like scruffy mongrels," he jested, knocking the side of his head playfully against his lover's own.

It did not escape him though how tense his arms felt as they fought to relax and hang loosely instead of grapple and cling onto Senji. Maverick so desperately wanted to lock himself in place and never let go. If he was rejected tonight after everything, his heart would shatter. He could pretend all he wanted that he enjoyed his twenty years away, in truth it was nice to have time alone. But, he always found himself longing more for his lover than his empty bed. It was only stubbornness and pride that ever kept him away so long. But, tonight he wanted Senji and nothing else. He did not want to be driven away when they had only just returned to their old ways. The day of his ending may be drawing near, but he wished with all his might that that decision, that end and possible beginning would not be this night. It was too soon, and he was not ready. Although if he was honest with himself, he never would be.

Senji liked to pretend that he was powerful and commanding, but truthfully he had no idea just how firm a hold he had on Maverick. Despite is displays of arrogance, he felt extremely insecure in his position with his lover. Nothing would crush him more than to lose the mercury-eyed demon, and as far as Senji was concerned, it was a very real possibility. The more he worried over it, the more desperately he tried to hang on to him. Yes, he had spent twenty years away from the other, but he had come crawling back, as he always did. Those absences were just another ploy to get Maverick's attention, of course.

He heard the sound that came from his lover as he pulled away. It was such a strange and foreign sound that he couldn't quite decide what it meant, if it had meant anything. Maverick wasn't one to pine after anyone, and he certainly couldn't be upset that he had moved away. What did his lover need with such tender affection? Oh but how he wanted to take it back. He could have stayed holding Maverick as he had forever, but he'd thought a retreat the best course of action, before something had happened to truly ruin the moment. Had he been wrong?

At the very least his fears of completely ruining the mood again were not grounded. Maverick came and settled into his lap, a most agreeable position, as far as Senji was concerned. Senji grinned and closed his eyes as Maverick lightly nudged him in the head. His arms were wrapped around his lover again, that was all that mattered, and he didn't even mind that Maverick had called him a scruffy mongrel.  Although he couldn't leave that without a comment, but his words were playful. "A scruffy mongrel, hm? Speaks volumes about your tastes in partners, pet."

Smirking he leaned back, pulling Maverick down with him so that his lover was sprawled out on top of him. It felt good to have their bodies pressed close again, although he could do without the clothes. It was his fault for getting angry and mostly dressing to leave. Or really, it was Amdoska's fault for showing up and ruining the mood at the time. Still, if the imp hadn't he might not have had that especially sweet moment with Maverick.

If Maverick had been a cat, he would have purred. If he had been a dog, he would have wagged his tail. As he was a man without either of those capabilities, the demon resigned himself to nuzzling his head into place under Senji's chin while stretching himself out to lay fully entangled atop his lover.

Only once he had been completely ensconced with arms and legs akimbo, did he settle down and close his eyes in contentment. Senji had accepted him. He had not been rejected this time. He was desired in this moment and therefore he allowed himself to relax and to pretend. The tightrope the pair walked was tenuous but for now it seemed they were balanced in perfect harmony. He did not want to do anything that would cause vibrations along its figurative length that would send them both into states of tension and unease.

After a moment or two he realized Senji had been speaking to him and hurried to respond. He did not wish to explain why he was so distracted and hoped that the other demon would not notice the slight delay.

"What can I say? I like 'em on the wild side. Anything nicer is just boring. And you know what happens when I'm bored," he exaggerated with a mocking huff, that somehow managed to maneuver Maverick until he was nestled even tighter against Senji. He was content to just lay there too until the very last part of his lover's phrase was processed by his mind.

Maverick did not know whether to be offended or over-joyed by it. Pet. What did that mean? Was Senji degrading him because of Amdoska behavior or was it a term of endearment? They certainly had a few of those they liked to toss around at each other. Although Maverick's usually pertained to Senji's status within the demon realm. Then there was the question of whether he should ignore it or not. He could not lie to himself and say that he did not both enjoy the name and find it apt.

Determined to rebel in some way but unwilling to ruin the peaceful moment, the mercury-eyed demon squirmed enough to get one hand under the other man's shirt so that warm flesh caressed warmer, smoother skin. He soothingly ran his hand up and down the side of his lover's torso, tweaking and pinching here and there as he went before sneaking his arm around the back of him and squeezing him close.

It was not his idea form of rebellion. Maverick considered it a fifty-fifty win-lose scenario as he ended up embracing the demon instead of mildly torturing him. 'Can't win them all!' he reconciled, unknowingly smiling softly in pure happiness at being so close to the man he cared so deeply for.

There were only a few things that made this moment not perfect in Senji's mind. The fact that they had some clothing between them being one that came readily to mind, but even more than that, the fact that although they seemed to have reached a delicate balance he knew in his heart that this wasn't a true moment. Not like he really wanted, anyway. No, if it were truly perfect Maverick would know just how much he cared about him, and his lover would return that love and affection. Since what he wanted was impossible, he settled for this hollow substitution.

That thought pained him, even as Maverick coiled their limbs together, intertwining them tightly. This was a superficial and physical relationship, but he wanted so much more. He'd had Maverick's body for years, now all he could think about was gaining his lover's heart as well. His own thoughts were so jumbled and turmoil that he didn't notice how long it took Maverick to answer him. His only response at first was a soft snort. Yeah, the silver-eyed demon getting bored, never a dull moment there!

Of course, he didn't even consciously use the term pet, it came without thought. Why did he use it? How did he use it? Yes, a term of endearment, but as a superior to his inferior, was that really how he viewed Maverick? Was that how he really wanted to view him? So many questions his heart couldn't even begin to answer. Curse Maverick for making him feel this way! Everything had been so much simpler before he'd found himself embroiled in these emotions.

His thoughts were interrupted again however and he began to squirm. Senji's skin had practically begun to crawl as his lover's hands moved over his sides. With a sharp gasp he wiggled and attempted to get away from that touch. Oh, he loved for the other to pay attention to him, but he was ticklish and those little pinches had nearly sent him into fits. Senji shuddered softly as Maverick settled back down, simply hugging him now, much to the crimson-eyed demon's relief. "Don't do that again. You know I'm ticklish you tart."

"What?" Maverick asked, tantalizingly running his other hand up under Senji's shirt. "This? But I like seeing you dance. You're such a graceful dancer. So skilled and fluid," he chuckled, nuzzling his face into the hollow of his lover's throat, intentionally leaving featherlight kisses on every patch of skin he could find.

The body beneath him was warm and strong; it was everything Maverick wanted in a lover and perhaps that was the problem. Whenever they separated, they found others to try and feel the void and no matter how hard he tried he never found anyone that fit against him the way Senji did. He hated to think what that could mean for him. Was it possible that no one was perfect because they were not his crimson-eyed lover? Had he set the bar at this prince of demons and found fault with all others because they did not match the demon in temperament and passion? They did not have his strength or his cruelness; they were not as passionate or sensitive.

He quickly steered his thoughts away from that though. Dwelling was a frightening place of realization that he dared not face, especially not with the intoxicating presence of this demon literally so close at hand. Instead he attacked Senji with a vengeance, truly wanting to make him squirm now.

"And what kind of tart am I? Lemon? Strawberry? Savory or sweet? Hmm? What am I to you Senji? Forbidden fruit perhaps?"

What a ridiculous weakness for him to have! Senji hissed as Maverick's other hand slid under his shirt, his skin so sensitive to that touch it was almost unbearable. Really, a demon, prince of a great clan, master assassin, and genius strategist, and here he was, ticklish as could be. How unfair the world was! His head tilted back with a groan, both loving and cursing those soft kisses, his skin flinched under his lover's lips and gave over to soft spasms under his hand.

"Yes...that...stop." Senji didn't want to, but he couldn't stop himself from writhing, soft gasps coming from him as he tried to contain himself. He had to bite his tongue more than once, holding his breath to stop himself from breaking down into very undignified laughter. How many people knew Senji was ticklish? The list was incredibly short. His mother, but she was deceased, his brother Kanji knew, and then there was Maverick. That was it. It was strange, on the one hand, he absolutely hated being tickled, and on the other, it was still attention from Maverick and he secretly loved it.

After the silver-eyed demon asked what kind of tart he was, though, Senji couldn't contain himself any longer, he just gave up trying. Cackles erupted from him, at least he was going to consider them cackles, like hell he was giggling. It was hard to talk while you were giggling like a fool and struggling to breathe. "Hardly," a gasp of air, "forbidden." He lost himself for a few moments again. "You're cherry. Sweet and tangy." 'And my favorite.' Of course he couldn't add that last part.

"Now stooooop." He half whined half laughed.

There it was, one of the most beautiful sounds Maverick had ever heard, Senji's laughter. It was all his doing and only his to hear. It always filled him with a deep sense of pride when he could get that sound to come forth unrestrained and carefree form his lover's lips. It was not the usual cruel laughter of the hunt nor a smirk of triumph but pure unadulterated laughter that caused a smile to break out on the silver-eyed demon's face.

'Yes I suppose you're right. Nothing is forbidden to you. But, cherry, huh? That's interesting, wonder what that makes you,' mused briefly as he continued to rub his cheek against Senji. But, his tongue could not be silenced for long, not when an opportunity like this was so openly provided for challenging.

"And if I don't? What if I don't want to stop, hmm? What are you going to do then when I do more of," Maverick purposely moved both hands to tickle the demon beneath him while smirking evilly down at his lover, "this? Tell me Senji, what then?"

Laughter was not something that came easily to Senji. It was such a foreign sound to his ears, rarely did he hear such a pure laughter come from his own lips. Usually the only laughter he indulged in were cruel sneers and cackles as he toyed with his victims. Was it a sign of weakness, this pure sound? Maybe it was. This was Maverick, however, and although he still disliked being forced to laugh, he found that he did not mind letting his lover hear the sound as much as he might another.

As much as Senji was enjoying the attention, he also didn't like being tickled. His expression of mirth changed into a more vicious, but still playful smirk at Maverick's words. "I'd rather show you." His words were a purr as he suppressed his laughter. It was odd how easy it suddenly was to stop laughing, when a moment before he couldn't contain his giggles.

Gripping Maverick tightly, he rolled them in a quick motion, so that he was pressing down on his lover once more, pinning the gorgeous creature beneath him. His hands sought those of Maverick's intertwining their fingers and squeezing lightly. Senji's lips pressed against his lover's in a hungry kiss, tongue probing eagerly, wanting to taste his lover's sweet, unique flavor. He loved the way the beautiful silver-eyed demon tasted, the way he felt pressed against him, his sweet scent, everything.

Maverick's eyes widened in surprise moments before he was flipped over to lay flat on his back beneath his precious lover. While inwardly he could feel himself melting with silly romantic emotions, outwardly he pouted. 'Of course I end up on the bottom. Why do I ALWAYS end up on the bottom Senji? Then again,' he mused, a smirk forming on his lips as that particular train of thought continued, 'I can still win from the bottom.'

He squeezed back, brushing his thumbs against the backs of the other demon's hands, enjoying the bittersweet tension of the moment. Tongues battled in their own struggle for dominance, neither winning or losing as they danced about from side to side and mouth to mouth. Senji tasted like fine wine, sweet with a bitter, tangy aftertaste yet smooth as silk as he drank him in.

How he was captivated and enthralled by this creature. It simply was not fair how much this demon unknowingly tortured him with these displays of affection. He wanted to control him, make him hurt for all the suffering Maverick endured in silence. He wanted to worship him, make him feel all the pleasure of presence Maverick endured in silence. The silver-eyed demon wanted to make Senji his and become his. He wanted-no he would not admit to wanting that. It would kill him. He could not bear even the merest hint of it within his thoughts. It was a poison that would spread and kill him from the inside out. He had to endure, for Senji, for himself. There was no other option.

Instead of acting on the desires of his heart, Maverick acted on those of the flesh. His arms reached up to encircle his lover, tangling long fingers in silken hair, tugging the head even closer to his own as he fought for dominance in their kiss. "Before or after I show you what I can do, your highness?"

As his tongue intertwined with Maverick's in a heated battle for dominance, Senji knew once more to the depths of his very soul that no other would ever be able to make him feel so deeply and passionately. Suddenly he was angry at himself, those twenty years apart were foolish and for nothing. He had let something petty come between them; a worthless whore that meant nothing to either of them in the grand scheme of things. All those years Senji had felt deadened inside, not even the thrill of bloodshed could rouse in him a thirst for life. No lover had been able to staunch the horrible wound in his dark heart.

The past twenty years had proven the greatest trial of Senji's existence so far, and because of his damned pride, Maverick had not been there. How different might things have been if he'd had his delightfully sinful partner? How much easier might he have crawled back from the depths of devastation? The mercury-eyed vision of physical perfect didn't even know what hell he'd endured alone in darkness without him. Suddenly, he felt the fires of passion dying inside him. A night of deliciously brutal love-making had left him with no regrets, but now he felt worn-out and emotionally depleted.

He didn't withdraw from the kiss, rather he clung tighter to the demon beneath him, resting comfortably on top of the other demon, but the dynamic of the kiss changed. Senji knew that Maverick would sense the dying of carnal hunger into something simply familiar and more compliant. After spending all night dominating his lover, the prince was simply tired and didn't feel like fighting anymore. Frankly, Maverick was completely exhausting to be around! Although he did have the enjoyable thought that his sudden change of behavior would throw his lover completely off. It could be fun to watch his darling student stew in uncertainty and suspicion.

"After all these years, my pet, I'm quite familiar with what you can do, but by all means, I never get tired of watching you in action." His voice was soft and husky, crimson eyes languidly closed, body relaxed and more at ease than it had been in a long time.

The demon was somewhat fearful of the implications of what this gentler nature of his partner might mean. While he himself had exposed a softer, needier side, Maverick had never expected the same from Senji. While he was willing to gamble his heart he never wished to gamble it with the other's knowledge of what was really at stake. Did Senji know his deepest secret? Did this youngster recognize what his fool student had failed to forever keep hidden?

He shuttered his eyes against the thoughts that raced through him, knowing how easily he could be read by his mentor. If the demon prince knew then there was no reason to give him any more fuel for the fire than he already had. Maverick would not be toyed with anymore than the other man already did. There was a balance to be maintained after all.

That soft seductive quality of his former teacher's voice still caused him to tremble like a newborn foal taking its first steps. He heard his own voice reply with a rawness that held more of his true self in it than he had intended.

"Twenty years is long enough to learn new things even for old dogs such as I." Almost hesitantly he allowed his gripping fingers to relax their hold on the other's hair and to soothe any ache with a repetitive combing with feather-light touches. "Perhaps though it would be best to wait for another time when you could enjoy it better."

'When I can enjoy it better with a tethered heart,' his mind scorned, blaming his heart for such puppy feelings.

Senji sighed softly as those words rolled over and through him. He didn't think of his lover as an old dog, and he didn't care how many tricks he knew or didn't know, but he couldn't say that. Besides, what happened when they had learned all the tricks and there simply were no more of them to learn? A troubling thought. Crimson eyes slowly flickered open as those fingers began to run so softly through his hair. His head tilted into the touch, savoring the sweetness of it.

"Who says I wouldn't enjoy it now?" The smolder had gone out of his eyes, and his voice lost its silky purr. Maverick was probably right; he was in an odd mood, was he not? Was it really an odd mood, though? Or was he just letting his weariness put down his guard. "Oh well, another time."

Reluctantly he rolled off of the fair-haired demon, stretching out on the bed beside him and gazing up at the ceiling thoughtfully, not really sure what to really do or say. What was there to be said? He'd shaken Maverick with his tender behavior, that much he knew, but he couldn't say for sure why. Perhaps it was just because it was not a side of himself that he had readily shared with his lover before.

"We're quite the pair, aren't we?" His voice came as a soft mumble, eyes closing wearily; he didn't even try to hide his exhaustion. What was the point? Senji's thoughts went back to Maverick's annoying pet momentarily and he sighed, deciding it was best to just be out with it, before Maverick accidentally brought it up without realizing His voice was soft, barely a whisper, the hint of a tremor to it. "Ari is dead."

Maverick regretted his choice in the face of Senji's odd gentleness now that it meant he was pulling away from him. He sighed and remained put, unwilling to chase after the other like a sick puppy. But, the mention of his lover's pet made his stomach clench painfully.

On the one hand, he was angered to hear mention of the little toy that had always gained Senji's love and affections, getting away with things that not even Maverick on his best behavior could get away with. Why when they laid together must his lover think of someone other than him? Yet, on the other hand he could tell there was something more to the statement than just those three words.

He did not wish to ruin this moment by saying the wrong thing but what could he even say to that? Maverick rolled to his side and leaned up on his elbow to observe Senji's face. "How did you break your pet?" he asked without any of the venom he felt curling within his belly. Where was the joy and relief he should feel to know that obstacle was out of his way? Why did he only feel sick inside?

Senji had always been aware of Maverick's hatred of his beloved little Ari, his precious bunny. Just as his loathing of his lover's little imp was no secret. Earlier he had felt himself battling with his typical jealousy against Amdoska, but now it was so much more than that. It was wrong to be jealous of Maverick still having his pet simply because his own was dead, but he couldn't help it. Why should that annoying little imp be allowed to live on when his sweet little bunny was gone?

The truth was, he doubted his long-time lover truly understood the depth of the connection he had for Ari. His pet had been someone he was more than just fond of. Ari had been an outlet for Senji's feelings, his affection, those passions that he couldn't dare give to Maverick, no matter how he might have wanted to. To lose him had left him devastated in a way he couldn't even fully grasp, let alone express to anyone, least of all his lover.

Eyes that had been softly closed squeezed shut, expression twisting into something of grief and anger. Why did the other torment him with such a question? Pain radiated through him as he recalled what had happened to his darling pet. It was so different when you meant to kill someone. In all his centuries of life, he had never once killed someone accidentally before. Why did the fact that his intention hadn't been murder make it so much harder to bear?

"I didn't mean to. It was an accident." It was his entire fault, there was no one else to blame, not even his little bunny could take the fall for this mistake. "I killed him because I let him get away with too much, and when I did finally decide to punish him it was always so harsh. I just...I went too far."

"We need to find you a new outlet," the demon blurted out before he was able to catch himself. He certainly had not meant to say the first thing that came to mind even if he did believe it. It was too late to recall the statement though and of course Maverick was not going to apologize for the almost cruel words.

While he recognized and was jealous of the bond his lover had had with the pet, Maverick had no idea that it was there because of himself. He did not know what to say though in the face of this vulnerability. He was not brave enough to do what his heart wanted and not cruel enough to taunt and spew the venom that stung his tongue. Yet he still remained bitter. There would always be something to take the place he wanted to be in at Senji's side.

"But, when you are ready you will find a new pet and you will start anew. It is not as if such a thing is impossible, you have all of eternity to make up for it."

Crimson eyes snapped open as those words hit him like a kick in the gut. A new outlet? Was that really what he had to say about it? Cold fury burned in those eyes, though there was the soft glisten of barely contained tears. Leave it to Maverick to be so insensitive! Then again, how could he even expect his lover to even begin to understand how badly this had truly hurt him. Eyes fluttered shut, squeezing painfully as burning tears leaked from the corners of his eyes, despite his best effort to contain them.

Each additional word stabbed at him like a knife. There was a profound wound, an emptiness in his heart, a void that Ari had filled. His love for Maverick had been so much easier to suppress and contain with Ari there to lavish that excess affection onto. The demon's pet had always been someone to redirect those intense feelings onto. It had been safe to show Ari sides of himself that he hadn't dared expose to his true heart's desire, the mercury-eyed demon that so cruelly hurt him now.

"Replace Ari? I could live for eternity and not be able to replace him! You don't understand. You can't understand what he meant for me. What his death means for me. I loved him so much, too much. I don't want another pet, I want Ari." Despite the quiver of rage in his voice, the words were spoken in a low, hushed rush. The very act of speaking make his chest ache more viciously. Maverick had been able to distract him from that pain for a while, but now it was coming back full force.

It wasn't fair to unburden all this on his lover, but Kanji would not speak to him, especially about Ari. Frankly, Senji didn't know who else to share his pain with. Since the moment he'd met Maverick, it was really him that the crimson-eyed prince wanted to share all his joys and pains with. Even with centuries together, he still couldn't open up fully to him, no matter that he wanted to.

Maverick wanted nothing more than to sit up and turn his back on Senji, to walk away and not come back, to put an end to his suffering. Yet, he could not. He did sit up though and scoot back to rest against the headboard, his gaze trained on the far wall.

'How can I bring you comfort when I despised that which brought you joy? How can I understand or wish to when I want you to feel that way about me? A pretty pet means more to you than your lover ever could. Why is it now when the one you lavished with your affections upon is dead, that you finally open your heart to me. Do you even feel for that demon or do you just miss that which worshiped the ground you walked on?'

His hand fell out to the side, coming to rest upon Senji's head where it combed his hair rhythmically and trailed behind his ears. Maverick sighed heavily, wishing he knew what words to say and yet found there were none that could soften the ache within his lover's eyes.

'How long as it been?' he wanted to ask when instead he questioned something else instead. "Does Kanji know?"

It hurt when Maverick got up and moved to sit with his back against the headboard. Although, what had he really expected? To be taken gently into his lover's arms and comforted? That was rich! No, this was already more than he should have expected. This had been a mistake, pouring out his heart and soul to Maverick was dangerous, even when he had Ari as an excuse for his behavior. If he made a mistake, it could turn so easily away from being about how much losing Ari had hurt to how much he really needed Maverick.

Senji closed his eyes as those fingers moved so tenderly through his hair. A tremble ran through him as he tried to stem the tide of tears. At least he had not begun to sob like some pathetic sap. The question made him stiffen though. How should he answer that? Mother have mercy, just the thought of the look in Kanji's eyes made his stomach knot painfully. He knew that he was not the only one mourning the loss of Ari, and enduring the wrath of his brother for his crime. Who'd have thought that he would actually wish his younger brother would talk to him?

"He knows, he was there, he saw everything but he couldn't make me stop. He won't even talk to me right now. I wasn't allowed to bury Ari. Kanji wouldn't let me. He put Ari in the ground behind his house, and he won't even let me come near. He's never been so mad at me before, and I don't know what to do." Had he fallen into senseless babbling? Senji wasn't even sure if he was making sense anymore, but the pain in his voice made him wince. It was usually he that was causing pain to others, hearing his own anguish was unfamiliar and unsettling.

"Poor Kanji," Maverick murmured as he brought his arms to wrap around Senji. 'And poor lover,' his mind whispered afraid to offer such sympathies and be rebuked for them. "He adored Ari." His lips pursed tightly in frustration. 'And Ari worshiped you. Is that what you miss Senji, adoration? Is that why I can't love you? I don't worship you?'

The demon sighed and rubbed Senji's shoulders. "Kanji will speak to you again. He is hurting but he cares for you greatly. Give him time. All will mend itself once more. It always does," he added the last in a near wistful tone.

It broke whatever semblance of a heart Maverick had to hear his lover so utterly devastated and pained by his pet's death. Yet, there were no words he knew that would bring comfort. He was incapable of bringing Ari back from the dead and short of that, the demon there was anything that could be done. Senji would accept no replacement especially not Maverick and perhaps that was what hurt the older demon the most. He would never be enough to the man he longed for.

'Forget him,' he wanted to say. 'See me,' he wished to scream. 'Love me,' his heart sobbed.

Senji stiffened in Maverick's arms, waves of pain, jealous, and rage coursing through his mind and heart. Poor Kanji? Is that all he could think to say! Here he was pouring his bleeding heart out to his lover and the best he could come up with was poor Kanji? It was his beloved pet that had died. It was his anguished heart filled with guilt and self-loathing. It was his lover that he was seeking comfort from and it was Kanji who was getting the sympathy?

Should he lash out in anger at the perceived betrayal or break down sobbing in his misery? Neither seemed to be a good or productive choice. Lashing out might drive Maverick away from him, but allowing the true depth of his pain to pour out could break him. Just crying in his lover's arms was more than he had ever felt comfortable with. Senji Yamada, the vengeful prince of his people, did not need comforted by anyone.

It was only a small mercy that no one else was here to witness his shame. Would Maverick hold this against him, though? The thought that his beautiful silver-eyed love might hurt him in such a malicious way was unbearable. It wasn't fair that he wanted the other demon so much that it hurt and yet his feelings were so taboo that he couldn't even think of expressing them. His hands balled into fists and he pounded them against Maverick's chest and stomach with all the strength of a toddler throwing a tantrum.

"Poor Kanji, poor Kanji, I don't give a fuck about poor fucking Kanji right now. Why can't you pretend to care about how it hurts me?"

Maverick took the weak blows to his body in stride, his eyes shuttered as he buried away the pain of understanding. He often had said that Senji was a baby or a child but it had never been proved more fully than now. The temper tantrum did not phase him so much as make him truly pay attention to what the demon price was not saying.

Wordlessly he pulled his lover closer to his own body and squeezed him tightly, his lips pressing to the top of Senji's head as he murmured softly to try and sooth him. 'Is my being here not enough for you?' he wanted to scream and yet he kept his silence.

Making a decision, Maverick pulled Senji up some so as to leave kisses on his forehead and cheeks as he continued to hold him so tightly. If he could not be enough for Senji than at least he could try and make him forget.

Senji's tantrum was over quickly, his body practically melting against Maverick's as his lover pulled him into a tight embrace. His arms wrapped fiercely around the other's torso, his head fell to the chiseled chest, relishing the closeness of the moment. This tender affection was what he really needed and craved from his beloved student. 

Crimson eyes had closed, tears still trickled down his cheeks, but they were slowing as he clung to his lover desperately. Maverick didn't understand what this all meant for Senji, how could he? Still, this was better than he could have asked for. He'd almost expected scorn for his show of weakness, but this comforting gesture was more precious to him than any words could describe.

His breathing was raw and ragged as he was pulled up; bright red eyes remained shuttered as those soft kisses touched his flushed, hot skin. His hands moved from Maverick's back, sliding up and around to his chest in a sensual touch. His voice came out in a husky whisper. "Make the pain go away."

The older demon rolled them both over slowly, making sure to continue his kisses and caresses without end. Yet even with Senji sprawled and willing beneath him, Maverick found that he could not claim this victory over his lover. He refused to take advantage of the vulnerability being shown to him. It disgusted him to think that he could not live with himself if he did.

Instead, he used his body as a shield from the world and chose to distract the demon prince with every ounce of love he could pour into him. Maverick kissed and embarrassed every bit of skin he could touch, making sure that no part of his lover was forgotten. Like a hummingbird he flitted from place to place with a gentle grace that he secretly hoped would not be questioned later. For now all that mattered was that Senji forgot his pain and drowned in a sea of pleasure meant for him alone.

It wasn't long before Senji's mind was awash in a gentle tide of pleasure and sensation. The tender, loving care that he was being shown caused every nerve-ending in his body and mind to tingle warmly. Thoughts of Ari, Kanji, pain, or anger were swept away in gentle waves of passion. He still longed for his pet, somewhere deep inside him, but he couldn't focus on anything but his wonderful lover, and it killed him to know that this wasn't real. For now, he let himself pretend, though.

By the time Maverick was done, Senji lay sprawled comfortably across the bed, muscles too weak to even move, he felt soft, weak, vulnerable. What was surprising was that he felt okay with that, if only for the moment. His lover was by his side again, and with his beautiful demon, he was invincible. Crimson eyes were hidden behind heavy lids as he drifted to sleep with a sigh.

Even once Senji was spent, Maverick continued to selflessly ignore his own desires in the face of his lover's comfort. To see the demon before him so relaxed in the throes of passion followed by slumber was amazing for him to behold. It was the first time that Maverick could truly admit to himself that his sleeping dark prince was beautiful to behold. Shielded were the flashing eyes and silenced was the biting tongue, leaving only a peaceful moment in their wake.

Slowly, he lowered himself back onto the bed, careful not to smother his lover even as he continued to protectively drape over the younger demon. He would gain no rest while the other slept, instead choosing to lay still and watch over Senji for as long as necessary. And should the demon awake once more in a pained rage then once more Maverick would comfort him back into peace as many times as necessary, providing the only comfort for his lover that he knew how to give.

Sleep, deep and restful, had taken hold of Senji. The pain had numbed and his body and mind relaxed more completely than they had in decades. Hours passed with the demon prince laying warm and content under the protective watch of his favorite and most beloved companion. Not that he'd ever said as much, but it was true nonetheless.

When crimson eyes slowly opened once more, the prince looked around almost in a daze. When his eyes fell on Maverick, they softened and he pressed his body closer, snuggling up to his lover. His head rested against his over's chest and he nuzzled to warm skin there. His tongue even flicked out to lightly tease the warm flesh. His arms wrapped about the other demon and for once he didn't say anything at all.

Maverick knew the moment his lover awakened. His eyes had not left Senji's face since the demon prince has first fallen asleep. Tensely he waited to see what his lover would do, whether he would rage and reject him or do something else entirely.

He certainly was not expecting the display of affection though and therefore was unprepared for the sensual caress of a warm tongue upon his skin. Involuntarily he inhaled sharply and shuddered in pleasure. His own needs had not dimmed and instead were further kindled by the reminder of their presence.

"Tease," he exhaled barely above a whisper.

His arms remained wrapped around the other's torso, but his hands moved slowly over the skin of the demon's back, savoring the feel of the other in his embrace. Grey hair fell into his face, but he ignored it as he let his teeth softly graze the warm flesh teasingly.

The involuntary reaction that he was able to tease from his lover gave him a little rush of pleasure. His beloved had catered very selflessly to his needs to the point that he'd been unable to even remain awake. Perhaps he should show a little...appreciation. Senji let his eyes fall closed, a faint smile crossing his lips as he continues to kiss and tease the warm skin of Maverick's chest.

His breath ghosted across his lover's skin as he whispered breathlessly, "You love it."

"I do," he breathed back, meaning something entirely different than Senji. His prince could not see how his eyes gazed at him with such adoration and dare he think it, love. Maverick was a fool in love and the object of his affections was blessedly too blind to see it.

He tried to enjoy the sensations setting wildfires of pleasure across his skin but was finding himself distracted by whom was delivering those caresses. It was not fair how good at this his lover was or just how beautiful Senji was when he was acting so gentle. It forced Maverick in needing to guard his heart better as it was already beating far too hard as it cried out to its other half in hopes of being heard.

Wordlessly, the older demon snaked a hand behind his lover's head and gave a gentle tug of the hair he found there. His own lips lowered to kiss the strong jaw he found there, allowing him to savor the feel of sharp edges colliding with his. How he had missed this. Now if he could only keep himself from unraveling completely before Senji, then all would be well.

'I love you.' His heart screamed those words with each beat of his heart those words roared in his ears in a rush of blood and heat. Senji was in a state of bliss as his lips and tongue softly teased the flesh of his lover's chest. The sensual, loving way they were holding each other was almost too much for his heart to stand.

He felt the hand slither behind his head and through his hair like a serpent through grass, a soft sound of desire escaped his lips as he felt the kiss to his jaw. Senji found his nails softly scraping across the skin of Maverick's back, holding to his over in an intimate embrace.

Tilting his head he caught Maverick's lips with his own. The kiss was soft, sensual, and needy. Surely the other could feel his desperate but silent(and very rare) invitation.

'I love you,' Maverick's own heart screamed back, deaf to his lover's beating a tattoo against both their chests. He was overwhelmed with fluttering sensations that caressed and teased his willing flesh. The kiss took his breath away in a gush of air that escaped him and left him gasping for more.

It scared him just how quickly Senji could set his blood on fire and leave him hungry for more. The submissiveness coming from his generally dominant partner was intoxicating. While some animal part of Maverick screamed to control and brutally take possession of what was his now, a softer voice encouraged him to be just as slow and sweet.

Maverick was sinking fast into the sea of his emotions, drowning in unrequited love, yet reveling in every second of it. He kissed back hungrily and slowly as if trying to savor and drink Senji in like a fine wine. His hands like moths around a flame, danced too and fro never stopping at one place yet managing to brush against every inch of his lover's body.

There were no words he could speak now for fear of destroying the thin fabric keeping the moment together. How he desired though to tell his demon prince how much he wanted him, how much he needed him, how much he died inside when they were apart. Instead, he told his pain and desire through every kiss, every gasp, every touch, every beat of his heart, praying it was heard in the ways that ears could not.

Senji found himself mingling soft sounds of pleasure with his gasps of desire as his lover kissed him with such gentle passion. Their coming together was usually forceful, even violent, but this was something else entirely and the red-eyed devil found himself overwhelmed with emotions. Feelings like this frightened him, but he ached for it at the same time. Was it a crime for a demon, a prince, an assassin to love and be loved?

Every place Maverick's fingers touched set his flesh on fire, until Senji was certain he was being consumed by flame. Never did anyone else make the demon prince burn with such passion, no one else could make him long for them the way he longed for Maverick. His mind, body, and heart ached for his lover, the years they spent apart tore at him like the torments of the damned. Why couldn't he just muster the courage to tell him that even as his own heart screamed in his chest.

Part of him struggled with the situation. To submit to his emotions felt like weakness, and there was the desire to dominate, to win. Another part of him silently begged for it to never stop. He didn't want to be the strong one now. He wanted to be weak, to be vulnerable, to show Maverick just how deeply he trusted and cared for him. Even if he couldn't choke out the words, he wanted his actions to say what he could not.

His kisses became hungry, desperate and pleading for his lover's attention. Maverick wanted to drown out every last thought of Ari until there was nothing left for Senji to remember or think about except the present moment. He was admittedly the jealous possessive type. What was his belonged to him and damn anyone that got in his ways, even dead demon lovers.

He wanted to control his demon prince, make him dance under Maverick's ministrations with pleasure, make him beg for more and and cry for it to stop all in the same breath. In all but name he was Senji's slave and willing at that.

Maverick rolled atop his lover, cradling his lover's head in his hands as he lavished affections upon the face held there and writhed against his form. Throwing caution to the wind, he whispered his need and desire, nearly waxing poetic as he did so. He told Senji with complete honesty how much he had missed him, not caring whether he was believed or not. All he could think about as he drowned in his lover's embrace was soothing the burning flame of love within him.

Every time their lips met, Senji felt his breath being stolen away. Each touch, each whispered word set his body afire. How could he possibly survive this demon? How could he possibly survive without him? Their was no doubt in his mind or heart that he loved and needed this seductive, irresistible demon.

All the carefully constructed walls he had built around his heart seemed to crack and splinter as those whispers washed over him in a tide of absolute destruction and chaos. His most precious of lovers had not said that he loved him, but what he did say was so close that it almost didn't matter.

The demon prince did cry out, begging for more and begging for it to end all in the same breath. Maverick's attentions were his greatest joy and his deepest agony, all at once. And he loved it.

At last Maverick worked at claiming that which he secretly called his. He was uncharacteristically slow and gentle when most of their unions were akin to wildfire, this was more like a warm hearth after a cold day. He burned yet he was never warm enough. With every passing second he desired more and even as he finally claimed Senji as his own, Maverick realized he would never be able to recover from this.

In this moment of true love-making, his heart had been lost. He was the demon prince's slave forevermore. Mind, body, and soul was forever bewitched by a creature that would never return his longing and affection in the way it was offered.

Yet, in the end Maverick realized he did not give a damn. He teased and played his lover as much as he had earlier while divining his own pleasure in the man beneath him. 'Mine,' his mind screamed possessively. 'Forever mine,' was all he could think of as stars danced across his vision and he sealed his fate with a soul-wrenching kiss.

The sweet, gentle way that Maverick lavished his affection on the demon prince was something unlike anything Senji had ever experienced before - with anyone. There was a level of tenderness and love that he had never even dreamed of receiving, least of all from his silver-eyed lover. How he had longed for some sign that maybe, just maybe, his love was reciprocated.

Every soft gasp and moan threatened to carry Senji's deepest thoughts with it. 'I love you. I need you. I want more.' The words started at a scream in his mind and heart, but were soon melted into soft, broken whispers as his mind swam in a fog of pleasure. Being made love to like this - the crimson eyed prince could certainly get used to it.

Even after everything else, the intensity of the kiss rocked him, as did the earth-shattering climax that came with it. His body felt consumed in fire. His nerve endings tingled with overwhelming stimulation that was as much psychological as physical.

The raging inferno that threatened to burn every nerve ending melted into a warm, soft glow. His arms were wrapped about Maverick's torso, clinging to him almost fiercely. Everything seemed clouded and murky. His heart beat rapidly, not only from their love-making, but from the emotions that only raged harder with this experience.

"You really do love me, don't you?" The words were a soft murmur, there was none of the teasing or snark that might be expected from the demon prince.

His moment of bliss was short-lived though as he heard the dreaded "L-word" pass his lover's lips and damn him to the deepest circle of hell. Maverick's eyes widened as he flinched away, revealing his complete terror at being found out before he could slam the doors of his soul and lock away his heart behind a mask of cold indifference.

How dare Senji do this him! How dare he strip him of his one security and leave him vulnerable and open! How dare he destroy Maverick and reveal all of his fears! The older demon almost wanted to sob out his pain at being discovered but he could not break down before his prince. No he needed to be strong, he needed to save face, he needed to pull away and flee and never return.

Yet, he could not do that either. He could not leave, he never could before and there was no way he could now. "Do not confuse pity for love," he tried to scoff, feeling like he was going to be sick for saying such hateful words. He turned his face away from Senji hoping the other demon would not see the lie for what it was.

There had obviously been a risk in bringing up that word. Senji couldn't help himself. With how beautifully, how perfectly, they had just made love, his heart had dared to hope, perhaps too much. When those gorgeous silver eyes widened, when he saw the way his lover flinched, he knew right away that he had made a mistake. This was why it was too dangerous to open his heart to anyone, even Maverick.

After the flinch the crimson-eyed prince had prepared himself for rejection, as much as he could, but those words were like a knife to the chest, wrenching his beating heart and cutting it into little pieces. Pity? Of all the hurtful things Maverick could have said, that had to be near the top of the list.

Senji closed his eyes and shook his head slightly, it was all he could do not to completely break down into tears and, heaven forbid, sobs. Not in front of Maverick. He wouldn't give the bastard the satisfaction. He could imagine the smirk that would be on his lover's face, the taunting of his weakness, no, that would have killed him.

Pushing the other off him he jerked himself out of bed. His limbs felt numb and leaden, but he forced himself to begin dressing, keeping his back to Maverick. A few soft tremors shook him, but he forced them down. He didn't even want to look at the other man right now he was so disgusted. Though with himself or Maverick he wasn't entirely sure.

Maverick did not resist as he was cast aside like a useless ragdoll. His head fell into his hands as he chocked on a strangled sob. Anger quickly replaced his despair as his hand flung out, grabbing the first thing he could reach from the side table and hurled it across the room.

He surged to his feet and stormed over to where his lover was preparing himself for another departure out of his room and his life for an undetermined amount of time, except this time, Maverick was not going to let him leave so easily. He was not going to let the cycle begin, not this time, not after so soon returning to his heart.

His body slammed into Senji's with tremendous force as he shoved the other demon forward into the wall. "You don't get to start this again. You don't get to leave until I'm done with you," he hissed angrily, gripping his lover brutally as he pressed his lips against the other man's ear. "I'm not going to let you pull that shit and then just leave after you toss around those words so flippantly."

'You don't get to lay my soul bare before you. You don't get to see me for who I am and leave me alone to wonder. I won't let you!'

That sound was impossible, so Senji ignored the fleeting sob. Though he heard the sound of something being thrown. It didn't so much as slow him down. Let Maverick throw a fit over who-the-fuck-knew what. What right did that bastard have to be mad? He was the one that had said those words. The ones that had cut him so deep he felt as if he was dying inside.

The demon prince did not expect to be tackled against a wall, and he gave a soft grunt of pain as he was pressed against the hard surface. Crimson eyes flashed angrily when he heard his lover speak against his ear. His instinctive reaction would have been to rage and fight back. Instead he closed his eyes, fighting back the tears that threatened to spill at any moment.

"What right do you have to even speak to me right now? If I'm so pitiful then it shouldn't matter if I go. Get your fucking hands off me."

"It does matter!" he growled back, roughly spinning Senji around to face him before slamming him back against the wall. "Don't you get it?" Maverick shouted, shaking his lover. "It does matter. I have every right and don't you dare tell me otherwise. I'm not going to let you go. You are not leaving me this time!"

The demon was incensed. Why could Senji not see? Why did Senji have to see at all for that matter? Why had his prince seen straight through him and found that cold heart buried within the mountain of walls he had hidden it in? 'Damn him for all of this!'

Yet, it was eyes that told a different story of that anger within. There was anguish and love and the strongest emotion of all, fear. Maverick was afraid of losing Senji. He was terrified of having the walls he had constructed crash down all around him. Then, with just one word Senji had down all that and more. While the demon's heart screamed for him to tell the truth, his own self-preservation instincts warred against him, demanding he take control of the situation and put an end to all the pain he felt inside.

Part of Senji was screaming for retaliation, how dare this lesser creature manhandle him like this! Maverick shook him and screamed at him, and the demon prince allowed his lover to rage. Had the other not let him do so earlier? The emotional upheaval was almost more than he could bare. The overwhelming feelings of love that his silver-eyed love had stirred in him had made him do something stupid, and now he couldn't take it back.

Tears had welled up and refused to be held back as crimson eyes gazed into silver ones. There was heartache, betrayal, and just as much fear in red eyes as mercury ones. Senji was so afraid that he was losing Maverick forever that he felt sick to his stomach. Why wouldn't he just let him go? All there was to be found was pain and agony.

"No I don't get it because you won't fucking tell me!" The words were an anguished sob. "I asked you, practically begged, for you to say it and what do you do? Pity was the word you used you son of a bitch! I think you've made it clear just how much I matter!"

Maverick's lips parted slightly of their own accord as he gazed on in horror. As shattered as he felt inside, he had demolished Senji. The demon who had taught him, loved him, and fought with him was broken and all because of him. It made him want to scream and rage until he could bring the demon he knew was buried within show Senji's true colors. Yet, in turn it made him want to do other things to garner the same affect.

"Well what do you expect me to say?" he tried to bite out, his tone much softer now as his voice trembled slightly. "Would you have me destroy myself for you? Cast aside my pride and strip myself of all that I am for you? What do you want? What would you have me do after all these fucking years of...damn you!"

The demon let out a wordless scream and slammed his fist into the wall beside his lover's head. In his despair he had said more than he had meant to. He was always saying more than he should have. He never learned to keep his mouth shut and not it was going to bite him in the ass.

His hands clenched tightly while his head hung in shame and regret. Maverick's whole body hummed and shook with buried grief and sparking magic. "Damn you," he cursed in a whisper, sliding to his knees and beginning to sob, his hands falling limply at his sides. 'And damn me too.'

Maverick was right, he had completely destroyed Senji. The demon prince had endured unspeakable horror and agony to his physical form, but that had been but a candle next to the sun compared to the pain he felt in his heart right now. There was no one else on heaven, hell, or earth that could have hurt him so deeply. Yet through all that pain, the look and sound of his beloved's pain cut him all the more. What had he done?

As his lover spoke so tortuously, those crimson eyes closed, hot tears still streaming down his face. Guilt had his stomach tied up in knots. Because of his stupid mouth, he had put the only person that had ever claimed his heart through such agonized pain. Those eyes snapped open at the wordless scream and he flinched as the other's fist hit the wall next to his head.

Maverick sank to the floor with a final curse, and if Senji had thought his heart was broken before, looking down at his beautiful love broken in such a way proved that he hadn't known what it meant to have a broken heart.

"Oh Maverick..." Senji fell to his knees before his lover, eyes still releasing a flood down his cheeks. Tentatively he reached out to reverently cup Maverick's face in his hands. "I've already lost one of the few people I love...please..." He felt trembles running through his entire body, "I can't lose you too."

His eyes slammed shut as he held his breath, trying desperately to hide tears and the weakness that they represented. Yet, despite it all, Maverick pressed his back hard against the hand touching him, craving it and more. As far as he knew it could be the very last time he felt such a caress from the demon prince.

Tears fell all the faster as the cursed "L-word" was once more uttered. Yet, the shaking of Senji's body forced Maverick's mercury orbs to once more open and reveal the defeat within them. "Fool," he hoarsely whispered, the frog in his throat making it hard to speak. "It was you that tried to leave me."

He reached out with one hand and slipped it under Senji's chin to pull the other male closer to him in first a soft kiss that quickly became more aggressive and desperate. As quickly as it had started it stopped and Maverick was yanking his lover close and crushing him to his chest, one hand buried in silken locks and another splayed across a strong back.

"Don't you fucking leave me. Don't you dare do that to me again Senji. I can't-I won't survive it again," he sobbed into Senji's shoulder. "I'm not going to want to, if you throw me away."

Senji was so overwhelmed by it all, everything had gone insane from the moment he returned to Maverick's side. Each and every tear that fell from those beautiful silver eyes scalded his tortured heart. Why had he opened his big mouth? It had been the most perfect moment of his entire life, coming together with the love of his life, wrapped in tender passion.

In an instant their lips had come together, first softly and then fiercely, but it was short-lived. As quickly as the kiss had come, he felt himself pulled into a crushing, almost painful, hug. His arms snaked around Maverick's neck, clinging to his lover with desperation. The demon prince was afraid to ever let go, he didn't want to lose this beautiful creature.

"I am a fool," Senji admitted, voice broken with grief, "I'm so sorry. You hurt me, and I wanted to run away from the pain, but I would never throw you away. I need you, Maverick. I just wanted to know that you needed me too."

Maverick nodded his head, afraid to say the wrong words and ruin things forever. He clung to Senji like a sailor lost at sea clutching the raft that would save his life. His body still shook with sobs but now they were just as much of relief as they were of past pain. He realized now just how close he had come to losing Senji forever and all because of his stupid pride.

Hesitantly, his breath catching in his throat as his heart pounded harshly within his chest he whispered, "do you still want to know?"

Those whispered words might as well have been a deafening shout. Senji's heartbeats clashed like thunder in his chest as he and his lover clung to each other as if their very lives depended on not letting go in that moment - maybe that was even true on some level.

"More than anything..." He barely breathed, but the demon prince gathered his voice, and though his words came out broken and almost unrecognizable to his own ears, "...but I think I know."

How could he possibly try to pry those words from Maverick when it obviously caused the man he loved so much pain? That was selfish to try to make the other say the words just because it was what he wanted to hear.

Again the demon nodded his head and kept his silence. It seemed for the moment at least the storm had passed. Now they both knew, or at least he hoped Senji truly knew. He found it odd though that it did not feel like a weight had been lifted from his shoulders. Maverick felt sad and weary.

His hands relaxed from their bone-crushing grip to something more soothing and gentle. Once more, Maverick ran his fingers through Senji's hair, quietly massaging his scalp as an unspoken apology for the pain he had caused.

He was still in shock at not only hearing that the prince needed him, something that was as close as saying he was loved without actually saying it, but also being given an actual, honest apology. It was the latter that made Maverick realize just how much he had broken his lover and that thought sickened him. Senji should never have been made to apologize. A prince bows to no one.

For the moment crisis seemed to have been averted. The prince's body still trembled from the stress and terror of nearly losing what he held most dear in all the world. The relief he felt now was tremendous, but the precarious nature of their relationship had been driven home. They truly were a pair balanced on the edge of a blade, even a tiny gust of wind could send them toppling to one side or the other.

Senji easily fell into the more relaxed embrace, nuzzling his face against Maverick's neck, relishing the fact that he could still hold his beautiful demon like this, after coming so close to losing him forever. He couldn't even decide who's fault it was, but it didn't matter. The crimson-eyed prince would have shouldered all the blame just to keep his lover there in his arms.

"Now what?" He murmured softly against the skin of his beloved's neck, unsure of what to do or say. Everything was so fragile right now, he feared breaking it with so much as a misplaced sigh.

Now what indeed. Maverick knew no better than his lover how things should proceed. Were they supposed to act differently now? Were they supposed to follow some cliched romance and passionately fall into each others arms where all problems were solved and loose ends were neatly tied up? This was not a fairytale and they were both far from being heroes although Senji was prince.

'Guess that makes me the damsel,' he mused, making a mental note to never let Senji find out about that. He would never hear the end of it if his lover did. Refraining from sharing his thoughts, Maverick continued to hold Senji close to him, too afraid to let the man he had all but told he loved him read the desire within his silver eyes.

"Now, we rest and later business as usual," he quietly stated, a slight hesitancy coating his words. They both had gone through enough for one night. He did not feel they needed to delve any further into such a rocky topic. Maverick knew what he needed to know for now and he hoped Senji would likewise be satisfied. As it was though, he made no move to get up or to release his hold upon the other demon.

No, they would never be able to fall into some fairy tale where everything was alright. Happily ever afters weren't for their kind. Still, their position was precarious. Could they possibly resume everything as if none of this had happened? Senji didn't know, but at the words, he could only nod as he clung to Maverick all that much harder, how could he let go now?

His lover seemed to be just as reluctant to leave the embrace. The demon prince slowly quieted the trembling in his limbs, though there was a dull ache that remained in his chest. Crimson eyes were still moist, but the tears had stopped, and there was a bone-deep weariness hidden in those eyes.

"Let's start small. I'm starving." He murmured softly, stroking Maverick's hair softly, cradling his lover lovingly against him for a few moments longer before slowly pulling back to look at his face, into his eyes, and slowly Senji allowed a lazy smile to cross his lips before placing a soft kiss on Maverick.

He kissed back, keeping it just as soft and chaste as he could manage before pulling himself to his feet. Maverick reached down and pulled Senji to his feet, not bothering to wait for his lover to protest or struggle up on his own. His arms came around to embrace the younger demon for a moment before stepping back, his hands still resting on warm shoulders.

"Eat in or go out? What time is it for that matter?" Maverick squinted towards the window, in hopes of trying answer his own question. "What meal is even the right one about this time of day? Night?"

Everything seemed a bit strange, like a daze or a dream. The soft tenderness warmed him, the feel of his lover's hands on his shoulders kept him grounded like an anchor to a fragile reality. One he wished to quickly put behind him. Senji had carefully cultivated his image and reputation for years, and in a single night everything he had built up seemed to have shattered and crumbled down around him.

"Let's eat in." The crimson-eyed prince murmured softly, no, going out wasn't what he needed just then. Before he dared brave the outside world he needed to get a grip on himself. Only the cold-blooded killer, the ruthless prince, could go out there. This strange, weak, vulnerable creature was safe and sheltered in this room, with his fierce lover as his protector. Though he knew that he was likely to pay dearly for this night over the years.

"I feel like breakfast, don't care what time it is." Breakfast would be good, eggs, bacon, sausage, biscuits, hotcakes...something.

"As you wish, my prince," Maverick responded softly without any of the mocking tone that usually dripped from his tongue when he uttered Senji's title. He did not move away right away though as he allowed his hands to rub soothingly up and down his lover's arms. It was a gesture as much for Senji's comfort as it was his own. He needed this. His heart still hammered within his chest, fearing this all a dream for he could not believe the other demon was so cruel as to deceive him so well. If it was all a ruse, Maverick did not want to know. His lover had gotten too good even for him to notice.

He quickly shook the thoughts from his mind, wishing to suffer them no longer. "Rest," he ordered, his lips pressed teasingly close to Senji's ear. "I will ensure you have what you like." His lips curled slightly as his eyes shone warmly before he pulled away from the demon to step out into the hall.

Normally Senji would have been annoyed for Maverick to refer to his royal title, but usually the demon would have been using it to mock him. Right now there wasn't even a hint of ridicule or disrespect. For now there was just the soothing gesture of his lover's hands moving gently up and down his arms, and for that, the crimson-eyed demon was immeasurably grateful. Everything was still too raw for him to deal with keeping up his usual fronts or masks.

A soft tremble quaked through him to feel Maverick's lips pressed close to his hear as he softly ordered him to rest. No one ordered a prince, but right now, for now he could obey this simple demand - because he wanted to. At least, that's what he told himself as he watched forlornly as his lover left him there alone, though he knew the other would return soon enough.

As the door closed he sighed and once more removed what little clothing he had managed to get on before that confrontation. Naked, he slipped into bed under the covers and closed his eyes. A soft smirk played on his lips as he thought that they would have to get fresh sheets, these ones had been thoroughly soiled. Still, a peaceful expression relaxed onto his face as he once again drifted to sleep waiting on his lover to come back.

Maverick paced the hall silently, trying to decide what to do when a muffled gasp caught his ears. A wide-eyed serving girl had happened up the stairs to care for her duties when she had noticed his form flickering in and out of the shadows. Her gaze though was not focused on his face but something much lower. It was then that Maverick remembered his state of dress.

On any other day, the demon would have taken pleasure in teasing her and seeing her cheeks warm further. But, the love of another demon that resided not too far from him tamed his usual wild ways. It was too soon to be testing Senji's strength and patience. Maverick dared not break his lover so soon as telling him he was loved.

Taking advantage of the girl's shock though, he quickly ordered up enough food for two and carefully listed all of the demon prince's favorites, surprised that he had forgotten none of it in their time apart. It seemed that Maverick knew more about Senji than he had ever cared to admit. Only now that he had been broken into admitting his love did he see all the things he had been trying to ignore.

Unable to wait for her to return with the food, Maverick slid back into his room. It pleased him immensely to find his lover asleep in his bed. He made no move to disturb him as he gathered up his robe and cinched the belt about his waist. The girl had already seen him once. It would not due to tempt Senji's anger by discovering another had been catching free looks on a body he would deem belonged solely to him.

She came in what seemed like an age, yet no time at all for the demon had been scarcely breathing as he watched the other sleep. A whispered word, a transferred tray, and a quickly closed door on curious eyes was all it took to gather a breakfast fit for a king of thieves let alone a prince of demons. Maverick sunk gently onto the bed, quietly calling for his love to waken as the tray was placed across his own lap.

"Food's here."

Sleep would be considered a generous description of what Senji just received, more like a catnap. Crimson eyes flickered open groggily as the other's weight joined him on the bed, ears bathing in the sweet sound of his lover's voice calling him softly to wakefulness. Reaching a hand up he rubbed at his eyes with a soft groan.

Sixteen years he'd had nothing to do except sleep, rest, and recover from his torture. Seemed to him like his body still felt more heavy than it should, his eyes more strained, his soul too raw. Perhaps he'd come back to Maverick too soon, this entire disaster could have been avoided if he'd showed some self-restraint. Too late now.

Not to mention, he could smell breakfast and his mouth immediately began watering. "Do I smell hotcakes smothered in blueberry syrup?" He gave another sniff, crimson eyes lighting up. "Mm...I do. Sausage too. Did you remember the clementines? What about sliced strawberries?" Senji couldn't hide his excitement and enthusiasm if he tried - so he didn't try.

The older demon chuckled deeply in amusement at his lover's questions as he smiled fondly. "Indeed you do, and how could you accuse me of forgetting my prince's favorites? Far from a knight in shining armor Senji, that does not make me completely inept," he teased.

Maverick picked up a small silver bowl, holding it cupped in the palm of his hand as he used his other hand delicately chose a sliver of strawberry with grate care. "I even brought you a treat. If you're good and close your eyes I might even let you have some of it." He winked and smirked while waiting for Senji to decide to obey or not.

Senji scoffed slightly as he eyed Maverick with an odd gleam in his eyes. The prince really couldn't argue about his lover's statement regarding knights in shining armor - he certainly wasn't a prince charming. "Not inept, just really old," Senji smirked, "Dementia and all that, my pet."

The crimson-eyed demon bristled slightly at the command, balking at the idea of being told what to do by anyone. Forcing down his initial reaction, Senji let his eyes slid closed with a last, smoldering look at his lover. Obeying anyone was not something he was fond of doing, but he trusted Maverick explicitly. Besides, he'd make his beautiful demon make it up to him later.

Maverick laughed at being called old and shook his head good-naturedly. It pleased him to no end to see Senji willing to play along. With a soft smile he dipped the cool fruit into the warmed white chocolate in the bowl in his hand before delicately brushing it against his lovers lips.

"Open," he urged softly. "You'll like this."

The devilish prince had a pretty good idea of what was coming. Senji wasn't sure what to make of it, actually, but found himself practically humming in pleasurable anticipation. The idea of Maverick feeding him was oddly sensual and stimulating. It was even more stimulating when he felt the slice of strawberry brushing across his lips, leaving a trail of cooling white chocolate.

Obediently his lips parted as he tilted his head forward, catching Maverick's fingers softly between his lips and gently sucking on them as he accepted the little treat provided. Pulling back he licked his lips and grinned, but kept his eyes carefully closed. "Mmm."

A gasp escaped his lips as his fingers were taken in between his lovers. The flash of pick tongue missed a tiny bit of the sugary sweetness and Maverick made sure when he offered the second piece to get some chocolate on the spot as well, loving the look of it coating Senji's lips.

"Naughty little demon prince you are trying to give your lover a heart attack. Don't I already suffer enough with my, what was it you called it, dementia?"

Senji's grin only turned into a smirk as he listened to Maverick's voice dance through his ears, causing him to shiver softly. Just hearing the other's voice sent him into a quivering pile of desire. There was something even more compelling about his love now that they both knew what the other meant to them.

"Mm. I don't want to give you a heart attack. I had another organ entirely in mind when I did that." He teased, but kept his eyes closed as he took the next bite offered, though he left out the blatant teasing of his lover's fingers this time.

"Mm is that so?" Maverick murmured, catching Senji's chin in one hand as he suddenly leaned into the demon and licked away the traces of leftover chocolate before moving in to kiss him passionately. "Do you find it wise to awaken that organ so soon my prince? You know what they say about sleeping demons."

Senji practically purred as Maverick licked the chocolate from his lips, then groaned appreciatively into the kiss. He even going so far as to growl softly in annoyance when Maverick began to speak. He furrowed his brow slightly, eyes fluttering open to gaze up at his lover a moment before a slow smirk spread on his lips.

"What do they say about sleeping demons? That they're no fun? Besides, since when am I wise and not impulsive?"

Maverick chuckled as he stole a bite of fruit for himself, sucking slowly on a segment of clementine as he thought of an appropriate answer for the demon beside him. "I suppose you are right. You do tend to be quite impulsive from the few glimpses I've seen of you. Perhaps I need a closer look to come to a definite decision though."

Senji rolled his eyes, few glimpses? The demonic prince had shared more of his life with Maverick than he had with anyone else alive. Save maybe his brother, and that really was a maybe. He and Kanji weren't exactly close to each other. They were different of temperament and often fought when they spent too long in each other's company.

"You can look as close as you want, Maverick, and nobody else can say the same." Honestly the crimson-eyed demon was cold and calculating, impulsiveness was tempered by the need for control, but he did love to indulge himself on occasion.

"How fortunate for me to be gifted with unhindered sight of the life the most powerful demon prince this pathetic world has ever seen," Maverick purred. He then moved the tray so that it rested more across both their laps.

"Eat Senji. I will be quite putout if you let it go cold after all I suffered through to ensure you would have your heart's desires. You're not exactly an easy charge to care for," he only half-jested. The younger demon certainly was more than a handful when he decided to be.

The post powerful demon prince? Senji hummed happily, liking the sound of that, but not at all sure if it was true. Honestly he knew of at least one of demon blood that had thoroughly humbled him. Bitterly he was reminded of the painful twenty year separation from the gorgeous demon beside him now.

"None of the best or most fun things are easy, my pet." Giving Maverick a smug grin, the demon prince went to work on breakfast. As tempting as his lover was, he really was hungry. His appreciative moans of pleasure at the delightful tastes of his favorite things might have been just a little exaggerated, just for the hell of it as he generously shared the meal with his lover.

Maverick pouted at his lover's smugness before joining him in eating the food. He was surprised and likewise amused to find that he was famished. Each sound that passed Senji's lips would make him shiver in delight and it was a testament to his will that the food did not end up on the floor so that he could tussle with the demon again for another ravishing.

"Enjoying yourself over there? Sounds like you're having a party all by yourself," he teased with a knowing grin.

While mostly focused on eating, Senji still let his sparkling crimson eyes wander over to gaze appreciatively at his lover. Maverick was so breath-takingly gorgeous it made his heart hurt with just how much he adored the devious creature. The little shivers he managed to sneak a glimpse of only made him enjoy the sight that much more, and was why he was doing it in the first place. He loved the way he could make his beloved shiver so effortlessly.

"Oh I am, I am. You are welcome to join my little celebration." The demon prince practically purred the words before raising the chocolate dipped slice of strawberry that was in his hand and suggestively flicking his tongue out to lick at the cooling white treat. How he loved to tease!

Silver eyes darkened with lust as Maverick watched his lover's lascivious displays with rapt attention. With a deep breath he allowed his eyes to shutter closed as he ate his own food in straight-backed silence. As much as he would love to pounce upon the demon at his side, he was not about to given into such urges quite so readily. They had done enough of that already and could behave themselves enough to actually finish a meal, or so he hoped.

"I think I'll settle for hanging on the outskirts this time, wouldn't want to spoil the fun and all."

It was fascinating, truly, to watch his lover's internal struggle play out subtly over his handsome face. Senji smirked as Maverick stubbornly continued eating, not taking his bait; popping the slice of fruit in his mouth that he'd been playing with the demon prince hummed provocatively. The silver-eyed beauty was certainly doing an admirable job of resisting temptation.

"As you wish, but the real fun doesn't start until you give in to your delicious fantasies and darkest desires. You know I'm yours for the taking my pet." After all, Senji had taken his lover over and over and over again earlier. Turnabout was only fair play, especially if it was as exquisite as it had been right before that near disastrous fight.

Maverick hummed noncommitedly, fearing anything else would trap him into another if Senji's little games. Not that he did not enjoy his lover's antics. He simply did not want to be the hapless fish dangling at the end of the line, bait caught in cheek.

"As you said, the best and most fun things aren't easy. I have no problem with the wait when I know the reward."

It would seem that Senji was not going to win this round. Pouting slightly he popped another piece of strawberry into his mouth, this time without all the extra show. Well, not even he could win all the time, and losing could be just as fun as winning when Maverick was involved. That thought caused him to smile deviously.

"So, my pet, what do you have planned in that delightfully wicked mind of yours for after breakfast? Is there any fun to be had in the ever sinful Zantaric? I've been gone so long from this place!"

It amused him to see Senji at least concede. Perhaps it would be for but a moment but it was enough for Maverick to enjoy. The question posed of him though was another story. It sent an icy drop of concern, for the demon would never admit to panic, into his belly where it spread like wildfire.

Outwardly he was as poised as any nobleman. "There is always fun to be had if you know where to look. This is Zantaric after all. Is there something you had in mind or has the boredom of my presence finally set in?"

"Oh my pet, you know what makes me happy. Murder, mayhem, destruction, and devastation..." Senji chuckled, red eyes flashing darkly as he rolled over, stretching out on the bed before folding his arms behind his head and looking up at the ceiling thoughtfully.

"And I find it hard to grow bored in the presence of my finest pupil, you always keep me...entertained." A smirk spread across his lips as his eyes grew just a shade darker, his expression one of dark delight and intent.

"I do try ever so hard, Master," the demon purred while peering out of the corner of his eye. "But then I'm sure I still have much yet left to learn." Maverick smirked as he tenderly bit into and sucked on an orange slice, relishing the tangy flavor that made his tastebuds dance with delight.

"Tell me though," he continued, adopting a more businesslike attitude, though the playfulness still lurked in the corner of his eyes. "Which of your favorite pastimes shall we start with this time? Any preferences old friend?"

Senji seemed to carefully consider the question for several moments as he kept his crimson gaze on the ceiling. Finally he crinkled his nose as he rolled onto his stomach and looked up at Maverick with a smirk. "After all the wicked things we've done to each other, I think the first order of business is a bath and fresh clothing. I must appear magnificent as we stir up trouble, naturally."

"Naturally," Maverick echoed with a twinge of sarcasm and a smirk on his lips. "But the better second question must then be, will you be needing assistance with said bath?" The demon waggled his brows suggestively even as his eyes seemed to laugh at the idea of more fun.

"I wouldn't say that I need assistance, but if you're offering I won't turn down having your hands running all over my perfect self..." Senji grinned wickedly at his lover before stretching languidly as he rose from the bed, making sure Maverick was getting a nice eyeful of his physique.

Maverick chuckled and shook his head slightly. "No I don't suppose you would turn down an opportunity to have someone else do all the work for you while you bask in the self-proclaimed worship of your person. Careful though Senji, I would hate for you to drown in your bathwater from becoming so top heavy. Would be a right tragedy it would!" the other demon jested while popping some more fruit in his mouth and chewing slowly.

Senji huffed softly, blood-red eyes narrowing playfully as he glared at his lover over his shoulder as he sauntered away. "As if something so dull as drowning could be the end to something as magnificent as me. Besides, I am a prince, of course I expect others to do the work for me."

The older demon slid from the bed, one last piece of fruit in hand to suck on as he made his own way over to where is lover was currently testing his resolve. "Mightier have fallen under lesser means," he murmured softly, as he allowed a hand to teasingly trace the curve of Senji's back. "Would you fault me my concern?"

"Mightier," The word came out as a scoff of contempt from the prince's lips, but no amount of scowling at the idea of there being others mightier than him could hide the shiver that went through him at the feel of his lover's hand sliding over his spine.

His lips curled into a smirk as he purred out his next words. "Your concern is so touching, pet."

"Now hopefully that's not the only thing that's touching," Maverick drawled back with a hint of laughter in his tone as his lips came to brush across the top of the other male's shoulder from behind. "In fact," he whispered into Senji's ear, "I think there needs to be a lot more touching, don't you?"

"Oh yes," Senji breathed softly, as he turned his head to peer at his lover over his shoulder, body leaning back unconsciously, seeking more contact with Maverick. Damn but the man was quite irresistible, wasn't he? His greatest weakness. "There needs to be a great deal more touching."

Maverick hummed in pleasure, pulling Senji back flush against his body so that they touched as much as possible from top to bottom. His lips continued to rain fire and ice across his lover's shoulders before he was suddenly lifting scooping him up into his arms and carrying him the last few steps over to the now steaming tub of hot water where he dropped him with a mighty splash, laughter escaping his frame as smirked mischievously down at the great and powerful demon prince. "Oops?"

"Mmm." The demonic prince's entire body was practically humming with pleasure and desire. It didn't matter how often Maverick touched or kissed him. Senji could never get enough. Not of him. His greatest lover, his only true love.

A sigh heaved through him as he was lifted into those powerful arms, a sense of contentment settling through him in those few brief moments before he was dropped.

"Wha-!" Senji landed in the tub with a splash, sputtering in shock before glaring up at his laughing pain-in-the-ass. "You asshole."

The demon only laughed harder and louder. It felt good to laugh, so light and freeing. "How could I pass up the opportunity?" Maverick chuckled as he leaned forward, his hands on the rim of the tub and his face nearly level with the demon prince's own face. "You know had you been in my shoes you would have done the same...or worse." Recalling the look on Senji's face as he was suddenly dropped and left sputtering so brought Maverick into another giggling fit that he attempted to stifle by bowing his head. "My apologies my my liege," he murmured with some difficultly, not meaning it in the slightest.

Oh the glares that were offered up to the cackling demon. Why did he have to be both sexy and annoying? Senji would have loved to just have the sexy part. He scowled as Maverick brought his face close, only to laugh at him again.

"Your apologies are not accepted." The prince snapped, hand shooting out to seize Maverick by the hair, pulling him in for an angry kiss.

Maverick accepted the brutal kiss lustily. The pain only served to inflame his desire for Senji more. "Then how may I make it up to my prince?" he murmured unapologeticly between nips and whines. He was starving for the other demon's kisses. It did not even matter to him how many times they had just tangled between the sheets. He always wanted more and more. It was never enough nor would it ever be enough. Time may stretch for an eternity for them both but when they went through their endless cycle of fighting and separating only to return, Maverick knew he had to take what he could get when he could. There was no knowing when he would have such an opportunity again.

"You can start with the bath," Senji growled against his lover's lips, gently tightening his hold on those short white locks, "Get in here and attend to me, I want you to lavish every inch of my body with proper reverence, if you make it sufficiently contrite I may even consider washing you after you're done."

His hand released its hold on Maverick's hair with one last nip on the demon's lower lip; Senji's red eyes were nearly glowing with intensity, lust and desire mostly, with only a hint of seething anger.

"As my prince, commands," the demon purred. He was eager to please. Perhaps later when left alone to his favored darkness and silence, Maverick would kick and chastise himself for how pathetic he was behaving, for how quickly he fell under the demon's spell and fell all over himself to to please. But, those were not thoughts for now.

Instead all Maverick could think of as he clambered into the tub and atop his liege's lap was the way his skin felt against his fingertips or the way his eyes glowed with arrogant confidence. The older man did not care about how there really wasn't enough room for two fully grown men in the tub or how the water splashed and spilled over the sides.

His lips were already sealed against a pulse point, sucking, nipping, teasing as they trailed down across a sharp collarbone and over the edge of a strong shoulder. Maverick groaned as his hands once more splayed up against firm sides and rippled abs. He was hungry again and only Senji's touch could satiate him.