Spirits of the Earth

(ooc: hmm, perviness and language ahead!)



There was a secret.

It was one that was formed in the Dark.

Waiting to be discovered...


Hayate sighed looking out his bedroom window. He fanned himself slightly, allowing the warm air to push his long golden bangs from his sweaty face. Not feeling moved to do anything in particular today, especially doing what he was suppose to do, he rather just wait here a little while longer staring at the deep blue sky, listening to birds sing merrily in the trees. He'd probably get yelled at for not doing his job, maybe even lose pay, but he just didn't feel like IT at all today. Not when he had dreams of leaving this place, of becoming the most notorious Playboy that ever lived. Not only did he want to bed the women around here, but around the whole entire WORLD! And there seemed to be something that haunted him about this place. Perhaps a memory, or an emotion he couldn't quite put into words, but he felt moved to leave everything behind, including his legacy and start over.

Days like these almost made him smile, yet today he felt bored with it all. He picked up his clientele list with the names of women who were coming to him today, and threw it behind him, pouting slightly as he folded his arms across his chest.

These days it was just the same old drill. Get a few women to pay you good money, make all their wildest fantasies come true, and then out the door again. Yes, he was a God On All Fours, deemed the "Playboy" of the brothel he knew picking up a mirror to inspect his brilliant white smile and threw it down onto the floor with a clatter.

The woman stirred underneath the covers nearby and he fought the urge to go put her back to sleep again. She was a real pain in the ass, litteraly. Not only did she pull at his hair when they did it, but she couldn't shut up during sex.

Hayate froze in mid thought, suddenly biting his nails and playing with a long lock of hair. But something must be wrong with him! No desire to have sex early in the morning? He was one who didn't care what the woman looked like, only that she be willing. And the older, the better!

He did a double take shaking himself from strange thoughts. He was the Sex Therapist around here! Everyone came to him for advice, tips, and oral lessons. He grinned thinking about it then frowned again. He didn’t need to go around having problems of his own! If the word got out he was depressed and bored with normal sex...oh hell! He couldn't let anyone find out! All his enemies around here would rag on him for weeks!

Fidgety all of a sudden he stalked towards the woman and threw the covers from her, revealing her aged and slightly plump body. She was awake immediately and beckoned him to join her with a smile. He flashed a wicked smile, a hand running up her leg suddenly and then in the blink of an eye he was on top of her and she was pulling at his hair again.

"Oh hell!" he said grabbing her hands and holding them about her head. The lady fell into a fit of giggles and it took all his resolve not to shut her up.

It was over in three minutes, leaving him panting wildly and dripping in sweat while she dreamily slumbered away in his bed, a happy smile on her face.

Damn, and here I was trying to get rid of her!

She giggled again.

“That’s it!� he yelled waking her up again for the second time. “OUT! GET THE HELL OUT!�

He was raving like a lunatic the woman didn’t need to be told twice. With a scream she collected her things and made a mad dash for the door not looking back.

“BASTARD!� she screamed tossing a few coin at him.

Hayate stopped and looked down at the money, then picked it up. “Got that right bitch.�

Hayate looked down the hallway, giving the finger to a few other prostitutes who were frowning at him and then stalked back inside not minding to close the door.

"My, someone's energetic this morning..."
Fai smiled gently at himself in the mirror, and set down the silver-plated brush. His sky blue hair was now a rippling sheet, just begging to be touched, to have its silky presence felt. Standing from the mirror, the tall man of 6' even swept over to his bed and grabbed up his soft white robe. Letting it slide over his light brown skin, Fai tied it at his waist loosely, and then let the top slide until it rested in the crooks of his elbows. His unblemished skin and firm muscle was left to be seen on his shoulders, chest, and back as he strode calmly from his room, turning down the hall and moving directly for his problem child of the day.
He wondered what had made Hayate cause such a ruckus...

Stepping into Hayate's room, Fai simply closed the door behind him, and then leaned against it, arms crossed carefully over his chest. If there was ever a man who could rival Hayate in appearance, it was definately Fai. Then again, he had those Ssin genes working in his favor, so he had to give Hayate credit for being damn good looking even as a full human. Those deep, red-brown eyes bore down on Hayate, so that even should he not be looking at Fai, he would most definately know Fai was looking at him. The strip of gray across his eyes only accentuated his stare.

"Get up on the wrong side of the bed Hayate?" He purred, though that quiet anger was evident in the coldness of his gaze. If there was one thing he didn't tolerate, it was the abuse (verbal or otherwise), of a client.
And especially not from the one who was in servitude to him to pay off past debts.

(ooc: Woah, impressive stats btw! Fai sounds really cool! I have a feeling this is really going to be interesting...problem child, *snickers* Hmm oh yeah I guess now Hayate is paying off more than a vase, lol. It sort of came to me while writing. The only thing Fai doesn't know(or at least Hayate thinks he doesn't know) is Hayate stole his shoes, and that he's leaving the brothel when Fai's asleep. Oh yeah feel free to know or find out about anything Hayate has done behind Fai's back!  :twisted:  Edited: Added in the whole Lydia idea!)



Hayate paused in mid-step as the voice drifted to him. That voice. He grimaced, covering his bare shoulder suddenly as if he didn’t want anyone to see any part of him naked; his eyes wide in horror at that voice that haunted his dreams. He looked back over his shoulder as Fai stepped into his room dressed to all the world that he owned the place. And well that was mostly true being in the service of that twisted guy. His face set in hard lines, Hayate gave Fai his most unpleasing look his fanged teeth peeking out of his mouth slightly as he shook his head and looked away.

“What ya want Fai? I’m in no mood for games today,� he growled stalking over to his bed to change the sheets. He threw them off; mumbling underneath his breath, grabbed a few flower petals nearby he kept fresh in a jar and scattered them into the bed, tossing another clean sheet over them. The smell of flowers calmed him for a moment, but still couldn’t make him feel completely relaxed with that bastard hanging around. “She paid, so what’s the problem?� He feigned laughter hoping to put the other male in a better mood and nearly cringed ever so slightly under the weight of those foreign eyes consuming him from behind.

"Get up on the wrong side of the bed Hayate?"

Hayate abandoned making his bed to turn and face the other, trying not to show the loathing that he felt for Fai anytime he was around. And he wasn’t feeling like being manhandled today, especially not by his so-called boss. It almost took all his reserve not to lash out at Fai. Normally Hayate would have started yelling at the other guy the moment he walked into his room, slinging insults, and making rude gestures with his hands at what his boss should go do, but too many past experiences revealed to him that would not be such a good idea, no matter how hard a time Hayate had controlling his fiery temper. He didn't want Fai's hands touching him, anywhere either.

Since working for the man Hayate had already destroyed two more vases; a priceless kimono that belonged to Peach (he didn’t mean to start that fire, honestly); stolen a paid of Fai’s favorite shoes (however the culprit wasn’t found Hayate thought with mild amusement); taken a hairbrush Hayate from Fai and soiled it with a good leak (because he liked playing pranks of course); owed a month’s extra salary for fooling around with another prostitute that belonged to Fai; and not to mention trying to run away several times causing Fai to lose a lot of money on high paying clients.

That wasn’t the only problem Hayate caused Fai. Hayate liked to leave the brothel for long periods of time while he went into a small town (if one could call a few local establishments, and a run down tavern and inn a real town), meeting with girlfriends and flirting with just anyone free of charge. Especially when Lydia was present. He could remember the first time he laid eyes on her all too well. He had just entered the tavern when he spotted her, sauntered on over and flashed her a wicked smile. She had turned to him with a look of disgust. Ok, so that wasn't going to work on this one. He decided from that point on, completely taken by her prudent stance in life, to get to know her a little better. More curious than anything else, yet he enjoyed her like a breath of fresh air.

Lately he had taken a special fondness of the tavern lady's company, even though she thought prostitution was disgusting and hated the brothel nearby. No wonder she had taken his flirting with her that first time they met as an insult. Hayate had found himself lying to her, making her believe he was just some ordinary hardworking peasant too, and when she told him she was a unwed and untaken virgin, he had lied and told her he was too. She really had bonded with him after that conversation, telling him she had never met anyone so honest and open, and cherished their friendship. He hated lying to her, but it was worth it to just be around her and laugh at how ordinary their lives--or supposing both their lives--were.

It had taken most of his money to pay off two other whores who knew he was leaving at odd hours to do that. If Fai knew he was or found out, he wasn't sure. He wanted to go tonight, but knew he had to tread lightly with all his past behavior. So far it seemed Fai didn't know, but the cold, hard look Fai gave him as if he were undressing him slowly from behind sure made Hayate wonder at what Fai really knew about him.

His face changed and became a cheerful mask. Just play along and he’ll leave you alone, Hayate thought pulling his robe more tightly around his body, feeling slightly naked in Fai’s presence because the robe he was wearing turned completely sheer in the morning light. Why the hell did I have to wear this robe today?

(Aww, thankies! ^^ I know he's gonna be alot of fun to play, lol...XP Oh cool, no, I like that extended list of things! Aww, Peach must have cried when his kimono burned...lol, Hayate's in deep, eh? Hehehe, and I shall toy around with what Fai does and doesn't know, just cuz I like making him be a manipulative bastard XD)

Mm, indeed, somebody was in a bad mood. And Fai's temper was no less extended than Hayate's. He was already getting angry with Hayate's attitude, and his eyes turned hard as ice as he continued to stare into his charge's back.
"Ah, the problem would be all your annoying, unnecessary shouting and foul language Hayate." His voice was perfectly calm, too calm. That was the beginning signs of his anger, as Hayate would well know. His false laughter did nothing to crack Fai's frigid temper.

The list of Hayate's past grievences flashed through Fai's mind momentarily, and he felt the muscles in his back tighten with memory. Yes, he had no tolerance for any of Hayate's crap. And that boy would pay off all of his debts.
And as for what Fai knew...?
Well, he'd never tell. Unless it worked to his advantage, of course.
Pushing off from the door, Fai slowly made his way into the room, circling, his eyes looking over everything with a somewhat bored expression. Trailing over toward the bed near which Hayate stood, Fai stopped, brushing his fingers lightly over the sheets.
"So, what must I do to you this time Hayate? That woman is a gossip hound. She will surely complain to all her little plump friends all about how much of a bastard that boy with sunny hair and jade green eyes was." He slowly started forward again, this time directly for Hayate, his red-brown eyes hard and unfeeling.
"So what shall I do when I get all the complaints? What a headache that will be. So, my dear Hayate, what can you do to make it up to me?" His words were soft and deceptively gentle, even as his long legs continued to take him slowly, step by step, closer to Hayate.

(ooc: WEE! Man that last post was just darn…how do I put it…SEXY!)

Edited


Hayate faltered as Fai suddenly spoke to him, and he wondered how far he would get if he made a run for it now…but he would just end up making Fai more pissed than he already was. There was something in the man’s voice that made Hayate take a step back, his calves hitting the edge of his bed painfully.

Fai had a way of making Hayate feel so exposed as if Fai knew every dirty secret about him. Knew every part of his body. Hell, it wasn't like the man hadn't seen him naked before, just Hayate didn't like pretty guys advancing on them in such a way that made Hayate feel like an animal being hunted down and eaten. Those eyes of his raked him.

 Damn it he had pushed too many of Fai's buttons.

Bewitched by the other's power, Hayate broke out in a cold sweat, his heart racing, hands shaking as his butt hit the bed suddenly, falling in a heap on his back, belt coming undone and his robe slipping to expose a generous sight of chest. He backed up away from the other man, too worried to get away than to cover himself up at the moment when his head hit the back wall. Feeling captured Hayate just stared up at the man, his phobia causing him to be frozen in place.

Hayate's composure completly unraveled before him. What the hell was wrong with him? Why did Fai always have a way of making him feel this way? Like a frightened young kid again who for the first time experienced sex. There was somethng about Fai's power, his presence that shook Hayate to the core. Yeah Hayate might act all rough and tough, but deep down inside Hayate looked a lamb next to this wolf.

Hayate’s legs were shaking as Fai drew near, his robe slipping open to reveal hard muscled thigh, and the hint that there was much more underneath all that covering. His mouth tried to form words, but he couldn’t get them out. He just stared up at the other towering above him, not sure what to expect. He didn’t know when he had last seen Fai this way before. “I…I don’t know. What do you want? Fine, I’ll do anything, just…�

(LMAO! Sexy huh?? Lol, that is too classic. I totally wasn't going for that feel, but I think that's just Fai's natural...uh...flair? Hehehe! Lmao, go for it! That would be funny...And as for the title...ah...we may have to put a warning up later! Lol XP)

Fai was perfectly poised to catch Hayate should he try to run. He could intercept the young man before he even got out of the room. Do you not think he hasn't had to do this sort of thing before? He'd had to catch and punish many a prostitute in the past. Instead, Hayate backed up, and found himself cornered against his own bed.

Perfect.

A smile spread across Fai's face, a mask to hide his cold anger. It was something he used often. He had hit people until they bled, all the while smiling kindly at them as though he was not doing something violent.
As Hayate backed himself against a wall, Fai came to the edge of the bed at last. He knew exactly how to make Hayate uncomfortable, and used that knowledge to his advantage. Those chilling, red-brown eyes roamed Hayate's body, all that skin that lay exposed now, and that which was hardly covered.
He leaned forward, that sheet of luxurious blue hair falling over one eye as he stared into Hayate's face yet again.
"Just...? Just what Hayate?" He said softly, his voice like silk.

Silk that could strangle you with a lover's caress.

Fai continued to lean forward, until his hands landed on the fragrant sheets. And then he continued forward, crawling up onto the bed with Hayate, moving with deliberate slowness. He came closer, and closer, so close he could easily have touched Hayate with just a shifting of a limb. One hand was planted right between Hayate's spread legs, the other landing next to his hip, as Fai brought his face a mere inch before Hayate's.
And still he did not touch him.
"Hayate...you've made me angry. You understand that, right?" He whispered, his eyes intense on Hayate's, his nose a hair's width away. He had on that same, light fragrance he always had on, a scent that was as alluring as it was impossible to place. He never did tell anyone what was in it, but it was distinct, and only apparent to people who were as close to him as poor Hayate now was.
Just what would he do to him...?

(ooc: So what has Fai done to Hayate in the past to punish him? I really don’t have an answer as to the details. I assumed hitting Hayate never would work. Maybe Hayate had to bathe Fai or something as punishment, lol. Hmm.)


Hayate swallowed, trying to think of something he could do to calm Fai down, but right now nothing was coming to him. The only thing he could think of doing his body wouldn’t allow him to do. And just the thought of touching another man to calm him down made his insides twist into knots. There was no way in hell he’d initiate something towards another man! He’d probably faint from shock.

Hayate understood pleasure was a way of relaxing one’s mind, body and soul, but he wasn’t sure Fai was even the type to be that wayâ€"no he was sure, there was no way in hell a manipulative bastard like that would be so weak. He more likely let you finish and then beat the crap out of you. He had seen Fai beat others before even though Fai had never laid a hand on his face. Fai’s torment always came through more sinister methods than bitch slapping him when he did something wrong. Although there was a first time for everything, but Hayate doubted a little slap in the face would even make him flinch.

"Just...? Just what Hayate?"

But before he could answer Fai was crawling up to him on all fours and Hayate still frozen in place had to endure everything about Fai this up close and personal. His scent, gods it was driving him crazy. It was a scent Hayate thought intoxicating, it made your skin tingle and your body responded even when you were trying not to. He had wanted to get some himself, but even he was not that stupid to go that far. And now here he was nose to nose, his breath sweet as honey against his lips, and Hayate had to remind himself this was a man, not a woman as he felt his body relax underneath Fai’s shadow, blood rushing from his head all the way down to his torso. Damn it, why the hell was his body responding so easily? And why did his head feel so cloudy?

A warm hand close to his body and Hayate gasped as the weight of Fai’s heated body drew closer. He was breathing hard now, finding himself still able to stare back at Fai even with the fear still hard as ice inside his chest. At least he wasn't like the other prositutes Fai owned who couldn't even look Fai in the eye when he tormented him. He looked back at the other man, eyebrows suddenly drawn together as if determined to look into his eyes no matter what. No, he wasn't going to look away like some scared little rabbit. Even though he feared Fai when he got like this, hell he wasn't going to look away at what was coming.

"Hayate...you've made me angry. You understand that, right?"

“Yes, I...I’m…s-s-sorry,� Hayate said knowing that wouldn’t do any good, but that's the best he could do. He whimpered suddenly and closed his eyes.

Perhaps this was the only way. He had never in his whole life of knowing Fai had come to him and done this on his own free will. Fai knew his weakness, his fear of other beautiful men getting too close, how the thought of even being intimite with another man made him shutter. Hell, would a little shock stop Fai's advance?

Oh gods he had a bad feeling that what he was about to do wasn’t a good idea, but he better do it now than later when it would be too late to make the first move. And not really even preparing himself for how it would feel or taste, Hayate suddenly sprang up and kissed Fai fully on the lips.

Hayate allowed his mouth to linger there for a moment and started to feel his world begin to darken. His eyes rolled into the back of his head at realizing where his mouth was, wet lips parted slightly as the taste of the other man flustered his senses. Then before he could fully pass out from his own shock he tried to sit up and make a run for itâ€"bad ideaâ€"and instead found himself tangled in the sheets.

Hayate slammed back against the wall with a thud, his head reeling, hand clamped over his mouth as if he had been burned, cheeks red with embarrassment. Yes, it was too much for him. His stomach turned and bewildered by his own actions just now his world suddenly dimmed as he fell forward, his head coming to rest against Fai. Hell, he thought as his eyes glazed over, he couldn't deny that the man did smell good...he was in a hella lot trouble now.



(ooc: Haha, Hayate's first kiss with a man! He was fainting a little there from shock there at the end, but he's still awake. Such a traumatic experience! lmao. I hope it was okay to just go and do that, lol. Have your way with him.)

(Lmao! Ah...good question. Lol, I like the bath idea! Yeah, it would probably be stuff like that! Teasing Hayate, making him uncomfortable, all that. Sort of like what he's doing now, lol)

Indeed, Fai had never hit Hayate, as surprising as that was. There had always been that voice in the back of his head telling him not to hit the boy. And so he hadn't. Of course, that didn't mean he didn't have other methods of punishing Hayate....
Like that one time with the bath...
Yes, it was far more satisfying to make Hayate squirm than to make him bleed.
Besides, it would more than likely be a shock to both of them the day Fai indeed got so angry he hit Hayate.

If Fai were not indeed so angry with Hayate, he might have paid better notice to the way Hayate's body was reacting to his closeness. It was probably a good thing for Hayate that Fai didn't notice...
Although, things were about to get much, much more interesting, and it wouldn't even be by Fai's doing...

That was another thing about Hayate...he would always look Fai in the eyes. Even when terrified, as he was now, he could still manage the courage to stare into those icey depths. Fai could commend him on that, though it was one of his goals to finally make Hayate look away one day.
Fai smiled once more at Hayate's stuttered apology. That just reinforced for him how much he was getting to the boy...
"Oh Hayate, you know a simple sorry won't be good enough..."
He was probably about to do something to Hayate just then, but, ah...
The boy beat him to it.

Fai's heart actually skipped a beat when their lips met, his eyes widening as complete and utter surprise and, quite frankly, shock washed over him. It was enough to make those incredible, glass-like wings spring forth from his back, a light tinkling like chimes announcing their arrival.
What...the...hell??
He couldn't even bring himself to move once Hayate threw himself back against the wall, a look of horror on his young face. Fai was just...there weren't words to describe his surprise. Oh, it wasn't that he disliked the kiss (uh, quite the contrary), it was simply that...well...
Hayate was terrified of touching other men!

Finally though, it seemed the overall shock of the entire situation had overwhelmed poor Hayate, for the boy fell against him. Blinking, Fai managed to snap himself out of his dazed stupor, and he had certainly forgotten his anger!
Sitting up, he held Hayate as he recovered, stroking absently at his charge's hair, his wings shimmering out behind him.
Then, a slight laugh began to tremble in his chest, and it spilled out beyond his throat, a soft chuckle. And probably the first time Hayate had ever heard him honestly laugh.
"Mmm, as far as kisses go...I'm sure you could do better than that Hayate."
He truly was amused by all of this, and though the surprise had not yet dimmed completely, he was quite happy to fall back into his usual habit of making Hayate uncomfortable.

Smiling in ernest now, Fai shifted and planted Hayate in his lap, now petting along his back.
"I wonder...should I be worried when you carry out my punishments against you yourself? Or perhaps that just saves me the trouble..." His red-brown eyes were no longer cold with anger, and he allowed his wings to fan out behind him a few times, a rare act on his part. He normally kept his wings hidden, for if there was one thing he didn't like...
It was people who pointed out his inhuman attributes in a derogatory manner.
"Care to try that kiss out again? You hardly lived up to your reputation with that last one."
Yep, he still liked to torment his Hayate...

She asked him to kiss her again.

"Care to try that kiss out again? You hardly lived up to your reputation with that last one."

Hayate grinned as he breathed in her ear, “Sure.�

Yes, more than anything in the world he wanted to kiss her, over and over until he turned her lips red and swollen with passion.

Looking up at Lydia’s sweet face Hayate smiled at her, playing with her earlobe.

That sweet scent brought a sudden warmness to Hayate’s chest and Hayate allowed Lydia to hold him, her hands stroking his back. It felt…wonderful. But how did he end up here with her? He couldn’t remember. All he knew he was being held, and her body felt warm and his own was growing hot as her hands aroused in him a longing he never felt before. Suddenly overcome by his own hunger he reached out and fondled the hairs on the back of her neck, his hand stroking gently before he let that soft hair go…

Hayate in a half dream state pulled Fai down on top of his body suddenly, and brought his lips to meet his again. His passion suddenly stirred, Hayate found the “woman� so unbelievably wonderful against him. The taste so different from anyone else he had ever in his whole life kissed. Blood pumping, ears ringing, all he knew was that he didn’t have a problem showing “her� how he really kissed someone.

“Is that better?� he breathed and kissed Fai again, and again, each time making sure to prove how wonderful a kisser he really was. He didn’t hold back and his tongue forced its way inside Fai’s mouth. He wrapped his arms around Fai’s neck, drawing him closer, moaning against the tender skin of his lips, his own body rigid, heart beating rapidly in his chest. Fingers wound their way through Fai’s hair, squeezing and caressing each strand, fingertips pressing into his scalp tenderly to stimulating him even further.

Suddenly he stopped and went limp, head tilted back. He was exhausted for some reason but Hayate couldn’t understand why. All he wanted to do was to continue to make out, and not hold back. Wickedly he flashed a smile and parted his lips for another kiss…

 

(ooc: Sorry if that was confusing, he went into so much shock he thinks he’s making out with Lydia! The worse mistake anyone could possibly make. OH, I love torturing my characters…he’s not even going to remember when he wakes up. Eh, I hope all the kissing is ok? Don’t want to be all controlling or anything.)

(Lmao!! Omg Lazuli, that is freakin classic! *dies laughing* Oooh, Hayate isn't going to live this one down...)

Ah....
Sure?
That...wasn't exactly...the reaction he had been expecting...
Fai blinked slowly down at Hayate, who was...smiling at him. Really smiling. And...playing with his earlobe??
He could do little but tilt his head slightly at Hayate, his eyes narrowing at him slightly. Hayate's fingers gently brushed along the hairs at the back of his neck, and he shivered. It all felt nice, sure, but...
What the hell was wrong with Hayate??

Then suddenly Hayate's hands were pulling him down...
"Haya-mmff??"
His lips were quite firmly occupied just then, and Fai was so incredibly surprised he didn't even think to resist in suspicion.
His lips were free but for a moment, and he didn't get a chance to answer Hayate's words, for he kissed him again, and again...
Oh yes, Hayate most definately lived up to his reputation. Fai's wings shimmered out behind him as he shivered again. Alright, he'd question him later. For now, he was quite content to let Hayate play out this rare, and rather odd, show of affection.

There was no forcing his tongue here, Fai opened his mouth willingly and reciprocated the kiss with as much skill as Hayate. Normally Fai kept a careful cool during lovemaking of any sort, somehow managing to keep a professional state of mind throughout. However, this time...he most definately was not cool headed.
He dug his own fingers into Hayate's hair, tilting his head and deepening the kiss of his own accord.
A few raggid breaths escaped him as Hayate tilted his head back and away from his lips, breaking the kiss. He truly was interested to know what freakishly delusional state Hayate had to be in to make advances on another man. And on him of all men!
Yes, definately worth finding out.

Fai smirked slightly to himself then kissed Hayate's open mouth with his own, knowing full well he was taking advantage of some strange fluke right now. His tongue slipped past Hayate's lips to tease his own, and he slowly ran one hand down to Hayate's chest, caressing his side all the way to his hip, where his hand paused as they kissed.
Oh, but Hayate would never, ever live this down.

Hayate groaned into Fai’s welcoming kiss, feeling his tongue enter his mouth and he gladly took hold of it. He flicked his a little, teasing, holding back some, knowing exactly what to do to make someone always wanting more. He then turned his head slightly breaking the kiss again and trailed a long finger down Fai’s neck. He reached up and planted a kiss there, teeth slightly biting into Fai’s skin as his lips left a deep reddish mark upon his neck. Yes, this was Hayate’s trademark after all, having given every woman he slept one a good hickey right before he divided and conquered them in bed. Everyone in the whole brothel knew that, it was pretty much how he kept score.

Yes, no more waiting. He was ready to make that prudish girl a woman!

Hayate moaned loudly feeling the hand roam down his chest and across his hip. The touch made his belly leap all of a sudden, a tremor that ran down the length of him all the way to his toes. He curled them in ecstasy, feeling a part of him waken below his waist, erected against the heavy body on top of him. It looked almost like there was blood splattered on his cheeks and neck as the blush quickened. Never in all his years of making love to a woman had he felt such fire. His lust was raging. It had always been feigned passion with everyone else. Yes he could be stimulated and everything would work in the proper order, but there was something more to this as if his soul wasn’t his own and belonged to the person he was devouring in his bed.

Hayate suddenly bucked his hips against Fai’s torso, thrusting upwards, mimicking the act of lovemaking, almost to the point where he couldn’t take it anymore. His legs had found their way around Fai’s waist, a spare hand stroking the length of Fai’s hip, squeezing tenderly on the plump backside of his buttock. Oh gods he was going to explode if he didn’t get any release soon…too late…

Then as if someone pulled a blindfold from Hayate’s eyes, the picture in front of him cleared, and he blinked looking up, perplexed. He pulled back a little, studying the person on top of him. Definitely wasn’t Lydia. And this person, Hayate thought fumbling around until he knew for sure…definitely wasn’t a woman either…

It was...Fai...?

The sound of light laughter filled the mess hall as a few worn and tired prostitutes finished for the day sat around drinking and telling rowdy stories. Most of them worked nights, but there were a few who didn’t, liking to get all their clients in before the sun set. For them the night meant pretty much they could do anything they want to. The doors to the outside walkway fully open and the sound of crickets chirping nearby left them all with a sense of peace and quiet that was soothing to their souls. A bird fluttered through the treetops, in the distance there was a slight pounding in one of the nearest rooms, and one of the men, a young boy by the looks of him too excited to be drinking with his cup filled to the brim suddenly splashed it all down his front as a scream tore through the whole countryside…

Hayate was up in a flash, body wet with sweat, hair standing up every which way, the look of murder written all over his face. He stood there on the bed facing Fai, a pillow in front of his naked body covering the fact he had just made a mess all over the bastard he had come to loathe the most. Now he had a million other reasons for hating him. He pointed a finger at the other man in accusation, his hand shaking, his face two shades lighter than it normal was.

“WHAT THE HELL DO YOU THINK YOU ARE DOING YOU PRICK?!�

Hayate looked himself over the shame and sickness of what just happened making him want to jump off a tall building. Or hang himself. He was frozen again in horror. No, it couldn't be possible. His body had a weird reflex when a good looking man came near. There was no way he could control it, and no way he could have just made out...or made love--he blanched again--to this asshole!

Hayate looked at Fai, then to his robe that was lying in a heap on the floor, the crinkled sheets, the smear of rose petals, the scent of Fai on his own body, the wet stains on…

“YOU BASTARD!� Hayate screamed jumping back, bare bottom hitting the wall.

“You…you…you...�

He couldn’t put what just happened into words. Fai had done some kind of…he didn’t know, trickery, and made love to him! Holy hell! Wait, maybe they didn't go that far, his butt didn't hurt, but he couldn't excuse the fact there was proof all over the place...oh gods, please let this be some horrible nightmare. He knew he pissed the bastard off enough times, but he didn’t think Fai would actually go through with the act and destroy what was left of his...his...innocence. well, if there was any to begin with.

“You…you…you used some kind of sexual voodoo on me, didn’t you? DIDN’T YOU!� Hayate looked around franticly again half expecting Lydia to pop out at any moment. But no, he had been dreaming about her, and that perverted bastard had…had…

Hayate froze and gingerly touched his swollen lips. Those had been Fai's kisses, not Lydia's. No, it wasn't true! It wasn't possible!

Another wave of nausea hit him like nothing he ever felt before, and he slid down onto the bed, curling his knees up to his chin, looking to all the world as if he had lost his mind.


(ooc: I think that qualifies as R rated. lmao. Sorry got carried away. *coughs* I guess you know what "too late" meant. Hayate thinks they made love because well you know... *coughs* lol Feel free to move him about if you have to! Woah, the title of this whole thread now really fits what is going on! *dies laughing*)

(Lmao!! Omg! *dies laughing!!*)

Fai couldn't help but be impressed with Hayate's kissing skill. Well, it appeared he was living up to his reputation...
Even as Hayate turned his head and broke the kiss, Fai continued, nipping softly at his earlobe. Then he had to hold in a laugh as Hayate gave him his trademark...it seemed he had just been added to the hickey-bearing masses that Hayate had 'conquered'.
Guess that made it official.

He shivered as he felt something very distinct press against him, and his own body was quick to follow suit. Fai was surprised at himself almost as much as he was with Hayate. Fai too had a penchant for feigning passion, but this was most certainly not false. His wings continued to tremble behind him, and he couldn't seem to cool the fiery blood pulsing in him, his heartbeat thudding in his ears.
It was because he had been surprised, right? This couldn't just be Hayate's doing...
He would never break his pefect cool for a troublemaker like Hayate...right...?

Somewhere in all this, clothing had been discarded, and the heat of their own eager bodies had created a sheen of sweat on both of them. For once, Fai was too wrapped up in what was going on to think about what had caused it all, and he groaned lustily into Hayate's throat as the boy suddenly bucked against him.
Neither of them were going to be able to hold back at this rate...
...Oh.
Oops.

Panting alittle, Fai just smiled down at Hayate as the boy came back to himself. The look of utter perplexity on his face made the tickle of laughter begin to build up in Fai's chest.
"Boo."

Fai looked all the world like the cat who had eaten the bird, content and satisfied. He propped his head up on his hand, elbow sinking into the bed slightly. His wings fanned slowly behind him, that soft tinkling noise following every movement.
"Oh, on the contrary, what were you thinking?" With that, he tapped the side of his neck with his free hand, showing the reddish hicky that Hayate had put there all on his own.
Finally, he could not take it, and broke into a rare bought of laughter. Hayate looked positively horrified, and it hadn't even been Fai's fault this time. It was just...it was just too amusing...

"S-sexual voodoo??" He managed to repeat before laughing harder than before, so hard he had to lay his head down on the bed, eyes closed and tearing up. Sexual voodoo...he had never heard that one before! Ah, he only wished he could do that!
Hayate still hadn't come to terms with what he had done...
And oh but did that make Fai laugh. The boy wouldn't ever live this one down.
His laughter finally faded into chuckles, and Fai sat up, wiping his eyes. He then looked down at himself and the, ah, mess that they had made.
His gaze then shifted to Hayate, and he grinned.
"I don't know why you're in such shock Hayate. You kissed me, remember?" He said softly, tugging at the pillow with which Hayate was shielding himself.
This was just too rare an opportunity to pass up. He had to tease Hayate a bit longer...

"Care to take a bath with me? We made quite the mess of ourselves..."

Hayate jumped up and stared Fai down, his frown deepening as the other man toyed with his frail emotions. His lip quivering with anger and somewhat being on the point of tears Hayate didn’t really know what to do at this moment. The last time he had felt this way he could remember being an untrained virgin who had screwed his first whore for the first time. He had been a nervous wreck then, so shy on what to do with a woman’s body that after it was all said and done he had bolted outright out of her bed and had made a run for it.

Hayate cursed silently. It was coming here that had caused all his problems in the first place. Damn curiosity! And damn him for making a deal with the devil himself! He should have just stayed home with his ma and pa, but no he had to go prove to a bunch of useless friends that he was man.

Another wave of disgust came over him as Fai showed him the hickey mark. No way! He only gave those freely to the female clients of his! If word got out…hell if anyone saw Fai with that mark, his reputation at the brothel would be ruined. He’d be hounded by every male prostitute that worked here, all probably asking him if he needed any pointers for future reference.

He wasn’t even really sure they had gone all the way because for one Hayate wouldn’t know what to do with a guy…but no something did happen. There was proof of that there. There had been a climax, and he knew his own body when it found release, how each muscle was like dead weight and all he wanted to do was either sleep, eat, or take a long hot bath. What he couldn’t understand is why he didn’t wake up during all that! How he could have endured making out with Fai that long without realizing until it was too late? He had a lot of questions, but at the moment the only thing Hayate wanted to do was get the hell away from this bastard and scrub himself pink to get this tangy sweet scent of Fai off his body.

Hayate looked Fai over, not really conscious that he was staring at Fai with mild interest, his eyes roaming down every part of his body and then back up to his laughing face.

Laughing?

Hayate blinked. The sound was so musical, so…relaxing. He had never in all his years of knowing Fai heard the man laugh so hard. Yes he had heard him laugh, but even all those times the laughter was always controlled and Fai had obviously faked it. This was…true genuine laughter.

I don't know why you're in such shock Hayate. You kissed me, remember?

Looking at Fai this time, trying to mimic the other man’s calmness Hayate’s spoke to Fai suddenly all malice gone from his voice so soft it was barely above a whisper.

“Well…did we…go all the way?� That was embarrassing. His face grew hot as he remembered it was him who started all this, and apparently finished it too. And that the wonderful pleasure he had just felt he had gotten by pulling Fai into his bed. Hayate was more afraid that he had put any part of his body somewhere where it didn’t want to go and really with a tremor of uncertainty making his knees shake, wondered exactly what they had done to one another while he was semi-unconscious.

Wait a minute!

Hayate pointed at him again not waiting for Fai’s answer to his question. “You knew I passed out! You took advantage of me! You’re…you…you sick son of a bitch! I’ll never forgive you for this!�

Nerves suddenly washed away and Hayate had just enough courage to sloppily throw the pillow at Fai (which looked more like he was playing around) and then jump out of the bed. In a flash he was at the door tying what he thought was his robe around his waist to cover himself before he threw the door open, stopped to glare back at Fai and said, “I’m going to the bath house…ALONE!� And slammed the door. “Don’t you dare follow me!�

And with that he was gone storming down the hallway nearly knocking down anyone who got in his way as went downstairs, all of them secretly wondering why the boy was so upset. Obvious Hayate had just had sex, but what’s this? A few heads turned with intense curiosity. Was that Fai’s robe he had thrown about his hips?

Hayate slammed the bathhouse door open, yelled for everyone inside to leave and shut the door behind him, suddenly able to breath at last. He stood there for a moment his slender body breathing deeply in and out, his hand coming to his lips again as he realized the best pleasure of his life had not been with Lydia…but with his mortal enemy!

Now his ass was permanently owned.

Fai was content to stare up at Hayate, for kneeling as he was that was the only way to see Hayate's face. A face that kept flickering between horrified, disgusted, and embarrassed. But Fai was not totally oblivious to the true feelings raging within Hayate, and had noticed that slight look in his eye, that look of tears wanting to fall.
He would have never guessed that all this would rattle Hayate this much...
Although obviously something about all this didn't bother Hayate too much, since Fai caught his eyes traveling down the length of his exposed body.
Hmmm...interesting...

Hayate's quiet question wasn't unexpected, and smothing some chuckles, Fai just smiled at him. He hadn't quite decided just how much he would tell Hayate...
However, the boy clued in on his own that he had been half out of his head when he'd made advances. Drat...that took alot of the fun out of it! He was hoping he could make Hayate believe he had done it of his own free will (which technically he had), not under the influence of some dream.
Anyway, it seemed that no matter what Hayate screamed at Fai, the man remained unmoved.
"Sticks and stones, love." He purred, smiling still.

He caught the pillow, and watched as Hayate literally bolted away from him and out the door, wearing...
Oh dear. Fai began to laugh as the door slammed, never getting a chance to respond. Hayate just kept getting himself in deeper and deeper...
Chuckling softly, Fai lifted himself gracefully off the bed. He then took the casing off the pillow, as well as the sheets, and tossed them in a heap on the floor. Seeing as how his own robe had been confiscated, Fai bent and scooped up Hayate's, putting it on carefully as he forced his wings to retreat with a soft noise like windchimes.
He didn't allow himself to question just why he'd let himself get so out of hand. No, it wasn't that he regreted taking advantage of Hayate's moment of weakness. It was that his own response to the boy's passion surprised and confused him. And it was also alittle worrysome.

Opening the door with poise, Fai took a moment to look over the aftermath of Hayate's stormy retreat. There were whispers everywhere, which lapsed into a hush as he emerged, wearing Hayate's robe. He let his blue hair, alittle mussed though it was, cover the hickey.
He wasn't completely evil.
"You," He pointed to one of his subordinates. "Wash the sheets I left on the floor." And with that simple, quiet order, Fai began to make his way toward the stairs, following in Hayate's wake.
There were a few suggestive questions, but Fai simply smiled and waved them off. "Go, go, back to work, all of you."
They would get nothing out of him yet.

His bare feet carried him to the bath house door silently, his knuckles rapping along the wood.
"Hayate, if you wouldn't mind, I need to wash your, ah...essence off. Also, I do believe you are wearing something that belongs to me."
And again he felt the overwhelming urge to laugh softly, but managed to withold it, smiling genuinely instead.

Hayate was about to break down and cry when the sound of Fai’s voice stopped him dead in his tracks. Hell, hadn’t he told that bastard to not follow him here? Couldn’t he just give him one free minute of time to just be alone to himself? To collect his thoughts?

That sparkle in Hayate’s eye seemed to dim as a deep dark hole of depression welled up inside him. The room felt drafty to him all of a sudden. His ankles itched. The walls were closing in on him. The only thing he wanted to do was to enter the bath and drown himself. Or Fai. But even he couldn’t be moved by enough energy to do that at the moment. Dispirited, he just stood there gazing at the rippling water, hands coming to rest on his hips. He was tired of it all. The games, the scheming, the abuse. He was tired of being Fai’s slave. Tired of being afraid all the time that Fai would go this far or push him to start selling his body to both men and women.

Hayate felt violated, defiled, as if Fai had taken a piece of his soul. Well, he didn’t have to worry anymore now did he? Except he couldn’t quite get rid of the fear still inside him at knowing Fai was behind that closed door, waiting for him.

Then some other part of him told him it really wasn’t Fai’s fault, now was it? He had been too stupid to take a chance like kissing him in the first place. Probably tempting him more than surprising him. All he did was throw a piece of raw meat to a hungry dog, and the dog went ahead and took it. Not like the dog’s fault.

Lowering his head and without so much a complaint to Fai’s order, Hayate slowly allowed the door to open, his eyes meeting Fai’s. Eyes that didn’t seem to feel nor show any sign of emotion. Strange because Hayate was the epitome of untamed feelings, unbroken, always passionate in displaying how he felt no matter which emotion he was feeling at the time.

“Here,� he said undressing himself and throwing the robe by Fai’s feet. In his own little world he walked over to a small stool and sat down suddenly, taking a sponge in one hand and scooting a warm bucket of water in the other. He was going to begin when he paused to look back at Fai, again his eyes showing all the hardness Hayate had come to know from Fai.

“Well, are you coming, or would you like me to carry you in, your majesty?� Hayate said sarcastically. “Tch.� He shook his head and dipped the sponge in soapy water and then threw it to Fai suddenly, waiting for the other man to hurry on over and join him.

So, Fai wanted to play games with him, did he? Wanted to push him past the point of no return, huh? We’ll see about that Hayate thought turning around to face him, the hard mask of angst being replaced by a face Fai had come to know so well.


(ooc: Yeah sort of did a whole Japanese bath style thing to it, that’s all my imagination could do at the time. Eh, looks like our boy Hayate is starting to learn a little something from the master! Hope that last line wasn't confusing, I meant it that Hayate kind of went off the deep and didn't want to show Fai how he was really feeling.)

(Lol, the japanese thing doesn't bother me, but there's also the big bathtub in the middle, and the shower spicket things up on the walls too. Wow, that's alot of different ways to clean yourself, lol.
Ah, poor Hayate... *smacks Fai*)

Fai felt the first tendrils of unease creep up his throat as there was nothing but silence on the other side of the door.
He felt a strange tingling flush of heat, and then cold, wash along his skin.
Hmm...
He started slightly at the look on Hayate's face as the boy opened the door. What the...?

His gut tied up.
Something was wrong.
Very, very wrong...
Stooping, he picked up the robe and then closed the door softly behind him. He gave Hayate a quizzical look at his harsh words.
The wet sponge bounced off of Fai, who then threw the robe he had been holding on the ground, his long legs carrying him over to Hayate.

He slowed, then stopped, upon reaching the younger man, before kneeling. His brows were pulled together, but other than that, emotion was kept in careful check from his face.
"Hayate."
What the hell was he supposed to say exactly?? He'd never seen Hayate like this...and it wasn't exactly his fault either. So was he supposed to say sorry? Try to explain what had happened?
What?
There was a moment when Fai's face looked pained, almost a grimace, before he quickly stood and turned away.
Stupid, stupid...

"I can only apologize for the fact I didn't know what was going on. You caught me by surprise, I didn't know you were actually unconcious. There was no 'penetration' of any kind. The worst I did to you was kiss you."
His voice was terse from an overwhelming effort to keep any emotion from leaking out.
Every muscle was visably tense, and slight shimmers kept appearing on his back, through the sheer material of Hayate's robe, as he fought to keep his wings from exposing themselves.

There was only one thing that came out with true, heartfelt emotion, for he couldn't hold it back.
Nobody was evil, not even Fai...
"...I never meant to break you."

Fai swept away, picking up his robe and opening the door.
"A new robe will be brought to you." He said quietly, closing the door after himself. After that, he literally ran through the hall, threw open the door, and then made a hard left, dashing up the stairs.
His face was so intense that everyone jumped out of his way. He caught on his subordinates by the arm, stripped out of his robe, and then handed them both to the startled woman.
"Get both of these washed, and bring one of Hayate's robes to him in the bathhouse." He released her, and she scurried off to do as asked.

He found himself alone in his room, the door slamming shut behind him. He had a bit of water and a cloth brought to his room, with which he wiped himself down before getting dressed.
Suddenly the cloth seemed abrasive to his skin, and he stripped out of the robe almost as quickly as he had put it on.
"Shit!"
He growled, and his wings burst from his back, tinkling with renewed force. Fai clenched his hands and closed his eyes as he stood in the middle of his room, his own nails biting into his flesh, creating little half-moon marks of crimson in his palms.

What the hell had he done??

Hayate...

He heard the man but didn’t act like it. He just stared straight ahead wiping the sweat from his neck, not even wanting to register Fai’s presence next to him.

Then Fai did something that Hayate hadn’t expected.

A flicker of hope made Hayate lift his head a little, and he quickly before Fai saw it withdrew a faint smile at hearing that they hadn’t gone all the way. Relief? Yes. Although the images he had in his mind began to change, so instead of Lydia every beautiful kiss he had planted was on those lips. He glanced at Fai’s lips as the image slipped through his mind. They had been soft, the taste of him still lingering inside his mouth. Hell. Fai’s lips. He stopped suddenly as he noticed there was something very peculiar about Fai. Something in the way he talked to him. He was…saying he was…sorry? Sorry?

Hayate blinked suddenly dropping his pretence and watched the man leave, his jaw hanging open in disbelief. He pinched himself. No, not dreaming. He had actually seen Fai tense up as if something pained him. What in seven hells was going on? He wasn’t sure he liked this new Fai at all, and it frightened him even more.

I never meant to break you…

Hayate stood up suddenly, dumbfounded, eyes wide open at what Fai had just said.

Then he frowned and began to wash himself vigorously, diving recklessly into the pool and rinsing the soap off. By the time he stepped out of the bath, a servant had arrived with a fresh robe, which he waved away and she left it by the edge of the tub quickly and left him alone again, leaving the door ajar just a bit to allow some warmer air in.

I never meant to break you…

What the hell had he meant? Broken? Who the hell was broken! He didn’t break him, Hayate thought suddenly angry again. Then in a flash it was gone, replaced by that sickening tightness of throat, the same cold dead feelings. He had still…still…but a part of him was glad Fai hadn’t fully taken advantage of the situation. He wouldn’t have been able to look at Fai the same way anymore. And yet he thought smiling, looking at the door. He had gotten to Fai. Oh yes, he knew he did. And that was all the information he needed to get a little more energy going.

Standing and listening carefully to make sure no one was heading down the hallway he moved over to the closet and opened it. He began to pick through a bunch of clean towels, broken buckets, other items for personal use that he didn’t care to look at until he found what he was looking for.

Shaking the bundle free from what was on top of it he stared at the nicely packaged pair of boots with a shirt and pair of pants rolled up and stuffed inside. Oh, he really did owe Rain a big favor for leaving this in here for him.

The bath house was really the only point of the brothel where he could leave unseen and look like just any old person walking about. He had done it on previous occasions and never was questioned as he left the brothel through the servant’s back entrance. Quickly he dressed himself finding it funny how clothes felt when you really didn’t wear any most of the time, making sure the boots which were a size too big for his little feet were snug, and plopping the peasant-looking floppy hat down over his eyes, but not before he rolled all that glorious blonde hair underneath it to hide who he was. Picking through some more items he had placed earlier that week Hayate drew out a small sack of coin, money he had been saving up for a day like today. Hell he felt reckless, there was no telling what he would do or not do, especially with Fai all bundled up in his room apologizing his ass off to himself.

Finally satisfied at his disguise he slowly opened the bath house door peeking down the hallway to see if no one was around and carefully made his way out the backdoor undetected…

Or so he thought, as the head of the servant peeked around the corner, taking note that Hayate was leaving the brothel in disguise so she could go back and tell Fai all the details Grinning slightly she quickly headed off towards Fai’s room to tell him…

The afternoon was surprisingly bright even though his heart was still slightly darkened inside. There was no telling what would happen if you played with fire Hayate thought; if you tested out the devil himself. But for some reason he just didn’t care anymore. Fai had been right. He was broken. There was something missing about him as he approached the small little town, his heavy boots telling the girl waiting for him by the river that he was coming. He waved to her and jotted off the main road ducking under the limb of a tree. She threw her arms around him instantly and kissed him passionately, and it felt like the events of the past hour had not really happened.

Lydia let him go and looked up at him, and then started. “What’s the matter? You look as if someone died.�

“Lydia, there’s something I need to tell you,� he said taking her by the hand.

“Me too,� she said stopping him before he could continue. “Hayate, let’s run away together. Tonight. Let’s leave everything behind and start over.�

Hayate froze staring at the girl. Did she know what she was asking him to do?

“I…I don’t know Lydia, I can’t break away from…work…� Hayate rubbed the back of his neck and looked around suddenly scared that someone would notice they were there.

“Oh, don’t be ridiculous!� she said smiling at him smartly. “A shoemaker can find work anywhere! We can open a little shop together…� She went on delving into all the possibilities for them two and Hayate just watched her, hating himself even more with every word, every dream, every hope she had for the two of them.

“Listen Lydia,� he said taking her by the shoulder suddenly. “I’ve been lying to you. I’m not a shoemaker. I…work at the brothel nearby, up the road. I’m sorry for lying to you, but I knew you would never give me the time of day if I told you the truth.� He looked towards the ground, shaking his head, horrified at what her reaction might be.

“You…lied to me?� she said gazing at him, the truth somehow sinking in. She turned around suddenly her back to him and was silent for a long while. Hayate was unsure what she would say, his heart pounding…he was scared that he would lose her.

“It’s okay,� she said, her voice slightly cold and unemotional.

It was? Hayate thought his head popping up suddenly.

“Let’s met tonight...at midnight. Then we’ll leave,� she said giving him a faint smile before running off.

Hayate stood rooted to the spot. He wasn’t sure she took the news well or not, but he had to believe her. She was Lydia after all; she never lied, and never pretended to feel anything she didn’t feel. Hayate stayed where he was for a moment or two watching the water move swiftly downstream. Freedom. It sounded so good to him right about now. Hell it was worth another shot. Fai was probably a wreck right now he wouldn’t know before it was too late that his favorite plaything was gone. Smiling happily to himself Hayate turned around and thought about heading back before anyone notice he was gone…his attention on how pretty the trees this time of year were in bloom...


(ooc: MAN...long...feel free to do anything you want with him! He's all yours!  He's still there taking in the scenery, lol)

As if Hayate could have done anything worse at that moment.
Fai's cold demeanor had cracked for the first time in a long time, and for a boy that caused him so much hell.
And then he did something that was bound to piss Fai off.

There were a few hurried knocks on the door.
"Master Faivish?"
Fai sighed, letting his hands relax, his nails removing themselves from his flesh.
"Not right now."
"...but it's about Hayate."
"What."
"He left! I saw him, he got dressed in peasant clothes and left!"

There was a moment of silence in the room.
Fai scooped up his robe, and placed it carefully around him, letting it hang so it would not catch in his wings.
He then threw his window open and stood on the ledge.
Slowly, the girl peeked her head in, then gasped.
"Master Faivish!!"

And then he jumped.


Fai loved himself too much to commit suicide. No, he was not jumping to his death. His wings, looking as though they were incapable of flight, bore him up and away, tinkling gently in the wind.
His red-brown eyes were cold and hard, and caught sight of Hayate's running form far in the distance.
Little bastard...always causing trouble...
He would never be kind to that boy again.
Ever.

The half Ssin landed quietly in the limbs of a nearby tree. His wings folded tight against each other behind him, and he watched through the dense leaves of the tree as the two met and kissed.
Their words floated to him over the crisp air, but no emotion played across his face.
There would be no mercy.
He waited until after the woman ran off before making himself known. As Hayate turned to look at the blooming trees, his back was exposed to Fai.
Without a sound, Fai dropped to the earth, his bare feet cushioning his landing. His cold rage was so strong, he could not make his wings retreat.

With impossibly soft footfalls, Fai brought himself up to Hayate, one long fingered hand reaching out and gently pulling the hat from his head, letting his blonde hair spill free.
"Tonight at midnight, you will be in your room Hayate."
He spoke softly. It was not that purr that he used when trying to get under Hayate's skin. No, it was soft, cold, and emotionless.
Whether the boy was turned to or away from him, Fai took him sharply by the arms. He put his Ssin genes to work yet again, putting a bit of inhuman pressure into his grip.
His wings then fanned apart, and they were airborn.

Fai had nothing more to say to Hayate. He couldn't form words through his anger. It would only come out in a screaming rage, he was sure.
He did not bother with the front door. He flew right up to Hayate's window, and literally tossed him into it. Landing on the windowsill, Fai ducked into the room after him, then stood to his full 6 foot height.
Trembling, his wings shimmering behind him, Fai waited for Hayate to pick himself up off the floor. He hadn't thrown the boy hard, but it was unlikely he had landed on his feet.

Now, how am I going to get out at midnight? Hayate thought contemplating his plan of action. Nothing seemed to work. He was half-blind at night. He couldn’t find his way out of a privy let alone walk a mile long trek in the dark. Then again did he want to leave? Hell he liked the girl, maybe he even thought himself drunk somewhat in love with her, but go away and marry the girl? No. Yet it seemed the only reasonable thing to do that would get him out of this prison. He doubted Fai would be unable to find him right away. It might take a few days, weeks, who knew maybe even months till he tracked Hayate down, but maybe by then he would let…Hayate…goâ€"yeah right!

The wind seemed to turn suddenly and as if life itself was slowing down till all Hayate could hear was the pounding of his heart beating wildly in his ears and the caress of the breeze that carried with it a scent that haunted his dreams…he paused and couldn't move as if some invisible force had him frozen in place.

Hayate spun around slowly as his wet hair fell from his hat, eyes wide in horror finding Fai gazing coldly at him and for the first time in his life Hayate feared for his life.

His tongue caught in his throat and before he could scream out in terror he was soaring up, higher and higher until he found himself unable to breath, sharp nails tearing into his skin. If Fai held him any tighter he thought he might break his arms. He knew there would be bruises there in the morning, if morning ever came for him. He searched Fai’s eyes at that moment and couldn’t find the man inside the raging beast. Then he was falling, descending down until he was throw sideways into his room again, rolling until he landed in the middle of the room on his stomach, a leg bent inwards while his other stretched out behind him.

The landing alone knocked the air of him. He just lay there for some time, golden strands of hair falling over his face, eyes wide with terror. He could feel Fai’s rage flowing off of him in waves that left the room feeling empty, heavy, pressing him down until there was nothing left for him to do but lay there and watch with shaky eyes the imposing figure that overshadowed him.

How long he lay there he did not know, but for some strange reason something hidden deep inside of him snapped and he carefully got to his knees, panting, rubbing his chin that was stained with blood from where the floor met his face. Then he lifted another leg, trying with all the strength he had to stand properly. He stumbled then fell painfully against a dresser, knocing over bottles and other items he didn't care to look at, yet used it to hold himself steady until he knew he could stand without the fear driving him back down to the floor at Fai’s feet.

“Faivish,� Hayate whispered. He had never used Fai’s full name before, always calling him “Fai�, but now there was something he suddenly feared in him that made him almost revere him suddenly. no, he just didn't want to die. And for a split moment he knew his place, his face frozen in terror as he just stared at the man who held such power over him.

Tonight at midnight, you will be in your room Hayate.

Those words rang through his head and he snapped out of his fear-driven stupor, jaw clenched, eyebrows drawn together as he faced the other man, not backing down. Fai stood between him and freedom. He was not going to back down!

He took a step towards Fai, not allowing his eyes to look away, staring down the man who made him tremble so. He took another step and then spoke to Fai, not the scared little boy anymore, but a man bent on taking back what was rightfuly his.

“Is that all you’ve got?� he said roughly making his way over to him. “Huh? Is that all you’ve GOT!� he yelled at him. Hayate's body turned toward his oppressor, his face so close he could make out that distinct fragrance of his once again. He wasn’t shaking with fear, nor did he feel a black out coming on. In fact he reached out and put his hands on Fai’s shoulders, shoving him lightly, pushing him backwards. “You bully!� he screamed pushing him again as if he were trying to egg Fai on into a fight. Yeah just bring it on Hayate thought his body trembling with emotions he had never felt before.

Fai stared coldly down at Hayate, waiting for the boy to pick himself up off the floor and face him. Those eyes watched as Hayate finally struggled up, and then stumbled, the clatter of things falling to the floor incredibly loud in their silent state.
Somewhere deep within him, he regreted making Hayate bleed. But it never got close to the surface.
No, his anger reigned there, cold and unchecked.

His full name was whispered, and it seemed that even Hayate had grasped the gravity of the situation. His expression darkened, and he looked ready to step forward when Hayate did so instead.
It seemed they were going to have a clashing of men, not the punishment of a boy...
Fine. Bring it on Hayate.
Let me see how man you are.

He stared levely at Hayate as the boy came close, never flinching at his words. His amberlite wings were held stiffly beind him, no longer making that gentle chime.
Hayate's hands landed on his shoulders, then pushed, and Fai took a slight step back, then another as he was once again pushed.
Bully?
Heh...

Fai caught Hayate's hands suddenly, and his grip was firm but...oddly gentle. For some reason, he felt the anger begin to wash out of him. A frown tugged at Fai's eyes, which flickered with hidden emotion.
Things he never let anyone see. Not even himself.
"Hayate."
He pulled the young man's hands down, away from his shoulder.
"I am only going to do this once." His voice was quiet.

And then he smacked Hayate, full across his right cheek.

The cold man turned before his wall of ice could crumble, and walked calmly for the door, his wings drooping behind him.
Only once...

Hayate started as his hands were suddenly caught within Fai’s strong grip. He tried to fight the man as he brought his hand down by his side, but he was too much raw power to handle he realized.

When Hayate thought he couldn’t stand anymore he caught a strange emotion peeking out from Fai’s cold mask, and it caught him off guard. Next thing he knew he was falling backward with the hot sting of a slap breaking his lip open. The shock alone from that caused tears to well up in his eyes. Fai had never laid a hand on him before in the few years he had known him. And now after all this time...after all this time...

He fell hard and quickly turned to the man his eyes mad with rage not even caring that blood was running down his chin from his open wound. It actually fed his madness.

“Where do you think you’re going?!� he yelled. "I'm not done with you!"

Again he was up on his feet as out of nowhere charged the other man, jumping at his legs to avoid being impaled on his wings, knocking him through the door into the hallway, slamming roughly into him. He didn’t care where they both landed or if he got hurt in the process, all he knew was that he wanted to beat the living crap out of Fai or at least die trying…



(ooc: Umm, sorry took liberties with running into Fai, if you don't like it, I can edit it. If not, just bring it on, feel free to beat the crap out of Hayate if you want, or not, whatever.  :twisted: )

Fai should have known to just leave the room as quickly as possible. After hitting Hayate, he could only assume the young man would not be happy.
And indeed, he wasn't.
Fai had just turned the knob to the door when Hayate shouted, but didn't have much time to react. Something heavy slamed into his legs and he smacked into the door, forcing it open and spilling into the hallway. His chin slapped the floor and split open a bit, hurting something fierce and spilling crimson down his neck.

Turning over as much as he could with both Hayate on his legs and his wings at his back, Fai gave Hayate a flat, unemotional look.
He had no intention of fighting back, no intention of hitting Hayate again.
"As I said, only once..."
If Hayate had it in him to beat Fai to a blood pulp, now was the time to do it.
Fai would not raise a hand to Hayate again, just as he had said.

Hayate landed on top of Fai, straddling him on both sides of his waist he sat down on top of him, his lean legs pressing in on Fai, holding him down. It was the perfect position to get his revenge he realized as he shook with anger.

As I said, only once...

Hayate gasped at Fai’s words. Shaking with emotion he closed his eyes and raised his fist to him, slamming it painfully into Fai’s chin, blood smearing all over his knuckles. He raised his hand again, eyes watching him, waiting for any sign that he would move against him and finding none. Why wouldn’t he move? Why wouldn’t he at least block his punches? His heart felt suddenly like it would burst and he screamed at him, grabbing Fai by the robe and shaking him violently. “Hit me!� he yelled in his face. "What the hell is the matter with you? Hit ME!" Tears ran down his face and Hayate let go of him as if he had been burned by touching him.

He raised both hands and began hitting him again, and again in the chest and stomach, wanting nothing more than to spill all these emotions from inside, to be done with them so he could be free. He’d be damned if he would spend one more day here under his control. One more day not knowing if he would spend the rest of his days here like a caged bird, unable to take flight because of him. Because of Fai whom had Hayate chained to him like a trained pup.

Damn him! Hayate realized hitting Fai again in the stomach, his punch much weaker this time for the feelings he had for Fai were starting to surface uncontrollably. No, he was loosing the battle. He couldn’t let that happen! He was getting tired, feeling his wrist suddenly snap with his next punch, the pain sending him reeling when he realized he had sprained it. He didn’t care to nurture it at the moment. He paused in his beating and looked at Fai, eyes going wide again at the man’s lack of response.

“Damn it, why don’t you fight back!�

The sight of blood caught his attention and disgusted by the sight of Fai just laying there allowing Hayate to hit him was too much for poor Hayate to bear. He stood as if frightened all over again, backing away slowly, blinded by tears that would not stop, the back of his hurt hand pressed against his bloody mouth. He couldn’t stand him just lying there, couldn’t stand the fact there was nothing else for him to do. Couldn't stand the truth that he actually cared for him, that he possible even lov--

No! Slowly Hayate backed up until he found himself standing before the open window. There was another way out of this he realized. The one way he was too scared to take until now.

His face suddenly grim, he looked at Fai for the last time and purposely fell backwards out the window to the ground below where darkness would overcome him the moment he hit the hard rocky bottom...

(ooc: haha, edited that last line for ya!)

Fai was in an uncomfortable position for his pummeling, his glass-like wings pressed flat on either side of him along the floor. He grunted lightly as his already bleeding chin was struck, but straightened his head soon after, watching Hayate with eyes that struggled to remain distant. He was shaken, but still his face remained blank.
"No." He said softly.
He wasn't going to hit him.
No matter what...

The air left Fai's chest through his nose in a rush, and squinted as he attempted not to make a sound as Hayate's fists rained down on his chest and stomach. The hollow sound of the fists landing on his chest was strange to him, though the blows to his stomach bothered him far worse because they caused piercing pain in his delicate organs.
If he was not in such good shape, with so much lean muscle, he probably would have come out of it all much worse.
A few weak coughs forced their way from Fai as Hayate suddenly jumped up, but he did not rise to follow.

He could not fathom the boy's tears. He knew of Hayate's extreme emotions, they were running all over his face. But he just...didn't understand all of them.
And he really caused Hayate so much hate...?
Slowly he began to sit up, a grimace flashing across his face as his sore stomach protested.
And then he caught the look on Hayate's face.
No...

"HAYATE!"

This was beyond him and his pain.
This was beyond him and his emotions.
Fai threw himself off the floor, scrabbling, running, half flying, to that window.
Nonononono...
No!
He was out of the window, literally hurling himself after Hayate. They were on the second floor! He was falling head first!!
A long fingered hand grabbed Hayate's ankle, and he yanked, pulling himself down and Hayate up, until he managed to grab his body.

Shit...
His wings opened in a futile gesture, the ground suddenly upon them.
Closing his eyes, Fai curled around Hayate, reversing their positions, before the ground met his back.
His wings shattered in a tinkling of glass-like shards, and the world burst into white light before sinking into blackness.

(Hahah, take that! Lmao ^^;; )

The tiny little bird flittered about with sudden hope burning in his chest; anxious to take flight. The gate to his cage was flung open; the bird prepared himself to take flight. He made his way to the open door flittering about happily, but then a shadow descended down on his little prison, slamming the small gate shut before he could free himself.

Why did it have to come down to this?

Hayate’s thoughts were as he opened his eyes, catching sight of a beautiful creature who fluttered down to meet him. Startled, it seemed an eternity that their eyes met and held, and the mask that was so familiar to him disappeared, exposing an emotion in Fai that Hayate could not fathom. But that all seemed to happen in a split second. Sunlight blinded him but before he could close his eyes to the awful truth that Fai was coming after him he was suddenly slowed from his fall and then was pulled upwards and held tight.

Fai’s scent touched him lightly piercing Hayate’s soul and the boy felt his heart shatter into a million pieces. He blinked; confused, terrified, as Fai wrapped his arms around him sheltering his much smaller body against the sting of the cold earth below.

Yet again it seemed to happen in a mere few seconds of time...

Hayate closed his eyes and screamed.

“FAAAAIVIIIIIISH!�

They both hit the ground with such a force it knocked the air out of Hayate. For a moment he lost consciousness, dazed and bewildered he stared up at the sky which was coming in and out of focus. Hayate could hear the crunching sound of broken glass as he shifted his weight off Fai, but he wasn't concerned about getting cut. It felt like he was like this for hours. Voices signaled that people were making their way to them, worried, stunned. He couldn’t understand what was happening. He rolled to his side and looked up at Fai’s lifeless face, a scream tearing from his throat.

“Nooooooooo!�

With all the strength Hayate could muster he sat up and scooted closer to Fai on his stomach, cursing himself for being so weak. Fai’s hand was still slightly wrapped around Hayate’s waist and then everything was changing, as Fai’s warm touch was no more, slipping from his body as it fell to his side.

It couldn’t be true Hayate thought, his trembling hands hovering inches above Fai, unsure if he should touch him at all. What to do, what to say? How was it possible that Fai was the one who ended down here, and not him? Why had he done something so reckless like that? To destroy those beautiful wings...for him? Fai was never reckless, never would abandon his cruel demeanor for some little slip of a boy like Hayate. Was he just playing with him again? Would he suddenly just wake up and smile at him, making a fool of Hayate that he had gotten him again?

Hayate didn’t care at that moment as he fell softly on top of Fai’s body, his head coming to rest against his shoulder. He  curled himself into the other man's arms as if the two were embracing one another. Tears spilled out from Hayate’s eyes, bathing the older man’s pale chest in salty warm droplets. Glass ripped at his legs, but he still didn't care about his own pain. Hayate cried this time not for his own selfish reasons, but because he was dying inside. He had not wanted something like this to happen, not to Fai. No, no, this wasn’t happening!

“Faivish, Faivish…� Hayate whispered, his hands reaching up to the older man’s face, gingerly caressing the bruises that his own barbaric hands had created. He shifted against Fai, gently placing his face to his, cheek to cheek, wanting to be close to the man who had been in his life for so long. Now he was going to leave him and Hayate didn’t know what he was going to do with himself. His lip trembled, tears mingled with blood on his face. Several people rushed out from behind him and as they approached the men Hayate roared at them, “Stay back! Don’t touch him…don’t you dare touch him!�

They flinched and backed away and watched silently as the boy ran his pale hand down Fai’s chest, stroking him, his other hand cushioned against his own rapidly beating heart. Wrapping his free arm around Fai’s waist he held the man close to him as if that would bring him back. As if he could make up for all the anguish and frustration he had caused Fai. It was all his fault, everything. If he only listened to what his master said, if only he could turn back time.

“Please Fai, don’t leave me,� Hayate cried, tenderly rubbing his face against the other. He pressed his mouth into Fai’s neck shaking with tears.

Slowly as if waking from a dream Hayate sat up and moved Fai into his arms, resting the injured man's body against his own, hugging him. His hands found their way around Fai's back and Hayate gasped as fingers suddenly were cut by sharp blades of glass from Fai's broken wings. He didn't care that his hands were bleeding, or how mangled they would be. He didn't care about scars at that moment or if he himself bled to death in Fai's arms. He pulled Fai closer to him not wanting to let the other man go, broken glass digging into his palms. He cried out harder and suddenly without even planning to, leaned down and kissed Fai.

Hayate kissed Fai deeply, his lips mingled with blood and tears. He moved his mouth up Fai's mouth to his cheek, his forehead, back to his lips. He kissed him over and over again, not wanting to stop; wanting to show Fai that he wasn’t scared to be this close to him anymore. That when he kissed him he was fully aware at who he was kissing. That he didn’t want to hold back any longer. That he wanted him and only him.

These emotions seemed so foreign to him, so frightening, but Hayate didn’t care, not if somehow he could reach his fallen friend, could reach out and bring him back, he didn’t care what happened to him or how foolish it made him look. He rather sacrifice his reputation if it could only bring some light back to Fai’s eyes.

Hayate paused as his lips met wet lips and he broke it suddenly, new tears drowning out the silence that followed. “Don’t leave me…come back to me, please…Faivish...

"Who’s going to look after me?" He said suddenly. "Faivish, who’s going to get after me when I step out of line? Don’t you know I only want you to scold me,� he said his fingers caressing back and forth at the bruises along Fai’s side. “Please, don’t leave me…I’ll do anything, I promise I'll never leave you...just…just…� Hayate hiccuped, sniffled and was caught in a whirlwind of grief, sorrow filling his heart as he mourned his Fai, his beloved Fai.


(ooc: *takes out a box of tissues* Edited btw)

(Awww! *sniffle, grabs tissue out of the box*)

It was like they had fallen through a stained glass window, the shards of his wings laying around them, glittering brightly in the late afternoon light. Their amber darkened as the crimson began to seep out from Fai's body from a hundred cuts in his back.
His delicate wings, so crushed, had saved him, though not even he knew that.
He was lost in a world of black, where strange things were prone to dart into one's thoughts, and where one's bodily pain and suffering were lost.

He had come into a dark world, from the moment he was born. Into the catacombs of a nation that hated magick and its users he had come to life from his mother's womb. That dank, disgusting world was all he knew for the first year of his life. Then his mother had moved them both, fleeing that nation, that dark underworld, for the streets and hopes of Ketra.
It was hopeful for her anyway....
Fai found himself in the first orphanage his mother could find. It was there he actually received his name...Faivish Sylwester. The orphanage mothers just loved their little Fai, the boy with sky blue hair and such a pretty face. He never showed them his wings...he hated that they fawned over him so. Nobody wanted to adopt him. He was inuman, they said. They knew not of his Ssin father, but they could tell by his hair, and that strip across his eyes, that he was not human.
And his eyes...
They always said there was something in his eyes they didn't like.
Was there something wrong with his eyes...? Because they never smiled with his mouth? Because they never laughed with him? Because they were always cold and watching...?

But he was determined to make his inhuman looks work to his advantage. At age 13, Fai found the first respectably brothel and sold his pretty little body. Time and time again he had to run away from brothels, each and every one of them taking all his money, treating him like some sort of working dog. So each time he escaped, until finally he found a brothel that would keep its word. He was now 18, well much an adult, and with quite a bit of experience under his belt. And such was his life. Without parents, with only his body to sell, only his appearance to make him worth something to others. Maybe that was why he was so cold...
He had never really thought about it before. He had always kept his distance, for people came and went in his life like the winds.

Heh...except for poor Hayate of course. That boy...what a pain. He seemed to have the worst luck, and the worst attitude, of anyone Fai had ever met. It was as endearing as it was infuriating.
Hayate had racked up a debt from the first moment they met, and just kept racking it up. It was meant to be a passing amusement. He had always planned to leave Hayate with the others under his 'ownership' when he moved brothels. When had those plans changed...?
When did he decide he was going to take Hayate with him? Did he ever actually decide that, or had it just happened that way? Subconciously, was he afraid to be alone...?
Over all this time, Fai had always caused Hayate as much grief as he could, and the boy had always given as good as he got. Perhaps, in his own twisted and disfunctional way, Fai had found a friend in Hayate. He had always cared for the boy, would never have let anything truly bad happen to him. He never struck him, never spoke to him like he was an item...things he did without a thought to his other subordinates.
He'd never thought on that before...he'd treated Hayate different from the very start.

And what had come of it all? Hayate hated him. Hated him enough to sneak out all the time, hated him enough to try any means necessary to make Fai's life hell, hated him enough to actually raise his fists to him...
Hated him enough to kill himself.
Fai stirred. No, he had fallen through that window but...but he had chased him...
He had caught him...
Hayate wasn't dead...right?? That stubborn little cus couldn't...couldn't be dead...
Dammit Hayate!
Don't you dare be dead!

"Just...what...Hayate...?" His voice was a whisper, and he couldn't seem to make it go any higher. A small smile appeared on his face before being chased away by his pain. His eyes fluttered, trying to open, to focus. Everything hurt. Everything. His body was one throbbing piece of pain, and he couldn't even distinguish one hurt from another.
Slowly though, as if a fog was lifting, he began to feel each individually. The back of his head was throbbing. His elbows tingled. His chest and face held the old sting of those bruises.
His back...was undiscribable. He knew instantly his wings had to be shattered, but as for the incredible pain...what...what was that from...?
He could not know that innumerable pieces of his wings stuck now from the tan flesh on his back, creating their own little crimson rivers.

Just...what...Hayate...?

Alarm shot through Hayate’s body as Faivish spoke to him. He was…alive!

Gently he pulled Fai into his arms, as close as he could not wanting to hurt him, but finding himself unable to let Faivish go. New tears spilling down his face as he kissed the man on the lips then hugged him again, his shoulders shaking. He didn’t care if Fai would remember this or not, he was just so happy that Fai wasn’t dead, that there was still some hope for him.

“Faivish," he whispered pressing his face again to Fai’s cheek, kissing at him over and over again, never remembering a time in his life he had been more happy, more relieved. His Faivish was alive!

“Move aside boy!â€? a gruff voice spoke suddenly from behind. Hayate suddenly jolted out of his revere turned to look at the audience surrounding them, a light stain of red forming on his neck and moving all the way up to his face. There must have been at least half the brothel all with curious, crying, or happy faces staring at the two men, and several other onlookers watching them like it was the best entertainment they had ever witnessedâ€"obviously clients who found this scene touching and at the same time, exciting.

“Way to go Hayate!� Someone shouted. “I knew Faivish couldn’t die so easily,� someone else said. “Well, that explains a lot!� someone else said laughing. “Nearly destroyed the room upstairs.� “Yeah, I thought Hayate hated…� "Damn, you were right, the boy can kiss..."

“I said, move aside boy!� the doctor said waving Hayate away. Not wanting to remove himself from Fai’s side, but knowing he needed medical attention he gently put him down, taking his shirt off and using it as a pillow to prop up Fai’s head from laying on broken glass. That seemed to draw the attention of a few females from the small crowd who all in unison sighed heavily as if it was the most romantic thing they had ever seen. He glared suddenly at the girls giggling beside him and stepped away, feeling himself get pushed and prodded away from Faivish as people began hounding him about the fight upstairs and how a few who had been outside had seen Hayate save his life.

He saved my life…?

That’s right, Hayate thought suddenly feeling ashamed at his earlier actions. He looked up to his bedroom window and looked away again not really sure why most of the people around were looking at him like a hero too. Hell he had caused all this. Almost killed him, including Fai. There were some onlookers who did look at him with somethingâ€"was that disgust? â€"and he turned away before they could see him notice this.

Not really knowing what to do and his own hands and legs bleeding thick sticky droplets of blood, he glanced down at the healer squatting beside him with his bag of medicines and tools and then back to Faivish now that he was alive…his mind working overtime on everything he had said and done publicly…

And how much did Fai hear just now? Did he hear him confess to him his feelings? Feel his kisses, his embrace? Damn he had even kissed the guy after Fai had woken up!

Well he didn’t necessarily tell him he loved him, even though it probably was quite obvious. It was to several other prostitutes who suddenly passed him winking at him, and patting him on the shoulder.

Does he know? Nah, he's too out of it to remember that...he just…just…

Hayate shook the nonsense aside. Nah, it was just panic, that’s all. He didn’t any feelings for Faivish! That was ridiculous! He was just suffering from shock and delusion, just like earlier when he…

Gods be damned! He wasn’t going to start thinking about THAT again!

Hayate looked around. Why the hell was everyone so cheerful? he thought suddenly angry at their lightheartedness. Because Fai is too strong to just die from…

Oh no, his wings! His beautiful wings! What had he done?

Hayate turned away and began crying silently. Then without warning he was being pulled further and further away from Fai until he couldn’t see him anymore, onlookers going up to see how the big guy was doing. Then someone tapped him on the shoulder. Hayate turned to see his good friend Rain smiling at him, a look of surprise on his face and sympathy.

“Rain,� he said turning to the older boy pulling him off to the side so no one could hear their conversation. After all their friendship was the deepest secret Hayate kept from Fai…and from everyone else.

Rain, a gawky, short and pox-faced servant was the opposite of Fai and Hayate in every way. He didn’t want to call the guy ugly because well he liked him (especially since he was the only guy he didn’t faint around) and because they were good friends. Hayate and Rain though kept this facade to themselves, always acting like mortal enemies when in public, secretly doing that though so Fai wouldn’t know and interfere with the relationship they had or tease Hayate about his friendship. A completely platonic one of course. Rain already got enough crap from other vain and bossy whores. Rain had been his best friend for the two years, when everyone knew the two lads to be sort of enemies. Rain ragging on Hayate every chance he got to show people he just didn’t really like the young prostitute. Worked of course. Rain just wasn’t that noticeable and spent most of his time cleaning and doing chores than anything else.

“Look Rain,â€? Hayate said quickly handing him that large bag of gold he had with him. “Take this, go into town, there is a small little hut up the hill a bit, a man sells rare medicines, herbs and other goods. Get something called Black X, the big bottle and bring it back to meâ€"hurry!â€?

“What’s Black X?� Rain said.

“It’s a medicineâ€"a sort of paste, but it also is suppose to heal scars fast so they don’t show, and have some kind of pain killer in them.â€?

“Yeah, sure, you sure it really does that?� Rain said looking skeptical. “It sounds like some sort of hoax.�

“It’s not,� Hayate said growing impatient. “I saw one of the other prostitutes using it before. It’s very hard to come by, expensive, and I know that trader has a bottle.�

Rain still didn’t look convinced. “Hayate, this is three years of your life savings. It can’t cost that much!� he whispered shaking the bag some. “And you sure you want to use it on...Fai of all people?�

Hayate suddenly growled at Rain his expression darkening. “It does work and yes I want to use it on Fai. I owe him that much!â€? Hayate said. “It’s very expensive, and rare and I don’t think Fai has any because well look at himâ€"“ poor example “â€"I mean the guy is flawless! Does he look like someone who needs to be fixed up a lot?â€? Again, bad example.

Rain nodded. “You sure about this? I mean two years is a long timeâ€"â€?

“Of cheating Fai out of his money,� Hayate said completing the boy’s sentence. He wasn’t proud of himself for not handing over this money like he was suppose to, and had to stash it away for the day he would set out and run away, but hell he didn’t have much to begin with anyway. So he lied to Fai and didn't give him all the profit he should. But he couldn’t live with himself if Fai would be disfigured for life, of any part of his smooth and supple skin turned ugly. He just couldn’t live with himself. He’s hate himself for the rest of his life.

Rain could see Hayate was serious about this and then took off running down the hill…

Please hurry back, Hayate thought turning to look at Fai. Most of the onlookers were gone and Hayate walked up to Fai and the healer, not sure what to say at the moment. He had to do something so he turned to the nearest servant and started bellowing out orders.

“You!â€? he said pointing. “Bring fresh blankets and hot water to Master Fai’s room, immediately!â€? He turned to someone else nearby whom looked strong enough and told him to clear out the upstairs hallway of anything that was blocking people from walking by his room because of the door he had completely ripped off its hinges. To another servant he gave instructions to have some soup and water brought to Fai’s room and to anotherâ€"

“Yes master Hayate,� the girl said running off.

Master Hayate? He jerked his head toward the servant not sure he heard right. What the hell? He didn't need any title he thought looking sourly at poor Fai. No, I deserve much worse.

Suddenly he was grabbed from behind. Someone he didn’t recognize was looking over his hands with an annoyed look on his face. “Boy, what the hell did you do to yourself this time?�

Pulled away over towards Fai, someone he didn’t know all too well began pulling shards of glass from his hands noticing how pale the boy looked himself from loss of blood. Carefully they sponged his wounds and wrapped his hands up, telling Hayate to go up to his room while the healer would be along later to check up on him. Hayate had been running on pure adrenaline and it was beginning to subside, and his body was aching like nothing he had ever felt before, his hands throbbing with pain that made him sick to his stomach.

Still, that didn't stop him from secretly taking a piece of Fai's broken wing and pocketing it...

Well, that was unexpected. Fai grimaced alittle as Hayate held him closer, his aching body protesting to be handled at all. But those red-brown eyes were looking up at him quizically. He was...crying?? Since when did Hayate cry? And over him no less??
And then Hayate pressed tear-wetted lips to his, and Fai could only blink blearly at him. Just what exactly was going on...? Was he still half out of it...?
Again and again he was kissed, gently, even as warm tears fell onto his face.
"...Hayate?" He said softly, almost questioningly, as two fingers ran across the boy's tear-stained cheek before the boy was ordered to move.
His brow furrowed in thought and confusion as he was finally laid back down, his throbbing head put to rest on the bundle that was Hayate's shirt.
Then he was pulled away, and Fai could not remember another time he was so sad to see someone leave his side.

Dammit...

Fai was first lifted by a few of the stronger onlookers out of the shattered mess that was his own wings. He was laid on a sheet that had been put down, and them made to roll onto his side, then his stomach, so that the healer could take a look at the glass in his back.
Upon seeing the mess that was his once flawless flesh, a collective gasp of shock and horror rippled throughout the crowd.
All Fai could do was smile weakly and wonder...did he really look that bad...?
Honestly, he was a bit surprised at his own ability to live. He'd obviously never fallen from a two story window before. But here he was, alive.
It still hadn't clicked what had really happened. It hadn't sunk in what had happened to his wings, to his back.
His wings were shattered...
Shattered...
Oh gods...

Slowly he came to realize what he had fallen on, what that pain in his back was, and what all that beautiful golden amber was on the ground.
His wings...were...gone...
He smiled bitterly as a few tears broke free. Stupid...his wings were nothing. They might not ever grow back, but what did it matter?
He disliked people seeing them anyway...
So why...did he feel so sad...?
Stupid...
Those wings had saved two lives, and if those wings and a bit of blood were all that was sacrificed, then it was worth it.

Slowly, piece by piece, the glass-like remnants of his wings were pulled from his back. He grimaced throughout,  but refused to make a sound. It hurt, oh it hurt...but he wasn't going to scream how badly it hurt.
His back was covered in red, but the healer could not wipe it clean for there were still so many shards to remove...
So it continued, and continued, and continued...
His only reprieve came when he heard Hayate barking out orders, and a smile struggled its way onto his pain-drawn face.
Master Hayate indeed...

Finally, all the shards had been removed, but by this point the Healer wanted Fai in his room and not out here on the ground. So again, grabbing a few strong people, the sheet was lifted, Fai and all, and taken inside. It was a mildly clumsy gesture, trying to get so many people to coordinate their efforts between carrying Fai gently, making people get out of the way, getting up the stairs, opening the door....
Though, finally, Fai ended up on his bed, a multitude of cheap sheets over it to keep it from getting bloody.
The hot water and towels were used to clean his back of blood...
And showed it to be rittled with slashes, big and small. The healer pressed around on his flesh, making sure there were no pieces hiding under his skin, and Fai finally hissed in discomfort. This was only because, so far as he knew, only the healer and a few servants were in the room.
He wasn't looking forward to getting all those holes stitched up...nor was he looking forward to the scarring that would ultimately result.

But at the moment, his mind kept circling around a particular young man.
"Where's Hayate?" He demanded, if not quietly. The pain seemed to have stolen his breath, for whenever he spoke it came out more like a whisper.
He felt so damn weak...

Hayate didn’t know how long he was standing outside, or how long it took for Rain to get back clutching that brown paper bag, breathing hard from having run all the way up the hill. Hayate was surprised at how well he managed as he took the bag and examined the contents of the jar, pleased with himself for once. He told Rain to go take it to the healer, making sure not to tell the healer or Fai where he got it from (tell them you found it) yeah like that was a good excuse, but Rain shrugged and went off to do so even though Hayate knew the boy looked apprehensive and had a knack for blurting out the truth under pressure. Almost on several occasions had he been cornered and questions and disclosed the real truth behind his and Hayate’s friendship.

His soul was overshadowed by dark thoughts. He didn’t know when he had ever felt this way before. The depression he had felt earlier was nothing next to this. He really did want to go kill himself now. The pain he was feeling was nothing to the pain he felt inside with his emotions. There was no word to describe them. He had seriously screwed up big time and there was no going back to change anything. He rubbed his eyes, the tears seeming to have stopped for now when a cold hard voice grabbed his attention from afar.

Several other prostitutes, much older than he was by the looks of them were glaring at him coolly from under the shade of a tree. Not the same coldness Fai had given him when he had been angry with him, but a more dark, sinister, hateful glare that made Hayate suddenly wish he had gone with Rain.

The leader with cold black eyes and black hair advanced suddenly on Hayate, a fist meeting Hayate’s eye and knocking him back off his feet. Then they surrounded him, kicking him repeadedly until all Hayate could do was close his eyes and cover his face to protect himself.

A hand clutched at his sprained wrist and Hayate could have screamed if not for the strap of cloth they stuffed into his mouth to keep him quiet. Hayate choked suddenly feeling blood wash up into his mouth from his stomach. One of the fair boys with strange violet-colored eyes grabbed him by the hair laughing. He just stood there holding Hayate up by the hair, a mad look in his eyes.

Well, what the hell you waiting for? Hayate thought glaring back at the guy.

Then he realized why they were laughing so hard. The violet-eyed man pulled out a knife and began hacking away at Hayate’s long beautiful hair, taking chunks out and tossing them aside. Hayate could only stare in horror as his pride and joy tumbled to the ground in heavy pieces. Finally when he thought they were done dishonoring him like this they began to kick him again and talking amongst themselves what they were going to do with him.

“What should we do with this bastard who hurt master Faivish?�

“We should go sell him to a slave market, that’s what!�

“Hmm, good idea.�

‘Wait, we’ve been spotted!�

Suddenly they got up and ran leaving him there bloody and bruised on his stomach, cold wind nipping at his exposed neck and back.

Rain came running over to him in tears, falling by Hayate’s side and picking up handfuls of Hayate’s precious hair. “Hayate? Hayate?� he said taking the bloody cloth out of his mouth.

Hayate lifted a hand and touched his now much shorter hair, heart racing, eyes welling up with tears. They hadn’t cut it all off thank the gods; he still had a lot of it left no matter how wild it looked. Long bangs, long in the back. The length was to his neck and he almost laughed at this fine mess he found himself in. He sighed in relief though. He really hated shorter hair, luckily they hadn't shaved him bald! Yet it still made him cry. Was he so damn vain? He knew it would grow back, but he had kept it long like Fai’s hair, wanting to be so much like him. Now that part of him was gone.

“Well, I deserve it, don’t I?�

“Hayate?�

“Just go Rain, I’ll be fine. I thought you left already?�

"Yeah, but I saw those jerks watching you earlier. They didn't look too happy. Never have been too happy about you being close to Fai."

"My hair..."

“Oh shut up,� the older boy said helping Hayate to his feet. “It doesn’t look that bad actually. You look better with it that way,� he said blushing suddenly. Good thing Hayate didn’t see it, or he would have figured out that the boy he called his friend had somewhat of a crush on him. "You looked too girly with it long."

Rain took Hayate down an unfamiliar servant's entrance through empty halls that led to a section of the brothel not many went to. He didn’t know how long they both shuffled through the place, Hayate leaning on his friend, the boy he had come to know so well struggling to keep Hayate from falling.

By the time Hayate thought he would pass out from the pain he found himself in his room, Rain nailing a thick blanket over the entrance where a door used to be. Not exactly much privacy, but enough. What did he care? he thought sprawled out on his bed, his face a mangled mess of cuts and bruises. He touched it gently and was happy they hadn’t broken any bones on his face. Or teeth. As for the rest of his body…

Hayate felt his wrist. Yep, definitely sprained. The wounds on his hands had opened up again and his dressings were now soaked in blood. His neck itched and burned where those bastards hadn’t been careful at cutting his hair and had nicked him a few times. Felt like something was broken along his stomach but he couldn’t tell. He was just severely bruised all over. Black welts and cuts all over. He coughed up blood suddenly and looked at Raine who was taking out the Black X he had bought ready to open it.

“Don’t you dare!� Hayate said glaring at him. He would have taken it from the boy if he could stand at that moment, so he gave Raine his best dirty look. “Take that to Fai’s room, and tell the healer to use it before bandaging him up,� Hayate said not giving Rain a chance to argue. Could he even trust the boy? Gods Rain sometimes couldn’t be trusted to keep secrets. All it would take is one dirty look from Fai or the healer for Rain to spill his whole life story plus how he came about finding the Black X and what happened to Hayate just now. He just didn't want Fai to know what happened to him. The poor guy had enough on his plate to worry about. Like his own life. He didn't need this.

Damn Rain! He better not say anything if he knows what’s good for him, Hayate thought.

Hayate laid down on his bed laughing at the idea that when the healer finally made it to his room the poor doc would see that there was more to fix than simply just his hands.

Closing his eyes Hayate found himself in deep slumber where bullies and his own agonizing emotions couldn’t reach him…


Raine looked back at Hayate’s room and made his way just one room down and slowly came into the open door, gasping when he saw how bad Faivish’s wounds really were. He excused himself and then came over to the doctor and handed him the bag of medicine, hands shaking, trying to remain calm as he thought about what poor Hayate was doing right now and if he should guard his room tonight in case other fans of Faivish came looking for him…

The healer looked up annoyed but pleasantly suprised when he opened the bag. "Egads boy, where did you get this?"

Rain shook suddenly with fear. "Ahh...hmm..."

"I can't even afford this," the healer said eyeing the jar with a gleam in his eye.

It was probably both fortunate and unfortunate that Fai did not know what was occurring outside with Hayate.
Unfortunate because he couldn't stop it.
Fortunate because he probably would have killed those kids and made his own wounds worse in the process.

Instead, he was trapped in his bed, bleeding like a stuck pig, and being ignored for the first time in a along time.
He wanted to see Hayate god dammit...
He blinked upon realizing that someone was entering the room, and he craned his neck around to see...
"Rain?" He mumbled, brow furrowed.
He had no clue what was in that bag, but what he did know was that Rain was often with Hayate.
Someone WOULD tell him where the boy was.

Struggling, Fai sat up, despite the protest his own body put up. Blood ran down his back, but his face was hardened into one of determination.
"Rain, where is Hayate? And you, healer! Stop gawking at whatever the hell that is, and use it!" His patience had worn thin already, making him snappish.
After falling out of a two story window, he was not in a very good mood. And thus those hard red-brown eyes were turned back to Rain, demanding an answer.
Now.

Rain jumped at the sound of Fai’s voice and suddenly fell to his knees in terror. “He’s...he’s…�

But the healer interrupted suddenly. “Don’t yell at me you youngling!� He took his next stitch and stabbed Fai’s back with the needle without warning. “This is magic here, well not completely from what I remember about Black X…but…�

“Hayate,� Rain groaned and it looked like he was suddenly constipated, trying his best to keep Hayate’s secret well, a secret. He didn’t like betraying the one boy he was in love with.

The healer suddenly looked at Rain as if just noticing him and laughed. “Well, isn’t it obvious?� he told Fai. “Young Hayate bought it.�

Rain looked up in shock at the healer his jaw hitting the floor. “How did you know?!�

“Oh,� the healer said chuckling. “My guess was right then?�

“Guess?� Rain said shaking his head. “You mean you really didn’t know?�

The healer chuckled some more and opened the jar shooting daggers at Fai to go ahead and try and yell at him again. He fingered the strange paste for some time, sniffing it; eyes wide as it began to tingle against his skin. Yes, definitely magical, elven made as all the stories said. No wonder it was so expensive, and hard to come by even for someone like him! But where in the world had that boy who didn’t have enough money to buy even a pair of underwear, get a hold of such a thing?

He shrugged and then began applying the paste to Fai’s back, standing up to get a better view. The blood suddenly congealed to his satisfaction. He wasn’t surprised. The wounds would still need some time to heal completely, but at least the pain would subside and Fai would be up and around in no time. Was he going to tell him that? Maybe, if he didn’t stop glaring at him.

Suddenly Rain jumped up and yelled, “Hayate’s in his room!� and then clamped his hands over his mouth. Calmed now that the heavy weight was off his chest he added, “He’s hurt…I saw some guys beating him up…I think…they might have killed him if I didn’t come back for him…� He looked positively terrified and looked up at Fai.

The healer suddenly jumped up from his stool hearing this and said, "Where is he lad?"

"The room next door," Rain murmured not sure if he was going to get punished or not for all this conspiracy.

Fai literally jumped a bit as the next stitch was jabbed rather uncerimoniously into his back, and he gritted his teeth to keep from making a noise. He gave that healer a glare that could kill, but managed not to say anything else.
He supposed he didn't have any right to be ordering the healer around, but his temper had a hair trigger just then.
His eye twitched at the term 'magick'. Black X? Just what exactly were they planning on using on him...?

A bit of his anger fell away when a bit of the puzzle was revealed. "Hayate bought it?" With what mo-?
That little bastard...
Fai laughed, surprising even himself that he wasn't angry. So, the little devil had been keeping money for himself all this time, huh? He should have known...
Clever, clever...
He felt the paste finally get smeared over his back, and although he winced a few times at the initial feeling of the healer's hands brushing his wounds, he found that the pain quickly faded away to a far more managable level.
Magick indeed.

He was happy to finally get the answer he wanted, but all of that drained away at the rest of what Rain said.
He felt the anger build within him, and his face fell dangerously passive.
"Healer, please go and tend to Hayate."
He stood, his natural grace showing through even though his body wasn't in the best of shape. With the wounds on his back covered with that paste, he knew he had enough energy to take care of some...
...problems.

"Rain." He said gently, the anger in his eyes not for the boy. "Tell me which ones. Names, discriptions, whichever you have. Tell me now."

Healer, please go and tend to Hayate.

The healer nodded not needing to be told twice leaving Fai’s room for the room next door which to his shock didn’t have a door. "What in the world happened here?� he said to no one really but himself and stepped inside, gasping in shock at the mangled mess that was asleep on the bed. He sure had his work cut out for him. But luckily for Hayate, the healer thought lifting the jar of Black X, he took this with him.

He sat down by Hayate’s bedside, lit a candle for some added light and blanched to see the boy’s whole body worse off this close up. It would take the whole jar of Black X to just heal him. Oh well it was his anyway.

Hayate was one light sleeper. Any kind of movement or sound always woke him up, just as it did now when the old man made his way into his room. He sat up slightly, his face showing every single ache and pain he was experiencing before he propped himself against the wall, using his pillow to support his back.

“Don’t use that on me,� Hayate said his eyes glinting like green daggers in the shadows.

“I’m going to use whatever I wish to use you smartass,� the healer said matter of fact.

Hayate turned his head and glared at him harder, making the poor old man grunt. “I’m sorry, I just rather go the hard way to getting better.� He ran a hand through his short hair, suddenly remembering that his beautiful hair was gone. Damn it, but he wasn’t going to cry again. He had cried already enough for today.

“Fine then,� the healer said putting the jar down and began taking clean pieces of cloth to dab at Hayate’s cuts. “You two really know how to make a mess of yourselves.�

Hayate didn’t say anything still grieving deeply inside. It wasn’t his hair. Just he still hadn’t forgiven himself for what happened earlier. He could never face Fai again, especially not like this. It would be too embarassing. To face the one person that he had hurt so bad and then look like this with his hair missing. He would have to explain that eventually. He'd just say he cut it, yeah that was a good excuse. Fai might be mad for him suddenly doing something like that, but oh well. He had enough drama for one day to drag three others no matter how they sucked, into all this.

 He just remained quiet as the healer did his best to clean his wounds, bandage his neck where the knife had cut into earlier. When a servant brought in food and placed it upon a small stand nearby he didn’t care to eat. No he hadn’t eaten since yesterday, but still he didn’t have much of an appetite. He rather waste away into nothing as these feelings and dark emotions tore at his soul.

I just wish I never existed, he thought closing his eyes and resting his head against the wall.




Rain stood suddenly looking at Fai with curiosity. He really didn’t like Fai that much because Hayate hadn’t, but the picture Hayate had painted of the man really didn’t match up to the gentleness and power that was coming from Faivish. He wanted to protect Hayate, and even though he felt a stab of jealous wash over him he stepped out of the room and turned back to Fai. “I can do better, I can show you. After all I do know every name and face in this place, and where each of them sleep.â€?  

He began walking down the hallway, a gleam in his eye because he knew those jerks were going to get it good for hurting his poor friend. He didn’t care to look back to see if Fai was following him or not, and stopped at the last door down the hallway. A lounge he knew the three guys stayed most of the time playing card games and telling stupid stories about sexual encounters. He could hear all three of their voices now: Jael the violet-eyed fair one; Tatu, the black one; and Sae, all three who worked for Faivish himself. Fai would know who they were, their names, he didn’t need to say a thing. Rain chuckled. Oh, don’t get him wrong, he was a bit of a weakling, but he did like seeing justice being played out.

He motioned Fai over and made a motion with his head the men were inside and waited for Fai to repay them for what they did to his best friend.

Fai smirked as Rain agreed to show him to the culprits. He stripped quickly from his blood stained robe and threw on a new one, letting it cover his back, since there would be no more wings to get in the way. "Thank you Rain." He said softly, following after the boy with long strides. It was a short trip, and as soon as they got to the door, Fai's features darkened.
Those voices were familiar...
He nodded at Rain, then opened the door with flourish.

Three of his own.
The anger flared a notch higher, but he suddenly buried it under one of his famous smiles. Oh no, he didn't want them to know just how incredibly furious he was right now.
He was going to draw this out.
"Jael, Tatu, Sae."
His mind was running through all the possible ways he could beat the living daylights out of the three of them, wondering just how much they could inadvertantly piss him off without even knowing he was angry.

For once he was glad his wings were not there to give him away.
Come on boys, give Fai some ammo.

(ooc: Oh, aren’t I original with coming up with names? *laughs* I picked the shortest, easiest ones to remember of the three stooges, lol  Warning, extreme shock of a sexual nature ahead...)


Jael spoke up first at the sound of Fai’s voice. “Master Faivish!� he said standing up, wavering a bit because all three men were having a party, much alcohol included. “What a pleasant surprise! Pull up a cushion and join us!�

Tatu pulled out a luxurious black cushion and threw it on the floor where all three of them were seated, and smiled up at Faivish. “I’m glad to see that stupid boy of yours didn’t kill you,� he said laughing. “He’s caused you enough trouble, it pains us to have to see you being put through all this mess because of that bastard.�

“Well, he’s learned his lesson,� Sae said winking over to the other two. "Like he learned his lesson when he first arrived. Should have been beaten long time ago."

“How stupid of him,� Jael said sipping his wine. “Why that’s unheard of! Attacking you like that, and then causing you to fall out that window. Well at least you won’t have to bother with those dreadful, ugly wings,� he added and all three men nodded in agreement.

“We took care of him for you,� Sae said lifting up a few golden locks of hair that they had scattered all over the low table they were seated at. All three of them grinning slightly to themselves, finding the boy’s cut hair highly amusing. “He won’t be giving you any more problems master. Not one.�

“Wait, we should enlighten our dear master with what we did when he first arrived?� This secret suddenly seemed to be the funniest thing all three of them knew. They burst out laughing, sloshing drink every which way onto the floor.

“You know poor Hayate has a fear of men, don’t you?� Jael said nodding over to his master Fai with a gleam in his eye. He knew Faivish would find this story highly amusing. “Why that poor brat didn’t know what hit him when he first came here and we…�initiated� him into the group.�

Tatu snickered suddenly. But Sae seemed suddenly nervous. “Guys, come on…� He seemed way too nervous like he didn’t want it to be told what they had done to Hayate when Fai had first brought him here.

“Oh shut up Sae,� Tatu said narrowing his eyes. “We didn’t kill the lad, and he deserved it, you know it! Going around with master Faivish like he owned the place!�

Jael grinned wickedly. “Was a good lay that one. Screamed like a baby when I firstâ€"â€? Jael made a funny movement when his hands, one hand created a circle with two fingers while his other hand lent a finger and jabbed it right into the center of the circle.

Tatu and Jael laughed in unison.

Sae just became silent remembering that night when his two so called buddies had forced him to rape the young boy along with them. He didn’t know how his master would take it, but apparently to Jael and Tatu, they thought their master would find this story amusing. But he looked up and his fears washed away. No, not master Faivish, he was as cruel to Hayate as they had been taking advantage of Hayate all those years ago. There wasn't a gentle sore spot on the guy.

After all it was just sex, even if they forced it on Hayate.

“Of course master Faivish you know what we are talking about,� Sae said suddenly winking at him. “Hayate is a good fuck, isn’t he? Too bad he runs around like a scared rabbit with his ass against the wall all the time!� all three laughed even harder this time.


(ooc: This is bad…very, very BAD. Oh yeah they’re dead… )

(Oh god...they are going to die...lol...)

Fai nodded his head slightly to Jael, that false smile still in place, covering up his fury with incredible grace. He sat himself down on the cushion, hands in his lap, and watched as the three drunken boys began to spill information left and right.
The disgust he felt for the three of them was overwhelmed with a wicked sense of humor at them all. They didn't realize how very dead they all were...

He felt his spine stiffen as something was hinted at, his brain leaping to a conclusion that made his stomach twist into a knot.
They didn't...
His mask nearly fell away as directly after Jael made mention of his wings, and undoubtable sore spot for him. It was a true mark of his inhuman genes...
Could the three of them be any more stupid?
They were giving him all the ammo he could possibly need, and then some. They were only serving to fuel the fire to his rage, so soon to be unleashed upon them.

His cold gaze shifted to the golden hair, his fingers reaching out almost jerkily to touch some of the strands. They had cut his hair as well...
Beaten and shamed him.
His eyes traveled slowly back up to them as the story slowly began to unravel. What had he missed?? What had happened to Hayate back then that he had not known about??
Already he had failed in protecting Hayate...
They had...

Sighing, Fai's smile grew some, and he spread his long fingered hands on the top of the low table. He could feel his anger being eaten up by something deep within him, some insatiable black hole that swalled the entirety of his rage, leaving him cool and empty.
And then that blackness erupted in a sparkle of blue light, and energy crackled along his skin.
So this was his father's legacy, huh?

His fingernails dug into the polished surface of the table as the three boys laughed, his eyes sparkling dangerously as his smile took on a wicked edge.
He was ready now.
Ready to bestow upon them their punishment.
"I would not know how good a fuck he is. I never took advantage of him." He purred quietly, standing.

And then the table exploaded in a shower of splinters as if it had just been struck by lightning.

Fai's hand wrapped around Jael's face, slamming his head back into the floor as he towered above the boy. His red-brown eyes were alite with rage.
"Hayate was never yours to punish." He hissed, picking the boy up by his face and flinging him across the room to be dealt with later.
In a flash his other hand lashed out and struck Sae in the face, raking along his cheek with his knuckles.
"Hayate was never yours to touch."
He was a moving flurry of anger and power, and he could feel the crackling of this foreign magick moving along his skin, heating it, boiling in his blood.
He caught Tatu by the throat and hefted him off the ground, using his 6' height to his advantage.
"He was never yours. He was mine. Mine to protect." He growled, practically baring his teeth at the boy.

He felt it unleash then, that crackling power, as it surged through Tatu's flesh and bone. How he held back enough not to kill him Fai wasn't sure. All he knew was that this power caused incredible pain, a pain that rang throughout his own arm even as he channeled it into Tatu.
Tatu was discarded, thrown against a wall, out cold.

Fai stalked for Jael yet again, his blue hair floating about slightly with sheer energy. It was demonic and beautiful all at once.
"Let's see you rape anyone ever again Jael." He whispered as he knelt, grabbing the unfortunate's crotch and letting another jarring bolt of his power enter the boy's body. That was enough to make the boy nearly pass out, and Fai helped him along by taking him again by the face and slamming his head into the wall a couple of times until he slumped.

Sweeping away, he came upon his final victim.
"Congratulations Sae. You and your friends are no longer under my service. Tomorrow morning, make sure to take a good look at your surroundings, for you will not be here."
Fai didn't even bother touching Sae. He just let the power roll out of his body and slam into the other, pinning him against the wall with electrified air that was as excruciatingly painful as being burned.


Fai calmly closed the door behind him, straightening his long blue hair with one hand as the door clicked shut. His body trembled both with pain and the aftershock of using magick.
He had barely managed to keep death from his hands, and instead left them all passed out. When they woke tomorrow, they would probably be in a pain so bad as to rival what they just went through, as that was the full extent of his power.
Their flesh would ache for days, and he wasn't sure if Jael could ever know the joy of sex again.

He glanced at Rain, then began to walk along the hall, back to his room. Once inside, he took out a piece of parchment and scribbled something short and important on it. Signing it, he folded it, placed it in a heavy envelope, and then handed it to Rain.
"I'd like you to deliver this to the slave block. It names three new servants to be put up for sale. I bet you can't guess who."
Ironic, he had chosen for them the same fate they had wished upon Hayate. For him, it was the only way he could be sure to be free of their presence by morning.
Once that was all said and done, Fai wasted no time in carrying himself over to Hayate's room.
He had to see the damage for himself.

Brushing back the blanket, Fai stepped into the room looking tired and worn. His energy was zapped, his body was battered, and his was emotionally and mentally drained.
But he had to see Hayate, had to make sure he was alright...
"Hayate?"

(ooc: Eh, I'm assuming it's night time, lol. It seems hours have passed with all this drama)


Rain had been close by while Faivish had entered the room. He heard everything from what Faivish spoke to the sounds of raw power erupting in the small place. His eyes darted to light that flashed underneath the door. He took a step back as Faivish calmly came out, stopped to speak with him, a small smile playing on his lips at the idea of these three men being sold as slaves---oh he would quite enjoy this after they had taunted and teased him as well all these years. When Faivish gave him further instruction he just bowed respectfully and went off to do as he was told suddenly aware of a new found respect for the master…


* * *


“Damn it boy!� the older healer crowed as Hayate fought with him over the bandages around his waist. “Stop being a pain in the ass!�

“Don’t touch me old man, that tickles!� Hayate roared his hands raised above his head as he held the old man’s hands in a tight grip. “I can put my own bandages on!� His fangs suddenly peeked out from behind a smile, enjoying the banter both he and the old man were sharing over something as stupid as who was going to put on the bandages.

“No you can’t!� the healer said glaring at him. "Stop it before you reopen those wounds on your hands! I ain’t bandaging them again for you!� He let go suddenly, frustrated at the lad because he was ticklish around his waist, because the boy had had enough fussing over him. “You have a large gash on your back, now if you don’t let me bandage it…�

Aha! At last the old healer thought grabbing the boy by the ear to settle him down. After all he didn’t want to hurt him any more than he was nor did he want to touch his raw and bruised body. Hayate settled immediately, whining as the old man led him back down, nodding for Hayate to roll over on his stomach so he could take a look.

“Fine you old goat!� Hayate said rolling over on his stomach resting his head on the bed.

The healer made a noise in his throat that sounded like he swallowed a gnat. “Just as I thought,� he said touching the abrased skin in the middle of Hayate’s back. The skin was bubbled up looking like more of a serious burn mark than a bruise or gash, but it was bleeding nonetheless.

“Is it bad?� Hayate asked quietly, more subdued.

“You’ll live,� the healer said not wanting to touch it further. “This one is going to bleed for a few days, but I can’t bandage it yet, not until it dries. you might get infection too, that’s why I strongly urge you to put some of that elven remedy on it.�

“Sounds gross.�

“It is. Ah, stop changing the subject!� The healer said lifting the jar of Black X. “I don’t know why you won’t put this on, you need it!�

“Ha, think I’m starting to like you old man.�

“Bah!� the old man said raising his hands in defeat.

“Hayate?�

Hayate lifted his eyes then nearly sat up if it wasn’t for the jarring pain that struck him at that moment causing the bubbling mass of skin to erupt again and bleed. He clenched his teeth and turned his head away to face the wall, suddenly aware that Fai was in the room with him.

Great, the one person I didn’t want to see.

“Told you to stay still,� the healer said patting the abrasion with another clean cloth. “Master Faivish, tell this young lad he’s being stupid. He won’t let me treat any of his bruises or cuts on him.�

Hayate wordlessly pointed to the bandage around his neck the old geezer had wrapped, giving the healer a look that said, “well what do you call that then?�

The old man sighed and stood up, waving the whole thing off. “Fine, don’t come crying to me if you get sick during the middle of the night or you catch an infection. Waste away for all I care! Goodnight!� And with a sweep of the hand but a small smile to Faivish and a wink he left Hayate in the care of his master…


(ooc: Ah, loved the whole fight with the old man! lol)

Fai blinked at the mild argument that had been going on before he interrupted. So apparently Hayate was always difficult, not just toward him...
Good grief, at this rate, he'd end up in an early grave.
Scratch that, at this rate, they'd both end up in an early grave.
At the healer's words, Fai smirked.
"Hayate, stop being you." He ordered mockingly. As if the boy would ever listen to a damn word he said...

Fai bowed his head slightly to the healer, then calmly and silently walked over to the bed. He picked up the jar of medicine, turning it around in his hands for a moment.
He was trying to mask the fact he did not know what to say to Hayate.
What was there to say? He could feel Hayate's desire not to speak with him, to be left alone. But he couldn't do that...
Finally, he let his eyes glance nervously over the many wounds Hayate had received, as well as to the chopped hair on his head.
Dammit...
He had the urge to go back downstairs and beat those kids once more, now that he had seen the horror of their attack.

Well, when in doubt, be yourself, right?
With a sigh, and still holding the jar, Fai turned completely to face the back of Hayate's head, since he was keen on not looking at him.
"You are either going to sit up and let me finish this, or I am going to crawl into that bed with you and force you to sit still."
He took a step toward the bed, just to accentuate his point.
"I don't need you getting sick, or becoming horribly disfigured because of your overwhelming stubborness."
He had a hard time keeping the amusement out of his voice however, and his face was in a smile despite himself.
It would be like Hayate to be a pain in the ass, even when others were trying to help him...

You are either going to sit up and let me finish this, or I am going to crawl into that bed with you and force you to sit still.
 
Hayate blinked in the shadows of his now darkened room. Hr grimaced when Fai told him what to do and as the other man approached his bed silently, a hand came up and grabbed the jar from Fai’s hands. In one swift movement he had it upside down shaking it vigorously to dump the contents onto the floor. Except…nothing was coming out. What the hell?

Hayate turned his head in the other direction shaking the jar harder, his face suddenly wild, a growl forming in his throat as he tried to dump the paste onto the floor. Then he sat up some and looked inside. Well, would ya look at that? Hayate thought handing the jar back to Fai. The paste was so thick of course he couldn’t just dump it onto the floor.

Bested, he sat up as had Fai asked him to, his head rolling around on his shoulders a bit until he was in a full sitting position. In the dark room he could hide the emotions that were surfacing from his eyes. Hide the fact that he felt sick in the presence of Faivish. He knew it wasn’t Fai’s fault, he just felt ten times worse now that he was here standing in front of him.

What was he going to do? What was he going to say? Saying you’re sorry felt so trivial, so hollow all of a sudden like that wouldn’t fix anything. Yes, what was he going to do?

Well when in doubt, act like your normal self! Hayate thought.

Except, that wasn’t working for when he looked up at the man standing before him he quickly looked away, forcing himself not to start crying again. Before he could delve into any more misery he motioned for Fai to sit down beside him and go ahead, finding himself for the first time unable to look him directly in the eye. What would he say though if he could? All his eyes could have told Fai was that he had hurt him greatly and now nothing would ever be the same again…

Fai blinked a few times as the jar was torn from his hands, and fought back a grin as Hayate vigorously tried to dump the paste out. He somehow managed to keep his face straight, and took the jar back once it was handed to him.
Just keep covering the feelings...
Just keep covering them up...

He watched as Hayate finally sat up, and then indeed took a seat next to him. But being so close, small things about Hayate's bruised face became noticable. Like the way he couldn't look him in the eye...
Setting his jaw, Fai struggled to keep his face impassive as he began to apply the paste to the wound on Hayate's back as gently as he could. He used his concentration on the task at hand as a way to force back his thoughts, though the silence that had settled around them caused a ringing in his ears.
He hated it, this silence...

He covered every cut he could find with the paste, though he didn't bother with wrapping any of them just yet. Shifting, he got whatever cuts on Hayate's face that he could, using the tips of his fingers to spread the paste. He knew it probably hurt, with the brusies under it all.
He knew how it felt.
His entire torso was just one massive bruise, purple his usually tan skin. Luckily, the robe covered it all. Only his face held bruising that was visable, along with the cut on his chin from when he had fallen on the floor.
Other than that, his own pain and his own wounds were safely covered.

Finished, he set the jar down, then turned back to Hayate. He had to stop this silence, had to break it.
He had to put things right.
"Hayate." His voice was stern. "I'm not very happy with you. You attacked me, broke the door, caused me to shatter my wings, and overall made a general pest of yourself. I now know where alot of my money went," He glanced at the jar of paste, "And I just lost three good prostitutes to the shackles of slavery. You are truly a burden."
He then held Hayate as gently as he could.
"And you're alive to continue to burden me with your stubborness and attitude." He never thought he'd say those words with as much happiness as he did.
"Hayate, the loss of my wings means very little to me if during it all they helped me to save you. Just...please don't throw yourself out of any more windows."

With a shakey sigh, Fai pulled away and crossed his arms, looking over toward the window through which moonlight was beginning to stream.
"I'm sorry Hayate...I found out today just how much I have failed you. I tried to keep you away from harm, even if I now realise my own actions caused you to hate me. I thought I had kept others from you, but...apparently I was wrong. I take back what I said. They were not three good prostitutes, they were three creatures beyond my ability to describe. Punishment or no...I should have stopped it from ever happening..."
Figiting, Fai stood from the bed and brought himself to the window, resting his hands on the windowsill.
He couldn't seem to sit still, and not even the cool wind from outside could chill his feverish skin. He let his head hang tiredly, the blue hair of which he was so proud sliding into his face.
"If my presence bothers you, I will leave. I just wanted to make sure you were alright..."

Hayate held his breath as Fai’s cold fingers touched him, causing a small shiver of nerves to travel throughout his body. Yet it was true, being this close to Faivish didn’t bother him anymore. He still was somewhat frightened, yes, but it felt kind of nice to just sit here next to someone and just talk without passing out or going into shock all the time because they were a good looking guy. Not that he didn’t have that with Rain also, but Rain well wasn’t what one would call attractive, and he rarely had time to just sit and talk to the guy, like how he was now with Fai.

Then oh boy here it comes, Hayate thought squeezing his eyes shut to the scolding he was going to get. Great, thanks Rain, Hayate thought when he heard about the money, but then he knew Fai was right. He had been sort of an ass, especially today. Slavery? Hayate blinked, confused. So Rain had told him who had beaten him up and cut his hair as well. Great, he thought as heat flooded his face. I feel like the world’s biggest idiot.

Then suddenly his eyes popping open in stunned amazement, he found himself being held by Fai, and he couldn’t help but rest his head slightly on the man’s shoulder as he held him. It felt…so nice. When had he ever been held like this before? He couldn’t remember, maybe never. Fai was glad he was alive? What the hell had gotten a hold of him? This wasn’t the man he had come to know. Just whom was this man holding him?
 
Hayate, the loss of my wings means very little to me if during it all they helped me to save you. Just...please don't throw yourself out of any more windows.

After a long moment of silence Hayate finally spoke up. “So, how are your…wings? They will grow back right? I mean,� Hayate sighed glancing over at Fai’s back, “they were sort of nice and all.� He smiled suddenly his eyes showing a brightness they hadn’t seen for quite a while. “If I had know you’d do that,� he said getting slightly upset, “I wouldn’t have jumped.� He shook his head and settled back down again, allowing his hands to rest in his lap.

“If I had beautiful wings like that, I would go anywhere, I wanted to,� he said looking up. “Be nice to just leave, get out of this…this…ah what am I saying,� he said waving the thought aside feeling ridiculous all of a sudden. Why in the world was he telling Fai this anyway? Not like the guy felt the same way as Hayate did kooked up in this place all the time.

“Well, what I really wanted to say was I’m sorry. I know that doesn’t mean much coming from me,� he said trying to lift his eyes to meet Fai’s once again, and failing. “But I mean it.� Then as if it hit him like a ton of bricks, “Wait, what do you mean failed me? Fai, you’re not making any sense!� he said becoming perturbed suddenly. “I…I don’t hate you,� he said. “You don’t have to leave!� he said standing up, not really wanting Fai to go.

This time he did stare at the man across from him and he wasn’t sure what he felt. And thank the gods the room was dark to hide the flush on his face. “I deserved what happened to me. They were right to…toâ€? â€"gods not that!â€" “beat me.

"I miss the hair, but I understand it in a way,� He forced the words out of his mouth. “I was wrong to hit you, I really don’t know what came over me when I attacked you. I just was so…angry. More angry with myself than you. Loosing my hair means nothing if there is no reason behind it. But it means something when you lose it for someone who means a lot to you. They did it because I hurt you. So, we’re even.�

Then as if the words were finally starting to sink in…

“You are talking about what happened today, right?� Hayate said his eyebrows coming together in what was unmistakably a frown. It almost sounded as if Fai knew…knew about…that night… But how? He and those three assholes who Faivish said he sold to the slave market were the only ones who…

“Wait, wait a minute,� Hayate said taking a page out of the old man’s book to test and see what Fai really did know. “Those…men told you what they did to me…several years ago, didn’t they?� Hayate finally did look at Fai this time, eyes hard as steel. He kept his emotions suddenly in check, knowing that Fai would have a hard time discerning Hayate’s intentions because usually Hayate’s emotions were out of control. Well damn it, not this time! He would look at Fai with controlled emotions to find out the truth, a sudden rage wanting to surface again at just the thought of someone knowing the truth about what those bastards had done to him...

Fai felt his back tighten painfully as Hayate asked about his wings. He was asking the exact same question Fai himself had been pondering over.
Would they ever grow back...?
He smiled alittle at Hayate's compliment, though he could see it, facing away toward the window as he was.
Still...it was nice to hear that from someone sincerely...
Or maybe he just liked the fact it was coming from Hayate.

"I don't know if they will grow back." And he chose not to address the last part about jumping. He'd have liked to think Hayate wouldn't have jumped either way, and the guilt that weighed on him for having driven Hayate to jump was oppressive.
He hadn't realized Hayate hated him that much...

Fai understood Hayate's words. Like a caged bird...Hayate was trapped. Just as Fai had always been trapped, trapped underground, trapped in the orphanage, and then trapped in brothel after brothel. Even when he left one, he always ended up in another, for it was all he thought he could do, all he knew how to do.
His future was stunted, and he still to this day did not know what he would do if and when he ever left the world of brothels.
So indeed, Fai did understand what Hayate meant.
"No, I understand..." He said softly, wondering if perhaps he could make Hayate's wish come true. Obviously it was easy...just release him of his debt.
Only petty chains kept Hayate here...

Surprised at his sudden outburst, Fai turned to face Hayate who was now standing.
"Alright, I won't leave..."
He complied, and was amazed at how much better he felt at knowing that Hayate didn't hate him.
He didn't hate him...
A small smile formed, but quickly fell away.
"No, they had no right!" He said with such vehemence, he surprised even himself. Trying to regain his cool, he simply shook his head at Hayate's words.
"No, no...no Hayate. Dammit, if it was something worth punishing I would have done it myself. And we're not even! There was never any getting even. I understand why you hit me, and I chose to let you hit me. I chose to jump after you. Those were my decisions Hayate, and I am the only one responsible for them."

Gritting his teeth, Fai for once was the one to look away. He crossed his arms, trying to find something of interest at the opposite wall as Hayate spoke, his sky blue hair falling around his shoulders.
He couldn't bring himself to look at Hayate, suddenly ashamed at having found such secret information from someone other than him.
"They raped you, and I wasn't there to stop it. I didn't know, I couldn't help...that's where I failed. I didn't protect you like I was supposed to."
On a sigh Fai sat on the windowsill, careful not to lean back for his cuts were still tender.
"I am sorry Hayate..."

Hayate stood facing the man, his false mask fading suddenly. He couldn’t keep up fake emotions for long. He tried to smile, but failed miserably and then just stared at the floor, trying with all his might to stare at the man across from him like it had been so easy to do before.

“Why would you allow me to hit you? What do you have to gain from that?

“I just don’t understand you Faivish,� Hayate said raising his head a little, yet allowing his eyes to fall to the side.

Damn him, just look him in the eyes damn it! How hard is that?

“You said you chose to jump after me, but I don’t believe you did that because I was an asset to your business. There’s something more to it, and that’s what I can’t understand.� Hayate said taking a few steps toward Fai almost wanting to run into his arms and he was alarmed at that sudden thought. He stopped just a reach away and looked back down at the floor, the shock of someone knowing that shameful night suddenly making him want to lash out at Fai. But no, a reasonable side questioned those motives. Why? What has Fai done to deserve this? He wasn’t the one who did it.

Why are you so angry with him? Damn these feelings! They are driving me crazy!

A cold chill made him tremble all of a sudden. “So, you really did know about that? I wasn’t sure or not if you knew.�

Hayate was silent for a good long minute, not really understanding anything he felt at this moment. He tried to hide these strange feelings, the pain, the anger, tried to push it deep down into a place where it would never show its ugly face again, but they would not leave him. Tears spilled down his face and he turned away quickly, his back to the other man not willing to let him see the emotion suddenly showing on his face. He held back a sniffle; arms folded across his chest and began to sob. “Protect me?� he almost laughed saying the words. “Why the hell would you want to do that, huh?�


(ooc: Sorry about the title, *dies laughing*)

Fai smiled alittle to himself.
"I don't understand myself sometimes..." He said softly, no more than a whisper. Honestly, he'd probably surprised and confused himself as much as he had Hayate today.
He'd always known Hayate was special to him, he just hadn't realized how special. All his coldness had been his natural front. Never get too attached, people come and go on the wind...
But he was attatched, he just didn't want Hayate, or anyone else, to know about it. He'd always treated Hayate differently, and had covered up with his mean teasing, his merciless ruling over Hayate's life.
And now it was coming back around to bite him, wasn't it?

As Hayate came forward, Fai turned his head slightly to look up at him, still perched stiffly on the windowsill.
"I never said you were an asset Hayate."
How cruel...as mean as he could be, people were still people. And Hayate above all was not an asset to him.
No...Hayate was probably the closest thing to a friend Fai had. Ironic, considering the other man didn't know it. Yes, his perceptions were twisted, but he'd never really made friends before.
He wasn't sure how to go about it.

The next words caused Fai to turn away again, for it was a sensitive subject for the both of them it would seem.
"I just found out today..." He responded, looking down at his hands. Hands that had delivered punishment to those boys for what they had done. But it still could not erase what had already passed...
Turning, Fai found Hayate's back facing him, and his words were sharp and bitter. Fai could only frown at that.
Of course Hayate wouldn't understand...

Fai stood wordlessly, took that few steps between them, and then draped his robe-covered arms over the boy.
The words he was about to say were so important, and so went against almost all of his actions. To post people, actions speak louder than words, but for Fai, words were everything.
"Because you are special to me Hayate."
He expected disbelief, he expected anger. He had never once shown Hayate anything that could mean he was special. But then, that was just Fai's way, and he could not apologize for being who he was.
But it seemed that now it was time to let Hayate know, whatever his reaction may be...

(Lmao, I loved it! XD)

“Faivish,� Hayate breathed as the man put his arms around him. His eyes were wide, misty, and slowly something inside began to crumble until all he knew, all he wanted was to stay like this forever. “Faivish,� Hayate said his name again, a yearning deep within his voice. “Special?� And for some strange reason his mind didn’t protest. “I…I believe you,� he said softly.

He couldn’t stand it anymore and turned around to face Faivish, his head coming to rest against Fai’s chest, his hands curled up before him. Eyes closed, Hayate just stood there, allowing Fai’s warmth to drive out all his ill feelings until all he felt, all he could feel was Faivish and nothing or no one else.

“I’m sorry,� he cried in the man’s arms, not caring how stupid or foolish he felt, surprised at his own body for accepting Fai, for allowing him to be this close and not black out. “I’m sorry for everything, I wish I could take it all back.�

What else could he do? What else could he want but this?

No, it can’t be true; I don’t…love him…

Suddenly Hayate pulled away from Fai, and looked at him straight in the eye. No, he couldn’t allow Fai to see these feelings he had for him. He just wasn’t ready to accept them, no he was sure he didn’t feel that way. It just wasn't possible to fall in love with someone in one day unless...it had been there all along. No, Hayate thought, not possible...no way. I'm just...fond of him that's all because we've been together for so long, yeah that's what these feelings are.

Yet Hayate was not one for hiding his feelings well and everything he felt for Fai showed easily on his face.

He rubbed the back of his head, chuckling softly and said, “Well, guess it’s okay knowing and all. I mean…yeah well…thanks...for the hug and all.�

Thanks for the hug and all? he repeated to himself. Yeah, way to go Hayate!

He grimiced and gave Fai a weak smile, mostly because Hayate was sure Fai knew he really didn't know what to say at the moment. He just rather not dwell on anything painful. There was too much going on as it was to think about some ugly event. He could deal with those anger issues later. Right now his mind was focused on why he had kissed Fai time and time again today. Was Fai even thinking about that? Did he remember?

"Umm, by the way, how much do you remember...from you know...when we were outside and all?" He blushed slightly.

He was just suddenly scared at realizing the way he felt. A part of him wanted to get burned in Fai’s arms while another side wanted to run away and not look back. He was hoping Fai said he remembered every kiss, everything he told him while Fai was laying there bleeding in his arms, yet it was frightening waiting for what Fai would say. Damn, this guy was just unpredictable!

What in the world would he do? He didn’t know what to do! He looked at Fai with that same question in his eye, hoping, no praying maybe deep down inside of Fai, perhaps the man could understand exactly how he felt. After all, Hayate thought as he remembered kissing Fai earlier. Did he know?

A distinct shiver ran down Fai's spine at the very way his own name came off of Hayate's tongue. Why was he saying his name like that...?
He could have handled anger or disbelief, but this...
Fai blinked down at Hayate, holding him against his sore chest when he turned.
Bending alittle, Fai let his cheek rest against the top of the crying boy's head, holding him alittle closer to let him know he was there.
"It's alright Hayate...don't regret..."
There was nothing they could do about what had already happened, so there was no use in dwelling over it. Especially not now, not at so raw a moment...

Then Hayate was pulling away, and Fai had to let him go or risk hurting his bruised body. It was the look on his face though that made Fai's heart skip a beat.
That look...
No, no...Hayate did not have that written all over his face...
He couldn't...
Fai gulped, knowing full well Hayate could hide nothing, and also knowing full well just what he must be feeling right then. His own reddish brown eyes widened slightly in his face, his mouth gone suddenly dry.

That was love on his face, and Fai was suddenly at a loss for what to do with so delicate an emotion.

Chuckling slightly in time with Hayate, Fai rubbed the back of his head slightly. He wasn't used to be awkward like this...
It made him feel offbalanced and vulnerable.

Hayate's question didn't make it any better.

What did he remember...? He remembered the pleading end of Hayate's speech, remembered the kisses, the relief that showed through on the boy's face.
Shifting, Fai crossed his arms rather tightly, managing a slight, if not strained, smile.
"I remember...your pleading with me not to die...your happiness that I was alive..."
His grin grew alittle, some of his old personality showing through.
"And I remember all those kisses."

Dammit, now it was obvious to him how Hayate must feel. Some part of him wanted to call him on it, to just come out and ask Hayate if he was in love with him.
But he couldn't bring himself to do it.
Besides, what would he say if the same question were turned onto him...?
Shit.

Unable to find the words, and unable to walk away, Fai elected for choice number three. Reaching out, he took Hayate's arm and pulled him close.
"Come here Hayate, I want to hold you."
And maybe then he'd be able to figure out what to do with this love-struck boy...
Actually, one thing immediately cropped up. He wanted to sleep with him.
No, not like that!
Fai was exhausted, and it showed around his eyes, and in the way his shoulders drooped when usually they were straight and proud. He actually just wanted to lay with Hayate, to fall asleep with him.
He didn't know why, but the thought called strongly to him.
Of course, he doubted Hayate would be particularly willing to have Fai share his bed in any way, shape, or form.

“Oh, is that so?� Hayate said shaking his head as if trying to decide on something. “So…so…�

Inside he was jumping up and down for joy. Yes! Yes!

Wait a minute!

So…he remembered.

Hayate must have sounded like a broken record. “Oh, is that so?� he repeated in that singsong type of way. “Ah, so…oh, okay.�

Hayate started suddenly as he felt himself pulled against his will back into Fai’s arms and this time his body could not lie. He let his hands fall to Fai’s waist, really wanting to throw his arms around him, yet knowing that would probably hurt the crap out of him. He just couldn’t get the fact that Fai remembered all those damn kisses.

So…he remembered. No big deal. The whole brothel pretty much knew there was something going on between them. Wait, but there wasn’t! The first time had been an accident dammit! What the hell was he playing at? I know that Faivish smile, Hayate thought narrowing his eyes. He's toying with me again!

Bastard.

That’s when Hayate reacted suddenly and pushed away from Fai again.

Then the old Hayate was suddenly back throwing a hand out to Fai like a crazed lunatic, fangs showing and all. “Ha, like I would kiss you on purpose!â€? he lied.He spit a little. He realized his lip was swollen, but that didn't matter. He could feel the blood rushing to his ears as he looked at that smiling good for nothing, took advantage of me bastard...and blushed to the very tip of his ears and said, “Remember all those kisses, huh?  Yeah you would remember something like that…I was just…freaked out is all…thought it might wake you up.â€? Oh come on, even you wouldn’t believe that you fraud!

"I'm going to bed, goodnight," he said suddenly going over to his bed and sulking, still red in the face. Well, he was the one who asked him!


(ooc: I about died when Fai thought about sex, lmao)

Fai had no idea what in the world Hayate was trying to say. It was rather amusing though, and Fai chuckled softly to himself.
Another slight surprise washed over him as Hayate did not put up a fight for the second time in a row. He knew that Hayate's hands were on his waist to avoid his cut up back, and though he too would have preferred Hayate to hold him, he knew it would hurt like hell if he did.
He himself also had to be gentle, for Hayate had his far share of cuts and bruises.

This was like deja vu...

Hayate had once again pulled away, only this time his reaction was far different. All he could do was blink blankly at him, his arms still hovering in the air a bit.
Mood swing much?
What ever was he going to do with this boy...
Finally he just laughed, letting his arms drop.
"Of course I remembered your kisses. I do work in a brothel after all, and you are very good at it..."
He couldn't help but tease, those his voice was gentle. He was teasing for the sake of doing so, not because he was trying to get under Hayate's skin.

He knew he was going to have to be persistant. He couldn't just let Hayate turn away and sulk.
Smiling, Fai calmly followed Hayate to the bed.
"Mm, sleeping sounds like a fine idea. Care to make room?"
Oh yes, he honestly had just asked to sleep in the same bed as Hayate.
Buuuut he had a good excuse all planned out for when Hayate freaked out and said no!
He would sleep with Hayate tonight (no, not like that!).

Hayate nodded apparently agreeing with Hayate when he said he was good at kissing. Of course he was! His favorite pastime was kissing. He just liked to kiss a lot.

Aha! There was his answer! He just liked the feel of kissing people! He didn’t have feelings for Fai, he just liked the feeling of his lips…he smiled and suddenly stopped and stared at Fai’s lips again…shit…those lips, he thought looking away realizing he was staring at Fai’s mouth again. Damn he just liked kissing those lips…

Oh man he must be a weirdo!

Hayate gave Fai a sudden look of disgust, not really because it was a bad idea, but because it just shocked the hell out of him. “Get your own bed!� Hayate said jumping away from him suddenly, his back hitting the wall. Ouch, that hurt, and his face showed it. “I’m sleeping…ALONE,� he said narrowing his eyes.



(ooc: Short and sweet. Sorry)

Fai blinked a few times. "Lord Hayate, don't hurt yourself!" There was pure, genuine worry in his voice, and he was half way to reaching out for him when he regained his composure. Right, right...old Hayate is poking through.
Grinning alittle, Fai crossed his arms again.
He had known Hayate was going to say no, but Fai had a good reason for sharing the bed.
Aside from the perfectly good reason that he wanted to share his bed.

"I would Hayate, but my bed happens to be covered in bloody sheets. We've gone through so many sheets today, I highly doubt there are any left."
Walking forward, Fai calmly sat himself on the edge of the bed.
He was surprised to find that even when he was not trying to be mean, teasing Hayate was just as fun.
And besides, now he was doing it to give their relationship some semblance of normalcy. After all that had happened, he wasn't entirely sure of himself anymore, and neither was Hayate.
They needed to fall into some old routine before either of them went out of their minds.

"And I can't share with anyone else. I know that only with my prudish Hayate will I not be kept up all night." Prudish, that nearly made him laugh. His lips twitched, the lips Hayate seemed to like kissing so much, but he managed to keep it at just a calm grin.
"Honestly though Hayate, my bed is a mess, and I'm too tired to try anything tonight anyway. Please let me share?"
Woah, he had actually honestly asked Hayate using the word please and everything.
Then again, he was dead tired, and he was having trouble just maintaining the smile on his face, the exhaustion pulling around his eyes.
Gods he wanted to sleep...
And who would be a better teddy bear right now than Hayate?

“Oh,� Hayate said looking away suddenly feeling stupid. He wasn’t one to turn down someone in need, right?

And what a need Hayate secretly thought. Something about this was…exciting.

Down boy…

Hayate didn’t really reply, just scooted over a little until he was close to the wall, and allowed Fai to have the other side. The weight on the bed shifted and it took all Hayate’s reserve not to start giggling like a young girl. He grinned instead and quickly thought about something else so he wouldn’t be so excited…about this. Wow, he felt like a kid again. He would be able to be close to Fai all night long, close to someone warm again. The thought made him absolutely giddy. Anything could happen he realized. Maybe he should sleep the other way in case his lips accidently went after Fai in the middle of the night, but he doubted Fai wanted to see his feet first thing in the morning...

“Prude?� Hayate said rolling over onto his side facing Fai. He was going to roll away from him, but he didn’t feel like smelling the strong scent of wood all night long. “Fine, just keep your hands to yourself,� he said grabbing an extra pillow that was down by his feet and laying it there for Fai. With his own pillow he scooted a little more back some, with a sort of owl-eyed, unblinking expression on his face that said yeah, I’m watching ya you perv…

Well, that had been far easier than he had originally thought.
His smile grew a little, and he went to lay down. Freezing, he remembered his back, and so flipped, laying on his stomach. He even kept his robe on for Hayate's sake, though it was a tad bit more uncomfortable than sleeping in the nude.
Oh well, he was trying to be good here!
The less temptation, the better.

Fai yawned, but the smile was still there as Hayate repeated him.
"Yes, prude. Toward me anyway." He grinned and winked, catching the pillow and happily cuddling with it under his head.
"Hands officially to myself."
And he hid them under the pillow, still grinning with one eye open.
The eyebrow of said eye arched then when he realized he was going to be watched, and he laughed before shifting and turning the other way.
"Alright, alright, I'll be good."
He yawned again, unable to hide the fact that he was indeed exhausted.
"Goodnight Hayate."
And he made no mention of Hayate being good throughout the night, just in case the boy got tempted.
He could put off a few hours of sleep if need be!

Goodnight Hayate.

For some time Hayate watched Fai sleep. Wanting so much to touch his hair, kiss that pretty little head of his, but he held himself back not wanting to disturb Fai in his sleep. He really needed it after all.

After what seemed to be an eternity he rolled over onto his back with his hands behind his head, the day’s events too heavy on him for sleep.

So what had happened?

Forgiven. Yes, Faivish had forgiven him for what he did to him. Allowed him to strike him? That didn’t make sense. But his next statement did. He was…special. Special to Fai. He didn’t know anyone else who was and just thinking of that made his eyes soften. He almost felt at peace just knowing that, just knowing someone actually cared more for him than just his body.

"Hayate, the loss of my wings means very little to me if during it all they helped me to save you. Just...please don't throw yourself out of any more windows."

He…saved me.

That was the next thought that kept Hayate awake watching the shadows of the night creep and crawl above him on the ceiling. His heart actually skipped a beat as he relived those moments: Falling from the window, the shock as Fai had followed him down, shielding Hayate from the ground and an early death, being able to hold Fai in his arms, knowing Faivish would live...

Near tears formed in his eyes thinking about poor Faivish and how he just lay there covered in broken glass, blood pouring from his backside. He had lost his wings. Hayate knew he would always feel responsible for that, he could never let it down the fact it was him who ruined such a precious thing. Even though Faivish seemed to not care that much it had happened, because, becauseâ€"

You are special to me, Hayate.

He threw a hand over his eyes, as if the world was watching him and he didn’t want to be seen. He didn’t want to come into the light, for it just would show every detail of his dark soul. This dark soul who had hurt Faivish so many times. He held back a sob as their conversation drifted through his memory. Sorry? Faivish had apologized to him, as if he had hurt Hayate a great deal. Fai blamed himself for what happened to him all those years ago, and even though Hayate knew he had in time healed and forgotten about that rape, a piece of it still lingered inside him that made him angry and miserable all the time, and here he had been taking it out of Fai all these years.

And then the emotions hit him all at once and Hayate had to cover his face with his pillow to muffle the cries that tore from his chest. That was exactly what he couldn’t understand, but it was true. Somewhere in the back of his mind he knew it was true, Faivish had always treated him better than even his equals, always protecting Hayate in some way even though his cold shell of a person always acted otherwise, tormenting Hayate every chance he got. Faivish had always been the one who would step in, protect Hayate. Even with all the pranks, all the trouble Hayate brought to Fai's world, it was Fai who stepped in and took responsibility, keeping Hayate from being hurt by anyone else, or sold to the slave market himself. Faivish could have sold him a long time ago to get his money back, but the older man didn’t. He wasn’t…he just wasn’t as cruel as Hayate thought him to be. And here his Faivish was blaming himself for what happened all those years ago…

Well it was true Hayate thought taking the pillow from his face, suddenly calm now. Hayate had been the one who blamed Fai for that event in his life. Hayate had transferred all the hate and shame onto Fai, and did everything he could to make Faivish’s life a living hell, just because he couldn’t deal with all the emotions tearing at his soul from that night.

Hayate suddenly coming to grips with a lot of untamed emotions in him turned to watch Fai, a hand gently coming to sweep a strand of hair from his face.

"Oh, how I’ve hurt you,� he whispered. He removed his hand looking away, sitting up slowly as not to disturb Fai. “And yet, you’ve forgiven me,� Hayate whispered again into the night.

I have failed you…I tried to keep you away from harm, even if I now realize my own actions caused you to hate me…I should have stopped it from ever happening...

“‘No,� Hayate whispered leaning down to plant a kiss on Fai’s forehead. “You didn’t fail me. You kept me from destroying myself. I'll always love you for that.�

Hayate looked to his window, which was facing the opposite end of the bed and to the moon hanging in the sky. He realized with sudden frustration, there was one thing left to do. One thing that needed closure.

Slowly, he crawled out over Fai and out of the bed, an ache forming in his stomach from all the bruises. He grabbed a slip of paper just in case Fai woke up in the middle of the night and found him missing and wrote, “Went to see Lydia.� He paused for a moment, looked at Fai and then continued to write, “I’ll be back. Promise.� Then he walked over to Faivish's bedside and leaned down to kiss him on the head again. "I promise," he whispered into Faivish's ear.

Moving the curtain aside at his doorway he started suddenly spotting Rain fast asleep by his feet. He stepped over his friend and smiled realizing Rain must have come to try to protect him it seems. The boy was asleep and Hayate quietly made his way down the stairs.

Yes, I'll be back Faivish, I promise.

After all there was so much to be said, so much that needed to happen before Hayate could move on…


After some time of walking in the middle of the night, loosing his way only once and finding the main road, he spotted the dark figure of Lydia just up ahead, waiting for him. She had a single torch in her hand and waved him over when she heard him coming.

“Hayate,� she breathed and he could have sworn her eyes were full of light, full of hope.

Shit.

“Are you ready?� she asked and took his hand and began walking.

How long he walked with her, following her away from this place he did not know. His mind was numb, the frail hand he held so fragile and warm in his. Yet, it just didn’t feel the same anymore. He walked on, and on, not really knowing why he wasn’t going back, why he wasn’t saying anything, why he wasn’t keeping his promise to his beloved Faivish, when she suddenly stopped and looked back at him.

“What’s the matter Hayate?�

Hayate looked up meeting her eyes and tears lingered nearby, not wanting to fall.

“I…I can’t go with you Lydia. I…don’t want to leave. Not now.�

She looked suddenly angry. “Why not?� she said making her way over to him. “I thought you loved me?�

“Lydia,� Hayate said gently grabbing her shoulders. “Listen to me. You deserve someone who isn’t broken like I am. Hell you don’t even know me, know my past. Everything you know about me is just something I made up so you could like me. Lydia, the thing is…I don’t love you."

Silence.

“I know,� Lydia said, her eyes suddenly cold. Something Hayate had never seen before on her pretty little face. “You love what you cannot have Hayate. And that is not me, but my freedom.�

Hayate stood open mouth staring at her. What was going on? How could she have known?

“Ok guys, I brought him here like I said I would,� she suddenly said and out of the shadows strong hands grabbed Hayate and threw him down to the ground.

“Lydia? Lydia!� Hayate screamed looking up at her. She stared down at him, and for the first time Hayate realized he was seeing her for what she truly was.

“I’m sorry I’m going to have to take that freedom away from you Hayate. What little you have. You see,� she said and she looked over her shoulder as Jael, Sae and Tatu stepped from the dark, showed themselves, wicked grins on each of their faces, “I run an underground slave market, and these fine men here bargained their own freedom trading yours in their place. They were right. You will fetch a higher price with your sexual skills than all three of them combined. So you see, Hayate. I’m not the person you thought I was.�

Hayate was frozen to his very core, like someone had planted a large block of ice in his stomach. His eyes darted to Jael, Sae, and Tatu and Hayate had to look away because he barely recognized them. It looked like someone had smashed their faces in. They were...hideous, hunched over not fully coming into the light of Lydia's torch so Hayate could see what happened to them. He would have wondered who had done that to them, but his mind was millions of miles away trying to make sense of the situation he found himself in.

“I don't understand!" he yelled at her. " Why Lydia? Why?�

She stopped and stared at him, her face a perfect mask of cruelty. “Oh, I wanted to take you the first night we met, but I knew it would be much easier if I just let you fall in love with me. Then you would be willing to run away. You would do all the work for me. And well you’re here now, so I guess I’ve won Hayate,� she said taking out a large sack of money and handing to some stranger Hayate did not recognize.

“Take this up to Peaches and Cream Brothel. To a man named Faivish. He’ll be wondering where his boy is. Tell him...someone has paid Hayate’s debt off, and give him this. Tell him the boy willingly left with her. Tell Faivish,� Lydia said with a smile and for the first time Hayate understood what cruelty really looked like, “Tell Faivish that Hayate is happy now.�

Turning to Sae, Tatu, and Jael she nodded and they handed to her a large chest that rattled as if it carried money, buying their freedom with what little they had and Hayate almost lost it, feeling his stomach turn inside out, his bowels turned to liquid.

Hayate could only stare at her in horror as the sun began to rise to meet the new day above her head. How long had he been out? Hours? How far was he from the brothel? It was already morning and damn him for not going back at once like he had promised. He had meant to break it to her gently and to return as quick as he could, back into that warm bed, back into the arms that promised so much love and protection.

Damn him, he shouldn’t have come!

He screamed suddenly as he was thrown into a cage-like structure attached to a covered wagon. “Faivish!� he screamed, but it was cut short as someone threw a bag over his head and shackled his hands and feet together. Then he felt the cart moving, further and further away from the one man he didn’t want to leave. Further away from the only one who had ever in his whole life truly cared for him. Damn him Hayate thought falling to the floor of the prison he was in as the wagon took off down the road. He shouldn’t have left Faivish’s side!


(ooc: Damn, this is getting GOOD. Don't know where that came from, but damn...

Speeding up the night. Fai can be awake during all that btw, it just seems to Hayate that Fai is asleep.  :wink: I think I want to have Hayate not found for a while. What ya think?

SERIOUSLY EDITED POST)

What is love?

Do you know Fai? Do you know what it is?

...No.

Why not?

I don't know what it is...

Because you've never loved someone before?

Yes...

Because nobody has loved you before?

Yes...

Why not?

I...I don't know! I don't know why!!

Because your mother didn't love you.

No...she put me in the orphanage...

Those women thought you were pretty.

They didn't love me...I was just an item...

What about all those people who have been in your bed?

They just leave after it's over...Nobody is ever permanent. Why should I try if they are just going to leave?

What about Hayate? You kept him.

...I don't know.

Answer me Faivish.

Don't say that...I hate my name...why couldn't my mother have named me?

Fai.

...I like that better.

What about Hayate? Why him? Why did you keep him?

I...wanted to...protect him...

Why?

He's...special to me.

How special?

I would die for him...I almost did.

Why?

He needs someone! He's...like me in a way. A brothel worker...I wanted to protect him...

But you kept him there with your debt.

...I...I didn't...

What is it Fai?

I didn't want him to leave me!

...Fai?

What?

You're in love Fai.

With a gasp Fai awoke, the morning sun just peeking into the room. Sighing, Fai let his eyes close and rolled onto his back, surprised when the pain was naught but a dull throb. That medicine...

Damn. He hated having dreams like that, hated being drilled by his own subconcious.
Love...
Was that possible...? Was that it...?
He turned to look at Hayate, to see what stirred in him when his eyes came upon his face.
"Hayate??"

He sat bolt upright, ignoring the protest in his battered body, looking around frantically. How could he have slept through that?? Hayate had to climb over him just to get out of bed!
Damn!
Throwing his legs over the side of the bed, Fai stood, and noticed then the scrap of paper. Picking it up, he read the words a few times.
He went to see Lydia? Ah, the girl...
I'll be back. Promise.
"So where are you...?" He said softly, folding the paper up and keeping it in hand as he went to throw open the curtain to Hayate's room.

There was a dark feeling in the pit of his stomach, a feeling of forboding. He tried to bury it. Hayate could be downstairs eating for all he knew. Just because he wasn't still in his room didn't mean anything had happened to him.
But then again...
Dammit, why couldn't he shake this feeling???

Rain made his way quietly upstairs; looking behind him to the stranger that followed him. He was quite sure he had seen this man somewhere before, but where? Oh who knows, people come and go all the time, right? Rain wasn’t quite paying attention, disturbed by something that had happened to him the previous day as he was sending those three, “stooges� off to the slave foreman.

The foreman had been that woman. The same one Hayate had been going off to see.

How did Rain know?

Well, Rain thought with a little grin…I always follow Hayate, everywhere.

Except not last night. He didn’t know why he didn’t follow Hayate. His friend had gotten up in the middle of the night to do something, yet Rain didn’t move from his spot because he had been sleepy of all things! And here he had been trying to protect him! He should have followed him he thought cringing. That’s why he really wasn’t sure if he should tell master Faivish (he didn’t want to get slapped because he wasn’t doing his duty) or to go off and try find Hayate on his own.

Finally reaching the top stair Rain paused before heading over to Hayate’s room and throwing the curtain (door) open.

“Oh, sorry master Faivish,� Rain said lowering his eyes. “But ah…� He paused as the large man stood by the doorway waiting to be introduced. “This man claims he has something of yours.� His eyes darted up to glance at Fai and then he backed out of the room, allowing the stranger to enter, closing the curtain behind him. Should he tell master Faivish about the woman yesterday?

Did it really matter?

Yes it mattered!

He was going to go nuts if Hayate didn’t come back soon!

Well, it could wait, and I could go search for Hayate. He’s probably somewhere inside the brothel.

Or not knowing him.

Rain pressed his small body against the wall outside in the hallways so he could listen in on their conversation…

“You Faivish?’ the gruff looking man said motioning to Fai with a nod of the head.

“Well, my lady said to give you this.� He threw the bag of money onto the floor suddenly without giving Fai a chance to say anything.

 It was a rather large bag, with more than enough funds to pay off the debt the stranger realized. This whore wouldn’t know what to do with so much money, and forget about the stupid boy so his lady could sell him and make triple that was owed here. Yes this had been a complicated dealing since the boy did owe this guy money, but she said she would make more than enough to cover the boy’s debt and have plenty funds to split among them all after he was sold. He was just too pretty to pass up.

Dumb whores, the man thought narrowing his eyes at Fai.

“It’s about the boy what’s his name…oh yeah Hayate. Said here is the money he owes you for his debt he built up. She wanted to pay his debt off for him and take him with her to Connlaoth.�

The stranger paused as if contemplating his next few words. “The boy willingly left with her. And Hayate also sends a message to you: He wants to tell you he’s happy now and don’t worry about him, he's being treated, well,� the man added the last words there for a little flair proud of himself he remembered all that. “Seemed very happy he did to be free of this god-forsaken place,� the man said suddenly looking at the room with mild disgust. “Is it to your satisfaction? May I go now?"

The man suddenly left the room in a rush not giving Fai the chance to respond.

Rain jumped into action and rushed into the room where Fai was without waiting and said, "Want me to follow him?" a sneaky gleam in his eye.

Blinking, Fai looked down at Rain as he entered. Well, if there was someone who would probably know where Hayate was, it was him...
Of course, that was put on hold as a rather gruff looking man entered. Fai immediately felt his back tense alittle, and he crossed his arms, placing that perfectly calm smile on his face.
So practiced, so perfect.
"Yes, I'm Faivish."

His lady...? He blinked at the bag of what were presumably coins. He frowned softly, which did nothing to mar the beauty of his face. Upon tilting his eyes back up at the man, he caught that look.
It was one he knew well.
A look of disgust.
Huh, as if this man had any right to judge...

His attention perked at the name. Hayate??? He struggled to keep his surprise and confusion off of his face. Dammit, what was the meaning of all this?? His debt repaid? By who? Who the hell was this lady??
Connlaoth??

Fai's pretend smile hardened as the man continued. Happy? Willingly?
Somebody was lying.
Either it was Hayate in his note, or it was this man.
Sadly, Fai didn't know which.
Damn...

Nodding slightly at the man, he watched as he rushed out. Hayate had lied before. Would he lie now? No...why would he go through the trouble of writing him a note if he was just going to leave with....
Her! Lydia?? Was that who he meant? His lady...Hayate went to go see Lydia...
Dammit, unless that was a lie as well.
Frustrated, Fai jumped alittle at Rain's sudden reappearance.

Follow him...?
Damn damn damn!
Clenching his teeth, Fai rubbed at the bridge of his nose, trying to collect his thoughts. It was worth investigating...
Something just didn't feel right about this whole thing.
"Alright Rain, hurry, but be careful. Don't try anything stupid!"

Connlaoth...was he speaking the truth??
Sweeping from Hayate's room, Fai went quickly to his own. He dug about in his armoire before tugging out some of the few normal sets of clothes he owned. He really didn't care at this point what he was wearing, as long as he blended in enough to be able to follow after Rain and that strange man.
He threw on a pair of black slacks and a white button-up shirt, tugged a pair of brown boots on, and quickly brushed his hair into a horsetail with his fingers.
Faster, faster!
He scribbled out a note to Peach and left it at his desk before practically bolting from his room, long legs carrying him with all due speed down the stairs and out the door.

After catching someone who had seen Rain leave, he followed after in the same direction, running and dodging through people as quickly as he could. Everytime someone bumped into him, he had to suck in air to keep from groaning. All those bruises...they had grown tender overnight. He had seen himself while changing. Big purplish blue and black splotches littered his body.
He hadn't seen his back, but it felt better, so he could only assume his cuts were healing. And his face...there was a big bruise that spread across his jaw and chin.
Well, he wasn't out here to look pretty, he was out here to find Hayate!
He just hoped that he'd be able to catch sight of Rain...

Chains rattled in the silence that followed as Hayate shifted from his hanging position. It had been some time now since the wagon had stopped because of a broken wheel, and he had been dumped out of his cage unceremoniously onto the ground, and dragged into what he figured was some sort of stable. The chains were thrown over him so they could hang him up by the arms, his face facing the stable door. He was stripped of all his clothing, wiped down with a wet cloth and then rubbed down with some sweet scented oil. The fact that Lydia was doing this herself almost made him want to cry as he looked away from her touching him all over the place.

Hayate noticed his own body first. He was still bruised all over however thankfully that elven paste stuff had made him a lot more conformable. His hair had been washed, trimmed and cleaned, clothes suddenly changed after Lydia got done with him; now he was wearing some strange all blue garment, some sort of pants and tunic that showed his shoulders and arms, and soft leathery blue boots. She had even gone as far as placing a stupid dangly hoop earring in his ear, but he soon realized it was just something that marked him as a slave.

The next thing he noticed were his surroundings oddly enough. The place stunk, yet it was barren as if the previous owners had abandoned it. He figured they were a few miles now from the brothel, but he wasn’t quite sure, and Lydia who used to be to him someone so open and honest had told him nothing of where he was going so far.

The door to the stable was slightly ajar and Hayate could hear her cussing to someone who was apparently not following orders. Hayate figured the next stop would be his last because she’d probably want to get rid of him quickly in case his leaving was thought of as strange. After all he did leave that note.

Faivish…

Hayate blinked looking up suddenly wishing he had said something more than, “I’ll be back� on the note, perhaps more details of why he was leaving. All he had wanted to do was find closure, but now he was hanging here like a piece of meat ready to be slaughtered by several he was sure lawless customers.

He shifted slightly, pain shooting through his arms as he hung there, his toes barely touching the ground. He had to strain to hold himself up because if he dangled there for too long the pain would begin again, the same pain he felt for the last hour that struck his shoulders from being hung up by both wrists. And damn his sprained wrist. The pain was too much to bear.

“Ah, so you’re finally awake, huh?� Her voice trailed off as Hayate looked up and found that bitch facing him, a staff in her hand. “This here,� she said running her hands over the smooth surface of her wooden staff, “is in case you get out of line Hayate. And we don’t want that, now do we?�

“Won’t get much for me with any more bruises.�

“Not if they are on your pretty little head.�

Hayate grinned suddenly underneath his long blonde bangs and brought up a knee to kick the blasted thing out of her hands, but not before spitting on her.

Wide eyed and furious, Lydia picked up her staff and brought it down quickly over his head.

The next thing he knew…he was back asleep…

“See, told you.�


* * *

"Alright Rain, hurry, but be careful. Don't try anything stupid.�

Rain saluted Fai and then took off running down the servant’s back way until he was running passed the bathhouse and out the back door and outside.

He was fast because of his small size, maybe that is why he was so good at tracking and following people. Heck maybe one day he realize, he could make a good job out of it! But oh who would want to hire a spy? he thought laughing to himself. And anything was great as long as he was near Hayate.

He made his way through his usual trail that would wind around the brothel and to the main road instead of taking the main road itself. He ended up starting suddenly hiding behind a bush as the stranger came riding slowly his way. Good, the man on horseback wasn’t going at full speed and he would be easy to follow. He half expected Fai to follow the man as well and so began to follow slowly creeping his way along the side trail until the man came to the fork in the road and headed west. Good, good enough information. And so he waited until the man took the next path tucked up a bit on a hill, and crawled out of his hiding space, standing in the middle of the main road.

Now all that was left to do was wait for Fai who he sure was already on his way following the man as well. He had a good hunch about it, so he looked behind him to see if he could spot him already.

* * *

Memories he had long forgotten returned. Hayate was no longer the grown man, but a small frail little boy. With such strong jade green eyes and flowing golden hair that more than often landed him in trouble with the other boys in his home town. His hand was so much smaller the child realized, as the child clasped that hand onto another much older hand, touched by time.

The woman who stood beside him, so tall and so frail it looked as though she might shatter if she even breathed stared out to sea. Yet there was power and grace and wisdom in her eyes that she turned to him. And suddenly her cold hard stare softened, as did her smile.

“Hayate, do you know why I’ve brought you here?�

“Inuinana,� Hayate said, which translated, “Great Grandmother� her people’s language.

The boy known as Hayate looked up to his grandmother with her white flowing hair spilling down her back, her gentle eyes, the soft curve of her lip. There was warmth in her, yet also a coldness that Hayate would never come to understand or know. Why she kept herself at such a distance from him Hayate couldn’t understand. All he wanted was just for her to hold him, and kiss him, tell him he was loved, but as it was with her people, they had no need for such a thing.

Hayate cried suddenly and she strengthened the hold on his little hand.

“No boy, do not shed any tears. There is always a time for tears, but now is not that time. You must listen to me Hayate,� she said kneeling down to face him. “You must forget this moment, forget me, forget where your ancestry lies. Live your life and do not look back, do not remember what I’ve taught you.�

“Inui?� he said but she put a finger to his lips and shook her head.

“No, you must never speak theâ€"silenceâ€"language again, is that clear?â€?


Hayate came back to the present, head cleared as his memory of his grandmother returned to him. Why hadn’t he remembered after all this time? Remembered her. Why did he allow all his teaching to be pushed back into the depths of his mind and forgotten?

Teachings?

He didn’t quite understand.

He woke as one obtaining knowledge, one who for some reason just didn’t feel afraid all of a sudden. He looked up at Lydia, his eyes icy, lifeless, distant as his grandmother’s had been that day and whispered to her, “Khlo’teri-ghem. Ja’vyurlium’O.�

Lydia spun around. “What did you say?�

Hayate stared at her again, harder this time, the jade of his eyes changing until they became deep green pools of liquid.

He said again, almost as a whisper, “Khlo’teri-ghem. Ja’vyurlium’O.�

 Then he began to speak to Lydia, forming words that he did not understand, could not interpret. The words kept on coming, as if he were giving birth to them inside his chest. They rolled about, dancing along his skin, setting fire to his stomach. Hotter and hotter they continued coming, he continued repeating the same words over and over to again not caring to stop at the look of horror and shock on her face. Then suddenly the words took shape, into a single form and burned along his arms until they reached his hands and the chains holding him up began to glow faint, and he didn’t think about escape, didn’t think about any words that had been said, thought nothing but the pouring of these foreign words that took him over.

“Khlo’teri-ghem. Ja’vyurlium’O…�

“Khlo’teri-ghem. Ja’vyurlium’O…�

“Stop it!� Lydia screamed lifting her staff from the floor and swinging it across his midsection.

The words stopped and Hayate’s eyes dimmed as he swung around in the air. The words stopped and suddenly the knowledge seemed to disappear and all he knew was pain all along his belly.

Trembling, Lydia backed away from the boy until her back hit the front door of the stable. She reached behind her, fumbling with the lock until the door gave way and she tumbled outside by the feet of her companions. Standing she tried to compose herself and turned to them bellowing out orders. “You! Post another guard here! I want this boy guarded at all times!�

“Lady?�

“Just do it!� She screamed.

She turned and stalked away suddenly, hands shaking, mind reeling at what she had just witnessed, and then suddenly as it all made sense she stopped and began to softly laugh.

Why Hayate, you endless source of secrets. So, you have some ]elven blood in you?

“Good,� she said grinning suddenly, making her way over to a small little stage that had been built haphazardly near the river.

“I can’t believe you are part elf,� she said talking to herself, rolling over the new information in her head. “And all this time you didn’t tell your beloved Lydia anything.�

She made a soft sound and folded her arms across her chest. Yes, this was a good turn of events. Now she had something, someone that would fetch an even higher price than before. To have a boy so young with so much experience under him already and also…elven blood in him. Hell it might just be a little, but it was enough to send her toppling back in alarm.

But something wasn’t right. She had recognized some of the speech as odd, yes perhaps elven, because what else could it be? Yet, there was something dangerous in his words, something that still caused a shiver to remain along her skin. As if Hayate was reaching out to strangle her.

Ah, what nonsense, she thought doing away with her knew wondering, and suddenly looked back at her men and threw a staff to them. “If the boy gives you any trouble, hit him with this.�

Hayate watched her go, not quite sure what had gotten into him, not quite sure what the hell he just had said right now. It frightened him, but what was worse was he also didn’t know how much time had passed. He was completely alone, yet outside he could hear shuffling as if a large crowd was gathering. No, it couldn’t be possible? He thought they had just made a quick stop for repairs, but this run down little whatever it was called couldn’t be where she would be selling him off? So soon?

It couldn’t be true? he thought with a shake of his head. He gasped suddenly remembering that Lydia had knocked him over the head.

As if all his fears were suddenly manifesting themselves today, the door to the stable opened, bringing along with it bright sunlight that blinded him and several armed men who looked ready to take him to his next destination.

“Well, well, time to go lover boy,� Lydia said walking over to him slowly. Two large brutes came after her and reached out to grab Hayate’s legs, holding the struggling lad as she took a few more steps closer to him. “That’s in case you try that again,� she said lifting a small bowl in her hands.

“What’s that?â€? Hayate said glancing at the funny lookingâ€"what was that, puke?â€"and giving her his dirtiest look.

“You should probably know all about this elven remedy Hayate,� Lydia said smiling and suddenly swirling a bunch of it on his face. “After all being part elf and all.�

Hayate laughed. “Yeah, really, well then where are my ears, bitch?�

“Oh Hayate, just because you don’t look well…� Lydia stared at him hard, her eyes travelling the length of him from his pale blonde hair, gem-colored eyes, the sharp angles at his face, the beauty, the long lean muscle mass…he wasn’t tall but then again he wasn’t full elf either.

 â€œOh, yes definitely have elven blood in you alright.â€?

She laughed and began to rub the mixture all over his body and Hayate had to stop and pay attention because his skin was tingling, and the bruises he once had were vanishing as if they had never been there. Was his skin actually…glowing? Did it look clean as she wiped the stuff away off his skin with a soft rag? What the hell did she put in that stuff?

“If you mix Black X with a few special ingredients as the elves do,� Lydia said smiling, “It makes a wonderful skin cream. Especially takes care of any minor bruises, and the scent is quite wonderful,� she said lifting the bowl to her nose to take a long sniff.

“Now,� she said wiping her hands on her shirt. “Are you going to give me any more problems today? Or, are we going to come along nicely…�

Panting alittle, Fai finally got out of the crowded area of the road as it turned and led away from the city. Without pause he took off at a full run, something he hadn't done in a long while. Luckily, he was adamant about keeping in shape, and his long legs carried him swiftly over the dirt road.
Where was Rain...?
Slowling up a bit due to apprehension, Fai wondered if he was going the right way.
Well, what other way was there to go?? His only other option was to go back to the brothel. At least this way there might be a slight chance of finding them...

Picking up the pace again, Fai finally spotted someone up in the distance.
That had better be Rain!
Fai went all out, runing as fast and as hard as he could. Yes, it was Rain!
Coming to a stop before the boy, Fai was breathing hard and most of his hair had fallen free from the horsetail it had been tied in.
But he didn't care.
"Where...is he...?"
Why was Rain just standing here?? Had he lost the man??

If he had...then Fai would be at a loss for what to do. For once, he wished he had his wings, truly wished they were there. That way he could simply fly about and spot the man, or Hayate, or some shadey looking character...something!
But that wasn't an option now...
Dammit!
He wanted his wings!!

Back at the brothel, sitting in a pile in some trash bin, hundreds of amber shards sparkled and quivered.
There was something magickal to be had about the wings of a Ssin...

And laying discarded in a pile in that stinking barn, another lone shard sparkled and quivered, as if Fai's very thoughts about his wings caused them all to want to reform.

Rain jumped up and down as Fai reached him. “Faivish!� he said calling the other man over. “I should have told you earlier,� the boy said slightly panting as if he had been running. “The other day when the slave foreman came to pick up Jael, Sae, and Tatu, I immediately recognized her.�

He stopped then suddenly looking worried, glancing up at the older man. “It…was…the girl. The girl Hayate’s been seeing. She’s, the slave foreman. I think...that she has been trying to get Hayate all this time."


I’m tired, cold, and hungry, Hayate thought suddenly feeling pissed off about this whole situation. And here I was, all these years trying to leave, and when I finally succeed in doing so, it’s by force. And then when I decide I don’t want to leave, look what happens. Because of that little…

Hayate looked over to Lydia and scowled as he was pushed forward and then lifted by the chains on his wrists to a strange platform. All he had was eyes for her. Eyes that wanted to kill her that is.

And here I felt bad for the bitch and wanted to come and at least say I was going to break it off to her. And this is what I get for being such a gentleman?

Hayate’s eyes narrowed as he was forced around on the small wooden stage, planted in the middle of a dozen other young kids it looked like, no older than fifteen it seemed, all dressed in the same ridiculous flashy outfits that he was wearing, but all in different colors that complimented their coloring and features well.

This farm or whatever it was, was just off one of the main roads it seemed, he wasn't sure how far from the brothel. But did that matter when he was about to be handed over and poked about and sold.

One by one Hayate watched as the boys around him got sold, watched as apparently rich and ugly patrons bought their slaves and took off the down the road in their fancy little carriages and horses. It was enough to make him sick.

Then it was just down to him alone on stage. Apparently Lydia had saved the best for last.

Hayate was lifted again off the ground, as two strong looking men came and tied his chains to a hangman type of structure behind and above him. He dangled there his soft shoes brushing up against the wood of the platform as three thin and handsome men stepped up to get a better look of him, circling him like vultures about to pick his bones. Odd, these three men looked completely out of place, totally different from the fools Hayate saw before. And he felt extremely uncomfortably like they wanted to reach out and eat him.

He heard a soft chuckle and he turned to see Lydia smile at him, coming close so she could whisper in his hear. “Well, looks like we are going to part soon. As you see, I saved you for last, mostly because my clients like to deal with slave buying privately with no other onlookers.�

“Why is that?� Hayate asked. He was surprised he even was talking to her.

“Because well…what they do is sort of a dirty thing for a lot of people to witness.�

“What the hell do you mean by that?� Hayate said barely keeping his patience in check.

“Look more closely,� she said grabbing him by the chin and turning his head so he could stare at one of the onlookers who was just one step away from him, eyeing him like his next meal.

So what was the big deal, Hayate thought. Thin man; long dark clothing, pale skin that looked like he was dying of some disease, black circles under his red eyes. Red eyes, weird…fangs…

Suddenly Hayate froze as he turned towards Lydia. “You’re selling me to vampires?�

“Does that frighten you?� she said bending down to look him in the eye. “Just your ordinary demons who like to drink blood from young beautiful boys, and make them their slaves…forever. These here are Daywalkers…extremely powerful, and very happy to make your acquaintance.�

Silence.

“By my blood Lydia, I'm going to kill you. Before this day is over, I’m going to kill you."

Hayate arched his back and then looked away struggling with the chains. His tunic was suddenly ripped open down the middle by one of the buyers as he stepped in close to Hayate and inspected his chest.

“Beautiful Lydia, wherever did you find him?� the Daywalker asked her.

“You know I don’t give away my secrets, Havlo,� Lydia said mocking him.

The vampire grinned and leaned in close to Hayate’s face and for a moment there Hayate thought oh god, this is the end…

But suddenly on stage Lydia began the bidding and it was over in the matter of minutes as the vampire whoever he was bought Hayate, sold for seventy-five thousand gold coinsâ€"not bad Hayate thoughtâ€"and began discussing the matter with Lydia personally. And they left him here just hanging around waiting to be devoured by that monster. Bitch. Wait till I get my hands on her…

Oh shit, here he comes…

Fai blinked rapidly a few times before his face turned hard. The girl...
God dammit Hayate, could have any worse of a taste in women???
"Thank you Rain. Please, wait for me back at the brothel."
And he gave the boy a slight pat on the shoulder as he darted off down the road.
Again he was running as quickly as he could, though he knew he'd probably regret it when he finally did find Hayate. But he couldn't afford to slow down. He knew something bad was happening.
Something about all this wasn't right.

His lungs were burning, his long legs felt like noodles beneath him. A shean of sweat had broken out over his brow and down his neck, his cheeks flushed with exertion. But still he pressed on. The thudding of his booted feet became the only noise he could hear, pounding in his ears, a rythmic sound. He focused on not letting that sound stop, making the pattern stretch on and on.
He couldn't stop, he couldn't...

Finally, he spotted something up ahead. Some sort of a settlement...
Was that a barn?
Gritting his teeth, Fai forced his tired body to continue, never knowing how many miles he had run just to get here.
Slowly, he came to a stop, panting, trying to suck in as much air as possible. Every breath caused him excruciating pain, his lungs on fire and his chest so bruised that with every expansion of his ribs, he was made acutely aware of them again. But his legs bore him forward again, at a weak walk, until finally his eyes came upon that which he had been seeking.
Hayate!
And there was that girl...and...

A chill ran down his spine upon catching sight of the other there. There was something about him that made a cold, dark weight settle in Fai's stomach.
And it probably didn't help that said man was hovering over Hayate!
His body felt drained of energy, but there was no way in hell he was going to leave Hayate now. He had seen those chains...
Willingly? Ha.
"Hayate!"
He stalked forward, trying to let his anger at these people fall into that darkness like before, trying to call forth that electrifying power at will. Without it, there was very little chance of him getting Hayate out of here...

Hayate flushed, needles piercing him all over. His hair seemed to fizzle with electricity. He reached behind him and wrestled with the vampire, but his grip was too strong, and touching him only made him weak.

Oh Gods he’s turning me into a vampire!

The vampire’s hands were caressing his arms; heat flooded his body. His breath was intoxicating. The smell of the vampire pressed against Haayte's body like lead, causing his knees to shake. There was no pain, but the sensation of his mouth clamped tightly onto his skin caused a panic inside him.

"I don’t want to become a monster," he whispered. "Please, don’t turn me into a monster…Faivish…help…"

The vampire’s arms slithered around his waist until he had a steady hold on him.

Hayate’s heart beat wildly inside as he realized the vampire’s chest was flat against his back, holding Hayate against him as if his life depended on not letting him go.

Was it the reaction to the bite or being held like this?

No one ever held him like this before.

Not anyone as beautiful as this.

He couldn't remember a time when he experienced so much pleasure...

Hayate felt all at once content and tempted at the same time for this moment to go on forever.

When at last he thought he could not stand on his own anymore, the vampire released him and let Hayate fall into a heap onto the ground. The vampire was silent, only allowing himself to breathe deeply with everything he had. Hayate looked up at him; his vision blurred, senses ringing of fire. Every ounce of resolve and fight left in him came crashing through his body until at last it was gone.

“Good, Hayate,� the vampire cooed as he held him and caressed his head gently. “Yes, take it in, soon you will be ready to drink yourself. Yes, good boy…�

This can’t…be happening Hayate thought eyes wide open.

Then the man was unchaining him and telling him to follow and all Hayate could think at that moment was there was nothing else he wanted more than to do so.

Dumbly Hayate looked over at the man who had suddenly arrived.

Who was he?

Did it matter?

No, his new master was calling him…

Lydia spun around to look at Fai. Eyes narrowed, she reached down beside her and lifted up a crossbow and pointed it at him. “Don’t move Faivish,� she said. “I have this pointed at your heart.’

Faivish?

Hayate stopped and looked over at Fai his mind far away from all this. He felt displaced, and all he could do was follow the tugging of his Father who turned to him and with a look called him once more over.

I must…go with my new master...

No, you must stop this Hayate!

But how?

Faivish!

Fai jerked when he realized what that man was, as well as what he was doing. He was a vampire!
And he was biting Hayate!
Rage boiled up inside of him, and finally he felt it, that darkness opening up like the mouth of a well inside of him.
"Let go of him."
He growled, though the vampire probably couldn't hear him.
There, there, he fould feel it! He let his anger fill up, the black hole eating it up, swelling inside his chest.
He knew what would come now, and he tried to prolong the feeding of this strange shadow for as long as he could.
Energy sparked along his skin, and he felt his back tighten uncomfortably.

His sharp red-brown eyes stared flatly at Lydia.
"Oh? Do you now?"
Yes, yes, yes! There it was! The blackness swallowed it all, and again Fai felt empty until it burst into blue light within him. He could feel a tickle run up the back of his neck, the little hairs standing on end. The rest of that blue mass floated gently around his head, and he could feel his skin heat with his power.
This was only his second time using it, but already he knew more, already it felt stronger. His back tingled, as if wishing for his wings.

"Let's try this." He whispered, and held his hand out before him slowly. He could feel it, and was surprised that he couldn't see it. It felt like lightening was racing along his skin...
He concentrated that energy, not along his arm, but on Lydia. He wanted that cross bow out of her hands...
Now...
NOW!
The handle of the crossbow suddenly splintered and cracked, literally exploading from the inside out.
Incredible...it had really worked...

Lydia screamed as the blast knocked her backwards. Falling to the ground she scrambled over to the stage, pulling herself up as best she could since whatever had destroyed her crossbow had injured her all along her arms. Blood now streamed down her arms, tiny little cuts speckled with splinters. “Damn you,� she hissed through her teeth.

“May I be of some service then?� the vampire said turning to look at Fai with bloodlust. “After all, it seems this young man wants something that doesn’t belong to him anymore…�

With that being said the vampire threw off his coat and flew towards Fai, a long nailed hand coming at him…

Whatever triumph he had was short lived, for suddenly the vampire had decided to join the fight. Dammit...
He had expected the vampire to get involved, but he wasn't entirely sure if he'd be able to fight him or not.
This magick was still so new to him...

Turning to face the ghastly creature floating toward him, Fai concentrated, feeling another wave of that tingling run across his body, from his feet all the way to the crown of his head.
There was a sudden, sharp pain in his back, as if he had just been stabbed, but he brushed it off.
He had to concetrate...
His eyes bore down on the vampire's hand, feeling his energy well up as he redirected it. The only strategy he had was to try the same thing he had done on the crossbow, only now on the vampire's hand.

Power crackled through the air, and the vampire's nails suddenly split, splintering, before the effect shot through the rest of the creature's hand. Fai's magick thrummed through the vampire's bones, shattering them from within, and then expanding to literally pop his flesh open.
Fai grimaced at the own horror of his own ability as the vampire's hand exploaded into so much raw meat, the clashing of white on crimson making him want to turn away.
Disgusting...
But he couldn't afford to stop. He had to kill him...

The vampire felt himself falling backwards, but steadied himself and slowed his descend, flying down to the ground with an eerie sort of grace.

His hand had been severed.

And he was pissed.

“So, its not going to be easy to kill you, is it?� the vampire said picking up Hayate suddenly and holding him by the neck with his good hand. “Let’s see you try that again.� His smile was cold and sinister, as he pulled Hayate to him and kissed him.

The kiss was  too much. Hayate kissed his master back feeling the passion well up inside him.

Man did this feel good.

And then as if something was pulling Hayate down deeper, deeper until at last he felt he might drown…he blacked out…

Laughing the vampire dropped Hayate to the ground and stepped over him. “To late mortal. He’s already turning. Soon you will have to face both my new companion and me. That is if you can lay a hand on the boy…�

Suddenly the Daywalker was behind Fai; the movement had been instantaneous. Fangs drawn, the vampire grabbed Fai around the neck and began flying backwards, taking Fai with him through trees and bushes, trying to use them to his advantage to beat wildly against the man. Then they were flying up, higher, higher until the people below were nothing but a tiny spec from this viewpoint.

And the vampire let Fai go.

....
He did NOT just do that.

Fai felt new anger bubble up within him as he was forced to watch the vampire and Hayate kiss. He didn't even realize his legs were carrying him forward, running at the two of them.
If he touched Hayate one more damn time...

His teeth clenched at the vampire's words, making his face contort into a grimace. No...Hayate...
"Egh?"
Suddenly the creature was behind him, his hand clamped around Fai's throat. This wasn't going to end well...
Fai hissed with pain as the branches slapped at his bruised body, tears gathering at the edges of his vision despite his best efforts to stop them. Gods if that didn't hurt...
At this rate, he couldn't concentrate enough on the power, couldn't get back at the vampire.
His pain clouded his mind.

Then suddenly there was...nothing.
A slight moment of weightlessness, and then he was falling back toward the earth.
His eyes widened. There would be no surviving this...
But he'd be damned if he let that vampire survive this!
DIE!!!
A defeaning crack split the air, and Fai felt pain blossom in his abdomen as a bolt of pure white lightening pierced him from above, the same crackling column that also pierced the vampire.
It all happened in less than a split second, but for some reason Fai could watch it all. He had missed...he had missed the vampire's heart...
The best he could hope for was that the bolt had split the vampire in half.

And speaking of that...
Coughing, Fai plummeted, clutching his stomach...
...And was surprised to find it intact.
The burning pain had been replaced by fear, his eyes focused on the ground that kept getting closer and closer.
Wings...
Wings...he needed his wings!!
And for some reason, there was only one word that was able to leave his lips...
"HAYATE!"

There was an incredible pain in his back, like a thousand daggers being shoved into his flesh, into his very bone. It was so incredibly excruciating that it stole his breath, and his vision went white for a brief flash.
Then he was slowing, slowing, and his back tingled where the pain had been. Sliding from his flesh were those large amber wings of his, knitting back together within his body before reamerging.
By the time both wings were fully extended and shimmering behind him, the ground was upon him, and he somehow managed to land on both feet.

Panting, Fai stumbled forward a few steps, then managed to straighten. His shirt was in tatters, and he had to glance back over his shoulder just to make sure he wasn't hallucinating...
His wings...
His wings had regrown!

“Hayate, do you know why I’ve brought you here?�

The tugging at his heart was gone. Hayate was looking out to sea again with that same old woman who knew him, holding onto his hand.

“You must never speak the elven language again…�

I don’t understand why…why is it so important I don’t speak those words?

Why are they so dangerous to say?

And then as if reaching out and grasping hold onto a memory that was in the form of a long white ribbon Hayate had his answer…

“There is always a time for tears, but now is not that time. You must listen to me Hayate,� she said kneeling down to face him. “You must forget this moment, forget me, forget where your ancestry lies. Live your life and do not look back, do not remember what I’ve taught you.�

The small child looked up at his grandmother, this time not a child but as a full-grown man with a hard expression on his face. A face that knew. Eyes that looked down at the old woman with something like pity, and resentment.

Hayate stared at her and said, “No, not this time…�


Stumbling Lydia fell back a pace or two as she watched the two males fight it out. She looked over at Hayate. He still seemed to be out of it, under the vampire’s spell.

Good.

She reached for a small sack she had hidden behind the stage, new blood staining the ground below her. Inside she had a miniature crossbow, one she usually wore tied to her wrist or leg for easy access. It was small but it would still do the trick if she hit the right spot. And she was a good aim. Probably was a good thing she had taken it off earlier, or else it would have been destroyed perhaps like her last one.

Damn that Faivish.

The wind that had been blowing through the trees died down. The earth seemed to swallow the sound. Nothing but pure silence followed. A hush fell over them as if the sky were preparing for a storm.

Silence.

“Khlo’teri-ghem…

“Ja’vyurlium’O...

“Khlo…�

A cold unease traveled up the length of Lydia’s body. She turned slowly to face Hayate as if all the breath were gone from her.

“I told you Lydia,� Hayate said lifting his head up, eyes masked over by a wave of coldness. “That I would kill you before this day was over…�

She smirked suddenly at Hayate. “Well then who is going to save your friend?� In a fright she pulled her crossbow up again pointed at Fai, wasting no time she shot.

All sympathy was gone from his face as he whispered the last words...

“…Vyurlium’tu...�

A scream tore through the forest as Lydia’s small frame shook with the piercing of the arrow. She looked down in shock, horrified. She was sure she had shot it at that man…that stupid man who had ruined everything. And yet here she was standing here, blood running down her mouth, blood all over her with this metal piercing her heart.

Still clutching the arrow that was sticking out of her chest, she fell dead to the ground.


Hayate picked himself up from the ground as all memory and knowledge left him in one large sweep. He stared at the ground before him for some time until finally remembering where he was. Then he turned to look forward and his heart skipped a beat.

“Faivish…�

“FAI!� Hayate screamed running over to him.

It felt like forever Hayate thought. He couldn’t run fast enough. Then without thinking without stopping to wonder if he was dreaming or not, he threw his arms around Fai’s neck falling into his embrace.

“I’m sorry,� he cried pulling his hands to his heart. “I’m so sorry.�

I don’t deserve you, Hayate thought closing his eyes as if too ashamed to even look up at Fai.

Everything had been his fault. Everything.

"Why do you even put up with me?" he whispered.

But it didn’t matter now because the body he was pressed against was warm and inviting.

He never wanted to leave Fai’s side again. Never.

“Let’s get out of here,� he whispered. “Take me away from here…Faivish…�

His heart nearly stopped when he saw that crossbow aimed at him. There was no time, he couldn't destroy that one so quickly...
Fai could feel his chest tighten up as the arrow let fly, knowing with sinking sincerity that it was aimed right for his heart.
But then...the arrow was piercing Lydia's chest instead.

The only explination faded off on the wind, the sound of foreign words in Hayate's voice...

"FAI!"

Pulling his gaze from Lydia's bleeding form, he watched as Hayate literally threw himself at him. Wait, off balance, off balance!!
Stumbling back, Fai caught him in the embrace of his arms, somehow managing not to fall flat on his ass. His wings flitted and shimmered out behind him, their appearance still a mystery to him.
But that didn't really matter right now.
Holding him close, he gently pet the back of Hayate's head, hushing him gently with his voice.
"It's alright...It's ok Hayate..."
He sighed against Hayate's ear and shook his head gently, unable to help but smile.
"Oh come now, you penchant for getting into trouble just makes my life exciting."

Pulling back a bit, he placed a hand on either side of Hayate's face, looking into the boy's eyes before glancing down at his neck.
"I will, I will...are you alright Hayate?"
He touched gingerly at the bite mark, a frown pulling on his brow. Without another word, he began to lead Hayate away from that disgusting place.
He needed to get Hayate back to the brothel and under the care of that healer again. He wasn't sure what all the implications of that bite mark would be...

And after all was said and done, he was determined to take Hayate someplace nice. After all this, the two of them needed some severe relaxation time!

Hayate nodded to Fai telling him he was okay. “I feel fine,� he said glancing to his own shoulder. “I think because you killed that guy I’m okay.� He smiled. "I mean you did, right?" he said looking over his shoulder as if he thought that Daywalker would jump out after him at any moment.

After that he pretty much remained silent as he followed Fai the long hike back to the brothel. He remained a step behind, his shoulders slumped, head down.

Had they really brought him this far? It seemed like they were walking forever, and Hayate kept silent glancing at Fai periodically.  Poor Fai must have been tired, and by the look of things worse off than before. But those wings...

Hayate stared at them in wonder, but was too ashamed to ask how they came back.

By the time they had come back Hayate realized he needed to say something.

“I really was going to come back Fai," he said stopping suddenly. He looked up at the other man a pained expression on his face. “I didn’t leave to see herâ€"well yes I did, but…I just…wanted to end it and find some closure. I couldn’t just leave her out there wondering, being hurt because I didn’t show up.â€? He frowned suddenly his fangs peeking out of his mouth at his disgust. “Damn bitch. She had me good. I thought she was a nice person.

“So…you got my note right?� he asked. “How did you find me anyway?� he said reaching the front gate of the brothel. “From what I heard one of her men was sent to hand over you money for my debt.�

Fai only wished he could say yes, that he had killed that creature...
But to be honest, he had no idea, and so remained quiet as they walked.
And it quickly became apparent to him just how far he had run. Walking it, he was able to take in all the scenery, how the path just seemed to go on and on. How he had managed to run this he had no idea...
Speaking of, his legs, along with the rest of him, was incredibly sore. He was too tired to even protest the fact that Hayate was walking behind him instead of next to him.
He just didn't have the energy...

About half way through the trip, his wings dissapeared with the tinking of chimes, leaving just his torn shirt and the remnants of hundreds of stab wounds, still covered over by that strange medicine.
Finally, as dusk approached, they made it back to the brothel. Fai was about ready to just fall over and pass out right then and there, but he managed to seem alot more awake than he was.
Stopping, he turned to look back at Hayate when he spoke.
A soft smile came to settle on his tired features, and he gently took Hayate's face in his hands again.
"I know you were going to come back. I understand."

Sighing softly, Fai placed a kiss on Hayate's forehead before straightening and going back to the brothel door, throwing it open.
"Yes, I got your note. And it was Rain who helped me to find you. He followed the man that brought me the money to pay off your debt."
He felt something twist in his chest as he slowly made his way for the stairs.
"I accept the payment. You are no longer indebted to me."
Did that mean Hayate would now leave him as he had feared...?

I understand…

Hayate smiled faintly and followed after Fai. He stopped short from entering the brothel; the front gate slamming shut as the shock of what Fai said washed over him.

Free…from my debt?

Did Fai really mean it?

Hayate felt like cold steel hands were keeping his mouth shut.

Why not just ask him if that means you can leave?

I can’t. He already said my debt is paid off.

I can…leave…?

But I don’t want to leave!

I don't want to leave Fai's side!

Hayate struggled to keep his emotions under control. Fai was going to kick him out; he didn’t need him anymore. If he wanted him to stay he would have at least told him he still has room here.

Room in his heart.

Then will it just continue like that? Both of them whoring their bodies out for money after all that has happened?

Hayate made his way up to his roomâ€"was it any longer his room?â€"and stopped short as Rain poked his head out of Fai’s room. The boy waved him over and Hayate came stopping right before the front door to Fai’s room wondering what had Rain so pleased all of a sudden.

“I knew you’d come back,� Rain said hugging Hayate out of the blue.

Kind of awkward.

“I knew Master Faivish would bring you back. Are you hurt?� Rain asked.

Hayate had to smile at that. Lord if there was any reason to stay it would be these two. Mostly Fai…because…

I know I love him.

Hayate’s face turned red at the thought and he looked away from Rain and then suddenly puzzled he asked, “Why are you in Fai’s room?�

“Shh,� Rain said slowly opening the door some. “We were suppose to clean his bed up…but,� he said motioning over to Fai’s bed. “I made sure no one did.� There was a wicked gleam in his eye. “Now Master Faivish can sleep with you again tonight.�

That deserved a hit over the head.

“Ouch!� Rain said rubbing his bruised head. “Why you do that for?�

Rain was still grinning.

But all Hayate could do was smile. In fact, boy Rain was pretty smart for someone his ageâ€"well pretty much the same age as him, and quite sneaky. He didn’t realize how of a good friend he did have and suddenly grabbed the boy and gave him a real hug. “Thanks Rain, I owe you one. For that and for saving my life along with Fai.â€? He patted the boy on the shoulder then and then walked back to his room, standing at the open doorway.

How long he lingered there he didn’t know. He looked at Fai again and then without even stopping to see if it was a good idea to ask he said, “I can leave now?�

No, not the question I really wanted to ask…

He just was too…embarrassed to ask Fai what he really wanted to ask.

Fai wasn't sure what the silence meant, so continued up the stairs until reaching his room. He was looking forward to just collapsing on his bed and going to sleep. Of course, he knew he couldn't do that. He had to get ahold of that healer yet again, to make sure Hayate was going to be alright...
All that swept from his mind upon opening the door.
Blinking, he stared at his still-bloody bed, and shuddered at the thought. That blood...was a day old...
Ugh, he'd need to get a whole new bed at this rate...

Turning and leaving his room, he knew that only left him one bed to which he could go.
And it was Hayate's.
But at this point, he wasn't sure if he would be welcome...
Frowning, Fai went to wait in Hayate's room anyway. He wouldn't get any answers by avoiding the boy after all...
Sitting on the edge of the bed, he was nearly tempted to just lay down right then and there. Gods but he was tired...

He had nearly dozed off while sitting there, but he felt Hayate's eyes on him and quickly woke from his semi-doze. He watched the boy from his spot on the bed, but his stomach flipped at what he eventually said.
He could feel that squeazing in his chest again, and he quickly stood, turning away to keep Hayate from seeing his eyes. They would give him away...
He crossed his arms, the front of his shirt baggy since there was next to nothing left at his back.
"Yes, if you want, you may leave now."
His voice was a bit terse, almost as if he were forcing the words out.

Pathetic...
You can't even face him...
Fai closed his eyes. No, he couldn't...he couldn't face him...he couldn't let the look on his face sway Hayate's decision.
The boy had always wanted to leave, and now that there was no debt holding him back, he was free to do so.
And the thought made Fai's heart collapse in on itself, twisting painfully in his chest as he tried to hold his tongue, tried to not find some reason for keeping Hayate here.

No!

I’m not going to leave!

I don’t want to!

“So, this is how you want to get rid of me?� Hayate said feigning anger.

He wasn’t really that great at faking it.

Suddenly spurred on by determination Hayate ran downstairs and into the main hall where he knew that priceless vase owned by Peach was.

Oh yes that one.

The one some wealthy royal client once gave him some years ago as a birthday gift.

Heaving the thing into his arms he made his way back upstairsâ€"even with people stopping and staring and wondering why he was carrying itâ€"walked into his room and with one swift fluid motion, dropped the vase out of his window.

Leaning over the window he watched it as it shattered at the bottom.

Turning around to face Fai out of breath and breathing hard he said, “Well, guess I have to stay now. Pay that off and all.�

Grinning to himself he turned away and blushed, not really able to look Fai in the eye at the moment. After all it had been pretty obvious what he wanted to do and this time Fai actually might kill him…or worse…

Fai flinched a bit at Hayate's words, though it quickly dawned on him that it was fake anger that filled them. He turned to look back at Hayate, using his confusion to hide his true feelings, but just as he did Hayate was off, running from the room.
Startled, he took a step forward, wondering just what this was all about.
"Hayate...?"

He didn't have to wait long, for soon Hayate was back, hefting....
Was that Peach's birthday present in his arms!?
"Hayate..."
He began dangerously, and then his eyes nearly bugged out of his head as Hayate dropped it out the window.
"Hayate!! Have you gone out of your mi-"
And then all was made clear.
That boy...

Fai stalked up to Hayate and placed his hands on his shoulders, shaking him alittle.
"Hayate, you little fool. I wasn't kicking you out!"
But his anger was false. He was more exhasperated than anything.
With a sigh he slumped, letting his forehead rest against Hayate's.
"What am I going to tell Peach now...that's the second very important thing to him you've trashed..."
But despite his words, he was smiling tiredly.
"What am I ever going to do with you, Hayate? My little trouble maker..."

“You weren’t?� Hayate whispered looking up at Fai. He didn’t know if he was shocked or relieved, or well felt stupid.

Maybe all three.

“Oh, guess I should have asked if I could stay,� he said and he couldn’t help feeling elevated.

He wasn’t going to leave Fai. He didn’t care what he was doing or where he was at, just as long as he was with Fai.

But would he tell him that?

No.

But it couldn’t keep him from suddenly throwing his arms around Fai and pulling him towards him. He just wanted…to hold him. Even though he knew he might never get the courage to actually tell him how he felt one day. And even if they woke up tomorrow and went back to the daily grind of life and had different partners in their bed.

Hayate felt suddenly sick to his stomach.

At least he could have this much.

Even if it was just a little.

Hayate nuzzled Fai's neck,  the warmth of his body making him groan suddenly. His teeth teasingly nibbled on Fai’s neck. But just then his stomach growled and he said, “Fai? I’m hungry.â€?

Fai laughed softly at Hayate's words.
"Yes, perhaps you should have asked before destroying yet another priceless vase."
Honestly, could the boy obliterate any more objects of wealth??

Blinking, he was suddenly hugged close, and he let his own arms fall around Hayate's body. For some reason, he didn't think to question Hayate's change in behavior.
Then again...
He had the overwhelming feeling that the boy might have fallen in love with him.
You're in love Fai
He shook that thought free of his head. He didn't want to think about that...

A small shiver ran along his body, tingling gently, as Hayate nuzzled into his neck. His arms pulled Hayate closer as he groaned, the nibbling on the sensitive skin of his neck very appreciated. He sighed, feeling his body relax, until...
Hungry???
Oh shit.
Fai nearly jerked his head back, then laughed alittle nervously.
"Hungry for what I wonder..." He mumbled, rubbing at his neck where Hayate just moments ago had been nibbling.

"Here Hayate, lay down for a bit. I'll get some food brought up, as well as the healer. I want that bite mark looked at." Even as he spoke, he was leading Hayate to the bed. He was too tired to really force Hayate, but even still he managed to get him to the bed and hopefully at least sitting on it.
He knew how stubborn Hayate could be...

Hayate suddenly found himself too tired to really make any sense of anything. After all he didn't get any sleep last night.

He nodded numbly as Fai pulled away. What was that all about? And go get him something to eat.

But the next thing he knew he was stripping those gaudy clothes off (leaving the hoop earring on because it was sort of cool) and slipping naked under the covers, leaving just enough room for Fai to get in. His eyelids drooped wearily and he yawned, his hunger suddenly forgotten.

“Never mind Fai, I’ll get something in the morning,� he said through another yawn. “You can stay in here again tonight if you want.� He started scratching at the bite mark. “I think I’ll be fine, don’t worry about me.� He suddenly sat up in bed, allowing the bed sheets to fall to his torso. “You are staying the night, right?’

Fai blinked and had to stop walking when Hayate just started stripping down in front of him.
The boy had to be exhausted to do that...
Didn't mean Fai was opposed to looking, and he watched with unhidden interest. It was the sort of look Hayate would have hated were he awake and back on his guard.

He didn't have to be told twice that he could stay. He was already shrugging out of what remained of his shirt, kicking his boots off and wincing at how sore his feet were once they touched the wood floor on their own.
He decided it would be far too tempting otherwise, and so kept his pants on, already moving to sit next to Hayate.
He caught his hand when it scratched at the bite.
"Don't fret with it Hayate." He ordered, and took a moment to remember the elven paste. Grabbing the jar from where he had left it the night before, he got a bit on his finger and smeared it over the bite wound, hoping that, if anything, it would just make it heal up a bit faster.
He didn't like having to stare at two fang wounds in Hayate's neck...

Blinking alittle, he looked over at Hayate as he suddenly sat up again. But hearing his words, Fai simply smiled and layed down, throwing the covers over himself.
"Yes, I'm staying. Lay down Hayate."
He tugged the boy down gently, then yawned and let his own eyes close.
It was almost cruel...he finally gets to be in the same bed with a naked Hayate, and not only is he too exhausted and sore to do anything, but he knows Hayate is too tired to put up any resistance.
And that was alittle too close to consciously taking advantage of him.

Hayate smiled as Fai came to bed with him, and he watched him undress through a peek of one eye, a strange euphoria bursting inside him. He just felt safe at the idea of being with Fai like this, like nothing bad could happen to him again if Fai was with him.

Hayate closed his eyes as the day’s events swept over him.

Wow, what a day.

And here he thought he had been in love with Lydia, but no he had been in love with Fai all this time.

He was?

Was he really?

He knew he had said it to Fai, even though Fai had been asleep when he left. But…

But he couldn’t really express himself all too well. And well thinking about it. It wouldn’t end up well since they both were prostitutes. Any kind of feelings would just get in the way.

Or Lord, he had feelings for Fai!

This day was just getting stranger by the minute.

Of course he did. Why the hell was he so confused?

Because you can’t get close to men like Fai.

But you are close to him now.

Yeah but that's different.

How so?

Because...because...

Should just forget about all these emotions, forget you even thought you might have loved him. Better to be rid of it than live another day knowing Fai might have someone else in his bed, making love to him…

Hayate squeezed his eyes tighter at the thought of it.

Why does it bug you so much now?

Why the hell when I’m so tired I can’t shut my fucking head off?

Hayate realized without even thinking about it, his right hand had easily found its way onto Fai’s chest and he was tenderly caressing his skin as he lay there. He was too tired to care, to tired to move it. He just…didn’t care. This could be the last chance he had to be close to Fai like this. He moved in a bit closer and held his breath as he found himself pressing his body up against Fai's suddenly. He curled around Fai then, hugging him not wanting to let him go.

Just hold me a little longer. If there was any emotion he wanted to show Fai without words, that was the one.

Just hold me before tomorrow comes.

Hayate closed his eyes then; stifling the worry that he knew might be present on his face. He threw the covers over his head a little and felt his body drifting off to sleep.

His thoughts faded.

Fai was there pressed against him.

Warm. Protected.

There just was no way around it.

He couldn't live another day thinking Fai was giving himself to somebody else.

He would have to either stop being a prostitute or stop loving Fai.

He didn’t have any chance to think that over because by the time his leg had wandered over on top of Fai’s lower body, he was fast asleep.

As he lay there, slowly drifting to sleep, his body relaxed. And he was aware then of just how badly his body hurt. His chest and stomach were still covered in big purplish bruises, and on top of that tenderness, his stomach throbbed. Of course, he should have remembered from the first time he used his magick. It seemed to have a habit of backlashing him when he used it. The bones in his arms ached, again from his magickal energy.
He was such a mess.

What he looked forward to most tomorrow was taking a long, hot bath.
....With Hayate.

He was stirred slightly from sleep as something caressed his chest, to gentle to elicit very much pain. So there Fai hung, half between sleep and wakefulness.
That was until Hayate pressed himself against his bruised side, and pain burst across his ribs.
Struggling down a gasp, Fai's eyes snapped open, reaffirming the fact that Hayate was cuddling him. And speaking of cuddling...Fai's eye twitched with pain as the boy wrapped his arms around his sore torso, but again he managed to bite back any sounds of pain.
His luck was horrid...

Letting out a pent-up breath, Fai carefully shifted and wrapped his arms around Hayate. A grin appeared as Hayate partially covered his head with the covers, a strangely childish gesture. It was cute...
Fai was about to close his eyes as well when Hayate's leg tossed itself over his lower body.
Damn all this temptation...
With a sigh Fai finally did close his eyes, and tried very, very hard to not think about the body draped all over his own...

It was a bright and early morning when the sun peeked through the window of the boy’s room. The boy lay cuddled underneath the sheets listening unconsciously to the beating of the other man’s heart that seemed to beat against his own. His lips parted in surprise at the body pressed against him. Eyes fluttered open. Too tired to wake he shut them again. He snuggled in a bit closer, not wanting to wake up, wanting to continue to drift off into sleep. And apart of him wished this day had never come.

Hayate knew it was morning somewhere in the back of his sleepy mind. He just didn’t want to get up. Too out of it to want to part like this, to make any sense of it all. To have to let Fai go.

Somewhere during the middle of the night his mind had made a choice.

This would be the last time he would allow himself to get close to Fai ever again.

Whatever was going on between Fai and himself, well he would end it today.

However much he didn’t want to, he knew it was the right decision.

Or else he could not live the rest of his life like this.

Didn’t want his heart ripped to pieces.

The sun touched his eyes and he pulled the sheets over his eyes, shifting a little against Fai. Unknown to him as he lay still that his hand was creeping down the length of Fai’s body. Fingers brushed the soft hair at his waist, and then a hand slithered in, grabbing a hold of something pleasantly soft inside Fai’s pants.

With a smile on his face Hayate sighed and the thought of getting up was pushed back away from his mind.

The light pierced his delicate eyelids, and Fai turned his head away, starting when he felt something against his face. One eye peeked open, and he relaxed as he saw it was simply the top of Hayate's head.
The events of last night and the day before rushed over him, and he sighed, letting that eye close and sink him back into darkness.
He didn't want to get up...he wanted to continue laying here with Hayate...

But already his mind was ticking off the things he had to do...
Get his sheets washed.
Get the healer.
Get food for Hayate.
Explain to Peach what had happened to his vase.
That last one wasn't going to be much fun...
He also needed to go over all the clients he and Hayate had missed. Another thing that would involve Peach...
His day was not going to be fu-

What in heaven's name???

He hadn't even noticed Hayate's wandering hand. That is, until it wandered its way into his pants and grabbed ahold of him...
What the hell was Hayate thinking??
Despite the panic in his thoughts, his body shivered, and that 'pleasantly soft' something began to harden.
...Dammit.
Shifting alittle, Fai grimaced and went to retrieve Hayate's hand before anything too terribly embarrassing got underway.
"Ah, Hayate...Hayate, wake up." As he spoke, his free hand shook the boy's shoulders.
He was really, really trying his best to not take advantage of this situation!

“Ah, Hayate...Hayate, wake up."

Hayate grumbled, frowning.  He sat up a little sleepy eyed and looked down at Fai, and then just something came over him.

Just one last…

Kiss.

His moist firm mouth demanded a response. “No," he murmured against Fai’s mouth and he sat up over his friend, head bent down into the kiss, unwilling to look him in the eyes.

If he could just hide his eyes from him, then he could hide the truth.

So he closed them.

Then he moved his mouth over Fai’s devouring its softness, a hand sought out the hard heated place below Fai’s waist again and gently stroked. He wasn't going to be denied.

It was too late; his body wanted just one last touch, one last embrace. Something it would soon have to give up. He just wanted to know a little bit more of what he was giving up.

Fai relaxed a bit as Hayate finally woke and sat up, and he was quick to pull his hand from his pants now that he had the chance. The last thing he wanted was for Hayate to get hysterical again and accused him of taking advantage of him.
Of course, those thoughts immediately went out of the window as Hayate's eager mouth suddenly demanded a kiss.

No? No what...?

Oh well, he didn't particularly want to think about that right now. He gently kissed Hayate back, letting him have this strange bought of dominance. His hand came up to cup the back of Hayate's head, his fingers twining into the hair at the base of his neck. He wondered vaguely if he was dreaming...
Would Hayate ever do this in real life...?
Fai's hips jerked in surprise and pleasure as Hayate again went for him.
Uh, no, this couldn't be a dream. That had been waaaay too acute for a dream!
His mouth suddenly moved more ferverntly under Hayate's, his free hand running slowly up his stomach to his chest, letting his nails trace along Hayate's skin softly.

His lips were more persuasive than he cared to admit.

Hayate groaned as Fai responded, and for one fleeting moment he felt himself pushed over the edge. He clenched tighter with his hand, the sudden friction igniting in him his own arousal. The skin was soft as silk, and frustratingly Hayate let go and began to untie Fai’s pants, tugging them down to the other man's hips. He struggled for a moment and pulled them down just a little bit further, but let them hang seductively hugging those lean muscles of his.

Hayate's hand shifted. Propping himself onto his elbow he moved both hands to Fai’s face. Fingers teased the soft skin at Fai’s hairline and the boy pressed his mouth into the other as if he wanted to brand him with his kiss.

Hayate smoothed Fai’s hair making sure he was careful not to press his full weight on top of the injured man. "Fai," he whispered. His hands were soft and touching as if caressing the man’s face was indeed a fragile, breakable thing. His lips teased, and his mouth broke the kiss to leave a trail of hot wet burning desire down man’s chest.

There didn’t seem a point in stopping. There was no going back. All he knew was the lips that moved in rhythm with his were all he ever wanted to taste. And he knew the tears that wanted to show, that wanted to fall. Hayate pushed them back not wanting to let them be seen, not to touch that beautiful face he had come to love.

Suddenly his hand slid across that silken belly and Hayate paused as one forcing himself to wake up from a dream.

He yanked away from him without warning.

“I’m sorry.� His voice was shakier than he would have liked. Distant.

Hayate sat up from Fai and brought his knees up, resting his arms upon them. His head bent down, eyes shadowed he sat there, silent as he allowed his body to retreat back into a cold hard place where his passion and desire he felt for Fai didn’t exist.



(ooc: Severly Edited!)

Fai had not expected the sudden tightening of Hayate's hand, the rough feeling it brought. Heat blossomed up his back, and he jerked, arching slightly once again. For a boy who supposedly knew nothing about pleasuring men, he sure was doing an excellent job...
A slight groan of protest left Fai's lips as Hayate released him, even as he felt the fabric of his pants rub against his skin while Hayate struggled to pull them down. The hair on the back of his neck stood on end, his body hot and trembling.
Dammit, why could Hayate always make him loose his cool?!

Hayate's fingers trailed and tickled along his face, and for some reason all Fai could do was stare up at the boy, his auburn eyes liquid with a strange cocktail of emotions. Surprise, desire, hope...
What the hell was wrong with him??
They kissed, and Fai was surprised when that one little action put his body's burning desire on hold. He just wanted to make the kiss last...something so tender and intimate as that...
Hayate, what are you doing to me??

Fai shivered as Hayate's breathy whisper brushed along his lips, lips that were constantly being kissed so cherishedly by this boy.
"D-don't...say my name like that..." He whispered in return, his voice quaking slightly. Nobody had ever said his name with such...such...
What was it in Hayate's voice that made him tingle all over with such a simple word?

He wanted for all the world for this to go on, but suddenly, as soon as his hand ran over Hayate's soft belly, the boy jerked away without warning. It took Fai a moment, a few blinks passing as he stared over at Hayate as the boy curled up.
"You're sorry?" He repeated blankly.
Just what...exactly was going on here...?
The bruised man slowly sat up, biting back a wince as his torso protested. He calmly covered his lower body with a sheet as he looked over at Hayate. Suddenly, he wasn't sure if he was allowed to touch him, so so instead he shifted closer, silky blue hair falling over his shoulders as he bent his head down to try and look at Hayate's face.
"Why are you apologizing? You didn't do anything wrong Hayate..."
Just what was going on here??

“You didn’t do anything wrong Hayate.�

Sunlight flickered across Hayate’s hair as he gently tilted his head towards Fai and rested it on the man’s shoulder. Eyes closed, his face an unreadable mask of emotion he allowed himself to just one last moment be close to the one person he wanted to love with all of his heart, yet knew he could not.

Just one last time, let me be close to you.

Hayate pressed a small hand against Fai’s arm, in an almost loving, bonding gesture, wanting so much to reach out and take Fai’s own hand into his. To kiss him one more time. To breathe in that heavy scent that scent chills raking down his spine. To tell him everything he had been hoping and wishing inside that blonde head of his. To tell Fai what he longed to tell him, but feared it might do since he knew his place was always going to be inside this brothel, just some young whore to strangers.

I’m sorry Fai, for what I’m about to do. What I’m about to say to you. I don’t want to hurt you…I know I’m going to hurt you…but this is the only way. I must stop this now before we take it any further…

Raw and primitive grief overwhelmed him and he lifted his body from Fai’s, and shifted into a sitting position on the edge of the bed, his feet touching the cold floor.

“Tch.�

His eyes were dark and unfathomable. He reached for a robe hanging off a chair nearby and threw it on with haste, eyes closed, frown so hard and unloving the boy looked almost frightening. Hateful.

“You idiot,� Hayate whispered, not bothering to look at the man. His voice hardened ruthlessly. “I was just using you to test something. I didn’t mean anything by what just happened. And look at you getting all hot and bothered over it like some lovesick puppy. Disgusting.�

He shook his head and tied the belt tight around his waist with a snap, stood wiping his moist hands on his robe. “I was just seeing if my phobia is gone or not. Well, looks like my little problem isn’t a problem anymore.�

His face was marked with loathing as he turned to look at the older man. “That’s for all those years of getting under my skin Fai,� he said the man’s name like it was the ugliest word that existed. “All those years of tormenting me. Well, now looks like it’s over. You can’t hold my fear of men over my head anymore.� His words were loaded with ridicule. “You have nothing to hold over me anymore. It’s finished.�

He took a few steps away from Fai; his body posture cold and calculated. Before he went any further he stopped and turned to look over his shoulder, with a look of pure disgust and hatred. With a silken thread of warning in his voice he said, “Stay away from me. I don’t want to see your ugly face near me again. Don’t even want to touch you."

Hayate looked away and took a deep breath at his next words. "You’re repulsive. You half-breed freak,� he said in a choked voice, his own pain at what he had said finally getting to him.

Pushing back tears he made a run for the door, throwing the curtain aside as he flew down the hall towards Rain’s room. Not even bothering to know if Rain was awake or not he flung the door open and jumped onto Rain’s bed, his head coming to lay on Rain’s lap tears running down his face. “Rain…oh gods, what have I done Rain? What have I done?�

Fai blinked slowly down at the top of Hayate's head, feeling the brush of his hair against his shoulder. Dammit...what was going on...?
He could feel it, something was building up in the air around him. It was like he was standing on the edge of some great abyss, waiting for something to happen, for something to be revealed to him.
For that great sheet of pure white confusion to be clarified, to come into focus.
Just what was going on...?

Then Hayate moved away once more, and Fai could only watch as he sat at the edge of the bed.
Tch
He jerked, blinking. An uncomfortable tingling set in at the back of his head, between his ears.
"You idiot,�
There was the roaring of waves in Fai's ears, as if to block out what was coming.
“I was just using you to test something. I didn’t mean anything by what just happened. And look at you getting all hot and bothered over it like some lovesick puppy. Disgusting.�
His heart jerked, jumping into his throat. The tingling got worse, like someone was sticking needles into his flesh, and his face went cold in a rush, his heart thudding painfully in his chest, as though it were being constricted by some dark, frigid hand.

“I was just seeing if my phobia is gone or not. Well, looks like my little problem isn’t a problem anymore.�
“That’s for all those years of getting under my skin Fai,�
“All those years of tormenting me. Well, now looks like it’s over. You can’t hold my fear of men over my head anymore.�
“You have nothing to hold over me anymore. It’s finished.�

There was a fuzzy feeling at the front of Fai's brain, pressing against his forehead, making his eyes swim with dots of white light as he stared at the hardened figure before him. His vision swam, and he couldn't seem to focus on Hayate's face anymore. The white sheet shattered into a million pieces...
Leaving nothing but a swelling darkness.

"Stay away from me. I don’t want to see your ugly face near me again. Don’t even want to touch you."

"You’re repulsive. You half-breed freak,�


Snap


The sun had struggled its way into the sky, sitting fat and happy just above the rooftops. Fai let the warming breeze brush across his face, pushing his hair back with a flutter. He held his elbows as he looked out from the window, his eyes dark as the world finished pulling itself from sleep.
His amber wings glittered out behind him, catching the sunlight and splaying it across the room.
"So...that's how it is, hm, Hayate?" He whispered softly to himself, tilting his gaze downwards at the ground. That ground...that had once held shards of his own wings, and of yet another vase.
That damn vase...

Fai smiled a bit, choking down his sadness.
That vase...you hypocrite.
"As you wish Hayate."
I will continue from the sidelines then, as always...
Turning with flourish, his wings retreated and Fai went about his business. Orders were made. His sheets were to be thrown out and replaced immediately. He wanted his wardrobe restocked. That damn healer had better be found.
Where to send him?
.....
To Hayate, of course. Go, find that stupid boy and have him taken care of.

Just keep busy Fai, act as though nothing happened, just as Hayate wants from you.
Do that, and truly prove your...

...You're in love, Fai...

Dammit...

Making love to…Fai?

Well he wouldn’t know where to begin.

It didn’t seem that way a minute ago.

You sure looked like you knew what you were doing.

Hayate woke with a start, sitting up in the unfamiliar room. The first thing he felt was the sting of the bite mark on his neck.

His heart was doing back flips. He didn’t know how long he would be able to play this off, how long he could go without his body betraying every emotion. He felt suddenly sick like he was coming down with the plague and his face showed it slightly. Why did he feel so sick like his heart was going to explode out of his chest? His stomach was turning upside down. He didn’t know if he could quite calm it. His hunger. He hadn’t eaten in like two days yet his appetite was just not there. Every time he thought about Fai it would disappear and it was starting to show, starting to make Hayate look slightly gaunt.

Oh God.

The realization at what he had just done hit him all over again and he almost failed his body and threw up on the floor.

Perhaps. Was this what it was like to fall in love? To hurt the one you love? He had heard stories of people actually getting physically sick before but never had experienced it for himself. Now his body was a flying soaring roller coaster of emotion and he wasn’t sure how long he could stick to this lie, this facade.

How long he could go on in Fai’s presence being in love with him.

But he knew he had to forget. Hayate had to forget Fai; had to stop loving him. He couldn’t go on like this. He couldn’t wake up each day knowing some other person was touching him, holding him, making love to the man that had took his whole heart. So what he had done was with reason. Make the man not care about you anymore, break the bonds that tie you and he together, and the rest would follow…

“I’m sorry,� he said to himself.

“Good morning,� Rain said brightly. “Sleep well?�

Hayate grimaced as he turned to see the boy at the foot of his bed, with a tray of food and milk. “I got you something to eat when you passed out a few minutes ago. I know you haven’t eaten anything…�

“I’m not hungry,� Hayate said scratching at his neck. Something wet and sticky met his fingers. Blood. Hayate’s eyes widened and he sat up completely shooing Rain’s protests away.

“Move aside, I need to wash up, and there is no way in hell I’m doing that in the bath house.�

Rain watched Hayate for some time, a small frown on that petite face of his. “Is something wrong Hayate?�

“No,� Hayate said not bothering to look at his friend. “Just getting ready for the day. I’m so ready to get back to work its killing me.� He laughed, then stood still, looking at his face in the mirror on top of the dresser.

Yes, just forget what happened. Don’t think. Don’t feel. Just keeping washing your hands, thinking about naked women…

Hayate looked away and splashed some water on his face and chest, then dried himself off with a towel. “I know what you were trying to do last night, but so that you know, don’t. Don’t do anything like that anymore.� He tried to make himself sound as calm as possibly, but there was a slight annoyance in his voice.

“I see,� Rain said.

The boy just looked away folding a towel, not saying a word.

Hayate made a motion to leave and paused to look back at Rain. “Thanks though, just…nothing is going on between us, and that’s how it’s going to stay.�

Hayate moved about the bottom floor, his feet feeling a hundred times heavier than they did last night. The bump on his head still aching from where Lydia (may she rest in peace) had hit him. His neck itching as if he had developed some painful infection along his skin. Damn. He looked at his fingers. Blood. He was still bleeding.

Damn it, how was he suppose to work if he was going to bleed all over his clients?

He made his way to the lobby to see who was in this early for the day and stopped short as he saw what appeared to be a couple arriving early. All heads turned to him at his arrival and the man standing besides the older woman nearly jumped up from his position and pointed at Hayate. “That one! I want that one!�

“Yes dear,� the woman said patting him on the shoulder. “Does the boy please you?�

“Yes.�

Are they talking about me?

“I’m sorry,â€? one of the other prostitutes said looking rather nervous. “Young Hayate doesn’tâ€"!â€?

“Don’t worry, I’ve got this,� Hayate said reaching out to take the man by the wrist.

Everyone who was in the vicinity stopped and gawked at him. He was sure he heard a pin drop somewhere and a few crickets outside playing quietly.

“I told you, got it covered,� Hayate said pulling the man towards him as he wrapped an arm around him. Nerves made him shiver slightly.

Oh no you don’t!

And Hayate steadied himself against the client, praying somewhere in the back of his mind he wouldn’t fail himself now and black out. No, he wasn’t going to let that happen!
Everything would come unraveled if he allowed that to happen! He had to destroy what was left of his soul.

The man stared at Hayate and shook his head speedily in agreement. “Yes, I’ll take him!�

Hayate chuckled slightly and began leading the man back the way he came. Before he did turn the corner towards the servants quarters he hear someone say, “Send this money up to master Faivish…immediately, and see what the heck is going on with young Hayate…I don't like what's going on suddenly...�

Soon the pair were off back upstairs, Hayate leading the man through the hallway trying to find an empty room. And especially trying to avoid Fai. He didn’t want to be stopped in what he was about to do.

Where was he going?

I don’t know.

Fai will be angry with me, he chooses my partners.

I don’t care. As long as I can kill these feelings inside me. Sleeping with this man will do that.

You hurt him.

I know I did. He might not even care anymore.

I can sleep with this man.

You sure you can do that?

What other choice do I have?

If everyone would just stop ogling at him like they had just seen a pig fly! But Hayate knew this was good. The gossip would get back to Fai, Fai would know…Hayate’s heart would break, and that would be the end to this…this so called love he had developed for Fai.

Hayate stared at the man for a while. He was pretty good lookingâ€"not as beautiful as himself or Faiâ€"but he would have to do. And damn his phobia if it was going to stop him!

Yes, he would have to break himself all over again. Kill any emotions, any feelings he had by doing the unthinkable. Sex with this man. It would completely destroy him. Then perhaps he could have some release from this nightmare. This love. This Fai.

Finding an empty and clean room Hayate pulled the man in and shut the door behind him.

Then the man was on him suddenly, pulling Hayate in and kissing him. Hayate couldn’t hide the fact he was shaking, hide the fear starting to form in the pit of his stomach. He was led over to the bed; a hand running down his chest as the man clung to him and was sat down as the client continued kissing him. Oh God, was that his tongue?

Hayate clenched his hands into fists telling his body to submit, to stop shaking. There was no way he was going to black out! Not now. Not when he came this far!

The man chuckled, a gleam in his eye. “Such a skittish thing,� he said running his hands through Hayate’s hair. Is this your first time being with a man?�

Couldn’t really answer that question, but it sort of was so Hayate shook his head yes.

“Good. Now kiss me back. Ah, much…better…�

Soon Hayate found the man undressing him, pulling off his robe as the man’s eyes raked his naked body. Hayate laid down on his back, hands at his side, his face showing he was fully terrified, yet that determined part of his mind the one that knew he needed to do this, to destroy what little Fai and him had kept him conscious the best he could. The man’s hands were on him, stroking him harder and Hayate closed his eyes tears running down his cheeks. He threw a hand over his face to hide the fact he was cryingâ€"the client didn’t seem to care or noticeâ€"and about lost it as the man undressed and shifted his body on top of him, straddling him.

“Come now,� the man said. “Shouldn’t take you too long to get aroused.�

Hayate didn’t understand what he was saying. He just peeked through fingers looking up and then glancing down realizing now what the man was talking about. His body just wasn’t…responding!

Embarrassed Hayate sat up as the man continued to stroke him.

No. Nada. Zilch. He just wasn’t being turned on. Why?

Frustrated the man let go and pulled Hayate into a sitting position in his arms. He kissed him over and over and Hayate felt himself slipping easily into a deep black hole he couldn’t swim out of. Faster and faster, deeper and deeper he kept being pulled in until all he knew, all he could do was fall face first onto the floor.

A scream came from the man as he stood up and ran to the door throwing it open. “Someone help me! I think the boy is dead!�

The healer who was enjoying his breakfast as he made his way through the halls was the first to hear the scream. People rushed passed him in a fury as a door at the end of the hall was thrown open.

More screams.

“Hayate’s dead!� a girl screamed as she flung herself onto another bystander.

“What?� the healer said pushing his way to the front. He stopped dead at the naked boy lying on the floor, his face gone pale. "Somebody cover the lad!" he said looking furious as everyone just stood there unmoving.

“I was just…� the man tried to explain. “I was just…we were going to make love…and the boy…just…dropped to the ground dead!�

By the time the ruckus had started downstairs, Fai had nearly gotten everything back in order. His bed was once again clean and fragrant, and his many ruined robes had been replaced. He had sent an order to have Hayate's door replaced as well, though that would more than likely not happen for a few days at best.
He had ordered that he not be disturbed, so he had not yet gotten that money from Hayate's new 'client'.
He didn't even know what was going on below.

That was until someone literally burst into his room and screamed something that nearly made his heart stop.
"HAYATE'S DEAD!"
There was a slow moment where Fai could only stare at the person, unable to make out any of their features, whether they were male or female, nothing.
It was like someone had shut off his brain for just that fleeting moment.
"WHAT!?"
Fai didn't wait for a response, nearly throwing the unfortunate messenger out of his way as he dashed through the door and down the stairs.

It was unlike him, but he was again wearing normal clothing. His worn brown boots thudded on the wooden floor, tan pants loose around his legs, a white shirt billowing out around his bruised torso. It lay half-open, for his fingers had only been part-way done with buttoning it when the news had come.
He veritably stormed through the crowd of people.
"Get out of my way!" He barked, his brow set and his eyes smoldering.
He made it through the throng of people in record time, nearly stumbling through the doorway to see Hayate sprawled face-down on the ground, looking pale and...
Bleeding???

Fai shoved more onlookers out of his way in order to kneel down by the boy and turn him over. Pressing his ear to his chest, he waited for the tell-tale sign of life....
Oh thank the gods...
He was alive...
His crushing worry was suddenly replaced by anger.
"You little fool..." He whispered, then his head whipping up to glare at everyone.
"Stop standing there. He's not dead, the idiot simply passed out due to his phobia. Someone go get his damn robe. All the rest of you, get the hell out! You have things to be doing, you shouldn't be standing here gawking! Get out, now!!"

Long, strong arms scooped Hayate up with ease and took him back to the bed, laying him down and covering him with the sheets. He took the robe and threw it over the foot of the bed, to be used at a later time.
He gently tilted Hayate's head to the side to look at the wound on his neck.
Dammit...the bite wound...
It was bleeding.
He pressed his hand to the wound, glancing over his shoulder as he looked for the healer.
His face was drawn into a near-grimace from worry, eyes flat and hard. There was the prickling sensation of his wings trying to emmerge, but he faught it, trying to regain control of his rampant emotions.
Not only had Hayate gone and taken some new client without permission, the little bastard, but he did it with an open wound! That medicine hadn't worked on that bite at all...
Dammit Hayate, you had better not die!!

The healer watched patiently as Fai lifted the boy onto bed and then covered him. He watched the other man carefully, sudden realization framing those grizzly old features of his.

He wanted to ask what happened between the two men, but thought better of it as his worry for the boy replaced his sudden curiosity as the boy woke, whimpering as he tried to lift a hand.

“Now, now,� the healer said sitting down on the bed. He pressed the boy’s hand gently back down. “How did you end up here young Hayate? And injured no less? What were you thinking...�

Hayate didn’t answer, he just continued to cry; a harsh sound that made it seem as if something was tearing him apart. He threw his hand to cover his eyes, scared to look up at the old man who was with him, scared to say anymore. He felt ashamed of himself, and his blotchy cheeks showed his embarrassment, his shame, his foolishness. He knew he was alone somewhere with the healer, just the old man and himself…he could speak freely, maybe the old man would understand Hayate’s feelings…just maybe…but he felt himself slip into darkness again.

“Passed out,� the healer said.

The old man took a good look at the wound and stayed silent for a moment longer. He threw odd thoughts back and forth through his head, remembering his studies, remember old and forgotten knowledge and myth. Trying to find an answer, the solution, yet in the back of his head he knew what this was. No doubt about it.

Then it struck him as his eyes took in the pale skin, the dark circles under the lad’s eyes. “It’s too late,� he whispered.

The man looked up at Fai then back again at Hayate and his features tightened as if his next few words were painful to say. “You’ve got to kill the boy. Soon. He’s turning Faivish. The boy will soon be dead, replaced by a monster. Stake through the heart is the only way, or taking off his head and burning the body. Unless…no. That’s not possible...�

He looked back at Fai and raised one curious eyebrow. “I’ve heard of a spring, but right now its just a myth, a tale passed down by traveling gypsies and old women who have nothing better to say than make up crazy tales. Men have tried to find it, but never have.

“But, if it did exist. If this spring was somewhere close by…if it could be found….�

The healer stood and paced a little, ignoring everything and everyone else at that moment. Think, think, he told himself.

Then he stopped mid step, his face brightening at what he had pulled out of that old hat of memory inside his head. “Actually, I’ve been there before. I didn’t remember until now, but I recall when I was younger, travelling to this hot springs resort, probably a day’s walk from here up in the mountains. Well I had an incurable disease back then; I wanted to find somewhere to die. But I ended up finding myself in this resort. It was beautiful, almost untouched by man, but a happy couple met me and took me and knew I was dying.

“For the next several nights they led me to bath in a private pool up there. And before I knew it, I was leaving the resort fully healed.

“I didn’t think to put the pieces together until now… I know where that healing springs is! You can save young Hayate!�

“No,� Hayate murmured suddenly.

Hayate woke again, still not fully aware of where he was, but he had caught the last fragments of the healer’s speech. His eyes spilled near tears down his face.

“No…let me die,� he said softly, fighting to make sense of his surroundings. Everything was blurry, hard to hear, and darkness tugged at the corners of his mind.

To him it was just him and the healer. He didn’t realize Fai was in the room.

And suddenly without even knowing that the man he loved was close by his side he said, “I…I’m sorry.� His mind fought with him for consciousness. “I…hurt someone…I love…on purpose…I’m a horrible person…I deserve to die…for all the pain I…I caused Fai...I…love him so…please…just let me die! I don't want...to live another day...feeling this way...being in love with...Fai...�

He lost the fight at the moment as he once again found himself falling into darkness…

Fai hastily stepped back as the Healer came over to Hayate, and at a lack for anything to do, strode briskly to the door and shut it, keeping all prying eyes and ears out.
This probably helped in Hayate's assumption of being alone with the healer.
Returning to the bed, he nodded to the older man upon hearing that Hayate had passed out.
Again.
Well, he supposed it was to be expected.

That little fool...what was he thinking?? Did he have to go so far in proving his harsh lies as this? He put himself in danger...he was still wounded...

Jerking, his red-brown eyes turned to the man next to him, the man telling him strange intelligable things. He felt his body freeze, his heart pounding painfully within his cold chest. His hearing tunneled out, as though he were getting further and further from the healer at his side.
No...
He couldn't just...
Why was he saying these things???
He couldn't kill Hayate...!

The vampire...

"Gods be damned!" He cursed, breaking himself from his sudden cold brush with reality. He glared daggers at the healer as he tried to remember something else.
A spring...?
Dammit, at this point, anything was better than having to kill Hayate!
He nearly fell over as the healer announced he had been there before.
"You and your memory full of holes! Do not test my patience right now by leading me on!" His anger made him snappy, and it was his worry and fear that made him angry. He didn't know how else to deal with this helpless feeling in his gut...

"No"

Fai turned back to the bed, watching his charge speak as he lay half in and half out of consciousness. As the words tumbled out, Fai heard a buzzing in his ears, blocking out all other sound but that of Hayate's voice.
What...what was he...
What was he saying...??
Hayate...?

You're in love Fai...

Shit!
He turned away, his heart suddenly beating frantically, his breathing sporadic. His face felt hot, and he could feel a cold sweat on his brow.
Of course Hayate would profess his love for him and then pass out!!
Stupid, stupid boy...!!
But...
Damn him if he didn't love him back...
A small smile spread on Fai's hidden face even as his eyes stung with tears.
How disfunctional they were...


Within the hour Fai had a carriage and two suitcases prepared for their departure. They were going to that hotspring. He refused to kill Hayate, and if there was a chance to save him, he was going to try it.
He had Hayate's still-sleeping form laid across one of the benches and covered with a blanket, though he was in one of his robes now.
Fai set himself down on the bench opposite Fai, the cushions soft and plush under him.
And then  they rode, hard and fast, all the way to that hotspring.

When Hayate awoke, he would no longer be in the confines of that brothel. Instead, he would in his own changing room, right outside the healing spring, with towels and robes at his disposal when he woke from his makeshift bed. Fai had laid many of the thick, soft towels out on the wide stone bench within the changing room so that Hayate could lay there and wake at his leisure.

Fai himself? Well, he was already emmersed in the warm, steaming spring, the slightly mint-green waters soothing his bruised chest and cut back. His hair was pulled up and out of the way in a messy clip at the back of his head, those auburn eyes closed as he relaxed up to his neck in the pool.
And for as peaceful as he looked...worry and anxiety ate away at him from the inside out. Every five minutes he wanted to jump from the springs and check on Hayate. But he refrained...nothing would be gained from running naked back and forth from the room to the spa...
Just another twenty minutes, then he'd check on the boy. Yeah...
...........
......................
If minutes could go by any slower...!

“You’re a whore Hayate…that’s all you’ll ever be, to anyone…�

The quivering boy sat by the foot of the door, face down inbetween his curled up knees, head jerking with every sob that rose up from his throat. How long he had been sitting there in the darkness of his room he did not know, but all he knew was his body was aching, his loins sore and bruised, and every muscle and joint stiff from exertion. How could anyone have this much sex in one day and not die from it? Why did that other prostitute have to say that to him anyhow? Because he wanted to hurt Hayate, wanted him to be doing exactly what he was doing now alone in his room, spending his free time feeling miserable.

“Hayate!�

A woman’s shrill voice pulled him from his dark thoughts as she swung the door open in his room. “Have another client.�

Another client?

I just got done with the last one!

Hayate stood and wiped the tears from his eyes as a young girl fearfully walked into the room. She closed the door and peered at him with uncertain eyes. Hayate stepped back into the darkness of his room so she couldn’t see his red and blotchy face and she followed, tip-toeing towards him as if she was trying not to wake anyone.

“Are the walls…thin?� she asked.

“Huh?� Hayate looked up at the girl and sat down on his bed.

“I just…am embarrassed is all,� she said coming to stand in front of him. “My sister put me up to it, and I’m…I’ve never done this before.�

Hayate smiled as he looked at the girl. He brought up a hand to her dark skin and caressed her cheek softly. He could understand what she was feeling, what she was going through and he felt his tears start to fall again.

“Are you okay?� she asked taking a step towards him.

“I’m fine,� he said looking away, wiping his nose. “I’m new to this.�

“Oh.�

“I sort of know how you feel.�

The girl stared at him for some time and then moved to sit down on the bed next to him. She placed her hand gently on his knee and he was embarrassed to find himself jerking slightly by the gentle touch.

“I’m just a whore,� he said to her. “Everyone tells me that.�

“And my sister tells me I’m a prude.�

Hayate chuckled, then it caught on and soon both of them were laughing lightly.

“I’m not sure about this. Can we…talk for a while?�

“Talk?� Hayate said staring at her. His eyes then softened. “That would be nice…�

She smiled and soon the two of them were chatting for a good hour, finding that her time together was almost up.

Hayate turned to her just then and looked serious. “I won’t hurt you,� he said taking her hand and helping her onto her back. “I promise.� She nodded.


And soon the boy felt the memory vanish, replaced by a man who turned to face him. Hayate fell back a step and stared at a reflection of himself. But this Hayate was much different in some way that he could not grasp at first. It wasn’t a boy that was looking back at him, but the face of a man. Someone who had left childhood behind and was looking at the young more foolish Hayate with a gleam of interest in his eyes. Eyes that glowed with a savage inner fire.

“It’s time to grow up Hayate,� the man said to him.

Hayate stared at his reflection, eyes full of wariness and defeat. “No, I can’t! I don’t know how!�

“You must,� the reflection said and his image wavered on the distant horizon before him.

“Time to move ahead, Hayate. You have the strength to do so; you just don’t know it yet.

“You’re hanging on to something I’m tired of dealing with…

Dealing with? Why was he telling himself this? What did that mean?

“Time to let go of the past...

“You aren’t whore any longer.

“Become a man…�

Hayate froze in place as the image of the crying boy shattered into a million shards of bright amber stained glass, and the next thing he knew he was falling…

Hayate hurtled back to earth as reality struck. With a jolt he was sitting up, a hand coming to grasp the hair that blinded his eyes. With a slow movement he shoved the hair away from his face, breathing hard in the dim light of the room.

An unfamiliar room. Alone. Where was he? How did he get here?

The room came into focus with clear accuracy. This room was clean, the bench he lay on almost warm and inviting. For the first time in his life he felt his body relax even with a mountain of emotions weighing heavy on his shoulders. He picked at the robe on him, looked around him and at the sliding wooden door slightly ajar to his left. Had someone brought him here? Who?

Fai.

Of course! The healer. He recalled a tidbit of memory of that healer talking about some sort of place where Hayate could get better. But what sort of place was this? A spring. Yes he remembered now. What in the world was a hot spring anyway? A sort of…clinic?

He turned towards the door and dropped his feet to the floor, gingerly testing them to see if he could stand properly. He wobbled a little on his first attempt but was able to make his way to the door to peek outside to see where he was. Holy shit! He was right, Fai was there with him, looking like he was lounging around in a sort of natural pool. Hayate’s gaze drifted up and his breath caught in his throat at the sight he saw. Throwing the door open to get a better view Hayate stopped and stared at the wonder that was this hot spring.

White and pink petals floated down passed his face and the scent of clean fresh air greeted him as he mindlessly stepped down a few wooden stairs. He couldn’t rip his eyes away from what he was seeing. There was no way he could be alive. He must be dead, be dreaming again. A place like this just couldn't exist!

A garden filled with pink and white blossoming trees quivered in the warm breeze, and as far as his eyes could see there were small little pools of blue and pale green light scattered around a stone-laid walkway. Playful branches dipped teasingly into the pool nearby and he found himself unable to look away at the beautiful glistening water before him. A large fence was erected around these pools, and suddenly he realized there were other steamy baths on the other side of the wooden wall, as light danced through the tiny gaps in the fence.

Hayate took a timid step towards this unbelievable scene, a hand coming to touch the stinging mark on his neck. No, he was definitely alive, the pain in his body told him that much. Something pulled to him and he realized what it was as his gaze lingered on a pile of soft blue hair pulled up into a messy ponytail. The steam from the pool causing something in his chest to warm frightfully fast. Skin the color of chocolate honey…

Fai!

Hayate jumped back a step, tripped and came tumbling down in a heap of pain. The next sound that filled his ears felt so out of place. Several giggling girls rushed over to him, carrying heavy towels in their hands.

“Oh, the boy is awake,� one of them said kneeling down to help him sit up.

“Yes, yes off to the spring with you young lad.�

“Wait, but we must first wash him!�

“I agree sister.�

Sister?

Hayate blankly stared up at the sea of beautiful faces, feeling his skin turn a haughty shade of pink.

“No, um...I can wash myself…� He stumbled over his words.

“Nonsense!� one of the taller ones said helping him to stand. “Come on girls, usher him on over, let’s get him cleaned up so he can better!� She winked at Hayate.

“WAIT!� Hayate said throwing his hands in front of his legs as one of the ladies yanked his robe from his shivering body. “No, stop, wait--where’re you taking me?!�

Hayate glanced over to Fai and back towards the small shower stall they forced him to. They pushed him down onto a stool and the next thing he knew their hands were all over him, scrubbing gently at his weary body, their scent making him calm and relaxed again.

“Wow, this is nice…yes, I…I don’t mind,� he heard himself say as he closed his eyes, soft hands washing at his hair. “Hmm…�

“Now off to the healing spring with you!� one of them said spinning him around and walking away.

Then Hayate found himself alone. Well not really alone. The parade of lovely ladies had finished and he stood there scrubbed clean, his hair glistening with oil, a soft silken robe folded over him. His eyes were like green polished jade as he took a moment to soak everything in. He turned to look at Fai, the sudden horror of where they wanted him to go written all over his face. The confusion washing over him, the uncertain feelings that were threatening to come back again.

No, he couldn’t! He wasn’t!

Biting his lip, he turned his back to Fai and started away from the spring.

Like hell he was getting into the same hot spring as Fai! To hell with getting better…he just…wanted to find a place to be miserable, alone and die…

Just then he stumbled, his shoulder slamming into the wall nearby. Damn it, why was he so...weak? He felt his legs shake as they gave out underneath him and he fell to his knees with a cry.

Fai was coming close to the end of his patience. The beauty of this place could not put his heart or mind at ease, not until he was sure of Hayate's condition...
If only time could pass just a bit faster!
Snorting, Fai tilted his head back against the edge of the spring and stared up at the trees, watching as each pale petal floated by. He could feel the serenity of the scene brush along his skin, drift through his hair.
But that was as far as that peaceful air got.
It could not penetrate the dark worry that sat within him with leaden certainty.

Resisting the urge to jump up, Fai's head snapped to the side as he heard the door to Hayate's room open. Through carefully shaded auburn eyes he watched as Hayate took in the splendor of his place of healing, carefully readjusting his head so he could watch from just the corners of his eyes.
And then as Hayate's gaze alighted upon him...
Fai's eyes were closed, like he had never been looking, like he had not a care in the world.
He did not let anything about him give away the incredible relief he suddenly felt at seeing that boy stumble out into the light.

Blinking rapidly, Fai turned slightly in the pool to stare blankly at Hayate's sprawled form. Since when was Hayate so clumsy...?
In any case, he didn't have to move, for it seemed Hayate was being...ah...well taken care of by a group of estatic young girls. He felt the ends of mouth twitch up into a mild grin as he watched, amused by Hayate's reaction to all the attention.
That boy...

Fai arched a blue brow at the look of horror that suddenly crossed Hayate's face as the boy looked at him, and felt a bit of laughter well up in his chest, though he managed to withold it. His grin fell a bit as Hayate turned and began to walk away.
Just where exactly did he think he was going??
And then he heard a rather distinct thud.
"Dammit Hayate..." Fai hissed to himself, pulling himself from the hotspring. His body was far too relaxed, and all his limbs felt heavier than they should, the change in temperature nipping at his skin.
Throwing a towel around his waist for Hayate's sake, Fai quickly made his way over to Hayate, the boy now kneeling on the ground.

"What are you doing Hayate?" He demanded, carefully making his voice hard so as not to betray his feelings.
For Hayate...
Because this is what he wants...
Though he had covered any unmentionables with the towel, he had failed to realize just how appealing his wet upper body might be. It really wasn't the most important thing on his mind just then...
So, water dripping slowly down that 'chocolate honey' skin of his, Fai stooped and took Hayate firmly, but gently, by the upper arm.
"Come on boy, get up. You're sick, and this is the only place that can help you. Now, up." He tugged, giving Hayate a chance to lift himself of his own accord before Fai took matters into his own hands.
Literally.
He wasn't above carrying or dragging Hayate into that hotspring if he had to.
He wasn't going to loose this boy due to his damn stubborness...

“What’s it look like I’m doing!� Hayate snapped, glaring at Fai with scorn. “Let go of me, I’m not getting into that…that spring!�

He tried to rip his arm free and realized Fai was too strong for him to maneuver away from. He glared daggers back up at Fai, the touch of his hand hot like a kiss against his skin.

The older man overshadowed him with his body, and all Hayate could do was look away. Then he did a double take as his eyes took in every detail of that wet, dark body, sending a sensuous jolt of electricity reeling through his thighs, and down to every fiber of his body. Against his will Hayate’s body reacted and he pressed the material of his robe back down to hide his arousal.

How embarassing he thought as his face betrayed him and turned a dark shade of dusty pink. There's no way I can hide this! I need to get the hell out of here before he sees me like this!

“Dammit,� he murmured as he felt the magnetism of Fai’s appeal start to pull his face closer to Fai’s. That scent dragged him in, tingling underneath his skin. His lips were so close to Fai’s now. He could see the moisture on that delicate mouth of his, the way Fai’s lips parted in fury. Oh, how bad he wanted to kiss Fai again, to breathe in that sweet fragrance, to allow his mouth to linger on that dark skin until he embedded his whole being into the other man.

Oh man Fai’s anger was getting him all hot and bothered. He wanted to say, yes Fai, scold me baby. Yes, just like that…the way you always handle me...

 Hayate all at once felt the overwhelming need to take Fai’s mouth with his own. He groaned softly, his mouth lifting in mute invitation. Lips brushed up against wet lips and something snapped inside that young head of his as he yanked his face away and began fighting with Fai to be free of him. “Let me go dammit!â€?

Oh gods, Hayate hoped Fai thought that was a fluke or his imagination. He couldn't believe how close he had been from revealing the truth about how he felt!

"It looks like you're acting like a spoiled child! And why won't you get into that spring!?" He barked back, finally able to let his true frustrations take over for his false anger. This boy was so damn stubborn!
This was a matter of life or death, and he didn't seem to realize that!
He clenched his teeth as Hayate looked away, wondering if he really would have to drag his stubborn charge all the way back to the spring and throw him in....

But the mood suddenly changed as Hayate's eyes returned from the floor and roamed over his body. Ah...shit...
An actual slight blush heated Fai's cheeks upon seeing the rather obvious reaction Hayate's body had to his own. Since when did something like that make him blush!?
Ah, Hayate was making this so difficult...why couldn't the boy just make up his mind??
Fai could feel his body tremble alittle as Hayate drew closer to him, and he had to fight against everything in him not to close the distance himself.
Dammit Hayate, what are you doing...?

His stomach knotted at the soft groan that escaped Hayate, and he knew that if they kissed both of their resolves would be broken just like that. Their lips just barely brushed, and his heart skipped a beat before...
"Gah!" Hayate's arm jerked free of his hold, his fingers having gone lax at the anticipation of the event.
He felt his frustration bubble back up, and this time he grabbed Hayate with both arms, wrapping them under Hayate's arms as he hefted the boy up.
"You either get into that spring, or you turn into a vampire and I..." His voice cracked. "Or I have to kill you."
Composure, you must regain your composure!
"Now stop being a stubborn brat and get in the hotspring!"
Even as he spoke he was dragging Hayate backwards, toward the edge of the spring.

Once there, he gruffly shifted one hand to grab the back of Hayate's thigh and then...
Uncerimoniously picked him up and threw him into the spring.
"I win."

“No, stop, wait Fai, you don’t understandâ€"â€?

Hayate screamed like a little girl as he felt his body go flying through the air, landing in a rather loud and painful splash. His side hit the water and he went under instantly, not returning to the surface as he fought to reach for that fresh cool air. He kicked his feet trying to feel for the bottom of the spring, but found none. His arms couldn’t feel anything but deep liquid nothing.

How long was he under? Oh well, he wasn't playing around, he seriously could not swim! He never had the chance to learn and the pool in the bath house back at the brothel had a bottom he could reach! And like he was going to go around telling people especially Fai things he could not do.

Alarm sounded in his voice as his head popped to the surface, arms flailing on both sides. “Helpâ€"Faiâ€"Iâ€"can’tâ€"Iâ€"can’t…swim!â€?

Hayate felt himself pulled down into the hot water, and he swallowed in his hysteria, arms breaking through the surface trying to pull himself up. At that moment he realized he didn’t want to die, he just wanted fresh air, the warm sensation filling him as he continued to drink in the water. He closed his mouth his eyes aching at the pressure begining to build inside his chest.

The bite on his neck was the furthest thing from his mind, and he didn’t realize at that moment, the mark disappeared and he was free from the vampire’s curse…

Fai swore that if this kept up he was surely going to die of a heartattack...
Of all the things, the boy couldn't swim!?
Panic swept through Fai's body, and his muscles swelled with the energy adrenaline provided to them. He plunged feet-first into the pool, reaching out with long arms as he kept his head above water, needing to be able to see the flailing Hayate in order to rescue him.
For a moment all he could hear was the beating of his heart and the splashing of the warm, healing waters.

He felt his arms touch soft wet skin, and he grabbed Hayate about the middle and heaved his head above water. Cradeling him against his chest, Fai struck the center of his back a few times to dislodge any water in Hayate's lungs.
There were hundreds of angry words that wanted to spill out, but instead, something else left his lips.
"These waters are meant to heal people, and yet you nearly drown..."
He grinned tiredly, able to feel Hayate's heartbeat against his chest. Thank the gods he was alright...

Hayate looked up at Fai, and for the first time in a long time it was the one face he was glad to see. He threw his arms around Fai’s neck, clinging onto him as if his life depended on not letting go. He didn’t even bother to wipe his wet bangs stuck to the top half of his face. He just pressed his wet body as far as it could go against Fai, his legs wrapping around the other man’s waist in a tight hold.

There was no way in the world he was going to let go! Even if he had sworn he’d never get to close to Fai again. Right now that was furthest from his mind as he pressed his wet head against Fai’s chest startled at being alive and breathing fresh air. He slumped in Fai’s arms and felt himself little by little giving up the fight.

The heat rose inside him, a gentle pull that worked its way inside his chest, easing him against the man he loved. The fear washed away replaced by a sense of peace. A small smile played on his lips as he moved to sit in Fai’s lap, legs together off to the side, and closing his eyes he allowed the warm water to calm him down even more.

“It seems you keep saving me,� Hayate said after some time, tranquil now. More placid than he had ever been in his life. He wanted to stay this way forever, to be held like this yet those words kept coming back to haunt him.

You’re a whore Hayate. That’s all you’ll ever be, to anyone…

And he knew that was all he could ever hope to be. Even if he loved this man and the possibility that Fai loved him as well? No, even if so it wouldn’t change anything. And working each day side by side with him would be pure hell.

Hayate broke free from Fai and it was the hardest thing he had to do, to stop touching him, stop being near him. He gripped the side of the pool and waddled over a few feet away, his back towards Fai, head bent low in defeat.

“Why did you bring me here? Why are you still even here? After all those horrible things I said to you?

Looking back, he knew Fai was kinder than he wanted anyone to know. How could he not love the man who was closest to him? How could he even think about causing him this kind of pain? Hayate’s eyes brimmed with tears and he suddenly felt like the world’s biggest jackass.

His vow not to become involved shattered.

“Actually I went to far. I said too much the other day. I didn’t mean to call you a half-breed...freak, I was only…trying to make you hate me is all. To leave me alone. I had no right to call you that."

He couldn't look the man in the eye at his next words.

“To me you are the most beautiful, caring, amazing person I know. I look up to only you Fai. You’re my best friend. You’re my family. From the very first moment I laid eyes on you, I wanted to be you. You took my breath away and still do. Your wings, your markings, your hair…when I look into your eyes…when I see you…�

My heart races inside my chest. I don’t want to be with anyone else.

He couldn’t bring himself to reveal every emotion inside him. Holding back he chuckled a little at his chatter. He couldn’t say it. He should just stop now while he was ahead. All he wanted to do was apologize to the guy for being such a dick the other day, not go and just blow everything out of the water and tell him he loved him!

“I know, I’m just some troublemaker, but I still…�

Want to be with you Fai.

Just then a distraction arrived in the form of a bubbly waitress carrying a tray of food. She smiled down at Hayate and the boy’s mouth watered as he reached for a couple rice balls and stuffed them into his mouth. Boy, was he famished! He could eat a whole horse if he had too.

The waitress giggled and he pushed himself up to give her a kiss on the cheek to thank her. She blushed prettily and gave him a look that said, “I’ll be around later if you need me� and hurried off.

Fai was put at ease by Hayate's embrace, letting out a soft sigh above the boy's head. One arm was banded around Hayate's waist, the other rubbing his back gently, through the water-logged robe. There was only mild surprise when Hayate's legs suddenly wrapped around his waist, quickly put at ease by the knowledge that he was probably just frightened.
He continued to rub his back even as he took a few steps back until he felt the rough stone hit his calves and was able to sit. Even as he did so, Hayate switched positions as well, now sitting contentedly on his lap. He was reminded once again of what Hayate had said back at the brothel, in front of himself and the healer...
He loved Fai...

As they sat, Fai's hand came to rest, that arm now around Hayate's shoulders, holding him close. This was bad, he was supposed to be trying to stay as aloof as Hayate...
But then again, the boy was being anything but aloof right now.
A small laugh escaped him, causing his chest to move with it.
"That's becuase you keeping getting yourself into trouble, Hayate."
It seemed no matter what he did, his voice always softened upon saying his name...
Hayate...

His arms fell away as Hayate suddenly moved from him, and it took all his willpower to let him leave. But damn if he didn't wish Hayate would just make up his mind already! Love or aloof...he needed to pick one before Fai went out of his mind from switching back and forth!
After a soft sigh, Fai turned a bit to face the back Hayate presented him, his words coming out unhindered.
"I brought you here to save you. I'm here to look after you. And I believe you said what you did for a reason...because you felt you needed to."
He wondered, in the back of his mind, if Hayate would realize Fai was simply playing along with him, copying his aloof nature for his sake. He wondered if Hayate would realize he knew all that Hayate had said the other day was a lie...

Those next words pulled a small smile from Fai, and he pretty much gave everything away.
"Yes, I know. It's alright."
He knew all along it was all meant to drive him away...
However, the little speech that followed left Fai blinking. He felt as though he were waiting for something, for something more to be said.
There were so many words hanging in the air, left unvoiced by Hayate.
Why couldn't he just come out and say it...? What was holding him back?
What was holding him back...?

His gaze darkened a bit at the interplay between Hayate and the waitress.
MAKE UP YOUR DAMN MIND!
Without warning Fai splashed Hayate, snorting and again having his regal, aloof face on.
"Why do you say such random, useless things? How am I supposed to respond to all that? I understand and accept your appology. Just leave it at that."
He suddenly felt uncomfortable, again unsure just what exactly Hayate wanted of him. Sighing as if irritible, Fai rose from the springs and stepped out, long brown legs carrying him over to the clothes rack. He stripped free of the drenched towel and wrapped himself into one of the fuzzy white robes.
Turning to leave, Fai simply gave Hayate some advice.
"Just stay in the spring for another twenty minutes or so, and it should heal you up quite a bit. Get out if you start to feel dizzy from the heat. It'd be a hassle if you drowned."

He could think of nothing else to say, and so left Hayate to his own devices.
Why did this have to be so hard...?

Hayate turned as the warm water was splashed onto him. Was that a snort? Fai didn’t look too happy; then again…it was what he wanted. Right? And at actually accomplishing his vow, he felt suddenly empty and cold, and a little bit depressed, the food laying heavy and oily inside his stomach.

“Useless huh?� Hayate said staring down at the water as Fai left him.

I have my answer. Fai would only laugh at me if I told him I loved him.

“It’s for the best,� Hayate whispered to himself. “After all, I'm just some whore, right? What more can a whore like myself want from you?�

“Are you talking to me?�

A strange woman’s voice made Hayate start suddenly. He looked up as an older woman peered down at his sulky face and smiled to herself. “I’m a bit lost lad, I can’t find my room. Could you help me out?�

“Um…I have no idea where we are at, sorry.�

She laughed and Hayate was glad to see she wasn’t upset with him either. “Don’t worry,� she said reaching out to take his hand. “Maybe we can find our way back together?�

Hayate chuckled as he got out of the water and walked her over to a dressing room. “I’ll be right back,� Hayate said looking at his wet clothes. “Don’t move a muscle!�

In thirty seconds flat Hayate was in and out of his dressing room, new robe throne over his now dry body and his hair combed and drying as well in the warm breeze.

“Didn’t keep you waiting, did I?�

“No,� she said putting her arm into his. “Did I hear right?� she said as she began walking with him down the long wide walkway.

“About what?�

“Are you and your companion really prostitutes?�

Hayate turned to look at her, not really startled, but grinning slightly. “Why, is there something you want?�

“My girlfriends and I are a little bit lonely tonight, could you set your friend and yourself up for a few private parties?�

Hayate stopped and looked at her. Oh, Fai would kill him if Hayate turned the tables and actually sold Fai instead. It would be about the worse thing he could do to permanently keep Fai away from him. To make Fai loathe him, want to hit him or something.

And destroy my heart, he thought with a slight sigh.

You're just a whore...nothing else but a whore...

“I’ll do it!� Hayate said laughing.

“Good!� she said kissing him on the cheek. “I was sort of lying earlier,� she said blushing prettily. “I saw your friend and simply had to have him. I’m so happy to find out he’s just a whore like yourself.�

Hayate winced and patted her arm, smiling a fake sort of smile. “No problem.�

“Oh good, here come my friends now,� she said waving them over.


Laugher rang through the resort as the group of women and the one blonde boy wedged in the middle of the curvy girls made their way back to the warm waters. Each were carrying something for their private little affair: bottles of booze, some snacks, a little oil for hot massages.

Yes, Hayate thought as they turned the corner bursting out in song and laughing till their voices cracked. They sure were drunk, but they were here at last. He wrapped an arm around the blonde to his left and a similar arm around the redhead to his right, pulling the lovely ladies close to his body.

“His room should be this way,� the boy said leading the way. “Got the money?�

“Sure thing master Hayate,� a small freckled raven-haired girl said handing him a sack full of coin.

Hayate slipped the bag into his mouth, growled at their amusement and set off again.

The girls continued singing happily, all the way up to the top step when Hayate threw Fai’s door wide opened and nearly toppled into the room with the two girls dragging him down. They laughed and blushed seeing the handsome older man turned to face them, one of them cooing slightly.

“You were right master Hayate, the man is pleasing to look at. We sure are paying good money for him. Pretty thing that he is.�

Hayate took the bag out of his mouth laughed as the blonde kissed him, and he tossed it by the foot of Fai’s bed. “Oh, just a little work. I found some girls who were interested in a little private party with you Fai. Thought you could use the company of one or two in your bed tonight.�

The girls burst out laughing and Hayate felt himself poked and prodded a little from behind. “Ladies,� he said arching his back slightly. “I’m not going to leave you empty handed. There’s enough to go around.�

“Ah, but Hayate,� the blonde said running her hand down his chest, opening his robe a little as she toyed with his nipple. “I want to be with you too, even though you sold me your friend. What ever am I going to do?�

“I’ll be waiting once you’re finished with him,� Hayate said giving her a little peck on the cheek. “I’m a whore after all, right? Right Fai?� Hayate said turning to the older man, his eyes once full of life suddenly darkened.

It seemed harder than he would have thought to get his mind off of Hayate and the words that he had said. Fai could find nothing to distract his mind. He had dried himself off already, done some vigorous exercises to kill his excess energy, taken a shower and dressed.
Now he was trying to read, but the words on the page simply passed by his eyes without really sinking in, forcing him to reread the same lines over and over again.

Propped up on the pillows, Fai's long legs were stretched out ahead of him on the bed, crossed at the ankles. He wore soft cotten pants and a loose shirt, both white. He hadn't bothered to fully button up his shirt, so flawless v of dark skin could be seen as he sat and read. All that silky blue hair was about his shoulders, a few strands falling into his face, to contrast with the gray strip across his eyes.

Dammit, this wasn't working! The battle between his heart and mind kept tearing about within him, and nothing he did could seem to stop it. On one hand, he knew Hayate was trying to distance himself from him, and he was trying his best to obey that wish. But with Hayate's lack of willpower every time they got close...his heart kept wanting to betray his sense of duty.
Ugh, no wonder he always tried to avoid becoming attatched to others!

The loud, off-key singing soon echoed to him from further in the resort, which only added to his frustration and annoyance. He stared harder at the book, but the singing simply got louder and louder, until...
...It burst into his room.
Blinking over the edge of the book, he couldn't decide just what the scene before him made him feel.
That quickly changed as the girls spoke, his red-brown eyes going dark. He could feel a dark, cold ball swell up in his stomach as he watched them, and was suddenly overcome by disgust.
Yes...
They were disgusting.

His flat gaze flickered to Hayate and the bag that landed at the foot of his bed.
Work?
Fool...
So now Hayate felt that he could sell him did he...?
Something snapped then, something cold and hateful. His heart cried out and his mind jumbled with anger and pain and sorrow.
Damn him...damn him!

"Why yes Hayate...it would seem that you are a whore."
A searing pain flashed across his back and the coldness in his eyes was replaced by fury. The book closed with a snap, and Fai flung it across the room as he lunged up from the bed, his feet sinking into the mattress as he stood.
His wings tore free of the shirt, their amberlite glow suddenly fierce and jagged as they spread out behind him, his emotions unchecked and unbrideled.
"Yes, yes it would seem you are a whore Hayate! A whore!!"
His flashing gaze was on the women then, the air in the room suddenly opressive and heavy and crackling with energy that washed off of Fai in waves.
"All of you, get out! You disgust me! OUT!" He roared, and a mirror shattered as that darkness ate his anger yet again and lashed out with power.

"Damn you Hayate, damn you! My body is my own, my heart and my feelings are my own!! How dare you think you can toy with either of them!? My emotions dammit!"
He stepped down from the bed and literally stalked up on Hayate, other fragile things in the room shattering with energy as he just barely managed to keep the crackling force from striking Hayate.
"Love me or hate me, but make up your mind! Be a man for once Hayate and stand firmly by what you choose! I'm sick of this chidlishness! I can only bend back so far for you! Your inability to decide on all of this annoys me to no end, and your flaunting these women about disgusts me! I did not bring you here to work, I brought you here to heal! If you wish to work so badly I can ship you back to the brothel right now! Your stubborness is appalling! Do not test me further Hayate, my patience wears thin just in your very presence!"

A long fingered hand grabbed the front of Hayate's robe, his very nearness allowing Hayate to physically feel the energy that bubbled around his form, danced along his skin.
"I have been a prostitute all my life. Never a whore! I am a person, I am me! Fai! I am not a goddamn thing! I have feelings and a soul! I am not an object Hayate! If you ever call me a whore again you will regret it, but not so badly as if you ever refer to yourself in such a way again! I beat that man bloody for uttering such dirty words, and I should do the same to you!"
Hissing with annoyance, Fai tossed Hayate away, his wings so tense on his back it hurt.
He turned, baring that sea of sharp points to the boy as he crossed his arms over his chest and stared hard at the shards of the mirror he had inadvertantly broke.
"Get out of my sight Hayate. I do not wish to look upon you right now. Get out."

Hayate could only watch in horror as he felt himself nearly lifted off the floor. It seemed as if he went deaf just then, his eyes fixed on the shadows of Fai’s face. What in the world was going on? He had never before felt this type of anger from the man. The only thing that came to his mind was run, run away Hayate. You’ve gone too far. While another side wanted Fai to hit him, then maybe he could really start hating him for real and turn into some evil monster who didn’t feel, who only devoured other people’s emotions and feelings without remorse.

Then Fai let him go, and Hayate stared at his back for some time, being told to get out. He took a timid step backwards, looking at Fai one last time. He didn’t look scared, or thrilled. Just, aloof. Relieved? No, he didn’t feel that or pain. He didn’t know what to feel. It was like someone had cut the thread that bonded them two together, forever. And with doing so, he lost all feeling, as if emotion and love and laughter never existed for him. He knew he’d never recover and it didn’t bother him the slightest if he just turned into some uncaring, cold being who walked the earth and didn’t give a damn anymore about himself or other people.

Sighing to himself, face not showing any sign of emotion he walked out alone and into the cool early evening air. Then his steps quickened, faster and faster until he found himself running, avoiding trees and people as he tried to make sense of what was going on inside him. And when at last he thought he couldn’t stand the confusion trashing around in his head he fell to his knees crying out, slamming his fists into the ground.

“Why?!� he whispered slamming them until they bled. “Why? Why did it have to be this way?�

A startled whisper shook him from his revere. Onlookers looked away almost bored by this boy’s foolish tantrum. It didn’t bother him.

Tonight seemed like some sort of night for celebration as people gathered in a great hall with banners and drinks and streamers. A few drunken souls lingered by an open door singing merrily and Hayate stopped in his slow walk around the resort to watch mindlessly the attention people were drawing to themselves.

He stepped inside, and faltered in the silence and darkness that engulfed him.

Those gaudy women were making eyes at him again. Even out here away from the brothel he was still just someone’s trinket to be used and discarded. They gawked at him, undressing him with their eyes. He found himself alone in a corner barely catching what was happening around him. Shoved aside. Poked at. Obnoxious laughter burned in his ear.

A smile that said all he needed to know. Their pockets full of money. Money that could buy a cheap thrill.

That’s all he was to them.

A cheap thrill.

There was one point in his life he thought that thrill was everything. And now it meant nothing to him. It felt hollow. It felt dead to him. Like a large black mass of disease inside his soul.

He felt dirty.

Just like the night he had been raped.

Then he found himself walking again, leaving the party. He walked along his hands in his pocket, and he knew he should feel triumph at freeing himself at last from his feelings. But he didn’t feel free. No he felt the complete opposite as if someone had run a knife right through his heart and every step he took, the blood wouldn’t stop flowing.

He stopped somewhere along the walkway, little lightning bugs coming out to play, dancing around him. The night was coming. And the sun set across the horizon, taking with it any hope he may ever have of finding what he truly wanted.

He sat down in the middle of the path, drew his knees up to his chest and hid his face between them.

Someone was touching him. Her girlish laughter ringing in his ears.

He looked up and a ghost from his past vanished. He was alone.

A child was crying inside. That was him. He was that child. He was crying.

Please don’t touch me, just don’t touch me…just please don’t touch me anymore…

They called him pretty and wanted to see what he looked like undressed.

They tugged at his clothing, yet Hayate remained unmoved.

Don’t touch me…please…stop…

He looked up again. No, he was alone.

His insides twisted inside out. His skin crawled. And for the first time in his life his past present and future, the idea of selling himself to someone else came crashing down like a wave, pulling bits and pieces of himself and who he was and throwing them out to sea.

Is this all I am?

Will no one see more to me than this?

Fai was the only one, and you destroyed both him and yourself at the same time.

What a fool I am.

What a fool I’ve been.

He almost laughed as realization sunk in. Special huh? What was so special about him? It seemed his lot in life was to cause the love of his life pain. And Fai was waiting for him. Well at least he was waiting for him all this time. And he blew it. But maybe there was still hope. Maybe if he came out and stopped lying to the both of them, told Fai the truth. It sounded foolish, but a flicker of hope welled up inside the boy. It was the only thing he could think of doing.

The agony suddenly reached down to the pits of his soul tearing him apart. He had felt that. That pain. That hope, that despair, the misery of never loving Fai again.

What had he done to poor Fai? Oh gods, he hurt him, and hurt him bad!

Hayate looked up down that empty walkway as a figure approached him, the man’s small steps echoing in the corners of his mind.

The boy looked up at the man, the reflection, and the boy reached out to him. “I’m ready,� he said grasping his twin’s hand. “I’m ready to make my decision.�

He couldn’t do it anymore. He hated it. Hated the pretty little women who glance his way, the flirting, and the teasing of girls who were tired with their husbands. Was tired of being touched like he as a toy and nothing else. A puppet. Someone to be played with because he was pretty.

Hayate found himself standing all alone on the middle of a sidewalk, not sure how much time had passed or when he had left the party. Goodnight, he couldn’t have been that out of it to just forget where he had been minutes ago? He was alone now, just him and his desperate thoughts. He had to find Fai, he had to go tell him before it was too late, if it wasn’t already!

They had reached the point where their relationship had to be resolved. And with that Hayate ran back the way he came to find Fai, hoping with all his heart the man hadn’t left him behind.

Oh, please don’t let me be too late, Hayate thought his heart racing inside his chest.

Jumping over a small kid in the middle of the walkway Hayate took off, finding himself lost suddenly and cursing loudly.

He stopped, spun around in a circle and screaming, “FAIVISH! FAIVISH!� at the top of his lungs.

The water nearby rippled and his attention was pulled to that same damn pool he had almost drowned in. Hope set his eyes on fire.

Hope, yes that’s all he had.

Faith, he had to have faith.

Faith was the thing hoped for, the things not seen, but the things that could be. He had to have faith that this love was real, have faith in Fai to forgive him!

Then he spotted Fai’s room and not bothering to wait, not even considering Fai might still be angry with him Hayate ran up to the door, flung it open and nearly doubled over as his heart beat wildly inside his chest. Oh gods, he felt like he was going to be sick from all the running. He felt dizzy but stood his ground. Fai might throw him out, but like a loyal dog he'd keep coming back no matter how many times Fai might reject him.

“Fai!� Hayate said looked up at the man. “Please Fai…I need to…I need to talk to you. I need to tell you…�

That was the single most horrid thing he felt he had ever done.

As soon as that door closed, Fai felt his heart burst, felt his body tremble with sudden weakness. His chest filled with the dirt of his words, so much dirt, so much filth that he thought he might pop.
On a sob Fai collapsed to his knees, his wings tinkling around him to lay in pieces on the floor, as shattered as his heart was.
Tipping his head back, Fai let his eyes cry out all his pain, sobs wracking his body, making him shudder. Arms were limp at his sides, all that blue hair hanging down as he stared blurry-eyed at the ceiling.
Just...
Just...

Just damn it all!!

Fai had no desire to try calling his wings back into his body. He left those pieces there, hearing them crackle beneath his bare feet as he stood and walked away from them, away from that semi-circle of golden glass.
He felt tired, incredibly so, and let his worn form tumble into bed.
He did not sleep.
He simply let the darkness behind his lids take him away.
So incredibly cold, these feelings...like there was nothing left...

The decision had already been made. He was leaving Peaches n Cream. All his life he had been a prostitute, putting his one sellable point out on the market, his body. But he had never lost sight of his sense of self. He had done everything necessary to make it to the top, to be able to put away money for this day.
The day when he would no longer be a pretty little half-human for sale.
Once a guiding light to his life, this goal suddenly seemed hollow. It had lost its luster in the face of love. He wanted to take Hayate with him...
But now he couldn't.
He had said things...things that couldn't be taken back now. He had destroyed it...

Clenching his eyes, Fai suddenly felt disgusted with himself. Since when did he become so self-pitying?? He had said what he felt in his anger, through all that frustration. It was Hayate's turn to decide.
Fai knew how he felt. Fai knew what he wanted to do.
Now it was up to Hayate to decide.
So he damn well wasn't going to lay around here and cry himself to sleep!

Sitting up, Fai swung his legs off the bed and stood, using this sudden determination as a crutch. His room was dark now, the open windows letting in the cool air from outside, all manner of night-sounds meeting his ears.
It was peaceful, serene, yet eerily calm too.
Faint light came from beneath his door, from the illuminated springs not so very far away.
Brow furrowed, Fai knelt down and began to scoop up the remains of his wings. His heart still felt so cold, so empty, the glass-like pieces of his wings heavy and chilled against his palms.
How could he ever begin to rebuild this? These intricate structures? The feelings in his crushing heart...?

His door swung open without pause, spilling a rectangle of light into his dark room, illuminating Fai's kneeling form. He blinked blankly at the dark figure standing there for a moment, his hands still at the shards of his broken wings, as he tried to make out the details of the stranger's face.
And then his wounded heart flip-flopped weakly, and he knew who it was before they even spoke.
His head snapped down, a cold, tight-lipped look coming over his handsome face as he concentrated, oh, tried so hard to concentrate on scooping up those amber bits.
He had to ignore that pleading voice...
He...he wasn't ready just yet...
So much pain still ripped at him...

Removing the tattered remains of his shirt, he finished buttoning up the front, though the back was completely shredded and gone. This he used as a makeshift sling, piling up what was once his proud wings into the cloth.
Standing, he carefully set the shirt and its contents down on the foot of the bed. His eyes caught sight of that bag of money...
"I thought I told you to go away."
His voice so soft...so cold...gods how he struggled to keep it free of any emotion...

Hayate froze as he watched the man he thought he knew so well kneeling on the floor with the broken pieces of those precious wings. What had he done to them? How did this happen? Had Fai been...crying?

Just speak to him. That's all you can do now...

Hayate stayed silent for a moment, not the child anymore, but a much older person coming to take a few steps behind Fai, hands at his side, breathing hard, his face wild with emotion. He could still feel the open door behind him. He slowly and gently closed it, staying quiet as he gathered every feeling, every emotion inside himself to the surface of his voice.

“No, I’m not leaving Fai," he said softly. "I need to say this. You can’t make me leave. You’ll have to kill me to make me leave your side. And I understand now that you won’t. You wouldn’t hurt me,� he said shaking his head. “You never have."

Silence.

“You’re right. You’ve always been right. I understand what you were trying to say to me. I’ve been stupid. I didn’t understand until now…that you didn’t see me that way. I was fighting with this image of you I had inside my head that you didn’t care. I was confused. I didn’t know how to deal with all these feelings I’ve never had before!

“Truth is…I’m a liar. I’ve lied to you. To myself. I’ve been trying everything imaginable to stop feeling this way, but I can’t. I thought if I could forget the way I feel about you I could move on. But I was wrong. I thought there can never be anything between us because of I thought I was nothing to anyone, I thought I was just a whore, who didn’t have the right to feel. No, I see now that I’m not. I don’t want that life anymore! I thought I could destroy my feelings. But by doing so I’ve hurt you instead.

“I know that nowâ€"that I was wrong…that’s why I tried to forget everything, tried to forget you, make you hate me…but it wasn’t working. I know tomorrow will come but…

“I can’t take it anymore. I don’t want to be with anyone else. Not when the thought of you drives me crazy. I can’t stand it…can’t stand the idea of someone else being with you, touching you…it makes me sick to my stomach to think some stranger is in your bed. And they’re not loving you. And it’s not me,â€? he whispered forcing himself to keep eye contact. “It’s not me. I didn’t want anyone else getting close to youâ€"I don’t want anyone else getting close to you! I’d rather die than live another day of my life feeling this way if I can’t have you…â€?

Silence.

“I can’t live like this.�

There was a touch of panic to his voice.

“Please Fai believe me…

“I love you Fai,� he said as tears fell from his eyes and onto the floor. “I’m scared. Scared to tell you, scared that when I look into your eyes after telling you, everything will have changed, scared that you will go away and I’ll never get the chance to be near you again. I don’t want that to happen. I love you,� he said shaking his head back and forth. “I love you. I love you… Fai, I love you. I’ll say it and keep on saying it until the day I die.

“I love you.�

Silence.

“I don’t care if you don’t love me backâ€"just let me be with you tonight. Make love to me.â€? He was surprised at his own words just then and felt his body jerk against the door, frightened. “I just don’t want to leave your side…I fear I might have destroyed what little we had, and you’ll hate me now. But I promise to spend the rest of my life making it up to you! Without any more lies. To give you everything I have. It’s yours. I’ve made mistakes I know. I’m stupid, I know. Just…just…â€?

Just when it seemed Hayate wasn’t going to finish his sentence he took a step towards Fai, a different person from before. Not the child anymore, still the boy, but much more than a man. His eyes pleaded, wet with tears as he whispered, “I love you.�

A slight bit of surprise, just enough to make Fai turn and face Hayate. He wasn't going to leave...? Just like that. Simple as could be.
He had refused.
That cold mask crumbled away as Hayate spoke, and Fai could only stare in wonder at the sudden...courage Hayate had. That wounded heart twisted.
You wouldn't hurt me. You never have.
Was that true...?
Despite his inability to act normally around Hayate all that time, despite all the hell he caused that boy...
He had never truly hurt him?

All those words tumbled forth from the gates of Hayate's heart. They couldn't take it any more, they had to open and let Fai hear for himself how things truly were. Those emotions...things that couldn't be abolished no matter how hard one tried. Ones that could leave you bereft of any hope, empty and cold and hollow for the rest of your days.
Love. Such a warm thing, but when scorned, when pushed away, when slashed and beaten and stabbed at...it could wound you to the soul, make you a shell of the person you once were.
It all simply had to get out, to be released into the quiet night air.
Air that fell silent after Hayate was finished speaking those last words.
I love you...



"I..." Fai's voice faltered, broke. Breath was stolen from him, and he could only stare at Hayate with large eyes that were suddenly so defenseless.
I love you
With a tinkling chime, a soft glow started up from the foot of the bed, casting a faint golden light on Fai as his eyes watched Hayate's, unable to look away.
I love you
All those shards of amber glass floated daintily into the air, twinkling in a way they never had before, each of them glowing with an inner light, like a jewel.
I love you
They swirled about him, casting their glow upon his face and bare chest, his silky hair. Flitting about as though they were faeries, and lighting him up like a great halo.
I love you
Finally they came together again, with that same characterstic tinkling, like wind chimes. His gorgeous wings fanned out behind him, suddenly completed once again. They were the physical link to his emotions, and three silly little words had mended them again. Just like they had mended his heart...mended his ability to feel...
Glowing still, those great amber pieces formed what looked like stained glass butterfly wings. And then they changed, even as a smile finally came to Fai's face, heedless tears quietly running down his face. Soft blue swirled into the gold from the tips of his wings, trickling in but a little bit, just staining those edges with color.
I love you....

Fai was overcome with an inexplicable feeling of happiness. He couldn't contain it, could do nothing for the smile on his face or the tears at his eyes. Strange...it was so strange. He just wanted to laugh and cry at the same time, to hold and hug and kiss Hayate, giddy with this feeling.
Finally, he allowed himself to laugh softly for a brief moment before words once again found their way out.
"Don't say such stupid things Hayate." He spoke softly, quietly.
"There's a definite difference between love making and actual love Hayate, you should know that. Don't worry...I plan on taking you in good time...but, for now..."
He sighed, his smile bright but tired.
"Just come here, I want to hold you..."

He did not wait for Hayate, striding across the room with those glittering wings at his back to grab Hayate and hold him against his warm, trembling body. His arms wrapped tightly around Hayate in an embrace that he didn't ever want to stop, not now. He just wanted to feel the solidity of Hayate's body, know for sure he was really there, that he had truly said those things, that he was surely going to be with him now.
Now, and always, right...?
He laughed softly and smiled, pressing his lips to the top of Hayate's head as he wrapped himself around this precious thing, this love of his.
"I love you...Hayate."
This boy was bound to put him in an early grave...
...But at least he'd die happy.

It happened even as he said the words he realized he was longing to say, and he said those words as much as he could, and then there was light. He forced himself not to take his eyes from Fai, even as his wings lit the room with bright fire and power. He did not stop. And when they found their way to his back once more, standing erect and twinkling like little stars, he said those three little words again, wanting to say them until he could say them no more. He only had eyes for Fai; his words only meant for the man before him who looked as frightened and helpless as Hayate felt. And when at last he had finished telling Fai how much he loved him and needed his forgiveness, Hayate found himself unsure of what to do and what to say next, unsure of where they would go from here, and he stared down at the floor for whatever to follow to come at last.

“Stupid?� Hayate looked up, but then his eyes softened to the sound of Fai’s voice, his face stained brightly with red ink.

Fai’s next words made him jump start back to life. It couldn’t be possible. Bright light blinded Hayate for a moment, and then there was Fai looking at him, standing there back from the dead as if he had come back to life again. Like some fallen angel picking himself up from the shattered pieces of his heart.

What happened next shook Hayate to the core. He stood there blank, amazed, and very shaken as the man closed the gap between them and held him. Take him in good time? Did Hayate hear him right? This wasn’t exactly the way he imagined this going. He thought it was going to end up much, much worse with Fai finding this tirade of his amusing. Yet Fai wasn’t that man anymore, the one that for a very long time was without tender emotions, feelings. Yet Hayate had found out tonight Fai very much felt, very much was flesh and blood just like Hayate.

Trembling with a mixture of relief, joy, and passion Hayate couldn’t stop himself from enjoying the embrace, wrapping his own arms around Fai’s waist tenderly. “This is too good to be true.â€? Hayate’s smile was as intimate as a kiss as he looked up at Fai. “This is happening, right?â€?  

I love you...Hayate.

Hayate held his breath, willing his body to breathe again. Then he threw his head against Fai’s deep chest, breathing in his heavy scent, tears of pleasure finding their way to his eyes. Tonight there were no shadows across his heart. Just the intense fragrance of love in the air. It tingled in the air, surrounding them in its glowing vibrancy as both Fai and he brought it to life.

He was wrapped in a silken cocoon of euphoria, basking in the glow of the one who had his heart. The warmth traveled from his spine into his neck and chest and back down to his belly. That felt too real to be a dream. Fai had come to him and had gathered the boy into his arms; just wanting nothing more than to simple be with Hayate, perhaps to touch him without the fear that Hayate wasn’t going to run off. Hayate felt the promise that he meant more to Fai than anything in the world right now. He was going to enjoy this moment because life was a precious thing to be shared and enjoyed for it was as precious and as fragile as this love that simmered between the two of them.

There was a soft affectionate, joyful gleam in the other’s eyes. So deep, rich, and pure they glistened with new hope and life. Hayate stared up at Fai with a dumb, perplexed, child-like face, trying to come to terms with what just happened. He couldn’t wrap his head around that knowledge, but when you loved someone this much, how could you? How could one grasp it?

Fai loves me.

He repeated those words in his head a thousand times until he felt himself lift off, soaring through the open sky and Fai was with him. In his heart he could feel the wind beneath his own fingertips as he soared through the clouds, Fai’s hand in his, the stars twinkling like the new color of his true love’s wings.

A bird fluttered to their window of the room and Hayate started, turned and watched the bird fly off into the open sky, and at last he felt for the first time as if he had come home.

“Fai, I don’t know quite what to say,� Hayate said choking on his words. “You’ve forgiven me?� Hayate said, and he couldn’t hide the relief from his voice. “I hurt you too much…

“Wait, did you just say…you loved me?�

He looked up and found his arms reaching up to wrap around Fai’s neck. There was sudden passion in his eyes, and the hope for things to come. But all he wanted to do right now was stay here, afraid that if he moved this would all end.

“Don’t ever leave me,� he whispered curling up into Fai’s arms. “Never, never.�

He closed his eyes and felt himself suddenly tired as if he was going to at any moment fall asleep. His knees jerked suddenly underneath him and he held onto Fai tighter, willing himself to stay awake. Boy, after everything that had happened, he was exhausted!


(ooc: Severely edited, deleted, and reposted!)

There simply was no way to describe how wonderful this felt, to have Hayate hold him in return, to have his affection suddenly matched. His embrace was tender but strong, wanting to feel Hayate against him and yet somehow convey the gentleness of his feelings through his hold.
It was unlike anything he had felt before.
This had nothing to do with sex or passion. It was such a simple gesture, to hold one another with pure feelings.
He'd never been granted that before.

His smile grew as Hayate spoke, able to take in the fragrance of his hair with his lips pressed so softly against the top of his head.
When he spoke, he could feel his breath shifting the hair beneath his mouth.
"You don't have to say anything..."
He reassured him, perfectly content with only the sound of silence and their two hearts beating. He tipped his head to the side then, resting his cheek there on the crown of Hayate's head.
"There's nothing to forgive...my wounds were superficial, and they are all mended now. So do not worry about it..."

Those arms of his tightened slightly around Hayate's waist, just reveling in the feeling of all this. Of course, Hayate picked that moment to say something rather entertaining, and Fai lifted his head laughing.
His smile was bright as he looked down at Hayate, feeling the boy's arms circle his neck.
"Yes, that's what I said. I love you."
He rubbed Hayate's back as he curled up, sleeping apparently tugging heavily on his body. Again he spoke softly even as he supported Hayate's sagging form.
"I won't leave you Hayate, I won't..."

Fai waited until Hayate had fallen asleep in his arms before moving him. Quietly, and as gently as he could, he literally carried the sleeping boy to the side of the bed before laying him down on the soft surface. He paused for a moment before deciding to carefully strip Hayate of his shirt before covering him with the sheets.

Throwing the back of his hand over a rather large yawn, Fai made his way over to his own side of the bed, allowed his wings to retreat, and then also laid himself down. As soon as his head hit the pillow, his true fatigue washed over him, and he was out like a light.
The morning light found them both in the same bed, but something was amiss.
Fai's tanned skin was a bit more pale than usual, his forehead hot and clammy. He shifted often in his sleep, uncomfortable in his sickness but not enough to wake himself up as his fever blazed on.
It seemed Fai's exhaustion had finally caught up with him...

Hayate woke abruptly. Blinking his eyes from sleep he stared up at the ceiling before him, his mind trying to recover memories from the night before. In a blur of color and sound everything came back to him as if reliving a recent and very vivid dream.

Wow, so it had happened. Hayate had made his choice. He chose to love Fai with all his heart, had taken a risk in revealing what was deep inside his heart. It was almost like there was this precious box inside him that had been closed, locked away forever, and he had revealed every secret of what was inside that box to Fai. It made him feel complete yet at the same time vulnerable.

Taken by surprise at how he felt, Hayate could only wonder at what would become of them. But he had faith in Fai, that the older man would take good care of him from this day forth. Fai would never let anything happen to him, that he was sure of. It was like his heart just shivered at the thought, at knowing and believing in Fai, seeing at last who Fai was. Trusting in him. That feeling just began to well up inside of him like a spring running over. He had never in all his years of living ever felt this way before, as if he trusted Fai with his very soul.

Oh, how Hayate wanted to share this feeling with Fai, for Fai to at last see that Hayate had given up everything and was willing to follow him to the ends of the earth. Even if he could not express himself with words, Hayate promised that he would by his actions. He would love Fai until the day he died.

Unknown to Fai perhaps, Hayate at last could see something in the other man he had never seen before. And Hayate vowed that he would let no one ever tarnish that side of Fai.

Feeling all at once protective of the man he loved, Hayate turned to Fai and brushed a lock of hair away from Fai’s face. Drinking in every rich detail of his face. Then something inside his gut twisted. Hayate blinked back tears and his heart began to race.

 Something was not right.  

Hayate took a deep breath and came instantly awake when the warmth of the body next to him penetrated his skin. The sheets were moist, Fai looked pale as if his skin was splashed with moonlight. He was running a fever!

“Fai!� Hayate said cupping his face and looking more closely at him.

Then something snapped inside of Hayate and he was up, putting on the robe he wore from last night, and running to the door throwing it open. Instantly he caught sight of a servant and dragged her inside.

“Something is wrong with Fai, he’s…sick!�

“Oh, there is a healer staying here,� the girl said glancing at Fai. “I’ll go get him.�

The girl took off and all Hayate could do was stare at Fai, wracking his brain to do something, to find some way of helping, but he felt slightly helpless. He wasn’t strong enough to carry Fai to the hot springs, and even if he did he’d probably make both of them drown since he couldn’t swim. Why did he have to be born a small weakling he thought angrily. Why couldn’t he do this one thing for Fai and help him?

Pulling himself together Hayate went to Fai and grabbed his hand, looking down at him. “I’m sorry I don’t know what to do.�

“That’s why I am here,� a familiar voice spoke from the door.

Hayate spun on his heel as he came face to face with the old man healer from the brothel.

“Old man!� Hayate said his face lighting up. “How…where…how did you get here so fast?�

“I do have a name you know,� the healer said moving Hayate aside to check Fai’s temperature with the back of his hand. “It’s Geesan, and this old body likes to be reminded to live a little longer so I come up here often. Now move aside, you’re not helping one bit lad.�

"But I must,� Hayate said reaching out and taking hold of the old healer’s hand. They stared at one another for quite some time and finally the old man nodded and understood, barking out orders to the rally of servants who gathered at the door.

“You there young lady, bring me a good pitcher of that healing spring water and a cup, and you fresh sheets and warm blankets, a bowl of warm water, some clean towels, and oh yes a sponge if you have one.�

Turning to Hayate he said, “Boy, get undressed.�

“What?� Hayate said blinking in confusion at the healer.

“I said get undressed. You said you wanted to help your ’friend’ so I suggest you listen to me and do as I say.�

Surprised and caught off guard all of a sudden the healer could only stare in wonder as Hayate actually did what he said without being a smartass about it, stripping himself bare of all clothing and politely covering himself up with his hands. Hayate was glaring at the old man, a look on his face urging the healer to give him some other instructions that weren’t so embarrassing.

“I’m surprised,� Geesan said after a while. “You’ve changed.�

“Shut up,� Hayate said throwing a distasteful look at Geesan. “What next?�

“Get in bed and keep him warm.�

“What?�

“Just do as I say. Remove his pants as well, and lay on top of him, gently. The heat from your body will help bring Fai’s fever down quicker.�

“Umm, are you sure this will help?� Hayate said shooting the healer a dirty look. His question went ignored and so frowning Hayate did as Geesan asked of him, climbing back into bed, blushing heavily since well they weren’t alone and tugging Fai’s wet pants off of him.

No he wasn’t aroused over this, he was still worried, but he pressed his warm body gentle next to Fai’s, wrapping an arm over Fai’s chest as instructed by the healer and his leg as well until he was partly covering him with his own body. Next thing he knew Geesan had removed the damp sheet off the bed and from Fai and grabbed some ready sheets and heavy blankets from the servant who entered the room, several other girls falling behind. Hayate turned completely red but settled once Geesan threw a new clean sheet over them both and four heavy quilts over that.

“Good, make sure you stay on him lad, he needs your body warmth to stay warm.�

“I don’t see how this is helping.�

“You are,� Geesan said patting Hayate on the head and handing him a small cup with some warm spring water in it. “That’s a good lad, now yes master Faivish will be fine. I’m leaving him in your hands boy. Make him drink the spring water, and keep this wet cloth on his forehead. The fever isn’t bad he’ll be fine especially drinking from the healing waters. And…he has you.�

Hayate smiled at those words and nodded, lying back down against Fai’s warm body. He felt as if Fai and him was one body, a single soul so tightly wound together and at any moment they might melt into one. He pressed gently against Fai, creating a bond of heat between the two men that penetrated Hayate’s own body like fire. Geesan had been right, this would help bring Fai’s fever down and keep the chill away. He took the wet cloth as Geesan instructed and patted Fai’s brow, worry blanketing his eyes. The cup felt unsteady in his hand, or else his hand was shaking too much.

Once they were alone at last with the doors closed, Hayate looked down at Fai said, "Fai, please wake up, you need to drink this."

"Aww, you're always just the cutest little thing Faivish!"

"..."

"Do you want some candy?"

"..."

"I know you like it. The other children tell me you just love sweets! Here you go Faivish."

"..."

It seemed that no matter how much he ignored them, they would just keep doting on him. He couldn't get away from them. All three of the orphanage matrons were nice women, but they treated him like their own little doll. Most of the kids hated him. Because he was inhuman. Because the matrons treated him special.
And nobody would take him home...

"What about little Faivish here?"

"That boy? He's cute, but...what exactly is he?"

"Oh well...we're not really sure..."

"Not sure?? He could be anything! He could be a demon for all you know!"

.....

"I'm sorry Faivish. They didn't want you either..."

"..."

He was determined to make his appearance work for him. Fine, if the other kids didn't like him as it was, then he would play up his cuteness. He would milk those matrons for all they had.
Candy, new clothes, new toys, a bigger room...
All he had to do was say and do the right things, and they were his.
Bullies could never make him crack. Every time he was knocked down, he would just get back up, a cold smile on his face.
He learned early on how to make his words hurt worse than any fist, shoe, rock, or stick.

He had become manipulative to survive.

Those horrid places he had worked...
He had entered that first brothel with confidence, had made that ugly grinning manager believe he wanted to work. But his first client, a lovely woman with a thing for young boys, had scared him and shaken his resolve. He had run away from her, and was soundly beaten for it later.
His second client had been a man, and again Fai had lost his nerve and tried to run...
...But that time there had been no escape. His screams went unheard...

Many such incidents had happened to him...many 'rapes'. But as far as his multiple managers were concerned, a whore couldn't be raped. He had been all too glad when he was old enough to be the dominant one, no longer allowing himself to be 'on the bottom'. He had to be tactfully forceful to get what he wanted in this world...
Parentless, friendless, loveless...


...How greatful he was for Hayate...

Groaning slightly, Fai had to force his sore eyelids to open. Oi, he felt horrible! His entire body felt as though it weighed a ton, and his body was at first chilly, and then suddenly very warm.
And he couldn't stop shivering...
Blinking, it took Fai a moment to focus in on Hayate's face.
And as soon as he did, a small, tired smile formed on his face.
"Good morning Hayate..."
Grimacing slightly, he turned his head stiffly and coughed.
"Ah...what seems to be...wrong with my body today...?"

He coughed weakly a few more times before resting his head back against the pillow, and he finally had a moment to make a mental check of his damp body.
.....
"...Hayate?"
He tried to keep his face perfectly calm, though he wanted for all the world to just start grinning.
"Is that your naked body I feel...?"

Hayate stared for some time and ran his eyes down Fai’s body, feeling himself bored as he waited for Fai to wake. Shifting a little he felt something distinctly wet and soft against him and with one raised eyebrow decided to take a small quick peek under the covers, after he could never allow himself such a nice long stare at it when Fai was up and about because he’d be teased relentlessly about it.

After all Fai was asleep, he wouldn’t know…

"Good morning Hayate..."

Hayate dropped the sheet and stuttered, mumbling something incoherent. Then he caught hold of his senses and smiled down at Fai; relieved the guy was finally awake, even if it had come at an awkward moment.

“Thank goodness,� Hayate said softly, sitting up and moving the cup of warm water into his left hand so he could touch Fai’s face with his right, his fingers drifting gently across Fai’s brow.

“You had me worried there for a while. You’re running a small fever Fai, but don’t worry I’ll take good care of you, old Geesan has been telling me what to do…�

At hearing his name Hayate’s head perked up. He looked down at Fai lovingly, his body pressing firmly against his lover’s. He could almost feel Fai’s heartbeat pulsating through his own body and something a lot like relief at seeing the man awake finally.

"Is that your naked body I feel...?"

Then he frowned and smacked Fai’s head with a pillow, feeling the heat travel straight up to his face where it remained. He shifted uncomfortably against Fai, blushing even hotter when something soft and moist pressed up against his thigh wrapped around Fai’s torso. That wasn’t good, he didn’t want to give Fai any ideas, but the way he was laying half-draped over Fai really didn’t leave room for the imagination of what was touching what.

“Oh shut up,� Hayate said the hairs at the back of his neck standing on end like a big pussycat’s.

“I was doing what Geesan told me to do, that’s all.� Wait, when had he EVER followed someone else’s instructions? Oh well he was telling the truth. “I wasn’t trying to…molest you or anything, not like I peeked at you,� he said looking away not able to meet Fai’s eyes. Not like he didn’t think of that, so yes he did take a peek, but oh well Fai getting better was his main concern. He sounded like a babbling idiot for some reason, like yeah all reason left him and he couldn’t think straight. Was this how love was? He felt so clueless on what to do or say.

Great, he was probably laughing at him. It would be like Fai to tease him even when he was sick like this.

 â€œHe said something about your body temperature and bringing your fever down, and body heat is the best way. So I did it. You’ve been asleep for a while, but now…â€? he said looking down at Fai with a wicked gleam in his eye.

Subconsciously he was rubbing his hands together pondering the fact that Fai was now in Hayate’s hands for the next couple of days.

“You are in my hands Fai, and you have to follow my instructions. Now,� he looked at the cup thinking it awkward trying to get Fai to drink since he was lying down. So he shrugged, took a big sip and leaned his head down kissing Fai directly on the mouth to send the warm liquid into his mouth. A faint blush still lingered on his cheeks, and he found his eyes misting slightly as they stared into those deep amber depths. What a nice way to give Fai his medicine.

Mmmm, caught in the act. It took all of Fai's willpower to not start grinning or laughing during all of this.
Though, in the end, a small grin managed to stay on his face, the amusement obvious in his eyes.
"A fever, huh...?"
He sighed. It must be due to exhaustion...
To be honest, he really hadn't gotten a good night's sleep in awhile, and with his body having suffered so much physical and emotional strain, it was no wonder he had gotten sick. Fai didn't get sick often. It probably had something to do with his Ssin genes, but he could only remember getting sick maybe two other times in his entire life. That having been said, Fai wasn't terribly worried about this fever.
He had faith in his immune system.
And in Hayate.

Laughter, however quiet, left Fai's chest as he was hit in the head with a pillow, calmly raising one arm to brush it off of his face so that he could grin deviously at Hayate.
"Oh my, has the sky fallen? Has hell frozen over? You, my little hell-child Hayate, actually did as you were told?" He teased, finding that his amusement helped him ignore the discomfort in his own body. Besides, he just felt so incredibly warm and happy with Hayate there with him.
"Oh no, of course you didn't peek at my body that is so suddenly naked and vulnerable and at your complete and utter mercy."
And there it was again, that amused, evil little smirk of his.

That smile only grew a bit at Hayate's own mischievous spark.
In his hands?
Had to listen to his instructions?
Seemed he was going to be the submissive one for awhile...
Blinking, Fai was surprised when Hayate kissed him for once. It wasn't until his lips parted and that warm water washed into his mouth that he realized why Hayate had done that.
Very nice way to get his medicine indeed...
Fai very calmly wrapped his arms around Hayate's body, as if to make sure the boy knew he wasn't allowed to leave his current position.
Breaking the kiss just a few moments after he had swallowed all of the water, Fai was again smiling with amusement.
"It's not very nice of you to tempt me like this Hayate, when my poor sick body can't act on my primal desires..."
It seemed Fai wasn't quite ready to be the quiet, obedient patient just yet...

“Yes, I did what I was told,� Hayate said lifting his mouth from Fai’s, allowing it to hover there for a little while, enjoying the closeness of this moment, even when Fai was obviously sick. He reached over and put the cup down and sighed softly.

“Geesan knows what he is doing, and well…it’s not hard taking care of you. Or so I think,� Hayate said raising an eyebrow at Fai. “Okay so I looked, I wanted to know what the hell I was getting myself into.� Did he just say that outloud? Gee he was digging himself deeper and deeper. That didn’t come out right. “I mean…fine laugh it up fuzz ball.� Hayate turned his head away just then turning a deeper shade of red.

But then again, his eyes softened once more feeling Fai’s arms around him and for the first time Hayate was enjoying the teasing, the banter they shared. When had he ever in his life enjoyed Fai’s teasing? He couldn’t remember. It was sort of nice to have Fai paying all his attention to him, only him, evil or not. But that didn’t mean he have to give in to him.

"It's not very nice of you to tempt me like this Hayate, when my poor sick body can't act on my primal desires..."

“That’s Healer Hayate to you,� Hayate said correcting him.

“Oh, and it’s going to be fun tempting you for once,� he said matching Fai’s grin. “Especially since yes, you can’t do anything about it.�

Hayate slid his body closer to Fai’s just then, leaning on his elbows, and brought his mouth a mere inch from Fai’s lips, mimicking that one moment just recently when Fai had done the same thing back at the brothel, crawling up on that bed to torment Hayate. That had been their first kiss ever. Now, Hayate toyed around with Fai, a wild cat-like gleam in his green eyes, a hand snaking around Fai’s waist in a mock hold down.

Now the tables were turned, oh yes indeed and Hayate was going to enjoy this.

“You can’t do anything about it, can you�? His breath was soft and sweet like honey against Fai’s face. “Just think all this so close, yet so far away.� He wiggled his butt a little just then in glee.

Hayate leaned his face just a little bit closer, his wet mouth parting as if to kiss Fai again. And then, he stopped. A faint victorious smile spread across Hayate’s face as he sat up, untangling himself from Fai so he could get up.

“Hold it right there!� Another voice spoke suddenly.

“You stay where you are boy!� Geesan said raising his finger at the boy. The old man walked into the room, laid a bowl down onto the table and glared at Hayate. “I told you to stay on him, and there you shall stay. Or do you want him getting a chill?�

“I…err…� Hayate stuttered looking up at the old man.

“Lay down on him. You are not to get out of that bed unless you have to relieve yourself. But no other reason until the morning.

“Here boy, grind this up, and spread it on his chest.� He handed Hayate the bowl rather awkwardly stretching over the two and glared at Hayate. He then put a slip of paper down on the table just then. “Here are some instructions if you have any questions. I’m on vacation so if you two boys will excuse me, I have a pretty young girl waiting to give me a nice massage. Good day.�

Hayate frowned and sat there sulking staring down at the bowl that had a mixture of small red seeds and water. “How am I suppose toâ€"I’m not a healerâ€"gah!â€?

He glanced at Fai and shoved the grinding spoon deep into the bowl, thrusting it rather viciously in and out to grind the seeds into some strange pink but flavorful paste that smelled like peppermint. He then reached over to the nightstand near the bed and picked up the water again and handing it to Fai.

“DRINK!� he said thrusting the spoon into the bowl again rather hard. His playful smile was back on his face.

Oh, Hayate didn't know how suggestive he looked at that moment with his hand thrusting that grinding spoon in and out rather...effectively.

Fai grinned and chuckled as Hayate finally confessed.
"Good boy."
He purred, amusement evident in those deepthless auburn eyes. Those eyes then widened at what Hayate said next before rich laughter entered the air.
"Fuzzball...?" He managed, laughing harder despite the tickle it caused in his chest, making him finally end in a fit of coughing.

Finally able to breath properly once again, his arms still comfortably around his Hayate, he grinned up at him.
"Oh, yes of course...Healer Hayate sir."
Both eyebrows arched as Hayate's devilish side really began to appear, though his grin didn't fade. It seemed he had rubbed off on the boy...
And he wasn't sure if that was a good or a bad thing...

Fai inhaled sharply as Hayate shifted closer to him then, their bodies pressed close as their lips very nearly met.
His intense gaze did nothing to hide the fact that he did indeed desire Hayate, and that he was none too happy about not being able to get it either.
"So cruel..."
He whispered, wishing Hayate would just kiss him instead of teasing him so mercilessly.

But it was not to be, and Fai could only try to cover his frown with a smile as his evil little love got out of bed rather than obey his wishes.
Damn...
This was both amusing and insufferably torturous.
Luckily for him, however, Geesan had other plans, and Fai could only smile in amusement as Hayate was given a good scolding.

After the real healer had left, Fai calmly folded his hands over his chest and watched Hayate with a deceptively sweet look.
"Did you hear that Hayate? We get to sleep together all night."
Snickering, he took the cup that was thrust at him, drinking its contents carefully and slowly.
But he nearly gagged as his mind clued in on the motion of Hayate's hand.
Living in a brothel had warped his mind...

Quickly finishing off the drink to avoid choking, he set it down on his stomach, watching Hayate with a mixture of amusement and desire.
This had to stop...
"Hayate, I think you've pounded that paste quite well enough."
This was going to be a very interesting evening...

"Did you hear that Hayate? We get to sleep together all night."

“Yeah I heard,� Hayate said looking away his smile gone from his face. He watched Fai out the corner of his eye drink the water, and the strange erotic look coming from Fai at the moment caught Hayate off guard as the spoon missed its aim and hit his wrist. The burning sensation suddenly crept into his skin and Hayate wiped the red liquid on the sheets, suddenly realizing at what the stuff he was mixing was.

Warming liquid…

"Hayate, I think you've pounded that paste quite well enough."

Hayate’s cute smile became a devious sinister grin. He just realized what he was doing looked like; after all he had a little bit of a pervy mind himself.

Oh, so Fai was thinking dirty thoughts was he? He shifted his grin towards Fai, with one eyebrow raised and felt the dominant male power struggle fall in his favor all of a sudden. It went right to his head.

“Well, well,� Hayate said picking up the empty cup from his stomach and leaning over Fai to place it on the table. “Wonder what I need to do with this…?� Hayate said picking up the piece of paper Geesan left and reading the instructions. Hayate became silent as his eyes darted back and forth over the instructions. He crumbled it into a ball suddenly and threw it on the floor.

“So, I need to do that, huh?� he said not telling Fai what he was about to do. "I promise to be...gentle."

After all, he had to obey Geesan’s every instruction, right?

“My, my,� Hayate said taking the sheets and slowly pulling them down to Fai’s torso. The sheets also were down by Hayate's hips as well, his skin gleaming like pale alabaster in the dim light of the room. Hayate paused as his eyes traveled up Fai’s waist and to his chest, eyes like the devil as they took in every detail of that hard dark body. “Hmm. Nice.� Plopping down onto an elbow, he turned towards Fai’s naked body and held the bowl in his left hand, his right drawing circles along that soft skin. He then took his fingers away as if he had been burnt and stuck a finger in his mouth, sucking on it and then taking it out again, wetting his lips.

“Well, I guess I have no choice but to,� Hayate said sighing and rolling his eyes upward.

Then the more lusty side took over and Hayate dipped his fingers into the red liquid, his body shivering in delight at the warming sensation. Then he carefully lapped the hot oil onto Fai’s chest, watching Fai’s face for his reaction. Slowly, erotically, Hayate massaged the clear pink liquid all over Fai’s upper body, moaning slightly at how hot his hand felt against Fai’s skin. It was like he was being burned and he had to control himself or else be lost to his own arousal at how intimate and deep this massage was becoming.

“Do you like that?� Hayate said softly leaning into Fai’s ear. “Does it make you feel…hot? Huh Fai? What does it feel like? My hand touching you like this?� Hayate paused as his hand drifted lower to Fai’s belly tickling the soft hairs where he hand was longing to go, but knew somewhere in the back of his mind he was here to get Fai better, not to get him off.

Hayate moved to his stomach and wiggled his hips a little as the sheets shifted slowly off his backside, revealing the smooth creamy texture of his round buttocks. Oh yes he was blushing slightly himself because it was hard for him to show his naked body to Fai so openly, but he couldn’t resist tempting Fai a little longer. “See anything you like?� he said drawing circles on Fai’s belly, his own eyes falling to Fai’s precious treasure once more. “See anything you want? I know I do. I think my mouth might get a little curious to what it tastes like…

“Maybe you can show me how to give you pleasure down there, with my tongue?� Hayate said his grin curving so seductively at the corners of his mouth.

“Of course when you get better,� Hayate teased sitting up a little and stretching as if he hadn’t said any of that at all. Oh yes teasing a sick Fai who could do nothing at all was way too much fun...


(dude was reading over stuff and thought this needed to be split into two posts so you can respond to it without being overwhelmed, lol)