Malicious Meetings (Private/Yuiisai)

Four months had passed since the abandonment of Sol, Yuiisai, and his other direct associates. In those one-hundred-twenty something days, as each minute passed, each clock hand would tick, and breath would be breathed, a raven haired youth had been consumed with a hunger, soft topaz hues eyes flickering with rage and a tongue lusting for vengeance. An overwhelming emotion that could only be provoked when witnessing a once proud and strong willed man flee with a tail tucked between their legs, a man one used to look up to so eagerly.

Ahote would make several expeditions over the months, through rain, snow, hail, and haze in attempt to discover the traitors once more and drag them back up the mountain for revenge. As he went out more and more often, the later and later he returned. Once gone for afternoons now absent for days, only at times when Famine herself had been absent as well for secrecy's sake. Topaz eyes that gazed out of a bedroom window were no longer there to witness the sun rise and the moon set. The fortress had been devoid of the young man's soft presence for the longest it has ever, and only lingering traces of his frustrations remaining.

Though months had passed with fruitless searches, and his will beginning to waver, he was quickly able to reinforce himself with the thought of bringing justice for his one parent, who deserved it so.

Ahote had explored more than he was ever allowed to ever before since his resolve, but never had the time or space in his mind to appreciate his firsts. When arriving at a new town, he would never ask himself "Where's a good place to eat?" or "Where are the tourist attractions?" but rather "Is this the town where I'll find them?" There was never a time where he had the energy or mindset to be a kid in a new place, but rather a man with a mission to slay.

The raven haired boy ambled through the streets of Rose Garden wearily, a slip-on black hoodie hiding his tired face and arms, along with a ripped jeans around his growing legs and his usual black, leather boots. Hugging his back would be an indigo drawstring bag, filled with small packages of food and other small necessities. And finally, on his belt would be a small hunter's knife he had so proudly kept good care of, hidden from the distracted eyes of the passing strangers. It was an outfit he had never wore outside of his scenario, usually resorting to tank tops, sweatpants and sweatshirts.

Would today be the day? Would one of the traitors' faces come to light, or would it prove to be a fruitless endeavor after all? The thought hung over his mind as he ambled along, legs tired from the constant walking and mind tired from the endless thinking. What would happen? Would he kill them? Would he not? He did not know, he did not care. He simply wanted to see them.

The continuous, never ending clicking of leather against the stone path became haunting to the youth, eyes only looking at the stone path, expecting passing strangers to move out of the way instead of him. He was in no mood to care, no state to give thought to his behavior. It was just him, alone with the tapping of the boots and the stone paths. Just him. Or so he thought.

Thud!

Ahote felt a chunk of his shoulder bump into the form of a smaller other, tired eyes drifting to the stranger he had collided with, instantly dipping his head in apologies. "My ba. . . !" he began, only to cut off midway in realizing just who he had bumped into. The familiar scent, the height of the figure that bumped into him, the unforgettable choice of wear, and finally, the beautiful skin and face he had been so enamored with had come to light. A face he once greeted with a smile, now only met with raw, unadulterated contempt. Yuiisai.

Ahote turned to face him, a hood hiding a countenance from the prying eyes of the public, but in clear view of the shorter Yuiisai could see a scowl cracking the lips with wide, topaz eyes flickering with anger and subtle relief. "So. . . this is where you've been hiding. You. . . you thought you could just. . . abandon us with clean hands. . . abandon me. . ." he cursed with a hushed voice. His eyes quickly darted down to his waist, where he felt the leather belt press against his pale skin and the knife that was tucked so snugly against it. Fleshed fingers grazed the hoodie just above it, but immediately felt his heart race and sweat coat his body in realizing the situation he was in.

I can't. . . kill him here, or ever. I just need to take him back to Mother. . . but.
. . he thought to himself. What was he to do? Was he strong enough to drag him back by force? Would he be so cooperative to let it happen? There were too many wandering eyes watching, too many opportunities for the public to intervene. There was little options, he knew. But even those options were unknown to him. Ahote trembled.

"Let's not cause a commotion, Yuiisai. . . you need to come with me. Now." he hissed to him, extending his metal hand out to coil around his wrist, fingers tightly wrapped around the flawless skin. How long had it been since he felt his wonderful skin? His delightful scent? The man he had been so infatuated with? His eyes began to sting, and his body shook uncontrollably. The weight of his nerves began to crash on him, as he had never understood the meaning of wielding a knife, and what would happen to the receiving end. Did he want to kill Yuiisai? Did he want to see him punished? His grip remained tight, but was unable to press any further.

Why were there so many people in towns? It was so very unlike the small to moderately large groups he'd find at home. Topaz orbs darted left to right, realizing what daunting eyes had been able to observe him and Yuiisai, making him all the more anxious. Clouded with thought and quickly becoming overwhelmed with his many anxieties, the raven haired youth paid no attention to the frightened and bewildered Yuiisai, eyes only meetings his when he would stumble to the ground, greeted with hands from strangers who seemed so eager to assist. Ahote said nothing to respond to Yuiisai. He couldn't say anything. He choked on his words, and feared that if he were to utter just a sound that he'd end up screaming at him, causing a scene.

In recovering from the crowds that made haste to Yuiisai's side, the boy had hardly heard his pleas for him to release his wrist. But in the youth's eyes catching sight of the bruised skin forming, he would quickly release his wrist, lowering his head to avoid eye contact. "Sorry. . . come on. If you try to run, I really will kill you. . . so. . . don't." he grumbled, conflicted with the idea. Would he really be able to do it as quickly and heartlessly as his mother did so often? Especially to Yuiisai? Ahote believed he could, but could hardly stand to see such beautiful skin bruised by his doing. It made him feel lethargic, even if it was well deserved.

Ahote would stuff his hands into his jeans pockets, gripping the material with fleshed and metal fingers. He would push through the crowds in search of some sort of secluded area, dark and away from the prying eyes of curious strangers. Buildings were too busy, and parks even busier. Only one location came to mind.

Ahote peered back to Yuiisai with anxious eyes, “Are you keeping up?” he queried, not expecting too detailed of a response. Having him in his sights was enough of an answer, anyway.

They would quickly walk down the stone path, eyes coming across a relatively narrow alleyway, with a dumpster and a stray cat peering into it from its single hood. It was dark, narrow, and away from curious eyes. It was perfect.

Ahote paused, staring into the alleyway before returning his gaze to Yuiisai, “In here. Go to the very end, alright? Come on.” he growled, making way into the alleyway, hands slipping out of his pockets and onto his chest. His pace quickened and breaths became heavy. Chest pounding, heart beating, Ahote ran to the end of the alleyway and fell to his knees, one arm hugging his stomach while the metal covered his mouth as he would vomit. The pressure of being in an unfamiliar place and being surrounded by insurmountable amounts of people was spat out before him. But there were no remnants of food or drink, but simply saliva ejecting from his mouth. It felt disgusting, but relieved him.

Ahote coughed and wiped the space around his lips with his covered wrist, turning back to face Yuiisai with a frown worn on his exhausted, pale face, “Now… now we're alone. Let's get right… right to it.” Ahote began, weakly, “Where's Sol and Aguya? Why are you by yourself and why do you play dumb? Why did you leave the guild like that?” he questioned. The hatred seen on his countenance softened into that of anger. He had no energy to remain so hateful with an empty stomach and nerves that could break him. Yuiisai’s milky hues and smooth skin that he loved so very much, there was hardly enough in him to come to hate it, even if it were only briefly. But he needed to do this, he told himself. It was for Mother and all the pain and distress they caused her to feel. He figured he'd never be the type to kill so mercilessly and carry out the will of the guild's policy. He would have to, eventually. But why so soon?

Ahote flinched when Yuiisai's milky eyes would meet his, only for the boy to look down at his feet, as he so usually did. His fingers rolled into his palms and dug into his skin, fists clenched, and eyes stinging with the threat of tears. He would sigh with a weak smile, the palm of his fleshed hand gently smacking against his forehead in the realization, "I'm. . . so sorry, for making you upset. There's no way I'd ever kill you. . . you are far too prec- . . ." he raised his head to face Yuiisai, cheeks beginning to become like roses before dipping his head down again, ". . . never mind." he finished.

His face softened, no longer having the strength or will to continue to be scrunched up in anger. Instead, a subtle sadness became apparent. His eyes continued to sting, and his knees shook as if they were about to give way. But though he could not physically express his anger, the rage welt up deep within. The flashing thoughts of his father and what a coward he had been, the words he said, the things he did, the creeds he claimed to live by.

"So. . . Sol is the one who orchestrated this betrayal. . . what a coward. .
. what a terrible, terrible man. . .!"Ahote felt as he were about to burst, hands returning to their clenched form before he could no longer take it. The youth lunged at the stone wall, fleshed knuckles bashing against its unfazed surface with eyes full of rage, "What a coward! He belittled his comrades and set himself a pedestal at home before running away with his tail tucked between his legs! I cannot believe this!" Ahote barked, "Ever since he left, I've had to kill another man, I've had to hit and brand a girl, I've had to deal with disrespectful, arrogant men and women who want to join the guild! I've had to shoulder all of the weight he did without even a warning! I've had to become mother's right-hand-man, I've had to drink my blood, sweat, and tears! He took everything! My Mother's peace, my arm, my childhood, my friend! It's all his fault!" Ahote had slammed his fist into the wall one last time before returning to silence, panting and sweating bullets.

The stinging in his eyes became unbearable, and soon, tears began to moisten his cheeks, running down his nose and dripping from his chin. Ahote retrieved his hand from the stone, torn and bloodied knuckles red with irritation. He dropped his hand to his sides, pressed his back against the same wall and slunk down onto the ground, running metal fingers through his raven locks. "Did you want to leave, Yuiisai? Am I nothing but a memory now? Can we never have our talks again? I don't know anymore. . . as much as I want to, I don't. . ." he spoke weakly, weeping quietly.

Ahote continued to weep quietly as Yuiisai explained himself. It had become clear as day of his ignorance of the situation, which almost comforted him in knowing that nothing he had done was done because he meant ill will. Topaz hues reddened with tears raised to fix on Yuiisai, who explained his relationship with Sol. Master and servant, a relationship Ahote had been so familiar with as an observer back home. Although the mere mention of his father's name irked the boy, he nodded, acknowledging his understanding of the situation, regardless of how he felt.

Although the predicament facing him was daunting, a few blows to the wall and a rush of tears relieved him, and began to settle into a state of temporary tranquility. He longer just heard his male companion anymore, but listened through the weeps and the quick, heavy breaths. Listened attentively to every word, but couldn't help but raise his head at his mention of the incense he so loved when they were together. Instead of joy or glee, his expression was that of surprise and a loss for words. Orbs caught sight of a foot-long container, which had apparently been taken good care of with him in mind. He could only stare.

A smile began to crack his lips as his head was raised, forehead greeted with the soft and small lips of Yuiisai. His nose fleshed pink, along with his cheeks, as those areas would usually do in a state of embarrassment or glee. Ahote sighed through his nose, gently retrieving the container and resting his raised head on Yuiisai's shoulders, "You both won't share a fate. In regards to my Mother, anyway. But I won't tell you why." he chuckled, though his laughter was weary and without energy, "Things aren't so good back home, but I did learn a few things. I did become a bit more assertive, I think. Though, not everyone listens to me. It's actually quite frustrating. . . I don't have that natural intimidation and dominance Sol and the others had. I probably look like a kitten against tigers, don't I?" he would playfully nudge Yuiisai, closing his eyes with his pale skin against her soft, smooth clothing. "Though I have built up some confidence, it's nothing like going in towns like these by yourself. There's so many people. . . every time I remember the crowds, I just get very lethargic and light headed. It's actually quite intimidating, you know. It's a humongous jump from talking to you and walking in crowds like this." he continued.

The weeps had halted and face had dried, breaths slowing down and becoming softer. Ahote felt himself beginning to doze off, underestimating the strain he had put on his body and mind in his expeditions. He crossed his arms as he leaned on Yuiisai, legs sprawled over the stone alleyway path, "Say, I'm as uncertain as you say about the future ahead, and I don't intend on reporting this to mother. Do you really think there aren't any opportunities for these kinds of moments to happen again? Must I return home alone with thoughts of never seeing you again? I miss your presence. . . it's difficult. . ." he spoke, his voice returning to his soft, quiet one as opposed to his harsh hiss. He had tried not to fall asleep, for he had only a couple hours before Famine was scheduled to return home after a week of absence. But it was proving to be a struggle. The familiar smell of Yuiisai captured him, and eased him.

Ahote continued to lean on the fragrant Yuiisai, who spoke softly and tended to himself quietly. His voice was calming and put his mind and body at ease, but a lingering feeling deep within his chest and gut yearned more from him, body, mind, and soul. Though for countless times, the boy had ignored it and immersed himself in Yuiisai's presence.

Ahote's eyes closed, seeing darkness but listening carefully to Yuiisai's story. He would rest in silence, absorbing his words like a sponge and painted a picture in his head with those words, and though terrible in nature, it fascinated him. Where did Yuiisai live and what did it look like before it turned to ash and became a graveyard of the innocent, which no tombstones had been laid and the names of men, women, and children would forever be forgotten by all ears except Yuiisai's own, and the terrible guilt and burdens that accompanied it. The older, more experienced man would then conclude with good word of his father, Sol, and attempted to provide a different perspective of him. But Ahote was unfazed by his words, no matter how honeyed and sweet they were. But still, Ahote would remain silent, agreeing to disagree with Yuiisai's praises and simply reddening when soft lips would press against his pale forehead through his messy locks once again, a smile cracking his lips.

Yuiisai continued, providing the best advice he could with Ahote's situation, but the boy felt indifferent. At what point should he stop sacrificing his happiness for his mother's and his guild's? When would he be told that he would no longer have to stay confined to a box built by his parents and his peers since a young age? Why did he have to replace Sol? Why couldn't he have a normal childhood? What logic produced the idea that fear was interchangeable with respect? Why must he be cold and harsh as opposed to warm and caring? Was that weak? Why must he be strong? Why? When? How? Too many questions lingered in his head, making it hurt. But though he felt so questionable, he knew such words would never be said by his tongue. He knew he'd always come through when his mother needed him, even when sacrificing his ideal life. If if was a cold, steeled man Famine needed, Ahote would abandon his soft and tender nature for that sake, forever and always. So, instead, the bot nodded weakly in acknowledgement of Yuiisai.

Ahote's eyes had opened just slightly, topaz hues rolling over to watch Yuiisai, brows quickly scrunching up, lips curling, and cheeks becoming that of roses when he would offer him the ointment. His chest felt as though it were being tickled, and his heart raced. Embarrassed and excited, Ahote snatched the offering from him and huffed tiredly, keeping it close to the incense that sat between his sprawled legs. But before the raven haired youth could calm himself and relax, it seemed as though Yuiisai continued to stimulate his emotions with the cupping of the cheek and soft words, despite how serious he had seemed. He chuckled and raised a hand to his, removing it from his cheeks and caressing it in his own. "There are some perks when being the kid of guildmaster. Mother wouldn't lay a hand on me if not out of love, but alright. I'll report to her all that I've witnessed." he closed his eyes once more, leaning against the stone wall.

"As for your past, there's no way I'd ever hate you for something like that. If anything, it was justified. But so what if your past is a bit rough around the edges and has a few cracks? The more cracks it has, the more light that gets let in, right? Don't feel so bitter." he chuckled, playfully nudging him. Topaz orbs drifted down to the gifts between his legs again, then to the sky through the sliver of atmosphere between the two buildings that made the alleyway, a blank expression, eyes staring aimlessly, "Thanks for the gifts, but none of these could ever replicate you or your presence, for that matter. I'd rather have nothing but my memories of you than this tease of a reality that I'll never have, but I'll take them anyway." he sighed, briefly glancing to Yuiisai before returning his gaze back to the sky, "Once we both return home to our new lives and old faces, we'll be enemies, yeah. And you're right about one thing, we'll never have another chance be like this, whether we're on opposite sides or not. But, I'll tell you another thing," he smirked, the softness remaining in his eyes as he would lean over to Yuiisai, speaking quietly but confidently, "I'll create many opportunities for us to be like something else, something different from this. . ." he mumbled before pulling away, smiling his innocent, soft smile, eyes returning to the sky, caring not to elaborate.

"Sometimes I wonder why Mother has chosen this life. I don't know what choices she made in her past that made her end up like this, but I wonder what would've happened if she chose differently? If I chose differently? 'Course, if I had done that, I'd still be living in that house with my birth mother. If I had chosen to stay in bed that night, to turn back and go home when the woods I had traveled through so frequently began to look alien, to run away when I awoke in an unfamiliar place where green trees didn't grow and townspeople didn't look so happy, would my life had been different? Mother wouldn't have found me, and I wouldn't have to kill so many people when my mind had been that of a child's. Anyone would normally think it's unfortunate, right? But," he continued, smiling weakly, "if I hadn't made those choices, I wouldn't have met you or Mother or anyone else. I didn't get the same opportunity for a normal childhood like other kids, but I'm happy with what I have. This conundrum we're facing is no different, I'm content with the future ahead, as I know I'll find you again, even if under dire circumstances. Yuiisai is Yuiisai after all, and that won't change the feeling of happiness I know I'll feel when we meet again, even if you believe otherwise." he giggled, at peace.

The bloodied knuckles ached, but he ignored the pain, overwhelmed by the bliss of the dream he was experiencing. He looked over to Yuiisai, grinning a toothy grin, "Are you happy with the future ahead of you? Are you content with your future being determined by a contract?" he spoke honestly, in an attempt for him to reciprocate the same honesty, not for him to question his own state of being.