+MAIN+ PROFILE+ STORY+ ALBUM+ HUNTED+ ANGEL+ BLOG+ SHOPPE+ LINKS+
Story
+ Angel Hunt ~ Streifen +
Future Effects
Twenty Years into the future a new game begins...
A story collaboration between Angel Hunt and Streifen
Chapter Four : Part One
[ Arrivals ]
His Maker had not seen fit to return after their… encounter at the week’s beginning, so the remainder had been rather un-eventful. He strengthened the seals surrounding both the room he and the Eclipsed shared and the mansion itself in order to ensure there would be no more surprises from his Maker or his Counterpart any time soon. The maintenance coupled with his refusal of sleep while the child was in his presence was beginning to wear on him in the slightest. He would need rest sometime in the near future as he’s expending a large amount of himself to ensure their safety…
Movement at his side pulls his attention away momentarily, red eyes shifting down as the hybrid twitches in his sleep, sucking harder on the thumb that had been hanging loosely from his mouth before curling in tighter against him. His gaze lingers for only a moment before shifting to his other side. A partial smile moves over pale lips as he reaches up to pull long ginger bangs from closed lids.
He had not been pleased to find that Aki had taken it upon himself to see his Maker’s counterpart, nor was he pleased to find that Megumi had helped him. The child has always had her own way about her and only she knows why she does what she does, but he would not allow that… indiscretion to go un punished as it potentially meant the Eclipse’s very life, one he would not risk for either of their whims. He’d revoked the encoding to allow the Counterpart access for a time just as he shut his Maker and Saiyuri out.
Megumi did as she always did, whether she cared one way or another he could not tell, nor did he truly care himself as it was not meant for her to begin with. He would not allow such slights to go un-noticed and he wished to convey this message to both his Maker and his counterpart, as well as any who helped perpetuate this newest little game.
It was only a temporary solution, he would not be able to keep his Maker or his daughter out for long, but it was enough and it bought him some time. Time he needed to assess the situation without further outside interference, time to allow them to just ‘be’.
The child continues to show himself to be nothing more than a child. While Aki’s gamble so far has not seemed to be in vain, and the knowledge that the Counterpart did not know of his Maker’s …addition did alleviate a small measure of distrust, it did not quell it completely. There is still a wall inside the boy’s head, one he cannot access and despite the fact that the boy does seem truly unaware, it does not change that it is there. His Maker is… treacherous to put it mildly, and he would be foolish to ignore his experience with him, his past games or what he was capable of. So the Demon remains on guard to a certain extent, and he continues to simply watch. He has been more … considerate to the child’s needs as he told Aki he would be, but he still does not trust the intentions behind the creation, he still does not trust the source.
Jenova sighs and closes his eyes once more.
He’d spent a good portion of the week in preparation for Fuan and his Fortune teller’s scheduled return. It has been nearly a year since they resided within the mansion and much has changed during the past few week’s alone. Fuan’s reaction to this child will be… interesting to say the least…
[You’re still not sleeping, are you?] Aki’s voice quietly interrupts the Demon’s thoughts. [I know you’ve been running around all week preparing for Fuan, You’re got to be exhausted. I’m sure Ikkairius would take Sen tomorrow night if needed.] He smiles to himself, eyes still closed to the darkness around them. [I know he likes Sen even if he won’t admit it…] The Eclipsed adjusts himself and wraps his arms around the Demon tighter. [How should I explain Sen to Fuan?]
Jenova smirks softly in the darkness. [You concern your self too much with this One’s rest Akio.] Without opening his eyes he turns his head towards the Eclipsed as Aki adjusts himself to hold tighter onto the muscular frame beneath him. [Though if your Guardian wishes to watch the boy, I will not protest…] Sliding clawed fingers from ginger hair, trailing lightly over the Gioa shard in his path down Aki’s back before resting around his waist, smiling as a gasp leaves the Eclipse’s lips and he aches into his body in the slightest. […It will be a … delicate matter and I am unsure as of yet how to approach Fuan with this… child… of ours as explaining his creation entails explaining to Fuan such things I do not feel he needs to know…] Crimson eyes open as he noses in soft brown locks, silent for a moment before continuing. […details such as my Maker and his Counterpart.]
Aki nods slightly. [I’m amazed you have been able to keep it from him for so long. Some day he may find out simply because of Megumi and Saiyuri being around. Also because of this.] The Eclipsed reaches over and places a hand on Sen’s arm, squeezing lightly. [They make it hard to ignore their existence. It’s been very hard keeping it from him over the years when things happen that directly involve them. Fuan is going to want to know how the two of us, who cannot procreate together, or you at all, managed to have a child, or why. He’s not going to take a vague answer, unless it’s you giving it to him, but then he’ll ask me directly and you know I’m terrible at lying. Fuan is stubborn and persistent. I sense a theme in the types you like to fall in love with.] Aki chuckles to himself.
[It has not been entirely… easy.] The Demon smiles, [But Fuan has had enough …difficulties in his life.] A small sigh passes his lips, crimson eyes closing once more as he tilts his head up to rest his chin on the crown of Aki’s head, [I simply wish him to live the remainder of his time in peace and… imposing upon him a creator such as the one who made his kind would only complicate things further needlessly.] Jenova smirks, eyes opening and shifting down to the child cradled in at his side, [… truth is… subjective Aki. It is inevitable that he will ask certain details involving this child, and while I do not expect you to lie as it is not in your nature, it is the answers given that I wish you to… monitor. I do not want details to be given on the nature of his creation, it is enough that he is here and this is all that needs to be said… how it is said, I will leave up to you.]
Aki shakes his head. [You aren’t very helpful, you know that right? I’m sending Fuan to you when he has questions because I have no clue how to avoid this one. ‘He just showed up’ isn’t exactly going to work. That and Sen knows where he came from, it’s going to be hard for him to say anything other than the truth. He wouldn’t know how to fabricate something off the top of his head.] He sighs, bringing the hand on Sen’s arm back to the Demon. [Hopefully Sen will be so stupidly endearing Fuan will be too distracted by cute to ask…] The Eclipsed doesn’t even have to see to know Jenova is raising an eyebrow at him. [I can dream, can’t I?]
An amused chuckle leaves the Demon’s lips. [Yes… it has been said that perhaps this One is as stubborn as the ones I choose…] The smile fades and he opens his eyes. [I have spoken to the child once on his nature as far as Fuan is concerned, it seems this is another I will need to instruct him in…] He raises an eyebrow and smiles. […I will admit that the child does have his… attributes, but I have doubt that they will be enough to still Fuan’s tongue -so to speak.] Jenova smirks lightly. [Persistence is one of his many… charms. Though at times, he is far more persistent and curious than need be…he does not let matters rest should he wish to know, and I suppose my efforts will only stay the inevitable in the end… but I will continue to stay it for as long as I can, it will only add heartache where he deserves none…] Crimson eyes shift down and a sly smile crosses his lips. [It seems you may be correct in that theory of yours hm…?]
[Har har…] The Eclipsed rolls his eyes. [You get to be the one to introduce Sen to him then. That way you’ll be there for the barrage of questions. I have a feeling those two will get along famously though, especially if Fuan decides to let him play in his dresses. At least Sen isn’t a girl, which makes the dressing up rather sad and amusing at the same time. They’ll have tea parties with Ikkairius and Megumi before you know it. Fuan’s going to steer this child into his diva ways, isn’t he?] Aki laughs to himself.
[I will do as you wish if you believe it will alleviate the ‘barrage’ of questions on the child’s nature. It will not as you should understand by now. What Fuan does not receive from this One, he will come to you regardless.] Jenova turns his head with a small smirk and leans back into the pillow [One could almost believe it were a form of… conspiracy to take information by force regardless of my intentions. The years have not seemed to dampen his feelings of comfort in confiding with you, nor have yours in him. My only …request in this is that my Maker and his Counterpart remain unnamed and unmentioned. Aside from that – there is nothing but truth I suppose. A child was made, it is enough.]
The Demon shakes his head, laughing in the slightest. [Should the child become such as Fuan… I can not be held responsible. Fuan’s… nature, is far from my own…]
Aki sighs, curling himself closer to the Demon to get comfortable. [Yeah, I won’t mention those two to him. Just make sure Sen knows this as well, I don’t want to have to explain any slip ups. Fuan’s going to get a lot of ‘I don’t know’ and ‘I’m not sure’ from me. I’m referring him back to you for anything that can’t answer. If anything, I’ll just say it was some ‘old acquaintances’ of yours who decided to grace us with a gift, which technically isn’t a lie.] The Eclipsed yawns. [I’ll have Ikkairius take Sen tomorrow so you can get some sleep…] Within minutes, Aki falls back asleep, his breathing slow and rhythmic against Jenova’s chest.
Sliding his hand up along the Eclipse’s back, he carefully rethreads clawed fingers into long ginger locks as Aki breathes softly against his chest, his own eyes slipping closed once more to wait for dawn to break on the horizon.
Clear crimson crack open as the bright morning light spills in through cathedral sized windows, lulling the hybrid from sleep. Sen blinks a few times, met with the sleeping face of his Selestarri father. He giggles quietly, reaching forward to grab playfully at his father’s hair with small clawed fingers before he yawns wide and stretches his little body out. Pushing himself up, the child rubs at his eyes and turns around in the bed, sleepy eyes fixing on the steam billowing out from the bathe at the far end of the room. Sen rocks his little body forward and crawls across silk covered down, turning around to inch his bare feet over the edge of the oversized four poster bed.
Carefully pushing himself back, his legs dangle above the hardwood floors below, small glasslike claws gripping tight as he spends a few moments suspended before he lets go and falls down to the floor. Hitting the wood by the balls of his feet, he looses balance and tilts back, arms flailing as he falls completely to land flat on his butt. He cups his hands over his mouth as fast as he can to stifle the small noise that leaves him when he contacts with the floor, bright crimson staring up at the bed where his father remains sleeping, hoping he didn’t wake him.
After a few moments of nothing, Sen stands himself up and pads over to the doorway of the bathe looking at the back of his Demon father’s head. The hybrid grins wide and quietly makes his way over to Jenova. He whispers at his head once he is close.
“Good morning ‘Nova papa, Aki papa is still sleeping.”
Crystal clear red eyes slowly open to find matching crimson peering down through milky brown hair. Without lifting his head from the bath’s ledge, Jenova slides his hand from the water to bring a clawed finger to pale lips, signaling the child to be silent.
[Speak from within while he sleeps…] Slipping his hand back into the water and returning it to his side, the Demon closes his eyes once more. [Today brings the return of an important member of this household. Bathe yourself until your …father… wakes.]
Sen nods and begins to take off his pajamas, dropping the top and pants on the floor. He walks over to the tiled stairs and sits, dropping down one step at a time until he is fully immersed. Standing on his toes, Sen wades over to the corner where the bottles of soap are kept, reaching out for one and having it slip through his hands only to plunk into the water and sink to the bottom. A determined look washes across his face and he takes a deep breath, diving down immediately to retrieve the bottle. After trying a few times, the hybrid finally manages to grab hold and bring it back up with him, unaware that his Demon father is watching the whole time.
Sen pours far too much soap on his head and works it into a huge pile of lather, spitting it out as it falls over his face and mouth. [Who’s coming home ‘Nova papa? Does Sen get to meet Special Fuan? Sen really wants to meet Special Fuan cause Aki papa and ‘Nova papa like him so much.]
[It is indeed Fuan who returns this day…] Jenova narrows his eyes as the child’s small hands never stop working the lather higher in his hair while he begins shaking his head in an attempt to keep it from his face. [Enough… come here.]
Sen rubs at his eyes, bright crimson cracking open and blinking through the soap to locate the Demon before him. A large clump of lather slides down his nose and over his lips and he spits at it, making a sour face as it gets into his mouth. Rising up onto his toes, he spreads his arms out , splashing lightly to wade over to his Father. Pulling his head from the ledge, Jenova straightens and reaches out, sliding clawed fingers under the child’s arms and lifting him into his lap. Kneeling on the Demon’s legs, Sen’s leans back against his father for balance while the water ripples around them. [There are... rules I would have you abide by where Fuan is concerned…] White plaits float out across the surface as glasslike nails slip from the bath and up to the hybrid’s head, sliding just above wet milky brown hair to remove the excess lather from him.
[The first of these rules are those wings of yours. You will not speak of them nor will you show them to Fuan as I have said previously. Understood?]
The hybrid nods while spitting more soap away. [Sen won’t show Special Fuan his wings if ‘Nova papa doesn’t want him to. Does Special Fuan not have wings? Is that why Sen can’t say anything about his?]
[It is one reason among many…] The Demon says simply as he cups water in his hands and releases it over the child’s head to rinse some of the lather away. [The second of these rules is that you will not speak of your… grandfathers to Fuan. I do not want any mention of those creatures to another aside from myself, Aki or his guardian.]
Aki leans against the doorway smiling at the pair from behind. It made him happy to see Jenova trying. He knew it wasn’t exactly in his nature to be patient and caring with children, or with anyone for that matter, but he does it so well when he wants to. Even if the Demon didn’t agree, Aki was glad he took such a risk if it got them to this point. Eventually, Sen may even earn Jenova’s trust enough to allow him to sleep in his presence. However, he fears that is still a long ways off. This was definitely a start though.
“And how are you two this morning?” The Eclipsed enters the bathe and walks over to sit on the ledge, dangling his feet into the warm water.
“Aki papa!” Bright crimson perk up as the Selestarri sits besides the Demon, and he turns abruptly, slipping from Jenova’s lap and sinking beneath the surface with a small slash. Clear crimson shift to the side, meeting cerulean blue briefly before both return to the tiny figure still floating below the water’s edge.
Suddenly the child bursts out with his arms straight in the air and a loud gasp, water splashing out and raining down on them as he sinks back down, hands flailing out and latching onto the Eclipse’s partially submerged legs as he settles. Sen shakes wet milky brown locks from his face as he wraps his arms around his father’s leg, a huge grin forming on tiny lips as he stares up into light blue eyes.
“Aki papa, Sen washed his hair all by himself seeeeeee” he giggles, pulling the barest traces of a smirk from the Demon besides them.
Aki Laughs. “I see.” He reaches down into the water and pulls the hybrid out and into his lap. “I’m also glad to see you two getting along somewhat.” The Eclipsed flashes Jenova a sly grin who smirks in return and leans back against the bath’s ledge before the Eclipsed turns back to Sen. “Did Jenova tell you that Fuan is coming today?”
The child nods enthusiastically. “Yes! Sen can’t wait to meet Special Fuan.” His face turns to slight confusion. “But ‘Nova papa doesn’t want Sen to talk about grandpa Haysee and Eee… He doesn’t know why…”
Aki begins to comb through long milk brown locks with his fingers. “That’s because not many people know about your… grandfathers and they would be a bit upset to learn they exist. This is another reason you are special, Sen, you knows things that very few know about. It’s very important that you listen to Jenova when it comes to Fuan. He cares about him very much.”
Sen nods, “Sen will always listen to ‘Nova papa and he won’t say anything to Special Fuan until Aki and ‘Nova papa tells him to.” The child turns his head as much as Aki’s fingers will allow towards Jenova and grins, “Sen promises to be careful with Special Fuan too ‘Nova pap-” His words trail as the Demon stands abruptly. Crimson and blue eyes watch the water streaming down Jenova’s pale form as he moves without a word towards the inlaid stairs and steps from the bath. Long wet plaits cling to his muscular frame as he bends in low and pulls a kimono free of the stone bench, straightening and wrapping it around himself without pause. Clear red spare only a brief glance to the Eclipsed as he exits the room a moment later. Aki’s hands idle in the child’s hair, both figures watching the doorway as the sound of the brass knob clicking shut echoes softly throughout the room beyond them.
The hybrid slides his head back, a look of confusion written on small features “Aki papa, did Sen say something wrong?”
The Eclipsed smiles slightly. “No, you’re fine. Jenova just has things he needs to take care of.” He lifts the child off his lap and stands him up. “It’s time to gets dressed and eat, grab a towel.” Aki motions to the pile and turns to walk into the room, Sen closely following behind once he grabs a towel. The pair dress and Aki reaches for a brush, sitting on the bed and pulling Sen on his lap to brush his hair. “Fuan can’t speak…” The child turns his head around and looks up with confusion, Aki smiles. “That’s not to say he can’t talk, he just can’t speak with his mouth. He speaks from here.” The Eclipsed taps the side of Sen’s head. “So you will need to listen to him that way. This is normal for Fuan so just don’t make a big deal about it, ok?” The small head turns back to face forward and nods.
“Tien Jen will also be with him. Fuan loves Tien Jen very much so you will also need to be good for him as well. They are both much more fragile than we are because they are humans. Not all humans are this fragile but most are so you will need to be careful.” Aki places Sen on the floor and puts the brush away. “Also, tonight you will stay with Ikkairius. Jenova is very tired from preparing for Fuan and he will need some rest.”
The Eclipsed stands and puts a hand out for Sen to take. Tiny claws slip into his palm and the two exit the room to head downstairs.
“Aki papa?” The child looks up as the morning light spills in through floor to ceiling windows of the hallway, warming the cold marble tile beneath them as they walk, “Sen is confused about Special Fuan and ‘Nova papa. ‘Nova papa loves Aki papa best but then Aki papa said ‘Nova papa cares a lot for Special Fuan too. How does ‘Nova papa love Aki papa best if he cares for Special Fuan so much? Did ‘Nova papa fight and enjoy Special Fuan’s company too like he did with Aki papa and that’s why he cares for him so much?”
Aki laughs out loud. “Where did you learn that? Probably from Ikkairius… The short answer is yes. Jenova once fought with and enjoyed Fuan’s… company a long, long time ago. Fuan and Jenova papa still love each other very much, but because Fuan is very fragile now, he can’t be with Jenova like he used to. Fuan met Tien Jen a good twenty years ago and they fell in love, they have been together ever since. Jenova never stopped loving Fuan just because he can’t be with him the same way he is with myself. Sometimes relationship dynamics don’t make sense, but that’s something you’ll learn more about when you get older. Jenova’s relationship with Fuan is far too complicated to explain today. Some can fall in love with more than one person, it depends on the situation and those involved…”
Sen only nods as they descend the stairwell towards the first floor, still very much confused.
A deep breath is pulled in and he smiles as the crisp clean morning air fills his lungs. Fuan opens his eyes and tilts his head back, staring up at the unchanging mansion for a few minutes before a soft touch at his shoulder pulls his attention away.
Long slender fingers slide up and thread into Tien Jen’s, his head turning to smile warmly down into the other man’s face. The Fortune Teller pulls his hand away and steps to his side while the former Angel turns back towards the vintage sleek car behind them and the GodBeast Kingfisher as he unloads a few small suitcases from the trunk.
[Thankyou Dear] Fuan smiles, [would you be so kind as to escort my Beloved to the room?]
“Sure thing.” Kingfisher grins, moving towards the pair with the suitcases in hand.
Turning back to Tien Jen, the former Angel leans in close and slides his mouth over to his ear, [I will join you shortly Dear and I’ll have tea brought to the room.]
Jen nods his head with a polite smile just as Kingfisher steps up close. Fuan pulls his hand to his face and turns away in the slightest as the Godbeast’s form shifts momentarily to the great silver Kirin before both fade in a quick flash of light. Turning back, the raven haired beauty spends another moment staring at the mansion, the pitch of his seeing eye sweeping fondly over each detail of carved stone before he moves towards the scrolled stair casing, long magenta velvet gown trailing behind him as he glides up the stairs themselves. As if on cue, the doors slide open to allow him entrance and he spares a brief smile towards the servants keeping them open as he slips into the front foyer.
He had arrived a little earlier than he told Jenova he’d come, he wasn’t scheduled to return until later on in the day but he had grown impatient and couldn’t wait. It had been a while since he’d roamed the halls and things were just as familiar as they always had been. As if the mansion was in some sort of bubble that kept it from changing through out the years, despite the aging residents held within proving it to the contrary.
As the former Angel moves casually down the first floor hallway towards the kitchen, he smiles to himself. He didn’t doubt his Demon would know he was here regardless of the time he chose to come back and he did expect him to show any moment. But he held some hope that for once he could catch him off guard and perhaps surprise him. A pouty sigh passes full lips as he turns a corner… it’s doubtful though, knowing Jenova. He’d always made a habit of knowing everything about everything at any given time, but over the years Fuan had to admit he did enjoy playing the game and he’d continue to try most likely until he was too old and decrepit to care anymore.
Clawed fingers suddenly slip around his waist and rip a small startled sound from his mind as he’s pulled back against the white haired Demon behind him. “I have you…” familiar silvery liquid notes and a quiet chuckle reach his ears as he’s held gently.
He slides his hand down to slap playfully at the strong arms holding him a moment later. [You are terrible Dear, you know that don’t you? You could have given me a heart attack.]
Fuan gasps as pale lips slide down and kiss gently at his neck, familiar chills racing over his skin from the contact. He smirks lightly and shakes his head, pulling away enough to turn his body in the Demon’s grip. The pitch of his seeing eye meets those clear crimson he loves and he rises up on his toes in the slightest in order to wrap his arms around Jenova’s neck, leaning in to brush his lips against the pale ones before him. [I’m getting too old for these games Beloved, far too old.]
A partial grin forms on Jenova’s mouth “I must remember to be more careful in the future then…”
Fuan smiles and leans completely in, their lips meeting for a soft kiss. He pulls away with a sigh, sinking back down on his feet and leaning forward to rest his forehead against the Demon’s chest. [I have missed you Dearest]
“As I have you…” Jenova smiles softly.
Fuan remains still for a few more minutes with his arms locked around the larger man’s neck and his head set against his chest before he pulls away. A pout forms on his lips and he flashes a teasing smile. [I may have missed you Beloved, but now I’m a little cross with you]
“Oh..?” Jenova raises an eyebrow in question.
[Yes, cross.] Fuan turns away in a huff, peering back with his seeing eye and a sly grin forming on his lips [You have said nothing about my dress and I specifically picked it out for you upon my return.]
“One can hardly see such trivial things when One is blinded by the sheer beauty of the person contained within it…” the Demon says with a sly grin of his own.
Fuan blinks once before losing his composure completely and laughing out loud. He turns back, shaking his head. [Simply terrible. How Aki Dear can deal with you day and night is beyond me.] His words pull a small chuckle from pale lips and he reaches forward and sliding his arm around the Demon’s, laughing himself. [Speaking of Aki, where is he Dear? Not asleep I hope.] Fuan resumes his walk towards the kitchen, pulling Jenova with him. [Both my Tien Jen and myself are very tired from our travels so we will be resting for an hour or two in my room since we were not scheduled to return so early in the day, but it is nearing afternoon…so Aki dear should be awake by now.] He peers over to the sun shining through the windows. [I thought I might say hello before dinner time is upon us…]
The Demon stops, his expression straightening almost immediately. He slides clawed fingers around the slender form besides him and pulls Fuan around to his front. “…I believe Aki and his Guardian are having their morning meal in the dining hall closet to the Guardian’s room…”
[Oh good, I will stop in and say hello then.] The former Angel smiles. [I was on my way to the kitchen anyway to ask for a pot of tea.]
“I have … matters to attend to so I will take my leave for the time being.” The Demon says, “You must forgive my lack of escort, but I will join you shortly”
[You and your business.] Fuan smirks, shaking his head. [I do mean it, it doesn’t matter how many years it takes me, I’ll learn where it is you disappear off to one day]
Jenova leans in and kisses full lips softly, pulling back with a smile. “And one day perhaps I will share it with you…” He slides his hands from Fuan’s slender frame and turns, heavy leather boots making little sound against marble tile as he walks away with a small laugh.
Fuan sighs with a mildly annoyed smile, watching the Demon disappear around a corner before turning back towards the kitchen and resuming his casual pace down the hall.
Sen slowly eats his fruit while Ikkairius and Aki converse before him, focusing on all the little seeds in his strawberry. The Eclipsed finishes up his coffee and stands.
“I need to go clean up before Fuan gets here, I was so distracted by Sen that I didn’t get to. Do you mind watching him for a bit?”
The Ancient Bright sighs and reluctantly shakes his head. “I suppose I will need to watch him tonight as well. I am assuming your Demon does not sleep in his presence still?”
Aki chuckles. “Yeah… you know him almost as well as I do. He’s been running around with Fuan coming and all, that he’s exhausted, even if he’ll never admit it. Thanks, I owe you…” The Eclipsed starts back to the room.
“Yes, you keep saying this… I often wonder if there is anything out there that could possibly make up for all the times you ‘owe’ me.” Ikkairius sighs as he looks to Sen.
Catching the Ancient Bright’s eye, Sen looks up and smiles proudly as he holds his strawberry out, turning it around to show the partially de-seeded fruit before pulling it back to his mouth and returning to his task, the intent clear on his small features.
Aki makes it just beyond the doorway and gasps as he’s met face to face with the former Angel who takes a step back, just as startled as he is. Fuan’s surprise quickly changes to a warm smile and he reaches forward to embrace the Eclipsed.
[Aki Dear!] The raven haired beauty pulls back without removing his fingers from narrow shoulders, [Oh it is good to see you again… just look at you…] Fuan slides one hand away and reaches out to grasp lightly at long ginger tails trailing down Aki’s front. [I do like this look, it is much longer than the last time I saw you…]
Clear crimson eyes peer over the table at the pair standing nearly out of view just off the far doorway in curiosity before pulling his strawberry from his mouth and turning back to the Selestarri seated across from him, “Uncle Ikkai, who’s that?” He whispers.
“That, my dear child, would be Fuan, and if your… father decides to leave me here alone to introduce you to him… Let us just say he will need to do a little more than just ‘owe’ me.” He sighs. “I am assuming both Akio and Jenova have instructed you on what and what not to say in front of Fuan?” The child nods, distracted by the pair at the entrance to the room.
“Special Fuan is pretty Uncle Ikkai…” Before Ikkairius can say anything, Sen sets his strawberry down and turns himself in the chair, hopping down and moving swiftly towards the doorway.
“Fuan! I didn’t expect you so soon. I was just going up to get ready for your arrival.” Aki smiles and hugs the former Angel. “What a beautiful dress you have on… Have you run into Jenova yet?”
[Oh yes Dear, I am a little early. I had hoped to catch a certain someone off guard but,] He sighs dramatically. [We all know how impossible that is.] Long slender fingers are brought up to his mouth and he laughs lightly.
The former Angel pulls his fingers away and smiles. [Thank you Dear, I am glad –somebody- noticed my dress. I thought that perhaps in my age, I might be losing my touch, Jeno-] Fuan stops in mid sentence when a small figure tugging at Aki’s pants pulls his attention.
The pitch of his seeing eye moves down to meet oddly familiar clear crimson before moving back up to extremely nervous blue.
“Aki papa” Sen speaks quietly, still tugging on his father’s pants, his words causing the former Angel to do a double take, “Special Fuan is very pretty.”
[Aki… what?] Fuan says in disbelief causing Aki to nearly break out in nervous sweat.
“Uh… yes… Fuan, this is Sen… and Jenova was supposed to be here for this.”
Sen smiles up at Fuan and waves with his tiny clawed hand.
“He’s a… long story… one that I will have to explain to you later on.” Aki looks down at the child. “Sen, go back with Ikkairius for now, ok?” The Eclipsed scoots his little butt back in the Bright’s direction. “Ikkairius would be happy to have tea with you while I’m getting cleaned up. I will be back shortly I promise.” He smiles nervously and darts down the hallway to the main staircase before Fuan can say anything.
The former Angel looks around in disbelief before pair of small crimson eyes catch his attention. “Special Fuan, you can have tea with Sen and uncle Ikkai…” The hybrid grabs hold of Fuan’s hand and begins to drag him into the dining room. Ikkairius rises from his chair and bows to Fuan with a smile, moving to pull a chair out for the former Angel to sit.
Fuan smiles weakly at the Ancient Bright, mouth still gaping in the slightest as the child moves back to his own chair and spends a moment climbing back up. [Tha – Thankyou Dear] Fuan sits, eyes never leaving the hybrid as he straightens himself in the chair and turns back, grabbing onto his partially eaten strawberry and returning to his task of de-seeding it. After a few moments of staring, his seeing eye shifts back to Ikkairius just as a servant sets a tea cup down in front of him, pours him a cup of tea and walks away, [I… I must be losing my hearing in my age Dear… I could have sworn the child called Aki… father?]
“He did…” Ikkairius sips his tea, trying not to grind his teeth in annoyance at having been left to explain the child to the former Angel. Oh, Aki owes him dearly.
“Sen… is the genetic offspring of both young Akio and Jenova.” He puts a finger up signaling Fuan to hold his thoughts before speaking. ”Before you ask me, no, I do not know. This is something either of those two will have to explain to you. He has been here for about a week and is a very well mannered child. I think he takes after Aki in that respect.” The Ancient Bright grips tightly onto his teacup, sighing to himself. “Aki should be back shortly, at that time he will be able to answer the questions I am sure you have for him.”
Fuan turns his head in the slightest, flashing Ikkairius a disbelieving look and shaking his head. [You… must be joking Dear…] His seeing moves to the child and then back again [Jenova… *my* Jenova and Aki’s… child?] he lets out an incredulous laugh, [Jenova would never… the man may take in a stray here or there, I know he has done this in the past, but a child of his own? He cannot… I may not be privy to the Selestarri’s ah… procreating practices, but Jenova cannot have offspring. He cannot.] The former Angel shakes his head and lifts the cup to his lips. [amusing joke Dear…]
Ikkairius continues to look ahead, taking another sip of his tea and speaking in all seriousness. “I am not joking. The child is indeed part of both, for an explanation as to ‘how’ you will need to ask his… parents. Selestarri can only procreate with a Bright midwife who knows the appropriate creation patterns, and only then with another Selestarri. I know not how this happened but there was no midwife involved and I doubt it was by their consent. Anything beyond this I do not know.”
Fuan pulls the cup from his lips and sets it back down, the pitch of his seeing eye moving back to the child as he continues to nibble on his fruit. Sen flashes the former Angel the cutest smile, met with only stunned silence in return.
The Ancient Bright smiles as he feels two familiar presences moving towards the dining room. “Ah, it seems that your answers are coming this way…” Ikkairius stands, bowing to Fuan before he replaces his chair. “If you will excuse me, Fuan, it was very nice to see you once more and I am sure I will see you again before you leave.” The Bright turns to the hybrid child. “Sen, I shall see you later today, it seems you are staying with me tonight. Behave for your fathers.” Upon exiting, he crosses paths with Aki and Jenova as they walk down the hallway.
“I have told him nothing. I will take Sen tonight. You. Owe. Me.”
Aki smiles at Ikkairius nervously as he passes, then looks up to the Demon before they enter the dining room where Fuan and Sen await.
The pair barely make it past the entranceway when they are met with the very stern face of the Former Angel.
[What is the meaning of this?!] A long arm is brought up and pointed back at the child behind them. Fuan’s seeing eye moves from the Demon to the Eclipsed and back again. [I want an explanation for this RIGHT NOW!] He demands. [Whatever kind of joke you are amusing yourselves with, I do not find it funny in the slightest. I have been gone nearly a year and this is no way to welcome me back.] His seeing eye moves to Aki, [and you, Aki – I would expect this kind of nonsense from him], he waves dismissively at Jenova standing silent behind the Selestarri, pulling a small smirk from pale lips, [but you, to involve an innocent child in your foolishness, you should be ashamed!] He turns away in a huff, crossing his arms over his chest.
Sen stares at the three in the doorway, confusion pasted on tiny features. Special Fuan is upset about something, and he keeps pointing at his Aki and ‘Nova papa, but there are no words coming out at all, even from inside…
Aki puts his hands up defensively. “Whoa, hold on. This isn’t a joke Fuan and Sen isn’t being used by us. He’s actually… our… son– I guess. It wasn’t exactly planned and we really didn’t have anything to do with it, he just showed up one day. He’s someone else’s idea of a joke and we were left to take care of him. But he is part of both Jenova and myself.” The Former Angel’s mouth gapes open in shock, refusing to believe something so absurd.
Sen climbs down from his chair and pads over to the three, tugging on Aki’s pants to get his attention. “Aki papa, why is Special Fuan upset? Did Sen do something wrong?” The Eclipsed looks down and sighs picking the child up and holding him close.
“No, Sen, you didn’t do anything wrong. Fuan just wasn’t expecting you and the fact that you are here is kind of... surprising… to everyone involved.” Aki looks up to Jenova giving him a silent plea for help in the matter.
Fuan’s seeing eye moves from Aki to Sen and up to Jenova in pure disbelief. The former Angel stares at the Demon whose gaze moves from the Eclipsed to him, shaking his head in the slightest and looking hopeful that it really is some joke. Jenova only returns an even stare, clear crimson telling him everything he doesn’t want to know. Fuan’s eyes go wide and he pulls his hand up to his forehead, turning away and stepping back into the dining hall.
[I… I think I need to sit down.] He falters, stumbling a little and before he can even fall, Jenova is there to catch him. Fuan reaches up and grasps tightly onto the Demon’s arm as he’s escorted to his seat.
Worried bright crimson turn to meet cerulean blue as his Demon father eases the former Angel down into his chair with care. Jenova straightens to turn away and before the larger man can move, Fuan reaches out and grabs onto his arm. [You tell me what happened and you tell me right now Beloved.]
“It is… as Aki said.” Jenova says quietly.
The pitch of his seeing eye shoots up, annoyance flashing hard through delicate features. [That is NOT good enough!]
In the doorway Sen hugs tighter onto his father as he watches the former Angel throw his arms up, anger clearly written on his face. The air was thick and something was being said, but Jenova remains still, simply staring down with calm red eyes while Fuan rages silently beneath him. Aki turns abruptly and moves around the corner, stepping from view. The child turns to his father to whisper, the worry showing in his voice.
“Special Fuan seems really mad Aki papa, will ‘Nova papa be okay?”
Aki nods with a tired smile. “Yes, Jenova will be fine. Fuan is just really, really surprised, mainly because Jenova can’t reproduce, period, so for him to have a child is pretty much impossible. Except…for how you came about… but Jenova is very, very adamant about Fuan not knowing about your grandfathers. That makes telling how you got here kind of difficult. I’m more than happy to let Jenova take care of the rest of the telling at the moment. That’s what he gets for running off earlier.”
He chuckles. “If anything, he’s mad at us because we won’t be able to give him the clear answers he wants so badly. I know Fuan will like you once he sees how special and well behaved you are, even if he can’t get over the fact that you just… exist.” Aki cringes when he hears the table slammed by Fuan’s hand. The former Angel was not going to be happy with the answers Jenova would give… if you could even call them answers.
Sen continues to hug his father tight as the silent conversation continues from within, interrupted by the occasional china being disturbed or sound of the table being hit. Suddenly it falls quiet and for long minutes it remains that way. Both Aki and Sen stare at the doorway to the dining hall, blue eyes filled with both confusion and nervousness. Not being able to stand it anymore, Aki is about to move towards the doorway when a black leather clad figure appears, causing both he and the child to jump in surprise. Jenova’s face is even and he moves past them without a word, speaking quietly just as he passes, his tone betraying no emotion one way or the other.
“I will be upstairs…”
Aki watches as the Demon disappears around the corner without another word, flashing another nervous look to his son before turning back towards the doorway. Taking tentative steps, he adjusts Sen at his side before carefully peering around the corner.
Fuan remains seated with his back to them, tea cup in hand as he pulls it towards his mouth. [Come in and sit down Dear.]
The Eclipsed slowly makes his way to the table with the hybrid in tow, unsure of how Fuan will react to it all. He places Sen in his chair and seats himself. Servants appear from nowhere and provide Aki with fresh coffee and the Child with his own smaller teacup, filling it partway before leaving with out a sound.
“Ummm… so what exactly did Jenova say?”
In mid sip, Fuan twitches in the slightest before pulling the cup from his mouth and setting it back onto the saucer. [He told me nothing as he always does in a way that makes me want to knock him flat on his ass, if you’ll pardon my language.] The former Angel sighs before sitting back in his seat and threading his fingers together and placing them on his knee as he crosses his legs. The pitch of his seeing eye moves to meet cerulean blue and he smiles. [Do not worry Dear, I have… agreed to ask no further questions on the child’s ah… birth so to speak. For the time being…] He turns his head to look at the child while little fingers carefully pull the cup to small lips, [now], the former Angel says to Aki while still watching the hybrid. [Sen was it?] Fuan turns back and raises an eyebrow. [It is very cute… which one of you chose this for him? I can’t imagine Jenova would have anything to do with anything at all… he is not very… well you know] The raven haired beauty snorts.
Aki laughs speaking under his breath. “Yeah you don’t want to know what Jenova tried to do when he first showed up…” The smile wanes as he thinks about it and he shakes his head, turning to the child. “Sen actually chose his own name. He and Ikkairius went through a list and I guess he wanted something like mine. I was busy at the time doing Jenova damage control.” He turns back to Fuan. “We’re… slowly getting used to Sen. It’s been rough but Jenova can be paternal if he wants to, it’s just a matter of him wanting to. Sen’s been nothing but well behaved the whole time though, which is good for all of us, especially when it comes to Jenova. We’re still discovering what he can do. So far he has a strange mix of both our abilities.”
Shaking his head, the former Angel reaches forward to pull his teacup close. [Knowing Jenova as I do, I can only imagine what he had done.] He takes a long sip and sets the cup back in front of him. [I’m a little… surprised that the child survived to tell you the truth. I know that man has it in him to be generous when it suits him, but to have something such as this], he motions towards the hybrid, [cast upon him in such a mysterious manner and for him not to ah…] Fuan glances at Sen while the boy pulls his own cup to his mouth once more and takes a small sip. Turning back, his voice goes to a whisper, [remove him… well], he sits back again, [to say I am taken aback is an understatement.]
Sen puts his teacup down slowly and smiles up at the former Angel with a wide grin. “Special Fuan has pretty clothes and hair.”
Fuan blinks and turns back to the child, spending a moment staring at him before he pulls his fingers up to his mouth and laughs lightly. [Oh my…] The former Angel slides his hand up to touch at his hair. [I can tell already that you and I Dear, will get along perfectly.] He winks at Sen, pulling an amused giggle from the boy’s lips. Fuan turns back to Aki and smiles, [I must say… he is positively delightful Aki. He must take after you in that regard.] With an amused chuckle, he slides his hand away from his hair and motions towards the hybrid. [Come here little one, I wish to get a better look at the child that shares half of my Beloved’s genetics]
Sen climbs down from his chair and walks over to stand in front of Fuan. The former Angel looks over him meticulously while Aki talks. “Yes, well he tried to… remove him, but I stood in the way, literally. He was not pleased with me but there is no way I would allow him to… remove an innocent.” The hybrid looks up at his father questioningly while Fuan pokes and prods. Aki simply smiles. “It’s ok Sen, you’re fine.”
Long fingers pick up the child’s hand, looking over Sen’s claws then spinning him in place once before pulling his chin down to observe his tiny fangs. The Eclipsed laughs at Fuan’s thorough checking over. “Sen reminds me of myself when I was small. I guess it’s to be expected since Jenova was never really a child so he has to get it from somewhere. So far he has my telekinetics and Jenova’s healing, and the obvious physical traits that you can see.”
Fuan looks up curiously. [No wings?]
The hybrid’s quiet voice interrupts. “Sen’s not allowed to talk to Special Fuan about his wings, ‘Nova papa said so.”
The Former Angel stops and looks back down to the child, raising an eyebrow. [Did he now…?] Sen looks down and nods shyly. Fuan shakes his head and reaches forward to slide his teacup off to the side before turning back to the hybrid and lifting him onto the table in front of him. [I’m sure my Beloved believes I cannot handle hearing of such things since I no longer have a pair of my own and while I am touched that he would think to spare my feelings in this matter, it has been many years and I dare say I’ve come to terms with this. No matter what your… father tells you, I am not some frail woman that needs codling. So little one, I would love to see what I am sure is a pair of absolutely adorable wings you have hiding in there and we will simply not tell him.] Fuan smiles, tapping the boy playfully on his nose.
Sen looks from Fuan to Aki, unsure of what to do. “But ‘Nova papa said… Sen doesn’t want ‘Nova papa to be angry with him. Aki papa?” The hybrid looks up slightly upset.
“It’s ok Sen, if this is something Fuan wants to see, then you can show him. Though I’m sure Jenova would be happy that you listened to him. I’ll take the blame, he can be angry at me if he wants. Lord knows he’s angry enough at me…” Aki laughs.
The child turns back to Fuan. “Sen wants to show his wings but he doesn’t want to get in trouble Special Fuan.”
The internal struggle is clear in wide crimson eyes as they move back and forth between his Selestarri Father and the former Angel. He finally bows his head, milky brown locks falling forward as he shakes his head in the slightest, gold streaking red as tears well up in his eyes. “Sen is… Sen is sorry Special Fuan, Sen wants to show him his wings, he does but Sen doesn’t want ‘Nova papa to be angry with him or Aki papa…” He pulls tiny hands up to his eyes and hiccups softly, “please don’t be mad at Sen Special Fuan, he is really sorry…”
Slender fingers are brought up to his lips as he stares for a moment at the child before him, sympathy written on his face. [Oh Dear… oh honey no.] Pulling his hand away from his mouth, he reaches forward and gathers the child close, hugging him gently as he hiccups quietly in his arms, [it was inconsiderate of me to ask it of you little one, don’t cry…]
“Oh Sen… I’ll talk to Jenova and see if he’ll be ok with it so long as Fuan requested.” Aki turns back to Fuan. “He tries really hard to be good so Jenova will accept him. I told him earning Jenova’s attention takes time. He’ll get there, hopefully.” Sen buries his face in Fuan’s arms, slowly calming down as he’s held. The former Angel smiles and rubs the child’s back gently.
[Ah yes, poor boy.] Fuan shakes his head, flashing the calming child a sympathetic look. [This will not be an easy task, unfortunately, even for a child. But if he is as earnest as he seems, I know he’ll win that man over.] Sen pulls back in the slightest, meeting the former Angel’s seeing eye with watery crimson and Fuan smiles down into his face. [Then you’ll be able to show your wings to me without fear.] The child sniffs and nods at the reassuring words.
Aki smiles “He can’t fly yet, but we’ll work on that as well. Jenova was…” The smile leaves his face and turns to annoyance. “…well I’ll tell you about that one later. He did something that made me really angry even if he was just being his normal detached self.” Aki finishes his coffee, waving servants away when they come to refill his cup.
“But you must be exhausted. Is Tien Jen waiting for you somewhere? I haven’t seen him yet, how is he?”
[Oh!] Fuan stops, pulling a hand away from the child and up to his mouth. [My Beloved. Oh Dear, all this business distracted me and I nearly forgot.] The raven haired beauty turns and motions towards the servants walking away. [Tea Dears, to my room please.] turning back as they bow and exit, Fuan reaches down to lift the child up, standing in the process. He bends low and sets Sen onto his feet and straightening a moment later. [I do hope he isn’t too cross with me. I had only meant to stop by briefly to say hello before dinner. I must be getting back… my Tien Jen is waiting.]
Aki reaches down and takes a hold of Sen’s hand, who moves to the former Angel’s side, dragging his father with him and reaches up to grab onto his hand. Laughing softly, Fuan takes his hand and the three start towards the arched doorway of the dining hall. [He is fine Dear, they just moved the Shrine back and all are exhausted from the ordeal.] He chuckles. [well, perhaps only myself and my Tien Jen are exhausted, but this is enough.] The pitch of his seeing eye shifts down to the child as they move out into the hall. [Aside from Jenova’s ah… temperament little one, how do you like your new home?]
Sen smiles wide. “It’s very big but Sen is happy if he is with his Aki and ‘Nova papa and Sen likes uncle Ikkai’s room too.”
[It is a very big house indeed.] Fuan laughs, [but Jenova’s room does bring a certain… comfort that the house does not. I must say little one, you have exceptional tastes for being so ah… new.] The former Angel winks with a smile, pulling a small giggle from the child’s lips.
Aki stops midway down the hall and picks the hybrid up. “I’m going to drop him off at Ikkairius’ room so I can… deal with Jenova and make sure everything is kosher on his end. Please excuse us.” The Eclipsed begins to walk down the hall the opposite way and Sen leans over his shoulder waving.
“Bye Special Fuan, Sen will see you later!”
[Good bye Dear.] Fuan smiles. [We shall see you for dinner I am sure.]
The door to Jenova’s room clicks as Aki closes it behind him. He smiles at the resting figure on the oversized bed, walking over and crawling up onto the mattress to lay down next to the Demon.
“That went… well… I think.”
A soft smirk forms on pale lips as the Eclipsed settles in at his side, slender arms moving to wrap around his waist. “It went… as only it could.” Crimson eyes open and stare up to the gauze covering above for a few moments in silence before he speaks again, “Though I cannot tell if Fuan was more displeased with the child’s very existence or the fact that he was not a contributor to it’s … makeup.”
Aki chuckles. “I don’t think he knew what to make of it. More surprise than anything especially since you can’t reproduce. Sen has already charmed him though; he complimented his outfit, sure-fire way to Fuan’s heart. Poor Sen… Fuan asked about him having wings and wanted Sen to show him, but he refused saying that you had told him not to talk about them or show them and he didn’t want to make you angry. Even after I told him it was ok since Fuan specifically requested, he still refused to disobey you. You should tell him if it’s ok, he wants to but he won’t until you give him permission.”
“This does not surprise me…” The Demon laughs lightly, “Fuan does have a weakness for his mode of dress and has ever since he changed shells. The child’s strategic compliments show intelligence at the very least…”
He narrows his eyes, “I am… pleased that my instructions were followed in this matter.” He sighs, closing his eyes and turning his chin to rest against ginger locks, “He will perhaps not understand my reasons, but they are valid and when the time is right, I will be … lenient. It is not for the child to understand, nor do I expect you or Fuan to as well, only that it be followed.”
Jenova goes silent, spending time simply listening to Aki’s heartbeat. Smooth liquid notes startle the Eclipsed a minute later, causing his pulse to jump in the slightest.
“I wish to swordplay at this moment”
Aki smiles. “That’s right, we haven’t exactly gotten a chance to train since Sen… arrived. He-” In mid thought Jenova’s sword appears, taking Aki by surprise. The Eclipsed manages to call his own and throw it up just in time as the Demon comes down on him with his blade.
The Selestarri laughs. “You weren’t kidding….” Jenova’s eyes light up and he begins forcing Aki back off the bed, towards the French doors and the balcony.
“No I was not.” The Demon grins as Aki’s back hits the scrolled stone encasement of the balcony. With their swords crossed in between them, Jenova presses forward, sliding his katana down and forcing the Eclipse’s bastard sword down in the process. White plaits spill forward as he slides his head close brushing his lips once before nipping at Aki’s bottom lip and pulling back. Swinging up, small sparks fly from the two blades as Aki pushes the Demon away with all the force he can muster, rolling out of the way just as the katana comes bearing down on him, hitting stone mere inches from his body.
The Eclipsed uses a hand to hop up onto the balcony railing, balancing for a moment before teetering when Jenova’s blade comes at him once more. The Demon’s blows push him off the edge and Aki falls, using his telekinetics to soften the four-story landing. He hits the ground with a grunt barely recovering in time when Jenova lands right beside him effortlessly. The bastard sword is lifted over his head only moments before the Demon’s katana hits, forcing him back down from the blow. Aki swings his leg out, knocking Jenova on his back in a flurry of white locks and brings his own sword down. Metal slides against metal as he leans in. “I suppose we could both use the stress relief…”
A sly smile moves quickly over pale lips as he swings his legs up, hooking them around Aki’s shoulders. In one fluid movement, he rocks them forward, a small grunt of pain escaping the Eclipsed when his back hits the ground, his sword locked above his head by the Demon’s katana. White plaits cascade around him as cerulean blue open to meet fiery crimson, Jenova’s face mere inches from his own. “Yes I suppose we could…” He slides his tongue out and tilts his head, licking along the line of full lips and brushing once.
“Though I must admit to feeling… stressed more than normal …” He slides clawed fingers of his free hand up along Aki’s side and slipping them under his shirt and along the waistband of his pants. “…and I feel I might need more …relief as a result...” Amusement shows clearly in red eyes and Aki gasps into the Demon’s mouth, arching in the slightest towards the body above him when claw tips trail further down and over his groin before a sly grin of his own forms on his mouth. Swinging his legs up, his knees contact with Jenova’s back and bumps him forward and sends him flying over his head.
The Demon throws his hands out, rolling over and spinning around, on his feet while Aki is in mid turn himself. The loud clang of metal meeting rings throughout the open grounds as their swords meet again. Streaks of gold begin to cross cerulean blue eyes as Aki backs Jenova against a nearby tree, their blades between them. He leans forward, speaking softly into pale lips with a wicked grin. “And what if I don’t feel like being your... relief?”
Before he can register, the Demon flips him around to take his place, pressing against the Selestarri with his entire body. Claws play at the smaller man’s waistline and white plaits spill over his shoulder as he leans in, whispering in Aki’s ear. “Then perhaps I shall take my relief by force.” The Eclipsed whimpers at the words, grabbing onto Jenova’s hair to pull him back, lips crashing forward a moment later.
Swords drop into the grass besides them, Aki’s hands ripping at the leather draped over the Demon’s muscular frame while his shirt is torn easily from him. Jenova pulls away, spinning the Selestarri around and pressing him against the tree once more. He arches back hard and grips tightly on the rough surface before him, a breathless gasp escaping his lips as teeth graze fused flesh and glass like nails ghost across his front…
Bright crimson eyes strain to see around the corner of the mansion, his small face nearly plastered against the cathedral sized windows of Ikkairius’ room. The Ancient Bright remains seated, sipping his tea while the hybrid spends a few moments in place before peeling his face away and joining his uncle at the table. With his expression set, he reaches down and lifts a free chair up with ease, turning and taking small steps back towards the windows while mauve eyes look on in silent curiosity. Sen moves blindly with a chair two and a half times his size towards the far end of the wall, peering to his sides along the way to avoid bumping into things.
Reaching his goal, the boy carefully sets the chair down, reaching up and pushing it all the way against the windows before moving around it in order to climb up. Swinging his little legs up, he struggles for a few moments before making it all the way onto the cushion, letting out a small accomplished sigh as he turns back to the windows. Small glass like claws tap at the windows, his face once again gluing to them as he rises up onto his toes in an attempt to see further around the side of the building.
“Did you see them Uncle Ikkai?” Sen’s words are partially muffled against the glass, “Sen saw ‘Nova papa fighting with Aki papa.”
Ikkairius smirks. “They are not exactly… fighting in the strictest of senses. Sen, perhaps this is something you should not be watching as it will probably get, ah, intimate. Those two cannot seem to keep their hands off each other even decades down the line.” He raises an eyebrow as the child continues to plaster himself against the windows. “Child… please sit, you are too young for this.”
“What does inamite mean?” Sen bounces for another moment before once again peeling his face from the glass and turning back to the Ancient Bright, hands still against the windows, “How come Sen is too young uncle Ikkai? Sen really wants to see Aki papa’s weapon.”
“Come, you are getting fingerprints on my windows, sit.” The Hybrid reluctantly plops down on his chair, trying to sneak glances out the window as he sits. “Intimate means they are enjoying each other’s company as adults. Only adults do this and it is not for children… unless you are one of those who believe otherwise and those are not creatures we associate with.” Sen looks up into mauve eyes confused. “Just do not ask, let us leave it at that.”
“I am sure Aki will show you his weapon the next time you see him if you simply ask. Humans call his weapon a bastard sword. Selestarri generally go with the human names for weapons now a days since they seem to be so good at making them, though blades have long since dropped from popularity for more violent things that can be issued from long range. Rather defeats the purpose of fighting if you ask me.”
“Why do humans need weapons?” Sen wonders, crimson eyes shifting back to the windows, “do they fight with ‘Nova papa and enjoy his company like Aki papa does?” He turns back to the Ancient Bright, “Aki papa said Special Fuan fought with ‘Nova papa a loooooooooooooooooooooo” he pauses and takes in a deep breath, “oooooooooooong time ago, but Special Fuan is human and fragile and Sen has to be careful with him. Are all humans fragile like Special Fuan is? Special Fuan is really pretty and Sen can’t magine him ever fighting with ‘Nova papa the way Aki papa does…”
The Ancient Bright rolls his eyes. “Yes, all humans are fragile comparatively. Fuan was not always human and used to be much stronger, but that is information I will not divulge into further. Humans have weapons because they seem to ignore the value of talking one’s problems out. Instead, they kill each other to resolve their differences. There are so many of them it really does not make a difference, they will make more. They have no problem in that respect.” He sighs and takes a sip of tea.
“Most things that fight with Jenova do not live to tell of it. The few exceptions are the ones he allows to live, Aki being one of them. He could easily kill Aki and can do so at any time if he wishes. He could also kill myself if he so chose. There are very few who could survive a fight with that Demon. He is very old and very practiced. My assumption is that he purposefully slows himself to survive among others. Sen, let us reserve the phrase ‘enjoying one’s company’ to those involved in long standing relationships. I would rather not have this talk with you… ever. That is what your fathers are for and you are far too young to understand its meaning.”
“Okay…” The hybrid starts, interrupted when a loud moaning cry filters in from outside. Sen quickly turns his head to see where it came from, Ikkairius’ gaze instantly widens and he waves to get the child’s attention.
“SEN! EYES! TOWARDS ME!”
Aki’s head collapses against the Demon’s shoulder, both men breathing heavily as he slides his arms up and around Jenova’s neck. Pale lips touch at his neck, causing a shiver to course over sweat drenched skin and pulling a contented sigh from his mouth.
Jenova settles back against the tree, cradling the Eclipsed against him while he pulls a hand away from the narrow form in his arms to reach over and pull an earlier discarded leather shirt close. The Demon shakes it out and swings it over Aki’s waist before sliding his hand back along his waist to join the other. Crimson eyes close as he leans his head back, smiling as full lips touch the side of his throat.
“I am pleased with your …gains from training…”
The Eclipsed smirks. “And I am pleased with your masterful teaching.” His words pull amused laughter from the Demon’s lips.
The two men sit in silence holding each other for several long minutes before Aki looks over to his side and recalls his sword. Jenova touches his own blade and doing the same, fingers lingering over the Selestarri’s crystal-fused flesh on his way back. He watches his own moments, his touch causing soft shudders throughout the smaller man’s body.
“We definitely can’t put off training like that anymore.” Aki smirks. “But I think Fuan may be expecting us all to join him and Tien Jen for dinner. I’m thinking we may not get through cleaning up… quickly.” A quiet moan leaves him when Jenova’s lips fall on his shoulder accompanied by light grazes with claw-tips between his shoulder blades.
“I think perhaps you are right…” Aki’s eyes roll up and another moan escapes him when sharp fangs graze soft flesh.
The child sits across from the Bright, carefully pulling the cup close to his mouth with both hands. Taking a sip, he pulls it away, another filtered cry from outside pulling his attention to the windows before Ikkairius snaps his fingers and draws him back.
Sen sets the cup down and looks up while his uncle takes a long sip of his own tea, worry flashing through small features, “Is Aki papa going to be okay uncle Ikkai? ‘Nova papa is really strong and Sen is worried ‘Nova papa will hurt him.”
“Yes, he will be fine.” Ikkairius places his teacup down. “Jenova knows how to use his strength with caution and I am sure any pain received will be thoroughly enjoyed by the boy.” He rolls his eyes once more with a sigh, shaking his head.
“Youth...”
The morning light spills in through from floor to ceiling windows, bathing them all in a soft orange yellow light. Tien Jen bows politely and turns, stepping from the front foyer and through the main doorway onto the front steps of the mansion’s gate. Holding his Selestarri father’s hand, the hybrid smiles and waves goodbye to the Fate Reader.
The former Angel slides his arms around the Demon’s neck, smiling when clawed fingers wrap around his waist and pale lips brush against his own. Jenova kisses him softly before pulling back and Fuan leans forward once more to embrace him, spending a few moments in silence.
[Wonderful as always Dearest.] Fuan pulls away. [we shall be back in a week or two.]
“We will be here upon your return.”
Fuan smiles and turns from the Demon and steps up close to Aki and Sen, kneeling down and taking the child’s tiny hand in his own.
[So Dear, it was great to meet you and this week has been positively delightful with you around.] The raven haired beauty leans forward and kisses the child lightly on the cheek before standing and turning towards the Eclipsed. [Aki Dear, great to see you as always.]
Aki smiles warmly. “Ofcourse, we’ve missed you, don’t stay away so long next time.” He looks down at Sen. “And someone else will probably want to play in your wardrobe again too.”
The hybrid grins widely. “Pretty Special Fuan has pretty dresses.” Aki embraces the former Angel, waking with Sen as they pile into the vehicle and drive away. The child tugs on his Selestarri father’s pant leg, pulling his attention. “When will Special Fuan and Tin Jen be back, Aki papa?” The Eclipsed picks up Sen and they walk back into the mansion.
“Couple weeks, it will go by before you know it.”