PopeAlessandros

When the Roar Falls ~ PopeAlessandros x Raafling

The two slowly talk to one another and eventually come to an agreement of shared interest. Together they explore one another's bodies for a short time, each reaching their peaks one after the other and leaving them both relaxed and satisfied. . .For now. Afterwards Viltez fetches a bucket of water and some rags for them to clean up with.

~*~

Viltez works carefully, wanting to make sure he's fully clean before getting ready for his day. Being apart from Aryx is enough to keep him relatively calm, even if his tail continues to wriggle and sway in the man's direction. 'Well of course you want more, you've been acting like this from the beginning you sex fiend. . .' Shaking his head at the wayward body part he flushes lightly as he turns to re-wet the rag for another pass and catches sight of his guest looking his direction. He keeps his eyes high, not ready to take in the man's full figure just yet, and turns back quickly, still hiding himself from view.

Once he's satisfied he pulls on his clothing for the day, turning back towards Aryx once his private bits are secured behind two layers of fabric. His tail is coiling into it's usual position when Aryx addresses him. The beastman pauses, thinking over his day. Smiling at the offer to go get some meat Viltez nods slowly. “Yes, that sounds wonderful Mister Aryx. Anything you can bring in I will cook to the best of my ability!” He smiles wide, pulling on his shirt. “I have a fence to repair this morning, and then I will be going to Mister Mullion's for lunch, he likes playing a game with me and he gives me free food. Then after that Mister Russel has asked me to work at the mill, and I will be there all afternoon, returning here around sun down.”

He gives Aryx a sympathetic look. “Sorry I do not have more time to spend with you today. I have things set most of this week to do. People ask for my aid weeks in advanced, and it is how I keep food on the table and a roof over my head.” He smiles faintly, motioning for them to move their conversation to the living room. Once out of the bedroom Viltez heads for the kitchen and begins making a simple breakfast of vegetables and bread.

A Bloody Murder

'He is smiling. I suppose I can take that as a good sign that he will be able to explain all of this. . .' Rei muses, watching the prince closely as he waits to hear what the man has to say to sate his curiosity. E listens silently, nodding as the prince assures him that he's been correct in his assessment of the people he likes most in the world. He feels a small hint of comfort that he was able to do so without any help and waits patiently to hear more. He blinks slowly as Alessandro flat out says that yes, indeed, he has affection for him too, and waits to hear his reasoning behind it. He is neither a father, nor family of any kind, nor has he – in his opinion at least – risked himself for the man. He can't even claim what Peter has aside from the rough upbringing. Smiles are not a think for little Rei, and he knows it. Nor has he, as far as he can tell, ever really had a kind word for anyone.

He nods in agreement, about his lack of desire to kill, and thinks back to those he grew up with. Those who came out of training with a lust for blood. They had seemed a little mad to Rei, but it had never been his business to judge. He blinks slowly as Alessandro calls his pursuit of knowledge a beautiful thing and wonders is something as silly as that can really be considered for such a thing as beauty. He's come to understand, though perhaps not recognize, beauty in the physical world. Metaphorical beauty is completely lost on him.

His head tilts slowly to the side as he begins describing attributes Rei isn't quite sure he has. 'Well, I do get angry about the injustice around him, and I am honest with him. However, other than that, I do not see how how I could be considered a good companion for company. I lurk. I slink about. I stand around looking frightening. I scurry about like a child hunting down candy on occasion. . .Unless of course that is what he enjoys in a companion. . .' He doesn't feel particularly noble, thinking that all people should act as he does in the fact of such cruel and selfish things at the prince has to put up with, but before he can voice this the man goes on to call him physically attractive, or at least pretty to look at.

Glancing down at himself he think about it for a moment before dismissing the thought. 'People either look at my with terror, or disgust, or simply look disturbed around me. . .' He pauses in thought, looking up at the prince. 'Well, I suppose, those people he has mentioned have looked at me differently, however I have not seen that expression on their faces that I have come to recognize mean someone is attracted to another person' In all his people watching, he's learned a few things, and so far, he's never seen anyone looking attracted to him. Hehas seen some interesting expressions on the prince's face, but he's yet to place them in his mind, and doesn't think about them.

The prince then goes on to tell him that he, Rei, has been expression affection completely without realizing it. His brow furrows and he feels the urge to disagree. He knows he doesn't feel these things. He knows what each of those feelings are, and they are not affection. He hesitates however, reminding himself that he's the one who asked Alessandro to teach him about such things. That the prince himself has these feelings and always has and would be more well equipped to recognize them. Blinking slowly he tilts his head to the other side, his face pressing softly into that hand as it caresses his face and hair.

He feels the familiar feeling of warmth and calm trickling through him at the touch and lets it dance around his veins, trying to get a good feel for it in his need to understand what it really is he's feeling. His eyes go to the prince as he nods, willing to give anything a shot at this point. He wants to know, to understand. 'He is right, I can heal, and I was told I would never be able to. . .If an elder can be wrong about something so important, perhaps I too can be wrong about what I can and cannot feel. . .' Keeping his eyes on the prince as he moves closer, guessing moments before it happens what he's going to do.

A spark strikes him making him shiver slightly. Starting from the place where their lips meet it seems to trace along where Alessandro is touching him before slipping down over his heart and ending as a coiled knot around his spine. His body feels warmer and his eyes alight at the unfamiliar feeling, a strange feeling of something alive in his stomach making him wonder if Alessandro had used some kind of magic on him. 'No, no, I would be able to tell if this was magic. . .' The flesh upon his own lingers, and another shot runs through him, making his fingers twitch as it rushes about his extremities.

When Alessandro pulls back Rei's breathing has become slightly irregular and his skin stills seems to dance from the strange energy given off by the kiss. His tongue comes out to cross his slightly dry lips. The feeling of that slick muscle running over them produces and odd sensation and he's not quite sure he likes this lack of understanding and control of his own body. Then, he firmly reminds himself that learning is sometimes uncomfortable, and he does his best to give the prince his attention, wanting desperately to be given some understanding of what's happening to him.

Blinking slowly he shakes his head. “No, not my stomach. . .” He reaches up, brushing his lips with his fingertips. “Here. . .As if it was passed from you, to me. . .” He shivers, his fingers eliciting some pleasant feelings before he drops them to his lap once more. “It felt like. . .Energy, warmth, racing through my body, making it tingle.” He blinks again. “It was not unpleasant. . .Is it what you thought would happen?” His hands come up to rest on the prince's wrists, gripping them softly. “Can you tell me what it is?” He wants now more than ever to understand things, to understand himself, and his fingers moving of their own accord seem to be trying to encourage Alessandro to respond. “You can do that again, if you think it will help.” He knows that experimentation is many times the best way to learn, and he doesn't really mind trying that particular experiment again.

When Realms Collide {AkiBlue & PopeAlessandros}

~A shot races through the guardian's body at the sound of his lover growling at him and Seishu growls happily back, running his fingers gently up and down his love's side, just enjoying the feel of being with him. His hand stills however as Enasi speaks up about something he's been wanting to ask about for a while, but was afraid would scare off the poor redhead, or at least turn him into a tomato and make him hide for a good month. A good shiver goes through his body and his gaze heats as he looks down at the smaller guardian, a warm smile on his lips. Leaning in close he gives the man a deep kiss before pulling back and whispering against his lips, “I have no objections tot hat idea. . .”

Shifting slightly he nuzzles against his lover's neck and holds him close, letting the feelings rushing through his body dance and play under his skin until at least he feels the faint pull behind his midsection, like falling. Lifting his head he presses a sweet, tender kiss to the man's lips before letting the feeling take him away, his lover fading slowly from sight.~

His eyes creep open slowly and he smiles at the sight of his hand exactly where he left it. 'Well, my other hand. I was on his other side in our sleep. . .' Sighing he nuzzles against his lover's shoulder, his hand trailing over the exposed flesh of his chest while he waits for his love to join him. At his back he can feel Inui stirring at the movement, but with a faint shushing sound from his master, the little minion falls back into a sound sleep. Humming the nightmare's lullaby he kisses Enasi's shoulder, still tracing faint patterns over his chest as he tries to ignore the pain now wracking his body from the lack of painkillers in his system.

~*~*~*~*~

Rolling with a groan the doctor's eyes land on the clock adorning his lover's wall and he lets out a long sight. The body behind him shifts and in a moment he's pulled against his lover once more, Cho not willing to give the tailed man to the world just yet. After what he said earlier, Crios feels bad, having to leave so soon, but he indulges the man for just a little longer. 'I don't feel him rampaging through the halls or anything, so he should be okay for five more. . .' A warm sigh interrupts his thought s as Cho wraps his arms around him, rubbing his smooth chest gently.

He's all for spending more time with his lover, or at least his body is, but even as Cho seems to have the same inclination as he teases him, he knows he doesn't have time. 'We could do something quick, but. . . .I always want to take my time with my dearest Cho. . .' Rolling over he gathers the larger man into his arms and pulls him into a breath stealing kiss. Rubbing his back and running his fingers through the man's hair he pours as much of his love into the action as he can before letting him go reluctantly, gazing down at the red head. “I have to go.” he murmurs sadly.

Cho looks back at his lover, his own desires being carefully pushed back as he realizes that he can't really keep him any longer. Letting out a long sigh he rolls on to his back and stretching, watching his lover's eyes droop slightly as he takes in the sight of him bare. He knows that it's a bit of a tease, the animalistic side of his partner finding the sight of his mate writhing before him very tempting, but as it is he just wants to give him one last taste before likely another very long dry spell. 'Even if that Seishu gets fully healed next week, they still need him for so many things. . .I don't resent it at all, I am totally glad he's needed and so kind and sweet as to dedicate so much time to it all. . . .I just can't help but miss him. . .'

Sitting up he wraps his arms around his lover, kissing him lightly on the cheek before slipping out of bed and wandering around to find his clothes. When Crios is ready to get down to making his lover squeal, cleanliness isn't the first thing on his mind. He watches Crios out of the corner of his eye, smiling as his tail sways slowly back and forth appreciatively. The foxy man however is soon off the bed, seeking his own clothes and humming softly to himself as a distraction. When both are clothed, the process done in companionable silence, Cho yelps softly as Crios turns him around quickly and pulls him into a firm embrace. The doc nuzzles into hi neck and he smiles warmly, returning the hug with a tight one of his own.

“I promise, I won't ignore you for so long ever aga-” Crios' voice is cut off by a deep kiss from his lover. He sighs happily into the kiss before looking up into those lovely blue eyes.

Smirking ho murmurs, “You will do your job, as you always do, and I will love you, no matter how much time we can spend together.” He gazes down at his love, smiling warmly, and they spend their last few minutes together just standing there, staring at one another, feeling warm and loved.

When the Roar Falls ~ PopeAlessandros x Raafling

'Well, he sounds calm at least. Not disturbed, not scared. . .' Taking a slow breath he replies softly, “I'm glad. I hope you slept we-” his voice is cut off however as suddenly he goes very stiff. His body trembles and a sharp gasp steals his ability to breath. No thoughts come to his mind as that hand continues to caress and pet the willing appendage and his grip on the dragon's shoulder tightens. His eyes snap shut and he bites his lip hard enough to draw blood. With the state his body has been in since he woke he is helpless against the feelings now coursing through his body and he begins to tremble as the tail loosens it's grip, moving towards the good feeling.

His breath finally returns to him but comes only in small gasps, punctuated by small whimpers and moans as every part of him seems ready to follow behind his tail's example and just enjoy tis other man's presence. He resist however, the only part of him really moving besides the tremble his tail, and that is doing it's best to make sure he has to put all of his effort into keeping himself from shamelessly crawling on top of the man. Tears squeeze their way out from beneath his tightly closed lids as he begs his body to not act on his impulses and assume that the man is trying to do anything but get the tail off his leg.

When the Roar Falls ~ PopeAlessandros x Raafling

Smiling slightly as Aryx begins to respond, moving back a little, a shot of liquid fire races through his system at the sound that cuts off the end of the man's sentence. He swallows hard, his body reacting readily to the sound, but his mind screaming that he needs to get ahold of himself. Impulsively, his tail flexes again and he whimpers slightly, feeling absolutely no control over it at the moment.

'I've got to pull myself out, I can't stay this close. My body, I can feel, and it's too warm, and. . .' Aryx speaks again, the uncertainty in his voice forcing the beast man to swallow a whimper before trying and failing to reply with a steady voice. “Um, hey, looks like we got a little tangled up huh? I hope it didn't wake you up or anything. We should, um, y'know.” A shot of fear runs through him as his tail wraps a little tighter around it's prize, sliding against Aryx's smooth skin, unwilling to let go willingly. 'Oh, this could not get any worse. . .' He lament silently, his heart now racing to match the “tickle” rushing around under his own skin.

Who Will Break? ~ PopeAlessandros x Raafling

The night passes with the demon teasing him in his sleep, making a little progress towards his goal, but ultimately failing. Kiel slips, ever so slightly, but by the time he begins to wake for the second time, he's once more in control of himself.

~*~

Kiel shifts slightly as he comes slowly into the waking world. Feeling a body against his own his mind flashes to the last time he felt it and he takes a moment to say a pray to remain calm before opening his eyes and letting out a soft sigh. The youth is still laying flush against him, but Kiel no longer feels the urges to get closer, to touch him more, and instead he simply hums slightly and stretches a little, doing his best not to disturb Zach right away. 'Thank the heavens he didn't wake up last night. The way my body was acting, I would have lost him' Despite how mild his action had been, his own memory of the event comes into his mind like an image of a mad hound trying to tear into the boy.

Humming softly he eventually reaches out and shakes the boy's shoulder gently. “Zach, time for me to get up buddy.” He smiles warmly, patting the arm beneath his hand. “You can sleep in a bit more if you want, just let me sneak past you here. . .” He carefully moves the covers and shifts so he's kneeling over the youth before sliding out of the bed. He's careful to keep his eyes of the young man as he climbs over him, turning his warm smile on to his guest only after getting upright at last. Tucking the blankets back around Zach he chuckles, looking at him sheepishly. “Sorry, habit.” Giving the young man's arm a squeeze he throws on a house coat and moves out into the kitchen to make breakfast.

Securing it carefully closed he resolves to get dressed and say his devotionals as soon as Zach is out of his room as to not make the young man uncomfortable and begins putting together a meal he's seen his guest enjoy before. Singing quiet hymns to himself, he moves around the kitchen with a smile on his lips and in his eyes, turning both on Zach when he eventually leaves the room some time later. “Good morning Zach, I pray you slept well. I didn't snore did I? I've never had a complaint before, but, you never know.” He's as cheery and friendly as he normally is, setting the table and excusing himself to do his morning tasks in his bedroom.

His prayers are a bit more fervent that usual, banishing the last of his thoughts from the night before before getting on his usual garb and making his way back to the table. Taking a seat he smiles over at Zach, humming happily as he begins eating. With an interested smile he asks, “So, what's on the agenda for you today Zach? Anything special?”

When the Roar Falls ~ PopeAlessandros x Raafling

Viltez manages to suppress a shiver at the feeling of the man's breath on his neck and he keeps his eyes closed as the feelings running through him make relaxing harder and harder. He manages however and soon enough Aryx settles against him and begins to drift off. 'There's a hand on my side, and I can feel him breathing against my neck. . .He's so, so close, and. . . .And I'm okay' He lets out a slow breath, keeping himself relaxed as the breathing behind him evens out into a steady sleeping rhythm. As close as they are he can see some flyaway hairs from the man's long mane drifting over his shoulder as he sleeps and the beastman takes to watching them tickle his shoulder as a way to focus on something other than his own errant fantasies.

'He is here, we are comfortable, he accepts me for who and what I am, and. . .And he is comfortable enough with me to use me as a giant doll while he sleeps. . .I could not ask for more' He repeats this to himself, over and over, and eventually the warmth and the gentle feelings running through his chest allow him to follow the man into the dream realm. In the night he dreams of his father, of the days before he was forced to hide himself away like a diseased ridden creature and deny who he is. He's never resented it before, not before, but as he feels his father holding him tight, keeping him warm and safe, his longing for the days when he was just a child traveling at his father's side makes his current life bring an unpleasant taste to his tongue.

The taste is not there long however as a new scent filters through his mind, sweetening the air unbelievably so. His hand flexes against something warm in his grasp and he takes a deep, slow breath. The sweet scent fills his lungs once more and softly his lips let out the unmistakable sound of the source's name. “Aryx. . .” he murmurs, the waking world coming to him slowly. He can feel breath against his chest and for a moment he's quite sure it must be his own. After all, he lives alone. There's no one who would be. . .

His eyes drift slowly open and he swallows hard at the sight of thick black hair mussed with sleep resting under his chin, and the feeling of warm flesh beneath his fingers. He glances at his hand, thanking anyone who will listen that it's only on the man's shoulder, and moves ever so slightly to try and figure out just how much of a mess he's in. His body heats as he realizes that he's got one of his guest's legs between his knees and shivers slightly as the movement causes a slight rubbing against his tail.

'Well, this is a fine mess you've gotten yourself in. . .' He scowls grumpily at himself, however, after a moment, he relaxes. 'We were asleep, he can't blame me, and, it's not like I was the only one who moved. We're like this, it's a fact, and fretting about it's just going to make us both uncomfortable. . .' Just as he begins thinking about being uncomfortable he realizes that being awake in this position is leading to some physical reactions he's rather not have to explain away. Wallowing, he decides it's time to face the music, before his instincts drive him to make an actual conscious mess that he's quite sure will drive his guest away.

“Mister Aryx. . .Aryx. . .?” He calls softly, shaking the man's shoulder ever so slightly as his tail tightens and relaxes around Aryx's thigh. The sun is barely beginning to light the sky, but for Viltez, there's always something he can be doing, and right now, he feels like making breakfast for the both of them as a good distraction for his overwhelming joy at waking up next to someone so accepting and kind.

Never Ending Battle ~ PopeAlessandros x AkiBlue

Akito stands there watching, just observing the fluid movements and interactions of the servants. 'Like a dance. . .' He smiles ever so slightly. They way they operate around one another perfectly reminds him of his unit. Their daily training exercises and practice bouts give them the ability to work around one another without accidentally attacking the wrong person, even in the heat of battle. His mind begins watching the servants like troops, picking out the seasoned veterans and the new recruits by how well they work together and can deal with interruptions in the flow of human traffic.

Out of the corner of his eye he notes someone not moving in any semblance of the system he sees in place and he turns his head to see who is causing the break in the flow. His heart skips a beat at the sight of his soon-to-be husband but he brings a small smile to his lips, not wanting to appear afraid after all the progress they've made at the mere sight of him. He stands up a little straighter however and smiles at the man as he makes his way over to him. He nods slowly as the man informs him that he's far earlier than he needs to be and replies quietly, “I had nowhere else to go really, and they said it would not be too long before the meal started.”

His eyes go to the servant directing them to their seats and, pushing off the wall, he follows silently behind them. Once seated he looks across the table at the prince. 'Something seems a little off. . .Not sad really, I don't think, but definitely something. . .' Running his hand over the creature curled around his midsection Akito speaks softly about whatever his betrothed wishes to talk about, but the conversation is light and doesn't go anywhere before there is an interruption in the form of the rulers of the kingdom entering the room side-by-side.

Akito has to fight the urge to jump to his feet, trained to always stand when those of a higher status enter, however with a look of determination he manages to stay seated while the two get settled at the head of the table. He's able to breath more easily once they are down and, turning to them with a strained smile he greets them quietly. The queen beams at him before clicking her tongue lightly, clearly trying to entice Hoko out of his hiding place. The emperor looks down at his plate, obviously avoiding his son's gaze, and as Akito encourages Hoko to wake up and come eat he looks between the two men and wonders if there's anything he can do.

The audrat slips out of his little pouch and stretches cutely, waiting for permission from Akito before slipping over to the empress to be fed treats happily while his master continues trying to figure out if there's anything he can do to alleviate the tension in the air around them. Finally, he decides to take some of the attention on to himself. 'After feeling before, it's the least I deserve. . .' Taking a slow breath he looks at the emperor, his insides quaking, and speaks with as much strength as he can muster.

“Sir, I was wondering if I could make arrangements with you to take day trips away from the palace every once in a while,” he nods at Hiro, “w-with Hiro, if he would be willing to accompany me.” The larger man looks over at him, curious, but not angry as far as he can tell. He goes on quickly. “I mean, my unit will be here for only so long, and I would like to see my father as often as I can while he is around. Though after. . .” He takes a steadying breath. “I have spent a good deal of time in this area, both before and as of late, and even with my unit gone I am sure I can handle anything that may become a problem around here. I know the area well, and it would be easy for me to spot anything out of place, so I am sure I would be able to keep the both of us safe. . .” Swallowing hard again he finishes, a little more quietly, “And, I am sorry I did not ask the first time, but we came away safe and I think that should be taken as a sign that I am quite capable of keeping myself and my betrothed safe. . .” His eyes have begun descending to his plate, however with a hard wrench he looks back up at the Emperor, waiting for the hammer to fall for his impertinence.

A Bloody Murder

'So, he sees Peter as a little brother, as family. I suppose that explains the kiss in this case, however then where does that have me standing? He has not kissed me like that, however. . .' The little affections filter through his head as he continues listening to Alessandro. 'A job that was frowned upon? I can think of a few, though they do not seem to be important to the prince so I can leave that information aside for now. I may want to ask Peter himself later in case it has potential of bringing harm to him or the prince. I am charged with guarding him as well, and if had anything to do with him leaving the palace' He recalls the prince asking him to stay on the grounds for the night and concludes that the boy's absence is indeed a security risk and he will have to talk to Peter later about his evening activities.

He shakes his head slowly even though the prince can't see it when he warns against wearing himself out. “I am quite upset at the moment, and as such I am overflowing my small well of magic I usually have. It needs direction. This will help. Otherwise I would need to find somewhere else to release it. To tell the truth, this is the safest way I can think of, and the most productive to my duties.” When he finishes with the medicine Rei corks the bottle and sets it aside along with the cloth. Sitting back on his heels he reaching out, his magic still flowing, and ever so gently uses direct contact to do a little more good as the prince relaxes into his pillow.

He continues to think over the affections and protectiveness the man has shown, for both him and Peter, and his insides seem to flicker oddly. His curiosity crackles and races about his body as usual, but along side that feeling is an odd ache he doesn't recognize and for now decides it has something to do with what has just happened. When the prince speaks again, his fingers still for a moment before continuing their paths around his back. As to not wipe away the slick medicine he runs his fingers along the unmarred skin beside each wound, willing them to at the least feel better, and at most, heal more quickly.

Humming softly he thinks about the question for a moment before trying to form words around his thoughts. “As I have said in the past, there are many things I do not understand due to my upbringing and continues estrangement from my people even as I live among them.” He wants to make sure that Alessandro understand where he's coming from with his curious thoughts before going on. “And when I first met you, one of the things that most caught my eye was your protectiveness of the little one, Peter, though I did not know that was his name at the time.”

Humming again he runs his his fingers just under the back of the prince's neck, trying to work on a wound splitting the flesh there. “Since coming here I have seen you show protectiveness for only a few, and it is for that same few that you show what I recognize as affections.” Looking at the back of the man's head he begins listing the people he noticed. “The old man in the tower, your younger sibling, Peter, and the boy in the book store.” At last satisfied that he's covered every wound twice he sits back, rubbing his hands on his pants to get rid of some of the residue. He doesn't get off the bed however, simply sits there on his feet, looking down at the prince.

“Over all, this is understandable to me.” he goes on, his voice soft and still with a note of curiosity he always seems to have when discussing odd matters with the prince. “You have known them for a time, they have done things for you, and you for them. You have a relationship with them that is positive in nature, and they care for you as you care for them. . .” he hesitates for a moment and adds, “As far as I can tell, though I may be wrong as I am not the best at identifying emotions.” Shifting a little so he's now sitting cross-legged he continues staring at the prince, his eyes barely flickering now that he's used up most of his ire.

“I understand them, for the most part, or so I believe, however there is one other person you show affection to, near to the same degree as you do the others that I do not understand.” He's pretty sure the prince can guess where he's going, but not one for misunderstandings, he spell it out anyways. “Me.” Shifting to get a bit more comfortable he tilts his head to the side curiously. “You touch my hair and other parts of me, you held me, and now you have kissed me.” His mind flickers to the press of lips to his crown and he blinks slowly. “While I have no objections to these affections, I have come to wonder why you show them to someone who not only has tried to kill you, but who does not have the right. . .” he searches for the right word, “capacity, to return them.” he tilts his head to the other side, still trying to work it all out.

“I do not deny that I found enjoyment in being held, and I feel a bit more relaxed after you play with my hair or pat my head. The kiss was strange, though not unpleasant, however, again, I do not have anything within me to return to you. My strongest feelings towards you are. . .Protective really. Anger at those around you who seek to harm you, admiration for your honorableness, and curiosity for the many aspects of being I simply do not understand.” He reaches up and touches his own fringes, feeling none of the comfort that comes from having Alessandro touch them. “Like how a simply touch can invoke good feelings. I know the touch of cold steel can invoke fear, I learned that young, and how a hand at your throat could to the same.”

Looking back at the prince he lets out a slow breath. “However, your affections, they bring up in me other feelings, and I do not even understand why you show them. I do you a service, I keep you safe. By my own understanding I should be seen as nothing more than a guard dog, logically, however I do not see you dying for a beast, so. . . .I am simply confused by the whole thing. I like the affections, however I can not reciprocate, and I do not understand why you show them, especially since I can not return them, and most especially since I have barely known you for over a week, and only a few of those were full days together. . .” Letting out a long sigh he falls silent, staring at the prince with curiosity, a longing to know, to understand that looks very much like any other look of longing.

We'll take the low road.

A small wave of relief passes through Amano As the demon assures him that he thinks it went well, then goes on to say that he's sure she will like her second gift just as much. He smiles over at him and nods gratefully as he moves into his room. He looks around and it strikes him for the first time that this won't be his room for much longer. 'Soon, I won't have a room. A cabin, maybe, but that's only temporary as well. Eventually, I will have no place at all to call my own, and the only familiar thing will be. . .' He looks over at Illiendi, his promised companion for the entire trip, and feels a faint stirring inside him that makes him both feel uneasy, and smile. Making his way over to his closet he begins pawing through things, trying to find anything useful for the trip.

The crinkle of parchment behind him causes him to turn and he watches as the taller man unfurls the maps, looking up expectantly at him as he takes up something to mark the map with. Moving to his side curiously Amano looks down at the dark, waterproof parchment and waits to see what Illiendi is up to.

He keeps his mouth firmly shut as the demon begins explaining their route, working to take in every detail as he speaks. The dangers are slowly placed in front of him and he lets his mind wander with them, his eyes locked on the parchment. He feels little interest in the sirens, though he's fascinated to learn they are real, but mostly he just wonders what will happen more than he actually wants to see them. He feels a thrill at the idea of meeting up with a great beast and knows that he should be afraid. However, just the way Illiendi is so matter-of-fact about it, all the confidence that they will keep going, it quells those fears and he feels that there's nothing to fear as long as he's with the demon.

He actually chuckles slightly at the idea of meeting pirates. 'After the other things he's talked about – including dragons – I think that this will be a peaceful meeting in comparison' He smiles briefly at Illiendi, his mind wandering over the idea of ghost ships before moving on to what the man says next. His heart actually skips a beat at the idea of meeting something that is Illiendi's equal, but once more as he speaks of stealing from the beast he feels a calm, safe feeling and more excitement rushes to the surface rather than fear. 'This sounds like a grand adventure! A tale for the ages! Something legends are born from!' He smiles wider, excitement dancing in his eyes as they meet the demon's before he looks back to the map, impatient to hear about what comes next.

His eyes continue to glitter at the idea of exploring old forgotten ruins, perhaps even getting his hands on ancient treasures not seen before by living man. He is no great glutton for gold, but the idea of holding something so old and full of history is exciting, and he can't help but itch to get his hands on them. Then the demon speaks of his favorite part thus far: the dragons. Reaching out he actually touches the indicated spot and lets out a sigh of longing. He really, really wants to see them, more than anything else they may see along the way. Something about them sets his imagination alight more than anything else.

Pulling his hand back he tears his eyes from the spot and follows Illiendi's marks up the coast, listening about the sands and old battlefields, then to the kraken itself. He's heard tales of the beast, more believable than most and corroborated by more men than any other. He had not however heard of the pearl, and as Illiendi brought it up he's sure that it's that particular object rather than the hoard of treasure the beast guards that will be of interest to them should they decide to seek it. When at last he makes the final mark and speak of them landing Amano steps away and begins walking this way and that around his room.

'So much to take in, so many things to think about. All these fantastic things, any one of them enough to assure I am remembered, but he speaks of them as if we will be exploring and meeting with all of them!' His heart swells happily and he looks at Illiendi with the brightest of smiles and lets out a happy sigh. “No, no, thank you Illiendi. You've given me so much to think about, so many things to look forward to, I think it best if I have some surprises left for me after we get off the boat.” He paces a few more feet before turning to the demon, smiling wider than ever.

“So many sights, so many dangers in the form of beasts, nature, the land itself, even other people. So many things that could kill me, that could take me away from my goal, steal me away from this world and. . And I'm not afraid.” He lets out a shuddering breath. “I have always been afraid of dying, since I first came to realize that my siblings would more likely than not happily drown me for a chance to take me out of the running for what my father has and will leave them. I've always feared never reaching an age where I could at the least strike out on my own and get away from them, only to find more things after my life in the form of bandits, ruffians, or even my own mistakes and wild beasts.”

He takes another shuddering breath. “I've always been afraid, always ready in case someone, somewhere, decides that this world non longer needs me in it, but now, here, you laying out before me the fact that we will be running head first into things I'd never even begun to imagine I would be facing in my life, all these wonderful sights, dangers, wonders, and beasts, and. . .And I'm not afraid.” His voice had been growing in excitement as he spoke, but suddenly now, it grows quiet, and soft. His eyes on the demon, he continues to smile, moving a little closer to him he gives the demon an admiring, trusting look. “And it's all thanks to you. I can not fear, for I know you will be with me. I feel no trepidation, because I have no doubt that, as long as you are with me, I will make it out alive. I will live, until it is time to pay my debt to you, and. . .And I am content with that. . .”

Letting out a long sigh he reaches up and runs his finger over the flower he's given the man, still tucked into his chest pocket, and he finds his eyes falling to the ground. “I know human emotions are hard to understand, and I know, given what you are and what you want from me that I should be afraid of you, but I just want you to know that I trust you, and I hope you don't mind when I act like the foolish child I am, and also hope you never regret taking to me rather than someone. . .else.” He's been tempted to say 'better' but as he does not know how the demon judges worthiness and doesn't want to seem presumptuous. Dropping his hand back to his side he lifts his eyes, smiling at the taller male and doing his best to portray the confident young man the demon has been trying to make him into.