Akito could have put in one lamp, Shigure thought to himself. He sat in Akitos chambers, having been called to the main house with no more detail then "Get over here. NOW. (click)". Shigure smiled internally. Akito could be almost adorable in his childlike fits of controlling rage.

The family god's need to control every tiny detail of every room on the estate was obviously intended to rattle the Juunishi. Akito's primary weapon was psychological terror and he wielded it with deadly precision. From Yuki's gilded cage to the tiny cell where each Cat lived out their days, he made sure to put enough uncertainty and terror in their homes to ensure they would never have the strength to leave him.

Still, Shigure mused, a little light wouldn't be too much to ask. Shigure had spent years of careful planning to put himself in the favor of their god, pulling strings and moving mountains to maintain the appearance of someone who only lived to serve. It would be easier to make his moves if he could read Akitos face, but this was the suspected reason Akito preferred to keep their meetings dark. Unless Shigure got close enough to initiate physical contact he would have to go by a vague outline for body language and the tone of his voice.

Akito revealed more then he knew through his words. Of course, Shigure was a master manipulator and could squeeze blood from a stone. Akito wasn't so complicated. Not to him. Akito did his best to only speak in anger and sharp condescension. Inside the tyrannical god was a scared child, whom Shigure had been cozying up to for years. Building up to this. He was finally ready to turn the tables in his favor. All he needed was a little more understanding of how their curse worked.

Kureno opened the door for Akito. Enough light fell on Akito's face for Shigure to see his obvious frustration. Outwardly Shigure remained expressionless, though inside he laughed. He would never tell this to Akito but when frustrated he strongly resembled a six year old who wasn't allowed to stay up five more minutes. Shigure knew that he was getting under Akito's skin, and was going to put it to his benefit in a completely unexpected way. Kureno paused.

"Is there anything else, Akito-sama?"

"No. That's all. Leave us!"

Kureno bowed respectfully and turned around. The door closed softly, leaving Shigure and Akito completely alone for the first time since Shigure moved out.

"Akito-sama. How wonderful to be invited back."

"Shut it, Dog. You ABANDONED me and now you INSULT me with COMPLIMENTS? I will NOT have such disrespect."

Shigure smiled banally. "Akito-sama, who's abandoned you? I only moved to be a more prolific writer and bring honor to the Sohma name." Man, he was laying it on thick today. He dropped his tone from sweet to serious. "I would never leave your side if I was able. The fact that the media is spotlighting my work and attempting to follow me to my home, even if it's only in a low level writers publication, would put the entire zodiac at risk. It pains me to be away from my beloved god."

Pause.

"How can I be sure of that? You would make any excuse to be away from me."

"Akito-sama." He stood up and sat next to his god. "Believe me when I say that it thrills me deeply to be near you again." He put his hand on Akitos leg gently, repressing a shudder of disgust. Akito's eyes widened and he covered Shigure's hand with his own. Shigure felt Akito's heart speed up and smelled his pheremones increase. Disgusting.

"If...if you say so." Akito stood up sharply, storming across the room to hide the obvious attraction he felt towards Shigure. A ridiculous notion, anyone without heightened canine senses would be able to see it. The key element in Akitos downfall. Akito could not, or would not resist Shigure for long. It was only a matter of time before he gave into his need for his most clever Juunishi. "You called and asked me to see you. Why?

"I need access to our library."

Akito started, stunned into disbelief. That was none of his business! He would NEVER allow someone in there. "Are you out of your mind, Shigure?! What could POSSIBLY be in MY study that YOU need so badly? No. I shan't give it to you." He folded his arms and stared into the corner of the room.

Shigure stood closely behind Akito, placing his hands on Akito's slender shoulders. "My dove, what's wrong? I want to help Hatori. I believe he might be able to erase memories from a distance. Think how valuable it would be to find such a way of controlling the minds of everyone who interacts with your family." A lie so outrageous Shigure's tongue should have shriveled up and fallen off. "Your time is too valuable to waste combing through dusty books. You know I love research. And you." His insides twisted.

Akito wasn't sure whether to trust Shigure. Eventually, though, Shigure's very near proximity won out over reason and he choked "HERE.", ripping a golden key from around his neck. "You are to present your findings to Kureno and myself every hour on the hour you are in the library. You will only look at books pertaining to past dragons and memory loss, or the consequences will be beyond your imagining. Am I making myself clear?"

"Crystal." Shigure allowed a real smile to form. "I'll return tomorrow to begin." His hand briefly touched Akito's neck, an action he knew would resonate through Akito's entire being. The sap. He was so unused to being touched that any physical intimacy with someone he didn't completely despise left him entirely undone. Shigure suspected that it went beyond that into the territory of real feelings on Akito's end, but wasn't sure if he cared. He'd get what he wanted at the expense of Akito's heart. It was Akito himself who had taught Shigure to be so underhanded. Really, he should be proud.

Shigure walked out without a backwards glance, looking forward for the first time to an impending visit at Akito's. He'd find the answers he was looking for. Nothing could get in his way.

Not even the fragile heart of one who had broken every heart around him just for the pleasure of knowing he could.