::Disclaimer: Gorgeous Carat belongs to You Higuri::
Note: this set of drabbles is a "what if" based on events in Gorgeous Carat 3
At sunset, well past the meeting time, Azura rises from his seat amid the ruins of his home. He's pleasantly surprised that Ray didn't appear. It improves Azura's opinion of his old friend considerably.
But what to do about Ray's pet? The half-dressed blond is asleep, or perhaps comatose, his condition none of Azura's concern if he's to be abandoned.
Still Azura hesitates, there's a certain nobility to the boy, even now that he's fallen so low. He bears pain well and responds to pleasure with delightful abandon. Azura picks Florian up easily; he can drop him anytime he chooses.
XXXXX
Still feverish, Ray staggers into the ruins of Azura's mansion just after sunset, cursing Laila's stubbornness. He studies imprints in the dirt that might be fingermarks and finds a familiar mother-of-pearl button, the kind Florian favors.
It takes more than a week to track Azura thanks to Laila and Solomon's interference. Ray's not surprised by Azura's disappointment, but he's shocked by Florian's lack of recognition. The blond shies away from him, Florian's half-dressed form pressed against Azura's leg. Ray wants to snatch the leash away from Azura, furious about the half-healed brand marking Florian's hip. Frightened amethyst eyes stop him.
XXXXX
The trip home is long, but gives them time to recover as best they can. Florian returns to himself in pieces, but Ray wonders if he'll ever be whole. Guilt presses in, rendering them silent when words are most desperately needed.
Ray returns from a brief walk on deck to find Florian naked in bed, knife in his hand and the sheets streaked red. Florian waves the knife to keep Ray from interfering as he continues cutting away the brand. With a cry, Ray's hands close around the blade. Their blood flows together, the bright red diluted by their tears.
::end::