Quickie A/N: Right. First off, this was written as part one of a five part series for the community stagesoflove on livejournal so there will be more. Secondly, this is my first time ever attempting this pairing, so though I do so adore constructive crit, let's keep it tame, shall we? Thanks a bunch!
Ayame had been in love with Hatori for years, and everybody knew it. It was hardly the best kept secret in the world-though with Shigure around, it was a miracle that any of the family's secrets were kept so-but no one hassled the poor snake about it. Bad enough that he should be in love at all, what with Akito's raging against anyone who dared to think of building a life for themselves, but worse by far to feel so strongly about a man who would never look to you that way. A man who had already found and married his true love, only to lose because of a jealous god. No, Hatori's heart was locked fiercely away with his memories of his one happy time, with her.
Ayame knew this-and he knew it well, being one of the two people who had been there to see Hatori break down after erasing all his beloved's memories of himself-and he also knew that there was never going to be any hope that Hatori might love again. He'd tried, once, with a woman that he had once known only as the best friend of his Kana, but thanks to Shigure had started to see in a different light. The thing with her had seemed to be going somewhere...but then it had stopped, abruptly and without warning, and Hatori had refused to speak of it or her again. So, no love. But Ayame was willing to take all that he could get from the other man, and he knew for a fact that Hatori was not entirely indifferent to him.
It was in the way that he didn't like to be too close to Ayame for long periods of time; the way that his breathing would quicken and his face would flush at prolonged contact. Ayame knew the signs well, knew what they meant: Hatori was attracted to him, and Ayame planned to use that to his fullest advantage. The dragon's heart may not be available, but he could have his body...and that would have to be enough.