In the Still of the Night
Oriya isn't sure when his fascination with Muraki first made itself known. He thinks that it must be some time ago, because he doesn't remember a time when he didn't have it.
It's a curious fascination, to be sure. It's not friendship, because Oriya doesn't have friends, just associates. It's not love, because love is for the weak and self-delusional, and Oriya isn't weak. It's not hate, because Oriya hasn't tried to kill Muraki yet. Besides, he's felt hate, and it's not like this.
It might be lust, he thinks, because the doctor is without a doubt handsome. A demon in white, Oriya thinks, or perhaps an angel amused by suffering.
But in the still of the night, as Muraki lowers him to the bed, Oriya's hands fisted in his buckle-covered jacket, he finds that he doesn't really care.
FINIS