Disclaimer: I do not own Ai no Kusabi or any of its franchise. Only the story and original characters belong to me.
Rated NC-17 for sexual and language content
Boys Love, Don't Hate
Thanks to all that have reviewed. You do not know how much motivation it is to hear people liking your story. To those of you wishing for the next chapter, here it is, I hope it does not disappoint. It is still moving a little slow, but I hope I made up for it with a little RaoulxKatze action. Sorry still no IasonxRiki, but just know I am working up to it. Also a side note, I am really sorry it took so long, I really had it finished earlier this week, but when I went to save it Word freaked out and everything I had worked on disappeared and I could not get it back... I was so mad... It is not easy to write to "good" scenes. Anyways, I hope you enjoy this chapter.
Chapter 4
Riki clung to a boulder, the tip sticking out of the water near the edge of the island. He found this one particularly comfortable, because it curved below the surface like a seat so he could stretch out comfortably, but still be able to swim away at a moment's notice. The tip was perfect to hug, although cool to the touch it was what he needed to keep his senses, and not listen to his stomach which screamed of hunger.
The few handfuls of cooked meat had been delicious and Riki could already feel the energy coursing through his body. But having been half starved for two months since his capture, Riki was desperate to get nourishment and that meal was a tantalizing beginning.
He watched the land walkers take away the food and the table and mourned the loss of the plate as he watched the land walker named Iason pick up the plate from the dock and hand it to another land walker who seemed to bob in place which confused him. Why would land walkers bob to each other?
He would have to wait for them to feed him again, but he hoped that it would be out of their reach. Sighing, Riki lay there relaxing watching the shore, his stomach growled and he licked his lips. He closed his eyes wishing he was like the kelp or the grass, soaking up the sun to grow.
OoOoOoOoOoO
After his afternoon ride, Iason asked to have his meal brought down to the dock along with his pets and that a deck chair be set up along. He then went to his rooms where he changed from his sweaty clothes into a warmer but relaxing outfit. Picking up his novel from the table beside his bed, Iason made his way to the docks where the sun was slowly dipping downwards.
Glancing around, he saw no sign of his pet and sighed quietly before taking a seat in the deck chair that was full of cushions. He nodded approving, as a servant had left a pot of hot tea on a table placed next to the chair. Pouring a cup he settled back, stretching his long legs out before him and opened his book to where he left off.
There was a slight breeze and he relaxed having worked Royal Escape hard that afternoon. It was not long till his dinner was brought out. A basket of sandwiches and a bowl of hot gravy to dip them in. Another plate of seared meat had been prepared for his pet along with some grilled vegetables. He placed the tray next to his chair within reach and ate a sandwich as he read.
At some point he must have nodded off because the next thing he knew, the sun was low on the horizon and the distinct sound of splashing could be heard nearby. A loud thump as someone who had pulled themselves onto the dock out of the water.
Cracking his eyes barely, he saw the merman sitting on the edge of the dock carefully watching him before coming closer and reaching a hand out for some of the food. AS soon as he had a handful he jerked back out of reach.
Iason watched in silence as the merman tore through the food like he was starved. The mer's short hair stuck up at odd angles, but his face was bronzed and delicate showing a defined nose and intelligent eyes. His arms looked like they would be powerfully muscular and his stomach was toned, the muscles rippling with every movement. Iason had never seen another creature so fascinating from the glimmering scales of dark brown, almost black, reflecting the red rays of the sun to the way he was so cautious, yet unafraid to sit beside him while Iason slept.
The merman reached for another serving, his movements more confident and slower, but he still pulled back out of reach. Iason would have to wait for the right moment to catch him, the moment his guard was completely down. His hand snaked out again a third time, but was still quick. Iason heard a loud growl and had to force himself not to chuckle. It made sense, the merman had not eaten much since he arrived and Iason was not sure how much before that.
The Merman paused waiting to see if Iason reacted to the loud stomach noise. When Iason didn't, he pulled himself a little closer so he was further on the dock. He had finished the meat and was working on the vegetables, he made a weird sound, and grimaced as if he wasn't sure if he liked the vegetables or not.
He cast about and spotted half of the sandwich that Iason had been eating. Carefully, the Mer maneuvered himself around Iason and reached for the sandwich. That was when Iason moved, his hand striking the boy's wrist in a gentle yet firm hold. He jumped and screeched, but caught off guard and balance Iason quickly had Riki pinned.
Riki stared up into those blue eyes frozen in shock and fear. His hunger had gotten to him as he had gone to see what other edible things there were. Having mistaken Iason to be asleep he found himself pinned beneath the man, although not as heavy, still quite powerful.
Iason gazed down at his lovely pet. His skin soft to the touch, but his face betrayed his shock and fear. Iason realized that the pet might be a little skittish but this was more than he had ever seen before. Suddenly, inspired Iason knew what he wanted to know. He wanted to know what the creature called himself, after all, Iason could not keep calling him the Merman.
"What is your name?" Iason asked and Riki's eyes conveyed his confusion at the language.
"What is your name?" Iason repeated, but Riki still looked at him confused.
"I am Iason," Iason released his hold to put a hand to his chest as he said his name, "What is yours?" he repeated putting his finger to Riki's bare chest.
Riki, realizing that he had a little freedom, rolled, pulling Iason off balance. Taking advantage of the loose grip he rolled and wriggled out of Iason's grip before he slid back into the lake. Swimming as fast as he could, his heart pounding in his chest.
Iason sat up from where he found himself sprawled. He had not taken an unceremonious dump since the first year of his military training. Though he did not mind it as much as he should have. He smiled at himself for failing at getting the creature's name, but he would have to try again another time.
Picking up his book he looked at the upturned meal. He wasn't really hungry, but a thought occurred to him. He took the rest of his sandwiches and put them on a plate near the edge of the dock. The Merman, seemed to be exceptionally hungry and Iason did not think that holding food over his head to be the best maneuver at this stage. He had to work gently to tame his young pet.
He handed the basket to a footman at the entrance hall as he climbed the stairs. He noticed the fine layer of dust had been polished away from the molding and railings. He entered the evening parlor, the room warm from a glowing fire and candles lit everywhere. Raoul and Katze sat across from each other at a chess board and from the quick glance over it, it looked like Raoul was winning, but on closer inspection, Iason saw that it was in fact Katze who was only a few moves from checking Raoul's king.
Sitting calmly on the duvet next to the chess board, smirked as Raoul took his time trying to figure out his next move. He was obviously slowly realizing that he had fallen into a trap. A string of oaths came out of his mouth that impressed Iason, and Katze laughed before suddenly straightening and hiding his mirth behind a blank face.
"Here, take my queen and go ahead and check me," Raoul said pouting and glaring at the red headed body guard. Katze moved his Bishop to take the queen. Raoul moved his rook to take Katze's last pawn which allowed Katze to take the rook.
"Check-mate," Katze said in a monotone, but his eyes crinkled in laughter. Iason just sat smirking as he watched Raoul burn a little under the collar.
"Once more, this time I will beat you," he said jabbing a finger at Katze.
"As you wish sir Raoul," Katze said respectfully, though Iason knew that if he had not been there, there would be more fun banter between the two men.
"Iason, go away so Katze will actually pretend to be human," Raoul said flapping a hand at Iason as he reset the pieces.
"But watching the two of you is so much fun," he said smiling as he leaned on the armrest.
"How is your Merman pet?" Raoul asked changing the subject.
"Fine, I lost a wrestling match with him, and it was quite enjoyable. Much like you losing to Katze, here over chess. You know that I have a hard time beating him, and as you have never beat me, you should have no chance," Iason said bringing the subject back around.
"Really, but I win against him every once in a wh… Do you lose to me on purpose?" Raoul asked glaring at Katze who had a slight blush on his cheeks.
"Now, now Raoul, not everyone is good at chess. Though I must say that you are better at some things over others. Chess is not one of them, but if you ever settle your mind to it you could do great things," Iason told him and the two men began a new game.
Iason sat watching them and laughed as Katze intentionally lost to Raoul, but this time Raoul was aware of it and he growled at Katze before dragging him off for the night. Iason slowly followed behind, allowing them to disappear up the stairs and he heard Katze protesting about something.
Reaching his room, Iason changed before crawling into his bed. It was cold and he felt a slight pang of sadness as he felt that he would never find a person to be with him, like Raoul and Katze were. Not that he did not have bed mates in the past, but he had grown tired of them when he was young. Yawning, he relaxed and let himself drift off to sleep.
The next morning, Iason came down to the docks to see if his pet was around. He saw that the plate had nothing but crumbs. Smiling he picked up the plate only to do a double take. Etched into the wood by the plate, Iason saw a name.
RIKI
Smiling he was happy that he was finally had a name. Riki, that name was beautiful in its simplicity and seemed to fit him perfectly.
Iason collected the empty plate and headed back to the palace to begin his day.
OoOoOoOoO
Riki's heart was pounding hard in his chest as he settled to the bottom of the lake. He felt a thrill of excitement from staring into those blue eyes, eyes that felt like the depths of the sea. Depths that he could fall into and never make it back out of.
Rubbing his wrist where Iason had held him. The land walker had not actually hurt him, but as Riki twisted out of the grip, the land walker's hand burned on his skin. Riki did not understand the sensations coursing through him, he only knew that Iason was dangerous for him and he had to work harder to get back to the ocean. He missed its sweet alluring call and the melody of the deeps. The lake was too strange, little life, though the purity of the water made him feel tranquil though edgy. As if something dangerous was lurking out of sight.
As the last rays of the sun pulled back from the sky turning the sky into a cascade of colors quickly darkening into a deep indigo hue. The sky clear as stars popped out, brighter than Riki had ever seen. The Moon came up a waning gibbous, bright hanging above.
Riki emerged on the far side of the lake away from the patrols along the road. Using his hands he wiped as much water as he could off himself, willing himself to dry. Once his scales started feeling flaky, he imagined being a land walker. Walking on two legs, the feel of his skin, and the commune with the land. A splitting pain arced along his tail, but aware of the process, Riki bit his lip as he watched his scales and skin dry up and fall off leaving behind two legs and other land walker anatomy.
Tonight, Riki wanted to get some clothes. He had noticed that the land walkers always wore them and figured it would be best to have some himself. Then he would see Royal Escape. The young stallion wanted to help him and Riki could only begin with learning the land walker's language.
Stealing along the edge of the lake staying towards the shadows of rocks and trees alike. Riki made it into the rock circle he remembered was called the courtyard. He did not enter the palace called Eos, but stole around towards the stables, remembering the gateway that went past there. He found rows of same plants. He picked a red fruit off of one vine, tentatively taking a bite out of it he spat it back out, finding it hollow and full of seeds. Dropping the fruit on the ground he selected another plant. This one had long green pods on it.
He pulled the first pod and took a tentative bite. Sweetness flooded his mouth and he gobbled down the pod. Then he continued eating them until he felt like he could eat no more.
I went further down the path, he spotted something flapping slightly on the breeze that through the area. It was a rope with several clothes flapping in the wind. Looking at them he remembered that most of them wore something on their legs and another article over their chests.
Picking a soft fabric, Riki looked at it before attempting to jump into the holes and tangled his feet in the cloth, falling over with a small cry of pain.
"Oww," he said looking at the offending item. Looking at them again, he stayed seated but lifted his feet in the air and deftly maneuvered the things over his feet. With his feet free, he rolled forwards and stood pulling up the thing. He let go and the material immediately pooled around his feet. This wasn't right, he bent down, pulled them back up and let go. Once again the maddening thing pooled at his feet. Pulling them up once more, Riki took them in hand and looked for something to tie around his waist. A coil of twine lay off to the side and with deft fingers Riki had the things tied off around his waist.
He then selected a shirt, but was confused when the loose material fell around his ankles. It was a soft thin shift, Riki pulled it off and selected something that looked shorter but was also a little thicker material. He pulled it on and this shirt fell a little further than where his tail normally began. It clung to him and warmed him. He had not realized he had been cold before.
Clothes gotten, Riki walked back along the path hiding behind the gate as a guard walked by whistling. He stole by as the guard rounded a corner and ran the short distance to the stable. He cautiously gazed about looking to see if anyone was around. Lights above told him a few of the stable folk were still up, but if he kept quiet he would be fine.
"Royal Escape," he whispered at the door to the stallion's stall.
"Riki? What is it, I'm tired," the horse responded in a sleepy mutter.
"You were going to teach me land walker speech remember," he muttered to the horse.
"Oh right. Just a little, Master Iason rode me hard today. It was a lot of fun, but still even my energy can go so far on these mountains," he mumbled.
"Who is Iason?" Riki said knowing who it was but wanted Royal Escape to give some more information.
"Master Iason the human Prince of this land," Royal Escape explained.
"Human?" Riki asked.
"What the two legged runners call themselves," the horse replied starting to get excited, "Iason is a really good master. He puts up with me testing him every once in a while and my games. He also always brings me an apple and sugar treats, they are very good," the horse bragged fully awake now and ready to discuss his favorite human.
"He sounds nice. Though today, he caught me and had me pinned to the dock. He asked me something, um… 'What is your name?' what does that mean?" Riki asked taking care to pronunciate each of the human words correctly.
"Oh, he just wanted to know your name. He probably wanted to see if he had to give you a name too. He gave me mine when I was a colt. My dam said that Iason came to her paddock before the other trainers had taken a good look at me and Iason said, 'that's my escape, Royal Escape,' Cool Right!" the horse continued to talk answering questions until even Riki yawned from exhaustion.
The lights upstairs had been blown out and the moonlight was soft. Begging off, Riki yawned as he bayed the stallion goodnight and stole back across the courtyard and down to the dock. The moon was already hidden by the island but in the dim light Riki could make out a tray of sandwiches. He ate them, savoring the rich flavors.
"Maybe this human Iason wasn't so bad," Riki thought to himself. He might let Iason talk to him, after all he was making sure Riki had food. But, Riki still gelt a slight fear of the tall blond human whose eyes were deeper and darker than the deepest ocean. What secrets were held there, Riki did not think that he would ever know.
Though to be fair, in answer for the consideration of the food left to him. Riki decided he should give something back. Going to the path Riki found a jagged and pointy rock and came back to the plate. Taking careful stroke like Ima had taught him, Riki carved his name there. Finished with his handiwork, Riki pulled off his clothes and slid into the lake. His feet did not touch bottom, but that was ok. Thinking about what he wanted, Riki clenched his teeth against the pain he felt as his legs merge and he became Mer once more.
Gathering the clothes, he tucked them into a shelf above the water line under the dock where no one would find them before flipping back into the lake finding a warm spot at the base of the island, where a warm jet of water blasted into the lake. He closed his eyes and dreamed of home and the chance that soon come.
OoOoOoOoO
Iason had not taken two steps through the entrance of Eos and the cook was upon him in a flurry. The cook absentmindedly took the plate as he explained his problem.
"The maids complaining that clothes have gone missing your highness. And others left in the dirt, stained now with grass. Another maid said that she found a bell pepper in the garden and all the sweet peas eaten on several plants. And a stable hand saying that a weird muttering could be heard in the stables, a guard said he saw a ghost the other night," the cook went on and on with the list.
"Thank you for coming to me with this. I will have the nightly patrol be more aware tonight. Now, I will take my breakfast down at the docks," Iason said walking off leaving the cook exasperated.
Taking the stairs slowly as if he had nowhere important to go and entered the library to grab the latest volume he needed to read along with a ledger. A maid stationed there curtsied as he turned his attention to her.
"Bring down a desk with ink and quills to the docks. I wish to do my work there this morning," he said before striding out as she curtsied again.
He walked down Raoul's corridor and was about to knock on the door as a load cry penetrated the door, "Raoul, harder," he heard. Iason chuckled, a little heated from the sound of passion coming from beyond the door and the chamber beyond and decided to let his cousin and bodyguard be for the morning.
OoOoOoOoO
Katze had woken to that morning to Raoul's mouth encompassing him. Moaning he unconsciously tangled his hands in the blond locks bobbing between his legs. His breath rasping in his throat as he quickly came, Raoul continuing to suck on him long after he had finished.
"Raoul, stop," he rasped, his vision blurry. Green eyes looked up with hunger, as he raised Katze's leg and kissed up the inner thigh. Goosebumps rose of Katze's skin and he trembled in anticipation. Gently, Raoul pushed Katze's knees to his chest as he entered his swiftly. Katze gasped as he felt the utter fullness from Raoul's cock brush that sensitive spot.
A quick change of angle and Raoul was rubbing that spot lightly with each thrust. Raoul breathed heavily from Raoul's weight pressing him into the bed and the utter agony of pleasure as Raoul pumped into him. It wasn't enough, Katze grasped Raoul and cried out, "Raoul, harder."
Raoul paused surprised from the demand in Katze's voice. He had never heard the body guard order him like that, never felt the passion in his voice that strained from an overwhelming need. It was a turn on to see that Katze could be just as vocal as his body was honest. As far as he could remember, Katze had never begged for Raoul to do more than to do him. For Katze to cry out for more was something strange and different.
Slipping out, Katze whimpered but Raoul rolled him to his knees. Kneeling over him, Raoul entered with a strong hard stroke that left Katze gasping. "Yes, fuck yes," he cried as the angle allowed Raoul to rub his center with each quick hard stroke. Raoul, felt the friction growing hotter and watched as Katze's pale back, dewed with sweat, arch as he reached up to the headboard and twinging his hands around the intricate carving held on as he moaned and called out for Raoul.
Raoul leaned harder into his thrusts and reached around taking hold of Katze's hard hot flesh, moist with pre-cum. Matching the rhythm of his thrusts with his hand, Raoul worked Katze, panting over Katze with each thrust.
With Raoul's hand squeezing him, and his prostate being rubbed with each t thrust, Katze was surprised he could even think, focusing on Raoul's panting breath above him, he cried out as the pleasure hit the brink and spilled over. He came hard against Raoul's hand, his head jerking back as he cried out in a long low moan.
Raoul felt Katze tense before he cried out and came in his hand. Spurts of cum coating his hand, and then Katze tightened up in a grip that held him and Raoul felt the overwhelming pressure and heat holding him making him cum within Katze.
They waited there, paralyzed with their orgasms, afraid that if they relaxed it would all come to an end. Finally Raoul leaned down, his body still shaking either from fatigue or ecstasy and kissed Katze on the shoulder blade, wrapping his arms around his middle. Katze gingerly turned around looking at Raoul, and saw his shimmering blond hair haloing his face in the minute morning light that filtered into the room. This was his prince.
"Katze, promise me you will never leave. Promise me that no matter what happens you will never leave my side," Raoul asked not daring to ask for anything else.
Katze leaned up and kissed Raoul's lips, half turned in his arms. It was light, but carried immense feeling. Not a kiss of passion, but a kiss that said he took care of what Raoul said. "I promise that I will never leave your side, my prince," Katze said this looking into Raoul's green eyes, hinting no more to his feelings than the promise he had given.
Raoul cupped his chin and kissed him back. The kneeled there together like a secret. Neither saying their true feelings, but both knowing that this turn of questions had come about from the proclamation Iason had said the day before. Raoul would be required to do his duty to the kingdom and that did not include Katze at his side, but at his back watching over him.
