p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"The greek closed his eyes when the blue bullet pierced through all his subterfuges and went straight to the heart. The purulent repression pouring out of the wound in front of the expert eyes of the northern surgeon, that tried, without success, to keep his emotional distance from the scene./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"-It is normal- Aphro offered as a painkiller. His voice had all the peace he didn't feel himself as he watched Milo turn and curl around the invisible wound in his chest- The high is the hardest part to manage, for all of us. We all feel it. Don't be too hard on yourself about it./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"-You don´t understand Aphrodite. I ..fucking liked it./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"-I know. It is not your fault. It happens to us all./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"The Greek moved on the spot again. He saw the spark of pain behind Aphrodite serene eyes; he was learning to see through that beautiful mask, bit by bit. That pitch of weakness in his partner allowed Milo to finally be weak himself. He rolled back close to the northern, and closed his eyes hard, trying to dissipate a nightmare./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"-It is sick./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"-I know./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"That was all he could offer, and it meant a lot./p
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p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"Aphrodite sighted, hand on his forehead. Not even the breathtaking landscape at their feet could compensate for this. More than a week! His far-famed patience was enduring a trial by fire./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"-Relax your muscles; you don't need to use strength to hold the rifle up. If you try, it will just shake./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"The shaking rifle just shook more, as a response. Aphrodite barely managed to keep himself from growling in frustration. It was like talking to a very attentive wall. And the worst part was that he couldn't even be mad at the wall for not obeying! It was not the wall´s fault being a wall, just as it wasn´t Milo´s fault being...well, himself. He was born a firecracker. His body just had no concept of what that "relax and do nothing" thing was, and the more he tried to accomplish that mysterious state called passivity the tenser he got./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"-...Ok...Fuck this. I´m done. Let´s try another way./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"-What now? I´m trying to do what you say!/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"-Stop trying. Just stay there./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"Milo felt his mentor move closer and kneel somewhere behind him. Then, some weight landed on his hip, followed by the pressure of soft white hands checking his muscles over the t-shirt. He found the idea funny, until his blood started boiling and he had to cut his breath to keep himself silent. Kind fingers pinned and rubbed his shoulders, firm, but gentle, and that mixture of strength and softness was driving him crazy. The first hard push close to his neck made him moan behind closed lips. The tension released run as pleasant electricity through his body, from Aphrodite´s hands to the tips of Milo´s toes, where it left his body with a lovely tickling. From funny, things had turned into something really confusing. He was about to complain, but his words turned into a deep sigh instead, so he kept them in and waited, wishing both for it to end quickly and for it to last forever./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"-Try to aim now, just don´t shoot, I´ll take care of the muscles that get tense as you move./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"Aphrodite's voice sounded softer than usual, warmer, abstractly inviting. Milo knew it was just his imagination. But, what if it wasn´t?Just thinking about that possibility turned up the heat in his body to about a thousand degrees, blushing his chicks and tensing the muscles that Aphrodite´s hands then proceed to loosen, in an accidental roller coaster of sensations for the greek./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"His body understood that language way better than words, though. It responded, loosening and relaxing under the sniper´s commands, like a dog responding to the voice of his master. The dog had the sweetest master on Earth, or so was what the intrusive thoughts in his head read. It worked though, even if it got him all flushed and sweaty. That was the point, right? For it to work. What was so wrong about his physical reaction, anyway? He needed some peace, some pleasure in the middle of hell, even if he had entered it willingly. Milo´s eyelids dropped, his mind clinging on to the feeling of relief over the confusion./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"There was just a little detail he just couldn't ignore. The sooth, the heat that those hands brought to him was burning in his chest, not in his shored back. Each time a bit of tension abandoned his back, tortured by contractions untold until not long ago, the physical relief was overshadowed by his heart going wild. It was Aphrodite´s fault, of course, he decided. There was no practical need of it, harsher treatment of his muscles would have achieved the same results faster, in exchange for a little bit of pain, but the strange man had decided not to go that way. He was too kind, and Milo was just thankful. That was all. Why was he so considerate, anyway?/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"In all honesty, the sniper was slightly surprised with his own behaviour as well. For all Milo´s overthinking, he just didn´t think anything of his own physical response. He had been in hell for long enough to just take any pleasant experience he could get, and not caring to ask questions. His fingers sent warm signals to the rest of his body. That was pleasant. There was nothing wrong with that. Soft feelings, and a strange sense of pride, poured into his heart as he felt Milo´s muscles relax under his hands and the weapon finally come to a much needed point of balance. The satisfaction spread like wildfire, melting his own rigidity away in a heart felt smile he wasn't even aware of. a happy, honest smile, the very glittering and honest gesture that Milo and all the soldiers doubted Aphrodite was even capable of, happened there, when nobody could see it. But it felt alright. That was all Aphrodite knew. He closed his eyes, and just enjoyed the soothing warmth and the unusual optimism filling his heart, drop by drop. That is, until Shura´s voice in off came into play./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""You are getting too fond of the kid", the nagging voice would say "That may make you soft with him"/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"Aphrodite just dismissed it without a second thought. This was just a physical reaction, they all have had those before, and they were fun to play with while they lasted. But as he tried to indulge himself, the little voice kept coming back, until he had no choice but to give it some concessions and engage in introspection. Just for an instant, just to be safe and have firm grounds to dismiss it forever. What he found was himself being happy, so innocently and honestly happy just by looking down at his friend´s relaxed back and knowing himself the cause of that relief, that... that something had to be going terribly wrong with him. Terribly, terribly wrong./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"His own skin burning did not concern him, nor did his whole body going in jeopardy each time his partner moaned. The tenderness, the bits of it that hided under the electricity and the heat, that was a problem. He had always had a soft spot for the passionate greek, since the initial weeks. He hadn't thought twice about it. It didn't interfere with his job. It would eventually go away. So who cared? Him, it seems, cause it had not gone away, it had been getting worse, but so slowly, and among so much external chaos, he hadn´t even noticed it. He had been, he was still, like the proverbial frog swimming in a pot while the water around him was being heated so slowly he hadn´t even notice he was about to boil to death, until now. He wanted Milo to be okay, he noticed with horror. It was not a passive preference, as he had assumed before, it was an active desire. He really wanted Milo to be fine, to keep his honest spirit intact, to be happy even. And that was a bad wish to have, because it was not going to happen. It was his job to personally make him suffer, to throw him to the sharks until he learned to swim, to crumble that innocence he adored down, bit by bit, and whatever he was feeling was bond to intervene./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"-Fuck.../p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"-Hm?/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"The sniper stood up, doing his best to ignore the spectacle that his friend was, blushed crimson, breathing irregularly and staring at him with misty eyes all filled with confusion and curiosity. It had been the nocturnal talks, he decided. They had been necessary to earn Milo´s trust, but now their job was done, and they were fucking over./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"-Don´t look at me and try to aim….Does it work better?/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"It did, and it would work even better, the Greek thought, if he could stop fantasizing about another massage and rid his mind of the vapor and the passion and the fog./p
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p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"That night the moon was full, irradiating light over the trees and cliffs. Aphrodite was looking into his friend´s eyes. He breathed slowly, and enjoyed the moment, making it last a much as he could./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"-We are going to practice again when we get there. Shaka has some prisoners he won´t use anymore./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"Silence. Milo inhaled deeply. The night had a magical effect on him. It kept him from getting mad. It truly turned into bitter observation. He looked at his partner, pale and beautiful under the sad moon light, like mad of moonlight himself. He smiled, hopelessly, controlled his impulses, and longed for the old days, in which those big blue eyes and that absent smile would repel him. Now he was suffering the opposite effect, far stronger, far more weakening, and far far more strange. his eyes got stuck on Aphrodite´s, and the sniper held his stare, thinking it was some short of moral competition./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"-Why are you doing this to me, Aphro ?/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"He whispered, breathless, unsure of what he meant at the time. His partner´s glaze escaped back to the moon, breaking the spell with fear, silence, and a really slow blinking. The small delay in the answer meant that his words had gone through the heart and sed blood to fill a fountain. he knew they had, regardless of the soothing voice that the target always managed to pull off./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"-Doing what?/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"-Why do you want me to shoot people that is tied up..to haunt people through the jungle? Why do you want me to kill prisoners for Shaka, and get used to it? I can do what Saga wants without doing any of that!/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"-No, you can´t./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"-Saga needs one of us for one shot, one specific precise shot against a bunch of people I hate enough for killing Aioros. I wouldn't hesitate with that even without ...this!/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"-Yes, you would, or at least, you may, if you are not used to it./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"-You can't know that./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"-Yes, I fucking can!- He closed his eyes, upset for the lose of control. By him, Milo´s eyes glowed with a wicked light. Something in that voice tasted like victory! The balance of power tilted in favour of the greek, making him feel a little safer- I...Look. Just...The mind doesn't work like that. Yes, it is less likely it will interfere with your hand when it's someone you hate, but it's still someone who is not an immediate threat to you, so it might. I´m not taking any risks. Nobody is, and nobody should. If you can't take this just be fucking straight about it! Nobody would judge you./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"Silence, again. Insects interfering with the star light, and a big white moon that just moved too slowly. Aphrodite was blushed with rage despite his peaceful expression, and Milo had to make an effort not to smile both in victory and in pain. He was feeling more confused about his feelings each passing day./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"-I´m sorry-the Sniper said after a long silence, vaguely referring to everything- I should have told you earlier, you are not a kid...I guess./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"Milo growled a little,his ego again under attack, the balance of power tilting to Aphrodite´s side with just a grain of wit./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"-I´m sorry about your leg./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"-You said that already./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"-If it happens in a tree, at the verge of death it doesn't quite count- Both smiled, lips comfortably curled up, body and soul comfortably exhausted from the permanent wrestling with each other. It felt great. It was a different kind of pain and just for that they carved it./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"-Can I be honest with you?- Aphrodite asked, turning his head over the pillow of moss and leaves/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"-I´m starting to doubt it./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"His wittiness got the most beautiful smile as a price. Milo felt like melting, and escaped to the sky, looking for forgotten childhood constellations while Aphrodite talked softly./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"- I'm glad you are here. That you are learning to do this. It´s… I needed someone to talk to. Someone who ...well, who actually "gets it" -A humorless smile spoiled his face. He smirked further, smirked at pale stars shaped like fish walking over them, and at the blood-sucking insects that shone like stardust under the moonlight- Not the most altruistic thing to say, huh? I guess misery loves company... You can yell at me now, if you want./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"-Well...-silence, long and thick- What do you want me to say? Youem are/em an asshole-Milo had to say it, it was a matter of mental health after hearing that confession, but he was not mad, he just couldn't- ..but...I get it. This shucks. Your job shucks. So..I'm..kind of glad you are around too. It's...It has to be done, and it has to be done by someone. it´s not like when I was not involved it was not happening so...Well...I guess it's okay./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"The greek continued with that wide smile of his, deliciously oblivious to the effects that those words had had on the other man. He had no clue of how long his friend had needed to hear that, exactly that, exactly those words, from someone else. The sound of a lock opening and a key falling to the ground could almost be heard in the silence of the night. Milo didn´t hear the click immediately, but as he looked in his partner´s eyes he saw something new, something warm and shy he had never seen, and at the same time, something he had always known was there. A kind, caressing breeze swirled him around, and he just gave in to it. To the pleasure and the pain and the madness he was in./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"-This doesn't fit your character, Aphro. It´s not like you- he whispered, sharing his discovery as a secret- This doesn't fit you at all. Why do you do it?/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"The northern answered in the same confidential voice, unaware of his own words./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"-Somebody has to. You said it yourself./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"-Why you? Why not someone else? You had to get into it, but you could have left it since then, and you have not. Why?/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"-Because...I´m good at it. If I´m the one shooting, I know it is going to be as fast and painless as it can be, ..., I also wouldn't trust anyone else./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"-With your life?/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"-With theirs./p
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p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"-Okay! Waking up, ladies! There is enough light to see a bear at a foot distance, so there is enough light to walk!/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"Milo groaned and curled up when the stupid pilot kicked his ribs. That was Deathmask´s substitute for "good morning" that week, it seemed! It worked to wake him up, for sure. He jumped up right away, fully awake, that´s true. He was also fueled by the unique energy that comes from homicidal rage, and the sole purpose of turning the decorated body of his brother in arms into meatballs for ants. When he saw the clarity in the sky, he had no choice but to curse and bend his wish of retribution to his sense of duty. It was, indeed time to start moving, and fast./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"Shura was crawling off his niche right by him, rubbing his arm over the place where Deadmask´s "good morning" had impacted/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"-What the hell is wrong with him? He is going professional on the whole being an asshole thing-Milo complained to Shura, rubbing his ribs and still wanting to beat up something./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"-He is worried about us three, don't be too harsh on him- Shura suggested, taking the purple circle that was already growing on his arm with disgusting resignation./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"-He is insane -Milo growled/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"-Yes. That too. But now he is also worried./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"Ahead of them Deadmask had gotten everything ready, and was pulling Aphrodite up by the arm like a dead weight. Milo didn´t like that. he had no clue about why, but he knew he didn´t like it. DeadMask looked at him straight, and smiled wide, daring him to complaint at all. He carried his stuff with one arm, and held the sniper with the other/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"-It has been enough time, I can walk- Aphrodite complained, pulling away from the Italian to stand on his own./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"-No, you can not./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"-You two can't keep this speed wh-Mask dropped the bag that was carrying on his right and clawed the snippers neck, cutting the flow of air./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"-Finish that sentence, Blondy, or say something about walking on your own again, and you´ll be picking blood for the rest of the day, I fucking swear./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"Milo got tense, Shura ignored it, and Aphrodite just rolled his eyes, annoyed, but far from intimidated. He abandoned his attempt of standing by himself and lined back against Mask, looking more like a resigned older brother in no mood for arguing than like the victim of a threat. Deadmask lets go of his throat and picked the bag up again./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"-Fine. But you´ll take it easy from now on. Okay? You´ve been carrying too much weight- Aphrodite growled in a whisper- And I mean it in more than one way./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"-Ok, ok...I´ll slow down- he groaned back, accepting the implicit deal./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"-Good boy./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"-Shut Up... Hey! You! The not-so-blond piece of shit!Hurry up, shall you? We've got to cross an open and I'm not crazy about doing it at noon!/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"Milo growled something as he accommodated Shura´s arm, Shura´s load, and his own on his shoulders, and rushed to follow the other two through the jungle. He couldn't explain why, but the unexplained partner switch kept him annoyed all through the march./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"It was because Aphrodite was much lighter than Shura, he kept rationalizing. The disgusting mass of muscles that had appointed himself as boss could at least use his body for something and carry the heaviest wounded soldier, as he had done before!/p
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p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"Yeah...The whole avoiding the nights with Milo was not quite going as expected, but it was all business related./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"-Don´t be so hard on yourself, you are not that bad...If it makes you feel better, I was worse, when I started/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"-Really?/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"-Wow, that made you far too happy. You know?/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"- Was that a long ago?/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"-I can't tell you- Aphrodite reminded in a light mood, pushing a cricket off his leg/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"-Well...Tell me more. I want to know emeverything/em about how much you shucked. And, please, do expand on the humiliating details./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"The greek turned on his side to look straight at the other as a rule instead of as an exception, which had been the norm regarding stares so far. That made his not caring about the stars anymore, something official. The big blue lights he loved sparkled, surprised, but didn´t run away to the sky as they normally would. There was a ghost of pain through them, but they stayed, stayed on him. There was even an amused smile curving Aphrodite´s lips. Milo smiled, pleased with that,even if he couldn't explain why. He moved closer to his friend, expecting a rejection that didn´t come./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"- Well...I was worse than you emin some aspects/em. I did have that crazy notion of "self control" you must have never heard of, and I didn´t shake the rifle like while I held it as If I was an epileptic monkey... but...well...I was worse in pother things./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"-Like?/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"-I..could does not bring myself to pull the trigger, sometimes. Far too often. Fuck, in the beginning, almost never. It would be fine for a while, and out of the blue I just froze. I actually...-Aphrodite scratched the back of his head, clearly uncomfortable- I fucked up big time because of that a couple of times. It could...It did in a way. I..Can't go into details but..-He shocks his head- I thought it would get better with time, but it went worse. As we continued...being in the situation we were I would simply freeze for no reason I could tell. Once it was the fingernails you know? We had gotten ourselves better equipment. I looked through the visor, and suddenly I can see the guy's fingernail. It has smashed with something, so it was black with blood, that is the only reason I could see it, is not like we got visors from wonderland, but...Well. You know. I was their best shot though when I didn't have my head up my ass. So, I kept at it -the man shook his head and smiled, apologetical and shy, making Milo's hear flutter-Mask would have to snap me out of it by radio..Sometimes, by the very end of it...I guess it was the lack of sleep, but he actually had to stay behind with me...Fuck, I think his barking saved us more than I did. You can not rely on your willpower for this shit, you know? You became a death weight when it runs out.../p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"-So, you´ve known each other for a long time, right? With Shura, too?- That was the end of the magic, and the calm, and the stupid perfume they were letting themselves be wrapped by. Aphrodite's eyes snapped open, quickly recapping over the conversation. The verdict was clear, either he was stupid, or he had gone insane./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"-Ok, I think this has been enough for today./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"He practically jumped on his feet. He tried to leave the scene of the crime walking naturally, which he totally failed to accomplish. Milo grabbed his wrist and tried to pull him back down, with no better success./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"-Hey? Where did that came from? Is not such a big deal!/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"-Yes, it is. Let go!/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"-I don't even know your name dammit! Or his! Or anyone else´s! What if I know you knew each other's from before this war?/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"-Nothing, as far as that's all you know. Now, forget it, and let me go./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"-You can't be fighting with others and have no trust in them!/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"-I can do pretty amazing things, Milo. Now, let me go before I make you do it by force. I´m not asking you a fourth time./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"Milo let him go with a spiteful glance, that the other ignored completely. The greek was furious at himself; he had been so close to tilting the balance definitively towards his end!/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"-Maybe it´s you the one who betrays us! Maybe is you I should worry about!- he yelled, furiously/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"-That is the fucking spirit!- The black shadow yelled back, so much bitterness in his voice it could have melted a fork./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"Aphrodite stayed by DeathMask as a second shadow from then on. It didn't surprise anyone; the pilot was growing more violent by days and it made but sense that Aphrodite wanted to stay nearby to keep him under control. DeathMask was the only one who understood that his friend was hiding from something./p
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p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"The first thing he had done when he arrived on camp was going to get whiskey, which meant he had clashed with Mu. He had also clashed with Milo again on his way back from arguing with Mu, because why not? And after that with Aiolia, since he was at it already./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"-He is behaving strange lately, isn't he?/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"-Two of us are hurt, and Aiolos is down, he is worried. Plus, this whole spy thing is getting under everyone's skin, don't you think?/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"Aphrodite understood what Shaka was actually suggesting. In the same way, Shaka understood the accusation hidden in the other´s answer. The spy and the sniper got along really well. Their jobs had a lot in common, and the job shapes the mind./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"-Do you think he may have one of his attacks soon?/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"-Mask? No, I don't think so. This is just him being his usual asshole self...for the most part- Shaka noded, and reflected for some minutes. Quiet minutes in which they both could hear the chaos in the background, where Milo tried to keep Aiolia from jumping over DeathMask, who laughed like crazy./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"-Then, if we don´t need to keep you both together, I think we should reshuffle groups./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"-I don´t. What is the point?/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"-It gives us more chances to spot the spy. It´s harder to stay covered when the observers change often. Trust me, it is my job- Aphrodite frowned/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"-Milo and I must stay together, and all injured must be in the same group to not weaken the others, we would only be relocating one person./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"Shaka smiled, and turned to grab his jacket, looking for something in the pockets. Shaka could easily see the actual accusation under Aphrodite's neutral tone. It made him smile. He responded in the same way./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"-Who is seeing a ghost now?/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"Aphrodite sighted, graciously conceding defeat in their very polite rhetoric duel, and caught the small object Shaka had taken out of the jacket. When he glanced at it, his eyes sparkled, and his stomach roared with excitement/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"- I am in charge of provisions, after all. I hope you have no complaints about that part of my job- The sniper smirked, getting one pastry in his mouth and temporally forgetting everything around./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"-Man, you fucking are the closest thing to a God that ever visits this mosquito hole./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"-I accept your attempt at a compliment./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"Hours later and by a show of hands, the grouping was decided. Mu, Milo, Shaka, and Shura were in favor of the regrouping, Deathmask and Aiolia were against it, Aphrodite and Aldebaran didn´t vote. The decision was made./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"-It is normal- Aphro offered as a painkiller. His voice had all the peace he didn't feel himself as he watched Milo turn and curl around the invisible wound in his chest- The high is the hardest part to manage, for all of us. We all feel it. Don't be too hard on yourself about it./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"-You don´t understand Aphrodite. I ..fucking liked it./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"-I know. It is not your fault. It happens to us all./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"The Greek moved on the spot again. He saw the spark of pain behind Aphrodite serene eyes; he was learning to see through that beautiful mask, bit by bit. That pitch of weakness in his partner allowed Milo to finally be weak himself. He rolled back close to the northern, and closed his eyes hard, trying to dissipate a nightmare./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"-It is sick./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"-I know./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"That was all he could offer, and it meant a lot./p
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p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"Aphrodite sighted, hand on his forehead. Not even the breathtaking landscape at their feet could compensate for this. More than a week! His far-famed patience was enduring a trial by fire./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"-Relax your muscles; you don't need to use strength to hold the rifle up. If you try, it will just shake./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"The shaking rifle just shook more, as a response. Aphrodite barely managed to keep himself from growling in frustration. It was like talking to a very attentive wall. And the worst part was that he couldn't even be mad at the wall for not obeying! It was not the wall´s fault being a wall, just as it wasn´t Milo´s fault being...well, himself. He was born a firecracker. His body just had no concept of what that "relax and do nothing" thing was, and the more he tried to accomplish that mysterious state called passivity the tenser he got./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"-...Ok...Fuck this. I´m done. Let´s try another way./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"-What now? I´m trying to do what you say!/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"-Stop trying. Just stay there./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"Milo felt his mentor move closer and kneel somewhere behind him. Then, some weight landed on his hip, followed by the pressure of soft white hands checking his muscles over the t-shirt. He found the idea funny, until his blood started boiling and he had to cut his breath to keep himself silent. Kind fingers pinned and rubbed his shoulders, firm, but gentle, and that mixture of strength and softness was driving him crazy. The first hard push close to his neck made him moan behind closed lips. The tension released run as pleasant electricity through his body, from Aphrodite´s hands to the tips of Milo´s toes, where it left his body with a lovely tickling. From funny, things had turned into something really confusing. He was about to complain, but his words turned into a deep sigh instead, so he kept them in and waited, wishing both for it to end quickly and for it to last forever./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"-Try to aim now, just don´t shoot, I´ll take care of the muscles that get tense as you move./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"Aphrodite's voice sounded softer than usual, warmer, abstractly inviting. Milo knew it was just his imagination. But, what if it wasn´t?Just thinking about that possibility turned up the heat in his body to about a thousand degrees, blushing his chicks and tensing the muscles that Aphrodite´s hands then proceed to loosen, in an accidental roller coaster of sensations for the greek./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"His body understood that language way better than words, though. It responded, loosening and relaxing under the sniper´s commands, like a dog responding to the voice of his master. The dog had the sweetest master on Earth, or so was what the intrusive thoughts in his head read. It worked though, even if it got him all flushed and sweaty. That was the point, right? For it to work. What was so wrong about his physical reaction, anyway? He needed some peace, some pleasure in the middle of hell, even if he had entered it willingly. Milo´s eyelids dropped, his mind clinging on to the feeling of relief over the confusion./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"There was just a little detail he just couldn't ignore. The sooth, the heat that those hands brought to him was burning in his chest, not in his shored back. Each time a bit of tension abandoned his back, tortured by contractions untold until not long ago, the physical relief was overshadowed by his heart going wild. It was Aphrodite´s fault, of course, he decided. There was no practical need of it, harsher treatment of his muscles would have achieved the same results faster, in exchange for a little bit of pain, but the strange man had decided not to go that way. He was too kind, and Milo was just thankful. That was all. Why was he so considerate, anyway?/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"In all honesty, the sniper was slightly surprised with his own behaviour as well. For all Milo´s overthinking, he just didn´t think anything of his own physical response. He had been in hell for long enough to just take any pleasant experience he could get, and not caring to ask questions. His fingers sent warm signals to the rest of his body. That was pleasant. There was nothing wrong with that. Soft feelings, and a strange sense of pride, poured into his heart as he felt Milo´s muscles relax under his hands and the weapon finally come to a much needed point of balance. The satisfaction spread like wildfire, melting his own rigidity away in a heart felt smile he wasn't even aware of. a happy, honest smile, the very glittering and honest gesture that Milo and all the soldiers doubted Aphrodite was even capable of, happened there, when nobody could see it. But it felt alright. That was all Aphrodite knew. He closed his eyes, and just enjoyed the soothing warmth and the unusual optimism filling his heart, drop by drop. That is, until Shura´s voice in off came into play./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""You are getting too fond of the kid", the nagging voice would say "That may make you soft with him"/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"Aphrodite just dismissed it without a second thought. This was just a physical reaction, they all have had those before, and they were fun to play with while they lasted. But as he tried to indulge himself, the little voice kept coming back, until he had no choice but to give it some concessions and engage in introspection. Just for an instant, just to be safe and have firm grounds to dismiss it forever. What he found was himself being happy, so innocently and honestly happy just by looking down at his friend´s relaxed back and knowing himself the cause of that relief, that... that something had to be going terribly wrong with him. Terribly, terribly wrong./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"His own skin burning did not concern him, nor did his whole body going in jeopardy each time his partner moaned. The tenderness, the bits of it that hided under the electricity and the heat, that was a problem. He had always had a soft spot for the passionate greek, since the initial weeks. He hadn't thought twice about it. It didn't interfere with his job. It would eventually go away. So who cared? Him, it seems, cause it had not gone away, it had been getting worse, but so slowly, and among so much external chaos, he hadn´t even noticed it. He had been, he was still, like the proverbial frog swimming in a pot while the water around him was being heated so slowly he hadn´t even notice he was about to boil to death, until now. He wanted Milo to be okay, he noticed with horror. It was not a passive preference, as he had assumed before, it was an active desire. He really wanted Milo to be fine, to keep his honest spirit intact, to be happy even. And that was a bad wish to have, because it was not going to happen. It was his job to personally make him suffer, to throw him to the sharks until he learned to swim, to crumble that innocence he adored down, bit by bit, and whatever he was feeling was bond to intervene./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"-Fuck.../p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"-Hm?/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"The sniper stood up, doing his best to ignore the spectacle that his friend was, blushed crimson, breathing irregularly and staring at him with misty eyes all filled with confusion and curiosity. It had been the nocturnal talks, he decided. They had been necessary to earn Milo´s trust, but now their job was done, and they were fucking over./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"-Don´t look at me and try to aim….Does it work better?/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"It did, and it would work even better, the Greek thought, if he could stop fantasizing about another massage and rid his mind of the vapor and the passion and the fog./p
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p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"That night the moon was full, irradiating light over the trees and cliffs. Aphrodite was looking into his friend´s eyes. He breathed slowly, and enjoyed the moment, making it last a much as he could./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"-We are going to practice again when we get there. Shaka has some prisoners he won´t use anymore./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"Silence. Milo inhaled deeply. The night had a magical effect on him. It kept him from getting mad. It truly turned into bitter observation. He looked at his partner, pale and beautiful under the sad moon light, like mad of moonlight himself. He smiled, hopelessly, controlled his impulses, and longed for the old days, in which those big blue eyes and that absent smile would repel him. Now he was suffering the opposite effect, far stronger, far more weakening, and far far more strange. his eyes got stuck on Aphrodite´s, and the sniper held his stare, thinking it was some short of moral competition./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"-Why are you doing this to me, Aphro ?/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"He whispered, breathless, unsure of what he meant at the time. His partner´s glaze escaped back to the moon, breaking the spell with fear, silence, and a really slow blinking. The small delay in the answer meant that his words had gone through the heart and sed blood to fill a fountain. he knew they had, regardless of the soothing voice that the target always managed to pull off./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"-Doing what?/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"-Why do you want me to shoot people that is tied up..to haunt people through the jungle? Why do you want me to kill prisoners for Shaka, and get used to it? I can do what Saga wants without doing any of that!/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"-No, you can´t./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"-Saga needs one of us for one shot, one specific precise shot against a bunch of people I hate enough for killing Aioros. I wouldn't hesitate with that even without ...this!/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"-Yes, you would, or at least, you may, if you are not used to it./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"-You can't know that./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"-Yes, I fucking can!- He closed his eyes, upset for the lose of control. By him, Milo´s eyes glowed with a wicked light. Something in that voice tasted like victory! The balance of power tilted in favour of the greek, making him feel a little safer- I...Look. Just...The mind doesn't work like that. Yes, it is less likely it will interfere with your hand when it's someone you hate, but it's still someone who is not an immediate threat to you, so it might. I´m not taking any risks. Nobody is, and nobody should. If you can't take this just be fucking straight about it! Nobody would judge you./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"Silence, again. Insects interfering with the star light, and a big white moon that just moved too slowly. Aphrodite was blushed with rage despite his peaceful expression, and Milo had to make an effort not to smile both in victory and in pain. He was feeling more confused about his feelings each passing day./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"-I´m sorry-the Sniper said after a long silence, vaguely referring to everything- I should have told you earlier, you are not a kid...I guess./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"Milo growled a little,his ego again under attack, the balance of power tilting to Aphrodite´s side with just a grain of wit./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"-I´m sorry about your leg./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"-You said that already./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"-If it happens in a tree, at the verge of death it doesn't quite count- Both smiled, lips comfortably curled up, body and soul comfortably exhausted from the permanent wrestling with each other. It felt great. It was a different kind of pain and just for that they carved it./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"-Can I be honest with you?- Aphrodite asked, turning his head over the pillow of moss and leaves/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"-I´m starting to doubt it./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"His wittiness got the most beautiful smile as a price. Milo felt like melting, and escaped to the sky, looking for forgotten childhood constellations while Aphrodite talked softly./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"- I'm glad you are here. That you are learning to do this. It´s… I needed someone to talk to. Someone who ...well, who actually "gets it" -A humorless smile spoiled his face. He smirked further, smirked at pale stars shaped like fish walking over them, and at the blood-sucking insects that shone like stardust under the moonlight- Not the most altruistic thing to say, huh? I guess misery loves company... You can yell at me now, if you want./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"-Well...-silence, long and thick- What do you want me to say? Youem are/em an asshole-Milo had to say it, it was a matter of mental health after hearing that confession, but he was not mad, he just couldn't- ..but...I get it. This shucks. Your job shucks. So..I'm..kind of glad you are around too. It's...It has to be done, and it has to be done by someone. it´s not like when I was not involved it was not happening so...Well...I guess it's okay./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"The greek continued with that wide smile of his, deliciously oblivious to the effects that those words had had on the other man. He had no clue of how long his friend had needed to hear that, exactly that, exactly those words, from someone else. The sound of a lock opening and a key falling to the ground could almost be heard in the silence of the night. Milo didn´t hear the click immediately, but as he looked in his partner´s eyes he saw something new, something warm and shy he had never seen, and at the same time, something he had always known was there. A kind, caressing breeze swirled him around, and he just gave in to it. To the pleasure and the pain and the madness he was in./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"-This doesn't fit your character, Aphro. It´s not like you- he whispered, sharing his discovery as a secret- This doesn't fit you at all. Why do you do it?/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"The northern answered in the same confidential voice, unaware of his own words./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"-Somebody has to. You said it yourself./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"-Why you? Why not someone else? You had to get into it, but you could have left it since then, and you have not. Why?/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"-Because...I´m good at it. If I´m the one shooting, I know it is going to be as fast and painless as it can be, ..., I also wouldn't trust anyone else./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"-With your life?/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"-With theirs./p
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p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"-Okay! Waking up, ladies! There is enough light to see a bear at a foot distance, so there is enough light to walk!/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"Milo groaned and curled up when the stupid pilot kicked his ribs. That was Deathmask´s substitute for "good morning" that week, it seemed! It worked to wake him up, for sure. He jumped up right away, fully awake, that´s true. He was also fueled by the unique energy that comes from homicidal rage, and the sole purpose of turning the decorated body of his brother in arms into meatballs for ants. When he saw the clarity in the sky, he had no choice but to curse and bend his wish of retribution to his sense of duty. It was, indeed time to start moving, and fast./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"Shura was crawling off his niche right by him, rubbing his arm over the place where Deadmask´s "good morning" had impacted/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"-What the hell is wrong with him? He is going professional on the whole being an asshole thing-Milo complained to Shura, rubbing his ribs and still wanting to beat up something./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"-He is worried about us three, don't be too harsh on him- Shura suggested, taking the purple circle that was already growing on his arm with disgusting resignation./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"-He is insane -Milo growled/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"-Yes. That too. But now he is also worried./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"Ahead of them Deadmask had gotten everything ready, and was pulling Aphrodite up by the arm like a dead weight. Milo didn´t like that. he had no clue about why, but he knew he didn´t like it. DeadMask looked at him straight, and smiled wide, daring him to complaint at all. He carried his stuff with one arm, and held the sniper with the other/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"-It has been enough time, I can walk- Aphrodite complained, pulling away from the Italian to stand on his own./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"-No, you can not./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"-You two can't keep this speed wh-Mask dropped the bag that was carrying on his right and clawed the snippers neck, cutting the flow of air./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"-Finish that sentence, Blondy, or say something about walking on your own again, and you´ll be picking blood for the rest of the day, I fucking swear./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"Milo got tense, Shura ignored it, and Aphrodite just rolled his eyes, annoyed, but far from intimidated. He abandoned his attempt of standing by himself and lined back against Mask, looking more like a resigned older brother in no mood for arguing than like the victim of a threat. Deadmask lets go of his throat and picked the bag up again./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"-Fine. But you´ll take it easy from now on. Okay? You´ve been carrying too much weight- Aphrodite growled in a whisper- And I mean it in more than one way./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"-Ok, ok...I´ll slow down- he groaned back, accepting the implicit deal./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"-Good boy./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"-Shut Up... Hey! You! The not-so-blond piece of shit!Hurry up, shall you? We've got to cross an open and I'm not crazy about doing it at noon!/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"Milo growled something as he accommodated Shura´s arm, Shura´s load, and his own on his shoulders, and rushed to follow the other two through the jungle. He couldn't explain why, but the unexplained partner switch kept him annoyed all through the march./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"It was because Aphrodite was much lighter than Shura, he kept rationalizing. The disgusting mass of muscles that had appointed himself as boss could at least use his body for something and carry the heaviest wounded soldier, as he had done before!/p
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p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"Yeah...The whole avoiding the nights with Milo was not quite going as expected, but it was all business related./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"-Don´t be so hard on yourself, you are not that bad...If it makes you feel better, I was worse, when I started/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"-Really?/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"-Wow, that made you far too happy. You know?/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"- Was that a long ago?/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"-I can't tell you- Aphrodite reminded in a light mood, pushing a cricket off his leg/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"-Well...Tell me more. I want to know emeverything/em about how much you shucked. And, please, do expand on the humiliating details./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"The greek turned on his side to look straight at the other as a rule instead of as an exception, which had been the norm regarding stares so far. That made his not caring about the stars anymore, something official. The big blue lights he loved sparkled, surprised, but didn´t run away to the sky as they normally would. There was a ghost of pain through them, but they stayed, stayed on him. There was even an amused smile curving Aphrodite´s lips. Milo smiled, pleased with that,even if he couldn't explain why. He moved closer to his friend, expecting a rejection that didn´t come./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"- Well...I was worse than you emin some aspects/em. I did have that crazy notion of "self control" you must have never heard of, and I didn´t shake the rifle like while I held it as If I was an epileptic monkey... but...well...I was worse in pother things./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"-Like?/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"-I..could does not bring myself to pull the trigger, sometimes. Far too often. Fuck, in the beginning, almost never. It would be fine for a while, and out of the blue I just froze. I actually...-Aphrodite scratched the back of his head, clearly uncomfortable- I fucked up big time because of that a couple of times. It could...It did in a way. I..Can't go into details but..-He shocks his head- I thought it would get better with time, but it went worse. As we continued...being in the situation we were I would simply freeze for no reason I could tell. Once it was the fingernails you know? We had gotten ourselves better equipment. I looked through the visor, and suddenly I can see the guy's fingernail. It has smashed with something, so it was black with blood, that is the only reason I could see it, is not like we got visors from wonderland, but...Well. You know. I was their best shot though when I didn't have my head up my ass. So, I kept at it -the man shook his head and smiled, apologetical and shy, making Milo's hear flutter-Mask would have to snap me out of it by radio..Sometimes, by the very end of it...I guess it was the lack of sleep, but he actually had to stay behind with me...Fuck, I think his barking saved us more than I did. You can not rely on your willpower for this shit, you know? You became a death weight when it runs out.../p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"-So, you´ve known each other for a long time, right? With Shura, too?- That was the end of the magic, and the calm, and the stupid perfume they were letting themselves be wrapped by. Aphrodite's eyes snapped open, quickly recapping over the conversation. The verdict was clear, either he was stupid, or he had gone insane./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"-Ok, I think this has been enough for today./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"He practically jumped on his feet. He tried to leave the scene of the crime walking naturally, which he totally failed to accomplish. Milo grabbed his wrist and tried to pull him back down, with no better success./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"-Hey? Where did that came from? Is not such a big deal!/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"-Yes, it is. Let go!/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"-I don't even know your name dammit! Or his! Or anyone else´s! What if I know you knew each other's from before this war?/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"-Nothing, as far as that's all you know. Now, forget it, and let me go./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"-You can't be fighting with others and have no trust in them!/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"-I can do pretty amazing things, Milo. Now, let me go before I make you do it by force. I´m not asking you a fourth time./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"Milo let him go with a spiteful glance, that the other ignored completely. The greek was furious at himself; he had been so close to tilting the balance definitively towards his end!/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"-Maybe it´s you the one who betrays us! Maybe is you I should worry about!- he yelled, furiously/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"-That is the fucking spirit!- The black shadow yelled back, so much bitterness in his voice it could have melted a fork./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"Aphrodite stayed by DeathMask as a second shadow from then on. It didn't surprise anyone; the pilot was growing more violent by days and it made but sense that Aphrodite wanted to stay nearby to keep him under control. DeathMask was the only one who understood that his friend was hiding from something./p
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p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"The first thing he had done when he arrived on camp was going to get whiskey, which meant he had clashed with Mu. He had also clashed with Milo again on his way back from arguing with Mu, because why not? And after that with Aiolia, since he was at it already./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"-He is behaving strange lately, isn't he?/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"-Two of us are hurt, and Aiolos is down, he is worried. Plus, this whole spy thing is getting under everyone's skin, don't you think?/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"Aphrodite understood what Shaka was actually suggesting. In the same way, Shaka understood the accusation hidden in the other´s answer. The spy and the sniper got along really well. Their jobs had a lot in common, and the job shapes the mind./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"-Do you think he may have one of his attacks soon?/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"-Mask? No, I don't think so. This is just him being his usual asshole self...for the most part- Shaka noded, and reflected for some minutes. Quiet minutes in which they both could hear the chaos in the background, where Milo tried to keep Aiolia from jumping over DeathMask, who laughed like crazy./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"-Then, if we don´t need to keep you both together, I think we should reshuffle groups./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"-I don´t. What is the point?/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"-It gives us more chances to spot the spy. It´s harder to stay covered when the observers change often. Trust me, it is my job- Aphrodite frowned/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"-Milo and I must stay together, and all injured must be in the same group to not weaken the others, we would only be relocating one person./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"Shaka smiled, and turned to grab his jacket, looking for something in the pockets. Shaka could easily see the actual accusation under Aphrodite's neutral tone. It made him smile. He responded in the same way./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"-Who is seeing a ghost now?/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"Aphrodite sighted, graciously conceding defeat in their very polite rhetoric duel, and caught the small object Shaka had taken out of the jacket. When he glanced at it, his eyes sparkled, and his stomach roared with excitement/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"- I am in charge of provisions, after all. I hope you have no complaints about that part of my job- The sniper smirked, getting one pastry in his mouth and temporally forgetting everything around./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"-Man, you fucking are the closest thing to a God that ever visits this mosquito hole./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"-I accept your attempt at a compliment./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"Hours later and by a show of hands, the grouping was decided. Mu, Milo, Shaka, and Shura were in favor of the regrouping, Deathmask and Aiolia were against it, Aphrodite and Aldebaran didn´t vote. The decision was made./p