CHAPTER 7
In the grand scheme of things, Ikutachi didn't have the most experience with dodging guys. It was easy to make them fall for you, but there wasn't exactly a guidebook that explains what you're supposed to do after the fact.
Barbatos, being the stubborn Phantom he was, must have left the moment he saw Ikutachi's note. The Anima knew this because he was camped out at the laundry mat across from the dorms, waiting for the demon to leave. He'd actually had laundry to do, so it wasn't a total waste of time, but considering how sore he was, all he could think about was a nice long soak in his bathtub.
Around 10 am, Barbatos stormed out of Ikutachi's room, slamming the door behind him. He had his pants on, but he was shirtless as he made his way up to the third floor. Several female daemons, currently doing their "walk of shame" back to their own rooms, made it a point to admire the Phantom's body. The attention put a smile on Barbatos' face, but the moment the girls were out of sight, he was back to scowling.
Things couldn't be going better. Pulling Barbatos' strings was as easy as taking candy from a baby. The Phantom was all about fiery passion and living in the moment. He couldn't see the trap he was walking so perfectly into.
But, despite the successes Ikutachi was having, he couldn't deny the Phantom's words the night before. On some sick and twisted level, Ikutachi desired the handsome Phantom. Sure he was crass and ill-mannered, but unlike Kharis, Barbatos was, in a way, charmingly stupid. Almost like a puppy dog that needed to be house trained.
Of course, pursuing anything with the Phantom was out of the question. Barbatos and his arrogant friend Kharis deserved every bit of the revenge Ikutachi was about to bestow, and no matter how incredibly mind-blowing the sex with Barbatos had been, the Anima refused to let his plans be derailed. There'd been a hole in Ikutachi's soul ever since the day he was raped, and the only thing that could fill it was Barbatos and Kharis' suffering…
The Anima got to his feet, grabbing his clothes from the dryer and folding them quickly. Picking up his laundry basket, Ikutachi pushed the door open with his hip and stepped out into the morning sun. He stood at the crosswalk, waiting for the light to change. He had his ear buds in, and with his music blasting, he didn't notice Kharis until the demon was standing right in front of him.
"Geez, you scared me," Ikutachi hissed, yanking out his ear buds.
"Sorry," Kharis said; a strange look on his face. "I called out to you a few times, but obviously you didn't hear me."
"Yeah, my bad," Ikutachi replied, frowning up at the demon. "I didn't mean to snap at you, you just startled me is all."
"Can I carry that for you?" Kharis asked, taking the laundry basket from Ikutachi's hands before the Anima could reply.
"No, I… Thanks," Ikutachi grunted reluctantly.
They walked across the street and up to the second floor. Ikutachi turned the key in the lock, pushing the door open. Kharis immediately stepped into the room without so much as an invitation, dropping the basket onto the floor by the bed.
"I can take it from here," Ikutachi said quickly, slightly embarrassed by the mess he and Barbatos had made the night before. They'd fucked on every surface of the room except the bed, and looking at the disaster in the light of the morning sun made Ikutachi's body hum with memory of his desire...
Kharis' head snapped towards Ikutachi as if he could smell the Anima's lust. When Ikutachi thought about it again, he realized the demon probably could. He cursed inwardly… Stage two with Kharis wasn't supposed to begin until sometime next week. Ikutachi would need at least that long for his body recover.
The red-haired demon walked slowly towards Ikutachi, leaning down and subtly sniffing the air around the Anima. His face broke into a smile, but the expression didn't quite reach his eyes. Kharis was angry, and Ikutachi could practically feel the heat of the demon's rage radiating from his body.
"Barbatos was here," Kharis whispered; his breath ruffling the hair above Ikutachi's ear. "I thought I smelled him on you outside, but now I'm sure of it." Kharis looked down, taking Ikutachi's chin and angling the Anima's head so they were face to face. "Did you enjoy it, little Anima? I can tell by the way you're moving that he fucked you good and hard. It's a shame really," he snickered, "if I'd have been here, there's no way you'd be walking right now."
Ikutachi was somewhere between amused and terrifed. He was almost positive he would have to sleep with the red-haired demon in order to pit him and Barbatos against each other. But this… it was perfect! Kharis felt left out; enraged by the fact Barbatos had made moves without him. On the other hand, the demon looked like he wanted to devour Ikutachi right then and there. There was no way his body could take another assault. Ikutachi needed to defuse the situation before things reached a point of no return.
"There's enough of me to go around," the Anima said, taking Kharis' hand and bringing it to his lips. "But if I'm going to satisfy you properly, I need time to recover. Servicing one demon is hard enough, but two… I need time to mentally prepare."
This explanation seemed to deflect some of Kharis' rage away from Ikutachi. The idea that the Anima wanted to fuck him, but was physically incapable of doing so, seemed to be just enough to pacify him.
"I'll wait my turn," Kharis said, dropping a kiss on Ikutachi's brow.
It was a terrifyingly gentle kiss; a silent promise of all the horrors to come. Kharis would do everything in his power to outdo Barbatos, which would not bode well for Ikutachi.
"Kha, what are you doing here?"
Barbatos stood in the doorway; his gaze locked challengingly on Kharis. It was like watching to Lions sizing each other up.
"I was just chatting with Ikutachi here. He told me about your night together. Sounds intense."
Barbatos was vibrating with rage. Real rage… It sent a chill down the Anima's spine; the instinct to run so powerful he had to make a conscious effort to keep his feet rooted to the floor.
"Kha, can I talk to you outside."
"Sure," the demon said, clearly amused by his friend's reaction. "I'll be seeing you soon, Anima," he said to Ikutachi. "I promise."
Kharis sauntered towards the door. Barbatos watched him closely, poised to strike if the demon made any sudden moves. When Kharis was out in the hall, Barbatos gave Ikutachi an unreadable look. Almost as if he was trying to make a decision without all the facts.
As soon as the door shut, Ikutachi locked it. Relief washed over him. He felt like he'd survived a potential apocalypse. Sure, his plans were coming together better than expected, but perhaps he'd underestimated the danger he was putting himself in. Either way, he hoped it would be a long time before he saw either of the demons' faces again.
CHAPTER 8
Barbatos managed to keep his anger in check until he had Kharis were alone in his room. As soon as the door shut, Barbatos slammed the demon up against the wall.
"What do you think you're doing, Kha?" Barbatos asked in a low, threatening voice.
"I could ask you the same thing," Kharis replied, shoving Barbatos away. "You lied to me, Barbie. You looked me right in the eyes and you lied! I thought you didn't want him!"
"I don't!"
"Your scent is all over him! I could practically smell him from the across the street! I couldn't believe it until I got to his room and I realized you took the time to mark every corner of it!"
"I'm warning you, Kha, stay away from this one."
"Stay away? Are you fucking kidding me right now?! If it weren't for me, you wouldn't even know that Anima existed. I'm the one who pointed him out to you! I'm the one who watched him; learned his routine. If anything, he should be mine!"
Barbatos cold-clocked Kharis in the jaw, sending the demon stumbling backwards. For several moments, nothing happened. Kharis pressed his hand to the spot Barbatos had struck, wincing as he wiped the blood from his lip. All pretense of amusement was now gone.
"Kha, I didn't mean to…"
"Oh, I think we both know you meant that," Kharis replied. "We've been best friends for what? Three, four centuries? We've shared everything since we were 2 years old and you tried to steal my rattle."
"Kha, please…"
"I'M YOUR BEST FRIEND!" Kharis shouted, pointing an accusing finger at Barbatos. "I've NEVER lied to you. Not once! What's mine is yours, and up until a few minutes ago, I thought what was yours was mine. You think I'm mad because you want exclusive rights to that fucking Anima?! I'm mad because you're trying to hide it from me!"
"Oh please, Kha!" Barbatos huffed angrily. "Don't act like you'd be okay with this! You forget, I know you! You don't want anything until someone else wants it! You think the world and everyone in it should revolve around you. Matter of fact, the second you realized Ikutachi wanted me and not you, you made it your personal goal to punish him! Tag-teaming him was your idea, remember? The things you did to him made me look like a bloody angel in comparison!"
"And who was it laughing and taking pictures?" Kharis snickered. "Or did you conveniently forget that part now that you want him to be your boyfriend?"
"I never…"
"Tell yourself whatever makes you feel better," Kharis spat. "You're just like me, and if you think that Anima doesn't know that, then you're a fucking idiot!"
Barbatos laughed humorlessly. "Sounds to me like you're jealous, Kha. Are you mad because he chose me, or is it because for the first time in this twisted friendship of ours, I won't do what you say?"
Barbatos' words might as well have been a knife to Kharis' chest. And it wasn't until the words were out of his mouth that the Phantom realized the damage he'd done. Barbatos had cheapened their friendship; made it sound like he'd been an unwilling participant the whole time.
Sure, they'd done some things Barbatos wouldn't have done on his own, but he loved Kharis like a brother. He'd do anything for the demon, taking comfort in the knowledge that Kharis would do the same. But now, somewhere in the course of their argument, a line had been crossed. A point of no return…
"I didn't know our friendship was such a burden for you, Barbie," Kharis said quietly. "I thought we were in this together, but now I see the truth."
"Damn it, Kha, that's not what I meant and you know it. You're more than a friend. You're family. I never wanted this to come between us. It's why I didn't tell you. I was afraid you would think this changed something between us, and it doesn't."
Kharis took a deep breath, blowing it out slowly before he spoke. "Oh, but it does, Barbie. And that's the reason why you didn't tell me. I don't know, maybe this is for the best. After all, nothing good lasts forever."
"You make it sound like we're breaking up," Barbatos snorted.
Kharis ran a hand through his hair; the look in his eyes one Barbatos had never seen before.
"What is it, Kha? What are you… what are you saying?"
"I was gonna wait until we graduated, but I suppose it's best to end things now. I'm going back to Hell, Barbie. I know you wanted me to do this… Guild thing with you, but to be honest, it's not my style. I'm a demon; nothing more, nothing less. And Hell is where I belong."
All the air fled Barbatos' lungs at once. He opened his mouth to speak, but there were no words to describe what he felt. His best friend was leaving him. For what was very likely the first time in his life, Kharis wouldn't be by Barbatos' side. How in the world was he supposed to respond to such a revelation?
Barbatos dropped onto his bed, running a hand down his face. "Wh-when are you leaving?"
"As soon as possible."
"Fuck, Kha, you can't just spring this on me! One minute we're fighting and the next you're telling me you're leaving forever!"
Kharis shrugged his shoulders, shoving his hands into his pockets. "It doesn't matter, Barbie. Either way I'm leaving."
"Can't we talk about this first? I mean, you just said you don't keep secrets from me! I don't know about you, but I think this is one helluva secret!"
"I think we both knew this was coming. You just didn't want to accept the truth. I don't fit in here, and this whole situation with Ikutachi proves it."
"But, Kha…"
"I'm done talking about this," Kharis said, walking to the door. "Consider this a gift. I'll be out of your hair, and you can keep your Anima all to yourself."
"This isn't what I want! Why does it have to be one or the other?"
"Like I said, I'm done talking. Take care of yourself, Barbie. I hope for your sake he's fucking worth it."
CHAPTER 9
Ikutachi kept an eye out for Barbatos wherever he went. He hadn't seen the Phantom for a while now, and he was convinced the demon was waiting around every corner. To the Anima's relief, he hadn't seen Kharis either; not even at school. It was like they'd both disappeared, and Ikutachi wasn't sure whether to be relieved he didn't have to deal with them, or pissed that he couldn't seal the deal on his revenge.
It wasn't until exactly 2 weeks and 3 days later that Barbatos sought Ikutachi out. The Anima had just returned from a morning run to find the Phantom leaning against his door.
"Can I talk to you for a second?" Barbatos asked; his tone strangely serious.
"Sure, come on in."
Ikutachi closed the door behind them, setting his iPod and headphones on the table before dropping into a chair to take off his shoes.
"What did you want to talk about?" Ikutachi asked, trying to hide the tremor of excitement in his voice.
When Barbatos didn't reply, Ikutachi looked up and examined the Phantom closely. He looked tired, like he hadn't slept in days. And maybe even a little bit skinnier than the last time Ikutachi had seen him. Barbatos' appearance reminded Ikutachi of how he'd looked in the days after his rape. The sight made the Anima want to giggle with glee.
"I'd like to a shower," Ikutachi said, "so if you don't mind, could we hurry this up?"
Barbatos nodded nervously, and the realization that the demon could actually be nervous made Ikutachi want to laugh. Whatever happened over the past couple of weeks had changed the demon. He was somehow… softer… weaker… Ikutachi was suddenly overcome with the need to crush what little spirit the Phantom had left. He reminded himself to be patient. Barbatos was obviously there to say something important, and considering the Phantom's current state, Ikutachi was almost positive this was going to be the love confession he'd been waiting for…
"Sorry," Barbatos said, shifting uneasily on his feet. "It's just… I've been thinking about this for so long, that I don't really know where to start."
Ikutachi leaned back in his seat, crossing his legs. "I find the beginning usually works best."
That made the Phantom laugh, and almost immediately he relaxed. Clearing his throat, he began speaking…
"I-I'm a demon in every sense of the word. And for centuries that was okay. I was happy with my life and with my friends. But after a while I wanted to try something different; something new. It took a lot of convincing, but I managed to get Kharis to come with me to the surface so we could join the Guild together. We've been here for almost 4 years now, and it wasn't until recently that I realized the only thing that's changed is our location. We still think the same, act the same, and make the same stupid mistakes. For all that, we could've stayed in Hell. Now that I think about it, that's probably why Kharis decided to go back home."
Interesting… Ikutachi thought. So that was the reason he hadn't seen Kharis. The demon had gone back to Hell, and based on the look of contrition on Barbatos' face, it hadn't been on the best of terms…
"Anyway, when Kharis said he was leaving," Barbatos continued, "I thought about going with him. I thought; if he couldn't make it up here, then there was no way I could. But then I thought about you," he said, looking longing at Ikutachi. "The night we shared together; just you and me. It was special. For the first time in my centuries of existence, I saw a different path for myself. I felt like I could be a different demon; a better demon. And it's all because of you."
He ran a shaky hand through his hair. "I have no right to ask anything of you; not after what I did, but I'd be a fool if I didn't try to make amends. If we could just… get to know each other, maybe… start over again, then I could prove to you that I've changed; that we can make this work."
Barbatos stopped there, staring hopefully down at the Anima. His heart was wide open; like a boy who'd discovered love for the first time. Ikutachi stared back up at him, savoring the moment just before he took the Phantom's precious heart into his hand… and crushed it…
Ikutachi let his laughter build, enjoying the way Barbatos hopeful smile turned into a heartbroken frown.
"So let me get this straight," Ikutachi said, uncrossing his legs and leaning forward in the chair. "You're telling me that you… love me? The guy you raped once then tried to rape again?"
"Yes, I mean, no… I do love you, but I was hoping we could…"
"You were hoping we could just forget about the rape part and live happily ever after?" Ikutachi snorted. "I knew demons weren't the smartest lot, but you're even dumber than I thought."
"I'm not stupid," Barbatos defended. "But after the other night, I know you feel it, too. We were… incredible together! It's like we were meant to be!"
"I'll admit the sex was decent, but incredible? Not even close. That night was the biggest mistake of my life, and I've been trying to forget about it ever since it happened. I thought you were, too, which is why I was so relieved when you didn't come back."
"But you…"
"I felt disgusting afterwards," Ikutachi continued mercilessly. "All I could think about was that day at the school; your filthy demon hands all over me; your stench burning my nose."
"Funny, you didn't have any objections when I was fucking you up and down this room! If I remember correctly, it was you who kept begging for more!"
"Was it?" Ikutachi asked, feigning ignorance. "It wasn't all that memorable of a night, so I'm having difficulty recalling the details. All I know is that when I woke up that morning, the sight of you made me vomit. Literally vomit. My skin was practically raw by the time I finished showering. I thought I'd never get your scent off me. I had to bleach my entire room afterwards! In hindsight; it probably would've been easier to burn the whole place down!"
Barbatos pressed a hand to his chest; his skin a shade paler than pale. "I… uh, I wish I'd have known that was how you really felt," he said, his voicing catching at the end. "I really thought you… No, never mind. It doesn't matter anymore. Kharis was right," Barbatos laughed bitterly. "He's always right."
The Phantom took a deep breath, obviously trying to summon what little pride he had left. Ikutachi understood then that Barbatos wasn't just hurt… The Anima had wanted break the Phantom's heart; crush his spirit. But in that moment, Ikutachi realized there was nothing left of the Phantom to break or crush…
"You know," Barbatos said in a quiet, detached voice, "I gave up my best friend for you. Today was the day he officially went back to Hell, and instead of seeing him off, I came to you. I wish I could say I regret my decision. I wish I could tell you that I should've chosen my best friend over some… would-be lover. But then I would be lying. You were the change I needed, Ikutachi. And for that… I'm actually grateful."
Barbatos straightened, looking Ikutachi directly in the eye. "I see now that any apology I make would be worthless to you, but you deserve to at least hear the words. I'm sorry for what I did to you, Ikutachi. I'm sorry for what I let Kharis do to you. And I promise you will never have to see me or him again."
The Phantom left the room, leaving Ikutachi in complete and total shock. Of all the reactions the Anima expected, that was not one of them. Ikutachi knew the Phantom was in pain, and that he'd caused it, but somehow Barbatos' apology took away the satisfaction of it all. Unfortunately for Ikutachi, it would be several weeks before he realized the meaning behind the Phantom's words that day…
Bad things happen to everyone. One day you're happy as can be; content with the world as you know it. Then, in the very next second, something terrible happens and everything around you is falling apart. It's then that you have a choice: be miserable and bitter for the rest of your life, or accept the pain for what it is and use it to become a better you.
Barbatos chose to be better…
CHAPTER 10
It would be several years before their paths crossed again. An opportunity that Ikutachi couldn't help but take…
"Welcome home!" Master Nina exclaimed, ushering Ikutachi into her home.
"Thank you," the Anima replied giddily.
He was surprised to find the mansion's entire staff, along with every one of Master Nina's daemons, standing in the foyer waiting to greet him.
"We're all so thrilled you're here," she chirped excitedly. "I know your decision to finally take a Master and work in the field was a big step for you, which is why the whole household wanted to be here for your arrival. You're family now, and we couldn't be happier that you're finally with us!"
The days after his arrival were filled with briefings and orientations. Ikutachi was assigned a female daemon as a guide, and with her help, he quickly became acquainted with the house's routine. It was the perfect fit for him, and any apprehensions he had about serving Master Nina became non-existent.
But that wasn't the only reason he'd chosen the Guild Council member as his Master. Nina was kind and generous; loving and supportive, but when whispers of a certain daemon in her charge reached Ikutachi's ears, he knew it was time to make a change.
"Ameno, have you seen Barbatos today?" Ikutachi asked.
"I saw him early this morning like I always do. He goes for a run before sunrise every day. He says it keeps him centered, whatever that means. If I had to guess, he's probably having lunch in the kitchen with the servants. It's kind of his thing," she laughed.
"Is he always so friendly with the servants?"
"Yeah, they're pretty much the only people he really talks to. He usually keeps to himself around other daemons. Honestly, I didn't even know his name until a few months after he got here."
"What is it about the servants he finds so interesting?" Ikutachi asked, trying his best to sound casual. "Is there a girl in the kitchen that fancies?"
Ameno's brow furrowed. "Fancies?"
"Is there a girl that he likes?"
"Oh, duh!" she giggled. "Umm, as far as I know, he's not dating anyone. That kind of information usually spreads through the mansion like wildfire. Plus, daemons aren't allowed to have romantic relationships with the staff."
"I see."
"You sure do ask a lot of questions about Barbatos. Did you two know each other?"
"You could say that," Ikutachi replied with a polite smile. "Would it be alright if had few hours to myself today? We can meet again around dinner and finish up the tour of the East wing."
"That would be fabulous!" Ameno squealed happily. "It'll give me a chance to catch up with the girls!"
Ikutachi laughed, envying her youth and energy. She skipped down the hall, humming softly to herself.
When she was out of sight, Ikutachi turned and made his way to the kitchen. There were a total of four in the mansion, but if the Anima had to guess, Barbatos was in the Phantom kitchen. Sure enough the demon was there, his deep rumbling laughter drifting down the corridor.
Ikutachi stepped into the kitchen; his smile fixed firmly in place. "Good afternoon," he said to everyone in the room.
Immediately the conversation ended. The cook, a plump elderly woman, and her two twenty-something year old assistants, curtsied to Ikutachi. They'd all been enjoying a slice of pie, but had set their plates down when the Anima entered the room.
"Afta'noon, Ikutachi-sama," the cook said. "Are ya 'ungry? I got plenty of leftovas in me fridge. I can whip ya up somethin' tasty."
"Actually," he said with a wink. "A slice of that pie would be wonderful."
The two girls started giggling, picking up their plates and digging into their pie once more.
"Well, I'll be leaving now, Glenna." Barbatos said, placing his empty plate in the sink. "It was delicious as always."
She chortled softly. "Such a sweet boy yer are. I'll 'ave a nice apple pie waitin' for ya on the morrow."
"I don't deserve you," he said, dropping a kiss on the woman's wrinkled cheek.
He turned to leave; his gaze fixed on the door. It was as if Ikutachi wasn't there. When the Phantom passed by, Ikutachi reached out, brushing his hand against the Phantom's. Barbatos paused, glancing down at Ikutachi and bowing his head apologetically.
"Excuse me, Ikutachi-sama," he said; his tone distant and formal.
"It's quite alright," Ikutachi replied. "I think it was actually my fault."
His eyes narrowed at Ikutachi's response, but he made no reply. Instead he nodded once then left the room.
"Ms. Glenna, hold that pie for me, please. I'll be right back."
Ikutachi followed after the Phantom; his heart skipping several beats when he thought he'd lost him. When he caught sight of Barbatos' coat tails disappearing around the corner, he ran after him.
"Barbatos wait, I…"
Ikutachi slammed into a wall of muscle as he turned the corner, thankful for the arms that caught him before he tumbled to the floor. It was Barbatos' scent that hit the Anima first, followed by the warmth of his body. Ikutachi sighed softly, sinking into the Phantom's inadvertent embrace.
"Are you alright, Ikutachi-sama?" Barbatos asked, releasing the Anima the moment Ikutachi regained his balance.
"Y-yes, thank you," Ikutachi answered, straightening his kimono.
"You're welcome," he replied. "If you'll excuse me," he added with a stiff bow.
Barbatos turned to leave, but Ikutachi grabbed his coat sleeve before he could take another step.
"May we… speak in private?" Ikutachi asked nervously.
Barbatos took a deep breath, turning to face the Anima. "I know what you're going to ask, and you needn't worry, Ikutachi-sama. I've already made arrangements with Master. I'll be leaving within the week."
Ikutachi opened his mouth to speak, but Barbatos continued.
"I left out the reason for my departure. I didn't think the details where necessary, but if you'd like me to disclose this information to Master Nina, then I will do so immediately. It was never my intent to cause you any distress by remaining here, Ikutachi-sama. I planned to leave before you arrived, but you came nearly two weeks early. If you can bear with it a little while longer, I swear I'll be gone as soon as…"
Ikutachi grabbed Barbatos by the collar of his coat, pulling him down for a kiss. At first it was like kissing a statue; emotionless and empty, but with a little coaxing, Ikutachi could feel the heat start to build between them.
Ikutachi moaned soflty, slipping his arms around Barbatos' waist and pulling the Phantom close. For a moment it was perfect; like something from a fairytale. Ikutachi could feel the Phantom's passion growing, and when Barbatos swept him into his arm, the Anima was foolish enough to believe that he and his Phantom would get the happy ending he'd been imaging for the past 28 years.
How wrong he was…
Suddenly the heat was gone and Barbatos was pushing him away.
"I'm sorry," Barbatos said in a rush. "I shouldn't have… I-I have to go!"
"Barbatos wait!" Ikutachi cried racing around the Phantom and holding up his hands to stop him. "You didn't do anything wrong. I kissed you! And I wanted you to kiss me back! There's so much I need to tell you. Things I've been waiting years to confess! I know this is happening really fast, and I know this is probably really confusing, but I've been looking for you for decades! I thought you were dead, or you'd gone back to Hell, but then I heard about this crazy battle a few months ago, and your name came up, and… Finally," Ikutachi breathed, "I found you! After years of searching I found you!"
Ikutachi was out of breath, wondering if anything he'd just said made any sense. He couldn't tell with the way Barbatos was looking at him. The Phantom's eyes just look so empty and dead…
"I, uh… I-is this, umm… s-some kind of joke?" Barbatos asked.
"N-no, I'm…"
"Because if it is, it's a very cruel one," he bit out. "I-I'm still trying to reconcile what happened between us. Or what… didn't happen between us. However you want to look at it. If you've come to here to… to exact your pound of flesh, I can tell you right now, I-I have none left to give!"
"That's not it at all, Barbatos, I swear! If we could just… go somewhere and talk, I can explain…"
The Phantom flinched when Ikutachi touched his arm. "I don't n-need any more of your explanations. I still remember every word of our last conversation, and I've had enough explanations to last me a lifetime. I've paid my penance for what I did to you. I'm still paying it! So if it's all the same to you, I'd like to continue to do so in peace!"
Ikutachi watch the Phantom disappear down the hall. All the excitement and hope he'd felt moments ago now replaced with soul-sucking anguish. It was a good thing Ikutachi was used to the feeling.
28 years ago, Ikutachi had made a mistake. He'd let the most perfectly imperfect demon get away. Years of trying to replicate the heart-stopping, back-breaking, toe-curling passion he'd felt in Barbatos' arms, had led to nothing but disappointment after disappointment. There was only one man who could make Ikutachi... feel.
The Anima took a steading breath, steeling himself for the battle ahead. He should have known better than to believe their reunion would go smoothly. They'd both hurt each other in the most intimate of ways, and finding their way back to each other would be a long and difficult road. It was a good thing Ikutachi was motivated, dedicated and determined. They would have their happy ending, Ikutachi would make sure of it…