Ever Elusive
By elsiie
Genre: Romance, Drama
Rating: T
Summary: The feeling that consumed her body and mind. It was probably something akin to…jealousy. Ryuu/Gyoku. AU.
Characters: Ren Hakuryuu, Ren Kougyoku
Chapter Eight – Dazed and Afraid
It was loud. Crowded. People she didn't know surrounded her like looming trees. Music blasted from shiny black speakers as people moved rhythmically, as if hypnotized. She brought the paper cup to her lips, the punch left an unpleasant taste in her mouth, but she was parched. Over the top of a dozen heads, she could see the birthday boy. His distinctive purple hair was illuminated by the many coloured lights, a large smile on his face, his white teeth seemed so sharp, even from that distance.
She noticed the hand of a familiar boy on his shoulder.
Crushing the cup in her grip, she threw the disgusting beverage in the bin beside her. As she turned away, a voice called, barely audible over the music.
"Kougyoku!" Her elder cousin moved towards her, her face contorted into an expression of pure concern.
Hakuei pushed through the crowd, apologizing briefly, her hair was tangled, dress bunched up in places. The older woman put her hands around Kougyoku's own. She noticed the smell of alcohol on her breath, though she managed to somehow look sober.
"Have you seen Hakuryuu?" She had to yell to be heard over the deafening beats that blasted from one side of the room to the other. "Some idiot laced the punch with alcohol and - "
Wait, what? Kougyoku froze. No, it's fine. I only had one cup. I don't even feel any different.
"...I haven't seen him around at all!"
She brushed her dark hair back from her face, eyebrows furrowed in frustration. Behind her, Kouen stood still, scanning every inch of the room. His own face was composed as always, apart from a small crease on his forehead. To even have her brother concerned…
The rose haired girl sighed, "I'll go look for him."
Hakuei breathed a sigh of relief, releasing her hands before suddenly capturing her in a tight hug. She stiffened, unsure of what to do. Thankfully, she broke away before long, a grateful smile on her face. Kougyoku watched her cousin return to her brother, before the two of them disappeared into the sea of people. Part of her could scarcely recall why she had despised the woman so much.
She doubted that Hakuryuu was in any danger – he was much more mature than she was, and didn't seem like the type to succumb to alcohol. But she had promised to try, and she couldn't deny the uneasiness that rushed through her. As she struggled through the crowd, avoiding hands and legs, she noticed a familiar blond boy.
"Alibaba-ku-"
She couldn't interrupt him. He looked so comfortable, relaxing on a plush velvet couch, one arm slung lazily around a small girl. With scarlet hair and scarlet eyes. They exchanged loving glances while laughing, so contentedly. Then she saw him. On the staircase behind the lovebirds. Glowing lights hypnotically illuminating his face. An expressionless face that scared her. He was shrouded in an unnatural, frightening darkness.
Then, he disappeared up the flight of stairs.
She pushed through the throng of people, murmuring apologies that she didn't quite mean, while her heart beat loudly in her ears. Alibaba's voice called out to her, but she didn't turn around. The corridor was empty save for a few people leaning over the railing, watching the crowd below. She saw his dark hair disappear around a corner, and quickly began to follow him. The party seemed so far away as she walked down the corridor, as if it was taking place in another world. She still heard it, though it was thankfully muted, allowing her to think clearly. His face – he was hurt – he liked her so very much didn't he –
The girl was met with an empty corridor. White walls stared at her blankly 'what are you doing here? The party is downstairs'. She ignored them, and clenched her fists tightly.
Suddenly, she was pulled back by a strong arm. The door shut in front of her.
oOo
"Where was she going in such a hurry?" The boy by her side wondered out loud. Morgiana shrugged, she had only just met the youngest Ren the other day – but she had never seen her so frenzied. Actually, she had never seen a member of that family with such an expression.
Aladdin chewed lazily, a bag of almost empty chips nestled in his lap, "Maybe she needed to pee."
A frown appeared on Alibaba's face, as if he wasn't quite convinced. He had always cared for his friends, even if he denied it, it was one of the things she liked best about him.
"Speaking of Rens…" the blue haired boy popped another chip into his mouth. "Where did Hakuryuu go?"
Morgiana looked around her; she could have sworn that she saw him just a few moments ago. Then, someone plunked down on the seat beside her. She caught a glimpse of long plaited dark hair, and a scowl immediately emerged on her face. Her friends had similar reactions to their new companion.
"What do you think of the party?" Judal grinned, placing his arms behind his head and his legs on the glass coffee table in front of them.
Alibaba muttered under his breath, "Better when you weren't here."
"You hurt me Alibaba," a mocking laugh. "Been doing a lot of that tonight huh?"
Her boyfriend's eyes narrowed. "What the hell are you talking about?"
His crimson eyes glittered, made all the more unnerving by the multi-coloured lights that flashed across his face. He glanced at her and she stiffened. A pale hand came towards her, lifting her chin up roughly. Alibaba and Aladdin shouted angrily, the blond boy made a move, to push him away –
"A pretty face, is this the type that he likes?" His eyes bore into her, she felt exposed, as if someone had cut from her breast to her sternum and put her organs on display.
His hand was slapped away, not by Alibaba, but by her. She glared at him.
"Don't touch me so casually," venom laced her voice.
He snickered and stood up from the couch. "Don't worry, you're not my type."
"…what did he mean by that?" Alibaba grumbled, his arm oh so protective around her naked shoulders. "I don't just like you because you're pretty."
She closed her eyes, leaning against him. He was safe. Known. Home. But Judal's words echoed through her head. The look in his eyes, as if she was a cut of lamb.
I don't think he was talking about you.
oOo
Familiar blue eyes stared at her.
"H-hakuryuu-chan!" She breathed a sigh of relief. "I was starting to get a little worried-"
She broke off, something was strange. His face was so blank, eyes unfocused, as if he was somewhere else. She noticed a strong scent on his breath, it hurt her nose. Then he leaned down towards her.
His lips clashed with hers, though he had looked almost lethargic, they were shockingly rough. His fingers intertwined in her long hair, and she felt him push her against the door. Hakuryuu nibbled on her lips, causing her to release a muffled moan. He pulled her further towards him, crushing her body against his, as if nothing was enough, as if nothing would ever be enough. She was surprised, almost unresponsive as he kissed her, arms holding her tightly like a cage.
He broke away, panting heavily.
The room was dark, the only source of light being from the natural moon, its rays streaming in through the open window. His face was dark; she could barely make out his features.
"H-hakuryuu-chan…"
She was suddenly so scared. She didn't recognize this person in front of her. This stranger with strong arms and sharp teeth.
But she felt that if she left him alone, he would break.
His lips met hers yet again, though this time, they were slightly gentler. His beautiful long fingers, that had played the violin so gracefully, trailed down her neck, her shoulders… She held him closer to her, feeling his chest through the thin fabric of his shirt. He let out a groan that was so lewd, her cheeks blushed a furious red. She didn't know he was capable of making such sounds.
Hakuryuu's lips moved from hers to her shoulder. He placed deep kisses on every inch of her skin, as she struggled to stay silent. She felt her dress loosen, and the sharp realization that her zipper was becoming undone forced her to push him away.
"I-I," she breathed heavily whilst holding her dress securely around her body. "This is – "
"I'm not drunk," he interrupted her.
"What?"
He stepped closer to her. "I said I'm perfectly sober."
She instinctively backed away, causing her to hit her back against the wooden door. He placed a hand on the door, and she finally saw his eyes. They were so dark, as if she was looking into the abyss. He leaned towards her again, except this time; she moved her head to the side, resulting in him softly kissing her cheek.
"Don't you like me, Kougyoku?" He murmured.
She shook her head wildly.
His lips moved to her ear, where they nibbled and bit. She let out a small cry.
Hakuryuu laughed, "You're not being honest."
His skilful hands slid up her thighs. Sliding across skin as if it were silk.
"Tell me."
His touch, his scent, his voice, his heat – she wanted all of it.
oOo
It was wrong, so so wrong.
Yet as he pushed her into the pillows (who did this bed belong to?), she couldn't help but feel disgustingly happy. He straddled her, warmth enveloping her like a blanket. As he bent down to kiss her, she couldn't deny the smell of alcohol. But she could try. She clutched at his back, tears rolling down her cheeks. If this is a sin, then why does it feel so good?
He looked down at her, and suddenly she felt embarrassed. She covered her body with her hands, though she was still wearing her dress, she still felt so shameful. Hakuryuu held her wrists away from her body, his gaze never leaving hers.
God help me.
His fingers went to his shirt, popping a button out from its hole. In a few short moments, he had finished, casting away his shirt, discarding the piece of clothing on the floor. His chest was bare, scars from his childhood running from one side to the other, decorating his skin almost like ribbons. She couldn't stop her eyes from widening – she had never truly seen his marks, only heard of them from her brothers and older cousin.
She wished she could take them away for him. Make his scars disappear into nothing.
"We can't go back," she whispered into the darkness.
Silence.
"It hurts."
He bent his head, dark locks falling. She lifted her hand to his cheek.
"I can't bear to see them together."
"…I know."
oOo
Her brother was waiting beside his black car. Hakuei stood by his side, holding her hands together tightly. Her face lit up when they came into view, and she immediately ran to them, enveloping her brother in an embrace. He was shocked for a moment, but then his eyes softened and he patted her back.
"I'm sorry for making you worried," he murmured.
She broke away, from up close, her eyes seemed almost red. His sister ruffled his hair affectionately.
"I'm just glad you're okay."
Hakuei turned to Kougyoku, giving her a grateful smile, before too ruffling her hair.
"Thank you so much Kougyoku," her kind voice matched her appearance so well, the pink haired girl thought to herself.
She gave her a small smile. It wasn't bad.
"Hurry up!" Kouha called from the car, waving what seemed like a credit card. Definitely not his own. Kouen thumped on the window in an attempt to quiet him.
They sat beside each other, Judal on her other side.
Not a single word was exchanged between the two.
A/N Hello! I'm back (sort of). Updates will be coming quite irregularly due to school commitments and such. Still! I will try my hardest to write. Once again, feedback is highly appreciated, and thank you very much for sticking with this dumb story!
