The escort bowed before closing the door, leaving the two alone.

'Why the fuck would a fucking princess like him come to a club? My club, of all the fucking ones? Why the fuck would he set an appointment with me? He had to have researched me, the bastard! He found me that interesting? Going out of his way to find me for a blow—'

"Is it proper behavior for a host to gawk at his clienteles?" The Master asked.

Delic was forced out of his thoughts by that. He automatically smiled at the raven as charmingly as he could. "My deepest apologies. I was captivated by how beautiful you looked. Had me frozen for a moment."

The Master glared at him but was blushing. "I am no silly woman whom can be swayed by simple words of flattery."

"Of course, of course. But I believe gender doesn't matter when true beauty is the question." Delic stated with a gesture to the Master.

The Master looked like he had no idea how to reply so he just scowled while crossing his arms and averting his eyes.

'He must be here either to bring me down or to bring me back. Wouldn't be the first bastard to try and get me fired by being a client.'

"Oh, where are my manners. Please, come sit. Shall I take your coat?"

'We'll just play dumb for now. Act like I don't know him and play it off as another male client.'

"No." The Master said, walking past the host.

"Well then, can I interest you in some wine?" Delic gestured for the raven to sit on the couch.

"Do you occupy this room permanently?" He sat down.

"Excuse me?" The host tilted his head to the side like a confused cat—although he was actually confused.

"There is a mattress. I can only assume you have permanent residency here."

Delic wouldn't show his confusion. Is he asking if I live here?'

"This is my usual room, yes. But I don't sleep here."

"...I see."

Delic smiled before turning to pour the wine.

"I do not require a beverage."

"Oh? Then what would you like?" The blond continued to pour the crimson liquid into two glasses.

"I do not require a beverage. I am satiated."

"Mmkay." Delic turned back and put one glass on the table in case the Master changed his mind. "So, you're Hibiya, correct?"

"I am."

"Hee, that's such a cute name. I must say, it's very fitting. What characters do you use to spell that? No, no, let me guess! You're not a typical beauty so you must have a unique way of spelling it. Maybe...'day' and 'the one who watches over the crowd'?"

The raven stiffened noticeably.

"I'm right, aren't I?" Delic said, giddily. He then leaned forward to write on a notepad that he always had on the coffee table in case the clients were very shy. "Then it'd be these characters..."

He wrote 日々也 on the pad.

"Right?" He smiled up at 'Hibiya'.

"Had you used that informant to research me?"

"..." Delic only smiled, absolutely wishing he could show his annoyance but knew he had to remain professional. "I'm wounded." Delic held his heart in mock pain. "I would never cheat. Considering this is our first meeting, I wouldn't even have time to cheat."

The raven stiffened again. Which made Delic grin. 'Hibiya' most-likely stiffened because Delic didn't 'remember' him, which wasn't a lie, necessarily. This is the first time Delic met 'Hibiya'. The 'Master' was a-whole-nother question.

"I...see. My apologies."

Delic smiled warmly. "I'll forgive you only if you tell me about yourself. Just a little."

The raven fidgeted slightly before averting his eyes. "My life-tale is not so interesting. I-I would prefer to hear about yours."

"Mine?" Delic's brows rose. "Mine's not that amazing."

Delic then leaned forward, getting a bit too close—but knowing that tended to help his clients got past their comfort raven flinched and backed away.

'Well, that's interesting.' Delic thought.

"I wanna hear your story because you're the important one here. Please, tell me?"

The raven stared at him with wide golden eyes before he turned away and shifted away from Delic until they were on separate couch cushions. Once there, he just stared at the ground with a slight scowl.

Delic recognized that expression. This client was definitely the prideful type. Because, right now, he was working up the courage to speak—or more-likely swallowing his pride long enough to be vulnerable temporarily. This was a process. And Delic had two choices. Either take the heat off of Hibiya by changing the subject or just wait for him to eventually speak—which he most-likely will, given the proper amount of time.

"...I...am not certain as to what you wish to hear."

"Well," Delic scooted closer. "Why did you come to see me? You can start with that."

The Master blushed as he began twiddling with his cloak.

"I'm here to listen." Delic lied his arm over the back of the couch and rested his head on it. "I'm here for you."

Hibiya scowled again, his blush reaching to his ears.

He's actually really cute.'

"I...I only..."

Hibiya's words died.

Delic scooted closer to encourage him.

Hibiya was wringing his hands together.

"I only...wished to...meet with...you..."

Delic smiled. "Don't be ashamed. Many people have scheduled appointments only to meet me." Delic reached forward and brushed Hibiya's hair to behind his ear. The raven flinched to the touch. But the blond was able to do what he wanted. "There's nothing wrong with being curious."

Hibiya blushed, averting his eyes. "You are quite clever, Del—Host-san."

Delic noted that shift in name. "Oh, how so?"

"Your constant flattery is an attempt to fool me."

"...I'm sorry if that's what it feels like. But I'm really just telling the truth."

"I do not believe thee."

'Thee?' Delic cocked a brow at that. 'Did he just say 'thee'?'

That was the first time Delic ever heard such old speech. However, it would be rude to make fun of his customer's way of talking.

"That's okay." Delic soothed. "It's my task to make you believe."

The Master glanced at him then quickly looked away.

"So!" Delic beamed, making the raven jump and look at him. "You said you're not thirsty. But are you hungry? We can order food."

"I...I do not require a meal."

"How 'bout a snack, then?" Delic leaned over and grabbed a laminated sheet of paper. On it was a menu for the bar. "Here. You can choose whatever."

The raven looked uncomfortable as Delic practically forced the sheet into his hands. The blond stayed close to look over his shoulder.

"I..."

"Yes?" Delic urged.

"I am not sure what is edible on this list."

"Everything is edible on it. It's made by the best chefs in our kitchen downstairs."

"No, that is not..." The raven trailed off, casting the sheet a scowl.

'Hm?' Delic cocked a brow as he looked at the sheet. Everything on it was relatively standard, ranging from cookies to ootoro. There were also meals and drinks.

"Are you hungry for a snack or a meal?"

"I-I...That is..." Hibiya blushed.

'Hm~?'

"...A snack...would be pleasant."

"Okay. Then this list," Delic pointed to the appetizer list, "is what you want."

"...I see..."

Hibiya stared at the list.

And stared...

...And stared...

"Would you like me to order something for you?"

"...If you so desire..." The raven passed Delic back the list, turning away from him with an arrogant huff.

Delic looked at Hibiya with a scrutinize gaze. 'Is it possible he doesn't know what any of this is?'

He looked down at the list. Again, it was a very standard list. Cookies, muffins, cupcakes, banana bread, carrot cakes, chips, ootoro, Yakiniku*, pocky, mochi, daifuku**, roll cakes, and a platter of chocolates. Every day snacks most people eat regularly.

'No, no. There's no way. He may be rich but even the rich eat sweets.'

Delic decided and grabbed the phone, pushing a button to ping the bar. He made the order, hung up the phone, and turned back to Hibiya.

"They'll be here shortly."

Hibiya only nodded.

"So, before they get here, you want to talk about something?"

"...Uh—"

"Oh, I know." Delic put his arm on the back of the couch then bent it to rest his head on his hand. To which, he stared at Hibiya with eyes flooded with adore. "Why don't you tell me about your outfit?"

"My...attire?"

"Yeah, it's very cute. Do you always dress like this or were you just trying to make my heart aflutter? If so, my heart is in your hand."

Hibiya blushed. "N-n-no! This-this is my usual attire! I have no need to impress one such as you!"

Delic's eyes narrowed. It was so slight, the blond was sure Hibiya didn't notice. Actually, he was certain he didn't notice since his smile never faltered while Hibiya still stared at him with that crimson flush and wide eyes.

"Well, I still think your outfit makes you look beautiful. The way it eccentuates your features...so cute."

Hibiya only blushed. His shoulders stiffened as he glared at the ground.

'Damn, he is so prideful.'

The two were interrupted by a knock at the door. Delic stood and went to the door. He let the waiter in, who held a platter of food in one hand. He placed the platter on the table in front of Hibiya and left. Delic called out a "Thanks" as he went.

The blond then sat back down by the raven.

"So take your pick." Delic said as he took the lid off the plate to expose cookies, cupcakes, and a bowl of ootoro.

Hibiya looked over the offering but made no move to grab anything.

"Are the utensils indisposed?"

"...Utensils? Like forks?"

"Correct."

'...You can't be serious.'

"These are all finger foods. You don't need forks."

"...I...I see..."

Hibiya was now wringing his gloved hands together.

"Is something wrong?" Delic put the lid down. "Did I pick the wrong snacks? Do you not like sweets?"

"That...is not the ailment."

"...Is it because you have to use your hands?"

The raven stiffened. Then, suddenly looking very indignant, said, "I am no lowly peasant who refused to use the most basics of tools. It is improper to fondle one's appetizers."

The raven then turned away with a huff.

'Okay, there was no reason to get fucking defensive.' Delic was trying his hardest not to glare.

"I am so sorry." the host said. "Would you like me to order something else?"

"Would that not be a waste?"

"No, no. If we don't touch any of it, we can have it put on the counter for the other customers."

"Is that sanitary?"

"Again, so long as we don't touch it. Law states that if a food has been exposed to the open for more than two hours, we have to toss it at the end of the day anyway. We've only had it for five minutes and the lid kept it safe from contamination it'd be getting on the way up here."

"I see..."

"So, would you like to order something else?"

"Um...No, it is quite alright. If I could trouble you for utensils, that would be stupendously appreciated."

"Of course, love." Delic smiled at him.

Hibiya stiffened noticeably. Delic took that into account as he turned to the phone and pinged the bar for forks and knives.

'Didn't like getting called love, huh?'

Within another five minutes, the silverware was brought.

"Thanks." Delic said to the waiter as he took them from him and shut the door. He then turned to Hibiya. "Okay, utensils brought. Some of these you can't eat with forks." Delic walked over and sat down, "But most of them are forkable."

"Forkable?" Hibiya looked confused.

"Stabbable."

"...I see." Hibiya looked back to the food.

And merely stared.

'You've got to be kidding.'

"Go ahead," Delic held the silverware out to him. "Help yourself."

"...Um..." Hibiya merely stared at the utensils. "Are you..."

Delic sighed inwardly. "Would you like me to get it for you?"

"Yes."

"...Yes, what?"

Hibiya looked confused.

'Whoops, that slipped out.' Delic thought, realizing that wasn't very host-like to say. 'Guess it's good he didn't understand.'

Delic released another inward sigh as he used a fork to pick up a few rollcakes and some banana bread.

"Here you go." Delic held the plate out.

Hibiya took you. "Thank you."

'Finally some manners.' Delic smiled.

Hibiya cut the end of the roll cake with the fork then stabbed it and took a small bite of the piece.

'He has such a tiny mouth.' Delic thought as he stared at the golden prince. 'He probably couldn't put that entire piece in his mouth. That's really cute.'

As Delic continued to stare, his mind began to wonder. Seeing that small pink tongue poke out every time he opened his mouth to take the pale pastry in the tiny passage. He could see something much bigger going into that small opening. Something just as smooth and just as tasty—especially since Delic always kept it clean. Something that could make both of them feel good. Something that would fill his mouth completely—

"I repeat, is it proper behavior for a host to gawk at his clienteles?" Hibiya asked, casting him a sidelong glare.

Delic jolted. "My most profound apologies. You're just so adorable, seeing you eat had me mesmerized."

'Fuck, I'm really screwing up right now.'

Delic turned to Hibiya fully and—while still sitting down—bowed. "I'm so so sorry if I made you comfortable."

"...You have quite the quick response, I see."

"'Scusi?" Delic looked up at him, confused.

"Such flattery flowed forth from your lips without a calculation of your mind."

Delic had to try to translate his words, taking a good minute to do so.

"Well, it's the truth." Delic replied. "You only need to think it over if you're lying."

'If you're not good at lying.'

"...I see." Hibiya stated.

'Well, I wasn't lying so...'

"...Would you wish to eat as well?" the raven asked.

"Oh, no, no, I'm okay."

"Are you for certain?"

"...Actually, yeah, I'll take some." Delic smiled as an idea formed. "Let's have some fun with it, though."

"Excuse me?" Hibiya questioned as Delic dished up some more rollcakes and banana bread.

Delic only smiled as he sat cross-legged on the couch, facing Hibiya. He cut off a small piece of banana bread—making sure it wasn't too big—and stabbed it.

"Here~." Delic held the piece towards Hibiya's mouth.

Hibiya's expression went from confusion to scorn faster than Delic could register.

"I shall not be spoon fed as if I am an infant."

"Oh, no, no. Not infancy. Many of my guests love the closeness and intimacy of feeding each other."

"I see no intimacy behind this act."

"Well, here." Delic put the fork and plate down on his lap and leaned forward. Hibiya leaned back with a skeptic glare. "Why not feed me and see if it's really infancy?"

Hibiya's eye narrowed. "I should do such for what reason?"

Delic shrugged. "To prove me wrong, if anything."

Hibiya faltered at that. A flicker of pride crossed his golden eyes.

'Ha ha, I can already start reading him. I'm so good.'

"Alright." Hibiya grumbled, grabbing the plate and fork. He slightly glowered at the piece of rollcake on the utensil before he held it out to Delic.

Delic smiled eagerly, his expression showing his (fake) excitement. The blond leaned forward and opened his mouth slightly. Hibiya put the fork closer.

A glimmer of mischievousness flashed in Delic's eyes. He decided to stick his tongue out first, touching the rollcake with the tip of his muscle. A blush crossed the prince's cheeks at the slightly lewd display. Delic smiled slightly before opening his mouth wider. He wrapped his tongue around the cake, feeling it absorb his saliva, and pulled it off the fork into his mouth. He closed his mouth and chewed normally then swallowed.

Delic smiled at the golden prince, who was blushing profusely.

"So, am I an infant?" Delic asked, giving the prince a very coy look.

"...You sexualized the act."

"Huh~?" Delic called in mock appall. "I would never."

"You had, however!" The prince fumed. "The act of spoon-feeding should not be sexualized yet you had done such."

"It's only sexual to the person watching."

"Excuse me?"

"Making something sexual is up to the interpreter. Not the actor."

Hibiya opened his mouth to rebuttal but nothing came out.

Delic only smiled. "It's okay to think sexually. This is a safe place. No judgments to be had here."

Hibiya stiffened. "Do you insinuate I have done something worth judgement?"

"No!" No no no no. You've done nothing wrong, sweetheart. No one should judge you for such thoughts, especially here. That would be quite hypocritical of anyone who does."

"What is hypocritical? The judgement towards sexual thoughts is warranted."

Delic tried not to show that that response annoyed him. "Everyone thinks of sex. Sooner or later, virgin or married, sex crosses every person's mind. Difference is, some of us embrace those thoughts, others will hide it. Some of us are free, others are confined." Delic's smile became more sincere as he made eye contact with the golden prince. "Are you free, my lord?"

The raven couldn't stop the blush that crossed his cheeks while he tried to look offended. However, Delic could see that being offended was what Hibiya thought was expected of him and was only living up to said expectation.

"Sexual freedom is what makes whores." The raven stated, glaring at Delic profusely. "It is what makes frivolous, horny teenagers believe there is consent when there is most-definitely not. It is what makes men such as you believe performing sexual favors will get you everything one needs."

"And pray tell, what can you say about those that accept my sexual favors? Even enjoy them?" Delic said without skipping a beat.

Hibiya faltered.

"And it's that kind of confined thinking that causes so much more stress than it's worth. People have sex. Who cares? What strife does it cause you if some random woman decided to have a one night stand? Not like you can do anything to stop it so why even worry about it?"

"Because there is a concept known as self-worth!"

"What does sex have to do with ones self-worth?"

"Sex creates reputations, rumors, lies. Those concepts can ruin a person's life and every being they associate themselves with! It destroys wholesomeness, pride, integrity, and affections!"

"So when I sucked your penis before, it ruined Sakuraya's life?"

The rage left Hibiya's face instantly as he looked up at Delic wide-eyed. "You-you do recall me?"

Delic continued as if Hibiya said nothing. "Do I look like my pride and integrity are destroyed? Or should I say, do you think I would take any grimy penis into my mouth for the biggest or tiniest of things? If that were the case, why would I even have a job? Why would I even get paid? Why would I have even bothered to explain what a host is and even get offended when you misinterpreted it as prostitution?"

"I...I—"

"Wholesomeness is a lie. A universal truth of this world is that no one—absolutely no one—goes through their life completely uncorrupted. Whether it be sex, a scandal, a lie, or a sin, everyone sooner or later loses their wholesomeness. As for my pride and integrity, I am proud and embrace the fact that I can make anyone sexually satisfied. Took lots of time and effort to study up on sex so that no one would ever say I'm horrible at making people feel good. And as for affections!"

Delic leaned in close, catching the raven by surprise. Hibiya tried to pull away but Delic followed until the raven had no choice but to fall on his back on the couch. Delic put his arms on either side of him so he was thoroughly pinned without the blond touching him.

"I'm sure you wouldn't be here if you hadn't felt something for me."

Hibiya blushed, his eyes wide with shock. But behind that shock, Delic saw it. A small flicker that could have been easily missed if it weren't for years of experience with people.

Excitement.

"That, that is not..."

Delic stared down at him with lascivious eyes. But inside he only felt cold. He was done playing the good host. He wanted to be done with this man. He wanted this man to leave in an angry huff, let his pride speak and call Delic a liar. He'd deal with any lecture Shiki gives him if it means this man will leave his life for good.

"Do—" Hibiya turned his head so he wasn't looking at Delic, glaring at the far wall as his blush only intensified. "Do not assume my desire to know of you had any sexual implications! I only wished to now you! I do not require your sexual favors!"

'That is such a ballfaced lie.' Delic thought.

The fact that the raven wouldn't look at him when he said such made it more than obvious it was a lie.

But Delic would play his game.

"So, if you were to leave here without me doing anything to you, you'd come back next week?"

The raven looked up at him, pink holding gold firmly. "Of course."

For a good minute, the two held each other's gaze. Unbreaking; calculating; sizing each other up. Before Delic sighed and leaned back so he was no longer looming over Hibiya. The host looked over at the clock while the raven pulled himself out from under Delic and sat up.

"Well, we've only got ten minutes left." The blond turned back to him. "Would you like to keep talking or go down and set up your next appointment?"

"...I feel as if the atmosphere is too tense to continue a proper conversation. Let us reschedule."

Delic chuckled, silently agreeing with the prince. He stood and held his hand out to Hibiya. He hesitated, his gloved hand pressed to his chest as he scrutinized the offering. But he did not keep Delic waiting long as he gripped the host's hand. Delic gently pulled him to his feet and escorted him to the door.

The two walked down the hall in silence. No words were spoken nor did they even look at each other. The only sound that could be heard was the dulled party music coming from the dance floor—the hallway was set up so the clients could get to the front desk without having to go through the dance floor, resulting in the hall being nearly soundproof—although their silence didn't seem to be awkward. The two understood the need for silence right now in case one of them said something that would add more tension.

They reached the front desk without incident. Delic leaned over the desk and asked for the schedule book. He checked it, aware Hibiya was looking over his shoulder but decided to ignore him.

"Will next week, Tuesday at...seven be okay?"

"That shall suffice."

"Great." Delic wrote down—properly—Hibiya's name in the slot. He then turned to the raven with a smile. "Shall I escort you out?"

"...If you wish."

Delic smiled as he pressed a hand to the raven's back, gently courted Hibiya to turn around, and walked side by side with him towards the entrance.

Once at the door, Delic gripped Hibiya's hand to draw his attention.

"Well, Hibiya, I eagerly await your return." The blond then bowed with the raven's hand still in his own.

"...I...shall see you then."

Delic stood up straight, released his hand and smiled. The raven blushed then turned away. Without even a look back, Hibiya walked through the front doors.

Delic waved goodbye, nonetheless. Once Hibiya was officially out of sight, the blond allowed his smile to fall. He then sighed and rubbed the back of his neck. He turned and went back to the desk.

"Do I have anymore clients?"

"You've got...one in about an hour. You're free till then."

"Cool." Delic banged his hands on the table to push off and headed to his room.

Delic sighed as he headed up the hallway. As he walked, another host came down with his client.

"Hey, Delic, how many clients you got left before we'll see you on the dance floor?" The host grinned from ear to ear.

Delic decided not to question the fact that he was escorting a client and not paying attention to her. He knew this guy wasn't the best at his job anyway. He was mostly here just to get drunk and be around women.

"I won't be going down tonight."

"Eh?" The host's eyes widened.

Delic walked past.

"Wait, what the hell?! You always come down!"

"Not now, Jino."

"Delic—"

"Shouldn't you escort her?"

The host known as Jino faltered and quickly looked back at his woman. He then apologized, put his charm back on and walked her down the hall. Delic merely rolled his eyes and continued walking.

He reentered his room and plopped down on the couch heavily. He groaned and sagged low into the cushions.

His eyes fell on the unfinished rollcake. Staring at it. Eyeing it.

He sat up and grabbed the rollcake. He ate it. He knew it didn't have any of Hibiya's saliva on it, it was completely clean, but it had been the conceited prince's and it made him feel better to take something from him.

'That prideful bastard only rescheduled to prove he's not after me for sex. Which is fucking bullshit but whatever.'

Delic stood and stretched.

'You now what, let's play this game. Next meeting, I'll suggest going to a hotel. And when he says yes, I'll jusst use him like he wants to use me. And after that, he'll never bother me again.'

A wicked grin crossed Delic's lips.

*Yakiniku—grilled meat

**Daifuku—a mochi stuffed with sweet fillings

I did it again only worse! I'm all caught up with my notebook, not only in Crown's and Headphone's but with Camera's and Letter's too! Posting Silent Hill will be my saving grace for stalling with both stories now.

See you next time.

KCK