A/N:
Last omake before completion.
Thank you for the past months.
Anyway, go on.
Omake: A modest affection
"Shame on you, Pride!" The human raved with amber eyes staring at him with justified anger. "Don't classify all humans as one! Don't classify us as you when you were a living flesh! Don't classify us as heartless beings because in the first place! You were the one who tormented your kin to your pleasure and still doing it for your sick obssession!"
Pride bristled. "My obssession?!"
"You, who did not know how to live in hell, never shunned away by the society, and didn't experience injustice don't have the rights to say we had taken the happiness of making you feel low! Because if your pride wasn't in the way, you will know how hard it was for those humans in your millennia to live a good life without being threatened by your kinds!" The filth continued like he didn't offend the Sin.
"And what?! You want to kill all demons because of this?! Because of your philosophy?! You're delusional!" Pride spat like poison.
"No. It's not a philosophy." Pride stared at the brunet who gazed at him with defiance and a good look of determination that he hadn't seen from any creature he encountered. "If I have the power, I will make the world a good place where demons can live with humans, and humans will accept."
The Sin felt his heart skip some beat as his heart flutter with that declaration. Then he suddenly snapped himself off his stupid trance and shook his head mentally as he snarled physically. "You're not only delusional. You're also foolish! You trust demons to live with you, low lives?! What will you do if I crush such hope?! Such dream?! If I kill you?!"
"Then do it!" The human hollered back, angry, prideful and determined. "Do your worst pride! Because as long as my race strives, even if there is only one human in this world, my dream will come true! I am not the only one who wish to change these circumstances! You want to kill my hope and dream?! Do it! Let's see how much can you achieve!"
Pride felt his anger rise to the highest level of its thermometer. Without much ado, he raised his arm, curled his hand and imagined the human's neck in his grasp The said filth materialized in front of him, panting for air through gritted teeth.
Brown eyes and coal black ones glared at each other.
With the wails and shouts of threats from the six elements and the sun arcobaleno stepping out of his own portal, Pride opened his path of hell and stepped inside his chamber. He watched the sun arcobaleno's face went dark before his portal closed. Then before he knew it, the human went slack in his hand. Disgusted with how weak the human is, he threw the filth to the side of his bed before summoning one of his servants.
"Let's see how much your hope will help you." Pride smirked as he watched his servant put shackles on the human's feet.
The human kept on sleeping. It's already the third day, yet he hadn't opened his eyes. Pride put a hand on his chin, propped his elbow on his leg and looked down at the brunet, who appeared a little peaceful while resting on the ground. He honestly doesn't if he should be angry or bored with how unresponsive the other is. The latter should be experiencing discomfort, right? The numbness of not moving for so long. He has been in that position since then. So why not move?
A little after staring, he left his chamber when he got called. Leaving his room to go the meeting with the Sins and Belial, he let everything passby like they're usual things without giving his own input on the discussion. He didn't even mind the others' jesting of his 'failure to kill the sky' mission, or the amused gaze of his Lord. Unexpectedly, he didn't feel like sharing the fact that the human sky they needed to kill is in their castle and inside his room. He felt kinda... Possessive about it. Secretive too. He had evaluated himself about that feeling, and concluded that he just wants the human to suffer by his hand. Crushing the human's dreams and hopes is his sole goal right now.
He was entering his room when he noticed the human, who he left in a supine position, was now half leaning on the bed post. Pride watched as the brunet heaved himself to lean properly while panting and making pained expressions. He looked so weak and having a hard time breathing. He wondered why.
He raised a brow when brown eyes darted to his way. He closed the door behind him and just stood there, watching the brunet ignore him with the effort of making himself comfortable. For some reasons, the Sin doesn't want to do anything to the human. It's like he's... Fascinated. Perhaps with the idea that the filth is already suffering without him handing it? Must be.
The human successfully made himself lean on the bed post before staring straight at his coal black eyes. Like from that time they officially met, Pride marvelled the wonderful glints in those eyes again. Something that can be perceived as knowledge and hardship that only those who can relate will know.
"Are you just going to stare at me?" A orotund voice said, snapping him out of his reverie. The brunet glared. "If you want to finish me off here in your room to paint your walls with my blood, do it already."
Pride chuckled as he strode in. "You really want me to kill you, don't you?"
"Psh. Why stall? You were itching to kill me three days ago." The brunet egged, trying to unsuccessfully piss him off.
The Sin can't help feeling amused about that. "So you're aware that you've been asleep for three days."
"No. I don't even know what time it is. I'm just estimating the hour." The brunet shrugged, slowly relaxing as if he's home. "It's probably past seventy-two hours since I came here."
"Yes. Now out of my bed post. You're filthy." Pride shooed as he plopped on his bed.
"Right." The human nodded before moving away from the bed.
Pride watched the brunet slowly and sluggishly crawl his way to the other side of the room. He noticed that it's the opposite of the door. Although curious why not go near the door where his freedom can be found, he didn't ask.
After a minute of watching the human crawl like a snail, Pride groaned in impatience and said curses under his breath as he strode for the brunet. He took the human in his armpits and put him to where the latter wanted to go. It was appropriate since the chain of the shackles is long enough not to strain the brunet. He hurriedly turned away from the human and went to his bed.
Just why did he help that mongrel?
"You're weak." He stated from his bed after inspecting the brunet who was still leaning on the red wall.
His captive looks pale and frail. There are prominent bags under his eyes, almost making them look sunken. He looks cold too but still sweating. It doesn't seem like he lost weight, but he had stayed on his spot since then and never moved.
The human hadn't been difficult. He's pretty docile and patient. Whenever Pride asks him things, the latter answers truthfully and casual. Almost friendly and uncaring of his situation. Although he doesn't necessarily try to offend or anger the Sin from then, Pride can't help getting irritated with how lax the brunet around him. It's like they didn't try to kill each other five days ago.
"That's expected if you didn't make me eat for the past five days." The brunet scoffed with a swift turn of his head to the side. "At least your servants were kind enough to give me water to drink. They're pretty nice, unlike a certain someone."
"That's expected. I'm a Sin." He replied smugly with a matter-of-fact tone.
"Just because you were said to be a demon and a sin, it doesn't mean you have to be bad." The brunet negated, eyes closing. "Ira is crazy but he's not that bad. My summons have done a lot of stupid things. There's a hitman who had killed a lot. An esper who takes more money than anyone can. I met a lot of demons in my town who had done a lot of crimes. But they still love to help. They like to help those children who were having a hard time, or keep tabs on everyone they like to see. Demons can be good despite their nature."
In a split second, Pride is crouched in front of the human who opened an eye to see him. "You're delusional."
"You want a proof?" A smirk was given to him. "I have plenty."
Coal eyes stared at that lone eye before the Sin stood up.
"Do you have a book, Pride?" The human asked in a casual manner. "If you're going to starve me to death, at least give me the privilege to read until my last breath. Like a final item on my bucket list."
"Bucket list?"
"Oh. You don't know that? My fault." Both eyes opened and looked at him with an apology. "Anyway, bucket list is a coined term that came from the idiom kick the bucket and list. Like it's a list of things I want to do before I die."
Pride felt himself get impressed. "So a book."
"Any kinds of books, as long as I can read it."
"Latin?" He queried as he went for the dresser by the side of the brunet. "There are Italian, French, Latin and Greek in here."
"I can read all of them. But just give me an Italian book." The Sin took a book and handed it to him. The former noticed how the human reached out with a shaky hand. "Huh. A novel about cooking. Do you cook?"
He raised a brow at the observation. "What of it?"
"Nothing." A shrug before the human made himself comfortable on his spot. "Just asking. It's not everyday that I get to talk to the almighty Pride."
"You're too sarcastic for your own good." He remarked as he went for his bed again.
"It comes with the occupation." The other chirped. Coal eyes looked back to the human who grinned at him. "Low lives need to be sarcastic sometimes for the sake of entertainment, Pride. Don't rid me that."
Pride harrumphed before laying on his bed.
Pride felt something stir in his gut when he saw the human slumped on the wall and the book closed on his lap. He crouched in front of his captive and tried to look for any signs of life. He prodded the other by poking the human's skin with his forefinger. His brows furrowed when there's no response.
It has been five days since he gave the brunet the Italian book. He had seen him reading till late, smiling and laughing at some parts of the book. But there were no signs of weakening. He even had the gall to greet him 'welcome back', 'good morning', 'good night' and 'hello' whenever they see each other. But now, after he came from the small meeting, he came upon this view after hearing no 'welcome back'.
He continued to prod the other, but still no response. He resorted to putting a hand on the brunet's chest to feel any heart beat. He blinked when he can feel the weak rise and fall of the chest and the almost untraceable heart beat. He then shook the other awake.
"What?" A small voice asked, brown eyes fluttering to awareness.
"You're dying." He voiced snappily.
Dull eyes stared at him before their owner sighed. "Let me rot."
Pride was about to say he will when he heard a wamble. He looked down at the brunet's stomach then to those lifeless eyes again. "You're hungry."
"I'm starving." The other corrected before falling on his side and curled with his eyes closed. "The book made me imagine a lot of food. I suddenly want to eat."
"You're impossible." He can't help grunting.
"Just let me rot." The brunet waved off before turning away from him.
The Sin stared at the back of the human before standing up and going out of his room. He stared at his servants that were crowding outside his door. They were chattering in concern about his captive. He can't help frowning at that and ordered some of them to get some ingredients while the remaining ones were tasked to ready the kitchen as he gets in there.
It was a good thing he made a kitchen inside the castle. Technically, this is his castle. He made it and continuously reconstructing it whenever Wrath destroys half of it. Although no one wanted to eat anything since they don't need to eat, he still made one since a house won't be complete without. Who knew it will come in handy just for a human?
Everything was ready when he got there. He quickly whipped something up before ordering a servant to carefully carry it to the room. He threatened the servant so it won't spill anything. He did all the cleaning before he went back. But the moment he got in front of his own door, he hesitated to enter. He suddenly felt nervous cause it has been years since he last cooked. Regardless, he came in with faux confident strides.
The sight that greeted him wasn't really intriguing. The human is being helped to sit by two of his servants while the others were on standby, guarding the food. The brunet looked really out of it and too weak to hold the spoon when one of his servants offered it to him. It took Pride's unwilling initiative (really?) to order the servants to put a thin pillow in front of the human before sitting there to take the job.
Seriously. He can't help getting irritated with the human. The brunet is so weak and helpless and an inconvenience. The human knows that, yet he still strives to live heedless of his wish to die. Pride was a human, once upon a time. But he wasn't this stubborn. He wasn't this resilient. He can't understand how humans work anymore. They're making him stupid.
Pride took the warm bowl of soup. He took a spoonful and was about to hover it near the brunet's lips when he blinked at it. Well, it's warm, but with how sensitive a human's tongue is, he needs to cool it down a bit until his captive can take the temperature. So, reluctantly, Pride blew the heat away before putting it near the brunet's lips. Those pale, almost blue, lips opened up a little and took the spoon inside. A little satisfied with the reaction, the Sin continued the charade.
"Thank you." His captive expressed in a small voice after finishing the whole bowl of soup.
Pride felt himself froze when he was about to place the bowl on the tray. He felt red creep to his face. A little embarrassed and fluttered, he cleared his throat. "It was necessary to keep you alive. Don't take it in a wrong way."
"Alright." Then he was graced with a big smile. "Can you feed me more? You're pretty considerate for someone with a big pride."
"Do you want me to pour all of this on you?" He threatened as he gestured to the food.
The brunet chuckled. Pride can't help memorizing how those lips curl into a grin, those eyes flutter a little and how that cute nose scrunch a little with the soft gesture. "No. I want to eat all of them as a compliment to the chef."
The Sin willed the flatter down by clicking his tongue and took the plate of pasta in his hands. "You better eat all of this."
"I will."
Pride didn't believe how that simple sentence sounded like a vow.
"Wha-"
He dumped the clothes on the brunet before turning around for the door. "Ask them where the bathroom. Take a shower. You stink and make my room smell."
He didn't listen to the brunet's protest and closed the door with a snicker. He can still hear some grumbling from the human that he shook his head at before walking away.
The brunet became pretty energetic after eating good meals. Although he doesn't want to do anything related to eating, Pride had to take on the role of feeding his captive who only calls for him. At some point, he got convinced by the brunet to make a plate for himself. Why won't he if his captive keeps on putting food in his mouth whenever 'he gloats too much'? He swears he was going to quit spoonfeeding the latter when he noticed that he started to gain strength to feed himself, but the human invites him to eat. And he can't resist.
All his life, no one invited him to eat a meal and talk about boring things. Whenever he gets invited in parties back way back in time he was a human, it's for social gatherings or political things that talks about business and such. He doesn't even know what a family meal is. Yet here he is, asking himself if what he has been doing every meal time with the human is a type of family meal or a friendly meal.
The meeting with the others was a little weird. Belial kept on asking him what his plan for the human sky with a teasing grin. Lust and Greed were eyeing him with curiosity. Sloth kept on blinking his blue eyes at him like he felt surprise or something and tries to say a thing but couldn't find the right words to tell. Envy and Gluttony were minding their own business. But what weirded him out the most was Wrath (Ira as what his captive calls the other). The Sin was smiling at him with glee. It was unusual since Pride never really interacted with the bluenet, and add the fact that all of the other Sins slapped him the actuality that the other is known to be the most powerful among them while he's just a speck on that acknowledged power; Yeah, he's so not gonna talk to him.
When he came back, still thinking over the weird meeting, his mind short circuited after he registered what's in for him. Standing in the middle of the room is his captive, dressed with the clothes he gave him which were composed of his own white dress shirt and black pair of slacks. He was barefooted too and no shackles on his ankles since the Sin forbid his servants from putting them back on the brunet. The wet hair gives the human a good look and he looked so refreshed. Pride felt his heart flutter with unnameable emotions, blood rushing for his head.
How can this creature look so ethereal with just that? He never met a human who looked like that. Not even his ancestor (he realized while feeding the other that Giotto de Vongola was the human's ancestor since they almost resembled each other except for the colors. How cliche is that?) can look like this.
"What are you staring at?" The human asked.
Pride blinked and gave a smug smirk. "You look filthier."
His captive scoffed. "Excuse me. I look dashing. Compare to you, I can pull of the long hair look."
He can't help rolling his eyes at that statement as he closed his door. "Keep believing that."
"I will. Although I like your shirt." The brunet hummed while folding one of his sleeves. "Cotton feels nice every once in a while."
"Poor." He insulted as he sat on his bed.
"Of course not." The other snapped. "I grow, okay? It's not my fault that I don't know how to shop for my own clothes. I buy what I can get in the mall and what I think will fit me."
The Sin eyed the human's body before beckoning the other to come to him, eliciting a suspicious look. He rolled his eyes. "You're folding it wrong, you ninny. Come here."
"Yes yes."
As he started to fold the other's sleeves, the human began to engage him in a talk about clothes. All because he knew what clothes to wear. Even though the reason is stupid, Pride went along with it. Who cares if he does anyway?
Pride opened his eyes. Then he closed them again to ignore the small 'tuck tuck' on something wooden to go back to sleep, but still, the sound persisted. He sat up and looked over to the brunet who is staring at the chess board he is tinkering. The Sin's brows furrowed when he realized something.
How did his captive obtain such game?
He blinked when brown eyes gazed up to him. There were concentration in them, making them look sharper and almost dangerous. With a blink, those looks vanished and got replaced by the usual light in those brown eyes. It's honestly troubling how the human can change himself with a mere second. Such ability is remarkable and dangerous. Even the lax composure in front of power is almost irritatingly plausible.
"Found this chess board under your books. Still complete with the pieces. Care for a game?" The brunet invited with a smile.
Pride stared at that smile before smirking. "Don't cry if you lose."
"Not like I don't lose that often in this game. I'm a novice." The other shrugged, arranging the pieces.
"Really now?" He asked as he went out of the bed and strut over. "Do you even know what are their roles in the board?"
"I'm contemplating whether to throw this on your head." The human voiced with a scrunched face.
He sat on his usual seat and turned the board so he could play the first move as the white king. "They're magnets."
"That's the thing. I don't even need to pick up the piece nor do you have to since they won't fall after I threw it to you."
Coal eyes flicked around the board before moving the left knight. "Your way of thinking is too peculiar."
His captive grinned mischievously. "Glad I make you confused."
The game was terribly engaging. He never felt so played with how the human moved his pieces. His captive was tricky and cheeky with intact pokerface. Every time Pride moves a piece to capture at least one pawn or a general, the brunet has already one guard. He can't help feeling trapped with all way out blocked.
In the end, he lost. But unlike all those games he lost in the past, his lose against the human did not hurt his ego. It felt like the game was too satisfying to even feel devastated about it. It's like he also won instead of defeated.
"Another?" The brunet queried whilst hands kept on arranging the pieces.
"Fine." He replied and placed a pawn a step ahead.
"You like moving the rooks." He glanced at the brunet who placed his own pawn forward. "Because they're powerful?"
Pride nodded as he moved another pawn. "They're as powerful as the queen, especially that there are two of them. With just those and the king, I can eliminate all of them and check the opponent."
He doesn't know what to feel when the brunet gave an amazed smile. "Heh."
"What about you?" He can't help asking, something he found doing almost everytime they talk.
"I like all of them." The brunet answered.
"You can't say that." He chided. "Just one."
"Hmm." The other hummed in thoughts. "I like the pawn. He's a zero to hero."
"So you view yourself as a hero?" He jested.
"Sometimes. Who won't want to be one? The fame. The attention. The praises. Just imagine how many people will want to have my autograph or want me to kiss their babies' heads and shake their hands." Then the brunet ate his bishop with his pawn. "But in a long run, I realized that I don't want to."
"Why not?" He queried as he moved his queen.
A knight was moved. "I don't want to be fake. I want to be weak whenever I want. I want to be stupid when I want. I want to be just helpful when I want. I don't want to have a good reputation that I'll be afraid to destroy. It's too tedious and too hypocrite."
"Then why a pawn?" He moved his rook to intimidate the other's queen.
"Because I want to help people and protect them. Think about," The brunet put a pawn in between. "if you're my general, I will sacrifice myself just to keep you alive because I know you'll be able to capture the opponent's king. Yet even though I'm a sacrifice, they also fear me because I can be anything once I reach their side. I can be your rook, your bishop, your knight, or your other queen. Generally, it's the pawn that moves the game. They're your attack and defense. The spies when needed. The first to enter the game other than the knight. And it maybe weak now but it can get stronger as it steps forward.
"I'm only a human. I don't have any superpowers or great abilities other than my fighting prowess. I'm a pawn who only knows how to move forward. I can't be a hero with that knowledge, you know. If I don't inspect my surroundings and keep on looking straight, I'll die without any experience nor reach any of my goals. I want to help others because that's what I think is my purpose. But either ways, that's my opinion."
Pride couldn't say anything after that explanation. All he could muster was a lame 'oh'. Their game was basked with silence, with only the pieces moving on the wooden board can be heard . He didn't won and got defeated by a pawn turned to a queen even after he took the other's queen. The brunet called it a game and gave him a humble congratulations because he was a great player. He scowled at the human's modesty on the first game and pointed that out, only to gain a chuckle.
Before he went back to sleep, he thought of what the brunet said about pawns. At some point, what his captive said was true. Humans can only move forward while helping others. Like pawns.
Is that the reason why the brunet is so resilient and determine to live? With that purpose as a drive?
He wonders.
"You're Edward?" Pride looked up from his spot when he heard that. The brunet was staring at him with bright eyes while pointing at the name on the book. "You're Edward de Woodstock?"
In a sec, the Sin already obtained the book and closed it with a snap. "What of it."
Silence.
"I apologize. I didn't mean to offend you." The human said in a small voice while still gazing at him. "It's just that I never met someone as old as you."
"You just implied that I'm old." He pointed out as he settled the book to his side in the bed.
He received a cheeky grin. "Do you want me to call you ancient then?"
"Funny." He deadpanned, causing a chuckle. He was about to tell the other to buzz off when he remembered something. "You know who I am, then who are you?"
"Eh? You don't know my name?" The brunet asked, looking so surprised before faking a hurt expression. "You just wounded me, Edward."
Pride rolled his eyes. "Don't call me Edward. I don't like remembering stupid things. But since you're stuck here with me, I might as well learn your mundane name."
Brown eyes glinted with mischief. The brunet sat comfortably on his spot and smiled with a welcoming warmth. "I am Tsunayoshi Sawada. Tsunayoshi means lucky rope, sometimes someone who screams so loud. Sawada means blessed. In a way, you can say that I'm a blessed lucky rope. But you can call me Tsuna because they're mouthful as a whole."
"So Sawada was the name that your ancestor took in." He mused.
"My ancestor?" His captive, Tsunayoshi, repeated. "What do you know about him?"
Pride rose a brow. "You didn't know that your ancestor was Giotto de Vongola?" He took the unhinged mouth (which looks kissable) as a sign of 'yes'. "His blood and his demon wife's blood run in your body, Tsunayoshi. Although there are only small specks, you are still part sorcerer, part royalty and part demon with full human body."
"Sorcerer, royal, demon and human." The brunet murmured before curious eyes blinked at him. "Royal?"
Pride sighed. "Vongola is a royal family. They reigned over the world years ago, maybe three millennia after I died. They were known to have the greatest reign, sacrificing themselves for peace and talking civilly through wars. It is one of the reasons why you do not fear authority and power."
"Oh. But not fearing authority and power is not intentional." The human uttered before smiling widely. "Although it's nice. It means we have something more in common."
"In common?"
"Like we're both royalties, we can cook, we can talk Italian and we play chess." A beam got directed to him. "And to top everything more, you're calling me by my name. Can I call you with yours too?"
Pride felt his heart hammered in his chest before he looked away as he nodded. "Yeah. Do whatever you want."
When he looked back, he got attacked with the happiest smile he ever saw on the human's face.
Edward woke up when he heard a soft whimper. Coal eyes stared at the red ceiling before to his right. Like awhile ago, he heard another whimper, a little harsh this time. The Sin sat up and looked over to his roommate's spot, only to see him curling tighter and almost hiding. Removing himself from the bed, he walked for the other.
Tsunayoshi appeared somber before they slept. He was counting about up to twenty-three and Pride speculated that it was the days the human spent in his lair. Although Tsunayoshi never says anything to anger him or offend him, and just keeps himself entertained with all the books he can have in the room and enjoy himself with the demon's company, he still misses his summons and wants to interact with them again. Pride can't blame him though, he did kidnap the brunet from those people he treasures.
He's honestly conflicted. He doesn't know if he should regret taking Tsunayoshi away from them or be thankful that he kidnapped him. The brunet is not like any other. He's someone anyone wants to have in their side. He's like someone who loves to cherish others, protect them, make them happy and keep them at ease. And it makes Pride so light and happy because for once, someone is willing to prioritize his feelings and try to make him like a human he couldn't be when he was one. However, even if he wants Tsunayoshi to stay beside him in Hell, he knew he can't have that.
After another whimper, he put a hand on Tsunayoshi's shoulder and shook the other awake. Orange eyes opened with blankness before they registered awareness and they become their usual brown. Edward felt in awe at how inborn the sky aura is on the human. Maybe even without the aura, creatures will still gravitate and fear the brunet with his sheer tendencies. Royalty and delinquency are a good mix except for the human's opponents.
"Ed?" Tsunayoshi asked him, eyes blinking slowly out of sleep. "What happened?"
"You're having a bad dream." He said in a small voice, not minding the new nickname.
Brown eyes blinked owlishly at him before going somber again. "Can you stay for a while?"
"Why?" He queried.
"I just want you here." He conceded to the simple reason and sat down, earning a grateful smile. "If ever I lived in your time, I would've mooched off on you."
He chuckled at the declaration of intentions. "Like I will let you."
"Of course, you will. I know you'll like how I'll treat you. Or you'll chase me to the end of the world just to have your own revenge on me." Cheeky brown eyes gazed at him. "I wonder if we'll argue against each other too. I mean if the society doesn't scar me, I'll probably really shy and bookish. I won't probably say anything to you unless you do something to those people I respect."
"Like the first time we met."
The brunet cackled lightly before going sheepish. "You really give off that snobbish air, you know. So high and mighty. Who knew it was because of your upbringing as a duke. I'm sorry for telling you those things. I should've asked what other demons think of you."
Pride felt his heart swell. "It's fine."
"I dreamed about you." The brunet started, eyes closing as if reminiscing about something. "You let me go back and the others inspected me or something. I kept on defending you and it caused them to erase my memory because they suspected that I have Stockholm syndrome."
"Stockholm syndrome?"
"A kind of psychological thing that makes the captive become dependant of his captor. You do realize that it's almost the same with our situation, right? You made me eat, you made me wash, you allowed me to entertain myself and you're talking to me like it's normal. Heedless, I won't be alive right now if it wasn't for you. Thank you, Ed."
He looked away. "You're blabbering."
He earned a chuckle before they shared a silence. "But it begs that question you know." He looked back to Tsunayoshi who was almost look asleep. "But I don't want to ask. I don't want this thing we have vanish just because of a stupid question."
"The body negates what the lips are saying." He stated.
"Exactly."
Pride swallowed thickly. "I don't mind." He watched as those brown eyes peeked at him through their heavy lids. "I don't mind if we're... Friends."
Tsunayoshi scooted closer to him and curled on his side, while facing him. "No wonder you're Pride. You honor those things you like."
He hesitated before he put a soothing hand on the other's showed side, just below the ribs, before he patted the soft mane with his other hand. "Just go to sleep already."
(If Pride slept like a baby, lying on his side and snuggling on Tsunayoshi for heat, the brunet didn't say anything.)
(Pride kept himself from blushing whenever he remembers what he did. Blame his sudden soft spot for the brunet.)
(He's falling...)
Pride stared at Wrath who is smiling sadly at him. "You want me to what?"
"Return Tsuna back to the Human world." His fellow Sin repeated. "I know he's inside your room. The moment you came in from your 'failed' expedition, I felt his aura for a brief second before it vanished. The only thing that stopped me from attacking you was because his reserves were building up. Because you made him eat and you made him clean up. Your servants were talking about him and how you treat him with care."
He can't help looking away as his ears felt warm before he realized something. "What did you say? That his aura vanished?"
"His aura became his body cloak to protect him from the miasma, Pride. It vanished for a while and started to build up again."
The Sin remembered the three days Tsunayoshi didn't move from his spot by the bed post. Maybe the aura drainage caused that reaction and because of the circumstances, he was forced to build his reserves up immediately.
"I know how fun Tsuna to be with, but we can't make him stay. The miasma is too much for his body even if the small side of him can take it on. You have to let him go." Wrath explained further with a glum expression.
Pride can't help biting his lower lip. It's Tsunayoshi's twenty-seventh day of staying in hell. It's nearing a month. Maybe he can still keep the brunet before he can let him go. "Give me three days."
"Okay."
"Tsunayoshi." He called out after the servant vanished with their plates.
"It's Tsuna, Ed." The other corrected.
"Tsunayoshi." He insisted, causing the other to sigh.
"Yes, Ed?" The brunet hummed in query while settling back to his comfortable position.
Coal eyes stared at those warm brown. "Do you miss your summons?"
"I miss them." A reply without a pause and indulged him more. It's usually how their conversation works. "I miss our small bonding and those times we talk in our shared mindscapes. Sometimes, I feel like I'm too lucky to have them. For the past three years I've been known to be colorless and feeling jealous on my fellow students who can take summons, I feel like I deserve them and I don't deserve them at the same time. Stupid, isn't it?"
Pride felt his heart clench as he nodded.
"Why did you ask anyway?"
"I'm returning you to them." He replied in the most steady voice he can muster.
Brown eyes flashed orange as they stared at him. "What do you feel about that?"
He rolled his eyes. "Does my opinion matter?"
"Of course." His eyes snapped back to the other who affirmed that. "You're my captor, you have a say in this. You're my friend, you have a say in this. And you're a family, so you really have a say in this."
He swallowed. "I'm fine with it."
Tsunayoshi smirked coyly. "Really? Then why do you look like you're about to cry?"
"You're blabbering." He scowled as he stood and offered a hand to the other while the portal opened. "Come on."
The human took his hand. He grasped it tightly as he heaved the other to his feet. He tried to memorize the other's warmth, appearance and eyes. What he really liked about Tsunayoshi is his eyes. How expressive can they be. How they always convey hope, determination and warm acceptance. They're the reason why he whisked him away in Hell. To see more of them. To see how far they could go.
Reborn is truly a lucky bastard to have such a gorgeous lover in his arms. Anyone is willing to die just to have the brunet beside them. Damn. It's too hard to let go of something he really wants to have but couldn't because he knew he doesn't want to part ways with heavy heart.
"You can always visit, Ed." Tsunayoshi softly said, gripping his hand with gentleness yet firm grip. "I'll welcome you with open arms."
"What if..." He looked away, remembering the nightmare.
"I won't let them." The brunet stated with steel voice, making him gaze back. "Not in a million year, Ed."
Pride contemplated before he let his mist vanish from his form. He watched as Tsunayoshi stared at him with shock and awe. "Promise?"
"With my honour." The human said before smiling. "You're handsome."
"Oh shush!" He chided as he guided the brunet to the other side by hand. "Go sweet talk someone else, not me."
Tsunayoshi laughed as he stood at the other side of the town they vacated a month ago. "Visit, okay?"
Coal eyes searched those sincere eyes for any deception before he lifted the hand to his lips and kissed it with troth. "I will."
He smirked when he saw red creep on the brunet's neck, all the way to his cheeks and ears. He slowly let the hand go just as Reborn appeared. Onyx met coal before Pride looked back to Tsunayoshi, gave a small genuine smile and closed his portal.
The silence in his room was deafening. He didn't dare eye the vacant space that was occupied awhile ago. He went straight for his bed, covered the room with heavy mist and shut his eyes out to will the ache in his heart to at least ease a little with the thoughts of how happy the brunet now.
Tsunayoshi Sawada just can't stop others from falling in love to him, can he?
"Is it done?" All eyes went to Wrath who popped his head from the double doors.
"You should've attended the meeting to know if it's done." Pride chided, but his fellow Sin only grinned at him. "Yes. It's done. You can go now."
"We can go now." Wrath corrected as he entered and went straight to him. "He wants to see you."
His heart hammered against its cage in anticipation, but he shook his head. "I'm going to rest."
"Oh come on! You can rest on him!" Wrath whined and took his forearm.
"Where are you going?" Lust questioned with a raise of her brow.
"To Tsuna." Wrath cheered before they vanished.
Pride found himself standing in a corridor. He looked around and realized that they're in a castle. He looked back to Wrath who started to tug him somewhere. He immediately cloaked himself with invisibility as they came into a lobby. There were many young adults anywhere, chattering and talking about something. However, all he could hear is his beating heart.
His rubatosis is caused by his anticipation of seeing the brunet again. It's been a month since they parted, but Pride can still feel the warmth of the hand, the acceptance and sincerity of those brown eyes, how messy the brown locks and the softness of that skin on his lips. Everyday he thinks of the brunet. He thinks of what Tsunayoshi is eating, what book he's reading, what kind of entertainment is making him laugh and what kind of knowledge he acquired again. Heck, he's so madly in love that he can barely think of anything other than the brunet's smiles and laughter. Yet he cannot confess.
Edward de Woodstock, the one who brought prosperity to his kingdom in his lifetime and the feared Sin who can bring all creatures in their knees except for few, cannot confess his feelings to the one he loves because he's too shy and he just can't.
"Ira! Edward!"
Pride blinked at the stairs where the ethereal brunet is walking down. Tsunayoshi was beaming like the sun, so summery with heart warming ebullience. He can't help flushing a little and giving a small smile in return.
Tsunayoshi's face lit up further before he ran down and jump to them. Edward caught the other in his arms instinctively and his eyes widened when he felt the other hug him so tight. He hugged him back. Damn. They only spent a month together but he missed him like they never saw each other.
"You came." Tsunayoshi whispered, tightening his hold. "Thanks God you came."
"I don't want to come but Wrath took me against my will." He responded immediately causing a slap on the shoulder from the brunet. "You do know that won't hurt me."
They parted and Tsunayoshi narrowed his eyes on him. "Want me to kick your balls?"
"You can't do that." He pointed out. "You know how painful that is so you won't make me put up to that agony."
The brunet scrunched his face. "Just you wait. I'm make you feel pain with my fist later."
"Don't punch my face." He warned, stepping back, that caused a merry laughter. "Seriously. Don't."
"I won't. You're pretty handsome and original. Don't go stealing Reborn's face." The brunet tutted.
He blushed. "I figured he's famous so I stole it to get away from everything."
"Hmm." Tsunayoshi hummed, making Pride and Wrath look at each other. "Well, if I was in your feet, I'll really copy Reborn's face. He's a hitman and known to be powerful. Just wear a fedora, dress in black suit, be as confident as he is while flashing a gun, bam! You're a twin. Don't forget the sideburns, though. They're the assets."
"You just gushed about me for seconds there." They all turned to Reborn who was walking towards them with the other Arcobaleno behind him. "Chaos, Wrath and Pride."
Tension spread when the Arcobaleno stopped walking just behind Tsunayoshi. Coal eyes became a little alert. He knew how bad he was years ago. He was merciless. And he knew it will take a lot more time for them to accept him or be civil even. With that, and the fact that he took Tsunayoshi away from them for a month will be the evidence against him.
Then in a trice, sky aura got dumped on them, cutting off the tension in the air. He almost choked with how powerful it is. He heard the others groan with how heavy it is. It was only Wrath who laughed, as if he doesn't feel the tension. Tsunayoshi's eyes were staring down at them, threatening and ghast. He wasn't even smiling.
"Did you know that Tsuna is known as the demon of Namimori and Saint Academy?" Wrath smiled at him as Tsunayoshi started to chastise the Arcobaleno. "He was pretty terrifying when he didn't really neutralize his aura. He's more fearsome now that he can control it at will."
"Then why aren't you affected?" He heaved just as the aura dump got lifted.
"Huh? I am affected, but instead of being scared, he gives me power. Tsuna is always angry you know, full of doubts and insecurities. That's my specialty, remember?" His fellow Sin said before joining the summons on trolling around.
Pride realized how much he has changed with Wrath's last statement. Remember? Of course he won't remember. The past Pride won't be here. He would be gloating in Hell, ordering his servants around and resting in his chamber. He would be cursing the human sky to the end of the world. He won't be feeling at peace, and probably see himself in a high standing. He won't be socializing with people who aren't part of the high society. And he won't be feeling this in love.
The Pride now is Edward De Woodstock. A Sin turned to a duke who Tsunayoshi was able to change to a better creature. Someone who learned when to lower his pride and when to honour something that is worth to be respected.
"Ed!" Tsunayoshi shouted while taking his hand and tugging him forward. "Come on. Don't lag behind. You'll miss everything if you do."
He only stared at Tsunayoshi before nodding and smiling. "Yeah. Lead the way."
And he honestly doesn't regret a bit.
He stared at the cityscape in front of him. He wonders why he wanted to destroy such place in the first place. Or maybe it was his fault for not seeing the beauty of such view.
He looked back to see Reborn stepping out of his own portal. The hitman tipped his hat to him while he remained on the rock he was sitting on. The sun arcobaleno stood beside him whilst he gazed back to the town below. They shared a mutual silence.
The Arcobaleno became civil with him after Tsunayoshi's effort. Every visit was different. There are times that they'll play something, or debate over a stupid topic. Sometimes Tsunayoshi will go all mad about something and make them talk about what made him mad and how to make amends, only for Wrath to tell them that the brunet is joking and just wants them to have a mutual topic for the day. Slowly, he was able to enter their lives like he's part of them and he belongs.
And it's all because of Tsunayoshi.
"Why did you come here?" Reborn questioned.
"I just want to see the place where I first met Tsunayoshi." He answered, remembering how beautiful those brown eyes were.
"He's beautiful, isn't he?"
He nodded. "Truly."
"What made you fall?"
He glanced at the hitman who's very casual. Should he tell him that even Skull feels the same thing? "His eyes. I love his eyes."
Reborn hummed. "Too bad you couldn't have him."
Pride looked down to his hands with a small contented smile. "I'm fine with just being there for him. I'm fine seeing his eyes twinkle with warmth and acceptance everytime they see me. How he calls me Ed whenever I tell him it's Pride. I'm satisfied with just those. He's in love with you and I couldn't take it away from him. I want him to be happy."
"The pride learned modesty and affection." Reborn stated. "I'm sure Tsuna is happy that you're not who he thought you were."
"Huh." He chuckled. "Demons don't have to be bad, he says."
Reborn only chuckled at that.
Tsunayoshi sniffled and Pride only stared. There were sadness in those brown eyes. Even beautiful tears that streamed down from them. It's something new he never once saw whenever they're together. And it's much as heart breaking as his warm acceptance.
"You know," He started off, still staring at those eyes. "I love your eyes. They convey all the things you feel. That one time you were so angry that they were orange. Or that once you were so happy that they were rich brown. Right now, they're dull brown, full of sadness I couldn't erase. Nor Wrath will once you move to him after I ascend."
"Ed, thank you." The brunet expressed as new tears fell. "For everything. For trusting m and letting me step inside your own personal bubble and change you to someone they should've met."
He chuckled. "I should be the one thanking you, Tsunayoshi. Bloody, you are right. I'll let you mooch on me just to make you stay by my side and be my friend. Be someone who will never leave me for my bad personality. Thank you for this enjoyable experience, Tsunayoshi. I will forever treasure this."
He marvelled how those eyes lit up before a merry chuckle was heard. "See you?"
He took the hand that was holding his and kissed the knuckles. And for one more time, he loved how red crept to the brunet's neck, cheeks and ears. "When I see you."
"Yo Nait." Tsunayoshi greeted with a cool smirk.
Nait immediately stared at those brown eyes and smiled back. "Tsunayoshi."
"It's Tsuna." The other corrected.
Like any other day, Nait insisted. "Tsunayoshi."
"Alone again?" The brunet questioned instead, while sitting beside him on the park bench. "You could've told me. I hang around here most of the time."
"I don't have your number or email add." He murmured, shy and embarrassed that he couldn't muster a courage to ask that specific info for the whole year.
"Give me your phone. No wonder I can't receive any messages from you." The other ordered which he gave. "I should've taken your email in the first place, although I thought I'm not that hard to approach."
Nait scoffed. "Not hard to approach? Have you seen how scary your glare is, or how dangerous you look with your get up?"
"Should I cut my hair then? Or remove some studs?" Tsunayoshi asked while handing him his phone again. "Go easy on the black?"
"We can go shopping for your clothes. My treat." He suggested as he checked Tsunayoshi's email so he could memorize it. He flushed when he saw the name though. 'Future CEO's friend'.
"I'll never mooch on you, Nait. Even if you're waiting for me to ask you something after all the 'favors' I've been giving you so far." The brunet waved off before smiling at him. "I have my own money. Don't feel obligated to please everyone. Just be yourself. If you want to gloat, do it to me. Not that I mind."
Nait felt his heart flutter at the promise, the smile and understanding acceptance. Sometimes, with Tsunayoshi's warm welcome, he can't help lowering his gloating and show off attitude. He doesn't want to push the other away. He can't see a future without the brunet by his side.
Although Tsunayoshi hunted him to the end of the world for the things he did to Enma, he was still the first one to accept him after apologizing to the redhead. From then, everything became something wonderful. He gained friends, he became happy and he doesn't mind his scornful family members. It's like with Tsunayoshi beside him, he can fight against anyone and he won't be able to question his self-worth because their group make you feel worthless and worth it at the same time.
Green eyes stared at those brown ones that were shining with humor, mirth, mischief and warmth as the brunet talks his ear off about something related to a book they mutually read. The thing he really loves in the brunet, aside from the smiles and warm personality, is his eyes. He likes how expressive they were. They betray Tsunayoshi's passive face whenever they talk about something.
Sometimes, he amazes the others of how good he can read Tsunayoshi's mood. He knew when the brunet is excited, angry and refraining himself from bursting. Even Tsunayoshi commended his ability to read his mood. He could only blush and deny the appreciation. He just likes staring at those eyes that see him as Nait, and not a Longchamp who has money and all.
"I really thought it was lacking. But it's good. I mean the hints were there and they all fit at the end of the series." Brown eyes glanced at him. They were grateful and happy. "Thanks for recommending me the book."
Nait chuckled. "I'll recommend you more."
"Heh. I really like it when you laugh. It tells me that you're happy." He can't help blushing at that compliment. "Just be yourself, Nait. If you have something in your mind, just tell me or call me. I'll listen."
He hummed with a nod. "Let's eat ice cream?"
Giddiness sparked in those eyes. "Sure! You're treat, yeah?"
"The only time you let me treat you is when it's food." He pointed out while putting away his phone.
"It's food. It must be free." Tsuna emphasized.
Nait shook his head, amused. Tsunayoshi removed himself from the bench and beckoned him to come immediately. He did. He watched the other ran around and dance on his balls, excited for the sweet.
If he can make Tsunayoshi this happy, he won't mind hiding his feelings for him.
No one said it's bad to admire someone from afar even if there will never be a chance for them to be together.
