Seductive Lies
Shadows: Oh do not stress my dear readers! In case anyone has forgotten, this story has a LOVE TRIANGLE. That means three people! In this case, Yoh, Hao and Anna. But, you don't know how I'm going to end this yet...It could have a whole manner of different pairings...
Kitty: Finally, I'm back on the disclaimers. Shadows does not own Shaman King! There! That's how you do it!
Shadows: Okay, calm down...Even tho my arms are now scratched to pieces, and I have a few claw marks on my face... On with the review replies! This will probably be a short-ish chapter, I don't have much to put in it...
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Azalee: I'm a bitch, eh? Don't worry, I promise you loads of yummy yaoi action! And in the next chapter! YAY!
Garnet-chan: Ah, go and re-read the end of the last chapter. Hao does want Yoh, - but not yet...Kidnappings, murder, torture...it's all a typical day in the life of an evil pyromaniac...
Shaman fan: I promise fairly fast updates. I do tend to take a while if I have other responsibilities...
Luna Chii: Yaoi action is promised in these next two chapters! And yes, Hao wants Yoh. Does Yoh want Hao? That is the question...
Inulover4eva: I don't want to imagine what you're gonna be like when it gets to the shag scene! Meanwhile, enjoy a chapter of fluff...Wait, that's the next chapter... Heh, heh... :sweatdrop:
Black Hikari: Yes, someone who doesn't yell about the Hao/Anna pairing! Don't worry, once you read the chapter title, you will be ecstatic. Or you'll just stare blankly at the screen!
Haolover9312: If you hated me, you wouldn't be reading this. Still, I AM good at cliff hangers, aren't I? Now give Hao back, or I can't put him in uncomfortable positions with various people. :wink:
Nirah: Oh, you can expect HoroxRen coming soon... I promise...Tune in for the next chapter for that...Oh, and on the mistake bit, always re-read your chapters. I often go through and change bits! Even better, get a proof-reader!
DragonStorm85: I totally agree, but Hao is GRIEVING! I took away his Yoh...Nah, he'll be alright by the end of this chapter! Oops, I didn't say that...
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Shadows: Sorry about the delay in updates...Mother's Day got in the way...And I had a fight with my best friend...And, and...I got involved with Yahoo Messenger...Much fun...And...well, I actually found myself a GIRLFRIEND! I've been a little preoccupied lately...
Kitty: Please could all readers ensure they have a box of tissues, and/or hankie nearby, in case of continuous sobbing. Please also ensure you have a plushie or something to squeeze whilst reading, as you may squeal in absolute bliss and cry tears of joy...That will be all!
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Chapter 10 - Kissing The Rain
If it was the most simplest forms of displaying human emotion, nobody shed tears, and nobody resolved to crying. Despite the whole damned irritation at having just had one of their rescued kidnapped again, nobody showed it.
But it would seem that Yoh was in no hurry to rescue Anna. It was if he knew just what Hao was planning, even though he had said that Hao didn't tell him what his master plan was. Either way, Yoh wasn't telling, and all anyone could do was simply go about their normal routines. They tended to their injuries, rested their weary bones, and simply mused on what to do. Ski was tended to also, she was introduced to everyone, before Lyserg and Morty decided a bath and some clean clothes was on the agenda for her. A warning look from Ren told her not to dive into her family relations, and so she kept quiet.
Yoh was hiding something. Ren had definitely noticed that. His normally cool, clear brown eyes held something that spoke of a hidden thought. It was as if he knew something about Hao that he couldn't tell his friends. But even so, Ren wanted, no, needed to talk to him, and for various reasons.
That sentence to Lyserg, about what had gone on between him and Hao...
0o0(FLASHBACK)0o0
"Actually, I'm perfectly straight Lyserg. I blame that hypnosis thingy for whatever happened between us." His grin had been there, a typical stereotype of Yoh.
But it was in his eyes. That look that said he was lying. The look that showed closed doors to a secret that he was hiding.
"Why would I be critical of them being gay?" Ren had a little addition to this sentence, he was 95 percent sure that he WAS gay, but...
It must of shown in his eyes. For Yoh gave him that placid, curious look that said he knew something. Their gazes made contact for a few seconds, in which Yoh raised an eyebrow slightly, smiling softly.
'He knows. Wait, I told him.' Silently, Ren cursed himself slightly. The growl from Hao silenced everyone, leaving Ren to ponder on his thoughts, and Yoh to concentrate on what Hao had to say.
0o0(END FLASHBACK)0o0
Wandering through the house, Ren found Yoh sitting peacefully under the porch, gazing up at the stars. Settling down beside him, Ren smiled, receiving a soft smile in return.
"Come to star gaze too?" Yoh asked, returning his stare to the night sky.
"Actually, I wanted to talk to you..." It was awkward for Ren, Yoh could see that. Clearly, he wasn't that used to having open conversations.
"Lemme guess, about me and Hao?" The odd look returned told him Ren wasn't kidding around. He was serious. Yoh dropped his grin, settling on the soft smile again.
"Sort of. More on those 'carefully selected words of persuasion' that I haven't forgotten."
"Ah."
"And that I know you're still not quite yourself. It's odd for me to be direct, but still. What's bothering you?"
"Hao." It was said with no hesitation. Yoh knew perfectly well what Ren meant. "I'm not telling you why."
"Can I ask you something personal?"
"Yeah."
"Did you...ever sleep with Hao?" Ren didn't meet Yoh's eyes, he was too afraid. Instead, he closed his own, keeping his head down.
After a moments pause, Yoh answered.
"No. We came pretty close though." Both had solemn faces, as Yoh bit his lip nervously, and Ren took in what he'd said. The night sky kept a peaceful glow upon the two, and silence settled. Then, the silence was shattered by muffled sobs, as Yoh began to quietly cry. Cool wet droplets fell onto the grass, and Ren also bit his lip, unable to say or do anything. Eventually, the sobs began to die down, and Yoh summoned up enough energy to look at Ren's painfully grave face.
"It wasn't that bad, - was it?" Ren finally ventured.
"No. That's the whole damn point! I know I enjoyed it at the time, so why am I thinking about it all now? Why do I almost feel like I want to do it again! It doesn't make any sense!" Yoh began to cry again, and he slipped sideways, caught deftly by Ren. Yoh simply grabbed at the other shaman, crying desperately into his chest. The only thing Ren could do was simply wrap his own arms around Yoh, pulling him close in a embrace. It was a little out of character for Ren, but after what he'd been up to with Horo, he reckoned he could handle a hug.
After a moments musings, Ren relaxed a little more, snuggling slightly into the soft brown locks. He was a little taken aback by his own actions, but Yoh was warm and soft. Quite pleasantly, Yoh found himself also lulled into the calm peacefulness of it all. For once in a while, Yoh felt, at ease, stripped of all the thoughts and lies put into his head by Hao.
"...Ren?.."
"..Mmm?.."
"You know what we were saying?"
"...About those carefully selected words of persuasion?.."
"That's right."
"What about them?"
"Does that mean you love me?" Yoh lifted his head to stare up at the startled shaman, who sharply pulled his own head up in shock.
"Uh... " A blush crept it's way along his cheeks. Quite clearly, Yoh had accidentally put him on the spot.
"Sorry. Didn't mean it so bluntly." Yoh smiled, feeling Ren relax again. "Okay...Did you actually mean what you said then?"
A moments pause settled around them as Ren pondered on the question. Then, low and with a deeper blush, Ren answered.
"Yes. Would I of said them if I didn't?"
"Ah. In that case, why are you sitting here snuggled up with me?" Ren raised an eyebrow in question.
"What do you mean?" It was said slowly, with wariness in the tone, Yoh gave him a lazy grin, subconsciously cuddling in a little closer.
"Ah. I'm not that stupid. I've seen you and Horo. And heard you, might I add. Not really the best thing in the world to be caught cuddled up with me." Yoh suddenly noticed the minor discomfort in Ren's eyes, catching on what he was worried about. He stooped a little lower, whispering in the other's ear.
"Don't worry. I won't tell anyone. And besides, you have Horo. You can't have me too." This earned him a little, playful slap, a smile creeping back onto Ren's face.
"Never said I wanted you. Just, happen to like you. That's all. Call it, attraction, if you will. " Ren relaxed into Yoh's embrace again, but was taken aback when Yoh promptly pushed him, gently but firmly, backwards. At first Ren was a little worried, but then he realised that there was a wooden post behind him, which he found himself leaning against. The older shaman shuffled forwards a little, before cuddling up to his chest again.
"Relax. I don't wanna try anything. Just...relaxing with someone who seems to understand me a little more." Understanding, Ren slipped his arms around Yoh, pulling him a little closer, resting into Yoh's shoulder.
"Maybe we're not that different..." Ren allowed his eyes to close, feeling at ease. If anything, he had a close friend, and that was enough to keep him in good spirits.
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"It's not that hard...I know I can do it, but how?" Hao paced the clearing, unsettling the frightened Anna, who's usually cold exterior was lost when in the face of danger. She had been dumped on the dusty floor upon arrival, eventually coming round with a pounding headache. Hao had merely ignored her, continuing his fast pace, shaking from either nerves or anger. The itako was primarily going with option 2 - he was mega pissed.
"Master..." Anna finally ventured. "What troubles you?"
Momentarily, Hao stopped, having forgotten for a little while that Anna was even there. But it was good to see such quick submission from the girl. He decided to see whether she was willing to be a good girl or not.
"Everything. "He hissed, bending down so that they were face to face. "Do you know the pain of rejection? Rejection from the one person who accepted you? And don't say I forced him to, he feels what I feel.
"How can you be sure, Master?"
"How can I..." Hao stopped abruptly. Anna wouldn't, couldn't know. He'd have to explain. But not now.
"Because...because I know these things." He had to admit to himself, she was beautiful. Her pitiful dark eyes that stared up in fright. He would have to use her to his advantage.
"Yes master." Anna lowered her head in silent prayer, her eyes straying back to the dark forest around her.
You will come, won't you Yoh? Because I couldn't bear it if I had to die because of you.
Tears pricking gently at the corners of her eyes, Anna collapsed from exhaustion, falling into a restless sleep as Hao cries of agony leapt into the night.
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"Hi." Horo vacantly offered, snuggling up to Ren. The Chinese shaman was settled in the window ledge, looking pleased at the other's company. It was a chilly night, and Horo cuddled into Ren's embrace, seeking his warmth.
"So what's been going on? Everyone alright?" Ren returned the affection, whilst Horo kept himself amused nuzzling into Ren.
"Pretty much. " He yawned, cuddling in a bit more. "Ryu was acting as if he was on deaths door, but then, don't us guys do that anyway?"
"Last time I looked. Apart from me and Faust, anyway" Ren turned away momentarily, eyes gazing upwards.
"What's wrong?" Horo asked, nuzzling in a little more.
"Nothing, I was just, thinking, that's all."
"About what?"
"Why do you have to be so inquisitive?" The look of minor playful disgust made Horo Horo laugh, at which Ren returned the favour, a gently blush gracing his cheeks.
"Because I'm me...Sent to annoy and seduce you..." Horo gave up after this statement, leaning in and gently kissing Ren. The other shaman made a little appreciative noise, responding passionately.
Horo shifted a little, moving so that he was almost sat in Ren's lap, not that the other noticed, he was too busy with their current game. This game of tonsil tennis went on, until the need for air forced them apart. Unsatisfied, Horo snuggled back down, lying his head against the other shaman's chest. Ren sighed softly and contently, allowing his arm to sneak around Horo Horo's waist.
"Ren?" Horo asked, shifting to raise puppy dog eyes at the other.
"What?"
"So what were you thinking about?" He decided, from the almost murderous look that crossed Ren's face, that hiding would be a good idea. He buried his head about as much into Ren's chest as it could go, earning him light smothers of laughter as Ren tried to look at what Horo was doing, not to mention the fact that it tickled.
"Oh if I must... I was thinking about something my father once said."
"Which was?" Ren raised an eyebrow at the question, but answered anyway.
"He said that to love a woman was a sinful enough weakness, but to love a man, that was one of the most sinful weakness you could have. And I think I've literally fallen right in said situation." The Chinese smiled, slightly playfully.
"It's not a weakness, let alone sinful. I mean...the dude's whacked..."
"A little delusional, I think is a better term. Half of that doesn't actually come from his grudge against humans, it comes from his paranoia at making sure his children aren't going to grow up gay..."
"Why? Strict traditions or something?" Horo was, by now, settled in nicely on Ren's lap, considerably warm and comfortable.
"Because, for example, if I happen to be gay, I can't very well give the family an heir to the Tao's, and fulfil one of my main duties as head of the family. In case you've forgotten, two guys can't have babies..." Ren shuddered at the thought.
"True...But then again, that must mean you are gay, if you're cuddled up with me that is."
"Just because I'm cuddled up with you?"
"Well, cast your mind back...Considering some of the things we did..." Horo smiled brightly, noting the blush that deepened across Ren's cheeks.
"I'm not saying anything..."
"Until you shove your tongue my throat then?" This gained Horo a slap from the Chinese, who did then promptly kiss the Aniu, holding him carefully in place. It was something Ren had gotten the hang of, and did enjoy, but he was still a little confused.
Mainly on how he felt for Horo. Whenever they were around the others, he was his usual, annoying self. Pissing him off significantly.
But this, this somewhat passionate and seductive Horo Horo was completely different.
Maybe people aren't always what they seem to people...And this is rather enjoyable anyway!
With that last thought, the Chinese smiled to himself, pulling Horo closer to deepen the kiss. You never know, he could die tomorrow or something. And this wasn't something he wanted to miss.
I think I love you Horo. I just haven't worked out how to tell you yet...
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With a sigh, Yoh stepped out of the house, and away from the shouts that echoed from inside. As much as his friends meant to him, even Yoh Asakura needed time alone to make sure he knew himself. It was easy, oh so easy to loose yourself in the day-to-day life and lies that made up your exterior.
Yoh was sure of that. And he wasn't the only one who hid his insecurities behind a mask. He already knew full well that Ren did exactly the same. Although the Chinese seemed angry, confident and strong, Ren was very insecure. He often doubted himself, something Yoh had seen him do. And both were lonely and unhappy, seeking refuge in others. Only, Ren had seemingly found a good person to confide in. Horo was a good person beneath the surface, and Yoh knew he would take care of Ren.
But he, he had fallen right in Hao's grasp. A bad move, undoubtedly. Hao didn't want him, he had only wanted to use him, despite Yoh's claims the night before. Part of him wanted to simply scream into the night and beg for the stars to take his soul now. But how could he do that to everyone? Nobody would ever understand if he committed suicide. The group would fall to pieces without him to keep them going, and he knew it.
Sighing again, Yoh angrily kicked at a nearby rock. Lately, he wished he was more like somebody else. Then maybe, he would be able to understand himself, instead of going around in circles.
Maybe things would be different if he left, instead of giving up his life to the spirit world.
No, he was too tied down. He would have to, cope.
Or go mad trying.
It wasn't as if he could just change, if he let down the walls and became more like the 'real' Yoh Asakura. That would tear the tight bonds apart. After what had happened with Hao, nobody would trust him. They would think it was Hao's doing.
The shaman eventually came out into the street outside. Leaning against a wall, he held his head in his hands and began to softly cry.
Why did everything have to be so difficult?
"What's wrong now? Why are you crying?" (A/N: Three guesses again...who is the visitor?)
"Go away Hao. Haven't you done enough?" Yoh didn't move from his position, tears wetting his already pale cheeks.
"Done enough? My dear Yoh, your friends lives depend on you. Isn't that something that I have a part in?"
"Yes, because YOU'RE THE ONE TRYING TO KILL THEM!" Yoh couldn't hold in the anger anymore, and he let out the floodgates, screaming at the shaman before him. Hao was unfazed, dark eyes staring slightly coldly into the other.
"Is it that bad?" There was a note of emotion to his voice, as Hao stepped a little closer, the tears still falling softly from Yoh.
"No." Came the swift reply. "It's a churning blur of colours, voices, and you."
"And I'm all that bad?" God, Hao was playing games again, and Yoh almost wanted to slap the other.
"You, you are the whole reason I feel this way. Why did you have to come back?" Yoh's eyes narrowed in anger, and Hao saw a whole new side of Yoh. A side that proved once and for all that Yoh was not completely innocent, and certainly that he wasn't going to be taken in so easily once again.
"Yoh, I never intended to fall in love with you. " The voice was so soft, so innocent, so, so Yoh-like, that the other shaman was too stunned to say anything.
"It wasn't supposed to be this way. " Hao continued. "I only wanted you as part of my plans, and then, everything just got turned upside down. But just know this. - If I can't have you, no one will. "
"Then nobody will ever have me." Yoh answered, voice low and lulled. " I belong to no one, and if I have to die to prove it, I will. But you'll never let me do that."
"Maybe, but you'll think twice when your friends are your enemies, and your enemies are dead." Hao smiled, suddenly inches away from the other.
"You're my enemy."
"No I'm not."
"You are."
"What makes you say that...I'm..."
"You're...you're both..."
"Both?"
"You're my enemy...and you're my ally. You hate my friends, and you make them hate me. You're...you're like a drug. Something in my system I can't get rid of."
"I'm your brother Yoh. Brothers are brothers. And in our case, we can't live without each other." Silence settled over the two, before Yoh spoke again.
"It's rather sad. "
"What is?"
"That we are worlds apart. You think one way, I think the other. Sometimes, I wonder what would happen if we had been 'normal'. Normal brothers."
"We are normal." Bright brown eyes sparkled with honest knowledge, as Hao reflected on all they'd been through.
"Yes, and it's so very...difficult..."
"Being brothers?"
"Being your brother. Of all people. And I think, I think it's the outlet I've been looking for."
"To be..."
"Myself."
With this final statement, Yoh stepped forward and closed the distance between them. He let the tears fall again, resting his head gently on Hao's chest, releasing a breath he hadn't known he was holding. Hao simply allowed his arms to slip around Yoh, relaxing a little more as he took in the other's warmth. Yoh eventually wrapped his arms around Hao, crying desperately and fervently into his brother's chest. To anyone watching, it was a sad and beautiful moment, captured only by the steady rain that began to fall.
And like all beautiful things, it was a only a moment that could never last forever. As much as Hao wanted it to be this way, it wouldn't, couldn't ever be the same.
With these words echoing through his mind, Hao pushed Yoh away, old anger echoing up inside of him. With a startled cry, the younger shaman fell to the wet ground, hurt and confusion reflecting in his dark eyes.
"What did you do that for?" Yoh eventually asked. Neither moved, eyes locked on each other. Hao stood, eyes ablaze with raging anger, Yoh still lying in sorrow on the rain soaked concrete.
"Do you think I'm stupid? Do you think that it's just going to go away? No, I need you for other things that don't involve falling in love with me." Hao's tone was his usual calm, slightly amusing voice, but with an edge.
"When did I say I loved you?" The minute he said those words, Yoh regretted them, Hao regarded him with a look of pure and utter disgust, causing Yoh to pull back, slightly worried that the other might hit him.
But Hao did nothing. If at most, his usual expression faded to that of a slight sad one.
"Then your friends are your enemies, and your enemies are dead." Hao spat roughly on the floor in front of Yoh, eyes shining with anger once more. "Don't expect me to spare any of them."
Hao turned to go, cloak billowing out into the wind. There was no stopping him now, he would have his revenge.
"If my enemies are dead, then so are you. Is that what you want? It isn't, is it?"
Hao turned to see Yoh standing only a few feet from him, eyes shining brightly, mirroring an equal desire for vengeance. Only Yoh wanted revenge for what Hao had done, not for what his friends had done.
"No." Hao eventually answered. "But it doesn't matter. I've died twice, dying won't hurt me again. And if I can't have you in this life, I will have you in the next.."
"But Hao..." Yoh stepped closer, resting a hand on Hao's shoulder. "What is there to say that you don't already have me?"
Hao could only turn in shock, eyes staring into Yoh. The younger smiled, his trademark grin.
Yoh was himself, oh yes he was. And this theory was only further questioned when Yoh gently pulled him around, one hand making it's way up to run through his dark brown locks. The younger pulled Hao down to him, encountering no resistance from the elder. Yoh had waited too long to do this again, as he gently touched his lips to Hao's. Hao merely shuddered a little, he had never expected this. Having learnt well, Yoh was, was so much more alive, passionate when not under the influence of a mind control. It was enough to make Hao believe in such a thing as love again, something stripped away by the harshness of the world long ago. As the younger shaman moved to deepen the kiss, Hao merely pulled Yoh closer in a loving embrace, holding the kiss between them for as long as he could. It was like a dream, something rare and magical that could never exist on the living plane.
Under the starred night sky, it was only once, but forever, as they found themselves lost in each other.
Only two bore witness to the moment.
The stars themselves, shining down protectively over the twins.
And a rather disappointed figure hiding behind the wooden gate, watching as the two Asakuras found themselves in each other.
Watching, wishing, the tender moment caught under the still falling rain.
And it was at that point that Yoh truly realised he'd crossed a barrier from which he couldn't return.
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Shadows: Happy now? Hao is no longer pining for his Yoh, and Yoh's friends will live for a little while longer...I know, some characters may be a little OOC, but still...You loved the fluff! Admit it:glares with sharp weapon in hand:
Kitty: No, I'm not happy, you didn't empty my litter tray!
Shadows: Shush:puts hand over mouth: don't say such things! And I did empty it! Now, please review, if you've forgotten where the button is, I will help you out:
It's
right
down at
the bottom
of this arrow!
YAY:D
