Why?

Because I am god. Because I can.Because I love you, Ayame.

You are late.

Which isn't to say that this situation is unexpected. But, still, this is a little odd to not even call to apologize or explain. Actually…this situation is perfectly true to form for you, isn't it?

'All in my own time,' isn't that your philosophy?

Any moment now, you'll rush into the room and shout some sort of introduction. So predictably unpredictable, my impulsive snake.

A distant door slams and heavy, running footsteps echo through the Main House. Someone shouts a warning to slow down, and then you sprint straight past my door and into a wall.

You prance in beaming and sing, "Hello, Akito-sama!" And than you keep rushing forward toward me, pick me up - this seems to happen often - and cover my lips with your open ones.

I gasp in surprise and your tongue is in my mouth, baiting mine to action like a playing dog. I comply, since I'm certainly not going anywhere. My hands go into your long, silky hair, and I'm suddenly laying on my back, your face swimming above. I can feel your breath against my cheek.

I smile. "Good afternoon, Ayame."

You nuzzle against my neck and chuckle in my ear, whispering, "I heard that you've been kissing everyone. So I figured, why should I miss out?" The tip of your tongue traces the shell of my ear, leaving a cold feeling in its wake.

"So predictably unpredictable…" I sigh, enjoying the feeling. My fingers trace the cut of your jaw absently.

"I'll bet I kiss the best though, right, Akito-sama?" You smirk evilly. I mirror the expression and embellish the considering of it.

"Well, it's a tossup between you and Shigure."

You are lying on your side now, head propped up on your arm. "Really? Not even Tori-san?"

I roll over to face you and gossip. Yes, I admit it; I kiss and tell. What is the point of the kissing if you can't brag about it later? "Hatori didn't kiss me back."

"That would hurt my feelings. If you kiss someone, they should at least have the decency to kiss back. I can't believe it!"

I laugh. "You speak as though no one has ever been unresponsive."

You grin and nod cheekily, saying, "That I do, my dear Akito-sama! Well, what about my Yuki?"

"You know Yuki. He didn't resist in the slightest."

An odd look passes over your eyes, and you murmur quietly, "He isn't so voiceless with me."

I shrug and stretch my arms out to touch you chest like a cat. "You've never shown him how to be."

We sit in silence for a time. You shift your face closer, smiling pleasantly once more. "So?"

"What is it, my impulsive snake?"

You press a kiss to my neck and I feel the vibrations as you say, "Aren't you going to tell me you love me?"

"Must I say it, Ayame?"

"Well, you've told everyone else, haven't you? Why, am I not worthy of the words?" Your tone becomes one of mock tears. "I have been forsaken! My own Akito, whom I love as a god, has ruined my chance of happiness!"

Something about your words worries me.

"My impulsive snake…Ayame, I love you."

"And I you, Akito-sama." You smile, satisfied, and stand up. "But now I must take my leave. May I go?" I nod and you are gone.

But your words stay with me. 'Whom I love as a god'.

Do you only love me 'as a god'?

Do you all?