Chapter Nine -

Ayame's POV

After braiding his now brushed hair, Ayame washes his face with the rose water on the side table.

Oh thinkin' about our younger years
There was only you and me

His conversation with Hatori earlier had been quite taxing. All the snake want to do was sleep and not wake up for a good amount of time.

We were young and wild and free
Now nothin' can take you away from me

Just as he's about to doze off, Hatori comes back into the room. His examination of Akito must have been short.

"Oh were you asleep? I beg your pardon, I brought you more medicine and we can take your IV out now. Do you want me to?" Ayame nods and holds out his arm. Hatori takes care to remove the needle gently, then presses some gauze down on the tiny wound.

We've been down that road before
But that's over now
You keep me comin' back for more

After taping the gauze into place, Hatori turns to look Ayame in the eye. "Do you want a sponge bath? I imagine your wounds need a good wash, and I'm sure you want to get cleaned up a bit." The dragon seemed very professional considering the strange air that hung about them.

And baby you're all that I want
When you're lyin' here in my arms

"That's fine." Ayame sits up and the sheets pool at his waist. He tries to remove the hospital like gown, but his arms hurt too much. Hatori gently pulls it up over the snake's head.

I'm findin' it hard to believe
We're in heaven

The tender sensuality of the moment strikes Ayame hard, and he bites his lip to stop the oncoming tears. Oh how he wished he were undressing Hatori right then. But the snake didn't deserve to look at the beautiful body.

And love is all that I need
And I found it there in your heart

Ayame realizes he is stark naked and leaning against Hatori. When the damp cloth Hatori holds, touches his skin, the snake gasps, "H—Hatori." The dragon freezes, and Ayame knows he's crossed yet another line.

It isn't too hard to see
We're in heaven

"I—I'm sorry Tori-San. I didn't mean any disrespect against you. Please do not think ill of—" Ayame is silenced as a pair of lips cover his own. Hatori was kissing him. The snake wastes no time in returning the kiss with wild passion.

Oh once in your life you find someone
Who will turn your world around

When they pull away for air, Ayame nearly moans from the pleasure he was feeling. "This dream just get better and better." He says, and it was true. This had to be a dream. Nothing like this would ever happen in reality.

Bring you up when you're feelin' down
Now, nothin' could change what you mean to me
There's lots that I could say

"No Ayame, this isn't a dream. It's real. I'm really here." Hatori takes off his shirt and lightly straddles the snake's naked waist. "Feel me. I'm real." The dragon takes Ayame's hands and places them upon his bare chest. "Do you feel me breathing? My heart is beating just for you, I realize now, I love you." The snake gasps. This was no dream. It really was happening.

Just hold me now
Cause our love will light the way

"Hatori I am used. I've been tainted, my innocence was stolen. Why would you want me?" Ayame asks turning his head away from the beauty before him. "Ayame, look at me." The snake obeys and looks up into the glistening eyes above him.

I've been waitin' for so long
For somethin' to arrive

"Your not tainted. You still have the innocence I love. Akito never took it, she only turned herself into a monster by hurting you. I realize I love you. Maybe in some way, I always have, who knows. But I want you to stop thinking you aren't worthy of me. I'm the one not worthy of you and your love, but I asks that you accept me anyway. Even though I was so blind to you and your feelings."

For love to come along
Now our dreams are comin' true

Ayame could feel the tears rolling down his cheeks into his hair. "Oh Hatori, I love you. Please stay with me." He leans up as much as he can, and Hatori meets him in a passionate kiss.

Through the good times and the bad
Yeah - I'll be standin' there by you

After the snake calms down a bit, he falls asleep with Hatori by his side. Even angels are allowed to love, right? But they should always pay heed to their God, or else consequences may be dire.

They choice they've made, will either make or break them.

--Owari--

Song - "Heaven" - Bryan Adams

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That's the end folks. Hope you liked. The sequel should be up soon. Look for it. Love you all and thanks for reading. Review please. -Rose