Around the same time, Aldebaran approached Mu's door in his way to the training fields. Maybe they could walk there together if the Aries hadn't get ahead already. To his surprise, he found his friend standing in the doorway, looking down visibly concerned.

- Hey, Mu! - Said Aldebaran once standing next to him after calling him with no answer

- Oh, Alde. Morning...

- What is wrong? What happened?

- Oh, I'm... I've done something... Awfully inappropriate. Have you seen Kanon? I need to talk to him

- Eh, no. I haven't seen him since yesterday.

- Didn't he returned to Gemini? He must think I'm the worst person in the world. What came over me? - Mumbled Mu to himself - I hope I can find him soon - Mu turned to leave completely disregarding Aldebaran, who was beyond puzzled.

But suddenly they felt powerful cosmos coming from Gemini temple. They both bolted outside

- There's nothing to talk about, Saga

Both Mu and Aldebaran stopped in their tracks by the entrance of the temple when they heard Kanon's voice

- Kanon...

- To have a talk you need to listen and to speak. You don't want to listen to anything I say, and I'm not in the mood for your monologues. Go lecture yourself somewhere else.

- You are now the Gemini saint. - Stated Saga impatient - You must be careful with what you do. If you can't really care, I ask you to at least pretend you do.

- I can only wonder what is it that you think I did this time...

- I couldn't care less of what you do, I'm interested on what you don't do. The temple is still a disaster. I'm not telling you to fix it yourself, but you should have managed to get someone to do it. You excel at getting others do the work for you, it shouldn't be a problem if you really tried. And while you are at it, you could join the others in their daily activities, you are the only one dozing off, you could use the workout.

- Brother, seriously, get married. You sound like a mom and you are still single.

- It's really no one bit fun to be checking on you all the time.

- Then quit it! You are not checking on me, you are stalking me! Or do you think I don't notice?

- You should be doing your part on your own instead of wandering late at night who knows where with who knows who. - Saga bit his tongue but it was too late

- What? No, wait. Stop right there. Now I get why you are here. Allow me to ask you something. Did you slept well last night, brother dear? I'd hate to be the one to disturb your peaceful respite.

"What does he mean by that?" Mu worried about those words.

As Saga glared at Kanon, the younger Gemini bursted in cruel laughter. - So that's the color of jealousy alright. How would you like a taste of your own medicine?

Saga arched an eyebrow. - Was that it? I feel sorry for whoever it was that bothered keeping you awake since you only used them to get at me.

"Saga knows!" Mu worried even more. "Saga knows Kanon spend the night with someone". And he noticed Aldebaran had reached the same conclusion and perhaps elaborated even more.

- Get down from your high horse, Saga. With people like that in this world nobody has spare thoughts to waste on people like you. - The comment made Mu blush - Actually, for the first time in an eternity I totally forgot you even existed and got some fine sleep if only for a few hours. Although rest assured I'd be more careful next time, because, seriously I'm not into sharing.

"Next time?" Mu blushed up even more.

- I wonder about such next time. Enjoy it while it lasts. Knowing you, it wouldn't take long until you find yourself again ditched in a hole.

- And what would you care? - Kanon snapped - I didn't saw you taking me out of the last one. Or is that what you are waiting for so you can come to my rescue? You are the only one to pull that on me. And know this, even if things come to it, I would just crawl out of it on my own just like before. You'd be the last person I'd ask for help, I wouldn't even allow your help, I rather die and rot than accounting for your good deed of the day! Now that I think about it, I get why you could be missing for months and I don't think I can blame you.

- What? Don't you try to pull your abandonment complex on me! I tried many times to take you to the sanctuary with me and you refused every time

- What for? To be your third wheel? Gimme a break! Or maybe you wanted some extra fun? I had no idea you were that kind of pervert.

- To do something with your sorry life! - Then it was Saga's turn to snap - You were as capable as me of wearing a gold cloth. The one you use now! But you were one hell of a lazy slugger!

- There's only one Gemini cloth, smart pants! And no guarantees it would be donned to me. So don't use that as an excuse. At least I didn't forsake my kin for the first pair of pretty eyes that went by!

- Don't you dare speak of Aioros as if you knew him! You know nothing!

At that very moment, both Mu and Aldebaran saw Aioria across the temple.

"When did he get here?"

- Why would that be I wonder? You never care to introduce him to the family, not the right civilized way, at least. But yeah, what was I thinking? It wasn't just his eyes. That much I'm sure of. Sagittarius portraits a centaur after all. Enjoyed the rides?

- Enough of your obscenities, Kanon! You are talking about the man pope Shion choose to succeed him.

- And the love of your life. Come on, don't you think you are 13 years and one grave too late for being such a hypocrite?

Mu, Aldebaran and Aioria noticed how those words were a death blow straight through Saga. And Kanon just carelessly let them go.

- If anyone has any right to blast me to shreds for what I just said is Aioria and nobody else. You didn't loved Aioros more than you loved the power he took from you. There is a reason why he was chosen and not you, megalomaniac!

- Do you think I don't know that? - Saga's voice was pure ill bitterness. - Don't you think the knowledge is punishment enough? That no matter what I do I won't be able to reach Aioros ever again?

- Well, for all I care you can go cut your veins at Sagittarius temple or hang yourself from Athena's statue. Just be sure you don't screw up this place, I'm not in the mood to clean after you. Get lost, Saga! - Kanon cosmos set the others on alert.

- The labyrinth! - Mu could feel it

- But I can't see it. - Neither Aldebaran nor the others could.

- It's there! It's stretching to the infinite between them.

Indeed. Unseen to Mu, Aldebaran and Aioria, a dreadful light and dark labyrinth filled the gap between the brothers. It was supposed to be an illusion but it way too real for both Gemini.

- Kanon! Kanon! - For a moment he began to panic.

Saga's apprehensive calls where like blows to Kanon's stomach that made him bend over and fall to his knees, covering his ears to mute them away.

- Out of the temple, out of my head, out of my heart and my life. I want you out!

But as Saga rose his fist ready to destroy the obstacle, Gemini cloth appeared between them. The labyrinth stopped its expansion. The energy that Saga had concentrated in his fist didn't dispelled, it hurt him, it slashed at his own arm. As ghostly blood dripped without tainting the floor. Saga's astral projection vanished and the illusion dispelled. Kanon stayed there, shrouded by his own cosmos, his eyes half closed glowing gold.

- Hey, Mu, don't... - Aldebaran tried to keep him from approaching but

- He is gone, Alde...

- What do you mean gone? - Asked Aioria coming close

- He escaped using his own astral projection. I doubt Saga can track down his consciousness directly.

- Should we... Move him inside? - Aldebaran hesitated

- Can we do that? - Aioria too

- The private chambers are still empty. - Mu nodded after checking on him. Then he looked at the Gemini cloth - I think the best we can do is move him to the altar.

Mu, Aldebaran and Aioria were stunned at the toxic waste left everywhere by the twins conversation. How could they possibly slash at each other like that?

Up in the pope chambers, Saga's rage was turning to bitter pain, more emotional than physical. He was so into it, he didn't quite realized the moment Shura took him to the bathroom to clean the wound in his arm. It wasn't that bad actually, but it did left a red trail on the room all the way from the bed he had been sitting on, to the mirror pieces scattered around the broken door of the dresser, and from there to the bathroom.

- Is it broken? - Said Shura taking some bandages he found in the cabinet.

- No. - Answered Saga pulling down the sliver from his tunic once Shura finished taking care of the wound - I ruined it... - Shura as usual silently waited for him to continue. Saga let out a sigh - I'd told myself I was just going to talk to him. I kept telling myself I was just going to talk to him... Before I knew it we were arguing, saying one stupid thing after another. - Saga looked at his arm and the blood in his tunic - I was about to hurt him bad and he was going to let me. In the end I hurt myself and he escaped out of reach again...

When Kanon came back to his senses, he was laying down at the front of his temple with a pillow under his head. Who took him there?

He wandered around after spending most of the morning cleaning what was left of the chambers. That day, a few workers appeared to make repairs on the wall and the bathroom. The saint left them there and went out.

Away from the temple and the people, he was alone and by being alone he wondered. By the time he regained notion of time it was closed night already, he was far from the Gemini temple and unwilling to go there. Also getting back to Mu wasn't an option. But the coliseum was not far so he could surely take a bath at the gym there. There was a lot of noise coming from the bath house. It was like some of the bronze kids were in. Kanon didn't even cared who they were, it was enough to know they were acquaintances. So he entered the place and walked towards the showers. Nobody was using them. He just took some soap bar from the cabinet

- Did he notice he hasn't ... - Before Seiya could finish his sentence, Kanon let the water run and went in all dressed up, sandals included.

Under the running water, and with his clothes completely damped he took off his shirt and the soap bar. He washed it, wrung it and hanged it from the water faucet. Kanon took off his shoes and make sure they got all the dirt off. Then he took off his pants and underwear and threated them the same way.

Where had he been? He was so covered in dirt the water around the drain got slightly murky

Finally he washed himself rather fast, except for his hair. It took him a while to get it clean, it was so long and messy.

"Did Kanon fought Milo at some point?" Hyoga recognized all 12 scars of Milo's needle on Kanon's body

Kanon turned the faucet off, grabbed his clothes, wrung them again and put them back on before the puzzled look of Seiya, Hyoga, Shiryu and Shun. Had Ikki fallen asleep?

Just like that, completely soaked, Kanon walked towards the exit but once he stepped out, a small burst of his cosmos drove the water away and he was dry, walking again into the night to no particular place.

- Now that is a caged beast. - Everyone turned to Ikki - I wonder how long would it take for him to be unable to hunt...

Camus had retired to Aquarius chambers for the night. It was really late, he didn't thought his duties at the Library will take so long. He had discarded his shirt and shoes and had just sat on the mattress when the door suddenly burst open

- You've been unsettling indifferent to me ever since you came back. - Said Milo coming in - I'm getting tired of it

- I'm sorry - Said Camus arching an eyebrow. He wasn't glad for the disruption

- Don't I'm sorry me. - Milo walked towards the bed and fell on it as if it were his - I thought we were past that point.

Camus gave him a side glare.

- What do you want?

- Aside from the obvious? Hell, Camus, you died! You've been gone for ages. I bet you didn't brought me a souvenir

- I did, and you trashed the temple with them - Camus mean the hades specters

- I mean something less dangerous and more fun.

- Well, I brought me.

- Certainly fun but not less dangerous. That would do if only you didn't ignore me.

- I didn't meant it. It just... - Camus frowned and let go a sigh. That made Milo change to a less annoying attitude - Saga is back, Kanon is back but that's about it. Nothing else is coming back.

- You came back, and Shura... - Said Milo with a softer tone.

- Do you remember how it was... Hanging around with Saga and Kanon?

- I remember it was fun fooling around with Kanon. He got the weirdest ideas, most of which implied driving Saga nuts.

- I always considered them like older brothers...

- Yeah, me too. Either one would come to the rescue if we were ever in trouble. Remember when we broke one of the statues in the main hall?

- You broke it

- You froze it, I tripped.

- A broken piece made me an ugly cut in the leg.

- And I got hit in the head.

- Now we know how you ended up like this

- Very funny

- They were the first to hear and came over. Then the guards spotted Saga but not us, Kanon grabbed us and put us out of the window. We had to hide there while he took the blame.

- Those guards went out of hand. Luckly Pope Shion came by and took Saga away. Kanon waited until everyone was gone to get us patched. But I was so worried, I remember I cried until my head hurt when I saw Saga the next day.

- I still wince when I see the statue empty spot.

- I'd rather avoid the hall altogether… I can't believe almost nobody knew about Kanon existence until just recently. It was the most common thing for us to spend a day or two with him

Camus nodded

- I never understood why he was always sneaking around. And if discovered, he always presented himself as Saga or vanished in thin air.

- I remember the day I got the gold cloth. Saga was in the grades at the coliseum

- And we were hiding in the top

- You were there?

- Kanon and I, we saw it all. How they praised the youngest gold saint in history.

- And we escaped to the beach later on... I can't stop thinking about it. How we spend days training and having fun. It must had been hard, but I don't recall it that way. The hard times began later on, with the fights.

- Fights?

- You never ran into one?

Milo shook his head

- Kanon and Saga began fighting every so often. About everything, how one was being an idiot and the other was a selfish prick. The name calling could make my head hurt. Kanon became bitter and sarcastic, Saga became this passive aggressive queen.

- I got none of it

- At times either of them would snap. And Saga would go full force against Kanon holding back. They both became unapproachable. I think you were preparing to get your cloth, so you must have been busy. And one day, Kanon just disappeared. When I asked Saga about him, he just told me he was training somewhere else. I think I tried to rebuke him back then, but he just turned around and left. He said he didn't had time for babysit anymore. Never did I felt so bad, what would a child know? Counting back, I think Kanon was already prisoner.

Milo wondered about then

-...it was shocking to learn about Ares. A complete stranger was going to succeed the pope. No Saga, not Mu, not Aioros. I asked Saga who it was and he told me "whoever that is you are expected to follow him once he becomes pope". And I think that's the last time I got to spoke to Saga. But damn I took him seriously. It was the last thing he told me before vanishing for good.

- Saga vanished the night he killed pope Shion and assumed Ares identity definitely. How long do you think it took?

- A few months. Arles became pope after a few months of appearing. And then Aioros... Everything went into chaos in less than a year.

- The worst year I recall. And I feel it's all repeating itself. Saga and Kanon are still at each other's neck. Although Kanon seems more willing to run than to fight. Is it just me or is Kanon afraid of Saga?

- I don't think so, but I wouldn't be surprised. The prison at cape Sounion... Have you ever been at the place? Nobody can possibly put up with that. I can't believe the Saga we knew found in himself the guts to do that to anyone, much less to Kanon. He adored him, he was always worrying about him. Had he sleep well? Had he been eating? Is he sick or why hasn't he come yet?

- And despite all that... I bet Kanon is not one bit willing to risk being imprisoned again, so he tries to avoid Saga at all costs.

- Do you think Saga would dare...? If Kanon somehow crosses him again?

- I hope no, I don't think so. I don't want to take sides on this, it's just not healthy

- If it comes to it... I don't know what I would do but I don't think I could stay idle.

- I'd ran away once, I don't think I'd do that again.

- You mean to Siberia? You told me it was for your apprentices

- Me going away with someone else and you accepted it that easily? - Camus gave Milo a teasing look

- I respect you.

- Seriously...

- You wanted me to go and fight over you with children? I was jealous, but I don't think you can just turn me down for the likes of Hyoga and Isaac... - Camus smirk was a bad sign for Milo - Don't you dare, Camus! It's been the hardest to live in here without you.

- Are you feeling threatened?

- Am I threatened?

- It's your fault for not following me.

- Then I ought to meet him soon

- Leave Hyoga alone. You already got even, you dare hurt him again and I'll let you know how it feels like to be on display in an ice cube. I never told you stay behind... But Milo you stayed behind, didn't you noticed how weird it all was?

- I did, but it was as I said. I believed in Saga's last words to me. I committed to them fully and so I never asked, never suspected. I just didn't wanted to realize how everything went downfall.

Milo stretched lazily and fell over Camus' lap

- What are you doing?

Hyoga was outside about to knock on Camus door when he heard his mentor annoyed voice

- It's so late already, I might as well spend the night in here

- You come here uninvited and now you claim my bed? - Camus tried to slid from under the Scorpio saint - Go to your own!

- The bed is merely circumstantial, I'm actually claiming you.

"What?" Hyoga was puzzled

- Ah, back off. Get off me!

- I couldn't care less if you prefer a sofa or a chair or the table. Or no furniture at all...

"What?!" Hyoga blushed to the root of his hair.

Camus freed himself by backing towards the wall. With his back against it he tried to push Milo off the bed with the feet.

- Pervert. You are a pest... Get out of here before I hurt you.

There was some hassle behind the door

- Camus, chill out, you are going to break something.

Just then Hyoga heard something crash.

Milo began laughing uncontrollably

- Now that does it!

- I'll get you another one tomorrow. Hey!

There was a mayor hassle inside the room. Hyoga stepped away as a cold breeze froze half the door and part of the floor

- I'm not in the mood for this... - Camus voice was threatening.

- Well, I'm not so sure about it. - But Milo's was teasing

The Scorpio had managed to get behind Camus and hold him still. One of his hands had skillfully slipped inside the Aquarius pants and held the hardness he was expecting to find.

- Ah - Milo's nail against his manhood disarmed Camus. Not any nail but the scarlet needle one. It was sharp and hot, and it would hurt if Milo pressed it, he liked to use it to tease Camus

- I like it when you play difficult to get. - said the Hellenic nibbling at the French's ear

- Cheater. Why can't you accept a no for an answer? - Camus tried to look at him

- Because you don't mean it. - Milo hugged him tightly - If you were not in the mood, I'd be in a lot of pain already.

Hyoga decided he had enough, he turned around and left the temple. Of course he kept the blush for a long while afterwards.

Milo kissed Camus with passion, and the Aquarius began melting into it. - Do you remember whose turn this is? - The Scorpio broke the kiss gasping for air. He graced Camus skin with the needle leaving a heated trace in his hip and sending shivers through his body

- I don't

- I think you do. - Milo traced Camus length

- Ah... Yours?

- Well, if you insist. Let's get rid of this. – Milo pushed Camus so he fell on the bed. The Scorpio leaned over him and undid the fly of the Aquarius pants with his teeth. As Milo grabbed the pants from the hem and pulled from them kissing the pearly white skin they covered, Camus rose one of his knees to difficult the stripping off. Such foreplay only made Milo more eager, so he ended up pretty much tearing those insolent pants and underwear off.

Finally Milo had Camus within his grasp again. As the Scorpio kissed him all over, Camus reached forward and grabbed the Hellenic's shirt. As soon as it reached the ground, Milo took Camus manhood into his mouth and began working him. Camus shivered under the familiar sensations, his fingers got entangled on the blond curls of Milo's head as he moved back and forth.

- How would you like it? - said Milo with husky voice climbing onto the bed to kiss the Aquarius lips again. Camus looked into the Scorpio's eyes, trying to figure out what answer did he expected, because it wasn't an open question. The French noticed a small bottle already in the Hellene's hand

- Let me on top. – As soon as those words left the French lips, a set of fingers bypassed his entrance tearing a delightful moan from his throat.

- In a moment. – The Scorpio smiled as he leaned forward to kiss the Aquarius again, long and slow. The French reached for the blonde's pants and kicked them down. How long had it been since the last time they were together? How could Camus thought he could exist without this? Without Milo? He had indeed been avoiding the Hellenic, afraid of finding out their relationship had slide into nothing after everything that happened between them. The ice prince was relieved to find it wasn't so, but deep down he felt unworthy of…

- Milo! – Camus grabbed his lover shoulders as he arched his back. The Scorpio knew all too well how to make him beg for more, and he could be very mean about it. But although the Hellenic wanted to torture the French a bit longer, as to make him pay for the longing and loneliness he suffered, having him like that after so long was really taking its toll. Milo was not going to be able to resist anymore the powerful temptation of claiming Camus for himself.

But even though, there was something off and Milo could not tell what it was, maybe it was only his imagination since it's been too long since they shared a moment like that one.

So the blonde laid down and smiled wildly when Camus straddle his hips as he rolled over his back

- Won't you help me? – said the French when he saw his lover putting his hands behind his head as if enjoying the show.

- Not in the least. – said the Hellenic with a tune and a devil smirk.

Camus growled, Milo's intense gaze made him self-conscious. So before he regretted it, the Aquarius grabbed the Scorpio's manhood and slowly impaled himself on it

- Ah Camus… - Milo's mind for a moment went blank. Both of them panted heavily – Camus… let me see you…

- What?

Milo supported himself on his elbows and reached for one of Camus bangs as to bring him closer - Touch yourself – he whispered on the Aquarius lips

- What?! - suddenly Camus felt even more self-conscious than before. He sat straight on top of Milo.

- Come on, amuse me, you owe me that much - Milo teased him again with the needle

- I certainly don't... Quit that, Enough! - So Camus placed a freezing hand on Milo's solar plexus

- Camus!

- What is it Milo? Did you caught a cold?

- I think I caught the coldest. – said Milo - You are mean

- Would you like it any other way?

- No...

So Camus began working himself, soon losing his stoic expression due to Milo constant pushing him up

- Curses, Camus... I've missed you. - Milo sat up, holding Camus, kissing his chest and biting teasingly at his collar bone. Camus threw his head back, grabbing Milo's shoulders. Milo grabbed him by the back of his head and bit his neck. Camus couldn't help but to let go a moan and tighten his grip of Milo. - I've missed you so much.

Camus' back hit the mattress and Milo held the French's legs over his shoulders.

- Look at me, Camus. - Whispered Milo leaning forward to reach his lover's hands

Their eyes met and the Scorpio increased the pace. How he loved to see the ice prince all blushed over and panting for breath because of him. He had to kiss him. Milo broke the kiss only to see that beautiful face as Camus came. That pushed Milo to his climax.

They both laid still, Milo over Camus, trying to regain their senses.

- What is it? - Asked Camus when Milo didn't move aside. He was being lulled by the powerful beating of the Aquarius's' heart.

- Camus, do you remember when we met? - Said Milo with his chin resting on his lover shoulder

- Eh?

- At first I thought you couldn't talk, you wouldn't say a thing. It was really annoying.

- Is that why you were talking to me non stop all the time? – said Camus softly, resting his cheek on Milo's head.

Milo nodded, still without moving aside and without looking at Camus.

- to make you talk… Until Saga told me it wouldn't be so easy, because you couldn't understand what I said. He told me to be patient with you although I think he rather meant not to blow you head off.

- well you learned French faster than I learned Greek…

- We spent a lot of time together. You used to sleep over at Scorpio rather frequently…

- You made this whole ordeal of being a Saint less intimidating. It truly was, with me being a foreigner and all.

- Do you remember the first time we were together like this?

Camus blushed up. Where was Milo going with such questions? He looked at him to find a pained pair of turquoises looking back. The Scorpio had finally figured out what was off: Camus had been too passive despite how he initially resisted. That was not the way he remembered him. Normally they would get encased in a longer struggle, in a game for dominance. If either wanted to be pleased they would have to earn it first. But they had somehow skipped that part, Camus submitted almost immediately.

- Do you regret any of it? Of this…?

The French felt as if he had being stung right in his heart. Milo sat on the bed.

- Tell me, Camus.

But the Aquarius could not speak, he was trembling. The Scorpio didn't noticed, he looked down.

- I've been thinking… that maybe I've been too imposing, pushing you to do stuff you wouldn't do otherwise. If… If that is the case, if you don't want me to bother you anymore… well, I know where the door is. The least I want is to be a nuisance for you.

A nuisance? What they just did a nuisance? Had Milo gone out of his mind?

- Don't… - "No… Milo don't leave me…" Camus wanted to scream, but all that came out from his mouth was that faint whisper. He didn't had the strength to state his wishes, much less to fight for them. Not anymore, not after all he had done. And still… Who could possibly melt the ice around his heart and soul if not Milo?

- Why were you pushing me away then? Camus, even now… I felt like you pleased me only to get rid of me faster...

"That was the idea. You should not be here, laying down with a coward, a traitor…" Camus hadn't wanted to admit it, but the longing had been killing him, and yet he felt completely unworthy of the Scorpio. When they were resurrected, when they were told they could go back to their lives, Camus immediately rushed back at his temple and pretty much imprisoned himself in there. It wasn't possible. Where was the punishment he deserved? How could he retook a life he himself wrecked?

- I'm sorry, I didn't meant...

- don't I'm sorry me and answer me, Camus…

The Aquarius sat straight although looking down. A heavy weight in his chest kept his throat from making a sound despite the movement of his lips. Camus looked away as if not facing Milo would make some coherent words come to him. Milo waited with his heart in his throat too. He knew he had to if he wanted an answer, because it had always been difficult for Camus to express himself.

- I guess… I was afraid of you being mad at me. I mean, I went away for so long and when I came back from Siberia we didn't had any chance of even talking, and then I died... And then I fought you... – Flashbacks of their fight in Asgard rushed to Camus mind. - Milo, I almost got you killed... When… when I saw you laid there… How could I… just assume… we could go back…?

- None of that matters, - Milo hugged Camus and draw him closer - we are back. We are here and we were given the chance to start over, to make things right. I left you once, when you went back alone to Siberia, and from there it all went downwards. That's a mistake I would not dare repeat. I won't leave you again if I can avoid it.

Milo dragged Camus down to bed. The Aquarius had his eyes overflown by tears, he was about to say I'm sorry again, but he remembered how it annoyed his lover.

- I missed you too. – Was all he could mumble, but far from feeling relieved, he felt even less worthy of his love.

Milo didn't noticed, he only sighed. – You please try not to leave like that again. Just try...

It was the middle of the night when Mu woke up

He approached a window and looked outside. It must have been something around two in the morning. Mostly everything was quiet. He could still see a light above, it had to come from Aquarius temple. But other than that...

Still he got the feeling something odd was going on. He dressed up and went out by that same window, since going around the temple would take too long.

He kept walking out of the road and away from his temple, into the night

It wasn't really dark outside, the full moon shone bright in the sky

He went up a small hill and looked down. He could see the villages from there, small dots of light mimicking the stars. He must have been somewhere down from Gemini and Cancer temples. He kept going and the terrain only became more difficult to walk

But then he saw what he was looking for.

Sitting on some boulders ahead and a little below was Kanon. He wasn't asleep, but what was he doing? Mu approached quietly and then realized the Gemini was using his astral projection. Where had his mind wandered to? Leaving himself defenseless like that was dangerous. His body looked tense and tired, when Mu placed a hand on his shoulder, it felt almost as hard as the clay he worked with.

- Kanon…

The man closed his eyes. But when he opened them again he didn't seem to recognize the place he was at

- Mu…

- What are you doing here? Are you alright?

- Sort of…

- We should go back to the temples

- You go, Mu, don't worry about me

- When was the last time you slept?

Kanon looked at him and was confused by the sincere concern on those green eyes

- Come on

Kanon took Mu's hand and in a burst of light they were back at Aries temple.

- Have you had any dinner?

Kanon failed to fully suppress a sigh, a shadow of a resigned smile came to his lips as he looked away. Mu went to the kitchen, wondering if there was anything left from dinner he could offer his guest.

- Please don't bother about it. - Said the weary Hellenic following him.

- It isn't a bother... But I'm afraid this is all there's left - The Aries took out from the fridge a few kolokysomethings Aioria had brought him earlier.

- It's enough - The Gemini felt truly awkward, but didn't dare refuse. He wasn't at all in the mood to eat, but they did smell tasty once warmed up in the stove. Mu served the food and also poured Kanon a glass of water since he didn't had anything else. The Aries mentally scolded himself for not getting the groceries when he had to. That was the only thing he was invariably lazy about. Delaying it until he ran out of almost everything. His friends bringing him this or other thing didn't really helped.

- Thank you... - Kanon sat at the table and ate without saying any further word. He wasn't pleased with the idea of having Mu awake that late only to feed him, so he hurried the meal to let the Aries go back to rest. Mu sat at the table too with nothing but a glass of water, to keep his guest company. His mind wandered a bit in that surreal moment of silence in the middle of the night. He almost missed the moment when the Gemini finished. Kanon stood up to take the dishes to the kitchen sink, but Mu took them from him although he hesitated between washing them then or leave them for next day.

- I better go now. - Stated Kanon

- You are welcome to stay... Kanon... - Forgetting all about the dishes, Mu hurried to try and stop the other man, only to feel embarrassed for being so pushy - I... I wanted to apologize... for what happened… I'm not that kind of people. Sorry to give such a bad impression, I don't know what came over me… And also, if I offended you in anyway, it was never my intention

Kanon looked at Mu with a void expression. He truly didn't know what to make of the whole situation. Their encounter had been powerful but completely out of the blue. What exactly caused it? They didn't knew about each other existence until very recently, and they haven't shared a lot ever since. So why all of sudden from all people...?

Then it occurred to Kanon that perhaps, even when surrounded by that many people all day every day, Mu was as alone as himself. Surely for completely different reasons, but alone none the less.

- I'm sorry if I hurt you. It wasn't my intention either. I shouldn't have taken my frustration on you.

It was as if a dark veil of anxiety was lifted from Mu. Kanon looked at the door and found himself not very willing to leave, but also not willing to trouble the younger man any further

- What's the matter? - Asked Mu noticing Kanon's indecision and walking towards him.

- It would be better if you don't get involved with me anymore. - Said the Gemini after unconsciously stepping backwards. - Don't take it personally if I don't stay.

Mu got scattered thoughts of Saga from him and frowned upset.

- You've been avoiding everyone because of him?

That got Kanon's attention centered on Mu.

- What is it to you? – He was more curious than mad.

- I refuse to think the sanctuary is still not a safe place, I refuse to think anyone still needs to watch their backs here... No, there's no chance... my goddess is wrong about letting you in here

Mu got hold of Kanon and caught him in a rebellious kiss. Then glimpses of the Aries's life as fugitive of the sanctuary came to the Gemini's mind. He had been labeled a deserter and hunted down as such. A long series of fights and diversions followed until he finally managed to vanish for good. The years of forced seclusion, of not being able to thrust anyone, of waking in the middle of the night expecting the worst at his doorstep. The sadness, the regret, the helplessness, the frustration. It all overwhelmed Kanon.

- You don't have to stay only because I say so. - Said Mu pushing him away and looking down - But if you go, let it be because either you don't like me, you don't know me or this is just not you. But nothing else. Even if you stay... You don't have to do anything you don't want to.

Mu suddenly felt exhausted and without a further word or even a glance at Kanon, he turned to his bedroom. He couldn't go too far before he found himself held by the Hellenic arms. Neither said a thing for a long while.

But Mu had to talk when he noticed the several tears he had shed on Kanon's arm

- I had no idea I was holding this much anger within me. I'm tired...

Kanon got the clear feeling it was neither him nor Saga the targets of Mu's anger, but himself. The Gemini's voice was soft. - I wanted so bad to be welcome in the sanctuary, I wanted it for so long that now it has happened I fear I'm just imagining all this. I don't want to screw things up…

- Avoiding people doesn't necessarily avoids trouble...

Mu turned to Kanon and their eyes met. They recognized on each other a bottomless longing which powerful like a black hole dragged them together.

Mu placed a hand in Kanon's shoulder and there it was that tension building up. The Aries couldn't help but try to dispel it. Kanon sighted at the sensation of Mu's hands on him. He was tired, so tired...

"You are still locked up, you carry your cage everywhere you go. I can't take you out... but I can keep you company while you wait for the one to set you free"

"Why would you ever do that?" Kanon leaned on Mu "You don't know me, you don't owe me anything, you got nothing to gain…"

"You don't know me either so… whether I got anything to gain or not is not up to you"

"You are up on a dangerous gamble. I wouldn't want you to lose. That person might never come for me"

"He will. Please hang on and let's wait. He'll come"

Kanon rested his forehead on Mu's shoulder. The Aries' touch was so calming, his presence was so warm, the Gemini couldn't help but to hold him dearly. Mu remained still as Kanon breath in his neck, kissed him gently and then bite him. It didn't hurt, didn't even left a mark, but it was enough to turn on the fire in Mu's chest. A torch amidst the darkness, or rather a lighthouse in the storm.

The door to Mu's bedroom wasn't that far. A few steps further took them to its welcoming privacy.

"Are you not afraid of me?" the thought slipped into Mu's mind.

"Do you want me to?" was the answer

As the door closed behind them, Mu's shirt fell first, closely followed by Kanon's. But contrary to their first encounter, this time the Aries took the initiative to push the Gemini to the mattress and pin him down. The older man found it amusing, never had he meet anyone who dared do that purely out of desire and a bit of rough playfulness; those kind of displays used to end pretty badly for the perpetrators. Yet Mu seemed like he couldn't believe what he had just done. Kanon placed a hand on his cheek and kissed him fondly as to sweep away any insecurities, but then he traced the younger man's neck with his tongue, making him shiver.

As Kanon reached for Mu's pants, the Aries backed away to ease the process. Once the knot to the lace holding them in place was undone, the Gemini hugged him by the waist and bit at his hips and licked at his navel, sending a bolt of electricity straight through Mu's body. Kanon grinned devilishly when he felt Mu's increasing excitement against his chest. Without letting go of him, Kanon pushed Mu's pants down enough to relieve him from the constriction and looked up into his emerald eyes as he grabbed his manhood with one hand.

- Kanon… - As Mu put his hands on his guest's shoulders, Kanon teased him with his thumb and bit him again. The ex-marina could not recall one single time anyone said his name like that, he needed to hear it more so he took Mu into his mouth. – Kanon! – At first Mu was too nervous to move, bus as kept sucking at him, stimulating him with his lips and tongue, it became impossible for him to stay idle. His trusts grew confident in Kanon's mouth. Unfortunately for the Gemini, he was not in the most comfortable position to keep going, so he had to let go of him

- Sorry to interrupt, little lamb, I just changed my mind… - he said standing up. For a moment there Mu panicked, thinking he had done something wrong, but then he looked confused as the Gemini stripped from the rest of his clothes and sat in the bed again. – Since I ruined last time, it's only fair this is your turn.

- My…?!

Then Kanon trapped him between his legs and kissed him again.

Saga woke up with a heavy weight on his chest. He stood up and walked towards the balcony still half asleep. He paid attention to his surroundings, kind of dazed. Something was happening, but he couldn't quite tell what it was. Kanon was the first thing to come to mind and so Saga realized what was going on

"He is with someone again"

Saga suddenly felt angry. He went into his room furious "Irresponsible little..." but when he tried to focus on him to find out where and with whom he was, he couldn't find him anywhere. For a moment there he thought maybe he had imagined it. So despite himself, he tried to calm down and focus. No, it was not his imagination, Kanon was not freaking alone. But he wasn't trying to rub it on Saga's face, the whole opposite, he was trying his best not to get noticed. Saga felt like spying on someone through thick fog. "So... Is it for real?" Saga suddenly felt ill. "Guess I need you more than you need me, Kanon..."

The Gemini was pretty much out of his mind. That young man on top of him was a worthy representative of the creature his constellation depicted. The Aries was charging at him in absolute control of the situation. But far from hurting him, Kanon was delighted. Mu knew what he was doing and it was superb. How much stamina did he had? Kanon would not be able to hold on much longer.

Mu supported himself on his elbows and slid his arms under Kanon, holding him by the shoulders. As their bodies pressed together and the rhythm increased the Gemini came between them. The Aires rested his forehead on his guest's shoulder and after a few more powerful thrusts he was done too.

They both laid there immobile, gasping for air and enjoying the satisfied silence that lulled both to sleep.