The Panathenaia was getting close and everywhere the expectations were growing wild. Normally the Sanctuary wouldn't care less about such events but since the saints had been involved in the villages affairs too much lately, why not? It was a festival in honor of Athena after all, and it once was one of the largest in Greece.
The games would be for regular people, although there would be a private event for the assignment of the final cloths. People of the villages were blown out of their minds when they were invited to join a single celebration. Something like that hadn't happened in their lifetime and a few tourists were dragged in. All saints had been working with the villagers for nearly six months to get everything ready.
Halfway through the preparations, Kanon suggested Athena to take advantage of said festival and invite her grandfather's partners for a week vacations. Considering the cultural value of such an event, including some local authorities and staff from local universities too, could, in the long run, help get some founding to keep the Sanctuary functional for a while. Of course there was no need to tell anyone she was indeed the incarnation of a Greek goddess, the risk of people thinking either she or the whole community was insane was too high. She could manage everything through he pope and the saintias acting as priestesses, and present herself simply as Saori Kido on vacations for a week. After careful review and planning, she agreed although she was more than ready to drop it all at the slightest sign of danger. She almost did with the invasion, but since that was solved and nothing else seemed out of place, she decided to continue.
Early in the morning, Dokko, Shiryu and Angelo had gone to the Pope's studio for a meeting, but ran into Camus discussing something with Saga, Shura backing him up, and Aphrodite just waiting lazily for them in the hall.
– Hey, Aphrodite
– Morning, guys…
– … so it won't really disturb the program – explained Camus
– Well, at first glance it looks ok, but are you sure about it…? Where does this comes from all of a sudden? – Before Camus hesitation, Saga turned to the rest of the room – Kanon come out a minute, I know you are here…
– Huh? I heard my name. what did I do this time? – Kanon entered the room then. Had he been hiding in the corridor?
– Oh, good morning, – Saga greeted Dokko, Shiryu and Angelo when he noticed them waiting in the hall – Thanks for coming, please wait, this won't take long. – He then turned to his brother – That's what I want you to explain to me – Answered Saga giving him the papers he had been discussing with Camus
– Care to even tell me what are you talking about? – He grabbed said papers and looked at them
– Like you don't know
– I just got here… Ah, this?
– What do you have to do with it? – Asked Saga, skeptic
– It's right here, in the first page. Didn't you read it?
– I did, but is that all?
– Seems little to you? – Kanon was sort of offended
– It's… hard to believe.
– Look, either say yes or no, there is no need to be so mean. – He indicated Camus – Have you any idea the guts required for someone like Camus to come all the way here and openly discuss something like this? The guy is officially my hero, so quit poking on his resolution so carelessly. – he then produced a paper out of a pocket. – Here. Read this.
And Saga did… whatever it was made him rise both eyebrows in surprise. Camus on the other hand was frozen solid, almost literally.
– Is this it? – He said showing the paper to Camus, he only nodded
– See how not a joke this is? – said Kanon. – wanna go over it during lunch?
Saga then looked for something on his pockets, he took out a pen. Then he grabbed Kanon by the shoulder and made him turn around
– Hey!
– Stay still! – So he could use his back to sign the papers – No way he came out with this on his own.
– He asked for suggestions, I feed him a few, he built this up. What's so hard to believe?
– There. We'll definitely go over it during lunch… Shura! – The Capricorn steeped forward surprised. Just in case, Aphrodite got closer too – Camus is clearly under pressure and Kanon is a five star trickster.
– What do you mean by that? – interrupted Kanon – I got fully booked following both Athena's and the general programs as to keep track any secret side agenda. What you see is what you'll get.
Saga ignored him and kept talking to Shura – Since you are on board with this, you review it and make sure there aren't any loose ends on it. It isn't valid without your signature, says so there.
Shura nodded. Aphrodite came closer to look over his shoulder. The Aquarius looked at them, the Pisces noticed and smirked
– Worry not, we have you covered.
– So it's feasible? – Asked Shura
– Who do you think you are talking to? – Aphrodite took the papers from him. – After everything else, you can consider it done. Short notice would have been telling me the day before, but we still got plenty of time ahead to make it happen. May I join your lunch? I wanna make sure I'm getting it all right, so if there's any questions we can quickly solve them and start working.
– Of course you are in – said Kanon, then he turned also to Shura – Do you think we'll need anyone else?
– Camus, are you alright? You are too pale – said Aphrodite
– I can't believe what just happened…
– I can't believe you got Athena already involved… – Saga massaged his temple
– All you gotta do is ask. – said Kanon to both of them
– Ok, you got what you wanted, I hope, now on with your lives! I still got much to do before noon. Don't assault me like this again when I'm so busy!
– But you are always busy – said Shura turning to leave
– Thanks, darling, sure, darling, you are doing great, we love you, never change! – said Kanon blowing a kiss to his brother that awarded him a killer glare.
But before they left, Ursa Minor Xiaoling appeared
– Oh, good morning everyone. Good thing I found all of you here. Pope Saga? I got a message from Athena
Everybody paid attention. Saga got a very bad feeling about it.
– Good morning, Bronze saint Ursa Minor Xiaoling. What is it?
– to Gold Saint Capricorn Shura, Gold Saint Gemini Kanon and the Sanctuary Pope Saga. Athena requires your immediate presence at the gardens before Star Hill. That's all.
– Thanks, we are on our way.
– guess the meeting gets postponed. – said Dokko as Shura and Kanon passed by him – want some help rescheduling? – He asked Saga
– please take care of it. – said Saga after brief consideration – Since now until noon – He pointed at his agenda on the desk
– I'm on it.
– is it just me or the twins look like they are marching to the scaffold? – said Aphrodite to nobody in particular and then he sighed – Guess we might need to review the schedule alone. – He said to Camus – Want to start now or you'll wait?
– let's start now – but Camus got the ill vibe too, so he didn't got his hopes too high. Even if they were released on time, they might not be in the best disposition to deal with last minute festival schedules changes
Shura didn't know what to expect. Being summoned by Athena herself was unusual. Since the stoic and silent Capricorn was not quite her favorite bodyguard for a stroll outside her temple, it had to be something else, an important and surely unpleasing else. And it was. As he stood emotionless in the new plaza of Athena's gardens, he looked not much different than the few statues that bathed in the early sun. He himself wondered if he didn't look too indifferent, because that was not the case. But how was he supposed to act in such a situation?
To his right, Kanon was rather acting like a bodyguard on duty, standing close to Saga, his eyes fixed in the man before them, studying even the slightest movement, trying to figure out the intentions behind those emerald eyes.
Saga was exhausted, more morally than physically, yet his brother's closeness was reassuring. Whatever happened next, he would take it, with his brother backing him up nothing could be really that bad…
Shion was the only one really worried. This was just one more boulder out of the way but he wasn't so sure the road ahead was any less difficult.
– As you know Sagittarius temple has been empty for more than 14 years now. – said Athena from the bench she was calmly sitting in – I think it is about time it gets occupied by its guardian again. So, I'd like you to welcome Aioros back to his post.
"That's it?" Saga was speechless
– Don't think everything we have been trough has been a waste, Saga. – Everyone but Kanon turned to Shion – You will continue exercising as pope, now with Aioros support. After all, you were my first choice from the start.
– Back then I was only helping pope Shion to verify his decision. – Agreed Aioros. – Besides, you now have around 14 years of experience being pope, Saga, it's a large advantage.
"13 of which I screwed up royally" It was easy to tell Saga was not thrilled, but he could not bring himself to feel something in particular. Anger? Relief? Disappointment? Surprise at least? Hell he was too tired, his head hurt.
Well, such words took one question off of Kanon, but…
– So you have been hiding in the Sanctuary all along – He couldn't quite hide the fact he was pissed off.
– Yes. – But Aioros remained calm
– Because of me, right? – Kanon gave Shion an unexpected accusing look – Your objective was to reduce the number of potential excuses that I could have to avoid the Sanctuary
Saga blinked surprised, Shion nodded in apology
– So you could work your differences without as much distractions as possible, yes. – said Aioros. His gentleness was irritating.
– We're been good for a while now. Why didn't you come out after we got rid of Momus? Or at least after my training with Saga started? That was certainly clear enough indicator we were no longer at odds.
– We couldn't quite find a proper way to let you know without the risk of another mess exploding
– So that's why you decided to do so now that we had the time to inquire about it… And you freaking knew about this all along or you wouldn't be here – Kanon then glared at Shura, who remained unaffected, accepting the accusation by staying in silence.
But even after hearing this, Saga was unable to react in any way.
On the other hand Kanon was growing uncomfortable. Being a professional schemer, it hurt his ego to have been so cluelessly playing according to someone else's agenda. If it were Shion's, he wouldn't mind because he expected as much, the old geezer had tried once and again to get Kanon to give the Sanctuary a chance. But this was Aioro's scheme, a stranger's scheme. How did he failed to see someone else was fooling him? And also, as Athena's gold saint, it was rather disheartening to find out he was considered so unreliable he had pushed others to tip toe waltz around him until he came around. "A five stars headache indeed". But what hurt the most was being the main cause Saga had been worried about the issue needlessly.
– I don't think we have been properly introduced – Aioros voice broke Kanon's self scolding – Gold Saint Sagittarius Aioros. – He said
There was the man Kanon demonized for so many years offering to shake hands. He was well aware everything he knew about him was only in his head, because they never actually met, so…
–… Gold Saint Gemini Kanon… – It still had a weird ring to it
– You don't look too comfortable… – said Aioros. Ah, that gentle smile was infuriating! Was he patronizing him? Them? Kanon was trying his best not to lose his cool. What was there to gain from punching a stranger, potential ally, in the face? He wouldn't fall for the provocation, mainly because he wasn't sure there was any provocation to begin with. He was too mad to properly assess the situation.
– I'll leave you now to get acquainted. – said the holy girl, only then Shura stood on guard – Saga, please make adequate arrangements for the general meeting, to let everyone else know about this and review the final details about the upcoming festival. Shion, please come with me.
Shion didn't seem very convinced that leaving them alone was a good idea, but he left with Athena.
– I'll see to it… – That was the most absent minded reply Saga had ever given his goddess
Just as the girl stepped out of the gardens, something in Aioros eyes changed. Kanon reacted almost instinctively to block a punch to his face.
– Come on, Kanon.
Saga could not believe that
– Don't you dare speak to me with such familiarity.
Kanon fell for the taunt and pursued Aioros to the cliffs, out of the garden, before Saga could stop them.
– What in the name of Athena…?
He would have followed them but Shura's hand in his shoulder stopped him
– There's years of tension that need to be taken care off.
– This is truly… overwhelming. When we talked to Athena yesterday… – He sighed. – Darn it… – He shook his head – It didn't make any sense he hadn't come back with the rest of us. But Shion was right. I don't think I could have improved my relationship with Kanon if he had been around. With Momus messing up with me, eventually everything would have repeated, it almost did… But, Shura, – He then turned to Shura – was Kanon right about you? Were you aware he was here?
Shura nodded. Was he aware of Saga's relationship with Aioros? Was the Sagittarius aware of what happened between the pope and the Capricorn?
– It's been hard for Aioros to remain hiding, he is not nearly as skilled as Kanon and he doesn't enjoy solitude as Shaka or Camus. Aphrodite did his best with the remodeling, so it wouldn't quite felt like a prison, but in the end it was. Shion and I had been his only contact with the world outside while he stayed in here.
Saga couldn't help to notice Shura avoided eye contact and that was really a rare gesture from him. The older man sighed, it was clear his friend was not one bit fond of his role in this whole ordeal. Shura might not speak much, that didn't meant he was ok keeping secrets
– I think they abused your loyalty a bit – said Saga putting a hand on Shura's shoulder. The pope knew there was no point on being mad at someone who was just doing his job, but that was all the more reason for Shura to feel bad, he just kept following orders he did not agree with. Luckily this one time things seemed to go right, but still. – Let's go.
– Aioros knows what happened. – Saga froze before Shura's words
Still Saga didn't know how to react. All of a sudden he felt his head weighed a ton
– And his first reaction was to fight Kanon? – He said softly
– No, – Added Shura – His first reaction was refraining himself from obliterating me back then… – Saga's lack of response confused Shura – Saga?
– Did you planned it? – Shura was not sure if there was an actual accusation on the question
– The first one was spontaneous. Afterwards, I just went with the flow, I wasn't actively looking for opportunities, I just took them as they came.
– isn't looking for opportunities to be always around me?
Well Shura had to admit he had crashed uninvited more than once… but
– Being lucky enough to have your hopes granted is quite different from causing the desired event yourself.
– luck increases if you deliberately place yourself on the right place at the right time…
– … can't deny that… – Shura bowed his head in humble agreement
Still Saga failed to react in any way
– Does Aioros know about your feelings for me?
– He had always known
– And yet he stayed away… – Shura was beyond confused before Saga's words. What exactly was he getting at? – Shura… – Saga suddenly side glancing him felt weird, – Do you still love me?
– Yes – Shura impressed himself for his lack of hesitation, but somehow he felt he had doomed himself once more
– would you still follow me to Hades?
– only after doing everything in my power to try to detour you.
Saga just left. There was no comfort, resignation, sadness or anger in him. Maybe he was just too exhausted to feel anything at all…
Duties. Saga's brain automatically switched to duties. Duties to procrastinate dealing with any personal affairs and place some distance between himself and everybody else. Duties he could actually manage. Duties were simple, solvable, doable.
The most immediate duty to take care of was to call for a meeting to explain Sagittarius integration to the team and implications. As Kanon and Aioros' cosmos violently collided in the cliffs, Saga called all of Athena saints to an extraordinary meeting in the coliseum. It would be the first one held there, but it was due since this time even cadets had to be aware of what was going on and they can't get through the temples road.
– My brother! – Aioria was one of the first saints to arrive to said meeting – Is my brother really fighting Kanon right now? – He could not believe that – Why are they fighting?
– Take it easy Aioria – said Shura
– Let the rest come in so I can explain what is going on
By the time everyone gathered there, Aioros and Kanon's fight was over. Not everyone was in the vicinity of the coliseum, so it took them a while to get there, and the two gold saints had no intention to spend a thousand days fighting, although they arrived last to said meeting.
– Aioros! It's really you? – when they met back in Asgard, Aioria was too caught up in the general situation to properly enjoy a reunion with his brother, but now that he heard it was official the Sagittarius was staying, the Leo couldn't help how thrilled he was. Most gold and bronze saints gathered to welcome Aioros. Aphrodite and Angelo remained idle, not really sure how to behave. Sure they fought side by side on Asgard, but that spark of collaboration wouldn't erase the fact those two tried to murder him too.
– Rampant awkwardness increased… – whispered Aphrodite for Angelo to hear. The Cancer saint just nodded in agreement
Final announcements were given at the extraordinary meeting. Aioros was officially given back his post as guardian of Sagittarius temple and assigned as Seiya's mentor.
Saga and Kanon just exchanged looks, but as the pope and most silver saints were leaving…
– Accursed goat, – said Kanon to Shura, who had been staring at him. Kanon's annoyed, almost angry tone of voice called Aioros attention. Up in Athena's garden, Kanon was really mad at Shura, but… – if you want to ask me out, ask me out and quit picking on my nerves. What are you? Five?
"Ask him out?" Aioros was not used at the way Kanon and Shura dealt with each other.
– Here they go again – said Hyoga
– let's go to the captain's tonight – said Shura in his usual monotone.
"ah, for real?" wondered Aioros surprised. Wasn't Shura's interest rather in Saga? But Hyoga's statement sent a conflicting signal…
– what's the captain's? – Asked Aioros to his brother
– I have no idea – Aioria just turned to look at Mu, unsure how would the Aries react to the exchange
Then Aioros wanted to ask Camus and Milo but they had already left.
– I think it's a bar in Rhodorio – said Aldebaran, also concerned about how Mu might take what had become a sort of routine for everybody else, but might be weird for the Aries if he indeed could not recall a thing about the Gemini
"Maybe he just wants to apologize… " reasoned Aioros, going for the exit too
Well, Kanon wasn't expecting his friend to follow up his teasing, but this time he wasn't caught entirely off guard.
– if that's the best you've got, I rather help you get a cat. – Despite knowing Shura won't let go of a chance to set things straight between the two of them, Kanon went for the exit because he was too… tense to deal with anybody else's issues – Pick a black one, those are usually discriminated
"so that's a no?" Aioros was puzzled.
But Shura blocked Kanon's way. Then, most of those still around hurried to the exit before they could get caught on whatever was going on. "Now that's odd…" Aioros stayed behind. He was concerned about Shura now that he had a better idea of what Kanon was capable off when poked on the wrong way
– there will be live music and two by one, on me. Baby sitter is arranged
"Babysitter?"
– oh, no Milo or Camus? – said Aphrodite to Angelo as they turned to leave, but Aioros heard them
– they go the night guard today – replied Deathmask – do you think its a boys night out, a rabbit hole night out or a duel?
– Any of the above… – Answered the Pisces as they went out
– I'm not very pleased with you right now. What makes you think I'll agree so easily? – said Kanon plainly. By then only Aioros' acquittances remained, simply because he wasn't moving.
– the fact that I am Gold Saint Capricorn Shura
Actually, Shura reminded a few people of Aldebaran's great horn stance. Dokko got greatly concerned and wondered if he should interfere or not. He side glanced Shion, who got the message and stood on guard. Saga was long gone.
– Oh? Whatever that is supposed to mean – the Gemini advanced
– you should know – the Capricorn wouldn't move
– I'm not in the freaking mood. – Kanon placed a hand on Shura's shoulder, but the Spaniard caught his wrist. – Later – Kanon stepped forward with all the intention to shove his friend out of the way if necessary
– It's the last free night before festival duties strike. – but Shura was unimpressed and pulled him closer
– it's not like it will last forever. – muttered Kanon, annoyed. How dare Shura hold him?
– Don't you dare vanish on me. – replied Shura menacingly – Kanon blinked surprised that his friend read exactly what he was going to do to. Was he really so predictable? – Later I won't be in the mood. I have my own issues to deal with and you will be off that list first, one way or another
Kanon really hated when Shura cornered him, he hated more Shura knew how to corner him. Well, he had to recognize that there were not that many folk out there capable of such feat… "Why on Earth he would never let me wallow in my toxicity in peace?"
– fine, spit it, what did you break? and why haven't you got a job already to pay for it? – He let go of Shura
– Come with me to find out. I'll whisper to your ear
Aioros' brain short circuited. Those specific words might have a lot of interpretations, but Shura was still unreadable. "what the hell is going on?". Kanon's reaction was limited to frowning.
– that bad? I'm surprised about such carelessness. or are you too into reckless gambling? I told you not to mess around with Angelo
– After the last strike, he won't take me on anyways
Kanon arched an eyebrow clearly thinking
– you can't afford me as an escort...
There was another short circuit spark on Aioros' brain
– I certainly don't need you to hit anyone or on anyone.
Well, smoke…
– Granted. – the Gemini crossed his arms, now he was clearly intrigued – Second opinion?
– Since when do I need to retort to entertain you to get either your opinion or your stalking support, for that matter? – Shura was as poker face as ever while Aioros' mind overloaded
– You certainly aren't setting me up…
And there was the flame…
– With your record? I'm obviously the only choice
"The hell is going on with these two?"
– These contests of who says more stupidities with a straight face are becoming annoying – said Ikki on his way out, no longer interested in the outcome
"Ah, so this is regular practice?" Aioros relaxed, but then he noticed how Aioria and Aldebaran were all sideglancing Mu while Shaka seemed to be mounting guard behind him. "Why?" Mu didn't seemed to mind a great lot.
– Let's go, guys – said Aioria and the rest seemed to follow him
The dynamics between his comrades confused the Sagittarius. Clearly there was a lot of catch up to do.
Shura and Kanon looked at each other in silence
– Hell, you are getting pushier than Camus. – Kanon sighed – Suspicious as it might be, who am i to keep you from my awesome presence?
– You are just getting old. 6:30 at the crossroads?
– You don't get to tell me the time to trash you. No earlier than 8:45 at the site
– Dress nice – Shura moved aside
– Blue is good enough for you – said Kanon passing by him
– Huh? I'm honored – Shura frowned…
– Damn right you are. You better make it worth my time. I charge by the minute and you just made me late! Another dimension.
As soon as Kanon left, Shura kneeled down, so Dokko hurried to his side.
– Hold on, kiddo
– Shura? – Aioros approached too when he saw the Capricorn had a hand to his ribs and had difficulties breathing
– What did he do? – Shion was disturbed that he couldn't tell what exactly Kanon did to hurt Shura
– I know you are good friends and all, – said Dokko while concentrating his cosmos to heal the wound – but stepping on his way when he is so mad can't be a good idea. Breath in…
– Not to it's worse on the long run. – Whatever Dokko did, made Shura see stars and fall to the side
Aioros helped him lie flat on the floor facing up
– And breath out – The pain was gone. – There. Better?
– Serves me right… yes, thank you – said the Capricorn to the Libra while accepting the Saggitarius help to stand up. – don't you too have matters to attend? – He whispered to Aioros, but hurried to the exit without waiting for a reply.
– Let them solve their issues – said Dokko placing a hand on Aioros shoulder
– Come on! – said Seiya – Let's have lunch together and then we show you around.
– Let's go to Aries – said Mu – That way everyone can leave for their duties of the day.
– But do you have enough supplies? – asked Shaka
– Yes, we went shopping yesterday – added Kiki
Almost everyone agreed, except
– Master Dokko, Master Shion, aren't you coming?
– Enjoy your lunch – declined Shion – thanks
– We still got things to do – added Dokko and so Mu teleported everyone to Aries. Then he turned to Shion – How did Saga took it?
– I don't know. Dokko, I'm worried. It's like he wasn't even paying attention. Kanon was murderous mad but Saga didn't even blink. His mind was completely empty. It was so odd.
– Well, what's done is done. Momus is gone, so this shouldn't turn out that bad… right?
– At times I'd like to be as optimistic as you, old friend.
Watching Shion place his hand on his chest, right over his fatal wound, send shivers down Dokko's back. – Guide us, Athena…
"Out of the tree of life, I just picked me a plum
You came along and everything started to hum
Still it's a real good bet! The best is yet to come
Best is yet to come and, babe, won't that be fine?
You think you've seen the sun, but you ain't seen it shine"
Meanwhile, at Aries, Mu was so distracted, he almost burnt what he was preparing for Aioros' super improvised and hurried up welcome party.
– Mu, wake up! – Good thing Shiryu reacted on time to save the food and prevent an actual fire.
– Eh? – He blinked surprised as if he just woke up
– You are daydreaming again. – said Aioria once they made sure the food was safe
– Are you alright? – Asked Aioros. He still wasn't used to the idea they were not kids anymore, so it was only natural for him to worry.
"A wait till the warm–up's underway
Wait till our lips have met!"
– Yes, I'm fine
– Don't tell me you are already back with Kanon – said Seiya and both Shun and Hyoga shut him up
"And wait till you see that sunshine day
You ain't seen nothing yet"
Well nobody was expecting Mu to blush up
– Déjà vu – said Aldebaran
– Seiya, Hyoga – Called Shun – Help me bring the rest of the stuff from Virgo. – So he grabbed Seiya by the shirt and walked out of the conversation. Hyoga quickly followed them out. Shiryu has helping in the kitchen, and both Ikki and Kiki were already bringing more stuff from Leo. The grown ups should have enough room to discuss whatever they wanted to take out of the way of the lunch in peace.
– What do you mean back with Kanon? – Asked Aioros, not sure he was following the conversation, but then none of the other gold saints seemed to hear him.
– Is it true? – Asked Shaka to Mu. When did they got together again? And right under his nose!
– Not really. – replied Mu and turned to Aldebaran – Why is it a déjà vu?
– Back when you began your relationship with Kanon you were just as distracted – Explained Aioria – And when I teased you about being in love with someone you blushed up just the same.
Aioros blinked surprised. "Where Mu and Kanon in a relationship?" So it made sense why Aioria, Aldebaran and Shaka were concerned how Mu would take the weird exchange between Shura and Kanon.
"The best is yet to come and babe, won't it be fine?"
Mu looked down embarrassed
"Best is yet to come, come the day you're mine"
– Did something happen, Mu? – Asked Aioros.
– Well, he asked me to join him for the festival…
– HE ASKED YOU OUT RIGHT AFTER HE STATED HE DIDN'T WANT ANYTHING ELSE TO DO WITH YOU!?
Everybody took Shaka's alarmed statement differently.
"He asked me out? As in a date? Is it a date? I accepted to go out on a date?" Mu hadn't tough about it that way. Nobody had formally asked him out on an actual date before… well, to his knowledge.
" What's on your schedule for today? Mmm… won't you like to do something else?"
Who had said that to him? Mu suddenly had a mild headache
"Come the day you're mine
I'm gonna teach you to fly"
– Wait, did he say that? – Aldebaran was far from amused
Aioros was certain they shouldn't be discussing sucha s touchy subject with the bronze kids in there. Thanks, mindful Shun for leaving. As soon as Shiryu finished what he was doing, he discretely left as well.
– What? – Mu wasn't sure he heard the question
– That he didn't want anything to do with you?
– HE DID! – said Shaka
"Tomorrow is your birthday"
– Not to my face – Suddenly having Shaka making a fuss was annoying – He was drunk and talking to Saga. Not even aware I could hear him
"We've only tasted the wine
We're gonna drain the cup dry"
– But he didn't want to have anything else to do with you and yet he asked you out
– You should know it is one thing to have the intentions and a whole other thing to carry them out – That had the desired effect to make Shaka tone down his act
– And? – Asked Aioria
– And what?
– Did you accepted?
"Wait till your charms are right, for these arms to surround
You think you've flown before, but baby you ain't left the ground"
– Well, yes… – Mu sighed and turned to help place the table. Aioros could not turn a blind a eye to the fact the Aries was not exactly thrilled – But I don't think it qualifies as a date if that is what you are worried about. – He gave Shaka a mean look
– No? – Aioros was really lost in the whole ordeal
– It's more like a truce. We have been bouncing ill attitudes back and forth, it's getting us nowhere. Thinking about it, seems fair. After all, I'm greatly to blame for all this mess
– How come?
– So you accepted his invitation out of guilt? – Shaka sudden interruption left Aioros' question hanging – Mu, that's a recipe for a larger disaster.
– Mu, Shaka is right. – said Aioria calmly. – Kanon might be a lot of things, but he's been trough a lot too. I'm not particularly fond of him but certainly feeding him false hopes is the last he needs
"Wait till you're locked in my embrace, wait till I draw you near,
wait till you see that sunshine place, ain't nothin' like it here!"
– That's not it. – Actually upon looking into Kanon's eyes Mu hadn't been able to refuse, after all, he wasn't asking for anything too crazy, those eyes…
– guys, you should really back off – said Aioros, not quite sure what the full story was – Whoever Mu chooses to hang out with, it's up to him and nobody else.
– you only say that because you are unaware of how he broke into Aries and whipped clean Mu's memories! – said Shaka visibly offended
Ikki was surprised, he entered the living room just on time to hear that. Aside from Kiki and Mu's friends, everybody else though that Mu's hostility was still due whatever caused the break up in the first place, not as a reaction to a later aggression. In the end it was not his business so he just took what he was carrying to the kitchen followed by Kiki, without making a noise.
– He did what? – for Aioros this was even more confusing, but before Aioria, Aldebaran or Shaka proceeded to relate their skewed view of things… – Even though. Kanon and Mu's relationship is Kanon and Mu's relationship. If neither asked for your opinion or help, then keep it. If you care about Mu, support him and be there for him if it doesn't work, but don't try to drive things yourselves.
Finally, a voice to reason. Ikki was weirdly glad that someone put those three in their place.
Aioros was expecting Mu to say something, but he was lost in his toughs again. Ever since he heard that song coming from the bar at Rodhorio, he couldn't get it out of his mind. It was in another language, so he had to focus on someone inside the bar to get the meaning of the song. He was certain he hadn't heard it before but it was so familiar.
"The best is yet to come, and babe, won't it be fine?
The best is yet to come, come the day you're mine"
And Mu wondered from the thousand time if it had anything to do with Kanon and he was kind of hoping it did.
"You think you've flown before, little lamb, but you're gliding still very close to ground. One needs clear skies to gain height"
– Aioria, – Called Ikki all of a sudden. Even for the young Phoenix, the way in which everybody had a say about Mu was completely inappropriate, so he considered a little turn in the conversation was in order "so, instead of meddling in none of your business…" – why don't you fill in your brother about your plans for the end of the festival? – Now it was the Leo who blushed up, for the rest of the bronze kids to see, they had just arrived
– Oh, what plans? – Now that interested the oldest saint
– Aioria is getting married! – said Seiya. Aioros was in shock, his heart almost stopped – He is marring Silver Saint Eagle Marin, my former mentor!
– Seiya, I should have said that!
Ikki felt weirdly victorious by Seiya's intervention. "How does it feels that someone else steals your thunder?". He was then about to leave, he had enough socialization for a month, but Aioros' reaction surprised him and everybody.
The Sagittarius quickly closed the distance to his brother and hugged him.
– A… Aioros? – He was pretty disturbed by his brother racing heart – what's the matter?
But they had to wait a bit until the tears let him speak
– I regretted so much… to leave my… baby brother alone… not even a proper cadet! … at the doors of war… and… now… I'm just in time for your wedding – He could not continue, the feeling was overwhelming. The scene really moved everyone, even Ikki who right away thought of Shun. – I'm sorry… – Then Aioros stepped back to have a real good look at Aioria – All grown up, a gold saint and getting married? I'm so proud of you, kitty! – He couldn't help to hug him again
– Aioros, let me goooo – Aioria was so embarrassed but happy at the same time
– Neveeer! – Actually, Aioros was a bit embarrassed himself – Thanks Athena for bringing me back! – But his happiness was punctured by the memories of everything he once shared with Saga and how far away it seemed. "Saga… is there any chance for happiness out of this mess?" The weight of all the years he missed almost caught him. He shook his head – Now let's eat and tell me everything!
After that, even Ikki stayed for lunch.
