Warm. Soft. Comfortable. It had been a while since he'd woke up to such a feeling. He was in a soft bed under covers with big, strong arms wrapped around him. He had missed mornings such as this. Mornings that were slow and quiet and revolved entirely around them. Mornings where he could just bury his face in Black's chest and maybe fall asleep for a while longer until he got up to make breakfast for the both of them.
. . . but Black and Zamasu had fused and become him. Those memories were only a piece of who he now was. So then . . . whose arms were these? Whose chest was his face buried in?
Zamasu's eye snapped open and after it was able to focus in the dimly-lit room, he found himself face-to-face with a pale, scarred chest. Who . . .? Trying to keep his calm, he tilted his head back to see whose face it was. This person . . . He looked different without those glasses on, but it was Hearts, wasn't it? Why the hell was he in bed with this mortal?! Had he not been clear enough when he said he didn't want to share a bed with him!? So why, then, was he here anyway!? In his arms, too!
The god quickly touched himself in various places, feeling that at least his shirt and pants were still intact. This guy was absolutely vulgar, though, going to bed with only pants on. Not that he ever wore a shirt anyhow, but couldn't he at least be a bit more decent if he was going to force someone to sleep with him? Disgusting!
So why couldn't he bring himself to blast this bastard right out of the bed?
Zamasu pursed his lips as he studied Hearts' face. From what he could tell right now, nothing strange had happened between them at the very least. He'd left most of Zamasu's clothing on him and, thankfully, the cover still over his eye. The embrace was bothersome, but maybe he'd only done that unintentionally in his sleep? No, why was he trying to justify this!? It was all completely unacceptable!
. . . and nostalgic.
The Kai squeezed his eye shut tightly. His heart ached. He missed that warm and intimate relationship that Zamasu and Black had together. Their beautiful dreams of a utopia just for the two of them had been utterly shattered. Could a fusion be undone? No, he knew that it could not. He didn't want to think about it. Thoughts of what he should have had only made him angry and upset. Those bastard Saiyans had stolen his utopia from him, stolen his beautiful future from him, and ruined his perfect face . . . there would be no sweeter revenge than when he finally took them out.
"Good morning, Zamasu."
Zamasu reopened his eye when he heard Hearts' voice and felt his arms tighten around him, "Get away from me, bastard! Who gave you permission to take me to bed with you!? I believe I stated quite clearly that I wanted nothing to-"
"Shhhhh, shh shh . . . so noisy . . . it's too early for that." Hearts placed a hand over the Kai's mouth to silence him. "That room you fell asleep on the floor in was my bedroom. I think it was very kind of me to put you in my bed even though I could have just left you on the floor. I even made sure you were comfortable by taking off your shoes and the more restrictive pieces of clothing." He locked eyes with the god, who looked incredibly irritated at this point, "And you didn't seem like you were in such a hurry to get away from me before I said something. You like it, don't you? Being warm in someone's arms. If you're worried that I did something to you in your sleep, I didn't. I have a bit more decency than that." Not much, though. It had taken every ounce of self control he had to keep from touching the god inappropriately. If he had been certain Zamasu wouldn't wake up from it, he probably would have taken it too far.
Zamasu slapped the hand away and shoved at Hearts' chest to try and break free, but Hearts continued to hold him. "As if I trust that! All you mortals are obsessed with the gods! You want so desperately to touch us and do unspeakable things! Why is it that you want the gods so badly!?"
Hearts furrowed his brows. Zamasu's shoving at his chest wasn't very convincing at all. His heart was a bit difficult to read, but he seemed to actually want to stay, "I don't want the gods."
"Hah! That isn't believable in the slightest! I can tell by the way you interact with me that you want to . . . to be vulgar with me!" A deep red dusted the Kai's cheeks and the tops of his ears as he broke eye contact with the other man.
"You mean I want to have sex with you? Yes, I do. I absolutely would have sex with you the moment you told me it was okay to do so." Why was it so damn simple to admit that? "But that's not the issue here, is it? You're just trying to convince yourself why you hate this situation." He buried a hand in Zamasu's hair, gripping it and yanking his head back so he could look him in the eye again, "Your mouth is going on and on but I can hear your heart."
"Wh-what are you talking about? I hate mortals!" His mind was reeling from everything this man was saying. How could he admit so easily that he wanted to have sex? How filthy!
"But you crave intimacy. Do you not?" Zamasu was no longer shoving at him or struggling. He just looked directly into Hearts' eyes, a very blank expression on his face. "Well? Go ahead and tell me that I am wrong if that's the case. If you really hate it, then tell me so. Tell me to let go of you, Zamasu. But if you desire to be held close to someone, then shut up and let me hold you."
What was with him? Why was he so adamant about staying this way? And then saying that he could 'hear his heart'. What did that mean? Why was he acting as though he knew what he truly wanted? Sure, being close to someone like this was reminiscent of the intimacy between Black and Zamasu, but this man was most certainly neither of the two! Why would he want to stay in the embrace of a mortal or demon or whatever the hell this bastard was!?
Yet . . . he didn't budge, not even an inch. He only narrowed his eyes at Hearts until the man finally released his grip on his hair and pulled his head against his chest.
Warm . . .
"I just want you to know that I hate this." Zamasu murmured the words against Hearts' chest, his own heart beating rapidly as his mind and his desires clashed. What was he supposed to do in such a situation? This was ridiculous!
"Do you? I'm not very convinced, Zamasu." Hearts smiled softly as he ran his fingers through the god's hair. It was so soft. Did he like it when someone played with his hair? "You slept quite a lot. I'm not sure how long you were out when I found you. You barely even stirred when I carried you to bed."
". . . I haven't slept well since I was brought here."
"But you did last night, did you not?"
". . ." Zamasu furrowed his brows at the implication of Hearts' words. He had slept the best since he'd been here, "Because I had a bed instead of that table. Get me my own bed."
"You'll sleep better in mine."
"I want my own."
"You'd be lonely and cold if you had your own. Besides . . . there aren't any spare rooms. I told you so before."
Before Zamasu had the chance to argue back, there was a knock at the door. "Isn't it a little early for a lovers' quarrel?" Fu chuckled on the other side, "Breakfast is almost ready, so you should put your clothes on and join us."
Put their clothes on!? Zamasu's eyes widened with anger, "We didn't have-"
Hearts slapped another hand over the god's mouth, "Yeah, yeah. We'll be out shortly." He waited a bit for Fu to walk away before removing his hand once more, "What does it matter if he thinks we had sex? It doesn't hurt anything." He grinned at the intense scowl the Kai threw his way, "The more angry you get, the more beautiful you are, Zamasu." Hearts smirked, intending to fluster Zamasu, but instead the Kai got quiet and his expression became blank.
"Beautiful?" He reached up to touch the patch over his eye, his brow furrowing as though he was pained, "No. Not anymore." Zamasu slipped from the bed before Hearts had a chance to stop him. "We should get our breakfast before Fu suspects anything further." He began to pull on his tattered overcoat and waistband. Zamasu picked up the large cover that had been on his shoulder, but placed it back on the floor, "I don't think I need that . . ." His shoulder was tinted purple where that grotesque arm had been. His eye was like that too, right? Or so Fu had said. Would they really never return to their former appearance? His beauty . . . his perfect form . . . ruined for eternity.
Fu's awful comments from yesterday were still eating at him? Was he really so bothered by that? What did the words of someone like Fu matter? "Zamasu . . ."
". . . what?" The god glanced back over his shoulder as he straightened out his clothes as best he could.
". . . no, it's nothing." Hearts had half a mind to tell him he really was beautiful, but that would only make things strange, wouldn't it? What reason did he have to tell him that? Zamasu would probably only accuse him of trying to get in his pants. Not that he was against such a thing, but . . . "By the way, can't you fix them?"
"Fix what?" Zamasu went to the door and unlocked it before turning the knob. Why was Hearts lingering for so long?
"Your clothes. Kai's can fix and change their clothes at will, can't they?" They could probably remove them instantaneously as well. That was an interesting thought.
"Yes, I could do that." Zamasu glanced down at his torn clothing before exiting the room with Hearts right behind him.
"So then why do you keep them torn? Wouldn't you feel better with your clothes restored to how they were?" Hearts was still pulling his coat on as they walked down the hall toward the kitchen.
"So I don't forget. Every time I see the holes, the tears, the singed edges . . . I remember who did this to me. I want to stay angry until the day I finally make them pay for this." Zamasu grit his teeth before shaking his head. No matter what, he just couldn't stop thinking about Fu's words. Why did it bother him so damn much? That only irritated him further. The words of someone so insignificant had shaken him to his core.
Ugly . . .
"No more about this." He'd already said too much, anyhow. Hearts didn't deserve to hear any of the thoughts in his head, though he claimed that he could 'hear his heart'. Was that true?
"Alright." He'd let it go for the time being, but he wanted to talk to him more about it later. It was very clear that he was bothered by Fu's words, by the idea that he had been ruined because of that one part of him. Wouldn't it be best to remove that cover and see it for himself? It would have to wait, though.
Following breakfast, Fu asked Zamasu to come back to the lab with him for a routine injection. Fu told him it was necessary to make sure his body wouldn't become disfigured again, but was that really what it was? It wasn't like it could kill him, but the god couldn't help but be suspicious of this guy. Even Hearts didn't seem to really trust him.
"You can sit in my chair if you don't want to get up on the table." Fu motioned to the chair he was referring to before going over to his supplies to begin prepping the injection.
"You said this is to maintain my body?" Zamasu looked at his arm. He had reason to believe Fu, given the man had fixed that absolute monstrosity, but what had he made that could possibly have fixed such a thing? This guy was like a mad scientist of sorts, but . . .
"Yup! Without this, there is a chance your body could go back to the way it was. Or maybe all of this is for nothing and your body is fine now. No way to be certain, but do you really want to take that chance?" Fu smiled back at him over his shoulder before holding up the syringe.
"That is fair." Zamasu watched with disinterest as Fu poked the needle into a vein in his exposed arm and quickly dispensed the medicine before pulling it out once more. "Fu, tell me . . . aren't you a member of the demon race?" He'd been curious about it for a bit now. The demons were long-time enemies of his own race, yet he'd never actually seen one of them. There were very few of them left, weren't there? Though perhaps that was all propaganda to make the Kaioshin seem greater than they were. The Kaioshin, as esteemed and revered as they are, were all terribly weak.
Fu sighed, his usual grin falling to a frown as he gave Zamasu an irritated look, "Does it really matter?" He placed the syringe back with his supplies before sitting atop the table where Zamasu once was. "I am here and you and I are on the same team. That's all that really matters, isn't it? What changes if I am a demon or if I am just a mortal?"
"I hate mortals."
"Don't you also hate demons?" The smirk was back on his lips as Fu swung his legs a bit like a child. "Or rather, don't you hate anyone who is not yourself?" He chuckled and leaned back, propping himself up with his hands flat on the table.
". . . I do. Still, why would you not simply admit to what you are? Have you no pride in your own race?"
". . . do you have any pride in yours? That's a pretty ridiculous question from someone who slaughtered his own people."
Zamasu furrowed his brows, but had nothing to say in response to that. It was true. He didn't really feel he was a member of his own race anymore. Their ideals didn't match up in the slightest and they are all so incredibly weak and complacent.
"It's nothing to think too hard about." Fu waved a hand before slipping off the table to stand in front of the god, "Even if you tried to go back to that life, you'd surely be rejected . . . we aren't really gods or demons or even mortals, so why bother with the labels? Let's just do whatever we think is interesting and fun!" Fu leaned down, placing his hands on the armrests of the chair so he could bring his face close to that of Zamasu. "Don't worry about implications and reputations anymore . . . we can do whatever our hearts desire."
Too close. While Fu's lips wore a smile, those red eyes of his felt like they were trying to look straight into his soul. Could he also read someone's heart like Hearts could? There was no telling what kind of power he had if he was a demon. They weren't demons, gods, or mortals . . . it was an interesting concept at least. "I fully intend to do whatever I desire. The only reason I'm here right now is because I want the power of that Universe Seed. I have no use for any of you outside of that." Zamasu maintained a neutral expression as best he could. Fu was just being weird like always, right? He needed to back away.
"That's fine with me. I don't really care if you leave or stay. I'm just interested to see what Hearts will accomplish." He paused for a moment before lifting a hand to play with the long bit of hair on the right side of Zamasu's face, "Will he succeed in killing the most powerful being in all of existence? In killing the gods themselves? It would really shake things up, don't you think?" He brought the hair to his lips, his eyelids falling a bit as he locked eyes with Zamasu.
He was going a bit too far, now. "Are you done with what you needed to do? If so, I'll be going, now."
"Going? Where will you go? Back to play with Hearts some more?" Fu released his hold on Zamasu's hair, but didn't move from where he was.
"I did no such thing with him! You're completely mistaken! That bastard put me in his bed when I was asleep and I woke up there! If I'd had any say in the matter, I'd have sooner slept in the dirt outside than share a bed with him!"
"Is that really the case? Was it so horrible?" Fu laughed and tried to lean in even closer, but Zamasu placed a hand on his chest, "Hey, come on. We're all on the same team."
"I'm not on anyone's team. I haven't agreed to anything, so back off before I blow a hole in your chest." Zamasu's eye narrowed sharply as he waited for Fu to move away. This guy was definitely the type who would try to take advantage of someone for his own gain. It was pretty damn bold of him to try and take advantage of an all-powerful god, though. Or perhaps it was more stupid than bold.
Fu pursed his lips before wrapping a hand around Zamasu's wrist. He didn't try to pull the god's hand away from his chest, though. "Would that be a wise choice, Zamasu? I'm the only one who can fix you if you begin to degenerate again. If you kill me, you're finished. Would you really rather live forever as a deformed monster?" Fu's red eyes peered over his glasses as they slid slightly down the bridge of his nose.
The god's blood was boiling at this, but he tried to keep a calm demeanor. Did this bastard really think he could hold that over him to get him to do whatever he wished? "If it means keeping my dignity, then I would gladly become a monster for all eternity. I'd rather step over your dead body and watch my form deteriorate right before my eyes than let you do something vulgar to me." He stared dead into Fu's eyes, his own eye narrowed dangerously as he curled the tips of his fingers to dig them into the demon's chest. "So . . . what will it be?"
Not one to be intimidated, Fu smirked and even laughed a bit. "You've got so much fire in you, Kaioshin! I love it!" He released his hold on Zamasu's wrist before finally backing out of his personal space, "I hope you'll show me plenty more of that. Oh! Before you go . . . let me get some of your blood. There are a few things I want to test." As if that whole conversation never even happened, Fu fumbled around excitedly through his supplies before pulling out the tools needed to take a blood sample.
Was he touched in the head? It was impossible to get a true feel for his personality and intentions. Hearts had said the same, hadn't he? What an odd creature . . . "Make it quick. I'm tired of seeing you."
"Awww, don't you miss seeing me all day? Ever since Hearts took you out of here, you spend nearly all of your time with him. Oh! But you don't like him at all, right?" Fu grinned wider as the god sent him a sharp glare, "Easy, easy, this will be quick." He hummed a bit as he worked, likely irritating Zamasu even further, "Oh, and . . . if you want a bed of your own, you can take mine."
". . . are you seriously still being a disgusting-"
"No, no, no! I mean, I don't ever use my room here, so you can just take it if you want. I think I've slept in that bed maybe twice." Fu held up the vial of freshly-drawn blood before removing the needle from the god's arm, "Alright, you're good to go! If you want the room, just let me know later and I can show you where it is."
". . . I see." Zamasu wasn't entirely sure he could trust in that. Sleeping in a bed was nice, but who was to say Fu wouldn't try something if he was by himself? He could probably easily fight him off, but Fu's apparent scientific knowledge was concerning. Even though is body was immortal, it seemed to respond to different treatments and medicines, so what was stopping Fu from using that for nefarious purposes? "I might take you up on that offer."
"If you want me to come and keep you warm at night, just let me- oof!"
Zamasu stood from the chair and landed a swift punch directly in Fu's gut before exiting the lab. "Ugh . . . is this Universe Seed really worth putting up with these bastards?"
"Did Fu give you trouble?"
Slowly turning around, Zamasu found Hearts had been waiting just outside of the lab. "A bit, but it wasn't anything I couldn't handle." It wasn't anything Hearts needed to know about. Zamasu was quite capable of taking care of himself and wanted nothing more than to be left alone unless they needed his assistance with the seed. If it didn't pertain to the plan to kill the Omni King, he didn't want any part in it. He'd already done too much by having meals with these mortals. They were acting far too familiar with him.
"I wonder about that." Hearts folded his arms across his chest, "You are undoubtedly powerful, but we don't really know what kind of strength Fu has. I don't think I've seen him put any effort into a fight." Hearts leaned away from the wall, "Hey, do you want to go out somewhere with me?"
". . . do I what?"
"Do you want to leave the base for a bit? This planet is inhabited, but we're in a fairly desolate area so we aren't easily found." Hearts scratched at the back of his head and smiled sheepishly, "You don't have to if you don't want to, but I think out of everyone here, you could best appreciate the scenery this planet has to offer." He'd been thinking about it ever since Zamasu had gone into the lab that morning. He wanted some way to spend time with him away from the others. What could be better than showing him the natural beauty around them? Zamasu loved nature, right?
"The scenery?" Zamasu tilted his head a bit with slight interest, "It is true that I have no idea where we are. I've been inside this entire time while the others have gone off on missions." It would feel good to finally go out and slaughter mortals with them. He'd been feeling lethargic lately and that would surely raise his spirits. "Yes, let's go see what this planet looks like." He wouldn't let his guard down, though. This whole thing sounded like a ploy to get him away from the others so it was just the two of them alone. Hearts' ki had a powerful aura, but it was no match for Zamasu – assuming, of course, that he was at his full strength at this point.
The sun was further away than the suns on many of the other planets he'd seen, making for a more dimly-lit landscape with a cooler temperature than he had anticipated. As Hearts had described, the area their hideout was located in was seemingly in the middle of nowhere. The region appeared to be much like a valley. Rolling hills with tall, golden grass . . . it really was lovely. The way each blade of grass bent to the will of the wind, the way he heard nothing but the sound of insects and wildlife, the way the sun kissed the landscape as if plating everything in pure gold . . .
"It's beautiful." The words slipped from the god's lips as he took everything in. The last planet he'd been on was so full of human creations that had been turned to rubble. He hadn't had a chance to really stop and take in the beauty on any of his stops during his execution of the Zero Mortals Plan.
"Isn't it?" Hearts couldn't help but smile softly. He was more interested in watching Zamasu's eye soften and his ears lay down as he became entranced. "Then you will love what is on the other side of our hideout. It's difficult to see from certain angles due to the tall vegetation, but . . . well, you'll see." Hesitating briefly, Hearts held a hand out to the god. He thought for certain Zamasu would either ignore it or slap it away, but he was proven wrong quickly as Zamasu gently placed his hand in Hearts' palm. Did he realize what he was doing? He was so busy looking at all of his surroundings, it was possible that he'd taken Hearts' hand without thinking. No sense in dwelling on it, though. It was best to take full advantage of such opportunities as they presented themselves.
Zamasu's eye continued to wander as Hearts lead him around the building. At some point he did finally realize he was holding the man's hand, but he chose not to shake his free. There was something so incredibly familiar about it. When had he ever done something like this? Ah, Zamasu and Black had sometimes held hands when they were alone. It was like that, wasn't it? Hearts' hand was larger, though. Still . . . he'd never admit to it, but it felt nice.
"See? Isn't it- ah . . ." As he'd turned to see Zamasu's reaction to the lake he'd brought him to, he found the god wasn't paying attention at all. He was staring right at their hands. Even after Hearts had stopped walking, Zamasu's gaze did not falter. What was running through his mind right now? His heart was a mix of happiness and sadness, from what Hearts could hear. His expression looked so soft, so full of . . . longing? His ears were still down and his lips were slightly parted as he stared, unblinking, at their joined hands.
What he would give to be able to pull Zamasu's hand to his lips and kiss each knuckle. What he would give to pull him into his chest and just hold him for a while. What he would give to lay him down on the soft grass by the lake and-
Ah, those kinds of thoughts were dangerous. It was best if he did not let his mind wander further.
"Zamasu . . ." He smiled when he watched the god's silver eye finally blink, then widen with the realization that he'd spaced out.
"O-oh, I . . . where . . .? Oh!" How long had he been staring like that? He'd lost himself in the memories of Black and Zamasu and had forgotten where he was for a moment. He almost wished Hearts hadn't interrupted it. Perhaps he could continue those memories in his dreams later that night. "This is . . . a lake?" The water was very calm and quite clear. The surface glittered to match the sunkissed surroundings.
"Mmhmm. A lake." Hearts couldn't help but notice that Zamasu still had not pulled his hand free. Was he fine with it, then? "I come out here when the noise inside is too much and I just want to think or even just be alone for a bit." Finally tearing his eyes away from his companion, Hearts gave his attention to the water. "It's very quiet out here. You'll hear animals, insects, the leaves rustling in the wind . . . it's-"
"-comforting." Zamasu chose to finish the sentence for him, regardless of what Hearts may have been about to say. "I'd like to come here sometimes." Now when Fu was acting up again, he could just come out here to get away from him. To get away from all of them. Why would he want to spend any time with mortals?
Again his eye went to the hand that currently held his own. Hearts was a mortal. Why did this mortal think he could so casually touch him like this?
. . . and why was he letting him do it?
"Come on; let's just sit for a bit." Hearts reluctantly released his hold on Zamasu's hand so he could ease himself down on the grass right by the water's edge. "You can see the fish in the water a bit from this angle." He had come out here plenty of times himself, but it was nice to have someone at his side who wouldn't irritate him. He cared for the others in that they were his teammates, but Zamasu was different. Zamasu was someone who he would like to have at his side when he finally took down the Omni King. Someone who he would like to have at his side for, well . . . forever, really. He was quiet, intelligent, attractive . . . he was a god and yet he wasn't quite like Hearts expected him to be. How had he changed his mind about him so quickly? Wasn't he supposed to kill Zamasu along with the other gods?
Zamasu's eyes widened briefly as the hand suddenly let go of his. His own hand felt cold now. It bothered him and he almost felt the need to laugh at how ridiculous that was. Bothered that a mortal had let go of him? Since when did he feel such a way? Having this fused body had surely corrupted his mind as well. Could Fu fix that, too? No, it would be a stupid question to even ask. This was all the fault of those damned Saiyans.
"Sit here? On the ground?" Zamasu furrowed his brows as he stared at the grassy surface. Wouldn't that be dirty?
"Yeah?" Hearts tilted his head at the god before huffing out a laugh, "What? You're wearing clothes that are so tattered you're missing an entire sleeve, yet you're afraid to get a little dirt on your ass?" He shook his head, unable to stop the smile that stretched across his lips, "Stop acting so spoiled and just sit down already."
Zamasu grit his teeth as he clenched his hands into fists, "H-how dare you speak to me that way! Are you forgetting who I am, mortal?" He had been far too lenient with his actions and words thus far. How was he still speaking to him so casually?
Hearts waved a hand as if to dismiss him, "What's this? All this time together and now you want to act so high and mighty? The whole god complex you've got isn't a very cute personality trait." He removed his glasses and tucked them safely into a coat pocket before staring back up at the god.
"You are treating me as though we are close. It's inappropriate." Not cute? Why would he want to be considered cute?
"Ehhhh, we aren't close?" Hearts let out a mocking sigh as he leaned back a bit and propped himself up with his hands.
"We're not!"
"Hm . . . well I want to be close, so it's fine, isn't it?"
Once more, the god furrowed his brows and pursed his lips. What kind of a response was that? This guy was so incredibly infuriating, especially the way he smiled up at him like he knew his words had gotten to him. "You're awful." Those red eyes, that two-toned face, the vulgar way he wore just a coat with no shirt underneath . . . this person was most definitely trouble.
"So are you. I guess we're both just really terrible, aren't we? I bet there are many people out there who would think so." Leaning his weight to one side so he could support himself with one hand, Hearts pat the ground beside him with the other hand, "So will you sit, or not? You seemed so calm when we first came out here, so why are you getting so feisty now?"
They were both awful? Perhaps in the eyes of certain gods and mortals. Killing the Omni King would be good for all the universes . . . as would killing all of the gods and mortals. Really it was only nature that was pure and innocent and deserving of life. The gods could not carry out their duties and responsibilities properly and the mortals, well . . . they were a problem of a different sort.
Zamasu finally sat down to the left of Hearts, who scooted closer to him. He was close enough that they were nearly touching.
"Isn't that too close?" Zamasu turned his head so he could see him with his uncovered eye.
"Is it? I think it's perfect." Hearts huffed a laugh, but didn't bother to look at the god. He knew he was probably irritated. Even so, Zamasu didn't push him away or move away himself. He stayed right where he was and didn't say anything else about it. "Zamasu . . . talk to me more about your history. Why do you hate mortals? Why do you want to kill them all?" His smile had faded, but he kept his attention out at the lake.
". . . what's with that sort of question? Why do you care?" Once they completed the Universe Seed and killed the king, Zamasu would steal the power of the seed and use it to finish what he'd started. There was no sense in divulging any of his history and intentions with this mortal.
"Fu told me a bit about you. It just . . . it sounded strange, I suppose. An apprentice to a Kaioshin killed his master, stole the body of a powerful mortal, and then fled to a future timeline to wipe out all life? It's awfully extravagant, isn't it? Sounds like a work of fiction." Hearts finally turned to look at Zamasu, who only gave him a blank expression in return.
"What is so extravagant about it? Perhaps you're just stunned by my meticulous planning and the amount of thought I'd put into my plan." Zamasu smirked before looking out at the water himself. This scenery really was a nice change from the cold hues of the hideout and lab. "It is the responsibility of us gods to watch over mortals and all of the worlds of the universes. We watch them form, watch them grow, watch them learn . . . and ultimately, we watch the mortals completely destroy themselves and the worlds upon which they live. Again and again and again and again . . ." His voice faded into a defeated sigh. "Why? Why would we only watch as they ruin what was once beautiful and perfect? What purpose do we gods serve if we do not punish the mortals who do evil? What justice is there in letting them run amok and destroy everything? We may as well not even exist if that is the case."
Hearts' eyes widened a bit at that statement. He wanted to kill the gods and the Omni King to free the mortals from their oversight and control, and yet here was a god who said the gods did nothing. Which perception was correct?
"When I learned about the Saiyan Son Goku, I realized that was my opportunity to make the change I so desired. I wanted to save all of the worlds across all of the universes. I wanted to let nature reclaim her place and thrive. The gods, the mortals . . . I eliminated them. I was so damn close . . ." Zamasu grit his teeth as he began to shake slightly. "All of that careful planning was wasted! I found the perfect timeline with the perfect scenario! I wiped out the gods and nearly every last mortal! Victory was at the tips of my fingers! And then those Saiyans-!"
Hearts leaned away a bit as Zamasu's ki suddenly skyrocketed, a large, white, halo-like light emerging behind him as his anger exploded, "Woah, woah! Zamasu!" Did he need to alert Fu to this?
"A-ah . . ." The halo vanished in an as Zamasu realized he'd let his anger overwhelm him. "I just . . . they ruined everything." He reached a hand up to touch the patch over his eye. "Everything."
"Well . . . maybe we will come across them on our quest to power up the Universe Seed. If so, you can have your revenge on them." Hearts reached over to pull Zamasu's hand away from the eyepatch, his other hand gently grasping the god's chin to turn his face to look at him. "Why don't you look at it?"
"What?" He was too close again. Why did he always get so close and touch him? Why did his heart beat faster whenever he did?
"Your eye . . . why don't you look at it for yourself? Forget whatever Fu said. That guy is insane. I'm sure it isn't nearly as awful as you think it is. Put your worries to rest and just look at it." The hand on the Kai's chin slid up his face so he could caress his cheek with his thumb. Zamasu only looked surprised rather than irritated, too. He definitely didn't hate this sort of attention as much as he let on.
"I . . . I'm just worried he's right." He found himself thinking about it so often. What did it look like underneath? Was it really just as Fu had described? What texture was the skin? What shade of yellow was his eye? Would he look like a hideous monster? He had so many different fears that made him terrified to take the patch off.
"But what if it isn't as bad as it sounds and you're worrying yourself sick over nothing?" This god, who was supposed to be an extreme narcissist, was incredibly insecure. Perhaps his erasure and then resurrection (or whatever the hell it was that Fu had done to get him here) had changed something about him. Or maybe his mind had deteriorated a bit along with his body. There was no telling, really.
"That is a possibility." Zamasu closed his eye for a moment to briefly indulge in the feeling of the thumb gently rubbing against his cheek. Black had done something similar to Zamasu many times when he was admiring him. So incredibly nostalgic. That must be why his heart raced and his skin felt hot whenever Hearts touched him like this or got close. He missed that intimacy he'd once had, but there was no way he'd have such a thing with a mortal. How disgusting.
Hearts tilted his head a bit when Zamasu closed his eye. Was he just thinking deeply, or was that an invitation? He hadn't said a word about the hand on his face or the thumb caressing his cheek, and now he was closing his eye. Didn't he know that made him too damn tempting? Is that what he wanted?
Slowly, Hearts placed his other hand on Zamasu's other cheek and began to lean in to capture his lips . . . but Zamasu opened his eye once he felt the other hand and quickly slapped a hand over Hearts' mouth to stop him.
"W-What are you doing, mortal!?" Zamasu shoved at Hearts' face as a dark shade of red crossed his cheeks and ears. What did he think he was doing!? Was he really trying to kiss him!? Unacceptable! Vile!
Hearts leaned back and shook his face free of Zamasu's hand, "A-ah, I guess I wasn't reading the cues properly . . ." He rubbed at the back of his head and laughed lightly, trying to ignore the mortified expression on Zamasu's face. Perhaps he would just stick to touching him for now and just work his way up to that.
"Cues? What cues? Explain yourself, mortal!" His face felt incredibly hot, his ears both hanging low in embarrassment. Even though that hand on his face had felt nice, it was best not to let his guard down around this bastard. It was quite clear he had ill intentions. He wasn't like Fu, at the very least. Fu was much more forward and underhanded . . . Hearts hadn't done anything truly vulgar against his will. He obviously wanted to do many unspeakable things, yet he hadn't, at least not from what he knew. There was no telling what truly happened while he was asleep last night.
"You closed your eye, didn't tell me to stop touching you . . . generally that's a way to tell the other person to kiss you and to keep going." He gave the god a sheepish smile before standing up and brushing himself off. "Nevermind it, though. I misunderstood. We should get back. I have some plans I have to continue prep for our mission that I want to discuss with everyone." He offered Zamasu his hand to help him stand up.
The god was still reeling from what all Hearts had said. He thought he could go further because he hadn't told him to stop? It was annoying, but it was a reasonable assumption. He had been letting him get away with far too much all for the sake of a love he no longer had. The nostalgia would prove problematic if he didn't get it under control soon. "A-ah . . . right . . ." The mission. At least Hearts had the common sense to change the subject. He wasn't an absolute idiot, apparently.
Zamasu reached for Hearts' hand, but stopped himself from doing so, instead opting to stand on his own. He brushed himself off and walked ahead of the other man to go back into the hideout. The less bodily contact they had, the better. Only what was necessary ought to be tolerated.
Hearts clicked his tongue in disappointment, but didn't say anything about it. He'd fucked up by trying to go further just now, but hopefully he'd be able to make up for it. He wasn't sure why he felt so enthralled by this god – perhaps it was simply because he was a god, or perhaps it was how beautiful he was, or perhaps the way he'd shown him a more vulnerable side . . . but maybe it was more of a combination of all of those things. Regardless, he was eager to get closer to him and go further with him. He wanted to touch him, kiss him, fuck him . . . he needed to satisfy these desires eventually.
Through the meeting with the group, he finally learned their hideout was somewhere in universe six. If his memory served him well, he had met the Saiyans in universe seven. Would that universe be their next target? He had a strong desire to get his revenge as soon as possible. He would not be at ease until he saw their lifeless bodies in front of him. Would it be simple? Would he have the same strength he once had? In theory, he ought to be even stronger, right? Wasn't he supposed to gain strength each time he faced death? Or . . . did that not apply since he had actually been erased? It was difficult to tell.
That moment out by the lake had been the first time since his apparent resurrection that he'd tapped into his power. He hadn't thought about it much at the moment since it hadn't been intentional, but it had felt off. In fact, he'd felt a bit off ever since he'd woke up in this place. It was as though his full strength was being restrained in some way. It wouldn't serve Hearts well to do something like that, since they'd brought him on their team with the intention of using him for his power, so then was it simply a matter of his recovery not being complete?
During the meeting, he'd also finally met yet another member of the core group – Cumber. There was something so familiar and yet so foreign about him. Fu and Hearts seemed to cast aside any question he asked about the giant man, though. What was it about him that had them so bothered? Even Fu, who was normally just weird and carefree, seemed on edge when Cumber showed up. Was he not supposed to be there? Was he particularly dangerous? He did sense a powerful ki from him, but it didn't feel like something any of them should worry over . . .
Either way, it was concluded that they would soon finally set their plan into motion to charge up the Universe Seed using energy from several universes. Zamasu was still forbidden to go out with them, though. Fu insisted his recovery was not yet complete and it was best to hold off for a little longer.
"Ohhh? Came to see me yourself?" Fu's eyes lit up as he glanced over his shoulder to find none other than Zamasu standing in the doorway of his lab. They had all finished dinner not long ago and he hadn't really seen Zamasu much at all since their awkward encounter after breakfast. He thought for sure the god would avoid him like the plague. "Did you decide to accept my offer after all?" He whirled around in his chair and pulled his glasses off.
"It wasn't much of an offer, you vulgar demon." Zamasu didn't want to come back to the lab by himself, but he didn't want to stay the night with Hearts again. He didn't want to share a bed with anyone at all, but he wasn't about to sleep on that awful lab table or on a couch in a room where anyone could just walk in either. "Though there is one offer I'm taking you up on. Your bed. I want your room." He folded his arms across his chest and leaned against the doorframe.
"Ohhh, right . I'd forgotten about that. Yeah, sure. I never use it anyway."
Zamasu thought Fu would look disappointed, but instead he was smiling in a manner that made the god a bit uneasy. Was it just because he looked different without his glasses on? Those red eyes instinctively made him anxious, but something about that smile was very off-putting.
"I'll show you where it is." Fu walked past the god, but that same smile still played on his lips. Even as he walked down the hall with him and opened the door to the room, Fu did not stop smiling. "Here you go. There's a bathroom and all that so you can shower or whatever if you want. If you decide it's cold and lonely, just come get me." The smile widened to a grin, those red eyes appearing like crescents over his cheeks.
"I'd sooner get on my knees and beg the Omni King to erase me again than so much as consider asking for your companionship in bed." Just as Fu opened his mouth to more-than-likely say something obscene about him on his knees, the Kai slapped a hand over his mouth to silence him, "Do not say something disgusting. Hearts has already said enough and you more than crossed the line earlier today. I'm beyond tired of all-" The god gasped and shuddered, yanking his hand away quickly after feeling something warm and wet cross his palm. "D-did you just-"
"I licked your hand." Fu laughed at the Kaioshin's reaction before licking his lips to disturb the god further, "You're delicious."
"Get out." Zamasu was practically shaking with anger and disgust. This bastard was the worst creature he'd ever had the displeasure of interacting with!
"Aww, come on, Zam-"
"Get. Out!" He clenched his fists by his sides, his aura beginning to manifest as his anger rose higher and higher. There it was again, though. That feeling that there was an invisible ceiling where he could not raise his power any higher. What was going on?
Fu only held up his hands and laughed again, "Alright, alright, sheeeeeesh. I'm going. But in all seriousness, I'll be in the lab if you need anything during the night. Maybe I can bring you something that will help you sleep."
"I don't need anything."
Saying nothing further, Fu just flashed that weird grin of his before exiting the room and closing the door behind him.
"I don't understand him at all. There's something about him that is incredibly troublesome. He is most certainly a demon, but that can't be the reason for these strange vibes I'm getting from him. Fu is a very chaotic individual." Staring at the door for a moment longer, Zamasu finally turned his attention to the bed in the room. Much like Hearts' room, this room also looked completely unused. The bed was neatly made and there weren't any personal belongings to be found. Though, Fu had that entire lab for his things . . . what about Hearts? Did he have nothing?
Had Hearts also just woke up here one day?
Something about that thought made the god's eye widen considerably and a chill run down his spine. Was Fu collecting them together? Hearts had made it sound as though all of this was his idea, but . . . was it really?
"Why am I thinking about something so strange? I must have eaten too much at dinner." Even though he didn't need food to live, he did need it to keep his strength up and his body functioning at its highest potential. Still, he most certainly ate significantly more now than he had before he'd fused. Black had also eaten quite a lot, so it was most likely due to the Saiyan body. "How obnoxious. Of course Saiyans would be ravenous creatures who gorge themselves with food." The god scoffed as he sat down on the bed to pull his boots off.
It was early, having just finished dinner not long before, but what else could he do at this hour? It would be nice to simply lie awake for a while and contemplate what all had happened and what all he wanted going forward, but most importantly it would be nice to just get away from everyone for the evening. For the first time since he had arrived, he finally had a space of his own. He could have gone back outside to the spot Hearts had shown him earlier, but what was stopping Hearts or anyone else from joining him if he went out there?
After pulling off his boots and setting them off to the side, he stood up once more to remove his waist band and coat, folding them both neatly and placing them atop a chest of drawers in the room. Like the other room, this one also had a floor-length mirror. It seemed they were all laid out identically. What kind of place was this? Who built it? Then again, it didn't matter.
"Maybe I should fix at least my shirt." He eyed the missing sleeve with the tattered edges. "Though the reason it's missing is because my body had become so corrupted." And for what? No, no, best not to go down that route of thinking again. He'd cried himself to sleep like some kind of pathetic bastard yesterday when he began to think that way. "I have to move forward. If this Universe Seed is as powerful as they make it out to be, then this is the group I ought to stay with . . . for now."
He continued to stare at himself in the mirror, his hand reaching up to lightly touch the eyepatch. It would be best to remove it when no one else was around, right? If it looked awful, he likely would not be able to hold back his emotion. He'd managed to get upset yesterday without anyone seeing him, so he wanted to keep it that way. These bastards did not deserve to see him in such a weak and vulnerable state. "I can't let my guard down around them for even a moment." Though he'd already done it so many times around Hearts.
"You really can't, can you?"
The sudden voice startled the god, causing him to jump a bit as he turned to the door. Ah, he'd forgotten to lock it. "Fu . . . why are you back?" Just having him around made him anxious. It was such a foreign feeling that he couldn't really describe. "Get out." Still, he tried to maintain a calm demeanor. Fu would get a big head if he knew he made the god nervous.
"I told you I'd bring something to help you sleep, didn't I?" The demon waved a syringe, a smirk playing on his lips just like before.
A syringe? "I don't need it. I'm not going to sleep just yet." Zamasu held his hand a bit out to his side, ready to produce a ki blade at a moment's notice in case this bastard was up to no good. Perhaps taking him up on his offer to use his room was a poor decision after all. "Get out and stay out."
"Ehhhhh? Is that really any way to speak to someone who helped you? I fixed your corruption, nursed you back to consciousness, allowed you to use my room . . . I even keep treating you while you are so rude to me." The smirk faded as he took a couple steps forward, but stopped a few feet away. "Why are you so tense? I'm only trying to help you, Zamasu. Just sit down on the bed and let me help you relax."
"I don't owe you anything for that! It was your own choice to help me! Do not act as though it was done out of charity! You brought me here and mended me for your own purposes!" He could feel his body begin to shake with anger and uncertainty. What was he after? What was really in that syringe? He would not succumb to something like a poison, so then what was it? Something to help him sleep . . . something to weaken him?
"That's true. I brought you because you're immortal. You'll be a great asset for Hearts' cause, but . . . I really want to do some experiments of my own on you. It can't hurt you, right? So can't I just . . . try a few things?" He took a few more steps forward, but stopped again when Zamasu produced a ki blade. "Oh no!" His exclamation was dripping with sarcasm as he smiled from ear to ear, "You are powerful, great god Zamasu, but so am I. Besides . . . you aren't quite back up to the level of your former self. You can feel it, can't you?"
Experiments? Couldn't he have simply done those before he was conscious? Why wait until now? "Are you the reason I'm not at my full strength?"
"Huh?" Fu furrowed his brows, "What are you implying? Why would I want to weaken you? I can't wait to see you at full power! It'll be a treat!" He practically beamed as he dared to take another step, now in very close proximity to the Kaioshin.
So he wasn't purposely weakening him? Perhaps it truly was just a matter of a lengthy recovery time . . . understandable, really, given what his body had been put through. "You're too close."
"Am I?"
"You are."
"You're shaking, Zamasu." That happy grin darkened as Fu stared down his nose at the god, "I can fix that, too."
"Back away or I'll have no choice but to hurt you. I'd rather not do so, since you seem to be an integral part of this operation, however . . . I also will not let you simply do as you please." He ignored Fu's comment about his shaking. He could feel it in his hands and his legs. Why was his body behaving this way? It had to have been his body's instinctive response. He surely did not fear Fu. That substance in the syringe, however . . . that could certainly prove problematic.
"Of course I didn't expect you to let me do anything. That's what this is for." He nodded to the syringe before chuckling, "Oops, I guess the charade is up, huh? So then . . . you can try to fight me if you want, but I guarantee you won't win."
"You're awfully confident."
"I know my own strength. I also know you're severely underestimating me. You shouldn't do that, you know. That's what got you destroyed by those Saiyans."
Zamasu's eye twitched at the mentioning of his unforeseen defeat by those bastards on Earth. "Get out! I am not playing with you!"
"But I want to play with you, Zamasu! Just a few experiments and then I'll leave you be! It's really that simple."
". . . what kind of experiments are you after?" The ki blade vanished as he clenched his hands into fists. This was beyond irritating. If it was something simple enough, it may be worth it to just go through with it to get him to leave. He'd be sure to lock the door from now on.
"Oh, nothing too crazy." He pulled out a cap and put it on the syringe before tucking it into his back pocket. "If you're good, I won't use that. All you have to do is just follow my lead." Fu approached the god with great confidence before placing his hands on the Kai's shoulders. "Just relax. You're so tense!" Fu began to rub at his shoulders, smirking all the while.
"I already don't like this." Zamasu glanced to the side to see one of the hands. Fu was up to no good, that much was certain. Hearts had insisted he wasn't bad, that he was just weird, but . . . Fu was a demon. He couldn't fathom a demon that wasn't even the slightest bit evil. "Do an experiment that doesn't require you to touch me in any way."
"That's . . . a bit unreasonable, don't you think?" Fu arched a brow before abruptly shoving Zamasu against the mirror that hung on the wall just behind him, "Maybe you don't like it now, but I think you'll quickly find it thrilling, Lord Zamasu." He practically laughed as he said the god's name, taking great amusement in the bewildered expression on his face. "What's wrong? You don't trust me?" He leaned in closer to Zamasu's face, his breath ghosting over the other's skin.
"Wh-who do you think you are!?" He'd had enough intimate experiences through Zamasu and Goku Black to have a strong hunch about what it was Fu was after. There was absolutely no way he was going to let him get away with it! "Is your desire to die really that strong, demon!?" Zamasu grit his teeth as he slammed both hands against Fu's chest to knock him away . . . and it worked far better than he had anticipated. The demon was knocked backward by several steps, but . . . but he was still grinning like a fool.
"Oh no! You're just too powerful! I won't let you escape me, Zamasu! I just want to do this and that with you!" The demon reached back to his pocket to retrieve the syringe he'd tucked there just moments ago, "Didn't I say you need to be good?"
Had he backed off on purpose? The way he was speaking sounded so fake and mocking. "Are you fucking with me!?" What was his goal? What was he really after with all of this?
"Who knows?" He popped the cap off the needle and pushed on the plunger to squirt a bit of the liquid out of the tip, "Why don't you hold still and find out?" He licked his lips before taking a few slow steps. Zamasu did not move from his spot. "Oh? Have you changed your mind, then?"
"Is this your experiment? How I will react to this?" It irritated him how nervous he felt, especially considering it may all be part of an act. Why, though? Was this all just a fun game for him?
"Heh, if you want to think of it that way, then sure. I want to see how you will react to everything. It's all so interesting. I want to see your expressions and I want to see how your body handles different forms of trauma."
Trauma? "You can see all of that without trying to drug me with whatever that is." Zamasu remained in place, but readied himself to make a break for the door if need be. He wanted so badly to just blast this bastard, but it was in his best interest at this point in time to keep him alive. Still, if it came down to it, he would do whatever he needed to do to keep his pride in tact . . . or, what was left of his pride, at least.
"Can I? I doubt you'd let me do whatever I wanted." Tired of the chatter, Fu lunged toward the Kai, brandishing his sword in his free hand to try and use it to pin him to the wall, but Zamasu dodged it swiftly and the sword was instead lodged into the wall. "Oh? Running away?" Fu chuckled as he watched Zamasu flee the room, taking off after him once he pulled his sword back out and put it away.
Though he gave chase, he wasn't actually moving quick enough to catch him. "Wherever you go, I'll just follow. It's not like you have anywhere to return to, Zamasu." It was fun to tease him and watch as his panic grew and grew. The almighty god who saw himself above all other beings was running away. Didn't he feel pathetic? Fu would certainly have had sex with him if Zamasu hadn't run off, but his intention was really to lead him back to Hearts. His curiosity had gotten the better of him and when he heard that Zamasu wanted a separate room, he couldn't help but be a bit disappointed. How could he get Zamasu and Hearts to stay together again? He had mulled it over for a moment, but quickly came up with a solution – he needed to make him afraid to be alone.
"I'll be gentle, you know." He continued to tease the god, chuckling when he saw him glance back over his shoulder with an angry expression, "That body hasn't experienced anything yet, right?" He picked up his pace a bit and watched as Zamasu also moved faster, his head turning this way and that, anxiously trying to figure out where to go. Had it really not occurred to him yet?
Where? Where? Where could he go? All of the doors were closed down each hall and he had no idea what was behind each one. If he happened upon a closet or bathroom or other small space, it would be a problem. That syringe made him nervous, but Fu's statement about strength had him far more worried. His own strength wasn't up to where it used to be and he had no idea just how strong Fu was. Could he overpower him in this state? He'd rather not be put into a position to find out.
"You won't touch me!" No one had touched this body in that way. Black and Zamasu had been very intimate, but that was it. Really, he was touching himself in a way. As if he would allow a mortal or a demon to do something so vulgar! It was only clean and beautiful and divine if done by the gods! Though he wasn't certain what all Hearts had done last night . . .
Ah! Hearts!
Perking up, Zamasu rounded a corner and broke out into a full run in the direction where he could sense Hearts. He could go to him! He could stay the night with him! Hearts definitely would not mind his presence and he would understand if he explained the situation. Hearts also seemed put-off by Fu. The whole point of getting his own room was so he didn't have to sleep with Hearts, but apparently fate decided otherwise.
Fu tilted his head a bit when the god suddenly took off. Had he finally realized where he could go? "Oh! Where are you going, Lord Zamasu?" His mocking tone rang through the hall as he also took off running after giving the Kai a bit of a head-start. He was definitely headed for Hearts' room.
As he reached the door, Zamasu grabbed hold of the knob, but found it was locked. "No . . . no! Hearts!" He pounded on it with one fist as he tried to catch his breath, "Hearts! Open this door!" He glanced back down the hall to see the demon quickly approaching, a knowing grin stretched across his face.
"Locked? What bad luck!" Hopefully Hearts would answer, though. He didn't want to actually do anything to Zamasu. He'd have sex with him if he could ever get him to agree to it, but he wasn't so awful that he'd force himself on him. That being said, it would really put him in an awkward position if he caught up to the Kai and Hearts didn't open the door. What to do . . .?
"Hearts!" Zamasu's voice cracked as he yelled at the door, raising his fist to beat hard on it just before the door suddenly swung open. "It's about damn time, you bas-" Zamasu was cut off as Hearts quickly grabbed hold of him and pulled him close just as Fu finally reached the door.
"Ah, damn . . . well you have to leave this room eventually, you know." Fu continued his taunting tone, winking at Hearts when he saw the man glaring sharply at him. "We'll just play tomorrow instead." With Zamasu now pulled into Hearts' chest in a way that he couldn't see what Fu was doing, the demon locked eyes with Hearts and mouthed the words 'you're welcome' before turning and walking back down the hall.
You're welcome? Hearts furrowed his brows, but shut and locked the door once Fu was gone. What the hell was going on? "Hey, he's gone now." Zamasu was shaking against him. Did he realize that? What had him so bothered that he would run to him and so desperately try to get into his room? What exactly had Fu said to him?
"A-ah . . . good." Zamasu pulled away and checked the knob to make sure it was locked before leaning up against the wall beside it. "That bastard . . . how strong is he?"
"What?"
"How strong is he? Is he more powerful than I am?"
"That's . . . I don't really know. I've not really seen him fight anyone." Hearts folded his arms across his chest, "Are you going to tell me what's going on?"
"I suppose I owe you at least that much . . ." Zamasu sighed as he leaned away from the wall and went to have a seat on Hearts' bed. It was only now that he realized Hearts wasn't wearing his glasses, gloves, or his coat, "Shouldn't you put a shirt on at least? How indecent."
"You barged into my room and you're going to try and tell me how I ought to be dressed? You can go back with Fu if you want to act that way." Hearts pursed his lips, but he did feel a bit bad for that comment when he saw the Kai visibly stiffen. "Talk to me. What happened?"
The god huffed and turned his face away from Hearts. Something about seeing him mostly undressed just felt so wrong. It was strange and he didn't like it. He most definitely didn't like it at all. "He had told me earlier that he doesn't use his room here, so I could have it. It is true that when I was staying in the lab, I usually saw him sleeping right there at the desk. I took him up on the offer. It would be nice to have a space of my own. I can't think for even a moment with all of the noise, be it from Fu, you, or those children." The man Cumber didn't really say much of anything and he usually didn't come around Zamasu for whatever reason, so he didn't really mind him much.
"Sounds normal enough." Hearts slowly made his way over to the bed and sat down on it, but made sure there was a decent amount of space between himself and Zamasu.
"I was undressing and got lost in thought and forgot to lock the door. After leaving me, Fu had come back with a syringe of something. He kept insisting it would help me sleep. I repeatedly declined the offer, but he made it quite clear that I didn't have much of a choice in the matter. He started mentioning something about experiments and . . ." Zamasu furrowed his brows and shook his head, his hands gripping at the bedsheets on either side of him. "I don't really know what his intentions were. I considered attacking him, but he kept mentioning how I don't know his true strength and how I am not yet as strong as I once was . . . I wasn't sure if I should gamble on that or if I should simply run."
"I suppose you chose to run, then." Hearts inched a bit closer. His instinct was telling him to reach out and place his hand atop Zamasu's hand, but he knew better. Especially after an encounter such as that, he wouldn't want someone touching him right now. "I wish I could say that Fu wouldn't have done anything and that he was just playing with you, but . . . I don't honestly know." He had seen what Fu mouthed to him and it seemed as though his intention had simply been to lead Zamasu back here, but . . . why would he do that? "I don't understand that man at all."
"That makes two of us." Was Fu weaker than Hearts? Why would he give up because he was with Hearts? What was with that mocking tone he'd been using? Why had he been so slow to follow him at the beginning? He wanted to say he was messing with him, but at the same time it was difficult to be certain about that. "At least for tonight, I'm taking your bed."
"That's fi- wait, what?! I don't think so." Hearts sighed heavily as he ran a hand through his hair, "If you're so dead-set on not sharing a bed with me, then you can take the floor."
"You expect a god like me to sleep on the floor?" Zamasu finally turned back to face him, his eyes widening a bit upon realizing how close Hearts had gotten. Did this man not have a single bit of decency in his body? Only wearing pants, his hair disheveled, and now he was sitting in his personal space. How unsightly.
"Absolutely. You're no better than I am, regardless of what you might think." Hearts threw Zamasu a glare, but it faltered quickly when he caught a glimpse of the light red tint on the god's cheeks. Was he blushing? "Oh? What's the matter, supreme god Zamasu? Your cheeks look a bit red." Grinning now, he leaned in closer, "I guess you aren't as disgusted with my appearance as you let on, huh?"
"I came here to get away from this behavior." Zamasu was far from amused. Fu had been coming on to him like this and so he'd come to Hearts for help. Where could he go if it wasn't safe here, either?
"A-ah. Right. I'm sorry. I was only trying to tease you, but it's bad timing." Hearts stood from the bed to move away from him. "I wouldn't do anything against your will."
"You really expect me to trust you?"
"I didn't tell anyone about you crying yesterday. That's something, isn't it?"
Zamasu felt his breath catch in his throat, "Y-you . . ."
"I could hear you through the door, but I didn't want to disturb you or embarrass you by walking in. I didn't tell anyone and I don't think anyone else heard." Those sobs had been so full of pain and emotion. Zamasu showed off a tough exterior, but he was actually quite fragile, wasn't he? He'd been through a lot and his mental state didn't seem all that stable. "I won't tell anyone about that, okay? The secret is safe with me."
". . ." Zamasu stared down at the floor, moving his feet a bit against the carpet. ". . . thank you." The words were quiet as he was hesitant to say them. Thanking a mortal . . . it wasn't exactly something he was accustomed to, but he felt he should at least do that much for not outing his moment of weakness.
"Oh? What was that?" Hearts grinned, laughing softly when the god grumbled in response, "I heard you, I heard you. You're welcome, Zamasu. You can tell me anything and I'll keep it secret. If you need to cry, you can cry in front of me and I will not think any less of you for it. Anything you need to talk about, to divulge, even if it is just rambling . . . I'll listen." When had he become such a person? This wasn't like him at all. "That being said, I still am not going to give up my bed for you. So either you sleep on the floor, or you share the bed with me." To be so kind to a god of all things . . . why did he feel that this one was so special?
"Tch. I'd rather sleep on the floor, if that is the case." That wasn't really true, though. He wouldn't dare admit it out loud, but his body was craving the warmth and touch of another. His body missed those nights when Zamasu and Black would snuggle up underneath the bedsheets after a long day of cleansing the universes. He missed it far more than he wanted to think he did. Never again, though.
Hearts sighed and shook his head, "Your heart is awfully noisy tonight, isn't it?"
That again. "Mind your business, mortal." He couldn't truly read someone's desires, could he? That was ridiculous.
"If I was cruel, I'd make you tell me properly what it is that you want, but . . . I'm feeling rather generous tonight. Fu put you through a lot of trouble. Just lie down in the bed and don't fuss about it." He wanted to be held. There was a certain level of innocence to that. Were all gods truly like this, or was he special because he'd fused with a mortal body?
He wanted to yell at Hearts, tell him he was a pervert, insist that he was just trying to get him to sleep with him. He couldn't make the words come out, though. Hearts knew. Hearts knew what it was his body and his heart were craving. He hated it more than he could ever say, but . . . it was pretty damn convenient that Hearts could hear his wishes without him suffering the embarrassment of proclaiming them out loud.
A smile tugged at the corners of Hearts lips as he went to turn on the bathroom light and pull the door to, then walked around to the other side of the bed to crawl under the sheets. "Well?" Hearts reached up and placed his hand on the god's back, using his fingers to massage him through his shirt. He could feel the powerful muscles beneath the fabric just like last night. What did his body look like underneath?
"Don't touch me . . ." He meant to have more anger and command behind those words, but yet again his voice was failing him. That hand felt nice. It was like the warmth from his fingertips stretched out far beyond them. The way his hand worked lightly at his muscles was nice, too. This body had never experienced such things, but he could remember what Zamasu and Black had done. Why did he have to be without?
Did he really have to deny himself of such luxuries?
"That wasn't very convincing, Zamasu." Hearts slid the hand from Zamasu's back to his exposed upper arm, "Come on, lie down." He wanted to ask him to remove his shirt, but that would be going too far for now. Maybe once he was a bit more comfortable. Even though Zamasu's heart desired this kind of activity, he was still highly conflicted and anxious about it. Hearts was a mortal. He was conflicted for this reason and Hearts couldn't be upset with him for it. His own heart was conflicted because Zamasu was a god. Funny how two beings who hated the other would be in such a situation.
All rules had exceptions, didn't they?
How had it come to this? Zamasu found himself slowly turning and sliding up underneath the covers, lying on his side to face Hearts. He was willingly getting under bedsheets with a mortal. Unlike Black, whose body was mortal, this mortal did not have the soul of a god within him. Still, he'd be lying to himself if he dared to think he hated the arms that were now wrapping themselves around him. He'd be lying if he dared to think the chest he was now pulled against was hideous. Even with the scars that marred his body and the mismatched colored skin on his face . . . was it okay if he thought this mortal was a bit handsome?
"I must be quite tired even though it isn't late." His heart was pounding hard in his chest and he was certain his hands were shaking a bit as he placed them against Heart's skin.
"Hm? Why do you say that?" Hearts spoke softly, amazed that the god did not protest even the slightest bit when he held him close. Was he imagining the arms and chest of his former lover instead?
"Because I have all sorts of unimaginable thoughts running through my mind right now. These thoughts surely are not my own. Even allowing a mortal to be this close to me . . . it's quite unlike me." His words sounded so uncertain. Did he even realize his own fingers were slowly moving across Hearts' chest as if studying every dip and curve of his skin? He was staring right at his hand as he did it, yet he didn't seem to notice at all. Or if he did notice, he didn't care to stop himself.
"Or perhaps you're not quite the same being you once were. Your body and mind have been through hell. It's fine to accept being close to someone, even if that someone is a mortal." Hearts slid a hand up to rest it on Zamasu's cheek, his fingers reaching to play with his potara a bit.
"I'd rather you not touch my face . . ."
"Then swat my hand away and I'll stop."
But he didn't. Zamasu didn't move at all except to turn his eye to look into Hearts' eyes. The room was very dimly lit from the bathroom light, yet that beautiful silver eye still managed to reflect it slightly. How was it that this god was so sassy and difficult to handle during the day, but the moment he got him in his bed and in his arms he became so docile and complacent?
"If it feels nice, then let it happen. You don't have to fight me just because I'm not a god. Isn't that exhausting? Isn't it lonely to not have any allies?" Hearts lightly caressed his cheek with his thumb. He felt the hand on his chest stop moving and curl into a fist. Had he said something that upset him?
"Lonely?" Zamasu pursed his lips. "It is. Zamasu and his future self were the perfect allies. The same intentions, the same ideals, the same sense of justice . . . and lovers . . . they had a magnificent future seemingly laid out for them." His voice trailed off at the end and he didn't continue, instead only sighing deeply.
"That is why you should surround yourself with powerful allies and build a beautiful future in their place. They are you, after all. The future I seek to create will be miraculous. Won't you see it to the end with me, Zamasu?" Why did he feel nervous asking something so simple?
"I don't really understand what you're asking me . . . go to sleep already."
"Right, sorry . . . goodnight, Zamasu." Hearts used the hand that was on Zamasu's cheek to pull his bangs way from his face and lightly kiss the part of his forehead that wasn't covered by the eyepatch.
"W-what did you just-"
"Tomorrow, let's take this eyepatch off finally."
"Don't change the sub-"
"You can do it in here if you want, so the others don't see." He chuckled when he heard the frustrated grumbling from the god. Still, Zamasu did nothing to try and leave the bed or push away from him. In fact, the Kai actually snuggled closer to him a bit. It was likely a subconscious movement, but still . . . it felt nice to know that Zamasu was at least comfortable enough with him to stay. He had seemed legitimately fearful of Fu earlier, so why was he not fearful of him right now? Did he actually trust him to some extent? "Do you trust me, Zamasu?"
"Trust you?"
"Sleeping so close to me voluntarily . . . you must actually trust me."
". . . I still have my suspicions. Who is to say you won't do something obscene once I go to sleep?" After Fu's actions a bit ago and Hearts' constant vulgar and perverse comments, he could not help but be a bit leery. Even so, he did trust Hearts more than the others here. Perhaps it is because he'd spent so much time with him when he was first conscious. Hearts had done quite a lot to help him. Even now, he'd kept secret the fact that Zamasu had been a weak, crying, mess just yesterday. He'd earned at least a bit of trust from all of that.
"And who is to say you won't kill me in my sleep?"
". . . what reason would I have to do such a thing?" It was true that he could easily kill any of them in the middle of the night, assuming they let their guard down, but he needed them in order to power up the Universe Seed and take out the Omni King.
"You want to kill all mortals, do you not? Or rather, you want to kill anyone who is not yourself. That's what I've heard, anyhow." Fu was telling the truth, right? It would be nice if Zamasu had given up on such an endeavor, but he knew better than to get his hopes up.
"That is true, but . . . I need you all alive to help get rid of the Omni King. I can resume my Zero Mortals Plan once he has been taken care of." With the most powerful being out of the picture, it should be a simple task to complete his plan in this timeline.
Something about Zamasu's words made Hearts' chest feel a bit tight, "Ah, I see. So you're keeping us alive until you get what you want?" Perhaps it was not a matter of trust after all, but rather that he felt it was a necessity.
"What? Is it not the same for you? You, who wants to kill the gods . . . did it not occur to you that I am a god? I'm sure you only brought me on to assist you with powering up the seed. I doubt you will hesitate to kill me once we've reached our goal."
Zamasu was right. That was absolutely his original intention. Zamasu was brought on to be a powerful ally so they could power up the seed. Once he'd gained the power needed to kill the gods and the king of the gods, Hearts was going to kill Zamasu first as a show of his power. Now, though . . . now he wasn't so certain. "That may have been my original plan, but . . . well, I suppose it will be interesting to see whose side history falls on." Huffing a bit, Hearts ran a hand through his own hair before rolling over so his back was facing the Kai. "Goodnight, Zamasu."
Why? Why did it bother him so much to hear Zamasu say those things with such a blank expression on his face? If his intention was to kill their team once the seed was powered up, perhaps they needed to come up with a plan to prevent him from taking it. He could only hope that Zamasu would change his mind after some time had passed. It was ignorant of him to think his ideals would have dissipated when his hatred ran so deeply.
Zamasu stared at Hearts' back, confused as to what had just happened. Hearts seemed quite put-off by what he'd said, but weren't they both truly enemies? Hearts wanted to kill the gods and he wanted to kill the mortals. Couldn't they simply get rid of both? Unless . . . was Hearts trying to free the mortals or something?
The god furrowed his brows at that thought. How annoying would that be? Hearts never did explain to him his reason for wanting to kill the Omni King. Was that the reason? "Goodnight, Hearts." Oh well. He was tired and all of this mess was only exhausting him further. It could wait until the morning.