Disclaimer: Fruuba is still not mine.
Warning: BL. Bloody torture. Suicide attempt. Insanity.
A/N: I really took my time with this story. It's been what? A year or more since my last chapter? Sorry. Here's the OVERDUED chapter. I'm sorry. I was drawn away by DBSK and other pairings. Gomenasai! I'll TRY my best to update asap but no guarantees. *My muse just won't cooperate TT__TT*
Chapter Two
Ayame sat on a bench in park. Somehow, he had wondered into the park and there he sat after he left Shigure's house. He didn't how long he had been sitting there and neither did he care. Snow was falling and the temperature was fatal to him. But Ayame did not care. In fact, he welcomed the onslaught of winter's chilled fingers, gripped him body, embracing him like a lover. The cold, so cold that pain spread throughout his already aching body, made him feel alive. If not, there was only the all-consuming void, looming just behind pain, threatening to eat him alive from inside.
Akito was right. No one loved him. No one would or could. Yuki detested him. Kyou hated his guts. The family would have nothing to do with him. Even Hatori and Shigure. Hatori was too blinded by his love for Kana to realise anything else. Shigure was either too busy with his novels or his fetish for high school girls.
No one cared about him. No one thought of him, except for Akito and Ayame shivered at the thought. How he wished that at least Hatori or Shigure would care. But he was sorely mistaken. The blood pact that meant so much to Ayame, that sustained the snake for so long was nothing but a childhood memory to them. Ayame even doubted they would remember it. And the thought send a thousand knives through his already wounded heart. It wouldn't be too far-fetched to say his dying heart.
Nevertheless, to Ayame, that was the kindest and most caring gesture anyone had ever done for him. For that, he cherished both Shigure and Hatori, as much as he loved his brother, and would do anything to protect them. Absolutely anything, even letting Akito had his way with him.
As long as both of his friends and his brother were safe, any torture was fine. Even though he knew he was slowly dying from it, he would try his best.
But that day, Ayame felt like giving up. He was so tired. So lonely. No one saw him but Akito and the crazy boy was… crazy. His body was still stiff and hurt from last night's event, every bit of movement sent jolts of pain throughout his body. When he denied Akito's claim that no one loved him, Akito had beaten the shit out of him, taking care to avoid the face and hands. Thinking back at the reception at Shigure's house, Ayame couldn't help but laugh hollowly at the truth of Akito's words. Tears brimmed and fell from his eyes.
His soul was weary to the point of breaking while his body was beyond that already. He just wanted to lie down and sleep forever. If he was asleep, he would not be hurt anymore. He wouldn't need to care about love, hate and loneliness. There would be peace at last.
Thus, he was sitting there, mesmerised by the falling snow, waiting patiently for Lady Death to welcome him into her loving embrace. The snow was so pure, unlike him, defiled and dirty.
…t.e.k.s.a.b.t.i.u.r.f…f.r.u.i.t.b.a.s.k.e.t…t.e.k.s.a.b.t.i.u.r.f…
Akito felt the weakening bond, the line fraying and breaking. Panicking, he fuelled more essence into that particular line, even taking some from other less important lines to provide for the dying line. As long as the Snake was kept alive.
While he struggled to keep the connection from breaking, he gasped to Kureno. "Go and find the Snake. Hurry!"
After Kureno left, he turned his attention back to making sure the Snake alive.
Even though he detested the Snake, the man had given him much pleasure as a toy. Like a spoiled brat, Akito was not ready to give up his favourite toy. Besides, if he was honest with himself, he was still attracted to the Snake. The attraction he felt after he first laid eyes on the silver beauty. His prediction of the Snake's unsurpassable beauty was justified. Even his beloved Yuki paled in the presence of his older brother.
Heck, he would be lying to himself if he denied that part of the deep love he felt for the Rat was due to his resemblance with Ayame. Only the effect was different. Yuki had dark, midnight-hair and amethyst eyes, soft and mysterious. Ayame, on the other hand, was the sun, stunning with his long silver silk-like hair and golden eyes. While most would refer to the brothers as the sun and the moon, their beauty equal and complementing, Akito knew better. Ayame had grace, his features perfect compared to Yuki. Like the sun, he outshone Yuki in every way, be it beauty, grace, academics or health.
Yes, Akito was as obsessed with the Snake as he was with the Rat. The only difference was he wanted to break the Snake completely for not falling in love with him, for not adoring him as a Juunishi should. He knew that if Ayame showed even mild interest in him, the Snake would surpass the Rat in his heart. But Ayame did not and pushed him away. For that, his hatred for the Snake won and grew with every rejection. Thus, Akito thrived in torturing the Snake, physically and mentally. He would never even contemplate in hurting any of his Juunishi, however unimportant they are in his eyes. But torturing Ayame was his favourite. Last night was his best conquest yet.
…t.e.k.s.a.b.t.i.u.r.f…f.r.u.i.t.b.a.s.k.e.t…t.e.k.s.a.b.t.i.u.r.f…
"No one loves you, Ayame. No one would. No one could. Only I care about you. The rest just couldn't be bother with a worthless piece like you."
The comment nailed Ayame's deepest, darkest fear. He just couldn't accept like that. If he himself acknowledged it, he would have nothing left. Not even the hope of someone loving and caring for him. He was quick to object, but that only earned a sharp slap across him face.
"Insolent fool. You yourself know what I say is the truth. Just accept it."
"Never!" Ayame cried in defiance, tears streaming down his abused cheeks.
Akito's eyes narrowed at the protest. He just couldn't understand the Snake. Why would Ayame go against him? Why can't the Snake, just for once, be totally submissive and obedient? Whenever Akito felt like he had finally broke the Snake, he would only be proven wrong by the burning, albeit small, flame of determination and will in the Snake. This time, there was no difference.
Angered by the still alive flame burning and his yet again failed attempt to douse it, Akito proceed to torture the already injured Snake.
By the time he was done with the man, the porcelain skin was covered with bruises and blood. Cuts criss-crossed the magnificent body, blood oozing out from newer ones. Burns, long and thin like the poker he used, covered most of the Snake's front while strips of lashing wounds decorated the back.
Ayame shivered from pain and fear. He felt weak, his body on fire from all the pain and blood lost. His amber eyes were shut tight to deny the torture, to deny it further access to his mind and thus killing him. The pain itself was more than enough. His mouth was wide in a silent scream, his throat too sore from earlier. As he thought everything was over and he was struggling to get up, a another jolt of pain, more extreme than the rest coursed through his body and fully assaulted his weakened mind. A scream, blood-curling, was forcefully teared out from his wounded throat.
Akito was laughing maniacally as he heard the scream., never stopping from pouring salt into the several wounds that decorated the porcelain skin. That was for defying him, for going against god. No Juunishi of his was allowed to do that. Not even his favourites such as Yuki and Hatori. Yuki gets to stay with Tohru only with his consent. Without it, the girl would have already been long gone from the Souma Clan's lives.
Truly, Ayame was a wonderful toy.
…t.e.k.s.a.b.t.i.u.r.f…f.r.u.i.t.b.a.s.k.e.t…t.e.k.s.a.b.t.i.u.r.f…
Ayame shook from last night's memory. He wanted to forget it. The pain. The sorrow. The hopelessness. The loneliness. He wanted to forget everything. He wanted to be safe in Lady Death's embrace, in eternal sleep where nothing could haunt him.
Just as he thought that he could feel her gentle touches, a burst of energy flowed into his weak cold body. Sensing it coming from none other than Akito, he tried to cut off the life line connecting him to his god.
But Akito was not cold and dying. He was not on the verge of fainting into oblivion. Unlike him, Ayame was as weak as a newborn. He was surprise he had not change into his Snake form yet. Maybe he was too weak. Too weak to even refuse the life-giving energy that Akito was forcing on him.
Why wouldn't Akito leave him alone? Why can't he die in peace? Why deny his once chance in freedom? WHY??
Ayame did not know how long he tried to resist Akito's assistance, or insistence to keep him alive just so the god could torture him. He was about to give up when he could suddenly feel it. He could feel the struggle Akito face to keep their life-lines connected. To keep forcing energy into his body. Akito was getting weaker. He could feel it. And he relished in the feeling of Lady Death's feather-light touches on his skin. He was eager to dive into the calming black pool that was death.
Ayame doubled his effort to break the connection he shared with Akito. But same as the young god, Ayame was getting weaker, not only from the struggle but from the cold too. However, he could feel the line fraying.
A content smile graced his faced as darkness consumed him, his last thoughts, "Finally, peace and freedom…"
…t.e.k.s.a.b.t.i.u.r.f…f.r.u.i.t.b.a.s.k.e.t…t.e.k.s.a.b.t.i.u.r.f…
Shigure was in his study when the phone rang.
"Mushimushi. This is the residence of Souma Shigure. I'm Shigure speaking. May I know who is this and why are you calling"
"Shigure. It's me, Hatori."
"Ha-san! Ohisashiburidane! How are you? Me and the boys and Tohru-chan missed you a lot!"
"I'm fine."
"I see. So, what can I do for you?"
As usual, Shigure was sharp, knowing that Hatori would not call just to 'say hi'. But then, Hatori seldom call, thus calling would naturally mean something big was up and he needed help.
"It's… It's Ayame. Have you seen him?"
"Well, just today. He came to visit us but left for his shop when Kyou practically tried to throw him out of the house while Yuki expressed his utmost loathing for Ayame's presence. Why are you asking?"
Hatori gulped. He did not want to confess that he was worried about the Snake and actually missed him. This would make the Snake even clingier than usual and he did not want to deal with that. Thus, instead of telling the truth, he said, "He had a medical check up appointment with me and he is an hour late."
"I see. Well, why don't you try the shop? He did say that he was going to the shop to finish his orders."
"Ok, thanks." Hatori hesitated before plunging on, "Do you notice any difference with Ayame? He looked somewhat off these past few days."
"Hmm… Am I sensing concern? Possibly love, Ha-san?"
Hatori chocked at the suggestion. "Well… Of course I love Ayame. He's my best friend. So, you sense any difference?"
Shigure was about to deny it when he thought of the pained expression he saw just two hours ago, an expression he thought long gone from the sculptured face.
"In fact, I do. What is the matter? Did something happen that I should know about?" Concern gripped Shigure's heart, the emotion powerful in his query.
Hatori sighed. Even Shigure didn't know anything about it. "It's nothing I know about. Well, please try to look out for him."
"Yeah, I will."
"Ok then. Bye."
"Bye."
Hatori sighed as he put down the phone. Usually, it would be hard to avoid the loud and brash Snake. But today, he was having a hard time looking for that particular man who should stand out in anyway and anywhere. What was going on? What was happening to his dear friend?
With this questions whirling in his mind, he picked up the phone to dial the number of Men's Romance, hoping he could reach his quarry there.
…t.e.k.s.a.b.t.i.u.r.f…f.r.u.i.t.b.a.s.k.e.t…t.e.k.s.a.b.t.i.u.r.f…
As Shigure hung up the phone, his face was donning a rare crease of worry. Not only he noticed it, even Hatori, who was blinded by his broken heart, could sense the difference in Ayame. This did not sit well with Shigure and the Dog had learned from experience to trust his instinct and hunches. They never failed him before.
But what could be haunting his angelic friend? He had believed that by escaping the clutches of Akito and the Souma Clan, his friend was finally free from heart break. But he was wrong. The expression he wore just now, was the exact replica of the days when they were younger. When Ayame was haunted, or should he say, shunned by his family members, especially his parents.
Shigure was worried. If Ayame was hiding that from him, god knows what else was he hiding? And when had the Snake learned such skills as to hide his feelings so well. So skilled that even Shigure, who prided himself at his talent to read a person, even Akito. However, Ayame had managed to fool his eyes. He had fully believed that the Snake was truly happy and satisfied with his life, his only regret was his neglect to Yuki, which he was trying hard to make up now.
He could not believe that he failed to notice the problems faced by the angelic man whom he had sworn to protect when he was four. Shigure still remembered the promise he made to himself when he saw the beautiful and innocent smile. Though it was made with childish naivety, he still meant to keep the promise throughout his life. Yet now, a shadow was threatening the smile for quite some time and he never noticed a thing.
Thus, to fulfil the promise, his mind whirled as he figured out how to help his friend.
…t.e.k.s.a.b.t.i.u.r.f…f.r.u.i.t.b.a.s.k.e.t…t.e.k.s.a.b.t.i.u.r.f…
Akito heaved a sigh of relief.
Kureno managed to get to the Snake on time and prevented the idiot from dying. He was so angry at the suicide attempt, Akito had already planned out in detail the Snake was going to go through after he was deemed healthy again.
He still remembered the struggle the foolish Snake put up to slice the life-line connecting them together. The effort and strength was unbelievable for a man who was weak from hypothermia and physical injuries. He almost succeeded in his suicide attempt and would had died had not Kureno arrived and managed to get the Snake to the nearest hospital for help.
Akito shuddered at the thought of losing his favourite toy. The Snake had proven to be a very enjoyable specimen to torture. His resilience was another added bonus to the whole package. Akito was proud that he managed to arrange such an arrangement with the Snake. Not only did he get to torture and punish the Snake for his rejection and insolence, he also could enjoy the company of the beauty without having to stoop to being nice to the fool.
It started when Ayame was around twelve when he first tortured the boy. The memories were sweet and brought forth a satisfied smirk on the god's pale face.
…t.e.k.s.a.b.t.i.u.r.f…f.r.u.i.t.b.a.s.k.e.t…t.e.k.s.a.b.t.i.u.r.f…
"Akito-sama, Shigure-sama, Hatori-sama and Ayame-sama are here to see you."
The small, fragile boy nodded his approval. His face was as expressive as a stone but his heart raced in anticipation. His favourites, the Dog and the Dragon. He couldn't wait to see them because they were the few people who actually like him for who he was and would play with him. Around them, he'd felt like a normal kid. Though the ancient part of him knew that all that was just a momentarily façade to escape from the pain and hopelessness of his existence, nevertheless, even god needed a break sometimes, however brief and short it might be.
Now, if only the Snake was not here. But he would not complain. To enjoy both the Dragon's and the Dog's genuine company together (it was never the same when they came separately. The jokes and games just weren't as good), he'd had to endure the Snake, no matter how reluctant he was. He could order for the Snake's absence. Heck, he'd tried that before, but somehow Hatori and Shigure just weren't that bright and happy as to when the damned Snake was there. It's like the trio came in a package. Either you take it or you leave it. And Akito'd be damned before he rejected the offer.
The laughter brought the young god back from his reverie. In walk the three stunning kids, a few years older than him. Even Akito suck in a lung full of air every time the trio appeared. They just look so good together, each complementing and accentuating each other's beauty, though it's undeniable that Ayame won hands down among the three.
Shigure was tall and well built for his age. He had honest chocolate eyes which were matched perfectly with his happy-go-lucky attitude in life. Ironically, his smile was always twisted with mischief which cast an overall naughty look on his handsome features, only to be emphasized with his jet-black hair, a shroud to hide away all his tricks and pranks. On the other hand, although possessing the same jet-black hair, Hatori was the epitome of good behaviour, forever the obedient one in the trio. This acted as a moderation to Shigure who was forever up to his sleeves with jokes and pranks. While they had similar hair and facial structure, Hatori's eyes were a set of the clearest pools of forest green. Instead of mischief, there were kindness and patience etched to the Dragon's face. Always the quiet responsible one, his attitude balanced off the extreme brashness of the Snake. Standing out like a star at night with his silver strands among the two black-hair boys, Ayame was by far the most feminine one in the trio, out besting the other two in grace and taste. However, this only served to accentuate the gentlemanly behaviour of Hatori and the playful protectiveness of Shigure.
The laughter was music to his ears, a tinkling of pure innocent mirth which wasn't there before when the trio last visit. Whipping his head to face the boys, he saw for the first time, an unguarded Ayame laughing helplessly at something Shigure said. Come to think about it, that was the first time he saw or heard Ayame laughing. Ayame was always silent in their visit, talking quietly to the other two and answering Akito when he had to. Thus, Akito was not prepared for the drastic change on Ayame's face once the guarded expression was lifted. SO beautiful, it took all his breath away all over again. Stunning. Only a boy in middle high and already a stunning individual.
With that thought circling his head, a powerful emotion surged throughout his body.
Jealousy.
Jealous at the beauty whose dazzling features surpassed his own.
Jealous at Ayame for stealing his two of his Juunishi, his favourites no less. The nerve of that Snake! Each and every Juunishi should focus all their attention on him, not others, him and him only. But thanks to the Snake, two of his favourites were preferring him over Akito. That was unforgivable. No matter how gorgeous and how attractive the person was. In addition, the Snake had scorned him. The impudent fool must be punished!
…t.e.k.s.a.b.t.i.u.r.f…f.r.u.i.t.b.a.s.k.e.t…t.e.k.s.a.b.t.i.u.r.f…
Ayame just couldn't understand the unconditional adoration both of his friends felt for the sickly boy. Albeit, the boy was pretty and cute, didn't they notice the malicious eyes which held too much wisdom for a boy of nine?
But no, all they saw was a helpless innocent boy in dire need of they love and attention. Since they first saw him as a baby, Shigure and Hatori had fell completely in love with the baby. From that day onwards, they had stubbornly insisted on visiting the god every SINGLE day. To make matters worse, they would not come without him tagging along, despite his furious protest. Somehow or another, they must dragged the reluctant Ayame with them to visit Akito.
Ayame himself knew that there was no love lost between him and Akito. Both had mutually understood that love and understanding was not possible between them. Thus, both had fallen to hating each other contently. Though Ayame did not deny that he was jealous of the boy for stealing his friends from him – Hatori and Shigure spent less time with him since they were forever hanging out with Akito, he firmly believed that the hatred and distrust he felt towards his God was not hatched due to the green monster he harboured. However, it might be fanning the flames of hatred in his heart.
With that thought in mind, he proceeded to present himself to his saviour and his doom, his God.
Never was he as shock as then when a pair of eyes, spilling with malice and hatred locked onto his as the lips arched up to a smirk, the intensity of it sending a shiver down his spine.
The message was clear. Hatred was just a mild adjective to describe the feelings of Akito towards Ayame.
'That's it. It's time to leave..'
…t.e.k.s.a.b.t.i.u.r.f…f.r.u.i.t.b.a.s.k.e.t…t.e.k.s.a.b.t.i.u.r.f…
Throughout the two hours, Akito had been working on the suitable punishment for the Snake while enjoying Shigure's and Hatori's company. Or as much as he could with a sulking Snake at the corner. What a wet blanket!
However even with Ayame there, he was having the time of his life still. Throughout his short life in this body, no one had treated him like a human, much less a child. His parents loved him, but as the Master of the Juunishi, the head of the Souma Clan, not as their own child. Instead of love and care, he received formality and strict disciplinary treatment from them. Only Hatori and Shigure would play with him; worry for him; love him; treat him like a normal human being. With them, he got to relax and throw literally everything out the window, his identity, his troubles and his loneliness.
This was the reason why Akito was so obsessed about them, why he was particularly possessive with these two Juunishi and why he would tolerate even the hated Snake's company.
And, since they were exceptionally important and talented Juunishis, the family and more importantly, his parents consented his spending time with them.
Akito was determined. No one was going to take them away. He would even kill just to make sure of that…
"Hey let's go. We still have homework to do."
…starting with the idiot who even dared to suggest that.
"No!" Akito protested. Not so soon, just a little longer.
But it was all in vain, Hatori and Shigure, reminded of their homework, could only looked at him with apologetic looks. "Gomen, Aki-chan. But we really have a lot of homework today, not to mention the test we have to study for tomorrow."
Akito was severely disappointed. However, overriding that emotion was a torrent of anger, coursing through his body. "Fine." His tone was icily commanding. "You two may leave. But Ayame must stay."
…t.e.k.s.a.b.t.i.u.r.f…f.r.u.i.t.b.a.s.k.e.t…t.e.k.s.a.b.t.i.u.r.f…
Ayame jolted when the sliding door shut with a sharp snap, cutting off the only route of escape from the dark room, dimly lit by a soft glow of sun light which filtered through the paper door.
Despite their weak protest, no one go against a direct order of God. Thus, here he was, in this dark eerie room while Hatori and Shigure left, alone with the psychotic boy. Why him?
"So, you can't wait to leave me is it?" the voice was void of emotion and eerily calm. 'Like the calm before a storm.'
"No. It's like what I say, we had a lot of homework to complete." Though he was terrified, he refused to show any sign of weaknesses to the boy.
Akito chuckled lightly. "Spare me the lies, Hebi. I know what you are thinking. The life line connecting you to me gives me access to your feelings. And I know that you actually feel like bolting off right now. And I also know that you are actually jealous of me which led you to lying."
At this, Ayame was unable to suppress the violent shudder.
This only brought out a cruel hysterical laugh from the boy.
"Yes, you should fear me."
Suddenly his vision blurred as a sharp pain bloomed on his right cheek.
"You should never steal them from me"
His left cheek this time.
"You should remember your place."
Right again.
"They are mine."
Left and this time, Ayame fell onto the floor from the sheer force of the slap.
He never thought that Akito would be this strong. The boy was so thin and frail, Ayame had always thought that a blow would break the delicate bones.
As he tried to rise, a snap and a jolt of searing burst on my back. A scream escaped Ayame's mouth. He turned to find Akito and his eyes fell onto the cruel leather whip on Akito's hand. A sadistic smirk twisted the exquisite face.
"Ayame, this is a little punishment for you overstepping your place." The voice soft and dangerous.
Thirty more strokes join the first one, each more forceful than before. Some landed on an earlier stroke, doubling the pain on his back. Each stroke brought fresh tears and a scream.
When the jolting pain ceased, Ayame was already crippled by the pain, his back felt like its skin were totally peeled off, exposing his raw tender muscle. He was shaking uncontrollably, the shivers punctuated by silent sobs wrecking his frame.
Just when he felt like he was strong enough to uncurl from the foetal position he assumed, a different, searing pain ripped another scream from Ayame. Turning with difficulty towards the source, he saw a thin strip of his fore arm burnt raw, the area blistering red and actually smoked, a burnt smell mingling with the stench of blood and sweat. After the initial shock, his eyes darted towards the Master of the Juunishi, who was laughing maniacally with a red hot poker in his grip. The sight of the cherry red metal brought out a gasp from Ayame as he tried to shrink away from the boy.
"Do you understand that they are mine?"
Ayame weakly shook his head, determine to keep his friends. "No, they are my blood brothers. We promise to be together forever. Through thick and thin. AHHHHHH!!!!!'
"Wrong answer, Hebi." Akito held the poker at Ayame's arm as he spoke. "Whose are they? Who does Hatori and Shigure belong to?"
"You!!!!"
"Ahh.. That's better." With that, Akito withdrew the poker. On the left arm of Ayame, a large part of his muscles have turned a smokey dark brown colour. "Remember that. They are mine."
But Ayame didn't notice anything. He had fainted after the poker was removed from his skin. Lying in his own puddle of blood, his ivory skin was as pale as death and his once shiny hair, now soaked with blood and sweat was spread out all over him. The figure looked so pitiful and fragile, yet his beauty was still undiminished. Eeriely, he looked like an ethereal being or a creature from the myths, a vampire prince, or even a fallen angel. Truly, the Snake was beauty reincarnated.
Akito couldn't help himself. His body moved on its own accord and by the time he realised it, the Snake was already in his lap as tears sprung from his eyes. "If only you listen to me, I would have spared you the torture. I would even treasure and worship you. Your position would be so high, none can take your place ever." That said, he gently leaned down and kiss those soft full lips, cold and pale from the lack of blood.