Authoress' Notes:

Here's the next chapter! This one was a lot harder to do than the first three. It's harder than you might think, writing interactions between a happy Himiko and an angsty Akabane. (Rah, rah, alliteration!) I hope I kept them at least mostly in character. I'm trying to make Akabane-sama seem almost naïve here, because, while he's very smart and sophisticated (not to mention hot and awesome!), I get the feeling that on more personal issues, such as love, he's sealed himself off so efficiently that he's got no clue what to do when he can't maintain the seal.

(My sixteenth birthday is tomorrow! -heart-)

DISCLAIMER: I DUN OWN ANYTHING!

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Absolute Control

Akabane refused to let any emotion show on his face as he walked out of the store. His back was straight and his stride even. His demeanor was one of absolute control.

Inside, though, he was a mess.

He didn't believe in any higher powers beyond the basic elements of life (Life, Death and Pleasure, to be precise), but he flung his prayers out towards whatever deities might be listening that Ginji hadn't noticed that slight tremor in his voice. He was weak, and that weakness couldn't be stopped, but at least he could hide it when he chose to.

As soon as he turned the corner, though, Akabane allowed his stride to falter a bit, allowed his shoulders to slump slightly, allowed the tiniest hint of his confusion to creep onto his face. He didn't know where his feet were taking him, and he honestly didn't care. He was trying not to imagine what Ginji-kun must be thinking or saying right now.

Why? he wondered. I don't get it. Why does it even matter to me?

Suddenly he looked up, hearing his name. He looked back to find Himiko seated at an outdoor table at a café. She was waving him over to join her. He turned back, smiling politely.

"Well hello, Lady Poison." His voice was as well-mannered as ever, but he spoke mostly out of instinct. He felt distant, almost light-headed.

"Hi, Jackal." She smiled brightly. "What are you doing out now? I thought you didn't really like the city during the day."

He smiled faintly. "An unavoidable commitment." He heard the deadened sound of his own voice and cringed inwardly. He needed to get back in control. He couldn't allow something as trivial as emotions to make him grow careless or inattentive. Still standing, he shifted his weight slightly.

Himiko seemed to realize that she was being rude to the Jackal- never a wise move, though in truth she had nothing to fear. Akabane felt far too drained to actually correct bad manners with his usual flourish. Himiko said, "Oh, I'm sorry! Have a seat?"

Akabane bowed politely. "Apologies, Lady Poison, but I mustn't tarry here any longer." And with a final bow, he turned and resumed walking down the street.

He still didn't know where he was going. He didn't really care. All Akabane knew was that the longer he concentrated on walking, on the rhythm of his feet on the pavement, the longer it would be before he had to face the emotions throwing his life out of control.

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I have a basic idea for the next chapter, but it may be a while before I get a version I'm happy with. I'll update as soon as I can though!

Please review!