"How could you tell?"

He cradled Amaimon's face with both hands, tilting his head slightly so their foreheads almost touched. "Because I know who you are, Amaimon—I know you wouldn't hurt anyone."

"You don't know who I am, Rin," his voice was distant and emotionless. "No one does."

"Then we'll find out who you are together." He gently pulled Amaimon's head into his chest, giving him a small hug. "I promise I'll do everything I can to protect you—so don't give up on yourself anymore...okay?" The demon nodded once and buried his face into Rin's uniform.

Chapter Eight
. . .
Painkiller

Rin fidgeted anxiously with one of the candles Shura had left, watching it roll around in the palm of his hand. He placed it down in a line with two identical ones, let out a slow breath to calm himself, and tried to focus on the outermost candles. The small, blue flames he pictured wouldn't come, so, gradually, he pushed harder, forcing the flames to burn hotter. But the wicks still wouldn't catch. Frustrated and impatient, Rin released everything he had onto the candles.

They burst into flames almost instantly, startling him.

He growled and pulled at his hair. It was no use—he was too distracted to concentrate.

Rin sighed again and fell back onto the cool floor, stretching his arms out, surrounded by his previous attempts. He tilted his head back and looked over at Amaimon. The demon stared thoughtfully at the wall, chewing on his thumb, a leg pulled up to his chest, his chin resting on his knee. He sat up, eyes never leaving the earth king.

Was this how Amaimon felt? Frustrated and powerless? Terrified at being unable to control himself? Never knowing when he'll accidentally hurt the people around him?

"Rin?" He flinched and met Amaimon's curious gaze suddenly inches away from his own. He had moved from his bench while the half-demon was lost in his thoughts. "What are you doing?" The earth king crouched down to get a better look at one of the melted candles.

"...Nothing important."

"I think...I've seen that blue fire somewhere before..." he spoke hesitantly, as if uncertain of his words. "Ghost recognized it too—it made him really mad."

"Uh... Who's Ghost?" He avoided the topic of his flames—it wasn't something he could easily explain to Amaimon in his current state.

He shrugged a shoulder. "I decided to name the lizard demon."

"Oh—the voice." Rin dug three more candles from out of the nearby sack. One more try wouldn't hurt. "Ghost, huh?" He lined them up on the floor in front of him. "I guess that fits..."

"Um..." Amaimon opened his mouth to speak, but stopped and pressed his lips together. Rin flashed him a small, reassuring smile before focusing on the wicks once again. Blue flames quickly sparked to life on the two candles, leaving the center untouched. He was impressed by how easily his fire came to him now that Amaimon was comfortably at his side. "Good job." Amaimon clapped.

He let out a nervous laugh, a slight blush dusting his cheeks. "T-Thanks! It's a lot harder than it looks."

"Can I try?"

That surprised him. "You? …I don't think it works like that-"

"I wanna try!" There was a slight whine in his voice.

Rin smiled, excited to share something with the demon. "Okay!" He set up three more candles and pointed. "You need to light these two, but not the middle one."

Amaimon stared intently at the candles, his face twisted with concentration as he tried to conjure a power he didn't have. Rin watched him for a moment, slightly amused. It seemed cruel to let him struggle knowing he wouldn't be able to do anything, so he decided to light the candles for him. But, as he started to focus on the wicks, Amaimon cried out and gripped his head. He leaned forward, forehead touching the ground, groaning with pain.

"No," he cried through gritted teeth. "No, stop! I won't do it! Get out of my head!" His body trembled violently as he desperately clawed at his temples.

"A-Amaimon!" Ignoring the barely lit candles, Rin scrambled over to him and roughly grabbed his shoulders, forcing him upright. "Amaimon! What's wrong? Can you hear me?"

The demon blinked repeatedly, slowly coming out of his reverie. He dropped his arms to his sides and lowered his gaze, a familiar expression of shame on his face. "Rin... Is it true? Did I...try to kill you?"

Guilt and regret and anger churned painfully in his chest. He tried to respond, but the words were lodged in his throat and he couldn't breathe.

He hated this—helplessly watching Amaimon slowly grow fearful of himself. Rin wanted to see him smile, hear him laugh, know he trusted him enough to open up without hesitation. He didn't want the demon to be like him—lacking confidence, terrified of making new friends, unable to act when the people he cared about needed him.

"Amaimon," he called gently, tilting his head up so their eyes met. "Do you trust me?" Amaimon narrowed his eyes dubiously, but nodded regardless. "You would never hurt me." It wasn't the truth, but it wasn't a lie, either. Amaimon—without his memories, at least—wouldn't hurt Rin. "Your friend Ghost, on the other hand..."

His expression softened with realization. "So it was Ghost... I wonder why he hates you so much..."

"Pfft—because he knows I'll always be here to protect you!" Rin gave him a smug, confident grin.

But the half-demon's response didn't seem to make things better. "Rin..." He turned his head away—an attempt to hide a growing blush. "I need to tell you something...but it's...embarrassing..."

Rin's smirk melted into a soft smile. "You can tell me anything, Amaimon."

He paused for a long while, and then took a deep breath. His voice was quiet and distant, and the blush on his cheeks darkened. "I, um..." he bit his lips nervously, "I don't know why...but, when you touch me...even just a little," he stopped again, as if choking on his next words. He swallowed hard and continued, "it makes Ghost weak. Sometimes... Sometimes he leaves completely." Amaimon turned his back to Rin, afraid of facing his reaction.

Rin blushed furiously as his words slowly sank in. "I-I'm sure there's an explanation for that! I-I mean... I-It's not like it only happens with me, r-right?"

"No—only you."

"O-Oh! I, uh...t-that's..." He struggled to speak, but nothing came out fully formed. The thought of his touch chasing away Amaimon's demon made him feel elated. "A-Amaimon...uh..."

The earth king still had his back to him, ashamed of his feelings. Rin wanted to say something to assuage his anxiety, to tell him not to feel embarrassed, but mindlessly acted before he could find the words. He pulled Amaimon into an awkward embrace, pressing his face to the back of his neck, breathing him in. He smelled sweet and innocent, like sandalwood and something fruity—a strawberry lollipop just freed from its wrapper.

"Like this?"

He felt Amaimon tense under him. "L-Like that." He leaned into Rin, making his heart flutter. If such an insignificant thing could drive Ghost away, what would something more intimate do? As if hearing his thoughts, Amaimon turned to face him, his cheeks stained a deep pink. "Rin..." he sounded breathless, "make him go away forever."

"...I will."

He cupped the side of Amaimon's face and kissed him hesitantly, worried the demon might be disgusted and push him away. But, instead, he closed his eyes and pressed himself closer.

He didn't think about his actions anymore after that, determined to destroy Ghost, completely end his existence, and leave Amaimon's head spinning in the process.

Rin reached up, slowly trailing his fingertips along Amaimon's jawbone before gently pulling his chin down. His lips parted slightly and the half-demon took the opportunity to slip his tongue into his mouth. Amaimon flinched back instinctively, breaking their kiss.

I'm sorry—I thought you would like it. But he couldn't speak. He inched forward, back into the demon's arms, and forced him onto the floor. Amaimon watched him carefully with an expressionless face, uncertain of how to respond. Rin hovered over him, an inexplicable, pent-up desire driving him.

Amaimon looked away, frowning. "I... I know I'm not a good kisser..."

He couldn't hold back his laughter. Out of everything that had happened so far in their time together, this was what he was worried about—being a good kisser? "Neither am I," he said, nuzzling his nose against Amaimon's, a gesture of affection. It seemed to make him relax. "But, practice makes perfect, right?"

"Let's find out."

Amaimon wrapped his legs around Rin's waist and pulled him back down for another kiss. He learned quickly—apparently—and pressed his tongue hard against Rin's. The half-demon responded eagerly, his hands free to roam the earth king's body, kneading here, touching there. He shivered when Rin's hand found its way under his shirt. Amaimon's skin felt hot under his fingertips, an inviting heat that almost rivaled his flames.

Their kiss deepened and Amaimon moaned quietly, one hand dragging black nails along Rin's spine, the other tangled in his hair, bringing them even closer.

He pulled back, nipping at the demon's bottom lip. "Is Ghost gone yet?"

"Less talk, more kiss." Amaimon yanked him back down, arching his back as their tongues met again. Rin growled, frustrated by the unbearable pressure escalating within him, and fisted the hem of Amaimon's shirt. The harder he kissed him, the more Amaimon rubbed their bodies together. And, the more he rubbed against him, the more Rin wanted their clothes out of the way. He desperately wanted to feel the heat of his skin, taste every inch of him, hear him scream his name.

Off, now. Rin couldn't think straight—each time they touched, buried instincts arose in him. He felt his flames grow hotter, tingle his sin, almost as if they too wanted to envelop Amaimon, claim him as his own, protect him from the cruel world around them. Now!

But then, suddenly, Amaimon pushed him back. Rin raised his head, afraid he had done something wrong. The demon's face was bright pink and his lips were slightly red where Rin had bitten him. "Someone's coming." Heeding his warning, the two separated—Rin to his candles and Amaimon back to the bench.

Yukio opened the door a moment later.

. . .

"H-Hey, Yukio! I, uh, d-didn't expect to see you so soon!" Yukio raised a brow suspiciously and glanced around the room.

At first, he was pleased to see Rin and Amaimon on opposite sides, both of them seemingly distracted by something. But then, his brother smiled shyly at the demon, a barely visible blush lingering on his cheeks. His calm mood instantly vanished.

Yukio placed his briefcase down at the empty bench beside the rifle and began to dig through it, preparing Amaimon's medication. He could feel Rin's curious gaze shift to him, watching carefully as he took out a small bottle and a sterile syringe. Amaimon was uninterested and continued to stare blankly at the wall.

He glanced at Rin expectantly, wondering why he wasn't asking about the condition of his friends. Rin shrugged in response to his glare. He let out an annoyed sigh at his silence and turned his attention back to preparing the medicine. "Yes, nii-san—Shiemi and Suguro are fine. Thank you for showing concern," he said sarcastically.

"Yukio, I..." his voice trailed off and he lowered his eyes. After a short pause, he spoke, his voice quiet and piteous. "You're right... I wasn't thinking about them." He ran a shaky hand through his short hair. "I'm a terrible friend aren't I?" he smiled sadly to himself.

"Yes, you are," Yukio spat, allowing his anger to consume him. "Barely a month ago, you were saving them from the very person you decided to protect today. So, yes—I think that makes you an awful friend." Rin frowned and raised a brow, but didn't respond to his little outburst.

He didn't care if his tone was too harsh or if his words hurt him. Rin needed to hear the truth, to understand how stupid he was being, that he was allowing Amaimon to control his life, isolate him from his friends, from the only people who bothered to accept him in spite of his demonic heritage. But, sadly, he knew his brother wouldn't listen—Rin always wanted to be a hero to someone, even if that meant chasing everyone he loved away.

Yukio hated Amaimon for doing this to his brother.

"Amaimon, come sit over here." Yukio gestured to an area on the bench.

The demon obeyed, albeit slowly and cautiously.

"This goes in your back, okay? It's going to hurt—so don't move." Yukio tried to hide his disgust for the earth king as he filled the syringe with a clear medicine.

This was pointless. The injection wasn't a permanent fix, and, in less than a week, they would be right back at where they started. Despite what his older brother had said, Yukio thoroughly believed that Amaimon would never change. Memories or not, he was just wasting resources that he needed. His actions in the classroom only served to further prove his beliefs—Suguro had almost died, Shiemi would have been eaten, and yet Rin still stubbornly defended this...thing as if it were capable of emotions or empathy.

If he continued to trust Amaimon, his life would be ruined. Yukio wouldn't allow that to happen to his precious brother, but, for now, this was all he could do to keep Rin safe.

He shook the thoughts out of his head and turned his mind to his task. Obviously, the demon doctor didn't have much experience suppressing demons. As an exorcist—and a half-breed with demonic powers hidden somewhere deep inside—Yukio had far more knowledge when it came to suppressants. Today, he was giving Amaimon a dose from his own stockpile. It should be enough to control the demon until he found the time to visit Shiemi's mother to restock his supplies.

He pushed the earth king's shirt up slightly and inserted the large syringe into his lower back, just about the green base of his tail. Amaimon winced and tensed, holding his breath as Yukio took his time with the injection.

"There. That should last you a few days." He returned the needle to his suitcase for disposal later.

"So... How do you feel?" Rin eagerly moved to sit beside Amaimon.

"I feel..." he hesitated, and then nodded, "better. Ghost has calmed down a lot."

"Great! Thanks, Yukio!" Rin gave him a genuine smile. "We really appreciate it, right Amaimon?" The demon shrugged and turned away. "That's his way of saying thanks!" His brother laughed and patted the demon affectionately on his head. Yukio could feel his blood begin to boil.

"Nii-san." He tilted his head toward him. "If this happens again... I won't have a choice." His eyes widened and he nodded slowly in understanding. "You should stay home until this...month is over," his tone was hard, hoping to remind him that Amaimon was only a temporary addition to their lives.

"I know," he responded softly. "But, until then, we have to do our best to take care of him. We promised, remember?"

No, nii-san. You promised, not me.

Yukio glanced at Amaimon, who was staring back with a confused expression, unable to understand their subtle conversation. He sighed through his nose and forced a small smile. Yukio meant it to be reassuring—or disarming in the least—but the demon seemed to think it was hostile and responded with a glare. "Hope you feel better soon, Amaimon." He stood and reached out to pat him on his head like Rin had.

"Don't-!" Amaimon flinched and cringed away from his hand, scrambling to the other end of the bench. Yukio dropped his arm and desperately held in his anger.

"Let me know if you need anything else, nii-san." He gathered his things and left.

Just as he reached out for the door, he heard Amaimon whisper loudly to Rin. "His eyes are scary—they remind me of ice."

He gritted his teeth in a futile attempt to suppress his anger, and slammed the door behind him. His heavy steps echoed loudly as he hastily made his way down the endless hallway. The injection should last them a few days at most, but, even so, Yukio didn't know how much longer Amaimon would have until the demon became immune to the medication—it was obvious that the beast was already immune to whatever the doctor had given him at the infirmary—and, once it no longer affected this 'voice'... Rin would be its first victim.

Furious, he pulled out his phone and selected a name from its address book.

"Oh, Yukio!" Mephisto's disgustingly cheerful voice was muffled slightly by static. "Is everything alright? How are my favorite little brothers doing?"

"When are you coming back?" he snapped, ignoring the demon's question.

There was a brief pause on the other end. "Not for a while, I'm afraid. Sebastian is...rather difficult to track without alerting the Vatican. I'm supposed to remain within Japan's borders—in case you've forgotten."

He was hoping for a different answer. "Amaimon almost killed two of my students today. I don't know how much longer we can control him," he hesitated, and then quickly added, "if anything like this happens again, I will take him to Shura and the other senior exorcists."

"Now, now—let's not be so hasty!" The bright tone of Mephisto's voice never faltered. "Just give him a mindless video game to play—that usually distracts him for a few days!"

Yukio's resolve shattered. "This isn't a joke!" He stopped in his tracks, closing his eyes and breathing slowly to calm himself. "Amaimon is unstable. I can't teach a class and worry about babysitting a rampaging demon, and Rin can barely pay attention to my lectures."

He heard Mephisto sigh. "Alright... I'll see what I can do," he said. "But don't take him to Shura. If you must drop him off somewhere, take him back to the demon doctor. He'll be able to take better care of him."

"Okay," he agreed reluctantly. "Fine. I'll take him to the doctor."

"Well then," he started, voice cheerful once again. "I have to catch my flight to Egypt. I'll contact you as soon as I've got his heart. Bye-bye!"

Wait... Doctor...? What was his name? Why couldn't Yukio remember?

He set his suitcase down and dug the doctor's lint-covered business card out of his pocket. He narrowed his eyes at it, turned it over, and over, and over, rereading the card again and again. It was a normal business card with True Cross Academy's emblem in the corner, a few phone numbers, and visiting hours for the infirmary. Yukio didn't notice anything unusual at first. But then...

That's strange...

Yukio leaned against the nearby wall as his phone rang.

"Ah, Yukio, excellent—I was just about to call you." The doctor's oddly deep voice suddenly sounded ominous to him. "It seems that I, ah, miscalculated the dosage I gave to Amaimon this morning. If you could bring him back, I can-"

Yukio cut him off, his tone calm and cold. "That isn't why I called you."

He hesitated. "Ah, then..." he paused to clear his throat. "What can I help you with?"

"What's your name?" Yukio asked, examining the small card again. "I can't find one on your card."

There was no response.

"Don't you think it's a little strange that a doctor is handing out nameless business cards? Is it just a printing error?"

Nothing.

Yukio waited an awkwardly long time for a response. Finally, he spoke up. "Doctor? Doctor, are you there?" He pulled his phone away from his ear and glanced at it. The screen read 'Call Ended'.

Author's Note: Hey there! Just to let you know: submissive Amai won the personality poll! Yay!

However, I do agree with Wild-Tama in that Amai isn't Amai without being a little psycho...but that's why we have Ghost (who gets much more intelligent in future chapters hinthinthint!) So, I'm going to try to give you the best of both worlds - those who wanted an obsessive Amai will just have to wait a little longer(sorry!) Anyway, thank you to everyone who left feedback or voted on the poll!

Oh! And the doctor is not Bast, although that is a good guess Fox! (: