Love is a Two-Sided Coin

Chapter 5

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The next morning, Simon was slumped across his desk. He was up late the previous night trying to think of some way to stop the impending war that was about to happen between Viral and Rossiu, the former not knowing a thing until he was confronted and he knew well that the moment Rossiu brings it up, he would be in for a world of hurt. "Damn it, Rossiu, why do you have to be so thickheaded again..." he muttered before hearing the door open and lifted his head to see Viral standing there.

"Oh, hey Viral. What brings you here?" he asked. "Can't I see my mate whenever I want to?" he inquired as he walked over to the desk and behind it, making Simon yelp as he was lifted clear from his seat, Viral taking his place and he was settled onto his lap. Simon blushed a little before resting against his chest.

"Something happen with the crew?"

"No, they're behaving themselves. I should ask what's wrong with you. I can smell the unease on you."

Simon sighed as he turned his head. "I don't want to talk about it." Viral looked down to him with a snort and lowered his head. Simon yelped, jumping a bit as he felt a sharp nip against his ear. "Speak." Viral urged. "No." Simon shot back and Viral smirked. "You brought this on yourself. No one keeps secrets from me, not even you." he near purred and Simon blushed heavily as he felt a rough tongue slide against the shell of his ear.

He knew better that Viral would be a little forward with his advances whenever he decided to do so. Sadly, even knowing still left him just a tad unprepared just because of the beastman's unpredictability when in situations like the one he was in now. A large hand came up and caressed his chest lightly, making the other shiver as he pressed back against the beastman more as he began to explore. "Viral...not here..." Simon pleaded but the beastman didn't listen, giving another sharp nip.

"How often do people come in?"

"Not often...they only come in to drop off paperwork mostly..." he murmured.

"Then I can do what I want then until someone knocks." Viral replied as he continued with his play. Fingers grasped the zipper on the front of his uniform and dragged it down enough so that he could slip a hand through and Simon gave a soft moan as coarse fur brushed against his chest. "Are you really...gonna molest me until I tell you?"

"Sounds like a fun idea to me." Viral teased as he licked his neck playfully. "Damn it...when the hell did you become playful..." Simon groaned as the hand in his uniform trailed down a little more while Viral smirked. "When you decided to become my mate. Your ways began to rub off on me." he murmured as he nipped his neck softly a little above his claim mark. Simon yelped softly and squirmed in Viral's hands.

"I'm still not telling."

"You should know better to not resist me after my position before you humans took over after Lordgenome's fall." Simon huffed before he was given another nip. "You know I resisted you before...and I'll do it again..." he murmured. "You can try but I'll win this one. You can match up to me in a fight but I think I have you beat here." Viral murmured as he bit lightly on his neck, making Simon jump again before the rough tongue smooth over the light wound, making the commander groaned and squirmed more. "Tell me."

"No."

"Do it, Simon."

"I don't want to."

"Then I'll just keep going until you do."

"Damn it..." A yelp emerged for the commander again and Viral smirked, knowing his little human was weakening. He began to leave more nips along the other's sensitive neck, indulging himself in his mate's scent as he did so. He never admitted to it before to anyone else but after working so close with Simon when they piloted Gurren Lagann, he always loved the scent of the human. It was always rich with the scent of determination and battle, something that he could commend to since the other was a very strong individual and had gained his praise countless times as he showed his extraordinary skills of battle after coming out from his sheltered life underground.

And at this point, deep inside, he was happy to have this human as his mate. His dream the antispiral conjured may never come true but at least he can have a mate within the human and that was just as good.

"Ngh...ok fine. You win." Simon whispered and Viral smirked. "Now, what was bothering you?" he questioned. "I know you'll tell me to not worry but I've been in a bind with Rossiu lately." he said and winced as he heard the beastman snarl. "And what has that naked ape done now?" he grumbled, arms moving to wrap around his waist. "He won't abandon the idea of being with me. He's trying to convince me to leave you and I know I can't do that. He just doesn't understand the limitations given to me being with you and won't leave me alone about it."

"Should I beat some sense into him...literally?"

"No! No, don't do that. That would just give him more leverage to do something about you even though there isn't many people he can go to that would take you on. Kamina is gone and so is Kittan and those are the only two who can really go toe to toe with you aside from myself." he murmured and Viral snorted. "They can try if they were still around but they won't make me heel like some dog. You're mine and it's going to stay that way. The feminine male is the reason really why we're in this position and as much as I despise him, I wouldn't change the course of things." Viral stated, resting his head on Simon's shoulder.

"Don't ever speak these words outside of this room cause I will only say it once. After that dream the antispirals gave me, one where I wished to be able to have a wife and child in a calm setting away from this high society life, I knew it would never come true. But you coming on to me that night gave me new hope. That I can be loved. Sure it may be the same sex but I don't give a damn. I've had my share of same sex mating so this is nothing new. And besides, I'm more attuned to you than any other beastman and no human would dare come to me with the chances they will be off put by any instinctual thing that I may do." he murmured before licking the cloth that covered his claim mark.

"Except for you. You are willing to go the extra mile to see that I am happy, a feat that isn't achieved easily, and put yourself in what your dear Rossiu thinks may harm you. Sure, I'll admit I might hurt you but it isn't as if I'm going to go rabid and tear you asunder. We're of higher in intelligence to not do something like that." he said with a snort and Simon chuckled a bit. "I can never read what Rossiu is thinking but I wouldn't be surprised if that were the case." he said, unaware the topic of their conversation was walking by and heard them through the door.

He growled as he stepped closer and pressed his ear against the door to listen to the two. "Either way, I'm not some rabid animal but I will become one if he keeps ticking me the fuck off." Viral growled as he began to softly nip at Simon's neck once more, making the other squeak.

"What is with you and your fixation with my neck?" he whined.

"We mark there and you have such a nice scent so how can I resist?" he murmured, licking at his neck again and relishing the moans that he was pulling from his mate as he continued with his gentle nips. Rossiu gritted his teeth as he listened before he eventually snapped and reached for the door. Viral reached back into his mate's uniform, moving lower than before as he gave a deep rumble. The moment, however, was ruined as the door slammed opened, making him look up with a growl as Simon jumped to straighten himself up in the event it was someone that didn't know of his relations with Viral yet. Of course, he rather keep it that way to avoid a conflict like Rossiu with whom he wanted to date. And speak of the devil as he looked to Rossiu standing in the doorway.

"What do you want, Rossiu?" he questioned.

"What the hell is going on in here?!" he demanded.

"That's none of your business now I told you to leave me be." Rossiu growled and stomped towards Simon, reaching out to grab his arm and pull him from the beastman who was beginning to rise with mounting anger at having a peaceful moment with his mate and the fact his practical rival is trying to take him away. "We're going to talk to a few people and you will learn that your decision is a foolish one, Simon. I had enough of your rebellious nature. Viral is not a potential lover. He never was and you will lose so much being with him. I'm going to make you realize this one way or another." he spoke. Simon struggled in his grip but it was iron tight. "Let me go, Rossiu!" Simon hissed as he glared at the other.

Viral finally had enough as he stepped towards Rossiu and grabbed the back of his uniform. "Release him now if you value your life, naked ape." he growled and Rossiu glared right back at him. "Why did you agree to such a ridiculous request, Viral? You were pretty much anti-social since the antispiral attack and didn't care much for the rest of us once we've returned. So what made you change your tune now?" he demanded. "That's on a need to know basis that you don't need to know. What goes on in my mind is my own and you don't need to be interfering. And you've been pestering my mate long enough so either you let go right now or you might find yourself one less hand."

Rossiu let go quickly, knowing that the irate beastman may just keep true to his threat. Simon stepped back from him and touched Viral's arm as he glared at the other. "I am the commander of this city and my word is law. I suggest you listen to me when I tell you to leave me alone. I had enough of you trying to control my love life and trying to squeeze your way in. What would Kinon think of you if she knew how you've been acting?"

"She doesn't know." Rossiu murmured.

"And you think that's fair to her? That you're chasing me around when you know that she loves you. She risked her life for you! She worried for you and she's a better candidate for you than I." he spoke and raised a hand before he could speak. "And I don't want to hear it. I am with Viral now and if you can't appreciate it, then don't bother showing your face around me. You were a trusted friend, Rossiu but I'll have to cut the line here if you can't accept my decisions as a friend." he said as Viral smirked, glancing to Rossiu whose eyes narrowed as he watched him. "Come, Simon. If you're done here, I'm ready to leave." Simon nodded before they moved past Rossiu who stood there, fists shaking.

"You had your chance and you lost it. Know when it's time to let it go." Simon murmured before the two were gone. "I will not abandon this...I can't forgive myself if I do..." Rossiu whispered before looking up, a dark gleam in his eye after being pushed away so many times. He didn't want to stray down such a dark path that was blossoming into his thoughts but he knew that it may be the only way. Viral could trust Simon more than any other human so even if he did have the urge to, he could never kill the other. The only way to separate the two was to make the beastman leave on his own terms and he had the perfect plan in mind to make it happen,

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"You should've let me kill him." Viral muttered and Simon sighed. "No, Viral. You can't kill him. I know you want to badly after that and honestly, I was trying to avoid a situation like this cause I knew the result wouldn't be pleasant. This is one love triangle that I didn't want to risk either party to meet in the same place." Simon murmured. Viral gave a snort as he crossed his arms. "If he knew the law of animals, he would know to back off but he's a persistent naked ape so it's only wise for me to defend my claim." he spoke before stopping.

When he did, Simon turned back to him. "Viral?" He gasped in surprise when the other jerked him towards the wall and pinned him there. He gave an experimental sniff and nodded before lifting his head. "As long as you have my scent on you and my mark is still visible, I have nothing to worry about. But the moment anything changes, dire consequences for the instigator and the victim will happen." he hissed.

"I know, Viral. I told you, I won't let myself get into that position. I will never hurt you like that cause I'm finally the mate that you've been wishing for. You have my word." Viral knew Simon was always true to his words and the fact that he could make anything possible. "I know you are...which is why I put my faith in you to not betray me." he murmured softly before leaning in and caught Simon's lips in a fierce kiss. Simon moaned softly through the fevered kiss before the beastman pulled back. "Everything about you is becoming too much for me. To hell with waiting for my season, I want to claim your body as mine now." Viral whispered as he looked down to him.

"You can...but not here. We were already caught once and I don't want to risk it again with someone else who would flip over us...if Leeron doesn't already know and spread the word for us despite the fact we want this kept secret." Simon said and Viral gave a disappointed scowl but nodded as he released the other. "Fine. I'll be at your place later tonight then. Don't be surprised if we don't make it to your bedroom, mate." he spoke before walking off.

"I won't be surprised if you pounce the moment I open the door." Simon called back with a soft chuckle before heading back to his office to see if any paperwork was left and, hopefully, Rossiu was gone. But then he contemplated the idea of leaving early and go home to prepare the house for the beastman's arrival. The first plan that came to mind is moving any obstacles between the door and the bedroom out of the way for he can see something broken or tossed into the nearest wall should it hinder Viral.

"Ah, paperwork can wait." he spoke to himself before leaving the building and made his way home.

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When he got to his door, he dug through his pocket for his keys and opened the door, stepping inside. After changing into something more comfortable and easier to get off, he cleaned the house of clutter as well as moved some end tables and valuables from the beeline that would be made should they not meet the floor first. After taking care of that, which took up a good amount of time, he heard someone knocking on the door and went to answer it. "Hey Vira..." he began before he saw who it was and growled. "I told you to never show your face around me..." he groused.

"You did...but I can't stay away. If you won't leave Viral yourself then I will make him do so the only way I know how." Rossiu spoke as he stepped into the apartment and shut the door, locking both locks as Simon stepped back. "What the hell are you going on about?! He won't leave me! Now get going before he gets here cause I won't be responsible for anything he does this time considering the situation." he growled, ready to fight if need be. He knew after the events of before, Rossiu trained to fight so he didn't have to sit on the sidelines or try to use words to get him out of binds. But if he could subdue him, he wouldn't have to worry.

"How else...a beastman is keen towards scent, correct? So what would happen if you contaminate said scent? Viral won't kill you but he'll leave you." Rossiu murmured as he advanced towards him. "Stay back!" Simon hissed as he swung a punch at him but it was easily grabbed. Rossiu smirked as he pulled him close and locked his arms, positioning himself in such a way that he couldn't break away easily. Simon cursed as he looked back to him. "I don't know your game right now but you better get the fuck off me." he growled. "Oh I will and not in the way you would expect of me. You brought me to this, Simon. So you will only have yourself to blame after the events that will happen after tonight." he said as he hit a pressure point, making Simon wince as he hit the ground as his legs locked up on him.

Simon took a moment to register what he meant and gasped as he tried to crawl away from him only to be held back from getting too far. "Rossiu! You're not like this! Why are you doing this?!" he questioned.

"I told you to leave Viral and be with me but you didn't listen. So if I can't have you, no one will."

"But you never gave me a clear reason! Just because you want me away from him isn't good enough!" he growled as he tried to fight off the other as he tried to get rid of his shirt.

"A beastman isn't a lover and I'll prove that to you the only way that will make you understand. They're quick to anger and Viral is a prime example. You bound yourself to a man that will drop you the moment that something changes about you." Rossiu spoke.

"No, stop it, Rossiu! Think of what you're doing! No!"

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Rossiu straighten himself up before looking back to Simon who laid on the floor, dignity shot horribly after the events that happen only a few minutes ago but felt like hours of pure torture. "Rossiu...I can't believe you..." Simon whispered as he moved to sit up.

"You didn't listen to me. You didn't come back to me. You pushed my options too much."

"But to rape me! You are better than to stoop so low!" he snapped. "A man in love that has been rejected too many times would do anything for the one they want." he spoke before leaving. Simon bit his lip before moving to get up, rubbing the tears from his eyes so he could clean up but knew that Viral would smell everything that happened. The very idea that he'll explode would be the reason he'll never have a chance to admit of what Rossiu did. After he stepped out of the shower, he heard someone knocking on the door and knew it was Viral but he couldn't muster up the courage to answer it and have him find out.

"Simon? Simon where are you? I know you're in here." Viral called from outside. "Let me in cause I've been thinking about this all day and couldn't sit still without snapping at someone."

Those words touched and broke his heart all at once and burying his face into his hands, he began to cry. Viral's sensitive hearing picked up the muffled cries and growled as he grabbed the doorknob, finding it unlocked and stepped inside, making Simon's head shoot up as he looked to the beastman. Viral was about to express some concern over his mate when he took in the scent of the air. Catching the scent of musk in the air from the forced coupling made him see red as he looked to Simon who shrunk back at his glare.

"You actually did it. You actually fucking betrayed me! Your mate!" he snarled as he started towards the commander.