.

Chapter twenty-nine

-Meanwhile; hours during-

Kurogane was walking back to Fai's place with two bags. One had the ointment, some gauze, and pain medication because apparently sign of pain was obvious to everyone; even to the workers and owners of that drug store. And another had some food he bought from the eatery that he and Fai came to when they met. He would have checked on his mother again but he didn't have the energy. Having the spare key, once in front of the door Kurogane unlocked it and went inside. The sun was almost gone as the night quickly approached and the dragon had to be careful.

Fai would be off work soon if he wasn't walking back already.

Closing the door behind him, Kurogane soon sensed a presence. He tensed up a bit before he relaxed. He sighed. "Fuuma, don't tell me you sneak into this place." Of course the dragon wouldn't put it past him but then again...

"Sneak is such a strong word." Fuuma was stretched onto the couch.

"Oh sorry, should I state 'breaking and entering' then?" Kurogane sarcastically said as he went into the living room and placed the bags on the table. "Had a nice nap?"

"A bit. I did some exploring, took a bath, did my nails, made a sandwich. You really hit the jackpot with this one." He smiled, legs crossed.

Kurogane decided that Fai might be pissed if the blonde were to come home to heavy flame scorches and claw markings on his stuff. So the dragon just angrily sighed as he sat down on an armchair. "I told you, I'm only staying until I'm fully healed." He then leaned forward and took the ointment out. "And this little tube might speed things up."

He glanced over noticing the green label. "That'll do it."

Nodding, Kurogane glanced at the tube. "So...I'm guessing the fact that you're here, you want to talk about something right?"

"Not really. I was just being nosey. Wanted to know what the guy you were shacking up with looked like. Gotta say I'm a little jealous."

Growling, Kurogane glared at Fuuma. "You're too persistent for your own damn good. Much like the moron himself."

"Tut, tut Kurogane. Bad-mouthing your boyfriend already?"

"I got nothing to lose." Kurogane shrugged. "I wouldn't be surprised if he kicked me out the house. It'd be easier on him. Not being near me anyway."

"You're sooo melo-dramatic. I think you just gave me cancer." He groaned, hand running over his face.

"Oh go waste someone else's time, you drama queen." Kurogane rolled his eyes. "I just don't understand why I didn't punch you in the face already."

"Because you love me too much to damage my face." He grinned before sitting up. "I heard you had a hot date today."

"You're right. Like your ugly mug needs my fist." Kurogane rolled his eyes before glancing over. "And it wasn't a date. Not by a long shot."

"Uh-huh...not what I heard~"

"What have you heard?" Kurogane challenged; wanting to see how far the grape vine went. He always hated gossip.

"You went on a date with a very pretty woman."

"Figures. It wasn't a date and she's no woman. Not by modesty standards." Kurogane almost chuckled. "That woman was just getting a bite to eat when she saw me and I had nothing to so since that blonde was at work and all."

"You know you're making some very popular friends lately." Fuuma mused.

"I wouldn't say friends." Kurogane was unsure of that word even now. "They just talk so I would talk. You know, the small stuff."

"Hmm...you should keep an eye out and pay attention more." He shook his head amused.

"I'm paying attention to those hooded morons who attacked my mother's place and that cafe. Things may have died down but it's not over." Kurogane scoffed as he looked away.

"No, but I mean there are other things going on around you."

"I'm trying to keep my life simple." Kurogane concluded. "I don't need any more complications that would add on to the crap I already have to deal with. So sue me." He rolled his eyes.

"So you're giving up on everything? We need to figure out how to get more information on the stones the humans have. At least their research on them." He grinned.

"I'm not saying that." Kurogane glared at Fuuma. "Don't put words in my mouth." But again, the other had a point. "And I know that. I'll try to do what I can on this end."

"Look I can't do it this time, but you can. While I was looking around I noticed your boyfriend had a few papers out. The seal on them was from the cities tech department."

That got Kurogane's attention. "Really? The tech department?" That would explain why Fai was falling from drastic height when they met. Of course the simpleton that he was, he never asked what Fai does during the day. Maybe he should start soon.

"Just figure it out. We could get what we need from him." Fuuma got up then passing Kurogane. "Use your head for once Kurogane."

Kurogane clicked his tongue and closed his eyes. "Excuse me for not interrogating my damn boyfriend first."

"There are more important things."

"And yet, I'm being lectured. I'll get the information you need as soon as possible." Kurogane turned to his side. "And when I'm healed, I'm outta here, getting a new place and junk like that." He said that with such conviction...was that why his heart stung the way it did?

"You're being lectured because while I've been out scouting you've been here doing nothing. You have someone that we need and didn't even know it." He shook his head.

"I know what my damn proprieties are!" Kurogane snapped; his level of anger suddenly welling up. "I haven't forgot. But I'm trying not to have more people I can't seem to shake away get hurt and in case you haven't notice they might be fucking targets. I'm on damn edge here! So excuse me for not doing what I supposed to do!" He was then breathing deeply, his eyes on the verge of glowing. This is part of the reason that Fai shouldn't be with him any longer. While he can be calm and collected, he can snap and if provoked; can fight brutally. He was a monster and there was nothing he can do to change that. "I...I'll the info, just...go." He let out a breath.

Fuuma wasn't fazed by the yelling and shrugged. "Be sure that you do. We have to count on you now." With that he let himself out.

"..." Rubbing his eyes, Kurogane denied the tears that may be there. He hoped Fai hadn't heard the shouting. He was pretty loud so there was a chance but then again; it wasn't too obvious. Getting back on the chair, he closed his eyes. "Fucking Fuuma, if he knew he should have spied on that moron. I'm not some messenger or something..." Letting out a breath, he tried to calm down.

Nothing happened for several minutes until the front door opened again. "Kuro-tan? Yuui?"

"Here." Kurogane called out from the living room. "And Yuui's not here. He's over at Syaoron's place."

"Ah, alright." Fai grinned, taking his bag off his shoulder and setting it by the couch before he leaned over and kissed Kurogane in greeting. "How was your day?"

"Bittersweet." Kurogane stated as he returned the kiss; not forgetting his time with Fuuma. "How's yours?"

"That's no good, but mine was boring as always." He grinned sitting on the chair arm.

"Really?" Kurogane thought he can approach what Fai does casually as he could. He hoped, anyway. "I never got to ask but...what exactly do you do? I know you've told me bits and junk but I never got the full picture." He shrugged.

"I work for the city. I work on the arches and make sure everything's running smoothly. I can't do anything with the runes or the stones we use from dragons, but I study their energy fluctuations." He chimed in.

"Huh. Sounds interesting to me." Kurogane stated; a bit glad that he got something out of Fai. That was a start. "I can't do that crap though." He yawned. "So...about the stones, do you guys just get them from the dragons or is there a trade involved? I'm just asking since dragons are pretty much hoarders no matter what." He added the last bit.

"A bit of both. I'm no expert on dragons by any means, but from what I was told some elder dragons gave people the first ones to power our cities and to stop our polluting and such, which they do tremendously. Now adays we get a few from the leaders, every city does, but other times there are trades involved."

Kurogane took the information in and decided to text Fuuma about it when the human's asleep. "Wow, sounds a bit complicated." He casually stated. "I'm guessing you never saw a trade in action, right?"

"No, not me. I'm too low on the food chain I think. I mostly stick to computers." He said, wondering why Kurogane was so curious now. "Shouldn't you know more about this stuff?"

"I'm not exactly what you called the educated type." Kurogane shrugged. "I mostly stay away from the history and junk like that. Hurts my head a bit."

Fai chuckled. "I guess. Just surprised your mom wouldn't try." He shrugged. "Are you hungry?"

Kurogane almost bit his lip at the statement. He then shook his head. "Nah, not really." He then gestured to the bag that had the eatery label on it. "I bought food though so if you want to dig in, be my guest."

"It's your food, you eat it." He smiled. "How's your chest?"

"I bought it for us. There's your share in it too." Patting his chest, he shrugged. "And my chest's okay for the moment. I got something to heal my wound a bit quicker."

"Great." They shared another kiss before Fai moved to the floor and got their food out. "Sounds like you had a busy day."

"It wasn't too stressful." Kurogane closed his eyes. "Yuui and I visited that young dragon and I went somewhere to get some things. The day was uneventful to say the least."

"Who did you visit?" He asked curious.

"That child Yuui mentioned before at the hospital." Kurogane opened one eye. "He made a crap load of ramen for her. Apparently, she's a sucker for noodles."

"Sounds cute." Fai grinned before pushing Kurogane's food across the coffee tableto him.

Sighing, Kurogane got down to the floor. Though he wasn't lying, he was a bit empty in the belly. "It's not. Yuui also apparently has a mother-gene in him. Won't stop hugging the young dragon."

"You didn't like it?" He asked smiling. "And Yuui likes mothering."

"It was...weird to see." Kurogane blushed a bit. "And I can see that. That girl seems unaffected by it but she's okay...for a young dragon."

Fai chuckled. "Did she have a name?"

"Hana." Kurogane simply stated. "Girl's name is Hana."

"Did you make a friend?" He asked as he ate.

"I wouldn't say that." Kurogane picked at his food a bit. "But the girl somehow likes me. Probably because I'm a dragon too." He wasn't going to into what actually happened in that hospital room so for his own pride's sake; he'll just say that.

"You seem the type to like kids." Fai stated, thinking he would have to ask Yuui about it.

Kurogane's blush remained but he frowned. "Don't be ridiculous. Kids are scared of me and I'm no fan of kids either."

"You just said she liked you." He countered. "I think you'd look cute with a kid."

"Dragon with another dragon." Kurogane argued. "We seem to just like each other on a general level; being with our own kind. And I don't." He added. "I'm not the type to have kids. I'd suck at raising them."

"Oh come on. I doubt that. I bet your mom would disagree too." Fai chimed, though he really shouldn't be thinking of kids. They hadn't even been dating that long and kids were way into the future if at all.

"Of course not, she's my mother." Kurogane rolled his eyes. "She'll disagree anything bad about me."

"Not true. She always says how shy you are."

"I'm not shy." Kurogane growled. "I just don't see eye to eye with some people. So I avoid them."

Fai shook his head. "I'm sure."

"Believe what you want, I don't care at this point." Kurogane almost grumbled but held himself back.

"That's not true." He patted the man's thigh good naturedly.

Looking at Fai for a moment, Kurogane then held back the urge to smile. He tried to keep himself down on those annoying emotions. Starting to eat, he let out a chuckle.

That made him smile in return. Fai finished off his food soon enough before kissing Kurogane in thanks. "I'm going to go and take a shower."

Looking at Fai, Kurogane nodded. "Sure." He was still eating it might be a bit longer before he was finished as well.

"You could join me." Fai said before he was going to the back of the apartment.

"..." Kurogane's mind went blank for a second before he shoved the rest of his food into the carton and inside the bag before catching up to the blonde. He can tell Fuuma about the bit of info he got later.

Fai could hear him thundering behind him and laughed as he walked into the bathroom, shirt and jacket already off.

Once inside the bathroom, Kurogane composed himself a bit before taking off his shirt as he closed the door behind him.

"That was fast." Fai grinned turning on the water before moving the rest of his clothes.

Not fast enough in the dragon's opinion but Kurogane just grunted as he started unbuttoning his pants.

Biting his lip he stepped into the shower.

Now bare, Kurogane slowly followed but made sure the blonde had space. "You okay?" He asked as he reached over to grab a bar of soap.

"Why wouldn't I be?" He asked and looked over his shoulder.

"Just asking." Kurogane shrugged. He then grabbed a spongy ball and doused it with water and soap before it got foamy with bubbles. "Want me to wash your back?" He asked. It wouldn't be surprising. Sometimes dragons like having their backs cared for since in dragon they can't reach it.

"Yes please." Fai turned away from him, moving his hair out of the way.

Nodding, Kurogane tried not to stare at how pale and soft the human's skin was at that area and started washing the blonde's back as gently as he could.

He closing his eyes, tilting his head back. "Feels nice."

"Hm." Kurogane nodded as he started scrubbing lower.

"Naughty~"

The dragon made a of noise of surprise before scoffing. "I'm washing you back; not just behind on your neck." He defended himself. Annoying blonde.

Fai wiped the hair from his face. "Like you didn't have those thoughts anyways."

"I could have jumped you." Kurogane blushed as he was cleaning the blonde's lower part of his back before he quickly went back up for a quick second layer.

"Uh-huh." He chuckled.

Not liking to be outwitted by some human, as soon as the water rinsed a bit of the soap off, Kurogane leaned down and gave the back of the neck a little kiss and a nip before pulling away.

Looking over his shoulder he smirked. "Biting now?"

Grinning, Kurogane showed a bit of teeth. "Problem?"

"None that I can think of."

Smirking, Kurogane leaned over and gave Fai's skin another small nip.

"I think I like you biting me." Fai said as he began washing himself.

"You think?" Kurogane then took a risk as he wrap an arm around the blonde's waist; pulling him closer. This might earn him a punch to the stomach (as if that happened before once upon a time) but he felt a bit mischievous. Leaning down, he nipped at a spot behind the blonde's ear as he started scrubbing the human's chest; just barely.

"I do." He grinned, curling into Kurogane's body.

With one hand on the blonde's thigh and the other scrubbing his chest, Kurogane continued to nip the other's skin from that spot and down the neck.

Moaning softly he brushed one hand through dark hair.

Growling lowly, Kurogane went down to the crook of the blonde's shoulder and gave it a wet kiss before biting gently on it.

"Nnn...harder." Fai gasped.

With a growl that was more suited for his dragon form then human, Kurogane went up a bit before he held the blonde and bit hard on the nape of the neck.

A sharp cry left Fai's lips, fingers tightening on the other's hair. It felt good with a twinge of pain mixed in.

Hearing that cry, Kurogane pulled back as he licked the mark in apology. He then nuzzled the blonde's neck for a bit.

"Why'd you stop?" He asked breathing a little hard. "I want to move this to the bedroom."

"If I don't, I might bite too hard...and I know that blood play isn't exactly a fun thing to do." Kurogane wanted though to sink his teeth into the skin again. He wanted to ravish the blonde with everything that he had. "I'm trying to have some control s-so you won't get messed up in the process."

"I'm done showering. Take me to the bedroom now."

How, who knew the blonde can be authoritative? Smirking, Kurogane quickly rinsed them off and turned off the shower. "Fine. Have it your way." He then hoisted the blonde into his arms and stepped out of the shower grabbing some towels with one arm and holding the blonde with the other.

Hooking his arms and legs around the other Fai was smiling as he was lifted up glad Kurogane was at least using his good arm to carry him.

Once in the bedroom, Kurogane laid a couple of towels on the bed before putting Fai on top. He leaned forward and kissed the blonde roughly before starting to dry the other's hair with another towel. No point of having sex if they get sick the next day.

Kissing back he smiled into the kiss. When he pulled away he grinned. "I think I want to take you."

That made the dragon stop for a second before continuing drying the blonde's hair. "Sure, I'm up for anything." He barely bottomed but hell, he had before.

"Good." He purred and licked his lips.

Sure that Fai's hair was dry enough, Kurogane got a good look at the blonde before going in and kissing the human once again.

Pulling Kurogane down on the bed he nipped at Kurogane's bottom lip before deepening the kiss. When they broke apart again he was smiling. "Nnngghhh...Kuro-sama..."

Panting, Kurogane's eyes were glazed and on the verge of glowing. Licking his lips, the dragon chuckled breathlessly. "Hmm...?" He teased a bit.

"Grab the lube and a condom from the nightstand."

Giving the blonde a chaste kiss, Kurogane moved over to the nightstand. He opened the top drawer and started looking for them.

He knew they hadn't used protection before, but he would at least be courteous about it this time around since he wasn't sure how Kurogane felt about it.

Kurogane didn't care how Fai would take him as long as he kept his word. He had been in rougher situations in the bedroom. Sure it caused him aches and pains in the morning after but again, he handled worse. Getting a lone condom packet and a bottle of lube, the dragon closed the drawer before going back to the blonde.

Fai sat up watching him. "Lay down on the bed."

Nodding, Kurogane moved a bit before laying on his back. He wanted to say that whatever Fai will dish, he can handle but he thought that it might make things worse.

He chuckled and spread the man's legs with a little force. "You look delectable."

Feeling his face heat up, Kurogane scoffed. This guy really knew how to render him speechless.

It had been awhile for him, but Fai was willing to get the hang of it again. "Don't be so embarrassed now." Smiling he smoothed his hands done the length of the other's body.

"I-I'm not." Kurogane's breathing had gotten a bit shallow. "J-Just get on with it..." It had been a while for him as well but he'd be damned if he showed it.

Chuckling Fai did as he was told and was soon enough jacking Kurogane off, watching the man grow hard.

Biting his lip, Kurogane tried not to let out noises. He gripped on the bed sheets tightly as he felt his own hips almost moving to the touch. Though he tried to be quiet, there was no denying the faint blush that graced his face.

"You don't have to hold back." Fai looked devious below the other as he teased Kurogane. Coating his fingers of his free hand he pressed one digit against the man's entrance.

"Mm...mn...!" Kurogane let out some soft moans as he felt that lean finger touching his entrance. Damn tease.

Pressing inside Fai stared watching Kurogane's face. His other hand stroked him enjoying the way the man's erection was already leaking precum and flushed a nice red. "Kuro-rin likes?"

"F-Fuck..." Kurogane then realized that it had been a very long time since he bottomed. God, he hope that it wouldn't feel like his first time but it was starting to look that way. And yet... "M-Maybe..." With the blonde hovering over like that, it sent the dragon's heart racing. He liked this dominate side of the blonde as much as the submissive side.

"Such a good boy~" Fai cooed as he prepared Kurogane.

It wasn't long before Kurogane relaxed as the blonde stretched him out. His grip on the bedsheets loosened a bit as he moaned very softly.

Seeing that his smile widened. "Ready for me so soon?"

"S-Shut it..." Kurogane tried to glare at the human. "It's...been..ah...awhile for me...o..okay?"

Fai hooked his fingers inside the other feeling far too smug. "I can tell, but you're doing very good Kuro-chu."

Mn!" Kurogane decided that maybe when it's over, he'll whack the human for good measure.

Right now, he can only concentrate on those fingers inside of him.

Just when Kurogane was beginning to move did he remove his fingers and began trying to open the condom wrapper.

Sighing, Kurogane relaxed for a bit as he opened his eyes; the red orbs starting to glow.

"Be patient." Fai chided as he finally managed to get the wrapper open and slipped the piece of latex over his own erection. Coating himself with lube he moved then onto his back beside the other. "I want Kuro-san to ride me. It looks like you need to burn off the energy."

Sitting up, Kurogane looked over at the blonde with slightly wide eyes. "Uh..." What was he supposed to say? "S-Sure..." Oh god, he hoped it won't end up to another trip to the hospital. He then started to move over the blonde.

"Never done it this way before?" He asked lying once underneath the other man.

"I have...just...not..." Kurogane didn't want to say; in fear of making the other mad. He just gulped and grabbed the member as he sank down; groaning a bit to accommodate it going inside of him.

Fai bit his lip at penetrating Kurogane, muffling a moan in the process. It took his brain a few moments to restart before he was looking up at the other and smiling. "Y-you were saying?" He rubbed the other's hips and stomach, taking in the feel of hard muscle.

The dragon shook his head. He got the other's member fully inside of him soon enough as he made sure his legs were on the bed. He almost looked like he was kneeling. But with Fai's hands on him, it made it a bit better. He needed to focus that Fai wasn't a dragon and that if taken too far; that might spell trouble for the human.

"Mmmm...Kuro-tan feels amazing." He smiled trying to stave off the instinct to just move up into that warmth.

Getting used to the feel, Kurogane's eyes were glowing bright. "S-So do you. Fuck..." He breathed out as he groaned.

"Really?" Fai asked, smiling far too brightly.

"Don't let it go to your damn head." Kurogane's eyes flared at the statement. "I'm just saying..." He then took a deep breath. "Okay...here I go..." He started moving up; letting a very soft grunt escape his lips.

"O-ohhhh..." Fai dug his nails into Kurogane's skin a little at the pleasure that shot through him.

The dragon's face started to heat up at the dull pain that was mixed in with pleasure. He can admit when he's a bit of masochist. In fact he liked when someone dug their fingers or claws into his skin. It was more exciting that way. Not waiting any longer, the dragon started to move up and down at a slow pace.

Fai panted move his legs up to gain leverage so he could thrust upwards with Kurogane.

Suddenly felt that thrust, Kurogane growled before he started quickening his pace. He leaned over a bit to grip on the bed sheets so he wouldn't slam down too hard on the blonde's pelvis.

"Aahhh...Kuro-rinnn...tell me how it feels." Fai was quickly getting lost in Kurogane's body hips moving to their own accord.

Gritting his teeth, Kurogane soon panted; soon not thinking straight. "It feels..." He held back a moan. "So...fucking good..." His grip on the bedsheets tightened.

Fai really should consider just taking a day off and spending it in bed with Kurogane if this was how sex with the other was going to be every time.

Riding the blonde was starting to became a good idea each second the dragon was moving. His skin began to glisten with sweat and his eyes as bright red as shining rubies. However, the dragon decided to move at a slightly different angle which was a better idea as the other's member soon pressed on his sweet spot making the dragon grunt loudly out of pleasure.

Moaning Fai tried to move faster gripping onto Kurogane's hips roughly, no doubt leaving bruises.

That sharp pain went up his spine; pushing the dragon further to the edge as his sweet spot was soon pounded almost at every thrust. Wanting more, he reached over and with one hand started stroking himself; biting his lip to hold back any more noises.

"Come on Kuro-sama." Fai told him in a strained voice. "S-so, good."

Kurogane started cursing as he was getting closer and closer. He didn't notice the ridges on his back forming and the scales around it. "Damn...just a little more..." He groaned out.

Fai's toes curled at his own building orgasm, he needed to push Kurogane over the edge.

One more thrust downwards done it as Kurogane tilted his head back and came hard; staining the blonde's body with a loud groan.

Mewling at how Kurogane's body went rigid above and around him Fai came with a few clumsy thrusts later.

Soon Kurogane slowly came down from his high as he panted a bit. "...Damn..." Was all he can say.

Still breathing hard Fai pushed himself up on one of his arms and brushed his free hand through Kurogane's hair. "That was...something else."

"I'll say..." Kurogane leaned into the touch unknowingly. "I can get used to that again." He slightly grinned.

"We definitely need to have more sex then." He grinned deviously.

"Are all humans that insatiable when it comes to sex or are you that special?" Kurogane rolled his eyes as he sat up to get the member out of him.

Fai whimpered at the loss, sidetracking him for a second. "I like to think I have a healthy appetite."

"I bet." Kurogane hissed as he got the softening member out of him and he keeled for a bit. He reached back to rub his aching muscles and was shocked to feel something bumpy on it and...scaly?

Fai had since rolled over tossing the used condom in the trash before he turned to see Kurogane. "What's wrong? Is it the stitches?"

"..." It wasn't the stitches but in some way, he wished that it was. "I'll be back." Ignoring the slight ache in his back side, he got up from the bed and went to the bathroom to check and hope that he was wrong.

Fai didn't like that so he followed after Kurogane.

Closing the bathroom door behind him, the dragon glanced over his shoulder and his red eyes widened. "Fuck..." He really had to keep his emotions in check. First the glowing eyes and now ridges and a thin layer of scales? Yuuko was right, he was out of his dragon form for too long.

Fai knocked on the door then. "Kuro-san?"

"Y-Yeah?" Kurogane answered; trying to find a way to get those features to disappear quickly.

"Can I come in?" He felt a little awkward standing outside of his own bathroom naked.

Thinking quickly, Kurogane got a spare robe and wore it; not caring that it was a bit tight for him. Hopefully the bumps weren't that noticeable. "Sure."

Fai walked in, eyeing the man. "...Why are you in my robe?"

"..." Kurogane looked away. He didn't want to lie but what else can he say?

"Did I do something wrong? Are you hurt?"

"No!" Kurogane answered too quickly. He then cleared his throat. "Of course not. Compared to the others, it was the best." He then looked away again. "And don't worry about hurting me, I've handled worse."

"Then what is it? You left so quickly..." He replied pondering why exactly himself.

"I uh..." Now he was rendered speechless again. "It's not a big deal..." He can feel those ridges still being there and almost cursed at his lack of control.

"Then take off the robe and let me see."

That made the dragon grip on the robe tightly. But knowing that this would go to a circle anyway, Kurogane did was he was asked and let the robe drop to the floor.

When Fai looked at his back he nodded the protrusions, running finger over the boney spots.

"This is what you were so worried about?" He frowned and smacked Kurogane on the back of the head for being so stupid. "You still think so little of me."

"..." Kurogane was in shock. Not at smack that he probably deserved in retrospect but what the human had said. Without knowing, a tear went down the man's face before he turned away. Humans; do they think it's always about themselves?

He was probably being overemotional, which with just having sex was to be expected a bit.

Sighing, Kurogane turned around; his ridged and partly scaled cover back was facing the human.

"Well?"

The dragon was then trying to keep his composure but finding it hard to do so. Then he gritted his teeth. "What about you? Do you think little of me? I didn't mean for that to happen!"

"So? I don't care what you look like. I know who you are and I like it." He didn't mind at all that Kurogane was a dragon and him changing like this made Fai a little proud of himself that he could cause that.

"Yeah well I don't and I'm fine with that. Always have, always will." The dragon confessed. "There are just some things that I'll never get over and believe me, I have tried."

"You don't like being a dragon?" He said staring openly at Kurogane. Sure the man was shy when it came to relationships and a bit awkward in social situations, but otherwise he seemed confident in his own skin.

"Heh. A monster is a term I'm more used to then dragon." Kurogane chuckled bitterly. "I'm not scared to admit that if I had the chance to undo the crap I've done I would but since I can't I live with it. A dragon is supposed to protect what is theirs and be there for their family and so far, I've done neither. Not then and not much now. Mother knew that and yet she still had to deal with me."

"She doesn't deal with you. She loves you and would probably box your ear for saying that." He countered, folding his arms. "And you're not a monster. You're much better than any human could be."

"Then tell me, when was the last time you've seen a dragon with a human body within its mouth?" Kurogane asked. "Or burn an entire city in rage? Or roar so loud it would break the sound barrier that caused bleeding for those who hear it?" He doesn't know why he was saying all of those things. Was he trying convince Fai that he was a monster or himself? "I have done those and more. Those cloak bastards knew that and wanted to turn me back into that beast that I was. All because of..." He stopped as his eyes were glowing so brightly that they weren't even human-like anymore.

"Then tell me." They really didn't know a lot about each other, did they? "I don't think you're bad."

"...I can't..." Kurogane admitted. "Because it had something to do with my father's death and...I promised myself I wouldn't let anyone else get dragged into it. Not even mother." He shook his head. While it was nice that Fai didn't think he was bad; it had done little for him at this point. "And...I...I l-like you too much for you to get involved."

Fai hooked his arms around Kurogane. "I'm already involved right? I'm not going to force you to tell me, but just know I care about you and don't want you to have to hide."

Finding himself hugging back, the dragon found it hard to pull back from the embrace. He soon found himself craving it. He felt like a child again. "...I don't want to lose you."

"Don't be silly. Ask Yuui. Once I like someone I stick to them like glue." Fai smiled.

Kurogane was then torn between being reassured by that or offended by how light the blonde was making the whole thing seem. "There's much I haven't told you...and I shouldn't get you deeper into it. But I...I trust you."

Fai nodded. "Thank you and I think keeping secrets now would only make things more dangerous for me right? I have to know what I'm up against."

"..." Kurogane sighed; thinking that maybe letting the blonde in a little wouldn't hurt...for now anyway. "...The world's not at peace as you think it is." He started.

"I know that. I'm not a child." He pulled away taking the robe from the other and slipping it on. Taking Kurogane's hand in his own he pulled him back to the bedroom.

"That's not...there's more to it than that..." Kurogane tired to clarify as he was being led back into the bedroom.

"I know, but if you're going to explain I don't want to hear it in the bathroom." When they made it back to his room he sat on at the foot of his bed and patted the spot beside him.

Gulping, Kurogane sat next to him. He fiddled with his fingers.

"We can just go to sleep if you want?"

"No...I mean, I can't just say that and leave it." Kurogane sighed. "I'll get in trouble for this so whatever I say doesn't leave this room and you can't tell anyone about this either." He warned.

"In trouble? With who?" Fai asked curious now more than ever.

"Again, I can't say. And you probably don't know who so it's easier that way." Kurogane noted with relief.

"Alright. Just tell me whatever you can." He said.

"Okay..." Kurogane took a deep breath. "While I do work for Ioryogi down at the shop that's my surface job. What I really do is a bit more...secretive. And it...it has something to do with those stones I was asking about." He felt bad for leading Fai on a bit though he didn't lie about why he was asking, He was curious but for a different reason.

"Okay." He got that so far. Was Kurogane some sort of agent? Did he work for the government?

"There's a war going on." Kurogane continued. "But it's not something you'll see on the news or in the papers. In fact, almost everyone on the surface world don't know it; with the exception of a few. And it's a war that threatens both dragons and humans alike as well as the peace between them."

Fai stared at him. "An underground war? I know dragons and humans have had their differences and still do, but is it that bad even now?"

"I wish I can tell you it isn't but I wouldn't lie to you." Kurogane sighed. "And there's a man or should I say a beast out there who is dying to rekindled a war between them for his own gain. What is it, we don't know yet but the stones and maybe the runes might have something to do with it."

"But dragons control those. They're 'gifts betowed upon humanity.'" He said knowing the tales of how the massive monolithic stones were symbols of peace and understanding.

"Yeah and that dragon wants them to have power of his own." Kurogane sadly glanced at Fai. "What is given can be taken away. Remember that." He then sighed. "And that's where the recruiting comes in."

"So he wants you as a weapon? Is he human? Or a dragon himself?"

"It's hard to say. Some say he's human. Others say a dragon. I would think he's a dragon since I can't think of any human pulling all that crap for years." Kurogane sighed. "And yeah...he wants me..."

"He can't have you. You're mine right? And I'm not willing to share. Just because I'm not as strong as you are doesn't mean I don't know how to keep what's mine safe."

"..." The dragon looked at the human with an emotion that he hadn't felt in a long time. Was it relief? Joy? Happiness? Or a mixture of those three. Deciding not to think on it, he gave the other with a very small smile. "That bastard couldn't get me before and he can't get me now. He would have to come here himself."

"And if that happens I'll get rid of him." Fai smiled, glad to see Kurogane had relaxed a little.

He didn't mean to but the dragon chuckled a bit. "And how would you do that?" He lightly joked.

"I have a few tricks up my sleeve~"

"Heh." Kurogane smiled a bit wider. "I guess you would know how to protect yourself either way." The chuckling died down a bit though as he rubbed his back; the ridges were still there.

"Anything I can do?" He asked thinking Kurogane was self conscious.

"Um..." Kurogane looked down. "I don't know. This doesn't happen before. Even the dragon's I've been with couldn't get this out of me."

"You just have to relax right?" He asked, wondering why Kurogane couldn't control it.

"Yeah, that's true." The dragon agreed. "I just don't get it."

"Maybe it's an internal thing? You seemed stressed alot."

"I guess." Kurogane shrugged.

Fai leaned over kissing his cheek. "Want a back rub?"

"I-If you're willing then that's fine." Kurogane didn't want to say yes because while it was a nice thing for the blonde to do, he didn't want to be selfish.

Fai rolled his eyes. "Be more confident in the bedroom Kuro-san." He scolded before pushing the man back.

"Hey!" Kurogane then looked up at the blonde. "Why the hell is everyone saying that? I'm pretty damn confident already!"

"You're the one stuttering and being all demure."

"Whatever." Kurogane looked away.

"Roll over." Fai said admiring the man, who still happened to be very naked.

Not saying a thing, Kurogane did what he was told.

Fai grabbed a bottle of massage oil from his nightstand and began as he had the last time.

With his arms crossed under his chin, Kurogane closed his eyes.

He had a lot to think about with the information Kurogane had giving him, but he had some time to mull over it. Now he wanted to focus on the other.

Feeling those hands on his back, Kurogane groaned; knowing that it's not easy to massage scales of a dragon.

Fai felt over the smooth scales and muscle trying to relax the man/

It was a couple minutes later that Kurogane was relaxed as his groans softened into light grunts of content.

"Aren't you cold?" He asked teasingly, though really Kurogane must have had some confidence in himself if he hadn't been grabbing for clothes by now.

"Hmm?" Kurogane opened one eye. "No, not really..."

"You've been naked this whole time. Not that I mind."

"..." Kurogane would have blushed but was too relaxed to care. "Since the scales came, my body's conserving a bit of heat inside. It happens."

"I see." Fai smiled as he worked at the new knots that had formed in the man's shoulders.

Groaning a bit, Kurogane squeezed his eyes shut. "Fuck..."

"Hurt?"

"A bit."

"It'll get better." Fai leaned down kissing at a patch of scales.

Even with scales, the dragon felt those lips and smiled a bit.

Fai worked the tension out of the man wondering if it would help at all.

After a little while, the dragon hummed lowly as he felt a lot better than before.

"Relaxed yet?" Fai asked rubbing the oil into broad shoulders.

"A lot, actually." He slurred his words a bit. "T-Thanks..."

"Don't thank me. I wanted to do it."

"Hmm..." Kurogane's head sank into the cushion. "You're the first to..."

"I intend to do things like this a lot so get used to it." Fai grinned and when he deemed he'd done as much as he could he moved to lay beside Kurogane.

Opening his eyes a bit, he glanced at the blonde. He then moved a bit over and held the blonde loosely with one arm. "This okay?"

"Of course it is. You don't have to ask. Just do whatever you want."

The words that he wanted to say almost escaped his lips but held back at the last moment. He then closed his eyes for a bit.

Fai rested a hand on Kurogane's forearm sighing and feeling a bit drowsy now that he was lying down.

Moving over a bit, Kurogane softly kissed the blonde on the lips; letting it linger before pulling back. He sucked when it comes to voicing his feelings so he hoped that the kiss would say something about them.

Smiling at the simple gesture he looked over at the man and grinned. "Tired yet?"

"Sort of..." Kurogane stated. "And you?"

"Getting there." He wanted to reach up and cover them but was feeling too lazy at the moment.

Feeling a bit better, Kurogane started letting more of his dragon side come out as more scales lightly grazed his body. Since the two of them were too lazy to get something to cover them up, he opted for an alternative.

It was a ticklish sensation as the newly formed scaled brushed against his skin, but Fai turned and curled up against Kurogane leeching warmth from him.

The dragon soon had the human in his arms; hugging him gently as they laid there in bed. He felt so great being there for the blonde. It was like Fai was bringing out a side of him that he thought that long since died or hidden away. He wasn't sure how to feel about. He nuzzled the blonde mop with a low but happy growl.

Grinning Fai hugged Kurogane and closed his eyes ready for sleep.

Kissing the human's forehead, Kurogane opted for sleep; feeling more human than he ever thought possible. Which was always a good thing in his mind.

TBC

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