A/N: I had a lot of fun with the first half of this...as I'm sure it's obvious.
A/N: Possible feels alert. I sure got them.
Necessity
Chapter 6
OoO
"Uh oh, the captain's coming!" One of the Scepter 4 officers proclaimed just above an urgent whisper. Heeding this, the other cadets scrambled about their building, equally curious to catch glimpse of their leader as well as get out of his way. This particular day was different from the others, starring a spectacle of their superior that was too uncommon to miss. A hum on his tongue and a pep in his stride, Munakata Reisi practically glided down the hall towards his office. Hands held casually behind his back, he nodded fondly to his subordinates as he passed them. Generous compliments and observant comments ornamented his stroll.
"Fuse-kun, great job on your morning duty! Enomoto-kun, excellent effort on getting to work on time. Goto-kun, Kamo-kun, Hidaka-kun, your attempts at stealth are remarkable, but you will have to work harder for me to not take notice of you hiding over there. Also Goto-kun, I hope your cat is well. Akiyama-kun! Your hairstyle looks quite sharp today! My accolades to your coiffeur. Domyoji-kun! Please take careful heed to your uniform and see to it that all your buttons are in their proper places. Playing your video games into late hours of the night may be a distraction. Benzai-kun, make your sister proud today!"
"Y-yes, sir!" Unanimous respect was promptly bestowed to their superior. After he parted, all the cadets released puffs of relief. The captain was rarely in such a good mood, especially when it wasn't at the cost of another's misfortune or mishap. The exchange he had earlier with Izumo was merely water under the bridge now. His spirits were much too high, this morning. Perhaps the night before, with a certain Suoh, had something to do with it. Moments later, the double doors to Reisi's office flew open with enthusiasm. Both Seri and Fushimi, who had been waiting for him to arrive, turned immediately to face his direction. The twin-tailed lieutenant had never seen him so upbeat before and blinked in puzzlement, "Cap...tain?"
At the utterance of his title, Reisi spread his arms wide while bellowing, "AWASHIMA-KUUUN!"
Both she and Fushimi flinched and recoiled as if the unnatural outburst had seared them. But only she was the one subjected to a very sudden, and very large, hug that literally swept her off her feet. Fushimi observed with an uncomfortable expression while the lieutenant shrieked as their superior spun her in a circle. His features scrunched even more when Munakata had the nerve to take her by the hands as if he were going to lead her in a dance. He instead asked how she was doing, to which a stuttering of unintelligible nonsense dropped from her lips. The easily disgruntled teen sucked his teeth at the display. This wasn't the place to be doing such carefree and stupid things like that.
"C-! Captain?!" Seri stammered, her wits completely decimated from the charms exhibited by this man. Just what had gotten into him?! Unfortunately, she was far too flabbergasted to sputter more than his rank. Reisi partially ignored it. In fact, he was actually unaware of just how effervescent he was at the moment. If it seemed that much out of place, then he would blame Suoh for it entirely. After all, because of him, Munakata had actually obtained happiness. Apparently, his elation was broadcast with little restraint, this morning.
"...Isn't this the wrong place for you to be flirting, sir...?" Fushimi murmured hotly, obviously annoyed. He thought Scepter 4 had more order and tact than that. If he wanted to be around a bunch of fake and meaningless joviality, he could have stayed with Homra. And here his superior was, behaving as if this were some adolescent party. Just what was he so glad about? Did someone spike his coffee? Or maybe one of the cadets made a mistake and got verbally tortured for it?
"Oh, Fushimi-kun!" Munakata piped up, giving his attention to the other in the room. After excusing himself from his 2nd in command, he stepped over to the other male with exhilaration and a raised hand, "Fushimi-kun..."
"Don't you dare hug me," he retorted sharply, all in one breath and taking a step back. Reisi continued forward anyway. But instead of embracing him the same way he did Awashima, thankfully, he settled for patting him firmly on the shoulder like a father would to his son. His piercing eyes dug sharply into Fushimi's; a thin smile accompanied it. He was almost daring the younger to protest. He actually enjoyed the contempt he was being met with until the expression altered to more of a poker-face, "Sir, please remove your hand from me," Fushimi muttered, doing his best to keep himself in check. He was in luck; Reisi figured that he had quite enough fun for the morning. His favorite officer deserved a raise for returning his focus to that of business.
As Reisi addressed the orders for the day, he pulled open a desk drawer and pulled out a small pillow. To not draw special attention to the item, he casually dropped it in his chair before sitting on top of it and crossing his legs. Both Seri and Fushimi took notice of the odd and new behavior, but only one of them did not think much of it. The one remaining, however, glared at his captain with disdain.
"Awashima-kun, has your search been shed any light on details?"
"No, sir," she responded stiffly, "The target has still eluded us but we are still searching for his whereabouts via satellite. Shall I send some men on the ground?"
"Do what you deem is needed. I have faith in those you select in your task," Reisi assured, the tone he normally used to discuss business returning.
"Yes! Thank you. I shall see this through immediately."
"You may. Do well, Awashima-kun."
With a verbal salute, the voluptuous woman turned on her heels and exited his quarters. Reisi watched her leave, then seamlessly shifted his eyes to a scowling Fushimi who wasn't really attempting to hide it. "Fushimi-kun. I'd like you to-"
"If I may ask a question, sir..."
"Oh? Yes, what is it?" Munakata questioned politely, noticing the eyes specifically on his sitting position.
"Did you get laid or something last-"
"Fushimi-kun."
"...Ah...yes?"
Just barely, the inflection of a smirk was evident on Reisi's face. It lingered there for a beat of silence. Indirectly, it answered the invasive question. As to cover it up, he added, "Direct as ever. I appreciate that. However, you should keep your nose away from affairs that do not concern you."
"Then with all due respect, please don't bring them into your place of work. Someone like you in a good mood can never be a good thing." The last statement was left below a whisper. Munakata simply pretended that he did not hear it. After giving Fushimi his directions for the day and excusing him, the youth began to leave. Before he took a step out the door, he looked back at Munakata. A default expression greeted him. Disturbed and annoyed by how his superior had been acting today, Fushimi figured he may as well make him suffer a little too, "By the way, sir..."
"Yes?"
Fushimi paused, "... It was Mikoto-san, wasn't it..." he supposed straightforwardly, overlooking the folly of how he addressed his former King. A drop of muteness trespassed between them. Without changing his position or expression, Reisi sighed, "...Fushimi-kun..."
"Nevermind. I don't want to know." Picturing those two together was far more imagery than he was willing to entertain. He knew they both had an intimate history—a bond strong enough for them to end up as some type of tragic lovers. He wouldn't be surprised if instead of saving Suoh from himself, the captain would take both their lives at the same time. The idea seemed rather dull to him, probably because it dealt with Munakata. If Fushimi were in a dire situation with the one he was in love with, he would do whatever he could to make sure they lived. He'd sacrifice himself for Yata any day.
Wait, what was he thinking? Dealing with this brick wall of a man had caused Fushimi's thoughts to wander and he didn't like it. With not another word, he firmly shut the door behind him.
OoO
Much later in the week one evening, Reisi was making his way to his place. A medium-sized brown paper bag was cradled in one arm while double-bagged liquor was at his opposite side, clinking and rustling lightly in rhythm with his steps. He hadn't even planned on stocking up on any alcohol at the last minute but a certain guest of his had complained that there needed to be more bourbon around. Such a robust outburst earned this individual a thorough "lesson" to change his tune. Once Reisi was satisfied, he quickly bathed, then set out to replenish his supply. He estimated that his hot-headed griper would be in the shower right about now.
Once in the living room, Reisi set the bags of whiskey on the counter next to his liquor rack. He lowered the thin plastic and brown paper just enough so that the decorative bottles could be swiftly identified. The sound of water from behind the bathroom door caught his attention; he smiled inwardly to himself, knowing that his guesstimate was accurate. After tending to the dishes, and tampering with the facet so his guest only had cold water to be pelted with for a while, he took the smaller bag along with him to the bedroom. He removed the disguise he had worn for the trip, a pair of very wide shades, a fedora and false mustache, and set them on the nightstand.
Discreetly, he unveiled the purchased item and disposed of the bag and its plastic packaging. In his hands was a rather thick and lengthy product of which was highly popular among many women. It was transparent in design, fortified with multiple speeds, beads and even had a swiveling head. A vibrator, he believed this one was called. Not that he had never heard of or seen one before—he simply had never seen any that looked like this. He had no reason to search for one before. He suspected this product was something rather powerful, but all the extra bells and whistles didn't interest him. All he needed was something suitable to become accustomed to the insertion of a specific someone. He expected to be sore for a while, even with his higher pain threshold as a king. The vibration feature, he had thought, would be a good aid for relaxing his body. The entire idea made sense, but it was also foolish to him. Why did he even bother? It wasn't as if he were warming up to the idea of Suoh claiming him, was he?
He frowned. He couldn't exactly return the product and get a refund for the type it was. He strongly doubted it to be a good idea to give it to Seri due to all the distasteful connotations receiving such a gift from one's boss such would entail. Supposedly, he was stuck with it. Just what was so special about it anyway? Whether it were curiosity or something more irking than that, he turned the product on and set it to one of the its lowest sensitivities. A smooth vibration soon enveloped his palm and his eyes contracted in intrigue and analytical awe. "Ohhh..." he muttered, a bit entertained and heightened the adjustment. This time, the gadget buzzed loudly and its top began to sway to and fro. Still inquisitive, Reisi upped the device to its highest functions and stared in a silent shock at how frantically it thrashed about with life—pearls spinning beneath a gyrating thrusting motion. Its noise magnified to match its tremors but its drive was lacking in the intensity department. He assumed he could make do within those limitations, "...Interesting..."
"... Hey, what's that?!" The intrusion of Mikoto's rumbling voice startled Reisi and he nearly jumped. With frenzied fingers he fumbled with the toy, managing to turn its power down before he spun around to hide it behind his back. He had been so entranced and occupied with the mechanisms, that he failed to hear Suoh walk into the bedroom at all. Meeting eyes with his other, Reisi addressed him with a professional face, "Ah, I see you've completed your shower. Was it a pleasant one?"
A blink was Mikoto's initial response. His messy mane framed his chiseled features, and was dappled with watery remnants of his bathing as was the rest of him. A towel hung around his neck; save for that and his earring, he wore nothing else. While it could have been considered as a courtesy to not walk around naked, he and Munakata were far past the stage of modesty. Besides, what did he care about courtesy anyway? If Reisi was fine with it, Suoh was too. More importantly, the buzzing was much too loud to not seek out. "Cold. So...what was that...?" he inquired, lowly, desiring an answer that Reisi feigned dumbness towards.
"Hmm? Is something wrong?"
"..." The other male made a perplexed face and shifted his weight to one side. Was Reisi keeping something from him? Well that wasn't going to work. He inched a few steps nearer, "What. Was. That. ...That thing that's making noise behind your back... What is it...?"
"Hmm?"
"...Your phone?" He was skeptical about that. Reisi wouldn't bother to change that dreadfully lame ring-tone anytime soon.
"It's simply a timer," Reisi answered promptly. He switched off the contraption while keeping it out of sight. As he thought of it, its rolling reverberations did sound very similar to a phone. Why did he have to say it was a timer first?!
Suoh scoffed, "For what."
"For myself. What else would it be? Using one in the kitchen would be helpful."
"... ..." Suoh's face knitted in frustrated confusion that rendered his visage more attractive from how fitting the look was on him. It seemed Reisi was indeed playing games here. Well, he was fine with that. His eyes flickered to one of the mirrors in the room, then back to Reisi. He wasn't able to see what it was entirely, but he had an inkling. As the thought dawned on him as to what it possibly was, a sly smile played over his lips and broadened to a grin, "...Wait... ...Is that a..."
"It's nothing."
"Wasn't it a timer just a few seconds ago...? ...Show me."
"..." Munakata's brows furrowed. Just what was he doing on the receiving end of such nonsense? Shouldn't he be the one to catch Suoh in the act of something this hair-brained instead? This man's imprudence must be rubbing off on him. "I told you it was nothing. Go get dressed."
Neither man moved for a moment. Then, a suave chuckle from Suoh drifted into the room, "...Munakata..."
"What."
Alluringly, Suoh moved closer. Hands at Reisi's waist, he dipped his head to touch his mouth to that long, supple neck. If this could prove as a distraction, maybe he could get a better look behind Reisi's back. Or maybe he just wanted the contact. Regardless of reason, the action was a flimsy one.
"That isn't going to work. I'm not giving it to you," Reisi declared, dropping it to the floor and then kicking it under the bed with his heel. The fall hiked the device to the highest feature and the room was instantly engulfed with the noises. Seeing this as a golden opportunity, Suoh scooped Reisi up in his arms and then threw him atop the bed. With him out of the way, he knelt to the floor and secured the lively novelty with one hand. His brows pinched together as he watched it waver, wiggle and blur from its rapid speeds. For some bizarre reason, he was reminded of a gelatin snack. Come to think of it he was a little hungry, but that was besides the point! What possessed Munakata to actually buy something like this—and for himself, no less? Didn't women usually get these? Suoh recalled overhearing talk amongst some that have stopped by the bar, but all he remembered hearing about were their lack of having a man and something about rabbits. The latter stayed in his memory only because he had a likeness towards the animal; he wasn't sure what it had to do with the situation now, though.
"I do not appreciate that face you're making, Suoh!" Reisi fussed, climbing to his knees on the bed.
"...Is this a dildo, Munakata? ...You actually went out and bought one...?! That's surprising."
"...!" Reisi scowled with the frustration of a child. He couldn't bring himself to shape the words on his tongue, dare it be revealed that he was embarrassed. And he preferred to think his outing was done under the guise of an alter ego of sorts, so it wouldn't count as being him! But, of course, it did anyway...
As if Suoh had tapped into that wavelength of thought, he nodded towards the nightstand, "That must be what you used to get it, huh? Fedoras don't look right on you."
"That's part of the REASON WHY I wore one!" he retaliated. Inwardly, he swore to himself. Why did he have so much care for a nosy guy like this to go out in disguise and buy a sex toy anyway? For what reason did he enjoy the company so much? Absurdity; all of it!
"Ah... "Suoh snickered, trailing his eyes to Reisi's and bringing him out of his musings. He even had the nerve to wave that thing around, gesturing with it as he teased him, "So...I wasn't good enough the last time, huh?" He tapped the tip of the still-in-motion device against his lips thoughtfully, "Or maybe...you got this to be ready for when I take you again...Munakata...?" Suoh continued, giving the length of the item a light lick. His eyes remained fixed in Reisi's to make sure he saw it all.
Both bothered and enticed, Reisi sighed; his hands tightened to fists atop his thighs. What terrible luck. Why did this always happen to him? Why did this man make him feel so many ranges of emotion and be so troublesome? Why did he continue to put up with it? Suoh's playfulness was one of the things he welcomed and shared in the same capacity, as well. He supposed that was at least one of the draws he had to this fool. A prankster and a goofball; partners in crime; bound to the other by destiny's red ribbon. No matter what, he just couldn't bring himself to feel this way about anyone else. As silly as it seemed, Suoh was perfect for him and he had learned to appreciate the moments like this no matter how ridiculous. And ridiculous was certainly the word.
"Suoh.." The name was revealed crisply and airily; slowly, he leaned down over the edge of the bed just enough to place a small amount of space between the two of them.
Suoh smirked boyishly, entirely having fun with this, "Uh huh?"
Reisi's graceful fingers feathered downward and outlined the pulsating object, stopping just above Suoh's hand. In the bat of an eyelash, the toy was snatched from Suoh's grasp and he was smacked upside the head with it.
"Idiot!"
OoO
…
OoO
Many a moon filtered through time in its advancements. Lighter months turned to those of denser atmosphere in both season and apprehension. Information that had once shrouded Totsuka's killer had been unveiled; all of Scepter 4 and Homra were on the heels of his given pursuit. To allow his gang to move freely to seek out the culprit, Mikoto had gone to Reisi directly seeking comfort under the pretense of arrest. Had he not done so, the entire city would have been wilted to ash by his rage. His trust in Reisi far exceeded the amount anyone else he was close to was allotted. To him, no other would be fit for this task and being near the meticulous man allowed him some peace—just like in previous times. And should his reign over his power start to misstep, he could be assured that his King would dispel it. Reisi had little complaint towards keeping an eye on Suoh. He was, however, fully aware of the possibilities in either catching Totsuka's murderer via his team or Suoh settling matters with his own hands. To prevent the latter, it would be pertinent for him to monitor him 24/7 in his cell. He also knew that if he did find himself staying in Suoh's company for too long in private, he would lose track of all else around them. His need for Suoh would have easily overwhelmed and intoxicated him. It was something that stretched further than strong desire; it was fate and it defined them.
Yet, the closer his division and Suoh's subordinates came to finding the assassin, the more he had to venture out into the field. Should Suoh break out unsupervised, Reisi would only take measures to deter him once the killer was within reach. In one of the instances that Reisi was absent from the vicinity, Suoh was visited by the killer, the Colorless King. Once he had a clear setting on his target, he freed himself, joined with Homra and set out to subdue the deranged sovereign. Along the way, Reisi sought out Suoh and ceased every attempt made to eradicate the Colorless King through distraction and his powers.
In the end, the occurrence that took place was one that either one could have prevented, as well as be able to do nothing about. The Colorless King was decimated by Suoh's hands. The weight of killing a king taxed the limits that Suoh's body would allow; appropriately, Suoh couldn't stand holding the burden of the Red King within his body much longer. For years, it had eaten away at him, but he was too proud to ever give the title away. Just as he trusted Reisi to be the only one to watch him and prevent him from becoming violent, he also placed the responsibility of being the one to end him, should he lose control of his Sword of Damocles. Only Reisi could give him true happiness; only Reisi could allow him freedom; no other would grant him his wish. They were fearful of it just as much as they were afraid of him. In that same token and understanding, Reisi was the only one who could heal him by extracting his life. The embodiment of his power and well-being wavered in the sky above him. Its scatted in fragments matched the impending finality of Suoh's life. His vengeful action was reckless; thoughtless; impulsive. But not only did he avenge his friend, he brought an end to his own suffering. At last.
The greatest King? Not at all. Everything Suoh did was acted upon as a brash man with too much care in his heart and an abundance of pain because of it. He could protect those around him best by utilizing the powers of a King. That meant he would suffer longer, but the choice had been given life; each breath, thought and action was branded with its promise. At least now, he supposed that he had proven Totsuka's frivolous words to be truths. That done, there was nothing and no one left to for him to protect. It wasn't until he looked to Reisi that Mikoto realized how at peace he truly was.
For the man without an image to his sorrow, twin droplets of melted snow clung to his hair—making up for the tears he himself could not bring himself to relinquish. He had known that Suoh was going to do this. Even with that knowledge, its consequences dulled his judgment. He, guided by false righteousness, made the choice to not stop Suoh. He chose to not take the life of the corrupt king himself instead. It was Suoh's request to handle the killer himself and that decision was what Reisi honored. In the instant he could have swung his blade to eliminate the Colorless King, he called to Suoh otherwise. It was pointless, but his volition laid judgment on his soul. The love he had for this man as an individual had bested his knowing better. While he allowed Suoh to be himself, now he was the one who had to clean up his messes yet again. Even after all this time, Munakata Reisi was still a glutton for punishment; it seemed he hadn't learned from his mistakes the first time he broke things off with Suoh. Such behaviors could mock his love as stupidity at this point.
Still, Suoh's trust and belief in him was never obstructed. He spread his arms and welcomed the demise marked for him by the one he loved. As his Sword of Damocles descended, another decision plagued Reisi. Akin to many months ago, his past came back to taunt him. Again, his obligation as King should come before all else; it was his duty and that outclassed any and all personal feelings. Donning his mask of indifference, he accoutered his righteousness and delivered it through Suoh's heart.
Harshly, the favorite scene of his most beloved movie had now been burned into a reality. In irony, he could only accomplish tears for it when it was just fiction. In that moment, the impact had shrunk his undisplayed emotions into nothingness; all he felt was devoid emptiness. Specks of snow began to fall, mingling with the reddened energy Suoh's dissolving symbol scattered in its dissipation. Quietness was all this moment it had in common with the pair. It wasn't until Suoh rested his palms to Reisi's shoulders did the weight of what was happening crossed his understanding. Even as he was dying, Suoh made certain that he embraced Reisi firmly and assuredly. Mikoto was the first to become so close to Reisi, and seemingly would be his omega. As Suoh's last words coiled in Reisi's ear, everything they had ever done together from their first meeting until just seconds ago flashed across Reisi's eyes. All the positives, negatives and instances in-between formed themselves in a silent response that bore all, as well as nothing, on Reisi's face.
They were drawn close for this last tranquil moment.
The heaviness of Suoh's body snapped Reisi out of his trance; his hands moved on their own and acted to balance the weight. Reisi unsheathed his rapier from Suoh and threw it to the ground. Amongst the blankness of the snow, a splash of red dyed it. Both hands secured Suoh and he lowered them to the frozen earth; Suoh on his back; Reisi to his knees. Without wasting much time, he lifted Suoh's shirt to the clavicle and placed 4 fingertips into the bleeding wound. One of his abilities was to deconstruct as well as recompile or fix. He could also slow things down. If he could effectively use them at once, maybe he could save Suoh somehow. He would need to withdraw the significance that made him the Red King and temporarily make him one of his own clansmen. That way, there would be some type of energy to grasp onto. He owed Suoh many years of his life and now he had clipped it.
He had no one else to converse openly with; there was no other that could make him laugh, infuse him with vibrant memories and gift him with the same amounts of bitterness as well as happiness. There would no longer be a balance. He had no "friend" nor any other worthy of his affections. With his duty carried out, all he had left was himself—a man who failed the one he loved.
OoO
Weeks had expired. Solitude painted Reisi's office in shadow and the grim. The Blue King sat slumped in his office chair, steepled fingers before his stern features and elbows atop his desk. Several emptied bowls tea were lined in rows of twos along the wooden surface. The ones more recently used were overturned without care. A large ashtray sat before the brooding man; wispy stems of smoke rose from the many disfigured and bent cigarettes that ringed the shallow container. Their consumption had also been current, but in incomplete increments. It was Suoh's most used brand anyway. Reisi never cared much for its taste, but he felt inclined to burn through them as of late.
It was already a few days after the New Year. The majority of his subordinates had either returned to their dorms or gone out for a drink together. With them absent, his loneliness rewarded him with disquieting thoughts and unblinking eyes. He had waded himself into a saturated darkness since the passing of the last collection of days. Since he had slayed Suoh, all else turned bland and fruitless. He could have just as easily continued the charade he showed his team—carrying on like all was well and what he had done took no effort. Or he could have chosen to behave another way. Yet, he didn't. It was his choice to wallow in his despair behind closed doors, drowning himself in tea and haloed by clots of smoke.
A short time earlier before the holidays, Izumo had confronted him. Since Reisi was still recovering from the impact of his last fight with Suoh, he didn't recollect the entirety of all that was verbally thrown at him. He did remember, however, being berated and ridiculed for his decision even though he and Izumo both knew of, and had prepared for, the outcome. They knew that while Izumo loved Mikoto dearly, he could never bring himself to the thought of, let alone the action of, executing him. That alone was the only thing Reisi had done in his eyes that he could appreciate. Simply, he was the one able to get the job done; he was the lone individual who could push his feelings aside just enough to do what no other would. After the exchange of words, both men deemed it best to remain distant acquaintances, although Reisi was given the offer to come by the bar should he need anything. Even if Mikoto were the reason, Reisi did not want to feel obligated and hadn't taken advantage of the offer just yet. He didn't think he ever would. He also didn't want the truthful gaze of that little girl piercing through his facades and seeing all of his innermost precious feelings towards Mikoto. It was another reason to avoid that place, but that man was the more repellant one than she was.
Repellant, huh?
Suoh used to think of him in that way. Reisi supposed he and that 'sharp-witted man' were much alike in some ways. Yet, Suoh always chose him in the end. Reisi wasn't entirely sure as to why, but had the roles been flipped and he felt it necessary to dodge Izumo to spend time with Suoh, he certainly would. A faint sound lifted from him, accompanied by a partial smirk that never showed itself. "Hmph...did you feel this way too, Suoh...?"
"Captain?" Seri's curious voice stumbled into the room. She peeked from behind the door; her liquidy eyes were rounded with concern, silently requesting to come in. With a light nod, Reisi granted her the entry. Hesitantly, a solemn conversation began.
"Will ...you be staying here late again tonight, Captain?"
"...I have not yet decided," His over-polite manner remained intact somewhat, but it didn't sound very convincing. Seri took note of it but continued on, "Have you spoken with the Gold King again?"
"Yes... As a matter of fact, he returned my call earlier."
"Was... there any news in regards to Suoh Mikoto, sir?"
"... ..." He remained tight-lipped. Being nearby to anyone else who breathed that name around him caused his stomach to tighten but he dared not show it. Each body of a King that had fallen, which weren't very many, were kept in enclosures by the 2nd King. He preserved them, in a way. Reisi was thankful that he had given Suoh some of his power or else his body would have decayed by now. From last he heard, Suoh was showing weak vital signs because his body was rejecting Munakata's "blue". At times like this, the topic of a theory that Reisi thought he understood was ultimately proven wrong. Part of the reason he hand-picked Fushimi to be his 3rd in command was to keep an eye on him and study him. The young man wielded the power of two kings and did so with miniscule trouble. He was the proof that such a thing could be done and in the event Reisi needed to, he could do the same to Suoh as an alternative to prolonging his life. The red-head had opposed the proposition when it was first explained to him, however; and now, even in "death" his rejection held fast. His stubbornness truly knew no bounds. It was almost amusing. Almost.
However, Reisi's lieutenant needed an answer, "I've heard the Silver King might reawaken soon." Reisi redirected. He was horribly changing the subject, but he felt the information regarding Suoh should remain between him, the Gold King and Suoh himself if he ever woke up. On the day of their last encounter, after the hours Reisi spent in attempts to save Suoh's life, he indirectly ended up placing him in a comatose state. Lacking the necessary medical equipment, he carried Suoh to the Gold King for observation. He had no other to turn to for aid; it was either that or carry out the remainder of his days keeping Suoh on "life support". He had already failed him once when they first parted ways. He couldn't live with himself if he allowed it to happen again.
"Captain..." The soft change in Seri's tone interrupted Reisi's thoughts and he brought his eyes to her form. It hadn't occurred to him how much they had been aimlessly groping through the darkness while his stresses invaded his consciousness, "Hmm?"
Judging by the range of blank expressions while he had been in contemplation, she had feared the worst and prepared herself to speak her feelings, "...Sir, I must be honest with you. You haven't been acting like yourself at all lately. ...You haven't done much at all these past few weeks but stare into space and kept yourself in this room. ...You've barely eaten anything and have smoked almost a pack and a half of cigarettes a day." The level of her voice started to waver unevenly and with a lack of pitch control. Her frightened tones quavered as much as her heart thrummed in her chest. Somehow, she still held her ground and divulged her honesty, "I...I understand that you are still grieving but, if you are to go down the same path as Suoh Mikoto then I..."
"That is quite enough, Awashima-kun," Reisi confirmed, pushing himself to a stand. The surprised woman watched him with large eyes as he moved across the floor almost as if he were gliding above it and stop at the door. He didn't linger, "Please lock up when you are done. I entrust the well-being of this structure to you. Good night and get back to the dorms safely."
"...But... Captain-?"
Her voice was ignored, as Munakata's brusqueness was all that he left with her.
OoO
Even on an icy night like this one, Reisi refused to go home; not yet. He wanted to avoid the memories of Suoh that would seep into every room the moment he would step through them. Dealing with his seclusion was tiresome enough; the extra burden was not needed. He ended up aimlessly wandering through the city, passing by many crowds of people in moments of happiness and glee. He felt stationary, surrounded by a blur of people and lives he could never truly be a part of as they whisked past him. A fragment of him desired to fit in—to have something jubilant to identify with like them, but there was nothing. He had nothing. Maybe he didn't want what he envied from them as badly as he thought he did.
After stopping in at least 2 different nameless bars along the way, his feet somehow led him to the crater created from the annihilation of Totsuka's killer by Suoh. Even more memories plagued him, but in his intoxicated stupor, he ignored them far more easily. Exhausted, he plopped down in the center of the crater-like depression and leaned back on his hands. The vast starry sky blessed his blurred vision with a mass of formless twinkling before blackness overtook it. Eyes shut, Reisi took in a deep breath, then laid back along the rocky contours.
He truly was alone now, wasn't he? He knew he should be thankful that Mikoto was still breathing, even if his body were fighting it. Had the Gold King not restricted him from entering the premises, Reisi would have been at Suoh's side as much as possible; watching; hoping; waiting. Suoh was the only one was able to make him forget about the importance of his duties. Even if it were only temporary, the effect held high potency enough for him to consider opposing the commandments of his rule. His kingship; his subordinates; his life. He couldn't keep up his facade much longer. He needed an outlet; contact; companionship. If he didn't get a hold of himself, he would have little reason to think himself worthy of ruling anything. What he wanted, all he needed, were one and the same and locked away in a place he could not yet reach. If he renounced his throne, would he be able to be with Suoh? But if he did that, what would become of the energy given? Would his attempts have become meaningless? He supposed Fushimi's words to him the month before were a truthful omen. Him being in a good mood, his happiness, was never a good thing after all.
"Hey..."
Reisi's eyes shot open, staring listlessly into the heavens; searching them.
"...You're thinking too hard again..."
He could hear Suoh's words speak to him even though they were miles apart. Delicately, his lips curved in the concepts of a sad smile before his vision blocked off all else yet again. As he absorbed the coldness of the night, a tepid moisture stabbed at the backs of his eyes before its bite stung like ice at its corners.
"...You're right..."
OoO
Somewhere, in an unnamed room only the Gold King knew of, Suoh Mikoto revealed his eyes once more.
"...Reisi..."
OoO
END
–
Curses, it's a happy ending. I didn't plan for that! *flips table* Oh well ^_^ There was originally more afterward but...after reading it over and over in conjunction with the rest of the story, it just didn't fit right. It didn't feel right at all, although it was cute. I guess. Bah! I may or may not add it anyway as an epilogue (tho, I considered this chapter to be an epilogue but I suppose that didn't happen!). We'll see. But don't get your hopes up.
Oh, the whole "thinking too much" and Reisi's response is a reference to the author of "Ask Mikorei" on Tumblr. She drew a mini-comic that had that in it so, this is a nod to her.
The "Rabbit" lol I had no idea what it could do in action, so I had to do video research. Glad I did. Before I revised that scene with the info I found out, I had the thing practically flopping around like a fish out of water in Reisi's hands lol
I had no idea Fushimi would be so fun to write! I really liked doing his interactions with Reisi. I thought of adding in mention of him rushing off to tell Yata the news about Moona n Suoh boinking the other but...that would have broken the lil guy's heart and Saru doesn't want to do that, it seems. He just teases him for attention. Besides, if he really wanted to tell Yata that, there would have been mention of it in official media or something. There were a few light hints in the show and manga that he was aware of a deep relationship between Reisi and Suoh in the past, but eh. Heee's a sharp one, that Fushi.
CONFOUNDED IZUMO! WHY DOES HE CONTINUOUSLY POP UP THROUGHOUT THIS STORY?! I MEAN, REALLY!? I had only planned on mentioning him once and that was in the first chapter! NOW LOOK AT WHAT HAPPENED! He's gotten all kinds of cameos! YEESH. Lol It's funny tho. I was cool with Seri getting some screen time, however.
The "drawn close for the last tranquil moment" was a nod to part of the lyrics in the theme song Kings. I swear it's love song from Reisi to Suoh and is full of foreshadowing. Lol Seriously!
Special thanx to the songs Skyfall by Adele (thank you, my Suoh for introducing me to that song!) and [ 絕世小攻 ] (it's totally Chinese btw.). I have had it on loop for DAYS. Hahaha Skyfall helped for the obvious parts... ;_;
I hope nothing seemed too weird. I've read this chapter nearly 40 times so it probably came out sounding "thicker" than I originally intended. Dah well. So, what did you think? Gimmie some feedback! What was your most favorite and least favorite part(s)?
-Mel