HOME

It's the sudden realization.

[ That it's you, and you alone you can rely.

People lie. People deceive. People fall short. People disappoint.

People hurt. People kill. People die.

But you know you.

That's something that can't be taken. That can only be corrupted by your own will. No matter who you are and who you become, you will always be you. It's the most precious thing you can hold onto; the only thing fully in your control. ]

Yet again, you're carried off to a strange place against your will. Tossed about like a prized cattle to the highest bidder. First to your captor, Karlheinz and now you're to be shipped off with this man. You weren't certain you were supposed to feel a sense of gratitude or apprehension. Successful were your efforts to escape that pervert's grasp, yet here he was to be traded in for the neurotic. Is this better or worse?

This night has proved it to be the latter. With the pain fresh in your mind, you timidly glance towards the one beside you. His gaze was focused ahead. They no longer shown that strange light. They remained dormant; dead almost. However, whenever he'd glance towards you, a hint of it returned. Each time you'd look away, determined to not encourage him. To be honest, you weren't sure what he saw in you. At this point you had no idea what you saw in him.

In the present moment, you wanted him as far away from you as possible. Yet here you were, holding his hand as you both stood before Karlheinz. His grip was firm, nearly enough to cause you pain. Restless, conflicting thoughts swirled about in your head. Even so, you remained silent as your captor towered above; eyeing you both before speaking.

"Now that all has been settled…"

As Karlheinz spoke, a slight grin crept upon his face.

"Young one, it's time you escort the maiden to her new home."

Despite him being his usual self, it seemed forced. Karlheinz occasionally would narrow his eyes when he looked to Azusa, contrasting the grin he wore. You frowned at this. It's as if he disapproves of this union. If that was so, then why on earth allow it? You were certain he is more than capable of withdrawing his decision, and with that face you expected him to do so any minute. You couldn't help but steal a quick glance to Azusa. Even still he remained composed. Patiently he awaited this man's next word.

Karlheinz raised his brow once he noticed Azusa hadn't taken a step towards the door. "My~ you must be unaware of where your companions are residing."

He said, resting his hand under his chin. Azusa merely looked away and nodded.

"I see." He said plainly. "Due to your persistence in pursuing the maiden you've completely missed your own kin's lodging."

After a slight pause, he laid his hands upon the both of your shoulders. Before you could fully grasp the situation, you were in a different place entirely. It was dark. If it wasn't for the ever spectacular moonlight above, few things would be visible. There was a heavy mist upon the ground, creating a peculiar sense of dread to overcome you. From what could be seen, there was a cobblestone path leading to a tall, towering structure. It's architecture drawing the eyes upward to the meet the night sky; which was littered with stars.

Karlheinz took a step back and bowed slightly. "Welcome home."

With that he was gone, leaving you in the dark with….

Azusa blinked a moment before growing accustomed to that man's absence. He looked all about him, taking in his surroundings. Unsure of what to expect, you remained still. Now this was truly the one you were forbidden to betray. Taking it all in, you were too frightened to move. You greatly preferred his current tranquil state. He appeared so peaceful, innocent even. However it was ruined due to witnessing that side of him. It all was so confusing to you. As of now you decided it best to play it safe.

With a slow, deliberate pace, Azusa took several steps forward. You followed obediently. As the two of you approached the building before you, upon walking through, several lights came to life along the path. Gradually it began to illuminate your way. Now from what you could see, this truly was a beautiful home meant for nobility.

Your heart nearly jumped out of your chest when a figure appeared in your path. Upon noticing your grip tighten, Azusa followed your gaze. Immediately he acknowledged who it was.

With one hand upon his hip, the man looked both of you over. A certain look of displeasure was plastered upon his face. He soon lost interest in you and turned his full attention elsewhere.

"Azusa. We need to talk."

Azusa hummed a bit in response, holding his hand close to his face. He shot a quick glance towards you before avoiding eye contact with you both. Slowly he shook his head, giving your hand a little tug in hopes you'd follow. Remaining firm, you ignore him. Your full attention was still towards this strange man. He merely held his cold, fierce gaze upon Azusa as he spoke.

"That wasn't a request."

His tone darkened. His gaze somehow grew more intense as he stared Azusa down.

It didn't take long before he came to the conclusion that Azusa would not budge. His gaze shot over to you, causing you to flinch. Without turning to address you, he spoke. "You."

Just by the way he spoke, you knew he held authority over you both. You slowly nodded to acknowledge him, eyes fixated on his countenance. His eyes narrowed once they finally met yours.

"Go inside the house. Your presence is not needed here."

Never had you heard such cold words since just departing from your captor. Being consistently blunt and demanding, already you knew who was top dog at this home. Even so, something about him just rubbed you the wrong way. Oh if only you had the strength, the freedom even to truly speak your mind. Nonetheless you hardly knew him or the consequences of such actions. Fist clenched you merely lowered your head and nodded.

In the attempt to pull your hand away, you felt Azusa's hold grow tighter. The man shot a look towards him. All you could do was hold your breath. Such direct defiance made the air tense. A heavy silence pervaded the scene. The man held his gaze showing no signs of backing down. You felt Azusa wince a bit before looking away again. As you felt his grip loosen you looked him over before letting him go. Timidly you crept away to the grand doorway of the mansion, more than happy to depart from it all.

Azusa watched you go; a slight frown upon his face. As he stared off in your direction, absentmindedly he took several steps in your direction. The man halted his footsteps by stepping in front of his path. Azusa stole one last look before returning his gaze back to him. "Ruki...she…" He merely made a motion for Azusa to follow. With a sigh he obeyed. Ruki made sure to walk by his side in assurance to stop any form of rebellion.

...

You remained still as you hid in the adjacent room. All you heard was the light tap of footsteps gradually fading down the hall. Even then you didn't dare move until you were certain they were long past. With a sigh you relaxed you muscles. Looking all about, you took in what you could of your surroundings. There was little light present so there wasn't much you could do. You began to let it all sink in; this present situation. This is your new home.

It was hard to believe you were finally liberated from the clutch of that man: Karlheinz. Of course you were more than thankful for that. He no longer had to swoop in and save you from the very monsters he'd tossed you to. Those damned beasts no longer had free claim in their desire to tear you apart. At the very least now you have protection, not to mention a luxurious home as opposed to a solitary room. Even so, your mind drifted to whom you had been taken by. You shuddered. Is this really better?

You found your way to a comfortable place nearby the far end of the room. Sitting upon it you clutched your knees. You felt as if you'd break down and weep from all the immense pressure that was placed upon you. Look at you, being thrown into yet another bleak reality.

'Fight it.' You tell yourself. Shaky and uncertain, you still held onto that single spark of resolve to stay strong. You sat there, gently rocking yourself as you stared off at the ground. You felt as if you'd drown in uncertainty and despair. Unbeknownst to you, soon you found yourself falling asleep as you were, with a heavy heart.

Diabolik Lovers, the setting nor characters belong to me. I'm simply crafting a story based upon such.

Nor do I own the title, I have MEJIBRAY to thank for that