Ambrosia

by AyaxRoses

'Love. To truly love, that was one of the only things in this world that would never die. Even if you wished it to. Subaru and Kamui had grown to understand this painfully well.' An alternative ending to the final battle and a future for Subaru and Kamui to be happy together. SubKam SubaruxKamui BL-Yaoi-Shounen-Ai Past Fuuma/Kamui.

21. Calla Lily

Chapter title note: Calla Lily (CLAMP's recent anniversary artwork has all of the characters with their flowers. Of course, Sakura and Syaoran are both holding Cherry Blossom flowers/Sakura ^_~

Our precious Tokyo Babylon- Subaru is drawn holding a yellow Calla Lily and White Calla Lily brought out inspiration and of course, I naturally went to overanalyze the hell out of it): Here is the pic for reference: /CLAMP_news/status/1428598888294862848/photo/1

I found a lot of different interpretations but thought this would be special as it's an Official flower for Subaru in art. So if interested follow me into ramble land~

Calla Lilies are believed to involve possible powers of Chastity, repentance, spirituality, etc...). Of course, there is religious symbolism, especially with the yellow 'Easter' lily. For the Tokyo Babylon/X universe, it can easily apply to Subaru and his spiritual powers, family, and the world around him. As far as chastity or purity: in art we see this shown with the Virgin Mary portrayed with these flowers. On the CLAMP canon side we know Subaru's heart was incredibly pure throughout TB, the opposite of the Sakurazukamori, Hokuto even described his pureness as being as white as snow. So it's something that fits perfectly~

Easter Lily (which looks a bit like Yellow Calla Lilies) tends to have a variety of symbols: ardor, chastity, great warmth but also lust, sexuality, and early death so….There is a lot to go from there. Though if you look individually by color it will say the Yellow Calla Lily symbolizes gratitude.

Easter and White Lilies are used for various occasions you'd think of (Wedding anniversaries etc.) but also given to a family in grief. So another factor that fits perfectly with the Tokyo Babylon universe.

There are a lot of changes from the start of the series to the end (of course with Subaru's character and his relationship to Seishirou especially). Calla Lillies are quite diverse and unique as they are used for joyous events as much as somber events-funerals.

-White Lillies (which are the most commonly known ones): symbolize beauty(with Calla meaning beauty in Greek) and symbolize purity, holiness, and faithfulness.

-Easter/Yellow and White Calla Lily flowers have a lot of intricate symbolism, and even just aesthetically fit Subaru very well especially through his Tokyo Babylon era.

I love reading about floriography so I was especially excited to see flowers used canonically with their characters). So an analyst on the ever-beautiful CLAMP universe and gorgeous artwork!

Anyways now onto the actualstory~

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Ambrosia: Ch 21 Calla Lily

Closer

Tangled up in the blankets together, for some memorable moments, the loving pair enjoyed a nice escape from it all. Kamui had certainly proven himself to be more than recovered. There was dazzling energy around the boy that left one breathless. Subaru happened to be fortunate enough to be the subject of all that energy and affection.

Though Subaru was nearly ten years his senior, Kamui held no expectations for his lover to meet regarding relationship experience. There was no judgment, just a sense of bliss this could all be something just between them. They would learn every aspect of their relationship together and grow more confident from there. There was a certain thrill being able to experience something so new together.

Kamui enjoyed being able to do just as he liked, the soft kisses and touches. Of course, it was quite appreciated when Kamui could feel his lover becoming more confident in the physical area of their relationship. He may have felt a thrill of seeing more and more of his lover's dominant side coming out. Kamui equally adored taking the time to coddle and comfort his boyfriend when he needed it most.

Kamui seemed to know. Often, he just knew and understood Subaru at his core. The younger male was rather patient with whatever pace their relationship took, although he did voice some assurance he was ready for a bit more...

It was hardly a secret Kamui was very willing to go as far as possible and be on the receiving end of that intimacy...if the countless nights lying on his back, parting his legs only to wrap them around his lover, were anything to go by.

When his boyfriend acted hesitantly, it couldn't be helped. While embarrassing, Kamui knew he needed to give their physical relationship a little jumpstart. The world's savior was still human, and had very intimate it wasn't all that uncommon Kamui would do as he was now, pouncing on his boyfriend, pinning him to their bed. At the very least until his equally (if not more so) willing partner was ready to dominate.

The thought alone made him lick his lips. A passionate, and seeing a thoroughly seduced Subaru was everything Kamui had wanted. Judging by the heat in those dual-toned eyes, he was getting quite close.

"Ah…" Subaru's breath hitches, as he lets his head fall back upon the pillows. "K-Kamui! If we keep going like this…" The flushed male attempts to slow things but is easily won over by a series of hot, messy, opened-mouthed kisses.

Though the words were a bit half-hearted and certainly couldn't shield Subaru's raw desires. Usually tender, hands couldn't help from deeply squeezing Kamui's perfectly soft thighs and hips, especially as the younger man started rolling them.

"Is that… a problem?" Kamui did at least listen to his boyfriend's hesitations. It wouldn't if his lover was not equally reciprocating of their physical love.

"Mn…not so much a problem." Subaru's hand couldn't help from massaging between his young lover's legs and bottom. "But… I…don't know if..."

Kamui certainly had a stubbornness when it came to what he wanted. Even with his burning cheeks, Kamui kept the affectionate touches.

"If...We should go too far," Subaru finishes.

Kamui studies his boyfriend's very heated gazes mixed with his hesitant words, contrasting greatly. The younger boy almost laughs, this feeling like a routine. Or it certainly could be an all too effective tease. He groans a little, hanging his head before leaning in to nuzzle, burying his face into his lover's neck.

"Subaru…" Kamui whines with heated breath. "I feel ready." The younger man breathes out the words with a bit of vulnerability. "For everything."

Subaru's breath hitches once more, feeling an array of worshipping kisses alongside his neck.

"But if you don't want to do anything more…" Words fall softly. 'There's nothing I can do, but wait.' Kamui does his best to hide the slight pain in his voice, not intending nor wishing to guilt his lover. "I want to do things when it feels right for both of us…"

"Kamui… I really… truly want you," Subaru confesses, brushing his hands behind the boy's head. He leans up to steal a kiss on the raven-black crown. "So bad it's… hard to think of anything else."

Kamui's lips part, subconsciously licking his lips. He purrs feeling pleasure stirring in his core as the hands-on his hips start indulging on his backside. There's a pull to feel this much more. His mind just kept wanting to scream 'Then just take me!' But he knew Subaru well enough… his tender lover had his own deep-seated emotions, reasons for what he did… and for what denied himself from doing.

"I want to do everything that feels right for both of us," Kamui professes, and leans back up. He lets his lips fall over and caress his boyfriend underneath him. "Maybe it's not the best time to…" 'Go all the way.'

Though his brain couldn't comprehend an outcome where he would feel anything but euphoric from doing so. "Do e-everything…" Kamui nervously laughs a bit. "But I… do want to be like this even more."

"I… I do too…" Subaru admits, voice shaky and rather breathless. Kamui dives in for a kiss at a deeper angle, indulging in the way the movement of his tongue is met with and reciprocated in an erotic sort of play. Kamui had no problems letting his lover dominate the kiss. Subaru pressed the younger male's tongue between pale lips and sucked on it in a way that seemed to convey: 'You're all mine.

"Mmm, Subaru~" Kamui purrs against his lips. His hips move responsive and sensitive to the caresses and squeeze along his more sensitive areas.

Subaru was made to realize something all too effective with his already growing arousal. Kamui was perfectly strong and capable, that was for sure. Surely if he wanted, his lover could do as he did now, pin his taller lover against the sheets within a heartbeat. Kamui could do whatever he liked… had the full strength to break out of whatever hold or pin he had… but in the bedroom…

Kamui was all too eager to be on the receiving end of their activities. Taking interest in being physically 'Submissive', despite his eagerness and passionate side seeming far from it. Something Subaru had grown up with a misconception about. That somehow a simple preference in the bedroom made one weak or strong.

Granted, accepting his sexuality has been hard. He grew up hearing and knowing stereotypes that love between those of the same sex was somehow perverse...he shakes his head thinking of his naivety, and internalized judgments.

"Subaru~" Kamui's lust-filled voice sang playfully. His boyfriend's equally heated eyes seemed to stare off, seeming lost in some thought.

The mood was all too nice, so Kamui waited patiently for his beloved to come back from orbit. He opted in indulging himself in kissing around his boyfriend's jawline as he came to.

'Yes, Kamui, you're immeasurable strong…' Almost assuredly the most powerful being in this universe. 'If there's something you want to stop you could easily stop it.' Not that Subaru held any wish to keep Kamui in a position he didn't want to be in.

That promised year, Kamui had found himself in detrimental circumstances was because he accepted it. Accepted the pain and burden, unable to fight back and hurt the one he loved so dearly.

A shiver of raged jealousy takes over, thinking of the Earth's 'Kamui'. His eyes steel, recalling several instances of finding Kamui pinned up against some debris, his body being licked, bitten, or touched in less than savory circumstances. By the one whom Kamui had loved prior...

But what hurt the most was knowing Kamui went along and through such pain. How much of that treatment was something Kamui put up with…? If it was like how he had been with Seishirou… could there be a part of Kamui craving that touch despite the pain? Were he and Kamui similar...even to that extent?

"Subaru?" Kamui calls him sweetly, kissing deeper onto his neck, hoping for a reaction. His chest aches feeling there was some thought his boyfriend became caught up in… something causing him pain.

'That past doesn't matter now' Subaru breaks from it. He would only drive himself crazy thinking of the what-ifs. There was a more pleasant, pleasurable present for him to divulge into.

Kamui held confidence, an eagerness to let himself be loved up, to receive every ounce of affection Subaru wished to bestow upon him.

A 'battle' of dominance… was really Kamui displaying a sweet and eager sense of surrender.

And right now… Kamui was….

His mind couldn't stray much further. His beloved's patience grew weary. "Subaruuu~" Kamui called with a huff.

Gone were the feather-light kisses and kitten licks. Kamui was deeply kissing and sucking upon the most sensitive regions of the man's neck and jawline.

"Oh." The sound makes Kamui look up from his work. His violet-blue orbs shine with mischief.

"Can I mark you?" Kamui asks far too sweetly for a sensual request. His lips and tongue burn like fire, creating their marking grounds.

"Y-yes… of course…" Subaru knows he's helpless to even imagine he'd deny physical proof of belonging to and being adored by someone so precious.

Kamui returns to his work. Gentle, teasing suckle begins on a particularly sensitive curve of his lover's neck.

"Ahh… K-Kamui…" Subaru barely forms sounds between moans. Kamui's inexperienced but dedicated tongue licks long sultry lines all alone his lover's neck. There's a nice sense of power, making Kamui smirk, all too affected by his lover's heated voice and actions.

Kamui locks eyes with his lover briefly, his face burning wildly, but he manages to lick his lips. Before diving back in and sucking hard on the soft patch of skin.

"Sh-shit K-Kamui!" Subaru releases a very rare curse, ensuring Kamui was doing everything right.

"I love when you do that…'' Kamui admits a little too far gone. "Cursing…" the younger lover clarifies with a rather flirtatious giggle. His proper boyfriend had very seldom done so. It's a very alluring sign Kamui was doing a good job of making a mess of his lover.

Kamui can't help but grind his hips up against the older man. His body could not keep from growing hard. It seemed to be on the giving end of pleasure, keeping his body every bit as aroused as receiving.

Kamui continues to suck down with the full intention of making a memorable lovesick. He wraps around the sensitive patch of skin, and he lets his tongue leave gentle little licks. Subaru pets the top of Kamui's head, tilting his head to the other side, bringing his love closer for encouragement.

After a seemingly endless administration, Kamui bites down hard and efficiently. He gives kitten licks to soothe the mark he finds pride in. Though when the heat of the moment fades enough, his violet-blue orbs narrow with concern.

"Was that...okay? I didn't hurt you right?" Kamui asks so sweetly, his eyes growing a little shaky.

Subaru shakes his head. "Not at all," he admits and places a hand at the back of the boy's head. The passionate older man devours those all too mischievous lips. "I loved that."

"I'm glad…" Kamui beams before he finds his curiosity returning. "So…"He tilts his head playfully. "What were you thinking of back there?" He voices curiously, letting his fingers bury themselves in his lover's hair. There's a wave of emotions, from desire, frustration, anger, and back to a glazy sense of lust-filled love.

"...Ah… "Subaru doesn't know how to word it better. "You," He admits honestly, minding the other embarrassing details.

"I'm right here with you," Kamui responds, a little caught off guard at the bluntness. He can feel the rush at how heated his boyfriend's eyes are when he gets a little shy like this. When there's a little opening for the older man to see his overly sensitive boyfriend unable to hold back. "S-so… you don't have to just ah…" He swallows, enjoying the hands running now between his legs.

"You're so beautiful," Subaru breathes, with shimmering love-sick eyes. Though they gloss over with a burning desire, as he all but growls. "I want you…"

"Ah… you…" Kamui moans, finding his lover sitting up. All too willingly, he finds himself lifted as his lover scoots so his backrests up against the headrest. "I love when you're like this…" Kamui admits breathlessly. 'So please…'

The hands-on-hips, and lips on his neck are everything. "And I love you," Subaru returns, feeling his heart hammering, but it's like he's unable to stop these words from spewing out. "You're so seductive… If I'm being honest..." Subaru's lower, husky voice melts over the younger man's lips. 'It makes me want to take you… right here and now.'

That fantasy would certainly be loved up by Kamui, but it would go against what he's been trying to hold back from for so long…

'I can't risk losing you… if I do this too fast...or wrong…' What if he went too far… lost control and worst of all ended up hurting his most precious person…

Thankfully, Kamui seems to take special care. He cups his lover's cheeks and pressed a few short, tender kisses onto his lips.

"You have that look again…" Kamui tells him softly, lips curling down. His heart stings at the doubt, and judgment his lover holds over himself.

"That look?" Subaru repeats, never quite used to how intuitive his lover could be.

"The one where you seem to be in pain… as though you're holding back what you want because…" Kamui pauses, resting their foreheads together. He laughs a little nervously, a little pained. "I don't know why… maybe you're worried? That... I somehow wouldn't want those same things?"

Subaru had to pause, taking a few controlled breaths. It never ceased to amaze him just how Kamui could read him: from their first meeting alone, easily seeing how deeply Subaru loved both Hokuto and Seishirou...to these anxieties.

"But you have to know… I want to do everything with you." Kamui's vulnerable profession leaves his lover's heart aching. "I know… I'm not an expert...with these things… but I… I hope I can still do things that you would like."

"I love everything I do with you…" Subaru assures as quickly as he hears those doubts. He couldn't help wrapping Kamui up completely in his arms. He holds his lover in a comforting yet fierce embrace. There's nothing in this universe that could pull him away. "I just want to be extra careful and make sure whatever we do together will bring out good memories for both of us."

"I see…" Kamui's eyebrows furrow over this. He continues to brush his hands upon tender cheekbones, comforting his troubled lover. "I can only feel… happy thinking of everything between us so far, Subaru."

Subaru smiles warmly at this. He holds a hand over Kamui's. "I feel that way too, it's… I just worry, that… "

"Does this… have to do with him?" Kamui's pained tone is enough to know what territory they were going into. "Maybe it's not my business… but… I assumed not…" Perhaps, it was wishful thinking. Subaru seemed to react to many of their touches and newfound intimacy as though it were his first time as well. He shakes his head breaking into the real topic at hand. After all, Subaru was older, in love… as messed up as it had been.

Kamui couldn't say he wouldn't have done it with Fuuma had they ever had the chance back there… Quickly, Kamui shakes his head, gulping with a sense of guilt although his desires lay in the past. Now, though he was happy he hadn't… so Subaru could be his first and last.

"Were you two… intimate before?" Kamui swallows. A chill runs through Kamui's core at the thought of the man hurting his beloved so deeply, being the first possible causing another painful memory… but it's an all too possible reality. A conversation planning to be delayed for some time…

Subaru stops in his movements. Hands that had sensually been rushing down Kamui's sides and hips were slowly slipping down.

"I…" Subaru swallows, feeling a bit of guilt.

'All that matters is that you're mine now.' Kamui reassures himself, the present mattered far more than the past.

"Not as far as we have gone," Subaru expresses the positive side of his truth.

Kamui feels a bit of a weight lifted at the admission. Not that it would be anything Subaru did wrong. No, just the less pain and distortion the former Sakurazukamori could mix into Subaru's concept of intimacy the better. His boyfriend locks eyes with him, not one to lie about such discussions.

This was special. He's already been able to have a first, their firsts somewhere along the line with Subaru.

Though on the other hand… his mind couldn't help but conjure up bothersome images of that man having his way with Subaru. Doing such things pre-betrayal, to an innocent Subaru or after to a broken-down Subaru, Kamui wasn't sure which was worse.

"But we had done… some things…" Subaru admits, looking down, feeling a weight on his chest. Though more accurately 'He did some things…' Subaru, helpless to the feeling of love, allowed and embraced every single bit of it. His eyes glisten with a sense of guilt. His nimble fingers grasp and dig into the mattress.

"Oh no… Subaru, please…" Kamui worriedly calls out. "We don't have to go further into this… I'm sorry I wonder if that's why… the hesitance" Kamui quickly places his hand over his lover's. Never once had his question meant to be used to judge his lover. No… more so the man who stole Subaru's heart first… did some things and betrayed him all the same.

Thinking of Subaru being intimate with anyone bought a bitter feeling to his stomach. But that man, treating his Subaru so badly and taking those firsts… that was infuriating.

The quiver on Subaru's lips and saddened shadows upon gold-emerald eyes hurt.

"No… I should have talked with you about this a while ago… it just…" Wasn't the right time… it never felt like a right time to talk more about Seishirou, not while he was moving forward.

"I'm sorry… I shouldn't have brought it up." Kamui leans in so their lips brush chastely. Feeling his lover's pain, he quickly assures. "The past… doesn't matter now." As he'd been trying to assure himself countless times. 'I just hated how sad you looked there...and wanted to...ease it away.' To work through the past to create a better, stronger future.

Kamui cupped his lover's face, turning so they could firmly lock eyes. "You did nothing wrong, so, please… I shouldn't even ask this I… " 'Especially not when we were doing so well. Kamui chided himself. But Subaru's hesitancy now… just made him want to know. To know every part of his lover's world.

Subaru takes a moment breathing out a little deeper. The weight on his chest only lessens a tiny bit.

Truly, it was better to get this admission over with. Really. It wasn't much to talk about…

"No, no, no, "Subaru waves his hand in front of his face. "My Kamui, you have every right to ask. You're my lover and it's only right you should know my past. .." Subaru says with some conviction, the look in his eyes tells Kamui he's far from okay thinking back on this. There's a bit of shame and embarrassment as he mumbles…

Kamui's cheeks heat up with a little dust of red. He feels comfort as Subaru leans into his hand, before clasping it and kissing it languidly.

"You're the one I love, and what happened is less than what we have done…"

"Subaru…" Kamui voices with pained concern. He feels his lover's hand squeeze him tightly. "Don't push yourself to talk too much about these things...'"

"There wasn't all that much to tell…" Subaru's voice breaks off, leading Kamui to cuddle up to him tightly. The older male smiles at this kissing the top of his angel's head.

"It's so different from when I'm with you. Now I feel like I'm finally doing this right." Subaru laughs, though the sound feels all too hollow.

Kamui's eyes lower, he starts caressing up and down his beloved's arm.

"But with him. I could never really be intimate… " Subaru recalls this, gritting his teeth, with a pained smile. Even when I wanted to believe it was.

Yet, he was grounded. The warm weight of Kamui in his lap and as his face nuzzles his shoulder. His angel assures him to hold his hand, gingerly lacing them before they form into a tight seal.

A gentle reminder of Kamui saying 'I'm here

---

Past Encounters

The promised year had just begun. For those in the know, it was a year revolving around the decisive future on what would happen to the earth. For Subaru, it was but another year chasing what he could never truly grasp. Another year of suffering… to the point where earth's future mattered far less than his wish. He was so tired… just existing was… draining everything he had.

Seishirou was the only one to grant that precious wish. It has been nearly a decade of devoting his life to training, tracking, and chasing after the man who betrayed him deeply. The one who killed his beloved sister and the one who he fell so hard for, if only they weren't one and the same…

Attempting to be 'go out with others, to move on, proved futile. His attention couldn't stay on whomever he attempted to meet up with. They always fit the same profile. Mysterious, tall, dark, and always holding a certain sense of danger in their eyes. It never went far… hardly enough to call a 'date', as going further than talking… felt like a betrayal despite that he was the one who was truly betrayed.

Subaru cursed himself with how affected such a devious man could make him. Every ounce of purity felt drained from him, especially when… he touched himself for that first time since realizing his feelings… just under seventeen and desperate for escape and relief.

Now, staying in an empty apartment, he couldn't resist the act. His hand wrapped around his own aroused member once more, he bit down on his lip, unwilling to let out his voice. He'd only hate himself more… feeling desire, and need for someone who ended countless levels, ended Hokuto's life without a second thought. Yet, the desire came out…

There were a few times… he could finally share a fleeting moment with the one who stole his heart.

In Tokyo, he and Seishirou would come into contact. Subaru would release his kekkai despite fully believing he had given up on caring for the earth. This was where the Sakurazukamori lived. So, Subaru wished to protect it, so long as the former statement stayed true.

"You've come to kill me… haven't you?" Seishirou speaks almost playfully. There's a sheen of darkness upon his gold and hollowed black eye. One that plagued Subaru with a lifetime of guilt.

"..."

"For killing your precious sister, Hokuto, you've sought revenge, am I right?"

Subaru merely glared, heart and mind about ready to snap at the taunting. He hated himself, for faltering that bit, if only that was it…

"You loved her so dearly… you were in her heart, her mind to very the end…"

"I didn't come here to talk," Subaru speaks coldly, projecting another flare of psychic energy firing at his target. Seishirou easily dodged, leaping into the air swiftly. The smirk on his lips wouldn't fade.

"Oh, my adorable Subaru…" Seishirou speaks the words, in a twisted sense of tenderness. Especially, as he summons his shinigami, the winged beast swiping at Subaru, cutting just a bit from his heart. "You've come all this way, for sure a noble cause. Your sister was right. You truly are kind, Subaru."

"I've only come to make my wish a reality," Subaru returns cooly, unwilling to let his emotions falter anymore. He refused to react to the cruel tauntings.

They continued a little game of cat and mouse. Evenly matching each other with wild blasts of psychic energy, and countless elemental ofuda displaying enormous power.

"And right at the end… Do you want to know what her last words were?"

"That's not what I'm here for…" Subaru remarks, a bit sharper than planned.

"Ah, is that so?" Seishirou taunts without a sense of remorse. If anything there's bemusement, a sense of desire burning brighter in the goldeneye the longer it watches for Subaru's every reaction. "Although I would think with how close you were, you've surely been curious?"

"I said I am not here to talk." Subaru shuts him down, throwing a series of ofuda unleashing various birdlike spirits and familiars. Seishirou's finger expertly had drawn out the image of a blood-red star, which cut through the spirits mercilessly.

"Perhaps, not. Though it has been some time hasn't it Su-ba-ru~" Seishirou licked his lips, sounding the other's name out in a slow, flirtatious manner. Though there was darkness seeded, and shadows of cruelty covering the man's eyes. His senses of affection and causing harm have been intertwined for far too long.

"You're the one who vanished," Subaru breaks out, rage and pain equally burning within his emerald eyes. 'Completely… from my life…'

"That's quite a scary look there," Seishirou easily turns his sadistic smirk to a more gracious smile. The curve on his lips is far too much of a facade. "You've sought revenge for quite some time… yet you don't wish to hear the last words of the one who you've sworn to do that for."

Subaru fought the urge to clutch his chest. He grimaced, closing his eyes. Again, he reiterates, voice distant yet seeming on the verge of breaking."I'm not here to talk about that."

Seishirou seems to find enjoyment with the cracks he forms through the kekkai guarding Subaru's heart. "She truly believed no matter what a person did… there wasn't a single person who wasn't worthy of-"

FLASH!

The intense beaming light of ki crashes into the dragon of earth. Effectively, his message was cut off.

"It's as I've said," Subaru curses, wishing every Fibre of his being could finally fill with hate. 'There are no words that can stir him away from his wish, nor sway his heart from staying with his sister's (and countless others') killer.'

"You know…" Seishirou looks curiously at the buried pain buried in his most precious target's eyes. "I really have missed you, Subaru." He professes, managing to perfectly mimic the sense of genuine concern...not a sense of guilt...but longing?

The tone catches the Onmyouji off guard. Subaru missteps, hating everything about this and himself. He stumbles in the midst of their battle and conversation, slipping enough to allow Seishirou to rush in towards him.

Yet… he doesn't grant the desire in Subaru's heart.

"You're precious, Subaru…" Seishirou forms his best imitation of an innocent adoring smile. He finds himself in front of the younger man, grasping Subaru's wrist with his larger hand. "Do you know that?" Seishirou keeps his grip firmly, despite Subaru attempting to break out.

The part that wishes to escape does just that. Yet, there's a painful longing… desire to be deemed important…even if the words came to be such a lie.

"Subaru~" Seishirou purrs the words, grasping now to hold Subaru's right and left arm. He walks closer, making his beloved target attempt to step back, away.

'You're far too cruel'... He hadn't sensed intent from Seishirou to truly grasp and grant his wish. No this was… just a cruel torment.

It's only confirmed as Subaru feels his back slammed against a hardened brick wall. A larger body presses in tightly to the broken Onmyouji.

"Surely, you could... Break free of this…" Seishirou taunts, looking all too amused, with the smirk and glint of light in his eyes. The taller male quickly shifts to grasp both of Subaru's wrists, pinning them up above his head. "Or do you prefer being like this, after all?"

"What are yo-" Subaru's actions are stopped cold. He feels how his heart races and shatters all at the same time. 'You always say and do what I least expect…'

Seishirou's cold, harsh lips crash over his own. There's no sense of tenderness, compassion, or conventional love expressed. Seishirou doesn't ask to continue anymore.

"You've thought of this... Haven't you Subaru?" Seishirou taunts with cruelty.

Subaru finds no reason to answer and turns his head away. They both already know… at least this much.

Seishirou's words were hot, and tough, searing into Subaru's once innocent lips. He dives in for a rougher kiss, wasting no time in biting down hard on the younger man's lip, enough to draw blood, make him cry out.

Seishirou takes his chance to plunge in further. His tongue roughly thrusts open the small parting of Subaru's lips, making the latter gasp harder.

His kisses only taste of blood, and Subaru can sense it's not the mere drops from his lips. It's all bitter, metallic, tasting of countless different victims. Surely, something Seishirou indulged in as though it were as natural as breathing.

Everything is so wrong here, so messed up, yet he can't bring himself to hate this. Nor deny his longing.

So Subaru doesn't fight back, he closes his eyes, imagining their circumstances were different. He kisses back, hard, rough, and almost violently. There's no sense Seishirou could understand the meaning behind this otherwise.

Subaru attempts to reciprocate more, his tongue inexperienced and attempting to meet the other slowly. Yet, he's pushed back all the same. Hands grasp Subaru's hips, while his mouth becomes completely dominated and left to do not much more than receive every hardened movement.

In a cruel gesture, Seishirou breaks the kiss enough. His lips brush hotly over Subaru's ears as he grins sadistically 'You've been wanting this, haven't you Subaru?' He taunts, fully knowing the answer.

Subaru finds his resolve weakened. But this is the only way Subaru could experience this. A kiss of death. Something his twisted mind continues to seek out.

He doesn't expect his hips to be squeezed quite so harshly. Without a warning, Seishirou slips his leg between Subaru's, parting them with no resistance.

Tears are threatening to form behind pained emerald eyes, yet he refuses to let them fall. His body betrays him, reacting all too well to the harsh kisses, and teasing touches.

Seishirou's knee brushes up against the younger man's pelvis. It moves in teasing circles, as the older man smiles wickedly.

Subaru's arousal becomes quite prominent. Seishirou doesn't touch him under his clothes… nor even deem to use his hands… just teasing circular moments. Every now and then his leg roughly thrusts against the sensitive hips. His knee grinds against Subaru's pained hardness.

Subaru's body becomes a slave to the pained pleasure and he feels a weakness in his limbs.

There's no sense of love, romance, or desire to feel relieved. As quickly as it started the leg between Subaru's withdraws.

"Well, I think that's enough for now...". He looks towards his beloved target with interest. Subaru's emerald eyes are glossy with lust, though empty...unable to express deeper emotions rushing through them.

There's no relief given. It's painful as a hand roughly grasps the back of his head. Subaru Brought into one final, deep, harsh, and bloodied kiss. Dual emerald green eyes, haze over, the lustful feeling being overcome with pain and shame.

The figure cloaked in black smiles at the sight of the lowered kekkai. His actions were calculated...harsh. But the cruelest part was being left alone…

'"I'll play with you again, Subaru…' Seishirou's breath torments the words into his ear. And quickly, the dragon of earth leaps away.

Subaru's legs weaken under him. He collapses against the door upon the rooftop building. Left in such a vulnerable, broken state, there's no will nor strength to chase after him.

'Leaving me like this… making me want you… so I'll never truly move forward. You're incredibly cruel, Seishirou.' Subaru clutches his chest harshly.

'So why do I still love you?'

---

Comforting

While omitting some embarrassing details Subaru's story is finished. Kamui's eyes had been lit with a fiery rage, a darkened anguish, and almost frightening steel of hatred. Something Subaru hadn't imagined possible to see before now. He was quite seeing the opposite, soft or at least intensely loving look in his lover's eyes.

But… there was no other way Kamui could feel. His lover was so perfect, kind with unconditional love. Still, that man had the audacity to take advantage, of that love before leaving Subaru wanting more. As Seishirou died, he had such intent for Subaru to never truly move on, always having that eye and burden of the tree with him.

Seishirou played the role of someone incredibly kind, loving, before revealing his crueler nature. Fuuma was before everything began… very sweet, loving, protective. Then Kamui made his decision and his belated love's nature turned so very cruel… But in the end, he and Subaru both had their hearts stolen and shattered.

"Subaru… there's nothing to be ashamed of," Kamui comforts, kissing the unshed tears beneath his love's eyelids.

"I..." Subaru breathes shakily. "I just want to make sure...I never cause you any kind of pain."

Kamui kissed the tip of his love's nose. "You won't."

"So for us... maybe at least when we are back home… finish our work here. It would be a good time for us to go further ." Subaru elaborates his resolve. "I want to cherish every second with you, and do everything properly….everything as you would feel the most comfortable..."

Kamui swore his heart hit the brakes, slamming against his ribcage. Though it seemed his thundering heart was able to burst out to feel 1000 times more, fluttering at the positive implication. "You mean… when we are back home we can finally…" His hips were moving, growing weak to hold up, and all too ready to be taken completely.

"I mean ah… it doesn't have to be right then." Subaru's entire face turned a shade of crimson. He clears his drying throat. . "… what I mean is… if the timing is right then we…can maybe… " Hopefully, become one.

"Subaru…" Kamui begins beaming wildly. He seldom felt this light, and all the same, something was grasping his heart tightly. 'I can't take it when you're cute like this… '

His heart leaped hearing the soft breaths of laughter coming from his boyfriend's lips. Kamui was just laughing, at him no less, but it was beyond breathtaking.

Those long eyelashes fan over violet-orbs like wings of a butterfly. Those lips spread and curl as they escape puffs of laughter and while he's sure Kamui would deny it, giggles. It only occurred when they were intimate...when Kamui was very much tangled up at the moment, and deeply lovesick.

"Kamui…" Subaru calls gently, a little out of breath. He finds one hand already cupping Kamui's cheek and another brushing over recent love bites on Kamui's neck. The younger boy shivers slightly at the touch, pausing his laughter-filled melody.

"Oh, no... There's nothing wrong with what you said." Kamui shifts, nervous he may have offended his lover. "What you said… the way you said it…" Kamui turns his cheek a little, taking a breath to calm the rush of blood to his cheeks. "It made me happy."

"It… did?" Subaru asks. His softened lips quirk left to right a bit unsure. Kamui presses over that uncertainty, letting his lips soften his lover even more.

"I want you, Subaru…I need..." Kamui professes, feeling every nerve in his body reactive. The gentle hand trailing down his body makes it hard to focus, he closes his eyes. "Everything with you…"

"And I want you to…."Kamui takes a breath before gathering his courage. Even still, he only manages to whisper a few...very intimate...very embarrassing desires, into his lover's ear. The flustered boy pulls away.

Subaru blinks for a moment. It doesn't take much longer to sink in the meaning. His face burns as deep a red as his lover. For a second it's hard to

"When it feels entirely the right time for both of us. when we're at home… or wherever is most comfortable, then that's what we'll do." Kamui professes, pinkening a bit as he clarifies more.

"Just know…" The shy little smile which follows tugs at Subaru's heartstrings. "That I do feel comfortable with you and... everything we do makes me really happy."

"I feel the same," Subaru licks his lips, unable to stop himself. His fingers trailed from soft cheekbones to a defined jawline. Grasping the younger man's chin, he pulls Kamui in for a series of slow, deepening kisses, every press and licks making the room that much warmer.

"And I do want to as well…" Subaru admits, licking his licks subconsciously. "Very soon." The heat within the gold and green eyes one are enough to make Kamui shiver.

"Soon," Kamui repeats the words, like a promise before leaning close once more. He steals his boyfriend's lips, effectively distracting Subaru. With no hesitation, Kamui lies back onto the mattress.

As natural as breathing, they find their eyes falling prey to one another's gaze. Perfectly soft and loved up lips meet together for a passionate exchange.

"So for now…" Kamui offers kissing trails down his lover's jawline. "I want to indulge in you…" Delicate kisses are brought up again, over Subaru's chin, cheeks, nose, eyelids, and finally back to the lips. "Your kiss…"

"And your touch…" Kamui can't suppress the moan as he feels fingertips digging at the back of his head, and others squeezing tightly between his hip and bottom. Their bodies entangle, clothes quickly disperse, but their bodies merely cuddle closely, feeling that experience of intimacy.

Slow, tender kisses, touches and raw romance overtakes their evening. Excitement for this only growing more brings out quite...pleasant dreams.

---

Solutions

The morning sky was still as bright and beautiful as one would expect for a warm summer day. Perhaps, the beauty in this came from the intimate pair being able to see it together. Subaru and Kamui found themselves waking up early, bare to one another, and fully connected. They watched the sunrise from their bedroom which sparked a sense of hope.

"So today's the day…" Kamui hums softly, still nuzzling his boyfriend's neck, adoring the love-bites left behind.

"I'm sorry I don't have the answer myself…" Subaru apologized meekly along the way.

"Please, don't be. I'm not any more familiar with how to handle this," Kamui shook his head and laid it sweetly against his boyfriend's arm. He murmurs regrettably. "And it's my own power."

Subaru turns his head. Gently he leans down to press a kiss on top of the weary raven head.

After untangling from the sheets, the pair quickly returned to the Sumeragi estate. "Grandmother, you're already out here…" They approached the main house upon the estate."I hope I haven't kept you waiting."

"You're as early as always," Lady Sumeragi says with a sense of warmth. "I simply had a feeling you two were close by," she explains. Subaru's grandmother had been quite aware of their arrival.

She holds a small smile greeting them both before leading them out through the hall and into a room resembling a small library. Shelves of books from what seemed millennia ago up until recently were stacked in such an orderly fashion. Her attention turns to the strongest one in the room.

"Kamui, as you know your power is immeasurable and there are no guarantees to keep it tamed completely." She answers with brief reluctance. The older woman leads the pair towards a book resting open on the table.

"I understand…" Kamui says softly, squeezing his boyfriend's hand for needed support.

'For my own sake as well but… I can't stand the thought of making Subaru have to suffer anymore.'

"Fortunately, there are ways known for concealing or stalling vast amounts of energy from overflowing," She informs the young man, giving him a hint of hope. Of course, no one had come close to matching Kamui's level of power. "Some dating back as far as the Ashura clan."

Subaru holds his breath, biting his tongue. "Ashura…" This did not sit well, stories and legacies of that time period… methods of survival were archaic and often brutal. He refused to put that on Kamui, half ready to leave the room, head to some other library or temple for a safer alternative.

Lady Sumeragi holds her hand out and gives him a reassuring smile. "That's where it first began… but there have been far more modern uses for this kind of magic."

"It can help me with controlling my power?" Kamui looks up worriedly at his boyfriend, still pale at the mention of an 'Ashura'.

"To a degree yes, complete control will depend on you," She answers honestly. seeing no benefit to giving false promises of hope. Though it was a fairly successful method, depending on a few factors. "This typically involves using energy from the one casting the spell into the one receiving its effects. It will bind you two and your powers closely."

She paused before thumbing over the opened pages of the book, indicating the pictures beside the text. "I trust you understand the power you'll need to give the boy in order for this to work."

The Onmyouji nods decisively, unsurprised. There was no cost too great. Of course, he knew he had to consider his health in the sacrifice. Seeing Kamui's worried, wide, violet-blue orbs sunk into him.

"It may require some power to activate a spell, but I won't go to the point of causing harm to myself." Subaru smiles tenderly, his hand brushes through Kamui's silky hair. "I need to be strong enough to stay by your side after all."

"And as Subaru's power will be within you, the activation of the spell will bring a small portion of your power into Subaru. Connecting you both," Lady Sumeragi provided with further elaboration. Finding it easier to grasp, she grasps for a book on the table, opening to the old text describing this kind of magic and the ties it required. "The deeper you two are bound, the likelier it is to work."

Kamui reluctantly nods at this then turns his attention towards the diagram upon the book. It was still a lot to take in. Everything felt a little...warmer, thinking of him and Subaru being even further connected. 'I can't go there now…' He studies the book even more intensely. Upon it are several drawings depicting symbols making the forms of various mystical beasts.

"It's a method used to help those with incredible bouts of strength. Magicians given the title 'D.' have been said to use this as to not cause harm during their training at the magic association." She points towards an intricate tattoo with curves and lines creating the shape of a phoenix. "This particular symbol is created with a different method. It's made to keep power from growing further."

The older woman follows Kamui's gaze and features right over a particular diagram. "And this is the symbol one would wear, to quell an abundance of untamed power."

Then there's a similar image, but this one depicts the outline of a crystal blue dragon, decored with diamond-shaped scales. "It's something that will keep Kamui's more latent power at ease until he's in more control."

"And this will really help keep my power tamed?" Kamui asks worriedly, as his finger traced over the image of the dragon tattoo.

Lady Sumeragi looks towards the troubled boy with sympathy. "There is no magic in this world that could hope to completely seal the kind of power you hold. But this will be a deterrent for you going beyond your current limits. Your powers tied together will create the strength of the spell to do just that."

Subaru voiced some concern. He had only recalled hearing of these methods vaguely, growing up. He turned towards his grandmother with some concern. "Will he be able to have it removed when reaching a point of control?"

His grandmother nods firmly at this. "Yes. This binding requires a deal of trust. The tattoo can only be inscribed and removed using your powers and a drop of your blood. Kamui will have to willingly accept both from you for this to succeed."

"I….we might need a moment to talk this over," Subaru tells the former Sumeragi leader, with great doubt clearing in his eyes. He always had a gift (or curse) or deep empathy, but God he rarely felt this deep level of worry and concern. That was saying something...he felt things severely….and for Kamui it was that much more.

"You should take your time, and be certain this is what you both want," The older woman returns, quite expectant of this. She watches with some hope as she sees her grandson's nerves loosening with the slightest of touches from his beloved.

The past ten years especially kept the 13th head, always, quite composed...walls only coming down when it came to his Kamui. Dual-toned and often controlled eyes were simply glimmering and lighting up like a lovesick puppy.

Subaru nods, grasping Kamui's hand and pulling him near the doorway. They step outside briefly giving them a small distance of privacy.

Politely, and easily, Kamui follows along. He waits patiently for his boyfriend to first voice his insecurities.

"I don't want you to feel pressure to do any of this Kamui...if it's not what you want. We'll find other ways."

"We don't know how long those will take to find...and it doesn't seem as though it will cause harm," Kamui voices, leaving out: 'It may be too weak to work with whatever….power I've been born with.' It's the closest thing they've heard to a solution….ever. Regular training and meditation too but it wouldn't suffice alone.

"I wouldn't agree...nor will I go through with anything that causes you pain, Kamui...This spell's effectiveness...depends on not just connection, but how well I can embed my own energy, blood into you…" Subaru finds himself grimacing at the sound of the words. Even if using energy and a small portion of blood wasn't too uncommon for spells like this. "And if I make a mistake...the last thing I want to do is hurt you I-"

"Please, stop…" Kamui leans up on his tiptoes. He pulls a hand at the back of his lover's head leaning resting their temples together. He smiles at this, before looking back up at his beloved. Finger gentle glide over and caress a tender cheek. "I trust you with my life, Subaru. Of course, I'll trust you with this. You won't hurt me, I know that."

Subaru pauses, lips parting, and opening...and remaining there for some time. Briefly, he isn't sure how to react. He feels the pull to both cry and smile from the sentiment of trust.

"I promise I'll stop if it even appears like you're feeling pain in the process," Subaru ensures, feeling a tenderness at his lover's faith. "We can try this out…"

"But again...Only if this is what you want," Subaru ensures placing a consoling hand upon his boyfriend's shoulder.

"It is… I want to stay by your side, and I need to do something to keep my own strength in check… so I can prove to you I can work with you, and truly help you from carrying everything on your own." Kamui professes dearly, cuddling in the warmth wrapped around him.

With that decided, the pair return back to the library, or they enter through the doorstep. The loving bubble around them had yet to pop. The lovers look only within each other, hands linked lovingly.

Subaru's gold and emerald orbs begin to shimmer before clouding over with deep emotions. "We'll get through this," Kamui says so sweetly. His violet-blue eyes hold a similar light and loving sheen. "I know we will." Not mindful of their setting, Subaru wraps both arms around Kamui and sweeps him up in a tight embrace.

"My angel," He whispers into his lover's ear, sweetly. Kamui returns the hold, though winded from the sudden affectionate gesture. They lean in close, breaths intermingling as their lips pull a little closer just before-

"Ahem…" The sound of Lady Sumeragi clearing her throat breaks the pair from their bubble. They were still a fair distance away, but their gushing for each other could have been more discreet. "You'll have time for that later on. If you would like to continue learning this I'll need you both to concentrate."

The loving couple broke apart abruptly, blushing wildly from ear to ear. Subaru cleared his throat.

"Of-Of course, Grandmother…" Subaru agrees as both he and Kamui bow their heads slightly. There's a private look between the pair. Reading into more details of the spell, they have an answer...

Subaru answers, "Kamui...and I, we're both open to this."

Lady Sumeragi seems satisfied with the answer. Her grandson looked far more nervous than the boy whose powers were going to be quelled (as much as such power could be).

"Think it through overnight," Lady Sumeragi advises the pair. Her words fall out decisively.

"And when you're ready..." She again takes the book, among a stack of others handing it to the youngest in the room. "You will need to follow the procedures in this book. Both you and Kamui will have to take your own cleansing baths… and gather a few materials from the temples around Kyoto."

---

Tattoo

It takes a full day, but the steps are followed so the ritual can begin. Under the careful eye of Lady Sumeragi, her grandson begins to inscribe the tattoo. A holy kind of ink said to be made with some essence of dragon's blood is used amongst the feathered pen used for their Ofuda. Of course, not imagining to take any risk, Subaru studied every book regarding this spell thoroughly, meditating and grounding himself until he could recite the steps by heart. He gladly accepts the added security of his grandmother's knowledge and presence as well.

Now, with a bit more confidence, the lovers stand within the temple. Kamui's purified, partially disrobed, back exposed for the process. He's fully relaxed into his lover, and at this time mentor's arms. Gentle hands brush down circles around Kamui's back.

"I'm going to begin," Subaru informs, hushing the words against the younger boy's neck. Kamui nods his head resolutely, turning to give his love a reassuring smile.

Tender fingers begin the process. First, the tattoo's pattern was to be traced with the holy type of ink. Subaru diligently creates the frame of the dragon symbol, diligence, step by step until it mimics the form of a dragon, upon Kamui's back. Though the magic itself, once activated, would reshape and perfect any minor errors in the design.

Subaru looks satisfied and intrigued. The ink is far different than any he has used before, not dripping, and already infusing with his lover's skin. Now, the next step. He bites down swiftly yet sharply on his finger, making his beloved shiver with worry.

"I'm fine... It's only a drop…" Subaru ensures and traces over the design with a pure drop of his blood.

"If you're sure…" Kamui calls back, chest aching, at the sight. He turns his head back quickly. Kamui flushes slightly, feels the moisture of his lover's blood, but it's rather warm, not remotely unpleasant. The drops of red seem to flow beautifully, and naturally into Kamui's body.

Subaru's grandmother guides the process along. "Now, you'll only have to infuse enough power until you find the ink and blood dissolving within his skin."

Subaru prepares just that. As memorized from the texts, he begins chanting a view foreign yet powerful words. He holds his hand out just millimeters above the inked symbol. Much like it was described, he finds the liquid absorbing and hardening into Kamui's skin.

After a brief moment of silence, tension...the three in the room watch. A dazzling shine of blue light takes over the room, a very spiritual presence is found. Both Kamui and Subaru feel a tug within their cores, and the very center of their own power, as it's taken, exchanged, and blended with each other's own.

As the flash of light fills, everything falls into place. Any mishaps tracing the elaborate tattoo design and quickly morphed and shaped to perfection. The dragon tattoo now perfectly imitates the picture in texts.

"This is correct?" Subaru turns to his grandmother for clarification.

"Indeed, it is. I must say, I'm impressed how smoothly you two were able to connect in this process ." Subaru's grandmother explains with a sense of pride and relief. She turns to Kamui. "You're set though I would advise resting for 24 hours as your body gets used to the spell."

"Thank you, Grandmother," Subaru professed with great reverence, bowing his head. He returns to Kamui's side, as his grandmother gives the pair some privacy. Nimble fingers grasp for Kamui's shirt, neatly dressing his beloved.

Knowing it was over and worked better than expected, some things can't be helped. Subaru turns Kamui around quickly, spinning his beloved to face him. Without a second thought, he again sweeps Kamui up into a warm and protective embrace. His fingers trace under a defined jaw, while lips sweetly steal Kamui's breathlessness.

"I didn't hurt you, did it?" Subaru whispers slowly, having to be sure. His warm breath heated Kamui's face.

"Not at all," Kamui answers, his head still a little dizzy from being swept up earlier. Looking around to see they were indeed, alone...he can't help it. Kamui wraps his arms around his boyfriend's neck. "You're okay too right?"

"I am," Subaru gently presses their foreheads together. They lean into each other for a moment of silence.

"Now I can… be at your side again? I'll be working with you?" Kamui asks with so much hope and adoration blooming amongst the watery orbs of violet-blue. The words he had been meaning to for days now are finally out.

Subaru pauses at the question. He squeezes Kamui tighter to him. "I can't say right away… but after a bit more training… And so long as you stay right with me… then…"

Kamui's smile turned angelic at the words. Subaru felt a tug on his chest, breath, and heart being stolen once more again. The violet-blue doe eyes shimmered, making it impossible for Subaru to deny him anything.

"Yes, we can…. try again." Subaru only let the words fall before he felt his boyfriend lean up towards him. Kamui pressed their lips very close, bringing his lover into a thankful kiss.

There was some clear hesitancy here… but Kamui could understand after what occurred.

'This is progress.'

---

Time Magic

Amongst those who had some form of psychic ability, there were those going into the taboo. Attempting to turn, freeze, or control time was a dangerous concept. Even for those blessed with exceptional power.

Thus this led… to the first job assigned, since Kamui's recent outburst of power. Up ahead was a tall, broad castle structure. The material it's built up is made of ancient-looking wood and bricks. The stature stood beautifully painted with white and trims of gold amongst the rooftops, giving it a royal feeling.

"This is the place?" Kamui voiced quietly. He peered above the flight of stairs, catching more of the scenic and seemingly tranquil castle.

"It's popular with tourists," Subaru noted, observing the crowds of families, friends groups, and couples surrounding the vast building. "And certainly holds a place for whoever has been attached to this place."

"Appearances can often be deceiving," Subaru comments, a bit sadly, distantly.

Kamui frowns at this, he brushes his side against Subaru's arm. Careful, the younger male touches the pale hand.

Subaru shakes his head, a bit too lost in the past. "But that was never the case with you," he murmurs so tenderly. The pink spreading across light cheeks makes Kamui curious.

"What do you mean?" Kamui asks, furrowing his Raven eyebrows.

Subaru chuckles at the reaction. He reaches one hand across his body to ruffle Kamui's hair. "Do you really want to know?"

"Of course, I do," Kamui's eyes lowered, lips blowing out a huff. His lips can't help the little pout curling over his lips. He didn't think he'd ever be unreactive to his lovers' teasing. With an earnest voice, Kamui elaborates, "I always want to know what's on your mind."

Subaru's heart dances, while his body stops, right there on the steps. Kamui's word, a shot directly to his chest.. 'You're unfairly beautiful…' His heart jumps, before skipping beats wildly.

"I adore you," Subaru whispers, barely steadying his breath. He takes his lover's hands going over towards an end of the staircase, giving each other space from possible tourists walking by. He combs his fingers through Kamui's silky locks. That tender hand brushes down to stroke the boy's beautiful cheeks.

Kamui closes his sparkling violet eyes, long dark eyelashes flutter and enters the older male. He's even more certain of his words now. "You are every bit as beautiful on the inside, as the outside. If not even more so…and that's saying quite a bit." Subaru professed with a velvety soft tone.

A burning heat immediately rushed up to Kamui's cheeks. His eyes and lips quiver. Subaru smiles serenely, feeling the fire upon those beautiful cheeks. Those violet-blue orbs flutter open before dazzling with a sense of love and devotion.

Kamui can't just manage to form the words, though his lips part to make them. He's led effortlessly up the remaining handful of stairs. They step under the tall golden archway before approaching their destination.

Before this can be let go and they return to work, Kamui responds. "You're the one who is beautiful…" he whispers tenderly, fingers lightly brushing over his lover's knuckles. He feels a tight squeeze in return. Kamui quietly forms something between a purr and hum, blushing a harsher shade of red.

Subaru reddens, as he takes Kamui and drags him over to a less populated corner. It's nowhere near as private for him to do everything he wished. Though he does rest his forehead upon Kamui's own. The younger male sighs, pleased with the affectionate touch.

"Love you," Kamui murmurs, all too gently.

"And I love you," Subaru returns with equal devotion and a raw glistening in his golf and emerald orbs. There's a bit of hesitance and a longing sigh. It seems their hearts could never quite calm, even when the setting wasn't fitting for it. "...right now we…"

"We have work to do…" Kamui predicts correctly. The enamored young man, presses his lips to close, still feeling a tingling sensation from earlier that morning. He laughs softly. So easily...he could become lost in their own world.

"Right," Subaru confirms, feeling more than a little disappointed at the timing. Though he does have the will to grasp Kamui's hand tightly. Once up the stairs, they turn away from the crowds, and past a gated area, which opens at their arrival. The more experienced spiritualist leads them around and through a back entrance.

"I didn't know you could go back here," Kamui mentions, whilst easily bypassing the crowds of tourists.

"Ordinarily you can't," Subaru answers, still diligently, guiding them towards a back room where they would meet their client. "But we have special permission from the staff here."

Kamui nods. His lips wish to curve up, gushing. He stills them trying not to let all his thoughts. There was warmth where his hand was being held, securely. Only when they had to enter the back of the building did they part.

His boyfriend sweetly held the door for him. He flushed slightly before entering in.

"Thank you so much for coming," A womanly voice expresses. Her tone is calm and serene. The pair faced their client as she bowed her head properly.

The older woman had long black hair cascading down to her middle back. Her eyes were deep brown, soft, and warm. She seemed a few years younger than Subaru's grandmother and wore a light pink, traditional kimono, which seemed to suit the historic building well.

"It's no trouble," Subaru returned politely.

"I have my share of "psychics' come over to help...only to find they couldn't sense so much as an apparition here," she shook her head solemnly.

Although her eyes lit up, as her eyes steeled over at the two young men. She glances over the vibrant light aura surrounding the Sumeragi head. Her brown eyes expand, widening further, and linger upon the ethereal golden aura around the young boy.

"But I can trust I'll be able to find some answers with you two. To think I'd manage to book the Sumeragi leader, I could tell by your ki as you stepped in the door. And your partner- you have quite an impressive energy surrounding you, especially for someone so young."

Kamui froze up a bit, his eyes studying him, looking over whatever aura or "energy" that framed his figure.

Subaru noticed the feigned smile and apprehension. "Oh yes, this is Shirou Kamui," he waves over towards his little protege, hand fanning out towards the younger man. There is so much pride in his voice, it takes Kamui great willpower not to simply purr. "He's been assisting me greatly as of recently." Well truly...since they met but as far as their work relationships went.

Kamui bowed slightly, hands still a bit nervous. It seems about every client they booked had some sense of spiritual powers themselves. And never once did he fail to catch others' attention.

"It's a pleasure to meet you both Sumeragi and Shirou," She addressed them properly. "I'm Yuuki Hikaru, my family line has been in charge of maintaining the castle here in Kyoto for quite a few generations." Yuuki laughs holding a hand to her face. "I've helped maintain this place since I was just a small child," she states, emphasizing with a hand up to her knee. "Helping with cleaning and maintaining the castle before and after it became more open to the public."

"I can see this place is very important to you," Subaru notes with a small smile. He thinks back to the countless visits and stays on the estate, and the memories attached to the temples there.

"Yes," Yuuki responds in kind. Her brown eyes glimmer as she recalls. "This castle is home to me. This is why it's important it can be healed from whatever soul or spirit lingers here. Naturally, there have been some comments from frightened visitors and we can't have that."

"Of course," Subaru states, mind subconsciously searching out the area for presences.

Kamui listens attentively, unused to these kinds of client interactions.

"Then if you both are ready, I'd like to take you to the upper floor...where there's been quite a lot of noise around."

Subaru hums in confirmation. Kamui sounds come out affirmative. He steps a little closer, leaning close to his boyfriend's side. He can't suppress feeling weary as yet another spiritually attuned client sensing his power. While kindly he could see the older woman look back at him with curiosity. Certainly, there could be other reasons...he was new to this work.

'But I have the best possible mentor.' Kamui thinks dreamily, violet eyes lingering over his boyfriend's pretty features for a bit too long. Subaru turned to his love curiously, not seeming to mind at all. But still! Kamui looked towards the staircase with newfound interest, willing to flush away.

'We're here for… Work...work.' He reminds himself.

Then the older woman turned her attention to the affectionate scene. She held a hand over her mouth, eyes dazzling. She led the way before asking that question.

"So how long have you two been together?"

"Wh-what?" Subaru began with a slight yelp. His gold and emerald eyes gave away and confirmed the woman's suspicions.

"We… Ah…" Kamui swallows hard, heart thundering.

Luckily, for the pair's embarrassment, she didn't comment further. Besides, that wasn't the intention of her question.

"How long have you been working together?" She clarifies with an all too amused giggle. Both men as powerful as they were had been reduced to a flushing mess when it came to their obvious romantic connection "Young Shirou, you joined Sumeragi recently isn't that right? How long has it been?"

'Oh,' Subaru and Kamui let out a collaborative sigh, relieved. Yuuki recalls being at that stage all too easily.

"Oh..ah a few weeks," Kamui somehow manages to stumble out.

"I think that's wonderful," The woman clasps her hands together pleasantly. Her bony hand holds tight to the railing before heading to the utmost floor "I'm sure you both will have a much easier time with the spirit here". She unlocked a metal gate in front of the staircase, the area blocked from the public. "Much more than this old lady after all," she points to her face and laughs.

Subaru bows his head slightly as though to confirm his help.

Kamui and Subaru proceed upon the attic-like floor carefully. The artifacts seen before could be seen as being quite worn, damaged looking closely.

"Those are just a few of the objects that have been tossed around by...whatever is here doesn't seem so angered...as it seems a little lost...," Yuuki says with a grimace. The elderly woman continues. "That paired with a few incidents of people hearing and seeing things moving and crashing...well it's dropped the number of visitors here by a bit."

"It looks busy though," Kamui said quietly. He wonders, maybe it's because 'I'd rather not be around so many people to begin with.' Just his friends, his Subaru, that's all he needed.

Upon the floor were various artifacts, crowns, jewelry, signposts, warriors' armor...even traditional ofuda talismans. It seemed this place had been in contact with onmyouji on numerous occasions.

"Believe it or not this is a mild day for visitors!" She responds with a laugh. "Many tourists come to Kyoto to visit the traditional temples and castles. This one has a particular…atmosphere."

"The atmosphere?" Subaru repeats in question. Though he felt something about this place, it was difficult as became so accustomed to naturally doing that everywhere. What it was….however he couldn't place.

"Have you two heard of Time Magic?" Yuuki asks voice turned a bit gravely. Her eyes steel over.

"Yes...since I was a child, I was warned of the dangers and to never attempt to disrupt the flow of time." Subaru's eyes widened slightly. He responds but finds it hard to breathe. It was nearly as forbidden as attempting to resurrect a loved one.

Naturally, he had been desperate to consider the risks for both senses of magic. He never had quite the power needed to attempt the forbidden revival magic. Not enough to turn back time as far as needed.

The first time he considered using it was when Hokuto died. Subaru had been weakened from Subaru's torment and betrayal. By the time he could come to...it was far too late. He lacked the strength to turn back time for a few hours...let alone the days before His sister left to sacrifice himself.

By the time...he was rescued by Kamui, brought from that rainbow bridge, it was far too late. Even with his exceptional powers, he could only go back so far...assuming he wished to survive that is.

'Had I used it either time...I may not have been around to save you.' Subaru thinks clearly, never feeling more relieved at his weakened state, than now.

"You were taught well," Yuuki responds. The woman brings him out of his reverie. "Time magic is incredibly risky, even for the most powerful of magic users."

Subaru nods, heart-clenching from earlier thoughts.

Kamui's hand was gently brushing up and down his arm. The younger boy gazed up at him with concern. "You okay?" He whispered to his love.

Subaru only nodded, snapping out of it as quickly as possible. Kamui sighed, choosing to let it go...for now.

Kamui shakes his head. His lips curve, whilst violet-blue eyes glisten, falling on his again. " I don't know as much...but I think I understand the concept too. And the risks it must have…"

"You both are quite wise then," Yuuki seems to hold deep regard for the answer. Her voice comes out wistfully. "I only wish I could say the same for others."

"You said there was an atmosphere about this place?" Subaru recalls from moments ago. He is eager to get back on topic and far less in his head.

"The royal family who once lived here were among the first believed to attempt time magic." The older woman nods. "All except for the princess were met with an early fatality. Her spirit has been believed for many generations to still be protecting the castle she loved."

"But that's not the only presence here, right?" Subaru asks, certain this was far more recent.

"Correct, " the older woman confirms kindly. "Though she's believed to form a barrier around the castle during the nights, exceptionally strong. Her magic is said to aid and save those attempting time Magic…. As she was unable to do the same for her family." Yuuki finishes the tale of her ancestors, a pang of sadness in her eyes.

"This place holds a special place in many people's hearts," Kamui quietly voices his thoughts.

"It certainly is," Yuuki responds, earnestly. The elderly woman manages a Half-smile. "Because of that, I'd like to have this castle preserved as it has been for generations. And if possible...for whatever soul surrounds this to find peace to pass on."

Subaru feels a stir, at the tale. "Well, we'll do everything we can." He voices with some assurance. Though with this place, it was hard to tell.

---

Entwining

"Did I set this up right?" Kamui calls from upon a small step stool. He hangs a diamond-shaped protective charm from an edge on the ceiling.

Subaru turns to look back at his beloved's work. He's careful not to linger on his lover for too long, not the way Kamui leans up on his tiptoes, revealing the length of elegant legs and milky skin under the hem of his shirt. With his mind focused now above, he sends his approval. "Yes, you did well. That should be enough to protect other people or artifacts here from being damaged in the process.

It's well into the evening as they set up a few protection charms around the castle for protection in and outside the area. It was clear after sunset, the surging waves of mystical energy increased.

And if the story was true-there may be a royal, ancestral spirit aiding those who come to visit, lacking their power. But that wasn't their job here… nor was it a spirit causing harm or more so fear to the living.

Because of such unusually high power here, Subaru and Kamui had returned back to the estate briefly to gather more supplies.

For how vast the castle was they would need more material for the various charms and talismans to keep things balanced on all floors and regions of the building. The charms produced barriers, masking just how strong the aura was in this place. Hopefully, it would deter spirits and humans from lingering, if intense magic appeared to have gone.

The stars from outside the window seem to sparkle extra, as a sense of wishing the spiritual mediums luck. Maybe that was wishful thinking.

'I need to have things go well tonight. It was difficult enough to allow Subaru to let me come back again…' Kamui feared that another mishap, so soon, would be far too much for Subaru's mental health. The boy pressed his hands leaning lightly on the windowsill.

"They're beautiful…" Kamui commented suddenly, feeling admiring eyes upon him. His lips curled, heart hopelessly reactive as he fell into the orbs of gold and emerald.

"Not close to you," Subaru slipped out but felt no reason to retract it. Kamui quickly whipped his head back to the window, but he was burning up to his ears.

"Ah...what time…can your constellation be seen?"

Subaru lightly chuckled at the phrasing. "It should be more visible this year, later in fall," He answers knowingly, recalling constant lessons of vast stars and the future many could predict. "But it's not mine. I was the one named after it."

Kamui shakes his head. "No," he responds insistently. His eyes became more stern, serious… before they sparkle, and glisten enough to put the constellations combined to great shame. "It's the Subaru Constellation. You're all I see when I hear that word. As far as I'm concerned, everything else comes after…"

"You…" Subaru lost his breath. He had to take a steady step back as he looked towards his lover in awe. Those times when Kamui seemed to voice whatever was in his heart were irreplaceable. The glistening stars in Kamui's eyes, the curl of his lips outshining any crescent moon. There was nothing that could be compared… nor anything as dangerous to his heart He held a hand over his chest.

"You… that's very kind…" He clears his throat a little awkwardly, before turning away. Mainly because this was not the place to have a conversation like this. "But… We should get started."

Kamui nods, reddening a little at the realization of his 'mushy' words, and mind. It was too difficult not to get lost in their world. But they did have a job ahead of them. Hopefully, one ends with a nice resolution.

"What can I do for you?" Kamui asks quietly, his eyes seeming uncertain.

"Right now...we have to start with a sense of the spirit is close. And if not then to bring it out."

"Oh." Kamui nods, hoping for a bit more.

"You can sense spirits well, right?" Subaru tenderly places a hand on Kamui's arm.

"More or less," Kamui looks down at the floor… but not where I want to be… to really help you…

Subaru sighs in relief at this. "Good, I was worried there may be side effects…"

Kamui's violet-blue orbs lowered, his lips pursed. Puzzled, he tilts his head before understanding what his lover meant.

"From the… tattoo?" Kamui points at his back, unsure if there was a more proper name. "I don't feel any different." 'But I hope it does work enough so you won't worry…'

"Y-yeah… that kind of magic can be intricate… and affect many people in different ways. And with your power," Subaru pauses, taking a breath, and clenching his hand.

Kamui winces, sensing his partner's nerves. He grasps for the hand brushing up and down his arm. With that, the older man relaxes.

"Well, there's still so much I don't know…" Subaru professes a sense of guilt.

"Subaru?" Kamui hushes a call. Deep concern laced around the violet orbs.

Subaru shakes his head, whipping it around enough to knock his neatly combed hair in front of his face.

Kamui looks up fondly. He stands up on his tip-toes, before brushing the strands of hair back into place. "Your hair has grown a little longer," He whispers fondly. His long fingers unconsciously grasp and twirl strands of raven-black. There's a growing attraction seeing how they reach down to his lover's neck.

'I never thought I'd have any interest in a slight change of hairstyle…' Kamui flushes at his thoughts. It suits you. It only added more elegance to his lover's face, the perfect frame of ebony. And there was a little fact it fell over a fading love bite, which Kamui may have left there.

"I… guess it has…" Subaru again clears his throat. He didn't think he'd have to rein in all of his emotions this early. But… he would manage.

"There is a way… at least temporarily I can help you be able to see and communicate with the spirits…"

"There is?"

"It's… only something I've looked into. If you're comfortable with this, I would give you a bit more of my power… your…" Subaru swallows, flushing slightly. His lover naturally looks with some concern.

"Your body should be used to having some of my power inside you." The older man knows there's nothing actually inappropriate there, especially considering what circumstances occurred The thought of a spiritual part of him being deep within his Kamui… brought out a very pleasant, possessive heat.

"The power I gave you during that time. But I've heard there… is a way I can concentrate that power. Connecting our senses. you'll be able to see through my eyes… that kind of thing."

"You can do that?" Kamui asks with some sense of amazement. There's a sense of hope in his all too eager eyes.

"I haven't done this before," Subaru admits a little bashfully, scratching his cheek. "Assuming our minds link well enough, it should be no problem. But there are limits. You'll need to be close and preferably connected through touch, when possible." He grasps Kamui's hand, holding it out for reference. The younger boy could feel a surge of his lover's power building up, and blending with his own.

"It will work at its best if you stay physically connected with me… to use those abilities. So it's only temporary… until you develop these powers on your own. ."

"Let's try this then…" Kamui nods feverishly at the idea.

"I want to connect with you. Especially if it means I can help you more," Kamui voiced with great determination and deep devotion.

"Alright," Subaru calmly replies, despite everything fluttering within his chest and stomach. Kamui was so sincere… so open with his faith in him, it couldn't help but take him back.

"Then you'll need to come closer…" Subaru gestures with a single finger. His eyes glow, watching Kamui readily and eagerly walk up to him. There is slight amusement hearing Kamui's quiet squeak as he feels the arm around him press their bodies to close.

"Close your eyes," Subaru instructed, his heart moved with how Kamui did so without question.

"I'll start," Subaru breathes the words softly over Kamui's temples. The younger man keeps his voice quiet, biting his lip slightly.

"I'm going to give you more of my power…" Subaru continues without breaking as he leans his forehead against Kamui's. "For this, I'll need you to open your mind… if it helps think of your ki like a vast room of energy. I only need for you to open that door, let me in just enough to let my power flow into you…"

"O-okay, " Kamui returns despite his nerves. With a few calming exhales, he begins envisioning just that. Focusing as hard as possible he was able to see his own power and aura inside. A field of golden light, but with a path opening...allowing mysterious yet familiar light rays to enter within. Hues of lavender, much like Subaru's own aura, melding quite naturally amongst the golden light. The energy matching There left a feeling of fullness. When that is done…

"Alright, you should be able to open your eyes, hold on to my hand… and you'll be able to hear and see what I do."

"Okay," Kamui whispers, breathing warmly over his beloved's lips. There's a sense of new intimacy making him shiver.

The arm around Kamui loosens. Violet-blue eyes clearly blink open, returning from the spiritual realm… "Subaru…" Kamui calls fondly, but apprehensive. "Did I…. do okay with that?"

Subaru looks towards his angelic lover, eyes widening with a sense of disbelief. Those same gold and emerald orbs glisten and zero in on the younger man.

"You did very well. I can't imagine anyone else I could do this with… let alone…" He swallows, looking around Kamui's form.

The golden aura surrounding his body is blended with a sense of light lavender. They were… entirely connected. "To have anyone…. I could link with that smoothly." 'You let me in… so easily and naturally' There wasn't an inkling Kamui gave anything but complete trust and dedication to their bonding.

"Phew…" Kamui breathes out with a slight laugh. He beams, feeling a hand clasp his own, and the boost in energy from himself and his lover increasing. "I was worried I might have messed something up."

Subaru presses their foreheads together once more. "Not at all," He expresses with the utmost admiration. "You were able to control your own energy, and mind exceptionally well. I had no problem reaching you… I'm quite impressed actually."

"I'm glad…" Kamui's eyes light up like a thousand dazzling stars. He stands up on his tiptoes, presses a chaste peck to his lover's lips. He couldn't hold it in anymore. His chest spread with a deep warmth.

"Now if you are ready…. We will start searching for any spirits' presence," Subaru began.

Kamui hums to confirm. The two partners wander examining every aspect of the vast, antique attic… there are large traces of energy from whoever dwelled here unable to pass on. Essentially, spiritual footprints were all over the area… it was only a matter of time.

Kamui sensed and saw glimpses of a presence… He felt unsure. 'I don't see anything at all… hopefully there's nothing wrong with that.'

As though reading his mind, Subaru turns towards the boy. "Don't worry the spell was successful, you are seeing everything I'm able to see...whoever is lingering here likely doesn't want to be found… we may need to take other measures…."

---

-Sisters-

Several attempts were made for Kamui to fully concentrate and glance into the astral plane. They were still in tune with their physical bodies sitting in a meditative stance beside the floor.

Whatever spirit here was masking their power… truly not wanting to be seen… or heard.

Yet, the presence must have had some attachment to the castle… and would come out from hiding.

'Please… just leave…' A desperate, pained cry sounded out. Desperately, an attack was initiated from the spirit. A purple wave of some kind of energy… was launched at the pair. But Kamui found himself naturally reflecting it away… his power, even partly sealed, was far stronger than whatever was approaching them.

"I'm hearing their voices aren't I? …" Kamui asks, eyes wide awake and catching a glimpse at the pain-filled spirit. Her voice cries out.

"Yes," Subaru nods. "It seems they've come out of hiding… unfortunately it's not abnormal for spirits to be aggressive when feeling cornered and-"

CRASH!

Another flash of light is sent between the pair of lovers. Yet, again Kamui catches it easily enough, being closely tied with Subaru… it seems his power acts as a shield for the both of them.

But he finds himself preferring to catch and send back the unnecessary hostile attacks. With the tip of his finger, and a sense of an arrogant smirk he catches the small ball-shaped energy.

"Is that truly all they have…" Kamui, now more clairvoyant, is able to catch the sight of bursts of energy being fired that way. He does not do it consciously but finds his powers stirring. The tip of his finger raises, taking the power of the spirit, and reflecting the same attack back. A blast of light takes over, along with a few crashing sounds.

The apparition quickly falls out of the way. Unfortunately, the shot of energy knocks over a few paintings and boxes in the way.

"Kamui..." Subaru calls out to his love in a warning tone. Or maybe this was his love's power itself. "We can't be reckless here."

"What? But- They-they tried to hurt you." Kamui defends himself, stating the words as though it were the only logical reaction. The younger boy looks up to his lover with quivering violet eyes. There is a tinge of guilt...Kamui may have found it a little entertaining to deflect attacks, which he couldn't see before, now so easily.

"Kamui… I will be alright. It's ideal, we can reach the spirit with communication," Subaru begins in an almost lecturing town. The frown on Kamui's lips makes him lighten his tone. His words still stay stern. "Striking back when not necessary may just make them go back into hiding… and we will have to begin the process over again."

"O-oh…." Kamui exudes with guilty eyes. His lover's heart sinks at the dejected look in his eyes.

"I-there is nothing wrong with using your powers to protect, just…" Subaru pauses searching for more particular words. "Let's try not to be on the offensive unnecessarily."

Kamui's lips curl down. He nods in agreement. "Alright," he acknowledges. 'But if I find it necessary….'

They had tried to communicate… or Subaru had.

"Please-, I only wish to talk with you… not to cause any harm and-"

FLASH!

Another beam of light was haphazardly shot out. It was close enough in Subaru's direction for Kamui to retaliate, albeit holding back tremendously.

"Please, I only wish to talk with you… to understand your pain." Subaru continues on, dodging stray and wild bursts of energy fired in their direction. Though whatever he hadn't instantly dodged became shot right back at the spirit.

Subaru turned, feeling relief to see the beautiful violet-blue eyes remaining their same color. No unnecessary flash of light was overtaking them. Kamui was in control.

"We only wish to help you pass on-" The head Onmyouji pleads… feeling a deep coldness, and pain within the spirit whose voice came out more clearly.

'How could I hope to pass on? I can't even find my precious person.' - The spirit's voice, at last, came out. 'Or know if they want to be found...'

Again, an array of weakened bullets of energy were fired off. The spirit was clearly getting tired, and it was outclassed having thee Kamui return each strike… even if he did hold back.

"Your precious person?" Subaru repeats, gently, with deepening empathy.

There's only a bit of strength left in the spirit. Kamui's eyes slightly glow. He all but growls to the spirit.

"Why do you think trying to hurt my precious person will change anything?! !" Kamui couldn't help but finally shout out, his mind and heart tired from the one-sided battle. The feminine spirit was scared and lost. Her aggressive tactics needed to be taken down a peg or two.

Subaru always would be kind, trying to reason even at the cost of injury. But… Kamui wouldn't have that, found himself unleashing a very tiny bit of his power, aiming the golden bolt of energy towards the panicked spirit. The strike hits precisely, leading the apparition to finally slow down, and stop.

Subaru sighs, and holds his arm out flat before Kamui. "That's enough, Kamui," he assures with a decisive tone. "They're far too worn out to keep going on the offense. I can handle it here."

Kamui reddens a bit, but relents. "Okay," He agrees, squeezing his lover's hand tightly.

"Don't worry, I know you were trying to keep me safe," he breathes out. 'For the most part.' There may always be a reckless side to Kamui, wanting to act out when someone causes his beloved harm.

Subaru gently leans his forehead on his young protege. Kamui's eyes lighten a bit. It would work out, they could balance each other well.

"You'll be able to speak with them as you're able to hear and see them." Subaru's assurance is based on Kamui being able to see more, binding their powers.

"Alright…" Kamui answers, with a bit of nerve. 'It's one thing if I can't quite grasp all these senses…' He follows his boyfriend who moves cautiously, yet openly. There was always this warmth about Subaru, that. 'I just don't want you to feel bad if it doesn't work...after going out of your way'

Subaru pauses his quiet pace. His eyebrows lower, eyes narrow in the process. "Kamui?" The younger man shakes his head, and himself out of it. 'It does no good getting lost in doubt.' The spiritual pair feel a stronger pull, reaching the corner of the room.

The foggy apparition becomes much more clear as they approach.

The image of a young woman, no older than 16, appears leaning by the windowsill, looking out sadly. Aside from her transparent form, she looked every bit like any 'normal' teenage girl. The spirit turns around warily. She leans on the back of the windowsill. Closer to the stars, her appearance is even more visible. Glowing, was incredibly long, white-blond hair reaching down to her back, part of it tied up into a kind of braid. Her eyes are dark-gray, the light reflected within them, portraying a somber storm. She appeared in a uniform, likely her school's, with a plaid dark blue skirt and white dress shirt with a matching bow. It was assumed she passed on in the clothes she last wore. Far, far too young to pass on from normal means.

"So this is where it ends…." She speaks softly, and bitterly to herself. When she turns her eyes are a deep gray, fogged over and broken.

Truly, Kamui felt a sense of victory being able to see the spirit in its true form. The vague silhouettes of white light were much harder to find empathy for. 'Of course, as kind as you are, Subaru. That comes so naturally.' Kamui reflects, with a dreamy glaze and curls over his lips. His violet-blue eyes focus on his gentle lover, speaking to the spirit, calmly.

"We're not going to hurt you," Subaru assures, with no sense of malice or deception in his eyes. He thinks Kamui's prior use of his powers may make it difficult. "I only want to talk with you, and help you."

"So….you're a real Onmyoji?" She asks recalling the title Onmyouji from her history classes before.

"Yes, My name is Sumeragi Subaru. I'm from a long line of Onmyouji," Subaru answers, with a gentle sense of patience. "I'm the current leader of my clan. "

"And this is my partner-" He gestures a hand to his side, to his beloved.

Kamui nods to this, though his eyes hold a bit of ice, this girl tries to lash out at not only him, but his Subaru."I'm Shirou Kamui," Kamui does his best to provide the same kindness as his boyfriend could. He can't really bring himself to smile. It's fair enough. "Right now I'm working with my-" He pauses, catching himself quickly. "My mentor." Among quite a few other things.

"A-are you some kind of royalty...or something? Your power is…." She questions, with a clear strike of fear in her eyes. Being this close, it was even more evident how unstoppable Kamui's powers could be.

"Nothing like that..." The origin of his power was unknown, but he was sure of this. "I hadn't meant to use any of my power…" Kamui begins slightly irritated but slightly apologetic, His eyes turn to Subaru. His guilt lies mostly, with getting carried away, missing the good impression he planned to make for this job. "I-" He shook his head, bangs shifting left and right over his temples. 'I can't apologize if it's not really earnest.' He wasn't one to initiate or strike on his own accord, either. No one was hurt...so honestly, that was that.

"I-I want to help as well...to use these powers to bring some sense of peace...or hope to others," Kamui professes, moreso for his mentor to hear him out than anything.

"Kamui…" Subaru calls fondly, yet a little saddened by the meeker voice. His eyes shiver with worry. 'As though you hadn't used those powers to save all of us, before.' But of course, the younger man he had fallen for, seemed to want to pull another piece of his heart. To help others...to protect him.

'What could I have possibly done to deserve someone as incredible as you?' He keeps this question to himself, knowing Kamui would not be too happy, at his lower confidence.

"And I won't strike back at you, so long as you do the same," Kamui blurts out, a little too much honesty. "I can't accept someone hurting someone I care for."

Subaru gives him a bit of a pointed look. Kamui had his points but it certainly came out a bit...blunt. 'We may need to work on diplomacy.' He purses his lips, to hide as even now, fondness overcoming all other senses. It seems his lover spoke quite differently with him than he did with most everyone else. Kamui was earnest and honest, so there was credit for that.

"What I mean is...we-" Kamui gently waves a hand on the space between his and his mentor's chest. "We are both just wanting to talk this over."

Subaru snorts a little, a little curl spreads to his lips. The light in his eyes signaled to Kamui 'Better.'

"You're seeking your precious person…" Subaru voices gently, assuring he has this correct. Cautiously, he steps forward, giving the spirit her space.

"Yes…" She reflects wistfully, heart-clenching. She turns back outside the window. "My younger sister… She's…." the young girl bites her lip..." She had always been far too pure and kind for a world like this… I have no way of knowing where she went…"

"I had felt my younger sister with me… until recently," Her voice strains at the words.

The younger girl continues on. "Well, younger by a few moments...but she was so precious, the only one I truly could open up to… so pure, gentle, and kind to anyone. Animals, people, spirits were all drawn to her, and the soothing songs she would sing…" The young woman's voice trails off sadly. The spirit takes a seat on the long windowsill. Her hands fold neatly into her lap. Tears threaten to fall, but she pushes them back stubbornly.

The two living souls listen patiently for her to complete her tale. Senses of earlier hostility were washed over by her true feeling of grief.

"We were inseparable. Even our names, Tsuki and...my precious Taiyou, show we were always connected. The moon and the sun. Even with our parents passing on...with her I could keep going." 'Tsuki' tells the story as though it were some fairy tale. Tears well up though can leave no physical trace in the living realm. "She was my Sun...So bright and pure. I had promised to protect her, to help her, and yet…"

Kamui finds the description, pulling a few emotional triggers. He slightly grits his teeth. 'So...a bit like Kotori.' Assuming the words were accurate. His hand balls up, painfully tight. Gentle, long fingers brush over his fist, guiding it, to open, and turn. Gently, and discreetly, their hands clasp again, seeking comfort.

"She was taken far too soon..." Tsuki's voice breaks off. softens with the latter words.

The words come like a shot to the heart for both males listening. Subaru squeezes his lover's hand tightly. They feel each other's emotions deeper now through the touch. Subaru grimaces at the pain he feels from his lover. A darkening cloud of guilt falls over the usual light in his violet-blue eyes.

Subaru and Kamui turned towards one another, sharing a comforting gaze. They habitually stand closer to one another for some sense of solace.

"She was irreplaceable to you," Subaru expresses softly, simply enough. He fully validates the girl's sense of grief.

The young woman nods, Her hands dig into the hem of her shirt, curling the fabric into her palms and out again. She continues mindlessly doing this, as the tears pour out. "I...ha…" Her voice cracks between agonized sobs. "I….was willing to do anything to get her back."

Both Subaru and Kamui close their eyes tightly, at the dangerous, and all too familiar sentiment.

"And you tried time magic?" Kamui speaks his thoughts aloud. He's sure of the answer, but couldn't help but have more curiosity on this magic concept. Or how exactly one would be drawn to something so fatal.

"Ye-yes…" Tsuki sniffles, her eyes glistening and shimmering, under the moon she was named after. "She was still very sick, and no one at the hospital seemed to understand or help her recover...My precious younger sister and my closest person. I was told she would likely only live one more year...I looked into everything I could do to h-help her...an-and" She mumbles something akin to, an apology for the flood of messy tears crashing down her cheeks.

"It's alright, take the time you need," Subaru spoke graciously. His green and golden orbs shook, taking in the young girl's anguish.

"T-Thank you…" Tsuki replies quietly and takes the offer. There are a few solid moments, silent save for the breaths, gasps, and cries echoing through the room. When she does return, she feels the words flowing out once more…

"I knew little about magic...and my own strength was nowhere near what I needed to cast it…" She confesses, heart, sinking deeper. "I could barely manage to turn back a few seconds..., and it left me so very weakened...I knew I didn't have a lot of time left...but my sister was only getting worse and- I needed to try something...and more power."

"That's what led you to this castle?" Kamui asked out, curious but delicately.

"Having more power was certainly a big part of it… Though I found myself lingering... My sister always loved the castles in Kyoto, had always wanted to go to one but…" She pauses, taking a much-needed breath. "She was never well enough to go..."

"I was always able to feel her near me…" She professes, hand clenched above her chest. "When she was alive, she always warned me...not to do anything that would put myself in harm's way... I think she knew what I was up to. I had promised her I wouldn't do so…" She trails off wistfully. Her head hangs a bit with shame, hair falling over her face like a waterfall.

"But when she had died...that light was gone. I broke my promise. How could I go on when she was gone? I-I had no one left and so….I…" Her voice cracks…" I used up the remainder of my strength and life trying to reverse things..."

"But if she has passed now..." Subaru begins quietly, he studies the girl's reactions. Her pouring tears and labored breaths are all too painful signs of loss. "Wouldn't you wish to move forward yourself...to find her in the afterlife?"

"I…." Her eyebrows scrunch together. Whilst the gray in her eyes shivers painfully. "I...I guess I've become more terrified," She admits, eyes shivering and pouring with emotions. " I can't feel her presence anywhere...or know if she truly managed to pass on...or is still lingering here, and doesn't want to see me..."

Quietly, Kamui interjects, not grasping the conviction the spirit had. "But...if you stay here and keep lingering...you'll only continue to be further from her, right? It's been some time...and you haven't found her yet, so...isn't staying here causing you more pain. Maybe even keeping you further apart?"

Kamui's perspective, his cleared-out words cut through the spirit's core, as the young woman hangs her head shamefully. She sniffles before shakily breathing out. "I...I...know it's not making sense but…" Her voice trembles, barely managing to form words without a break. "I always thought….we would find each other... and pass on together. I want her to be happy but I...hate the thought that...she passed on before me. Or perhaps she doesn't want to see me again, after what I've done..."

Subaru had listened patiently to the girl's stung...he didn't know the details these sisters had but... "A person's heart is...complex," He voices, carefully, watching the teary-eyed spirit seem to be losing her own energy, lifeforce in this world as they spoke. Perhaps, she knew it was time to go...and face the truth. "From what you've said I can't help but wonder: Do you really not feel your sister loved you?"

Tsuki blinks, looking towards both of the young spiritualists before her with surprise. "Of course, she did!" She defends, taken aback. "At least...before I broke my promise to her...started lying about what I was doing to try and heal her…"

Subaru closes his eyes, sensing a wave of mixed emotions at war with one another. It seemed this particular soul wasn't quite sure why she was still lingering here...For the hope, she would see her sister again at a place she admired?...or the fear of knowing the truth? There were no guarantees.

"She loved you deeply, wished for you to take care of yourself, so you would be alright...even if she couldn't be there with you," Subaru surmised from the earlier tale. "There's no certainty but...if the way you speak of her is true...She still loves you dearly. A feeling like that can't break so easily" Certainly a truth, he'd spend a good part of life reliving.

Subaru only had his own experience to go off of. Despite loving the one who killed his sister, he could feel she loved him. When she returned to him...for that very brief time...within his unstable mind...she expressed wanting for him to be happy to find that something to protect. Imagining a Hokuto...completely hating him never seemed like a possibility.

"Ka-" Subaru turned his head, feeling Kamui's gentle hand brushing and caressing his arm. Just like that Kamui was at his side, fully supporting his lover's beliefs.

"Loving someone...as I see it...would make you want to stay close to that person-even when things are tough...It's possible right, that she's waiting for you now? Feeling...that same loneliness you feel…on the other side," Kamui spoke from the heart, letting it lead his words to string together how he always felt when it came to love. His intuitive nature and understanding went far beyond his years.

There was always that something about Kamui...that blew Subaru away, even as they first met. That compassion, empathy, and the connections he seemed to make naturally. It left the experienced Onmyouji without words to say.

Tsuki seemed moved, eyes overflowing with emotions. The words keep her silent, sinking in for several moments. "H-how will I know where to find her...if we can't go together...in the afterlife?"

Subaru held a pained smile. Feeling his lover close to him, with an encouraging smile, he manages to add on further... "You don't." He softly explains "Not for certain. But I do know... if you stay here...not just the castle, but this realm...and get lost within yourself...You may miss the chance to see her again. "

Kamui listens with a sense of fondness.

"I-I still can't know for certain…right? I could be making a mistake...and haven't looked properly for her...maybe she will…." She whispers, seemingly pained to continue forward.

Kamui looks over to his lover who shakes his head. The younger male stays by his lover's side, voice a soft, "Unfortunately..." before shaking his head. Though, he looks towards his side, feels the very source of his strength, his happiness, clasping his hand. And soon some words that touched his heart come to mind.

"But…" An angelic curve overtakes Kamui's lips. His heart and gaze fall over the man beside him. "It's just as someone irreplaceable had taught him. Staying still….right where you are now. You'll be unable to change anything-'nothing new will begin and nothing will ever end,'" Kamui recites with a warmth overtaking his heart. Subaru gazes at his younger lover with a mix of emotions, awe, and something deeper within. Those words Kamui engraved so deeply into his heart

Lastly, Kamui finalizes, "She is someone precious to you. So shouldn't you take that chance, so you can finally see her again? "

"I…." Tsuki takes in the words with a deep sense of guilt. The words she speaks feel more of an internal revelation. "Have I….only been making her worry more now? Always assuming she'd need me to pass on when I'm the one who needed her more." The words were spoken under her breath, a private realization to herself.

There are several painful, mostly silent moments. Only the sound of shaky breaths and cries reverberates through the room.

"I think...I understand…" Finally, it does come to a stop. The spirit girl comes to a painful but certain decision. "Then I'll have to do whatever it takes to find her...wherever she may be...even if it may mean...she doesn't want to see me after all."

She continues more resolutely. "And if that means passing on...leaving behind the world we hold so many memories…" The girl quickly shakes her head before turning back towards the window. "It's something I have to risk..."

"I'm unsure if this helps you as it did with me, but My sister had this belief," Subaru felt the thought slip in. He recalled such words with a hopeful tone. "There are those we will always be connected with. And if you wish deeply enough, you'll find that person again.'" He recalled softly. nostalgic words. Yet, with his love so close...it didn't hurt to say these words, not as it used to.

Kamui only moved closer, tucked in against his lover's side. Gorgeous violet-blue eyes sparkle, holding an infinite depth of emotion, and so so much love. It makes the older man's chest flutter. Like magic, just feeling the smaller male close to him, brings a sense of a weight being lifted, feeling lighter, more hopeful.

"Perhaps….it's time…" With the words coming to life, the vision and form of the spirit begin to fade. The sense of her presence and regrets, trapping her here, begin to fade into the night.

"Your sister seems like a wonderful person," Tsuki returns the words with a sense of comfort. She leaves her last few words, before turning away, and beyond the limbo of the spirit and living realm. "I'm sure you'll connect again, someday." Her parting words fall from her lips, as she braces herself for further unknown. They watch her ascend into the blinding beautiful yet painful light.

"Subaru…" Kamui calls his lover's name gently. Finally, alone, he gives in to fully embracing the older man."You okay?" He asks softly, and cautiously. The boy's lips part to ask for more until he suddenly finds himself lifted from his feet, turned around, and hugged incredibly tight.

"I need you, Kamui," Subaru confesses, feeling just how affected the younger man left him. "Even more than I realized…" And that was already so so much.

"I need you too." Kamui studies his lover's features. "Always." His eyes lower with a bit of worry, but he cups gentle cheekbones within his hands. Silently, he caresses the tired features. His arms shift, sling around the taller man's neck, as he returns the embrace. "Let's head back." They'd be home again soon.

---

Returning Home

"And now it's completely, clear, you did well Kamui," Subaru congratulated, finalizing their last personal jobs. The sense of every menacing spirit had gone completely. He gently reached out and pet Kamui on the head, as one might a kitten.

Kamui huffed a bit, averting his eyes a bit. He couldn't stay frustrated. He knew how Subaru felt for him, and that his actions were out of fondness. Even if it did occasionally make him feel like he was doted on like His lips curled up, and he groaned slightly.

'I feel way too much when I'm with you…'

"Thank you," Kamui, at last, decided to say, wanting to lean up to his tiptoes and seal their lips. They were so close… but on the other hand, so was their last client.

With countless amounts of energy, and enough of it tapered off Kamui easily and swiftly cleansed all sights of the angered spirits. Sometimes, just held out the tip of his finger, sending the tiniest burst of magic to dissolve the spiritual presence.

Occasionally, Kamui had turned back, watching for Subaru's reaction, his approval. Something that always meant the world to the boy. The way he would beam as Subaru gave an approving nod or word of thanks, was blissful.

On occasion, Kamui did seem to want to impress a bit, using milder but flashy bursts of energy. There was a triumphant little smirk on his lips whenever he could get a surprised and in awe reaction from his mentor.

"You know I'm gonna miss it here," Kamui breaks him from his thoughts. He looks on wistfully, marveling at the way his boyfriend so neatly packs away his belongings.

"Kyoto?" Subaru asks simply, but his focus already shifts to his beautiful lover, and him alone. "Or… this house specifically ?"

"Mnn…" Kamui hums thoughtfully, pressing a finger to his lips and he leans his head back.

Now, was one of those moments, Subaru swore to keep recorded within his heart. Kamui sweetly says on their bed, closing his less attentively packed suitcase.

The young man's long elegant legs dangling from the bed. His arms move to grasp the edge of the mattress. The summer sun did nothing but enhance already breathtaking features. He was glowing brilliantly as his raven hair glimmered with gorgeous blue highlights.

'My beautiful Kamui… ' Subaru naturally found himself thinking, feeling deeply.

The gorgeous, million-dollar smile and mystical violet orbs shimmered with deep admiration.

"Both," Kamui answers at last, cheeks a little heated, feeling eyes over every inch of him. He licks his lips a bit nervously, trying to keep his thoughts on the present… and not…elsewhere.

"We can plan a trip back whenever you'd like," Subaru promises, easily, his lover's desires taking an easy first place to all other life tasks.

"That would be nice, it's really peaceful out here…" Kamui blissfully speaks. "Of course, I love our home in Tokyo so much."

"I'm glad," Subaru responds, leaning over tenderly to press a kiss to Kamui's cheek. He partly wonders if he should be worried, his heart still skipping a few beats, hearing Kamui speak of their place in Tokyo, as 'our home.'

'Loving Tokyo itself… I'm not sure.' Kamui ponders. The place brought him equal memories of pain and joy. But the present-day… The happy memories were flooding in.

"But… what I love the most here is…" Kamui bites his lip, trying not to blurt every embarrassing thought at once.

"Is?" Subaru prompted, with a gentle gleam in his eyes.

"I… I get to learn more about you, where you grew up, your family..." Kamui trails off, waving his hand vaguely in a circle. "And I love the new memories I can make with you."

"Kamui…" Subaru murmurs, heart-swelling, eyes shimmering. Gently, he takes Kamui's hand within his own. He kneels down, making the younger boy's heart jump at how close the position looked to a proposal. He calms seeing his boyfriend kneeling fully, kissing his hand, looking up with admiration. Though his heart returns to its racetrack for a different reason.

"I feel the same… maybe more so…" Subaru murmurs the words, his voice very very soft. "I…love every memory I can make with you." He professes greatly, cradling his lover's small barefoot. He kisses the top of it, making Kamui envision a brave knight swearing loyalty to his precious king.

"I love you too much," Kamui sweetly admits with a lovesick laugh following. He finds his lover leaning back up, looking at him with warmth. The younger man can't help but grasp his hand tightly, hugging and pulling his love wonderfully close to him.

---

Temporary Partings

Alas, Kamui's school semester is set to begin again. The past few weeks in Kyoto have proven to be eventful, to say the least. The last step is to return to the Sumeragi estate. Though visiting Subaru's grandmother, they found themselves closely followed by another.

The fluffy little feline found herself preferring to doubt around Subaru today. Though she had a strong attachment to Kamui as well. The cat weaves her way around and between Subaru's legs, claiming her unofficial owner.

"She's very attached to you both," Subaru's grandmother breathes the words, warmly. She watches the affectionate scene from the veranda. Certainly, her grandson, beaming more than he had even as a child… was relieving.

"You think so? She seems so drawn to this place…" Subaru comments further, seeing the little furball happily loved to play within the tranquil gardens on his family's estate.

"She is very sweet...but of course, we..." He turns to Kamui, who nods. They would have to talk some things over, on how they would care for the tiny feline. If they would both be out of town working together, going all over… and the like- they would have to figure things out...making sure the animal always had someone to care for her. And judging by her personality, she would need 'her people' to dote on her.

Looking down he finds himself drawn to the bright cat made him think of his precious person. 'It might be nice for us to have a cat…' Adding small, purring kitten to their home, their 'little family' may be really pleasant.

Kamui kneels down, partly frustrated to not be the chosen favorite between the two of them. Gently, he pets the feline's head, who continues purring and leaning into the hand.

"I'm quite certain," Lady Sumeragi assures, then adds on. "She's been very vocal until you came back here."

There was a sense of exhaustion with that tone, but the former Sumeragi head never let anything show. Something Subaru had sworn he himself perfected…and for the most part he could, just never with Kamui. Kamui gives him so many emotions, ones he never imagined experiencing again, let alone this deeply.

Subaru looks to the side, but his view is lacking his beautiful love. His gaze shifts down to see Kamui kneeling down and petting the little kitten. So so sweet, innocent, and precious…

'It might not be a bad thing to see more of…'

"We… we'll talk it over," Subaru offers vaguely, making no promises. Though he was certain Kamui could sway his decision either way effortlessly.

The tender couple took their seats at a small table overlooking the beautiful garden. One last visit before they had to go.

Knowing the approval, Kamui felt a bit more comfortable. They sat around idly drinking tea and enjoying the scenic view of the world away from Tokyo. A chance for Kamui to connect with Subaru's only family member he was close to before they went.

"... Yes, he's been an incredible help," Subaru all too easily gushes over his love.

"I...well I'm glad I can be…" Kamui meekly chimes into the more embarrassing part of the conversation. His cheeks flare right up. This was a much better feeling than with that last job. The limiter tattoo was working quite well.

"Kamui does have wonderful potential, that I've seen from his power alone. I take it having part of that power-"

BRIIIING…. RRRRIIIING….

"Ah… I'm sorry, of all times for this," Subaru fishes for the vibrating phone within his pocket. While planning on calling back.

~Riiiiing briiiiing~

The cell phone continued to sound off and vibrate, all from a persistent client. Subaru sighs, looking at his phone in uncertainty. He never really left Kamui's side during the visit… and who knows what his grandmother and Kamui would talk about.

What she might say to him… though she did seem approving but- A gentle clasp over Subaru's arm, has him leaping out from his over speculative thoughts.

"You should probably take that," Kamui insisted, feeling for his very popular boyfriend. There never seemed to be a break.

"I…"

"It's okay, Subaru," Kamui ensures with a bright shimmer in his eyes and an enticing little curve over on his plush lips.

"I'm in agreement with your dear Kamui. You are the family head, so answering those calls is part of that responsibility." She sounds off with a slightly lecturing tone. Though her voice softens as she adds. "You have no need to worry, he'll be fine. I have no plan to get into any conflict with someone who made you fall this hard."

"I-..." Subaru feels heat rising up to his ears. His entire face blaring at the words, and so matter of fact, she said all of that. What's worse she was right on the mark. "I-I'll go take this then-" Subaru quickly excuses himself, leaving a slightly flustered Kamui behind.

There's a brief silence until Subaru is out aways in the garden, busying himself with the call. There's a comfortable breeze flowing through it isn't until Subaru is out of earshot, conversing that any more words are exchanged.

"Kamui," Lady Sumeragi draws the boy from his head.

"Yes?" Kamui responds warily, nerves kicking up.

"There is something I want to talk with you about," She explains with a stern tone. There's nothing on her face indicating what that was supposed to entail. "That boy hasn't made it easy to do so...never once leaving your side." She waves over in her grandson's direction.

"Ah… yeah, I guess that's true…" Kamui responds with a bit of a meek, shaky voice.

"For such a very long time, Subaru has had to suffer. I haven't seen anything close to a smile in nearly a decade. And even then… he didn't light up as he does with you."

"I'm just happy if I can help Subaru feel that way…" Kamui flushes, speaking with honest yet simple feelings to a far too complex emotion.

"It's not up to me, or within my bounds. I hold no doubts you two are bound… but I must ask." She stops, making sure Kamui makes direct eye contact.

"Yes?" Kamui responds in earnest. Something told him that involved Subaru, which meant he needed to give it his all.

"You do plan to stay by Subaru's side? Not for now… a few months, years, decades but always." Lady Sumeragi questions. Her words came out with an intense feeling, it was of the utmost importance.

Thankfully, the answer was clear for the young man."I'll always stay with Subaru," Kamui, the answer automatic, and every bit tied to his heart. "I… I… truly love your grandson very much." He assures, bowing his flustered head. His cheeks burn to a deep shade of pink. "I couldn't… imagine life without him." Kamui shakes his head, words coming out more clear and certain. "Not one where I could ever be happy. I will always be with Subaru."

There's a sense of devotion and earnestness. The tone and words lift what feels like a lifelong burden off of the older woman's chest.

"That's all I need to know," Lady Sumeragi ensures, feeling quite satisfied with the answer. Not just Kamui's words, the deep emotions swirling in his eyes, and the almost fiery aura spreading around him as he spoke with such love. "I think you're very good for Subaru.

"I'm glad you think so…" Kamui audibly lets out a relieved breath. That question he knew he could speak straight from the heart. It was a blessing to have further approval, validation they fit together, could make each other happy.

"Kamui…" Though the former Sumeragi leader still has her eyes on Kamui. They fixate on the young man, studying not just his corporeal form but the heavenly aura around him, how it brightens almost blindingly as the boy mentions or thinks of her grandson. "I have been meaning to say this.."

Just like that Kamui shivers, his nerves spiking again. Here he thought that was all that was needed. He clenched his hands tightly to his sides, hiding his nerves under the table "Yes."

Lady Sumeragi continues to look fondly at, and examine the one who made her grandson start to truly live again.

"There aren't enough words to express this. For everything, you've done for Subaru…" She expresses, showing a soft and genuine smile towards the boy. "Thank you, Kamui." The older woman bows her head graciously, humbling herself in front of the world's savior. Who happened to

"Oh...b-but…" Kamui waves his arms around, unsure where this was coming out from. He hadn't felt he did all that much. "Really, you don't need to do that."

"I do. I should have earlier. Young Shirou Kamui, thank you for saving Subaru." She expresses bowing her head lower in respect to Kamui.

"I… I don't know if I did all that much though I just-"

"You most certainly did." She quickly interrupts the words. "His light inside has finally returned, shining even brighter than it has ever been. Seeing both together, I'm certain that's the reason why." She expresses. "So please, take care of Subaru. "

"He's the one who saved me…" Kamui murmurs under his breath. Though he can tell the Older woman is seeking a more affirmative response. So sincerely, he promises. "I will, for the rest of my life. I definitely will… Subaru is…"

'God even thinking of him is making me…' Kamui quickly wipes at his eyes to prevent stray tears.

"I will stay with Subaru," Kamui vows, heart on his sleeve. "It makes me...happiest when I am…." His tender words fall out, as he watches his sweet boyfriend returning to their table. Subaru looks at him curiously, wondering just what occurred.

Things feel quite light. Kamui rests his head gently against his shoulder. The little feline paws her way to claiming a spot, to nuzzle up into a ball on the Onmyouji's lap. The warm summer sky. It seems this trip to Kyoto would end on quite a hopeful note.

END