"So this is how jealousy feels like" Shaka told himself. It never occurred to him he could ever be prey of such a mundane passion until he pictured Mu with someone else besides Aioria. Shaka was well aware those two had been intimate more than once but since their relationship never moved forward, the Virgo sort of disregarded it. Besides Aioria was a trustworthy person, he would never do anything to hurt Mu, unlike that other person in the Aries mind, who had visibly disturbed him and didn't cared to make up for it. Who could it possibly be?
Since Mu's life in the sanctuary began pretty recently, it could be just about anyone besides his usual friends. It made Shaka mad that some random person, saint or not, just happened to crash around to steal the Aries scarce peace.
Well the Virgo was also to blame according to himself, since he neglected quite a bit his own relationship with the Lemurian. Had Shaka paid more attention to Mu, this weird infatuation might have been avoided, but now it was late to do anything about it. It would be plain rude and cause even more damage than good.
The Indian reached his chambers and went straight for his own bed. He sat down on it recalling the several times he had laid down there with Mu, not only in a sexual encounter but many more that not even Aioria would know about.
Shaka still remembered Mu as a very noisy, curious and mischievous boy, pretty much like Kiki. The Indian used to follow him around everywhere, even when they couldn't understand each other very well at first.
Then, one day Shaka woke up in the middle of the night. An ill and eerie atmosphere engulfed the sanctuary. As he went out of his chambers to investigate, he heard some crying coming from the entrance of his temple. He rushed over to find Mu there, shaken and desperate calling for pope Shion. With a lot of effort Shaka took him to his room, where he tried everything he could to make him calm down and explain himself. It didn't happened until the sun was up and then Aldebaran arrived. There had been some mayor disturbance in the Sanctuary, apparently Sagittarius Aioros tried to murder Athena and was on the run after killing pope Shion. Wondering what would be of Aioria, both Shaka and Aldebaran went back to Mu, with a better understanding of his distress.
But the young boy never went back to his old self, never talked about the incident. His friends assumed the same as everyone else, they believed the lies about the Sagittarius and that was it. But Mu knew the truth. So after the battle with the titans he went up to see Shaka once more, see him one last time. They met in the afternoon, as they had met a few times before. They stayed together until very late at night. Shaka noticed a change in Mu at that time, like a decision had been made and he could not figure out what it was. The Aries' mind was somewhere else, where the Virgo's attentions could not quite reach. When he finally laid down to rest, physically satisfied but mentally confused, Mu pronounced the most enigmatic words Shaka ever heard him say. - I'm leaving - That was and was not all. Shaka was too exhausted to realize Mu didn't meant his bed, but the Sanctuary. He didn't realized it until next day when Aldebaran asked him if he had seen their friend. They both looked everywhere for him unsuccessfully. Later on they learned from Aioria that pope Ares had ordered a hunt for him. Mu was a traitor too.
Indeed Shaka felt betrayed. So much, he refuged himself in the teachings of Buddha as to forget him, which was the only thing he didn't fully accomplished. He devoted himself to his duty and forgot about the world. It took one mighty defeat from a much unexpected opponent for Shaka to become aware of his state. So when Mu came back, and the situation calmed down a notch, their reunion was a rather an easy transition. The thrust was restored back to where it was left but without advancing further either.
"Athena, I don't think I'm the one to make him happy, I just don't want that horrible night to repeat itself. Who is he interested in this time? Please don't let him be heartbroken again or at least let me be there for him if it becomes unavoidable"
Such troubled train of thoughts was interrupted when the Virgo felt a very dear cosmos entering his temple. He jumped out of bed and went for the door to greet his visitor.
- Hello Shaka - greeted the Aries when the door opened for him
- Mu, come in. - it was weird for Shaka to find him there - is something the matter?
- That's what I wanted to ask you. - Said the Lemurian sitting at the bar which separated the kitchen from the living room - you seemed real mad when you left from Leo the other day.
- Really? - Said Shaka walking to make some tea - I'm sorry Mu. I guess I'm kind of jealous.
- Jealous? Shaka... - The Virgo made himself busy making the tea as not to face the Aries directly - Oh Shaka, I'm sorry... - Mu couldn't help but to look down.
- About?
- Not noticing the depth of your feelings and... Well I do love you... just not the way you'd like...
- Don't worry about it - replied Shaka mechanically while he put the water to boil. A weird sadness like a fog took over him. "How come, after everything we've shared, you had no idea I…" but then a bad feeling assaulted the Virgo - Mu, may I ask you a question? - the Indian's words made Mu look up directly into his open eyes - if you didn't know I loved you until now, then why did you let me have you so many times?
Mu blinked confused and remained silent, not really knowing what to answer. "Was Mu so afraid of being left alone after Shion's murder he thought submitting to us was the price of having us around?" How that possibility would perfectly explain Mu's passivity during most of their encounters alarmed Shaka. "Was he actually unwilling!?" Shaka immediately went to him and placed a hand on his shoulder. - Mu, you didn't had to. - Shaka sat next to him - Please tell me if I ever hurt you. It was not my intention. Forgive me.
- Shaka, what are you talking about?
- Now I feel like I abused your trust
- Don't be ridiculous, - said Mu with a warm smile – Shaka, I would have given in to desperation a long time ago if you haven't been there for me when I needed you. I might not even be alive today. I didn't do anything I didn't feel like, if that's what's worries you. It was my clumsy way of giving thanks to you. Now I feel like I just fed you a false hope…
Well, if Shaka wanted to know why their relationship never progressed, there he had his answer. It was due that kind of misunderstandings. They never quite clearly understand each other's intentions when doing things.
Shaka looked down for a moment
- Mu you are a very dear person to me. I guess it's my fault for assuming you knew that, I should have made sure you knew, I should have told you how much I love you earlier. Saying it now feels like backstabbing you instead. I don't want to trouble you. If there is really no chance of a deeper relationship between us at least I'd like to remain your friend. Keep counting on me for whatever you need.
- Thank you, Shaka. I'll try not to be a burden…
At least less troubled, Shaka went back for the boiling water and poured it on the cups he had prepared
- Aren't you interested in anyone else?
- No. and even if I were, who could possible bear with a self-centered hermit such as me on a daily basis? Not even you guys do that.
- Shaka don't say that…
- No, Mu, don't "someday" me. There's nobody else like you, and I certainly don't want anyone else messing with me. I'm clearly not a people person, I can't even figure out the people I care for.
- Alright, alright. But you are not even trying to meet new people, Shaka
- It's too much effort... you lot are too much effort, I don't want anymore...
- So you'll keep being a hermit
- Pretty much
- Right… well, I'm leaving
- where to? - Shaka hurried to ask
- Jamir. i need to find some documents Shion had... I'm not sure if i discarded them a while ago and he is asking for them...
- Oh, would you like me to help you?
- No, it's fine. i'll be back by tomorrow
Kanon had been wandering about again. He could not lay still for long, even when his own feet demanded some rest. There was no rest. So at the moments his body refused to move anymore, his mind would keep going. This way sleep was scarce.
So far he had been pretty much everywhere. But nobody had seen him. He kept himself hidden using the illusions. He had to. Otherwise, Saga would appear before him with that know-it-all attitude to try and lecture him over all the things he already knew or didn't cared to know.
But Kanon had found a pattern. Inside the twelve temples, the colosseum and the library, it was as if people chased the older twin away like a charm against bad omen. So once the Gemini felt like not taking another step, he would visit either Milo or Shura, and take a nap. Napping at the coliseum was impossible, given the loud noise. And doing so in the library put him at risk of being left alone. Camus was not an option because he would get really offended if his friend ignored him to hit the sofa; besides the Aquarius would quickly figure out the reason behind his behavior and would even go as far as to demand Saga to leave his little brother the hell alone. Kanon could not afford anyone taking sides in his family affairs. It could only make things worse.
This was also the reason he tried to stay away from Mu too. Saga could be a little possessive and distrustful, and might not like him getting involved with others in any other terms that weren't his own. So the Gemini wanted real bad to spare the Aries any troubles. But it was one thing to have good intentions and another to actually go through with whatever was intended. Mu presence was addictive, just by standing near, Kanon's irrational need to hide and the inherent anxiety of not doing so diminished. He could breathe and relax, maybe even shamelessly be his twisted self, knowing there would be next to no repercussions. Mu had proven to be very tolerant of his dark sense of humor.
Before he knew it, Kanon had reached Aries private chambers. Darn, he got distracted. But it was clear to him Mu was not around, he couldn't sense his cosmos anywhere. Still, there was a lot of racket in there and the Gemini assumed the imp's friends must have taken over the place. As he turned to leave, the door swung open and a small figure called for him.
- Gemini Kanon… - said Kiki in a very formal tone, still he hesitated – good evening…
The noise in the living room stopped as Kiki's friends moved to look past the boy, forgetting everything about discretion and good manners. They were intrigued as to why would the Unapproachable would be there.
Kanon nodded as a greeting.
- Will your mentor take too long to return?
- He won't be around until tomorrow…
The man was too tired to think straight. Maybe if Mu had been around he would have done an effort at being less… more… that, whatever, but being only a bunch of kids it wasn't worth it. He nodded again turned to leave.
- Do you need anything? Would you want me to give him a message? – Kiki hurried his politeness. For a moment, he feared Kanon would tell his mentor about his friends making a mess at Aries.
- Relax, imp. I gain nothing from black mailing you about making a party while your mentor is away
Kiki felt guilty right away
- We are not making a party - Shun hurried to intervene - we're supposed to be studying - Kanon arched an eyebrow looking at Hyoga who had just released Seiya from a lock. - We have a test tomorrow
- Test? - Only then Kanon saw the large book Andromeda was carrying
- Well yeah. We are way behind...
- Since when do we need tests?
- Don't talk in general, Shun - called Hyoga - the only one failing so far is Seiya.
- We barely made it! Besides, this time our mentors are on the line too. Our grades are terrible!
- What is the point on going over the same old stories over and over? - Complained Seiya - they are lame and boring
- He who does not recall the past is bond to repeat it. - said Shiryu.
- Like I'm ever going sailing...
That called Kanon's attention.
- We went once, remember?
- Yeah, with a professional crew as not to get lost!
- That is beside the point, Seiya! - Said Kiki concerned - Odysseus was a professional too. He getting lost at sea had nothing to do with that.
- Wait, what? - The kids shut up as Kanon stepped forward and took the book from Andromeda's hands - you've got a test about the Odyssey? - He leafed through the book. The kid nodded.
- Hey, Kanon, you were one of Posseidon's marina, you know this story don't you? - asked Hyoga not sure about how polite should he be towards the Gemini.
- Of course - he said looking at him briefly - but i don't deal with brats - he gave the book back to Andromeda ready to leave.
- Oh, then please help us out! - Shun took the book and bowed in respect. Hyoga right away did the same, followed by Shiryu and even Kiki...
- Guys... - Seiya was about to complain but Hyoga made him lower his head
- You are the one needing this the most!
- Don't you feel bad for Marin and Aioria? - asked Shun
- You should feel bad also for us, stuck in here with you when we could be having fun at the town. - sentenced Kiki, using his psychokinesis to throw him a cushion from the nearby sofa.
- That's not what I mean. Kanon clearly doesn't like people and you are being imposing!
Well Seiya had a point…
- What kind of test is this? – Kanon pretended not to hear that last piece.
- We don't know for sure, only it will be written, individually and book closed
- It can be anything from multiple choice to a full essay.
- In Japanese?
- Yes, Dokko will apply it
- If your literature is in Greek you should take the test in Greek too - said Kanon looking at the book - the reasoning can get distorted in translation... – he stepped into the room.
- So you will help us? - asked hopeful Shun.
- If this is so important why aren't any of your mentors in here?
- We all have been over this the whole week...
- So they just gave up? It seems I'm your last hope... alright, then. Consider Athena is not only goddess of war or justice but also wisdom, so it's only logical to think she does not want to be surrounded by ignorant brutes. Now pay attention. Fights are not won on power alone, some reasoning is essential. - Kanon walked towards the living room - but reasoning comes from learning and that from experience. Yet if you hope to learn by only your own experiences you'll die before learning much so it is useful to take other's experiences as short cut. - Kiki closed the door behind the Gemini, the kid was still not very convinced it was a good idea to let him in without his mentor around, but what could they lose? Kanon would not risk doing anything too bad, would he? - But first thing's first - lunch time was quickly approaching. - How are we in the food front?
- We have enough for the whole day
- Bring some snacks if you have any. Let's begin. We need some context. - Kanon sat at the sofa, all the boys but Hyoga sat around him. The Russian remained standing up leaning against the wall - where do the story take place, what was happening there at the time and who was involved? – All of a sudden, the surroundings changed thanks to the Gemini's illusions...
It was past midnight when Saga's astral projection appeared in a corner of the living room of Aries private chambers. The furniture, still in one piece, had been moved against the walls to make room for the kids' sleeping bags at the center. All of them were completely out. There were evidence of snacks here and there, but all books, notebooks and pencils were neatly arranged in the table. Also the kitchen looked as if nobody had used it yet, clean and ordered. There was nothing out of place there. And in the nearby couch, Kanon slept.
Saga noticed the minute he entered the Aries temple, only then he revealed his presence to the world. And the former Gemini wondered what he would be doing there. Maybe he went looking for Mu, but found the kids instead and they somehow made him stay. Curiosity had been eating the older twin all afternoon, but he had to attend other things and could not be paying his brother all the attention he wanted.
Saga looked at him, he was exhausted... and yet he looked restless. Kanon was not peacefully sleeping. He constantly moved his eyes and one of his hands, like grabbing something. He held his breathe a moment.
- Saga... - he mumbled
The pope's eyebrows rose briefly in surprise. He then leaned down to whisper in his brother's ear.
- What is it?
- Won't you come back?
- Here I am, Kanon - Saga caressed his hair - rest well
Kanon sighed and relaxed. Saga gave a final look around and vanished
At noon next day, the Japanese bronze saints and Kiki were waiting out of the pope's studio for Seiya to finish his test. There were also their mentors and Aioria. Since there was no Sagittarius saint, it was everyone's responsibility to check on his training. They were all nervous.
When the door finally opened and Seiya came out, nobody could hide their anxiety.
- How was it?
- I'm not sure, the questions were kind of confusing
- Seiya, you have a mind made of Teflon! - accused Kiki
- I'm sorry Camus, we tried everything - apologized Hyoga. The Aquarius only placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder
- No, surely we missed something. - Said Shun to Seiya - there must be something we can do, it's not possible you didn't learned a thing after everything we did yesterday.
- I'm sorry. - apologized Seiya.
The kids turned gloom
Marin wanted to scold Seiya, but not because she scolded him he would learn anything or else the kid would be the most knowledgeable human alive. On the other hand, Aioria wanted to comfort him but anything he could say would only make him feel worse...
Kiki was so sad he unconsciously leaned against Mu. The lemurian placed a comforting hand on his head.
All of them jumped startled when the door to the pope's studio opened again.
- I just finished grading all tests. All mentors come in, please.
This time it was Kiki who held Mu's hand not willing to let his mentor get scolded because of him. Mu only smiled and followed the others.
Outside the kids turned gloom. They all sat in the floor waiting. Kiki could barely held the tears of defeat, Shiryu hugged him.
All of a sudden, a loud
- WHAT!?
From the other side of the door broke the silence, forcing the kids to stand up. Kiki and Shun jumped to the door. They needed to know what was going on inside. Suddenly it bursted open and Marin came out hugging Seiya and lifting him from the ground.
- You did it, you did it. I'm so proud of you! Excellent job!
- What!? - The other kids could not believe it
- Marin... I can't breathe...
- I'm sorry! - She said letting go of her disciple
- Seiya passed the test? - asked Hyoga
- He sure did. - Aioria showed it to the other kids
It was not a perfect score but it was way away from his initial grade
- Thank you everyone for your support - said Marin
- You did it, you did it! - Kiki jumped of joy and hugged Seiya, still teary eyed. - You are not beyond help after all.
Shun, Shiryu and Hyoga joined the hug and they all ended in the floor.
- I think we should properly thank Kanon - said Seiya
- Kanon? - asked Camus.
The surprise in all mentors faces dimmed the kids' joy
- Why Kanon? - asked Dokko
- Remember I told you Kanon came by yesterday looking for you? - Said Kiki to Mu - well...
- We asked him for help. - said Shun to Shaka
- You know, since he is a marina and all, we figured he should be familiar with the story... - said Hyoga to Camus
- And he agreed? Just like that? - asked Dokko
"He must have seen them desperate…" Camus told himself - If that is the case then Seiya improvement is no surprise at all - replied Camus to Dokko - he used to coach both Milo and me…
- Hn… If only we could talk to him, he could give us a few pointers. Not only Seiya improved, everyone did and after only one afternoon.
- That would be like making a silk purse out of a pig's ear – added Shaka – it is near impossible to find
- Alright then. – Conceded Dokko - Guess that's it. We are all free for the rest of the day
- Let's go to town! – Kiki looked at Mu implying they all should go, not just the kids
- Let's go! – Agreed Aioria – We must celebrate
While they walked out Camus stayed a little behind, taking Hyoga along
- Are you alright? – The Aquarius whispered to Cygnus in Russian
- Yes, why? – The kid looked up at his mentor perplexed
- Did he bullied any of you? Made anyone feel uncomfortable?
- No, not really. Actually he reminded me of you. – Camus arched an eyebrow – although a bit on the sarcastic side, but I don't think anyone would complain. Why?
- He does have a rather twisted personality. Although I'm glad this ended ok. Still warn me next time you request anything from him.
Hyoga nodded and kept following the others. After a few more steps he discreetly looked at his mentor. Despite his emotionless face, his eyes betrayed an unusual nostalgia.
- My mentor Camus is really fond of his older brother Kanon? – he whispered in Japanese
- What? He is so annoying – said Camus frowning, although in Russian. So far he could understand Japanese but was not confident speaking it.
- Yeah, they are too – Hyoga meant Shun, Shiryu, Seiya and Kiki.
"Kanon…" Mu tried to reach him telepathically
"What is it?" came a drowsy reply
"Are you alright? Do you need anything?"
"I'm good. Why do you ask?"
"Kiki told me you came by yesterday looking for me, and you helped them with today's test."
"So?"
"It is unusual for you to interact with others. Did something happened?"
"No. I only thought of making sure you still had a home to return to. Those unsupervised brats were going to bring it down" Kanon could not admit he didn't notice Mu wasn't around and accidentally ran into the children. Otherwise the lemurian would worry. A gold saint had to be pretty out of sort as not to notice when the guardian of a temple was not on post.
"Thanks"
"How did it go?"
"Excellent. We are taking them down to town to celebrate"
"Good"
"Care to join us?"
"No way. I don't celebrate with minors"
Mu chuckled before the mental image of a full load of rum. Dokko was the only one to notice
"Do you want me to bring you something?"
"… a ribbon…"
"a wha…?"
Mu turned red to the root of his hair before another mental image of him wearing nothing but a strategically tied ribbon. Dokko discretely turned around to check if anyone else noticed.
"that can be arranged"
It was Kanon's turn to blush up next to the campfire he set up back to where the Gemini and the Aries first met.
From all the places in the Sanctuary, Virgo temple was the oddest for Kanon. It resonated with his guardian cosmos in such a sync that it felt like it had a life of its own. For what he had read at the library, Virgo's saints have always spent their days building up their cosmos through meditation so it was possible that it had impregnated the place.
All day, everyday, Shaka would sit either at the altar or in the gardens and meditate. His cosmos was almost impossible to miss. He would stay at it come rain or come shine, with his disciples or alone, creating this surreal atmosphere in the halls.
Since Shaka was at his temple and Saga wouldn't dare bother him, Kanon decided to quit concealing his presence so he could rather focus on studying the weird phenomenon at the place.
After just one step into the temple, the Gemini felt disconnected from the outside world, like he had barged into another dimension, although, not the kind found through the Golden Triangle or the one Saga made. He wondered if that was a natural state or a defensive measure.
Saga noticed Kanon lowering his guard right away. From all the way of his studio he contacted Shaka through his cosmos, but found himself at a loss of instructions, warnings, advices… nothing to give. How ironic to go to the lengths of asking Deathmask and Shaka to track him down only to do nothing once he is found. It was also ironic too that having so much things to say to his brother, not one came to his mind as to request Shaka to pass the message.
So Saga slumped on his chair wondering why his brother would be there. And then it occurred to him that maybe as with Deathmask, Kanon had found out Shaka had been also commissioned to trail him and had gone there to dissuade him.
When Shura told him Kanon's present delivered by Deathmask was a consolation prize of sorts for something that didn't go as expected, Saga felt awfully guilty of asking the Cancer saint to try and shadow his brother. But despite he relieved the Italian from the duty, he kept the Indian on the look out through his cosmos. He should have stopped him too.
So who would the Virgo side with? Deathmask had protested when the task was given, Shaka complied as he always did, but that didn't meant he was any more comfortable than his comrade. Would he admit to Kanon's accusation? Would he quit his task? Would he continue? Saga locked the door to his studio and decided to know first hand what was going on. He used his astral projection to get to the sixth temple. But unknown to him, someone else also reached Shaka with a clear intention…
Kanon decided to act as if he was casually passing by, after all he didn't know Shaka enough to pay him a visit. The Gemini only concern was the Virgo would deny him entrance, but why would he? He hadn't given him any excuse, right?
It was so unsettling. So peaceful.
As Kanon walked it seemed as if the temple itself shone. And the complete silence in there made Kanon felt as if he had gone deaf. The stillness of the place resulted contagious, Kanon found it difficult to proceed. A few moments afterwards he even found difficult to breathe and fell to his knees.
Was there a barrier after all? Was he blatantly unwelcome in there?
- What is one of Athena's gold saints doing, kneeling like a sinner, at Virgo temple?
- Shaka… – Kanon was not sure if Shaka was talking to him with his voice or with his cosmos. His serene cosmos had flooded the place, so the older man was not so certain where exactly he was.- I request your permission to go through the temple you guard
- Why would you request something you already have?
- I can't proceed
- I'm not holding you down
- is the temple rejecting me or repelling me?
- the temple does not have the faculty to do that on its own
- then what is happening?
- it looks to me you are dragging too much load on your soul. The weigh is pinning you down.
- So… is this as far as I can go?
- so it seems. If you want to go further, you need to let go.
- let go… - Kanon felt as if something was about to crush him. "Let go of what?"
- Are you not a gold saint?
- I am...
- Have Athena not welcome you?
- She have...
- Don't you wish to serve her?
- I do...
- Then why do you deny yourself your place among us?
- What…?
- You go around like an outcast, hiding yourself from the sun and the people. – the Virgo's words made the Gemini flinch. - You are constantly on the move fearing someone would catch you. You are always alert as if to avoid getting ambushed. You avoid being left alone at a building in case it's a trap. You are at Athena's Sanctuary, a place where her saints can be safe, yet you act like stranded in enemy territory. Who is chasing you? None of the saints at her service would. But even if someone were indeed out there to get you, do you honestly think Athena would sat idle?
Suddenly tears escaped the Gemini's eyes
- You have her blessing. Over the billions of people out there she chose you to be here. It is your right.
- It is difficult... To face you every day... And act as if nothing happened...
- It is because much did happen, it can't be ignored, and it can't be undone. You can try to pay for it all by living with it. But despite everything you've done, she forgave you. Only Athena's judgement is relevant. All others must adapt, whether we like it or not. You gave your life to her and she accepted it, so now you must live for her. You are a gold saint.
Kanon was not sure if Shaka said live or stay alive.
"I am... A gold saint... Gemini Kanon"
Kanon stood up and walked forward.
- We can't afford to have differences between us, Kanon. - Said Shaka once the Gemini saint stood before him - No if we are to protect Athena. We are all gold saints, fear and doubts have no room in here.
Kanon didn't reply, he just walked past Shaka. Once out of the temple, he didn't dare to hide himself anymore… well, only to indulge himself with the Aries attentions…
Mu was very distracted, as he normally was lately, trying to cook something for lunch. It was Shaka's birthday and he offered to host a small celebration for him since the Virgo was not into large parties. Aioria and Aldebaran were sure to show up but the Aries had no idea if Shaka disciples, Shiva and Agora would attend. Shun would and hopefully Ikki, Kiki invited Shiryu and Dokko by consequence, along with Shion.
Former Pope Shion.
Former Aries Shion.
Both the Leo and Taurus saints brought supplies the day before, and they both promised to arrive early to help. But Mu started preparations almost since he woke up, so all that was left to do besides finishing the food was to serve the table and eat.
- I wonder what those potatoes did to deserve such a mean smashing - said Kanon lazily from the sofa in the living room
- What? - Mu looked at the bowl he had. The smashed potatoes were ready a while ago. The Aries left it all in the counter and turned around leaning on the piece of furniture - mmm... you sure you won't stay?
- What's going on, little lamb? - Kanon stood up and approached him. - You were anxious yesterday and you are still anxious today
- ... it'll be the first time since we came back that I meet with Shion not on duty.
- So? - Mu didn't reply, so Kanon guessed - your dad's been absent for 13 years. Afraid to find out whether or not you met his expectations as Aries saint? Or don't you know if you should hug him because you missed him, punch him because he left you or do nothing because it was nobody's fault?
Mu's nose wrinkled for an instant as he directed a mean look to the wall.
- He is been avoiding me. He could have come earlier. I'm sure he wouldn't be coming if Dokko hadn't told him. He never had any particular interest in Shaka...
- You haven't gone up there to talk to him, have you?
- I have, but I just can't get him. Why is he so busy? He is not pope anymore. I think he had only gone as far as Libra every once in a while... - Mu sounded sort of jealous. - We don't even need to be before each other to talk!
Kanon shrugged
- Well I do find weird he stays merely as a coach of sorts for Saga and Athena. Give him the benefit of doubt and take advantage of this visit to talk to him. Perhaps he has no idea you need to, or he does but he doesn't know how to approach you... He didn't go out on vacations, little lamb
Mu sighed.
- I don't like you don't stay for the party given how much you helped me set it up... - said the Aries all of a sudden turning to face Kanon.
- Well, I couldn't let you handle everything alone after crashing in here uninvited last night and keeping you awake so late. - Kanon closed in with a sly smile on his face
- You don't need invitation...
- Thanks but I'll better leave. - Kanon was so close to Mu he lowered his voice
- What is it? - Mu stood were he was not backing away as surely Kanon intended. Those turquoise eyes were up to something. Then Kanon took him by the wrist. It was a gentle touch but it made the Aries wince. The gesture didn't went unnoticed but the Gemini attributed it to surprise.
- We have been meeting for a few months already... - Kanon hand slide to Mu's and guided it to the smashed potatoes - and it kind of bothers me how you never ask anything from me... - the Gemini made the Aries scoop some of it with his fingers and spread it slowly on his left cheek. - not that I'd do everything you ask but - Mu opened his eyes wide when Kanon licked the smashed potatoes from the Aries' fingers - what can you possibly ask of me that I wouldn't do? - And then took such fingers into his mouth to suck at them. The blood rushed to the younger man's cheeks, so the older pushed him against the counter.
- Kanon...
- Here. - The Gemini had reached for a bottle of pepper from behind Mu and placed it in his hand which the Hellenic still held. - two tablespoons of this and some butter will suffice...
- Eh? - Mu looked at the pepper
- Enjoy the party. Your guests are coming...
But Mu grabbed him by the arm. As Kanon turned around, the younger man licked the smashed potato from his cheek, then pushed him towards the door.
- It tastes good enough. - Mu went to the sink, washing his hands was only an excuse to hide the excitement between his legs. Kanon disappeared just before Aioria and Aldebaran entered the living room. Thanks to his illusion, they didn't saw him
- Hello, Mu! - greeted Aldebaran
- We are ready. What do we do?
- Hi guys. Take a bowl and serve yourself some snacks. - Mu added the pepper and the butter to the smashed potatoes.
- What? You already finished? - Aioria was stunned to see all the food ready
- Have you seen the time? - Mu tasted the potatoes, they were real good
- It's not so late...
- You did all this by yourself?
Mu replied only with a smile. Then, someone else appeared by the door
- Mu...
- Shion!
- Oh, I didn't though you'll get here so early - said the former pope to the other saints
- See? - Said Aioria to Mu - It's early!
- Good morning, pope Shion. - greeted merrily Aldebaran
- Hello guys. - He then looked at Mu - I was hoping we could chat a bit before the others arrive
- It's all ready. We can go outside... you two, leave something for the rest of us! - said to both Aioria and Aldebaran
- Sure... why not? - Aldebaran could not decide which dish to taste first
- What are you implying Mu? - said Aioria pretending to be offended.
Mu ignored them and went out with Shion.