So when Aioria, Dokko and Shaka arrived to the meeting, they surely weren't expecting to find Kanon on the floor and Camus on top of him trying to pluck his eyes out with his bare nails. Pieces of their golden cloths were scattered all around them
The Libra saint was about to interfere when he noticed Shura standing close by, while Aphrodite and Deathmask were idly against the nearest wall. "So it's another usual routine"
– You need to make better use of the gym, Camus – Said Kanon. The Aquarius was being overwhelmed by the Gemini even when the Hellenic was only using his arms and upper body to keep the French away from his face. – You are still no match for me – Said the older man after capturing the other in a bear hug
– Release me before we both regret it – Camus could not breath properly, Kanon was that strong
– Make me.
– Shura! He asked for it! – Camus long hair coming like a curtain over his face, prevented anyone to see him lick Kanon's neck.
– Ah, get off, me! What the hell is wrong with you? – Right away Kanon tried to push Camus away, action which allowed the Aquarius to reach for the Gemini chest piece, tear it away and grab whatever it was the older man hid in there that fell to the floor with a metallic click. That done, Camus froze his own fist so none could get the object from him, but he landed badly away from Kanon as the Gemini covered his neck with a hand and rolled aside.
– I warned you. – Camus hid his face with his arms. He himself could not believe what he had done.
– That's a foul move! Even for me! Penalize him! – Kanon claimed to Shura
By then Saga and Athena entered the room.
– He did warned you and you do know not to challenge the limits of his daredevil lightly – Said Shura – Extra points for Camus
– It wasn't worth it! – claimed Camus still twitching in the floor with his face hidden in embarrassment.
– Well I was curious. But I certainly didn't expected him to do that! – Then the Gemini looked around at how many pieces of his cloth were in the floor. Far from being mad, he smiled and continued in French. – It's kind of worrisome the easiness on which you stripped me from my cloth. I can only conclude, Milo has served as great practice.
At that very moment Milo arrived – What about me? Camus! – He hurried to his friend when he saw him in the floor.
Camus stood up like lightning ready to hurt Kanon for real. Although if he couldn't get him, it wasn't because Shura got hold of him first, but because Shura was chuckling...
– Ok, I'm scared. What's going on? – Milo stopped in his tracks when he saw Shura
– That alone awards me extra points. – Said Kanon triumphantly pointing at the Spaniard, which only served to piss off Camus even further. – I'm ahead again!
– Why don't you come join us one of these days after hours? – Said Camus still in French but with a suggestive tone – There are other kind of exercises we could practice.
– Hey! – Milo was shocked and Kanon blushed up to the root of his hair while Shura finally burst up in laughter. Camus took advantage from the distraction to grab Kanon and throw him with real violence to the opposite wall.
– In your freaking dreams, you pest! – said Camus in Greek. - Last one standing, I win. Leave me alone!
– What on Earth… - The Scorpio was beyond confused
– And where the hell were you? – Camus turned to Milo, who almost jumped back – Have you no sense of time?
– Ouch, ouch, my nose... – It was bleeding
– It's not broken. That's just you being a pervert! – Added Camus in French
– Ok, to your corners. That's enough – Said Shura regaining his breath
– Only because taking this any further will either kill Shura or award us an acupuncture session with Milo. – said Kanon pinching his nose
The meeting went awkwardly after that. At the beginning, it seemed like nothing weird happened but as it progressed Kanon, Camus and Milo, although they were paying attention, were very restless.
– Well, if nobody has anything else we need to discuss, the meeting is dismissed…
– Could you please stop it?! – Screamed at once Kanon, Milo and Camus at Shura in Spanish
– That's so out of character it's getting on my nerves. What did you do to him? – claimed Milo to Kanon and Camus.
– Care to share the big joke? I'd like to laugh too – Kanon was getting mad
– Enough! Quit it before I make you quit it – Camus too
Shura only looked at Camus with a smirk.
– What? – Immediately Camus took off his gold cloth and began checking his pockets
– What is it? – Asked Kanon, but Camus grabbed him by the collar visibly pissed off – What!?
– Give it back – Whispered Camus dangerously
– You already...
– He has it! – Said Milo pointing out at missing Shura. And sprinted out
– Milo, catch him! No you are not going anywhere – The Aquarius tried to freeze Kanon in his place, but the Gemini escaped by a narrow margin thanks to his illusions, which made Camus so dizzy he fell to his knees.
– The hell I won't. – Said Kanon crashing against the door full speed – Run, Shura Run! – He screamed in the hall but then there was some loud crash.
– That's from me to you with all my appreciation! – Said Camus bursting out and shooting an aurora execution without even stooping to think about it
– You did this for me? You shouldn't have bothered! – Was Kanon loud reply from down the hall. It sounded as if they just began fighting outside – Although... despite the romantic set up, I'm afraid I must leave...
– No you won't!
– Seriously. It's not you, it's me.
– I must insist!
– You are young and handsome. You'll find someone else
– I want... you, stay!
– Come on, Camus, don't be so pushy. It does not become someone on your position
There was an even louder racket, then an awfully frustrated growl came from down the hall.
Silence. It was Saga who dared push the door fully open and look outside. Some ice structure blocked the hall. It also generated an optical illusion, maybe by accident, so perspective was messed up. Upon getting close, it looked like a mess of ice needles so tightly arranged that it reminded of a spider web. But they were not uniformly generated, there were empty spaces here and there and that's ought to be how Kanon escaped.
– Is this the same as the ice coffin?
– I don't know… – Of course Camus made a path for himself to speed through it. So as Saga touched the needles, the whole arrangement broke down
– Camus did this at a distance and without even looking.
– I wasn't joking when I told you Kanon was the reason why those three got their cloths so young…
– Was it to get back at him for bullying them?
– That's part of it but not all. They did trained seriously, otherwise Kanon would have never become as strong himself, I was almost never around…
– At this rate the whole sanctuary is going to get destroyed... – Said Dokko in a tired tone
By the time Aioria, Dokko and Shaka arrived to Capricorn, Camus and Kanon were in a lock again trying to reach the private chambers first, while Milo was trying to open the door without tearing it down.
– You can't stay there forever! – Said the Scorpio using his needle on the lock of the door
All three of them went in, when it snapped open, but…
– Shura!
– Where the hell is he?
The saints outside were puzzled
– Shura! Come out now!
– You sure he got in?
– I saw him myself, the door didn't locked up by magic
– There he is!
– How the hell did he got all the way there?
– Crazy goat superpowers or whatever. Let's go!
– Did they just jumped out of the window? – said Aioria
Most likely Kanon and Milo did.
– Careful with the... yes, that... never mind... – The saints outside could feel Camus concentrating his cosmos – Aurora Execution!
– What did he shoot?
A moment afterwards Camus was gone. The saints rushed through the open door, and indeed they found the living room window open, and looked out. They saw a narrow ice slide down the hill. While Milo and Kanon struggled to reach it, Camus was already running way below trying to catch up Shura who was freaking far away already.
– Weird stuff has been happening ever since Kanon joined us as a gold saint.
– Camus losing his cool every now and then, Milo acting silly and now Shura laughing...
– Well, maybe that's actually the right order of things – Concluded Dokko with a smile.
– Maybe for them. I don't think the Sanctuary will hold
Later on, a bit before dawn, while Mu and Dokko were on the night shift, they discovered a weird construction around a tree close to the coliseum, so they got close to investigate
– You ought to be kidding me...
2 capes were tied up together as a large tent, the other two covered the floor. The tree and pieces of the gold cloths acted as support, while Kanon, Shura, Milo and Camus were soundly asleep in there, without a care in the world. There were some evidence of a campfire and a dinner close by too.
– Did they get so tired, they couldn't go back to their chambers?
– Well they were fighting everywhere all afternoon... we got to credit them for improvisation.
– Isn't this kind of irreverent?
– The cloths haven't rejected them yet. I bet they don't mind. In a way, they are still protecting their bearers... you look like you'd like to lie in there yourself, young Mu
– I'm just that tired.
– Let's go. The night guard is almost over.
When Mu found out Kanon ate at the dining hall rather frequently, he decided to do so too. But the main problem was he could rarely go there and not run into his friends in the way. Sometimes they would drop by Aries, convince him go elsewhere or join him in. Mu wasn't a good liar, he could never shake them off and still get to the dining hall without raising suspicions.
So, in one of such occasions in which he was there with his friends, Kanon arrived but took a place in a less crowded table, since almost all sits were taken in the one Mu was at. Somewhat frustrated, the Aries took it on his food and began pondering the situation.
How wrong would it be to excuse himself and casually go sit in front of Kanon? Would it be too obvious? Maybe he could wait until the Gemini finished and somehow escape to meet him outside. He didn't had any plans for the evening. Or perhaps…
All of a sudden the turnips Mu was eating were replaced by potatoes. Mu blinked surprised
– If you dislike turnips so much, why do you grab them in the first place? – said Kanon walking away, and placing the unfinished dish in the service table along with his own.
– What's up with him? – asked Aioria
Mu looked at the potatoes confused
– Mu, don't you like turnips? – Shaka question pissed off the Aries
– No, I don't. – He said before taking his anger in the potatoes, he basically devoured them and even with the last one still on his mouth he stood up left the dish in the service table and went out without waiting for the others. But as expected Kanon was nowhere to be found.
A few days afterwards, the four friends arrived late to the lunch time in the dining hall and found it really crowded. They were too hungry to eat anywhere else, but they feared that they would end up eating at different tables if they insisted. Then Aldebaran spotted two empty seats and two girls leaving in the same table. It was a perfect chance. He leaded the others there, but, as they approached, he noticed two of the seats were continuous at one side of the table, but someone was sitting between the other two. Mu cheered up as soon as he recognized Kanon, although only Shaka noticed and that's why he recognized the Gemini too. He was sitting there reading a book and eating by himself. How can anyone pay attention to a reading in the middle of such disturbance? Yet he looked like an island of stillness in a sea of movement. The Aries didn't quite liked the scene. With the empty sits around him, it looked as if the rest of the people was trying to avoid him, but maybe that was only his imagination. Aldebaran hesitated to talk to him
– Hey, Kanon. – but there was no way Aioria would delay his lunch
– huh? – Kanon looked at him with a complete neutral expression
– Hello. Are these sits taken?
– Hi. Not that I know.
Aioria turned to the other guys in the table, they heard him but nobody said a thing
– Can you reserve them for us? – Aioria asked Kanon
– Sure thing – said Kanon back to his reading
The gold saints went to the buffet. Mu was about to sit next to Kanon when he shifted places so he wouldn't end between the friends. He cursed mentally when he saw he left Mu in the edge and Aldebaran in the middle next to him. It was an honest accident, he was only trying to be polite, but the others, aware of Mu's feelings towards him, took it as him pushing the Aries away.
Mu could have asked Aldebaran to switch places but wouldn't that be too obvious? Ah, he got annoyed by finding himself wondering about being obvious far too often. He didn't wanted to look needy or silly, much less towards Kanon, he feared he wouldn't hear the end of every single sentient being's lecture about falling in love with him. So there it was another opportunity down the drain. Mu made an effort as not to sigh and began his lunch.
But then he noticed how awkward had the environment suddenly turned. All four friends were silently eating while Kanon remained oblivious reading his book.
"What's wrong with everybody?" Asked Mu to himself.
At some point Kanon stood up, placed his dishes in the service table, took a second serving and returned.
– Aldebaran… – called Kanon as he sat down, and passed him a plate with some cooked vegetables – Pass it to your friend over there. – He said before turning to the book again while eating a pastry
Aldebaran did as told, but he was as confused as the rest. Mu then looked at this plate and found out those terrible turnips were all that was left on his plate. He took the new serving with a mix of annoyance and appreciation towards Kanon. Annoyance because it was the Aries himself who picked up the turnips in the first place, why? No idea. Annoyed also because he felt bad about wasting food. If he ate what Kanon brough him, there would be even less room, but more importantly, less mood for turnips. So again, why pick the turnips? Annoyed also because his closest friends failed to notice he disliked them and therefore didn't prevented him from taking them. Which awarded one extra point for the Gemini. And annoyed finally because why did Kanon had to do that in front of everyone? It turned everything even more awkward, yet the Greek did not seem to notice that the others were just staring at the lemurian waiting to find out what he would do.
Yes, no turnips. Mu began eating the cooked vegetables. Shaka almost submitted to his jealousy but he managed not to choke with his food.
Later in the week Mu and Dokko arrived at the dining hall for dinner. But again as Mu was about to sit down…
"Aries..." the call echoing in his head made Mu look down at his plate. Turnips. "Why do I keep grabbing them!? They aren't always in the same place!"
– I'm starting to worry, Mu – Kanon took his plate and gave him another. Basically the same he had picked, but turnip free.
The Aries just watched him walk out of the hall.
– Mu, what's the matter? – Dokko was puzzled.
– It's ok – that's all he said
By the end of the month, Aioria, Shaka and Aldebaran went down the temples road to the dining hall for lunch again and stopped by Aries to check if by chance Mu wanted to join them. The beautiful vase the lemurian was making got crushed in his hands by the sole mention of the place.
– Mu, are you alright? – asked Aldebaran
– Did we say something innapropiate? – asked Aioria
– No, it's fine… – said Mu looking at the crushed vase. Then he stood up, droped the clay in its can and went washing his hands – it's ok, let's go
– is it just me or Mu has been… grumpier lately? – asked Aldebarán to Aioria, the Leo just nodded
Just past noon again. Lunch time. And Mu, who had completely forgotten about running into Kanon, was certain this time he would successfully avoid the turnips. The Lemurian walked to the buffet, carefully selected what he wanted and made a conscious effort to spot the turnips and stay clear of that plate. As he returned to the table, he felt victorious.
– Hello guys! – greeted Shiryu, Dokko and Seiya joining them at the table.
With them all twenty seats at the table were taken.
– Well, I'm pretty sure if we had agreed to meet here, we would not have achieved it. – said Dokko – All gold saints reunited to lunch – Indeed. As Mu looked around everyone was there in the same table. – Must be a good omen.
– Do you really think so, Dokko? – said Shaka
At the end of the table Cancer Deathmask and Gemini Kanon were playing cards and Pisces Aphrodite served them as dealer. Scorpio Milo, Aquarius Camus and Capricorn Shura were just next to them but remained oblivious.
Pretty mad, Aldebaran and Aioria were about to throw them out of the dining hall, but Dokko stopped them and approached the players instead.
– Good afternoon, gentlemen.
– Hello – answered Aphrodite dealing the cards
– Hi – Deathmask took his
– Hn – Kanon wasn't even paying attention to anything that was not the cards
– It seems you are having a good time... – said Dokko
– Really? – said Kanon rising an eyebrow and putting down three cards
– But did you know gambling is forbidden in the Sanctuary?
– Yes – Answered Aphrodite
– Seriously? – answered Deathmask rather distracted
– Angelo, I told you not to bet on the cadets – added Kanon taking his new cards
– But this new batch looks so promising...! – answered Deathmask
But they keep playing
– Relax, grandpa. – said Kanon as both players showed their cards – Where do you see the bet? We are only keeping score.
With toothpicks... Kanon had 14, Deathmask had 15. But as soon as the cards were revealed the Gemini stood up and crossed his arms, the Pisces rested his head on the table and the Cancer passed his fingers through his hair. All of which called everyone's attention
– You are going in circles. – grumbled Aphrodite.
– Just what kind of demon are you? – called Deathmask – this defies any statistics ever conceived...
– This is not the kind of thousand days battle I expected. – said Kanon stretching tiredly
– What is it? – asked Dokko
– For every game I win, he wins another – Deathmask leaned on the table too
– They had been stuck on a tie since midnight. – said Aphrodite playing with his hair
– See how fair play leads nowhere? Let's play like we want to win
– You'd win in 15 minutes or less.
– Come on, don't give up before trying!
– Even if you don't use illusions, I'm amateur at best for real card tricks.
– So we are equally matched at a fair fight... – The Gemini and Cancer saints shook hands – you should practice, Angelo, it'd make a more interesting game. Next time you should play too, Aphrodite
– After watching this? No way i'll ever play with you. I'd be like throwing bait to the wolves.
Both saints walked to the buffet as Kanon sat down to finish his meal.
Finally Mu sat down and he was about to start eating when he heard a muffled laugh above the other's conversations. He immediately became weary and looked down at his plate. Oh, he was certain his face turned all possible colors.
Just before Kanon burst in laughter calling everyone's attention, the carrots before the Aries became turnips.
– Kanon what is the joke? – Asked Milo concerned. But he didn't get an answer since the Gemini saint was pretty much choking on his laughter.
"An illusion", Mu was suddenly pissed off
– Help – Was all he could mutter – Help me! He'll murder me
– Murder you? – Asked Shura exchanging looks with his friends – is that a laughing matter?
– Who? – Asked Camus
Mu calmly rose from his seat and stood right behind Kanon
– Tell me just one thing, Gemini Kanon. – Said Mu in a severe tone. And right away leaned over and applied a lock to Kanon's neck.
– Mu! – Despite Shaka and Aldebaran's surprise it was difficult to worry about Kanon since he was still laughing, which meant Mu wasn't really applying pressure to the lock.
– How on this earth can I help you? – If anything Kanon laughed harder. Mu stroke Kanon's hair with his free hand, but then pulled one of his bangs. The Aries leaned down and whispered dangerously – How can anyone help you?
– I'm weak, I couldn't help it. – Instead of trying to free himself Kanon just wiped a tear from his eye – it was hilarious – Kanon laughed again. Mu patiently waited for him to breathe once more – Awww, come on, I can't possibly be beyond any help.
– Oh, i'll gladly show you exactly how helpless you are. Or do you think any of them is going to risk saving you from me? – Mu patted Kanon's head, still without releasing him
– You do realize you'll get in a lot of trouble. Right?
– So you are the only one entitled to fall to temptation? – Finally Mu let him go
– It wouldn't be novelty. You on the other hand – Kanon turned around with a sly smirk in his face
– What good is 20 years of good reputation if it can't be used to cover up for just one simple trashing you around? – Stated Mu coldly – The least you can do is make it worth it. Since you have had your fine share of fun at my expense for more than two weeks now, it's only fair you entertain me.
Kanon shrugged
– As long as we stop when Saga arrives. Not before, unless we get a knock out, of course.
Mu looked around as if trying to figure out Saga's current location through his cosmos.
– Guys, guys! – Milo tried to stop them
– What are you talking about? – Asked Aioria
– So sure you'll live up to your attitude for two and a half minutes. – Mu crossed his arms – I'm so not impressed.
– Bring it on, little lamb. – said Kanon standing up
– You won't seriously... – Aldebaran didn't even finished the sentence before the two saints disappeared.
– What the...? – Deathmask almost dropped his food, both he and Aphrodite were barely arriving at the table. Nobody had much time to get confused before a large power clash outside called for everyone's attention. All saints rushed over
– Come on, little lamb! Is this all you got?
Mu and Kanon were caught in a fierce and violent fight, although neither was using any special techniques besides crystal wall and teleporting versus labyrinth and illusions.
– Have anyone ever told you how gorgeous you look when you are mad?
– Do I look like I care?
There was a very loud racket. And a freaking lot of destruction. The fight was really erratic, they both were cheating on each other with their mental powers.
– I've never seen Mu so mad – said Shiryu
– What's got into them all of a sudden? – Wondered Dokko – Kanon! Mu! Stop already!
But they didn't. At some point Mu threw a punch which met Kanon's hand instead of his face. Then the Aries tried to grab him with his free hand but the Gemini halted him instead.
– Kanon has a special talent to piss off people… – thought Shura out loud
– What's the matter? – Kanon was overpowering Mu on physical strength as he forced him to step back. Camus worried when Mu put a knee to the ground… – Do you give up?
– Hey that's… – both Aldebaran and Shaka were about to interfere but…
– Like I'd give up! – Mu took a firm posture and pulled Kanon towards him so he hit him in the solar with his head, effectively taking the air out of him.
Kanon let go, so Mu tackled him, rose him from the ground and applied him a northern lights suplex. The older saint curled to the side an instant but quickly recovered and spun around to sweep the younger's feet as he approached. Mu fell but quickly stood up. Kanon also stood up and readied himself to continue…
– What is going on?! – Asked Saga once he arrived to the scene along with Athena. None of the other gold saints could give an explanation
– Allow me to rephrase... – Said Kanon
– Stardust revolution!
– Galaxian explosion!
There was a blinding beam of light that nobody quite knew exactly what it hit, but there was a monstrous collision and then silence
Way down the cliff next to the dining hall, Mu had ended up pinning Kanon down against a rock
– You look damn hot when you are mad.
The Gemini rose his hip closer to the Aries' on top of him. The rub of his hardened manhood against the younger man's send shivers down the lemurian's back.
Mu rolled aside and sat next to Kanon. The Hellenic just sighted. Suddenly their lunches appeared in the Aries' hands.
– Hurry up and eat before he gets us.
– Glorious last meal
And they did so.
"Kanon…" Mu talked to him telepathically. "Thanks for taking the turnips from me…"
"What's the deal with the turnips?"
"I don't like them"
"Well, that much is obvious, but…"
"Obvious?"
"… You might have not noticed but you wrinkle your nose whenever you don't like something"
"Really!?" Mu blushed up
"You kept doing that every time you ate them. It was funny at first but I got concerned after a while. It can get distracting when it happens too often" Kanon was a bit embarrassed "I didn't meant to stare or anything…"
"I never caught you staring…"
Suddenly Mu felt annoyed again
"What is it?"
"If it is so obvious… in all this years you are the first one to notice…"
"What? Seriously?"
"It is Shaka who likes turnips. Aioria has this incomprehensible taste for eggplants and Aldebaran adores those horrible pumpkins. I don't like any of that"
"I've seen you eat all of that at the same time…" Kanon was really confused. Mu turned gloom. "So you eat them because the others do so?" Mu shrugged. "To be liked? To please them? To fit in? To avoid confrontations…?" Kanon kept guessing.
"Not sure… but it's not the only thing. This whole situation made me realize I go by every day doing things I don't really feel comfortable with, and I wondered why if nobody is forcing me do them. What am I? A robot? And who or how programmed me? And how do I break from it?! It's like I got no personality at all. Always doing what the others do… and because they like that stuff, they don't get I don't and therefore I'm stuck in uncomfortable situations more often than not."
"Like the issue with Shion meddling on Kiki's training?" Mu nodded. "So that's why you are so mad. But that's your own fault, little lamb"
– What? – Mu opened his eyes wide. Kanon kept eating.
"When something displeases you, you should state it right away so you can use your best words instead of your best punches, like you just did." Mu smirked. "Otherwise it would be safe to assume for others you like what's going on and do nothing about it."
Just as both of them finished eating Saga steps tore them from their telepathic conversation
– Think about it.
Mu sighted.
– Kanon! Mu! What is the meaning of all this mess? – Saga wasn't really mad, he was rather confused and concerned. When they both stood up and turned around, they found out the pope was not alone, the other gold saints had followed him although they kept their distance.
– None at all, your holliness – Said Kanon on a cold tone very different than the one he used with Mu – We are sorry for the disturbance. Although I humbly request that you spare Mu of any punishment since I was the sole instigator of the fight.
– Kanon, I don't need you to cover up for me. – The Aries stepped forward solemnly – Truth is I felt like throwing a fit and he volunteered to be my punch bag. That is all. – Mu kneeled down in show of respect – i'll accept whatever punishment you see fit.
Kanon got the feeling Mu was going to snap if Saga dared said anything along the lines of "it is not like you to do things of the sort" but to their surprise
– Go back to your duties for the day. Mu, I'd like to talk to you tomorrow morning.
– At the main hall? – Asked Mu and Saga nodded – I'll be there.
– Kanon, stay. Everyone else, leave
Kanon did as required. He was not going to defy his brother's authority before the others, but once alone, Saga was deluding himself if he thought they were going to have a civilized nice chat.
– Setting our differences aside, Kanon, please explain me what happened.
Kanon thought Saga would seize the opportunity to corner him and talk about them again, he was kind of disappointed it didn't happened
– The kid is been piling up the stress of daily annoyances. I can't tell I didn't feed him a few. He just couldn't bottle them up anymore and snapped.
– And why did you took it?
– I was just curious about his fighting capabilities. Besides, no one else would have dared take him on, at least not seriously enough for his mental health.
Saga sighted. – Thanks
– Really…? May I leave?
– Unless there's anything else you want to discuss
– Not ever. See you around, your holiness.
Kanon sarcasm lingered in the air as he left.
Saga stayed there thinking and looking at the sky
– Mu! – Aioria called for him, followed by Aldebaran
– Mu, is everything alright?
– What was that about? Had Kanon been picking on you? Why didn't you tell us?
– Guys, tone it down, it's not like that... – Mu was torn between being annoyed and glad for the other's concern – Listen... I'm not quite in the mood to talk right now. Let's meet for lunch tomorrow. Please tell Shaka. – The Virgo was approaching, but Mu was not in the mood to deal with the jealousy he could barely hide. And so, the Aries left.
Mu had strayed from the usual route from Rodorio. He had finally decided to go grocery shopping. Mostly because he had run into Kanon earlier and he had nothing to offer him at Aries for lunch. So, after an unexpected lunch at the village, they were on the longer way back through the forest and some old ruins. It was actually a beautiful route but pretty lonely given how much time it took to get from one place to another. Mu himself had never taken that way, but wandering about a lot, Kanon was pretty familiar with it.
So of course, once they reached the ruins, Kanon decided to stay a little while and rest, purposely giving Mu time to enjoy the scenery.
The Aries had left the huge box with his supplies next to Kanon and wandered off a bit. There was such peace there, and wild flowers growing everywhere. He didn't really had much time to appreciate such things, his regular routine was training in the coliseum, working at the cloths workshop, training with Kiki in the temple, exercising at the gym and going to Rodorio with his friends once in a while. The "hunting" trips never reached that side of the cliffs, although it ought to be better, there was less people, and the night guards never went that far either.
Those ruins must have been a small village. They were closer to the Sanctuary than any other construction Mu knew about, so it was easy to imagine why it was abandoned. He only hoped it wasn't raided. No building had complete walls, so of course the ceilings had fallen. There were no traces of furniture, window frames or doors, they must have rotten away already. There was something like a stone stable and a round construction in an open area which could have been a fountain or filled water well in a plaza. There were also remains of a lookout tower. Whatever the reason for its abandonment, Mother Nature had already erased any evidence of what happened and turned it into a beautiful spot.
Mu had no idea how much time it passed since he left Kanon until he came back. He found the Gemini laying down on some stone blocks that could have been part of a wall but were the right size to take them as a large bench. Was he asleep?
– I was wondering when would be a good time to look for you. Did you like the trip?
– Yes, I've had no idea this was in here. I'm almost never on this side of the cliffs – Only then Mu noticed Kanon had one of the beer bottles in his hand and was about to finish it. Would it be the first one or the second one? He had only bought two – You want some? – It was the first one, since Kanon sat and reached for the other one from the box
– ... I've never tried beer before.
– Then taste it first, you might not like it.
Kanon gave Mu his bottle. The Aries wrinkled his nose slightly when he got the scent of the beer and did it again when he tasted it. Kanon smiled
– I don't think this is for me, enjoy
Kanon laughted
– Sure will. – And finished it. Mu sat down when Kanon put the empty bottle in the paper bag he had slid into the Aries's box. – May I ask you a personal question? – Said the Gemini giving the other man one of the water bottles from the box, the weather was too hot. – You are free to send me to hell at your discretion
– What is it? – Mu took the bottle
– How many lovers did you had before me?
Once again Mu wrinkled his nose slightly and blushed up a little
– Don't you mean sex partners? – The Aries gave him a side glance as he opened the bottle.
– I was trying not to be so blunt – Said Kanon shrugging
– You are the third. – Mu took a drink from the bottle
– Are they male too? – Kanon wasn't expecting an answer, but since he got it...
– Yes
– Saints?
– Yes
– Still around?
– Yes
– And you still get along? – Kanon gave Mu a skeptical look
– Yes, why?
– Mmm... why didn't either got serious then?
Mu frowned
– What makes you assume that? – Said the Aries a bit on the defensive
Shaka had to put a hand on Aioria's mouth to remind him they weren't supposed to be there. The Virgo saw Mu and Kanon leaving Aries together and somewhat jealous decided to follow them. At Rodorio he stumbled upon Aioria and had to drag him along at risk of losing the others. So they were hiding inside the nearest building trying to catch what was said.
– Well you are a very noble and loyal person, aside from damn hot and pretty committed when it comes to please and enjoy – Kanon's words made Mu blush up and Shaka tense up – So it doesn't really makes any sense that you are now here with me. Not that I don't appreciate it, but it makes me wonder, especially since you don't strike me like the kind of person to be too itchy for action.
Was Kanon trying to assess exactly where was he standing?
Mu thought about his question. The Gemini didn't like one bit that veil of longing which suddenly darkened the Aries' eyes.
– Let's say they were not what I expected... – Said the Lemurian in a softer tone of voice – One of them simply had other priorities at the time. The other one fall deep in love with the idea he had of me...
– So one relationship was too loose, the other was asfixiating, so they both ended as the casual type... – The Hellenic immediately regretted saying that out loud, since Mu briefly wrinkled his nose and sent a mean side glance to him. The hidden saints turned gloom simultaneously.
– It's a mean way to put it...
– Your annoyance says you still have feelings for them...
Mu looked down – I might still do... – Both Aioria and Shaka were frozen solid. Mu sighed – I... I've never considered them that way, casual... I can't really blame them. "casual" is what you get from doing things backwards, laying down first, getting to know people later...
– So I'm casual too?
– Are you not?
– I'd like to consider myself your late adolescent rebellion crush. – Said Kanon with a smirk
– My what? – Mu smiled amused. Well, he had to admit to himself he was in love with Kanon but why did he had to say it like that?
– Don't say anything, – Said Kanon sitting up – Just think about it. – There was nothing to think about, it was kind of true – pope Shion would surely have a heart attack if he knew his little lamb has gone astray
– Have I? – Kanon smiled confident, Mu shook his head amused – And who is going to tell him?
– I could! – Said Kanon rising his hand. Mu waved his hand like inviting him to do so – What? Do you think he wouldn't care? He is like your dad…
– I don't think I'd care if he cares or not. And answering your question, you are casual until you decide otherwise.
– What? So it's been on me all along? – Kanon could not believe someone like Mu would consider being serious with him
– Play fool all you want, you knew that. But don't get too cocky. – replied Mu with confidence – I just told you there were two before you. There's nothing preventing others from taking your place.
– So I'm lucky… – Kanon grin grew wider
– And must be grateful too.
– I am, I am. – Kanon rose his palms defensively and about to laugh
But all of a sudden a gloomy silence got hold of both of them. Kanon looked at Mu's profile and for a moment he felt sorry for messing him up while not being free to properly love him.
– So, now that you started the awkward questions, – The Aries casual voice cut sharp Kanon's train of thought – What about you? – Mu took another gulp of water
– What about me?
– Have you meet with someone else besides me? – Mu went straight to the point. Actually the possibility the Gemini meeting other people had been bugging him a lot the past few weeks.
– Eh? Not really. – Kanon noticed the relief on Mu – Why? Would you dump me otherwise?
– Obviously. I'm not the sharing type… But for what you've shown to me I can tell you have "traveled" a lot, so it's kind of difficult to imagine you just stopped wandering.
Kanon blushed a tad ashamed, – Sorry to give such a bad impression. Rest assured, little lamb. I've got my fine share of mishaps as to enlarge the list so carelessly
– Which implies if you were to enlarge the list you'd be careful…
– Well, indeed. – said Kanon implying he'd been careful so far. Mu chukled as he laid back again
– Was there anyone special? – Mu turned to him
Kanon scratched his head then shrugged
– Most is not even worth remembering. – He answered frowning
– ... bad experiences?
Kanon side–glanced him then chuckled himself.
– Many but not the kind you'd need to worry about. I was already a too messed up person for anyone to think of messing me up further. Although... now that I think about it, someone did get the bright idea, the gen mao ken made it his last.
Mu though about that, about moving from some person to the next and still consider not worth remembering anyone. He didn't understand how it could be possible, unless...
– So you didn't even care? – Kanon looked at Mu confused – About them, I mean. The people you were with.
– Neither did they – Given the disbelief in Mu's face, Kanon rolled to his side, resting his head on his hand, and continued – There is a world like that out there, little lamb. Where people have no purpose, no meaning and no worth, so no matter what you do, it's utterly irrelevant, might as well have fun...
– You don't sound like you enjoyed it much
– Well, just like with alcohol, take too much and you get hungover
– Is that why you stopped?
– Pretty much... all of it... – Kanon turned somber as he looked into the distance – I've seen too much of the world, there's nothing left on it that appeals to me anymore.
There was a contemplative silence between them
– You couldn't stand living there, could you? – Said Mu softly
– Living out there is impossible. – Kanon sat up – All you can do is survive. And most of the time is pointless – Kanon lowered his voice looking down and continued more to himself than to Mu – That's why I wanted it destroyed. Such puny, miserable world.
– But not all of it is like that – Mu sudden statement dragged Kanon out of his memories.
– So I've been told. – Kanon shrugged – That's why I left it alone go to hell however suits its fancy.
– You have been told... but haven't you seen it? The good in the world?
Kanon turned to Mu considering his words carefully.
– Not enough, no. – Then he got caught in the radiance of the Aries' green eyes. He couldn't help to reach forward and clear some stray bangs trying to hide them – But a world that can produce and keep such gleam in your eyes and such warmth in your smile surely can't be that bad. – Mu shivered by the contact and blushed up, it was impossible for Kanon not to drag him near and kiss him.
And this time it was Aioria who had to remind Shaka they should not be there. But Mu answering Kanon with both eagerness and tenderness was way more effective to keep Shaka from losing his cool. Aioria could not see them, but Shaka didn't need to due to his keen senses. In all the time the Virgo spent with the Aries, he never got such an answer from him. He suddenly regretted following them.
– Perhaps I could show you just how good the world can be. – Whispered Mu on Kanon's lips – But trapped in your little cage I doubt you'd see anything, you can barely see me.
– You are all I need to see… – Kanon was about to kiss him again, but…
– Don't do that – Whispered Mu backing away from Kanon
– Do what? – Kanon was confused
– Making me unreachable, like an idol in a pedestal or some jewelry on a display. Just now you were thinking too high of me but you were about to use that as an excuse to back away from me... I'm a person as flawed as everyone else!
What was with that mild panicked outburst?
– Oh I'm well aware of that – Kanon teasing tone was completely unexpected – You are maybe as blunt as I am, frustratingly stubborn at times, and an impressive slacker on whatever is not gold saint duty related. – Kanon pointed at the mountain of supplies at their feet. – Besides, you made funny faces at my currently favorite beer. But most importantly, you have a weird miscommunication problem
– A what? – Mu was between perplexed and annoyed
– Miscommunication problem. I guess since you are a telepathist you are used to listen to everybody's thoughts as if you are a walking radio
– It's not...!
Kanon disregarded Mu's alarmed complain
– You know much about the others, you listen to their worries without they telling them to you, you make them your own and you always do what you can to help. But I think you tend to forget that the only other person in the whole sanctuary with such mental abilities is Kiki, whom you purposely block out of your mind because he is only a kid. You can't expect anyone else to do that for you, to listen to your worries, to know what you like and what you don't, to know when you are upset or lonely, without you stating your thoughts out loud, or at least consciously sharing them with the rest... – Mu's initial annoyance turned to further confusion, so Kanon spoke softer – You told me not to make you unreachable – He made Mu look at him by taking him from the chin –, but I think it is you who made yourself unreachable. – Mu opened his eyes wide in realization, so Kanon let go of him – You seemed kind of disappointed when you told me about your crushes. It just occurred to me that maybe if you had shared with them a bit more about what was going on with you, things would have gone differently. As with your friends and the turnips, as with Shion and Kiki…
Mu looked down again, seriously considering what Kanon had said
– To be honest... I did resented them a bit for taking me for granted, for not caring to know me...
– Do you really think they didn't cared? I find it difficult to believe. I don't think there's the required kind of jackass currently among Athena's saints. Nobody else reads minds, little lamb. – Kanon took a lock of Mu's hair – How do you expect them to know you are a person just like them? Try to be more open with your friends, I bet they'd like to get to know you better. You are a person worth knowing more about. So ok, you don't like turnips, eggplants or pumpkins. Now tell me what you like.
- Something I like? - Mu looked up thinking about it... But as nothing came to mind Kanon rose an eyebrow and Mu looked away blushed up. - i can't think of anything - Both Aioria and Shaka where surprised
- Come on, there must be something you like. Something sweet, something bitter, something salty... An in-between, perhaps? Or something that you asociate with some nice memories...
- Memories? Lychees...
- Huh? What is that?
- It's a small fruit from the east, it's very sweet, but... I like them rather because they remind me the place where I used to live in Jamir. Those fruits don't normally grow there, just a small three in the backyard of an old woman's house. I haven't eaten them for a long time...
- Very well, that's a start Aries Mu likes lychees
- And you? What do you like?
- Me? I like you
- Yeah, but you cannot... Kanon! – The Gemini's grin made the Aries blush up to the root of his hair - You know what I mean!
Kanon laughed
- Can't you guess?
- Mmm… the chocolates you are always teasing Camus with? What's so good about them?
- What's so good about them? Aries if you keep disregarding everything I like, it'd be me reconsidering our relationship.
Mu chuckled
- Alright, I'm sorry.
- Have you even tried chocolates? – said Kanon rising an eyebrow
- The ones sold at Rodorio shop
- There's no comparison point. Those commercial stunts are but fat and sugar. - Kanon took a pouch from his belt and took out what at first glance looked like marbles... No, those were the chocolates in colored aluminum foil. - Have one of these... - Kanon didn't look too convinced
- What is it? - asked Mu taking the cream colored ball the other offered
- Those are really difficult to come by. I can only get them from an old granny at Mexico
- All the way over there?
- North Atlantic, remember?
- So these are handmade? - Mu looked at the ball in his hand
- Custom made! So if you don't want it, give it back. They are a highly valued currency.
Mu peeled off the foil.
- What is this? Coffee?
The ball had a crusty cover
- And almond
The scent made Mu smile
- Don't just look at it! - said an impatient Kanon
He bit it.
- What is this? - said Mu opening his eyes wide
Inside the crusty cover the chocolate was smooth but the creamy core had a liquor taste
- Spiced Rum. - Kanon smiled - I got also whisky and tequila. - Mu blinked surprised - Good thing you liked them.
Mu smiled and ate the rest of it.
- Now I get why there's always a riot around them
- I casually discovered them during a mission. I go back every so often to get more.
- Without authorization?
- People don't normally know where I am anyways, I don't think anyone notices if I leave for a few hours.
- Be careful, please
- I'll be.
Mu fell silent for a moment, as the rest of the chocolate melted in his mouth. When he spoke again his voice carried the saddest feeling Kanon had ever heard.
– Saga and Aioros were my heroes. We spent almost every day together. I trained with them trying to be like them. Pope Shion was like a father to me, I loved him so much... But something was changing and I couldn't figure out what it was, something had gone wrong with them. I tried to tell pope Shion, but he didn't know what to make of my fear. I tried to approach Saga, to tell Aioros and even Shura and it was the same. The world all seemed pretty normal but it wasn't... On that night almost 14 years ago... Pope Shion reached me. The last thought I got from him was a vortex of dread which echo faded into the storm that raged in the sanctuary. Not only did I knew he was dead, it was as if I had been there in the middle of the chaos. I knew when, who, where and how, like it happened before my very eyes. I tried to reach Shura, but it was late, he was in no disposition to listen to a kid being in the middle of a hunt. And so, everything was lost in an instant... The world crumbled that night...
– How old were you?
– Seven...
– And in all these years you have never talked about this with anyone?
Mu shook his head.
– I assumed they all were either fools or traitors. And so I left the sanctuary...
– And that is why you locked yourself away from everyone. Then your problem is more a trusting issue. You purposely don't communicate with others more than strictly necessary to protect yourself. Ironically you live behind a crystal wall, but it's clear that such severe isolation doesn't suit you...
Mu was shaken. – You sure nobody else reads minds, Gemini?
– I don't. I'm cursed with curiosity and observation. I'm sorry if I meddled in none of my business...
– Hn... But Kanon – Mu didn't want him to use what he just said to resent Saga even more. – The man who murdered pope Shion, that embodiment of evil and chaos, vanished the night Athena claimed her place in the Sanctuary. I can tell you with certainty the man sitting now in his place, your older brother Saga, has nothing to do with him.
– I know...
– ... And I'm not a walking radio! – Said Mu looking away almost pouting
Kanon found real funny such childish gesture.
– It was a figure of speech. I supposed it should be like having people's monologues as background noise
– If it were like that, we'll drive crazy. One needs to pay attention to actually check what's happening on somebody else's mind... I'm not eavesdropping on other's minds! – Claimed Mu before Kanon could say anything, which made the Hellenic laugh hard because it totally looked like Mu read his mind. – That's... That was predictable. You think too loud! – Added Mu in self–defense. The Lemurian didn't thought what he said until he said it...
– Do I?
– W... when it is not a mess of white noise, yes. – Too late to lie about it
– Was that the reason you were so interested in me when we met?
Mu blushed up
– Part of it… I wanted to know firsthand if anything of what I'd heard about you was true…
– And was it?
– Not all of it
– Is that a good or a bad thing? – Suddenly Kanon was concerned
– I haven't decided. You are the most complicated person I've ever met.
– ... I can only imagine the kind of headaches you've got because of me... – The Gemini truly felt bad about it
– Don't take it as an excuse to disappear longer than you already do. – Kanon turned to Mu – Having you around is a nice break from routine – The Aries indicated the ruins.
– If you say so... – Somehow Kanon felt glad. – But my problems are not yours, little lamb. And there's nothing you can do about them.
They looked at each other's eyes for a moment
– aren't you doing the same as me? – Asked Mu concerned – isolating yourself from everyone, only... Perhaps afraid of hurting others? Loneliness doesn't suits you either. The world is not made of crystal, it won't break if you touch it...
Kanon's heart began beating fast. Thoughts of jumping over Mu and made love to him until next day collided with the urge to keep him safe away from the chaos surrounding him. His desire and hesitation alerted the Aries.
– Kanon…
– What?
– tell me about Cape Sounion...
Mu's request made Kanon uneasy
– Why would you like to know about that? – he looked away
– Because you are dying to be heard. Not by me, but it is a start...
– It's all a fuzzy nightmare... Drop it Mu. Even to me when I voice it out loud it sounds like a made up excuse for all the things I did. I just want it to be over
– But it will never be... Until you sort things out with Saga
– He doesn't want to know a thing about it. He just wants to play happy family, disregard my past and what he did as if it never happened. I can't play along. He had tried to erase me more times than I can count.
– I don't understand what you are expecting from him. What should happen for the two of you to be at peace?
Kanon sighed. – I don't know...
Mu shook his head – Let's go, it's almost time for dinner. Do you have any plans?
– As a matter of fact, Milo invited me over since yesterday. – Said Kanon not too happy about it and stood up too – I'll never hear the end of it if I turn him down on the last minute. I've been ignoring him the whole week... Would you like to join us? Just dinner, some drinks, maybe I'll pick on Camus again, although Milo drunk can be a handful but I don't think we get that far with you there...
– Sounds fun but I got to care for Kiki – Said the Aries effortlessly lifting the box from the ground
– Must be thought to be a single dad so young – Said Kanon taking his paper bag from the box. Mu gave him a slight punch on the shoulder. – You could just dump him at Libra. I know Camus sent Hyoga there and he is older.
– I feel like we abuse Dokko too often. He is not a day care. – They began walking the road to the Sanctuary.
– The guy enjoys it. I don't understand why the kids too... What about Shaka?
– I'm afraid that's asking too much of either. Shaka has great patience, but kids in general are too much for him to handle. And we are talking about Kiki, it's too much effort on his part not to drive my friend insane.
– And Aioria will surely want his time with that readhead girl
– Marin
– I keep forgetting her name... Aldebaran?
– He spoils Kiki too much!
Aioria and Shaka stayed behind way after those two went away. It was finally the Leo who broke the gloom silence
– I hope you are aware of how many levels of wrong this whole ordeal was. We simply have no right to be messing with Mu like this
– Are you not affected by what Mu said about us? – Claimed Shaka meaning he was indeed too affected to take any scold from Aioria
– Shaka, in all honesty I had no need to know my best friend had an actual crush on me and I did nothing but feed him false hopes just to carelessly let him down. It's freaking awful, I feel like I abused his trust. And it is worst to know there's no way I can mend my mistake now.
– He said... I had fallen in love with the idea I had of him... – Shaka didn't seemed to listen to anything Aioria said – Am I really that clueless about him? It might be true he didn't let out much, but I could have asked. Instead I assumed it all was peachy between us. No wonder he lost interest in me. And now that... Kanon...!
There was clear anger in the way Shaka spit the Gemini's name
– If you care about Mu so much, you should just accept the facts, Shaka. He clearly likes Kanon, and it doesn't seems like the Gemini has any mean intentions.
– That doesn't mean he won't hurt him
– Even tho. Apparently that is a risk our friend is willing to take... And we should respect his decisions. All we can do is be there in case it doesn't work. Let's go back.
Aioria and Shaka walked back the road to the sanctuary in silence. They got straight to the Aries temple, but when they were about to leave it behind, a crystal wall stopped them
– I don't appreciate what you did back at the ruins – Said Mu coming out from around the last column in the row – Aioria, Shaka...
The Leo was about to say something but Shaka talked first
– Mu, please spare Aioria. It was all my idea, I just dragged him along. I'm sorry
Mu sighed – It's me who should apologize, it seems I haven't been fair to you.
– So much have happened, and so fast. – Said Aioria – It seems we haven't been able to handle it all to everyone's convenience. For what I did or failed to do, I'm sorry Mu. But Kanon is right, we are your friends and we care about you. We might not be the best there is, but please trust us.