Encounter

It was almost the evening when he arrived. Dokho had taught him to use his cosmos to move from one place to the other and he was not feeling like taking a plane that day. Besides, Japan and China were close enough.
He did not find a single person in the big house but the service. He was going upstairs when he heard one of the house cleaners saying that everything had to be ready for Master Ikki. He stopped at once, the wood of the rail cracking between his fingers. He was not expecting that.
“Wicked destiny” he cursed.
Another house cleaner saw him and smiled at him, reminding him of the dinner.
It was unavoidable; he would see him at night. Whether he wanted or not.
After many an hour, Shiryu realised that here was no point in delaying going for dinner. Ikki was already there, the house cleaner had mentioned it, and he—was desperate. The unfortunate situation with Sunrei had only awoken more sentiments inside of him, and was driving him to a point of no return.
He, the always-calmed Shiryu, had lost all his senses, or so someone might think. It did not really matter much, did it? The young man took a quick shower and got dressed. Very few times in his life, had he paid so much attention to his appearance. He had even tied his hair in a low ponytail. Shiryu went to the closet and looked for a different outfit for that evening. It was always his traditional Chinese attire and he felt it quite appropriate that particular night. Play a fool if it was necessary, just to show Ikki that it was all fine.
The dark pants and white sweater Hyoga and Seiya had given him on his last birthday, suited him perfectly. Not too hot or tight for the warm night ahead. He looked at his reflection in the mirror, comfortable with his image and with himself.
Whatever was said before, he was sure was the past. At the moment, Shiryu felt like talking. Maybe it was better not to do so, he thought. Perhaps, it was much better if they just ate and said nothing. The young man finally stepped out of the room and went downstairs.
As usual, the dinning room was perfectly arranged. None of the others were there as he had already been told. Only Ikki was. Right at the end of the table, a book in his hand. Phoenix looked relaxed. Some sort of a smile was forming on his lips. A book—Shiryu thought—how unusual. He remembered Ikki preferred to stay in the mansion’s library than going out with them.
“Good evening.” Shiryu greeted him, and then took his seat. Ikki did not say a word. The man simply nodded and closed the book, leaving it on the table. He had had no idea whatsoever that Shiryu was in the house. Having not seen him in a while, made him feel a little unsettled.
“Evening.” He answered calmly, not taking his eyes off the other for a second. Shiryu, he noticed, despite his new outfit looked as tranquil as always. He sat next to Ikki, on his right.
There were no grudges. Phoenix had thought the day they saw each other again, they might have ended up fighting at some point, but he soon noticed that was not the case. They both were behaving as grown ups—even though that was not what they really wanted.
The house cleaners served each meal exquisitely, as always. All of them, Ikki and Shiryu included had had to learn how to deal with the etiquette required in the mansion. Otherwise, Tatsumi used to get annoyed.
The men ate in silence. Avoiding having eye contact with each other. One dish after the other, either they thanked or nodded, then ate. Shiryu did not know how to approach Ikki or what to say to him. Ikki was trying to prevent any sort of confrontation. Yet, there was a moment in which both tried to speak at he same time. They knew it might have been something silly, since they began laughing—relief coming to them. Maybe it was not that silly. Perhaps, it all meant something good.
“How was your trip?”
Ikki looked at Shiryu in the eyes. There was no need to hide what had happened with him or his whereabouts. “Great, I went to Sanctuary, you know? By the way, I think your Master wishes to see you.”
“Sanctuary, huh? I’d never thought you’d gone there.”
“It was really good, Shiryu.” Ikki began to say, feeling a bit more relaxed. Shiryu began to listen to him eagerly. It had not been that difficult after all, he thought. The young man was watching Ikki’s every movement, however, especially when he mentioned the Scorpio Saint.
Ikki’s eyes shone when he said the name of said Saint. Shiryu could also notice Ikki’s voice full of emotion when describing the moments they had shared; or when he silently seemed lost in his reverie. There was a second in which Ikki seemed have forgotten he was even there. His sight was lost somewhere on the space. His head resting on his hand, smiling just to look back at Dragon.
“I’m glad you’ve had such a nice journey, Ikki. Really.”
Phoenix had been observing Shiryu himself, paying careful attention to everything during dinner, without letting one thing pass unnoticed. Now however, Shiryu had said those words with such—sadness, that they had touched him deeply. Before he could tell, Shiryu was standing and was leaving the room, “enjoy your reading, Ikki, and have a good night.” Were Shiryu’s final words before walking upstairs.
‘I think you’d better start thinking about going and looking for him’
Milo’s words came to him, hitting him hard. He ran upstairs after Shiryu. Ikki walked to the man’s room, waiting for him to come and open the door. The situation, for him, was a repetition of what had happened that other night, with the difference that this time, he had no idea what he had done to create such a reaction from Shiryu. He knew an encounter between them was going to be weird, yet never thought it was going to turn out like that.
After a while, knocking, and not an answer from Shiryu, Ikki decided to get into the room. Shiryu was sitting on the windowsill. His legs were resting against his chest, while his arms were wrapped around them. He was staring at the sky, the moonlight was touching him, as if almost caressing him; softly and magically. Thinking only the gods would know what.
“Didn’t you hear I was knocking?”
Again, there was no answer. Shiryu’s feelings were contradictory at the moment; and Ikki’s unexpected presence was not helping him much. Before, he had felt as if the world had fallen upon him when he had discovered Ikki was there, yet now—he was jealous Ikki had had such a great time by Milo’s side, forgetting everything the other had also said.
“I also slept with Milo.” Ikki began saying, coming closer to Shiryu. The man knew he was taking too many a risk, too soon. He decided to continue, though, “surprising, huh?”
“Why are you telling me this?” Dragon finally said, looking at him. Fearing he could not restrain himself and would say what he did not mean to.
“Because I have feelings for you, no matter what they are, and I’ve already run from a conversation with you. I need you to know how I feel, you know?”
“You don’t have to—”
“I do, Shiryu. It’s not easy for me to be here, telling you this stuff, but it’s a reality. Mine. I have no idea what I am to you, Shiryu, but I want to find out…and I need you to know what’s happened with me.”
The two men remained silent, staring at each other.
“Shiryu, look…I came back to the house not knowing what to do…or what to say to you as soon as I saw you, and now I’m here after—that strange dinner of ours—and—”
“You’re everything to me, Ikki.” Dragon said sadly looking at him. Phoenix did not know how to interpret that look and walked the final steps to be close enough to him, and sit at his side.
“And is it that bad that you have to have that face?”
Not knowing what to answer was something Shiryu was not used to dealing with. Ikki had had sex with Milo meaning everything it had to mean—he had done the same with Sunrei himself. How could he judge the other without blaming himself, first?
“Shiryu…” Ikki hesitated and the other laughed.
“Bad? No, Ikki, never. I’ve just realised I’ve got my own confessions to make. That’s all.”
“Well, I guess we have some time to talk, don’t we?”
Shiryu simply nodded.

* * *

Milo had always liked being up early in the morning. That morning, after Ikki had left, he decided to go and run around Sanctuary. It had been a while since the last time he had done it and he had felt like doing it. Some light training, he used to tell himself, since he was not very fond of hard training. To him, being in shape was natural—part of his very nature would be his actual words.
The past events in his life, having had Phoenix has his guest, the days and nights they had shared, and especially that final night; had opened his heart and soul to new experiences. At least, he was determined not to suffer –he used to say, Scorpions were not born for suffering— given that it was of no use, and did no good to him.
The sweat was falling down his neck and over his chest and abdomen, making the shirt stick to his body. After having been running, Milo stopped right in the middle of the Coliseum. The man stretched out, trying to relax his muscles a little; allowing himself to be alone before life in Sanctuary began, as it did everyday.
Dawn had begun to appear in the horizon. From afar, Mu was still watching Milo, lost in his thoughts. Milo’s attitude the night before had left him hanging from a thin, weak position. The weather was cool, as it had been in months. In every house, the Masters were rearranging their issues. They had been brought back to life by the grace of their goddess and many a thing had been happening ever since. Life was busier now.
Aries, however, had always believed Milo would always be there for him, at any time, waiting for him in an almost worshiping manner. What he never counted on was with Scorpio saying goodbye to him.
Mu had wanted to go over to Milo’s place just to talk with him; maybe find out what all that was about, but he had had company. That was why the Saint had got angry at Milo when he had come to his Temple in the first place. Because Milo had interrupted him.
It had all had its consequences, Mu knew. He had seen Camus’ face when entering his temple again, right after Milo had left. Aquarius had asked him about Scorpio being there, yet Mu had not answered, leaving a bitter suspicious feeling in Aquarius. There were no words for him to explain the infatuation he had always had towards the Scorpion, nor why he had so much wanted to hurt him because of that.
Camus would never understand that.
Now, Mu was there, watching Milo’s every movement. He loved the way Milo’s hair stuck to his neck. How Scorpio unconsciously freed his neck from it, twisting a couple of times so it would not bother him. Aries sighed deeply. A fight now, when he had acknowledge Milo had been honest and truthful about his intentions—Mu felt as if something had been taken away. The emptiness within was about to devour him entirely.
“Hey Scorpio, what are you doin’ here so early?” The voice came from the distance; Aioria, Mu noticed as its owner. The man frowned, hiding behind a column. Soon, he was walking back to his temple. Aries could not help looking at Milo one more time. Aioria was now offering Milo some water he had brought with him, since he was going to train himself. Milo was smiling broadly, accepting the liquid.
“Damn it!” He cursed. Why was he jealous all of a sudden, he wondered. After all, Camus was waiting for him at home, was he not?
Mu finally kept walking, not being able to erase the image of Milo smiling to Aioria, from his head.



“Where did you go so early?”
Mu froze when he heard Camus’ voice. It was not something he had been expecting. In fact, he was expecting Camus would have been in his own temple by now.
“I needed to train a little, that’s all.” Mu answered coldly, not wanting to give any further explanation. Camus walked to him, though. Almost as if he were ethereal. Mu did not notice him but right at the moment when Camus’ hands touched him. When Camus’ lips touched his neck—it felt like bliss. Freeing as only happiness could be.
Mu closed his eyes, letting himself go in that moment of freedom, in the other’s arms. Camus’ hands moved with expertise. They knew exactly which spots to press and the effect caused on him. Aquarius could hear him gasping, trying unsuccessfully to keep his breathing.
When their passion had vanished, and rest was needed; Mu fell asleep. Camus on the other hand, remained awake at his side. It was a habit of his, to stay like that, watching Mu’s fine traits while he was sleeping. The softness of his face. The swift way in which his nose moved, always made Camus smile.
He had become Mu’s lover after they had returned to life. He had always known he had been Milo’s love once. Aquarius knew all about that, being Milo’s confident. Yet, things were different when he was back; and one day he had found himself trapped in that game of theirs. And Milo—by Zeus if that had hurt him. Their friendship had been damaged and there was no way to recover it.
Camus sighed.
Mu had changed with him since Milo had been there the evening before. Aquarius had not asked anything about it and was not going to do so. In a battle field as love was, there were always losers. And he had lost before Milo. Even when the latter had no clue on the matter whatsoever.
He began to walk around Aries, getting to know the place, walking into Mu’s workshop, finding a surprise in there.
When Mu woke up, later that day, he did not find Camus lying by his side. “Camus” he called his name out, yet nobody answered. The man got up, looking for some clothing, and then walked out, to the kitchen. Aries seemed strangely cold—and he confirmed it as soon as he set foot on the sitting room.
“What—”
“I lost my best friend…because of you.”
“Camus, what’s wrong with you?”
One more step and he could see Camus in the middle of the room, sitting on the floor. His left hand was moving in circles. His face was not showing anything whatsoever.
“Camus…please…”
“You said you had no feelings for him…you said it was OK ‘he loves me not’ you said—and I bit it in the first kiss…I—”
“It was the truth Camus.” Mu rebuked, moving closer enough as to see what he was doing. Aquarius was playing with some little Scorpions made out of stardust. “Where—how?!”
“Just needed to walk…and I did so here, in Aries.” The man turned to look at Mu in the eye, “for how long have you been making these? How many more lies have you told me?”
Mu felt Camus’ cosmos flare but did not have time to say or do something. Camus’ angry face made him withdraw. For once in his life, he did not know what to answer. He had been doing so for months. Lying about his feelings to everybody—to himself. Knowing that the farther of Milo he had been trying to be, the closer he was getting—despite his own actions.
“I just—”
“Don’t!” Camus stopped Mu and moved against him, his body colliding against the other’s and the wall. “Don’t say it, Mu…it’s too late to say it. He loves you but also wants you out of his life, that’s what you’d wanted, ain’t it right? Don’t you dare to say it.”
“I do, Camus…and I love you, too.”
“I told you not to say it! You think I don’t know my friend?! My brother?! That’s why he was here last night!” He cried broken-heartedly. Camus let his forehead fall against Mu’s. “I know…and that’s, my lover, is our doom.”
Camus kissed him deeply, his tongue avidly looking for Mu’s. He took him in his arms, lifting him from the floor and supporting him against the floor. Mu’s legs wrapped around the other’s waist, while the later forced himself into Aries. He knew he was hurting him—and himself, but did not care. The pain they were feeling, was nothing to the one they had inflicted.
“You’re mine, Mu ,” he repeated, not able to say or do anything else but thrusting more. Moving rhythmically with Mu’s gasps. Finally releasing himself inside of Mu, copiously.
“You’re doomed to be with me, Mu.” Camus said while fixing his clothes and leaving the Temple.
Mu stood in the middle of the room, looking absent-mindedly at the spot where Camus had been sitting before. His body hurt, he could notice. Aquarius had never been so harsh with him. However, things were taking a different path. He did not complained, although when he realised what Camus had done, he felt much more pain.
Mu ran to the place where the little scorpions had been left by Camus. He knew then what had happened when Aquarius had flared his cosmos before.
Camus had turned the scorpions into dust.

* * *

The house was full of noise, and the maids and servants were moving from one side to the other, cleaning the rooms that had no been occupied in years. The windows had been reopened. Dust had been whipped away. New cotton sheets had been put on the beds. The Kido mansion seemed more lively than it had ever been.
“Saori, what’s happening?” Seiya asked as soon as he came closer to her. The woman turned, her eyes shining with excitement.
“They are coming, Seiya.” She answered, taking him by the shoulders, then letting him go, “for the first time…” he heard her mutter as she walked by him, saying ‘good morning’ to the others.
“Good morning.” Someone else said from the front door. Dokho’s voice sounded as soft and strong as always. He was not alone, though. All the Masters of the Zodiac Houses were behind him. Athena could be seen smiling while she approached them to greet them, and the men bowed before her.
Athena took a minute to speak with each of her Saints, greeting them and accepting their respect as they were showing it, whether it was by kissing her hand or by kneeling before her. The Goddess was so delighted with them being in her place, that she cared about nothing else.
Ikki had seen Milo from a window on the second floor. Milo looked as relaxed as the last time he had seen him. Phoenix smiled, for it would be really interesting to be back with Milo in the same room. The young man walked down the stairs quickly, passing through the others, not paying attention to anyone but Scorpio, who was also looking for him.
“Hey, Milo!” Phoenix said, his own expression being more tranquil than usual.
Everybody turned to see why Ikki was addressing Milo with such familiarity and could not believe their wyes, when the latter approached the first and hugged him; in a strange display of affection.
“Long time no see.”
Ikki smiled broadly, nodding. The two separated, observing each other carefully. They had changed. Their hearts were lighter now, and no shadows threatened any of them.
“Your hair—” Ikki said, lacing the other curls in his fingers, “it’s longer now.”
“It is.” The other answered, “have you read the book, yet?”
“I’m on that...I’ve been a little…busy, you know?”
“I can imagine, yes.” He smiled mischievously.
Tatsumi appeared on the room inviting them Saints to follow him, which they did. Each one of them was looking at every detail of the house. The tapestry covering the floors. The big pictures of Mr. Kido and even those of Athena as a child.
“Milo, we’ve got to go.” Aioria approached the two men, and took Milo by his arm. Scorpio nodded, “we’ll talk later, Ikki.” He said and went away with Aioria; following the others.
“Absolutely.” Answered Phoenix eagerly. There was so much to talk about, though.



“So, Seiya, you think you can teach me, how to play soccer, huh?”
“I don’t think, Aldebaran. I know it.”
Laughter and yells of cheers filled the air. The afternoon had passed calmly. The saints had found their rooms comfortable and after a while, checking the place and having got familiar with it, they were now enjoying a soccer match in a sunny afternoon. Golden Saints versus Bronze Saints it was. Aldebaran and Seiya had been yelling at each other, saying each of them was better than the other.
Miho was at the mansion as well. Saori had invited her and the children from the Orphanage, so they met the other Saints. The children’s cheers to both teams and their own laughter, were making the moment memorable.
Everybody was whether on the improvised field playing or around it, enjoying the movements each player was performing with the ball, so they could impress the others. Soon, the game became a spectacle in which each one was showing off.
Ikki, contrary to the others, was sitting on the terrace of the mansion; not caring about said match whatsoever. He was determined to finish his book soon, and given that everybody busy—even Shiryu—and nobody seemed to need him, he decided to take advantage of that spare time.
“It’s Garcia Marquez’ parents’ love story, did you know?”
The younger man looked at the other over the book, raising his brow, “shouldn’t you be playing soccer?”
“Alde doesn’t need me, Ikki, believe me.”
“Does he?”
“I think Aioria is pretty fine without me.”
“It wasn’t Aioria’s name the one you said that night.”
“I know.” Milo sighed, knowing the implications of what had been said.
“Milo…” Ikki stopped himself and dropped the book on the table, before him. He looked at Milo; the perfect image of a god-like human. His flawless features, alluring eyes, inviting aura. The man had his right arm leaning on the terrace edge, his hand was over his mouth, while his thumb supported his chin and his index finger surrounded the lips. His melancholic stare at the others. The perfect image of decadent tragedy, “you said ‘talk to him’ I thought—”
“I did say that...I also said it was good…I thought…”he hesitated, turning to look at Ikki in the eye, “I thought it was, and hey! It worked for you, and for that I’m more than happy.” He smiled, “I wasn’t expecting that much for me, really. I wanted to know where I was standing and I found out. Need no more.”
“I thought Mu and you might have had something by now.”
“The part of this story you don’t know is that we did have something, long ago; now, he’s with my best friend and I’m getting closer to someone else…I don’t know what will come out of his, though.”
“Aioria, I assume.”
Scorpio nodded smiling. “It’s scary, you know? But I wouldn’t change the peace I’m feeling now, even when I don’t want to risk a good friend. You my friend…” he said leaning a little on the table, closer to Ikki, “I see you are all right.”
Ikki smiled once again. It seemed to him a if he had done it for a long time, when it had been only one day—or a couple of hours. “I’m happy, Milo, yes. And that’s scarier...what if I get too close and blew it all over again? Can you imagine that?”
“You can run and hide in my cave anytime you feel like it.” Milo said standing, Aldebaran was yelling at him, telling him to leave his book for Greece and go to play with them. Milo yelled back with a sort of ‘I’m coming’ before approaching Ikki a little bit more, “you are worth a second helping.”
Ikki laughed strongly after Milo’s comment. Everybody turned to see them. It was so strange for them to see Ikki that relaxed. Besides, seeing Milo’s mischievous look, made them wonder what was happening.
“Milo! You get your ass here, right now!” Aldebaran shouted one last time.
“See you later?”
“Sure.” The man answered, slightly touching the hand Ikki was offering.
Shiryu and Aioria had noticed every thing Ikki and Milo had been doing all through the day. What it was with them, each of them thought. Shiryu felt that at least he knew about them. Ikki’s feelings were not a mystery to him at all; no matter how horribly hard it was to restrain himself from asking more. Aioria, on the other hand, had no idea what was the kind of relationship, he and Milo had whatsoever.
Nevertheless, the familiarity Ikki and Milo had been showing, made them wonder about the sort of relationship they shared. Shiryu knew only what Ikki had said—him staying at Scorpio’s house, their long chats, and reading sessions, their night together. He knew however, and did not Ikki to acknowledge it, that Milo of Scorpio was too important for Phoenix. Even though he was not pleased by that.
Maybe, it had been better not having found out more about them.



They were given a room each. The mansion was big enough to allow the luxury, which all appreciated. All, but the house cleaners, who complained in the kitchen about the amount of guests. Tatsumi laughed when he had heard them, finding it hilarious. Even when he had to remind them later not to be disrespectful.
After having had dinner, each person, whether a Saint, the Goddess or other guest—Miho and the children were also staying over—had found a way to spend the rest of the evening.
Alone in his room, Aioria stared out the window. Being lost in love was not something he was used to. His whole life had been a hard way of self-inflicted pain and distrust. Only after things had been back on track, his life included, he had allowed himself to feel free of all that. And in he process, he had had to accept that he had fallen in love with Milo. Even if the latter did not know about it.
However nice Milo had always been to him, he had never shown him the trust and the sweetness he had seen him give Ikki. Aioria knew Phoenix had spent a week at Milo’s Temple, yet, he did not know what it would have been like to see them together, in fact, he thought they were going to behave in a different way. He had seen them, though—and it hurt him.
Scorpio opened the door and saw the other standing by the window. Aioria’s left arm was lying against the wall. To Milo, the scene seemed taken out a fairy book, for the other looked perfect. The man had planned a noisy entrance but withdrew as soon as saw the other. He was simply taken aback by Aioria’s presence.
“What can I do for you, Milo?” Aioria asked, his voice tainted by a hint of sadness. The man turned to see Milo, “you’re all dressed up, that’s good.” He smiled faintly, walking to a couch next to the bed. “Where did you decide to go, then?”
It was the first time in a long time, for Milo to see Aioria so affected about something. “Are you OK?” Milo saw the other nodding, “I thought you were coming with us.”
“Changed my mind. I’m staying.”
“So am I, then.” Rebuked Scorpio, closing the door behind him and walking to where Aioria was. His outfit, Aioria noticed, was very attractive. It was not his traditional tunic and sandals. The jeans, along with the light shirt and the leather jacket and boots, fitted him.
“You look great, Aioria.” Milo said, finally sitting on the bed, opposite him.
“Funny,” answered Leo, “my mind was just telling me exactly the same thing about you.”
Silence fell upon them again.
“I’m all ears, Cub.”
Aioria looked at him, startled by the statement. “Don’t know what you’re talking about Milo…and why are you calling me that. You haven’t done so since my brother—”
“For how long have we known each other, Aioria? Since we were four or five, right? I know something is bugging you, so tell me.”
“You wouldn’t understand, Milo.”
“Try me.”
Silence again. There were no words for him to speak his mind, or to expose his heart. Aioria simply stared at Milo, sighing faintly. He had n ever been allowed to love or to think on a different kind of life, however, now Milo was offering the chance of speaking and maybe that chance would be a reality. He could not do it, though. He hesitated a couple of times, then cover his face with his hands, to pull his hair back after.
“There are things that are better left unsaid.”
“You’re a goddamn dumbass, Aioria. You’re letting all that poison you. Look at your face, you’re in pain, but won’t let me help ease it.
“How could you do so if you don’t even know what’s up with me?”
Milo stood up and walked to him. Aioria remained sitting on the couch, lifting his head to see him approaching. Milo walked as if he were a snake slithering. Milo leaned over the other, supporting his weight on the couch; his face coming closer to Aioria’s. “that’s the secret of my House, and I’m not telling.”
“Why are you here anyways? Wouldn’t they get mad? I mean, you’re here with me—”
“They?” Milo flinched.
“Mu and Ikki.” Aioria said.
Milo sighed heavily, slapping himself slightly. Aioria’s cuteness and naïveté were causing an even greater effect on him, making him want to surrender to the other.
“What?” Aioria inquired surprised by the other’s reaction, not able to interpret his look. Nor he was able to stop Milo from kissing him. Leo grabbed Scorpio by his shirt, unsure of his own actions. All he knew was that Milo’s warm lips were touching his. Opening and closing over them, his tongue getting familiar with the other’s mouth. With one hand, Aioria grabbed him tighter, pulling him over him; with the other, he caressed Milo’s neck until he could definitely pull him completely.
“You’re so beautiful…you’re gonna kill me one of these days, Aioria.”
“Why did you just kill me? I thought you were in love with Mu—”
“I am…can’t lie, but we don’t have a chance of being together, and I don’t wanna continue like that… I thought I could never feel again, Aioria, and—”
“If this is a game, then let me go!” he struggled to free from his improvised cage, between the couch and Milo’s body, “Milo, I’m warning you!”
“Shut up, Aioria! You truly are a dumbass, aren’t you? I mean…I have feelings for you! I want to believe that they may mean something for you too…I want to…”
“I don’t need games in my life, Milo! I want you, yes! I do have feelings for you, but it doesn’t mean I want to be your rebound!”
“That’s not what I meant!”
“I’m…” Leo hesitated. This time, he did not move his hand from his face, “I’m sorry Milo, but no matter how amazing that kiss just was, I don’t wanna be a game for you. You have no chance with Mu, but then, what about Ikki? What about me?!” he said, moving his hands strongly against his chest.
“Do you love me, Aioria?”
Leo did not answer, staring at him with angry eyes; disbelieving the other’s words. He turned his back on Milo, avoiding seeing him.
“It was no secret whatever happened between Mu and I, was it? About that, I really have nothing else to say,” Milo was walking closer to Aioria, “Ikki, on the other hand, was a good friend who helped me overcome myself and move on.”
“They way you speak to him—”
“It’s not Mu then. It’s Ikki, right?” Milo said in a low, sad voice, “Ikki was my lover for one night and is my friend for a lifetime and that won’t change.”
“What do you want from me?”
“I’d hoped you could’ve taught me how to love and trust again—I knew I shouldn’t have risked our friendship.”
Milo walked away from Aioria, leaving the room almost instantly. The man went along the corridor, looking for a familiar person’s room. He knew the havoc he had just created. As always, he had destroyed someone and something he cared for, and it was time to swallow his own venom, before destroying something else—or himself.
Someone was knocking on his door, “Yes?” The man said behind the door, while opening it.
“May I come in?”
“Sure!” Ikki responded at once, leaving a space open for Milo to walk in.
“What can I get you—”
“Just let me be here for a while. I’ll need more than just books or food to calm myself down.”

* * *

For the next couple of days, Milo remained silent most of the time, thinking about so many things he could not even tell himself. That same time, he was spending it at the Mansion’s library, buried among Mr. Kido’s books. Everybody, knowing his passion for books, found it a regular thing for him to do. Even with Ikki, he was keeping his distance. That evening when he had gone looking for him, they had talked much, almost until the next morning. They had sort of realized their behaviour had had a surprising effects in the ones around them. Both had blamed themselves for their recklessness.
Even when they felt they had not done wrong.
Shiryu noticed the change in Ikki’s attitude. He was back to his silence, to being locked in his room kind of being nasty with everyone. The epoch of spending their time together seemed far in the past; and he felt trapped in a conundrum he was not sure how to get rid of. His feelings for Ikki had grown stronger after that time spent together, and felt the need of keeping things the way they were.
During those days, Saori had invited everyone, guests, and regular inhabitants in the mansion, to her house in Osaka. It was a retreat place her grandfather had, and she wanted to share it with all of them. Shiryu knew Ikki had refused to go, hence, he decided to stay as well, although the other did not know about it.
Later that evening, after everybody had left, Shiryu went to look for Ikki who was in his room. The man did not knock but simply walked in, finding the other on a meditating position.
“Had I known this, I would’ve joined you.”
Phoenix smiled when hearing his beloved’s voice. With Shiryu, there was no need of lying or pretending he was mad at the world. “What are you doing here, shouldn’t you be in Osaka?”
“I should be wherever you are.”
“Liar.” Ikki made fun of him, “I’m serious, what ya doin’ here?”
“I wanted to be with you…alone…”
“Why now?”
“Because you’re everything to me, remember?”
Shiryu straddled on Ikki’s lap, sitting on him. The man was moving in such an enticing way that Ikki’s body began to answer quickly. They had desired each other for a while now. Much more after their failed first encounter. Yet, they had silently agreed not to force themselves on the other. It seemed the time to do so, though.
Ikki’s hands looked for a spot of bare skin underneath Shiryu’s shirt. Dragon’s body began to respond. Moving softly over Ikki; provoking him. Phoenix finally took the shirt off the other, feeling each inch of his skin, kissing as much as he could.
Shiryu was willingly giving up to Ikki. Allowing him to do as he pleased. He was surprised when Ikki managed to push him down, showing him what he wanted him to do.
Dragon obeyed, pulling his pants down, and then burying his face between the other’s crotch. Ikki gasped and moaned. His harsh voice becoming a tune Shiryu was delighted to hear.
Ikki released himself quick. The warmth and lack of expertise in Shiryu’s mouth made him come in bug gushes of white. He moved Shiryu before doing so, not letting him getting dirty. The young Chinese boy was looking at him, mesmerised by the sight of Ikki holding his member while letting himself go in pleasure. Sooner than he expected it, Phoenix was lewdly looking at him, showing him the way to bed.
Shiryu let him do and did not even flinched when Ikki entered in him, invading his sphincter. The man could not think about anything else but the sensations his body was experiencing. There was not a moment for resting for them. One time after the other—and until their bodies could not take it any longer—the two men took each other; enjoying one another as much as it was possible. However, even Athena’s Saints need some rest.
They were resting, one next to the other on the bed, trying to catch their breaths. No matter the pleasure that experience had given him, Ikki knew there was something wrong in the whole thing. Shiryu’s sudden acceptance, his willingness, when before he had not shown anything akin, was something he could not understand.
“Why today?” Ikki asked again, not looking at him.
“I wanted you only mine” Shiryu answered seriously, not so sure about having said it.
“Meaning…?”
“I wanted to delete Milo from you.”
Ikki closed his eyes, knowing that was the worst answered he could have heard. “You could’ve lied, you know?” The man said, standing. Ikki looked for his clothes and put them back on.
“Ikki…”
“It was me!” He yelled turning to see him, “I forced myself on Milo because I needed someone to give me what I’d never had from you. He gave me that: One night! One fucking night! And you’ll charge me for that, forever?!”
“But Ikki…” Dragon began to said, standing himself, looking for his pants as well, “the way you behave when you’re with him—it’s so different…it’s—”
“He is my friend for God’s sake! My friend! He helped me when I needed someone to do so, when—”
“He helped you?!” Shiryu rebuked angrily, facing Ikki, “How did he do that? By fucking you?!”
Ikki looked at him, clenching his teeth, and closing his fists, “Had I wanted a woman Shiryu, I would’ve looked for one long ago.” He came towards Dragon in an intimidating way. Ikki felt he was a bout to punch him, but did not do so, “yes, he helped me by fucking me…and only Go knows how much I enjoyed it.” He ended, walking to the door, “what a pity Shiryu, that was the only thing you’d listened to.”
With a sad look on his face, Ikki left his own room, looking for some fresh air to cool himself down.