Encounter

Disclaimer Saint Seiya doesn\'t belong to me. And I take no profit from this.

Challenge: Unusual Pairings (Shiryu & Ikki, Mu & Milo, Mu & Camus, Aioria & Milo, Ikki & Milo)

Warnings: The story is not 100% beta-read


Encounter

Everything had been harder than they thought since the very moment that they had been asked to live together. One thing was to fight all in the same team, but living together was out of the question and Saori was out of her mind; Ikki thought more than bored lying in his bed. He had had enough of all that crap and he wanted to leave the place. Yet, a promise to his brother made him stay.
Damned moment in which he had made such a promise, but there was not really much he could do.
As usual, his room was dark. Ikki was not very fond of light lately. On the contrary, being alone and in the dark was exciting to his mind. It was already a reality that he had to stay, even when he would rather be somewhere else. After thinking for a while, Phoenix realized that at least he could try to make the best out of the entire situation. He had Hyoga to laugh at and Seiya to bother but—now that he thought about it, he had never been able to annoy Shiryu, or get any reaction from him. The Dragon had always been much centred and never seemed to lose his temper. He felt that he had found a reason to stay—although he was not quite sure as to how to reach his goal.
It was an autumn night when all of them were in the sitting room, sharing some spare time together. Hyoga was half-asleep and Shun and Seiya were distracted fighting about which girl was the cutest, Miho or June. Ikki looked at all of them without much interest. Their topics and conversations were futile to him. Then, however, he noticed that Shiryu was sitting by the window, looking at the stars, and Ikki was staring at him.
He was determined to annoy him somehow, to do something to him, just to see if he could get any reaction from the Chinese boy. Ikki was not sure about what to do, though. The young man had not found the way. He kept watching Shiryu and thinking about it, but it was all pointless, not interesting. Ikki wanted to do something good.
Finally, Hyoga decided to go to bed, although how he found the way remains a mystery. Shun and Seiya went to the TV room; they mentioned something about watching a movie that evening. Ikki felt he had his way free at least for bothering the Chinese boy, but destiny proved him wrong. A sudden power outage took place and everything went dark. After finding himself in such a position, Ikki tried to walk out the room, but could not. He bumped against the furniture several times; hurting himself with it.
“Stay here, I’ll see what happened”, Shiryu said to the Japanese boy, while walking out the room. Ikki on the other hand, felt annoyed by Shiryu’s voice. It was as calm as usual.
“I’m fine,” the other answered, “I’ll come with you,” but he bumped into something again and Shiryu laughed out loud when he heard Ikki complaining and cursing.
“I’ll be right back, Ikki” said the Chinese boy while giggling.
Despite Shiryu’s words, Ikki felt angry. While trying to find where to sit, Ikki felt his anger leave him. He wanted to rub his knees, but could not do so, realizing he had been made fun of. The man began to try to figure out why he had got annoyed in the first place. He knew the blood had rushed to his head rapidly. Ikki felt surprised somehow, he had wanted it all to happen backwards; and he was feeling angrier with Shiryu. Phoenix did not want to be the one showing whom he really was inside nor did he want to be laughed at. He gritted his teeth.
He, the Mighty Phoenix, beaten by a power outage and its consequences? That was something unheard of. Ikki wanted to go to his room. Maybe, he could bother Shiryu some other day. It was clear this one was not the day for doing so. But when he wanted to leave the room and turned, he bumped against something again, it was a body this time; Shiryu’s.
“Don’t tell me you can’t walk in the dark, Phoenix–” his tranquil voice was exasperating the other one even more. In a very twisted way, the Dragon was enjoying all that. It was a side of Ikki he was not familiar with.
“Shut up Lizard, I’m sick of you.” The other answered with anger. When he tried to walk again, he hit Shiryu, but it was worse; this time, they fell on the floor, between the big sofa and the centre table, being both in an awkward position. Shiryu was on top. His arms and Ikki’s could not find a good position to stay in and every time any of them tried to move, a new blow was what they got. Ikki’s breathing was heavy. Moving his arms without any coordination whatsoever, trying not to hit Shiryu again.
The Dragon laughed louder. Ikki could not help it but laugh as well; acknowledging the absurdity of the situation. Their breaths were so close, that Ikki had to swallow hard at the smell. It was like fresh water falling among the rocks. Shiryu noticed it himself. He could also smell something from Ikki’s breath that was like fire burning. Both men felt electricity running through their bodies. The moment was turning everything into a different mood. Suddenly, there was no more anger or annoyance. There was no more playful giggling, either. Only silence.
Ikki forgot what he had wanted to do in the first place and propped his head up, trying to find Shiryu’s lips. The man needed that sensation to calm his inner fire, it was then that his lips met the other’s, and made him shiver. But he withdrew when he did not find a response.
Shiryu, on the other hand, felt stunned by the feeling of the other’s body below his, and when Ikki’s lips touched his; it was like his fire was burning him. Shiryu was not able to respond. Yet, when Ikki abandoned him, he felt like he did not want to let go, so he moved closer to Ikki and kissed him again. More deeply this time.
Ikki felt his body trembling at the touch of Shiryu’s lips and shivered again when those lips moved towards his ear, making him pant a little. “Don’t stop”, he managed to say while placing his hand on the other’s back, moving them up and down. Touching his butt slightly making him moan as well.
“Ikki, Brother! Are you ok?”
The sudden sound of Shun’s voice made them stop. Soon they were a few feet from the other; sitting quickly not realizing that it was so dark that they could not have been seen.
“Yes Shun, I’m fine” he tried to calm his voice a little “Go to bed, I’ll be in my room in a while” But he looked at where Shiryu was sitting. Even among the shadows, their eyes seemed to shine, burning with passion. He looked for the other’s hand, forcing him to sit by his side, so he could kiss him again. Deeper and harder this time. He bit the other’s lower lip a little. Shiryu answered by stroking Ikki’s chest; his hands moving more urgently.
Shiryu wanted more from Ikki, so he decided to move and made him fall over the couch and straddle on him, not leaving his lips. How long had he wanted those very lips on his own? It was something he could not remember. All he knew was that it’d been too long. That for some wicked reason, he had ended up in such situation with Ikki. That he did not want to let go and that for as long as it might last, he was to enjoy it.
Ikki’s mind was not able to reply itself. His body had already done it for him, his member growing harder under Shiryu’s groin, and feeling his hands laced in his own hair was so exciting that he did not want the moment to be over. For once, he thought of a very good reason to enjoy staying at the mansion. This thought made him wrap his arms around Shiryu’s body, making their contact tighter. Dragon’s hair covering his arms. Both felt it was worth a try.
“Ikki, stop.” The Chinese boy finally said suddenly; moving his thumbs to Ikki’s face, stroking his features, then his lips. He wanted more. His body was demanding it. “This is not the place and I–”
“You what, Shiryu?”
“I want more from you.”
He have wanted to say something else but could not. Ikki was already standing, making him move as well. When both stood up, Ikki took Shiryu’s hand and walked with him to his room. It was the one at the end of the corridor, and although the risk of being caught was in the air, they did not care.
Ikki led him slowly all the way up the stairs and Shiryu followed, determined to know what the other wanted. He was already exposed, no matter what. He shouldn’t have said a word. He shouldn’t have told him he wanted more. That he wanted him. Somehow, he felt ashamed because of that. When they finally entered Ikki’s room, the latter pressed the other against the door kissing him deeply.
“I want you, Shiryu. Only you.” He finally said, his lips not wanting to leave the Dragon’s. “I want you.” He repeated between pantings. Shiryu heard his words and embraced him tighter. His arms were now around his neck and waist while devouring his lips; biting them softly. Ikki responded to each caress with all he could. Both of them panting and moaning with pleasure.
Soon, they had reached the bed where Ikki made Shiryu sit; while he knelt, hiding his head between the other’s legs. Shiryu’s member was growing slowly inside the Phoenix’s mouth. The latter’s tongue moving playfully, rhythmically with his mouth. Shiryu tilted his head back, his arms on the bed, supporting his body; still sitting. Ikki had managed to take his pants off. Making it all a lot easier. He started caressing his testicles, taking them in his hands and rubbed them tenderly and roughly at the same time. Shiryu began to moan louder, not being able to control himself. He loved what he was being given. Holding tight to the sheets.
Ikki was feeling dizzy because of the symphony of sounds Shiryu was offering to him. Shiryu’s body began to stiffen and Ikki knew he was on the edge. The Chinese man could not hold it any longer and fell on the bed, moving his hips rhythmically thrusting into Ikki’s mouth. Softly, strongly, softly again. His moaning louder each time. Filling the air and Ikki’s senses.
When Shiryu reached his peak, Ikki received him in his mouth. Not swallowing but keeping it as if it was a treasure. Moving still while Shiryu held tighter to the bed sheets. Then, Ikki let the other’s seed spilt all along his now relaxed shaft; while Shiryu tried to recover his breath.
Phoenix got up and placed himself on top, his lips looking for the Dragon’s. Shiryu kissed him eagerly, allowing him to have a taste of himself, enjoying every inch of each other. However, Ikki could not say there for long. The Chinese boy’s body was alluring. As if calling him to fall for it and get lost in it. He moved smoothly, looking for Dragon’s earlobe to kiss it softly.
“Had known this before, I would have tried to annoy you, a long time ago.” Ikki let the words slip out of his mouth; revealing himself to the other.
“What are you saying?!” Shiryu frowned at what he had just heard; not sure as to what he should believe. His mind was demanding an explanation he was not sure he wanted to hear either.
“Yes Shiryu, tonight I wanted to annoy you, so I could see who you really were, why you never get angry, sorta. You’re the only one who’s still a puzzle for me…”
The Chinese man looked at him and moved him away. He did not want to believe what had just said. So this was it. Just a game no more than that. Shiryu felt angry. He was breathing deeply, so he would not lose his head, then he stood up, finally walking to the door.
“Shiryu–I–”
“You got what you wanted, didn’t you? Then, there’s nothing left here for me to do or say.”
Shiryu put his pants back on in silence. He felt how all his desire and passion had vanished just by listening to Ikki’s words. He had always felt some sort of attraction towards Ikki and had thought of him as a good, honourable man. However, he had learnt the hard way, what a lie all of it was. His disappointment being more noteworthy.
Ikki tried to talk to him several times. He even tried to touch him, but Shiryu’s seriousness did not even let him approach. Phoenix just sat on his bed and watched him getting dressed and walking out of the room. He was not quite sure why he was feeling like a piece of trash, he, who did not care much about others, but only himself. For the second time in his life, he wanted to amend something. He got clean clothes and went to Shiryu’s bedroom. At least, he would try to work things out. He desperately needed it.



Shiryu entered into his room still in silence. He was not sure about how to feel. He had had this secret desire of kissing and feeling Ikki and he had gotten it. Why was he expecting it to be something more?
‘I want you–only you’
Why had he believed his words? He thought while taking his clothes off again; leaving them all over the floor. He looked at his body and realized he was sticky from what had happened before and smiled faintly. He had also got what he had wanted, had he not? His lips had kissed him and his hands had stroked all his body. It had felt like cold water in the middle of a fire. Although it had happened just a few minutes ago, he was already missing the sensations he had experienced. To him, it was as if it had always happened. As if it were part of his regular life.
The problem was, however, that he had just acknowledged it—he wanted more from Ikki. Not only physically, but also emotionally. For once in his life, Shiryu cursed his fate.
He selfishly wanted the other’s fire burning for him. Burning him. His body, his soul.
Ikki knocked on the door, but Shiryu did not open it. He had this strange need of talking to him and explaining himself. Phoenix wanted to clear things up; to tell Dragon that just by having him around, he had found some sort of peace for his soul. One he could not understand. Ikki wanted him to know that he was the balance for his madness and the reason for him to stay; that those moments together had been all he needed to make up his mind. That first touch had been enough—as if it had been meant to be.
He knocked again; even called his name, but there was still no answer. Some minutes later, when the man had decided to walk away, and had given the first step back to his room; the bedroom door was finally opened.



Shiryu had finally opened the door after listening to the other one calling for him, having got dressed. There he was in the middle of the corridor and in front of him. Shiryu moved aside and gave him some space to come in. Ikki did so.
“I’m all ears.” Shiryu said even when he really did not want to listen to him. He felt he was doing it out of courtesy more than anything else. He had felt used. He also felt he had abused Ikki, and he blamed himself for that.
Ikki, on the other hand, thought that maybe, when speaking to him, he could understand himself better. \"I just—\"
\"Wanted to see my reaction? I\'m sure it was pretty much what you\'ve expected.\"
\"I wanted to know—\" the Phoenix answered remaining in silence for a few seconds \"why you impressed me so much.\" he ended. Shiryu looked at him untrusting. He did not want to fall in a game which was not going to help him much. He had feelings towards the other guy, but he did not want to end up trapped by his own fears. Never again.
“Good night, Ikki; there’s nothing else for us to say this evening.”
Ikki sighed defeated, yet said nothing. He did not want to push any further, hence he walked out the room closing the door behind him. He stood there, in the middle of the corridor for a few minutes, hoping the door would be open again. It did not happen, though. Finally, he returned to his room.
When Shiryu got up in the morning, he found out that Ikki was gone. It seemed that he had left in the middle of the night without saying a word, only goodbye to his brother. Shun also seemed to feel fine about it, or at least that was what he thought. Shun was spending his time having fun with the others. However, when they had wanted to talk to Shiryu, he simply did not answer.
He was lost in another world; feeling some lips which had touched his skin the night before. Immersed in the sensation of fingers running all over his body, stroking and caressing. Strong and soft movements, which drove him mad. His heart was aching as well. Emptiness threatening his now doubtful soul. He found himself trying to calm himself enough so he would not end up showing how he was feeling.
He was afraid anyone in the Mansion could find out about what had happened between Ikki and him. Not that he felt ashamed, but did not want to explain himself. Nor did he want to face his actions or its consequences whatsoever. Shiryu was afraid anyone would know that he had wanted Ikki so badly that despite the fact that his mind had told him to be careful, he had followed his heart, the one telling him to go for it and try. He had done it, nonetheless. He had adored those moments with the other guy. His desire being fulfilled beyond his own expectations.
Dragon felt so aloof that he just stood up silently and left. Needing to be alone.



Ikki decided not to go to the Island of Khan. He was tired of the place, although visiting Helen was not a bad idea whatsoever. But he did not need her at the moment. He wanted to find answers. He needed to know what was really happening with him. The man had been bored that night and had decided to play tricks on Shiryu and had ended up tricked by a violet dragon.
Ikki was dying for another chance with Shiryu and give up before him. He desperately needed to feel him as he had done, yet his feet took him to Greece. He felt weird when he realized he was standing at the entrance of the sacred place.
“Well, well, well, look what we’ve got here.”
Ikki heard the voice and turned. Milo of Scorpio was walking all towards him. He was carrying two big pots full of some sort of liquid. He was not quite sure if it was water or wine, and did not pay any attention to them but to the Saint.
“Phoenix,” Milo said, “welcome to Sanctuary” Ikki just looked at him, realizing the older man looked more relaxed than the last time he had seen him much sadder.
“Thank you.” He answered and started following the Scorpio Saint. Up they went, walking past the temples; Milo was quiet, flaring his cosmos enough as to let the others know it was him passing through. Ikki just followed. All the others came out welcoming him once again. But he stopped as soon as he stepped on Libra, regardless.
“Ikki—” Dokho greeted him, still sitting at the entrance of the temple. “Did the others come with you?”
He did not know how to begin; hence, he just shook his head and stared at the Master.
“I’m sorry, Master; Milo is waiting for me.” He answered hastily and walked faster. Milo had not left yet and could hear him lying; remaining silent and stopped, actually waiting for him.
Soon, both Saints were inside the temple. “There’s a room over there, Phoenix. You can stay for as long as you want.”
“Milo—“
“I don’t know what’s wrong with you and I won’t ask, though I imagine it how you feel. You’re welcome in my Temple too, Ikki.”
Milo walked to the kitchen. Saori-Athena had provided them with some of the comfort they had not had before and which Milo enjoyed, having his pantry full of food and wine all the time. He left the pots there and made some sandwiches for them to eat. He called Ikki and after they ate something he disappeared for the rest of the day.
Ikki was left in the Temple, on his own. After eating, he went to ‘his’ bedroom and cleaned it up a little. Then, he put his clothes in a small dresser he had found there. The place smelled as if it had been closed for a long time; he did not care much and made of it a habitable place, at least for as long as he was to stay.




“He’s running, Dokho.” Milo whispered in frustration. There was something in Ikki’s eyes he had seen somewhere before. In his own eyes, maybe, every time he stood in front of the mirror.
“I know, and I think you can help him, Milo.” The former old Master answered, still enjoying his ice cream cone. Both saints stayed there, sitting at the entrance of Libra; watching the sunset and eating some more ice cream, provided as always by the Taurus Saint.
“When will you stop running yourself, Milo?” The young man did not answer. He kept eating, leaving the spoon a little longer in his mouth. Dokho’s words brought unease to his being. That was an issue he never wanted to discuss; something he avoided every time he could.
“Milo—”
“I’m not the issue here, Dokho.” He responded coldly. Leaving the spoon on the plate next to him.
“I know, but—you should stop hiding, it’s been too much, you two have gone through a lot already—”
“He has no feelings for me, Dokho,” the man said interrupting him, “and…I don’t know how to push. I can’t do it. There’s no way I can be clearer with him. There’s no way I can make him realise how I feel…” He breathed deeply, “I can’t force him to do what he doesn’t want to. I don’t want to.”
“But then, what about you, Milo? Have you realised how thoughtful with him you’re being?”
Milo did not answer. He had gone too far already when speaking his mind. “The ice cream was great, Dokho, thank you.” He finally said, standing up, stretching and walking, “I’ll take care of him” he and went back to his temple. Even if it was him, Dokho, a man he had learnt to respect and in whom he could trust; he was not able to address the topic.
“Please do.” Dokho said loudly so the other could hear him. “But take care of yourself too” he said in a whisper then closed himself into meditation.



Shiryu was on top on him. His hair fell all over, as if a woman’s, and was looking at him with the eyes of a predator. Willing to eat him slowly. He had seen Shiryu’s face moving towards his and then their lips had met, devouring each other’s. He had closed his eyes while the other not only kissed his lips but also his face, moving to his ears and his hands had touched all his body, softly but firmly. And the black sea of Shiryu’s hair tickled him, as if playful and Ikki had to hold tight to the headboard trying to lose intensity and make it last.
It as so—warm and vivid for him, that he thought it was too much joy for him. All of a sudden, however, Shiryu was gone and Ikki felt alone, abandoned; the pain being so unbearable that he woke up sweating and trying to recover his breath. Nevertheless, now he truly needed more than that. Ikki touched his head, stroking it with his own hand. The man found himself sitting in the room Milo had offered him before. He saw his own reflection in an old, cracked mirror in front of him. Phoenix tried to get a grip on himself; begging for oblivion. Ikki thought for a minute that maybe some fresh air would help him a bit
“Nightmare?” the deep voice asked when he had just walked out of his bedroom. Ikki turned to see Milo right there, sitting on a couch with a book in his hands.
“Didn’t know insects knew how to read—”
Milo laughed aloud. It had been quite a while since he had done it the last time and it felt good to do it again. “First, Ikki, it’s arachnid, not insect and second, you’d be surprised of all the things I know how to do.” Milo answered and looked back at his book, avoiding more comments.
“Love in the Time of Cholera—nice book you’re reading”
“It helps me not to have nightmares, you know?” he answered without looking at him. He had had nightmares on his own. Milo knew excessively well about calling a name in your dreams and that it never answered. About waiting for someone to come but never did—By the Gods if he knew about all that. “Take a cold shower or eat something, Ikki; there’s enough food, or just come and sit, take a book and read. Doesn’t help you to forget but makes you think about something different; have you tried any of these before?”
Ikki looked at him a little shocked by such an invitation. Milo knew what he was saying, although Ikki could not actually see his eyes nor truly notice anything else in his voice. The man finally agreed on doing everything Milo had advised him to do. Then, he sat by his side and started to look among the different books Scorpio had there, trying to find something of interest to him.
Milo on the other hand, watched him sideways; carefully paying attention to his every movement. And smiled.
Little by little, Phoenix discovered Scorpio was right. He could not forget but at least his mind was somewhere else.

* * *

The Kido Mansion was not the same without Shiryu there; it was indeed very similar to chaos, like a summer camp. Yet Seiya, Shun and Hyoga were not surprised that Shiryu were not around. They knew how much he loved China and his waterfall, so they did not actually mind that he was gone. It was fine that he visited the place, so they did not make a big deal out of it. Besides, being Ikki and Shiryu around, the big brothers were gone and they could so as they pleased.
Shiryu arrived in Rhozan after a few hours of flight. He walked all the way to the Waterfall, following the river’s path, finding the cottage after some hours. Sunrei saw him in the distance and came running to meet him. She hugged him and he answered tenderly. Tighter. He wanted to believe things would be better just by doing so and he wanted to believe it so badly that for a few moments it was so.
They ate and had a pleasant conversation that evening. As usual, Sunrei’s cooking was remarkable and Shiryu felt at home. And so it had passed a week already when he realised it.
Every day, Shiryu could sense Sunrei was trying to get closer to him and he had found himself doing the same thing; in that way he was not thinking all the time. However, it happened that one day, Sunrei decided to go swimming in the river as usual, Shiryu went with her as usual, too. But that day, he was not expecting what was going to happen to him.
Sunrei walked naked into the river as she always did. She was there swimming as if she were a mermaid when Shiryu heard her call his name. He turned and saw her waving and screaming that he should try the water as well. He thought about it for a moment and just when she had given up, he accepted. The man was not quite sure about what he was doing, but followed his instinct and got into the water.
He loved the feeling of the water touching his bare skin and started swimming. He stood up in the middle of the water, calling Sunrei’s name; just like when they were children. He did not have time to react; he felt some arms hugging him, then a hand moving all over his body. He could not do anything when he also felt the woman’s breast against his back and a sudden warmth ran across his body.
“Shorts are not allowed in this river,” Sunrei whispered in his ears, “No clothing at all is.” Then he felt her hand pulling his shorts down and off him, to see her finally moving in front of him; noticing a hint of lust in her eyes which he had seen before. Something so familiar, he could not resist it.



They were reading Garcia Marquez that night, again, Love and other Demons was the book and it was already Ikki’s favourite. Sierva Maria’s story had caught his attention too much and it was the third time he had read it. Milo just let him be. Not only that the guy needed his space, it was also that he followed the ‘live and let live’ rule. In the past days, they had not become best friends but at least, the mutual respect and the company kept them busy enough.
However, all of a sudden, Ikki closed his book and turned, facing Milo, “Who is she? Or is it a he?”
Milo looked at him above his book. He had not expected the question nor was he willing to answer it. He remained silent. A lot of thoughts and feelings flooded him, making him feel dizzy.
“Milo, I’ve asked you something.” The other’s inquiry resulted on making him feel angry.
Scorpio stood up and walked towards his room. He got in there without saying a word, annoyed, furious with the other. There was no explanation for what had happened, nor was he looking for one. If only something would cross his way so he could shatter it into pieces—Who did this brat think he was to be asking him about his personal life? He flared his cosmos, making it glow bright and strong.
“Why don’t you want to answer?” he turned and saw Ikki standing by the door. The calmness in his voice, in his eyes, was making him feel even more furious. “Go away!” he said, clenching his teeth.
“Does it hurt so much that you get like this? Look at yourself!” Ikki’s words were getting into Milo’s head as poison spreading through someone’s body.
Milo was holding himself back, his fists closed. His scarlet needle stinging his own hand. “Shut up!” he yelled.
“Look at me, Milo” Ikki said, walking closer to him. Taking him by the shoulders and making him turn to face him. Milo remained motionless. “Look at me!” he yelled. Ikki took Milo’s hand and kissed it, licking the blood with lust.
“What are you doing?” Milo asked in surprise, “Why are you doing this?”
Phoenix did not answer at once; taking his time to swallow the warm sweet blood, “Because –I want to stop running” Ikki said while he licked the other’s hand for the last time.
“I don’t love you.” Milo told him, while his body stiffened and he closed his eyes.
“I know, and I don’t love you either. I’m not even asking you to; but I just told you, I want to stop running and I swear to God that I need someone to touch me or I’ll end up crazy.”
“Unbearable, isn’t it?”
Ikki nodded. They knew each other’s pain way too well as to lie to the other. It was all a need. The need of feeling another one between one’s arms, of another’s warmth and lips touching yours. The need of releasing the pain that had been growing within.
Ikki’s lips touched Milo’s. He was a little shorter that the Scorpion, but it did not matter, he touched him softly, then harder. Milo took him violently and pushed him to the bed. Then he practically tore his clothes apart. He needed to feel so badly. Physically feel, so his soul would stop hurting hence, he took what was being offered to him.
He bit Ikki’s belly right after he had kissed it. Ikki grabbed him by his hair and kissed him deeply, while he bit him as well, almost making him bleed. Milo put Ikki’s hand above his head and placed himself on top and started kissing the other’s body until he noticed the pain growing in his groin. It had been growing, swollen and hard, and then he noticed Ikki was in the same state as he was and he took advantage of that. He ripped some pieces of fabric from his sheets, one to each hand to tie him to the bed, one more for his feet so he would not move and a final one for his eyes. It was just sex, he knew it too well, but he also knew he could not bear Ikki’s sight upon him.
“Milo…”
“Never challenge me again, Ikki. Never play with what I feel. Never try to light my inner fire, for you might get burnt.”
Milo went down, finding the other’s hardness and swallowed it. Ikki gasped. He had never had the chance of the sensation before, and he was enjoying it so much, that he had begun thrusting into Milo’s mouth thinking it was Shiryu’s. Milo let some saliva slip along Ikki’s shaft so it touched his sphincter. Letting his fingers slip inside. First one, then another. Losing himself imagining another’s moans and gasps.
Ikki lit his cosmos and burnt the fabric, forcing Milo to sit on the bed. “Burn me then.” He said lost in the pleasure he was receiving, closing his eyes. Ikki felt a mixture or pain and pleasure running through his body and into his mind, which he had never felt before.
Milo felt—overwhelmed when he realised it was Ikki’s first time and he hid his face in the other’s chest, while moaning and gasping, his hands sunk in Ikki’s back.
Ikki held tight on to Milo’s body, moving up and down, setting the pace. Moving in every way he could imagine it possible. Making Milo whimper and bite his chest every now and then. However, their climax did not take more to overtake them. Both cried out, releasing their energies and fears—and ultimately their feelings. Each of them screaming another’s name as if it were the truth before them. As if, nothing else actually mattered at the moment. Kissing one last time.
They separated, looking at each other in a way of complicity they had not known before. Sex was just that—sex, but that night for them it had been freedom. Because they’d learnt they could get over their beloved ones and live without them. Because they had realised they wanted to be with them and then alone, because even that was their choice. It also meant that they would not be willing to beg anymore.
Ikki stood up silently and left. He picked up his things and went to his bedroom. There, he took a shower and went to bed, lying there, staring at the ceiling. Not being able to think or face Milo.
Milo on the other hand, took a shower himself but walked out of his temple. He went all the way to the first temple and flared his cosmos there. Mu walked out to receive his visitor. Annoyed about the interruption.
“Milo—”
“Allow me Mu, please.”
Milo took notice Mu was not alone—he said nothing, though—he did not want to let that drive him mad. Remembering and feeling in his body what had just happened, as a way to tell himself he could do what he needed to do. No matter what the consequences.
“I love you, you know that, but…I’m done with you. I can’t hide it and I won’t even try to lie about it. You’ll never see or hear another word on the matter from me.”
The seriousness of his expression; the tranquillity of his words and the lack of venom on them, made Mu shiver.
The man looked at him thoughtful, a little scared by his words, not fully understanding them.
“I’ll get over you, Mu.” Scorpio ended.
Mu wanted to say something. Demand for an explanation, yet he knew he was out of place. Camus was inside waiting for him, and it had been his choice to make Milo forget about him and to do so himself.
“Good bye, then.”
Mu’s silence was not a surprise for him. On the contrary; he had expected it and was fine with that. Besides, it was the last thing he wanted at the moment. He simply took off, leaving the temple and going back to his after many hours of walking around. He had said what he had had to say. Tired of feeling used, sick of seeing him with someone else not himself. He wanted everything to be the way it was before the true Athena appeared. Things were not like that now.
Milo swore to himself never to look for him again, nor mention his feelings again. For he was now sure one day, he would heal and forget.
“Was it so bad that you ran away?” Ikki was sitting on the big couch waiting for him. Milo smiled tenderly acknowledging they had not had a minute to talk about what had happened between them. Ikki had done so—kind of—he had said he had felt the need of someone touching him. How many times had he suppressed the same need?
Earlier that night, after some minutes, Ikki had walked out of his room and had called Milo to talk but could not find him in the House, thinking he might have done something wrong. And after waiting for long, he had fallen asleep on the couch. Now Milo was there with him—at last.
“It was not—I just—” Milo did not finish the sentence and sat next to Ikki. “I don’t know what has just happened between us Ikki; I don’t know why it happened, but it was not wrong.” He caressed Ikki’s cheek. “It was not wrong at all.”
Both remained in silence. Thoughts running through their heads, filling them with doubts and excitement. Milo let his body fall on the couch and over Ikki’s lap. The later felt awkward by that, yet not bothered whatsoever.
“It’s a pity we can’t love each other.” Ikki said laughing.
“Oh yes—what a couple we would have made.” Milo closed his eyes. It was indeed strange all that had happened. Their feelings were not involved, although they were the clue to everything.
“Where did you—”
“Stop right there, honey…” Milo said, “you don’t have my ring on your finger yet…” and he played the fool. Ikki was starting to feel bothered but Scorpio burst into laughter. Enjoying Ikki’s angry face.
“Thank you, Phoenix Ikki. This has been one of the weirdest nights in my life, but also a very good one.” Milo stood up but Ikki grabbed him by his arm.
“Milo…”
“No excuses, no promises, no regrets, Ikki. Now, I think you’d better start thinking about going and looking for him—it’s truly good for your soul when you do it.” The words had been said with honesty. Milo looked at him, smiling. A huge burden had been taken off him and Ikki could see it, for he was feeling in the same way—although seeing Shiryu was not something, he had considered so far.
Milo kissed him slightly. It had not been a kiss as intense as the previous ones, but it was honest. Then, he went to his room, leaving Ikki alone in the sitting room. That night, he slept as pleasantly as he had not done in a long time. In the morning when he got up, Ikki was already gone.
He smiled knowing what he had done and feeling free for the first time in a while; so he smiled broadly and went to the Coliseum to train a little, not realising that someone was closely following his steps.

* * *

Shiryu could not tell how he and Sunrei had got to the cottage; whether they had walked naked through the forest, or if he had used his cosmos and he simply did not care at all. He was too lost in the sensations Sunrei was giving him, as to ask himself what was happening. Dragon could feel in himself, the same lust he had seen in her eyes before and he had grabbed her with strength, even hurting her a little—he did not mean to—but, he needed to erase those lips of fire that had marked his body as theirs. Nothing could do it, though. Ikki’s lips had already traced every trail of kisses Sunrei began.
Nevertheless, the feeling was so overwhelming, that he could not help it and moaned aloud when her mouth surrounded him. He held to the sheets, similar images coming to his mind. Images of those very few moments in Ikki’s room. And he cried out, careful not to say any names. Sunrei smiled gently.
The man felt as if he owned her and took her more gently this time; making her lie on the humble bed. Shiryu knelt before her and looked for her wetness. When he found it, he noticed she had whimpered when his tongue moved all over. But although Shiryu was trying, he could not focus on her.
Only him, only Ikki.
Sunrei was pleading for him. Dragon could not help it and did as he had been asked. It was for him to accept but he was craving for the contact himself. It felt so warm and tender—that he ended up enjoying every minute, every caress. He thrusted stronger, hearing her giggle; her breath accelerated by their movements. Shiryu closed his eyes, feeling frenzied. His mind screaming a name that was not the girl’s and as soon as their union began, it was also over. Equally soon, regret began to haunt him
They had reached their peak, and Sunrei had called his name. He just cried out, not able to call someone else’s name or hers. Soon both had recovered their breath. Shiryu let his body fall next to Sunrei’s, exhausted. She hugged him, holding tight to him, kissing him softly. The man panicked, not wanting to be there anymore. Once it was all over, he could not think on anything better than running away.
“I love you, Shiryu.”
He did not answer for he could not do so. He had been in love with Phoenix all along. Shiryu had always feared to recognise it, but the way things had turned out between them, were too powerful as to be able to forget them and not facing the fact that Ikki loving him back was not an option. Shiryu did love Sunrei as well. Maybe not with the same emotion she had just spoken, but he certainly did. He was still holding her in his arms. Their passion was extinguished already. Now, Shiryu could feel the girls’ body getting lighter, just to find out she had fallen asleep; tired of the actions of the day.
He smiled faintly. A mixture of regret and sorrow.
The man did not wait for the day to arrive. His soul weighed like an anvil, and so turned his steps. Getting dressed became an eternity. Yet, once done, all he could do was leave a note he was not sure he wanted to write, but did nonetheless. His Master had always taught him not to regret his actions; however, it was also true that he had never meant to do any harm to her. However, the reality of his own actions struck him hard. Shiryu realised he had just used her, as much as he himself had felt used once. Soon, he was walking away.
The next morning when Sunrei woke up and looked for him, she could not find him. The young woman hoped he would be by the Waterfall, but he was not. When she came back to the cottage, she found his note—, which she had not noticed before—and remained silent, frowning a bit.
‘It was beautiful, Sunrei
more than I can actually tell,
but my place is not here.
Goodbye.’
Somehow, the Chinese girl had known it was going to happen. She had found out many a day ago when she had seen him meditating and she had allowed her own cosmos to reach his. For many a year she had trained with Roshi and Shiryu when looking after them. She had waited in silence, listening and learning, thus, she had learnt about it. She was a warrior too, but one without a mask. She had felt it—them, actually. It was fire burning, dying, and then burning again. And she knew that the one she had called her dragon once, was no longer hers but the bird of fire’s. Yet, she did not cry, rejoicing in her memories. She had had him for herself for a few days days. The night before he had made love to her even though his cosmos had called another name out.
She went back to the front door and closed it keeping the sight of the landscape for herself, even though it was about to rain. By doing so, she closed the chapter in her life related to Shiryu, and allowed the water drops that were falling, to be her only companion for the rest of the day at least.




Milo’s energy was not like Shiryu’s. The fire in it was totally different from anyone he had ever felt. The way it was combining with his own was something he could hardly explain. It was like a symbiotic process, in which two elements became one. His emotions and feelings, he was certain, were not a part of that. A sentiment towards Scorpio had been born, though.
Ikki had not waited for Milo to get up and left Sanctuary first thing in the morning. Staying was simply pointless. Goodbyes were not his area of expertise and hence, he had just walked away.
“No excuses, no promises, no regrets—” he repeated Milo’s words while walking.
It had been more than a week now since he had left Athena’s Mansion. The house was as quiet as it was when he left. It smelled the same. It looked the same. Crossing the sitting room had not been easy. Nor it had been climbing upstairs to his room. Being there was somewhat relieving yet—he could not get rid of his reveries. He wanted to see the others, though. His brother, his friends, Shiryu. However, everybody had gone out, a maid had told him. He nodded and walked back into his room. To his old self. Ikki sighed heavily. He did not have the chance now to see them but later would work, he thought.
Questioning as to why he had left like that in the first place, was now flooding his head. He was not quite sure and was not ashamed either. How to face them or what to do when he saw Shiryu was something he had been thinking about for a while, as well; not having found a good answer for either question. He was certain, however, that he would not mind everybody finding out about him and Shiryu—if they had something but they did not so, it was useless to think about that.
“No excuses, no regrets” he said once again.
Phoenix closed the door behind him and left his small bag on the floor. Everything was neat and organised in there. He noticed that the house cleaners had just done their work and he breathed deeply, filling his lungs with the clean air, then he went to his bed. There were not too many things he needed to unpack: a couple of trousers, some shirts, clean underwear and socks. Among those things, however, there was something that was not his really.
‘Enjoy Yourself
Milo’
He closed the book and laughed openly. Love in the Time of Cholera he read on the cover when he closed it. He put it on his night table, willing to begin to read it later that evening. “I will enjoy myself you freaking bastard.” He said while laughing.