IV

After the satisfaction came frustration, of course. Bewilderment simply didn't suit him. And he had no idea what had happened that night. No idea why...
Some kind of neatly laid out plan, a trap set especially for him? He didn't think sexual performances like that was a part of Aya's job description... Love your enemy, suck him off! - No, didn't sound like Aya's line -at all.

Was it because he *could*? Because Aya had discovered that breech in Schuldich's defenses and found it amusing to play with him? Yes, it sounded more likely. And left Schuldich the utter fool...Disarmed, disgraced, discarded… Not even worth the killing blow. No more a threat, because Aya knew how to deal with him. How to push his buttons and bring him down...Calculating and cold he knew exactly how to hurt him the most. Schuldich strongly suspected that Aya's vengeful demon still held a party somewhere, and that the seduction had been one of the party treats...A warming up for the final feast. He wished that he had just killed him instead. A part of him had always longed for death and this last humiliation; not only to reveal his hunger for the enemy's touch but to actually be seduced with his own weapon - on a mission... It didn't make the thought of it, the dream of the end, less tempting.

Worst part was, of course, that he couldn't stop thinking about it. Couldn't stop thinking about *him*. At first he had hoped that the release of the sexual tension would be enough, that Aya had accidentally done him a favor and that there was no way he would fall for those mind tricks again. He had had spilled himself down Aya's throat. Had felt that soft hair under his touch... what more was there? Therefore he'd been in a very good mood when he met up with Schwartz and drove home. He was blamed, of course, for the mission's failure, he hadn't managed to keep Aya out of the house, but he didn't really care... He was glad though that he had some ripped clothes and rather nasty wounds to show off. Made it easier to explain, get it over with it... Truth be told though, he'd had to admit to himself later that night: It had been a hell of blow job. The best kind... Aya most certainly knew how to play the game, about that, there was no doubt... He replayed the scene is his mind. Compared fantasy to reality and concluded that the real Aya could beat fantasy-Aya any time. The real Aya held an edge, a violent passion that the other did not. The real Aya was even worse than the imaginary one that had tormented him for weeks... The real Aya was pure poison flooding his mind...

He'd stood in front of the mirror that night, contemplating. Looked in to his own eyes, tried to reach for the mind inside. Searched his face for traces. Shades of purple in his eyes. The wounds were still there, his cock was sore and aching, in a not too unpleasant way. He still felt the scratches from Aya's nails...He remembered the other's words about how he was to fulfill his promise and a cold shiver ran down his spine. A mixture of lust and hard, aching fear... For if all the visions he'd thrown at him were meant as promises... Then, he was seriously fucked... Or maybe he just meant to keep him on the edge. Control him by playing at his wishes. Keep him from killing him by wooing his carnal instincts...keep him there, but no further. Worst part was, the other had already won. Could he kill Aya now? - If chances were he could maybe have another go with the redhead...he should, of course... kill him, remove the threat before things got even more out of hand... But could he? - If he remember the feel of his lips, the taste of their kiss, the power of his all too pleasurable attack? - Could he pull the trigger, if chances were it could happen again? And if it didn't... And if he couldn't - kill... then Aya would always have the upper hand. Know exactly what to do... Unless Schuldich came up with a defense pretty fast he'd always be at his mercy... always be the victim when dealing with Aya... Because the desire had not died out with the flood, it had increased, become fire.

The feeling of haplessness overwhelmed him, triggered his rage. With a loud scream he grabbed the few items within his reach, a bottle of shampoo and a hairbrush and threw them into the mirror. Crushed his own face, created a spider web pattern across his features. He felt a strong urge to kill someone, torture them with idle dreams, twisted truths...lies. Feel blood on his hands, not merciful but cruel. Blood red as Aya's hair, covering his hands... It all came back to him, didn't it? All his thoughts were twisted around, backfired, turned on him... until all he could think of, all he could breathe was Aya. Aya's name on his lips, Aya's touch on his skin. Aya's tongue playing with his own. Aya's scent of roses and musk mingled and draped in his own of dark spices... All was Aya, all was *him*! - And Schuldich would not have it... Yet, there was really nothing he could do was there? Except for continue to avoid him. Avoid that weakness, that living, breathing insult to his pride.

He wondered what Aya had seen when he moved in to kiss him. Had he pictured him as someone else? His lover? Yohji? - Or had he seen victory when his eyes had locked in his. An enemy defeated...? What had he seen? Something he could have, yes...but what else? Aya was beautiful, Aya could have many guys...just the fact that he could was hardly enough. Had he seen a toy, something he could play with and break and not feel guilty? - It was likely. It was likely and cruel and all too true. No one would mourn him when he was gone...

Aya's fuck toy...Well, a little voice whispered, there were certainly far worse things in world he could endure, crueler fates than that... still the thought scared him senseless... and he realized that to him, it wasn't... nothing could be worse. In a final attempt of self-preservation he decided that Aya *had* to die. He would have to kill Aya or die while trying. Eliminate the threat or destroy himself, regain control somehow...because this... this... was torture... Still he grieved the loss when the hot water from the shower rinsed Aya's scent from his skin.

**********

So, at last, they stood there. Schuldich had a gun in his hand. The gun was pointed at Aya. Funny thing was; Aya wasn't even supposed to be there. Had nothing to do with the mission. Their target was pure scum, no one Aya would never waste time on. So why he was there, in the abandoned building by the docks, wading through old beer cans and other crap left by former inhabitants, Schuldich had no idea. And quite frankly he didn't care either. For he was there, and within shooting range... and that was all that mattered.

It had been over a month and Schuldich was able to at least act calm again even if his insides were on fire. Consumed by burning hatred,- and burning heat. Seeing him again sent lightings of lust and dread through his entire being. But the hand that held the gun was steady.

"Schuldich..." Aya's eyes trailed him. And at least his killer would be dashing, Schuldich thought, maybe it had been a sign from above, or more likely the other direction, that he'd chosen this particular outfit today. The day he was to execute his tormentor and one time lover. He would do the deed with style, and Aya would have something pretty to look at before his eyes closed forever. Detached him from this world and its miseries.

His pants were black and so was his coat with a tiger stripe patterned linings; he wore black leather gloves and a white shirt and around his neck a purple scarf that completed the outfit, lifted it above average. And yes, maybe, he *had* chosen purple - to remember Aya's eyes, but how appropriate then, wouldn't it be to close those eyes forever. Give him restful peace?

Aya had fittingly enough worn a red sweater on this day. Shockingly red, and beautiful against the darker shade of his hair... the pale complexion of his skin... No leather today, just that: The red sweater and a pair of light blue jeans. The katana was there but sheathed in Aya's hand...He was not dressed for work, so what was he doing there? And more importantly what was he doing in this specific building, appearing out of nowhere in front of him in the empty storage room... He didn't even know if this was the right place, his teammates were busy searching elsewhere... There was only one answer to the question...

"Did you follow me here?" he asked gently. His finger resting on the trigger.

"Yes," Aya answered calmly. His expression serious. No teasing in his eyes this time.

"Stupid move, Aya," Schuldich hissed and narrowed his eyes. "I will have to kill you, you realize that?" Oh it felt good to play it his way for a change. To set the rules, know the outcome...

Something flared to life in Aya's eyes. A hint of humor and something else...

"It's not like you haven't tried before," his voice was confident but held a question...A fluttering doubt that warmed Schuldich's heart.

"That was then, " he said simply. "This is now..."

"Don't you want to know *why* I followed you here?" Aya interrupted. Schuldich swallowed hard. Of course he wanted to know, and of course he didn't...He couldn't falter, not even a second, for then he'd be lost inside Aya again.

"I tasted so good you can't wait to have my cock back down your throat?" he tried. Put all his effort into making his voice sound as mockingly cold as possible.

"Maybe, " Aya smiled. The insult bouncing off against his smooth confidence.

"You look lovely on your knees, Aya," Schuldich continued, deliberately ignoring the other's reply. "But it won't help you this time..." he finished and bent his wrist slightly, pointing the gun at Aya's head. He was so close he could see the slight blush in Aya's cheeks, count his eyelashes if he wanted to. It was unnerving. He wished that the other would step back. It was messy shooting someone this close.

"If you're so confident..." Aya said smugly, "Why don't you come in to my mind... Play with it like you used to... That's what you do isn't it...you read people's thoughts... -Mastermind...?" His eyes were challenging, his voice cold and daring and the comments fueled Schuldich's anger. But he didn't know exactly why. The boy was to die anyway, why did he even care?

"Speaking of confidence, " he replied. "How smart was it to come in here with your weapon sheathed? You really do value your own abilities if you think that your less...cutting...charms are enough to keep you alive..." He traced Aya's body with his eyes as he spoke. A lazy, lingering look that seemed to last forever, simply because he couldn't get enough of looking at him.

"Aren't they?" Aya's soft voice reached his ears, called him back to reality.

"Red, " he said, referring to Aya's clothes. "You truly are confident!" He smirked.

"Aren't they?" Aya repeated, his face tilted upwards, his eyes held a piercing gaze: Arrogant and smug he arched his eyebrows questionably at the other. Challenged him to come up with an answer.

A new wave of frustrated anger and something like humiliation flushed through Schuldich's mind, made him see red, literarily. He knew he was about to lose control, was *so* close to losing it. But this time the rage had a direction and a purpose... Without thinking he lowered the gun to Aya's chest and his finger started to move on the trigger, but somehow he must've made a mistake for suddenly Aya was gone, just a flash of red that disappeared down the open staircase to the basement. And the reflex that should have kicked in and make him pull the trigger the second his target moved had failed him. His finger had decided not to obey or his mind not to give the order... He didn't know and didn't have time to contemplate it either. - So the boy could jump but so could he... In a swift movement he was by the stairs, his gloved hand caught the railing and he swung himself effortlessly over to disappear down to the dark unknown. Gun in hand, senses alert. But not enough. As soon as he landed in the dim corridor downstairs and before he'd had time to look around a foot kicked out and slammed into his hand, making the gun fly through the air and his fingers to hurt like hell.

"I hate you," he screamed in a high-pitched voice. Knew he was going to lose it, was all too far-gone to care.

When Aya dived for the gun he dived after, pulling his knife as he did. It was sharp and well tended, and he knew how to use it and this time...this time it was he that would hold the blade to Aya's throat and he didn't have any doubts about how to use it. So this was where he wanted to die, fine. Coming here was asking for it and by all he was and had ever been, the man was going to get it! When Aya's hand closed around the gun Schuldich's foot was there the same instant, forcing Aya's flesh to the floor along with the sharp edged metal of the gun. Aya screamed and let the gun go, Schuldich, in a uncounted for fit of mercy, relieved the pressure and let the hand slip out before kicking the weapon away in a unknown direction... out of Aya's reach. Aya's other hand reached for the katana that was trapped under his body but Schuldich placed a foot on it as well, made it impossible to pull it out from Aya's twisted and awkward position.

Still, when he stood there, hovering over the other. His defeated red angel with the knife in his hand, he didn't move down to do it. For some stupid reason he let the man up. Followed his every move with the tip of his knife. Close, but not touching, aimed at a naked spot on his neck. A naked spot of pale flesh, luscious flesh, flesh -smooth and warm...

Aya rose to his feet, panting heavily. His one hand covered the injured one, rubbed it slightly with a pained expression.

"Well...well..." Schuldich said and smiled in a sudden calm. "Something has changed since last time..." He let the tip of the knife run down Aya's chest to rest lightly against his solar plexus. He wondered how Aya's blood would look against the red of his sweater. Against the red of his hair...

Aya shot him a glance filled with anger, pain and...hurt!

"Schuldich..." he whispered harshly, but instead of backing off he moved in. Grabbed fistfuls of Schuldich's hair on each side of his head and closed the distance between them. It would have been suicide if Schuldich hadn't bent his wrist and with it the knife, up and away from his body as he moved. As it was he suddenly found himself embraced by red. Living, pulsing heated red and a pair of eager, lips upon his own. He opened his mouth in surprise and Aya's tongue shot inside and kick-started his own with its electrifying presence... the delicious things that it did. The knife fell to the floor with a clattering sound and his arms slid around Aya's waist, moving up and down his back, one hand brushed through the short hair of his neck, the other slid in under his sweater, moving over the naked skin underneath. Both of them were breathing heavy, small gasps and moans sounded when they changed angles and continued a series of deep kisses, caressing tongues and wet lips that met and connected in a fury of passion. Aya's hands closed around Schuldich's neck, buried in a nest of fiery reds, he pressed himself close to the other's body. His eyes were hooded, sparkling and alive. He ground his hips slowly against the other's while letting him support his weight... was suddenly just a bundle of smooth, warm limbs and utter want in Schuldich's arms…

He should have known killing Aya was a bad idea, Schuldich thought while riding the wave of insane lust. It was a flood, it was a scream. It was an earthquake in his being and he unleashed it all on Aya. He grabbed the other by his firm, round buttocks and lifted him up in the air. Felt Aya's legs curl around him and his weight settle on his hips. He turned so Aya's back rested against the wall, then started licking the other's throat, biting into his flesh. He felt Aya's hands in his hair, heard the sounds of pleasure escaping him and his body rock against his own, trapped between his body and the wall. He could felt Aya's firm hardness against his stomach, making its presence known even through the layers of fabric and it made his own twitch eagerly in response. His fingers caressed Aya's buttocks, palms spread wide over the well-worn fabric and the muscled twins inside. Aya's hands wandered down to his shoulders, he craned his neck to meet his lips again and the other moved down to meet him. Leaving moist trails of saliva as he went. Kissing his face and forehead before settling on his mouth.

"I want you," Aya gasped when their lips parted and spoke directly to Schuldich's crotch.

"You're a pervert;" Schuldich murmured back and caught an earlobe between his teeth.

Aya chuckled and shivered violently against his body.

"In there," he said breathlessly and nodded to an open doorframe.

Obediently, Schuldich lowered him but had to steady as well him when the other's feet connected with the floor. Aya's hands caught the fabric of his coat and ripped it open, then he leaned in with a deep sigh. Resting himself against his body, breathed through the thin fabric of his shirt. Schuldich buried his nose in Aya's hair before bending down to lick and bite his way along his jaw. His arms still encircling Aya's waist, pulling the other man closer. Aya's head rolled back, exposing his neck to his mouth. Parted lips and flushed cheeks. Purple fire burning towards him. Pale skin offered. And hands that caressed, found their way under the shirt on the small of his back.

Aya took a couple of steps backwards, towards the other room, pulling the other man with him. It could be a trap, Schuldich thought, but then again Aya wouldn't be a whore, not even for Weiss. And such a wanton, willing whore - not a chance...so he let himself be led into the room. The last traces of daylight bathing them in a coppery glow as they stumbled across the floor, mouths connecting. Tongues caressing... From the crook of his eyes Schuldich caught sight of tall shelves filled with old boxes and cans. Sheets of paper announcing punk rock concerts were glued to the naked walls, stained with ink from sloppy printing in big, black types. Suddenly Aya turned direction and something hard met Schuldich's thighs.

"Get up," Aya whispered and Schuldich moved his hands from the other and to his sides touching something metal. He lifted himself up to sit on the hard edge, his lap suddenly filled with Aya. Hands came up to his shoulders pushing him gently. Lowering him until he lay on top of something he realized was an old fashioned press of sorts. The smell of ink and old paper tickled his nostrils but then again not for long, for Aya came crawling up after him. Straddling his hips with his thighs. His fingers busy with the small, white buttons of his shirt. Still kissing him. Still moving. Grinding his arousal against his body.
Schuldich tugged at his sweater and Aya took a break from the task at hand to quickly pull it over his head, throwing it carelessly down to the dusty floor. Revealing a marble chest, dark aroused nipples that begged to be touched. His well-defined muscles moved under the creamy white skin and teased Schuldich's senses.

Aya finally lifted the shirt away from Schuldich's torso and sighed with relief when he lowered himself, let his own smooth chest slide against Schuldich's. Let their nipples meet and greet, rub against each other in an utterly sensuous dance. Schuldich's hands moved across the other's back, the feel of the rippling muscles made him bite his lips, hiss in response. Aya nuzzled his neck. Licked the scars from their last encounter tenderly.

"I will have my release now," he whispered hotly in Schuldich's ear. "I will keep my promise..." Wings of red hair tickled his neck. Schuldich moaned and pulled him in for a kiss. Arching his hips, his own captured flesh against him. Aya pushed his down to meet him, hard columns of flesh suddenly met and rubbed hard against each other through the fabrics. Aya moaned into his mouth. He moved his knee in between Schuldich's thighs, making room before settling between them. Laying himself fully upon the other. Laced his fingers in his gloved hands. Pushing his confined hardness down on Schuldich's with renewed eagerness. Sighing deeply as their lengths slid over each other. His eyes closed in passion, fluttering lashes accompanied his moans.

"What do you want, Aya?" Schuldich asked in a low, shivering voice. Passion pounded through his body. Made his skin sensitive to every touch, every move the other made. Greedy for everything he chose to offer. Every kiss was a treasure; every touch brought him higher, climbing on a peak of lust.

Aya's unfocused gaze met his. A sensuous smile curved his lips when he spoke in a low and husky voice.

"I'm going to fuck you, Schuldich, - do you mind?"

Schuldich laughed. The laughter wasn't sweet; it wasn't even a happy laugh. It held a taste of something bitter but his voice was clear, only slightly blurred with want.

"No, Pretty...I don't mind..."

If he couldn't kill him, let him fuck him to oblivion. It was what he'd wanted all along anyway. With a satisfied grin Aya released his hands and moved down his body. Kissed wet trails down his chest, dipped his tongue in his navel before moving back up, tugging gently at his nipples with his teeth... Aya felt so nice against his body. Silken skin against his own, so warm and so unbelievably smooth...And those things he did with his mouth...Schuldich was at the brink of worshiping the slick muscle of pink flesh that played over his skin. He arched up against it, moaned softly as it moved across his chest. He didn't have to do this, Schuldich thought, he could have just fucked him and been done with it. He didn't know why he did this...didn't know why they'd ended up in this...position, in the first place. But he was caught by a sudden gratefulness, unexpected and utterly confusing, happy that Aya did all this. Gave him the pleasure of having it all, feel him, all of him - close. He grabbed a hold of Aya's shoulders and pulled him up so that his chest was at the same level as Schuldich's eyes, then he lifted his head to have a taste of his own. Caressing Aya's nipples with his tongue. Sucked them in between his teeth, tasting them one at the time before arching his head back to kiss and lick Aya's throat. The sounds the other man made added to the bliss. The burning fire of sheer need in his body.

"I wanted to kill you..." he said in a hoarse whisper, it was a statement, held no question.

Aya's hand moved down and opened the button of his pants, ripped the zipper open and moved inside. The fingers closed around his flesh and made Schuldich give a strangled scream of sensation.

"I don't care...you always do..." Aya murmured in reply while moving his hand on the other's cock. " Now you want me to fuck you..." he continued and built up a rhythm, milking the hard arousal in his hand. "And one out of two isn't that bad," he finished and smiled down at the other.

Schuldich twitched and moved beneath him, gasping for air between deep moans and sighs. Biting in to Aya's skin where he found it, leaving teeth marks on his shoulders and arm. It was just too good. Too much...if the other man didn't move on soon he'd lose it. Come right there in Aya's hand. Still with his pants around his waist.

"Do it," he murmured. "Take me!" He begged under half-closed lids. Lips parted and nostrils flaring. Hips moving eagerly under Aya's body.

Aya moved down to kiss him and then he let go of his hold. Schuldich let out a breath of relief, although it didn't last for long. Aya slid all the way down to the floor, peeled the fabric from Schuldich's long legs as he went. Pulled it down with him until it hung like a bundle around his ankles. Aya pulled off his boots for him. Didn't care about clasps and lacings, just pulled them right off his feet, gaze resting on Schuldich's face, hunger flaring in the purple eyes. His hands moved quickly, pushed the fabric over his feet leaving him naked except for the leather gloves. He removed them himself with the rest of his jacket and shirt. Had a strong need to touch...really touch, the other man. He watched as Aya shed his own clothes. Quickly and without ceremony he stripped in front of him. And yes, - he was lovely all over. Beautiful like an ancient god, bathed in the first beams of moonlight that came in through the dirty window high upon the wall.

Aya climbed back up on top of him, and this time the hands greeting him were naked. Their thighs met and slid against each other and Schuldich's legs captured Aya's. Connecting their arousals, no fabric this time. just plain, naked skin. And damn it all! -It felt *so* good!
Schuldich's fingers traced Aya, took hold of the thick, pounding hardness of the other, had to touch it as to believe it...Aya's desire resting in his hand...a rock hard evidence of lust. He gave a smile of satisfaction. This was going to be good.

He spread his legs even before Aya motioned for him to. Spread them wide, wanted all of him, inside. Aya's eyes searched the shelves surrounding them for a moment before picking out a box, smelling at it.

"It's some sort of grease, " he smirked, "it'll just have to do." Schuldich couldn't care less. He could have slicked his insides with pure acid for all he cared in that moment, as long as he'd have Aya, anything would go.

Aya opened the lid and scooped up some of the soft content, sniffing suspiciously at it once more before smearing it over his cock. The sight of the thick stuff covering Aya's arousal, making it shine, was mesmerizing. Aya dipped his fingers in the mysterious mass once more, and this time it was Schuldich's turn to be smeared as Aya's fingers reached in between his thighs and probed at the small opening there. His fingers were demanding, wanted entrance. There was nothing gentle or careful about it when the first finger slipped inside Schuldich's body... To Schuldich that spoke of desire, he hadn't wanted it any other way. He lifted his hips to give him better access, met Aya's fingers eagerly, impaled himself the best he could, wanted him inside as deep as possible.

"Don't wait..." he begged. "Just do it..." He gritted his teeth, hungry for the feel of the other man inside. Aya made a sound that could have been a laugh but he wasn't really sure, just concluded that the other shook slightly when he lifted Schuldich's leg over his shoulder, positioned himself and leaned in. His cheeks were flushed again, his lips parted. The tip of his tongue came out to wet his lower lip and he bit into it and closed his eyes when the first real push brought the tip of his member inside. Schuldich moaned as well, when the blood filled organ pushed it's way inside of him, took possession of his body, forced his flesh apart... It was all utter pleasure. No pain, no tears involved. Just pure lust and desperate need. The feel of the other a completion in itself. And when the tip brushed that sweet spot, that pleasurable nub, he arched his back of the press and squealed. His hands slid over Aya's torso. Tangled in his hair. When the other red-head started to move he closed his eyes and leaned back, just met the other's thrusts as best as he could. Gave it all up, every last string. Every last bit of control. Because it felt so good...because it was the fuck of a lifetime... Because... Aya did him so extremely well! Every thrust was a piece of heaven, every move a step closer to ecstasy. Unconsciously his hand reached down to grab hold of his own straining member, pumping it in time with Aya's thrusts. Beads of precum made it slick and moist, he could feel his own pounding veins under the skin. And Aya... Aya filling his insides, moving in to the hilt. Burying himself inside of his body, over and over again.

"Yes..." he heard himself murmur as the other set the pace. Aya smiled down at him, strands of liquid rubies plastered to his sweat slick forehead, the muscles in the arms steadying him tense and shivering. They breathed together, rasping breaths. Eager sounds that complimented each other. Schuldich was on his way over the edge when his consciousness started to slip. Not into blackness but inside Aya's mind. Where all he could see was a mirror image of their shared reality and the feel of Aya, the pleasure he took in it. It was raw and powerful. Filled with pent up need and mindless pleasure. It made his own increase even more. To know how the other felt while fucking him, it simply couldn't get better than that. So he lost his already worn out restraint and came. Pumped pearly white liquid over his hand and stomach while crying out Aya's name.

"Yes..." Aya answered and twitched inside of him, filled him up with hot moisture while falling down on top of him. Biting into his shoulder. His heart pounded rapidly against Schuldich's chest, like a wild beast trapped in a cage, mirroring Schuldich's own. Their sweat mingled on their skin and both their breaths came hard and fast, slowly calming down to an exhausted panting. Schuldich's legs curled around Aya's again and his hands laced over his back as he breathed in the scent of Aya's hair. Tasted the salt on his skin.

Now what, he thought, when calm had settled. What was about to come now? - Aya's eyes sparkling with something he didn't quite understand, a milky white hand stroke his cheek.

"That was lovely," Aya smiled. "And I'm sticky." He sat up slowly. Stretching his body like cat. A happy, sated cat, having consumed a bowl full of cream. Schuldich followed him up, suddenly alert... tense and strangely shy. He ended up with Aya straddling his lap. Somehow it was more intimate, closer than having him inside, especially since his hands were still resting at the small of his back. He could feel Aya's semen pour out of him when he moved, and in a strange way it felt like a loss... Aya put his hands on his shoulders and searched out his lips with his own. It was a long kiss. Lazy and wet. Aya’s fingers combed through his hair. Smoothing it down his back.

"Will they be looking for you?" Aya murmured at last and broke off the kiss. Schuldich's mind had to try a couple of times before he finally followed the other's.

"Oh yes, perhaps..." he said with badly concealed regret. "I should be going," he said.

Aya sighed deeply and moved off his lap, it felt cold and empty without him there. He stood on the floor searching it with his gaze, doubtlessly looking for his clothes. Suddenly he smiled and examined his arms. The red marks from Schuldich's teeth were already taking on a purple hue in the dim light. With a boyish grin he moved, reached behind Schuldich with a swift movement and pulled forward his discarded scarf, throwing it around Schuldich's torso, effectively trapping his arms.

Schuldich was off the press in the same instant, tried to force himself free. His eyes suddenly focused, his body ready to face danger. Aya laughed at him. Still holding the ends of the scarf.

"Hush," he soothed. "I won't hurt you...that's *your* job," he added with a teasing smile and quickly moved in to press his lips to the other's. "I like you the way you are," he purred to his face. "Whole and alive..." He tied the scarf while he spoke. Restrained Schuldich's arms with thick, purple satin. "But you have marked me," Aya explained. "It's only fair that I do the same." Schuldich just watched while Aya lifted the katana off the floor and pulled it out of the sheath. His mouth was dry, his usually so active brain seemed to have ceased to work.

Is the blow about to fall? He wondered. Was this how it was going to end? At least it would be by Aya's hand he continued his musings, and marveled at how comforting that thought was...

But Aya didn't go for anything vital. Instead of cutting his throat he went for his shoulder. Cutting lightly into his flesh, creating a pattern of thin red lines. At first Schuldich hissed at the pain, then he turned his head to see and was captured, strangely fascinated by the sight. The silvery blade that so elegantly painted his skin with sure strokes. The hand that held it; pale and white, strong and confident... everything Aya. The blade was suddenly gone from his sight but Aya was there, lips touching his bloody wounds, the tip of his tongue wiping it away.

"I'll kiss it better, " he murmured with a smile. Lips unnaturally red and moist. Covered with sticky, fresh blood. Aya turned his back at him for a moment. Searching the shelves with his eyes. Finally he settled for one of the containers, lifting the dusty item down from its place in the row.

"Ink," he smiled and met Schuldich's eyes. "Perfect," he said with an almost boyish grin. He opened the container and dipped his fingers in it. "It's a bit hard, " he muttered. "Old," he concluded. "But it'll do," he reassured the enemy that could do nothing but stare in awe as the rival assassin, now turned lover, mixed a piece of blue-black ink with saliva between his fingertips, lifting them to his shoulder to smear the mixture into his freshly cut wounds. It hurt, and he flinched, but not much. He was used to pain far worse than this.

"I realize you're maybe not a one-man sort of guy..." Aya said while concentrating on his task. "But this way you'll remember me, at least for a while..." He trailed off. Leaving it up to Schuldich to reply. But he didn't know what to say. The pureness of the act held him captured. Aya's serious gaze while working on his skin fascinated him. Left him speechless.

At last Aya moved away. With his eyes fastened on his unusual piece of art, he pulled on his pants and the red sweater. Kissed Schuldich one more time.

"I hope I'll see you again... Schuldich..." he whispered into his ear before releasing him from the purple prison with a quick pull of his hand. A smile and he was gone. With the katana in hand, he disappeared through the dark doorframe. Leaving just a lingering scent, a signature in ink -and a beaten, broken soul, behind.


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