PopeAlessandros

Who Will Break? ~ PopeAlessandros x Raafling

Kiel looks over the emerging bushel of flowers and smiles. “It is coming along very well. I like it.” he murmurs, handing the sketchbook back to Zach with a warm, encouraging smile. “My time in the church was well spent.” he says with a nod, giving Sarah a quick squeeze as she comes to stand next to him. “We can stay in the garden if you two want to keep working on your lovely artwork, but if you'd rather head inside I was thinking we could do some bible studies before lunch. I got a look at what they were preparing, and it looks to be chicken and rice!” he announces the meal plan cheerfully knowing that home cooked meals are not something these two likely have had a lot of. Sarah gives Kiel a look when he mentions bible studies but doesn't say anything, clearly not enthusiastic about the idea. She does however perk up at the idea of some real meat for lunch and smiles up at the priest happily.

The Power of The Fallen ~ PopeAlessandros x AkiBlue

'Well, he doesn't look nearly as upset any more, so I guess I can count that. . . .Blessing. . . .We need to come up with a better word for that, though I suppose there is such a thing as a dark blessing, but that just sounds like a bad thing. . .' Letting out a sigh he watches Aoba out of sigh before glaring at Kyou. “Coast is clear. Betting get down from there before Dani finds you up in his space.” With a yelping whine Kyou races out of the barn towards the fields, intent on hiding in the crops for now.

Shrugging, Kuro makes his way out to the site of the incident and picks up his lover's blood stained shirt. Giving it a long look he lets out a real growl before burning it to ash in an instant. The black flame consumes the shirt in it's entirety and the demon does his best to dismiss it from his mind. He walks slowly out towards where the animals still cower, hopping the fence and staring at his feet as he strolls along. Waving his hands he makes comforting noises, trying to prompt the beasts to stop cowering, but he doesn't really pay attention to whether or not it works.

It's not too long however before Otto is bumping into him, demanding attention, and he reaches out to pat the baby absentmindedly. His mind wanders over his brothers and sister and about how foolish he was to think that, maybe, they would never find out. 'And now heaven is not only aware, but we have an actual Arch Angel looking down on us almost all the time. I mean, I don't imagine it will bother me too much to have him watching, though he claimed he doesn't watch when we're getting touchy feely, but Aoba is sure to lose his “concentration” if he thinks about it. . . .' Letting out another sigh he looks up as Aoba approaches and smile, waving back.

Once the angel reaches his side Kuro nods, shrugging. “For now. I mean, we still have to bring them in later and all, but yeah, for now, not much to do. . .” Looking around he lets out a faint yawn, the sun overhead making him a little tired and desiring some shade. “We could always do some reading. You know, we haven't finished those farming books yet. . .” He looks up, shading his eyes. “It's a little too sunny for flying lessons, and we know reading time with be rare once Dani gets back. . .” He looks back to Aoba, smiling softly.

When the angel agrees to go read in the shade Kuro coos softly and takes Aoba's hand, leading him over to the tree near the pig pen and settles down, spreading his knees to accommodate the smaller male. Once in place, he snaps his fingers and pulls the book out of nowhere for them to read. Handing it to Aoba he wraps his Little Mouse in a hug and settles his head on the smaller male's shoulder so he can read along with the angel. The dusky wings press against his chest and cheek, but he's careful to not put too much pressure on them so that they can sit comfortably like this and peacefully read.

Hours pass like this and eventually the sun is setting, prompting evening chores. Putting the book away, Kuro kisses Aoba's shoulder softly before letting him loose to deal with the pigs while he himself shoos the birds back into their respective coops. They work together to put the larger beasts away and at last, the sun is set, and they have reached the end of their work for the day. It's in this moment that Kuro realizes that they'd skipped lunch and he resolves to make an amazing dinner to make up for it. Having Aoba take a seat in the living room he goes to work, smiling at the blank patch of wall that will soon make this whole process just a little bit easier.

When Realms Collide {AkiBlue & PopeAlessandros}

Kaila's most trusted have, for the first time in living memory, truly question their leader's wisdoms. Normally they can at least feel somewhat what he is, but the pure acts of self sacrifice have always escaped them for anyone but their master in the midst of battle. But planned self sacrifice? Planning on putting oneself in danger. . . Lan and Ran don't have words but look clearly upset at the idea. Tyar drifts about, eyeless, just a shadow in the air as she thinks. Tiski however is able to find her voice, though it is quiet.

“Are you. . .Sure, this is the correct course of action to take?” There's only the slightest waver in her voice as Kaila's sharp eyes land on hers and she looks to be trying to stand her ground against his focused gaze.

He lets himself watch her for a while, indulging her objection – for an objection it is – with another pass over his plan and his resolve. When the thoughts are past however, and he once more comes to the same conclusion, he gives her only a nod and watches her bite her lip painfully. Reaching out he brushes a finger across her now bleeding lip and whispers for her not to do that before turning once more to address his team. “We will be the only ones going, and we will tell no one. We can not hesitate, and we do not have time for me to handle all the objections I know the camp would have.”

Jentou holds tightly to his brother, the slight scowl on his face clearly showing his objections but he says nothing. He can't. He knows Kaila can not be swayed. He knows it, he feels it, but that doesn't stop him from not wanting it to happen. Despite Kaila clearly wanting to looks strong in front of his team, the white clad man pulls him into a fierce hug before letting him go so they can take off.

The others shared a brief glance with one another as Kaila and Jentou prepared to take off. They all had an understanding that none agreed with the plan, however they all would accept it. By the looks of it, there was no suading the verdict. It was clear Jentou had already tried.

Kaila and Jentou took off into the sky with Tiski following underneath them. It hovered closer to the tops of the trees in order keep watch of any of Gin’s forces should they be ahead or in hiding.

Lan, Ran, and Tiski, kept to the ground as they exited the camp, wanting to be sure that there were no enemies near the camp’s perimeters. When they were far enough out, the other three took to the skies as well.

To what could be considered their fortune, the group had to travel a little ways away from their own camp in order to find Gin and his small band. Tiski waved an airy limb, signalling for the group to slow their pace and then waited for instruction. “Circle them. We can’t let them know which direction we came from.” Kaila’s voice was low, but they all heard him clearly. With swiftness, each of them dived back into the forest, not wanting to be caught mid-flight. “Remember the plan.” His voice was stern and finite. The way he never looked back as his wings retracted left no room for argument. The second in command could feel the faint repression of complaints, but he lead them forward.

They were all aware of what he meant. They were to follow the plan and that’s what they would do no matter how much they didn’t approve of it. Save for Jentou, the rest kept a bit of distance as they followed, staying low and under cover. The closer they got, the more they could hear Gin’s group. They weren’t doing a very good job at being sneaky to begin with so it was easy to pinpoint just where each of them were. Tiski peered through a few bushes before slipping next to Jentou and Kaila. It created a fingered hand to point out there were five in that party, including Gin. Not wanting to risk their cover, it said nothing and floated into the branches above to hide. Kaila simply nodded, waiting for the perfect moment to strike.

~*~

Gin has had it. Even with both wings broken and an eye gouged out, this prisoner of theirs is till causing them trouble. She thrashes and kicks, slowing their progress back to the palace. He thought getting a life traitor would be more amusing, but as it is, she mostly just spits and hisses, leaving him more and more furious. He'd had a moment of triumph with this one, but that was hours ago. He scowls fiercely as once more she forces the procession to stop by curling her spine and getting a kick in on one of his minions.

He draws his blade, Seishu's blade, and stalks up to her, pressing the blade hard enough against he blue throat to draw a considerable amount of blood. She spits at him and his eyes glow a sickly yellow. “So, this is what I get for being nice to you traitors!” he snaps at her. “I was going to bring you back, let you live, have a little fun and maybe even a few more of those oh so enjoyable chats with you, but I suppose a traitor is in the end a mindless beast that really should just be put down.”

It's clear from the copious cuts and bruises littering her body that these little chats with Gin are anything but fun, but she doesn't back down. She looks back at him fiercely and spits, “How dare you befoul Master Seishu's blade with that grimy mitt of yours! You're not even holding it right!” That little bit enrages Gin more than anything else and he lets out an unholy sound of fury and draws the blade back, ready to run her through.

~*~

The cry is the perfect cover and without a sound, the team pounces. Tyar wraps around Gin, obscuring his view and stunning him for a moment. Lan and Ran know their part and in a flash the minions holding the captive are down, the two of them removing her from the scene and handing her off Tyar as it's thrown forcibly from around Gin. The formless nightmare is able to scoop her easily up and without looking back, takes off in the opposite direction of their camp.

Meanwhile, Kaila works on taking down the remaining two minions, using all care not to harm them too badly. Unfortunately, this leaves Jentou charging the screaming Gin to watch his brother's back. It happens in a flash. Kaila feels the white hot burn of a blade piercing his brother, but he's unable to turn around for risk of getting them both killed. He manages to knock the second one out just as he feels his twin collide hard with his back and he spins to a gruesome scene. Gin is moving in, Jentou's blood dripping from their beloved master's blade, and as he places a hand on his brother's shoulder he can see the pant leg of his white outfit already stained red.

The wound is straight through the blond's midsection, a painful wound that gushes as it's impossible to stem completely. Kaila impulsivly slaps a hand over the hole in Jentou's back, slaming some healing energy into it, but in a flas the other turns and sends him into shock with a firm kiss. When he pulls back, the smile on his lips says it all. He tries, lord does he try, to object, but Jentou has already knocked the air from his lungs with a hard kick to his midsection that sendfs him flying back into Lan and Ran's arms. Tears in his eyes he screams at them to run before turning on Gin, his entire body beginning to glow with his specialy: blinding light.

~*~*~*~*~

Laying shivering for a time, Seishu does his best to keep himself inside his own mind and not pass out. When he feels hands trying to help him up however he lets himself be lifted and does what he can to help. He manages a small smile when he finds himself in his lover's arms once more and wonders what his underlings would think seeing him like this. Thinking about them hurst too much however and he buries his face in the smaller man's neck for comfort. “That would be great.” he whispers against the still damp skin on front of his lips, holding Enasi a little tighter.

~*~

Still under orders to bathe the little ones scrub furiously, wanting desparately to get to Seishu as fast as they can. Rasha and Rue have to help Inui who seems only capable of staring after his master until they announce he's clean enough and he bolts out of the water. They have to wrestle his outfit on as he tries to race through the palace naked to find the Nightmare Guardian. Once he's dried and dressed they let him go and dress themselves, Rasha hitching a ride on Rue since the fairy is faster. They catch up with Inui right outside Seishu's door and follow behind as he bursts into the room, his red eyes a little frantic at this point.

Seishu had spent most of the trip just trying to get what little comfort he can when the darkness is trying to eat away at him, only coming out of it enough to make a joke about how a good romp could “raise his spirits” as Enasi places him on the bed. Soon enough however, his bed is occupied by smaller bodies that all seem intent on making sure he's okay with the most avid cuddles he could hope for short of bedding them. He pulls out a few laughs as Rasha takes his chest, Inui burying himself in his left shoulder and Rue gazing at him worriedly from his right. He is both uplifted and saddened by the image as it reminds him of home and the little ones there. He tires to enjoy the worry coming off of them however and lets it soothe him for now.

The plan doesn't work however. Even not seeking out his realm, his connection to Kaila is is too strong to filter out his personal devastation. Arching back he lets out a scream, Rue instinctively tackling Rasha off the bed and hitting the wall to give them some distance from potential lashing out. Inui is openly shaken by the scream and starts crying, clinging to Seishu in a vain attempt to stop his pain. The guardian doesn't know what's happening to his beloved second in command, but it's enough to cause tears to flow freely down his cheeks as he sobs to the empty air in grief.

The Power of The Fallen ~ PopeAlessandros x AkiBlue

The smile is heartening to the heartless demon and Kuro returns the hug with perhaps some over zealous vigor. Careful not to break his Little Mouse's ribs he lets him go when prompted, not completely removing his hands, but enough for Aoba to not be squished. He wishes Aoba would look only at him but doesn't take it personal when the little angel looks away to talk. He can't help the smirk that comes to his face at the mention of halos and chuckles softly. “We can't let Misha find out. He'd start a collection of them, or at least try.” Humming softly he gives the smaller male a little hug, silently assuring him that he would be going around telling everyone about the halos. He does however take a moment to glare at Kyou so he knows that he is to keep his mouth shut as well. The young demon's headwings flatten against his head and he nods in terrified understanding.

Feeling Aoba settle back against him Kuro delights in the feeling, burying his face in those lovely chestnut locks. Breathing in the smaller male's scent he hums happily, letting himself relax and holds the angel gently. At the mention of needing a new shirt and Dani finding the blood he growls slightly, still not happy about the accidental wound.

The growl is short lived however as his hand seeks out the wounded spot. His fingers trace over the spot, glad to see it's healing well. His hands don't stop their trek immediately however and he finds his hand wandering over Aoba's midsection and up to his chest. “You've actually gotten a little more muscular since you've come to earth.” he murmurs absentmindedly, running his fingers over his chest and collar, getting a little lost in his exploration of the half bare angel in his lap. It isn't until he catches a flutter out of the corner of his eye that he realizes Kyou is watching intently and that once Aoba catches on to that he'll probably call an end to his exploration anyways soon enough that he lets his hand drop down so he can hug Aoba around the middle before letting him go.

Standing up, he settles Aoba gently on to his feet and pulls him into one last kiss before looking towards the barn entrance with a faint smile. “You head in and get a shirt, I'll grab the bloody one and get rid of it. I'll meet you out by Mama and Otto?” Without waiting for an answer he takes them both down to the floor of the barn in a hop, setting Aoba on his feet once more with a cute smirk on his face.

When Realms Collide {AkiBlue & PopeAlessandros}

Still pouty over the plan, Jentou looks out into the forest himself, his arms snaking out to pull Kaila into a hug like a giant stuffed bear. His brother lets him hold him for now, knowing his dear twin will need time to adjust to the idea of being without him. He lets his energy bleed out, slipping into Jentou and wrapping in close, like an armless hug. This serves both to help the bland man feel closer to his violet haired brother, but also to strengthen their bond so the plan is more likely to work. Kaila doesn't like working off maybes, but it's the best plan they have.

He looks up at his white clad brother begins to murmur. “We should bring your team with. I may not be able to convince myself to let them take you if we go alone. . .And if we hurry, we should be able to catch Gin himself before he gets back to the palace. The agent may still be alive, and we should have extra hands to bring her back. Should she be alive of course. He's been known to like his torture you know. Mean stuff, the most brutal. . .Sadly that actually brings up the chance she's alive, but it also means that you are more likely to not be killed.” He buries his face in purple locks. “And I will feel it. I will be there for you, no matter what, you hear me? You never block me off!” He pulls back, giving Kaila a fierce look that shows he will not accept any answer but an agreement.

~*~*~*~*~

Enasi lets him hold his for a beat before pulling back enough to hold his face in his hands. Seishu lets the tears fall, his sadness creating a small cloud around him he tries to keep in check without suppressing his feelings. He looks down at the beautiful red head and tries to listen to his words. Tries to let those gentle, kind eyes take him away from his sorrow. The sweet man speaks sweet words that wrap around his heart and, the more smart ass side of him, swears he's growing cavities over the sweetness. The more conscious side of him however is touched and follows his lover out of the water with a soft smile, glad to have such an understanding counterpart.

“I am honored by the offer, but while indeed there is a quite lovely and comfortable if intimidating throne, I double you could make it five steps in that room without Gin's nastiness knocking you out cold after how pissed I'm sure he is from losing out on capturing me.” Curiously, he opens his heart up a little, reaching out for the nightmare realm. The pain is too much however and he finds himself laying on hack back beside the pool, unable to take in a breath for several seconds. He can hear the little ones squealing in worry, but it takes all of his concentration to pull back into himself and regain his ability to breath.

Rolling to his side he curls into a little ball, his breathing ragged. “Remind me to not peek next time I get all weepy over going home. . .” he whispers, shivering violently. He doesn't know what happened over there, but something other than the usual upset over him not being there is going on and it makes Seishu feel like a stuffed toy between the teeth of a large angry hellhound.

Never Ending Battle ~ PopeAlessandros x AkiBlue

The prince's immediate reaction is surprising to Akito and at first he thinks that he indeed spoke too much about his soldiering activities. His insides knot up as he looks at Hiro, waiting for the sword to fall. But instead of being upset, he expresses great confusion and shock, the line about them being naked making him flustered. He stays silent however, letting the prince say his bit about rain and how normally people get sick from being out in it. The sudden falter in his story drives the former soldier to move closer to his betrothed, slightly worried. He's not heard the details of Hiro's birth mother, though he knows she was killed by natural causes. These thoughts don't cross his mind however and he just shuffles awkwardly a step away from the seated man, unsure of what to do.

Hiro rambles on, eventually falling silent having passed through many subjects and leaving poor Akito at a bit of a loss. The line about him being uncomfortable in the rain however brings a small smile back to his face and he drops into a comfortable seated position in front of the royal to be more comfortable as he talks. Hoko slips out, sensing that they will be still for a while, and crawls over to Hiro, trying to crawl into his Kimono with his soft little paws digging at the edge of his kimono. The sight makes Akito both amused and nervous, but he keeps silent about it rather than pulling Hoko back, knowing that his intended will need to get used to the little critter in all aspects if they are to live peacefully together.

“Training in the rain wasn't nearly as bad as riding in the rain, and that was only at first. Now. . .” He looks into the rain with a distant gleam behind his eyes. “Now, I feel strange not being out there, training. It was one of the most bonding experiences, all of us out, together, moving as one, the mist making us all look almost other worldly. . .I mean, we would train together when it was not raining, but in the rain, to avoid killing one another, we all followed the same motions, so no one was stepping wrong and hitting another soldier in the low visibility. We were like one body, one mind, all moving and thinking as one, the rain barely a consideration. . .”

Reaching over he absentmindedly pulls a finger food from the bag and eats it slowly. “I am not sure if I would call it crazy as it did what was intended, and saved many lives on the more inhospitable days on the battlefield. . .” Licking his fingers he murmurs, “And I did get sick the first few times, but after a while my body grew stronger and I no longer got sick in rain or cold. I'm not sure if what my father had us do was standard, so I am not sure your father would even know about it. That may explain why you have never heard of it.” Looking over at Hiro he smiles faintly. “I am glad to hear you have been well. Sickness is no fun, and can be very dangerous.” With only a faint shake in his head he reaches out and covers Hiro's hand with his own, giving it a little squeeze.

The Power of The Fallen ~ PopeAlessandros x AkiBlue

Aoba is completely out of it at first, and Kuro stays silently, just holding him. He knows that people need time to sort out their thoughts, and no matter how worried he is, pestering Aoba before he's ready will not end well. Instead, he rubs the little angel's back gently as he waits, a blank expression on his face. He wants to worry, to fret, to shake Aoba until he responds and tells him that he still cares about him.

He can feel a growl growing in his throat as little Aoba tries to explain away his parents' cruel actions but he keeps his voice in check, not wanting to interrupt. 'He has some things to say, I need to. . . .' Despite his efforts, a small whine finds it's way out as the angel tries to get out of his lap and against his will he pulls Aoba back into a tighter embrace, unable to let the smaller male go. He knows that he needs to try and respect what the other wants, but in the end, he is a demon, and demon are selfish.

He feels his grip tightening even further as Aoba once more brings up the idea of them being separated and he adopts a hurt expression. Hearing the angel almost angry, but weeping, Kuro is at a loss for a beat before he slips his hand beneath Aoba's and draws his face out from it's hiding place. Bringing their lips together he holds the smaller male in a breath stealing kiss, not pulling back until he can feel Aoba's need for air becoming uncomfortable. He only draws back just far enough to look into those beautiful blue eyes, his own red ones glowing with intensity.

“I stay with you because it is my choice to do so. Being with you, here, sharing a life, is the happiest I have ever been in my life, and I won't give that feeling up no matter how many people disapprove. I am not sorry I took you out of heaven.” He feels a bite in the back of his throat, afraid his words will hurt Aoba, but his selfish nature urging him on. “I am sorry it hurt, but I am not sorry to have taken you away from absent parents, an unappreciative boss, and a place where if you described it of any human's life you would consider it abusive.” He takes another kiss from the smaller male. “I stay because you are important to me, and even if you don't understand, that doesn't matter. As long as you don't hate me and will have me, I am happy, and that is the best anyone can hope for in life.” His thumb slides up to swipe under Aoba's eyes, caressing his cheeks gently.

When Realms Collide {AkiBlue & PopeAlessandros}

Putting on one of his poutier pouts Seishu follows after Enasi, keeping his hands on his lover's hips as he turns to face him. Looking down at the adorable male he accepts the kiss without objection but continues to pout at him. Leaning in he draws Enasi into a longer kiss. Holding him close while administering a breath stealing kiss he convinces his body to calm down a little and be satisfied with just holding his lover for now. Drawing back he settled his head on the red head's shoulder and breaths out a long sigh. “I know, I know. I'm just still not used to waiting to get what I want, y'know? I miss being somewhere where all I need to do is tilt my head and I have a drink, or twist my wrist and, boom the person I want to talk to is there.” He smiles faintly. “I know that's not how you do things here, but it is how it is back home. I don't have to wait for anything. . .And I don't have to be afraid to go outside, or spend most of my time under the influence of some drug or another, or have the shield my eyes half the time. . .” Letting out a whine he buries his face in Enasi's neck. “Your realm is beautiful, and you complete me, but. . . .I miss it Enasi. I miss it. I want it back. . .” A tear manages to find its way out of the distraught guardian and he holds his lover all the tighter.

~*~*~*~*~

Kaila can feel his insides clenching at the idea of putting another faithful person in danger. They had just lost one double agent, the idea of sending another. [i]'And Gin would likely expect it. . . A replacement for the one he found. He's probably, if he has half a brain, ready to tear through those closest to him, looking for another. 'We need something more subtle, more solid. . .Someone who can stay near him, or at least get information out of him and relay it. . .' A new idea begins forming in his mind and he can feel his skin crawling.

'It's the best idea I have however. . .No one's gonna like it. . .But it's our best bet' Pushing off of the tree with a new sense of determination he waves the others away, they feeling a touch of hope as they see him finally coming into focus. Moving through the camp he seeks out his brother. 'It's all for naught if he refuses. . .I mean, Mater Seishu says we need to stay by one another, but if this will work, then I am sure my team can look after him. . .' He finds his twin rolling around with some kids, but Jentou says his goodbyes to them as soon as he spots his troubled brother.

The white clad man wraps himself around his brother, nuzzling him like a large blond cat. Kaila keeps walking, leading them off to the edge of camp where they can have some privacy. He lets out a little grunt as Jentou picks him up and launches them both into the lower branches of one of the huge trees along the edge of camp. Letting himself be settled in his brother's lap he doesn't even scowl as they come to rest on a large branch. Easily sensing his brother's upset, Jentou cuddles him like a large teddy until he's ready to talk.

Never Ending Battle ~ PopeAlessandros x AkiBlue

At the first few drops, Hoko had come to hide in his kimono and Akito gives a smile as he feels the critter poke his head out at hearing his name. Normally, rain would keep him in there and only work could get him to come out, but it warms the former soldier's heart to see him having enough affection for his betrothed to risk getting his whiskers wet.

Akito keeps them moving until they come across a rather sturdy looking log and clear area that would be nice to take a break and maybe just watch the rain for a bit. With a little cough he lets go of Hiro's hand and holds out the reins to him, his head retreating a little into his collar as he tries to get control over his flustered flush. Humming to himself he moves close to the log and tucks his hands in his sleeves, looking out at the rain.

When Hiro starts talking he turns just enough to see the man, listening to his words. With a faint smile to himself, he turns back to the downpour. “I actually feel a little strange being out of the rain. . .” he lets out a soft sigh. “Traveling alone to a target, I normally didn't have time to find shelter or rest, so, other than trying to keep Hoko dry, I would be riding wet on a wet horse.”

He lets out another sigh, still smiling. “And in camp? My father would get everyone out during storms, rousing them if it was at night, and just have us all strip to our fundoshi and line us up in rows to practice out swings.” He looks to the sky, chuckling slightly. “He would always say that we never knew what the battle conditions would be, so when nature gave us the chance to practice in a new one, or a rare one, we'd best not pass it up.” His gaze goes back to the wall of rain. “I still remember all of us, there, moving together, like one being breathing and moving as one. We would work so hard the rain would turn to steam and drift off our bodies making a faint mist over the practicing soldiers. . .”

Looking over his shoulder he flushes again, tucking his head into his kimono collar. “Sorry, I got nostalgic there. . .” He's come to understand rather quickly that Hiro doesn't really like the profession he used to have, and the image of a bunch of men training to kill people in the rain must be less than interesting to his young betrothed. Coughing again he looks back at the rain, opting for silence over babbling more apologies.

The Power of The Fallen ~ PopeAlessandros x AkiBlue

Kuro stands at full alert as the medic works, lips pulling back every so often to expose his fangs. 'You're damn right it's you and yours that caused this mess. . .' He doesn't feel bad at letting someone else take over the healing despite Aoba's clear grumpiness over the matter. His health and safety are far more important to Kuro than his “pride”. A small growl finds it's way out when the intruder interrupts Aoba however, dying down as he listens to what he actually has to say. The gentle hands and peaceful nature of the intruder keeps him from snapping at the angel as soon as he's finished to drive him off.

Instead, he just watches the creature as it packs up, both still irritated, but also curious. 'He doesn't seem surprised at all. He's paying me little to no attention, almost like, he knows me. . .He seems confident around me, like he knows I won't attack as long as he's not a threat, but. . .How would he know that? I mean, he makes me sick, I feel like ripping him a new one, but. . . .I don't. . .' Shifting, he catches the invading angel's eyes, his glare a little softer now that Aoba is treated. Testing his theory, he growls softly, “You didn't come here blind.”

Fenrir resists flinching at the accusation, standing and adjusting his bag dismissively. “Indeed.”

Aoba looked between the two with a confused gaze. “What… What is that supposed to mean?” His voice was soft, not wanting to bring too much attention back on himself. Something dawned on him as he spoke, making Aoba squint in slight suspicion. “You’re not a field medic..? What, did they run out of angels to-” Aoba bit his tongue, wondering why he was being so rude all of a sudden. Fenrir had managed to learn a little about Kuro in the one treatment he watched between them, but that didn’t mean much to Aoba. The medic was no doubt with the rest of the archangels, so of course he was able to find out if there were demons around. It was just luck for him to be facing Kuro instead of any other demon that would have tried killing him without hesitation.

'I was trying to avoid this. . .' Letting out a soft sigh Fenrir takes his eyes off the demon and, his gaze softens. He looks down at Aoba and he says softly, “This won't mean much to Kuro here, but. . .Your parents refused your mirror. . .” His gaze turns back to the demon. “So rather than just having it shattered, I decided to keep it. And after all the things you've been through lately, I. . . .Felt responsible, so, I came down.”

Kuro looks to Aoba, confused. He doesn't like being confused.

The angel stared at Fenrir for a long, drawn out moment as if he couldn't understand exactly what the doctor said. Time slowed down around the angel and slowly his wings fell to drag in the dirt. Everything started to feel so much heavier as the words began to take meaning. It looked like he wanted to ask something, anything but no words came out as his mouth opened. He could feel his cheeks and his ears begin to burn. Aoba was desperately looking to see if Fenrir had been lying or playing some sick, twisted prank but the somber look he was given further stabbed him in the chest. “They…” His fists were balled tight, his nails digging into his palms. “They- No… They wouldn’t do that…” Aoba had to fight tears, but it was a battle he wasn’t winning. His parents rejected the one way they could make sure he was okay. They rejected him.

“If an angel… If they’ve ever fallen. Or if… If they’re gone… There are mirrors tied to angels to show what they’re doing. They’re used t-to make sure archangels are okay… or watch the progress of fallen angels…” Aoba was having a hard time explaining everything to Kuro, knowing that he didn’t understand. He was hoping this day would have been good but little by little it had become even worse.

A few times it had crossed his mind, wondering had his parents figured out where he was or if they had even heard the news, but to hear they wanted nothing to do with him? It was one thing to barely see them considering they were always busy, but this? The angel took a steadying breath, quickly wiping the corners of his eyes. “It was probably… It was probably some misunderstanding. They might just be too busy to keep the mirror. I-It’s okay.” He wanted to leave and forget. He wanted to focus on something else and have some sort of false hope that he wasn’t a rejected thing in his own parents’ eyes. He noticed Fenrir make a move to step forward and Aoba quickly took two steps back. “I’m- It’s okay. They don’t have time. Mom’s a guardian angel and dad’s an archangel, they’re the busiest. S’why I had a nanny.”

“Aoba-”

He heard his name and took another step away, shaking his head. “I-I have to f-feed the animals. There are...things. Things that need to be done here.” Kuro and Aoba had finished earlier, but Aoba didn’t care just as long as it meant he could escape.

'Wow, this mirror thing must be really important' Kuro can feel his irritation growing as he sees Aoba slumping as if the entire world just landed on his shoulders. He feels the intense urge to hunt himself some angels, making Aoba so sad, but he stays put, waiting to hear what Aoba has to say about these mirror thing. When it finally comes out, he's honestly a bit stunned. 'My father is the fucking lord of hell, master of pain and suffering and sin, and even he gives more shits about his kids than Aoba's parents!?' He tries to imagine what Aoba is feeling, tries to think of his father not loving him, and despite his missing heart, he can tell it must be devastating.

Aoba is retreating, and Kuro thinks fast. Shifting over, he places his hands on the angel's arms and places a feather light kiss on his forehead. He expects the intruder to show some sign of disgust, but instead he just looks on sadly, his gaze on Aoba. “Wait with Kyou in the barn. I'll handle the rest.” he whispers, turning Aoba and giving him a little push to encourage him on his way. Once he's out of earshot he turns to the remaining angel, openly furious.

Fenrir however is having none of Kuro's wrath. He's already in enough pain and doesn't want to hear it from this demon. He doesn't snap at Kuro, instead letting out a sigh and shaking his head. “Would that I could do something to change reality for him, but I can't.” He looks up, meeting Kuro's eye. “Don't make this into a bigger mess than it already is Kuro. Be grateful that I was down here so you didn't have to kill Leo in front of him.” He can see Kuro flinch at the use of his name so casually, but he doesn't hesitate to go on. “I will take my leave. He. . .Needs you right now.” His last few words are spoken carefully, making sure Kuro is paying attention and catches the full weight of what he's saying.

It takes a moment, but Kuro does get it. His ire drops and he lets out a breath of his own. “So, you are the eyes I've been feeling on the back of my neck?” He has to ask, unable to wipe the image of an angel watching over him while he tries to bed Aoba and loses his focus over the idea of an angel watching from above.

Fenrir can't help the faint flush and coughs slightly. “I am not rude, and that's all I'm saying on the matter.” Openly laughing, Kuro finds himself less disgusted by this angel. Fenrir gives him a grumpy look that turns into an uneasy expression. Seeing Kuro tilt his head curiously Fenrir shakes off his thoughts of discussing the odd happening when Kuro is particularly stressed over Aoba. He may know the demon fairly well from afar for now, but he's not ready to even begin trying to work out the implications. Letting out a sigh he shakes his head again, looking around the area one last time. “This place. . .It's beautiful.” he says softly, looking towards the barn one last time before stalking firmly over to the dropped sword and picking it up. He raises a challenging eyebrow at Kuro who just grumbles like a child before turning his back on Fenrir completely and making his way towards the barn.

He can feel the angel at his back taking off, but at the moment, Kuro's concern is for the angel hidden in the barn in front of him. Slipping inside, he begins hunting around, trying to find his Little Mouse. He spots Kyou first, the demon laying flat against the floor in the rafters, his gaze going into a corner where he seems to be worrying over whatever's there. Kuro moves easily over to it, finding his little angel still rather upset and without asking, scoops the smaller figure into his arms. Giving Kyou a glare to push him back Kuro takes his wings out for a moment, using them to aid his jump as he leaps up into the loft, finding a soft patch of hay to sit on and hold his poor Little Mouse tenderly.