User blog:Akasha1908/An Unlikely Love: Episode 1 (Tales from the AGG Mansion: Episode 5)

And so begins a new arc, with a new set of lovers! This doesn't mean it's the last we've seen of Barbatos and Ikutachi, but there are so many more love stories to write! Hope you enjoy!

Special Annoucement:  I did write a "sexy scene" involving Iku x Barbatos (for a certain someone xD), but I won't be able to post it here, lol. If you're interested, I'll post the link to my other blog when it's finished. Thanks for reading!

Rhongomiant watched the two lovers toss about on the grassy bank of the river. Seeing them together was slow torture, but he couldn’t seem to look away. Why he was there, he didn’t know, but when he’d seen Barbatos and Ikutachi walking hand in hand that morning, he couldn’t help but follow. Keeping out of sight, he’d found a spot underneath a large willow tree. It provided a perfect view and good cover, so he could watch without being seen.

             The two lovers were completely lost in one another; oblivious to everything around them. They made love like it was their first and last time, and the way Barbatos held Ikutachi was both frightening and beautiful to watch. Even from his position, Rhongomiant could tell Barbatos was walking a thin line:   On one side he offered Ikutachi endless pleasure. On the other, unimaginable pain. Yet every time he thought Barbatos was about to lose control, Ikutachi would temper the Phantom’s passion with a gentle touch or kiss. It was unlike anything Rhongomiant had ever seen.

   He sighed longingly. How he envied Ikutachi. How he wished it was him in Barbatos’ arms. What an incredible feeling it must be to be worshiped so…

“That could have been you.”    He whispered to himself bitterly. “If only you’d confessed sooner.”

Rhongomiant had loved Barbatos for longer than he could remember. For months, he’d tried to tell Barbatos the truth:   That he saw him as more than just a friend. But every time Rhongomiant tried to broach the subject, he lost his nerve. He was afraid that if he confessed, he’d lose his friend forever. And wouldn’t that be worse? Surely having Barbatos as a friend was better than nothing at all. It seemed like such a simple concept. Love him, but don’t tell him. Easy, right?

Not at all… The unfortunate truth is that love is not an emotion easily hidden. It’s only a matter of time before all the feelings you tried so desperately to secret away, start bubbling to the surface. And once it starts, it’s impossible to stop.

Rhongomiant reached his breaking point late one Friday evening. It was the night he, Barbatos and a few other daemons gathered to drink and catch up. It was a weekly event, and Rhongomiant looked forward to it since it was one of the few times he and Barbatos got to hang out.

Looking back, Rhongomiant wasn’t entirely sure how he and Barbatos ended up alone in one of Master Akasha’s bathrooms, but such details are usually forgotten when copious amounts of alcohol are involved. One thing led to another, and the next thing Rhongomiant knew, he was trying to jump Barbatos on the bathroom sink.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Several things happened after that, but none of them included him and Barbatos making love and living happily ever after…

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Rhongomiant had never been so embarrassed in his life, but to Barbatos’ credit, he let him down graciously. It’s hard to call flat out rejection gracious, but Rhongomiant could tell Barbatos was trying his damnedest to let him down easy. So, despite feeling like he’d just had his heart ripped out and stomped on, Rhongomiant couldn’t bring himself to be mad at the Phantom. Especially since his reason for turning down him down was such a good one. Apparently, Barbatos was in love.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">   That night, no one could have said Barbatos wasn’t a gentleman. Sure he was rough around the edges, but even a demon like him could be kind and compassionate when he wanted to be. And that fateful evening, in the middle of the first floor bathroom, Barbatos proved it. Sadly, all the kindness and compassion in the world could not save Rhongomiant from a broken heart.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Barbatos never told him who it was he loved, and Rhongomiant never asked. In fact, that was the last time Rhongomiant went to see Barbatos. It wasn’t that he didn’t want to see his old friend; it was more like he couldn’t. Not without reliving the horrible rejection all over again.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Recovering from a heart break is rough no matter how you look at it, but Rhongomiant had been doing well for the most part. He kept himself busy with battles and events, and even took up a few new hobbies. But, just when he thought he was finally going be okay, Barbatos called. And just like that, Rhongomiant fell in love all over again…

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Whoever said hindsight is twenty/twenty was a genius. And if Rhongomiant had been half as smart, he never would have gone to see Barbatos that night. In fact, if Rhongomiant had any sense at all, he would have left the moment he saw Ikutachi in Barbatos’ room.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">It didn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out why Ikutachi was there, and it didn’t take a brain surgeon to realize the two were completely mad about each other. But the thing about love is that it makes you blind. It makes you hope for all the things you want, even when you know you can’t have them. In short, it makes you a fool.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">And what a fool Rhongomiant had been. He’d let himself be used in hopes of turning the Phantom’s affections towards him. He should have known Barbatos would choose Ikutachi.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Damn you hindsight… <span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Once again, Rhongomiant was forced to sweep up the pieces of his shattered heart. But this time, moving on was damn near impossible. He had tasted the forbidden fruit that was Barbatos, and, God help him, he wanted more. It was times like this Rhongomiant asked himself if it was better to have loved and lost, or never to have loved at all. In the end, he decided it didn’t really matter. Either way his heart was broken. Now here he was, watching the lovers in tearful silence.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “Hello, Rhongo-san!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             Rhongomiant nearly jumped out of his skin, quickly wiping the tears from his eyes.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“Geez, Canopus! What the hell?!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “Sorry, did I startle you? I saw you sitting here alone and thought you might want some company.”   Canopus glanced over to where Rhongomiant was looking. “Is that…”   He paused, squinting for a moment. “Oh wow, I didn’t know those two were a couple.”   He frowned, cocking his head to the side. “Or that a position like that was even possible.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “Will you get down?!”   Rhongomiant grabbed Canopus’ hand, pulling him to the ground. “Do you want them to see us?!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “Well, I don’t think they’re paying much attention to us at the moment, but I suppose you’re right. It would be terribly awkward if they knew we were here. And it would certainly be rude of us to keep watching.”   Canopus turned his quizzical gaze to Rhongomiant. “But if you’re so worried about being caught, Rhongo-san, why are you here?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “I…   Umm…”   Rhongomiant tried to think of a good excuse, but nothing came to mind. He couldn’t tell Canopus that he was pretty much stalking the couple, so he turned the question back on the Divina. “Wait a second, what are you doing here?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             Canopus smiled so brightly it made Rhongomiant want to shield his eyes.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “I came to sail my boat!”   He lifted the small wooden contraption in his hand. “Sirius helped me make it. She was supposed to come and sail it with me, but she and Ypsilon decided to have a girl’s day.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             Damn it!   Of course the Divina would have a perfectly reasonable explanation for being there!

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “What about you?”   Canopus asked.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             ''Crap! Think of something! ''

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“I, uh, came here to meditate. This is one of my favorite spots.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Canopus nodded, immediately accepting Rhongomiant’s excuse. “It is the perfect place for it. Well, minus the show going on over there.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “Yeah, I know right?”   Rhongomiant replied, laughing weakly. “I was actually getting ready to leave.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “Really? I must have perfect timing then! How about coming with me to sail my boat? It’s not mediation, but the spot I go to is quiet and peaceful. I think you’ll like it. And there’s certainly none of that going on.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             They both turned back to where the couple was making love. They were sitting up, Ikutachi’s legs wrapped around Barbatos’ waist. Rhongomiant sighed. He remembered doing that very same position with Barbatos, and it had been nothing short of amazing…

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “Are you alright, Rhongo-san? Your skin looks flushed.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             For half a second, he’d forgotten Canopus was there. “I’m perfectly fine.”   Rhongomiant said, clearing his throat. “I think I’ll be going now. Good day to you, Canopus,”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “Wait!”   He called out, grabbing Rhongomiant’s arm. “You never answered my question.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“What question?”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“About sailing with me.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“Oh, right. I think I’ll pass.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “Are you sure?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             It was hard to say no to the Divina, especially when he looked so disappointed. He reminded Rhongomiant of a toddler, all full of excitement and wonder. He almost considered going with Canopus, but then he remembered how miserable he was, and decided alcohol would be a much better option than sailing…

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “Yeah, I think I’m going to head back and grab some lunch. I missed breakfast this morning.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “Oh, then how about I join you? We can go sailing after.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “I’m sorry, Canopus.”   Rhongomiant replied. “I kind of want to be alone.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             Canopus smiled; his eyes somewhat sad. “I understand. Take care, Rhongo-san.”   The Divina headed down the hill and towards the river, careful to avoid the two below.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             Rhongomiant lingered a moment, watching as the two lovers brought each other to climax. Unable to bear the image of them together any longer, he made his way back towards the house.

<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:center"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">____________________________________

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             Canopus sat at the edge of the river bed, tossing stones into its clear depths. His thoughts were on Rhongomiant and the sadness he seen in the Anima’s eyes as he’d watched Barbatos and Ikutachi. Canopus wasn’t exactly the sharpest crayon in the box, but even he could see Rhongomiant’s obsession with the Phantom.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             For the life of him, Canopus couldn’t understand why Rhongomiant insisted on torturing himself. It was obvious who Barbatos loved, yet the Anima continued to watch and wait; hoping for the day Barbatos would finally see him. In fact, Rhongomiant was so caught up in what he couldn’t have, that he didn’t see the one person who loved him the most standing right in front of him.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“If only you’d look at me.”   Canopus whispered.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             He got up from the ground, brushing the dirt off his pants. He’d sailed his boat for quite a while, but for some reason it wasn’t as enjoyable as he’d envisioned. Deciding to call it a day, he headed home.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Canopus arrived with enough time to wash up before dinner, so he gathered his things and made his way towards the baths. This was usually a good time to bathe since everyone was either still out or preparing dinner. He pulled the door open, a cloud of steam swirling out around him.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">This was one of ten baths throughout Master Fera’s mansion. It was the smallest and least used, which was why Canopus made the trip to the relatively secluded section of the house. Like the other baths, there was a large communal bath in the center. For those who preferred more privacy, there were several smaller baths off to the sides.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Unlike most of his daemon counterparts, Canopus preferred to bathe alone, so he made his way to one of the private baths in the far corner of the room. It was hard to see with all the steam, so he kept his eyes on the floor directly ahead of him. Just as he made his final turn, he slammed into someone, their mist covered bodies tumbling to the floor.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “I’m sorry!”   Canopus exclaimed, trying to extract himself from the tangle of limbs. “I didn’t see you there. Are you okay?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “I think so. What about you?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             Canopus froze, recognizing the voice immediately. Rhongomiant.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">He looked down at Rhongomiant, swallowing nervously. The Anima was completely naked; obviously fresh out of the bath. His skin was still damp; soft and warm to the touch. There was a lovely flush in his cheeks, most likely from the heat, and his golden hair glistened with tiny droplets of water. And if that wasn’t enough, he smelled of fresh jasmine and vanilla; a dangerously heady concoction.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “Canopus? Are you hurt?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “I…   I…”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “You?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             Canopus was suddenly dizzy. He knew what he wanted to say, but, God help him, all he could think about was ravishing Rhongomiant right there on the bathroom floor. He needed to get up. He was in a dangerous position. Literally!

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “I-I’m okay.”   He managed to get out.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “Oh, good.”   Rhongomiant replied in relief. “You scared me for a minute.”   He paused, his borrow furrowing. “Umm, are you going to get off of me, or what?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             The Anima shifted beneath him, his hips wriggling invitingly. Canopus hissed involuntarily, the evidence of his arousal becoming increasingly obvious. He tried to stay calm, desperately latching onto his last shred of sanity. But with Rhongomiant squirming beneath him, it was proving to be impossible.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Almost immediately, Rhongomiant stopped moving. He stared up at Canopus, his blue eyes wide with alarm. There was no hiding it now. No way to deny what Canopus knew Rhongomiant could feel against his leg.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “Canopus.”   Rhongomiant said cautiously. “You need to get off of me right now.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             Canopus nodded in response, but made no move to get up. Instead he just stared at Rhongomiant, letting himself fall deeper into his sapphire gaze. He wondered if the Anima knew how incredibly handsome he was, or how unbelievably stunning his piercing blue eyes were? It seemed unfair for one person to be that damn beautiful…   Canopus leaned forward, all sense of reason vanishing.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Canopus had never kissed anyone before; not once. But in that moment, he decided he would never kiss another. Everything he’d ever felt for Rhongomiant increased tenfold. All the love, all the desire. It surged forth like tidal wave.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Despite this being Canopus’ first time, there was a part of him that instinctively knew what do. Lifting his hips, he used his knee to part Rhongomiant’s leg. There was a sigh of protest from Rhongomiant, but Canopus ignored it, settling comfortably between the Anima’s legs. It’s too late to stop now.   That was Canopus’ last thought before he removed the towel from around his waist; the last thing separating him from Rhongomiant…

<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:center"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">_________________________________

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             This was bad. Very bad. Rhongomiant knew he needed to stop this before they reached the point of no return. He’d felt Canopus’ arousal growing against his leg, and he could see the haze of lust building in his eyes.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             Never had Rhongomiant considered Canopus as a potential lover. He was so clumsy and awkward, that it was hard to see him as anything more than a child. But here he was, underneath the Divina, and as far as Rhongomiant could tell, there was nothing childlike about him.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“Canopus, you need to get off me right now.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">When Canopus leaned forward to kiss him, Rhongomiant knew the Divina was beyond control. He tried to push him away, but Canopus used the weight of his body to keep him firmly in place. Rhongomiant was trapped.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">For about 25 seconds, Rhongomiant tried to think of a way to get himself out of his current predicament. But then, somewhere around the 26 second mark, he decided that he wasn’t exactly unhappy what was happening. Perhaps it was all the steam getting to him, or maybe it was the need for comfort that made him weak against Canopus’ assault. Regardless, Rhongomiant was starting to get sucked into the moment. And when Canopus removed his towel, putting them skin to skin at last, Rhongomiant made no move to stop him...

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             What happened next was so sudden and unexpected, that Rhongomiant had no time to prepare himself. Canopus thrust forward, tearing into him. He cried out in pain, his eyes flying open. He threw Canopus off of him, the haze of desire evaporating instantly.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “What the hell, Canopus?!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             Canopus blinked in confusion, clearly unaware of what he’d just done.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “Did I hurt you, Rhongo-san?!”   His eyes were wide with panic; his voice a mixture of terror and remorse. “Are you alright?!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “What the f*ck do you think?!”   He shouted, picking up Canopus’ towel and throwing it at him.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “I’m so sorry! I didn’t mean to hurt you. It’s my first time, and I just…   I don’t know, I guess I lost control!”   He ran a hand down his face. “I can’t believe I forced myself on you like that!”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">When Rhongomiant said nothing, Canopus crawled towards him, his hand reaching out to touch his leg. Rhongomiant instinctively pulled back, using his foot to push the Divina away.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“Don’t you dare come near me!”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">   Canopus shrunk back, his eyes watering and his bottom lip shaking as if he were about to cry. He looked as though he wanted to say something else, but he wisely remained quiet. Keeping his eyes on the Divina, Rhongomiant shifted to his side so he could try and stand. He winced in pain, reaching towards the wall for support.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “Here, let me help you.”   Canopus said, jumping to his feet.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “No! You just stay right there!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             Canopus ran both hands through his hair. “I am so sorry, Rhongo-san! I didn’t mean to hurt you! You have to believe me!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “Will you please keep your voice down?!”   Rhongomiant snapped, pulling himself up. “There might be other people in here!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “I’m sorry, I…”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “And stop apologizing! What’s done is done. Besides, this is partly my fault anyway. I could have stopped you if I really wanted to, but I didn’t. We’re both at fault here, so let’s just call it even okay?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “But…”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “No buts!”   Rhongomiant said, holding his hand to stop whatever the Divina was about to say. “You and I are going to forget this ever happened, got it?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             Not waiting for an answer, Rhongomiant put on his robe, hastily tying the strap. He gathered his things as quickly as could, desperate to get away. The entire situation was extremely awkward, especially with Canopus standing there, butt-naked and staring at him like a lost puppy dog. He just wanted to get back to his room and forget the whole thing.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “W-what if I don’t want to forget?”   Canopus asked, his voice barely above a whisper.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">               Rhongomiant closed his eyes. He took a deep breath and counted to three before he responded. “This is not up for discussion, Canopus. What happened here will never leave this room. Do you understand me?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “Yes, but does it have to be like this?”   Canopus took Rhongomiant’s hand in his. “I know what I did is unforgivable, but if you give me the chance to make this up to you, I will prove my feelings are sincere. I love you, Rhongo-san, and I want to be with you and no one else.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             Rhongomiant snatched his hand away, his anger rising. “Listen to me very carefully, Canopus. What happened just now was a mistake, nothing more. There will never be anything between us, do you understand?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “Why not?”   Canopus insisted. “Is it because of Barbatos? He doesn’t love you, surely you can see that! Why do continue to pine after someone who doesn’t want you?!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             Rhongomiant punched Canopus so hard, he might have accidentally broken his hand. The Divina fell back, slamming into the floor.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “You asshole! You practically rape me on the bathroom floor, and you think the reason I don’t want to be with you is because of someone else?!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             Canopus clutched the left side of his face, a trickle of blood sliding from his nose. The Divina tried to answer, but Rhongomiant silenced him with one look.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “Never come near me again. Don’t speak to me; don’t even look at me! Whatever friendship we had before this is done.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             Rhongomiant shoved past Canopus, exiting the bathroom as quickly as he could manage. But as the door closed behind him, he felt a small pang of guilt. The look on the Divina’s face was one Rhongomiant knew very well. It was the look of one whose heart had been completely and utterly broken…