User blog:Akasha1908/Rhongomiant X Canopus: Episode 2 (Tales from the AGG Mansion: Episode 6)

             The heart dies a slow death…   At least that’s what the movie says. But somehow they failed to mention that the heart never really dies. On the contrary, it simply lingers at the moment right before death actually comes…

             When his horrific encounter with Rhongomiant was all said and done, Canopus’ only desire was to crawl into a dark hole and die. Since it would’ve taken entirely too much work to dig an actual hole, he’d settled for locking himself in his room and burrowing under his sheets. It wasn’t a hole and he wasn’t dead, but it would have to do.

             For the past few days, he’d been hovering somewhere between sleep and awareness. There had been several knocks at his door, but when he’d refused to answer, the person on the other side had left. So when the sound of knocking started once more, Canopus ignored it. As expected, the knocking stopped, and he once again settled in for another day or so of wallowing in his self-pity.

Just as Canopus started to drift into an uneasy sleep, the sound of the door rattling against the lock jolted him awake. He made no move towards the door, nor did he call out for the person to stop. Instead he tucked the blanket more tightly over his head, hoping whoever it was would eventually give up and go away. But when the muffled yelling started, he knew such hopes were lost.

The yelling was followed by what could only be described as someone trying to break down the door. Canopus tried to burrow deeper into the mattress. Closing his eyes, he silently prayed the door would hold. He groaned in despair when the shattering of wood echoed through the room.

             “Canopus!”   A woman’s voice shouted loudly. “Canopus, I know you’re under there! If you’re trying to hide, then you should have found a better spot!”

             Sirius…   He thought miserably. Definitely should have dug a hole…

             He heard the flick of the light switch, then the sound of her footsteps stomping towards the bed. Canopus braced himself for the encounter. She grabbed the top of covers, trying to yank them down, but Canopus held them in place.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “For the love of…   Will you please stop acting like a child?!”

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

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “He speaks!”   She cried sarcastically.

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

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Ypsilon must have entered the room at some point. Her voice of reason was usually the only thing that kept Sirius in check. He heard the sound of the curtains slide open and the window slide up.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“I would if Canopus would cooperate!”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“Well, yelling at him isn’t going to help.”   Ypsilon replied. “Canopus, darling, what is going on? It’s not like you to isolate yourself like this, especially from us. It’s already been 3 days. We’ve tried giving you your space, but now it's time for an intervention.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“Yeah!”   Sirius added, tugging at the blankets once more. “Now spill it!”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“Go away.”   Canopus repeated, desperately holding onto the folds of the blanket.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“We’re not going anywhere.”   Ypsilon said coolly.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Canopus felt a soft pat on his back, then someone gently prying the fabric from his fingers. After spending so many days trapped inside the darkness of his room, the light blinded him.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“Turn off the lights!”   He yelled hoarsely. “And why did you open the bloody windows?!”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“What are you, Dracula?”   Sirius asked sternly, her hands on her hips. “Afraid you might burst into flames?!”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“Well, he certainly smells like him.”   Ypsilon said, holding her hand to her nose to block out the smell. “It reeks in here, Canopus. I’m just trying to get some air circulating. Plus you can do with some sun. You look terribly pale.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“Forget the sun, he needs a bath.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“I don’t need sun or a bath. And if it smells so bad, then you’re welcome to leave.”   He tried to pull the blanket back over his head, but Ypsilon refused to relinquish the covers. He gave her a sharp look, then rolled over angrily, turning his back to both women.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Sirius snorted angrily. “You are going to get out of this bed and take a bath if I have to drag you there myself!”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Sirius grabbed his arm and yanked him from the bed. Canopus didn’t go without a fight, kicking and shouting the whole way. By the time it was said and done, the two female daemons had dragged him down to the baths, stripped him naked and tossed him into the steaming depths of the communal bath. For a moment Canopus flirted with the idea of drowning himself. It seemed like a fitting death for one so vile and wretched as him. Sadly, the opportunity was lost when Sirius dragged him to the surface.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“What the hell, Canopus!”   She shouted, her shrill voice nearly bursting one of his ear drums. “Are you trying to kill yourself?!”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Canopus spit out the water from his mouth, blinking to clear the water from his lashes. He looked up just in time to see Ypsilon wading ankle deep into the bath.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“You two can’t be in here!”   He cried angrily. “It’s for males only!”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Sirius snorted. “Already taken care of. Ypsilon put the ‘closed for cleaning’ sign out front, so no one will be coming to save you.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“She’s right.”   Ypsilon said, her tone a bit softer and more compassionate than Sirius. “Now, we can do this the easy way and let you wash yourself…”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“Or I’ll hold you down while Ypsilon scrubs you clean.”   Siruis finished.

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

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“I can do it myself.”   Canopus mumbled, twisting out of Siruis’ grasp.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Canopus refused to speak to either one as he washed 3 days’ worth of dirt, sweat and tears from his face and body. The two women watched him closely as if he were about to escape any moment. He sighed angrily. They were like his sisters, but God help him if he didn’t want to murder them sometimes. Surely they could see he wanted to be alone.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“I know what you’re thinking.”   Ypsilon said, suddenly breaking the silence. “You wish we’d leave you alone. Am I right?”

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

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“I can read you like a book, Canopus.”   She continued. “And as your friends, Sirius and I cannot allow you to keep hiding like this. We want to help you, but we can’t if you don’t tell us what’s wrong. We’re worried about you.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“Yeah.”   Sirius added. “And if we didn’t do something about the smell coming from your room, Master Fera said he would sell you for 3 Golden Apples.”

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

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

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Yspilon rolled her eyes. “What Sirius is trying to say, is that we all want what’s best for you, but we can’t help if we don’t know what’s going on.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">   They were worried about him. It was obvious from the concern written on both their faces. But how did he explain that he’d tried to rape his unrequited love on the bathroom floor. Geez, even in his head sounded horrible…

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“I-I can’t tell you.”   He said, dropping his gaze to the water. “It’s too awful.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“Can’t tell us?”   Ypsilon asked in confusion. “But you tell us everything.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“I know, i-it’s just…”   He wiped away the tears beginning fall. “Please don’t make me talk about it.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“What happened, Canopus?”   Sirius asked, all her anger and frustration seeming to evaporate at the sight of his tears. “It can’t be that bad.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“But it is! And if I tell you, you’ll hate me, too.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“We could never hate you.”   Ypsilon said, slipping back into the water. When she reached Canopus, she pulled him into her arms. “We’ll love you forever and always. Right, Sirius?”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“Definitely.”   Sirius replied, her tone genuine. “But don’t expect me to get all huggy with you while you’re naked.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Canopus couldn’t stop the burst of laughter from his lips. He still felt like crawling into a hole and dying, and maybe if he cried enough, he could commit suicide via dehydration. But seeing the worry in both his best friend’s eyes was enough to give him pause. After all, talking about it might actually help, right?

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

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“You did what?!”   Siruis shouted. Her left eye was beginning to twitch; a sure sign she was furious. “Poor Rhongomiant! He should have done more than punch you!”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“I feel terrible about the whole thing!”   Canopus replied miserably. “I tried to apologize after, but he refused to listen. He hates me!”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“Can you blame him?”   Ypsilon asked. “There aren’t many who would forgive such an indiscretion. But…”   She paused, tapping her lips with her index finger.

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

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“Well, Rhongomiant isn’t exactly weak. He could have stopped Canopus’ assault at any time, but he didn’t.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“So!”   Sirius retorted. “It doesn’t excuse Canopus’ behavior. Which is unforgivable, by the way!”   She added, giving Canopus a pointed glare.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“True.”   Ypsilon continued. “But it would suggest that the Anima wasn’t entirely opposed to situation. And even after their failed attempt at intercourse, Rhongomiant seemed willing enough to forgive him. It was only after Canopus mentioned Barbatos’ name that he became angry.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Sirirus rolled her eyes in frustration. “Just spit out whatever it is you’re trying to say, Ypsilon. We have got all day.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Ypsilon gave Sirius a strange look, but continued. “What I’m trying to say, is that the reason why Rhongomiant got upset that night, probably had more to do with Barbatos than with Canopus. Or at least it seems that way based on Canopus’ side of the story. I wasn’t there, so I can’t be entirely sure.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“Wait.”   Canopus replied, blinking in confusion. “So Rhongo-san is really mad at Barbatos?”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“Well, I wouldn’t say that. More like, whatever happened between the two of them, was more upsetting than what happened between the two of you.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Canopus frowned. Ypsilon had a way of speaking that easily confused him, so instead of asking her to explain it again, he asked the question burning in his mind. The one thing he truly wanted to know.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“Do you think I might still have a chance with Rhongo-san?”   He asked hesitantly.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“Not on your life!”   Sirius interjected.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“Sirius, please!”   Ypsilon snapped. “You’re really not helping.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“But I am!”   She countered. “I’m trying to be brutally honest with him. No need getting his hopes up.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“I disagree.”   Ypsilon replied. “I think there is still hope for Canopus. But it doesn’t matter which one of us is right. What matters right now is that Canopus needs to apologize.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“But I tried, Ypsilon! He wouldn’t…”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Ypsilon held up her hand for silence. “You need to do it properly.”

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

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">   “Meaning,” Ypsilon punctuated, “not in an open bath while you’re completely naked.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Canopus huffed in frustration, sinking down into the water so only his head was visible. She had a point. He really ought to apologize properly to Rhongo-san. He was just angry he hadn’t thought of that first.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“Don’t pout!”   Sirius chastised. “It’s your own damn fault. You’re a grown man! You should be able to control your urges.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Ypsilon snickered softly. “You’re one to talk.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Sirius turned bright red; her blush spreading all the way to her ears. She looked like she wanted to say something, but at the last moment decided not to.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“Anyway,” Ypsilon continued, addressing Canopus once more, “you need to apologize to Rhongomiant properly. I know your actions were out of character, and I have a feeling Rhongomiant knows as well, but it doesn’t change the fact that you hurt him. He deserves a sincere apology, delivered in a private and respectable location.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">   “And you should definitely have clothes on this time.”   Sirius added, her cheeks still sporting a rosy blush.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“I know that!”   Canopus shot back.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“Do you?”   She countered, her eyebrows rising questioningly.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Canopus gritted his teeth. “I will apologize to Rhongo-san. And I’ll make sure to be completely dressed and not in a bathroom when I do it. Happy?”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“Yes.”   Sirius replied with a nod of approval. “And if I were you,” she added, “I’d leave out the whole, I’m in love with you part this time.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“Good idea.”    Ypsilon agreed. “Though you still have a chance to repair your friendship, I’m afraid anything more might be too optimistic.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">It was hard to hear, but Canopus knew his friends were right. He needed to stop sulking and give Rhongomiant the apology he deserved. He’d done a terrible thing, and hiding from the world wasn’t going to change that. The idea of further rejection from Rhongomiant filled Canopus with near crippling fear, but he knew that apologizing properly was the right thing to do.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“You’re right.”   Canopus replied with more confidence than he had. “Both of you. I’ve tried to hide for too long. I need to face Rhongo-san as a man, and apologize for my behavior. Thank you for helping me see that.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Ypsilon smiled proudly. “There’s the Canopus we know and love.”   She turned to Sirius. “Let’s go. I think our work here is done.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Sirius nodded in agreement. “Finish getting washed up.”   She added. “And if I were you, I would clean that room of yours. Master Fera was serious about selling you.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Canopus laughed softly. “I’ll take care of it as soon as I get back to my room.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">When the two women left, Canopus did as instructed, giving himself a good washing. He climbed out of the bath, drying off slowly as he tried to figure out of how he was going to apologize to Rhongomiant. He’d just pulled on his pants when there was a loud crashing sound on the other side of the bathroom….

<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" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Rhongomiant stared down at his cell phone. In the span of about 15 minutes, he’d experienced a plethora of emotions ranging from shock, happiness, confusion, anger, and sadness. Needless to say, he was emotionally exhausted. Now, after finally admitting defeat, he sat on the edge of his bed, trying to answer one simple, yet terrifying question:   To call, or not to call…

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"> Just wanted to check on you. Haven’t heard from you in a while and I’m starting to worry. Call me. We should talk.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify;text-justify:inter-ideograph; text-indent:.5in"> -Sent from Barbatos via iPhone

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify;text-justify:inter-ideograph"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">             Knowing Barbatos, he was legitimately worried about him, but it was obvious he was concerned as a friend only. Rhongomiant kept trying to remind himself of that fact. They were friends. Or at least they had been... Were they still friends considering what had taken place between them? He wanted to know the answer, but to find out would mean calling Barbatos. Talking to him. Hearing his voice. Rhongomiant wasn’t entirely sure he was ready for that.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify;text-justify:inter-ideograph"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">             He had debated on deleting the message and forgetting it ever existed. But since that was obviously not going to happen, he elected to turn off his phone and hide in the back of his night stand drawer. Exactly 7 minutes later, he was digging the phone out and turning it back on so he could read the message one more time.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify;text-justify:inter-ideograph"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">             “Just call him.”   He commanded himself; his thumb hovering for the green call button. “Get it over with.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify;text-justify:inter-ideograph"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">             Rhongomiant bit his lip, quickly running through all the possible outcomes of his calling. Nearly all of them ended up with him in tears.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify;text-justify:inter-ideograph; text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“It can’t be helped.”   He whispered softly.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify;text-justify:inter-ideograph; text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">Hitting the button, he raised the phone to his ear and braced himself for the worst.

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

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify;text-justify:inter-ideograph"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">             Rhongomiant froze. The voice on the other end was definitely not Barbatos.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify;text-justify:inter-ideograph"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">             “Uh, is Barbatos there?”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify;text-justify:inter-ideograph"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">             “He is, but he’s in the shower.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify;text-justify:inter-ideograph"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">             “Oh, umm, then can you tell him I called? This is Rhongomiant.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify;text-justify:inter-ideograph"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">             The voice paused a moment. “Of course.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify;text-justify:inter-ideograph"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">             “Thank you.”   Rhongomiant replied quickly.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify;text-justify:inter-ideograph"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">             “Rhongomiant?”   The voice said before he could hang up.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify;text-justify:inter-ideograph"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">             “Yes, Iku-san.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify;text-justify:inter-ideograph"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">             “Barbatos and I are officially back together. I don’t want to sound petty or territorial, but I want you to know, so that there are no misunderstandings in the future. I’m not sure why you’re calling, but I would prefer it if you never did so again.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify;text-justify:inter-ideograph"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">             There was no anger or malice in Ikutachi’s voice. He was merely stating a fact, and making what could only be seen as a justifiable request. Friends or not, Rhongomiant had slept with Barbatos. The situation had become incredibly awkward, and calling the Phantom after the fact was perhaps a little bit inappropriate. Rhongomiant couldn’t blame Ikutachi for drawing the line.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify;text-justify:inter-ideograph"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">             “My apologies, Iku-san. I meant no offense. Barbatos sent a message asking me to call.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify;text-justify:inter-ideograph"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">             “Oh.”   Ikutachi replied thoughtfully. “Then I suppose it can’t be helped. I’ll tell him you called.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify;text-justify:inter-ideograph"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">             “Thank you, Iku-san.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify;text-justify:inter-ideograph"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">               “Good bye, Rhongomiant.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify;text-justify:inter-ideograph"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">             Whelp, that had to be the most uncomfortable conversation he’d ever had in his entire life. He groaned, flopping back onto his bed. He took a few deep breaths, but it wasn’t long before the tears started to flow.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify;text-justify:inter-ideograph"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">             “Damn it.”   He said to the empty room. “Why did I call?”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify;text-justify:inter-ideograph"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">             He laid there for a few minutes, struggling to get his emotions back under control. He’d been operating on auto-pilot the past few days, trying desperately not to think about any one thing for too long. But then his phone went off. Barbatos’ name popped up on the screen, and just like that, he spiraled back into his dark pit of despair.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify;text-justify:inter-ideograph"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">             “I need to get out of this room.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify;text-justify:inter-ideograph"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">             Rhongomiant tossed the phone on the bed, determined not to pick it up for the rest of the day. He gathered his things and made his way down to the bath to wash up before heading out in search of alcohol. Copious amounts of alcohol.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify;text-justify:inter-ideograph"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">             He entered the bathroom through the back entrance, expecting to find the room empty. Since it was the middle of the afternoon, he’d figured everyone would be out and about. But low and behold, there was Canopus, Sirius and Ypsilon on the other side of the room. He thought it strange that the two women were in the male’s bathroom, but then he decided he didn’t care enough to find out why.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify;text-justify:inter-ideograph"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">             It didn’t take long to get cleaned up, but by the time he finished, Sirius and Ypsilon had left the room, leaving Canopus to get dressed alone.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify;text-justify:inter-ideograph; text-indent:.5in">''<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">I should leave. ''<span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify;text-justify:inter-ideograph; text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">That was Rhongomiant’s first thought. But Canopus was just stepping out of the water; his naked body completely exposed. Rhongomiant couldn’t help but admire the sight. He watched from behind one of the doors of the private showers as Canopus dried himself off. Rhongomiant could feel the blush creeping into his cheeks as his body responded to the sight of Canopus’ naked form. Despite his anger towards the Divina, he couldn’t seem to control the physical reaction his body was having.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify;text-justify:inter-ideograph"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">             Time to go.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify;text-justify:inter-ideograph; text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">Rhongomiant found the strength to look away, then hurried quietly to the exit. He almost made it, too, but when he was just a few feet away from making his escape, he slipped on the damp floor. He and all his toiletries tumbled to the ground in a loud crash.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify;text-justify:inter-ideograph"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">             “Damn it!”   He yelled, trying to pull himself up.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify;text-justify:inter-ideograph"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">             “Rhongo-san! Is that you?! Are you alright?!”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify;text-justify:inter-ideograph"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">             The next thing Rhongomiant knew, Canopus was at his side, helping him off the floor. He sighed softly. Served him right for trying to sneak away.

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

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify;text-justify:inter-ideograph"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">             “I don’t think so.”   He answered, bending to grab his things scattered across the floor.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify;text-justify:inter-ideograph"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">             “Let me get those for you!”   Canopus said, leaping into action.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify;text-justify:inter-ideograph"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">             Rhongomiant couldn’t stop his small smile from forming. The Divina seemed so eager to please. He couldn’t help but wonder if Canopus was like this with everyone, or just him…

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify;text-justify:inter-ideograph"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">             “Here you go, Rhongo-san. I think that’s everything. Do you want me to help you to your room?”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify;text-justify:inter-ideograph"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">             “No, I can make it on my own.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify;text-justify:inter-ideograph"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">             “Of course you can.”   Canopus replied, his gaze dropping to the ground beneath his feet. “Silly of me to ask such a thing. You have a good day, Rhongo-san. Sorry if I bothered you too much.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify;text-justify:inter-ideograph"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">             The Divina bowed then turned to walk away, but not before Rhongomiant caught a glimpse of the tears in his eyes.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify;text-justify:inter-ideograph"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">             “Canopus, wait!”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify;text-justify:inter-ideograph; text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">Rhongomiant wasn’t sure why he stopped the Divina. In truth, he’d said the words without thinking.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify;text-justify:inter-ideograph; text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“Y-yes, Rhongo-san?”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify;text-justify:inter-ideograph; text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">Hearing the utter desolation in Canopus’ voice, Rhongomiant couldn’t help but feel a twinge of guilt.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify;text-justify:inter-ideograph; text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“You know, we really ought to stop meeting like this. The bathroom isn’t the best place to hold a conversation, don’t you agree?”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify;text-justify:inter-ideograph; text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“Umm, I suppose not.”   Canopus replied uncertainly.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify;text-justify:inter-ideograph; text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“Would you like to join me for a late lunch then? I suddenly feel the need for some company.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify;text-justify:inter-ideograph; text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">Rhongomiant had to stop himself from laughing as Canopus’ jaw literally dropped. The Divina stuttered over his response, but Rhongomiant managed to make out a “yes.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify;text-justify:inter-ideograph; text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“Then it’s settled.”   Rhongomiant replied. “1:30 pm work for you?”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify;text-justify:inter-ideograph; text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“Y-yes.”   Canopus replied.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify;text-justify:inter-ideograph; text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“Great, I’ll meet you then. Perhaps Lunchie will save us something good. ”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify;text-justify:inter-ideograph; text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">Rhongomiant whisked out of the bathroom, wondering if he’d made a mistake. He was using Canopus much the same way Barbatos had used him…   Brushing off his reservations, Rhongomiant decided he wouldn’t think too much about it. He needed a distraction and Canopus would have to do.