[Fic] Niu Heimar
Title: Niu Heimar
Author: queen_kat_tun
Pairing: Akame (main), others
Genre: AU, Fluff
Rating: PG
Beta by: kaykm
Disclaimer: If those JE boys answer to me, I would have made an adult video of my favorite OTPs.
Warning: Genius!Jin? o(^~^)o Oh, it could get messy~ NC-17 in due time *bricked*
Summary: Let the games begin!
Thank you, Kay for beta-ing :)
List of Characters || Chapter 1: Midgard || Chapter 2: Alfheimr || Chapter 3: Niflheimr || Chapter 4: Musspelheimr
Chapter 4: Musspelheimr (Part II)
When Yamapi was no longer in sight, Jin stopped on his tracks and allowed the rain to wash the dirt that Ohno had successfully managed to swipe on his face. As the droplets fell on his face, he closed his eyes and waited. Waited. Waited. A hard smack at the back of his head made him groan in displeasure.
"You could've just kissed me instead of hitting me, baby." and Jin grimaced when Kazuya dragged him by the ear to a shed. Kazuya must have hated the idea of being soaked in rain.
Once in the shelter, Kazuya let go of Jin's ear, which the other rubbed in a haste to ease the pain.
"What you did was unfair!" the younger accused, glaring hard at Jin.
"Unfair?" Jin clicked his tongue. "I call it resourcefulness."
"You have hurt Ohno! You could have just made him quit and not have him crying in pain! And why did you have to make him drink that...that thing?! Tat-chan thought Ohno died!"
"Hmm...hurt him? A little, I guess. I gave him that because it'll help numb him and he'll be as good as normal when he wakes up. I'm sure the gamemakers have already arranged for his medical treatment. I have heard that Domoto Tsuyoshi and Domoto Koichi are part of this project and are the ones to attend to players who would require medical intervention." the older of the two explained to the furious man.
"By the way, how'd you know about the incident?" Jin had to ask.
"My friend, Tatsuya, went out to find his teammates and he had to drag me since Junno sleeps like the dead." Kazuya had a small scowl on his face. "It's already past midnight and they, apparently, have a curfew. Toma, Ohno, and Koki didn't make it back in time and had Tat-chan worrying about them. And still, even if your intention was good, the act itself was bad!" the younger refused the urge to smack Akanishi on the head. Again.
"Curfew?" Jin laughed, amused. "That's for babies."
"Not if there's someone as evil as you lurking around on this island at night." Kazuya retorted. Oh, he was definitely annoyed!
"Point taken, sweetie."
"Ahh! But that's not what I came here for!"
"Missed me?" Jin grinned widely. "I missed you too."
"Fuck you!"
"Oh, we'll do just that when there's no camera around." Jin leaned closer to the younger male and kissed the tip of Kazuya's nose. Kazuya tapped the other's cheek with more force than what he intended to and saw Akanishi grimace.
"But seriously, why'd you look for me?" Jin asked when he settled on brushing the wet strands of hair that had clung onto the skin off of Kazuya's left cheek, tucking it behind the younger's ear. "You're soaking wet from the rain now. What if you get sick? Do you want me to worry about you?"
The gesture and his words must have put Kazuya in a daze since the younger just stared at him. The young man looked as if he was in a state of trance and he couldn't wake up.
"Kazuya?"
"Uh, baby?"
The word seemed to work since Kazuya grimaced and the boy smacked Jin on the forehead.
"Stop calling me that!" Kazuya snapped. "And stop acting as if you care!"
"But I do. You're different from them all." Jin answered.
"Stop fooling around!" Kazuya tried his best to sound annoyed. It wouldn't do him good if he gave away the fact that he felt flattered with Akanishi's words. "Anyway, I came here to tell you that I'm using faithful on you."
Jin raised a brow. "Faithful? Why? Is it because Kitsunes are faithful lovers and guardians?"
"We're not lovers nor am I your guardian but yeah, Kitsunes are faithful creatures and it was listed on my abilities." Kazuya told the other, glaring hard at Akanishi.
"Then what do I do?"
"Nothing. I just forbid you to fight with any other player in this game except for me. You've been on a roll these days. For the record, those guys became ex-players because of you."
Jin looked contemplative then as he tried to count the players he had managed to remove from the game. "Hmm...wait, are you telling me that I am no longer eligible to pull out players from the game?" he asked the younger male.
"Basically yes, that's how it will be." Kazuya nodded.
"Okay."
"What?"
"What what?" Jin looked amused.
"You...you agree without...a fight or a duel or something?" Kazuya was still shocked at how calm Akanishi was.
"Yeah." Jin shrugged.
"But why?"
"I told you. You're different." Jin reminded the other.
"Oh...cool..." Kazuya gave a slightly relieved laugh.
"Can I have my kiss now?"
Jin thanked his fast reflexes when he was able to dodge a punch, directed to his face, from an annoyed Kazuya.
"You have a hitting-Jin fetish don't you, baby?" he whispered to Kazuya's ear when he gained control of the situation.
"Wrong." the younger answered. "I have a fetish for killing a man named Akanishi Jin, love." he mocked.
"Better. I trust you'd do just that when the time comes." Jin replied in a serious tone that had Kazuya thinking if he had heard the other right. Was Jin insinuating something other than the games? Something that had more depth?
"What do you mean, Akanishi?" Kazuya had to ask. He looked up and met Jin's gaze. The knowing smile on Jin's lips and those pair of dark eyes spoke of something more. "And why am I different from the others?"
"Because I like you, Kamenashi Kazuya." Jin suddenly confessed and he pressed his lips to the side of the younger's lips. "So much." he whispered and his lips finally claimed Kazuya's own.
--
Because I like you, Kamenashi Kazuya. So much.
"Ugh! That man really is annoying!" Kazuya whispered to himself as he lay restlessly on his bed.
For the past encounters he had had with Akanishi, Kazuya found himself having contradicting feelings towards the man. He knew that Akanishi was just playing with him but then again, Akanishi sounded sincere whenever the man told him that he liked him.
He had nothing against homosexuality and if Akanishi was true to his words, then so was the man. But what if Akanishi was just taking in his role of being the Incubus in the game a bit more seriously than he should? And if he dared admit that he's starting to like Akanishi, whose constant presence never failed to make Kazuya remember that the man existed, would he take the risk of getting his heart broken? Akanishi didn’t seem to be one of the few men who wanted commitment.
Kazuya gave out a frustrated groan as he couldn't figure Akanishi out.
I have a fetish for killing a man named Akanishi Jin.
Better. I expect you to do just that when the time comes.
Why would Akanishi say those words? Is Akanishi a bad man?
No! Kazuya immediately erased the unwanted thought. Akanishi played the bad guy in the
games, in this island, but he could see, and he definitely knew, that Akanishi was a man of sense.
What was it that pushed Akanishi to tell him those words and confess to him?
"Ahh! I hate you, Akanishi!" Kazuya couldn't help but to hiss. When he realized he was tracing his lips with his fingers, the memories of Akanishi kissing him brought unexplainable feelings he couldn't put a name on.
When Kazuya was finally able to sleep that night, a small smile remained on his lips.
--
"I've figured it out." Toma told Tatsuya who was tending to the little scratches with the antidote they had in hand. Apparently, the antidote worked well with all types of wound. It could also relieve itching, as proven when Tatsuya had applied a little of the antidote to Koki's skin.
"What did you figure out?" Tatsuya asked as he put on the cap of the antidote back in place.
"Alghiz. Ohno was referring to the golden apple. We'd have to trade it for immunity of the remaining members. The sealstone in Midgard is the golden apple we found in Álfheimr."
"Are you saying that we get immunity once we activate the sealstone?"
"Yes." Toma nodded. "It was what Ohno was telling me. Us. He screamed the word apple before Akanishi and Yamashita forced some sort of liquid down his throat."
"Let's get to it then." Tatsuya agreed. "Wait. Where's the torch?" he asked Koki who looked like a soaked puppy.
"Broken."
"What?! How are we going to cross Hel without your torch?!"
"I still have one left in the room." Koki said. "I had to destroy the other one since Yamashita and Akanishi was set to pursue us. We wouldn't want our powers to go to waste."
"Fine. Don't use them unless needed." Tatsuya told the other two. "Let's go and get that immunity then."
--
Musspelheimr. It was the opposite of the Niflheimr, which was as cold as death itself. The flames that danced below were angry and the heat inside the hall was unbearable. For all they know, they were sweating buckets, if not a lot more.
Today, all three teams were inside the realm of fire. The hall resembled a burning roman temple. White pillars were engulfed by red, angry flames. Columns had fallen and were placed on top of another.
Tatsuya looked at the other teams and tried to anticipate what their actions would be.
The Jötuns would have Yamashita, as the dragon, to go for the treasure chest that lay hidden inside the burning temple. Æsirs would have Kazuya since the young man's character was an element of fire while the Vanirs had two choices.
Tatsuya could go for Toma since the man was a Valkyrie or Koki, since the other was a Lampad. But Koki's abilities would be useful in Hel rather than here in Musspelheimr.
"It'd be better if you go." he told the awaiting man, ignoring Koki's whining.
"Right." Toma agreed and went to where the narrow path that was covered in tessera, a small, square tile of stone or glass used in making mosaics.
Tatsuya watched as Kazuya made his way to the narrow path as well. They're friends, yes, and he wouldn't want Kazuya to be out of the game just yet. He opted to go with the option he came up with.
"I command the team Æsir to be enticed."
Kazuya suddenly turned his head towards his friend. "What?!"
"I'm using entice on your team, Kame." Tatsuya answered and he gave Kazuya a calm look. "I'm a Nixie and we entice men to their deaths. In this case, your team just remains suspended. You're not allowed to use any powers, any tactics and whatever else. Basically, you and your team won't be able to participate in the games for 20 hours."
"Why would you do that?" Kazuya asked in disbelief. Being stuck would mean that their day would be unproductive and the other teams would have an edge since they'd be free to roam around the island.
"Because I don't want you to be out of the game just yet." Tatsuya answered yet again.
"Tat-chan..." was all Kazuya could say.
"Anymore questions, Kame?"
"None..." the younger almost whispered. Tatsuya was willing to risk a teammate's life in exchange for his. In a way, Tatsuya had chosen to protect him.
"Well then, let's-"
"Oh, wait!" Kazuya suddenly cried out. "I have used faithful on Akanishi and he's not supposed to fight with other players except for me. Does your entice works on him too?"
"Not really. But I believe that your faithful has more binding effect on him. With faithful, you're free to tell him what you want him to do."
Kazuya knew then that he'd have to make a choice. If Tatsuya had indirectly given him protection, he should at least return the favor by helping the Vanirs. If he'd let Akanishi stay with his teammates while the Æsirs were not allowed to do anything then the chances of one of the Jötuns winning the game was highly possible. If he'd let Akanishi be stuck with him for almost an entire day, then that would give Tatsuya's team a bit more freedom.
He'd have to rid Vanir one huge obstacle.
"Okay." Kazuya smiled and turned to where the Jötuns were. "Akanishi stays with me during my entire time of suspension."
"Aren't you a bit hasty with your decisions, sweetie?" Jin chuckled while Ryo and Yamapi just stared at Kazuya in amusement. "Even if you separate me from my team for 20 hours, Yamapi and Ryo would figure things out and I cannot promise you that the Vanirs would still be alive and kicking once the suspension is over."
"It's much better than having you devise a plan to pull another player out of the game. I'm sure you'll just order Yamashita or Nishikido to execute whatever your plan is."
"That maybe true." Jin nodded. "But if I promise you that I won't do anything-"
"My decision is final." Kazuya interrupted the man.
"Fine with me." Jin shrugged. "If you want me that much, then sure, baby. I'm all yours." the wide grin on Jin's face made Kazuya want to cringe and take back his words.
Jin went to where Kazuya stood and the moment he was behind the younger male, Jin wrapped his arms around Kazuya's slender waist and rested his chin on Kazuya's right shoulder. "I could get used to this."
"Dream on, Akanishi." Kazuya mocked and tried to escape the man. Unfortunately, the more he squirmed away, the tighter the hug got. Kazuya decided to give up after all of his efforts were put in vain.
Jin pressed his lips on Kazuya's clothed shoulder and the gesture made a shiver run down Kazuya's spine. Somehow, it felt pleasurable and Kazuya wanted to bask in that feeling, only if the others didn't give out teasing hoots and whatnots.
"You really live up to your character in this game, Jin." Ryo said in a loud voice, much to Kazuya's chagrin.
"Musspelheimr's hot as is, don't try to add more fuel to the already angry, burning fire." Yuichi spoke, referring to the orange flames that danced inside the hall and the current public display of affection.
"I wonder if Takki and Tsubasa will still be able to give the public an interesting show. The editors must be having a difficult time cutting out your compromising scenes with Kame-chan, Akanishi." Aiba voiced out, his lips formed in a sneer.
Jin only smirked as he tightened his arms around the younger male who remained frozen on his spot.
"Jealousy doesn't suit all of you." he sneered. "Oh and Yamapi, if you're just going to stare at me and Kazu, Toma will surely get the treasure and who knows who will be out?" Jin drawled lazily before he kissed Kazuya on the cheek which effectively roused Kazuya from his daze. He gave Akanishi a glare to which the older just shrugged.
Kazuya watched Toma cross the narrow pathway. Unlike Niflheimr, Musspelheimr had three narrow pathways that led to the other side of the hall where the treasure chest lay. The pathways had no safety rails and required one to balance himself well.
Toma was having a hard time but he refused to give up. He dared not look down, terrified of the possibility that the flames might engulf him. The heat of the fire was overwhelming and he was sweating like they never did before. The smoke was getting heavy and it wasn't pleasant to the eyes either. The fumes were not making it easy for him to breathe but he continued to walk. He had to if they wanted to get hold of something precious in the game.
Yamapi watched as Toma continued on his way. "Idiot." he muttered to himself when forceful coughs echoed inside the hall. Yamapi wondered how his character in the game would be of advantage to this particular world.
With that thought in mind, he took the center path and in a blink of an eye, glass walls came up and protected him from all the disadvantages of the element of fire. The smoke couldn't reach him, the heat couldn't penetrate the walls and his path towards the chest was all clear.
"That's unfair!" Kazuya called out but Jin shushed him. Tatsuya and the other Vanirs could only watch Toma thread dangerously on the pathway. A slip and who knows what would happen for below the pathways was a battalion of dancing orange flames, ready to lick anyone who missed a step.
"Baby, Pi is the dragon. His element is fire and you have to expect that it would just work to his advantage." Jin informed the silently fuming Kitsune who was still trapped in his arms.
"But I'm a fire element too!" Kazuya was more than frustrated.
"Yes, you are." Jin affirmed in a gentle tone. "But you're not allowed to do anything at the moment, remember?"
"Tat-chan, take back the suspension! I'd go instead of Toma!" Kazuya said and gasps echoed in the hall when Toma almost slipped. Fortunately for him, Toma had fast reflexes and a good control on his body.
Toma took in deep breaths, thankful that he was in good control of himself. He turned to his left and saw Yamashita walking as if the man was in a park. That made Toma feel annoyed. A bit. Fine. He was annoyed. Big time!
Yamapi turned to his right and saw Ikuta looking at him. It was obvious that disbelief was written all over the man's face.
"Go." he mouthed and the man just frowned at him.
"Go." he repeated, silently hoping that Ikuta was able to comprehend his message.
Toma tried his best to read Yamashita's lips. If he was right, the man was mouthing the word 'go' to him. Was Yamashita telling him to go ahead and claim the treasure?
With that thought in mind, Toma tried his best to keep his feet in the center of the pathway and slowly made a run for the burning temple.
When his feet reached the first step of the stairs, he turned to Yamashita and realized that the man was giving him time to search the treasure. What had gotten into Yamashita anyway?
Toma squinted his eyes, trying to search for any button to release the chest from its glass encasement.
When he moved a step back, his foot came in contact with a button. Then there it was, the chest was revealed to him. Toma immediately ran towards the chest, pulled the top open and got himself a very elegant and beautiful golden necklace. It was Freya's Brisingamen.
"It took you so long to get that. You gave my act away."
"Sorry, Yamashita." Toma answered. "I didn't quite understand what you were trying to do."
"I know."
"Why?" Toma asked, still perplexed.
"I miss dancing and singing Yokobou no Rain with you."
"What?" Toma was more than confused and clueless.
"Soto wa rain, rain, rain kimi ga hoshikute," Yamapi started to sing, looking straight at Toma.
"Crazy rain kimi ga inakute," Toma's voice echoed softly as he sang the song he knew by heart.
"Shoudou wo aoru ametsubu ga
Mado ni tsume wo tateru
Hitori pain pain pain mune ga itakute
Deeply pain korogemawaru yo
Nakushisou na ai hodo
Hito wo kowaseru kurai ni utsukushii~"
"You're that Yamashita?! Tomo-chan?!" Toma exclaimed when they both finished the chorus.
"Yeahp!" Yamapi grinned.
"Wow! You've grown a lot! Tomo-chan was so small then and very thin and-"
Yamapi grimaced. "Yeah, yeah. I represent all things ugly then, I know."
The melodious sound of laughter that escaped Toma's lips brought a smile to Yamapi's face.
"You're not ugly. You've never been and never will be." Toma said sincerely as he looked straight into Yamashita's eyes.
"I never thought that you took notice of me back then."
"I had my reasons." Toma grinned and somehow, Yamapi knew it was something that fell in the line of what those people instilled on his mind years ago; that love between boys don't exist. That made him grin.
"Let's go back. It's too hot in here." Yamapi said and guided Toma to the path he had taken.
"Yeah. Tatsuya must be getting worried too now that you're here."
"Are you?"
"Not even the slightest bit." Toma smiled and they both crossed the glass-covered pathway.
It was good that it was enclosed in glass because the flames were now bigger, huge, and had already engulfed the other two pathways. The flames looked like wild, angry waves in a furious sea.
When they reached the place where their teammates should be, they were both taken aback when they found no one.
"I'm guessing they weren't able to take the heat and went out for some air." Toma told his companion.
"Sounds logical." Yamapi answered.
"Anyway, thanks for earlier."
"No worries. But you have to remember that we can steal it from you and your team." Yamapi smirked.
Toma raised the necklace. "I dare you to do it then."
"Maybe next time." Yamapi laughed and they both went out of the fire world.
--
"Toma, what took you so long?" Tatsuya asked and he felt relieved when he caught sight of his teammate.
"The fire burned the place down and Yamashita's path was the only way out."
"Sorry. We had to go out since we could no longer take the heat." Tatsuya informed. "Are you hurt? Did you get the treasure?"
"No and yes." Toma answered. He gave the necklace to Tatsuya and his eyes searched for Yamashita. When their eyes met, they both settled for a smile.
"Yokobou no Rain must be Toma and Pi's version of Kizuna and Care." Jin whispered to Kazuya who now stood next to him.
Kazuya turned to the older male, frowning slightly. "The songs?"
"Yeah."
"How'd you know about their song?" Kazuya wanted to know.
"I have my ways." Jin winked at the younger male. "Kizuna or Care?" he wanted to know what kind of music Kazuya liked.
"Well, I've always liked Kizuna." Kazuya blurted out.
"Hmm? Why?"
"Because it gives importance to the bond that forms between people." the younger explained. He grabbed Akanishi's left hand and entwined his right pinky finger with Akanishi's left. He showed them to Akanishi when he was done.
"The red thread of fate?" Jin asked and Kazuya nodded. He slightly grimaced when the younger let go of his hand.
"Yeah. Don't you think that it would be nice to sing that song to your most important person?"
"Maybe." Jin shrugged his shoulders in a casual manner. "But personally, I'd rather sing Care for you."
"Care to tell me why?" Kazuya asked.
"Because you're the person I care about the most." Jin said. He smiled at Kazuya before he turned to leave without bothering to explain himself.
The words, once again, had rendered Kazuya speechless. He watched Akanishi's disappearing figure from where he stood frozen and still not over with what Akanishi had said.
Because you're the person I care about the most...
"Falling in love already?"
Kazuya turned to where the voice came from and saw Tatsuya smirking at him. The younger male gladly returned the smirk.
"Maybe~"
--
A/N: 2: *sighs* If you're reading this fic, please raise your left foot and stick out your tongue~ XD
A/N 3: Sorry for the change in font size. Rich text loves bitching out on me. I tried everything I could but…I even spent two hours trying to figure out what’s wrong and it’s hopeless >.< Sorry… m(_ _)m
As always, comments are appreciated and thanks for reading~
Author: queen_kat_tun
Pairing: Akame (main), others
Genre: AU, Fluff
Rating: PG
Beta by: kaykm
Disclaimer: If those JE boys answer to me, I would have made an adult video of my favorite OTPs.
Warning: Genius!Jin? o(^~^)o Oh, it could get messy~ NC-17 in due time *bricked*
Summary: Let the games begin!
Thank you, Kay for beta-ing :)
List of Characters || Chapter 1: Midgard || Chapter 2: Alfheimr || Chapter 3: Niflheimr || Chapter 4: Musspelheimr
Chapter 4: Musspelheimr (Part II)
When Yamapi was no longer in sight, Jin stopped on his tracks and allowed the rain to wash the dirt that Ohno had successfully managed to swipe on his face. As the droplets fell on his face, he closed his eyes and waited. Waited. Waited. A hard smack at the back of his head made him groan in displeasure.
"You could've just kissed me instead of hitting me, baby." and Jin grimaced when Kazuya dragged him by the ear to a shed. Kazuya must have hated the idea of being soaked in rain.
Once in the shelter, Kazuya let go of Jin's ear, which the other rubbed in a haste to ease the pain.
"What you did was unfair!" the younger accused, glaring hard at Jin.
"Unfair?" Jin clicked his tongue. "I call it resourcefulness."
"You have hurt Ohno! You could have just made him quit and not have him crying in pain! And why did you have to make him drink that...that thing?! Tat-chan thought Ohno died!"
"Hmm...hurt him? A little, I guess. I gave him that because it'll help numb him and he'll be as good as normal when he wakes up. I'm sure the gamemakers have already arranged for his medical treatment. I have heard that Domoto Tsuyoshi and Domoto Koichi are part of this project and are the ones to attend to players who would require medical intervention." the older of the two explained to the furious man.
"By the way, how'd you know about the incident?" Jin had to ask.
"My friend, Tatsuya, went out to find his teammates and he had to drag me since Junno sleeps like the dead." Kazuya had a small scowl on his face. "It's already past midnight and they, apparently, have a curfew. Toma, Ohno, and Koki didn't make it back in time and had Tat-chan worrying about them. And still, even if your intention was good, the act itself was bad!" the younger refused the urge to smack Akanishi on the head. Again.
"Curfew?" Jin laughed, amused. "That's for babies."
"Not if there's someone as evil as you lurking around on this island at night." Kazuya retorted. Oh, he was definitely annoyed!
"Point taken, sweetie."
"Ahh! But that's not what I came here for!"
"Missed me?" Jin grinned widely. "I missed you too."
"Fuck you!"
"Oh, we'll do just that when there's no camera around." Jin leaned closer to the younger male and kissed the tip of Kazuya's nose. Kazuya tapped the other's cheek with more force than what he intended to and saw Akanishi grimace.
"But seriously, why'd you look for me?" Jin asked when he settled on brushing the wet strands of hair that had clung onto the skin off of Kazuya's left cheek, tucking it behind the younger's ear. "You're soaking wet from the rain now. What if you get sick? Do you want me to worry about you?"
The gesture and his words must have put Kazuya in a daze since the younger just stared at him. The young man looked as if he was in a state of trance and he couldn't wake up.
"Kazuya?"
"Uh, baby?"
The word seemed to work since Kazuya grimaced and the boy smacked Jin on the forehead.
"Stop calling me that!" Kazuya snapped. "And stop acting as if you care!"
"But I do. You're different from them all." Jin answered.
"Stop fooling around!" Kazuya tried his best to sound annoyed. It wouldn't do him good if he gave away the fact that he felt flattered with Akanishi's words. "Anyway, I came here to tell you that I'm using faithful on you."
Jin raised a brow. "Faithful? Why? Is it because Kitsunes are faithful lovers and guardians?"
"We're not lovers nor am I your guardian but yeah, Kitsunes are faithful creatures and it was listed on my abilities." Kazuya told the other, glaring hard at Akanishi.
"Then what do I do?"
"Nothing. I just forbid you to fight with any other player in this game except for me. You've been on a roll these days. For the record, those guys became ex-players because of you."
Jin looked contemplative then as he tried to count the players he had managed to remove from the game. "Hmm...wait, are you telling me that I am no longer eligible to pull out players from the game?" he asked the younger male.
"Basically yes, that's how it will be." Kazuya nodded.
"Okay."
"What?"
"What what?" Jin looked amused.
"You...you agree without...a fight or a duel or something?" Kazuya was still shocked at how calm Akanishi was.
"Yeah." Jin shrugged.
"But why?"
"I told you. You're different." Jin reminded the other.
"Oh...cool..." Kazuya gave a slightly relieved laugh.
"Can I have my kiss now?"
Jin thanked his fast reflexes when he was able to dodge a punch, directed to his face, from an annoyed Kazuya.
"You have a hitting-Jin fetish don't you, baby?" he whispered to Kazuya's ear when he gained control of the situation.
"Wrong." the younger answered. "I have a fetish for killing a man named Akanishi Jin, love." he mocked.
"Better. I trust you'd do just that when the time comes." Jin replied in a serious tone that had Kazuya thinking if he had heard the other right. Was Jin insinuating something other than the games? Something that had more depth?
"What do you mean, Akanishi?" Kazuya had to ask. He looked up and met Jin's gaze. The knowing smile on Jin's lips and those pair of dark eyes spoke of something more. "And why am I different from the others?"
"Because I like you, Kamenashi Kazuya." Jin suddenly confessed and he pressed his lips to the side of the younger's lips. "So much." he whispered and his lips finally claimed Kazuya's own.
--
Because I like you, Kamenashi Kazuya. So much.
"Ugh! That man really is annoying!" Kazuya whispered to himself as he lay restlessly on his bed.
For the past encounters he had had with Akanishi, Kazuya found himself having contradicting feelings towards the man. He knew that Akanishi was just playing with him but then again, Akanishi sounded sincere whenever the man told him that he liked him.
He had nothing against homosexuality and if Akanishi was true to his words, then so was the man. But what if Akanishi was just taking in his role of being the Incubus in the game a bit more seriously than he should? And if he dared admit that he's starting to like Akanishi, whose constant presence never failed to make Kazuya remember that the man existed, would he take the risk of getting his heart broken? Akanishi didn’t seem to be one of the few men who wanted commitment.
Kazuya gave out a frustrated groan as he couldn't figure Akanishi out.
I have a fetish for killing a man named Akanishi Jin.
Better. I expect you to do just that when the time comes.
Why would Akanishi say those words? Is Akanishi a bad man?
No! Kazuya immediately erased the unwanted thought. Akanishi played the bad guy in the
games, in this island, but he could see, and he definitely knew, that Akanishi was a man of sense.
What was it that pushed Akanishi to tell him those words and confess to him?
"Ahh! I hate you, Akanishi!" Kazuya couldn't help but to hiss. When he realized he was tracing his lips with his fingers, the memories of Akanishi kissing him brought unexplainable feelings he couldn't put a name on.
When Kazuya was finally able to sleep that night, a small smile remained on his lips.
--
"I've figured it out." Toma told Tatsuya who was tending to the little scratches with the antidote they had in hand. Apparently, the antidote worked well with all types of wound. It could also relieve itching, as proven when Tatsuya had applied a little of the antidote to Koki's skin.
"What did you figure out?" Tatsuya asked as he put on the cap of the antidote back in place.
"Alghiz. Ohno was referring to the golden apple. We'd have to trade it for immunity of the remaining members. The sealstone in Midgard is the golden apple we found in Álfheimr."
"Are you saying that we get immunity once we activate the sealstone?"
"Yes." Toma nodded. "It was what Ohno was telling me. Us. He screamed the word apple before Akanishi and Yamashita forced some sort of liquid down his throat."
"Let's get to it then." Tatsuya agreed. "Wait. Where's the torch?" he asked Koki who looked like a soaked puppy.
"Broken."
"What?! How are we going to cross Hel without your torch?!"
"I still have one left in the room." Koki said. "I had to destroy the other one since Yamashita and Akanishi was set to pursue us. We wouldn't want our powers to go to waste."
"Fine. Don't use them unless needed." Tatsuya told the other two. "Let's go and get that immunity then."
--
Musspelheimr. It was the opposite of the Niflheimr, which was as cold as death itself. The flames that danced below were angry and the heat inside the hall was unbearable. For all they know, they were sweating buckets, if not a lot more.
Today, all three teams were inside the realm of fire. The hall resembled a burning roman temple. White pillars were engulfed by red, angry flames. Columns had fallen and were placed on top of another.
Tatsuya looked at the other teams and tried to anticipate what their actions would be.
The Jötuns would have Yamashita, as the dragon, to go for the treasure chest that lay hidden inside the burning temple. Æsirs would have Kazuya since the young man's character was an element of fire while the Vanirs had two choices.
Tatsuya could go for Toma since the man was a Valkyrie or Koki, since the other was a Lampad. But Koki's abilities would be useful in Hel rather than here in Musspelheimr.
"It'd be better if you go." he told the awaiting man, ignoring Koki's whining.
"Right." Toma agreed and went to where the narrow path that was covered in tessera, a small, square tile of stone or glass used in making mosaics.
Tatsuya watched as Kazuya made his way to the narrow path as well. They're friends, yes, and he wouldn't want Kazuya to be out of the game just yet. He opted to go with the option he came up with.
"I command the team Æsir to be enticed."
Kazuya suddenly turned his head towards his friend. "What?!"
"I'm using entice on your team, Kame." Tatsuya answered and he gave Kazuya a calm look. "I'm a Nixie and we entice men to their deaths. In this case, your team just remains suspended. You're not allowed to use any powers, any tactics and whatever else. Basically, you and your team won't be able to participate in the games for 20 hours."
"Why would you do that?" Kazuya asked in disbelief. Being stuck would mean that their day would be unproductive and the other teams would have an edge since they'd be free to roam around the island.
"Because I don't want you to be out of the game just yet." Tatsuya answered yet again.
"Tat-chan..." was all Kazuya could say.
"Anymore questions, Kame?"
"None..." the younger almost whispered. Tatsuya was willing to risk a teammate's life in exchange for his. In a way, Tatsuya had chosen to protect him.
"Well then, let's-"
"Oh, wait!" Kazuya suddenly cried out. "I have used faithful on Akanishi and he's not supposed to fight with other players except for me. Does your entice works on him too?"
"Not really. But I believe that your faithful has more binding effect on him. With faithful, you're free to tell him what you want him to do."
Kazuya knew then that he'd have to make a choice. If Tatsuya had indirectly given him protection, he should at least return the favor by helping the Vanirs. If he'd let Akanishi stay with his teammates while the Æsirs were not allowed to do anything then the chances of one of the Jötuns winning the game was highly possible. If he'd let Akanishi be stuck with him for almost an entire day, then that would give Tatsuya's team a bit more freedom.
He'd have to rid Vanir one huge obstacle.
"Okay." Kazuya smiled and turned to where the Jötuns were. "Akanishi stays with me during my entire time of suspension."
"Aren't you a bit hasty with your decisions, sweetie?" Jin chuckled while Ryo and Yamapi just stared at Kazuya in amusement. "Even if you separate me from my team for 20 hours, Yamapi and Ryo would figure things out and I cannot promise you that the Vanirs would still be alive and kicking once the suspension is over."
"It's much better than having you devise a plan to pull another player out of the game. I'm sure you'll just order Yamashita or Nishikido to execute whatever your plan is."
"That maybe true." Jin nodded. "But if I promise you that I won't do anything-"
"My decision is final." Kazuya interrupted the man.
"Fine with me." Jin shrugged. "If you want me that much, then sure, baby. I'm all yours." the wide grin on Jin's face made Kazuya want to cringe and take back his words.
Jin went to where Kazuya stood and the moment he was behind the younger male, Jin wrapped his arms around Kazuya's slender waist and rested his chin on Kazuya's right shoulder. "I could get used to this."
"Dream on, Akanishi." Kazuya mocked and tried to escape the man. Unfortunately, the more he squirmed away, the tighter the hug got. Kazuya decided to give up after all of his efforts were put in vain.
Jin pressed his lips on Kazuya's clothed shoulder and the gesture made a shiver run down Kazuya's spine. Somehow, it felt pleasurable and Kazuya wanted to bask in that feeling, only if the others didn't give out teasing hoots and whatnots.
"You really live up to your character in this game, Jin." Ryo said in a loud voice, much to Kazuya's chagrin.
"Musspelheimr's hot as is, don't try to add more fuel to the already angry, burning fire." Yuichi spoke, referring to the orange flames that danced inside the hall and the current public display of affection.
"I wonder if Takki and Tsubasa will still be able to give the public an interesting show. The editors must be having a difficult time cutting out your compromising scenes with Kame-chan, Akanishi." Aiba voiced out, his lips formed in a sneer.
Jin only smirked as he tightened his arms around the younger male who remained frozen on his spot.
"Jealousy doesn't suit all of you." he sneered. "Oh and Yamapi, if you're just going to stare at me and Kazu, Toma will surely get the treasure and who knows who will be out?" Jin drawled lazily before he kissed Kazuya on the cheek which effectively roused Kazuya from his daze. He gave Akanishi a glare to which the older just shrugged.
Kazuya watched Toma cross the narrow pathway. Unlike Niflheimr, Musspelheimr had three narrow pathways that led to the other side of the hall where the treasure chest lay. The pathways had no safety rails and required one to balance himself well.
Toma was having a hard time but he refused to give up. He dared not look down, terrified of the possibility that the flames might engulf him. The heat of the fire was overwhelming and he was sweating like they never did before. The smoke was getting heavy and it wasn't pleasant to the eyes either. The fumes were not making it easy for him to breathe but he continued to walk. He had to if they wanted to get hold of something precious in the game.
Yamapi watched as Toma continued on his way. "Idiot." he muttered to himself when forceful coughs echoed inside the hall. Yamapi wondered how his character in the game would be of advantage to this particular world.
With that thought in mind, he took the center path and in a blink of an eye, glass walls came up and protected him from all the disadvantages of the element of fire. The smoke couldn't reach him, the heat couldn't penetrate the walls and his path towards the chest was all clear.
"That's unfair!" Kazuya called out but Jin shushed him. Tatsuya and the other Vanirs could only watch Toma thread dangerously on the pathway. A slip and who knows what would happen for below the pathways was a battalion of dancing orange flames, ready to lick anyone who missed a step.
"Baby, Pi is the dragon. His element is fire and you have to expect that it would just work to his advantage." Jin informed the silently fuming Kitsune who was still trapped in his arms.
"But I'm a fire element too!" Kazuya was more than frustrated.
"Yes, you are." Jin affirmed in a gentle tone. "But you're not allowed to do anything at the moment, remember?"
"Tat-chan, take back the suspension! I'd go instead of Toma!" Kazuya said and gasps echoed in the hall when Toma almost slipped. Fortunately for him, Toma had fast reflexes and a good control on his body.
Toma took in deep breaths, thankful that he was in good control of himself. He turned to his left and saw Yamashita walking as if the man was in a park. That made Toma feel annoyed. A bit. Fine. He was annoyed. Big time!
Yamapi turned to his right and saw Ikuta looking at him. It was obvious that disbelief was written all over the man's face.
"Go." he mouthed and the man just frowned at him.
"Go." he repeated, silently hoping that Ikuta was able to comprehend his message.
Toma tried his best to read Yamashita's lips. If he was right, the man was mouthing the word 'go' to him. Was Yamashita telling him to go ahead and claim the treasure?
With that thought in mind, Toma tried his best to keep his feet in the center of the pathway and slowly made a run for the burning temple.
When his feet reached the first step of the stairs, he turned to Yamashita and realized that the man was giving him time to search the treasure. What had gotten into Yamashita anyway?
Toma squinted his eyes, trying to search for any button to release the chest from its glass encasement.
When he moved a step back, his foot came in contact with a button. Then there it was, the chest was revealed to him. Toma immediately ran towards the chest, pulled the top open and got himself a very elegant and beautiful golden necklace. It was Freya's Brisingamen.
"It took you so long to get that. You gave my act away."
"Sorry, Yamashita." Toma answered. "I didn't quite understand what you were trying to do."
"I know."
"Why?" Toma asked, still perplexed.
"I miss dancing and singing Yokobou no Rain with you."
"What?" Toma was more than confused and clueless.
"Soto wa rain, rain, rain kimi ga hoshikute," Yamapi started to sing, looking straight at Toma.
"Crazy rain kimi ga inakute," Toma's voice echoed softly as he sang the song he knew by heart.
"Shoudou wo aoru ametsubu ga
Mado ni tsume wo tateru
Hitori pain pain pain mune ga itakute
Deeply pain korogemawaru yo
Nakushisou na ai hodo
Hito wo kowaseru kurai ni utsukushii~"
"You're that Yamashita?! Tomo-chan?!" Toma exclaimed when they both finished the chorus.
"Yeahp!" Yamapi grinned.
"Wow! You've grown a lot! Tomo-chan was so small then and very thin and-"
Yamapi grimaced. "Yeah, yeah. I represent all things ugly then, I know."
The melodious sound of laughter that escaped Toma's lips brought a smile to Yamapi's face.
"You're not ugly. You've never been and never will be." Toma said sincerely as he looked straight into Yamashita's eyes.
"I never thought that you took notice of me back then."
"I had my reasons." Toma grinned and somehow, Yamapi knew it was something that fell in the line of what those people instilled on his mind years ago; that love between boys don't exist. That made him grin.
"Let's go back. It's too hot in here." Yamapi said and guided Toma to the path he had taken.
"Yeah. Tatsuya must be getting worried too now that you're here."
"Are you?"
"Not even the slightest bit." Toma smiled and they both crossed the glass-covered pathway.
It was good that it was enclosed in glass because the flames were now bigger, huge, and had already engulfed the other two pathways. The flames looked like wild, angry waves in a furious sea.
When they reached the place where their teammates should be, they were both taken aback when they found no one.
"I'm guessing they weren't able to take the heat and went out for some air." Toma told his companion.
"Sounds logical." Yamapi answered.
"Anyway, thanks for earlier."
"No worries. But you have to remember that we can steal it from you and your team." Yamapi smirked.
Toma raised the necklace. "I dare you to do it then."
"Maybe next time." Yamapi laughed and they both went out of the fire world.
--
"Toma, what took you so long?" Tatsuya asked and he felt relieved when he caught sight of his teammate.
"The fire burned the place down and Yamashita's path was the only way out."
"Sorry. We had to go out since we could no longer take the heat." Tatsuya informed. "Are you hurt? Did you get the treasure?"
"No and yes." Toma answered. He gave the necklace to Tatsuya and his eyes searched for Yamashita. When their eyes met, they both settled for a smile.
"Yokobou no Rain must be Toma and Pi's version of Kizuna and Care." Jin whispered to Kazuya who now stood next to him.
Kazuya turned to the older male, frowning slightly. "The songs?"
"Yeah."
"How'd you know about their song?" Kazuya wanted to know.
"I have my ways." Jin winked at the younger male. "Kizuna or Care?" he wanted to know what kind of music Kazuya liked.
"Well, I've always liked Kizuna." Kazuya blurted out.
"Hmm? Why?"
"Because it gives importance to the bond that forms between people." the younger explained. He grabbed Akanishi's left hand and entwined his right pinky finger with Akanishi's left. He showed them to Akanishi when he was done.
"The red thread of fate?" Jin asked and Kazuya nodded. He slightly grimaced when the younger let go of his hand.
"Yeah. Don't you think that it would be nice to sing that song to your most important person?"
"Maybe." Jin shrugged his shoulders in a casual manner. "But personally, I'd rather sing Care for you."
"Care to tell me why?" Kazuya asked.
"Because you're the person I care about the most." Jin said. He smiled at Kazuya before he turned to leave without bothering to explain himself.
The words, once again, had rendered Kazuya speechless. He watched Akanishi's disappearing figure from where he stood frozen and still not over with what Akanishi had said.
Because you're the person I care about the most...
"Falling in love already?"
Kazuya turned to where the voice came from and saw Tatsuya smirking at him. The younger male gladly returned the smirk.
"Maybe~"
--
A/N: 2: *sighs* If you're reading this fic, please raise your left foot and stick out your tongue~ XD
A/N 3: Sorry for the change in font size. Rich text loves bitching out on me. I tried everything I could but…I even spent two hours trying to figure out what’s wrong and it’s hopeless >.< Sorry… m(_ _)m
As always, comments are appreciated and thanks for reading~