ACU PreStory: "Black Honey Ch 11: Meetings and Alliances" (Aoi x Uruha)
Title: Black Honey Ch 11: Meetings and Alliances
Pairings: Aoi x Uruha
Writer: black_prophet (Midsummer_Slave)
Genre: AU, Sci-Fi with Angst & Smut
Rating: R (Mentioned prostitution/murder/injury)
Warning: Rated R for prostitution, mentioned sex acts, violence, injury and murder, and smut.
Dedication: To any of you that are still out there. This is for you, my lovely loyal Darlings. I hope you enjoy.
Disclaimer: I do not now, nor will I ever, claim to own The GazettE (though I do have several CDs & Concert DVDs and a LOT of pictures). They belong to themselves and each other. This fic and the world it is set in is completely the product of my imagination. I do all my own stunts writing. Please do not attempt these techniques at home. No Beta (sorry for mistakes, I try to spare you).
Previous Chapters: "Ch 1: Asking" "Ch 2: The Beauty & The Hunter" "Ch 3: First Sight" "Ch 4: Friendship, Ruin & A Promise" "Ch 5: Payment For Suffering & Tales Between Friends" "Ch 6: Reality In Dreams" "Ch 7: Awakening & Oaths" "Ch 8: Beginnings & Interruptions" "Ch 9: To A New Home" "ACU PreStory: Black Honey Ch 10: Claiming Beauty"
***
“‘There’s… someone you have to meet…’ he says.” Uruha is parroting under his breath as he huddles in the plush seat of the smoothly-moving vehicle. He’s safe behind smokey makeup and a lavish costume, swathed in his mate’s coat and tucked against Aoi’s side, but nerves still riot and the scars from his injuries are chilled. “Right… Well that doesn’t sound ominous at all.”
Without a care for the rain, the sleek black car wound its way through the crowded city streets and around the towering buildings. In spite of the late hour, the city was alive as ever, spilling light into the falling water as it streaked from the heavens down to the ink-black road. Puddles fountained into star-bright waves, spilling over the sidewalk as they were thrust aside by the elegant machine.
“You know I wouldn’t let any harm come to you.” The Dark-Kin argues gently, pulling the blond closer to his side. “I cannot. So stop that… I am not intentionally keeping things from you. However where we are going; it, it is difficult to explain why this is so important and who we are going to visit. It would be easier to just show you.”
“Yes… So you’ve said.” Curling closer to his mate, Uruha was deeply glad that the Dark Kin had given him a disbelieving look when he’d mentioned walking. Ten minutes into their drive the rain had flooded down, and he certainly didn’t want to trek through the downpour. Then again, he had no idea where they were going in the first place; perhaps walking wasn’t an option to begin with.
“The whole of the trip there is not enough time to make it all make sense… And it is too far to walk, anyway.” Aoi murmured, sensing the pattern of his mate’s thoughts. “At least, not if we want to be there anywhere close to on time.”
“Are we going to be late?” The Arch questioned, tilting his head in a curious gesture. “Is there now a time limit on top of a mysterious trip to Heaven-Knows-Where to meet Haven-Knows-What?”
“No harm will come to you, my Beauty.” Aoi soothed.
“But this is important; yes, yes I am aware.” Uruha growled. “Will. We. Be. Late?”
With a frown, the mixed-blood Kin leaned forward and knocked on the glass dividing them from the driver. The window lowered four or so inches, the driver’s tone muted but efficient. “Yes, Sir?”
“Will we be on time?”
“I do not foresee any problems, Sir.” The driver replied honestly. “The Master did not mention a specific time, just that he wished to see you sooner rather than later. I notified him that your arrival was imminent, and he seemed content with that. I will have you to your drop-off point shortly. Are you sure there is nothing else?”
“I’m sure, thank you.” Satisfied, Aoi sat back and returned his arm to Uruha’s shoulders, ignoring the window as it closed again. He refused to allow his mate’s stiff posture to remain, pressing closer and curling reassuring fingers around Uruha’s neck. “You are safe, my only one… And there you have it from our driver; we won’t be late and therefore have no reason to worry.”
Shifting in the sweeping black trench coat that threatened to consume him, Uruha smiled and pressed closer to his mate, burying his face in the curl of the collar. The coat was Aoi’s, the same one the DarkKin had draped beside him when he’d left to hunt, but the Arch had yet to return it. He hadn’t even offered that night when he realized it, as Aoi had returned wearing a new coat with a lingering scent of exotic incense.
When he’d finally remembered to ask about it, Yuu had looked pained and muttered something about owing someone a visit. And now, an hour later, they were in the back of a car as it sped them to who-knew-where. Toward that visit, Kouyou supposed, Aoi didn’t seem like the type to let a debt stretch out between himself and someone else. He’d fulfill it as soon as he was able, he was the unattached sort.
At least, until Uruha had come along?
Peering out the window, the Arch frowned as he watched buildings flash by. He recognized landmarks here and there, patching a path together in his mind. They were weaving closer to the Elite District, the richest part of town that was often referred to as the Starlight District. Once upon a time he had lived there, as had Aoi he had learned during one of their whispered conversations. It had been heaven to lie in bed with him for days and trade pieces of their lives back and forth in the quiet comfort of the apartment.
But it wasn’t to the Elite District that they were headed, rather the tangle of dark buildings and shadow that clustered near it, a shadow of age near the new-glamor. The abandoned buildings and cast-off warehouses formed a shadow-district called The Void, its existence bleeding off into the Red Light and Club districts at one end. The rest wound into the newer warehouses and smaller businesses, forming the fringe of the city that trailed toward the water-front.
A turn brought them off the most direct path to the Elite, leaving the limo winding through the darker streets. The buildings began crowding closer, shadows woven thick over narrow streets and clogging the alleys. Golden eyes turned over each shadowed corner, wide as the darkness pressed in on them like a living thing. His nerves went taut as the car slowed, Kouyou disappearing altogether as Uruha armed himself, stiffening beneath his mate’s possessive arm.
“Be still.” Aoi soothed, burrowing his face into the tempting curve of his mate’s throat and brushing a kiss over the claiming bruise that lingered there. “He is a friend.”
“The friend that gave you this?” Uruha questioned. His golden fingers bright against the night-black of Aoi’s jacket, he gently tugged at one lapel. “The friend that you smelled of when you came back to me? Smoke and sparks and something unknown…”
“Do not be jealous.” Aoi scolded gently, nipping at the bruise again to remind his lover of it. The mark contented him, so dark against his mate’s skin and so clearly visible to any that looked at him. There was no question Uruha was claimed. “He is no one you need to be jealous of, my Beauty. I am yours, body and soul, don’t you remember? But this one granted me a favor, a courtesy as we are friends. Meet him, if only for me, because I feel that once you did a favor for him too.”
“I did?” The Arch was clearly puzzled as the car drew to a stop.
Aoi nodded, opening the door and opening the large black umbrella to shield them on their walk. It was still raining, but not nearly as strong, and he had warned Kouyou that their journey may be a damp one. “Come on, GoldenOne, let us take a walk.”
The driver bowed as they exited, closing the door behind them and then returning to his own seat. Aoi didn’t wait to watch the limo pull away; instead he curled an arm around his mate’s waist and led the way into the tangle of buildings. Uruha pressed closer to him, warily eyeing the shadows that crowded.
Viewing the darkness in distrust for a few moments, the Arch finally gave a worried whisper. “How do you know where we’re going?”
“I have walked this path a few times, and the knowledge of it was given to me directly.” Aoi murmured, taking the lead momentarily as they turned down a corridor and then into a wider alley.
“The knowledge was given?” Uruha frowned. “I don’t understand. What does that mean?”
“It is not like memorizing directions.” The elder Kin frowned, searching for the proper words. “It was passed into my thoughts by one I trust, like a shallow version of what you and I can do.”
The Arch considered it for a moment. “Someone speaking to you, sharing what they knew with your mind?”
“Yes. They transferred the images into my mind and the memory of the trail, as though I had passed by here many times, even though it was the first time I set foot here.” Leading the way through two more winding alleys and down another narrow street, Aoi smiled when their shoes hit cobblestones. Reaching back, he caught Uruha’s wrist and pulled his mate close to his side. “We’re almost there.”
Mutely the Arch nodded, his golden eyes almost black behind the darkness of his expanded pupils. His night vision wasn’t quite as strong as his mate’s, but he could see far better than any human. Glancing at the buildings they walked amongst, he frowned as strange characters appeared, black letters tagged on walls like the remnants of a gang’s claim. But there was something stronger than thugs here, something beyond humanity.
Following the ancient styled road beneath their feet, the Aoi led the way through the final three turns and alleys to an alcove with a black wooden door. He folded the umbrella and tucked it into one corner of the alcove, content to leave it there as they were reasonably sheltered from the dripping rain. Tangling one hand with Uruha to reassure the Arch, he lifted his free one to deliver two sharp raps to the door.
Uruha frowned through the darkness, staring at the carvings that surrounded the door. When his mate knocked, he jumped as some of them flared, sparking like sudden firecrackers trapped in wood and stone. Aoi glanced back at him, smiling, and then knocked again. More markings flared, and the Arch murmured in appreciation.
“They’re beautiful.”
“Demons are better with actual magic than Kin are, at least, beyond our own bodies.” Aoi explained, bowing slightly to the servant who opened the door. It was the same man he had seen at his last visit. “Their protection and warning spells are particularly impressive… Especially in a Den-site for a Royal.”
“Your friend is royal? You brought me here to meet someone royal?” Kouyou hissed, following his mate into the stone hallway with all its flickering candles.
“Yes, he is, and yes I did. I don’t see why you’re upset about meeting a royal though, love. After all, so are we, after a fashion, mate of mine.” Aoi turned his head with a laugh, stealing a kiss that worked as a claim and silenced his mate all at once. “Remember that, Beauty. Now come on, he’s been patient enough, and if we’re late he just might kill me.”
*
They were led through the tangle of corridors and rooms without comment, Kouyou’s eyes wide and searching with each turn. Yuu smiled, pulling the Arch closer with an affectionate stroke to his mate’s mind. ‘If you have questions once we have met him, I will answer them as best I can.’
‘Can you honestly imagine me meeting someone here and not having questions?’ Kouyou muttered, shaking his head. ‘I would much rather be at home, alone with you.’
‘Careful with talk like that, Beauty.’ Aoi laughed. ‘I am not sure how much I can listen to and still behave… And he would be upset if I got sidetracked before he could meet you. I’m surprised he let us get away with the last week, to be honest.’
‘Three weeks alone with you wouldn’t be enough.’ Kouyou replied with a grumble.
‘Behave for this meeting, and then you can have whatever you want of me, love.’ Aoi promised as they turned the corner into Miyavi’s sitting room.
Kouyou seemed mildly intrigued by the idea. ‘Whatever I want?’
Aoi smiled, swearing without hesitation. ‘I swear it.’
Once again the hellhounds were present, laying side-by-side at the foot of the bed. The Demon Prince himself stood by the fireplace, dressed in leather pants and a long-sleeved black-silk shirt. One arm was braced on the mantelpiece, a glass of wine in his free hand. He rotated the glass carelessly, sending the burgundy liquid to spinning and releasing the faint scent of alcohol. It was sweet and biting, no doubt an exotic and expensive vintage.
Aoi noted the mix of casual elegance with amusement, clearing his throat. “Miyavi.”
The Demon Prince straightened, as though pulled from his fire-side reverie by the low murmur. Aoi guessed he was fully-aware of them from the moment they had set foot in the building, but made no comment. When Miyavi turned to greet them, diamond cufflinks glinted at his wrists, and dark stones and silver rings glinted at his ears. No formal clothing or jewelry, simply what he felt like wearing.
“Hello Aoi.” Miyavi smiled. “And this then is your mate, hmm?”
Uruha, who had been quiet up until that point, considered the demon pacing toward them with surprised curiosity. “Ishihara?”
Aoi arched a brow as Miyavi froze, smiling faintly. “So then, you really do know each other.”
Miyavi recovered, giving the Arch a fond smile. “I should say so… Aoi, your beautiful mate is the one that brought me back to life so many years ago. In a way, he is the reason I have my throne.”
Uruha stared at the demon in shock, and the demon Prince himself turned and smiled at the Death Arch. “We have much to speak of then, my friend… My Ally.”
***
I hope everyone had a Happy Holiday! Mine was busy, what with working 50+ hour weeks and still doing school and various real life stuffs. Still, I've not forgotten about the stories I have yet to finish. I hope you enjoy the read, this is the finale of Black Honey, but there is more still to come in the Angels Chronicles Universe.
Pairings: Aoi x Uruha
Writer: black_prophet (Midsummer_Slave)
Genre: AU, Sci-Fi with Angst & Smut
Rating: R (Mentioned prostitution/murder/injury)
Warning: Rated R for prostitution, mentioned sex acts, violence, injury and murder, and smut.
Dedication: To any of you that are still out there. This is for you, my lovely loyal Darlings. I hope you enjoy.
Disclaimer: I do not now, nor will I ever, claim to own The GazettE (though I do have several CDs & Concert DVDs and a LOT of pictures). They belong to themselves and each other. This fic and the world it is set in is completely the product of my imagination. I do all my own stunts writing. Please do not attempt these techniques at home. No Beta (sorry for mistakes, I try to spare you).
Previous Chapters: "Ch 1: Asking" "Ch 2: The Beauty & The Hunter" "Ch 3: First Sight" "Ch 4: Friendship, Ruin & A Promise" "Ch 5: Payment For Suffering & Tales Between Friends" "Ch 6: Reality In Dreams" "Ch 7: Awakening & Oaths" "Ch 8: Beginnings & Interruptions" "Ch 9: To A New Home" "ACU PreStory: Black Honey Ch 10: Claiming Beauty"
***
“‘There’s… someone you have to meet…’ he says.” Uruha is parroting under his breath as he huddles in the plush seat of the smoothly-moving vehicle. He’s safe behind smokey makeup and a lavish costume, swathed in his mate’s coat and tucked against Aoi’s side, but nerves still riot and the scars from his injuries are chilled. “Right… Well that doesn’t sound ominous at all.”
Without a care for the rain, the sleek black car wound its way through the crowded city streets and around the towering buildings. In spite of the late hour, the city was alive as ever, spilling light into the falling water as it streaked from the heavens down to the ink-black road. Puddles fountained into star-bright waves, spilling over the sidewalk as they were thrust aside by the elegant machine.
“You know I wouldn’t let any harm come to you.” The Dark-Kin argues gently, pulling the blond closer to his side. “I cannot. So stop that… I am not intentionally keeping things from you. However where we are going; it, it is difficult to explain why this is so important and who we are going to visit. It would be easier to just show you.”
“Yes… So you’ve said.” Curling closer to his mate, Uruha was deeply glad that the Dark Kin had given him a disbelieving look when he’d mentioned walking. Ten minutes into their drive the rain had flooded down, and he certainly didn’t want to trek through the downpour. Then again, he had no idea where they were going in the first place; perhaps walking wasn’t an option to begin with.
“The whole of the trip there is not enough time to make it all make sense… And it is too far to walk, anyway.” Aoi murmured, sensing the pattern of his mate’s thoughts. “At least, not if we want to be there anywhere close to on time.”
“Are we going to be late?” The Arch questioned, tilting his head in a curious gesture. “Is there now a time limit on top of a mysterious trip to Heaven-Knows-Where to meet Haven-Knows-What?”
“No harm will come to you, my Beauty.” Aoi soothed.
“But this is important; yes, yes I am aware.” Uruha growled. “Will. We. Be. Late?”
With a frown, the mixed-blood Kin leaned forward and knocked on the glass dividing them from the driver. The window lowered four or so inches, the driver’s tone muted but efficient. “Yes, Sir?”
“Will we be on time?”
“I do not foresee any problems, Sir.” The driver replied honestly. “The Master did not mention a specific time, just that he wished to see you sooner rather than later. I notified him that your arrival was imminent, and he seemed content with that. I will have you to your drop-off point shortly. Are you sure there is nothing else?”
“I’m sure, thank you.” Satisfied, Aoi sat back and returned his arm to Uruha’s shoulders, ignoring the window as it closed again. He refused to allow his mate’s stiff posture to remain, pressing closer and curling reassuring fingers around Uruha’s neck. “You are safe, my only one… And there you have it from our driver; we won’t be late and therefore have no reason to worry.”
Shifting in the sweeping black trench coat that threatened to consume him, Uruha smiled and pressed closer to his mate, burying his face in the curl of the collar. The coat was Aoi’s, the same one the DarkKin had draped beside him when he’d left to hunt, but the Arch had yet to return it. He hadn’t even offered that night when he realized it, as Aoi had returned wearing a new coat with a lingering scent of exotic incense.
When he’d finally remembered to ask about it, Yuu had looked pained and muttered something about owing someone a visit. And now, an hour later, they were in the back of a car as it sped them to who-knew-where. Toward that visit, Kouyou supposed, Aoi didn’t seem like the type to let a debt stretch out between himself and someone else. He’d fulfill it as soon as he was able, he was the unattached sort.
At least, until Uruha had come along?
Peering out the window, the Arch frowned as he watched buildings flash by. He recognized landmarks here and there, patching a path together in his mind. They were weaving closer to the Elite District, the richest part of town that was often referred to as the Starlight District. Once upon a time he had lived there, as had Aoi he had learned during one of their whispered conversations. It had been heaven to lie in bed with him for days and trade pieces of their lives back and forth in the quiet comfort of the apartment.
But it wasn’t to the Elite District that they were headed, rather the tangle of dark buildings and shadow that clustered near it, a shadow of age near the new-glamor. The abandoned buildings and cast-off warehouses formed a shadow-district called The Void, its existence bleeding off into the Red Light and Club districts at one end. The rest wound into the newer warehouses and smaller businesses, forming the fringe of the city that trailed toward the water-front.
A turn brought them off the most direct path to the Elite, leaving the limo winding through the darker streets. The buildings began crowding closer, shadows woven thick over narrow streets and clogging the alleys. Golden eyes turned over each shadowed corner, wide as the darkness pressed in on them like a living thing. His nerves went taut as the car slowed, Kouyou disappearing altogether as Uruha armed himself, stiffening beneath his mate’s possessive arm.
“Be still.” Aoi soothed, burrowing his face into the tempting curve of his mate’s throat and brushing a kiss over the claiming bruise that lingered there. “He is a friend.”
“The friend that gave you this?” Uruha questioned. His golden fingers bright against the night-black of Aoi’s jacket, he gently tugged at one lapel. “The friend that you smelled of when you came back to me? Smoke and sparks and something unknown…”
“Do not be jealous.” Aoi scolded gently, nipping at the bruise again to remind his lover of it. The mark contented him, so dark against his mate’s skin and so clearly visible to any that looked at him. There was no question Uruha was claimed. “He is no one you need to be jealous of, my Beauty. I am yours, body and soul, don’t you remember? But this one granted me a favor, a courtesy as we are friends. Meet him, if only for me, because I feel that once you did a favor for him too.”
“I did?” The Arch was clearly puzzled as the car drew to a stop.
Aoi nodded, opening the door and opening the large black umbrella to shield them on their walk. It was still raining, but not nearly as strong, and he had warned Kouyou that their journey may be a damp one. “Come on, GoldenOne, let us take a walk.”
The driver bowed as they exited, closing the door behind them and then returning to his own seat. Aoi didn’t wait to watch the limo pull away; instead he curled an arm around his mate’s waist and led the way into the tangle of buildings. Uruha pressed closer to him, warily eyeing the shadows that crowded.
Viewing the darkness in distrust for a few moments, the Arch finally gave a worried whisper. “How do you know where we’re going?”
“I have walked this path a few times, and the knowledge of it was given to me directly.” Aoi murmured, taking the lead momentarily as they turned down a corridor and then into a wider alley.
“The knowledge was given?” Uruha frowned. “I don’t understand. What does that mean?”
“It is not like memorizing directions.” The elder Kin frowned, searching for the proper words. “It was passed into my thoughts by one I trust, like a shallow version of what you and I can do.”
The Arch considered it for a moment. “Someone speaking to you, sharing what they knew with your mind?”
“Yes. They transferred the images into my mind and the memory of the trail, as though I had passed by here many times, even though it was the first time I set foot here.” Leading the way through two more winding alleys and down another narrow street, Aoi smiled when their shoes hit cobblestones. Reaching back, he caught Uruha’s wrist and pulled his mate close to his side. “We’re almost there.”
Mutely the Arch nodded, his golden eyes almost black behind the darkness of his expanded pupils. His night vision wasn’t quite as strong as his mate’s, but he could see far better than any human. Glancing at the buildings they walked amongst, he frowned as strange characters appeared, black letters tagged on walls like the remnants of a gang’s claim. But there was something stronger than thugs here, something beyond humanity.
Following the ancient styled road beneath their feet, the Aoi led the way through the final three turns and alleys to an alcove with a black wooden door. He folded the umbrella and tucked it into one corner of the alcove, content to leave it there as they were reasonably sheltered from the dripping rain. Tangling one hand with Uruha to reassure the Arch, he lifted his free one to deliver two sharp raps to the door.
Uruha frowned through the darkness, staring at the carvings that surrounded the door. When his mate knocked, he jumped as some of them flared, sparking like sudden firecrackers trapped in wood and stone. Aoi glanced back at him, smiling, and then knocked again. More markings flared, and the Arch murmured in appreciation.
“They’re beautiful.”
“Demons are better with actual magic than Kin are, at least, beyond our own bodies.” Aoi explained, bowing slightly to the servant who opened the door. It was the same man he had seen at his last visit. “Their protection and warning spells are particularly impressive… Especially in a Den-site for a Royal.”
“Your friend is royal? You brought me here to meet someone royal?” Kouyou hissed, following his mate into the stone hallway with all its flickering candles.
“Yes, he is, and yes I did. I don’t see why you’re upset about meeting a royal though, love. After all, so are we, after a fashion, mate of mine.” Aoi turned his head with a laugh, stealing a kiss that worked as a claim and silenced his mate all at once. “Remember that, Beauty. Now come on, he’s been patient enough, and if we’re late he just might kill me.”
*
They were led through the tangle of corridors and rooms without comment, Kouyou’s eyes wide and searching with each turn. Yuu smiled, pulling the Arch closer with an affectionate stroke to his mate’s mind. ‘If you have questions once we have met him, I will answer them as best I can.’
‘Can you honestly imagine me meeting someone here and not having questions?’ Kouyou muttered, shaking his head. ‘I would much rather be at home, alone with you.’
‘Careful with talk like that, Beauty.’ Aoi laughed. ‘I am not sure how much I can listen to and still behave… And he would be upset if I got sidetracked before he could meet you. I’m surprised he let us get away with the last week, to be honest.’
‘Three weeks alone with you wouldn’t be enough.’ Kouyou replied with a grumble.
‘Behave for this meeting, and then you can have whatever you want of me, love.’ Aoi promised as they turned the corner into Miyavi’s sitting room.
Kouyou seemed mildly intrigued by the idea. ‘Whatever I want?’
Aoi smiled, swearing without hesitation. ‘I swear it.’
Once again the hellhounds were present, laying side-by-side at the foot of the bed. The Demon Prince himself stood by the fireplace, dressed in leather pants and a long-sleeved black-silk shirt. One arm was braced on the mantelpiece, a glass of wine in his free hand. He rotated the glass carelessly, sending the burgundy liquid to spinning and releasing the faint scent of alcohol. It was sweet and biting, no doubt an exotic and expensive vintage.
Aoi noted the mix of casual elegance with amusement, clearing his throat. “Miyavi.”
The Demon Prince straightened, as though pulled from his fire-side reverie by the low murmur. Aoi guessed he was fully-aware of them from the moment they had set foot in the building, but made no comment. When Miyavi turned to greet them, diamond cufflinks glinted at his wrists, and dark stones and silver rings glinted at his ears. No formal clothing or jewelry, simply what he felt like wearing.
“Hello Aoi.” Miyavi smiled. “And this then is your mate, hmm?”
Uruha, who had been quiet up until that point, considered the demon pacing toward them with surprised curiosity. “Ishihara?”
Aoi arched a brow as Miyavi froze, smiling faintly. “So then, you really do know each other.”
Miyavi recovered, giving the Arch a fond smile. “I should say so… Aoi, your beautiful mate is the one that brought me back to life so many years ago. In a way, he is the reason I have my throne.”
Uruha stared at the demon in shock, and the demon Prince himself turned and smiled at the Death Arch. “We have much to speak of then, my friend… My Ally.”
***
I hope everyone had a Happy Holiday! Mine was busy, what with working 50+ hour weeks and still doing school and various real life stuffs. Still, I've not forgotten about the stories I have yet to finish. I hope you enjoy the read, this is the finale of Black Honey, but there is more still to come in the Angels Chronicles Universe.